EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/4/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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  ABA   



USA Junior Basketball Association (USAJBA) and ABA form partnership - by Gianni Pascucci

The American Basketball Association (ABA) com today announced that it has formed a partnership with The USA Junior Basketball Association (USAJBA) www.USAJBA.org Various ABA teams will offer youth basketball programs to their communities providing a rewarding basketball experience for kids ages 5-14 of all skill levels. The kids will have an opportunity to learn what it takes to win on and off the court. The leagues will emphasize fun while encouraging fundamental skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship and community involvement. Each ABA basketball team will run their own program but has affiliation to the USAJBA and also will receive the benefits of being a part of the program.
USA Junior Basketball Association is a national sanctioning organization for youth basketball. The purpose of USAJBA is to record and publish State and National rankings for team's competing in USAJBA-sanctioned events. What sets USAJBA apart from other organizations is there are no team sanctioning or registration fees.
"We are very pleased to have the support of the ABA," stated Chris Rowles of USAJBA. "With so many teams in so many cities, we really feel that the ABA can help USAJBA impact youth nationwide with this grassroots initiative. Youth basketball is a great way to promote ABA teams to the community as well as help young people achieve their goals on and off the court."
"This is definitely not an easy project to launch," added Joe Newman , ABA CEO. "ABA teams currently work closely with Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, PALs, schools and other youth groups in their communities. But this affords them an opportunity to expand their efforts and many ABA teams are excited about the opportunity and the partnership." For more information, contact Chris Rowles at Chris@USAJBA.org or visit www.USAJBA.org or www.abalive.com


Salem Sabres name Joe Becerra as GM - by Gianni Pascucci

The Salem Sabres, one of the new ABA expansion teams beginning play this season have named Joe Becerra as General Manager. Becerra was the Salem Stampede GM and Head Coach in the IBL for two seasons and was named Coach of the Year after leading the Stampede to the Western Conference
regular season title. He later became President and GM of the team and was named NABL Executive of the Year.
"I am very excited to join the Sabres family," stated Becerra. "It is a quality organization, the ownership group has a great vision for what the team can bring to the community. We expect to be very competitive in a tough conference from day one. We are in the process of hiring a Head Coach and assistant coach very soon and I have contacted some outstanding players with professional experience. I have some verbal commitments from some exciting players that the fans are going to love."
The Sabres will be completing in the Pac/NW Division and will begin its inaugural season with an abbreviated schedule. The team will be competing against the Seattle Mountaineers, Kitsap Admirals, Olympia Rise, Lakewood Panthers and Washington Raptors. Also in the Pac/NW Division and slated for the 2013-14 season will be the Calgary Crush, Alaska Quake and the Alaska 49ers. For more information on the division, visit www.pacnorthwestaba.com
The Salem Sabres will be hosting tryouts on July 28th and August 4th at Salem First Baptist Church,
395 Marion St., Salem OR 97301. For more information, visit www.salemsabresaba.com or email info@salemsabresaba.com


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  AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18   


Afrobasket U18 Qualifier: Ghana decision Liberia 55-43 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Ghana rallied back to wade off the challenge posed by Liberia in the first quarter (10-14) to take a 9 point lead going into the break with a 22-09 points win in the second quarter of the Afrobasket U18 Zone-3 qualifiers holding in Abidjan Cote dIvoire.

The Ghanaian return from they left off in the second to pick the third quarter by 13-04 points taking a huge 18 points lead going into the last quarter, though they lost the fourth to the Liberian by 10-16 points but that could still not stop them from picking the valuable points winning their first game by 55-43 points as they file out against Nigeria today (Tuesday).

Ghana Stephen Foster led the Ghanaian side with 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, while his teammate Tunde El Alawa added 12 points with Abubakari Suleman grabbing 10 rebounds.


Afrobasket U18 Qualifier: Nigeria surrenders to Cote dIvoire 35-50 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

In the second game of Day-2 of the qualifiers Nigeria bowed to the superior fire power of host Cote dIvoire by 35-50 points.

The Nigeria Junior national team who arrive few hours before their game were overwhelm in the first three quarters (04-11, 13-16 and 02-17) a late rally by the young Nigerian side in the fourth quarter (16-06) was not enough to save them from defeat.

Cote dIvoire Otto Arsene led his team charge for honours with 12 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and one steal while the duo of Toure Ousmane and Dalem Traore contributed 10 points each to ensure victory for their side.

Cote dIvoire will slug it out against Liberia in the second game today (Tuesday) at 18H00.


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  ANDORRA   


Andorra open win count in San Marino - by Eurobasket News

Andorra - Gibraltar 96:47

Andorra posted the first win at the European Championship for Small Countries in San Daniel Marin (192-SF-78)o. They defeated Gibraltar in the opener. Alberto Farfan (193-F-91) scored 14 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to lead the winners. Gibraltar fell at 0-2 record after the loss.
Andorra scored 23 points in the first frame and grabbed an 8-point lead. Andorra maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They boosted the margin to 14-point mark at halftime 42:28. Andorra left their opponents behind in the third quarter. They went on a 24:8 run and secured a 30-point advantage heading into the final quarter. Andorra did not slow down in the fourth period and sealed the victory at the end. Daniel Marin and Xavier Galera (182-PG-82) posted 12 points apiece in the victory. Sam Buxton (195-F-89) and Angel Guerrero (192-F-75) responded with 10 points each for Gibraltar.

Andorra: Alberto Farfan 14, Daniel Marin 12, Xavier Galera 12
Gibraltar: Sam Buxton 10, Angel Guerrero 10


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  ARGENTINA   


TNA market is moving - by Facundo Iatzky

The second division is moving slower than Liga A, but a few teams have already their rosters almost full. We'll start with these teams:

La union Colon:
Brian Diaz (185-G-84), Jorge Chahab, Fabricio Pizzola, Leopoldo Ibanez, Mauro Rotschy (192-G-77) , Pablo Perez (202-F/C-92), Sebastian Taffarel, Mariano Mazzini (193-F-81), Ezequiel Dentis
Coach: Martin Guastavino

San Martin Corrientes:
Ramiro Iglesias (186-G-90), Bruno Oprandi, Agustin Carnovale, Patricio Rodriguez (193-F-84, agency: Players Group), Miguel Isola, Santiago Gonzalez (203-C-83), Gordon James (198-F-79, college: Bridgeport), Ivan Basualdo (200-F-90)
Coach: Pablo D'Angelo


U17 World Championship: Argentina deny South Korea - by Eurobasket News

Argentina U17 - South Korea U17 106:59

Argentina celebrated the second win at the U17 World Championship in Kaunas. They knocked down South Korea for 2-2 record in Group B. South Korea fell at 0-4 record after the loss. Matias Aristu (193-F/G-95) and Guillermo Lopez (198-F-95) scored 15 points each to lead the winners.
Argentina held the Asian team to 12 points in the opening quarter to take a 7-point lead. Argentina went on a 31:10 run in the second quarter to build a 28-point halftime advantage. The Latin American side maintained the advantage throughout the third frame. They arrived at the final break up by 40 points 89:39. Argentina did not loosen the grasp in the final frame and sealed the victory at the end. Joaquin Giarrafa (191-F-95) and Rodrigo Haag (193-SG-95) contributed 12 points apiece in the win. Heo Hoon (181-G-95) answered with 13 points for South Korea. Kim Yun (185-G-95) netted 11 points in the loss.

Argentina U17: Matias Aristu 15, Guillermo Lopez 15, Joaquin Giarrafa 12, Rodrigo Haag 12
South Korea U17: Heo Hoon 13, Kim Yun 11


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  AUSTRALIA   

Standings - ABA

State League Standings
Big V
 1. Ringwood H. 12-3 
 2. Corio Bay 11-5 
 3. Eltham W. 10-5 
 4. Waverley F. 9-7 
 5. Hume City 9-7 
 6. Diamond V.E. 6-9 
 7. Bulleen B. 5-11 
 8. Sherbrooke S. 5-11 
 9. Melbourne 3-12 
Central ABL
 1. Sturt S. 10-3 
 2. N.Adelaide R. 9-3 
 3. Forestville E. 9-4 
 4. W.Adelaide B. 9-4 
 5. Woodville W. 7-5 
 6. Norwood F. 7-6 
 7. C.District L. 5-8 
 8. Southern T. 4-9 
 9. S.Adelaide P. 4-9 
 10. Eastern M. 0-13 
QBL
 1. Northside W. 6-1 
 2. Ipswich F. 6-2 
 3. Rockhampton 5-0 
 4. Mackay M. 5-1 
 5. SW Metro P. 4-3 
 6. Townsville H. 4-4 
 7. Cairns M. 4-4 
 8. Brisbane C. 4-5 
 9. Gladstone P. 3-5 
 10. Bundaberg B. 3-6 
 11. Gold Coast R. 2-5 
 12. Maroochydore 2-6 
 13. Toowoomba 1-7 
SBL
 1. Lakeside L. 18-2 
 2. Wanneroo W. 18-2 
 3. Cockburn C. 15-6 
 4. Mandurah M. 13-7 
 5. East Perth E. 12-9 
 6. Perth R. 12-9 
 7. Perry Lakes H. 10-10 
 8. Willetton T. 10-11 
 9. Goldfield G. 9-12 
 10. Kalamunda E.S. 8-12 
 11. Geraldton B. 7-14 
 12. Stirling S. 7-14 
 13. SW Slammers 3-17 
 14. Rockingham F. 2-19 
SEABL-East
 1. Dandenong 16-4 
 2. Geelong S. 16-4 
 3. Bendigo B. 12-8 
 4. Sandringham S. 11-10 
 5. Frankston B. 9-10 
 6. Brisbane S. 7-12 
 7. Canberra G. 1-19 
SEABL-South
 1. Knox R. 11-7 
 2. Nunawading S. 11-8 
 3. Hobart C. 11-9 
 4. Albury W.B. 10-9 
 5. Ballarat M. 9-10 
 6. Kilsyth C. 9-10 
 7. NW Tasmania 8-11 
 8. Mt Gambier 5-15 
WARATAH
 1. Newcastle H. 11-2 
 2. Norths Bears 11-3 
 3. Maitland M. 9-6 
 4. Illawarra H. 9-7 
 5. Cent.Coast C. 9-8 
 6. Manly Warr. 8-6 
 7. Sydney C. 7-6 
 8. Bankstown B. 6-7 
 9. Hills H. 6-8 
 10. Parramatta W. 3-10 
 11. Colonial Hotel 3-11 
 12. Sutherland S. 3-11 

Regular Season: Round 14

BIG V

Jun. 30: Bulleen B. - Hume City 87-82
Jul. 1: Hume City - Diamond V.E. 82-74
Jun. 30: Eltham W. - Ringwood H. 81-94
Jun. 30: Sherbrooke S. - Melbourne 75-66
Jul. 1: Waverley F. - Corio Bay 66-83

Central ABL

Jun. 30: Southern T. - Eastern M. 99-91
Jun. 30: Sturt S. - N.Adelaide R. 84-75
Jun. 30: Woodville W. - C.District L. 84-60
Jun. 30: S.Adelaide P. - Norwood F. 83-99
Jun. 30: W.Adelaide B. - Forestville E. 67-79

QBL

Jun. 29: Mackay M. - Gold Coast R. 94-70
Jun. 30: Rockhampton - Gold Coast R. 92-69
Jun. 29: Brisbane C. - Maroochydore 88-71
Jun. 30: Ipswich F. - Toowoomba 80-75
Jul. 1: Townsville H. - Gladstone P. 74-77
Jun. 30: Maroochydore - SW Metro P. 71-66
Jun. 30: Bundaberg B. - Northside W. 65-78
Jun. 30: Cairns M. - Gladstone P. 106-67

SEABL

Jun. 30: Brisbane S. - Canberra G. 93-62
Jun. 29: Hobart C. - Albury W.B. 92-87
Jun. 29: Geelong S. - Canberra G. 89-39
Jun. 30: Ballarat M. - Sandringham S. 88-65
Jul. 1: Sandringham S. - Mt Gambier 80-86
Jun. 30: NW Tasmania - Albury W.B. 77-96
Jun. 30: Dandenong - Kilsyth C. 73-90
Jun. 30: Bendigo B. - Frankston B. 72-64
Jun. 29: Mt Gambier - Dandenong 70-87
Jul. 1: Knox R. - Ballarat M. 106-93
Jul. 1: Nunawading S. - Bendigo B. 105-95

WARATAH

Jun. 30: Bankstown B. - Hills H. 97-86
Jun. 30: Illawarra H. - Parramatta W. 94-79
Jul. 1: Colonial Hotel - Maitland M. 80-93
Jun. 30: Cent.Coast C. - Sutherland S. 77-72
Jul. 1: Cent.Coast C. - Norths Bears 70-90
Jun. 30: Newcastle H. - Maitland M. 67-60
Jun. 30: Sydney C. - Manly Warr. 65-78

Regular Season: Round 15

BIG V

Jul. 7: Diamond V.E. - Waverley F.
Jul. 7: Ringwood H. - Sherbrooke S.
Jul. 7: Melbourne - Bulleen B.
Jul. 8: Ringwood H. - Hume City
Jul. 8: Eltham W. - Corio Bay

Central ABL

Jul. 6: Woodville W. - N.Adelaide R.
Jul. 7: N.Adelaide R. - Woodville W.
Jul. 7: Norwood F. - Eastern M.
Jul. 7: Southern T. - Sturt S.
Jul. 7: C.District L. - W.Adelaide B.
Jul. 7: Forestville E. - S.Adelaide P.

QBL

Jul. 6: Brisbane C. - Mackay M.
Jul. 7: Ipswich F. - Northside W.
Jul. 7: Gold Coast R. - Townsville H.
Jul. 7: Toowoomba - SW Metro P.
Jul. 7: Rockhampton - Cairns M.
Jul. 7: Maroochydore - Mackay M.
Jul. 8: SW Metro P. - Townsville H.
Jul. 8: Northside W. - Mackay M.
Jul. 8: Gladstone P. - Cairns M.

SEABL

Jul. 5: Dandenong - Frankston B.
Jul. 6: Brisbane S. - Hobart C.
Jul. 7: Brisbane S. - Dandenong
Jul. 7: Canberra G. - Hobart C.
Jul. 7: Frankston B. - Albury W.B.
Jul. 7: Sandringham S. - Bendigo B.
Jul. 6: Mt Gambier - NW Tasmania
Jul. 7: Ballarat M. - Geelong S.
Jul. 7: Kilsyth C. - NW Tasmania
Jul. 7: Nunawading S. - Knox R.
Jul. 8: Knox R. - NW Tasmania
Jul. 8: Albury W.B. - Canberra G.

WARATAH

Jul. 7: Sydney C. - Colonial Hotel
Jul. 7: Sutherland S. - Newcastle H.
Jul. 7: Manly Warr. - Cent.Coast C.
Jul. 7: Illawarra H. - Hills H.
Jul. 7: Norths Bears - Bankstown B.
Jul. 8: Colonial Hotel - Bankstown B.
Jul. 8: Maitland M. - Norths Bears


Hawks trial talent - by Hugh McAuliffe

The Wollongong Hawks will put some talented young hopefuls through their paces on Wednesday when they hold their annual scrimmages for places on the teams roster.

The Hawks will be trailing 25 players from around the country during the scrimmages at their training facility at The Snakepit.

NBL hopefuls will be attending from Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra representing clubs in the NSW Waratah League and the national SEABL competition.

Participants include Tom Daly (Sturt Sabres), Shaun Gleeson (Ipswich Force), Reggie Larry (Ballarat Miners), and Auryn Macmillan (Kilsyth Cobras).

Larry, who is a teammate of Hawks star Tim Coenraad at Ballarat and joined the Miners from NBA D-League team the Idaho Stampede, said he desperately wanted to earn a spot on an NBL roster.

I want to play NBL because this is the top of the top in Australia it doesnt matter who I play for, I just want to play in a team, Larry told The Courier newspaper recently.

This is the third year in row the Hawks have held similar trials, with the club confirming it plans to retain the tryouts as part of an annual talent search.

Wollongong currently have one or two roster spots remaining to be filled.

The Hawks opening game of the 2012/13 iiNet NBL Championship season tips off on Friday 5th October with the Hawks taking on the Sydney Kings at WIN Entertainment Centre.


U17 World Championship: Australia survive double-overtime marathon against Egypt - by Eurobasket News

Australia U17 - Egypt U17 88:73 (2OT)

Australia clinched the third win in Kaunas. They topped South Korea in double-overtime thriller to improve at 3-1 record. Dante Exum (193-PG-95) scored 23 points to lead the Aussies. Egypt fell at 0-4 record after the loss.
Australia got to a strong start. They ensured a 24:16 lead ten minutes into the game. Egypt limited South Korea to 6 points in the second quarter to pull in front. The African team secured a 35:30 halftime lead. Australia retained the advantage in the third frame. They surged ahead for a 52:48 advantage at the third break. Egypt led by five points with just over two minutes remaining. The Aussies capped regulation with five straight points to level things up at 63. Egypt led throughout the first overtime but Australia drew things level and forced the second overtime. The Aussies went on a 15:0 run in the second extra period to seal the victory at the end. Mirko Djeric (191-PG-95) provided 22 points, 8 assists and 4 boards for Australia. Felix Kalau Van Hofe (195-SF-95) had 16 points in the winning case. Ehab Amin (185-G-95) answered with 23 points for Egypt. Moataz Hosny (201-C-95) netted 16 points in the loss.

Australia U17: Dante Exum 23, Mirko Djeric 22, Felix Kalau Van Hofe 16
Egypt U17: Ehab Amin 23, Moataz Hosny 16


Gold Coast Blaze in limbo as investor funds fail - by Eurobasket News

The Gold Coast Blaze will this morning make a last-ditch sweep of the city in a desperate bid to find a financial backer after a mystery white knight investor could not come up with the funds to keep the club alive yesterday.

The club was on life support last night after directors were left stunned when representatives for the backer, who they have been in talks with for several months, informed them an "eight-figure" sum was not available yet.

Those funds were to be derived from a major international business transaction but they had not cleared.

As it stood last night the Blaze did not have an investor to keep the club afloat.

The club now has until July 13 for the white knight to come up with the funds or to find a new investor.

Team co-owner Owen Tomlinson late last night made a plea to the city.

"We need some help. Whether it be a big high-profile figure or whether it be a group of smaller everyday people. We need some assistance to keep the club afloat," he said.

"We are open to all suggestions."

Coach Joey Wright (agency: Warren Sports International) was left to inform players last night of the major setback. Both he and the Tomlinson family conceded their four remaining contracted players would now look elsewhere.

The Tomlinson family has pumped $12 million into the Blaze since the club's inception, but say they are no longer in a position to provide the capital to keep the club afloat.

Tomlinson said he had not given up hope of finding an investor in the next 10 days.

"We are hopeful that we can find someone. We have a few numbers that we will ring first thing and see if that can lead to something," he said. "We certainly won't stop trying.
We are a family club, we've always wanted to give the city a basketball team but we can't do it on our own any more. Hopefully there is someone out there."

An angry Tomlinson said the club's predicament proved they had not put the venture into administration to avoid paying ex-coach Brendan Joyce, who a Supreme Court ruled had been sacked unfairly.

"People thought we'd just come back bigger and better, but that was a load of rubbish, we didn't intend to screw anyone over," he said.

Boomer Mark Worthington is understood to have already told club bosses he will not return regardless of whether the club remains afloat.

The Adelaide 36ers are understood to have expressed interest in all four players. The Melbourne Tigers, Wollongong Hawks and New Zealand Breakers have also held off finalising rosters in case Blaze players become available.

Adam Gibson, Anthony Petrie and Chris Goulding have all told their agents to inform clubs they are on the market.

Players were last night angry they had been kept in the dark over proceedings and no longer had staunch loyalty to the club.

Courtesy of www.goldcoast.com.au


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  BELARUS   


Stefan Petkovic joins Minsk-2006 - by Eurobasket News

Stefan Petkovic (186-G-92) will continue his career in Belarus. The guard signed a deal with Minsk-2006. The contract is meant for three seasons. Stefan Petkovic spent his entire career in Benetton Fribourg. Last season the guard notched 10.4 points, 3.9 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in LNA. He earned Eurobasket.com All-Swiss LNA Honourable Mention. Eurobasket.com named Stefan Petkovic All-Swiss LNA Most Improved Player of the Year in 2010. He also made it into LNA All-Domestic Players Team in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Stefan Petkovic was the member of U16, U18 Swiss National Teams. He debuted for the Swiss National Team in 2009.


