EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/7/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ACPBL   



ACPBL Summer League - by Mike Lee

The ACPBL is hosting a league this upcoming summer that will based in Brooklyn, New York. A few EBA and ACPBL teams will be participating, including the Manhattan Pride. More information will be forthcoming.

The Pride organization is also looking for basketball agents interested in representing Pride players in hopes of possibly obtaining overseas professional basketball contracts. Please contact the Manhattan Pride at william@manhattanpride.com or call their offices at 212-933-4203.


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


Atenas add Mariano Fierro - by Eurobasket News

Atenas added another player to their roster. They landed Mariano Fierro (201-F/C-86). The centre spent the last season with Boca Juniors. He tallied 5.4 points and 3.1 boards per game in LigaA. Previously Mariano Fierro had stints with Penarol, Regatas Corrientes, San Martin Corrientes, Gimnasia y Esgrima and Estudiantes Olavarria. The player was All-Star Game Slam Dunk Contest winner back in 2005. Latinbasket.com named the centre All-Argentinean TNA Player of the Year in 2008. Mariano Fierro attended U21 National Team camp. The centre had a short stint in El Salvador in 2007. He became All-Star Game Slam Dunk winner there as well.


La Union tab Nicolas Gianella - by Eurobasket News

La Union continued to work actively on the market. They secured the third signing in the pre season. They announced Nicolas Gianella (186-G-78). The guard is coming back to Argentina after leaving for Europe in 2002. He mostly played in Italy and Spain. Last season Nicolas Ginella started with CB Granada in Spain. Later he moved to Italy to join Bennet Cantu. The guard notched 4.4 points, 1.4 boards and 1.0 assist per Euroleague game. In SeriaA Nicolas Gianella averaged 5.4 points, 1.4 assists and 1.0 board per appearance. He was named into Spanish LEB All-Imports Team back in 2004. The guard was the member of Argentinean National Team in 2005/08 seasons.


Regatas Corrientes bring back Guillermo Kammerichs - by Eurobasket News

Guillermo Kammerichs (203-F/C-80) is coming back to Argentina. He agreed on terms of contract with his former team Regatas Corrientes. The centre left Regatas back in 2011 and spent one season in Brazil. He played for Flamengo. Guillermo Kammerichs tallied 11.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game in NBB. In Liga Sudamericana the centre notched 13.4 points, 11.6 boards, 2.2 assists and 1.4 blocks per appearance. He played for Regatas Corrientes in 2008/11 seasons. Previously the centre had stints in Argentina and Spain. Latinbasket.com named Guillermo Kammerichs All-Liga Americas Player of the Year in 2011. He was also trumped LigaA Defensive Player of the Year in 2010 and Forward of the Year in 2011. The centre has been the member of Argentinean National Team since 2000.


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  ASIAN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS   

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Courtney FIELDS
  USA
  (206-F-82)
  Avg: 24.8
 1. Fields, Al Shabab24.8 
 2. Williams, Mahram24.4 
 3. Ayer, KL Dragons22.3 
 4. Dragajlovic, Al It.21.6 
 5. Khatib, Al Riyadi21.0 
 6. Leslie, Al Rayyan19.9 
 7. Douthit, Smart Gil.19.1 
 8. Watkins, ASU18.7 
 9. Giles, Duhok18.6 
 10. Gray, Duhok18.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Vladislav DRAGOJLOVIC
  SRB
  (207-C-79)
  Avg: 13.9
 1. Dragajlovic, Al It.13.9 
 2. Giles, Duhok12.1 
 3. Douthit, Smart Gil.12.1 
 4. Ayer, KL Dragons11.8 
 5. Woods, Al Riyadi10.7 
 6. Ismail, Al Riyadi10.5 
 7. Watkins, ASU9.8 
 8. Ngombo, Al Rayyan9.7 
 9. Fields, Al Shabab8.3 
 10. Samb, Mahram7.9 
Assists Per Game
 Osama DAGHLES
  (198-G-79)
  Avg: 7.4
 1. Daghlas, ASU7.4 
 2. Casio, Smart Gilas6.1 
 3. Nikkhah, Mahram4.9 
 4. Guganeswaran, KL D.4.5 
 5. Miller, Al Jalaa4.3 
 6. Keely, Al Ittihad4.3 
 7. Al-Doori, Duhok4.1 
 8. Akl, Al Riyadi4.0 
 9. Tiu John, Smart G.3.9 
 10. Mahmoud, Al Riyadi3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Hamed AFAGH
  (190-G-83)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Afagh, Mahram2.1 
 2. Watkins, ASU1.7 
 3. Williams, Mahram1.6 
 4. Al-Doori, Duhok1.4 
 5. Mahmoud, Al Riyadi1.3 
 6. Fields, Al Shabab1.3 
 7. Douthit, Smart Gil.1.3 
 8. Gray, Duhok1.3 
 9. Casio, Smart Gilas1.1 
 10. Giles, Duhok1.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Loren WOODS
  USA
  (218-C-78)
  Avg: 3.8
 1. Woods, Al Riyadi3.8 
 2. Samb, Mahram2.9 
 3. Ayer, KL Dragons1.8 
 4. Giles, Duhok1.6 
 5. Douthit, Smart Gil.1.3 
 6. Ismail, Al Riyadi1.2 
 7. Walker, Al Jalaa1.2 
 8. Aguilar, Smart Gil.1.1 
 9. Mahdi, Duhok1.0 
 10. Rouzbahani, Mahr.1.0 



*****************************************************
  AUSTRIA   


Farokhmanesh stays put, renews contract in Wels - by Stefan Prager

WBC Raiffeisen Wels announced that the club has renewed the contract of point guard Ali Farokhmanesh (183-PG-88, college: N.Iowa). The 24 year old Farokhmanesh was a key part of Wels' run to the ABL semis last season. He led the league in 3Pt% shooting 44.4% from beyond the arc. He appeared in all of Wels 36 games - all them were starts. Farokhmanesh averaged 13.6 ppg along with 3.4 apg. He was selected for the Austrian All Star Game. Head Coach Pete Miller: "We're are very fortunate to keep Ali on our team. It was a key extension for the club."


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


Siroki WWin still considers participation in EuroCup - by Eurobasket News

Siroki WWin didn't give up from the participation in EuroCup next season. The reigning Bosnian champion asked from Bosnian Basketball Federation to give them more time for this decision. Some media already reported that Siroki is not interested to play in EuroCup, but the club's president Ante Suton denied that news. He said that Siroki still has to determine the budget for the next season, after what they will make the decision.
As mentioned above, Siroki defended the championship title this season in Bosnia. They outplayed Igokea with 3-2 in the Finals series. Earlier this year, Siroki also defended the Bosnian Cup. The team registered 15-11 record in Adriatic league and was few wins away from the Final Four. They ended as No.5 in the regional championship and earned a spot for the EuroCup.
Four years ago Siroki participated in EuroChallenge qualifications. In the past, they played in FIBA Europe League, FIBA Champions Cup, Korac Cup and Saporta Cup.


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


Bauru brings in young Fisher - by Paulo Freire

The Itabom/Bauru B.T. team shows that their managers are linked on the market and confirmed this night the signing of point guard Ricardo Fischer (185-G-91), who was playing in San Jose dos Campos. With that move, the team made a dream come true as now the shooting Fernando Fischer (190-G-81) will be playing with his young brother in the next season in the same team.
Last season, Ricardo Fischer had averages of 5.6ppg and 1.6 assists per game, being a key player of the bench in the Sao Jose team, helping the team make the NBB finals.
The team's Director, Victor Jacob, commented the new hiring, "He is a player that we met three years ago and now it is the right time for our team to bring him in. He will make a great duo with his brother and we believe in the potential of this player. He may develop a lot in the competitions and, for sure will help us too ".


Enio Vecchi is the new coach of Joinville for next season - by Paulo Freire

Fired from the Brazilian National Team last December as a women's basketball head coach, Enio Vecchi hit this wednesday a contract with the Cia do Terno/Romaco/Joinville do Terno to command the team in the 2012/2013 season.

The experience in the national team was the only one as a coach for a female team in his career. With the new deal with Joinville, he returns to men's basketball, where he built his career.

This is a team with a very strong traditional jersey, and with an excellent structure, as well as having a fanatic number of fans. said Vecchi, who will be replacing Jose Neto , hired by Flamengo.


*****************************************************
  BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS   


RANDY GEORGE to the FCM (FC Mulhouse Basket): - by David Edole

Randy George (200-F-81, college: Henderson St.) is the third rookie of the FCM (N2) to sign with FC Mulhouse Basket. George signing came as a result FCM unability to sign Jamel Beabid. George completes the preliminary round of signings with Mario Porter, Jean-Michel Montabord and Xavier Di Marzio. The 6-foot-7 forward just finish a stint with Sainte - Marguerite Basket (N3) in December 2010. George was a potent scorer and put up 265 points in 12 games (2010-11). This past season, Randy George - 471 points in 22 matches - finished in 2nd place of the best scorers, behind El Hadji N'Diaye (24.28) and Moustapha Diop (19.91). Note that these three players will find themselves in pool D of N2: George to the FCM, N'diaye to KB and Diop to the SSA.


Samuels 27 powers Playaz to win over Latinos! - by David Edole

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI-- As action continued in the BVI Basketball Federation 2012 Summer League, Pure Playaz beat the Latinos 108-87 with Bodean Samuel scoring 27 points along with 7 rebounds.

Samuel also recorded 3 assists and 1 block as his side overturned a 4-point half time deficit to run out comfortable winners.

Nicols Charles added 20 points, Roger Farrington, 17 and Deon Smith, 15 with 10 rebounds as the Playaz outscored the Latinos by 13 points in the 3rd and 12 in the 4th.

Sandy Nadal top scored for the Latinos with 16. Julio Turnbull and Victor Lima both scored 13 whilst Manuel Grant added 12. Nadal also handed out 7 assists and Grant picked up 7 rebounds.

The first game of June 1 saw the Hawks crushed And One 83-65. Cravern Andrews , Victor Emannuel and Khadin Fahie all recorded doubles with points and rebounds while Diandre Simmonds top scored with 22 points. Franklynn Penn Junior added 14 points, 7 rebounds, 6 steals and 4 assists to his nights work. For And One, Sheldeen Joseph scored 15, Albert Hatchett ,13 and Halford Barzey 11 rebounds.

All Ah Wee then beat the HLSCC Stingrays 92-69, on the back of 23 points from Kenrick Thomas Junior and 24 from Shomari Morgan. Regg Penn scored 24 points with 13 rebounds for the Stingrays.

The Young Gunners had a tough battle before edging past Another Level 91-88, with the game neck and neck deep into the 4th quarter. Ashfield Frett led the Gunners with 26 points with only Michael Benjamin joining him with double digit efforts. Another Level had no less than 5 players with over 10, led by Sekayi Petersens , 20. He also picked up 12 rebounds and a massive 15 steals.

On Saturday June 2, ESHS Gold Rams beat Junior Mega Mix 26-23 with Hakeem Penns 8 points being the top score. Damien Hooper and DMoi Hodge both scored 6 for the Mix.

After the Playaz game, Junior Mystics beat the Skulls 77-41.

Paul Bridgwater scored 31 points with 10 rebounds and 8 steals while William Penn Jnr. scored 15 and Kenya Achom, 13. For the Skulls, Jomoiri Dagou scored 11, JMoi Liburd 10 and Shamoii Dagou 8.

The evenings last game saw an amazing see saw battle between Mega Mix and the Kings with the Mix finally holding on to win 123-100. The Mix were down 53-50 at half time, up by 7 at the end of the third and then romped home on the back of a 43-point last quarter. Douron Phillip scored 23, Halstead Chiverton 25, Shamal Caines 19 and Calvert White 16.

Jevonne Demming responded with 26 points for the Kings, Phillip Glasgow Jnr added 21 and Kimani , 16.

The final two games of the weekend saw the Latinos beat the Stingrays 71-69 with 18 points from Sandy Nadal. Regg Penn again top scored for the College team with 26.

The Legs then rounded off the weekend with a 106-86 win against the Pure Playaz. Randy George proving too hot to handle as he scored 32 points with 16 rebounds. Gary Hillhouse added 25 points and Kennedy Bass (196-F-81, college: Anderson, SC) 20. For the Playaz, Ephraim Gordon recorded 17 as did Bodean Samuel.


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


Kaloyan Ivanov considering offers from Spain and Russia - by Maria Mitzova

Bulgarian PF Kaloyan Ivanov (205-F-86) admitted leaving Spanish Lucentum Alicante - club, expected to announce bankruptcy soon.
"The club is in a very tough situation, we were lucky to finish the season. It's a matter of time to be pronounced bankrupt. More likely I won't be staying there," said Ivanov for Bulgarian media in his hometown of Varna on Tuesday.
Kaloyan Ivanov added: "I already have another offer from Spain. My agent sees my career continuing in Russia, but I would choose Spain. If the money's close, I will stay in Spain."

The forward won't be spending the summer with Bulgarian NT, to recover from long nursed Achilles injury.


Dejan Ivanov leaving Italy after 3.5 seasons - by Maria Mitzova

Bulgarian forward Dejan Ivanov (205-F/C-86, agency: Beo Basket) is going to play in a club form Eastern Europe next year. In his own words, Ivanov is leaving Fabi Shoes Montegranaro, and Italy, after three and a half seasons in the club.
"I can say now that my future is not connected to Italy. I will probably sign with a team from Eastern Europe," said Ivanov.
Dejan and his twin brother Kaloyan don't expect to come together in one team soon. They also turned down the invite from Bulgarian NT, to heal their injuries.
Dejan and Kaloyan Ivanovi helped their first club - Euroins Cherno More Varna - with the organization of the U18 Finals in Bulgaria, by financing the event, that's ongoing now.


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


Oshawa Power protect five players in advance of NBL Canada free agency - by Eurobasket News

As the National Basketball League of Canada's off-season continues, the Oshawa Power took a big step forward this week in ensuring they can floor a competitive team next season.

While teams prepare for the 2012 NBL Canada pre-draft combine and NBL Canada draft, they were also required by league rules to submit a five-player protected list by May 30. All those not protected will be available to teams throughout the league via free agency.

The Power, not surprisingly, opted to hold onto the rights of shooting guard/small forward Brandon Robinson (6'6''-F-89, college: Clayton St.), power forward Omari Johnson (6'9''-F, college: Oregon St.), small forward Morgan Lewis (6'4''-F-87, college: Findlay, OH), forward Jushey Rockett (6'6''-F-84, college: Alaska-Fairb.) and guard/forward Marcus Johnson (6'3''-G-87, college: Dayton).

Robinson was a force at the offensive end in year one with the Power, leading the league in scoring at 19.9 points per game, while Lewis was the first overall pick in last summer's draft and led the league in steals, while finishing ninth in league scoring.

Omari Johnson was first in the league in blocks, fourth in the league in points and sixth in rebounds, while Marcus Johnson led the league in field goal percentage.

Rocket, meanwhile, played in just 11 games due to some paperwork issues that sidelined him during mid-season, but was key at both ends of the floor for the Power, especially during a late-season playoff push.

Two of the team's two Canadian players, Toronto's Tut Ruach and Pickering's Papa Oppong, will be subjected to the league's free agent process.

Courtesy of www.durhamregion.com


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  CHINA   


Kenny Adeleke claims Chinese NBL weekly honour - by Eurobasket News

Nigerian Kenny Adeleke (205-C-83) had an amazing evening in the last round for Henan Jiyuan and that's him to receive a Asia-basket.com NBL Player of the Week award for round 11.
The 28-year old center had a double-double of 38 points and 34 rebounds, while his team lost the game against Guangzhou FM (#3, 7-4) 101-106. Henan Jiyuan maintains the 10th position in Chinese NBL. The season is in a full swing, so it's only a dream for the team to make it into top half of the standings. For contrary they may face relegation if the situation turns from bad to worse. Henan Jiyuan have already lost 10 games and recorded just one victory. Adeleke just recently signed at Henan Jiyuan, being already a very valuable addition to the team. University of Hartford graduate has very impressive stats this year. Adeleke. Adeleke is in league's top in points (2nd best: 34.4ppg) and averages solid 2.6spg and 51.5% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 28-year old U.S. Virgin Islands guard Julius Hodge (201-G-83) of second-ranked Jiangsu. Hodge impressed basketball fans with a triple-double of 22 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. Of course he lead Jiangsu to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked Heilongjiang (#8, 4-7) 116-92. This victory allowed Jiangsu to move up to second position in the standings. His team's 8-3 record is not bad at all. Hodge is one of the most experienced players at Jiangsu and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

The third best performed player last round was Senegalese Hamady N'Diaye (213-C-87) of top-ranked Guangzhou L.. N'Diaye scored 22 points and grabbed twenty five rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Guangzhou L., leading his team to a 81-72 win against #4 ranked Changan Group in a game of the week. Guangzhou L. confirms their top position in the standings N'Diaye has a great season in China. After 11 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 14.2rpg (7th best). He also has 6.3bpg and FGP: 68.6%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Bryan Davis (206-F-86) of Hebei - 34 points and 15 rebounds
5. KaiFu Yao (196-G-83) of Guangzhou FM - 23 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists
6. Walter Sharpe (206-F-86) of Guangzhou FM - 19 points, 19 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Joseph Taylor (203-F-85) of Changan Group - 20 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists
8. ShouWei Wang (208-C-86) of Nanjin Army - 24 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Shengyue Sun (198-F-89) of Nanjin Army - 24 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists
10. DeVon Hardin (211-C-86) of Hong Kong - 21 points and 17 rebounds

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)


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  CROATIA   


Unicaja Malaga officially hires Jasmin Repesa - by Eurobasket News

As expected, Jasmin Repesa (agency: World Sport Agency) is a new Head Coach of Unicaja. The Malaga team officially announced this transfer today. Repesa and Cibona Zagreb won the Croatian league title last night with almost perfect 3-1 in the Playoff Finals against Cedevita. Cibona was the regular season champion in Croatia with impressive 14-0 record. They eliminated Zadar with 2-0 in the Semis. Jasmin Repesa took over Cibona in December. From January of 2010 until the last summer he worked with Benetton Treviso. Before that, Repesa coached Lottomatica Roma and Climamio Bologna. He also has experience from Slask Wroclaw, Split, Tofas Bursa, Croatian and Polish National Teams. Repesa will land in Spain as soon as he will finish his experience with Croatian National Team.


Leon Radosevic advances to Italian league Finals with Milano - by Eurobasket News

Leon Radosevic (206-C-90) and his team EA7 Emporio Armani Milano will have a chance to fight for the Italian league title. They eliminated Scavolini with perfect 3-1 in the Semis and will meet defending champion Montepaschi in the Finals. Radosevic had 6 points and 4 rebounds in Game Four against Scavolini. The 22-year-old Croatian arrived to Milano last summer from Cibona. He appeared 14 times in Euroleague averaging 3.5 points and 1.3 rebounds. The player averages 3.9 points and 2.1 rebounds in Italy. The format of SerieA Finals is best-of-five and first game is scheduled for Saturday. Montepaschi was the regular season champion, so they will have a home court advantage in this series.
As mentioned above, before Milano Leon Radosevic spent several years with Cibona, where he played also as a teenager. In 2010, he was named Eurobasket.com All-Croatian A1 League Newcomer of the Year.


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  CYPRUS   


Cypriot National Team 2012 - by Chris Mammides

Starting five
#s#
Aristides Koronidis
Koronidis
Andreas Sizopoulos
Sizopoulos
Christopher Razis
Razis
Andreas Pilavas
Pilavas
Panagiotis Trisokkas
Trisokkas
#e#5
Aristides Koronidis 188-G-82 Perama Ermis Greece
Andreas Sizopoulos 189-G-83 OFI Greece
Christopher Razis 193-F-89 EWE Baskets Germany
Andreas Pilavas 194-G-83 Keravnos Cyprus
Panagiotis Trisokkas 206-C-80 Keravnos Cyprus
Anthony King 206-F/C-85 Art.Dragons Germany
Alexandros Liatsos 200-F-80 AEL Cyprus
Marios Georgiou 200-F-91 AEL Cyprus
Christodoulos Kaskiris 206-C/F-79 APOEL Cyprus
Christos Loizidis 207-C-91 AEL Cyprus
Stefanos Iliadis 186-PG-94 Apollon Cyprus
Constantinos Papacostas 196-F-95 Omonia Cyprus
Simos Antoniou 198-G-94 AEL Cyprus
Vassilis Kounas 195-G-84 Lavrio Greece
Viktoras Ieronimidis Oak Hill Academy USA

Antonis Konstantinides Head Coach Etha Cyprus



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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Tomas Hampl wins the title in Croatia - by Eurobasket News

Tomas Hampl (215-C-88) finished the season last night winning the Croatian league title with his team Cibona Zagreb. The 23-year-old center and his teammates cruised past Cedevita as guests 64-77 closing the Finals with almost perfect 1-3. This is the 17th Croatian league title in Cibona's history. They finished the season with impressive 19-1 record. Cibona was the regular season champion in Croatia with perfect 14-0 record. They eliminated Zadar with 2-0 in the Semis.
Tomas Hampl joined Cibona on loan in February. He appeared 11 times in Croatian league, but with very limited playing time (1.1 ppg and 1.5 rpg). Hampl also added 3 ppg and 2.6 rpg for 7 games in Adriatic league. The center is officially a member of Bilbao. He played four games with them this season. In the past, Hampl was a member of Adreilu Santurtzi, Sparta Praha and Syntehsia Pardubice.


Big Changes Expected for BK Prostejov - by Surujh Roopnarine

Coming off a club-best third-consecutive second place finish in the Mattoni NBL Finals, there will be a new approach and strategy for BK Prostejov. No longer able to sustain the financial burden of competing at the top of the NBL, management will look to par down the teams budget and compete at a more modest level. These changes are not completely unexpected, as there were rumors at the beginning of 2012 that the club was looking to trim back its financial investments in player contracts, but finally managed to keep the roster mostly intact for the remainder of the season.
In an interview with iDNES.cz, head coach Zbynek Choleva talked about his expectations for the club going forward and how he looks to approach the new season with a new host of players.
Clearly stated, the club will not look to bring back the American trio of Jamar Smith (191-SG-87, college: S.Indiana), Travis Peterson (208-C/F-85, college: Samford) and Yemi Gadri-Nicholson (208-C-83, college: Denver) (this trio made up the top-three scorers for the team as well as the top-two rebounders and shot-blockers) as their expected salary requests would not be possible to meet.
On possible players who will return, Choleva stated that Petr Bohacik (204-F-85), Vojtech Bratcenkov (198-F-91), Kamil Svrdlik (206-F-86, college: Fair Dickinson) and Rostislav Pelikan (207-F/C-78) seem certain, while the club is hopeful that it can retain at least one plyer from the group of Jaroslav Prasil (200-F-80), Dusan Pandula (196-F-84) or Matej Venta (187-PG-84). Also, Prostejov expects the return of guard Petr Dokoupil (191-G-88) who spent this past season on loan with Opava.
The imports for next season will have to be at a much more cost-effective salary base and fans can expect most imports to come from neighboring European countries like Slovakia, Slovenia and maybe Poland. Even with the drastic change in structure, club management has stated they would like to still fight for positioning in the A1 group and playoffs, while coach Choleva said that realistically he could see the team finishing between positions 5-7 in the standings.

