Ivan Nelyubov spent the last season in Russia. The centre played for Nizhny Novgorod. He tallied 4.4 points and 2.9 rebounds per game in EuroChallenge. In PBL his stats read 6.5 points and 2.9 rebounds per appearance. Previously Ivan Nelyubov had stints with CSKA Moscow junior team and VEF Riga. He was the member of U18 and U20 Russian National Teams. Ivan Nelyubov also played for Russian University National Team.
Egidijus Dimsa started the last season in Italy. He played for Biancoblu Conad Bologna. His stats read 7.1 points, 4.3 boards and 1.1 steals per game in LegaDue. In January the centre moved to Kedainiai Triobet in Lithuania. Egidijus Dimsa notched 13.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game in LKL. In Baltic League the centre posted 10.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists.




U16 European Championship: Estonia pulled the victory over Austria - by Eurobasket News

Austria U16-Estonia U16 51:60

Estonia pulled the victory over Austria at the Classification Round for 17th to 21st Place. The Baltic side overcame Austria 60:51 at the U16 European Championship in Division B.
Both teams nailed 15 points each in the opening period and then Estonia grabbed the lead at the halftime. Andre Reinart (200-C-96) made two free throws to close the half at 31:25. Austria meanwhile replied with 14-12 in the third quarter and reduced to 4 points after three quarters. Estonia meanwhile needed a final push in the last stanza for the final 9-point victory.
Jaagup Russak (179-G-96) stepped up with 14 points for the winners and Karl-Robin Jurjens (199-F-96) netted 10. Andre Reinart and Arles-Egert Lelle (188-G-96) followed them with 8 points each in a win. Oscar Schmit (180-PG-97) and Florian Keller (188-F-96) finished the game with 10 points each in the losing effort. Ogunsipe collected 9 points and 10 boards, whilst Matthias Linortner (193-SF-97) scored 5.

Austria U16: Oscar Schmit 10, Florian Keller 10 , Ogunsipe 9+10 rebs, Matthias Linortner 5
Estonia U16: Jaagup Russak 14, Karl-Robin Jurjens 10, Andre Reinart 8, Arles-Egert Lelle 8


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Ronald Zakis stays with Ventspils - by Eurobasket News

Ronalds Zakis (207-F/C-87) signed a 1-year contract extension with BK Ventspils. It will be their sixth straight season together. In the latest one the player had 7.2 ppg and 2.8 rpg for 22 games in Latvian league. He added 4.6 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 15 games in EuroChallenge, plus 5.8 ppg and 1.8 rpg for 18 Baltic league games. Ventspils reached LBL Finals last season. Ronalds Zakis joined BK Ventspils from Ventspils augstskola in 2007. He played for the Latvian National Team in 2011 EuroBasket qualifications. There Zakis had 8.9 ppg and 3 rpg for 8 games. In 2010, Zakis was named to Eurobasket.com All-Latvian League 1st Team -10. A year before that he helped Ventspils to win the Latvian league title. In the past, Zakis played for U20 and U18 Lithuanian National Teams.


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EUROCUP

VEF Riga lands PG Earl Rowland - by Eurobasket News

VEF Riga announced signing of Earl Rowland (188-G-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) for the next season. The American point guard, with Bulgarian passport, arrives to the club from Unicaja Malaga. He appeared 29 times for them in Liga Endesa last season averaging 5.3 points, 2.4 assists and 2 rebounds. The player also added 7.4 ppg, 2.9 apg and 2.2 rpg in 14 Euroleague games. Before Unicaja, Rowland spent two years with Cremona. He played 60 games in total registering about 14 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.5 apg and 3 spg in SerieA. In 2008/09, Rowland was a member of Telekom Baskets Bonn and before that he spent one year with Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck. The player also has experience from Australia and NBA D-League team Florida Flame. Rowland played few months for Barons/LMT Riga in 2006/07 season.
Earl Rowland played for the Bulgarian National Team at 2009 EuroBasket in Poland and 2011 EuroBasket in Lithuania. Last summer he had 18 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 3.2 apg for 5 games.


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EUROLEAGUE

Sergio Rodriguez remains with Real Madrid - by Eurobasket News

Sergio Rodriguez (191-G-86) remains with Real Madrid for the upcoming season. The Spanish Guard will stay with Real Madrid for the next season.
The point guard joined Real in 2010 from the New York Knicks and he has very important role in the team. Rodriguez averages 6.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.9 rebounds in 43 games. In Euroleague, the point guard had 7.4 ppg, 5.4 apg and 1.5 rpg for 16 games.
Sergio Rodriguez started the earlier season in the Sacramento Kings. He tallied 6.1 points, 3.1 assists and 1.3 rebounds per game. In February Sergio Rodriguez moved to the New York Knicks. The Spaniard appeared in 27 games for New York notching 7.4 points, 3.4 assists and 1.4 rebounds. Sergio Rodriguez moved to the NBA back in 2006. Previously he played for Cuidad de Huelva and Estudiantes.


New York knicks announced Euroleague star Prigioni - by Diamadis Farmakis

New York Knicks Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations and General Manager Glen Grunwald announced the team has signed free agent guard Pablo Prigioni (191-G-77). The 35-year-old Prigioni has played professionally since 1995, most recently in the Spanish leagues. He was twice selected to the All-Euroleague second team. Terms of the deal announced Tuesday, were not disclosed.

Here is a short ''bio'' of Pablo Prigioni:

**Prigioni, 6-3, 180-pounds, is a veteran of the Argentine and Spanish leagues, having played professionally since 1995. The 35-year-old has played for Ramallo (1995-96), Belgrano (1996-98) and Obras Sanitarias (1998-99) of the Argentine League and for Fuenlabrada (1999-01), Alicante (2001-03), Caja Laboral (2003-09, 2011) and Real Madrid (2009-11) of the Spanish ACB and LEB Leagues.

**He won the Spanish National Championship in 2007-08, the Kings Cup three times (2004, 06, 09) and Spanish Super Cup three times (2005, 06, 08) and is also a two-time All-Euroleague second team selection (2006, 07).

**In addition, Prigioni is a key member of the Argentinean National team, winning the gold medal at the 2011 Americas Championship, the bronze medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and the bronze medal at the 2009 Americas Championship. He represented his country in the 2006 and 2010 World Championships and is scheduled to play in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England.


Regal Barca locks young Alejandro Abrines until 2016 - by Eurobasket News

Regal Barcelona announced signing of Alejandro Abrines (198-F-93) to a 4-year deal. It means that the Spanish prospect will stay with Liga Endesa reigning champions until the end of 2015/16 season. He arrives from Unicaja Malaga, where he had 4.8 ppg and 1.6 rpg for 18 games in Liga Endesa. Abrines also played 16 games for Clinicas Rincon adding 13.4 ppg and 2.9 rpg for 16 games in LEB Gold. In 2010/11, Abrines played for Clinicas Rincon and Unicaja II.
A year ago Alejandro Abrines was MVP of U18 Spanish championship averaging 17.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He also was MVP of U18 EuroBasket in Wroclaw. Abrines led his U18 Spain to gold medal with 13.1 ppg and 4.8 rpg for 9 games. This summer he played for U20 Spain at U20 EuroBasket in Slovenia. There he registered 10.5 pg and 3.8 rpg for 6 games.


Cedevita gets bigger with NT center Luksa Andric - by Eurobasket News

Luksa Andric (210-C-85, agency: Beo Basket) officially became a new member of Cedevita Zagreb. The Croatian big guy penned a 1-year deal with the club. Cedevita will play in Euroleague for the first time in their history.
Luksa Andric played last two seasons for Galatasaray. In the latest one he had 11.1 ppg and 4.2 rpg for 19 Euroleague games. It was a debut year for Galatasaray in this competition and they managed to reach Top 16. In TBL, Andric had 8 ppg and 3.7 rpg. Galatasaray was the regular season champion.
Luksa Andric played for Cibona Zagreb several years in the past. They won four championship titles together and one Cup trophy. Andric is active member of the Croatian National Team. He had 4 ppg and 2.4 rpg for 5 games at 2011 EuroBasket in Lithuania.


Greens return Vasilis Xanthopoulos after 5 years - by Eurobasket News

Vasilis Xanthopoulos (187-G-84, agency: FCM) is back to Panathinaikos Athens after 5 years. He played last season for Panionios collecting 6.8 ppg, 4.6 apg, 2.2 rpg and 1.7 spg in 34 games. The player was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League Co-Guard of the Year -12' and 'Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League 1st Team -12'. Xanthopoulos was a member of Panionios also from 2007 to 2009. In the meantime he spent two years with Panellinios. In his last season with Panellinios (2010/11) Xanthopoulos had 5.1 ppg and 3.7 apg for 25 games in Greece.
Vasilis Xanthopoulos played for Panathinaikos in 2004/05 and later in 2006/07 season. He averaged 2.7 points and 2.3 assists in their last year together. In the past, Xanthopoulos played for PAOK, Near East and Olympiakos juniors.
Vasilis Xanthopoulos played for the Greek NT last summer at the EuroBasket in Lithuania.


Fenerbahce Ulker signs Bora Pacun from Antalya - by Eurobasket News

Fenerbahce Ulker brought in big guy Bora Pacun (210-F-87), according to Turkish media (Salsabasket.net). The player had 6.5 ppg and 5.2 rpg for 30 TBL games with Antalya BSB last season. Before Antalya, he played one year for Banvit. There Pacun had 3.4 ppg and 2.9 rpg in 34 TBL games. The player also added 5 ppg and 3.6 rpg for 5 EuroCup games. In 2009/10, Pacun was a member of Darussfaka, where he also spent first half of the 2008/09. He finished that season with Rabotnicki Skopje (FYROM). Pacun also has experience from Pertevniyal and Tuborg.
Bora Pacun was a member of the Turkish University National Team last summer. In the past, he played for U20 and U18 NT. In 2009, Pacun won the title in FYROM with Rabotnicki.


Barcelona took back Sarunas Jasikevicius - by Giorgos Diploidis

Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) returns to Regal FC Barcelona after a lot of years. Jasikevicius is another one player who didn't sign a new contract with Panathinaikos Athens. Some of them were Kaimakoglou, Vougioukas, Batist. He was player of Barca the season 2002-03 when in 21matches in Euroleague had 13.4ppg, 1.8rpg, 3.2apg and won the trophy.

After that except Panathinaikos Athens, he went also in Maccabi T.A, NBA (Indiana Pacers , Golden State Warriors), Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius, Fenerbahce Ulker. Last period with Panathinaikos Athens in Euroleague in 21 matches had 7.2ppg, 1.3rpg, 2.5apg.




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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16

M-Standings - Group A Standings Group E 1. Italy 5-0 2. Turkey 3-2 3. Croatia 3-2 4. Spain 2-3 5. Ukraine 1-4 6. Latvia 1-4 Group F 1. Serbia 4-1 2. France 3-2 3. Germany 3-2 4. Poland 2-3 5. Lithuania 2-3 6. Greece 1-4 Group G (places 13-16) 1. Russia 3-0 2. Slovenia 1-2 3. Czech Rep. 1-2 4. U.Kingdom 1-2 Second Stage: Round 6 E Jul. 25: TUR - LAT 68-77 Jul. 25: UKR - CRO 67-70 Jul. 25: ESP - ITA 62-74 F Jul. 25: SRB - POL 70-62 Jul. 25: GRE - LTU 56-75 Jul. 25: GER - FRA 49-55 G Jul. 25: SLO - CZE 66-79 Jul. 25: ENG - RUS 57-68 Quarter-Finals: Round 7 9-12 place Jul. 27: UKR - GRE Jul. 27: LTU - LAT G Jul. 27: CZE - ENG Jul. 27: SLO - RUS Quarterfinal Jul. 27: ITA - POL Jul. 27: SRB - ESP Jul. 27: TUR - GER Jul. 27: FRA - CRO

Stats Leaders - Group A PPG RPG APG SPG BPG Points Per Game  Matej SVOBODA   (200-PF-96)   Avg: 20.5  1. Svoboda, CZE 20.5   2. Arapovic, CRO 19.2   3. Mazalin, CRO 16.8   4. Garcia, ESP 16.5   5. Kobets, UKR 15.7   6. Oliva, ITA 15.7   7. Stamatis, GRE 15.2   8. Krimelis, LTU 15.0   9. Balaban, UKR 14.0   10. Meznieks, LAT 13.8  Rebounds Per Game  Domantas SABONIS   (199-PF-96)   Avg: 14.7  1. Sabonis, LTU 14.7   2. Lazarevic, SRB 10.0   3. Oliva, ITA 9.8   4. Karpenkov, RUS 9.0   5. Donzelli, ITA 9.0   6. Bozic, CRO 8.8   7. Malmanis, LAT 8.5   8. Oghide, ENG 8.5   9. Arapovic, CRO 8.0   10. Morozov, RUS 7.5  Assists Per Game  Dominykas ZUPKAUSKAS   (184-PG-96)   Avg: 7  1. Zupkauskas, LTU 7.0   2. Akodo, ENG 5.2   3. Gavrilov, RUS 4.8   4. Zywert, POL 4.3   5. Gecim, TUR 4.2   6. Cima, LAT 4.0   7. Schmitt, GER 3.8   8. Mazalin, CRO 3.7   9. Ory, FRA 3.5   10. Podkovyrov, UKR 3.3  Steals Per Game  Marko ARAPOVIC   (207-C/F-96)   Avg: 3.2  1. Arapovic, CRO 3.2   2. Zywert, POL 3.2   3. Wlodarczyk, POL 2.8   4. Donzelli, ITA 2.7   5. Svoboda, CZE 2.3   6. Eliezer-V., FRA 2.2   7. Charalampopo., GRE 2.2   8. Pryimak, UKR 2.0   9. Schmitt, GER 2.0   10. Mussini, ITA 2.0  Blocks Per Game  Georgios PAPAGIANNIS   (210-C-97)   Avg: 2.2  1. Papagiannis, GRE 2.2   2. Cavars, LAT 2.0   3. Wimberg, GER 1.8   4. Pruefer, POL 1.7   5. Skranc, CZE 1.5   6. Malmanis, LAT 1.5   7. Mazalin, CRO 1.5   8. Ulubay, TUR 1.5   9. Sabonis, LTU 1.5   10. Leczo, CZE 1.3

M-Standings - Group B Standings Div.B Group E 1. Belgium 2-0 2. FYR Macedo. 1-1 3. Sweden 1-1 4. Israel 0-2 Group F 1. Bosnia 1-1 2. Hungary 1-1 3. Montenegro. 1-1 4. Portugal 1-1 Group G (places 9-16) 1. Finland 2-0 2. Belarus 1-1 3. Denmark 1-1 4. Bulgaria 0-2 Group H (places 9-16) 1. Georgia 1-1 2. Holland 1-1 3. Romania 1-1 4. Switzerlan. 1-1 Group I (places 17-21) 1. Luxembourg. 1-0 2. Slovakia 0-1 Group J (places 17-21) 1. Estonia 1-0 2. Norway 1-0 3. Austria 0-2 Second Stage: Round 6 E Jul. 25: SWE - MKD 64-67 Jul. 25: ISR - BEL 59-60 F Jul. 25: BIH - POR 69-52 Jul. 25: MNT - HUN 42-54 G Jul. 25: BLR - DEN 89-71 Jul. 25: FIN - BUL 83-50 H Jul. 25: ROM - SUI 90-68 Jul. 25: GEO - NED 53-76 I Jul. 25: LUX - SVK 99-70 J Jul. 25: AUT - EST 51-60 Second Stage: Round 7 E Jul. 26: BEL - SWE Jul. 26: MKD - ISR F Jul. 26: POR - MNT Jul. 26: HUN - BIH G Jul. 26: DEN - FIN Jul. 26: BUL - BLR H Jul. 26: SUI - GEO Jul. 26: NED - ROM J Jul. 26: EST - NOR

Div.C Standings Standings Group A 1. Monaco 1-0 2. San Marino. 1-0 3. Wales 0-1 4. Malta 0-1 Group B 1. Gibraltar 1-0 2. Scotland 0-0 3. Andorra 0-1 Regular Season: Round 1 A Jul. 24: MON - WAL 53-49 Jul. 24: MLT - SMR 48-68 B Jul. 24: AND - GIB 43-68 Regular Season: Round 3 A Jul. 26: WAL - MLT Jul. 26: MON - SMR B Jul. 26: GIB - SCO

Quarterfinalists are set in Latvia and Lithuania - by Eurobasket News

Group E

Spain - Italy 62-74
Italy continued their unbeaten run at the U16 European Championship. They knocked down Spain to gain the sixth straight win. Italy won Group E and qualified into quarterfinals with a perfect record. Daniel Donzelli (199-SG-96) and Diego Flaccadori (184-PG-96) came up with 17 points each to lead the Azzurri. Spain fell at 2-3 record and occupied the fourth position in Group E. Italy eked out a narrow 15:13 lead ten minutes into the game. They stretched the lead to as many as 4 points at halftime 27:23. Italy took over in the third quarter. They dominated in the period extending their lead to 17 points 52:35. Spain unloaded 27 points in the fourth term but managed just cut the deficit at the end. Pierfrancesco Oliva accounted for 16 points and 9 rebounds for Italy. Marc Garcia (194-F-96) answered with 14 points for Spain. Francisco Alonso netted 10 points in the loss.

Ukraine - Croatia 67-70
Croatia earned the fourth straight win at U16 European Championship. The defending champions saw off Ukraine to take 3-2 record in Group E. Croatia thus advanced to the quarterfinal stage, while Ukraine fell at 1-4 record and fell out of the title contention. Luka Bozic (188-PG-96) stepped up with 24 points and 18 rebounds for Croatia. Ukraine and Croatia stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 18:18 after ten minutes. Croatia jumped into a 7-point lead early in the second quarter but Ukraine bounced back. They answered with an 18:6 run to take a 40:36 halftime advantage. The lead changed hands for several times throughout the third term before Croatia sealed a 59:55 lead with ten minutes to go. Ukraine trailed by a single point 67:68 with 42 seconds remaining. Marko Arapovic converted a jumper but Oleksandr Kobets had two chances of saving the game for Ukraine but missed both attempts from behind the arc. Lovro Mazalin (198-SF-97) notched 13 points, while Marko Arapovic added 12 points for the winners. Yevgen Balaban (198-PF-96) answered with 22 points for Ukraine. Oleksandr Kobets netted 19 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

Turkey - Latvia 68-77
Latvia finished the second round of U16 European Championship on a high note. They knocked down Turkey but failed to advance to the quarterfinals. The hosts knew their fate entering the game but came up with a determined performance and sealed the victory at the end. Gustavs Treimanis scored 17 points to lead the winners. Turkey fell at 3-2 record but booked the spot in the quarterfinals. Latvia ensured a storming start to the game. They went on a 29:10 run in the opening quarter. Latvia stretched the margin to 22 points at the start of the second quarter. Turkey narrowed the gap but Latvia managed to ensure a 46:27 halftime advantage. Turkey fired 22 points in the third term to but cut the deficit by just two points. Turkey got within ten points midway through the final quarter however Latvia stayed calm and executed the win at the end. Rihards Lomazs (175-PG-96) and Ricards Melderis (185-PG-96) accounted for 14 points each for the winners. Okben Ulubay (200-F-97) answered with 13 points for Turkey. Akif Guven netted 11 points in the loss.

Group F

Greece - Lithuania 56-75
Lithuania stepped closer to the quarterfinal stage at U16 European Championship. The Baltic team overcame Greece and have to wait for the result of Germany vs. France battle to know their fate. Greece got eliminated from the title race. Antanas Krimelis (191-SF-96) stepped up with 27 points to lead the charge. Lithuania shocked Greece in the opening quarter. The Baltic team went on a 28:10 run to clear off. The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter as Lithuania ensured an 18-point halftime lead 41:23. Lithuania stretched the gap in the third quarter. They secured a 63:37 advantage with one quarter remaining. Greece outscored Lithuania in the fourth frame but it was too little too late to save the game. Domantas Sabonis (199-PF-96) tallied 13 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Tautvydas Paliukenas added 12 points for Lithuania. Vasileios Toliopoulos (185-PG-96) answered with 14 points for Greece. Konstantinos Zorzos had 12 points in the loss.

Germany - France 49-55
France clinched the vital win over Germany to qualify for the quarterfinal stage of U16 European Championship. They overcame Germany to claim 3-2 record in Group F. The victory also meant Lithuania got eliminated from the title race. Germany finished in the third position at 3-2 record. France strongly entered the game. They recorded a 22:13 lead after ten minutes. Les Bleus stretched the margin in the second quarter. They piled up a 35:22 halftime lead. But the third quarter turned disastrous for France. They did not connect for a single field goal and eventually did not score a point to allow Germany grab a 39:35 lead at the final intermission. But France quickly recovered. They poured in 20 points in the fourth frame and stole a crucial win at the end. Lenny Charles-Catherine (194-G-96) accounted for 14 points for France. Lucas Dussoulier (196-PG-96) added 8 points for the winners. Joschka Ferner (200-F-96) responded with 18 points for Germany. Constantin Ebert posted 10 points in the loss.

Serbia - Poland 70-62
Serbia celebrated the third straight win at the second round of U16 European Championship. They overcame Poland to clinch the top position in Group F. Nikola Pavlovic (199-PF-96) scored 15 points to lead the charge. Poland in the meantime appeared on the brink of elimination from the title race. They now hope for Germany to beat France to advance into quarterfinals. Poland got to the better start. They built a 16:12 lead ten minutes into the game. The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter. The scoreboard read 32:28 in favour of Poland at halftime. Serbia denied the deficit in the third quarter. The Balkan team entered the fourth frame tied at 47 with Poland. Serbia increased the tempo in the fourth quarter. They dropped 23 points and sealed the victory at the end. Vukan Stojanovic (192-SG-96) accounted for 14 points, while Ivan Daskalovic added 12 points for Serbia. Grzegorz Kulka (192-PF-96) answered with 13 points and 10 rebounds for Poland. Filip Pruefer had 13 points in the loss.

Group G

United Kingdom - Russia 57-68
Russia accounted for the third straight win at the classification round Group G of U16 European Championship. They denied England to remain on top of the ladder. Alexander Gavrilov (192-PG-96) scored 14 points to lead the winners. England fell at 1-2 record after the loss. England led by as many as 8 points at the first intermission 23:16. Russia slowed their opponents down in the second frame. They cut the deficit to 4-point mark at halftime 33:29. Russia went on a decisive rally in the third quarter. They exploded with a 27:10 surge to clear off. Russia entered the fourth frame leading by 13 points and never allowed England closer than 9 points throughout the fourth frame. Ilya Karpenkov posted 13 points, while Maxim Morozov contributed 12 points and 13 boards for the winners. Joe Mvuezolo (193-SF-96) answered with 11 points for England. Jules Akodo had 10 points in the loss.

Slovenia - Czech Republic 66-79
Czech Republic finally tasted victory at the U16 European Championship in Latvia and Lithuania. They held off Slovenian counterparts to improve at 1-2 record in classification round Group G. Matej Svoboda (200-PF-96) topscored with 23 points to lead the charge. Czech Republic stunned their opponents early in the game. They outgunned Slovenia 25:9 in the first stanza. The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter as the Czech team managed to secure a 16-point lead at halftime 41:25. Czech Republic boosted the gap in the third term. They arrived at the final intermission up by 19 points and never looked back en route to the win. David Skranc (196-C-96) contributed 19 points and 13 boards, while Simon Pursl netted 10 points in the victory. Domen Janc (185-PG-96) answered with 16 points for Slovenia. Nejc Zupan and Grega Sajevic notched 12 points each in the loss.


Results and Stats from Day 2 in Gibraltar - by Eurobasket News

Group A
Monaco U16 - Malta U16 66:54
Monaco earned the second straight win at the start of the U16 European Championship in Division C. They shot down Malta for 2-0 record in Group A. Daniel Pieper (185-F-96) came up with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists to pace the winners. Malta slipped at 0-2 record after the loss.
Monaco dominated right from the start. They piled up a 25:16 lead ten minutes into the game. They stretched the margin in the second quarter. Monaco posted a 45:28 halftime advantage. The teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter. Monaco maintained the lead earning a 17-point cushion heading into the fourth frame. Malta cut the deficit but never seriously threatened the margin in the final stanza. Pierrick Motillon (177-PG-97) and Alessandro Generale (185-C-96) accounted for 10 points each for the winners. Nicholas Grech (175-F-95) answered with 16 points and 8 rebounds for Malta. Zane Micallef (170-PG-96) topscored with 19 points in the loss.

Monaco U16: Daniel Pieper 12+10 boards, Pierrick Motillon 10, Alessandro Generale 10
Malta U16: Zane Micallef 19, Nicholas Grech 16

San Marino U16 - Wales U16 55:54
San Marino celebrated the second consecutive win at the U16 European Championship in Division C. They snatched a tough victory over Wales to climb at 2-0 record in Group A. Giannotti delivered 18 points to lead San Marino. Wales fell at 0-2 record after the defeat.
San Marino and Wales traded baskets throughout the opening quarter. The British team pulled ahead in the second frame. They held San Marino to 7 points and eked out a 30:25 halftime advantage. Wales stretched the margin in the third quarter. They entered the fourth frame up by 8 points 46:38. But San Marino went on an 8:0 run at the start of the fourth quarter to knot things up. Soon San Marino pulled ahead and grabbed a 54:50 advantage. Wales cut the deficit but Barrena hit a free throw and sealed the win for San Marino. Biordi delivered 17 points for the winners. Easter responded with 18 points for Wales. Goulbourne banked 11 points in the loss.

San Marino U16: Luca Giannotti 18, Igor Biordi 17+10 boards, Lucas Barrena 7
Wales U16: Conor Easter 18, Goulbourne 11

Group B
Scotland U16-Andorra U16 75:34
Scotland edge Andorra in Gibraltar at the U16 European Championship in Division C. The team started the campaign with the confident 75:34 win.
Scotland grabbed 18:6 after the first period and never looked behind in the game. They added massive 17-3 in the second frame and enjoyed 35:9 at the halftime. Moreover Scotland both quarters of the second half. They celebrated a 22-11 victory in the third quarter and added 18-14 in the lasts stanza. Stott and Marin Munne were the last players to score for their teams.
McAdam top-scored for the winners with 11 points, while Winning and McKay added 10 each. Malcolm and MacArthur followed them with 8 points apiece. Comellas Saenz and Gomez Prieto delivered 6 points each in the losing effort.

Scotland U16: Kieran McAdam 11, Malcolm Winning 10, Cameron McKay 10 Malcolm 8, MacArthur 8
Andorra U16: Comellas Saenz 6, Gomez Prieto 6


Division B: Second Round starts in Bucharest - by Eurobasket News

Group E

Israel - Belgium 59-60
Belgium improved to 2-0 record in Group E of the U16 European Championship in Division B. The team needed a thrilling 60:59 win over Israel to jump on top. Israel meanwhile fell at 0-2 record at the start of Second Stage. Belgium took 19:15 after the first period and added 16-12 in the second frame. Houdart and Boxus increased the lead at 39:27 at the start of the third period, while Blatt reduced to 8 points. Moreeover Tessone tied the game at 42:42 and Ordane Kanda-Kanyinda (96) closed the frame at 46:42. Israel again tied it at 53:53 and Liad Braun (180-PG-96) gave his side 56:53 with 4 minutes to go. Belgium meanwhile needed a 7-1 run at the end to seal a narrow win. Ordane Kanda-Kanyinda paced all the winners with 18 points, while Boxus notched 15. Houdart delivered 13 and Benzouien posted 9. Liad Braun and Artzi produced 11 points each in the losing effort. Huber nailed 10, whilst Avichai Ben David had 8.