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  BELGIUM   


Oostende Roster News - by Peter Buyse

Telenet Oostende is slowly building to keep its championship team together. A couple of days ago they signed American forward Brent Wright (203-F/C-78, college: Florida) to a 2 year deal through the 2013-2014 season. With this latest signing they show their intention to keep the roster nucleus together which led them to the Belgian title.
In late June they already reached agreements with 4 other players from the 2011-2012 team.
Dragisa Drobnjak (200-F-77) was signed to a one year contract, Dusan Katnic (193-G-89) will also be on next season's roster. Veselin Petrovic (196-G/F-77) still under contract saw his contract extended for the 13-14 season. Quentin Serron (190-G-90) will be on the Oostende team through the 14-15 season.


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  BOSNIA   


Mirza Teletovic agrees to terms with the Brooklyn Nets! - by Chris Mathieu

Mirza Teletovic (6'9''-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) agrees to terms with the Brooklyn Nets!
The newest franchise in the NBA the Brooklyn Nets continued their big offseason shopping spree by coming to agreement with power forward Mirza Teletovic.
Mirza dominated Spain as the best power forward in Europe and was eager to test his talent at the highest level of basketball. Mirza has developed into a complete stretch forward who can post up, come off screens and spot up and shoot the three.
Mirza agreed to a 2 million euro buyout to come to the NBA and will sign a 3 year 15.75 million dollar contract with the Nets. He has agreed to the full mid-level exception available to the team. Mirza, given the opportunity to play and adjust should round into a very solid scoring four in the NBA, even if he comes off the bench as a sixth man.


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  BRAZIL   

Standings - Paulista, Carioca, Minas G. leagues

Paulista Standings
 1. Rio Claro 16-4 
 2. Metodista/S.B. 15-5 
 3. America 13-6 
 4. Inter Santos 13-7 
 5. Suzano 13-7 
 6. UNIFADRA 11-8 
 7. Sao Caetano 11-9 
 8. Jacarei 11-9 
 9. Abdala 4-16 
 10. Americana 2-18 
 11. Taubate 0-20 

Regular Season: Round 26

Jul. 1: UNIFADRA - Abdala 84-56
Jun. 30: Sao Caetano - Rio Claro 84-100
Jun. 30: Americana - Inter Santos 74-94
Jul. 1: Jacarei - Metodista/S.B. 60-64
Jun. 28: Metodista/S.B. - America 100-78


Flamengo add Marquinhos, Olivinha and Shilton - by Paulo Freire

The Clube de Regatas do Flamengo club is looking for a totally rebuild on their roster. the new head coach Jose Neto will put a new group of players together.
The managers of the team has agreed with Marquinhos Vieira (207-F-84), Olivinha Rodriguez (202-F-83) and Shilton Santos (198-F/C-82).
Marquinhos and Olivinha come from Pinheiros where they have spend the last seasons, Olivinha is back to Clube de Regatas do Flamengo the club that put him on the map as he played there as a young and also start his professional career.
Shilton came from Joinville, where he spend a lot of years as a captain of the team, he was a especial request of coach Jose Neto who worked with him in Joinville. Clube de Regatas do Flamengo is also looking forward to sign Kojo Mensah (185-PG-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duquesne) another player request by coach Jose Neto who played last season in Joinville.




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  CANADA   


U17 World Championship: Spain celebrate third win in Group B - by Eurobasket News

Spain U17 - Canada U17 83:62

Spain earned the third win in Group B at the U17 World Championship in Kaunas. They fired past Canada at the start of the fourth day of action. Alberto Abalde (200-SF-95) came up with 21 points to lead the winners.
Spain and Canada stayed close throughout the starting quarter. The scoreboard read 20:20 at the end of the opening frame. Spain gradually pulled in front in the second term. They accumulated a 38:33 halftime lead. The European team cleared off in the third quarter. They unloaded 24 points to ensure a 16-point lead at the final intermission. Spain stayed on fire in the final quarter and raced to the victory at the end. Agusti Sans (195-SG-95) and Marcos Portalez (201-F-95) accounted for 14 points each for Spain. Marial Shayok (196-SG-95) responded with 17 points for Canada. Tyrell Bellot-Green (198-G/F-95) had 10 points as the North American team fell at 2-2 record.

Spain U17: Alberto Abalde 21, Agusti Sans 14, Marcos Portalez 14
Canada U17: Marial Shayok 17, Tyrell Bellot-Green 10


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  CENTRAL AFRICA   


Michael Mokongo returns to Cyprus - by Eurobasket News

Michael Mokongo (180-PG-86) is back to Cypriot team APOEL Nicosia. The player signed a deal for the next season. He already played for APOEL in 2009/10. Mokongo spent last season with Roanne averaging 2.8 points and 1.6 assists for 28 games in ProA. He had almost the same numbers for 12 games in EuroChallenge.
Michael Mokongo split 2010/11 season between Ourense and Breogan. With Breogan he had 5.4 ppg and 2.7 apg for 20 games in LEB Gold. Before that, he collected 12.9 ppg, 2.5 apg and 2.5 apg for 19 games with Ourense in the same league. In the past, Mokongo played for Cholet, Gravelines, Banvit, Capo dOrlando and Chalon. He played for the Central African National Team at AfroBasket in Madagascar last summer. For 5 games at this event Mokongo collected 11.4 ppg, 5 apg, 3 rpg and 2.4 spg.


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  CHILE   


International friendly games for the NT - by Daniel Valencia

The chilean National Team will play two friendly tournaments in Argentina and Brazil. This will be a great chance for the chilean players to face NBA and European talent in Manu Ginobili, Pablo Prigioni and Thiago Splitter among others.

This is the roster for both tournaments.

Evandro Arteaga (178-G-83)
Javier Barra
Francisco Bravo (174-G-87)
Samuel Bravo (194-F-82)
Erik Carrasco (181-PG-83)
Jose Ignacio Collao (194-F/G-87)
Cristobal Infante (201-C-88)
Gerardo Isla (200-F/C-91)
Osven Ledezma (202-C-90)
Eduardo Sepulveda (186-G-86)
Jorge Schuler (199-F-87)
Sebastian Suarez (189-F-91)


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  CHINA   


China Edges Czech Republic 71-68 in U-17 Tourney - by Arthur Volbert

As I said after the opening game against Egypt, the FIBA U-17 tournament could get very interesting. It got a whole lot more interesting today as China edged the Czech Republic 71-68.

The Asian Championship team showed up again today. Actually it showed up in the first, second and fourth quarters but disappeared in the third. China trailed 17-15 after one quarter but outscored the Czechs 23-13 in the second quarter to take a 38-30 halftime lead. Then the preliminary game team showed up in the third quarter and was outscored 32-15 by the Czechs and China trailed 62-53. But in the fourth quarter the Chinese showed up with a team that seemed capable of winning a medal and which destroyed the Czechs 18-6.

Zhao JiWei (185-G-95) led China with 20 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals and looks more and more like China's point guard of the future. Zhou Qi played an Anthony Davis type game, scoring only 10 points but grabbing 15 rebounds and blocking 5 shots. Han Delong scored 13 and looks like he could be a future player on the National Team. Liu Bo scored only 2 points but grabbed 8 rebounds, playing like a true power forward. Heng Yifeng had 8 points and 5 rebounds. Guo Xiaopeng scored 7 and Wang Zhengbo had 6.

Because of its inconsistency it is very difficult to predict where this team will finish in the tournament. It is likely to lose to the USA tomorrow and finish third in its group with a 3-2 record. It will face an opponent in the quarterfinals that it can possibly defeat. However, if the team that played the fourth quarter today shows up for all four quarters tomorrow, it could possibly defeat the USA.



Link to box score:

http://kaunas2012.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/12/fu17wc/men/p/eid/6228/gid/10/grid/A/rid/9024/sid/6228/game.html




U17 World Championship: China edge Czech Republic - by Eurobasket News

China U17 - Czech Republic 71:68

Chinese U17 National Team celebrated the third win at the World Championship in Kaunas. They held off Czech Republic in a roller-coaster game today. Zhao JiWei (185-G-95) came up with 20 points to pace the Asian side.
Czech Republic led by two points after the opening quarter 17:15. But China turned things around in the second period. The Asian team stepped on the gas to clear off to a 38:30 halftime advantage. Czech Republic denied the deficit midway through the third term. Radovan Kouril (185-PG-95) put Czech Republic in front 52:50. Czech team capped the quarter with a 10:0 run to gain a 62:53 lead. Czech Republic opened an 11-point advantage 64:53 early in the final quarter. China reacted with a 16:2 rally of their own to take a 69:66 lead with just over two minutes remaining. Zhao JiWei accounted for two free throws late in regulation to seal the victory for China at the end. Han Delong (194-F-95) posted 13 points, while Zhou Qi (216-C-96) added 10 points and 15 rebounds in the victory. Radovan Kouril had 20 points for Czech Republic. Jiri Soula (189-PG-95) and Adam Pechacek (207-C-95) had 11 points apiece in the loss.

China U17: Zhao JiWei 20, Han Delong 13, Zhou Qi 10+15 boards
Czech Republic U17: Radovan Kouril 20, Jiri Soula 11, Adam Pechacek 11


NBL Round 1 of Quarter-Finals - by Eurobasket News

Changan Group - Hebei 89-79

Changan Group took the lead in the quarterfinal series as they beat Hebei at home court. The game was mostly controlled by Changan Group. Hebei was better in third quarter 26-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Changan Group forced 27 Hebei turnovers. Strangely Hebei outrebounded Changan Group 47-32 including 17 on the offensive glass. Hebei was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. American forward Joseph Taylor (203-85, college: Wyoming) nailed a double-double by scoring 21 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side and center JunQi Jiang (202-90) accounted for 22 points. Four Changan Group players scored in double figures. Changan Group's coach MingZhu Pu allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American forward Bryan Davis (206-86, college: Texas A&M, agency: N.E.T.) came up with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 22 rebounds and guard ZhiTong Yin (195-86) added 16 points respectively for Hebei in the defeat.
Top scorers:
Hebei: D.Bryan 25+22reb+1ast, Y.ZhiTong 16+3reb+1ast, W.Jian 10+9reb, L.YiDing 8+2reb, Y.TingYu 7+4reb, Z.ZhenHu 6+3reb
Changan Group: J.JunQi 22+4reb+1ast, T.Joseph 21+14reb+4ast, R.XiaTi 14+4reb, S.Jian 13+3ast, G.Yan 8+3reb+3ast, Y.BoWen 5+2reb+2ast
gschID: 178270


Heilongjiang - Jiangsu 84-90

Jiangsu surprised Heilongjiang on the road in the series opener. The guests trailed by 2 points after three quarters before their 27-19 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Nigerian center Jeleel Akindele (216-83, college: Chicago St.) fired a double-double by scoring 18 points, 17 rebounds, 4 assists and 6 steals for the winners. Guard XianLing Sun (190-89) chipped in 18 points and 6 rebounds. Five Jiangsu players scored in double figures. American power forward Rashaun Freeman (206-84, college: Massachusetts) produced a double-double by scoring 27 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks and forward Xu Liu (201-85) added 20 points and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Heilongjiang: F.Rashaun 27+12reb+4ast, L.Xu 20+3reb+4ast, Y.Gang 9+4reb, J.Ming 7+8reb+5ast, Z.JunXiong 7+3reb+2ast, L.JinYang 5+5reb
Jiangsu: A.Jeleel 18+17reb+4ast, F.Xin 18+4reb+1ast, S.XianLing 18+6reb+2ast, F.Hui 10+1reb+2ast, W.YanQing 10+3reb+2ast, M.Zhuang 8+2reb+1ast
gschID: 178271


Nanjin Army - Guangzhou L. 86-103

Guangzhou fired past Nanjin Army away from home. The game without a history. Guangzhou L. led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. 29 personal fouls committed by Nanjin Army helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American center Brandon Crump (208-82, college: Tennessee) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 12 points and 13 rebounds. Forward Jing Wang (197-78) contributed with 20 points (made all of his eight free throws) for the winners. Forward Dong Li (200-89) answered with 13 points and 5 rebounds and forward LiPeng An (199-90) added 17 points in the effort for Nanjin Army. Five Guangzhou L. and four Nanjin Army players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest.
Top scorers:
Nanjin Army: A.LiPeng 17+1reb, L.Dong 13+5reb+1ast, F.ChengLin 11+5reb+2ast, W.Chen 10+6reb, D.QinShuo 8+4reb+3ast, T.JiaFu 7+2reb
Guangzhou L.: W.Jing 20+3reb+3ast, L.XiangTao 16+3reb+1ast, T.Chao 13+4reb+6ast, J.Lei 13+6reb+1ast, C.Brandon 12+13reb+2ast, C.DaWei 11+8reb
gschID: 178268


Sichuan - Guangzhou FM 82-75

Sichuan secured the opening win in the quarterfinal series versus Guangzhou FM. The visitors trailed by 12 points at halftime and as many as 18 after three quarters before a 26-15 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 75-82 at the end of the game. Sichuan outrebounded Guangzhou FM 54-41 including 39 on the defensive glass. American power forward Palmer David (206-F/C-86, college: N.Kentucky) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 31 points and 19 rebounds for the winners and center XiaoDong Chen (207-86) chipped in 23 points and 13 rebounds. At the losing side American forward Walter Sharpe (206-86, college: UAB, agency: Two Points) responded with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 13 rebounds and guard SongWei Wu (192-79) scored 19 points.
Top scorers:
Guangzhou FM: S.Walter 26+13reb+3ast, W.SongWei 19+3reb+3ast, Y.Liang 10+2reb, L.DaPeng 8+6reb+1ast, D.JunJiang 6+3reb+1ast, Y.KaiFu 2+3reb+4ast
Sichuan: P.David 31+19reb+1ast, C.XiaoDong 23+13reb+1ast, W.YingLiang 7+3reb+2ast, H.XiaoBin 6+6reb+1ast, D.ChengLong 6+5reb+3ast, C.Ma 4+3reb
gschID: 178269



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


U17 World Championship: Croatia hold off Lithuania - by Eurobasket News

Croatia U17 - Lithuania U17 82:78

Croatia registered the fourth straight win at the U17 World Championship. They held off the hosts tonight to stay undefeated on top of Group B. Lithuania fell at 1-3 record.
Croatia jumped to an early lead and posted a 21:17 advantage after ten minutes. Lithuania cut the deficit in the second quarter and trailed by a single point at halftime 38:37. Croatia gradually cleared off in the third term. They secured a 7-point lead with one period remaining 58:51. Lithuania fired 27 points in the fourth frame trying to avoid the loss. But Croatia withstood the challenge and snatched a tough win at the end. Karlo Zganec (205-C/F-95) knocked down 20 points and grabbed 19 rebounds for Croatia. Tomislav Gabric (202-F-95) added 18 points in the victory. Haroldas Saprykinas (188-G-95) answered with 23 points for Lithuania. Edvinas Seskus (192-SF-95) had 14 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Croatia U17: Karlo Zganec 20+19 boards, Tomislav Gabric 18, Marko Arapovic (207-C/F-96) 13
Lithuania U17: Haroldas Saprykinas 23, Edvinas Seskus 14


Croatian National Team: Jasmin Repesa cuts list to 15 - by Eurobasket News

Jasmin Repesa (agency: World Sport Agency ) cut 9 players from the Croatian National Team. The news list has 15 candidates which will start preparation for the 2013 EuroBasket Qualification.

1. Roko-Leni Ukic (196-G-84)
2. Rok Stipcevic (185-PG-86)
3. Marko Car (188-SG-85)
4. Krunoslav Simon (197-F-85, agency: Beo Basket)
5. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-G/F-89)
6. Fran Pilepic (192-G-89)
7. Damir Markota (210-C/F-85)
8. Luksa Andric (210-C-85, agency: Beo Basket)
9. Luka Zoric (211-C/F-84)
10. Goran Suton (209-C-85, college: Michigan St.)
11. Stanko Barac (217-C-86)
12. Damjan Rudez (206-F-86)
13. Ivan Ramljak (203-F-90)
14. Luka Babic (200-F-91)
15. Pavle Marcinkovic (197-G-89)

Croatia is placed to Group C of the Qualifications. Participants of the same group are also Ukraine, Austria, Cyprus and Hungary. Qualifications start on August 14, but Croatia will be free in the first round. They will host Cyprus on August 18 in Makarska. After that, Croatia goes to Ukraine and on August 24 will host Hungary. Than Croatia will play two road games against Austria and Cyprus. Each team from this pool will play eight games. Two best teams will book a spot for the 2013 EuroBasket in Slovenia. Also four best third ranked teams of all six groups will advance.


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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


U17 World Championship: China edge Czech Republic - by Eurobasket News

China U17 - Czech Republic 71:68

Chinese U17 National Team celebrated the third win at the World Championship in Kaunas. They held off Czech Republic in a roller-coaster game today. Zhao JiWei (185-G-95) came up with 20 points to pace the Asian side.
Czech Republic led by two points after the opening quarter 17:15. But China turned things around in the second period. The Asian team stepped on the gas to clear off to a 38:30 halftime advantage. Czech Republic denied the deficit midway through the third term. Radovan Kouril (185-PG-95) put Czech Republic in front 52:50. Czech team capped the quarter with a 10:0 run to gain a 62:53 lead. Czech Republic opened an 11-point advantage 64:53 early in the final quarter. China reacted with a 16:2 rally of their own to take a 69:66 lead with just over two minutes remaining. Zhao JiWei accounted for two free throws late in regulation to seal the victory for China at the end. Han Delong (194-F-95) posted 13 points, while Zhou Qi (216-C-96) added 10 points and 15 rebounds in the victory. Radovan Kouril had 20 points for Czech Republic. Jiri Soula (189-PG-95) and Adam Pechacek (207-C-95) had 11 points apiece in the loss.

China U17: Zhao JiWei 20, Han Delong 13, Zhou Qi 10+15 boards
Czech Republic U17: Radovan Kouril 20, Jiri Soula 11, Adam Pechacek 11


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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Olympic Qualifying Tournament: Dominican Republic tame South Korea - by Eurobasket News

Dominican Republic - South Korea 95:85

Dominican Republic earned the first win at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Caracas. They overcame South Korea in Group C. Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida) came up with 30 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort.
South Korea had their backs against the wall heading into the game. With the loss in the starting game South Korea surged ahead in this one. They eked out a 19:17 lead ten minutes into the encounter. The Asian team maintained the advantage throughout the second frame. They secured a 41:37 halftime lead. Dominican Republic answered with a scoring spree in the third quarter. Led by Alfred Horford Dominican Republic unleashed 34 points and secured a 6-point advantage heading into the fourth frame. They dropped 24 points in the final quarter and sealed the victory at the end. Jack Michael Martinez (201-F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) finished with 16 points and 25 rebounds, while Francisco Garcia (201-F/G-81, college: Louisville) added 13 points for the winners. Sandrin Eric (206-C/F-78, college: Seattle Pacific) answered with 21 points for South Korea. Kim Sung-Hyun (190-G/F-80) tallied 14 points in the loss.

Dominican Republic: Alfred Horford 30+12 boards, Jack Michael Martinez 16+25 boards, Francisco Garcia 13
South Korea: Sandrin Eric 21, Kim Sung-Hyun 14


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  EGYPT   


U17 World Championship: Australia survive double-overtime marathon against Egypt - by Eurobasket News

Australia U17 - Egypt U17 88:73 (2OT)

Australia clinched the third win in Kaunas. They topped South Korea in double-overtime thriller to improve at 3-1 record. Dante Exum (193-PG-95) scored 23 points to lead the Aussies. Egypt fell at 0-4 record after the loss.
Australia got to a strong start. They ensured a 24:16 lead ten minutes into the game. Egypt limited South Korea to 6 points in the second quarter to pull in front. The African team secured a 35:30 halftime lead. Australia retained the advantage in the third frame. They surged ahead for a 52:48 advantage at the third break. Egypt led by five points with just over two minutes remaining. The Aussies capped regulation with five straight points to level things up at 63. Egypt led throughout the first overtime but Australia drew things level and forced the second overtime. The Aussies went on a 15:0 run in the second extra period to seal the victory at the end. Mirko Djeric (191-PG-95) provided 22 points, 8 assists and 4 boards for Australia. Felix Kalau Van Hofe (195-SF-95) had 16 points in the winning case. Ehab Amin (185-G-95) answered with 23 points for Egypt. Moataz Hosny (201-C-95) netted 16 points in the loss.

