EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/31/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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



Brian Graham's New World Order! - by Justin Moore

Brian Graham and His New World Order of Minor League
Basketball"

" Greetings from New York City. In a major move for minor league
basketball I have formed The Federation Of American Professional
Basketball (FAPB). I have noticed that there is major discrepancy and
a kind of back alley way of operating within the subterranean
dwellings of American minor league basketball. At times I have found
that this way operating is rather depressing. Since assuming control
of The ACPBL in 2011, I have witnessed the best and the worst of minor
league basketball. As Presidents, Commissioners, and owners we are
providing opportunity to the basketball less fortunate. We are giving
our players opportunities as well as creating opportunities for
ourselves. I have started this Federation as an attempt to bring the
leagues together.

With the formation of the (FAPB) I have decided to end the existence
of THE ACPBL and start THE AMERICAN PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
(APBL). The ACPBL will end after The ACPBL summer league finishes in
late August. It is a bold move to end a fully functional league, but
it was a necessary change which will be for the better for all teams
involved. The APBL will be a member of The (FAPB).I will also be
purchasing the rights to The Federation League which will be a
professional minor league basketball league based out of New York City
that will also operate under the umbrella of The Federation. It will
offer opportunity to organizations that are considering moving to the
next level.

The transition of The ACPBL to THE APBL has been in the works since
the spring of 2012. From the ACPBL we will have 9 of our 10 teams
returning with numerous additions of teams from the EBA and ABA. Also,
the city of Portsmouth has put together an exploratory committee to
bring a team to Virginia. I would also like to bring back the
2010-2011 champions of The ACPBL Norfolk Tru Hope Trailblazers. Although my
contact with The Trailblazers has been minimal, having them within the
APBL would be a fantastic opportunity for everyone.

The APBL will feature a more competitive league fee scale for teams
and returning teams. This will allow teams to solicit a greater amount
of sponsors as well as create a cost effective blueprint for teams to
follow. There will be standard player contracts for all players, 10
man active roster and a 12 man total roster. Having a scaled down
roster will create greater opportunity for the player to further
advance their careers. A standard 3 referee format, 16 game season,
and the full travel team model for teams that are not able to secure
home gyms."

Thank You for your support
www.federationbasketball.com

Sincerely,
Brian Graham


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  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Cibona extends deal with C Andrija Zizic - by Eurobasket News

Cedevita announced signing of a 1-year contract extension with Andrija Zizic (207-C-80, agency: Beo Basket). The player arrived last summer from Cedevita. He appeared 6 times in EuroCup averaging 13.2 points and 6.5 rebounds. In Adriatic league, Zizic collected 7.9 ppg and 4.2 rpg for 22 games. He had slightly better numbers in 18 Croatian league games helping Cibona to win the championship title. Andrija Zizic split 2010/11 season between ASVEL and Cedevita. He played for Cedevita also in 2009/10 season. In the past, Zizic was a member of CAI Zaragoza, Galatasaray, Olympiakos, Barcelona and Split. In 2008, the center won Greek title and Cup with Panathinaikos. He played for the Croatian National Team from 1999 to 2005.


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  ARGENTINA   


Alexis Elsener moves to Atenas - by Eurobasket News

Alexis Elsener (195-G-88) will continue his career in Atenas. The guard has agreed on terms of contract with the Cordoba team. Alexis Elsener spent the last season in Obras Sanitarias. He tallied 6.6 points, 2.5 boards per game in LigaA. In Liga Sudamericana his stats read 6.9 points, 2.4 boards, 1.1 assists and 1.0 steal per appearance. Alexis Elsener also notched 8.8 points, 4.2 boards, 1.2 assists and 2.1 steals per game in Liga Americas. Previously Alexis Elsener played for Monte Hermoso. He made it into All-Argentinean TNA 1st Team in 2010. Next season the guard was named LigaA Most Improved Player of the Year. Alexis Elsener debuted for Argentinean National Team in 2011. He played for the team at the Panamerican Games in Mexico.


Estudiantes Concordia announce Facundo Sucatzky and Joseph Bunn - by Eurobasket News

Estudiantes Concordia ensured the services of Facundo Sucatzky (175-PG-72) and Joseph Bunn (198-F/C-75, college: Phillips, OK) for the next season.
Facundo Sucatzky spent the last season in Atenas. He tallied 6.3 points, 3.7 assists and 1.9 rebounds per game in LigaA. In Liga Sudamericana the guard notched 6.6 points, 4.4 assists and 1.3 rebounds per game. Previously Facundo Sucatzky had stints with Minas, Trotamundos, Argentino Junin, Obras, Atenas, Libertad Sunchales, Independiente, Quilmes, Olimpia Venado Tuerto, San Andres and Provincial. Latinbasket.com named Facundo Sucatzky All-Brazilian League Import Player of the Year in 2009. He was the member of Argentinean National Team in 1999/2007 seasons.
Estudiantes Concordia also renewed the contract of Joseph Bunn. The centre was named into All-Argentinean TNA 2nd Team last season. He joined the team at the start of the previous season.


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  AUSTRALIA   

Standings - ABA

State League Standings
Big V
 1. Ringwood H. 17-3 
 2. Eltham W. 15-5 
 3. Waverley F. 13-7 
 4. Corio Bay 12-8 
 5. Diamond V.E. 9-11 
 6. Hume City 9-11 
 7. Bulleen B. 7-13 
 8. Sherbrooke S. 5-15 
 9. Melbourne 3-17 
Central ABL
 1. Forestville E. 13-4 
 2. Sturt S. 13-4 
 3. N.Adelaide R. 12-5 
 4. W.Adelaide B. 12-5 
 5. Norwood F. 10-7 
 6. Woodville W. 8-9 
 7. C.District L. 6-11 
 8. Southern T. 5-12 
 9. S.Adelaide P. 4-13 
 10. Eastern M. 2-15 
QBL
 1. Rockhampton 10-2 
 2. Ipswich F. 10-3 
 3. Cairns M. 10-4 
 4. Mackay M. 9-3 
 5. Northside W. 8-4 
 6. Townsville H. 8-6 
 7. SW Metro P. 6-6 
 8. Gold Coast R. 5-7 
 9. Bundaberg B. 5-8 
 10. Brisbane C. 4-10 
 11. Toowoomba 3-9 
 12. Gladstone P. 3-10 
 13. Maroochydore 2-11 
SBL
 1. Wanneroo W. 23-3 
 2. Lakeside L. 22-4 
 3. Cockburn C. 17-9 
 4. East Perth E. 16-10 
 5. Mandurah M. 16-10 
 6. Perth R. 15-11 
 7. Goldfield G. 13-13 
 8. Kalamunda E.S. 12-14 
 9. Geraldton B. 12-14 
 10. Perry Lakes H. 11-15 
 11. Willetton T. 10-16 
 12. Stirling S. 8-18 
 13. SW Slammers 4-22 
 14. Rockingham F. 3-23 
SEABL-East
 1. Dandenong 20-5 
 2. Geelong S. 18-7 
 3. Bendigo B. 15-10 
 4. Frankston B. 13-11 
 5. Sandringham S. 13-12 
 6. Brisbane S. 8-17 
 7. Canberra G. 1-25 
SEABL-South
 1. Nunawading S. 15-9 
 2. Knox R. 15-9 
 3. Albury W.B. 14-12 
 4. Hobart C. 14-12 
 5. Kilsyth C. 14-12 
 6. Ballarat M. 12-12 
 7. Mt Gambier 8-17 
 8. NW Tasmania 8-18 
WARATAH
 1. Newcastle H. 15-3 
 2. Norths Bears 15-4 
 3. Manly Warr. 12-6 
 4. Illawarra H. 12-8 
 5. Cent.Coast C. 10-10 
 6. Bankstown B. 9-9 
 7. Sydney C. 9-9 
 8. Maitland M. 9-10 
 9. Hills H. 7-11 
 10. Colonial Hotel 5-14 
 11. Parramatta W. 4-13 
 12. Sutherland S. 4-14 

Regular Season: Round 18

BIG V

Jul. 28: Corio Bay - Eltham W. 82-89
Jul. 28: Bulleen B. - Sherbrooke S. 80-77
Jul. 29: Eltham W. - Hume City 76-63
Jul. 28: Ringwood H. - Diamond V.E. 103-94
Jul. 28: Melbourne - Waverley F. 102-105

Central ABL

Jul. 28: W.Adelaide B. - Norwood F. 86-75
Jul. 28: Woodville W. - Eastern M. 81-84
Jul. 28: Forestville E. - Southern T. 71-68
Jul. 28: S.Adelaide P. - Sturt S. 70-83
Jul. 28: C.District L. - N.Adelaide R. 66-95

QBL

Jul. 28: Northside W. - Toowoomba 93-77
Jul. 28: SW Metro P. - Gladstone P. 83-72
Jul. 28: Bundaberg B. - Rockhampton 80-73
Jul. 29: Gold Coast R. - Gladstone P. 78-71
Jul. 28: Brisbane C. - Ipswich F. 71-82
Jul. 27: Maroochydore - Rockhampton 63-90
Jul. 28: Townsville H. - Mackay M. 109-107
Jul. 27: Cairns M. - Mackay M. 100-91

SEABL

Jul. 27: Mt Gambier - Albury W.B. 95-78
Jul. 27: Hobart C. - NW Tasmania 93-62
Jul. 28: Frankston B. - Knox R. 92-72
Jul. 27: Bendigo B. - Knox R. 90-93
Jul. 28: Nunawading S. - Kilsyth C. 81-84
Jul. 28: Brisbane S. - Bendigo B. 80-90
Jul. 28: Geelong S. - Albury W.B. 75-83
Jul. 28: Sandringham S. - Dandenong 69-92
Jul. 28: Canberra G. - Ballarat M. 48-104
Jul. 29: Kilsyth C. - Geelong S. 100-99

WARATAH

Jul. 28: Colonial Hotel - Hills H. 91-84
Jul. 28: Manly Warr. - Maitland M. 89-59
Jul. 28: Illawarra H. - Bankstown B. 83-76
Jul. 28: Sydney C. - Norths Bears 80-92
Jul. 28: Parramatta W. - Sutherland S. 75-93
Jul. 28: Newcastle H. - Cent.Coast C. 75-71

Regular Season: Round 19

Central ABL

Aug. 4: N.Adelaide R. - S.Adelaide P.
Aug. 4: Eastern M. - W.Adelaide B.
Aug. 4: Norwood F. - Forestville E.
Aug. 4: Southern T. - C.District L.
Aug. 4: Sturt S. - Woodville W.

QBL

Aug. 3: Townsville H. - Rockhampton
Aug. 4: Ipswich F. - Gold Coast R.
Aug. 4: SW Metro P. - Toowoomba
Aug. 4: Cairns M. - Rockhampton
Aug. 4: Gladstone P. - Mackay M.
Aug. 4: Maroochydore - Brisbane C.
Aug. 5: Northside W. - Gold Coast R.
Aug. 5: Bundaberg B. - Mackay M.

SEABL

Aug. 3: Hobart C. - Frankston B.
Aug. 3: Mt Gambier - Nunawading S.
Aug. 4: Canberra G. - Kilsyth C.
Aug. 4: NW Tasmania - Frankston B.
Aug. 4: Bendigo B. - Sandringham S.
Aug. 4: Knox R. - Geelong S.
Aug. 4: Albury W.B. - Brisbane S.
Aug. 4: Nunawading S. - Ballarat M.
Aug. 5: Ballarat M. - Knox R.
Aug. 5: Geelong S. - Dandenong
Aug. 5: Sandringham S. - Brisbane S.

WARATAH

Aug. 4: Manly Warr. - Bankstown B.
Aug. 4: Sydney C. - Cent.Coast C.
Aug. 4: Maitland M. - Parramatta W.
Aug. 4: Newcastle H. - Sutherland S.
Aug. 4: Norths Bears - Hills H.
Aug. 5: Hills H. - Parramatta W.
Aug. 5: Bankstown B. - Colonial Hotel


SBL Round 20 - by Hugh McAuliffe

The State Basketball League regular season has come to a close for 2012 with Greg Hire's Joondalup City Wanneroo Wolves finishing as minor premiers as they attempt to win back-to-back SBL championships.

The Wolfpack finished on top of the ladder from the Andy Stewart coached Lakeside Lightning, the Cockburn Cougars, East Perth Eagles, Mandurah Magic, Perth Redbacks, Goldfields Giants and Kalamunda Eastern Suns.

That sets up some tantalising quarter-final match ups with Wanneroo playing Kalamunda, East Perth facing Mandurah, Lakeside battling Goldfields and Cockburn taking on Perth.

Week 20 action over the weekend saw the Eastern Suns secure their playoff berth with wins over East Perth on Friday night at the Morley Sport and Recreation Centre and then the Cockburn Cougars at Ray Owen Sports Centre on Saturday.

Wanneroo, though, had already secured the minor premiership prior to Friday night's loss to the Cockburn Cougars. Greg Hire finished with 24 points and 15 rebounds for the Wolfpack and Jackson Hussey scored 19 points.

The Perth Redbacks went down to the Geraldton Buccaneers 110-85 on Saturday at Active West Stadium despite 15 points, six assists and six rebounds from Joel Wagner, and 22 points from Jarrad Prior.

The Willetton Tigers beat the South West Slammers 107-88 at Eaton Recreation Centre on Saturday despite Rob Cassir not lining up for Willetton.

The Lakeside Lightning thumped the Perry Lakes Hawks 124-85 at the WA Basketball Centre also on Saturday night despite 23 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists from Ben Purser.


Former National Team point guard Steven Markovic stays in Serbia - by Eurobasket News

Steven Markovic (190-G-85) signed a 1-year contract extension with his Serbian team Radnicki Kragujevac. It will be their third straight season together. The former Australian National Team point guard appeared 21 times in Adriatic league last season averaging 9.3 points, 7 assists (No.2), 2.4 rpg and 1.7 spg (No.3). In Serbia, he added 7.1 ppg, 4.4 apg and 1.9 rpg for 17 games. Radnicki reached Playoff Semifinals and Markovic was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Honorable Mention -12. In 2011, he was named to Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League 2nd Team. Before Radnicki, Markovic played for Crvena Zvezda, Benetton and West Sydney Razorbacks.
Steven Markovic played for Australia at 2010 World Championship in Turkey. He got a chance in two games. Back in 2003, Markovic helped U18 Australia to win the Gold at U18 World Championship in Greece.


Redhage leads 'Cats past Snakes - by Eurobasket News

The Perth Wildcats have defeated the Cairns Taipans 84-66 in an exhibition game in Port Hedland on Sunday.

Shawn Redhage (203-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Arizona St.) led the Wildcats, who featured just three of their senior squad, with 21 points in an impressive performance, shooting 60 per cent from the field.

Perth guard Everard Bartlett (198-G-86) added 15 points and five assists while forward Greg Hire (198-F-87, college: Augusta St.) had five points and seven rebounds.

Brad Hill (198-G/F-86) led the Taipans with 16 points while US import Jamar Wilson (185-PG-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Albany) chipped in 10.

Perth led 23-18 at the end of the opening period and were never headed after the first quarter.

Courtesy of NBL Australia


36ers statement on Adelaide Arena - by Eurobasket News

The Adelaide 36ers and Basketball SA have met with the new owners of the Adelaide Arena, the Commonwealth Bank, and their agents Ferrier Hodgson, to determine the immediate future of their tenancy within the popular sporting venue.

As the existing lease is not recognised by the new owners, the Commonwealth Bank, the number one priority for basketball is to secure a lease that will see the sport at the Arena for the 2012-13 NBL season.

The tenants are working with the Commonwealth Bank and their agent to reach an agreement on venue operational costs as well as a lease. It is expected that an update on the lease situation will be known within the next couple of weeks.

Adelaide 36ers CEO Leeanne Grantham said she is hopeful of a resolution that will see the 36ers on court on October 7 for the NBL season kick-off.

We are optimistic that the Commonwealth Bank, as the new owners, will recognise how critical it is to secure our lease as soon as possible, so that the 36ers can be on court for the 2012-13 season.

Were making it our number one priority to see that this issue is resolved as a matter of urgency.

Basketball SA CEO Mark Hubbard said that it was vital for sport generally that the future of the Arena is secured.

Clearly its imperative for us to secure the venue for the 2012-13 season not only for the Adelaide 36ers and Adelaide Lightning but for all basketball, and other sports such as netball, gymnastics and indoor soccer who have also used the venue.

Its a unique, multi-purpose venue, that is seen as one of the best basketball venues in the country. And, were hopeful of soon having an agreement with the Bank that sees the Adelaide Arena remain open for business.

Courtesy of NBL Australia


QBL: Weekend Wrap-Up: Round 11 - by Eurobasket News

Cairns Marlins 100 def. Mackay Meteors 91

An epic battle in the north, with Mackay holding a six-point lead at the first break, before being caught off-guard in the second quarter with Cairns coming back with a vengeance to go into the half-time break up by 21 points. Mackay edged back the gap to 16 point behind by the end of the third quarter, and continued the fight right up to within the last four minutes, where they got in front by a point. But the Marlins pulled out all the stops to defend their home court, and came out with the nine-point win to hand Mackay their second loss of the season. Dwayne Vale (194-F/G-85) shot 27 points for Cairns, Matt Gange put up 26 for the Meteors.

Maroochydore Clippers 63 def. by Rockhampton Rockets 90

Maroochydore put in a strong fight but the Rockets were too strong in this match, maintaining a decent lead for much of the game. Rockhamptons Travis Reed (203-C-79, agency: Court Side, college: Long Beach St.) shot 28 points while Clippers player/coach Gianni Constantiello put up 17 points.

South West Metro Pirates 83 def. Gladstone Power 72

The Power held the lead for much of the match, right up until the final quarter, when the Pirates came out swinging to snatch the lead and take out the match by 11 points. Gladstones Zach Silverman had a game-high 21 points, while Pirates Kenny Barnes shot 19 points.

Northside Wizards 93 def. Toowoomba Mountaineers 77

The Wizards were too strong for the visitors throughout the match, holding a 23-point lead at half-time. The Mountaineers put in a solid fight in the third quarter but their efforts werent enough to take the match. Louis Hurd (180-G-86) shot 28 points for Northside, while youngster Adoc Mak Wai put in a huge match for Toowoomba, scoring 25 points.

Townsville Heat 109 def. Mackay Meteors 107

After Townsville led for much of the first three quarters, Mackay found their form in the fourth quarter, managing to come back from 15 points down to even the scores at the final buzzer, taking the game into overtime. The extra time saw a close battle for supremacy, until Townsville came out on top by two points. Todd Blanchfield had a huge game for Townsville with 38 points and 12 rebounds, while Michael Cedar (190-G-86) shot 33 points for Mackay.

Brisbane Capitals 71 def. by Ipswich Force 82

Scores were tight during much of the match, and the result could have gone either way, with Brisbane gaining the lead going into the fourth quarter after starting the third quarter three points down. But Ipswich again put the game under their control and took the 11 point win. Zarryon Fereti shot 29 points for the Force, Jarred Bairstow (F/C-92) and Nicholas Masunda both contributed 17 points for the Capitals.

Bundaberg Bulls 80 def. Rockhampton Rockets 73

The Rockets found themselves 12 points down just five minutes into the game, and managed to come back to hold a one point lead heading into the second quarter, the lead again changing hands a number of times during the second quarter before Rockhampton started half-time four points up. They maintained their lead right up until less than two minutes left in the game, when Bundaberg fired up and regained control and sealed the win by seven points. Mitch Philp (184-G-89) had a game-high 29 points for Rockhampton, Bundabergs Willie Shackleford shot 23 points.

Gold Coast Rollers 78 def. Gladstone Power 71

Gladstone held themselves a decent lead at the end of the first quarter, before the Rollers came back to pull the game into their hands, leading by six points at half-time. Despite a concerted effort by the Power, the game was the Gold Coasts through the second half, earning them the win. Kevin Gaines (193-G-80, college: Houston) had a game-high of 20 points for Gladstone, David Gurney shot 18 points for the Rollers.
Courtesy of: qbl.basketball.net.au


Big V: Weekend Wrap- Round 18 - by Eurobasket News

Ringwood and Eltham head into the finals as the teams to beat, leaving Waverley and Corio Bay searching for a way to cause an upset, or two!

Corio Bay dropped from third to fourth courtesy of a loss against Eltham (82-89) in a largely entertaining game, which now leaves the Stingrays with a testing semi-final showdown with Ringwood. The home team trailed by 22pts at half-time in this one, but saved some face with a 54-39 second half. Scott Cuffe (30pts, 13rbs) and Derrick McDonald (20pts) were brilliant for the Wildcats, however a 24-second run for starting point guard Liam Norton has us sensing something is amiss. Paul Hutchison (26pts) lit it up for the Stingrays with six triples, Eric WIllimas added 19pts and Jason Reardon had 12pts & 11rbs.
Bulleen ended their season with an 80-77 win against Sherbrooke, capably led by Corey Standerfer (201-PF, college: York, NB) (25pts, 11rbs) and DeAnthony Elliosn (18pts), surviving a last-second miss from Sherbrookes Luke Solomon to tie the game up. The Boomers shot at 50 per cent in this one, yet the Suns stayed in range courtesy of 17 more shots. Best for the Suns, who have announced a new coach will be in place next season, were Nathan Tru-man (19pts) and Jonathan Lee (187-G-90) (15pts, 7ass).
Ringwood closed out a ladder-leading season with win number 13 in a row, this time eclipsing Diamond Valley and ending the Eagles three-game winning streak. The Hawks shot a staggering 16/44 from be-yond the arc and cracked the tonne for the third time in five games. Sam Belt (196-G/F-84, college: Cent.Oklahoma) (22pts, 11rbs) and Skyler Bowlin (21pts) did the damage, while a competitive DV was well represented by Matthew Bongetti (22pts) and Kristian Williams (14pts).

ROUND 18 RESULTS
Eltham 89 defeated Corio Bay 82 Bulleen 80 defeated Sherbrooke 77 Ringwood 103 defeated Diamond Valley 94 Waverley 105 defeated Melbourne 102 Eltham 76 defeated Hume City 63
Waverley jumped to third place a in to a show-down with last years grand final opponent, Eltham, with a hard-fought 105-102 in overtime against Melbourne. The Tigers came to play and put on a great show, finishing with a 30-21 fourth quarter to force an extra five minutes. Mel-bourne dropped an amazing 15/31 from the arc with Yusuf Qaafow (190-G-87) delivering 8 treys on his way to 37pts. The victorious Falcons were best served by an in-form Daniel Dillon (27pts, 13rbs), Ivan Platenik (201-F-83, college: Alaska-Anch.) (26pts) and Bennie Lewis 19pts).
Eltham finished the weekend with a 76-63 win against Hume City, which was most notable for the extensive minutes provided to Wildcats youngsters Adamson, Darling, Coleman, Malvaso and Campos. No doubt the home team was saving fire for the bigger jobs ahead, but that in itself doesnt bode well for the way the Broncos fin-ished the season. Alex Bogart-King (16pts, 11rbs) did his bit, but you get the feeling Hume Citys inconsistency was a thorn that just continued to grow across the season. Finishing a good week-end was Derrick McDonald with another 19pts, while Scott Cuffe also rounded out a big double-header with 16pts.
Ringwood heads into its semi-final with a decided advantage over Corio Bay after beating the Stingrays in both of their clashes this season; firstly a 115-102 win in round 8, followed by an 85-65 win in round 17.
Courtesy of: bigv.com.au


SEABL: Round 18 results - by Eurobasket News

ROUND 18 RESULTS - CHAMPIONSHIP MEN.

FRIDAY 27th JULY

BENDIGO 90 (Yearby 22, Probert 16, Hogan 16)

Lost to

KNOX 93 (Hill 23, Strong 19)

**OVERTIME**

Bendigo may have led for only 16sec of the game but they forced overtime with a dunk by Yearby with only seconds remaining in regulation time. Raiders had control in overtime but needed two free throws from import CJ Massingale (191-G-82, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Metro St.) to seal the win with 10secs remaining.

MVP Mick Hill (Knox)

HOBART 93 (Gregg 27, Polk 24)

def

NW TASMANIA 62 (Armstrong 21, Gary 16)

Hobart was the more determined team in the final quarter as they outscored the Thunder 35-11 to run out comfortable winners. Gregg and Polk were outstanding for the Chargers.

MVP Jordan Gregg (201-C, college: E.Oregon) (Hobart)

MT GAMBIER 95 (Burdon 25, Jeffree 20)

def

ALBURY/WODONGA 78 (Ntumba 22, Ferguson 22)

Albury/Wodonga was slow out of the blocks and the Pioneers took full advantage escaping to a 13pt lead after the first quarter. Pioneers outscored the Bandits in a further two quarters to extend their lead further.

MVP Erik Burdon (189-PG-85) (Mt Gambier)

SATURDAY 28th JULY

BRISBANE 80 (Tueta 19, Ammar 16)

Lost to

BENDIGO 90 (Yearby 29, Garlepp 18)

Bendigo started strongly, forcing the Spartans to play catch-up. Braves Yearby, Garlepp and Tanner dominated inside the paint.

MVP Deilvez Yearby (198-F-87, agency: Pro One Sports, college: IPFW) (Bendigo)

CANBERRA 48 (Andronicos 9, Smith 8)

Lost to

BALLARAT 104 (Coenraad 25, Joyce 22, White )

Canberra shot the ball poorly and struggled for the entire game. Ballarat put up a great performance, shooting 57% from the field and dominated the rebounding stats, despite being the smaller team.

MVP Timothy Coenraad (201-F/G-85, college: Nova SE) (Ballarat)

FRANKSTON 92 (Long 28, Henry 22)

def

KNOX 72 (Massingale 21, Hill 14)

Knox started the game looking a very tired team and Frankston grabbed the early 25-21 first quarter lead. Blues Imports Henry and Long dominated at both ends of the floor as the Raiders struggled to contain their athleticism.

MVP Chuck Long (Frankston)

GEELONG 75 (Wilson 29, Medved 24)

Lost to

ALBURY/WODONGA 83 (Ferguson 37, Ntumba 21)

The Bandits grabbed the lead early in the fourth quarter thanks largely to the efforts of guard Jazzmarr Ferguson (185-G, college: Indiana SE). Albury/Wodonga outscored the Supercats 27-17 in the final quarter to grab the win.

MVP Jazzmarr Ferguson (Albury/Wodonga)

SANDRINGHAM 69 (Cooperwood 26, Muhlbach 16)

Lost to

DANDENONG 92 (Lewis 21, Barker 16)

Dandenong once again dominated the first quarter, grabbing a 35-17 lead after the first ten minutes. Sandringham were then forced to play catch-up but were outscored again in the second and third quarters.

MVP Tony Lewis (Dandenong)

NUNAWADING 81 (Conn 27, McDonald 14)

Lost to

KILSYTH 84 (Malvik 22, Lang 20)

Both teams started strongly, but the Cobras produced a better performance in the second term to grab a 9pt lead. Kilsyth held on to secure the win despite the Spectres winning both the third and fourth quarters.

MVP Timothy Lang (209-C-85, college: Stetson) (Kilsyth)

SUNDAY 29th JULY

KILSYTH 100 (Blair 26, Malvik 25)

def

GEELONG 99 (Wilson 39, Owusu 24)

Kilsyth led after the first quarter, but then let the Supercats back into the game and trailed by 6pts at the half. Geelong remained in front after the third quarter but then grabbed the lead early in the first quarter thanks to great play from import Garfield Blair. Supercats Theron Wilson (195-F-87, college: Bradley) had the chance to win the game, but his three pointer attempt missed on the buzzer.

MVP Theron Wilson (Geelong)
Courtesy of: http://www.seabl.com.au


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


Austria rally past Portugal in Oberwart - by Eurobasket News

Austria - Portugal 69:65

Austria finished the international tournament in Oberwart on a high note. They knocked down Portugal to improve at 1-2 record. Jason Detrick (198-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: Oklahoma) scored 21 points to lead the winners.
Austria posted a 12:9 lead after ten minutes. They increased the tempo in the second quarter. The hosts accounted for 20 points to build a 5-point halftime lead 32:27. Portugal got closer in the third term. The visitors narrowed the gap at just 4-point mark at the final intermission. Portugal narrowed the deficit to 2 points late in regulation but Austria survived the challenge and rolled to the tough win at the end. Sebastian Koch (200-F-88), Davor Lamesic (203-F-83, agency: Interperformances) and Thomas Schreiner (195-G-87, agency: Dynamics Global Management) posted 10 points each for the winners. Joao Gomes (199-F-85) answered with 15 points for Portugal. Mario Fernandes (176-PG-82) added 10 points in the loss.

Austria: Jason Detrick 21, Sebastian Koch 10, Davor Lamesic 10, Thomas Schreiner 10
Portugal: Joao Gomes 15, Mario Fernandes 10


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  BALTIC LEAGUE   


Neptunas inks point guard Rashaun Broadus - by Eurobasket News

Neptunas reinforced its roster at point guard spot. According to Sportando.net, the Lithuanian squad penned a 1-year deal with Rashaun Broadus (183-PG-84, college: BYU). The American/Samoan player arrives to the club from the IBL team Edmonton Energy. They played during the off-season in Europe and Broadus averaged 14.7 points, plus 7.2 rebounds in 9 games. The player spent 2011/12 season with Siauliai. There he had 10.5 ppg, 4.4 apg and 3.9 rpg for 23 Baltic league games. The player had slightly lower numbers in LKL. Season 2010/11, Rashaun Broadus split between Ukrainian Politekhnika-Halychyna and Siauliai. In the past, he played for Marijampole Suduva-Arvi and CSU Cuadripol Brasov. Rashaun Broadus was named Eurobasket.com All-Baltic League Guard of the Year -12. He paced Siauliai to Baltic league and LKL Semifinals few months ago.


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  BELARUS   


Georgia U18 defeat Belarus U18 in Estonia - by Eurobasket News

Georgia U18 - Belarus U18 99:89 (OT)

Georgian U18 National Team played a friendly encounter versus their Belarusian counterparts in Tallinn. Georgia claimed a tough overtime win at the end. Otari Buliava scored 29 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to pace the winners.
Georgia surged ahead in the opening quarter. They posted a 21:17 lead after ten minutes of action. Belarus took over in the second quarter. They piled up a 36:32 halftime advantage. Belarus extended the lead in the second frame. They ensured an 11-point lead heading into the fourth period. However Georgia poured in 31 points in the fourth stanza and forced overtime. Georgia stayed on fire in the extra period and sealed a tough win at the end. Kakhaber Tomaradze (193-G-95) notched 16 points, while Irakli Mikeladze (180-PG-94) added 14 points for the winners. Yahor Patupchyk (186-PG-94) responded with 16 points for Belarus. Dzmitry Astashou (195-F-94), Luka Malakhau (182-PG-94) and Yahor Salenik (195-F-94) netted 13 points each in the loss.

Georgia U16: Otari Buliava 29, Kakhaber Tomaradze 16, Irakli Mikeladze 14
Belarus U16: Yahor Patupchyk 16, Dzmitry Astashou 13, Luka Malakhau 13, Yahor Salenik 13


Estonia U18 rally past Belarus U18 - by Eurobasket News

Estonia U18 - Belarus U18 64:58

Estonia U18 claimed victory in the exhibition clash versus their Belarusian counterparts. Sander Saare (182-PG-94) scored 13 points to lead the charge.
Estonia surged ahead early in the encounter. The hosts posted a 16:12 lead after ten minutes. Belarus fired 23 points in the second term to narrow the gap. They got within two points at halftime 35:37. Estonia however cleared off in the third term. They ignited a 21:12 rally and ensured an 11-point lead with ten minutes remaining. Belarus held the home team to 6 points in the fourth frame and cut the deficit. But Estonia survived the challenge and stole the victory at the end. Hendrik Ruut (190-G-94) and Georg Tambre (195-F/C-94) responded with 10 points each for Estonia. Dzmitry Astashou (195-F-94) answered with 13 points and 7 rebounds for Belarus. Yahor Patupchyk (186-PG-94) netted 10 points and 7 rebounds in the loss.

Estonia U18: Sander Saare 13, Hendrik Ruut 10, Georg Tambre 10
Belarus U18: Dzmitry Astashou 13, Yahor Patupchyk 10


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  BOSNIA   


Interview with Samir Sehic - by Nedzad Kladusak

Samir Sehic (203-F-96) has been one of the most impressive players of the NIKE EYBL tournament which is at least at the same level as the Albert Schweitzer Tournament, the unofficial U17 WC. However the numerous commitments of Sehic hindered him to play for BIH and unfortunately it is uncertain when he will join the NT.

1) How do you feel Samir?
It was a great feeling winning the Nike EYBL Peach Jam, it was a good way to end our season and I am very happy with the result

2) Is the season ended, and whether you have something else this year regarding basketball?
The season is over, and I am done with games for awhile, but I will be training everyday getting ready for the next year.

3) How many games you played this year and whether these were difficult?
I think we played around 70 games this season in AAU and there were a lot of difficult games, but we were able to push trough them and win most of them.

4) Unfortunately you did not become a U15 USA champion with Titans this year? Why and what happened?

t was very unfortunate that we werent able to pull off the victory, but you cant blame anyone for the lose other then yourself, we just werent able to pull it off.

5) What was the strongest tournament that you played this season and what was your experience in that tournament?
The strongest tournament this year was the Nike EYBL Peach Jam, it was tough to perform, just because there were a lot of college coaches there and it was a bit nerve racking, but we pulled off the championship and I really learned that you have to perform when called upon.

6) Can you tell us which teams do you play for in (AAU, High school and how is working if you go to the camps). Also if is any new players how they fit in with you?
In AAU I play for the Texas Titans and I go to Cy-Woods High School. So in the case of going to camps, I pretty much just represent myself. We usually dont get new players, but when we do they fit in without a problem.

7) Are you satisfied with personal development? Are you satisfied with the results of your team?
Well you cant ever be satisfied with yourself; you always have to strive to be better. As a team we didnt perform to are expectations, so we werent to satisfied with are results in National Championship Tournament.

8) The level that you play how you will compare that to the European basketball?
I dont know how to really compare the too, because I still havent had the change to play overseas but basketball here is more physical and strength wise, when European basketball is more IQ ball and good technique.

9) How tall you are right now and how much you weight and tell us how much did you grown since last year? Have you talk to your doctors about your growth forecasts?

I am 6' 8 (203cm) right now and 245lbs. (112kg) last year I was 6' 7 (201cm), 220lbs. (100kg). So I have gained some muscle and grown an inch (2cm). The doctor said I should be around 6' 10 (208cm).
10) Given the praise you are getting are you already got some colleges offer?
I have couple of colleges interested in me, and I have gone on some visits.

11) Unfortunately you were not able to play for Bosnian National team. Why and what happened?
I have been very busy with AAU basketball and college stuff and just havent been able to make it. Hopefully I will be able to in the future.

12) How would you describe your self as a player and which position your gladly play?
I would describe myself as a hardworking player and I play the 4 and 5 which is power forward and center and I love playing it, but I also love to step out and shoot the 17th footer.

13) For your age and your position you have nice shot and you have a knack for assistance. On what you have to work most in the future?
I think I mostly need to work on my footwork in the post and also learn a counter move for moves that I use.

14) Did you follow the results of your peers from Cadet National team and are your satisfied with the results?
I did follow the team, and I am sadly disappointed that they werent able to make it higher, looks like they faced some good competition but hopefully my schedule allows me to play with them next year.

15) What are your goals for next season?
My personal goal next year, is to continually stay healthy and also to be quicker and faster off my feet and also a lot stronger. As a team I would like to make it to state with my high school team and make it again to the Peach Jam and Orlando Showcase tournament with my AAU team.

16) On the end, when you coming to Bosnia and what do you think who will be next NBA champion?
Honestly I wish my schedule will allow me to be there next year, but if not I will do my best to come as soon as I can, but regarding the NBA title I feel like Miami Heat will once again win.

Samir thanks for your interview and I wish best to you in your future career!!


Aleksandar Lazic gets the invitation for the U18 National Team - by Miljan Veskovic

Aleksandar Lazic (198-SG-96) will be added to U18 Bosnia and Herzegovina National Team as soon as he lands from Romania where he had played European Championship with U16 team. Aleksandar had great Division B U16 championship, his stats were impressive knowing the fact that during the season he didn't play any official games with his team Olimpija Ljubljana. He was sidelined because of the letter of clearance issue and was forced to practice and only play some friendly games. During the U16 championship Aleksandar averaged 13.4 points and 10.5 rebounds which is amazing for the shooting guard. Anyway it's a big turnaround point for him and let's hope we will see more of him in the upcoming years.


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  BULGARIA   


Rilski Sportist Samokov adds Dupree to their roster - by Eurobasket Center

Braxton Dupree (203-F-118kg-89, college: Towson, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) has signed with Rilski Sportist Samokov in Bulgaria's NBL. The team will compete both domestically and in the highly-competitive EUROHOLD Balkan League (BIBL) against the top clubs from Croatia, Israel, Montenegro, Serbia, Romania, and Macedonia. Rilski was the Balkan League champion in 2009 and will look to Dupree as an inside presence to help regain their position atop the standings.
As a rookie last season, Braxton was signed by Maccabi Ashdod of Israel's Premier League and loaned to Nes-Ziona where he averaged 8.0ppg, 5.9rpg, and shot 51.1% from the field. He later joined the London Lightning in Canada and helped the organization become the first champion of the country's National Basketball League. In college, Braxton played for Towson University averaging 12.0ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.3bpg as a senior during the 2010-11 season. Dupree is yet another example of the hard-working and successful pro players that the CAA conference has produced over the past decade.
'The opportunity for Braxton to get the exposure of international competition this early in his career is exciting for all of us' said player's agent. 'Working against the top NT players and coaches from around the world is how players expand their game and challenge themselves. The Adriatic region values toughness and physicality. Braxton will be a natural fit and we expect him to be a key part of Rilski's success this season.'


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  COLOMBIA   


Federation Cup News - by Victor Garcia

The moves towards the 2012 Federation Cup already started.

Orgullo Paisa / Arrieros de Antioquia reported an agreement with the veteran center Herberth Bayona to be part of the green team in the Cup, while the team is also interested to bring the Venezuelan forward Juan Herrera.
Bukaros the champion of the 2011 Cup,will have the well known Dominican coach Adriano Dillone as head coach, the management of the team already has an agreement to bring back Cory Bradford for the 2012 Cup, they are also trying to agreed terms with Edgar Moreno, according to reports of the team the center Miguel Marriaga has also agreed terms to be back with the team for the upcoming season.
Manizales team confirmed that Tomas Diaz will be its head coach, and are trying to get Rodrigo Caicedo to play the point guard.
Guerreros de Bogot reachs an agreement with the talented guard Gerson Pena, and confirmed national team point guard Gianluca Bacci, point guard Julian Pineda and forward Emiro Romero as part of the team.

The Federation is close to release a new schedulle for the cup starting August 31st.


Jose Firstman in the New President of the National Federation - by Victor Garcia

Mr Jos Firtsman has been elected as the new president of the Colombian Basketball Federation, Mr Firstman is an entrepreneur with great experience in the events and logistics area, and has been member of the excutive committee for the last two periods, there are great hopes about the Firstman upcoming work.
The arrival of Firstman to the presidency means the end of the Jairo Romeros era , but Romero will remain in the Federation as manager, a new position that looks created to fit Romeros interest to stay involved in the Federation.
Romeros perfomance as president was very controversial, specially because he can not found a sponsor and did not start a National Teams program, there are also critics from many teams about his management of the Federation Cup.


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  CROATIA   


Cibona extends deal with C Andrija Zizic - by Eurobasket News

Cedevita announced signing of a 1-year contract extension with Andrija Zizic (207-C-80, agency: Beo Basket). The player arrived last summer from Cedevita. He appeared 6 times in EuroCup averaging 13.2 points and 6.5 rebounds. In Adriatic league, Zizic collected 7.9 ppg and 4.2 rpg for 22 games. He had slightly better numbers in 18 Croatian league games helping Cibona to win the championship title. Andrija Zizic split 2010/11 season between ASVEL and Cedevita. He played for Cedevita also in 2009/10 season. In the past, Zizic was a member of CAI Zaragoza, Galatasaray, Olympiakos, Barcelona and Split. In 2008, the center won Greek title and Cup with Panathinaikos. He played for the Croatian National Team from 1999 to 2005.


Bojan Bogdanovic is out of Croatian national team! - by Dajana Karl

Bojan Bogdanovic (203-G/F-89) is out of Croatian national team! It is because of the rules violation. Head coach Jasmin Repesa (agency: World Sport Agency ) couldn't tolerate Bogdanovic's behavior so he decided to exclude him from the team. Goran Vrbanc (194-G-84) will be joining the team on Wednesday as the replacement. Bogdanovic was averaging 13.6 pts, 1.8 ast, 0.5 st, 0.2 blk per game last season playing for Fener.Ulker and drafted by New Jersey Nets (now Brooklyn Nets) in 2011.


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  CYPRUS   


Cyprus lost two friendly games in Netherlands - by Eurobasket News

Cyprus suffered two defeats in friendly games against Netherlands. The teams clashed twice in Rotterdam.
Netherlands opened the series with a 77:55 success. The hosts cleared off to an 18-point lead at the first break 40:22. Netherlands stretched the lead to 63:36 at the final break and never looked back en route to the victory. Henk Norel (212-F/C-87) scored 18 points to pace the hosts. Anthony King (206-F/C-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Miami, FL) answered with 12 points for Cyprus. Panagiotis Trisokkas (206-C-80) had 10 points in the loss.
Next game was once again a one-way traffic. Netherlands claimed a 101:55 victory. The home team used a 31:8 run in the second quarter to pile up a 45:26 halftime lead. Netherlands stayed in charge throughout the second half and cruised to the victory at the end. Henk Norel topscored for Netherlands once again with 23 points. Robin Smeulders added 17 points in the winning case. Panagiotis Trisokkas and Anthony King answered with 10 points each for Cyprus. Christopher Razis (193-F-89) had 9 points in defeat.


