Eurobasket Daily News Report: 7/17/2012 1:04:01 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/17/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Djordje Gagic inks with Serbian Champions - by Eurobasket News

Djordje Gagic (210-C-90, agency: Interperformances) inks with Serbian Champions for the next season. According to sportando.net Partizan Belgrade signed for the next four seasons Djordje Gagic.
In 2009-2010 he appeared for KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd (A League). Later in Dec.'09 moved to KK Mornar Basket Bar (Montenegro-1A) and in Balkan League averaged 9.1ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 63.9%, FT: 73.0%. In 2010-2011 for KK Mornar Basket Bar showed 3.3ppg, 3.4rpg. In 2011, signed a 3-year contract with KK Hemofarm Stada Vrsac (A League) but stayed with the team only for one season.
In 2011-2012 for KK Hemofarm Stada Vrsac (A League, starting five): he averaged 4.1ppg, 2.4rpg in Adriatic league and in Serbian League after 14 games his stats read 8.3ppg, 6.1rpg, FGP: 62.7%, FT: 66.7%.
Over the last few years he reached Balkan League Semifinals -11 and became Montenegrin League Regular Season Runner-Up -11. Moreover Gagic was Montenegrin League Finalist -11 and Serbian University National Team player -11.

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ARGENTINA

Matias Cuello joins Monte Hermoso - by Eurobasket News

Monte Hermoso Basket bolstered their backcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Matias Cuello (190-G-91). The guard spent the last season with Lanus Buenos Aires. Matias Cuello averaged 2.5 points per game in LigaA. Previously the guard played for Ramos Mejia Lawn Tenis.

San Isidro tab DeVaughn Lamont - by Eurobasket News

San Isidro bolstered their roster. They added DeVaughn Lamont (208-F-84, college: CS Monterey). The forward started the previous in Mexico. He played for Correcaminos UAT Victoria. DeVaughn Lamont tallied 7.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in LNBP. Later the forward moved to Atletico Bigua in Uruguay. His stats read 14.0 points, 7.0 rebounds per game in LUB. DeVaughn Lamont finished the season with Toros de Aragua in Venezuela. His stats read 14.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game in LPB. DeVaughn Lamont used to play in IBL, ABA, Mexico and Venezuela before. He was the member of Trinidad and Tobago National Team in 2010.

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AUSTRALIA

Standings - ABA

State Standings

Big V
1. Ringwood H.		15-3
2. Eltham W.		12-5
3. Corio Bay		12-6
4. Waverley F.		11-7
5. Hume City		9-9
6. Diamond V.E.		7-10
7. Bulleen B.		6-12
8. Sherbrooke S.		5-13
9. Melbourne		3-15
Central ABL
1. Forestville E.		11-4
2. Sturt S.		11-4
3. N.Adelaide R.		11-4
4. W.Adelaide B.		10-5
5. Norwood F.		9-6
6. Woodville W.		8-7
7. C.District L.		5-10
8. Southern T.		5-10
9. S.Adelaide P.		4-11
10. Eastern M.		1-14
QBL
1. Mackay M.		9-1
2. Rockhampton		8-1
3. Ipswich F.		8-3
4. Cairns M.		7-4
5. Northside W.		6-4
6. Townsville H.		6-5
7. SW Metro P.		5-5
8. Brisbane C.		4-8
9. Gold Coast R.		3-6
10. Gladstone P.		3-7
11. Toowoomba		3-7
12. Bundaberg B.		3-7
13. Maroochydore		2-9
SBL
1. Wanneroo W.		21-2
2. Lakeside L.		20-3
3. Mandurah M.		16-8
4. Cockburn C.		15-8
5. East Perth E.		15-9
6. Perth R.		13-10
7. Perry Lakes H.		11-12
8. Goldfield G.		11-13
9. Willetton T.		11-13
10. Kalamunda E.S.		9-13
11. Geraldton B.		9-14
12. Stirling S.		7-16
13. SW Slammers		3-20
14. Rockingham F.		2-22
SEABL-East
1. Dandenong		18-5
2. Geelong S.		17-5
3. Bendigo B.		13-9
4. Sandringham S.		13-10
5. Frankston B.		11-11
6. Brisbane S.		7-16
7. Canberra G.		1-22
SEABL-South
1. Nunawading S.		14-8
2. Knox R.		13-8
3. Hobart C.		13-10
4. Kilsyth C.		12-10
5. Albury W.B.		12-11
6. Ballarat M.		10-11
7. NW Tasmania		8-15
8. Mt Gambier		6-17
WARATAH
1. Newcastle H.		13-3
2. Norths Bears		13-4
3. Manly Warr.		10-6
4. Illawarra H.		10-8
5. Cent.Coast C.		10-9
6. Sydney C.		9-7
7. Maitland M.		9-8
8. Bankstown B.		8-8
9. Hills H.		7-9
10. Parramatta W.		4-11
11. Colonial Hotel		4-14
12. Sutherland S.		3-13

Regular Season: Round 16

BIG V

Jul. 15: Corio Bay - Melbourne 94-85
Jul. 14: Hume City - Diamond V.E. 83-105
Jul. 14: Bulleen B. - Waverley F. 71-90
Jul. 14: Sherbrooke S. - Eltham W. 67-77
Jul. 14: Melbourne - Ringwood H. 67-104

Central ABL

Jul. 14: W.Adelaide B. - N.Adelaide R. 81-84
Jul. 14: Forestville E. - C.District L. 72-62
Jul. 14: Woodville W. - Southern T. 69-87
Jul. 14: S.Adelaide P. - Eastern M. 69-84
Jul. 14: Sturt S. - Norwood F. 64-69

QBL

Jul. 14: Bundaberg B. - Gold Coast R. 92-86
Jul. 14: Townsville H. - Maroochydore 90-62
Jul. 14: SW Metro P. - Ipswich F. 89-101
Jul. 13: Cairns M. - Maroochydore 87-44
Jul. 14: Northside W. - Rockhampton 69-96
Jul. 15: Brisbane C. - Rockhampton 67-98
Jul. 14: Toowoomba - Brisbane C. 66-65
Jul. 14: Mackay M. - Gladstone P. 106-85

SEABL

Jul. 14: Dandenong - Albury W.B. 99-86
Jul. 14: Kilsyth C. - Brisbane S. 99-55
Jul. 14: Knox R. - Mt Gambier 94-86
Jul. 14: NW Tasmania - Nunawading S. 88-104
Jul. 15: Sandringham S. - Albury W.B. 84-81
Jul. 15: Frankston B. - Mt Gambier 84-78
Jul. 13: Hobart C. - Nunawading S. 73-85
Jul. 15: Ballarat M. - Brisbane S. 73-61
Jul. 14: Canberra G. - Bendigo B. 70-87
Jul. 13: Geelong S. - Kilsyth C. 61-83

WARATAH

Jul. 14: Parramatta W. - Colonial Hotel 91-81
Jul. 14: Hills H. - Maitland M. 86-79
Jul. 15: Bankstown B. - Sydney C. 81-77
Jul. 14: Sydney C. - Sutherland S. 79-70
Jul. 15: Colonial Hotel - Newcastle H. 76-69
Jul. 14: Manly Warr. - Illawarra H. 76-68
Jul. 15: Cent.Coast C. - Parramatta W. 73-67
Jul. 14: Norths Bears - Newcastle H. 58-65

Regular Season: Round 17

BIG V

Jul. 21: Diamond V.E. - Melbourne
Jul. 21: Eltham W. - Bulleen B.
Jul. 21: Ringwood H. - Corio Bay
Jul. 22: Waverley F. - Hume City
Jul. 22: Sherbrooke S. - Diamond V.E.

Central ABL

Jul. 21: Eastern M. - Sturt S.
Jul. 21: N.Adelaide R. - Forestville E.
Jul. 21: S.Adelaide P. - C.District L.
Jul. 21: Norwood F. - Woodville W.
Jul. 21: Southern T. - W.Adelaide B.

QBL

Jul. 21: Ipswich F. - Maroochydore
Jul. 21: SW Metro P. - Cairns M.
Jul. 21: Toowoomba - Gold Coast R.
Jul. 21: Brisbane C. - Bundaberg B.
Jul. 21: Gladstone P. - Townsville H.
Jul. 22: Northside W. - Bundaberg B.
Jul. 22: Gold Coast R. - Cairns M.
Jul. 22: Rockhampton - Townsville H.

SEABL

Jul. 20: Frankston B. - Canberra G.
Jul. 20: Mt Gambier - Kilsyth C.
Jul. 20: Albury W.B. - Hobart C.
Jul. 21: Brisbane S. - Sandringham S.
Jul. 21: Dandenong - Hobart C.
Jul. 21: Geelong S. - Ballarat M.
Jul. 21: Bendigo B. - NW Tasmania
Jul. 21: Kilsyth C. - Knox R.
Jul. 21: Nunawading S. - Canberra G.
Jul. 22: Ballarat M. - NW Tasmania

WARATAH

Jul. 21: Parramatta W. - Manly Warr.
Jul. 21: Illawarra H. - Sydney C.
Jul. 21: Newcastle H. - Hills H.
Jul. 21: Sutherland S. - Bankstown B.
Jul. 21: Norths Bears - Maitland M.

QBL: Weekend Wrap-Up: Round 9 - by Eurobasket News

Cairns Marlins 87 def. Maroochydore Clippers 44
The Marlins made it a double-win for the Cairns teams, comfortably securing their match against the Clippers, leading by 36 points at half-time. Aaron Grabau (196-G/F-78) put up 21 points in 20 minutes for the Marlins, while Josh Tueta was Maroochydores top-scorer with 13 points.

Bundaberg Bulls 92 def. Gold Coast Rollers 86
Another close match that saw Gold Coast hold the lead for much of the game, with scores locked at 75-all at the 40-minute mark forcing the game into overtime. The Bulls came back on court with a vengeance and out-shot the Rollers, to take the match by six points, putting an end to their three-game losing streak. Rodrick Stewart shot 28 points for Bundy while David Gurney (194-F-85) shot 19 for the Rollers.

Toowoomba Mountaineers 66 def. Brisbane Capitals 65
After leading for much of the match, the Mountaineers had a scare towards the end of the game, with Brisbane coming from 21 points behind at the start of the fourth quarter to nearly take the match. A three-pointer in the last 10 seconds by Brisbanes Nicholas Masunda put the Capitals just one point behind, but Toowoomba took the match following a failed three-point attempt by Capitals Jarred Bairstow with one second left. James Legan (190-G-87, agency: Court Side, college: E.Carolina) led the way for the Mountaineers with 26 points, while Masunda put up 19 points for Brisbane.

South West Metro Pirates 89 def. by Ipswich Force 101
Ipswich came away the victors from this highly physical match, leading at the first break until South West got the edge over them to hold the lead at half-time. The third saw a tight fight for the advantage, with the Force gaining the upper hand to go into the final quarter four points ahead, before pulling away with a 12 point win. Shaun Gleeson had a massive game for Ipswich with 45 points, while Kenny Barnes (201-F-82, college: USF) shot 25 for the Pirates.

Northside Wizards 69 def. by Rockhampton Rockets 96
The Wizards were strong in the first half of this match, taking it to the Rockets and trailing by just four points at half-time. But they came undone in the second half, Rockhampton dominating across the court to win by 27 points. Travis Reed (203-C-79, agency: Court Side, college: Long Beach St.) put up 24 points for the Rockets as did Chris Hamill for the Wizards.

Townsville Heat 90 def. Maroochydore Clippers 62
The Clippers trailed by just two points at the first break, but the Heat managed to run away with the lead from the second quarter. Todd Blanchfield hit 23 points for Townsville while Zeke Meehl (183-G-88) was strong for Maroochydore with 20 points.

Mackay Meteors 106 def. Gladstone Power 85
The Meteors took their winning streak to seven in a row with this solid win over the Power. All 11 Mackay players given court time got their names on the scoreboard, with the team leading Gladstone by 11 points at half-time. Michael Kingma (208-C-79, agency: R.H.Consultancy) hit 19 points for the Meteors while Zach Silverman put up 26 points for the Power.

Brisbane Capitals 67 def. by Rockhampton Rockets 98
Scores were kept fairly close in the first two quarters with the Capitals just trailing the visitors. The Rockets fired up in the second half though and put a big margin in between themselves and Brisbane, to win the match convincingly. Travis Reed had 29 points for Rockhampton while Joel Ryman shot 21 points for the Caps.
Courtesy of: qbl.basketball.net.au

Big V: Weekend Wrap- Round 16 - by Eurobasket News

ROUND 16
Once again Sherbrooke has pushed a finalist, only to see a win evaporate down the stretch. Leading by four points at the last break, the Suns couldnt hold on as Eltham fired home with a 3-16 run to grab another win. Both teams were horrible from the foul line, while Eltham won the rebounds 43-25. Elthams Liam Norton (23pts) won his battle with Jonathan Lee, Michael Petridis (20pts) paced the Wildcats, Matt Fennell (12pts, 11rbs) did his bit, while Thomas Burns (17pts) found some points for the Suns.
Diamond Valley has snapped a seven-game losing streak with a win that has finished Hume Citys season and finalised the top four. Playing at home, it was a miserable night for the Broncos and marked their third loss in four games. A 32-13 second quarter by the Eagles ripped the game open, finally showing us all what DV is capable of. Chris Arkell (21pts) and Adam Moore (15pts, 10rbs) got the job done, while Alex Bogart-King (23pts, 16rbs) and Jamal Brown (198-F-78, college: TCU) (19pts, 12rbs) did their best to keep the Broncos tick-ing over. With Waverley having head-to-head on the Broncos, this loss cements the top four and draws the curtain on the guys from Hume City.
In a danger game against Bulleen, nothing was left to chance by Waverley as they raced to a 50-31 first half lead and never looked back. Ivan Platenik (38pts) dominated the contest and was easily the best player on the court, with Bulleens Corey Standerfer (201-PF, college: York, NB) deliver-ing 20pts and 12rbs for his team. The win cements fourth place for the Falcons and a likely match-up with Ringwood in the semi finals.

Eltham 77 defeated Sherbrooke 67 Diamond Valley 106 defeated Hume City 83 Waverley 90 defeated Bulleen 71 Ringwood 104 defeated Melbourne 67 Corio Bay 94 defeated Melbourne 85
There is no doubt Jermaine Maybank is the barometer at Hume City. In his last five games for the Broncos, Maybank has delivered 23pts (win), 6pts (loss), 29pts (win), 7pts (loss) and 6pts (loss).
Speaking of Ringwood, win number 11 on the trot came against Melbourne courtesy of a massive 104-67 whitewash. The Hawks opened with a 64-39 first half, before cruising to the line with another great perfor-mance at both ends of the floor. An incredible 19/28 hit rate from downtown brought much pleasure to the Ringwood faithful and reminded everyone how potent this Hawks outfit is. Best for the winners were Sam Belt (28pts, 7 treys), Skyler Bowlin (190-G-89, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Missouri So.) (19pts, 9ass) and Luke Egan (19pts), while Melbournes leading scorer was Jarrod Fryar (194-G-93) (13pts). How important is Adrien Sturt to Ringwood? The Hawks have won 11 straight games, which includes 10 straight since Sturt joined them. Sturt leads the Hawks for points (18.9pg), FT% (86%), 3P% (36.9%) and Blocks (1.5pg).
Melbourne exited a tough weekend with a loss at Corio Bay, going down 85-94 in what can be classed as a better effort than Saturday nights thrashing. The Stingrays jumped out of the blocks with a 55-41 first half and in the end that proved to be the difference. Eric Williams (30pts), Stefan Osborne (24pts) and Jason Reardon (189-G-83) (20pts, 14rbs, 7ass) all fired up with big numbers for the Stingrays, while Melbourne looked a lot better with Yusuf Qaafow (190-G-87) (25pts) and Jarrod Fryar (24pts) netting some big points.
Courtesy of: bigv.com.au

QBL: Weekend Wrap-Up: Round 9 - by Eurobasket News

Cairns Marlins 87 def. Maroochydore Clippers 44
The Marlins made it a double-win for the Cairns teams, comfortably securing their match against the Clippers, leading by 36 points at half-time. Aaron Grabau put up 21 points in 20 minutes for the Marlins, while Josh Tueta was Maroochydores top-scorer with 13 points.

Bundaberg Bulls 92 def. Gold Coast Rollers 86
Another close match that saw Gold Coast hold the lead for much of the game, with scores locked at 75-all at the 40-minute mark forcing the game into overtime. The Bulls came back on court with a vengeance and out-shot the Rollers, to take the match by six points, putting an end to their three-game losing streak. Rodrick Stewart shot 28 points for Bundy while David Gurney shot 19 for the Rollers.

Toowoomba Mountaineers 66 def. Brisbane Capitals 65
After leading for much of the match, the Mountaineers had a scare towards the end of the game, with Brisbane coming from 21 points behind at the start of the fourth quarter to nearly take the match. A three-pointer in the last 10 seconds by Brisbanes Nicholas Masunda put the Capitals just one point behind, but Toowoomba took the match following a failed three-point attempt by Capitals Jarred Bairstow with one second left. James Legan led the way for the Mountaineers with 26 points, while Masunda put up 19 points for Brisbane.

South West Metro Pirates 89 def. by Ipswich Force 101
Ipswich came away the victors from this highly physical match, leading at the first break until South West got the edge over them to hold the lead at half-time. The third saw a tight fight for the advantage, with the Force gaining the upper hand to go into the final quarter four points ahead, before pulling away with a 12 point win. Shaun Gleeson had a massive game for Ipswich with 45 points, while Kenny Barnes shot 25 for the Pirates.

Northside Wizards 69 def. by Rockhampton Rockets 96
The Wizards were strong in the first half of this match, taking it to the Rockets and trailing by just four points at half-time. But they came undone in the second half, Rockhampton dominating across the court to win by 27 points. Travis Reed put up 24 points for the Rockets as did Chris Hamill for the Wizards.

Townsville Heat 90 def. Maroochydore Clippers 62
The Clippers trailed by just two points at the first break, but the Heat managed to run away with the lead from the second quarter. Todd Blanchfield hit 23 points for Townsville while Zeke Meehl was strong for Maroochydore with 20 points.

Mackay Meteors 106 def. Gladstone Power 85
The Meteors took their winning streak to seven in a row with this solid win over the Power. All 11 Mackay players given court time got their names on the scoreboard, with the team leading Gladstone by 11 points at half-time. Michael Kingma hit 19 points for the Meteors while Zach Silverman put up 26 points for the Power.

Brisbane Capitals 67 def. by Rockhampton Rockets 98
Scores were kept fairly close in the first two quarters with the Capitals just trailing the visitors. The Rockets fired up in the second half though and put a big margin in between themselves and Brisbane, to win the match convincingly. Travis Reed had 29 points for Rockhampton while Joel Ryman shot 21 points for the Caps.
Courtesy of: qbl.basketball.net.au

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AUSTRIA

U20 European Championship: Bulgaria wins Group A, heads to the Second Round - by Eurobasket News

Bulgaria U20-Austria U20 75:62

Bulgaria wins Group A and heads to the Second Round with a perfect record. The hosts of the U20 European Championship in Division B overcame Austria 75:62 in the last game of the group.
The hosts of the tournament opened the game with 16-9 and showed their dominance in the second quarter as well. Bulgaria produced a comfortable 30:23 surge in the second frame for 46:32 at the halftime. Moreover Bulgaria won the third quarter 18-13 and led 19 points after three quarters. Austria bounced back with 17-11 in the last period but could not match the favorites in the game.
Georgi Boyanov (200-F-93) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Pavlin Ivanov (195-G-93, agency: Beo Basket) notched 14. Tencho Tenchev (202-F-93) chipped in with 13, while Dimitar Dimitrov (202-F-93, agency: Interperformances) collected 10 points and 10 rebounds. Filip Kramer (200-SF-92) ended up with 13 points and 10 boards, while Maximilian Hopfgartner (206-PF-92) added 12 in defeat.

Bulgaria U20: Georgi Boyanov 19, Pavlin Ivanov 14, Tencho Tenchev 13, Dimitar Dimitrov 10+10 rebs
Austria U20: Filip Kramer 13+10 rebs, Maximilian Hopfgartner 12

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BELARUS

U20 European Championship: Portugal won another heart-breaker - by Eurobasket News

Portugal U20-Belarus U20 64:63

Portugal edged Belarus in Sofia at the U20 European Championship 64:63. Both teams are eliminated from the Second Stage and will play for 9-18 places.
Portugal won another heart-breaker in the tournament. After a thrilling 74:73 win over Denmark last night, the team trailed 9 points after the first period but won the game. Portugal produced a 23-17 and then added 15-14 in the third quarter. Vitali Liutych (198-SG-92) later tied the game at 60:60 and then gave his team 63:62 lead. Santos and Miguel Cardoso (184-PG-93) made one free throw each for the total success.
Rafael Wildner (207-C/F-92) top-scored for the winners with 25 points and Miguel Cardoso notched 9. Vitali Liutych ended up with 24 points in defeat, while Robertas Ruzgatis (197-PF-93) had 9. Portugal finished the group with 2-2 record, while Belarus ended up with 1-3 record.

Portugal U20: Rafael Wildner 25, Miguel Cardoso 9
Belarus U20: Vitali Liutych 24, Robertas Ruzgatis 9

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BOSNIA

Igokea close to sign Stemberger, according to report - by Eurobasket News

According to Croatian media (Kosarka.hr), Sinisa Stemberger (195-G-79) is close to sign a deal with Igokea. Reportedly, two sides are in advanced talks and they should agree during the week. Nothing is officially confirmed by the club. Stemberger spent last season Astrum Levice. He appeared 29 times for them in Czech Republic league averaging 9.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists. The player also spent some time with Onyx Levice adding 10 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 2.1 apg for 13 games in Slovakian Extraliga. Sinisa Stemberger played for Siroki in 2010/11 season winning the Bosnian league title and Cup with them. He had 10.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 2.7 apg in 14 Bosnian league games. The player had almost the same numbers for 25 games in Adriatic league. He played for Siroki also from 2006 to 2008. In the past, Stemberger was a member of Split and Zadar.

Mirza Teletovic joins National Team preparations - by Eurobasket News

Mirza Teletovic (206-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) arrived to Sarajevo and joined preparation of the Bosnian National Team. The 26-year-old power forward signed a deal with the NBA team Brooklyn Nets last week. Teletovic left Caja Laboral (former Tau Ceramica) after six years. Last season he exploded with 22 ppg and 6 rpg for 10 Euroleague games. He was the top scorer of the competition. In Liga Endesa, Teletovic also had impressive season averaging 15.8 points and 6.3 rebounds in 41 games. There he was No.3 in scoring. Before Tau, Teletovic played for Oostende and Sloboda Dita Tuzla.
Bosnian National Team prepares for the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. They are placed to Group D, together with Georgia, Holland, Romania and Latvia. Two best teams from this pool will book a ticket for the final tournament in Slovenia. Also four best third-ranked teams from all six groups will advance. In the opening round (August 15) Bosnia will host Latvia.

Nets officially sign forward Mirza Teletovic - by Eurobasket News

The Brooklyn Nets have signed free agent forward Mirza Teletovic (6'9''-F-85, agency: Beo Basket), Nets General Manager Billy King announced Monday.

Teletovic (6-9, 242), spent the 2011-12 season with Caja Laboral Vitoria of the Spanish ACB League. In 34 games, he averaged 16.3 points and 6.9 rebounds in 31.1 minutes. Teletovic shot .463 from the field, .360 from behind the arc and .684 from the line. In 10 Eurocup games with Caja Laboral Vitoria, he averaged 21.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.0 block in 34.4 minutes while shooting .434 from the field including .431 from three-point range and .700 from the line.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

U16 NT: Bosnia - Serbia 75:73 - by Sead Buljina

In the last test prior to the U16 European Championship in Romania, our U16 National team beat Serbia. The 2012 U16 EC begins on Thursday, 7/19. "Our goal in Romania is to play good basketball. We do not want to put pressure on young players", said head coach Gordan Firic."EC is a tough competition. We have to play 9 games in 10 days. I wish there were 16 spots on the roster. All players have been working hard. Unfortunately, we cannot count on Milenko Predic who is injured", added Firic. The last cut have not survived Stefan Cumbo, Haris Curevac and Alija Piric. Thus, the following players will represent Bosnia at U16 EC in Romania: Amar Balic, Djordje Kelecevic, Djordje Beronja, Sandro Gacic, Ivo Taric, Petar Bevanda, Djordje Aleksic, Faris Smajlovic, Stjepan Sesar, Mirsad Pilavdzic, Darijan Stipanovic and Aleksandar Lazic. Our team will play in group "C" along with Montenegro, Georgia, Estonia and Romania.

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BRAZIL

BULGARIA

CANADA

Raptors trade James Johnson to Kings - by Eurobasket News

Mondays dismissal of James Johnson by the Toronto Raptors spoke volumes.

While general manager Bryan Colangelo still makes the ultimate calls, head coach Dwane Casey clearly has a hand on the rudder of the good ship Raptors as well.

Casey could not get through to Johnson about his role and that, along with the arrival of rookie Terrence Ross and free agent Landry Fields, meant it was time for Johnson to go.