Australia U17: Dante Exum 23, Mirko Djeric 22, Felix Kalau Van Hofe 16
Egypt U17: Ehab Amin 23, Moataz Hosny 16


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  EUROCUP   

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Ramel CURRY
  BC Donetsk
  (192-G-80)
  Avg: 16.4
 1. Curry, BC Donetsk16.4 
 2. Massey, Lokomotiv15.9 
 3. Traore, Lokomotiv15.3 
 4. Simmons, CEZ N.15.1 
 5. Seibutis, Lietuv.14.8 
 6. Wood, ALBA14.2 
 7. Beverley, Spart.13.8 
 8. Caner-Medley, Vale.13.5 
 9. Davis, Banvit BK13.1 
 10. Loncar, Khimky12.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jeremiah MASSEY
  Lokomotiv
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 8.4
 1. Massey, Lokomotiv8.4 
 2. Valanciunas, Lietu.7.6 
 3. Traore, Lokomotiv7.1 
 4. Caner-Medley, Vale.6.4 
 5. Roberts, Lietuvos.6.4 
 6. Radenovic, BC Do.6.0 
 7. Pumprla, CEZ N.5.9 
 8. Kerusch, Aris5.8 
 9. Kavaliauskas, VEF5.8 
 10. Muldrow, Aris5.7 
Assists Per Game
 DaShaun WOOD
  ALBA
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 5.4
 1. Wood, ALBA5.4 
 2. Halperin, Spart.5.2 
 3. Planinic, Khimky4.9 
 4. Rice, Lietuvos.4.7 
 5. Ermis, Banvit BK4.5 
 6. Markovic, Valencia4.2 
 7. Lawrence, CEZ N.4.2 
 8. Becirovic, Benetto.4.0 
 9. De Colo, Valencia3.7 
 10. Beverley, Spart.3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Patrick BEVERLEY
  Spart.
  (185-PG-88)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Beverley, Spart.2.1 
 2. Ermis, Banvit BK1.9 
 3. Davis, Banvit BK1.8 
 4. Albicy, Gravelines1.8 
 5. Pumprla, CEZ N.1.8 
 6. Weaver, ALBA1.6 
 7. De Colo, Valencia1.6 
 8. Caner-Medley, Vale.1.6 
 9. Massey, Lokomotiv1.6 
 10. Claver, Valencia1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Sam MULDROW
  Aris
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Muldrow, Aris2.3 
 2. Kravtsov, BC Do.1.7 
 3. Naymick, CEZ N.1.6 
 4. Valanciunas, Lietu.1.6 
 5. Armstrong, AS.1.3 
 6. Issa, Gravelines1.1 
 7. Likhodey, Spart.0.9 
 8. Vaty, Gravelines0.8 
 9. Monya, Khimky0.8 
 10. Traore, Lokomotiv0.8 



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  EUROLEAGUE   

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Bo MCCALEBB
  Montepas.
  (183-PG-85)
  Avg: 16.9
 1. McCalebb, Montepa.16.9 
 2. Spanoulis, Olympia.16.7 
 3. Mallet, Spirou16.6 
 4. Weems, Zalgiris15.5 
 5. Domercant, Unics15.5 
 6. Carroll, Real Madr.14.2 
 7. Krstic, CSKA14.2 
 8. Kirilenko, CSKA14.1 
 9. Hairston, Armani M.13.9 
 10. Vujacic, Anadolu13.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Andrei KIRILENKO
  CSKA
  (206-F-81)
  Avg: 7.5
 1. Kirilenko, CSKA7.5 
 2. Freeland, Unicaja6.7 
 3. Bourousis, Armani6.4 
 4. Reyes, Real Madrid6.3 
 5. Andersen, Montepa.6.2 
 6. Zoric, Unicaja6.1 
 7. Veremeenko, Unics6.0 
 8. Fischer, Gescrap BB5.9 
 9. Savanovic, Anadolu5.6 
 10. Jankunas, Zalgiris5.6 
Assists Per Game
 Omar-Sharif COOK
  Armani Mit
  (186-PG-82)
  Avg: 5.7
 1. Cook, Armani Mit5.7 
 2. Rodriguez, Real M.5.4 
 3. Teodosic, CSKA5.0 
 4. Diamantidis, Panat.4.8 
 5. Tunceri, Anadolu4.5 
 6. Huertas, FCB Regal4.4 
 7. Spanoulis, Olympia.4.0 
 8. Jackson, Gescrap3.9 
 9. Kalnietis, Zalgiris3.7 
 10. Khryapa, CSKA3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Jamon Lukas GORDON
  Galatasaray
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Gordon, Galatasaray1.9 
 2. Kirilenko, CSKA1.5 
 3. Diamantidis, Panat.1.5 
 4. Ohayon, Maccabi1.4 
 5. Gist, Fener.Ulker1.3 
 6. McCalebb, Montepa.1.3 
 7. Calathes, Panathin.1.2 
 8. Green, Spirou1.2 
 9. Mallet, Spirou1.2 
 10. Eidson, FCB Regal1.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrei KIRILENKO
  CSKA
  (206-F-81)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Kirilenko, CSKA1.9 
 2. Begic, Real Madrid1.7 
 3. Riddick, Spirou1.6 
 4. Hendrix, Maccabi1.3 
 5. Ndong, FCB Regal1.1 
 6. Hines, Olympiacos1.1 
 7. Fischer, Gescrap BB1.1 
 8. Vazquez, FCB Regal1.0 
 9. Zoric, Unicaja0.9 
 10. Barac, Anadolu E.0.9 


Anadolu Efes lands Semih Erden to 2+1 year contract - by Eurobasket News

Semih Erden (211-C-87) is a new member of Anadolu Efes. The Turkish center penned a 2+1 year deal with the club. He finished last season with Cleveland Cavaliers. Erden averaged 3.5 points and 2.6 rebounds for 28 games in the NBA. The player started last season with Besiktas and stayed there until the end of the NBA lockout. For 6 games in TBL Erden had 9.2 ppg and 6 rpg. The center collected 12 ppg and 8.3 rpg for 3 games in EuroChallenge.
Semih Erden split 2010/11 season between Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavs. With the Cavs he had 3.3 ppg and 2.8 rpg in 4 games, while with the Celtics Erden registered 3.5 pg and 2.6 rpg. In the past, Erden spent few years with Fenerbahce Ulker and he also has experience from Partizan Belgrade. Semih Erden helped Turkish National Team to win the Silver at 2010 World Championship. He had 9.1 ppg and 4.6 rpg for 9 games at this event.


Rudy Fernandez back to Real Madrid - by Giorgos Diploidis

Rudy Fernandez (198-G/F-85) returns to Real Madrid for the following three years. The Spanish national player announced the news by using his personal account in twitter. So the rumors that he will be back in Europe that time for permanent became official. Fernandez anticipated the Spanish team which hasn't already confirmed the news. So Rudy after his passing from Denver Nuggets will be again resident of Madrid.

The last period in Madrid Fernandez had 16.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.7apg, 2.4spg in 9 matches, while in NBA had 8.6ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg in 31.


Malik Hairston signs 2-year contract extension with Milano - by Eurobasket News

As expected, Malik Hairston (198-G-87, college: Oregon) stays with EA7 Emporio Armani Milano. The player had offers from CSKA Moscow, Regal Barcelona and Fenerbahce, but at the end he made a decision to stay with Milano signing a 2-year contract extension. Hairston arrived to Milano last summer. For 12 Euroleague games with them he had 13.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 1.5 apg. In SerieA the player added 12.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 1.9 apg for 33 games. The player was awarded with Eurobasket.com Italian SerieA All-Imports Team -12 and Eurobasket.com All-Italian SerieA 2nd Team -12, while Milano reached Playoff Finals. Malik Hairston won the SerieA title with Montepaschi in 2011. He helped them with 10.3 ppg and 2.7 rpg for 23 games. In the past, Hairston played for San Antonio Spurs and Austin Toros. He graduated at the University of Oregon in 2008.
EA7 Emporio Armani Milano already signed deals with Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas), Richard Hendrix and David Chiotti (205-F/C-84, agency: Court Side, college: N.Mexico).
David Chiotti spent three seasons at Casale Monferrato helping the team getting to the lega A two years ago and then gave a great contribution last season at his first appearence in the first italian league with 9 ppg and 7 rpg. Chiotti was born at Palo Alto California but has got an italian passport, is a center and his skills allow him to play also at spot 4. After releasing Mason Rocca Milano should have completed its roster under the boards with this deal.
Keith Langford parted ways with Maccabi Tel Aviv recently. He joined them at the beginning of the last season. He appeared 20 times in Euroleague averaging 10.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists. The player also added 14.2 ppg, 4 rpg and 3.2 apg for 22 games in Israeli Premier league. He helped the club to win the championship title and was named Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Guard of the Year -12. Langford and Maccabi also won the Adriatic league title and Israeli Cup last season. In Adriatic league the player had 11.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 1.8 spg for 19 games. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Adriatic League Finals MVP -12. Before Maccabi, Keith Langford played for Khimky Moscow and La Fortezza Bologna.


Montepaschi Siena tab Daniel Hackett - by Eurobasket News

Montepaschi Siena announced the signing of Daniel Hackett (198-G-87, agency: Two Points, college: USC). The guard inked a two-year deal with the Italian champions. Last season Daniel Hackett played for Scavolini Pesaro. The guard notched 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.4 steals per game in SeriaA. Hackett led Pesaro to the SeriaA semis as well as Italian Cup semifinals. Eurobasket.com named the guard All-Italian SeriaA Domestic Player of the Year. Daniel Hackett played for Benetton Treviso after graduating from UCS. The guard made it into Italian SeriaA All-Domestic Players Team in 2011 and 2012. He has been the member of Italian National Team since 2009. He also played for Italian U20 National Team.


Anadolu Efes extends Kerem Gonlum until 2014 - by Eurobasket News

Anadolu Efes has reached a new agreement with power forward Kerem Gonlum (208-C/F-77), who re-signed his contract until the end of the 2013-14 season, the club announced Tuesday. It means that Gonlum will play his eighth season with the club. He missed half of the 2011/12 due to injury. Gonlum returned to the court at the end of February. He played 26 games in TBL averaging 7.3 points and 4.8 rebounds, while Anadolu Efes reached Playoff Finals. Gonlum played only one Euroleague game for the team last season.
Anadolu Efes arrived to Efes in 2005. Before that, the player spent six years with Ulker Istanbul. He started pro career with TED Kolejliler. Gonlum played for the Turkish National Team more than 10 years. He helped them win the Silver at 2010 World Championship in Turkey.


Greens sign 2-year deal with NT player Michael Bramos - by Eurobasket News

Michael Bramos (196-G/F-87, college: Miami, OH) is a new player of Panathinaikos Athens. He arrives from Gran Canaria, where he had 9.3 ppg and 2.7 rpg in 34 Liga Endesa games last season. In EuroCup, Bramos averaged 5.1 points and 2.4 rebounds. He played for Granca also in 2010/11.
Michael Bramos played for DASH Peristeri Athens in 2009/10 season. For 26 games in A1 league he collected 8.9 ppg and 2.2 rpg. The player graduated at Miami University, Ohio three years ago. He shined with 17.9 ppg and 4.1 rpg for 30 games in his senior season with the school. For his performance, Bramos was awarded with AP NCAA All-America Honorable Mention -09, MAC Player of the Year -09 and of course All-MAC 1st Team -09.
Michael Bramos is active member of the Greek National Team. He had 4.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 1 apg for 11 games at the 2011 EuroBasket in Lithuania.


*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   

Div.C Standings

Standings
Group A
1. Moldova1-0
2. Andorra1-0
3. Gibraltar0-2
Group B
1. Malta2-0
2. Scotland1-1
3. San Marino.1-1
4. Wales0-2

Regular Season: Round 2

A

Jul. 3: GIB - AND 47-96

B

Jul. 3: SCO - SMR 71-68
Jul. 3: WAL - MLT 51-81

Regular Season: Round 3

A

Jul. 4: AND - MDA

B

Jul. 4: SCO - WAL
Jul. 4: SMR - MLT


European Championship for Small Countries. Day 2 - by Eurobasket News

Group A
Andorra - Gibraltar 96:47
Andorra posted the first win at the European Championship for Small Countries. They defeated Gibraltar in the opener. Alberto Farfan (193-F-91) scored 14 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to lead the winners. Gibraltar fell at 0-2 record after the loss.
Andorra scored 23 points in the first frame and grabbed an 8-point lead. Andorra maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They boosted the margin to 14-point mark at halftime 42:28. Andorra left their opponents behind in the third quarter. They went on a 24:8 run and secured a 30-point advantage heading into the final quarter. Andorra did not slow down in the fourth period and sealed the victory at the end. Daniel Marin (192-SF-78) and Xavier Galera (182-PG-82) posted 12 points apiece in the victory. Sam Buxton (195-F-89) and Angel Guerrero (192-F-75) responded with 10 points each for Gibraltar.

Andorra: Alberto Farfan 14, Daniel Marin 12, Xavier Galera 12
Gibraltar: Sam Buxton 10, Angel Guerrero 10

Group B
Scotland - San Marino 71:68
Scotland earned the initial victory at the European Championship for Small Countries. They defeated hosting San Marino for 1-1 record. San Marino slipped at 1-1 record after the loss. Scott Russell (182-PG-81) notched 19 points for the winners.
Scotland built a 20:18 lead ten minutes into the game. But the hosts adjusted defensively and pulled in front for a 33:32 halftime lead. Scotland denied the deficit in the third term. The teams entered the final frame tied at 50. Scotland spurred ahead late in the regulation and held on to win the game at the end. Nicholas Collins (195-F-84) posted 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Alistair Mackay (208-C-91) added 18 points and 13 rebounds for Scotland. Andrea Raschi (198-SG-79) answered with 24 points and 11 rebounds for San Marino.

Scotland: Scott Russell 19, Alistair Mackay 18+13 boards, Nicholas Collins 17+10 boards
San Marino: Andrea Raschi 24+11 boards, Stefano Rossini (182-G/F-74) 12

Malta - Wales 81:51
Malta recorded the second straight win at the start of European Championship for Small Countries. They held off Wales to improve at 2-0 record in Group B. Samuel Deguara (223-C-91) came up with 20 points and 12 rebounds to lead the winners.
Malta jumped to a 25:14 lead at the first break. They held the Welsh team to just 7 points in the second quarter to boost the lead. Malta arrived at halftime up by 29 points 50:21. Malta cruised throughout the second half. They established a 70:33 advantage at the final break and never looked back en route to the victory. Steve Schembri (187-SF-79) posted 18 points for Malta. Christopher Pearce (195-G/F-89) answered with 13 points for Wales. Alan Duppa (198-PF-80) posted 10 points in the loss.

Malta: Samuel Deguara 20+12 boards, Steve Schembri 18, Omar Said (177-PG-80) 9
Wales: Christopher Pearce 13, Alan Duppa 10


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


Back from Serbia - by Pekka Salminen

A lot has happened after my latest blog, have not had the time to write, sorry..
But here we go!

U20 national team program started and we have already played some games.
After two weeks camp we arranged the Nordic Championships tournament. Beat Norway and Denmark, but Sweden was simply too much to handle, such a shame, especially cause my long time assistant and a good friend Stefan Bergman is their HC. Have to admit though that he has done a good job!

After the tournament it was time to celebrate the mid summer, a huge party here in Finland. so we were off for four days.

For the next camp we had a new guy: Alex Murphy joined the team and at the end of the camp we played Estonia, beating them by 18 (?), Murphy having a monster night: 36 points, 9 rebounds.
We were still a work in process, especially defensively, but we knew we had something going on.

This past week we spent in Ruma, Serbia. Participating in a good tournament.
Serbia showed us modern basketball is all about. They have great combination of size , smartness, execution and SKILLS. We played OK, but the hosts were too good, a 29 pts loss is a 29 pts loss, simple as that.

The next game was against Turkey and we started to click, our defense was great, we were hitting our shots and played as a team. Final score 86-68 , Finland winning. Beating such a quality team as Turkey is something we need to be proud of.

Last game was against Israel and they took us to school with great execution of ball screen attacks, a loss, but a valuable lesson for the future.

The tournament was a great experience, good games, valuable experience, great hospitality but most importantly a lot of great people from all the participating countries. Kiitos for everybody!

There will be one more week of camp and then it will be off to Sofia, where our main goal, European Championships / group B, will take place.

After that I will have one week of rest, then I will join the senior NT andwell lets talk about that later.

Over and out

Pekka S


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


Leo Westermann joins French NT preparations - by Eurobasket News

Leo Westermann (198-G-92, agency: Beo Basket) temporarily joined preparations of the French National Team. One of the top prospects in the country is called due to eye injury of Tony Parker (183-PG-82). Westermann left ASVEL on Sunday and yesterday he penned a 3-year deal with Serbian powerhouse Partizan Belgrade. Leo Westermann joined ASVEL two years ago from CFBB. Last season he had 8.8 ppg, 3.3 apg and 2.6 rpg for 29 games in ProA. The player also added 6 ppg, 3.6 apg and 2.2 rpg for 12 games in EuroCup. In 2010/11, Westermann had lower numbers.
Leo Westermann participated at the 2012 Nike Hoop Summit (World Team Selection) and last year he played at Adidas Eurocamp in Treviso. Westermann helped U20 France to win the Bronze at U20 EuroBasket 2011 in Spain. He had 10 ppg, 3 rpg and 2.3 apg for 9 games at this event. In the past, he very successfully played for U18 and U16 France. Last season Westermann was the winner of French ProA All-Star Game Skills Challenge.
As mentioned above, Leo Westermann participated at the 2012 Nike Hoop Summit, which was held in Portland earlier this year. He was in the starting five for the World Select Team and spent 28 minutes on the court. He had 4 points and 2 assists, while his team captured an 84-75 win over the USA Junior National Select Team.
Regarding the injury of Tony Parker: Parker was at the club when a fight broke out between musical artist Chris Brown and entourage members of hip-hop star Drake. In an interview posted on his website more than a week ago, Parker said an additional round of medical tests last week found that a shard of glass had "penetrated 99 percent" of his left eye. The injury was initially thought to be a scratched cornea. Parker said he would decide on the Olympics after consulting with a New York eye specialist July 5. France begins play July 29 against the U.S. team.


Dijon returns C Ferdinand Prenom - by Eurobasket News

Ferdinand Prenom (205-C-91) is back to Dijon after one year. The French center signed a deal for the next season. He spent the last one with Olympique Antibes averaging 10 points and 5.1 rebounds for 33 games in ProB. Prenom was named Eurobasket.com All-French ProB Most Improved Player of the Year -12. The center played for Dijon from 2008 to 2011. He had 3.1 ppg and 1.6 rpg for 20 ProB games in 2010/11. A year before that Dijon reached ProB Finals and won the promotion for ProA. Ferdinand Prenom successfully played for French youth National Teams. He helped U20 France to win the Bronze last summer at U20 EuroBsaket in Bilbao. He had 4.3 ppg and 3 rpg for 9 games at this event. Two years ago in Croatia Prenom won the Gold with U20 France. It was U20 EuroBasket and Prenom registered 5.1 ppg and 4.3 rpg for 8 games.


Michael Mokongo returns to Cyprus - by Eurobasket News

Michael Mokongo (180-PG-86) is back to Cypriot team APOEL Nicosia. The player signed a deal for the next season. He already played for APOEL in 2009/10. Mokongo spent last season with Roanne averaging 2.8 points and 1.6 assists for 28 games in ProA. He had almost the same numbers for 12 games in EuroChallenge.
Michael Mokongo split 2010/11 season between Ourense and Breogan. With Breogan he had 5.4 ppg and 2.7 apg for 20 games in LEB Gold. Before that, he collected 12.9 ppg, 2.5 apg and 2.5 apg for 19 games with Ourense in the same league. In the past, Mokongo played for Cholet, Gravelines, Banvit, Capo dOrlando and Chalon. He played for the Central African National Team at AfroBasket in Madagascar last summer. For 5 games at this event Mokongo collected 11.4 ppg, 5 apg, 3 rpg and 2.4 spg.


