EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/9/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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



Boomers YouYi Games squad - by Hugh McAuliffe

AUSTRALIAN BOOMERS YOUYI GAMES TEAM

10. David BARLOW / 205cm / Forward / 22-10-1983 / Murcia (Spain)

12. Aron BAYNES / 208cm / Centre / 9-12-1986 / Ikaros Kallitheas (Greece)

8. Ryan BROEKHOFF / 201cm / Guard-Forward / 23-8-1990 / Valparaiso (US College)

7. Peter CRAWFORD / 193cm / Guard-Forward / 6-11-1979 / Townsville Crocodiles (NBL)

9. Matthew DELLAVEDOVA / 193cm / Guard / 8-9-1990 / St Mary's (US College)

5. Hugh GREENWOOD / 190cm / Guard / 6-3-1992 / New Mexico (US College)

6. Adam GIBSON / 188cm / Guard / 30-10-1986 / Gold Coast Blaze (NBL)

15. Julian KHAZZOUH / 209cm / Centre / 23-2-1986 / Sydney Kings (NBL)

13. Daniel KICKERT / 208cm / Forward / 29-3-1983 / PGE Turow (Poland)

4. Damian MARTIN / 188cm / Guard / 2-9-1984 / Perth Wildcats (NBL)

14. Matt NIELSEN / 208cm / Forward / 3-2-1978 / BC Khimki (Russia)

11. Mark WORTHINGTON / 202cm / Forward / 8-6-1983 / Gold Coast Blaze (NBL)


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


Eurobasket.com All-Austrian League Awards 2011-12 - by Stefan Heinrich

#s#
Ramiz Suljanovic
Suljanovic
Morris Curry
Curry
Davor Lamesic
Lamesic
Christoph Nagler
Nagler
Joe Dean Shaw
Shaw
#e#5
Player of the Year: Ramiz Suljanovic (206-F/C-79) of Xion Dukes Klosterneuburg
Guard of the Year: Morris Curry (178-G-87) of Allianz Swans Gmunden
Forward of the Year: Davor Lamesic (203-F-83) of WBC Raiffeisen Wels
Center of the Year: Ramiz Suljanovic
Domestic Player of the Year: Christoph Nagler (196-G-84) of Xion Dukes Klosterneuburg
Import Player of the Year: Morris Curry
Defensive Player of the Year: Moritz Lanegger (190-G-90) of Xion Dukes Klosterneuburg

Coach of the Year: Werner Sallomon of Xion Dukes Klosterneuburg

1st Team
Morris Curry
Christoph Nagler
Joe Dean Shaw (199-F-87) of Oberwart Gunners
Davor Lamesic
Ramiz Suljanovic

2nd Team
Jeremy Fears (196-G-85) of ECE Bulls Kapfenberg
Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83) of WBC Raiffeisen Wels
Todd Brown (196-G-87) of WBC Raiffeisen Wels
Dan Oppland (203-F-84) of Allianz Swans Gmunden
Aleksandar Djuric (210-F/C-82) of UBC Carefuel Gussing Knights

Honorable Mention
Robert Arnold (198-F-88) of Allianz Swans Gmunden
Ali Farokhmanesh (183-PG-88) of WBC Raiffeisen Wels
Thomas Klepeisz (188-G-91) of UBC Carefuel Gussing Knights
Joe Werner (201-C-84) of WBC Raiffeisen Wels
Gary Ware (205-F/C-83) of BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers
Anthony Shavies (191-G-83) of BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers
Larry Gordon (196-F-87) of ECE Bulls Kapfenberg

All-Domestic Players Team
Thomas Klepeisz
Moritz Lanegger
Christoph Nagler
Davor Lamesic
Aleksandar Djuric

All-Imports Team
Morris Curry
Jeremy Fears
Todd Brown
Joe Dean Shaw
Ramiz Suljanovic

All-Defensive Team
Moritz Lanegger
Anthony Shavies
Quentin Pryor
Matthias Mayer (204-C/F-81) of Allianz Swans Gmunden
Jason Chappell (208-F/C-83) of Xion Dukes Klosterneuburg



*voted by the Austrian Teams and Coaches


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

Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game
 Christopher COPELAND
  Aalstar
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 21.8
 1. Copeland, Aalstar21.8 
 2. Bostic, Liege16.7 
 3. Mallet, Spirou15.1 
 4. Lojeski, Oostende14.5 
 5. Haynes, Gent14.1 
 6. Taylor, M.Hainaut13.9 
 7. Black, Antwerp13.7 
 8. Love, Verviers-Pep.13.3 
 9. Jenkins, Gent13.0 
 10. Freeman, Leuven12.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jason LOVE
  Verviers-Pep.
  (206-F/C-87)
  Avg: 8.7
 1. Love, Verviers-Pep.8.7 
 2. Brown, Gent7.9 
 3. Mejri, Antwerp7.8 
 4. Merriex, Verviers.7.1 
 5. Young, Aalstar7.1 
 6. Mukubu, Verviers.6.8 
 7. McLean, Leuven6.8 
 8. Jackson, Aalstar6.3 
 9. Maras, M.Hainaut6.0 
 10. Bostic, Liege5.7 
Assists Per Game
 Dominic WATERS
  Liege
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 4.1
 1. Waters, Liege4.1 
 2. Bosco, Gent3.4 
 3. Marnegrave, Leuven3.4 
 4. Djordjevic, Ooste.3.4 
 5. Black, Antwerp3.0 
 6. Slaughter, M.Hai.2.9 
 7. Steinbach, Aalstar2.9 
 8. Mallet, Spirou2.8 
 9. Bostic, Liege2.6 
 10. Taylor, M.Hainaut2.6 
Steals Per Game
 Adeola DAGUNDURO
  Leuven
  (196-G-86)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Dagunduro, Leuven2.5 
 2. Mukubu, Verviers.2.2 
 3. Black, Antwerp2.0 
 4. Hopkins, Antwerp2.0 
 5. Bosco, Gent2.0 
 6. Wilson, Antwerp1.8 
 7. Mallet, Spirou1.8 
 8. Muya, Liege1.7 
 9. Maras, M.Hainaut1.6 
 10. Haynes, Gent1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Salah MEJRI
  Antwerp
  (216-C-86)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Mejri, Antwerp2.5 
 2. Riddick, Spirou1.8 
 3. Jennings, Liege1.5 
 4. Love, Verviers-Pep.0.9 
 5. Booker, Oostende0.8 
 6. Young, Aalstar0.8 
 7. Nivins, M.Hainaut0.6 
 8. Holiday, Aalstar0.5 
 9. De Zeeuw, Verviers.0.5 
 10. Vaughn, Antwerp0.5 


Oostende wins the championship title in thriller - by Eurobasket News

Finals, Game 5: Oostende - Spirou 75-74 OT (3-2)

For the first time in Belgian league history the title game went to overtime. Teams were tied at 70-70 after 40 minutes of play and winner is decided in OT. Visitors had 72-74 lead and a chance to reach plus 4, but Tornike Shengelia (207-F-91) missed and Matt Lojeski (198-G-85, college: Hawaii) drained a triple at the other side for 75-74. That was the final score of the game and Oostende won its first championship title since 2007. Last four titles belonged to Charleroi.
Base Oostende made 25-of-27 free shots (92.6 percent) during the game. 26 personal fouls committed by Spirou Charleroi helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American players dominated the game. Guard Matt Lojeski saved the victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Kennedy Winston (198-84, college: Alabama) contributed with 14 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Base Oostende's coach Dario Gjergja used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Guard Demond Mallet (186-78, college: McNeese St., agency: Higher Vision Sports) answered with 19 points and 4 assists and guard Christopher Hill (191-83, college: Michigan St.) added 12 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Spirou Charleroi.
Oostende was the regular season champion in Belgium with 23-9 record. They eliminated Mons-Hainaut with perfect 2-0 in the Semifinals.

Oostende: M.Lojeski 18+10reb+1ast, K.Winston 14+9reb+3ast, B.Wright 11+3reb+3ast, V.Petrovic 8+4reb, C.Booker 7+4reb, D.Drobnjak 5+4reb+3ast
Spirou: D.Mallet 19+3reb+4ast, T.Shengelia 14+3reb, C.Hill 12+7reb, C.Green 10+1reb, D.Broyles 7+2reb+1ast, C.Beghin 6+5reb+3ast


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


Dragan Bajic stays on Igokea's bench - by Miljan Veskovic


Dragan Bajic extended his contract as a head coach with BC Igokea Aleksandrovac and will guide the team in the upcoming season. BC Igokea's management recognised Bajic's work in the past season and offered an extension of the current contract. They had successful season under his lead, the team has qualified for the Adriatic League, they won RS cup and played for the title till the last breath forcing Siroki to 5 games. Igokea had great chemistry and team spirit playing hard on both ends of the court. It's likely that they will keep most of the current roster.


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


Mateus Granusso transfer to Southeastern Oklahoma State University - by Paulo Freire

DURANT, Okla. Southeastern Oklahoma State mens basketball coach Kelly Green has announced the signing of Mateus Granusso (208-F-91) as a new addition to the 2012-13 Savage Storm basketball team.

Mateus is in a transitioning from junior college, he is a 6-10 forward, comes from Arizona Western where he spent two seasons. Green is very familiar with Oliveira as he was the coach who recruited him to AWC and coached him as a freshman before taking over the reins of the SE program. The native of Limiera, Brazil, led the Matadors in field goal percentage at 56.5 percent and averaged 7.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and one blocked shot per game in a front court that featured a pair of 6-10 players.

Mateus gives us great length and shot blocking ability inside, said Green. He is a big guy who runs the floor very well and can shoot the 15 foot jumper. His team at Arizona Western won the NJCAA Region 1 championship this past year playing for coach Charles Harral.

Mateus will find at Southeastern Oklahoma State University another brazilian, as the guard Andre Marone (193-G-89) is already on their roster.


Gerson Junior sign with Colorado State - by Paulo Freire

Colorado St. Rams basketball coach Larry Eustachy built his Southern Miss Golden Eagles program on a foundation of junior college transfers, and recently talked about his desire to focus more on high school prospects for CSU, but 6-foot-10 junior-college transfer Gerson Junior (207-C-91) is the first big player Eustachy has signed in the offseason.

According to some rumors Gerson was being courted by Illinois, Washington State, California and Utah, but he liked Eustachy and the direction the CSU program is headed.

"I saw the team, I saw the school, I saw the program, and I loved the people. I come from a junior-college program that's been winning right now, and I hate to lose," Gerson said. "I think the coach and players there, they are winners."

Likewise, coach Eustachy was ecstatic to land Gerson and had great things to say about the young big man:

"I think he was the best player, at this time, available in the country," Eustachy said. "... This just tells you why I took this job. If you can get someone on campus, and you have good connections with his people, you can sign anybody. It was a good fit for us and a good fit for him."

The 6-10 forward helped lead the Golden Eagles to the 2011 NJCAA National Championship and came back from a knee injury to become a key component in the Golden Eagles success this season. CSI won the Scenic West Athletic Conference and Region 18 titles and took eighth in the NJCAA National Tournament.
Gerson averaged 8.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game as a freshman and 6.0 points and 4.3 rebounds per game as a sophomore.


Nilson Santana transfer to Montana State University-Northern - by Paulo Freire

The Montana State University-Northern mens basketball team is adding size to its front line for upcoming season. And the Lights and head coach Shawn Huse recently landed a true power forward.

Earlier this week, Huse announced the signing of 6-8 Brazilian forward Nilson Santana (203-F-90) to an NAIA letter of intent. Santana comes to Northern from Marshalltown Community College of the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference. Its one of the top junior college leagues in the country.

This is another great day for the Lights basketball future, Huse said. Nilson is first and foremost a great guy to have on our campus, in our program, and in our community, and is a very solid student. With his height and length he makes many plays that help his team on both ends of the floor. He is a very skilled, hard-working, active forward, with great touch around the basket and runs the floor just as well as he plays in the half-court. He steadily improved both years he was there and I am confident his best basketball lies ahead of him. He provides the size we were looking for this off-season and look forward to watching his integral contributions as a big-man for the Lights.

While at Marshalltown, Santana earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors, while helping the team to a 20-11 season. He averaged 11 points and seven rebounds per game on a squad that sent two players to NCAA DI scholarships this spring. Santana too garnered some DI attention, including Central Michigan of the MAC. But NCAA academic requirements did not play in Santanas favor, and it was felt the language barrier could be a problem as far as him getting up to speed with his necessary courses.


Utah basketball signs Brazilian big man Renan Lenz - by Paulo Freire

The University of Utah men's basketball team has signed 6-foot-9 forward Renan Lenz (204-C-90) to a National Letter of Intent, head coach Larry Krystkowiak announced Lenz becomes the sixth signee who will join the Utes for the 2012-13 season and the third who stands at 6-foot-9 or taller.

"We were really happy when we got the call last night that Renan was going to be a Ute," said Krystkowiak. "We have been recruiting him for quite a while. Renan will bring a high skill level as a big man with great versatility. With his international experience and two solid years at the JUCO level, he will be a nice addition to the bigs we have already. I think he has bright future ahead of him at Utah."

Lenz, who is completing his sophomore year at Arizona Western College, is a native of Porto De Algre, Brazil. Last season he led the Matadors to a 26-7 record while averaging 13.2 points, second on the team, and leading the squad with 9.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per contest. A first-team All-Conference choice this year as well as a Division 1 All-Region selection, Lenz was also a third-team All-Conference pick as a freshman.

A highly touted junior college recruit, Lenz chose the Utes after also being pursued by Auburn, Gonzaga, USC, Texas and Virginia Tech, among others.


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


NBA season is over for Cory Joseph and Matt Bonner - by Eurobasket News

2011/12 NBA season is over for Canadian players Cory Joseph (190-PG-91, college: Texas), Matt Bonner (206-F-80, college: Florida) and their team San Antonio Spurs. They failed on Wednesday night 99-107 in Game Six against the Oklahoma City Thunder losing the Western Conference Finals with 2-4. It means that Thunder advanced to the NBA Finals, while Spurs are out of the competition.
Cory Joseph joined Spurs a year ago and it was his first professional deal. He appeared 27 times for the franchise averaging 2.1 points and 1.3 assists. Joseph also played 21 D-League games for the Austin Toros registering 13.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg and 5 apg. He played for Canada last summer at the 2011 FIBA Americas in Mar del Plata. For 8 games at this event Joseph had 3.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 1.5 apg.
Matt Bonner is a member of San Antonio since 2006. He played 77 games for them this season collecting 6 ppg and 3.1 rpg. Last season Bonnet had 7.2 ppg and 3.6 rpg for 72 appearances. Before San Antonio, the American/Canadian forward played for Toronto Raptors.


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


Chile lose two against visiting Uruguay - by Eurobasket News

Chile played two exhibition encounters against Uruguay. The first game was held in Santiago. The hosts came up with an impressive performance before falling short 83:87 in overtime. Chile led by as many as 10 points after the opening quarter before Uruguay came up with a comeback rally and sent the game into overtime. Joaquin Osimani (193-G-87) and Brian Craig (206-C-79, college: Miles) had 16 points each for the winners. Evandro Arteaga (178-G-83) exploded with 27 points for Chile. Sebastian Suarez (189-F-91) netted 19 points in the loss.
Uruguay then claimed and 12-point victory in Valparaiso yesterday. Mauricio Aguiar (197-F-83, agency: Players Group) and Brian Craig scored 12 points each to lead the winners.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 19:19 after ten minutes. Chile pulled in front in the second frame. The hosts ensured a 32:29 halftime lead. Uruguay cut the distance to 2 points at the final intermission. Uruguay went on a massive 20:6 run in the fourth term and stole a tough win at the end. Leandro Garcia Morales and Borselino posted 11 points each for the winners. Evandro Arteaga had 21 points for Chile in the loss.


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


Interview with Shaun Pruitt - by Serafim Karaiskakis

Shaun Pruitt (208-C-85, agency: Edge Sports, college: Illinois) former player of Fujian SBS XunXin spoke to Eurobasket.com:

With scale 1-5 rate the situation you are now in Trotamundos de Carabobo and tell us few things about.

Payments: 5, on time direct deposit
Facilities: 4, great arena
Fans: 5, die hard basketball fans
League: 4, physical good competition
City: 4.5, only thing missing is a beach

Your last teams are not from Europe, Do you prefer playing in Asia and Latin America?

I have had great success in Latin America and the pay has been good here and in Asia but I go wherever there is a good contract and the team and league is trust worthy. I will say I prefer to play in Puerto Rico most because it is similar to the states.

You still want to play in the NBA or you are focused in your career outside USA?

I do still want to play in the NBA, this year I hope to get invited to a NBA camp again and may possibly do the D League if need be but at this point in my career i also have to focus on contracts and opportunities outside the NBA.

You went to play in Latvia, Greece and Croatia but you shorty left, are you open again to play in these countries or you closed that doors and why?

I am open to playing in these countries again and Europe at some point but the offers have been better in Latin America and other places recently.

Who was the best teammate ever had in your career so far.

It's hard to say who is the best teammate I have had so far in my career because I have had many good teammates and am fortunate to have made a lot of friends through basketball all over the world.

http://www.serwrites.blogspot.com/


*****************************************************
  CROATIA   


Eurobasket.com All-Croatian A1 League Awards 2011-12 - by Eurobasket

Eurobasket.com All-Croatian A1 League 1st Team 2012
#s#
Zack Wright
Wright
Ivan Mimica
Mimica
Ivan Opacak
Opacak
Goran Suton
Suton
Miro Bilan
Bilan
#e#5

Player of the Year: Zack Wright (188-G-85) of Cibona
Guard of the Year: Zack Wright (188-G-85) of Cibona
Forward of the Year: Ivan Opacak (201-SG-80) of Cedevita
Center of the Year: Miro Bilan (213-F-89) of Cedevita
Import Player of the Year: Zack Wright (188-G-85) of Cibona
Domestic Player of the Year: Miro Bilan (213-F-89) of Cedevita
Defensive Player of the Year: Ivan Opacak (201-SG-80) of Cedevita
Coach of the Year: Jasmin Repesa of Cibona
Most improved player: Luka Babic (200-F-91) of KK Split

1st Team
G: Zack Wright (188-85) of Cibona
G: Ivan Mimica (193-80) of KK Split
SG: Ivan Opacak (201-80) of Cedevita
C: Goran Suton (209-85) of Cibona
F: Miro Bilan (213-89) of Cedevita

2nd Team
G: Srdan Subotic (193-80) of KK Split
G: Goran Vrbanc (194-84) of Zadar
F: Damjan Rudez (206-86) of Cibona
C: Nikola Vujcic (211-78) of KK Split
G/F: Josip Sobin (203-89) of KK Split

Honorable Mention
Dontaye Draper (180-PG-84) of Cedevita
Luka Babic (200-F-91) of KK Split
Ive Ivanov (201-C-85) of Zadar
Andrej Stimac (204-F/C-79) of Svjetlost
Ronald Ross (188-G-83) of Jolly
Filip Kraljevic (214-F-89) of Zabok

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Srdan Subotic (193-80) of KK Split
G: Goran Vrbanc (194-84) of Zadar
F: Damjan Rudez (206-86) of Cibona
C: Goran Suton (209-85) of Cibona
F: Miro Bilan (213-89) of Cedevita

All-Imports Team
G: Zack Wright (188-85) of Cibona
G: Khalid El-Amin (178-79) of Cibona
G/F: Antwain Barbour (196-82) of Cibona
F: Haywood Owens (204-79) of Cedevita
F: Levour Warren (196-81) of Cedevita

All-Defensive Team
Zack Wright (188-G-85) of Cibona
Ivan Opacak (201-SG-80) of Cedevita
Davor Kus (191-G-78) of Cibona
Haywood Owens (204-F-79) of Cedevita
Nikola Vujcic (211-C-78) of KK Split


*****************************************************
  CZECH REPUBLIC   


France fire past Czech Republic in Vernon - by Eurobasket News

France U17 - Czech Republic U17 80:62

French U17 National Team played the first friendly game against their Czech counterparts in Vernon. The hosts claimed a comfortable 18-point victory in the opener. Olivier Yao-Delon (193-G-95) notched 13 points to lead the hosts.
France led by two points 18:16 after ten minutes. The hosts stepped on the gas in the second quarter. They stretched the margin to as many as 8 points 44:36 at halftime. France dominated in the third term. They recorded a 69:52 advantage heading into the final period. France did not slow down in the fourth quarter and sealed the winning outcome at the end. Paul Rigot (199-F-95) produced 10 points, while Paul Lou Duwiquet (193-G-95) had 9 points in the victory. Martin Peterka (200-F-95) nailed 15 points for Czech Repubic. Jiri Soula (188-PG-95) chipped in 13 points in the loss.