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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Senior National Team Wins Exhibition Game Against East Coast All-Stars at 2012 Four Nations Cup - by Surujh Roopnarine

The Czech Republic Senior Mens National team is participating in the 2012 Four Nations Cup in Estonia last week, starting the tournament with a 106-86 victory over the East Coast All-Stars. The East Coast All-Stars were founded in 2006 and consist of NCAA Division I, II and II level players. In their first tune-up prior to qualifications for the 2013 European Championships (Eurobasket), the Czech team started off fast and never looked back, opening up a 12-0 lead to start the game and taking the first quarter 24-9. The East Coast All-Stars, fought back to close the deficit, but the Czech squad, led by Jakub Houska (206-C-82), who scored a team-high 16 points, maintained a double-digit lead for most of the game. The game presented Head Coach Pavel Buda with an opportunity to give his entire roster playing time which was beneficial headed into upcoming test-matches against Georgia and Estonia, all to be played in Tallinn. University of Maryland guard Nick Faust (198-G-93) led the East Coast All-Stars with a game-high 20 points.
CZECH REPUBLIC: Jakub Houska (16pts), Petr Benda (203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) (11pts), Vojtech Hruban (202-F-89) (11pts), Jiri Welsch (201-F-80) (10pts), Kamil Svrdlik (206-F-86, college: Fair Dickinson) (10pts), Lubos Barton (202-F/G-80, college: Valparaiso) (10pts)
EAST COAST ALL-STARS: Nick Faust (20pts), Quinn Cook (182-G-93) (17pts), Juwan Staten (185-G) (13pts)

EAST COAST ALL-STARS
Jerald Williams
Quinn Cook
Juwan Staten
Nick Faust
Brad Redford (182-G-90)
Michael Holton (185-G)
Kevin Anthony
Dwight Powell (205-F)
Zach McCabe (200-F-91)
Marshall Plumlee (211-F/C-92)
Kevin Noreen (208-F)


Levharti Chomutov Land Pair of Young Talents in Ladislav Peck and Vaclav Honomichl - by Surujh Roopnarine

Seizing on the opportunity presented when Plzen announced that they would not play in the NBL this season, Levharti Chomutov swooped in and signed two former Czech U20 National Team members in forward Ladislav Pecka (197-F-91) and guard Vaclav Honomichl (189-G-92). Ladislav Pecka, 6-6, is coming off of his best season as a professional. The 21-year old appeared in 46 games for Plzen, averaging 10.7 points (second on the team) and 5.5 rebounds, while shooting 50.4% from the field and 69.4% from the line. Pecka was a member of the Czech Republic U20 team which competed at the 2011 European Championships Division B and came away with a Bronze Medal in Sarajevo.
Vaclav Honomichl joins his former Plzen teammate in Chomutov, and at 20 is coming off of his best season at the NBL level as well. In 39 games primarily off the bench the 6-3 Honomichl averaged 4.6 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists while shooting 37.9% on two-point field goals and 25.0% from three. He is already very experienced at the international level having played for the Czech National Team U16, U18 and U20 teams in eight European Championship tournaments from 2007-2012.
These two youngsters will join a Chomutov squad still looking to complete its roster, as they look to return only a healthy veteran forward Pavel Stanek (203-F/C-76, agency: Court Side), Zdenek Hanzlik (200-F-87), Martin Jakes (195-F-85), Jan Stepanek (204-C-83), Jakub Kozubik (193-G/F-91) and Martin Basta (189-SF-92) from last season's squad.


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  DENMARK   


Gregory Washington joins Svendborg - by Eurobasket News

Svendborg bolstered their roster. They inked contract with Gregory Washington (208-F-84, college: Hofstra). The forward spent the previous season in D-League. He played for the Erie Bay Hawks. The forward notched 1.7 points, 1.4 boards and 1.4 blocks per appearance. It was the first pro season for Gregory Washington. He graduated from the Hofstra University in 2011. The forward got drafted by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of D-League. Gregory Washington has been the member of US Virgin Islands National Team since 2009. He participated at 2012 Centrobasket in Puerto Rico. The forward notched 2.7 points and 2.7 rebounds per game in San Juan.


Horsens bring in Keane Thomann - by Eurobasket News

Horsens reinforced their frontcourt. They added Keane Thomann (211-C-89) to the squad. The centre will start his professional career in Denmark. Keane Thomann has just graduated from the Missouri Southern State University. He tallied 21.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.3 blocks per game in his senior season. Keane Thomann participated at NABC Division II All-Star Game. Keane Thomann was named into NABC Division II All-America Team. He also made it into Daktronics Division II All-America 3rd Team. Keane Thomann was trumped All-MIAA Player of the Year.
Horsens in the meantime lost Mike St.John (203-F/C-84, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: La Salle) and are not expected to keep Will Harris (198-F-86, college: Albany) on the roster.


Caleb Walker joins Naestved - by Eurobasket News

Naestved added another player to the roster. They agreed on terms of contract with Caleb Walker (193-G-89). The guard will start his pro career in Denmark. Caleb Walker has just graduated from the University of Nebraska. He tallied 6.8 points, 4.0 boards and 1.2 assists per game in his senior season. Caleb Walker previously played for Butler Community College. He was named into NJCAA D1 All-America 1st Team in 2010. Caleb Walker becomes the third newcomer for Naestved in just a week. Previously they announced Joe Benjamin (201-F/C-83, college: W.Virginia St.) and Stian Mjos (182-PG-89). So now the lineup for the team stands at: Martin Hoirup (192-F-82), Lars Hoirup (192-G/F-83), Mads Frandsen (202-F/C-90), Marko Ronholt, Mathias Christensen (195-F-95), Nerijus Brasas (200-F-85), Stian Mjos, Joe Benjamin, Mads Bentzen (94) and Caleb Walker.


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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   

Standings - District National

LNB Standings
North Division
 1. Metros 4-2 
 2. Indios SF 4-3 
 3. Huracanes 3-3 
 4. Reales 2-5 
South Division
 1. Caneros 5-2 
 2. Titanes 3-3 
 3. Leones SD 3-4 
 4. Cocolos 2-4 

Regular Season: Round 5

Jul. 27: Metros - Reales 93-90
Jul. 28: Caneros - Cocolos 93-83
Jul. 28: Indios SF - Huracanes 90-85
Jul. 29: Leones SD - Indios SF 88-85
Jul. 29: Reales - Caneros 86-77
Jul. 27: Titanes - Leones SD 70-73

Regular Season: Round 6

Jul. 31: Cocolos - Metros
Jul. 31: Huracanes - Titanes
Aug. 1: Caneros - Huracanes
Aug. 1: Indios SF - Cocolos


LNB: Round Five review - by Eurobasket News

Five rounds of the 2012 LNB season are already played. Caneros faced with its second loss, but still stays alone on top of Group B with 5-2 record. Reales (2-5) handed 86-77 defeat to Caneros yesterday. Andy Williams (195-G/F-80, agency: Court Side) was a key player in victory with 20 points and 8 rebounds. Luis Manuel Martinez shined in defeat with 24 points and 6 rebounds. Also yesterday, Leones SD (3-4) grabbed 88-85 win against Indios SF (4-3). Elpidio Fortuna (188-G-85) stepped up for Leones with 27 points and 5 rebounds. On Saturday, Caneros outgunned Cocolos 93-83.
Metros is the leading team of Group A with 4-2 record. In its latest game Metros outsmarted Reales 93-90. Victor Liz (188-G/F-88) impressed with 29 points in this meeting. In other games of Round 5, Indios SF handed 90-85 loss to Huracanes on Saturday and Leones SD downed Titanes 73-70 on Friday.
Round Six begins tomorrow.


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  ESTONIA   


Estonia loses to Czechs - by Janar

Czech Republic won Estonia 72:70 in a thrilling game on the second day of the 4 Nations Cup, in Tallinn.

Petr Benda (203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) led the winners with 18 points and 10 rebounds, Jiri Welsch added 16 points incl. deciding free throws with 7 seconds to play. Siim-Sander Vene led the hosts with 13 pts and 10 rbs. Gregor Arbet added 12, Kristjan Kangur 11 points, Sten Sokk 6 points and 10 assists. Czechs dominated the rebounding 46:26!
The hosts led 31:28 after first half but the guests went ahead 46:54 in 3rd quarter. Vene and Gert Dorbek combined a 7:0 spurt in the beginning of the 4th to take the hosts ahead 60:59 but baskets by Benda, a three-pointer by Carnecky and a dunk by Hruban took the guests ahead 69:70 with a minute and half to play. Vene made a basket with 8 seconds left but that didn't count because of the offensive foul and Czechs secured a victory.


Estonia U18 rally past Belarus U18 - by Eurobasket News

Estonia U18 - Belarus U18 64:58

Estonia U18 claimed victory in the exhibition clash versus their Belarusian counterparts. Sander Saare (182-PG-94) scored 13 points to lead the charge.
Estonia surged ahead early in the encounter. The hosts posted a 16:12 lead after ten minutes. Belarus fired 23 points in the second term to narrow the gap. They got within two points at halftime 35:37. Estonia however cleared off in the third term. They ignited a 21:12 rally and ensured an 11-point lead with ten minutes remaining. Belarus held the home team to 6 points in the fourth frame and cut the deficit. But Estonia survived the challenge and stole the victory at the end. Hendrik Ruut (190-G-94) and Georg Tambre (195-F/C-94) responded with 10 points each for Estonia. Dzmitry Astashou (195-F-94) answered with 13 points and 7 rebounds for Belarus. Yahor Patupchyk (186-PG-94) netted 10 points and 7 rebounds in the loss.

Estonia U18: Sander Saare 13, Hendrik Ruut 10, Georg Tambre 10
Belarus U18: Dzmitry Astashou 13, Yahor Patupchyk 10


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  EUROLEAGUE   


Unicaja lands former NBAer Marcus Williams - by Eurobasket News

Williams Marcus (191-G-85, college: Connecticut) will continue his career in Spain. The American point guard penned a deal with Unicaja Malaga. Williams arrives to Unicaja from China, where he had 11.1 ppg, 3.8 apg and 3.2 rpg for 25 CBA games with Jiangsu Nangang Dragons Nanjing. Williams signed in China in December. He spent 2010/11 season with Enisey Krasnoyarsk averaging 15.3 points, 6.8 assists and 3.6 rebounds for 28 Russian league games. He was league's No.1 in assists. Williams Marcus played for the Memphis Grizzlies in 2009/10 season. He had 4.4 ppg, 2.6 apg and 1.5 rpg for 61 NBA games. In 2008/09, he was a member of the Golden State Warriors. From 2006 to 2008, Williams Marcus played for the New Jersey Nets. They selected him as 22nd overall pick at 2006 NBA Draft.


Cajasol decides not to match offer, Unicaja gets Txemi Urtasun - by Eurobasket News

Txemi Urtasun (193-G-84, agency: Interperformances) officially became a new member of Unicaja. Cajasol decided not to match the offer made by the Malaga team. Urtasun signed with Unicaja on July 20 and Cajasol had option to match the offer until today. Txemi Urtasun played last two seasons for Cajasol. He appeared 36 times in Liga Endesa 2011/12 averaging 10.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2 assists. He helped Cajasol to reach the Semifinals of Copa del Rey this year and also to reach the Playoff Semifinals. In their first season together Urtasun was close to reach the Euroleague with Cajasol. They played in the EuroCup Finals, but were able to win it. Urtasun collected 11.1 ppg in this competition and he also had 9.9 ppg in ACB. Txemi Urtasun played for Alicante from 2008 to 2010 winning the LEB Gold Playoffs with them in their first year together. Before Alicante, he spit 2007/08 season between Estudiantes and Leon. Urtasun also has experience from Bruesa, Breogan, Zaragoza and La Palma.
Today, Unicaja penned a deal with former NBA player Williams Marcus (191-G-85, college: Connecticut).


Unicaja also gets Earl Calloway - by Eurobasket News

Unicaja Malaga got another new player today. After Txemi Urtasun (193-G-84, agency: Interperformances), Cajasol also declined to match offer for Earl Calloway (191-G-83, college: Indiana), so the player became a new member of Unicaja. In the morning, Unicaja penned a deal with former NBAer Williams Marcus (191-G-85, college: Connecticut).
Earl Calloway spent last three years with Cajasol. In their first season together he had 9.4 ppg, 4.2 apg and 2.3 rpg for 36 games. In 2011, Calloway helped Cajasol to reach the EuroCup Finals. Last season the player had 7.6 ppg, 3.1 apg and 2.2 rpg for 36 games. He joined the club in 2009 from Cibona Zagreb, where he played in 2008/09. Calloway won Croatian league title and Cup with them. He also shined in Adriatic league and was named Eurobasket.com All-Adriatic League Import Player of the Year -09, while Cibona reached Finals. In the past, Calloway played for the NBA D-League team Fort Wayne Mad Ants and University of Indiana. He received Bulgarian citizenship two years ago.
Earl Calloway will play next two years for Unicaja.


Union Olimpija land Drazen Bubnic - by Eurobasket News

Union Olimpija announced the name of another newcomer. The Slovenian powerhouse signed contract with Drazen Bubnic (205-F-86). The forward played in Helios Domzale over the last two seasons. The forward notched 10.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game in Adriatic League last season. In Slovenian League Drazen Bubnic tallied 12.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists per appearance. Eurobasket.com named the forward into All-Slovenian League 2nd Team. Previously Drazen Bubnic had stints with Zlatogor, Luka Koper, Geoplin, Hermes Zagreb. He earned All-Slovenian League Honourable Mention in 2009 and 2010. The forward participated at 2011 Slovenian League All-Star Game. Drazen Bubnic was the member of U18 and U20 Croatian National Teams.


*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16   

Stats Leaders - Group A

Points Per Game
 Matej SVOBODA
  (200-PF-96)
  Avg: 19.7
 1. Svoboda, CZE19.7 
 2. Arapovic, CRO19.0 
 3. Kobets, UKR16.4 
 4. Garcia, ESP16.1 
 5. Stamatis, GRE15.9 
 6. Avenitis, LAT15.0 
 7. Mazalin, CRO15.0 
 8. Mussini, ITA14.6 
 9. Meznieks, LAT14.5 
 10. Sabonis, LTU14.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Domantas SABONIS
  (199-PF-96)
  Avg: 14.4
 1. Sabonis, LTU14.4 
 2. Lazarevic, SRB10.4 
 3. Karpenkov, RUS9.8 
 4. Donzelli, ITA9.3 
 5. Oliva, ITA9.0 
 6. Oghide, ENG8.2 
 7. Bozic, CRO8.0 
 8. Malmanis, LAT7.9 
 9. Wimberg, GER7.9 
 10. Arapovic, CRO7.7 
Assists Per Game
 Dominykas ZUPKAUSKAS
  (184-PG-96)
  Avg: 6.9
 1. Zupkauskas, LTU6.9 
 2. Akodo, ENG5.2 
 3. Gavrilov, RUS4.9 
 4. Ory, FRA4.4 
 5. Zywert, POL4.2 
 6. Cima, LAT4.2 
 7. Mazalin, CRO4.1 
 8. Gecim, TUR3.7 
 9. Schmitt, GER3.4 
 10. Toliopoulos, GRE3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Marek ZYWERT
  (185-SG-96)
  Avg: 3.4
 1. Zywert, POL3.4 
 2. Arapovic, CRO3.2 
 3. Donzelli, ITA2.6 
 4. Pryimak, UKR2.3 
 5. Ory, FRA2.3 
 6. Wlodarczyk, POL2.2 
 7. Svoboda, CZE2.2 
 8. Rossato, ITA2.1 
 9. Korolyatin, RUS2.1 
 10. Akodo, ENG2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Georgios PAPAGIANNIS
  (210-C-97)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Papagiannis, GRE2.4 
 2. Wimberg, GER1.9 
 3. Cavars, LAT1.8 
 4. Guven, TUR1.8 
 5. Sabonis, LTU1.4 
 6. Pryimak, UKR1.4 
 7. Pruefer, POL1.4 
 8. Malmanis, LAT1.4 
 9. Skranc, CZE1.3 
 10. Leczo, CZE1.2 


Stats Leaders - Group B

Points Per Game
 Kristijan NIKOLOV
  (185-G-96)
  Avg: 25.9
 1. Nikolov, MKD25.9 
 2. Kauffmann, LUX22.8 
 3. Hakanson, SWE22.0 
 4. Salash, BLR20.8 
 5. Magdevski, MKD20.1 
 6. Popovic, MNT17.4 
 7. Ciotlaus, ROM16.5 
 8. Niemisto, FIN16.4 
 9. Kandybovic, BLR15.6 
 10. Mandic, SUI15.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Maksim SALASH
  (203-C-96)
  Avg: 14.3
 1. Salash, BLR14.3 
 2. Polite, SUI12.4 
 3. Berg, NOR11.1 
 4. Cate, ROM11.1 
 5. Lazic, BIH10.5 
 6. Skagius, SWE9.4 
 7. Ogunsipe, AUT8.7 
 8. Larsen, DEN8.5 
 9. Dozic, MNT8.4 
 10. Nikolic, MNT8.4 
Assists Per Game
 Ludvig HAKANSON
  SWE
  (190-PG-96)
  Avg: 6.7
 1. Hakanson, SWE6.7 
 2. Benzouien, BEL3.6 
 3. Pavicevic, MNT3.6 
 4. Magdevski, MKD3.5 
 5. Kelly, DEN3.4 
 6. Arens, LUX3.3 
 7. Petkov, BUL3.3 
 8. Amiel, POR3.2 
 9. Hodi, HUN3.2 
 10. Nikolov, MKD3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Andrej MAGDEVSKI
  (190-G-96)
  Avg: 4.4
 1. Magdevski, MKD4.4 
 2. Ciotlaus, ROM3.6 
 3. Demirtas, BEL3.2 
 4. Blatt, ISR3.1 
 5. Rozanek, SVK3.0 
 6. Cvetkovski, MKD2.9 
 7. Amiel, POR2.9 
 8. Hakanson, SWE2.6 
 9. Andelic, MNT2.5 
 10. Petkov, BUL2.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Gyorgy GOLOMAN
  (204-F/C-96)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Goloman, HUN2.3 
 2. Cate, ROM2.3 
 3. Nikolic, MNT2.0 
 4. Larsen, DEN1.9 
 5. Salash, BLR1.8 
 6. Janicek, SVK1.7 
 7. Magdevski, MKD1.4 
 8. Andersen, DEN1.3 
 9. Skagius, SWE1.1 
 10. Boezeman, NED1.1 


Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U16 Awards 2012 - by Eurobasket Center

Eurobasket.com All-Tournament 1st Team 2012
#s#
Okben Ulubay
Ulubay
Federico Mussini
Mussini
Etienne Ory
Ory
Jan Wimberg
Wimberg
Marko Arapovic
Arapovic
#e#5

MVP: Okben Ulubay (200-F-97) of Turkey
Best Guard: Etienne Ory (175-PG-96) of France
Best Forward: Okben Ulubay of Turkey
Best Center: Marko Arapovic (207-C/F-96) of Croatia
Best Coach: Omer Ugurata of Turkey

1st Team
PG: Federico Mussini (179-96) of Italy
PG: Etienne Ory (175-96) of France
G: Jan Wimberg (202-96) of Germany
F: Okben Ulubay (200-97) of Turkey
C/F: Marko Arapovic (207-96) of Croatia

2nd Team
SG: Marek Zywert (185-96) of Poland
SG: Daniel Donzelli (199-96) of Italy
SF: Lovro Mazalin (198-97) of Croatia
PF: Domantas Sabonis (199-96) of Lithuania
C: Ilya Karpenkov (200-97) of Russia

3rd Team
PG: Luka Bozic (188-96) of Croatia
G: Dimitrios Stamatis (192-96) of Greece
SF: Pierfrancesco Oliva (200-96) of Italy
PF: Matej Svoboda (200-96) of Czech Rep.
PF: Mikhail Maleyko (203-96) of Russia

Honorable Mention
Nikola Pavlovic (199-PF-96) of Serbia
Oleksandr Kobets (192-SF-96) of Ukraine
Ervins Meznieks (184-F-96) of Latvia
Jules Akodo (G-96) of United Kingdom
Dominykas Zupkauskas (184-PG-96) of Lithuania
Kamil Zywert (188-PG-96) of Poland
Matej Kavas (193-G-96) of Slovenia
Antoine Wallez (202-PF-96) of France
Akif Guven (206-C-96) of Turkey
Federico Mussini (179-PG-96) of Italy


*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20   

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Marko MUGOSA
  (198-F-93)
  Avg: 18
 1. Mugosa, MNT18.0 
 2. Sanadze, GEO17.2 
 3. Burjanadze, GEO16.4 
 4. Larentzakis, GRE16.3 
 5. Prepelic, SLO16.3 
 6. Eriksson, SWE15.9 
 7. Nikolic, MNT15.2 
 8. Omic, SLO15.1 
 9. Pustovyi, UKR14.9 
 10. Antonakis, GRE14.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Vyacheslav BOBROV
  (202-F-92)
  Avg: 8.9
 1. Bobrov, UKR8.9 
 2. Burjanadze, GEO8.4 
 3. Omic, SLO7.7 
 4. Nikolic, MNT7.7 
 5. Gaddefors, SWE7.1 
 6. Trushkin, RUS7.1 
 7. Gobert, FRA7.0 
 8. Jean-Charles, FRA6.8 
 9. Pavic, MNT6.8 
 10. Norman, SWE6.4 
Assists Per Game
 Klym ARTAMONOV
  UKR
  (183-PG-93)
  Avg: 5.3
 1. Artamonov, UKR5.3 
 2. Prepelic, SLO4.9 
 3. Cizauskas, LTU4.6 
 4. Westermann, FRA4.3 
 5. Pajovic, MNT4.1 
 6. Laane, EST4.0 
 7. Traini, ITA3.9 
 8. Pkhakadze, GEO3.8 
 9. Antonakis, GRE3.6 
 10. Rupnik, SLO3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Dovydas REDIKAS
  (195-G-92)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Redikas, LTU2.1 
 2. Pozas, ESP2.0 
 3. Lagana, ITA1.9 
 4. Larentzakis, GRE1.7 
 5. Dokuyan, TUR1.5 
 6. Timma, LAT1.5 
 7. Eroglu, TUR1.5 
 8. Heckmann, GER1.3 
 9. Edge, TUR1.3 
 10. Barrera, ESP1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Rudy GOBERT
  (212-C-92)
  Avg: 3.9
 1. Gobert, FRA3.9 
 2. Pustovyi, UKR2.3 
 3. Nurger, EST1.4 
 4. Orlenko, RUS1.3 
 5. Nikolic, MNT1.3 
 6. Silins, LAT1.2 
 7. Tessitori, ITA1.1 
 8. Omic, SLO1.0 
 9. Gaddefors, SWE0.9 
 10. Vaitiekunas, LTU0.9 



*****************************************************
  FINLAND   


KTP announced Antwine Williams - by Eurobasket News

KTP announced Antwine Williams (192-F-75, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: N.Colorado) for the upcoming season. The American player stays in Finland but moves to another team.
In 2010-2011 he moved to Pyrinto Tampere (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five) and averaged 16.5ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.1apg, Steals-4 (1.8spg), FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 78.4%. In 2011-2012 for Pyrinto Tampere (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five) at the Eurochallenge Qualifying Round his stats read 17.0ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.5apg, 2.0spg, while in Finnish League he showed 15.5ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.0apg, Steals-3 (2.0spg), FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 77.5%.
Together with Pyrinto Antwine Williams became the winner of the Regular Season. Leader Tampereen Pyrinto delivered the 37th victory. This time they crushed 9th ranked Namika Lahti 108-60. Antwine Williams ended up with 19 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals.
Antwine Williams also became Finnish Cup Finalist -12 and reached Finnish League Semifinals -12. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Finnish Korisliiga 2nd Team -12.


Lappeenrannan NMKY sign Clifton Jones - by Eurobasket News

Lappeenrannan NMKY sign Clifton Jones (201-F-78, college: Oregon St.) for the upcoming season. The Finnish League Champion moves from Nilan Bisons Loimaa.
The American player moved to Finland in year 2000. In his first season he played for Joensuun Kataja (Finland-D1) and averaged 16.3ppg, 10.3rpg, 1.1apg, Steals-1 (3.6), Blocks-1 (2.5). After another three seasons with the team he moved to Porvoon Tarmo (Finland-League) and showed 13.1ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.5spg, Blocks-3 (1.4bpg), FGP: 59.4%, 3Pts: 46.2%. In 2005-2006 came back to Joensuun Kataja (Finland-Korisliiga) and after 44 games his stats read 12.9ppg, 9.6rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1spg, 1.3bpg, 2FGP: 63.8%, 3PT: 25%, FT: 66.1%.
In 2007-2008 started for NMKY Helsinki (Finland-1st Division, starting five) and then moved to Team Componenta Karkkila (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five). In 2008-2009 for Team Componenta Karkkila (Finland-Korisliiga) he averaged 9.4ppg, 9.4rpg, 1.1apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 60.4%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 46.0%.
In 2009-2010 Clifton Jones signed with KTP Basket Kotka (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five) and had 3.8ppg, 5.0rpg. After another season with the team he moved to 2011-2012: Nilan Bisons Loimaa (Finland-Korisliiga) and showed 5.2ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 60.7%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 43.3%.


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


Chris Oliver signs with JSF Nanterre - by Eurobasket News

Chris Oliver (198-F-85, college: Radford) signs with JSF Nanterre for the next season. The American Forward comes from Strasbourg.
In 2003-2004 he started for Radford (NCAA) and in 28 games debuted with 6.9ppg, 4.3rpg, 17ast. In his last season for Radford (NCAA) his stats read 18.8ppg, 8.3rpg, 2.1apg, 1.9spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 48.7%, 3Pts: 25.8%, FT: 74.8%. In 2007-2008 Chris moved to Kaiserslautern Braves (Germany-ProA, starting five) and became the second top-scorer with 0.5ppg), Reb-5 (9.0rpg), 1.2apg, 1.3spg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 56%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 79.6%. In 2008-2009 moved to MEG Goettingen (Germany-1.Bundesliga) and had 10.6ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 75.5%, injured (broken bone in his left foot) in Aug.'08 and was sidelined for 6 weeks. In 2009-2010 continued for MEG Goettingen (Germany-1.Bundesliga) and in EuroChallenge after 13 games showed 11.5ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 77.1%, wjile in German League after 35 games averaged 14.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 80.9%.
The season 2010/2011 started for Walter Tigers Tuebingen (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five) and in 34 games averaged 13.5ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 21.9%, FT: 78.9%.
Chris Oliver became Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Honorable Mention -10, 11. Last year he became EuroChallenge Champion -10.
In 2011-2012 for Strasbourg IG (France-ProA, starting five) his stats read 11.4ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 84.7%.


France U18 started EC preparation - by Eurobasket News

France U18 started EC preparation and participated at the Torneo Ciudad de Linares with 3 teams.
France U18 opened the campaign with the win over Russia U18 65:57. They won the first period 16-14 and increased to 4 points at the halftime. Russia exploded with 22-12 in the third quarter but could not win the game as France erupted with 20-6 in the last stanza. Mouhammadou Jaiteh (201-F/C-94) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Boris Dallo (193-G-94) as well as Alexandre Chassang (199-C-94) poured in 8 each. Mikhail Kulagin (188-G-94) answered with 12 points in the losing effort.
Poland took on France in the second game of the tournament. It was the tougher battle but Poland lost this one as well 51:63. Filip Struski (199-F-94) netted 9 points to pace Poland. Kacper Borowski (202-C/F-94) finished with 8 points in the losing case.
In Day 3 Spain U18 won over France U18 55:52 to triumph at the tournament. France opened the game with 17-13, but the teams were tied at the halftime after 16-12 for Spain in the second frame. Spain needed 15-7 in the last stanza to seal the victory and remained undefeated. Albert Homs (199-G/F-94, agency: Interperformances) top-scored for the winners with 10 points and Vicedo delivered 9. Harley replied with 11 points in the losing effort.


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


Georgia U18 defeat Belarus U18 in Estonia - by Eurobasket News

Georgia U18 - Belarus U18 99:89 (OT)

Georgian U18 National Team played a friendly encounter versus their Belarusian counterparts in Tallinn. Georgia claimed a tough overtime win at the end. Otari Buliava scored 29 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to pace the winners.
Georgia surged ahead in the opening quarter. They posted a 21:17 lead after ten minutes of action. Belarus took over in the second quarter. They piled up a 36:32 halftime advantage. Belarus extended the lead in the second frame. They ensured an 11-point lead heading into the fourth period. However Georgia poured in 31 points in the fourth stanza and forced overtime. Georgia stayed on fire in the extra period and sealed a tough win at the end. Kakhaber Tomaradze (193-G-95) notched 16 points, while Irakli Mikeladze (180-PG-94) added 14 points for the winners. Yahor Patupchyk (186-PG-94) responded with 16 points for Belarus. Dzmitry Astashou (195-F-94), Luka Malakhau (182-PG-94) and Yahor Salenik (195-F-94) netted 13 points each in the loss.

Georgia U16: Otari Buliava 29, Kakhaber Tomaradze 16, Irakli Mikeladze 14
Belarus U16: Yahor Patupchyk 16, Dzmitry Astashou 13, Luka Malakhau 13, Yahor Salenik 13


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


EBC Rostock adds youngster to 2012-13 roster - by Moritz Korff

EBC Rostock (1. Regionalliga North) has added Dominik Breitschuh (187-G-93) to its 2012-13 roster, the club unveiled. The 19-year-old moves from Bremerhaven to Rostock. Last season Breitschuh was a member of Bremerhaven's NBBL team which reached the championship game of the U19-Bundesliga. The guard appeared in 14 NBBL games and scored 3.9 points per outing. He also saw action in the 2. Regionalliga, averaging 3.6 points a game for BSG Bremerhaven throughout this past season.


Baskets Vilsbiburg complete roster with Kwame Doku - by Moritz Korff

Kwame Doku (196-F/C-88) will crash the boards wearing the jersey of the Baskets Vilsbiburg (1. Regionalliga South-East) in the 2012-13 season. The 24-year-old center moves from TV Werne to Vilsbiburg. Doku was the last missing piece on Holger Prote's roster, according to the team's website.
The Vilsbiburg squad recently started team practice for the upcoming season - without their two Canadian players however. Justin Halleran (186-G-84) and Ryan Barbeau (178-G) will join the team in early August. While Halleran has already played in Vilsbiburg since 2010, Barbeau will spend his first year overseas. He completed his college career at CIS program Western Ontario earlier this year and averaged 23.0 points, 4.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds per contest for the Mustangs.


Citybasket Recklinghausen captures Kendall Chones - by Moritz Korff

After two years with ETB Essen in the 2. Bundesliga Pro A Kendall Chones (201-F-84, agency: Dynamics Global Management, college: Colgate) takes a step back and will try to help Pro B newcomer Citybasket Recklinghausen to establish in the new league after moving up as the 1. Regionalliga West champ. Chones, who started his overseas career in Herten back in 2008, averaged 7.8 points and 4.7 boards for Essen last season. In 2009 Chones played in Finland for a while, but other than that he has always spent his post-NCAA career in Germany.


Schoo set to join Phoenix Hagen - by Moritz Korff

According to derwesten.de BBL side Phoenix Hagen has signed German big man Bjoern Schoo (213-F/C-81, agency: Court Side, college: Northern St.) for the 2012-13 season. The 31-year-old comes off a two-year stint with Pro A team USC Heidelberg and has BBL experience under his belt, as he appeared in 17 Bundesliga contests for the Koeln 99ers back in the 2008-09 campaign.
While playing for Heidelberg, Schoo proved his ability to dominate in the paint. Following the 2010-11 season he was named Eurobasket.com All-2. Bundesliga Pro A Center of the Year and Most Improved Player of the Year. Also last season Schoo had solid performances on the USC squad, averaging 8.8 points and 6.2 rebounds a game.


John Turek makes Ludwigsburg move - by Moritz Korff

BBL team Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg has confirmed the signing of John Turek (205-F/C-83, college: Nebraska). The 29-year-old American moves from Poland back to Germany. In the 2009-2010 season the Council Bluffs, Iowa, native played for Phoenix Hagen and averaged 12.4 points as well as 6.6 rebounds a game.
Following his Hagen stint Turek went on to the Netherlands and then took his game to Poland. He played a stellar season at Trefl Sopot and was named 2011-12 Eurobasket.com All-Polish League Center of the Year. He scored 14.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per contest for Sopot last season.


Ekene Ibekwe (Brandon Hunter Is A Lot Funnier Than People Think) - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Ekenechukwu Ibekwe (210-F-85, college: Maryland)s a 27 year old 206cm forward from Los Angeles that has the Nigerian and American citizenship. He is a long, lean dynamic post player with unlimited athletic potential, a talented shooter for his size who can take the ball to the basket and score in the post and a high-flying finisher and shot blocker. He played at Maryland from 2003-2007 winning the ACC tournament in 2004. He turned professional in 2007 and played for Gilboa/Afula/Migdal Haemek (Israel-Premier League), left in Feb.'08: 11games: 11.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2Pts 61.1%, FGP 77%, next month moved to Besanon Basket Comt Doubs (France-ProB, starting five): 8 games: 10.9ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.4spg, Blocks-2 (1.6bpg), 2FGP: 50%, FT: 69.7%. In 2008-2009, he played for Mutlu Aku Selcuk Universitesi Konya (Turkey-TBL, starting five): 28 games: 18.6ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.2apg, 1.8spg, Blocks-5 (1.8bpg), FGP: 60.6%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 57.0%2009: In May signed at Gigantes de Carolina (Puerto Rico-BSN): 9 games: 10.9ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.0apg, 2.3spg, 2.2bpg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 40.7%. In 2009-2010, he played for Kepez Bld Antalya (Turkey-TBL) in Jan.'10 signed at Genc Banvitliler (Turkey-TB2L, starting five): 10 games: 21.2ppg, 10.6rpg, 1.2apg, 2.2spg, 2.1bpg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 59.2%. After a short stint with the Artland Dragons in the 2010-2011 season, he came to BBC Bayreuth playing 49 Beko BBL games. Last season, he averaged 11,6ppg and 5,6rpg. He played at the World Championships in Japan -06: 6 games: 8.7ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.3bpg, 2FGP: 50.0%, FT: 33.3% . He spoke to eurobasket about basketball at the start of the summer.

A month after you finished the season, how much did you have a basketball in your hands?

Every day. I took a few days off, but other than that, I have been working out and getting ready for the next adventure.

What was the first thing that you did when you got off the plane in Los Angeles?


I went home and gave my mom a hug.

American players usually like to go eat somewhere when they return home. Where was the first place that you went to eat?


Roscos chicken and waffle a famous place here in Los Angeles.

You finished your second season with BBC Bayreuth. The club finished with a 12-22 record. What was your season summary?

It was a tough season for us, but it was the best record the team has had in a long time. The season could have been better, but we had many injuries and I am happy that I was able to play for the beautiful city of Bayreuth.

After losing the first four games, the team replaced Andreas Wagner with Marco Van Den Berg. Why was the team able to play better?


He was a new coach and there were two different styles. I think that his style shock up opponents as they didnt know what to adjust and it was harder for them to adjust to the new style.

After the big win at home against Alba Berlin, the team finished 4-12. Why did the team end the season on this note?


Thats basketball. We had tough injuries. We always fought hard and just tried to make the best of the situation. Our goal was always to play as good as we could and just be aggressive. Getting Danny Gibson was very important for jump setting our offense.

What do you remember the most about the spectacular win at home against Bremerhaven?

I dont really remember that much, except that it was exciting and our fans were as loud as always.

Who was the most improved player on the team?

I saw the most improvement with German Stefan Schmidt. It was too bad that he went down with a shoulder injury at the end of the season.

How satisfied were you with your season of 11,6ppg, 5,6rpg and 22 times scoring in double figures?

I wasnt as satisfied. One can always play better. I just tried to play as best as I could and do my role.

How did Brandon Hunter make you laugh?

People think he is serious, but he is a lot funnier than people think. It was good having an experienced player like him on the team. He has so much experience having played in the NBA, and Eurocup and I learned a lot from him. He was like a teacher when a coach wasnt there.

What is a strength in your game that doesnt always get noticed right away?

People see me as a defensive presence and guy that can block shots. However my low post game and outside shooting have gotten better. I just want to continue to work hard and become the complete player that I want to become.

What is your favorite place in Bayreuth?

Just being in my living room and playing video games.

What was your childhood like?

I grew up in Los Angeles. I played a lot of basketball, baseball and football. I had a lot of fun.

Who were your basketball idols as a kid?

My favorite player was Magic Johnson. As I got older, I liked Kobe bryant and Kevin Garnett.

Why did you choose to go to Maryland (NCAA)?

I always liked the ACC and their style. I just wanted to experience playing against schools like Duke and North Carolina. The ACC was the best conference at the time.

How present was the legacy of Len Bias at Maryland?


Everybody knew about Len Bias there.

What was your nicest memory at Maryland?

Winning the ACC tournament against Duke in OT.

Who won a one on one game in practice, you or NBA draft pick James Gist?

We didnt really play a lot of one on one. If we did, there would be a lot of dunks. It would be a very physical game and we wouldnt allow any dunks actually. He would try to set fights, but he is a good friend of mine.

Do you like the basketball nomad life?

I just will go there where a team wants me and where I fit in best.

What is your summer schedule?

I will play summer league with the Portland Trailblazers and play with the Nigerian national team in August to prepare for the Summer Olympics.

You have played in Israel, Turkey and Germany. In what country would you like to play in where you havent played yet?

I had fun in all places, but I felt most comfortable in Germany.

What do you remember most from the 2006 World Championships in Japan?


It was a great experience playing against so much top competition and I was so young at the time just 21 and still at Maryland. I want to thank God for this opportunity. The fans were very supportive.

Who was the best player that you played against at the World Championships in 2006?

Dirk Nowitzki. Germany beat us with a buzzer beater.

How does a work out day look like in the summer?

I get up at 8:00am and do drill work in the gym. Then I go and get something to eat. In my second work out, I do court work and weight lifting. I play pick up games against guys like Dorell Wright, Trevor Ariza and Bobby Brown.

What do you still need to improve on your game?

I can improve on all parts wit my shooting range, ball handling and court awareness.

What were the most free throws that you have made in a row without missing?

30.

What was your most crazy shot that you made in a game?

I made a half court shot last season, but it didnt count.

What was the last DVD that you?


The Dictator.

Thanks for the chat Ekene




Tony Gaffney Heads To The ACB To Joventut Badalona - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Tony Gaffney (204-F-84, college: Massachusetts) is one of the few players that has been on the roster of the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, but his journey in Europe will continue as he will leave the Beko BBL after only one season to play in Spain. Eurobasket has learned that the New England Native will play for Joventut Badalona. Last season, he was a central figure in the game of the Telekom Baskets Bonn as he played in the German League: 37 games: 12.9ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-1 (1.8bpg), FGP: 63.1%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 68.8%; EuroChallenge: 12 games: 11.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.1apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-1 (2.1bpg), FGP: 63.0%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 58.8%. He also was a force on defense being named to the Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Defensive Team and Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga 2nd Team. He also helped stop the 2 year home unbeaten streak of the Brose Baskets Bamberg in the playoffs.


Svetislav Pesic Adds Patrick Heckmann And Mathis Moenninghoff - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

When looking at the current German national team, one cant say that German national trainer Svetislav Pesic (agency: Interperformances ) isnt looking to the future, because the team is filled with young talented players and recently he added two more young players to the roster with Patrick Heckmann (198-G/F-92) and Mathis Monninghof. Both players recently helped lead Germany to a 5th place finish at the 2012 European U2o championships. Heckmann is a 20 year old 198cm swing man that recently completed his freshmann year at Boston Coll. (NCAA): 22 games: 8.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 71.8%. At the 2012 European Championships U20 in Slovenia he played 6 games: 7.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.8apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 37.9%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 71.4%. Mathis Monninghoff (200-F/G-92, college: Gonzaga) is a 20 year old 200cm swing man that is coming back from the NCAA and will play for TBB Trier this season.He played at Gonzaga from 2010-2012 playing a total of 52 NCAA games. Last season, he played 22 games: 1.7ppg. recently at the 2012 European Championships U20 in Slovenia he played 6 games: 6.8ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 18.2%, 3PT: 35.5%. Both players will be on the roster for the Basketball World cup in Istanbuhl August 2-3.




TBB Trier Welcome Jarrett Howell - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

TBB Trier have welcomed a new point guard with Jarrett Howell (180-PG-84, college: Texas Arlington) who will take ove rthe reigns of the point guard duties from Lebron James friend Dru Joyce who left for the EWE Baskets this season. Howell is a 28 year old 180cm point guard from Arlington, Texas that will play in his sixth country in Germany. With TBB Trier he will be starting his seventh professional season. Howell had been rumored to have come play in teh Beko BBL last season, but now it finally became reality. Last season he played for CS Gaz Metan Medias (Romania-Div.A, starting five): 14 games: 15.9ppg, 3.1rpg, 5.3apg, Steals-3 (2.1spg), FGP: 47.2%, 3PT-3 (46.8%), FT-2 (88.5%); in Jan.'12 moved to Levski Sofia (Bulgaria-NBL): Bulgarian League: 24 games: 8.1ppg, 2.1rpg, 3.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT-2 (45.5%), FT: 83.3%; Balkan League: 6 games: 9.8ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 87.5%. The American started his basketball career at : Niagara (NCAA) in 2002. He then closed out his NCAA career at Texas Arlington (NCAA) where he played 83 NCAA games from 2003-2006. In his senior year he played 30 games: 14.2ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.1apg, 2.0spg, FG: 45.9%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT: 86.4%. In 2006-2007, he started his professional basketball career at SKK Kotwica Kolobrzeg (Poland-DBL), left in Dec.'06: 9 games: 6.6ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 35.7%, 3PT: 23.5%, FT: 77.1%. In 2007-2008, he played for Svendborg (Denmark-Basketliga, starting five): 24 games: Score-5 (21.6ppg), 3.3rpg, Assists-2 (4.9apg), Steals-1 (3.1spg), 2FGP: 52.3%, 3PT-1 (47.0%), FT: 88.0%. He then played three successful seasons in Romania for CS Gaz Metan Mediaswhere he never averaged less than 14,2ppg. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Southland Conf. Semifinals -04, All-Southland Conf. 2nd Team -06, Global Games in Dallas -06, Danish League All-Star Game -08, Danish Cup Winner -08 (MVP), Danish League Regular Season Runner-Up -08, Danish League Finalist -08,,, Eurobasket.com All-Danish Ligaen 1st Team -08, Eurobasket.com Danish Ligaen All-Imports Team -08, Ukrainian UBL League All-Star Game -09, Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian UBL 2nd Team -09, Eurobasket.com Ukrainian UBL All-Defensive Team -09, Ukrainian UBL Regular Season Champion -09, Ukrainian UBL Champion -09, Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Guard of the Year -10, Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League 1st Team -10, Eurobasket.com Romanian League All-Imports Team -10, Romanian Cup Finalist -10, Romanian League Regular Season Runner-Up -10, Romanian League Semifinals -10, 11, Romanian Cup Winner -11, Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League 2nd Team -11, Bulgarian Cup Finalist -12, Bulgarian League All-Star Game -12, Balkan League Finalist -12, Bulgarian League Regular Season Runner-Up -12, and Bulgarian League Finalist -12


The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig Bring In Konstantinos Papazoglou - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


Beko BBl team New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig have announced the arrival of assistant coach Kostantinos Papazoglou Konstantinos Papazoglou is a 28 year old Greek that has gathered experience in his career so far and worked for head coach Kostas Flevarakis the last six seasons. "Kostas Papazoglou takes his job with heart and soul and is a hard worker. He loved basketball, does everything for success and I have respected his work", stated Kostas Flevarakis . With the Phantoms, the Greek will concentrate on individual training and scouting. Whenever he has some spart time, he will help out in the youth program. So far in his basketball career, he has coached as assistant coach with Makedonikos Thessaloniki Polpak Swiecie (Polen), PAOK Thessaloniki (Griechenland), AEK Athen (Griechenland), Ilisiakos Athen (Griechenland) and was a scout for the Swedish national team. "I have a lot of respect for the Beko BBl and am looking forward to the new challenge and chnace to learn new things. I have followed teh German league the last years and seen that it has goten better. I can hardly wait to bring my knowledge and experience and hope to have success", added Konstantinos Papazoglou

Source: New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig


Douglas Davis Is A Walter Tiger Tuebingen - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Walter TIgers Tuebingen head coach Igor Perovic has had a splendend hand with finding talented NCAA rookies and molding them into good players as was seen last season with Vaughn Duggins and Tyrone Nash and now he goes into round two as he has brought in Mr DD also known as Douglas Davis (180-G-89) and will try to make him into another Beko BBL gem. Douglas is a 23 year old 180cm point guard that is an ivy league product out of Princeton. Davis gets a one year deal and will help at the point guard position with American Josh Young. "Davis is a young player that was very successful at Princeton. His biggest strength is his shot. He is also fast and can create shots for all positions. He had a totally different role at college then what he will have here. I will work much with him and give him all of my expereince for his development at point guard. He will fit in well with Josh Young", stressed Igor Perovic. Douglas played at Princeton from 2008-2012 playing a total of 122 NCAA games. In hiss enior year, he played 30 games: 13.0ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 41.6%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 79.6%. Tiger Reggie Redding had a part in getting the American as he had heard many good things about teh Philidelphia native. Douglas is excited about playing in the Beko BBL. "The German league is very strong. It will be a great challenge for me. I want to thank coach Igor Perovic an dthe organization for tis chance", stressed Douglas Davis. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Ivy League Co-Runner-Up -09, All-Ivy League Honorable Mention -09, Ivy League Runner-Up -10
All-Ivy League 2nd Team -10, 12, and Ivy League Champion -11

Source: Walter tIgers Tuebingen


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


Nikos Argyropoulos signed with Apollon Patras for two more years - by Giorgos Diploidis

Nikos Argyropoylos (188-G-78) and AS Apollon Patras will continue their co-operation for another two years. Argyropoulos who has played for eleven periods for the team of Patra will have the opportunity to stay in the club for 13 years!!!. Last year helped a lot Apollon to take the "ticket" from A2 category to A1 (basketleague), in 29 matches had 19.6ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.7apg and 1.5spg.

