Eurobasket Daily News Report: 6/5/2012 1:04:01 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/5/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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ANGOLA

Primeiro presents new coach to public - by Eurobasket News

Primeiro d'Agosto has officially presented Paulo Macedo to the public yesterday as its new basketball coach.

Primeiro d'Agosto has officially presented Paulo Macedo to the public yesterday as its new basketball coach.

Fort-four-years-old Paulo Macedo has signed a two-year contract with Primero. He has come to replace the former Portuguese coach Mrio Palma who was refused a contract extension.

As a basketball player, Paulo won four league titles and four cups of Angola.
Courtesy of: StarAfrica.com

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ARGENTINA

Emanuel Ginobili selected the top Argentinian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Emanuel Ginobili

#1. This week's number one is an experienced international guard Emanuel Ginobili (198-77, agency: Interperformances). He led San Antonio Spurs to a 3-point victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder (47-19) 101-98 in the NBA in Sunday night's game. Ginobili was MVP of the game. He recorded 26 points (!!!), 5 rebounds and 3 assists in 34 minutes on the court. The San Antonio Spurs have a very solid 50-16 record this season. It was his team's tenth consecutive victory in a row. It's Ginobili's tenth year with the team. Ginobili has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 13.0ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.3apg, 2FGP: 58.4%(132-226), 3FGP: 39.8% and FT: 86.6% in the 46 games he played so far. Ginobili has a dual citizenship: Argentinian and Italian. Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Ginobili is currently a member of the Argentinian senior national team.

Pablo Prigioni

#2. Second place goes to an international guard Pablo Prigioni (191-77), who plays in the Spanish ACB. He could not help one of league's weakest teams Caja Laboral (23-11) to beat Real Madrid (26-8). Prigioni scored 8 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and dished 7 assists. Caja Laboral was defeated 76-69 on the road by the second-ranked Real Madrid. Prigioni belongs to league's best passers (ranked #4) and also on the list of most steals (first place). His overall stats this season are: 6.6ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.9apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 57.3%(51-89), 3FGP: 25.4% and FT: 84.0%. Prigioni is another player who holds two passports: Italian and Argentinian. Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Prigioni is currently a member of the Argentinian senior national team.

Andres Nocioni

#3. The Argentinian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international forward Andres Nocioni (199-79) is a teammate of previously mentioned Pablo Prigioni and both played together in the last Spanish ACB game. Nocioni. He was not able to help one of league's weakest teams one of league's weakest teams Caja Laboral (23-11) in their game against Real Madrid (26-8). Nocioni scored 9 points in 20 minutes. But Caja Laboral lost 69-76 in Madrid to the second-ranked Real. This year Nocioni's overall stats are: 9.7ppg, 3.5rpg, 2FGP: 51.6%, 3FGP: 46.7%(14-30) and FT: 83.3% in the 12 games. Similarly like Prigioni and Ginobili above he has both Italian and Argentinian nationalities. Despite Nocioni played previously for the Italian national team, he is currently a member of the Argentinian senior national team.

Marcos Casini

#4. Point guard Marcos Casini (188-80), who plays in the Italian Lega2 (second division) was not able to secure a victory for Givova Scafati (17-11) in their last game on Tuesday. Despite Casini's very good performance Givova Scafati was edged 90-87 at home by the second-ranked Tuscany Pistoia. He was the top scorer with 30 points. Casini also added 5 steals. Casini's total stats this season are: 8.9ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.4apg and 1.3spg. Similarly like three previous players above, he also holds two passports: Argentinian and Italian. Despite Casini played previously for the Italian national team, he is currently in the Argentinian national team roster.

Andres Forray

#5. International point guard Andres Forray (187-86) led Trento to an easy victory against the second-ranked Ferentino (21-13) crushing them 104-71 in the Italian Nazionale A (third division) last Saturday. Forray recorded 14 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists in 26 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in Division North-East. Bitumcalor Trento (23-11) is placed second in North-East Division. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. Forray has relatively good stats this year: 10.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.8apg and 2.3spg in the 43 games. He holds both Argentinian and Italian passports. Despite Forray played previously for the Italian national team, he is currently in the Argentinian national team roster.

Manuel Carrizo

#6. Swingman Manuel Carrizo (198-80, agency: Players Group) faced previously mentioned Andres Forray in the Italian Nazionale A last game. Carrizo, who plays in the Italian Nazionale A (third division) couldn't help Ferentino (21-13) in their last game on Saturday. Despite his very good performance the second-placed Ferentino was crushed 104-71 on the opponent's court by the second-ranked Trento in the South-West Division. Carrizo was the top scorer with 15 points. He also added 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. This season Carrizo has relatively solid stats: 14.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.8apg and 1.4spg. Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Carrizo is also an international player who is currently on the senior Argentinian National Team roster.

Other top Argentinian players, who play abroad:

Ariel Filloy (190-PG-87) plays for Armani Milano in Italian SerieA
Juan Fernandez (193-G-90) plays for Armani Milano in Italian SerieA
Nicolas Gianella (186-G-78) plays for Bennet Cantu in Italian SerieA
Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) plays for Houston Rockets in the NBA
Carlos Delfino (198-G-82) plays for Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA
Hernan Jasen (199-G-78) plays for Cajasol in Spanish ACB
Leonardo Mainoldi (203-F-85) plays for Baloncesto Fuenlabrada in Spanish ACB
Juan Pablo Figueroa (184-PG-86) plays for Pinheiros/Sky in Brazilian NBB
Guillermo Kammerichs (203-F/C-80) plays for Flamengo in Brazilian NBB
Federico Van Lacke (191-G-80) plays for FIATC Joventut in Spanish ACB
Javier Bulfoni (192-G-76) plays for Blusens Monbus in Spanish ACB
Juan Ignacio Jasen (196-F-85) plays for UCAM Murcia in Spanish ACB

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

Argentina edge Venezuela for Super 4 Cup title - by Eurobasket News

Venezuela - Argentina 78:87

Argentina celebrated the victory in the Super 4 Cup international tournament in Caracas. They overcame hosting Venezuela on the final day of action to clinch the top position. Matias Sandes (201-F/G-84) came up with 17 points to lead the visitors.
Argentina enjoyed a narrow 19:18 lead after ten minutes of action. Venezuela however increased the tempo and denied the deficit at halftime 42:42. Argentina pulled back in front in the third quarter. They notched 25 points in the third frame to accumulate a 4-point lead at the final intermission. Argentina did not slow down in the fourth period and rolled to the victory at the end. Federico Van Lacke (191-G-80) accounted for 15 points, while Nicolas Romano (197-F/C-87) added 15 points in the victory. Michael Flores (192-G-85) answered with 24 points for Venezuela. Francisco Centeno (201-G/F-85) chipped in 16 points in the loss.

Venezuela: Michael Flores 24, Francisco Centeno 16
Argentina: Matias Sandes 17, Federico Van Lacke 15, Nicolas Romano 15

Mexico edge Argentina on Day 2 in Caracas - by Eurobasket News

Mexico - Argentina 62:58

Mexico rebounded after the starting loss at the Super 4 Cup international tournament in Caracas. They defeated Argentina on the second day of action to improve at 1-1 record. Gabriel Giron (192-F-88) nailed 9 points to lead well-balanced effort from the Mexican team.
The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 12:12 after ten minutes. Mexico stepped on the gas in the second quarter. They unloaded 27 points in the period to ensure a three-point lead at halftime 27:24. The margin grew bigger in the third term. Mexico built a comfortable 46:35 lead with ten minutes to go in regulation. Argentina went on a desperate comeback effort in the fourth term but came up short of victory at the end. Forrest Fisher (193-G-80) delivered 8 points, while Jesus Lopez (205-F-83, college: SW Baptist) finished with 7 in the win. Nicolas Laprovittola (188-PG-90) answered with 10 points for Argentina. Juan Pablo Figueroa (184-PG-86, agency: Interperformances) and Luciano Gonzalez (196-F-90) had 9 points each in the loss.

Mexico: Gabriel Giron 9, Forrest Fisher 8, Jesus Lopez 7
Argentina: Nicolas Laprovittola 10, Juan Pablo Figueroa 9, Luciano Gonzalez 9

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ASEAN LEAGUE

NBA looking to expand to Singapore - by Trent Williams

The NBA is planning to establish a permanent base in Singapore to reach out to the more than half-a-billion people in South-east Asia to develop the sport.

As part of an aggressive multi-pronged campaign to help basketball grow, executives of NBA, which according to Forbes magazine had revenues of US$4 billion (S$5.13 billion) last year, have also been in talks with the Singapore Sports Council (SSC) to support the country's Vision 2030 for sports.

In an exclusive interview with TODAY at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel last week, NBA Asia senior vice-president and managing director Scott Levy said that with the sport getting more attention in the region, the opportunity to get more people into the game is 'tremendous'.

The New Yorker said they will put out more events to attract fans and while he declined to reveal the details, TODAY understands this includes the Singapore launch of an annual NBA-organised 3-on-3 tournament later this year for local teams, with top NBA stars in attendance.

It is a step up from the one-off Basketball Without Borders Asia camp here in 2010 that was conducted by such big names as Trevor Ariza, Al Horford, Taj Gibson, Francisco Garcia and Corey Brewer.

But Levy stressed their interest in Asia goes beyond promoting the NBA property and that they have a long-term commitment to help basketball federations in the continent develop the sport.

'Our strategy from media and merchandise to events is unique and specific to each country,' said Levy, who makes regular trips here.

'In Singapore, we sit down with the SSC and STB (Singapore Tourism Board) to understand what they are trying to achieve and which programmes we do around the world are the right ones for Singapore, so that we can jointly benefit from what is going on here.

'We have been talking to the SSC in detail for three years because we hope to support the growth of sport here through their Vision 2030.

'They were a major part of our Basketball Without Borders Asia event two years ago.'

While the NBA has been conducting events in Asia for two decades, its aggressive push into South-east Asia only started in 2010.

Last year, it launched the 3-on-3 tournament in Thailand and the Philippines, and Levy wants to get more countries on board to pave the way for a regional championship in 2013.

With governments in the region increasingly supporting sport, Levy said the time is right for NBA to do more to promote basketball.

Said the 45-year-old: 'We've got 600 million people in South-east Asia and with infrastructure development and new arenas like the Sports Hub in Singapore coming up, this is an up-and-coming region.

'The urban development puts basketball in a good spot and the potential for growth is tremendous.'

The NBA operates from a regional headquarters in Hong Kong, with offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Taiwan, South Korea and Mumbai, but Levy sees Singapore as an ideal base to reach the markets surrounding it.

He said the Lion City offers opportunities for all of the brand's business lines and could potentially host a centre for it as well as stores, restaurants and bigger NBA events.

'We need people on the ground and it is in our business plan to have an office at some point in Singapore from where we can roll out to other regions,' Levy said.

'Given the infrastructure, the facilities, ease of transport, the airport and the airline, it is a city where you can definitely demonstrate your product.

'If we have to bring talent to Singapore, there is a tremendous amount on offer here like the Sports Hub and state-of-the-art facilities for every major sport that allow us to show our event or property the way we want to.'

(c) TODAY

Disappointing end to a disappointing season for the Slingers - by Trent Williams

Ynares Sports Arena, Philippines, Saturday, May 5, 2012 The Singapore Slingers saw their playoff hopes disappear when they went down 84-90 to the Philippine Patriots in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL).
The loss leaves the Slingers with an 8-11 win-loss record and they cannot catch the fourth-placed Indonesia Warriors who have a 11-9 record. Only the top four teams in the league qualify for the playoffs.

This is the first time in three ABL seasons that the Slingers have failed to make the playoffs.

Slinger Jeffers Kyle (207-C-85, college: Oregon St.) finished with a season-high 30 points and 15 rebounds and teammate Graham Louis (205-F/C-84) had 20 points and 12 rebounds.

Patriot Anthony Johnson finished the game with 26 points and 9 rebounds while Nakiea Miller had a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

The Patriots were down 53-64 in the fourth quarter with 9:45 left in the game after a basket from Graham Louis. Then Johnson, who only had six points through three quarters, came alive and sparked a 13-2 run, in which he contributed nine points, to make it 66-66 with 7:09 left.

Things got worse for the Slingers when Ardy Larong, Johnson, and Miller made three straight three-point shots to make it 81-69 with 4:01 left.

The Slingers did not give up. they managed to make a late 15-6 run which trimmed their deficit to 87-84 on a Graham free throw.

With 29 seconds left, the Slingers got the ball back after Al Vergara was charged with a five second violation. Unfortunately Jeffers, who had 25 points in the first half, was not able to tie the game with his three-point attempt. The Slingers was forced to foul Miller but he only managed to convert one out of his two free throws to make it 88-84 with 23 second left.

The Patriots secured their 15th win of the season after Slinger Don Dulay missed a three point shot and Johnson made two free throws with six seconds left on the clock.

The Slingers will play their next game against Malaysia Dragons on Wednesday, May 9th, at the MABA Stadium. Their final game is at home against the Indonesia Warriors on Sunday, May 13.

Scoring by Quarter
Patriots vs Slingers
1st Q: 13-22
2nd Q: 18-22 (31-44)
3rd Q: 22-18 (53-62)
4th Q: 37-22
Final Score: 90-84

Scorers
Patriots
Anthony Johnson 26 pts, Nakiea Miller 20 pts, Ardy Larong 9 pts, Marcelino Arellano 6 pts, Aldrech Ramos 6 pts, Angelus Raymundo 6 pts, Al Vergara 5 pts, Robert Wainwright 5 pts, Jonathan Fernandez 3 pts, Frederick Rodriguez 2 pts, Eddie Laure 2 pts.

Slingers
Jeffers Kyle 30 pts, Graham Louis 20 pts, Don Dulay 13 pts, Vaughn Canta 6 pts, Wong Wei Long 6 pts, Desmond Oh 5 pts, Pathman Matialakan 4 pts.

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AUSTRALIA

Standings - ABA

ABA Standings

Big V
1. Eltham W.		9-3
2. Ringwood H.		9-3
3. Corio Bay		8-5
4. Waverley F.		7-5
5. Hume City		7-5
6. Diamond V.E.		6-6
7. Sherbrooke S.		4-9
8. Bulleen B.		3-9
9. Melbourne		2-10
Central ABL
1. W.Adelaide B.		7-2
2. Sturt S.		7-2
3. N.Adelaide R.		6-2
4. Woodville W.		5-3
5. Norwood F.		5-4
6. Forestville E.		5-4
7. S.Adelaide P.		4-5
8. C.District L.		3-6
9. South.Tigers		2-7
10. Eastern M.		0-9
QBL
1. Rockhampton		4-0
2. Townsville H.		4-1
3. Ipswich F.		4-1
4. SW Metro P.		3-1
5. Northside W.		3-1
6. Mackay M.		2-1
7. Gladstone P.		2-3
8. Bundaberg B.		2-3
9. Gold Coast R.		1-2
10. Cairns M.		1-3
11. Maroochydore		1-3
12. Brisbane C.		1-4
13. Toowoomba		0-5
SEABL-East
1. Dandenong		13-3
2. Geelong S.		12-3
3. Sandringham S.		11-5
4. Bendigo B.		10-5
5. Frankston B.		8-6
6. Brisbane S.		5-9
7. Canberra G.		1-15
SEABL-South
1. Knox R.		9-6
2. Nunawading S.		8-7
3. Albury W.B.		7-6
4. Ballarat M.		6-7
5. Hobart C.		6-8
6. Kilsyth C.		6-10
7. NW Tasmania		5-9
8. Mt Gambier		4-12
WARATAH
1. Norths Bears		9-2
2. Newcastle H.		8-1
3. Maitland M.		8-3
4. Cent.Coast C.		7-6
5. Sydney C.		6-4
6. Manly Warr.		5-5
7. Hills H.		5-6
8. Illawarra H.		5-7
9. Bankstown B.		3-7
10. Parramatta W.		3-7
11. Colonial Hotel		3-8
12. Sutherland S.		3-9

Regular Season: Round 11

BIG V

Jun. 2: Eltham W. - Waverley F. 94-91
Jun. 2: Sherbrooke S. - Diamond V.E. 87-85
Jun. 2: Hume City - Ringwood H. 72-80
Jun. 2: Bulleen B. - Corio Bay 69-76
Jun. 3: Melbourne - Corio Bay 68-80

Central ABL

Jun. 2: Forestville E. - Norwood F. 77-82
Jun. 2: C.District L. - South.Tigers 75-72
Jun. 2: Woodville W. - Sturt S. 70-93
Jun. 2: S.Adelaide P. - N.Adelaide R. 67-83
Jun. 2: W.Adelaide B. - Eastern M. 100-51

QBL

Jun. 2: Rockhampton - Gladstone P. 96-63
Jun. 2: SW Metro P. - Northside W. 90-71
Jun. 2: Cairns M. - Bundaberg B. 83-63
Jun. 2: Ipswich F. - Brisbane C. 80-71
Jun. 3: Gold Coast R. - Ipswich F. 73-93
Jun. 2: Toowoomba - Maroochydore 73-82
Jun. 1: Townsville H. - Bundaberg B. 53-67
Jun. 8: Brisbane C. - Northside W.
Jun. 9: Cairns M. - Townsville H.
Jun. 9: Maroochydore - Bundaberg B.
Jun. 9: Mackay M. - Ipswich F.
Jun. 10: SW Metro P. - Bundaberg B.
Jun. 10: Gold Coast R. - Toowoomba

SEABL

Jun. 2: NW Tasmania - Canberra G. 93-74
Jun. 2: Knox R. - Brisbane S. 90-81
Jun. 3: Nunawading S. - Brisbane S. 89-54
Jun. 2: Albury W.B. - Bendigo B. 87-91
Jun. 2: Sandringham S. - Nunawading S. 84-77
Jun. 2: Frankston B. - Dandenong 81-102
Jun. 2: Ballarat M. - Kilsyth C. 80-51
Jun. 1: Bendigo B. - Geelong S. 76-94
Jun. 1: Mt Gambier - Brisbane S. 75-67
Jun. 3: Kilsyth C. - Dandenong 62-101
Jun. 1: Hobart C. - Canberra G. 107-73
Jun. 8: Hobart C. - Ballarat M.
Jun. 9: Brisbane S. - Geelong S.
Jun. 9: NW Tasmania - Ballarat M.
Jun. 9: Albury W.B. - Sandringham S.

WARATAH

Jun. 2: Illawarra H. - Colonial Hotel 90-84
Jun. 2: Maitland M. - Hills H. 88-82
Jun. 2: Cent.Coast C. - Bankstown B. 85-81
Jun. 3: Maitland M. - Sutherland S. 68-63
Jun. 2: Sutherland S. - Norths Bears 65-97
Jun. 5: Newcastle H. - Manly Warr.

Standings - SBL

SBL Standings

1. Lakeside L.		14-2
2. Wanneroo W.		13-2
3. Perth R.		11-4
4. Cockburn C.		10-5
5. Mandurah M.		10-5
6. Perry Lakes H.		8-8
7. Willetton T.		8-8
8. East Perth E.		7-8
9. Goldfield G.		7-9
10. Stirling S.		6-10
11. Kalamunda E.S.		5-11
12. Geraldton B.		5-12
13. Rockingham F.		2-13
14. SW Slammers		2-13

Regular Season: Round 12

Jun. 2: Willetton T. - Geraldton B. 93-85
Jun. 1: Mandurah M. - Willetton T. 87-95
Jun. 1: Perry Lakes H. - Stirling S. 85-83
Jun. 2: Rockingham F. - Lakeside L. 68-128
Jun. 2: Cockburn C. - Goldfield G. 64-83
Jun. 2: Perth R. - SW Slammers 112-82
Jun. 1: Lakeside L. - East Perth E. 110-75
Jun. 3: Wanneroo W. - Geraldton B. 109-74
Jun. 3: Kalamunda E.S. - Goldfield G. 104-98
Jun. 2: Stirling S. - Kalamunda E.S. 104-108

Big V: Weekend Wraps- Round 11 - by Eurobasket News

With two wins on the road the Stingrays have hit the top four, but can they stay there? Meanwhile Eltham and Waverley put on another classic and Hume City went down to the flying Hawks.
SCM ROUND UP
ROUND 11
Sherbrooke may not look back on season 2012 with heaps of fond memories, but they will remember their round 11 win against Diamond Valley with great pride. A barnstorm-ing 25-16 last quarter and a made field goal by Nathan Tru-man with two seconds left got the job done. The Eagles did get a final shot up, but it was all in vain and right now the lads from DV look gone. Luke Solomon and Paul Elderkin (196-G-87) both netted 22pts for the Suns, while too much was left to Kristian Williams (21pts) for the Eagles.
The Hawks continue to soar while the Broncos are starting to buckle, as evidenced by an 80-72 scoreline that included a strong 25-16 final quarter by the Hawks. Needing to win, the Broncos set the early pace, but some dead-eye shooting down the stretch lifted the Hawks and right now they look a very focused lot indeed. Again, sharing the love, five Hawks hit double digits led by Skyler Bowlin with 15pts, while for the Broncos Jermaine Maybank (193-G-82, college: Kansas St.) (15pts) and Jamal Brown (13pts, 12rbs) were the pick of the stable.
Much like the heroics Eltham and Waverley put on in last years grand final series, an overtime match-up between the two didnt fail to excite. Waverley stormed home in the last regulation period to force an extra five minutes, but Eltham duly steadied and got the job done on the back of some big plays. The Wildcats shot at a handy 52% and al-ways looked dangerous when the ball was in the hands of Matt Fennell (26pts) and Cameron Tragardh (209-C/F-83, college: ORU) (20pts, 10rbs). Daniel Dillon (14pts) stepped out for the Falcons, Ivan Plat-enik (19pts) did his bit and Bennie Lewis (22pts) also flew high in an all-round entertaining contest.
www.bigv.com.au
ROUND 11 RESULTS
Sherbrooke 87 defeated DValley 85 Ringwood 80 defeated Hume City 72 Eltham 94 defeated Waverley 91 Corio Bay 76 defeated Bulleen 69
Corio Bay 80 defeated Melbourne 68
What is it about Eltham, Waverley and close games? Yet again they put on a ripper, though this time it was the Wildcats saluting. What are the chances of another close game or two come August? We think they are pretty high as one of the Big Vs great rivalries grew another step over the weekend.
Three straight losses for Diamond Valley has turned their season upside down. With games against Bul-leen, Corio Bay and Hume City on the way, its fair to say another loss could bring their playoff hopes to a close.
A 23-11 start by Bulleen against Corio Bay paved the way for an entertaining game, but by the final buzzer the talented Stingrays pushed clear to grab a vital 76-69 win. The Boomers continue to show improved qual-ities each week and once again Corey Standerfer (22pts, 12rbs) and Trevor Latham (17pts, 10rbs) were pivotal, but when it came to match-winners it was Corio Bays Jason Reardon (189-G-83) (27pts, 11rbs) who deserv-edly enjoyed the spotlight.
The Stingrays backed up against lowly Melbourne and duly won, but in so doing moved into the top four and look like a team keen on staying put. Eric Williams (21pts, 15rbs) was all class, as was Jason Reardon (19pts, 8rbs, 9ass), while Jarrod Fryar (18pts) and Yusuf Qaafow (15pts) kept the Tigers ticking over.
So with 7 rounds remaining the State Championship Mens competition looks like it is going to go down to the wire and one thing is for certain some very good sides are not going to make the play-offs in 20TWELVE. The race to the finals promises to be epic.
Courtesy of: bigv.com.au

SBL: Lightning bounce back (Round 12 men's wrap) - by Eurobasket News

The Lakeside Lightning bounced back from last weekend to beat East Perth Eagles on Friday night and smash Rockingham Flames on Saturday.

The Lightning ended the Eagles four game winning streak 110-75, Lakeside making 23 three pointers throughout the game to dominate the contest.

Lightning import Luke Payne (188-G-85, college: USC Upstate) was impressive with 20 points while Jarrad Prue chipped in with 17 defensive rebounds.

The Lightning took down the Flames 128-68 with solid performances from Lightning import Ben Beran (200-C-85, college: S.Dakota St.) (25 points) and Luke Payne (22 points), the Flames 60 point defeat was their sixth consecutive loss of the season.

The Wanneroo Wolves are on a seven game winning streak after taking down the Geraldton Buccaneers 109-74 on Sunday.