France U17: Olivier Yao-Delon 13, Paul Rigot 10, Paul Lou Duwiquet 9
Czech Republic U17: Martin Peterka 15, Jiri Soula 13


CEZ Nymburk Lands Tomas Pomikalek - by Surujh Roopnarine

Reigning NBL champions CEZ Nymburk secured the services of talented youngster Tomas Pomikalek (200-F-89) after the 6-7 wing spent the past three seasons in Decin.
Pomikalek joins former Decin star forward Pavel Houska as the newest additions to the nine-time Czech champions.
Last week Pomikalek managed to buy out of his contract with Decin to "pursue other opportunities". At the time it was widely rumored that he would follow his ex-teammate and league MVP Houska to Nymburk, and now it is finally official.
Pomikalek, who will turn 23 next month, appeared in n44 games for Decin this season, avertaging 7.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists while connecting on 50.9% of his two-point field goals and 33.3% from three-point range. A native of Liberec, Pomikalek made his NBL debut during the 2006-07 season as a 17-year old and has represented the Czech Republic in both the U20 and Senior National Teams.


*****************************************************
  EL SALVADOR   

Standings - Liga Superior

LEBES Standings
 1. UTEC 10-2 
 2. Leones 9-3 
 3. Denver 8-3 
 4. San Marcos 8-4 
 5. ExSAL 6-5 
 6. Delgadense 3-8 
 7. Roll Royce 2-9 
 8. Chaleco 0-12 


Two wins for San Marcos and UTEC - by Jaime Arevalo

In the last round of Salvadorean First Division, San Marcos defeated Leones-Automoto 88-73 in a game anticipating the expected semifinal pairing between these two teams.
The other two clubs qualified for the semifinals are first placed UTEC and Denver
In another game of the round, ExSAL-Crecer clearly prevailed over Delgadense, 91-66
Table headers of UTEC ruled Roll Royce 88-62, with Carlos Loucel (G/F-90) leading the way at 12 points, and a balanced attack made of Carlos Martinez (190-F-79), Jorge Loucel (186-F-90) and Miguel Romero (182-G/F-80) with 10 pts each. Leonardo Hernandez (G-94) was the last to surrender in Roll Royce, with con 19 pts, 7 rebs, 2 assists and 4 steals.
Denver defeated Chaleco, 98-74 led by Luis Portal (186-G/F), who score 19 points, and Mauricio Lahud (176-PG-84), who added 17. With 25 points, Mario Flamenco was the best in Chaleco, and Jacobo Abullarade added 19.


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


Interview with Junior NT player Igor Arendash - by Ozell Wells

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

EU: Iksa, how did you find the level of the tournament?

IA:The level of the tournament was pretty good. Mostly I liked organization of that tournament.

EU: How would you rank the level of players that were there? Who were some of the best players there? Do you think that tournaments like this help youth players to improve and get better?

IA:I loved how players played here.I liked some Polish guyz and France shooters but MVP was Jordi from my team. He have some real hops.In my opinion it helps young players as me improve the game.

EU: How did you feel participating in the 3 point contest? You advanced to the final round?

IA:I was a little bit nervous but it was great expirience for me.Yap I advanced but won the France guy

EU: How important do you think it was for you to be a part of this tournament in its 28th year?

IA:This is really pleasure to me to play in this kind of tournament. I had a great expirience playing against good players and coaches.

EU: It has been rumored that you are to attend high school in the United States? How did that come about?

IA: I have some places where i can go but Im still staying in Estonia yet .I think you can ask me this question next month.

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 IGOR ARENDASH THE VERY BEST IN HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS, AND WE LOOK TO HEAR GREAT THINGS FROM HIM IN THE FUTURE. BEST SWISHES IKSA.


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


Triumph Lyubertsy Tabs Israeli National Combo-Guard Yuval Naimy - by David Pick

Hapoel Jerusalem's recent captain and Israel's national combo-guard Yuval Naimy, is the first Israeli player to leave the Holy Land this post season -- signing a one-year deal with Russian Triumph Lyubertsy.

Naimy, a 2012 Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Honorable Mention, played his best performance this past season on the road against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Naimy netted 23 points along with 3 dimes in 29 minutes of action in a ferocious 78-67 red sided W. Overall, the national guard recorded averages of 11.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 4 assist per game in the EuroCup, and 11.8 points, 2 boards and 4.1 dimes in the domestic play.

Triumph finished last season as the 3rd seed (12-6) in the Russian PBL League but was swept 0-3 by Khimky, in the regional semifinals playoffs series.

The 26-year-old Jerusalem native began his professional career with Hapoel's senior men's team during the 2003-2004 season. Naimy would then go on to play for Givat Shmuel, Ashkelon and in the Israeli minor league. However, in 2008, Naimy returned home and slowly matured into the face of the organization.

Naimy, along with the Cleveland Cavaliers' Omri Casspi, becomes thus far, the second Israeli baller to play overseas next season.


*****************************************************
  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, Chalon16.5 
 8. Causeur, Cholet16.0 
 9. Cox, Le Havre15.8 
 10. Ray, Pau-Lacq.15.2 
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, Orleans5.3 
 5. Linehan, Nancy5.2 
 6. Dixon, Dijon5.1 
 7. Barrett, Roanne4.9 
 8. Tchicamboud, Cha.4.7 
 9. Schilb, Chalon4.6 
 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. Melody, Dijon1.7 
 9. Acker, Le Mans1.7 
 10. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.1.6 
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. Issa, Gravelines0.9 
 9. Armstrong, AS.0.9 
 10. Sy, Orleans0.9 


France fire past Czech Republic in Vernon - by Eurobasket News

France U17 - Czech Republic U17 80:62

French U17 National Team played the first friendly game against their Czech counterparts in Vernon. The hosts claimed a comfortable 18-point victory in the opener. Olivier Yao-Delon (193-G-95) notched 13 points to lead the hosts.
France led by two points 18:16 after ten minutes. The hosts stepped on the gas in the second quarter. They stretched the margin to as many as 8 points 44:36 at halftime. France dominated in the third term. They recorded a 69:52 advantage heading into the final period. France did not slow down in the fourth quarter and sealed the winning outcome at the end. Paul Rigot (199-F-95) produced 10 points, while Paul Lou Duwiquet (193-G-95) had 9 points in the victory. Martin Peterka (200-F-95) nailed 15 points for Czech Repubic. Jiri Soula (188-PG-95) chipped in 13 points in the loss.

France U17: Olivier Yao-Delon 13, Paul Rigot 10, Paul Lou Duwiquet 9
Czech Republic U17: Martin Peterka 15, Jiri Soula 13


Germany edge France in Paris - by Eurobasket News

France U20 - Germany U20 58:77

Germany U20 recorded their first in the test series versus French counterparts. Mathis Monninghoff (200-F-92) produced 16 points to lead the winners.
Germany dominated from start to finish. The visitors posted a 23:16 lead after ten minutes. They stretched the margin to 9 points at halftime 42:33. France tried to change the complexion of the encounter in the third term. They outscored the visitors to cut the deficit to 4 points. But Germany stunned their opponents with an 18:3 run in the fourth quarter to seal the victory at the end. Patrick Heckmann (195-G-92) delivered 12 points, while Daniel Theis (207-C-92) accounted for 8 points in the win. Jean-Aime Toupane (192-G-58) knocked down 19 points to pace France.


Boris Dallo signs with Poitiers - by Eurobasket News

Boris Dallo (193-G-94) will continue his career in Poitiers. The guard signed a three-year contract with the team. Last season Boris Dallo played for Centre Federal du Basket-Ball. He averaged 9.7 points, 4.2 boards, 3.2 assists and 1.0 steal per game in NM1. Boris Dallo also played for Hermine Nantes U21 team. Boris Dallo was the member of U16 and U18 French National Teams. He participated at 2011 U18 European Championship in Poland. The guard tallied 5.1 points, 2.7 boards, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game at the tournament. Boris Dallo also took part at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Mannheim in 2012. There his stats read 12.0 points, 5.5 boards and 3.2 assists per game.


Season is over for French stars Parker and Diaw - by Eurobasket News

2011/12 NBA season is over for French stars Tony Parker (183-PG-82), Boris Diaw (203-PF-82) and their team San Antonio Spurs. They failed on Wednesday night 99-107 in Game Six against the Oklahoma City Thunder losing the Western Conference Finals with 2-4. It means that Thunder advanced to the NBA Finals, while Spurs are out of the competition. Parker shined with 29 points and 12 assists in Game Six, but that didnt help. Diaw was scoreless with 25 minutes on the court, but he grabbed 5 rebounds.
Tony Parker appeared 74 times for the Spurs this season averaging 18.6 points, 7.5 assists and 3 rebounds. He started the season with ASVEL due to the NBA lockout. With them he had 20.3 ppg, 6.3 apg and 4.9 rpg for 7 games in ProA. Parker also played one game in EuroCup registering 34 pts, 5 rebs and 5 assists.
Boris Diaw joined Spurs at the end of March from the Charlotte Bobcats. He had 5.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 2.4 apg for 34 games with the Spurs. Before that he collected 7.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 4.3 apg for 37 games with the Bobcats. Diaw started the season with Bordeaux, where he averaged 12.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.1 rebounds for 9 games in ProB.


Limoges considers Dupraz, Choulet and Sousa for HC post - by Eurobasket News

Limoges is still on the market looking for the Head Coach. According to local media, main candidates for this post are Jean-Marc Dupraz, Jean-Denys Choulet and Jean Manuel Sousa .
Jean-Marc Dupraz started the season with Paris-Levallois, but they parted ways in January this year. He took them over in 2008. Before that, Dupraz served as Assistant Coach in the club.
Jean-Denys Choulet worked with Roanne for almost ten years. They parted ways last November. In 2007, Choulet was ProA Coach of the Year, while Roanne won the championship title and Semaine des As Cup.
Jean Manuel Sousa was Head Coach of Le Havre over the past four seasons. Before that, he served as Assistant Coach and also as HC of their U20 team.


Georgian C Georges Mdivani stays with Rueil - by Eurobasket News

Rueil signed a one-year contract extension with Georges Mdivani (205-C-85, agency: Promotex). It will be their third straight season together. The Georgian center collected 11.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 1.5 apg in 34 games this season. Rueil ended as No.13 in NM1 with 15-19 record. A year ago Mdivani helped the club to win the promotion from NM2 to NM1. They were NM2 Group D champions. In 2010, the center led Calais Basket Cheminots to NM2 Group C title and at the same time to NM1 promotion. From 2007 to 2009, Georges Mdivani was a member of Get Vosges. In 2007, he was named Eurobasket.com French N1 All-Bosmans Team. Mdivai also played for Golbey-Epinal and Pau-Orthez in the past. He won two ProA titles with Orthez in 2003 and 2004. In Georgia, Mdivani played for Georgian Technical University and STU Geocell Tbilisi.


Saint Brieuc signs C Nicolas Kaczmarow - by Eurobasket News

Nicolas Kaczmarow (204-C-83) is a new member of Saint Brieuc. The French center signed a one-year deal with the club. They will compete in NM2 next season. Kaczmarow spent the last two with Cognac. In the latest one he had 6.3 ppg and 3 rpg in 34 games. In 2011, the player helped Cognac to win Group B of NM2 championship. At the same time, they won the promotion to NM1. Before Cognac, Nicolas Kaczmarow spent two years with Longwy-Rehon. They competed in NM1 both seasons. Before that, the center played for Mulhouse and Maurienne. In 2008, he was named Eurobasket.com French N1 All-Newcomers Team. Kaczmarow also has experience from Saint Quentin, Le Mans, INSEP and Amiens.


Dijon signs point guard Malela Mutuale - by Eurobasket News

According for French media (Bascetactu), Malela Mutuale (188-PG-91) will continue his career in Dijon. The French point guard signed a one-year deal with the club. Mutuale had very limited playing time with Paris-Levallois this season. He got a chance in 12 games averaging less than a point. He played for PL also in 2009/10 and 2010/11. Before that, Mutuale spent two years with CCFBB. In their last season together he had 5.7 ppg, 1.8 rpg and 1.5 apg for 27 games in NM1. Malela Mutuale played for French U20, U18 and U16 National Teams in the past. Five years ago he was an important member of the U16 squad. They competed at U16 EuroBasket in Rethimno, where Mutuale had 9 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 2.9 apg for 8 games.


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


Georgian C Georges Mdivani stays with Rueil - by Eurobasket News

Rueil signed a one-year contract extension with Georges Mdivani (205-C-85, agency: Promotex). It will be their third straight season together. The Georgian center collected 11.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 1.5 apg in 34 games this season. Rueil ended as No.13 in NM1 with 15-19 record. A year ago Mdivani helped the club to win the promotion from NM2 to NM1. They were NM2 Group D champions. In 2010, the center led Calais Basket Cheminots to NM2 Group C title and at the same time to NM1 promotion. From 2007 to 2009, Georges Mdivani was a member of Get Vosges. In 2007, he was named Eurobasket.com French N1 All-Bosmans Team. Mdivai also played for Golbey-Epinal and Pau-Orthez in the past. He won two ProA titles with Orthez in 2003 and 2004. In Georgia, Mdivani played for Georgian Technical University and STU Geocell Tbilisi.


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


Germany edge France in Paris - by Eurobasket News

France U20 - Germany U20 58:77

Germany U20 recorded their first in the test series versus French counterparts. Mathis Monninghoff (200-F-92) produced 16 points to lead the winners.
Germany dominated from start to finish. The visitors posted a 23:16 lead after ten minutes. They stretched the margin to 9 points at halftime 42:33. France tried to change the complexion of the encounter in the third term. They outscored the visitors to cut the deficit to 4 points. But Germany stunned their opponents with an 18:3 run in the fourth quarter to seal the victory at the end. Patrick Heckmann (195-G-92) delivered 12 points, while Daniel Theis (207-C-92) accounted for 8 points in the win. Jean-Aime Toupane (192-G-58) knocked down 19 points to pace France.


Germany U16 narrowly defeat France - by Eurobasket News

German U16 National Team played the second friendly game against French counterparts. Germany bounced back after the starting loss and snatched a narrow one-point victory in Vittel. Lars Kamp (182-G-96) knocked down 13 points to lead the winners.
France got to the better start as they grabbed a 12:9 lead. Germany however struck back in the second term. They ensured a 24:21 halftime lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the third term. Germany secured a 3-point lead before the final quarter. France outscored the visitors in the final period cutting the deficit but came up just short of victory at the end. Mahir Agva notched 8 points, while Jan-Niklas Wimberg provided 7 points in the victory.


The Cuxhaven Bascats Hire Sean Mccaw As Assistant Coach - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber



After getting a new taste of working with the BBC Bayreuth youth department the last three years, Sean McCaw was itching to get back to coaching at the professional ranks and will work as an assistant coach this season in the PRO A with the Cuxhaven Bascats. Mccaw is 38 years old had coached Science City Jena in 2008 and has been affiliated with basketball since 1991 when he started his career at Southern Utah. Mccaw had a long 13 year professional career that took him to countries like Austria where he played for six seasons getting the Austrian citizenship in 2000 and also played in countries like France, Portugal, England, Switzerland and Germany. In Germany, he played for the EWE Baskets Oldenburg and for Jena. "We are happy that we could get our desired candidate. He brings a lot of experience having played in many countries, but also important coaching expereince in the professional and youth sector", explained Bascats CEO Peter Neumann. Mccaw is looking forward to the new challenge. "I want to thank the organization for their trust in giving me this chance. I still had Cuhaven in my memories from my time as a player, so it wasnt difficult to make this decision. My wife and kids should feel comfortable here as we were recieved with open arms. I am looking forward to the fans and hope that we will have a successful and injury free season", stressed Sean Mccaw.

Source: Cuxhaven Bascats


The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven Haul In Justin Stommes - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


After a strong rookie season in the PRO A with the Webmoebel Baskets Paderborn, Justin Stommes (200-G/F-88, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: E.Kentucky) will get to display his talent in the Beko BBL with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven in the 2012-2013 season. He recieved a four week try out period. Bremerhaven head coach Doug Spradley who coached many seasons with Paderborn, must have gotten some good tips about Stommes. Stommes is a 23 year old 200cm swing man from Cold Spring, Minnesota that will be playing his second professional season. Last season for Paderborn, the American played 29 games: 16.1ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 72.5%. He scored in double figures 21 times with his best scoring game of 30 points against Crailsheim. "Justin has talent, but he still needs to learn some things. I am excited to see how he will play with us. He isn't a pure shooter, but his three point shooting in the PRO A was sensational. We haven't seen something like that in a while", stressed Bremerhaven head coach Doug Spradley. Stommes played at E.Kentucky (NCAA) from 2007-2011 playing a total of 119 NCAA games.





Christopher Mcnaughton Moves To The s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


Some guys like Jimmy Mckinney or Rickey Paulding like to stay in one place as they have played six and five seasons for their respective teams while other guys like a Christopher McNaughton (211-C-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Bucknell) choose to roam around the basketball map as he signed his name on the dotted line for the s.Oliver baskets Wurzburg today getting a two year deal. Mcnaughton will be playing for his sixth professional season for a sixth team. Since leaving Bucknell in 2007, he has played two seasons in Spain and the last three seasons for teams in Germany with BG Goettingen, the EWE Baskets Oldenburg and last season for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven where he played 34 games averaging 12,0ppg, 5,0rpg and 1,1apg. He scored 22 times in double figures including four games with 20 plus points. "We are very happy to have a player of his calibur come to Wurzburg. He is one of the best German centers and in Bremerhaven an absolute important player that gave a lot of strength at the big positions. He gave us immense problems in our two games with his physical play. He will compliemnt the play of Jason Boone well", stressed s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg CEO Jochen Bahr.