Sweden - FYR Macedonia 64-67
Nikolov pulls F.Y.R. of Macedonia over Sweden in the start of the Second Stage in Group E. His team started the Elite Eight of the U16 European Championship in Division B with a thrilling 67:64 victory. F.Y.R. of Macedonia opened the game with 23-15, but could not dominate the half. The Scandinavian team replied with 23-12 in the second quarter as Ludvig Hakanson (190-PG-96) closed the half at 38:35. Both teams nailed 17 points each in the third quarter as the board showed 55:52 at the end of three quarters. Andrej Cvetkovski (185-G-96) brought F.Y.R. of Macedonia 56:55 lead early in the fourth, while Nikolov scored for 60:59. Mitrov meanwhile closed the game for the final 3-point victory. Nikolov paced all the winners with 32 points and Magdevski had 15. Mitrov and Andrej Cvetkovski followed them with 6 points each. William Skagius (200-PF-96) replied with 20 points and 18 rebounds in the losing effort for 1-1 record. Ludvig Hakanson added 15, while Johansson scored 12.

Group F

Bosnia - Portugal 69-52
Bosnia and Herzegovina tied all records in Group F after a comfortable victory over Portugal. Four teams are with 1-1 records in the group after Bosnia produced a 69:52 win. Portugal seemed to have a better start and reached 16:14 after the first period. They also scored the same number of points in the second frame, but it was not enough to win the quarter. Bosnia replied with 17-16 and reduced to 1 point at the halftime. The second half however belonged to the Bosnian side. They won the third period 14-7 and added 24-13 in the last stanza. Aleksandar Lazic (198-SG-96) led the way with 15 points and 16 rebounds, while Garic and Faris Smajlovic (199-F/C-96) nailed 11 points each. Sandro Gacic (196-SG-96) followed them with 9 points in a win. Araujo poured in 15 points in the losing effort. Francisco Amiel (186-PG-96) netted 12 and Brito delivered 10.

Montenegro - Hungary 42-54
Hungary open Second Stage in style as they beat Montenegro. The Hungarian side overcame them 54:42 at the U16 European Championship in Division B. Montenegro entered the game undefeated and started with 12-8 lead. They tried hard later in the game but could not follow the Hungarian opponents. The latter bounced back with 16-8 in the second frame Viktor Zrinyi (205-C-97) scored for 24:20. Meszaros delivered two for 32:29 and Kovacs made two free throws for 36:29. Acs and Gyorgy Goloman (204-F/C-96) increased the lead o 40:31, while Viktor Zrinyi scored for plus 11. Viktor Zrinyi and Antoni brought the final points for the winning side. Gyorgy Goloman erupted with 18 points and 18 rebounds for 1-1 record in group F. Meszaros notched 11, while Viktor Zrinyi scored 8. Popovic delivered 14 points in defeat and Dozic poured in 8.

Group G

Belarus - Denmark 89-71
Belarus beat Denmark to tie both records at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The team needed 89:71 victory at the start of the Second Stage in Group G. Belarus did not waste time and surprisingly started with 31-12 at the end of the first period. Denmark bounced back with 23-17 in the second frame for 48:35 at the halftime. Moreover Kelly reduced to 51:43 and Nielsen made two free throws for 63:55. Aleh Makarau (184-PG-96) closed the third frame at 64:56 and then Belarus pushed the tempo for good in the last stanza. They produced a 25-15 burst to seal the victory. Uladzislau Kandybovic (190-G-96) top-scored for the winners with 30, while Maksim Salash (203-C-96) collected 26 points and 20 boards. Rubinshteyn nailed 10 and Astapenka delivered 9. Jakob Ravn (193-G-96) poured in 30 points in the losing effort. Nielsen had 14, whilst Andersen added 9 points and 12 rebounds.

Finland - Bulgaria 83-50
Finland outscored Bulgaria in Day 6 of the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Nordic side improved to newly created group G with 2-0 record at the Classification Round for 9th to 16th Place. Bulgaria meanwhile fell at 0-2 record. Finland started with 22-9 in the start of the period and never looked behind. Henri Niemisto (194-G-96) nailed three three-pointersin the start of the second period for 34:20, while Alanen increased the lead to 20 points. Later Hirvonen and Pentti brought 47:26 at the end of the half. Bulgaria meanwhile managed to win the third quarter 17-15 but could not reduce the gap. Finland erupted with 21-7 in the last stanza to seal the necessary win. Henri Niemisto stepped up with 21 points and Hartikainen nailed 12. Hirvonen notched 8, whilst Henttonen poured in 7. Denis Petkov (171-PG-96) delivered 15 points in defeat and Vasilev had 13.

Group H

Romania - Switzerland 90-68
Romania complete Day 6 with the win over Switzerland at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The hosts of the tournament overcame the Swiss side 90:68 in the last game of the day. Switzerland started with 22-11 but could not win the game. Romanian erupted with 30-10 in the second frame and never looked behind. They added 19-13 in the second frame and finished the game with 30-23 in the last stanza. Marius Ciotlaus (194-SF-96) top-scored for the winners with 27 points and 13 rebounds,while Covrig added 19 points and 12 boards. Tanasie scored 15 and Cate had 11 points and 10 boards. Mattia Cafisi (181-PG-97) replied with 25 points in the losing effort, while Anthony Polite (190-SF-97) and Mandic had 15 each. Fragniere added 6 points in a loss.

Georgia - Holland 53-76
Netherlands open Classification Round with the win over Georgia. The Dutch side won over the opponent 76:53 in Bucharest Day 6 campaign in Division B. Netherlands won the opening tip 6:1, while Gogaladze tied the game early in the period. Netherlands replied with an 8-0 run and Franke brought 14:6 for his side. Later Dijkstra and Franke improved to the lead to 21:12 and Morren scored for 30:20. Moreover Franke sent the teams to the lockers at 36:24 as Netherlands won the period 20-14. They added 22-12 in the third quarter for 58:36 after three quarters. Overdevest scored for 61:42 and Giorgi Gugeshashvili (197-F-96) reduced to 20 points. Giorgi Gugeshashvili was the last to score in the game for the final result. Morren poured in 20 points for the winners as they improved to 1-1 record. Overdevest notched 15, while Franke posted 14. Matchavariani and Gogaladze scored 8 points each in the losing case.

Group I

Luxembourg - Slovakia 99-70
Luxembourg and Slovak Republic opened Day 6 at the U16 European Championship in Division B. Luxembourg managed to beat the opponent 99:70 at the Classification Round for 17th to 21st Place. Slovak Republic started the game with 18-14, but failed at the rest of the half. Luxembourg erupted with 30-14 in the second frame and Fischer closed the half at 44:32. Moreover Luxembourg added 27-16 in the third period for 23-point lead at the end of thirty minutes. Another 28-22 in the last stanza brought them an easy win over the opponent. Oliver Vujakovic (192-F-96) paced all the winners with 24 points and Fischer netted 20. Timothy Kauffmann (191-F-96) delivered 17, while Kapgen notched 15. Janicek collected 17 points and 10 rebounds, whilst Meress added 15. Rozanek posted 12 and Jozef Senohradsky (190-G-96) as well as Masiar added 8 points each.

Group J

Austria - Estonia 51-60
Estonia pulled the victory over Austria at the Classification Round for 17th to 21st Place. The Baltic side overcame Austria 60:51 at the U16 European Championship in Division B. Both teams nailed 15 points each in the opening period and then Estonia grabbed the lead at the halftime. Andre Reinart (200-C-96) made two free throws to close the half at 31:25. Austria meanwhile replied with 14-12 in the third quarter and reduced to 4 points after three quarters. Estonia meanwhile needed a final push in the last stanza for the final 9-point victory. Russak stepped up with 14 points for the winners and Jurjens netted 10. Andre Reinart and Lelle followed them with 8 points each in a win. Schmit and Keller finished the game with 10 points each in the losing effort. Marvin Ogunsipe (193-F-96) collected 9 points and 10 boards, whilst Linortner scored 5.


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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20

Stats Leaders PPG RPG APG SPG BPG Points Per Game  Marko MUGOSA   (198-F-93)   Avg: 18  1. Mugosa, MNT 18.0   2. Sanadze, GEO 17.2   3. Burjanadze, GEO 16.4   4. Larentzakis, GRE 16.3   5. Prepelic, SLO 16.3   6. Eriksson, SWE 15.9   7. Nikolic, MNT 15.2   8. Omic, SLO 15.1   9. Pustovyi, UKR 14.9   10. Antonakis, GRE 14.7  Rebounds Per Game  Vyacheslav BOBROV   (202-F-92)   Avg: 8.9  1. Bobrov, UKR 8.9   2. Burjanadze, GEO 8.4   3. Omic, SLO 7.7   4. Nikolic, MNT 7.7   5. Gaddefors, SWE 7.1   6. Trushkin, RUS 7.1   7. Gobert, FRA 7.0   8. Jean-Charles, FRA 6.8   9. Pavic, MNT 6.8   10. Norman, SWE 6.4  Assists Per Game  Klym ARTAMONOV   UKR   (183-PG-93)   Avg: 5.3  1. Artamonov, UKR 5.3   2. Prepelic, SLO 4.9   3. Cizauskas, LTU 4.6   4. Westermann, FRA 4.3   5. Pajovic, MNT 4.1   6. Laane, EST 4.0   7. Traini, ITA 3.9   8. Pkhakadze, GEO 3.8   9. Antonakis, GRE 3.6   10. Rupnik, SLO 3.3  Steals Per Game  Dovydas REDIKAS   (195-G-92)   Avg: 2.1  1. Redikas, LTU 2.1   2. Pozas, ESP 2.0   3. Lagana, ITA 1.9   4. Larentzakis, GRE 1.7   5. Dokuyan, TUR 1.5   6. Timma, LAT 1.5   7. Eroglu, TUR 1.5   8. Heckmann, GER 1.3   9. Edge, TUR 1.3   10. Barrera, ESP 1.3  Blocks Per Game  Rudy GOBERT   (212-C-92)   Avg: 3.9  1. Gobert, FRA 3.9   2. Pustovyi, UKR 2.3   3. Nurger, EST 1.4   4. Orlenko, RUS 1.3   5. Nikolic, MNT 1.3   6. Silins, LAT 1.2   7. Tessitori, ITA 1.1   8. Omic, SLO 1.0   9. Gaddefors, SWE 0.9   10. Vaitiekunas, LTU 0.9

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FINLAND

U16 European Championship: Niemisto leads Finland over Bulgaria - by Eurobasket News

Finland U16-Bulgaria U16 83:50

Finland outscored Bulgaria in Day 6 of the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Nordic side improved to newly created group G with 2-0 record at the Classification Round for 9th to 16th Place. Bulgaria meanwhile fell at 0-2 record.
Finland started with 22-9 in the start of the period and never looked behind. Henri Niemisto (194-G-96) nailed three three-pointersin the start of the second period for 34:20, while Alanen increased the lead to 20 points. Later Tuomas Hirvonen (175-G-96) and Pentti brought 47:26 at the end of the half. Bulgaria meanwhile managed to win the third quarter 17-15 but could not reduce the gap. Finland erupted with 21-7 in the last stanza to seal the necessary win.
Henri Niemisto stepped up with 21 points and Akseli Hartikainen (193-F-96) nailed 12. Tuomas Hirvonen notched 8, whilst Juho-Matti Henttonen (195-C-96) poured in 7. Denis Petkov (171-PG-96) delivered 15 points in defeat and Rumen Vasilev (200-C-96) had 13.

Finland U16: Henri Niemisto 21, Akseli Hartikainen 12, Tuomas Hirvonen 8, Juho-Matti Henttonen 7
Bulgaria U16: Denis Petkov 15, Rumen Vasilev 13


Cedric Latimer signs with Namika Lahti - by Eurobasket News

Cedric Latimer (198-F-87, agency: Two Points, college: St.Francis, PA) signs with Namika Lahti for the upcoming season. The Finnish side announced the first loud signing for 2012/2013 season.
Last year Cedric Latimer left YMCA Lahti and joined Korihait (Uusikaupunki) roster for 2011-12 season. For YMCA Lahti Latimer played 31 games and averaged 13,2 ppg - 5,8 rpg in 30:58 mpg. Latimer missed 13 regular season games when being on injured list.
In 2011-2012 for UU-Korihait Uusikaupunki (Korisliiga) his stats read 12.7ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 28.7%, FT: 64.2%. He recorded 23 points at the last game of the Regular Season. Moreover he added 4 rebounds and 3 assists to his points.
In 2007 he was a member of the Finnish U20 National Team -07. At the European Championships U20 Division B in Warsaw (Poland) -07 (Bronze) Cedric averaged 5.8ppg, 4.8rpg, 2FGP: 48%, FT: 55%.


KORISLIIGA: Flowers and Hasquet next to Finland - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Passed season (2011-12) finalist Kataja (Joensuu) has signed with American G-F Jonte Flowers (196-F/G-85, agency: Arete Sports Agency, college: Winona St.). Flowers has played professionally in Sweden and France averaging last season 10,1 ppg - 4,7 rpg in 10 games (Vichy, France, ProB) and 19,1 ppg - 6,7 rpg - 2,1 apg - 3,0 spg in 15 games (Solna, Sweden). Earlier Kataja has signed with American G Loren Stokes (190-G-83, college: Hofstra) and team has now 10 players signed.
YMCA Lahti has signed with American F Jordan Hasquet (206-F-85, agency: Dynamics Global Management, college: Montana). Hasquet has played earlier in Switzerland and in Germany. Last season Hasquet averaged 9,3 ppg - 3,2 rpg in German Bundesliga (Phoenix Hagen). YMCA Lahti has now eight players on the roster.


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FRANCE

U16 European Championship: France beat Germany to advance into quarterfinals - by Eurobasket News

France U16 - Germany U16 55:49

France clinched the vital win over Germany to qualify for the quarterfinal stage of U16 European Championship. They overcame Germany to claim 3-2 record in Group F. The victory also meant Lithuania got eliminated from the title race. Germany finished in the third position at 3-2 record.
France strongly entered the game. They recorded a 22:13 lead after ten minutes. Les Bleus stretched the margin in the second quarter. They piled up a 35:22 halftime lead. But the third quarter turned disastrous for France. They did not connect for a single field goal and eventually did not score a point to allow Germany grab a 39:35 lead at the final intermission. But France quickly recovered. They poured in 20 points in the fourth frame and stole a crucial win at the end. Lenny Charles-Catherine (194-G-96) accounted for 14 points for France. Lucas Dussoulier (196-PG-96) added 8 points for the winners. Joschka Ferner (200-F-96) responded with 18 points for Germany. Constantin Ebert (180-PG-96) posted 10 points in the loss.

France U16: Lenny Charles-Catherine 14, Lucas Dussoulier 8, Felix Michel 7, Cyrille Eliezer-Vanerot 7
Germany U16: Joschka Ferner 18, Constantin Ebert 10


Pau-Orthez signs Spanish PG Ignacio Ordin - by Eurobasket News

Ignacio Ordin (183-PG-78) will play his first year out of Spain. The experienced point guard signed a deal with the French squad Pau-Orthez. He arrives to the club from Alicante, where he finished last season. Ordin joined them in May and played two games for rest of the 2011/12 Liga Endesa season. Before Alicante, he had 12.7 ppg, 2.7 ap and 2.1 rpg for 32 LEB Gold games with Sant Josep Giron. Ordin played for Girona also in 2010/11 averaging 12.1 points, 2.6 assists and 2.3 rebounds. From 2007 to 2010, Ignacio Ordin was a member of Leche Rio Breogan Lugo. He had 9 ppg, 2.7 apg and 2 rpg for 33 LEB Gold games in their last season together. In 2006/07, Ordin played for Buresa registering 8.6 ppg and 1.8 apg in 34 ACB league games. Before that, he spent five years with Granada and three with Leon. Pau-Orthez need experienced European point guard and the team picked up Ordin.


Bourg returns David Monds after one year - by Eurobasket News

David Monds (205-F-83, college: Oklahoma St.) is back to Bourg after one year. The player signed a deal for the next two seasons. Monds spent 2011/12 with Orleans averaging 10.2 points and 5 rebounds for 27 games in ProA. With Bourg, the player had 14.6 ppg, 8.4 rpg and 1.7 apg for 29 ProB games in 2010/11 season. He was named to Eurobasket.com All-French ProB 3rd Team -11.
Before Bourg, David Monds played for the Greek team VAP Kolossos. There he had 5.9 ppg and 4.5 rpg for 22 games. He joined them in December of 2009 and played for the club until the end of 2009/10 season. Monds also has experience from Puerto Rico, NBA D-League, Germany and Turkey. He is a product of the Oklahoma State University.


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FYR MACEDONIA

U16 European Championship: Nikolov pulls F.Y.R. of Macedonia over Sweden - by Eurobasket News

Sweden U16- F.Y.R. of Macedonia U16 64:67

Kristijan Nikolov (185-G-96) pulls F.Y.R. of Macedonia over Sweden in the start of the Second Stage in Group E. His team started the Elite Eight of the U16 European Championship in Division B with a thrilling 67:64 victory.
F.Y.R. of Macedonia opened the game with 23-15, but could not dominate the half. The Scandinavian team replied with 23-12 in the second quarter as Ludvig Hakanson (190-PG-96) closed the half at 38:35. Both teams nailed 17 points each in the third quarter as the board showed 55:52 at the end of three quarters. Andrej Cvetkovski (185-G-96) brought F.Y.R. of Macedonia 56L55 lead early in the fourth, while Kristijan Nikolov scored for 60:59. Simeon Mitrov (179-PG-96) meanwhile closed the game for the final 3-point victory.
Kristijan Nikolov paced all the winners with 32 points and Andrej Magdevski (190-G-96) had 15. Simeon Mitrov and Andrej Cvetkovski followed them with 6 points each. William Skagius (200-PF-96) replied with 20 points and 18 rebounds in the losing effort for 1-1 record. Ludvig Hakanson added 15, while Erik Johansson (194-F-96) scored 12.

Sweden U16: William Skagius 20+18 rebs, Ludvig Hakanson 15, Erik Johansson 12
F.Y.R. of Macedonia U16: Kristijan Nikolov 32, Andrej Magdevski 15, Simeon Mitrov 6, Andrej Cvetkovski 6


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GEORGIA

U16 European Championship: Netherlands open Classification Round with the win - by Eurobasket News

Georgia U16-Netherlands U16 53:76

Netherlands open Classification Round with the win over Georgia. The Dutch side won over the opponent 76:53 in Bucharest Day 6 campaign in Division B.
Netherlands won the opening tip 6:1, while Levan Gogaladze (191-PG-97) tied the game early in the period. Netherlands replied with an 8-0 run and Yannick Franke (185-G-96) brought 14:6 for his side. Later Dijkstra and Yannick Franke improved to the lead to 21:12 and Adeola Morren (193-PF-96) scored for 30:20. Moreover Yannick Franke sent the teams to the lockers at 36:24 as Netherlands won the period 20-14. They added 22-12 in the third quarter for 58:36 after three quarters. Lennart Overdevest (184-SG-96) scored for 61:42 and Gugeshashvili reduced to 20 points. Gugeshashvili was the last to score in the game for the final result.
Adeola Morren poured in 20 points for the winners as they improved to 1-1 record. Lennart Overdevest notched 15, while Yannick Franke posted 14. Soso Matchavariani (196-SF-96) and Levan Gogaladze scored 8 points each in the losing case.

Georgia U16: Soso Matchavariani 8, Levan Gogaladze 8
Netherlands U16: Adeola Morren 20, Lennart Overdevest 15, Yannick Franke 14


Brooklyn Nets sign F Tornike Shengelia - by Eurobasket News

The Brooklyn Nets have signed rookie forward Tornike Shengelia (6'10''-F-91).

General manager Billy King announced the signing Tuesday without releasing terms of the deal.

The Nets acquired the 6-foot-10 native of the Republic of Georgia from Philadelphia in exchange for cash considerations. He was selected in the second round (54th overall) of this year's draft.

Shengelia played last season for Belgacom Spirou, averaging 8.9 points and 5.2 rebounds in 20 games in the Belgium League. He averaged 10.2 points and 3.6 rebounds in the recent Orlando Pro Summer League.

Courtesy of www.chron.com


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GERMANY

U16 European Championship: France beat Germany to advance into quarterfinals - by Eurobasket News

France U16 - Germany U16 55:49

France clinched the vital win over Germany to qualify for the quarterfinal stage of U16 European Championship. They overcame Germany to claim 3-2 record in Group F. The victory also meant Lithuania got eliminated from the title race. Germany finished in the third position at 3-2 record.
France strongly entered the game. They recorded a 22:13 lead after ten minutes. Les Bleus stretched the margin in the second quarter. They piled up a 35:22 halftime lead. But the third quarter turned disastrous for France. They did not connect for a single field goal and eventually did not score a point to allow Germany grab a 39:35 lead at the final intermission. But France quickly recovered. They poured in 20 points in the fourth frame and stole a crucial win at the end. Lenny Charles-Catherine (194-G-96) accounted for 14 points for France. Lucas Dussoulier (196-PG-96) added 8 points for the winners. Joschka Ferner (200-F-96) responded with 18 points for Germany. Constantin Ebert (180-PG-96) posted 10 points in the loss.

France U16: Lenny Charles-Catherine 14, Lucas Dussoulier 8, Felix Michel 7, Cyrille Eliezer-Vanerot 7
Germany U16: Joschka Ferner 18, Constantin Ebert 10


The Artland Dragons Follow Bayern Munich With The Double Guard Strike Hauling In Bryce Taylor And Demon Mallet - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

According to www.sportando.net, the Artland Dragons have come to terms with Bryce Taylor (196-G-86) and Demond Mallet. The Artland Dragons quietly continue to build a strong team that will be tapping on the back door of the big three Bamberg, Berlin and Munich In the last months, Alba Berlin fans were waiting for the contract extension with Bryce Taylor, but it never came as the American has decided to leave the bright lights of the German capital for the country like atmosphere of Quackenbruck. Taylor who will be starting his fifth professional season continues to feel comfortable as this will be his fourth consecutive season in Germany. Taylor is a 25 year old 196cm guard that was born in San Diego and grew up in Encino, Calirfornia. He had played the last two seasons with Alba Berlin and last season played Euroleague Qualifying Round: 2 games: 9.5ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.0apg; EuroCup: 12 games: 9.8ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 80.0%; German League: 36 games: 11.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 82.4%. Taylor is the son of Brian Taylor who played 10 seasons in the NBA. Taylor started his basketball career at Oregon (NCAA) where he played from 2004-2008 playing a total of 117 NCAA games. In hiss enior year, he played 30 games: 12.8ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 46.1%, 3Pts: 38.2%, FT: 82.3%. He started his professional basketball career in 2008 in Italy for Premiata Montegranaro (Italy-SerieA, starting five): 30 games: 13.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.6spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 82.6%. In 2009-2010, he came to Germany to play for the Telekom Baskets Bonn (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): EuroCup: 6 games: 18.5ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 36.4%; German League: 34 games: 12.5ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 81.4%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been USA U21 National Team -04, Dallas Global Games U21 -04, NCAA All-American Freshmen Honorable Mention -05, Pac-10 All-Freshman Team -05, Pac-10 Tournament Semifinals -06, Pac-10 Tournament Winner -07, NCAA Elite Eight -07, Pac-10 All-Tournament Team -07, USA National Team -07, Panamerican Games in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) -07, German Bundesliga Finalist -11, and Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Honorable Mention -12


Kyle Weems Headed To The Telekom Baskets Bonn - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

According to Eurobasket sources, Kyle Weems (198-F-89) is expected to sign with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Weems may have the same first name and be as tall as 2012 Euroleague champion Kyle Hines, but one thing that separates the two Americans is age as Weems is comong fresh from the NCCA. Weems is a 22 year old 198cm forward that was born in Topeka, Kansas. He played at Missouri St. (NCAA) from 2007-2012. In his senior year, he played 31 games averaging 15.4ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 78.0%. In his Missouri State career, he played a total of 134 NCAA games. He recently played the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 3 games: 13.3ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.0apg, Steals-1 (3.3spg). Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been MVC All-Freshman Team -09, All-MVC 2nd Team -10, NABC Division I All-District 16 2nd Team -10, MVC Regular Season Champion -11, MVC Tournament Finalist -11, All-MVC Player of the Year -11, All-MVC 1st Team -11, 12, MVC All-Tournament Team -11, and NABC Division I All-District 16 1st Team -11, 12


David Michalczyk Gets Contract Extension With The Hanau White Wings - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


David Michalczyk (180-G-89) will be lacing up his sneakers with the Hanau White Wings again thiss eason as the team made official today. David Michalczyk (180-G-89) is a 22 year old 180cm guard that will be starting his second season for the Hanau White Wings. Last season he played 24 games: 3.8ppg, 1.5rpg, 2.5apg. "He has good ball handling, is athletic and under stands the game well. He can also give Anish some rest on the guard position. At the age of 22, he is only at the start and can take a successful development. We will have much fun with him", stated Hanau head coach Hans Beth . His best game last season was nine points against Rhondorf. "I want to keep developing here and be a part of it. I don't want to be a basketball nomad. I feel comfortable on hanau and think that I didn't have my best season last year. That is why I can't go. I think I can help the team and am looing forward to the season", stressed David Michalczyk

Source:: Hanau White Wings



Brian Butler Remains With BG Illertal/Weissenhorn - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

PRO B team BG Illertal/Weissenhorn announced that Brian Butler (194-F-91) will remain with the team. Butler is a 20 year old 194cm forward that had many nice offers from PRO A and PRO B teams, but decided to stay with Weissenhorn. Last season he played 23 games for BG Illertal Weissenhorn avergaing 6.3ppg, 3.0rpg, FGP: 54.1%, FT: 61.5%, played also at ratiopharm Basketballakademie Ulm (2.Regionalliga). "We had very nice talks with him and came to a quick agreement. Our new head coach Tim Lewis was also impressed by him with his athletic ability and intensity. We want to support him as best we can and give him as much playing time as possible", stressed Artur Kolodziejski. Last season he scored in double figures four times including a 22 point 10 rebound outburst against TV Langen.