Johnson was shipped to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for a 2014 second-round pick.

The Raptors took a flyer on Johnson, drafted 16th overall by Chicago in 2009, and he posted some impressive numbers 9.1 points, 4.7 rebounds per game last season and the team lead in blocks.

However, the combo forward had a tendency to try to do too much at both ends of the floor and struggled at times with consistency.

The Raptors and Johnson did not see eye-to-eye over his role and at one point last season Johnson was benched by Casey for a pair of games after an undisclosed indiscretion, though the coach insisted that was not the reason he was moved.

We had our moments like youre always going to do, Casey said. All the great athletes, it doesnt bother me whatsoever, but we just had a glut of wings. James would not have been happy in that situation, competing for those minutes from the start.

Hes going to be a good athlete and a good player for Sacramento, theyre getting a good man, a good player and a warrior.

Now former teammate Ed Davis agreed.

Its nothing out of the ordinary for a player and coach to get into it, Davis said. Coach is competitive, JJs competitive, we want to win, so youre going to butt heads. Everybodys not going to get along.

If Johnson wasnt always content with his place last season, it was only going to become more problematic with more offensive talent on board.

Nobodys going to be satisfied (with their role in the NBA), but with five guys, its too difficult to get those minutes and we need shooting. James gives us everything else, Casey said.

Johnson is owed $2.8 million US for the 2012-13 season and will become a restricted free agent next summer when he would likely be seeking a long-term deal.

It was time to go in a different direction.

The Toronto Sun first reported on Sunday evening that the team was close to a deal to move the forward and ESPN later reported that he would head to the Kings for the pick.

Colangelo had alluded to the move on Sunday, saying it would: Free up some additional flexibility, both financially and with respect to the new makeup and composition of our team in terms of playing time.

Fields and combo forward Linas Kleiza space the floor better for the Raptors and are more dependable offensive players, while Fields is more consistent defensively, if not nearly as spectacular.

Young Ross will see some minutes at small forward at times and Casey already deemed him the clubs best wing shooter.

The 25-year-old Johnson was originally acquired by Toronto for a late first-round pick. Chicago dealt it to Miami and the Heat made a wise pick, grabbing guard Norris Cole who has cracked the NBA title-winning squads rotation at times.

However, early second-rounders like the one Sacramento presumably would be giving up (the team has hovered near the bottom of the leagues standings for years) have similar value to late first rounders like the one Toronto traded to get Johnson in the first place because they dont come with guaranteed multi-year contracts.

But Davis believes Johnson will make his mark in the league.

Ive been here for three years and I had a lot of teammates but me and JJ were close. I knew him since college (both played in North Carolina at different schools). Its like a family in a sense like losing a brother, but thats whats best for JJ, Davis said, adding that Johnson is a starter in this league.

But not on the Raptors and Davis also admitted Colangelo knows what hes doing.

And so does Casey, who supported the drafting of Jonas Valanciunas a year ago even though he was new to the organization and was a big backer of the Ross and Quincy Acy selections this summer, as well as the signing of Fields.

He has a vision of what he wants his team to look like and slowly but surely, with Colangelo in agreement, that squad is starting to take shape.

Not yet a finished product, but inching closer.

Courtesy of www.torontosun.com

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CROATIA

U20 European Championship: Croatia headed to Second Stage - by Eurobasket News

Croatia U20-Denmark U20 75:54

Croatia headed to Second Stage after the win over Denmark at the end of Day 5 in Sofia. Croatia overcame Denmark 75:54 at the U20 European Championship in Division B.
Croatia easily opened the game with 15:6 lead and never looked behind after. They erupted with 26-14 in the second frame and enjoyed 41:20 halftime advantage. The tempo had slowed down in the second half and both teams showed equal game in the court. At first Croatia won the third period 18-17, while Denmark replied with 17-16 in the last period. Roko Rogic (187-PG-92) and Esben Reinholt (196-G-93) exchanged the shots in the end of the game for the final result.
Roko Rogic led the way with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Sango had 17. Stipe Krstanovic (204-F/C-93) notched 14 and Henrik Sirko (198-F-93) finished the game with 7 points. Philip Hertz (210-C/F-92) delivered 11 in defeat and Esben Reinholt poured in 10.

Croatia U20: Roko Rogic 18+10 rebs, Sango 17, Stipe Krstanovic 14, Henrik Sirko 7
Denmark U20: Philip Hertz 11, Esben Reinholt 10

Igokea close to sign Stemberger, according to report - by Eurobasket News

According to Croatian media (Kosarka.hr), Sinisa Stemberger (195-G-79) is close to sign a deal with Igokea. Reportedly, two sides are in advanced talks and they should agree during the week. Nothing is officially confirmed by the club. Stemberger spent last season Astrum Levice. He appeared 29 times for them in Czech Republic league averaging 9.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists. The player also spent some time with Onyx Levice adding 10 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 2.1 apg for 13 games in Slovakian Extraliga. Sinisa Stemberger played for Siroki in 2010/11 season winning the Bosnian league title and Cup with them. He had 10.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 2.7 apg in 14 Bosnian league games. The player had almost the same numbers for 25 games in Adriatic league. He played for Siroki also from 2006 to 2008. In the past, Stemberger was a member of Split and Zadar.

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CYPRUS

Latest Transfer news - by Chris Mammides

We are in the middle of July and the teams (mostly) are much more alert than any other season, so some teams (AEK and APOEL) are nearly at the end, while some others (Etha, Keravnos and ENAD) are building slowly-slowly their rosters. There is a third category of teams (coming from Limassol, AEL and Apollon) who are yet to decide some more crucial staff and then to continue with their strategic moves.

So the transfer as far as this week concerns and until now are as follows:
AEK Larnakas is closing slowly-slowly the roster for the season 2012-2013 as the Head Coach Nikolas Papadopoulos and his management decided to add their ex player, Nikos Papadopoulos (197-G/F-81) (among the top scorers of the Cyprus league the last four seasons) and the Serbian power forward Nikola Cvetinovic (203-F-88) one of the top Serbian players the last years in the NCAA as he was a member of the Akron team with double digits at his last season with 10 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists. Nikola was a member of the Serbian NT in the Universidad Games took place last season. The Larnaka team is now focusing and targeting to the point guard position and the coaching team (the ex player Charis Fantousis (186-G-78) has added in the team as a scouter and technical advisor) wants to be very careful to do the best feasible decision for the specific post as it is consider vital for the team which has one and only target, the championship.

Etha Engomis is no longer Intercollege Etha as the main sponsor (Intercollege) is no longer collaborator with the champions. Their new teams sponsor will be the Italian power house in tires, Michelin. So the new name for the team will be Michelin Etha Engomis. Finally, there is no go with the Swedish international and ex player of the team Thomas Massamba (185-PG-85) as the team decided not to proceed with their ex point guard. Rumors though do bring the player to another Cyprus team.

Keravnos Strovolou proceeded in two new transfers. The team of Coach Yiannaras agreed terms with the American swingman Tony Crocker (201-G/F-87, college: Oklahoma) ex player of the Finnish KTP Basket Kotka, where he ended the league as the third top scorer of the league with nearly 20 points per game. The second transfer for the Strovolos team was the Greek point guard Giannis Demertzis (194-PG-83) ex player of Maroussi Athens team. Last season for the Greek A1 league the Greek guard had nearly 5 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists per game. The team of Keravnos signed earlier this season the veteran center Aleksandar Damjanovic (206-C/F-73), and the Cyprus internationals George Theocharides (203-F-85), Trisokkas and Pilavas. The coaching team and the management of the team is very close to sign two Bosman and two American players in key positions and will be officially announced within the next days.

Ydra Asfalistiki ENAD which is doing a new start and is investing to the Cyprus factor after the signatures of Anastasiadis, Kounas, Kaskiris and Stelios Filippou (203-C-82) is very close to sign the ex international player, Alexis Zachariou (200-F/C-76). Other than that Coach Christos Stylianidis and his assistants are checking a number of Americans to decide the best feasible trio with their available budget. In some other news, player Vassilis Kounas (195-G-84) will be also the the Head Coach of the U16 team of Agios Dometios team.

The team of Coach Konstantinidis, APOEL agreed financial terms with the young talented Cyprus international and ex player of Etha Engomis, Constantinos Papacostas (196-F-95). The next transfer for the team of APOEL will be an American center which is very close to agree to the financial terms with the Nicosia team and will be announced officially very soon.

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CZECH REPUBLIC

U20 European Championship: Czech Republic sent Switzerland to the Classification Round - by Eurobasket News

Czech Republic U20-Switzerland U20 65:58

Czech Republic sent Switzerland to the Classification Round at the U20 European Championship in Division B. The Czechs won the group with 3-0 record after 65:58. Switzerland finished last in the group with 1-2 record.
Ondrej Balvin (216-C-92) and Mladjan exchanged the early baskets and then the Czechs posted a 5-0 run. Bohack scored for 12:7 and Halada nailed three for 22:19. Switzerland played better in the second frame, however Ondrej Balvin tied the game at 33:33 at the halftime. Also in the third period the teams stayed close to each other and only Ondrej Balvins shot at the end of the frame gave his team 52:50 lead. Czech Republic won the last stanza 13-8 and sealed the third straight win.
Ondrej Balvin paced all the winners with 17 points and 13 rebounds for a perfect record. Jaromir Bohacik (197-G/F-92) nailed 13, while Martin Kriz (202-F-93) notched 12. Brian Savoy (192-SG-92) produced 26 points in the losing effort and Bozovic notched 8.

Czech Republic U20: Ondrej Balvin 17+13 rebs, Jaromir Bohacik 13, Martin Kriz 12
Switzerland U20: Brian Savoy 26, Bozovic 8

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DENMARK

ESTONIA

EUROCUP

Zan Tabak is the new Head Coach of Trefl Sopot! - by Eurobasket Center

Zan Tabak (agency: INVICTUS Sports Group ) is the new head coach of Trefl Sopot. After five years as assistant coach in the ACB League between Real Madrid and Cajasol Sevilla, the Croatian former NBA Champion (he won the ring with the Houston Rockets as backup of Hakeem Olajuwon, and also three European Champions Cup with Yugoplastika and a Copa del Rey with Malaga all along twenty years of playing career) just ended his first season as head coach, leading CB Sant Josep Girona in LEB Oro and showing all his character and charisma to keep the team together, surviving to the tough financial problems of the club and reaching the 12th place. And now, after the extra-experience done in this season, he will make one more important step, leading the finalist of last PLK League to fight for the title in Poland, and also to compete in the Eurocup!

Yotam Halperin (Most Likely) Won't Rejoin Macc TLV - by David Pick

Israeli national team captain Yotam Halperin, isn't likely to play for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the upcoming season, sources with information of the player's status decisively told Eurobasket.

Halperin, who spent last season in Russia with Spartak St.Petersburg is facing severe tax issues, preventing him from signing with his childhood organization.

Halperin's agent Arik Krayn, confirmed the information to Eurobasket via cellular this afternoon. "We're facing tax difficulties for some years now. Yotam (Halperin) wants to play for Maccabi, he loves the club and is eager to be apart of their family again. Nevertheless, he won't play for Maccabi if the circumstances don't allow it."

The kind of "circumstances" Krayn's referring to are roughly $300,000 that Halperin is required to pay Israeli tax corporations due the fact that he's played for four consecutive years
outside Israel.

Krayn continued and revealed that he's already undergoing the process of searching for further overseas possibilities for his client, "I'm currently looking into the best fit for Yotam and his family."

Russian sources recently reported to Eurobasket that Lokomotiv Kuban has showed interest in the Israeli talent. Krayn however, shattered any possibilities of Halperin returning to Russia next season. "A return to Russia is out of the question for Yotam. We've received offers but Yotam is certain not to return to Russia."

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EUROLEAGUE

Regular season features 50 games on Friday - by Eurobasket News

Euroleague Basketball today released the calendar with the exact days on which Turkish Airlines Euroleague teams will play the upcoming 2012-13 regular season, with the big news being that more than 40% of the games will be on Fridays for the first time in the competition's history.

A total of 50 out of the 120 regular season games will be on Fridays, an innovation tested last season and approved by the ECA Shareholders for introduction in the 2012-13 season and beyond. The advent of Friday games gives fans more options than ever before to enjoy Turkish Airlines Euroleague action, with families more likely to be able to bring children, fans of other sports facing fewer conflicts and clubs prepared to celebrate the start of the weekend at their facilities.

At the same time, Euroleague Basketball also selected the opponents for the Game of the Week, which will be held on Thursdays, for the first half of the regular season. The first Game of the Week will feature Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul hosting Khimki Moscow Region of Russia, last season's Eurocup champion. Week 2 will see Partizan mt:s Belgrade host CSKA Moscow, last season's Turkish Airlines Euroleague runner-up. In Week 3, newcomer Elan Chalon-Sur-Soane welcomes Maccabi Electra to France. Week 4 is a clash of Euroleague regulars, Caja Laboral Vitoria and Anadolu Efes Istanbul. And the halfway point of the regular season will be reached with Alba Berlin hosting Maccabi Electra in Week 5.

The Turkish Airlines Euroleague Regular season begins on Thursday, October 11 and finishes on Friday, December 14 with the best 16 teams advancing to the next round, the Top 16, which begins on December 27.

To download the regular season calendar CLICK HERE.

Courtesy of Euroleague

Nathan Jawai about to sign with Barcelona - by Eurobasket News

Nathan Jawai (208-F/C-86, college: Midland CC) is close to signing with Barcelona. The Australian centre has reportedly agreed on terms of contract with the Spanish powerhouse. Last season Nathan Jawai played for Unics Kazan. He averaged 11.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in VTB League. In Euroleague the centre posted 7.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per appearance. In PBL Nathan Jawai notched 7.1 points and 3.5 rebounds. He earned All-VTB League Honourable Mention. Previously Nathan Jawai had spells for Partizan, Minnesota T-Wolves, Sioux Falls Skyforce, Toronto Raptors, Idahp Stampede and Cairns Taipans. Australiabasket.com named the centre All-Australian NBL Rookie of the Year in 2008. He debuted for the Australian National Team in 2009.

Cantu signs forward Alex Tyus - by Diamadis Farmakis

Italian side Pallacanestro Cantu turned to another promising player to bolster its frontcourt squad by signing the dynamic power forward Alex Tyus (203-F-88, college: Florida) to a two-year deal. After the great season they had last year in Euroleague (reached Top 16), this year the Italians are facing the challenge of the EL Qualifying Round.

Tyus (2.03 meters, 24 years old) arrives from Maccabi Ashdod, with whom he made his European basketball debut last season in the Israeli League, where he averaged 13.3 points on 66.5% shooting, 8.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 24 games to help Ashdod reach the title game and he also ranked fourth in the league in both rebounding and blocks.

Before coming to Israel, Tyus played college basketball at the University of Florida for four seasons. He has received Israeli citizenship and is preparing to play with the Israeli national team at this summers EuroBasket qualifying games.

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20

Standings

Group E
1. Serbia		3-0
2. Germany		2-1
3. Russia		2-1
4. France		1-2
5. Greece		1-2
6. Ukraine		0-3
Group F
1. Slovenia		3-0
2. Turkey		2-1
3. Spain		2-1
4. Italy		1-2
5. Lithuania		1-2
6. Latvia		0-3
Group G (positions 13-16)
1. Sweden		1-0
2. Estonia		1-0
3. Georgia		0-1
4. Montenegro.		0-1

Second Stage: Round 4

Jul. 16: FRA - RUS 81-62
Jul. 16: GRE - GER 68-90
Jul. 16: UKR - SRB 53-82

Jul. 16: LTU - ESP 82-60
Jul. 16: ITA - TUR 68-95
Jul. 16: LAT - SLO 62-69

Jul. 16: EST - GEO 87-73
Jul. 16: MNT - SWE 64-72

Second Stage: Round 5

Jul. 17: GER - RUS
Jul. 17: UKR - FRA
Jul. 17: SRB - GRE

Jul. 17: ESP - ITA
Jul. 17: LTU - LAT
Jul. 17: TUR - SLO

Jul. 17: SWE - EST
Jul. 17: GEO - MNT

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Giannoulis LARENTZAKIS
(195-SG-93)
Avg: 19.8

1. Larentzakis, GRE	19.8
2. Omic, SLO	17.8
3. Eriksson, SWE	17.5
4. Pustovyi, UKR	17.3
5. Ulanovas, LTU	16.8
6. Antonakis, GRE	16.0
7. Cizauskas, LTU	15.5
8. Motsenigos, GRE	15.3
9. Lagana, ITA	15.3
10. Fernandez, ESP	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Artem PUSTOVYI
(215-C-92)
Avg: 8.5

1. Pustovyi, UKR	8.5
2. Bobrov, UKR	7.8
3. Norman, SWE	7.5
4. Burjanadze, GEO	7.5
5. Gaddefors, SWE	7.3
6. Cizauskas, LTU	7.3
7. Paasoja, EST	7.0
8. Omic, SLO	7.0
9. Antonakis, GRE	6.8
10. Pajic, SLO	6.8

Assists Per Game

Klemen PREPELIC
(194-G-92)
Avg: 6.3

1. Prepelic, SLO	6.3
2. Artamonov, UKR	5.5
3. Antonakis, GRE	5.3
4. Redikas, LTU	4.5
5. Traini, ITA	4.5
6. Laane, EST	4.3
7. Pajovic, MNT	4.0
8. Westermann, FRA	4.0
9. Rupnik, SLO	3.8
10. Bobrov, UKR	3.5

Steals Per Game

Marco LAGANA
(193-G-93)
Avg: 3.8

1. Lagana, ITA	3.8
2. Redikas, LTU	3.5
3. Pozas, ESP	2.7
4. Timma, LAT	2.5
5. Larentzakis, GRE	2.3
6. Laane, EST	2.0
7. Barrera, ESP	1.8
8. Rupnik, SLO	1.8
9. Edge, TUR	1.5
10. Raap, EST	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Rudy GOBERT
(212-C-92)
Avg: 3.8

1. Gobert, FRA	3.8
2. Pustovyi, UKR	3.3
3. Omic, SLO	1.5
4. Gaddefors, SWE	1.3
5. Silins, LAT	1.0
6. Besovic, SRB	1.0
7. Nurger, EST	1.0
8. Orlenko, RUS	1.0
9. Olaizola, ESP	1.0
10. Mockevicius, LTU	0.8

M-Standings - Division B

Standings Div.B

Group E
1. Bulgaria		1-0
2. Poland		1-0
3. Israel		0-1
4. Belgium		0-1
Group F
1. Czech Rep.		1-0
2. U.Kingdom		1-0
3. Finland		0-1
4. Croatia		0-1
Group G (positions 9-18)
1. Holland		2-0
2. Austria		1-0
3. FYR Macedo.		1-1
4. Slovakia		0-1
5. Luxembourg.		0-2
Group H (positions 9-18)
1. Portugal		2-0
2. Switzerlan.		1-0
3. Denmark		1-1
4. Hungary		0-1
5. Belarus		0-2

Preliminary Round: Round 5

Jul. 16: BUL - AUT 75-62
Jul. 16: SVK - ISR 60-79

Jul. 16: MKD - NED 56-61
Jul. 16: POL - LUX 119-64

Jul. 16: CRO - DEN 75-54
Jul. 16: POR - BLR 64-63

Jul. 16: HUN - FIN 85-70
Jul. 16: CZE - SUI 65-58

Second Stage: Round 6

Jul. 18: BUL - BEL
Jul. 18: ISR - POL

Jul. 18: ENG - FIN
Jul. 18: CRO - CZE

Jul. 18: MKD - SVK
Jul. 18: AUT - LUX

Jul. 18: DEN - SUI
Jul. 18: HUN - BLR

The End of Preliminary Round in Sofia - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Bulgaria - Austria 75-62
Bulgaria wins Group A and heads to the Second Round with a perfect record. The hosts of the U20 European Championship in Division B overcame Austria 75:62 in the last game of the group. The hosts of the tournament opened the game with 16-9 and showed their dominance in the second quarter as well. Bulgaria produced a comfortable 30:23 surge in the second frame for 46:32 at the halftime. Moreover Bulgaria won the third quarter 18-13 and led 19 points after three quarters. Austria bounced back with 17-11 in the last period but could not match the favorites in the game. Georgi Boyanov (200-F-93) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Pavlin Ivanov (195-G-93, agency: Beo Basket) notched 14. Tencho Tenchev (202-F-93) chipped in with 13, while Dimitrov collected 10 points and 10 rebounds. Kramer ended up with 13 points and 10 boards, while Maximilian Hopfgartner (206-PF-92) added 12 in defeat.

Slovakia - Israel 60-79
Israel opened Day 5 with the win over Slovak Republic at the U20 European Championship in Division B. Israel advanced to the Second Round with 2-1 record after 79:60 victory. Slovak Republic will play in the Classification Round for 9-18 places. Israel took 20:12 after the first period and added 22-17 in the second frame. The winning side never looked behind and produced a 21-7 in the third period. Slovak Republic won the last stanza 24-16 and reduced to 19 points at the end. Altit paced all the winners with 18 points and Solomon netted 13. Lavie poured in 9, while Ram Elias-Pour (207-C-93) and Timor added 8 each. Maurizio Galata (203-F-92) replied with 17 points in the losing effort as Slovak Republic finished the group with 0-3 record. Tot posted 11 and Dedecek notched 8.

Group B

FYR Macedonia - Holland 56-61
Netherlands beat F.Y.R. of Macedonia to close Day 5 at the U20 European Championship in Division B. The Dutch team overcame the opponent 61:56 in the last game of the First Round. Both teams will continue at the Classification for 9-18 places. Netherlands started with 16:13, but the game was tough for them in the second frame. F.Y.R. of Macedonia needed 14-9 in the second frame for 37:35 halftime advantage. The second half however belonged to the Dutch team. They won the third period 20-16 and finished the game with 16-13 in the last quarter. Goran Markovski (195-G/F-92) nailed three for 57:56, while Kasper Averink (183-PG-93, agency: Arete Sports Agency), Sam De Haas (193-G/F-92, agency: Court Side, college: St.Bonaventure) and Bart Stolk (206-C-93) closed the game for the winners. Goran Markovski top-scored for the winners with 26 points and Pajic had 12. Kasper Averink answered with 18 points in defeat, while Filipan and Bart Stolk added 11 apiece.

Poland - Luxembourg 119-64
Poland wins Group B in Division B at the U20 European Championship. The Polish side destroyed Luxembourg 119:64 in the last game for 4-0 record on top. The latter finished the group undefeated. Poland expected to win the game and proved it with 30:22 in the first period. They added massive 34-18 in the second frame for 64:40 at the halftime. Mateusz Ponitka (196-G-93) nailed three in the start of the third quarter and led to 28:9 in the period. Moreover Poland needed a 27-15 in the last stanza for three digits on the board. Mateusz Ponitka stepped up with 26 points, while Michalak and Przemyslaw Karnowski (214-C-93) had 23 points each. Tomasz Gielo (205-F-93) followed them with 11 points for a perfect record. Arendt answered with 21 points in defeat, Tim Schmit (195-F/G-95) added 12 and Schmit Max scored 11.

Group C

Croatia - Denmark 75-54
Croatia headed to Second Stage after the win over Denmark at the end of Day 5 in Sofia. Croatia overcame Denmark 75:54 at the U20 European Championship in Division B. Croatia easily opened the game with 15:6 lead and never looked behind after. They erupted with 26-14 in the second frame and enjoyed 41:20 halftime advantage. The tempo had slowed down in the second half and both teams showed equal game in the court. At first Croatia won the third period 18-17, while Denmark replied with 17-16 in the last period. Roko Rogic (187-PG-92) and Esben Reinholt (196-G-93) exchanged the shots in the end of the game for the final result. Roko Rogic led the way with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Sango had 17. Stipe Krstanovic (204-F/C-93) notched 14 and Sirko finished the game with 7 points. Philip Hertz (210-C/F-92) delivered 11 in defeat and Esben Reinholt poured in 10.

Portugal - Belarus 64-63
Portugal edged Belarus in Sofia at the U20 European Championship 64:63. Both teams are eliminated from the Second Stage and will play for 9-18 places. Portugal won another heart-breaker in the tournament. After a thrilling 74:73 win over Denmark last night, the team trailed 9 points after the first period but won the game. Portugal produced a 23-17 and then added 15-14 in the third quarter. Vitali Liutych (198-SG-92) later tied the game at 60:60 and then gave his team 63:62 lead. Santos and Cardoso made one free throw each for the total success. Wildner top-scored for the winners with 25 points and Cardoso notched 9. Vitali Liutych ended up with 24 points in defeat, while Ruzgatis had 9. Portugal finished the group with 2-2 record, while Belarus ended up with 1-3 record.

Group D

Czech Republic - Switzerland 65-58
Czech Republic sent Switzerland to the Classification Round at the U20 European Championship in Division B. The Czechs won the group with 3-0 record after 65:58. Switzerland finished last in the group with 1-2 record. Ondrej Balvin (216-C-92) and Mladjan exchanged the early baskets and then the Czechs posted a 5-0 run. Jaromir Bohacik (197-G/F-92) scored for 12:7 and Halada nailed three for 22:19. Switzerland played better in the second frame, however Ondrej Balvin tied the game at 33:33 at the halftime. Also in the third period the teams stayed close to each other and only Ondrej Balvin's shot at the end of the frame gave his team 52:50 lead. Czech Republic won the last stanza 13-8 and sealed the third straight win. Ondrej Balvin paced all the winners with 17 points and 13 rebounds for a perfect record. Jaromir Bohacik nailed 13, while Kriz notched 12. Savoy produced 26 points in the losing effort and Bozovic notched 8.

