EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/29/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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  ABA   



UBC-TV network and ABA sign deal to televise games nationally - by Gianni Pascucci

Urban Broadcasting Company (UBC-TV) www.urbantvnetwork.com announced last week that it has signed an initial deal to televise a minimum of ten (10) American Basketball Association (ABA) www.abalve.com games starting in November as well as the ABA Championship Series and ABA All-Star Game.
UBC-TV Network is a new urban lifestyle cable network that has national cable and satellite deals in place that will put the programming in over 50 million households. UBC-TV Network will produce original content that will be distributed over multiple platforms which will include cable, VOD, online, set-top boxes, mobile, wireless-devices, social media and other platforms. UBC-TV is projected to launch late summer 2012.
The ABA is the largest professional sports league in the US with nearly 90 teams set to play next season which begins in mid-November. The ABA is also the most diversified professional sports league ever with nearly 75% of its teams owned by African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians and women. Playing with the red, white and blue ball introduced in the original ABA that featured Julius "Dr. J" Erving, George Gervin, Spencer Haywood, Moses Malone and other legends, teams are made up of former NBA players, NCAA Division 1& 2 players and international players and provide exciting professional basketball at affordable prices.
"The ABA televised games will establish a new paradigm in professional sports television with the true fusion of musical entertainment with sports," stated UBC-TV CEO Peggy Dodson. "ABA games are the most exciting basketball games on TV with their unique rules and full court play - a combination of the best of the NBA, NCAA and international basketball, plus ABA ball all wrapped up in one package. And when you add the musical entertainment that we'll be featuring, it will be like watching an exciting Broadway show. There'll be nothing like it anywhere. We are very excited to be partnering with the ABA."
"When you turn on your TV, you certainly have a lot of options from which to choose for entertainment, news and sports," added Joe Newman , ABA CEO. "UBC-TV recognizes the competition and has put together a programming format that should have huge appeal combining entertainment, news and sports with an "out of the box" approach that will make it a very popular network with a diverse audience of people of all ages. We are pleased to be a part of it and will make watching ABA games a very enjoyable experience."
The featured games will honor and raise funds for major not-for-profit organizations like Breast Cancer Awareness, Wounded Warriors, Diabetes, Kidney Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs, Warrior Stay Program (VSSN), and others. "We will make a difference," added Dodson. "This is integral to our mission of being a powerful voice in the communications industry."
For more information, contact Peggy Dodson at info@ubctvnetwork.com or call 212 479 7837 or Joe Newman at conniejoenewman@aol.com or call 317 844 7502.
Websites are www.ubctvnetwork.com and www.abalive.com


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  ANGOLA   


Venezuela post second win in Puerto La Cruz - by Eurobasket News

Venezuela - Angola 90:83

Venezuela registered the second straight win at the start of Super 4 Cup tournament in Puerto La Cruz. They overcame Angola for 2-0 record. Venezuela will now take on Dominican Republic, while Angola will face Jordan in the final round.
Venezuela ensured a quick start. They dominated throughout the first half taking a 59:38 lead. Angola however bounced back in the second part of the game. The African team took over and gradually narrowed the margin. They got within a striking distance late in regulation but Venezuela hang on to escape with a tough win at the end. David Cubillan (183-PG-87, college: Marquette) accounted for 18 points for Venezuela. Jhornan Zamora (193-G/F-89) delivered 15 points, while Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) had 12 points for the winners. Carlos Morais (190-G-85) answered with 24 points for Angola.


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  AUSTRALIA   


Benny Lewis re-signs with the Tigers - by Eurobasket News

Melbourne Tigers extended the deal with Benny Lewis (203-G/F-87, college: Benedict). They secured the services of the forward for the next season. Benny Lewis has been playing for the Melbourne Tigers since 2009. Last season the forward averaged 3.1 points per game in NBL. Benny Lewis started his pro career in WBA. He played for the Decatur Court Kings in 2009. Benny Lewis was named All-WBA Rookie of the Year. Currently the forward plays for the Waverley Falcons in ABA. He averaged 16.7 points, 6.8 boards and 2.5 assists per game in the league.
Benny Lewis the eighth confirmed player on the Tigers roster. He joins Adam Ballinger (205-F/C-79, college: Michigan St.), Matthew Burston (211-F/C-82), Ron Dorsey (197-F/G-83, college: McNeese St.), Tommy Greer (200-F-83, college: Nova SE), Liam Rush (202-F-82), Nate Tomlinson (190-G-89, college: Colorado) and Lucas Walker (203-F-84, college: St.Mary's, CA).


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  AUSTRIA   


Transaction update - by Stefan Heinrich

WBC Raiffeisen Wels announced the signing of Guard Mirza Ahmetbasic (193-G-87, agency: World Sport Agency, college: Abil.Christian). The 24 year old Guard started last season with BC Vienna in the Austrian league and in 10 games he recorded 14.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.9apg and in January he moved to KB Peja in Kosovo. Coach Miller stated that he is happy to have Ahmetbasic on his team as he is very talented, quick and he should give the game of Wels a new dimension.

Allianz Swans Gmunden announced that Dan Oppland (203-F-84, agency: SportsTalent, college: Valparaiso) and Mike Oppland (204-F-84, college: Valparaiso) will stay in Gmunden for the new season. Dan will start his 4th season with the Swand and his twin will play his second season. In the meantime the Swans announced that Morris Curry (178-G-87, college: Providence) wont return to Gmunden and yesterday they also published that Coach Matthias Fischer used his option to leave Gmunden and he signed with the German team of LTi Giessen but the Swans reacted quickly and they presented Kresimir Basic as their new coach. Basic coached in Luxembourg since 2009.


Klosterneuburg extend Jason Chappell - by Eurobasket News

Klosterneuburg extended the contract with Jason Chappell (208-F/C-83, college: Wisconsin). The centre signed a new two-year deal with the Dukes. Jason Chappell joined Klosterneuburg back in 2010. He averaged 10.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists per game last season. Jason Chappell was the A Bundesliga Champion in 2012. Previously the centre had stints with Furstenfeld and Gussing. Eurobasket.com named Jason Chappell into All-Austrian Bundesliga Defensive Team in 2009.


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  BAHRAIN   


Al-Manama handed ALMuharraq their first loss - by Eurobasket News

Al-Manama handed ALMuharraq their first loss in Top 4. The team overcame the league-leaders 90:73. AlAhli meanwhile tied the records with ALMuharraq at 3-1 after the victory over Sitra 80:72.
Next games are to be played on June 29th.


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  BALTIC LEAGUE   


Leon Radosevic is officially in Rytas - by Eurobasket News

Leon Radosevic (206-C-90) is officially in Rytas for the next season. According to Sportando.net the Croatian big man will play in Lithuania next season.
In 2011-2012 Leon Radosevic played for EA7 Emporio Armani Milano (Italy-SerieA) and in Euroleague averaged 3.5ppg, 1.3rpg. In Italian League his stats read 4.1ppg, 2.2rpg. He reached Italian Cup Semifinals -12 and became Italian SerieA Regular Season Runner-Up -12. Moreover his former team became Italian SerieA Finalist -12.
Earlier Leon Radosevic reportedly split ways with Cibona Zagreb. Leon Radosevic started his career in Cibona. Last season the centre tallied 12.3 points, 5.1 boards and 1.5 steals per game in Adriatic League. In A1 League Leon Radosevic posted 12.9 points, 6.3 boards and 1.2 steals per appearance. Leon Radosevic is the member of Croatian B National Team. The centre was named Eurobasket.com All-Croatian A1 League Newcomer of the Year in 2010.


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  BOSNIA   


Bosnian Ognjen Kuzmic drafted by the Golden State Warriors! - by Chris Mathieu

Ognjen Kuzmic (215-C-90) ted by the Golden State Warriors!
Ognjen Kuzmic 216cm center from Doboj, Bosnia was Drafted 52nd overall by the Golden State Warriors! Ognjen will join Andrew Bogut who has roots in Bosnia and Croatia with the Golden State Warriors!
Ognjen needs a lot of refinement but when you look at where he was just three years ago to today he has developed quite a bit. I wouldnt be surprised if he ends up being an NBA player in 4-6 years. He is a hard worker, a good athlete who is developing both on offense and defense. Ognjen played in D2 Spain this year and was one of the best players in the league. He is expected to play for the Bosnian National Team this summer.
Nihad Dedovic was eligible but went undrafted.


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  BRAZIL   

Standings - Paulista, Carioca, Minas G. leagues

Paulista Standings
 1. Rio Claro 15-4 
 2. America 13-5 
 3. Metodista/S.B. 13-5 
 4. Suzano 13-7 
 5. Inter Santos 12-7 
 6. Sao Caetano 11-8 
 7. Jacarei 11-8 
 8. UNIFADRA 10-8 
 9. Abdala 4-15 
 10. Americana 2-17 
 11. Taubate 0-20 

Regular Season: Round 25

Jun. 27: Rio Claro - Americana 98-70
Jun. 27: Suzano - Abdala 92-60
Jun. 27: Inter Santos - America 89-71
Jun. 27: Taubate - Jacarei 73-99

Regular Season: Round 26

Jun. 28: Metodista/S.B. - America
Jun. 30: Americana - Inter Santos
Jun. 30: Sao Caetano - Rio Claro
Jul. 1: Jacarei - Metodista/S.B.
Jul. 1: UNIFADRA - Abdala


Brazil storm past Nigeria in San Carlos - by Eurobasket News

Brazil - Nigeria 104:65

Brazil posted the second consecutive win at the Torneio Eletrobras in San Carlos. The hosts thumped Nigeria for 2-0 record. Six players scored in double digits for Brazil. Anderson Varejao (205-C-82) accounted for 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead the charge.
Brazil silenced their opponents in the first quarter. They went on a 29:7 run to ensure a comfortable lead. Nigeria stopped the rot in the second quarter. They outscored Brazil to cut the deficit to 19 points at the interval 32:51. Brazil fired 29 points in the third frame to pile up a 28-point lead with ten minutes remaining. They never looked back afterwards coasting to a well-deserved win at the end. Alex Ribeiro (191-G-80, agency: Interperformances) accounted for 17 points, while Guilherme Giovannoni (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances) added 16 points for the winners. Chamberlain Oguchi (198-G-86, college: Illinois St.) answered with 21 points for Nigeria. Al Farouk Aminu notched 14 points in the loss.

Brazil: Anderson Varejao 18+11 boards, Alex Ribeiro 17, Guilherme Giovannoni 16
Nigeria: Chamberlain Oguchi 21, Al Farouk 14


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  BULGARIA   


Lukoil Academic signs 2+1 year deal with Nikolay Kolev - by Eurobasket News

Lukoil Academic signed its first player for the next season. It is Bulgarian PF/C Nikolay Kolev (204-F/C-88), who penned a 2+1 year deal with the club. He arrives to Lukoil from Cherno More, where he spent last 8 seasons. In the latest one he had 9.9 ppg and 5.9 rpg for 33 NBL games. For his performance Kolev was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League Honorable Mention -12. In 2010/11 season the player had 11.3 ppg and 6.9 rpg. He was fifth rebounder of the NBL. In 2007 and 2008, Nikolay Kolev played for the Bulgarian U20 National Team. He also played for U18 Bulgaria in the past. Kolev joined Bulgarian senior NT this summer.


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  CANADA   


Immediate Energy and IBL welcome Japan to Edmonton - by Eurobasket News

An International flavor will be present at the Saville Community Sports Centre this weekend, as the Edmonton Energy will host the Nippon Tornadoes. The addition of Nippon to the IBL is part of an evolving relationship with other countries to develop and promote the game of basketball. "The Nippon Tornadoes are a reflection of the IBL being truly international and a strong partnership with Japan", says Sharleen Graf, IBL Commissioner.

Nippon's 13-game schedule has sent them throughout the Oregon and Washington region. The roster is full of Japanese talent from the JBL (Japanese Basketball League) including, the much anticipated, Masaharu Kataoka (6'3''-G-85) who just recently joined the team from the Japan League, as well as some American talent including Gonzaga alumnus Jordan Mast (6'2''-G), a 6'3" guard who has been averaging 33.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 5.7 assists for the Tornadoes this season.

Over the past few seasons, Energy fans have had a chance to see the style of play that the IBL brings, which is a fast-paced style that keeps fans engaged. With the inclusion of Nippon to the league, fans may see a different style of play that could create an interesting matchup.

"The work ethic, culture, and competitive spirit the Tornadoes athletes bring to our League is noticeable in each game they play as they emulate sportsmanship, a unique style of play mixing Japanese and North American basketball, while reminding us of the purity in the game." - Sharleen Graf.

The games this weekend will be a great opportunity for the IBL to showcase international talent, and for the Japanese community, which is strong in Edmonton, to come together and celebrate the successes of these players.

The Energy go into the weekend having won 8 straight at home, including 2 victories last weekend over the defending IBL Champions, Vancouver Volcanoes.

The Energy and the Tornadoes will meet twice this weekend, Friday and Saturday night. Games will get started at 8pm MT at the Saville Community Sports Centre.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com


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  CENTRAL AFRICA   


Rodrigue M'Baye stays in Switzerland - by Eurobasket News

Rodrigue M'Baye signed a one-year contract extension with Swiss team BBC Nyon. The French/Central African specialist took over the club as Head Coach in November. Before Nyon, M'Baye worked with Etoile Charleville-Mezieres. They competed in ProB. The coach already had experience from Switzerland as he worked with Geneva Devils in 2009/10 season. In the past, he coached Reims. M'Baye also served as Assistant Coach at Chalons. They reached ProB Finals in 2006. In 2009, Rodrigue M'Baye was Head Coach of the Central African National Team. Nyon had 2-22 record in LNA last season.


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  CHINA   


China Lists Roster for World U-17 Championship - by Arthur Volbert

China has listed its official roster for the World U-17 Chanpionship in Kaunas Lithuania which will begin on Friday.

Note that Zhou Qi is listed as being 212 cm rather than 215 cm and Liu Bo is listed as 201 cm rather than 204 cm. Discrepancies like this are common in Chinese roster listings, and are not nearly as harmful as age discrepancies which are often just as likely to be sloppy record-keeping as attempts to cheat.

Luo Kaiwen is listed on a preliminary version of the roster but not on the official roster. However, his number is also missing so he may or may not be part of the team. Again one does not know if this is real, or merely inept record-keeping.

We also do not know which U-17 team will show up for this tournament. Will it be the highly talented team which swept the Asian U-16 tournamnt last year and distinguished itself against U-19 competition in the Albert Scheitzer tournament this spring? Or will it be the inept team that got blown out in a recent prelimianry tournament in France, and which even lost to Egypt?

4 Zhao Jiwei G 183cm 6'0" 25/08/1995 Liaoning
5 Yang Linyi G 190cm 6'3" 26/01/1995 Guangdong
6 Xu Ziyang G 185cm 6'1" 22/01/1995 Jiangsu
7 Heng Yifeng F 192cm 6'4" 27/01/1995 Jiangsu
8 Wang Zhengbo G 187cm 6'2" 21/10/1996 Liaoning
9 Guo Xiaopeng F 195cm 6'5" 18/03/1995 Dongguan
10 Han Delong F 194cm 6'4" 11/01/1995 Bayi
12 Su Hao C 200cm 6'7" 24/02/1995 Hubei
13 Zhou Qi C 212cm 6'11" 16/01/1996 Liaoning
14 Ma Bin C 207cm 6'9" 03/01/1995 Shandong
15 Liu Bo C 201cm 6'7" 10/03/1996 Dongguan
? 11 Luo Kaiwen 18/07/1995 Bayi



China defeat Croatia in Yongcheng - by Eurobasket News

China - Croatia 90:82
China celebrated the fifth straight win at the Sino-European Challenge Event tournament. They claimed the second straight win at the second stage of the tourney held in Yongcheng. China beat Croatian B National Team. Jianlian Yi (213-F/C-87) stepped up with impressive performance tallying 27 points and 7 rebounds for China.
The hosts jumped in front early in the game. They posted a 23:16 lead at the first break. The gap grew in the second quarter. China accumulated a 46:34 halftime lead. Croatia improved offensively in the third quarter. The European team unleashed 27 points in the stanza to cut the deficit to 7 points before the fourth frame. But China regained control in the dying minutes and sealed a confident win at the end. Wang ZhiZhi (214-C-77) and Zhou Peng (206-F-89) scored 12 points each for China. Wang ShiPeng (196-G/F-83) added 9 points in the winning effort.
China will now take on Serbian University National Team.


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  CROATIA   


Italy U20 starts Torneo di Domegge with the victory - by Eurobasket News

Italy U20-Croatia U20 86:63

Italy U20 starts Torneo di Domegge with the victory over Croatia U20. The home side of the tournament opened the campaign with 86:63.
Italy started with 27-15 and never looked behind in the game. They added 21-17 in the second frame and enjoyed 48:32 at the halftime. Moreover Italy won the third period 21-15 and reached 22 points advantage after thirty minutes. They needed another 17-16 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Fabio Mian (196-F-92) top-scored for the winners with 16 points, while Matteo Chillo (202-PF-93) nailed 12. Marco Ceron (194-G-92) posted 10 and Lagana had 9.
In another game France U20 overcame Greece U20 75:65. French team started with 16-14 and added 17-14 in the second frame. They won also the third period 14-9 and then tied the last quarter at 28:28.


Tomislav Zubcic selected by Toronto Raptors in NBA draft - by Eurobasket News

The Toronto Raptors selected Tomislav Zubcic (214-C/F-90, agency: Beo Basket) in the second round of the 2012 NBA draft, which was held last night. The player was 56th overall pick. The Raptors intend to keep Zubcic in Europe to develop.
Tomislav Zubcic spent last couple of years with Cibona. Last season he had 7.9 ppg and 3.6 rpg for 22 games in Adriatic league. In Croatian championship the player registered 5.9 ppg and 2.1 rpg for 20 games. Cibona managed to win the title. Zubcic also added 5.2 ppg and 4.5 rpg for 6 games in EuroCup. Tomislav Zubcic participated at 2011 and 2012 Adidas Eurocamp in Treviso. Last summer he played for Croatian B National Team. In 2010, Zubcic was a member of U20 Croatia and in 2009 he helped U19 NT to win the Bronze at U19 World Championship in New Zealand. He shined at this event with 12.7 ppg and 7.9 rpg for 9 games. In 2008, Zubcic won the Bronze with U18 Croatia at U18 EuroBasket in Greece. He won three championship titles with Cibona and one Croatian Cup.


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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Italy U16 rolls over Czech Republic in Trofeo Parente - by Eurobasket News

Italy U16-Czech Republic U16 66:45

Italy U16 rolls over Czech Republic in Trofeo Parente. The home side overcame the opponents 66:45.
Italy started better and shocked the guests with 27-6 early in the game. Italy led 45:18 later in the half after 21-17 in the second quarter. Moreover Italy scored another 21 points in the third period and enjoyed 52:36 after thirty minutes. They added 17-16 in the last stanza and won their opener.
Picarelli top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Rossato nailed 10. Andrea Spera (203-F/C-96) posted 9, while Daniel Donzelli (195-G-96) delivered 8. David Skranc (96) notched 12 in defeat, while Necas added 7.
In another game Serbia U16 overcame Germany U16 60:57. Tomorrow Germany will face Italy, while Serbia will take on Czech Republic.

Italy U16: Picarelli 17, Rossato 10, Andrea Spera 9, Daniel Donzelli 8
Czech Republic U16: David Skranc 12, Necas 7


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  DENMARK   


Defending Champs add american guard Chad Tomko - by Christian Hamborg

The defending champs Bakken Bears announced their first signing of the season with the addition of Chad Tomko (180-PG-89, college: NC-Wilmington). Chad Tomko can play both guard positions and looks like a very good addition for the Aarhus based team. Chad Tomko graduated from UNCW in 2011 and was able to set several school records but didn't manage to find a team in the 11/12 season making this season his first overseas.

Bakken Bears also announced the contract extension of German center Mike Dejworek (210-C-87, college: Citadel)k. Mike Dejworekk is the younger brother of Head Coach Philip Dejworek . The back-up center managed to play all 45 of Bakkens games and contributed with 6,5 points and 4,5 rebounds.

Bakken Bears also have decided to not give bulgarian forward Hristo Petkov (200-F-85, college: Campbellsville) a contract extension after havin finished a two-year contract. Pektov has played in Ligaen for three seasons but was plagued by injuries in the 11-12 season and only played 11 games


CDL player news - by Christian Hamborg

SISU announced the first newcomer of the upcoming season with the addition of Canadian center Zack Moritz (210-C-88, college: Boise St.). The Canadian Center spent the last season in Spain playing for Grupo Inec Zamora in EBA. Zach Mortiz averaged 10.1 points and 10.5 rebounds per game for the Spanish team. At Boise St Zack averaged 3.2 points and 2.1 rebounds in 10 minutes of play in his senior season. SISU also announced that Danish forward David Harder (196-G/F-87) (196-F-92, college Western) who had a solid season will not be playing for the club for at least the first part of the upcoming season. On the other hand SISU will keep their key backcourt players in the club as it was also announced that Danish guard Mikael Nielsen (178-PG-90), Danish guard Mike Flowers (193-G-86, college: Barton, NC) and Danish/American veteran guard Mickey Dennis (190-G/F-78, college: JMU) will play at least one more season for the Copenhagen based club.

Horsens IC announced the contract extension of Hans Schur (203-F/C-83, college: Lynn) making him the first announced player the Danish bronze medal runner-ups. Hans Schur has been part of the Horsens roster for the past 4 seasons and was named team captain last season. Hans Schur was a big part of Horsens succes last season averaging 12 point, 6.6 rebounds despite playing only 26 minuttes per game. Hans Schur is considered one of the better domestic players in Ligaen and was also named Eurobasket All-Domestic Players Team last season.


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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Dominican Republic outscore Jordan in Venezuela - by Eurobasket News

Dominican Republic - Jordan 89:80

Dominican Republic celebrated the first win at the Super 4 Israel Sarmiento Cup tournament in Venezuela. They overcame Jordan for 1-1 record. Juan Coronado (196-G-83) stepped up with 16 points to lead the winners.
The teams stayed close throughout the first half. Jordan relied heavily on offensive brilliance of Zaid Abbas (203-F-83). He unleashed 19 points in the half to keep Jordan alive. They trailed by just three points at the big break 44:47. Dominican Republic maintained the lead throughout the third term. They entered the final stanza up by three points 66:63. The Latin American side stretched the gap in the fourth frame and sealed the victory at the end. Elpidio Fortuna (186-G-85) accounted for 15 points, while Gerardo Suero (193-G-89) produced 12 points for the winners. Zaid Abbas answered with 29 points for Jordan. Mousa Alawadi (188-G-85) and Mahmoud Abdeen (189-PG-87) had 10 points each in the loss.

Dominican Republic: Juan Coronado 16, Elpidio Fortuna 15, Gerardo Suero 12
Jordan: Zaid Abbas 29, Mousa Alawadi 10, Mahmoud Abdeen 10


MAURICI BAEZ WITH A NEW GYM - by Ozell Wells

Fernandez inaugurates remodeled Mauricio Baez
President Fernandez inaugurated public works in Santo Domingo and Moca yesterday, Wednesday 27 June.
In Santo Domingo, he attended the inauguration of the remodeling of the Metropolitanos de Mauricio Baez sports facility in Villa Juana with a capacity for 1,500 seated fans. As reported by the Presidency, Fernandez encouraged young people to organize themselves and unite to make their dreams a reality. He thanked club advisor Leo Corporan for the invitation and said the installation was the fruit of many years of efforts by local youth. He threw the first basketball for a children's basketball exhibition game and received a club T-shirt. The Supervisory Office of Public Works of the Presidency was responsible for the remodeling work. At the event, Frank Ceara, Laura Rivera, Hector Anibal and Carolina Rivas sang the National Anthem and "Yes It Can be Done" (Si se puede).

Fernandez yesterday was in the north-central province of Espaillat (Moca) for the public opening of a multi-sports facility costing RD$54 million, a housing project in Guama Abano costing RD$74.6 million, and four grade schools with capacity for 840 students in 24 classrooms at La Penda, Josefa del Carmen Liriano, Profesora Angelina Bencosme and Sor Pura Caamano, which cost a reported RD$56 million.

courtesy of listin diario


DOMINICAN REPUBLIC OUTSCORE JORDAN IN VENEZUELA - by Ozell Wells

Dominican Republic - Jordan 89:80

Dominican Republic celebrated the first win at the Super 4 Israel Sarmiento Cup tournament in Venezuela. They overcame Jordan for 1-1 record. Juan Coronado (196-G-83) (196-G-83) stepped up with 16 points to lead the winners.
The teams stayed close throughout the first half. Jordan relied heavily on offensive brilliance of Zaid Abbas (203-F-83) (203-F-83). He unleashed 19 points in the half to keep Jordan alive. They trailed by just three points at the big break 44:47. Dominican Republic maintained the lead throughout the third term. They entered the final stanza up by three points 66:63. The Latin American side stretched the gap in the fourth frame and sealed the victory at the end. Elpidio Fortuna (186-G-85) (186-G-85) accounted for 15 points, while Gerardo Suero (193-G-89) (193-G-89) produced 12 points for the winners. Zaid Abbas answered with 29 points for Jordan. Mousa Alawadi (188-G-85) (188-G-85) and Mahmoud Abdeen (189-PG-87) (189-PG-87) had 10 points each in the loss.

Dominican Republic: Juan Coronado 16, Elpidio Fortuna 15, Gerardo Suero 12
Jordan: Zaid Abbas 29, Mousa Alawadi 10, Mahmoud Abdeen 10


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  ESTONIA   


Estonia lose to Finland in test game - by Eurobasket News

Finland U20 - Estonia U20 97:78

Finland U20 claimed a comprehensive victory over Estonian counterparts in exhibition game in Vantaa. Alex Murphy (203-F-93) came up with sizzling performance for the hosts. He accounted for 36 points and 9 rebounds to lead the winners.
Finland led by four points ten minutes into the game. They stretched the margin to 6 points at the big break 54:48. The gap kept on growing in the third term. Estonia faced a 10-point deficit at the final intermission 63:73. Finland did not slow down and raced to a comfortable win at the end. Joonas Caven (211-C/F-93) posted 16 points, while Villematti Kopio (182-PG-92) had 11 points for the winners. Martin Paasoja (191-G-93) answered with 17 points for Estonia. Oliver Metsalu (196-G-93) had 13 points in the loss.

Finland U20: Alex Murphy 36, Joonas Caven 16, Villematti Kopio 11
Estonia U20: Martin Paasoja 17, Oliver Metsalu 13


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  EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE   

Standings

Eurobasket S.League Standings
Indianapolis
 1. Rome 4-1 
 2. Amsterdam 3-2 
 3. Berlin 3-2 
 4. Madrid 2-3 
 5. Paris 2-3 
 6. Athens 1-4 
Charlotte
 1. Treviso 4-1 
 2. Poitiers 3-2 
 3. Asker 2-3 
 4. Solna 1-4 


Indianapolis ESL a Success, Now Get Ready for Torino, Italy July 1-3 ! - by Eurobasket

EuroBasket & Chris Warren want to get you prepared for a very exciting entrance into the July portion of the summer league. The Indianapolis, IN Camp was a huge success, beginning with NBA trainer Ed Schilling training and evaluating players, along with Chris Warren and other coaches. Players were placed directly on competitive teams that led to very thrilling games over the next two days. We expect that with the level of talent the Indianapolis ELS had to offer, five players will be comped on to Las Vegas ESL with another five to find international job placement opportunities. Next up is the much anticipated Torino, Italy, which is for players who want to maximize their opportunities and invest in their futures. We are expecting a great turnout of coaches, scouts, general managers and agents who will see a very talented group of players. Torino, which hosted the winter olympics in 2006 and is current home of PMS Basketball Club, Turin, will give international coaches a chance to evaluate players from all over the world thus giving every player a great reason to attend and mximize this opportunity.


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  EUROCHALLENGE   


EuroChallenge 2012-13 clubs announced - by Eurobasket News

FIBA Europe has announced the list of teams to participate in the EuroChallenge 2012/13 season.

The Draw for the Regular Season will take place in Freising, Germany, on Friday 6 July.

The EuroChallenge Regular Season line-up will feature 32 clubs.

28 teams will be drawn directly into drawn into the Regular Season groups.

Four others will emerge following the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round, which features eight clubs in total.

The teams that win these four ties over two legs (home and away games) will advance to the EuroChallenge regular season.

The clubs which will enter the Freising Draw are:


Twenty-eight (28) teams that have qualified directly for the Regular Season (in alphabetical order)

Antwerp Giants (BEL)
Armia Tblisi (GEO)
Asesoft Ploesti (ROU)
BC Minsk 2006 (BLR)
BC Timisoara (ROU)
BCMU Pitesti (ROU)
Belfius Mons-Hainaut (BEL)
BK Ventspils (LAT)
ETHA Engomi Nicosia (CYP)
EWE Baskets Oldenburg (GER)
Fortress-Lami Ved Krmend (HUN)
Gravelines Dunkerque (FRA)
Hapoel Holon (ISR)
JDA Dijon (FRA)
Keravnos Nicosia (CYP)
Khimik Yuzhny (UKR)
Krasnye Krylia Samara (RUS)
Krka Novo Mesto (SLO)
Norrkping Dolphins (SWE)
Okapi Aalstar (BEL)
Paris Levallois (FRA)
Pinar Karsiyaka (TUR)
SLUC Nancy (FRA)
Sdertlje BBK (SWE)
Szolnoki Olaj (HUN)
Tampereen Pyrint (FIN)
Telekom Baskets Bonn (GER)
University Tartu (EST)


Eight (8) teams will play in the Qualifying Round for the remaining four (4) spots in the Regular Season (in alphabetical order)

Aliaga Petkim (TUR)
Apollon Limassol (CYP)
GAZ Metan Medias (ROU)
Joensuun Kataja (FIN)
Rakvere Tarvas (EST)
Tofas (TUR)
Ural Ekaterinburg (RUS)
Xion Dukes Klosterneuburg (AUT)

Courtesy of www.fibaeurope.com


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


Anadolu Efes capture Jamon Gordon - by Ugur Turker

Anadolu Efes Istanbul continues to strengthen and renew squad in the guidance of new head coach Oktay Mahmudi (agency: Beo Basket ). After signing of Birkan Batuk, Anadolu Efes Istanbul added Jamon Lukas Gordon (191-G-84, college: Virginia Tech) to 2012-2013 roster. Jamon Lukas Gordon lastly played in Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul under coaching of Oktay Mahmudi (agency: Beo Basket ). He was key member of Turkish Team during impressive Euroleague performance with 9.6 ppg and 3.8 aspg. Olympiakos, Marussi and Anltalya Belediye are other teams which Jamon Lukas Gordon played in his career. Anadolu Efes Istanbul will pay $150000 to Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul in order to buyout Gordon's contract.


Barcelona vs. Dallas completes NBA Europe Live 2012 schedule - by Eurobasket News

The 2011 NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks will play a preseason game against 17-time Spanish Champions FC Barcelona Regal of the Euroleague on Oct. 9, 2012 at the Palau Sant Jordi as part of NBA Europe Live 2012 presented by BBVA the National Basketball Association (NBA), Euroleague Basketball, and BBVA announced today at a special press conference held in Barcelona.

The sixth edition of the NBA Europe Live Tour continues the tradition of NBA teams travelling to the continent to play in a series of preseason games against top Euroleague opposition.

Tickets for the game at the Palau Sant Jordi arena will go on sale soon with details to be announced shortly.

'We are excited to be bringing the Dallas Mavericks to Spain this year for NBA Europe Live presented by BBVA, said Benjamin Morel, Senior Vice President, NBA Europe. Spain has played host to a variety of NBA events in recent years as the game of basketball continues to captivate and excite our fans. With the support of the Euroleague, BBVA and our partners, this matchup further demonstrates our commitment to bringing live events to our dedicated fans in Spain.'