A solid performance from Wolves Jordan Wild with 23 points and 12 rebounds was the catalyst to send the Buccs home winless.

The Perth Redbacks took down the South West Slammers 112 -82 on Saturday night to jump into third place.

A concrete game from Redbacks guard Jarrad Prior (32 points) and centre Michael Vigor (206-F/C-90) with 23 points and eight rebounds put the Redbacks in control.

The Cockburn Cougars have fallen into fourth place after going down to the Goldfields Giants 83-64 on the back of a double-double from Giants import Darnell Dialls, scoring 21 points and ten rebounds.

The Willetton Tigers kept their top four hopes alive with back to back victories against the fifth place Mandurah Magic on Friday night and the Geraldton Buccaneers on Saturday.

The Tigers took down the Magic 95-87, Tigers forward Robert Kampman led the way with 24 points and 11 rebounds while Mandurah were led by forward Taylor Mullenax (20 points) and veteran Aaron Trahair with 21 points.

The Tigers then defeated the Buccaneers 93-85, another stand out performance from Kampman who finished with 21 points.

It was a shocking weekend for the Stirling Senators going down to the Perry Lakes Hawks and the Kalamunda Eastern Suns.

The Hawks defeated the Senators 85-83 on Friday night then the Suns took down the Senators 108-104, with a great game from Suns Lee Roberts with 28 points and 19 rebounds.

It was a steady weekend for the Suns, also taking down the Giants 104-98 on Sunday.

Article by Hannah Coleman
Courtesy of: SBL

Andrew James Ogilvy selected the top Australian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Andrew James Ogilvy

#1. This week's number one is an international center Andrew James Ogilvy (211-88, college: Vanderbilt). He led Valencia Basket to a victory against the league leader Regal FC Barcelona (29-5) 81-76 in the Spanish ACB in Sunday night's game. Ogilvy scored 13 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in a mere 15 minutes on the court. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Valencia Basket (20-14) is placed fourth in the ACB. It's Ogilvy's first season with the team. This year he averages: 4.8ppg, 2.3rpg, 2FGP: 60.9%(53-87) and FT: 71.4% in the 26 games he played so far. Ogilvy has a dual citizenship: Australian and Irish. Despite he played previously for the Irish national team, Ogilvy is currently a member of the Australian senior national team.

Aleks Maric

#2. Second place goes to an international center Aleks Maric (211-84, college: Nebraska), who plays in the Greek A1. He could not help one of league's weakest teams Panathinaikos (22-2) to beat Olympiacos (23-1). Maric scored 6 points. Panathinaikos was defeated 82-76 in a derby game by the leading Olympiacos. Maric's overall stats this season are: 6.4ppg, 3.9rpg, 2FGP: 71.9%(64-89) and FT: 57.5%. Despite he played previously for the Irish national team, Maric is currently a member of the Australian senior national team.

Brad Newley

#3. The Australian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international forward Brad Newley (201-85, agency: Beo Basket) is a teammate of previously mentioned Andrew James Ogilvy and both played together in the last Spanish ACB game. Newley managed to help Valencia Basket in a victory against the league leader Regal FC Barcelona (29-5) 81-76. He scored only 3 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished 3 assists in 28 minutes. This year Newley's overall stats are: 6.5ppg, 2.4rpg, 2FGP: 57.1%(52-91), 3FGP: 36.4% in the 24 games. He is also a member of the Australian senior national team.

Joe Ingles

#4. Swingman Joe Ingles (203-87, agency: Priority Sports) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Valencia Basket (20-14) 80-64 in the Spanish ACB in Wednesday night's game. Ingles scored only 4 points. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Regal FC Barcelona (29-5) is placed first in the ACB. It was his team's tenth consecutive victory in a row. Ingles' total stats this season are: 5.5ppg, 1.5rpg and 1.6apg. He is also Australian national team player.

Steven Markovic

#5. Former international guard Steven Markovic (190-85), who plays in the Serbian A League was not able to help Radnicki Kragujevac (10-4) in their last game. Despite Markovic's good performance the second-placed Radnicki Kragujevac lost 71-76 on the road to the lower-ranked (#3) Zvezda in the SuperLiga group. He was the second best scorer with 13 points. Markovic also added 3 assists in 26 minutes. Markovic is ranked fifth on the list of the best passers in the league with 4.4apg. This year he also averages: 7.1ppg and 1.9rpg in the 17 games. Markovic is another player who holds two passports: Australian and Serbian. Despite he played previously for the Serbian national team, Markovic is currently in the Australian national team roster.

Daniel Kickert

#6. Center Daniel Kickert (208-83, college: St.Mary's, CA), who plays in the Polish PLK was not able to secure a victory for PGE Turow (2-8) in their last game on Sunday. Despite his good performance PGE Turow (#6) was defeated 79-74 in Zielona Gora by the higher-ranked Zastal ZG (#3) in the Group A. Kickert scored 10 points and blocked 2 blocks. Kickert has relatively good stats this season: 14.8ppg and 4.3rpg. Despite he played previously for the Dutch national team, Kickert is also an international player who is currently on the senior Australian National Team roster.

Patrick Mills

#7. Former international point guard Patrick Mills (183-88, college: St.Mary's, CA) couldn't help the San Antonio Spurs (50-16) in their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder (47-19) in the NBA. He cannot count it as his best performance. Mills scored only 3 points in 11 minutes. The San Antonio Spurs were badly defeated 102-82 in Oklahoma City by the Thunder. This year Mills has relatively solid stats: 8.2ppg, 1.4rpg and 2.0apg in the 22 games. He used to play for the Australian national team three years ago.

Mick Pennisi

#8. An experienced center Mick Pennisi (210-75, college: E.Michigan) couldn't help Barako Bull (1-2) in their game against B-Meg Llamados (2-1) in the Filipino PBA. Pennisi recorded 6 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and made 2 blocks. It was his first game for Barako Bull this season. Barako Bull was defeated 95-90 in Pasig by the higher-ranked B-Meg Llamados (#3). Despite Pennisi played previously for the Filipino national team, he is currently in the Australian national team roster.

Other top Australian players, who play abroad:

Matt Nielsen (208-F/C-78) plays for Khimky in Russian PBL
David Andersen (212-C-80) plays for Montepaschi Siena in Italian SerieA
Nathan Jawai (208-F/C-86) plays for Unics Kazan in Russian PBL
Andrew Bogut (212-C-84) plays for Golden State Warriors in the NBA
Kyrie Irving (191-G-92) plays for Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA
Isaiah Omamogho (183-G-93) plays for Artland Dragons in German BBL
David Barlow (205-F-83) plays for UCAM Murcia in Spanish ACB
Marko Nikolic (201-C-85) plays for Smederevo Vizura in Serbian A League

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

NBL tips-off October 5 - by Eurobasket News

The 2012/13 National Basketball League season will tip-off on Friday October 5, with reigning title-holders the New Zealand Breakers set to hoist their second consecutive championship banner to the rafters of North Shore Events Centre in Auckland on Opening Night of the iiNet NBL Championship.

The Breakers will have the honour of tipping-off the new season with a home game against 2012 Semi Finalists, the Gold Coast Blaze, at the North Shore Events Centre in Auckland.

Also playing on Opening Night will be the NBLs two New South Wales clubs, with the Wollongong Hawks hosting their intrastate rivals the Sydney Kings at The Sandpit (AKA the Wollongong Entertainment Centre). New Kings import Corin Henry will make his NBL debut in that game along with Sydneys other key off-season signings centre Ian Crosswhite and guard James Harvey.

There will be four games in Round One, including archrivals the Cairns Taipans and Townsville Crocodiles facing each other for a Reptile Rumble in Cairns on Saturday 6 October. That clash will see new signing Cameron Trigger Tragardh (ex-Melbourne Tigers) make his first appearance for the Taipans, as well as the debut of Australia college stars Cameron Gliddon and Clint Steindl for the Snakes.

Traditional combatants the Adelaide 36ers and Melbourne Tigers will meet at Adelaide Arena on Sunday 7 October, with prodigal son Luke Schenscher making his highly-anticipated return for the Sixers. Adam Ballinger will also make his first appearance for the Melbourne Tigers in that clash against his former club.

Fans wont have to wait long to see a rematch of the two teams that slugged it out in the classic 2012 NBL Grand Final series, with the Breakers hosting last seasons runners-up the Perth Wildcats in Round Five on 1 November.

The Wildcats will face their opening five games on the road before playing their first ever game at the brand new Perth Arena in Round Seven on Friday 16 November.

As recently announced, the fixture also features a break between Rounds 11 and 12 to accommodate the reintroduction of the NBL All-Star Game on Sunday 23 December.

Each team will play 28 games during the 2012/13 iiNet NBL Championship regular season. The nine teams that will play in 2012/13 are the Adelaide 36ers, Cairns Taipans, Gold Coast Blaze, Melbourne Tigers, New Zealand Breakers, Perth Wildcats, Sydney Kings, Townsville Crocodiles and Wollongong Hawks.

The existing NBL Finals system with its top four format will be retained, with the Finals set to run from late March through to late April.

Expectations are high for continued growth and increased visibility for the NBL in the new season after the 2011/12 iiNet NBL Championship campaign produced a third consecutive season of attendance increases and a scintillating sold-out Grand Final series.

Click here to view the full 2012/13 iiNet NBL Championship schedule.

Courtesy of NBL Australia

Anstey to lead Tigers - by Eurobasket News

Current Director of Basketball and former club captain, Chris Anstey (213-C-75), has been named Head Coach of the Melbourne Tigers for the 2012/13 iiNet NBL Championship Season. NBL legend and former Tiger, Darryl 'D-Mac' McDonald, has joined the coaching panel as Assistant Coach, while current Assistant Coach Rohan Short will remain in his position, forming a three man coaching panel.

Anstey, who is well known to Tigers fans after leading the club to Championships in 2006 and 2008, is excited with the challenge of restoring the Tigers to their former glory:

It is an absolute privilege to be given this opportunity. To coach has been a strong passion of mine and it is amazing to be able to do so at the club that I love. I know what it takes to be a professional player and a big focus will be on developing young talent. We want to be the place that young players around Victoria, and Australia, want to come to and develop into elite players.

It is great to have D-Mac on board, his knowledge and teaching ability is incredible. I knew if I were to ever get the opportunity to coach I would want him by my side. I also have a great amount of respect for Rohan, as a coaching group we compliment each other well and, along with the strength/medical staff, I believe we have put the right people around the playing group to give them the best possible chance of success.

The new management group is bringing a fresh start to the Melbourne Tigers, with big plans already being put into action. We are looking forward to the bigger picture which extends beyond the court to an exciting vision which looks to re-engage both current and past players, supporters, members and sponsors. We are all confident that we will be raising the club to a new level during the upcoming season.

In his previous role as Director of Basketball, Anstey has been heavily involved in recruiting the team for next season, with further player announcements expected to be made in the coming days.

Meanwhile the Tigers also announced that the investigation by the club regarding Trevor Gleeson has concluded with Trevor's record and reputation as a coach unblemished.

However, the club and Trevor have now agreed to part ways.

The parties were in negotiations before the investigation commenced and the negotiations resumed when the investigation concluded.

Any process or investigation relating to any of the club's employees, including Trevor, is confidential and no other comment will be made.

The Melbourne Tigers are appreciative of the time and effort Trevor has given during his time with the club and wish him all the best in the future.

Courtesy of NBL Australia

Chris Anstey to lead Melbourne Tigers in 2012/13 - by Trent Williams

NEW Melbourne Tigers coach Chris Anstey (213-C-75) was the only man offered the job to replace Trevor Gleeson.

Anstey, 37, a two-time NBL MVP who won two championships with the Tigers, was confirmed in the role yesterday. Tigers legend Darryl McDonald will be his assistant.

Anstey vowed to make the Tigers immediate championship contenders.

Chairman and owner Larry Kestelman said the club had settled its dispute with Gleeson, who was sacked one year into a three-year contract.

Kestelman said a club investigation found no contract breaches by Gleeson.

He said Anstey, installed as director of basketball six weeks ago, shared a vision for the club's future.

'What we decided was (Gleeson) is not someone we want leading our playing staff,' Kestelman said.

'And we feel this new team we have assembled is the right one ... to create the best basketball club this country has ever seen.'

Anstey, who has coached at Caulfield Grammar and was in charge of Big V competition leaders the Camberwell Dragons, acknowledged his elevation to the NBL was quick.

But he welcomed the challenge of ending recent instability and making the Tigers successful again.

'It was a case of wanting to be a head coach at any level and imparting my philosophy on programs,' Anstey said.

'Coaching at those other levels, it was more about what you couldn't do because they are not elite.

'Having full-time access to the players now ... I can't wait to get started. I don't think there is any need to rebuild the team. It's not that broken.

'I don't think any of the players would hang their hat on last season and say that was the best they've got.

'We've got to make sure they take that next step and perform at a high level.'

Anstey said the Tigers were 'certainly' looking for an import player.

'You bring imports in to win games. We're going to do that,' he said.

The team will split its home games between Hisense Arena and the State Netball and Hockey Centre.

Courtesy of The Herald Sun, Melbourne.

Sydney Kings sign James Harvey - by Trent Williams

The Sydney Kings have snapped up Gold Coast captain James Harvey (196-G/F-79, agency: Interperformances) for next NBL season while the embattled Blaze remain mired in voluntary administration.

Veteran sharpshooter Harvey, who captained the Blaze since their inaugural 2007-08 season, was one of four signings the Kings announced on Tuesday.

The others were Cairns Taipans big man Ian Crosswhite and Tom Garlepp, also from the Gold Coast, and the re-signing of Aaron Bruce (190-G-84).

Crosswhite is a ready-made replacement for star centre Julian Khazzouh, who along with Anatoly Bose, signalled his intention to chase a contract in Europe.

Sydney coach Shane Heal hailed 33-year-old shooting guard Harvey as a key acquisition, welcoming his leadership qualities as well as his scoring ability.

'The addition of Harvey to the Sydney Kings roster will help with a crucial missing link behind the arc,' Heal said.

'Every team needs a leader, and I am confident James will fill the void from last season. He is one of the most passionate leaders I have played with both on the court and in the gym.

'James Harvey is a big game player who has dealt with persistent injuries over the past couple of seasons, so he will come to the Sydney Kings with something to prove.'

Heal added the Kings were hopeful of unveiling further signings, this time on the import front, later in the week after deciding not to offer Jerai Grant another contract.

Harvey's signing was unveiled on the same day Basketball Australia (BA) expressed increased optimism that Gold Coast will continue in the NBL.

BA interim CEO Scott Derwin said he could not guarantee the club's future but was encouraged by talks with the Blaze about a new investor.

'I flew to the Gold Coast last week and, on Thursday, met with the ownership of the Gold Coast Blaze as well as the players, team staff and the club's appointed administrator Roland Robson,' Derwin said.

'Those meetings have given us reason for renewed levels of optimism around the future of the club.

'The team's ownership and management are extremely confident of finalising negotiations with an additional new investor with whom they had already been in discussions.

'Clearly, we still need to allow the administrator to analyse these plans and the overall position of the club in detail before we can be certain that Gold Coast will continue to play on in the NBL.

'However, based on the information we have so far, those who have been forecasting the demise of the Blaze since Friday are certainly premature and quite possibly wrong.'

AAP

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

BAHRAIN

Standings

Premier Standings

Places 1-6
1. Al Hala		2-0
2. Al Ahli		1-1
3. Al Manama		1-1
4. Sitra		1-1
5. Muharraq		1-1
6. Issa Town		0-2
Places 7-11
1. Al Ittihad		0-0
2. Al Najma		0-0
3. Bahrain Club		0-0
4. Nuwaidrat		0-0
5. Samaheej		0-0

Stage One Standings

Second Stage: Round 2

Jun. 2: Al Manama - Al Ahli 64-71
Jun. 3: Muharraq - Sitra 60-74
Jun. 2: Al Hala - Issa Town 101-71

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

BOSNIA

D1 Stats Leaders

1. LIGA BiH Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 JAGODIC KURIDZA 20.7
2 BRKIC Jozo 13.3
3 DEMIC Sindis 13.2
4 PLANINIC Darko 11.8
5 KOVACEVIC Nemanja 11.7

Rebounds Per Game

1 JAGODIC KURIDZA 11.9
2 BRKIC Jozo 7.4
3 PERSIC Dalibor 6.2
4 BARAC Boris 6.2
5 RIZVIC Ramo 5.5

Assists Per Game

1 VLADOVIC Jakov 5.3
2 KOVACEVIC Nemanja 5.2
3 HODZIC Dino 3.5
4 JAGODIC KURIDZA 3.1
5 NALETILIC Josip 2.7

Eurobasket.com All-Bosnia and Herzegovina League Awards 2011-12 - by Chris Mathieu

All-Bosnia and Herzegovina League 1st Team 2012

Jagodic Kuridza

Vladovic

Pilepic

Dozet

Brkic

Player of the Year: Marko Jagodic Kuridza (204-C-87) of Capljina
Guard of the Year: Jakov Vladovic (186-PG-83) of Siroki WWin
Forward of the Year: Dzenan Rahimic (204-C/F-74) of Bosna
Center of the Year: Darko Planinic (211-C-90) of Siroki WWin
Newcomer of the Year: Nermin Buza (205-F/C-91) of Bosna
Most Improved Player of the Year: Boris Barac (204-F-92) of Siroki WWin
Bosman Player of the Year: Jakov Vladovic (186-PG-83) of Siroki WWin
Import Player of the Year: Marko Jagodic Kuridza (204-C-87) of Capljina
Domestic Player of the Year: Jozo Brkic (211-F/C-86) of Capljina
Defensive Player of the Year: Nemanja Kovacevic (193-G-85) of Capljina
Coach of the Year: Ivan Velic of Siroki WWin

1st Team
PG: Jakov Vladovic (186-83) of Siroki WWin
G: Fran Pilepic (192-89) of Siroki WWin
SF: Milan Dozet (204-79) of Igokea
F/C: Jozo Brkic (211-86) of Capljina
C: Marko Jagodic Kuridza (204-87) of Capljina

2nd Team
PG: Darko Kastratovic (189-88) of Borac Nektar
G: Dalibor Persic (193-85) of Siroki WWin
F: Zeljko Sakic (201-88) of Siroki WWin
F: Ramo Rizvic (200-87) of Celik
C: Darko Planinic (211-90) of Siroki WWin

Honorable Mention
Keith Richardson (174-G-85) of Celik
Sindis Demic (192-SF-83) of Bosna
Sead Hadzifejzovic (202-FC-89) of Bosna

All-Domestic Players Team
PG: Dino Hodzic (190-90) of Bosna
F: Ramo Rizvic (200-87) of Celik
F/C: Jozo Brkic (211-86) of Capljina
G: Dalibor Persic (193-85) of Siroki WWin
C: Darko Planinic (211-90) of Siroki WWin

All-Bosmans Team
PG: Jakov Vladovic (186-83) of Siroki WWin
G: Fran Pilepic (192-89) of Siroki WWin
F: Zeljko Sakic (201-88) of Siroki WWin
FC: Milos Komatina (205-84) of Igokea
C: Marko Jagodic Kuridza (204-87) of Capljina

All-Defensive Team
Nemanja Kovacevic (193-G-85) of Capljina
Krsto Bijelica (192-G-88) of Capljina
Dalibor Persic (193-G-85) of Siroki WWin
Ivan Ramljak (203-F-90) of Siroki WWin
Jozo Brkic (211-F/C-86) of Capljina

Mirza Teletovic selected the top Bosnian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Bosnia and Herzegovina players, who play currently abroad.

Mirza Teletovic

#1. This week's number one is an international forward Mirza Teletovic (206-85, agency: Beo Basket), who plays in the Spanish ACB. Teletovic could not help one of league's weakest teams Caja Laboral (23-11) in their last game on Saturday. Despite his good performance Caja Laboral was defeated 76-69 on the road by the second-ranked Real Madrid. Teletovic was the top scorer with 14 points. It's Teletovic's sixth season with the team. He belongs to league's top scorers and is ranked #3. Teletovic has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 15.8ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 52.8%, 3FGP: 34.5% and FT: 63.8%. Despite Teletovic played previously for the Serbian national team, he played also for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team in 2012.

Vanja Plisnic

#2. Second place goes to an international power forward Vanja Plisnic (205-80, also represented by Beo Basket). Plisnic was not able to help Banco di Sardegna Sassari (20-12) in their game against Montepaschi Siena (24-8) in the Italian SerieA, despite his very good performance on Wednesday night. He was the top scorer with 18 points. Plisnic also added 9 rebounds and dished 3 assists in 26 minutes. But Banco di Sardegna Sassari was crushed 92-66 in Siena by the leading Montepaschi. It's Plisnic's first season with the team. This year his overall stats are: 8.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 55.1%(75-136), 3FGP: 39.8% and FT: 64.6% in the 37 games he played so far. Plisnic has a dual citizenship: Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbian. Despite he played previously for the Serbian national team, Plisnic played also for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team in 2012.

Goran Suton

#3. The Bosnia and Herzegovina player who performed third best last week abroad was an international center Goran Suton (209-85, college: Michigan St.). He was the major contributor in Cibona's victory against the second-ranked Cedevita (11-3) 82-64 in a derby game in the Croatian A1 in Tuesday night's game. Suton scored 13 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and dished 3 assists. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in Group Championship. KK Cibona VIP Zagreb (14-0) is placed first in Championship Group. So far his team won all fourteen games in the Finals. Suton has relatively good stats this season: 10.1ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 55.1%(59-107), 3FGP: 53.3%(16-30) and FT: 78.1%. He is another player who holds two passports: Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatian. Despite Suton played previously for the Croatian national team, he played also for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team in 2012.

Ernest Bremer

#4. Guard Ernest Bremer (194-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: St.Bonaventure) led Armani Milano to a victory against the sixth-ranked Scavolini Pesaro (19-13) 84-75 in the Italian SerieA last Tuesday. Bremer recorded 13 points in a mere 19 minutes. EA7 Emporio Armani Milano (22-10) is placed second in the SerieA. It was his team's eighth consecutive victory in a row. This year Bremer's total stats are: 9.8ppg, 2.7rpg and 2.5apg in the 13 games. He is a naturalized American. Despite Bremer played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team roster. Bremer used to play for Bosna ASA BH Telecom Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina league.

Zack Wright

#5. International guard Zack Wright (188-85, college: Central Mo.) is a teammate of previously mentioned Goran Suton and both played together in the last Croatian A1 game. Wright led Cibona to a victory over the second-ranked Cedevita (11-3) 82-64 in a derby game. He was MVP of the game. Wright scored 14 points. Wright is ranked seventh on the list of the best passers in the league and also on the list of most steals (third place). He has averaged so far 8.8ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.5apg and 2.2spg. Wright is a naturalized American. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Wright is currently in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team roster. Strangely he has never played in Bosnia.

Stanko Barac

#6. Center Stanko Barac (217-86) was not able to secure a victory for Anadolu Efes (24-6) in their game against Besiktas (22-8) in the Turkish TBL, despite his good performance in Tuesday night's game. Barac was the second best scorer with 11 points in a mere 18 minutes. But Anadolu Efes lost 75-82 in a derby game to the lower-ranked (#4) Besiktas. Barac has averaged so far 6.8ppg and 3.2rpg in the 33 games. Despite he played previously for the Croatian national team, Barac is also international player as he played for the Bosnia and Herzegovina senior team years ago.

Mirza Begic

#7. International center Mirza Begic (217-85) couldn't help Real Madrid (26-8) in their game against Caja Laboral (23-11) in the Spanish ACB. He scored 8 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Real Madrid was edged in an overtime 82-79 in Vitoria by the lower-ranked Caja Laboral (#3). Begic belongs to league's best blockers and is ranked #4. He has averaged so far 5.5ppg, 4.2rpg and 1.4bpg. Despite Begic played previously for the Slovenian national team, he is currently in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team roster.

Veselin Petrovic

#8. An experienced swingman Veselin Petrovic (196-77, another player represented by Beo Basket) contributed to a Base Oostende's victory against the closely-ranked Spirou Charleroi (23-9) 72-68 in the Belgian Ethias League on Wednesday night. Petrovic scored 12 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 21 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Telenet Oostende (23-9) is placed first in the Ethias League. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. Petrovic has been at the team for seven years. He has averaged so far 6.6ppg and 3.2rpg in the 25 games. Despite Petrovic played previously for the Serbian national team, he is currently in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team roster.