Hungary - Finland 85-70
Finland into Round 2 despite loss from Hungary at the U20 European Championship in Division B. Hungary won 85:70 but it was not enough to advance to the Second Stage. Both teams finished with 1-2 record as well as Switzerland, but only Finland will play for 1-8 places. Finland won the opening period 20:14 but lost the rest of the game. Hungary replied with 24-14 in the second frame and produced two victories in the second half. They needed a 21-16 in the third period and won the last stanza 26-20 in the last period. Meszaros top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Bence Bodor (206-F/C-92, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) netted 11. Laszlo Polyak (190-G-93) followed them with 10 points for the initial victory. Alex Murphy (203-F-93) finished the game with 15 points and Caven scored 14. Villematti Kopio (182-PG-92) posted 13, whilst Heinonen had 9.

Start of Second Stage in Slovenia - by Eurobasket News

Group E

Ukraine - Serbia 53-82
Serbia defeated Ukraine at the start of the Second Stage of U20 European Championship. The victory propelled Aleksandar Dzikic team at 3-0 record on top of Group E. Ukraine fell at 0-3 record. Serbia and Ukraine kept close throughout the opening quarter. The Balkan team eked out a 23:20 lead ten minutes into the encounter. Serbia managed to pull ahead in the second quarter. They established a 42:31 halftime advantage. The margin grew at 19-point mark midway through the third term. Serbia entered the fourth quarter up by 19 points 65:46. Serbia piled up a 24-point lead early in the fourth frame and cruised to the victory afterwards. Stefan Nastic (210-C-92) finished with 15 points to lead Serbia. Nenad Miljenovic (194-G-93, agency: Beo Basket) added 13 points, while Nemanja Besovic and Djordje Drenovac accounted for 10 points each in the victory. Artem Pustovyi (215-C-92, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 14 points for Ukraine. Klym Artamonov netted 13 points in the loss.

France - Russia 81-62
France earned the first win at the Second Round of the U20 European Championship in Slovenia. They overcame Russia for 1-2 record in Group E. Hugo Invernizzi (196-G/F-93) came up with 19 points to lead the charge. France strongly entered the game. They held their opponents to 9 points in the first frame to take a 9-point lead. France extended the advantage in the second quarter. They posted a 37:25 halftime advantage. Les Bleus maintained the lead throughout the third frame. They entered the fourth quarter up by 15 points and never looked back en route to the win. Leo Westermann (198-G-92, agency: Beo Basket) accounted for 17 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds for France. Louis Labeyrie netted 14 points in the win. Aleksandr Gudumak (204-F-93) and Aleksandr Razumov notched 12 points each in the loss.

Greece - Germany 68-90
Germany registered the first win at the Second Stage of U20 European Championship. They knocked down Greece for 2-1 record in Group E. Philipp Neumann (210-C-92) stepped up with 24 points to lead the winners. Germany exploded with 28 points in the opening quarter to stun their opponents. The Hellenes found themselves trailing by 19 points after ten minutes. Germany boosted the lead in the second term. They accumulated a 48:27 halftime advantage. Germany kept Greece at bay throughout the third term. They entered the fourth frame up by 22 points. Greece never recovered and had to surrender at the end. Daniel Theis (206-C/F-92) posted 17 points, while Dennis Schroeder produced 11 points for the winners. Giannoulis Larentzakis (195-SG-93, agency: FCM) answered with 20 points for Greece. Anastasios Antonakis netted 17 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and issued 6 assists in the loss.

Group F

Lithuania - Spain 82-60
Lithuania handed Spain the first loss at the U20 European Championship. Edgaras Ulanovas (197-G-92) came up with 28 points and 6 rebounds to lead Lithuania to the opening win in Group F. Lithuania led from the start. They built a 20:18 lead at the first intermission. The Baltic team stretched the margin to 6 points at halftime 40:34. Lithuania left Spain behind in the third quarter. The Baltic team went on a decisive 24:10 run to establish a comfortable 20-point lead at the final intermission. Lithuania never looked back then cruising to the victory at the end. Egidijus Mockevicius (207-C-92) notched 20 points and 7 rebounds, while Paulius Vaitiekunas, Zygimantas Skucas and Vytenis Cizauskas netted 8 points each for Lithuania. Jaime Fernandez (187-G-93) answered with 15 points for Spain. Alejandro Abrines and Julen Olaizola chipped in 11 points each in the loss.

Italy - Turkey 68-95
Turkey victoriously opened the Second Stage of U20 European Championship. They stunned Italy to gain 2-1 record in Group F. Safak Edge (188-PG-92) came up with 18 points to lead the winners. Italy fell at 1-2 record after the defeat. Turkey opened the game with 18 points in a row to shock Italy. Turkey built a 25:8 lead after ten minutes. They stretched the margin to 24 points at the interval 52:28. Things did not change in the third quarter. Turkey maintained the lead posting a 73:52 advantage with one period remaining. Italy never recovered and had to surrender at the end. Ramazan Tekin (212-C-93) posted 16 points, while Ahmet Tuncer contributed 12 points for the winning side. Marco Lagana (193-G-93) answered with 20 points for Italy. Andrea Traini and Lorenzo Saccaggi had 7 points apiece in the loss.

Latvia - Slovenia 62-69
Slovenia posted the fourth straight win at the U20 European Championship. The hosts held off Latvia to improve at 3-0 record in Group F of the Second Stage of the tournament. Alen Omic (215-C-92) posted 14 points to pace the hosts. Latvia got to a flying start. The visitors grabbed a 20:14 lead after ten minutes. Slovenia quickly came back to life. They took over in the second quarter and tied things up at 37 at halftime. Slovenia surged ahead in the third quarter. They held the Baltic team to 13 points in the period to take a 4-point lead heading into the final frame. Latvia got within three points late in regulation however Rupnik, Matej Rojc (198-G-93) and Gezim Morina sealed the winning outcome for the hosts from the stripe. Gezim Morina and Matej Rojc finished with 11 points each for the winners. Janis Timma (201-F/G-92, agency: FCM) responded with 17 points for Latvia. Kaspars Silins netted 15 points in the loss.

Group G

Estonia - Georgia 87-73
Estonia clinched the first win at the U20 European Championship in Slovenia. They knocked down Georgia at the start of classification round action in Group G. Rauno Nurger (207-C-93) came up with 17 points and 9 rebounds for the winning team. Estonia led by just three points after the opening quarter 19:16. The Baltic team stretched the lead in the second quarter. They posted a 43:36 halftime advantage. Georgia narrowed the deficit in the third term. Beka Burjanadze (203-F-94) drew things level at 52 finally. Phhakadze then put Georgian in front 55:52 but Estonia quickly recovered and regained a 63:60 lead at the final intermission. They opened the fourth quarter on a 15:3 rally to clear off. Estonia then coasted to the victory at the end. Jaan Puidet (192-G/F-92) accounted for 14 points, while Martin Paasoja and Rannar Raap contributed 13 points each for the winners. Beka Burjanadze answered with 21 points for Georgia. Irakli Alkhanaidze netted 17 points in defeat.

Montenegro - Sweden 64-72
Sweden recorded the first win at the U20 European Championship. They knocked down Montenegro in classification round Group G. Marcus Eriksson (196-G/F-93) scored 21 points to lead the winners. Montenegro jumped to an early lead. They ensured a 20:11 lead after ten minutes. Sweden cut the deficit in the second quarter. The Scandinavian team narrowed the deficit at 3-point mark at the interval 31:28. Sweden got within two points at the third break 50:52. Sweden tipped off the fourth frame on a 14:2 rally to ensure a 64:54 lead. They never looked back claiming an important victory at the end. Viktor Gaddefors (203-SF-92) posted 20 points and 10 rebounds for Sweden. Tobias Borg and Jonathan Person netted 11 points each in the win. Marko Mugosa (198-F-93) answered with 19 points for Montenegro. Danilo Nikolic netted 18 points in the loss.

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FINLAND

U20 European Championship: Finland into Round 2 despite loss - by Eurobasket News

Hungary U20-Finland U20 85:70

Finland into Round 2 despite loss from Hungary at the U20 European Championship in Division B. Hungary won 85:70 but it was not enough to advance to the Second Stage. Both teams finished with 1-2 record as well as Switzerland, but only Finland will play for 1-8 places.
Finland won the opening period 20:14 but lost the rest of the game. Hungary replied with 24-14 in the second frame and produced two victories in the second half. They needed a 21-16 in the third period and won the last stanza 26-20 in the last period.
Mate Meszaros (189-G-93) top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Bence Bodor (206-F/C-92, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) netted 11. Laszlo Polyak (190-G-93) followed them with 10 points for the initial victory. Alex Murphy (203-F-93) finished the game with 15 points and Joonas Caven (211-C/F-93) scored 14. Villematti Kopio (182-PG-92) posted 13, whilst Osku Heinonen (194-G/F-92) had 9.

Hungary U20: Mate Meszaros 14, Bence Bodor 11, Laszlo Polyak 10
Finland U20: Alex Murphy 15, Joonas Caven 14, Villematti Kopio 13, Osku Heinonen 9

At Sofia with U20 National team - by Pekka Salminen

The summers highlight has started, the European Championships , division B.
The facilities are great, the hotel beautiful (Ok , have had problems with internet), food best I have had in these tournaments and competition better than OK.
Czech Republic overpowered us in the first game, giving us a lecture about intensity and toughness.
There are other great teams also, Poland, Great Britain, Croatia, Belgium, IsraelEuropean basketball is doing well!

Finland then? Recovered from the loss and played better in the second game, beating Switzerland with a big margin. The game was really difficult for us especially at the beginning, so have to be happy about the result.

Got hammered in the last game vs Hungary. Were allowed to lose by 16 to keep the second spot in the group, lost by 15. ended the tournament with a huge disappointment, almost.

So we survived, it has not been pretty, but we are still "alive" here in Sofia.
Next opponent is Great Britain. My assistants have been up all night studying the film about these guys. That Van Oostrum kid is something else by the way It is 6 AM here, so I have been up also, thinking mostly about our rebounding ( so far we have been so bad it is hard to describe) but also some basic X &O stuff, we just have to find some solutions and that is my job and my responsibility.

After Great Britain we will play Croatia. Saw them beat Denmark, their defense looked great, another problem for us, need to find a way to attack them.

Today we will have a video session ( one hour) and a practise (80 minutes). Then we will kill sow time in our great hotel before going to downtown to relax a little. Tomorrow we will start our final tour here, lets see

After this tournament I will have one week off and the I will join the senior national team. We will have tournaments in Turkey and in Germany before the qualifications for European Championships. Our group: Belgium, Albania, Switzerland, Poland.

Great games, great players, great trips, great basketball and I will have the best seats in the gym, could I ask for more?

Anyway, time to go. Need to do some running before the breakfast, maybe 30 minutes or so and then video, practise, lunch, nap, city, dinner, sleepingand finally, tomorrow: Game time. Great life.

Respect the game

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FRANCE

Standings - ProA

ProA Standings

1. ASVEL		0-0
2. Boulazac		0-0
3. Chalon		0-0
4. Cholet		0-0
5. Dijon		0-0
6. Gravelines		0-0
7. Le Havre		0-0
8. Le Mans		0-0
9. Limoges		0-0
10. Nancy		0-0
11. Nanterre		0-0
12. Orleans		0-0
13. Paris-Levallois		0-0
14. Poitiers		0-0
15. Roanne		0-0
16. Strasbourg		0-0

Regular Season: Round 1

Oct. 6: Chalon - ASVEL
Oct. 6: Le Mans - Nancy
Oct. 6: Gravelines - Strasbourg
Oct. 6: Cholet - Dijon
Oct. 6: Boulazac - Le Havre
Oct. 6: Roanne - Poitiers
Oct. 6: Paris-Levallois - Orleans
Oct. 6: Nanterre - Limoges

Chalon close to keep Blake Schilb and Malcolm Delaney - by Eurobasket News

Blake Schilb (200-G/F-83, college: Loyola, IL) and Malcolm Delaney (191-G-89, college: Virginia Tech) will most likely stay with the reigning French champion Chalon, according to Catch-and-shoot.com. Reportedly, the team already offered new deals and players are close to sign them.
Blake Schilb was Eurobasket.com All-French ProA Player of the Year -12. He led Chalon to ProA title and also won trophies in Semaine des As and in French Cup. In EuroChallenge, Schilb was named Eurobasket.com All-EuroChallenge Import of the Year -12. A year ago with Challon the player won French Cup as well. Blake Schilb had 16.6 ppg, 4.8 apg and 3.8 rpg for 36 games last season in ProA. He added 17.4 ppg, 4.8 apg and 3.7 rpg for 16 games in EuroChallenge.
Malcolm Delaney had 15 ppg, 3.3 apg and 3.1 rpg for 35 games in ProA. His numbers in EuroChallenge were pretty close: 14.2 ppg, 4.3 apg and 3.4 rpg. Delaney joined Chalon a year ago and it was his first season as a pro.

Bordeaux signs U20 NT point guard Kevin Thalien - by Eurobasket News

Bordeaux signed young French point guard Kevin Thalien (190-PG-92). He arrives to the club from Nancy, where he spent last few years. Last season Thalien got a chance 3 times in ProA and once in Euroleague. He mostly played for their U21 team. Thalien is currently a member of U20 French National Team. He averages 3.7 points and 3 assists for 3 games so far at U20 EuroBasket in Slovenia. France advanced to the Qualifying Round, despite they had 1-2 record in the first phase. They blasted Montenegro 102-68 in Day Two. In the opening day, France lost to Germany 52-54. On Saturday, they failed to Serbia in another very exciting game 67-70. Kevin Thalien and his teammates will play against Russia today.

Nantes bring in James Mathis - by Eurobasket News

Nantes bolstered their roster. They agreed on terms of contract with James Mathis (200-F/C-84, agency: Court Side, college: Niagara). The centre spent the last season in Boulogne. James Mathis tallied 10.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game in ProB. Previously James Mathis had stints with Namika Lahti, Aux-Maurienne, Evreux, Upstairs Weert. Eurobasket.com named the centre into All-French ProB 2nd Team in 2011. In 2007 James Mathis made it into All-Dutch Eredivisie 2nd Team. The centre was also trumped All-MAAC 6th Man of the Year while playing for Niagara University.
It is the second addition to Nantes roster in several days. Previously they inked contract with LaMarshall Corbett (190-G-88, college: Angelo St.).

U20 European Championship: France rally past Russia - by Eurobasket News

France U20 - Russia U20 81:62

France earned the first win at the Second Round of the U20 European Championship in Slovenia. They overcame Russia for 1-2 record in Group E. Hugo Invernizzi (196-G/F-93) came up with 19 points to lead the charge.
France strongly entered the game. They held their opponents to 9 points in the first frame to take a 9-point lead. France extended the advantage in the second quarter. They posted a 37:25 halftime advantage. Les Bleus maintained the lead throughout the third frame. They entered the fourth quarter up by 15 points and never looked back en route to the win. Leo Westermann (198-G-92, agency: Beo Basket) accounted for 17 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds for France. Louis Labeyrie (209-C-92) netted 14 points in the win. Aleksandr Gudumak (204-F-93) and Aleksandr Razumov (202-PF-92) notched 12 points each in the loss.

France U20: Hugo Invernizzi 19, Leo Westermann 17, Louis Labeyrie 14
Russia U20: Aleksandr Gudumak 12, Aleksandr Razumov 12

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FYR MACEDONIA

GEORGIA

U20 European Championship: Estonia open win count in Slovenia - by Eurobasket News

Estonia U20 - Georgia U20 87:73

Estonia clinched the first win at the U20 European Championship in Slovenia. They knocked down Georgia at the start of classification round action in Group G. Rauno Nurger (207-C-93) came up with 17 points and 9 rebounds for the winning team.
Estonia led by just three points after the opening quarter 19:16. The Baltic team stretched the lead in the second quarter. They posted a 43:36 halftime advantage. Georgia narrowed the deficit in the third term. Beka Burjanadze (203-F-94) drew things level at 52 finally. Phhakadze then put Georgian in front 55:52 but Estonia quickly recovered and regained a 63:60 lead at the final intermission. They opened the fourth quarter on a 15:3 rally to clear off. Estonia then coasted to the victory at the end. Jaan Puidet (192-G/F-92) accounted for 14 points, while Martin Paasoja (191-G-93) and Rannar Raap (190-G/F-92) contributed 13 points each for the winners. Beka Burjanadze answered with 21 points for Georgia. Irakli Alkhanaidze (202-F-92) netted 17 points in defeat.

Estonia U20: Rauno Nurger 20, Jaan Puidet 14, Martin Paasoja 13, Rannar Raap 13
Georgia U20: Beka Burjanadze 21, Irakli Alkhanaidze 17

Nikoloz Tskitishvili signed with Foolad Mahan Isfahan - by Eurobasket News

Nikoloz Tskitishvili (212-C/F-83, agency: Regeneracom Sports) signed with Foolad Mahan Isfahan for the upcoming season.
Last season Georgian Nikoloz Tskitishvili also played in Iran. He won another title with Mahram as the latter won 2011/2012 title when they swept their Final series over Petrochimi. The Winner of the Regular Season added 111:93 victory in Game three to win the series 3-0.
In 2011-2012 moved to Mahram Tehran (Iran-Superleague, starting five) and in WABA League had high 17.2ppg, Reb-5 (9.9rpg), 1.1apg, Blocks-2 (1.8bpg), FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 75.0%.
Earlier in 2008-2009 he played at Alta Gestion Fuenlabrada Madrid (Spain-ACB) and averaged 8.3ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 44.0%, FT: 70.0%. In 2009-2010 started for Panionios ON Telecoms Athens (Greece-A1) and had 6.0ppg. In Dec.'09 moved to Ayuda en Accion Fuenlabrada (Spain-ACB) and showed 7.7ppg, 2.7rpg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 44.3%, FT: 66.7%.
The season 2010-2011 played for Lagun Aro Gipuzkoa BC (Spain-ACB) and averaged 5.3ppg, 2.6rpg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 79.2%.

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GERMANY

U20 European Championship: Germany silence Greece - by Eurobasket News

Germany U20 - Greece U20 90:68

Germany registered the first win at the Second Stage of U20 European Championship. They knocked down Greece for 2-1 record in Group E. Philipp Neumann (210-C-92) stepped up with 24 points to lead the winners.
Germany exploded with 28 points in the opening quarter to stun their opponents. The Hellenes found themselves trailing by 19 points after ten minutes. Germany boosted the lead in the second term. They accumulated a 48:27 halftime advantage. Germany kept Greece at bay throughout the third term. They entered the fourth frame up by 22 points. Greece never recovered and had to surrender at the end. Daniel Theis (206-C/F-92) posted 17 points, while Dennis Schroeder (185-PG-93) produced 11 points for the winners. Giannoulis Larentzakis (195-SG-93, agency: FCM) answered with 20 points for Greece. Anastasios Antonakis (204-PF-92) netted 17 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and issued 6 assists in the loss.

Germany U20: Philipp Neumann 24, Daniel Theis 17, Dennis Schroeder 11
Greece U20: Giannoulis Larentzakis 20, Anastasios Antonakis 17

Gianluca Raebel Stays With TV Langen - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

TV Langen has announced today that Gianluca Raebel (195-F/G-91) will remain with TV Langen for a second year. Gianluca Raebel (195-F/G-91) is a 21 year old 195cm swing man and last season for TV Langen played 23 games: 4.7ppg, 1.3rpg. After stops in Rhondorf and Ehingen, the German is content on staying in the Rhein-main area. "The first year in Langen was a lot of fun and the team chemistry was good. I believe that the chemistry will remain since sone guys from last season are remaining. My goal is to get more consistent. I had some good games last season. I remember the game against Leipzig as a good one, but there were also some not so good games. It has to get better thiss eason. I am looking forward to the season and hopes it starts soon", expressed Gianluca Raebel (195-F/G-91). Raebel scored in double figures twice including 13 points against Leipzig and 10 points against the Fraport Sklyiners juniory. "Gianlucaa is a young player and played an important role for the first time in the PRO B and did a good job. We still see increasing potential with him", added TV Langen Jogi Barth.

Source: TV Langen

Euroleague Veteran Yotam Halperin Moves To FC Bayern Munich - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

According to www.sportando.net, Beko BBL team FC Bayern Munich have hauled in one of Israels top basketball players with Yotam Halperin (196-G-84). Halperin is a 26 year old 196cm combo guard that is a player with phenomenal personal abilities, although he bases much of his game on movement without the ball and team play. A great shot beyond the rim, fast, clever, good passer and gifted drawer of fouls. Last season, he played for Spartak St.Petersburg (Russia-PBL, starting five): Russian League: 20 games: 10.3ppg, 2.5rpg, Assists-5 (4.6apg), Steals-5 (1.7spg), FGP-2 (64.0%), 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 88.5%; VTB League: 14 games: 8.9ppg, 2.0rpg, 4.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 82.4%; EuroCup: 16 games: 9.6ppg, 2.6rpg, Assists-2 (5.2apg), FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 44.7%, FT: 84.9%. He started his basketball career in 1999 for Maccabi Raanana. He then played for top European power house Maccabi Tel-Aviv from 2001-2005. He already played Israel club games at the age of 17. In 2005-2006, he played for : Union Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-A1, starting five): Slovenian League: 16 games: 14.5ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.6apg, 1.9spg, 2FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 47.7%, FT: 82.3%; Euroleague: 14 games: 13.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.5apg, 2FGP: 52.2%, 3FGP: 37.2%, FT: 90%; Adriatic League: 25 games: 14.2ppg, 2.7rpg, Assists-3 (3.6apg), 1.8spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT-1 (50%), FT: 85.4%. In 2006, he was drafted by the Drafted by Seattle SuperSonics (NBA,2rd (53). He then returned back to Maccabi Elite Tel-Aviv (Premier League) and played there from 2006-2008 playing 44 Euroleague games. He then played for Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece-A1) from 2008-2011 where he played a total of 56 Euroleague games. He has played a total of 154 Euroleague games. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Israeli League Finalist -00, European Championships U18 -00, Israeli U20 National Team -01, 04Israeli U18 National Team -01-02, Albert Schweitzer International Tournament U18 (Germany) -02, European Championships U18 in Germany -02, Eurobasker All-Europe Youth Players Honorable Mention 2002, Israeli League Champion -02, 03, 04, 05, Adriatic League Finalist -03, Israeli Cup Winner -03, Israeli National Team -03-04, 06-11European Championships -03, Euroleague Champion -04, 05, Israeli Premier League Regular Season Champion -04, 05, 07, European Championships U20 in Brno -04: Finalist (8 games: 20.4ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.1apg, 2.1spg, 20.4bpg), European Championships U20 2004 All-Star Team, Israeli U21 National Team -05, World Championships U21 in Argentina -05European Championships in Belgrade -05: 3 games: 4.7ppg, 0.7apg, Slovenian Supercup Winner -05, Slovenian 1A All-Star Game -06 (3-Points Contest Finalist), Slovenian Cup Winner -06, Slovenian League Regular Season Runner-Up -06, Slovenian League Champion -06, Eurobasket.com All-Slovenian League Guard of the Year -06, Eurobasket.com All-Slovenian League Import Player of the Year -06, Eurobasket.com All-Slovenian League 1st Team -06, Eurobasket.com Slovenian League All-Imports Team -06, Euroleague Quarterfinals -07, 11, Israeli Cup Semifinals -07, Israeli Premier League Champion -07, European Championships in Spain -07: 6 games: 14.0ppg, 2.8apg, 2FGP: 65.6%, 3FGP: 31.0%, FT: 78.9%, Israeli Cup Finalist -08, Euroleague Finalist -08, 10, Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Honorable Mention -08, Israeli Premier League Finalist -08Israeli Premier League Regular Season Runner-Up -08, Qualifications to European Championships 2009 -08: 6 games: 14.2ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 82.6%, Greek Cup Finalist -09, Greek League All-Star Game -09, Euroleague Final Four -09, Greek League Regular Season Champion -09, 11, Greek League Finalist -09, 10, 11, European Championships in Poland -09: 8 games: 13.8ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 82.9%, Greek Cup Winners -10, Greek Cup Winner -10, 11, Greek League Regular Season Runner-Up -10Qualifications to European Championships 2011 -10: 8 games: 12.6ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 46.7%, FT: 88.5%, European Championships in Lithuania -11: 5 games: 11.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 30.4%, Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup 3rd Team -12, Eurocup Semifinals -12, VTB United League Quarterfinals -12, and Eurobasket.com Russian PBL All-Bosmans Team -12

Howard Saint-Roos Stays With The Spot Up Medien Baskets Braunschweig - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The Spot Up Medien Baskets Braunschweig have announced today that Howard Saint-Roos will play another season with them. Saint-Roos is a 21 year old 198cm swng man that was the third best scorer last season on the team. The Cuban played 27 games: 16.9ppg, 4.9rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-3 (3.0spg), FGP: 65.4%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 72.5%. "He still had a contract with us, but on account of his good play, he had interest from many teams. After many talks with him, we are very happy that he chose to stay with our program", stressed New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig sport director Oliver Braun . Saint Roos has a double license and can also play in the Beko BBL for the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig.