Barcelona will be the final stop of a four-game tour as part of NBA Europe Live 2012 presented by BBVA. The 17-time Boston Celtics tip-off the tour with a game against five-time Turkish Champions Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul in Istanbul, Turkey on Oct. 5 at the state-of-the-art Ulker Sports Arena. Prior to the game in Barcelona, the Dallas Mavericks will play a game against eight-time German Champions Alba Berlin at the highly successful O2 World in Berlin, Germany on Oct. 6. The Celtics play their second game against 25-time Italian Champions EA7 Emporio Armani at the Mediolanum Forum in Milan, Italy on Oct. 7. The tour culminates with the Mavericks game versus FC Barcelona Regal on Oct. 9 at the Palau Sant Jordi.

Since 2006 both of the leading basketball competitions, Euroleague Basketball and the NBA, have been coming together to offer fans spectacular basketball and this year is no exception, said Roser Queralto, Euroleague Basketballs Chief Business Development Officer. Some of the best and historic teams from the NBA will face off with some of the strongest Euroleague and European teams for some exciting preseason games to warm up for the next season.

As part of a multiyear partnership, BBVA the official bank of the NBA will serve as the presenting partner of NBA Europe Live for the first time, with Turkish Bank Garanti, which is part owned by BBVA, to be the presenting partner of the game in Istanbul. adidas will return as a Pan-European partner, a position it has held for all six editions of the tour, with American Express also returning as a partner providing premium ticket access to Cardmembers across the Tour. Other partners for the game in Barcelona include Foot Locker and Kia.

BBVA is happy to be bringing the excitement of the NBA to fans in Germany, Italy and Spain - and through our partner bank Garanti Bank for the game in Turkey - as part of NBA Europe Live 2012 presented by BBVA, said Mafe Laverde, Sponsorship Director, BBVA. By serving as the presenting partner of NBA Europe Live, we will help bring world-class basketball to the cities of Barcelona, Berlin, Istanbul and Milan and through this series of games, reinforce our global sponsorship strategy. As the official bank of the NBA, we intend to provide extraordinary content to fans through our brand, promoting the values of effort, innovation and teamwork embodied by the two best basketball leagues in the world.

Following the NBA Europe Live Tour 2012, over 450,000 fans will have attended 32 Europe Live games in 12 cities since the inaugural NBA Europe Live series that took place in 2006. In total, 60 games featuring 25 NBA teams will have been played in 18 cities in Europe since 1988.

Extensive community events and programs will again compliment the on-court action in each of the four cities. As part of its NBA Cares initiative, the NBA family has helped create and build 23 places in Europe where children and families can live, learn or play in nine European countries. NBA Europe Live 2012 will also consist of a range of activities for fans in addition to the games, including interactive fan events, basketball development programs, player appearances and more.

Press conference comments:


Jordi Bertomeu, President and CEO Euroleague Basketball:

""The NBA is a partner for Euroleague Basketball in our industry, where we both enjoy the positive things that happen in our sport and suffer some of the negatives, such as the ongoing economic crisis, together. Euroleague Basketball has been working together with the NBA on this NBA Europe Live event for more than a few years now and we've all seen how it is a success, both commercially and sporting-wise. Now, it would be interesting to see if we can take this platform a step further and look to formalize what we are doing together in the preseason and build on that success. And of course, today is the moment to thank the city of Barcelona once again for its support of the sport of basketball."


Jess Bueno, Vicepresident NBA Europe

"We are really happy to be here alongside Euroleague Basketball and alongside BBVA. We now have had six NBA Europe Live tours in seven years. We know that this collaboration is very much appreciated by the fans."


Maite Fandos, Baracelona city hall officer for sport

"I want to thank Euroleague Basketball, the NBA, the Catalan Basketball Federation and BBVA bank for their commitment to sport. Once again, Barcelona will get worldwide attention from this game, just as F.C. Barcelona carries our city to the world. Now, 20 years after the 1992 Olympics Games, we are happy because Barcelona continues to be a city committed to sport. With the headquarters of Euroleague Basketball here, it makes this a capital of European and world basketball."


NBA Europe Live 2012 presented by BBVA Schedule:

GAMES DATE CITY ARENA
Boston Celtics vs. Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul October 5 Istanbul Ulker Sports Arena
Dallas Mavericks vs. Alba Berlin October 6 Berlin O2 World
Boston Celtics vs. EA7 Emporio Armani October 7 Milan Mediolanum Forum
Dallas Mavericks vs. FC Barcelona Regal October 9 Barcelona Palau Sant Jordi


About the NBA

The NBA is a global sports and media business that features three professional sports leagues: the National Basketball Association, the Womens National Basketball Association, and the NBA Development League. The league has established a major international presence, with offices in 15 markets worldwide, games and programming in 215 countries and territories in 47 languages, and NBA merchandise for sale in more than 125,000 stores in 100 countries on six continents. Current NBA rosters feature 78 international players from 39 countries and territories. The NBAs digital assets include NBA TV, which is available in 59.4 million U.S. homes, and NBA.com, which averages more than 35 million page views per day, more than half of which originate from outside of North America. The NBA is the No. 1 professional sports league on social media, with more than 240 million fans and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms. Through NBA Cares, the league and its teams and players have donated more than $190 million to charity, completed more than 1.9 million hours of hands-on community service, and created more than 700 places where kids and families can live, learn, or play.


About Euroleague Basketball

A global leader in sports management, Euroleague Basketball is enjoying its second decade of sustained growth as an innovative organizer of elite competitions and events. It now manages the continent's two premier basketball competitions, the Turkish Airlines Euroleague and the Eurocup, consisting of more than 50 teams from as many as 25 countries. Euroleague Basketball also directs the Nike International Junior Tournament, which crowns a young men's continental champion each spring. Through the Euroleague Basketball Institute and Euroleague For Life, the company promotes educational and charitable initiatives as varied as coaching clinics and benefit concerts that draw guests from around the world.


About BBVA Group

BBVA is a global group that offers individual and corporate customers the most complete range of financial and non-financial products and services. It enjoys a solid leadership position in the Spanish market, where it first began its activities over 150 years ago. It also has a leading franchise in South America; it is the largest financial institution in Mexico; one of the 15th largest U.S. commercial banks and one of the few large international groups operating in China. BBVA employs 105,000 people in over 30 countries around the world, has more than 48 million customers and 900,000 shareholders.

Courtesy of Euroleague


CSKA Moscow signs 2+1 year deal with Zoran Erceg - by Eurobasket News

Zoran Erceg (210-C/F-85) is a new member of CSKA Moscow. The Russian powerhouse signed a 2+1 year deal with the player. Erceg helped Besiktas to win Turkish league title, Turkish Cup and EuroChallenge title last season. He had 14 ppg and 4.7 rpg in 41 TBL games. He also added 12.2 ppg and 5.8 rpg for 15 games in EuroChallenge. Erceg participated at TBL All-Star Game 2012. He was also named Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League Forward of the Year -12. In EuroChallenge, Erceg was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-EuroChallenge 2nd Team -12.
Zoran Erceg joined Besiktas last summer from Olympiakos. He spent 2009/10 season on loan with Panionios. In 2008, the player signed a long term deal with Olympiakos. Before that, he very successfully played for FMP Zeleznik.

Official press release by CSKA Moscow - click here.


*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16   

M-Standings - Group A

Standings
Group A
1. Croatia0-0
2. U.Kingdom0-0
3. Italy0-0
4. Turkey0-0
Group B
1. Spain0-0
2. Latvia0-0
3. Russia0-0
4. Ukraine0-0
Group C
1. Germany0-0
2. Lithuania0-0
3. Slovenia0-0
4. Serbia0-0
Group D
1. Czech Rep.0-0
2. France0-0
3. Greece0-0
4. Poland0-0

Preliminary Round: Round 1

A

Jul. 19: TUR - ENG
Jul. 19: ITA - CRO

B

Jul. 19: LAT - ESP
Jul. 19: RUS - UKR

C

Jul. 19: GER - SRB
Jul. 19: LTU - SLO

D

Jul. 19: POL - GRE
Jul. 19: CZE - FRA


M-Standings - Group B

Standings Div.B
Group A
1. Belarus0-0
2. Finland0-0
3. Israel0-0
4. Luxembourg0-0
5. Sweden0-0
Group B
1. Belgium0-0
2. Bulgaria0-0
3. Denmark0-0
4. FYR Macedon.0-0
5. Slovakia0-0
Group C
1. Bosnia0-0
2. Estonia0-0
3. Georgia0-0
4. Montenegro0-0
5. Romania0-0
Group D
1. Austria0-0
2. Hungary0-0
3. Holland0-0
4. Norway0-0
5. Portugal0-0
6. Switzerland0-0

Preliminary Round: Round 1

A

Jul. 19: LUX - BLR
Jul. 19: SWE - FIN

B

Jul. 19: SVK - MKD
Jul. 19: BEL - DEN

C

Jul. 19: ROM - GEO
Jul. 19: BIH - EST

D

Jul. 19: NOR - HUN
Jul. 19: AUT - SUI
Jul. 19: NED - POR



*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20   

Standings

Standings
Group A
1. France0-0
2. Germany0-0
3. Montenegro0-0
4. Serbia0-0
Group B
1. Estonia0-0
2. Greece0-0
3. Russia0-0
4. Ukraine0-0
Group C
1. Spain0-0
2. Georgia0-0
3. Latvia0-0
4. Turkey0-0
Group D
1. Italy0-0
2. Lithuania0-0
3. Slovenia0-0
4. Sweden0-0

Preliminary Round: Round 1

A

Jul. 12: FRA - GER
Jul. 12: SRB - MNT

B

Jul. 12: RUS - EST
Jul. 12: GRE - UKR

C

Jul. 12: LAT - GEO
Jul. 12: TUR - ESP

D

Jul. 12: LTU - SWE
Jul. 12: SLO - ITA


M-Standings - Division B

Standings Div.B
Group A
1. Austria0-0
2. Bulgaria0-0
3. Israel0-0
4. Slovakia0-0
Group B
1. Belgium0-0
2. Luxembourg0-0
3. FYR Macedon.0-0
4. Holland0-0
5. Poland0-0
Group C
1. Belarus0-0
2. Croatia0-0
3. Denmark0-0
4. U.Kingdom0-0
5. Portugal0-0
Group D
1. Czech Rep.0-0
2. Finland0-0
3. Hungary0-0
4. Switzerland0-0

Preliminary Round: Round 1

A

Jul. 12: SVK - AUT
Jul. 12: ISR - BUL

B

Jul. 12: BEL - MKD
Jul. 12: NED - POL

C

Jul. 12: ENG - POR
Jul. 12: BLR - CRO

D

Jul. 12: HUN - SUI
Jul. 12: FIN - CZE



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


Finnish U16 National Team -12 - by Ernest

4 Maria Hiekkamaki
*5 Emilia Helle
6 Nina Augustin
7 Olivia Moskari
*8 Veera Valimaa
9 Ninni Salmi
10 Taru Pekkala
*11 Elina Koskimies
*12 Lotta Erakangas
13 Iina Salmenkivi
*14 Tuuli Menna
15 Elise Kleimola

Antti Koskelainen
Jyrki Suhonen


Finnish U16 National Team -12 - by Ernest

4 Maria Hiekkamaki
*5 Emilia Helle
6 Nina Augustin
7 Olivia Moskari
*8 Veera Valimaa
9 Ninni Salmi
10 Taru Pekkala
*11 Elina Koskimies
*12 Lotta Erakangas
13 Iina Salmenkivi
*14 Tuuli Menna
15 Elise Kleimola

Antti Koskelainen
Jyrki Suhonen


Finnish U16 National Team -12 - by Ernest

4 Maria Hiekkamaki
*5 Emilia Helle
6 Nina Augustin
7 Olivia Moskari
*8 Veera Valimaa
9 Ninni Salmi
10 Taru Pekkala
*11 Elina Koskimies
*12 Lotta Erakangas
13 Iina Salmenkivi
*14 Tuuli Menna
15 Elise Kleimola

Antti Koskelainen
Jyrki Suhonen


Finnish U16 National Team -12 - by Ernest

4 Maria Hiekkamaki
*5 Emilia Helle
6 Nina Augustin
7 Olivia Moskari
*8 Veera Valimaa
9 Ninni Salmi
10 Taru Pekkala
*11 Elina Koskimies
*12 Lotta Erakangas
13 Iina Salmenkivi
*14 Tuuli Menna
15 Elise Kleimola

Antti Koskelainen
Jyrki Suhonen


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


Vichy recruit Yohann Smail - by Eurobasket News

Vichy announced the signing of Yohann Smail (198-F-90). The forward comes NM1 League. He played for ASM Basket Le Puy-en-Velay. Yohann Smail tallied 10.2 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. The forward also played for Union Poitiers Basket U21 team.


Aix-Marienne also close to Jonathan Leria - by Eurobasket News

Jonathan Leria (198-G/F-90) is on his way to join Aix-Marienne as reports show. The forward has reportedly agreed on terms of contract with the team. Last season Jonathan Leria spent with Boulogne. He averaged 5.9 points and 1.9 rebounds per game in ProB. Previously the forward had stints with Pau-Orthez U21 team and Paris-Levallois. He played for U16, U18, U20 and U21 French National Teams.


Marcellus Sommerville leaves Le Mans - by Eurobasket News

Le Mans decided not to keep Marcellus Sommerville (200-F-82, college: Bradley) for the next season. The forward is leaving the team after one season in Sarthe. He averaged 11.5 points and 3.7 rebounds per game in EuroCup. Marcellus Sommerville tallied 12.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game in ProA. Eurobasket.com named the forward into French ProA All-Imports Team. He was also named into French ProA All-Defensive Team. Previously Marcellus Sommerville played for Paris-Levallois, Cholet, Chalon-Sur-Saone, Roanne, Le Havre, Angers BC, Atomeromu and Dexia Mons-Hainaut.


Boulazac tab Justin Hawkins - by Eurobasket News

Boulazac have reportedly agreed on terms of contract with Justin Hawkins (201-F-85, agency: Two Points, college: N.Mexico St.). The forward is expected to sign the deal with the French team soon. Justin Hawkins started the previous season in Belarus. He played for Minsk-2006. The forward averaged 13.4 points, 4.6 boards and 2.0 assists per game in VTB League. In EuroChallenge Justin Hawkins notched 13.7 points, 2.5 boards and 1.8 assists per appearance. In Belarusian League the forward delivered 13.7 points, 3.6 boards and 1.4 assists. Justin Hawkins then moved to Finland and joined ToPo. The player notched 18.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.4 steals per game in Korisliiga. Justin Hawkins is not new to France. He used to play for Strasbourg and Besancon.


Sorgues signs F Patrick Clerence - by Eurobasket News

Patrick Clerence (202-F-88) is a new member of Sorgues. The French forward signed a one-year deal with the club. Sorgues will compete in NM1 next season. Clerence arrives to the team from Union Al Roche - Case Metropole Basket, where he finished 2011/12. He joined them in January averaging 3.3 points and 2.6 rebounds. From 2009 to 2011, Patrick Clerence played for Feurs Enfants du Forez. They competed in NM2 both years. In the past, Clerence also was a member of NM2 team ESC Trappes Saint Quentins en Yvelines.
Few days ago Sorgues landed Ryan Zamroz. In 2011/12 he played for Boras Basket (Sweden-Basketligan, starting five) and averaged 16.2ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 87.5%. He managed to reach the Semifinals with his team.


Denver Nuggets select Evan Fournier as 20th overall pick - by Eurobasket News

Evan Fournier (199-G/F-92) was selected in the first round in 2012 NBA draft, which was held last night. The Denver Nuggets selected the player as 20th overall pick. The 19-year-old Fournier worked out for the Nuggets and was considered one of the top European players in the draft.
Evan Fournier spent last two seasons with Union Poitiers Basket 86. In the latest one he had 14 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.2 apg and 1.5 spg for 30 games in ProA. In 2010/11, he averaged 6.4 points and 2 rebounds for 29 games. Before Poitiers, Fournier played for Nanterre and CFBB.
Evan Fournier participated at 2011 and 2012 Adidas EuroCamp in Treviso. Last summer he was named Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U20 Best Guard -11. The player had 16.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.8 apg and 1.9 spg for 9 games at U20 EuroBasket in Bilbao. He was fifth scorer and top stealer of the competition leading his France to Bronze. In the past, Fournier very successfully played for U19, U18 and U16 France.


Aix-Maurienne officially signs Jonathan Leria - by Eurobasket News

Jonathan Leria (198-G/F-90) officially became a new member of Aix-Maurienne. He signed a one-season deal with the club. The 22-year-old swingman spent last season with Boulgone. He appeared 16 times in ProB averaging 5.9 points and 1.9 rebounds. Before Boulgone, Leria was a member of Paris-Levallois. He spent two years for them, but mostly played for U21 team. In 2010/11, he appeared 8 times in ProA averaging less than a point. In the past, Jonathan Leria played for Pau-Orthez U21. In 2010, the swingman played for French U20 National Team. Two years before that, he was a member of U18 France and in 2006 he played for the French U16 NT.


Rodrigue M'Baye stays in Switzerland - by Eurobasket News

Rodrigue M'Baye signed a one-year contract extension with Swiss team BBC Nyon. The French/Central African specialist took over the club as Head Coach in November. Before Nyon, M'Baye worked with Etoile Charleville-Mezieres. They competed in ProB. The coach already had experience from Switzerland as he worked with Geneva Devils in 2009/10 season. In the past, he coached Reims. M'Baye also served as Assistant Coach at Chalons. They reached ProB Finals in 2006. In 2009, Rodrigue M'Baye was Head Coach of the Central African National Team. Nyon had 2-22 record in LNA last season.


France topple Italy in Boulazac - by Eurobasket News

France - Italy 76:62

French National Team played the second test game against Italy. The teams clashed in Boulazac. Nando De Colo (202-G-87) scored 13 points to lead Les Bleus.
Italy opened the game strongly. The Azzurri secured a 19:14 lead ten minutes into the game. France stopped the rot quickly. Les Bleus held the visitors to 13 points in the second frame to draw things level at 32. France took over in the third quarter. The hosts unleashed 27 points to establish a 13-point lead heading into the fourth frame. France maintained the lead throughout the final stanza and secured a comfortable victory at the end. Boris Diaw (203-PF-82) and Kevin Seraphin (205-F/C-89) accounted for 11 points each for the winners. Riccardo Moraschini (195-G-91) answered with 20 points for Italy. Lorenzo D'Ercole (190-PG-88, agency: Two Points) and Massimo Chessa (188-G-88, agency: Two Points) had 8 points each in the loss.

France: Nando De Colo 13, Boris Diaw 11, Kevin Seraphin 11
Italy: Riccardo Moraschini 20, Lorenzo D'Ercole 8, Massimo Chessa 8


Aix-Maurienne tab Erroyl Bing - by Eurobasket News

Aix-Maurienne landed Erroyl Bing (198-F/C-82, college: E.Carolina). The centre has agreed on terms of contract with the team. Last season Erroyl Bing spent in Switzerland. He played for Lions de Geneve. The centre notched 10.6 points, 9.1 boards and 2.0 assists per game in LNA. Previously Erroyl Bing had stints with Dijon, Stade Clermontois, Benetton Fribourg, Boncourt, Goes, Limoges, Mattersburg and Sao Jose dos Pinhais. Eurobasket.com named Erroyl Bing All-French N1 Centre of the Year in 2006. He made it into All-French ProB 2nd Team in 2010. Erroyl Bing earned All-Swiss LNA Honourable Mention in 2012.
Erroyl Bing is meant to replace Bambale Osby on the roster.


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


Armia Tblisi will represent the country in EuroChallenge - by Eurobasket News

Armia Tblisi will represent the country in EuroChallenge next year, The Georgian team was announced today at the EuroChallenge 2012/13 season list. The EuroChallenge Regular Season line-up will feature 32 clubs.
Last season Armia achieved 2011/2012 title defense in Georgia. The Winner of the Regular season won the series over Olimpi to triumph in the country. Ben Woodside (180-PG-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Dakota St.) helped to win the game recording 20 points and 8 assists. Jeremy Richardson (200-G/F-84, college: Delta St.) added 18 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Also last year Armia triumphed in the country winning the series 3-1 over TSU. The last game finished with 65:61 for Army that brought them gold medals.
Armia will announce the roster for the next season later. It will for sure have some foreigners that will lead the team in both tournaments.


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


Germany U16 lost the Trofeo Parente opener - by Eurobasket News

Germany U16-Serbia U16 57:60

Germany U16 lost the Trofeo Parente opener to Serbia U16. The latter needed a final push for 60:57 win.
Germany opened the game with 18-14 lead, but could not keep the elad in the first half. The Serbian opponents bounced back with 19-14 and took 1-point advantage at the halftime. Germany needed 10-9 in the third frame to tie the score entering the final stanza. Serbia however needed a 18-15 burst to win the game.
Stefan Peno (193-G-97) top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Gojko Dokovic (203-SF-96) added 10. Leon Kratzer (200-C-97) replied with 10 points in the losing effort, while Jan Wimberg (202-G-96), Constantin Ebert (180-PG-96) and Joschka Ferner (200-F-96) had 9 each.
In another game Italy U16 rolls over Czech Republic in Trofeo Parente. The home side overcame the opponents 66:45. Tomorrow Germany will face Italy, while Serbia will take on Czech Republic.

Germany U16: Leon Kratzer 10, Jan Wimberg 9, Constantin Ebert 9, Joschka Ferner 9
Serbia U16: Stefan Peno 14, Gojko Dokovic 10


BSV Wulfen Sign Anthony Young - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

After inking Max Schulze Pals 24 hours ago, now BSV Wulfen have announced the next new player with Anthony Young (200-C-89, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) Young is a 23 year old 200cm forward that will be making his professional debut in Germany. He played at Ky Wesleyan (NCAA2) the last two years and in his senior yeason played 31 games: 19.7ppg, 7.9rpg, FGP: 49.9%, 3Pts: 40.0%, FT: 84.6%. "We have gotten a top NCAA 2 player with Young. He will give us a lot of stability and offensive strength", stressed Wulfen sport director Volker Cornelisen. Young started his basketball career in 2008 with Kankakee CC (JUCO) where he played until 2010. In his junior year with Ky Wesleyan (NCAA2) he played28 games: 19.4ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 49.2%, 3Pts: 35.5%, FT: 87.8%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been All-GLVC 2nd Team -11, GLVC All-Tournament Team -11, All-GLVC 1st Team -12, Daktronics Division II All-America 2nd Team -12, NABC Division II All-Midwest Region 1st Team -12, NCAA D2 Sweet 16 -12, and NABC Division II All-Star Game -12

Source: BSV Wulfen


Quentin Pryor ( The Austrian League Is A Lot Better Than What It Gets Credit For) - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Court Side, college: Morehead St.) is a 28 year old 193cm shooting guard/small forward from Eupora, Mississippi that recently completed his first season for Wels in Austria that fell to Gmunden in the semi finals of the Playoffs. He started his college basketball career at Jackson State, before finishing at Morehead State from 2005-2007. In his senior year, he played 30 games averaging11.4ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3Pts: 36.8%, FT: 71.7%. In 2007, he started his professional basketball career in Germany with FC Schalke 04 playing 29 games and averaging 15.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.2apg, Steals-1 (2.5spg), FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 75.2%. He played for Phoenix Hagen from 2008-2011 and in the 2008-2009 season, he played 30 games averaging 14.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 60.5%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 75.2. In 2009-2010 he played 33 games: 8.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 72.9%. In 2010-2011, he played 33 games averaging 11,3ppg, 3,5rpg, 2,2apg and 1,5spg. For Wels, he played 31 games: 14.2ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.7apg, Steals-4 (1.9spg), FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 72.7% He spoke to eurobasket about basketball.

Recently you were in Prague. How did you like it?

I loved it, but I had to leave a little early, because my kid got sick.

Mission Impossible was filmed partly in Prague. It they would have asked you to have been in the film and asked you to jump off a bridge into the Moldau, would you have done it?

It would have depended on what time of year it was. I definately would have done it in summer.

You recently played your first season in Austria for Wels. How did you like the country?

The country is nice and very scenic. The Austrian league is a lot better than it gets credit for. It is a lot more competitive than I thought it would be.

The Austrian league isnt as strong the Beko BBL. What is the league missing besides better quality players?

The teams have lesser budgets and the arenas are a lot smaller more like PRO A gyms. The refs also need a crash course. They miss a lot. You cant do a spin move here.

How was your role different than it was in Hagen?

I had the ball more in my hand this season. Coach Miller told me before the season that he would need my scoring, but defending is still a big part of my game.

How is Wels different than Hagen and vice-versa?

Wels has two malls something that Hagen didnt have, but the city center in Hagen is more compact and bigger. I like both places.

You had four teammates that have played in Germany with Martin Kohlmaier, Joe Werner, Logan Stutz and Davor Lamesic. Were they able to make the transition easier for you?

Yes those guys helped me a lot telling me what to expect in Austria on and off the court.

21 year old 196cm forward Romed Vleider was named to the Austrian national team. How much potential does he have?

He has unlimited potential. He is so long and gets better every day. He told me that he hasnt had a summer off in the last five years and his body is a bit banged up. He needs to find his confidence again.

How was your relationship with head coach Pete Miller who coached in Germany for many years?

I loved him. He has shown so much trust in me. He takes my input and uses it for the games. He is more of a players coach. He doesnt yell much, but he will let you know what is right and wrong.

Who wins a one on one you or Todd Brown who has three centimeters on you?

I will have to go with me. I would attack him constantly and use my speed. He is quick to, but I think that I have the advantage.

Your teammate Joe Werner was on the Green Bay Packers roster in 2007. Have you met his body in practice a lot?

Every day I met his body. I knew who he was before the season, because in the game at Giessen, I got an elbow from him chipping my tooth.

How is the popularity of basketball in the Austrian media?

It isnt as popular as I thought it would be, but its getting better. The players do get recognized in town.

Do you still keep in touch with your Hagen ex teammates like Bernd Kruel?

Yes I do. I talk to him on occasion seeing how each other is doing.

What was it like in the 2009-2010 season when filming was taking place for the documentary Phoenix in der asche? Was it hard to focus with so many cameras rolling?

It wasnt hard to focus, but more difficult to watch what you said. It was a tough season for us as you could see in the movie.

Have you seen the movie? What is your impression?

I saw the movie on WDR and liked it. A few scenes were cut out, but I like how it turned out.

The scene of the movie is the Michael Jordan tirade in Frankfurt. How much do you remember that speech?

When I saw it again on you tube, I remembered it well. All what he said at that moment was true and we needed to hear it from him.

Could Michael Jordan start a movie career after he retires from basketball? He once told me he would like to be in a sitcom?

I dont know about a sitcom, but he would be great in a drama. He would do a good job in a sitcom, because he is funny, but he is more an edgy person so drama would probably suit him better.

Michael Jordan missed the last week of the season being sent home. He really isnt portrayed well in the movie. How was it really? He always wants to win.


I was a bit upset how he was portrayed. When he came in, he was supposed to be the savior, but then all of a sudden everything turned against him and I didnt like the spin on the movie. He always wants to win and we were losing so much that everyone had issues which led to confrontations.

Michael Jordan and Chase Griffin didnt harmonize on the court. Why couldnt these two guys gel on the court?

I dont know and still dont know. Before Mike came on board, Chase had the ball in the hand, but when Mike came the coaches wanted him to make the decisions and I think that both kind of had the feeling that the other was trying to take the ball away.

Phoenix Hagen assistant coach Steven Wriedt gave a great performance. How would a sitcom of Mike Jordan the man from Philly and his German/American friend Steven Wriedt?

I really dont think that a sitcom like that will come about. If it did, I am sure it would be funny. Steve is a funny guy.

What was your nicest memory of Jacob Burtschi?

My best memory was at the Allstar game in Trier with the Dont drop the Rimmy Martin. My wife had a bottle of that and almost dropped it and Jake yelled dont drop the Rimmy Martin.

Last season Jacob Burtschi was the monoply king in Hagen, but hasnt seemed have gotten the Monopoly game board out in Frankfurt. Do you know why?

No I dont know, but if he said he was monopoly, then he is lying. He won some games as did David Bell and Malte Schwarz.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

American Gangstar

Thanks for the chat.




Fraport Skyliners Nab German Talent Johannes Voigtmann - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


So far in the 2012 Beko BBL transfer carnival, the Fraport Skyliners have been rather reserved having only signed young German Konstantin Klein, but today nabbed a huge German talent from the birth year 1992 with Johannes Voigtmann (210-C-92, agency: Limelight Hoops). Voigtmann is a 19 year old 211cm center that is a German U20 player and last season played for Science City Jena (ProA, starting five): 28 games: 4.1ppg, 3.1rpg. He is s a former handball player and started to play basketball at age 15. He has quick feet and is agile and mobile for his size, a big and versatile talent that can play both inside spots with efficacy, tough and strong, has good lateral mobility, can face the basket and put the ball on the floor, has good vision of the court, excellent passer for his size and position, has a soft touch up to 3-point range, good attitude and stays always under control, not afraid of contact, has good control of his body when driving to the basket, against pick and rolls he is always ready and has the quickness to step out and double. Voigtmann recieved a two year contract with an option for a third year and will also have a license to play for the PRO B team. "I am very happy that he will play for us. He is a very talented player that will develop and grow with us. We have quite a few young players in our team. He has a lot of potential and I am happy that I can support his further development", stressed Skyliner head coach Muli Katzurin. Voigtman started his basketball career in 2009 with : TuS Jena II (2.Regionalliga): 17 games: 4.5ppg, played also for junior team (NBBL): 13 games: 9.2ppg. "I am happy that Johannes has decided to join us. He was wanted by many teams. He is a young player with a lot of potential and perspective. I hope that he can get used to the Bundesliga level quick", stated Skyliner sport director Kamil Novak. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been German U20 National Team -11-12, German NBBL All-Star Game -11, European Championships U20 in Bilbao (Spain) -11: 9 games: 1.9ppg, 1.9rpg, and Eurobasket.com German 2.Bundesliga Pro A All-Newcomers Team -12. "After thinking long and hard about my situation, I came to the conclusion that Frankfurt was the best station for my further development and find my ground as a player. There are great training facilities with the practice court and fitness studio under one roof. I hope I can make the jump to the pro team with my further devlopment", warned Johannes Voigtmann (210-C-92, agency: Limelight Hoops).

Source: Fraport Skyliners


Max Weber Heads To The Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg have announced today that Max Weber (201-G/F-85) will be playing for them this season getting a one year contract with an option. Weber is a 27 year old 201cm swing man that could be called a Germany basketball traveler, because he will be playing for his 8th team in Germany with Ludwigsburg. Last season, the German played for BG Goettingen (1.Bundesliga) EuroChallenge: 6 games: 4.5ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.2apg; German League: 33 games: 6.4ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 48.4%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 59.6%. "We are happy that after a very successful personal season last year, that he has decided to join us. H ehas Beko BBL experience and brings a good attitude. His fighting spirit was also present. I think that he will help us us with his versatile play in many ways", stressed Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg head coach Steven Key.

Weber started his basketball career with the SG Roterburg Cadet Team in 1999. He also got experience playing in Peru before playing for BBC Bayreuth (2.Bundesliga) in 2003. He then played for GHP Bamberg (1.Bundesliga) from 2004-2006 also having a license for TSV Troester Breitenguessbach (2.Bundesliga). With Bamberg, he played a total of 9 Beko BBL games. He then played for the Deutsche Bank Skyliners from 2006-2009 also having a license for TV Langen from 2006-2008. In Frankfurt, he played a total of 19 Beko BBL games. In 2009-2010, he played for the LTi Giessen 46ers (1.Bundesliga) playing 28 games: 2.6ppg, 1.4rpg. In 2010-2011, he played for the Saar-Pfalz Braves (ProA) playing 27 games: 11.5ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 27.0%, FT: 60.0%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been German U16 National Team -00-01, German U18 National Team -03-04, German Bundesliga Rookie All-Star Game -04, German U20 National Team -04, German Bundesliga Regular Season Runner-Up -05, German Bundesliga Champion -05, German A2 National Team -07, German University National Team -07, World University Championships in Bangkok -07, German Bundesliga Semifinals -08
German Bundesliga Cup Semifinals -09, and Eurobasket.com German 2.Bundesliga Pro A All-Domestic Players Team -11.