U17 World Championship: USA storm past France - by Eurobasket News

USA U17 - France U17 86:50

USA stayed on the winning track in Kaunas. They posted the fourth straight win at the championship. Tonight the USA rallied past France to improve at 4-0 record on top of Group A. Jahlil Okafor-Benton (6'11''-C-95) came up with 21 points and 13 rebounds to lead the winners.
USA and France stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The North American team led by just three points at the first break 16:13. But the US team gradually increased the tempo. They poured in 24 points in the second quarter to secure a 40:24 halftime lead. USA maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. Moreover they boosted the distance to 28 points at the final break 60:32. USA never looked back cruising to the victory at the end. Conner Frankamp (6'1''-G-95) and Stanley Johnson (6'6''-SG-96) delivered 12 points each for the winning team. Petr Cornelie (6'10''-C/F-95) answered with 14 points for France. Paul Rigot (6'7''-SF-95) had 11 points in the loss.

USA U17: Jahlil Okafor-Benton 21+13 boards, Conner Frankamp 12, Stanley Johnson 12+10 boards
France U17: Petr Cornelie 14, Paul Rigot 11


Sherman Gay joins ESSM Le Portel Cote dOpale - by Eurobasket Center

ESSM Le Portel Cote dOpale (ProB) signed 30-year old Jamaican-American Sherman Gay (201-PF-82, college: Loyola Mary). Gay played most recently at Fos Ouest Provence Basket (ProB). While playing 40 games for Fos Ouest last season his stats were: 14.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.2apg and 1.7bpg (2nd best in the league). He helped them to make it to the semifinals. A very impressive season as he was selected to Eurobasket.com All-French ProB Honorable Mention. Gay played also pro basketball in Hungary and Italy. He graduated Loyola Marymount University in 2004 and it will be his nineth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


ESSM Le Portel Cote dOpale lands Charles - by Eurobasket Center

ESSM Le Portel Cote dOpale (ProB) strengthened their roster with addition of 29-year old French Armand Charles (193-SF-83). Charles played most recently at Hermine Nantes Atlantique (ProB). While playing 34 games for Nantes last season he averaged 10.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.0apg and 2.5spg (2nd best in the league). He is a very experienced player.

By Eurobasket Data Center


SPO Rouen Basket adds Da Silva to their roster - by Eurobasket Center

SPO Rouen Basket (ProB) agreed terms with 33-year old naturalized Portuguese international guard Philippe Da Silva (192-G-79). Da Silva played most recently at Paris-Levallois (ProA). While playing 31 games for Paris-Levallois last season he recorded 1.9ppg, 2.6rpg and 2.3apg. He played also pro basketball in Portugal and Spain. Da Silva played for Portuguese senior national team this year. He represented Portugal at the European Championships in Lithuania last year. Da Silva played last summer at the European Championships in Lithuania representing Portugal.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Saint Vallier Basket Drome adds Booker to their roster - by Eurobasket Center

Saint Vallier Basket Drome (ProB) agreed terms with 28-year old American swingman Roy Booker (191-G/F-84, college: SE Missouri St.). Booker played most recently at Hapoel Afula (Israel). While playing 8 games for Hapoel Afula last season he recorded 17.1ppg, 2.3rpg and 3.3apg. He is a very experienced player. Booker played also pro basketball in Austria, Cyprus, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Israel, Slovakia, Syria and Turkey. He graduated Southeast Missouri State University in 2006 and it will be his seventh season in pro basketball.
At the end of 10-11 season he was selected to Asia-Basket.com All-Syrian League Honorable Mention.

By Eurobasket Data Center



Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket sign Jared Newson - by Eurobasket Center

Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket (ProB) signed 28-year old American swingman Jared Newson (195-G/F-95kg-84, college: Tenn-Martin, agency: Pro One Sports). He played most recently at Joensuun Kataja (Finland). While playing 50 games for Kataja last season his stats were: 18.0ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.3apg and 1.6spg. Newson helped them to win the cup and make to league final. A very impressive season as he was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Finnish Korisliiga 1st Team. Newson is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Australia, Finland, Germany and Poland. Newson graduated University of Tennessee at Martin in 2006 and it will be his seventh season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket sign Jessie Begarin - by Eurobasket Center

Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket (ProB) signed 24-year old swingman Jessie Begarin (190-G/F-88, agency: Court Side). Begarin played most recently at BC Souffelweyersheim (NM1). While playing 35 games for Souffel last season his stats were: 11.2ppg, 3.4rpg and 3.6apg. He helped them to end the regular season as a second best team in the league.. They advanced also to the league semifinals. Begarin played also pro basketball in Greece and Serbia. He is a former U18 and U18 international player.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Saint Vallier Basket Drome lands Craven - by Eurobasket Center

Saint Vallier Basket Drome (ProB) strengthened their roster with addition of 29-year old Ivory Coast international-Ivoirian guard Errick Craven (188-G-83, college: USC, agency: Fierce Sports Management). Craven played most recently at JA Vichy Val dAllier Auvergne basket (ProB). While playing 15 games for Vichy last season he averaged 10.7ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.7apg and 1.8spg. He helped them to make it to the final. Craven is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Turkey, Venezuela and USA. Craven graduated University of Southern California in 2005 and it will be his eighth season in pro basketball. Craven played for Ivory Coast senior national team this year. He represented Ivory Coast at the African Championships in Madagascar last year. Cravens team got to the Semifinals and his stats at this event were 7 games: 7.9ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.3apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 76.9%.

By Eurobasket Data Center


*****************************************************
  FYR MACEDONIA   


Macedonia-Angola 84-88 - by Georgi Bujukliev

Angola has played probably the best game ever. Nine triples in the first half and especially the high percentage of realization of the African Team critical to the outcome. Tomorrow (Tuesday) at 20.00 am, the decisive match against New Zealand.
Representation of Angola played first half of the dreams . With over 70 percent conversion for three points and maded nine triples , the most successful African Team went on break with the advantage of 13 points .
Despite the concentration of Macedonian basketball players to stopping those shots from distance , opponents realized with a high percentage through the defenders .
Bo Mekejleb was top scorer in the Macedonian team with 21 points , and added five assists . Pero Antic scored 17 points with six rebounds, two steels and two assists , and the number of points ,Vlado Ilevski , Vojdan Stojanovski and Predrag Samardziski who scored 12 points .
In Angola , Mingas was most effective with 24 points , and one less Chipriano Olympia .
Today the Macedonian team will play the deciding match for placement in the quarterfinals , where the opponent is New Zealand .


Olympic Qualifying Tournament: FYR Macedonia shoot down New Zealand - by Eurobasket News

FYR Macedonia - New Zealand 84:62

FYR Macedonia stays in the race for Olympic Games ticket. They defeated New Zealand to ensure the quarterfinal birth from Group D. New Zealand suffered the second defeat and got eliminated from the tournament. Bo McCalebb (178-PG-85, college: New Orleans) came up with 23 points and 11 assists to lead the European team.
FYK Macedonia surged ahead right from the start. They posted a 26:11 lead at the first break. New Zealand stopped the bleeding in the second stanza. They narrowed the gap at 13-point mark at the interval 31:44. The Tall Blacks stayed competitive throughout the third term. They trimmed the margin to 12 points at the final intermission. But FYR Macedonia unloaded 24 points in the fourth frame and sealed a comfortable win at the end. Pero Antic (211-F-82, agency: Beo Basket) provided 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Tihomir Gechevski (184-PG-80) added 16 points for the Balkan team. Alex Pledger (213-C-87, college: Belm.Abbey) responded with 11 points and 11 rebounds for New Zealand. Everard Bartlett (198-G-86) chipped in 9 points in defeat.

FYR Macedonia: Bo McCalebb 23+11 assists, Pero Antic 17+10 boards, Tihomir Gechevski 16
New Zealand: Alex Pledger 11+11 boards, Everard Bartlett 9


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


Julius Jenkins Moves To The EWE Baskets Oldenburg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

After 5 years in Berlin, Julius Jenkins (187-PG-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia South) wanted to have a rapid taste of champagne Bavarian style and got it served twice in the locker room with the two titles Bamberg won last season, but apparnetly now he wants to try his luck with 2009 Beko BBL champion EWE Baskets Oldenburg. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg announced the signing of Julius Jenkins (187-PG-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia South) today giving him a one year deal with an option. Appartently the taste of champion champagne has miffed Oldenburg CEO Hermann Schuller somewhat and so far one could say that he has really done a good job getting his club ready for a good season as the team has already picked up all their missing pieces for the new season making them a sure playoff candidate. Jenkins is a 31 year old 187cm combo guard from Florida that is a Explosive scorer from the point guard or the shooting guard position; Possesses the ability to score and create his own shot at anytime; Has very long arms and great leaping ability; Unlimited range on jump shot allows him to stretch the defense. Last season for Bamberg, he played Euroleague: 10 games: 10.4ppg, 1.4apg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 95.0%; German League: 37 games: 9.7ppg, 1.5rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 63.9%. "We have one of the most successful BBL players from the last years with Julius where our young players will profit form his experience. In our talks, it was obvious that he was hot for the new situation and challenge. Such a combination of experience and ambition is positive", stated Oldenburg head coach Sebastian Machowski.

Jenkins started his basketball career in 1999 for Georgia Southern (NCAA) where he played until 2003 playing a total of 109 NCAA games. Finished as the Eagles' all-time leading scorer in the modern era, scoring 1,870 points during his four-year career. In 2003-2004, he started his professional basketball career for t RCE Falke Nuernberg (Germany-2.Bundesliga), then signed for the rest of season: 26 games: 22.5ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.1apg. In 2004-2005, he was te top player in the German Bundesliga for rce Falke Nuernberg (Germany-2.Bundesliga): 27 games:Score-3 ( 27.1ppg), 3.9rpg, 2.9apg, 2.7spg, 2FGP: 56.2%, 3FGP: 47.5%, FT: 84.7%. It is here that Bree got interested in his talent and signed him where he played Belgian League: 33 games: Score-1 (18.4ppg), 2.7rpg, 2.0apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 56.0%; ULEB Cup: 12 games: Score-4 (17.8ppg), 3.9rpg, 1.9apg, 2.1spg, 2FGP: 54.7%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 79.7%. Alba Berlin was alerted by his talent and signed him where he played until 2011. In this time, he played a total of 193 Beko BBL games. "Coming to Oldenburg is a good decision. We can achieve much with the new players and old ones. I will stay fit until the start of training camp. Now I will enjoy some time with my family", added Julius Jenkins. Awards/Achievements in is basketball career have been Southern Conf. South Division Regular Season Runner-Up -01,02
All-Southern Conf. 2nd Team -01, Southern Conf. All-Tournament 2nd Team -03, All-Southern Conf. 1st Team -03, German 2.Bundesliga South MVP -05, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Player of the Year -05, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Guard of the Year -05, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Import Player of the Year -05, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga 1st Team -05, Eurobasket.com German 2.Bundesliga All-Imports Team -05, Belgian League Semifinals -06, German Bundesliga Regular Season Champion -07, 08, 09, 12, German Bundesliga All-Star Game -08 (MVP), 09, 11, German Bundesliga Cup Semifinals -08, Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Player of the Year -08, Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Guard of the Year -08, 10, Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Import Player of the Year -08, Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga 1st Team -08, 09, 10, Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Imports Team -08, 09, 10, German Bundesliga Champion -08 (Finals MVP), 12
German Bundesliga Cup Winner -09 (FinalFour MVP), 12, German Bundesliga Semifinals -09, EuroCup Finalist -10, Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup Guard of the Year -10
Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup 1st Team -10, Eurobasket.com EuroCup All-Imports Team -10, German Bundesliga Regular Season Runner-Up -10, Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup Honorable Mention -11, nGerman Bundesliga Finalist -11, and Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Honorable Mention -11


Source: EWE Baskets Oldenburg


The Mitteldeutscher BC Get Scoring Punch With Kelly Beidler - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


The Mittledeutscher BC continue to build thier new team for the 2012-2013 Beko BBL season by signing Kelly Beidler (199-F-88, college: Mt.St.Mary's) Beidler is a 22 year old 199cm forward from Virginia Beach, Virginia that will be playing his third professional season and first in Germany. Beidler is a very good all-Around athletic forward, good inside/outside game, good shooter from outside, incl. 3pt%, can penetrate to the basket & post up, is a very good rebounder, great defender, can defend positions 1-4 and is a team player. Last season,he played for Karhu Kauhajoki (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five): 44 games: Score-4 (19.2ppg), Reb-5 (9.8rpg), 1.4apg, Steals-1 (2.3spg), Blocks-1 (1.9bpg), FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 70.8%.MBC head coach Silvano Poropat is thrilled about having the all around talent in his team and remembered his game from a pre season game in Finland last season. "I noticed Kelly in that pre season game. He convinced me with his versatility and I followed his game last season. He had a great season in Finland, iS an all around player that has many good qualities and can rebound. He has always made a step forward in his career and always took the challenge to improve himself. That is exactly what we need in Weissenfels. Young and hungry players that want to improve", stressed MBC head coach Silvano Poropat.

Beidler started his basketball career in 2006 for Mt.St.Mary's (NCAA) where he played until 2010. In his senior year, he played 31 games: 10.7ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 74.1%. He played a total of 119 NCAA games. As a rookie 2010-2011, he played for IR Reykjavik (Iceland-Express League, starting five): 24 games: Score-4 (21.7ppg), Reb-2 (12.4rpg), 3.8apg, Steals-5 (2.5spg), Blocks-3 (2.0bpg), FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 72.9%I am very grateful for the chance to playfor MBC. I can hardly wait to come to Germany to meet my teammates, coach and the rest of the club. I am looking forward to the first day of practice", expressed Kelly Beidler. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been NEC Tournament Semifinals -07, 10, NEC Tournament Winner -08, NEC Regular Season Runner-Up -09, NEC Tournament Finalist -09, Eurobasket.com All-Icelandic League Forward of the Year -11, Eurobasket.com All-Icelandic League Defensive Player of the Year -11, Eurobasket.com All-Icelandic League 1st Team -11, Eurobasket.com Icelandic, League All-Imports Team -11, Eurobasket.com Icelandic League All-Defensive Team -11, Finnish Cup Semifinals -12, Eurobasket.com All-Finnish Korisliiga Defensive Player of the Year -12,, Eurobasket.com All-Finnish Korisliiga 2nd Team -12, Eurobasket.com Finnish Korisliiga All-Imports Team -12, and Eurobasket.com Finnish Korisliiga All-Defensive Team -12

Source: Mitteldeutscher BC


Lithuanian big man on his way to Itzehoe - by Moritz Korff

Just like last season the Itzehoe Eagles (1. Regionalliga North) are going to have Lithuanian support in their frontline, when the 2012-13 campaign kicks off. Aivaras Galkauskas (203-C-91) agreed to a deal with the Eagles, the club said today. The 21-year-old spent the 2011-12 season with Meresta Pakruojis, averaging 9.6 points and 5.2 boards for the NKL outfit. Galkauskas also showed a decent outside stroke for a big man, nailing 35 of his 91 attempts from beyond the arc in Lithuania's second division. According to the Eagles' website, coach Paul Larysz is now looking for two more centers and a forward to complete his roster.


Lindsey Hughey to strengthen Leitershofen/Stadtbergen backcourt - by Moritz Korff

Lindsey Hughey (190-G-89, college: Weber St.) will run the point of BG Leitershofen/Stadtbergen in the upcoming 2012-13 season, the Pro B team announced today.
"He adds lots of attributes that will give our team a boost. He is a team player, he is a good defender, he hit about 40% of his shots from beyond the three point line. Plus as a very athletic player with good speed he can drive to the hoop as well. In short: He is a very versatile player", Kangaroos' head coach Stefan Goschenhofer said.
Hughey is a product of Weber State (NCAA Division 1). He averaged 12.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game as a senior throughout the 2010-11 season. In this past campaign he was a member of ABA's Richmond Rockets.


Sergio Kerusch heads to Quakenbrueck - by Moritz Korff

Sergio Kerusch (195-F-89, college: W.Kentucky) has put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Artland Dragons, the BBL team unveiled today. Kerusch was born in Memphis, TN, but also holds a German passport, because his father is a German citizen.
"He is a young player with lots of potential, he is ambitious and has a good work ethic", Quakenbrueck coach Stefan Koch says.
Kerusch finished his NCAA career at D1 program Western Kentucky in 2011. During his final college campaign he averaged 15.6 points and 7.9 rebounds. The 23-year-old spent his first season abroad in Greece, with A1 side Aris Thessaloniki. He saw action in the EuroCup (12 games: 7.4ppg) as well as in the A1 league (26 games: 7.5ppg, 4.4rpg) and was named to the 2011-12 Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 Bosmans Team.


EVERAGE RICHARDSON LOOKING FOR 2012 WORLD TOP SCORER CROWN - by Eurobasket Center

Everage Richardson (191-G-85, college: Co.Carolina) continues to dominate the German basketball. Playing in 2. Regionalliga, the American guard has scored 42.1 points per game in 2011-2012 season, proving to be a phenomenal scorer. From the 2009 season, the player of Oberharz marks over 40 points per game, and it was in 2010 & 2011 the leading scorer in the world respectively scoring 48.8 and 47.8 points per game.
According to our database, which contains the statistics of over 120 leagues worldwide, Richardson is currently the leading scorer for the 2011-2012 season by average.
Behind Everage, there is the italian guard Thomas Branca (188-G-88) of Borgosesia (Serie D, Italy) who finished the season with a career-best 37.9 ppg, then for the 3rd place there is Freeman Rashaun (206-C/F-84, college: Massachusetts), playing in China's NBL with Heilongjiang . Below the rankings at July 3, pending the final verdict of some tournaments.

SCORING RACE WORLD 2011-2012

42.1 - Everage Richardson - Oberharz, 2. Regionalliga (Germany)
37.9 - Thomas Branca - Borgosesia, Serie D (Italy)
36.3 - Freeman Rashaun - Heilongjiang, NBL (China)
36.2 - Ryan Edwards - Kankakee, IBA (USA)
35.7 - Costanzo Ruocco - Capri, Promozione (Italy)
35.3 - Greg Hernandez - Glamorgan, EBL Division 2 (England)


*****************************************************
  GHANA   


Afrobasket U18 Qualifier: Ghana decision Liberia 55-43 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Ghana rallied back to wade off the challenge posed by Liberia in the first quarter (10-14) to take a 9 point lead going into the break with a 22-09 points win in the second quarter of the Afrobasket U18 Zone-3 qualifiers holding in Abidjan Cote dIvoire.

The Ghanaian return from they left off in the second to pick the third quarter by 13-04 points taking a huge 18 points lead going into the last quarter, though they lost the fourth to the Liberian by 10-16 points but that could still not stop them from picking the valuable points winning their first game by 55-43 points as they file out against Nigeria today (Tuesday).

Ghana Stephen Foster led the Ghanaian side with 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, while his teammate Tunde El Alawa added 12 points with Abubakari Suleman grabbing 10 rebounds.


*****************************************************
  GIBRALTAR   


Andorra open win count in San Marino - by Eurobasket News

Andorra - Gibraltar 96:47

Andorra posted the first win at the European Championship for Small Countries in San Daniel Marin (192-SF-78)o. They defeated Gibraltar in the opener. Alberto Farfan (193-F-91) scored 14 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to lead the winners. Gibraltar fell at 0-2 record after the loss.
Andorra scored 23 points in the first frame and grabbed an 8-point lead. Andorra maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They boosted the margin to 14-point mark at halftime 42:28. Andorra left their opponents behind in the third quarter. They went on a 24:8 run and secured a 30-point advantage heading into the final quarter. Andorra did not slow down in the fourth period and sealed the victory at the end. Daniel Marin and Xavier Galera (182-PG-82) posted 12 points apiece in the victory. Sam Buxton (195-F-89) and Angel Guerrero (192-F-75) responded with 10 points each for Gibraltar.