Mcnaughton started his basketball career with TSK universa Bamberg: only practiced with the team, alnd played with TSV Troester Breitengrussbach in 2000. He then played NCAA ball with Buchnell from 2003-2007 playing a total of 125 games. In 2007-2008, he played for : C.B. L'Hospitalet (Spain-LEB Gold): 6 games: 1.7ppg, 2.0rpg, also played at C.B. Prat (Spain-LEB Silver): 24 games: 10.6ppg, 6.2rpg, 2FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 66.0%. In 2008-2009, he played for Faymasa Palencia (Spain-LEB Silver): 29 games: 10.4ppg, 5.1rpg, FGP: 59.6%, FT: 72.8%. In 2009-2010, he played for MEG Goettingen (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): EuroChallenge: 15 games: 8.9ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 61.4%, FT: 71.1%; German League: 37 games: 7.4ppg, 2.9rpg, FGP: 62.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 71.4%. In 2010-2011, he played for EWE Baskets Oldenburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga): EuroCup: 6 games: 5.8ppg, 2.8rpg, FGP: 55.6%, FT; German League: 39 games: 5.0ppg, 2.0rpg, FGP: 60.7%, FT: 80.7%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been German U20 National Team -01, German A2 National Team -03-04, 06, Patriot League Tournament Semifinals -04, Patriot League All-Freshman Team -04, 05
Patriot League Regular Season Runner-Up -05, German University National Team -05, World University Games in Izmir -05, All-Patriot League 1st Team -05, 06, 07
Patriot League Tournament Champion -05, 06, Patriot League Regular Season Champion -06, Patriot League All Tournament Team -06, German National Team -06, 08, 10-11
Patriot League All-Tournament Team -07, Spanish LEB Silver Champion -09, Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Silver Honorable Mention -09, Eurobasket.com Spanish LEB Silver All-Bosmans Team -09, Spanish LEB Silver Cup Winner -09, EuroChallenge Champion -10, World Championships in Turkey -10: 5 games: 5.4ppg, 2.6rpg, FGP: 58.8%, FT: 77.8%, and
German Bundesliga All-Star Game -12

Source: s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg


Sebastian Barth Leaves From NBC - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber



PRO A team NBC have done a sound job in making preparations for the new season by keeping a solid foundation to the team with Will Chavis, Juan Reile, Cornelius Adler, Sebastian Schroeder, Ryan DeMichael and Cory Abercrombie, but sadly announced that Sebastian Barth (192-G-85) will no longer be wearing their jersey. Barth is a 27 year old 192cm shooting guard smooth shooting guard that is a strong driver, aggressive defender, and an excellent shooter especially running off screens. The German played two seasons not being able to play his first due to injury, but last season played 28 games: 4.5ppg, 1.6apg. Barth who started his basketball career with TV Langen where he played nine seasons playing a total of 188 second Bundesliga games was sad that he wont be returning. "I will miss the people in Nurnberg tat I put into my heart. I think that Martin Ides will do a good job in his first year as coach and Wil Chavis will have a good season. I hope that Sebastian Schroeder gets a chance and Juan Reile stays healthy. That Cory Abercrombie keeps having his unbelievable playing style and doesnt forget to defend and Ryan de Michael can be a bit more laid back", smiled Sebastian Barth (192-G-85). "I would have liked to have kept him, but I couldnt guarentee him any minutes at his position. The competition is big and he wants to play just like any other player, but I just couldnt promise him minutes", added NBC head coach Martin Ides.

Source: NBC


Dr. Ivan Vojtko appointed head coach at Uni-Riesen Leipzig - by Moritz Korff

Pro B team Uni-Riesen Leipzig has signed Dr. Ivan Vojtko has their new head coach. The 47-year-old Slovakian coach also holds the German citizenship since 2006. He is currently serving as the coach of the Slovakian Women's National Team. "I'm looking forward to the city and the task that lies ahead of me. It's a challenge, I like the perspective of further developing basketball in the city of Leipzig", Vojtko said.
Vojtko started his Germany coaching career at 2. Bundesliga club SC Rist Wedel in 1997 and has worked for several German club since then, including Oldenburger TB, BG Karlsruhe, BG Dorsten and USC Freiburg. From November 2011 until January 2012 he was standing at the helm of BK Inter Bratislava in his native Slovakia.
Meanwhile, power forward Walter Simon (202-F-89, college: Cumberland) will remain with the Leipzig team for at least one more season.


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


Szolnok receives wild-card for 2012/13 Adriatic league - by Eurobasket News

The regular General Assembley of ABA Sidro confirmed the 14th club for the 2012/13 season on Thursday afternoon. The newcomer is the Hungarian club Szolnok, who joined the league after Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv decided not to continue in the regional competition in May.

That was a unanimous decision by members of the board. Szolnok was financally the strongest club among all candidates for the wild-card, which became free after Maccabi decided to withdraw. Therefore Szolnok was the most obvious option. We agreed on a multi-year contract but we still need to define the exact period, said Radovan Lorbek, ABA president, who also stressed that the financial structure for the next ABA League season is now closed.

Members of the Assembley confirmed also the annual financial report for 2011 and the competition report of the league's director Josip Bilic for the previous season. ABA President Radovan Lorbek also presented the possible future changes in 2013/14 Euroleague and the explained members of the Assembley what is the current situation on that field. The decision under which circumstances clubs will play in 2013/14 Euroleague will be made on July 5th.

The draw for the 2012/13 ABA League season will be on July 10th in Zagreb.

Courtesy of www.adriaticbasket.info


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


Dolphins sign Ermolinskij for 2012/13, bring in Reggie Chamberlain for try-out - by Eurobasket News

As expected, Pavel Ermolinskij (202-G/F-87, agency: I.D.S. Law) became a new member of the Norrkoping Dolphins. They penned a one-year deal yesterday. Ermolinskij spent last season with Sundsvall Dragons. He appeared 26 times in Basketligan averaging 12.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5 assists. He missed more than two months due to injury, but still was named to Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan 2nd Team -12. Before Sundsvall, Pavel Ermolinskij spent one year with KR Reykjavik winning the championship title and Icelandic Cup with them. The swingman was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Icelandic League Domestic Player of the Year -11. Before Reykjavik, Ermolinskij played for Ceceres, La Palma, Huelva, Clinicas Rincon, Unicaja Malaga and Vichy. He also was a member of the Icelandic National Team in 2005, 2006 and 2009. He also played for U20 and U18 NT in the past.
Norrkoping Dolphins also brought in Reggie Chamberlain (182-G-89, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: UMKC) for try-out. They made 2-month agreement. The American PG graduated at University of Missouri - Kansas City few months ago.


*****************************************************
  IRAN   


Iranian NT team leaved the country - by Kazem Ghayem

Iranian NT team leaved Iran today to take part in WABA championship in Jordan. this games are qualifications for the Stankovic Championship. after this 2 tournament Iranian NT team will start their Europe tour starting from June 27th to July 21th and they will be in Hungary and Slovenia and Italy and after that they will head to Turkey. during this trip they will face Italy and Germany and Turkey NT teams.
they will head to Hungary first to take part in an international tournament against Hungary under 18 NT team and University team and Bulgaria under 18 NT team,after that they will head to Slovenia and will held a training camp with their under 18 NT team. Italy is the 3rd Iran's NT team destination to take part in another international tournament against Ukraine and Italy and another team. after Italy they will fly to Turkey and take part in Turkey international tournament and will play against Germany and Turkey and Italy and France NT teams.

WABA championship also will held from 11th to 15th June in Jordan.


Iranian NT team leaved the country - by Kazem Ghayem

Iranian NT team leaved Iran today to take part in WABA championship in Jordan. this games are qualifications for the Stankovic Championship. after this 2 tournament Iranian NT team will start their Europe tour starting from June 27th to July 21th and they will be in Hungary and Slovenia and Italy and after that they will head to Turkey. during this trip they will face Italy and Germany and Turkey NT teams.
they will head to Hungary first to take part in an international tournament against Hungary under 18 NT team and University team and Bulgaria under 18 NT team,after that they will head to Slovenia and will held a training camp with their under 18 NT team. Italy is the 3rd Iran's NT team destination to take part in another international tournament against Ukraine and Italy and another team. after Italy they will fly to Turkey and take part in Turkey international tournament and will play against Germany and Turkey and Italy and France NT teams.

WABA championship also will held from 11th to 15th June in Jordan.


Iranian NT team leaved the country - by Kazem Ghayem

Iranian NT team leaved Iran today to take part in WABA championship in Jordan. this games are qualifications for the Stankovic Championship. after this 2 tournament Iranian NT team will start their Europe tour starting from June 27th to July 21th and they will be in Hungary and Slovenia and Italy and after that they will head to Turkey. during this trip they will face Italy and Germany and Turkey NT teams.
they will head to Hungary first to take part in an international tournament against Hungary under 18 NT team and University team and Bulgaria under 18 NT team,after that they will head to Slovenia and will held a training camp with their under 18 NT team. Italy is the 3rd Iran's NT team destination to take part in another international tournament against Ukraine and Italy and another team. after Italy they will fly to Turkey and take part in Turkey international tournament and will play against Germany and Turkey and Italy and France NT teams.

WABA championship also will held from 11th to 15th June in Jordan.


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


Triumph Lyubertsy Tabs Israeli National Combo-Guard Yuval Naimy - by David Pick

Hapoel Jerusalem's recent captain and Israel's national combo-guard Yuval Naimy, is the first Israeli player to leave the Holy Land this post season -- signing a one-year deal with Russian Triumph Lyubertsy.

Naimy, a 2012 Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Honorable Mention, played his best performance this past season on the road against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Naimy netted 23 points along with 3 dimes in 29 minutes of action in a ferocious 78-67 red sided W. Overall, the national guard recorded averages of 11.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 4 assist per game in the EuroCup, and 11.8 points, 2 boards and 4.1 dimes in the domestic play.

Triumph finished last season as the 3rd seed (12-6) in the Russian PBL League but was swept 0-3 by Khimky, in the regional semifinals playoffs series.

The 26-year-old Jerusalem native began his professional career with Hapoel's senior men's team during the 2003-2004 season. Naimy would then go on to play for Givat Shmuel, Ashkelon and in the Israeli minor league. However, in 2008, Naimy returned home and slowly matured into the face of the organization.

Naimy, along with the Cleveland Cavaliers' Omri Casspi, becomes thus far, the second Israeli baller to play overseas next season.


Maccabi Haifa Inks Point Guard Paul Stoll - by David Pick

As exclusively reported earlier this week by Sportando.net, Maccabi Haifa of the Israeli League announced today (Friday) they have signed point guard Paul Stoll for the 2012-13 season.

Stoll, who played this past season in Venezuela for the Gigantes de Guayana, recorded averages of 17.6 points, 6.8 assists, 4.3 steals and 2.2 rebounds per game. The 5-foot-10 guard is a member of the Mexican National Team and was invited to participate in the 2012 Centrobasket Championship in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

"Stoll is a fierce competitor with a high basketball IQ," said Haifa's head coach Brad Greenberg. "He (Stoll) lacks height, but he makes up for with his quickness, aggressive defense and crafty ball handling."

Stoll, a native of Lansing, Michigan, who holds both United States and Mexican citizenship, played his collegiate ball at Texas-Pan American from 2006-2008. In Israel, Stoll joins swingman Donta Smith and Israeli center Ido Kozikaro.




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


NT Players to JBF: Zain or us? - by Omar Shafaamri

After signing the Sponsorship between Jordan Basketball Federation (JBF) and Zain Telecommunications Company for the National Team and WABA competitions, the National Team Players decided to stand by their teammates and National Team stars Ayman Idais (205-C-78, agency: Court Side) and Enver Soobzokov (201-G/F-78, college: CS San Bernar.) against Zain Company who are currently in court with each other.The Players handed JBF a signed paper asking Zain Company to either give them their full contractual rights they deserve or remove the company as sponsors of the team and WABA competition, and If neither occurs the 12 Players will boycott this WABA 23rd Championship which will kick off next Monday in Amman.

Enver Soobzokov and Ayman Idais played for Zain Club (Fastlink then), Enver played from (Season 2003-2010) while Ayman (Season 2003-2006 & 2009-2010) both Players has Contractual Rights against Zain Club after dissolving the Team in 2010 while their Contracts were still Valid, " I owe Zain 250000$, Ayman 119000 JD while my Brother Coach Ruslan Soobzokov 25000$" said Enver Soobzokov. Zain Company from the other hand denies any association with Zain Club stating that they were only Sponsoring the Team nothing more.

"that's not true at all, cause why did the Company tell Ayman few months ago that they have 100000$ to share it between us which we refused and why did the company settle with all the players if they have nothing to do with the Club? The club was located inside Zain Company building" added Enver. The Case still since 4 years in Courts of Jordan.

and here is the Full Text of the signed Letter sent by the Players to JBF yesterday:

"Jordan Basketball Federation:
We, the National Team players are informed of the sponsorshipby Zain Telecommunications Company for the National Team and WABA competitions. We have decided to stand by our teammates and National Team stars Ayman Idais and Enver Soobzokov against Zain Telecommunications Company who are currently in court with each other.We are asking for ZainCompany to either give them their full contractual rights they deserve or remove the company as sponsors of the team and WABA competitions. If neither occurs we will boycott this competition.

We are asking the Jordanian Basketball Federation to stand by our players.Many players on the team have played for Zain Club and we know it was not a sponsorship and the company did indeed create the club for promotions.

We have played there for many years and were not given our full rights after they decided to stop the club as well. Now we are asking for justice.
We feel that the lack of support by thefederation (s) over the years have allowed this to carry in the court for 4 years already. Ayman Dais and Enver Soobzokov must take their full rights if they want National Basketball players to accept them as sponsors to promote their company again.

Sincerely,

Jordan National Team:
1. Sam Daghlas
2. Zaid Abbas
3. Fadel Najjar
4. Abdullah abu Qoura
5.Mohammad Shaher
6. Issa Kamel
7. Ali Jamal
8. Khaldoun Abu Ruqayyah
9. Mousa Awadi
10. Mahmoud Abdeen
11. ahmad Hamarsheh
12. Ibrahim Bassam



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  MONTENEGRO   


Omar-Sharif Cook selected the top Montenegrin playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Omar-Sharif Cook
Omar-Sharif Cook
   #1. This week's number one is an international point guard Omar-Sharif Cook (186-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's). He was the major contributor in a Armani Milano's victory against the sixth-ranked Scavolini Pesaro (19-13) 84-68 in the Italian SerieA in Thursday night's game. Cook scored 17 points and added 5 passes in 29 minutes on the court. EA7 Emporio Armani Milano (22-10) is placed second in the SerieA. It was his team's eighth consecutive victory in a row. It's Cook's first season with the team. Cook belongs to league's best passers and is ranked #4 with 5.1apg. He also averaged so far 8.9ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 59.2%(45-76), 3FGP: 39.1% and FT: 79.3% in the 39 games he played so far. Cook is a naturalized American. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Cook is currently a member of the Montenegrin senior national team. Strangely he has never played in Montenegro.

Nikola Mirotic
Nikola Mirotic
   #2. Second place goes to an international power forward Nikola Mirotic (207-91). Mirotic contributed to a Real Madrid's victory against the closely-ranked Caja Laboral (23-11) 76-69 in the Spanish ACB last Saturday. He scored 10 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Real Madrid (26-8) is placed second in the ACB. This season Mirotic averages: 8.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 2FGP: 54.3%, 3FGP: 37.3% and FT: 70.3%. He has a dual citizenship: Montenegrin and Spanish. Despite Mirotic played previously for the Spanish U20 national team, he is currently a member of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Milko Bjelica
Milko Bjelica
   #3. The Montenegrin player who performed third best last week abroad was an international center Milko Bjelica (207-84, also represented by Beo Basket), who plays in the Spanish ACB. Bjelica could not help one of league's weakest teams Caja Laboral (23-11) in their last game. Despite his good performance Caja Laboral lost 66-76 at home to the second-ranked Real Madrid. Bjelica was the second best scorer with 14 points in a mere 15 minutes. This year Bjelica's overall stats are: 7.5ppg, 3.2rpg, 2FGP: 59.7%(95-159), 3FGP: 18.6% and FT: 80.9% in the 38 games. He is another player who holds two passports: Serbian and Montenegrin. Despite Bjelica played previously for the Serbian national team, he is currently a member of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Taylor Rochestie
Taylor Rochestie
   #4. Point guard Taylor Rochestie (185-85, college: Washington St.) was not able to help Le Mans (19-11) in their game against Cholet (16-14) in the French ProA. Despite his very good performance in Wednesday night's game Rochestie was the second best scorer with 17 points. He also added 4 passes. Rochestie is currently fifth on the league's list of top scorers and also on the list of best passers (second place). He has individually a very good season with high stats. Rochestie averages: 16.7ppg, 3.5rpg and 6.5apg. He is a naturalized American. Despite Rochestie played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster. Apparently Rochestie has never played in Montenegro.

Boris Bakic
Boris Bakic
   #5. International guard Boris Bakic (194-86, another player represented by Beo Basket) was not able to secure a victory for Radnicki Kragujevac (10-4) in their game against Zvezda (9-5) in the Serbian A League, despite his very good performance last Friday. He was the top scorer with 15 points. Bakic also added 6 rebounds and dished 3 assists in 24 minutes. But the second-placed Radnicki Kragujevac lost 71-76 on the road to the lower-ranked (#3) Zvezda in the SuperLiga group. This year Bakic's total stats are: 9.6ppg, 3.8rpg and 1.8apg in the 17 games. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Bakic is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster.

Dusan Djordjevic
Dusan Djordjevic
   #6. Guard Dusan Djordjevic (195-83, another player represented by Beo Basket) couldn't help Base Oostende (23-9) in their game against Spirou Charleroi (23-9) in the Belgian Ethias League. Despite his good performance on Tuesday night He was the second best scorer with 11 points. Djordjevic also added 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Djordjevic is currently third on the league's list of best passers. He has averaged so far 9.1ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.4apg and 1.1spg. Despite Djordjevic played previously for the Serbian national team, he is also an international player who is currently on the senior Montenegrin National Team roster.

Bojan Subotic
Bojan Subotic
   #7. International power forward Bojan Subotic (206-90) couldn't help Zvezda (0-0) in their game against Partizan (12-2) in the Serbian A League, despite his very good performance in Tuesday night's game. Subotic was the second best scorer with 13 points in a mere 18 minutes. But Zvezda lost 83-92 in a derby game to the leading Partizan in the SuperLiga group. Subotic has averaged so far 6.6ppg and 3.8rpg in the 16 games. Despite he played previously for the Serbian U20 national team, Subotic is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster.

Miljan Pavkovic
Miljan Pavkovic
   #8. Guard Miljan Pavkovic (178-81, another player represented by Beo Basket) is a teammate of previously mentioned Boris Bakic and both played together in the last Serbian A League game. Pavkovic couldn't help Radnicki Kragujevac (10-4) in their game against Zvezda (9-5). He scored 9 points and added 3 assists. But Radnicki Kragujevac (#2) was defeated 76-71 in Beograd by the lower-ranked Zvezda (#3) in the SuperLiga group. Pavkovic is the league's best passer. He has very reliable stats this season: 10.3ppg, 1.8rpg, 6.9apg and 1.1spg. Despite Pavkovic played previously for the Serbian national team, he is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster.

Other top Montenegrin players, who play abroad:

Vladimir Golubovic (213-C-86) plays for Caja Laboral in Spanish ACB
Sasha Pavlovic (200-F/G-83) plays for Boston Celtics in the NBA
Nikola Dragovic (206-F-87) plays for Spartak St.Petersburg in Russian PBL
Vladimir Dragicevic (206-C/F-86) plays for Spartak St.Petersburg in Russian PBL
Nikola Vucevic (208-F-90) plays for Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA
Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86) plays for Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA
Goran Jeretin (192-G-79) plays for Union Olimpija in Slovenian Telemach League
Vladimir Dasic (206-F-88) plays for Union Olimpija in Slovenian Telemach League

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


*****************************************************
  MOROCCO   


Renaissance de Berkane and Wydad Casablanca won the Semifinals openers - by Eurobasket News

Renaissance de Berkane and Wydad Casablanca won the Semifinals openers over their opponents. Renaissance de Berkane overcame Sport Plazza Casa 76:61 away from home. Wydad Casablanca edged AS Sale 79:76 in a real thriller. The second games to be played on June 10-11.