Source: Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg


Robert Nortmann: The German from the Bahamas - by Moritz Korff

Robert Nortmann (198-F) finished his college career at Dalhousie University on a high note. As a fifth year player he suddenly turned into a double digit scorer (14.6ppg) for the Tigers and was the second leading rebounder (6.4rpg) of his team, while in previous years other players usually were standing in the spotlight. After playing in Canada for several years, his next stop is likely to be Germany. The native of Nassau, Bahamas, is currently in the process of applying for a German passport. Eurobasket Germany had the chance for an interview with the Dalhousie grad.

Robert, you are a native of Nassau, Bahamas, who attended Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada. Which place to do you call home? And can you talk about your relationship to Germany? Do you also hold a German passport?
Robert Nortmann: Nassau, Bahamas is a place that will always be home for me. However, Canada is my home away from home. I enjoyed my time living in both Toronto and Halifax. They are both amazing cities where I was able to build great relationships andcreate fond memories. My relationship to Germany is linked to my father. His side of the family is German and I have several relatives in the country. I look forward to learning more about my German heritage and reconnecting with family. I am also in the process of getting a German passport. Hopefully everything moves promptly.

Following your 5th year at Dalhousie you received All-Atlantic Division 2nd Team honors: How did you manage to take your game to the next level in comparison to your 4th year and how did your role on the team change in your final year?
I put a lot of hard work in the off season. I stayed on campus for the summer and just stayed in the gym. I focused on adding strength to my body and developing my touch around the rim. I was already quick and athletic, however I didn't have the touch or strength to finish at the rim. Once I developed these things, my game opened up for me. My role changed a lot in my final year. I went from an energy player who was just another cog in the offence, and became the team's primary option.

Can you talk about your game a little bit? Which is your natural position on the court and which are your strengths on the basketball court?
I believe that I am a versatile player who can play inside and out. At 6'7" I am a combo forward, and can play either at the small or power forward position, depending on team needs. My strengths on the basketball court start with my natural abilities. When I step on the court I strive to be the hardest worker out there. My motor combined with my strength, length and athleticism make me an excellent offensive rebounder. I am most dangerous on offence when I face up and attack the rim. I am aggressive and get to foul line frequently. On defence I am mobile and able to keep my man in front of me. I also use my length and physicality to discourage my man from receiving the ball. I am coachable, a hard worker, and believe in a team firstmentality. I am willing to do whatever my team needs me to do.

What are your plans for next season? Have you already signed with a team and is playing in Germany would be an option for you?
I plan to continue my playing career in Germany next season. I look forward to signing with a team once the passport process is completed.

How are you spending the summer to stay in shape and to get ready for next season?
I spend a lot of time working on my game at Dalhousie University by myself or with my trainers. I am working hard on developing my perimeter skills. Developing consistency in my jump shot and extending my range to the FIBA 3 point line is my top priority. I am also working extensively on my ball handling and foot work. I am working hard to ensure that my game reaches the next level for next season.


Marian Schick signs contract extension with TG 1837 Hanau - by Moritz Korff

Pro B team TG 1837 Hanau has handed a contract extension to Marian Schick (198-F/C-86). The 25-year-old power forward/center will go into his second season with the White Wings. Schick moved to Hanau last summer, following a two-year stint at Ehingen/Urspringschule. In the 2011-12 season he appeared in 24 games for the TG team, averaging close to ten points and six rebounds a contest. He posted a season high 20 points against Giessen in January.


NBA Europe Live Tour 2012: Alba-Mavs already sold out - by Eurobasket News

The game went sold out after one hour

After one hour, the game between Alba Berlin and Dallas Mavericks, scheduled for October 6 in the German capital at O2Arena went sold out.
Alba Berlin had one of the highest attendance in Europe with 10.971 people per game.
Mavericks will play in Barcelona on October 8. The other NBA team in Europe are the Celtics who will play in Istanbul against Fenerbahce (October 5) and in Milano against Olimpia (October 7).
Courtesy of: Sportando.net


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  GREECE   


Greece fire past New Zealand in San Carlos - by Eurobasket News

Greece - New Zealand 99:69

Greece posted the second win at the Torneio Eletrobras in San Carlos. They cruised past New Zealand for 2-0 record. Georgios Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) stepped up with 17 points to pace the Hellenes.
Greece stunned the Tall Blacks in the opening quarter. The Hellenes exploded with 33 points to take a 15-point lead at the first break. Greece maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They secured a 25-point advantage at halftime 55:30. Greece did not loosen the grip in the third term. They marched confidently to build a 34-point buffer before the final quarter and sealed the victory in the fourth frame. Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) scored 13 points, while Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) contributed 12 points for the winners. Tai Jack Webster (186-G-95) responded with 18 points for New Zealand. Mika Vukona (198-F-82) provided 15 points in the loss.

Greece: Georgios Printezis 17, Ioannis Bourousis 13, Antonis Fotsis 12
New Zealand: Tai Jack Webster 18, Mika Vukona 15


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  HOLLAND   


Dutch U18 team participates in Future Stars International Tournament - by Fred Roggen

The Future Stars International Tournament is designed to showcase top level U18 talent from across Europe and beyond. It is strategically placed directly before the U18 European Championships making us the perfect form of preparation before this tournament. Future Stars features top international teams from division A together with the Under 18 team representing the home nation.
The 2012 Future Stars International Tournament will take place from 29th June to 1st July at Brunel University, Uxbridge, London. The tournament will feature the U18 National teams from the Ukraine, Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands, England in addition to London United Harefield Academy.
Group A
Netherlands, Denmark, London United Harefield Academy
Group B
Ukraine, England, Sweden



Dutch U18 Future Stars Roster:
Thomas Veenhoven (178-G-94)
Emil Van Veen (185-G-95)
Maarten Bouwknecht (F-94)
Pim De Vries (195-F-95)
Kevin Landman (185-PG-94)
Mike Schilder (183-PG-94, agency: Court Side)
Lenno Witteveen
Shane Hammink (198-G-94)
Jaron Dijkhuizen (195-F-95)
Floris Versteeg (200-F-94)
Jito Kok (205-C-94)


Staff
Head coach: Johan Roijakkers
Assistent-coach: Ingmar Snabillie


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


Immediate Energy and IBL welcome Japan to Edmonton - by Eurobasket News

An International flavor will be present at the Saville Community Sports Centre this weekend, as the Edmonton Energy will host the Nippon Tornadoes. The addition of Nippon to the IBL is part of an evolving relationship with other countries to develop and promote the game of basketball. "The Nippon Tornadoes are a reflection of the IBL being truly international and a strong partnership with Japan", says Sharleen Graf, IBL Commissioner.

Nippon's 13-game schedule has sent them throughout the Oregon and Washington region. The roster is full of Japanese talent from the JBL (Japanese Basketball League) including, the much anticipated, Masaharu Kataoka (6'3''-G-85) who just recently joined the team from the Japan League, as well as some American talent including Gonzaga alumnus Jordan Mast (6'2''-G), a 6'3" guard who has been averaging 33.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 5.7 assists for the Tornadoes this season.

Over the past few seasons, Energy fans have had a chance to see the style of play that the IBL brings, which is a fast-paced style that keeps fans engaged. With the inclusion of Nippon to the league, fans may see a different style of play that could create an interesting matchup.

"The work ethic, culture, and competitive spirit the Tornadoes athletes bring to our League is noticeable in each game they play as they emulate sportsmanship, a unique style of play mixing Japanese and North American basketball, while reminding us of the purity in the game." - Sharleen Graf.

The games this weekend will be a great opportunity for the IBL to showcase international talent, and for the Japanese community, which is strong in Edmonton, to come together and celebrate the successes of these players.

The Energy go into the weekend having won 8 straight at home, including 2 victories last weekend over the defending IBL Champions, Vancouver Volcanoes.

The Energy and the Tornadoes will meet twice this weekend, Friday and Saturday night. Games will get started at 8pm MT at the Saville Community Sports Centre.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com


Anderson picks up Slam's third Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News

Bellingham Slam guard Morris Anderson (6'3''-G, college: W.Washington) has been selected as the International Basketball League's Player of the Week for a pair of strong performances in back-to-back wins against the Yamhill Highflyers last weekend.

On Friday in McMinnville, Ore., Anderson put up 20 points, 17 coming in the second half, as the Slam pulled out a 133-121 road victory against the Highflyers.

On Saturday, Anderson helped the Slam complete the weekend sweep of Yamhill by posting a career-high 34 points on 14-of-21 shooting in a 141-101 win at Whatcom Pavilion in Bellingham . He also pulled down 6 boards and dished out 6 assists in the game, helping give the Slam their league-leading 14th victory of the season.

"It was a good win for us," said Anderson of Saturday's game. "I'm happy to see that we brought a lot of energy coming off a long trip from Yamhill on Friday. After I saw that I only had one assist at halftime, I had to get more players involved."

On the season, Anderson is averaging 20.5 points and 5.5 assists per game, which ranks eighth- and fourth-best in the league, respectively. In addition, he ranks first in the IBL in steals with an average of 3 per game.

The robust play this season from the two-time IBL All-Star has placed the Slam in a good position to earn the top-seed in the IBL Playoffs, which begin July 5 in Bellingham . A first-place finish would assure the Slam of a coveted first-round bye, something the Slam has earned in each of their first four seasons in the league.

Anderson is currently in his third season with the Slam after an outstanding collegiate career at Highline Community College and Western Washington University . As a freshman, he helped Highline with the NWAACC Championship in 2006. After transferring to WWU, he was named the Great Northwest Athletic Conference's Newcomer of the Year for the 2008-09 season and was also selected to the NCAA Division II all-West Region team as a senior. In all, Anderson averaged 13.7 points and 5.6 assists per game in two seasons at WWU.

Anderson is the third Bellingham player to earn Player of the Week honors in 2012. Center Blake Poole and guard Paul Hafford both received the award earlier this season.

The Slam will look to clinch the number one seed as they travel to Portland this Saturday to take on the Portland Chinooks. On Sunday, the Slam will return home to Bellingham to host their final regular season home game, with a 5 p.m. tip-off set for Whatcom Pavilion.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com


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  INDONESIA   


SEABA U18: Indonesia edge Singapore for second victory - by Eurobasket News

Indonesia U18 - Singapore U18 54:43

Indonesia registered the second straight win at the U18 SEABA Championship. They overcame hosting Singapore for 2-0 record. Juan Kokodiputro (193-C-95) stepped up with 17 points and 14 rebounds to lead the charge.
The teams were tied at 11 after ten minutes of action. Singapore pulled ahead in the second quarter. They recorded a 26:20 halftime lead. But Indonesia turned things around in the third quarter. They surged in front for a narrow 37:35 lead at the final break. Indonesia limited the home team to 8 points in the fourth period and sealed the victory at the end. Jan Panagan produced 12 points for Indonesia. Chiang Kok (199-C-95) answered with 16 points for Singapore. Junrong Thng had 11 points in the loss.

Indonesia U18: Juan Kokodiputro 17+14 boards, Jan Panagan 12
Singapore U18: Chiang Kok 16, Junrong Thng 11


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  ISRAEL   


Anthony Parker retires after 9 years in NBA, 6 in Israel - by Eurobasket News

As expected, veteran Cavaliers shooting guard Anthony Parker (6'5''-G/F-75, college: Bradley), 37, has decided to retire after a nine-year career in the NBA, the last three with Cleveland.

Parker averaged 7.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 51 games last season. More importantly, he provided leadership in the locker room, where he served as a mentor for youngsters Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson.

At the end of the season, Parker told reporters he was undecided about his future.

"I wanted to make that decision after the season and make sure that is what I wanted to do," he said in an email. "I'm at peace with it and excited for whatever the future has for me."

Parker, who was a first-round draft choice by New Jersey in 1997, the 21st pick overall out of Bradley, also played with Philadelphia, Orlando and Toronto in the NBA, and was a huge star in Israel, where he played for Maccabi Tel Aviv. He wore No. 18 because it is the symbol associated with life and success in the Jewish faith.

Parker would like to remain involved in the league either through broadcasting or in a front-office role.

"Everything is on the table, so we'll see," he said in the email.

Courtesy of www.cleveland.com


Netanya Tabs Michigan State Alumnus Raymar Morgan - by David Pick

The University of Michigan State alumnus Raymar Morgan returns to Israel for a third stint - this time with Barak Netanya, sources with information of the player's signed deal told Eurobasket.

First to report about Morgan and Netanya's negotiations was Roey Gladstone of Israel's Sport5.

After a stellar pro-rookie season in Israel with Maccabi Rishon during the 2010-11 season, Morgan took his talents to Turkey signing with Pinar Karsiyaka. However, he would leave Turkey in October and return to Israel, joining Ironi Ashkelon.

Led by Morgan, Ashkelon was en route to a strong final four season, but nine games into it, Morgan fell to a season ending knee injury. The former Spartan is set to leave the United States in two weeks and according to team sources will undergo physical testing in Israel.

Important to note that Morgan, who averaged 14.6 points, 7 rebounds and 1.7 dimes per game prior to his injury, has fully recovered and is ready to hoop. "We have his physical tests papers and we're waiting to see his results in person," a team executive told Eurobasket.



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  ITALY   


Italy U20 starts Torneo di Domegge with the victory - by Eurobasket News

Italy U20-Croatia U20 86:63

Italy U20 starts Torneo di Domegge with the victory over Croatia U20. The home side of the tournament opened the campaign with 86:63.
Italy started with 27-15 and never looked behind in the game. They added 21-17 in the second frame and enjoyed 48:32 at the halftime. Moreover Italy won the third period 21-15 and reached 22 points advantage after thirty minutes. They needed another 17-16 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Fabio Mian (196-F-92) top-scored for the winners with 16 points, while Matteo Chillo (202-PF-93) nailed 12. Marco Ceron (194-G-92) posted 10 and Lagana had 9.
In another game France U20 overcame Greece U20 75:65. French team started with 16-14 and added 17-14 in the second frame. They won also the third period 14-9 and then tied the last quarter at 28:28.


France topple Italy in Boulazac - by Eurobasket News

France - Italy 76:62

French National Team played the second test game against Italy. The teams clashed in Boulazac. Nando De Colo (202-G-87) scored 13 points to lead Les Bleus.
Italy opened the game strongly. The Azzurri secured a 19:14 lead ten minutes into the game. France stopped the rot quickly. Les Bleus held the visitors to 13 points in the second frame to draw things level at 32. France took over in the third quarter. The hosts unleashed 27 points to establish a 13-point lead heading into the fourth frame. France maintained the lead throughout the final stanza and secured a comfortable victory at the end. Boris Diaw (203-PF-82) and Kevin Seraphin (205-F/C-89) accounted for 11 points each for the winners. Riccardo Moraschini (195-G-91) answered with 20 points for Italy. Lorenzo D'Ercole (190-PG-88, agency: Two Points) and Massimo Chessa (188-G-88, agency: Two Points) had 8 points each in the loss.

France: Nando De Colo 13, Boris Diaw 11, Kevin Seraphin 11
Italy: Riccardo Moraschini 20, Lorenzo D'Ercole 8, Massimo Chessa 8


Italy U16 rolls over Czech Republic in Trofeo Parente - by Eurobasket News

Italy U16-Czech Republic U16 66:45

Italy U16 rolls over Czech Republic in Trofeo Parente. The home side overcame the opponents 66:45.
Italy started better and shocked the guests with 27-6 early in the game. Italy led 45:18 later in the half after 21-17 in the second quarter. Moreover Italy scored another 21 points in the third period and enjoyed 52:36 after thirty minutes. They added 17-16 in the last stanza and won their opener.
Picarelli top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Rossato nailed 10. Andrea Spera (203-F/C-96) posted 9, while Daniel Donzelli (195-G-96) delivered 8. David Skranc (96) notched 12 in defeat, while Necas added 7.
In another game Serbia U16 overcame Germany U16 60:57. Tomorrow Germany will face Italy, while Serbia will take on Czech Republic.

Italy U16: Picarelli 17, Rossato 10, Andrea Spera 9, Daniel Donzelli 8
Czech Republic U16: David Skranc 12, Necas 7


Indianapolis ESL a Success, Now Get Ready for Torino, Italy July 1-3 ! - by Eurobasket

EuroBasket & Chris Warren want to get you prepared for a very exciting entrance into the July portion of the summer league. The Indianapolis, IN Camp was a huge success, beginning with NBA trainer Ed Schilling training and evaluating players, along with Chris Warren and other coaches. Players were placed directly on competitive teams that led to very thrilling games over the next two days. We expect that with the level of talent the Indianapolis ELS had to offer, five players will be comped on to Las Vegas ESL with another five to find international job placement opportunities. Next up is the much anticipated Torino, Italy, which is for players who want to maximize their opportunities and invest in their futures. We are expecting a great turnout of coaches, scouts, general managers and agents who will see a very talented group of players. Torino, which hosted the winter olympics in 2006 and is current home of PMS Basketball Club, Turin, will give international coaches a chance to evaluate players from all over the world thus giving every player a great reason to attend and mximize this opportunity.


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  JORDAN   


Dominican Republic outscore Jordan in Venezuela - by Eurobasket News

Dominican Republic - Jordan 89:80

Dominican Republic celebrated the first win at the Super 4 Israel Sarmiento Cup tournament in Venezuela. They overcame Jordan for 1-1 record. Juan Coronado (196-G-83) stepped up with 16 points to lead the winners.
The teams stayed close throughout the first half. Jordan relied heavily on offensive brilliance of Zaid Abbas (203-F-83). He unleashed 19 points in the half to keep Jordan alive. They trailed by just three points at the big break 44:47. Dominican Republic maintained the lead throughout the third term. They entered the final stanza up by three points 66:63. The Latin American side stretched the gap in the fourth frame and sealed the victory at the end. Elpidio Fortuna (186-G-85) accounted for 15 points, while Gerardo Suero (193-G-89) produced 12 points for the winners. Zaid Abbas answered with 29 points for Jordan. Mousa Alawadi (188-G-85) and Mahmoud Abdeen (189-PG-87) had 10 points each in the loss.

Dominican Republic: Juan Coronado 16, Elpidio Fortuna 15, Gerardo Suero 12
Jordan: Zaid Abbas 29, Mousa Alawadi 10, Mahmoud Abdeen 10


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  KOSOVO   


Hajrizi takes Streetball Championship too - by Dren Shporta

Trepca player, Drilon Hajrizi (208-C-91), has taken all the Championships in Kosova this year. After leading his club, Trepca, to the Championship title for the first time after 2002 and win the Kosova Cup challenge, he has also taken the Streetball Championship in Kosova.

21 year old Hajrizi has made a team with his three friends and won the team of another SuperLeague player, Albatrit Berisha of Kolegji Univers, in the final. Streetball Championship of Kosova is a competition for basketball lovers and everyone could register a team of 4 players, with maximum one professional player os SuperLeague.




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  LAOS   


SEABA U18: Philippine open with rout - by Eurobasket News

Philippines U18 - Laos U18 124:28

Philippines U18 opened their SEABA Championship campaign with a comfortable win. The defending champions routed Laos for 1-0 record. Mario Bonleon came up with 24 points to lead the winners.
Philippines got to a flying start. They knocked down 34 points in the opening quarter to build a 24-point lead. Kyles Laos managed just two points in the second quarter to face a massive 52-point halftime deficit. Philippines stayed in charge from then on breezing to the victory at the end. Rey Nambatac scored 17 points for the winners. Ronnie Leon and Kyles Lao added 16 points each for Philippines. Aphakone Phommasone (175-G-96) answered with 10 points for Kyles Laos. Phimmasone Phannolath had 8 points in the loss.

Philippines U18: Mario Bonleon 24, Rey Nambatac 17, Ronnie Leon 16, Kyles Lao 16
Laos U16: Aphakone Phommasone 10, Phimmasone Phannolath 8


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  LITHUANIA   


Russia outscore Lithuania in Houston - by Eurobasket News

Russia - Lithuania 77:68

Russia claimed another test game victory in their preparations for the upcoming Olympic Qualifying Tournament. They defeated Lithuania in Houston. Sasha Kaun (211-C-85) scored 21 points to lead David Blatt team.
Lithuania got to a slightly better start. They grabbed a 19:18 lead after ten minutes. Lithuania maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. The Baltic team posted a 37:35 halftime advantage. But Russia turned things around in the third quarter. They went on a 21:13 run to take a 6-point lead. Russia knocked down 21 points in the fourth period and sealed the victory at the end. Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) produced 15 points and 8 rebounds, while Timofey Mozgov (216-C-86, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) and Sergey Monya (203-F-83) added 10 points each for the winners. Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, college: Missouri) and Jonas Valanciunas (213-C-92) answered with 12 points each for Lithuania. Jonas Maciulis (198-G/F-85) and Rimantas Kaukenas (192-G-77, college: Seton Hall) had 11 points apiece in the loss.

Russia: Sasha Kaun 21, Andrei Kirilenko 15, Timofey Mozgov 10, Sergey Monya 10
Lithuania: Linas Kleiza 12, Jonas Valanciunas 12, Jonas Maciulis 11, Rimantas Kaukenas 11


Leon Radosevic is officially in Rytas - by Eurobasket News

Leon Radosevic (206-C-90) is officially in Rytas for the next season. According to Sportando.net the Croatian big man will play in Lithuania next season.
In 2011-2012 Leon Radosevic played for EA7 Emporio Armani Milano (Italy-SerieA) and in Euroleague averaged 3.5ppg, 1.3rpg. In Italian League his stats read 4.1ppg, 2.2rpg. He reached Italian Cup Semifinals -12 and became Italian SerieA Regular Season Runner-Up -12. Moreover his former team became Italian SerieA Finalist -12.
Earlier Leon Radosevic reportedly split ways with Cibona Zagreb. Leon Radosevic started his career in Cibona. Last season the centre tallied 12.3 points, 5.1 boards and 1.5 steals per game in Adriatic League. In A1 League Leon Radosevic posted 12.9 points, 6.3 boards and 1.2 steals per appearance. Leon Radosevic is the member of Croatian B National Team. The centre was named Eurobasket.com All-Croatian A1 League Newcomer of the Year in 2010.


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  MONTENEGRO   


Blagota Sekulic and UCAM Murcia split ways - by Darko Pekic

Blagota Sekulic (208-F/C-82, agency: FCM), the experienced Montenegrin bog men with international experience, ended his contract with ACB team UCAM Murcia and it will not be reniewed so the the Montenegrin National Team player will have to look for a new club. Sekulic had a good season in Spain (8,2 ppg and 5,8 rpg) and deserved a call to join the National Team of Montenegro this summer.

The former talent of Buducnost has been playing internationally for many years. He gained experience in countries such as Greece, Serbia, Germany and Italy. He is known as a globetrotter because he changed 9 clubs in 10 years.


Serbia knock down Montenegro in Yongcheng - by Eurobasket News

Serbia - Montenegro U20 84:61

Serbian University National Team recorded another victory at the Sino-European Challenge Event tournament in China. They overcame Montenegrin U20 selection in Yongcheng. Darko Balaban (211-C-89, agency: Beo Basket) accounted for 23 points to lead the winners.
Montenegro jumped to an early lead. They built a 21:20 lead after ten minutes. But Serbia pulled in front in the second quarter. Serbia eked out a 38:36 halftime advantage. The Serbs extended the lead in the third quarter. They held Montenegro to 9 points in the frame to ensure a 14-point buffer before the final period. Serbia unleashed 25 points in the fourth term and sealed the victory at the end. Stefan Stojacic (194-F-89, agency: Interperformances) delivered 19 points for Serbia. Stefan Bircevic (209-F/C-89) added 13 points for the winners. Andrej Pajovic (188-G-92) answered with 19 points for Montenegro. Nemanja Grabovica (190-G-92) had 9 points in the loss.

Serbia: Darko Balaban 23, Stefan Stojacic 19, Stefan Bircevic 13
Montenegro U20: Andrej Pajovic 19, Nemanja Grabovica 9


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  NBA   


The Draft Dream - by Julius Johnson

As the 2012 NBA approaches, hundreds of collegiate athlete-students near the dream of hearing their name called.

What's alarming, is that this dream is totally misguided. Why wouldn't their big dream be to play as many years as possible, making millions in the game they love?

The reason ... today's insecure athlete-students love being told how great they are, even if they are not. Hearing one's name called on draft night is the ultimate ego-stroke.

Why do so many drafted players ultimately fail? Are the NBA execs that far off? Actually, unless drafted players reset their dreams, they are doomed to fail, as their lifelong dream has already been achieved.

The most successful NBA players are driven by will to win, passion for playing, and lust for longevity.

For a little less than 60 student-athletes (factoring out the Europeans), a life-long dream will be realized. Then they will face the realization that everything in the past will be forgotten and that they will be judged on production.

For the thousands who go un-drafted, most will feel ripped-off, thinking they were more deserving than the politically connected. Their families will console them. Some will fire agents. Out of this unhappy group, very few will ever succeed, not because of being left out of draft day festivities, but because this unrealistic group doesn't put value improving through hard work.

Those who will extended NBA careers, will never be satisfied, as if they never fulfilled a dream. Only upon reflection, do the successful recognize their achievements.

So, best of luck tonight!

Enjoy your dreams while they last.



Bosnian Ognjen Kuzmic drafted by the Golden State Warriors! - by Chris Mathieu

Ognjen Kuzmic (215-C-90) ted by the Golden State Warriors!
Ognjen Kuzmic 216cm center from Doboj, Bosnia was Drafted 52nd overall by the Golden State Warriors! Ognjen will join Andrew Bogut who has roots in Bosnia and Croatia with the Golden State Warriors!
Ognjen needs a lot of refinement but when you look at where he was just three years ago to today he has developed quite a bit. I wouldnt be surprised if he ends up being an NBA player in 4-6 years. He is a hard worker, a good athlete who is developing both on offense and defense. Ognjen played in D2 Spain this year and was one of the best players in the league. He is expected to play for the Bosnian National Team this summer.
Nihad Dedovic was eligible but went undrafted.


Hornets take Davis with No. 1 pick - by Eurobasket News

Best in the country and Nos. 1 and 2 in the NBA draft. The celebration goes on for Kentucky's kids.

The Wildcats became the first school to have the top two picks and tied a record with six players taken Thursday night.

After the New Orleans Hornets made the long-expected selection of forward Anthony Davis (6'10''-F-93) with the first pick, Charlotte followed by taking fellow freshman Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (6'7''-F-93).

"It's crazy," Davis said. "Michael is a great player. We have two down and four more to go. Hopefully, all of them will go in the first round."

They didn't, the only disappointment for the Wildcats. They settled for four in the first round and a tie with North Carolina, which won the race to four picks -- all in the top 17 selections.

Harrison Barnes (6'8''-F-92) (No. 7, Golden State), Kendall Marshall (6'3''-PG-91) (No. 13, Phoenix), John Henson (6'11''-F-90) (No. 14, Milwaukee) and Tyler Zeller (7'0''-F-90) (No. 17, Dallas) all went between Kidd-Gilchrist and the next Kentucky player, Terrence Jones (6'9''-F-92) at No. 18 to Houston.

Zeller's rights were later traded to Cleveland for a package that included No. 24 pick Jared Cunningham of Oregon State.

Otherwise, it was the Wildcats' night, starting with a hug between Davis and Kidd-Gilchrist after the first selection.

"My arm was shaking and my hands were sweaty. Got up and hugged Michael, my best friend, wanted to hug him for a minute," Davis said. "When my name got called, wanted to make sure he stayed close."

He did -- following Davis as the next player to climb onto the stage and shake commissioner David Stern's hand.

Kentucky got its fourth first-round pick at No. 29 with Marquis Teague, another freshman, who is headed to Chicago as a possible replacement for the injured Derrick Rose. Doron Lamb went 42nd to Milwaukee and Darius Miller was 46th to New Orleans.

Only UNLV in 1977 had six players drafted -- but none in the first round.

John Calipari has been criticized for recruiting "one-and-done" players -- they stay the required one year and leave -- but he looked thrilled hugging his two stars at the start of the night.

It's been a long time since a school made such an impact at the top of the draft.

UCLA had the Nos. 1 and 3 picks in 1969, when Milwaukee took Kareem Abdul-Jabbar -- then Lew Alcindor -- and Lucius Allen went third to the Seattle SuperSonics.

Davis will begin his pro career in the same city where he ended it with a national title. College basketball's player of the year as a freshman was the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four despite shooting just 1 of 10 from the field in the championship game, grabbing 16 rebounds and blocking six shots in the victory over Kansas.

Davis slipped on a blue and purple Hornets hat above a conservative gray suit that took no attention away from basketball's most famous eyebrow. Davis even attempted to capitalize on the attention his unibrow gets, trademarking "Fear The Brow" and "Raise The Brow" earlier this month.

On the floor, Davis has the agility of a guard -- and he was one only a few years ago.

The 6-foot-10 Davis averaged 14.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.7 blocks, becoming a dominant defender after growing 7 inches from the start of his junior year of high school.

A season after the Hornets traded longtime star Chris Paul, Davis is ready to be their centerpiece, since playing for the Wildcats means he's already accustomed to plenty of attention.

"Like I said, at Kentucky we had it all the time, especially the six who played, we had the spotlight all the time," Davis said. "I think it really prepared me."

The Hornets drafted Duke guard Austin Rivers (6'4''-G-92) with the 10th overall pick, giving New Orleans a young inside-outside duo to pair with guard Eric Gordon.

Rivers hugged his father, Boston coach Doc Rivers, who came to be with his family instead of with the Celtics, who owned two later first-round picks.

Charlotte, coming off a 7-59 season and the worst winning percentage in NBA history, had been open to moving the No. 2 pick if it found the right deal. Instead, Michael Jordan's team went with Kidd-Gilchrist, whose selection by the Bobcats was loudly cheered, a sharp contrast from the boos Stern received when coming out to announce the picks.

The new Charlotte swingman played in high school at nearby St. Patrick High School in Elizabeth, N.J., and fans chanted "MKG! MKG!" as he walked off the stage. Though he and Davis talked before the draft, they didn't discuss the history the Wildcats were about to make.

"No. I was shocked at first," Kidd-Gilchrist said. "I was shocked. But no, we didn't. We didn't at all."

Florida's Bradley Beal went third to Washington, making it three SEC freshman in the first three picks. Cleveland followed with the surprisingly early pick of Syracuse sixth man Dion Waiters at No. 4.

Thomas Robinson of Kansas, who hoped to go second, fell to Sacramento at No. 5. Portland took Weber State's Damian Lillard at No. 6 with its first of two lottery picks, and Barnes was taken seventh by Golden State.

After Washington's Terrence Ross went to Toronto and Connecticut's Andre Drummond to Detroit.

Davis was the only clear-cut pick entering the draft, and there were some early surprises. Players such as Waiters and Ross went higher than expected, while Robinson dropped to the Kings.

"I really didn't know where I was going to end up at, but it is a bit of a surprise," he said, tearing up when talking about his difficult journey that included the deaths of multiple family members in college. "I didn't work out for Sacramento at all, I probably talked to them about once. But I'm here, so I'm meant to be here."

Houston took Jeremy Lamb of Connecticut at No. 12 with its first of three top-20 picks. But the Rockets, who also had the Nos. 16 and 18 picks, were hoping not to use all of them, instead packaging them for an established player after their pursuit of the Lakers' Pau Gasol fell through last year.

The Rockets tabbed Iowa State's Royce White at No. 16 and Terrence Jones two picks later.

Jared Sullinger, once considered a top-10 pick, ended up in a draft free-fall over concerns with his back but was finally taken at No. 21 by Boston. The Celtics followed with Fab Melo of Syracuse, giving them two potential replacements if Kevin Garnett doesn't return.

The NBA champion Miami Heat took forward Arnett Moultrie of Mississippi State at No. 27 with their first-round pick, but traded his rights to Philadelphia for the rights to LSU center Justin Hamilton and a future first-round pick.