Andorra: Alberto Farfan 14, Daniel Marin 12, Xavier Galera 12
Gibraltar: Sam Buxton 10, Angel Guerrero 10


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


Lokomotiv Kuban officially locks Nick Calathes until 2014 - by Eurobasket News

As expected, Nick Calathes (198-G-89, college: Florida) officially became a new member of Lokomotiv Kuban. The Russian squad announced signing of a two-year deal with Greek PG. Calathes played last three years for Panathinaikos Athens. He had 7.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 2.4 apg for them in 23 Euroleague games last season. In Greece, Kalathes averaged 8 points, 3 assists and 2.3 rebounds. Kalathes and PAO won two Greek league titles together and they won Euroleague crown in 2011. This year, PAO won the Greek Cup, but failed to defend other two trophies. Nick Calathes became one of the Greens in 2009, after he left University of Florida. With the school he had 17.2 ppg, 6.4 apg and 5.3 rpg for 36 games in 2008/09. Calathes is active member of the Greek National Team. He had 9.2 ppg, 3.8 apg and 2.6 rpg for 11 games at the EuroBasket in Lithuania last summer.


Greens sign 2-year deal with NT player Michael Bramos - by Eurobasket News

Michael Bramos (196-G/F-87, college: Miami, OH) is a new player of Panathinaikos Athens. He arrives from Gran Canaria, where he had 9.3 ppg and 2.7 rpg in 34 Liga Endesa games last season. In EuroCup, Bramos averaged 5.1 points and 2.4 rebounds. He played for Granca also in 2010/11.
Michael Bramos played for DASH Peristeri Athens in 2009/10 season. For 26 games in A1 league he collected 8.9 ppg and 2.2 rpg. The player graduated at Miami University, Ohio three years ago. He shined with 17.9 ppg and 4.1 rpg for 30 games in his senior season with the school. For his performance, Bramos was awarded with AP NCAA All-America Honorable Mention -09, MAC Player of the Year -09 and of course All-MAC 1st Team -09.
Michael Bramos is active member of the Greek National Team. He had 4.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 1 apg for 11 games at the 2011 EuroBasket in Lithuania.


Bilbao lands Nikolaos Zisis to 1+1 year deal - by Eurobasket News

Nikolaos Zisis (197-G-83) will continue his career in Spain. The Greek guard signed a 1+1 year deal with Bilbao. He arrives to the club from Montepaschi Siena, where he spent last three seasons. They won three SerieA titles and three Italian Cups together. Zisis had 6.4 ppg, 2.7 apg and 2.1 rpg in 42 Italian league games last season. In Euroleague, the player collected 4.5 ppg, 2.7 apg and 1.7 rpg. Nikolaos Zisis joined Montepaschi in 2009 from the CSKA Moscow. With Russian powerhouse he was Euroleague champion in 2008 and they also won two titles in Russia. In the past, Zisis played for Benetton Traviso and AEK Athens. He is active member of the Greek National Team since 2002. Last summer at the EuroBasket in Lithuania Zisis averaged 10.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists for 10 games.


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


Stepco BS Weert re-signs center Kenneth Van Kempen - by Fred Roggen

Stepco BS Weert continued its efforts to keep the core of last season's squad by re-signing center Kenneth van Kempen (208-C-87, agency: Court Side, college: Ohio) for one more season. Kenneth van Kempen was a key player last season, the 25-year-old and 2.08 meters long player is a very important link for coach Jim Meil.
He averaged 9.0 points and 5.7 rebounds in 25.1 minutes per game in the Dutch basketball league last season. Last season was his second at Stepco BSW, which he joined from Ohio University.


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


Hungary U16 with two wins in Marcali - by Eurobasket News

Hungarian U16 National Team played two friendly games versus Slovakian counterparts. The hosts claimed two comfortable victories.
Hungary celebrated a 73:49 win in Game 1. The hosts piled up a 23:12 lead after the opening quarter and never looked back en route to the victory. Hodi came up with 18 points for Hungary. Vagvolgyi added 12 points, while Acs accounted for 10 for the winners.
Next game was once again dominated by the hosts. Hungary jumped to a 24:20 lead ten minutes into it. They went on a 35:11 run in the second quarter to build a 28-point halftime advantage. Slovakia could not recover in the second half and suffered a massive 63:94 loss. Gyorgy Goloman (204-F/C-96) knocked down 18 points for Hungary. Zringyi banked 16 points, while Vagvolgyi contributed 12 points for the home team.


Hungary U20 split games in Pasaret - by Eurobasket News

Hungary U20 finished the international tournament in Pasaret with two wins in three games played. They split games after the starting win over Hungarian University NT.
Hungary U20 took on Iranian U18 selection in the second game at the tourney. Hungary built a 4-point lead at halftime 34:30. Iran cut the distance to 2 points at the final break but Hungary stayed ahead and ensured a 59:54 victory at the end. Balazs Kerpel-Fronius (195-G/F-92) accounted for 15 points for Hungary. Adam Kovacs (200-SF-93) contributed 12 points, while Krisztian Tursics (185-G-92) added 9 points for the winners.
Hungary however could not finish on a high note. They took on Bulgarian counterparts in the final round and suffered a 60:66 loss. Bulgaria strongly opened the game taking a 19:12 lead. Hungary narrowed the gap in the next two quarters entering the final one trailing by just 5 points 48:43. Bulgaria did not allow their opponents to get any closer in the fourth frame and raced to the victory at the end. Mate Meszaros (192-G/F-92) notched 14 points for Hungary. Peter Csapai (204-F-93, agency: TSS Management) posted 12 points and 12 rebounds in the loss.


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


Njardvik & IR sign imports - by Siggi Hjorleifsson

Njardvik has sign their two import players for next season in Domino's league
Jonathan Jones (195-F, college: Kean) small forward from D-3 College Kean is one of them. Last season Jones served as Student Assistant Coach at the College
The second Import is Marcus Van (201-F/C-85, college: Cent.Michigan) who played College ball at Central Michigan. Van had a try-out in LEB Silver in Spain when came out of College but not sign then he moved to Pro A Germany. 2010-2011 he played for Mardyke UCC Demons in Ireland Superleague average 22,7 points & 14,2 rebounds

IR has sign their first import in Eric Palm (188-G-87, college: McKendree) combo guard who has played fro Thor Thorl and last year second part of the season for Thor Akureyri in Div 1 average 26,1 points & 4,6 rebounds


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


Gregg Thondique Working On Multi-Year Deal With Spanish Assignia Manresa - by David Pick

Gregg Thondique (Agency: FCM), who played last season in Israel's Division II pro league and recorded notable double-double averages of 20 points and 13.2 boards per game, is en route to successfully climbing the European ladder.

According to sources with information of the player's situation both in the United States and abroad, the former NCAA2 Virginia Union forward is working on a multi-year deal with Spanish ACB team, Assignia Manresa.

Thondique, who played last season for Israeli Hapoel Afula, spent the first two years of his professional career with Hopsi Polzela of Slovenia. Aside from Spain, Thondique is also drawing interest from Germany and the Ukraine.




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


Malik Hairston signs 2-year contract extension with Milano - by Eurobasket News

As expected, Malik Hairston (198-G-87, college: Oregon) stays with EA7 Emporio Armani Milano. The player had offers from CSKA Moscow, Regal Barcelona and Fenerbahce, but at the end he made a decision to stay with Milano signing a 2-year contract extension. Hairston arrived to Milano last summer. For 12 Euroleague games with them he had 13.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 1.5 apg. In SerieA the player added 12.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 1.9 apg for 33 games. The player was awarded with Eurobasket.com Italian SerieA All-Imports Team -12 and Eurobasket.com All-Italian SerieA 2nd Team -12, while Milano reached Playoff Finals. Malik Hairston won the SerieA title with Montepaschi in 2011. He helped them with 10.3 ppg and 2.7 rpg for 23 games. In the past, Hairston played for San Antonio Spurs and Austin Toros. He graduated at the University of Oregon in 2008.
EA7 Emporio Armani Milano already signed deals with Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas), Richard Hendrix and David Chiotti (205-F/C-84, agency: Court Side, college: N.Mexico).
David Chiotti spent three seasons at Casale Monferrato helping the team getting to the lega A two years ago and then gave a great contribution last season at his first appearence in the first italian league with 9 ppg and 7 rpg. Chiotti was born at Palo Alto California but has got an italian passport, is a center and his skills allow him to play also at spot 4. After releasing Mason Rocca Milano should have completed its roster under the boards with this deal.
Keith Langford parted ways with Maccabi Tel Aviv recently. He joined them at the beginning of the last season. He appeared 20 times in Euroleague averaging 10.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists. The player also added 14.2 ppg, 4 rpg and 3.2 apg for 22 games in Israeli Premier league. He helped the club to win the championship title and was named Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Guard of the Year -12. Langford and Maccabi also won the Adriatic league title and Israeli Cup last season. In Adriatic league the player had 11.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 1.8 spg for 19 games. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Adriatic League Finals MVP -12. Before Maccabi, Keith Langford played for Khimky Moscow and La Fortezza Bologna.


Montepaschi Siena tab Daniel Hackett - by Eurobasket News

Montepaschi Siena announced the signing of Daniel Hackett (198-G-87, agency: Two Points, college: USC). The guard inked a two-year deal with the Italian champions. Last season Daniel Hackett played for Scavolini Pesaro. The guard notched 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.4 steals per game in SeriaA. Hackett led Pesaro to the SeriaA semis as well as Italian Cup semifinals. Eurobasket.com named the guard All-Italian SeriaA Domestic Player of the Year. Daniel Hackett played for Benetton Treviso after graduating from UCS. The guard made it into Italian SeriaA All-Domestic Players Team in 2011 and 2012. He has been the member of Italian National Team since 2009. He also played for Italian U20 National Team.


Keith Langford's Crazy Summer - by David Pick

Eurobasket's David Pick sheds light on Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas)'s NBA and European offers, problems with Khimki Moscow, conversations with Ettore Messina, text messages with David Blatt, interest from Barcelona and Malaga, committing to Fenerbahce Ulker and how he ended up in Milano.

Nearly three months ago, after capitalizing an outstanding Adriatic League title and Final Four Most Valuable Player honors, Maccabi Tel Aviv executives reached out to Nick Lotsos, Keith Langford's Greek-American agent. "We want Keith to play for Maccabi for the next two season."

Langford, a former NCAA noteworthy Jayhawk and until recent -- most abhorrent guard in Europe -- looked to keep hooping in Israel.

The two sides' agreement stated Langford would earn an estimated $1.1 million next season. Problem was, due to Langford's triple title season (Adriatic League champion, Israeli League champion and Israeli League Cup holder), his outstanding Euroleague run, and the fact that his market value was increasing quickly, Langford preferred to test free agent waters and declined Maccabi's two year, $2 million proposal.

According to Tel Aviv's first bid, the 28-year-old Langford would earn $800,000 next season and $1.2 million during the 2013-14 season.

Firstly, when joining Maccabi in October 2011, Langford's stint in Israel looked far from promising. After overcoming a torn MCL in his right knee, Langford played spotty backup minutes so that Jordan Farmar, Theodoros Papaloukas and Euroleague rookie Yogev Ohayon could get a breather. Maccabi fans felt cheated by Langford's poor performances.

Yet with the NBA lockout ending, Farmar returned to the United States and Langford found his rhythm, blossoming into one of the most dominant guards throughout Europe, en route to leading Tel Aviv to the Elite 8 Euroleague playoffs series versus Greek giant Panathinaikos.

Despite the Greeks clinching a 3-2 series victory, the left-handed Langford topped his regular Euroleague season numbers with 13.4 points, 2.4 boards and 2.4 dimes per game while toying with elite European defenders in Dimitris Diamantidis, Nick Calathes and Romain Sato.

The versatile explosive guard recorded Euroleague season averages of 11 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game and would raise his scoring and rebounding figures in the Israeli competition to season highs of 14.2 points and 4 boards per contest.

While other European teams took firm interest in Langford, Lotsos told Maccabi to upped their bidding. After a number of team management meetings, Tel Aviv owner Danny Federman and Chairman Shimon Mizrahi decided to raise their offer by an extra $100,000. After consulting Lotsos, Langford turned it down.

However, the European market was moving slow and Langford's "problematic" history with Russian organization Khimki Moscow began to haunt him. "Teams were asking for a detailed desc ription about Keith's situation in Moscow. They wanted to know what happened, and his (harmful) history started catching up," said one source close to the player. In addition, "Teams looked for details on Keith's interaction on and off the court in Tel Aviv," said another source.

In March 2011, Langford signed a two year contract extension with Khimki, worth a guaranteed $4.5 million, only to have it vetoed during September that year. The former Russian League All-Star dealt not only with several season injuries, but with animosity from Khimki as well.

"People were curios to know what happened in Russia," Langford told Eurobasket from his home in Austin, Texas. "Every team asked about my history with Khimki, including a few NBA teams. It didnt have an effect in the long run, but it intimidated some people. They became more cautious," he said.

Undisclosed NBA teams that had Langford on their recruiting radar asked for a background desc ription on his European history. Langford's NBA interest included several NBA Summer League invites and two partial guaranteed offers from two Eastern Conference Playoffs organizations. One of them causing Langford, a two time Big 12 Conference regular season champion, to seriously consider. "He was really thinking of accepting one of the NBA offers, but at this point in his career he decided to keep climbing the European ladder," said the first source.

That said, Langford's Euroleague interest began to heat up after a phone call conversation between (then) Los Angeles Lakers' Consultant Ettore Messina and Lotsos. "Langford is a name that really interest me. Let's open negotiations after I officially sign with CSKA Moscow," said Messina.

Later on, Langford understood that Messina and CSKA were building around Serbian point guard Milos Teodosic (also Lotsos' client). Knowing Teodosic's style of play and amount of ball handling he requires, Lotsos thought it be best if Langford found his own niche.

After netting 17 points in the Israeli Semi-finals victory over Hapoel Holon on May 22nd, Langford was the last player to leave Nokia Arena. Around 00:20am, some 80 minutes after the final buzzer sounded, Langford was showered with love by dozens of young Maccabi supporters while heading to his Nissan Qashqai vehicle.

The multitalented scorer appreciated the yellow-and-blue support and paid the same respect to David Blatt throughout the summer. "Blatt and I spoke a number of times this summer," said Langford. "He's dealt with situations like these before and he was real relaxed. After finalizing things with Milano, I texted him and thanked him for everything he's helped me with this past season. He wished me the best of luck," Langford commented.

During the first weeks of June, Spanish Barcelona Regal was looking to make a move for the nifty combo guard and had scheduled a post season meeting in Spain with Lotsos. However, later that month, Langford was required to inform Maccabi on whether or not he would extend his contract. With time running out and Barcelona unwilling to make a decision, Langford moved on.

Then, Lotsos received notice from a Spanish area code. Unicaja Malaga representatives were on the other line asking, "What would it take for Keith to wear green next season?"

The mid-level Euroleague team would fail to land Langford and after negotiating with most of the Turkish Euroleague teams, in addition to Italian Armani Milano, Langford verbally committed to Fenerbahce Ulker last week.

Here comes the turning point.

Langford's people called Milano's General Manager Gianluca Pascucci and had thanked him for their offer, adding that they were going in a different direction. The thought of reuniting head coach Sergio Scariolo and Langford wasn't one the Italians were willing the pass out on. According to team sources, "Milano offered Langford almost $500,000 more than their final proposal."

"We believed Keith was going to end up in Turkey," sources with information of the player's deal said. "His decision came down to one of those two teams being the best fit, and he was going to go to Turkey. Fenerbahce made it a difficult choice but it was a last second mind changing decision and Milano made the deal much sweeter," added the source.

After signing his multi-year, $3.2 million contract, Langford had coach Scariolo's cellular number locked into his phone and reached out to the Italian. "I didnt talk to coach Scariolo until after I signed the paperwork on Saturday. I called him and said 'let's get going," he said.

Along with newly acquired Richard Hendrix, Langford hopes "Malik (Hairston) stays," and "Builds a team that is ready to compete for the Euroleague final four."

Langford will arrive in Milan, Italy, sometime within the next week for physical evaluations.


*****************************************************
  IVORY COAST   


Afrobasket U18 Qualifier: Nigeria surrenders to Cote dIvoire 35-50 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

In the second game of Day-2 of the qualifiers Nigeria bowed to the superior fire power of host Cote dIvoire by 35-50 points.

The Nigeria Junior national team who arrive few hours before their game were overwhelm in the first three quarters (04-11, 13-16 and 02-17) a late rally by the young Nigerian side in the fourth quarter (16-06) was not enough to save them from defeat.

Cote dIvoire Otto Arsene led his team charge for honours with 12 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and one steal while the duo of Toure Ousmane and Dalem Traore contributed 10 points each to ensure victory for their side.

Cote dIvoire will slug it out against Liberia in the second game today (Tuesday) at 18H00.


Saint Vallier Basket Drome lands Craven - by Eurobasket Center

Saint Vallier Basket Drome (ProB) strengthened their roster with addition of 29-year old Ivory Coast international-Ivoirian guard Errick Craven (188-G-83, college: USC, agency: Fierce Sports Management). Craven played most recently at JA Vichy Val dAllier Auvergne basket (ProB). While playing 15 games for Vichy last season he averaged 10.7ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.7apg and 1.8spg. He helped them to make it to the final. Craven is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Turkey, Venezuela and USA. Craven graduated University of Southern California in 2005 and it will be his eighth season in pro basketball. Craven played for Ivory Coast senior national team this year. He represented Ivory Coast at the African Championships in Madagascar last year. Cravens team got to the Semifinals and his stats at this event were 7 games: 7.9ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.3apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 76.9%.

By Eurobasket Data Center


*****************************************************
  JAMAICA   


Sherman Gay joins ESSM Le Portel Cote dOpale - by Eurobasket Center

ESSM Le Portel Cote dOpale (ProB) signed 30-year old Jamaican-American Sherman Gay (201-PF-82, college: Loyola Mary). Gay played most recently at Fos Ouest Provence Basket (ProB). While playing 40 games for Fos Ouest last season his stats were: 14.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.2apg and 1.7bpg (2nd best in the league). He helped them to make it to the semifinals. A very impressive season as he was selected to Eurobasket.com All-French ProB Honorable Mention. Gay played also pro basketball in Hungary and Italy. He graduated Loyola Marymount University in 2004 and it will be his nineth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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


Olympic Qualifying Tournament: Puerto Rico romp to send Jordan home - by Eurobasket News

Puerto Rico - Jordan 93:52

Puerto Rico breezed past Jordan in the opening game of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) accounted for 20 points in the victory. Jordan suffered the second straight defeat and need to pack their bags.
Puerto Rico opened the game with a 19:2 run to set the tone. They accumulated a 29:11 lead ten minutes into the encounter. Puerto Rico extended the lead in the second quarter. They established a 54:22 halftime buffer. Things just went from bad to worse for Jordan in this one. They never found the right tempo facing an insurmountable 32:72 deficit at the final break. Puerto Rico never looked back and coasted to the victory at the end. Ricardo Sanchez (212-C-87) delivered 12 points, while Nathan Peavy (203-F-85, agency: Arete Sports Agency, college: Miami, OH) added 11 points for the winning team. Osama Daghles (198-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) responded with 17 points for Jordan. Zaid Abbas (203-F-83) had 9 points in the loss.

Puerto Rico: Peter John Ramos 20, Ricardo Sanchez 12, Nathan Peavy 11
Jordan: Osama Daghles 17, Zaid Abbas 9


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


V.Ginevicius in Lietkabelis - by Evaldas Ceilytkas

Former Lithuanian national team player Vidas Ginevicius (194-G-78, agency: Interperformances) agreed with Panevezys Lietkabelis. He will be very important player of the team. In his long career he played for teams Alytus, Klaipeda Neptunas, Zalgiris Kaunas, Vilnius Lietuvos rytas, Kedainiai Nevezis. He also played for teams in Russia and Turkey. Last season in Kedainiai he averaged 7.7 ppg and 3.5 apg. Ginevicius can play both point guard and shooting guard positions.


Olympic Qualifying Tournament: Lithuania stun hosts in Caracas - by Eurobasket News

Venezuela - Lithuania 82:100

Lithuania tipped off their Olympic Qualifying Tournament with victory. They shot down hosting Venezuela for 1-0 record in Group B. Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, college: Missouri) came up with 28 points to lead the Baltic team. Venezuela fell at 1-1 record after the loss.
Lithuania and Venezuela entered the game firing from all guns. Lively first quarter ended with the visitors holding on to a thin 23:21 lead. Lithuania started to get away in the second frame. They ensured a 49:36 halftime lead. Lithuania erupted for 31 points in the third term to secure a 16-point lead before the fourth frame. The visitors knocked down 20 points in the fourth term and sealed the victory at the end. Mantas Kalnietis (195-G-86, agency: Interperformances) posted 13 points, 8 assists and 4 boards for Lithuania. Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) added 12 points in the win. Greivis Vasquez (197-PG-87, agency: Interperformances, college: Maryland) answered with 24 points and 7 assists for Venezuela. Oscar Torres (198-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances) and John Cox (196-G-81, college: USF) netted 14 points each in the loss.