Source: BG Illertal Weissenhorn





FC Bayern Munich And Jonathan Wallace Part Ways, But Will He Be Picked Up By Another German Team? - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Recently FC Bayern Munich revealed that American Jonathan Wallace (187-G-86, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgetown) would not be returning for the 2012-2013 season. Wallace is a 26 year old 187cm guard from Huntsville, Alabama that played the last two years in the Bavarian capital. Last season he played EuroCup: 5 games: 8.0ppg, 1.8rpg, FGP: 83.3%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 83.3%; German League: 38 games: 8.9ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT-1 (93.3%). The year before, he helped the club reach the Beko BBL after playing a solid PRO A season playing 30 games: 15.6ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 83.8%. "We thank Jonathan for two great years. He was a big enrichment for the team on and off the court. He will always be a part of the FC Bayern family. We wish him all the best for the future", stated FC Bayern Munich sport director Marko Pesic. Despite a roster filled with many super stars last season, the American was able to hold his own and have a solid season scoring in double figures 14 times. Possibly without his two big games against Braunschweig and Bamberg where he scored over 20 points, the team may have had three less wins as all three games where decided by a total of 10 points. The question now is will Wallace stay in the Beko BBL?. He has played in Germany in three of his first four seasons as a professional and won a Beko BBL title in 2009 as a rookie with Oldenburg. Why should he go elsewhere when he feels so comfortable in the Beko BBL?. The summer is winding down, but the German basketball transfer market is in full swing and there are still teams needing a player of the calibur of a Jonathan Wallace. The next weeks will display if Wallace will stay or go.

Source: FC Bayern Munich



Jens Hirschberg Moves To The Licher Basket Baeren - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


PRO B club Licher Basket baeren announced the arrival of Jens Hirschberg (200-F-88) today. Hirschberg is a 22 year old 200cm forward from Mannheim, Germany. Last season, he played for TG 1837 White Wings Hanau (ProB): 20 games: 4.5ppg, 2.6rpg. He was able to scoire in double figures 2 times including 12 points against the Fraport Sklyiners juniors and 11 points against the Licher Basket Baeren. "I want to show my real potential this season which I couldn't show last season due to my injury. I want to start new Lich", stated Jens Hirschberg. "With Jens, we have a fighter that along with his aggressive defense can score inside, from the mid distance and from outside", stated Licher Basket baeren head coach Igor Starcevic. The German started his absketball career in 2007 with SG Heidelberg-Kirchheim (Regionalliga). He was Eurobasket.com All-Regionalliga South-West Honorable Mention -11

Source: Licher BasketBaren




SSV Lok Bernau Grabs Jonas Schmidt - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


Regionaliga team SSV Lok Bernau have announced the arrival of Jonas Schmidt (199-F-92) Schmidt is a 20 year old 199cm forward that hails from the Alba Berlin youth program. He weighs 90 kilos and can play the shooting guard and small forward position. Last season he played for ALBA Berlin II (ProB): 6 games: 0.5ppg. "I would describe myself as an athletic player, versatile and good penetration to the hoop. I bring energy to the court and can motivate my teammates. The club and coach Rene Schilling left a lasting impression on me. I liked teh concept, so coming here wasn't a tough decision", stressed Jonas Schmidt

Source: SSV Lok Bernau




Akeem Vargas moves to Goettingen - by Moritz Korff

Akeem Vargas (191-G-90, college: Iowa Lakes CC) will take his game to Pro A newcomer BG Goettingen. The 22-year-old guard played for the Tigers of Tuebingen in this past season, averaging close to two points in ten BBL contests. Thanks to a double license the former German junior international made a lot of minutes for Pro A team Ehingen Steeples. He scored 8.4 points, grabbed 2 rebounds and dished out 1.9 assists per contest through 27 games and was named to the 2011-12 Eurobasket.com All-Pro A Defensive Team.


MBC Wolves continue filling their roster - by Moritz Korff

Morris Curry (178-G-87, college: Providence) will do the playmaking for Mitteldeutscher BC in this upcoming Bundesliga season. The 25-year-old transfers from the Swans Gmunden to Germany. Curry reached the finals with the Swans last season and contributed 18 points a game to the team's success. He also dished out 5 assists per outing and was named Eurobasket.com All-Austria Bundesliga Guard of the Year and Import Player of the Year. Curry has played in Greece and Poland earlier in his overseas career.
Meanwhile, MBC announced that Louis Hinnant (193-PG-84, college: Boston Coll.) is not going to return to Weissenfels for a second season.


Bremerhaven: Bazoumana Kante gets three-year contract - by Moritz Korff

Ivorian shooting guard Bazoumana Kante (190-SG-93) has inked a three-year deal with BBL team Eisbaeren Bremerhaven.
"During this past NBBL Final Four Bazoumana Kante has shown which great talent he's got. He's got what it takes. Now Bazou has to work on getting more stable physically", Eisbaeren coach Douglas Spradley said.
Kante averaged 13.6 points per game for BSG Bremerhaven (2. Regionalliga) last season and scored 10.3 points a contest in the U19-Bundesliga NBBL. Bremerhaven's NBBL squad went all the way to the championship game in the 2011-12 season.

Also Helge Baues (205-PF-94) and Jonathan Malu (198-PF-93) will move up to the Eisbaeren BBL roster, but are expected to play mostly for cooperation team BSG Bremerhaven in the 2. Regionalliga.

Dwayne Anderson commits to Wuerzburg - by Moritz Korff

Dwayne Anderson (198-F-86, college: Villanova) returns to Germany and will play for BBL team s.oliver Baskets Wuerzburg in the 2012-13 season. "Dwayne is a player with international experience. Before he moved to Italy he was one of the best power forwards in the BBL for two years. He is an outstanding scorer and rebounder, knows many of the guys on our team and will surely help our team", Wuerzburg coach Marcel Schroeder stated.
Anderson played for BG Goettingen from 2009 to 2011 and then took his came to Italy. He joined Lega 2 team Morpho Basket Piacenza and averaged 15.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.5 assists per contest last season, while receiving Eurobasket.com All-Lega 2 Second Team honors.


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GREECE

Barcelona took back Sarunas Jasikevicius - by Giorgos Diploidis

Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) returns to Regal FC Barcelona after a lot of years. Jasikevicius is another one player who didn't sign a new contract with Panathinaikos Athens. Some of them were Kaimakoglou, Vougioukas, Batist. He was player of Barca the season 2002-03 when in 21matches in Euroleague had 13.4ppg, 1.8rpg, 3.2apg and won the trophy.

After that except Panathinaikos Athens, he went also in Maccabi T.A, NBA (Indiana Pacers , Golden State Warriors), Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius, Fenerbahce Ulker. Last period with Panathinaikos Athens in Euroleague in 21 matches had 7.2ppg, 1.3rpg, 2.5apg.




Greens return Vasilis Xanthopoulos after 5 years - by Eurobasket News

Vasilis Xanthopoulos (187-G-84, agency: FCM) is back to Panathinaikos Athens after 5 years. He played last season for Panionios collecting 6.8 ppg, 4.6 apg, 2.2 rpg and 1.7 spg in 34 games. The player was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League Co-Guard of the Year -12' and 'Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League 1st Team -12'. Xanthopoulos was a member of Panionios also from 2007 to 2009. In the meantime he spent two years with Panellinios. In his last season with Panellinios (2010/11) Xanthopoulos had 5.1 ppg and 3.7 apg for 25 games in Greece.
Vasilis Xanthopoulos played for Panathinaikos in 2004/05 and later in 2006/07 season. He averaged 2.7 points and 2.3 assists in their last year together. In the past, Xanthopoulos played for PAOK, Near East and Olympiakos juniors.
Vasilis Xanthopoulos played for the Greek NT last summer at the EuroBasket in Lithuania.


U16 European Championship: Lithuania stay hopeful after win over Greece - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania U16 - Greece U16 75:56

Lithuania stepped closer to the quarterfinal stage at U16 European Championship. The Baltic team overcame Greece and have to wait for the result of Germany vs. France battle to know their fate. Greece got eliminated from the title race. Antanas Krimelis (191-SF-96) stepped up with 27 points to lead the charge.
Lithuania shocked Greece in the opening quarter. The Baltic team went on a 28:10 run to clear off. The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter as Lithuania ensured an 18-point halftime lead 41:23. Lithuania stretched the gap in the third quarter. They secured a 63:37 advantage with one quarter remaining. Greece outscored Lithuania in the fourth frame but it was too little too late to save the game. Domantas Sabonis (199-PF-96) tallied 13 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Tautvydas Paliukenas (192-SF-96) added 12 points for Lithuania. Vasileios Toliopoulos (185-PG-96) answered with 14 points for Greece. Konstantinos Zorzos (188-PG-96) had 12 points in the loss.

Lithuania U16: Antanas Krimelis 27, Domantas Sabonis 13+12 boards, Tautvydas Paliukenas 12
Greece U16: Vasileios Toliopoulos 14, Konstantinos Zorzos 12


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HOLLAND

Jessey Voorn Hopeful For Quick Return - by Fred Roggen

Holland guard Jessey Voorn (193-G-90, agency: Court Side) is hopeful of recovering from a patellapees in time to play in the country's EuroBasket 2013 qualifying games.
The 22-year-old Jessey Voorn (193-G-90, agency: Court Side) will not play the preparation games for the European Championship 2013 qualifying games. If all goes well, Voorn is expected to return to action in three weeks, he would be able to act for the Dutch team in August. Jessey Voorn (193-G-90, agency: Court Side) played for GasTerra Flames last season and averaged 7.2ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 75.0% in 28 Dutch Basketball League games.



U16 European Championship: Netherlands open Classification Round with the win - by Eurobasket News

Georgia U16-Netherlands U16 53:76

Netherlands open Classification Round with the win over Georgia. The Dutch side won over the opponent 76:53 in Bucharest Day 6 campaign in Division B.
Netherlands won the opening tip 6:1, while Levan Gogaladze (191-PG-97) tied the game early in the period. Netherlands replied with an 8-0 run and Yannick Franke (185-G-96) brought 14:6 for his side. Later Dijkstra and Yannick Franke improved to the lead to 21:12 and Adeola Morren (193-PF-96) scored for 30:20. Moreover Yannick Franke sent the teams to the lockers at 36:24 as Netherlands won the period 20-14. They added 22-12 in the third quarter for 58:36 after three quarters. Lennart Overdevest (184-SG-96) scored for 61:42 and Gugeshashvili reduced to 20 points. Gugeshashvili was the last to score in the game for the final result.
Adeola Morren poured in 20 points for the winners as they improved to 1-1 record. Lennart Overdevest notched 15, while Yannick Franke posted 14. Soso Matchavariani (196-SF-96) and Levan Gogaladze scored 8 points each in the losing case.

Georgia U16: Soso Matchavariani 8, Levan Gogaladze 8
Netherlands U16: Adeola Morren 20, Lennart Overdevest 15, Yannick Franke 14


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HUNGARY

U16 European Championship: Hungary open Second Stage in style - by Eurobasket News

Montenegro U16-Hungary U16 42:54

Hungary open Second Stage in style as they beat Montenegro. The Hungarian side overcame them 54:42 at the U16 European Championship in Division B.
Montenegro entered the game undefeated and started with 12-8 lead. They tried hard later in the game but could not follow the Hungarian opponents. The latter bounced back with 16-8 in the second frame Viktor Zrinyi (6'9''-C-97) scored for 24:20. Mate Meszaros (6'4''-G/F-92) delivered two for 32:29 and Kovacs made two free throws for 36:29. Acs and Gyorgy Goloman (6'9''-F/C-96) increased the lead o 40:31, while Viktor Zrinyi scored for plus 11. Viktor Zrinyi and Antoni brought the final points for the winning side.
Gyorgy Goloman erupted with 18 points and 18 rebounds for 1-1 record in group F. Mate Meszaros notched 11, while Viktor Zrinyi scored 8. Petar Popovic (6'2''-PG-96) delivered 14 points in defeat and Aleksandar Dozic (6'7''-F-96) poured in 8.

Montenegro U16: Petar Popovic 14, Aleksandar Dozic 8
Hungary U16: Gyorgy Goloman 18+18 rebs, Mate Meszaros 11, Viktor Zrinyi 8


Factum Sport Debrecen lands Carter - by Eurobasket Center

Factum Sport Debrecen strengthened their roster with addition of 24-year old American power forward Sean Carter (205-F/C-88), who just graduated well-known University of Massachusetts. In his senior year, Carter averaged 7.8ppg and 6.3rpg. He helped his team make it to Atlantic 10 Tournament Semifinals and then to NIT Final Four (second post-season national tournament). It will be his first season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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ICELAND

Iceland gets thouroughly beaten by Lithuania - by Snorri Arnaldsson

Icelandic National Team played the Lithuanian National Team Olympic team in Vilnius on Tuesday and got handed a 50 point blowout, 101-51 for the home team.

Icelandic National Team never really stood a chance against the strong Lithuanian National squad, trailing 30-10 after the first quarter. Even though Icelandic National Team would fight back in the second quarter, the opposition was way too strong to ever really pose a threat to Lithuania. The high scorers for Icelandic National Team were team captain Hlynur Baeringsson (200-F/C-82) with 13, Jon Stefansson (196-G-82) with 12 and Pavel Ermolinskij (202-G/F-87, agency: I.D.S. Law) with 10.

Icelandic National Team is currently preparing for the Eurobasket 2013 qualification round, which starts in Reykjavik on August 14th against a very strong Serbian National Team squad. Icelandic National Team coach Peter Oqvist said after the game: "If we are to compete against the stronger nations, we have to work better as a team, move the ball better and use our quickness."

The Icelandic squad will return home to finish the preparation for the qualification games, and will hopefully manage to get some favorable results against some strong opposition.



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ISRAEL

U16 European Championship: Belgium improved to 2-0 record - by Eurobasket News

Israel U16-Belgium U16 59:60

Belgium improved to 2-0 record in Group E of the U16 European Championship in Division B. The team needed a thrilling 60:59 win over Israel to jump on top. Israel meanwhile fell at 0-2 record at the start of Second Stage.
Belgium took 19:15 after the first period and added 16-12 in the second frame. Mathieu Houdart (194-F-96) and Romain Boxus (194-F-96) increased the lead at 39:27 at the start of the third period, while Blatt reduced to 8 points. Moreeover Tessone tied the game at 42:42 and Ordane Kanda-Kanyinda (96) closed the frame at 46:42. Israel again tied it at 53:53 and Liad Braun (180-PG-96) gave his side 56:53 with 4 minutes to go. Belgium meanwhile needed a 7-1 run at the end to seal a narrow win.
Ordane Kanda-Kanyinda paced all the winners with 18 points, while Romain Boxus notched 15. Mathieu Houdart delivered 13 and Rochdi Benzouien (180-PG-96) posted 9. Liad Braun and Netanel Artzi (196-F-97) produced 11 points each in the losing effort. Roi Huber (184-G-97) nailed 10, whilst Avichai Ben David (185-F-96) had 8.

Israel U16: Liad Braun 11, Netanel Artzi 11, Roi Huber 10, Avichai Ben David 8
Belgium U16: Ordane Kanda-Kanyinda 18, Romain Boxus 15, Mathieu Houdart 13, Rochdi Benzouien 9


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ITALY

Bobby Jones inks with Virtus Roma - by Eurobasket News

Bobby Jones (201-F-84, college: Washington) inks with Virtus Roma for the upcoming season. According to sportando.net Virtus Roma officially signed for the upcoming season Bobby Jones.
In 2011-2012 he played for Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia (Italy-Lega2, starting five) and averaged 14.4ppg, Reb-3 (7.9rpg), 1.6apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 70.9%. In 2010-2011 he played for Fabi Shoes Montegranaro (Italy-SerieA) and showed 7.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.0spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 74.5%. In March'11 moved to MarcoPoloShop.it Forli (Italy-Lega2, starting five) and had 17.2ppg, 9.0rpg, 3.0spg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 79.5%.
A great defender spent last three seasons in NBA playing with Philadelphia, Denver Memphis, Houston, Sacramento and Miami (134 games, 3.6 ppg with a NBA career high of 20 points scored against Seattle). He ended that season with Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League) averaging 16.3 ppg in 48 games and scoring a season high of 30 points against Iowa.
Only last season he became Italian Lega Due Regular Season Runner-Up -12 and Italian Lega Due Play-Offs Finalist -12. Moreover he was named Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 Forward of the Year -12 and made it into Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 1st Team -12 as well as Eurobasket.com Italian Lega2 All-Imports Team -12.


U16 European Championship: Italy pile up scalps - by Eurobasket News

Italy U16 - Spain U16 74:62

Italy continued their unbeaten run at the U16 European Championship. They knocked down Spain to gain the sixth straight win. Italy won Group E and qualified into quarterfinals with a perfect record. Daniel Donzelli (199-SG-96) and Flaccardori came up with 17 points each to lead the Azzurri. Spain fell at 2-3 record and occupied the fourth position in Group E.
Italy eked out a narrow 15:13 lead ten minutes into the game. They stretched the lead to as many as 4 points at halftime 27:23. Italy took over in the third quarter. They dominated in the period extending their lead to 17 points 52:35. Spain unloaded 27 points in the fourth term but managed just cut the deficit at the end. Pierfrancesco Oliva (200-SF-96) accounted for 16 points and 9 rebounds for Italy. Marc Garcia (194-F-96) answered with 14 points for Spain. Francisco Alonso (188-G-96) netted 10 points in the loss.

Italy U16: Daniel Donzelli 17, Diego Flaccadori (184-PG-96) 17, Pierfrancesco Oliva 16
Spain U16: Marc Garcia 14, Francisco Alonso 10


Dominic Calegari joins CE CIP Lleida Basquetbol - by Eurobasket Center

CE CIP Lleida Basquetbol (LEB Gold) agreed terms with 25-year old Italian-American power forward Dominic Calegari (208-F/C-87, college: Cal-Davis). Calegari played most recently at Erie Bay Hawks (D-League) in the U.S. While playing 11 games for Erie Bay H. last season he recorded 4.0ppg and 2.3rpg. He is a very experienced player. Calegari played also pro basketball in Poland, Ukraine and Venezuela. He graduated University of California - Davis in 2010 and it will be his third season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Side by Side Management launch the site Creativehoops.com - by Pervin Elgin

Creativehoops puts great emphasis on friendly, funny and easy communications between athletes and fans

Side By Side Management is pleased and proud to announce the launch of a new website, www.creativehoops.com, as part of its new sports marketing and entertainment division.
Thanks to a fresh and attractive look incorporating navigation-friendly user interface and social network functions, Creativehoops puts great emphasis on friendly, funny and easy communications between athletes and fans.
Further, this creative and innovative project strongly wants to lead the way in how an international community can share new ideas, projects, thoughts, actively "serving" and supporting European and Italian movement.
Please check out the new website http://www.creativehoops.com and, please, feel free to share your ideas with Us!

Courtesy of sportando.net


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JAPAN

Jordan DeMercy joins Akita Northern Happinets - by Eurobasket News

Akita Nothern Happinets bolstered their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Jordan Demercy (200-G/F-88). The forward will start his pro career in Japan. Jordan Demercy has just graduated from Georgetown. He tallied 11.3 points and 8.5 boards per game in his senior season with the Tigers. Previously he played and studied in Florida State University. Jordan Demercy made it into NAIA D1 Elite Eight with Georgetown in 2012.


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LATVIA

U16 European Championship: Latvia defeat Turkey - by Eurobasket News

Latvia U16 - Turkey U16 77:68

Latvia finished the second round of U16 European Championship on a high note. They knocked down Turkey but failed to advance to the quarterfinals. The hosts knew their fate entering the game but came up with a determined performance and sealed the victory at the end. Gustavs Treimanis (196-C-96) scored 17 points to lead the winners. Turkey fell at 3-2 record but booked the spot in the quarterfinals.
Latvia ensured a storming start to the game. They went on a 29:10 run in the opening quarter. Latvia stretched the margin to 22 points at the start of the second quarter. Turkey narrowed the gap but Latvia managed to ensure a 46:27 halftime advantage. Turkey fired 22 points in the third term to but cut the deficit by just two points. Turkey got within ten points midway through the final quarter however Latvia stayed calm and executed the win at the end. Rihards Lomazs (175-PG-96) and Ricards Melderis (185-PG-96) accounted for 14 points each for the winners. Okben Ulubay (200-F-97) answered with 13 points for Turkey. Akif Guven (206-C-96) netted 11 points in the loss.

Latvia U16: Gustavs Treimanis 17, Rihards Lomazs 14, Ricards Melderis 14
Turkey U16: Okben Ulubay 13, Akif Guven 11


VEF Riga lands PG Earl Rowland - by Eurobasket News

VEF Riga announced signing of Earl Rowland (188-G-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) for the next season. The American point guard, with Bulgarian passport, arrives to the club from Unicaja Malaga. He appeared 29 times for them in Liga Endesa last season averaging 5.3 points, 2.4 assists and 2 rebounds. The player also added 7.4 ppg, 2.9 apg and 2.2 rpg in 14 Euroleague games. Before Unicaja, Rowland spent two years with Cremona. He played 60 games in total registering about 14 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.5 apg and 3 spg in SerieA. In 2008/09, Rowland was a member of Telekom Baskets Bonn and before that he spent one year with Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck. The player also has experience from Australia and NBA D-League team Florida Flame. Rowland played few months for Barons/LMT Riga in 2006/07 season.
Earl Rowland played for the Bulgarian National Team at 2009 EuroBasket in Poland and 2011 EuroBasket in Lithuania. Last summer he had 18 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 3.2 apg for 5 games.


Ronald Zakis stays with Ventspils - by Eurobasket News

Ronalds Zakis (207-F/C-87) signed a 1-year contract extension with BK Ventspils. It will be their sixth straight season together. In the latest one the player had 7.2 ppg and 2.8 rpg for 22 games in Latvian league. He added 4.6 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 15 games in EuroChallenge, plus 5.8 ppg and 1.8 rpg for 18 Baltic league games. Ventspils reached LBL Finals last season. Ronalds Zakis joined BK Ventspils from Ventspils augstskola in 2007. He played for the Latvian National Team in 2011 EuroBasket qualifications. There Zakis had 8.9 ppg and 3 rpg for 8 games. In 2010, Zakis was named to Eurobasket.com All-Latvian League 1st Team -10. A year before that he helped Ventspils to win the Latvian league title. In the past, Zakis played for U20 and U18 Lithuanian National Teams.


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LEBANON

Al Riyadi in good terms with former players, management denies rumors. - by Ahmad Kerdi

After all the rumors spread in the last couple of days, Mr. Mazen Tabbara member of AL Riyadi Club Management made it clear: "Things are done long time ago and those rumors have nothing to do with reality".
" Tony Williams case was closed long time ago when we owed him a sum of money that was paid later on, things got on the right track and that's why we are on good terms with Anthony, as for Nate Johnson's case well he signed a statement last year declaring that the club owe him nothing and with that step done, we agreed to give Sagesse Club the release of Nathanel so he can continue the season with them and that's what happened as we have all the documentation to prove it". Mr. Tabbara added.
Things went to a really awkward side since some seem to be trying to spread those false rumors and create a controversy between Al Riyadi and others and this war is taking the basketball in Lebanon to a whole new level that can really be harmful for everyone.
After this statement and the proofs Mr. Mazen provided concerning both players cases, he stressed out that the Club Management is seriously considering suing any part that may try to create a distortion or spread false rumors about the club.


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LITHUANIA

U16 European Championship: Lithuania stay hopeful after win over Greece - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania U16 - Greece U16 75:56

Lithuania stepped closer to the quarterfinal stage at U16 European Championship. The Baltic team overcame Greece and have to wait for the result of Germany vs. France battle to know their fate. Greece got eliminated from the title race. Antanas Krimelis (191-SF-96) stepped up with 27 points to lead the charge.
Lithuania shocked Greece in the opening quarter. The Baltic team went on a 28:10 run to clear off. The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter as Lithuania ensured an 18-point halftime lead 41:23. Lithuania stretched the gap in the third quarter. They secured a 63:37 advantage with one quarter remaining. Greece outscored Lithuania in the fourth frame but it was too little too late to save the game. Domantas Sabonis (199-PF-96) tallied 13 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Tautvydas Paliukenas (192-SF-96) added 12 points for Lithuania. Vasileios Toliopoulos (185-PG-96) answered with 14 points for Greece. Konstantinos Zorzos (188-PG-96) had 12 points in the loss.

Lithuania U16: Antanas Krimelis 27, Domantas Sabonis 13+12 boards, Tautvydas Paliukenas 12
Greece U16: Vasileios Toliopoulos 14, Konstantinos Zorzos 12


Sarunas Jasikevicius comes back to Barcelona - by Eurobasket News

Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) comes back to Barcelona for the upcoming season. The Lithuanian PG returns to the Spanish team.
Sarunas Jasikevicius played in Barcelona in 2000-2003 seasons and is now back to the roster.
The last few years he played for PAO. Sarunas Jasikevicius joined the Greens in September of 2007 from the Golden State Warriors. He helped PAO to win the Euroleague title in 2009 averaging 9.4 points, 1.4 rebounds and 3 assists for 18 games. Everybody remembers his amazing Final Four performance that year. Saras also helped PAO to win three championship titles in Greece and two National Cups. Last season he had 5.2 ppg, 1.3 rpg and 2.5 apg for six Euroleague games. In Greek league, Saras added 8 ppg and 2.5 rpg. Before PAO, he played for the Indiana Pacers and Golden State Warriors. From 2003 to 2005 Saras was a member of Maccabi Tel-Aviv pacing them to Euroleague titles in both seasons. In 2003 he won another Euroleague crown, this time with Barcelona. In 2001 he helped Barca to win the Spanish title. With the Lithuanian National Team Saras also made great results. The most important one is the Gold medal at 2003 EuroBasket in Sweden.


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LUXEMBOURG

U16 European Championship: Luxembourg and Slovak Republic opened Day 6 - by Eurobasket News

Luxembourg U16- Slovak Republic U16 99:70

Luxembourg and Slovak Republic opened Day 6 at the U16 European Championship in Division B. Luxembourg managed to beat the opponent 99:70 at the Classification Round for 17th to 21st Place.
Slovak Republic started the game with 18-14, but failed at the rest of the half. Luxembourg erupted with 30-14 in the second frame and Bill Fischer (195-C-96) closed the half at 44:32. Moreover Luxembourg added 27-16 in the third period for 23-point lead at the end of thirty minutes. Another 28-22 in the last stanza brought them an easy win over the opponent.
Oliver Vujakovic (192-F-96) paced all the winners with 24 points and Bill Fischer netted 20. Timothy Kauffmann (191-F-96) delivered 17, while Tom Kapgen (173-PG-96) notched 15. Norbert Janicek (206-C-96) collected 17 points and 10 rebounds, whilst Jakub Meress (200-PF-96) added 15. Robert Rozanek (180-PG-96) posted 12 and Jozef Senohradsky (190-G-96) as well as Marek Masiar (183-F-96) added 8 points each.

Luxembourg U16: Oliver Vujakovic 24, Bill Fischer 20, Timothy Kauffmann 17, Tom Kapgen 15
Slovak Republic U16: Norbert Janicek 17+10 rebs, Jakub Meress 15, Robert Rozanek 12, Jozef Senohradsky 8, Marek Masiar 8


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MALTA

U16 European Championship: Monaco clinch second straight win - by Eurobasket News

Monaco U16 - Malta U16 66:54

Monaco earned the second straight win at the start of the U16 European Championship in Division C. They shot down Malta for 2-0 record in Group A. Daniel Pieper (185-F-96) came up with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists to pace the winners. Malta slipped at 0-2 record after the loss.
Monaco dominated right from the start. They piled up a 25:16 lead ten minutes into the game. They stretched the margin in the second quarter. Monaco posted a 45:28 halftime advantage. The teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter. Monaco maintained the lead earning a 17-point cushion heading into the fourth frame. Malta cut the deficit but never seriously threatened the margin in the final stanza. Pierrick Motillon (177-PG-97) and Alessandro Generale (185-C-96) accounted for 10 points each for the winners. Nicholas Grech (175-F-95) answered with 16 points and 8 rebounds for Malta. Zane Micallef (170-PG-96) topscored with 19 points in the loss.