Source: New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig

Ehingen Steeples capture Jena duo - by Moritz Korff

Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (2. Bundesliga Pro A) added two talented Germans to its 2012-13 roster. Stephan Haukohl (203-F-93) and Tim Unterluggauer (208-C-93) are set to make the move from Jena to the Alb-Donau district.
Haukohl, a product of SV Germering, transfered to Jena three years ago. He and Unterluggauer, who hails from Duesseldorf and played for Bayer Leverkusen as a youngster, both excelled on Jena's NBBL team last season. Haukohl averaged 14.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, while Unterluggauer posted 16.5 points, 7.4 boards a game in the Under 19-Bundesliga. They also gained some experience in men's basketball throughout the 2011-12 campaign. Haukohl appeared in three Pro A contests for Science City Jena (3.3ppg, 2.0rpg) and scored 18.6 points per outing for Jena's 2. Regionalliga squad. Unterluggauer had a license to play for the Gotha Rockets and contributed 2ppg and 1.8rpg (11 games) on a way to a Pro B championship. He also averaged 18 points a game in three encounters for Jena's second team (2. Regionalliga).

"I have been following Stephan's and Tim's development for many years and I am looking forward to working with them. With eight players under 20 we will have the youngest team of all times next season. We are getting closer to reaching our goal of being the number one program for young German players between 19 and 22 years. Stephan and Tim will be important players for us next season. It is going to be their first season which they will spend entirely in men's basketball and we will have to allow them to make mistakes. But still I am sure they will do well this year", Ehingen coach Ralph Junge stated on the Steeples' website.

Bodfeld Baskets Oberharz pick up Estonian forward - by Moritz Korff

The Bodfeld Baskets Oberharz have been best known for their irresistible run through the German minor leagues during these past years and for their leading scorer Everage Richardson (191-G-85, college: Co.Carolina) who has averaged more than 40 points in each of his three seasons that he has spent with the team so far. Following another championship (the Bodfeld Baskets finished the 2011-12 season on top of the 2. Regionalliga North-West), the team has earned promotion to the 1. Regionalliga North and is currently setting up its roster for the upcoming season. Richardson, who scored 42.1 points per contest in this past campaign, has received contract extension as well as Ljubisa Markovic (210-C-91). The Slovenian-Serbian post player averaged 15.6 points a game last season.
Now another EU-import has been signed: Sven Kaldre (197-G/F-91) will join the RLN newcomer. The former Estonian junior international played a solid 2011-12 season at Piimameister Otto/Rapla. In the KML (Estonia's first division) Kaldre averaged 12.2 points, 3 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.5 assists through 36 games and also saw action in the Baltic League (10 games: 11.7ppg).
"Sven will play the three spot for us. He needs very little time and space to execute his shot. Thus, his opponents will have to guard him very closely. Due to his quick first step he will be able to attack the basket then", Bodfeld Baskets manager Christian Schaefer said about the newcomer on the team's website.
Kevin Weber (198-F-91) had been revealed as a fresh face earlier this summer. The German forward comes off a season with the Aschersleben Tigers.

Twiehoff moves to Leverkusen - by Moritz Korff

The Bayer Giants Leverkusen (2. Bundesliga Pro B) have made their first summer signing after securing Goetz Twiehoff (196-F-85). The 26-year-old forward joins the Giants coming off a three-year stint at 1. Regionalliga West outfit Elephants Grevenbroich.
"Goetz is a player who we have been in contact with again and again over these past years. Now it finally worked out", Leverkusen coach Achim Kuczmann stated on the team's website. Twiehoff scored 14.9 points, pulled down 7.6 rebounds and dished out 2.2 assists per contest last season and was named Eurobasket.com All-Regionalliga West Honorable Mention and to the All-Domestic Players Team. He also received both accolades one year before. "We were looking for an experienced German player who will help us underneath the basket. I am sure that Goetz has the skills to be that kind of player and that he will play an important role for us in the Pro B", Giants' manager Frank Rothweiler added.

Science City Jena: A talented base of young players - by Moritz Korff

2. Bundesliga Pro A team Science City Jena has to make up for the departure of two talented player, as Stephan Haukohl (203-F-93) and Tim Unterluggauer (208-C-93) decided to leave for Ehingen, but Jena coach Georg Eichler will still have a bunch of German prospects on his 2012-13 squad. Jakob Krumbeck (188-G-93) and Fabian Strauss (193-F-93), who remain loyal to the Science City team, will be joined by Daniel Mayr (212-C-95), a member of Germany's U18 National Team, who moves up from the Jena youth program. The son of former German international Rolf "Bibo" Mayr (222-C-64) averaged 5.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks as a first year-player in the U19-Bundesliga NBBL last season. He also scored 8.5 points per contest in 12 games for Jena's second men's team in the 2. Regionalliga.
Team captain Christoph Roquette (203-F-82), Tim Schwartz (199-F-87) and Ermen Reyes-Napoles (185-G-89), who both return for another season, will add some experience to the German section on Science City's roster for the 2012-13 season.

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GREECE

Greek NT targets Zeljko Obradovic as new Head Coach, according to report - by Eurobasket News

Greek Basketball Federation is looking for the new Head Coach and it could be Zeljko Obradovic, according to Tubasket.com. Reportedly, the Greek NT will part ways with Ilias Zouros (agency: Alti Sport). Obradovic left Panathinaikos this summer after 13 years. They won 11 titles in Greece and 6 cup trophies. Of course, PAO and Obradovic also won Euroleague crowns in 2000, 2002, 2007, 2009 and 2011. The Greens cut the budget for the next season, what was the main reason why the Serbian specialist decided to leave.
Greece failed to reach the Olympic Games in London. They lost to Nigeria in crucial game at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Kaunas. Zouros led Greece last summer at EuroBasket in Lithuania and they reached Quarterfinals. France was better than Greece 64-56.

U20 European Championship: Germany silence Greece - by Eurobasket News

Germany U20 - Greece U20 90:68

Germany registered the first win at the Second Stage of U20 European Championship. They knocked down Greece for 2-1 record in Group E. Philipp Neumann (210-C-92) stepped up with 24 points to lead the winners.
Germany exploded with 28 points in the opening quarter to stun their opponents. The Hellenes found themselves trailing by 19 points after ten minutes. Germany boosted the lead in the second term. They accumulated a 48:27 halftime advantage. Germany kept Greece at bay throughout the third term. They entered the fourth frame up by 22 points. Greece never recovered and had to surrender at the end. Daniel Theis (206-C/F-92) posted 17 points, while Dennis Schroeder (185-PG-93) produced 11 points for the winners. Giannoulis Larentzakis (195-SG-93, agency: FCM) answered with 20 points for Greece. Anastasios Antonakis (204-PF-92) netted 17 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and issued 6 assists in the loss.

Germany U20: Philipp Neumann 24, Daniel Theis 17, Dennis Schroeder 11
Greece U20: Giannoulis Larentzakis 20, Anastasios Antonakis 17

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HOLLAND

U20 European Championship: Netherlands beat F.Y.R. of Macedonia to close Day 5 - by Eurobasket News

F.Y.R. of Macedonia U20-Netherlands U20 56:61

Netherlands beat F.Y.R. of Macedonia to close Day 5 at the U20 European Championship in Division B. The Dutch team overcame the opponent 61:56 in the last game of the First Round. Both teams will continue at the Classification for 9-18 places.
Netherlands started with 16:13, but the game was tough for them in the second frame. F.Y.R. of Macedonia needed 14-9 in the second frame for 37:35 halftime advantage. The second half however belonged to the Dutch team. They won the third period 20-16 and finished the game with 16-13 in the last quarter. Goran Markovski (195-G/F-92) nailed three for 57:56, while Kasper Averink (183-PG-93, agency: Arete Sports Agency), Sam De Haas and Bart Stolk (206-C-93) closed the game for the winners.
Goran Markovski top-scored for the winners with 26 points and Predrag Pajic (198-SG-93) had 12. Kasper Averink answered with 18 points in defeat, while Ivan Filipan (193-G/F-92) and Bart Stolk added 11 apiece.

F.Y.R. of Macedonia U20: Goran Markovski 26, Predrag Pajic 12
Netherlands U20: Kasper Averink 18, Ivan Filipan 11, Bart Stolk 11

Robbie Sihota joins Matrixx Magixx - by Fred Roggen

Matrixx Magixx brought in Robbie Sihota (198-F-87) for the upcoming season. The 24-year-old forward Robbie Sihota started his pro career in Netherlands. The forward posted 12.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game for Rotterdam Challengers. In 2011 he signed a contract with BBC US Hiefenech Heffingen (Luxembourg-Diekirch League) but
left in Oct.'11 and then moved to Calgary Crush (ABA).
The Canadian player graduated from the University of Calgary in 2010. He notched 18.7 points.

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HUNGARY

IBL

Standings

IBL Standings

Branding
1. Jersey G-F		4-2
2. W.Coast H.		0-1
3. Oregon W.		0-4
4. Yamhill H.		0-6
Continental
1. Portland C.		15-5
2. Vancouver V.		11-9
3. S. Soldiers		8-11
4. Orlando V.		4-10
International
1. Bellingham S.		17-3
2. Edmonton E.		14-5
3. Olympia R.		8-14
4. Nippon T.		1-12

Stats Leaders

IBL Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 Tapscott, Salem 28.5
2 Lucas, Portland 26.7
3 Murray, Vancouver 26.1
4 Wolfinger, Portland 23.8
5 Hafford, Bellingham 23.6
6 Wood, Orlando 22.6
7 Largent, Salem 22.4
8 Anderson, Bellingham 21.2
9 Spencer, Portland 20.7
10 Ward, Olympia 20.6

Rebounds Per Game

1 Poole, Bellingham 13.1
2 Tapscott, Salem 12.7
3 Boatwright, Orlando 11.5
4 Wolfinger, Portland 11.5
5 Bain, Olympia 10.2
6 Sihota, Edmonton 9.6
7 Lozeau, Salem 9.5
8 Hampton, Vancouver 9.2
9 Cunningham, Portland 8.7
10 Uskoski, Vancouver 8.5

Assists Per Game

1 Johnson, Salem 10.3
2 Ferguson, Orlando 7.5
3 Broadus, Edmonton 7.2
4 Williams, Vancouver 6.0
5 Anderson, Bellingham 5.9
6 Cooper, Portland 5.5
7 Menefee, Olympia 5.4
8 Woods, Olympia 5.0
9 Dominguez, Salem 5.0
10 Stevenson, Bellingham 4.9

USBasket.com All-IBL Awards 2011-12 - by Eurobasket Center

USBasket.com All-IBL 1st Team 2012

Anderson

Tapscott

Poole

Lucas

Hafford

Finals MVP: Morris Anderson (6'3''-G) of Bellingham S.
Player of the Year: Andre Murray (6'2''-G-87) of Vancouver V.
Guard of the Year: Andre Murray (6'2''-G-87) of Vancouver V.
Forward of the Year: David Lucas (6'8''-F-82) of Portland C.
Center of the Year: Blake Poole (6'5''-C-88) of Bellingham S.
Rookie of the Year: Chehales Tapscott (6'5''-F-90) of S. Soldiers
Defensive Player of the Year: Morris Anderson (6'3''-G) of Bellingham S.
Sixth Man of the Year: Robbie Sihota (6'6''-F-87) of Edmonton E.
Most Improved Player of the Year: Paul Hafford (6'4''-G-84) of Bellingham S.
Coach of the Year: Rob Ridnour of Bellingham S.

1st Team
F: Chehales Tapscott (6'5''-90) of S. Soldiers
C: Blake Poole (6'5''-88) of Bellingham S.
F: David Lucas (6'8''-82) of Portland C.
G: Paul Hafford (6'4''-84) of Bellingham S.
G: Andre Murray (6'2''-87) of Vancouver V.

2nd Team
C: Gjio Bain (7'0''-85) of Olympia R.
F: Jared Cunningham (6'9''-89) of Portland C.
F: Devin Uskoski (6'6''-85) of Vancouver V.
G: Michael Ward (6'2''-86) of Olympia R.
G: Morris Anderson (6'3'') of Bellingham S.

Honorable Mention
Calvin Hampton (6'10''-F/C-86) of Vancouver V.
Alexander Hartman (6'7''-F-85) of Vancouver V.
Corey Largent (6'7''-F-80) of S. Soldiers
Steve Sir () of Edmonton E.
Jeremiah Dominguez (5'6''-PG-85) of S. Soldiers

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IRAN

Nikoloz Tskitishvili signed with Foolad Mahan Isfahan - by Eurobasket News

Nikoloz Tskitishvili (212-C/F-83, agency: Regeneracom Sports) signed with Foolad Mahan Isfahan for the upcoming season.
Last season Georgian Nikoloz Tskitishvili also played in Iran. He won another title with Mahram as the latter won 2011/2012 title when they swept their Final series over Petrochimi. The Winner of the Regular Season added 111:93 victory in Game three to win the series 3-0.
In 2011-2012 moved to Mahram Tehran (Iran-Superleague, starting five) and in WABA League had high 17.2ppg, Reb-5 (9.9rpg), 1.1apg, Blocks-2 (1.8bpg), FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 75.0%.
Earlier in 2008-2009 he played at Alta Gestion Fuenlabrada Madrid (Spain-ACB) and averaged 8.3ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 44.0%, FT: 70.0%. In 2009-2010 started for Panionios ON Telecoms Athens (Greece-A1) and had 6.0ppg. In Dec.'09 moved to Ayuda en Accion Fuenlabrada (Spain-ACB) and showed 7.7ppg, 2.7rpg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 44.3%, FT: 66.7%.
The season 2010-2011 played for Lagun Aro Gipuzkoa BC (Spain-ACB) and averaged 5.3ppg, 2.6rpg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 79.2%.

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ISRAEL

U20 European Championship: Israel opened Day 5 with the win over Slovak Republic - by Eurobasket News

Slovak Republic U20-Israel U20 60:79

Israel opened Day 5 with the win over Slovak Republic at the U20 European Championship in Division B. Israel advanced to the Second Round with 2-1 record after 79:60 victory. Slovak Republic will play in the Classification Round for 9-18 places.
Israel took 20:12 after the first period and added 22-17 in the second frame. The winning side never looked behind and produced a 21-7 in the third period. Slovak Republic won the last stanza 24-16 and reduced to 19 points at the end.
Ben Altit (208-F-93, agency: Avi Zilberman) paced all the winners with 18 points and Or Solomon (197-F-93) netted 13. Guy Lavie (188-PG-92, agency: Ronsport) poured in 9, while Ram Elias-Pour (207-C-93) and Bar Timor (191-PG-92, agency: Avi Zilberman) added 8 each. Maurizio Galata (203-F-92) replied with 17 points in the losing effort as Slovak Republic finished the group with 0-3 record. Oliver Tot (198-PG-94) posted 11 and Viktor Dedecek (200-F-93) notched 8.

Slovak Republic U20: Maurizio Galata 17, Oliver Tot 11, Viktor Dedecek 8
Israel U20: Ben Altit 18, Or Solomon 13, Guy Lavie 9, Ram Elias-Pour 8, Bar Timor 8

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ITALY

Jeffrey Viggiano joins Enel Brindisi - by Eurobasket News

Jeffrey Viggiano (197-F-84, college: Massachusetts) stays in Italy for the next season, but not with Bentton Treviso. The American/Italian forward signed a deal with Enel Brindisi. They will compete in SerieA. Viggiano finished last season with Benetton averaging 11.4 points and 3.8 rebounds for 22 games. The player also added 13 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 2 apg for 6 EuroCup games. He started the season with EA7 Emporio Armani Milano, but they split after six games.
Jeffrey Viggiano played for Angelico Biella in 2010/11. There he had 12.2 ppg and 4.5 rpg for 30 games in SerieA and was named Eurobasket.com Italian SerieA All-Domestic Players Team -11. He participated at SerieA All-Star Game in 2011 and this year as well. In 2009/10, the forward played for Milano and before that he was a member of LegaDue team Pavia. Viggiano also has experience from Hungary and Sweden. He graduated at the University of Massachusetts in 2006.

Sigma Barcellona hires Giovanni Perdichizzi as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Sigma Barcellona officially announced that Giovanni Perdichizzi will lead the team as Head Coach in 2012/13. The 51-year old Italian specialist worked last season with Orlandina Basket. They competed in Nazionale A. From January of 2008 to December of 2010, Perdichizzi worked with Brindisi. They reached promotion from B1 to LegaDue in their first season together. In 2010, Brindisi was LegaDue champion winning the promotion for SerieA. Perdichizzi and Brindisi started 2010/11 season together in SerieA, but they parted ways in December and later the team faced with relegation. From 2004 to 2007, Giovanni Perdichizzi was Head Coach of Upea Capo D'Orlando. They were LegaDue champions in 2005 and Perdichizzi was named Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 Coach of the Year. They also won LegaDue Cup that season. It is important to mention that Giovanni Perdichizzi already worked with Barcellona from 1997 to 2000.

Milano release Ben Eze - by Giovanni Bargna

EA7 Emporio Armani Milano released center Benjamin Eze (207-C/F-81, college: S.Idaho JC) by paying a buyout.
The player joined the team in 2011 but played only a few months for them as was considered out of the roster last season when coach Scariolo took over the bench.
The big man from Nigeria (but with an italian passport) is now a free agent and is told to be in talks with Montepaschi Siena.
That could be a comeback for Benjamin Eze who spent 6 seasons with Siena from 2004 to 2010 before flying to Russia to join Khimki Moscow.

U20 European Championship: Turkey brush by Italy - by Eurobasket News

Turkey U20 - Italy U20 95:68

Turkey victoriously opened the Second Stage of U20 European Championship. They stunned Italy to gain 2-1 record in Group F. Safak Edge (188-PG-92) came up with 18 points to lead the winners. Italy fell at 1-2 record after the defeat.
Turkey opened the game with 18 points in a row to shock Italy. Turkey built a 25:8 lead after ten minutes. They stretched the margin to 24 points at the interval 52:28. Things did not change in the third quarter. Turkey maintained the lead posting a 73:52 advantage with one period remaining. Italy never recovered and had to surrender at the end. Ramazan Tekin (212-C-93) posted 16 points, while Ahmet Tuncer (193-G-93, agency: 1x1 Sports) contributed 12 points for the winning side. Marco Lagana (193-G-93) answered with 20 points for Italy. Andrea Traini (184-PG-92) and Lorenzo Saccaggi (190-PG-92, agency: Interperformances) had 7 points apiece in the loss.

Turkey U20: Safak Edge 18, Ramazan Tekin 16, Ahmet Tuncer 12
Italy U20: Marco Lagana 20, Andrea Traini 7, Lorenzo Saccaggi 7

Barcellona land Marcus Walker - by Eurobasket News

Sigma Barcellona agreed on terms of contract with Marcus Walker (186-PG-86, college: Colorado St.). The guard arrives from Ukraine where he spent last season. Marcus Walker played for Hoverla Ivano-Frankivsk. He tallied 12.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game in EuroChallenge. In Superleague Marcus Walker notched 14.0 points, 2.5 assists, 2.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals per appearance. It was the second pro season for Marcus Walker. He started his pro career in Iceland. The guard played for KR Reykjavik. Eurobasket.com named Marcus Walker All-Icelandic League Player of the Year in 2011. He was both Icelandic Cup and League winner. Last season Marcus Walker participated at Superleague All-Star Game.

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LATVIA

U20 European Championship: Hosts stay undefeated with win over Latvia - by Eurobasket News

Slovenia U20 - Latvia U20 69:62

Slovenia posted the fourth straight win at the U20 European Championship. The hosts held off Latvia to improve at 3-0 record in Group F of the Second Stage of the tournament. Alen Omic (215-C-92) posted 14 points to pace the hosts.
Latvia got to a flying start. The visitors grabbed a 20:14 lead after ten minutes. Slovenia quickly came back to life. They took over in the second quarter and tied things up at 37 at halftime. Slovenia surged ahead in the third quarter. They held the Baltic team to 13 points in the period to take a 4-point lead heading into the final frame. Latvia got within three points late in regulation however Rupnik, Matej Rojc (198-G-93) and Gezim Morina (204-C/F-92) sealed the winning outcome for the hosts from the stripe. Gezim Morina and Matej Rojc finished with 11 points each for the winners. Janis Timma (201-F/G-92, agency: FCM) responded with 17 points for Latvia. Kaspars Silins (183-G-92) netted 15 points in the loss.

Slovenia U20: Alen Omic 14, Gezim Morina 11, Matej Rojc 11
Latvia U20: Janis Timma 17, Kaspars Silins 15

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LBQ

Standings

LBQ Standings

1. Revolution		13-3
2. Seigneurs		11-5
3. Jaguars		6-10
4. Monteregie		5-11
5. Page-Dynamo		5-11

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LEGAL CORNER

FIBA's Anti-Doping Regulations - The Burden is on You - by John Kern

When NBA player Charles Jenkins was asked why he doesn't have any tattoos on his body unlike many of his teammates, Jenkins responded, "Have you ever seen a bumper sticker on a Maybach?"

This attitude captures the essence of FIBA's anti-doping policy. Many players are not aware that a "first offense" of FIBA's anti-doping rules leads to a two year suspension, from the time that the laboratory results are confirmed and a suspension imposed. As employers, basketball clubs take very little time to inform their players about how they can test positively for banned substances, and this can lead to tragic results for the careers of players. Players must be vigilant about taking care of their bodies and, as a recent case underscores, players themselves are ultimately responsible for what they allow to be introduced into their bloodstreams and bodies.

Recently, a National Team player, whose country and name shall remain unstated, was sanctioned by FIBA for a total of 22 months after he failed a random drug test. This poor fellow missed the first half of the 2011-12 season due to an injury and the second half of the season due to an interim suspension. This player will miss the Olympics, the 2012-13 season and the first half of the 2013-14 season due to this transgression - his first of any kind. The player was forced to return all salaries earned from his club prior to the suspension and was ordered to pay a fine.

The offense: Accepting the medical treatment offered by the player's national team doctor for persistent pain after suffering a broken ankle.

In this case before a disciplinary panel established by FIBA, the player was not accused of intentionally taking drugs, human growth hormones or steroids. FIBA found that the only way in which the banned substance, "19-norandrosterone," a steroid, was introduced to this player was that following 40 days of physiotherapy with few signs of improvement, the national team doctor determined the player would benefit from the single injection. The player reasoned that the doctor must have known what he was doing. He did not. Consequently, in the words of FIBA, the player wrongly "delegated" the authority over the injection of the prohibited steroid into his own body and had no excuse for doing so.

FIBA found that although the player had more than a decade of professional club and national team experience, he had never been given any anti-doping education. As a result of moving from one club to another throughout his career, the player had not established a doctor-patient relationship which would have allowed him to secure a doctor of his own.

Most importantly, the doctor and the player were apparently unfamiliar with the World Anti-Doping Agency's adoption of the process of awarding special permits allowing "Therapeutic Use Exemptions" from the rigors of anti-doping testing. These TUEs are subject to be obtained from committees established by the WADA and the national sports federations in each country, often which double as the Olympic committees of nations.

Absent a TUE, FIBA's Anti-Doping Regulations are tough, to say the least. The rule provides as follows: "It is each Player's personal duty to ensure that no Prohibited Substance enters his or her body. Players are responsible for any Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers found to be present in their Samples. Accordingly, it is not necessary that intent, fault, negligence or knowing Use on the Player's part be demonstrated in order to establish an anti-doping violation under Article 2.1."

This means that there is no reuirement that the sanctioning bodies find any evidence of adverse "intent" to use the drugs. Similarly, it is of no import if the player reasons that the substances don't benefit their playing condition.

For a first violation, the presumed period of ineligibility is two years according to Article 10.2 of the FIBA Anti-Doping Regulations.

These rules led the FIBA sanctioning panel in this recent case to conclude "the Player was apparently in a desperate situation, not being able to recover from the injury and feeling considerable pain 3 months after the fracture in his [ankle]. He also submitted that he felt obliged to visit this particular doctor who collaborates with his national federation since the injury took place while playing for the national team and at a time when he was not under contract with any club." Nonetheless, FIBA concluded, that the player's delegation of authority to the national team's doctor "does not excuse the Player from his responsibility."

The lessons are clear. Players are urged to gain a complete understanding of the consequences of each item that they ingest in their diet and each dose of medication that they are prescribed and administered by their doctors.

Don't take any chances, and don't treat your body like a Subaru when God has given you a Maybach to carry you around throughout your career.

_________________________________________

The Eurobasket Legal Corner is written by John B. Kern, an American lawyer with offices in the United States and San Marino, who focuses on international sports rights and arbitrations. The legal principles discussed are general in nature. Laws change and even similar circumstances may call for the application of different laws.

If you have a question for a future edition of The Eurobasket Legal Corner, please write to Mr. Kern at kern@jbkinternational.com.