Venezuela: Greivis Vasquez 24, Oscar Torres 14, John Cox 14
Lithuania: Linas Kleiza 28, Mantas Kalnietis 13, Martynas Pocius 12


U17 World Championship: Croatia hold off Lithuania - by Eurobasket News

Croatia U17 - Lithuania U17 82:78

Croatia registered the fourth straight win at the U17 World Championship. They held off the hosts tonight to stay undefeated on top of Group B. Lithuania fell at 1-3 record.
Croatia jumped to an early lead and posted a 21:17 advantage after ten minutes. Lithuania cut the deficit in the second quarter and trailed by a single point at halftime 38:37. Croatia gradually cleared off in the third term. They secured a 7-point lead with one period remaining 58:51. Lithuania fired 27 points in the fourth frame trying to avoid the loss. But Croatia withstood the challenge and snatched a tough win at the end. Karlo Zganec (205-C/F-95) knocked down 20 points and grabbed 19 rebounds for Croatia. Tomislav Gabric (202-F-95) added 18 points in the victory. Haroldas Saprykinas (188-G-95) answered with 23 points for Lithuania. Edvinas Seskus (192-SF-95) had 14 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Croatia U17: Karlo Zganec 20+19 boards, Tomislav Gabric 18, Marko Arapovic (207-C/F-96) 13
Lithuania U17: Haroldas Saprykinas 23, Edvinas Seskus 14


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


Residence tab Yann Fasbender - by Eurobasket News

Residence ensured the services of Yann Fasbender (197-F-90) for the upcoming season. The forward spent the last three seasons in England. Yann Fasbender played for the Manchester Magic in EBL. His stats read 3.5 points and 3.4 rebounds per game in 2010/11 season. Previously Yann Fasbender played for AB Contern. Yann Fasbender was the member of U16 and U18 Luxembourg National Team. In 2010 the forward joined the National Team.


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  MALTA   


Maltese National Team 2012 - by Greg

Starting five
#s#
Steve Schembri
Schembri
Omar Said
Said
Darryl Jackson
Jackson
Addison Bonnici
Bonnici
Samuel Deguara
Deguara
#e#5
5 Roderick Vella 180-PG-85 Depiro Malta
6 Shawn Pace 175-SG-90 Loyola Malta
7 David Bugeja 180-SG-92 Athleta Malta
8 Steve Schembri 187-SF-79 Athleta Malta
9 Christopher Meier 195-PF-85 Siggiewi Malta
10 Omar Said 177-PG-80 Athleta Malta
11 Darryl Jackson 189-SG-85 Sokhumi Georgia
12 Addison Bonnici 195-PF-84 Athleta Malta
13 Kristin-Paul Baldacchino 184-SG-81 Athleta Malta
14 Nigel Sultana 191-F-91 Depiro Malta
15 Samuel Deguara 223-C-91 Bari Italy

Paolo Di Fonzo Head Coach Vigna di Valle Italy
Joseph Galea Assistant
Peter Farrugia Assistant



Malta post second win in San Marino - by Eurobasket News

Malta - Wales 81:51

Malta recorded the second straight win at the start of European Championship for Small Countries. They held off Wales to improve at 2-0 record in Group B. Samuel Deguara (223-C-91) came up with 20 points and 12 rebounds to lead the winners.
Malta jumped to a 25:14 lead at the first break. They held the Welsh team to just 7 points in the second quarter to boost the lead. Malta arrived at halftime up by 29 points 50:21. Malta cruised throughout the second half. They established a 70:33 advantage at the final break and never looked back en route to the victory. Steve Schembri (187-SF-79) posted 18 points for Malta. Christopher Pearce (195-G/F-89) answered with 13 points for Wales. Alan Duppa (198-PF-80) posted 10 points in the loss.

Malta: Samuel Deguara 20+12 boards, Steve Schembri 18, Omar Said (177-PG-80) 9
Wales: Christopher Pearce 13, Alan Duppa 10


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

Standings - Lower Leagues

Regional Standings
Chihuahua Vive
 1. Indios S. 18-4 
 2. Dorados 17-5 
 3. Cerveceros 15-7 
 4. Durazneros 12-10 
 5. Pioneros 11-11 
 6. Indios J. 10-12 
 7. Mineros P. 10-12 
 8. Choriceros 9-13 
 9. Manzaneros 9-13 
 10. Soles 9-13 
 11. Pavos 8-14 
 12. Nogaleros 4-18 
CIBANE
 1. Mineros F. 9-2 
 2. Cuervos 9-3 
 3. Madereros 9-3 
 4. Leones RM 5-7 
 5. Tuzos UAZ 3-8 
 6. Guerreros 0-12 



*****************************************************
  MOLDOVA   


Moldavian National Team 2012 - by Greg

Moldovan National Team 2012
#s#
Vladimir Priscepnii
Priscepnii
Evgheni Nartov
Nartov
Anton Rulevski
Rulevski
Ivan Cropotov
Cropotov
Alexei Andrus
Andrus
#e#5
4 Sergiu Chiriac 193-G/F-93 ASEM Moldova
5 Vladimir Priscepnii 200-F-88 UASM Moldova
6 Alexei Onila 200-PF-89 UASM Moldova
7 Nicolai Coputerco 191-SG-85 UASM Moldova
8 Evgheni Nartov 200-F-87 Donbasket Moldova
9 Anton Rulevski 194-SF-88 ASEM Moldova
10 Vladimir Colesnicov 202-F/C-80 PGU-SDUSHOR Moldova
11 Ivan Cropotov 210-C-88 UASM Moldova
12 Emil Ostafiiciuc 205-C-94
13 Alexei Andrus 195-G/F-79 PGU-SDUSHOR Moldova

Alexandru Sestopal Head Coach UASM Moldova
Sergii Nazaryna Assistant



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

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Kobe BRYANT
  LA Lakers
  (198-G-78)
  Avg: 28.2
 1. Bryant, LA Lakers28.2 
 2. Durant, Oklah.Ci.28.1 
 3. James, Miami Heat28.0 
 4. Love, Minnesota T.26.0 
 5. Westbrook, Oklah..23.5 
 6. Anthony, New Y.23.1 
 7. Wade, Miami Heat22.3 
 8. Nowitzki, Dallas M.22.0 
 9. Rose, Chicago B.21.9 
 10. Aldridge, Portlan.21.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 14.5
 1. Howard, Orlando M.14.5 
 2. Love, Minnesota T.13.4 
 3. Bynum, LA Lakers11.7 
 4. Humphries, Brookly.11.0 
 5. Cousins, Sacramen.11.0 
 6. Griffin, LA Clipp.10.3 
 7. Gasol, LA Lakers10.3 
 8. Gortat, Phoenix10.0 
 9. Smith, Atlanta H.9.9 
 10. Noah, Chicago B.9.8 
Assists Per Game
 Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 11.8
 1. Rondo, Boston C.11.8 
 2. Nash, Phoenix Suns10.7 
 3. Paul, LA Clippers8.9 
 4. Calderon, Toron.8.8 
 5. Williams, Brooklyn8.7 
 6. Rubio, Minnesot.8.2 
 7. Wall, Washington W.8.0 
 8. Rose, Chicago B.7.9 
 9. Parker, San A.7.5 
 10. Conley, Memphis G.6.7 
Steals Per Game
 Chris PAUL
  LA Clippers
  (183-PG-85)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Paul, LA Clippers2.5 
 2. Rubio, Minnesot.2.2 
 3. Conley, Memphis G.2.1 
 4. James, Miami Heat1.9 
 5. Rondo, Boston C.1.9 
 6. Kidd, Dallas M.1.8 
 7. Millsap, Utah Jazz1.8 
 8. Shumpert, New Y.1.7 
 9. Allen, Memphis G.1.7 
 10. Ariza, N.Orleans1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Serge IBAKA
  Oklah.Ci.
  (208-C/F-89)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.3.5 
 2. McGee, Washingt.2.5 
 3. Hibbert, Indiana P.2.1 
 4. Howard, Orlando M.2.1 
 5. Bynum, LA Lakers2.1 
 6. McGee, Denver N.2.0 
 7. Jordan, LA Clippers2.0 
 8. Gasol, Memphis G.1.9 
 9. Biyombo, Charlott.1.8 
 10. Smith, Atlanta H.1.7 


Jeremy Lin and Greg Stiemsma withdraw from USA Select Team - by Eurobasket News

New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin (6'3''-PG-88, college: Harvard) and Boston Celtics center Gregory Stiemsma (6'11''-C-85, agency: N.E.T., college: Wisconsin) have withdrawn from the 2012 USA Select Team that will train July 6-11 against the 2012 USA National Team during training camp in Las Vegas, Nev.

Lin informed USA Basketball this afternoon that because of his current contract status (a restricted free agent) he was withdrawing. Stiemsma was forced to withdraw after undergoing a non-surgical process for Plantar Fasciitis.

Unfortunately, I am not going to be able to participate in the 2012 USA Mens Select Team this summer, said Lin. It was such an incredible honor to be selected, but I have withdrawn my name from the team because of my status as a free agent. I hope to have the opportunity to participate with USA Basketball at some point in the future.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com


Thunder officially sign coach Scott Brooks to contract extension - by Eurobasket News

Scott Brooks has signed a multi-year extension to return as coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

General manager Sam Presti announced Monday that Brooks agreed to a new contract, less than two weeks after the Thunder lost in five games to the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.

The team did not disclose terms of the contract. Other media outlets have reported the deal is for four years at more than US$4-million per year.

Brooks previous deal was allowed to expire Saturday before the sides could come to an agreement on the terms. Brooks took over the Thunder early in the 2008-09 season and has led the team to the playoffs each of the past three seasons.

A news conference with Brooks is scheduled for Tuesday.

Courtesy of http://sports.nationalpost.com


Report: Dwight Howard to Nets trade not out of the question - by Eurobasket News

UPDATE [10:23 p.m. ET]: Ric Bucher reported later on Monday that the Nets trade for Joe Johnson (6'7''-G-81, college: Arkansas) does not mean they are out of the running for Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85). Bucher reported that both the Nets and Mavericks are in play for a trade for Howard.

That didn't take long: now being told not to count out DH still making his way to the Nets. So list now is: 1. (Nets) Mavs.

That would take a lot of creative salary-cap work by the Nets, and would likely have to include Gerald Wallace, who recently agreed to sign with the Nets.


ORIGINAL: Now that the Brooklyn Nets have acquired Joe Johnson, Dwight Howard's new preferred destination is the Dallas Mavericks, ESPNs Ric Bucher reported on Twitter.

Source: With Nets out of equation, Mavs go to top of Dwight Howard's wish list. No other teams - Lakers included - on it. For now.

Bucher noted that only the Mavericks and no other teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, are on Howards list of potential teams to which hed like the Orlando Magic to trade him. Early on Sunday, reports emerged of the Lakers re-engaging the Magic in trade discussions for Howard.

On Sunday, Yahoo! Sports Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Howard would only sign a contract extension if traded to the one team on my list. That team was believed to be the Nets.

Of the Lakers and Mavericks, Los Angeles would be the preferred trading partner for the Magic. The Lakers could offer young center Andrew Bynum in return, while the Mavericks dont have the same young trade chips.

Howard still has a year remaining on his deal after waiving an early termination option in March that would have made him a free agent this offseason. The 26-year-old center led the league in rebounding this season at 14.6 per game, adding an average of 20 points per game to his stat line.

Courtesy of http://tracking.si.com


Kings meet with Ryan Anderson - by Eurobasket News

The Kings' offseason plans included upgrading their perimeter shooting and adding to their front-court depth.

The Kings met with a player who could fill both of those needs by returning to his hometown.

The Kings on Monday hosted restricted free agent Ryan Anderson (6'10''-F-88, college: California), who attended nearby Oak Ridge High School and helped the Trojans win a CIF state championship as a junior in 2005.

A four-year veteran out of Cal, Anderson is coming off his best season in which he was named the league's most improved player.

"His journey to this point is well chronicled and he's obviously a very popular player in Northern California," said Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie. "He's an all around good player and a good person."

The 6-foot-10, 240-pound power forward, who was drafted in 2008 by the New Jersey Nets ,just completed his third season with the Orlando Magic in 2011-12, posting career highs of 16.1 points and 7.7 rebounds.

The Kings have made a contract offer to their own restricted free agent, power forward Jason Thompson, and selected power forward Thomas Robinson in last week's NBA Draft.

Anderson, however, is a different kind of big man because of his shooting abilities. If he joins Thompson and Robinson, the Kings could use Anderson at small forward, a position the Kings have lacked consistency at for years.

"A lot of that depends on who's making the opinion," Petrie said of Anderson's position. "He was primarily a four (power forward) in Orlando but he can play some other spots on the perimeter."

An excellent shooter since his Oak Ridge days, Anderson made 39.3 percent of his three pointers last season. That would have led the Kings, who were 29th out of 30 teams at 31.6 percent last season. The Kings' top three-point shooter last season was rookie Isaiah Thomas at 37.9 percent.

The Kings have been searching for ways to create more spacing on offense, but haven't had the outside shooting that would help create space for DeMarcus Cousins in the post or create driving lanes for Tyreke Evans.

The first day Anderson could sign an offer sheet would be July 11. Orlando would have three days to match the offer.

The Kings, however, have plenty of room under the salary cap (approximately $15 million) and the ability to put together an offer sheet Orlando might be reluctant to match.

It also might play into the Kings favor that the Magic is busy dealing with what to do with All-Star center Dwight Howard. The All-Star center again asked to be traded after declining to become a free agent and opting-in for the 2012-13 season.

Dealing Howard could begin a rebuilding process and Orlando might not be interested in retaining Anderson. If there is no quick resolution with Howard, the Magic still might let Anderson walk as a free agent, rather than take on his contract.

If Thompson signs the Kings' offer sheet, he would make approximately $4.4 million next season, but the Kings' goal is to sign Thompson to a long-term deal.

Petrie said he would remain in contact with Leon Rose, Thompson's agent, while monitoring the league's free agency.

That includes what happens with unrestricted free-agent swingman Terrence Williams, who impressed the Kings in 18 games after being waived by Houston, and whether to host more free agents.

"We need another quality big on our roster," Petrie said. "Once Jason's situation resolves itself then we get to start on these other things. But I have talked to Aaron (Goodwin, Williams' agent)."

Courtesy of www.bradenton.com


Bulls reach out to Derek Fisher, Brandon Roy - by Eurobasket News

In their quest to find a veteran point guard, the Chicago Bulls have been in contact with Derek Fisher (6'1''-PG-74, college: UALR), and theyve also contacted shooting guard Brandon Roy (6'6''-G-84, college: Washington), according to sources with knowledge of the situation.

It was widely assumed that Fisher would quietly re-sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder after essentially choosing them over several contenders following a midseason trade from the Los Angeles Lakers and buyout from the Houston Rockets.

Fisher, 37, is also on the radar for the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks and Thunder. All three teams pursued him in March after he negotiated a buyout from the Rockets. Fisher gave up the final year and $3.4 million of his previous contract as part of his buyout from Houston. He signed for the remainder of the Thunders $2.3 million midlevel exception, essentially a pro-rated $1.9 million.

Courtesy of ESPN.com, reported by Ramona Shelburne and Nick Friedell, (via www.insidehoops.com)


Cavs waive guard Manny Harris - by Eurobasket News

The Cavaliers on-again, off-again infatuation with shooting guard Manny Harris (6'5''-G-89, college: Michigan) has taken a turn for the worse.

They waived the two-year veteran on Monday, four days after drafting Syracuse shooting guard Dion Waiters.

Waiters, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2012 draft, will likely move into the starting lineup next to point guard Kyrie Irving.

The Cavs also have Daniel Gibson, Donald Sloan and D.J. Kennedy in their backcourt. The 6-foot-5, 185-pound Harris had a contract for the 2012-13 season, but it wasnt guaranteed. He becomes an unrestricted free agent.

The Cavs brought Harris to camp in 2010, and he showed promise. They ended up keeping him and cutting second-round pick Danny Green.

Harris, 22, showed flashes of being a keeper with his stifling defense and scoring ability. However, he never improved his ball-handling to NBA caliber and was prone to turning the ball over at a high rate.

He suffered burns on his foot in Portland, Ore., weeks before training camp last fall and ended up being waived. The Cavs kept D-League guard Mychel Thompson in his place.

Harris was signed by the Canton Charge, and he quickly showed he was one of the top scorers in the D-League. He was brought back to the parent club and spent the rest of the season with the Cavs.

Harris averaged 6.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 26 games, including five in the starting lineup. He shot 40 percent from the field.

Harris being cut could be a sign the Cavs are ready to make a move in free agency. There have been rumors they have shown interest in veteran shooting guard Michael Redd.

Courtesy of http://news-herald.com


Darius Morris accepts qualifying offer to stay with Lakers - by Eurobasket News

Darius Morris (6'4''-G-91, college: Michigan), a backup point guard who played only limited minutes as a rookie last season, agreed Monday to accept a qualifying offer of $962,000 from the Lakers for next season. Morris played only 19 games and averaged only 2.4 points, 0.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 8.9 minutes last season.

The Lakers expect him to join their summer-league team, which begins play July 13 in Las Vegas. Morris was one of a number of young players who were hurt by the lockout and the shortened 66-game season in 2011-12. First, summer league was canceled in 2011 and then there was little time for practice once the labor impasse ended.

Morris, who played at the University of Michigan and Windward High School in Los Angeles, was a second-round pick (41st overall) in 2011.

Courtesy of www.insidesocal.com


Bulls won't say if they'll match Asik's deal - by Eurobasket News

General manager Gar Forman declined to address whether the Bulls will match Omer Asik's (7'0''-C-86) three-year, $24.2 million offer sheet from the Rockets, which Asik will sign when the free-agent moratorium ends July 11.

The Bulls will have three days to match the deal, which could rise slightly in value depending on what the salary cap is set at on July 10.

"I'm not going to talk about any type of negotiation or anything contractually until we see something," Forman said. "We've made it clear we value Omer and it's been our goal that Omer would stay with the Bulls."

The back-loaded deal, which rises to a maximum salary of somewhere between $14.1 and $14.9 million depending on the salary cap in Year 3, is a tough poison pill to swallow for a team that has Derrick Rose on the books for $17.8 million and Joakim Noah at $12.2 million in 2014-15. Carlos Boozer's $16.8 million salary likely will be a victim of the amnesty provision at that point.

Sources said Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau flew to Los Angeles to meet with Asik last weekend. The Bulls offered Asik a four-year deal, sources said, but with set percentage raises established by the new collective bargaining agreement, it didn't match the Rockets' annual salary of $8.3 million. The Rockets took advantage of a loophole to jump Asik to a maximum salary in Year 3.

The Bulls could use the moratorium to explore the trade market for Noah or match the deal and try to trade one of the centers in the next two years. They also could execute a sign-and-trade transaction with the Rockets.

Regardless, it's a tough decision.

"He's done a great job here for two years," Thibodeau said. "Obviously, his defense, shot-blocking and rebounding is obvious. He anchors our second unit defensively with Taj (Gibson). Offensively, his ability to run the floor, screen, get to the offensive board, that's what makes him so valuable to us. ... I'm sure we'll make a good decision in the end."

Free for all: Forman underscored how little influence the Bulls can have on the market and the need to sign veterans to mostly minimum deals when he said calls "will continue throughout this week and possibly a lot of the month."

Thibodeau did have a phone conversation with Brandon Roy, a source said. And the Bulls continue negotiations with Kirk Hinrich, who would command most if not all of the $3 million mini-midlevel exception, if not higher. Hinrich appears to be the top target.

The Bulls have kept dialogue open with John Lucas III and also contacted Derek Fisher's representative.