CMC & MCO back to basketballs elite one - by Eurobasket News

Cercle municipal de Casablanca (CMC) and Mouloudia Oujda (MCO) have qualified for the national basketball elite one after emerging first and second respectively of the national playoffs.

During matchday six and last play day of the playoffs last Sunday, CMC won Mekns 83-61 to score a total of 11 points while its dauphin MCO defeated Tihad Sportif 58-57.

CMC is getting back to division one after two years in division two while MCO had been in elite two for 35 years.
Courtesy of: StarAfrica.com







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  NBA   


Phil or no Phil, Brian Shaw 'leading candidate' for Orlando Magic coaching job - by Eurobasket News

Regardless of the veracity of Sam Vincents plan for the Orlando Magic to hire Phil Jackson as their top basketball executive, Brian Shaw is the leading candidate to become the teams next head coach, the Orlando Sentinel reports. Bringing Shaw aboard as coach is reportedly part of Vincents proposed concoction.

Vincent has proposed to the Magic that they hire Jackson, who would work remotely from L.A. for much of the time. Vincent would fill a front-office position himself, with Shaw as coach and Scottie Pippen as the lead assistant. Magic brass is not enamored with the plan, the Sentinel reported earlier this week, since the organization wants the person calling the shots to be in Orlando full time and also to have experience running an NBA team.

Shaw is reportedly interested in the Portland job, too, but the Trail Blazers are leaning toward making interim Kaleb Canales the permanent head coach. Also, Shaw has interviewed with the Charlotte Bobcats for their open coaching position.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com


Tim Duncan not ready to decide on future - by Eurobasket News

Tim Duncan (6'11''-F/C-76, college: Wake Forest), the 36-year-old veteran of 15 seasons in silver and black, faces a summer of big decisions. He will become an unrestricted free agent July 1, already having declared himself a Spur for life. With a left knee that requires wearing a brace even when he is not playing, he must decide if another summer or two of conditioning and healthy eating is something he wants to continue.

Decision-making will wait until Duncan and his family have had a chance to exhale after the compressed post-lockout season concluded in such disappointment.

The disappointment, he said, wont factor into his decision.

Not really, he said. Bottom line is the summer is going to come. The summer is going to be here, and it is what it is. Ill figure it out when I come to it. I havent even thought about it, and I really dont care. Ill figure it out when it happens, just like everything else.

For a while, though, Duncan will think about what happened in the final four games of the Thunder series, when a 2-0 lead became four straight losses and elimination.

Courtesy of The San Antonio Express-News (via www.insidehoops.com)


Popovich on Thunder's run: 'It's like a Hollywood script' - by Eurobasket News

Gregg Popovich has watched Sam Presti rise from Spurs intern to Thunder GM, constructing a Spurs-like front office and Spurs-like team. Even after last nights demoralizing Game 6 loss, Pops post-game remarks were laced with hints of pride (via Daily Thunder): Gregg Popovich on OKCs run: 'As sad and disappointed as we are, you really have to think about it's almost like a Hollywood scrpt for OKC in a sense. They went through Dallas, last years champion, then they went through the Lakers, then they went through us. Those three teams represent 10 of the last 13 championships I don't know if anybody has ever had a run or gone through a playoff playing those kinds of teams. Its just incredible and I think its pretty cool for them.'

Courtesy of www.slamonline.com


Report: Brandon Roy considers playing for Lakers - by Eurobasket News

Brandon Roy (6'6''-G-84, college: Washington), the All-Star point guard who played five seasons with the Portland Trailblazers before retiring due to chronic knee injuries, is considering the Los Angeles Lakers should he return to the NBA next season, according to a tweet from the New York Posts Peter Vescey.

ESPNs Chris Palmer also tweeted that he was told Brandon Roy, who turns 28-years-old in July, could be back next year.

Roy played in only 47 games during the 2010-11 regular season. He reported to the Blazers following the lockout last season but team doctors warned him of the chronic, degenerative nature of his knees and he subsequently announced his retirement before training camp. The Blazers officially used the team amnesty clause on him before the season began.

In May, Roy told KGW Portland that playing in the NBA is something I may do again.

In the back of my mind, maybe this is something I may do again. But who knows? Its something right now where Im enjoying playing and not playing with the pain I had last year after going through two knee surgeries. I was never the fastest or the highest leaper but being smart those are all little things I have up my sleeve if I do decide to play, those are all positives I do have going for me.

According to HoopsWorld.com, Jamal Crawford, Roys teammate in Portland and long-time friend, said he wouldnt be surprised if Roy returns despite the knee problems:

I know that he still loves the game, Crawford said. I know that hes still working out and playing. I would never say never. Brandon is still a young guy. Hes only 27 years old. I wouldnt be shocked to see him come back. You never know.

Courtesy of http://tracking.si.com


Anthony Davis: Going No. 1 to Hornets 'not set in stone' - by Eurobasket News

No matter how inevitable it seems, Anthony Davis (6'10''-F-93) wasn't quite ready to pronounce himself the top pick in the draft.

"It's not set in stone," the former Kentucky star said.

It just seems that way.

The New Orleans Hornets own the No. 1 pick later this month, and they'll turn at least a few heads if they don't take Davis. In a deep draft class, the lanky power forward is right there at the head of it.

Davis said Thursday at the NBA draft combine that the Hornets are the only team that has contacted his father. He said he'll visit them at some point, although he's not sure exactly when.

And even though he wasn't quite ready to buy a home in the Big Easy, there's a good chance he'll be the one heading to the podium when commissioner David Stern announces the first pick of the draft.

With his athleticism and game-changing defense, Davis helped Kentucky win a national championship in his lone college season. Now he's poised to join Bulls star Derrick Rose as the second Chicago product in five years to be taken with the No. 1 pick.

"I used to watch him play," Davis said. "He's a monster. We played on the same AAU team."

Now, they're about to be in the same league, and they followed vaguely similar paths to get there. Both came from the city's South Side and played one season in college for John Calipari.

Rose starred at Simeon Career Academy and led Memphis to the NCAA title game before being drafted by his hometown team.

Davis, on the other hand, was a late bloomer at Perspectives Charter. He played at a high school that didn't even have its own gym and was a guard until a growth spurt.

He never lost the sweet shot and ballhandling skills as he shot up to 6-foot-10, and he seemed a natural for the big stage in college, playing with the poise and composure of a grizzled veteran -- traits that should serve him well on the next level.

He showed up Thursday in a shirt that read "check my stats," and they certainly weren't bad last season, when he averaged 14.2 points and 10.4 rebounds while setting a Kentucky record with 186 blocks.

"If you want to check the stats, then I'll be the No. 1 pick easily," said Kansas' Thomas Robinson (17.9 points, 11.8 rebounds), who is expected to be one of the top selections. "I should get one of those. I should get a shirt that says 'numbers don't lie.'"

Even so, Robinson would have a hard time disputing Davis was at his best under the brightest lights. He was the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, and his most impressive performance might have been in the championship game against Kansas.

Davis made just 1 of 10 shots. But he tied Joakim Noah's individual record for blocks in the NCAA championship game with six, grabbed 16 rebounds, had five assists and three steals.

Now, he's ready to take the next step, and has plenty of friends coming with him.

Davis, along with fellow starters Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marquis Teague, Terrence Jones and Doron Lamb, all declared for the draft in a nationally televised news conference, and senior Darius Miller is also expected to be selected.

"It's great," Jones said. "We always were there for each other. I think that's what helped us have so much success -- how much we were there for each other and communicating. It's just good to be around my brothers."

They've been working out in different places, but they were back together for this event. They even had a mini-reunion in Davis' hotel room, discussing the not-so-old days and not-too-distant future. And, Jones said, one other thing: "How summer school's started and we're not there."

No, they're headed somewhere else -- to the next level.

Davis said being the No. 1 pick "would make me feel very special," and the irony that he could be playing professionally in the city where Kentucky won the championship last spring apparently wasn't lost on Calipari.

When New Orleans won the lottery, the coach sent him a text message.

"He said, 'Congratulations. I hope you have fun there. You won one national championship there. Go try to win a world championship,'" Davis said.

Even so, he wasn't ready to declare himself the No. 1 pick. He'll wait to fit himself for a Hornets jersey.

He insisted he hasn't thought about his role in New Orleans, but he is sure of one thing.

"If I keep working hard, playing hard and doing what I have to do to make my team win -- do what the coaches want me to do, do what the veterans want me to do -- I think the sky's the limit," he said.

Courtesy of ESPN


Taj Gibson wants to stay with Bulls - by Eurobasket News

The Chicago Bulls front office has been outspoken over the past year about their desire to keep Taj Gibson (6'9''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: USC) on the roster.

The feeling is mutual.

Gibson, who will become a restricted free agent at the end of next season, knows the Bulls have a lot of other decisions to make before they get down to hammering out an extension, but he would like to lock something up which would make him a Bull for a long time to come.

"Really, it doesn't matter (when it happens)," Gibson told ESPNChicago.com Thursday afternoon. "I told (general manager) Gar (Forman) and (vice president John Paxson) how committed I am to just being with the Bulls. It's not a thought in my head to leave Chicago because I love playing for the Bulls.

"I love wearing the Bulls logo across my chest. So that's the last thing I'm thinking about right now. Right now, I'm just thinking about next year. Just come in and figure out how I can try to help the team better and just let the chips fall in place. A lot of guys tend to worry about that stuff, but I know I have a good agent in Mark Bartelstein and I have a lot of faith in what he does and I know I have a lot of faith in the Bulls organization so I'm just relaxing and practicing.

"I believe my future is here. Either mid-July or next year (for an extension), just have to be patient and just wait and see."

Bartelstein confirmed to ESPNChicago.com on Thursday night that the two sides have had initial conversations regarding an extension. The sides will meet again later in the summer once the Bulls wrap up all the other decisions facing them in the short term, including the NBA draft and other roster moves.

Like Gibson, Bartelstein seemed confident the sides could work out an extension given the mutual respect on both sides. The veteran agent believes Gibson will continue to thrive in the same environment next season, and potentially for years to come if and when an extension is hammered out.

Gibson gave himself even more leverage toward an extension during the postseason, averaging almost 10 points and seven rebounds a game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

With Derrick Rose (ACL) and Joakim Noah (ankle) out because of injuries, Gibson was the Bulls most consistent player. The 26 year-old admitted that he is still rehabbing an ankle injury he suffered during the series, but he expects to be ready to go in a month when he heads to Las Vegas as part of Team USA's select squad, made up of young players throughout the league who will scrimmage against the National team before they go to the London Olympics.

"I'm still rehabbing," Gibson said. "The ankle injury on my right (ankle) was pretty good. I turned it pretty good. I'm still taking it one day at a time. I'm still trying to rehab, rest my legs, because I'm off to another serious training camp at the beginning of July so I'm just taking it one day at a time."

Gibson, who just completed his third season in the league, is looking forward to competing against some of the best talent in the country.

"I'm excited," he said. "The coaching staff is real happy for me. They said it's a big move, especially being selected, it's great for my game. Especially to go in there and learn from other players, compete. But the whole outcome is just to learn and build confidence."

The power forward believes the experience will benefit both himself and the Bulls in the future. He knows he has elevated himself into the upper echelon of young players in the league, but he's trying to stay focused on what's ahead.

"It's good, but at the same time I just look at it as going in there and getting better," Gibson said. "Learning from other guys, that's the whole thing, just learning, just having the right kind of mindset, I know that it's maybe just a week of practicing, but I'm looking forward to getting better and using what I learned in our next training camp for the Bulls and our next season."

Gibson said he has spoken to Rose several times over the past few weeks since his surgery.

"I've been rehabbing the same time he rehabs. It's been going great from what I see," Gibson said. "He's pushing his leg to the limit. He's getting stronger. (The trainers) said he's ahead of schedule already and I think he's going to come back better and stronger than he ever was ...

"He seems great. I talk to him (about the) same stuff, laugh, giggle, we joke a lot in there. But at the same time it's business, because he's working on getting his leg back to (full) strength. But he's the same old Derrick, not a step behind."

Courtesy of ESPN


J.R. Smith says he wants to stay with Knicks if money is same - by Eurobasket News

J.R. Smith (6'6''-G-85) has a $2.5 million option with the Knicks, and at that price New York could use his firepower off the bench (erratic though it may be).

The question for him is simply this: How much can he make elsewhere? He is a New Jersey native and loves NYC, but like the rest of us if youre willing to double his salary hell move wherever you need.

Thats essentially what he told Newsday (via IamaGM):

'I want to be here so Im not really putting too much emphasis on it', he said. 'I got money now. It's all about winning, and whatever is the best situation and the best fit really. If all things are equal, I'm staying.'

We will have the answer inside of three weeks, when Smith has to make his decision. Right now his agent is working the phones, checking out back channels and seeing what kind of offers will be out there on the open market.

My guess, he stays put. Teams are being pretty frugal with the new Collective Bargaining Agreement out there. But one way or the other well know before the end of the month.

Courtesy of http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com


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  NCAA1   


Big South announces plans to have tourney at one location - by Eurobasket News

Big South Conference Commissioner Kyle Kallander said bringing all its schools together at one tournament location was something basketball coaches had sought for several years.

Kallander and other league officials were in Myrtle Beach on Thursday to formally announce something Big South coaches had sought for years -- a season-ending tournament that looks like most others college basketball fans watch each March.

Both tournaments will feature VisitMyrtleBeach.com as the title sponsor. Expect a weeklong tournament schedule for all 12 member schools at Coastal Carolina's new arena in Conway with both the men's and women's championships taking place March 10 -- and giving the two winners a week or so to soak up the attention before the NCAA men's and women's tournament brackets are announced.

"There are several advantages to this," Kallander told the Associated Press by phone. "Finally, last year, we thought it was time to give it a shot."

The Big South men's title had formerly been contested the past 10 years in a sort of logistical hodge-podge since it staged its entire postseason in Roanoke, Va., in 2002.

The Big South's best teams got to host early-round games on their floors before moving to the home of the league's top seed for the semifinals. Then the action would shift to the highest remaining seed's home floor for the ESPN-televised finals.

UNC Asheville won the title this past March on its home floor of Kimmel Arena.

Kallander said the old format was a reward to the league's top regular-season finishers. Still, the coaches "really wanted all the teams and all the student-athletes to be together, to be at the same site and watch all the teams play," Kallander said. "They'd been talking about that for quite a while."

The women's tournament had been held one location -- most recently at The Millis Center in High Point, N.C. -- but a week after the men were done.

This time, the league will blend men's and women's play at Coastal Carolina's Student Recreation and Convocation Center, which is currently under construction on campus and on pace to be finished by August. The building is expected to seat 3,200.

The combined tournament opens with four men's first round games on March 5. The women's first round of three games -- VMI does not field women's basketball leaving the Big South with 11 schools in that sport - take place the next day.

The men's and women's quarterfinals take place Thursday and Friday. The remaining eight teams contest the men's and women's semifinals on Saturday before Sunday's championship games.

The tournament will be held at Coastal Carolina through 2015. Kallander said the league would likely wait a couple of years before deciding on future tournament sites.

Coastal Carolina athletic director Hunter Yurachek said the school built its new arena to host events like those and showcase the region. Yurachek said bringing all teams to one location "will give the student-athletes a better overall experience," he said.

Kallander said the changed format gives parents of players, schools and fans the chance to make plans in advance, unlike before when they had to sometimes wait for tournament results before knowing their next destination.

"It's much easier to understand," he said.

This move wasn't necessary, Kallander added, to put the Big South on par with other mid-major leagues like the Southern Conference or to keep existing members in place instead of exploring for other opportunities.

"I don't think institutions make a decision about what conference to be in because of a basketball tournament," he said. "But the more we can do to have successful events and for people to feel good about our basketball championships, that just helps the conference and the institutions overall."

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com


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  NIGERIA   


Q&A with Eric Musselman - by Iwedi Ojinmah

Coach Eric Musselman is the current coach of the Venezuelan Mens basketball team currently charged with qualifying his team for the 2012 London Olympics. As if that was not enough pressure he has to do this in front of the home fans as the OQT is being held in Caracas.

He recently took time out to talk to with us.

Coach first of all, thank you very much for taking time out from your busy schedule to speak with us here in Africa. We are very honoured and will get right to it.

Coach you have tons of experience. I believe you have coached in the NBA with the Kings, Grizzlies, Warriors, Hawks, and Magic. Before that you were groomed under your Father Bill Musselman at the Timberwolves after he gobbled you up from the CBA. There you still remain the only Coach to have ever coached in five of it's All Star games. Your winning percentage of 946 /.53-3 remains the highest ever in the USBL.

Like we said you have experience.

But you are also smart having made the West Coast Athletic Conference All-Academic squad three times in your own career. That established dare we start off by asking Why Venezuela and what are some of the unique hurdles you have faced there in comparison to the ones you faced in the US throughout your career?

Coach Musselman

FIBA basketball is very different than the NBA in many ways. This will be my third year in FIBA and I feel much more comfortable with the rules and style.

I feel very fortunate to be a part of the Venezuela National Team. As a coaching staff last year, we truly loved how hard the players competed for us not only in games, but in in practices as well. All of the people with the Venezuelan Basketball Federation, starting with Carmelo Cortez, have treated us so well and try to do everything they can to help make us successful.

A unique hurdle is the language barrier, though I feel it is actually a blessing because it makes a coach a better teacher. You must demonstrate more, and your verbal delivery to the team must be very clear.

In normal situations, teams use an interpreter when there is a language barrier. However, I do not believe in that. I have a philosophy that it is much better for my point guard to interpret the English to Spanish, and that it is more meaningful because the message comes from a teammate. A few years ago when we were with the Dominican Republic, Ronald Roman did the interpreting. Last year, both Greivis Vasquez and David Cubillan did the interpreting. They actually become like two extra coaches, and it forms a special bond with the coaching staff.

Under you the Venezuelan team has flourished and is now ranked 22nd in the World. You now take your team up against a diverse group that includes both West Africans and East Europeans. Lithuania is ranked 5th in the World and are a known power. But how do you prepare for Nigeria that though ranked ahead of you at 21, is still relatively unknown and logistically so far away? It must be a scouting nightmare.

Coach Musselman

Scouting has been difficult, but we have a great staff. Brad Greenberg and Scott Adubato have been gathering as much information as possible on both Nigeria and Lithuania. We will be as prepared as a team can be. Having said that, we are more concerned with our own identity and style of play. Last year in Argentina, we were the highest scoring team by 10 points a game and want to continue to play up-tempo basketball. The players responded well to our "open offense, run-and-shoot" philosophy

Your key players have been weaned in the US and play the American form of basketball as opposed to the European that is more internationally acceptable. Vasquez the teams propeller was once one of the deadliest gunslingers in the ACC .On fire he is virtually unstoppable even now in the NBA. How do you blend theses two styles in together with the local one and create a good end product?

Coach Musselman

Our style of play fits our personnel. We want to get the ball in the hands of our guards Greivis Vasquez and David Cubillan, and we ask our wings, John Cox, Yorman Zamora, Jose Vargas and Oscar Torres, to run the floor hard. Our bigs, such as Windi Graterol and Jose Bravo, are very active players who must range rebound. Plus, our players have bought in 100 percent with the commitment it takes to being a high scoring team. We are a team that relies on our offensive scoring spurts.

Can Venezuela win the group or will a top two finish to move on in the tournament, be just as good?

Coach Musselman

We would like to somehow advance out of our pool, though, we realize that both Nigeria and Lithuania are ranked higher than we are in FIBA world rankings. So we will be the underdog in our pool, but we have great belief and faith as a team

Who from the Lithuanian and Nigerian teams now gives you restless nights or do you still sleep like a baby?