Ivan Opacak

#9. International shooting guard Ivan Opacak (201-80) helped Cedevita win their n overtime game against the leader Cibona (14-0) 79-70 in a derby game in the Croatian A1 in Saturday night's game. Opacak scored 8 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in Group Championship. KK Cedevita Zagreb (11-3) is placed second in Championship Group. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. Opacak has averaged so far 8.0ppg and 2.1rpg. Despite he played previously for the Croatian national team, Opacak is currently in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team roster.

Mile Ilic

   #10. Center Mile Ilic (215-84, agency: Interperformances) helped Zvezda win their game against the second-ranked Radnicki Kragujevac (10-4) 76-62 in the Serbian A League last Tuesday. He scored 6 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and dished 3 assists in 16 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in group SuperLiga. Crvena Zvezda Beograd (0-0) is placed first. Ilic has averaged so far 6.4ppg and 4.1rpg in the 15 games. Despite he played previously for the Serbian national team, Ilic is also international player as years ago he still played for the Bosnia and Herzegovina senior national team.

   #11. Former international point guard Vedran Princ (192-82) is a teammate of previously mentioned Ivan Opacak. He played also in the last Croatian A1 game facing Goran Suton (above) in the other team. Princ couldn't help Cedevita in their game against Cibona. He cannot count Tuesday's game as one of the best ones. Princ scored only 3 points. His team was badly defeated by 18 points 82-64. Princ has averaged so far 3.8ppg, 1.3rpg and 1.1apg. He used to play for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team five years ago.

One more player who has never been selected to any of national teams, but has Bosnia and Herzegovina passport:

   #1. Marko Keselj (205-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) contributed to Olympiacos' victory against the closely-ranked Panathinaikos (22-2) 84-72 in a derby game in the Greek A1 in Sunday night's game. He scored 10 points in only 11 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus (23-1) is placed first in the A1. It was his team's 20th consecutive victory in a row. This year Keselj averages: 5.8ppg and 2.5rpg in the 26 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbian. Despite Keselj's Bosnia and Herzegovina passport, he currently plays for the Serbian national team and is not eligible to play for the Bosnia and Herzegovina team.

BRAZIL

Marcelinho Huertas selected the top Brazilian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Marcelinho Huertas

#1. This week's number one is an international point guard Marcelinho Huertas (191-83, agency: Edge Sports). He was the major contributor in a Regal FC Barcelona's victory against the closely-ranked Valencia Basket (20-14) 80-64 in the Spanish ACB in Wednesday night's game. Huertas scored 13 points and added 4 assists in 20 minutes on the court. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Regal FC Barcelona (29-5) is placed first in the ACB. It was his team's tenth consecutive victory in a row. This year Huertas averages: 8.4ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 51.6%, 3FGP: 42.4% and FT: 86.4% in the 40 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Brazilian and Italian. Despite Huertas played previously for the Italian national team, he is currently a member of the Brazilian senior national team.

Vitor Faverani

#2. Second place goes to an international center Vitor Faverani (211-88) faced previously mentioned Marcelinho Huertas in the Spanish ACB last game. Faverani, who plays in the Spanish ACB. He could not help Valencia Basket (20-14) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite Faverani's good performance Valencia Basket was badly defeated 80-64 on the road by the leading Regal FC Barcelona. He was the top scorer with 14 points. Faverani also added 4 rebounds. Faverani's overall stats this season are: 8.1ppg, 3.9rpg, 2FGP: 57.8%(104-180), 3FGP: 27.3% and FT: 66.2%. Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Faverani is currently a member of the Brazilian senior national team.

Tiago Splitter

#3. The Brazilian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international power forward Tiago Splitter (211-85, agency: Interperformances). He contributed to a San Antonio Spurs' victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder (47-19) 120-111 in the NBA on Tuesday night. Splitter scored 8 points and added 3 passes in only 11 minutes. The San Antonio Spurs have a very good 50-16 record this season. It was his team's tenth consecutive victory in a row. It's Splitter's first year with the team. He has relatively good stats this season: 8.8ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 62.1%(242-390) and FT: 62.9% in the 71 games. Splitter is another player who holds two passports: Brazilian and Spanish. Despite he played previously for the Spanish national team, Splitter is currently a member of the Brazilian senior national team.

Jonathan Tavernari

#4. Swingman Jonathan Tavernari (198-87, college: BYU) led Tuscany Pistoia to a victory against the closely-ranked Givova Scafati (17-11) 83-74 in the Italian Lega2 (second division) in Sunday night's game. He scored 19 points and grabbed 4 rebounds; quite an impressive performance considering it's only Tavernari's second season in pro basketball. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia (18-10) is placed second in the Lega2. This season Tavernari has relatively solid stats: 10.3ppg, 4.2rpg and 1.5spg. He has both Brazilian and Italian nationalities. Despite Tavernari played previously for the Italian national team, he is currently in the Brazilian national team roster.

Other top Brazilian players, who play abroad:

Fernando Andrade (206-C-95) plays for Regal FC Barcelona in Spanish ACB
Jeferson Froehlich (193-PG-91) plays for Real Madrid in Spanish ACB
Dimitris Sousa (196-G-94) plays for Montepaschi Siena in Italian SerieA
Leandrinho Barbosa (190-PG-82) plays for Indiana Pacers in the NBA
Anderson Varejao (205-C-82) plays for Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA
Hilario Nene (207-C-82) plays for Washington Wizards in the NBA
Joao Paulo Batista (207-F/C-81) plays for Le Mans in French ProA
Raul Neto (186-PG-92) plays for Lagun Aro GBC in Spanish ACB
Rafael Freire (188-PG-92) plays for Meridiano Alicante in Spanish ACB
Paulo Prestes (210-C-88) plays for Pieno Zvaigzdes in Lithuanian LKL
Sebastien Bellin (205-C-78) plays for Belfius Mons-Hainaut in Belgian Ethias League
Rafael Hettsheimer (206-C-86) plays for CAI Zaragoza in Spanish ACB

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

Venezuela rally past Brazil in Caracas - by Eurobasket News

Venezuela - Brazil 76:59

Venezuela recorded the second straight win at the Super 4 Cup tournament in Caracas. The hosts overcame Brazil in the second round to stay undefeated. Greivis Vasquez (198-PG-87, agency: Interperformances, college: Maryland) stepped up with 19 points to lead the winners.
Venezuela stunned their opponents in the opening quarter. The hosts went on a 21:5 run to leave Brazil far behind. Venezuela stretched the lead to as many as 29 points at halftime 44:15. Brazil showed some signs of recover in the second half. They narrowed the gap but never really threatened the margin as Venezuela cruised to the victory. Hector Romero (202-F/C-80, college: New Orleans) accounted for 11 points, while Windi Graterol (203-F/C-86) added 10 points in the victory. Vitor Benite (190-F/G-90) answered with 15 points for Brazil. Rafael Freire (188-PG-92) had 11 points in the loss.

Venezuela: Greivis Vasquez 19, Hector Romero 11, Windi Graterol 10
Brazil: Vitor Benite 15, Rafael Freire 11

Sorocaba brings in Daniel Zilmer, Ricardo Azevedo and File - by Paulo Freire

The Liga Sorocabana de Basquete team announced a plus booster for the 2012/2013 season. The athlete in question is Daniel Zilmer, known as Gaucho Zilmer (197-G/F-86) (197-G/F-86), who played for the Bauru team in the fourth edition of the NBB. The 26 years old, Zilmer average 7.07 points, 1.72 rebounds, 0.90 assists and 17.16 minutes in court per game.

Along with the player, Liga Sorocabana de Basquete also add Ricardo de Azevedo (201-F-83) and Daniel Costa (204-F/C-81) from the Araraquara team.

From last season the team already renew the contract of american Kenny Dawkins (175-G-87, college: Lamar), Diego Gomes (183-G-90) and Rafael Malfi (188-G-91)

The swingman Cesar Araujo (201-F/C-81) will not continue on the Sorocaba team as he agreed to play for Tijuca Tenis Clube Rio de Janeiro on the next season, another lost on their roster was the guard Paulo Nery (188-G-81) who sign with the youg team of Suzano.

Douglas Nunes and Rafael Mineiro add power to Minas - by Paulo Freire

After two seasons in the Bauru team, the power forward Douglas Nunes (201-C-87) has a new house., as the player was announced by Minas Tenis Clube for the upcoming NBB season.
In the current edition of the NBB, Douglas was one of the highlights of the Bauru team, who reached the quarterfinals of the tournament been eliminated by the champions, Brasilia team. Douglas participated in 29 games in the tournament and averages of 11.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. In addition, the athlete performed well in the League of the Americas and helped the Bauru Basket arrives in the second phase of the continental Championship, with 16.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per contest.

The Minas also aanouced the sign of center Rafael Mineiro Rodrigues (213-C-87), that played the NBB for the Sorocaba and averaged 10.7 points and 6.2 rebounds, playing an average of 22.5 minutes per game.

Audrei sign with Uberlandia - by Paulo Freire

The Unitri/Universo Uberlandia Basketball team is already working for next season, the first step was name assistent coach Rodrigo da Silva the head coach of the team after waived Miguel Volcan just before the NBB playoffs.

The second step was to renew the contract of their players such as Robby Collum (185-G-81, college: W.Michigan), Robert Day (197-F-82, college: W.Oregon), Valtinho Silva (187-G-77), Luis Felipe Gruber (205-F-85), Lucas Cipolini (206-F/C-86, college: BYU-Hawaii), Leonardo Klassman (209-C-89) and Olintho Pereira (201-F-92).

The fans will see their first new face as the team agreed terms with Audrei Parisotto (195-G-84). The guard was playing the last few seasons on the Joinville club, he comes in to play as a back-up player for Collum, Day and sometimes play the poit guard position to rest Valtinho.

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CANADA

Daniel Ferguson gets pro deal in Switzerland - by Eurobasket News

Daniel Ferguson (191-G/F, college: Valdosta St.) will continue his career in Switzerland. The Canadian swingman penned a deal with BC Boncourt Red Team. They finished last season as No.7 in Swiss top division. The team was LNA champion in 2003 and 2004. Daniel Ferguson graduated at the University of Alberta (CIS) few months ago. He shined with 20.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.7 apg and 1.8 spg for his school as a senior. They were CanWest champions and reached CIS Tournament Finals. Ferguson was named to All-CanWest 2nd Team -12. In 2011, the player was awarded with All-CanWest 1st Team -11 and CIS All-Canadian 2nd Team -11. He had 23 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.3 apg and 1.3 spg in 2010/11. Daniel Ferguson transferred to University of Alberta in 2010 from Berry (NAIA). He also played for Valdosta State (NCAA2) in 2005/06.

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Tomas Pomikalek Parts Ways with BK Decin - by Surujh Roopnarine

Tomas Pomikalek (200-F-89) and the management of BK Decin have agreed to a buyout of his contract for the 2012-13 season and the player will look for a new team for next season.
Pomikalek, 22, is coming off of his best statistical season as a professional, appearing in 44 games for Decin while averaging 7.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while shooting 44.6% collectively from the field and 67.7% from the line. He also is a member of the Czech National Team and played last summer in Division B games against Slovakia, Cyprus and Switzerland.

CEZ Nymburk Already Upgrading Roster After Historic Ninth NBL Title: Sign MVP Pavel Houska - by Surujh Roopnarine

Nine-time Czech NBL Champions CEZ Basketball Nymburk have wasted no time in revamping their roster for the 2012-13 season. The team has come to terms with BK Decin star and two-time league MVP Pavel Houska (204-F/C-84). Houska, 28, led Decin to the Czech Cup Finals this season as well as a place in the NBL Semifinals, where they fell four games to one against BK Prostejov. Houska appeared in 40 games this season, averaging 15.0 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists while shooting 53.4% on two-point field goals, 35.1% from three and 79.4% from the line. A longstanding member of the Czech national Team, Houska played last summer in International qualification games (Division B) against Slovakia, Cyprus and Switzerland when there were still Divisions in the European competition.

In addition the club announced that they have agreed to bring back veteran forward Radek Necas (204-F-80) and American sharpshooter A.J. Abrams (180-G-86, college: Texas). Necas, who signed a two-year contract will return for his eigth season in Nymburk and is coming off a 2011-12 season in which he appeared in 41 domestic contests, averaging 8.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 55.4% from the field.
A.J. Abrams will also return for another season in red and white, after an up and down first go in Nymburk. The fourth-year guard out of the University of Texas posted his best numbers in domestic play, appearing in 29 games and averaging 11.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 steals while connecting on 42.1% from behind the arc. However his numbers were down across the board in Eurocup and VTB United league play.

Finally, the management of CEZ Basketball Nymburk announced that the club will not look to re-sign veteran point guard Michael Lenzly (189-G-81, college: Wofford) for a fourth season. The American-British guard, was once again solid whenever called upon, either off the bench or as a starter. In addition to playing in nearly every contest for Nymburk in Euroleague qualifications, Eurocup, VTB United League and NBL play, the 31-year old also represented his native England in EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania last Autumn.

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EUROCUP

Artem Yakovenko heads to Saint Petersburg - by Eurobasket News

Artem Yakovenko (205-F/C-88, agency: RU-Basket Management) is changing the team. He will start the next season in Spartak Saint Petersburg. The centre has agreed on terms of two-season contract with the team. Artem Yakovenko started the previous season in Nizhny Novgorod. He tallied 9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in PBL. In VTB League the centre averaged 11.0 points and 4.4 boards per appearance. In EuroChallenge Artem Yakovenko posted 11.1 points, 4.4 boards, 1.5 assists and 1.0 steal per game. The centre was loaned to Unics Kazan in March. He notched 4.6 points and 2.6 boards in PBL for the Kazan team. In VTB League his stats read 3.0 points per appearance.

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EUROLEAGUE

The new era of Panathinaikos and the case of Zeljko Obradovic - by Giorgos Diploidis

After the defeat from Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus and the lost of the Championhsip after 9 years is the time for the new era of Panathinaikos Athens. The brothers Giannakopouloi announced the previous days that although there is a crisis in Greece they will remain as board in the team of Athens.

The next big issue in the team of Panathinaikos Athens is if Zeljko Obradovic will sign a new deal with the team. The case is expected to end this week because there are a lot of players contracts which ended and it must decided who will continue and who will be the new players of te team. The situtation will be influenced by the decision of the new transfer budget which is expected to be lower than the previous years.

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FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: Tuukka Kotti joins Bisons roster - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Finnish NT PF/C Tuukka Kotti (205-F/C-81, college: Providence) will join Bisons (Loimaa) roster 2012-13, if he does not play coming season abroad. Finnish Champion (2011-12) Bisons and Kotti have agreed and signed that kind of 1-year-contract. Kotti has played professionally one year in France and five seasons in Italy. Last season Kotti averaged 9,6 ppg - 6,9 rpg in Imola (Lega2), Italy. Kotti has been 130 times on Finnish NT roster as well.

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FRANCE

Denain officially keeps Xavier Gaillou until 2014 - by Eurobasket News

ASC Denain officially announced signing a 2-year contract extension with Xavier Gaillou (192-G-89). It means that he will stay with the club until the end of the 2013/14 season. The French guard joined Denain last summer. He played 33 games with them collecting 7.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 1.5 rpg. Denain finished the season as No.16 in ProB with 11-23 record. Before Denain, Xavier Gaillou spent two years with Saint-Etienne. They were NM1 Playoffs winners in 2011. The player helped them with 6.3 ppg, 2.8 apg and 2.4 rpg for 33 games. In the past, Gaillou played for Le Havre U21 team.
Few days ago Denain landed Vincent Ateba (195-F-85, college: Missouri So.). The French forward penned a one-year deal with the club. Ateba arrives to Denain from Sorgues, where he spent last two seasons. In the latest one he had 7.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 1.8 apg for 35 games.

Arnaud Thinon to stay with Sorgues - by Eurobasket News

Arnaud Thinon (178-G-87) will most likely stay with Sorgues for the next season. He was one of their best players over the past two years. The French point guard played 33 games in NM1 this season registering 13 ppg, 2.9 apg and 1.7 rpg. He had almost the same numbers in 2010/11. In 34 games Thinon averaged 12.8 points, 3.4 assists and 2.1 rebs. The player arrived to Sorgues in 2010 from La Rochelle Rupella. They were NM2 Group B champions. Before Rupella, Thinon played for Challans and Poitiers. He won the NM1 title with Poitiers in 2006. Sorgues reached NM1 Quarterfinals this season.

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GERMANY

Ilian Evtimov (Chalon) Jimmy Mckinney Has Been A Role Model For 6 Years And I Hope That The Fraport Skyliners Make The Right Decision To Keep Him - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Ilian Evtimov (201-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina St.) is a 28 year old 201 cm forward playing his second season in France for Chalon and has already having won 3 French titles. He has the French-Bulgarian citzenship and played at North Carolina State from 2001-2006. In his senior year, he played 31 games averaging 10.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.5apg, 1.2spg, FG: 45.3%, 3PT: 40.8%, FT. After a short stint with Estudiantes Madrid in 2006, he played at VidiVici Bologna in the 2006-2007 season. He played FIBA EuroCup playing 15 games averaging 6.3ppg, 2.4rpg, 2FGP: 65.4%, 3FGP: 47.1%, FT: 72.2%; and playing15 games in the Italian league averaging 3.1ppg, 2.1rpg. In 2007-2008, he moved to The Deutsche Bank Skyliners playing 10 ULEB Cup games averaging 14.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 85%; and in the German League playing 44 games averaging 13.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.1apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 86.2%. In 2008-2009, he continued playing in Frankfurt playing 10 EuroChallenge: games averaging 8.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 70.0%; and in the German League playing 34 games averaging 8.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 74.6%. In 2009-2010, he played for BC Levski Sophia (Bulgaria-NBL): 1 game: 6pts, 5reb, 2ast, 3steals; Balkan League: 1 game: 3pts, 1reb, 1ast, 2steals; in Oct.'09 moved to Proteas EKA AEL Limassol (Cyprus-Division EuroChallenge: 13 games: 10.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 45.6%, FT: 83.3%: FT-2 (90.9%). Last season, he played for Chalon playing 33 games: 11.6ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 84.2%. He spoke to Eurobasket about the Chalon 2012 cup win.

Congrats on winning the 2012 French cup. You have won three titles with Chalon in your second season. Does this all feel like a sweet dream sometimes?

Yes it does. It feels great that we could keep the cup in Chalon for a second year. Now we are in the playoffs looking for our third title this season.

When you arrived in Chalon in 2010, did you ever think that you would win so many titles in such a short time?

No not at all. I was very ambitious, because I want to win so much. The titles we didnt win, we went to the final.

You beat Limoges last season in the cup final 79-71 and this year 83-75. Was the second time easier?

No not a all. The second time was more difficult. Last season they were in PRO A and didnt have a rhythm. This season they played PRO B and somehow beat three PRO A teams. They were playing with a lot of confidence.

You were MVP of the 2012 French cup final with 28 points, seven rebounds and 8 three pointers. Was this your best game as a professional player?

I think that it was my best game, because the game had much meaning. It was more important that we won the game though.

Would you have liked to have shared your MVP trophey with Blake Schilb who had 24 points?

Yes not only with him but with all my teammates. I want to thank all my teammates for putting us into position to score so much. However the win was a collective effort.

Where would Chalon be without Blake Schilb?

I dont know, but he is the motor of the team. He scores and creates for us. He is very important for the success of the team and a reason why he was MVP of the PRO A this season.

Did you dedicate the cup win to your son Alexander?

Yes of course. I want him to remember one day that this win was for him.

Were you in the zone on this day with your 28 point performance?

Yes I was. I made my first shot and missed my second shot, but we got the offensive rebound and I got the ball right back making the shot. From that point on, I knew it would be a good game for me.

Chalon swept Roanne 2-0 in playoffs. What was key for advancing to the semi finals?

We played them 10 times this season and knew what to expect. We limited Dylan Page in the paint which was key.

Chalon next plays Orleans in the semi finals. You beat them twice by 11 points and 33 points. Is there a risk of underestimating them?

No there isnt. Coach has told us that we cant think that this will be easy. They are a good team that finished in third place this season. They are a physical team and we have to remember that the series is at 0-0.

How much of a challenge is it playing against Brian Greene who you played against as a rookie with Frankfurt in 2007 when he was with Cologne.

Greene is a good player, but they use him at the position three. I will have a good matchup against Sy Amara. They play very good collective basketball. We cant focus in on one guy. They have many that can score 10-12 points.

You played two seasons with Skyliner Jimmy Mckinney. What advice would you give him on staying for a seventh season in Frankfurt?

This is a situation where Jimmy wants to stay and the Skyliners want to have him. Jimmy Mckinney has been a role model for the Skyliners for 6 years and I hope the Fraport Skyliners make the right decision to keep him. Jimmy seems to have been there almost as long as Pascal Roller.

What are your NBA semi final predictions?

I think that the Spurs will get past the Thunder. The Spurs have more experience and I really like Tim Duncan. I am really rooting for the Celtics. It will be nice seeing old school vs new school with the Miami Heat. I would like to see an old school matchup Spurs-Celtics.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The Avengers. It was a great movie with a lot of action.

Thanks Evti for the chat

Dewayne Richardson Returns Back To BG Karlsruhe - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

PRO A team BG Karlsruhe have gotten back a familiar face with DeWayne Richardson (202-C-77, college: Fairmont St.) who returns back after having played the 2009-2010 season for the Baden team playing 30 games: 11.2ppg, Reb-3 (9.3rpg), 1.1apg, FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 28.9%, FT: 58.1%. DeWayne Richardson is a 34 year old 202cm center who has a lot of experience having played in 8 countries including Norway, Austria, Turkey, Finland, Argentina, Syria, Chille and Germany. The American who started his basketball career at Fairmont St. (NCAA2) last season played for BG Topstar Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany-ProA, starting five): 22 games: 15.8ppg, Reb-4 (7.9rpg), 1.0apg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 62.2%. 'I am happy to be back in Karlsruhe and want to accomplish something with m yteammates', stated DeWayne Richardson. One thing the American is a presence under the boards and should be near the top of the rebound leaders this season. 'We will have a strong center presence again', stressed BG Karlsruhe head coach Torsten Daume. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been NCAA2 East All-Region 1st Team -99, WVIAC Player of the Year -99, Norwegian BLNO Regular Season Champion -01, and Norwegian BLNO Semifinals -01

Source : BG Karlsruhe

Oliver Mackeldanz makes Cuxhaven move - by Moritz Korff

Pro A team Cuxhaven BasCats have signed Oliver Mackeldanz (212-C-90) for the 2012-13 season. The 21-year-old big man scored eight points per contest and pulled down 6.7 rebounds a game for RSV Eintracht Kleinmachnow-Teltow-Stahnsdorf in the 2011-12 Pro B season. Following his first year in the league, the Berlin native was named to the Eurobasket.com Pro B All-Newcomers Team. 'I have decided in favor of the BasCats, because I was looking for a new challenge and I want to make the next step as a person and as a basketball player. Cuxhaven is the right place to do that', Mackeldanz said on the club's website.

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GREECE

HOLLAND

GasTerra Flames inks Michael Kingma - by Fred Roggen

GasTerra Flames added size for the 2012-13 season by inking Dutch-Australian veteran center Michael Kingma (208-C-79, agency: R.H.Consultancy) to a one-year deal, the club confirmed Monday.
Kingma arrives from Mackay Meteors (Australia-ABA), In Nov.'10 he signed at Glasgow Rocks (United Kingdom-BBL): 27 games: 9.6ppg, 6.3rpg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT-2 (44.8%), FT: 77.4%. He registered 3 double-doubles.
Michael Kingma (208-C-79, agency: R.H.Consultancy) has played earlier iN Holland for Woon!Aris Leeuwarden during the 2005-2006 season, as well as making it to the Dutch national team.

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IBA

Standings

IBA Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 25

Jun. 2: Lansing C. - Chicago R. 158-129
Jun. 2: L.Angeles L. - Las Vegas HD 142-112
Jun. 3: Kenosha B. - Chicago R. 128-127

Regular Season: Round 26

Jun. 6: Battle Creek K. - Chicago R.
Jun. 8: L.Angeles L. - Kankakee S.