During his career Argyropoulos has passed also from great teams like Olympiacos, Panellinios and Aris but his "home" is Apollon.


Dimitris Arapis moved to Ilysiakos - by Giorgos Diploidis

Ilysiakos Athens added another one player ot its squad for the forthcoming period 2012/12. Dimitris Arapis (203-F-90) (203-F-90) will follow the instructions of Dimitris Papanikolaou in the club of Athens.

Arapis after two years in the team of PAOK Thessaloniki, was out of contract and decided to move to Athens to continue his career. Ilysiakos Athens has not the big history of PAOK Thessaloniki but there they like to work a lot with young athletes. As a result he may have more time to play than he had in the team of Soulis Markopoulos in order to improve his playing characteristics.


Ukraine U18 finished third in Novi Sad - by Eurobasket News

Ukraine U18 -Greece U18 66:49

Ukraine U18 finished third in Novi Sad at the International tournament. In the last game the Ukrainian side overcame Greece U18 66:49 for 1-2 record. Greece meanwhile finished on the last spot with no victories.
Greece started with 14-6 and led three points at the halftime. The Greek side enjoyed 34:28 lead but failed in the last period. Ukraine dominated the court and grabbed 17-point victory.
Igor Boyarkin (180-PG-95) and Sachnyuk top-scored for the winners with 12 points each. Vladislav Korenyuk (209-C-94) posted 10 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, while Zagreb and Volodymyr Shevchenko (200-SF-94) nailed 8 apiece. Dimitrios Agravanis (208-F-94, agency: FCM) delivered 11 points in the losing effort and Eleftherios Bochoridis (194-G-94) added 8.
Serbia U18 wins the International Tournament in Novi Sad with 4 participating teams. The hosts won all three games including the last one over Turkey U18 79:62. The Turkish side meanwhile finished on the second place with 2-1 record.


Ikaros Kallitheas near contract agreement with Zoran Vrkic - by Dimitris Katsionis

According to Greek media Ikaros Kallitheas is close to signing Zoran Vrkic (200-F-87) . Ikaros administration moved with utmost secrecy and it is rumored that the next days will make an official announcement. The 25 year old Croatian forward would be a huge boost for the Greek team. Vrkic has also played in Greek A1 for Peristeri in 2010-11 season (12.8 ppg-3.3 rpg, 58.1% FG-93.5% FT). He is a versatile forward with great athletic ability which allows him to thrive on transition offense. He is also a great rebounder with good shooting form (although last season didn't shoot very well behind the arc). Ikaros proves -for one more time- the quality level of the team's scouting staff. Don't forget that the previous season brought Aron Baynes, Romel Beck and Jimmy Baxter without wasting a fortune and this summer manage to sign one of the most talented Greek coaches, Dimitris Priftis. Vrkic spent 2011/12 season with Biancoblu Conad Bologna until February when he joined KK Zadar.


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


Moshe Mizrahi signs 2-year deal with Maccabi Ashdod - by Eurobasket News

Moshe Mizrahi (202-F-80, agency: Avi Zilberman) is a new member of Maccabi Ashdod, according to David Pick. The player signed a 2-year deal. Mizrahi spent last two seasons with Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem. In the latest one he had 3.9 ppg and 1.2 rpg for 25 Premier league games. The player averaged 2 points for 5 EuroCup games. Before Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem, Moshe Mizrahi played two years for Maccabi Haifa Heat. He had 8.5 ppg and 2.1 rpg in their first season together. In 2007/08, the player registered 6.6 ppg and 1.8 rpg for 23 games with Paris-Levallois. They competed in French ProA. In the past, Mizrahi was a member of Bnei Hasharon, Elitzur Ashkelon, Azovmash, Hapoel Galil Elyon and Hapoel Holon. He played for the Israeli National Team at 2001, 2005 and 2009 European Championships.


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  ITALY   


Dawan Robinson stays with Reggio Emilia - by Eurobasket News

Dawan Robinson (189-G-82, college: Rhode Island) decided to stay with Reggio Emilia. The American guard penned a deal for the next season. He led Reggio Emilia to LegaDue title this year. He shined with 18 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.7 apg and 2.4 spg for 28 games in the league. Robinson was named to Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 1st Team. The player joined Reggio Emilia in 2010/11 season from the NBA D-League team Erie Bayhawks. He had 19.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 2.6 spg for 15 games in LegaDue that year. In 2009, Dawan Robinson was Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 Import Player of the Year. He helped Prima Veroli to win LegaDue Cup. In the past, the guard played for Slask Wroclaw and Limoges. With Slask he reached Polish Cup Finals and year before that he was named to Eurobasket.com All-French ProB 2nd Team. Robinson is a product of Rhode Island University.


Verona inks NT member Massimo Chessa - by Eurobasket News

Tezenis Verona announced important signing today. The team landed Italian National Team guard Massimo Chessa (188-G-88, agency: Two Points). The 24-year-old player spent last three seasons with Angelico Biella. He had 4.9 ppg and 1.8 rpg for 32 SerieA games. He had almost the same numbers in 2010/11. Before Biella, Chessa spent four years with Banco di Sardegna Sassari. In 2008, he was named Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 Most Improved Player of the Year. A year after that, Massimo Chessa helped Sassari to reach LegaDue Finals. In 2011, the player was awarded with Eurobasket.com Italian SerieA All-Newcomers Team. Finally this summer he got a call to join the Italian NT. In the past, Chessa played for U20 and U18 Italy.


Virtus Bologna and Luca Vitali split ways - by Eurobasket News

Luca Vitali (201-G-86) is no longer a member of Virtus Bologna. Two sides were unable to agree terms for contract extension and Vitali became a free agent. Vitali arrived to Virtus Bologna last summer. He appeared 29 times in SerieA averaging 4.5 points and 1.9 rebounds. Before Bologna, the Italian point guard spent two years with Lottomatica Virtus Roma. He had 6 ppg and 1.8 rpg for 10 Euroleague games in their last season together. In 2008/09, Luca Vitaly was a member of Armani Jeans Milano and actually was one of their best players in Euroleague. From 2005 to 2008, he played for Monegranaro. In 2006, he was named Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 Most Improved Player of the Year. Luca Vitali played for Italian National Team in 2009 and 2011 EuroBasket qualifications.


Italy U18 wins Grottaferrata tournament - by Eurobasket News

Italy U18 wins Grottaferrata tournament with 4 participating teams. The home side won all three games to take the trophy of the historical city.
In Day 1 Italy U18 overcame Israel U18 61:54. The hosts started with 19-10 in the first period and increased the lead to 12 points at the halftime. Moreover Italy added 16-6 in the third period, while Israel relied with 13-8 in the last stanza. Simone Fontecchio (197-F-95) and Amedeo Tessitori (205-C-94) stepped up with 12 points each for the winners and Imbro poured in 10.
In Day 2 Italy U18 rolled over Slovenia U18 72:51. The Italian team won the first period 19-11, but Slovenia bounced back with 19-17 in the second frame. The second half was dominated only by the hosts that produced two victories in the third and the last quarters respectively. Simone Fontecchio top-scored for the winners with 16 points, while Mirco Turel (192-G-94) added 15. Amedeo Tessitori delivered 10 and Corrado Bianconi (202-F-94) notched 7.
In Day 3 Italy U18 edged Germany U18 63:56. The hosts started with 19-16 lead in the first period, while the German side tied the game at the halftime. Both teams nailed 14 points each in the third frame and only due to 18-11 in the last quarter Italy grabbed the victory. Turel paced all the winners with 19 points.


Andrea Crosariol close to VL Pesaro - by Pervin Elgin

The Italian big man close to Pesaro. Cuccarolo is backup?

Andrea Crosariol is likely to be the first signing of VL Pesaro for the coming season. The Italian big man is close to penning a deal with the club who reached semifinals last season. VL Pesaro might also sign another Italian as Crosariol's back and is interested in Gino Cuccarolo. The giant is free agent after Treviso disappeared. Crosariol, who has contract with Roma, will try to find an agreement with Virtus to break the deal.

Courtesy of sportando.net


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  JAPAN   


Chiba Jets Defect To The JBL - by Emeka Eke

According to news monitored by the Japan Times, the Chiba Jets who performed below average last season have announced plans to defect from the bj-league to the JBL. According to Yuki Makihira, Jets' spokesperson, team president, Shinji Shimada, who took over at the middle of the team's first season, made the decisive decision friday. By this action, Chiba Jets becomes the first team in the bj-league to announce its plans to join the JBL and the second Kanto-area based team after the Tokyo Apache folded last season.
Jets' decision may not be unconnected with the management of the bj-league itself which it views as being unstable, sources say.
Furthermore, team president, Shimada says team's decision still remains in line with their philosophy which is to make everyone surrounding the Jets' happy. Buttressing further, he stated that the JBL offers business possibilities which could help grow the company. In Expressing his support for what Shimada said, Jets' assistant coach Geoffrey Katsuhisa, says Jets' plan has been to develop what everyone can benefit from by getting everybody involved but says he remains unsure if the team has lucrative sponsorship deals with big time companies. There are plans however, he says by the team to continue to partner with local businesses to promote team.

In his own reaction, bj-league spokesperson, Akihiro Ejima, says as far as the deadline set by the bj-league for teams to report their plans to participate in the league, the Jets' beat that deadline and therefore do not deserve any sanction.


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  JORDAN   


Baldwin to leave Jordan NT? - by Mohammed Malas

Despite the start of Jordan National Team preperations for Cyprus friendly tournament (Aug 3-5) and William Jones cup (Taiwan, Aug 18-26) last week, Jordan NT head coach Thomas Baldwin did'nt appear in trainings yet as he was supposed to be in Amman two days ago!! The technical manager Murad Barakat is taking over now.

Speculations are talking about a possible resiginition from Baldwin due to unknown reasons esspecially when you read on newspapers about hiring Sameer Morcos as an assistant coach and a possible comeback of Rasheim Wright (192-G-81, college: District of Col.) who refused by Baldwin to have his services recently.

So will we see Baldwin in Amman soon or???


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  LITHUANIA   


Neptunas inks point guard Rashaun Broadus - by Eurobasket News

Neptunas reinforced its roster at point guard spot. According to Sportando.net, the Lithuanian squad penned a 1-year deal with Rashaun Broadus (183-PG-84, college: BYU). The American/Samoan player arrives to the club from the IBL team Edmonton Energy. They played during the off-season in Europe and Broadus averaged 14.7 points, plus 7.2 rebounds in 9 games. The player spent 2011/12 season with Siauliai. There he had 10.5 ppg, 4.4 apg and 3.9 rpg for 23 Baltic league games. The player had slightly lower numbers in LKL. Season 2010/11, Rashaun Broadus split between Ukrainian Politekhnika-Halychyna and Siauliai. In the past, he played for Marijampole Suduva-Arvi and CSU Cuadripol Brasov. Rashaun Broadus was named Eurobasket.com All-Baltic League Guard of the Year -12. He paced Siauliai to Baltic league and LKL Semifinals few months ago.


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  MONTENEGRO   


BC TEODO : Savovic new head coach - by Dragan Scepanovic

Management of Basketball Club TEODO from Tivat announced that new head coach of club in basketball season 2012-2102 will be Slobodan Savovic . Basketball Club TEODO will play in Balkan Basketball League and MNE1A League. Slobodan Savovic before BC Teodo work , on position head coach , in BC Primorje from H.Novi in season 2009-2010 and 2011, and as assistant of head coach Aco Petrovic in season 2010-2011 in BC Zalgiris.


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


Raja Bell reportedly refusing to accept Utah Jazz buyout offer - by Eurobasket News

The Utah Jazz and veteran Raja Bell (6'5''-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances, college: FIU) are generously providing fans with some off-season drama.

Brian T. Smith of the Salt Lake Tribune reports:

The Salt Lake Tribune learned Monday that Bell has not accepted a buyout with the Jazz, despite the veteran guard saying July 8 a verbal agreement had been reached between the sides and only formalities remained.

Weve been given the greenlight by Utah to go ahead and find something that works for us. Weve agreed to the terms, Bell said in July. So I think its safe to say now we are in the market again and were entertaining our options at this point.

Jazz General Manager Kevin OConnor would not discuss Bells buyout when recently asked about the situation during Summer League in Orlando, Fla. But a league source confirmed Monday the Jazz have officially offered Bell a buyout. He has refused to accept the deal, though, stalling an already long-delayed process.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com


Lakers' Barnes arrested on traffic warrant in L.A. - by Eurobasket News

Los Angeles Lakers forward Matt Barnes (6'7''-F-80, college: UCLA) has been arrested on an outstanding misdemeanor traffic warrant and for investigation of threatening a police officer.

Manhattan Beach police Lt. Steve Tobias said Barnes was arrested late Monday as he was walking on a busy thoroughfare in the city about 20 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles. Bail was set at $51,000.

Tobias said Barnes wasn't cooperative when he was stopped by police and was going to be booked for allegedly threatening the officer, which is a felony.

Authorities said the warrant was for driving on a suspended license.

Barnes was the Lakers' top-scoring reserve this past season, averaging 7.8 points per game.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com


Draymond Green nets 3-year, $2.6 million deal with Golden State Warriors, report says - by Eurobasket News

Draymond Green (6'7''-F-90, agency: Interperformances, college: Michigan St.) is almost guaranteed to be a millionaire (pre-taxes, at least).

The former Michigan State All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year has agreed to a three-year, $2.6 million contract with the Golden State Warriors, Yahoo! Sports Adrian Wojnarowski reported Monday afternoon.

Of that, $900,000 is guaranteed, according to Wojnarowski, with the Warriors holding a team option on the third year.

Green was the 35th overall pick in the NBA draft, the fifth selection of the second round, almost exactly a month ago, before drawing rave reviews in the Las Vegas Summer League, where he averaged 6.4 points and 7.6 rebounds for the Warriors.

NBA teams do not have to offer second-round picks guaranteed contracts, though most early second-rounders receive partially guaranteed deals.

Courtesy of www.mlive.com


Clippers acquire Green from Hawks - by Eurobasket News

The Los Angeles Clippers acquired guard Willie Green (6'4''-G-81, college: Detroit Mercy) from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for the draft rights to Sofoklis Schortsanitis (6'9''-C-85) on Monday.

Green, 31, tallied 7.6 points in 53 games for Atlanta last season.

Over the course of his nine-year career with the Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Hornets and Hawks, the Detroit Mercy product has career averages of 9.1 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists.

Schortsanitis was selected by the Clippers in the second round of the 2003 NBA Draft, but never suited up for the team. He most recently played for Panathinaikos Athens in Greece and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel.

Courtesy of www.sacbee.com


Colangelo still hopes Coach K will be back in 2016 - by Eurobasket News

Jerry Colangelo will see if he can persuade Mike Krzyzewski to return as U.S. men's Olympic basketball coach.

Krzyzewski has said he believes the London Games will be his last time coaching the national team. Colangelo says he thinks that is probably true, however, the USA Basketball chairman adds that he's "not 100 percent sure myself that he's done."

Colangelo says he will discuss the future with Krzyzewski at an appropriate time.

After Krzyzewski led the Americans to the 2008 gold medal, Colangelo secured his commitment to return for another run over pizza and a bottle of wine. Colangelo said Monday that they'll "have pizza and wine again. We'll see if it works a second time."

Krzyzewski says they can worry about that if they win.

Courtesy of www.nj.com


Andre Iguodala passed up chance to play for for Team Nigeria - by Eurobasket News

Andre Iguodala (6'6''-SF-84, college: Arizona) is competing in his first Olympics here. But he might have been able to play in 2004 and 2008, if hed wanted to.

Thing is, he wouldnt have been playing with Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. He would have been playing against them.

Iguodalas father is Nigerian. So he was invited to try out for - and in this case, try out for means make - the Nigerian Olympic squad. That team, which includes Penn grad Koko Archibong, will compete in these Games with nine American-born players on its roster.

This is the first time Nigeria qualified for the Olympics, but with Iguodala aboard, who knows if the team would have made it sooner?

"They've been trying to get here for a long time now," Iguodala said. "They've gotten here and they want to prove that they belong. They even had training camp in Dallas, in the States. It's interesting. I've gotten calls from them a few times about participating."

In 2004, the first time he was called, Iguodala was preparing for his rookie season with the 76ers. But that wasn't what kept him from saying yes to a unique opportunity.

"It was always my dream to play for the USA team," Iguodala said. "That's where I grew up.

"I never gave it any serious thought. It didn't feel right to me. I've never been there. I've never really had a chance to experience their culture, only from the outside looking in because of my father."

Iguodala said he remembers the 1992 Olympic team - the original Dream Team - better than any of its successors. He was only 8, but he remembered Jordan, Magic, and Barkley more clearly than he remembered, say, the 2004 team that lost to Argentina. That defeat sparked the reorganization of USA Basketball under Jerry Colangelo and coach Mike Krzyzewski.

The Americans' record is 54-1 in international competition since then. The Americans are prohibitive favorites to win the gold medal.

They are also virtual rock stars, even among the other elite athletes gathered here. Of course, Iguodala is more like the bass player than the lead singer or guitar hero. During Friday's news conference, James and Bryant sat on a stage with dozens of reporters at their feet. Iguodala shared a small riser in the back with Kevin Love.

The day before, Iguodala and his teammates were mobbed during a visit to the Athletes Village.

"It was like being at a mall back at home, but it was all athletes," Iguodala said. "There were a lot of autographs and pictures being taken. It was weird, the crowd that we caused, especially being with LeBron and Kobe. As excited as they all were to see us, we were excited to interact with them."

Iguodala wasn't just being nice. He reeled off a list of athletes he got a chance to meet: Lolo Jones, Sonya Richards-Ross, sprinters Tyson Gay and Jeremy Wariner, and high jumper Brigetta Barret, a fellow product of the University of Arizona.

"I'm a huge sports fan," Iguodala said. "I'm a track and field fan. A lot of the other athletes were surprised that I knew who they were. It will be really exciting to see them perform at the highest level."

Iguodala is coming off a longer playoff run with the Sixers than usual and was nursing an Achilles tendon injury. He said he has felt fine physically despite the quick turnaround.

"It's not too bad," Iguodala said. "I don't have as much of a load on myself with this team as I do with the team back in Philly. I'm a little bit fresher. I come in and play a little bit of defense, make an extra pass, kind of be the glue guy. So it's not as bad."

Eventually, Iguodala will be back in that role with the Sixers. If anything, with the departure of Elton Brand, there will be a larger burden for him to carry. But Iguodala wasn't interested in talking Sixers. Not here.

"That's all a few months away," Iguodala said. "I haven't thought about it too much. I've been focusing on the USA team and the things I need to do to help the team reach the goal of getting the gold medal. I get texts every now and then. I'll give it more thought when it's all said and done and I get back."

One thing that seems certain is that, when Iguodala does get back, he will still be a Sixer. Head coach Doug Collins made that abundantly clear when he met with reporters earlier this month. Collins, himself a member of the 1972 Olympic team, pointed to Iguodala's role on Team USA as proof of his stature among NBA players.

Team Nigeria will have to get along without him.

Courtesy of www.philly.com


Reluctant Kevin Durant urged to take more shots for Team USA - by Eurobasket News

You would think it wouldnt be hard to get the NBAs reigning, three-time scoring champion to shoot the ball.

But you would be wrong, although the U.S. mens basketball team tried to fix that in a blowout 98-71 win over France Sunday in its Olympic opener.

Kevin Durant (6'9''-SF-88, college: Texas), the scoring champ in question, has not played in an Olympics before. Like any newcomer, he wants to be liked. So time and again during the U.S. teams brief time together this year, Durant has passed up the sort of open shots that he drills with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

'I told KD (Durant) to just be himself', LeBron James (6'8''-SF-84) said Sunday after Durant led the U.S. with 22 points and added nine rebounds in a game that was only close for one quarter. 'On a team like this you can kind of shy away because there are so many great players here. But KD's on this team for a reason. Hes one of the best players the world has and hes a three-time scoring champ. So we don't want the KD that defers. We want the KD that he is in Oklahoma City.'

James seemed determined to make that KD show up on Sunday. He threw the ball to Durant every time he could, passing up one open shot after another to get the ball to Durant. It was a bit ironic, considering that Durant and James went head-to-head in the NBA Finals this season when the Miami Heat defeated the Thunder.

James best pass Sunday was a spectacular 60-foot, overhead-thrown bounce pass that threaded between two defenders. It arrowed straight to Durant, who slammed home what will undoubtedly stand as one of the best plays of the Olympic tournament.

James took only six shots during the game Sunday and scored just nine points. But he had eight assists.

James said he plans to maintain this pass-first attitude throughout the Olympics, although when the game gets close, I doubt that will stick. He insists his main job on offense will be to feed Durant, Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony, a trio that James called three of the best scorers any of us has ever seen.

When asked about the baskets backgrounds at the Olympic basketball arena, where there is a relatively wide gap in the end zones between the fans and the court, James said: I dont know; Im not a shooter. Youve got to ask one of the shooters. I drive and dunk the ball. (It) doesnt bother me.

James cry for Durant to put the ball up more often has been echoed around the team. When Kobe Bryant was asked what he said to Durant during the game, Bryant replied gruffly: Shoot the ball.

Said Durant: Sometimes coach was screaming at me. And Chris Paul was screaming at me more than anybody, Shoot the ball! I guess Ive got to be aggressive.

France did not provide much of a game for the U.S. The Americans had only a one-point lead after the first quarter, but led by 16 at halftime and by 27 at the end of the third period. All 12 U.S. players scored, with Kevin Love (14 points) and Bryant (10) joining Durant in double figures. French point guard Tony Parker had 10 points but only a single assist for his team.

The USA played a great game, especially defensively, Parker said.

They did do well there, too, but thats not what Durant does best. He scores. It now looks like this team will revolve around the James/Durant axis during these Olympics. And James, the teams undisputed leader, isnt going to let Durant fade into the background even if he wants to.

Courtesy of www.charlotteobserver.com


Landry signs 2-year deal with Warriors - by Eurobasket News

ESPN reported that former Purdue Boilermaker Carl Landry (6'7''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Purdue) signed a two-year deal with the Golden State Warriors.

The deal is worth an estimated 8 million dollars over the two year span, with Landry having a player option for the second season.

Landry played in 41 games for the New Orleans Hornets. He averaged 12.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. Landry has played five years in the NBA.

Courtesy of www.wlfi.com


Nate Robinson expected to sign with Bulls - by Eurobasket News

The Chicago Bulls are expected to sign point guard Nate Robinson (5'9''-PG-84, college: Washington), his agent, Aaron Goodwin, told SI.com.

The deal, which Goodwin said should be finalized "barring unforeseen problems," will likely pay the eight-year veteran the veteran's minimum of $1.2 million for next season. Robinson, who regained his form as a reserve for Golden State last season after playing just four games in the second half of the 2010-11 campaign with Oklahoma City, will join veteran point guard Kirk Hinrich in the Bulls' Derrick Rose-less backcourt after his recent return. Hinrich, who signed a two-year, $8 million deal last week with the Bulls, spent his first seven seasons in Chicago before he was traded to Washington in June 2010 and later traded to Atlanta in Feb. 2011.

None of which fill the huge void left by Rose, the 2010-11 MVP who tore his ACL in Game 1 of the first-round against Philadelphia on April 28 and, according to the Chicago Tribune, is likely out until March. Still, Robinson will provide some offensive punch for a team that now needs all the help it can get.

Robinson, the 5-foot-9 guard who is still best known for his three All-Star Slam Dunk Contest championships, averaged 11.2 points (42.4 percent shooting overall), 23.5 minutes, 1.2 steals and a career-high 4.5 assists per game with Golden State last season. If the signing does indeed take place, this will be the 28-year-old's fifth team since the 2009-10 campaign after he played previously with New York, Boston, Oklahoma City, and the Warriors.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com


Dwight Howard could be traded by end of week, says league sources - by Eurobasket News

After a week of pause while the Orlando Magic settled on Gregg Popovich's assistant coach Jacque Vaughn as their next head coach, the Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85) trade rumors seem to be back in full swing.

The latest news is that the team will try to trade their franchise center in the next week, according to a report on Sunday from Sam Amico of Fox Sports, citing multiple league sources:

[M]ultiple league sources predict the Orlando Magic will again step up efforts to find their All-Star center a new team. Several of those sources told FOX Sports Ohio on Saturday they believe Howard could be traded by the end of next week.

Howard had reportedly reiterated to Magic general manager Rob Hennigan his desire to leave Orlando, but as talks cooled down for the past week, many speculated the team might hold on to Howard for the start of the season, perhaps beyond the leagues February trade deadline.

If that were the case and Howard remained with the Magic beyond February, he could end up signing with the Dallas Mavericks in the next offseason, a team he said he would like to play for if he doesnt sign with the Los Angeles Lakers or Brooklyn Nets.

The Lakers have long been courting Howard but Andrew Bynums reluctance to sign long-term with another team has proven to be a snag in executing a trade for Howard.

Courtesy of http://tracking.si.com


Glen Taylor finds his successor as Wolves owner - by Eurobasket News

Glen Taylor, who has owned the Timberwolves for 18 seasons and the Lynx for 13, has found the successor he has been looking for. In the near future, Taylor will close a deal to sell 25 percent of the franchises, and eventually the new owner will own the majority.

Unfortunately, the buyer is from outside the Twin Cities, but Taylor insists he will continue to own a share of the two teams and will make sure that they don't move out of the state.

"Yes, I have [found a buyer], and we're working on trying to put a deal together, and it would be a deal that would leave me involved for a number of years yet, but it would be a good transition," Taylor said Sunday.

"I will be an owner for a number of years but gradually bring in a partner, if this would work out. I'd bring in a partner and ... we'd work together. In the initial years, he would have less than 50 percent and then in the later years he would have more than 50 percent and would have the ownership."

Until the papers are signed, Taylor refuses to reveal the future owner's name. Apparently, though, he has agreed to keep the two teams in Minnesota as a part of the purchase agreement.

The Wolves and Lynx have 10 minority owners, and because the teams have been losing money, several of those owners have been trying to sell their shares, but Taylor hasn't allowed any to get out of ownership unless they can find someone else to buy their shares.

Taylor said that before turning the reins over in the future, his big goal is for the Wolves to be a contender for an NBA championship. They haven't been to the playoffs since reaching the Western Conference finals eight years ago.

Taylor, 71, saved the Wolves from moving in 1994 after former owners Marvin Wolfenson and Harvey Ratner were ready to sell the team to a group that wanted to move it to New Orleans. NBA Commissioner David Stern stepped in and refused to allow the move at the time, but had a buyer not been found the team would have been allowed to relocate eventually.

As for Taylor's goal to make the Wolves a playoff contender, the owner believes President of Basketball Operations David Kahn has done a good job in adding former Jazz star Andrei Kirilenko; Chase Budinger from the Rockets; Brandon "Bad Knees" Roy, who will come out of retirement; Alexey Shved of the Russian Olympic team; and former Celtics center Greg Stiemsma. Roy's contract is for two years, but if his knee problem forces him out again, the Wolves are off the hook for the second year.

Courtesy of www.startribune.com


Villanovas Maalik Wayns agrees to free-agent deal with Sixers - by Eurobasket News

Maalik Wayns (6'2''-G-91) left Villanova a year early to pursue his dream of playing in the NBA. It appears that dream will come true, in his hometown no less.

A source confirmed Saturday that Wayns has agreed to a free-agent deal with the 76ers.

The deal reportedly is similar to the one Lavoy Allen received after the Sixers took him in the second round of the 2011 NBA Draft, No. 50 overall, the source said. Allen reportedly received a $60,000 signing bonus and then received the rookie minimum of $473,604 after making the team.

Wayns had no comment when reached on his cell phone Saturday. A message left at the office of his agent, Andy Miller, was not returned. The Sixers also could not be reached for comment.

However, there were several messages of congratulations on Wayns Twitter page alluding to the fact that he was about to sign with the Sixers. Friday, Wayns tweeted, Dreams do come true never let somebody tell you what you cant be or where u cant go #tearsofjoy #Amen.

The Sixers backcourt took a hit when Xavier Silas went down with an injury during the Orlando Summer League two weeks ago. Silas suffered several sinus fractures and a concussion from an inadvertent elbow from Solo Jones and needed surgery to repair the damage.

Wayns was not selected in the 2012 NBA draft. He had a good showing for the Orlando Magic in the Orlando Summer League, averaging 11.7 points, 5.7 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. The 6-2 point guard was supposed to play for the Golden State Warriors in the Vegas Summer League but never played because of a reported groin injury.

Wayns averaged 12.5 points, 3.4 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 95 career games for the Wildcats. He ranks 44th on the career scoring list with 1,191 points and 19th with 323 career assists.

Courtesy of www.timesherald.com


James Harden says he's open to signing with the Phoenix Suns - by Eurobasket News

A flicker of hope for Valley basketball fans:

Former Arizona State star James Harden (6'5''-SG-89, college: Arizona St.) would consider signing with the Suns if his contract expires after next season.

"Yeah," he said. "Of course. I love it there. My mom lives there still. So that's definitely my second home as far as my comfort level and going to school there. But obviously, I'm with the Thunder right now and what we have is special."

Harden and his beard enjoyed breakout seasons in 2011-12, helping Oklahoma City reach the NBA Finals. The Thunder already secured stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook to long-term deals, and by 2015, those two players alone will command $35 million.

This off-season, the team has a window of opportunity to extend Harden and Serge Ibaka, but league salary-cap restrictions and harsh luxury-tax penalties will make it difficult to sign both. At the least, it would require great sacrifice from the players involved.

If no deal is reached, Harden would become a restricted free agent after next season. A team such as the Suns could then make it hard on Oklahoma City by signing him to a lucrative offer sheet.

"That's out of my hands," Harden said. "That's not my decision. That's the front office. I'll let them decide that."

For now, Harden sounds committed to the Thunder. He's a West Coast kid but has grown to appreciate Oklahoma City, where buildings were adorned with mock beards during the playoffs. Harden is only strengthening that bond by participating in the 2012 Olympics with Durant and Westbrook.

"The kind of support we have in Oklahoma City, it's the best in the NBA," Harden said. "Phenomenal. Beards in the crowd, the whole nine (yards). The city is really something special."

But things can change. Remember how united the rising Suns were in 2004-05, and how quickly it all fell apart over contractual issues? Traditionally, ascending stars such as Harden aren't content to play third fiddle, especially at a discounted rate.

Even Durant, who has been adamant that Harden would remain in Oklahoma City, said his viewpoint was based more hope than fact.

"I'm not negative, I'm not going to think the worst," Durant said. "That's just me. That may not be the case, and I may be wrong. As of now, I think he's going to be here, and we're going to make a concerted effort to keep him here. But that's just me being me. We'll see what happens."

So keep the fingers crossed. On Thursday night in the Olympic Village, Harden reunited with a pair of Sun Devils, taking a picture with the Ike Diogu and Eric Boateng. And with a few good breaks, the beard could be coming home to play for the professional team in town.

Courtesy of www.azcentral.com


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  NCAA1   


2012 JT Focus Mgt Cleveland Am Pro Basketball Summer League Semi-Final Cleveland St. Marlon Mason Drops 30 - by Vance Marbury

2012 JT Focus Mgt Cleveland Am Pro Basketball Men's Summer League Semi-Final Recap

(Game 1) Jason Borish 82 vs. Youngbloodz 88

Youngbloodz - Collin Barth (Wheeling Jesuit U.) 12 pts 6 asts, Ned Tomic (Cornell U.) 14 pts 12 rebs 3 asts, Justin Fritz (Wheeling Jesuit U.) 25 pts 2 rebs 4 asts, Ramon Sheefield (Unsigned) 21 pts 5 rebs, Keene Cockburn (West Liberty U.) 16 pts 4 rebs

Jason Borish - Marlon Mason (Cleveland St.) 30 pts 10 rebs, Charlie Lee (Cleveland St.) 19 pts 5 rebs 6 asts, Nick Skully 14 pts 5 rebs, Darrell Parker 7 pts 2 rebs

(Game 2) Meli Mels 60 vs.Leff Electric 56

Meli Mels - Damon Jones (Unsigned) 15 pts, Rollie Smith (Clarion U.) 15 pts 2 rebs 1 asts, Anthony Wilson (Jacksonville St/Lebanon) 10 pts 3 rebs 2 ast, Bryn Forbes (Cleveland St.) 14 pts 3 rebs,

Leff Electric - Tyree Gaiter (Notre Dame U. (University Hts Oh.)) 11 pts 3 rebs 2 asts, Martell Medley (Lakeland CC) 8 pts 2 rebs, Ladell Trotty (Thiel U.) 12 pts 10 rebs 2 asts, Theo Dixon (Cleveland St/Pro) 21 pts 5 rebs 2 asts, Donzale Avery (Lakeland CC) 4 pts 8 rebs


Stanford hires Delaware's Bernard Muir as new AD - by Eurobasket News

Stanford has hired Delaware's Bernard Muir as its new athletic director.

Stanford Provost John Etchemendy announced Muir's hiring Friday. He replaces Bob Bowlsby, who left last month after six years to become the new Big 12 commissioner.

Muir has almost 25 years of athletic administrative experience at Delaware, Georgetown, Notre Dame, Butler, Auburn and the NCAA. He has directed Delaware's athletic program since 2009 and was the athletic director at Georgetown from 2005 to 2009.

Muir will take over a Stanford program that has won the Directors' Cup 18 straight years and is enjoying a football renaissance. The award is given annually by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics to the program with the most success in all sports.

Courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com


Villanovas Maalik Wayns agrees to free-agent deal with Sixers - by Eurobasket News

Maalik Wayns (6'2''-G-91) left Villanova a year early to pursue his dream of playing in the NBA. It appears that dream will come true, in his hometown no less.

A source confirmed Saturday that Wayns has agreed to a free-agent deal with the 76ers.

The deal reportedly is similar to the one Lavoy Allen received after the Sixers took him in the second round of the 2011 NBA Draft, No. 50 overall, the source said. Allen reportedly received a $60,000 signing bonus and then received the rookie minimum of $473,604 after making the team.

Wayns had no comment when reached on his cell phone Saturday. A message left at the office of his agent, Andy Miller, was not returned. The Sixers also could not be reached for comment.

However, there were several messages of congratulations on Wayns Twitter page alluding to the fact that he was about to sign with the Sixers. Friday, Wayns tweeted, Dreams do come true never let somebody tell you what you cant be or where u cant go #tearsofjoy #Amen.

The Sixers backcourt took a hit when Xavier Silas went down with an injury during the Orlando Summer League two weeks ago. Silas suffered several sinus fractures and a concussion from an inadvertent elbow from Solo Jones and needed surgery to repair the damage.

Wayns was not selected in the 2012 NBA draft. He had a good showing for the Orlando Magic in the Orlando Summer League, averaging 11.7 points, 5.7 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. The 6-2 point guard was supposed to play for the Golden State Warriors in the Vegas Summer League but never played because of a reported groin injury.

Wayns averaged 12.5 points, 3.4 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 95 career games for the Wildcats. He ranks 44th on the career scoring list with 1,191 points and 19th with 323 career assists.

Courtesy of www.timesherald.com


Bobby Hurley has no regrets after turning down Wagner job - by Eurobasket News

Bobby Hurley only needed a few hours to make his decision.

Hurley's brother, Dan, had decided to leave Wagner for Rhode Island in mid-March and Bobby was summoned to meet with the Wagner brass -- the president and athletic director -- 10 minutes after it became official. He was then offered the job to stick around and replace his brother on Staten Island.

"I thought about it, went home and talked to my wife and called a couple hours later and told them I was going to Rhode Island with Dan," he said.

It's not often that guys turn down D-1 head coaching jobs -- especially ones that may compete for league titles as will likely be the case at Wagner this coming season. The Seahawks were 25-6 last season, 15-3 in league play, return four starters and add Michigan State transfer Dwaun Anderson.

But the Hurley boys wanted to stay together longer than just a couple years in the D-1 ranks and build something at URI.

"I know a lot of people thought it was surprising that I didn't take the job at Wagner," said the 41-year-old former Duke standout. "But I love working with Dan and our families love being around each other, also."

"I struggled with the loyalty to Wagner," he admitted. "It took some time coming to grips with not being around those guys anymore."

The Hurley's racked up an impressive 38-23 mark in two seasons at Wagner, which wound up keeping it in the family and hiring Hurley's other assistant, Bashir Mason, to take the reigns. Now these guys will take over another major rebuilding task, a program coming off a 7-24 campaign and a team that has been decimated by defections recently.

Rhode Island will struggle this season, but the Hurley's have started to add pieces in an effort to make the Rams competitive in 2013-14. Rutgers transfer Gil Biruta will sit out this season after transferring. That'll also be the case for Rice transfer Jarelle Reischel.

"It's going to take some time," Bobby said.

But the brothers -- and sons of legendary high school coach Bob Hurley -- will do it together instead of parting ways after just two seasons.

"I figured we'd coach together for a long time," Dan Hurley said. "But it happened so fast."

Courtesy of http://www.cbssports.com


Wake Forest counting on freshman Miller-McIntyre to be point man for rebuild - by Eurobasket News

Codi Miller-McIntyre (6'2''-G) knows he's got a tough job ahead of him at Wake Forest.

It's not easy for a freshman to begin his career as a starting point guard in the Atlantic Coast Conference, and Miller-McIntyre doesn't want to psych himself out this summer by dwelling on the enormity of that task.

"I really try not to think about it too much," Miller-McIntyre said. "Nothing that's worth it is going to be easy. It's going to take a lot of hard work."

The Demon Deacons clearly are counting on Miller-McIntyre -- and the rest of their seven-man freshman class -- to serve as the foundation of third-year coach Jeff Bzdelik's rebuilding project.

The team's latest flurry of transfers and defections has left Wake Forest with only four returning scholarship players. That means few - if any - of those freshmen will have the luxury of easing into college and instead will have to contribute right away.

Last year's point guard, Tony Chennault, transferred to Villanova - clearing the way for Miller-McIntyre to start at the point from Day 1.

So, the Concord native says he has spent much of the summer picking the brain of senior and four-year starter C.J. Harris so he can better handle the adjustment.

Harris "has seen everything through his three years already at Wake Forest," Miller-McIntyre said. "Talking to him a lot (to learn) what certain things to work on. Then as far as mentally, thinking about something that can cause a lot of stress - I just try not to think about it. Whatever's meant to be will be."

Hargrave Military Academy coach A.W. Hamilton, who a decade ago played guard at Wake Forest and Marshall, says Miller-McIntyre has the tools to succeed at the highest level of college basketball.

Hamilton says his point guard has flawless touch on his mid-range jump shot, noticeable muscle on his 6-foot-2, 170-pound frame and all-ACC talent. And he thinks playing at Hargrave helped Miller-McIntyre develop valuable leadership skills that should pay off with the Demon Deacons.

After leading Hargrave to a 38-1 record, he was rated by both high-profile recruiting services as a four-star prospect. Rivals.com says he's the ninth-best point guard nationally in his recruiting class while Scout.com has him as the 14th-best at his position.

Miller-McIntyre does have some familiarity with his new teammates because they played together at previous stops during their careers. He and 7-foot center Andre Washington came to Wake Forest from Hargrave, and he played AAU ball with forward Aaron Rountree.

"It helps a lot because I know each person's game," Miller-McIntyre said. "I figured out where (Rountree) likes to catch the ball. That's a plus. Dre likes the ball on the right side and hits a little hook shot and can also hit the mid-range jump shot, free-throw line area."

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com


Iona signee Michael Haynes shot and killed in hometown Chicago - by Eurobasket News

Incoming Iona transfer Michael Haynes (6'6''-F) was shot and killed Thursday afternoon in his native Chicago.

The shooting came after a dispute involving Haynes earlier in the week, but police have not yet found a connection between the two events. According to the Chicago Sun Times, citing Kandice Blouin, a cousin of the victim, Haynes was trying to break up a fight over a stolen necklace.

Were shocked and deeply saddened by this news, Barret Peery, Haynes former head coach at Indian Hills Community College, told the Ottumwa Daily Courier. He was such a great kid and great member of our team. He was a popular guy who wore his emotion on his sleeve and absoultely loved being a part of this family.

Haynes transferred to the Iowa junior college after first attending UTEP. The 6-foot-6 forward spent one year in El Paso, never playing in a game for the school, before shifting north to Ottumwa, Iowa.

The 22-year-old Haynes was part of a monster recruiting class, nine players in all, destined for New Rochelle in the fall. The Gaels return just four players from last years loaded squad, which squandered a 25-point lead to BYU in the first round of the NCAA tournament [after breaking the 50-point plateau with 5:30 to go in the first half, no less].

Head coach Tim Cluess will be without his two stars next seasonforward Mike Glover and point guard extraordinaire Scott Machado, who both have exhausted their remaining college eligibility. But no loss is more heartfelt than that of Haynes, by all reports a great young man with a bright future ahead of him.

Of Ionas nine incoming players, the less-sought-after Haynes would have been one of the odd men out, a victim of a mega recruiting class that offered little foreseeable playing time. Instead, Haynes became a far different kind of victimthis one of much graver consequence.

The Chicago native became a casualty of trying to do the right thing.