2012 JBK International Law LLC. All rights reserved. 120701

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LITHUANIA

LUXEMBOURG

U20 European Championship: Poland wins Group B in Division B - by Eurobasket News

Poland U20-Luxembourg U20 119:64

Poland wins Group B in Division B at the U20 European Championship. The Polish side destroyed Luxembourg 119:64 in the last game for 4-0 record on top. The latter finished the group undefeated.
Poland expected to win the game and proved it with 30:22 in the first period. They added massive 34-18 in the second frame for 64:40 at the halftime. Mateusz Ponitka (196-G-93) nailed three in the start of the third quarter and led to 28:9 in the period. Moreover Poland needed a 27-15 in the last stanza for three digits on the board.
Mateusz Ponitka stepped up with 26 points, while Michal Michalak (194-G-93, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) and Przemyslaw Karnowski (214-C-93) had 23 points each. Tomasz Gielo (205-F-93) followed them with 11 points for a perfect record. Louis Arendt (187-F/G-93) answered with 21 points in defeat, Tim Schmit (195-F/G-95) added 12 and Max Schmit (182-PG-92) scored 11.

Poland U20: Mateusz Ponitka 26, Michal Michalak 23, Przemyslaw Karnowski 23, Tomasz Gielo 11
Luxembourg U20: Louis Arendt 21, Tim Schmit 12, Max Schmit 11

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MEXICO

Clavijo brings in forward Jaime Serna - by Eurobasket News

Jaime Serna (205-F-89, college: UCSB) is set to start his professional basketball career. The Mexican/Spanish forward signed a one-year deal with Clavijo. They will compete in LEB Gold next season. Serna is a product of UCSB (University of California-Santa Barbara), where he graduated few months ago. The player had 8.7 ppg and 4.8 rpg for his school in 29 games as a senior. He helped UCSB to reach Big West Tournament Finals. In 2010 and 2011, UCSB won the Big West tournament and Serna was named to All-Tournament Team in 2011. That season he had 7.7 ppg and 4.3 rpg for the school in 26 games. In his freshman year, Serna and USB reached Big West Semifinals. The player had 6.1 ppg and 3.6 rpg for 31 games that season.

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MONTENEGRO

Regal Barca offers deal to Marko Todorovic, Joventut has 10 days to match it - by Eurobasket News

Regal Barca officially made an offer to Marko Todorovic (210-C/F-92), but his current team FIATC Mutua Joventut has 10 days to match it (until July 24) and to keep the player. If not, Todorovic will join the reigning Spanish champs.
Marko Todorovic played 5 games for Joventut last season in Liga Endesa averaging 3.4 points and 1.8 rebounds. The Montenegrin forward spent most of the season with CB Prat Juventut in LEB Silver. There he shined with 15.8 ppg, 8.2 rpg and 1.4 bpg for 26 games. Todorovic was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Silver Forward of the Year -12 and also Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Silver 1st Team -12. He joined Joventut in 2008 as 16-year-old player. Todorovic played for U20 Montenegro last summer at U20 EuroBasket in Bilbao. He had 8.6 ppg, 7.9 rpg and 1.4 spg for 9 games at this event. In the past, Todorovic played for U18 Montenegro. A year ago with Prat Joventut he was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Silver Bosman Player of the Year -11.

Sweden Defeat Montenegro For First Win - by Dragan Scepanovic

Sweden began the Classification Round for 13th to 16th Place with a 72-64 victory against Montenegro, who are yet to register a single victory at the U20 European Championship.
Marcus Eriksson led the winners with 21 points, while Viktor Gaddefors (203-SF-92) added a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds, as Sweden came back from an early 15-point deficit in the second quarter.
Marko Mugosa scored 19 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished out five assists for Montenegro, but the team couldn't take advantage of outscoring Sweden in the post 42-20.
Sweden will play against Estonia on Tuesday, while Montenegro will aim to take the first victory against Georgia.

U20 European Championship: Sweden celebrate first win - by Eurobasket News

Sweden U20 - Montenegro U20 72:64

Sweden recorded the first win at the U20 European Championship. They knocked down Montenegro in classification round Group G. Marcus Eriksson (196-G/F-93) scored 21 points to lead the winners.
Montenegro jumped to an early lead. They ensured a 20:11 lead after ten minutes. Sweden cut the deficit in the second quarter. The Scandinavian team narrowed the deficit at 3-point mark at the interval 31:28. Sweden got within two points at the third break 50:52. Sweden tipped off the fourth frame on a 14:2 rally to ensure a 64:54 lead. They never looked back claiming an important victory at the end. Viktor Gaddefors (203-SF-92) posted 20 points and 10 rebounds for Sweden. Tobias Borg (183-PG-93) and Jonathan Person (192-PG-93, agency: JEMsports) netted 11 points each in the win. Marko Mugosa (198-F-93) answered with 19 points for Montenegro. Danilo Nikolic (206-C-93) netted 18 points in the loss.

Sweden U20: Marcus Eriksson 21, Viktor Gaddefors 20+10 boards, Tobias Borg 11, Jonathan Person 11
Montenegro U20: Marko Mugosa 19, Danilo Nikolic 18

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NBA

USA edge Brazil in Washington - by Eurobasket News

USA - Brazil 80:69

USA claimed a tough win over Brazil in the exhibition game at the Verizon Centre in Washington D.C. LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) came up with 30 points and 6 rebounds to pace the winners.
Brazil stunned the hosts in the opening quarter. The Latin American team went on a 27:17 run to take a 10-point lead. USA however answered with a stifling defence in the second quarter. They held Brazil to 5 points in the period and grabbed a 5-point halftime lead 37:32. USA stretched the lead to 8 points with one quarter to go 59:51. Brazil cut the deficit to 6 points before the hosts took over and rallied to the victory at the end. Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) posted 11 points, while Chris Paul (6'0''-PG-85, college: Wake Forest) added 10 points for the winners. Alex Ribeiro (6'3''-G-80, agency: Interperformances) answered with 14 points for Brazil. Anderson Varejao (6'9''-C-82) posted 12 points and 13 rebounds in the losing effort.

USA: LeBron James 30, Kevin Durant 11, Chris Paul 10
Brazil: Alex Ribeiro 14, Anderson Varejao 12+13 boards, Marcelinho Huertas 11+13 assists

Raptors trade James Johnson to Kings - by Eurobasket News

Mondays dismissal of James Johnson by the Toronto Raptors spoke volumes.

While general manager Bryan Colangelo still makes the ultimate calls, head coach Dwane Casey clearly has a hand on the rudder of the good ship Raptors as well.

Casey could not get through to Johnson about his role and that, along with the arrival of rookie Terrence Ross and free agent Landry Fields, meant it was time for Johnson to go.

Johnson was shipped to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for a 2014 second-round pick.

The Raptors took a flyer on Johnson, drafted 16th overall by Chicago in 2009, and he posted some impressive numbers 9.1 points, 4.7 rebounds per game last season and the team lead in blocks.

However, the combo forward had a tendency to try to do too much at both ends of the floor and struggled at times with consistency.

The Raptors and Johnson did not see eye-to-eye over his role and at one point last season Johnson was benched by Casey for a pair of games after an undisclosed indiscretion, though the coach insisted that was not the reason he was moved.

We had our moments like youre always going to do, Casey said. All the great athletes, it doesnt bother me whatsoever, but we just had a glut of wings. James would not have been happy in that situation, competing for those minutes from the start.

Hes going to be a good athlete and a good player for Sacramento, theyre getting a good man, a good player and a warrior.

Now former teammate Ed Davis agreed.

Its nothing out of the ordinary for a player and coach to get into it, Davis said. Coach is competitive, JJs competitive, we want to win, so youre going to butt heads. Everybodys not going to get along.

If Johnson wasnt always content with his place last season, it was only going to become more problematic with more offensive talent on board.

Nobodys going to be satisfied (with their role in the NBA), but with five guys, its too difficult to get those minutes and we need shooting. James gives us everything else, Casey said.

Johnson is owed $2.8 million US for the 2012-13 season and will become a restricted free agent next summer when he would likely be seeking a long-term deal.

It was time to go in a different direction.

The Toronto Sun first reported on Sunday evening that the team was close to a deal to move the forward and ESPN later reported that he would head to the Kings for the pick.

Colangelo had alluded to the move on Sunday, saying it would: Free up some additional flexibility, both financially and with respect to the new makeup and composition of our team in terms of playing time.

Fields and combo forward Linas Kleiza space the floor better for the Raptors and are more dependable offensive players, while Fields is more consistent defensively, if not nearly as spectacular.

Young Ross will see some minutes at small forward at times and Casey already deemed him the clubs best wing shooter.

The 25-year-old Johnson was originally acquired by Toronto for a late first-round pick. Chicago dealt it to Miami and the Heat made a wise pick, grabbing guard Norris Cole who has cracked the NBA title-winning squads rotation at times.

However, early second-rounders like the one Sacramento presumably would be giving up (the team has hovered near the bottom of the leagues standings for years) have similar value to late first rounders like the one Toronto traded to get Johnson in the first place because they dont come with guaranteed multi-year contracts.

But Davis believes Johnson will make his mark in the league.

Ive been here for three years and I had a lot of teammates but me and JJ were close. I knew him since college (both played in North Carolina at different schools). Its like a family in a sense like losing a brother, but thats whats best for JJ, Davis said, adding that Johnson is a starter in this league.

But not on the Raptors and Davis also admitted Colangelo knows what hes doing.

And so does Casey, who supported the drafting of Jonas Valanciunas a year ago even though he was new to the organization and was a big backer of the Ross and Quincy Acy selections this summer, as well as the signing of Fields.

He has a vision of what he wants his team to look like and slowly but surely, with Colangelo in agreement, that squad is starting to take shape.

Not yet a finished product, but inching closer.

Courtesy of www.torontosun.com

What's Next for "Linsanity" - by Daniel Gibson

At the start of last season, if you asked the average NBA fan who Jeremy Lin was and what team he played for you would probably get a lot of blank stares back. A few months, and few injuries to players on the New York Knicks later and "Linsanity" was born.

I'm going to assume you know the story by now, how he spent some time sleeping on his brothers couch because he didn't have an apartment of his own. Or how he scored 38 points against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, many of those points where on drives taking on Metta World Peace, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. Maybe you heard about the game winning three-pointer he drilled in Toronto to beat the Raptors.

There's no doubt that Lin brought life back to the Knicks when they were struggling to get going and their star, Carmelo Anthony, was out with an injury. His play inspired the team and had the tabloids in New York questioning if Melo was even needed any more. But for the record, it doesn't take much to make the NY tabloids run wild with a story.

But it wasn't all clear skies and sunny days in NY, when Melo came back the team struggled to click offensively with Lin, Melo and Stoudemire trying to find there spots. Lin went down with an injury and refused to return to team for the rest of the year, even in the playoff series against the Miami Heat. Even after Baron Davis went down with a serious knee injury and Stoudemire missed a game after injuring his hand.

Lin said he was only at 85% and didn't feel like he could play, meanwhile, Dwyane Wade was playing with an injured knee that needed to be drained in the next round and he was forced to miss the Olympics because of surgery.

But Lin's decision to play was looked at as a business move because he knew that playing and further injuring himself could hurt his options in free-agency. He may have also been remembering when he was completely dominated by the Heat during the regular season and struggled to get the ball over half court with the Heat's pressure.

Lin, the Harvard grad, showed his business savvy again when the news about the Houston Rockets having interest in him began to spread. Word of a deal in the $20 million range spread with $9 million being paid to him in the third year was spread and the Knicks were quick to say they would match it and keep Lin in NY. Word got back to the Rockets and when the official deal was issued to Lin, people where shocked to see the third year salary had been bumped up to $14 million dollars, making it worth $25 million over three seasons.

The $14 million isn't too much for James Dolan and the Knicks to deal with but with the new luxury tax rules the NBA set up, it would actually cost them over $43 million in penalties because they would be over the salary cap.

The Knicks players and management haven't been pleased with the way things have been going with Lin and his free agency moves. Melo called the offer by the Rockets, "a ridiculous offer," and JR Smith mentioned some players would be envious if the Knicks matched the offer because he hasn't proven himself worthy of such a deal. Smith had just agreed to come back for nearly $22 million less than what Lin is in line to make.

The Knicks have until 11:59pm on Tuesday night to match Lin's offer from Houston or he'll officially be a Rocket. Signs are pointing to them letting him go as they just completed a trade for Raymond Felton, bringing him back to NY after he and Stoudemire clicked a year ago. They also signed Jason Kidd a few days earlier.

Houston has huge Asian fan base from the Yao Ming era and as seen by the offer, money to spend. It will be interesting to see if the Knicks decide to match it or move forward without him. It will also be interesting to see if "Linsanity" can continue for a full season and with teams having more time to scout him and break down his game. One thing is for sure, with the run he had and this new contract in hand, he won't be sneaking up on anybody any more. People know who Jeremy Lin is.

Facial surgery successful for Xavier Silas - by Eurobasket News

The Sixers' Xavier Silas (6'5''-G-88, agency: Pro One Sports, college: N.Illinois) had successful facial surgery Saturday to fuse several sinus fractures after he was injured in Friday's summer-league finale in Orlando.

Silas took an elbow to the head from teammate Solomon Jones and also suffered a concussion. He went up to block a shot against Detroit and was hit. He fell into a row of chairs courtside.

A spokesman said he had no further information on Silas' status.

In a text message to teammate Evan Turner that Turner posted Sunday on Twitter, Silas wrote, "Feel better. Meds just having me sleeping a lot. Tell them I'm feeling stronger already. Tell em the young snake said that."

Silas, who went undrafted out of Northern Illinois, spent most of the season with the NBA Developmental League and then played in the final two regular-season games and two playoff games with the Sixers.

"Pulling my face off for 2 hours won't stop me," Silas tweeted. "I'm building the bridge between my dreams and reality and I'm naming it resilience."

Courtesy of http://articles.philly.com

76ers waive C Watkins - by Eurobasket News

The 76ers on Monday waived center Darryl Watkins (6'11''-C-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Syracuse). He was acquired from New Orleans in a three-team trade on Wednesday.

In that deal, forward Dorell Wright was acquired by the Sixers from Golden State, and the rights to Edin Bavcic went to New Orleans, which traded Jarrett Jack to the Warriors.

In 14 career games in two seasons with Sacramento and New Orleans, Watkins averaged 2.5 points and 2.8 rebounds in 12.0 minutes per game.

Watkins played last season on Cyprus. He won the championship title with Etha and was named Player of the Year.

Courtesy of www.philly.com

Nets officially sign forward Mirza Teletovic - by Eurobasket News

The Brooklyn Nets have signed free agent forward Mirza Teletovic (6'9''-F-85, agency: Beo Basket), Nets General Manager Billy King announced Monday.

Teletovic (6-9, 242), spent the 2011-12 season with Caja Laboral Vitoria of the Spanish ACB League. In 34 games, he averaged 16.3 points and 6.9 rebounds in 31.1 minutes. Teletovic shot .463 from the field, .360 from behind the arc and .684 from the line. In 10 Eurocup games with Caja Laboral Vitoria, he averaged 21.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.0 block in 34.4 minutes while shooting .434 from the field including .431 from three-point range and .700 from the line.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Surgery for Kyrie Irving - by Eurobasket News

NBA Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving (6'3''-G-92, college: Duke) will undergo surgery on his broken right hand.

The West Orange native injured his hand slapping the padding on a wall Saturday at the Cavaliers practice site in Las Vegas.

"I am a little disappointed," said Irving, 20. "I have to be more responsible about my health."

The Cavs said they expect their leading scorer, who recently dazzled during scrimmages against the U.S. Olympic team, to be ready for training camp in late September.

Courtesy of www.northjersey.com

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

NCAA1

Setback for UCLA's Muhammad - by Rick Ross

Courtesy of SICNN.COM

It took a global challenge for the Bruins to make some local news. UCLA freshman Shabazz Muhammad (6'6''-G/F-93) is still
about a week away" from returning to the court after suffering a high ankle sprain a little more than two weeks ago,
Bruins coach Ben Howland told CBSSports.com on Saturday. It was our first workout,
Howland said in between games [at the Arlington, Va.,] Nike Global Challenge.
Actually, we were finished working out, and [the players] started playing five-on-five.
He sprained his ankle playing then. He's been out ever since.
Howland said he expects both Muhammad and Anderson,
who had thumb surgery in late April, to be healthy enough to compete with the
Bruins during next month's trip to China.

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

NIGERIA

Benjamin Eze is free agent - by Eurobasket News

Benjamin Eze (207-C/F-81, college: S.Idaho JC) is no longer a member of EA7 Emporio Armani Milano. Two sides parted ways yesterday, according to Sportando.net. Reportedly, the player signed a 3-year deal during the 2010/11 season, so he had one more year left in his contract, but Milano and Eze agreed a buyout fee and terminated the deal. Eze missed last season as coach Sergio Scariolo decided there is no room for him in the roster. Benjamin Eze arrived to Milano in January of 2011 from Khimky Moscow. He had 6 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 1.3 bpg for 19 games in SerieA. From 2004 to 2010 Eze played for Montepaschi Siena winning four SerieA titles with them. They also celebrated two times in Italian Cup. In the past, Eze played for Reggio Calabria, Geoplin Slovan and College of Southern Idaho. He also played for the Nigerian National Team in 1999, 2005 and 2009.

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

PHILIPPINES

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

PBA Governor's Cup Standings

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

Semifinals Standings

Play-Offs: Round 5

Jul. 15: B-Meg Llam. - Ginebra Kings 82-70
Jul. 15: Meralco Bolts - Petron Blaze 113-112

Play-Offs: Round 6

Jul. 18: Rain or Shine - B-Meg Llam.
Jul. 18: Ginebra Kings - Talk N Text
Jul. 16: Talk N Text - Rain or Shine

PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Zach GRAHAM
  Air21 E.
  (198-G-89)
  Avg: 37.6

1. Graham, Air21 E.	37.6
2. West, Meralco	30.1
3. Sneed, Powerade T.	25.9
4. David, Powerade T.	24.8
5. Blakely, B-Meg L.	24.7
6. Forte, Alaska Aces	23.5
7. Cornley, Rain o.	23.4
8. Harris, Talk N Text	23.1
9. Bozeman, Ginebra	22.2
10. Basden, Petron B.	19.6

Rebounds Per Game

Omar SNEED
  Powerade T.
  (198-F-76)
  Avg: 16.6

1. Sneed, Powerade T.	16.6
2. Forte, Alaska Aces	15.6
3. Blakely, B-Meg L.	13.2
4. Graham, Air21 E.	12.6
5. Harris, Talk N Text	11.8
6. Bozeman, Ginebra	11.2
7. Cornley, Rain o.	10.4
8. Taulava, Meralco	10.1
9. Pingris, B-Meg L.	9.5
10. Santos, Petron B.	8.6

Assists Per Game

Jimmy ALAPAG
  Talk N Text
  (177-PG-77)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Alapag, Talk N Te.	6.6
2. Casio, Powerade T.	6.1
3. Sneed, Powerade T.	5.4
4. Tenorio, Alaska A.	5.2
5. Cabagnot, Petron	4.9
6. Miller, Barako Bull	4.8
7. Bozeman, Ginebra	4.8
8. Ross, Meralco	4.5
9. Castro, Talk N Te.	4.1
10. Basden, Petron B.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 3.4

1. Blakely, B-Meg L.	3.4
2. West, Meralco	2.5
3. Basden, Petron B.	2.4
4. Sneed, Powerade T.	1.6
5. Tenorio, Alaska A.	1.6
6. Ross, Meralco	1.3
7. Bozeman, Ginebra	1.2
8. Graham, Air21 E.	1.1
9. Mercado, Meralco	1.1
10. Anthony, Powerad.	1.1

Blocks Per Game

Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Blakely, B-Meg L.	2.8
2. Forte, Alaska Aces	1.6
3. Baguio, Alaska Ac.	1.4
4. Aguilar, Talk N.	1.3
5. Santos, Petron B.	1.3
6. West, Meralco	1.1
7. Thoss, Alaska Aces	1.1
8. Maierhofer, Ginebr.	0.9
9. Harris, Talk N Text	0.8
10. deOcampo, Talk N.	0.8

2012 PBA Governors Cup Roundup: July 11-15, 2012 - by Enzo Flojo

TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS over MERALCO BOLTS, 108-84
With his team battling for survival, Chot Reyes and his Talk N Text Tropang Texters came out with a sense of urgency against the Meralco Bolts.

Ranidel de Ocampo bounced back from a miserable showing Saturday against B-MEG, making all his three-pointers and finishing with 24 points to typify the Tropang Texters steady shooting and win handily over the Bolts, 108-84, Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

In winning their first semis game, the Tropang Texters improved their card to 6-5, but the team still cannot afford to lose any more games in their tough upcoming schedule against Petron, Rain or Shine and Barangay Ginebra.

The Tropang Texters went on an early rampage, jumping the gun on their sister team and posting a 31-12 lead in the first period. They never looked back as they secured their sixth win in 11 matches.

Japeth Aguilar contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds in what was easily one of his most productive games.

Jimmy Alapag contributed 12 markers and Kelly Williams had 11. Earlier, Williams also achieved a milestone, becoming the 35th player to grab 2,000 defensive rebounds.

Talk N Text import Paul Harris added 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Tropang Texters.

TNT 108 De Ocampo 24, Aguilar 20, Alapag 12, Williams 11, Harris 10, Peek 8, Castro 7, Fonacier 5, Alvarez 5, Raymundo 4, Gamalinda 2, Aban 0, Lao 0.
MER 84 West 21, Cardona 13, Daa 11, Mercado 9, Bulawan 8, Taulava 6, Hugnatan 5, Ballesteros 4, Reyes 4, Borboran 3, Ross 0, Timberlake 0, Artadi 0.
QS: 31-16, 64-43, 89-63, 108-84

B-MEG LLAMADOS over PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS, 104-93
Instead of talking to the media, B-MEG coach Tim Cone ushered his coaching staff to do the post-game interview after the Llamados picked up their second straight win in the semifinals of the Governors Cup.

Despite Cones ejection in the second quarter, B-MEG rallied to defeat Petron, 104-93, Wednesday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

These guys won the game for us. Now I can retire and allow this group to take over my place, said Cone in a jest before leaving the room.

The Llamados were down by 19 points with 1:43 left in the second quarter when the American coach was called for his second technical foul, leading to his ejection. Jeffrey Cariaso, a neophyte assistant coach and a longtime Cone disciple as a player, called the shots for the Llamados.

Marqus Blakely finished with 35 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, when the Llamados outscored the Boosters, 37-19. He made one spectacular play after another, including a thunderous slam similar a monster tomahawk jam a la Julius Ervin, that gave B-MEG a 96-89 with 3:06 left in the game.

The B-MEG reinforcement, a strong candidate for the Best Import award, also had 11 rebounds, five steals and three blocks.

The Llamados improved their win-loss record to 8-3, keeping within striking distance of first place Rain or Shine. Defending champion Petron collapsed for the second straight game to drop to fifth place with just two games remaining. With the 4-of-5 incentive out of its reach, the Boosters need to hope that none of B-MEG, Ginebra, and Talk N Text win more than eight games.

BML 104 Blakely 35, Yap 20, Pingris 18, Simon 10, Villanueva 8, Reavis 4, De Ocampo 4, Urbiztondo 3, Barroca 2.
PET 93 Cabagnot 22, Washington 15, Santos 14, Ildefonso 14, Faison 12, Lutz 6, Hontiveros 5, Yeo 2, Miranda 2, Pena 1.
QS: 19-32, 44-57, 67-74, 104-93

BGY. GINEBRA KINGS over RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO-PAINTERS, 95-86
Up against the league-leading Rain or Shine squad, the Gin Kings banked on another solid game from Mark Caguioa, who erupted for 29 points on top of five three-pointers to lead his team to a 95-86 triumph in PBA Governors Cup action Thursday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The win, the Gin Kings third straight in the semifinal round, put the squad in solid position for a possible finals berth. They improved their win-loss record to 8-4 and are one win away from securing at least a playoff for a finals berth.

The victory also meant that a new Governors Cup champion will be crowned. Either Ginebra or B-MEG, who have yet to play each other in the semis, will reach nine wins, eliminating the defending champion Petron Blaze Boosters from contention.

Ginebra also moved a game behind the Elasto Painters, who absorbed their third loss in the tournament. Rain or Shine has lost two of its three games in the semis and now has a 9-3 win-loss card.

Caguioa scored 20 points in the second and third periods, when the Gin Kings came back from an early 10-point deficit.

Ginebra pulled away, 70-60, in the latter part of the third period.

Gin Kings import Cedric Bozeman, concentrated on hounding Rain or Shine prized guard Paul Lee, who still managed to score 19.

Ginebra was able to hold Rain or Shine import Jamelle Cornley to only 13 points on 4-of-12 field goals.

Even Jeff Chan struggled from his shooting, making only 2-for-10 attempts from beyond the arc.