LA Lightning stay hot in Vegas.. - by Gianni Pascucci

Over the past weekend, the Los Angeles Lightning took two other consecutive wins in Las Vegas. The first game, played on fridai 1, ended 123-11, and L.A. dominated the boards 67-36. The best performer was Trayvon Lathan (6'7''-G-84, college: Chowan), who scored 31 points. Hassan Stephens (6'5''-F-89) added 22 pts and 8 rebs, Tarron Williams (6'7''-F-76, college: CS San Bernar.) had 21 points and nine rebounds. Willie Hall (6'0''-G) and Justice Nall (6'6''-F, college: Mid-Continent) topped Las Vegas Hoop Dreams with 21 points each.
The night after, the Lightning won again, this time 142-112, and this time the man of the game was Billy Knight (6'5''-G, college: UCLA), who scored 17 of his season-high 38 points in the final quarter, allowing the L.A. Lightning to cruise to their ninth straight pro basketball victory.
Trayvon Lathan added 28 points and eight rebounds, Jeffrey Bonds (6'7''-F-82, college: Cal Poly Pomona) had 18 points (on 8-11 shooting) and 10 boards and Tarron Williams used his inside game to rack up 18 points and eight rebounds. L.A. dominated the boards for the second straight night, 70-50.
Shakka Eke led Las Vegas Hoop Dreams with 25 points and seven rebounds. Maurice Thomas (5'11''-G-83, college: Idaho St.) added 23 points and seven assists and Willie Hall had 22 points, nine assists and five boards.
The Lightning sit atop the Independent Basketball Association standings with a 9-0 record. The Kankakee County (Ill.) Soldiers, whom the Lightning will host in a first-place showdown on June 8, 9 and 10 at Cal Lutheran, are second at 10-2.

IBA Playoffs coming to Gary, Ind. - by Gianni Pascucci

The NBA Playoffs are in full-swing, but following the crowning of the 2012 basketball world champions there will still be high-level basketball playoffs to be played. The Independent Basketball Association (IBA) spring season playoffs are set to tip off on June 22 at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, Ind. The seven playoff games (three rounds) and other playoff festivities will continue through the weekend, with the championship scheduled for June 24.
It is the first time in league history all of the playoff games have been held in one location. Barry Bradford , Chairman and Spokesman of the IBA, said he is looking forward to holding the weekend event in Gary. 'Knowing the history of basketball at the Genesis Center back in the glory days, I am truly excited to see the return of great basketball there,' Bradford said.

While an NBA playoff ticket can cost $85 dollars or more, IBA playoff day passes are $10 while a weekend pass cost $25. The costs not only include the playoff games themselves, but it will also be All-Star weekend for the IBA. There will be an All-Star game as well as a slam-dunk contest. All-Star players and dunk participants will be announced the week of June 11, following the conclusion of the IBA regular spring season. Saturday, June 23 will be Kids Night at the tournament. As a part of that night, the IBA will host a safety awareness event called Safe Summer. With the high number of teens being killed in the area communities during the summer, the IBA believes that educating local youth on personal safety is both relevant and necessary. The event will include games and prizes. It will additionally feature a guest speaker who will address the event participants on the importance of protecting themselves as well as their community over the summer. Following the presentation, the kids will have the opportunity to meet the players. The teams competing for the IBA Championship will be the Los Angeles Lightning, Albany Legends, Kankakee County Soldiers, Chicago Redline, Gary Splash, Kenosha Ballers, Lansing Capitals, and Lake County Stars.
The IBA is a professional basketball organization headquartered in Bourbonnais, Ill. Its goals are to not just to help its players to reach a higher level in their professional careers but to reach out and positively impact its communities, particularly their youth. To buy playoff tickets and for more information about the IBA and playoffs, go online to Http://ibaball.net

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ISRAEL

Maccabi Haifa hires Brad Greenberg as Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Maccabi Haifa got a new Head Coach for the next season. It is American specialist Brad Greenberg. Most recently he worked in Venezuela. Greenberg was a Head Coach of the LPB team Bucaneros de La Guaira. From 2007 to 2011, Brad Greenberg was a HC of Radford University (NCAA). They won the Big South Tournament together in 2009 and Greenberg was named All-Big South Conference Coach of the Year -09. In 2010, they reached Big South Tournament Semis. Before Radford, Brad Greenberg served as Associate Head Coach and Assistant Coach at Virginia Tech. He spent four years there in total. Last year Greenberg was Assistant Coach of the Venezuelan National Team.

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ITALY

Stats Leaders - SerieA

Points Per Game

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

1. Smith, Otto C.	18.4
2. Coleman, Angelico.	18.2
3. White, Scavolin.	17.1
4. Diener, Banco d.	16.6
5. Green, Sidigas AV	16.1
6. Shakur, Novipiu CM	16.0
7. Hickman, Scavolin.	16.0
8. Dean, Sidigas AV	16.0
9. Pullen, Angelico BI	16.0
10. Tucker, Acea Roma	15.4

Rebounds Per Game

Viktor SANIKIDZE
  CS Bo.
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 11

1. Sanikidze, CS Bo.	11.0
2. Johnson, Sidigas	10.1
3. Ivanov, Fabi Shoes	8.2
4. Smith, Otto C.	7.7
5. Brunner, Fabi Shoes	7.6
6. Gigli, CS Bologna	7.4
7. Chiotti, Novip.	7.0
8. Jones, Scavolini PS	7.0
9. Miralles, Angelico.	6.9
10. Easley, Banco d.	6.8

Assists Per Game

Marques GREEN
  Sidigas AV
  (167-PG-82)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Green, Sidigas AV	6.5
2. Diener, Banco d.	5.7
3. Collins, Otto Case.	5.2
4. Cook, Armani Mit	5.1
5. Shakur, Novipiu CM	4.3
6. Mekel, Benetton TV	3.7
7. Poeta, CS Bologna	3.6
8. McCalebb, Montepa.	3.3
9. Perkins, Bennet C.	3.3
10. Fultz, Banca Ter.	3.3

Steals Per Game

Aubrey COLEMAN
  Angelico.
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Coleman, Angelico.	3.3
2. Kirksay, Fabi Shoes	2.6
3. Green, Sidigas AV	2.5
4. Hackett, Scavolin.	2.4
5. Perkins, Bennet C.	2.1
6. Hosley, Banco d.	2.1
7. Dean, Sidigas AV	2.0
8. Di Bella, Fabi S.	1.9
9. Pullen, Angelico BI	1.8
10. Collins, Otto Cas.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Jarvis VARNADO
  Acea Roma
  (206-F-88)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Varnado, Acea Roma	1.9
2. Johnson, Sidigas	1.3
3. Cusin, Scavolini PS	1.3
4. Easley, Banco d.	1.2
5. Szewczyk, Umana V.	1.1
6. Shermadini, Bennet	1.0
7. Sanikidze, CS Bo.	0.9
8. Viggiano, Benetton.	0.8
9. Brunner, Bennet C.	0.8
10. Crosariol, Acea R.	0.8

stats leader

Points Per Game

Bernardo MUSSO
  Napoli
  (192-G-86)
  Avg: 19.2

1. Musso, Napoli	19.2
2. Evangelisti, Recan.	16.7
3. Portannese, Torino	16.4
4. Poltroneri, Perugia	16.2
5. Prandin, Casalp.	15.2
6. Rugolo, San Severo	15.1
7. Benevelli, Orlandi.	14.8
8. Tagliabue, Ruvo	14.7
9. Ferrarese, Castell.	14.5
10. Carrizo, Ferentino	14.3

Rebounds Per Game

Emanuele ROSSI
  Chieti
  (208-C-82)
  Avg: 12.7

1. Rossi, Chieti	12.7
2. Iannilli, Napoli	9.7
3. Tagliabue, Ruvo	8.8
4. Borra, Treviglio	8.4
5. Baldi Rossi, Perug.	8.1
6. Gandini, Trieste	8.0
7. Benevelli, Orlandi.	8.0
8. Raminelli, Castell.	7.7
9. Simeoli, Comsum.i.	7.6
10. Tessitori, Comsum.	7.5

Assists Per Game

Tommaso MARINO
  Treviglio
  (190-G-86)
  Avg: 4.3

1. Marino, Treviglio	4.3
2. Musso, Napoli	4.3
3. Bertolazzi, Omegna	4.1
4. Traini, Recanati	3.8
5. Stanic, Fabriano	3.6
6. Circosta, Anagni	3.5
7. Guarino, Ferentino	3.3
8. Santolamazza, Ana.	3.2
9. Vico, Matera	3.2
10. Parente, Torino	2.9

Steals Per Game

Roberto MAGGIO
  Pavia
  (183-G-90)
  Avg: 3

1. Maggio, Pavia	3.0
2. Bertolazzi, Omegna	2.9
3. Guarino, Ferentino	2.9
4. Iardella, Fabriano	2.9
5. Mei, Comsum.it SI	2.8
6. Rivali, Santarcang.	2.8
7. Maiocco, Pavia	2.7
8. Musso, Napoli	2.7
9. Rossi, Chieti	2.7
10. Portannese, Torino	2.7

Blocks Per Game

Andrea CAPITANELLI
  Firenze
  (203-C-86)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Capitanelli, Firen.	2.1
2. Ancellotti, Santar.	1.7
3. Borra, Treviglio	1.5
4. Candido, San Seve.	1.1
5. Cazzaniga, Pavia	1.1
6. Raminelli, Castell.	1.0
7. Pascolo, Trento	1.0
8. Gandini, Trieste	1.0
9. Tessitori, Comsum..	0.9
10. Cotani, Castellet.	0.9

Virtus Bologna news - by Eurobasket News

According to Claudio Sabatini, owner of Virtus Bologna, Giuseppe Poeta (190-G-85) turned down a multi-year contract extension offer. The player has one year left in his current deal and will stay with the club next season. It was a 3-year proposal made by the club, but for less money.
Sabatini also announced that Viktor Gaddefors (201-F-92) will return to the club, as well as Jakub Parzenski (212-F/C-91). Gaddefors spent this season with Sidigas Avellino on loan. He had 6.3 ppg and 3.1 rpg for 32 games in SerieA. Gaddefors joined Bologna in 2010 from Swedish Uppsala. Parzenski played for PBG Basket Poznan, also on loan. He registered 6.2 ppg and 3.4 rpg for 38 games in PLK. As Gaddefors, Parzenski also signed for the Bologna team in 2010. Before that he played for Slask Wroclaw U20.

SerieA Round 4 of Semi-Finals. Emporio Armani advance into Final - by Eurobasket News

Scavolini PS - Armani Mit 67-73

Emporio Armani advanced into the Finals after they handed the third semifinal series loss to Scavolini Pesaro. Emporio Armani will now take on Montepaschi Siena in the title series. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Scavolini Pesaro won fourth quarter 13-11. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Armani Milano made 22-of-25 free shots (88.0 percent) during the game. Armani Milano outrebounded Scavolini Pesaro 39-28 including 28 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of Greek forward Antonis Fotsis (210-81) who helped to win the game recording 17 points and 6 rebounds and American guard Malik Hairston (198-87, college: Oregon) who added 12 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Armani Milano's coach Sergio Scariolo used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side the former international guard Daniel Hackett (198-87, college: USC, agency: Two Points) responded with 12 points and 5 rebounds and the former international center Marco Cusin (211-85, agency: Interperformances) scored 10 points and 9 rebounds. Five Scavolini Pesaro players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Scavolini PS: J.White 14+4reb, J.Jones 13+5reb+1ast, R.Hickman 13+3reb+2ast, D.Hackett 12+5reb+3ast, M.Cusin 10+9reb, T.Lydeka 4
Armani Mit: A.Fotsis 17+6reb+2ast, M.Hairston 12+7reb+1ast, A.Gentile 10+5reb, S.Mancinelli 8+1reb, L.Radosevic 6+4reb, M.Rocca 5+2reb

Nazionale A Round 1 of Finals - by Eurobasket News

FINAL

Trento - Ferentino 104-71

Trento thumped visiting Ferentino to take the lead in the Finals. Trento made 20-of-24 charity shots (83.3 percent) during the game, while Ferentino only scored three points from the stripe. They outrebounded Ferentino 40-25 including a 28-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. Trento shot the lights out from three nailing 16 long-distance shots on high 59.3 percentage. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 29 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of naturalized Argentinian point guard Andres Forray (187-86) who helped to win the game recording 14 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists. Forward Davide Pascolo (200-90) contributed with 16 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 6 steals for the winners. Five Trento players scored in double figures. Naturalized Argentinian swingman Manuel Carrizo (198-80, agency: Players Group) answered with 15 points and forward Francesco Ihedioha (196-86) added 9 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Ferentino. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Trento: S.Fiorito 20+2reb+1ast, D.Pascolo 16+9reb+4ast, M.Spanghero 14+3reb+3ast, A.Forray 14+9reb+9ast, M.Negri 12+1reb+2ast, W.Santarossa 12+6reb+6ast
Ferentino: M.Carrizo 15+4reb+3ast, F.Gagliardo 10+3reb+1ast, F.Ihedioha 9+5reb+3ast, L.Panzini 9+2reb+2ast, F.Guarino 7+2ast, A.Iannuzzi 6+5reb

3rd Place

Trieste - Chieti 65-72

Chieti surprised Trieste on the road in the opening game of the consolation final series. Trieste was trailing by 5 points at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 31-23 charge of Chieti, which allowed them to win the game. They made 26-of-32 free shots (81.3 percent) during the game. 25 personal fouls committed by Trieste helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Naturalized San Marino swingman Andrea Raschi (200-79) fired 14 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. point guard Fabrizio Gialloreto (185-86) chipped in 21 points (made all of his ten free throws !!!). Four Chieti players scored in double figures. Alfredo Moruzzi (193-80) produced 23 points and 6 rebounds and point guard Michele Ruzzier (181-93) added 14 points respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Chieti: F.Gialloreto 21+3reb, S.Rajola 16+4reb, A.Raschi 14+9reb+4ast, E.Rossi 12+8reb+1ast, M.Diomede 6+4reb+1ast, A.Porfido 3+2reb+3ast
Trieste: A.Moruzzi 23+6reb, M.Ruzzier 14+4reb, M.Maganza 8+7reb, M.Carra 6+2reb+1ast, L.Zaccariello 5+5reb, D.Mastrangelo 5+1ast

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KOSOVO

Playoff Finals: Trepca forces decisive Game Five against Sigal Prishtina - by Eurobasket News

Fourth game of the Kosovan league Finals was played last night. Trepca managed to beat Sigal Prishtina 81-66 tying the score to 2-2 in the series. The format is best-of-five and fifth decisive game will be played on Wednesday. Sigal Prishtina will be the host.
Sigal Prishtina was the regular season champion in Superleague with 25-3 record. Trepca was No.2 with the same numbers. In the Playoff Semifinals Sigal Pristhina eliminated Bashkimi with perfect 2-0. Trepca edged Peja with 2-1. Sigal is the defending champion from the last season. Actually, the Prishtina team won last six championship titles.

Finals - Game 1
May. 23, 2012 Sigal Prishtina-Trepca 84-54

Finals - Game 2
May. 26, 2012 Trepca-Sigal Prishtina 80-74

Finals - Game 3
May. 31, 2012 Sigal Prishtina-Trepca 56-54

Finals - Game 4
Jun. 3, 2012 Trepca-Sigal Prishtina 81-66

Finals - Game 5
Jun. 6, 2012 Sigal Prishtina-Trepca

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LBQ

Standings

LBQ Standings

1. Seigneurs		10-1
2. Revolution		9-1
3. Monteregie		2-6
4. Jaguars		2-7
5. Page-Dynamo		0-8

Regular Season: Round 12

Jun. 3: Jaguars - Revolution 77-85
Jun. 3: Monteregie - Seigneurs 74-83

Regular Season: Round 13

Jun. 8: Jaguars - Monteregie
Jun. 10: Seigneurs - Revolution

Seigneurs jump to 10-1 record in the league - by Eurobasket News

Seigneurs are the leading team of LBQ after 12 rounds. They registered almost perfect 10-1 record so far. In the latest game Seigneurs celebrated 83-74 victory against Monteregie. Before that, they lost against Revolution 89-100 and it was the first defeat for Seigneurs this season. Kyle Desmarais (6'2''-PG-87, college: Cent.Conn.St.) led the winners with 32 points. Jean-Richard Volcy (6'8''-F-82, college: N.Michigan) answered with 25 points in defeat.
Last night, Revolution handed 85-77 loss to Jaguaras. Revolution is currently the second ranked team in the league with 9-1 score. On June 10 we will have another derby game between Revolution and Seigneurs. That meeting could be decisive for the first place in the regular season.

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LEBANON

Update on the Teams participating in WABA - by Asia-Basket Lebanon

The Lebanese National Team is preparing for the WABA Men Championship which will be held in Amman - Jordan from 11 to 15 June 2012. The Lebanese National Team will be missing a couple of key players due to injuries like Jean Abed El Nour and Ali Mahmoud , But will welcome back its Leader to an official completion Fadi Khatib (199-F-79) who missed last years FIBA ASIA Championship which was held in Wuhan China in which Lebanon finished 6th , Fadi participated in the Arab Games in December 2011 which is not an official FIBA Championship.
The team is practicing in Champville and will play on Tuesday June 05th 2012 a preparation game against Syria , the two teams are preparing for the WABA Men Championship.
The LBF is working to nationalize Guarnette THOMPSON for the National Team due that Sam HOSKIN cannot continue with the Lebanese National Team, OSKIN played last year with Lebanon in the FIBA ASIA Championship in Wuhan.

There six teams participating in the WABA Men Championship, Iran , Syria, Palestine, Yemen and Jordan the host team . Iran will have its full roster for the Championship except Arslan KAZEMI , all the Iranian Stars Samad BAHRAMI, Hamed HADADI and Mehdi KAMRANI will be present to help Iran to try to qualify to the FIBA ASIA Cup which will be held in Tokyo Japan from 14 till 22 September 2012 under the command of the new Head Coach Mehmed BECIROVIC.

Syria had a very promising FIBA ASIA Championship in Last September with new talents the team finished 9th in the Final Standings. Syria will be a tough competitor in this championship and will bring big excitement to its games.

Palestine and Yemen will be the weakest teams in the Championship , they will be aiming to have contact with the big West Asian Teams who are playing the major roles in the Asian Championship for years now.

Finally the host team Jordan , Jordan created history in 2009 by qualifying the World Championship in 2010 , in 2011 FIBA ASIA Championship they continued their historical run by finishing 2nd in the Championship and missing the gold medal on the last second of the final game vs China. Jordan is hosting the WABA Men Championship but have many problems , Injury of Zaid ABBAS whos is recovering but needs more time to be fit for games, Rasheim RIGHT is not invited to the team this summer, Zaid El Khass and Enver Sobzokov are under sanction from FIBA till July 01st 2012 and last but not least Wissam El Sous is stopped from playing for 6 months and Islam ABBAS for one year but the Jordanian Basketball Federation. These absences can create big disadvantages for Jordan but seeing Jordan rise in basketball for the past years and playing on home ground Definitely Jordan will be the team to beat together with Iran.

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LUXEMBOURG

Basket Esch land Luc Ruppert - by Eurobasket News

Basket Esch have agreed on terms of contract with Luc Ruppert (187-F-90). The forward spent the last season with BBC Nitia. He averaged 8.6 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game in Diekirch League. Previously Luc Ruppert had stints with Red Miners, Residence and Basket Esch. He was the member of Luxembourg U16 National Team.

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MEXICO

Mexico edge Argentina on Day 2 in Caracas - by Eurobasket News

Mexico - Argentina 62:58

Mexico rebounded after the starting loss at the Super 4 Cup international tournament in Caracas. They defeated Argentina on the second day of action to improve at 1-1 record. Gabriel Giron (192-F-88) nailed 9 points to lead well-balanced effort from the Mexican team.
The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 12:12 after ten minutes. Mexico stepped on the gas in the second quarter. They unloaded 27 points in the period to ensure a three-point lead at halftime 27:24. The margin grew bigger in the third term. Mexico built a comfortable 46:35 lead with ten minutes to go in regulation. Argentina went on a desperate comeback effort in the fourth term but came up short of victory at the end. Forrest Fisher (193-G-80) delivered 8 points, while Jesus Lopez (205-F-83, college: SW Baptist) finished with 7 in the win. Nicolas Laprovittola (188-PG-90) answered with 10 points for Argentina. Juan Pablo Figueroa (184-PG-86, agency: Interperformances) and Luciano Gonzalez (196-F-90) had 9 points each in the loss.

Mexico: Gabriel Giron 9, Forrest Fisher 8, Jesus Lopez 7
Argentina: Nicolas Laprovittola 10, Juan Pablo Figueroa 9, Luciano Gonzalez 9

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NBA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

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

1. Bryant, LA Lakers	28.2
2. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	27.9
3. James, Miami Heat	27.7
4. Love, Minnesota T.	26.0
5. Westbrook, Oklah..	23.2
6. Anthony, New Y.	23.1
7. Wade, Miami Heat	22.3
8. Nowitzki, Dallas M.	22.0
9. Rose, Chicago B.	21.9
10. Aldridge, Portlan.	21.7

Rebounds Per Game

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

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

Assists Per Game

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

1. Rondo, Boston C.	11.7
2. Nash, Phoenix Suns	10.7
3. Paul, LA Clippers	8.9
4. Calderon, Toron.	8.8
5. Williams, New J.	8.7
6. Rubio, Minnesot.	8.2
7. Wall, Washington W.	8.0
8. Rose, Chicago B.	7.9
9. Parker, San A.	7.5
10. Conley, Memphis G.	6.7

Steals Per Game

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

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

Blocks Per Game

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

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

Thunder defeat San Antonio Spurs 108-103 to take series lead in Western Conference finals - by Eurobasket News

Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) scored 27 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder are on the brink of the NBA Finals, beating the San Antonio Spurs 108-103 in Game 5 on Monday night and moving within a victory of a series knockout.

Russell Westbrook (6'3''-PG-88, college: UCLA) added 23 and the Thunder took a 3-2 lead in a wildly entertaining Western Conference finals. Looking invincible while carrying 20-win streak a week ago, the Spurs have lost three straight and are on the verge of a stunning collapse.

Manu Ginobili scored 34 in a smashing return to the starting lineup. But trailing 106-103 and the Spurs down to their last shot, Ginobili missed an off-balance 3-pointer in the final seconds.

Game 6 is Wednesday night in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder can punch their ticket to the NBA Finals in the place they haven't lost all postseason.

They're bringing home just what they needed: the must-win on the road if they're going to pull this series out.

Oklahoma City pulled it off behind their stars. James Harden (6'5''-G-89, college: Arizona St.) scored 20, joining Durant and Westbrook as the only Thunder players in double figures.

Harden hit the biggest shot, draining a 3-pointer with 28.8 seconds left that pushed Oklahoma City's lead to five. He admitted afterward that the ball was supposed to go to Durant but had no choice but to let go with the shot clock winding down and Spurs rookie Kawhi Leonard in his face.

'The shot clock was running down and I had to make a play,' Harden said. 'Leonard was playing great defense on me. I just shot it with confidence. West Conference finals that's a big shot.'

Tony Parker (6'0''-PG-82) had 20 points and Tim Duncan (6'11''-F/C-76, college: Wake Forest) had 18 points and 12 rebounds for the Spurs.

After remaining unbeaten for 50 days before arriving in Oklahoma City, San Antonio has lost three games in five day. They now must win two straight to avoid seeing their last best chance to win in a title in the Duncan era end.

'Championship teams win on the road,' Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. 'Oklahoma City just did that.'

It's the first time the Spurs have lost three in a row all season.

'That was a total team effort,' Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. 'Everybody did their job. I thought we played as hard as we can play.'

Durant scored 22 of his points in the second half. Westbrook also had 12 assists.

Not wanting the series to slip away, Popovich moved Ginobili to the starting lineup in place of Danny Green, who came in shooting a combined 8 of 28 in this series. It was the first start for Ginobili since March and just his eighth all season.

Green's days as a starter began looking numbered after Game 3. He couldn't save his job before leaving Oklahoma City Green shot 4 of 12 in both losses combined and Popovich couldn't wait any longer with the series tied and the season in the balance.