Courtesy of http://bustingbrackets.com


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  NCAA2   


2012 JT Focus Mgt Cleveland Am Pro Basketball Summer League Semi-Final Cleveland St. Marlon Mason Drops 30 - by Vance Marbury

2012 JT Focus Mgt Cleveland Am Pro Basketball Men's Summer League Semi-Final Recap

(Game 1) Jason Borish 82 vs. Youngbloodz 88

Youngbloodz - Collin Barth (Wheeling Jesuit U.) 12 pts 6 asts, Ned Tomic (Cornell U.) 14 pts 12 rebs 3 asts, Justin Fritz (Wheeling Jesuit U.) 25 pts 2 rebs 4 asts, Ramon Sheefield (Unsigned) 21 pts 5 rebs, Keene Cockburn (West Liberty U.) 16 pts 4 rebs

Jason Borish - Marlon Mason (Cleveland St.) 30 pts 10 rebs, Charlie Lee (Cleveland St.) 19 pts 5 rebs 6 asts, Nick Skully 14 pts 5 rebs, Darrell Parker 7 pts 2 rebs

(Game 2) Meli Mels 60 vs.Leff Electric 56

Meli Mels - Damon Jones (Unsigned) 15 pts, Rollie Smith (Clarion U.) 15 pts 2 rebs 1 asts, Anthony Wilson (Jacksonville St/Lebanon) 10 pts 3 rebs 2 ast, Bryn Forbes (Cleveland St.) 14 pts 3 rebs,

Leff Electric - Tyree Gaiter (Notre Dame U. (University Hts Oh.)) 11 pts 3 rebs 2 asts, Martell Medley (Lakeland CC) 8 pts 2 rebs, Ladell Trotty (Thiel U.) 12 pts 10 rebs 2 asts, Theo Dixon (Cleveland St/Pro) 21 pts 5 rebs 2 asts, Donzale Avery (Lakeland CC) 4 pts 8 rebs


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  NCAA3   


Jeziora Tarnobrzeg inks deal with American rookie Matt Addison - by Eurobasket News

Matt Addison (172-G) will start his professional basketball career in Poland. The American point guard signed a 1-year deal with Jeziora Tarnobrzeg. They will compete in Polish top division - PLK. Addison graduated few months ago at Hardin-Simmons University. He was one of the best players in NCAA3 and was awarded with D3hoops.com's All-America 1st Team -12. Addison also picked up two more awards: NABC Division III All-South Region 1st Team -12 and NABC Division III Senior All-Star Game -12. The player spent all four years with Hardin-Simmons. As a senior Matt Addison had 28.6 ppg, 4.7 apg and 3.9 rpg. Head Coach of Jeziora Tarnobrzeg Dariusz Szczubial watched Addison recently at training camps in Las Vegas.
Jeziora Tarnobrzeg finished last season as No.4 of Group B with 17-21 record.


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  NIGERIA   


Andre Iguodala passed up chance to play for for Team Nigeria - by Eurobasket News

Andre Iguodala (6'6''-SF-84, college: Arizona) is competing in his first Olympics here. But he might have been able to play in 2004 and 2008, if hed wanted to.

Thing is, he wouldnt have been playing with Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. He would have been playing against them.

Iguodalas father is Nigerian. So he was invited to try out for - and in this case, try out for means make - the Nigerian Olympic squad. That team, which includes Penn grad Koko Archibong, will compete in these Games with nine American-born players on its roster.

This is the first time Nigeria qualified for the Olympics, but with Iguodala aboard, who knows if the team would have made it sooner?

"They've been trying to get here for a long time now," Iguodala said. "They've gotten here and they want to prove that they belong. They even had training camp in Dallas, in the States. It's interesting. I've gotten calls from them a few times about participating."

In 2004, the first time he was called, Iguodala was preparing for his rookie season with the 76ers. But that wasn't what kept him from saying yes to a unique opportunity.

"It was always my dream to play for the USA team," Iguodala said. "That's where I grew up.

"I never gave it any serious thought. It didn't feel right to me. I've never been there. I've never really had a chance to experience their culture, only from the outside looking in because of my father."

Iguodala said he remembers the 1992 Olympic team - the original Dream Team - better than any of its successors. He was only 8, but he remembered Jordan, Magic, and Barkley more clearly than he remembered, say, the 2004 team that lost to Argentina. That defeat sparked the reorganization of USA Basketball under Jerry Colangelo and coach Mike Krzyzewski.

The Americans' record is 54-1 in international competition since then. The Americans are prohibitive favorites to win the gold medal.

They are also virtual rock stars, even among the other elite athletes gathered here. Of course, Iguodala is more like the bass player than the lead singer or guitar hero. During Friday's news conference, James and Bryant sat on a stage with dozens of reporters at their feet. Iguodala shared a small riser in the back with Kevin Love.

The day before, Iguodala and his teammates were mobbed during a visit to the Athletes Village.

"It was like being at a mall back at home, but it was all athletes," Iguodala said. "There were a lot of autographs and pictures being taken. It was weird, the crowd that we caused, especially being with LeBron and Kobe. As excited as they all were to see us, we were excited to interact with them."

Iguodala wasn't just being nice. He reeled off a list of athletes he got a chance to meet: Lolo Jones, Sonya Richards-Ross, sprinters Tyson Gay and Jeremy Wariner, and high jumper Brigetta Barret, a fellow product of the University of Arizona.

"I'm a huge sports fan," Iguodala said. "I'm a track and field fan. A lot of the other athletes were surprised that I knew who they were. It will be really exciting to see them perform at the highest level."

Iguodala is coming off a longer playoff run with the Sixers than usual and was nursing an Achilles tendon injury. He said he has felt fine physically despite the quick turnaround.

"It's not too bad," Iguodala said. "I don't have as much of a load on myself with this team as I do with the team back in Philly. I'm a little bit fresher. I come in and play a little bit of defense, make an extra pass, kind of be the glue guy. So it's not as bad."

Eventually, Iguodala will be back in that role with the Sixers. If anything, with the departure of Elton Brand, there will be a larger burden for him to carry. But Iguodala wasn't interested in talking Sixers. Not here.

"That's all a few months away," Iguodala said. "I haven't thought about it too much. I've been focusing on the USA team and the things I need to do to help the team reach the goal of getting the gold medal. I get texts every now and then. I'll give it more thought when it's all said and done and I get back."

One thing that seems certain is that, when Iguodala does get back, he will still be a Sixer. Head coach Doug Collins made that abundantly clear when he met with reporters earlier this month. Collins, himself a member of the 1972 Olympic team, pointed to Iguodala's role on Team USA as proof of his stature among NBA players.

Team Nigeria will have to get along without him.

Courtesy of www.philly.com


*****************************************************
  OLYMPIC GAMES   

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Andrei KIRILENKO
  RUS
  (209-F-81)
  Avg: 35
 1. Kirilenko, RUS35.0 
 2. Scola, ARG32.0 
 3. Yi, CHN30.0 
 4. Deng, ENG26.0 
 5. Mensah-Bonsu, ENG22.0 
 6. Durant, USA22.0 
 7. Ginobili, ARG21.0 
 8. Gasol, ESP21.0 
 9. Delfino, ARG20.0 
 10. Kleiza, LTU20.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Mahdi BEN GHNIA
  (203-F/C-87)
  Avg: 12
 1. Ben Ghnia, TUN12.0 
 2. Yi, CHN12.0 
 3. Gasol, ESP11.0 
 4. Freeland, ENG10.0 
 5. Mejri, TUN10.0 
 6. Ginobili, ARG10.0 
 7. Diogu, NGR10.0 
 8. Aminu, NGR9.0 
 9. Mensah-Bonsu, ENG9.0 
 10. Turiaf, FRA9.0 
Assists Per Game
 Alexey SHVED
  RUS
  (198-G-88)
  Avg: 13
 1. Shved, RUS13.0 
 2. Huertas, BRA10.0 
 3. James, USA8.0 
 4. Prigioni, ARG6.0 
 5. Ginobili, ARG6.0 
 6. Williams, USA6.0 
 7. Kalnietis, LTU5.0 
 8. Gasol, ESP5.0 
 9. Chen, CHN5.0 
 10. Nielsen, AUS4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Yue SUN
  (206-SF-85)
  Avg: 4
 1. Sun, CHN4.0 
 2. Aminu, NGR4.0 
 3. Ginobili, ARG4.0 
 4. Fridzon, RUS4.0 
 5. De Colo, FRA3.0 
 6. Shved, RUS3.0 
 7. Huertas, BRA2.0 
 8. Nocioni, ARG2.0 
 9. Ben Ghnia, TUN2.0 
 10. Paul, USA2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Salah MEJRI
  TUN
  (217-C-86)
  Avg: 3
 1. Mejri, TUN3.0 
 2. Scola, ARG3.0 
 3. Ibaka, ESP3.0 
 4. Fridzon, RUS3.0 
 5. Kirilenko, RUS3.0 
 6. Durant, USA2.0 
 7. Jankunas, LTU2.0 
 8. Nene, BRA2.0 
 9. Chandler, USA1.0 
 10. Nielsen, AUS1.0 



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

PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Jamelle CORNLEY
  Rain o.
  (196-F-87)
  Avg: 23.1
 1. Cornley, Rain o.23.1 
 2. Blakely, B-Meg L.22.8 
 3. Yap, B-Meg Llam.15.5 
 4. Lee, Rain or Shine14.0 
 5. Chan, Rain or Shine13.6 
 6. Simon, B-Meg Llam.10.7 
 7. Norwood, Rain o.9.7 
 8. Pingris, B-Meg L.9.0 
 9. de Ocampo, B-Meg7.7 
 10. Cruz, Rain or Shi.7.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 13.2
 1. Blakely, B-Meg L.13.2 
 2. Cornley, Rain o.11.4 
 3. Pingris, B-Meg L.9.1 
 4. Reavis, B-Meg L.6.0 
 5. de Ocampo, B-Meg5.9 
 6. Cruz, Rain or Shine5.2 
 7. Quinahan, Rain o.5.1 
 8. Norwood, Rain o.5.1 
 9. Yap, B-Meg Llam.4.7 
 10. Belga, Rain or Sh.4.3 
Assists Per Game
 Paul LEE
  Rain or Shine
  (191-G-)
  Avg: 3.6
 1. Lee, Rain or Shine3.6 
 2. Blakely, B-Meg L.3.3 
 3. Cornley, Rain o.3.2 
 4. Urbiztondo, B-Meg3.0 
 5. Pingris, B-Meg L.2.9 
 6. Norwood, Rain o.2.8 
 7. Chan, Rain or Shine2.0 
 8. Yap, B-Meg Llam.1.9 
 9. de Ocampo, B-Meg1.8 
 10. Arana, Rain o.1.6 
Steals Per Game
 Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Blakely, B-Meg L.2.8 
 2. Cornley, Rain o.0.9 
 3. Urbiztondo, B-Meg0.9 
 4. Chan, Rain or Shine0.9 
 5. Norwood, Rain o.0.8 
 6. Buenafe, Rain o.0.7 
 7. Ibanes, Rain o.0.6 
 8. Barroca, B-Meg L.0.5 
 9. Yap, B-Meg Llam.0.4 
 10. Arana, Rain o.0.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Blakely, B-Meg L.2.7 
 2. Norwood, Rain o.0.7 
 3. Quinahan, Rain o.0.7 
 4. Reavis, B-Meg L.0.6 
 5. de Ocampo, B-Meg0.5 
 6. Yap, B-Meg Llam.0.5 
 7. Pingris, B-Meg L.0.4 
 8. Arana, Rain o.0.3 
 9. Ibanes, Rain o.0.3 
 10. Belga, Rain or Sh.0.3 



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


Poland U18 lose three at international tournament in Linares - by Eurobasket News

Poland lost three straight games at the international tournament in Linares, Spain. They occupied the bottom place in the ladder.
Poland opened their campaign against hosting Spain. The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter but Spain went on a 23:2 run in the second quarter to clear off. They never looked back afterwards cruising to a 75:47 win. Guillermo Hernangomez (206-C-94) came up with 17 points to lead the winner. Jakub Garbacz (196-F/G-94) answered with 11 points for Poland. Kacper Borowski (202-C/F-94) added 10 points in the loss.
Poland took on France in the second game of the tournament. It was the tougher battle but Poland lost this one as well 51:63. Filip Struski (199-F-94) netted 9 points to pace Poland. Kacper Borowski finished with 8 points in the losing case.
Poland faced Russia in the final game in Linares. And once again the Polish team could not match their opponents losing by 18 points at the end. 48:66. Jakub Garbacz netted 9 points for Poland. Jakub Schenk (180-PG-94) contributed 8 points in the loss.


Jeziora Tarnobrzeg inks deal with American rookie Matt Addison - by Eurobasket News

Matt Addison (172-G) will start his professional basketball career in Poland. The American point guard signed a 1-year deal with Jeziora Tarnobrzeg. They will compete in Polish top division - PLK. Addison graduated few months ago at Hardin-Simmons University. He was one of the best players in NCAA3 and was awarded with D3hoops.com's All-America 1st Team -12. Addison also picked up two more awards: NABC Division III All-South Region 1st Team -12 and NABC Division III Senior All-Star Game -12. The player spent all four years with Hardin-Simmons. As a senior Matt Addison had 28.6 ppg, 4.7 apg and 3.9 rpg. Head Coach of Jeziora Tarnobrzeg Dariusz Szczubial watched Addison recently at training camps in Las Vegas.
Jeziora Tarnobrzeg finished last season as No.4 of Group B with 17-21 record.


Start Gdynia signs Michal Jankowski and Patryk Pelka, extends Marcin Malczyk - by Eurobasket News

Start Gdynia announced signing of Michal Jankowski (192-G-87) and Patryk Pelka (202-F-89) for the next season. The team also kept Marcin Malczyk (193-G-82).
Michal Jankowski heads to Start Gdynia from PGE Turow Zgorzelec, where he registered 3.5 ppg in 24 PLK games last season. The player had same numbers in 4 EuroCup games. Before Turow, Jankowski was a member of Polonia 2011 Warszawa and AZS Politechnika. A year ago, the player was named to Eurobasket.com All-Polish 1Liga 1st Team -11.
Patryk Pelka played last two seasons for AZS Politechnika Warszawa. In the latest one he averaged 7.7 points and 3.8 rebounds for 37 PLK games. In the past, Pelka played for Polonia 2011 Warszawa.
Marcin Malczyk helped Start Gdynia with 5.4 ppg and 2.6 rpg for 39 games in 2011/12. They won 1Liga title and will compete in PLK next season.


*****************************************************
  PORTUGAL   


Austria rally past Portugal in Oberwart - by Eurobasket News

Austria - Portugal 69:65

Austria finished the international tournament in Oberwart on a high note. They knocked down Portugal to improve at 1-2 record. Jason Detrick (198-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: Oklahoma) scored 21 points to lead the winners.
Austria posted a 12:9 lead after ten minutes. They increased the tempo in the second quarter. The hosts accounted for 20 points to build a 5-point halftime lead 32:27. Portugal got closer in the third term. The visitors narrowed the gap at just 4-point mark at the final intermission. Portugal narrowed the deficit to 2 points late in regulation but Austria survived the challenge and rolled to the tough win at the end. Sebastian Koch (200-F-88), Davor Lamesic (203-F-83, agency: Interperformances) and Thomas Schreiner (195-G-87, agency: Dynamics Global Management) posted 10 points each for the winners. Joao Gomes (199-F-85) answered with 15 points for Portugal. Mario Fernandes (176-PG-82) added 10 points in the loss.

Austria: Jason Detrick 21, Sebastian Koch 10, Davor Lamesic 10, Thomas Schreiner 10
Portugal: Joao Gomes 15, Mario Fernandes 10


NEW RECORD OF THE ACADEMY, 2012 125 PARTICIPANTS AT MONTE BASKET - by Hugo Carvalho

NEW RECORD OF THE ACADEMY, 2012 125 PARTICIPANTS AT MONTE BASKET

The acadamy Monte Basket 2012 had 125 athletes that applied. During the three weeks of camp, we had 77 players at Point-guard Camp, 29 players at Shooting Camp and 19 players at PRO Camp. Players from many different cities in Portugal participated:Albufeira, Faro, Sao Bras de Alportel, Evora, Sesimbra, Palmela, Barreiro, Estoril, Lisboa, Torres Vedras, Queluz, Santarem, Ovar, Povoa do Varzim, Gaia, Porto, Guimaraes, Vila Real, Lea da Palmeira, Algueirao, Vila do Conde, Paredes de Coura, Chamusca, S. Joao da Madeira, Figueira da Foz

Famous portuguese players and coaches visited the specific camps making the Acadamy more prestigious and adding to the experience. Carlos Lisboa, the greatest icon of portuguese basketball, and now the general manager and head coach of SL Benfica,was accompanied by a few of the best portuguese players, Tomas Barroso and DiogoCarreira, transmiting their knowledge and their experiences to the participants of the Academy. The training programs were created and developed by coaches, winners of different National Championships, Goran Nogic (U20), Jos Calabote (U18) and Joo Tavares (U16). They were greatly assisted by fellow coaches of SL Benfica: Andr Cardoso, Francisco Cruz and Felipe Tomassi. The Academy was also assisted by physical therapists JooMadail and JooFerreirinho.

Every year the Academy presents different awards to players who have the most potential. This summer the two athletes who showed the most potential were, Rui Neves who won several 1 on 1 and 3 on 3 tournments, andJovanaNogic, who won the free-throw and the 3-point competition. The athlete that had the best performance executing the technical circuit, composed of 25 elements that test the players offensive techniques, was Jovana.

The best participants of all 125 athletes will have the opportunity to participate at the next AKK Camp AleksandarNikolic, in the year 2013, inZlatibor, Serbia. The traditional collaboration between the two prestigious camps, has already given the opportunity to two coaches (Francisco Cruz and Gonalo Ferreira) and four players to visit the best camp inSerbia. Besides the previously mentioned coaches, Ricardo Ramos (FC Barreirense) and JoaoSoares (SL Benfica) also traveled to Serbia and in 2012 Diogo Andrade (FC Porto / Vasco da Gama) and Joaquim Soras (Ovarense).

At the summer of 2013, the two previously mentioned athletes will get the opportunity to train in one of the oldest and one of the most well known camps in Europe (37 years of existence and experience).

The next winners of the award of 2012 Academy are:
1. Rui Neves (SL Benfica)
2. Marta Vargas (SL Benfica)

Or:
3. Tomas Vaz (Ovarense)
4. Carlos Dias (FC Barreirense)
5. Gonalo Geraldo (Farense)
6. Simo Pinheiro (Sanjoanense)

One of the factors that added to help the Academy Monte Basket to become the best basketball Academy in Portugal is definitely, teamwork, with the important cooperation of the City Hall of Albufeira and the Hotel Montechoro****.

The Academy would once more like to thank all athletes and parents for the trust that was given and to wish, all participants a great year both athleticallyand academically.


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


Energia Rovinari returns Robert Giles - by Eurobasket News

Robert Giles (194-G-87, college: Ball St.) will return to Energia Rovinari for the next season. The American guard signed a 1-year contract extension. Giles arrived to Rovinari last summer and it was his first deal in Europe. He played 12 games in the league averaging 8.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists. In December last year Rovinari and Giles parted ways, but now they agreed a new deal and the player will return to 2012/13. Robert Giles is a product of Ball State University, where he played until the end of 2008/09 season. He had 8.6 ppg and 3.1 rpg for 30 games that year. In 2010, Giles spent some time with IBL team Holland Blast averaging 15.7 points.
Earlier this month Energia Rovinari signed a deal with Adrian Rosu (196-F-91). The team also kept David Steffel (212-C/F-85) and Viorel Mocanu (204-C-77).


CSU Asesoft Ploiesti extends deal with Levente Szijarto - by Eurobasket News

Levente Szijarto (192-G/F-83, agency: Court Side) signed a 1-year contract extension with CSU Asesoft Ploiesti. It means that Szijarto will play his fourth straight season with the reigning Romanian champions. He also played for the club from 2003 to 2008. Meanwhile, the guard played one year for Univ Mobitelco Cluj Napoca. Last season Szijarto appeared 29 times in the league averaging 6.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists. He helped Ploiesti to beat Timisoara with perfect 4-0 in the Playoff Finals. Szijarto and Ploiesti won seven Romanian league titles together. They also celebrated three Cup trophies, plus FIBA EuroCup title in 2005. Before Ploiesti, Levente Szijarto won two Romanian league titles with West Petrom Arad. In 2008, he was named Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Defensive Player of the Year. A year ago, the player was awarded with Eurobasket.com Romanian League All-Domestic Players Team. Szijarto played for the Romanian National Team at 2009 EuroBasket Division B.


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


Russia U18 comes back from Spain - by Eurobasket News

Russia U18 comes back from Spain as they participated at the Torneo Ciudad de Linares. The Russian team beat Poland, but lost to Spain and France.
France U18 opened the campaign with the win over Russia U18 65:57. They won the first period 16-14 and increased to 4 points at the halftime. Russia exploded with 22-12 in the third quarter but could not win the game as France erupted with 20-6 in the last stanza. Mouhammadou Jaiteh (201-F/C-94) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Boris Dallo (193-G-94) as well as Alexandre Chassang (199-C-94) poured in 8 each. Mikhail Kulagin (188-G-94) answered with 12 points in the losing effort.
In Day 2 Spain U18 grabbed valuable overtime 66:65 win over Russia U18. The host won the opening period 16:14 and added 13-11 in the second frame. Moreover Spain won the third period 16-15, while Russian team tied the game after 16-11 in the fourth quarter. Only with 11-10 in overtime Spain celebrated the victory. Saiz top-scored for the winners with 11 points, while Marin and Homs posted 10 each. Stanislav Ilnitskiy (200-F-94) replied with 22 points in the losing effort and Mikhail Kulagin posted 18.
Poland faced Russia in the final game in Linares. And once again the Polish team could not match their opponents losing by 18 points at the end. 48:66. Jakub Garbacz netted 9 points for Poland. Jakub Schenk (180-PG-94) contributed 8 points in the loss.


*****************************************************
  SEBL   


Battle Between Two Marietta Teams - by Marcus Tate

Top Seed Marietta Fastbreak faced Marietta Outlaw Sunday evening for the fight of first place. Fastbreak started out strong scoring 24 points in the first period and holding Outlaws to only 8 points. Fastbreak led by PG Tay Barber (6'0''-G-86, college: Life) was very efficient from the field offensively scoring the majority of their points in the paint. Post Bryant Dunn (6'6''-F-86, college: Life) woke up the entire gym with 2 aggressive dunks in transition giving his team momentum going into the 2nd. Outlaws Tony Shaw and Lance Tippett (6'4''-F) were able to slow Fastbreak down in the 2nd period holding Bryant to zero points. Marietta Outlaw climbed within 10 points at half. The game quickly shifted in the 3rd period when Outlaws Lance Tippett scored 8 unanswered points. Fastbreak struggled both defensively and offensively scoring only 11 points as a team in the 3rd. Unfortunately Fastbreak was unable to overcome the deficit and losses by 7 points, 79-72. Lance Tippett is leading scorer with 19 points.


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


Helios Domzale adds Gacesa to their roster - by Eurobasket Center

Helios Domzale agreed terms with 25-year old Serbian forward Nikola Gacesa (205-F-104kg-87, college: TCU). Gacesa played most recently at Oberwart Gunners (Austria). While playing 31 games for Oberwart last season he recorded 9.3ppg and 4.5rpg. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. Gacesa graduated Texas Christian University in 2011 and it will be his second season in pro basketball.




Galatasaray bring in Milan Macvan - by Eurobasket News

Galatasaray bring in Milan Macvan (206-C-89, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) to their roster. The Serbian player signed 2-year deal with the Turkish side.
At the end of the last season Milan Macvan became a new member of Partizan. His team Maccabi Tel-Aviv gave a green light for this transfer and Macvan will spent this season with the Serbian powerhouse. Macvan signed with Maccabi in December of 2010. He played 12 Euroleague games for them last season averaging 3.5 points and 1.7 rebounds. He also added 6.7 ppg and 3 rpg for 21 games in Israeli league. Maccabi won the Premier league title and National Cup last season. They also reached Euroleague Finals. Macvan played for Serbian NT at the EuroBasket in Lithuania this summer. He had 7.4 ppg and 4.1 rpg for 11 games.
For BC Partizan MT:S Beograd (A League, starting five) he averaged 11.8ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 59.5%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 85.2% and Euroleague had 15.3ppg, Reb-1 (8.2rpg), 2.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 63.9%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 83.3%. In Adriatic League his stats read 13.3ppg, Reb-3 (8.5rpg), 1.1apg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 25.7%, FT: 75.0%.


Steven Markovic extends contract with Radnicki Kragujevac - by Zoran Popovic

Serbian/Australian guard Steven Markovic (190-G-85) extends contract with Radnicki Kragujevac. Markovic and Management of Radnicki Kragujevac sings contract for one more season. Last season Markovic played 21 games in Adriatic league and average scored 9.3 points, 2.4 boards, 7.0 assists and on 17 games in Serbian league average scored 7.1 points, 1.9 boards and 4.4 assists. During the career Markovic played for Bankstown Bruins, West Sydney Razorbacks, Crvena Zvezda Beograd, Benetton Treviso and Radnicki Kragujevac. Steven Markovic is member of Australian National team.


KK Tajfun adds Drzic to their roster - by Eurobasket Center

KK Tajfun agreed terms with 29-year old naturalized Serbian center Ivan Drzic (205-C-83). He played most recently at Luka Koper (Telemach League), where last season he averaged 10.6ppg, 3.1rpg in 28 games. Drzic is a very experienced player. He played few years ago in Slovenian All-Star Game. In 2002 Drzic was called for U20 national team, which played at European Championships U20 in Lithuania.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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


Slovenia U18 comes back from the International Tournament - by Eurobasket News

Slovenia U18 comes back from the International Tournament with three losses. Italy U18 wins Grottaferrata tournament with 4 participating teams. The home side won all three games to take the trophy of the historical city.
In Day 12 Germany U18 smashed Slovenia U18 70:46. The German side won all four quarters and dominated the court. For Slovenia Ritlop ended up with 12 points and Bolcina posted 9.
In Day 2 Italy U18 rolled over Slovenia U18 72:51. The Italian team won the first period 19-11, but Slovenia bounced back with 19-17 in the second frame. The second half was dominated only by the hosts that produced two victories in the third and the last quarters respectively. Fontecchio top-scored for the winners with 16 points, while Turel added 15. Tessitori delivered 10 and Bianconi notched 7. Rebec ended up with 15 and Hrovat added 12.
In Day 3 Israel U18 won over Slovenia U18 65:63 in overtime. The latter won the opening period 19-14 and led 7 points at the halftime. Israel however needed 20-8 in the third period and added 6-4 in overtime. For Slovenia Nikolic top-scored with 22 points and Bolcina posted 12.


KK Tajfun adds Drzic to their roster - by Eurobasket Center

KK Tajfun agreed terms with 29-year old naturalized Serbian center Ivan Drzic (205-C-83). He played most recently at Luka Koper (Telemach League), where last season he averaged 10.6ppg, 3.1rpg in 28 games. Drzic is a very experienced player. He played few years ago in Slovenian All-Star Game. In 2002 Drzic was called for U20 national team, which played at European Championships U20 in Lithuania.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Stanko Sebic joins KK Tajfun - by Eurobasket Center

KK Tajfun signed 28-year old Slovenian power forward Stanko Sebic (204-F/C-84). Sebic played most recently at Hopsi Polzela (Telemach League). While playing 27 games for Polzela last season his stats were: 9.4ppg, 5.0rpg and 1.0apg. He is a very experienced player. Sebic played for Slovenian U18, U20 and U21 national team until 2005.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Union Olimpija land Drazen Bubnic - by Eurobasket News

Union Olimpija announced the name of another newcomer. The Slovenian powerhouse signed contract with Drazen Bubnic (205-F-86). The forward played in Helios Domzale over the last two seasons. The forward notched 10.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game in Adriatic League last season. In Slovenian League Drazen Bubnic tallied 12.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists per appearance. Eurobasket.com named the forward into All-Slovenian League 2nd Team. Previously Drazen Bubnic had stints with Zlatogor, Luka Koper, Geoplin, Hermes Zagreb. He earned All-Slovenian League Honourable Mention in 2009 and 2010. The forward participated at 2011 Slovenian League All-Star Game. Drazen Bubnic was the member of U18 and U20 Croatian National Teams.


Helios Domzale adds Gacesa to their roster - by Eurobasket Center

Helios Domzale agreed terms with 25-year old Serbian forward Nikola Gacesa (205-F-104kg-87, college: TCU). Gacesa played most recently at Oberwart Gunners (Austria). While playing 31 games for Oberwart last season he recorded 9.3ppg and 4.5rpg. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. Gacesa graduated Texas Christian University in 2011 and it will be his second season in pro basketball.




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


Courtney Sims Goes First Overall in KBL Draft - by Jeff Liebsch

Ex-Michigan Wolverine standout Courtney Sims (211-C-83, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Michigan) went first overall in the KBL Draft, which took place last week in Las Vegas. The 6'11 center went to KCC Egis. Ex-Wonju Dongmu Promy center Rod Benson (207-F/C-84, college: California) was taken second overall by the LG Sakers.

Players drafted by team and position:

KCC

Courtney Sims (1)
Kaelen Daniels (198-C) (20)

LG Sakers

Rod Benson (2)
Ira Clark (203-C/F-75, college: Texas) (19)

Goyang Orions

Terrence Leather (204-C-81, college: S.Florida) (3)
Leon Williams (203-F/C-86, college: Ohio) (18)

Samsung Thunder

Byan Davis (206-F-86, agency: N.E.T., college: Texas A&M) (4)
Kenny Lawson (206-C-88, college: Creighton) (17)

SK Knights

Aaron Haynes (201-F-81, college: Boise St.) (5)
Chris Alexander (216-C-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Iowa St.) (16)

Ulsan Mobis Phoebus

Ricardo Ratliffe (203-F-89) (6)
Chris Burgess (209-C-79, college: Utah) (15)

KT Sonic Boom

Darian Townes (208-F/C-84) (7)
Brandon Costner (206-F-87, college: N.Carolina St.) (14)

Incheon ET Land

Carlos Powell (199-F-83, college: S.Carolina) (8)
DeAngelo Casto (203-F-90, college: Washington St.) (13)

Wonju Dongmu Promy

Brandon Bowman (204-F-84, college: Georgetown) (9)
Jermareo Davidson (208-F-84, college: Alabama) (12)

KGC

Garrett Stutz (213-C-90) (10)
Juan Pattillo (198-F-88, college: W.Kentucky) (11)


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


UCAM Murcia bring in Marcus Lewis - by Eurobasket News

UCAM Murcia strengthened their roster. They added Marcus Lewis (203-F/C-86, college: ORU). The centre started the previous season in D-League. Marcus Lewis played for the Tulsa 66ers. He tallied 15.1 points, 12.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists per game. In May Marcus Lewis moved to Venezuela. He joined Trotamundos de Carabobo. The centre notched 5.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists per appearance. The centre participated at D-League All-Star Game. He made it into All-NBA D-League Showcase 1st Team. The centre was voted All-United States Awards (Voted by All USA Sports Reporters) Centre of the Year.


Ford Burgos renew Josep Ortega - by Eurobasket News

Ford Burgos renewed the contract of Josep Ortega (200-F/C-84). The centre will stay with the team for another season. Josep Ortega joined Ford Burgos at the start of the previous season. He averaged 7.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game in LEB Gold. Previously Josep Ortega had stints with Girona, Prat Juventud, Huesca, Gapsa, Akasvayu Ferrer Vic, Farho Gijon. He earned All-Spanish LEB Gold Honourable Mention in 2011. He also earned All-Spanish LEB Silver Honourable Mention in 2009. Josep Ortega was the member of U18 and U20 Spanish National Teams.


Spain U18 triumphs at Torneo Ciudad de Linares - by Eurobasket News

Spain U18 overcame Poland U18 75:47 in the opener. The hosts of the Torneo Ciudad de Linares needed a 23-2 burst in the second frame to seal the victory. They added 20-14 in the third period and finished the game with 19-18 in the last stanza. Guillermo Hernangomez (206-C-94) poured in 17 points for the winners and Marin added 15, whilst Juan Saiz (200-C-94) delivered 14. Jakub Garbacz (196-F/G-94) ended up with 11 points in defeat, whilst Borowski had 10.
In Day 2 Spain U18 grabbed valuable overtime 66:65 win over Russia U18. The host won the opening period 16:14 and added 13-11 in the second frame. Moreover Spain won the third period 16-15, while Russian team tied the game after 16-11 in the fourth quarter. Only with 11-10 in overtime Spain celebrated the victory. Juan Saiz top-scored for the winners with 11 points, while Marin and Homs posted 10 each. Stanislav Ilnitskiy (200-F-94) replied with 22 points in the losing effort and Kulagin posted 18.
In Day 3 Spain U18 won over France U18 55:52 to triumph at the tournament. France opened the game with 17-13, but the teams were tied at the halftime after 16-12 for Spain in the second frame. Spain needed 15-7 in the last stanza to seal the victory and remained undefeated.
Homs top-scored for the winners with 10 points and Edgar Vicedo (199-F-94) delivered 9. Kevin Harley (198-G-94) replied with 11 points in the losing effort.


Breogan keep Alejandro Navajas - by Eurobasket News

Breogan extended the contract of Alejandro Navajas (201-F/C-86). The centre will enter the second straight season with the team. Alejandro Navajas joined Breogan at the start of the previous season. His stats read 6.5 points and 2.8 rebounds per game in LEB Gold. Previously the centre had spells with Palencia, Rincon Axarquia.


Unicaja lands former NBAer Marcus Williams - by Eurobasket News

Williams Marcus (191-G-85, college: Connecticut) will continue his career in Spain. The American point guard penned a deal with Unicaja Malaga. Williams arrives to Unicaja from China, where he had 11.1 ppg, 3.8 apg and 3.2 rpg for 25 CBA games with Jiangsu Nangang Dragons Nanjing. Williams signed in China in December. He spent 2010/11 season with Enisey Krasnoyarsk averaging 15.3 points, 6.8 assists and 3.6 rebounds for 28 Russian league games. He was league's No.1 in assists. Williams Marcus played for the Memphis Grizzlies in 2009/10 season. He had 4.4 ppg, 2.6 apg and 1.5 rpg for 61 NBA games. In 2008/09, he was a member of the Golden State Warriors. From 2006 to 2008, Williams Marcus played for the New Jersey Nets. They selected him as 22nd overall pick at 2006 NBA Draft.


Cajasol decides not to match offer, Unicaja gets Txemi Urtasun - by Eurobasket News

Txemi Urtasun (193-G-84, agency: Interperformances) officially became a new member of Unicaja. Cajasol decided not to match the offer made by the Malaga team. Urtasun signed with Unicaja on July 20 and Cajasol had option to match the offer until today. Txemi Urtasun played last two seasons for Cajasol. He appeared 36 times in Liga Endesa 2011/12 averaging 10.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2 assists. He helped Cajasol to reach the Semifinals of Copa del Rey this year and also to reach the Playoff Semifinals. In their first season together Urtasun was close to reach the Euroleague with Cajasol. They played in the EuroCup Finals, but were able to win it. Urtasun collected 11.1 ppg in this competition and he also had 9.9 ppg in ACB. Txemi Urtasun played for Alicante from 2008 to 2010 winning the LEB Gold Playoffs with them in their first year together. Before Alicante, he spit 2007/08 season between Estudiantes and Leon. Urtasun also has experience from Bruesa, Breogan, Zaragoza and La Palma.
Today, Unicaja penned a deal with former NBA player Williams Marcus (191-G-85, college: Connecticut).


Aurteneche keeps HC Inaki Merino, Lan Mobel extends Ibargutxi and Barberena - by Eurobasket News

Aurteneche Maquinaria Araberri decided to keep its Head Coach Inaki Merino fort he next season. They won EBA title together in 2011 and last season reached LEB Silver Semifinals. Merino is Assistant Coach of U20 Spanish National Team.

Lan Mobel Iraurgi announced signing of 1-year contract extension with Benat Barberena (204-F/C-89) and Joseba Ibargutxi (190-G-82).
Barberena got a chance in 21 games last season, but with very limited playing time. The player averaged 1.7 points and 1.4 rebounds. Before Lan Mobel, he played one year for Valencia Basket Club SAD (EBA). In the past, Barberen also was a member of EBA teams Castellon and Ensaya - Desarollo Utebo.
Ibargutxi arrived to Lan Mobel seven years ago. Last season he had 5 ppg, 4.4 apg and 1.8 rpg for 27 games. The player had slightly better numbers in 2010/11.


FIATC Joventut inks deal with Tony Gaffney - by Eurobasket News

As expected, Tony Gaffney (204-F-84, college: Massachusetts) became a new member of FIATC Joventut. He signed a 1-year deal with the club. Gaffney had 11.6 ppg, 2.1 bpg and 5.4 rpg for 12 EuroChallenge games with Telekom Baskets Bonn last season. In German league, he collected 12.9 ppg, 1.8 bpg and 6.1 rpg for 37 games. He was the best shot blocker in both competitions. Gaffney participated at German Bundesliga All Star Game and he was also named Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga 2nd Team -12, plus Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Defensive Team -12. Before Bonn, Tony Gaffney split 2010/11 season between Turk Telekom Ankara and NBA D-League team Utah Flash. The player graduated at University of Massachusetts three years ago. He transferred to Massachusetts in 2006 from Boston University. Gaffney played for the Utah Jazz at 2012 NBA Summer League in Orlando averaging 4.3 points and 1.3 rebounds in 3 games.
Last week, FIATC Joventut officially matched Bacelona's offer to Marko Todorovic (210-C/F-92) and kept the player. Todorovic played 5 games for Joventut last season in Liga Endesa averaging 3.4 points and 1.8 rebounds. The Montenegrin forward spent most of the season with CB Prat Juventut in LEB Silver. There he shined with 15.8 ppg, 8.2 rpg and 1.4 bpg for 26 games. Todorovic was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Silver Forward of the Year -12 and also Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Silver 1st Team -12. He joined Joventut in 2008 as 16-year-old player. Todorovic played for U20 Montenegro last summer at U20 EuroBasket in Bilbao. He had 8.6 ppg, 7.9 rpg and 1.4 spg for 9 games at this event. In the past, Todorovic played for U18 Montenegro. A year ago with Prat Joventut he was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Silver Bosman Player of the Year -11.

Meanwhile, Liga Endesa announced season calendar for 2012/13. It will start on September 21. Regular season will end on May 19 and Playoffs will start on May 23. Last possible game of the Finals is scheduled for June 18 of 2013.


Unicaja also gets Earl Calloway - by Eurobasket News

Unicaja Malaga got another new player today. After Txemi Urtasun (193-G-84, agency: Interperformances), Cajasol also declined to match offer for Earl Calloway (191-G-83, college: Indiana), so the player became a new member of Unicaja. In the morning, Unicaja penned a deal with former NBAer Williams Marcus (191-G-85, college: Connecticut).
Earl Calloway spent last three years with Cajasol. In their first season together he had 9.4 ppg, 4.2 apg and 2.3 rpg for 36 games. In 2011, Calloway helped Cajasol to reach the EuroCup Finals. Last season the player had 7.6 ppg, 3.1 apg and 2.2 rpg for 36 games. He joined the club in 2009 from Cibona Zagreb, where he played in 2008/09. Calloway won Croatian league title and Cup with them. He also shined in Adriatic league and was named Eurobasket.com All-Adriatic League Import Player of the Year -09, while Cibona reached Finals. In the past, Calloway played for the NBA D-League team Fort Wayne Mad Ants and University of Indiana. He received Bulgarian citizenship two years ago.
Earl Calloway will play next two years for Unicaja.


FIATC Joventut close to sign big guy Tony Gaffney - by Eurobasket News

Tony Gaffney (204-F-84, college: Massachusetts) will most likely continue his career in Spain. The American big guy is in advanced talks with FIATC Joventut, according to Solobasket.com. He had 11.6 ppg, 2.1 bpg and 5.4 rpg for 12 EuroChallenge games with Telekom Baskets Bonn last season. In German league, Gaffney collected 12.9 ppg, 1.8 bpg and 6.1 rpg for 37 games. He was the best shot blocker in both competitions. Gaffney participated at German Bundesliga All Star Game and he was also named Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga 2nd Team -12, plus Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Defensive Team -12. Before Bonn, Tony Gaffney split 2010/11 season between Turk Telekom Ankara and NBA D-League team Utah Flash. The player graduated at University of Massachusetts three years ago. He transferred to Massachusetts in 2006 from Boston University. Gaffney played for the Utah Jazz at 2012 NBA Summer League in Orlando averaging 4.3 points and 1.3 rebounds in 3 games.


Ourense signs PG Raul Mena and C Victor Serrano - by Eurobasket News

Ourense announced signing of Raul Mena (177-PG-82, agency: Court Side) and Victor Serrano (211-C-89) for the next season.
Raul Mena arrives to the club from Palencia, where he had 4.7 ppg, 2.4 apg and 1.8 rpg in 34 LEB Gold games. In 2010/11, the point guard played for Burgos. There he had 4.5 ppg and 2.4 apg helping the team to reach LEB Gold Finals. Mena already worked with Ourense coach Rafa Sanz two years ago in La Palma.
Victor Serrano averaged 7.6 points and 6 rebounds in 24 LEB Gold games with Lan Mobel last season. Before that, the center spent one year with Canarias. With them Serrano had 2.5 ppg and 1.7 rpg for 26 games in LEB Gold. He also has experience from Guadalajara and Estudiantes second team. Serrano is a product of Estu.


Melilla keeps Eloy Almazan for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

Melilla continues with signings for the next season. Their latest move is 1-year contract extension with Eloy Almazan (199-F-84). The Spanish forward will play his second straight season with the club. He appeared 48 times in 2011/12 averaging 2.7 points and 1.5 rebounds. Melilla reached LEB Gold Playoff Finals. In 2010, Almazan was LEB Silver champion with Alcazar. A year after that he had 6.6 ppg and 2.9 rpg for 33 LEB Gold games. Eloy Almazan played for Cordoba from 2007 to 2009. Before that he was a member of Ciaja Rioja, Montilla and Unicaja II.
Last week, Melilla inked Jesus Castro (191-G-83) to reinforce its backcourt. The team also penned deals with Francisco Sanchez (201-F-79) and Jose Amador (210-F/C-83, agency: Duran International).


Estudiantes extends British NT player Daniel Clark for the next season - by Eurobasket News

Daniel Clark (210-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) stays with Asefa Estudiantes Madrid for the next season. The Spanish squad officially announced this news today. Clark arrived to Estu in 2003 and played for their cadet team. After that Clark played for Estudiantes juniors and for their second team as well. In 2006, the player was promoted to the senior squad. Last season Daniel Clark had 5.7 ppg and 3.1 rpg for 31 games in Liga Endesa. He had almost the same numbers in 2010/11. That season Clark added 7.9 ppg and 2.9 rpg for 13 EuroCup games. Daniel Clark currently plays for the British National Team at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. He scored 5 points against Russia on Sunday. Last summer, Clark averaged 8.2 points and 7.2 rebounds for 5 games at EuroBasket in Lithuania.