Monaco U16: Daniel Pieper 12+10 boards, Pierrick Motillon 10, Alessandro Generale 10
Malta U16: Zane Micallef 19, Nicholas Grech 16


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MEXICO

Mexico's Cibacopa Leading Rebounder Teams with Mexico's Lnbp Leading Scorer - by Majic Dorsey

Brandon Brown (201-F-85, college: CS San Bernar.) former Cibacopa Mexico League Leading Rebounder and MaJic Dorsey (185-PG-81, agency: Court Side, college: S.Indiana) Leading Scorer and #2 in assist in LNBP and Chihuahua League Leading scorer and assist man. Teams up for Mavort Quito Power House Club in Quito Ecuador. To win another Championship this season. Brandon Brown is currently averaging 33.7points a game along with league leading 14.8rebounds a game and 4.1 blocks per game. MaJic Dorsey is averaging a League high with 34.6points and 13.2assist a game. Also former 3 time Mexico LNBP Slam Dunk Champion Jamal Thomas of Guerreros Ecuador Team is putting on a great performance this season. Averageing 31.9points a game. So with all that being said. The Mexico former players are representing well as they continue their carrers in another country until LNBP starts back up in September.


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MONACO

U16 European Championship: Monaco clinch second straight win - by Eurobasket News

Monaco U16 - Malta U16 66:54

Monaco earned the second straight win at the start of the U16 European Championship in Division C. They shot down Malta for 2-0 record in Group A. Daniel Pieper (185-F-96) came up with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists to pace the winners. Malta slipped at 0-2 record after the loss.
Monaco dominated right from the start. They piled up a 25:16 lead ten minutes into the game. They stretched the margin in the second quarter. Monaco posted a 45:28 halftime advantage. The teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter. Monaco maintained the lead earning a 17-point cushion heading into the fourth frame. Malta cut the deficit but never seriously threatened the margin in the final stanza. Pierrick Motillon (177-PG-97) and Alessandro Generale (185-C-96) accounted for 10 points each for the winners. Nicholas Grech (175-F-95) answered with 16 points and 8 rebounds for Malta. Zane Micallef (170-PG-96) topscored with 19 points in the loss.

Monaco U16: Daniel Pieper 12+10 boards, Pierrick Motillon 10, Alessandro Generale 10
Malta U16: Zane Micallef 19, Nicholas Grech 16


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MONTENEGRO

Brothers Sehovic found new clubs for the upcoming season - by Darko Pekic

Members of Montenegrin National Teams, brother Suad Sehovic (197-G/F-87) and Sead Sehovic (199-F-89) have found new clubs for the upcoming season. Suad will not leave Ukraine as he signed with Khimki while his brother Suad will join Italian Serie A side Montegranaro after a season in Germany. Brothers Sehovic are currently with Montenegrin National Team and they are preparing for the European Championship qualifications.


Coach Milan Rondovic and White Eagles from Stockholm agreed terms - by Darko Pekic

According to Eurobasket.com sources Montenegrin coach Milan Rondovic agreed terms with the White Eagles from Stockholm. The Eagles are newly promoted club and they will compete in the Elite Division next seasons. The club was founded by a group of Serbian emigrants and in past seasons played in Swedish 2nd division. Majority of the players are Balkan born or have origin in one of the Balkan countries. Davor Femic (205-C-83), one of team leaders, collaborated with Rondovic during the season 2005-2006 in Primorka when the talented team from Bar played in the First Division of Serbia & Montenegro.

Rondovic will sign a two year deal with the White Eagles and will bring an assistant coach from Serbia. The club starts season preparation in August 10 and their season goal is to qualify for European competition and finish the season among two best placed teams in the Swedish league.

Milan Rondovic coached Teodo Tivat in the last two seasons and achieved great results with the ambitious club from Tivat. He has coached previously Primorka, Rudar and Ulcinj. This will be his first experience abroad.


U16 European Championship: Hungary open Second Stage in style - by Eurobasket News

Montenegro U16-Hungary U16 42:54

Hungary open Second Stage in style as they beat Montenegro. The Hungarian side overcame them 54:42 at the U16 European Championship in Division B.
Montenegro entered the game undefeated and started with 12-8 lead. They tried hard later in the game but could not follow the Hungarian opponents. The latter bounced back with 16-8 in the second frame Viktor Zrinyi (6'9''-C-97) scored for 24:20. Mate Meszaros (6'4''-G/F-92) delivered two for 32:29 and Kovacs made two free throws for 36:29. Acs and Gyorgy Goloman (6'9''-F/C-96) increased the lead o 40:31, while Viktor Zrinyi scored for plus 11. Viktor Zrinyi and Antoni brought the final points for the winning side.
Gyorgy Goloman erupted with 18 points and 18 rebounds for 1-1 record in group F. Mate Meszaros notched 11, while Viktor Zrinyi scored 8. Petar Popovic (6'2''-PG-96) delivered 14 points in defeat and Aleksandar Dozic (6'7''-F-96) poured in 8.

Montenegro U16: Petar Popovic 14, Aleksandar Dozic 8
Hungary U16: Gyorgy Goloman 18+18 rebs, Mate Meszaros 11, Viktor Zrinyi 8


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NAIA

Southern State College names McAvene head coach - by Eurobasket Center

Travis McAvene (agency: Gamble Sports Management ) has been named the new head coach for men's basketball at Southern State College. McAvene brings a strong reputation of winning basketball games and coaching elite talent.

"I'm very excited to take over the men's basketball program at Southern State and make it a winner," said McAvene. "I love the atmosphere and facilities at Southern State. It will give our student-athletes a great platform to achieve nothing but success on the court and in the classroom."

Recently, McAvene was named United States Minor League Coach of the Year, which included a list of NBA D-League coaches who were nominated for the award. This past season, he led his Cincinnati Slam team in the UBA to a 19-1 record, along with winning the Eastern Conference Championship.

"My goal at Southern State this upcoming season is to take our men's basketball program to the USCAA National Tournament and compete for a national championship."

McAvene's teams are known for their fast-paced aggressive style of basketball, adopted from former Arkansas head coach Nolan Richardson.

Putting his own time in on the court, McAvene played for North Florida Junior College, Indiana Wesleyan University, Sinclair Community College and Taylor University at Fort Wayne, snagging an NCCAA Division I National Championship in 1995.

He served as an assistant coach for Lincoln High School, Clark State College and Coppin State University, and as a head coach for Indiana University East, Jefferson High School, New Creations Prep, Christian Center Prep Academy, Harmony Prep School, Wilberforce University, Westfall High School, Eurobasket Summer League (Vegas), Columbus Crush, Kentucky Pro Am, and Eurobasket Summer League (Houston). His most recent role was as head coach and general manager of Cincinnati Slam.

McAvene boasts a full slate of accomplishments, including NJCAA State Final Four in 2002, NACA National Champion in 2003 and 2004, No. 4 ranking in National Prep School poll in 2004, No. 7 ranking in National Prep School poll in 2005, No. 2 ranking in National Prep School poll in 2006, SVC Conference Champion in 2009, and SVC Coach of the Year in 2009. In 2012 alone, he earned UBA All-Star Game Head Coach, UBA Eastern Conference Champion, three times as UBA Coach of the Month, All United States Awards (voted on by all USA sports reporters) Coach of the Year, and USBasket.com All-UBA Coach of the Year.

This summer McAvene was named head assistant of Team USA that will participate in the William Jones Cup live on ESPN. The games will be held in Taiwan with the top National Teams from Asia including China, Iran, Philippians, Korea just to name a few.

For more information about the athletics program at Southern State, please visit www.sscc.edu/athletics or contact Athletic Director Adam Holbrook at 1-800-628-7722, ext. 2697, or aholbrook@sscc.edu .


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NBA

Nets target Kirilenko will return to NBA this season - by Eurobasket News

According to CSKA Moscow president Andrey Vatutin, Andrei Kirilenko (6'9''-F-81) will be returning to the NBA next season.

The only question now is where he will play.

In an interview with Russian newspaper Sport-Express, Vatutin says that the team has been in constant contact with Kirilenko since CSKA was upset in the Euroleague Final against Panathinaikos in Istanbul a game that Deron Williams, Nets general manager Billy King and Russian billionaire owner Mikhail Prokhorov all attended.

"Over the past year, thanks to the player, interest in Russia to our sport has grown," Vatutin said, according to a Google translation of the article. "Andrew gave us a lot both on the court and outside it. This was a true professional."

But Vatutin went on to say that Kirilenko's priority is to sign with an NBA team in the foreseeable future. Vatutin said that he has "an assumption" about where Kirilenko will end up, but that it's his choice.

The Nets have long been linked to Kirilenko, thanks to his friendship with Prokhorov, who he endorsed in the billionaire's failed presidential bid earlier this year, and from his several years playing alongside Williams in Utah. But Kirilenko would have to accept the minimum salary to play for the Nets this season, as players who didn't play in the NBA last year are ineligible to be signed-and-traded despite the fact that Utah holds his Bird rights. And after Kirilenko averaged 14.1 points and 7.5 rebounds in 17 Euroleague games for CSKA, it seems unlikely he'd lack interest from NBA teams.

A source told The Post Saturday that it's unlikely that Kirilenko will wind up with the Nets, thanks in large part to their ability to offer only the minimum.

Golden State has also been rumored to have interest in him, and has the ability to offer him the mid-level exception.

Courtesy of www.nypost.com


Wolves now might deal Johnson to get Kirilenko - by Eurobasket News

The Timberwolves are targeting former NBA All-Star Andrei Kirilenko (6'9''-F-81) and are willing to pay the free-agent small forward as much as $9 million per season for at least the next two seasons, league sources said Tuesday.

To clear enough cap space to do so, they reportedly plan to trade small forward Wes Johnson, their No. 4 overall pick in the 2010 draft.

Yahoo!Sports reported Tuesday that the Wolves were nearing agreement on a three-way trade with Phoenix and New Orleans that would send Johnson and a future No. 1 pick to the Suns in a deal that would shed Johnson's $4.3 million salary and clear space on the Wolves' salary-cap books.

Also on Tuesday, the Wolves officially announced a trade struck days ago with Memphis that sends shooting guard Wayne Ellington and brings forward Dante Cunningham back in return.

Kirilenko, 31, is a small forward who would address many of the same needs the Wolves sought when they signed restricted free agent Nicolas Batum to a $45 million offer sheet that Portland matched last week.

He plays the same position -- one which Wolves coach Rick Adelman appears intent on upgrading -- and would give the team the kind of accomplished defender they lack.

Batum is eight years younger, but Kirilenko is a 10-year NBA veteran who played last season in his native Russia for CSKA Moscow, where he was named Euroleague MVP. He will play for Russia in the London Olympics that begin Friday.

Kirilenko on Tuesday told Russian news agency R-Sport that he will return to the NBA next season after he returned to Russia to play last season when NBA owners locked out players in a labor dispute.

"Which club in particular, we'll know in a day or two," Kirilenko said.

"After such a strong season with CSKA, I understand that I can still play at a high level. I'm 31, but I can still play and still want to play."

Kirilenko is under contract with his Moscow team through 2014, but his agent, Marc Fleisher, said he has a "small" buyout that will enable him to come to the NBA now if he chooses to terminate his contract.

The state-owned RIA Novosti news agency also reported that Kirilenko's CSKA team is already making plans to find his replacement.

Kirilenko played all 10 of his NBA seasons with the Utah Jazz, which selected him 24th overall in the 1999 draft and paid him $17 million a season at the end of his last NBA contract.

He played 82, 80 and 78 games his first three NBA seasons, but never played more than 72 games in a season after that. He played 67, 58 and 64 in his last three seasons there.

It could take a two-year, $18 million contract with a player option for a third year for the Wolves to sign Kirilenko.

Coincidentally, the Wolves could announce the first of their free-agent signings as early as Wednesday, and that would be Russian guard Alexey Shved, a teammate of Kirilenko's with CSKA Moscow and the Russian national team.

If the Wolves trade Johnson, president of basketball operations Kahn now would have dealt away five first-round draft picks in two years -- No. 6 Jonny Flynn, No. 18 that eventually became Martell Webster and No. 28 Ellington, No. 4 Johnson and No. 23 in 2010 that became Lazar Hayward.

The trade of Ellington for Cunningham helps balance the roster of a team that has agreed to contract terms with guards Shved and Brandon Roy while losing forwards Michael Beasley and Anthony Randolph from last year's team. Tuesday's trade was done on the same day free agent Ronnie Brewer -- a player whom the Wolves had pursued as a free agent -- agreed to a one-year deal with New York.

Cunningham, selected 33rd overall by Portland in 2009, is capable of playing both forward positions. He was signed by Memphis as a free agent before last season.

Ellington, meanwhile, would have struggled to find playing time with a Wolves team that has agreed to terms with guards Shved and Brandon Roy in free agency.

Staff writer Kent Youngblood contributed to this report.

Courtesy of www.startribune.com


Knicks Upgrade At Shooting Guard - by Daniel Gibson

Free-agent, Ronnie Brewer is prepared to sign with the New York Knicks. After letting Landry Fields leave after not matching the $19 million offer sheet the Toronto Raptors pitched, the Knicks were looking to add another guard.

Brewer is a solid pickup for many reasons. He has plenty of playoff experience with the Utah Jazz and Chicago Bulls. Landry Fields disappeared in the playoffs during his rookie year and then in his second year he struggled once again during the second half of the season and into the playoffs. Brewer plays tough defense and he has good size at 6-7. With Iman Shumpert out rehabbing his knee, Brewer's defense will be welcomed. He can finish on the fastbreak and around the basket and his three-point shot has improved over the last few seasons. His career scoring average is just under 10 ppg at 9.4.

Signing him allows JR Smith to continue to bring that scoring punch off of the bench. Brewer is a proven veteran who won't be shocked or afraid of playing under the bright lights of New York. He understands his role and will win over the crowd and teammates with his hustle and solid play. He's a good locker room presence as well and he's a much less expensive option than Landry Fields.


Knicks sign Argentina point guard Prigioni - by Eurobasket News

The New York Knicks have signed Pablo Prigioni (6'3''-G-77), the point guard for Argentina's national team.

The 35-year-old Prigioni has played professionally since 1995, most recently in the Spanish leagues. He was twice selected to the All-Euroleague second team.

Terms of the deal announced Tuesday were not disclosed.

The Knicks have significantly changed their point guard position, letting Jeremy Lin leave for Houston and signing Jason Kidd, Raymond Felton and Prigioni.

Courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com


Greg Stiemsma leaves Celtics, Keyon Dooling staying - by Eurobasket News

The Celtics have lost one member of their 2011-12 team to free agency, but they have retained another.

Backup center Gregory Stiemsma (6'11''-C-85, agency: N.E.T., college: Wisconsin), who was a rookie at the age of 26 this past season, has agreed to terms with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Reserve point guard Keyon Dooling (6'3''-G-80, college: Missouri), meanwhile, will return to the Celtics with a one-year contract worth the veterans minimum of $1.35 million.

The Celtics were unable to match the offer sheet, estimated at nearly $3 million, that Stiemsma signed with the Timberwolves last week.

Stiemsma, who was a restricted free agent, had received a qualifying offer of just over $1 million from Boston, but the Celtics rescinded that this week and allowed him to leave. He joins Ray Allen, who departed for the Miami Heat, in exiting the Celtics.

Im very grateful to the Celtics and the city of Boston, but Im very excited to be the newest member of the Minnesota Timberwolves, said Stiemsma on Twitter.

Stiemsma was an unexpected addition to the Celtics training camp roster following the lockout last December, earned a roster spot, then became a rotation player.

He made the NBA after doing very little in four seasons at Wisconsin and bouncing around with teams in Turkey, South Korea and the NBDL in three years after college.

In 55 games with the Celtics, Stiemsma averaged 2.9 points and blocked a team-best 85 shots (21 more than Kevin Garnett, who was second).

Stiemsma, who struggled with foot injuries, backed up Garnett when he was shifted to center.

The Celtics have signed free agents Chris Wilcox and Jason Collins to be reserves in the frontcourt.

Dooling played 46 games with the Celtics last season, averaging 4 points as a backup to Rajon Rondo. The 32-year-old Dooling was a positive influence among his teammates.

Playing time for Dooling is expected to be limited with guards Jason Terry and Courtney Lee signing free-agent deals.

Another free agent, Mickael Pietrus, is also expected to leave the Celtics in the near future. The team can only offer Pietrus just under $2 million, and he will probably get a better deal elsewhere.

The Celtics have 12 players under guaranteed contracts: Garnett, Paul Pierce, Rondo, Brandon Bass, Avery Bradley, Dooling, Terry, Lee, Jason Collins, first-round picks Jared Sullinger and Fab Melo and second-round pick Kris Joseph.

Jeff Green has agreed to a four-year contract, but that hasnt been finalized.

Dionte Christmas and Jamar Smith, who played for the Celtics in the Orlando and Las Vegas summer leagues, have been invited to camp with partial guarantees.

Courtesy of www.enterprisenews.com


Wizards sign guard A.J. Price - by Eurobasket News

The Washington Wizards signed free agent guard A.J. Price (6'2''-PG-86, college: Connecticut) on Tuesday.

Originally selected by the Pacers in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, Price has career averages of 6.0 points, 2.0 assists and 1.5 rebounds in 150 games over three seasons with Indiana.

"A.J. is an experienced and dependable player who fits in well with the mix of proven veterans and young players we have on our roster," Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld said. "Adding him will help to bring depth to our backcourt rotation."

Price graduated at the University of Connecticut in 2009.

Courteys of www.miamiherald.com


Source: Lakers eye Delonte West - by Eurobasket News

The Los Angeles Lakers have expressed interest in free-agent guard Delonte West (6'4''-G-83, college: St.Joseph's), according to a league source.

West, who turns 29 this week, averaged 9.6 points, 3.2 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game for the Dallas Mavericks last season. He appeared in just 44 games because of a fractured right ring finger and picked up one of the more bizarre fines in league history when he was docked $25,000 for giving Utah's Gordon Hayward a "wet willy."

West shot 46.1 percent from the floor and 35.5 percent on 3-pointers, and the Lakers view him as a versatile player who could back up both Kobe Bryant at shooting guard and Steve Nash at point guard while bringing his outside touch to a team that ranked 25th in the NBA in 3-point accuracy last year (32.6 percent).

The Lakers have had West, a career 37.2 percent 3-point shooter, on their radar ever since hiring Mike Brown as their coach last summer. West played for Brown on the Cleveland Cavaliers from the middle of the 2007-08 season through the end of 2009-10, serving as a key cog on a Cavs team that led the league in wins in consecutive seasons.

While the Lakers still have the mini mid-level exception available to sign an incoming free agent (starting at $3 million a season), general manager Mitch Kupchak told ESPNLosAngeles.com last week that he would be surprised if the team uses it.

That means the Lakers would only be looking to add the lefty combo guard for a one-year veteran's minimum contract, worth approximately $1.3 million for West, who has eight years experience.

West publicly has stated his interest in returning to the Mavs, but seeks a multiyear deal according to ESPNDallas.com's Jeff Caplan.

While there is clear interest from the Lakers' side, West's signing is not considered imminent as L.A. is wary about locking up its remaining open roster spots while a Dwight Howard deal -- that will surely be multi-player or even multi-team when eventually completed -- is still on the table.

Courtesy of ESPN


Sources: Mavs re-sign Delonte West - by Eurobasket News

Free agent guard Delonte West (6'4''-G-83, college: St.Joseph's) and the Dallas Mavericks have reached terms on a new contract, according to sources close to the process.

Although terms were not immediately available, sources told ESPN.com that West will formally sign the new deal Wednesday.

West, who turns 29 this week, averaged 9.6 points, 3.2 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game for the Mavericks last season. He appeared in just 44 games because of a fractured right ring finger and picked up one of the more bizarre fines in league history when he was docked $25,000 for giving Utah's Gordon Hayward a "wet willy."

It was reported earlier Tuesday the Los Angeles Lakers were also interested in West, who shot 46.1 percent from the floor and 35.5 percent on 3-pointers last season for Dallas.

Courtesy of ESPN


Source: Cavs to meet with Miles - by Eurobasket News

The Cavaliers have scheduled a two-day visit with free agent small forward C.J. Miles (6'6''-G-87), a source familiar with the meeting told FOX Sports Ohio late Tuesday.

Miles, 25, is an unrestricted free agent, able to sign with any team and leaving the Jazz without the option to match. He has spent all seven of his NBA seasons in Utah.

The Cavs are said to be far apart in negotiations with Alonzo Gee, who finished this past season as the teams starting small forward. The meeting with Miles may signify that the team is considering other options at the position, the source said.

Gee is a restricted free agent after the Cavs extended him a $2.7 million offer last month. But Gee has received virtually no interest from other teams following a season in which he averaged 10.6 points and 5.1 rebounds in a career-high 63 games (31 starts).

Should Gee sign the Cavs qualifying offer, hell be a free agent again at the end of the 2012-13 season.

Miles is 6-foot-6 and averaged 9.1 points on 38 percent shooting off the Jazzs bench last year. The Jazz selected him out of high school in the second round (No. 34 overall) of the 2005 draft. He is coming off his worst shooting year since his second season, when he shot 34 percent from the field.

Miles best year came in 2010-11, when he averaged career-highs in points (12.8) and rebounds (3.3) while hitting 81 percent of his free throws.

He has gained a reputation as a good ball-handler and strong finisher near the basket, but struggles defensively and shooting from beyond the 3-point arc (31 percent last season).

Second-year big man Jon Leuer has been the Cavs lone pickup in free agency this summer.

Courtesy of www.foxsportsohio.com


Search for the next Trail Blazers coach still in early stages - by Eurobasket News

The Trail Blazers search for a head coach still appears to be in the early stages, as general manager Neil Olshey has yet to inform any candidates that they have reached the second round.

On Tuesday, Warren LeGarie and Steve Kauffman - two agents with the most clients in the Blazers process - said Olshey has yet to reveal his intentions since he interviewed their clients.

Olshey interviewed at least 10 candidates last week in Las Vegas, after which he said he wanted to reach out to more candidates who were involved in Basketball Without Borders before advancing to the second round.

The coaches involved in Basketball Without Borders are Dallas assistant Rolando Blackman, New Orleans assistant James Borrego, and Memphis assistant Lloyd Pierce, but it is unclear which, if any, will be granted an interview.

Olshey has not given a clear job descrition, saying only that he wants a coach who is a teacher, motivator and someone who shares a common vision for where were going.

Were going to find the right guy for our roster and were not going to accelerate (the process) because everybody feels like we have to have a coach today, Olshey said last week in Las Vegas.

The candidates who are known to have interviewed with Olshey are Indiana assistant Brian Shaw; Golden State assistant Michael Malone; Dallas assistant Terry Stotts; Memphis assistant David Joerger; former Orlando assistant Steve Clifford, who is nearing a deal to be an assistant in Chicago; Phoenix assistant Elston Turner; Atlanta assistant Lester Conner; Miami assistant David Fizdale, Chicago assistant Adrian Griffin and former Knicks and Phoenix assistant Phil Weber.

Fizdale pulled out of the running after his interview, saying he wanted to learn more under Miamis heirarchy of Pat Riley, Erik Spoelstra and Ron Rothstein. Longtime San Antonio assistant Mike Budenholzer said he has not been contacted by the Blazers and Oklahoma City assistant Rex Kalamian was rumored to be a candidate, but it is unclear whether he was interviewed. The Thunder this week declined to say whether the Blazers asked, or were granted, permission to interview Kalamian.

Although the bulk of the interviews include NBA assistants, Olshey said in June that he planned to also interview former NBA head coaches. Stotts was a head coach in Atlanta and Milwaukee, and is expected to advance to the second round.

Olshey also offered the job to former Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan, but the legend said the time was not right for him to return. Also, both the Van Gundy brothers - Stan and Jeff - have indicated that they will not return to coaching for at least another year. Former Phoenix and New York coach Mike DAntoni - an assistant with USA Basketball - has not been contacted by the Blazers, according to LeGarie, his agent.

The Blazers have been coached by Kaleb Canales since Nate McMillan was fired in March. Canales, who was given a huge endorsement by Olshey in June, coached the Blazers to a 4-1 record at the Las Vegas Summer League.

Olshey has been tight-lipped throughout the process, speaking in generalities once about the process to a group of media in Las Vegas. He declined to be interviewed on Monday.

Courtesy of www.oregonlive.com


Sixers sign rookies Maurice Harkless and Arnett Moultrie - by Eurobasket News

The Philadelphia 76ers announced today that they have signed rookies Maurice Harkless (6'8''-G/F-93, college: St.John's) and Arnett Moultrie (6'11''-PF-90, college: Mississippi St.). Harkless was the 15th overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft by Philadelphia while Moultrie was the 27th overall pick by Miami. The Sixers acquired the rights to Moultrie from the HEAT in exchange for the draft rights to Justin Hamilton (45th overall pick) and a protected future first round pick.

Harkless (6-8, 208) was an early entry candidate for the draft following his freshman season at St. Johns and turned 19 years old back in May. He was named Big East Rookie of the Year after averaging 15.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks while shooting 45.2% from the floor. Harkless ranked sixth in the nation in scoring among freshman and second in rebounding.

The freshman started all 32 games for the Red Storm last season, scoring in double-figures 26 times, including seven games with 20-plus points. Harkless had a career-high 32 points on 14-of-17 shooting vs. Providence and tallied 30 points and 13 rebounds at Duke. Overall, he recorded 11 double-doubles.

Moultrie (6-11, 249) was an early entry candidate for the draft following his junior season at Mississippi State. He was named First Team All-SEC after averaging 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists this past season while shooting 54.9% from the floor. Moultrie led the conference in rebounding and ranked tied for 10th in the nation.

The 21-year-old averaged 3.7 offensive rebounds this past season, grabbing 6-plus seven times including a career-high 11 vs. Northwestern State. Moultrie recorded 18 double-doubles in 30 games.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com


Brooklyn Nets sign F Tornike Shengelia - by Eurobasket News

The Brooklyn Nets have signed rookie forward Tornike Shengelia (6'10''-F-91).

General manager Billy King announced the signing Tuesday without releasing terms of the deal.

The Nets acquired the 6-foot-10 native of the Republic of Georgia from Philadelphia in exchange for cash considerations. He was selected in the second round (54th overall) of this year's draft.

Shengelia played last season for Belgacom Spirou, averaging 8.9 points and 5.2 rebounds in 20 games in the Belgium League. He averaged 10.2 points and 3.6 rebounds in the recent Orlando Pro Summer League.

Courtesy of www.chron.com


Bulls Turkish centre Omer Asik headed to Rockets - by Eurobasket News

The Houston Rockets have their centre of the immediate future. No, its not Dwight Howard.