Out with the undrafted swingman who barely made training camp, and in with the former All-Star.

The switch wasn't announced until after Popovich met with reporters, with whom he refused to discuss any possible lineup changes. But pulling this big an adjustment this deep in the season likely didn't come easy for the NBA coach of the year.

The gambit drew mixed results. It looked like a no-brainer with Ginobili leading all scorers at halftime with 14, but new rotations for the Spurs made for rocky possessions. None more so than in the second quarter, when the Spurs shot 38 percent and trailed by as much as 14 before coming back in the second half.

Ginobili finished 11 of 21 and made half of his 10 3-point attempts. But with 4.9 seconds left, the one he needed most clanked off the back of the rim.

'We wanted to get Manu the 3,' Popovich said.

Notes: Taking a page from the Thunder, the Spurs held a T-shirt whiteout at the AT&T Center, a move the team has rarely made before. ...Durant's the clear last-shot taker for the Thunder. Popovich said it's as obvious as Dirk Nowitzki having the ball in his hands at the end for Dallas. But who do the Spurs go to with the game on the line? 'It's a secret,' Popovich said before the game.

Courtesy of www.nj.com

Bulls targets emerge: Nash, Kidd, Young, Delfino - by Eurobasket News

According to CSN, the Bulls will be targeting Nash and Kidd this off-season while Sam Amico notes both are on the Bulls list as well but also adds Nick Young (6'6''-G/F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: USC) and Carlos Delfino (6'6''-G-82).

So let's attack these names:

Steve Nash (6'3''-PG-74, college: Santa Clara)

Of course the Bulls should want Steve Nash, he's awesome. He's certainly aging, and he probably more of a 30 minute per night player at this point in his career, but he can open up the court like Derrick Rose can and find ways to get the most out of the rest of our role players.

When Derrick comes back, he strikes me as a guy who can play well along side him because he's a lights out shooter and gives the Bulls the secondary perimeter threat they need. When factoring how he'd fair against Miami, I think the Bulls could still play a Nash/Rose backcourt defensively with Rose on Wade and Nash on whomever the Heat throw up at PG or Shane Battier if they go PG-less [of course that could change depending on what the Heat do next season].

That said, why does Nash choose Chicago over Miami? I know most Bulls fans hate the Heat, but there's no reason to expect Steve Nash feels that way. A healthy Bulls team with Nash probably can beat the Heat and is probably the favorite, but a healthy Heat team with Nash becomes an overwhelmingly heavy favorite.

So while Nash makes a good and interesting target and would be an amazing signing for the MLE for a couple years, I'm not sure that I see it working out for Chicago.

Jason Kidd (6'4''-PG-73, college: California)

Jason Kidd makes some sense as a filler PG for the Bulls if he's willing to come for the veteran minimum, but it's hard to envision paying much more than that. Kidd's offensive game has completely fallen by the wayside as he's aged. He's now almost a pure spot up shooter with 70% of his shots coming from beyond the arc over the past two seasons, and while he's improved his shooting some, it's still fairly mediocre.

He can run an offense and handle the ball, but unless he comes here for the minimum, there's no reason to look at throwing him any more money than that. That said, he'd be a nice solid veteran presence for the league minimum and Kidd probably isn't worth more than that to anyone else either. In that sense, while I doubt he's a huge upgrade for the team, I think he's a reasonably likely addition.

Nick Young

It's hard to imagine that the Bulls have any serious interest in Nick Young. The Clippers received Young from the Wizards for Brian Cook and a second round draft pick. If the Bulls had wanted Young, they could have pulled him away for practically nothing at the trade deadline last year and then held him this off-season as a restricted free agent with his bird rights making him far more likely to sign here this off-season.

Now perhaps they've changed their mind on Young or perhaps they simply didn't want to disrupt anything they had going at the deadline last season, but it just seems like a stretch given he was available so cheaply and we didn't even hear a whisper of the Bulls pursuing him then.

I'm all for throwing the full MLE at Nick Young and seeing if he bites. He's kind of a one dimensional shoot first ask questions later type of player, but the Bulls have proven they need such a player. He's probably not as big a head case as JR Smith while bringing the same basic benefits.

Carlos Delfino

Delfino's a pretty pedestrian player with mediocre shooting percentages. He has some ball handling and creation ability, but not enough that it goes anywhere in terms of solving the Bulls need for a secondary ball handler. He plays SF, so unless the Bulls move Deng, it's not really a position of need either.

He's a minute filler type of guy. He's good enough that he won't hurt you while he's on the court, but he doesn't have any specialized skills that really add much to the picture either. He'd be a decent guy to have on the team for depth, especially if the Bulls are without Deng for awhile, but it's hard to see why Chicago would pay whatever his price is.

He's not going to sign for the minimum, and he makes little sense for Chicago on the MLE since he doesn't really address a need.

We'll see what names emerge down the stretch from the news reports as well as taking a look at all free agents in the Bulls price range and evaluating their fit with the team.

Courtesy of www.chicagonow.com

LeBron doesn't think he should have fouled out - by Eurobasket News

For only the fourth time in his NBA career and the first time since April of 2008, Miami's LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) fouled out of Sunday's Game 4 overtime loss to the Boston Celtics. And, understandably, he wasn't particularly thrilled about it.

James got whistled for an offensive foul with 1:51 remaining in the extra session as Mickael Pietrus stepped up and took a charge for a Boston team clinging to a one-point lead at that point.

'I don't think I fouled him,' said James, carefully watching his words. 'I don't think it was a foul.'

Later, James elaborated a bit more on the whistles against him.

'It's very tough,' he said. 'I thought a few of my fouls were -- I don't know, I don't know. I got a foul coming off a pin-down where I got cut off. They called an offensive foul (with) Pietrus. I got a double foul in the paint and then I got another foul posting up in transition. Yes (it's tough to deal with that). It's very difficult because I know how to play the game of basketball and I don't need an advantage of holding somebody or pushing somebody down, but whatever, we lost.'

What was going through James' mind when No. 6 picked up No. 6?

'I don't foul out,' said James. 'If I'm going to foul out, that sixth foul, I wish I would have earned it and it had actually been a foul on me. Whatever.'

Unfortunately for James, misery loves company. Celtics captain Paul Pierce had fouled out just 38 seconds into overtime and was happy to see James join him on the sidelines soon after.

'It was very frustrating, but it's gratifying when you see the other star player foul out,' admitted Pierce. 'So it kind of evened up the playing field.'

Informed it was the first time since 2008 that James had fouled out, Pierce seemed surprised (this after the captain has fouled out three times in recent postseason games for Boston).

'Oh, wow, interesting fact,' said Pierce. 'You look up, (James) never really has a lot of fouls. But we were aggressive against him tonight. We stepped up twice and took charges, we drove when he was guarding the ball, so that's what you have to do. A lot of players don't really try to attack him. It's not often that he plays against top small forwards in the league, also. There's only a few of us who give you that aggressive scoring, between me, Carmelo (Anthony), and (Kevin) Durant, so he gets a lot of nights off.'

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra lamented the situation, but admitted there's no guidelines on how to navigate that process.

'Is there a textbook for that? I don't really know,' he said of James' foul trouble. 'I had to get him out for a couple of minutes. It was five and change in the game when he got his fifth. So at that point you just have to roll the dice and cross your fingers. But yeah, we had a couple of guys in foul trouble. That proved to be costly at the end. That's a shame. You hope that both teams you have their guys and may the best team win.'

Courtesy of http://abclocal.go.com

Sources: Chris Bosh back for Game 5 - by Eurobasket News

With the Eastern Conference finals headed for a tense finish, the Miami Heat appear ready to try to get their missing All-Star on the floor.

According to multiple sources, the Heat are hoping to activate Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) for Tuesday's Game 5 if he doesn't suffer a setback in workouts over the next two days. Bosh declined to discuss his status following the Heat's 93-91 overtime loss to the Boston Celtics on Sunday, which tied the series at 2-2.

Bosh has missed three weeks and nine playoff games since going down with an abdominal strain in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers. The Heat have not put an official timetable on his return but it is believed they were targeting a three-week window for a return if he didn't have setbacks in his rehab.

He has been doing on-court workouts for the past week and got on the floor with teammates during practices while the Heat were in Boston. Typically players who return from abdominal strains take awhile to return to full strength and Bosh could be playing on a minute restriction when he comes back.

The Heat have been scrambling without him, starting three different centers in his place and even using LeBron James at center for stretches. The Celtics have taken advantage as Kevin Garnett has averaged 20.5 points and 10.8 rebounds in the four games.

Courtesy of http://espn.go.com

Report: Bobcats meet with Pacers assistant Shaw - by Eurobasket News

A person familiar with the situation says the Charlotte Bobcats have met with Indiana Pacers assistant coach Brian Shaw about their vacant head coaching position.

The person spoke to the Associated Press on Friday on condition of anonymity because Charlotte has not made its list of candidates public.

Shaw won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers - three as a player and two as an assistant coach.

He's the ninth known candidate to interview, joining former head coaches Nate McMillan (Portland) and Jerry Sloan (Utah), assistant coaches Michael Malone (Golden State), Stephen Silas (Charlotte), Nate Tibbetts (Cleveland), Dave Joerger (Memphis), Patrick Ewing (Orlando) and Mike Dunlap (St. John's).

Ewing has since been ruled out.

Bobcats executive Rod Higgins said Wednesday the team will hire someone 'in a couple of weeks.'

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

LeRoy Ellis, NBA champ with Los Angeles Lakers, dies at 72 - by Eurobasket News

LeRoy Ellis, who played 14 years in the NBA after a standout career at St. John's, died of prostate cancer. He was 72.

St. John's announced on Sunday that Ellis died Saturday in Portland, Ore., after a long battle with cancer.

Ellis was a native New Yorker and played at St. John's from 1959-62. He still holds the school single-season record for rebounding with an average of 16.5 in his junior year, and the record for most rebounds in a game with 30 against New York University on Dec. 30, 1961.

'For a big guy, he was awfully quick. You can never catch him,' St. John's Hall of Fame coach Lou Carnesecca said. 'He had a soft touch and was a good rebounder. He was a quiet guy, you never knew he was around. But when he was on the court, you always knew.'

He was drafted sixth overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1962.

Ellis appeared in 1,048 NBA games with the Lakers, Baltimore Bullets, Portland Trail Blazers and Philadelphia 76ers. He posted career averages of 9.7 points and 8.3 rebounds a game and was a member of Lakers' 1972 championship team.

He was a member of the Blazers in their first season in 1970-71 and led the team in rebounds (12.3) and ranked third in scoring (15.9). It was his only season the Portland.

'LeRoy Ellis was a very important member of the first Trail Blazers team and was a very high-class individual,' said Trail Blazers Founder and President Emeritus Harry Glickman. 'We extend our deepest sympathy to his family.'

Ellis was also the father of NBA player LeRon Ellis.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Trail Blazers reportedly leaning toward taking interim tags off GM Chad Buchanans, coach Kaleb Canales titles - by Eurobasket News

There may be no changes atop the Portland Trail Blazers basketball operations hierarchy this offseason, as the organization is considering removing the interim tags from the titles of GM Chad Buchanan and coach Kaleb Canales , CSN Northwest reports.

With Neil Olshey agreeing to terms to remain the general manager of the Los Angeles Clippers, the Trail Blazers list of candidates for their open GM position has been narrowed to three, according to CSN Northwest. That list includes Indiana Pacers assistant GM David Morway, Philadelphia 76ers assistant GM Tony DiLeo and former New Orleans Hornets GM Jeff Bower.

Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen has concerns about Morway's character and DiLeos lack of experience, CSN reports, leaving Bower at the top of the list. But sources have told CSN that they don't think any of the three candidates will get the job and that acting GM Buchanan has become an option again.

The Blazers are perplexed during this decision-making process, according to CSN sources.

Meanwhile, the organization is expected to conduct a search for its head coaching opening, and Pacers assistant Brian Shaw is among those interested. But Kaleb Canales, who took over when Nate McMillan was fired in February, has emerged as the strong favorite for the permanent gig. Canales is being viewed as the perfect guy to lead the rebuilding Blazers, according to CSN.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com

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

NCAA1

NCAA investigating the powerhouse that is Idaho State - by Eurobasket News

In college sports, how often do coaches see the wrong thing then act upon the right one?

It's a rhetorical question because we could never deduce such a ratio, naturally. But let's go even deeper: How often do you think a coach without a grip on a full-time job would threaten his future by reporting nefarious booster behavior at his school to the NCAA? At face value, it's what Deane Martin did last year.

You don't know who Deane Martin is, most likely. He took over at Idaho State in the middle of last season after a 2-8 start prompted the firing of Joe O'Brien. In slid Martin, who guided the Bengals' ship to a 7-13 finish. Hey, that's improvement, but not good enough.

Turns out Martin was uncomfortable with some booster activity around the program. Funny, though, he only shared his squeamishness of the situation once he didn't have a future with Idaho State. (The job was filled by Bill Evans.)

According to a Sunday report from the Idaho State Journal, via the Associated Press, we're learning that Idaho State's got a booster seemingly too publicly eager to lure players to the program.

You know: with money.

Would we have known this if Martin got the job? That's a question to just linger with us for a little while. Ultimately it's of no consequence, though. For now, Idaho State and the NCAA have a little mess to clean up.

An NCAA investigation at Idaho State reportedly was prompted in part by a letter written by a former interim men's basketball coach warning of a booster willing to pay quality players.

The Idaho State Journal reports that former interim coach Deane Martin sent the letter on March 6 to athletic director Jeff Tingey a day after Martin didn't get picked as the full-time coach.

The newspaper reports Tingey responded by telling Martin the letter contained potentially slanderous statements, and that Martin then sent the letter to the NCAA.

Oh. Ah.

No one's talking on the record right now, of course. The letter from Martin also includes the name of the booster -- currently being withheld while the NCAA drones mill about the case -- according to the Idaho State Journal. The passage with the most damning accusation lies here: 'The newspaper obtained the letter from a university employee. Martin writes that a booster told him 'in the presence of another witness, that he wanted to insure that ISU got the best recruit we could, and he offered his support. Specifically (the booster) indicated that if it took a 'money handshake' from him to a coach or a recruit, to seal the deal, he was happy to do that.''

Surely he would. College sports' oily middle men: they're everywhere, even in far-off places of little relevancy, like Idaho Freakin' State.

While HQ in Indianapolis figures out what to do with this troublesome Idaho man with money, it's unclear what penalties, if any, the program will suffer. I assure you, nothing ruins the start of the NCAA's summer like having to deal with this kind of problem. It's one thing to get a sexy scandal of a case at a school like Ohio State, Florida or a UConn. But Idaho State? It's irritating and only the necessary reminder: In some way, cheating happens almost everywhere in college basketball.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

More than ever, college basketball rife with transfers - by Eurobasket News

It is part of the landscape of college basketball now. Moving day (s) are increasingly common for players on the 347 Division 1 schools that compete for the national championship.

Some players - such as each member of national champion Kentuckys starting five - simply move on to the next level, the NBA. But others move simply because they want a change of scenery, a new opportunity to prove that are not only scholarship-worthy but deserving of a starting spot.

At last count, almost 400 players had announced their decision to transfer.

University of Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun, who has been in the game for almost two decades, has seen almost half of his roster from last season depart.

'In my career, I've never seen such a number of transfers', said Calhoun.

Some players, such as guard Jeremy Lamb, are testing the waters of the NBA. Others, such as center Alex Oriakhi, are taking advantage of an NCAA rule that allows a player to transfer without penalty if a school is put on probation or cant compete in the postseason.

UConn, which incurred NCAA penalties because of low scores on the Academic Progress Rate, is not eligible for either the Big East or NCAA tournament.

Oriakhi, a 6-foot-9-inch sophomore, is transferring to Missouri and will not have to sit out a season.

But is the number of transfers increasing, or are the moves just getting more attention?

I think, more than anything, its more documentation and people tracking and following whats going on than anything else, said Boston College coach Steve Donahue, who has lost veteran forward Matt Humphrey.

Humphreys transfer was based on getting a chance for more exposure and opportunity at a program other than BC, which is in a rebuilding mode in Donahues third season. Humphrey, who transferred to BC two years ago from Oregon, earned his degree and is taking advantage of a rule that allows players who have graduated to play at another program without sitting out a season, provided the new school offers a postgraduate degree not offered at the current school.

Right now, Humphrey is shopping for a place where he can pick up some postgraduate credits, and one that also has a basketball program that will be more of a contender than BC.

He got his degree, said Donahue, and he wants to go to a program that will benefit him better. Thats his prerogative. I have no problem with that.

Donahue doesnt see much of a change in the number of transfers.

I look back 10 or 15 years and I dont think much has changed, said Donahue, who will continue his rebuilding process this summer when he takes BC on a two-week trip to Spain. I dont know if its a good thing, but its part of the process. Not just in sports, but in college.

Courtesy of http://articles.boston.com

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

NCAA3

Matt Hunter Named York College Pa. Head Coach - by Joan Manuel Sanchez

YORK, PA York College Assistant Dean for Athletics and Recreation Paul Saikia is proud to announce that Matt Hunter has been named the Spartans' new Head Men's Basketball and Golf coach. Hunter replaces long-time head coach Jeff Gamber who is retiring after 35 years at the helm of both Spartan programs.

Hunter comes to York College after spending the last four seasons as a full time assistant coach at DeSales University. The Bulldogs went 84-32 during Hunter's tenure on the DeSales bench. The Bulldogs went to a pair of NCAA Tournaments as they advanced to the Elite Eight in 2008-09 and to the Sweet 16 in 2009-10. DeSales won two MAC Freedom Conference championships and played in the championship game in three of the four years he was with the program.

'This is a real transition for us,' says Saikia. 'Coach Gamber was a constant for us for so long, it was important for us to actually identify what we wanted moving forward. In the end, we found that in Matt--he is a proven recruiter, he is energetic, methodical, hungry, balanced, and committed to growing with us.'

Hunter is excited to get on campus and get started.

'First, I want to thank Dr. Waldner, Dean Merkle, Paul Saikia and all the members of the search committee for this great opportunity,' states Hunter. 'I am very excited about becoming the next men's basketball and golf coach. I can't wait to get on campus, meet the players and begin working for next season and beyond. Coach Gamber has set a great standard of excellence and I look forward to being able to continue that tradition.'

Hunter is no stranger to the Capital Athletic Conference as he was a three-year letter winner at Salisbury University. He graduated from Salisbury with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in May of 2005. He posted a GPA of 3.62, as he was a three-time CAC All-Academic team selection. Hunter was a two-year captain for the Sea Gulls' men's basketball squad.

Hunter has a very definitive idea of what he wants from his Spartan teams.

'I want players who are, first and foremost, great people,' says the new Spartan mentor. 'Being good students and good players are important but I feel kids with great character will provide us with our best chance to be champions. I want our players to have a mindset of hard work and dedication. I also want them to have the willingness to sacrifice for their teammates.'

Prior to Hunter's stop at DeSales, he was on the staff at The College of New Jersey. While at TCNJ, Hunter was thrust into the role of interim head coach for the 2007-08 season at the age of 24. Prior to being named as the interim coach, he served as a TCNJ part-time assistant for the 2005-06 season. He then moved to the full-time assistant position for the 2006-07 campaign.

'One of the qualities that drew us to Matt is that he had head coaching experience and that he had taken on that role at a time when he was probably not fully prepared,' says Saikia. 'It shows a lot of confidence--something we want to see in all of our coaches. We also see a very realistic sense with Matt about how to get things done. It's not magic--you have to bring in the right student-athletes, establish a system and a philosophy that makes sense, and then work your butt off. He gets that.'

Hunter knows what he wants his teams to project.

'I want our teams to be recognized as ones that work hard, play together and play the game the right way. We will respect the game, the opponent and the process of improving as individuals and as a team. I believe that the saying 'Character is who you are when nobody is watching' will be very true of both our basketball players and our golfers.'

Hunter also brings an enthusiasm for the golf program.

'Obviously the golf team has been very successful under coach Gamber and I am looking to continue that success,' states Hunter. 'It will be a responsibility that I embrace and I want to work with those student-athletes to get the best out of them on the course and the classroom.'

Hunter begins his on campus duties on July 1.
Courtesy Spartans Athletics

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NEW ZEALAND

Roller coaster ride for Webster - by Mike Lacey

What a roller coaster ride of emotions it has been for young Tai Jack Webster (186-G-95) in the last fortnight. Two weeks ago his North Harbour team were defeated in overtime 84-81 by a Steve Adams led Wellington at the Under 21 National Championships in Porirua. Webster led all scorers in the game with 29 points.
A week later and Webster was back in the capital as a development player with the Auckland Pirates as they took out the National Basketball League title, overcoming defending champions Wellington Saints 89-83. Yesterday Webster piled in a massive 42 points for Harbour Under 19s but this still wasnt enough to get his team over the line as they went down 90-89 to Waitakere in the final of the Under 19 National Championships in Dunedin.
Squeezed in amongst all the travel and action Webster got a surprise call up to the New Zealand Tall Blacks training squad that will gather in Auckland next week. Seventeen year old Webster is in his final year at Westlake Boys High School and has already gained international experience albeit at junior level. Last year he was a member of the gold medal winning 3x3 team at the Youth Olympics in Italy and in April this year was a member of the Junior Tall Blacks team that competed at the Albert Schweitzer tournament in Mannheim, Germany.

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NIGERIA

DStv PBL: Warriors, Pillars end regular season unbeaten - by Olusegun Ikuesan

.... Police picks 4th Atlantic ticket
The regular season of the 2011/2012 Nigeria DStv Premier Basketball League came to a close at the weekend with the leadership of the Atlantic and Savannah conferences Dodan Warriors basketball club of Lagos and Kano Pillars basketball club of Kano maintaining a hundred percent invisibility with resounding victories at the regular season closing day on Sunday in Lagos and Bauchi.

Dodan Warriors who enjoys tremendous support from the Lagos fans out dunk Union Bank basketball club in a local derby by 77-52 points while DStv league two-time winner Pillars posted a 91-84 points win over home side Yelwa Hawks basketball club of Bauchi.

The win by both sides gave them upper hands over other play-offs teams.

The main attraction of the closing day fixtures was the double win by Police Baton basketball club of Lagos who defeated Comets basketball club by 62-55 points on Saturday in a thrilling battle for the fourth slot of the Atlantic conference and went past Nigeria Customs basketball club by 57-56 points victory on Sunday to make its second playoffs ever after qualifying for the 2009/2010 season held in Port Harcourt.

Baton head coach Mark Balogun (a Deputy Superintendent of Police) salutes his players resilient to make the playoff cut at the buzzer-shot of the regular season.

The soft-spoken tactician, however, assured the Nigerian Police hierarchy and the teams fans of a good outing in the playoffs.

Im happy we made to this season final-8 playoffs and all we can say is a big thank you the Police authority that believed in us with the huge support theyve given us to date and our fans whos stood by us through thick and thin.

The players and coaching crew can only repay them with a fantastic performance during the playoffs as we hope to surpass our outing during the 2009/2010 season in Port Harcourt, Coach Balogun assured.

Other games decided at the weekend in both conferences, Islanders basketball club defeated relegation bound Chariots basketball club by 74-56 points in Lagos, Bauchi Nets basketball club defeated Niger Potters basketball club of Minna by 51-48 points, Defenders surrendered to visiting Nigeria Immigration basketball club of Kano in Abuja and Tapgun Rockets basketball club of Jost lost at home to Kada Stars basketball club of Kaduna by 60-62 points in Zaria.

Dodan Warriors; defending champion Royal Hoopers basketball club of Port Harcourt; Islanders basketball club of Lagos and Police Baton basketball club of Lagos made it to the final-8 playoffs from the Atlantic conference.

Pillars led Yelwa Hawks basketball club of Bauchi; Niger Potters of Minna and Kada Stars basketball club to the final battle in the Savannah conference.