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  SWITZERLAND   

1LN Standings

1LN Standings
East
 1. BCKE 13-3 
 2. Solothurn 12-4 
 3. Birsfelden 10-6 
 4. Boncourt U23 9-7 
 5. Gordola 9-7 
 6. Rapid Bienne 8-8 
 7. Baden 6-10 
 8. Starwings U23 4-12 
 9. Lug.Tigers U23 1-15 
West
 1. Lausanne 14-2 
 2. Collombey-Muraz 12-4 
 3. Martigny 10-6 
 4. Morges 10-6 
 5. Chene 9-7 
 6. Renens 8-8 
 7. Vevey U23 6-10 
 8. La Chx-de-F. 2-14 
 9. Cossonay 1-15 



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


USA Men's Select Team Announced by Taiwan (34th William Jones Cup live on ESPN) - by Greg

With the NBA Legends in town, Taiwan has become a hot bed for USA talent and stars. The NBA Legends will play versus a Taiwan Select team just 3 weeks before the 34thAnnual Williams Jones Cup. But for the first time since 2004 Team USA will participate in the Jones Cup. Featuring 11 players owning Asia Professional Basketball experience, including the 2010AsiaBasket.com All-Arab Club Championships Best Import Player Marcus Melvin and the 2011 Asia-Basket.com All-Japanese BJ League Guard of the Year Wayne Arnold.

UPG CEO Jerone Dodd Jr expressed that "This is a great opportunity for all of the players, coaches, our company, the Taiwanese and International basketball communities. It aligns with our goals for the development within the international basketball market and has the potential to forge new opportunities for the future.

CTBA and UPG today announced 13 players for the 2012 USA Men's Select Team that will participate in the 34th William Jones Cup tournament which will be held in TPEC Gym in Tienmu, Taipei from Aug 18-26, 2012 (Live on ESPN). The USA Basketball Men's Select Team will compete against the following national teams (Japan, Philippines, Qatar, Lebanon, S. Korea, Iran, UAE, and Taiwan).

Starting Five
#s#
Mychal Kearse
Kearse
Jermaine Barnes
Barnes
Curtis Marshall
Marshall
Marcus Melvin
Melvin
Scott VanderMeer
VanderMeer
#e#5
Mychal Kearse (6'5''-G-83) of Akita Northern Happinets Japan
Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82) of Universal Phoenix Group LLC
Curtis Marshall (6'6''-G/F-83) of Lille Metropole Basket Clubs France
Marcus Melvin (6'8''-F-82) of La Union Formosa Argentina
Scott VanderMeer (7'0''-C-86) of Marinos de Anzoategui Venezuela
Josh Powell (6'9''-F-83) of Brujos de Guayama Puerto Rico
Wayne Arnold (6'4''-G-84) of Gwinnett Majic
Jordan Collins (6'10''-PF-82) of Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels Germany
Jermaine Dearman (6'8''-F/C-80) of Fukuoka Rizing Japan
Gerard Anderson (6'6''-F-87) of Los Angeles D-Fenders
Desmond Blue (6'11''-C-88) of Universal Phoenix Group LLC
Brad Reese (6'6''-F-88) of SLUNETA Usti nad Labem Czech Republic
James Justice (5'10''-G-89) of GIE Morrow Disciples

Coaches: David Benoit , Travis McAvene, Michael Davis , Ying-Chou Chou , Kevin Franklin

USA Basketball also announced that serving as co-head coaches of the USA Select Team are former NBA player and coach David Benoit and Usbasket.com All-United States Coach of the Year Travis McAvene. Benoit served for three seasons as head coach in the Japan BJ League. McAvene, who was the former assistant coach at Coppin State University, left the NCAA and began coach US leagues for the last 5 seasons. McAvene has become the best in the business winning the respect of the world after receiving USA Coach of the Year voted by Usbasket.com.

'The USA National Team selection process was based on American players with great international experience including Asia. We wanted to focus on these types of players because of the Asian style of basketball,' said Ying-Chou Chou of UPG.

Members of the USA Select Team will assemble in Atlanta, GA and conduct a training session August 5, 2012. All practices will take place at Morris Brown University.


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


Galatasaray bring in Milan Macvan - by Eurobasket News

Galatasaray bring in Milan Macvan (206-C-89, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) to their roster. The Serbian player signed 2-year deal with the Turkish side.
At the end of the last season Milan Macvan became a new member of Partizan. His team Maccabi Tel-Aviv gave a green light for this transfer and Macvan will spent this season with the Serbian powerhouse. Macvan signed with Maccabi in December of 2010. He played 12 Euroleague games for them last season averaging 3.5 points and 1.7 rebounds. He also added 6.7 ppg and 3 rpg for 21 games in Israeli league. Maccabi won the Premier league title and National Cup last season. They also reached Euroleague Finals. Macvan played for Serbian NT at the EuroBasket in Lithuania this summer. He had 7.4 ppg and 4.1 rpg for 11 games.
For BC Partizan MT:S Beograd (A League, starting five) he averaged 11.8ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 59.5%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 85.2% and Euroleague had 15.3ppg, Reb-1 (8.2rpg), 2.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 63.9%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 83.3%. In Adriatic League his stats read 13.3ppg, Reb-3 (8.5rpg), 1.1apg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 25.7%, FT: 75.0%.


Optimum TED Kolejliler keeps Nezih Ozbakir - by Eurobasket News

Nezih Ozbakir (206-F/C-80) signed a 1-year contract extension with his team Optimum TED Kolejliler, according to Salsabasket. It will be their third straight season together. In the latest one Ozbakir had 10.6 ppg and 4.7 rpg for 38 games. They won TB2L title and promotion for TBL. Ozbakir was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TB2L Honorable Mention -12. A year ago, Optimum TED Kolejliler was TB2L Group B champion. Ozbakir averaged 9 points and 4.5 rebounds for 26 games. In 2009, Nezih Ozbakir won his first TB2L title with Optimum TED. He played for them from 2003 to 2008. In the meantime, Ozbakir spent two years with Tofas Bursa.
Last week, Optimum TED Kolejliler signed Ben Woodside (180-PG-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Dakota St.), Caner Erdeniz (188-G-87) and Gokhan Yazicioglu (200-F-90). The team also landed scoring machine Kirk Penney (196-G-80, agency: Duran International, college: Wisconsin).


BEST Balikesir signs Ahmet Demirhan - by Eurobasket News

Ahmet Demirhan (87) is a new member of BEST Balikesir (TB2L). The 25-year-old player penned a 1-season deal with his new club. Demirhan arrives to BEST Balikesir from TED Istanbul, where he spent 2011/12. For 26 games in TB2L he had 6.7 ppg, 1.9 rpg and 1.8 apg. Before TED, Demirhan played few months for FMV Isikspor, also from Istanbul. There he had 3.8 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 8 TB2L games in 2010/11 season. Demirhan played for the same team also in 2009/10 and before that he was a member of Cankkale Bld. The player also has experience from Genc Banvit and Banvit. In 2006, he reached TBL Semifinals with Banvit. He was averaging 7 points in 38 games.


Karsiyaka not signing Jarvis Varnado, now eyes Akin Akingbala - by Eurobasket News

Despite reports that Jarvis Varnado (206-F-88, college: Mississippi St.) is joining Pinar Karsiyaka for the next season, it seems that will not happen after all. According to Salsabasket.net, the transfer failed and Karsiyaka already moved its focus to other direction. Reportedly, Akinlolu Akingbala (208-C-83, college: Clemson) is now one of the candidates for this job.
Jarvis Varnado finished last season with Acea Virtus Roma. He appeared 14 times in SerieA averaging 10.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.9 blocks. Varnado was top shot blocker of the league. He joined Roma in February and before that he started the season with Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem.
Akinlolu Akingbala played last three seasons for Nancy. In the latest one he had 12.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg and 1.1 bpg for 33 games in ProA. The player also added 12 ppg and 6.9 rpg for 8 Euroleague games. Akingbala helped Nancy to win ProA title a year ago.


Antalya BSB signs Hakan Demirel - by Eurobasket News

Antalya BSB signed a 1-year deal with Hakan Demirel (192-G-85). The point guard is coming from Fenerbahce Ulker, where he had very limited playing time last season. He appeared 19 times in TBL averaging 2.5 points. Demirel played for Fener until March, when they parted ways. In 2010/11, he had 11 ppg, 3.4 apg and 1.9 rpg for 30 games with Erdemir. In 2009/10, Demirel was a member of Darussafaka collecting 8.3 ppg and 3.1 rpg for 7 TBL games. Hakan Demirel played for Fenerbahce Ulker also from August of 2006 to December of 2008, when he moved to Erdemir for the first time. In the past, he played for Tofas Bursa.
Hakan Demirel played for Turkish National Team in 2006 and 2007. He had 2.4 ppg and 1.7 apg for 9 games at 2006 World Championship in Japan. He appeared twice at 2007 EuroBasket in Spain. Demirel won two TBL titles with Fenerbahce.


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


6'5 Johnson Decembre adds size and athleticism - by David Edole

http://www.wmadragons.com/news/2012/7/22/CMBskt_0722125721.aspx

Wentworth added some size and athleticism with the signing of Johnson Decembre. Decembre is a 65 shooting guard/small forward from Davenport, Florida. Johnson is the son of Andrea and Johnson Decembre (Davenport, FL).

Red Dragon Head Coach, Tom Hughes, stated, We are excited about the potential that Johnson brings to our team. He can shoot the outside shot, or take you down low and post you up on the block. He is an excellent rebounder who has a nose for the ball.

Johnson was a two-year starter for the Osceola (FL) High School. Johnson helped led the Kowboys to a two year record of 37-11. As a senior, he averaged 8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks per game.

Upon graduation from Osceola HS, Johnson enrolled in Concord Prep Academy, Concord, North Carolina. At Concord Prep, he averaged 10 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks per game.

Hughes continued, Decembre is the type of player we were looking for. We needed to add size and athleticism in order to be more successful. Being a left-handed shooter is a bonus.

Johnson is a quality student athlete he took honors and AP classes in high school. We want young men who have the desire to not only succeed on the basketball court, but more importantly in the game of life, added Hughes.

Wentworth competes as a member of the NJCAA (Region 16). The Red Dragons will play teams from Kansas, Iowa, Arkansas, and Missouri.


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


Maxim Parkhomenko parts ways with Cherkasy - by Eurobasket News

Cherkasy and Maxim Parkhomenko (206-F/C-87) split ways. The sides have agreed on terms of contract termination. Maxim Parkhomenko was the member of Cherkasy since 2007. Last season he tallied 3.5 points and 1.5 rebounds per game for the Monkeys. Maxim Parkhomenko was Ukrainian Cup winner in 2011 together with the team.


Ukraine U18 finished third in Novi Sad - by Eurobasket News

Ukraine U18 -Greece U18 66:49

Ukraine U18 finished third in Novi Sad at the International tournament. In the last game the Ukrainian side overcame Greece U18 66:49 for 1-2 record. Greece meanwhile finished on the last spot with no victories.
Greece started with 14-6 and led three points at the halftime. The Greek side enjoyed 34:28 lead but failed in the last period. Ukraine dominated the court and grabbed 17-point victory.
Igor Boyarkin (180-PG-95) and Sachnyuk top-scored for the winners with 12 points each. Vladislav Korenyuk (209-C-94) posted 10 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, while Zagreb and Volodymyr Shevchenko (200-SF-94) nailed 8 apiece. Dimitrios Agravanis (208-F-94, agency: FCM) delivered 11 points in the losing effort and Eleftherios Bochoridis (194-G-94) added 8.
Serbia U18 wins the International Tournament in Novi Sad with 4 participating teams. The hosts won all three games including the last one over Turkey U18 79:62. The Turkish side meanwhile finished on the second place with 2-1 record.


Superleague Player Interview - Pierce Caldwell - by Matt Haufer

After joining the team in November 2011, it was recently announced that combo guard Pierce Caldwell (191-G-88, agency: Alti Sport, college: Incarnate Word) signed another one year deal with Kryvbasbasket-Lux Kryvyi Rih keeping him in Ukraine for the 2012/2013 season, as well. Eurobasket.com contacted the former NCAA 2 All-American to discuss the motivation and reasons behind this move. Amazingly, we found out that he originally walked on to an NCAA 2 team and parlayed this very unceremonious beginning into a successful collegiate and overseas career.

You renewed your contract with Kryvbasbasket-Lux Kryvyi Rih for another season. What were the main factors in this decision?

I want to have my first full season with a European team. I want to start from training camp.

You started a bit slow in the Superleague but you were on fire towards the end of the season. Did you have to get used to things?

Yes, I came in the middle of the season and I first needed to get used to my team.

How do you characterise the Superleague? Style of play, competition level, etc.?

Superleague is a competitive League, you must be ready every night.

How did you manage to get noticed coming from the D2 level? Was it tough?

I did things that no one had done at my school and in our conference I won MVP of the conference three years in a row and also was a three time All-American. Won back to back conference championships. That is how I got noticed at a Division 2 school.

How did you end up on the D2 level in the first place?

Ha. I was not highly recruited coming out of high school so I walked on at Incarnate Word University, a local Division 2 school. After the first half of the semester I was awarded a full scholarship.

Describe your game. Would you say you are a 2 who can play the 1?

I would say I am a basketball player. A sniper who can run the team, as well.

What are your objectives for the upcoming years?

Win games and improve my individual game in every way possible.

Thank you very much for this interview and good luck for your season!


*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM   


Stan Is The Man For Wolves - by Paul Nilsen

Worcester Wolves have signed a former member of the University of Connecticuts national championship winning team to their 2012 roster.

6 foot 8 inch power forward Stanley Ocitti (203-F/C-80, college: Binghamton) comes to Worcester after a much- travelled career that has seen him play several seasons in Europe and, most recently, stints in Canada and Australia.

32 year old Ocitti has been attracted to the city by the prospect of joining Paul James successful squad and at the same time being able to take up studies at the University of Worcester.

James is pleased that the close ties between the Wolves and the University are once more bearing fruit, saying: Last year we were delighted to have so many players on our team who also took advantage of study opportunities at the University. Stan is another person who can help raise the playing quality of our BBL and University basketball programmes.

Throughout his basketball career Ocitti has been widely known as a rebounder and shot-blocker, but can also score when needed. In 2011 he averaged 22 points, 13 rebounds and two blocked shots a game at Australian side, the Cockburn Cougars. James is pleased to have another contributor, adding: Stan is a multi-faceted player. He will give us some more defensive presence close to the basket and will also be an offensive threat.

American/Dutch dual-national Ocitti is looking forward to coming to Worcester, commenting: Im really excited to be joining the Wolves organization. I have heard a lot of positive things about basketball in the BBL from my friends who have played in the league. I am looking forward to contributing to the team in any way needed. After a long summer I cant wait to get back on the court and start playing ball."


Wedemire and Harrison Return To Rocks - by Paul Nilsen

Glasgow Rocks are proud to announce that they have completed the re-signing of 2 integral players from last season's roster for the 2012/13 BBL season. Veteran guard, EJ Harrison (186-PG-76, college: Connecticut) has decided to come back to Glasgow for another season along with Canadian/British forward, Andrew Wedemire (198-G/F).

It's finally official, rising star, Andy Wedemire, has signed with the Glasgow Rocks for another season. The 6'6" forward will no doubt, play an integral role in the success of the Glasgow Rocks, especially after putting up some impressive numbers in his rookie professional campaign in 2011/12. Wedemire, who became renowned for being an 'impact' player coming off the bench at the Rocks, averaged 10.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists a game last season.

'Andy exceeded our expectations last season. The biggest positive we saw in him was his progression and ability to adjust as the season went along. I feel he has a lot more to give this league with his talent and we're glad to have such a quality player and person back in our jersey.'

To complete the double signing, the Glasgow Rocks can also confirm that they have secured the signature of Veteran point guard EJ Harrison for a third consecutive season.

Harrison, originally from Connecticut in the USA, had a difficult 2011/12 BBL Season. Early in the season he sustained a serious ankle injury which saw him miss a large portion of fixtures spanning over 2 months, this was compounded with a family bereavement later in the season. Despite Harrison only playing in half of the Rocks scheduled fixtures, he was still a very influential player in the squad averaging 13.7 points, 3.0 assists per game and shooting an impressive 53% from the field.

Harrison will be looking to come into this season with a fresh new perspective on things and has confirmed that he has only one thing on his mind.

'I'm very happy to be back with the Glasgow Rocks for a Third season. My objective this year is to bring silverware back to Glasgow.'

On the other hand, Rocks player/coach Sterling Davis had an objective of his own at the end of last season and it is slowly coming to fruition.

'I really wanted to focus on bringing back the majority of players from last season so that we could build on what we achieved late in the season. EJ was always my first choice to fill the point guard position and I am very happy that we were able to sign him for a third time. He had a tough 2011/12 campaign but showed great determination and strength of mind to finish off the season the way he did. His leadership, experience and work ethic are second to none and I am looking forward to playing with him again.'

The acquisition of both Harrison and Wedemire gives the Rocks a solid foundation to work with, as Coach Davis now swings his focus on signing on another 2 import players to help bulk up his roster.

The Rocks management will be hoping to announce some more news in the coming weeks along with confirmed dates of pre-season fixtures and a detailed breakdown of the first Home game of the Season, which is to be played at the Brand New Commonwealth Arena on the 7th October against the reigning BBL Champions, Newcastle Eagles.


Bell Back In Devon - by Paul Nilsen

The UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders are delighted to announce that Jeremy Bell (183-G-83, college: Williams Baptist), the teams leading scorer last season, has signed to return to the team for the 2012/13 season.

Bell returns to the Raiders as the fourth player to have committed to the team this summer, leaving just three more places for Coach Gavin Love to fill in the next few weeks.

After averaging 19.3 points per game last season, Bell was one of the players that Love wanted to keep hold of most of all. With Jeremy and Anthony returning, it gives us an element of continuity from last season, said Love. Thats important and something that you see in common with the best teams in any sport.

The 2011/12 season was arguably the best in the Raiders history, and Bell was a big part of that team. He joined the team in October, having been voted the BBLs Player of the year the season before when he played with Cheshire Jets. Last year, the Raiders went to two finals and flirted with 2nd place in the league until a couple of vital losses in the last few weeks of the season saw the team finish in fourth.

Jeremy will be relieved of some of the pressure he felt last season in terms of handling the ball. I really believe that hes going to be even better this year than he was last year."

He will also link up again with Colin OReilly who he played with at Cheshire 2 seasons ago.


Olympian To Ride With Leicester Again - by Paul Nilsen

Drew Sullivan (203-F-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Villanova) has today re-signed with the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders, becoming the third member of the record breaking 2011/12 Riders squad to commit to the team ahead of the 2012/13 campaign.

In Sullivan's first season with the Riders, the GB Captain helped the team enjoy arguably their most successful season ever, recording 22 league wins and reaching the BBL play-off Final.

Those achievements are something Sullivan, 32, aims to build on with the Riders:

One of the the reasons I chose to return to Leicester was the chance to continue something that was started last season, said Sullivan. We came extremely close to winning silverware, so returning to the club offers me the opportunity to achieve that goal.

Another reason and probably the biggest reason why I have returned to the Riders is the relationship that I've developed with (General Manager) Russell Levenston.

We've become really good friends and he's also looked after my interests on and off the court. So when the opportunity was presented that we could continue to work with each other it made a lot of sense.

Sullivan is one of the most domestically decorated players in the BBL and with his impending attendance at this Summer's London Olympics, he is sure to bring a wealth of experience to the Riders, something he acknowledges himself:

A crazy statistic is that Drew Sullivan on last years team, had more winners medals than our whole team put together GB Captain replied. As a team, though, we played in a number of games that had a lot of meaning last season: Semi finals over two legs, an important league game or the play-off finals and all of those games carried a huge amount of experience for most of our guys. So having been exposed to those situations, hopefully we can now build upon what we've learnt.

Heading into the off-season, securing Sullivan's signature to the club for a second year, was high on the list of 'Things to do' for Head Coach, Rob Paternostro:

We made it pretty clear to Drew at the end of last season that we were interested in having him back here with us, explained Paternostro. Last season, he (Sullivan) was instrumental in everything we did, both on offense and defence. He's a guy who has a high basketball, is athletically gifted but most importantly, is a competitor and a winner.


New Chapter For Riders Veteran - by Paul Nilsen

Leicester Riders coach Rob Paternostro is facing the new BBL season in September, minus one of the ever presents, since he took over the Riders hot seat in 2008.

Former player, and Assistant Coach LaTaryl Williams (197-F-78, college: Mississippi) is moving to the US, to take up the Assistant Coaching job for the Womens programme at Holmes Community College in Mississippi.

For the 34 year old Williams, it means he is finally calling time on his playing career, after a horrific and freak knee injury in March 2011 at Milton Keynes, which saw him sit out the whole of last season, though he joined coach Rob Paternostros coaching team.

Said Williams, Yes I have had to face facts and with a wife and young daughter, I realised that was it for playing. I really did not want to finish the way I did, with an injury, but sometimes these things happen. I have realised it is time to move on.

Williams went to junior college in the US at North West Community College, in the same League as Holmes Community, before moving on to Mississippi University (Ole Miss), one of the top basketball and football Universities in the US.

So it is familiar territory for Williams, It is a great opportunity for me because the head coaches at Holmes are former teammates at Ole Miss, and I will be close to my home and not far from my old university at Oxford in Mississippi. It is familiar ground, and I think I will be able to contribute right from the start.

Williams is currently in the US house hunting, with the new season due to start in September, but is keeping a close eye on teammate Andrew Sullivan and the GB team at the Olympics, I watched the pre-Olympic game versus the US last week, and I thought GB showed a lot of heart and desire at the end of the day the US team is on another level, so that defeat does not matter, but they can take heart from the performance.

Williams was a stalwart for the Riders through the 2008/09 to 2010/11 seasons, regularly putting up solid points and rebounds numbers, but it was his ability to defensively mark the best players in the BBL that made him a special player. In three seasons playing with the Riders, Williams was an ever present, playing 84 BBL Championship games, averaging 10.3 points, 6 rebounds, 1 block and over 1 steal a game.

It will be a wrench for Paternostro losing Williams, I played with Lataryl on the Birmingham Panthers in the 2007/08 season, the year before I began coaching the Riders. It was then where I realized what a valuable member he was to a basketball team both on and off the floor.

When I became coach, I was looking for versatile players , guys who could play multiple positions and Lataryl was a guy that could cover 5 positions defensively and was also able to play both inside and out on the offensive end. I knew in my first year it was going to be also important to sign good quality people and they don't come any better in the people department than Lataryl - his personality and leadership in the locker room was very important with some of the young teams that we have had.

It will be strange not having him with the Riders - during the last 4 seasons his leadership and basketball IQ, whether it be playing or coaching, has been a major factor for any success that we have had.

But I'm excited for his coaching career, he is very passionate about coaching, and he is a guy who in whatever situation he is put in will figure out how to be successful at it. Last season he was great to work with not only during the practices and games, but also in the countless hours we spent talking Riders basketball, I will miss that but anticipate us continue to talk on the phone daily.

Williams will miss the Riders as well, The Riders fans and organization have become like a family to me over the last 4 years, and I am going to miss them all. They made me feel very welcome, and I made a lot of great friends, who I will stay in touch with. I will be back in December for a family holiday so I fully intend to catch a couple of Riders games. A little bit of me will always be here.


Estudiantes extends British NT player Daniel Clark for the next season - by Eurobasket News

Daniel Clark (210-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) stays with Asefa Estudiantes Madrid for the next season. The Spanish squad officially announced this news today. Clark arrived to Estu in 2003 and played for their cadet team. After that Clark played for Estudiantes juniors and for their second team as well. In 2006, the player was promoted to the senior squad. Last season Daniel Clark had 5.7 ppg and 3.1 rpg for 31 games in Liga Endesa. He had almost the same numbers in 2010/11. That season Clark added 7.9 ppg and 2.9 rpg for 13 EuroCup games. Daniel Clark currently plays for the British National Team at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. He scored 5 points against Russia on Sunday. Last summer, Clark averaged 8.2 points and 7.2 rebounds for 5 games at EuroBasket in Lithuania.


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  URUGUAY   

Standings - Metropolitan League

Metropolitan Standings
 1. Marne 12-5 
 2. Atenas 12-5 
 3. Goes 10-7 
 4. Larranaga 9-7 
 5. Cader 9-8 
 6. Capitol 9-8 
 7. Urunday Univ. 9-8 
 8. Guruyu Waston 7-10 
 9. Verdirrojo 7-10 
 10. Romis N. 6-12 
 11. Yale 4-14 

Regular Season: Round 19

Jul. 29: Verdirrojo - Yale 95-89
Jul. 28: Marne - Capitol 89-85
Jul. 28: Romis N. - Cader 82-76
Jul. 28: Atenas - Larranaga 82-71
Jul. 28: Guruyu Waston - Goes 58-86

Regular Season: Round 20

Jul. 31: Atenas - Romis N.
Jul. 31: Cader - Yale
Jul. 31: Capitol - Larranaga
Jul. 31: Goes - Marne
Jul. 31: Urunday Univ. - Guruyu Waston



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  WILLIAM JONES CUP   

Standings

Standings
1. Iran0-0
2. Japan0-0
3. S.Korea0-0
4. Lebanon0-0
5. Philippines0-0
6. Qatar0-0
7. Taiwan0-0
8. UAE0-0
9. USA0-0




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Women News


US women rout Angola 90-38 in Olympic basketball - by Eurobasket News

The U.S. women say they don't care about the final score. They just want to have least one more point than their opponent at the end of games in the women's Olympic basketball tournament.

That sounds like the right thing to say after Candace Parker (6'4''-C-86, college: Tennessee) had 14 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Americans to a 90-38 rout of Angola on Monday night.

But the Americans aren't just being politically correct.

They know they are still a work in progress, having only been together training for two weeks, and are going to play some tough games during the tournament.

The game against Angola was expected to be an easy romp - and it was - with the U.S. overwhelming the Olympic newcomer.

The Americans (2-0) have won their last 35 straight games in the Olympics and four consecutive gold medals while Angola is looking for its first victory. The team lost its opener to Turkey by 22 points meaning African nations have only won one of their 25 games in the Olympics since Congo - formerly known as Zaire - first qualified in the 1996 Atlanta Games.

Nigeria owns the only victory, beating Korea by four points in 2004.

The Americans had played African teams twice and routed them both. The U.S. beat Zaire by 60 points in 1996 and then Mali by 56 at the Beijing Games in 2008.

Angola (0-2) did fare a little better than its continental neighbors. The team stayed close to the Americans for the first quarter, only trailing by 10 at the end of the period. Then the U.S. put the game away outscoring the African country 19-6 in the second period. Parker hit two nifty reverse lay-ins in the quarter.

The Americans continued the rout in the second half, extending the advantage to as many as XX points. The strong crowd which had witnessed some very competitive games all day, emptied out early in the final period knowing the outcome wasn't in doubt.

Coach Geno Auriemma rested center Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU), who has a sore left foot. It didn't matter as the 6-foot-4 Parker looked confident on the floor, demanding the ball in the post and running the floor for easy layups.

The game was a contrast for the U.S. from its opener when the Americans struggled on offense for the first three quarters before pulling away from Croatia.

Despite the lopsided final score, Auriemma has been impressed in the growth he's seen in Angola and other African countries.

"Angola's one of those countries you hope, because of what's happened with the U.S. and some other places in women's basketball, that other African countries pick up and say that could be us," Auriemma said. "Hopefully that's a country that becomes accustomed to playing in the Olympics. Hopefully they devote more energy and resources and they can come back to the Olympics on a regular basis."

Next up for the U.S. is Turkey, which improved to 2-0 in pool play with a 61-57 victory over the Czech Republic. The Americans also will face China and the Czech Republic. The U.S. beat the Czechs in the finals of the 2010 world championship to qualify for the London Games.

Courtesy of www.mysanantonio.com


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


France women stun Australia 74-70 in women's hoops - by Eurobasket News

Emilie Gomis (180-G/F-83) couldn't be stopped and France stunned Australia in overtime Monday in Olympic women's basketball.

The French guard scored all 22 of her points in the second half and France knocked off Australia 74-70 in OT.

Sandrine Gruda (193-C-87) added 11 points for France (2-0) in the win of the second-ranked team in the world.

It was Australia's first loss in the Olympics to a team other than the U.S. since 1996 and was one of the biggest victories in France's women's basketball history.

The French didn't make it easy on themselves, failing to put the game away in the final minute of regulation.

Australia (1-1) capitalized on France's miscues.

France's Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (190-C-86) had a chance to seal the victory in regulation, but missed the second of two free throws. Trailing 65-62 with 3 seconds left, Australia's Belinda Snell (181-SF-81) got the rebound and banked in a 3-pointer from just past halfcourt to send the game to overtime and whip the crowd into a frenzy.

The Aussies, however, had to play the extra session without stars Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) and Cambage Elizabeth (203-C-91) both had fouled out.

France has been on the rise as a women's basketball power lately. The French won the European Championship in 2009 and qualified for the Olympics for only the third time. Now they can add a victory over the three-time defending Olympic silver medalists to their growing resume.

The two teams met in an exhibition game just before the Olympic competition began and France came away with a six-point victory. Jackson and Suzy Batkovic-Brown (195-C-80) didn't play in that contest, but having them back didn't make a difference in the outcome on Monday.

Batkovic led Australia with 17 points and Jackson added 13 before fouling out.

Trailing 61-59 with 1:43 left in the fourth quarter, Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) hit a 3-pointer. Gruda extended the lead to three with a lay-in with 47 seconds left.

France just couldn't put Australia away. After Snell missed a 3-pointer that would have tied it, Gomis missed a wide-open layup on the other end.

Snell was fouled on the ensuing rebound. She made the first free throw before missing the second on purpose.

France corralled the rebound, but then Yacoubou missed free throw set up Snell's thrilling shot.

Australia was hoping this would be its chance to get that elusive gold medal. The team spent the last three months training together as Jackson missed the first part of the WNBA season to work with her teammates. Australia may be hard-pressed to get over the top this time without Penny Taylor, who is missing the Olympics after she tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee in early April.

France turned a 28-27 halftime lead into a 13-point advantage behind Gomis. She took over scoring 16 points during a 21-7 run that gave France a 52-39 lead with 3:37 left in the third quarter. Australia rallied scoring the final 12 points of the period behind Jenna O'Hea and Jackson to cut its deficit to one heading into the fourth quarter.

France built its lead to five early in the fourth before Australia took a 59-58 lead on Samantha Richards' jumper with 4:11 left.

After Gomis hit a free throw to tie it, Jackson had a basket with 2:48 left.

Jackson helped Australia get out to a quick 18-11 lead before France started to rally behind Edwige Lawson-Wade. She had six straight points during a 10-0 run that gave France it's first lead of the game at 21-20 with 4:20 left in the first half.

The teams traded baskets the rest of the half and French held a 28-27 advantage at the break.

Courtesy of The Associated Press (via www.timesrecordnews.com)


QBL: Weekend Wrap-Up: Round 11 - by Eurobasket News

Cairns Dolphins 66 def. by Mackay Meteorettes 79

The Dolphins took it to the mighty Meteorettes in the first quarter, trailing by just a point going into the first break. The visitors pulled their lead away from the second quarter and maintained a decent margin to secure themselves another win. Cayla Francis (192-C-89) shot a game-high 24 points for Cairns while Jillian Haughton put up 19 points for Mackay.

Maroochydore Clippers 58 def. by Rockhampton Cyclones 100

Rockhampton were tipped to dominate this match, and they lived up to predictions, taking control of the game halfway through the first quarter, and holding a 21-point lead at half-time. Nicole Romeo top-scored with 20 points for the Cyclones, Courtney Browne put up 13 points for the Clippers.

South West Metro Pirates 64 def. by Gladstone Power 107

Despite a game-high 26 points from the Pirates Maddy Willey, South West were unable to stop the league-leaders from taking this win. Rebecca Haynes shot 19 points and took 12 rebounds for Gladstone in their 43-point win.

Northside Wizards 87 def. Toowoomba Mountaineers 59

Northsides Taylor Lilley (168-G-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Oregon) helped ensure the win, putting up a huge 37 points in this match which saw the Wizards establish their lead early. Kisha Lee top-scored for Toowoomba with 20 points and 12 rebounds.

Townsville Flames 47 def. by Mackay Meteorettes 85

Scores were kept close until halfway through the second quarter, when Mackay tore away with their lead and build a solid margin to tie up their second win on the road. Jacquie Zelenka shot 20 points for the Meteorettes while Anna Mackay put up 10 points for Townsville.

Brisbane Capitals 56 def. by Ipswich Force 85

It was a tough battle in the first half with both sides giving it their all, Ipswich took the lead at half-time by seven points and held control for the remainder, setting themselves up for the 29-point win. Nadeen Payne (188-F/C-93) put up 26 points for the Force, Emma Randall contributed 24 points for the Capitals.

Bundaberg Bears 67 def. Rockhampton Cyclones 64

An incredibly close match which saw Bundaberg come back from 11 points down in the third quarter to start the final 10 minutes one point in front. The Cyclones fought back to even the scores with three and a half minutes to go, before the Bears again got out in front, and managed to hold the lead despite consistent attempts from Rockhampton to pull the margin back. Rachel Maenpaa (185-C-84, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Indiana St.) shot a game-high 26 points for Bundaberg, with Shanavia Dowdell shooting 19 for Rocky.

Gold Coast Rollers 69 def. by Gladstone Power 76

The Rollers clawed back a 10-point deficit with just over three minutes left in the third quarter to go into the final term trailing by just one point. Gladstone pulled their lead out again but the Rollers continued to fight and got within a point with just over a minute remaining. But with Bibby, Neves and Haynes managing to find the basket, the Power again built a lead to seal the game. Jessica Bibby (169-G-79) had 31 points for the Power while Biancia Abbott put up 20 for Gold Coast.
Courtesy of: qbl.basketball.net.au


SEABL: Round 18 results - by Eurobasket News

ROUND 18 RESULTS - CHAMPIONSHIP WOMEN.

FRIDAY 28th JULY

BENDIGO 54 (Garrick 10, Camino 9)

Lost to

KNOX 82 (Andrew 22, Denson 21)

Knox led for the entire game, as the Lady Braves struggled to find any consistency at the offensive end. Knox produced another solid defensive performance to keep Lady Braves Camino and Newley to single digits.

MVP Amy Denson (186-F-84, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Arizona St.) (Knox)

HOBART 93 (Laur 31, Desroches 18)

def

LAUNCESTON 72 (Blicavs 28, Roberts 22)

The Lady Chargers outscored the Tornadoes 14-6 in the final five minutes of the first quarter to stamp their authority on the game. Hobart imports Laur and Desroches were both dominant at both ends of the floor as the Tornadoes relied heavily on Blicavs and Roberts to deliver on offence. They combined for 50pts but two players only is not going to win you games in this league.

MVP Lindsay Laur (182-F, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) (Hobart)

SATURDAY 29th JULY

BRISBANE 59 (Parsons 14, Pryor 14)

Lost to

BENDIGO 73 (Camino 20, Newley 17)

After a disappointing game the previous night at home, the Lady Braves started strongly and got out to a 7pt lead after the first quarter. Bendigo increased their margin to 14pts at the half and held the gap for the remainder of the match.

MVP Renae Camino (177-G-86) (Brisbane)

CANBERRA 58 (Dombkins 19, Dalgleish 11, Jansen 11)

Lost to

BALLARAT 80 (Willey 29, Taylor 18)

Ballarat led for the entire game, outscoring the Capitals Academy in all but one quarter.

MVP Kate Willey (176-G/F-89) (Ballarat)

GEELONG 79 (Schrader 20, Rogers 12)

def

ALBURY/WODONGA 61 (Duck 22, Mason 12, Jeffrey 12)

Geelong led by 20pts at half time, and held on to the margin as coach Paul OBrien ran his bench for the majority of th second half.

MVP Abby Schrader (191-C-84, college: Maine)

SANDRINGHAM 52 (Cocks 19, Cunningham 19)

Lost to

DANDENONG 61 (Todhunter 14, Probst 11)

Both teams played quality basketball in the first half with Dandenong holding a slim 4pt advantage. The Sabres offence dried up in the third quarter and the Rangers took advantage increasing their lead to 9pts and then finished the game strongly to increase their margin further in the fourth.

MVP Amelia Todhunter (166-G-88) (Dandenong)

FRANKSTON 63 (Bowman 15, Lovelace 11)

Lost to

KNOX 74 (Denson 22, Wilson 19, Andrew 19)

Frankston put up a great fight against the ladder leaders, but were unable to bridge the 10pt margin that the Raiders gained after the first quarter.

MVP Amy Denson (Knox)

NUNAWADING 64 (Kunek 22, Brentnall 14)

Lost to

KILSYTH 66 (Moffatt 17, Barnes 15)

Nunawading led after the first quarter and remained 4pts in front at the half time break. Lady Cobras Barnes and Moffatt stepped up their productivity in the second half and carried their team to victory.

MVP Hayley Moffatt (179-F-85) (Kilsyth)

SUNDAY 29th JULY

KILSYTH 73 (Moffatt 23, Barnes 20)

def

GEELONG 53 (Schrader 11, wilamson 10)

Kilsyth led by 5pts at three quarter time, but outscored the Supercats 25-10 in the final quarter to run out comfortable winners. With Rogers and Smith out injured the Supercats struggled to find a constant offensive presence.

MVP Kristen Barnes (190-F-90) (Kilsyth)
Courtesy of: www.seabl.com.au


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  AUSTRIA   


Hungary blasts Austria in do-or-die game, heads to second stage of U18 EuroBasket Division B - by Eurobasket News

U18 AUSTRIA - U18 HUNGARY 44-69

Hungary cruised past Austria 69-44 in do-or-die game today. Thanks to this victory Hungary jumped to 2-1 record and finished as the second ranked team of Group A. That is enough for the second stage at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Austria dropped to third place with 1-2 and failed to reach the next stage. Austria will be transferred to Classification Round. Hungary was up by 10 at the halftime and jumped to plus 23 with ten minutes remaining. All after that was just the formality. Amadea Szamosi (190-F/C-94) (7 rebs) and Janka Hegedus (184-F-94) scored 12 and 10 points respectively for the winners. Dora Nagy (167-PG-95) and Agnes Gorjanacz (182-G/F-94) had 9 points each in this crucial meeting. Sigrid Koizar (173-PG-95) responded with 16 points and 7 rebounds in defeat. Aleksandra Novakovic (172-PG-94) and Anja Fuchs-Robetin (180-SG-96) stopped to 9 and 7 pts. All teams will take a rest today and will continue with games on Wednesday.

Austria: Sigrid Koizar 16+7 boards, Aleksandra Novakovic 9, Anja Fuchs-Robetin 7
Hungary: Amadea Szamosi 12+7 boards, Janka Hegedus 10, Dora Nagy 9, Agnes Gorjanacz 9


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  BELARUS   


U18 Belarus closes Preliminary Round in Strumica with 3-0 - by Eurobasket News

U18 FYR MACEDONIA - U18 BELARUS 42-48

Belarus extended its winning streak to three at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Belarus was better than the host of this event FYROM 48-42 winning Preliminary Group C with perfect 3-0 record. Belarus advanced to the second stage, but FYROM failed to do it. They were winless at this stage with 0-3 and will be transferred to Classification round from 9th-18th places. This game was just the formality as even yesterday it was already clear that Belarus will be the winner of Group C, while FYROM will end as No.4. Anyway, Belarus pushed hard enough to get the victory today. Quarters: 18-14, 14-13, 11-11, 5-4. Hanna Kalenta (190-C-94) scored 14 points and pulled down 12 rebounds for the winners. Natallia Pratskaila (184-F-94) scored 7 points and Emiliya Kulbitskaya (172-G-94) added one less. Aleksandra Stojanovska (178-SF-94) (9 rebs), Ivana Kmetovska (186-PF-95) (7 rebs) and Nena Trajchevska (178-SG-94) posted 7 pts each in defeat. All teams will take a rest tomorrow. On Wednesday, Belarus will meet Lithuania, while FYROM will play against Montenegro.

FYROM: Aleksandra Stojanovska 7+9 boards, Ivana Kmetovska 7+7 boards, Nena Trajchevska 7
Belarus: Hanna Kalenta 14+12 boards, Natallia Pratskaila 7, Emiliya Kulbitskaya 6


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  BELGIUM   


U18 Belgium is step closer to survival in Division A - by Eurobasket News

U18 POLAND - U18 BELGIUM 43-49

Belgium celebrated it its first game in Group G of U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. They downed Poland 49-43 for 1-0 record. Teams in this pool fight for the survival in Division A and only the winner will make it. Romania and Czech Republic are also placed to this group. Camille Lebrun (174-SF-94) and Hind Ben Abdelkader (170-SF-95) (5 rebs) led Belgium with 12 and 11 points respectively. Poland got 11 points from Magdalena Wojdalska (185-SG-94) and Angelika Stankiewicz (170-SG-95). Belgium had 44-34 lead at the beginning of the last quarter and Poland was not able to come any closer than 6 pts for rest of the way. Quarters: 10-11, 11-11, 11-16, 11-11. Championship continues tomorrow. Belgium's next rival will be the host of this event - Romania. Poland will play against Czech Republic.

Poland: Magdalena Wojdalska 11, Angelika Stankiewicz 11
Belgium: Camille Lebrun 12, Hind Ben Abdelkader 11+5 boards


Arras brings in Pascal Meurs - by Eurobasket News

Arras brings in Pascal Meurs for the next season. The Belgian Head Coach moves to France. As a Coach Assistant he worked with DBC Houthalen (D1) women team in 2010/2011 season and became a Head Coach of the team last season. Earlier he was a player for Peer BC and Bree.


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


Russia hands 69-59 loss to Brazil, improves to 2-0 in London - by Eurobasket News

2012 Olympic Games: RUSSIA - BRAZIL 69-59

Second win for Russia at 2012 Olympic Games in London. This time Russia was better than Brazil 69-59 for 2-0 record in Group B. Eugeniya Belyakova (182-SF-86) scored 14 points in victory, Irina Osipova (196-C-81) had 13 and Marina Kuzina (195-C-85) helped with 11 points. In Brazil, Erika De Souza (197-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) shined with double-double of 15 points and 18 rebounds. Patricia Ferreira (182-SF-79) and Karla da Costa (173-SG-78) scored 12 and 11 points respectively. Their team dropped to 0-2. Russia led most of the way but Brazil rallied and cut the deficit to two points twice in the fourth quarter. A 3-pointer by Karla Costa cut Russia's lead to 51-49 with six minutes remaining, but Alena Danilochkina answered for Russia with two free throws. Damiris Dantas then nailed another 3-pointer, before Belyakova hit another of her own and Brazil never got any closer than five points for rest of the game.
In the next game, Russia will plat against the host - UK. Brazil will meet Australia hoping to get the first victory in London.

Russia: Eugeniya Belyakova 14, Irina Osipova 13, Marina Kuzina 11
Brazil: Erika De Souza 15+18 boards, Patricia Ferreira 12, Karla da Costa 11


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


U18 Bulgaria heads to second stage in Strumica with perfect record - by Eurobasket News

U18 FINLAND - U18 BULGARIA 60-67

Bulgaria finished Preliminary Round in Strumica with perfect 4-0 record. They outplayed Finland on Sunday 67-60 to win Group B. Bulgaria advanced to Group E of the second stage. It was a very exciting meeting and Finland was up by 7 points with ten minutes left in the game. Bulgaria exploded offensively scoring 29 points in the last quarter, while at the same time they limited Finland 15 pts. At the end Bulgaria extended its winning streak to four games. Quarters: 14-17, 16-11, 15-10, 15-29. Borislava Hristova (180-F-96) stepped up in victory with 18 points. Radostina Dimitrova (175-SF-94) also was great adding 14 points and 13 rebounds, and Iva Kostova (178-SG-94) was another player with 14 pts in Bulgaria. Maria Aijanen (187-F/C-95) (9 rebs), Noora Jarvikangas (182-SF-94) (7 rebs) and Jasmine Dolivo (165-PG-95) scored 11 points each in defeat. Finland dropped to 1-2 record with no chance to advance. Today its rival will be Norway.