** Sourced from (http://basket.idnes.cz/jak-bude-vypadat-basketbalovy-prostejov-za-rok-frc-/nbl.aspx?c=A120605_1788525_nbl_ten)


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

Stats Leaders

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



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


Interview with junior NT player Egert Haller - by Ozell Wells

Eurobasket had the pleasure of chatting with junior national team player Egert Haller (188-G-95) to briefly talk about his experience playing in the 2012 euro espoirs in France. Egert played with the P-Atlex/Evolution All Stars that finished 3rd place in the competition. With a roster of international players, mostly Belgian, he and fellow Estonian NT member Igor Arendash had the experience of a lifetime.

EU: Eku, how did you find the level of the tournament?
EH:The level of the tournament in general was pretty good, though the way they play there differs hardly from the playing style in the Baltic i still think it was a great experience for me and hepled me to get an overview of my skills and compare myself to the other players from all around the Europe.

EU: How would you rank the level of players that were here? Do you think that tournaments like this help youth players to improve and get better?
EH:In my opinion there was a lot of great young ballers who have great skills and are going to be big stars in the future but still have to work and get better in team basketball.The game over there was mostly based on 1 on 1 playing but as i already said there was a lot of great athletes who are able to represent their countries national team one day.

EU: How did you feel participating in the 3 point contest? You advanced to the final round?
EH:It was something new for me, i hadn't participated in a 3 point contest before but it felt good and was a great experience for me.In the first round every player had 5 shots, as i failed and made only 2 shots out of 5 i didn't get to the final round but i still have to be happy that i was chosen to attend the 3 point contest.

EU: How important do you think it was for you to be a part of this tournament in its 28th year?
EH:I think that for me it was very important so that i can compare my skills to other young ballers from all around Europe and see what i still need to work on.

EU: It has been rumored that you are to attend high school in the United States? How did that come about?
EH:Yes, i have to admit that one of the high schools in the States is intrested in me, but nothing is sure before the contract is signed and im already there.But im looking forward to talking to the coaches from the high school and i hope that we can make things move.Coach Ozell Wells hepled me with this thing, he contacted with the school and keeps in touch with the coaches over there.

IT IS ALWAYS GOOD TO SEE AND GREAT TO HEAR OF YOUTH PLAYERS HAVING A TRULY INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE BY VIRTUE OF THE GAME OF BASKETBALL. WE AT EUROBASKET WISH EGERT HALLER THE VERY BEST IN HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS, AND WE LOOK TO HEAR GREAT THINGS FROM HIM IN THE FUTURE. BEST WISHES EGERT.


*****************************************************
  EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE   

Standings

Eurobasket S.League Standings
Indianapolis
 1. Amsterdam 0-0 
 2. Athens 0-0 
 3. Berlin 0-0 
 4. London 0-0 
 5. Madrid 0-0 
 6. Paris 0-0 
 7. Rome 0-0 
 8. Warsaw 0-0 
Charlotte
 1. Treviso 4-1 
 2. Poitiers 3-2 
 3. Asker 2-3 
 4. Solna 1-4 


ESL Charlotte Games 5-6 and semifinals - by ESL News

Game 5: Treviso - Asker 79-73

Leon Frazier (192-PG-86, college: Mayville St.) led Treviso to a close well-fought victory with 25 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists. He was supported by Gaither Hendrix with 24 points and Brandon Thomas with 13 points. For Asker Jamarr Hardy led all scorers with 33 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.

Treviso:
Brandon Thomas 13pts+5reb+2ast
Gaither Hendrix, 24 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists
Leon Frazier, 25 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists
Laurice Ellison, 7 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists
Miguel Starkey, 6 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists
Benjamin Fuller, 4 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists

Asker:
Christopher Moore, 18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
Rob Fields, 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
Jamarr Hardy, 33 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists
Terell Reid, 2 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
Marcus Conner, 2 points, 11 rebounds, 5 blocks
Anthony Crowder, 12 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists

Game 6: Poitiers - Solna 94-78

Game 6 was close early on then Poitiers pulled away and dominated down the stretch led by Jamall Blaylock with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Devon McBride supported the effort with 21 points along with Terrell Bell who added 17 points. Solna was led by Martin Barrett with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists.

Poitiers:
Brad Byerson, 0 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists
Devon McBride, 21 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
Marques Damon, 9 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists
Jeremee Davis, 10 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists
Terell Bell, 17 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
Richard Green, 15 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists
Jamaal Blaylock, 22 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists

Solna:
Martin Barrett, 14 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
Joeseph Curley, 12 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
DeMarcus Mathis, 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists
Jontae Sherrod, 13 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists
Lamar Howard, 8 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
Trent Morgan-Washington, 5 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists
Vincent Parnell, 12 points. 4 rebounds, 3 assists

Semifinals (Game 7): Asker - Treviso 62-46

Rob Fields led all scorers as he dominated the opposition with 21 points. Chris Moore, the combo guard who last played for Munich, Germany in Pro A had a great showing as well with 20 points. Contributing in the win was Jamarr Hardy who showed how strong a player he is. Marcus Conner at 611 is very long and contributed with 12 rebounds and 5 blocks. The losing team was led by Brandon Thomas with 17 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists.

Asker: Chris Moore 20pts+4reb+5ast, Terrell Reid, 1 point, 4 rebounds, 1 assist; Jamarr Hardy, 14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists; Marcus Conner, 4 points, 12 rebounds, 7 blocks; Rob Fields, 21 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists; Anthony Crowder, 2 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists

Treviso: Miguel Starkey, DNP, Cramps; Laurice Ellison, DNP, Cramps; Benjamin Fuller, 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists; Leon Frazier, 7 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists; Gaither Hendrix, 14 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists; Brandon Thomas, 17 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists

Semifinals (Game 8): Poitiers - Solna 65-57

Poitiers won a very close match and was led by Terrell Bell with 13 points, 9 rebounds and 1 assist. Jermee Davis contributed to victory with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists. Jontae Sherrod led Solna with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists.

Poitiers:
Richard Green, 10 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist; Terrell Bell, 13 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist; Brad Byerson, 7 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists; Marques Damon, 3 points, 3 rebounds; Jeremee Davis, 12 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists; Devon McBride, 14 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist; Jamaal Blaylock, 6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist.

Solna:
DeMarcus Mathis, DNP, Coaches Decision; Joeseph Curley, 14 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists; Lamar Howard, 4 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists; Trent Morgan-Washington, 1 point, 3 rebounds, 2 assists; Jonte Sherrod, 16 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists; Vincent Parnell, 11 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist; Martin Barrett, 11 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist.


ESL Charlotte Official Games - by ESL News

Game 2: Poitiers - Asker 63-58

Poitiers:
Jeremee Davis (191-PG-90, college: Georgia Coll.) 12 pts+4reb+3ast
Jamaal Blalock (185-G, college: Virginia Union) 7pts+3reb+4ast
Terrell Bell (198-G/F-89, college: Virginia Tech) 11pts+6reb+3ast,
Devon McBride, 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
Richard Green (178-PG-86), 10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
Marques Damon (185-G, college: Fayetteville St.), 2 points, 2 rebounds, assists
Brad Byerson (201-F-85, college: Virginia Union), 6 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists


Asker:
Chris Moore (203-F-88, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Morgan St.), 24 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists
Jamarr Hardy (191-G-83, college: Lenoir CC), 19 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
Terell Reid (193-F/G-87), 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist
Robert Fields (185-G-88, college: Catawba), 7 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
Marcus Connor (210-F/C, college: St.Andrews), 0 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks
Anthony Crowder (183-G-82, college: Wallace St. CC), 6 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists

Game 3: Treviso - Poitiers 70-69

Treviso:
Benjamin Fuller (188-PG, college: Liberty), 4 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists
Leon Frazier (192-PG-86, college: Mayville St.), 18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
Laurice Ellison (205-F, college: UNC Pembroke), 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
Brandon Thomas, 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists
Gaither Hendrix (185-G, college: Brevard), 11 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists
Miguel Starkey (177-PG, college: UNC Pembroke), 14 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists

Poitiers:
Marques Damon, 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
Devon McBride, 18 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
Terrell Bell, 17 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
Brad Byerson, 11 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists
Jamaal Blalock, 2 points, 1 rebounds, 1 assists
Jeremee Davis, 5 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
Richard Green, 10 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists

Game 4: Solna - Asker 79-71


Solna:
Demarcus Mathis (203-F, college: S.Carolina St.), 13 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists
Joseph Curley (188-PG-91), 11 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists
Trent Morgan-Washington (183-SG-91, college: Liberty), 4 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists
Lamarr Howard (183-G, college: Harris-Stowe), 8 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
Martin Barrett (198-F/G, college: Mount Olive), 12 points, 7 rebounds 3 assists
Vincent Parnell (188-G, college: Felician), 8 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists
Jontae Sherrod (187-G-89, agency: Interperformances, college: E.Carolina), 23 points, 4 rebonds, 5 assists

Asker:
Anthony Crowder, 16 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists
Marcus Connor, 3 points, 9 rebounds, 5 blocks
Terell Reid, 6 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
Chris Moore, 18 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists
Robert Fields, 16 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
Jamarr Hardy, 12 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists


Asker wins ESL Charlotte - by Eurobasket

Championship Game: Asker - Poitiers 61-47

The championship game was close, but Asker showed its strength and pulled away from Poitiers. Chris Moore (188-G-86, college: Charleston So.) led all scores with 17 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists. He was supported by Robert Fields (185-G-88, college: Catawba) with 13 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists. Also, helping in win was Marcus Connor (210-F/C, college: St.Andrews) who grabbed 11 rebounds and had 4 blocks. For Poitiers, they were led by Devon McBride (193-G/F-87, college: Kutztown) with 14 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. He was supported by Richard Green (178-PG-86) and Brad Byerson (201-F-85, college: Virginia Union) who had 9 points apiece.

Asker:
Chris Moore, 17 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists
Jamarr Hardy (191-G-83, college: Lenoir CC), 16 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists
Terell Reid, 4 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist
Robert Fields, 13 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists
Marcus Connor, 1 point, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks
Anthony Crowder, 10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists

Poitiers:
Richard Green, 9 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist
Terell Bell, 3 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
Jamall Blaylock, 5 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist
Brad Byerson, 9 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists
Devon McBride, 14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
Marques Damon, 3 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists
Jeremee Davis, 4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists


Consolation Game: Treviso - Solna 68-58:

The consolation game was a well faught match with the victory going to Treviso. Treviso was led by Leon Frazier (192-PG-86, college: Mayville St.) with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Helping in the effort was Brandon Thomas who had 15 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists. Solna was led by Vincent Parnell (188-G, college: Felician) with 16 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists.

Treviso:
Leon Frazier, 23 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists
Benjamin Fuller, 9 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists
DeMarcus Mathis, 11 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist
Brandon Thomas, 15 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists
Gaither Hendrix, 10 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists

Solna:
Martin Barrett, 12 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists
Vincent Parnell, 16 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists
Jontae Sherrod, 13 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists
Lamar Howard, 4 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists
Trent Morgan-Washington, 6 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
Joseph Curley, 9 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists


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


Bagatskis will train Budivelnik - by Uygar Karaca

According to Latvian basketball site sportacentrs, Ainars Bagatskis, the Latvian national team head coach will also train Ukraine club Budivelnik. Budivelnik managed to play at Eurocup quarter finals at 2010-2011 season. Last season, they finished Ukraine League in third place and decided to part ways with coach Zvezdan Mitrovic. Bagatskis, however, worked with Kryvbasbasket who finished Ukraine League at 10th place. Bagatskis was the head coach of Latvian big clubs as VEF Riga, ASK Riga and Barons LMT.


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


Yotam Halperin may return to Maccabi Tel-Aviv - by Eurobasket News

Yotam Halperin (196-G-84) may soon become the player of Maccabi Tel-Aviv. The guard has been reportedly in contact with the Israeli powerhouse. The sides are mulling the possibility of signing a two-year contract. Earlier reports showed no interest from Spartak Saint Petersburg in extending the contract with Yotam Halperin. The Israeli guard joined Spartak at the start of the last season. He averaged 10.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.7 steals per game in PBL. In VTB League Yotam Halperin tallied 8.9 points, 4.1 assists, 2.0 boards and 1.1 steals per appearance. His stats also read 9.6 points, 5.2 assists and 2.6 boards in EuroCup. Eurobasket.com named Yotam Halperin into Russian PBL All-Bosmans Team. Yotam Halperin used to play in Maccabi Tel-Aviv in 2001/08 seasons (2005/06 season in Union Olimpija). He has been the member of Israeli National Team since 2003.


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

Stats Leaders - ProA

Points Per Game
 Eric CHATFIELD
  Paris-.
  (191-G-79)
  Avg: 19.6
 1. Chatfield, Paris-.19.6 
 2. Hughes, Hyeres-T.17.2 
 3. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.17.1 
 4. Hamilton, Paris-.17.0 
 5. Rochestie, Le Mans16.7 
 6. Williams, Paris-.16.5 
 7. Schilb, Chalon16.4 
 8. Causeur, Cholet16.0 
 9. Cox, Le Havre15.8 
 10. Delaney, Chalon15.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Chinemelu ELONU
  Pau-Lacq.
  (206-F/C-87)
  Avg: 8.3
 1. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.8.3 
 2. Hamilton, Paris-.8.2 
 3. Akingbala, Nancy7.8 
 4. Armstrong, AS.7.2 
 5. Greer, Strasbourg7.0 
 6. Aminu, Chalon6.8 
 7. Nsonwu-Amadi, Roa.6.8 
 8. Vebobe, Cholet6.7 
 9. Moerman, Nancy6.6 
 10. Labeyrie, Hyeres-.6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Kareem REID
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (178-PG-75)
  Avg: 7.6
 1. Reid, Hyeres-Toulon7.6 
 2. Rochestie, Le Mans6.5 
 3. Wise, Le Havre5.6 
 4. Pellin, Orleans5.2 
 5. Linehan, Nancy5.2 
 6. Dixon, Dijon5.1 
 7. Barrett, Roanne4.9 
 8. Schilb, Chalon4.6 
 9. Tchicamboud, Cha.4.6 
 10. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.4.5 
Steals Per Game
 Andrew ALBICY
  Gravelines
  (178-PG-90)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Albicy, Gravelines2.4 
 2. Dobbins, Poitiers2.3 
 3. Riley, Nanterre2.1 
 4. Linehan, Nancy2.1 
 5. Wise, Le Havre2.0 
 6. Shuler, Nancy1.8 
 7. Pellin, Orleans1.8 
 8. Acker, Le Mans1.7 
 9. Melody, Dijon1.7 
 10. Greer, Strasbourg1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Alexis AJINCA
  Strasbourg
  (215-C-88)
  Avg: 2
 1. Ajinca, Strasbourg2.0 
 2. Falker, Cholet1.5 
 3. Gobert, Cholet1.3 
 4. Hamilton, Paris-.1.2 
 5. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.1.1 
 6. Akingbala, Nancy1.1 
 7. Akpomedah, Grave.1.0 
 8. Armstrong, AS.0.9 
 9. Sy, Orleans0.9 
 10. Issa, Gravelines0.9 


Stats Leaders - ProB

Points Per Game
 Jason SIGGERS
  Rouen
  (189-SG-85)
  Avg: 18.5
 1. Siggers, Rouen18.5 
 2. Davis, Le Portel17.0 
 3. Brown, Maurienne16.8 
 4. Wood, Evreux16.5 
 5. Paelay, Quimper15.8 
 6. Monroe, Boulazac15.6 
 7. McCray, Boulogne15.4 
 8. Mels, Chalons-Reims15.2 
 9. Prowell, St Vallier15.1 
 10. Barro, Bourg14.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Christophe MASSIE
  Limoges
  (206-C/F-77)
  Avg: 10.9
 1. Massie, Limoges10.9 
 2. Wood, Evreux10.8 
 3. Monroe, Boulazac9.8 
 4. Rossiter, Denain9.6 
 5. Osby, Maurienne9.4 
 6. Daniels, Chalons-.8.7 
 7. Barro, Bourg8.5 
 8. Allen, Antibes8.2 
 9. Badiane, Nantes7.9 
 10. Brown, Maurienne7.6 
Assists Per Game
 Ronnie TAYLOR
  Le Portel
  (188-PG-81)
  Avg: 6.6
 1. Taylor, Le Portel6.6 
 2. Mullins, Chalons-.5.6 
 3. Copeland, Bourg5.3 
 4. Rowland, Evreux5.2 
 5. Darnauzan, Mauri.5.1 
 6. Patiejunas, Rouen4.9 
 7. Darrigand, Bordeaux4.8 
 8. Denave, St Vallier4.8 
 9. Eito, Vichy4.4 
 10. Poupet, Rouen4.4 
Steals Per Game
 Armand CHARLES
  Nantes
  (193-SF-83)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Charles, Nantes2.5 
 2. McCray, Boulogne2.5 
 3. Shiloh, St Vallier1.9 
 4. Eito, Vichy1.9 
 5. Paelay, Quimper1.9 
 6. Mullins, Chalons-.1.9 
 7. Driss, Bordeaux1.8 
 8. Allen, Antibes1.8 
 9. Rowland, Evreux1.7 
 10. Daniels, Chalons-.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Moussa BADIANE
  Antibes
  (205-C-81)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Badiane, Antibes1.7 
 2. Gay, Fos Ouest1.7 
 3. Jefferson, Vichy1.6 
 4. Osby, Maurienne1.5 
 5. Massie, Limoges1.1 
 6. Ford, Bordeaux1.0 
 7. Fields, Nantes0.9 
 8. Rossiter, Denain0.8 
 9. Barrett, St Vallier0.8 
 10. Daniels, Chalons-.0.8 


ProB: Boulazac advances to Grand Final - by Eurobasket News

Fos Ouest - Limoges 75-61 (1-1)
The series is tied at 1-1. Fos Ouest celebrated tonight and forced decisive Game Three. It will be played on Saturday at Limoges' home court. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 15-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 75-61. Jamaican-American Sherman Gay (201-82, college: Loyola Mary) scored 12 points and 9 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and American Bill Clark (195-88, college: Duquesne) chipped in 12 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Four Fos Ouest players scored in double figures. American power forward Christophe Massie (206-77, college: Memphis, agency: Court Side) responded with 15 points and 7 rebounds and Raphael Desroses (199-80) scored 11 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next game.
Top scorers:
Limoges: C.Massie 15+7reb+3ast, R.Desroses 11+4reb+2ast, K.McAlarney 10+1reb+3ast, N.Boungou Colo 9+1reb, S.Traore 8+6reb, B.Costner 4+3reb+1ast
Fos Ouest: B.Clark 12+6reb+2ast, S.Gay 12+9reb+1ast, S.Giffa 12+4reb+2ast, P.Haquet 10+5reb+4ast, R.Roby 9+8reb+3ast, E.Choquet 8+3reb+5ast
gschID: 177496


Chalons-Reims - Boulazac 68-74 (0-2)
Boulazac is the first finalist in ProB. They cruised past Chalons-Reims on the road winning the series with perfect 2-0. Boulazac now waits for the winner of Fos Ouest - Limoges series. Boulazac will have to wait three more days to find out who will be their rival in the Finals. There is only one more game left for Boulazac this season and it is the Grand Final. The bet is huge - promotion for ProA. The Grand Final will be played on June 16 at Bercy, Paris.
Chalons-Reims was ahead by 3 points after three quarters before a 24-15 charge of Boulazac Basket, which allowed them to win the game. American Amadi McKenzie (201-86) notched a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds to lead the effort and the other American import power forward Darryl Monroe (202-86, college: George Mason, agency: Two Points) supported him with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Even a double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds by American Chris Daniels (200-82, college: Georgia, agency: Limelight Hoops) did not help to save the game for Chalons-Reims. Swingman Rodrigue Mels (188-85, college: CS Northridge, agency: Court Side) added 15 points for the hosts. Four Chalons-Reims players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Chalons-Reims: R.Mels 15+3reb+3ast, C.Daniels 11+13reb+1ast, B.Mullins 11+3reb+1ast, N.Carter 10+4reb+1ast, G.Chathuant 8+4reb, K.Joss-Rauze 7+2reb
Boulazac: T.Dubiez 16+1reb+1ast, A.McKenzie 16+12reb+2ast, D.Monroe 13+12reb+1ast, R.Ayers 8, A.Kerckhof 7+3reb+2ast, I.Soumahoro 5+2ast


Vichy signs French PG Benjamin Thomas - by Eurobasket News

According to French media (Lamontagne), Vichy got a reinforcement at position one for the next season. Reportedly, the team signed a one-year deal with Benjamin Thomas (181-G-82). The French PG arrives to the club from Roche, where he spent this season. He shined with 16.1 ppg, 3.6 apg and 2.2 rpg for 31 games in NM1. Thomas finished as fifth best scorer of the league. In 2011, he won the NM1 Playoffs with Saint-Etienne and the same time promotion to ProB. In 34 games with the club Thomas had 14.8 ppg, 3.7 apg and 1.9 rpg. Before Saint-Etienne, the point guard played one year for Charleville. In the past, he spent several seasons with Saint Vallier. He participated three times at NM1 All-Star game and won NM1 title in 2007 as a member of Saint Vallier.


Nantes keeps PG Kevin Idomenee until 2014 - by Eurobasket News

Hermine de Nantes announced signing of a two-year contract extension with Kevin Idomenee (185-PG-89). The French point guard arrived to the club last summer from Cholet. He played 33 games in ProB registering 3.1 ppg and 1.4 apg. From 2007 to 2011, Idomenee played for Cholet U21 team. They reached U21 championship Semifinals in 2010.
Also yesterday, NM2 team Avignon penned a one-year deal with American center Derrick Russell (207-C-82, college: Auburn-Montgomery). He most recently played for NM1 team Lievin. It was in 2010/11 season, when Russell averaged 8 points and 6.7 rebounds for 23 games. From 2007 to 2010 the center played for Saint Chamond. He also had experience from Angers, Venezuela and ABA.


Sorgues pens deal with F Cedric Mansare - by Eurobasket News

Cedric Mansare (196-F-85) will continue his career in Sorgues. The player signed a one-year deal with the club, who will compete in NM1 next season. Mansare spent this one in the same competition, but as a member of Rueil. He played 34 games with them collecting 10.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists. Rueil finished the season as No.13 with 15-19 record. Mansares new team Sorgues was No.8 in the league and reached Playoff Quarterfinals. Cedric Mansare played for Denek in 2010/11 season. With them he had 9.3 ppg and 3 rpg for 31 games in NM1. In the past, he was a member of Le Puy, Saint-Martin D'Heres, Saint Chamond and Brest. In 2010 with Le Puy, Mansare was NM1 runner-up.