NBA Draft 2012

1. Hornets
Anthony Davis
PF, Kentucky

2. Bobcats
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
SF, Kentucky

3. Wizards
Bradley Beal
SG, Florida

4. Cavs
Dion Waiters
G, Syracuse

5. Kings
Thomas Robinson
PF, Kansas

6. Blazers
Damian Lillard
PG, Weber State

7. Warriors
Harrison Barnes
SF, North Carolina

8. Raptors
Terrence Ross
SG, Washington

9. Pistons
Andre Drummond
C, UConn

10. Hornets
Austin Rivers
G, Duke

11. Blazers
Meyers Leonard
C, Illinois

12. Rockets
Jeremy Lamb
C, UConn

13. Suns
Kendall Marshall
PG, UNC

14. Bucks
John Henson
F, UConn

15. 76ers
Maurice Harkless
SF, St. John's

16. Rockets
Royce White
SF, Iowa State

17. Mavericks
Tyler Zeller
PF, North Carolina

18. Rockets
Terrence Jones
SF, Kentucky

19. Magic
Andrew Nicholson
PF, St. Bonaventure

20. Nuggets
Evan Fournier
SG, France

21. Celtics
Jared Sullinger
PF, Ohio State

22. Celtics
Fab Melo
C, Syracuse

23. Hawks
John Jenkins
G, Vanderbilt

24. Cavs
Jared Cunningham
G, Oregon State

25. Grizzlies
Tony Wroten
PG, Washington

26. Pacers
Miles Plumlee
PF, Duke

27. Heat
Arnett Moultrie
PF, Mississippi State

28. Thunder
Perry Jones III
SF, Baylor

29. Bulls
Marquis Teague
PG, Kentucky

30. Warriors
Festus Ezeli
C, Vanderbilt

31. Bobcats, Jeffrey Taylor, Vanderbilt; 32. Wizards, Tomas Satoransky, Spain; 33. Cavs, Bernard James, Florida State; 34. Cavs, Jae Crowder, Marquette; 35. Warriors, Draymond Green, Michigan State; 36. Kings, Orlando Johnson, UC Santa Barbara; 37. Raptors, Quincy Acy, Baylor; 38. Nuggets, Quincy Miller, Baylor; 39. Pistons, Khris Middleton, Texas A&M; 40. Blazers, Will Barton, Memphis; 41. Blazers, Tyshawn Taylor, Kansas; 42. Bucks, Doron Lamb, Kentucky; 43. Hawks, Mike Scott, Virginia; 44. Pistons, Kim English, Missouri; 45. 76ers, Justin Hamilton, LSU; 46. Hornets, Darius Miller, Kentucky; 47. Jazz, Kevin Murphy, Tenn. Tech; 48. Knicks, Kostas Papanikolaou, Greece; 49. Magic, Kyle O'Quinn, Norfolk State; 50. Nuggets, Izzet Turkyilmaz, Turkey; 51. Celtics, Kris Joseph, Syracuse; 52. Warriors, Ognjen Kuzmic, Spain; 53. Clippers, Furkan Aldemir, Turkey; 54. 76ers, Tornike Shengelia, Belgium; 55. Mavericks, Darius Johnson-Odom, Marquette; 56. Raptors, Tomislav Zubcic, Croatia; 57. Nets, Ilkan Karaman, Turkey; 58. T'wolves, Robbie Hummel, Purdue; 59. Spurs, Marcus Denmon, Missouri; 60. Lakers, Robert Sacre, Gonzaga.

Courtesy of ESPN


New Orleans Hornets extend qualifying offer to shooting guard Eric Gordon - by Eurobasket News

The New Orleans Hornets announced Thursday afternoon they had extended a qualifying offer to restricted free agent shooting guard Eric Gordon (6'4''-G-88, college: Indiana).

Gordon played in just nine games for the Hornets last season because of a knee injury that required surgery. The Hornets were 6-3 in those games. Gordon turned down an offer of a four-year extension, reported to be in the neighborhood of $50 million, last January in order to test free agency.

The Hornets have the ability to match any offers Gordon receives on the open market, and likely will do so because of the cap space they've acquired by the departure of center Emeka Okafor and forward Trevor Ariza in a trade last week with the Washington Wizards.

Thursday's offer by the Hornets to Gordon is a required procedural move. THey cannot begin to negotiate an extension with him until July 1.

Gordon led the Hornets in scoring this season, averaging 20.6 points per game and led the team in scoring in eight of the nine games in which he played last year.

He underwent surgery on his right knee on Feb. 14 during which loose cartilage particles were removed from the knee.

Gordon is currently training to participate in the USA Basketball pre-Olympic training camp July 6-12 in Las Vegas, Nev.

Courtesy of www.nola.com


Wolves interested in Brandon Roy - by Eurobasket News

Minnesota Timberwolves president David Kahn said the team is interested in signing Brandon Roy (6'6''-G-84, college: Washington), who is seeking a comeback after knee injuries caused him to miss all of last season.

Roy announced his retirement and was amnestied by Portland before last season began because of knee problems. But after stating that he wants to return to the NBA, the three-time All-Star has drawn interest from multiple teams.

Kahn said the Timberwolves were interested in signing Roy, but would not comment further. Minnesota coach Rick Adelman has roots in Portland and assistant coach Bill Bayno knows Roy well after serving on the Blazers' staff.

If healthy, Roy would give the Timberwolves the big shooting guard they sorely lack. Adelman played undersized Luke Ridnour at the position for much of last season.

The Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors both have publicly confirmed their interest in the 6-foot-6 Roy.

Sources have confirmed to ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher that the Chicago Bulls also have emerged as a potential suitor. The Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers also are in the mix, according to Yahoo! Sports.

The Wolves acquired Chase Budinger in a trade with Houston on Tuesday, looking to add more balance to their roster by adding a 6-foot-7 swingman who can shoot from the perimeter and move without the ball. It's the first in what Kahn said could be a series of moves to help reshape the roster and get the team into the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons.

"You should assume there will be other changes made," Kahn said on Wednesday.

Adding Budinger and looking to bring in the three-time All-Star Roy would seem to signify the end of the road for Martell Webster and Michael Beasley in Minnesota.

Webster's contract can be bought out for $600,000 and Beasley will become a free agent unless the Wolves tender an $8.2 million qualifying offer by Saturday. Kahn said those decisions have not been made yet, but things are expected to ramp up as the draft approaches on Thursday night.

Courtesy of ESPN


New Magic GM Hennigan silent on potential Dwight Howard trade - by Eurobasket News

He's only been on the job for less than a week and new Orlando Magic General Manager Rob Hennigan is already facing a flurry of questions.

In a media session on Wednesday, Hennigan said he will not comment on whether Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85) will be dealt on draft night.

"There are opportunities to move up or move back (in the draft)," said Hennigan.

The Houston Rockets are rumored to be making moves in an attempt to acquire the Magic center. Hennigan says conversations between Howard and his people are confidential, nothing positive or negative.

Magic point guard Jameer Nelson is 'on-the-clock' to decide whether to opt out of the final year of his contract.

He has a decision coming up on Friday," Hennigan said. "We hope that he decides to stay in Orlando, and we hope he is wearing a Magic uniform next season. Nelson has averaged 12.4 PPG and 5.0 APG through eight seasons in Orlando.

Questions also remain regarding the future of guard J.J. Redick, who is under a non-guaranteed contract for next season. The team will have to make a decision before the July 7 deadline.

"J.J. has been integral to this organization. No decision has been made with his future in Orlando."

Redick averaged 11.6 PPG and shot 42% from 3-point range last season.

The Magic will select both the 19th and 49th overall picks during Thursday night's NBA Draft. Hennigan is still unsure on who will be a part of the war room on draft night, considering the team is still without a head coach.

Courtesy of www.cfnews13.com


Anthony Parker retires after 9 years in NBA, 6 in Israel - by Eurobasket News

As expected, veteran Cavaliers shooting guard Anthony Parker (6'5''-G/F-75, college: Bradley), 37, has decided to retire after a nine-year career in the NBA, the last three with Cleveland.

Parker averaged 7.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 51 games last season. More importantly, he provided leadership in the locker room, where he served as a mentor for youngsters Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson.

At the end of the season, Parker told reporters he was undecided about his future.

"I wanted to make that decision after the season and make sure that is what I wanted to do," he said in an email. "I'm at peace with it and excited for whatever the future has for me."

Parker, who was a first-round draft choice by New Jersey in 1997, the 21st pick overall out of Bradley, also played with Philadelphia, Orlando and Toronto in the NBA, and was a huge star in Israel, where he played for Maccabi Tel Aviv. He wore No. 18 because it is the symbol associated with life and success in the Jewish faith.

Parker would like to remain involved in the league either through broadcasting or in a front-office role.

"Everything is on the table, so we'll see," he said in the email.

Courtesy of www.cleveland.com


Bucks acquire Samuel Dalembert from the Rockets - by Eurobasket News

The Milwaukee Bucks are getting a much-needed big man and the Houston Rockets are positioning themselves to make a big move. The Bucks acquired veteran center Samuel Dalembert (6'11''-C-81, college: Seton Hall) from the Rockets in a trade Wednesday. The Bucks said they got Dalembert, the 14th overall pick in Thursday's draft, a future second-round pick, and cash considerations from Houston in exchange for forwards Jon Brockman (6'7''-F/C-87, college: Washington) and Jon Leuer (6'10''-F-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wisconsin), guard Shaun Livingston (6'7''-G-85), and the 12th pick. Dalembert has career averages of 8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocked shots per game. Center is a major need for the Bucks, who traded Andrew Bogut last season and never really found a way to replace him.

'It's the business', Dalembert told WRIV-TV. I'm not shocked. 'I knew it was going to be a long summer for them. We have to make some sacrifices. We have to do some stuff.' Dalembert, 31, will play his 11th NBA season with Milwaukee, his fourth team. 'They are a very good team and they're missing the big men out there', Dalembert said, 'and I think I can fill up the spot and help them make the playoffs.'

Courtesy of www.bostonglobe.com


OKC Thunder offers Scott Brooks four-year deal, according to report - by Eurobasket News

The Thunder has offered its coach a four-year deal worth $11 million, according to a Yahoo! Sports report.

Thunder general manager Sam Presti and coach Scott Brooks were busy with the NBA Draft on Thursday night, and neither commented on a report that Brooks has been offered a four-year contract extension to remain as OKC's coach.

Yahoo! Sports has reported the Thunder initially offered Brooks a three-year extension with $11 million, but negotiations continue due to differences on the amount of a four-year deal.

Brooks, whose contract expires Saturday, reportedly made $2.1 million last season when the Thunder picked up the option year on his three-year deal.

Yahoo! Sports also has cited sources who claim Brooks could be a candidate for the Portland Trail Blazers and the Orlando Magic coaching positions.

The Magic is now under the direction of new general manager Rob Hennigan, who was hired away last week after serving as the Thunder's assistant general manager the last four seasons.

The 46-year-old Brooks became OKC's interim coach after the team started out 1-12 in the 2008-09 season under coach P.J. Carlesimo.

Brooks has since gone 174-125 (.582) in the regular season and 24-19 (.558) in the postseason.

Courtesy of http://newsok.com


Atlanta Hawks target Pau Gasol (for Josh Smith) - by Eurobasket News

The Atlanta Hawks have aggressively tried to trade power forward Josh Smith (6'9''-F-85) to the Lakers for Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80), initially expressing interest in Gasol shortly after Oklahoma City eliminated the Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals, The Times has learned.

Smith has been unhappy in Atlanta for more than a year, his dissatisfaction starting after the 2010-11 season because he felt he was an unfair target of criticism by coaches and media members.

In separate activity leading up to Thursdays amateur draft, the Lakers are also open to trading Gasol to a team with a high first-round pick because they covet Kentucky freshman Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Atlanta holds the 23rd pick and cannot help in that area.

No deals were imminent for the Lakers, who hold only the 60th and final pick in the draft. They have not had a first-round pick since taking Javaris Crittenton in 2007.

Last season, Smith averaged career-highs in points (18.8) and rebounds (9.6) for the Hawks. He is only 26, five years younger than Gasol.

If the Lakers struck a deal with Atlanta, they would lose the height advantage that made them one of the longest teams in the NBA Smith is 6 feet 9, three inches shorter than Gasol but would instantly become more athletic.

Smith is an incredibly active defender and has career averages of 1.3 steals and 2.2 blocked shots. Two years ago, he became the youngest player ever with 1,000 career blocked shots.

He has one more year on his contract for $13.2 million and becomes an unrestricted free agent in June 2013 unless he signs an extension. The Lakers would also benefit financially from a deal involving the two players: Gasol has two more years and $38.3 million on his contract. It is unclear which player would accompany Smith to the Lakers in such a scenario.

The problem with Smith is his percentages. He shot only 45.8% last season, very low for a power forward, and was a dreadful 63% from the free-throw line. He probably takes too many three-point attempts as well, making only 28 of 109 last season (25.7%).

Smith isnt nearly as strong as Gasol in shooting, though he averaged a commendable 3.9 assists last season. Gasol averaged 3.7 a game.

Like Smith, Gasol could use a fresh start with a new franchise.

He was part of the proposed Chris Paul trade in December that was vetoed by the NBA. He never dragged his feet after the trade was nixed, but his play suffered in accordance with Andrew Bynums improvement.

Gasol failed to make the All-Star team after three consecutive appearances and stalled in the playoffs, averaging 12.5 points and shooting 43% in the Lakers short-lived run.

Gasol was similarly small in playoff stats the previous year, averaging 13.1 points and 42% shooting as the Lakers were eliminated by Dallas in the West semifinals.

Kidd-Gilchrist averaged 11.9 points and 7.4 rebounds for Kentucky, which won the NCAA championship. Listed at 6-foot-7, Kidd-Gilchrist is projected to be one of the top five picks in the draft.

Courtesy of www.latimes.com


Houston Rockets still trying to land Dwight Howard - by Eurobasket News

The Houston Rockets are continuing their efforts to put together a package of first-round draft picks in hopes of moving up in the round to get highly sought center Andre Drummond (6'11''-C-93) out of Connecticut or even swing a deal with the Orlando Magic to get center Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85).

The Rockets on Wednesday sent center Samuel Dalembert and the 14th pick in the first round to the Milwaukee Bucks for the 12th pick in the first round, guard Shaun Livingston and forwards Jon Brockman and Jon Leuer, according to two people with knowledge of the trade who requested anonymity until the deal becomes official.

That leaves the Rockets with the 12th, 16th and 18th picks of the first round.

In the latest USA TODAY Sports/Hoopsworld.com mock draft of the first round, Steve Kyler has Drummond falling from the No. 6 pick to No. 10 and going to the New Orleans Hornets.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com


Barcelona vs. Dallas completes NBA Europe Live 2012 schedule - by Eurobasket News

The 2011 NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks will play a preseason game against 17-time Spanish Champions FC Barcelona Regal of the Euroleague on Oct. 9, 2012 at the Palau Sant Jordi as part of NBA Europe Live 2012 presented by BBVA the National Basketball Association (NBA), Euroleague Basketball, and BBVA announced today at a special press conference held in Barcelona.

The sixth edition of the NBA Europe Live Tour continues the tradition of NBA teams travelling to the continent to play in a series of preseason games against top Euroleague opposition.

Tickets for the game at the Palau Sant Jordi arena will go on sale soon with details to be announced shortly.

'We are excited to be bringing the Dallas Mavericks to Spain this year for NBA Europe Live presented by BBVA, said Benjamin Morel, Senior Vice President, NBA Europe. Spain has played host to a variety of NBA events in recent years as the game of basketball continues to captivate and excite our fans. With the support of the Euroleague, BBVA and our partners, this matchup further demonstrates our commitment to bringing live events to our dedicated fans in Spain.'

Barcelona will be the final stop of a four-game tour as part of NBA Europe Live 2012 presented by BBVA. The 17-time Boston Celtics tip-off the tour with a game against five-time Turkish Champions Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul in Istanbul, Turkey on Oct. 5 at the state-of-the-art Ulker Sports Arena. Prior to the game in Barcelona, the Dallas Mavericks will play a game against eight-time German Champions Alba Berlin at the highly successful O2 World in Berlin, Germany on Oct. 6. The Celtics play their second game against 25-time Italian Champions EA7 Emporio Armani at the Mediolanum Forum in Milan, Italy on Oct. 7. The tour culminates with the Mavericks game versus FC Barcelona Regal on Oct. 9 at the Palau Sant Jordi.

Since 2006 both of the leading basketball competitions, Euroleague Basketball and the NBA, have been coming together to offer fans spectacular basketball and this year is no exception, said Roser Queralto, Euroleague Basketballs Chief Business Development Officer. Some of the best and historic teams from the NBA will face off with some of the strongest Euroleague and European teams for some exciting preseason games to warm up for the next season.

As part of a multiyear partnership, BBVA the official bank of the NBA will serve as the presenting partner of NBA Europe Live for the first time, with Turkish Bank Garanti, which is part owned by BBVA, to be the presenting partner of the game in Istanbul. adidas will return as a Pan-European partner, a position it has held for all six editions of the tour, with American Express also returning as a partner providing premium ticket access to Cardmembers across the Tour. Other partners for the game in Barcelona include Foot Locker and Kia.

BBVA is happy to be bringing the excitement of the NBA to fans in Germany, Italy and Spain - and through our partner bank Garanti Bank for the game in Turkey - as part of NBA Europe Live 2012 presented by BBVA, said Mafe Laverde, Sponsorship Director, BBVA. By serving as the presenting partner of NBA Europe Live, we will help bring world-class basketball to the cities of Barcelona, Berlin, Istanbul and Milan and through this series of games, reinforce our global sponsorship strategy. As the official bank of the NBA, we intend to provide extraordinary content to fans through our brand, promoting the values of effort, innovation and teamwork embodied by the two best basketball leagues in the world.

Following the NBA Europe Live Tour 2012, over 450,000 fans will have attended 32 Europe Live games in 12 cities since the inaugural NBA Europe Live series that took place in 2006. In total, 60 games featuring 25 NBA teams will have been played in 18 cities in Europe since 1988.

Extensive community events and programs will again compliment the on-court action in each of the four cities. As part of its NBA Cares initiative, the NBA family has helped create and build 23 places in Europe where children and families can live, learn or play in nine European countries. NBA Europe Live 2012 will also consist of a range of activities for fans in addition to the games, including interactive fan events, basketball development programs, player appearances and more.

Press conference comments:


Jordi Bertomeu, President and CEO Euroleague Basketball:

""The NBA is a partner for Euroleague Basketball in our industry, where we both enjoy the positive things that happen in our sport and suffer some of the negatives, such as the ongoing economic crisis, together. Euroleague Basketball has been working together with the NBA on this NBA Europe Live event for more than a few years now and we've all seen how it is a success, both commercially and sporting-wise. Now, it would be interesting to see if we can take this platform a step further and look to formalize what we are doing together in the preseason and build on that success. And of course, today is the moment to thank the city of Barcelona once again for its support of the sport of basketball."


Jess Bueno, Vicepresident NBA Europe

"We are really happy to be here alongside Euroleague Basketball and alongside BBVA. We now have had six NBA Europe Live tours in seven years. We know that this collaboration is very much appreciated by the fans."


Maite Fandos, Baracelona city hall officer for sport

"I want to thank Euroleague Basketball, the NBA, the Catalan Basketball Federation and BBVA bank for their commitment to sport. Once again, Barcelona will get worldwide attention from this game, just as F.C. Barcelona carries our city to the world. Now, 20 years after the 1992 Olympics Games, we are happy because Barcelona continues to be a city committed to sport. With the headquarters of Euroleague Basketball here, it makes this a capital of European and world basketball."


NBA Europe Live 2012 presented by BBVA Schedule:

GAMES DATE CITY ARENA
Boston Celtics vs. Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul October 5 Istanbul Ulker Sports Arena
Dallas Mavericks vs. Alba Berlin October 6 Berlin O2 World
Boston Celtics vs. EA7 Emporio Armani October 7 Milan Mediolanum Forum
Dallas Mavericks vs. FC Barcelona Regal October 9 Barcelona Palau Sant Jordi


About the NBA

The NBA is a global sports and media business that features three professional sports leagues: the National Basketball Association, the Womens National Basketball Association, and the NBA Development League. The league has established a major international presence, with offices in 15 markets worldwide, games and programming in 215 countries and territories in 47 languages, and NBA merchandise for sale in more than 125,000 stores in 100 countries on six continents. Current NBA rosters feature 78 international players from 39 countries and territories. The NBAs digital assets include NBA TV, which is available in 59.4 million U.S. homes, and NBA.com, which averages more than 35 million page views per day, more than half of which originate from outside of North America. The NBA is the No. 1 professional sports league on social media, with more than 240 million fans and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms. Through NBA Cares, the league and its teams and players have donated more than $190 million to charity, completed more than 1.9 million hours of hands-on community service, and created more than 700 places where kids and families can live, learn, or play.


About Euroleague Basketball

A global leader in sports management, Euroleague Basketball is enjoying its second decade of sustained growth as an innovative organizer of elite competitions and events. It now manages the continent's two premier basketball competitions, the Turkish Airlines Euroleague and the Eurocup, consisting of more than 50 teams from as many as 25 countries. Euroleague Basketball also directs the Nike International Junior Tournament, which crowns a young men's continental champion each spring. Through the Euroleague Basketball Institute and Euroleague For Life, the company promotes educational and charitable initiatives as varied as coaching clinics and benefit concerts that draw guests from around the world.


About BBVA Group

BBVA is a global group that offers individual and corporate customers the most complete range of financial and non-financial products and services. It enjoys a solid leadership position in the Spanish market, where it first began its activities over 150 years ago. It also has a leading franchise in South America; it is the largest financial institution in Mexico; one of the 15th largest U.S. commercial banks and one of the few large international groups operating in China. BBVA employs 105,000 people in over 30 countries around the world, has more than 48 million customers and 900,000 shareholders.

Courtesy of Euroleague


Magic extend qualifying offer to Ryan Anderson - by Eurobasket News

In an expected procedural move, the Orlando Magic announced today that they have extended a qualifying offer to power forward Ryan Anderson (6'10''-F-88, college: California).

The move means that the Magic will have the right to match any offer sheet that Anderson signs from another team in free agency.

Teams may begin talking to free agents on Sunday. But teams cannot sign free agents until July 11.

The Magic's qualifying offer for Anderson is worth about $3.2 million. The team had until Saturday to make the qualifying offer.

Anderson, a gifted outside shooter and strong rebounder, is expected to earn much higher annual salaries than that in his new deal.

Anderson averaged 16.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game this past season and was named the NBA's 2011-12 Most Improved Player.

Anderson, 24, will be the Magic's third restricted free agent since the summer of 2009.

In 2009, the Magic decided to match the five-year, $34 million offer sheet that center Marcin Gortat signed with the Dallas Mavericks.

In 2010, the Magic matched the three-year, $19 million offer sheet that shooting guard J.J. Redicksigned with the Chicago Bulls.

Courtesy of http://articles.orlandosentinel.com


Dwyane Wade to miss Olympics due to knee surgery - by Eurobasket News

USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo and men's national team coach Mike Krzyzewski knew it was a possibility that Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) wouldn't be available to play at this summer's London Olympics July 27-Aug. 12.

The possibility became a reality when Wade made separate phone calls to Colangelo and Krzyzewski and informed them he needs surgery on his left knee and will miss the Olympics.

"The doctor's prognosis was that he needed surgery immediately," Colangelo told USA TODAY Sports Thursday afternoon.

Colangelo said Wade, who struggled through the playoffs with pain in his knee, likely will have surgery July 9, three days after Team USA begins its training camp in Las Vegas.

"We knew he was only 50-50 anyway," Colangelo said. "He's been hurting for quite a while. This is not a shock. We had a conference call just a few days ago with our staff and we talked about different options."

Wade, who led the U.S. team in scoring when it won gold in Beijing, is expected to be ready for the start of the 2012-13 NBA season.

Colangelo said all indications are that Heat forward Chris Bosh, who sustained a lower abdominal strain in the second round of the playoffs and missed nine games, will be report to camp in Las Vegas.

"We've been advised he'll be there," Colangelo said.

The roster pool stands at 17, 12 of whom will make the Olympic team.

The pool started at 20 players in January but dropped to 16 after injuries to Los Angeles Clippers guard Chauncey Billups, Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose, Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge and Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard.

Colangelo and his staff added Oklahoma City Thunder guard James Harden and incoming NBA rookie Anthony Davis in May. USA Basketball is expected to name the 12-man roster on July 7.

"It certainly opens up an opportunity for someone else," Colangelo said. "It depends on where we end up. Do we want a specialist? Do you want another shooter? Do you want another big? These are the things we are looking forward to deciding when we get to Las Vegas."

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com


Bobcats like No. 2, but listening to all offers - by Eurobasket News

General manager Rich Cho says it will take "something enticing" for the Bobcats to trade away the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA draft.

Cho won't say exactly what that entails.

For now the Bobcats haven't received a tantalizing enough offer and still own the rights to the No. 2 pick, although that certainly could change before the start of Thursday night's NBA draft.

Bobcats president of basketball operations Rod Higgins and Cho went out of their way at Wednesday's pre-draft press conference to say they're excited about who they might get at No. 2, but the reality is they're still very much open for business.

"We've had a ton of interest from across the league in the second pick," said Higgins, who refused to name any potential trade partners. "We wouldn't be doing our jobs if we didn't listen and find alternative ways to try to help our ball club."

They did that Tuesday night via trade.

The Bobcats dealt veteran small forward Corey Maggette (6'6''-G-79, college: Duke) to the Detroit Pistons for shooting guard Ben Gordon (6'2''-G-83, college: Connecticut) and a future first-round draft pick. The first-round pick gives the Bobcats a valuable asset down the road and Gordon gives the team a legitimate outside shooter following a season in which Charlotte finished last in the league in 3-point shooting (29.5 percent).

Gordon is 12th among active NBA players in career 3-point shooting percentage at 40.6 percent.

Higgins said he spoke to Gordon after the deal was completed and he was "very excited" about coming to Charlotte.

"He wants to come in and help us win games," Higgins said.

The Gordon trade is the first step in a major roster overhaul the next two years.

The Michael Jordan-owned Bobcats finished with the worst winning percentage (.106) in NBA history this past season and the pressure is on to make good decisions after a variety of poor trades and draft picks in recent years that have left fans disgruntled.

The decision to draft Gonzaga star Adam Morrison with the third overall pick in 2006 proved to be a disaster and trading for Tyrus Thomas hasn't panned out, either.

The Bobcats look to change that tide this year.

"We have a lot of cap room this summer and more cap room in 2013," Cho said. "We acquired a really valuable asset with the (Pistons') first-round pick -- especially with the protection involved -- that we can use down the road or in a trade. And we added a scorer and a shooter and consummate professional in Ben that we're excited about."

On the flip side, the loss of Maggette leaves the Bobcats with a gaping hole at the No. 3 spot as Derrick Brown is the only player on the roster who really fits that role.

That doesn't mean the Bobcats will be more inclined to use the No. 2 pick on a small forward, Cho said.

Cho lives by the philosophy of "draft talent and trade for need," meaning the Bobcats could still fill the small forward position in free agency or via trade.

They're expected to have about $20 million in salary cap space this summer and could create even more if they decided to use the amnesty tag on Thomas, due to make $26 million over the next three seasons.

Cho's philosophy means the Bobcats will draft "the best player available" regardless of who's on the roster.

Higgins said drafting a small forward simply because that is the team's most glaring need right now would be "shortsighted."

"You have to look at all things considered, and the draft is just the next order of business in terms of building your team," Higgins said. "You also have the ability to trade and free agency is right around the corner where you can upgrade, too."

In the meantime, the Bobcats are happy about the acquisition of Gordon despite having to take on the final two years of his salary, which includes $13 million in 2013-14.

Since averaging 20.7 points per game in his final year with the Chicago Bulls four years ago, Gordon's production has dropped off significantly. In the past three seasons in Detroit, he averaged 13.8, 11.2 and 12.5 points.

"Sometimes guys need a change of scenery," Cho said. "I don't think his work ethic has wavered. He shot the ball well last year on 3s. He's coming into a good situation and he's excited about the new opportunity."

Courtesy of ESPN


Phoenix Suns extend qualifying offers to Robin Lopez, Aaron Brooks - by Eurobasket News

The Suns expectedly tendered qualifying offers to center Robin Lopez (7'0''-C/F-88, college: Stanford) and guard Brooks Aaron (6'0''-PG-85, college: Oregon) on Thursday in order to make them restricted free agents as of Saturday night.

The Suns will have the right to match any offer sheet that Lopez or Brooks signs with another team once free agency signings begin July 11. Teams can begin negotiations at 9 p.m. Phoenix time Saturday.

The Suns have stated an intent to match offers on Lopez, although there are limits to how much the Suns will match for their 24-year-old backup center. The Suns also have received some inquiries from teams on trading for Lopez.

Brooks is less likely to return and the Suns do not have the ablity to execute a sign-and-trade deal with him because he was not on the Suns roster last season. Before the lockout settled, Brooks signed with a Chinese team and was obliged to stay there for the remainder of its season. That team reached the CBA Finals.

Brooks, who the Suns received in exchanged for Goran Dragic and a first-round pick in 2011, also is subject to how the point-guard situation in Phoenix plays out. Steve Nash could re-sign. Sebastian Telfair remains under contract. The Suns could draft Kendall Marshall. The Suns also have free-agency interest in Raymond Felton or bringing back Dragic.

Lopezs qualifying offer is for $4 million, and Brooks offer is for $3 million. If either chose to play for the qualifying offer, it would be a one-year contract with unrestricted free agency to follow next summer.

Courtesy of http://tucsoncitizen.com


Nuggets discussing trade of Wilson Chandler for Warriors No. 7 pick - by Eurobasket News

The Denver Nuggets, with a deep roster of young talent, are a popular target for other NBA teams as the draft nears. One of the trade scenarios Denver is discussing in the lead up to Thursday's draft would net the Nuggets a top-10 pick, reports ESPN's Chris Broussard.

Lots of teams calling Denver to trade for Nuggets' young players. 1of several moves being discussed: Wilson Chandler (6'8''-F/G-87, college: De Paul) to G State for 7th pick.

Other media members on Twitter have offered mixed reactions toward the trade possibility. Most seem to think the trade would favor the Nuggets.

Golden State has reportedly considered trading the No. 7 pick for a veteran, but some question whether Chandler is worth such a high draft choice.

The 25-year-old Chandler played in China during the NBA lockout and then, after rejoining the Nuggets, missed much of the season with a hip injury.

In the 2010-11 season, when he was traded to Denver from the New York Knicks as part of the package for Carmelo Anthony, Chandler averaged 15.3 points per game.

Courtesy of http://tracking.si.com


Lakers get Pau Gasol for Zach Randolph offer from Grizzlies - by Eurobasket News

Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80) must be tired of hearing all of the rumors about where he may or may not be playing next season.

The heat is really turning up lately, though, as reports began to surface on Wednesday that the Memphis Grizzlies have offered power forward Zach Randolph (6'9''-C-81, college: Michigan St.) to the Los Angeles Lakers in return for Gasols services.

After the Lakers recently made it clear that they were actively shopping Gasol, the rumor mill has been churning out interested teams left in right. Among the reported teams in the hunt for the big man are the Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Hornets and Grizzlies. All of the reports, however, have been speculation until the former NBA Insider Peter Vecsey broke the news of the Grizzlies offering up Randolph.

Memphis, by the way, says a source, is offering Zach Randolph, another solid citizen, for Pau, Vecsey said via his personal Twitter account.

Vecsey also went on to say that small forward Rudy Gay isnt currently an option, but things can chance in a hurry if the Grizzlies really want to reunite the Gasol brothers in Memphis.

As for the Lakers, making the trade for Randolph might not be that bad of an option. Not only would it rid them of the player that they seem so desperate to dump, but they would get about the same value in return. Randolph has more tread left on his tires than Gasol and was dominating two seasons ago before missing the majority of the 2011-2012 campaign due to injury. If he can, however, return to his 2010-2011 form, hed be well worth the trade.

More than likely, though, the Lakers will be looking to get some youth back in a trade for Gasol. Unless the Grizzlies find a way to sweeten the deal, this Gasol-Randolph trade going through is a bit of a stretch.

Surprisingly, the trade rumors have yet to reach their boiling point. Stay tuned.

Courtesy of www.rantsports.com


AP source: Odom going from Mavs to LAC, Mo to Jazz - by Eurobasket News

An agreement is in place that would send Lamar Odom (6'10''-F-79, college: Rhode Island) back to Los Angeles for a second chance with the Clippers and reunite Maurice Williams (6'1''-PG-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Alabama) with the Utah Jazz, a person with knowledge of the deal said Thursday night.