DStv PBL WEEK-14 RESULTS
POLICE BATON 62-55 COMETS
ISLANDERS 74-56 CHARIOTS
BAUCHI NETS 51-48 NIGER POTTERS
DEFENDERS 68-74 IMMIGRATION
DODAN WARRIORS 77-52 UNION BANK
CUSTOMS 56-57 POLICE BATON
YELWA HAWKS 84-91 KANO PILLARS
TAPGUN ROCKETS 60-62 KADA STARS

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PERU

Inmaculada vs El Bosque - by Calvin Brown

The whole day yesterday with a game that many were hoping it was the rematch between the teams. The wolves came in the role at a disadvantage because they lacked the pivot holder with 2.13m or two forwards are the headlines that the Rose brothers, however, came Forest full and motivated because they wanted to win the rematch.

Quite surprised to see in the starting lineup of the young Adrian Tristan forest and not the veteran and regular starter Andres Seminario. I guess I will have been a strategy of Professor Ramos to leverage its speed or its powerful backlash jump for rebounds. The other owners were ordinary. By immaculate home with his two new recruits a shipowner and a canopy over the well-known tower daniel gomez, Albert Wong and 'Pinky'.

The game started with an immaculate familiar with defensive intensity and quick attack. In contrast, the forest began very sleepy, impresiso without many answers to the zone imposed by the teacher padilla. The Immaculate American Jesse started getting plugged triple and double, putting the team on his shoulder. Also ranked in the top of the other American immaculate controlling time and put the team that had no presence before it was patience. You did not see a crazy immaculate ran and ran and attacked and attacked meaningless. But a more deliberate and controlled, orderly movements which favored him. Forest by Diop hit a pair of releases, Calvin Brown also imposed conditions under the basket, but unfortunately as I mentioned anterioremente immaculate presented an enclosed area which did not allow a comfortable desnvolvimiento Brown who downloaded quite a pitchers but these do not were fine.

In the second half the match was paired with a forest that took advantage of their main advantage was the inside game rotating and rotating the ball to find Pope and Calvin Brown Guisse below. Also encestaron many points easy to offensive rebound because the physical difference between the Immaculate interior and Forest was scandalous. To immaculate which carried the team was Jesse that could not be content or morals or for tristan. Shooting hoops on either side of the court. The first half ended with a minimal advantage for forest.

At the beginning of the third quarter presented a quintet forest more worrying for the team because with Seminaro immaculate and Morales out more Diop and Brown in the forest became a threat inside and out. But the slogan not be fine outside for boque remained and most of their points were against the coup and offensive rebounds because despite the best efforts of the pivots of immaculate browm contain diop and could not offset the difference physics. The two Americans were enduring all the immaculate keeping immaculate offensive to no more than 5 points difference.

Came the fourth quarter with a drop to the forest which was that of Manuel Morales, who apparently suffered a knee injury as a band we saw there. In its place I go to Eduardo Perrigo scored a triple major in this room. There was a moment when immaculately turned the match and won by 5 points. Coach Ramos asked for a minute to rethink their offense and defense respectively. Forest if the attacks were realized but on the defensive end Tristan and Perrigo could not stop a Jesse was officially plugged and kept immaculate difference there. Arrived well as the last minutes of the game with 4 jugdores immaculate with 4 faults of which 3 of them were for misdemeanors and leaving the defense to eaves by the position of pivots which caused even more scandalous a difference in the physical under the basket which was not used by the forest.

The match was very electrifying as was defined in the last 30 seconds with a basket of forest put up on the scoreboard by 1 point. In the next attack in immaculate draw a foul on a player unless he had to say Jesse is fouling. The latter returned to set up immaculately by 1 point missing 20 seconds. The forest had a messy attack with a shot unbalanced interests happily culminated with an offensive rebound of Brown calvin which put up missing the forest back to 12 seconds. Immaculate unfortunately lost the ball in the following position restoring the position to forest obliged to commit so foul. Guisse Pope received it and hit both free throws to put 4 points forest which has already closed the match in favor of chosicanos. The rest was pure and treated, a pair of free throws by the owner of immaculate cut it to two and a free throw by Brown extended the lead to 3 thus closing the game with a 71 to 74 in favor of forest.

I would like to make a greeting as the Wolves had a very successful approach forcing the forest than on paper were coming to win by 20 or more for three Americans have high level and not only that but all 3 are pivots, ie under the basket should have taken advantage but did not. The forest was not fine 3-point line the only one who hit a triple was seminar and Perrigo. Morales was not fine and good tristan we know that is not its strong launch.

It was a good game very even and exciting. Again the invitation to families to come to champanac to see a nice show. On this page we will recommend the best games to attend to which is secured entertain.

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POLAND

DBE Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

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

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

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Harris, Kotwica	11.6
2. Lawal, Zastal ZG	10.2
3. Hrycaniuk, Asseco	8.5
4. Dluski, LKS Lodz	8.1
5. Archibeque, Zastal	8.0
6. Burgess, Trefl S.	8.0
7. Turek, Trefl Sopot	7.4
8. Doaks, Siarka J.	7.3
9. Simmons, Polpharma	7.2
10. Bartosz, PBG Bas.	7.1

Assists Per Game

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

1. Skibniewski, Slask	7.2
2. Blassingame, Assec.	6.7
3. Hodge, Zastal ZG	5.7
4. Koszarek, Trefl S.	5.4
5. Wilczek, AZS P.	5.2
6. Milicic, AZS K.	5.0
7. Burrell, Energa C.	4.8
8. Miller, Siarka J.	4.7
9. Micic, PBG Basket	4.5
10. Moore, PGE Turow	4.4

Steals Per Game

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

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

Blocks Per Game

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

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

C Jakub Parzenski returns to Virtus Bologna - by Eurobasket News

Jakub Parzenski (212-F/C-91) will be in the roster of Virtus Bologna for the next season, according to the clubs owner Claudio Sabatini. The Polish prospect spent this season with PBG Basket Poznan on loan. He appeared 38 times in PLK averaging 6.2 points and 3.4 rebounds. Parzenski also got a chance in one game with the Bologna team. He joined them in 2010, but mostly played for the junior squad in 2010/11. Before Bologna, Jakub Parzenski played for Slask Wroclaw U20 team. There he had 13.5 ppg and 7.5 rpg for 17 games. Parzenski played for the Polish U20 National Team last summer. He had 10.3 ppg and 6.6 rpg for 9 games at U20 EuroBasket Division B in Sarajevo. In 2009, he helped U18 Poland to win the Silver at U18 Eurobasket Division B, also in Sarajevo. He averaged 7.4 points and 3.9 rebounds for 8 games at this event.

PLK Round 6 of Finals. Trefl Sopot post third victory - by Eurobasket News

Trefl Sopot - Asseco Prokom 84-81

Trefl Sopot celebrated the second straight win in the series and tied things up at 3-3. The decisive seventh game is scheduled for Wednesday. The hosts trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 20-14 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Trefl Sopot made 20-of-26 free shots (76.9 percent) during the game. They shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 57.1 percentage. Trefl Sopot looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The former international forward Filip Dylewicz (202-80) scored 28 points and 6 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the former international guard Lukasz Koszarek (187-84) chipped in 14 points and 16 assists during the contest. Four Trefl Sopot players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American guard Jerel Blassingame (175-81, college: UNLV) with 27 points and 6 assists (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) and the former international guard Przemyslaw Zamojski (186-86, college: Independence CC, agency: Alti Sport) scored 13 points and 7 rebounds. Asseco Prokom's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Trefl Sopot: F.Dylewicz 28+6reb+1ast, L.Koszarek 14+4reb+16ast, J.Mallett 13+7reb, J.Turek 10+6reb+3ast, L.Wisniewski 8+1reb+3ast, S.Kuzminskas 5+3reb
Asseco Prokom: J.Blassingame 27+3reb+6ast, P.Zamojski 13+7reb+2ast, D.Motiejunas 10+4reb, A.Hrycaniuk 10+6reb, P.Szczotka 8+6reb+2ast, F.Dmitriev 7+3reb+4ast

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PUERTO RICO

Capitanes tie finals 1-1: - by Luis Modestti

Capitanes de Arecibo tied the BSN finals 1-1 after winning over Indios de Mayaguez 82-73. Game three is on Tuesday.

David Cortes (190-G/F-81) had 22 points from the bench; Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: USC) added 14 and Jeffrion Aubry (205-C-76, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Cornell) had 8 points, 15 boards and 3 blocks for the winners.

The game was closely contested in the first quarter, and then in the second quarter Arecibo made a 16-5 run to end with a 43-33 halftime lead.

Mayaguez came back in the third quarter and even had the lead for a short period of time, but Arecibo took off in the final ten minutes led by Cortes and Ayuso.

Andres Ortiz (188-G-86), Carlos Rivera (187-PG-83, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Hofstra) and Kentrell Gransberry (206-C-85, college: S.Florida) had 10 points each for Mayaguez.

Capitanes shot 10-21 from three led by Cortes who shot 5-6 from that area. They must remain consistent from long distance if they want to win one on the road during the series.

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ROMANIA

Dragan Petricevic take CSU Atlassib Sibiu under control - by Eurobasket News

Dragan Petricevic take CSU Atlassib Sibiu under control for the next season. The Bosnian specialist will be a Head Coach of the Romanian team.
Earlier in 2011 Dragan Petricevic resigned from BC Timisoara. He stated that the decision was a mutual one, being taken together with the club officials. After that the coach moved to Tunisia and stayed with Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia-D1).
It is thought that the poor performances of Timisoara from the 2010-2011 season were the reason why Petricevic resigned, but mostly the recent two losses: 52-97 on the road against U Cluj and surprisingly on home ground against newcomer BC Perla Harghitei Miercurea Ciuc.
Petricevic joined Timisoara in 2006, and has won the Romanian Cup in the 2009-2010 season, the sole trophy won by Timisoara so far, and has also qualified for the final of the 2008-2009 season, a final lost against CSU Asesoft Ploiesti.
His Tunisian team triumphed at Tunisia Basketball League 2011/2012. The winner of the Regular Season overcame Stade Nabeulien in Game 2 to sweep the Final series. ES Sahel won 75:57 and clinched the title.

CSM Oradea extends PG Silviu Lupusavei - by Eurobasket News

Silviu Lupusavei (183-PG-81) will spend at least one more season with CSM Oradea. The Romanian point guard received a one-year contract extension by the club. He joined them last summer from Rovinari. For 31 games in the league Lupusavei averaged 9.3 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists. Oradea reached Playoff Quarterfinals, but failed against Ploiesti who won the title later. Oradea was No.5 in regular season with 20-8 record. They also reached Cup Semifinals. As mentioned above, before Oradea Silviu Lupusavei was a member of Energia Rovinari. He spent two years there. In 2009, Lupusavei reached Romanian league Finals with Timisoara. In the past, he played for Craiova, Ramnicu Valcea, Otopeni and Farul Constanca. He also has experience from Politehnica Iasi and Rapid Bucuresti.

Oradea set to keep Milos Pesic, Milos Markovic leaves - by Eurobasket News

According to local media, CSM Oradea is set to extend deal with Milos Pesic (205-F-84). Reportedly, they already agreed terms and the deal should be signed soon. At the same time, Oradea decided not to keep Milos Markovic (201-G/F-84).
Milos Pesic arrives to Oradea a year ago. He had 16.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 3.6 rpg for the club in 31 league games. The player was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Honorable Mention -12. Before Oradea, Pesic played for CS U-Mobitelco Cluj Napoca and Timisoara. He won the Romanian Cup with Timisoara in 2010. That same year he was named Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League 1st Team -10.
Milos Markovic also arrived to the club last summer. He had 9.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 2.1 apg for 31 games. In 2010/11, Markovic played for Sibiu averaging 14.8 points and 6 rebounds for 18 games.

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RUSSIA

Enisey Krasnoyarsk hires Vladislav Konovalov as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Vladislav Konovalov (agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) is a new Head Coach of Enisey Krasnoyarsk. He signed a one year deal with the club, including the option for 2013/14. Konovalov spent last two seasons as Assistant Coach of Krasnye Krylya Samara. They won the Russian Cup this year. Before Krasnye Krylya, Konovalov was a Head Coach of Tobol Kostanay. He led them to Kazakhstan league Finals in 2010. They also reached Cup Finals together. From 2006 to 2009, Vladislav Konovalov was Assistant in CSK VVS Samara. He also played there for more than seven years. In the past, Konovalov also played for Lokomotiv Min.Vody and Arsenal Tula. Enisey Krasnoyarsk was the last ranked team of PBL this season with 2-16 record.

Enisey Krasnoyarsk extends Andrei Komarovskiy - by Eurobasket News

Andrei Komarovskiy (196-G-85) got a one-year contract extension by Enisey Krasnoyarsk. It means that the Russian guard will play his fourth straight season with the club. In the latest one he had 7.4 ppg, 2.5 apg and 2.3 rpg for 18 games in PBL. In EuroChallenge, Komarovskiy collected 9.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 2 apg for 8 games. The player also added 9.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.2 apg and 2.1 spg for 19 games in VTB United League. Andrei Komarovskiy joined Enisey in 2009 from Universitet-Yugra Surgut. Before that he played for Triumph Lyubertsy and Dynamo Moscow. Komarovskiy also has experience from CSK VVS-Samara and Arsenal Tula. Andrei Komarovskiy played for Russian University National Team and also for U21, U20, U18 and U16 squads. In 2005, he won the Gold at U20 EuroBasket in Moscow.

Artem Yakovenko heads to Saint Petersburg - by Eurobasket News

Artem Yakovenko (205-F/C-88, agency: RU-Basket Management) is changing the team. He will start the next season in Spartak Saint Petersburg. The centre has agreed on terms of two-season contract with the team. Artem Yakovenko started the previous season in Nizhny Novgorod. He tallied 9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in PBL. In VTB League the centre averaged 11.0 points and 4.4 boards per appearance. In EuroChallenge Artem Yakovenko posted 11.1 points, 4.4 boards, 1.5 assists and 1.0 steal per game. The centre was loaned to Unics Kazan in March. He notched 4.6 points and 2.6 boards in PBL for the Kazan team. In VTB League his stats read 3.0 points per appearance.

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SERBIA

Bosko Djokic takes over Konstantin Nis - by Eurobasket News

Konstantin Nis got a new Head Coach for the next season. The team hired Bosko Djokic and he replaces Jovica Antonic on the bench. Konstantin will compete next season in A League. They ended as No.2 in B League with 17-9 record, what was enough for the promotion. Bosko Djokic finished the season with Metalac Valjevo. The team had 10-16 record at the end of A League and managed to survive. Metalac hired Djokic in November last year and before that the coach worked with FMP Zeleznik. They hired him in March of 2010, but they parted ways in February of 2011. In the past, Djokic worked with Radnicki Basket Novi Sad, Niksic, Swisslion Takovo, Pivovarna Lasko and Avala Ada. He also coached Borac Cacak, Masinac, Radnicki Beograd and Zdravlje. In 2004, Djokic won Adriatic league title with Reflex (FMP Zeleznik). In 2005, he won the Serbian Cup with them. Bosko Djokic also coached Serbian U17 and U20 National Teams.

Oradea set to keep Milos Pesic, Milos Markovic leaves - by Eurobasket News

According to local media, CSM Oradea is set to extend deal with Milos Pesic (205-F-84). Reportedly, they already agreed terms and the deal should be signed soon. At the same time, Oradea decided not to keep Milos Markovic (201-G/F-84).
Milos Pesic arrives to Oradea a year ago. He had 16.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 3.6 rpg for the club in 31 league games. The player was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Honorable Mention -12. Before Oradea, Pesic played for CS U-Mobitelco Cluj Napoca and Timisoara. He won the Romanian Cup with Timisoara in 2010. That same year he was named Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League 1st Team -10.
Milos Markovic also arrived to the club last summer. He had 9.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 2.1 apg for 31 games. In 2010/11, Markovic played for Sibiu averaging 14.8 points and 6 rebounds for 18 games.

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SPAIN

Caja Laboral and Andres Nocioni to part ways - by Eurobasket News

It seems that Andres Nocioni (199-F-79) will not return to Caja Laboral next season. His contract is about to expire and according to Spanish media (El Correo) Nocioni's return is very unlikely. The player thanked the organization and supporters via Twitter. He also wrote that he is now focused on the Olympic Games in London. Andres Nocioni joined the club at the end of March. He appeared 12 times in Liga Endesa averaging 9.7 points and 3.5 rebounds. Nocioni started the season with Penarol Mar del Plata. There he had 16.5 ppg and 11 rpg for two games in Argentinean LigaA. After the NBA lockout, Nocioni returned to Philadelphia 76ers, where he registered 1.7 ppg and 1.3 rpg. Last season with the 76ers Nocioni averaged 6.1 points and 3.2 rebounds in 54 games. Before Philadelphia, he played for the Sacramento Kings and Chicago Bulls. Andres Nocioni was a member of Tau Ceramica (now Caja Laboral) from 1999 to 2004.

Carlos Fernandez stays in UK, Worcester Wolves - by Eurobasket News

Carlos Fernandez (197-F-87, college: IlIinois Tech) will stay at least one more season in the United Kingdom. The Spanish forward penned a one-year contract extension with Worcester Wolves. They reached BBL Quarterfinals last season but failed against Creshire Jets. The Wolves were No.3 in regular season with 22-8 record. Carlos Fernandez joined the club last summer from Baloncesto Leon. He appeared 35 times in BBL averaging 6.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists. From 2009 to 2011, he played for Leon and before that Fernandez was a member of IlIinois Tech (NAIA). With the Wolves he reached BBL Cup Semis and also he was named Eurobasket.com British BBL All-Bosmans Team -12.

'Worcester was always my first option for next season. My situation here is great. The opportunity to study at the University while playing high-level professional basketball is something unique', said Carlos Fernandez.

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SWEDEN

Viktor Gaddefors returns to Virtus Bologna - by Eurobasket News

Viktor Gaddefors (201-F-92) will return to Virtus Bologna for the next season. The Swedish forward spent this one with Sidigas Avellino on loan. He appeared 32 times in SerieA averaging 6.3 points and 3.1 rebounds. Gaddefors signed with Bologna in 2010. However he played only 6 games for them in SerieA and spent most of the season with their junior team. Before Bologna, the forward played for KFUM Uppsala. He exploded with 19.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 2.7 apg for 15 Basketettan games in 2009/10 season. Viktor Gaddefors got a call to join the Swedish senior National Team this year. In 2011, he played for U20 Sweden. For 8 games at U20 EuroBasket in Bilbao Gaddefors had 13.4 ppg and 5.4 rpg. He also played for U19, U18 and U16 Sweden in the past. With U18 NT, Gaddefors won the Gold at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Sarajevo (2009).

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TRBL

TRBL stats leaders

TRBL Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 Taylor, Carolina 25.6
2 Houston, Prime 24.6
3 Streeter, Fay 24.5
4 Carpenter, Fay 21.0
5 Pickett Jr, BT 19.6
6 Draughn, Carolina 19.6
7 Moore, Cary 18.9
8 Priest, BT 18.6
9 Smith, Prime 18.5
10 Little, Cary 18.0

Rebounds Per Game

1 Priest, BT 13.2
2 Taylor, Carol 11.4
3 Bland, QC 10.8
4 Gibbs, Wilm 9.8
5 Draughn, Carolina 9.8
6 Streeter, Fay 9.5
7 McLean, Fay 9.3
8 Pfaff, Prime 9.0
9 Pigford, Prime 8.6
10 Jones, Prime 8.6

Assists Per Game

1 Street, Prime 8.1
2 Herrmann, Wilm 7.3
3 Dixon, Carol. 6.3
4 Young, Cary 6.1
5 Pickett Jr, BT 5.2
6 Carpenter, Fay 4.6
7 Smith, Prime 4.1
8 Smith, Cary 3.9
9 Houston, Prime 3.9
10 Draughn, Carolina 3.2

Steals Per Game

1 Smith, Prime 4.3
2 Pickett Jr, BT 3.4
3 Draughn, Carolina 2.8
4 Street, Prime 2.2
5 Brown, Carolina 2.2
6 Jackson, Cary 1.7
7 Rutherford, Prime 1.6
8 Johnson, BT 1.6
9 Wright, Cary 1.6
10 Moore, Cary 1.6

2FGP

1 McLean, Fay 59.4%
2 Jones, Prime 56.8%
3 Bland, QC 55.7%
4 Streeter, Fay 53.5%
5 Gwynne, Cary 50.9%
6 Houston, Prime 50.5%
7 Brown, Wilm 50.0%
8 Crisp, Carol. 50.0%
9 Moore, Cary 49.6%
10 Jackson, Cary 48.8%

3FGP

1 Houston, Prime 51.9%
2 Pickett Jr, BT 50.0%
3 Brown, Carolina 50.0%
4 Reed, QC 44.4%
5 Johnson, BT 44.4%
6 Little, Cary 43.3%
7 Moore, Cary 41.5%
8 Gwynne, Cary 41.4%
9 Jones, Fay 37.5%
10 Crisp, Carol. 36.8%

Free Throws

1 McLean, Fay 90.0%
2 Jones, Fay 86.4%
3 Mobley, Prime 83.7%
4 Rutherford, Prime 83.3%
5 Taylor, Carol. 82.5%
6 Smith, Cary 81.3%
7 Smith, Prime 80.4%
8 Herrmann, Wilm 80.4%
9 Pickett Jr, BT 78.9%
10 Moore, Cary 77.8%

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UGANDA

FUBA WEEKEND RESULTS, Power outlast Warriors - by Joel Nature

Giant Stormers 55 : 83 Warriors
Warriors 68 : 71Power
Miracle Eagles 72 : 59 Vegeterians
Rez Life 48 : 79 UCU Canons
Ndejje Angels 37 : 79 Falcons

It took DMark Power more than two quarters to get their transition going in the revamped Airtel National Basketball League. When they did, rivals Warriors, like many times before, had no answers. Power recovered from a slow start to clinch the biggest game on the local calendar 71-68 at YMCA court on Friday.
The two-time defending champions had trailed until Isaac Afidra, 12 points and nine rebounds, nailed two big shots from downtown to tie the game at 53-up in the third.
Thereafter, guard Emmanuel Enabu penetrated for his only points and the lead.
I think we responded well when we were down. We were also faster, Powers Jimmy Enabu, who scored 17 points, said.Two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) Ben Komakechs game-high 19 points and four steals set the tone for Powers sweet triumph.

Power Out to Overrun Warriors in League Tie - by Eurobasket News

The possible absence of injured warriors teammates Ivan Enabu and Eric Malinga could instead be a source of inspiration to Norman Blick as his side faces off with champions D'Mark power.

The two teams meet in the rebranded Airtel basketball league at YMCA Wandegeya tonight. 'We are aware that they have a young and energetic team that will need to apply a quick game to check our fitness.

We might miss Eric and Ivan but will as usual use our size and experience to neutralize them,' Blick stated. Blick and his brother Donald, who will be up against their former team, underplayed the magnitude of the clash between the rival sides.

'It's just like any other game but it's the fans hyping it. We are ready to go despite the injuries,' Blick said.

Power, that is second on the table with 14 points, is out to dislodge warriors (16 points) from the top of standings. if the imposing frame of Sam Gombya gets sufficient supply of the ball, the warriors have a strong weapon in their ranks.

while Blick's optimism is justified given warriors' performance so far, the Kyambogo side have a daunting task of measuring up to the challenge that power's seasonal players Isaac Afidra, Ben Komakech and sensational stylish Joseph Ikong let alone the rest of the stellar squad.
Courtesy of: The new Vision

Power Edge the Warriors - by Eurobasket News

Unlike his Warriors counterpart Norman Blick who could only sink in two three-pointers in 11 attempts, Ben Komakech opted to do the damage inside the arc and helped D'Mark Power triumph in the Airtel National Basketball League on Friday.

Komakech sunk in nine of 10 shots enroute to a game high 19 points as D'Mark recovered from 44-36 in the third quarter to secure a narrow victory in the nail-biting encounter on the night that ushered in an era of a new title sponsor.

Jimmy Enabu supplemented Komakech's effort with 17 points as the champions secured a vital victory.