The Rockets announced Tuesday that Turkish big man Omer Asik (7'0''-C-86) is headed to Houston after the Chicago Bulls decided not to match their three-year, $25-million offer sheet.

The 7-foot Asik averaged 3.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and one block in 66 games last season. He helped Turkey earn the silver medal at the 2010 FIBA world championship. Turkey didnt qualify for the 2012 OIympics in London.

A defensive presence in the middle, a 7-footer that we havent had for some time, general manager Daryl Morey said.

The Rockets have needed a solid big man since Yao Ming retired last summer, his career derailed by foot injuries. Houston has reportedly been in the mix to land the All-Star Howard, but so far, Orlando seems content to keep him for now.

Asik averaged 14.7 minutes per game last season, playing behind Joakim Noah for the Bulls. Hell be Houstons starter heading into training camp, barring another acquisition, and Morey is confident that he can smoothly make the transition to that role.

Free agency is very hard to find players to add in and have them fit into the overall structure of what were trying to do, Morey said. One way to do it is to find a guy, who hasnt played much, that we really believe in, and then add him to our team. We think hes a 10-plus-a-night rebound guy, one of the best defensive bigs in the league.

Morey concedes that Asik needs to show improvement on the offensive end. Asik is averaging only 2.9 points in his two NBA seasons.

Hes right now, a one-way defensive presence, Morey said. We think thats the most important thing for your 5 man [centre] to be. Obviously, he has upside to his offensive game, because its limited right now.

Asik was a second-round pick by Portland in the 2008 draft, and he was immediately traded to Chicago. He played in Turkey until joining the Bulls before the 2010-11 season. He broke his left fibula in Game 3 of the 2011 Eastern Conference finals against Miami, but recovered in time to play the entire 2011-12 season.

Im really looking forward to working with Omer, Houston coach Kevin McHale said. Ive admired his physical style of play over the past two seasons as hes made the transition to the NBA. In his limited minutes, he has proved himself to be an exceptional defensive post player and we will be working with him to continue his progress. Omer has a great understanding of how to play defence and how to move without the ball and I know he will fit in very well with our needs in the low post.

The acquisition of Asik is the latest in a flurry of moves for Houston this off-season, headlined by the acquisition of Jeremy Lin. The Rockets have missed the playoffs three straight years, and Morey has virtually reconstructed the roster.

Along the way, Morey has drawn the Rockets well under the salary cap as he continues to build toward the major move that could turn Houston into a legitimate contender again. Before last season, Houston wouldve nabbed Pau Gasol before last season in a three-team deal that wouldve sent Luis Scola, Kevin Martin, Goran Dragic and a first-round pick to New Orleans, but commissioner David Stern nixed the deal on behalf of the league-owned Hornets.

Our goal is always to take the next step forward, if we can, Morey said. You dont know when thats going to happen, you dont know when those opportunities will come about. Last year, one of those opportunities we felt came about, and it didnt happen for the various reasons it didnt happen. You cant force it. Youve just got to be prepared and ready and when it happens, make the move.

The Rockets started making moves a few days before the draft, trading Chase Budinger and Samuel Dalembert in separate deals. The initial goal was to collect draft picks and other assets to entice Orlando to consider trading Howard, a six-time All-Star widely regarded as the best centre in the game.

Houston couldnt pull off a deal on draft night, and used their three first round picks on Connecticut guard Jeremy Lamb, Iowa State forward Royce White and Kentucky forward Terrence Jones. Morey opened free agency by getting Asik, a restricted free agent, to agree to the offer sheet.

Dragic, an unrestricted free agent, signed with Phoenix, so Morey turned to Lin, who was in Houstons training camp for two weeks in December before joining the New York Knicks. Houston traded point guard Kyle Lowry, waited for the Knicks to make their decision, then introduced Lin at a packed press conference on the practice court at the Toyota Center.

Houston also decided to waive the popular Scola, using the amnesty clause, and dealt guard Courtney Lee to Boston via a sign-and-trade.

Also Tuesday, the Rockets announced they waived guard ETwaun Moore, who was acquired in the Lee trade to the Celtics.

Courtesy of www.theglobeandmail.com


Wolves ship Ellington to Grizzlies for Cunningham - by Eurobasket News

The Minnesota Timberwolves have acquired forward Dante Cunningham (6'8''-F-87, college: Villanova) from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for guard Wayne Ellington (6'4''-G-87, college: N.Carolina).

Cunningham was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the second round of the 2009 NBA draft. In three seasons, the 6-foot-8 forward has averaged 5.2 points, on 48.5 percent shooting, and 3.3 rebounds in 205 games.

Cunningham started the 2010-11 season with Portland before being traded to the Charlotte Bobcats. He signed with Memphis on Dec. 20, 2011, and averaged 5.2 points, shooting a career-best 51.6 percent from the field last season. The 25-year-old grabbed a career-high 3.8 rebounds per game,

Ellington averaged 6.5 points and 1.9 rebounds in 189 games over three seasons with the Wolves. Minnesota drafted Ellington in the first round of the 2009 NBA draft.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com


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NBLCANADA

Rainmen interviewing for new coach - by Eurobasket News

The Halifax Rainmen hope to have a new head coach in place by the first week of August.

Andre Levingston , the teams president and CEO, confirmed Tuesday that he began interviewing candidates for the vacancy on Monday after receiving official word that Josep Claros won't return for the 2012-13 campaign.

He's optimistic he can find the right match for his club in short order, giving the new bench boss time to settle in before the National Basketball League of Canadas combine and draft in late August.

Ive kept in contact with some pretty good coaches over the years and it wont be hard for me to pick a qualified coach, Levingston said.

Id like to have a coach in place within the next week and a half, at the most two weeks max.

Claros, a native of Barcelona, Spain, led the Rainmen to within one victory of an NBL title in his first and only season in Halifax and became a fan favourite for his passionate and animated coaching style.

But the veteran coach with a sterling international resume has decided to take a season off to spend more time with his family, which includes two young children.

His family returned to Spain after the Rainmen season ended in March, while the 43-year-old went on to a coaching assignment in Mexico.

I understand totally, Levingston said of Claross decision. Hes been away from his family, he has a newborn child, his wife has been in 11 countries in 14 years and he just feels that its time for him to do something for his family.

Hes a great coach. Hes definitely spoiled me with his passion and his drive. The city kind of fell in love with him in one year and its a big loss to our program but we have to move on.

Claros guided the Rainmen to second place and a 23-13 record in the NBLs inaugural season. They extended London to five games in the league final before falling to the veteran Lightning.

Levingston said he has fielded numerous inquiries about the opening since the news began to circulate that Claros wasnt coming back.

Hell be looking for a candidate who shares Claross passion for the game, he said, adding that the new coach will also have to have a knack for developing players and the connections to help Halifaxs recruitment efforts.

Were not looking to take any steps back, Levingston said. Were looking to win it so Im looking for a coach that we feel can get us over the next hump.

Courtesy of http://thechronicleherald.ca


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NCAA1

NC State to play without Brown on tour of Spain - by Eurobasket News

North Carolina State is headed overseas to get a jump start on its most highly anticipated season in quite a while.

And the way coach Mark Gottfried sees it, if the Wolfpack's star point guard can't play during the team's upcoming 10-day trip to Spain, the rest of the team has a great opportunity to learn how to play without him.

Gottfried said Tuesday that he's being "really conservative" with the injured Lorenzo Brown (6'5''-G), who's recovering from knee surgery. Gottfried says Brown is "not anywhere near 100 percent." The guard characterizes himself as between 75 and 80 percent healthy.

"Truthfully, the only objective I have is to have him healthy in October" for the formal start of practice, Gottfried said. "And if he ends up not playing, it helps (freshman guard Tyler Lewis), helps the other players. In other words, if we had to play without Lorenzo, how do we play? There's a question that needs to be answered, so it gives a chance for some of them to do that."

The Wolfpack will play five exhibition games during their tour of Spain, which begins Aug. 5. Brown had been listed as questionable after having surgery last month to repair a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee.

He averaged 12.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 6.3 assists in his first full season at point guard while leading the Atlantic Coast Conference with 1.8 steals per game. Last March, Brown helped N.C. State reach the NCAA tournament's round of 16 for the first time since 2005.

Gottfried says Brown resumed limited practice earlier this week and has been doing dummy drills, light cutting and moving, and shooting - he swished a jumper from just inside the midcourt stripe during the portion of Tuesday's practice that was open to the media.

"We did not put him in any live drills yet, and I'm not sure that we will throughout the trip," Gottfried said. "We'll just wait and see. My initial thought is to be really conservative with him, take our time. And if that means he doesn't play in Spain, that's fine with me. We're just going to see how he feels."

Of course, it's imperative that Brown be healthy by the fall.

N.C. State enters the season as one of the favorites to win the ACC - the Wolfpack's last league title came in 1987 - and is looking to capitalize on the momentum generated by its strong finish to last season.

"It's better than not being talked about at all," forward Scott Wood said. "It's one of those things where it's nice to be talked about and have all those accolades, but at the same time, you've got to handle your business and be there at the end of the year, too."

The trip gives the Wolfpack's key returnees - Wood, big men C.J. Leslie and Richard Howell and, depending on his health, Brown - the chance to figure out how to play with a talented class of incoming freshmen that includes three McDonald's All-Americans: Lewis and forwards Rodney Purvis and T.J. Warren.

"This might be the beauty of us going to Spain. ... Your team has to learn how it needs to play and who needs to do what," Gottfried said. "We'd all like to know that on Oct. 15, but the reality is sometimes as you play games and you go through those first games in November and December, you begin to really learn your team. ... Maybe Spain will help us learn some of those things about our team."

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com


Mississippi State freshman Davis tears ACL, likely out for season - by Eurobasket News

Incoming Mississippi State freshman Jacoby Davis has torn the ACL in his left knee and will likely miss the upcoming season.

The school says the injury occurred during a workout on Monday and an MRI on Tuesday confirmed the injury. Davis is expected to have surgery in August.

The 6-foot-1 guard from Charlotte, N.C., was expected to contribute quickly because of the Bulldogs' lack of backcourt depth.

First-year coach Rick Ray said in a statement that "you always hate to see this happen. But Jacoby is a tough kid and I know he'll bounce back from this injury."

It's another blow for the Bulldogs, who are already trying to replace four starters from last season, including first-round draft pick Arnett Moultrie and Dee Bost, the school's all-time assists leader.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com


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NEW ZEALAND

TED Ankara Kolejliler officially signs Kirk Penney - by Eurobasket News

As expected, TED Ankara Kolejliler officially signed Kirk Penney (196-G-80, agency: Duran International, college: Wisconsin) for 2012/13. Penney played for Fuenlabrada last season. He appeared 28 times in Liga Endesa averaging 14.4 points and 2.2 rebounds. Penney finished as fifth scorer of the competition. In EuroChallenge, he had 12.4 ppg and 1.4 rpg in 14 games.
Kirk Penney played for the New Zealand Breakers in 2010/11 registering 20 ppg, 4 rpg and 2.3 apg for 29 games in Australian NBL. The player was second scorer of the competition. Penney was the scoring champion of NBL Australia in 2009 and 2010. In March of 2010 he joined NBA D-League team Sioux Fall Skyforce collecting 22.7 ppg and 4.4 rpg for 7 games. In the past, Penney played for ALBA Berlin and Zalgiris. Two years ago Kirk Penney was second scorer of the World Championship in Turkey with 24.7 ppg for 6 games (New Zealand NT).


Kevin Smith signs in Australian NBL, joins Sydney Kings - by Eurobasket News

The Sydney Kings have finalised their contracted playing roster for the 2012/13 iiNet NBL Championship Season following the signing of American-born Kevin Smith (196-F-79, college: Lee).

Smith joins the Kings as a local-based player having acquired New Zealand residency during his time playing in the New Zealand NBL where he has had stints with the Bay Hawks, Auckland Pirates and the Harbour Heat.

Smiths signing with the Kings comes off the back of a very productive season with the Harbour Heat where he averaged 16.3 points per game to go with 4.7 rebounds per game. Kevin will be no stranger to Australia having previously played in both the Big V with the Mildura Heat and the SEABL with the Mount Gambier Pioneers.

In his time with the Heat, Smith was named the Conference MVP following a stellar season which saw him lead the in scoring (31ppg) and rebounding (13.9rpg) and lead his team to an undefeated season.

Smith is genuinely excited to wear the purple and gold and he is determined to make the most of the opportunity presented to him by the Kings Head Coach Shane Heal who worked Smith out extensively prior to offering him a contract.

I have been working extremely hard to get such and opportunity and I look forward to making the most of this chance. Sydney has a very proud history and I am delighted to be a part of the program, Smith said.

Kings new Head Coach, Shane Heal was equally excited by his latest acquisition stating that Kevin will add tremendous value to the new look Kings squad.

Kevin will bring plenty of experience to our bench as a back-up small forward. He is very athletic, can hit the mid-range jump shot and will definitely add to our defensive toughness," said Heal. "Kevin is very hungry for this opportunity and I am certainly excited to have him as part of the Kings roster.

Smith will arrive in Sydney in mid-August in time for the start of the Kings Official Pre-Season Training which will commence with a week-long camp in Terrigal.

2012-13 Sydney Kings Roster:
Ben Madgen, Luke Martin, Graeme Dann, Aaron Bruce, James Harvey, Tom Garlepp, Ian Crosswhite, Kevin Smith, Darnell Lazare and Corin Henry.

Courtesy of NBL Australia


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NIGERIA

DStv PBL Standings DStv PBL Stage Two Standings Group A  1. D.Warriors 3-0   2. Islanders 2-1   3. Kada Stars 1-2   4. Yelwa Hawks 0-3  Group B  1. Kano Pillars 3-0   2. Royal Hoopers 2-1   3. Niger Potters 1-2   4. Police Baton 0-3  Places 9-16  1. Comets 5-8   2. Union Bank 4-9   3. Immigration 4-9   4. Bauchi Nets 4-9   5. Customs 4-9   6. Rockets 3-10   7. Defenders 3-10   8. Chariots 1-12  Stage One Standings Play-Offs: Round 3 A Jul. 25: D.Warriors - Yelwa Hawks 81-57 Jul. 25: Kada Stars - Islanders 66-69 B Jul. 25: Police Baton - Niger Potters 72-75 Jul. 25: Kano Pillars - Royal Hoopers 54-53 Semi-Finals: Round 4 Jul. 27: D.Warriors - Royal Hoopers Jul. 27: Kano Pillars - Islanders

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PHILIPPINES

2012 PBA Governors Cup Finals Game 2: Yaps Big Shot and Lees Big Injury - by Enzo Flojo

B-MEG LLAMADOS over RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO-PAINTERS, 85-80

Big Game James showed up when the Llamados needed him, burying an immaculate turnaround J over Jeff Chan to cement B-Megs Game 2 victory, 82-78 with about 20 ticks to go. That was the shot that made this PBA Finals series a best-of-five affair, but the real game-changer, perhaps even the series-changer, happened about 2 minutes earlier when Rain or Shine rookie Paul Lee reinjured his left shoulder.

With less than 2-and-a-half minutes to go in the game, Lee went for the steal and swiped the basketball being held by PJ Simon. Instead of Lee getting the ball, however, he went down writhing in pain, clutching his left shoulder, which was already enclosed in a sling.

Lee was eventually carried out on a stretcher in the dying seconds of the match, a little after Yaps big shot. From the looks of it, the prospects of Lee returning to play in the series look bleak, but it all still really depends on how severe the injury is.

Game Report:

Stunned in Game One, B-MEG came out better prepared and made key adjustments, negating Rain or Shines physical game and pulling off a gripping 85-80 win in Game Two of their PBA Governors Cup best-of-seven finals series at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

James Yap hit a big, fall away jumper that broke the backs of the rallying Elasto Painters and enabled the Llamados to tie the series at 1-all.

Big Game James turned out to be a Big Shot James, said B-MEG coach Tim Cone.

Yap finished with 24 points and got plenty of help this time from import Marqus Blakely, who finished with 26 points and 16 rebounds as the Llamados bounced back strong, grabbing 19 more rebounds than their rivals (58-39).

We outrebounded tonight and we were fortunate they shot only 52% from the field. We were looking for whatever advantage we can get to equalize the series, but the coaching staff did a great job coming up with plans and preparing us for Game 2, added Cone.

Peter June Simon also played a valuable game Wednesday, finishing with 16 points and six rebounds to make up for his sub-par showing in Game 1.

Jamelle Cornley led Rain or Shine with 18 points and 14 rebounds followed by Jeff Chan, who contributed 12 points.

Paul Lee chipped in 11 points and seven assists before leaving the game the game because of an aggravated shoulder injury.

Lee grimaced in pain in one crucial play after trying to steal the ball from Simon. He went down and stayed on the floor for a few seconds before he was carried off by his teammates. He stayed on the bench while his shoulder was treated, and a stretcher was later called to help carry Lee to an ambulance headed for Cardinal Santos Hospital.

BML 85- Blakely 26, Yap 24, Simon 16, Barroca 8, De Ocampo 6, Villanueva 2, Pingris 2, Reavis 1, Urbiztondo 0.
ROS 80- Cornley 18, Chan 12, Lee 11, Cruz 10, Norwood 9, Buenafe 7, Ibanes 7, Belga 4, Arana 2, Tang 0, Quinahan 0.
QS: 21-26, 44-41, 65-60, 85-80.

Source: Unless otherwise specified, game recaps were compressed and compiled from InterAKTV. (Writing credit to Rey Joble.)


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POLAND

4 new players in Siden Torun - by Maciej Paszyn

After employing the new coach and lengthening of contracts in last week with three top players from the previous season, Polski Cukier SIDEn Torun effected next reinforcements to their roster. From KS Start Gdynia (team which won 1 Liga in last season) club from Torun strengthened two players: Piotr Smigielski (190-G-89) and Adam Lisewski (206-F/C-80). Especially employing Smigielski can turn out to be the big reinforcement for the team. This combo-guard was a starter who gave 12,8 points and 6 assists on average in the last season for Start.
Marcin Kowalewski (200-PF-86)i became third new player in Siden roster. This post-up player was one of the best power forwards in all polish 2 Liga and should give to Torun lot of points from the paint in each game.
Last reinforcement is a huge riddle at this moment. Slawomir Sikora (193-G/F-86, agency: Promotex) was regarded as big basketball talent, but after the season spent on the deep Asseco Prokom bench his sport form is the great unknown. Contract with Torun is a perfect opportunity for rebuilding Sikoras position on the basketball market.

In the foreseeable future 3-4 new players should still reinforce the Siden roster.



Poland wins over Bulgaria at the European Basketball Tour Day 2 opener - by Eurobasket News

Bulgaria-Poland 69:75

Poland wins over Bulgaria at the European Basketball Tour Day 2 opener. The team overcame the hosts 75:69 for 1-1 record. Bulgaria meanwhile fell at 0-2 record.
Poland started with 19:16 and increased the lead at the end of the half. The board showed 39:30 for the Polish side that also won the second frame. Bulgaria started to play better in the start of the second half and won the third period to reduce to 57:53 after thirty minutes. Poland needed the final push in the last stanza to seal a 6-point victory.
Marcin Gortat (213-C-84) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Michal Ignerski (207-F-80, agency: Stanley International, college: Mississippi St.) netted 14. Lukasz Koszarek (187-G-84) poured in 11, while Przemyslaw Zamojski (194-SG-86, agency: Alti Sport, college: Independence CC) added 10. Hristo Nikolov (200-F-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza) ended up with 16 points in the losing effort and Nikolay Varbanov (209-C-85, agency: Interperformances) scored 15. Cedric Simmons (206-F/C-86, college: N.Carolina St.) and Chavdar Kostov (196-G-88, agency: Interperformances) delivered 7 points each in defeat.

Bulgaria: Hristo Nikolov 16, Nikolay Varbanov 15, Cedric Simmons 7, Chavdar Kostov 7
Poland: Marcin Gortat 18, Michal Ignerski 14, Lukasz Koszarek 11, Przemyslaw Zamojski 10


U16 European Championship: Serbia put Poland on verge of elimination - by Eurobasket News

Serbia U16 - Poland U16 70:62

Serbia celebrated the third straight win at the second round of U16 European Championship. They overcame Poland to clinch the top position in Group F. Nikola Pavlovic (199-PF-96) scored 15 points to lead the charge. Poland in the meantime appeared on the brink of elimination from the title race. They now hope for Germany to beat France to advance into quarterfinals.
Poland got to the better start. They built a 16:12 lead ten minutes into the game. The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter. The scoreboard read 32:28 in favour of Poland at halftime. Serbia denied the deficit in the third quarter. The Balkan team entered the fourth frame tied at 47 with Poland. Serbia increased the tempo in the fourth quarter. They dropped 23 points and sealed the victory at the end. Vukan Stojanovic (192-SG-96) accounted for 14 points, while Ivan Daskalovic (199-SG-96) added 12 points for Serbia. Grzegorz Kulka (192-PF-96) answered with 13 points and 10 rebounds for Poland. Filip Pruefer (208-C-96) had 13 points in the loss.

Serbia U16: Nikola Pavlovic 15, Vukan Stojanovic 14, Ivan Daskalovic 12
Poland U16: Grzegorz Kulka 13+10 boards, Filip Pruefer 13


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PORTUGAL

U16 European Championship: Bosnia and Herzegovina tied all records in Group F - by Eurobasket News

Bosnia and Herzegovina U16- Portugal U16 69:52

Bosnia and Herzegovina tied all records in Group F after a comfortable victory over Portugal. Four teams are with 1-1 records in the group after Bosnia produced a 69:52 win.
Portugal seemed to have a better start and reached 16:14 after the first period. They also scored the same number of points in the second frame, but it was not enough to win the quarter. Bosnia replied with 17-16 and reduced to 1 point at the halftime. The second half however belonged to the Bosnian side. They won the third period 14-7 and added 24-13 in the last stanza.
Aleksandar Lazic (198-SG-96) led the way with 15 points and 16 rebounds, while Ivo Garic (192-PG-96) and Faris Smajlovic (199-F/C-96) nailed 11 points each. Sandro Gacic (196-SG-96) followed them with 9 points in a win. Diogo Araujo (189-SG-97) poured in 15 points in the losing effort. Francisco Amiel (186-PG-96) netted 12 and Sergio Brito (190-PG-97) delivered 10.

Bosnia and Herzegovina U16: Aleksandar Lazic 15+16 rebs, Ivo Garic 11, Faris Smajlovic 11, Sandro Gacic 9
Portugal U16: Diogo Araujo 15, Francisco Amiel 12, Sergio Brito 10


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PUERTO RICO

BSN considers expanding to twelve teams: - by Luis Modestti

BSN announced that they are considering expanding the league to twelve teams. Last season the league played with eight franchises for the first time since 1968 and they look to increase the field for the 2013 season.

The expansion could happen if they re-activate four franchises that were successful at some point but decided not play like Ponce, Santurce, Coamo and Carolina.

A committee was named to study each case and make a recommendation to the board of directors later this month. All franchises must declare if they are going to play for the 2013 season by July 31.

Each case is unique, for example Santurce doesnt have a place they can call home. Ponce has owners that are not willing to sell at a reasonable price while Coamo and Carolina suffered financial problems.

The league is evaluating making a draft for those franchises that are willing to come back. Active teams could submit a list of seven reserves and the rest go into a draft pool for those who are coming back. All of this has to be approved by the board.

Last season suffered record lows in attendance, failing to reach the 500,000 fan mark for the first time in many years. One of the few positive stories was Mayaguez who won the title despite being a small market team.


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ROMANIA

BC Timisoara inks PF/C Delvon Johnson - by Chris Terrell

Sources have confirmed BC Timisoara has acquired Delvon Johnson (206-F/C-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: Arkansas) for the 2012-2013 season. In 41 games for Uppsala in the Swedish league last season Johnson had averages of 14.0ppg, 10.2rpg, 1.5bpg, and shot 56.2% from the field. In doing so, Johnson led Sweden-Basketligan in rebounding and was 2nd overall in blocked shots. Johnson, who was all-SEC Defensive Team in 2011 at the University of Arkansas, and a Portsmouth Pre-Draft participant, will be counted on give the club a dominating inside pressence on both ends of the floor.


U16 European Championship: Romania complete Day 6 with the win over Switzerland - by Eurobasket News

Romania U16-Switzerland U16 90:68

Romania complete Day 6 with the win over Switzerland at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The hosts of the tournament overcame the Swiss side 90:68 in the last game of the day. Switzerland started with 22-11 but could not win the game. Romanian erupted with 30-10 in the second frame and never looked behind. They added 19-13 in the second frame and finished the game with 30-23 in the last stanza. Marius Ciotlaus (194-SF-96) top-scored for the winners with 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Caius-Gabriel Covrig (179-PG-96) added 19 points and 12 boards. Tanasie scored 15 and Cate had 11 points and 10 boards. Mattia Cafisi (181-PG-97) replied with 25 points in the losing effort, while Anthony Polite (190-SF-97) and Mandic had 15 each. Fragniere added 6 points in a loss. looked behind. They added 19-13 in the second frame and finished the game with 30-23 in the last stanza.


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RUSSIA

U16 European Championship: Russia claim third win in a row in Group G - by Eurobasket News

Russia U16 - England U16 68:57

Russia accounted for the third straight win at the classification round Group G of U16 European Championship. They denied England to remain on top of the ladder. Alexander Gavrilov (192-PG-96) scored 14 points to lead the winners. England fell at 1-2 record after the loss.
England led by as many as 8 points at the first intermission 23:16. Russia slowed their opponents down in the second frame. They cut the deficit to 4-point mark at halftime 33:29. Russia went on a decisive rally in the third quarter. They exploded with a 27:10 surge to clear off. Russia entered the fourth frame leading by 13 points and never allowed England closer than 9 points throughout the fourth frame. Ilya Karpenkov (200-C-97) posted 13 points, while Maxim Morozov (202-PF-96) contributed 12 points and 13 boards for the winners. Joe Mvuezolo (193-SF-96) answered with 11 points for England. Jules Akodo (G-96) had 10 points in the loss.

Russia U16: Alexander Gavrilov 14, Ilya Karpenkov 13, Maxim Morozov 12+13 boards
England U16: Joe Mvuezolo 11, Jules Akodo 10


Nets target Kirilenko will return to NBA this season - by Eurobasket News

According to CSKA Moscow president Andrey Vatutin, Andrei Kirilenko (6'9''-F-81) will be returning to the NBA next season.

The only question now is where he will play.

In an interview with Russian newspaper Sport-Express, Vatutin says that the team has been in constant contact with Kirilenko since CSKA was upset in the Euroleague Final against Panathinaikos in Istanbul a game that Deron Williams, Nets general manager Billy King and Russian billionaire owner Mikhail Prokhorov all attended.

"Over the past year, thanks to the player, interest in Russia to our sport has grown," Vatutin said, according to a Google translation of the article. "Andrew gave us a lot both on the court and outside it. This was a true professional."

But Vatutin went on to say that Kirilenko's priority is to sign with an NBA team in the foreseeable future. Vatutin said that he has "an assumption" about where Kirilenko will end up, but that it's his choice.