That person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because a three-team deal between the Dallas Mavericks, Clippers and Jazz is still contingent on Williams exercising his $8.5 million player option for next season. That person said that was expected to happen by Friday.

Williams was drafted by the Jazz in 2003, and played 57 games as a rookie before going to Milwaukee, Cleveland and then the Clippers.

The Jazz are in position to absorb Williams' salary without sending a player to Dallas by using a trade exception created last season when they dealt Mehmet Okur to New Jersey.

Dallas faced a Friday deadline on a $2.4 million buyout of Odom's $8.2 million option for next season. If the deal goes through, the Mavericks instead will have an $8.2 million trade exception, similar to what they used to acquire Odom from the Los Angeles Lakers last December before the strike-shortened season.

The Dallas Morning News first reported that a deal had been struck.

Jazz officials declined to comment about any reported deal, though general manager Kevin O'Connor said Thursday night that letting Williams leave after just one year was ''my worst mistake.''

Williams signed with Milwaukee, became a starter, and was an All-Star as recently as 2009.

Asked to recall the amount he let Williams leave Utah for, O'Connor shook his head and said, ''It wasn't that much.''

Utah Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin made no effort to hide how much he likes Williams but said he is another team's player at this point.

''He's a great player. We drafted him here. Until something else happens, that's all I want to say about it,'' he said.

While Williams put up solid numbers in Los Angeles under difficult circumstances, Odom - drafted fourth overall by the Clippers in 1999 - is coming off an underwhelming 50-game stint with Dallas that didn't even take him through the entire season. He was the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year for the Lakers for the 2010-11 season.

The Mavericks on April 9 said Odom would be inactive for the rest of the season, when the then-defending NBA champions still had nine regular season games left and were making their push toward the playoffs. That move came two days after a heated halftime exchange during a game between Odom and Dallas owner Mark Cuban, who questioned the player's commitment to the team.

Odom's averages of 6.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 20.5 minutes in Dallas were career lows. The 32-year-old Odom has averaged 14.2 points and 8.6 rebounds in 879 career games.

Williams averaged 13.2 points and 3.1 assists in 52 games last season for the Clippers, who acquired him in a trade from Cleveland in February 2011. In 589 career games, he has averaged 13.8 points and 4.9 assists a game.

He played out of position much of last season after the blockbuster deal that brought Chris Paul to the Clippers and the team then acquired Chauncey Billups.

Agent Mark Bartelstein said Williams showed his professionalism by playing well through the difficult situation but has maintained that his client should be a starting point guard in the NBA.

The Jazz took Williams 47th overall in 2003, coincidentally the same pick they had in Thursday night's draft, which they used to draft Tennessee Tech guard Kevin Murphy.

Utah already has Devin Harris at point guard, having acquired him as part of the blockbuster deal that sent superstar Deron Williams to the Nets in 2011. But team officials told The Associated Press they could make it work with both Harris and Mo Williams.

O'Connor immediately after the season said the team was trying to get Harris to play some shooting guard as well as second point guard.

Harris, who like Mo Williams is 29, got off to a slow start with the Jazz but finished last season strong, averaging 11.3 points and 5.0 assists.

Bartelstein, reached Thursday night, declined to comment as ''nothing is done yet.''

Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com


Pistons' Jason Maxiell will pick up $5 million player option - by Eurobasket News

Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars confirmed in an e-mail tonight that power forward Jason Maxiell (6'7''-F-83, college: Cincinnati) will pick up his player option for $5 million next season.

It will be the final year of the four-year, $20 million deal he signed shortly before the 2008-09 season. Maxiell, 29, is coming off a solid season where he averaged 6.5 points and 5.1 rebounds.

His insertion into the starting lineup was a catalyst for the team's 21-21 finish after a dreadful start. They had 4-20 at the beginnig.

Courtesy of www.freep.com


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


The Draft Dream - by Julius Johnson

As the 2012 NBA approaches, hundreds of collegiate athlete-students near the dream of hearing their name called.

What's alarming, is that this dream is totally misguided. Why wouldn't their big dream be to play as many years as possible, making millions in the game they love?

The reason ... today's insecure athlete-students love being told how great they are, even if they are not. Hearing one's name called on draft night is the ultimate ego-stroke.

Why do so many drafted players ultimately fail? Are the NBA execs that far off? Actually, unless drafted players reset their dreams, they are doomed to fail, as their lifelong dream has already been achieved.

The most successful NBA players are driven by will to win, passion for playing, and lust for longevity.

For a little less than 60 student-athletes (factoring out the Europeans), a life-long dream will be realized. Then they will face the realization that everything in the past will be forgotten and that they will be judged on production.

For the thousands who go un-drafted, most will feel ripped-off, thinking they were more deserving than the politically connected. Their families will console them. Some will fire agents. Out of this unhappy group, very few will ever succeed, not because of being left out of draft day festivities, but because this unrealistic group doesn't put value improving through hard work.

Those who will extended NBA careers, will never be satisfied, as if they never fulfilled a dream. Only upon reflection, do the successful recognize their achievements.

So, best of luck tonight!

Enjoy your dreams while they last.



*****************************************************
  NEW ZEALAND   


Greece fire past New Zealand in San Carlos - by Eurobasket News

Greece - New Zealand 99:69

Greece posted the second win at the Torneio Eletrobras in San Carlos. They cruised past New Zealand for 2-0 record. Georgios Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) stepped up with 17 points to pace the Hellenes.
Greece stunned the Tall Blacks in the opening quarter. The Hellenes exploded with 33 points to take a 15-point lead at the first break. Greece maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They secured a 25-point advantage at halftime 55:30. Greece did not loosen the grip in the third term. They marched confidently to build a 34-point buffer before the final quarter and sealed the victory in the fourth frame. Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) scored 13 points, while Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) contributed 12 points for the winners. Tai Jack Webster (186-G-95) responded with 18 points for New Zealand. Mika Vukona (198-F-82) provided 15 points in the loss.

Greece: Georgios Printezis 17, Ioannis Bourousis 13, Antonis Fotsis 12
New Zealand: Tai Jack Webster 18, Mika Vukona 15


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  NIGERIA   


Brazil storm past Nigeria in San Carlos - by Eurobasket News

Brazil - Nigeria 104:65

Brazil posted the second consecutive win at the Torneio Eletrobras in San Carlos. The hosts thumped Nigeria for 2-0 record. Six players scored in double digits for Brazil. Anderson Varejao (205-C-82) accounted for 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead the charge.
Brazil silenced their opponents in the first quarter. They went on a 29:7 run to ensure a comfortable lead. Nigeria stopped the rot in the second quarter. They outscored Brazil to cut the deficit to 19 points at the interval 32:51. Brazil fired 29 points in the third frame to pile up a 28-point lead with ten minutes remaining. They never looked back afterwards coasting to a well-deserved win at the end. Alex Ribeiro (191-G-80, agency: Interperformances) accounted for 17 points, while Guilherme Giovannoni (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances) added 16 points for the winners. Chamberlain Oguchi (198-G-86, college: Illinois St.) answered with 21 points for Nigeria. Al Farouk Aminu notched 14 points in the loss.

Brazil: Anderson Varejao 18+11 boards, Alex Ribeiro 17, Guilherme Giovannoni 16
Nigeria: Chamberlain Oguchi 21, Al Farouk 14


*****************************************************
  OLYMPIC GAMES   


Dwyane Wade to miss Olympics due to knee surgery - by Eurobasket News

USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo and men's national team coach Mike Krzyzewski knew it was a possibility that Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) wouldn't be available to play at this summer's London Olympics July 27-Aug. 12.

The possibility became a reality when Wade made separate phone calls to Colangelo and Krzyzewski and informed them he needs surgery on his left knee and will miss the Olympics.

"The doctor's prognosis was that he needed surgery immediately," Colangelo told USA TODAY Sports Thursday afternoon.

Colangelo said Wade, who struggled through the playoffs with pain in his knee, likely will have surgery July 9, three days after Team USA begins its training camp in Las Vegas.

"We knew he was only 50-50 anyway," Colangelo said. "He's been hurting for quite a while. This is not a shock. We had a conference call just a few days ago with our staff and we talked about different options."

Wade, who led the U.S. team in scoring when it won gold in Beijing, is expected to be ready for the start of the 2012-13 NBA season.

Colangelo said all indications are that Heat forward Chris Bosh, who sustained a lower abdominal strain in the second round of the playoffs and missed nine games, will be report to camp in Las Vegas.

"We've been advised he'll be there," Colangelo said.

The roster pool stands at 17, 12 of whom will make the Olympic team.

The pool started at 20 players in January but dropped to 16 after injuries to Los Angeles Clippers guard Chauncey Billups, Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose, Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge and Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard.

Colangelo and his staff added Oklahoma City Thunder guard James Harden and incoming NBA rookie Anthony Davis in May. USA Basketball is expected to name the 12-man roster on July 7.

"It certainly opens up an opportunity for someone else," Colangelo said. "It depends on where we end up. Do we want a specialist? Do you want another shooter? Do you want another big? These are the things we are looking forward to deciding when we get to Las Vegas."

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com


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

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

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

Regular Season: Round 18

Jun. 27: B-Meg Llam. - Talk N Text 72-89
Jun. 27: Alaska Aces - Air21 Express 110-80

Regular Season: Round 19

Jun. 29: Ginebra Kings - Barako Bull
Jun. 29: Air21 Express - Petron Blaze


PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Zach GRAHAM
  Air21 E.
  (198-G-89)
  Avg: 37.3
 1. Graham, Air21 E.37.3 
 2. Sneed, Powerade T.26.5 
 3. David, Powerade T.25.5 
 4. Harris, Talk N Text25.1 
 5. Bozeman, Ginebra24.3 
 6. Cornley, Rain o.24.0 
 7. Forte, Alaska Aces23.5 
 8. Blakely, B-Meg L.22.8 
 9. Basden, Petron B.21.1 
 10. Caguioa, Ginebra18.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Omar SNEED
  Powerade T.
  (198-F-76)
  Avg: 16.8
 1. Sneed, Powerade T.16.8 
 2. Forte, Alaska Aces15.6 
 3. Graham, Air21 E.12.9 
 4. Harris, Talk N Text12.0 
 5. Blakely, B-Meg L.11.9 
 6. Cornley, Rain o.10.9 
 7. Taulava, Meralco10.9 
 8. Bozeman, Ginebra10.4 
 9. Pingris, B-Meg L.10.0 
 10. Santos, Petron B.8.6 
Assists Per Game
 Jimmy ALAPAG
  Talk N Text
  (177-PG-77)
  Avg: 7.9
 1. Alapag, Talk N Te.7.9 
 2. Casio, Powerade T.6.1 
 3. Sneed, Powerade T.5.3 
 4. Tenorio, Alaska A.5.2 
 5. Bozeman, Ginebra5.1 
 6. Ross, Meralco4.5 
 7. Cabagnot, Petron4.5 
 8. Miller, Barako Bull4.4 
 9. Basden, Petron B.4.1 
 10. Lutz, Petron Bla.4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Blakely, B-Meg L.3.3 
 2. Basden, Petron B.2.6 
 3. Tenorio, Alaska A.1.6 
 4. Bozeman, Ginebra1.4 
 5. Cortez, Ginebra1.4 
 6. Mercado, Meralco1.3 
 7. Hatfield, Ginebra1.3 
 8. Caguioa, Ginebra1.3 
 9. Harris, Talk N Text1.1 
 10. Washington, Petro.1.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Blakely, B-Meg L.2.3 
 2. Forte, Alaska Aces1.6 
 3. Santos, Petron B.1.4 
 4. Baguio, Alaska Ac.1.4 
 5. Aguilar, Talk N.1.3 
 6. Maierhofer, Ginebr.1.3 
 7. Thoss, Alaska Aces1.1 
 8. Norwood, Rain o.0.9 
 9. Quinahan, Rain o.0.9 
 10. Reavis, B-Meg L.0.9 


SEABA U18: Philippine open with rout - by Eurobasket News

Philippines U18 - Laos U18 124:28

Philippines U18 opened their SEABA Championship campaign with a comfortable win. The defending champions routed Laos for 1-0 record. Mario Bonleon came up with 24 points to lead the winners.
Philippines got to a flying start. They knocked down 34 points in the opening quarter to build a 24-point lead. Kyles Laos managed just two points in the second quarter to face a massive 52-point halftime deficit. Philippines stayed in charge from then on breezing to the victory at the end. Rey Nambatac scored 17 points for the winners. Ronnie Leon and Kyles Lao added 16 points each for Philippines. Aphakone Phommasone (175-G-96) answered with 10 points for Kyles Laos. Phimmasone Phannolath had 8 points in the loss.

Philippines U18: Mario Bonleon 24, Rey Nambatac 17, Ronnie Leon 16, Kyles Lao 16
Laos U16: Aphakone Phommasone 10, Phimmasone Phannolath 8


Commissioner's Cup: Latest games - by Eurobasket News

B-Meg Llam. - Talk N Text 72-89
Resurgent Talk n Text got back at Commissioner's Cup finals tormentor B-Meg, 89-72, Wednesday night, stretching its searing run to four games and assuring itself of at least a playoff for a seat in the PBA Governors Cup semifinal round. Before another good crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Tropang Texters sustained their romp, beating the Llamados in a low-scoring duel and, in the process, forging a tie between themselves at 5-3. Both still need to win their final assignment in the elims to seal entry into the six-team semis. B-Meg plays Powerade in the tourney's last out-of-town tussle in Legazpi, Albay Saturday while Talk n Text is up versus front-runner Rain or Shine at the close of the elims at the Big Dome Sunday. 'Four other teams can still make 5-3. We're still at the mercy of quotient that's why we're pushing it till the end,' said Reyes on their unwavering stand versus the Llamados. The Texters jumped the gun on the Llamados, taking the first quarter at 22-10 and refusing to relax until the end. And they're determined to get going versus the Elasto Painters. 'As much as we'd like to relax and celebrate, we can't. We have to make sure we have to be ready for Rain or Shine. That's a team playing best basketball to date,' Reyes said. Even if Talk n Text gains free passage into the semis, the Texters will surely go all out against the Elasto Painters as what the 'carryover' format requires. Rain or Shine can't be expected to relax either. The Elasto Painters set out for their battle with a 7-1 slate. The Texters moved to within two games of the Elasto Painters following their amazing four-game streak coming back from a two-week break. Larry Fonacier (186-F/G-82), Jayson Castro, Ranidel deOcampo (194-F-81), Paul Harris and Kelly Williams put in double-digit outputs while Ryan Reyes and Aaron Aban made their presence felt on their tough defense on James Yap as the Texters rolled past the Llamados. 'Aban's and Reyes' defense on James was a big key. We're able to take away a big part of their offense,' said Reyes. Yap made only nine points on 2-of-18 field shooting and 4-of-4 free throws, and the Llamados struggled with him. Fonacier went 4-of-5 from beyond the arc and top scored with 16 points that went with five rebounds and three assists. De Ocampo also fired away four treys and wound up with 15 points while Harris and Williams collected double-double numbers with the former logging 14 points and 10 rebounds and the latter getting 11 markers and 12 boards. Marcus Blakely led the losing team with 19 points and 16 rebounds. (SB) *Courtesy of www.pba.ph

Alaska Aces - Air21 Express 110-80
ALASKA is too proud a team to go out with just a whimper. The Aces dug deep within themselves to fashion a 110-80 drubbing of Air21 Wednesday and end an otherwise sorry transition period on a bright note in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Cyrus Baguio (188-G-80) set the tone on both ends of the floor and the rest of rookie coach Luigi Trillo's players followed suit as they wound up with only their second win in nine games but dragged Air21 out with them. "It was a collective team effort and our shots started to fall," was how Trillo summed up the win which ended his team's six-game slide. Despite it, the Aces still wound up with their worst season ever in terms of victories with just 11 as against 24 losses. "It was hard for us. There were a lot of expectations, this being a team with a winning tradition," said Trillo, who took over the 13-time champion team from Joel Banal just two weeks before the season-ending tourney began. "This is a team in transition. It was a very short turnaround and I'm still trying to implement my system," he added. "We're doing some things good. But there's a lot of good coaches, teams out there. They adjust at halftime. Me, I'm still learning. If there's somebody to blame, it's me." Alaska top honcho Wilfred Steven Uytengsu is set to meet with the coaching staff and players right after the game and is expected to lay down the chart for the Aces' future. "We'll think things over. We'll see first what's on his mind and then we'll talk, see what's best for the team," said Trillo. In terms of its latest win, Alaska did not do bad at all. It was the biggest winning margin in the conference and the Aces' best victory since similarly walloping Barangay Ginebra, 102-72, in the 2005-06 Fiesta Conference. The loss was also Air21's sixth in eight games, completely slamming the door on the Express' hopes of making it among the top six teams which advance to the semifinals. Even if they win their last elimination round game against Petron Blaze Friday they will still end up short. And no matter of the game against the Boosters, the team which debuted as Shopinas.com will wind up its maiden season with the worst win-loss record among the 10 teams. It currently has a 5-26 slate overall. Baguio was foremost among those who made it happen, scattering 24 points while anchoring the excellent defense on Zach Graham (198-G-89, college: Mississippi). The former Mississippi standout scored all his points in the first three periods, where he went 4-for-4 from beyond the arc and missed only three of 12 field goal tries. He saw just six minutes of action in the fourth, missed two field tries and sat down for good. His absence hardly mattered as Alaska laced its wire-to-wire win with a lead that got stretched to a high of 93-56 on a Brandon Cablay triple, just 11 seconds into the last canto. Graham wound up with 25 points, 14 below his conference-best average, after making just eight of 27 field tries. The output also came on the heels of his 51-point output in a 128-121 win over Powerade last Friday, the highest output by any player in the league in the last four seasons. "We really tried to take them away from their strengths, which is Graham," explained Trillo. "Him coming off a 51-point explosion, there's added respect there." Only Ren-ren Ritualo was the other Express in double digits with 11. Jason Forte led all scorers with 26 points on top of 12 rebounds, six assists and two steals. LA Tenorio added 19, including 10 in the third period, and also had 11 boards and six feeds. As a team, Alaska made 40 of 76 field attempts compared to Air21's 30-for-84 clip. The Aces also had a 52-41 advantage off the boards. Those numbers all spelled the Aces' domination of the game as they led by 56-32 at the half and by 70-40, on a Baguio twinner, midway in the third. Air21 mustered enough of a challenge to make it 52-74 game, but Tenorio buried a triple, Gabby Espinas scored seven points and Forte six that sparked and fuelled a 13-4 surge to end the quarter and give Alaska a 34-point spread. Graham showed some of his fiery form only in the third period with 15, but he was visibly struggling against Baguio, who mainly limited him to just four points in the opening quarter and a total of six at the half. (NC) *Courtesy of www.pba.ph


Days 3 of the 2012 SEABA U18 Championship - by Enzo Flojo

Notes:
The Filipinos had to scramble in the final 10 minutes before beating the Singaporeans and tying the Indons at the top of the standings with their second win in as many games.

J-Jay Alejandro scored 13 points and Rey Nambatac added 12 to lead the Philippines in a win that shouldnt have been this close. The home team, however, showed great determination in never letting the Pinoys blow the game open. Seemingly more athletic than their Pinoy counterparts, the Singaporean frontline gave Kent Lao and Jay Javelosa all they could handle. Delvin Goh led the home squads charge, scoring 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting while also grabbing 7 rebounds and dishing out 5 assists. His diminutive partner, Junrong Thng, continued to impress at the playmaker position, scoring 13 points to go along with 7 boards, 3 triples, and 2 dimes. Despite having a tough time, Lao and Javelosa still gave a good account of themselves, pairing up for 18 points and 10 rebounds.

In the days first game, Malaysia gave Laos its third straight beating and officially knocked them off from contention for any of the top 3 spots. Lian Wei Loo, Zhi Hao Tan, and Jia Xuan Tong scored 19, 17, and 16 markers respectively to lead the Malaysians in getting just their first win. Cheng Toong Ng also played well, producing a double-double line of 10 points, 11 rebounds, 5 steals, 3assists and 2 rejections for Malaysian coach Kian Ann Yong. Malaysia still has a chance to book a ticket to the FIBA-Asia U18 tourney in Ulanbataar, Mongolia if it can win against either the Philippines or Indonesia.

DAY 3 SCORES:

MALAYSIA over LAOS, 117-53
MAS 117 - Loo 19, Tan ZH 17, Tong 16, Mak 14, Ng 10, Chiang 9, Bong 9, Liew 8, Tan HK 8, Foo 5, Sim 2
LAO 53 - Sengthong 16, Phommasone 14, Phannolath 9, Sengsouliya 4, Vongmeleuth 4, Champakeo 2, Phengnalath 2, Labouaphieng 2, Maydaphone 0
QS: 31-8, 57-21, 92-32, 117-53
Notable Performances:
Cheng Toong Ng (MAS) - 10pts, 11rebs, 5stls, 3asts, 2blks
Siphandone Sengthong (LAO) - 16pts, 7rebs, 2asts, 2stls

PHILIPPINES over SINGAPORE, 75-63
PHI 75 - Alejandro 13, Nambatac 12, Lao 10, Javelosa 8, Cani 7, Rivero 6, De Leon 5, Morada 5, Olayon 5, Bonleon 4, Suarez 0, Go 0
SIN 63 - Goh 17, Tay 15, THng 13, Ng 8, Toh 5, Chee 3, Tan 2, Wong 0, Low 0, Chun 0, Chan 0, Ang 0
QS: 16-13, 35-30, 55-52, 75-63
Notable Performances:
Jay Javelosa (PHI) - 8pts, 8rebs, 2stls, 2blks
Delvin Goh (SIN) - 17pts, 7rebs, 5asts, 1blk

Source: HoopNut.blogspot.com


Alaska lends Tenorio, Baracael, Thoss to SEABA line-up - by Eurobasket News

(Updated 1:46pm) Apparently, there's no bad blood between the Alaska Aces franchise and the Smart Gilas program anymore.

National team head coach Chot Reyes announced on Twitter that PBA veterans and members of the Alaska franchise LA Tenorio (178-G-84), Marnel Baracael (191-F/G-85), and Joachim Thoss (203-C-81) have been added to the roster of semi-pros the Philippines will be sending to participate in the 3rd SEABA Stankovic Cup in Singapore from July 3 to 7.

Official SEABA lineup, Douthit, Ramos, Marcelo, Lanete, Co, Tiu, Monfort, Hermida, Tenorio, Baracael, Thoss. Big thx to Alaska & PBA Board.

Reyes' tweet also lists Smart Gilas I naturalized center Marcus Douhit, Aldrech Ramos and Chris Tiu, both also Gilas I vets, SEA Games Sinag team members Dave Marcelo, Garvo Lanete and Emman Monfort, and PBA Developmental League NLEX Road Warriors Borgie Hermida and Woody Co.

Gone from the line-up are Chris Ellis and Cliff Hodge, the two Fil-Ams of the Road Warriors, and Vic Manuel, of the D-League's Cebuana Lhuillier Gems.

With Reyes' PBA team, the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters, seemingly a lock to make the semifinal round of the on-going Governors' Cup, Meralco Bolts consultant Jong Uichico will be handling the coaching duties in Singapore.

Reyes later tweeted that Ellis and Hodge would not be fielded due to possible problems establishing their citizenship, similar to what happened to Fil-Ams Chris Lutz and Marcio Lassiter, during the 26th FIBA-Asia Championship last year.

SEABA from July 3 - 7 only. To be coached by Jong Uichico. No Hodge/Ellis coz they're Fil-am. Thoss played in past FIBA already. Co is Woody.

With the Aces playing their last game in the PBA Governors' Cup Wednesday, as they are out of contention for a post-season berth, that frees up the trio to participate in the tournament.

Alaska interim head coach Luigi Trillo had earlier taken to Twitter to criticize the Gilas program for being "selfish," accusing the squad's cadet program of depriving PBA teams looking to improve themselves via the draft of talent.

But Reyes later answered back by saying, "Comments about GILAS [sic] being selfish and unfair are coming from misinformed parties basing their remarks on inaccurate press reports," and clarified that members of team being sent to the SEABA tourney would still be draft-eligible, and were not the members of the cadet pool.

Ironically, Trillo had also complained that "Cadet pool is not needed to win a Seaba," in reference to the inferior competition the Philippines would be facing in the tourney.

The aforementioned cadet pool, whose line-up has not yet been announced, will be comprised of amateur and semi-pro players.

It is presumed that they would be signed to deals that would prevent them from joining the PBA Draft immediately, similar to the players that bannered the first Smart Gilas squad, an assumption which was the source of Trillo's anger.

Trillo's Aces finished the Governors' Cup tournament with a 2-7 record, and will either own or tie for the last spot in the standings. - AMD, GMA News.

Courtesy of www.gmanetwork.com


*****************************************************
  POLAND   


Slask Wroclaw build new team - by Eurobasket News

Slask Wroclaw started to build an ambitious team for the next season. They started with hiring Pawel Turkiewicz . The specialist worked with Start Gdynia last season. He led the team to the 1Liga title. Previously Pawel Turkiewicz worked with Polpharma Starograd and PGE Turow before. He also had experience as assistant coach with the Polish National Team in 2010.
Slask Wroclaw also brought in Marcin Stefanski (200-F-83). The forward played for Trefl Sopot since 2009. He averaged 4.4 points and 3.0 boards per game last season. Marcin Stefanski also appeared on court with Trefl II Sopot in 2Liga. Previously the forward had spells with PGE Turow, Victoria Gornik, Nanterre, Dijon, Unia Tarnow and SMS Warka. He is also not new Slask Wroclaw. He played for the team back in 2006/07 season. Marcin Stefanski notched 4.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game then.
Slask also extended the contract of Robert Skibniewski (182-G-83). The guard will enter the second season with Slask. He notched 11.4 points, 7.2 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game last season. Robert Skibniewski made it into All-Polish League 2nd Team. The guard has been the member of Polish National Team since 2006.
Slask Wroclaw are now looking for two experienced import players (centre and combo guard).


Energa Czarni bring in Robert Tomaszek - by Eurobasket News

Robert Tomaszek (204-F-81, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Texas Tech) is heading back to Poland. The Polish forward has agreed on terms of contract with Energa Czarni. The deal is meant for one season. Robert Tomaszek spent the last season in Germany. He played for s.Oliver Basket Wuerzburg. Robert Tomaszek averaged 3.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. Previously the forward had spells for PGE Turow, Gryfony, PBG Basket, CEZ Nymburk, Prostejov, Junior Casale, Liberec and Bremerhaven. Eurobasket.com named the forward into Polish League All-Defensive Team in 2011. Robert Tomaszek was the Czech League champion (2009) and PLK finalist (2011). He attended Polish National Team training camp back in 2004.


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


Puerto Rico dominates Macedonia in first friendly: - by Luis Modestti

Puerto Rico dominated Macedonia 96-77 in their first friendly played at Coliseo de Puerto Rico. Game two is today before their departure to Venezuela.

The hosts could not count with Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, college: FIU) who has a virus and Andres Rodriguez (184-PG-81, college: American) because of an ankle injury. There is no timetable for their return. This was the debut for Nathan Peavy (203-F-85, college: Miami, OH) with the national team this year.

David Huertas (195-G-87, college: Mississippi) and Alexander Galindo (200-F-85, college: FIU) had 15 points each while Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) and Peavy added 12 each for Puerto Rico who dominated the first half 51-31.

Macedonia also had a key star making his debut in this game as Bo McCalebb (183-PG-85, college: New Orleans) saw action with the national team. He was limited to just 13 points.

Pero Antic led Macedonia with 19 points and 8 rebounds while Todor Gechevski and Vlado Ilievski had 12 each.

The game today is expected to be a lot more interesting because both teams are looking to make their final adjustments before the Olympic Qualifier.


Puerto Rico sweeps Macedonia: - by Luis Modestti

In a much tougher contest than day one, Puerto Rico defeated Macedonia 84-72 to sweep the series prior to the Olympic Qualifier.

Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) scored 16 points, Nathan Peavy (203-F-85, college: Miami, OH) 13 and David Huertas (195-G-87, college: Mississippi) 12 for the Puerto Ricans who shot 45% from three and 84% from the free-throw line.

This time Macedonia looked better offensively, being more effective from outside and also moving the ball better.

Puerto Rico had a rocky start, but recovered thanks to Ramos who looked more aggressive on the offensive side. Puerto Rico won the first quarter 25-24 and at half they were up 39-36 as Ramos had 8.

Both teams fought for the lead and displayed a more physical game, but the Puerto Ricans had more options offensively and clogged the passing lanes to create fast break opportunities. Also Puerto Rico capitalized from the free-throw line. The third quarter finished 65-58 after a three-pointer by Peavy and maintained control.

Vlado Ilievski (189-PG-80, agency: Beo Basket) had 18 points while Bo McCalebb (183-PG-85, college: New Orleans) and Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Beo Basket) netted 15 each for Macedonia. McCalebb also had 10 assists.

Puerto Rico missed Carlos Arroyo and Andres Rodriguez for the second day in a row due to injury. Both are expected to make the trip to Venezuela and play this Saturday in their last friendly against the Dominican Republic.


*****************************************************
  ROMANIA   


Adrian Gutoaia heads to Gaz Metan Medias - by Eurobasket News

Adrian Gutoaia (196-C-90, agency: Court Side) heads to Gaz Metan Medias for the next season. The Romanian Center moves from Rovinari.
In 2008-2009 Adrian Gutoaia appeared for CSA Steaua Turabo Bucuresti (Div.B, starting five). In 2009-2010 for BC Steaua Turabo Bucuresti (Div.A) he debuted in Balkan League and averaged 2.9ppg, 2.2rpg. In Romanian League after 18 games his stats read 2.6ppg, 1.9rpg.
In 2010-2011 moved to CSU Asesoft Ploiesti (Div.A) and showed 3.9ppg, 1.8rpg. In 2011-2012 played for CS Energia Rovinari Targu Jiu (Div.A) and showed 5.0ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 61.5%.
Early in 2010 Romania needed overtime to tame Denmark at the U20 European Championship in Division B. Adrian Gutoaia came up with 27 points to lead the winners. Romania improved at 2-1 record and caught up with Denmark in classification round Group G.


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


CSKA interested in Zoran Erceg - by Anton Zirkov

According to reports in Serbia,CSKA are very interested in Serbian forward Zoran Erceg (210-C/F-85).
Erceg,who played last season at Turkish outfit Besiktas winning the treble with Turkish Championship,Turkish cup and EuroChallenge cup.
The ex Olympiacos is high on Messina's wishlist as he sees him as ideal replacment to Russian forward - Andrey Vorontsevich who is on his way to the NBA.
Erceg was one of the key players at Besiktas this term with 13ppg,6rpg,1.5apg in two Eurocup games.12.2ppg,5.8rpg in the EuroChallenge and 14ppg.4.7rpg in the Turkish League.


Tywain McKee extends with Triumph - by Eurobasket News

Tywain McKee (188-PG-86, college: Coppin St.) prolonged his contract with Triumph Lyubertsy. The guard has agreed on terms of one-year extension with the team. Tywain McKee joined Triumph in March 2011. Last season the guard notched 14.9 points, 4.4 boards, 4.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game in PBL. In EuroChallenge Tywain McKee averaged 10.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.1 steals per appearance. In Baltic League the player posted 9.9 points, 3.8 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 2.8 steals. Eurobasket.com named Tywain McKee All-Baltic League Defensive Player of the Year. He also made it into Russian PBL All-Imports Team. Previously Tywain McKee had stints with Minsk-2006 and Wollongong Hawks. He was named into All-Australian NBL 1st Team in 2010 as well All-Belarusian League 1st Team in 2011.


Unics ink deal with Marko Banic - by Eurobasket News

Marko Banic (205-F-84) will continue his career in Kazan. The forward has agreed on terms of contract with Unics. Marko Banic signed a three-year deal with the team. Marko Banic spent the last five seasons with Bilbao. He averaged 13.3 points and 4.0 boards per game in Euroleague last season. In ACB Marko Banic delivered 11.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per appearance. Eurobasket.com named the Croatian player into All-Euroleague 3rd Team. Previously Marko Banic had stints with KK Zadar and Girona. He was named All-Croatian League Player of the Year in 2005. Marko Banic has been the member of Croatian National Team since 2004. He participated at 2010 World Championship. The forward posted 6.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in Turkey.