Blick and Henry Malinga got a team high 12 apiece as the absence of Eric Malinga and the under performance of injured Ivan Enabu haunted Warriors. More action is due next week.
Courtesy of: The New Vision

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UKRAINE

Cherkasy sign Denis Ikovlev, keep Alexandr Nerush - by Eurobasket News

Cherkasy have bolstered their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Denis Ikovlev (201-SF-86, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav, college: Nevada). The small forward spent the last season with Khimik Yuzny. He tallied 6.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game in EuroChallenge. In Superleague Denis Ikovlev posted 10.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steal per appearance. He participated at 2012 Superleague All-Star Game. Previously the forward had stints with Budivelnyk, Ferro-ZNTU and BC Odessa. Eurobasket.com named Denis Ikovlev All-Ukrainian UBL Most Improved Player of the Year in 2009.
Cherkasy also extended the contract with Alexandr Nerush (192-G-83). The guard will enter his second straight season with the team. Last season Alexandr Nerush averaged 9.2 points and 1.3 rebounds per game in Superleague.

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URUGUAY

Granger had a problem with the Achilles tendon. - by Sergio Palay

The point guard, Jayson Granger (186-G-89), was injured in training with the national team of Uruguay.
Granger, who plays for Asefa Estudiantes Madrid, had a problem with the Achilles tendon.
While not serious, the player will not travel to Chile's Tour.
it is expected that Granger can play without troubles the South American Championship. It would be the first great tournament, of the player with the Senior National Team

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VENEZUELA

Argentina edge Venezuela for Super 4 Cup title - by Eurobasket News

Venezuela - Argentina 78:87

Argentina celebrated the victory in the Super 4 Cup international tournament in Caracas. They overcame hosting Venezuela on the final day of action to clinch the top position. Matias Sandes (201-F/G-84) came up with 17 points to lead the visitors.
Argentina enjoyed a narrow 19:18 lead after ten minutes of action. Venezuela however increased the tempo and denied the deficit at halftime 42:42. Argentina pulled back in front in the third quarter. They notched 25 points in the third frame to accumulate a 4-point lead at the final intermission. Argentina did not slow down in the fourth period and rolled to the victory at the end. Federico Van Lacke (191-G-80) accounted for 15 points, while Nicolas Romano (197-F/C-87) added 15 points in the victory. Michael Flores (192-G-85) answered with 24 points for Venezuela. Francisco Centeno (201-G/F-85) chipped in 16 points in the loss.

Venezuela: Michael Flores 24, Francisco Centeno 16
Argentina: Matias Sandes 17, Federico Van Lacke 15, Nicolas Romano 15

Venezuela rally past Brazil in Caracas - by Eurobasket News

Venezuela - Brazil 76:59

Venezuela recorded the second straight win at the Super 4 Cup tournament in Caracas. The hosts overcame Brazil in the second round to stay undefeated. Greivis Vasquez (198-PG-87, agency: Interperformances, college: Maryland) stepped up with 19 points to lead the winners.
Venezuela stunned their opponents in the opening quarter. The hosts went on a 21:5 run to leave Brazil far behind. Venezuela stretched the lead to as many as 29 points at halftime 44:15. Brazil showed some signs of recover in the second half. They narrowed the gap but never really threatened the margin as Venezuela cruised to the victory. Hector Romero (202-F/C-80, college: New Orleans) accounted for 11 points, while Windi Graterol (203-F/C-86) added 10 points in the victory. Vitor Benite (190-F/G-90) answered with 15 points for Brazil. Rafael Freire (188-PG-92) had 11 points in the loss.

Venezuela: Greivis Vasquez 19, Hector Romero 11, Windi Graterol 10
Brazil: Vitor Benite 15, Rafael Freire 11

Marinos land center Scott VanderMeer - by Eurobasket News

Scott VanderMeer (213-C-86, agency: Edge Sports, college: Ill.-Chicago) is a new member of Marinos. The American center will play at least one and maximum two games for the club. Marinos currently have 3-2 lead against Trotamundos in the LPB Finals. The format is best-of-seven and Marinos are one win away from the title. Game Six is scheduled for Wednesday. Scott VanderMeer finished the season with the NBA D-League team Rio Grande Valley Vipers. He joined them in January averaging 7.8 points and 5.1 rebounds for 18 games. The center started the season with Romanian Gaz Metan Medias. He had 9.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg for 10 games in the league. In the past, he played in Dominican Republic, Mexico and Switzerland.

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Women News

SBL: Slammers remain on top (Round 12 women's wrap) - by Eurobasket News

The South West Slammers remain in the top spot after taking down the Perth Redbacks 69-55 in round twelve of the women's State Basketball League.

The Slammers recovered from a slow first quarter to dominate the second creating a 24 point lead, the Redbacks slowly closed the deficit but never managed to catch up.

Slammers imports Kim Sitzmann (22 points, 11 rebounds) and Valeria Ogoke with 15 points and 19 rebounds were dominant players in the Redbacks third consecutive defeat.

The Willetton Tigers have moved into third place after defeating bottom of the ladder Mandurah Magic 79-53 on Friday night in the Magics fourth consecutive loss.

The Tigers were led by Jasmine Hooper (177-G-91) with 22 points and five rebounds and Courtney Hargreaves (91) with 20 points and nine rebounds.

It was a terrible weekend for the top four Lakeside Lightning going down to bottom four East Perth Eagles and then the seventh place Rockingham Flames, the Lightnings confidence will be shaky having lost four of their last five games.

The Lightning went down to the Eagles 83-77 in front of a Lightning home crowd on Friday night, Eagles Samantha Norwood putting on a spectacular show with 32 points and 13 rebounds.

Despite remaining a bottom four side the up and coming Eagles are in solid form, having won the last four consecutive games.

The Flames then took down the Lightning 89-82 on Saturday night, Flames superstar Emma Cannon was strong with 33 points and 19 rebounds.

Stirling Senators had a tough weekend going down to the Perry Lakes Hawks on Friday night and then losing at home to the Kalamunda Eastern Suns on Saturday.

The eighth place Hawks took down the Senators 74-54 with solid performances from Hawks veteran Tegan Walker (176-G/F-82) (18 points, five rebounds) and young guard Gabriella Clayton with 16 points.

The fifth place Suns then defeated the Senators 78-56, Suns Emma Berryman, Chelsea Armstrong, Rachel Muenggenborg and Rebecca Boyanich all getting double digits on the board.

Article by Hannah Coleman
Courtesy of: SBL

Big V: Weekend Wraps- Round 11 - by Eurobasket News

As the Kiwi duo leaves our shores, it seems the Broncos may have done the same with respect to this years playoffs, while out at Diamond Valley there seems to be a steam train gathering momentum.
SCW ROUND UP
ROUND 11
Melbourne returned to the winners circle in a top-versus-bottom victory over Waverley, though it must be said that the Falcons remained competitive throughout. Once again the young cellar-dwellers relied heavily on the three-ball (32 of their 66 shot attempts) and they were out-rebounded 48 to 34, but there continues to some shining lights. Nicole Zammit (15pts) and Megan Mcintyre (11pts, 10rbs) looked solid for the Tigers, however Caitlin Cunning-ham was restricted to only nine minutes in a sign that per-haps an injury occurred.
Diamond Valleys massive month continued with yet an-other huge victory, this time taking Sherbrooke to task in a 78-44 whitewash. The Eagles won the early arm-wrestle, before sprinting away after the long break with a defining 42-17 run that left Sherbrooke gasping for air. The key to the win was easy to find with the Eagles shooting at 49% compared with Sherbrookes lowly 23%. Jaclyn Smith (16pts) and Jayde Tyrrell (13pts) were again the chief scorers for DV, while Sally Laing (13pts, 12rbs) worked hard for the Suns.
Ringwoods 76-59 win against Hume City was timely, but without Amanda Behnke (returned to the US) and Antonia Edmondson and Lisa Wallbutton (on national duty with NZ), this contest gave us the chance to see some others stepping up. The brightest beacon was Ringwoods other import Tori Hansen, who delivered a very nice 24pts in a match-winning display, while Jess Petchells 14pts and 10rbs also went a long way to securing a badly-needed win for the Hawks. After seven straight wins, as expected the Broncos couldnt cover the loss of their Kiwi stars, though Vivien Saad (20pts, 10rbs) certainly didnt stop trying. Unfortunately the glorious run is over for Hume City and it might be slim pickings over the coming weeks.
www.bigv.com.au
ROUND 11 RESULTS
Melbourne 62 defeated Waverley 44 D Valley 78 defeated Sherbrooke 44 Ringwood 76 defeated Hume City 59 McKinnon 89 defeated Bulleen 71 Eltham 57 defeated Waverley 48
McKinnons good form continued with a strong 89-71 win over Bulleen, much of which was set up early via a 25-11 opening quarter. Both teams shot exceptionally well at around the 50% mark, making for an entertaining game, though Bulleens struggles on the boards continued as they try and contend with being short on bigs, so to speak. Laura Thomas delivered 20pts, 10rbs and 5ass for the Cougars and was ably supported by an in-form Tess Feery with 22pts, Alex Lough with 17pts and Julie Brookhouse with 15pts, while Bulleens Lauren Pearce (20pts) continues to be her teams leading player each week. Also keep your eyes peeled for import DLesha Lloyd, a late pick-up for the Boomers who delivered 14pts and 7rbs in her first game.
Waverley may have jumped to a 22-15 lead, but Eltham applied the screws in the second quarter and enjoyed a 16-6 run into the half-time break, doing enough to grab the as-cendency. With Hollie Florance (10pts, 13rbs) looking better in her second game back and Olivia Bontempelli (15pts) leading all scorers, the Wildcats chalked up another im-portant win.
So the DV fight back rolls on. Four straight scalps include Melbourne, Ringwood, Eltham and Sherbrooke, with Bulleen, McKinnon, Sherbrooke and Waverley to come in the next four games. Any-one else tipping a finals berth for the Eagles?
Courtesy of: bigv.com.au

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BELGIUM

Great Britain edge Belgium to win Four Nations Tournament - by Eurobasket News

Belgium - Great Britain 69:95

Great Britain clinched the top position at the Four Nations Tournament in Liege. They capped their campaign with a resounding win over hosting Belgium to improve at 2-1 record. Natalie Stafford (173-G-76) stepped up with 21 points to lead the winners.
Great Britain enjoyed a narrow 24:22 lead after ten minutes. The British team ignited a 19:3 run in the second quarter to clear off. They arrived at halftime up by 16 points 51:35. The margin grew at 20-point mark in the third term. Great Britain entered the fourth frame up by 20 points 74:54 and never looked back en route to the victory. Johannah Leedham (180-G/F-87, college: Franklin Pierce) provided 16 points for Great Britain. Julie Page (188-F/C-83, college: E.Washington) contributed 13 points in the victory. Jasmina Rosseel (172-G-89, college: Drexel) answered with 22 points for Belgium. Sara Leemans (178-SF-88) had 15 points in the loss.

Belgium: Jasmina Rosseel 22, Sara Leemans 15
Great Britain: Natalie Stafford 21, Johannah Leedham 16, Julie Page 13

Kathy Wambe returns to Italy - by Eurobasket News

Kathy Wambe (173-G-81) is back to Italy. The Belgian point guard penned a one-year deal with Familia Schio. The team reached SerieA and Cup Finals this season. Wambe arrives to Familia Schio from French Villeneuve, where she had 11.2 ppg, 5.1 apg and 3.6 rpg for 17 LFB games. She ended as the best assistant of the league and was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-French LFB Honorable Mention -12. Kathy Wambe is not a new face in Italy as she played for Cras Taranto from 2009 to 2011. They won the Serie A1 title together in 2010. Wambe helped the team that season with 7.9 ppg, 3 rpg, 2.6 spg and 1.9 apg for 30 games. In 2011, Taranto reached championship Finals, but failed to defend the title. Wambe was named Eurobasket.com All-Italian A1 2nd Team -11. That same year and also in 2010 she was awarded with Eurobasket.com Italian A1 All-Bosmans Team. She won two SuperCup trophies with the club. Kathy Wambe played for Valenciennes USVO, Villeneuve and Namur in the past.

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BRAZIL

Brazil hand second straight loss to Chile - by Eurobasket News

Brazil - Chile 111:28

Brazil and Chile played the second friendly encounter in Jundiai. Brazil celebrated yet another convincing victory. Damiris Dantas (192-C-92) stepped up with impressive 23 points and 12 rebounds to lead the charge.
Brazil did not waste too much time in this one. They opened the game on a 21:4 run to clear off. The hosts arrived at halftime up by 31 points 44:13. Brazil kept their opponents at bay afterwards. Chile had no chance whatsoever and had to surrender at the end. Iziane Castro Marques (183-G/F-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) knocked down 17 points for Brazil. Adriana Moises Pinto (169-G-78) added 14 points and 10 assists for the winners.

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CHILE

CROATIA

EUROLEAGUE

Emma Meesseman pens deal with Spartak Moscow Region - by Eurobasket News

Emma Meesseman (192-C-93, agency: LBM Management) pens deal with Spartak Moscow Region for the next season. The Belgian European Young Womens player of the year 2011, according to lovewomensbasketball.com moves to Russia.
In 2011-2012 she played for Crack Blue Cats Ieper (D1) and in 27 games became the top-score of the league with 19.4ppg, Reb-5 (9.3rpg), 2.1apg, 2.1spg, Blocks-1 (1.7bpg), FGP: 59.0%, FT: 68.3%. She played also for Lotto Young Cats (starting five) and in EuroCup averaged 14.8ppg, 8.6rpg, 2.8apg, 1.8spg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 46.6%, FT: 73.3%.
Together with Blue Cats Emma Meesseman became the new champions of Belgium. They grabbed 61-66 road win against Kangoeroes-Boom to win the series. It was a decisive Game Three of the Playoff Finals. The guests trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 10-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 66-61. Blue Cats dominated on the defensive end, holding Kangoeroes-B. to just 6 points in second quarter. They also forced 20 Kangoeroes-B. turnovers. Strangely Kangoeroes-B. outrebounded Blue Cats 42-30 including 19 on the offensive glass. It was a great game for Emma Meesseman who led her team to a victory with 26 points and 9 rebounds.

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FRANCE

Elodie Godin moves from Taranto to Famila Schio - by Eurobasket News

Elodie Godin (190-C-85) will stay in Italy for the next season, but not with Cras Taranto. The French center penned a one-year deal with Famila Schio. Two teams met in SerieA Finals this season and Taranto won the title with perfect 3-0. Earlier Taranto already won the Cup trophy (78-57 against Familia Schio). Elodie Godin joined Taranto in 2008. She appeared 30 times in the league this season averaging 7.1 points and 7.1 rebounds. She also added 9.9 ppg and 6.2 rpg in 14 Euroleague games. Before Taranto, Elodie Godin played for USK Praha and Valenciennes. In the past she spent few years with Bourges. She won two LFB titles and three French cups in her career. Godin also played for the French National Team from 2003 to 2010.

Kathy Wambe leaves Villeneuve, Dieme and Pochet are back - by Eurobasket News

Kathy Wambe (173-G-81) is no longer a member of Villeneuve. The Belgian guard left the club and she is free agent now. Wambe appeared 17 times for Villeneuve averaging 11.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists. She was the best assistant of the LFB and was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-French LFB Honorable Mention -12. Wambe arrived to Villeneuve last summer from Taranto.
In the meantime, Bintou Dieme (165-PG-84) and Amelie Pochet (180-SG-84) signed deals with Villeneuve. Dieme arrives to the club from Le Havre. They competed in LF2. She already played for Villeneuve from 2006 to 2008. Pochet spent last three seasons with Basket Landes. In the latest one she had 5.6 ppg and 2.9 rpg for 25 LFB games. She also added 6.4 ppg and 3.6 rpg for 8 games in EuroCup. Pochet also played for Villenueve in the past and it was in 2002/03 season.

Update: Kathy Wambe signed for Italian team Familia Schio.

France won their second straight game against Poland - by Eurobasket News

France-Poland 74:56

France won their second straight game against Poland. The French side celebrated a 74:56 win mostly due to the second half.
Both teams nailed 16 points each in the first period and then France took 2-point lead at the halftime due to 17-15 in the second frame. The third quarter became decisive in the game as the hosts added 25-13 in it. Moreover they produced a 16-12 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (190-C-86) top-scored for the winners with 13 points and Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) as well as Emmeline Ndongue (191-C-83) had 10 each. Edwide Edwige Lawson-Wade (166-PG-79) posted 9, while Clemence Beikes (180-G-83, agency: Josep and Nicolas) had 8. Agnieszka Skobel (179-F-89) replied with 12 points in defeat, while Patrycja Gulak-Lipka (192-C-82, college: Massachusetts) posted 9. Paulina Pawlak (170-PG-84, agency: Data Plus Group) and Agnieszka Szott (185-F-82, agency: Data Plus Group) scored 7 points each.

France: Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui 13, Celine Dumerc 10, Emmeline Ndongue 10, Edwige Lawson-Wade 9, Clemence Beikes 8
Poland: Agnieszka Skobel 12, Patrycja Gulak-Lipka 9, Paulina Pawlak 7, Agnieszka Szott 7

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GERMANY

Ukraine rally past Germany in Liege - by Eurobasket News

Ukraine - Germany 83:77

Ukraine finished the Four Nations Tournament in Belgium on a high note. They fired past Germany to gain their first win. Olexandra Kurasova (186-F-86) stepped up with 24 points to lead the winners. Germany fell at 2-1 record and occupied the second overall position at the tourney.
Germany ensured a great start to the game. They built a 25:17 lead after ten minutes. The margin grew in the second quarter. Germany enjoyed a 43:34 halftime lead. But Ukraine narrowed the deficit in the third frame. They trimmed the distance to just three points 53:56 at the final intermission. Ukraine strongly opened the fourth quarter surging ahead. They shielded off all the comeback efforts from Germany and sealed the win at the end. Alina Iagupova (186-G-92, agency: LBM Management) accounted for 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Inna Kochubei (174-G-82) added 12 points for the winners. Sarah Austmann (179-G/F-85) answered with 18 points for Germany. Romy Bar (189-F-87) netted 14 points in the loss.

Ukraine: Olexandra Kurasova 24, Alina Iagupova 19+10 boards, Inna Kochubei 12
Germany: Sarah Austmann 18, Romy Bar 14

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GREECE

Evanthia Maltsi retires from the National Team - by Eurobasket News

Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78, agency: Josep and Nicolas) will not play for the Greek National Team any longer. Officials from the Greek Basketball Federation confirmed to local media that Maltsi decided to retire from the NT. She played for her country more than 10 years. Actually, she joined NT in 2001 and played for them until this year. Last summer at 2011 EuroBasket in Poland Maltsi had 13.7 ppg and 7 rpg for 3 games. In 2010, she was third best scorer of the World Championship in Czech Republic. For 8 games at this event Maltsi had 17.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 2.4 spg. In 2009, Evanthia Maltsi was the top scorer of EuroBasket in Latvia. There she exploded with 22.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 3.1 spg for 9 games. Maltsi also played for Greece at 2005 EuroBasket in Turkey and 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. She played at 2003 and 2001 European Championships as well.

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HOLLAND

Puerto Rico overcome CTO Amsterdam to finish European Tour - by Eurobasket News

CTO Amsterdam - Puerto Rico 68:73

Puerto Rico wrapped up their European tour with victory. They defeated Dutch team CTO Amsterdam to improve at 2-1 record.
Puerto Rico started the game rather slow. They however managed to take a 19:16 lead after ten minutes. The Latin American team stretched the gap in the second quarter. Puerto Rico established a 34:26 halftime lead. The third term was a high-flying affair as Puerto Rico were able to gain a 9-point advantage with one quarter remaining 59:50. The visitors hung on in the fourth frame to eke out a tough win at the end. Angiely Morales (180-SG-87) finished with 15 points to lead the winners. Marie Placido (182-F-87) added 14 points, while Carla Cortijo (173-G-87, college: Texas) chipped in 11 points for Puerto Rico. Marlou De Kleijn (182-F-92, agency: Regeneracom Sports) had 13 points for CTO Amsterdam.

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ISRAEL

Serbia blast Israel at Belgrade Trophy tournament - by Eurobasket News

Serbia - Israel 94:61

Serbia registered the second straight win at the Belgrade Trophy tournament. The hosts shot down Israel to improve at 2-0 record. Ana Dabovic (183-G/F-89) came up with 19 points to lead the winners. Israel fell at 0-2 record after the loss.
Serbia built a 20:15 lead after ten minutes. The maintained the lead and arrived at halftime up by 10 points 40:30. Serbia took off in the third term. The home team erupted for 29 points in the period piling up a comfortable 23-point advantage heading into the fourth frame. Serbia did not slow down in the fourth stanza and rolled to the victory at the end. Ivanka Matic (195-F/C-79, agency: LBM Management) provided 18 points, while Milica Dabovic (175-PG-82) had 13 points in the winning case. Ekaterina Abramzon (185-F-87) answered with 13 points for Israel. Katia Levitsky (190-PF-85, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Villanova) had 12 points in the loss.

Serbia: Ana Dabovic 19, Ivanka Matic 18, Milica Dabovic 13
Israel: Ekaterina Abramzon 13, Katia Levitsky 12

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ITALY

Former Italian NT member Dubravka Dacic signs in Turkey - by Eurobasket News

Dubravka Dacic (201-C-85, agency: Interperformances) will continue her career in Turkey. The former Italian National Team member signed a one-year deal with Homend Antakya. She spent last two seasons with Cras Taranto. In the latest one the Italian center, who also has Croatian citizenship, appeared only four times in SerieA and 6 times in Euroleague. She left the club in February. In 2010/11, Dacic averaged 6.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals for 27 games in Italy. She also added 4.6 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 11 Eurolegue games. Dubravka Dacic is not a new face in Turkey as she played for Besiktas in 2009/10 season. She had 13.5 ppg and 9.7 rpg for 10 TBBL games. In EuroCup, the center registered 10.4 ppg and 8.3 rpg. In the past, Dacic played for Ros Casares, Dynamo Moscow and Parma. She played for the Italian NT from 2005 and 2007.

Italy edge Romania to open Day 2 - by Eurobasket News

Italy-Romania 64:59

Italy edge Romania to open Day 2 in Belgrade International Tournament. The Italian side celebrated their second straight win beating Romania 64:59.
After the victory in the opener of the tournament, Italy started the game with 14-10 in the first period. They led 31:30 at the halftime and allowed the Romanian team to taste the lead. Romanian grabbed 47;46 advantage after three quarters but could not win the game. Italy made the final push at the end of the game to seal the second straight win.
Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) led the way with 18 points and Maria Laterza (190-C-89, agency: Two Points, college: Marist) netted 8. Crippa posted 7 and Ilaria Zanoni (180-G-86) as well as DAlie added 6 apiece. Gabriela Marginean (182-F-87, college: Drexel) ended up with 24 points in the losing effort and Payel notched 9. Tarta produced 7, while Stoenescu had 6.

Italy: DAlie 6, Fassina 1, Cinili 2, Gatti 2, Ilaria Zanoni 6, Santucci 5, Raffaella Masciadri 18, Formica 2, Maria Laterza 8, Gorini 5, Crippa 7, Bagnara 2. Coach: Roberto Ricchini
Romania: Uiuiu, Parau 2, Meszaros 2, Andreea Orosz (180-G/F-86) 5, Sipos 3, Hutanu 1, Payel 9, Tarta 7, Stoenescu 6, Cutas, Bigica, Gabriela Marginean 24. Coach: Dan Fleseriu.

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MONTENEGRO

Montenegro win against Portugal - by Dragan Scepanovic

Montenegro has achieved victory in the first of two control matches against the selection of Portugal in Cetinje 77:45 (24:16, 21:8, 17:12, 15:9) and achieved a new victory in preparation for the start of qualifications for the European Championship in France. The second control match against Portugal will play on Tuesday from 19 am, and this will be the last test before the start of qualifying 13th June.
The most effective in the team of Montenegro are Jelena Dubljevic whit 21 and Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) with 15 points, Ana Turcinovic reached eight and seven points Snezana Aleksic. The best in selection of Portugal said Ana Oliveira with ten points.

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NIGERIA

Zenith Bank Women Basketball League: Teams go on break as First Deepwater BC leads the way - by Olusegun Ikuesan

The ten teams vying for honours in the 8th Zenith Bank Women Basketball League will observe Tuesday as rest day as defending champion First Deepwater basketball club lead other teams in the title race.