Coach Musselman

We are concerned with many players from both Nigeria and Lithuania, and we understand rosters can be flexible as the tournament gets closer. The sleepless nights happen more frequently once we get closer to the Pre-Olympics.

In a country that is more Football crazy than Basketball, how important is it for you to have the local fans come out and support the home cooking? Or does that term even exist?

Coach Musselman

We are very excited to play in front of our home fans in Venezuela. Caracas is a vibrant city and will be a great host for the tournament.

We have loved playing in front of the Venezuela fans. They have great passion and enthusiasm. Last year as a team we watched the Venezuela national team in soccer (ftbol) at many of our team meals. Our basketball players took great pride in watching the soccer team do well last summer.

Every team that hosts a FIBA event and gets to play in front of their home crowd takes extra pride.

Go Venezuela!

Coach a big thank you again for taking time out to answer all our questions. We pray to have you with us again as the competition unfolds. For all of us here we wish you and your team all the best, an injury free tournament and hopefully a ticket to London.


*****************************************************
  NORWAY   


Solna Vikings ink deal with Norwegian F Miilah Kombat - by Eurobasket News

Miilah Kombat (200-F-88, college: N.Idaho JC) will continue his career in Sweden. The Norwegian forward penned a one-year deal with the Solna Vikings. Kombat arrives to the club from Froya Basket, where he spent last three seasons. In the latest one he averaged 16.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists for 23 games in BLNO. They won the BLNO title and Kombat was named MVP of the Final Four Tournament. He participated at BLNO All-Star Game and also was named Eurobasket.com All-Norwegian BLNO 2nd Team. The forward got the same award also in 2011, while in 2010 he was named to First Team. He was a member of Ammerud Basket at that time. In the past, Kombat also played for North Idaho Junior College, Kongsberg Penguins and Asker Aliens BC. He won first BLNO title in 2005 with Asker Aliens.


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

Stats Leaders - BSN

Points Per Game
 Al THORNTON
  Guayama
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 25.3
 1. Thornton, Guayama25.3 
 2. Sensley, Humacao19.7 
 3. Randolph, Quebradi.19.4 
 4. Harris, San German19.1 
 5. Diogu, Arecibo18.1 
 6. Brown, Humacao18.0 
 7. Ayuso, Arecibo17.2 
 8. Dalmau, Bayamon17.1 
 9. Ramos, Quebradillas17.1 
 10. Vassallo, Guayna.16.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Shavlik RANDOLPH
  Quebradi.
  (208-F-83)
  Avg: 11.5
 1. Randolph, Quebradi.11.5 
 2. Harris, San German10.3 
 3. Diogu, Arecibo9.9 
 4. Lloreda, San G.9.6 
 5. Powell, Guayama9.2 
 6. Thornton, Guayama9.2 
 7. Sensley, Humacao9.0 
 8. Ramos, Quebradillas8.8 
 9. Burgess, Guaynabo8.4 
 10. Shannon, Quebradi.8.1 
Assists Per Game
 Andres RODRIGUEZ
  Arecibo
  (184-PG-81)
  Avg: 7.4
 1. Rodriguez, Arecibo7.4 
 2. Rivera, San German5.7 
 3. Guzman, Guaynabo5.4 
 4. Garcia, Humacao5.2 
 5. Smith, Mayaguez5.1 
 6. Pagan, Guayama5.0 
 7. Butler, Quebradill.4.8 
 8. Dalmau, Bayamon4.1 
 9. Pinnock, Arecibo3.8 
 10. Brown, Humacao3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Donta SMITH
  Mayaguez
  (201-G-83)
  Avg: 2
 1. Smith, Mayaguez2.0 
 2. Rodriguez, Arecibo1.9 
 3. Mojica, Bayamon1.7 
 4. Hamilton, Mayaguez1.6 
 5. Dalmau, Bayamon1.5 
 6. Pinnock, Arecibo1.5 
 7. Figueroa, Guaynabo1.3 
 8. Rivera, San German1.3 
 9. Sensley, Humacao1.3 
 10. Thornton, Guayama1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Mamadou LAMIZANA
  Bayamon
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Lamizana, Bayamon2.4 
 2. Penn, Humacao1.8 
 3. Aubry, Arecibo1.7 
 4. Shannon, Quebradil.1.6 
 5. Thornton, Guayama1.6 
 6. Looby, Bayamon1.6 
 7. O''Bryant, Mayaguez1.6 
 8. Burgess, Guaynabo1.4 
 9. Randolph, Quebradi.1.3 
 10. Powell, Guayama1.3 


BSN names first teams: - by Luis Modestti

BSN named the All-Star and Defensive first teams for the 2012 season. Donta Smith (201-G-83, college: SE Illinois JC) got the most votes and integrates both teams.

BSN First Team:

Christian Dalmau (194-G-77, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Daytona Beach CC)
Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: USC)
Donta Smith
Al Thornton (203-F-83, college: Florida St.)
Peter John Ramos (222-C-85)

BSN Defensive team:

Luis Steven Ramirez (181-PG-87)
Carlos Rivera (187-PG-83, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Hofstra)
Donta Smith
Mamadou Lamizana (207-F/C-81, agency: Top Notch Sports, college: Rutgers)
Patrick O'Bryant (213-C-86, college: Bradley)

Voting for the awards were made by coaches, owners and local press.

The MVP for the 2012 season is expected to be announced today in game five of the BSN finals.


Donta Smith is the 2012 BSN MVP: - by Luis Modestti

Donta Smith (201-G-83, college: SE Illinois JC) was selected as the 2012 BSN MVP. He got 20 of 27 first place votes to become the seventh import in league history to get the award.

Smith averaged 15.48 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.3 steals in 23 games during the regular season. Indios finished the season in first place with a 22-8 record.

He won the finals MVP in the 2011 season with Marinos de Anzoategui in Venezuela and this season continues to be a force by having a great season in Puerto Rico.

The award will be given to Smith in game five of the finals in Mayaguez to be played tonight. Indios are one win away from their first championship in franchise history.

2012 BSN Awards:

MVP: Donta Smith (Indios)

Best Import: Al Thornton (Brujos)

Defensive Player of the Year: Patrick O'Bryant (Indios)

Most Improved Player: Andres Ortiz (Indios)

Rookie of the Year: Jose Lopez (Caciques)

Coach of the Year: Eddie Casiano (Indios)

Owner of the Year: Luis Vargas (Indios)

BSN First Team:

Christian Dalmau (Vaqueros)
Larry Ayuso (Capitanes)
Donta Smith (Indios)
Al Thornton (Brujos)
Peter John Ramos (Piratas)

BSN Defensive Team:

Steven Ramirez (Indios)
Carlos Rivera (Indios)
Donta Smith (Indios)
Mamadou Lamizana (Vaqueros)
Patrick O'Bryant (Indios)


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


Milorad Perovic takes over 'U' Mobitelco Cluj-Napoca - by Eurobasket News

'U' Mobitelco Cluj-Napoca got a new Head Coach. The team hired Milorad Perovic for 2012/13. Perovic served as Assistant Coach of Timisoara this season. He worked under Predrag Badnjarevic and with Timisoara reached Romanian league and Cup Finals. In 2010/11, Perovic coached CSU Cuadripol SCM Brasov. Actually, he was hired in January of 2011 and spent rest of the season there. Milorad Perovic also has experience from Bosnia and Serbia. He worked as a Head Coach of Hercegovac Bileca and Polet Keramika Novi Becej. 'U' Mobitelco Cluj-Napoca reached Playoff Semifinals this season in Romania. However, Timisoara eliminated them with perfect 3-0. Cluj finished regular season as No.3 with 20-8 record.


Gaz Metan Medias set to hire Marcel Tenter as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Marcel Tenter will be the new Head Coach of Gaz Metan Medias. They agreed a two-year deal, which will be signed very soon. Tenter spent last three seasons with U Mobitelco BT Cluj Napoca. They reached Playoff Semifinals in the latest one and finished as third ranked team of the regular season. Tenter coached at the 2012 Romanian League All-Star Game. Marcel Tenter was named Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Coach of the Year in 2011. His team was the regular season runner-up that season. In 2010, they reached league Finals and were regular season champs. Marcel Tenter started his coaching career with the club in 2006. After one year as Assistant Coach, he was promoted to HC position.


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


Spartak St.Petersburg in for Langford - by Anton Zirkov

Spartak St.Petersburg are high on the tail of American guard - Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) ,according to reports in Russia today.
The former Khimky Moscow guard who played this season at Israeli Powerhouse Maccabi Tel-Aviv is a free agent after not agreeing a deal with the Isaeli club.
Langford is high on the radar of Spartak and according to reports today,the club already made a move for the Kensas alumnus.
This season Langford scored 14.2ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.2apg, 1.0spg in Israeli League, 10.9ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.1apg in Euroleague and 11.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.8apg in the Adriatic league.
According to reports,Barcelona also interested in Langford,who is regarded as one of the best guards around Europe.Spartak in trying to make a move quick as if he signs for the club in will be a major coupe for them,especially if they play Euroleague basketball next season.
Langford already played at Biella and Virtus Bologna before making the move to Khimky,where he played for two seasons under coach Sergio Scariolo,but a rift with new coach Rimas Kurtinaitis made the club to break the new deal they only singed in the summer.




Triumph agreed Naimy deal - by Anton Zirkov

Triumph Lyubertsy has agreed a deal with Israeli guard - Yuval Naimy (188-PG-85, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav).the club has confirmed.
The Israeli international guard,who played with Israeli club Hapoel Jerusalem for the last 4 seasons has agreed a one-year deal with an option to another year.
Naimy,who was also in the radar of Krasnie Krilya has avereged 11.3ppg, 1.8rpg, 4.0apg in 4 Eurocup games and : 11.8ppg, 2.0rpg, 4.1apg in the Israeli league,



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

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game
 Milos BOJOVIC
  Zeleznicar
  (198-G-81)
  Avg: 23.5
 1. Bojovic, Zeleznicar23.5 
 2. Milisavljevi., Meg.20.7 
 3. Zigeranovic, Borac20.5 
 4. Balaban, Smederevo20.0 
 5. Bozovic, Sloga17.1 
 6. Jeremic, Hemofarm17.1 
 7. Cupkovic, Napredak16.5 
 8. Dimic, Radnicki.16.5 
 9. Miljenovic, Mega V.16.1 
 10. Svilar, Smederevo15.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Darko BALABAN
  Smederevo
  (211-C-89)
  Avg: 8.8
 1. Balaban, Smederevo8.8 
 2. Zigeranovic, Borac8.2 
 3. Cupkovic, Napredak7.6 
 4. Cantekin, Mega V.7.2 
 5. Majkic, Prolet.7.2 
 6. Petrovic, BKK R.7.0 
 7. Scott, Radnicki K.6.7 
 8. Misanovic, OKK B.6.6 
 9. Musli, Mega Vizura6.4 
 10. Gagic, Hemofarm6.1 
Assists Per Game
 Miljan PAVKOVIC
  Radnicki K.
  (178-G-81)
  Avg: 6.9
 1. Pavkovic, Radnicki6.9 
 2. Boltic, BKK R.5.7 
 3. Osmokrovic, BKK R.5.1 
 4. Dundjerski, Vojvo.4.7 
 5. Markovic, Radnicki4.4 
 6. Jovic, Sloga4.3 
 7. Popovic, Crvena Z.4.2 
 8. Miljenovic, Mega V.4.1 
 9. Milisavljevi., Meg.4.1 
 10. Stefanovic, Smed.4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Negoslav GACIC
  BKK Radnicki
  (193-G-)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Gacic, BKK Radnicki2.8 
 2. Jovic, Sloga2.6 
 3. Boltic, BKK R.2.3 
 4. Dundjerski, Vojvo.2.1 
 5. Bojovic, Zeleznicar2.0 
 6. Vulin, Prolet.1.9 
 7. Majstorovic, Tamis1.8 
 8. Kuzeta, Vojvodina1.8 
 9. Miljenovic, Mega V.1.7 
 10. Drca, OKK Beograd1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Nenad MISANOVIC
  OKK B.
  (217-C-84)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. Misanovic, OKK B.1.5 
 2. Simon, Radnicki K.1.2 
 3. Balaban, Smederevo1.2 
 4. Zigeranovic, Borac1.2 
 5. Scott, Radnicki K.1.0 
 6. Cantekin, Mega V.0.9 
 7. Majkic, Prolet.0.8 
 8. Todorovic, Borac0.8 
 9. Petronic, BKK R.0.8 
 10. Raduljica, Partiz.0.7 


Milorad Perovic takes over 'U' Mobitelco Cluj-Napoca - by Eurobasket News

'U' Mobitelco Cluj-Napoca got a new Head Coach. The team hired Milorad Perovic for 2012/13. Perovic served as Assistant Coach of Timisoara this season. He worked under Predrag Badnjarevic and with Timisoara reached Romanian league and Cup Finals. In 2010/11, Perovic coached CSU Cuadripol SCM Brasov. Actually, he was hired in January of 2011 and spent rest of the season there. Milorad Perovic also has experience from Bosnia and Serbia. He worked as a Head Coach of Hercegovac Bileca and Polet Keramika Novi Becej. 'U' Mobitelco Cluj-Napoca reached Playoff Semifinals this season in Romania. However, Timisoara eliminated them with perfect 3-0. Cluj finished regular season as No.3 with 20-8 record.


Crvena Zvezda ties the score to 1-1 in Superleague Finals - by Eurobasket News

Finals, Game 2: Crvena Zvezda - Partizan 68-56 (1-1, best-of-five)

The game was mostly controlled by Zvezda. Partizan managed to win third quarter 20-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Partizan 35-22 including 28 on the defensive glass. 24 personal fouls committed by Partizan helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American forward Omar Thomas (197-82, college: UTEP) orchestrated the victory by scoring 18 points and 7 rebounds. Mile Ilic (215-84, agency: Interperformances) contributed with 7 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Miroslav Raduljica (213-88) replied with 17 points and 7 rebounds and Dragan Milosavljevic (198-89) added 10 points in the effort for Partizan. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Game Three is scheduled for Tuesday and Partizan will be the host.
Top scorers:
Crvena Zvezda: O.Thomas 18+7reb+2ast, S.Lesic 8+4reb, A.Milutinovic 7+5reb, M.Ilic 7+8reb, N.Nedovic 7, P.Popovic 6+2reb+1ast
Partizan: M.Raduljica 17+7reb, D.Milosavljevic 10+1reb+1ast, V.Lucic 10+1reb+1ast, M.Macvan 5+4reb+3ast, D.James 5+1reb+1ast, M.Cakarevic 4+5reb+1ast


Andrija Ciric wins 'Bosman Player of the Year' in Hungary - by Eurobasket News

Serbian forward Andrija Ciric (199-G-80, agency: BeoExcell) is named 'Bosman Player of the Year' in Hungarian championship. He is also named to 'Eurobasket.com All-Hungarian League First Team'. Ciric appeared 26 times in the league averaging 22 points, 5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.7 steals. He ended as the second best scorer. His PVSK Pannonpower Pecs reached Playoff Quarterfinals, but failed against Albacomp. They finished as No.7 in regular season with 13-13 score. Andrija Ciric joined PVSK last summer. Before that, he played for Keflavik and AEL Limassol. Season 2009/10, the forward spent with Polish PBG Basket Poznan. In 2008, Ciric won the Hungarian league title with Falco and was named to 'Eurobasket.com All-Hungarian League 1st Team'. Andrija Ciric also has experience from Bosnia, Ukraine, Poland, Belgium and Serbia. He won the Polish league title with Prokom Trefl Sopot in 2005 and also Belgian league crown with Charleroi in 2004.


*****************************************************
  SOUTH KOREA   


243 Foreigners Invited to Summer Tryout - by Kevin Campigotto

As the KBL off-season progresses the list of foreigners invited to the summer tryout has been released. From the over 700 applicated 243 have been invited to the tryout camp which will run from July 23 to 26 in Las Vegas. The list is filled with KBL veterans and a few new names. The smart money is on the KBL rosters featuring few new faces and it will be interesting to see how patient teams are now that they will have two foreign players.

Some of the standouts from the list include former NBA players Loren Woods, who at 221cm will be an attractive foreigner if he does choose to play in Korea this year. Because the fee to apply to the league was so miniscule there are many players who may have little interest in actually coming to Korea, but are simly just setting up safety nets in case they cannot land positions in the NBA DL, Europe or China.


The list can be downloaded from HERE


*****************************************************
  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 Regal13.4 
 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 Madrid4.1 
 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. Llompart, Lucent.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. Udoka, UCAM M.1.4 
 8. Uriz, B.de Rueda V.1.4 
 9. Eidson, FCB Regal1.3 
 10. Granger, Asefa E.1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Stephane LASME
  Blusens M.
  (203-F-82)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Lasme, Blusens M.1.9 
 2. Fischer, Gescrap BB1.9 
 3. Sene, Fuenlabrada1.7 
 4. Begic, Real Madrid1.4 
 5. Toure, B.de R.1.4 
 6. Ndong, FCB Regal1.1 
 7. Vazquez, FCB Regal1.1 
 8. Barnes, Lucentum1.0 
 9. Augustine, UCAM M.0.9 
 10. Joseph, Fuenlabr.0.9 


Melilla is alive in LEB Gold Finals - by Eurobasket News

LEB Gold Finals, Game 3: Melilla - Menorca 79-74 (1-2)

Third game of the LEB Gold Finals between Melilla and Menorca was played last night. The hosts celebrated 79-74 victory to stay alive in the series. The format is best-of-five and Menorca is still one win away from the title. Game Four is scheduled for tomorrow and Melilla will be the host. They will try to win again and to force decisive Game Five.
Menorca Basquet trailed by 13 points after 3 quarters before a 31-23 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 74-79 at the end of the game. 24 personal fouls committed by Menorca Basquet helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for guard Jose Salvador Arco (194-G-85) (194-85) who led his team to a victory with 36 points (!!!). Power forward Hector Manzano (207-80) contributed with 11 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Forward Marc Blanch (195-82) answered with 22 points and American forward Taylor Coppenrath (205-81, college: Vermont) added 12 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Menorca Basquet. Menorca Basquet's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help.
The winner of LEB Gold Playoffs will play in Liga Endesa next season. Canarias already won the promotion as they were regular season champion. They registered 26 wins in 34 games. If necessary, Melilla and Menorca will meet on June 12 again. If the series go to that game Menorca will be the host.