The Nets have long been linked to Kirilenko, thanks to his friendship with Prokhorov, who he endorsed in the billionaire's failed presidential bid earlier this year, and from his several years playing alongside Williams in Utah. But Kirilenko would have to accept the minimum salary to play for the Nets this season, as players who didn't play in the NBA last year are ineligible to be signed-and-traded despite the fact that Utah holds his Bird rights. And after Kirilenko averaged 14.1 points and 7.5 rebounds in 17 Euroleague games for CSKA, it seems unlikely he'd lack interest from NBA teams.

A source told The Post Saturday that it's unlikely that Kirilenko will wind up with the Nets, thanks in large part to their ability to offer only the minimum.

Golden State has also been rumored to have interest in him, and has the ability to offer him the mid-level exception.

Courtesy of www.nypost.com


Wolves now might deal Johnson to get Kirilenko - by Eurobasket News

The Timberwolves are targeting former NBA All-Star Andrei Kirilenko (6'9''-F-81) and are willing to pay the free-agent small forward as much as $9 million per season for at least the next two seasons, league sources said Tuesday.

To clear enough cap space to do so, they reportedly plan to trade small forward Wes Johnson, their No. 4 overall pick in the 2010 draft.

Yahoo!Sports reported Tuesday that the Wolves were nearing agreement on a three-way trade with Phoenix and New Orleans that would send Johnson and a future No. 1 pick to the Suns in a deal that would shed Johnson's $4.3 million salary and clear space on the Wolves' salary-cap books.

Also on Tuesday, the Wolves officially announced a trade struck days ago with Memphis that sends shooting guard Wayne Ellington and brings forward Dante Cunningham back in return.

Kirilenko, 31, is a small forward who would address many of the same needs the Wolves sought when they signed restricted free agent Nicolas Batum to a $45 million offer sheet that Portland matched last week.

He plays the same position -- one which Wolves coach Rick Adelman appears intent on upgrading -- and would give the team the kind of accomplished defender they lack.

Batum is eight years younger, but Kirilenko is a 10-year NBA veteran who played last season in his native Russia for CSKA Moscow, where he was named Euroleague MVP. He will play for Russia in the London Olympics that begin Friday.

Kirilenko on Tuesday told Russian news agency R-Sport that he will return to the NBA next season after he returned to Russia to play last season when NBA owners locked out players in a labor dispute.

"Which club in particular, we'll know in a day or two," Kirilenko said.

"After such a strong season with CSKA, I understand that I can still play at a high level. I'm 31, but I can still play and still want to play."

Kirilenko is under contract with his Moscow team through 2014, but his agent, Marc Fleisher, said he has a "small" buyout that will enable him to come to the NBA now if he chooses to terminate his contract.

The state-owned RIA Novosti news agency also reported that Kirilenko's CSKA team is already making plans to find his replacement.

Kirilenko played all 10 of his NBA seasons with the Utah Jazz, which selected him 24th overall in the 1999 draft and paid him $17 million a season at the end of his last NBA contract.

He played 82, 80 and 78 games his first three NBA seasons, but never played more than 72 games in a season after that. He played 67, 58 and 64 in his last three seasons there.

It could take a two-year, $18 million contract with a player option for a third year for the Wolves to sign Kirilenko.

Coincidentally, the Wolves could announce the first of their free-agent signings as early as Wednesday, and that would be Russian guard Alexey Shved, a teammate of Kirilenko's with CSKA Moscow and the Russian national team.

If the Wolves trade Johnson, president of basketball operations Kahn now would have dealt away five first-round draft picks in two years -- No. 6 Jonny Flynn, No. 18 that eventually became Martell Webster and No. 28 Ellington, No. 4 Johnson and No. 23 in 2010 that became Lazar Hayward.

The trade of Ellington for Cunningham helps balance the roster of a team that has agreed to contract terms with guards Shved and Brandon Roy while losing forwards Michael Beasley and Anthony Randolph from last year's team. Tuesday's trade was done on the same day free agent Ronnie Brewer -- a player whom the Wolves had pursued as a free agent -- agreed to a one-year deal with New York.

Cunningham, selected 33rd overall by Portland in 2009, is capable of playing both forward positions. He was signed by Memphis as a free agent before last season.

Ellington, meanwhile, would have struggled to find playing time with a Wolves team that has agreed to terms with guards Shved and Brandon Roy in free agency.

Staff writer Kent Youngblood contributed to this report.

Courtesy of www.startribune.com


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SAN MARINO

U16 European Championship: San Marino sneak past Wales - by Eurobasket News

San Marino U16 - Wales U16 55:54

San Marino celebrated the second consecutive win at the U16 European Championship in Division C. They snatched a tough victory over Wales to climb at 2-0 record in Group A. Giannotti delivered 18 points to lead San Marino. Wales fell at 0-2 record after the defeat.
San Marino and Wales traded baskets throughout the opening quarter. The British team pulled ahead in the second frame. They held San Marino to 7 points and eked out a 30:25 halftime advantage. Wales stretched the margin in the third quarter. They entered the fourth frame up by 8 points 46:38. But San Marino went on an 8:0 run at the start of the fourth quarter to knot things up. Soon San Marino pulled ahead and grabbed a 54:50 advantage. Wales cut the deficit but Barrena hit a free throw and sealed the win for San Marino. Biordi delivered 17 points for the winners. Easter responded with 18 points for Wales. Goulbourne banked 11 points in the loss.

San Marino U16: Luca Giannotti 18, Igor Biordi 17+10 boards, Lucas Barrena 7
Wales U16: Conor Easter 18, Goulbourne 11


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SCOTLAND

U16 European Championship: Scotland edge Andorra in Gibraltar - by Eurobasket News

Scotland U16-Andorra U16 75:34

Scotland edge Andorra in Gibraltar at the U16 European Championship in Division C. The team started the campaign with the confident 75:34 win.
Scotland grabbed 18:6 after the first period and never looked behind in the game. They added massive 17-3 in the second frame and enjoyed 35:9 at the halftime. Moreover Scotland both quarters of the second half. They celebrated a 22-11 victory in the third quarter and added 18-14 in the lasts stanza. Stott and Marin Munne were the last players to score for their teams.
McAdam top-scored for the winners with 11 points, while Winning and McKay added 10 each. Malcolm and MacArthur followed them with 8 points apiece. Comellas Saenz and Gomez Prieto delivered 6 points each in the losing effort.

Scotland U16: McAdam 11, Winning 10, McKay 10 Malcolm 8, MacArthur 8
Andorra U16: Comellas Saenz 6, Gomez Prieto 6


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SEBL

Marietta Fastbreak Barely Sneaks By - by Marcus Tate

Fastbreak beats Skyline at the buzzard in a late Tuesday night game. 2-5 Skyline takes off with the lead early in the first quarter led by 6'8 Kevin McConnell who goes four for four in the paint. While Fastbreak was undersized, they put on a show from the perimeter. Guard Jimmy Howard contributed 12 points in the first quarter in which 9 points were 3-pointers. Skyline dominated the second quarter holding #1 Fastbreak to only 12 points. At half, Fastbreak only led by 3 points which is the closet game theyve seen in SEBL history. Veteran Coach Darius Pettigrew knew he had to go to the drawing board or else his undefeated team would see their first loss of the season. Surprisingly, Fastbreak was able to hold Kevin McConnell to zero points in the third which gave them a six point lead going into the 4th quarter. Again, the game turns around in favor of Skyline. Captain Jeff Croft finds his rhythm and nails 2 key 3 pointers putting his team up by 5 with only 2 minutes remaining. The game continues to slip out of Fastbreaks hands until PG Tay Barber drains a 3 pointer followed by a time out by Coach Pettigrew. Skyline makes an attempt to inbound the ball but turns it over and Bryant Dunn (6'6''-F-86, college: Life) is fouled for 2 shots at the line. Dunn makes one of the two free throws which put them within 1 point. Again, Skyline turns the ball over and Fastbreak calls a quick time out. With only 5 seconds remaining, Antonio Reese rubs off a screen at half court, immediately attacks the goal and locates Bryant Dunn who aggressively dunks the ball at the buzzard. Fastbreak runs away with the win. 65-64. Jimmy Howard is leading scorer with 25 points.


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SERBIA

U16 European Championship: Serbia put Poland on verge of elimination - by Eurobasket News

Serbia U16 - Poland U16 70:62

Serbia celebrated the third straight win at the second round of U16 European Championship. They overcame Poland to clinch the top position in Group F. Nikola Pavlovic (199-PF-96) scored 15 points to lead the charge. Poland in the meantime appeared on the brink of elimination from the title race. They now hope for Germany to beat France to advance into quarterfinals.
Poland got to the better start. They built a 16:12 lead ten minutes into the game. The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter. The scoreboard read 32:28 in favour of Poland at halftime. Serbia denied the deficit in the third quarter. The Balkan team entered the fourth frame tied at 47 with Poland. Serbia increased the tempo in the fourth quarter. They dropped 23 points and sealed the victory at the end. Vukan Stojanovic (192-SG-96) accounted for 14 points, while Ivan Daskalovic (199-SG-96) added 12 points for Serbia. Grzegorz Kulka (192-PF-96) answered with 13 points and 10 rebounds for Poland. Filip Pruefer (208-C-96) had 13 points in the loss.

Serbia U16: Nikola Pavlovic 15, Vukan Stojanovic 14, Ivan Daskalovic 12
Poland U16: Grzegorz Kulka 13+10 boards, Filip Pruefer 13


Milivoje Lazic new coach of Crvena zvezda Diva - by Ivan Milenkovic

Svetislav Pesic (agency: Interperformances) and Crvena zvezda Beograd Diva terminated their contract after only one season. New coach of "red and whites" will be Milivoje Lazic, who didn't work as head coach in his career. He was assistant coach to Svetislav Pesic in Crvena zvezda last season, to Dusko Vujosevic and Vlade Jovanovic in Partizan for two seasons and previously in FMP Zeleznik. One of his assistant coaches in Crvena zvezda Diva will be Milan Gurovic, former star player of this team.
This is certainly big blow for Crvena zvezda Beograd as they lost one of the best coaches in Europe. It will be difficult for inexperienced Milivoje Lazic to achieve good results with limited budget.


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SLOVAKIA

U16 European Championship: Luxembourg and Slovak Republic opened Day 6 - by Eurobasket News

Luxembourg U16- Slovak Republic U16 99:70

Luxembourg and Slovak Republic opened Day 6 at the U16 European Championship in Division B. Luxembourg managed to beat the opponent 99:70 at the Classification Round for 17th to 21st Place.
Slovak Republic started the game with 18-14, but failed at the rest of the half. Luxembourg erupted with 30-14 in the second frame and Bill Fischer (195-C-96) closed the half at 44:32. Moreover Luxembourg added 27-16 in the third period for 23-point lead at the end of thirty minutes. Another 28-22 in the last stanza brought them an easy win over the opponent.
Oliver Vujakovic (192-F-96) paced all the winners with 24 points and Bill Fischer netted 20. Timothy Kauffmann (191-F-96) delivered 17, while Tom Kapgen (173-PG-96) notched 15. Norbert Janicek (206-C-96) collected 17 points and 10 rebounds, whilst Jakub Meress (200-PF-96) added 15. Robert Rozanek (180-PG-96) posted 12 and Jozef Senohradsky (190-G-96) as well as Marek Masiar (183-F-96) added 8 points each.

Luxembourg U16: Oliver Vujakovic 24, Bill Fischer 20, Timothy Kauffmann 17, Tom Kapgen 15
Slovak Republic U16: Norbert Janicek 17+10 rebs, Jakub Meress 15, Robert Rozanek 12, Jozef Senohradsky 8, Marek Masiar 8


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SLOVENIA

Standings - 1A Telemach League Standings  1. Elektra 0-0   2. Geoplin Slovan 0-0   3. Grosuplje 0-0   4. Helios 0-0   5. Krka 0-0   6. LTHcast Mercator 0-0   7. Maribor Messer 0-0   8. Parklji 0-0   9. Polzela 0-0   10. Rogaska 0-0   11. Sentjur 0-0   12. Union Olimpija 0-0   13. Zlatorog 0-0

1B Stats Leaders 2SKL Standings  1. Branik 0-0   2. Crnomelj 0-0   3. Hrastnik 0-0   4. Koper 0-0   5. Krka II 0-0   6. Lastovka 0-0   7. Litija 0-0   8. Postojna 0-0   9. Radenska 0-0   10. Sencur CP 0-0   11. Splosna plovba 0-0   12. Terme Olimia 0-0   13. Triglav Strazisce 0-0

Standings - D2 3SKL Standings East  1. Bistrica 0-0   2. Calcit Kamnik 0-0   3. Celjski V. 0-0   4. Fenomeni 0-0   5. Hram Gorjan 0-0   6. Jance Prit 0-0   7. Konjice 0-0   8. Nazarje 0-0   9. Podbocje 0-0   10. Posavje Krsko 0-0   11. Slovenj Gradec 0-0   12. Vrani Vransko 0-0  West  1. Ajdovscina 0-0   2. Globus 0-0   3. Ivancna Gorica 0-0   4. Javor Pivka 0-0   5. Jesenice 0-0   6. Jezica 0-0   7. Logatec 0-0   8. Medvode 0-0   9. Pingvini S. 0-0   10. Plama Pur 0-0   11. Sezna 0-0   12. Tolmin 0-0

Maribor inks Maric, Bilic and Nuhanovic joins Levice - by Zeljko Zule

Maribor has begun building its roster for next season by announcing today the addition of Croatian shooter Igor Maric (196-F-85) on an one-year contract. Maric arrives from Sentjur, for whom he put up 13.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1,0 assists and 1.3 steals in 32 minutes per game last season.
Slovakian side Levice announced the signing of Slovenian duo Salih Nuhanovic (209-C-82) and Sinisa Bilic (201-F-89) for the upcoming season. Nuhanovic comes from Elektra and averaged 11,0 points, 6,9 rebounds, 1,3 assists and 1,4 blocks in 27 Telemach League games last season. Bilic comes from Slovakian runner-up Komarno, for whom he poured in 12,7 points, 4,3 rebounds and 1,9 assists per game.


U16 European Championship: Czech Republic prevail against Slovenia - by Eurobasket News

Czech Republic U16 - Slovenia U16 79:66

Czech Republic finally tasted victory at the U16 European Championship in Latvia and Lithuania. They held off Slovenian counterparts to improve at 1-2 record in classification round Group G. Matej Svoboda (200-PF-96) topscored with 23 points to lead the charge.
Czech Republic stunned their opponents early in the game. They outgunned Slovenia 25:9 in the first stanza. The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter as the Czech team managed to secure a 16-point lead at halftime 41:25. Czech Republic boosted the gap in the third term. They arrived at the final intermission up by 19 points and never looked back en route to the win. David Skranc (196-C-96) contributed 19 points and 13 boards, while Simon Pursl (200-C-97) netted 10 points in the victory. Domen Janc (185-PG-96) answered with 16 points for Slovenia. Nejc Zupan (203-PG-96) and Grega Sajevic (183-SG-96) notched 12 points each in the loss.

Czech Republic U16: Matej Svoboda 23, David Skranc 19+13 boards, Simon Pursl 10
Slovenia U16: Domen Janc 16, Nejc Zupan 12, Grega Sajevic 12


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SPAIN

Dominic Calegari joins CE CIP Lleida Basquetbol - by Eurobasket Center

CE CIP Lleida Basquetbol (LEB Gold) agreed terms with 25-year old Italian-American power forward Dominic Calegari (208-F/C-87, college: Cal-Davis). Calegari played most recently at Erie Bay Hawks (D-League) in the U.S. While playing 11 games for Erie Bay H. last season he recorded 4.0ppg and 2.3rpg. He is a very experienced player. Calegari played also pro basketball in Poland, Ukraine and Venezuela. He graduated University of California - Davis in 2010 and it will be his third season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


U16 European Championship: Italy pile up scalps - by Eurobasket News

Italy U16 - Spain U16 74:62

Italy continued their unbeaten run at the U16 European Championship. They knocked down Spain to gain the sixth straight win. Italy won Group E and qualified into quarterfinals with a perfect record. Daniel Donzelli (199-SG-96) and Flaccardori came up with 17 points each to lead the Azzurri. Spain fell at 2-3 record and occupied the fourth position in Group E.
Italy eked out a narrow 15:13 lead ten minutes into the game. They stretched the lead to as many as 4 points at halftime 27:23. Italy took over in the third quarter. They dominated in the period extending their lead to 17 points 52:35. Spain unloaded 27 points in the fourth term but managed just cut the deficit at the end. Pierfrancesco Oliva (200-SF-96) accounted for 16 points and 9 rebounds for Italy. Marc Garcia (194-F-96) answered with 14 points for Spain. Francisco Alonso (188-G-96) netted 10 points in the loss.

Italy U16: Daniel Donzelli 17, Diego Flaccadori (184-PG-96) 17, Pierfrancesco Oliva 16
Spain U16: Marc Garcia 14, Francisco Alonso 10


Lobe Huesca land Deividas Pukis - by Eurobasket News

Lobe Huesca bolstered their backcourt. They added Deividas Pukis (193-G/F-92) to the squad. The Lithuanian guard signed a three-year contract with the team. Deividas Pukis spent the last season in Lithuania. He played for Sakalai Vilnius. Deividas Pukis tallied 5.1 points and 1.7 rebounds per game in LKL. In Baltic League the guard delivered 4.7 points, 2.5 boards and 1.0 steal per appearance. Devidas Pukis played for U16, U18, U19 and U20 Lithuania National Teams. He helped Lithuania to the Gold medals at the 2012 U20 European Championship in Slovenia last week. Deividas Pukis notched 1.6 points and 1.4 rebounds per appearance at the tournament.


Sarunas Jasikevicius comes back to Barcelona - by Eurobasket News

Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) comes back to Barcelona for the upcoming season. The Lithuanian PG returns to the Spanish team.
Sarunas Jasikevicius played in Barcelona in 2000-2003 seasons and is now back to the roster.
The last few years he played for PAO. Sarunas Jasikevicius joined the Greens in September of 2007 from the Golden State Warriors. He helped PAO to win the Euroleague title in 2009 averaging 9.4 points, 1.4 rebounds and 3 assists for 18 games. Everybody remembers his amazing Final Four performance that year. Saras also helped PAO to win three championship titles in Greece and two National Cups. Last season he had 5.2 ppg, 1.3 rpg and 2.5 apg for six Euroleague games. In Greek league, Saras added 8 ppg and 2.5 rpg. Before PAO, he played for the Indiana Pacers and Golden State Warriors. From 2003 to 2005 Saras was a member of Maccabi Tel-Aviv pacing them to Euroleague titles in both seasons. In 2003 he won another Euroleague crown, this time with Barcelona. In 2001 he helped Barca to win the Spanish title. With the Lithuanian National Team Saras also made great results. The most important one is the Gold medal at 2003 EuroBasket in Sweden.


Sergio Rodriguez remains with Real Madrid - by Eurobasket News

Sergio Rodriguez (191-G-86) remains with Real Madrid for the upcoming season. The Spanish Guard will stay with Real Madrid for the next season.
The point guard joined Real in 2010 from the New York Knicks and he has very important role in the team. Rodriguez averages 6.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.9 rebounds in 43 games. In Euroleague, the point guard had 7.4 ppg, 5.4 apg and 1.5 rpg for 16 games.
Sergio Rodriguez started the earlier season in the Sacramento Kings. He tallied 6.1 points, 3.1 assists and 1.3 rebounds per game. In February Sergio Rodriguez moved to the New York Knicks. The Spaniard appeared in 27 games for New York notching 7.4 points, 3.4 assists and 1.4 rebounds. Sergio Rodriguez moved to the NBA back in 2006. Previously he played for Cuidad de Huelva and Estudiantes.


Regal Barca locks young Alejandro Abrines until 2016 - by Eurobasket News

Regal Barcelona announced signing of Alejandro Abrines (198-F-93) to a 4-year deal. It means that the Spanish prospect will stay with Liga Endesa reigning champions until the end of 2015/16 season. He arrives from Unicaja Malaga, where he had 4.8 ppg and 1.6 rpg for 18 games in Liga Endesa. Abrines also played 16 games for Clinicas Rincon adding 13.4 ppg and 2.9 rpg for 16 games in LEB Gold. In 2010/11, Abrines played for Clinicas Rincon and Unicaja II.
A year ago Alejandro Abrines was MVP of U18 Spanish championship averaging 17.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He also was MVP of U18 EuroBasket in Wroclaw. Abrines led his U18 Spain to gold medal with 13.1 ppg and 4.8 rpg for 9 games. This summer he played for U20 Spain at U20 EuroBasket in Slovenia. There he registered 10.5 pg and 3.8 rpg for 6 games.


Caja Laboral keeps C Unai Calbarro for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

Caja Laboral announced signing of a 1-year contract extension with center Unai Calbarro. He arrived to the club last summer, but appeared just in one official game. Before Caja Laboral, Callbarro spent five years with Adreilu Santurtzi. In 2010/11 he had 4.2 ppg and 3.6 rpg in 24 games. The team competed in LEB Gold.


Pau-Orthez signs Spanish PG Ignacio Ordin - by Eurobasket News

Ignacio Ordin (183-PG-78) will play his first year out of Spain. The experienced point guard signed a deal with the French squad Pau-Orthez. He arrives to the club from Alicante, where he finished last season. Ordin joined them in May and played two games for rest of the 2011/12 Liga Endesa season. Before Alicante, he had 12.7 ppg, 2.7 ap and 2.1 rpg for 32 LEB Gold games with Sant Josep Giron. Ordin played for Girona also in 2010/11 averaging 12.1 points, 2.6 assists and 2.3 rebounds. From 2007 to 2010, Ignacio Ordin was a member of Leche Rio Breogan Lugo. He had 9 ppg, 2.7 apg and 2 rpg for 33 LEB Gold games in their last season together. In 2006/07, Ordin played for Buresa registering 8.6 ppg and 1.8 apg in 34 ACB league games. Before that, he spent five years with Granada and three with Leon. Pau-Orthez need experienced European point guard and the team picked up Ordin.


Planasa Navarro inks C Mario Cabanas - by Eurobasket News

Planasa Navarra is very active on the transfer market these days. Their latest addition is Spanish center Mario Cabanas (207-C-85). The 27-year-old player arrives to Navarra from Obradoiro CAB, where he had 1.5 ppg and 1.2 rpg for 13 games in Liga Endesa last season. He played for Cajasol from 2009 to 2011. They reached EuroCup Finals in 2011, but Cabanas had very limited playing time both years. Before Cajasol, he was a member of the LEB Silver team LHospitalitet. There Cabanas had 7.5 ppg and 5.9 rpg in 34 games. In the past, he played for La Laguna and Granada.
Earlier this week, Navarra extended deal with Anton Savitski (196-F-86). The team also kept Inaki Sanz (190-PG-84) and Inaki Narros (194-G-81).


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SWEDEN

U16 European Championship: Nikolov pulls F.Y.R. of Macedonia over Sweden - by Eurobasket News

Sweden U16- F.Y.R. of Macedonia U16 64:67

Kristijan Nikolov (185-G-96) pulls F.Y.R. of Macedonia over Sweden in the start of the Second Stage in Group E. His team started the Elite Eight of the U16 European Championship in Division B with a thrilling 67:64 victory.
F.Y.R. of Macedonia opened the game with 23-15, but could not dominate the half. The Scandinavian team replied with 23-12 in the second quarter as Ludvig Hakanson (190-PG-96) closed the half at 38:35. Both teams nailed 17 points each in the third quarter as the board showed 55:52 at the end of three quarters. Andrej Cvetkovski (185-G-96) brought F.Y.R. of Macedonia 56L55 lead early in the fourth, while Kristijan Nikolov scored for 60:59. Simeon Mitrov (179-PG-96) meanwhile closed the game for the final 3-point victory.
Kristijan Nikolov paced all the winners with 32 points and Andrej Magdevski (190-G-96) had 15. Simeon Mitrov and Andrej Cvetkovski followed them with 6 points each. William Skagius (200-PF-96) replied with 20 points and 18 rebounds in the losing effort for 1-1 record. Ludvig Hakanson added 15, while Erik Johansson (194-F-96) scored 12.

Sweden U16: William Skagius 20+18 rebs, Ludvig Hakanson 15, Erik Johansson 12
F.Y.R. of Macedonia U16: Kristijan Nikolov 32, Andrej Magdevski 15, Simeon Mitrov 6, Andrej Cvetkovski 6


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SWITZERLAND

U16 European Championship: Romania complete Day 6 with the win over Switzerland - by Eurobasket News

Romania U16-Switzerland U16 90:68

Romania complete Day 6 with the win over Switzerland at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The hosts of the tournament overcame the Swiss side 90:68 in the last game of the day. Switzerland started with 22-11 but could not win the game. Romanian erupted with 30-10 in the second frame and never looked behind. They added 19-13 in the second frame and finished the game with 30-23 in the last stanza. Marius Ciotlaus (194-SF-96) top-scored for the winners with 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Caius-Gabriel Covrig (179-PG-96) added 19 points and 12 boards. Tanasie scored 15 and Cate had 11 points and 10 boards. Mattia Cafisi (181-PG-97) replied with 25 points in the losing effort, while Anthony Polite (190-SF-97) and Mandic had 15 each. Fragniere added 6 points in a loss. looked behind. They added 19-13 in the second frame and finished the game with 30-23 in the last stanza.


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TURKEY

Bulls Turkish centre Omer Asik headed to Rockets - by Eurobasket News

The Houston Rockets have their centre of the immediate future. No, its not Dwight Howard.

The Rockets announced Tuesday that Turkish big man Omer Asik (7'0''-C-86) is headed to Houston after the Chicago Bulls decided not to match their three-year, $25-million offer sheet.

The 7-foot Asik averaged 3.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and one block in 66 games last season. He helped Turkey earn the silver medal at the 2010 FIBA world championship. Turkey didnt qualify for the 2012 OIympics in London.

A defensive presence in the middle, a 7-footer that we havent had for some time, general manager Daryl Morey said.

The Rockets have needed a solid big man since Yao Ming retired last summer, his career derailed by foot injuries. Houston has reportedly been in the mix to land the All-Star Howard, but so far, Orlando seems content to keep him for now.

Asik averaged 14.7 minutes per game last season, playing behind Joakim Noah for the Bulls. Hell be Houstons starter heading into training camp, barring another acquisition, and Morey is confident that he can smoothly make the transition to that role.

Free agency is very hard to find players to add in and have them fit into the overall structure of what were trying to do, Morey said. One way to do it is to find a guy, who hasnt played much, that we really believe in, and then add him to our team. We think hes a 10-plus-a-night rebound guy, one of the best defensive bigs in the league.

Morey concedes that Asik needs to show improvement on the offensive end. Asik is averaging only 2.9 points in his two NBA seasons.

Hes right now, a one-way defensive presence, Morey said. We think thats the most important thing for your 5 man [centre] to be. Obviously, he has upside to his offensive game, because its limited right now.

Asik was a second-round pick by Portland in the 2008 draft, and he was immediately traded to Chicago. He played in Turkey until joining the Bulls before the 2010-11 season. He broke his left fibula in Game 3 of the 2011 Eastern Conference finals against Miami, but recovered in time to play the entire 2011-12 season.