Finland: Maria Aijanen 11+9 boards, Noora Jarvikangas 11+7 boards, Jasmine Dolivo 11
Bulgaria: Borislava Hristova 18, Radostina Dimitrova 14+13 boards, Iva Kostova 14


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


Canada downs Great Britain 73-65 at Olympics in London - by Eurobasket News

Shona Thorburn (178-G-82, college: Utah) poured in a game-high 18 points to lead Canada past Great Britain, 73-65, in the women's basketball tournament.

Courtnay Pilypaitis (184-G-88, college: Vermont) and Kimberley Smith (186-F-84, college: Utah) donated 11 points apiece for the Canadians, who lost to Russia in their opening game on Saturday.

Natalie Stafford (175-SG-76) and Johannah Leedham (180-SF-87, college: Franklin Pierce) each tallied 15 points for Great Britain, which has dropped its first two games in front of its home crowd after losing to Australia on Saturday.

Trailing 55-53 after three quarters, Great Britain opened the fourth with an 8-2 surge to take a 61-57 advantage.

The Canadians responded with a run of their own however, scoring the next nine points to build a 66-61 edge they would not relinquish as Thorburn buried 3- of-4 free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.

Canada will face France on Wednesday, while Great Britain looks for its first win of the tournament against Russia on Wednesday.

Courtesy of www.sportsnetwork.com


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


China too strong for Croatia 83-58, jumps to 2-0 in London - by Eurobasket News

2012 Olympic Games: CROATIA - CHINA 58-83

Chen Nan (195-C-83) drained 28 points and Miao LiJie (178-F-81) followed her with 17 to lead China to a 83-58 victory over Croatia on Monday morning. Chen and Miao played major roles in 2008 to help China finish fourth at the Beijing Games and are major reasons why China has opened this competition with victories in its first two games. Chin made 28-21 at the beginning of the second quarter and reached its first double digit lead with 29 seconds remaining in the first half. Andja Jelavic (172-G-80) made a basket for Croatia setting the score to 31-39 at the HT. China opened Q3 with 12-5 run and later jumped to 21-point lead. Croatia was not able to reply for rest of the way and China registered it second straight win in London. China beat the Czech Republic 66-57 in its opener. At the other side, Croatia faced with second loss in Group A (0-2). Miao and Chen scored 24 of the team's 39 points in the first half. Chen grabbed 10 rebounds in this meeting, while Miao had 10 assists and 5 boards. Gao Song (190-PF-92) helped her country with 13 points, 7 rebs and 5 assists. In the loosing squad, Sandra Mandir (177-G-77) collected 22 points and 5 rebounds. Andja Jelavic had 11 points and 5 rebs for Croatia, who is playing in its first Olympics. On Wednesday, China will meet Angola, while Croatia will play against Czech Republic.

Croatia: Sandra Mandir 22+5 boards, Andja Jelavic 11+5 boards
China: Chen Nan 28+10 boards, Miao LiJie 17+10 as+5 boards, Gao Song 13+7 boards+5 as


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


China too strong for Croatia 83-58, jumps to 2-0 in London - by Eurobasket News

2012 Olympic Games: CROATIA - CHINA 58-83

Chen Nan (195-C-83) drained 28 points and Miao LiJie (178-F-81) followed her with 17 to lead China to a 83-58 victory over Croatia on Monday morning. Chen and Miao played major roles in 2008 to help China finish fourth at the Beijing Games and are major reasons why China has opened this competition with victories in its first two games. Chin made 28-21 at the beginning of the second quarter and reached its first double digit lead with 29 seconds remaining in the first half. Andja Jelavic (172-G-80) made a basket for Croatia setting the score to 31-39 at the HT. China opened Q3 with 12-5 run and later jumped to 21-point lead. Croatia was not able to reply for rest of the way and China registered it second straight win in London. China beat the Czech Republic 66-57 in its opener. At the other side, Croatia faced with second loss in Group A (0-2). Miao and Chen scored 24 of the team's 39 points in the first half. Chen grabbed 10 rebounds in this meeting, while Miao had 10 assists and 5 boards. Gao Song (190-PF-92) helped her country with 13 points, 7 rebs and 5 assists. In the loosing squad, Sandra Mandir (177-G-77) collected 22 points and 5 rebounds. Andja Jelavic had 11 points and 5 rebs for Croatia, who is playing in its first Olympics. On Wednesday, China will meet Angola, while Croatia will play against Czech Republic.

Croatia: Sandra Mandir 22+5 boards, Andja Jelavic 11+5 boards
China: Chen Nan 28+10 boards, Miao LiJie 17+10 as+5 boards, Gao Song 13+7 boards+5 as


U18 Serbia outplays its neighbor U18 Croatia 75-63 - by Eurobasket News

U18 SERBIA - U18 CROATIA 75-63

Serbia made a big step towards Quarterfinals in Bucharest. They handed 75-63 loss to Croatia in their opening game of Stage Two at U18 EuroBasket. After this win Serbia jumped to 2-1 in Group F, while Croatia fell to 1-2. Third quarter was the crucial one in this meeting. Croatia was up by 3 at the halftime, but Serbia created 21-7 in Q3 and later managed to keep the lead for rest of the way. Serbia reached plus 17 during the last ten minutes. Aleksandra Stanacev (167-PG-94) shined with 19 points and 8 assists in victory, while Natasa Kovacevic (187-F-94) and Dragana Stankovic (188-PF-95) (7 rebs) posted 14 and 13 points respectively. Andrijana Cvitkovic (189-PF-94) answered with 19 points and 7 rebounds in loss. Lana Packovski (170-G-94) (5 rebs) and Ana-Marija Begic (190-C-94) (8 rebs) netted 13 and 10 pts respectively. Serbia will play against Holland tomorrow and it could be the crucial game for the Quarterfinals. Croatia will take on Italy (2-1).

Serbia: Aleksandra Stanacev 19+8 as, Natasa Kovacevic 14, Dragana Stankovic 13+7 boards
Croatia: Andrijana Cvitkovic 19+7 boards, Lana Packovski 13+5 boards, Ana-Marija Begic 10+8 boards


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


U18 Czech Republic wins in Group G opener - by Eurobasket News

U18 ROMANIA - U18 CZECH REPUBLIC 73-85

Czech Republic was better than Romania 85-73 in the opening game of Group G at U18 EuroBasket. Teams in this group fight for the survival in Division A. Other participants are Poland and Czech Republic, but only the winner of this pool will avoid relegation to Division B. Czech Republic exploded after the breather to beat the host of this even. Quarters: 22-22, 24-20, 10-25, 17-18. Mariana Opocenska (184-PF-95) paced Czech Republic to victory with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Kamila Hoskova (174-SF-95) had 17 pts, and 5 rebs, while Karolina Severova (182-PF-94) collected 15 points and 5 rebs. In Romania, Ana Maria Grigore (172-SG-94) answered with 28 pts and 7 rebs. Iulia Raileanu (189-PF-95) had 17 pts and 8 rebs, while Alexandra Dumitrache (170-PG-94) scored 16 pts. Tomorrow, Czech Republic will play against Poland. Romania will meet Belgium.

Romania: Ana Maria Grigore 28+7 boards, Iulia Raileanu 17+8 boards, Alexandra Dumitrache 16
Czech Republic: Mariana Opocenska 20+12 boards, Kamila Hoskova 17+5 boards, Karolina Severova 15+5 boards


Turkey beats Czech Republic 61-57 for the second win at 2012 Olympics in London - by Eurobasket News

2012 Olympic Games: CZECH REPUBLIC - TURKEY 57-61

Turkey had another joyful day in London. After 72-50 win against Angola on Saturday, Turkey grabbed 61-57 victory against Czech Republic on Monday for perfect 2-0 record in Group A. Czech Republic dropped to 0-2 in this pool.
Nevriye Yilmaz (194-C-80) stepped up for the winners with double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds. Bahar Caglar (186-F-88) had 11 points and 7 boards, while Tugba Palazoglu (171-G-80) also scored 11 pts in this meeting. Czech Republic got 19 points and 5 rebounds from Jana Vesela (194-PF-83). Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) (6 rebs) and Katerina Elhotova (180-SG-89) stopped to 11 and 8 points respectively. Turkey had impressive first half making 12-point lead. They had plus 13 early in the third quarter which the Czechs whittled down to 49-45. But Caglar's jumper and consecutive 3-pointers by Saziye Ivegin restored a double-digit advantage with just over 4 minutes left. The Czechs tried to rally again, but could only get within four the rest of the way.
Turkey will meet powerful USA on Wednesday. Czech Republic will play against also winless Croatia.

Czech Republic: Jana Vesela 19+5 boards, Eva Viteckova 11+6 boards, Katerina Elhotova 11+8 boards
Turkey: Nevriye Yilmaz 11+13 boards, Bahar Caglar 11+7 boards, Tugba Palazoglu 11


*****************************************************
  DENMARK   


U18 Denmark advances to second stage in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

U18 SWITZERLAND - U18 DENMARK 62-69

Denmark heads to the second stage of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. They celebrated 69-62 win against Switzerland today to finish as the second ranked team of Group B with almost perfect 3-1 record. Switzerland closes the standings in this pool with 0-3 and will continue in Classification Round. There, teams will fight for position No.9 at this event (places 9-18). Switzerland made plus 10 in the first quarter and later went to the halftime with 11-point lead. Denmark drastically improved after the breather closing the gap to a single point with ten minutes remaining. They continued in the same rhythm (24-16) and celebrated 69-62 win at the end. Maria Jespersen (179-G-94) exploded with 26 points and 13 rebounds in Denmark. She reached valuation 40! Freja Christensen (174-G/F-94) and Frederikke Mollerup (177-G/F-95) scored 16 and 10 points respectively. In defeat, Laura Perrenoud (189-C-94) collected 13 points and 8 rebs. Alexandra Koch (175-PG-94) and Dijana Milenkovic (180-SF-96) netted 12 points each. Championship continues on Wednesday.

Switzerland: Laura Perrenoud 13+8 boards, Alexandra Koch 12, Dijana Milenkovic 12
Denmark: Maria Jespersen 26+13 boards, Freja Christensen 16, Frederikke Mollerup 10


U18 Denmark destroys U18 Norway in Q1, books ticket for Stage Two in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

U18 DENMARK - U18 NORWAY 57-48

Denmark made it in do-or-die game against Norway on Sunday in Strumica, 57-48. Thanks to this victory Denmark jumped to 2-1 record in Preliminary Group B of U18 EuroBasket Division B. That is already enough for the second stage at this event. Norway slipped to 1-2 and they won't have a chance to advance any longer. Denmark had amazing start limiting its rival to a single point in the first ten minutes of the game. Norway recovered after that, but Denmark managed to keep its lead for rest of the way. Quarters: 21-1, 10-14, 13-21, 13-12. Maria Jespersen (179-G-94) was a key player in victory with 22 points and 10 rebounds (valuation 25, MVP). Natascha Hartvich (176-PG-94) scored 10 points and Marian Sheikh (180-PF-94) added two less. In defeat, Stine Austgulen (177-G-94) was better than the others with 17 points and 5 rebs. Siri Granheim (180-F-94) (6 rebs) and Tennaz Asadzadeh (172-G-94) scored 10 and 8 pts respectively. Denmark will play against Switzerland today. Finland will meet Norway.

Denmark: Maria Jespersen 22+10 boards, Natascha Hartvich 10, Marian Sheikh 8
Norway: Stine Austgulen 17+5 boards, Siri Granheim 10+6 boards, Tennaz Asadzadeh 8


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


Dunamo Kursk lands Epiphanny Prince for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

Dunamo Kursk signed a deal with American/Russian guard Epiphanny Prince (175-G-88, college: Rutgers), according to Ddkursk.ru. The player spent last season with Galatasaray Medical Park. She had 13.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg and 2.7 apg for 15 Euroleague games. In TBL, the guard added 11.3 ppg, 3 apg and 2.9 rpg. Galatasaray won Turkish Cup last season, plus they reached TBL Finals and Euroleague Final Fight. Prince was named Eurobasket.com Euroleague All-Europeans Team -12 and Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TKBL Honorable Mention -12. Before Galatasaray, Epiphanny Prince was a member of Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region. She also played for Botas and WNBA team Chicago Sky. With Spartak, Prince reached Euroleague and Russian league Finals. She picked up many personal awards that year:

Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague Guard of the Year -11
Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague 1st Team -11
Eurobasket.com Euroleague All-Imports Team -11
Eurobasket.com All-Russian Superleague Guard of the Year -11
Eurobasket.com All-Russian Superleague 1st Team -11
Eurobasket.com Russian Superleague All-Imports Team -11
Russian Superleague Regular Season Runner-Up -11
Eurobasket.com All-Europe Point Guard of the Year 2011
Eurobasket.com All-Europe 1st Team 2011

Dynamo Kursk wont the EuroCup title last season and will compete in the same competition in 2012/13 .


*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16   

Stats Leaders W - Group A

Points Per Game
 Emma lina STACH
  (175-PG-96)
  Avg: 19.2
 1. Stach, GER19.2 
 2. Crvendakic, SRB17.1 
 3. Onar, TUR16.8 
 4. Dojkic, CRO16.5 
 5. Kolosovskaya, RUS14.8 
 6. Zandalasini, ITA14.7 
 7. Slonjsak, CRO14.0 
 8. Salvadores, ESP13.6 
 9. Dubei, HUN12.3 
 10. Horvath, HUN11.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Anita KELAVA
  (185-PF-97)
  Avg: 9.5
 1. Kelava, CRO9.5 
 2. Linskens, BEL9.2 
 3. Crvendakic, SRB9.0 
 4. Oikonomaki, GRE8.9 
 5. Ndiba, NED8.8 
 6. Zandalasini, ITA8.6 
 7. Stach, GER8.0 
 8. Tivenius, SWE8.0 
 9. Bura, CRO7.6 
 10. Brossmann, GER7.4 
Assists Per Game
 Ksenia LEVCHENKO
  (165-PG-96)
  Avg: 4
 1. Levchenko, RUS4.0 
 2. Onar, TUR3.5 
 3. Duchet, FRA3.3 
 4. Cukic, SRB3.3 
 5. Flores, ESP2.9 
 6. Manlaci, TUR2.8 
 7. Dojkic, CRO2.8 
 8. Kuijt, NED2.6 
 9. Pavlopoulou, GRE2.6 
 10. Allemand, BEL2.6 
Steals Per Game
 Martina KACERIK
  (179-F-96)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Kacerik, ITA3.1 
 2. Kuijt, NED2.9 
 3. Flores, ESP2.9 
 4. Manlaci, TUR2.6 
 5. Andelova, CZE2.4 
 6. Allemand, BEL2.4 
 7. Dojkic, CRO2.4 
 8. Dambach, FRA2.3 
 9. Ondrejkova, SVK2.3 
 10. Capella, ESP2.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Kyara LINSKENS
  (189-C-96)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Linskens, BEL2.4 
 2. Sema, RUS2.3 
 3. Lo Sylla, ESP2.2 
 4. Kelava, CRO1.9 
 5. Ba, FRA1.6 
 6. Geldof, BEL1.4 
 7. Bura, CRO1.4 
 8. Karambatsa, GRE1.3 
 9. Zandalasini, ITA1.3 
 10. Oikonomaki, GRE1.3 


Div B. - by Greg

Points Per Game
 Borislava HRISTOVA
  (180-F-96)
  Avg: 25
 1. Hristova, BUL25.0 
 2. Gorobets, UKR17.8 
 3. Belickaite, LTU17.3 
 4. Laksa, LAT16.8 
 5. Zelivanski, ISR16.0 
 6. Menna, FIN15.7 
 7. Lass, EST15.6 
 8. Juskaite, LTU14.9 
 9. Costa, POR14.1 
 10. Cerneckyte, LTU14.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Paula LENART
  (178-SG-96)
  Avg: 12.7
 1. Lenart, ROM12.7 
 2. Juskaite, LTU12.4 
 3. Kostourkova, POR11.3 
 4. Kamburova, BUL11.3 
 5. Yatskovets, UKR11.3 
 6. Mortensen, DEN11.1 
 7. Jablonowski, LUX10.9 
 8. Pehadzic, DEN10.7 
 9. Pobozy, POL9.7 
 10. Menna, FIN9.6 
Assists Per Game
 Dalia BELICKAITE
  (175-F-96)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Belickaite, LTU3.5 
 2. Jelenc, SLO3.0 
 3. Cuzic, ROM2.7 
 4. Ajkic, SLO2.6 
 5. Razguliajeva, EST2.5 
 6. Olszewska, POL2.4 
 7. Polovynka, UKR2.4 
 8. Bernardeco, POR2.2 
 9. Costa, POR2.2 
 10. Maxim, ROM2.1 
Steals Per Game
 Dalia BELICKAITE
  (175-F-96)
  Avg: 3.7
 1. Belickaite, LTU3.7 
 2. Reissar, EST3.6 
 3. Lenart, ROM3.6 
 4. Zelivanski, ISR3.6 
 5. Sasebes, ROM3.4 
 6. Pauly, LUX3.1 
 7. Banet, ISR3.0 
 8. Georgieva, BUL2.8 
 9. Pehadzic, DEN2.7 
 10. Panasiuk, BLR2.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Daugile SARAUSKAITE
  (196-C-96)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Sarauskaite, LTU2.9 
 2. Eneva, BUL1.9 
 3. Kostourkova, POR1.7 
 4. Porat, ISR1.3 
 5. Gwarda, POL1.3 
 6. Jakobcic, SLO1.3 
 7. Rembiszewska, POL1.2 
 8. Strautmane, LAT1.1 
 9. Stolce, LAT0.9 
 10. Zhmurko, UKR0.9 



*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18   

W-Standings - Group A

Standings
Group E
1. France3-0
2. Turkey3-0
3. Spain2-1
4. Russia1-2
5. Sweden0-3
6. Greece0-3
Group F
1. Italy2-1
2. Holland2-1
3. Serbia2-1
4. Slovakia1-2
5. Slovenia1-2
6. Croatia1-2
Group G (Places 13-16)
1. Belgium1-0
2. Czech Rep.1-0
3. Poland0-1
4. Romania0-1

Second Stage: Round 4

E

Jul. 30: RUS - ESP 66-92
Jul. 30: SWE - TUR 58-60
Jul. 30: GRE - FRA 42-64

F

Jul. 30: SRB - CRO 75-63
Jul. 30: SVK - ITA 59-54
Jul. 30: SLO - NED 57-51

G

Jul. 30: ROM - CZE 73-85
Jul. 30: POL - BEL 43-49

Second Stage: Round 5

E

Jul. 31: FRA - RUS
Jul. 31: GRE - SWE
Jul. 31: ESP - TUR

F

Jul. 31: SLO - SVK
Jul. 31: CRO - ITA
Jul. 31: NED - SRB

G

Jul. 31: CZE - POL
Jul. 31: BEL - ROM


Div.A Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Paulina HERSLER
  (190-PF-94)
  Avg: 21.3
 1. Hersler, SWE21.3 
 2. Ben Abdelkad., BEL18.3 
 3. Arrojo, ESP16.3 
 4. Tikvic, CRO15.7 
 5. Bilgic, TUR15.5 
 6. Pujol, ESP14.8 
 7. Slim, NED14.5 
 8. Stamolamprou, GRE14.3 
 9. Balintova, SVK14.0 
 10. Lisec, SLO13.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Eva LISEC
  (191-C-95)
  Avg: 14.3
 1. Lisec, SLO14.3 
 2. Hruscakova, SVK12.0 
 3. Badiane, FRA10.5 
 4. Begic, CRO10.3 
 5. Tikvic, CRO10.0 
 6. Hof, NED9.0 
 7. Marchenkova, RUS8.3 
 8. Gaye, FRA7.8 
 9. Fouraki, GRE7.8 
 10. Sezer, TUR7.5 
Assists Per Game
 Olivia EPOUPA
  (168-PG-94)
  Avg: 4.8
 1. Epoupa, FRA4.8 
 2. Stanacev, SRB4.5 
 3. Gabrovsek, SLO3.8 
 4. Ben Abdelkad., BEL3.8 
 5. Eriksson, SWE3.5 
 6. Havlikova, CZE3.3 
 7. Mandic, SRB3.0 
 8. Topuzovic, SRB2.8 
 9. De Alfredo, ESP2.8 
 10. Novikova, RUS2.5 
Steals Per Game
 Leticia ROMERO
  (177-G-95)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Romero, ESP3.5 
 2. Gavrila, ROM2.8 
 3. Epoupa, FRA2.8 
 4. Sorokina, RUS2.5 
 5. Palenikova, SVK2.5 
 6. Aydin, TUR2.5 
 7. Stanacev, SRB2.3 
 8. Bilgic, TUR2.3 
 9. Tikvic, CRO2.3 
 10. Tarla, GRE2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Aby GAYE
  (193-C-95)
  Avg: 2
 1. Gaye, FRA2.0 
 2. Stankovic, SRB1.8 
 3. Tikvic, CRO1.7 
 4. Badiane, FRA1.5 
 5. Hersler, SWE1.3 
 6. Bende, BEL1.0 
 7. Delaere, BEL1.0 
 8. de Jonge, NED1.0 
 9. Topuzovic, SRB1.0 
 10. Fouraki, GRE1.0 


Standings - Division B - by Eurobasket

Standings Div.B
Group E
1. Bulgaria1-0
2. Portugal1-0
3. Denmark0-1
4. Hungary0-1
Group F
1. Belarus1-0
2. Germany1-0
3. Lithuania0-1
4. U.Kingdom0-1
Group G (places 9-18)
1. Finland2-0
2. Austria1-0
3. Norway1-1
4. Israel0-1
5. Switzerland0-2
Group H (places 9-18)
1. Ukraine2-0
2. Latvia1-0
3. Montenegro1-1
4. FYR Macedon.0-1
5. Scotland0-2

Preliminary Round: Round 5

A

Jul. 30: AUT - HUN 44-69
Jul. 30: ISR - POR 40-70

B

Jul. 30: SUI - DEN 62-69
Jul. 30: NOR - FIN 56-70

C

Jul. 30: LAT - ENG 48-59
Jul. 30: MKD - BLR 42-48

D

Jul. 30: SCO - LTU 58-82
Jul. 30: MNT - UKR 38-48

Second Stage: Round 6

E

Aug. 1: POR - DEN
Aug. 1: HUN - BUL

F

Aug. 1: ENG - GER
Aug. 1: BLR - LTU

G

Aug. 1: NOR - ISR
Aug. 1: AUT - SUI

H

Aug. 1: MNT - MKD
Aug. 1: LAT - SCO


Div.B Stats Leaders - by Greg

Points Per Game
 Stine AUSTGULEN
  (177-G-94)
  Avg: 17.5
 1. Austgulen, NOR17.5 
 2. Kostova, BUL17.3 
 3. Jespersen, DEN17.0 
 4. Kraujunaite, LTU16.0 
 5. Szamosi, HUN16.0 
 6. Hristova, BUL16.0 
 7. Rakovic, MNT14.3 
 8. Green, ENG13.7 
 9. Kedem, ISR13.3 
 10. Dzirma, GER13.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Amadea SZAMOSI
  (190-F/C-94)
  Avg: 11
 1. Szamosi, HUN11.0 
 2. Stojanovska2, MKD10.3 
 3. Jespersen, DEN9.5 
 4. Papova, BLR8.7 
 5. Rakovic, MNT8.3 
 6. Batrakova, UKR8.3 
 7. Austgulen, NOR8.0 
 8. Kmetovska, MKD7.7 
 9. Kalenta, BLR7.7 
 10. Perrenoud, SUI7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Justina KRAUJUNAITE
  (174-F-95)
  Avg: 4
 1. Kraujunaite, LTU4.0 
 2. Jamsa, FIN3.5 
 3. Mihaczi, HUN3.3 
 4. Wood, SCO3.3 
 5. Soeiro, POR3.0 
 6. Viana, POR3.0 
 7. Sirsinaityte, LTU2.8 
 8. Brodersen, GER2.8 
 9. Holubeva, BLR2.7 
 10. Kostova, BUL2.5 
Steals Per Game
 Iva KOSTOVA
  (178-SG-94)
  Avg: 4.5
 1. Kostova, BUL4.5 
 2. Bridina, LAT3.3 
 3. Ferreira, POR3.3 
 4. Dayan, ISR3.0 
 5. Sergeieva, UKR3.0 
 6. Dzirma, GER3.0 
 7. Joseph, ENG3.0 
 8. Stojanovska2, MKD2.7 
 9. Pejkovska, MKD2.7 
 10. Kulbitskaya, BLR2.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Hanna KALENTA
  (190-C-94)
  Avg: 3
 1. Kalenta, BLR3.0 
 2. Perrenoud, SUI2.5 
 3. Kostova, BUL2.0 
 4. Zelnyte, LTU1.8 
 5. Kostova, BUL1.5 
 6. Peacock, SCO1.3 
 7. Kostourkova, POR1.3 
 8. Stojanovska2, MKD1.3 
 9. Jespersen, DEN1.0 
 10. Tveito, NOR1.0 


Division A, Day 4: Beginning of the Second Stage - by Eurobasket News

Group E
Sweden - Turkey 58-60
Turkey grabbed 60-58 thriller win against Sweden top open the second stage at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. Sweden had 58-57 lead with 1:14 remaining in the game, after what Pelin Bilgic (173-G-94) made a lay-up for Turkey. Anita Ilic (169-PG-94) missed a triple for Sweden and Sezer was sent to the line. She missed first, but closed this game with successful second free throw setting the score to final 60-58. Quarters: 17-12, 13-16, 18-21, 10-11. Pelin Bilgic led the winners with 21 points and Elif Emirtekin (184-F-94) added 13 points, plus 12 rebounds. Merve Aydin (174-PG-94) collected 11 points and 7 boards. In defeat, Paulina Hersler (190-PF-94) had 17 points and 6 rebs, and Linnea Frykbo (169-SG-94) scored 15 points. Their third scorer was Anita Ilic with 9 pts. Thanks to this victory Turkey jumped to 3-0 in Group E and already booked a ticket for the Quarterfinals. Turkey dropped to 0-3. Championship continues tomorrow.

Greece - France 42-64
France booked a ticket for the Quarterfinals of U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. It was the opening game of Stage Two and France blasted Greece 64-42 for 3-0 record in Group E. At the other side, Greece dropped to 0-3 and still hopes to reach the Quarterfinals. France made 9-point lead in the first quarter and later limited Greece to 6 pts in the last ten minutes on the game, while scoring 16 at the other side. Second and third period were pretty leveled. Mamignan Toure (179-SG-94) poured in 16 points and Olivia Epoupa (168-PG-94) had 10 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in victory. Valeriane Ayayi (184-F-94) collected 8 points and 7 rebs. Greece got 12 points and 9 rebs from Styliani Fouraki (186-C-94). Vasiliki Tarla (181-SF-94) stopped to 8 points and 8 rebs. Championship continues tomorrow, when France will meet Russia. Greece will play very important game against Sweden. Four of six teams from Group E will reach the QFinals.

Russia - Spain 66-92
Spain demonstrated wonderful performance at the beginning of the second stage in Bucharest. They destroyed Russia with huge 92-66 for 2-1 record in Group E of U18 EuroBasket. Thanks to this victory Spain made a big step towards Quarterfinals. Russia slipped to 1-2 in this pool and still has a chance to advance. Spain took control on its rival in the second period and never looked back (16-15, 22-14, 32-15, 22-22). Leticia Romero (177-G-95) (5 rebs) scored 17 points for the winners and Maria Arrojo (186-F-85) (7 rebs) had one less. Ariadna Pujol (182-F-95) collected 14 points and 7 rebounds. Russia got 13 points from Julia Gladkova (183-F-94) and 12 pts, plus 16 rebs from Albina Razheva (188-PF-94). Ekaterina Safonova (165-PG-95) stopped to 9 points. Spain will meet Turkey tomorrow. Russia will play against France.

Group F
Serbia - Croatia 75-63
Serbia made a big step towards Quarterfinals in Bucharest. They handed 75-63 loss to Croatia in their opening game of Stage Two at U18 EuroBasket. After this win Serbia jumped to 2-1 in Group F, while Croatia fell to 1-2. Third quarter was the crucial one in this meeting. Croatia was up by 3 at the halftime, but Serbia created 21-7 in Q3 and later managed to keep the lead for rest of the way. Serbia reached plus 17 during the last ten minutes. Aleksandra Stanacev (167-PG-94) shined with 19 points and 8 assists in victory, while Natasa Kovacevic (187-F-94) and Dragana Stankovic (188-PF-95) (7 rebs) posted 14 and 13 points respectively. Andrijana Cvitkovic (189-PF-94) answered with 19 points and 7 rebounds in loss. Lana Packovski (170-G-94) (5 rebs) and Ana-Marija Begic (190-C-94) (8 rebs) netted 13 and 10 pts respectively. Serbia will play against Holland tomorrow and it could be the crucial game for the Quarterfinals. Croatia will take on Italy (2-1).

Slovakia - Italy 59-54
Both teams had 1-1 record in Group F before this meeting. Slovakia opened second stage of U18 EuroBasket with 59-54 win over Italy. Slovakia had 49-40 lead with 7:37 remaining in the game, but Italy made 2-9 run after that. Terezia Palenikova (170-G/F-95) finally answered for Slovakia and Barbora Balintova (176-G-94) joined her setting the score to 55-49 with 2 minutes left. Italy came to minus 2, but Balintova had no mercy from the free throw line in the finish. Quarters: 17-11, 15-16, 15-11, 12-16. Palenikova scored 14 points in victory and Balintova had 2 points less. Zofia Hruscakova (190-C-95) helped with double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds. Erica Reggiani (175-G-94) scored 15 points in loss and Antonia Peresson (183-PG-95) had 10. Francesca Minali (185-C-94) followed them with 8 points and 10 boards. Slovakia will take on Slovenia in the next game. Italy will meet Croatia tomorrow.

Slovenia - Holland 57-51
Holland is no more undefeated at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. Slovenia downed its rival today 57-51 for 1-2 record in Group F of the second stage. At the same time, Holland slipped to 2-1 in this pool. Holland was up by 9 with ten minutes remaining in the game, but Slovenia totally took control on them after that. Slovenians limited Holland to just 5 points for the entire Q4, while scoring 20 pts at the other side for the final 57-51 victory. Quarters: 18-22, 11-9, 8-15, 20-5. Alina Gjerkes (177-F-94) top-scored in Slovenia with 12 points, while Anita Kastelic (172-G-94) (6 rebs) and Nina Gabrovsek (168-PG-94) (5 rebs) netted 9 points each. Eva Lisec (191-C-95) had a great game with 8 points and 15 rebounds. Laura Cornelius (174-PG-96) answered with 11 points and 7 rebs in defeat. Kourtney Treffers (186-PF-94) followed with 8 points and 5 rebounds. Slovenia's rival tomorrow will be Slovakia. Holland will meet Serbia. Four of six teams from Group F will advance to the Quarterfinals.

Group G
Poland - Belgium 43-49
Belgium celebrated it its first game in Group G of U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. They downed Poland 49-43 for 1-0 record. Teams in this pool fight for the survival in Division A and only the winner will make it. Romania and Czech Republic are also placed to this group. Camille Lebrun (174-SF-94) and Hind Ben Abdelkader (170-SF-95) (5 rebs) led Belgium with 12 and 11 points respectively. Poland got 11 points from Magdalena Wojdalska (185-SG-94) and Angelika Stankiewicz (170-SG-95). Belgium had 44-34 lead at the beginning of the last quarter and Poland was not able to come any closer than 6 pts for rest of the way. Quarters: 10-11, 11-11, 11-16, 11-11. Championship continues tomorrow. Belgium's next rival will be the host of this event - Romania. Poland will play against Czech Republic.

Romania - Czech Republic 73-85
Czech Republic was better than Romania 85-73 in the opening game of Group G at U18 EuroBasket. Teams in this group fight for the survival in Division A. Other participants are Poland and Czech Republic, but only the winner of this pool will avoid relegation to Division B. Czech Republic exploded after the breather to beat the host of this even. Quarters: 22-22, 24-20, 10-25, 17-18. Mariana Opocenska (184-PF-95) paced Czech Republic to victory with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Kamila Hoskova (174-SF-95) had 17 pts, and 5 rebs, while Karolina Severova (182-PF-94) collected 15 points and 5 rebs. In Romania, Ana Maria Grigore (172-SG-94) answered with 28 pts and 7 rebs. Iulia Raileanu (189-PF-95) had 17 pts and 8 rebs, while Alexandra Dumitrache (170-PG-94) scored 16 pts. Tomorrow, Czech Republic will play against Poland. Romania will meet Belgium.


Division B, Day 5: First stage is over in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

Group A
Austria - Hungary 44-69
Hungary cruised past Austria 69-44 in do-or-die game today. Thanks to this victory Hungary jumped to 2-1 record and finished as the second ranked team of Group A. That is enough for the second stage at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Austria dropped to third place with 1-2 and failed to reach the next stage. Austria will be transferred to Classification Round. Hungary was up by 10 at the halftime and jumped to plus 23 with ten minutes remaining. All after that was just the formality. Amadea Szamosi (190-F/C-94) (7 rebs) and Janka Hegedus (184-F-94) scored 12 and 10 points respectively for the winners. Dora Nagy (167-PG-95) and Agnes Gorjanacz (182-G/F-94) had 9 points each in this crucial meeting. Sigrid Koizar (173-PG-95) responded with 16 points and 7 rebounds in defeat. Aleksandra Novakovic (172-PG-94) and Anja Fuchs-Robetin (180-SG-96) stopped to 9 and 7 pts. All teams will take a rest today and will continue with games on Wednesday.

Israel - Portugal 40-70
Portugal had another great game in Strumica. They smashed Israel 70-40 to end Preliminary Round with perfect 3-0 record. Portugal is the winner of Group A and advanced to the second stage. Israel (0-3) failed to advance and they will continue in Classification Round. After great start by Israel, Portugal took control on its rival in the second period and never looked back after that. Quarters: 10-17, 21-7, 19-8, 20-8). Laura Ferreira (177-G-95) shined for the winners with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Joana Soeiro (170-PG-95) had 13 points and 6 assists, while Maria Kostourkova (188-C-97) added 7 points and same number of boards. Israel got 14 points from May Dayan (170-PG-94). Nof Kedem (170-SG-94) had 10 pts and 7 rebs, and Noa Ruda (172-F-95) stopped to 7 pts. Championship continues on Wednesday. All teams will take a rest tomorrow.

Group B
Norway - Finland 56-70
It was a game for third place in Preliminary Group B of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Finland celebrated 70-56 victory against Norway to end this phase with 2-2 record. Norway is the fourth ranked team in this pool with 1-3. Both teams failed to reach the second stage and they will continue in Classification Round. Finland had impressive second half to take the victory in this game. Quarters: 10-15, 19-14, 19-13, 22-14. Maria Aijanen (187-F/C-95) (8 rebs) and Noora Jarvikangas (182-SF-94) scored 18 points each for the winners. Anni Jamsa (167-PG-95) had 8 points and 8 assists. In Norway, Stine Austgulen (177-G-94) shined with 16 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists. Maja Foeleide (181-PF-95) was their top-scorer with 18 points. Teams will take a rest today and will continue with games on Wednesday. Finland and Norway will continue in Classification Round from 9th to 18th place.

Switzerland - Denmark 62-69
Denmark heads to the second stage of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. They celebrated 69-62 win against Switzerland today to finish as the second ranked team of Group B with almost perfect 3-1 record. Switzerland closes the standings in this pool with 0-3 and will continue in Classification Round. There, teams will fight for position No.9 at this event (places 9-18). Switzerland made plus 10 in the first quarter and later went to the halftime with 11-point lead. Denmark drastically improved after the breather closing the gap to a single point with ten minutes remaining. They continued in the same rhythm (24-16) and celebrated 69-62 win at the end. Maria Jespersen (179-G-94) exploded with 26 points and 13 rebounds in Denmark. She reached valuation 40! Freja Christensen (174-G/F-94) and Frederikke Mollerup (177-G/F-95) scored 16 and 10 points respectively. In defeat, Laura Perrenoud (189-C-94) collected 13 points and 8 rebs. Alexandra Koch (175-PG-94) and Dijana Milenkovic (180-SF-96) netted 12 points each. Championship continues on Wednesday.

Group C
FYR Macedonia - Belarus 42-48
Belarus extended its winning streak to three at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Belarus was better than the host of this event FYROM 48-42 winning Preliminary Group C with perfect 3-0 record. Belarus advanced to the second stage, but FYROM failed to do it. They were winless at this stage with 0-3 and will be transferred to Classification round from 9th-18th places. This game was just the formality as even yesterday it was already clear that Belarus will be the winner of Group C, while FYROM will end as No.4. Anyway, Belarus pushed hard enough to get the victory today. Quarters: 18-14, 14-13, 11-11, 5-4. Hanna Kalenta (190-C-94) scored 14 points and pulled down 12 rebounds for the winners. Natallia Pratskaila (184-F-94) scored 7 points and Emiliya Kulbitskaya (172-G-94) added one less. Aleksandra Stojanovska (178-SF-94) (9 rebs), Ivana Kmetovska (186-PF-95) (7 rebs) and Nena Trajchevska (178-SG-94) posted 7 pts each in defeat. All teams will take a rest tomorrow. On Wednesday, Belarus will meet Lithuania, while FYROM will play against Montenegro.

Latvia - United Kingdom 48-59
It was decisive game for both teams at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. United Kingdom outplayed Latvia 59-48 taking the second place in Group C with 2-1 record. UK advanced to the next stage, while at the other side Latvia failed to do it. They dropped to third position with 1-2 and will continue in Classifications Round from 9th to 18th places. UK made 15-point lead at the halftime and managed to keep it for rest of the game. Cheridene Green (187-C-95) was their key player with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Billie Lucas (180-G-94) and Shequila Joseph (189-F-95) netted 8 and 7 points respectively. In Latvia, Ilze Jakobsone (170-G-94) netted 17 points in defeat. Krista Bridina (174-PG-94) scored 10 and Renate Reine (176-G-94) posted 6 pts. Championship continues on Wednesday. UK will play against Germany. Latvia's next rival will be Scotland.

Group D
Scotland - Lithuania 58-82
This game was just the formality as even before it Lithuania already secured second place in Preliminary Group D of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Lithuania smashed Scotland 82-58 to end this phase with almost perfect 3-1 record. Lithuania advanced to the second stage in Strumica, while Scotland failed to do it as they close the standings in Group D with 0-4. Scotland will play in Classification Round from 9th to 18th place. Lithuania shined after the breather making 30-16 in Q3 and 21-11 in the last ten minutes of the game. Ieva Kazlauskaite (180-F-94) had 19 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Justina Kraujunaite (174-F-95) had 14 points and 6 rebs, while Austeja Sirsinaityte (164-PG-95) helped with 13 pts and 7 boards. In defeat, Hilary Wood (163-G-94) collected 15 points and 5 rebs. Robyn Lewis (160-PG-95) and Claire Paxton (184-C-94) netted 9 pts each. All teams will take a rest tomorrow and they will continue with games on Wednesday. Lithuania will meet Belarus in Group F, while Scotland will take on Latvia in Group H.

Montenegro - Ukraine 38-48
Ukraine was better than Montenegro 48-38 in the last day of the Preliminary Round at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Thanks to this win Ukraine finished as No.3 in Group D with 2-2 record. Montenegro ended as No.4 with 1-3 score, but both teams failed to reach the second stage. They will be transferred to Classification Round from 9th to 18th place. Montenegro had plus 4 after ten minutes, but Ukraine responded with 15-6 in Q2 and later jumped to plus 11 with ten minutes remaining in the game. It was too much for Montenegro. Miriam Uro-Nile (190-C-94) paced Ukraine with double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. Olga Krayevska (178-PG-94) scored 11 points and Funmilayo Omoboogunje (185-F-94) had 7 pts, plus 5 rebounds. In defeat, Kristina Rakovic (182-F/C-94) was better than the others with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Jelena Nikpaljevic (175-G-94) had 8 points and 8 boards in this defeat. Tuesday is a day-off in Strumica. On Wednesday, Montenegro will play against FYROM. Ukraine will meet Latvia on Thursday.


Division B: Day Four in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

Group B
Denmark - Norway 57-48
Denmark made it in do-or-die game against Norway on Sunday in Strumica, 57-48. Thanks to this victory Denmark jumped to 2-1 record in Preliminary Group B of U18 EuroBasket Division B. That is already enough for the second stage at this event. Norway slipped to 1-2 and they won't have a chance to advance any longer. Denmark had amazing start limiting its rival to a single point in the first ten minutes of the game. Norway recovered after that, but Denmark managed to keep its lead for rest of the way. Quarters: 21-1, 10-14, 13-21, 13-12. Maria Jespersen (179-G-94) was a key player in victory with 22 points and 10 rebounds (valuation 25, MVP). Natascha Hartvich (176-PG-94) scored 10 points and Marian Sheikh (180-PF-94) added two less. In defeat, Stine Austgulen (177-G-94) was better than the others with 17 points and 5 rebs. Siri Granheim (180-F-94) (6 rebs) and Tennaz Asadzadeh (172-G-94) scored 10 and 8 pts respectively. Denmark will play against Switzerland today. Finland will meet Norway.

Finland - Bulgaria 60-67
Bulgaria finished Preliminary Round in Strumica with perfect 4-0 record. They outplayed Finland on Sunday 67-60 to win Group B. Bulgaria advanced to Group E of the second stage. It was a very exciting meeting and Finland was up by 7 points with ten minutes left in the game. Bulgaria exploded offensively scoring 29 points in the last quarter, while at the same time they limited Finland 15 pts. At the end Bulgaria extended its winning streak to four games. Quarters: 14-17, 16-11, 15-10, 15-29. Borislava Hristova (180-F-96) stepped up in victory with 18 points. Radostina Dimitrova (175-SF-94) also was great adding 14 points and 13 rebounds, and Iva Kostova (178-SG-94) was another player with 14 pts in Bulgaria. Maria Aijanen (187-F/C-95) (9 rebs), Noora Jarvikangas (182-SF-94) (7 rebs) and Jasmine Dolivo (165-PG-95) scored 11 points each in defeat. Finland dropped to 1-2 record with no chance to advance. Today its rival will be Norway.