On the opening day of the third phase last Thursday, Sunshine Angels basketball club of Akure defeated Nigeria Customs basketball club of Lagos by 45-32 points former champion First Bank basketball club of Lagos humbled Delta Force basketball club of Asaba (92-57), title holder First Deepwater basketball club of Ilawe-Ekiti recorded a 97-32 points victory over Plateau Rocks basketball club of Jos as Dolphins basketball club of Lagos walked-over late comer FCT Angels basketball club of Abuja.

First Deepwater of Ekiti continued from where it left off last Friday in the opening game of Day-2 with a 132-18 white-washing of AHIP Queens basketball club of Kano, Customs defeated Delta Force by 54-49 points, Sunshine Angels gained easy points over FCT Angels while First Bank went past Dolphins 75-60 points in a thrilling encounter.

Results from Day-3 and Day-4; Sunshine Angels defeated Plateau Rocks by 65-46 points, Dolphins beat Delta Force by 60-37 points, Customs 42-23 AHIP Queens, First Bank 82-38 Plateau Rocks, Delta Force 63-35 AHIP Queens, Sunshine Angels 57-78 First Deepwater and Customs 48-44 FCT Angels.

Games resume Wednesday with four games on the bill as Nigeria Immigration failed to show up for the final phase with FCT Angels battling Plateau Rocks at 09H00, First Deepwater Vs Delta Force (11H00), Sunshine Angels Vs First Bank (14H00) and Dolphins Vs AHIP Queens (16H00). Nkechi Akashili (G)

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POLAND

France won their second straight game against Poland - by Eurobasket News

France-Poland 74:56

France won their second straight game against Poland. The French side celebrated a 74:56 win mostly due to the second half.
Both teams nailed 16 points each in the first period and then France took 2-point lead at the halftime due to 17-15 in the second frame. The third quarter became decisive in the game as the hosts added 25-13 in it. Moreover they produced a 16-12 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (190-C-86) top-scored for the winners with 13 points and Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) as well as Emmeline Ndongue (191-C-83) had 10 each. Edwide Edwige Lawson-Wade (166-PG-79) posted 9, while Clemence Beikes (180-G-83, agency: Josep and Nicolas) had 8. Agnieszka Skobel (179-F-89) replied with 12 points in defeat, while Patrycja Gulak-Lipka (192-C-82, college: Massachusetts) posted 9. Paulina Pawlak (170-PG-84, agency: Data Plus Group) and Agnieszka Szott (185-F-82, agency: Data Plus Group) scored 7 points each.

France: Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui 13, Celine Dumerc 10, Emmeline Ndongue 10, Edwige Lawson-Wade 9, Clemence Beikes 8
Poland: Agnieszka Skobel 12, Patrycja Gulak-Lipka 9, Paulina Pawlak 7, Agnieszka Szott 7

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PUERTO RICO

ROMANIA

Georgios Dikeoulakos in talks with CSM Targoviste - by Eurobasket News

Georgios Dikeoulakos (agency: FCM ) in talks with CSM Targoviste for the next season. Together with Elina Babkina (173-G-89, agency: LBM Management) the couple may appear in Romania.
Last week Georgios Dikeoulakos (agency: FCM ) farewell to Fenerbahce. According to lovewomensbasketball.com via pota6, the Greek specialist left the Turkish team. Unofficially, the reason for such decision was because Fenerbahce refused to re-sign point guard Elina Babkina.
In 2006 he went to the States at the training camps of Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks from the N.B.A., and De Paul, Marquette, Northwestern, S. Francis from N.C.A.A. Dikaioulakos is the most successful coach in the history of Greek women basketball. After winning the double in 2009 with Athinaikos, he led the club to the treble in 2010 by winning the FIBA Eurochallenge and doing the double in Greece again. He was then appointed as Head coach of Latvias National Team and in the summer of 2010 he lead them to qualification for the Eurobasket 2011. In January 2011 he took over Lotos Gdynia and in March he won the Polish Cup. Dikaioulakos has also won the gold medal in the Mens U18 European Championship with Greece as assistant coach to Kostas Missas.

Italy edge Romania to open Day 2 - by Eurobasket News

Italy-Romania 64:59

Italy edge Romania to open Day 2 in Belgrade International Tournament. The Italian side celebrated their second straight win beating Romania 64:59.
After the victory in the opener of the tournament, Italy started the game with 14-10 in the first period. They led 31:30 at the halftime and allowed the Romanian team to taste the lead. Romanian grabbed 47;46 advantage after three quarters but could not win the game. Italy made the final push at the end of the game to seal the second straight win.
Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) led the way with 18 points and Maria Laterza (190-C-89, agency: Two Points, college: Marist) netted 8. Crippa posted 7 and Ilaria Zanoni (180-G-86) as well as DAlie added 6 apiece. Gabriela Marginean (182-F-87, college: Drexel) ended up with 24 points in the losing effort and Payel notched 9. Tarta produced 7, while Stoenescu had 6.

Italy: DAlie 6, Fassina 1, Cinili 2, Gatti 2, Ilaria Zanoni 6, Santucci 5, Raffaella Masciadri 18, Formica 2, Maria Laterza 8, Gorini 5, Crippa 7, Bagnara 2. Coach: Roberto Ricchini
Romania: Uiuiu, Parau 2, Meszaros 2, Andreea Orosz (180-G/F-86) 5, Sipos 3, Hutanu 1, Payel 9, Tarta 7, Stoenescu 6, Cutas, Bigica, Gabriela Marginean 24. Coach: Dan Fleseriu.

CSU Alba Iulia extends Rebecca Tobin and Breanna Salley - by Eurobasket News

Rebecca Tobin (195-F-88, college: Arizona St.) and Breanna Salley (180-F-87, college: Seattle) will stay with CSU Alba Iulia for the next season. Both players signed contract extensions at the end of the last week.
Rebecca Tobin joined the club in January. She played 21 games in the league averaging 13.7 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2 assists. She was named Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Honorable Mention -12. Tobin started the season with Italian Parma. She graduated at the Arizona State University something more than a year ago.
Breanna Salley arrived to CSU Alba Iulia last summer. She had 13.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.8 apg and 2.3 spg in 34 league games. Salley participated at the Romanian League All-Star Game. The forward graduated at University of Seattle in 2010.

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RUSSIA

SERBIA

Serbia - Israel 94-61 (International Tournament "Belgrade's Trophy 2012") - by Tamara Ruzic

Easy win today for Serbian national team against Israel.

Top scorers for Serbia: Ana Dabovic 19 (3as, 4 steals), Matic Ivanka 18 ( 8reb ), Milica Dabovic 13 ( 4 reb)
On the other side, Levitsky came up with 12 and Kohen with 10 points.

On June 4th, @ 8:30pm , Serbia will face Italy . Italy won 2 games in Belgrade against Romania and Israel.
This will be last test before the start of qualifying games, where they need to qualify for the European Championship in France 2013.

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SLOVENIA

Slovenia hand Switzerland third straight defeat - by Eurobasket News

Slovenia - Switzerland 88:45

Slovenia and Switzerland played the third scrimmage game in Kranjska Gora. Once again the hosts claimed victory. This time they won by 43 points proving their strength. Tina Trebec (189-F-90, agency: Kotnik Sports Agency) knocked down 12 points to lead the winners. All Slovenian player scored in the game.
Slovenia led by four points after one period of action 15:11. They increased the tempo in the second quarter. Slovenia built a 40:19 halftime lead. The hosts limited their opponents to just 7 points in the third term to enter the fourth quarter up by 33 points. Switzerland never recovered from a blow and yielded at the end. Teja Oblak (171-G-90) provided 10 points, while Nika Baric (169-PG-92) accounted for 9 points in the winning effort. Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) led the scoring for Switzerland.

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SWITZERLAND

TURKEY

Homend Antakya gets bigger with Naile Ivegin and Ilsu Daricioglu - by Eurobasket News

Homend Antakya gets bigger with Naile Ivegin (185-F/C-85) and Ilsu Daricioglu (167-G-83) for the next season. According to lovewomensbasketball.com the Turkish team brought two players.
Naile Ivegin last season spent with Botasspor Adana (TKBL, starting five). In EuroCup she averaged 5.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 75.0%, while in Turkish League her stats read 6.7ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 17.6%, FT: 66.7%. She is also a Turkish National Team -08-11 member.
Ilsu Daricioglu played in 2011-2012 for Besiktas CT Istanbul (TKBL). In EuroCup after 4 games her stats read 2.5ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg, while in Turkish League she averaged 3.6ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.5apg.
Earlier she played for Samsun Basketbol in 2009 and had 5.8ppg, 1.3rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 66.7% in EuroCup. In Turkish League after 22 games she averaged 6.5ppg, 2.1rpg, 3.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 35.3%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 72.0%. In 2010-2011 Ilsu moved to Pankup Ted Kayseri Kolejspor (TKBL, starting five) and showed 4.0ppg.

Ceyhan keeps Hulya Ozkan - by Eurobasket News

Ceyhan Belediyespor announced signing of a one-year contract extension with Hulya Ozkan (186-F-80). It will be her third straight season with the club. In the latest one she had 8.8 ppg, 1.3 rpg and 1.3 apg in 24 TKBL games. In 2010/11, the forward registered slightly lower numbers. She averaged 6.5 points and 2.5 rebounds for 19 games. Before Ceyhan, Hulya Ozkan played two years for Ted Kayseri. In 2005/06 she also played for Ceyhan and before that Ozkan was a member of ARI Kolej. In 2005 and 2008, Hulya Ozkan participated at Turkish National Team training camp. In 2006 with Ceyhan she reached Cup Semifinals. In 2008 with Ted Kayseri Ozkan played in TBBL Semifinals.

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UKRAINE

UNITED KINGDOM

WNBA

Standings

WNBA Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 9

Jun. 3: Connecticut S. - Washington M. 94-86
Jun. 2: Atlanta D. - Chicago S. 92-94 OT
Jun. 2: Indiana F. - New York L. 91-68
Jun. 3: New York L. - Indiana F. 87-72
Jun. 3: Minnesota L. - S.Antonio SS 83-79
Jun. 3: Phoenix M. - Tulsa S. 79-72
Jun. 3: L.Angeles S. - Seattle S. 67-65

Regular Season: Round 10

Jun. 5: New York L. - Atlanta D.
Jun. 6: Minnesota L. - Seattle S.
Jun. 8: Washington M. - New York L.
Jun. 8: Indiana F. - Connecticut S.
Jun. 8: Atlanta D. - S.Antonio SS
Jun. 8: Chicago S. - Tulsa S.
Jun. 8: L.Angeles S. - Phoenix M.

Latest games: Sun beat Mystics 94-86 behind Charles' 30 points - by Eurobasket News

L.Angeles S. - Seattle S. 67-65
The Los Angeles Sparks found yet another way to beat the Seattle Storm. Nnemkadi Ogwumike (6'2''-F-90, college: Stanford) scored with 2.5 seconds remaining to lift the Sparks to a 67-65 victory over Seattle on Sunday night. Ogwumike took an inbound pass from Alana Beard and made a right hand running shot over Ann Wauters as the Sparks beat Seattle for the third time in 16 days. Los Angeles prevailed despite shooting a season-worst 34.9 percent from the field. Kristi Toliver (5'7''-PG-87, college: Maryland) led the Sparks with 23 points and Candace Parker added 16 points and 13 rebounds. *Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Phoenix M. - Tulsa S. 79-72
DeWanna Bonner (6'4''-G-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Auburn) scored 23 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to help the Phoenix Mercury hold off Tulsa 79-72 on Sunday, sending the Shock to their sixth straight loss to open the season. Rookie Samantha Prahalis (5'7''-PG-90, college: Ohio St.) added 19 points and six assists. She converted a three-point play with 3:15 left to give Phoenix (2-4) a six-point lead after Tulsa (0-6) had cut the lead to 69-66. The Mercury had led by as much as 12 in the third quarter. Jennifer Lacy had 19 points, including her fourth 3-pointer with 4:55 remaining that brought the Shock to within three. But she missed a layup with 41 seconds left and the Shock down 74-70. The Mercury's only other win this season was a 89-87 decision at Tulsa on May 22 when Prahalis hit two free throws with 22.2 seconds remaining. Phoenix led by 11 with 4:42 left. Candice Dupree added 15 points, five rebounds and four assists for the Mercury, who played their third straight game without all-star Diana Taurasi, the four-time defending league scoring champion who is nursing a strained left hip flexor. Tameka Johnson, who was traded from Phoenix to Tulsa in the offseason, added 18 points and nine rebounds for the Shock. Johnson scored 11 points in the third quarter to help Tulsa cut a 12-point deficit to 57-53 going into the final period. She banked in a shot from 10 feet with 1:40 left in the quarter to get the Shock within 50-49. Bonner scored 10 points and had six rebounds to lead the Mercury to a 37-25 lead at the break after Phoenix took advantage of Tulsa's cold start. The Shock missed 12 shots in a row in the first quarter and trailed 12-3 aftr the first seven minutes. Tulsa, which lost a league-record 20 games in a row last season, has lost 12 straight dating back to 2011. *Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Minnesota L. - S.Antonio SS 83-79
Nothing is coming easy for the Minnesota Lynx, yet they keep winning. Minnesota led by 26 points midway through the third quarter, but had to hang on to beat San Antonio 83-79 Sunday night. Maya Moore (6'0''-F-89, college: Connecticut) and Rebekkah Brunson (6'3''-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) each scored 17 points, and Lindsay Whalen had 15 points and seven assists for the Lynx (7-0). Seimone Augustus added 13 points. It is the sixth time in league history that a team has won at least seven straight to start the season. Los Angeles holds the league record, starting 9-0 in 2001 and 2003. It is also a franchise-best 10th straight regular season win for the Lynx. ''We're just trying to focus on the next shootaround, the next game,'' Whalen said. They'll also closely review a second half that nearly resulted in a colossal collapse. Minnesota led by 26 points midway through the third quarter, but a putback and 3-pointer by Danielle Adams keyed an 11-2 San Antonio run at the end of the third quarter to get San Antonio within 67-53. Adams scored 21 points off the bench to lead the Silver Stars (2-3), who have lost seven straight regular season games to Minnesota. Jia Perkins, another non-starter, had 16 points and Sophia Young 14. The Silver Stars bench scored 48 points. *Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Atlanta D. - Chicago S. 92-94 OT
With time running out, Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G-88, college: Rutgers) just wanted to get a good look at the basket from outside the 3-point line. Prince dribbled through the Atlanta defense and found just enough space to send the game to overtime. 'I just don't like to lose and as long as there is time on the clock, we know we have a chance to win,' she said. 'I'm just not afraid to take those shots. If I miss, I miss, but if I don't take them, then I would never know.' Prince hit a 3-pointer at the end of regulation and scored eight of her career-high 33 points in overtime to help the Chicago Sky rally for a 94-92 victory over the Atlanta Dream on Saturday night. Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) went 17 of 17 from the free-throw line and finished with a season-high 33 points for Atlanta. The Sky, who trailed by 22 in the first quarter and led by 10 early in the fourth, have won three straight. Atlanta has lost two of three. The Dream were out rebounded 48-23. Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) added 20 points with 19 rebounds for the Sky, who overcame 26 turnovers that resulted in 25 Atlanta points. Fowles' three-point play with 3:38 left in the third gave Chicago its first lead since early in the first. She credited the Sky with playing better defense and cutting down on turnovers to erase the early deficit. 'It's what Atlanta does,' Fowles said. 'They get after you and they pressure you full-court and they make you have turnovers. We were just trying to adjust ourselves and get in the flow after that.' Prince, who scored all of Chicago's points in overtime on two 3s and a 17-footer, set her previous career high of 31 points in Friday's two-point home win over Washington. Fowles has finished with a double-double in each of Chicago's five games. The Sky led 69-59 on Prince's 3-pointer at the 7:36 mark of the fourth, but McCoughtry, who played a game-high 43 minutes with a wrap on her left knee, hit a pair of free throws to put Atlanta up 83-78 with 31.4 seconds left in regulation. The Dream was ahead 86-83 after Ketia Swanier's two free throws at the 6-second mark, but Swanier and her teammates allowed Prince to weave through its defense and hit a 3 from the right wing to send the game to overtime. 'We let Epiphanny get some shots off,' Swanier said. 'I know I had a bone-headed defensive play when she got her first 3 off (early in the fourth quarter), and that kind of got her going. But we can learn from it and get ready for New York on Tuesday.' Lindsey Harding (5'8''-G-84, college: Duke) added 16 points and Armintie Price had 14 for the Dream. Swin Cash (6'2''-F-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Connecticut) and Sonja Petrovic each scored 10 for Chicago. Atlanta led by 22 at the 1:58 mark of the first quarter after McCoughtry's steal and ensuing layup, but the Sky went on a 28-8 run to pull within two at 37-35 on Prince's 17-footer. McCoughtry was injured in the second quarter of Thursday's 17-point home win over Phoenix, scoring 10 points in just 18 minutes. 'I don't think we contained her,' Fowles said. 'I think we slowed her down a little bit. Angel is a great player. She likes to throw her body into you, and everybody knows her game, but you just have to be poised because you're not going to stop her.' The Sky had dropped three of four to the Dream, who struggled all night on the boards and may need to wait until the second half of the season for reinforcements. Atlanta' s starting center, Erika de Souza is working with the Brazilian Olympic team and will return to the Dream after the Summer Games in London. 'We have so many inexperienced post players right now that it's really tough on them,' Atlanta coach Marynell Meadors said. 'They play hard, but just didn't rebound.' With Chicago controlling the boards, Prince gave the Sky complemented their offense with steady shooting late in the game. 'Late in the game, I thought Epiphanny was clutch, coming off a (Friday night) game and getting off to a slow start (Saturday). It was nice to see someone step in there,' Chicago coach Pokey Chatman said. Courtesy of www.cbsatlanta.com

Connecticut S. - Washington M. 94-86
Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) was determined to atone for her previous effort. The Sun's star center had 30 points, nine rebounds and four assists as Connecticut held off the Washington Mystics 94-86 on Sunday. Kara Lawson (5'8''-PG-81, college: Tennessee) had 18 points and four assists for the Sun (4-1). Asjha Jones added 10 points, four rebounds and two steals. Charles had 20 points and 12 rebounds against the defending WNBA champion Minnesota Lynx. But she was scoreless in the fourth quarter, however, and had just one rebound as Minnesota won 85-72. 'I definitely wasn't happy with that,'' Charles said. 'I know my role on this team. I know my team looks to me offensively and defensively, so I'm just going out there and playing hard.'' Charles made eight of 14 field goals in the first half for 18 points. Crystal Langhorne had 25 points and five rebounds for Washington (1-4). Reserve Jasmine Thomas made three 3-pointers and scored 17 with three steals. It was the third straight loss for the Mystics. To their credit, they continue to play hard. Washington trailed the Lynx by 24 points in the third quarter of Wednesday's game before falling on a last-second shot. The Mystics led Chicago by seven points with 1:22 left on Friday before losing at the buzzer. Washington trailed Connecticut by as much as 14 points (57-43) with less than two minutes left in the third quarter. The Mystics cut their deficit to three points (78-75) with a little over two minutes left in the game. 'We have a lot of fighters on our team and we're going to keep on fighting,'' Langhorne said. 'We're going to keep playing hard and we're going to get a win.'' Both teams shot exceptionally well from the field. Connecticut shot 52.5-percent (32 of 61). The Mystics shot almost as well. They made 32 of 66 shots (48.5-percent). Connecticut was clinging to a four-point lead with less than two minutes remaining in the game when it managed to get a little breathing room. A Lawson layup and two free throws by Kalana Greene pushed the Sun ahead, 84-76, with 1:06 remaining. The Mystics continued to fire away at Connecticut, though. Thomas and Noelle Quinn made back-to-back 3-pointers to cut their team's deficit to 90-86 with 19.5 seconds left. The Sun's Allison Hightower and Danielle McCray each made two free throws to end the scoring. Connecticut made a franchise-record 19 free throws (on 21 attempts) in the fourth quarter. It made 17 free throws against the now-defunct Charlotte Sting on July 6, 2006. 'We knew when we got a double-digit lead in the third quarter that we'd have to execute and play well in the fourth,'' Lawson said. 'They made a good run at us and made some threes down the stretch, but we made our free throws.'' Neither team could stop the other in the fourth quarter with the Mystics outscoring the Sun, 36-35. The 35 points tied a Connecticut franchise record. The Sun also set a franchise record for points in a half with 60 in the second half. They scored 59 against Minnesota on Aug. 3, 2010. *Courtesy of www.boston.com

New York L. - Indiana F. 87-72
The New York Liberty were fired up after a 23-point loss at Indiana the previous night gave them the longest winless start in franchise history. Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) scored 25 points to lead the Liberty to an 87-72 victory over the Fever on Sunday night. Essence Carson had 16 points, Plenette Pierson added 14, Leilani Mitchell 13 and Kia Vaughn 10 for New York (1-5). ''We were extra motivated, everybody was angry,'' Pondexter said. ''We finally got a win under our belt. ... We're happy about it. Winning changes everything.'' The Liberty, who shot 44 percent (31 for 70), led by double digits from late in the second quarter until the Fever made a run down the stretch in the fourth. After Vaughn's jumper with 6:20 to go put the Liberty ahead 75-58, matching its largest lead of the game, the Fever used a 12-2 run to pull within seven with 3:20 to go. However, Pondexter scored nine points as the Liberty outscored the Fever 12-6 the rest of the way to seal the victory. ''I knew we weren't going to lose,'' Pondexter said. ''We made a lot of mistakes in our previous five games, where we knew we had the game and then lost it down the stretch. ... But today we stuck together. I think that's a real positive. ... I think any (opposing) team would have lost tonight.'' New York was 9 for 19 (47 percent) from beyond the arc and finished with 20 assists and 12 steals. After getting outscored by an average of 17.4 points in their first five games, the Liberty finished with their highest total of the season. ''We got back to what gives us a chance to compete with anybody in the league, and that is our defense,'' New York coach John Whisenant said. ''Everyone learned from last night. ... We had even distribution of our scoring. When we play defense harder, our offense is better.'' Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) scored 19 points and Katie Douglas had 15 for the Fever (4-1). Briann January added 12 points and Shavonte Zellous 10. Indiana shot 40 percent (23 for 57), including 7 for 19 on 3-pointers. The Fever also committed 22 turnovers, which led to 27 points for the Liberty. *Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Indiana F. - New York L. 91-68
Tamika Catchings scored 16 points to help the Indiana Fever defeat the New York Liberty 91-68 on Saturday night. Roneeka Hodges (5'11''-G-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Florida St.) scored 15 points, Jeanette Pohlen (6'0''-G-89, agency: LBM Management, college: Stanford) added 12 and Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) had 11 for Indiana (4-0). The Fever made 13 of 26 3-pointers while New York made 5 of 17. The Fever made 22 of 27 free throws and committed just 12 turnovers. Indiana's reserves outscored New York's 52-18. Plenette Pierson (6'2''-PF-81, college: Texas Tech) scored 24 points on 10-for-13 shooting for the Liberty (0-5). Cappie Pondexter, New York's leading scorer, finished with 13 points on 4-for-15 shooting. Pierson and Pondexter were the only Liberty players to score in double figures. New York's past four losses have all been by double digits, by a combined 82 points. The teams play again Sunday at New York. Indiana, which entered the game as the No. 2 scoring team in the league, shot 47 percent from the field. The Fever shot just 6-for-19 from the field in the first quarter but made enough free throws to tie the score at 20 by the end of the period. Indiana heated up in the second quarter making 10 of its 16 shots to take a 49-36 halftime lead. Catchings scored 14 points in the first half and Hodges scored eight off the bench in the second quarter. The Fever made 6 of 13 3-pointers in the first half. New York cut Indiana's lead to nine points early in the third quarter before the Fever took control. A 3-pointer by Shavonte Zellous pushed Indiana's lead to 60-45 and forced the Liberty to call a timeout. Catchings disagreed with a foul call, then made contact with an official and was issued a technical foul. New York made all three free throws to cut Indiana's lead to 12. The Fever made 5 of 7 3-pointers in the third quarter and led 75-61 at the end of the period. Four different Indiana players - Douglas, Zellous, Erin Phillips and Hodges - made at least one 3-pointer in the quarter. Pohlen made a 3-pointer to push the lead to 82-61 and force another timeout by New York. The Liberty went scoreless for the first 5:22 of the fourth quarter and missed their first six shots. The Liberty scored just seven points in the final period. Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com