Melilla: J.Salvador Arco 36+3reb+2ast, H.Manzano 11+9reb+2ast, J.Riera 11+2reb+3ast, M.Suka-Umu 8+3reb+4ast, C.Odiakosa 7+9reb+1ast, K.Wachsmann 6+3reb+1ast
Menorca: M.Blanch 22+1reb, J.Jimenez 13+1reb+3ast, T.Coppenrath 12+9reb, D.Navarro 7+4reb+1ast, R.Morentin 5+1reb+1ast, U.Otegui 5+6reb


Real Madrid takes Game Two at Palau Blaugrana - by Eurobasket News

Liga Endesa Finals, Game 2: FCB Regal - Real Madrid 69-75 (1-1, best-of-five)

Real Madrid recovered from shocking defeat in the first game and managed to beat Regal Barca tonight 69-75 for 1-1 tie in the series. The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. It was a great shooting night for Real Madrid especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 64.7 percentage. Croatian center Ante Tomic (217-87) scored 12 points and 9 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the former international guard Sergio Rodriguez (191-86) chipped in 14 points and 4 assists during the contest. Slovenian power forward Erazem Lorbek (209-84, college: Michigan St.) responded with 22 points and 5 rebounds and Fran Vazquez (209-83) scored 11 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks. Four Real Madrid and five Regal FC Barcelona players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such important game. Game Three is scheduled for Monday in Madrid.
Top scorers:
FCB Regal: E.Lorbek 22+5reb+3ast, F.Vazquez 11+8reb+1ast, J.Carlos Navarro 11+1reb+2ast, M.Huertas 10+2reb+1ast, P.Mickeal 10+4reb+1ast, X.Rabaseda 2+2reb
Real Madrid: S.Rodriguez 14+1reb+4ast, A.Tomic 12+9reb+1ast, N.Mirotic 10+4reb, J.Carroll 10+5reb+2ast, K.Singler 8+2reb+1ast, F.Reyes 6+7reb


*****************************************************
  SWEDEN   


Dolphins sign Ermolinskij for 2012/13, bring in Reggie Chamberlain for try-out - by Eurobasket News

As expected, Pavel Ermolinskij (202-G/F-87, agency: I.D.S. Law) became a new member of the Norrkoping Dolphins. They penned a one-year deal yesterday. Ermolinskij spent last season with Sundsvall Dragons. He appeared 26 times in Basketligan averaging 12.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5 assists. He missed more than two months due to injury, but still was named to Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan 2nd Team -12. Before Sundsvall, Pavel Ermolinskij spent one year with KR Reykjavik winning the championship title and Icelandic Cup with them. The swingman was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Icelandic League Domestic Player of the Year -11. Before Reykjavik, Ermolinskij played for Ceceres, La Palma, Huelva, Clinicas Rincon, Unicaja Malaga and Vichy. He also was a member of the Icelandic National Team in 2005, 2006 and 2009. He also played for U20 and U18 NT in the past.
Norrkoping Dolphins also brought in Reggie Chamberlain (182-G-89, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: UMKC) for try-out. They made 2-month agreement. The American PG graduated at University of Missouri - Kansas City few months ago.


Solna Vikings ink deal with Norwegian F Miilah Kombat - by Eurobasket News

Miilah Kombat (200-F-88, college: N.Idaho JC) will continue his career in Sweden. The Norwegian forward penned a one-year deal with the Solna Vikings. Kombat arrives to the club from Froya Basket, where he spent last three seasons. In the latest one he averaged 16.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists for 23 games in BLNO. They won the BLNO title and Kombat was named MVP of the Final Four Tournament. He participated at BLNO All-Star Game and also was named Eurobasket.com All-Norwegian BLNO 2nd Team. The forward got the same award also in 2011, while in 2010 he was named to First Team. He was a member of Ammerud Basket at that time. In the past, Kombat also played for North Idaho Junior College, Kongsberg Penguins and Asker Aliens BC. He won first BLNO title in 2005 with Asker Aliens.


*****************************************************
  TUNISIA   


Tunisia intensifies training - by Eurobasket News

Barely two months to the start of the 2012 Olympic Games, is the Tunisia Olympic basketball team ensuring an outstanding competition in London. After spending 6 days at home for physical preparation, the squad moves to Turkey today where they will be training for 10 days. During the training session, they will confront two Turkish clubs and a University side in friendly encounters to take place June 12, 13 and 15. Next in the agenda of the Tunisians will be the Nabeul international basketball tournament. The boys of Adel Tlatli and Kacem Ouerchfani end their preparations with the Stanrovic tournament to take place in China. The list of players to defend the countrys colors in London is yet to be known.
Courtesy of: StarAfrica.com



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

Stats Leaders - D1

Points Per Game
 Jonathan GIBSON
  Trabzonspor
  (182-PG-87)
  Avg: 19.9
 1. Gibson, Trabzonspor19.9 
 2. Chatman, Karsiyaka18.3 
 3. Reynolds, Antalya18.3 
 4. Brown, Trabzonspor18.1 
 5. Scales, Mersin17.4 
 6. Toolson, Aliaga17.3 
 7. Fisher, Antalya17.2 
 8. Sneed, Mersin16.9 
 9. Grundy, Mersin16.9 
 10. Washington, Turk16.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Elton BROWN
  Trabzonspor
  (206-C-83)
  Avg: 12.2
 1. Brown, Trabzonspor12.2 
 2. Stimac, Olin Edirne9.9 
 3. Sanders, Hacett.8.9 
 4. Mensah-Bonsu, Bes.7.8 
 5. McGhee, Bandirma.7.8 
 6. Wesson, Erdemir7.6 
 7. Buckman, Tofas7.6 
 8. Sonkol, Aliaga7.3 
 9. Dagli, Besiktas7.0 
 10. Yucel, Turk T.7.0 
Assists Per Game
 Mire CHATMAN
  Karsiyaka
  (187-PG-78)
  Avg: 6.4
 1. Chatman, Karsiyaka6.4 
 2. Ermis, Banvit BK5.8 
 3. Ratkovica, Aliaga5.3 
 4. Tunceri, Anadolu5.1 
 5. Senturk, Erdemir4.9 
 6. Gordon, Galatasaray4.5 
 7. Reynolds, Antalya4.4 
 8. Fisher, Antalya4.4 
 9. Washington, Turk T.4.4 
 10. Arroyo, Besiktas4.3 
Steals Per Game
 Russell ROBINSON
  Trabzons.
  (185-G-86)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Robinson, Trabzons.2.1 
 2. Grier, Mersin2.1 
 3. Bryan-A., Hacett.2.0 
 4. Chatman, Karsiyaka1.9 
 5. Grundy, Mersin1.7 
 6. Gordon, Galatasaray1.6 
 7. Scales, Mersin1.4 
 8. Hawkins, Besiktas1.4 
 9. Guler, Turk T.1.4 
 10. Ermis, Banvit BK1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Charles DAVIS
  Banvit BK
  (202-F-84)
  Avg: 1.3
 1. Davis, Banvit BK1.3 
 2. Bryan-A., Hacett.1.3 
 3. Robinson, Erdemir1.1 
 4. McGhee, Bandirma.1.0 
 5. Gist, Fener.Ulker0.9 
 6. Bayav, Karsiyaka0.9 
 7. Aldemir, Galatasar.0.9 
 8. Karaman, Karsiyaka0.8 
 9. Turkyilmaz, Banvit0.8 
 10. Qvale, Aliaga0.8 


Anadolu Efes grabs 84-82 OT win in Game Five, stays alive in TBL Finals - by Eurobasket News

TBL Finals, Game 5: Anadolu Efes - Besiktas 84-82 OT (2-3)

Game Five of TBL Finals between Anadolu Efes and Besiktas just ended. The hosts grabbed 84-82 overtime win coming to 2-3 in the series. The format is best-of-seven and Besiktas is still one win away from the title. Game Six is scheduled for Monday and Besiktas will be the host.
Besiktas was trailing by 5 points at halftime but managed to get 4-point lead after three quarters before a 20-16 charge of Anadolu Efes, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time. They were better in overtime eventually winning that period 11-9. Anadolu Efes made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was Kerem Gonlum (208-C/F-77) who scored 19 points and 6 rebounds. Sasha Vujacic had 18 points and 5 boards, while Kerem Tunceri (190-79) chipped in 12 points and 8 assists. Four Anadolu Efes players scored in double figures. Ersin Dagli (203-81, college: Alabama, agency: Interperformances) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds and Puerto Rican guard Carlos Arroyo (188-79, college: FIU) added 20 points and 8 assists respectively for the guests.
TBL champion Fenerbahce Ulker is out of the Finals and there is no regular season champion Galatasaray as well. Besiktas eliminated both of them. On its way to the Finals Anadolu Efes edged Karsiyaka and Banvit. As mentioned above, Besiktas will host Game Six on Monday. If necessary, decisive Game Seven will be played on June 14. If the series go to that game, Anadolu Efes will be the host.

Anadolu Efes: K.Gonlum 19+6reb, S.Vujacic 18+5reb, K.Tunceri 12+4reb+8ast, D.Savanovic 12+2reb+3ast, E.Kurtoglu 9+2reb, O.Lafayette 6+3reb+3ast
Besiktas: C.Arroyo 20+4reb+8ast, E.Dagli 19+12reb+1ast, D.Hawkins 18+8reb+2ast, M.Yagmur 9+4reb, Z.Erceg 9+4reb+1ast, P.Mensah-Bonsu 7+5reb


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


FUBA LEAGUE DIV 1 NEW ENTRANTS HAVING A HARD TIME. - by Joel Nature

Rez Life and Vegetarian came through a bruising Division Two series final last year and must have hoped to enjoy life in the top tier upon promotion.
Predictably, they have found the going very tough in Division One, which makes their clash at YMCA court today even more important.
Neither has won a game yet, with Rez Life losing to Eagles (58-70), Giant Stormers (69-83) and Ndejje University Angels (58-81). Vegetarian have only played the toughest teams thus far which have ended in losses to DMark Power (65-102), Falcons (58-68) and Warriors (44-71). The three sides have 12 titles between them.

KIU Titans (30-63) and Heaters (66-70) have also feasted on Vegetarian. When the two faced off for Division Two honours last December, Rez Life edged it 88-84 with William Odong grabbing 24 points and 10 rebounds to clinch the series 3-2.
Turnaround
Davis Apuuli added 21 and 12 boards for the victors but both had already qualified hence the significance was minimal.
This clash is all the more crucial with the top division being expanded from 10 to 12 teams. The winner knows it could kicks tart a turnaround.

On the other hand, defeat could mean looking over the shoulder for the rest of the campaign as most promoted teams rarely survive the chop.

A Third Division clash between Livingstone and Emperors will set the stage for the topflight game.


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


Donaldas Kairys leaves DniproAzot - by Eurobasket News

DniproAzot decided not to extend the contract with head coach Donaldas Kairys . The Lithuanian specialist took over the Ukrainian team in November 2011. Kairys took over Igor Chigrinov at the bridge. He led the team to 12-27 record in Superleague regular season. DniproAzot however did not make it to the playoffs. Previously Donaldas Kairys worked as head coach of ASK Riga and Silute. He also served as assistant coach in CSKA, Lietuvos Rytas, Khimky and Missouri University. Donaldas Kairys worked at the LBL All-Star Game in 2009. The specialist also worked as assistant coach with Lithuanian National Team in 2006/10 seasons.
DniproAzot have already entered the market looking for a new head coach.


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


Uruguay hand second loss to Chile - by Eurobasket News

Chile - Uruguay 54:66

Uruguay secured the second straight over Chile in the test series. Uruguay claimed and 12-point victory in Valparaiso yesterday. Mauricio Aguiar (197-F-83, agency: Players Group) and Brian Craig (206-C-79, college: Miles) scored 12 points each to lead the winners.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 19:19 after ten minutes. Chile pulled in front in the second frame. The hosts ensured a 32:29 halftime lead. Uruguay cut the distance to 2 points at the final intermission. Uruguay went on a massive 20:6 run in the fourth term and stole a tough win at the end. Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80, college: Texas A&M) and Nicolas Borselino (201-C-86) posted 11 points each for the winners. Evandro Arteaga (178-G-83) had 21 points for Chile in the loss.


*****************************************************
  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, Marinos19.3 
 5. Adams, Guaiqueries18.9 
 6. Hickerson, Bucan.18.6 
 7. Stoll, Gigantes17.6 
 8. Edwin, Gaiteros17.5 
 9. Millsap, Guaros16.8 
 10. Romero, Trotamun.16.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jack Michael MARTINEZ
  Cocodrilos
  (203-F/C-81)
  Avg: 10.5
 1. Martinez, Cocodril.10.5 
 2. Braggs, Gaiteros9.3 
 3. Fuller, Panteras9.2 
 4. Pruitt, Trotamun.9.1 
 5. Urbina, Toros8.5 
 6. Jackson, Guaiquer.7.8 
 7. Gransberry, Cocod.7.7 
 8. Allen, Marinos7.7 
 9. Sucre, Marinos7.6 
 10. Warner, Bucaneros7.1 
Assists Per Game
 Paul STOLL
  Gigantes
  (178-PG-85)
  Avg: 6.8
 1. Stoll, Gigantes6.8 
 2. Vargas, Marinos5.7 
 3. Cubillan, Trotamun.5.1 
 4. Guillent, Bucaneros4.6 
 5. Guillent, Guaros4.3 
 6. Elliott, Cocodrilos4.2 
 7. Braggs, Gaiteros4.1 
 8. Pena, Toros4.1 
 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. Guillent, Bucaneros2.8 
 3. Vargas, Marinos2.8 
 4. Pena, Toros2.8 
 5. Adams, Guaiqueries2.5 
 6. Elliott, Cocodrilos2.5 
 7. Sims, Gaiteros2.5 
 8. Horton, Panteras2.3 
 9. Gilder, Trotamun.2.1 
 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. Watkins, Marinos1.7 
 5. Osorio, Panteras1.5 
 6. Hardin, Marinos1.4 
 7. Graterol, Cocodril.1.3 
 8. Warner, Bucaneros1.1 
 9. Gilder, Trotamun.1.0 
 10. Romero, Trotamun.1.0 


Latinbasket.com All-Venezuelan LPB 2012 Awards - by Francisco Vega

Latinbasket.com All-Venezuelan LPB 1st Team 2012
#s#
Carl Elliott
Elliott
Leon Rodgers
Rodgers
Donald Sims
Sims
Hector Romero
Romero
Shaun Pruitt
Pruitt
#e#5

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- These are Venezuela's LPB 2012 Awards provided by your Latinbasket.com correspondents:

Player of the Year: Carl Elliott (193-G-83) of Cocodrilos
Guard of the Year: Carl Elliott (193-G-83) of Cocodrilos
Forward of the Year: Leon Rodgers (199-F-80) of Marinos
Center of the Year: Shaun Pruitt (208-C-85) of Trotamundos
Newcomer of the Year: Harold Cazorla (175-PG-91) of Gigantes
Most Improved Player of the Year: Jesus Urbina (201-F-84) of Toros
Imported Player of the Year: Carl Elliott (193-G-83) of Cocodrilos
Domestic Player of the Year: Hector Romero (202-F/C-80) of Trotamundos
Defensive Player of the Year: Richard Lugo (209-C-73) of Guaiqueries
Coach of the Year: Jorge Arrieta of Marinos

1st Team
G: Carl Elliott (193-83) of Cocodrilos
F: Leon Rodgers (199-80) of Marinos
PG: Donald Sims (185-87) of Gaiteros
F/C: Hector Romero (202-80) of Trotamundos
C: Shaun Pruitt (208-85) of Trotamundos

2nd Team
G: Darius Adams (182-89) of Guaiqueries
F: Delonte Holland (201-82) of Toros
F: Axiers Sucre (198-78) of Marinos
F: Jesus Urbina (201-84) of Toros
C: Richard Lugo (209-73) of Guaiqueries

All-Domestic Players Team
PG: Gregory Vargas (182-86) of Marinos
F: Axiers Sucre (198-78) of Marinos
PG: Heissler Guillent (186-86) of Guaros
F/C: Hector Romero (202-80) of Trotamundos
C: Richard Lugo (209-73) of Guaiqueries

All-Imports Team
G: Carl Elliott (193-83) of Cocodrilos
PG: Donald Sims (185-87) of Gaiteros
F: Leon Rodgers (199-80) of Marinos
F: Delonte Holland (201-82) of Toros
C: Shaun Pruitt (208-85) of Trotamundos

All-Defensive Team
Carl Elliott (193-G-83) of Cocodrilos
Gregory Vargas (182-PG-86) of Marinos
Hector Romero (202-F/C-80) of Trotamundos
Windi Graterol (203-F/C-86) of Cocodrilos
Richard Lugo (209-C-73) of Guaiqueries

All-Newcomers Team
Harold Cazorla (175-PG-91) of Gigantes
Pedro Chourio (186-PG-90) of Trotamundos
Miguel Fernandez (194-F-92) of Toros
Lenin Lopez (198-F-91) of Gaiteros
Miguel Ruiz (197-F-90) of Trotamundos



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

Women News


Australia too good for Turkey in Karlovy Vary - by Eurobasket News

Australia - Turkey 57:49

Australia recorded the first win at the international tournament in Czech Republic. They knocked down Turkey in Karlovy Vary. Liz Cambage (203-C-91) came up with 16 points to lead the Aussies.
Turkey held their opponents to just 10 points in the starting quarter to surge ahead. They enjoyed a 3-point lead at the first break. But the Opals denied the deficit and levelled things up at 29 at halftime. Australia gradually came back to life in the third quarter. The Opals added aggressiveness to their defence holding Turkey to 10 points in the quarter and entering the final term up by 7 points 46:39. Australia maintained the lead throughout the final frame and sealed the win at the end. Abby Bishop (189-C-88) provided 12 points, while Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) added 10 in the win. Bahar Caglar (186-F-88) answered with 8 points for Turkey. Esmeral Tuncluer (176-G-80) and Isil Alben (170-G-86) delivered 7 points apiece in the loss.

Australia: Liz Cambage 16, Abby Bishop 12, Lauren Jackson 10
Turkey: Bahar Caglar 8, Esmeral Tuncluer 7, Isil Alben 7


*****************************************************
  BELARUS   


Belarusian National Team 2012 - by Simas

Starting five
#s#
Alexandra Tarasava
Tarasava
Anastasiya Veremeenko
Veremeenko
Ala Murauskaya
Murauskaya
Zhanna Horodetskaya
Horodetskaya
Marina Kress
Kress
#e#5
5 Alexandra Tarasava 170-PG-88 VS Praha Czech Republic
6 Katerina Snytsina 188-F-85 Gorizont Belarus
7 Yuliya Dureika 179-F-86 Dynamo K. Russia
8 Tatsiana Likhtarovich 179-G/F-88 VICI Aistes Lithuania
9 Natalia Anufryienka 174-G-85 Gorizont Belarus
10 Anastasiya Veremeenko 194-C-87 Fenerbahce Turkey
11 Ala Murauskaya 187-F-85 TTT Riga Latvia
12 Zhanna Horodetskaya 180-G-79 Minsk-2006 Belarus
13 Tatyana Troina 188-F-81 Nantes France
14 Nataliya Trofimowa 186-F-79 Lider Pruszkow Poland
15 Marina Kress 193-C-80 Edremit Turkey
23 Viktoriya Hasper 193-C-88 Gorizont Belarus

Anatoly Buyalskiy Head Coach Gorizont Belarus



Russia University NT bounce back against Belarus - by Eurobasket News

Belarus - Russia University NT 49:55

Russian University National Team posted victory in the test game against Belarus in Minsk. They rebounded after the starting loss a day earlier. Tatiana Petrushina (185-F-90) notched 16 points to pace the winners.
Russia grabbed a 19:12 lead after ten minutes. Belarus limited their opponents to just 8 points in the second term and cut the distance to 2 points at halftime. Belarus pulled in front in the third term. But Russia managed to enter the fourth period up by six points. They stayed in control until the final buzzer and sealed the victory at the end. Paskalanko, Tatyana Abrikosova (179-SG-89) and Veronika Dorosheva (188-PF-91) contributed 8 points each in the win. Natalia Anufryienka (174-G-85, agency: LBM Management) notched 16 points and 9 rebounds for Belarus. Katerina Snytsina (188-F-85) delivered 11 points in the loss.