ProA Semifinals: Both series go to decisive Game Three - by Eurobasket News

Second games of the ProA Semifinals just ended. Cholet and Orleans managed to beat their rivals tying the score to 1-1 in their series. The format is best-of-three and third decisive games will be played on Friday/Saturday. Le Mans and Chalon will be the hosts. The winners will advance to the Grand Final. It is already clear that France will get a new champion as Nancy faced with elimination in the Quarterfinals. Le Mans edged them with 2-1 series win. There is no regular season champ Gravelines as well. They were eliminated with 1-2 by Cholet. Cholet was ProA champion in 2010 and reached the Grand Final last season. They will try to reach the final game for third straight year.

Cholet - Le Mans 75-71 (1-1)
The hosts were ahead by 5 points but lost the second period ending it with a 4-point deficit before their 25-17 run, which allowed them to win the game. Cholet brought some defensive toughness making 10 blocks. American forward Robert Dozier (206-85, college: Memphis) scored 16 points and 6 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import guard Patrick Christopher (196-88, college: California) chipped in 16 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Brazilian power forward Joao Paulo Batista (207-81, college: Gonzaga) responded with 21 points and American-Montenegrin point guard Taylor Rochestie (185-85, college: Washington St.) scored 17 points and 4 assists.
Top scorers:
Cholet: F.Causeur 18+2reb+1ast, P.Christopher 16+6reb+1ast, R.Dozier 16+6reb+1ast, R.Falker 7+5reb+1ast, R.Gobert 6+2reb+2ast, D.Nelson 6+3reb+5ast
Le Mans: J.Paulo Batista 21+3reb+1ast, T.Rochestie 17+3reb+4ast, A.Acker 12+7reb+5ast, C.Kahudi 8+6reb+2ast, M.Sommerville 7+4reb+1ast, A.Koffi 4+2reb
gschID: 177484


Orleans - Chalon 78-74 (1-1)
Chalon/Saor trailed by 13 points after 3 quarters before a 18-9 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 74-78 at the end of the game. They outrebounded Chalon/Saor 44-27 including 31 on the defensive glass. Amara Sy (202-81) orchestrated the victory by scoring 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. American guard Cedrick Banks (190-81, college: Ill.-Chicago, agency: Higher Vision Sports) contributed with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. American guard Malcolm Delaney (191-89, college: Virginia Tech) replied with 22 points and the former international guard Steed Tchicamboud (193-81) added 13 points and 5 assists in the effort for Chalon/Saor. Chalon/Saor's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Orleans: A.Sy 19+9reb+4ast, C.Banks 17+10reb+1ast, B.Greene 11+2reb, Y.Sangare 8+2reb+3ast, M.N'Doye 6+3reb, M.Lebrun 5+4reb+1ast
Chalon: M.Delaney 22+3reb+3ast, S.Tchicamboud 13+4reb+5ast, I.Evtimov 12+3reb, B.Schilb 8+6reb+6ast, A.Aminu 7+3reb+1ast, L.Prowell 6+1reb


Tony Parker's 34 points make him top French player abroad of the week - by Eurobasket Center

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

Tony Parker
Tony Parker
   #1. This week's number one is an international point guard Tony Parker (183-82). He led San Antonio Spurs to a victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder (47-19) 120-111 in the NBA in Tuesday night's game. Parker was MVP of the game. He scored 34 points (!!!) and added 8 passes in 40 minutes on the court. 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 Parker's first year with the team. Parker has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 18.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 7.5apg, 2FGP: 49.2%, 3FGP: 26.0% and FT: 80.1% in the 73 games he played so far. Parker is currently a member of the French senior national team.

Nando De Colo
Nando De Colo
   #2. Second place goes to an international guard Nando De Colo (202-87), who plays in the Spanish ACB. He could not help Valencia Basket (20-14) in their last game on Friday. Despite De Colo's very good performance Valencia Basket was defeated 77-73 on the road by the leading Regal FC Barcelona. He was the top scorer with 22 points. De Colo also added 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. De Colo is currently seventh on the league's list of top scorers and also on the list of most steals (fourth place). He has very reliable stats this season: 13.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.9apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 46.2%, 3FGP: 36.0% and FT: 86.4%. De Colo is in the roster of the French senior national team.

Boris Diaw
Boris Diaw
   #3. The French player who performed third best last week abroad was an international power forward Boris Diaw (203-82) is a teammate of previously mentioned Tony Parker. But that was another game of his team in NBA which we would like to mention. Diaw, who plays in the NBA. He was not able to help the San Antonio Spurs (50-16) in their last game. Despite Diaw's good performance the San Antonio Spurs lost 103-109 in Oklahoma City to the Thunder. He recorded 12 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 34 minutes. This year Diaw's overall stats are: 5.5ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.4apg, 2FGP: 55.7%(59-106), 3FGP: 54.8%(17-31) and FT: 68.8% in the 33 games. Ex-Pau-Orthez player is also a member of the French senior national team.

Mickael Pietrus
Mickael Pietrus
   #4. Swingman Mickael Pietrus (198-82, agency: Court Side) contributed to a Boston Celtics' victory against the Miami Heat (46-20) 94-90 in the NBA in Tuesday night's game. He scored 13 points. The Boston Celtics have 39-27 record this season. Pietrus' total stats this year are: 5.9ppg and 2.8rpg. He is also French national team player.

Florent Pietrus
Florent Pietrus
   #5. International forward Florent Pietrus (202-81) is a teammate of previously mentioned Nando De Colo and both played together in the last Spanish ACB game. Pietrus was not able to secure a victory for Valencia Basket (20-14) in their game against Regal FC Barcelona (29-5). He recorded only 4 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 20 minutes. Valencia Basket lost 73-77 in Barcelona to the leading Regal FC. This year Pietrus' total stats are: 3.1ppg and 3.2rpg in the 39 games. He plays currently for the French national team.

Ronny Turiaf
Ronny Turiaf
   #6. Power forward Ronny Turiaf (208-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) couldn't help the Miami Heat (46-20) in their game against the Boston Celtics (39-27) in the NBA. Turiaf did not beat the league record on Friday evening. He scored only 3 points. The Miami Heat was defeated 101-91 in Boston by the Celtics. Turiaf has averaged so far 3.0ppg and 3.8rpg. He is an international player who is currently on the senior French National Team roster.

Thomas Heurtel
Thomas Heurtel
   #7. Former U20 international guard Thomas Heurtel (188-89) managed to help Caja Laboral Vitoria in a victory in overtime against the closely-ranked Real Madrid (26-8) 82-79 in the Spanish ACB in Tuesday night's game. Heurtel scored only 2 points in 10 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Caja Laboral Vitoria (23-11) is placed third in the ACB. Heurtel has averaged so far 3.9ppg, 1.4rpg and 1.8apg in the 41 games. He used to play for the French U20 national team three years ago.

Other top French players, who play abroad:

Mickael Gelabale (201-F-83) plays for Khimky in Russian PBL
Mattia Udom (203-G-93) plays for Montepaschi Siena in Italian SerieA
Joakim Noah (211-F/C-85) plays for Chicago Bulls in the NBA
Ian Mahinmi (206-F/C-86) plays for Dallas Mavericks in the NBA
Rodrigue Beaubois (186-G-88) plays for Dallas Mavericks in the NBA
Adrien Moerman (203-F/C-88) plays for Gescrap BB in Spanish ACB
Nicolas Batum (201-F-88) plays for Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA
Johan Petro (214-C-86) plays for New Jersey Nets in the NBA

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


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

Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga

Points Per Game
 Bobby BROWN
  EWE Baskets
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 16.9
 1. Brown, EWE Baskets16.9 
 2. Tucker, Brose B.16.3 
 3. Holston, Art.Drag.15.3 
 4. Swann, Ratiopharm15.3 
 5. Wood, ALBA15.0 
 6. Ensminger, Teleko.14.8 
 7. Jonusas, Phoenix14.8 
 8. Homan, B.Muenchen14.5 
 9. Carter, Phoenix14.5 
 10. Bryant, Ratiopharm14.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 John BRYANT
  Ratiopharm
  (208-C-87)
  Avg: 9.4
 1. Bryant, Ratiopharm9.4 
 2. Chubb, EWE Baskets8.5 
 3. Homan, B.Muenchen7.8 
 4. Ensminger, Teleko.7.3 
 5. Tucker, Brose B.7.1 
 6. Zirbes, TBB Trier7.1 
 7. Troutman, B.Mue.7.0 
 8. Watts, Ratiopharm6.6 
 9. Evans, Goettingen6.6 
 10. Ovcina, LTi 46ers6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Jared JORDAN
  Telekom .
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 8.2
 1. Jordan, Telekom8.2 
 2. Holston, Art.Drag.5.6 
 3. Brewer, Bremerha.5.1 
 4. Everett, Bremerha.4.9 
 5. Wood, ALBA4.8 
 6. Brown, EWE Baskets4.7 
 7. Hamann, B.Muenchen4.5 
 8. Joyce, TBB Trier4.4 
 9. Campbell, Walter T.4.1 
 10. Bauscher, Goett.3.9 
Steals Per Game
 Nate LINHART
  TBB Trier
  (201-F-86)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Linhart, TBB Trier1.7 
 2. Kramer, s.Oliv.1.5 
 3. Gibson, Fraport SKY1.4 
 4. Dorris, EnBW L.1.4 
 5. Bernard, LTi 46ers1.4 
 6. Trice, Ratiopharm1.4 
 7. Redding, Walter T.1.4 
 8. Holston, Art.Drag.1.3 
 9. Carter, Phoenix1.3 
 10. Gaffney, Teleko.1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Tony GAFFNEY
  Teleko.
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Gaffney, Teleko.1.8 
 2. Davidson, Fraport1.7 
 3. Looby, EnBW L.1.6 
 4. Ibekwe, Bayreuth1.6 
 5. Homan, B.Muenchen1.5 
 6. Pleiss, Brose B.1.4 
 7. Bryant, Ratiopharm1.3 
 8. King, Art.Dragons1.1 
 9. Slaughter, Brose B.1.0 
 10. Constantine, Phoe.0.9 


Jeremy Black signs with BG Karlsruhe - again - by Moritz Korff

Jeremy Black (203-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Tampa) will continue his career at BG Karlsruhe - the 26-year-old has agreed to terms on a two-year deal with the Pro A team. Black comes off a season with Science City Jena, but already has two years as a Karlsruhe under his belt. From 2009 to 2011 the Tampa, Florida, native put up great numbers for BG, while making the 2010 Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro A 2nd Team. During the 2011-12 season he saw action in 31 Pro A games for Jena, averaging 15.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per contest.


Leaving is not an option: Wolfenbuettel's team captain Henje Knopke receives contract extension - by Moritz Korff

The roster of Pro B side Herzoege Wolfenbuettel would miss an integral piece without team captain Henje Knopke (193-G/F-85). Ever since 2004 the 27-year-old all-around player has filled the stats sheet for the Wolfenbuettel team. And he will continue to do so. Knopke agreed on a contract extension and will be re-united with a good friend, as Frank Theis (200-C-82) transfers from Braunschweig back to the Herzoege squad. "With Frank and Henje we will have two very important and strong players on our roster. Both are well respected on and off the court. Thus, we have a solid base to build on", Herzoege chairman Burkhard Junger stated.
Knopke was named Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Honorable Mention following this past season. He led the league in steals per contest (3.3spg) and also added 10.8 points, 5.6 assists and 5.5 boards per outing.


BSW Sixers land former Ohio State guard Jeremie Simmons - by Moritz Korff

The BSW Sixers (2. Bundesliga Pro B) have signed Jeremie Simmons (188-G, agency: SDJ Sports) as their first import player for the 2012-13 season, according to local newspaper Mitteldeutsche Zeitung. Simmons was a star at the junior college level at Mott CC, receiving NJCAA All-America honors in 2008. He transfered to Big Ten powerhouse Ohio State the same year and made it to the NCAA D1 Sweet 16 in 2010. He scored 4.7 points per game for the Buckeyes as a senior and then sat out the 2010-11 (to complete his degree) and 2011-12 seasons.
"I am aware of the fact, that he has not played in this past season, but he is still young and can handle that", Sixers' head coach Stephen Arigbabu told mz-web.de. "If Jeremie will be able to tap his full potential, he can be a steal for us", GM Maik Leuschner added.


Volker Stix Remains With FC Bayern Munich Until 2015 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

After being the right hand of Dirk Bauermann for many years in Bamberg, the 37 year old German Volker Stix followed the ex German national coach to Munich last season and helped in the youth department. Now the team has rewarded Stix with a three year contract extension and giving him an additional position in the organization as coordinator sport. Stix will get duties within the team as well as carrying out game operations. The club wants to build a farm team which gives the young players the chance to gather experience at the highest level in order to get to the Beko BBL level step by step. Stix will also be resposible for building an infrastructure for all the young talents. "We were able to develop all branches of the youth program last season and saw success with the JBBL U 14 and U 12 teams. Now we have further hard work ahead of us. I want to thank the president for his trust and and I am looking forward to the exciting challenges in the next years and the continued good cooperation withPeter Kemmer, Marco pesic, Felix Czerny and Berthold Bisselik", stressed Volker Stix .

Source: FC Bayern Mnchen


Nicolai Simon Moves To BBC Bayreuth - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

BBC Bayreuth continue to get an early jump on the new season by signing their third new player. According to http://www.nordbayerischer-kurier.de, the team has hauled in Nicolai Simon (191-G-87) who will be playing for his fourth Beko BBL team after Alba Berlin, Paderborn and Tuebingen. Simon is a 25 year old 191 cm guard that played for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen last season playing 29 games and averaging 5,4ppg and 1,2rpg and shooting a whopping 52% from the parking lot. "I want to develop further in Bayreuth and make a step forward. I have the feeling that the team has a lot of potential", stressed Nicolai Simon (191-G-87)

Simon started his basketball career in 2002 for Urspring Basketball Academy. He played for TSG Ehingen (2.Bundesliga) from 2003-2006 playing a total of 78 second Bundesliga games. he then got a big break playing for ALBA Berlin (1.Bundesliga) and also having a license also for TUS Lichterfelde Berlin (2.Bundesliga). He played a total o 37 Beko BBL games for Alba Berlin from 2006-2008. In 2008-2009, he played for Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (ProB): 28 games: 8.9ppg, 2.4rpg, 5.2apg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 85.7%. In 2009-2010, he played for the Paderborn Baskets (1.Bundesliga): 31 games: 5.5ppg, 1.1rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 79.4%. In the last twos easons for Tuebingen, he played 60 beko BBL games. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career German U18 National Team -03-05, European Championships U18 in Belgrade -05: 8 games: 12.5ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.5apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 48.9%, 3FGP-3 (46.4%), FT: 88.2%, NBA Without Borders -05, German U20 National Team -06-07, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Most Improved Player of the Year -06, German Bundesliga U20 All-Star Game -07, German Bundesliga Regular Season Champion -07, 08, Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Newcomers Team -07, European Championships U20 Division B in Warsaw (Poland) -07 (Semifinals): 3 games: 2.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.0apg, German Bundesliga Cup Semifinals -08
German Bundesliga Champion -08, German A2 National Team -08-09, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B All-Domestic Players Team -09, German University National Team -09, 11, and World University Games in Belgrade (Serbia) -09: 7 games: 4.1ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.4apg


Heiko Schaffartzik Remains With Alba Berlin - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Sasa Obradovic (agency: Beo Basket ) has been on the job less than 72 hours as new head coach with 8 time Beko BBL champion ALBA Berlin, but he had already gave ideas of who he wants on his team and made his first decision today keeping fan favorite Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84). The German national player who is 28 and 182cm guard that was born in Berlin got a contract extenesion until 2014. Last season the German played 37 games averaging 9,3ppg, 2,7apg and 2,2rpg in 23 minutes per game. He was the teams best three point shooter at 44,1% and best free throw shooter at 85%. "I am happy that we could keep Heiko. This is an important contract extension for us. I know him well and know how to insert him. With his style and passion, he will help te team. My experience as a point guard will also help him to develop", said 2006 Beko BBL champion Sasa Obradovic. Schaffartzik who has played for 6 Beko BBL teams is also very content of staying in his home town. "I am happy that I can stay for two further years. It means a lot to play for my home town. Even thoug I had nice other options, Alba Belrin was my first option. It was just a matter of both sides coming to terms", stressed Heiko Schaffartzik.


The LTi Giessen 46ers Get The Beko BBL Wildcard - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Despite finishing the 2011-2012 Beko BBL season in 17th place, the LTi Giessen 46ers competed for the Wild card to stay in the league and today were rewarded with it. In a 30 minute presentation, the Hessen team was able to convince the general meeting of Beko BBL partners and ousted the other candidate Gloria Giants Duesseldorf. "We are very happy about this decision. Now it is our job to prove that we belong in the league in the enxt years. The club can now prepare for next season. Now that we know that we will play in the Beko BBL again, now we will work with much concentration so that we wont have a situation like this again in te future", stressed LTi Giessen 46ers CEO Heiko Schelberg.

Source: LTi Giessen 46ers


BBL Round 2 of Finals. Bamberg record second win in a row - by Eurobasket News

Ratiopharm - Brose Baskets 70-86

Brose Baskets stepped closer to the title as they handed the second straight loss to Ulm. The guests trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 8-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 86-70. Brose Baskets made 21-of-26 free shots (80.8 percent) during the game. 24 personal fouls committed by ratiopharm Ulm helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American forward Anthony Leon Tucker (198-85, college: Texas) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. Slovakian guard Anton Gavel (189-84, agency: Pro One Sports) chipped in 22 points and 4 assists. American guard Isaiah Swann (188-85, college: Florida St.) produced 19 points and his fellow American import forward Dane Watts (203-86, agency: Pro One Sports) added 12 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Four ratiopharm Ulm players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Ratiopharm: I.Swann 19+2reb+2ast, P.Guenther 14+3reb+3ast, D.Watts 12+9reb+2ast, K.Nankivil 10+3reb, J.Bryant 7+14reb+1ast, S.Esterkamp 5+2reb+1ast
Brose Baskets: A.Gavel 22+2reb+4ast, A.Leon Tucker 18+10reb+1ast, B.Roberts 16+2reb+2ast, J.Jenkins 9+1ast, T.Pleiss 8+2reb+1ast, K.Tadda 7+1ast
gschID: 177504



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


Dallas Mavericks eyes Law and Calathes - by Eurobasket News

Nick Calathes' (6'6''-G-89, college: Florida) contract with Panathinaikos ended, he is a free agent and he will try his best in order to get a roster spot in Dallas. That should be the natural evolution for him, since the Mavs got his NBA rights, but one more player from the Greek finals can end up in their roster, Acie Law (6'3''-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Texas A&M) of Olympiacos.

Those two are very different cases. Calathes is a 23 years old player, who believes that he learned all he could from European basketball and now feels that its the right time for him to try and achieve his childhood dream of playing in the NBA. He will play for the Greek national team at the FIBA Pre-Olympic tournament, but he wants also to be present at the Las Vegas summer league and will chase his dream, something that can be done if Greece doesnt qualify to London.

Law is a player that belongs to the NBA and signed a contract in Europe because of the lock out. He was born in Dallas, he was a star named Captain Clutch at Texas A&M university, a nick name that proved to be fitting also in the Greek league finals, and he can have an important role in a rebuilding team like the Mavs who have him on their radar, according to Greek sources.

The odd thing about him, though, is that he doesnt exclude the possibility of continuing his career in Europe and specifically in Olympiacos, after being Euroleague and Greek champion with the Reds, because he loved the experience. Both of them are free agents, so Mavs dont have to worry about any kind of buy outs.

Courtesy of www.eurohoops.net


Panathinaikos - Obradovic, no agreement yet - by Eurobasket News

According to local media, Panathinaikos' representatives and Zeljko Obradovic had a meeting which lasted about 2.5 hours, but they didn't reach the agreement. Two sides agreed to sit again next Monday. Reportedly, owners of the club Pavlos and Thanasis Giannakopoulos were not at this meeting, there were other PAO's officials. Obradovic left for Dubai yesterday for the coaching clinic/seminar. According to sources, PAO offered a 3-year deal to Obradovic, including 25% of the team ownership. One of the main issues for Obradovic to stay is the club's budget for the next season. Reportedly, PAO will be able to provide 12 million euros, but coach Obradovic said he needs 16 to make a new powerful team. As mentioned above, two sides will meet again on Monday.

According to various sources, CSKA Moscow would like to have Zeljko Obradovic on the bench next. However, they will have to wait at least until next week.


Ilias Zouros announced the players for the pre-Olympic tournament - by Diamadis Farmakis

Greece coach Ilias Zouros, announced today (6 June) the 14 players, that will participate in the pre-Olympic tournament in Venezouela, 2-8 July and hopefully in the Olympic games in London, if the Greek team will be able to be there. Two great comebacks and two great loses are the basic facts so far, for the National Team.

Vassilis Spanoulis and Giorgos Printezis return to the team, after their absence in the 2011 Eurobasket. On the other hand, Kostas Koufos and Sofoklis Schortsianitis were not called by Zouros, because of injury problems.

Here are the 14 players:

Antonis Fotsis, Giannis Bourousis (Armani Milano)

Nikos Zisis (Montepaschi Siena)

Vassilis Spanoulis, Giorgos Printezis, Kostas Papanikolaou, Kostas Sloukas, Vaggelis Mantzaris (Olympiacos)

Nik Calathes, Kostas Kaimakoglou, Ian Vougioukas (Panathinaikos)

Kostas Vasileiadis, Dimitris Mavroeidis (Bilbao Basket)

Maik Bramos (Gran Canaria)

**The first gather of the Greek National Team, will be on Monday 11 June.



Greek National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket News

Starting five
#s#
Antonis Fotsis
Fotsis
Ioannis Bourousis
Bourousis
Nikolaos Zisis
Zisis
Vassilis Spanoulis
Spanoulis
Konstantinos Sloukas
Sloukas
#e#5
Antonis Fotsis 210-F-81 Armani Mit Italy
Ioannis Bourousis 212-C-83 Armani Mit Italy
Nikolaos Zisis 197-G-83 Montepaschi Italy
Vassilis Spanoulis 193-G-82 Olympiacos Greece
Konstantinos Sloukas 197-G-90 Olympiacos Greece
Georgios Printezis 206-F-85 Olympiacos Greece
Kostas Papanikolaou 204-F-90 Olympiacos Greece
Evangelos Mantzaris 196-G-90 Olympiacos Greece
Nick Calathes 198-G-89 Panathinaikos Greece
Ian Vougioukas 212-C/F-85 Panathinaikos Greece
Kostas Kaimakoglou 206-C/F-83 Panathinaikos Greece
Kostas Vasiliadis 200-G/F-84 Gescrap BB Spain
Dimitrios Mavroeidis 208-C-85 Gescrap BB Spain
Michael Bramos 196-G/F-87 GC 2014 Spain

Ilias Zouros Head Coach Anadolu Efes Turkey



Behind the scene news - by Chris Mammides

According to the rumors which are getting stronger and stronger at least two teams from the A1 and another three teams from the A2 will not continue to compete at their leagues due to great and serious financial issues.
It is expected a great roll over in the divisions and many of the teams will change entire divisions since these five teams will change the "map" of as many as five divisions since from these five teams the changes to take place will be in A1, A2, B' Division, C' Division and D Division respectively.
Some of these pre-mentioned teams (especially in the A2) used to have a leading role last season and all of a sudden due to their many financial discrepancies will either ask to go to the amateur leagues of D' Division, or will be totally dismantle since there are not any willing people to offer money or sponsor these teams to continue existing.
We are expecting very soon to start getting official announcements from these teams and their willingness to continue participating either in the semi-professional divisions of the B and C Divisions, or in the amateur divisions of the D Division or even simply close down once and for all..