GIN 95 Caguioa 29, Bozeman 19, Raymundo 15, Helterbrand 11, Hatfield 8, W. Wilson 5, Villanueva 4, Maliksi 2, Cortez 2, Wilson 0, Ababou 0, Maierhofer 0.
ROS 86 Lee 19, Chan 14, Cornley 13, Norwood 11, Ibanes 9, Cruz 6, Quinahan 5, Arana 4, Belga 3, Buenafe 2.
QS: 18-28, 45-45, 70-65, 95-86

MERALCO BOLTS over B-MEG LLAMADOS, 104-101
Out of playoff contention, the Meralco Bolts were content to play the spoiler role on Friday, defeating the B-MEG Llamados 104-101 in Governors Cup semifinals action at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Sol Mercado, Mario West, and Chris Ross outsprinted the Llamados right from the opening tip off as the Bolts dominated most of the game before weathering a late uprising by B-MEG.

Mercado finished with a game-high 30 points, five assists, and three steals while West contributed 29 points, including several highlight reel dunks.

Ross added 18 points, five assists and three steals, and completed a three-point play off a foul from Josh Urbiztondo in the last 6.7 seconds that gave the Bolts a 102-98 lead.

But B-MEG, which tried to pull off a come-from-behind win for the third straight game in the semis, refused to fold up easily as James Yap buried a three-pointer off the glass to shove the Llamados within one point, 102-101, with 3.9 seconds left in the match.

In the next play, the Llamados fouled Asi Taulava, who split his charities for a 103-101 lead.

Left without a timeout, Tim Cone used an excessive timeout resulting in a technical foul charged on the team and a free throw for Mac Cardona, which gave him an opportunity to map up a play. But Ross stole the ball off an intended inbound pass to Urbiztondo as Meralco escaped with the win.

It was the first loss in the semis for B-Meg, which fell into a tie for second and third places with idle Ginebra. Both teams carry 8-4 win-loss cards heading into their much-awaited Manila Clasico encounter on Sunday.

B-MEGs loss means that Rain or Shine, which continues to stay on top, has clinched at least a playoff for a finals berth. The Elasto Painters tote a 9-3 record, putting the franchise in solid position to secure its first championship appearance in franchise history.

MER 104 Mercado 30, West 29, Ross 18, Cardona 11, Taulava 9, Macapagal 3, Timberlake 2, Reyes 2.
BML 101 Blakely 30, Yap 22, Simon 13, Barroca 11, De Ocampo 11, Urbiztondo 6, Pingris 5, Villanueva 3, Reavis 0.
QS: 31-17, 54-43, 77-63, 104-101

TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS over PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS, 103-94
With its 103-94 victory over Petron, Talk N Text remained alive in its push for a finals slot for the sixth consecutive performance.

Jimmy Alapag came through with a gutsy performance, bucking fever to finish with 21 points, while import Paul Harris led the way with 31 points and nine rebounds in the Tropang Texters victory Friday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Talk N Text won their second semis game against one loss, keeping the door open for the team to win four of five matches, which comes with a berth for a playoff for the second finals seat.

Against the ousted defending champion Petron, Talk N Text played with more tenacity, outrebounding the Boosters, 47-35.

Playing with a sense of urgency, the Tropang Texters dictated the tempo of the game early on and led 49-38 at the half.

The Tropang Texters also took away the game of Petron Blaze import Marcus Faison, who was held scoreless in the second and fourth periods.

TNT 103 Harris 31, Alapag 21, De Ocampo 19, Castro 10, Fonacier 8, Williams 7, Aguilar 4, Peek 3, Reyes 0, Aban 0, Alvarez 0.
PET 94 Lutz 23, Ildefonso 17, Faison 10, Santos 10, Washington 10, Cabagnot 9, Yeo 7, Lanete 4, Pena 4, Hontiveros 0.
QS: 28-19; 49-38; 70-72; 103-94

B-MEG LLAMADOS over BGY. GINEBRA KINGS, 82-70
B-Meg held Mark Caguioa without a field goal in a foul-plagued 29 minutes of action to post an impressive 82-70 shellacking of Barangay Ginebra and seal at least a playoff for a finals seat in the PBA Governors Cup Sunday night at the jampacked SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The Llamados found a new offensive star in Marc Pingris, who collected a personal season-high 24 points and 13 rebounds, but it was their defense on Caguioa that helped them grab the important win.

Caguioa, who averaged 21.3 points over the past three semifinals games, was held to just three free throws and 0-of-12 shooting from the field.

B-MEG improved its win-loss mark to 9-4, including 3-1 in the semis. The Llamados are now just half a game behind league-leading Rain or Shine (9-3) in the standings.

Marqus Blakely added 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Llamados, who entered the game reeling from a 104-101 loss handed by Meralco.

James Yap and Rafi Reavis each had 11 points for B-MEG, which will play the Elasto Painters in the final day of the semis on Wednesday.

Cedric Bozeman led the Gin Kings with 22 points to go along with his 13 rebounds. Jayjay Helterbrand and Kerby Raymundo chipped in 16 and 14 points respectively for Ginebra.

It was Ginebras first loss in the semis after three straight wins. The Gin Kings record dropped to 8-5 and they must beat Talk N Text in their final game on Wednesday to force a playoff for the second finals berth with the four-of-five incentive.

BML 82 - Pingris 24, Blakely 17, Yap 11, Reavis 11, Urbiztondo 9, Simon 4, De Ocampo 4, Villanueva 2, Barroca 0.
GIN 70 - Bozeman 22, Helterbrand 16, Raymundo 14, Mamaril 4, Cortez 4, Caguioa 3, Maierhofer 2, Wilson W 2, Hatfield 2, Villanueva 1, Maliksi 0, Ababou 0, Canaleta 0, Menk 0.
QS: 19-16, 32-25, 62-51, 82-70

MERALCO BOLTS over PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS, 113-112
Meralco survived an Alex Cabagnot-led uprising by Petron Blaze and held on for a pulsating 113-112 win to end its season on a high note in the PBA Governors Cup semifinals Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Mario West eluded three defenders in the closing seconds and hit a difficult shot that proved to be the game-winner for the Bolts.

The Bolts ended their campaign in back-to-back wins to grab fifth place in the season-ending conference. They finished the season with an overall 20-23 record, a big improvement from their 13-20 mark in their inaugural stint last yeat.

Wests golden basket capped his 41-point explosion in 48 minutes of play.

It came after Cabagnot drilled a three-pointer to put the Boosters to a 112-111 lead with 5.7 seconds remaining.

Gregorio sued for a timeout and let West attack the shaded area. He was met by three Petron players but was able to elude their defense with a twisting drive.

Mark Cardona added 26 points for Meralco while Chris Ross had a near triple-double effort for the Bolts with 10 points, 10 boards and eight assists.

Cabagnot had a great all-around effort with 29 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists, but it all went down the drain as the Boosters record dropped to 6-8.

Petron finished the season with a 23-23 win-loss mark, its worst season performance in the last four years. Last year, the team had a 32-24 in coach Ato Agustins first year at the helm.

MER 113 - West 41, Cardona 26, Mercado 19, Ross 10, Taulava 10, Macapagal 5, Reyes 2, Timberlake 0.
PET 112 - Cabagnot 29, Lutz 22, Santos 16, Faison 15, Washington 11, Pena 6, Yeo 5, Hontiveros 4, Baclao 2, Duncil 2, Lanete 0.
QS: 29-24, 56-46, 88-79, 113-112

Source: Unless otherwise specified, game recaps were compressed and compiled from InterAKTV. (Writing credit to Reynaldo Belen and Kris Lagman)

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

POLAND

Polpharma lands American C Ben McCauley - by Eurobasket News

Polpharma Starogard announced signing of Ben McCauley (206-F/C-86, college: N.Carolina St.) for the next season. The player will be used at position 5. McCauley finished last season with NBA D-League team Fort Wayne Mad Ants averaging 3.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 14 games. He joined them in February. McCauley split 2010/11 season between Dexia Mons-Hainaut and Roanne. He appeared 8 times with Roanne in French ProA collecting 7.6 ppg and 7.5 rpg. Before that, he had 7.6 ppg and 4.9 rpg for 17 games in Belgium with Dexia. McCauley also added 6.8 ppg and 3.6 rpg for 13 EuroChallenge games with the Belgian squad. In 2009/10, Ben McCauley played for Strasbourg and it was his first season as a pro. The center graduated at the North Carolina State University three years ago. He had 12.4 ppg and 7.8 rpg as a senior.

U20 European Championship: Poland wins Group B in Division B - by Eurobasket News

Poland U20-Luxembourg U20 119:64

Poland wins Group B in Division B at the U20 European Championship. The Polish side destroyed Luxembourg 119:64 in the last game for 4-0 record on top. The latter finished the group undefeated.
Poland expected to win the game and proved it with 30:22 in the first period. They added massive 34-18 in the second frame for 64:40 at the halftime. Mateusz Ponitka (196-G-93) nailed three in the start of the third quarter and led to 28:9 in the period. Moreover Poland needed a 27-15 in the last stanza for three digits on the board.
Mateusz Ponitka stepped up with 26 points, while Michal Michalak (194-G-93, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) and Przemyslaw Karnowski (214-C-93) had 23 points each. Tomasz Gielo (205-F-93) followed them with 11 points for a perfect record. Louis Arendt (187-F/G-93) answered with 21 points in defeat, Tim Schmit (195-F/G-95) added 12 and Max Schmit (182-PG-92) scored 11.

Poland U20: Mateusz Ponitka 26, Michal Michalak 23, Przemyslaw Karnowski 23, Tomasz Gielo 11
Luxembourg U20: Louis Arendt 21, Tim Schmit 12, Max Schmit 11

Zan Tabak is the new Head Coach of Trefl Sopot! - by Eurobasket Center

Zan Tabak (agency: INVICTUS Sports Group ) is the new head coach of Trefl Sopot. After five years as assistant coach in the ACB League between Real Madrid and Cajasol Sevilla, the Croatian former NBA Champion (he won the ring with the Houston Rockets as backup of Hakeem Olajuwon, and also three European Champions Cup with Yugoplastika and a Copa del Rey with Malaga all along twenty years of playing career) just ended his first season as head coach, leading CB Sant Josep Girona in LEB Oro and showing all his character and charisma to keep the team together, surviving to the tough financial problems of the club and reaching the 12th place. And now, after the extra-experience done in this season, he will make one more important step, leading the finalist of last PLK League to fight for the title in Poland, and also to compete in the Eurocup!

Exclusive interview with David Weaver - former Czarni Slupsk big man - by Eurobasket Center

Eurobasket had the honor to interwiev David Weaver (209-C-87, college: Wake Forest) who spent last season with Energa Czarni Slupsk in Polish PLK.

David thanks for sitting with us. Where are you now and how is your basketball summer going?

Thanks for allowing me to speak with you. I am currently back in the U.S training in North Carolina. Basketball has been going very well. Since I've been back home I've taken a few vacation trips to spend time with my friends and family but now it's back to training . I've been also playing in a local Summer League, against college and professional talent getting ready for the upcoming season. The summer is a time to relax and rest but I love to use this time to work on things in my game, so staying in the gym is a must for me.

How have you found this season in the Tauron Basket Liga?Any changes you would make?

I really enjoyed my season in the Tauron Basket Liga. At first I didn't know what to expect but soon learned it's a very competitive league! I felt that there was a high level of play from all teams. During the last stages of the season, each team showed they had a lot of talent and were good enough to make a push for the championship. I was exciting to see so many close series in the playoffs.
I also liked how there was much more television coverage of the league games. This made it a lot easier for friends and family to watch the games. I loved the fans of the Polish league! Almost every arena was full of loud cheering fans. Poland made it very clear they were passionate about their sports! This made it a very fun environment and brought more energy to every game!
I wish there was more of a break to allow foreigners to travel home to spend time with family during the Christmas holidays. A lot of players are fathers with families and would love to spend valuable time with their children. Domestic players with less travel get to spend this special time with family. Why can't foreigners? This would also allow players to rest mentally and physically, to better prepare for the playoff race.

Last season you started in Greece, then moved to Lithuania. Where would you rank Polish basketball? Where do you see it going in the near future?

Comparing the leagues after my time in Greece and Lithuania, I see Poland moving up in rank among other countries in Europe. Greece and Lithuania both have a very strong tradition in basketball, playing very well in all European leagues, including the Euro-Championships and the Olympics. I feel the level of Poland has increased tremendously. I have gotten to play with and against a few of the talented Polish National Team players and they are very skilled! I am proud to say that I played in Poland and I believe many others feel the same way! Construction of new arenas will only make the sport even more popular. There are several teams that are very solid now, full of local and foreign talent and have strong ambitions to excel at the international level. I was really impressed with the young Polish prospects that will develop into great players in the future. The future for Polish basketball is very bright!

How do you like living in Slupsk?

Slupsk was amazing! Loved my time there! The fans of Energa Czarni Slupsk are the best in Poland! It may be a smaller city but the fans love basketball! In Slupsk you feel like you are part of the community. The games are always sold out and when I was out in the city, I always got attention from fans wanting the very best for our team. Gryfia hall made it almost impossible for opponents to play comfortably due to the crowd hassling their every move! It is a beautiful city with a lot of history, close to the sea and of course strong basketball!

Who do you look up to as a player?

As a player I look up to Amare Stoudemire. Not only does he play the same position and similar playing style, but I love how he plays with passion every time he is on the court. He dunks hard, I dunk hard; sending a message to the opponent. I try to pattern my game around his and how aggressive he plays. He's athletic, a leader by example and is a great person off the court doing many great things in the community. His focus and intensity serves as a model of how I want to be as a player.

You're 25-year old player. What can we expect from David Weaver in the near future? Would you say that your game has improved?

Yes, I'll be 25 this season and I am looking for a major jump in productivity and improvement to my overall game. This summer I have really concentrated on extending my shooting range so I can be more of a danger on the perimeter. Inside play with a lot of powerful dunks will always be my main focus, but you will see a more versatile player who can play both forward and center positions. I feel that my game has improved tremendously since getting to Europe. Having success at the EuroCup level and competing in various leagues has taught me many things and made my game much better.

What are you plans for the upcoming season 2012/2013?

This season I am committed to competing for a league title. I hate to lose and I set my expectations very high for myself and my team. Winning a title of some kind is what I have my eye set on. At the moment I have not decided where I will play, but I plan on giving my team all I have to win! Plan to still see high-flying dunks and hard play from me!
Do you want to share anything with your fans?

I would just like to thanks all my fans for always showing me support! Please continue to support and I promise to give it all I have. I love hearing from fans so feel free to follow my progress via my Facebook or Vimeo fan-page. Stay tuned for more exciting play and the best is yet to come!

Thanks!!

Links to my Basketball Home Page with Highlights and full games:
https://vimeo.com/channels/davidweaver

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PORTUGAL

ROMANIA

Division B Stats Leaders

Rom Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 Amariucai, Rapid 21.9
2 Popa, Timba 18.8
3 Ghiris, West Ol. 16.1
4 Pascu, CSM O. 15.7
5 Markovic, Steaua 14.3

Rebounds Per Game

1 Ghiris, West Ol. 8.4
2 Markovic, Steaua 6.9
3 Bandula, West Ol. 6.9
4 Amariucai, Rapid 6.3
5 Lificiu, Rapid 5.7

Assists Per Game

1 Hora, CSM O. 4.0
2 Voinescu, Steaua 3.8
3 Cormos, Timba 3.4
4 Pascu, CSM O. 3.2
5 Bulancea, Rapid 3.0

Timba Timisoara signs center Chief Kickingstallionsims - by Eurobasket News

Timba Timisoara reinforced its roster under the basket. The Romanian Division A newcomer penned a deal with American center Chief Kickingstallionsims (216-C-86, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: Alabama St.). The player missed last two seasons and 2009/10 he spent with Cypriot team ENAD. He had 10.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 2.2 bpg for 16 games in the league. Kickingstallionsims was top shot blocker and fifth rebounder of the competition. It was his first season as a pro. Chief Kickingstallionsims graduated at Alabama State University in 2009 and was named to SWAC Defensive Player of the Year -09. He helped Alabama State to win SWAC Tournament with 8.5 ppg, 4 rpg and 2.8 bpg for 32 games. Kickingstallionsims was named to All-SWAC 3rd Team -09.
Few days ago Timba Timisoara brought in Broderick Gilchrest (182-PG-89, college: Idaho St.).

Vlaicu and Burrell return to Giurgiu - by Chris Terrell

The off season is always a chance for player and team alike to reacess their committment to eachother. CSS Giurgiu has reached agreements for the return of Catalin Vlaicu (203-C-86) and Brian Burrell (192-G-84, agency: TSS Management, college: UTPA) for the 2012/2013 Season. Vlaicu emerged as a key player for Giurgiu last season, among the league leaders in double-doubles on the season, Vlaicu finished 10th overall in the league in rebounding and generally plays the game with the type of physicality that is endearing to his teammates. The Romanian forward also connected on nearly 57% of his attempts from the field and will once again be a key component to the roster this season. Joining Vlaicu and back in Giurgiu will be Brian Burrell. Burrell is known for his 3 point shooting and is also a very athletic player in the open court. Finishing 5th in the league is steals and an amazing 8 rebounds per game from the guard position, Burrell was an All-Star during the 2011-2012 season and helps the club in a myriad of ways. Also joining the club for another season will be Daniel Bivolaru, Iulian Corneanu, Cristian Nicolai, Marius Gasca, Adrian Vatculescu, and Virgil Georgescu. Earlier this summer it was announced that the club had reached an agreement with Derek Thomas (193-F-84, college: Appalachian St.). More player signings will be announced as camps open up August 15th.

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RUSSIA

Universitet-Yugra tab Aleksandr Savenkov - by Eurobasket News

Universitet-Yugra bolstered their frontcourt. They landed Aleksandr Savenkov (205-F-82). Last season the forward spent with Spartak Primorie. He tallied 4.5 points, 4.5 boards and 1.0 block per game in EuroChallenge Qualifying Round. In PBL Aleksandr Savenkov notched 3.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per appearance. Aleksandr Savenkov is not new to Surgut. He played for Universitet-Yugra back in 2006/09 seasons. The forward also had stints with Sojuz, Neptunas, Sibirtelekom, Lokomotiv Kuban. He participated at LKL All-Star Game back in 2005. Aleksandr Savenkov made it into Lithuanian League All-Bosmans Team the same season.

Unics in Mensah-Bonsu hunt - by Anton Zirkov

Unics Kazan is very interested in British forward - Pops Mensah-Bonsu (206-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: G.Washington).according to report in Russia.
The Russian giants already made a contact with the player and gave him a lucrative contract offer.
Bonsu,who won the treble last season with turkish outfit - Besiktas (Turkish championship,Turkish cup and Eurochallenge cup) is a player on demand this summer,as clubs like Galatasaray and Maccabi Tel-Aviv were interested in him,while Galatasray offered him a contract,but the deal was off due to Turkish teams buy-out issue.
Maccabi Tel-Aviv also offered a contract to the Brit,but according to player representative - it was "a very low offer".
Its seems now that Unics are in pole position to land Mensah-Bonsu,who will play for GB in this summers Olympic Games.

U20 European Championship: France rally past Russia - by Eurobasket News

France U20 - Russia U20 81:62

France earned the first win at the Second Round of the U20 European Championship in Slovenia. They overcame Russia for 1-2 record in Group E. Hugo Invernizzi (196-G/F-93) came up with 19 points to lead the charge.
France strongly entered the game. They held their opponents to 9 points in the first frame to take a 9-point lead. France extended the advantage in the second quarter. They posted a 37:25 halftime advantage. Les Bleus maintained the lead throughout the third frame. They entered the fourth quarter up by 15 points and never looked back en route to the win. Leo Westermann (198-G-92, agency: Beo Basket) accounted for 17 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds for France. Louis Labeyrie (209-C-92) netted 14 points in the win. Aleksandr Gudumak (204-F-93) and Aleksandr Razumov (202-PF-92) notched 12 points each in the loss.

France U20: Hugo Invernizzi 19, Leo Westermann 17, Louis Labeyrie 14
Russia U20: Aleksandr Gudumak 12, Aleksandr Razumov 12

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SEBL

Standings

SEBL Standings

North-A Division
1. Marietta Fbr.		3-0
2. Marietta O.		3-0
3. Summer Hill		2-2
4. Baseline		2-2
5. TN Temple		2-2
6. Skyline		2-2
7. BC Howren		0-3
8. Gwinnett E.		0-3
North-B Division
1. Dalton W.		4-0
2. Polk County		3-1
3. Cartersville T.		2-2
4. Columbus S.		2-2
5. Bartow B.		0-4
6. Cedartown B.		0-4

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SERBIA

U20 European Championship: Serbia defeat Ukraine - by Eurobasket News

Serbia U20 - Ukraine U20 82:53

Serbia defeated Ukraine at the start of the Second Stage of U20 European Championship. The victory propelled Aleksandar Dzikic team at 3-0 record on top of Group E. Ukraine fell at 0-3 record.
Serbia and Ukraine kept close throughout the opening quarter. The Balkan team eked out a 23:20 lead ten minutes into the encounter. Serbia managed to pull ahead in the second quarter. They established a 42:31 halftime advantage. The margin grew at 19-point mark midway through the third term. Serbia entered the fourth quarter up by 19 points 65:46. Serbia piled up a 24-point lead early in the fourth frame and cruised to the victory afterwards. Stefan Nastic (210-C-92) finished with 15 points to lead Serbia. Nenad Miljenovic (194-G-93, agency: Beo Basket) added 13 points, while Nemanja Besovic (221-C-92) and Djordje Drenovac (209-F-92, agency: Interperformances) accounted for 10 points each in the victory. Artem Pustovyi (215-C-92, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 14 points for Ukraine. Klym Artamonov (183-PG-93) netted 13 points in the loss.

Serbia U20: Stefan Nastic 15, Nenad Miljenovic 13, Nemanja Besovic 10, Djordje Drenovac 10
Ukraine U20: Artem Pustovyi 14, Klym Artamonov 13

Djordje Gagic inks with Serbian Champions - by Eurobasket News

Djordje Gagic (210-C-90, agency: Interperformances) inks with Serbian Champions for the next season. According to sportando.net Partizan Belgrade signed for the next four seasons Djordje Gagic.
In 2009-2010 he appeared for KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd (A League). Later in Dec.'09 moved to KK Mornar Basket Bar (Montenegro-1A) and in Balkan League averaged 9.1ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 63.9%, FT: 73.0%. In 2010-2011 for KK Mornar Basket Bar showed 3.3ppg, 3.4rpg. In 2011, signed a 3-year contract with KK Hemofarm Stada Vrsac (A League) but stayed with the team only for one season.
In 2011-2012 for KK Hemofarm Stada Vrsac (A League, starting five): he averaged 4.1ppg, 2.4rpg in Adriatic league and in Serbian League after 14 games his stats read 8.3ppg, 6.1rpg, FGP: 62.7%, FT: 66.7%.
Over the last few years he reached Balkan League Semifinals -11 and became Montenegrin League Regular Season Runner-Up -11. Moreover Gagic was Montenegrin League Finalist -11 and Serbian University National Team player -11.

Igor Rakocevic turns down offer by Crvena Zvezda - by Eurobasket News

Igor Rakocevic (193-G-78) turned down contract offer made by his former team Crvena Zvezda. According to local media, it is not know will the Serbian squad increase its offer or they will move focus to some other player. Rakocevic spent last season with Montepaschi Siena. He had 9.4 ppg, 1.9 rpg and 1.6 apg for 19 Euroleague games. In SerieA, the scoring guard added 11.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 1.6 apg. He helped Montepaschi to defend the Italian league title and Cup. Before Montepaschi, Igor Rakocevic spent two years with Efes Pilsen. He was third Euroleague scorer a year ago with 17.2 ppg. In the past, Rakocevic played for Tau Ceramica and was the top scorer in ACB and Euroleague as well. He also has experience from Real Madrid, Pamesa and Buducnost. Rakocevic is a product of Crvena Zvezda where he started as a teenager and played until 2000. He played for the club also in 2003/04 season.

Ivan Kuburovic signs in Switzerland - by Eurobasket News

Ivan Kuburovic (203-F-81) will continue his career in Switzerland. The Serbian forward signed a deal with SAV Vacallo Basket. The team was No.5 in the league last season. Kuburovic heads to SAV Vacallo from Sloboda Uzice, where he spent 2011/12. The player had 14.2 ppg, 6 rpg and 2.2 apg for 23 games in Serbian A League. Before Sloboda, Kuburovic played for Ukrainian Cherkasy Monkeys, but it was in 2008/09. There he had 7.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg for 20 games. In 2006/07, Ivan Kuburovic changed three teams. He started with Igokea, later joined Zdravlje and finally ended that season with Israeli Elitzur Ashkelon. In the past, Kuburovic played for Notec Inowroclaw, Polpak Swiecie, Niksic and Beopetrol.