Im really looking forward to working with Omer, Houston coach Kevin McHale said. Ive admired his physical style of play over the past two seasons as hes made the transition to the NBA. In his limited minutes, he has proved himself to be an exceptional defensive post player and we will be working with him to continue his progress. Omer has a great understanding of how to play defence and how to move without the ball and I know he will fit in very well with our needs in the low post.

The acquisition of Asik is the latest in a flurry of moves for Houston this off-season, headlined by the acquisition of Jeremy Lin. The Rockets have missed the playoffs three straight years, and Morey has virtually reconstructed the roster.

Along the way, Morey has drawn the Rockets well under the salary cap as he continues to build toward the major move that could turn Houston into a legitimate contender again. Before last season, Houston wouldve nabbed Pau Gasol before last season in a three-team deal that wouldve sent Luis Scola, Kevin Martin, Goran Dragic and a first-round pick to New Orleans, but commissioner David Stern nixed the deal on behalf of the league-owned Hornets.

Our goal is always to take the next step forward, if we can, Morey said. You dont know when thats going to happen, you dont know when those opportunities will come about. Last year, one of those opportunities we felt came about, and it didnt happen for the various reasons it didnt happen. You cant force it. Youve just got to be prepared and ready and when it happens, make the move.

The Rockets started making moves a few days before the draft, trading Chase Budinger and Samuel Dalembert in separate deals. The initial goal was to collect draft picks and other assets to entice Orlando to consider trading Howard, a six-time All-Star widely regarded as the best centre in the game.

Houston couldnt pull off a deal on draft night, and used their three first round picks on Connecticut guard Jeremy Lamb, Iowa State forward Royce White and Kentucky forward Terrence Jones. Morey opened free agency by getting Asik, a restricted free agent, to agree to the offer sheet.

Dragic, an unrestricted free agent, signed with Phoenix, so Morey turned to Lin, who was in Houstons training camp for two weeks in December before joining the New York Knicks. Houston traded point guard Kyle Lowry, waited for the Knicks to make their decision, then introduced Lin at a packed press conference on the practice court at the Toyota Center.

Houston also decided to waive the popular Scola, using the amnesty clause, and dealt guard Courtney Lee to Boston via a sign-and-trade.

Also Tuesday, the Rockets announced they waived guard ETwaun Moore, who was acquired in the Lee trade to the Celtics.

Courtesy of www.theglobeandmail.com


Fenerbahce Ulker signs Bora Pacun from Antalya - by Eurobasket News

Fenerbahce Ulker brought in big guy Bora Pacun (210-F-87), according to Turkish media (Salsabasket.net). The player had 6.5 ppg and 5.2 rpg for 30 TBL games with Antalya BSB last season. Before Antalya, he played one year for Banvit. There Pacun had 3.4 ppg and 2.9 rpg in 34 TBL games. The player also added 5 ppg and 3.6 rpg for 5 EuroCup games. In 2009/10, Pacun was a member of Darussfaka, where he also spent first half of the 2008/09. He finished that season with Rabotnicki Skopje (FYROM). Pacun also has experience from Pertevniyal and Tuborg.
Bora Pacun was a member of the Turkish University National Team last summer. In the past, he played for U20 and U18 NT. In 2009, Pacun won the title in FYROM with Rabotnicki.


Pinar Karsiyaka signs deal with Will Thomas - by Eurobasket News

Head Coach of Pinar Karsiyaka Ufuk Sarica made his first signing for the next season. The team penned a 1-year deal with Will Thomas (203-PF-86, agency: Two Points). He had 15 ppg and 11.3 rpg for 6 EuroChallenge games last season with Army Sport Klub Tbilisi. In Georgian league, the player had 16.5 ppg and 7.4 rpg for 25 games leading Armia to the title. Thomas was named Eurobasket.com All-Georgian League Forward of the Year -12.
Before Army, Will Thomas played one year with Telenet Oostende. There he had 11 ppg and 5.5 rpg for 37 Belgian league games. In EuroChallenge, Thomas collected 12.1 ppg and 6.6 rpg for 17 appearances. Oostende reached Belgian league and EuroChallenge Semis, plus Cup Finals. In 2010, Thomas was named Eurobasket.com All-Belgian League Player of the Year -10. He was a member of Liege and led the team to Playoff Finals. He had 10.2 ppg and 7.9 rpg for 35 games and it was his first year as a pro.


TED Ankara Kolejliler officially signs Kirk Penney - by Eurobasket News

As expected, TED Ankara Kolejliler officially signed Kirk Penney (196-G-80, agency: Duran International, college: Wisconsin) for 2012/13. Penney played for Fuenlabrada last season. He appeared 28 times in Liga Endesa averaging 14.4 points and 2.2 rebounds. Penney finished as fifth scorer of the competition. In EuroChallenge, he had 12.4 ppg and 1.4 rpg in 14 games.
Kirk Penney played for the New Zealand Breakers in 2010/11 registering 20 ppg, 4 rpg and 2.3 apg for 29 games in Australian NBL. The player was second scorer of the competition. Penney was the scoring champion of NBL Australia in 2009 and 2010. In March of 2010 he joined NBA D-League team Sioux Fall Skyforce collecting 22.7 ppg and 4.4 rpg for 7 games. In the past, Penney played for ALBA Berlin and Zalgiris. Two years ago Kirk Penney was second scorer of the World Championship in Turkey with 24.7 ppg for 6 games (New Zealand NT).


Turkey eke out win over Ukraine in Sofia - by Eurobasket News

Turkey-Ukraine 80:77

Turkey eke out win over Ukraine in Sofia in Day 2 of the European Basketball Tour. The Turkish side grabbed 80:77 win for a perfect 2-0 record. The Ukrainian side dropped at 1-1 record.
Both teams entered the game with a perfect record after the first day of the competition. Ukraine won the first period 21:19, but failed in the second frame. The Turkish team dominated the rest of the half and grabbed 40:30 advantage at the halftime. Both teams scored the same number of points in the third period that remained 10-point advantage for Turkey. Ukraine tried hard to recover but managed to reduce to 3 points.
Semih Erden (211-C-87) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Ilkan Karaman (205-F-90, agency: Beo Basket) netted 12. Ender Arslan (190-G-83) poured in 10 points and Sinan Guler (193-G-83, agency: 1x1 Sports, college: Carroll, MT) netted 7. Sergii Gladyr (196-G/F-88) and Steven Burtt (185-G-84, college: Iona) ended up with 13 points each in the losing effort. KORNIIENKO notched 12, while Viacheslav Kravtsov (212-C-87, agency: Beo Basket) scored 10.

Turkey: Semih Erden 20, Ilkan Karaman 12, Ender Arslan 10 Sinan Guler 7
Ukraine: Sergii Gladyr 13, Steven Burtt 13, KORNIIENKO 12, Viacheslav Kravtsov 10


U16 European Championship: Latvia defeat Turkey - by Eurobasket News

Latvia U16 - Turkey U16 77:68

Latvia finished the second round of U16 European Championship on a high note. They knocked down Turkey but failed to advance to the quarterfinals. The hosts knew their fate entering the game but came up with a determined performance and sealed the victory at the end. Gustavs Treimanis (196-C-96) scored 17 points to lead the winners. Turkey fell at 3-2 record but booked the spot in the quarterfinals.
Latvia ensured a storming start to the game. They went on a 29:10 run in the opening quarter. Latvia stretched the margin to 22 points at the start of the second quarter. Turkey narrowed the gap but Latvia managed to ensure a 46:27 halftime advantage. Turkey fired 22 points in the third term to but cut the deficit by just two points. Turkey got within ten points midway through the final quarter however Latvia stayed calm and executed the win at the end. Rihards Lomazs (175-PG-96) and Ricards Melderis (185-PG-96) accounted for 14 points each for the winners. Okben Ulubay (200-F-97) answered with 13 points for Turkey. Akif Guven (206-C-96) netted 11 points in the loss.

Latvia U16: Gustavs Treimanis 17, Rihards Lomazs 14, Ricards Melderis 14
Turkey U16: Okben Ulubay 13, Akif Guven 11


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UBA

Southern State College names McAvene head coach - by David Walls


Travis McAvene (agency: Gamble Sports Management ) has been named the new head coach for men's basketball at Southern State College. McAvene brings a strong reputation of winning basketball games and coaching elite talent.

"I'm very excited to take over the men's basketball program at Southern State and make it a winner," said McAvene. "I love the atmosphere and facilities at Southern State. It will give our student-athletes a great platform to achieve nothing but success on the court and in the classroom."

Recently, McAvene was named United States Minor League Coach of the Year, which included a list of NBA D-League coaches who were nominated for the award. This past season, he led his Cincinnati Slam team in the UBA to a 19-1 record, along with winning the Eastern Conference Championship.

"My goal at Southern State this upcoming season is to take our men's basketball program to the USCAA National Tournament and compete for a national championship."

McAvene's teams are known for their fast-paced aggressive style of basketball, adopted from former Arkansas head coach Nolan Richardson.

Putting his own time in on the court, McAvene played for North Florida Junior College, Indiana Wesleyan University, Sinclair Community College and Taylor University at Fort Wayne, snagging an NCCAA Division I National Championship in 1995.

He served as an assistant coach for Lincoln High School, Clark State College and Coppin State University, and as a head coach for Indiana University East, Jefferson High School, New Creations Prep, Christian Center Prep Academy, Harmony Prep School, Wilberforce University, Westfall High School, Eurobasket Summer League (Vegas), Columbus Crush, Kentucky Pro Am, and Eurobasket Summer League (Houston). His most recent role was as head coach and general manager of Cincinnati Slam.

McAvene boasts a full slate of accomplishments, including NJCAA State Final Four in 2002, NACA National Champion in 2003 and 2004, No. 4 ranking in National Prep School poll in 2004, No. 7 ranking in National Prep School poll in 2005, No. 2 ranking in National Prep School poll in 2006, SVC Conference Champion in 2009, and SVC Coach of the Year in 2009. In 2012 alone, he earned UBA All-Star Game Head Coach, UBA Eastern Conference Champion, three times as UBA Coach of the Month, All United States Awards (voted on by all USA sports reporters) Coach of the Year, and USBasket.com All-UBA Coach of the Year.

This summer McAvene was named head assistant of Team USA that will participate in the William Jones Cup live on ESPN. The games will be held in Taiwan with the top National Teams from Asia including China, Iran, Philippians, Korea just to name a few.

For more information about the athletics program at Southern State, please visit www.sscc.edu/athletics or contact Athletic Director Adam Holbrook at 1-800-628-7722, ext. 2697, or aholbrook@sscc.edu.


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

UKRAINE

Turkey eke out win over Ukraine in Sofia - by Eurobasket News

Turkey-Ukraine 80:77

Turkey eke out win over Ukraine in Sofia in Day 2 of the European Basketball Tour. The Turkish side grabbed 80:77 win for a perfect 2-0 record. The Ukrainian side dropped at 1-1 record.
Both teams entered the game with a perfect record after the first day of the competition. Ukraine won the first period 21:19, but failed in the second frame. The Turkish team dominated the rest of the half and grabbed 40:30 advantage at the halftime. Both teams scored the same number of points in the third period that remained 10-point advantage for Turkey. Ukraine tried hard to recover but managed to reduce to 3 points.
Semih Erden (211-C-87) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Ilkan Karaman (205-F-90, agency: Beo Basket) netted 12. Ender Arslan (190-G-83) poured in 10 points and Sinan Guler (193-G-83, agency: 1x1 Sports, college: Carroll, MT) netted 7. Sergii Gladyr (196-G/F-88) and Steven Burtt (185-G-84, college: Iona) ended up with 13 points each in the losing effort. KORNIIENKO notched 12, while Viacheslav Kravtsov (212-C-87, agency: Beo Basket) scored 10.

Turkey: Semih Erden 20, Ilkan Karaman 12, Ender Arslan 10 Sinan Guler 7
Ukraine: Sergii Gladyr 13, Steven Burtt 13, KORNIIENKO 12, Viacheslav Kravtsov 10


U16 European Championship: Croatia eke out win over Ukraine - by Eurobasket News

Croatia U16 - Ukraine U16 70:67

Croatia earned the fourth straight win at U16 European Championship. The defending champions saw off Ukraine to take 3-2 record in Group E. Croatia thus advanced to the quarterfinal stage, while Ukraine fell at 1-4 record and fell out of the title contention. Luka Bozic (188-PG-96) stepped up with 24 points and 18 rebounds for Croatia.
Ukraine and Croatia stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 18:18 after ten minutes. Croatia jumped into a 7-point lead early in the second quarter but Ukraine bounced back. They answered with an 18:6 run to take a 40:36 halftime advantage. The lead changed hands for several times throughout the third term before Croatia sealed a 59:55 lead with ten minutes to go. Ukraine trailed by a single point 67:68 with 42 seconds remaining. Marko Arapovic (207-C/F-96) converted a jumper but Oleksandr Kobets (192-SF-96) had two chances of saving the game for Ukraine but missed both attempts from behind the arc. Lovro Mazalin (198-SF-97) notched 13 points, while Marko Arapovic added 12 points for the winners. Yevgen Balaban (198-PF-96) answered with 22 points for Ukraine. Oleksandr Kobets netted 19 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

Croatia U16: Luka Bozic 24+18 boards, Lovro Mazalin 13, Marko Arapovic 12
Ukraine U16: Yevgen Balaban 22, Oleksandr Kobets 19


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

UNITED KINGDOM

U16 European Championship: Russia claim third win in a row in Group G - by Eurobasket News

Russia U16 - England U16 68:57

Russia accounted for the third straight win at the classification round Group G of U16 European Championship. They denied England to remain on top of the ladder. Alexander Gavrilov (192-PG-96) scored 14 points to lead the winners. England fell at 1-2 record after the loss.
England led by as many as 8 points at the first intermission 23:16. Russia slowed their opponents down in the second frame. They cut the deficit to 4-point mark at halftime 33:29. Russia went on a decisive rally in the third quarter. They exploded with a 27:10 surge to clear off. Russia entered the fourth frame leading by 13 points and never allowed England closer than 9 points throughout the fourth frame. Ilya Karpenkov (200-C-97) posted 13 points, while Maxim Morozov (202-PF-96) contributed 12 points and 13 boards for the winners. Joe Mvuezolo (193-SF-96) answered with 11 points for England. Jules Akodo (G-96) had 10 points in the loss.

Russia U16: Alexander Gavrilov 14, Ilya Karpenkov 13, Maxim Morozov 12+13 boards
England U16: Joe Mvuezolo 11, Jules Akodo 10


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URUGUAY

Standings - Metropolitan League Metropolitan Standings  1. Marne 11-5   2. Atenas 11-5   3. Larranaga 9-6   4. Capitol 9-7   5. Cader 9-7   6. Goes 9-7   7. Urunday Univ. 9-8   8. Guruyu Waston 7-9   9. Verdirrojo 6-10   10. Romis N. 5-12   11. Yale 4-13  Regular Season: Round 18 Jul. 23: Urunday Univ. - Marne 94-89 Jul. 24: Larranaga - Yale 84-77 Jul. 24: Verdirrojo - Cader 80-65 Jul. 24: Goes - Romis N. 80-64 Jul. 23: Atenas - Guruyu Waston 75-55 Regular Season: Round 19 Jul. 26: Atenas - Larranaga Jul. 26: Marne - Capitol Jul. 26: Romis N. - Cader Jul. 26: Guruyu Waston - Goes Jul. 26: Yale - Verdirrojo

Results for the Metro league 18th round - by Hector Lopez

Results for the Metro league 18th round
Verdirrojo 80 - Kevin Nelson (192-G-84, college: Park) 21 points 2 rebounds 3 assists, Nicolas Delgado (198-F/C-87) 17 points 16 rebounds
Cader 65 - Grady Reynolds (198-F-80, agency: Strategic Sports, college: St.John's) 16 points 11 rebounds 4 blocks, Adrian Bertolini (191-G-78) 15 points 4 rebounds 4 assists
- - -
Larraaga 84 - Luis De De Leon (193-F-88) 32 points 8 rebounds, Gordon James (198-F-79, college: Bridgeport) 8 points 11 rebounds 2 blocks
Yale 77 - Jerry Echenique (201-C-79, college: High Point) 27 points 15 rebounds
- - -
Goes 80 - Jimmy Boston (201-F-77, college: N.C.Central) 14 points, Matias De de Gouveia (180-PG-88) 16 points 7 rebounds 7 assists
Romis Nelimar 64 - Devon Pearson (198-F-84, college: SMU) 14 points 6 rebounds


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WALES

U16 European Championship: San Marino sneak past Wales - by Eurobasket News

San Marino U16 - Wales U16 55:54

San Marino celebrated the second consecutive win at the U16 European Championship in Division C. They snatched a tough victory over Wales to climb at 2-0 record in Group A. Giannotti delivered 18 points to lead San Marino. Wales fell at 0-2 record after the defeat.
San Marino and Wales traded baskets throughout the opening quarter. The British team pulled ahead in the second frame. They held San Marino to 7 points and eked out a 30:25 halftime advantage. Wales stretched the margin in the third quarter. They entered the fourth frame up by 8 points 46:38. But San Marino went on an 8:0 run at the start of the fourth quarter to knot things up. Soon San Marino pulled ahead and grabbed a 54:50 advantage. Wales cut the deficit but Barrena hit a free throw and sealed the win for San Marino. Biordi delivered 17 points for the winners. Easter responded with 18 points for Wales. Goulbourne banked 11 points in the loss.

San Marino U16: Luca Giannotti 18, Igor Biordi 17+10 boards, Lucas Barrena 7
Wales U16: Conor Easter 18, Goulbourne 11



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Women News

Austrian U18 National Team 2012 - by Greg

Austrian U18 National Team 2012
#s#	Bauer	Bischof	Fuchs-Robetin	Gutjahr	Hirzberger	#e#5

Nejira Alisic

95

UBI Graz

Franziska Bauer

168-SG-95

Laura Bischof

165-SG-95

Anja Fuchs-Robetin

180-SG-96

Ruth Gutjahr

168-SG-95

Gratkorn

Michaela Hirzberger

168-SG-96

Pia Jurhar

183-PF-95

Fl.Foxes

Sigrid Koizar

173-PG-95

BC Vienna

Camille Legris

168-PG-95

Nantes

Johanna Maresch

172-F-95

UBI Graz

Camilla Neumann

183-F-94

UBI Graz

Annika Neumann

171-SG-96

UBI Graz

Aleksandra Novakovic

172-PG-94

BK Duchess

Marlene Petrak

185-PF-95

Sarah Sagerer

183-C-96

Kammer

Simone Schwarzinger

174-SG-96

UBI Graz

Simona Wagner

192-C-95

BC Vienna

Markus Lechner

Head Coach

BK Duchess

Mike Kress

Assistant

UBBC

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

BELARUS

Belarusian U18 National Team 2012 - by Simas

#s#	Auchynnikava	Haponava	Haryna	Holubeva	Kalenta	#e#5

Anastasiya Auchynnikava

186-C-94

Victoria

Yuliya Haponava

187-F-94

Berezina

Anastasiya Haryna

188-F-94

Victoria

Alena Holubeva

176-PG-94

Victoria

Hanna Kalenta

190-C-94

Berezina

Viyaleta Kuiliak

186-PF-96

Emiliya Kulbitskaya

172-G-94

Victoria

Alena Martynava

187-F-94

Victoria

Valiantsina Myshapud

182-PF-94

Victoria

Maryia Papova

186-PF-94

Olimpia

Katsiaryna Pratasevich

178-F/G-94

Berezina

Natallia Pratskaila

184-F-94

Victoria

Yauheniya Stsiapanava

180-G-95

Hanna Tsarevich

178-F-95

Victoria

Ksenija Voishal

182-F-94

Victoria

Viktoriya Datsun

Head Coach

Olimpia

Alaksandr Shymkaviak

Assistant

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

BULGARIA

Bulgarian U18 National Team 2012 - by Greg

Bulgarian U18 National Team 2012
#s#	Aksentieva	Andonova	Angelova	Dimitrova	Dimitrova	#e#5

Kalina Aksentieva

182-PF-95

Mariya Andonova

183-SF-94

Cherno More

Gabriela Angelova

175-F-94

Radostina Dimitrova

175-SF-94

Beroe 07

Zlatina Dimitrova

178-SF-94

Tony 7

Tanya Eneva

193-C-96

Neftochimic

Ralitsa Genova

192-C-95

Lilia Georgieva

170-PG-94

Borislava Hristova

180-F-96

Silviya Koleva

176-SF-94

Neftochimic

Radina Kordova

184-PF-94

Tony 7

Gabriela Kostova

192-C-94

Neftochimic

Iva Kostova

178-SG-94

Dunav 8806

Martina Nikolova

179-SF-94

Slavia

Veronika Petkova

175-SF-94

Rilski Sportist

Ivana Petrova

180-SF-95

Levski

Kristina Peychinova

176-SG-94

Rilski Sportist

Dayana Shtarkelova

180-F-95

Rilski Sportist

Viktoria Valchinova

165-PG-95

Lora Vasileva

170-PG-95

Slavia

Rositsa Yovcheva

170-G-94

Neftochimic

Tatyana Gateva

Head Coach

Kalina Popyankova

Assistant

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CROATIA

Luzern Highflyers lands Stojanovic - by Eurobasket Center

Luzern Highflyers strengthened their roster with addition of 19-year old Croatian forward Romana Stojanovic (177-F-93). Stojanovic played most recently at Hope-GBA Bernex (LNA). While playing 20 games for Hope-GBA last season she averaged 7.3ppg, 6.2rpg and 1.2spg. She helped them to make it to the semifinals. Stojanovic played previously in Hungary and Croatia. She played for Croatian U18 national team until 2011. Stojanovic represented Croatia at the European Championships U18 Division B in Miskolc (Hungary) last year. Her team won Gold and Stojanovics stats at this event were 9 games: 3.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.2apg.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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CZECH REPUBLIC

Metra Walthour joins Slovanka - by Matt Haufer

After Tulane center Brett Benzio (190-C-90, college: Tulane), Basket Slovanka secured the services of a second import player: Georgia Tech playmaker Metra Walthour (168-PG-90, agency: Fierce Sports Management) signed a one-year deal with the ZBL team. "Me-Me" led the Ramblin' Wreck to the NCAA 1 Sweet Sixteen and the ACC Tournament Final in 2012. She is known as a floor general who, despite her short stature, can finish at the rim because of very good athleticism. The Georgia native was selected to the ACC All-Tournament 2nd Team this past season.


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

DENMARK

Danish U18 National Team 2012 - by Greg

Danish U18 National Team 2012
#s#	Bennedsen	Bersang	Ceccardi	Christensen	Gadeberg	#e#5

Anna-Nicole Bennedsen

180-SF-94

Vaerlose

Sarah Bersang

168-G-95

Horsens

Simone Ceccardi

182-PF-95

Freja Christensen

174-G/F-94

Falcon

Marie Gadeberg

178-F-94

Falcon

Natascha Hartvich

176-PG-94

Vaerlose

Julie Hoeier

185-C-95

Aabyhoj

Maria Jespersen

179-G-94

Aabyhoj

Sophie Kjems-Krognos

172-SG-94

Aabyhoj

Billie Marlow

188-F/C-94

Frederikke Mollerup

177-G/F-95

Horsholm

Sofie Preetzmann

180-G-95

Aabyhoj

Tine Randrup-Thomsen

177-PG-94

Aabyhoj

Anemone Scheel

184-F-95

Horsholm

Marian Sheikh

180-PF-94

Vaerlose

Safia Sheikh

177-G/F-94

Vaerlose

Anja Andersen

Head Coach

Vaerlose

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

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16

Stats Leaders W - Group A PPG RPG APG SPG BPG Points Per Game  Emma lina STACH   (175-PG-96)   Avg: 19.2  1. Stach, GER 19.2   2. Crvendakic, SRB 17.1   3. Onar, TUR 16.8   4. Dojkic, CRO 16.5   5. Kolosovskaya, RUS 14.8   6. Zandalasini, ITA 14.7   7. Slonjsak, CRO 14.0   8. Salvadores, ESP 13.6   9. Dubei, HUN 12.3   10. Horvath, HUN 11.8  Rebounds Per Game  Anita KELAVA   (185-PF-97)   Avg: 9.5  1. Kelava, CRO 9.5   2. Linskens, BEL 9.2   3. Crvendakic, SRB 9.0   4. Oikonomaki, GRE 8.9   5. Ndiba, NED 8.8   6. Zandalasini, ITA 8.6   7. Stach, GER 8.0   8. Tivenius, SWE 8.0   9. Bura, CRO 7.6   10. Brossmann, GER 7.4  Assists Per Game  Ksenia LEVCHENKO   (165-PG-96)   Avg: 4  1. Levchenko, RUS 4.0   2. Onar, TUR 3.5   3. Duchet, FRA 3.3   4. Cukic, SRB 3.3   5. Flores, ESP 2.9   6. Manlaci, TUR 2.8   7. Dojkic, CRO 2.8   8. Kuijt, NED 2.6   9. Pavlopoulou, GRE 2.6   10. Allemand, BEL 2.6  Steals Per Game  Martina KACERIK   (179-F-96)   Avg: 3.1  1. Kacerik, ITA 3.1   2. Kuijt, NED 2.9   3. Flores, ESP 2.9   4. Manlaci, TUR 2.6   5. Andelova, CZE 2.4   6. Allemand, BEL 2.4   7. Dojkic, CRO 2.4   8. Dambach, FRA 2.3   9. Ondrejkova, SVK 2.3   10. Capella, ESP 2.3  Blocks Per Game  Kyara LINSKENS   (189-C-96)   Avg: 2.4  1. Linskens, BEL 2.4   2. Sema, RUS 2.3   3. Lo Sylla, ESP 2.2   4. Kelava, CRO 1.9   5. Ba, FRA 1.6   6. Geldof, BEL 1.4   7. Bura, CRO 1.4   8. Karambatsa, GRE 1.3   9. Zandalasini, ITA 1.3   10. Oikonomaki, GRE 1.3