Layups: Thibodeau, on Scott Brooks' reported four-year, $16-18 million extension with the Thunder: "Good for Scott." Thibodeau coached Brooks in his first NBA job in Minnesota. The Tribune reported last week that Thibodeau's extension talks have stalled over length and money. "We haven't got around to it yet," he said. "We'll address that later in the summer." Thibodeau is working on a team option that runs through next season. ... Assistant coach Rick Brunson accepted a position on new Bobcats coach Mike Dunlap's staff in Charlotte. ... The Bulls promoted longtime front-office staffer Sebrina Brewster to director of public and media relations. ... Leon Powe, whom the Bulls showed interest in last season, could land on the summer-league team.

Courtesy of www.chicagotribune.com


Rudy Fernandez back to Real Madrid - by Giorgos Diploidis

Rudy Fernandez (198-G/F-85) returns to Real Madrid for the following three years. The Spanish national player announced the news by using his personal account in twitter. So the rumors that he will be back in Europe that time for permanent became official. Fernandez anticipated the Spanish team which hasn't already confirmed the news. So Rudy after his passing from Denver Nuggets will be again resident of Madrid.

The last period in Madrid Fernandez had 16.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.7apg, 2.4spg in 9 matches, while in NBA had 8.6ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg in 31.


Deron Williams takes Nets' $98 million deal - by Eurobasket News

Deron Williams (6'3''-PG-84, college: Illinois) is moving to Brooklyn with the Nets, instead of back home to Dallas.

The All-Star point guard said on his Twitter page Tuesday night that he "made a very tough decision today" and posted a picture of the Nets new team logo that accompanies their move from New Jersey to Brooklyn.

A person with knowledge of the decision said Williams told the team he was accepting their five-year contract worth $98 million. The person confirmed the agreement on condition of anonymity because contracts cant be signed until July 11.

Williams, the top free agent available, chose to stay with the Nets over signing with the Mavericks, who hoped they could convince him to come back to the area where he grew up.

Its a huge triumph for the Nets as they prepare to move into the new Barclays Center to start the 2012-13 season. They gave up an enormous package to get Williams in a surprising February 2011 trade, sending promising forward Derrick Favors, point guard Devin Harris, two first-round draft picks and cash to the Utah Jazz.

But it was worth it for the Nets, who needed a franchise player with them to build buzz for their move to New York.

Williams wanted to make a quick decision before he reports to training camp in Las Vegas with the U.S. mens basketball team on Thursday. He met with both teams Monday, the day after free agency opened, and made his Twitter posting at about 7 p.m. ET.

Williams decision comes a day after the Nets agreed to a deal with Atlanta for All-Star guard Joe Johnson, and amid reports they are still hoping to make a deal with Orlando for Dwight Howard. Brooklyn also has a deal in place to re-sign versatile free agent forward Gerald Wallace.

Just two years after a 70-loss season, the Nets will have one of the NBAs best backcourts and are poised to make a quick move up the Eastern Conference standings.

Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks had spoken openly about their desire to bring Williams back to North Texas, where he starred at The Colony High School. Mark Cubans team never made much attempt to defend its 2011 NBA title, letting key players such as Tyson Chandler and J.J. Barea leave through free agency so the Mavs could save money for this summer.

But Dallas could only offer Williams a four-year deal worth about $75 million under the terms of the new collective bargaining agreement. And with the Nets flurry of moves, may not even be able to offer a better team anymore.

Williams averaged 21 points and 8.7 assists last season and had a 57-point game. One of the leagues top point guards since entering the NBA as the No. 3 pick of the Jazz in 2005, he was ahead of his competitors when last season started after playing in Turkey during the lockout.

The Jazz decided to deal him at the 2011 deadline after a clash with former Utah coach Jerry Sloan, and without knowing if Williams would stay there long-term. The Nets had just been stung when the Knicks beat them to acquire Carmelo Anthony from Denver, and the Nets bounced back the next day by landing Williams.

Williams didnt always seem to enjoy playing in New Jersey, with the Nets spending the last two seasons in a temporary home in Newark. But he should play in front of packed crowds in Brooklyn as the main attraction at the Barclays Center.

Courtesy of www.sltrib.com


Clippers interested in Courtney Lee - by Eurobasket News

The Clippers reached out to Courtney Lee (6'5''-G/F-85, college: W.Kentucky) on Tuesday after the 6-foot-5 guard was told that the Houston Rockets werent going to make him a qualifying offer, a person close to Lee who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter confirmed to The Times.

That makes Lee an unrestricted free agent and able to sign with any team.

Multiple reports said that the Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards also have interest in Lee.

Lee, a four-year veteran, would also be a good fit for the Clippers because they are looking for a big shooting guard and for someone who can spread the floor with his outside shot.

Lee, who made $2.2 million last season, averaged 11.4 points last season in 58 games, 26 as a starter for the Rockets. He shot 43.3% from the field, 40.3% from three-point range.

The Clippers continue to have interest in guards Jamal Crawford and Ray Allen.

Crawford visited the Clippers on Tuesday and Allen is expected to visit them Friday.

The Clippers have the mid-level exception that starts at $5 million a year to use on a player.

Courtesy of www.latimes.com


Mirza Teletovic agrees to terms with the Brooklyn Nets! - by Chris Mathieu

Mirza Teletovic (6'9''-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) agrees to terms with the Brooklyn Nets!
The newest franchise in the NBA the Brooklyn Nets continued their big offseason shopping spree by coming to agreement with power forward Mirza Teletovic.
Mirza dominated Spain as the best power forward in Europe and was eager to test his talent at the highest level of basketball. Mirza has developed into a complete stretch forward who can post up, come off screens and spot up and shoot the three.
Mirza agreed to a 2 million euro buyout to come to the NBA and will sign a 3 year 15.75 million dollar contract with the Nets. He has agreed to the full mid-level exception available to the team. Mirza, given the opportunity to play and adjust should round into a very solid scoring four in the NBA, even if he comes off the bench as a sixth man.


Landry Fields agrees to a three-year contract with Raptors. - by Bryan Floyd

Landry Fields (6'7''-G/F-88, college: Stanford) has agreed to a three-year contract with Toronto, according to ESPN's Marc Stein. Stein reports that the offer is likely to spike in year three like Omer Asik's offer sheet with the Rockets, and if that's the case, the Knicks will have a tough time matching that deal. Stein also reports that the deal is around $20 million. He cannot officially sign until July 11, which is the first day NBA players can sign new contracts. The Knicks will have three days to decide whether they will be matcing the offer.


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


U17 World Championship: USA storm past France - by Eurobasket News

USA U17 - France U17 86:50

USA stayed on the winning track in Kaunas. They posted the fourth straight win at the championship. Tonight the USA rallied past France to improve at 4-0 record on top of Group A. Jahlil Okafor-Benton (6'11''-C-95) came up with 21 points and 13 rebounds to lead the winners.
USA and France stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The North American team led by just three points at the first break 16:13. But the US team gradually increased the tempo. They poured in 24 points in the second quarter to secure a 40:24 halftime lead. USA maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. Moreover they boosted the distance to 28 points at the final break 60:32. USA never looked back cruising to the victory at the end. Conner Frankamp (6'1''-G-95) and Stanley Johnson (6'6''-SG-96) delivered 12 points each for the winning team. Petr Cornelie (6'10''-C/F-95) answered with 14 points for France. Paul Rigot (6'7''-SF-95) had 11 points in the loss.

USA U17: Jahlil Okafor-Benton 21+13 boards, Conner Frankamp 12, Stanley Johnson 12+10 boards
France U17: Petr Cornelie 14, Paul Rigot 11


Frosh PG Corey Heyward tears ACL - by Eurobasket News

Corey Heyward, a 2011 all-state guard from Duluth, Ga., who signed with Georgia Tech in the spring, has torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and likely will miss the 2012-13 season, head coach Brian Gregory said Monday.

Heyward, who spent the 2011-12 academic year at Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia, suffered the injury in a pickup game Thursday. He will undergo surgery within the next two weeks, followed by a lengthy rehabilitation period. Heyward enrolled for the early summer term at Tech in late May and has been participating in strength and conditioning workouts and individual instruction.

"In the short time that Corey has been a member of our team, he has made a positive impact on our program," said Gregory, entering his second season as the Yellow Jackets' head coach. "His work ethic has produced positive results both in the classroom and on the court. We feel terrible about his injury, but it's a temporary setback and we'll be with him every step of the way back."

The 6-1, 195-pound Heyward was named first-team all-state in class AAAAA by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and also was named Region 7 Player of the Year, following a 2010-11 season in which he averaged 16.6 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game for Peachtree Ridge High School. At Hargrave, Heyward averaged 11 points, six rebounds and six assists, helping the Tigers to a 38-1 record and the championship game of the national prep school championship.

Courtesy of http://georgiatech.rivals.com


*****************************************************
  NCAA2   


Western Oregon Picks Up Some Transfers - by Sanjey Noriega

From: wouwolves.com

W.Oregon head coach Brady Bergeson has announced the signings of Tyler Funk and Rodney Webster to National Letters of Intent to add to his 2012-13 recruiting class.

Funk is a 6-1 point guard who will join the Wolves out of Peninsula Community College and Webster is a shooting guard out of Fresno City CC. Both student-athletes will join W.Oregon with two season of eligibility remaining.

Funk played his high school ball at Orange Lutheran in Yorba Linda, Calif., where he was named the California Intercollegiate Federation 4A Player of the Year as a senior. He averaged 15 points, five assists, 3.5 rebounds and two steals per game. Funk then went to Peninsula CC in Port Angeles, Wash., where he averaged 9.0 points, 4.5 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.7 steals a contest.

"Tyler is a complete point guard with a great feel for the game," said Bergeson. "His teammates love him, because he makes everyone around him better. He shoots it, drives it, and defends very well. Tyler can do a lot for a basketball team, and we are excited to have him."


*****************************************************
  NEW ZEALAND   


Olympic Qualifying Tournament: FYR Macedonia shoot down New Zealand - by Eurobasket News

FYR Macedonia - New Zealand 84:62

FYR Macedonia stays in the race for Olympic Games ticket. They defeated New Zealand to ensure the quarterfinal birth from Group D. New Zealand suffered the second defeat and got eliminated from the tournament. Bo McCalebb (178-PG-85, college: New Orleans) came up with 23 points and 11 assists to lead the European team.
FYK Macedonia surged ahead right from the start. They posted a 26:11 lead at the first break. New Zealand stopped the bleeding in the second stanza. They narrowed the gap at 13-point mark at the interval 31:44. The Tall Blacks stayed competitive throughout the third term. They trimmed the margin to 12 points at the final intermission. But FYR Macedonia unloaded 24 points in the fourth frame and sealed a comfortable win at the end. Pero Antic (211-F-82, agency: Beo Basket) provided 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Tihomir Gechevski (184-PG-80) added 16 points for the Balkan team. Alex Pledger (213-C-87, college: Belm.Abbey) responded with 11 points and 11 rebounds for New Zealand. Everard Bartlett (198-G-86) chipped in 9 points in defeat.

FYR Macedonia: Bo McCalebb 23+11 assists, Pero Antic 17+10 boards, Tihomir Gechevski 16
New Zealand: Alex Pledger 11+11 boards, Everard Bartlett 9


*****************************************************
  NIGERIA   


Nigeria captain, Oyedeji looking to go out in London - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Nigeria may have lost a 71-69 heartbreaker against hosts Venezuela on Day-1 of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, but they have not given up hope of emerging from Group-B.

Nigerian captain Olumide Oyedeji revealed that if his team can climb the large mountain facing them and qualify for the Olympics, he will hang up his international boots.

I have played all around the word, NBA, CBA, world championships, he said. The only thing I havent done is make it to an Olympics.

Despite finishing on the dais at FIBA Africa Championship on six occasions, Nigeria has never qualified for the Olympics in mens basketball.

If I make it to these Olympics I think I can retire after that, he said.

If we dont I will try one more time, but if we do make it there it would be a great honour for me as captain to lead them.

But while the 31-year-old is desperate to reach the pinnacle before his time in the sport finishes, he realises there is a bright future for his country.

Were trying to build the team for the next 10 years. You look at this team and the average age is probably 23 or 24, he said.

For Oyedeji, working with emerging stars Al-Farouq Aminu and Solomon Alabi is bringing him unexpected rewards, and bringing out the best in him.

I have been on the team for 15 years since I was 16, so I have to pass knowledge onto the young players, he said.

Hopefully they can continue learning and continue growing, and we can keep bringing young players in and us older players keep tutoring them and showing the way.

Courtesy FIBA.com Oyedeji Olumide (210-C-81)


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

Standings

Standings
Group A
1. Argentina0-0
2. France0-0
3. Tunisia0-0
4. USA0-0
Group B
1. Australia0-0
2. Brazil0-0
3. Chile0-0
4. U.Kingdom0-0
5. Spain0-0
Group Qualification Gr.A
1. Greece1-0
2. P.Rico1-0
3. Jordan0-2
Group Qualification Gr.B
1. Lithuania1-0
2. Venezuela1-1
3. Nigeria0-1
Group Qualification Gr.C
1. Dominican R.1-0
2. Russia1-0
3. S.Korea0-2
Group Qualification Gr.D
1. Angola1-0
2. FYR Macedo.1-1
3. N.Zealand0-1

Additional Qualifying Round: Round 2

Qual. A

Jul. 3: JOR - PUR 52-93

Qual. B

Jul. 3: VEN - LTU 82-100

Qual. C

Jul. 3: KOR - DOM 85-95

Qual. D

Jul. 3: MKD - NZL 84-62

Additional Qualifying Round: Round 3

Qual. A

Jul. 4: PUR - GRE

Qual. B

Jul. 4: LTU - NGR

Qual. C

Jul. 4: DOM - RUS

Qual. D

Jul. 4: NZL - ANG


Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Greivis VASQUEZ
  VEN
  (197-PG-87)
  Avg: 24
 1. Vasquez, VEN24.0 
 2. McCalebb, MKD22.0 
 3. Sandrin, KOR18.0 
 4. Antic, MKD17.0 
 5. Daghles, JOR13.0 
 6. Stojanovski, MKD10.5 
 7. Ilievski, MKD10.5 
 8. Torres, VEN10.0 
 9. Gecevski, MKD10.0 
 10. Abbas, JOR10.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Pero ANTIC
  MKD
  (211-F-82)
  Avg: 8
 1. Antic, MKD8.0 
 2. Echenique, VEN7.5 
 3. Graterol, VEN6.0 
 4. Kim, KOR5.5 
 5. Samardziski, MKD5.0 
 6. Abbas, JOR4.5 
 7. Lee, KOR4.5 
 8. Sandrin, KOR4.5 
 9. Cubillan, VEN4.0 
 10. Kim, KOR3.5 
Assists Per Game
 Bo MCCALEBB
  USA
  (178-PG-85)
  Avg: 8
 1. McCalebb, MKD8.0 
 2. Vasquez, VEN5.0 
 3. Kim, KOR5.0 
 4. Cubillan, VEN4.5 
 5. Ilievski, MKD3.5 
 6. Kim, KOR3.5 
 7. Vargas, VEN3.0 
 8. Soobzokov, JOR2.5 
 9. Daghles, JOR2.5 
 10. Cox, VEN2.5 
Steals Per Game
 Tae-Sool KIM
  (180-PG-84)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Kim, KOR3.5 
 2. Vasquez, VEN2.0 
 3. McCalebb, MKD2.0 
 4. Daghles, JOR2.0 
 5. Yang, KOR1.5 
 6. Antic, MKD1.5 
 7. Gecevski, MKD1.5 
 8. Stojanovski, MKD1.5 
 9. Sandrin, KOR1.5 
 10. Cox, VEN1.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Windi GRATEROL
  (204-C-86)
  Avg: 2
 1. Graterol, VEN2.0 
 2. Sandrin, KOR1.0 
 3. Yoon, KOR1.0 
 4. Echenique, VEN1.0 
 5. Lee, KOR1.0 
 6. Kim, KOR0.5 
 7. Soobzokov, JOR0.5 
 8. Cox, VEN0.5 
 9. Romero, VEN0.5 
 10. Marriaga, VEN0.5 


Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Results and Stats from Day 2 in Caracas - by Eurobasket News

Group Qual. A
Jordan - Puerto Rico 52-93
Puerto Rico breezed past Jordan in the opening game of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) accounted for 20 points in the victory. Jordan suffered the second straight defeat and need to pack their bags. Puerto Rico opened the game with a 19:2 run to set the tone. They accumulated a 29:11 lead ten minutes into the encounter. Puerto Rico extended the lead in the second quarter. They established a 54:22 halftime buffer. Things just went from bad to worse for Jordan in this one. They never found the right tempo facing an insurmountable 32:72 deficit at the final break. Puerto Rico never looked back and coasted to the victory at the end. Ricardo Sanchez (212-C-87) delivered 12 points, while Nathan Peavy added 11 points for the winning team. Osama Daghles (198-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) responded with 17 points for Jordan. Zaid Abbas had 9 points in the loss.

Group Qual. B
Venezuela - Lithuania 82-100
Lithuania tipped off their Olympic Qualifying Tournament with victory. They shot down hosting Venezuela for 1-0 record in Group B. Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, college: Missouri) came up with 28 points to lead the Baltic team. Venezuela fell at 1-1 record after the loss. Lithuania and Venezuela entered the game firing from all guns. Lively first quarter ended with the visitors holding on to a thin 23:21 lead. Lithuania started to get away in the second frame. They ensured a 49:36 halftime lead. Lithuania erupted for 31 points in the third term to secure a 16-point lead before the fourth frame. The visitors knocked down 20 points in the fourth term and sealed the victory at the end. Mantas Kalnietis (195-G-86, agency: Interperformances) posted 13 points, 8 assists and 4 boards for Lithuania. Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) added 12 points in the win. Greivis Vasquez answered with 24 points and 7 assists for Venezuela. Oscar Torres and John Cox netted 14 points each in the loss.

Group Qual. C
South Korea - Dominican Republic 85-95
Dominican Republic earned the first win at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Caracas. They overcame South Korea in Group C. Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida) came up with 30 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort. South Korea had their backs against the wall heading into the game. With the loss in the starting game South Korea surged ahead in this one. They eked out a 19:17 lead ten minutes into the encounter. The Asian team maintained the advantage throughout the second frame. They secured a 41:37 halftime lead. Dominican Republic answered with a scoring spree in the third quarter. Led by Alfred Horford Dominican Republic unleashed 34 points and secured a 6-point advantage heading into the fourth frame. They dropped 24 points in the final quarter and sealed the victory at the end. Jack Michael Martinez (201-F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) finished with 16 points and 25 rebounds, while Francisco Garcia added 13 points for the winners. Sandrin Eric (206-C/F-78, college: Seattle Pacific) answered with 21 points for South Korea. Kim Sung-Hyun tallied 14 points in the loss.

Group Qual. D
FYR Macedonia - New Zealand 84-62
FYR Macedonia stays in the race for Olympic Games ticket. They defeated New Zealand to ensure the quarterfinal birth from Group D. New Zealand suffered the second defeat and got eliminated from the tournament. Bo McCalebb (178-PG-85, college: New Orleans) came up with 23 points and 11 assists to lead the European team. FYK Macedonia surged ahead right from the start. They posted a 26:11 lead at the first break. New Zealand stopped the bleeding in the second stanza. They narrowed the gap at 13-point mark at the interval 31:44. The Tall Blacks stayed competitive throughout the third term. They trimmed the margin to 12 points at the final intermission. But FYR Macedonia unloaded 24 points in the fourth frame and sealed a comfortable win at the end. Pero Antic (211-F-82, agency: Beo Basket) provided 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Tihomir Gechevski added 16 points for the Balkan team. Alex Pledger (213-C-87, college: Belm.Abbey) responded with 11 points and 11 rebounds for New Zealand. Everard Bartlett chipped in 9 points in defeat.


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


PGE Turow returns Serbian center Ivan Zigeranovic - by Eurobasket News

PGE Turow signed another Serbian player for the next season. After guard Djordje Micic (195-G-83), the Polish squad penned a deal with center Ivan Zigeranovic (212-C-84, agency: BeoExcell). The 26-year-old player already was a member of Turow a year ago. He had 5.9 ppg and 3 rpg for them in 34 games (2010/11) and they reached PLK Finals. Last season Zigeranovic split between Borac Cacak and Gaz Metan Medias. With Borac he exploded with 20.5 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2.8 apg and 1.2 bpg in 14 Serbian league games. He was the second rebounder, second shot blocker and third scorer of the competition. Later with Gaz Metan, Zigeranovic added 10.1 ppg and 5.7 rpg for 23 games in Romania. The center played fro Gaz Metan also in 2009/10. He has experience from FMP Zeleznik and Ergonom Nis as well.