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SLOVAKIA

SLOVENIA

SPAIN

U20 European Championship: Edgaras Ulanovas leads Lithuania past Spain - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania U20 - Spain U20 82:60

Lithuania handed Spain the first loss at the U20 European Championship. Edgaras Ulanovas (197-G-92) came up with 28 points and 6 rebounds to lead Lithuania to the opening win in Group F.
Lithuania led from the start. They built a 20:18 lead at the first intermission. The Baltic team stretched the margin to 6 points at halftime 40:34. Lithuania left Spain behind in the third quarter. The Baltic team went on a decisive 24:10 run to establish a comfortable 20-point lead at the final intermission. Lithuania never looked back then cruising to the victory at the end. Egidijus Mockevicius (207-C-92) notched 20 points and 7 rebounds, while Paulius Vaitiekunas (205-PF-92), Zygimantas Skucas (200-SF-92) and Vytenis Cizauskas (190-SG-92) netted 8 points each for Lithuania. Jaime Fernandez (187-G-93) answered with 15 points for Spain. Alejandro Abrines (198-F-93) and Julen Olaizola (203-C/F-93) chipped in 11 points each in the loss.

Lithuania U20: Edgaras Ulanovas 28, Egidijus Mockevicius 20, Paulius Vaitiekunas 8, Zygimantas Skucas 8, Vytenis Cizauskas 8
Spain U20: Jaime Fernandez 15, Alejandro Abrines 11, Julen Olaizola 11

Nathan Jawai about to sign with Barcelona - by Eurobasket News

Nathan Jawai (208-F/C-86, college: Midland CC) is close to signing with Barcelona. The Australian centre has reportedly agreed on terms of contract with the Spanish powerhouse. Last season Nathan Jawai played for Unics Kazan. He averaged 11.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in VTB League. In Euroleague the centre posted 7.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per appearance. In PBL Nathan Jawai notched 7.1 points and 3.5 rebounds. He earned All-VTB League Honourable Mention. Previously Nathan Jawai had spells for Partizan, Minnesota T-Wolves, Sioux Falls Skyforce, Toronto Raptors, Idahp Stampede and Cairns Taipans. Australiabasket.com named the centre All-Australian NBL Rookie of the Year in 2008. He debuted for the Australian National Team in 2009.

Huesca extends Jan Orfila - by Eurobasket News

Jan Orfila (207-C-86) will stay with Lobe Huesca next season. The centre has agreed on terms of contract extension with the team. Jan Orfila joined Huesca at the start of the previous season. He tallied 7.9 points and 6.5 boards per game in LEB Gold. Previously the centre had stints with U.B. La Palma, Basquete Mallorca, CB Granada.

Melilla keeps Jose Antonio Marco - by Eurobasket News

Jose Antonio Marco (180-PG-89) stays with Melilla for the next season. He joined the club a year ago from Tarragona. Marco appeared 46 times in LEB Gold averaging 3.9 points, 2.9 assists and 1.3 rebounds. He helped the club to reach LEB Gold Playoff Finals. A year ago, Marco reached LEB Silver Semis with Tarragona. With them he had 7.6 ppg, 3.5 apg and 2.5 rpg for 37 games. From 2007 to 2010, Jose Antonio Marco was a member of Murcia. He had 2.2 ppg and 1.3 rpg for 23 ACB league games in their last season together. Marco played for Spanish youth National Teams in the past. He won two Bronze medals with U20 Spanish NT in 2008 and 2009. At U20 EuroBasket in Rhodes two years ago the player had 4.7 ppg and 2.3 apg for 7 games.

Clavijo brings in forward Jaime Serna - by Eurobasket News

Jaime Serna (205-F-89, college: UCSB) is set to start his professional basketball career. The Mexican/Spanish forward signed a one-year deal with Clavijo. They will compete in LEB Gold next season. Serna is a product of UCSB (University of California-Santa Barbara), where he graduated few months ago. The player had 8.7 ppg and 4.8 rpg for his school in 29 games as a senior. He helped UCSB to reach Big West Tournament Finals. In 2010 and 2011, UCSB won the Big West tournament and Serna was named to All-Tournament Team in 2011. That season he had 7.7 ppg and 4.3 rpg for the school in 26 games. In his freshman year, Serna and USB reached Big West Semifinals. The player had 6.1 ppg and 3.6 rpg for 31 games that season.

Regal Barca offers deal to Marko Todorovic, Joventut has 10 days to match it - by Eurobasket News

Regal Barca officially made an offer to Marko Todorovic (210-C/F-92), but his current team FIATC Mutua Joventut has 10 days to match it (until July 24) and to keep the player. If not, Todorovic will join the reigning Spanish champs.
Marko Todorovic played 5 games for Joventut last season in Liga Endesa averaging 3.4 points and 1.8 rebounds. The Montenegrin forward spent most of the season with CB Prat Juventut in LEB Silver. There he shined with 15.8 ppg, 8.2 rpg and 1.4 bpg for 26 games. Todorovic was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Silver Forward of the Year -12 and also Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Silver 1st Team -12. He joined Joventut in 2008 as 16-year-old player. Todorovic played for U20 Montenegro last summer at U20 EuroBasket in Bilbao. He had 8.6 ppg, 7.9 rpg and 1.4 spg for 9 games at this event. In the past, Todorovic played for U18 Montenegro. A year ago with Prat Joventut he was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Silver Bosman Player of the Year -11.

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SWEDEN

U20 European Championship: Sweden celebrate first win - by Eurobasket News

Sweden U20 - Montenegro U20 72:64

Sweden recorded the first win at the U20 European Championship. They knocked down Montenegro in classification round Group G. Marcus Eriksson (196-G/F-93) scored 21 points to lead the winners.
Montenegro jumped to an early lead. They ensured a 20:11 lead after ten minutes. Sweden cut the deficit in the second quarter. The Scandinavian team narrowed the deficit at 3-point mark at the interval 31:28. Sweden got within two points at the third break 50:52. Sweden tipped off the fourth frame on a 14:2 rally to ensure a 64:54 lead. They never looked back claiming an important victory at the end. Viktor Gaddefors (203-SF-92) posted 20 points and 10 rebounds for Sweden. Tobias Borg (183-PG-93) and Jonathan Person (192-PG-93, agency: JEMsports) netted 11 points each in the win. Marko Mugosa (198-F-93) answered with 19 points for Montenegro. Danilo Nikolic (206-C-93) netted 18 points in the loss.

Sweden U20: Marcus Eriksson 21, Viktor Gaddefors 20+10 boards, Tobias Borg 11, Jonathan Person 11
Montenegro U20: Marko Mugosa 19, Danilo Nikolic 18

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SWITZERLAND

TURKEY

Antalya BSB signs Eren Beyaz and Reha Oz, extends Valentin Pastal - by Eurobasket News

Antalya BSB is very active these days. The team landed Eren Beyaz (208-C-85) and Reha Oz (200-SF-78) for the next season. Antalya also extended deal with Valentin Pastal (204-F-84).
Eren Beyaz arrives to the club from Erdemir, where he spent last two seasons. In the latest one the center averaged 2.1 points and 1.5 rebounds for 21 TBL games. He also had very limited playing time in 2010/11.
Reha Oz played last two years for Olin Edrine. He had 7.4 ppg and 2.6 rpg for 27 TBL games last season. In the past, Oz was a member of Karsiyaka, Aliaga and Mersin.
Valentin Pastal joined Antalya last summer from Mersin. The forward had 1.7 ppg and 2.1 rpg for 23 games, but he is expected to get more minutes next season.

U20 European Championship: Turkey brush by Italy - by Eurobasket News

Turkey U20 - Italy U20 95:68

Turkey victoriously opened the Second Stage of U20 European Championship. They stunned Italy to gain 2-1 record in Group F. Safak Edge (188-PG-92) came up with 18 points to lead the winners. Italy fell at 1-2 record after the defeat.
Turkey opened the game with 18 points in a row to shock Italy. Turkey built a 25:8 lead after ten minutes. They stretched the margin to 24 points at the interval 52:28. Things did not change in the third quarter. Turkey maintained the lead posting a 73:52 advantage with one period remaining. Italy never recovered and had to surrender at the end. Ramazan Tekin (212-C-93) posted 16 points, while Ahmet Tuncer (193-G-93, agency: 1x1 Sports) contributed 12 points for the winning side. Marco Lagana (193-G-93) answered with 20 points for Italy. Andrea Traini (184-PG-92) and Lorenzo Saccaggi (190-PG-92, agency: Interperformances) had 7 points apiece in the loss.

Turkey U20: Safak Edge 18, Ramazan Tekin 16, Ahmet Tuncer 12
Italy U20: Marco Lagana 20, Andrea Traini 7, Lorenzo Saccaggi 7

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UGANDA

Canons dominate, beat Titans 59-44, - by Joel Nature

Desmond Owili scored game high 17 points, grabbed 10 and blocked four shots to led UCU Canons to a 59-44 win over KIU Titans on Friday night at YMCA. Sudi Ulanga added 15 points as Canons (8-4) dominated from tipoff to the final buzzer and looked much better prepared for the game than their oponents.

UCU's coach Nicholas Natuhereza got his game game approach on point. He employed a man-to-man on KIU's point gurad Salim Ali and it paid off. Brian Namake and Boniface Okello used their size and almost perfected the man-to-man on one of the best point guards in the league as he was forced to cough up the ball six times though he scored team high 8 points for Titans (8-3). KIU came as close as 42-46 with 7:07 in the final quarter but not any nearer than that all the way as Canons finished the game on a 13-2 run.

Titans had a terrible shooting night going 16-for-66 from the field and their trips to the line did not pay off either going 11-for-22. Micheal Makiadi scored 7 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for KIU. All KIU starters played for over 30 minutes and combined for only 33 points, one less than two Canons, Owili and Ulanga.

Meanwhile, Sylvia Kawesa dropped 28 points to pace Magic Stormers to a 74-47 win over MUK Sparks. Stormers, Carol Nyafwono and Rukia Meeme added 14 and 11 points respectively. Sparks were led by Charlin Karungi with 13 points and Winnie Anyango added 10 points. Norah Namutosi's 17 rebounds went along with 5 points for Sparks.

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UKRAINE

U20 European Championship: Serbia defeat Ukraine - by Eurobasket News

Serbia U20 - Ukraine U20 82:53

Serbia defeated Ukraine at the start of the Second Stage of U20 European Championship. The victory propelled Aleksandar Dzikic team at 3-0 record on top of Group E. Ukraine fell at 0-3 record.
Serbia and Ukraine kept close throughout the opening quarter. The Balkan team eked out a 23:20 lead ten minutes into the encounter. Serbia managed to pull ahead in the second quarter. They established a 42:31 halftime advantage. The margin grew at 19-point mark midway through the third term. Serbia entered the fourth quarter up by 19 points 65:46. Serbia piled up a 24-point lead early in the fourth frame and cruised to the victory afterwards. Stefan Nastic (210-C-92) finished with 15 points to lead Serbia. Nenad Miljenovic (194-G-93, agency: Beo Basket) added 13 points, while Nemanja Besovic (221-C-92) and Djordje Drenovac (209-F-92, agency: Interperformances) accounted for 10 points each in the victory. Artem Pustovyi (215-C-92, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 14 points for Ukraine. Klym Artamonov (183-PG-93) netted 13 points in the loss.

Serbia U20: Stefan Nastic 15, Nenad Miljenovic 13, Nemanja Besovic 10, Djordje Drenovac 10
Ukraine U20: Artem Pustovyi 14, Klym Artamonov 13

Leonid Stefanishin joins Politekhnika-Halychyna - by Eurobasket News

Politekhnika-Halychyna bolstered their roster. They added Leonid Stefanishin (199-F-85) to the squad. The forward started the previous season with Budivelnyk. He then moved to DniproAzot on loan. Leonid Stefanishin posted 6.5 points, 3.5 boards and 1.6 assists per game in Superleague. The forward returned to Budivelnyk in March. His stats read 1.2 points per appearance for the team. The forward was named All-Ukrainian Superleague Most Improved Player of the Year in 2007. Leonid Stefanishin used to play for U16, U20 and U21 Ukrainian National Teams. The player also was the member of Ukrainian University National Team in 2007.

Azovmash lands Serbian NT guard Ivan Paunic - by Eurobasket News

Ivan Paunic (194-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) will continue his career in Ukraine. The Serbian National Team guard penned a deal with former champions Azovmash Mariupol. He finished last season with Italian Canadian Solar Bologna. The player started it with Nizhny Novgorod, where he had 11.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 1.7 apg for 16 games in VTB United league. Paunic also added 10 ppg and 3.4 rpg for 18 Russian league games. He had slightly lower numbers for 11 games in EuroChallenge. In April, Paunic moved to Bologna where he had 3.2 ppg and 1.3 rpg for 6 games. Ivan Paunic played for Nizhny Novgorod also in 2010/11 season. Before that, he split one year between Oostende and Aris Thessaloniki. The guard also has experience from Vojvodina, Mornar, Avala Ada and Partizan. Paunic is active member of the Serbian National Team since 2008.

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UNITED KINGDOM

BBL Cup Dreams To Be Made And Shattered In Autumn - by Paul Nilsen

The BBL Cup will once again be the first piece of silverware up for grabs this season as ten BBL clubs head into the autumn hoping their respective dreams won't be shattered early after being pitched into the first round of the competition.

Headlining the draw are last season's Cup runners-up UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders who will host BBL rookies East London Royals at the Pavilions,

Fellow BBL newcomers Manchester Giants also face a road trip as they head up the M6 and over the border to lock horns with Glasgow Rocks.

Durham Wildcats were the new boys this time last summer and it will be interesting to see whether they can advance after a season's experience to call upon although they also have an away tie in the form of a match-up with Prestige Homes MK Lions.

In the other two first round ties, there are a bunch of teams who certainly know what it takes to deliver success. Mersey Tigers host Guildford Heat while One Health Sharks Sheffield entertain Cheshire Jets.

All games in the first round of the competition will be played during the weekend of the 12-14 October.

Cup holders Newcastle Eagles, Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders and Worcester Wolves are able to relax with a quarter-final place already in the bag after each receiving a bye for finishing in the top three positions of the BBL Championship last season.

The quarter-finals will also be a single leg game ahead of the two-legged semi-finals when the last four teams standing will fight it out to make the 2013 BBL Cup Final on Sunday 13th January at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham.

BBL Cup First Round Draw:

Glasgow Rocks v Manchester Giants

Mersey Tigers v Guildford Heat

One Health Sharks Sheffield v Cheshire Jets

Prestige Homes MK Lions v Durham Wildcats

UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders v East London Royals

The full BBL Championship Fixture List will be issued tomorrow (Tuesday) at 11am.

Sweet Sixteen Vy For BBL Trophy Success - by Paul Nilsen

There will be no second chances for the thirteen top flight British Basketball League clubs trying to make a splash in the BBL Trophy this season along with the three non-BBL teams all handed the opportunity to complete potential giant-killings.

City Of Edinburgh, London Leopards and Reading Rockets will enter this year's rejuvenated competition which not only moves away from being played at the start of the season, but also reverts back to a knockout format.

Newcastle Eagles won the BBL Trophy last season as part of their clean sweep and while they haven't managed to scoop a home draw, they won't have far to travel when they go up against north-east neighbours Durham Wildcats at Newton Aycliffe.

The other team who made last season's final were UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders and they will be desperate to go one better this year. Their bid will also start with an away game against Worcester Wolves, a team they know well from previous BBL Trophy meetings.

East London Royals will no doubt be thrilled to play their first ever game in the BBL Trophy on home soil when they face Mersey Tigers who of course won the competition in the capital at the O2 Arena only a couple of years ago.

Fellow BBL newbies Manchester Giants meanwhile have a mouth-watering home tie against One Health Sharks Sheffield while MK Lions will welcome travelling Cheshire Jets.

Perhaps the biggest excitement will be found at the trio of non top-flight teams who can all look forward to home ties.

London Leopards arguably have the toughest assignment should Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders be anything like as powerful as last season although at least Leopards already know from previous experience what it takes to face a team coached by Rob Paternostro.

Last but not least, there are two relative 'derby' games of sorts to be played out as EBL club Reading Rockets host Guildford Heat while sparks could fly in Scotland when City of Edinburgh entertain Glasgow Rocks.

BBL Trophy First Round Draw

City of Edinburgh v Glasgow Rocks

Durham Wildcats v Newcastle Eagles

East London Royals v Mersey Tigers

London Leopards v Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders

Manchester Giants v One Health Sharks Sheffield

MK Lions v Cheshire Jets

Reading Rockets v Guildford Heat

Worcester Wolves v UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders

All first round BBL Trophy games will be played between 28th December and 6th January with the winners advancing to the one-legged quarter-final stage.

The semi-finals will be played over two legs ahead of the all-important showpiece 2013 BBL Trophy Final during March.

The full BBL Championship Fixture List will be issued tomorrow (Tuesday) at 11am.

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

URUGUAY

Standings - Metropolitan League

Metropolitan Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 16

Jul. 17: Atenas - Goes
Jul. 17: Marne - Cader
Jul. 17: Romis N. - Verdirrojo
Jul. 17: Urunday Univ. - Larranaga
Jul. 17: Yale - Capitol

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VTB UNITED LEAGUE

Azovmash lands Serbian NT guard Ivan Paunic - by Eurobasket News

Ivan Paunic (194-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) will continue his career in Ukraine. The Serbian National Team guard penned a deal with former champions Azovmash Mariupol. He finished last season with Italian Canadian Solar Bologna. The player started it with Nizhny Novgorod, where he had 11.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 1.7 apg for 16 games in VTB United league. Paunic also added 10 ppg and 3.4 rpg for 18 Russian league games. He had slightly lower numbers for 11 games in EuroChallenge. In April, Paunic moved to Bologna where he had 3.2 ppg and 1.3 rpg for 6 games. Ivan Paunic played for Nizhny Novgorod also in 2010/11 season. Before that, he split one year between Oostende and Aris Thessaloniki. The guard also has experience from Vojvodina, Mornar, Avala Ada and Partizan. Paunic is active member of the Serbian National Team since 2008.

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WBA

Standings

WBA Standings

1. Atlanta Blaze		3-1
2. Upsate Heat		3-2
3. Gwinnett Majic		2-0
4. Rome G.		2-2
5. Gastonia G.		1-3
6. Mauldin S.		0-0
7. Conyers CK		0-3

Regular Season: Round 7

Jul. 20: Gwinnett Majic - Gastonia G.
Jul. 21: Gwinnett Majic - Rome G.
Jul. 21: Upsate Heat - Atlanta Blaze
Jul. 21: Gastonia G. - Conyers CK
Jul. 22: Conyers CK - Atlanta Blaze

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Women News

Big V: Weekend Wrap- Round 16 - by Eurobasket News

In a gripping race to the playoffs, its Diamond Valleys turn to take the spotlight and fourth place as Ringwood, Bulleen and Hume City all go down. The pressure is on as all four teams battle it out for the last remaining spot in this years playoffs.
SCW ROUND UP
ROUND 16
Caitlin Cunningham (192-C-86) (12pts) has made a surprise return to help Melbourne beat McKinnon 59-57 in a top-of-the-table clash that could prove to be a glimpse of what well see in late August. Both teams had their chances and, despite losing, one senses the Cougars will be content knowing they can push the ladder leaders despite missing Laura Thomas (183-F-88, college: Portland). Leading the scoring for the Tigers was Lauren Scherf (13pts), while Tess Feery kick-started a good week-end for her personally with 14pts, while teammate Stacey Rolph (14pts) also shot well.
Diamond Valley has taken the front running for a berth in this years playoffs after subjecting Hume City to its sixth straight loss, downing the Broncos 66-47. Antonio Ed-mondson (15pts) was back, but it mattered little as the Eagles stormed home with a 19-6 run in the last quarter to grab a vital win. Jayde Tyrrell (17pts) and Carli Norman (14pts) looked the goods. DV has head-to-head over Ring-wood in fifth, but faces a tough couple of weeks with games against the top two teams Melbourne and McKin-non, while Ringwood plays Hume City and Waverley. Speaking of the Broncos, this loss makes it tough for them to make the playoffs, but they do have two games in hand on all others, so anything is possible.
You cant help but feel Eltham is settling at the right end of the season. After a recent run of outs the Wildcats have won their last couple of games and are starting to get it all together. Up against a gritty Suns outfit, the Wildcats grabbed a 64-53 win in a defensive game with Hollie Florance (13pts, 12rbs), Eleanor Cesari (14pts) and Olivia Bontempelli (14pts) doing the damage, while for Sherbrooke it was Julia Tan (16pts) leading the way.

Though they remain firmly in the hunt for fourth place, Ringwood looked anything but a potential finalist when they crashed to McKinnon by 26pts in a one-sided game. A 42-23 first half by the Cougars did the job with Tess Feery (22pts) and Julie Brookhouse (18pts) dominating. As has been the case in recent weeks for the Hawks, too much was left to Jackie Vanderzaag (19pts, 15rbs) and unless others stand up in a hurry, finals may go begging. Mean-while, this was a great way for the Cougars to bounce back from a narrow loss the night before.
There is every chance Bulleen wont quickly forget the day Melissa Moyle (32pts) put a dagger in their finals aspira-tions. Moyle dominated for the Falcons and helped her team score a great 78-68 win that will almost certainly put a massive dent in Bulleens run for the playoffs. DLesha Lloyd (23pts, 12rbs) did her best for the Boomers, but without any teammate in double digits it was always going to make it a tough outing. Bulleen now needs others to slip up, while they must beat Eltham and Sherbrooke in the coming two weeks to have a chance of making the August action.
ROUND 16 RESULTS
Melbourne 59 defeated McKinnon 57 Diamond Valley 66 defeated Hume City 47 Eltham 64 defeated Sherbrooke 53 McKinnon 74 defeated Ringwood 48 Waverley 78 defeated Bulleen 68
Not sure why Caitlin Cunningham was out of action for the best part of a month, but there is no doubt the Tigers are more formidable with her on the court. Av-eraging 17.2ppg and 9.5rpg makes Cunningham a tough proposition for opponents.
With a strong win against Hume City and a jump into fourth place, perhaps now well see Diamond Valley start believing they can make the playoffs. Well soon find out if they are the real deal with games against Melbourne and McKinnon coming up. Wins against one or both of them and well know that the Eagles arent just making up the numbers.
Courtesy of: www.bigv.com.au

QBL: Weekend Wrap-Up: Round 9 - by Eurobasket News

Cairns Dolphins 71 def. Maroochydore Clippers 62
The Dolphins broke a three-game losing streak with this win at home, managing to hold off a surge by the Clippers late in the third quarter to secure the win. Cayla Francis and Juliana Paunovic both shot 25 points for Cairns, with Jade Kennedy (185-F, college: Wyoming) also bringing down 16 rebounds. Jessica Gajewski top-scored for Maroochydore with 12 points.

Bundaberg Bears 75 def. Gold Coast Rollers 74
This nail-biter saw the Rollers held a seven-point lead at half-time, before scores were locked-up at 55-all at three-quarter time. A close finish saw the Bears just get over the edge to win by one point to take them to seven-straight wins, buoyed by efforts from Rachel Maenpaa, Yvonne Turner (174-G-87, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Nebraska) and Hayley Munro who all shot double-figures. Gold Coasts Jade Davis and Heidi Freeburn both put up 17 points.

Toowoomba Mountaineers 60 def. by Brisbane Capitals 73
Brisbane maintained a narrow lead throughout the game, leading the home side by just one point at half-time. The Mountaineers managed to trail by a small margin in the third quarter but by the final period the game was in Brisbanes hands. Janelle Adams (175-G-90, college: Cleveland St.) shot a game-high 22 points for the Mountaineers, closely followed by team-mate Kisha Lee on 21 points, while the Capitals Emma Randall (188-C-85) also contributed 21 points.

South West Metro Pirates 53 def. by Ipswich Force 77
The Force were too strong for the Pirates, leading for much of the match to secure their fourth win in a row. Emma Langford (188-F-89, college: Wyoming) put up 24 points and 15 rebounds for Ipswich, while

Northside Wizards 40 def. by Rockhampton Cyclones
Despite a solid effort from the Wizards, Rockhampton dominated this match, outpowering the home side with their dominance in the paint. Chandrea Jones shot 17 points for the Cyclones while Victoria Aldred top-scored for Northside with 16.

Townsville Flames 95 def. Maroochydore Clippers 53
The Flames notched up their third win in a row in this convincing win over the Clippers, leading by 24 points at half-time. Letitia Ward (172-G-87) contributed 24 points for Townsville while Courtney Browne shot 13 points for Maroochydore.

Mackay Meteorettes 77 def. by Gladstone Power 84
One of the highlight matches of the round saw the Meteorettes concede just their second loss of the season and hand their top-billing on the ladder over to the Power. Scores were close throughout the first half, with the home side leading by just one point at half-time. Fans were kept on the edge of their seats as the lead changed hands a number of times throughout the rest of the match, before Gladstone pulled away enough to secure the win. Natalie Hurst (163-G-83) bagged a triple-double topped with 23 points for the Power, while Mackays Tomlinson, Haughton and McGrath all scored 15 points.