Group D
Ukraine - Scotland 55-46
Ukraine recovered after two straight defeats and finally registered first victory at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. They outplayed Scotland 55-46 for 1-2 record in Preliminary Group D. Scotland dropped to 0-3 and both teams are without chance for the next stage. Ukraine shined in the first half of the game (32-19) and later managed to keep the lead for rest of the way. Quarters: 18-10, 14-9, 10-12, 13-15. Funmilayo Omoboogunje (185-F-94) was the only Ukrainian player with double digits in scoring - 12 points (6 rebs). Oksana Batrakova (186-C-95) had 9 points and 15 rebounds, but she had poor 1 of 9 from the field. Oksana Stepanyuk (190-C-95) helped her country with 7 points and 5 boards. In defeat, Hilary Wood (163-G-94) delivered 13 points and Hannah Peacock (190-C-95) had 3 less. Their third scorer was Beth Mackie (170-G-94) with 7 points (5 rebs). Ukraine will play against Montenegro today and winner of that game will take third place in Group D. Scotland will play against second ranked Lithuania.

Lithuania - Germany 55-70
It was a game for the first place in Preliminary Group D of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Germany celebrated 70-55 victory to end this phase with perfect 4-0 record. Lithuania dropped to 2-1, but they will also reach the next stage. Germany shined in Q2 and Q3 to take the victory in this meeting. Quarters: 16-16, 18-25, 7-15, 14-14. Their best player was Elisabeth Dzirma (179-G-94) with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Levke Brodersen (168-G-94) (5 as) and Katharina Muller (181-F-94) scored 15 and 14 points respectively. Lithuania got 14 points from Justina Kraujunaite (174-F-95). Greta Tamasauskaite (171-G-91) (6 rebs) and Ieva Kazlauskaite (180-F-94) posted 6 points each. Germany played all of its four games in the Preliminary Round. Lithuania will meet last ranked Scotland today. After that, teams will be transferred to the second stage and classification games.


*****************************************************
  FINLAND   


U18 Finland outplays U18 Norway 70-56, both teams fail to advance in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

U18 NORWAY - U18 FINLAND 56-70

It was a game for third place in Preliminary Group B of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Finland celebrated 70-56 victory against Norway to end this phase with 2-2 record. Norway is the fourth ranked team in this pool with 1-3. Both teams failed to reach the second stage and they will continue in Classification Round. Finland had impressive second half to take the victory in this game. Quarters: 10-15, 19-14, 19-13, 22-14. Maria Aijanen (187-F/C-95) (8 rebs) and Noora Jarvikangas (182-SF-94) scored 18 points each for the winners. Anni Jamsa (167-PG-95) had 8 points and 8 assists. In Norway, Stine Austgulen (177-G-94) shined with 16 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists. Maja Foeleide (181-PF-95) was their top-scorer with 18 points. Teams will take a rest today and will continue with games on Wednesday. Finland and Norway will continue in Classification Round from 9th to 18th place.

Norway: Stine Austgulen 16+14 boards+6 as, Maja Foeleide 18
Finland: Maria Aijanen 18+8 boards, Noora Jarvikangas 18, Anni Jamsa 8+8 as


U18 Bulgaria heads to second stage in Strumica with perfect record - by Eurobasket News

U18 FINLAND - U18 BULGARIA 60-67

Bulgaria finished Preliminary Round in Strumica with perfect 4-0 record. They outplayed Finland on Sunday 67-60 to win Group B. Bulgaria advanced to Group E of the second stage. It was a very exciting meeting and Finland was up by 7 points with ten minutes left in the game. Bulgaria exploded offensively scoring 29 points in the last quarter, while at the same time they limited Finland 15 pts. At the end Bulgaria extended its winning streak to four games. Quarters: 14-17, 16-11, 15-10, 15-29. Borislava Hristova (180-F-96) stepped up in victory with 18 points. Radostina Dimitrova (175-SF-94) also was great adding 14 points and 13 rebounds, and Iva Kostova (178-SG-94) was another player with 14 pts in Bulgaria. Maria Aijanen (187-F/C-95) (9 rebs), Noora Jarvikangas (182-SF-94) (7 rebs) and Jasmine Dolivo (165-PG-95) scored 11 points each in defeat. Finland dropped to 1-2 record with no chance to advance. Today its rival will be Norway.

Finland: Maria Aijanen 11+9 boards, Noora Jarvikangas 11+7 boards, Jasmine Dolivo 11
Bulgaria: Borislava Hristova 18, Radostina Dimitrova 14+13 boards, Iva Kostova 14


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


France women stun Australia 74-70 in women's hoops - by Eurobasket News

Emilie Gomis (180-G/F-83) couldn't be stopped and France stunned Australia in overtime Monday in Olympic women's basketball.

The French guard scored all 22 of her points in the second half and France knocked off Australia 74-70 in OT.

Sandrine Gruda (193-C-87) added 11 points for France (2-0) in the win of the second-ranked team in the world.

It was Australia's first loss in the Olympics to a team other than the U.S. since 1996 and was one of the biggest victories in France's women's basketball history.

The French didn't make it easy on themselves, failing to put the game away in the final minute of regulation.

Australia (1-1) capitalized on France's miscues.

France's Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (190-C-86) had a chance to seal the victory in regulation, but missed the second of two free throws. Trailing 65-62 with 3 seconds left, Australia's Belinda Snell (181-SF-81) got the rebound and banked in a 3-pointer from just past halfcourt to send the game to overtime and whip the crowd into a frenzy.

The Aussies, however, had to play the extra session without stars Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) and Cambage Elizabeth (203-C-91) both had fouled out.

France has been on the rise as a women's basketball power lately. The French won the European Championship in 2009 and qualified for the Olympics for only the third time. Now they can add a victory over the three-time defending Olympic silver medalists to their growing resume.

The two teams met in an exhibition game just before the Olympic competition began and France came away with a six-point victory. Jackson and Suzy Batkovic-Brown (195-C-80) didn't play in that contest, but having them back didn't make a difference in the outcome on Monday.

Batkovic led Australia with 17 points and Jackson added 13 before fouling out.

Trailing 61-59 with 1:43 left in the fourth quarter, Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) hit a 3-pointer. Gruda extended the lead to three with a lay-in with 47 seconds left.

France just couldn't put Australia away. After Snell missed a 3-pointer that would have tied it, Gomis missed a wide-open layup on the other end.

Snell was fouled on the ensuing rebound. She made the first free throw before missing the second on purpose.

France corralled the rebound, but then Yacoubou missed free throw set up Snell's thrilling shot.

Australia was hoping this would be its chance to get that elusive gold medal. The team spent the last three months training together as Jackson missed the first part of the WNBA season to work with her teammates. Australia may be hard-pressed to get over the top this time without Penny Taylor, who is missing the Olympics after she tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee in early April.

France turned a 28-27 halftime lead into a 13-point advantage behind Gomis. She took over scoring 16 points during a 21-7 run that gave France a 52-39 lead with 3:37 left in the third quarter. Australia rallied scoring the final 12 points of the period behind Jenna O'Hea and Jackson to cut its deficit to one heading into the fourth quarter.

France built its lead to five early in the fourth before Australia took a 59-58 lead on Samantha Richards' jumper with 4:11 left.

After Gomis hit a free throw to tie it, Jackson had a basket with 2:48 left.

Jackson helped Australia get out to a quick 18-11 lead before France started to rally behind Edwige Lawson-Wade. She had six straight points during a 10-0 run that gave France it's first lead of the game at 21-20 with 4:20 left in the first half.

The teams traded baskets the rest of the half and French held a 28-27 advantage at the break.

Courtesy of The Associated Press (via www.timesrecordnews.com)


U18 France extends winning streak, secures Quarterfinals in Bucharest - by Eurobasket News

U18 GREECE - U18 FRANCE 42-64

France booked a ticket for the Quarterfinals of U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. It was the opening game of Stage Two and France blasted Greece 64-42 for 3-0 record in Group E. At the other side, Greece dropped to 0-3 and still hopes to reach the Quarterfinals. France made 9-point lead in the first quarter and later limited Greece to 6 pts in the last ten minutes on the game, while scoring 16 at the other side. Second and third period were pretty leveled. Mamignan Toure (179-SG-94) poured in 16 points and Olivia Epoupa (168-PG-94) had 10 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in victory. Valeriane Ayayi (184-F-94) collected 8 points and 7 rebs. Greece got 12 points and 9 rebs from Styliani Fouraki (186-C-94). Vasiliki Tarla (181-SF-94) stopped to 8 points and 8 rebs. Championship continues tomorrow, when France will meet Russia. Greece will play very important game against Sweden. Four of six teams from Group E will reach the QFinals.

Greece: Styliani Fouraki 12+9 boards, Vasiliki Tarla 8+8 boards
France: Mamignan Toure 16, Olivia Epoupa 10+8 boards+5 as, Valeriane Ayayi 8+7 boards


France U20 completes home tournament - by Eurobasket News

France U20 completes home tournament with two victories and one loss.
Eurobasket wrote that France U20 opened Bourg-en-Bresse tournament successfully as they left no chance to Serbia U20. The hosts of the campaign grabbed an easy 65:43 in Day 1.
In Day 2 France U20 beat Belgium U20 74:43. Adja Konteh (173-G/F-92) top-scored for the winners with 15 points and Jenny Fouasseau (179-F-92) delivered 10. Mbuyamba ended up with 7 points, while Diallo, Alice Nayo (186-C-93) and Ousfar added 6 apiece.
In the last game of the competition Russia outscored the hosts 61:55. Russia looked better throughout the game and reached the victory. Sara Chevaugeon (177-G-93)'s 12 points were not enough for the hosts. Diallo nailed 7, while Adja Konteh scored 6.


Arras brings in Pascal Meurs - by Eurobasket News

Arras brings in Pascal Meurs for the next season. The Belgian Head Coach moves to France. As a Coach Assistant he worked with DBC Houthalen (D1) women team in 2010/2011 season and became a Head Coach of the team last season. Earlier he was a player for Peer BC and Bree.


*****************************************************
  FYR MACEDONIA   


U18 Belarus closes Preliminary Round in Strumica with 3-0 - by Eurobasket News

U18 FYR MACEDONIA - U18 BELARUS 42-48

Belarus extended its winning streak to three at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Belarus was better than the host of this event FYROM 48-42 winning Preliminary Group C with perfect 3-0 record. Belarus advanced to the second stage, but FYROM failed to do it. They were winless at this stage with 0-3 and will be transferred to Classification round from 9th-18th places. This game was just the formality as even yesterday it was already clear that Belarus will be the winner of Group C, while FYROM will end as No.4. Anyway, Belarus pushed hard enough to get the victory today. Quarters: 18-14, 14-13, 11-11, 5-4. Hanna Kalenta (190-C-94) scored 14 points and pulled down 12 rebounds for the winners. Natallia Pratskaila (184-F-94) scored 7 points and Emiliya Kulbitskaya (172-G-94) added one less. Aleksandra Stojanovska (178-SF-94) (9 rebs), Ivana Kmetovska (186-PF-95) (7 rebs) and Nena Trajchevska (178-SG-94) posted 7 pts each in defeat. All teams will take a rest tomorrow. On Wednesday, Belarus will meet Lithuania, while FYROM will play against Montenegro.

FYROM: Aleksandra Stojanovska 7+9 boards, Ivana Kmetovska 7+7 boards, Nena Trajchevska 7
Belarus: Hanna Kalenta 14+12 boards, Natallia Pratskaila 7, Emiliya Kulbitskaya 6


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


U18 Germany wins Group D in Strumica with 4-0 score - by Eurobasket News

U18 LITHUANIA - U18 GERMANY 55-70

It was a game for the first place in Preliminary Group D of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Germany celebrated 70-55 victory to end this phase with perfect 4-0 record. Lithuania dropped to 2-1, but they will also reach the next stage. Germany shined in Q2 and Q3 to take the victory in this meeting. Quarters: 16-16, 18-25, 7-15, 14-14. Their best player was Elisabeth Dzirma (179-G-94) with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Levke Brodersen (168-G-94) (5 as) and Katharina Muller (181-F-94) scored 15 and 14 points respectively. Lithuania got 14 points from Justina Kraujunaite (174-F-95). Greta Tamasauskaite (171-G-91) (6 rebs) and Ieva Kazlauskaite (180-F-94) posted 6 points each. Germany played all of its four games in the Preliminary Round. Lithuania will meet last ranked Scotland today. After that, teams will be transferred to the second stage and classification games.

Lithuania: Justina Kraujunaite 14, Greta Tamasauskaite 6+6 boards, Ieva Kazlauskaite 6
Germany: Elisabeth Dzirma 21+7 boards, Levke Brodersen 15+5 as, Katharina Muller 14


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


U18 France extends winning streak, secures Quarterfinals in Bucharest - by Eurobasket News

U18 GREECE - U18 FRANCE 42-64

France booked a ticket for the Quarterfinals of U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. It was the opening game of Stage Two and France blasted Greece 64-42 for 3-0 record in Group E. At the other side, Greece dropped to 0-3 and still hopes to reach the Quarterfinals. France made 9-point lead in the first quarter and later limited Greece to 6 pts in the last ten minutes on the game, while scoring 16 at the other side. Second and third period were pretty leveled. Mamignan Toure (179-SG-94) poured in 16 points and Olivia Epoupa (168-PG-94) had 10 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in victory. Valeriane Ayayi (184-F-94) collected 8 points and 7 rebs. Greece got 12 points and 9 rebs from Styliani Fouraki (186-C-94). Vasiliki Tarla (181-SF-94) stopped to 8 points and 8 rebs. Championship continues tomorrow, when France will meet Russia. Greece will play very important game against Sweden. Four of six teams from Group E will reach the QFinals.

Greece: Styliani Fouraki 12+9 boards, Vasiliki Tarla 8+8 boards
France: Mamignan Toure 16, Olivia Epoupa 10+8 boards+5 as, Valeriane Ayayi 8+7 boards


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


Slovenia hands first loss to Holland at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest - by Eurobasket News

U18 SLOVENIA - U18 HOLLAND 57-51

Holland is no more undefeated at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. Slovenia downed its rival today 57-51 for 1-2 record in Group F of the second stage. At the same time, Holland slipped to 2-1 in this pool. Holland was up by 9 with ten minutes remaining in the game, but Slovenia totally took control on them after that. Slovenians limited Holland to just 5 points for the entire Q4, while scoring 20 pts at the other side for the final 57-51 victory. Quarters: 18-22, 11-9, 8-15, 20-5. Alina Gjerkes (177-F-94) top-scored in Slovenia with 12 points, while Anita Kastelic (172-G-94) (6 rebs) and Nina Gabrovsek (168-PG-94) (5 rebs) netted 9 points each. Eva Lisec (191-C-95) had a great game with 8 points and 15 rebounds. Laura Cornelius (174-PG-96) answered with 11 points and 7 rebs in defeat. Kourtney Treffers (186-PF-94) followed with 8 points and 5 rebounds. Slovenia's rival tomorrow will be Slovakia. Holland will meet Serbia. Four of six teams from Group F will advance to the Quarterfinals.

Slovenia: Alina Gjerkes 12, Anita Kastelic 9+6 boards, Nina Gabrovsek 9+5 boards, Eva Lisec 8+15 boards
Holland: Laura Cornelius 11+7 boards, Kourtney Treffers 8+5 boards


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


Hungary blasts Austria in do-or-die game, heads to second stage of U18 EuroBasket Division B - by Eurobasket News

U18 AUSTRIA - U18 HUNGARY 44-69

Hungary cruised past Austria 69-44 in do-or-die game today. Thanks to this victory Hungary jumped to 2-1 record and finished as the second ranked team of Group A. That is enough for the second stage at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Austria dropped to third place with 1-2 and failed to reach the next stage. Austria will be transferred to Classification Round. Hungary was up by 10 at the halftime and jumped to plus 23 with ten minutes remaining. All after that was just the formality. Amadea Szamosi (190-F/C-94) (7 rebs) and Janka Hegedus (184-F-94) scored 12 and 10 points respectively for the winners. Dora Nagy (167-PG-95) and Agnes Gorjanacz (182-G/F-94) had 9 points each in this crucial meeting. Sigrid Koizar (173-PG-95) responded with 16 points and 7 rebounds in defeat. Aleksandra Novakovic (172-PG-94) and Anja Fuchs-Robetin (180-SG-96) stopped to 9 and 7 pts. All teams will take a rest today and will continue with games on Wednesday.

Austria: Sigrid Koizar 16+7 boards, Aleksandra Novakovic 9, Anja Fuchs-Robetin 7
Hungary: Amadea Szamosi 12+7 boards, Janka Hegedus 10, Dora Nagy 9, Agnes Gorjanacz 9


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


KR Reykjavik ink WUBA star Patechia Hartman - by Eurobasket Center

Patechia Hartman (170-G-83, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Georgia St.) is a new member of KR (Iceland). The 28-year-old American signed a deal until the end of April but will return for the 2012-13 WUBA season. She will help the team at guard position. Hartman played for the number two ranked GIE Lady Disciples (13-4) who shocked the WUBA with their championship run. She averaged a league best 24.1ppg and 10.3 assists per game for the Lady Disciples.

Usbasket.com awarded Hartman for her great play by naming him All-WUBA Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year. She was also named a 2012 Usbasket.com All-United States 2nd Team voted by All USA Sports Reporters (along with all WNBA players).

In 2006 Hartman played for Szolnok-NKK (Hungary) and was named Eurobasket.com All- Hungarian League All-Imports Team. Prior to playing in Europe Hartman was invited to the WNBA draft camp and workouts with the Atlanta Dream.

'Patechia and Armelie are our best two players in the WUBA', said league CEO Jerone Dodd. They are the best we have to offer; we expect nothing but All-Import honors from Patechia.

Hartman attend Georgia State University from 2001-2005. She was named All-CAA Player of the Year twice averaging a league best 19.2ppg. As a senior Hartman was voted Associated Press NCAA All-America 3rd Team, Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award Nominee and Kodak All-American Nominee.




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


U18 Portugal heads to second stage in Strumica with perfect score - by Eurobasket News

U18 ISRAEL - U18 PORTUGAL 40-70

Portugal had another great game in Strumica. They smashed Israel 70-40 to end Preliminary Round with perfect 3-0 record. Portugal is the winner of Group A and advanced to the second stage. Israel (0-3) failed to advance and they will continue in Classification Round. After great start by Israel, Portugal took control on its rival in the second period and never looked back after that. Quarters: 10-17, 21-7, 19-8, 20-8). Laura Ferreira (177-G-95) shined for the winners with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Joana Soeiro (170-PG-95) had 13 points and 6 assists, while Maria Kostourkova (188-C-97) added 7 points and same number of boards. Israel got 14 points from May Dayan (170-PG-94). Nof Kedem (170-SG-94) had 10 pts and 7 rebs, and Noa Ruda (172-F-95) stopped to 7 pts. Championship continues on Wednesday. All teams will take a rest tomorrow.

Israel: May Dayan 14, Nof Kedem 10+7 boards, Noa Ruda 7
Portugal: Laura Ferreira 20+9 boards, Joana Soeiro 13+6 as, Maria Kostourkova 7+7 boards


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


U18 Slovakia beats U18 Italy 59-54 to open the second stage in Bucharest - by Eurobasket News

U18 SLOVAKIA - U18 ITALY 59-54

Both teams had 1-1 record in Group F before this meeting. Slovakia opened second stage of U18 EuroBasket with 59-54 win over Italy. Slovakia had 49-40 lead with 7:37 remaining in the game, but Italy made 2-9 run after that. Terezia Palenikova (170-G/F-95) finally answered for Slovakia and Barbora Balintova (176-G-94) joined her setting the score to 55-49 with 2 minutes left. Italy came to minus 2, but Balintova had no mercy from the free throw line in the finish. Quarters: 17-11, 15-16, 15-11, 12-16. Palenikova scored 14 points in victory and Balintova had 2 points less. Zofia Hruscakova (190-C-95) helped with double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds. Erica Reggiani (175-G-94) scored 15 points in loss and Antonia Peresson (183-PG-95) had 10. Francesca Minali (185-C-94) followed them with 8 points and 10 boards. Slovakia will take on Slovenia in the next game. Italy will meet Croatia tomorrow.

Slovakia: Terezia Palenikova 14, Barbora Balintova 12, Zofia Hruscakova 11+13 boards
Italy: Erica Reggiani 15, Antonia Peresson 10, Francesca Minali 8+10 boards


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


U18 UK beats U18 Latvia 59-48 in do-or-die game, advances to Stage Two in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

U18 LATVIA - U18 UNITED KINGDOM 48-59

It was decisive game for both teams at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. United Kingdom outplayed Latvia 59-48 taking the second place in Group C with 2-1 record. UK advanced to the next stage, while at the other side Latvia failed to do it. They dropped to third position with 1-2 and will continue in Classifications Round from 9th to 18th places. UK made 15-point lead at the halftime and managed to keep it for rest of the game. Cheridene Green (187-C-95) was their key player with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Billie Lucas (180-G-94) and Shequila Joseph (189-F-95) netted 8 and 7 points respectively. In Latvia, Ilze Jakobsone (170-G-94) netted 17 points in defeat. Krista Bridina (174-PG-94) scored 10 and Renate Reine (176-G-94) posted 6 pts. Championship continues on Wednesday. UK will play against Germany. Latvia's next rival will be Scotland.

Latvia: Ilze Jakobsone 17, Krista Bridina 10, Renate Reine 6
UK: Cheridene Green 22+10 boards, Billie Lucas 8, Shequila Joseph 7


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


U18 Germany wins Group D in Strumica with 4-0 score - by Eurobasket News

U18 LITHUANIA - U18 GERMANY 55-70

It was a game for the first place in Preliminary Group D of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Germany celebrated 70-55 victory to end this phase with perfect 4-0 record. Lithuania dropped to 2-1, but they will also reach the next stage. Germany shined in Q2 and Q3 to take the victory in this meeting. Quarters: 16-16, 18-25, 7-15, 14-14. Their best player was Elisabeth Dzirma (179-G-94) with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Levke Brodersen (168-G-94) (5 as) and Katharina Muller (181-F-94) scored 15 and 14 points respectively. Lithuania got 14 points from Justina Kraujunaite (174-F-95). Greta Tamasauskaite (171-G-91) (6 rebs) and Ieva Kazlauskaite (180-F-94) posted 6 points each. Germany played all of its four games in the Preliminary Round. Lithuania will meet last ranked Scotland today. After that, teams will be transferred to the second stage and classification games.

Lithuania: Justina Kraujunaite 14, Greta Tamasauskaite 6+6 boards, Ieva Kazlauskaite 6
Germany: Elisabeth Dzirma 21+7 boards, Levke Brodersen 15+5 as, Katharina Muller 14


U18 Lithuania closes Preliminary Round in Strumica with 82-58 win over U18 Scotland - by Eurobasket News

U18 SCOTLAND - U18 LITHUANIA 58-82

This game was just the formality as even before it Lithuania already secured second place in Preliminary Group D of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Lithuania smashed Scotland 82-58 to end this phase with almost perfect 3-1 record. Lithuania advanced to the second stage in Strumica, while Scotland failed to do it as they close the standings in Group D with 0-4. Scotland will play in Classification Round from 9th to 18th place. Lithuania shined after the breather making 30-16 in Q3 and 21-11 in the last ten minutes of the game. Ieva Kazlauskaite (180-F-94) had 19 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Justina Kraujunaite (174-F-95) had 14 points and 6 rebs, while Austeja Sirsinaityte (164-PG-95) helped with 13 pts and 7 boards. In defeat, Hilary Wood (163-G-94) collected 15 points and 5 rebs. Robyn Lewis (160-PG-95) and Claire Paxton (184-C-94) netted 9 pts each. All teams will take a rest tomorrow and they will continue with games on Wednesday. Lithuania will meet Belarus in Group F, while Scotland will take on Latvia in Group H.

Scotland: Hilary Wood 15+5 boards, Robyn Lewis 9, Claire Paxton 9
Lithuania: Ieva Kazlauskaite 19+7 boards, Justina Kraujunaite 14+6 boards, Austeja Sirsinaityte 13+7 boards


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


U18 Ukraine downs U18 Montenegro 48-38 in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

U18 MONTENEGRO - U18 UKRAINE 38-48

Ukraine was better than Montenegro 48-38 in the last day of the Preliminary Round at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Thanks to this win Ukraine finished as No.3 in Group D with 2-2 record. Montenegro ended as No.4 with 1-3 score, but both teams failed to reach the second stage. They will be transferred to Classification Round from 9th to 18th place. Montenegro had plus 4 after ten minutes, but Ukraine responded with 15-6 in Q2 and later jumped to plus 11 with ten minutes remaining in the game. It was too much for Montenegro. Miriam Uro-Nile (190-C-94) paced Ukraine with double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. Olga Krayevska (178-PG-94) scored 11 points and Funmilayo Omoboogunje (185-F-94) had 7 pts, plus 5 rebounds. In defeat, Kristina Rakovic (182-F/C-94) was better than the others with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Jelena Nikpaljevic (175-G-94) had 8 points and 8 boards in this defeat. Tuesday is a day-off in Strumica. On Wednesday, Montenegro will play against FYROM. Ukraine will meet Latvia on Thursday.

Montenegro: Kristina Rakovic 17+9 boards, Jelena Nikpaljevic 8+8 boards
Ukraine: Miriam Uro-Nile 12+10 boards, Olga Krayevska 11, Funmilayo Omoboogunje 7+5 boards


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


Northland Basket inks American rookie Lykendra Johnson - by Eurobasket News

Lykendra Johnson (185-F-89, college: Michigan St.) will start her professional basketball career in Sweden. The American forward penned a 1-year deal with Northland Basket. They will compete in Swedish top division for women (Damligan). Johnson is a product of the Michigan State University, where she graduated few months ago. She had 10.8 ppg and 8.6 rpg for 32 games as a senior. In 2010/11, Lykendra Johnson played her best year with Michigan State. For 33 games she averaged 11.8 points and 8.9 rebounds. The school was Big Ten regular season champion and reached Tournament Finals (also in 2008 and 2010). For her performance Johnson was awarded with All-Big Ten 2nd Team -11 and All-Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year -11. This year she was named to All-Big Ten 3rd Team.


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


U18 Finland outplays U18 Norway 70-56, both teams fail to advance in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

U18 NORWAY - U18 FINLAND 56-70

It was a game for third place in Preliminary Group B of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Finland celebrated 70-56 victory against Norway to end this phase with 2-2 record. Norway is the fourth ranked team in this pool with 1-3. Both teams failed to reach the second stage and they will continue in Classification Round. Finland had impressive second half to take the victory in this game. Quarters: 10-15, 19-14, 19-13, 22-14. Maria Aijanen (187-F/C-95) (8 rebs) and Noora Jarvikangas (182-SF-94) scored 18 points each for the winners. Anni Jamsa (167-PG-95) had 8 points and 8 assists. In Norway, Stine Austgulen (177-G-94) shined with 16 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists. Maja Foeleide (181-PF-95) was their top-scorer with 18 points. Teams will take a rest today and will continue with games on Wednesday. Finland and Norway will continue in Classification Round from 9th to 18th place.

Norway: Stine Austgulen 16+14 boards+6 as, Maja Foeleide 18
Finland: Maria Aijanen 18+8 boards, Noora Jarvikangas 18, Anni Jamsa 8+8 as


U18 Denmark destroys U18 Norway in Q1, books ticket for Stage Two in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

U18 DENMARK - U18 NORWAY 57-48

Denmark made it in do-or-die game against Norway on Sunday in Strumica, 57-48. Thanks to this victory Denmark jumped to 2-1 record in Preliminary Group B of U18 EuroBasket Division B. That is already enough for the second stage at this event. Norway slipped to 1-2 and they won't have a chance to advance any longer. Denmark had amazing start limiting its rival to a single point in the first ten minutes of the game. Norway recovered after that, but Denmark managed to keep its lead for rest of the way. Quarters: 21-1, 10-14, 13-21, 13-12. Maria Jespersen (179-G-94) was a key player in victory with 22 points and 10 rebounds (valuation 25, MVP). Natascha Hartvich (176-PG-94) scored 10 points and Marian Sheikh (180-PF-94) added two less. In defeat, Stine Austgulen (177-G-94) was better than the others with 17 points and 5 rebs. Siri Granheim (180-F-94) (6 rebs) and Tennaz Asadzadeh (172-G-94) scored 10 and 8 pts respectively. Denmark will play against Switzerland today. Finland will meet Norway.

Denmark: Maria Jespersen 22+10 boards, Natascha Hartvich 10, Marian Sheikh 8
Norway: Stine Austgulen 17+5 boards, Siri Granheim 10+6 boards, Tennaz Asadzadeh 8


*****************************************************
  OLYMPIC GAMES   

Standings - Women

Standings
Group A
1. Turkey2-0
2. USA2-0
3. China2-0
4. Croatia0-2
5. Czech Rep.0-2
6. Angola0-2
Group B
1. France2-0
2. Russia2-0
3. Canada1-1
4. Australia1-1
5. Brazil0-2
6. U.Kingdom0-2

Preliminary Round: Round 2

A

Jul. 30: CRO - CHN 58-83
Jul. 30: CZE - TUR 57-61
Jul. 30: ANG - USA 38-90

B

Jul. 30: FRA - AUS 74-70 OT
Jul. 30: RUS - BRA 69-59
Jul. 30: ENG - CAN 65-73

Preliminary Round: Round 3

A

Aug. 1: CHN - ANG
Aug. 1: CRO - CZE
Aug. 1: USA - TUR

B

Aug. 1: CAN - FRA
Aug. 1: AUS - BRA
Aug. 1: ENG - RUS


Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Nan CHEN
  (195-C-83)
  Avg: 19
 1. Chen, CHN19.0 
 2. Dumerc, FRA18.0 
 3. De Souza, BRA16.0 
 4. Jackson, AUS15.5 
 5. Smith, CAN15.5 
 6. Ivezic, CRO14.5 
 7. Batkovic-B., AUS14.5 
 8. Miao, CHN14.5 
 9. Gomis, FRA14.0 
 10. Leedham, ENG13.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Candace PARKER
  (193-C-86)
  Avg: 12.5
 1. Parker, USA12.5 
 2. De Souza, BRA11.0 
 3. Yilmaz, TUR9.0 
 4. Chen, CHN9.0 
 5. Batkovic-B., AUS8.5 
 6. Charles, USA8.0 
 7. Dos Santos, BRA8.0 
 8. Osipova, RUS8.0 
 9. Kulichova, CZE7.5 
 10. Caglar, TUR7.0 
Assists Per Game
 LiJie MIAO
  (178-F-81)
  Avg: 9
 1. Miao, CHN9.0 
 2. Bird, USA5.0 
 3. Vardarli, TUR4.5 
 4. Lelas, CRO4.5 
 5. Danilochkina, RUS4.5 
 6. Thorburn, CAN4.0 
 7. Elhotova, CZE3.5 
 8. Pinto, BRA3.5 
 9. Dumerc, FRA3.5 
 10. Screen, AUS3.5 
Steals Per Game
 Johannah LEEDHAM
  ENG
  (180-SF-87)
  Avg: 3
 1. Leedham, ENG3.0 
 2. Yilmaz, TUR3.0 
 3. McCoughtry, USA2.5 
 4. Dumerc, FRA2.5 
 5. Vardarli, TUR2.5 
 6. Caglar, TUR2.0 
 7. Osipova, RUS2.0 
 8. Fagbenle, ENG2.0 
 9. Catchings, USA2.0 
 10. Ivezic, CRO1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Irina OSIPOVA
  RUS
  (196-C-81)
  Avg: 3
 1. Osipova, RUS3.0 
 2. Parker, USA3.0 
 3. Ivankovic, CRO2.0 
 4. Smith, CAN2.0 
 5. De Souza, BRA2.0 
 6. Charles, USA2.0 
 7. Gruda, FRA2.0 
 8. Cambage, AUS1.5 
 9. Chen, CHN1.0 
 10. Kulichova, CZE1.0 


Day Two of the Olympic Games in London - by Eurobasket News

Group A
Czech Republic - Turkey 57-61
Turkey had another joyful day in London. After 72-50 win against Angola on Saturday, Turkey grabbed 61-57 victory against Czech Republic on Monday for perfect 2-0 record in Group A. Czech Republic dropped to 0-2 in this pool. Nevriye Yilmaz (194-C-80) stepped up for the winners with double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds. Bahar Caglar (186-F-88) had 11 points and 7 boards, while Tugba Palazoglu (171-G-80) also scored 11 pts in this meeting. Czech Republic got 19 points and 5 rebounds from Jana Vesela (194-PF-83). Eva Viteckova (6 rebs) and Katerina Elhotova stopped to 11 and 8 points respectively. Turkey had impressive first half making 12-point lead. They had plus 13 early in the third quarter which the Czechs whittled down to 49-45. But Caglar's jumper and consecutive 3-pointers by Saziye Ivegin restored a double-digit advantage with just over 4 minutes left. The Czechs tried to rally again, but could only get within four the rest of the way. Turkey will meet powerful USA on Wednesday. Czech Republic will play against also winless Croatia.

Croatia - China 58-83
Chen Nan (195-C-83) drained 28 points and Miao LiJie (178-F-81) followed her with 17 to lead China to a 83-58 victory over Croatia on Monday morning. Chen and Miao played major roles in 2008 to help China finish fourth at the Beijing Games and are major reasons why China has opened this competition with victories in its first two games. Chin made 28-21 at the beginning of the second quarter and reached its first double digit lead with 29 seconds remaining in the first half. Andja Jelavic (172-G-80) made a basket for Croatia setting the score to 31-39 at the HT. China opened Q3 with 12-5 run and later jumped to 21-point lead. Croatia was not able to reply for rest of the way and China registered it second straight win in London. China beat the Czech Republic 66-57 in its opener. At the other side, Croatia faced with second loss in Group A (0-2). Miao and Chen scored 24 of the team's 39 points in the first half. Chen grabbed 10 rebounds in this meeting, while Miao had 10 assists and 5 boards. Song Gao helped her country with 13 points, 7 rebs and 5 assists. In the loosing squad, Sandra Mandir (177-G-77) collected 22 points and 5 rebounds. Andja Jelavic had 11 points and 5 rebs for Croatia, who is playing in its first Olympics. On Wednesday, China will meet Angola, while Croatia will play against Czech Republic.

Angola - USA 38-90
The U.S. women say they don't care about the final score. They just want to have least one more point than their opponent at the end of games in the women's Olympic basketball tournament. That sounds like the right thing to say after Candace Parker (193-C-86, college: Tennessee) had 14 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Americans to a 90-38 rout of Angola on Monday night. But the Americans aren't just being politically correct. They know they are still a work in progress, having only been together training for two weeks, and are going to play some tough games during the tournament. The game against Angola was expected to be an easy romp - and it was - with the U.S. overwhelming the Olympic newcomer. The Americans (2-0) have won their last 35 straight games in the Olympics and four consecutive gold medals while Angola is looking for its first victory. The team lost its opener to Turkey by 22 points meaning African nations have only won one of their 25 games in the Olympics since Congo - formerly known as Zaire - first qualified in the 1996 Atlanta Games. Nigeria owns the only victory, beating Korea by four points in 2004. The Americans had played African teams twice and routed them both. The U.S. beat Zaire by 60 points in 1996 and then Mali by 56 at the Beijing Games in 2008. Angola (0-2) did fare a little better than its continental neighbors. The team stayed close to the Americans for the first quarter, only trailing by 10 at the end of the period. Then the U.S. put the game away outscoring the African country 19-6 in the second period. Parker hit two nifty reverse lay-ins in the quarter. The Americans continued the rout in the second half, extending the advantage to as many as XX points. The strong crowd which had witnessed some very competitive games all day, emptied out early in the final period knowing the outcome wasn't in doubt. Coach Geno Auriemma rested center Sylvia Fowles (198-C-85, college: LSU), who has a sore left foot. It didn't matter as the 6-foot-4 Parker looked confident on the floor, demanding the ball in the post and running the floor for easy layups. The game was a contrast for the U.S. from its opener when the Americans struggled on offense for the first three quarters before pulling away from Croatia. Despite the lopsided final score, Auriemma has been impressed in the growth he's seen in Angola and other African countries. "Angola's one of those countries you hope, because of what's happened with the U.S. and some other places in women's basketball, that other African countries pick up and say that could be us," Auriemma said. "Hopefully that's a country that becomes accustomed to playing in the Olympics. Hopefully they devote more energy and resources and they can come back to the Olympics on a regular basis." Next up for the U.S. is Turkey, which improved to 2-0 in pool play with a 61-57 victory over the Czech Republic. The Americans also will face China and the Czech Republic. The U.S. beat the Czechs in the finals of the 2010 world championship to qualify for the London Games. *Courtesy of www.mysanantonio.com

Group B
Russia - Brazil 69-59
Second win for Russia at 2012 Olympic Games in London. This time Russia was better than Brazil 69-59 for 2-0 record in Group B. Eugeniya Belyakova (182-SF-86) scored 14 points in victory, Irina Osipova (196-C-81) had 13 and Marina Kuzina helped with 11 points. In Brazil, Erika De Souza (197-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) shined with double-double of 15 points and 18 rebounds. Patricia Ferreira (182-SF-79) and Karla da Costa scored 12 and 11 points respectively. Their team dropped to 0-2. Russia led most of the way but Brazil rallied and cut the deficit to two points twice in the fourth quarter. A 3-pointer by Karla Costa cut Russia's lead to 51-49 with six minutes remaining, but Alena Danilochkina answered for Russia with two free throws. Damiris Dantas then nailed another 3-pointer, before Belyakova hit another of her own and Brazil never got any closer than five points for rest of the game. In the next game, Russia will plat against the host - UK. Brazil will meet Australia hoping to get the first victory in London.

United Kingdom - Canada 65-73
Shona Thorburn (178-G-82, college: Utah) poured in a game-high 18 points to lead Canada past Great Britain, 73-65, in the women's basketball tournament. Courtnay Pilypaitis (184-G-88, college: Vermont) and Kim Smith donated 11 points apiece for the Canadians, who lost to Russia in their opening game on Saturday. Natalie Stafford (175-SG-76) and Johannah Leedham (180-SF-87, college: Franklin Pierce) each tallied 15 points for Great Britain, which has dropped its first two games in front of its home crowd after losing to Australia on Saturday. Trailing 55-53 after three quarters, Great Britain opened the fourth with an 8-2 surge to take a 61-57 advantage. The Canadians responded with a run of their own however, scoring the next nine points to build a 66-61 edge they would not relinquish as Thorburn buried 3- of-4 free throws down the stretch to seal the victory. Canada will face France on Wednesday, while Great Britain looks for its first win of the tournament against Russia on Wednesday. *Courtesy of www.sportsnetwork.com

France - Australia 74-70 OT
Emilie Gomis (180-G/F-83) couldn't be stopped and France stunned Australia in overtime Monday in Olympic women's basketball. The French guard scored all 22 of her points in the second half and France knocked off Australia 74-70 in OT. Sandrine Gruda (193-C-87) added 11 points for France (2-0) in the win of the second-ranked team in the world. It was Australia's first loss in the Olympics to a team other than the U.S. since 1996 and was one of the biggest victories in France's women's basketball history. The French didn't make it easy on themselves, failing to put the game away in the final minute of regulation. Australia (1-1) capitalized on France's miscues. France's Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (190-C-86) had a chance to seal the victory in regulation, but missed the second of two free throws. Trailing 65-62 with 3 seconds left, Australia's Belinda Snell (181-SF-81) got the rebound and banked in a 3-pointer from just past halfcourt to send the game to overtime and whip the crowd into a frenzy. The Aussies, however, had to play the extra session without stars Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) and Cambage Elizabeth (203-C-91) both had fouled out. France has been on the rise as a women's basketball power lately. The French won the European Championship in 2009 and qualified for the Olympics for only the third time. Now they can add a victory over the three-time defending Olympic silver medalists to their growing resume. The two teams met in an exhibition game just before the Olympic competition began and France came away with a six-point victory. Jackson and Suzy Batkovic-Brown (195-C-80) didn't play in that contest, but having them back didn't make a difference in the outcome on Monday. Batkovic led Australia with 17 points and Jackson added 13 before fouling out. Trailing 61-59 with 1:43 left in the fourth quarter, Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) hit a 3-pointer. Gruda extended the lead to three with a lay-in with 47 seconds left. France just couldn't put Australia away. After Snell missed a 3-pointer that would have tied it, Gomis missed a wide-open layup on the other end. Snell was fouled on the ensuing rebound. She made the first free throw before missing the second on purpose. France corralled the rebound, but then Yacoubou missed free throw set up Snell's thrilling shot. Australia was hoping this would be its chance to get that elusive gold medal. The team spent the last three months training together as Jackson missed the first part of the WNBA season to work with her teammates. Australia may be hard-pressed to get over the top this time without Penny Taylor, who is missing the Olympics after she tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee in early April. France turned a 28-27 halftime lead into a 13-point advantage behind Gomis. She took over scoring 16 points during a 21-7 run that gave France a 52-39 lead with 3:37 left in the third quarter. Australia rallied scoring the final 12 points of the period behind Jenna O'Hea and Jackson to cut its deficit to one heading into the fourth quarter. France built its lead to five early in the fourth before Australia took a 59-58 lead on Samantha Richards' jumper with 4:11 left. After Gomis hit a free throw to tie it, Jackson had a basket with 2:48 left. Jackson helped Australia get out to a quick 18-11 lead before France started to rally behind Edwige Lawson-Wade. She had six straight points during a 10-0 run that gave France it's first lead of the game at 21-20 with 4:20 left in the first half. The teams traded baskets the rest of the half and French held a 28-27 advantage at the break. Courtesy of The Associated Press (via www.timesrecordnews.com)


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  PERU   


Centro Naval signs Americans Starr Fairbanks and Treasure Johnson - by Eurobasket News

Centro Naval de Peru signed two American players for the next season of Superior league. New members of the team are Starr Fairbanks (191-F/C-87, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Oklahoma City) and Treasure Johnson (182-G/F, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: NC-Wilmington).
Starr Fairbanks most recently played for Romanian squad Galactica Olimpia Brasov. She joined them a year ago and it was a first pro deal for the player, but she appeared just once in Romanian league. Fairbanks is a product of Oklahoma City (NAIA D1). She had 10/9 ppg and 3.9 rpg in 2010/11 season with her school. In 2010, they reached NAIA D1 Final Four and Fairbanks was named to NAIA D1 All-Tournament 1st Team. She will be used and position 4 and 5.
Treasure Johnson played last season for Metro Atlanta Sparks (WUBA) averaging 18.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4 assists for 8 games. Johnson graduated at NC-Wilmington University a year ago. She had 4.7 ppg and 2.5 rpg for her school as a senior and they reached CAA Tournament Semifinals.


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  POLAND   


U18 Belgium is step closer to survival in Division A - by Eurobasket News

U18 POLAND - U18 BELGIUM 43-49

Belgium celebrated it its first game in Group G of U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. They downed Poland 49-43 for 1-0 record. Teams in this pool fight for the survival in Division A and only the winner will make it. Romania and Czech Republic are also placed to this group. Camille Lebrun (174-SF-94) and Hind Ben Abdelkader (170-SF-95) (5 rebs) led Belgium with 12 and 11 points respectively. Poland got 11 points from Magdalena Wojdalska (185-SG-94) and Angelika Stankiewicz (170-SG-95). Belgium had 44-34 lead at the beginning of the last quarter and Poland was not able to come any closer than 6 pts for rest of the way. Quarters: 10-11, 11-11, 11-16, 11-11. Championship continues tomorrow. Belgium's next rival will be the host of this event - Romania. Poland will play against Czech Republic.