Russia outscore Lithuania in Houston - by Eurobasket News

Russia - Lithuania 77:68

Russia claimed another test game victory in their preparations for the upcoming Olympic Qualifying Tournament. They defeated Lithuania in Houston. Sasha Kaun (211-C-85) scored 21 points to lead David Blatt team.
Lithuania got to a slightly better start. They grabbed a 19:18 lead after ten minutes. Lithuania maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. The Baltic team posted a 37:35 halftime advantage. But Russia turned things around in the third quarter. They went on a 21:13 run to take a 6-point lead. Russia knocked down 21 points in the fourth period and sealed the victory at the end. Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) produced 15 points and 8 rebounds, while Timofey Mozgov (216-C-86, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) and Sergey Monya (203-F-83) added 10 points each for the winners. Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, college: Missouri) and Jonas Valanciunas (213-C-92) answered with 12 points each for Lithuania. Jonas Maciulis (198-G/F-85) and Rimantas Kaukenas (192-G-77, college: Seton Hall) had 11 points apiece in the loss.

Russia: Sasha Kaun 21, Andrei Kirilenko 15, Timofey Mozgov 10, Sergey Monya 10
Lithuania: Linas Kleiza 12, Jonas Valanciunas 12, Jonas Maciulis 11, Rimantas Kaukenas 11


Nizhny Novgorod sign Pavel Korobkov and Semen Shashkov - by Eurobasket News

Nizhny Novgorod signed contracts with two players. They added Pavel Korobkov (206-C-90) and Semen Shashkov (205-F-89) to the squad.
Semen Shashkov played for Ural Ekaterinburg last season. The forward averaged 10.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game in Superleague. Semen Shashkov played for CSKA Moscow junior team before joining Ural back in 2009. He was the member of U18 and U20 Russian National Teams. Semen Shashkov also played for Russian University National Team.
Pavel Korobkov played for Lokomotiv Kuban U23 team last season. He tallied 15.2 points, 8.6 boards per game in PBL junior championship.
Also Nizhny Novgorod returned Vladimir Ivlev (207-F-90). The forward spent the previous season on loan in BC Rjazan. Vladimir Ivlev notched 9.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game in Superleague. Eurobasket.com named the forward into All-Russian Superleague 2nd Team.


CSKA Moscow signs 2+1 year deal with Zoran Erceg - by Eurobasket News

Zoran Erceg (210-C/F-85) is a new member of CSKA Moscow. The Russian powerhouse signed a 2+1 year deal with the player. Erceg helped Besiktas to win Turkish league title, Turkish Cup and EuroChallenge title last season. He had 14 ppg and 4.7 rpg in 41 TBL games. He also added 12.2 ppg and 5.8 rpg for 15 games in EuroChallenge. Erceg participated at TBL All-Star Game 2012. He was also named Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League Forward of the Year -12. In EuroChallenge, Erceg was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-EuroChallenge 2nd Team -12.
Zoran Erceg joined Besiktas last summer from Olympiakos. He spent 2009/10 season on loan with Panionios. In 2008, the player signed a long term deal with Olympiakos. Before that, he very successfully played for FMP Zeleznik.

Official press release by CSKA Moscow - click here.


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  SERBIA   


Serbia knock down Montenegro in Yongcheng - by Eurobasket News

Serbia - Montenegro U20 84:61

Serbian University National Team recorded another victory at the Sino-European Challenge Event tournament in China. They overcame Montenegrin U20 selection in Yongcheng. Darko Balaban (211-C-89, agency: Beo Basket) accounted for 23 points to lead the winners.
Montenegro jumped to an early lead. They built a 21:20 lead after ten minutes. But Serbia pulled in front in the second quarter. Serbia eked out a 38:36 halftime advantage. The Serbs extended the lead in the third quarter. They held Montenegro to 9 points in the frame to ensure a 14-point buffer before the final period. Serbia unleashed 25 points in the fourth term and sealed the victory at the end. Stefan Stojacic (194-F-89, agency: Interperformances) delivered 19 points for Serbia. Stefan Bircevic (209-F/C-89) added 13 points for the winners. Andrej Pajovic (188-G-92) answered with 19 points for Montenegro. Nemanja Grabovica (190-G-92) had 9 points in the loss.

Serbia: Darko Balaban 23, Stefan Stojacic 19, Stefan Bircevic 13
Montenegro U20: Andrej Pajovic 19, Nemanja Grabovica 9


Serbian U16 National team on tournament in Benevento, Italy - by Zoran Popovic

Serbia U16 Germany U16 60:57 (14:18, 19:14, 9:10, 18:15)

Serbian U16 National team won on their first match on tournament in Benevento, Italy. According to Serbian Sports news and Coach Marko Icelic review of the game, both teams were equal during the game, with strong defense from the both sites, but also with lot of mistakes and missed free throws. In the last minute of the match led by Stefan Peno (193-G-97) Serbia made advantage of +4 points and win the game. The most efficient players in Serbian team were Peno with 14 scored points and Djokovic who scored 10 points.


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  SINGAPORE   


SEABA U18: Indonesia edge Singapore for second victory - by Eurobasket News

Indonesia U18 - Singapore U18 54:43

Indonesia registered the second straight win at the U18 SEABA Championship. They overcame hosting Singapore for 2-0 record. Juan Kokodiputro (193-C-95) stepped up with 17 points and 14 rebounds to lead the charge.
The teams were tied at 11 after ten minutes of action. Singapore pulled ahead in the second quarter. They recorded a 26:20 halftime lead. But Indonesia turned things around in the third quarter. They surged in front for a narrow 37:35 lead at the final break. Indonesia limited the home team to 8 points in the fourth period and sealed the victory at the end. Jan Panagan produced 12 points for Indonesia. Chiang Kok (199-C-95) answered with 16 points for Singapore. Junrong Thng had 11 points in the loss.

Indonesia U18: Juan Kokodiputro 17+14 boards, Jan Panagan 12
Singapore U18: Chiang Kok 16, Junrong Thng 11


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  SLOVAKIA   


Kevin Thompson joins Komarno - by Eurobasket News

Komarno continued to strengthen their roster. They added the second import to the squad. Komarno have agreed on terms of contract with Kevin Thompson (205-F-89). Previously they landed Chris Lowe (182-PG-87, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Massachusetts).
Kevin Thompson will start his pro career in Slovakia. The forward averaged 10.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 blocks per game in his senior season. Kevin Thompson made it into NJCAA D2 All-America 3rd Team. He was also named into NABC Division I All-District 15 1st Team for the third season in a row. Kevin Thompson was MEAC All-Tournament MVP back in 2010. He was trumped All-MEAC Defensive Player of the Year in the same season.


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  SPAIN   


Jorge Garbajosa announced his retirement from basketball - by Eurobasket News

Jorge Garbajosa (205-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances) announced his retirement from basketball. The Spanish star played for more than 18 years! Unicaja Malaga would like to have Garba in the coaching staff next season. FEB will also offer him a position inside the organization.
Jorge Garbajosa started his professional basketball career with Tau Vitoria in 1995. He also played for Benetto Treviso, Unicaja, Toronto Raptors, Khimky Moscow and Real Madrid. This season with Malaga he had 6.8 ppg and 3.2 rpg for 22 Liga Endesa games. Garba also added 6.2 ppg and 3.1 rpg in 14 Euroleague games.
Jorge Garbajosa played for the Spanish National Team from 1998 to 2010. He helped Spain to win the Gold at 2006 World Championship in Japan and also at 2009 EuroBasket in Poland. They also won the Silver at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and 2007 EuroBasket in Spain.
Earlier Jorge Garbajosa has called it quits with Spain's national team. After the loss of Pau Gasol to injury in a 2006 FIBA World Championship Semi-Final victory over Argentina, Garbajosa helped carry the Spanish in a 70-47 title-game rout of Greece, burying six of 11 three-pointers on his way to a game-high 20 points.


Lakers get Pau Gasol for Zach Randolph offer from Grizzlies - by Eurobasket News

Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80) must be tired of hearing all of the rumors about where he may or may not be playing next season.

The heat is really turning up lately, though, as reports began to surface on Wednesday that the Memphis Grizzlies have offered power forward Zach Randolph (6'9''-C-81, college: Michigan St.) to the Los Angeles Lakers in return for Gasols services.

After the Lakers recently made it clear that they were actively shopping Gasol, the rumor mill has been churning out interested teams left in right. Among the reported teams in the hunt for the big man are the Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Hornets and Grizzlies. All of the reports, however, have been speculation until the former NBA Insider Peter Vecsey broke the news of the Grizzlies offering up Randolph.

Memphis, by the way, says a source, is offering Zach Randolph, another solid citizen, for Pau, Vecsey said via his personal Twitter account.

Vecsey also went on to say that small forward Rudy Gay isnt currently an option, but things can chance in a hurry if the Grizzlies really want to reunite the Gasol brothers in Memphis.

As for the Lakers, making the trade for Randolph might not be that bad of an option. Not only would it rid them of the player that they seem so desperate to dump, but they would get about the same value in return. Randolph has more tread left on his tires than Gasol and was dominating two seasons ago before missing the majority of the 2011-2012 campaign due to injury. If he can, however, return to his 2010-2011 form, hed be well worth the trade.

More than likely, though, the Lakers will be looking to get some youth back in a trade for Gasol. Unless the Grizzlies find a way to sweeten the deal, this Gasol-Randolph trade going through is a bit of a stretch.

Surprisingly, the trade rumors have yet to reach their boiling point. Stay tuned.

Courtesy of www.rantsports.com


Atlanta Hawks target Pau Gasol (for Josh Smith) - by Eurobasket News

The Atlanta Hawks have aggressively tried to trade power forward Josh Smith (6'9''-F-85) to the Lakers for Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80), initially expressing interest in Gasol shortly after Oklahoma City eliminated the Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals, The Times has learned.

Smith has been unhappy in Atlanta for more than a year, his dissatisfaction starting after the 2010-11 season because he felt he was an unfair target of criticism by coaches and media members.

In separate activity leading up to Thursdays amateur draft, the Lakers are also open to trading Gasol to a team with a high first-round pick because they covet Kentucky freshman Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Atlanta holds the 23rd pick and cannot help in that area.

No deals were imminent for the Lakers, who hold only the 60th and final pick in the draft. They have not had a first-round pick since taking Javaris Crittenton in 2007.

Last season, Smith averaged career-highs in points (18.8) and rebounds (9.6) for the Hawks. He is only 26, five years younger than Gasol.

If the Lakers struck a deal with Atlanta, they would lose the height advantage that made them one of the longest teams in the NBA Smith is 6 feet 9, three inches shorter than Gasol but would instantly become more athletic.

Smith is an incredibly active defender and has career averages of 1.3 steals and 2.2 blocked shots. Two years ago, he became the youngest player ever with 1,000 career blocked shots.

He has one more year on his contract for $13.2 million and becomes an unrestricted free agent in June 2013 unless he signs an extension. The Lakers would also benefit financially from a deal involving the two players: Gasol has two more years and $38.3 million on his contract. It is unclear which player would accompany Smith to the Lakers in such a scenario.

The problem with Smith is his percentages. He shot only 45.8% last season, very low for a power forward, and was a dreadful 63% from the free-throw line. He probably takes too many three-point attempts as well, making only 28 of 109 last season (25.7%).

Smith isnt nearly as strong as Gasol in shooting, though he averaged a commendable 3.9 assists last season. Gasol averaged 3.7 a game.

Like Smith, Gasol could use a fresh start with a new franchise.

He was part of the proposed Chris Paul trade in December that was vetoed by the NBA. He never dragged his feet after the trade was nixed, but his play suffered in accordance with Andrew Bynums improvement.

Gasol failed to make the All-Star team after three consecutive appearances and stalled in the playoffs, averaging 12.5 points and shooting 43% in the Lakers short-lived run.

Gasol was similarly small in playoff stats the previous year, averaging 13.1 points and 42% shooting as the Lakers were eliminated by Dallas in the West semifinals.

Kidd-Gilchrist averaged 11.9 points and 7.4 rebounds for Kentucky, which won the NCAA championship. Listed at 6-foot-7, Kidd-Gilchrist is projected to be one of the top five picks in the draft.

Courtesy of www.latimes.com


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  SWITZERLAND   


Rodrigue M'Baye prolongs contract with BBC Nyon - by Eurobasket News

BBC Nyon extended the contract of Rodrigue M'Baye . The specialist will work with the team for another season. Rodrigue M'Baye took over the team at the start of the previous season. He led the team to two victories in 24 games played in LNA. Previously Rodrigue M'Baye worked with Charleville-Mezieres, Geneva Devils, Chalons-en-Champagne, Reims Basket, Curgy, Montceau-les-Mines, Midi-Pyrenees. Rodrigue M'Baye also guided Central African National Team back in 2009.


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  TURKEY   


Tofas officially lands Joshua Heytvelt - by Eurobasket News

According to Turkish media (Basketdergisi), Joshua Heytvelt (211-F-86, college: Gonzaga) officially became a new member of Tofas Bursa. Reportedly, the American signed a one-year deal with the club. Heytvelt spent last season with KK Zagreb. He appeared 10 times in Euroleague averaging 9.1 points and 5.6 rebounds. The player also added 6.3 ppg and 4.2 rpg for 10 games in Adriatic league. Joshua Heytvelt joined Zagreb in January of 2011 and managed to win the Croatian league title and Cup with them. He had 9.6 ppg and 5.6 rpg for 18 games in A1 league. He started 2010/11 season with Lottomatica Virtus Roma. In the past, Heytvelt was a member of Oyak Renault Bursa. It was in 2009/10 season and Heytvelt picked up few awards: Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League Defensive Player of the Year -10, Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League 1st Team -10, Eurobasket.com Turkish League All-Imports Team -10 and Eurobasket.com Turkish League All-Defensive Team -10. He graduated at Gonzaga University in 2009.


Brooklyn Nets select Ilkan Karaman as 57h overall pick - by Eurobasket News

Another Turkish player was selected last night in 2012 NBA draft. After Furkan Aldemir (207-F-91, agency: Beo Basket), Ilkan Karaman (205-F-90, agency: Beo Basket) was also selected in the second round and Brooklyn Nets (former New Yersey Nets) was the team who made a decision on him. Karaman was 57th overall pick.

Yahoo! Sports had this report on Karaman, who is a 6-foot-10, 254-pound power forward:
"He's a physical power forward who rebounds well but has a still-developing offensive game. His rebounding ability and intensity could eventually earn him an NBA roster spot."

Ilkan Karaman spent last season with Karsiyaka. He had 10.7 ppg and 6.4 rpg for 32 games in TBL. In EuroChallenge, the player collected 10.4 ppg and 7.3 rpg for 12 games. Before Karsiyaka, Karaman spent four years with Tofas Bursa. He had 8.1 ppg and 5.4 rpg for them in 2010/11 season. They were TB2L champions in 2009. Karaman played for Turkish U20, U18 and U16 National Teams in the past. He participated at Adidas EuroCamp in Treviso earlier this summer.


Los Angeles Clippers select Furkan Aldemir in NBA draft - by Eurobasket News

The Los Angeles Clippers selected Furkan Aldemir (207-F-91, agency: Beo Basket) in the second round of the NBA draft last night. He was 53rd overall pick. Aldemir spent last season with Galatasaray averaging 6.5 points and 4.9 rebounds for 18 Euroleague games. He also added 8.1 ppg and 6.6 rpg in 34 TBL games. He joined Galata last summer from Pinar Karsiyaka. Furkan Aldemir exploded last summer at U20 EuroBasket in Bilbao. He had 14.8 ppg, 15.9 rpg and 1.7 bpg for 9 games at this event. Aldemir was top rebounder and shot blocker of the competition and he was also named Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U20 Best Forward -11 and Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U20 1st Team -11. Two years ago, Aldemir shined at U20 EuroBasket in Croatia.

"He's long, he's a young kid,'' Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro said. "He's good around the basket. He ran good. He's got some length. He's got some upside to him. You want to take the best guy possible at that position. That was the position we were in at that time.''


Anadolu Efes capture Jamon Gordon - by Ugur Turker

Anadolu Efes Istanbul continues to strengthen and renew squad in the guidance of new head coach Oktay Mahmudi (agency: Beo Basket ). After signing of Birkan Batuk, Anadolu Efes Istanbul added Jamon Lukas Gordon (191-G-84, college: Virginia Tech) to 2012-2013 roster. Jamon Lukas Gordon lastly played in Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul under coaching of Oktay Mahmudi (agency: Beo Basket ). He was key member of Turkish Team during impressive Euroleague performance with 9.6 ppg and 3.8 aspg. Olympiakos, Marussi and Anltalya Belediye are other teams which Jamon Lukas Gordon played in his career. Anadolu Efes Istanbul will pay $150000 to Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul in order to buyout Gordon's contract.


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  UBA   


James Justice Drafted by Globetrotters - by David Walls

David Walls:
June 28, 2012

GIE Morrow Disciples standout and reigning UBA Finals MVP James Justice (5'10''-G-89, college: Martin Methodist) is drafted by the Harlem Globetrotters. Justice tells WHNT he is flattered to be a part of the famous team but isnt quite sure which path he will take in professional basketball.

Justice was the winner of the State Farm ESPN College contest this year. After Justice joined the UBA and helped the Disciples win it's 3rd UBA title. He has entered the NBA draft and looks to be a selection in the 2012 NBA DLeague draft.

For more information please follow the link.


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  UGANDA   


Falcons flying higher, Lady Canons complete first round unbeaten - by Joel Nature

Falcons jumped to second place of the mens premier division in the FUBA Airtel National Basketball League following their 80-44 beat down on Nkumba Marines.
Former champions, Marines (4-6) were limited to 15 first half points as record champions, Falcons (8-2) waltzed to their fourth straight win.
Steven Omony paced Falcons with 17 points and picked 7 rebounds. Peter Elungat added 12 points and Julius Lutwama chipped in with 11.
This was Falcons second in a row scoring 80 or more points and have won every game they have score 61 or more points this season. Danson Ngati led Marines with 17 points, 15 coming from beyond the arc. Wilson Otweyo added 11 and picked 9 rebounds for the university side.

Falcons will complete their first round schedule on Friday against defending champions, Dmark Power in a possible post season second round match up.
Meanwhile KIU Titans bounced back from an overtime loss to Warriors with a 64-44 win over Rez Life Saints powered by Francis Kasekendes game high16 points.
Brian Wati added 15 points and Michael Makiadis 9 points came along with17 boards for Titans (8-2). Point guard, Salim Ali looked out of sync scoring just a pair of points for Titans.

Abdul Ntales double-double (11 points, 13 rebounds) was in a loosing effort for Rez Life (11-0). William Odong added 12 points. The loss meant Rez Life is the only team to complete the first round without a win.

In the womens division, UCU Lady Canons once again showed their supremacy in the division with a 51-46 edge out of rivals KCC Leopards on Friday. The win culminated UCUs first round which they have gone unbeaten. Purity Adhiambo paced Lady Canons with a 15/13 performance, and Morren Amoding added 11 points. Martha Soigi played out the entire 40 minute and posted a big double-double (17 points, 15 rebounds) for Leopards in a loosing effort.


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  UKRAINE   


Hoverla add Travis Peterson and Kyndall Dykes - by Eurobasket News

Hoverla have entered the market. They secured the services of Travis Peterson (208-C/F-85, agency: Edge Sports, college: Samford) and Kyndall Dykes (190-SG-87, agency: Edge Sports, college: New Orleans) for the next season.
Travis Peterson spent the last season in Czech Republic. The centre played for BK Prostejov. He averaged 7.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game in EuroCup Qualifications. In EuroChallenge Travis Peterson delivered 13.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. The centre also posted 12.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists in NBL. Previously Travis Peterson had spells with Lukoil and Rilski Sportist Samokov in Bulgaria. He was named All-Balkan League Player of the Year in 2009. The same season Travis Peterson was trumped All-Bulgarian League Centre of the Year.
Kyndall Dykes spent the last season in Romania. The guard played for U-Mobitelco Cluj Napoca. Kyndall Dykes averaged 19.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 steal per game in EuroChallenge. In Romanian League the guard notched 19.8 points, 6.1 boards, 2.9 assists and 1.8 steals per appearance. Eurobasket.com named Kyndall Dykes All-Romanian League Import Player of the Year. It was the third straight season in Cluj Napoca for the player. He was trumped All-Romanian League Player of the Year in 2011.


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  VENEZUELA   


Venezuela post second win in Puerto La Cruz - by Eurobasket News

Venezuela - Angola 90:83

Venezuela registered the second straight win at the start of Super 4 Cup tournament in Puerto La Cruz. They overcame Angola for 2-0 record. Venezuela will now take on Dominican Republic, while Angola will face Jordan in the final round.
Venezuela ensured a quick start. They dominated throughout the first half taking a 59:38 lead. Angola however bounced back in the second part of the game. The African team took over and gradually narrowed the margin. They got within a striking distance late in regulation but Venezuela hang on to escape with a tough win at the end. David Cubillan (183-PG-87, college: Marquette) accounted for 18 points for Venezuela. Jhornan Zamora (193-G/F-89) delivered 15 points, while Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) had 12 points for the winners. Carlos Morais (190-G-85) answered with 24 points for Angola.


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  VTB UNITED LEAGUE   


Nizhny Novgorod sign Pavel Korobkov and Semen Shashkov - by Eurobasket News

Nizhny Novgorod signed contracts with two players. They added Pavel Korobkov (206-C-90) and Semen Shashkov (205-F-89) to the squad.
Semen Shashkov played for Ural Ekaterinburg last season. The forward averaged 10.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game in Superleague. Semen Shashkov played for CSKA Moscow junior team before joining Ural back in 2009. He was the member of U18 and U20 Russian National Teams. Semen Shashkov also played for Russian University National Team.
Pavel Korobkov played for Lokomotiv Kuban U23 team last season. He tallied 15.2 points, 8.6 boards per game in PBL junior championship.
Also Nizhny Novgorod returned Vladimir Ivlev (207-F-90). The forward spent the previous season on loan in BC Rjazan. Vladimir Ivlev notched 9.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game in Superleague. Eurobasket.com named the forward into All-Russian Superleague 2nd Team.


Tywain McKee extends with Triumph - by Eurobasket News

Tywain McKee (188-PG-86, college: Coppin St.) prolonged his contract with Triumph Lyubertsy. The guard has agreed on terms of one-year extension with the team. Tywain McKee joined Triumph in March 2011. Last season the guard notched 14.9 points, 4.4 boards, 4.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game in PBL. In EuroChallenge Tywain McKee averaged 10.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.1 steals per appearance. In Baltic League the player posted 9.9 points, 3.8 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 2.8 steals. Eurobasket.com named Tywain McKee All-Baltic League Defensive Player of the Year. He also made it into Russian PBL All-Imports Team. Previously Tywain McKee had stints with Minsk-2006 and Wollongong Hawks. He was named into All-Australian NBL 1st Team in 2010 as well All-Belarusian League 1st Team in 2011.


Unics ink deal with Marko Banic - by Eurobasket News

Marko Banic (205-F-84) will continue his career in Kazan. The forward has agreed on terms of contract with Unics. Marko Banic signed a three-year deal with the team. Marko Banic spent the last five seasons with Bilbao. He averaged 13.3 points and 4.0 boards per game in Euroleague last season. In ACB Marko Banic delivered 11.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per appearance. Eurobasket.com named the Croatian player into All-Euroleague 3rd Team. Previously Marko Banic had stints with KK Zadar and Girona. He was named All-Croatian League Player of the Year in 2005. Marko Banic has been the member of Croatian National Team since 2004. He participated at 2010 World Championship. The forward posted 6.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in Turkey.



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Women News


Australia complete clean sweep of Brazil - by Eurobasket News

Australia - Brazil 102:58

The Opals completed the sweep of the Farewell Series versus Brazil in style. They claimed a comfortable 44-point victory in the final game of the series. Cambage Elizabeth (203-C-91) stepped up with 23 points and 7 rebounds to lead the winners.
Australia and Brazil stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The Opals snatched a 21:18 lead ten minutes into the game. But the hosts started to get away in the second quarter. The Aussies ensured a 43:27 halftime lead. They erupted for 29 points in the third quarter to silence Brazil. Australia led by insurmountable 26 points heading into the fourth quarter. Brazil could not pick up the right tempo and the Opals rolled to the victory at the end. Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) accounted for 18 points, while Jenna O'Hea (185-G/F-87) had 16 points for the winners. Iziane Castro Marques (182-G/F-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) answered with 18 points for Brazil. Erika De Souza (197-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) provided 12 points and 9 rebounds in defeat.

Australia: Cambage Elizabeth 23, Lauren Jackson 18, Jenna O'Hea 16
Brazil: Iziane Castro Marques 18, Erika De Souza 12


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  BELGIUM   


First win for Holland in 2013 EuroBasket qualifications - by Eurobasket News

HOLLAND - BELGIUM 74-59

Both teams were winless before this meeting. Holland celebrated 74-59 home victory last night improving to 1-3 record in Group C of the 2013 EuroBasket qualifications. Belgium still closes the standings in this pool with 0-4. Holland had a strong start and was up by 12 after ten minutes of play. They had 36-22 lead at the halftime and managed to keep it for rest of the way. Quarters: 19-7, 17-15, 15-18, 23-19. Naomi Halman (191-F/C-86, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Cal-Irvine) stepped up for the hosts with double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds. Myrthe Beld (183-G-89, agency: Regeneracom Sports) scored 15 points, while Natalie Van Den Adel (185-G-90, college: Colorado St.) and Tanya Broering (178-G-84) posted 12 points each. Noemie Mayombo (170-PG-91, agency: LBM Management) had 11 points and 6 rebounds in defeat. Laurence Van Malderen (190-C-81, agency: LBM Management) had 10 points, while Belgian young star Emma Meesseman (192-C-93, agency: LBM Management) was limited to 8 points and 11 rebs. Holland will host Lithuania on Saturday and Belgium will meet Slovenia in another road game.

Holland: Naomi Halman 17+14 boards, Myrthe Beld 15, Natalie Van Den Adel 12, Tanya Broering 12
Belgium: Noemie Mayombo 11+6 boards, Laurence Van Malderen 10, Emma Meesseman 8+11 boards


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  BRAZIL   


Australia complete clean sweep of Brazil - by Eurobasket News

Australia - Brazil 102:58

The Opals completed the sweep of the Farewell Series versus Brazil in style. They claimed a comfortable 44-point victory in the final game of the series. Cambage Elizabeth (203-C-91) stepped up with 23 points and 7 rebounds to lead the winners.
Australia and Brazil stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The Opals snatched a 21:18 lead ten minutes into the game. But the hosts started to get away in the second quarter. The Aussies ensured a 43:27 halftime lead. They erupted for 29 points in the third quarter to silence Brazil. Australia led by insurmountable 26 points heading into the fourth quarter. Brazil could not pick up the right tempo and the Opals rolled to the victory at the end. Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) accounted for 18 points, while Jenna O'Hea (185-G/F-87) had 16 points for the winners. Iziane Castro Marques (182-G/F-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) answered with 18 points for Brazil. Erika De Souza (197-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) provided 12 points and 9 rebounds in defeat.

Australia: Cambage Elizabeth 23, Lauren Jackson 18, Jenna O'Hea 16
Brazil: Iziane Castro Marques 18, Erika De Souza 12


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  BULGARIA   


Stoenescu and Marginean lead Romania to victory in Pravetz - by Eurobasket News

BULGARIA - ROMANIA 68-70

Very exciting game was played in Pravetz last night. Romania managed to take 68-70 thriller win against Bulgaria improving to 2-2 record in group D of the 2013 EuroBasket qualifications. Bulgaria stays winless after four games. The winner was decided in the finish. Vera Perostiyska (196-C-82, college: FIU) made a basket for Bulgaria with 55 seconds to go tying the score to 68-68. Alexandra Uiuiu then missed a jumper for the visitors and Bulgaria rebounded, only for Uiuiu to grab a miss by the hosts' Radoslava Bachvarova (183-F-87, agency: LBM Management, college: VCU). Romania called timeout and Annemarie Parau (175-G-84) scored for the guests after that. Bulgaria called timeout and the team was able to get the ball to Jaklin Zlatanova (190-F-88), who attempted a potential game-tying shot but missed. Ancuta Stoenescu (169-G-80, agency: Data Plus Group) led the winners with 25 points and 5 rebounds. She made 6 of 11 attempts from behind the arc in this game. Gabriela Marginean (182-F-87, college: Drexel) had 22 points and 6 rebs, while Parau collected 12 points, 7 assists and 6 rebs. In Bulgaria, Zlatanova was way better than the others with 25 points and 7 rebs. Bachvarova (5 rebs) and Perostiyska (6 rebs) scored 15 and 12 points respectively. Quarters: 15-17, 23-24, 13-8, 17-21. Romania will play in Sweden on Saturday, while Bulgaria waits powerful Spain.

Bulgaria: Jaklin Zlatanova 25+7 boards, Radoslava Bachvarova 15+5 boards, Vera Perostiyska 12+6 boards
Romania: Ancuta Stoenescu 25+5 boards, Gabriela Marginean 22+6 boards, Annemarie Parau 12+7 as+6 boards


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  ESTONIA   


Serbia destroys Estonia in Kragujevac - by Eurobasket News

SERBIA - ESTONIA 101-50

Serbia registered second win in Group B of the 2013 EuroBasket qualifications. They destroyed Estonia in Kragujevac 101-50 for 2-2 record in this pool, while at the same time visitors dropped to 0-4. Serbia took control on its rival from the very beginning and never looked back. They made 25-point lead in the first ten minutes and jumped to plus 35 at the halftime. All after that was just the formality. Sara Krnjic (193-C-91) had 25 points and 8 rebounds for the winners, while Ana Dabovic (183-G/F-89) added 23 points, 8 rebs and 7 assists (MVP, valuation 30). Third scorer in victory was Nevena Jovanovic (179-G-90) with 16 points. Estonia got 22 points from Merike Anderson (180-F/G-81, agency: LBM Management) and she was their only player with double digits in scoring. Valeria Kast (201-C-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: N.Mexico) stopped to 8 pts in this meeting. Serbia will host Montenegro on Saturday, while Estonia will play in Switzerland.

Serbia: Sara Krnjic 25+8 boards, Ana Dabovic 23+8 boards+7 as, Nevena Jovanovic 16
Estonia: Merike Anderson 22, Valeria Kast 8


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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   

Stats Leaders Div.A (Women)

Points Per Game
 Frida ELDEBRINK
  SWE
  (174-G-88)
  Avg: 21.5
 1. Eldebrink, SWE21.5 
 2. Tuukkanen, FIN21.3 
 3. Marginean, ROM19.5 
 4. Dubljevic, MNT19.3 
 5. Dabovic, SRB19.0 
 6. Petronyte, LTU18.5 
 7. Doron, ISR18.0 
 8. Jansone, LAT17.5 
 9. Perovanovic, MNT17.3 
 10. Twehues, SUI16.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Taru TUUKKANEN
  FIN
  (190-C-77)
  Avg: 12.8
 1. Tuukkanen, FIN12.8 
 2. Teilane-T., LAT10.3 
 3. Dubljevic, MNT10.0 
 4. Petronyte, LTU9.3 
 5. Pavel, ROM8.5 
 6. Perovanovic, MNT8.3 
 7. Nicholls, ESP8.0 
 8. Perostiyska, BUL8.0 
 9. Meesseman, BEL7.8 
 10. Fleisher, ISR7.8 
Assists Per Game
 Jelena SKEROVIC
  MNT
  (176-G-80)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Skerovic, MNT5.5 
 2. Dubljevic, MNT5.3 
 3. Baric, SLO5.0 
 4. Teilane-T., LAT4.8 
 5. Doron, ISR4.3 
 6. Karklina, LAT4.3 
 7. Parau, ROM4.0 
 8. Sottana, ITA3.8 
 9. Dabovic, SRB3.8 
 10. Dabovic, SRB3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Romy BAR
  GER
  (189-F-87)
  Avg: 4.3
 1. Bar, GER4.3 
 2. Skobel, POL3.5 
 3. Dabovic, SRB3.5 
 4. Hatzinikolao., GRE3.3 
 5. Doron, ISR3.0 
 6. Linkeviciene, LTU3.0 
 7. Ouvina, ESP3.0 
 8. Kubatova, SVK2.8 
 9. Erkic, SLO2.8 
 10. Nagy, HUN2.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Anastasiya VEREMEENKO
  BLR
  (194-C-87)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Veremeenko, BLR2.5 
 2. Pavel, ROM2.0 
 3. Nicholls, ESP2.0 
 4. Teilane-T., LAT1.8 
 5. Meesseman, BEL1.5 
 6. Majewska, POL1.3 
 7. Petronyte, LTU1.3 
 8. Halman, NED1.0 
 9. Paugaite, LTU1.0 
 10. Zlatanova, BUL1.0 


Round Five of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications - by Eurobasket News

Group A
Hungary - Ukraine 73-78
Ukraine celebrated valuable victory in Sopron last night. They handed 73-78 home loss to Hungary joining them with 2-2 record in Group A of the EuroBasket qualifications. The hosts had 73-71 lead with 1:53 remaining in the game. Tetiana Panchenk-Stakhova (173-G/F-79) drained a triple for Ukraine and after Hungary's miss, Lyubov Alyoshkina (203-C-81) made a jump shot for 73-76 lead with 33 seconds to go. Allie Quigley (180-G-86, college: De Paul) tried for 3 in the finish, but she missed and Alyoshkina closed this game with two free throws for the final 73-78 victory by Ukraine. Alina Iagupova (186-G-92, agency: LBM Management) top-scored for the guests with 27 points and Alyoshkina followed with 22 points, plus 5 rebounds. Panchenk-Stakhova helped her team with 8 points. In defeat, Dora Horti (195-C-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) answered with 18 points and 9 rebs, while Quigley scored 2 points less. Katalin Honti (175-G-87) had 14 points and 6 assists for the hosts. Quarters: 27-19, 12-24, 19-15, 15-20. Hungary will host Belarus on Saturday, while Ukraine goes to Portugal.