Div B. - by Greg PPG RPG APG SPG BPG Points Per Game  Borislava HRISTOVA   (180-F-96)   Avg: 25  1. Hristova, BUL 25.0   2. Gorobets, UKR 17.8   3. Belickaite, LTU 17.3   4. Laksa, LAT 16.8   5. Zelivanski, ISR 16.0   6. Menna, FIN 15.7   7. Lass, EST 15.6   8. Juskaite, LTU 14.9   9. Costa, POR 14.1   10. Cerneckyte, LTU 14.1  Rebounds Per Game  Paula LENART   (178-SG-96)   Avg: 12.7  1. Lenart, ROM 12.7   2. Juskaite, LTU 12.4   3. Kostourkova, POR 11.3   4. Kamburova, BUL 11.3   5. Yatskovets, UKR 11.3   6. Mortensen, DEN 11.1   7. Jablonowski, LUX 10.9   8. Pehadzic, DEN 10.7   9. Pobozy, POL 9.7   10. Menna, FIN 9.6  Assists Per Game  Dalia BELICKAITE   (175-F-96)   Avg: 3.5  1. Belickaite, LTU 3.5   2. Jelenc, SLO 3.0   3. Cuzic, ROM 2.7   4. Ajkic, SLO 2.6   5. Razguliajeva, EST 2.5   6. Olszewska, POL 2.4   7. Polovynka, UKR 2.4   8. Bernardeco, POR 2.2   9. Costa, POR 2.2   10. Maxim, ROM 2.1  Steals Per Game  Dalia BELICKAITE   (175-F-96)   Avg: 3.7  1. Belickaite, LTU 3.7   2. Reissar, EST 3.6   3. Lenart, ROM 3.6   4. Zelivanski, ISR 3.6   5. Sasebes, ROM 3.4   6. Pauly, LUX 3.1   7. Banet, ISR 3.0   8. Georgieva, BUL 2.8   9. Pehadzic, DEN 2.7   10. Panasiuk, BLR 2.6  Blocks Per Game  Daugile SARAUSKAITE   (196-C-96)   Avg: 2.9  1. Sarauskaite, LTU 2.9   2. Eneva, BUL 1.9   3. Kostourkova, POR 1.7   4. Porat, ISR 1.3   5. Gwarda, POL 1.3   6. Jakobcic, SLO 1.3   7. Rembiszewska, POL 1.2   8. Strautmane, LAT 1.1   9. Stolce, LAT 0.9   10. Zhmurko, UKR 0.9

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

FINLAND

Finnish U18 National Team 2012 - by Greg

Finnish U18 National Team 2012
#s#	Aijanen	Anttila	Dolivo	Groenberg	Hamalainen	#e#5

Maria Aijanen

187-F/C-95

Pyrinto

Armi Anttila

189-F/C-95

Espoo Team

Jasmine Dolivo

165-PG-95

Helmi Capitals

Camilla Groenberg

178-SG-94

TuRi

Moona Hamalainen

184-PF-95

HyPo

Anni Jamsa

167-PG-95

HyPo

Maija Jantti

186-C-94

HoNsU

Noora Jarvikangas

182-SF-94

FoA

Anni Karkkainen

178-SF-94

HoNsU

Isabella Kaukopaasi

170-G-95

Pyrinto

Noora Korhonen

182-PF-94

Puhuttaret

Kaisa Kuisma

180-SF-94

HyPo

Ulriikka Latvala

173-SG-95

Emmi Leino

182-F/G-94

Espoo Team

Vilma Purhonen

183-PF-95

Honka Akatemia

Elisa Raikkonen

173-PG-94

Kerava

Elisa Runsas

179-SG-94

Pyrinto

Evianna Sipila

180-F-95

Kerava

Mikko Larkas

Head Coach

Espoo Team

Ilkka Palviainen

Assistant

Namika Lahti

Riku Parkatti

Assistant

Kauhajoki

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

FYR MACEDONIA

FYR Macedonian U18 National Team 2012 - by Simas

#s#	Cvetkovska	Davitkova	Lega	Jolovik	Kirkovska	#e#5

Lidija Cvetkovska

186-C-95

Struga 2009

Busejra Daci

162-PG-94

Student

Angjela Davitkova

181-F/C-94

Badel

Aleksandra Dimevska

Vard.Mladinec

Simona Drogrishki

94

Forka Gjorgjieva

95

Trokal

Liljana Lega

180-F-85

Dragana Jolovik

184-F-94

Badel

Irina Karamachoska

175-F-96

Struga 2009

Ana Kirkovska

165-G-94

Badel

Ivana Kmetovska

186-PF-95

Vigor Skopje

Ana Kotevska

94

Iva Krstevska

165-PG-96

Krosig Skopje

Sofija Lazareska

175-F-95

Krosig Skopje

Emilija Lazarova

164-G-95

Klubski Junior

Angela Nushevska

95

Maja Pavlovska

174-G-94

Badel

Ivona Pejkovska

175-PG-95

Badel

Kate Petkoska

177-F-94

Struga 2009

Jovana Petkoska

176-F-94

Struga 2009

Aleksandra Stojanovska2

178-SF-94

Vigor Skopje

Tanja Stojanovska

170-G-96

Struga 2009

Nena Trajchevska

178-SG-94

Badel

Danica Trajkovska

95

Badel

Vladimir Gjorovic

Head Coach

Struga 2009

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

GERMANY

German U18 National Team 2012 - by Simas

#s#	Bellscheidt	Brodersen	Dzirma	Knopp	Kucera	#e#5

Carla Bellscheidt

183-F-94

Oberhausen

Levke Brodersen

168-G-94

Saarlouis

Ama Degbeon

183-F-95

Gruenberg

Elisabeth Dzirma

179-G-94

Gruenberg

Jessica Grosser

187-C-94

Marie Glich

190-C-94

Julia Heck

95

Melina Knopp

170-G-94

Osnabruck

Teresa Kucera

185-G-94

Heli Girls

Mary Mihalyi

164-PG-94

Chemnitz

Mareike Muller

180-G-95

Chantal Neuwald

180-G-95

Hannah Pakulat

180-F-94

BG 89 Avides

Anneke Schluter

171-PG-95

Freiburg

Winona Scholei

95

Hannah Wischnitzki

PG

Oberhausen

Patrick Bar

Head Coach

Janet Fowler-Michel

Assistant

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

HUNGARY

Hungarian U18 National Team 2012 - by Greg

Hungarian U18 National Team 2012
#s#	Balla	Barnai	Bodnar	Borondy	Csutoras	#e#5

Dorottya Balla

184-G/F-94

Pecs 2010

Judit Barnai

190-F/C-94

Nanette FTC

Fanni Bodnar

180-G/F-95

BSE-FCSM

Vivien Borondy

173-PG-95

UNIQA Eurol.

Fanni Csutoras

181-G/F-94

Pecs 2010

Fruzsina Fejes

192-F-94

Nanette FTC

Agota Gocsman

180-F-95

Vasas

Agnes Gorjanacz

182-G/F-94

Bajai NKK

Bernadett Hatar

94

Janka Hegedus

184-F-94

Vasas

Dorina Kalocsai

171-G-95

Bajai NKK

Lakatos Dora

178-G/F-94

Nanette FTC

Diana Mihaczi

170-PG-94

BSE-FCSM

Dora Nagy

167-PG-95

UNI SEAT

Regina Pap

187-F-94

Atomeromu

Fanni Szabo

181-SF-94

UNIQA Eurol.

Dora Szabo

171-G-95

Cegledi EKK

Amadea Szamosi

190-F/C-94

Pecs 2010

Szonja Vukov

184-SF-94

BSE-FCSM

Zeljko Djokic

Head Coach

Pecs 2010

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

ISRAEL

NIGHTMARE IN THE ISRAELI WOMEN BASKETBALL ! - by Gil Goshen


The following teams will not play in div 1 here in Israel:
Hapoel Tel Aviv, Elitzur Tel Aviv, Bnoth Hasharon, Habykka.
Habykaa was ranked 4th last season and Bnoth Hasharon is one of the most important team in the israeli league during the last 20 years.
Two teams are still struggling for their budget: Hapoel Petach Tykva and ASA Jerusalem - most likly they will play in div 1.
It is very sad time for the Israeli Women basketball and We hope that We will have at least 10 teams for 2012-13 season.
The teams which will play in div 1 next season are: M. Ashdod ( our champion and the cup holder ), Elitzur Ramla ( will play in the eurocup as well ), Ramat Hasharon, Ramat Chen, Hapoel Rishon, Elitzur Holon., B.C Net, Hapoel Galil Elion.


ADI LUX SIGNED WITH M.RAMAT CHEN !!! - by Gil Goshen


Ramat Chen signed Adi lux for one season more.
2010-2011: Elitzur Netanya (D1): 19 games: 1.7ppg
2011-2012: Maccabi Ramat Hen (D1): 12 games: 4.8ppg, 1.2rpg.
Coach Shiki said: I am very happy that Adi decided to continue with us
she had a great progress last season
and We do expect her contribute our club more this season, We know her
shooting skill very well and We want to see improvement with other skills as well. Adi Rachel Lux (175-G-88)


Israeli U18 National Team 2012 - by Greg

Israeli U18 National Team 2012
#s#	Abboud	Alon	Assaf	Benitah	Constantini	#e#5

Shahd Abboud

173-G/F-95

Shay Alon

164-SG-95

Michal Assaf

164-SG-94

B.C. Habikaa

Lauren Benitah

168-G-94

Lahav Constantini

176-PF-94

May Dayan

170-PG-94

Maccabi Ashdod

Dana Drosvit

188-F-95

Inbal Frishberg

177-PF-94

Joann Grinspan

173-F-95

Mariam Hannoun

178-F-94

Hilah Honig

180-F-94

Nof Kedem

170-SG-94

Hadar Levi

170-PG-94

Dror Myburgh

174-SG-94

Zoe Reichman

180-C-95

Noa Ruda

172-F-95

Moran Sapir

167-SG-95

Rafi Bogatin

Head Coach

B.C. Habikaa

Noa Ricanati

Assistant

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

LITHUANIA

Lithuanian U18 National Team 2012 - by Simas

#s#	Kraujunaite	Sirsinaityte	Dobrovolskyte	Jasiunskaite	Putramentaite	#e#5

4

Justina Kraujunaite

174-F-95

Kibirkstis-Tiche

5

Austeja Sirsinaityte

164-PG-95

6

Simona Dobrovolskyte

179-F-94

LAMMKK

7

Gintare Jasiunskaite

186-F-94

LKKA-Aistes

8

Aurelija Putramentaite

179-F-95

9

Greta Tamasauskaite

171-G-91

LAMMKK

10

Elzbieta Ceponyte

180-F-95

11

Ieva Kazlauskaite

180-F-94

Ruta Siauliai

12

Roberta Mizgeryte

188-PF-95

Lemminkainen

13

Laura Zelnyte

188-F-94

LKKA-Aistes

14

Egle Zilyte

173-PG-94

15

Ruta Savickaite

188-F-95

Kibirkstis-Tiche

Diliara Velishaieva

Head Coach

Loreta Galdikiene

Assistant

Zivile Mikalauskaite

Assistant

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

MONTENEGRO

Montenegrin U18 National Team 2012 - by Simas

#s#	Nikpaljevic	Draskovic	Djaletic	Spajic	Rakovic	#e#5

4

Milica Manojlovic

98

5

Majda Kolic

96

6

Jelena Nikpaljevic

175-G-94

Antivari Bar

7

Vanja Mudresa

96

Lovcen

8

Jelena Kapa

95

9

Milena Vujacic

95

Buducnost

10

Milena Bajic

96

Buducnost

11

Ana Draskovic

185-C-95

Rudar

12

Milena Djaletic

186-C-94

Buducnost

13

Ivana Mugosa

95

Buducnost

14

Gordana Spajic

185-C-95

Rudar

15

Kristina Rakovic

182-F/C-94

Jedinstvo BP

Zeljko Vukicevic

Head Coach

Vladan Turcinovic

Assistant

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

POLAND

Polish U18 National Team 2012 - by Greg

Polish U18 National Team 2012
#s#	Adamowicz	Blicharz	Drop	Duraj	Holtyn	#e#5

Julia Adamowicz

178-SF-94

Inea AZS

Marlena Blicharz

179-G-94

Lomianki

Julia Drop

172-SG-95

GTK

Dominika Duraj

190-F-95

Gdynia

Justyna Holtyn

184-PF-94

CCC Polkow.II

Anna Jakubiuk

179-G/F-94

GTK

Patrycja Jastrzebska

190-C-94

AZS Uniw.Gd.

Beata Jaworska

188-PF-94

AZS II PWSZ

Katarzyna Jaworska

188-F/C-94

Gorzow

Katarzyna Kiejdrowska

178-SG-94

GTK

Daria Marciniak

184-C-94

Inea AZS

Dominika Miloszewska

191-F/C-94

Lomianki

Monika Naczk

167-PG-95

Lomianki

Dominika Owczarzak

169-PG-94

MUKS Poznan

Karolina Puss

182-SF-94

CCC Polkowice

Monika Skrzecz

162-PG-94

Lomianki

Angelika Stankiewicz

170-SG-95

Lomianki

Paula Swiatowska

181-SF-94

CCC Polkow.II

Magdalena Szajtauer

189-F/C-95

Gorzow

Weronika Telenga

192-C-95

Inea AZS

Aleksandra Wajler

185-G/F-95

Lomianki

Magdalena Wojdalska

185-SG-94

Aleksandra Wolanska

184-PF-94

Lomianki

Kinga Wozniak

168-G-94

Inea AZS

Adam Zieminski

Head Coach

Artego Bydg.

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

ROMANIA

Romanian U18 National Team 2012 - by Greg

Romanian U18 National Team 2012
#s#	Ardelean	Avram	Blanaru	Budai	Demeter	#e#5

Dora Ardelean

186-PF-94

Timisoara

Simina Avram

177-SF-95

Brasov

Bianca Blanaru

193-C-95

Timisoara

Oana Budai

174-SF-94

Ioana Chizila

173-PG-97

Hanna Demeter

183-PF-94

Targu Secuiesc

Kinga Domokos

188-F/C-94

Targu Secuiesc

Alexandra Dumitrache

170-PG-94

Olimpia

Cristina Gavrila

172-G-95

Craiova

Ana Maria Grigore

172-SG-94

Olimpia

Alexandra Lache

180-PF-94

Olimpia

Paula Lenart

178-SG-96

Targu Secuiesc

Izabella Lovasz

178-PF-95

Andra Manea

184-PF-95

Craiova

Denisa Milchis

172-PG-94

Cluj Napoca

Denisa Molnar

168-PG-95

Maria Pitigoi

185-PF-95

Olimpia

Iulia Raileanu

189-PF-95

Galati

Alexandra Sasebes

170-SG-96

Timisoara

Luisa Silaghi

175-SG-94

Liliana Usurelu

173-SG-94

Olimpia

Svetlana Dragusin

Head Coach

Adriana Pricop

Assistant

Cluj Napoca

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

RUSSIA

Russian U18 National Team 2012 - by Greg

Russian U18 National Team 2012
#s#	Byazrova	Chaykovskaya	Degtyarskaya	Fedorova	Gladkova	#e#5

Zhanna Byazrova

178-G/F-94

Yuliya Chaykovskaya

173-SG-95

Yana Degtyarskaya

178-F-95

Polina Fedorova

188-PF-95

Gloria Moscow

Julia Gladkova

183-F-94

Spartak V MR

Natalia Grishkevich

175-SG-94

Ekaterina Ilinova

178-SG-95

Liudmila Khmeleva

193-C-94

Elizaveta Komarova

170-PG-95

Daria Levchenko

179-G/F-94

UMMC

Alexandra Marchenkova

183-PF-94

Maria Matvienko

173-G-94

Olga Novikova

177-G-94

Dynamo M.

Darya Prosolupova

170-PG-94

Gloria Moscow

Albina Razheva

188-PF-94

Yunost PO

Ekaterina Ryabova

181-SF-94

Gloria Moscow

Ekaterina Safonova

165-PG-95

Anna Shchetina

195-C-95

Daria Shomodi

183-F-95

Yulia Sorokina

176-PG-94

Spartak SP

Polina Sych

183-SF-94

Spartak SP

Natalia Zharnikova

184-PF-95

Olga Ermolaeva

Head Coach

Irina Pleshakova

Assistant

Elena Shulzhenko

Assistant

Krasnoyanochka

Russia narrowly defeat Great Britain - by Eurobasket News

Russia - Great Britain 74:70

Russia played the last preparation game before the start of the Olympic Games basketball tournament. They overcame Great Britain. Elena Danilochkina (186-G-86) scored 15 points to lead the charge.
Russia fired 26 points in the first quarter to take a 5-point lead. Great Britain denied the deficit in the second quarter. They eked out a 46:45 halftime lead. But Russia stiffened defence in the third term. They limited Great Britain to 12 points in the period to surge ahead for a 62:58 lead. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the final quarter as Russia managed to seal the victory at the end. Becky Hammon (168-PG-77, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Colorado St.) knocked down 14 points for Russia. Olga Arteshina (189-F-82) added 9 points and 7 rebounds in the win.


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

SCOTLAND

Scottish U18 National Team 2012 - by Simas

#s#	Lewis	Wood	Gardner	Thomson	Van Wees	#e#5

4

Robyn Lewis

160-PG-95

St.Mirren RKC

5

Hilary Wood

163-G-94

Polonia Phoenix

6

Allie Gardner

164-G-94

Clark Eriksson

7

Kaela Greig

174-G-95

Angels

8

Sarah Thomson

177-G-95

St.Mirren RKC

9

Yhana Van Wees

180-PF-95

Arbroath M.

10

Claire Paxton

184-C-94

Polonia Phoenix

11

Jennifer Crawford

177-F-95

St.Mirren RKC

12

Beth Mackie

170-G-94

St.Mirren RKC

13

Hannah Peacock

190-C-95

Edinburgh KK

14

Kirsten Simpson

183-F-95

Edinburgh KK

15

Gemma McCrea

179-F-95

St.Mirren RKC

Lorna Norman

Head Coach

Lorna McIntyre

Assistant

Lisa Wilkinson

Assistant

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

SLOVAKIA

Slovakian U18 National Team 2012 - by Greg

Slovakian U18 National Team 2012
#s#	Balintova	Desiatnikova	Dudasova	Filickova	Fricova	#e#5

Barbora Balintova

176-G-94

Good Angels

Julia Desiatnikova

176-G/F-94

Dannax Sport

Nikola Dudasova

169-PG-95

Eva Filickova

192-C-95

Cassovia K.

Beata Fricova

177-G/F-94

MBK Ruzomb.

Lucia Hadacova

187-PF-95

MBK Ruzomb.

Zofia Hruscakova

190-C-95

Good Angels

Simona Krivosudska

174-SG-94

Adela Kudlickova

163-PG-94

MBK Ruzomb.

Patricia Lengyelova

183-F-94

Dannax Sport

Simona Mackulinova

172-SG-94

Dannax Sport

Monika Migova

174-G-95

Cassovia K.

Alica Moravcikova

190-C-94

Zvolen

Nikola Nedoroscikova

169-SG-94

Terezia Palenikova

170-G/F-95

Petrzalka

Katarina Piperkova

175-G/F-95

Michaela Rakova

187-F-94

Samorin

Dominika Rusinakova

183-F-94

Poprad

Angelika Slamova

173-G-94

Samorin

Nora Terezkova

179-F-95

Nikola Turzakova

174-G-94

Spisska Bela

Zuzana Urbaniova

168-PG-94

Daniela Vajkova

173-PG-95

Zofia Zarevuckaa

187-C-95

Petrzalka

Marian Matyas

Head Coach

Dannax Sport

Jan Krajnak

Assistant

Poprad

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

SLOVENIA

Slovenian U18 National Team 2012 - by Greg

Slovenian U18 National Team 2012
#s#	Bosnjak	Gabrovsek	Gjerkes	Kastelic	Macura	#e#5

Maja Bosnjak

186-PF-95

Athlete Celje

Nina Gabrovsek

168-PG-94

Athlete Celje

Alina Gjerkes

177-F-94

Grosuplje

Anita Kastelic

172-G-94

Grosuplje

Eva Lisec

191-C-95

Athlete Celje

Ziva Macura

187-F/C-95

Athlete Celje

Sara Meden

170-PG-94

Ilrija

Martina Peric

171-G-94

Jezica

Jelica Petrovic

177-F-94

Athlete Celje

Nika Ursic

171-G-94

Grosuplje

Vesna Sever

180-F-94

Triglav

Barbara Sut

179-PF-94

Grosuplje

Saso Rebernik

Head Coach

Luka Hrovatin

Assistant

Grosuplje

Jagodic and Ljubenovic moves to Italy - by Zeljko Zule

Two Slovenian players will continue her careers in Italian Serie A2. National member Lea Jagodic (182-F-91) joined Fila San Martina di Lupari and Ana Ljubenovic (182-F/C-88) inked with Interclub Muggia.
Jagodic helped Celje to win Slovenian League and Slovenian Cup titles in 2012. She appeared in 17 Adriatic League games last season and averaged 6.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.4 steals. Those numbers jumped to 10.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1,5 assists and 1,5 steals in 27 games of Slovenian League games. Jagodic spent the summer representing the Slovenian national team in 2013 EuroBasket Qualificiaton Round, where she posted 1.1 points and 1.9 rebounds in eight games.
Ljubenovic averaged 10,1 points, 6,5 rebounds, 1,6 assists and 1,3 steals in 32 games for runner-up Triglav last season.


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

SPAIN

Uni Girona signs veteran Allison Feaster - by Eurobasket News

Allison Feaster-Strong (181-F-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Harvard) will stay in Spain, but not with Perfumerias Avenida Salamanca. The veteran forward penned a deal with Uni Girona, according to Encancha.com (via Lovewomensbasketball.com). The player has double citizenship (American/French).
Allison Feaster-Strong appeared in 13 Euroleague games last season with Perfumerias averaging 3.3 points and 1.1 rebounds. She added 4.6 ppg and 2.3 rpg for 30 games in Spain. They reached LFB Finals. From 2009 until the last summer Feaster played for Mann Filter. A year before that she spent with Italian team Famila Schio. In 2007, Allison Feaster-Strong won the Spanish league title with Ros Casares. Two years before that she won the title in France with Valkenciennes. Feaster has many years of experience from the WNBA.


Ensino keeps Ana Alvarez and Rocio Varela - by Eurobasket News

LF2 team Ensino Lugo announced signing of a 1-year contract extension with Ana Alvarez (168-G-90) and Rocio Varela (186-F-93). Both players are products of Ensino, where they started as teenagers.
Ana Alvarez appeared 38 times in LF2 last season averaging 3.3 points and 1.9 rebounds. She had slightly better numbers in 2010/11. Alvarez Hospido plays at position 3 and she is expected to get more minutes next season.
Rocio Varela is 19-year-old player, who had 1.8 ppg for 26 games last season. She joined the senior squad three years ago.
Ensino had pretty good last season and the hope to be even better in 2012/13. The team was No.4 of Group A in the regular season with 19-7 record and they reached second stage. There, Ensino registered 1-2 record and was close to reach the Semifinals.


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

SWITZERLAND

Luzern Highflyers lands Stojanovic - by Eurobasket Center

Luzern Highflyers strengthened their roster with addition of 19-year old Croatian forward Romana Stojanovic (177-F-93). Stojanovic played most recently at Hope-GBA Bernex (LNA). While playing 20 games for Hope-GBA last season she averaged 7.3ppg, 6.2rpg and 1.2spg. She helped them to make it to the semifinals. Stojanovic played previously in Hungary and Croatia. She played for Croatian U18 national team until 2011. Stojanovic represented Croatia at the European Championships U18 Division B in Miskolc (Hungary) last year. Her team won Gold and Stojanovics stats at this event were 9 games: 3.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.2apg.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Swiss U18 National Team 2012 - by Greg

Swiss U18 National Team 2012
#s#	Detraz	Koch	Perrenoud	Roth	Zali	#e#5

Tamara Detraz

178-SG-94

Pully

Evita Herminjard

98

Brigitte Huguenin

96

Dafina Jashari

170-PG-95

Pully

Alexandra Koch

175-PG-94

Fribourg

Marie Bridline

97

Marina Lugt

183-PF-95

Dijana Milenkovic

180-G/F-96

Highflyers

Laura Perrenoud

189-C-94

Hope-GBA

Melanie Roth

185-F-94

Gabriela Sakica

164-PG-97

Highflyers

Safie Tolusso

178-SG-97

Tiffanie Zali

182-F-95

Pully

Romain Gaspoz

Head Coach

Fribourg

Ramon Acosta

Assistant

Zurich Wildcats

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

TURKEY

TED Ankara Kolejliler signs Tugce Canbaz and Aysu Keskin - by Eurobasket News

Tugce Canbaz (180-SF-81) and Aysu Keskin (90) are new members of TED Ankara Kolejliler. Both players signed a deal for the next season.
Tugce Canbaz arrives to the club from Kayseri, where she spent last three seasons. She had very limited playing time in all three years. Before Kayseri, she spent two seasons with Burhaniye Belediyesi. The player had 5 ppg and 4 rpg for 20 TBBL games in 2008/09. In the past, she played for Tarsus and Galatasaray.
Aysu Keskin heads to TED Ankara Kolejliler from Gure Belediyesi, where she had 8.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 3.6 apg for 30 games last season. She was named Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TKB2L Guard of the Year -12. Keskin played for the same club also in 2010/11 season. Before that, she was a member of Tarsus.


Turkish U18 National Team 2012 - by Greg

Turkish U18 National Team 2012
#s#	Akbas	Altunbey	Anac	Atas	Aydin	#e#5

Busra Akbas

171-PG-95

Botas

Basak Altunbey

187-C-96

Elif Anac

94

Antalya Koleji

Sinem Atas

178-SF-95

Antalya Koleji

Merve Aydin

174-PG-94

Istanbul Univ.

Deniz Aygul

95

Optimum TED

Nurcan Basaran

176-F-95

Fahriye Bayraktar

185-SF-95

Pelin Bilgic

173-G-94

Botas

Sehernaz Cidal

179-SF-95

Botas

Hulya Coklar

188-C-95

Emine Culha

94

Izmir Basketbol

Deniz Dogan

176-SF-94

Yeliz Dogan

183-PF-94

Antalya Koleji

Elif Emirtekin

184-F-94

Botas

Betul Erkoyuncu

186-C-96

Melis Gulcan

180-SG-96

Cansu Koksal

185-SF-94

Fenerbahce

Didem Nakas

173-SG-94

Nazlican Olcek

187-C-95

Antalya Koleji

Sera Ozelci

182-SF-94

Optimum TED

Gizem Sezer

196-C-94

Istanbul Univ.

Gizem Uca

94

Erkan Metin

Head Coach

Migros

Efe Guven

Assistant

Ali Korkmaz

Assistant

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

UKRAINE

Ukrainian U18 National Team 2012 - by Simas

#s#	Antonyuk	Batrakova	Bondarenko	Byelitska	Hromakova	#e#5

Tetyana Antonyuk

184-C-95

Pereyaslav

Oksana Batrakova

186-C-95

Anastasiya Bondarenko

180-F-95

Alina Bondarenko

185-PF-95

Viktoriya Byelitska

190-C-95

Veronika Hromakova

178-G-94

Liliia Kopylets

182-F-94

Viktoriya Koval

172-PG-94

Olga Krayevska

178-PG-94

Tim-Scuf

Svitlana Kyrychok

183-F-95

Sofiya Myloserdna

178-F-95

Funmilayo Omoboogunje

185-F-94

Sofiia Pantiukh

167-PG-95

Alina Popova

180-F-95

Mariya Ruban

192-C-94

Bar Regina-B.

Anastasiya Savytska

175-G-94

Tim-Scuf

Nataliia Sergeieva

180-F-94

Nataliya Skorbatyuk

183-F-95

Tim-Scuf

Oksana Stepanyuk

190-C-95

Darya Synytsya

178-G-95

Miriam Uro-Nile

190-C-94

Tim-Scuf

Oleg Ruban

Head Coach

Oleksiy Davydov

Assistant

Ruslana Sushko

Assistant