Some Transfer news
The Head Coach Kostas Flevarakis agreed financial terms with the German New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig and is expected to take with him in the German club the power forward Harding NaNa (203-F-81, college: Delaware)
The Greek head Coach Georgios Dikeoulakos and Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul split ways.

Aris Likogiannis and Kostas Keramidas are ready to take over the teams of both Men's and Women's of Solna Vikings. Likogiannis will eventually take over the Men's team and Kostas Keramidas the Women's team. The contracts are not yet signed and in a few days we will be able to announce officially their positive or negative result

Dimitris Papanikolaou is officially the head Coach of Ilysiakos Athens for the coming season to replace Kostas Flevarakis who join forces with a German club.


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


Jackson. Shepherd and Kennedy not returning to ZZ Leiden - by Fred Roggen

Preferably at least 3 Americans do not return, including guard Thomas Jackson (175-PG-80, college: Butler).
Thomas Jackson, Jevohn Shepherd (196-F-86, college: Michigan) and Gabe Kennedy (205-F/C-81, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: UAB) will not be returning to the ZZ Leiden roster next season, while Terry Sas has ended his basketballcareer
ZZ Leiden is in negotiations with Arvin Slagter (192-G-85, agency: Court Side), Seamus Boxley (201-F-82, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Portland St.) and Sean Cunningham (188-PG-86, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Cal-Riverside) on contract extension. Currently, only Patrick Hilliman (206-F/C-82, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: High Point) and Worthy de Jong (194-SG-88, agency: R.H.Consultancy) have a contract for next season.


*****************************************************
  HUNGARY   


Eurobasket.com All-Hungarian League Awards 2011-12 - by Eurobasket

Eurobasket.com All-Hungarian League 1st Team 2012
#s#
Obie Trotter
Trotter
Chad Timberlake
Timberlake
Andrija Ciric
Ciric
Damian Hollis
Hollis
Marton Bader
Bader
#e#5

Player of the Year: Obie Trotter (186-PG-84) of Szolnok
Guard of the Year: Chad Timberlake (194-G-84) of Falco-Szova
Forward of the Year: Damian Hollis (203-F-88) of Albacomp
Center of the Year: Marton Bader (212-C-80) of Szolnok
Bosman Player of the Year: Andrija Ciric (199-G-80) of PVSK Pannon
Import Player of the Year: Chad Timberlake (194-G-84) of Falco-Szova
Domestic Player of the Year: Obie Trotter (186-PG-84) of Szolnok
Defensive Player of the Year: Djordje Pantelic (204-F-84) of Falco-Szova
Coach of the Year: Peter Por of Szolnok

1st Team
PG: Obie Trotter (186-84) of Szolnok
G: Chad Timberlake (194-84) of Falco-Szova
G: Andrija Ciric (199-80) of PVSK Pannon
F: Damian Hollis (203-88) of Albacomp
C: Marton Bader (212-80) of Szolnok

2nd Team
PG: Balazs Simon (188-80) of Albacomp
G/F: Julien Mills (193-85) of Szolnok
G/F: Muhammad El Amin (196-87) of Albacomp
F: Hristo Nikolov (200-85) of Szolnok
F: Djordje Pantelic (204-84) of Falco-Szova

Honorable Mention
Brandon Gay (203-F-82) of Szolnok
Zsolt Szabo (202-F-86) of Falco-Szova
Akos Keller (206-F/C-89) of Albacomp
Rashad Bell (201-F-82) of Kormend
Lorenzo Williams (191-G-84) of Atomeromu
Jara Doyne (193-G/F-84) of PVSK Pannon
Dontay Thomas (186-G-84) of Soproni
Nikolas Raivio (192-G-86) of Kaposvari
Jonathan Levy (193-G-82) of Szedeak
Jibril Hodges (188-G-84) of Jaszberenyi
Esian Henderson (204-F/C-86) of ZTE KK

All-Domestic Players Team
PG: Balazs Simon (188-80) of Albacomp
PG: Obie Trotter (186-84) of Szolnok
G/F: Akos Horvath (193-81) of Szolnok
F: Zsolt Szabo (202-86) of Falco-Szova
C: Marton Bader (212-80) of Szolnok

All-Imports Team
PG: Justin Ingram (185-85) of FS Debrecen
G/F: Julien Mills (193-85) of Szolnok
G: Andrija Ciric (199-80) of PVSK Pannon
F: Damian Hollis (203-88) of Albacomp
F: Djordje Pantelic (204-84) of Falco-Szova

All-Bosmans Team
F/G: Marko Derasimovic (200-84) of Kecskemeti
G: Andrija Ciric (199-80) of PVSK Pannon
F: Hristo Nikolov (200-85) of Szolnok
F: Tomislav Ivosev (204-90) of Szedeak
F: Djordje Pantelic (204-84) of Falco-Szova

All-Defensive Team
Julien Mills (193-G/F-85) of Szolnok
Djordje Pantelic (204-F-84) of Falco-Szova
Miklos Szabo (206-F/C-86) of FS Debrecen
Obie Trotter (186-PG-84) of Szolnok
Kyle Austin (203-F-88) of Jaszberenyi


Milan Csorvasi signs with Szeged - by Levente Szabo

After an up-and-down season under their belt the management of Naturtex-SZTE-Szedeak Szeged already started to strength their roster by adding Milan Csorvasi (209-F/C-88, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group). Milan is one of the most productive Hungarian big man in the league but so far in his career he didnt get starting minutes. Naturtex-SZTE-Szedeak Szeged might be the right fit for him to showcase his talent and Milan is definitely a great addition to coach Fodors team.

Not counting one short stint with Sopron in 2008/2009 season Milan spent his entire career in his home city of Kecskemet. He had his best season last year when he averaged 9.4ppg by shooting a tremendous 69.3% from the field and he played 2 games on a loan deal with Szolnok in the EuroChallenge where he averaged 5 points and 3.5 rebounds. In this past season Milan averaged 8.9ppg and 5.1 rpg in just 19.1 minutes a game while shooting 62.4% from the field and 71.2 % from the free-throw line.



The young center signed for two years with Naturtex-SZTE-Szedeak Szeged where he will play alongside his younger brother Levente Csorvasi (210-C-90, college: Holy Family).


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

Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 26

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


IBA Stats Leaders

IBA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Edwards, KCS 35.8
2 Johnson, AL 32.7
3 Bennett, CR 31.4
4 Bostick, KB 31.4
5 Nelson, LC 29.3
6 Neaville, SE 29.1
7 Shaw, LC 26.7
8 Randolph, LCS 24.7
9 Mayben, AL 24.6
10 Rush, KCS 24.3
Rebounds Per Game
1 Shaw, LC 13.3
2 Ayer, LAL 12.9
3 Richardson, BCK 10.5
4 Smith, BCK 10.5
5 Halliburton, SE 10.0
6 Ware, CR 9.8
7 Caldwell, CR 9.3
8 Bostick, KB 9.2
9 Wesby, GS 9.0
10 Jackson, GS 8.9
Assists Per Game
1 Kyle, KCS 10.8
2 Sufi, LAL 9.3
3 Mayben, Al 6.6
4 Morris, KB 6.5
5 Johnson, AL 6.4
6 Skinner, LCS 6.4
7 Bobo, BCK 5.5
8 Motley, LC 5.3
9 Tyler, CR 5.2
10 Howard, GS 4.9



*****************************************************
  ICELAND   


Hreggvidur Magnusson returns to IR - by Eurobasket News

IR brought back Hreggviaur Magnusson (198-F-82). The forward signed a two-year deal with his former team. Magnusson played for IR in 1999/2010 seasons. He left however for KR in 2010. Last season the forward averaged 10.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game with KR. Hreggviaur Magnusson was the member of Icelandic National Team in 2000/01 seasons.


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


Yotam Halperin may return to Maccabi Tel-Aviv - by Eurobasket News

Yotam Halperin (196-G-84) may soon become the player of Maccabi Tel-Aviv. The guard has been reportedly in contact with the Israeli powerhouse. The sides are mulling the possibility of signing a two-year contract. Earlier reports showed no interest from Spartak Saint Petersburg in extending the contract with Yotam Halperin. The Israeli guard joined Spartak at the start of the last season. He averaged 10.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.7 steals per game in PBL. In VTB League Yotam Halperin tallied 8.9 points, 4.1 assists, 2.0 boards and 1.1 steals per appearance. His stats also read 9.6 points, 5.2 assists and 2.6 boards in EuroCup. Eurobasket.com named Yotam Halperin into Russian PBL All-Bosmans Team. Yotam Halperin used to play in Maccabi Tel-Aviv in 2001/08 seasons (2005/06 season in Union Olimpija). He has been the member of Israeli National Team since 2003.


Maccabi Haifa ink deal with Paul Stoll - by Eurobasket News

Maccabi Haifa strengthened their backcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Paul Stoll (178-PG-85). The point guard started the season in Mexico. He played for Halcones Rojos. The guard notched 12.5 points, 4.3 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game for the Veracruz team. Later Paul Stoll moved to Venezuela. He signed with Gigantes de Guayana. His stats read 17.6 points, 6.8 assists, 4.3 steals and 2.2 boards per appearance. Previously Paul Stoll had spells in Mexico and Venezuela before however he never played in Europe. Latinbasket.com named Paul Stoll All-Mexican LNBP Domestic Player of the Year in 2012. He also made it into Venezuela LPB All-Imports Team in 2011. Paul Stoll has been the member of Mexican National Team since 2010.


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

stats leader

Points Per Game
 Bernardo MUSSO
  Napoli
  (192-G-86)
  Avg: 19.2
 1. Musso, Napoli19.2 
 2. Evangelisti, Recan.16.7 
 3. Portannese, Torino16.4 
 4. Poltroneri, Perugia16.2 
 5. Prandin, Casalp.15.2 
 6. Rugolo, San Severo15.1 
 7. Benevelli, Orlandi.14.8 
 8. Tagliabue, Ruvo14.7 
 9. Ferrarese, Castell.14.5 
 10. Carrizo, Ferentino14.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Emanuele ROSSI
  Chieti
  (208-C-82)
  Avg: 12.6
 1. Rossi, Chieti12.6 
 2. Iannilli, Napoli9.7 
 3. Tagliabue, Ruvo8.8 
 4. Borra, Treviglio8.4 
 5. Baldi Rossi, Perug.8.1 
 6. Gandini, Trieste8.0 
 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, Treviglio4.3 
 2. Musso, Napoli4.3 
 3. Bertolazzi, Omegna4.1 
 4. Traini, Recanati3.8 
 5. Stanic, Fabriano3.6 
 6. Circosta, Anagni3.5 
 7. Guarino, Ferentino3.3 
 8. Santolamazza, Ana.3.2 
 9. Vico, Matera3.2 
 10. Parente, Torino2.9 
Steals Per Game
 Roberto MAGGIO
  Pavia
  (183-G-90)
  Avg: 3
 1. Maggio, Pavia3.0 
 2. Bertolazzi, Omegna2.9 
 3. Guarino, Ferentino2.9 
 4. Iardella, Fabriano2.9 
 5. Rivali, Santarcang.2.8 
 6. Mei, Comsum.it SI2.8 
 7. Rossi, Chieti2.8 
 8. Maiocco, Pavia2.7 
 9. Portannese, Torino2.7 
 10. Musso, Napoli2.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrea CAPITANELLI
  Firenze
  (203-C-86)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Capitanelli, Firen.2.1 
 2. Ancellotti, Santar.1.7 
 3. Borra, Treviglio1.5 
 4. Candido, San Seve.1.1 
 5. Cazzaniga, Pavia1.1 
 6. Raminelli, Castell.1.0 
 7. Pascolo, Trento1.0 
 8. Gandini, Trieste1.0 
 9. Tessitori, Comsum..0.9 
 10. Cotani, Castellet.0.9 


Danilo Gallinari confirms he will play for Italy this summer - by Eurobasket News

Danilo Gallinari (208-F-88, agency: Players Group) confirmed he will play for the Italian National Team in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. The NBAer said he is excited to be part of the team again and also added he is ready to do his best for the country to reach the EuroBasket in Slovenia. Team Italy will not be able to count on Andrea Bargnani and Marco Belinelli. Alessandro Gentile is also under the big question mark.
Danilo Gallinari joined Italian National Team last summer for the first time. He played 5 games at the EuroBasket in Lithuania averaging 15.2 points and 6.4 rebounds. Gallinari started this season with EA7 Emporio Armani Milano. He appeared 7 times in Euroleague with them registering 16.4 ppg and 4.6 rpg. In SerieA, Galo added 10.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg and 1.6 apg for 8 games. After the NBA lockout, Danilo Gallinari returned to Denver Nuggets. There he shined with 14.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 2.7 apg for 50 games.


Simone Pianigiani in the mix for Fenerbahce Ulker - by Eurobasket News

According to Turkish media, Simone Pianigiani is also one of the candidates for the Fenerbahce Ulker Head Coaching post. We already reported earlier that Fenerbahce also eyes Ettore Messina, Zeljko Obradovic and Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket). According to various sources they already offered deal to Messina.
Simone Pianigiani is currently the Head Coach of Montepaschi Siena. They advanced to Italian league Finals, where they will try to defend the championship title. Pianigiani took over Siena as a Head Coach in 2006. He won five straight SerieA titles with them. They also celebrated four times in Italian Cup. In 2008, Pianigiani was named Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague Coach of the Year.
Simone Pianigiani is also Head Coach of the Italian National Team. They will play in the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications.


Reyer Venezia tab Eric Williams - by Eurobasket News

Reyer Venezia bolstered their frontcourt. They announced the signing of Eric Williams (206-C-84, college: Wake Forest). The centre arrives to Italy from Kazakhstan. He played for BC Astana last season. Eric Williams tallied 11.2 points, 5.3 boards per game in Kazakh League. In VTB League the centre averaged 13.1 points, 6.1 boards and 1.4 assists per appearance. Asia-Basket.com named Eric Williams All-Kazakhtan League Player of the Year. The centre is not new to Italy. He played for Enel Brindisi, Scavolini Pesaro, Air Avellino and Cantu before. Eric Williams earned All-Italian SeriaA Honourable Mention in 2010. In 2008 the centre made it onto All-Italian SeriaA 2nd Team.


*****************************************************
  KOSOVO   


Trepca wins BKT Superleague title - by Eurobasket News

Trepca is the new champion of Kosovo. They managed to beat Sigal Prishtina on the road tonight 67-79 in decisive Game Five of the Finals. It means that Trepca won the series with 3-2. Sigal Prishtina is dethroned after six years (06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11). It is important to mention that Trepca already won the Kosovan Cup earlier this year.

Full game report will be posted soon...


*****************************************************
  LATVIA   


Budivelnyk hires Ainars Bagatskis as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Ainars Bagatskis (agency: Alti Sport) is the new Head Coach of Budivelnyk. The former Ukrainian champion announced signing of a 3-year deal with the coach (1+1+1). Bagatskis worked this season with Kryvbasbasket-Lux Kryvyi Rih. They finished as No.10 in Superleague with 15-24 record. Kryvyi Rih hired Bagatskis in November. Before that, the Latvian specialist started the season with Georgian Sokhumi Tbilisi. Ainars Bagatskis led Enisey Krasnoyarsk in 2009/10. In the past, he also coached SK Valmiera, Zalgiris Kaunas and Barons Riga. Bagatskis is currently Head Coach of the Latvian National Team and he coached them last summer at EuroBasket in Lithuania. Bagatskis is hired by Team Latvia in 2010. Before that, he worked with their University National Team.


*****************************************************
  LEBANON   

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game
 Desmond PENIGAR
  Byblos
  (201-F-81)
  Avg: 28.5
 1. Penigar, Byblos28.5 
 2. Spencer, Al Riyadi26.0 
 3. Khatib, Champville26.0 
 4. Gray, Byblos24.6 
 5. Johnson, Sagesse22.6 
 6. Youngblood, Anibal22.0 
 7. Johnson, Moutahed21.3 
 8. Hoskin, Champville20.3 
 9. Souaid, Bejjeh18.9 
 10. Khoury, Sagesse18.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Desmond PENIGAR
  Byblos
  (201-F-81)
  Avg: 12.1
 1. Penigar, Byblos12.1 
 2. Crump, Sagesse11.5 
 3. Ismail, Al Riyadi11.2 
 4. Thompson, Champvil.11.0 
 5. Hoskin, Champville10.8 
 6. Trim, Moutahed9.2 
 7. Hamdar, Hoops8.9 
 8. Bawji, Moutahed8.3 
 9. Hurd, Anibal7.6 
 10. Bou Abboud, Bejj.7.6 
Assists Per Game
 Rodrigue AKL
  Anibal
  (189-PG-88)
  Avg: 6.4
 1. Akl, Anibal6.4 
 2. Johnson, Moutahed5.8 
 3. Mahmoud, Al Riyadi5.7 
 4. Gray, Byblos5.5 
 5. Ismail, Al Riyadi5.5 
 6. Khatib, Champville5.1 
 7. Johnson, Sagesse4.5 
 8. Spencer, Al Riyadi4.4 
 9. Barada, Byblos4.3 
 10. Youngblood, Anibal3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Austin JOHNSON
  Moutahed
  (191-G-87)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Johnson, Moutahed2.7 
 2. Youngblood, Anibal2.6 
 3. Mahmoud, Al Riyadi2.4 
 4. Spencer, Al Riyadi2.1 
 5. Estephane, Champvi.1.9 
 6. Akl, Anibal1.7 
 7. Johnson, Sagesse1.7 
 8. Thompson, Champvil.1.6 
 9. Souaid, Bejjeh1.6 
 10. Ismail, Al Riyadi1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Ahmad ISMAIL
  Al Riyadi
  (205-F-76)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Ismail, Al Riyadi1.8 
 2. Hamdar, Hoops1.6 
 3. Crump, Sagesse1.5 
 4. Thompson, Champvil.1.5 
 5. Sabra, Byblos1.4 
 6. Vogel, Al Riyadi1.3 
 7. Youngblood, Anibal1.1 
 8. Hoskin, Champville1.0 
 9. Tabet, Anibal1.0 
 10. Bou Abboud, Bejj.1.0 



*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA   


Motiejunas Donatas wins the title abroad - by Eurobasket News

Donatas Motiejunas (213-F/C-90, agency: Interperformances) wins the title abroad as his Asseco Prokom defended their PLK title. Again. They are now holding nine straight PLK titles extending their dominance in the Polish basketball. Asseco Prokom held off ambitious Trefl Sopot in Gdynia tonight to win the title series 4-3. Jerel Blassingame was named PLK Finals MVP.
Asseco Prokom build the decisive lead in the first half. They were up by four points 20:16 after ten minutes. But the second quarter propelled to much more comfortable advantage. The hosts limited Trefl Sopot to just 9 points in the period building a 43:25 halftime lead. The visitors tried to revive the intrigue after the long break. Trefl Sopot added offensive aggressiveness and knocked down 24 points in the third period. They cut the margin to 13 points before the fourth frame. Trefl Sopot narrowed the gap even more but eventually it proved too deep to overcome as Asseco Prokom rallied to the victory. Donatas Motiejunas posted 23 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Jerel Blassingame chipped in 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in the winning case. Filip Dylewicz answered with 22 points for Trefl Sopot. Lukasz Koszarek nailed 16 points in defeat.
Donatas Motiejunas averaged 12.5ppg, Reb-2 (7.9rpg), FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 45.5% in EuroLeague and in VTB League had 13.4ppg, Reb-1 (7.5rpg), FGP: 52.7%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 65.5%. In Polish League he averaged 15.7 points per game.


Martynas Gecevicius ends very successful season abroad - by Eurobasket News

Last weekend Martynas Gecevicius (193-G-88) finished impressive season abroad. The Lithuanian guard and his team Olympiakos managed to win the championship title in Greece after 15 years. They outplayed Panathinaikos in decisive Game Five of the Finals 82-76. Gecevicius and his teammates already won the Euroleague title earlier this season, while PAO celebrated in Greek Cup.
Panathinaikos trailed by 12 points at halftime and as many as 14 after three quarters before a 20-12 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 76-82 at the end of the game. 26 personal fouls committed by Panathinaikos helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Vassilis Spanoulis orchestrated the victory by scoring 24 points (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line). Georgios Printezis contributed with 14 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Nick Calathes answered with 17 points and Dimitris Diamantidis added 13 points and 5 assists in the effort for Panathinaikos. Four Panathinaikos players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in this decisive game.
Olympiakos was the regular season champion in Greece with almost perfect 23-1 record. They eliminated PAOK in the Quarterfinals (2-0) and Panionios in the Semis (3-0). Olympiakos was the Greek league champion in 49, 60, 76, 78, 93, 94, 95, 96 and 97. Of course, they added another trophy tonight. PAO was No.1 in the country in 46, 47, 50, 51, 54, 61, 62, 67, 69, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 77, 80, 81, 82, 84, 98, 99, 00, 01, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10 and 11.
Martynas Gecevicius joined Olympiakos last summer from Lietuvos Rytas. He appeared 20 times in Greek league averaging 7.7 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists. In Euroleague, the guard had 6.2 ppg and 1.3 rpg for 18 games. His season-high was 14 points against CSKA Moscow on January 18. Martynas Gecevicius played for the Lithuanian NT at 2010 World Championship in Turkey. He played for Rytas from 2006 to 2011. Before that, Gecevicius was a member of Sakalai Vilnius.