Portugal - Israel 60-62
Israel grabbed 60-62 thriller win against Portugal last night. It was fifth round of the EuroBasket qualifications and Israel improved to 2-2 record in Group A. At the other side, Portugal dropped to 0-4. Shay Doron (175-SG-85, college: Maryland) was a key player in victory. She had 21 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds (valuation 24). Doron's free throws brought victory to Israel at the end. Portugal had the last possession in the game after a timeout, they got the ball to Carla Nascimento but she was off target with her attempt. Liron Cohen (173-G-82) scored 12 points in Israel and Katia Levitsky (190-PF-85, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Villanova) collected 8 pts, plus 8 boards. For the hosts, Carla Freitas (170-G-80) shined with 19 points and 7 boards (5 triples). Sara Filipe (187-F-82) had 11 points and 6 rebs, while Sofia Silva (187-C-90) added 8 pts and 10 rebs. Quarters: 14-19, 13-11, 14-20, 19-12. Israel will be free in Round Six. Portugal will host Ukraine on Saturday.

Group B
Serbia - Estonia 101-50
Serbia registered second win in Group B of the 2013 EuroBasket qualifications. They destroyed Estonia in Kragujevac 101-50 for 2-2 record in this pool, while at the same time visitors dropped to 0-4. Serbia took control on its rival from the very beginning and never looked back. They made 25-point lead in the first ten minutes and jumped to plus 35 at the halftime. All after that was just the formality. Sara Krnjic (193-C-91) had 25 points and 8 rebounds for the winners, while Ana Dabovic (183-G/F-89) added 23 points, 8 rebs and 7 assists (MVP, valuation 30). Third scorer in victory was Nevena Jovanovic (179-G-90) with 16 points. Estonia got 22 points from Merike Anderson (180-F/G-81, agency: LBM Management) and she was their only player with double digits in scoring. Valeria Kast (201-C-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: N.Mexico) stopped to 8 pts in this meeting. Serbia will host Montenegro on Saturday, while Estonia will play in Switzerland.

Switzerland - Poland 45-62
Poland did a great job in Fribourg last night. Visitors celebrated 45-62 victory improving to 3-1 record in Group B of the 2013 EuroBasket qualifications. That is currently enough for the second place in this pool, while Switzerland stays No.4 with 1-3 record. Poland exploded in the last ten minutes to take the victory in this game. Visitors limited Switzerland to just 5 points in Q4, while they drained 20 at the other side. Quarters: 15-13, 12-17, 13-12, 5-20. Agnieszka Skobel (179-F-89) was the leading scorer in victory with 18 points, while Joanna Walich (183-F/C-81) added 13 points and 8 rebounds. Weronika Idczak (177-G-89) followed them with 12 points, 5 boards and 5 assists. Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) delivered 13 points for the home squad. Marielle Giroud (180-F-87) (9 rebs) and Sarah Kershaw (180-SF-85) netted 9 and 7 pts respectively. Poland will take a rest next weekend, while Switzerland will host Estonia in Round Six game.

Group C
Holland - Belgium 74-59
Both teams were winless before this meeting. Holland celebrated 74-59 home victory last night improving to 1-3 record in Group C of the 2013 EuroBasket qualifications. Belgium still closes the standings in this pool with 0-4. Holland had a strong start and was up by 12 after ten minutes of play. They had 36-22 lead at the halftime and managed to keep it for rest of the way. Quarters: 19-7, 17-15, 15-18, 23-19. Naomi Halman (191-F/C-86, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Cal-Irvine) stepped up for the hosts with double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds. Myrthe Beld (183-G-89, agency: Regeneracom Sports) scored 15 points, while Natalie Van Den Adel (185-G-90, college: Colorado St.) and Tanya Broering (178-G-84) posted 12 points each. Noemie Mayombo (170-PG-91, agency: LBM Management) had 11 points and 6 rebounds in defeat. Laurence Van Malderen (190-C-81, agency: LBM Management) had 10 points, while Belgian young star Emma Meesseman (192-C-93, agency: LBM Management) was limited to 8 points and 11 rebs. Holland will host Lithuania on Saturday and Belgium will meet Slovenia in another road game.

Slovenia - Slovakia 61-72
Slovakia registered the third win at the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round Group C. They held off Slovenia in Ljubljana to improve at 3-1 record in the ladder. Ivana Jalcova (182-G-83) scored 15 points to lead the visitors. Slovenia suffered the first defeat and also appeared at 3-1 record. Slovakia grabbed an early lead. They were up by 8 points after ten minutes 24:16. Slovenia cut the deficit in the second quarter. They got within 3 points at halftime 35:38. Slovakia boosted the gap in the third frame. They ensured a 58:50 advantage with one quarter to go. Slovakia did not slow down and raced to a confident win at the end. Romana Vynuchalova (192-C/F-86, college: Penn St.) posted 14 points, while Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) added 10 points for the winners. Sandra Pirsic (195-C-84) answered with 25 points and 11 rebounds for Slovenia. Eva Komplet (182-F/C-86) had 10 points in the loss.

Group D
Sweden - Germany 68-58
Sweden and Germany met last night in Round Five of the 2013 EuroBasket qualifications. The hosts celebrated 68-58 victory joining Spain on top of Group D with almost perfect 3-1 record. Germany stays No.3 in this pool with 1-3 score. Third quarter was the crucial one in this game and it belonged to Sweden 21-10. Visitors came to 63-58 with 1:22 to go, but that was all from them in this game as Sweden closed it with mini 5-0 run. Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) top-scored in victory with 21 points. Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) (5 rebs) and Kadidja Andersson (185-F-80, college: Minnesota) (7 rebs) followed with 13 and 10 points respectively. Visitors got 19 points from Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) and 14 pts, plus 9 rebs from Romy Bar (189-F-87). Katharina Fikiel (193-F/C-87) had 8 points and 5 rebs. Quarters: 10-18, 23-16, 21-10, 14-14. Sweden's rival in Round Six will be Romania, while Germany will take a rest next weekend.

Bulgaria - Romania 68-70
Very exciting game was played in Pravetz last night. Romania managed to take 68-70 thriller win against Bulgaria improving to 2-2 record in group D of the 2013 EuroBasket qualifications. Bulgaria stays winless after four games. The winner was decided in the finish. Vera Perostiyska (196-C-82, college: FIU) made a basket for Bulgaria with 55 seconds to go tying the score to 68-68. Alexandra Uiuiu then missed a jumper for the visitors and Bulgaria rebounded, only for Uiuiu to grab a miss by the hosts' Radoslava Bachvarova (183-F-87, agency: LBM Management, college: VCU). Romania called timeout and Annemarie Parau (175-G-84) scored for the guests after that. Bulgaria called timeout and the team was able to get the ball to Jaklin Zlatanova (190-F-88), who attempted a potential game-tying shot but missed. Ancuta Stoenescu (169-G-80, agency: Data Plus Group) led the winners with 25 points and 5 rebounds. She made 6 of 11 attempts from behind the arc in this game. Gabriela Marginean (182-F-87, college: Drexel) had 22 points and 6 rebs, while Parau collected 12 points, 7 assists and 6 rebs. In Bulgaria, Zlatanova was way better than the others with 25 points and 7 rebs. Bachvarova (5 rebs) and Perostiyska (6 rebs) scored 15 and 12 points respectively. Quarters: 15-17, 23-24, 13-8, 17-21. Romania will play in Sweden on Saturday, while Bulgaria waits powerful Spain.
Group E
Italy - Finland 76-58
Italy celebrated its third victory in Group E of the 2013 EuroBasket qualifications. They outplayed Finland 76-58 to join Latvia at the first place in this pool with 3-1 record. Finland shares third spot with Greece as both teams have 2-2 score now. Italy won every single quarter in this game. They were up by 8 points after 30 minutes of play and jumped to 64-50 with 7:32 remaining. The hosts reached plus 17 few minutes later and question about the winner was resolved. Quarters: 25-21, 13-12, 18-13, 20-12. Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) (6 rebs) and Benedetta Bagnara (178-G-87, agency: LBM Management) scored 15 and 14 points respectively for the hosts. Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) had 12 points and 7 boards (0/5 from behind the arc). Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Xavier) shined for the guests with double-double of 18 points and 10 rebs, and Dionne Pounds (174-F-84, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Lamar) scored 10 points. Heta Korpivaara (186-G/F-84, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Seton Hall) had 8 pts and 5 boards. Italy will play against Latvia on Saturday, while Finland goes to Luxembourg.

Luxembourg - Greece 61-85
Greece registered second victory in Group E of the 2013 EuroBasket qualifications. They handed 61-85 home loss to Luxembourg joining Finland on third place in this pool with 2-2 record. Luxembourg stays the only winless team after four games. Greece was up by 11 points at the halftime, after what Luxembourg improved its game but it only helped them to cut the margin to 9 pts with 10:00 remaining. Visitors shined in the last quarter (13-26) to register comfortable win in this meeting. Dimitra Kalentzou (174-G-78) scored 11 points for Greece and Artemis Spanou (182-F-93) added one less. Aikaterini Spatharou (172-G-83, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Katerina Sotiriou (187-F-84, agency: FCM) had 9 pts each. For the hosts, Cathy Schmit (170-G-90) top-scored with 12 points and Nadia Mossong (182-F-86, college: E.Kentucky) had one point less (7 rebs). Lisy Hetting (173-G-90) had 9 pts. Quarters: 17-26, 14-18, 17-15, 13-26. Greece will take a rest next week end, while Luxembourg will host Finland.


*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16   

W-Standings - Div.A

Standings
Group A
1. Belgium0-0
2. Hungary0-0
3. Sweden0-0
4. Turkey0-0
Group B
1. Greece0-0
2. Russia0-0
3. Serbia0-0
4. Slovakia0-0
Group C
1. Croatia0-0
2. Czech Rep.0-0
3. U.Kingdom0-0
4. France0-0
Group D
1. Spain0-0
2. Germany0-0
3. Italy0-0
4. Holland0-0

Preliminary Round: Round 1

A

Jul. 12: BEL - TUR
Jul. 12: HUN - SWE

B

Jul. 12: SVK - SRB
Jul. 12: RUS - GRE

C

Jul. 12: ENG - CRO
Jul. 12: FRA - CZE

D

Jul. 12: GER - NED
Jul. 12: ESP - ITA


Standings - Div.B - by Greg

Standings Div.B
Group A
1. Estonia0-0
2. Finland0-0
3. Portugal0-0
4. Ukraine0-0
Group B
1. Denmark0-0
2. Israel0-0
3. Lithuania0-0
Group C
1. Bulgaria0-0
2. Luxembourg0-0
3. Poland0-0
4. Romania0-0
Group D
1. Belarus0-0
2. Latvia0-0
3. Norway0-0
4. Slovenia0-0

Preliminary Round: Round 1

A

Jul. 12: FIN - UKR
Jul. 12: POR - EST

B

Jul. 12: DEN - LTU

C

Jul. 12: POL - BUL
Jul. 12: ROM - LUX

D

Jul. 12: LAT - SLO
Jul. 12: BLR - NOR



*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18   

W-Standings - Group A

Standings
Group A
1. Spain0-0
2. France0-0
3. Poland0-0
4. Sweden0-0
Group B
1. Belgium0-0
2. Greece0-0
3. Romania0-0
4. Serbia0-0
Group C
1. Croatia0-0
2. Czech Rep.0-0
3. Holland0-0
4. Slovakia0-0
Group D
1. Italy0-0
2. Russia0-0
3. Slovenia0-0
4. Turkey0-0

Preliminary Round: Round 1

A

Jul. 26: SWE - POL
Jul. 26: ESP - FRA

B

Jul. 26: BEL - SRB
Jul. 26: GRE - ROM

C

Jul. 26: NED - CRO
Jul. 26: CZE - SVK

D

Jul. 26: TUR - RUS
Jul. 26: ITA - SLO


Standings - Division B - by Greg

Standings Div.B
Group A
1. Austria0-0
2. Hungary0-0
3. Israel0-0
4. Portugal0-0
Group B
1. Bulgaria0-0
2. Denmark0-0
3. Finland0-0
4. Norway0-0
5. Switzerland0-0
Group C
1. Belarus0-0
2. U.Kingdom0-0
3. Latvia0-0
4. FYR Macedon.0-0
Group D
1. Germany0-0
2. Lithuania0-0
3. Montenegro0-0
4. Scotland0-0
5. Ukraine0-0

Preliminary Round: Round 1

A

Jul. 26: POR - AUT
Jul. 26: ISR - HUN

B

Jul. 26: BUL - NOR
Jul. 26: FIN - SUI

C

Jul. 26: LAT - BLR
Jul. 26: ENG - MKD

D

Jul. 26: GER - SCO
Jul. 26: LTU - MNT



*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20   

W-Standings - Group A

Standings
Group A
1. Belarus0-0
2. Spain0-0
3. Latvia0-0
4. Lithuania0-0
Group B
1. Italy0-0
2. Holland0-0
3. Poland0-0
4. Sweden0-0
Group C
1. France0-0
2. Portugal0-0
3. Turkey0-0
4. Ukraine0-0
Group D
1. U.Kingdom0-0
2. Russia0-0
3. Serbia0-0
4. Slovakia0-0

Preliminary Round: Round 3

A

Jul. 18: LTU - BLR
Jul. 18: ESP - LAT

B

Jul. 18: SWE - NED
Jul. 18: ITA - POL

C

Jul. 18: UKR - POR
Jul. 18: FRA - TUR

D

Jul. 18: SVK - ENG
Jul. 18: RUS - SRB


Standings Div.B (Women) - by Greg

Standings Div.B
1. Belgium0-0
2. Bulgaria0-0
3. Czech Rep.0-0
4. Germany0-0
5. Greece0-0
6. Hungary0-0
7. Israel0-0
8. Romania0-0
9. Switzerland0-0

Preliminary Round: Round 1

Aug. 16: GER - ROM
Aug. 16: GRE - BUL
Aug. 16: BEL - CZE
Aug. 16: ISR - HUN



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


Italy beats Finland in Latina, 76-58 - by Eurobasket News

ITALY - FINLAND 76-58

Italy celebrated its third victory in Group E of the 2013 EuroBasket qualifications. They outplayed Finland 76-58 to join Latvia at the first place in this pool with 3-1 record. Finland shares third spot with Greece as both teams have 2-2 score now. Italy won every single quarter in this game. They were up by 8 points after 30 minutes of play and jumped to 64-50 with 7:32 remaining. The hosts reached plus 17 few minutes later and question about the winner was resolved. Quarters: 25-21, 13-12, 18-13, 20-12. Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) (6 rebs) and Benedetta Bagnara (178-G-87, agency: LBM Management) scored 15 and 14 points respectively for the hosts. Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) had 12 points and 7 boards (0/5 from behind the arc). Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Xavier) shined for the guests with double-double of 18 points and 10 rebs, and Dionne Pounds (174-F-84, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Lamar) scored 10 points. Heta Korpivaara (186-G/F-84, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Seton Hall) had 8 pts and 5 boards. Italy will play against Latvia on Saturday, while Finland goes to Luxembourg.

Italy: Giorgia Sottana 15+6 boards, Benedetta Bagnara 14, Raffaella Masciadri 12+7 boards
Finland: Taru Tuukkanen 18+10 boards, Dionne Pounds 10, Heta Korpivaara 8+5 boards


Finnish U16 National Team -12 - by Ernest

4 Maria Hiekkamaki
*5 Emilia Helle
6 Nina Augustin
7 Olivia Moskari
*8 Veera Valimaa
9 Ninni Salmi
10 Taru Pekkala
*11 Elina Koskimies
*12 Lotta Erakangas
13 Iina Salmenkivi
*14 Tuuli Menna
15 Elise Kleimola

Antti Koskelainen
Jyrki Suhonen


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


Sweden outplays Germany in Sodertalje, improves to 3-1 in Group D - by Eurobasket News

SWEDEN - GERMANY 68-58

Sweden and Germany met last night in Round Five of the 2013 EuroBasket qualifications. The hosts celebrated 68-58 victory joining Spain on top of Group D with almost perfect 3-1 record. Germany stays No.3 in this pool with 1-3 score. Third quarter was the crucial one in this game and it belonged to Sweden 21-10. Visitors came to 63-58 with 1:22 to go, but that was all from them in this game as Sweden closed it with mini 5-0 run. Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) top-scored in victory with 21 points. Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) (5 rebs) and Kadidja Andersson (185-F-80, college: Minnesota) (7 rebs) followed with 13 and 10 points respectively. Visitors got 19 points from Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) and 14 pts, plus 9 rebs from Romy Bar (189-F-87). Katharina Fikiel (193-F/C-87) had 8 points and 5 rebs. Quarters: 10-18, 23-16, 21-10, 14-14. Sweden's rival in Round Six will be Romania, while Germany will take a rest next weekend.

Sweden: Frida Eldebrink 21, Louice Halvarsson 13+5 boards, Kadidja Andersson 10+7 boards
Germany: Anne Breitreiner 19, Romy Bar 14+9 boards, Katharina Fikiel 8+5 boards


BasCats USC Heidelberg keep Kirsten Veith und Elena Hofmann - by Eurobasket News

BasCats USC Heidelberg keep Kirsten Veith (168-G-85) und Elena Hofmann (175-F-88) for the upcoming season.
Kirsten Veith started her career in 2006-2007 for Herner TC (2.Bundesliga, starting five). After another three season she moved to MLP BasCats USC Heidelberg (2.Bundesliga, starting five). In 2010-2011 for MLP BasCats USC Heidelberg (2.Bundesliga, starting five) her stats read 6.6ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 24.5%, 3PT: 22.9%, FT: 23.9%. Last year she averaged 5.1ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 28.7%, 3PT: 21.1%, FT: 75.0%.
Elena Hofmann joined the team in 2009-2010: MLP BasCats USC Heidelberg (2.Bundesliga). In 2010-2011 for MLP BasCats USC Heidelberg (2.Bundesliga) after 20 games her stats read 1.8ppg, 1.0rpg. In 2012 she improved to 2.0ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.0apg.
Both players reached German 2.Bundesliga Group South Semifinals -12 with the team.


Birte Thimm stays with Oberhausen - by Eurobasket News

Birte Thimm (180-F-87) stays with Oberhausen for the next year. The German player will enter her 8th straight season.
National team player Birte Thimm signed another one year contract with the Bundesliga-Team evo New Basket Oberhausen.
Last year Birte Thimm has taken herself some weeks the decision to stay at evo NBO more time. Headcoach Julia Gajewski was happy to have Thimm on the team, well knowing her strength in defense an ability to do so many things on the court. On the defensive side, Thimm is often the key for her team defending the most dangerous player of the opponent and usually solves this problem brilliantly.
In 2010-2011 for evo New Basket Oberhausen (DBBL, starting five) she averaged 6.7ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 44.3%, 3PT: 9.1%, FT: 62.2%. In 2011-2012 for evo New Basket Oberhausen (DBBL, starting five) Birte had 5.9ppg, 6.0rpg, FGP: 39.5%, FT: 59.3%. Together with the team she became German DBBL Cup Winner. Next year Oberhausen will defend their Cup title.


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


Solna Vikings hire Kostas Keramidas as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Solna Vikings got a new Head Coach. The team hired Greek specialist Kostas Keramidas for the next season. He arrives to Solna from Asteras Exarheion Athens. Keramidas coached them last season in Greek A1 league. In 2010/11 he worked with AO Sporting Athens. Actually, Keramidas took them over in February of 2011 and was runner-up in A1 league. In the past, he worked with Agia Paraskevi, Egaleo and Panathinaikos. In 2005, Kostas Keramidas led Greek National Team at the European games in Belgrade. They won the Gold at this event. That same year he also coached U21 Greece and won the Silver with them at U21 World Championship in Argentina.
Yesterday, Solna Vikings men team hired Greek Aris Likogiannis (agency: FCM ) as new Head Coach.


Greece cruises past Luxembourg in Contern - by Eurobasket News

LUXEMBOURG - GREECE 61-85

Greece registered second victory in Group E of the 2013 EuroBasket qualifications. They handed 61-85 home loss to Luxembourg joining Finland on third place in this pool with 2-2 record. Luxembourg stays the only winless team after four games. Greece was up by 11 points at the halftime, after what Luxembourg improved its game but it only helped them to cut the margin to 9 pts with 10:00 remaining. Visitors shined in the last quarter (13-26) to register comfortable win in this meeting. Dimitra Kalentzou (174-G-78) scored 11 points for Greece and Artemis Spanou (182-F-93) added one less. Aikaterini Spatharou (172-G-83, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Katerina Sotiriou (187-F-84, agency: FCM) had 9 pts each. For the hosts, Cathy Schmit (170-G-90) top-scored with 12 points and Nadia Mossong (182-F-86, college: E.Kentucky) had one point less (7 rebs). Lisy Hetting (173-G-90) had 9 pts. Quarters: 17-26, 14-18, 17-15, 13-26. Greece will take a rest next week end, while Luxembourg will host Finland.

Luxembourg: Cathy Schmit 12, Nadia Mossong 11+7 boards, Lisy Hetting 9
Greece: Dimitra Kalentzou 11, Artemis Spanou 10, Aikaterini Spatharou 9, Katerina Sotiriou 9


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


First win for Holland in 2013 EuroBasket qualifications - by Eurobasket News

HOLLAND - BELGIUM 74-59

Both teams were winless before this meeting. Holland celebrated 74-59 home victory last night improving to 1-3 record in Group C of the 2013 EuroBasket qualifications. Belgium still closes the standings in this pool with 0-4. Holland had a strong start and was up by 12 after ten minutes of play. They had 36-22 lead at the halftime and managed to keep it for rest of the way. Quarters: 19-7, 17-15, 15-18, 23-19. Naomi Halman (191-F/C-86, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Cal-Irvine) stepped up for the hosts with double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds. Myrthe Beld (183-G-89, agency: Regeneracom Sports) scored 15 points, while Natalie Van Den Adel (185-G-90, college: Colorado St.) and Tanya Broering (178-G-84) posted 12 points each. Noemie Mayombo (170-PG-91, agency: LBM Management) had 11 points and 6 rebounds in defeat. Laurence Van Malderen (190-C-81, agency: LBM Management) had 10 points, while Belgian young star Emma Meesseman (192-C-93, agency: LBM Management) was limited to 8 points and 11 rebs. Holland will host Lithuania on Saturday and Belgium will meet Slovenia in another road game.

Holland: Naomi Halman 17+14 boards, Myrthe Beld 15, Natalie Van Den Adel 12, Tanya Broering 12
Belgium: Noemie Mayombo 11+6 boards, Laurence Van Malderen 10, Emma Meesseman 8+11 boards


U18 Netherlands on tour in Reze, France - by Remy De Wit

Today a first small word from me on the Tournament in Reze, France.
A month ago we closed the CTO program and all these player stepped into the pre selections of National teams. And so did I. This summer I will be coaching the U18 women in Romania and after that the world championships for U17 is taking place in Amsterdam.
In preparation of the main tournament of U18 we have a previous very strong tournament in Reze, France. Here we will play France, Czech Rep. and Belgium. We played Belgium already twice and won both. But winning those games will not be a guarantee for the 3rd victory on them.
Tonight France will be our first opponent in the tournament and we expect a really tough game. The National teams of France are always competitive and filled with really strong players. The big question will be if we can hold the strong guards they have and get into our own style of play.
Upcoming week I will keep you all posted on the achievements of the Dutch, the level of players and off course the results of all the teams. And off course you can visit the website: http://www.rezebasketinternational.fr/






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  HUNGARY   


Ukraine grabs valuable win in Sopron, 73-78 - by Eurobasket News

HUNGARY - UKRAINE 73-78

Ukraine celebrated valuable victory in Sopron last night. They handed 73-78 home loss to Hungary joining them with 2-2 record in Group A of the EuroBasket qualifications. The hosts had 73-71 lead with 1:53 remaining in the game. Tetiana Panchenk-Stakhova (173-G/F-79) drained a triple for Ukraine and after Hungary's miss, Lyubov Alyoshkina (203-C-81) made a jump shot for 73-76 lead with 33 seconds to go. Allie Quigley (180-G-86, college: De Paul) tried for 3 in the finish, but she missed and Alyoshkina closed this game with two free throws for the final 73-78 victory by Ukraine. Alina Iagupova (186-G-92, agency: LBM Management) top-scored for the guests with 27 points and Alyoshkina followed with 22 points, plus 5 rebounds. Panchenk-Stakhova helped her team with 8 points. In defeat, Dora Horti (195-C-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) answered with 18 points and 9 rebs, while Quigley scored 2 points less. Katalin Honti (175-G-87) had 14 points and 6 assists for the hosts. Quarters: 27-19, 12-24, 19-15, 15-20. Hungary will host Belarus on Saturday, while Ukraine goes to Portugal.

Hungary: Dora Horti 18+9 boards, Allie Quigley 16, Katalin Honti 14+6 as
Ukraine: Alina Iagupova 27, Lyubov Alyoshkina 22+5 boards, Tetiana Panchenk-Stakhova 8


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  ISRAEL   


Briann January signs with Ramat Hasharon - by Eurobasket News

Briann January (173-PG-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Arizona St.) signs with Ramat Hasharon for the next season. According to lovewomensbasketball.com, the American player will join Lasondra Barrett (187-F-90, college: LSU), Alexis Gray-Lawson (173-PG-87, college: California), Kaili McLaren (188-F-88, college: Connecticut) and Alysha Clark (178-F-87, college: Middle Tenn.St.).
In 2005-2006 she started for Arizona St. (NCAA) and averaged 5.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.6apg, 1.5spg. In her last season there she averaged 12.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 4.8apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3Pts: 44.8%, FT: 83.5%. In 2009 Briann January was drafted by Indiana Fever (WNBA,1rd (6)). In 2009 for Indiana Fever (WNBA) her stats read 7.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 34.8%, 3PT: 31.9%, FT: 85.0%.
In Jan.'10 signed at Tarsus Belediyesi (Turkey-TBBL, starting five) and showed 12.7ppg, 3.2rpg, Assists-3 (4.1apg), Steals-4 (2.4spg), FGP: 38.6%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT-1 (91.9%). In Dec.'10 signed at Raanana Hertzeliya (Israel-D1, starting five) and had 14.5ppg, 5.4rpg, Assists-1 (5.5apg), Steals-2 (2.6spg), FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 86.6%.
The season 2011 played only in 10 games for Indiana Fever (WNBA) and had 8.6ppg, 1.4rpg, 5.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 37.5%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 82.9%.


Shay Doron lifts Israel to victory in Casal de Cambra - by Eurobasket News

PORTUGAL - ISRAEL 60-62

Israel grabbed 60-62 thriller win against Portugal last night. It was fifth round of the EuroBasket qualifications and Israel improved to 2-2 record in Group A. At the other side, Portugal dropped to 0-4. Shay Doron (175-SG-85, college: Maryland) was a key player in victory. She had 21 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds (valuation 24). Doron's free throws brought victory to Israel at the end. Portugal had the last possession in the game after a timeout, they got the ball to Carla Nascimento but she was off target with her attempt. Liron Cohen (173-G-82) scored 12 points in Israel and Katia Levitsky (190-PF-85, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Villanova) collected 8 pts, plus 8 boards. For the hosts, Carla Freitas (170-G-80) shined with 19 points and 7 boards (5 triples). Sara Filipe (187-F-82) had 11 points and 6 rebs, while Sofia Silva (187-C-90) added 8 pts and 10 rebs. Quarters: 14-19, 13-11, 14-20, 19-12. Israel will be free in Round Six. Portugal will host Ukraine on Saturday.

Portugal: Carla Freitas 19+7 boards, Sara Filipe 11+6 boards, Sofia Silva 8+10 boards
Israel: Shay Doron 21+8 as+6 boards, Liron Cohen 12, Katia Levitsky 8+8 boards


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  ITALY   


Italy beats Finland in Latina, 76-58 - by Eurobasket News

ITALY - FINLAND 76-58

Italy celebrated its third victory in Group E of the 2013 EuroBasket qualifications. They outplayed Finland 76-58 to join Latvia at the first place in this pool with 3-1 record. Finland shares third spot with Greece as both teams have 2-2 score now. Italy won every single quarter in this game. They were up by 8 points after 30 minutes of play and jumped to 64-50 with 7:32 remaining. The hosts reached plus 17 few minutes later and question about the winner was resolved. Quarters: 25-21, 13-12, 18-13, 20-12. Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) (6 rebs) and Benedetta Bagnara (178-G-87, agency: LBM Management) scored 15 and 14 points respectively for the hosts. Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) had 12 points and 7 boards (0/5 from behind the arc). Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Xavier) shined for the guests with double-double of 18 points and 10 rebs, and Dionne Pounds (174-F-84, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Lamar) scored 10 points. Heta Korpivaara (186-G/F-84, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Seton Hall) had 8 pts and 5 boards. Italy will play against Latvia on Saturday, while Finland goes to Luxembourg.

Italy: Giorgia Sottana 15+6 boards, Benedetta Bagnara 14, Raffaella Masciadri 12+7 boards
Finland: Taru Tuukkanen 18+10 boards, Dionne Pounds 10, Heta Korpivaara 8+5 boards


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  LUXEMBOURG   


Greece cruises past Luxembourg in Contern - by Eurobasket News

LUXEMBOURG - GREECE 61-85

Greece registered second victory in Group E of the 2013 EuroBasket qualifications. They handed 61-85 home loss to Luxembourg joining Finland on third place in this pool with 2-2 record. Luxembourg stays the only winless team after four games. Greece was up by 11 points at the halftime, after what Luxembourg improved its game but it only helped them to cut the margin to 9 pts with 10:00 remaining. Visitors shined in the last quarter (13-26) to register comfortable win in this meeting. Dimitra Kalentzou (174-G-78) scored 11 points for Greece and Artemis Spanou (182-F-93) added one less. Aikaterini Spatharou (172-G-83, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Katerina Sotiriou (187-F-84, agency: FCM) had 9 pts each. For the hosts, Cathy Schmit (170-G-90) top-scored with 12 points and Nadia Mossong (182-F-86, college: E.Kentucky) had one point less (7 rebs). Lisy Hetting (173-G-90) had 9 pts. Quarters: 17-26, 14-18, 17-15, 13-26. Greece will take a rest next week end, while Luxembourg will host Finland.