Belarus: Natalia Anufryienka 16, Katerina Snytsina 11
Russia University NT: Tatiana Petrushina 16, Liubov Paskalenko 8, Tatyana Abrikosova 8, Veronika Dorosheva 8


*****************************************************
  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Hungary eke out win over Czech Republic in Karlovy Vary - by Eurobasket News

Czech Republic - Hungary 70:71

Hungary victoriously opened the international tournament in Karlovy Vary. They nipped the hosts by a single point. Dora Horti (195-C-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) stepped up with 20 points to lead the winners.
Hungary confidently opened the game. They posted a 19:16 lead ten minutes into the game. The visitors stretched the lead to as many as 11 points at halftime 41:30. Hungary maintained the lead throughout the third term. They entered the final frame up by 9 points 57:48. But Czech Republic did not surrender. The home team cut the distance to just two points late in regulation 67:69. However Dora Horti stepped up for Hungary in the dying seconds and sealed the victory for the visitors. Anna Vida (184-F-85) posted 15 points, while Allie Quigley (180-G-86, college: De Paul) added 8 points in the victory. Katerina Zohnova (179-SF-84) answered with 13 points for Czech Republic. Petra Reisingerova (195-C-73) netted 11 points in the loss.

Czech Republic: Katerina Zohnova 13, Petra Reisingerova 11
Hungary: Dora Horti 20, Anna Vida 15, Allie Quigley 8


Czech Republic National Team 2012 - by Simas

Starting five
#s#
Jana Vesela
Vesela
Ilona Burgrova
Burgrova
Hana Horakova
Horakova
Petra Kulichova
Kulichova
Eva Viteckova
Viteckova
#e#5
4 Jana Vesela 192-F-83 Ros Casares Spain
6 Katerina Bartonova 173-PG-90 VS Praha Czech Republic
7 Michaela Hartigova 192-C-83 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
8 Ilona Burgrova 196-C-84 USK Praha Czech Republic
9 Hana Horakova 182-F/G-79 UMMC Russia
11 Katerina Elhotova 180-SG-89 USK Praha Czech Republic
13 Petra Kulichova 198-C-84 USK Praha Czech Republic
15 Eva Viteckova 190-F-82 USK Praha Czech Republic
22 Kamila Stepanova 191-C-88 Landes France
24 Tereza Peckova 189-F-87 Frisco Sika Czech Republic
25 Katerina Zohnova 179-SF-84 Mondeville France
31 Lenka Bartakova 175-G-91 VS Praha Czech Republic



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


Asteras Exarheion Athens brings in Estonian C Valeria Kast - by Eurobasket News

According to Womensports.gr, Valeria Kast (201-C-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: N.Mexico) will continue her career in Greece. Reportedly, the Estonian center penned a deal with Asteras Exarheion Athens. The player arrives from C.B. Arxil Pontevedra, where she finished this season. Kast had 10.9 ppg and 6 rpg for 16 games in Spanish LF2. She started the season with Grupo Marsol Conquero Huelva. They also competed in LF2 and Kast had almost the same numbers. In 2010/11 season, Valeri Kast changed three teams (Minsk 2006, TLU/Volta Tallinn and Soller Joventud Mariana). With Minsk she won the Belarusian Cup. Kast was also awarded with Eurobasket.com All-BWBL Honorable Mention -11 (Baltic league). Valeria Kast is a product of the New Mexico University, where she graduated two years ago. She played for the Estonian National Team in 2011 EuroBasket Division B Qualifications.


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


Prospects Logunova and Solovyeva join Chevakata - by Eurobasket News

Vologda Chevakata made a move for the future. The Russian squad signed deals with center Anastasia Logunova (188-C-90) and forward Victoria Solovyeva (185-F/G-91).
The 21-year-old Anastasia Logunova arrives to the club from Nadezhda Orenburg. She played 14 games with them in Russian league registering 3.9 ppg and 3.2 rpg. The center also had 1.8 ppg for 8 Euroleague games. Before Nedezhda, Logunova played for Dynamo Moscow. Two years ago she led Russian U20 National Team to Gold medal at U20 EuroBasket in Liepaja. She had 12.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 3.2 apg for 9 games and was named MVP of the championship. Of course, she also was named the Best Center and First Team.
Victoria Solovyeva is also 21-year-old and she played for Dynamo Moscow this season. For 11 games the forward had 1.5 ppg and 1.8 rpg. As Logunova, she is expected to get more playing time at Chevakata. Solovyeva helped U20 Russia to win the Silver last summer at U20 EuroBasket in Serbia. She had 3.4 ppg and 5.3 rpg for 9 games at this event.


Dmitry Donskov takes over Vologda Chevakata - by Eurobasket News

Dmitry Donskov is a new Head Coach of Vologda Chevakata. The Russian specialist is expected to lead the club for longer period. Donskov spent this season with Spartak St.Petersburg. They reached Playoff Quarterfinals, despite the clubs financial problems during the season. Before Spartak SP, Donskov worked three years as Assistant Coach at UMMC Ekaterinburg. In 2007/08, he was a Head Coach of VBM SGAU Samara, where he also served as AC from 2005 to 2008. Dmitry Donskov won four Russian league titles as Assistant Coach. He also celebrated four times in Russian Cup, serving at the same post. From 2008 to 2010, Donskov was AC of the Russian U20 National Team. They won the Gold at U20 EuroBasket in Liepaja, 2010. Last summer Donskov became a Head Coach of U20 NT. They won the Silver at U20 EuroBasket in Serbia.


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


UMMC tab Silvia Dominguez - by Eurobasket News

UMMC brought in another import player. They signed a deal with Silvia Dominguez (167-PG-87). The Spanish guard was under contract with Ros Casares but as the team experience financial difficulties the players exodus continued. Last season Silvia Dominguez tallied 5.8 points, 3.8 assists and 1.9 rebounds per game in Euroleague. In Spanish League her stats read 5.3 points, 4.1 assists and 2.3 rebounds per appearance. Previously Silvia Dominguez had longed player for Avenida. She earned Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LFB Honourable Mention in 2009 and 2012. Silvia Dominguez was also named All-Spanish LFB Guard of the Year in 2006. She has been the member of Spanish National Team since 2006. The guard posted 2.3 points, 1.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game at EuroBasket in Poland in 2011.


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


Pau Lacq Orthez signs Marion Arfelis for the next season - by Eurobasket News

Marion Arfelis (186-F/C-91) will play next season in LF2. The French power forward/center signed a deal with Pau Lacq Orthez (L'EBPLO). Arfelis arrives to the club from Union Lyon Basket Feminin, where she spent last three years. In the latest one she had 5 ppg and 1.9 rpg in 7 LFB games. The player won LF2 regular season title with Lyon a year ago. At the same time they also won the promotion to LFB and Arfelis helped the club with 5 ppg, plus 2.1 rpg for 29 games. Before Lyon, she was a member of Tarbes and CFBB. With Tarbes she had very limited playing time. Marion Arfelis played for French University National Team in 2009. Last summer she participated at U20 French NT training camp.


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


Asteras Exarheion Athens brings in Estonian C Valeria Kast - by Eurobasket News

According to Womensports.gr, Valeria Kast (201-C-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: N.Mexico) will continue her career in Greece. Reportedly, the Estonian center penned a deal with Asteras Exarheion Athens. The player arrives from C.B. Arxil Pontevedra, where she finished this season. Kast had 10.9 ppg and 6 rpg for 16 games in Spanish LF2. She started the season with Grupo Marsol Conquero Huelva. They also competed in LF2 and Kast had almost the same numbers. In 2010/11 season, Valeri Kast changed three teams (Minsk 2006, TLU/Volta Tallinn and Soller Joventud Mariana). With Minsk she won the Belarusian Cup. Kast was also awarded with Eurobasket.com All-BWBL Honorable Mention -11 (Baltic league). Valeria Kast is a product of the New Mexico University, where she graduated two years ago. She played for the Estonian National Team in 2011 EuroBasket Division B Qualifications.


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


Hungary eke out win over Czech Republic in Karlovy Vary - by Eurobasket News

Czech Republic - Hungary 70:71

Hungary victoriously opened the international tournament in Karlovy Vary. They nipped the hosts by a single point. Dora Horti (195-C-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) stepped up with 20 points to lead the winners.
Hungary confidently opened the game. They posted a 19:16 lead ten minutes into the game. The visitors stretched the lead to as many as 11 points at halftime 41:30. Hungary maintained the lead throughout the third term. They entered the final frame up by 9 points 57:48. But Czech Republic did not surrender. The home team cut the distance to just two points late in regulation 67:69. However Dora Horti stepped up for Hungary in the dying seconds and sealed the victory for the visitors. Anna Vida (184-F-85) posted 15 points, while Allie Quigley (180-G-86, college: De Paul) added 8 points in the victory. Katerina Zohnova (179-SF-84) answered with 13 points for Czech Republic. Petra Reisingerova (195-C-73) netted 11 points in the loss.

Czech Republic: Katerina Zohnova 13, Petra Reisingerova 11
Hungary: Dora Horti 20, Anna Vida 15, Allie Quigley 8


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


Cras Taranto keeps Latvian C Zenta Melnika - by Eurobasket News

According to Weplayball.gr, Cras Taranto decided to keep Latvian center Zenta Melnika (197-C-91, agency: FCM). Reportedly, they already signed a one-year contract extension. Melnika joined the club in March this year. She got a chance in 9 games averaging 1.2 points and 2.8 rebounds. Taranto managed to win the championship title in Italy and they also won the Cup. Zenta Melnika started this season with Greek Asteras Exarheion Athens. There she had 12.7 ppg, 12 rpg and 1.8 bpg for 19 games. She was the second rebounder and second shot blocker in Greek league. For her performance Melnika was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Greek League 2nd Team -12 and Eurobasket.com Greek League All-Bosmans Team -12. Melnika joined Asteras as a teenager. She played for Latvian U20 and U18 National Teams in the past.


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


Japanese National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Starting five
#s#
Maki Takada
Takada
Yuka Mamiya
Mamiya
Asami Yoshida
Yoshida
Kumiko Oba
Oba
Ryoko Yano
Yano
#e#5
5 Maki Takada 183-C-89 Denso Iris Japan
6 Yuka Mamiya 184-C/F-90 JX Sunflowers Japan
7 Ryoko Yano 178-F-78 Toyota A. Japan
8 Rika Tanaka 173-G/F-82 JX Sunflowers Japan
9 Emi Kudeken 165-G-84 Toyota A. Japan
12 Asami Yoshida 165-PG-87 JX Sunflowers Japan
14 Kumiko Oba 169-G-88 Denso Iris Japan
15 Kumiko Yamada 192-C/F-79 JX Sunflowers Japan
17 Arisa Fujiwara 87
20 Kabaya Chie 172-G/F-86 Fujitsu RW Japan
21 Megumi Shinohara 184-C/F-91 Fujitsu RW Japan
22 Moeko Nagaoka 180-F-93



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


Sweden edge Latvia for first win in Kaunas - by Eurobasket News

Sweden - Latvia 68:65

Sweden posted the first win at the Kaunas international tournament. They narrowly defeated Latvia to finish at 1-2 record in the third position. Latvia suffered the third loss in a row.
Latvia fired 23 points in the opening quarter to take a 3-point lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the second frame. The Baltic team secured a 3-point lead at the interval 37:34. But the Scandinavian side quickly spurred ahead in the third quarter. They ensured a 57:52 lead with ten minutes remaining. The teams went neck and neck throughout the final period but Sweden were more accurate when it mattered the most and snatched a difficult win at the end. Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) orchestrated victory with 22 points. Elin Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) added 9 points for Sweden. Ieva Krastina (175-G/F-90, agency: LBM Management) provided 14 points for Latvia. Aija Putnina (192-F/C-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) notched 13 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Sweden: Louice Halvarsson 22, Elin Eldebrink 9, Martina Stalvant 8, Kadidja Andersson 8
Latvia: Ieva Krastina 14, Aija Putnina 13


Ceyhan lands Latvian PG Kristine Karklina - by Eurobasket News

Ceyhan Belediye reinforced its roster at position one. The Turkish outfit signed a one-year deal with Latvian National Team point guard Kristine Karklina (175-G-83, agency: Regeneracom Sports). She arrives to the club from Cadi la Seu, where she spent this season. Karklina appeared 26 times in Spanish LFB averaging 9.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists. She joined Cadi la Seu in March of 2011. Before that, Karkline spent season and a half with TTT Riga. In the past, she also played for Cssis and French Stade Poitevin. With Cesis and TTT Riga, the playmaker won Latvian league title in 2009 and 2010. Kristine Karklina is active member of the Latvian National Team. Last summer at the EuroBasket in Poland she had 6.8 ppg and 3.8 rpg for 9 games. She played for Latvia in qualifications for 2011 EuroBasket and also at 2009 EuroBasket.


Cras Taranto keeps Latvian C Zenta Melnika - by Eurobasket News

According to Weplayball.gr, Cras Taranto decided to keep Latvian center Zenta Melnika (197-C-91, agency: FCM). Reportedly, they already signed a one-year contract extension. Melnika joined the club in March this year. She got a chance in 9 games averaging 1.2 points and 2.8 rebounds. Taranto managed to win the championship title in Italy and they also won the Cup. Zenta Melnika started this season with Greek Asteras Exarheion Athens. There she had 12.7 ppg, 12 rpg and 1.8 bpg for 19 games. She was the second rebounder and second shot blocker in Greek league. For her performance Melnika was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Greek League 2nd Team -12 and Eurobasket.com Greek League All-Bosmans Team -12. Melnika joined Asteras as a teenager. She played for Latvian U20 and U18 National Teams in the past.


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


Lithuania U16 lose to France for second time in a row - by Eurobasket News

Lithuanian U16 National Team played the second test game against France. The Baltic team surrendered once again 46:60. Lithuania enjoyed a 16:12 lead after ten minutes. But France erased the deficit in the second quarter. The hosts tied things up at 25 at halftime. France pulled ahead in the third term. They limited the Baltic team to 4 points in the period to take a 15-point lead. Lithuania outscored the hosts in the final period but just sweetened the pill at the end. Agne Cerneckyte (171-SG-96) notched 21 points to pace Lithuania. Dalia Belickaite (175-F-96) had 8 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.
The teams are scheduled to meet again tonight.


Spain win Kaunas international tournament - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania - Spain 80:85

Spain triumphed at the Kaunas international tournament. They knocked down Lithuania in the decisive third game of the tourney to finish on top of the ladder. Lithuania suffered the first defeat and occupied the second spot. Marta Fernandez (178-F-81) knocked down 21 points and issued 10 assists to lead the winners.
Spain pulled in front late in the opening quarter. The visitors ensured a 24:19 lead after ten minutes. But Lithuania finished the first half strong and grabbed a 38:37 halftime lead. Spain reacted with a 13:5 start to the third quarter to surge back in charge. Spain arrived at the final break up by 7 points 62:55. Lithuania narrowed the deficit to a single point but Spain proved more accurate late in regulation and sealed the victory at the end. Elisa Aguilar (177-G-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: G.Washington) posted 16 points, while Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas) netted 10 points in the win. Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) responded with 21 points and 11 rebounds for Lithuania. Giedre Paugaite (192-C-90) had 16 points and 9 rebounds in defeat.

Lithuania: Gintare Petronyte 21+11 boards, Giedre Paugaite 16
Spain: Marta Fernandez 21+10 assists, Elisa Aguilar 16, Amaya Valdemoro 10


*****************************************************
  LUXEMBOURG   


Switzerland outscore Luxembourg in Bertrange - by Eurobasket News

Luxembourg-Switzerland 43:64

Switzerland outscore Luxembourg in Bertrange in a friendly campaign between two sides. The guests grabbed 64:43 win in a fully dominated game.
Switzerland started with 18-5 in the opening period and never looked behind. They added massive 25-11 in the second period and enjoyed 43:26 at the halftime. Moreover the guests won the third quarter 16-13 and did not mind the loss in the final stanza. Luxembourg produced a 14-5 win to reduce the gap in the game.
Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Marielle Giroud (180-F-87) added 17. Sarah Kershaw (180-SF-85) and Jalinka Michaux (173-F-87) followed them with 8 points each. Tessy Hetting (188-SF-86, college: LIU Brooklyn) replied with 10 points for the home side. Lena Hetto (184-F-93) netted 9 and Liv Schmit (170-F-89) delivered 8.

Luxembourg: Tessy Hetting 10, Lena Hetto 9, Liv Schmit 8
Switzerland: Karen Twehues 18, Marielle Giroud 17, Sarah Kershaw 8, Jalinka Michaux 8


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  MONTENEGRO   


Montenegrin National Team 2012 - by Simas

Starting five
#s#
Natasa Popovic
Popovic
Snezana Aleksic
Aleksic
Iva Perovanovic
Perovanovic
Milica Jovanovic
Jovanovic
Maja Milutinovic
Milutinovic
#e#5
4 Sanja Knezevic 188-F/C-84 Mladi Krajisnik Bosnia
5 Jelena Skerovic 176-G-80 USK Praha Czech Republic
7 Ana Baletic 185-G/F-85 Athinaikos Greece
8 Natasa Popovic 194-C-82 Buducnost Montenegro
9 Snezana Aleksic 172-G-89 Spartak N. Russia
10 Jelena Dubljevic 191-C-87 USK Praha Czech Republic
11 Milica Milosev 185-F-93 Buducnost Montenegro
12 Iva Perovanovic 189-C/F-83 Nadezhda O. Russia
13 Ana Turcinovic 190-C-93 Faenza Italy
14 Milica Jovanovic 189-F/C-89 Umbertide Italy
15 Maja Milutinovic 176-G-87 Mladi Krajisnik Bosnia
20 Jasmina Bigovic 174-G-79 Buducnost Montenegro



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  NCAA1   


Angel McCoughtry to be Inducted into Kentucky Hall of Fame - by Eurobasket News

Atlanta Dream guard/forward Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) will be inducted into the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame during a ceremony that will take place Thursday evening, June 7, at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Louisville, Ky. She will also be recognized for this achievement prior to Atlanta's game against San Antonio on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Philips Arena.

McCoughtry starred at the University of Louisville from 2005-09, setting school career records for scoring (2.779 points), rebounding (1,261), steals (481) and blocked shots (162). She led the Cardinals to the 2009 NCAA Championship game before becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 WNBA Draft by the Dream.

Other members of the 2012 induction class are Lee Corso, Hugh Durham, Seth Hancock, Homer Rice, Rick Robey, Bobby Watson and Churchill Downs.

The Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes individuals and teams that have made significant contributions to sports and have achieved a high standard of athletic success representing the honored traditions of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Hall also supports Kosair Charities, which provides medical care for thousands of children throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

The Atlanta Dream are in their fifth seas on this summer at Philips Arena as part of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the world's longest-running women's professional sports league. The Dream are the defending two-time, back-to-back Eastern Conference Champion. The next home game is scheduled for June 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com


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


Puerto Rico names Women's NT for Centrobasket: - by Luis Modestti

Puerto Rico named their finalists for the 2012 Centrobasket Championship for Women to be played in Morovis starting on June 12.

The team will be coached once again by Omar Gonzalez who guided his team to gold in the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games, Centrobasket and the 2011 Pan-American Games.

The twelve finalists are: Angelica Bermudez, Carla Cortijo (173-G-87, college: Texas), Carla Escalera, Sandra Garcia, Angiely Morales, Jennifer O'Neil, Deanna Ortiz, Mari Placido, Pamela Rosado (166-PG-86), Stephanie Rosado, Jazmine Sepulveda (186-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: S.Florida) and Esmary Vargas.

Puerto Rico makes their debut against Jamaica, and then play against El Salvador and Mexico. Semifinals are scheduled for June 15 and the finals the next day. The top four teams qualify for the 2013 FIBA-Americas Championship (World Qualifier).

After the Centrobasket tournament, Puerto Rico is scheduled to play in the Olympic Qualifier that starts on June 25 in Turkey. There the top five teams qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games.