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

CIBACOPA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Devon PEARSON
  Los M.
  (198-F-84)
  Avg: 27.8
 1. Pearson, Los M.27.8 
 2. Reese, Tepic24.4 
 3. Scott, Los Mochis22.6 
 4. Thomas, Cananea22.6 
 5. McCullough, Nogales22.3 
 6. Robinson, Culiacan22.1 
 7. Alexander, Cananea21.8 
 8. Carter, Guasave20.4 
 9. Selleaze, Navolato20.3 
 10. Hornsby, Tijuana20.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Deangelo RILEY
  Tepic
  (205-C-)
  Avg: 11.2
 1. Riley, Tepic11.2 
 2. Alexander, Cananea10.1 
 3. Pearson, Los M.10.0 
 4. Selleaze, Navolato8.4 
 5. Sanders-F., Nogales8.2 
 6. Scott, Los Mochis8.0 
 7. Robinson, Culiacan7.8 
 8. Moore, Navolato7.6 
 9. Habel, Guaymas7.6 
 10. Strobbe, Nogales7.4 
Assists Per Game
 William FUNN
  Los Mochis
  (188-G-82)
  Avg: 9.5
 1. Funn, Los Mochis9.5 
 2. Allen, Guaymas7.4 
 3. Monreal, Hermosillo5.8 
 4. Taylor, Los Mochis5.8 
 5. Hornsby, Tijuana4.7 
 6. Harris, Cananea4.6 
 7. Nungaray, Guaymas4.2 
 8. Riley, Tepic4.1 
 9. Pulido, Culiacan3.9 
 10. Quintero, Tijuana3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Brian HAMILTON
  Hermosillo
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Hamilton, Hermosil.1.9 
 2. George, Nogales1.8 
 3. Gibson, Navolato1.6 
 4. Riley, Tepic1.5 
 5. Monreal, Hermosillo1.5 
 6. Hornsby, Tijuana1.4 
 7. Thomas, Cananea1.4 
 8. Gale, Nogales1.3 
 9. Buelna, Guasave1.3 
 10. Toussaint, Los M.1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Deangelo RILEY
  Tepic
  (205-C-)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Riley, Tepic3.5 
 2. Habel, Guaymas1.4 
 3. Zamora, Culiacan1.3 
 4. Wiley, Los Mochis1.0 
 5. Young, Tepic0.9 
 6. Alexander, Cananea0.9 
 7. Davis, Nogales0.8 
 8. Robinson, Culiacan0.8 
 9. Scott, Los Mochis0.8 
 10. Tate, Tijuana0.7 


CIBACOPA Semis: Both series tied at 2-2 - by Eurobasket News

Fourth games of CIBACOPA Semifinals were played last night. Guaymas and Los Mochis managed to beat their rivals tying the score to 2-2 in the series. The format is best-of-seven and fifth games are scheduled for today. Los Mochis and Tijuana will be the hosts.

Tijuana - Guaymas 89-96 (2-2)
Tijuana Zonkeys were ahead by 4 points at the halftime before a 24-11 third quarter run of Ostioneros de Guaymas. They dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Tijuana Zonkeys' 44. Ostioneros de Guaymas had a 23-12 advantage in offensive rebounds. The game was dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of point guard Myron Allen (182-PG-79, college: Lee JC) who helped to win the game recording 28 points and 6 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). Guard Haakim Johnson (201-87, college: Pikeville) contributed with 19 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners. Ostioneros de Guaymas' coach LaSelle Taylor allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Power forward Cyrus Tate (203-85, college: Iowa, agency: Edge Sports) replied with 30 points and 8 rebounds and power forward Robert Hornsby (196-82, college: Troy) added 26 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists in the effort for Tijuana Zonkeys. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Guaymas was the second ranked team of the regular season with 27-11 record. Tijuana was No.3 with 26-12. Guaymas and Tijuana eliminated Nogales and Guasave in the QFinals, respectively.
Top scorers:
Tijuana: C.Tate 30+8reb+1ast, R.Hornsby 26+6reb+6ast, M.Morrison 16+4reb+1ast, L.Ramirez 15+4ast, A.Solares 2+8reb+4ast, J.Cardoso 0+1ast
Guaymas: M.Allen 28+3reb+6ast, A.Pedroza 23+1reb, H.Johnson 19+5reb+3ast, J.Habel 11+6reb, F.Benitez 6+5reb, H.Carrillo 5+4reb+1ast
gschID: 177524


Los Mochis - Hermosillo 79-73 (2-2)
Rayos de Hermosillo was trailing by 9 points at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 20-13 charge of Pioneros Los Mochis, which allowed them to win the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American forward Devon Pearson (198-84, college: SMU) fired a double-double by scoring 35 points (!!!) and 10 rebounds for the winners. The other American import guard William Funn (188-82, college: Portland St.) chipped in a double-double by scoring 11 points and 16 assists. Funn is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Naturalized American point guard Steve Monreal (180-86, college: CS Monterey) produced 18 points and 8 assists and American forward Emmanuel Little (196-85, college: N.Dakota) added 12 points and 12 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four Pioneros Los Mochis and five Rayos de Hermosillo players scored in double figures. Hermosillo was the regular season champion in CIBACOPA. They had 34-4 record. In the QFinals, Hermosillo eliminated Culiacan with almost perfect 4-1. Los Moschis was No.4 in regular season (19-19 record) and edged Cananea in the QFinals (4-0).
Top scorers:
Hermosillo: S.Monreal 18+4reb+8ast, B.Hamilton 16+6reb+3ast, P.Sanders 13+5reb+1ast, E.Little 12+12reb+2ast, A.Izaguirre 10+2reb, J.Manuel Esteva 3+2reb
Los Mochis: D.Pearson 35+10reb, E.Cuen 16+10reb+3ast, S.Scott 14+8reb, W.Funn 11+3reb+16ast, P.Torres 3, A.Araujo 0+1reb


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


Zvezdan Mitrovic parted ways with Budivelnyk - by Darko Pekic

Budivelnyk parted ways with Zvezdan Mitrovic (agency: Alti Sport ). The Montenegrin specialist took over the team at the start of the season and finished in the second position in Superleague regular season. However, Budivelnyk lost in the play off semifinal and it was the end of collaboration with the Montenegrin coach.

The former assistant coach of Buducnost (during the golden period at the end of 90's) has a vast experience working in Ukraine. He guided Khimik Yuzny and Kryvbasbasket-Lux since 2002 through 2011. Zvezdan Mitrovic (agency: Alti Sport )led Kryvbasbasket-Lux to the UBL title in 2009. Eurobasket.com named him All-Ukrainian UBL Coach of the Year in the same season. He is also currently working as Montenegrin B National Team head coach.


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

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Kobe BRYANT
  LA Lakers
  (198-G-78)
  Avg: 28.2
 1. Bryant, LA Lakers28.2 
 2. Durant, Oklah.Ci.28.0 
 3. James, Miami Heat27.7 
 4. Love, Minnesota T.26.0 
 5. Westbrook, Oklah..23.3 
 6. Anthony, New Y.23.1 
 7. Wade, Miami Heat22.4 
 8. Nowitzki, Dallas M.22.0 
 9. Rose, Chicago B.21.9 
 10. Aldridge, Portlan.21.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 14.5
 1. Howard, Orlando M.14.5 
 2. Love, Minnesota T.13.4 
 3. Bynum, LA Lakers11.7 
 4. Humphries, New J.11.0 
 5. Cousins, Sacramen.11.0 
 6. Griffin, LA Clipp.10.3 
 7. Gasol, LA Lakers10.3 
 8. Gortat, Phoenix10.0 
 9. Smith, Atlanta H.9.9 
 10. Chandler, New Y.9.8 
Assists Per Game
 Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 11.8
 1. Rondo, Boston C.11.8 
 2. Nash, Phoenix Suns10.7 
 3. Paul, LA Clippers8.9 
 4. Calderon, Toron.8.8 
 5. Williams, New J.8.7 
 6. Rubio, Minnesot.8.2 
 7. Wall, Washington W.8.0 
 8. Rose, Chicago B.7.9 
 9. Parker, San A.7.5 
 10. Conley, Memphis G.6.7 
Steals Per Game
 Chris PAUL
  LA Clippers
  (183-PG-85)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Paul, LA Clippers2.5 
 2. Rubio, Minnesot.2.2 
 3. Conley, Memphis G.2.1 
 4. Rondo, Boston C.1.9 
 5. James, Miami Heat1.9 
 6. Kidd, Dallas M.1.8 
 7. Millsap, Utah Jazz1.8 
 8. 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 Lakers2.1 
 5. Hibbert, Indiana P.2.1 
 6. Jordan, LA Clippers2.0 
 7. McGee, Denver N.2.0 
 8. Gasol, Memphis G.1.9 
 9. Biyombo, Charlott.1.8 
 10. Udoh, Golde S.1.7 


Dallas Mavericks eyes Law and Calathes - by Eurobasket News

Nick Calathes' (6'6''-G-89, college: Florida) contract with Panathinaikos ended, he is a free agent and he will try his best in order to get a roster spot in Dallas. That should be the natural evolution for him, since the Mavs got his NBA rights, but one more player from the Greek finals can end up in their roster, Acie Law (6'3''-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Texas A&M) of Olympiacos.

Those two are very different cases. Calathes is a 23 years old player, who believes that he learned all he could from European basketball and now feels that its the right time for him to try and achieve his childhood dream of playing in the NBA. He will play for the Greek national team at the FIBA Pre-Olympic tournament, but he wants also to be present at the Las Vegas summer league and will chase his dream, something that can be done if Greece doesnt qualify to London.

Law is a player that belongs to the NBA and signed a contract in Europe because of the lock out. He was born in Dallas, he was a star named Captain Clutch at Texas A&M university, a nick name that proved to be fitting also in the Greek league finals, and he can have an important role in a rebuilding team like the Mavs who have him on their radar, according to Greek sources.

The odd thing about him, though, is that he doesnt exclude the possibility of continuing his career in Europe and specifically in Olympiacos, after being Euroleague and Greek champion with the Reds, because he loved the experience. Both of them are free agents, so Mavs dont have to worry about any kind of buy outs.

Courtesy of www.eurohoops.net


Masseuse dies after collapsing at Chris Bosh's home - by Eurobasket News

A South Florida masseuse died at a hospital after collapsing at the Miami Beach home of injured Heat forward Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech).

A police report says the woman, whose name wasn't immediately released, went to Bosh's home on Monday. Bosh has been sidelined with an abdominal strain.

Miami Beach police spokeswoman Vivian Hernandez says the department will conduct its standard death investigation, but there are no immediate signs of foul play.

On Tuesday night Bosh and his wife Adrienne released a statement:

"Last evening, a massage therapist that we have used for some time, arrived at our home to provide massage therapy. Shortly after she arrived, she fainted and lost consciousness. We called 911 and emergency personnel arrived at our home shortly thereafter. They took her to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she passed away. Our hearts go out to her family. We are very sorry for their loss."

Bosh was emotional when asked about the subject following Miami's Game 5 loss, in which he logged his first minutes of action in the Eastern Conference finals.

"It was good just to be able to do what I love," Bosh said. "I was happy just to do that. With everything going on, life happens."

The woman initially appeared to be well but suddenly collapsed. Fire rescue workers responded and transported the unconscious woman to a nearby hospital, where she died Monday night.

The report says a friend of the victim told officials she had survived cancer about a year ago. The cause of the woman's collapse and eventual death weren't in the report.

Courtesy of ESPN


Mike Woodson: Lin is starting PG next season - by Eurobasket News

The New York Knicks don't plan on letting 'Linsanity' die down any time soon.

Head coach Mike Woodson told Michael Kay on ESPN Radio Monday that Jeremy Lin (6'3''-PG-88, college: Harvard) -- who hasnt played since injuring his knee and having surgery in March -- will be No. 1 at the point guard position next season.

"Right now, he is our starting point guard, without a doubt," Woodson said. "Ive always believed this: When a starter goes down he doesnt lose his job because of an injury. You welcome him back with open arms when he gets healthy and you keep it moving."

On whether or not the unrestricted free agent will actually be a New York Knick next season, Woodson simply stated, "Only time will tell."

If he does in fact return, the team plans to get him back in top form as soon as possible.

"Thats what were going to do when we get [Lin] signed," Woodson said. "Well get him back in uniform ... and get him ready for practice and camp and throw the ball in his hands and say, Lets go. "

Courtesy of www.sportsnet.ca


L.A. Clippers confident Blake Griffin will ink extension, despite Neil Olshey's departure - by Eurobasket News

While Blake Griffin (6'10''-F-89, college: Oklahoma) is eligible for a contract extension this summer, L.A. Clippers fans should not be nervous that the departure of GM Neil Olshey will adversely affect the teams ability to sign their star power forward to a new deal, according to an ESPN report.

Olshey was unable to come to terms with the Clippers and has been hired as the new GM of the Portland Trail Blazers. Olshey was key to the Clippers acquisition of Chris Paul before the season, but his move to Portland will have no significant impact on Griffins decision, a source told ESPNs Marc Stein.

The Clippers remain confident that Griffin will sign an extension this summer instead of playing out the 2012-13 season and testing the free agent waters next summer.

Paul, meanwhile, has one more year left on his contract, too. He committed to two seasons with the Clippers when he was traded from the New Orleans Hornets. So whoever replaces Olshey in the Clippers' front office has that on his agenda as well.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com


The Magic soon could face more competition for coaching candidates - by Eurobasket News

If the Orlando Magic want to ensure they can hire their first choice for their next head coach, whomever that may be, team officials would be well-served to keep in mind developments in the Pacific Northwest.

On Monday, the Portland Trail Blazers hired Neil Olshey to serve as their general manager. The move allows the Trail Blazers to begin the process of selecting a permanent head coach. Either the Blazers will retain interim coach Kaleb Canales or they will look outside their organization.

It would be dangerous for the Magic if Olshey jettisons Canales and begins a coaching search before the Magic hire someone to head their basketball operations department. The Magic wont begin their coaching search until they hire someone to replace Otis Smith.

All indications are that the Magic are at least two days away from hiring Smiths replacement. Indeed, the process could go into next week. Once CEO Alex Martins has selected finalists, those finalists will need to meet with the DeVos family. And, then, and only then, will the Magic make a final decision.

Possible hires include former New Orleans Hornets general manager Jeff Bower, San Antonio Spurs vice president/assistant general manager Dennis Lindsey, Oklahoma City Thunder vice president/assistant general manager Troy Weaver, Thunder assistant GM Rob Hennigan and Indiana Pacers director of player personnel Kevin Pritchard.

Former Knicks and Pacers executive Donnie Walsh never was a viable candidate because he was monitoring the situation in Indiana, waiting to see if Larry Bird would step down from his position.

As for potential Magic coaches, possible candidates include Pacers associate head coach Brian Shaw, Golden State Warriors lead assistant Michael Maloney, former Seattle SuperSonics and Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan and former Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan.

So far, circumstances elsewhere in the league have allowed the Magic to move at a relatively deliberate pace in their GM search:

The Charlotte Bobcats did not win the NBA draft lottery, and that loss will prevent the struggling franchise from selecting the drafts one definite difference-maker, Kentucky standout Anthony Davis. Without Davis, the Bobcats head-coaching job remains an unattractive vacancy.

The New York Knicks kept Mike Woodson.

The Clippers retained coach Vinny Del Negro.

The Washington Wizards elevated interim coach Randy Wittman to a permanent role.

But the Blazers hiring of Olshey could force the Magic to move a bit more quickly.

Courtesy of http://articles.orlandosentinel.com


Spurs eliminated with 107-99 loss to Thunder - by Eurobasket News

For the San Antonio Spurs, a season spent building greatness unraveled almost in an instant.

From 20 straight wins to four consecutive losses, from 18 points up to behind when it counted, the Spurs saw it all wash away too fast.

Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) had 34 points and 14 rebounds while playing all of regulation for the first time all season, and the Oklahoma City Thunder came back from an 18-point deficit to eliminate San Antonio with a 107-99 victory in Game 6 of the Western Conference finals on Wednesday night.

"It is very disappointing. I thought this was our time to get back to the finals and push for another championship," said four-time champion Tim Duncan, who had 25 points and 14 rebounds.

"That was our singular goal but obviously it ends here."

Just a week earlier, the Spurs seemed well on their way. They were only the fourth NBA team ever to win 20 straight games. Then came four losses in seven days.

"It's upsetting for the organization, the team, the fans and the city. It's something where we were definitely trying to get to the championship," said Stephen Jackson (6'8''-F/G-78, college: Butler Co.CC), who hit six 3-pointers and scored 23 points.

"It's upsetting. Tim wanted it bad and I wanted it bad for Tim. At the end of the day you have to take your hats off to those guys."

Russell Westbrook (6'3''-PG-88, college: UCLA) added 25 points for the Thunder, who erased a 15-point halftime deficit before pulling ahead to stay in the fourth.

Durant grabbed the final rebound, dribbled the ball across halfcourt and raised his right fist to celebrate with a sold-out crowd wearing free white T-shirts. The franchise will play for the NBA title for the first time since 1996, before relocating from Seattle.

Even before the final buzzer, Durant indulged by hugging his mother and brother seated courtside after a foul was called with 14 seconds remaining.

"I never want to take those moments for granted," Durant said. "I know it's just one step closer to our dreams, but it felt good."

Tony Parker (6'0''-PG-82) had 29 points and 12 assists for San Antonio, but only eight of the points and two assists came in the second half. Oklahoma City outscored the Spurs 59-36 after halftime.

The Thunder took the lead for good early in the fourth quarter, getting nine of their first 13 points on free throws as the fouls started to pile up for San Antonio - six on the defensive end and three on the offensive end in the first 7 minutes.

Even Durant drew what he thought was his first charge of the season, stepping in front of Ginobili.

"Down the stretch, it seemed like they got every whistle possible and that really changed the tide," Duncan said. "We were playing tough defense and trying to get stops, but the whistle kept blowing and they went to the line."

The Thunder, only three years removed from a 3-29 start that had them on pace for the worst record in NBA history, went through the only three West teams to reach the finals since 1998 - Dallas, the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio - to earn their shot at the title.

Game 1 of the NBA finals will be Tuesday night in Oklahoma City against either Boston or Miami. The Celtics lead that series 3-2 and can earn a trip to the finals with a win at home in Game 6 on Thursday night.

The Spurs had the home-court edge in this series after pushing past Oklahoma City during the last month of the regular season for the best record in the league. But the Thunder took that back by winning Game 5 in San Antonio on Monday night.

"There's not much to complain about," San Antonio's Manu Ginobili said. "We had a great run. We just couldn't beat these guys."

Derek Fisher and James Harden hit 3-pointers in a three-possession span to bump Oklahoma City's lead to 99-93 with 3:13 remaining. Jackson, who had made his previous six 3-pointers, and Parker both missed 3s that would have gotten the Spurs within 103-102 in the final minute.

The Spurs put up quite a fight, at least for the first half.

Parker, who had been largely bottled up ever since the Thunder put 6-foot-7 defensive specialist Thabo Sefolosha on him in Game 3, had a hand in the Spurs' first 12 baskets, making seven on his own and assisting on the other five.

Kawhi Leonard (6'7''-F-91, college: San Diego St.) and Jackson followed his three-point play by nailing back-to-back 3-pointers for a 34-16 advantage in the final 2 minutes of the first quarter.

The Thunder stormed back with an 11-2 run to start the third quarter and eventually pulled ahead after Durant's 3-pointer from the top of the key made it 79-77 with 1:41 left in the period.

"The third quarter, it was like playing in mud," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "So, that was our downfall as much as anything."

Notes: Popovich, whose request for his team to play nasty led to T-shirts being made in San Antonio, said at the morning shootaround that his team needed to play "with a little bit of ugly." Not nasty? "I was trying to stay away from that word," he said. ... San Antonio had a 29-28 edge in the second quarter after getting outscored 138-106 in the period in the first five games - dropping more than six points per game. ... Greg Willard was initially scheduled to be one of the three officials but pulled out due to illness. Rodney Mott replaced him, alongside Joe Crawford and Bill Kennedy.

Courtesy of www.kansascity.com


Gary Neal not on flight to OKC - by Eurobasket News

Update: Jeff McDonald reported at 6:58 p.m. that Gary Neal (6'4''-G-84, college: Towson) is scheduled to rejoin the Spurs on Wednesday in Oklahoma City.

Original story: Guard Gary Neal was not on board the Spurs flight from San Antonio to Oklahoma City on Tuesday afternoon, coach Gregg Popovich said.

Hes not feeling well, Popovich told the Express-News.

Asked if it was anything serious, Popovich said, No.

In 15 minutes off the bench Monday night, Neal scored 2 points by sinking a pair of free throws. He was 0 for 6 from the field in Game 5, including 0 for 3 from 3-point territory.

Courtesy of http://blog.mysanantonio.com


*****************************************************
  NBLCANADA   


Oshawa Power protect five players in advance of NBL Canada free agency - by Eurobasket News

As the National Basketball League of Canada's off-season continues, the Oshawa Power took a big step forward this week in ensuring they can floor a competitive team next season.

While teams prepare for the 2012 NBL Canada pre-draft combine and NBL Canada draft, they were also required by league rules to submit a five-player protected list by May 30. All those not protected will be available to teams throughout the league via free agency.

The Power, not surprisingly, opted to hold onto the rights of shooting guard/small forward Brandon Robinson (6'6''-F-89, college: Clayton St.), power forward Omari Johnson (6'9''-F, college: Oregon St.), small forward Morgan Lewis (6'4''-F-87, college: Findlay, OH), forward Jushey Rockett (6'6''-F-84, college: Alaska-Fairb.) and guard/forward Marcus Johnson (6'3''-G-87, college: Dayton).

Robinson was a force at the offensive end in year one with the Power, leading the league in scoring at 19.9 points per game, while Lewis was the first overall pick in last summer's draft and led the league in steals, while finishing ninth in league scoring.

Omari Johnson was first in the league in blocks, fourth in the league in points and sixth in rebounds, while Marcus Johnson led the league in field goal percentage.

Rocket, meanwhile, played in just 11 games due to some paperwork issues that sidelined him during mid-season, but was key at both ends of the floor for the Power, especially during a late-season playoff push.

Two of the team's two Canadian players, Toronto's Tut Ruach and Pickering's Papa Oppong, will be subjected to the league's free agent process.

Courtesy of www.durhamregion.com


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


Marian to hire former Butler coach Todd Lickliter - by Eurobasket News

Todd Lickliter is coming back to Indianapolis.

The former Butler and Iowa coach will be named Marian University's next head coach Wednesday, a person with knowledge of the hire told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The person requested anonymity because the announcement had not yet been made.

Marian has scheduled a 2 p.m. news conference to make the announcement.

It's a splashy move for an NAIA school that was looking for its first new head coach in more than three decades.

And Lickliter, who replaced Thad Matta at Xavier and Steve Alford at Iowa, again has some big shoes to fill replacing John Grimes, who retired March 28.

What Lickliter gives Marian is a national name.

The 57-year-old coach went 131-61 in six seasons at Butler, winning three league titles and the 2006 NIT Season Tip-Off. He took the Bulldogs to the NCAA tournament's regional semifinals in 2003 and 2007 and was chosen the 2006-07 national coach of the year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.

It was enough to convince Iowa officials that Lickliter should be Alford's successor.