Poland: Magdalena Wojdalska 11, Angelika Stankiewicz 11
Belgium: Camille Lebrun 12, Hind Ben Abdelkader 11+5 boards


Adrianne Ross comes back to Poland! - by Lukasz Lukaszewski

Energa Torun signed another player Adrianne Ross (173-G-84, agency: Merit Sports, college: TCU). That 28-year old guard will replace Jazmine Sepulveda (178-SG-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: S.Florida) who will probably sign contract with one of Italian clubs. Some people claims that could be even Famila Wuber Schio. Adrianne Ross is player who is well-known in Poland, because she has been playing in PLKK for two seasons.

Adrianne Ross is almost 28 years old guard. She was very important player in any team where she was playing. Adrianne Ross graduated TCU (Texas Christian University) in 2008 and she tried to play in WNBA. She signed only one week contract with San Antonio Silver Stars.

In 2009 she started to play in Europe. Her first club was from Poland- Inea AZS Poznan. The she moved to Matizol Lider Pruszkow, where she finished season on the 5th place. In
2010/2011 she averaged 15 points and 2, 4 steals per game. Last season she spent in Spain playing for Cadi la Seu D'urgell. Her stats: 14.7ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.0apg, 2, 6 steals (1st in
entire LFB league).



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  PORTUGAL   


U18 Portugal heads to second stage in Strumica with perfect score - by Eurobasket News

U18 ISRAEL - U18 PORTUGAL 40-70

Portugal had another great game in Strumica. They smashed Israel 70-40 to end Preliminary Round with perfect 3-0 record. Portugal is the winner of Group A and advanced to the second stage. Israel (0-3) failed to advance and they will continue in Classification Round. After great start by Israel, Portugal took control on its rival in the second period and never looked back after that. Quarters: 10-17, 21-7, 19-8, 20-8). Laura Ferreira (177-G-95) shined for the winners with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Joana Soeiro (170-PG-95) had 13 points and 6 assists, while Maria Kostourkova (188-C-97) added 7 points and same number of boards. Israel got 14 points from May Dayan (170-PG-94). Nof Kedem (170-SG-94) had 10 pts and 7 rebs, and Noa Ruda (172-F-95) stopped to 7 pts. Championship continues on Wednesday. All teams will take a rest tomorrow.

Israel: May Dayan 14, Nof Kedem 10+7 boards, Noa Ruda 7
Portugal: Laura Ferreira 20+9 boards, Joana Soeiro 13+6 as, Maria Kostourkova 7+7 boards


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  ROMANIA   


SCM U Craiova hires Milan Nisic as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Milan Nisic will stay in Romania for the next season, but this time he will work in women basketball. SCM U Craiova hired Nisic as the new Head Coach for 2012/13. The Serbian specialist coached Otopeni men from 2008 to 2010. They reached Romanian Cup Finals and League Semifinals in their first season together. In 2010, Otopeni played in Romanian Cup Semis. Last season Milan Nisic started last season as Head Coach of Crvena Zvezda, but he left in November. From 2005 to 2008, the coach worked as Assistant of Mega Vizura men. They competed in Serbian top division and he also has experience from Avala Ada. From 1999 to 2003, Milan Nisic was Head Coach of Crvena Zvezda women team. SCM U Craiova reached Playoff Quarterfinals in Romania last season.


U18 Czech Republic wins in Group G opener - by Eurobasket News

U18 ROMANIA - U18 CZECH REPUBLIC 73-85

Czech Republic was better than Romania 85-73 in the opening game of Group G at U18 EuroBasket. Teams in this group fight for the survival in Division A. Other participants are Poland and Czech Republic, but only the winner of this pool will avoid relegation to Division B. Czech Republic exploded after the breather to beat the host of this even. Quarters: 22-22, 24-20, 10-25, 17-18. Mariana Opocenska (184-PF-95) paced Czech Republic to victory with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Kamila Hoskova (174-SF-95) had 17 pts, and 5 rebs, while Karolina Severova (182-PF-94) collected 15 points and 5 rebs. In Romania, Ana Maria Grigore (172-SG-94) answered with 28 pts and 7 rebs. Iulia Raileanu (189-PF-95) had 17 pts and 8 rebs, while Alexandra Dumitrache (170-PG-94) scored 16 pts. Tomorrow, Czech Republic will play against Poland. Romania will meet Belgium.

Romania: Ana Maria Grigore 28+7 boards, Iulia Raileanu 17+8 boards, Alexandra Dumitrache 16
Czech Republic: Mariana Opocenska 20+12 boards, Kamila Hoskova 17+5 boards, Karolina Severova 15+5 boards


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  RUSSIA   


Dunamo Kursk lands Epiphanny Prince for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

Dunamo Kursk signed a deal with American/Russian guard Epiphanny Prince (175-G-88, college: Rutgers), according to Ddkursk.ru. The player spent last season with Galatasaray Medical Park. She had 13.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg and 2.7 apg for 15 Euroleague games. In TBL, the guard added 11.3 ppg, 3 apg and 2.9 rpg. Galatasaray won Turkish Cup last season, plus they reached TBL Finals and Euroleague Final Fight. Prince was named Eurobasket.com Euroleague All-Europeans Team -12 and Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TKBL Honorable Mention -12. Before Galatasaray, Epiphanny Prince was a member of Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region. She also played for Botas and WNBA team Chicago Sky. With Spartak, Prince reached Euroleague and Russian league Finals. She picked up many personal awards that year:

Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague Guard of the Year -11
Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague 1st Team -11
Eurobasket.com Euroleague All-Imports Team -11
Eurobasket.com All-Russian Superleague Guard of the Year -11
Eurobasket.com All-Russian Superleague 1st Team -11
Eurobasket.com Russian Superleague All-Imports Team -11
Russian Superleague Regular Season Runner-Up -11
Eurobasket.com All-Europe Point Guard of the Year 2011
Eurobasket.com All-Europe 1st Team 2011

Dynamo Kursk wont the EuroCup title last season and will compete in the same competition in 2012/13 .


U18 Spain shows its power in 92-66 win over U18 Russia - by Eurobasket News

U18 RUSSIA - U18 SPAIN 66-92

Spain demonstrated wonderful performance at the beginning of the second stage in Bucharest. They destroyed Russia with huge 92-66 for 2-1 record in Group E of U18 EuroBasket. Thanks to this victory Spain made a big step towards Quarterfinals. Russia slipped to 1-2 in this pool and still has a chance to advance. Spain took control on its rival in the second period and never looked back (16-15, 22-14, 32-15, 22-22). Leticia Romero (177-G-95) (5 rebs) scored 17 points for the winners and Maria Arrojo (186-F-85) (7 rebs) had one less. Ariadna Pujol (182-F-95) collected 14 points and 7 rebounds. Russia got 13 points from Julia Gladkova (183-F-94) and 12 pts, plus 16 rebs from Albina Razheva (188-PF-94). Ekaterina Safonova (165-PG-95) stopped to 9 points. Spain will meet Turkey tomorrow. Russia will play against France.

Russia: Julia Gladkova 13, Albina Razheva 12+16 boards, Ekaterina Safonova 9
Spain: Leticia Romero 17+5 boards, Maria Arrojo 16+7 boards, Ariadna Pujol 14+7 boards


Russia hands 69-59 loss to Brazil, improves to 2-0 in London - by Eurobasket News

2012 Olympic Games: RUSSIA - BRAZIL 69-59

Second win for Russia at 2012 Olympic Games in London. This time Russia was better than Brazil 69-59 for 2-0 record in Group B. Eugeniya Belyakova (182-SF-86) scored 14 points in victory, Irina Osipova (196-C-81) had 13 and Marina Kuzina (195-C-85) helped with 11 points. In Brazil, Erika De Souza (197-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) shined with double-double of 15 points and 18 rebounds. Patricia Ferreira (182-SF-79) and Karla da Costa (173-SG-78) scored 12 and 11 points respectively. Their team dropped to 0-2. Russia led most of the way but Brazil rallied and cut the deficit to two points twice in the fourth quarter. A 3-pointer by Karla Costa cut Russia's lead to 51-49 with six minutes remaining, but Alena Danilochkina answered for Russia with two free throws. Damiris Dantas then nailed another 3-pointer, before Belyakova hit another of her own and Brazil never got any closer than five points for rest of the game.
In the next game, Russia will plat against the host - UK. Brazil will meet Australia hoping to get the first victory in London.

Russia: Eugeniya Belyakova 14, Irina Osipova 13, Marina Kuzina 11
Brazil: Erika De Souza 15+18 boards, Patricia Ferreira 12, Karla da Costa 11


Russia U20 wins Bourg-en-Bresse campaign - by Eurobasket News

Russia U20 wins Bourg-en-Bresse campaign with 4 participating teams.
In Day 2 Russia U20 prevail over Serbia U20 64:40. The Russian team started with 21-18 and added defensive 10-5 in the second period. Moreover the second half also belonged to the Russian squad. They won the third period 21-9 and finished the game with 12-8 in the last quarter. Viktorija Davidova (93) poured in 12 points for the winners and Polujanova netted 11. Snezana Colic (178-G-92) ended up with 12 points in the losing case.
In the last game of the competition Russia outscored the hosts 61:55. Russia looked better throughout the game and reached the victory. Sara Chevaugeon (177-G-93) 's 12 points were not enough for the hosts. Diallo nailed 7, while Adja Konteh (173-G/F-92) scored 6.


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  SCOTLAND   


U18 Ukraine celebrates first win in Strumica, sends U18 Scotland to 0-3 - by Eurobasket News

U18 UKRAINE - U18 SCOTLAND 55-46

Ukraine recovered after two straight defeats and finally registered first victory at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. They outplayed Scotland 55-46 for 1-2 record in Preliminary Group D. Scotland dropped to 0-3 and both teams are without chance for the next stage. Ukraine shined in the first half of the game (32-19) and later managed to keep the lead for rest of the way. Quarters: 18-10, 14-9, 10-12, 13-15. Funmilayo Omoboogunje (185-F-94) was the only Ukrainian player with double digits in scoring - 12 points (6 rebs). Oksana Batrakova (186-C-95) had 9 points and 15 rebounds, but she had poor 1 of 9 from the field. Oksana Stepanyuk (190-C-95) helped her country with 7 points and 5 boards. In defeat, Hilary Wood (163-G-94) delivered 13 points and Hannah Peacock (190-C-95) had 3 less. Their third scorer was Beth Mackie (170-G-94) with 7 points (5 rebs). Ukraine will play against Montenegro today and winner of that game will take third place in Group D. Scotland will play against second ranked Lithuania.

Ukraine: Funmilayo Omoboogunje 12+6 boards, Oksana Batrakova 9+15 boards, Oksana Stepanyuk 7+5 boards
Scotland: Hilary Wood 13, Hannah Peacock 10, Beth Mackie 7+5 boards


U18 Lithuania closes Preliminary Round in Strumica with 82-58 win over U18 Scotland - by Eurobasket News

U18 SCOTLAND - U18 LITHUANIA 58-82

This game was just the formality as even before it Lithuania already secured second place in Preliminary Group D of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Lithuania smashed Scotland 82-58 to end this phase with almost perfect 3-1 record. Lithuania advanced to the second stage in Strumica, while Scotland failed to do it as they close the standings in Group D with 0-4. Scotland will play in Classification Round from 9th to 18th place. Lithuania shined after the breather making 30-16 in Q3 and 21-11 in the last ten minutes of the game. Ieva Kazlauskaite (180-F-94) had 19 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Justina Kraujunaite (174-F-95) had 14 points and 6 rebs, while Austeja Sirsinaityte (164-PG-95) helped with 13 pts and 7 boards. In defeat, Hilary Wood (163-G-94) collected 15 points and 5 rebs. Robyn Lewis (160-PG-95) and Claire Paxton (184-C-94) netted 9 pts each. All teams will take a rest tomorrow and they will continue with games on Wednesday. Lithuania will meet Belarus in Group F, while Scotland will take on Latvia in Group H.

Scotland: Hilary Wood 15+5 boards, Robyn Lewis 9, Claire Paxton 9
Lithuania: Ieva Kazlauskaite 19+7 boards, Justina Kraujunaite 14+6 boards, Austeja Sirsinaityte 13+7 boards


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  SERBIA   


Serbia U20 finished Bourg-en-Bresse campaign - by Eurobasket News

Serbia U20 finished Bourg-en-Bresse campaign with one victory. After the loss from France, Serbia lopst to Russia but beat Belgium.
In Day 2 Russia U20 prevail over Serbia U20 64:40. The Russian team started with 21-18 and added defensive 10-5 in the second period. Moreover the second half also belonged to the Russian squad. They won the third period 21-9 and finished the game with 12-8 in the last quarter. Viktorija Davidova (93) poured in 12 points for the winners and Polujanova netted 11. Snezana Colic (178-G-92) ended up with 12 points in the losing case.
In Day 3 Serbia U20 overcame Belgium U20 68:62. The latter grabbed 15-11 after the first period, but allowed the opponents to post 16-9 in the second frame for 27:24 halftime advantage. Serbia added 19-14 in the third quarter and did not mind 22-24 in the last stanza. Snezana Colic top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Tijana Dijan (174-PG-92) netted 11. Jaksic poured in 9, while Dordevic added 6. Majombo ended up with 23 points in the losing effort and Maes poured in 11.


U18 Serbia outplays its neighbor U18 Croatia 75-63 - by Eurobasket News

U18 SERBIA - U18 CROATIA 75-63

Serbia made a big step towards Quarterfinals in Bucharest. They handed 75-63 loss to Croatia in their opening game of Stage Two at U18 EuroBasket. After this win Serbia jumped to 2-1 in Group F, while Croatia fell to 1-2. Third quarter was the crucial one in this meeting. Croatia was up by 3 at the halftime, but Serbia created 21-7 in Q3 and later managed to keep the lead for rest of the way. Serbia reached plus 17 during the last ten minutes. Aleksandra Stanacev (167-PG-94) shined with 19 points and 8 assists in victory, while Natasa Kovacevic (187-F-94) and Dragana Stankovic (188-PF-95) (7 rebs) posted 14 and 13 points respectively. Andrijana Cvitkovic (189-PF-94) answered with 19 points and 7 rebounds in loss. Lana Packovski (170-G-94) (5 rebs) and Ana-Marija Begic (190-C-94) (8 rebs) netted 13 and 10 pts respectively. Serbia will play against Holland tomorrow and it could be the crucial game for the Quarterfinals. Croatia will take on Italy (2-1).

Serbia: Aleksandra Stanacev 19+8 as, Natasa Kovacevic 14, Dragana Stankovic 13+7 boards
Croatia: Andrijana Cvitkovic 19+7 boards, Lana Packovski 13+5 boards, Ana-Marija Begic 10+8 boards


SCM U Craiova hires Milan Nisic as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Milan Nisic will stay in Romania for the next season, but this time he will work in women basketball. SCM U Craiova hired Nisic as the new Head Coach for 2012/13. The Serbian specialist coached Otopeni men from 2008 to 2010. They reached Romanian Cup Finals and League Semifinals in their first season together. In 2010, Otopeni played in Romanian Cup Semis. Last season Milan Nisic started last season as Head Coach of Crvena Zvezda, but he left in November. From 2005 to 2008, the coach worked as Assistant of Mega Vizura men. They competed in Serbian top division and he also has experience from Avala Ada. From 1999 to 2003, Milan Nisic was Head Coach of Crvena Zvezda women team. SCM U Craiova reached Playoff Quarterfinals in Romania last season.


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  SLOVAKIA   


U18 Slovakia beats U18 Italy 59-54 to open the second stage in Bucharest - by Eurobasket News

U18 SLOVAKIA - U18 ITALY 59-54

Both teams had 1-1 record in Group F before this meeting. Slovakia opened second stage of U18 EuroBasket with 59-54 win over Italy. Slovakia had 49-40 lead with 7:37 remaining in the game, but Italy made 2-9 run after that. Terezia Palenikova (170-G/F-95) finally answered for Slovakia and Barbora Balintova (176-G-94) joined her setting the score to 55-49 with 2 minutes left. Italy came to minus 2, but Balintova had no mercy from the free throw line in the finish. Quarters: 17-11, 15-16, 15-11, 12-16. Palenikova scored 14 points in victory and Balintova had 2 points less. Zofia Hruscakova (190-C-95) helped with double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds. Erica Reggiani (175-G-94) scored 15 points in loss and Antonia Peresson (183-PG-95) had 10. Francesca Minali (185-C-94) followed them with 8 points and 10 boards. Slovakia will take on Slovenia in the next game. Italy will meet Croatia tomorrow.

Slovakia: Terezia Palenikova 14, Barbora Balintova 12, Zofia Hruscakova 11+13 boards
Italy: Erica Reggiani 15, Antonia Peresson 10, Francesca Minali 8+10 boards


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  SLOVENIA   


Slovenia hands first loss to Holland at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest - by Eurobasket News

U18 SLOVENIA - U18 HOLLAND 57-51

Holland is no more undefeated at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. Slovenia downed its rival today 57-51 for 1-2 record in Group F of the second stage. At the same time, Holland slipped to 2-1 in this pool. Holland was up by 9 with ten minutes remaining in the game, but Slovenia totally took control on them after that. Slovenians limited Holland to just 5 points for the entire Q4, while scoring 20 pts at the other side for the final 57-51 victory. Quarters: 18-22, 11-9, 8-15, 20-5. Alina Gjerkes (177-F-94) top-scored in Slovenia with 12 points, while Anita Kastelic (172-G-94) (6 rebs) and Nina Gabrovsek (168-PG-94) (5 rebs) netted 9 points each. Eva Lisec (191-C-95) had a great game with 8 points and 15 rebounds. Laura Cornelius (174-PG-96) answered with 11 points and 7 rebs in defeat. Kourtney Treffers (186-PF-94) followed with 8 points and 5 rebounds. Slovenia's rival tomorrow will be Slovakia. Holland will meet Serbia. Four of six teams from Group F will advance to the Quarterfinals.

Slovenia: Alina Gjerkes 12, Anita Kastelic 9+6 boards, Nina Gabrovsek 9+5 boards, Eva Lisec 8+15 boards
Holland: Laura Cornelius 11+7 boards, Kourtney Treffers 8+5 boards


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  SPAIN   


Paola Mercadal and Marta Garcia stay with Casablanca Zaragoza - by Eurobasket News

Paola Mercadal (182-F-81) and Marta Garcia (193-C-86) stay with Casablanca Zaragoza for the next season.
Paola Mercadal joined the team 2008-2009 and averaged 7.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 0.9spg, 2FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 26.0%, FT: 65.0%. In 2009-2011 her stats read 6.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 54%, 3PT: 27%, FT: 77%. In 2010-2011 for Salgar Stadium Casablanca Zaragoza (LF2, starting five) she showed 7.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.0apg, 2FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 47.4%, FT: 78.0%. In 2011-2012 she played only in 3 games and had 4.3ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.3spg.
Marta Garcia started her career in La Bella Easo Casablanca, but in 2010-2011 moved UNB Obenasa Navarra Pamplona (LFB, starting five). In 26 games she averaged 3.2ppg, 3.2rpg. In 2011-2012 she moved to Salgar Stadium Casablanca Zaragoza (LF2, starting five) and in 31 games showed 13.5ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.0apg, Blocks-1 (1.8bpg), FGP: 51.9%, 3PT-3 (50.0%), FT: 82.5%.


U18 Spain shows its power in 92-66 win over U18 Russia - by Eurobasket News

U18 RUSSIA - U18 SPAIN 66-92

Spain demonstrated wonderful performance at the beginning of the second stage in Bucharest. They destroyed Russia with huge 92-66 for 2-1 record in Group E of U18 EuroBasket. Thanks to this victory Spain made a big step towards Quarterfinals. Russia slipped to 1-2 in this pool and still has a chance to advance. Spain took control on its rival in the second period and never looked back (16-15, 22-14, 32-15, 22-22). Leticia Romero (177-G-95) (5 rebs) scored 17 points for the winners and Maria Arrojo (186-F-85) (7 rebs) had one less. Ariadna Pujol (182-F-95) collected 14 points and 7 rebounds. Russia got 13 points from Julia Gladkova (183-F-94) and 12 pts, plus 16 rebs from Albina Razheva (188-PF-94). Ekaterina Safonova (165-PG-95) stopped to 9 points. Spain will meet Turkey tomorrow. Russia will play against France.

Russia: Julia Gladkova 13, Albina Razheva 12+16 boards, Ekaterina Safonova 9
Spain: Leticia Romero 17+5 boards, Maria Arrojo 16+7 boards, Ariadna Pujol 14+7 boards


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  SWEDEN   


Turkey books ticket for U18 EuroBasket Quarterfinals - by Eurobasket News

U18 SWEDEN - U18 TURKEY 58-60

Turkey grabbed 60-58 thriller win against Sweden top open the second stage at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. Sweden had 58-57 lead with 1:14 remaining in the game, after what Pelin Bilgic (173-G-94) made a lay-up for Turkey. Anite Ilic missed a triple for Sweden and Sezer was sent to the line. She missed first, but closed this game with successful second free throw setting the score to final 60-58. Quarters: 17-12, 13-16, 18-21, 10-11. Pelin Bilgic led the winners with 21 points and Elif Emirtekin (184-F-94) added 13 points, plus 12 rebounds. Merve Aydin (174-PG-94) collected 11 points and 7 boards. In defeat, Paulina Hersler (190-PF-94) had 17 points and 6 rebs, and Linnea Frykbo (169-SG-94) scored 15 points. Their third scorer was Anita Ilic (169-PG-94) with 9 pts. Thanks to this victory Turkey jumped to 3-0 in Group E and already booked a ticket for the Quarterfinals. Turkey dropped to 0-3. Championship continues tomorrow.

Sweden: Paulina Hersler 17+6 boards, Linnea Frykbo 15, Anita Ilic 9
Turkey: Pelin Bilgic 21, Elif Emirtekin 13+12 boards, Merve Aydin 11+7 boards


Northland Basket inks American rookie Lykendra Johnson - by Eurobasket News

Lykendra Johnson (185-F-89, college: Michigan St.) will start her professional basketball career in Sweden. The American forward penned a 1-year deal with Northland Basket. They will compete in Swedish top division for women (Damligan). Johnson is a product of the Michigan State University, where she graduated few months ago. She had 10.8 ppg and 8.6 rpg for 32 games as a senior. In 2010/11, Lykendra Johnson played her best year with Michigan State. For 33 games she averaged 11.8 points and 8.9 rebounds. The school was Big Ten regular season champion and reached Tournament Finals (also in 2008 and 2010). For her performance Johnson was awarded with All-Big Ten 2nd Team -11 and All-Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year -11. This year she was named to All-Big Ten 3rd Team.


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  SWITZERLAND   

LNB Standings - by Eurobasket

LNB Standings
East
 1. Baden 0-0 
 2. Bellinzona 0-0 
 3. Frauenfeld 0-0 
 4. Greifensee 0-0 
 5. Luzern 0-0 
 6. Muraltese 0-0 
 7. Olten 0-0 
 8. Riehen 0-0 
 9. Wallaby 0-0 
West
 1. Agaune 0-0 
 2. BBC Troist. 0-0 
 3. Bernex 0-0 
 4. Cossonay 0-0 
 5. DEL Basket 0-0 
 6. Fribourg II 0-0 
 7. Lancy 0-0 
 8. Lausanne 0-0 
 9. Sion Basket 0-0 


U18 Denmark advances to second stage in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

U18 SWITZERLAND - U18 DENMARK 62-69

Denmark heads to the second stage of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. They celebrated 69-62 win against Switzerland today to finish as the second ranked team of Group B with almost perfect 3-1 record. Switzerland closes the standings in this pool with 0-3 and will continue in Classification Round. There, teams will fight for position No.9 at this event (places 9-18). Switzerland made plus 10 in the first quarter and later went to the halftime with 11-point lead. Denmark drastically improved after the breather closing the gap to a single point with ten minutes remaining. They continued in the same rhythm (24-16) and celebrated 69-62 win at the end. Maria Jespersen (179-G-94) exploded with 26 points and 13 rebounds in Denmark. She reached valuation 40! Freja Christensen (174-G/F-94) and Frederikke Mollerup (177-G/F-95) scored 16 and 10 points respectively. In defeat, Laura Perrenoud (189-C-94) collected 13 points and 8 rebs. Alexandra Koch (175-PG-94) and Dijana Milenkovic (180-SF-96) netted 12 points each. Championship continues on Wednesday.

Switzerland: Laura Perrenoud 13+8 boards, Alexandra Koch 12, Dijana Milenkovic 12
Denmark: Maria Jespersen 26+13 boards, Freja Christensen 16, Frederikke Mollerup 10


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  TURKEY   


Turkey books ticket for U18 EuroBasket Quarterfinals - by Eurobasket News

U18 SWEDEN - U18 TURKEY 58-60

Turkey grabbed 60-58 thriller win against Sweden top open the second stage at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. Sweden had 58-57 lead with 1:14 remaining in the game, after what Pelin Bilgic (173-G-94) made a lay-up for Turkey. Anite Ilic missed a triple for Sweden and Sezer was sent to the line. She missed first, but closed this game with successful second free throw setting the score to final 60-58. Quarters: 17-12, 13-16, 18-21, 10-11. Pelin Bilgic led the winners with 21 points and Elif Emirtekin (184-F-94) added 13 points, plus 12 rebounds. Merve Aydin (174-PG-94) collected 11 points and 7 boards. In defeat, Paulina Hersler (190-PF-94) had 17 points and 6 rebs, and Linnea Frykbo (169-SG-94) scored 15 points. Their third scorer was Anita Ilic (169-PG-94) with 9 pts. Thanks to this victory Turkey jumped to 3-0 in Group E and already booked a ticket for the Quarterfinals. Turkey dropped to 0-3. Championship continues tomorrow.

Sweden: Paulina Hersler 17+6 boards, Linnea Frykbo 15, Anita Ilic 9
Turkey: Pelin Bilgic 21, Elif Emirtekin 13+12 boards, Merve Aydin 11+7 boards


Turkey beats Czech Republic 61-57 for the second win at 2012 Olympics in London - by Eurobasket News

2012 Olympic Games: CZECH REPUBLIC - TURKEY 57-61

Turkey had another joyful day in London. After 72-50 win against Angola on Saturday, Turkey grabbed 61-57 victory against Czech Republic on Monday for perfect 2-0 record in Group A. Czech Republic dropped to 0-2 in this pool.
Nevriye Yilmaz (194-C-80) stepped up for the winners with double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds. Bahar Caglar (186-F-88) had 11 points and 7 boards, while Tugba Palazoglu (171-G-80) also scored 11 pts in this meeting. Czech Republic got 19 points and 5 rebounds from Jana Vesela (194-PF-83). Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) (6 rebs) and Katerina Elhotova (180-SG-89) stopped to 11 and 8 points respectively. Turkey had impressive first half making 12-point lead. They had plus 13 early in the third quarter which the Czechs whittled down to 49-45. But Caglar's jumper and consecutive 3-pointers by Saziye Ivegin restored a double-digit advantage with just over 4 minutes left. The Czechs tried to rally again, but could only get within four the rest of the way.
Turkey will meet powerful USA on Wednesday. Czech Republic will play against also winless Croatia.

Czech Republic: Jana Vesela 19+5 boards, Eva Viteckova 11+6 boards, Katerina Elhotova 11+8 boards
Turkey: Nevriye Yilmaz 11+13 boards, Bahar Caglar 11+7 boards, Tugba Palazoglu 11


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  UKRAINE   


U18 Ukraine downs U18 Montenegro 48-38 in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

U18 MONTENEGRO - U18 UKRAINE 38-48

Ukraine was better than Montenegro 48-38 in the last day of the Preliminary Round at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Thanks to this win Ukraine finished as No.3 in Group D with 2-2 record. Montenegro ended as No.4 with 1-3 score, but both teams failed to reach the second stage. They will be transferred to Classification Round from 9th to 18th place. Montenegro had plus 4 after ten minutes, but Ukraine responded with 15-6 in Q2 and later jumped to plus 11 with ten minutes remaining in the game. It was too much for Montenegro. Miriam Uro-Nile (190-C-94) paced Ukraine with double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. Olga Krayevska (178-PG-94) scored 11 points and Funmilayo Omoboogunje (185-F-94) had 7 pts, plus 5 rebounds. In defeat, Kristina Rakovic (182-F/C-94) was better than the others with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Jelena Nikpaljevic (175-G-94) had 8 points and 8 boards in this defeat. Tuesday is a day-off in Strumica. On Wednesday, Montenegro will play against FYROM. Ukraine will meet Latvia on Thursday.

Montenegro: Kristina Rakovic 17+9 boards, Jelena Nikpaljevic 8+8 boards
Ukraine: Miriam Uro-Nile 12+10 boards, Olga Krayevska 11, Funmilayo Omoboogunje 7+5 boards


U18 Ukraine celebrates first win in Strumica, sends U18 Scotland to 0-3 - by Eurobasket News

U18 UKRAINE - U18 SCOTLAND 55-46

Ukraine recovered after two straight defeats and finally registered first victory at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. They outplayed Scotland 55-46 for 1-2 record in Preliminary Group D. Scotland dropped to 0-3 and both teams are without chance for the next stage. Ukraine shined in the first half of the game (32-19) and later managed to keep the lead for rest of the way. Quarters: 18-10, 14-9, 10-12, 13-15. Funmilayo Omoboogunje (185-F-94) was the only Ukrainian player with double digits in scoring - 12 points (6 rebs). Oksana Batrakova (186-C-95) had 9 points and 15 rebounds, but she had poor 1 of 9 from the field. Oksana Stepanyuk (190-C-95) helped her country with 7 points and 5 boards. In defeat, Hilary Wood (163-G-94) delivered 13 points and Hannah Peacock (190-C-95) had 3 less. Their third scorer was Beth Mackie (170-G-94) with 7 points (5 rebs). Ukraine will play against Montenegro today and winner of that game will take third place in Group D. Scotland will play against second ranked Lithuania.

Ukraine: Funmilayo Omoboogunje 12+6 boards, Oksana Batrakova 9+15 boards, Oksana Stepanyuk 7+5 boards
Scotland: Hilary Wood 13, Hannah Peacock 10, Beth Mackie 7+5 boards


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  UNITED KINGDOM   


Canada downs Great Britain 73-65 at Olympics in London - by Eurobasket News

Shona Thorburn (178-G-82, college: Utah) poured in a game-high 18 points to lead Canada past Great Britain, 73-65, in the women's basketball tournament.

Courtnay Pilypaitis (184-G-88, college: Vermont) and Kimberley Smith (186-F-84, college: Utah) donated 11 points apiece for the Canadians, who lost to Russia in their opening game on Saturday.

Natalie Stafford (175-SG-76) and Johannah Leedham (180-SF-87, college: Franklin Pierce) each tallied 15 points for Great Britain, which has dropped its first two games in front of its home crowd after losing to Australia on Saturday.

Trailing 55-53 after three quarters, Great Britain opened the fourth with an 8-2 surge to take a 61-57 advantage.

The Canadians responded with a run of their own however, scoring the next nine points to build a 66-61 edge they would not relinquish as Thorburn buried 3- of-4 free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.

Canada will face France on Wednesday, while Great Britain looks for its first win of the tournament against Russia on Wednesday.

Courtesy of www.sportsnetwork.com


U18 UK beats U18 Latvia 59-48 in do-or-die game, advances to Stage Two in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

U18 LATVIA - U18 UNITED KINGDOM 48-59

It was decisive game for both teams at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. United Kingdom outplayed Latvia 59-48 taking the second place in Group C with 2-1 record. UK advanced to the next stage, while at the other side Latvia failed to do it. They dropped to third position with 1-2 and will continue in Classifications Round from 9th to 18th places. UK made 15-point lead at the halftime and managed to keep it for rest of the game. Cheridene Green (187-C-95) was their key player with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Billie Lucas (180-G-94) and Shequila Joseph (189-F-95) netted 8 and 7 points respectively. In Latvia, Ilze Jakobsone (170-G-94) netted 17 points in defeat. Krista Bridina (174-PG-94) scored 10 and Renate Reine (176-G-94) posted 6 pts. Championship continues on Wednesday. UK will play against Germany. Latvia's next rival will be Scotland.

Latvia: Ilze Jakobsone 17, Krista Bridina 10, Renate Reine 6
UK: Cheridene Green 22+10 boards, Billie Lucas 8, Shequila Joseph 7


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  WNBA   


US women rout Angola 90-38 in Olympic basketball - by Eurobasket News

The U.S. women say they don't care about the final score. They just want to have least one more point than their opponent at the end of games in the women's Olympic basketball tournament.

That sounds like the right thing to say after Candace Parker (6'4''-C-86, college: Tennessee) had 14 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Americans to a 90-38 rout of Angola on Monday night.

But the Americans aren't just being politically correct.

They know they are still a work in progress, having only been together training for two weeks, and are going to play some tough games during the tournament.

The game against Angola was expected to be an easy romp - and it was - with the U.S. overwhelming the Olympic newcomer.

The Americans (2-0) have won their last 35 straight games in the Olympics and four consecutive gold medals while Angola is looking for its first victory. The team lost its opener to Turkey by 22 points meaning African nations have only won one of their 25 games in the Olympics since Congo - formerly known as Zaire - first qualified in the 1996 Atlanta Games.

Nigeria owns the only victory, beating Korea by four points in 2004.

The Americans had played African teams twice and routed them both. The U.S. beat Zaire by 60 points in 1996 and then Mali by 56 at the Beijing Games in 2008.

Angola (0-2) did fare a little better than its continental neighbors. The team stayed close to the Americans for the first quarter, only trailing by 10 at the end of the period. Then the U.S. put the game away outscoring the African country 19-6 in the second period. Parker hit two nifty reverse lay-ins in the quarter.

The Americans continued the rout in the second half, extending the advantage to as many as XX points. The strong crowd which had witnessed some very competitive games all day, emptied out early in the final period knowing the outcome wasn't in doubt.

Coach Geno Auriemma rested center Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU), who has a sore left foot. It didn't matter as the 6-foot-4 Parker looked confident on the floor, demanding the ball in the post and running the floor for easy layups.

The game was a contrast for the U.S. from its opener when the Americans struggled on offense for the first three quarters before pulling away from Croatia.

Despite the lopsided final score, Auriemma has been impressed in the growth he's seen in Angola and other African countries.

"Angola's one of those countries you hope, because of what's happened with the U.S. and some other places in women's basketball, that other African countries pick up and say that could be us," Auriemma said. "Hopefully that's a country that becomes accustomed to playing in the Olympics. Hopefully they devote more energy and resources and they can come back to the Olympics on a regular basis."

Next up for the U.S. is Turkey, which improved to 2-0 in pool play with a 61-57 victory over the Czech Republic. The Americans also will face China and the Czech Republic. The U.S. beat the Czechs in the finals of the 2010 world championship to qualify for the London Games.

Courtesy of www.mysanantonio.com


Cash, US Olympic women's team ready for Angola - by Eurobasket News

Swin Cash's (6'1''-SF-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Connecticut) Olympic basketball career has come full circle.

She was part of the U.S. women's team that won a gold medal in Athens and the 32-year-old thought she'd be on the way to at least two more gold medals. Those dreams were derailed by back surgery in 2008 that forced her to miss the Beijing Games.

Cash thought about quitting, but didn't want her Olympic dreams or her career to end on a sour note.

"I was in the prime of my career, the prime of starting my television career," Cash said. "I had to make a choice."

A conversation with five-time Olympian and basketball great Teresa Edwards helped her refocus with one goal in mind - making it to London. Cash didn't say what Edwards told her, but she dedicated herself to getting completely healthy again.

"I was at a point in 2008 where I didn't want to leave this game with people defining who I was as a player," Cash said. "Going out with an injury is not what I wanted my legacy to be."

Now she has a chance to be a two-time Olympic gold medal winner. Next up for Cash and the four-time defending champions is Angola on Monday.

"The last four years have been a humble journey for me. I'm just taking it all in," said Cash, who played in China during the WNBA offseason and worked out whenever she could with her former strength and conditioning coach at Connecticut. "I came in with Dee (Diana Taurasi), Sue (Bird) and Catch (Tamika Catchings) and we all thought we'd win three medals.

"I took one off and now come back and it's a different feeling."

Taurasi, Bird and Catchings are all playing major roles on the U.S. squad and they are looking to add to their two gold medals from 2004 and 2008.

Cash's role on the team has changed, she knows she can contribute and stays ready for whenever and however coach Geno Auriemma needs her.

Cash made an immediate impact in the team's Olympic opener on Saturday, keying a U.S. run that helped the Americans pull away from Croatia. She didn't get in the game until late in the third quarter. But she was ready when her former college coach subbed her in, converting a three-point play early in the fourth quarter that gave the U.S. some breathing room.

"She understands her role will be a little bit different on this team than the team she plays on," Auriemma said. "Regardless of what team she's on, she's going to give you the same thing. When she comes into the game the tempo of the game is going to change, she knows that."

Bird, Cash's longtime teammate, has watched Cash battle her way back to the world stage. Bird played with her in college at Connecticut and in the WNBA with the Seattle Storm, winning titles in both places.

"It's impressive, Swin's been through a lot of injuries, obviously it started with her ACL and progressed into that back injury," Bird said. "Swin is someone who always wants to prove herself no matter what. When she had those injuries she didn't have a chance to and people were saying things. Maybe her career is on the down side of things.
"She was determined to get back on the court and be herself again."

Cash is one of only six players to have won titles in college, the WNBA, the FIBA world championship and the Olympics. And now she has an opportunity to win a second Olympic gold medal.

The next obstacle for her and the U.S. is Angola. The African nation, playing in its first Olympic women's basketball tournament, lost to Turkey 72-50 on Saturday.

Even though Angola shouldn't pose much of challenge for the U.S., the Americans had an intense practice Sunday - working to correct some of the weaknesses that the Croatians exposed Saturday. The Americans struggled on offense for three quarters against Croatia before winning by 25 - the biggest margin of victory in any of the games on Saturday. Still, they know there is a lot to improve on.

"We're trying to improve every game," Auriemma said. "There are a lot of things we did in the Croatia game we didn't like. We did some things we did like. We'll see if we're better at those things."

Courtesy of www.thenewstribune.com


38 current and former WNBA players comprise 2012 Olympic basketball rosters - by Eurobasket News

The WNBA will be heavily represented at the 2012 Olympic Games in London with as many as 38 current and former players among those who will go for the gold beginning Saturday, July 28. In all, a current or former WNBA player dots the roster of nine of the 12 countries participating in this year's Olympics. The International Olympic Committee is expected to officially announce the nation's respective rosters on July 27.

Each of the 12 members of the U.S. Olympic Women's Basketball Team currently play in the WNBA, led by a trio of two-time Olympic gold medalists "" Sue Bird (Seattle Storm), reigning league Most Valuable Player Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever), and 2009 MVP Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury). Bird, Catchings, and Taurasi all were members of the 2004 U.S. team that won the gold medal in Athens and the 2008 squad that brought home the gold from Beijing in 2008.

Other returnees from the gold-medal winning 2008 U.S. Olympic Team are 2011 WNBA Finals MVP Seimone Augustus (Minnesota Lynx), 2011 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Sylvia Fowles (Chicago Sky), and 2008 league MVP Candace Parker (Los Angeles Sparks). Swin Cash (Chicago Sky) is another member of the current U.S. team to already own a gold medal, having earned hers with the 2004 U.S. team in Athens.

First-time Olympians for the United States include Maya Moore and Lindsay Whalen (both of the Minnesota Lynx), as well as Tina Charles and Asjha Jones (teammates with the Connecticut Sun), and Angel McCoughtry (Atlanta Dream).

The Australian Olympic Team features a trio of current WNBA players in three-time WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) (Seattle Storm), Elizabeth Cambage (Tulsa Shock), and Jenna O'Hea (Los Angeles Sparks). For Jackson, this is her fourth Olympics, having led Australia to the silver medal three times "" in Sydney in 2000, as well as in Athens and Beijing. Cambage and O'Hea are making their first appearance in the Olympics.

Several other active WNBA players will take to the court in London. Becky Hammon (San Antonio Silver Stars) will play for the Russian Olympic squad as she did in 2008 when she earned a silver medal. Erika de Souza (Atlanta Dream) returns to the Olympics for a second time with Brazil, having helped her native country to a fourth place finish at Athens in 2004.

Current WNBA rosters featuring multiple Olympians include the Minnesota Lynx (3 - Augustus, Moore, and Whalen), Atlanta Dream (2 "" de Souza and McCoughtry), Chicago Sky (2 "" Cash and Fowles), Connecticut Sun (2 "" Charles and Jones), and Seattle Storm (2 - Bird and Jackson).

Olympic coaches also bring WNBA pedigrees as well. Marynell Meadors (current head coach with Atlanta) and Jennifer Gillom (current Washington Mystics assistant and former head coach of Los Angeles and Minnesota) will serve as assistants to Geno Auriemma on the United States squad. Tom Maher, head coach

for Great Britain, served in the same capacity with the WNBA's Washington Mystics in 2001, and Carrie Graf, head coach for Australia, led the Phoenix Mercury in 2004 and 2005. Assisting Graf will be former WNBA guard Michele Timms, who played five seasons with Phoenix (1997-2001) and had her number "7" jersey retired by the team in 2002. Janeth Arcain, a star guard with the Houston Comets (19978-2003, 2005), is an assistant coach for her native Brazil.

The 2012 WNBA season will resume play on Aug. 16 following the Olympics. A complete list of Olympic basketball players with WNBA playing experience follows.


Current and Former WNBA Players in the 2012 Olympics

Player Team WNBA Years

Seimone Augustus United States 2006-present

Sue Bird United States 2002-present

Swin Cash United States 2002-present

Tamika Catchings United States 2001-present

Tina Charles United States 2010-present

Sylvia Fowles United States 2008-present

Asjha Jones United States 2002-present

Angel McCoughtry United States 2009-present

Maya Moore United States 2011-present

Candace Parker United States 2008-present

Diana Taurasi United States 2004-present

Lindsay Whalen United States 2004-present

Suzy Batkovic Australia 2005, 2009

Abby Bishop Australia 2010

Elizabeth Cambage Australia 2011-present

Kristi Harrower Australia 1998-99, 2001-03, 2005, 2009

Laura (Summerton) Hodges Australia 2005-06

Lauren Jackson Australia 2001-present

Jenna O'Hea Australia 2011

Belinda Snell Australia 2005-07, 2009-11

Erika de Souza Brazil 2002-present

Adriana Moises Pinto Brazil 2001-02, 2007

Miranda Ayim Canada 2011

Kim Smith Canada 2006-08

Shona Thorburn Canada 2006-07

Miao Lijie China 2005

Chen Nan China 2009

Jana Vesela Czech Republic 2010

Emilie Gomis France 2006

Sandrine Gruda France 2008-10

Edwige Lawson-Wade France 2005-10

Emmeline Ndongue France 2006

Becky Hammon Russia 1999-present

Ilona Korstine Russia 2001

Irina Osipova Russia 2006

Natalia Vodopyanova Russia 2005

Quanitra Hollingsworth Turkey 2009-11

Nevriye Yilmaz Turkey 2003-04

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com