Luxembourg: Cathy Schmit 12, Nadia Mossong 11+7 boards, Lisy Hetting 9
Greece: Dimitra Kalentzou 11, Artemis Spanou 10, Aikaterini Spatharou 9, Katerina Sotiriou 9


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  NORWAY   


Portugal U16 edge Norway U18 in test game - by Eurobasket News

Portugal U16 - Norway U18 66:58

Portuguese U16 National Team played a test game versus Norwegian U18 selection in Covilha. The hosts proved the strength claiming a narrow victory. Simone Costa (176-G-96) came up with 20 points to lead the winners.
Portugal held their opponents to 11 points in the opening quarter building a 5-point lead. Norway adjusted their offence and cut the deficit to 4 points at halftime 34:38. Portugal took over once again in the third period. They limited the Scandinavians to 8 points and raced to a 12-point lead at the final intermission. Norway outscored the hosts in the fourth period but just sweetened the pill at the end. Maria Kosturkova posted 11 points, while Joana Alves finished with 8 points in the victory. Stine Hoff Austgulen (177-G-94) responded with 21 points for Norway. Kristine Lindholm (179-F-95) and Rannveig Gjesdal (F-94) had 7 points each in the loss.

Portugal U16: Simone Costa 20, Maria Kosturkova 11, Joana Alves 8
Norway U18: Stine Hoff Austgulen 21, Kristine Lindholm 7, Rannveig Gjesdal 7


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  POLAND   


PLKK 2012/2013 to start on September 29th - by Eurobasket News

PLKK 2012/2013 will start on September 29th, 2012. According to plkk.pl the first round pairings can be seen below. The Quarterfinals and the Semifinals will be played in best-of five series. The final game will have a best-of-seven series.

Round 1
1. AZS Rzeszw - Wisła Can-Pack Krakw
2. Basketball Investments Gdynia - ROW Rybnik
3. Tęcza Leszno - MTK Pabianice
4. Odra Brzeg - Widzew Łdź
5. KSSSE AZS-PWSZ Grzw Wlkp. - ŁKS Siemens AGD Łdź
6. Energa Toruń - Artego Bydgoszcz
7. CCC Polkowice - Matizol Lider Pruszkw


Poland wins in Fribourg thanks to impressive last quarter - by Eurobasket News

SWITZERLAND - POLAND 45-62

Poland did a great job in Fribourg last night. Visitors celebrated 45-62 victory improving to 3-1 record in Group B of the 2013 EuroBasket qualifications. That is currently enough for the second place in this pool, while Switzerland stays No.4 with 1-3 record. Poland exploded in the last ten minutes to take the victory in this game. Visitors limited Switzerland to just 5 points in Q4, while they drained 20 at the other side. Quarters: 15-13, 12-17, 13-12, 5-20. Agnieszka Skobel (179-F-89) was the leading scorer in victory with 18 points, while Joanna Walich (183-F/C-81) added 13 points and 8 rebounds. Weronika Idczak (177-G-89) followed them with 12 points, 5 boards and 5 assists. Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) delivered 13 points for the home squad. Marielle Giroud (180-F-87) (9 rebs) and Sarah Kershaw (180-SF-85) netted 9 and 7 pts respectively. Poland will take a rest next weekend, while Switzerland will host Estonia in Round Six game.

Switzerland: Karen Twehues 13, Marielle Giroud 9+9 boards, Sarah Kershaw 7
Poland: Agnieszka Skobel 18, Joanna Walich 13+8 boards, Weronika Idczak 12+5 boards+5 as


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  PORTUGAL   


Shay Doron lifts Israel to victory in Casal de Cambra - by Eurobasket News

PORTUGAL - ISRAEL 60-62

Israel grabbed 60-62 thriller win against Portugal last night. It was fifth round of the EuroBasket qualifications and Israel improved to 2-2 record in Group A. At the other side, Portugal dropped to 0-4. Shay Doron (175-SG-85, college: Maryland) was a key player in victory. She had 21 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds (valuation 24). Doron's free throws brought victory to Israel at the end. Portugal had the last possession in the game after a timeout, they got the ball to Carla Nascimento but she was off target with her attempt. Liron Cohen (173-G-82) scored 12 points in Israel and Katia Levitsky (190-PF-85, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Villanova) collected 8 pts, plus 8 boards. For the hosts, Carla Freitas (170-G-80) shined with 19 points and 7 boards (5 triples). Sara Filipe (187-F-82) had 11 points and 6 rebs, while Sofia Silva (187-C-90) added 8 pts and 10 rebs. Quarters: 14-19, 13-11, 14-20, 19-12. Israel will be free in Round Six. Portugal will host Ukraine on Saturday.

Portugal: Carla Freitas 19+7 boards, Sara Filipe 11+6 boards, Sofia Silva 8+10 boards
Israel: Shay Doron 21+8 as+6 boards, Liron Cohen 12, Katia Levitsky 8+8 boards


Portugal U16 edge Norway U18 in test game - by Eurobasket News

Portugal U16 - Norway U18 66:58

Portuguese U16 National Team played a test game versus Norwegian U18 selection in Covilha. The hosts proved the strength claiming a narrow victory. Simone Costa (176-G-96) came up with 20 points to lead the winners.
Portugal held their opponents to 11 points in the opening quarter building a 5-point lead. Norway adjusted their offence and cut the deficit to 4 points at halftime 34:38. Portugal took over once again in the third period. They limited the Scandinavians to 8 points and raced to a 12-point lead at the final intermission. Norway outscored the hosts in the fourth period but just sweetened the pill at the end. Maria Kosturkova posted 11 points, while Joana Alves finished with 8 points in the victory. Stine Hoff Austgulen (177-G-94) responded with 21 points for Norway. Kristine Lindholm (179-F-95) and Rannveig Gjesdal (F-94) had 7 points each in the loss.

Portugal U16: Simone Costa 20, Maria Kosturkova 11, Joana Alves 8
Norway U18: Stine Hoff Austgulen 21, Kristine Lindholm 7, Rannveig Gjesdal 7


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  ROMANIA   


Stoenescu and Marginean lead Romania to victory in Pravetz - by Eurobasket News

BULGARIA - ROMANIA 68-70

Very exciting game was played in Pravetz last night. Romania managed to take 68-70 thriller win against Bulgaria improving to 2-2 record in group D of the 2013 EuroBasket qualifications. Bulgaria stays winless after four games. The winner was decided in the finish. Vera Perostiyska (196-C-82, college: FIU) made a basket for Bulgaria with 55 seconds to go tying the score to 68-68. Alexandra Uiuiu then missed a jumper for the visitors and Bulgaria rebounded, only for Uiuiu to grab a miss by the hosts' Radoslava Bachvarova (183-F-87, agency: LBM Management, college: VCU). Romania called timeout and Annemarie Parau (175-G-84) scored for the guests after that. Bulgaria called timeout and the team was able to get the ball to Jaklin Zlatanova (190-F-88), who attempted a potential game-tying shot but missed. Ancuta Stoenescu (169-G-80, agency: Data Plus Group) led the winners with 25 points and 5 rebounds. She made 6 of 11 attempts from behind the arc in this game. Gabriela Marginean (182-F-87, college: Drexel) had 22 points and 6 rebs, while Parau collected 12 points, 7 assists and 6 rebs. In Bulgaria, Zlatanova was way better than the others with 25 points and 7 rebs. Bachvarova (5 rebs) and Perostiyska (6 rebs) scored 15 and 12 points respectively. Quarters: 15-17, 23-24, 13-8, 17-21. Romania will play in Sweden on Saturday, while Bulgaria waits powerful Spain.

Bulgaria: Jaklin Zlatanova 25+7 boards, Radoslava Bachvarova 15+5 boards, Vera Perostiyska 12+6 boards
Romania: Ancuta Stoenescu 25+5 boards, Gabriela Marginean 22+6 boards, Annemarie Parau 12+7 as+6 boards


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  RUSSIA   


Russia NT lost another game to Riga Stradins University - by Eurobasket News

RSU Russia 62-47

Russia NT lost another game to Riga Stradins University in the preparation summer campaign. The female side lost to the Latvian male representatives 47:62.
RSU won the opening tip 9:5 and increased to 17:7 at the end of the first period. The Latvian team led 24:17 but allowed the opponents to come closer. Russia pushed the tempo at the end of the half and reduced to 28:22 after twenty minutes. Latvia however grabbed 41:29 midway through the third period and had 15-point advantage after three quarters played. In the last stanza the teams scored the same number of points for the final result.
Kristaps Jurjans (203-C-88) top-scored for the winners with 12 points and Juris Sapovalovs (198-F) had 10. Marina Kuzina (194-C-85) delivered 10 points to lead Russian National team. Ekaterina Lisina (202-C-87) scored 9, while Eugeniya Belyakova (183-G-86) added 7.
Russians will continue their camp in Latvian capital Riga and play two more games against currently unknown opponents.

RSU: Kristaps Jurjans 12, Juris Sapovalovs 10
Russia: Marina Kuzina 10, Ekaterina Lisina 9, Eugeniya Belyakova 7


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  SERBIA   


Serbia destroys Estonia in Kragujevac - by Tamara Ruzic

Serbia had an easy job against Estonia in Kragujevac. Serbia was the favorite of the game and proved their ambitions from the very beginning. Serbia outplayed its rival with 101-50 (32:7, 23:13, 18:16, 28:14). A true simultaneous was Sara Krnjic (193-C-91), scoring 16 points in first 20 minutes.Serbian team shot a solid 50 percent (18/36) and completely out rebounded Estonian team with 30 rebounds versus 13. Estonia started to play better in second half and managed the third quarter losing by 2.
Sara Krnjic (193-C-91) top scored for the winning team with 25pts (8 reb) and Ana Dabovic (183-G/F-89) shined with 23pt (8reb, 7as), while Jovanovic collected 16pts and Matic posted 12 pts.
Merike Anderson (180-F/G-81, agency: LBM Management) ended up with 22 points in the losing effort, while Kast netted 8.



Serbia destroys Estonia in Kragujevac - by Eurobasket News

SERBIA - ESTONIA 101-50

Serbia registered second win in Group B of the 2013 EuroBasket qualifications. They destroyed Estonia in Kragujevac 101-50 for 2-2 record in this pool, while at the same time visitors dropped to 0-4. Serbia took control on its rival from the very beginning and never looked back. They made 25-point lead in the first ten minutes and jumped to plus 35 at the halftime. All after that was just the formality. Sara Krnjic (193-C-91) had 25 points and 8 rebounds for the winners, while Ana Dabovic (183-G/F-89) added 23 points, 8 rebs and 7 assists (MVP, valuation 30). Third scorer in victory was Nevena Jovanovic (179-G-90) with 16 points. Estonia got 22 points from Merike Anderson (180-F/G-81, agency: LBM Management) and she was their only player with double digits in scoring. Valeria Kast (201-C-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: N.Mexico) stopped to 8 pts in this meeting. Serbia will host Montenegro on Saturday, while Estonia will play in Switzerland.

Serbia: Sara Krnjic 25+8 boards, Ana Dabovic 23+8 boards+7 as, Nevena Jovanovic 16
Estonia: Merike Anderson 22, Valeria Kast 8


Maja Vucurovic will continue career in Belgium - by Dragana Vukovic

Maja Vucurovic (188-F-91) signed one year deal with Belgian team Declercq Stortbeton Waregem. Last season she started in Spain for Real Club Celta Vigo Urban but due to Spanish Federation rules about Serbians she had to leave. She moved to Romanian team BCT Alexandria, where she averaged 13.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists during 28.8 minutes on the court. Maja Vucurovic played for all youngster National Teams.


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  SPAIN   


Yaiza Lazaro signs with Gernika KESB, Georgina Bahi moves to Cadi la Seu - by Eurobasket News

Yaiza Lazaro (186-F/C-94) signs with Gernika KESB, Georgina Bahi (190-C-89, agency: Regeneracom Sports) moves to Cadi la Seu for the next season.
Yaiza Lazaro signs with Gernika KESB for the next season. The Spanish Power Forward / Center moves from Segle XXI Bercelona. She joined the team in 2010-2011: Segle XXI Bercelona (LF2) and averaged 5.4ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.0apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 40.3%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 50.9%. Last year for Segle XXI Bercelona (LF2) her stats read 4.7ppg, 2.9rpg.
Georgina Bahi moves to Cadi la Seu. In 2007-2008 she appeared for Femeni Sant Adria (LF2) and showed 9.8ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 52.0%, FT: 60.0%. In 2009-2010 she moved to Argon Uni Girona (LFB) and averaged 22 games: 3.4ppg, 2.1rpg. Last season for her team her stats read 3.0ppg, 1.6rpg. It will be her 6th pro season.


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  SWEDEN   


Sweden outplays Germany in Sodertalje, improves to 3-1 in Group D - by Eurobasket News

SWEDEN - GERMANY 68-58

Sweden and Germany met last night in Round Five of the 2013 EuroBasket qualifications. The hosts celebrated 68-58 victory joining Spain on top of Group D with almost perfect 3-1 record. Germany stays No.3 in this pool with 1-3 score. Third quarter was the crucial one in this game and it belonged to Sweden 21-10. Visitors came to 63-58 with 1:22 to go, but that was all from them in this game as Sweden closed it with mini 5-0 run. Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) top-scored in victory with 21 points. Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) (5 rebs) and Kadidja Andersson (185-F-80, college: Minnesota) (7 rebs) followed with 13 and 10 points respectively. Visitors got 19 points from Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) and 14 pts, plus 9 rebs from Romy Bar (189-F-87). Katharina Fikiel (193-F/C-87) had 8 points and 5 rebs. Quarters: 10-18, 23-16, 21-10, 14-14. Sweden's rival in Round Six will be Romania, while Germany will take a rest next weekend.

Sweden: Frida Eldebrink 21, Louice Halvarsson 13+5 boards, Kadidja Andersson 10+7 boards
Germany: Anne Breitreiner 19, Romy Bar 14+9 boards, Katharina Fikiel 8+5 boards


Solna Vikings hire Kostas Keramidas as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Solna Vikings got a new Head Coach. The team hired Greek specialist Kostas Keramidas for the next season. He arrives to Solna from Asteras Exarheion Athens. Keramidas coached them last season in Greek A1 league. In 2010/11 he worked with AO Sporting Athens. Actually, Keramidas took them over in February of 2011 and was runner-up in A1 league. In the past, he worked with Agia Paraskevi, Egaleo and Panathinaikos. In 2005, Kostas Keramidas led Greek National Team at the European games in Belgrade. They won the Gold at this event. That same year he also coached U21 Greece and won the Silver with them at U21 World Championship in Argentina.
Yesterday, Solna Vikings men team hired Greek Aris Likogiannis (agency: FCM ) as new Head Coach.


Johan Persson and Ake Barlin sign with Jarfalla - by Eurobasket News

Johan Persson (195-G/F-85) signs with Jarfalla for the next season. The team also announced Ake Barlin as a head Coach.
In 2004-2005 Johan Persson started for IK Eos (Basketettan). In 2006-2007 she averaged 9.0ppg, 5.3rpg, 2FGP: 37.0%, 3PT: 46.2%, FT: 59.8%. In 2008-2009 she moved to KSF Srbija Malmo (Basketettan, starting five) and had 5.0ppg, 3.0rpg. Last season for SF Srbija Malmo (Basketettan) her stats read 2.6ppg, 1.3rpg.
Ake Barlin started his coaching career in 2000-2001 for Kristiansand Pirates (Norway). Later in 2002-2003 he moved to Koping and in 2003-2005 took over Kongsberg Penguins (Norway). In 2005-2006 joined Ockelbo BBK (Basketligan), while last year worked with 08 Stockholm (Damligan) women team.


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  SWITZERLAND   


Poland wins in Fribourg thanks to impressive last quarter - by Eurobasket News

SWITZERLAND - POLAND 45-62

Poland did a great job in Fribourg last night. Visitors celebrated 45-62 victory improving to 3-1 record in Group B of the 2013 EuroBasket qualifications. That is currently enough for the second place in this pool, while Switzerland stays No.4 with 1-3 record. Poland exploded in the last ten minutes to take the victory in this game. Visitors limited Switzerland to just 5 points in Q4, while they drained 20 at the other side. Quarters: 15-13, 12-17, 13-12, 5-20. Agnieszka Skobel (179-F-89) was the leading scorer in victory with 18 points, while Joanna Walich (183-F/C-81) added 13 points and 8 rebounds. Weronika Idczak (177-G-89) followed them with 12 points, 5 boards and 5 assists. Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) delivered 13 points for the home squad. Marielle Giroud (180-F-87) (9 rebs) and Sarah Kershaw (180-SF-85) netted 9 and 7 pts respectively. Poland will take a rest next weekend, while Switzerland will host Estonia in Round Six game.

Switzerland: Karen Twehues 13, Marielle Giroud 9+9 boards, Sarah Kershaw 7
Poland: Agnieszka Skobel 18, Joanna Walich 13+8 boards, Weronika Idczak 12+5 boards+5 as


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  UKRAINE   


Ukraine grabs valuable win in Sopron, 73-78 - by Eurobasket News

HUNGARY - UKRAINE 73-78

Ukraine celebrated valuable victory in Sopron last night. They handed 73-78 home loss to Hungary joining them with 2-2 record in Group A of the EuroBasket qualifications. The hosts had 73-71 lead with 1:53 remaining in the game. Tetiana Panchenk-Stakhova (173-G/F-79) drained a triple for Ukraine and after Hungary's miss, Lyubov Alyoshkina (203-C-81) made a jump shot for 73-76 lead with 33 seconds to go. Allie Quigley (180-G-86, college: De Paul) tried for 3 in the finish, but she missed and Alyoshkina closed this game with two free throws for the final 73-78 victory by Ukraine. Alina Iagupova (186-G-92, agency: LBM Management) top-scored for the guests with 27 points and Alyoshkina followed with 22 points, plus 5 rebounds. Panchenk-Stakhova helped her team with 8 points. In defeat, Dora Horti (195-C-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) answered with 18 points and 9 rebs, while Quigley scored 2 points less. Katalin Honti (175-G-87) had 14 points and 6 assists for the hosts. Quarters: 27-19, 12-24, 19-15, 15-20. Hungary will host Belarus on Saturday, while Ukraine goes to Portugal.

Hungary: Dora Horti 18+9 boards, Allie Quigley 16, Katalin Honti 14+6 as
Ukraine: Alina Iagupova 27, Lyubov Alyoshkina 22+5 boards, Tetiana Panchenk-Stakhova 8


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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. 9-7 
 3. Seattle S. 7-7 
 4. S.Antonio SS 6-5 
 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 18

Jun. 29: Washington M. - Connecticut S.
Jun. 29: Tulsa S. - Atlanta D.
Jun. 29: Chicago S. - Phoenix M.
Jun. 30: New York L. - Seattle S.


Zellous leads Fever to 81-72 win over Sky - by Eurobasket News

Shavonte Zellous (5'10''-G-86, college: Pittsburgh) led a balanced offense with a season-high 18 points for the Indiana Fever, who defeated the Chicago Sky 81-72 on Wednesday.

Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) had 17 points and a season-high nine assists, Jeanette Pohlen (6'0''-G-89, agency: LBM Management, college: Stanford) had 14 off the bench and Tamara Sutton-Brown (6'4''-C-78, college: Rutgers) added 10 for the Fever (8-5), winners of three of their last four games.

Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) had 19 points and 10 rebounds, Swin Cash (6'2''-F-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Connecticut) scored 17 and Tamera Young added 15 for the Sky (7-4), who dropped their third straight after a franchise record 7-1 start.

Zellous was 7 for 8 from the field, making all three of her 3-pointers.

Indiana improved a four-point halftime lead to double digits with a 12-3 run over the first 3:29 of the third period, which included a pair of 3s by Zellous. Indianas lead never slipped below eight points after that.

The Fever have beaten the Sky four straight during the last two seasons and lead 22-5 all-time. Indiana made 11 of 19 3-point shots and finished at 45 percent overall from the field.

Catchings struggled offensively for the second straight game, hitting just 2 of 9 shots but making all eight free-throw attempts. On Tuesday, she was 3 of 15 from the field in a loss at Atlanta.

Catchings had five points and four assists while Zellous added five points in the opening quarter as Indiana opened a 22-12 lead.

In the second quarter, the Fever went nearly six minutes without a field goal, but compensated with 7 of 9 free throws plus a late 3 pointers from Catchings and Pohlen en route to a 37-33 halftime lead.

Indiana used its strong third quarter to enter the fourth with a 63-50 advantage.

Chicago outrebounded its opponents 46-35, but the Sky turned the ball over 15 times (on 12 Fever steals) compared to 10 for Indiana.

Chicago hosts Phoenix on Friday and Atlanta on Sunday. Indiana is idle until July 5 at home against San Antonio.

Courtesy of http://articles.boston.com


Silver Stars roll, continue dominance of Sparks - by Eurobasket News

S.Antonio SS - L.Angeles S. 94-80
Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) scored 23 points to lead the San Antonio Silver Stars to a 94-80 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday. Becky Hammon (5'6''-PG-77, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Colorado St.) had 17 points, Shameka Christon (6'1''-G/F-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Arkansas) added 14, Danielle Adams 14 and Jia Perkins 12 as San Antonio (6-5) beat Los Angeles for the third time in three meetings this season. "On paper, we probably don't look like a good matchup for them," Hammon said. "And I think that's generally what people think. But you got to go out there and play the game. I think we have a really focused approach with them." Candace Parker scored 25 points on 10 of 17 shooting to lead the Sparks (10-6), who have lost three straight. Alana Beard and DeLisha Milton-Jones added 14 points each. Four days after handing Los Angeles its first home loss of the season in a 91-71 rout, San Antonio got off to another fast start against its Western Conference rival. The Sparks missed seven of their first eight shots, including three on their second possession of the game. "We have to do things differently," Parker said of the slow start. "Whether we have to do something before the game or warm up differently or something like that." The Silver Stars took advantage, taking a 14-4 lead on Young's two free throws about midway through the first quarter. They led 57-37 at halftime with their highest-scoring first half of the season and finished four points short of their franchise record for a game. "It was a loud building," San Antonio coach Dan Hughes said. "There hasn't been too many times where my players couldn't hear me in a timeout. That's a great problem to have." San Antonio built its double-digit lead while Hammon struggled with her shots. She didn't make her first basket until there was less than 5 minutes left in the first half. After missing her first five field goals, Hammon made three consecutive 3-pointers to close the half. "As far as anyone struggling early on, it does not matter because we have so many weapons that we can go to," Christon said. "And the other person, whoever is struggling, they'll come along. The team does a great job of picking that person up and bringing them along." Christon made her first three shots for the third straight game and her 3 gave the Silver Stars a 43-26 lead with 3:47 to go in the first half. The game got heated in the second half as the Silver Stars became more physical in respond to the Sparks' defensive intensity. Los Angeles coach Carol Ross was assessed a technical foul after arguing a foul should have been called on a jump ball for Parker. Christon had another 3 to start a 9-0 run to open the second half as San Antonio increased its lead to 66-37 with 7:16 to go in the third quarter. Beard had five points and Parker four in Los Angeles' 10-0 spurt that cut the deficit to 68-49 nearly 5 minutes later. However the Sparks got no closer than 14 points the rest of the way. San Antonio's bench was largely responsible for maintaining the advantage, outscoring Los Angeles' reserves 33-17. "I think our bench is fantastic," Young said. "Jia Perkins, especially. She definitely gives us a spark, she's energetic and a great teammate. She definitely brings a lot of offense and Danielle Adams can shoot the 3 so it spreads us out a little bit." *Courtesy of ESPN

Chicago S. - Indiana F. 72-81
Shavonte Zellous (5'10''-G-86, college: Pittsburgh) led a balanced offense with a season-high 18 points for the Indiana Fever, who defeated the Chicago Sky 81-72 on Wednesday. Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) had 17 points and a season-high nine assists, Jeanette Pohlen (6'0''-G-89, agency: LBM Management, college: Stanford) had 14 off the bench and Tamara Sutton-Brown (6'4''-C-78, college: Rutgers) added 10 for the Fever (8-5), winners of three of their last four games. Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) had 19 points and 10 rebounds, Swin Cash (6'2''-F-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Connecticut) scored 17 and Tamera Young added 15 for the Sky (7-4), who dropped their third straight after a franchise record 7-1 start. Zellous was 7 for 8 from the field, making all three of her 3-pointers. Indiana improved a four-point halftime lead to double digits with a 12-3 run over the first 3:29 of the third period, which included a pair of 3s by Zellous. Indianas lead never slipped below eight points after that. The Fever have beaten the Sky four straight during the last two seasons and lead 22-5 all-time. Indiana made 11 of 19 3-point shots and finished at 45 percent overall from the field. Catchings struggled offensively for the second straight game, hitting just 2 of 9 shots but making all eight free-throw attempts. On Tuesday, she was 3 of 15 from the field in a loss at Atlanta. Catchings had five points and four assists while Zellous added five points in the opening quarter as Indiana opened a 22-12 lead. In the second quarter, the Fever went nearly six minutes without a field goal, but compensated with 7 of 9 free throws plus a late 3 pointers from Catchings and Pohlen en route to a 37-33 halftime lead. Indiana used its strong third quarter to enter the fourth with a 63-50 advantage. Chicago outrebounded its opponents 46-35, but the Sky turned the ball over 15 times (on 12 Fever steals) compared to 10 for Indiana. Chicago hosts Phoenix on Friday and Atlanta on Sunday. Indiana is idle until July 5 at home against San Antonio. Courtesy of http://articles.boston.com

Minnesota L. - Phoenix M. 96-80
Rebekkah Brunson (6'3''-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) and Seimone Augustus (6'2''-G-84, college: LSU) each scored 16 points as the Minnesota Lynx became the second team in WNBA history to start 13-1 after beating the Phoenix Mercury 96-80 on Wednesday night. Maya Moore had 15 points and Taj McWilliams-Franklin (6'3''-C-70, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: St.Edward's) had 13 for the Lynx, who broke open a close game in the second half to match the 1998 Houston squad that started 20-1 en route to a 27-3 record. Phoenix, playing the first game of a season-high four-game road trip, got 23 points from DeWanna Bonner (6'4''-G-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Auburn). The Mercury stayed within single digits through three quarters, but fell to 3-9, losing to Minnesota for the third time this season. Samantha Prahalis (5'7''-PG-90, college: Ohio St.) added 20 for the Mercury, but had to leave during the third quarter due to bleeding from a left leg injury. The Lynx, used to winning handily on their home court en route to the league's best record, could not shake the short-handed Mercury in the first half. That was mostly due to the efforts of Bonner, who hit a pair of three-pointers and had 18 points at the break. McWilliams-Franklin had 11 first half points to lead the Lynx, who scored the last seven points of the half to lead 51-45 after 20 minutes. Phoenix already playing without injured regulars Penny Taylor (6'1''-F-81) and Diana Taurasi (6'0''-F/G-82, college: Connecticut), also lost forward Candice Dupree for the game against Minnesota. Listed as a starter in the pregame notes, Dupree was scratched with a left knee injury. Taylor has missed the entire season, while Taurasi has played two games and is not expected back until after the Olympics. Courtesy of www.faribaultcountyregister.com


Lynx improve to 13-1 with 96-80 win vs. Mercury - by Eurobasket News

Rebekkah Brunson (6'3''-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) and Seimone Augustus (6'2''-G-84, college: LSU) each scored 16 points as the Minnesota Lynx became the second team in WNBA history to start 13-1 after beating the Phoenix Mercury 96-80 on Wednesday night.

Maya Moore had 15 points and Taj McWilliams-Franklin (6'3''-C-70, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: St.Edward's) had 13 for the Lynx, who broke open a close game in the second half to match the 1998 Houston squad that started 20-1 en route to a 27-3 record.

Phoenix, playing the first game of a season-high four-game road trip, got 23 points from DeWanna Bonner (6'4''-G-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Auburn). The Mercury stayed within single digits through three quarters, but fell to 3-9, losing to Minnesota for the third time this season.

Samantha Prahalis (5'7''-PG-90, college: Ohio St.) added 20 for the Mercury, but had to leave during the third quarter due to bleeding from a left leg injury.

The Lynx, used to winning handily on their home court en route to the league's best record, could not shake the short-handed Mercury in the first half. That was mostly due to the efforts of Bonner, who hit a pair of three-pointers and had 18 points at the break. McWilliams-Franklin had 11 first half points to lead the Lynx, who scored the last seven points of the half to lead 51-45 after 20 minutes.

Phoenix already playing without injured regulars Penny Taylor (6'1''-F-81) and Diana Taurasi (6'0''-F/G-82, college: Connecticut), also lost forward Candice Dupree for the game against Minnesota.

Listed as a starter in the pregame notes, Dupree was scratched with a left knee injury. Taylor has missed the entire season, while Taurasi has played two games and is not expected back until after the Olympics.

Courtesy of www.faribaultcountyregister.com


Catchings and Parker named Players of the Week - by Eurobasket News

Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) of the Indiana Fever and Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) of the Los Angeles Sparks were named the WNBA's Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week presented by Boost Mobile, respectively, for games played from June 18-24.

This marks the first season that Boost Mobile "" the leaguewide marquee partner of the WNBA "" has presented the WNBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week awards.

For Catchings, the reigning league MVP, the Player of the Week award presented by Boost Mobile is the 16th such honor of her career and moves her into second place in league history in that category behind only Seattle's Lauren Jackson (19).

Catchings led Indiana to a 2-1 record for the week as the Fever split a home-and-home series with the Eastern Conference leader, the Connecticut Sun, and earned a road win over the Tulsa Shock. In the process, Catchings ranked among the conference leaders in every major statistical category, including, assists (5.7 apg, second), rebounds (8.3 rpg, third), steals (2.0 spg, tied for third), blocks (1.33 bpg, tied for fourth), and points (14.3 ppg, seventh).

After opening the week with a 14-point effort in an 88-85 overtime loss at Connecticut, Catchings and the Fever returned home to Bankers Life Fieldhouse where she was just two assists shy of a triple double-double in a 95-61 win over the Sun. The four-time league Defensive Player of the Year presented by Boost Mobile recorded 13 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists "" along with four steals "" in the victory. She then closed out the week with 16 points, 8 boards, 4 assists, and a pair of blocks in a 73-70 win at Tulsa.

For Parker, who earned league MVP and Rookie of the Year accolades in 2008, the Player of the Week award presented by Boost Mobile is the eighth of her career, her third in the first five weeks of the 2012 season, and her second in as many weeks.

Despite sitting out a road game at Phoenix where she rested a sore knee, Parker helped lead the Sparks to a 3-1 record on the week as Los Angeles improved its overall record to 10-4 and maintained a solid hold on the second spot in the Western Conference.

Parker, like Catchings, a product of the University of Tennessee, finished the week as a dominant figure in Western Conference player rankings. She paced the conference in rebounds (10.3 rpg) and blocks (4 bpg), while ranking third in scoring (19.7 ppg).

Also like Catchings, Parker's top performance of the week nearly resulted in a triple-double as she posted 33 points, eight rebounds, and nine blocks in a 95-79 win over Tulsa. While Parker's point total equaled her season high thus far, it was the nine blocks that etched her name in the WNBA record books, making her only third player in league history to post as many (the late Margo Dydek and Leslie each recorded a 10-block game, and Dydek swatted away nine shots three other times).

The fifth-year pro closed out the week with 15 points, 15 rebounds "" including 10 defensive boards "" 3 assists and a pair of blocks in a 91-71 defeat at the hands of the visiting San Antonio Silver Stars.

Other candidates for WNBA Players of the Week presented by Boost Mobile were Atlanta's Sancho Lyttle, Chicago's Sylvia Fowles, and Connecticut's Kara Lawson in the East, and, in the West, Minnesota's Lindsay Whalen, Seattle's Ann Wauters, and Tulsa's Glory Johnson.

The WNBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week presented by Boost Mobile are part of a series of on-court performance awards called the WNBA Performance Awards presented by Boost Mobile. The series, currently in its first season, also includes the WNBA Players of the Month presented by Boost Mobile and four of the WNBA's most prestigious year-end honors: WNBA Most Valuable Player presented by Boost Mobile, WNBA Defensive Player of the Year presented by Boost Mobile, WNBA Sixth Woman presented by Boost Mobile, and WNBA Most Improved Player presented by Boost Mobile.

For more information on this week's Players of the Week presented by Boost Mobile winners, visit www.wnba.com/awards.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com