But Lickliter never had as much success after leaving.

In three seasons at Iowa, his teams never won more than 15 games, never had a winning record and missed the NCAA tournament each of his three seasons. During his final season with the Hawkeyes, Lickliter also missed three non-conference games because he needed surgery to repair a tear in his carotid artery. Lickliter was fired in March 2010 after going 38-57 with the Hawkeyes.

Lickliter sat out the 2010-11 season, then returned to the bench last season as an assistant coach at Miami (Ohio).

Now, he's returning to Indy, just a few miles from his alma mater and the school where he enjoyed his greatest coaching success.

Lickliter began his college playing career as a guard at Central Florida Community College, then transferred to Butler in 1977. He graduated from Butler in 1979.

Lickliter spent the next eight seasons coaching two Indiana high schools Park Tudor and Danville before taking his first coaching job at Butler in 1988-89.

After one season, Lickliter returned to Danville High School for three more seasons.

He rejoined the college ranks in 1996 as an administrative assistant at Butler in 1996. He spent the next two seasons as an assistant at Eastern Michigan assistant, then was rehired by coach Barry Collier in 1999. When Collier left to take the Nebraska job in 2000, Lickliter became the top assistant on Matta's staff.

And when Matta left for Xavier in 2001, Lickliter was promoted again and led Butler to its first Top 25 ranking in 53 years and school-record victory totals in each of his first two seasons (26 in 2001-02 and 27 in 2002-03).

Courtesy of www.kitsapsun.com


Stanford hires ex-player Madsen as assistant coach - by Eurobasket News

Former Stanford star Mark Madsen (6'8''-F-76, college: Stanford) is coming back to the school as an assistant basketball coach.

Coach Johnny Dawkins said Tuesday that Madsen will replace the retired Dick Davey on his staff. Madsen will primarily work with post players.

Madsen helped lead the Cardinal to four NCAA tournament appearances and the 1998 Final Four during his collegiate career. He averaged 10.9 points and 7.9 rebounds per game in his career and earned the nickname "Mad Dog'' for his aggressive style.

He played nine years in the NBA with the Lakers and Minnesota, winning two championships in Los Angeles.

Madsen spent the past two years on campus completing his MBA and accompanied the team on a trip to Spain last September.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com


Former UNC-Wilmington G Donte Morales charged in felony drug case - by Eurobasket News

My colleague Jeff Goodman spends weeks of his life each year compiling a list of Division I transfers who are coming and going. It's a seemingly never-ending process that currently includes more than 425 names, among them North Carolina-Wilmington's Donte Morales (6'5''-F).

Morales averaged 7.2 points and 3.2 rebounds last season.

He then decided to transfer.

And it now looks like he might spend next season ... in prison.

Here's the mugshot from earlier today.

Click the link and you'll see that Morales was arrested and charged with a number of crimes -- including felony possession of marijuana and conspiracy to sell or deliver marijuana. In other words, police are saying, if you ever needed weed in Wilmington there's a good chance Morales could get it for you, and he'd probably be willing to deliver it, too. Now the 21-year-old is in jail with a $35,000 bond, and his college career has likely come to an end. (Update the transfer list accordingly, Goodman.)

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com (by Gary Parrish)


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

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

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

Regular Season: Round 10

Jun. 8: Barako Bull - Petron Blaze
Jun. 8: Rain or Shine - Powerade T.


PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Zach GRAHAM
  Air21 E.
  (198-G-89)
  Avg: 35.3
 1. Graham, Air21 E.35.3 
 2. Bozeman, Ginebra28.7 
 3. Harris, Talk N Text27.8 
 4. David, Powerade T.27.5 
 5. Basden, Petron B.25.0 
 6. Cornley, Rain o.24.3 
 7. Blakely, B-Meg L.23.3 
 8. Forte, Alaska Aces23.3 
 9. Oguchi, Meralco Bo.23.0 
 10. Mercado, Meralco21.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 16
 1. Blakely, B-Meg L.16.0 
 2. Graham, Air21 E.15.7 
 3. Forte, Alaska Aces15.0 
 4. Peterson, Barako B.13.0 
 5. Cornley, Rain o.12.0 
 6. Harris, Talk N Text12.0 
 7. Bozeman, Ginebra10.0 
 8. Hugnatan, Meralco9.3 
 9. Santos, Petron B.9.0 
 10. Basden, Petron B.8.8 
Assists Per Game
 Jimmy ALAPAG
  Talk N Text
  (177-PG-77)
  Avg: 8.7
 1. Alapag, Talk N Te.8.7 
 2. Casio, Powerade T.6.5 
 3. Cortez, Ginebra6.0 
 4. Miller, Barako Bull6.0 
 5. Hubalde, Air21 E.5.3 
 6. Tenorio, Alaska A.5.3 
 7. Bozeman, Ginebra5.0 
 8. Ross, Meralco5.0 
 9. Blakely, B-Meg L.4.7 
 10. Norwood, Rain o.4.7 
Steals Per Game
 Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Blakely, B-Meg L.3.3 
 2. Basden, Petron B.2.8 
 3. Mercado, Meralco2.0 
 4. Cortez, Ginebra2.0 
 5. Bozeman, Ginebra1.7 
 6. Ildefonso, Petron1.7 
 7. Urbiztondo, B-Meg1.7 
 8. Dillinger, Talk N.1.5 
 9. Harris, Talk N Text1.5 
 10. Macapagal, Meralc.1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Blakely, B-Meg L.2.3 
 2. Forte, Alaska Aces1.7 
 3. Thoss, Alaska Aces1.5 
 4. Seigle, Barako Bull1.3 
 5. Baguio, Alaska Ac.1.3 
 6. Faundo, Air21 E.1.3 
 7. Norwood, Rain o.1.0 
 8. Basden, Petron B.1.0 
 9. Santos, Petron B.1.0 
 10. deOcampo, Talk N.0.8 


Meralco Bolts add Mario West - by Eurobasket News

Meralco Bolts seriously strengthened their roster. They agreed on terms of contract with former NBA player Mario West (195-G-84, college: Georgia Tech). The guard spent the last season in Italy. Mario West played for Tezenis Verona. He tallied 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.1 steals and 1.4 assists per game in LegaDue. Previously Mario West had stints with Cocolos de San Pedro, New Jersey Nets, Maine Red Claws, Atlanta Hawks. He played in NBA Eastern Conference semifinals in 2009 and 2010. Mario West was named into D-League All-Defensive 2nd Team in 2011.
Meralco Bolts are currently at 1-2 record in PBA season. They will host B-Meg Llamados next.


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

DBE Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Walter HODGE
  Zastal ZG
  (183-PG-86)
  Avg: 19.4
 1. Hodge, Zastal ZG19.4 
 2. Corbett, Siarka J.16.1 
 3. Miller, Siarka J.15.9 
 4. Dylewicz, Trefl So.15.8 
 5. Kulig, PBG Basket15.7 
 6. Motiejunas, Asseco15.7 
 7. Micic, PBG Basket15.7 
 8. Blassingame, Assec.15.6 
 9. Burrell, Energa C.15.6 
 10. Koszarek, Trefl S.15.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Darrell HARRIS
  Kotwica
  (208-F/C-84)
  Avg: 11.6
 1. Harris, Kotwica11.6 
 2. Lawal, Zastal ZG10.2 
 3. Hrycaniuk, Asseco8.3 
 4. Dluski, LKS Lodz8.1 
 5. Burgess, Trefl S.8.0 
 6. Archibeque, Zastal8.0 
 7. Turek, Trefl Sopot7.4 
 8. Doaks, Siarka J.7.3 
 9. Simmons, Polpharma7.2 
 10. Bartosz, PBG Bas.7.1 
Assists Per Game
 Robert SKIBNIEWSKI
  Slask W.
  (182-G-83)
  Avg: 7.2
 1. Skibniewski, Slask7.2 
 2. Blassingame, Assec.6.6 
 3. Hodge, Zastal ZG5.7 
 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 Basket4.5 
 10. Moore, PGE Turow4.4 
Steals Per Game
 Krzysztof SZUBARGA
  Anwil
  (182-G-84)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Szubarga, Anwil1.7 
 2. Skibniewski, Slask1.5 
 3. Sapp, Kotwica1.5 
 4. Tiller, Siarka J.1.5 
 5. Miller, Siarka J.1.4 
 6. Dabrowski, Polph.1.4 
 7. Ponitka, AZS P.1.4 
 8. Hodge, Zastal ZG1.4 
 9. Motiejunas, Asseco1.4 
 10. Nikolic, PBG Bask.1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Darrell HARRIS
  Kotwica
  (208-F/C-84)
  Avg: 1.6
 1. Harris, Kotwica1.6 
 2. Eziukwu, AZS K.1.6 
 3. Burgess, Trefl S.1.6 
 4. Kesicki, Kotwica1.4 
 5. Morrison, Energa C.1.3 
 6. Karnowski, Siarka1.2 
 7. Lawal, Zastal ZG1.1 
 8. Lauderdale, PGE T.1.1 
 9. Mladenovic, Slask1.1 
 10. Doaks, Siarka J.1.0 


Asseco Prokom defend PLK title - by Eurobasket News

Asseco Prokom - Trefl Sopot 76:68

Asseco Prokom defended their PLK title. Again. They are now holding nine straight PLK titles extending their dominance in the Polish basketball. Asseco Prokom held off ambitious Trefl Sopot in Gdynia tonight to win the title series 4-3. Jerel Blassingame (175-G-81, college: UNLV) was named PLK Finals MVP.
Asseco Prokom build the decisive lead in the first half. They were up by four points 20:16 after ten minutes. But the second quarter propelled to much more comfortable advantage. The hosts limited Trefl Sopot to just 9 points in the period building a 43:25 halftime lead. The visitors tried to revive the intrigue after the long break. Trefl Sopot added offensive aggressiveness and knocked down 24 points in the third period. They cut the margin to 13 points before the fourth frame. Trefl Sopot narrowed the gap even more but eventually it proved too deep to overcome as Asseco Prokom rallied to the victory. Donatas Motiejunas (213-F/C-90, agency: Interperformances) posted 23 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Jerel Blassingame chipped in 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in the winning case. Filip Dylewicz (202-F-80) answered with 22 points for Trefl Sopot. Lukasz Koszarek (187-G-84) nailed 16 points in defeat.

Asseco Prokom: Donatas Motiejunas 23+11 boards, Jerel Blassingame 17, Przemyslaw Zamojski 8, Przemyslaw Frasunkiewicz 8
Trefl Sopot: Filip Dylewicz 22, Lukasz Koszarek 16


Poland U20 lose two in Berlin - by Eurobasket News

Polish U20 National Team travelled to Berlin to play two exhibition games against their German counterparts. Poland suffered two losses in a row.
Both games however turned into tough battles. Germany managed to post a 68:64 win in Game 1. The hosts started strong taking a 5-point halftime lead. They stretched it to 8 points before the fourth quarter but Poland struck back and trimmed the deficit falling short just at the end. Daniel Theis (207-C-92) stepped up with 22 points to pace Germany. Michal Michalak (194-G-93, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) delivered 15 points for Poland. Przemyslaw Karnowski (214-C-93) added 13 points, while Tomasz Gielo (205-F-93) finished with 12 in defeat.
Next game was another close affair. Poland enjoyed a 12:11 lead after ten minutes. But Germany denied the deficit and recorded a 34:26 halftime lead. Poland got within 4 points before the fourth term. But Germany kept the visitors at bay throughout the final frame and sealed a 62:57 victory at the end. Maximilian Kleber (207-F-92) delivered 17 points to lead the charge. Michal Michalak stepped up once again for Poland scoring 18 points. Michal Sokolowski (196-G-92) netted 9 points in the loss.


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


Cristian Achim, a two years deal with CSM Oradea - by Ana Dutu

Cristian Achim, one of the most appreciated romanian coaches at the moment and also the coach who has been training CSM Oradea since november 2009, decided to continue with the team and signed another two years deal. According to the official site of the team Cristian Achim received offers from BC Timisoara and Gaz Metan Medias but decided to remain in Oradea and continue his hard work at the team." I am pleased with how I collaborated with the club management since I have signed with CSM Oradea. The good results and also the public made me decide to sign for another season. Oradea is now considered a city of basketball because of the team and its supporters" declared Cristian Achim for a local newspaper.
Besides Cristian Achim, other two main players of CSM Oradea decided to renew their contracts. Milos Pesic (205-F-84) and Silviu Lupusavei (183-PG-81) signed with CSM for the next season. CSM Oradea finished the regular season on the 5th position with twenty wins and eight losses.


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


Fedor Dmitriev earn the title with Prokom - by Eurobasket News

Fedor Dmitriev (205-F-84, agency: Alti Sport) and his Asseco Prokom defended their PLK title. They are now holding nine straight PLK titles extending their dominance in the Polish basketball. Asseco Prokom held off ambitious Trefl Sopot in Gdynia tonight to win the title series 4-3. Jerel Blassingame was named PLK Finals MVP.
Asseco Prokom build the decisive lead in the first half. They were up by four points 20:16 after ten minutes. But the second quarter propelled to much more comfortable advantage. The hosts limited Trefl Sopot to just 9 points in the period building a 43:25 halftime lead. The visitors tried to revive the intrigue after the long break. Trefl Sopot added offensive aggressiveness and knocked down 24 points in the third period. They cut the margin to 13 points before the fourth frame. Trefl Sopot narrowed the gap even more but eventually it proved too deep to overcome as Asseco Prokom rallied to the victory. Donatas Motiejunas posted 23 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Jerel Blassingame chipped in 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in the winning case. Filip Dylewicz answered with 22 points for Trefl Sopot. Lukasz Koszarek nailed 16 points in defeat.
Fedor Dmitriev scored 2 points in Game 7 and had 7 points in Game 6. He averaged 5.5 points per game in the Polsih league.


*****************************************************
  SLOVENIA   


Zoran Martic returns to Ukraine - by Eurobasket News

Zoran Martic is back to Ukraine. The Slovenian specialist returned to his former team Khimik Yuzny for the next season. Martic led them two years ago and it was his first time in Ukraine. The 46-year-old coach finished this season with Hungarian Kormed. They hired him in February and Martic led the club to Hungarian league Semifinals. Kormend also reached Hungarian Cup Semis. Before Kormend and Khimik, Zoran Martic worked with Union Olimpija as Assistant Coach. In the past, he was a Head Coach of Helios, Pivovarna Lasko, APOEL Nicosia and Buducnost. The coach also has experience from Krka, Rogla and Ilrija. He led Slovenian U22, U21 and U20 National Teams in the past.


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

Stats Leaders - ACB

Points Per Game
 Andy PANKO
  Lagun A.
  (204-F-77)
  Avg: 18.6
 1. Panko, Lagun A.18.6 
 2. Doellman, Assignia16.8 
 3. Teletovic, Caja L.15.8 
 4. Wright, CAI Z.14.5 
 5. Penney, Fuenlabra.14.4 
 6. Davis, Cajasol14.1 
 7. De Colo, Valencia13.5 
 8. Navarro, FCB Regal13.5 
 9. Hettsheimer, CAI Z.13.3 
 10. Freeland, Unicaja12.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 James AUGUSTINE
  UCAM M.
  (208-F-84)
  Avg: 8.3
 1. Augustine, UCAM M.8.3 
 2. Ivanov, Lucentum7.9 
 3. Borchardt, B.de R.7.7 
 4. Freeland, Unicaja7.5 
 5. Davis, Cajasol7.3 
 6. Williams, FIATC J.7.1 
 7. Caner-Medley, Vale.6.7 
 8. Gabriel, Asefa E.6.5 
 9. Hettsheimer, CAI Z.6.4 
 10. Lasme, Blusens M.6.3 
Assists Per Game
 Javier RODRIGUEZ
  Assignia.
  (189-G-79)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Rodriguez, Assigni.6.5 
 2. Salgado, Lagun A.4.3 
 3. Llull, Real Madrid4.0 
 4. Prigioni, Caja L.3.9 
 5. Rodriguez, Real M.3.9 
 6. Rodriguez, Bluse.3.8 
 7. Granger, Asefa E.3.8 
 8. Dumas, B.de R.3.7 
 9. Uriz, B.de Rueda V.3.4 
 10. Huertas, FCB Reg.3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Pablo PRIGIONI
  Caja L.
  (191-G-77)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Prigioni, Caja L.1.8 
 2. Doellman, Assignia1.5 
 3. Vidal, Lagun A.1.5 
 4. De Colo, Valencia1.5 
 5. Hanga, Assignia M.1.4 
 6. Calloway, Cajasol1.4 
 7. Uriz, B.de Rueda V.1.4 
 8. Udoka, UCAM M.1.4 
 9. Granger, Asefa E.1.3 
 10. Williams, FIATC J.1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Stephane LASME
  Blusens M.
  (203-F-82)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Lasme, Blusens M.1.9 
 2. Fischer, Gescrap BB1.9 
 3. Sene, Fuenlabrada1.7 
 4. Begic, Real Madrid1.4 
 5. Toure, B.de R.1.4 
 6. Ndong, FCB Regal1.1 
 7. Vazquez, FCB Regal1.0 
 8. Barnes, Lucentum1.0 
 9. Augustine, UCAM M.0.9 
 10. Joseph, Fuenlabr.0.9 


Teletovic's agent confirmed his client agreed a buyout fee with Caja Laboral for NBA clubs - by Antonio Carlo

According to his agent, Mirza Teletovic (206-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) has agreed terms with his current club Caja Laboral Vitoria for a buyout clause to head to the NBA.
Agent Misko Raznatovic has confirmed that his client is very close to move to the NBA after clinching a financial package with ACB giants Caja Laboral Vitoria. New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns y New Jersey Nets have shown interest to secure the services of the Bosnian power forward.
Teletovic arrived in Baskonia in 2006. He has played 239 games in ACB and he has averaged 26 minutes per game, 10,2 ppg, points and 4,2 rpg. He has won a Cup in 20009 and the League 2010 in Spain with the Basque club.
Meanwhile, Argentinian point guard Pablo Prigioni (191-G-77) has expressed his interest to extent his contractual relationship with Caja Laboral Vitoria. His contract has expired this summer.


Liga Endesa Finals start tonight at Palau Blaugrana - by Eurobasket News

First game of Liga Endesa Finals between Regal Barcelona and Real Madrid will be played tonight. The game starts at 20:45h (local time) at the Palau Blaugrana. The format is best-of-five. Barca is the defending champion in Spain and they also were the regular season champs. The team registered 29 wins in 34 games. Real Madrid was No.2 in regular season with 26-8 score. Barca eliminated Alicante with perfect 2-0 in the Quarterfinals and later met Valencia in the Semis. After 1-1 in Barcelona, they managed to celebrate twice in Valencia to close the series. Real Madrid had to work harder against Caja Laboral to reach the Finals. The series went to decisive Game Five, which belonged to Real Madrid 76-69. As mentioned above, first game of the Finals will be played tonight. Teams will meet again on June 8, 11, *13 and *16 (*if necessary). Barca has a home court advantage in the series.


Huertas' wild triple at the buzzer brings Regal Barca 81-80 win in Game One of Liga Endesa Finals - by Eurobasket News

Finals, Game 1: FCB Regal - Real Madrid 81-80 (1-0)

Regal Barca is 1-0 up in Liga Endesa Finals. The hosts trailed by 12 points after three quarters before their 27-14 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Actually, it was Marcelinho Huertas (191-PG-83, agency: Edge Sports) who made a wild triple at the buzzer for the final 81-80 victory. It was the first lead for Regal Barca in the second half. Before Huertas' bomb of the board, Sergio Llull missed a triple for Real Madrid. Regal FC Barcelona made 16-of-19 free shots (84.2 percent) during the game. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) drained 21 points for the winners, Slovenian big guy Erazem Lorbek (209-84, college: Michigan St.) had 18 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) and American forward Pete Mickeal (199-78, college: Cincinnati) added 17 points and 5 rebounds. At the losing side American-Azerbaijani point guard Jaycee Carroll (188-83, agency: Priority Sports) responded with 18 points and Croatian center Ante Tomic (217-87) scored 16 points and 7 rebounds. Four Real Madrid players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. The format is best-of-five and second game is scheduled for Friday. That game will also be played at the Palau Blaugrana. Barca is the defending champion and they also were the regular season champs.

Click HERE to see Huertas' triple.

FCB Regal: J.Carlos Navarro 21+1reb+1ast, E.Lorbek 18+5reb+1ast, P.Mickeal 17+5reb+1ast, B.Ndong 9+4reb, C.Eidson 6+2reb+1ast, F.Vazquez 3+7reb
Real Madrid: J.Carroll 18+4reb+2ast, A.Tomic 16+7reb, S.Llull 11+4reb+2ast, K.Singler 11+5reb+3ast, S.Rodriguez 7+1reb+7ast, N.Mirotic 7+3reb+1ast


Unicaja Malaga officially hires Jasmin Repesa - by Eurobasket News

As expected, Jasmin Repesa (agency: World Sport Agency) is a new Head Coach of Unicaja. The Malaga team officially announced this transfer today. Repesa and Cibona Zagreb won the Croatian league title last night with almost perfect 3-1 in the Playoff Finals against Cedevita. Cibona was the regular season champion in Croatia with impressive 14-0 record. They eliminated Zadar with 2-0 in the Semis. Jasmin Repesa took over Cibona in December. From January of 2010 until the last summer he worked with Benetton Treviso. Before that, Repesa coached Lottomatica Roma and Climamio Bologna. He also has experience from Slask Wroclaw, Split, Tofas Bursa, Croatian and Polish National Teams. Repesa will land in Spain as soon as he will finish his experience with Croatian National Team.


*****************************************************
  TAIWAN   


Mike Woodson: Lin is starting PG next season - by Eurobasket News

The New York Knicks don't plan on letting 'Linsanity' die down any time soon.

Head coach Mike Woodson told Michael Kay on ESPN Radio Monday that Jeremy Lin (6'3''-PG-88, college: Harvard) -- who hasnt played since injuring his knee and having surgery in March -- will be No. 1 at the point guard position next season.

"Right now, he is our starting point guard, without a doubt," Woodson said. "Ive always believed this: When a starter goes down he doesnt lose his job because of an injury. You welcome him back with open arms when he gets healthy and you keep it moving."

On whether or not the unrestricted free agent will actually be a New York Knick next season, Woodson simply stated, "Only time will tell."

If he does in fact return, the team plans to get him back in top form as soon as possible.

"Thats what were going to do when we get [Lin] signed," Woodson said. "Well get him back in uniform ... and get him ready for practice and camp and throw the ball in his hands and say, Lets go. "

Courtesy of www.sportsnet.ca


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


Tofas hires Ahmet Caki as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Tofas hired a new Head Coach. It is Turkish specialist Ahmet Caki , who signed a 2+1 year deal with the club. He replaces Nihat Izic.
Ahmet Caki most recently worked with Erdemir. He led them from December of 2008 until the end of the 2009/10 season. In 2007/08, Caki was a Head Coach of Mersin and before that he worked with Darussafaka. Last summer, Ahmet Caki led Turkish B National Team and four year ago he served as Assistant Coach of the Turkish NT. In 2009 with Erdemir coach Caki reached Turkish Cup Finals. In 2010, he coached at TBL All-Star Game.
Nihat Izic coached Tofas for the past five years. They were Turkish TB2L champion in 2009 and won the promotion for TBL. This season Tofas ended as No.8 in the league and reached TBL Quarterfinals.