Brisbane Capitals 53 def. by Rockhampton Cyclones 96
The Capitals were unable to complete their double-header round with two wins, with the Cyclones dominating in this match from the outset. Nicole Romeo had a game-high 28 points for Rockhampton and Emma Randall put up 13 for Brisbane.
Courtesy of: qbl.basketball.net.au

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BELGIUM

U18 Belgium fails against France and Turkey - by Eurobasket News

U18 Belgium played two friendly games in Turkey. They failed against U18 France and U18 Turkey.
France outplayed Belgium 69-54 thanks to well played second quarter of the game. Belgium had 3-point lead at the beginning of this period, but France closed it with 14-3 run for plus 8 at the halftime. Belgium came to minus 5 at the middle of Q4, but was not able to make a turn. Hind Ben Abdelkader (170-SF-95) shined in Belgium with 26 points.
Turkey handed 66-43 loss to Belgium. The hosts took control on Belgium from the beginning and never looked back. Hind Ben Abdelkader scored 14 points in this meeting. Isabelle Medjo (181-C-95) shined with 9 points and 14 rebounds.
Belgium prepares for U18 EuroBasket Division A in Romania.

Belgium U18 U18 France 54-69
Belgium U18: Humblet, Tabruyn, Adams 10, Hind Ben Abdelkader 26, Lebrun 3, Goyvaerts 6, Isabelle Medjo 4, Bernard 5, Leemens, Nauwelaers

U18 Turkey - Belgium U18 66-43
Belgium U18: Nauwelaers 5 (5 rbd, 1 ass), Hind Ben Abdelkader 14 (2 rbd, 4 ass), Lebrun (1 rbd), Humblet 4 (1 rbd, 1 ass), Bernard 4 (4 rbd) Tabruyn, Isabelle Medjo 9 (14 rbd), Goyvaerts 4 (3 rbd, 1 ass)

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BRAZIL

USA too good for Brazil - by Eurobasket News

USA - Brazil 99:67

USA clinched the victory in the exhibition encounter against Brazil. The teams clashed at the Verizon Centre in Washington D.C. Lindsay Whalen (5'8''-PG-82, college: Minnesota) came up with 21 points to pace the winners.
USA left their opponents behind in the opening quarter. The hosts triggered a 27:14 run to open the game with. USA maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They accumulated a 51:31 halftime advantage. The hosts boosted the gap even more in the third frame. They entered the final period up by as many as 24 points 72:48. USA unloaded 27 points in the final period to seal a comfortable win at the end. Diana Taurasi (6'0''-F/G-82, college: Connecticut) notched 16 points, while Seimone Augustus (6'2''-G-84, college: LSU) added 12 points in the victory. Iziane Castro Marques (6'0''-G/F-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) answered with 21 points for Brazil. Karla da Costa (5'8''-G-78) posted 19 points in the losing case.

USA: Lindsay Whalen 21, Diana Taurasi 16, Seimone Augustus 12
Brazil: Iziane Castro Marques 21, Karla da Costa 19

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CZECH REPUBLIC

U16 Czech Republic outguns U16 Holland 68-52 to open Qualifying Round in Miskolc - by Eurobasket News

U16 HOLLAND - U16 CZECH REPUBLIC 52-68

Czech Republic started Qualifying Round in Miskolc with victory. They handed 68-52 loss to Holland for 2-1 record in Group F of U16 EuroBasket. At the other side, Holland dropped to 1-2. Holland was able to resist only in the first ten minutes of the game and all after that belonged to Czech Republic. They were up by 6 at the halftime and jumped to plus 11 with ten minutes remaining in the game. They won last quarter as well (10-15) for 52-68 final score. Gabriela Andelova (191-PG-96) had 16 points and Tereza Kracikova (187-C-96) added 11 pts and 10 rebounds in this victory. Eva Mouckova (160-SG-96) collected 8 points and 5 boards, while shooting 4/4 from the field. She was MVP of this meeting with valuation 17. In Holland, Esther Fokke (180-PF-96) and Fleur Kuijt (174-G-96) posted 11 and 10 points respectively. Janis Ndiba (185-PF-97) had 9 points and 5 boards. Tomorrow, Czech Republic will play against Italy. Holland will take on France. Four of six teams from Group F will advance to the Quarterfinals.

Holland: Esther Fokke 11, Fleur Kuijt 10, Janis Ndiba 9+5 boards
Czech Republic: Gabriela Andelova 16, Tereza Kracikova 11+10 boards, Eva Mouckova 8+5 boards

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ESTONIA

U16 Estonia explodes in Q3 for the first win in Tallinn - by Eurobasket News

U16 ESTONIA - U16 ROMANIA 60-55

Estonia registered first win at U16 EuroBasket Division B in Tallinn. They outplayed Romania today 60-55 for 1-0 record in Group G. Teams in this pool fight for position No.13. Estonia grabbed this victory thanks to impressive third quarter of the game. Romania was up by 8 at the halftime, but Estonia smashed them after the breather (24-10) and later had no troubles to keep the lead. Kadri-Ann Lass (177-F-96) stepped up for the winners with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Marie Roosalu (177-F-96) had 13 points and 6 rebs, and Laura Reissar (171-PG-97) added 10 points, plus 8 boards. Romania got monster double-double from Paula Lenart (178-F/G-96). She had 17 points and 21 rebounds, reaching valuation 34. Teodora Neagu (181-C-96) scored 12 points and Vasilica Cuzic (171-G-96) had 7 points and 7 rebs. Estonia will have a day off tomorrow. Romania will play against Norway.

Estonia: Kadri-Ann Lass 18+8 boards, Marie Roosalu 13+6 boards, Laura Reissar 10+8 boards
Romania: Paula Lenart 17+21 boards, Teodora Neagu 12, Vasilica Cuzic 7+7 boards

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EUROCUP

Botas signs American F Christi Thomas - by Eurobasket News

Botas continues with signings for the next season. Their latest addition is American forward Christi Thomas (191-F-82, college: Georgia). The 29-year old player arrives to the club from Mersin, where she had 10.9 ppg and 7.1 rpg for 25 games last season. She helped them reach TKBL and Cup Semifinals. Before Mersin, Thomas spent one year with Raanana Hertzeliya in Israeli league. There she had 14 ppg and 9.6 rpg for 23 games. Thomas was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Honorable Mention -11. In 2010, Christi Thomas was named to Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League 2nd Team while playing for Maccabi Ashdod. The player had 15.5 ppg and 9.3 rpg for 16 games with them. In the past, Thomas played in Spain, Russia, Italy, Latvia and WNBA.

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EUROLEAGUE

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Stats Leaders Div.A (Women)

Points Per Game

Frida ELDEBRINK
  SWE
  (174-G-88)
  Avg: 20.9

1. Eldebrink, SWE	20.9
2. Tuukkanen, FIN	19.8
3. Marginean, ROM	19.6
4. Petronyte, LTU	18.3
5. Doron, ISR	16.5
6. Twehues, SUI	16.4
7. Perovanovic, MNT	15.6
8. Quigley, HUN	15.5
9. Dubljevic, MNT	15.0
10. Dabovic, SRB	14.4

Rebounds Per Game

Taru TUUKKANEN
  FIN
  (190-C-77)
  Avg: 12.4

1. Tuukkanen, FIN	12.4
2. Petronyte, LTU	11.5
3. Teilane-T., LAT	11.3
4. Veremeenko, BLR	9.9
5. Lima, ESP	9.6
6. Giroud, SUI	8.9
7. Perovanovic, MNT	8.1
8. Perostiyska, BUL	7.9
9. Meesseman, BEL	7.9
10. Nicholls, ESP	7.9

Assists Per Game

Jelena SKEROVIC
  MNT
  (176-G-80)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Skerovic, MNT	6.1
2. Dubljevic, MNT	4.3
3. Baric, SLO	4.3
4. Eldebrink, SWE	4.3
5. Radocaj, SRB	4.1
6. Parau, ROM	4.1
7. Eldebrink, SWE	4.0
8. Stoenescu, ROM	3.9
9. Schmit, LUX	3.9
10. Karklina, LAT	3.9

Steals Per Game

Milica DABOVIC
(175-PG-82)
Avg: 3.4

1. Dabovic, SRB	3.4
2. Skobel, POL	3.3
3. Bar, GER	3.1
4. Linkeviciene, LTU	2.7
5. Doron, ISR	2.6
6. Schmit, LUX	2.6
7. Kupcikova, SVK	2.5
8. Halman, NED	2.4
9. Ouvina, ESP	2.3
10. Kubatova, SVK	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Anastasiya VEREMEENKO
  BLR
  (194-C-87)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Veremeenko, BLR	2.4
2. Majewska, POL	2.3
3. Teilane-T., LAT	2.1
4. Meesseman, BEL	1.6
5. Petronyte, LTU	1.4
6. Nicholls, ESP	1.3
7. Pavel, ROM	1.3
8. Popovic, MNT	1.2
9. Tuukkanen, FIN	1.0
10. Paugaite, LTU	1.0

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16

W-Standings - Div.A

Standings

Group E
1. Russia		3-0
2. Belgium		3-0
3. Hungary		2-1
4. Slovakia		1-2
5. Sweden		0-3
6. Greece		0-3
Group F
1. Czech Rep.		2-1
2. Spain		2-1
3. France		2-1
4. Italy		2-1
5. Holland		1-2
6. Croatia		0-3
Group G (positions 13-16)
1. Serbia		1-0
2. Turkey		1-0
3. U.Kingdom		0-1
4. Germany		0-1

Qualifying Round: Round 4

Jul. 16: SVK - BEL 47-59
Jul. 16: GRE - HUN 42-74
Jul. 16: SWE - RUS 37-61

Jul. 16: ESP - FRA 55-49
Jul. 16: NED - CZE 52-68
Jul. 16: CRO - ITA 46-61

Jul. 16: SRB - ENG 71-39
Jul. 16: TUR - GER 59-56

Qualifying Round: Round 5

Jul. 17: SVK - SWE
Jul. 17: HUN - RUS
Jul. 17: BEL - GRE

Jul. 17: FRA - NED
Jul. 17: ESP - CRO
Jul. 17: CZE - ITA

Jul. 17: ENG - TUR
Jul. 17: GER - SRB

Stats Leaders W - Group A

Points Per Game

Ivana DOJKIC
(176-SG-97)
Avg: 23

1. Dojkic, CRO	23.0
2. Kolosovskaya, RUS	18.0
3. Crvendakic, SRB	17.0
4. Andelova, CZE	16.5
5. Stach, GER	16.0
6. Onar, TUR	15.8
7. Dobos, HUN	14.3
8. Hof, NED	13.7
9. Salvadores, ESP	12.8
10. Horvath, HUN	11.5

Rebounds Per Game

Emese HOF
(188-C-96)
Avg: 11.7

1. Hof, NED	11.7
2. Hrnjez, SWE	8.8
3. Brossmann, GER	8.8
4. Crvendakic, SRB	8.5
5. Linskens, BEL	8.5
6. Tivenius, SWE	8.3
7. Remenarova, SVK	8.3
8. Ndiba, NED	8.3
9. Oikonomaki, GRE	8.0
10. Dobos, HUN	7.3

Assists Per Game

Serife ONAR
(167-PG-96)
Avg: 4.3

1. Onar, TUR	4.3
2. Cukic, SRB	4.0
3. Levchenko, RUS	3.5
4. Flores, ESP	3.5
5. Remenarova, SVK	3.5
6. Allemand, BEL	3.3
7. Horvath, HUN	3.0
8. Kacerik, ITA	3.0
9. Andelova, CZE	2.8
10. Mouckova, CZE	2.8

Steals Per Game

Ivana DOJKIC
(176-SG-97)
Avg: 3.7

1. Dojkic, CRO	3.7
2. Kacerik, ITA	3.7
3. Kuijt, NED	3.3
4. Borovykh, RUS	3.3
5. Cukic, SRB	2.8
6. Flores, ESP	2.5
7. Norton, ENG	2.5
8. Manlaci, TUR	2.5
9. Andelova, CZE	2.5
10. Ondrejkova, SVK	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Serena-Lynn GELDOF
(192-C-97)
Avg: 2.3

1. Geldof, BEL	2.3
2. Linskens, BEL	2.3
3. Ba, FRA	2.0
4. Sema, RUS	1.8
5. Mainclova, CZE	1.5
6. Romeu, ESP	1.5
7. Oikonomaki, GRE	1.5
8. Karambatsa, GRE	1.5
9. Vitari, ITA	1.3
10. Bratchikova, RUS	1.3

Standings - Div.B - by Charles Ramsdell

Standings Div.B

Group E
1. Finland		3-0
2. Lithuania		2-1
3. Portugal		2-1
4. Ukraine		1-2
5. Israel		1-2
6. Denmark		0-3
Group F
1. Poland		3-0
2. Slovenia		3-0
3. Latvia		2-1
4. Bulgaria		1-2
5. Belarus		0-3
6. Luxembourg.		0-3
Group G (positions 13-15)
1. Estonia		1-3
2. Norway		0-3
3. Romania		0-4

Qualifying Round: Round 4

Jul. 16: UKR - LTU 65-58
Jul. 16: ISR - POR 42-55
Jul. 16: DEN - FIN 33-77

Jul. 16: LAT - BUL 59-54
Jul. 16: BLR - POL 49-77
Jul. 16: LUX - SLO 43-66

Jul. 16: EST - ROM 60-55

Qualifying Round: Round 5

Jul. 17: DEN - UKR
Jul. 17: FIN - ISR
Jul. 17: POR - LTU

Jul. 17: POL - LAT
Jul. 17: BLR - LUX
Jul. 17: BUL - SLO

Jul. 17: ROM - NOR

Div B. - by Greg

Points Per Game

Borislava HRISTOVA
(180-F-96)
Avg: 22.7

1. Hristova, BUL	22.7
2. Laksa, LAT	18.0
3. Menna, FIN	17.0
4. Cerneckyte, LTU	16.7
5. Gorobets, UKR	16.3
6. Costa, POR	16.0
7. Dineva, BUL	15.8
8. Panasiuk, BLR	15.5
9. Belickaite, LTU	15.3
10. Georgieva, BUL	15.0

Rebounds Per Game

Paula LENART
(178-F/G-96)
Avg: 13.3

1. Lenart, ROM	13.3
2. Juskaite, LTU	12.7
3. Kuiliak, BLR	11.8
4. Pehadzic, DEN	11.3
5. Jablonowski, LUX	11.3
6. Eneva, BUL	10.3
7. Kostourkova, POR	10.0
8. Pobozy, POL	9.8
9. Dineva, BUL	9.5
10. Menna, FIN	9.5

Assists Per Game

Dalia BELICKAITE
(175-F-96)
Avg: 3.7

1. Belickaite, LTU	3.7
2. Maxim, ROM	3.0
3. Jelenc, SLO	2.8
4. Helle, FIN	2.8
5. Cerneckyte, LTU	2.7
6. Bernardeco, POR	2.5
7. Ajkic, SLO	2.5
8. Hatunsek, SLO	2.5
9. Cuzic, ROM	2.5
10. Costa, POR	2.3

Steals Per Game

Dalia BELICKAITE
(175-F-96)
Avg: 4

1. Belickaite, LTU	4.0
2. Klatt, POL	3.8
3. Reissar, EST	3.8
4. Pauly, LUX	3.5
5. Hatunsek, SLO	3.5
6. Georgieva, BUL	3.3
7. Raber, ISR	3.3
8. Sasebes, ROM	3.0
9. Gorobets, UKR	3.0
10. Panasiuk, BLR	3.0

Blocks Per Game

Daugile SARAUSKAITE
(196-C-96)
Avg: 3

1. Sarauskaite, LTU	3.0
2. Strautmane, LAT	1.8
3. Kostourkova, POR	1.5
4. Eneva, BUL	1.5
5. Jablonowski, LUX	1.3
6. Porat, ISR	1.0
7. Gwarda, POL	1.0
8. Rembiszewska, POL	1.0
9. Wolff, LUX	0.8
10. Stolce, LAT	0.8

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HOLLAND

LATVIA

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Karline NIMANE
  TTT Riga
  (188-F-90)
  Avg: 17.4

1. Nimane, TTT Riga	17.4
2. Krastina, TTT Riga	17.2
3. Egle, DU	16.0
4. Kreslina, Kolibri/.	14.7
5. Eibele, Cesis	14.4
6. Audere, RTU-Merks	14.3
7. Vorma, LU	14.2
8. Aizsila, TTT J.	13.9
9. Laksa, Kolibri/U-16	13.6
10. Rozenberga, TTT	13.5

Rebounds Per Game

Anete HORELIKA
  Cesis
  (177-F-87)
  Avg: 10.6

1. Horelika, Cesis	10.6
2. Krasovska, Liepajas	9.0
3. Bernsone, Cesis	8.8
4. Veidere, TTT J.	8.0
5. Surkusa, TTT Riga	8.0
6. Egle, DU	7.9
7. Audere, RTU-Merks	7.7
8. Alilujeva, Liepajas	7.7
9. Lisnere, RTU-Merks	7.3
10. Nimane, TTT Riga	7.1

Assists Per Game

Anda EIBELE
  Cesis
  (170-G-84)
  Avg: 4.8

1. Eibele, Cesis	4.8
2. Jevsejeva, DU	4.8
3. Krastina, TTT Riga	4.3
4. Kazakevica, DU	3.7
5. Langenfelde, RTU-.	3.6
6. Audere, RTU-Merks	3.3
7. Reke, Cesis	2.9
8. Rozenberga, RTU-M.	2.6
9. Horelika, Cesis	2.6
10. Kreslina, Kolibri.	2.4

Steals Per Game

Ieva KRASTINA
  TTT Riga
  (175-G/F-90)
  Avg: 3

1. Krastina, TTT Riga	3.0
2. Reke, Cesis	2.8
3. Aizsila, TTT J.	2.5
4. Horelika, Cesis	2.5
5. Malkevica, RTU-M.	2.4
6. Rozenberga, TTT R.	2.3
7. Kazakevica, DU	2.3
8. Jevsejeva, DU	2.3
9. Nimane, TTT Riga	2.2
10. Egle, DU	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Liga SURKUSA
  TTT Riga
  (194-C-91)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Surkusa, TTT Riga	1.5
2. Veidere, TTT J.	1.3
3. Krasovska, Liepajas	1.3
4. Bernsone, Cesis	1.3
5. Lisnere, RTU-Merks	1.1
6. Bundule, Cesis	1.0
7. Langina, TTT J.	0.9
8. Lazdeniece, RTU-M.	0.9
9. Dzarcane, TTT J.	0.8
10. Tomsone, TTT J.	0.8

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POLAND

Anna Wielebnowska moves from Matizol Lider Pruszkow to ROW Rybnik - by Eurobasket News

Anna Wielebnowska (188-C-78) is a new member of ROW Rybnik. The experienced Polish center signed a deal for the next season. She spent the last one with Matizol Lider Pruszkow. For 31 games in PLKK Wielebnowska averaged 4.6 points and 4.1 rebounds. Before Pruszkow, the center spent four years with Wisla Can-Pak Krakow. She helped them win PLKK titles in 2007 and 2008, as well as Polish Cup in 2009. Wielebnowska had 4.6 ppg and 3.9 rpg for 23 PLKK games in their last season together. Her playing time in Euroleague was very limited. In the past, Anna Wielebnowska played for Belgian Dexia Namur. She also played for the Polish National Team from 2003 to 2005 and later in 2008.

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ROMANIA

Serbia U18 wins all the games against Romanian players - by Eurobasket News

Serbia U18 wins all the games against Romanian players in Loznica. After the win in Game 1, the hosts added 72:41 and 63:31 in the second and the third games.
In Game 2 Serbia grabbed a 72:40 win. They started with 27-13 and added 22-7 in the second period. Romania played well in the second half and managed to tie the last quarter at 10-10. Stankovic and Natasa Kovacevic (187-F-94) paced all the winners with 12 points each, while Jovana Vidakovic (171-G-94) posted 11. Ana Maria Grigore (175-G-94) delivered 9 points in defeat and Demeter had 7.
In Game 3 Serbia U18 celebrated a 63:31 win. They started with 18-9 lead and added massive 17-2 burst in the second frame. Moreiver Serbia won the third and the last quarters respectively. Stanacev poured in 8 points and Mandic as well as Jovana Vidakovic had 7 each. Liliana Usurelu (174-G-94) responded with 9 points in the losing effort.

BCM Bega Danzio Timisoara parts ways with coach Ljubomir Kolarevic - by Eurobasket News

BCM Bega Danzio Timisoara is looking for the new Head Coach for season 2012/13. The Romanian squad parted ways with Ljubomir Kolarevic . The Serbian coach took over the club last summer, but he leaves after only one year. They finished regular season as No.8 and reached Playoff Quarterfinals. However, Targoviste eliminated Timisoara team with 2-0. Later Targoviste won the Romanian league title. According to Totalbaschet.ro, after the season the coach stated he would like to stay with the club. At that time, BCM Bega Danzio Timisoara had the same thoughts, but at the end they didnt offer contract extension and Kolarevic is no longer their HC. It is not clear yet who will replace him at BCM Bega Danzios bench. The team was No.4 in the league in 2010/11 season.

U16 Estonia explodes in Q3 for the first win in Tallinn - by Eurobasket News

U16 ESTONIA - U16 ROMANIA 60-55

Estonia registered first win at U16 EuroBasket Division B in Tallinn. They outplayed Romania today 60-55 for 1-0 record in Group G. Teams in this pool fight for position No.13. Estonia grabbed this victory thanks to impressive third quarter of the game. Romania was up by 8 at the halftime, but Estonia smashed them after the breather (24-10) and later had no troubles to keep the lead. Kadri-Ann Lass (177-F-96) stepped up for the winners with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Marie Roosalu (177-F-96) had 13 points and 6 rebs, and Laura Reissar (171-PG-97) added 10 points, plus 8 boards. Romania got monster double-double from Paula Lenart (178-F/G-96). She had 17 points and 21 rebounds, reaching valuation 34. Teodora Neagu (181-C-96) scored 12 points and Vasilica Cuzic (171-G-96) had 7 points and 7 rebs. Estonia will have a day off tomorrow. Romania will play against Norway.

Estonia: Kadri-Ann Lass 18+8 boards, Marie Roosalu 13+6 boards, Laura Reissar 10+8 boards
Romania: Paula Lenart 17+21 boards, Teodora Neagu 12, Vasilica Cuzic 7+7 boards

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RUSSIA

Spain edge Russia in Lugo - by Eurobasket News

Spain U18 - Russia U18 61:51

Spanish U18 National Team clinched the title at the international tournament in Lugo. The hosts overcame Russian counterparts on the final day. Maria Arrojo (186-F-85) came up with 15 points to pace the winners.
Spain grabbed a 13:9 lead after ten minutes of action. Russia cut the deficit in the second term. They narrowed the deficit to 3 points at halftime 30:27. Russia denied the deficit in the third term. The teams entered the fourth quarter tied at 38. But Spain triggered a 23:13 run in the fourth stanza and sealed the victory at the end. Marles Balart (182-F/C-94) knocked down 11 points for Spain. Leticia Romero (174-G-95) contributed 9 points in the winning case. Julia Gladkova (183-G-94) answered with 13 points for Russia. Polina Fedorova (188-F-95) chipped in 10 points in the loss.

Spain U18: Maria Arrojo 15, Marles Balart 11, Leticia Romero 9
Russia U18: Julia Gladkova 13, Polina Fedorova 10

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SERBIA

SPAIN

TURKEY

Fenerbahce bring in Yasemin Horasan - by Eurobasket News

Fenerbahce bring in Yasemin Horasan for the upcoming season. According to lovewomensbasketball.com, the Turkish Power Forward / Center moves from Besiktas.
For the last two years Yasemin Horasan played for Besiktas Istanbul. Her career also started in 2004-2005 for Besiktas Istanbul (D1, starting five) as in 29 games she averaged 11.8ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.2apg. In her next year she debuted for Besiktas Istanbul (D1, starting five) in EuroCup and in 12 games showed 13.5ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 60.9%, 3FGP: 100%, FT: 83.3%. In Turkish League her stats read 9.5ppg, 6.6rpg, 2.0apg, 2FGP: 43.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 75.0%.
In 2006-2007 EuroCup season she played in 10 games and averaged 12.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 53.8%, FT: 65%. In Turkish League after 35 games Yasemin Horasan produced 9.9ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 48.7%, 3PT-2 (50.0%), FT: 78.1%. In 2007-2008 the Turkish player moved to Phard Napoli (Italy-A1, starting five) and debuted in Euroleague. After 8 games she averaged 10.1ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 47.6%, FT: 87.5%. In Italian League after 34 games her stats read 7.4ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.2%, FT: 70.9%.The last two seasons the Turkish player was in Galatasaray Istanbul (TBBL) and played in EuroCup, EuroLeague and Turkish League as well. Last season in Euroleague she averaged 5.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 36.0%, FT: 87.5%, while in Turkish League showed 27 games: 6.4ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 72.7%.

Botas signs American F Christi Thomas - by Eurobasket News

Botas continues with signings for the next season. Their latest addition is American forward Christi Thomas (191-F-82, college: Georgia). The 29-year old player arrives to the club from Mersin, where she had 10.9 ppg and 7.1 rpg for 25 games last season. She helped them reach TKBL and Cup Semifinals. Before Mersin, Thomas spent one year with Raanana Hertzeliya in Israeli league. There she had 14 ppg and 9.6 rpg for 23 games. Thomas was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Honorable Mention -11. In 2010, Christi Thomas was named to Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League 2nd Team while playing for Maccabi Ashdod. The player had 15.5 ppg and 9.3 rpg for 16 games with them. In the past, Thomas played in Spain, Russia, Italy, Latvia and WNBA.

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WNBA