Puerto Rican National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket Center

Starting five
#s#
Stephanie Rosado
Rosado
Jazmine Sepulveda
Sepulveda
Carla Cortijo
Cortijo
Angiely Morales
Morales
Marie Placido
Placido
#e#5
4 Stephanie Rosado 187-F-89 IPFW USA
5 Pamela Rosado 166-PG-86 Morovis M. Puerto Rico
6 Jazmine Sepulveda 186-G-85 Energa Torun Poland
7 Megan Vasquez 172-G-91 Yale USA
8 Carla Cortijo 173-G-87 Carolina G. Puerto Rico
9 Jennifer O'Neill 167-G Kentucky USA
10 Deanna Ortiz 177-G De Paul USA
11 Sandra Garcia 190-C-90 Wake Forest USA
12 Angiely Morales 180-SG-87 Carolina G. Puerto Rico
13 Carla Escalera 180-PF-84 Mayaguez I. Puerto Rico
14 Marie Placido 182-F-87 Morovis M. Puerto Rico
15 Esmary Vargas-Sanchez 192-C-81 Carolina G. Puerto Rico
16 Angelica Bermudez 179-G-89 San German Puerto Rico
17 Cristina Centeno 173-G/F-90 Siena USA



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


CSU Alba Iulia denies signing of Jovana Vukoje - by Eurobasket News

Team Manager of CSU Alba Iulia, Peter Eles, denied signing of Jovana Vukoje (174-G-86) for the next season. Eles said that the team still works on the budget for 2012/13 and added they did not sign any player so far. Romanian media Totalbaschet.ro announced earlier this week that Vukoje became a new member of CSU Alba Iulia, but it is clear now that the player is still a free agent.
Jovana Vukoje spent this past season with BCM Bega Danzio Timisoara. She appeared 34 times with the club averaging 14.1 points 3.6 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 2.2 steals. They reached Playoff Quarterfinals. Jovana Vukoje played for Lupa Promotion Novi Zagreb in 2010/11 season. She helped them reach the Slovenian league and Cup Semifinals. The guard had 10.5 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.2 apg and 1.9 spg for 17 games in the regional championship. She registered almost the same numbers in EuroCup. In the past, Vukoje played for Vozdovac, Vojvodina, Crvena Zvezda and Partizan. In 2010, she was named Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Guard of the Year -10 and played for the Serbian National Team.
Peter Eles announced that the club's budget will be known soon, when they will start with signing the players. He stated that media will be informed about the club's moves. CSU Alba Iulia reached Playoff Quarterfinals this season in Romania. They finished regular season as No.3 with 25-5 record. It was expected they will reach at least the Semifinals. It is not know yet what goals CSU Alba Iulia will have for the next season. That will of course depend on the budget.


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


Dmitry Donskov takes over Vologda Chevakata - by Eurobasket News

Dmitry Donskov is a new Head Coach of Vologda Chevakata. The Russian specialist is expected to lead the club for longer period. Donskov spent this season with Spartak St.Petersburg. They reached Playoff Quarterfinals, despite the clubs financial problems during the season. Before Spartak SP, Donskov worked three years as Assistant Coach at UMMC Ekaterinburg. In 2007/08, he was a Head Coach of VBM SGAU Samara, where he also served as AC from 2005 to 2008. Dmitry Donskov won four Russian league titles as Assistant Coach. He also celebrated four times in Russian Cup, serving at the same post. From 2008 to 2010, Donskov was AC of the Russian U20 National Team. They won the Gold at U20 EuroBasket in Liepaja, 2010. Last summer Donskov became a Head Coach of U20 NT. They won the Silver at U20 EuroBasket in Serbia.


Prospects Logunova and Solovyeva join Chevakata - by Eurobasket News

Vologda Chevakata made a move for the future. The Russian squad signed deals with center Anastasia Logunova (188-C-90) and forward Victoria Solovyeva (185-F/G-91).
The 21-year-old Anastasia Logunova arrives to the club from Nadezhda Orenburg. She played 14 games with them in Russian league registering 3.9 ppg and 3.2 rpg. The center also had 1.8 ppg for 8 Euroleague games. Before Nedezhda, Logunova played for Dynamo Moscow. Two years ago she led Russian U20 National Team to Gold medal at U20 EuroBasket in Liepaja. She had 12.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 3.2 apg for 9 games and was named MVP of the championship. Of course, she also was named the Best Center and First Team.
Victoria Solovyeva is also 21-year-old and she played for Dynamo Moscow this season. For 11 games the forward had 1.5 ppg and 1.8 rpg. As Logunova, she is expected to get more playing time at Chevakata. Solovyeva helped U20 Russia to win the Silver last summer at U20 EuroBasket in Serbia. She had 3.4 ppg and 5.3 rpg for 9 games at this event.


UMMC tab Silvia Dominguez - by Eurobasket News

UMMC brought in another import player. They signed a deal with Silvia Dominguez (167-PG-87). The Spanish guard was under contract with Ros Casares but as the team experience financial difficulties the players exodus continued. Last season Silvia Dominguez tallied 5.8 points, 3.8 assists and 1.9 rebounds per game in Euroleague. In Spanish League her stats read 5.3 points, 4.1 assists and 2.3 rebounds per appearance. Previously Silvia Dominguez had longed player for Avenida. She earned Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LFB Honourable Mention in 2009 and 2012. Silvia Dominguez was also named All-Spanish LFB Guard of the Year in 2006. She has been the member of Spanish National Team since 2006. The guard posted 2.3 points, 1.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game at EuroBasket in Poland in 2011.


Russia University NT bounce back against Belarus - by Eurobasket News

Belarus - Russia University NT 49:55

Russian University National Team posted victory in the test game against Belarus in Minsk. They rebounded after the starting loss a day earlier. Tatiana Petrushina (185-F-90) notched 16 points to pace the winners.
Russia grabbed a 19:12 lead after ten minutes. Belarus limited their opponents to just 8 points in the second term and cut the distance to 2 points at halftime. Belarus pulled in front in the third term. But Russia managed to enter the fourth period up by six points. They stayed in control until the final buzzer and sealed the victory at the end. Paskalanko, Tatyana Abrikosova (179-SG-89) and Veronika Dorosheva (188-PF-91) contributed 8 points each in the win. Natalia Anufryienka (174-G-85, agency: LBM Management) notched 16 points and 9 rebounds for Belarus. Katerina Snytsina (188-F-85) delivered 11 points in the loss.

Belarus: Natalia Anufryienka 16, Katerina Snytsina 11
Russia University NT: Tatiana Petrushina 16, Liubov Paskalenko 8, Tatyana Abrikosova 8, Veronika Dorosheva 8


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


CSU Alba Iulia denies signing of Jovana Vukoje - by Eurobasket News

Team Manager of CSU Alba Iulia, Peter Eles, denied signing of Jovana Vukoje (174-G-86) for the next season. Eles said that the team still works on the budget for 2012/13 and added they did not sign any player so far. Romanian media Totalbaschet.ro announced earlier this week that Vukoje became a new member of CSU Alba Iulia, but it is clear now that the player is still a free agent.
Jovana Vukoje spent this past season with BCM Bega Danzio Timisoara. She appeared 34 times with the club averaging 14.1 points 3.6 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 2.2 steals. They reached Playoff Quarterfinals. Jovana Vukoje played for Lupa Promotion Novi Zagreb in 2010/11 season. She helped them reach the Slovenian league and Cup Semifinals. The guard had 10.5 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.2 apg and 1.9 spg for 17 games in the regional championship. She registered almost the same numbers in EuroCup. In the past, Vukoje played for Vozdovac, Vojvodina, Crvena Zvezda and Partizan. In 2010, she was named Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Guard of the Year -10 and played for the Serbian National Team.
Peter Eles announced that the club's budget will be known soon, when they will start with signing the players. He stated that media will be informed about the club's moves. CSU Alba Iulia reached Playoff Quarterfinals this season in Romania. They finished regular season as No.3 with 25-5 record. It was expected they will reach at least the Semifinals. It is not know yet what goals CSU Alba Iulia will have for the next season. That will of course depend on the budget.


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


Spain win Kaunas international tournament - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania - Spain 80:85

Spain triumphed at the Kaunas international tournament. They knocked down Lithuania in the decisive third game of the tourney to finish on top of the ladder. Lithuania suffered the first defeat and occupied the second spot. Marta Fernandez (178-F-81) knocked down 21 points and issued 10 assists to lead the winners.
Spain pulled in front late in the opening quarter. The visitors ensured a 24:19 lead after ten minutes. But Lithuania finished the first half strong and grabbed a 38:37 halftime lead. Spain reacted with a 13:5 start to the third quarter to surge back in charge. Spain arrived at the final break up by 7 points 62:55. Lithuania narrowed the deficit to a single point but Spain proved more accurate late in regulation and sealed the victory at the end. Elisa Aguilar (177-G-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: G.Washington) posted 16 points, while Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas) netted 10 points in the win. Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) responded with 21 points and 11 rebounds for Lithuania. Giedre Paugaite (192-C-90) had 16 points and 9 rebounds in defeat.

Lithuania: Gintare Petronyte 21+11 boards, Giedre Paugaite 16
Spain: Marta Fernandez 21+10 assists, Elisa Aguilar 16, Amaya Valdemoro 10


Rivas Ecopolis' captain Clara Bermejo undergoes another surgery - by Eurobasket News

Rivas Ecopolis announced that the team's captain Clara Bermejo (178-G-81) underwent another knee surgery. The player had surgery on her right knee (meniscus, damaged cartilage) and will miss next six weeks. She got injured during the season and underwent the surgery in January. However, it seems that Bermejo returned to the court too early, which resulted with another surgery. The good news is that Bermejo will be fully ready for the next season. Clara Bermejo played 13 games in LFB for Rivas this past season averaging 3.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists. She also added 3 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 2 apg for 11 Euroleague games. Bermejo joined the club in 2008. Before that she played for Perfumerias and Mann Filter. She won the LFB title with Perfumerias in 2006. A year ago, Bermejo and Rivas won the Spanish Cup and this season they reached Euroleague Finals.


*****************************************************
  SWEDEN   


Swedish National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket Center

Starting five
#s#
Frida Aili
Aili
Frida Eldebrink
Eldebrink
Kadidja Andersson
Andersson
Elin Eldebrink
Eldebrink
Louice Halvarsson
Halvarsson
#e#5
4 Frida Aili 179-G-88 Northland Sweden
5 Malin Aasa 180-SG-87 Norrkoping Sweden
6 Frida Eldebrink 174-G-88 Bourges France
7 Agnes Nordstrom 181-G-88 Sallen Sweden
8 Kadidja Andersson 185-F-80 MBK Ruzomb. Slovakia
9 Elin Eldebrink 174-G-88 USK Praha Czech Republic
10 Danielle Hamilton-Carter 192-F-90 Georgia Tech USA
11 Martina Stalvant 181-G-89 Frisco Sika Czech Republic
12 Anna Barthold 183-F-80 Northland Sweden
13 Stefanie Yderstrom 172-G-90 Miami, FL USA
14 Louice Halvarsson 189-C-89 Bracco Geas Italy
15 Jennifer Stjarnstrom 188-F-87 Norrkoping Sweden

Lars Johansson Head Coach Norrkoping Sweden
Jurgita Kausaite Assistant Solna Vikings Sweden



Sweden edge Latvia for first win in Kaunas - by Eurobasket News

Sweden - Latvia 68:65

Sweden posted the first win at the Kaunas international tournament. They narrowly defeated Latvia to finish at 1-2 record in the third position. Latvia suffered the third loss in a row.
Latvia fired 23 points in the opening quarter to take a 3-point lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the second frame. The Baltic team secured a 3-point lead at the interval 37:34. But the Scandinavian side quickly spurred ahead in the third quarter. They ensured a 57:52 lead with ten minutes remaining. The teams went neck and neck throughout the final period but Sweden were more accurate when it mattered the most and snatched a difficult win at the end. Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) orchestrated victory with 22 points. Elin Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) added 9 points for Sweden. Ieva Krastina (175-G/F-90, agency: LBM Management) provided 14 points for Latvia. Aija Putnina (192-F/C-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) notched 13 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Sweden: Louice Halvarsson 22, Elin Eldebrink 9, Martina Stalvant 8, Kadidja Andersson 8
Latvia: Ieva Krastina 14, Aija Putnina 13


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


Switzerland outscore Luxembourg in Bertrange - by Eurobasket News

Luxembourg-Switzerland 43:64

Switzerland outscore Luxembourg in Bertrange in a friendly campaign between two sides. The guests grabbed 64:43 win in a fully dominated game.
Switzerland started with 18-5 in the opening period and never looked behind. They added massive 25-11 in the second period and enjoyed 43:26 at the halftime. Moreover the guests won the third quarter 16-13 and did not mind the loss in the final stanza. Luxembourg produced a 14-5 win to reduce the gap in the game.
Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Marielle Giroud (180-F-87) added 17. Sarah Kershaw (180-SF-85) and Jalinka Michaux (173-F-87) followed them with 8 points each. Tessy Hetting (188-SF-86, college: LIU Brooklyn) replied with 10 points for the home side. Lena Hetto (184-F-93) netted 9 and Liv Schmit (170-F-89) delivered 8.

Luxembourg: Tessy Hetting 10, Lena Hetto 9, Liv Schmit 8
Switzerland: Karen Twehues 18, Marielle Giroud 17, Sarah Kershaw 8, Jalinka Michaux 8


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


Turkish National Team 2012 - by Simas

Starting five
#s#
Gulsah Akkaya
Akkaya
Isil Alben
Alben
Naile Ivegin
Ivegin
Yasemin Horasan
Horasan
Tugce Canitez
Canitez
#e#5
4 Tugba Palazoglu 171-G-80 Istanbul Univ. Turkey
7 Nilay Kartaltepe Yigit 172-PG-79 Botas Turkey
8 Gulsah Akkaya 181-F-77 Optimum TED Turkey
9 Esmeral Tuncluer 176-G-80 Fenerbahce Turkey
10 Isil Alben 170-G-86 Galatasaray Turkey
12 Naile Ivegin 185-F/C-85 Antakya Turkey
13 Yasemin Horasan 187-F/C-83 Besiktas Turkey
15 Bahar Caglar 186-F-88 Galatasaray Turkey
34 Yasemin Dalgalar 183-F-88 Tarsus Bld Turkey
35 Tugce Canitez 187-F-90 Westmont USA
44 Esra Ural 198-C-91 Kayseri Turkey
45 Quanitra Hollingsworth 196-C-88 New York L. USA



Ceyhan lands Latvian PG Kristine Karklina - by Eurobasket News

Ceyhan Belediye reinforced its roster at position one. The Turkish outfit signed a one-year deal with Latvian National Team point guard Kristine Karklina (175-G-83, agency: Regeneracom Sports). She arrives to the club from Cadi la Seu, where she spent this season. Karklina appeared 26 times in Spanish LFB averaging 9.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists. She joined Cadi la Seu in March of 2011. Before that, Karkline spent season and a half with TTT Riga. In the past, she also played for Cssis and French Stade Poitevin. With Cesis and TTT Riga, the playmaker won Latvian league title in 2009 and 2010. Kristine Karklina is active member of the Latvian National Team. Last summer at the EuroBasket in Poland she had 6.8 ppg and 3.8 rpg for 9 games. She played for Latvia in qualifications for 2011 EuroBasket and also at 2009 EuroBasket.


Australia too good for Turkey in Karlovy Vary - by Eurobasket News

Australia - Turkey 57:49

Australia recorded the first win at the international tournament in Czech Republic. They knocked down Turkey in Karlovy Vary. Liz Cambage (203-C-91) came up with 16 points to lead the Aussies.
Turkey held their opponents to just 10 points in the starting quarter to surge ahead. They enjoyed a 3-point lead at the first break. But the Opals denied the deficit and levelled things up at 29 at halftime. Australia gradually came back to life in the third quarter. The Opals added aggressiveness to their defence holding Turkey to 10 points in the quarter and entering the final term up by 7 points 46:39. Australia maintained the lead throughout the final frame and sealed the win at the end. Abby Bishop (189-C-88) provided 12 points, while Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) added 10 in the win. Bahar Caglar (186-F-88) answered with 8 points for Turkey. Esmeral Tuncluer (176-G-80) and Isil Alben (170-G-86) delivered 7 points apiece in the loss.

Australia: Liz Cambage 16, Abby Bishop 12, Lauren Jackson 10
Turkey: Bahar Caglar 8, Esmeral Tuncluer 7, Isil Alben 7


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  WNBA   


Washington Mystics working on better endings - by Eurobasket News

With less than 10 seconds remaining on the scoreboard clock at the Washington Mystics' practice floor inside Verizon Center Thursday afternoon, center Ashley Robinson caught a pass at the free throw line. With little hesitation she found veteran Michelle Snow for an easy reverse layin, prompting forward Noelle Quinn to raise her hands in the air with relief as Coach Trudi Lacey clapped her hands and shouted Yeah!

If only it were that easy for the Mystics during real games.

Washington enters Friday nights home game against the New York Liberty riding a three-game losing streak, and all three losses have been the result of the Mystics inability to finish off close games.

It all began on May 30 when Washington rallied from a 24-point deficit to take a two-point lead in the fourth quarter against defending WNBA champion Minnesota only to watch guard Lindsay Whalen hit a game-winning putback with one second left on the game clock.

Two nights later at Chicago, Washington led by eight points with three minutes to go before a series of turnovers allowed Chicago forward Sylvia Fowles to hit a game-winning shot just before the final buzzer sounded. Then, last Sunday, Washington trailed by just three points with two minutes left against Connecticut, but ended up losing by eight points when the turnover bug hit once again.

Its for that reason Laceys drills and post-practice huddles this week have revolved around developing a certain mental fortitude and her belief that winning is a habit.

Were still figuring it out . . . but I think were very confident that if were in that situation again, well close it out, Lacey added.

Part of the problem is that the combination of working in eight new players to the roster and an early-season schedule with long gaps between games has left the Mystics still searching for a go-to player down the stretch of games.

Lacey said her late-game play calls are done on feel, such as whos playing well at that moment in time. But her players are starting to realize a star must emerge to solve an issue that has confounded players and coaches since last season, when the Mystics stumbled to a 6-28 record.

There has to be somebody you can count on, that you know is gonna get you a basket at the end of the game and thats something you figure out along the way, team captain Monique Currie said. I feel good about who we have here and what we have here, but at the end of the day its about wins and we need to start winning for all this talk to be worth something.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com


Angel McCoughtry to be Inducted into Kentucky Hall of Fame - by Eurobasket News

Atlanta Dream guard/forward Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) will be inducted into the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame during a ceremony that will take place Thursday evening, June 7, at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Louisville, Ky. She will also be recognized for this achievement prior to Atlanta's game against San Antonio on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Philips Arena.

McCoughtry starred at the University of Louisville from 2005-09, setting school career records for scoring (2.779 points), rebounding (1,261), steals (481) and blocked shots (162). She led the Cardinals to the 2009 NCAA Championship game before becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 WNBA Draft by the Dream.

Other members of the 2012 induction class are Lee Corso, Hugh Durham, Seth Hancock, Homer Rice, Rick Robey, Bobby Watson and Churchill Downs.

The Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes individuals and teams that have made significant contributions to sports and have achieved a high standard of athletic success representing the honored traditions of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Hall also supports Kosair Charities, which provides medical care for thousands of children throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

The Atlanta Dream are in their fifth seas on this summer at Philips Arena as part of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the world's longest-running women's professional sports league. The Dream are the defending two-time, back-to-back Eastern Conference Champion. The next home game is scheduled for June 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com