Simone Pianigiani in the mix for Fenerbahce Ulker - by Eurobasket News

According to Turkish media, Simone Pianigiani is also one of the candidates for the Fenerbahce Ulker Head Coaching post. We already reported earlier that Fenerbahce also eyes Ettore Messina, Zeljko Obradovic and Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket). According to various sources they already offered deal to Messina.
Simone Pianigiani is currently the Head Coach of Montepaschi Siena. They advanced to Italian league Finals, where they will try to defend the championship title. Pianigiani took over Siena as a Head Coach in 2006. He won five straight SerieA titles with them. They also celebrated four times in Italian Cup. In 2008, Pianigiani was named Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague Coach of the Year.
Simone Pianigiani is also Head Coach of the Italian National Team. They will play in the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications.


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


Syracuse basketball links: How do the Orange's Class of 2011 recruits rank now? - by David Edole

Drew Cannon, of the hoops website Basketball Prospectus, recently took a look at the top 100 recruits from the Class of 2011, and re-ranked them based on their performance in their freshman seasons.

The Orange's Trevor Cooney was among seven redshirts in the BP's top 100 recruits from last season. Here is what Cannon said about Syracuse's other recruits, including Michael Gbinije, who played last season at Duke but has transferred to Syracuse. The first number is Cannon's re-ranking, the number in parenthesis is what the recruit was ranked coming out of high school.

71. Michael Gbinije, Duke (29): Based on pure performance, Gbinije would rank higher than this, but he played less than ten percent of the Blue Devils' available minutes. His 113 offensive rating is the highest, save Khem Birch, outside the top 50 here, and his defense, though rarely praised in high school, was excellent. He transferred to Syracuse at the end of the season.

54. Michael Carter-Williams, Syracuse (21): Syracuse just had too many good players last year for a solid freshman to break the top seven, but MCW was quite good in his limited minutes. He shot pretty well, which was unsurprising, but he also posted an unexpectedly fantastic assist rate.

49. Rakeem Christmas (205-F-91), Syracuse (20): He posted impressive rebounding and shot-blocking numbers, but Christmas represented quite a dropoff from Big East Defensive Player of the Year Fab Melo in Syracuse's vaunted 2-3 zone. The freshman wasn't expected to add much offensively, especially at first, but he made 57 percent of his two-point attempts in a small role. With another year of training for the key spot in the Orange D, Christmas should have plenty to offer this season.

By The Post-Standard The Post-Standard


*****************************************************
  UBA   


Joseph to join Williams in Circulo (Uruguay) - by David Walls


David Walls Reports:
May 31, 2012
ATLANTA, GA

Anthony Joseph (6'8''-F/C-82, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Emporia St.) will join Georgia Lions star James Williams (6'3''-G/F-85, college: Victory) as new members of Circulo Sportivo (Uruguay). The 29-year-old American signed a deal until the end of December for the start of the 2012-13 UBA season. He will help the team at post position. Joseph played for the number one ranked GIE Morrow Disciples (19-1) who went on to win the championship. He averaged 16.9 ppg and 10.6 rpg for 20 games.

Usbasket.com awarded Joseph for his solid play by naming him All-UBA 3rd team honors. He was also named a 2012 UBA All-Star for the first time in his UBA career.

He spent the end of the 2012 season in Mexico and in the Dominican Republic with teammate Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Point, GA). With Titanes de Miramar Joseph averaged 14.5ppg and 13.0rpg.

Joseph will leave for Salto, Uruguay August 1, 2012. He will debut in Blue and Red August 10th.


*****************************************************
  UGANDA   


Eagles fly over Vegetarians, Ameny gets Falcons past Angels - by Joel Nature

Raymond Bukenya scored 16 points to help Eagles beat Vegetarian 72-59 on Saturday evenning at YMCA. Eagles (3-5) took the first quarter 23-8 but Vegetarians chipped away in the second period and came with in 6 with 3:22 to the end of the quarter. Vegetarian (1-6) kept treaming away in the third and came as closer as 29-32 with 8:41 but that was the closest they could all the way.

Ivan Rumanyika's 8 points went along with 20 rebounds. Vegetarian, Micheal Oling scored game high 21 points, Lawrence Waligo added 10 points and picked 15 rebounds.

Philip Ameny scored 21 points and added 14 rebounds to lead Falcons to a 79-37 win over Ndejje University Angels. Stephen Omony added 18 points that went along with 14 rebounds on the Falcons dominant night. Ndejje had an awful shooting night. The university side was 16-for-60 on field goals. Angels (3-5) were also out rebounded 60-31 as they slipped for their second straight game. Geofrey Soro led Ndejje with 14 points and picked 10 rebounds.

UCU Canons bounced from last week's loss to Falcons with a 79-53 win over Rez Life. Bigman Desmond Owili paced UCU with 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Boniface Okello added 14 points and Innocent Odur chipped in with 13. Canons (5-3) limited Rez Life (7-0) to 4 points in the third to equal season low points scored in a quarter. Suudi Ulanga didnt score a single field goal. the was 0-for-2 Field Goals and 0-for-8 on 3-point Field Goals. Davis Apuli led Rez Life with 16 points, Daniel Jjuko added 11 points but also turned the ball over 10 times. William Odong added 10 points.

Meanwhile in the women's division, Martha Soigi poured in 22 points and grabbed 13 points to power KCCA Leopards to a 71-23 blow out victory over Nabisunsa on Sunday afternoon. Sarah Nassuna added 15 points and Joyce Zalwango put put 14 points for the Leopards. Ruth Nakitto scored 8 points for Nabisunsa.
UCU Lady Canons torched Crane High Ladies 85-24. Four Lady Canons scored in double digits led by Peace Proscovia 14 points, Purity Adhiambo 12 points, Maureen Amoding and Loreen Akiny scored 11 each. Sarah Ageno scored 8 points for Crane High.
MUK Cubs got into the way of the Magic Storm on Saturday afternoon and were blown out 63-11. Stormer Carol Nyafwono nailed game high 22 points and grabbed 20 rebounds and Julie Nakafeero added 15 points. Kimberly Ibale and Yaz Kasimu scored 3 points each for Cubs. A1 Challenge edged Amazon Rhino 48-43 led by Vickie Ntale's 16 points and 10 rebounds. Fenni Belinda led Amazon with 14 points


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


Budivelnyk hires Ainars Bagatskis as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Ainars Bagatskis (agency: Alti Sport) is the new Head Coach of Budivelnyk. The former Ukrainian champion announced signing of a 3-year deal with the coach (1+1+1). Bagatskis worked this season with Kryvbasbasket-Lux Kryvyi Rih. They finished as No.10 in Superleague with 15-24 record. Kryvyi Rih hired Bagatskis in November. Before that, the Latvian specialist started the season with Georgian Sokhumi Tbilisi. Ainars Bagatskis led Enisey Krasnoyarsk in 2009/10. In the past, he also coached SK Valmiera, Zalgiris Kaunas and Barons Riga. Bagatskis is currently Head Coach of the Latvian National Team and he coached them last summer at EuroBasket in Lithuania. Bagatskis is hired by Team Latvia in 2010. Before that, he worked with their University National Team.


Vitaliy Kovalenko will join Khimik Yuzny - by Eurobasket News

Khimik Yuzny are working actively to shape up their team for the next season. After signing contract with new head coach Zoran Martic the team brought in new player. His name is Vitaliy Kovalenko (203-F-84). The forward spent the last season with BC Donetsk. The forward notched 0.3 points and 1.3 rebounds per EuroCup game. In Superleague Vitaliy Kovalenko delivered 2.8 points and 2.0 rebounds per appearance. Previously the forward had stints with BC Kyiv, Hoverla, Cherkasy, Budivelnyk and Znicz Jaroslaw. Eurobasket.com named him into All-Polish 1Liga 2nd Team in 2006. He also participated at Ukrainian Superleague All-Star Game in 2011. Vitaliy Kovalenko was the member of Ukrainian National Team back in 2008.


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

Standings - Metropolitan League

Metropolitan Standings
 1. Cader 4-1 
 2. Urunday Univ. 4-2 
 3. Capitol 4-2 
 4. Larranaga 3-1 
 5. Atenas 3-2 
 6. Marne 3-2 
 7. Verdirrojo 2-3 
 8. Romis N. 2-4 
 9. Yale 2-4 
 10. Goes 1-4 
 11. Guruyu Waston 1-4 

Regular Season: Round 6

Jun. 4: Guruyu Waston - Capitol 95-80
Jun. 4: Atenas - Verdirrojo 95-78
Jun. 4: Yale - Goes 76-73
Jun. 4: Urunday Univ. - Cader 74-91
Jun. 4: Romis N. - Larranaga 48-62

Regular Season: Round 7

Jun. 8: Atenas - Guruyu Waston
Jun. 8: Cader - Verdirrojo
Jun. 8: Marne - Urunday Univ.
Jun. 8: Romis N. - Goes
Jun. 8: Yale - Larranaga


Results for the Metro league 6th round - by Hector Lopez

Results for the Metro League 6th round
Larranaga 62 - Gordon James (198-F-79, college: Bridgeport) 18 points 10 rebounds 2 blocks
Romis Nelimar 48 - Tarrie Monroe (202-F-77, college: Lewis) 18 points 10 rebounds
- - -
Atenas 95 - Johnny Rodriguez (197-F-83) 25 points 8 rebounds 5 assists, Anthony Johnson (203-F-88, college: Fairfield) 22 points 15 rebounds 3 blocks
Verdirrrojo 78 - Sebastian Munoz (180-G-80) 19 points 4 assists, Kevin Nelson (192-G-84, college: Park) 12 points 5 rebounds 5 assists.

Cader with a 4-1 record is the leader for the Metro League, the tournament to promote two teams to the Uruguayan League 2013.


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

Stats Leaders - LPB

Points Per Game
 Donald SIMS
  Gaiteros
  (185-PG-87)
  Avg: 24.1
 1. Sims, Gaiteros24.1 
 2. Holland, Toros23.1 
 3. Pena, Toros21.4 
 4. Rodgers, Marinos19.1 
 5. Adams, Guaiqueries18.9 
 6. Hickerson, Bucan.18.6 
 7. Stoll, Gigantes17.6 
 8. Edwin, Gaiteros17.5 
 9. Millsap, Guaros16.8 
 10. Elliott, Cocodril.16.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jack Michael MARTINEZ
  Cocodrilos
  (203-F/C-81)
  Avg: 10.5
 1. Martinez, Cocodril.10.5 
 2. Braggs, Gaiteros9.3 
 3. Pruitt, Trotamun.9.2 
 4. Fuller, Panteras9.2 
 5. Urbina, Toros8.5 
 6. Jackson, Guaiquer.7.8 
 7. Gransberry, Cocod.7.7 
 8. Allen, Marinos7.7 
 9. Sucre, Marinos7.4 
 10. Gilder, Trotamun.7.1 
Assists Per Game
 Paul STOLL
  Gigantes
  (178-PG-85)
  Avg: 6.8
 1. Stoll, Gigantes6.8 
 2. Vargas, Marinos5.7 
 3. Cubillan, Trotamun.5.2 
 4. Guillent, Bucaneros4.6 
 5. Guillent, Guaros4.3 
 6. Elliott, Cocodrilos4.2 
 7. Pena, Toros4.1 
 8. Braggs, Gaiteros4.1 
 9. Sims, Gaiteros3.5 
 10. Centeno, Cocodril.3.5 
Steals Per Game
 Paul STOLL
  Gigantes
  (178-PG-85)
  Avg: 4.3
 1. Stoll, Gigantes4.3 
 2. Pena, Toros2.8 
 3. Vargas, Marinos2.8 
 4. Guillent, Bucaneros2.8 
 5. Adams, Guaiqueries2.5 
 6. Elliott, Cocodrilos2.5 
 7. Sims, Gaiteros2.5 
 8. Horton, Panteras2.3 
 9. Gilder, Trotamun.2.0 
 10. Edwin, Gaiteros1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Rammel ALLEN
  Marinos
  (210-C-79)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Allen, Marinos2.3 
 2. Moss, Marinos2.0 
 3. Lugo, Guaiqueries1.8 
 4. Osorio, Panteras1.5 
 5. Hardin, Marinos1.4 
 6. Graterol, Cocodril.1.3 
 7. Gilder, Trotamun.1.1 
 8. Warner, Bucaneros1.1 
 9. Romero, Trotamun.1.0 
 10. Marriaga, Marinos0.9 




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

Women News


Argentina post second win over Bulgaria - by Eurobasket News

Bulgaria - Argentina 53:60

Argentina earned the second win in the test series versus Bulgaria. They knocked down the hosts by 7 points in Pravets. Andrea Boquete Manna (183-F/C-90) and Sandra Pavon (175-PG-85) finished with 13 points each for the winners.
Bulgaria grabbed an early lead. They were up by 7 points after ten minutes 22:15. Argentina stressed defence and held the hosts to 9 points in the second quarter trimming the deficit to 3 points 28:31. The Latin American team got within one at the final break. Argentina then went on a 16:8 rally in the final frame to seal the victory. Agostina Burani (188-F/C-91, agency: Players Group) notched 12 points for the winners. Jaklin Zlatanova (190-F-88) answered with 13 points for Bulgaria. Daniela Peteva (179-F-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) had 12 points in the loss.

Bulgaria: Jaklin Zlatanova 13, Daniela Peteva 12
Argentina: Andrea Boquete Manna 13, Sandra Pavon 13, Agostina Burani 12


*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA   


Townsville Fire bring in Kayla Standish - by Eurobasket News

Townsville Fire bolstered their roster. They announced the signing of Kayla Standish (187-F-89, agency: LBM Management, college: Gonzaga). The forward will start her pro career in Australia. Kayla Standish just graduated from Gonzaga. She tallied 16.4 points, 7.5 boards, 1.5 blocks, 1.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game in her senior season. Kayla Standish helped Gonzaga made it into NCAA Sweet 16 this season. Kayla Standish was named into All-WCC 1st Team for the second season in a row. The forward was drafted by the New York Liberty in the second round of WNBA Draft. The player was immediately traded to the Minnesota Lynx. She spent the pre-season with the Lynx but did not make it to the roster. Kayla Standish played for the USA National Team in 2011. The forward participated at 2011 Panamerican Games in Mexico. Her stats read 2.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.0 block per game at the tourney.


*****************************************************
  BELGIUM   


Meesseman signs contract for 2012-2014 with French team ESBVA LM - Villeneuve d'Ascq - by Bert Larsimont

Yves Lejeune, FIBA Player's agent of LBM Management, sent us a press release this morning. Through this press release, we have had more information on where Emma Meesseman (192-C-93) will play next season.

FIBA Europe Young Women's Player of the Year 2011, Belgian talent Emma Meesseman has signed a contract for the seasons 2012-2014 with the French team of Villeneuve d'Ascq ESB Lille Metropole.

The President of the club Mr. Carmelo Scarna is happy to offer the opportunity for the development of the young player in her first experience as a professional basketball player away from home.

The French team Villeneuve d'Ascq ESB Lille Metropole wants to thank the Russian club of Spartak Vidnoje Moscow Region for the confidence they give in the development of Emma Meesseman.

The young Belgian player will play in France next season and then for Russian Superleague powerhouse Spartak Vidnoje Moscow Region, the club that hired Meesseman for a long period (see previous story: http://www.eurobasket.com/Belgium/basketball.asp?NewsID=273687&Women=1)

"I would like to thank President Scarna, General Manager Cavelier and the technical staff of Villeneuve d'Ascq ESB Lille Metropole for trusting me and helping me still progress as a basketball player in their club. It is for me a great opportunity to be given a try in the French competition. I want to help my team to perform in the LFB (French league) and I cannot wait for this challenge. This club allows me to go on with my studies, which is important for me and essential in my life", said Meesseman.


Storm center Ann Wauters talks about international play - by Eurobasket News

Ann Wauters (6'5''-C-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas), who joined the Storm this season, played for a team in Spain that won the EuroLeague title this year. Then the team folded, still owing Wauters and other players money.

Editor's note: Seattle Times reporter Jayda Evans will have a weekly conversation with a newsmaker in the WNBA. This week she speaks with Storm center Ann Wauters, who won a EuroLeague title with Spain's Ros Casares in April. The team folded May 30. It's a hit to global women's basketball as countries elsewhere limit numbers of international players and are unable to pay the lucrative salaries used to compensate for low WNBA base pay.


Q: Ros Casares, based in Valencia, Spain, paid big bucks to Maya Moore, Lauren Jackson, Sancho Lyttle and you to win its only EuroLeague title. How did you react to it suddenly folding?

Ann Wauters: You could kind of feel it coming. They have a GM and she knows what she's doing. Everybody was saying, 'Oh, they have so many big players,' and it's true. But she stayed in the budget. She didn't go crazy and I feel sad about this whole situation. I had a good year there, it was fun and it was great winning. Now it stops.


Q: And the players are still waiting to be paid?

AW: The bonuses still haven't been paid and the last month (salary). It's (not a lot) but we've got to have it. It's a bad situation. But in Spain, the economy is really, really bad, so in some way it doesn't surprise me that all of a sudden the owner says, "Listen, I don't have enough money to keep this team alive."


Q: You're playing in Turkey and Jackson is playing in Australia next fall. Was your decision because you felt this could happen?

AW: I made the decision a little bit before. I had a nice offer from Turkey and it was kind of like we won here (Spain) and I knew some players were leaving already. It was going to be hard, anyway, to repeat the same thing, and I felt they wouldn't have the same budget, so I took a new opportunity.


Q: You've played internationally for more than a decade. Do teams fold often?

AW: It does happen that a great team all of a sudden has less of a budget. But goes away completely? That doesn't happen that often. I was on a team in Russia and it happened there, a big team going away. It was surprising, but also a big time of (economic) crisis as well.


Q: Now teams in Turkey are paying the eye-popping salaries. Are you surprised at the money, given attendance and exposure in Europe is far less than the WNBA?

AW: When I was in Russia with some girls (2007-10), we said we were sure then we're at the top (in salary) and it was never going to be like that, again. Then it keeps on going year after year. They still have players like (Diana) Taurasi and (Candace) Parker who have a crazy amount of contracts. Ten years ago, nobody would dare to dream that.


Q: Should there be a global salary cap, pooling the money so teams aren't dependent on one sponsor or person to survive?

AW: A lot of teams work like that we are dependent on one big sponsor. So, it's hard for women's sports. Maybe in the future, do it like how you guys do it here, with a secure business. But let's wait until I'm done and then I'll say, "Yeah, salary cap!" I'm joking. I don't know if that's a solution. If you have a budget and it's only one person, it's always going to be hard.

Courtesy of http://seattletimes.nwsource.com


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


NBL champion Dunav 8806 lands rookie Amanda Johnson - by Eurobasket News

Dunav 8806 announced its first signing for the next season. The reigning Bulgarian champion penned a deal with American forward Amanda Johnson (187-F-90, agency: LBM Management, college: Oregon). This is the first professional deal for the player. She spent some time with the Phoenix Mercury during the WNBA pre-season, but did not appear in any official game with the club. Amanda Johnson graduated at the University of Oregon something more than a year ago. She had 18 ppg and 9.6 rpg for her school in their last season together. For her performance Johnson was awarded with All-Pac-12 1st Team -12. She also picked up Division I Academic All-District 8 Team -12 and CoSIDA Capital One Academic All-America 1st Team -11, 12. Earlier this year Johnson was selected in third round of the WNBA Draft. Phoenix selected her as 33rd overall pick.


Dunav Ruse landed Amanda Johnson - by Christomir Rackov

Dunav 8806 Ruse signed their first new player for the 2012/2013 season. Amanda Johnson (agency: LBM Management, college: Oregon) will play for the Bulgarian champions and thiswill be her first European experience. She is 187 cm tall and plays as a forward.

Johnson played for the University of Oregon for the last four years and in her senior year she averaged 18.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game. She was drafted by the Connecticut Sun in the 3rd round of this year's WNBA draft and her rights were subsequently traded to the Phoenix Mercury.

"She's an exciting player and I think shell help our team", said the Dunav head coach Georgi Bozhkov .


Argentina post second win over Bulgaria - by Eurobasket News

Bulgaria - Argentina 53:60

Argentina earned the second win in the test series versus Bulgaria. They knocked down the hosts by 7 points in Pravets. Andrea Boquete Manna (183-F/C-90) and Sandra Pavon (175-PG-85) finished with 13 points each for the winners.
Bulgaria grabbed an early lead. They were up by 7 points after ten minutes 22:15. Argentina stressed defence and held the hosts to 9 points in the second quarter trimming the deficit to 3 points 28:31. The Latin American team got within one at the final break. Argentina then went on a 16:8 rally in the final frame to seal the victory. Agostina Burani (188-F/C-91, agency: Players Group) notched 12 points for the winners. Jaklin Zlatanova (190-F-88) answered with 13 points for Bulgaria. Daniela Peteva (179-F-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) had 12 points in the loss.

Bulgaria: Jaklin Zlatanova 13, Daniela Peteva 12
Argentina: Andrea Boquete Manna 13, Sandra Pavon 13, Agostina Burani 12


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


Emma Meesseman joins Villeneuve d'Asco - by Eurobasket News

Emma Meesseman (192-C-93, agency: LBM Management) will play in France next season. She agreed on terms of contract with Villeneuve dAsco. As we reported previously Emma Meesseman has already penned deal with Spartak Moscow Region. However she will join the Russian powerhouse in two-year time.
Emma Meesseman spent the last four seasons playing in Belgium. She was the part of Blue Cats Ieper team. Fiba 2011 European Young Player Award holder had an amazing last season with Ieper. Emma Messeeman tallied 19.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.1 steals per game in D1. In EuroCup her stats read 14.8 points, 8.6 boards, 2.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. Eurobasket.com named the centre All-Belgian League Player of the Year. She has been the member of Belgian National Team since 2010.


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


Emma Meesseman joins Villeneuve d'Asco - by Eurobasket News

Emma Meesseman (192-C-93, agency: LBM Management) will play in France next season. She agreed on terms of contract with Villeneuve dAsco. As we reported previously Emma Meesseman has already penned deal with Spartak Moscow Region. However she will join the Russian powerhouse in two-year time.
Emma Meesseman spent the last four seasons playing in Belgium. She was the part of Blue Cats Ieper team. Fiba 2011 European Young Player Award holder had an amazing last season with Ieper. Emma Messeeman tallied 19.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.1 steals per game in D1. In EuroCup her stats read 14.8 points, 8.6 boards, 2.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. Eurobasket.com named the centre All-Belgian League Player of the Year. She has been the member of Belgian National Team since 2010.


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


Transfer news - by Chris Mammides

The Greek head Coach Georgios Dikeoulakos and Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul split ways. The sucesfull Greek Head Coach is heading all the way to the Romanian CSM Targoviste
Nikos Tolias is the new Head Coach of the team of Panionios. Thanos Softsis and Miltos Miliatis will be their assistant Coaches and responsibles for the U16 and U20 teams respectively.
Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) agreed financial terms with the Turkish Pankup Ted Kayseri Kolejspor
Nafsika Stavridou (182-G-86) is very close to sign with the Swedish Northland Basket Lulea
Head Coach Giorgos Leivadis and Theoni Tzegianaki (162-G-85) renewed his contract with Ravenna Esperides / Glyfada for the season 2012-2013
Dimitra Kalentzou (174-G-78) is very close to agree terms with the French Cercle Jean Mace Bourges
Stefanie Murfy (193-F/C-89) agreed financial terms with Union Saint-Amand Porte du Hainaut

Katie Douglas (185-G/F-79, college: Purdue) agreed financial terms with the Polish power house TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow


Northland negotiates with Greek guard Nafsika Stavridou - by Eurobasket News

Northland wants to sign Greek guard Nafsika Stavridou (182-G-86) for the next season. According to Swedish media, two sides are already in talks. Stavridou spent this season with Aris Thessaloniki. She appeared 23 times in Greek league averaging 12.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.7 steals. In 2010/11, Stavridou was a member of PAOK Thessaloniki. There she had 12.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 3.6 apg. For her performance the guard was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Greek League Honorable Mention -11 and she also participated at Greek league All-Star Game. In the past, Stavridou played for Apollon Ptolemaidos and APS Siemens. She is active member of the Greek National Team. She played for the country at 2010 World Championship in Czech Republic.


*****************************************************
  HUNGARY   


International Tournament in Karlovy Vary - by Adam Patonay

After the hungarian national team won against Latvia and Slovakia on home court they'll travel to Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. The hungarians will have very strong opponents. Horti and her team will meet with the home team, Czech Republic, Turkey and Autralia on this weekend.

The roster of the hungarian team: Dora Horti, Orsi Szecsi, Anna Vajda, Nora Nagy-Bujdoso, Anna Vida, Orsolya Zsovar, Zsofia Simon, Anna Lakloth, Kata Honti, Timea Czank, Krisztina Raksanyi, Allie Quigley. Head Coach: Stefan Svitek.


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


ISRAELI MARKET UPDATE ! - by Gil Goshen



Only one team signed players so far - Ramat Hasharon signed :
Alexis Gray-Lawson and Kaili McLaren. ( according to Safsal )
The rest of the team:
Ashdod, Ramla, Ramat Chen, Hapoel Tel Aviv, Hapoel Galil Elion ( new team ), Elitzur Tel Aviv ( new team )
Hapoel Rishon, Hapoel Petach Tykva, B.C Habykaa, Bnoth Hasharon, Netania are still in the process.
Some of them still do not know if they will play in div 1 and they are looking to confirm their budget..
We estimate that in two weeks most of them will start the process of signing players.


*****************************************************
  LATVIA   


Lithuania eke out win over Latvia in Kaunas - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania - Latvia 64:62

Lithuania opened the international tournament in Kaunas with victory. They defeated their Baltic rivals Latvia by just two points. Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) came up with 18 points and 7 rebounds for the winners.
Lithuania bravely opened the game. They went on a scoring spree in the starting quarter to take a 30:20 lead at the first break. Latvia paid much more attention to defence in the second quarter. They held the hosts to only 6 points in the second term and narrowed the deficit to 4 points at halftime 32:36. Latvia got closer in the third term. The visitors entered the final period down by just one point 54:53. Lithuania however managed to limit Latvia to only 12 points in the final quarter and snatched a tough victory at the end. Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) netted 11 points, while Gabriele Gutkauskaite (172-PG-90) and Kristina Vengryte (190-C-81) produced 8 points apiece in the winning effort. Aija Putnina (192-F/C-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) answered with 15 points for Latvia. Anda Eibele (170-G-84, agency: Josep and Nicolas) netted 11 points in the loss.

Lithuania: Gintare Petronyte 18, Marina Solopova 11, Gabriele Gutkauskaite 8, Kristina Vengryte 8
Latvia: Aija Putnina 15, Anda Eibele 11


*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA   


Lithuania eke out win over Latvia in Kaunas - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania - Latvia 64:62

Lithuania opened the international tournament in Kaunas with victory. They defeated their Baltic rivals Latvia by just two points. Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) came up with 18 points and 7 rebounds for the winners.
Lithuania bravely opened the game. They went on a scoring spree in the starting quarter to take a 30:20 lead at the first break. Latvia paid much more attention to defence in the second quarter. They held the hosts to only 6 points in the second term and narrowed the deficit to 4 points at halftime 32:36. Latvia got closer in the third term. The visitors entered the final period down by just one point 54:53. Lithuania however managed to limit Latvia to only 12 points in the final quarter and snatched a tough victory at the end. Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) netted 11 points, while Gabriele Gutkauskaite (172-PG-90) and Kristina Vengryte (190-C-81) produced 8 points apiece in the winning effort. Aija Putnina (192-F/C-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) answered with 15 points for Latvia. Anda Eibele (170-G-84, agency: Josep and Nicolas) netted 11 points in the loss.

Lithuania: Gintare Petronyte 18, Marina Solopova 11, Gabriele Gutkauskaite 8, Kristina Vengryte 8
Latvia: Aija Putnina 15, Anda Eibele 11


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


Bibrzycka and Mowlik to miss EuroBasket qualifications - by Eurobasket News

Poland will compete in 2013 EuroBasket qualifications without Agnieszka Bibrzycka (184-F/G-82, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Abil.Christian) and Elzbieta Mowlik (180-F-83, agency: Data Plus Group). Both players are sidelined with injuries. Bibrzycka got injured in the last game of the Polish league Finals, while Mowlik started the training camp but injury held her off the court for more than a week. Agnieszka Makowska and Magdalena Losi will replace them in the training camp.
Agnieszka Bibrzycka played for Poland at 2009 EuroBasket in Latvia. She had 10.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 1.6 apg for 5 games at this event. Bibrzycka helped CCC Polkowice to reach Polish league Finals this season. She was named to Eurobasket.com All-Polish PLKK 1st team -12 and also was Polish PLKK All-Star Game MVP -12. Bibrzycka will play next season for Turkish Fenerbahce.
Elzbieta Mowlik had 8.8 pg and 2.2 rpg for 6 games at the EuroBasket in Poland last summer. She also played for the country in 2009 EuroBasket qualifications. In 2005, Mowlik had 6.1 ppg, 1.8 rpg and 1.8 apg for 8 games at the EuroBasket in Bursa. She spent this season with Artego Bydgoszcz averaging 11.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists.


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


Spartak's Meesseman to play in France next two years - by Eurobasket News

French Villeneuve announced that Emma Meesseman (192-C-93, agency: LBM Management) will play for the club during the next two seasons. The Belgian center signed a 4-year deal with Spartak Moscow Region at the beginning of the week, but she will join the Russian squad in 2014, after she finishes two seasons with Villeneuve. Meesseman led Blue Cats Ieper to Belgian league title this season and was named Eurobasket.com All-Belgian League Player of the Year -12. She had 19.4 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 2.1 apg, 2.1 spg and 1.7 bpg for 27 games in the league. Meesseman was the top-scorer of the competition. She also was great in EuroCup with Lotto Young Cats. There she added 14.8 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 2.8 apg and 1.8 spg for 8 games. For her performance Meesseman was awarded with Eurobasket.com EuroCup All-Europeans Team -12. Last Summer Emma Meesseman led U18 Belgium to Gold medal at U18 Eurobasket in Romania. She was named MVP of the Championship. Meesseeman also shined with U17 and U16 National Teams in the past. Since 2010, Meesseman is a member of the Belgian senior NT.


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


Sonja Petrovic makes WNBA debut - by Eurobasket News

Sonja Petrovic (6'2''-F-89) made his WNBA debut with the Chicago Sky. She got 20 minutes against the Atlanta Dream and scored 10 points. Petrovic also added 4 assists and 2 rebounds helping Chicago to grab 94-92 victory. The Sky acquired Petrovic in March. The Serbian NT member reached Russian league Finals with Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region this season. However, she got injured during the Semis and missed rest of the championship. Sonja Petrovic appeared 21 times in Russia averaging 8.9 points and 5.8 rebounds. She also had 9 ppg and 5.1 rpg for 21 games in Euroleague. She joined Spartak in 2008 and before that played for Bourges. Petrovic also has experience from Universitat de Barcelona and Crvena Zvezda. She is active member of the Serbian National Team since 2006.


*****************************************************
  SLOVAKIA   


Regina Palusna to miss EuroBasket qualifications - by Eurobasket News

Bad news for the Slovakian National Team. Regina Palusna (192-F/C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) will not be able the help her country at the upcoming 2013 EuroBasket qualifications. She had to undergo arthroscopic surgery and will be out for at least two months. Palusna played for Slovakia last summer at the EuroBasket in Poland. She had 1.5 ppg and 3 rpg for 2 games. She also was part of the team at 2009 EuroBasket in Latvia. Regina Palusna spent this season with Reze Nantes Basket 44. She appeared 23 times for the club in French LFB averaging 4.9 points and 3.1 rebounds. The player had better numbers for 6 EuroCup games: 5.2 ppg and 3.3 rpg. Before Nantes, Regina Palusna spent one season with Pecs 2010. She also has experience from Ros Casares, Ruzomberok and Kosice.


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


Spain overcome Sweden in Kaunas - by Eurobasket News

Spain - Sweden 80:71

Spain recorded the first win at the international tournament in Kaunas. They outgunned Sweden in the opener. Anna Montanana (186-F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: G.Washington) scored 15 points to lead the winners.
The teams traded baskets throughout the opening quarter. Sweden and Spain were tied at 15 after ten minutes. The Scandinavian team pulled ahead in the second frame. They accumulated a 41:32 halftime lead. Spain bounced back in the third quarter. The European powerhouse narrowed the gap to a 2-point mark. Spain went on a decisive 22:12 rally in the fourth quarter and sealed the winning outcome at the end. Anna Cruz (173-PG-86, agency: Josep and Nicolas) knocked down 14 points, while Lucila Pascua (195-C-83) added 13 points for Spain. Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) answered with 16 points for Sweden. Elin Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) contributed 13 points in the loss.

Spain: Anna Montanana 15, Anna Cruz 14, Lucila Pascua 13
Sweden: Louice Halvarsson 16, Elin Eldebrink 13


Caja Rural bring in Azania Stewart - by Eurobasket News

Caja Rural stayed active on the market. They bolstered their frontcourt. The Spanish team agreed on terms of contract with Azania Stewart (193-C-89). The British centre will start her pro career in Spain. She just graduated from the University of Florida. Azania Stewart averaged 6.3 points, 5.5 boards, 2.1 blocks, 1.2 steals and 1.1 assists per game in her senior season. Azania Stewart played for British University National Team. She has been the member of British National Team since 2010. The centre participated at 2011 EuroBasket in Poland. Her stats read 4.2 points and 4.5 boards per game at the tournament.


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  SWEDEN   


Swedish star Frida Eldebrink sprains ankle - by Eurobasket News

Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) got injured during the yesterdays friendly game between her Sweden and Spain. Eldebrink sprained her ankle in the first quarter and she did not play for rest of the game. The guard was taken to hospital, where X-rays were performed. The results are still not announced. Sweden lost the game to Spain 71-80. Farhiya Abdi did not travel with Sweden to Kaunas due to family reasons.
Frida Eldebrink shined for Sweden in Qualifications to European Championships Division B 2011. She had impressive 18.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 3.3 apg for 3 games. In the past, she played very successfully for Swedish youth National Teams. Frida Eldebrink won the title and Cup in Czech Republic this season. She was one of ZVVZ USK Praha key players. As a member of Frisco Sika Brno, Eldebrink was named Eurobasket.com All-Czech Rep. D1 Guard of the Year -11. In the past, she played for Tarbes and Telge. Eldebrink will play next season for Bourges.


Northland negotiates with Greek guard Nafsika Stavridou - by Eurobasket News

Northland wants to sign Greek guard Nafsika Stavridou (182-G-86) for the next season. According to Swedish media, two sides are already in talks. Stavridou spent this season with Aris Thessaloniki. She appeared 23 times in Greek league averaging 12.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.7 steals. In 2010/11, Stavridou was a member of PAOK Thessaloniki. There she had 12.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 3.6 apg. For her performance the guard was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Greek League Honorable Mention -11 and she also participated at Greek league All-Star Game. In the past, Stavridou played for Apollon Ptolemaidos and APS Siemens. She is active member of the Greek National Team. She played for the country at 2010 World Championship in Czech Republic.


Spain overcome Sweden in Kaunas - by Eurobasket News

Spain - Sweden 80:71

Spain recorded the first win at the international tournament in Kaunas. They outgunned Sweden in the opener. Anna Montanana (186-F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: G.Washington) scored 15 points to lead the winners.
The teams traded baskets throughout the opening quarter. Sweden and Spain were tied at 15 after ten minutes. The Scandinavian team pulled ahead in the second frame. They accumulated a 41:32 halftime lead. Spain bounced back in the third quarter. The European powerhouse narrowed the gap to a 2-point mark. Spain went on a decisive 22:12 rally in the fourth quarter and sealed the winning outcome at the end. Anna Cruz (173-PG-86, agency: Josep and Nicolas) knocked down 14 points, while Lucila Pascua (195-C-83) added 13 points for Spain. Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) answered with 16 points for Sweden. Elin Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) contributed 13 points in the loss.

Spain: Anna Montanana 15, Anna Cruz 14, Lucila Pascua 13
Sweden: Louice Halvarsson 16, Elin Eldebrink 13


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  WNBA   


Liberty topple Dream, 79-74, to extend winning streak to two after 0-5 start - by Eurobasket News

Before team introductions tonight, Liberty center Kia Vaughn (6'4''-C-87, college: Rutgers) addressed the crowd dotted throughout the Prudential Center stands and asked for a much-needed lift.

They began the night with just one win, after all, still struggling to gel from an offseason training camp where most of the team arrived just days before the May 19 opener.

After the brief address, Vaughn clasped the microphone with both hands and gestured toward the crowd, thanking them in advance. Anything, it seemed, to keep the momentum for a second straight win after an 0-5 start to the season. Two hours later, after a 79-74 win over the Atlanta Dream tonight, her plea was answered. Fans danced on the cleared court and pushed up against the scorers table for handshakes. Vaughn draped her arm around Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) and offered a round of hi-fives.

The Liberty, shaky throughout a tumultuous start, had their second straight win.

'I hate losing', Pondexter said. 'I think weve been doing a great job, and everybodys been focused. We're just staying together and staying positive.'

Being 0-5 sucked; I never had that in my career. I knew wed turn it around eventually.

Pondexter finished with a team-high 24 points, while Leilani Mitchell (5'5''-PG-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Utah) chipped in 18. Vaughn, the author of the pre-game speech, added 15.

The first half went just as Vaughn had hoped, as the Liberty jumped out to a five-point lead. Despite 13 points, five steals and six rebounds from the Dreams star, Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville), they were able to keep her from dissecting their defense.

After a second-half run in which the Dream took a brief lead at the end of the third quarter on an Aneika Henry jumper, the Liberty regained the lead early in the fourth after Pondexter hit a runner.

We had some breakdowns on the defense today, but it wasnt a 100-point breakdown like we had (last weekend on the road against Atlanta), head coach John Whisenant said afterward. This is the way weve got to play, weve got to lean on our sound defense and if we dont play it sound, well have trouble.

During the losing streak, Whisenant asked his team to lean on one another, preaching that a slow start was understandable but surmountable.

But he was hesitant to think that things had completely changed for the better. The crowd, the hugging, the high-fives, the cheering and the answered pleas would suffice for now but be forgotten soon.

One game at a time, he said. Im giving them tomorrow off. Well practice Thursday and well get on a plane and try to win at Washington not look past that.

Courtesy of www.nj.com


Los Angeles Sparks release Sharnee Zoll - by Eurobasket News

Sharnee Zoll (5'7''-PG-86, college: Virginia) is no longer a member of the Los Angeles Sparks. The team decided to release her after she sustained a season ending ACL injury. Zoll will most likely clear the waivers and the Sparks are expected to give her a place on the organizations staff. According to local media, the Sparks will take another look at her next year. Sharnee Zoll appeared in two pre-season games with the Sparks. She shined against the Japanese National Team with 10 points, 6 assists and 3 rebounds for less than 20 minutes on the court. The point guard spent last two seasons with Polish CCC Polkowice. Before that she played in Turkey and Romania.
Coco Miller (5'9''-G-78, college: Georgia) could be the new signing for the Sparks, after they released Zoll. Miller was waived by the Atlanta Dream during the preseason.


Connecticut finding its rhythm - by Eurobasket News

The season has been one of stops and starts for the Connecticut Sun.

They hurried up to get ready for a pair of back-to-back games to open the season against the New York Liberty (including their only away game this season) before waiting four days to play San Antonio and then another week before Minnesota came around.

'Players, in general, like to get into a rhythm of playing games', Sun coach Mike Thibault said. 'We have had a lot of days of practice, and they would rather be in where the score counts and play against someone else rather than each other.'


Finding rhythm

That means the Sun are actually looking forward to the upcoming stretch that began Sunday with a win at home over Washington. Connecticut is in the midst of a four-day break before it plays a stretch of seven games in 13 days beginning Friday in Indiana.

For the players its nice, less like four weeks of practice, Connecticut guard Kara Lawson said to compare the upcoming stretch to the season so far.

I dont think its that bad right now, Thibault said of the games being bunched together. For a couple of players, you might like them to have a little more rest.

Thibault may be able to accomplish that through the use of his bench.

Third-year player Kelsey Griffin said in college, she had to play as hard as she could, but conserve some of that energy for late in the game. Coming off the bench and getting a few minutes here and there has changed her philosophy as a player.

I know I have a limited amount of time out there and I can go as hard as I can for that limited time, Griffin said. The games just keep on coming and the way we practice, its not hard to keep that (personal) momentum, its just being focused on getting better.


Finding minutes

Griffin scored five points and grabbed three rebounds in 8 12 minutes Sunday, one of her longer outings of the season. Thibault makes no apologies for that lack of playing time by any of his players rookie Chay Shegog has played one regular-season minute so far as he tries to work within the parameters of the WNBA.

Its hard to play more than nine people, Thibault said.

The NBA plays 48 minutes and, according to Thibault, the substitution pattern is just so different. The WNBA plays only 40 minutes a game and players such as Tina Charles and Asjha Jones eat up 28-30 of those.

Courtesy of www.norwichbulletin.com


Lynx-Seattle game preview - by Eurobasket News

Lynx at a glance: This is the classic tortoise and hare rematch. The Lynx average a league-high 86.8 points per game, Seattle a league-low 67.8. In their first meeting on May 27, the Lynx won 84-71 as Maya Moore (6'0''-F-89, college: Connecticut) made five three-pointers and scored 19 points. ... The Lynx are 7-0. It's their best start in franchise history and two victories shy of tying the WNBA record for most wins to open a season. They are 23-3 at home since the start of last season. ... Forward Rebekkah Brunson (6'3''-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) is second in the league in shooting (63.5 percent) and fourth in rebounding (8.4 per game).

Storm at a glance: Seattle (1-4) is coming off a 69-67 loss to Los Angeles on Sunday at the buzzer. The Sparks have beaten the Storm three times. ... Point guard Sue Bird (5'9''-G-80, college: Connecticut) (13.2 ppg) and center Ann Wauters (6'5''-C-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) (11.2) are the only Storm averaging in double figures. ... The Storm attempted 34 three-pointers in its last game against the Lynx and made just 14. ... In their one victory, against Tulsa, Brian Agler of Seattle became the leader in coaching victories in women's pro basketball with 211.

Courtesy of www.startribune.com


Storm center Ann Wauters talks about international play - by Eurobasket News

Ann Wauters (6'5''-C-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas), who joined the Storm this season, played for a team in Spain that won the EuroLeague title this year. Then the team folded, still owing Wauters and other players money.

Editor's note: Seattle Times reporter Jayda Evans will have a weekly conversation with a newsmaker in the WNBA. This week she speaks with Storm center Ann Wauters, who won a EuroLeague title with Spain's Ros Casares in April. The team folded May 30. It's a hit to global women's basketball as countries elsewhere limit numbers of international players and are unable to pay the lucrative salaries used to compensate for low WNBA base pay.


Q: Ros Casares, based in Valencia, Spain, paid big bucks to Maya Moore, Lauren Jackson, Sancho Lyttle and you to win its only EuroLeague title. How did you react to it suddenly folding?

Ann Wauters: You could kind of feel it coming. They have a GM and she knows what she's doing. Everybody was saying, 'Oh, they have so many big players,' and it's true. But she stayed in the budget. She didn't go crazy and I feel sad about this whole situation. I had a good year there, it was fun and it was great winning. Now it stops.


Q: And the players are still waiting to be paid?

AW: The bonuses still haven't been paid and the last month (salary). It's (not a lot) but we've got to have it. It's a bad situation. But in Spain, the economy is really, really bad, so in some way it doesn't surprise me that all of a sudden the owner says, "Listen, I don't have enough money to keep this team alive."


Q: You're playing in Turkey and Jackson is playing in Australia next fall. Was your decision because you felt this could happen?

AW: I made the decision a little bit before. I had a nice offer from Turkey and it was kind of like we won here (Spain) and I knew some players were leaving already. It was going to be hard, anyway, to repeat the same thing, and I felt they wouldn't have the same budget, so I took a new opportunity.


Q: You've played internationally for more than a decade. Do teams fold often?

AW: It does happen that a great team all of a sudden has less of a budget. But goes away completely? That doesn't happen that often. I was on a team in Russia and it happened there, a big team going away. It was surprising, but also a big time of (economic) crisis as well.


Q: Now teams in Turkey are paying the eye-popping salaries. Are you surprised at the money, given attendance and exposure in Europe is far less than the WNBA?

AW: When I was in Russia with some girls (2007-10), we said we were sure then we're at the top (in salary) and it was never going to be like that, again. Then it keeps on going year after year. They still have players like (Diana) Taurasi and (Candace) Parker who have a crazy amount of contracts. Ten years ago, nobody would dare to dream that.


Q: Should there be a global salary cap, pooling the money so teams aren't dependent on one sponsor or person to survive?

AW: A lot of teams work like that we are dependent on one big sponsor. So, it's hard for women's sports. Maybe in the future, do it like how you guys do it here, with a secure business. But let's wait until I'm done and then I'll say, "Yeah, salary cap!" I'm joking. I don't know if that's a solution. If you have a budget and it's only one person, it's always going to be hard.

Courtesy of http://seattletimes.nwsource.com