Polpharma adds Nowakowski, Radwanski and Carter - by Eurobasket News

Polpharma Starogard Gdanski continues to build roster for the next season. After signing of Uros Mirkovic (205-F/C-82, agency: BeoExcell), the team penned deals with Marcin Nowakowski (184-PG-89), Kacper Radwanski (194-F-94) and Jawan Carter (180-G-87, college: Delaware).
Marcin Nowakowski joined Polpharma in November. He appeared 25 times in PLK averaging 7 ppg, 3.2 apg and 1.6 rpg. He started last season with Anwil, but had very limited playing time. In 2011, Nowakwski was named Eurobasket.com All-Polish League Most Improved Player of the Year. He played for Polonia.
Kacper Radwanski played last season for 2Liga team SMS PZKosz Wladyslawowo. He had 3.4 ppg and 1.9 rpg in 14 games. Radwanski is 19-year-old forward.
Jawan Carter averaged 14 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists for 23 games with Darussafaka last season (Turkish TB2L). It was his first year as a pro. Carter graduated at the University of Delaware in 2011.


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


SPO Rouen Basket adds Da Silva to their roster - by Eurobasket Center

SPO Rouen Basket (ProB) agreed terms with 33-year old naturalized Portuguese international guard Philippe Da Silva (192-G-79). Da Silva played most recently at Paris-Levallois (ProA). While playing 31 games for Paris-Levallois last season he recorded 1.9ppg, 2.6rpg and 2.3apg. He played also pro basketball in Portugal and Spain. Da Silva played for Portuguese senior national team this year. He represented Portugal at the European Championships in Lithuania last year. Da Silva played last summer at the European Championships in Lithuania representing Portugal.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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


Olympic Qualifying Tournament: Puerto Rico romp to send Jordan home - by Eurobasket News

Puerto Rico - Jordan 93:52

Puerto Rico breezed past Jordan in the opening game of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) accounted for 20 points in the victory. Jordan suffered the second straight defeat and need to pack their bags.
Puerto Rico opened the game with a 19:2 run to set the tone. They accumulated a 29:11 lead ten minutes into the encounter. Puerto Rico extended the lead in the second quarter. They established a 54:22 halftime buffer. Things just went from bad to worse for Jordan in this one. They never found the right tempo facing an insurmountable 32:72 deficit at the final break. Puerto Rico never looked back and coasted to the victory at the end. Ricardo Sanchez (212-C-87) delivered 12 points, while Nathan Peavy (203-F-85, agency: Arete Sports Agency, college: Miami, OH) added 11 points for the winning team. Osama Daghles (198-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) responded with 17 points for Jordan. Zaid Abbas (203-F-83) had 9 points in the loss.

Puerto Rico: Peter John Ramos 20, Ricardo Sanchez 12, Nathan Peavy 11
Jordan: Osama Daghles 17, Zaid Abbas 9


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


Pitesti returns PG Donte Gennie, keeps Damien Kinloch and Slobodan Popovic - by Eurobasket News

Donte Gennie (185-PG-83, agency: TSS Management, college: Georgia South) is back to BCM U Pitesti after one year. The team also kept Damien Kinloch (203-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Tenn Tech) and Slobodan Popovic (198-G-80, agency: BeoExcell) for the next season.
Donte Gennie finished 2011/12 season with Craiova collecting 13.4 ppg, 4.5 apg, 2.8 rpg and 1.5 spg. He joined the team in December. Gennie already played for Pitesti in 2010/11 and was their key player. For 32 games in the league the PG had 18.8 ppg, 4.8 apg, 3.3 rpg and 2.4 spg.
Damien Kinloch arrived to Pitesti last summer from Gaz Metan Medias. He shined with 15.9 ppg, 9.3 rpg and 1.4 bpg for the club in 24 games last season. Before Pitesti and Gaz Metan, Kniloch played in Poland, Ukraine, Turkey, Puerto Rico and France.
Slobodan Popovic moved to Pitesti in November from Otopeni. His stats read 13.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 1.9 apg for 30 games. With Otopeni Popovic had 16 ppg and 5.7 rpg for 6 games last season.


Andrei Mandache joins Gaz Metan Medias - by Eurobasket News

Andrei Mandache (189-G-87, agency: Global Sports Plaza) is back to Romania. The 24-year-old guard signed a one-season deal with Gaz Metan Medias. He spent 2011/12 with Keravnos Nicosia and helped them to reach Cypriot league Finals. Keravnos also was the Cup winner in the country. Mandache appeared 14 times in domestic championship averaging 4.9 points. He had lower numbers for 6 games in EuroChallenge. Andrei Mandache played for Steaua in 2010/11 season. He had 7.1 ppg, 2.7 apg and 2.2 rpg for 38 games in the league. Before that, the player spent one year with Otopeni and one with Brasov. In the past, he played for Oradea. Mandache also played for the Romanian National Team from 2008 to 2010.


Former Eurobasket Summer League participant Mike St.John also heads to Gaz Metan Medias - by Eurobasket News

Gaz Metan Medias is very active on the transfer market. After arrival of Andrei Mandache (189-G-87, agency: Global Sports Plaza), the Romanian squad announced signing of Mike St.John (203-F/C-84, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: La Salle). The American power forward/center played for Danish Horsens over the past two seasons. In the latest one the player had 12.3 ppg, 10.2 rpg and 2.7 apg in 34 league games. He was fourth rebounder of the competition. Horsens reached Playoff Semifinals in both years. Mike St.John was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Danish Ligaen Honorable Mention last season and he got the same award in 2011. He participated twice at Danish League All-Star Game. In the past, St.John played in Poland and he participated twice at EuroBasket Summer League (2008 and 2010 in New York). His great performance helped the player to get a job in Denmark. Mike St.John graduated at La Salle University in 2007.


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

Stats Leaders - Superleague A

Points Per Game
 Davon JEFFERSON
  Triumph
  (204-F-86)
  Avg: 20.3
 1. Jefferson, Triumph20.3 
 2. Rush, Krasnie Kril.16.7 
 3. Thomas, Spartak-.15.3 
 4. Beverley, Spart.15.0 
 5. McKee, Triumph14.9 
 6. Fridzon, Khimky14.7 
 7. Karasev, Triumph14.1 
 8. Massey, Lokomotiv13.5 
 9. Planinic, Khimky13.2 
 10. Bykov, Lokomotiv13.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Davon JEFFERSON
  Triumph
  (204-F-86)
  Avg: 7.9
 1. Jefferson, Triumph7.9 
 2. Victor, Spartak-.7.5 
 3. Massey, Lokomotiv7.5 
 4. Veremeenko, Unics6.6 
 5. Landry, Triumph6.2 
 6. Kirilenko, CSKA6.1 
 7. Baxter, Enisey6.0 
 8. Beverley, Spart.5.8 
 9. Savenkov, Spartak.5.7 
 10. Khryapa, CSKA5.7 
Assists Per Game
 Aaron MILES
  Krasnie Krilya
  (186-G-83)
  Avg: 6.3
 1. Miles, Krasnie Kri.6.3 
 2. Samoylenko, Unics5.0 
 3. Teodosic, CSKA5.0 
 4. Beverley, Spart.4.9 
 5. Halperin, Spart.4.6 
 6. Thomas, Spartak-.4.5 
 7. Planinic, Khimky4.4 
 8. McKee, Triumph4.3 
 9. Rush, Krasnie Kril.3.4 
 10. Bykov, Lokomotiv3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Patrick BEVERLEY
  Spart.
  (185-PG-88)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Beverley, Spart.2.3 
 2. Massey, Lokomotiv2.0 
 3. Baburin, Spartak-.1.9 
 4. Thomas, Spartak-.1.8 
 5. Halperin, Spart.1.7 
 6. Jefferson, Triumph1.5 
 7. Rush, Krasnie Kril.1.5 
 8. Chalmers, Lokom.1.5 
 9. Victor, Spartak-.1.5 
 10. Lyday, Unics1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Davon JEFFERSON
  Triumph
  (204-F-86)
  Avg: 1
 1. Jefferson, Triumph1.0 
 2. Kirilenko, CSKA1.0 
 3. Likhodey, Spart.0.9 
 4. Lavrinovic, CSKA0.9 
 5. Kikanovic, Enisey0.8 
 6. Vasiliev, Krasni.0.8 
 7. Savenkov, Spartak.0.8 
 8. Gelabale, Khimky0.7 
 9. Traore, Lokomotiv0.7 
 10. Baxter, Enisey0.7 


Lokomotiv Kuban officially locks Nick Calathes until 2014 - by Eurobasket News

As expected, Nick Calathes (198-G-89, college: Florida) officially became a new member of Lokomotiv Kuban. The Russian squad announced signing of a two-year deal with Greek PG. Calathes played last three years for Panathinaikos Athens. He had 7.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 2.4 apg for them in 23 Euroleague games last season. In Greece, Kalathes averaged 8 points, 3 assists and 2.3 rebounds. Kalathes and PAO won two Greek league titles together and they won Euroleague crown in 2011. This year, PAO won the Greek Cup, but failed to defend other two trophies. Nick Calathes became one of the Greens in 2009, after he left University of Florida. With the school he had 17.2 ppg, 6.4 apg and 5.3 rpg for 36 games in 2008/09. Calathes is active member of the Greek National Team. He had 9.2 ppg, 3.8 apg and 2.6 rpg for 11 games at the EuroBasket in Lithuania last summer.


*****************************************************
  SAN MARINO   


Scotland overcome San Marino - by Eurobasket News

Scotland - San Marino 71:68

Scotland earned the initial victory at the European Championship for Small Countries. They defeated hosting San Marino for 1-1 record. San Marino slipped at 1-1 record after the loss. Scott Russell (182-PG-81) notched 19 points for the winners.
Scotland built a 20:18 lead ten minutes into the game. But the hosts adjusted defensively and pulled in front for a 33:32 halftime lead. Scotland denied the deficit in the third term. The teams entered the final frame tied at 50. Scotland spurred ahead late in the regulation and held on to win the game at the end. Nicholas Collins (195-F-84) posted 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Alistair Mackay (208-C-91) added 18 points and 13 rebounds for Scotland. Andrea Raschi (198-SG-79) answered with 24 points and 11 rebounds for San Marino.

Scotland: Scott Russell 19, Alistair Mackay 18+13 boards, Nicholas Collins 17+10 boards
San Marino: Andrea Raschi 24+11 boards, Stefano Rossini (182-G/F-74) 12


*****************************************************
  SCOTLAND   


Scottish National Team 2012 - by Greg

Starting five
#s#
Daniel Huffor
Huffor
Euan Campbell
Campbell
Gareth Murray
Murray
Nicholas Collins
Collins
Alistair Mackay
Mackay
#e#5
4 Fraser Glass 185-PG-92 St.Mirren S. Scotland
5 Colin Railley 175-PG-78 St.Mirren S. Scotland
7 Ifedade Thomas 185-G/F-88 Troon T. Scotland
8 Scott Russell 182-PG-81 C.Eriksson F. Scotland
9 Daniel Huffor 193-PF-87 Glasgow Rocks United Kingdom
10 Euan Campbell 188-PG-80 Troon T. Scotland
11 Gareth Murray 201-F-84 Glasgow Rocks United Kingdom
12 David Johnston 205-PF-84 St.Mirren S. Scotland
13 Nicholas Collins 195-F-84 St.Mirren S. Scotland
14 Martin Walmsley 201-C-86 Glasgow Storm Scotland
15 Alistair Mackay 208-C-91 Davidson USA

Tom Campbell Head Coach
Robert Taft Assistant



Scotland overcome San Marino - by Eurobasket News

Scotland - San Marino 71:68

Scotland earned the initial victory at the European Championship for Small Countries. They defeated hosting San Marino for 1-1 record. San Marino slipped at 1-1 record after the loss. Scott Russell (182-PG-81) notched 19 points for the winners.
Scotland built a 20:18 lead ten minutes into the game. But the hosts adjusted defensively and pulled in front for a 33:32 halftime lead. Scotland denied the deficit in the third term. The teams entered the final frame tied at 50. Scotland spurred ahead late in the regulation and held on to win the game at the end. Nicholas Collins (195-F-84) posted 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Alistair Mackay (208-C-91) added 18 points and 13 rebounds for Scotland. Andrea Raschi (198-SG-79) answered with 24 points and 11 rebounds for San Marino.

Scotland: Scott Russell 19, Alistair Mackay 18+13 boards, Nicholas Collins 17+10 boards
San Marino: Andrea Raschi 24+11 boards, Stefano Rossini (182-G/F-74) 12


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


PGE Turow returns Serbian center Ivan Zigeranovic - by Eurobasket News

PGE Turow signed another Serbian player for the next season. After guard Djordje Micic (195-G-83), the Polish squad penned a deal with center Ivan Zigeranovic (212-C-84, agency: BeoExcell). The 26-year-old player already was a member of Turow a year ago. He had 5.9 ppg and 3 rpg for them in 34 games (2010/11) and they reached PLK Finals. Last season Zigeranovic split between Borac Cacak and Gaz Metan Medias. With Borac he exploded with 20.5 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2.8 apg and 1.2 bpg in 14 Serbian league games. He was the second rebounder, second shot blocker and third scorer of the competition. Later with Gaz Metan, Zigeranovic added 10.1 ppg and 5.7 rpg for 23 games in Romania. The center played fro Gaz Metan also in 2009/10. He has experience from FMP Zeleznik and Ergonom Nis as well.


Velimir Gasic new assistant of Dusko Vujosevic - by Zoran Popovic

Dusko Vujosevic (agency: Beo Basket ) announce name of his first assistant in next season. Velimir Gasic , who already works in Partizan as assistant coach, will join coach Vujosevic and his team. During the career Velimir Velimir Gasic was head coach of Radnicki Beograd, Borac Nektar Banja Luka, Sloboda Dita Tuzla, Vojvodina Srbija Gas, Metalac Valjevo. Velimir Gasic was assistant coach to Zeljko Obradovic in season 1991-1992 when Partizan took their first Euroleaue title. Also, coach Velimir Gasic was assistant coach in Serbia and Montenegro and Serbia National team 2007, head coach of Serbian University National team 2005. And head coach Yugoslavian and Serbian and Montenegro youth teams.


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


U17 World Championship: Argentina deny South Korea - by Eurobasket News

Argentina U17 - South Korea U17 106:59

Argentina celebrated the second win at the U17 World Championship in Kaunas. They knocked down South Korea for 2-2 record in Group B. South Korea fell at 0-4 record after the loss. Matias Aristu (193-F/G-95) and Guillermo Lopez (198-F-95) scored 15 points each to lead the winners.
Argentina held the Asian team to 12 points in the opening quarter to take a 7-point lead. Argentina went on a 31:10 run in the second quarter to build a 28-point halftime advantage. The Latin American side maintained the advantage throughout the third frame. They arrived at the final break up by 40 points 89:39. Argentina did not loosen the grasp in the final frame and sealed the victory at the end. Joaquin Giarrafa (191-F-95) and Rodrigo Haag (193-SG-95) contributed 12 points apiece in the win. Heo Hoon (181-G-95) answered with 13 points for South Korea. Kim Yun (185-G-95) netted 11 points in the loss.

Argentina U17: Matias Aristu 15, Guillermo Lopez 15, Joaquin Giarrafa 12, Rodrigo Haag 12
South Korea U17: Heo Hoon 13, Kim Yun 11


Olympic Qualifying Tournament: Dominican Republic tame South Korea - by Eurobasket News

Dominican Republic - South Korea 95:85

Dominican Republic earned the first win at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Caracas. They overcame South Korea in Group C. Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida) came up with 30 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort.
South Korea had their backs against the wall heading into the game. With the loss in the starting game South Korea surged ahead in this one. They eked out a 19:17 lead ten minutes into the encounter. The Asian team maintained the advantage throughout the second frame. They secured a 41:37 halftime lead. Dominican Republic answered with a scoring spree in the third quarter. Led by Alfred Horford Dominican Republic unleashed 34 points and secured a 6-point advantage heading into the fourth frame. They dropped 24 points in the final quarter and sealed the victory at the end. Jack Michael Martinez (201-F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) finished with 16 points and 25 rebounds, while Francisco Garcia (201-F/G-81, college: Louisville) added 13 points for the winners. Sandrin Eric (206-C/F-78, college: Seattle Pacific) answered with 21 points for South Korea. Kim Sung-Hyun (190-G/F-80) tallied 14 points in the loss.

Dominican Republic: Alfred Horford 30+12 boards, Jack Michael Martinez 16+25 boards, Francisco Garcia 13
South Korea: Sandrin Eric 21, Kim Sung-Hyun 14


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


U17 World Championship: Spain celebrate third win in Group B - by Eurobasket News

Spain U17 - Canada U17 83:62

Spain earned the third win in Group B at the U17 World Championship in Kaunas. They fired past Canada at the start of the fourth day of action. Alberto Abalde (200-SF-95) came up with 21 points to lead the winners.
Spain and Canada stayed close throughout the starting quarter. The scoreboard read 20:20 at the end of the opening frame. Spain gradually pulled in front in the second term. They accumulated a 38:33 halftime lead. The European team cleared off in the third quarter. They unloaded 24 points to ensure a 16-point lead at the final intermission. Spain stayed on fire in the final quarter and raced to the victory at the end. Agusti Sans (195-SG-95) and Marcos Portalez (201-F-95) accounted for 14 points each for Spain. Marial Shayok (196-SG-95) responded with 17 points for Canada. Tyrell Bellot-Green (198-G/F-95) had 10 points as the North American team fell at 2-2 record.

Spain U17: Alberto Abalde 21, Agusti Sans 14, Marcos Portalez 14
Canada U17: Marial Shayok 17, Tyrell Bellot-Green 10


Mirza Teletovic leaves Caja Laboral, signs three-year $15 million deal with Brooklyn Nets - by Eurobasket News

The Brooklyn Nets reached an agreement Tuesday with Spanish League star Mirza Teletovic (6'9''-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) on a three-year, $15 million deal, sources confirmed.

Teletovic, a 6'9' power forward from Bosnia, averaged 21.2 points in Euroleague last season. Scouts tab him as a stretch forward who can hit a outside shot, but he's neither a great rebounder nor defender.

The Nets are using their entire midlevel exception on Teletovic, which means, assuming Deron Williams re-signs, they can only offer Jason Kidd or any other free agent the $2 million biannual exception or the veteran's minimum. Kidd, who wants to serve as Williams' backup, will command more on the open market. A reunion between Kidd and the Nets now seems unlikely.

Teletovic's contract won't be official until July 11, at which point the Nets will hold the rights to four European players. Bojan Bogdanovic, Tornike Shenglia and Ilkan Karaman, are more likely to continue to develop overseas.

Courtesy of www.nydailynews.com


Rudy Fernandez back to Real Madrid - by Giorgos Diploidis

Rudy Fernandez (198-G/F-85) returns to Real Madrid for the following three years. The Spanish national player announced the news by using his personal account in twitter. So the rumors that he will be back in Europe that time for permanent became official. Fernandez anticipated the Spanish team which hasn't already confirmed the news. So Rudy after his passing from Denver Nuggets will be again resident of Madrid.

The last period in Madrid Fernandez had 16.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.7apg, 2.4spg in 9 matches, while in NBA had 8.6ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg in 31.


Bilbao lands Nikolaos Zisis to 1+1 year deal - by Eurobasket News

Nikolaos Zisis (197-G-83) will continue his career in Spain. The Greek guard signed a 1+1 year deal with Bilbao. He arrives to the club from Montepaschi Siena, where he spent last three seasons. They won three SerieA titles and three Italian Cups together. Zisis had 6.4 ppg, 2.7 apg and 2.1 rpg in 42 Italian league games last season. In Euroleague, the player collected 4.5 ppg, 2.7 apg and 1.7 rpg. Nikolaos Zisis joined Montepaschi in 2009 from the CSKA Moscow. With Russian powerhouse he was Euroleague champion in 2008 and they also won two titles in Russia. In the past, Zisis played for Benetton Traviso and AEK Athens. He is active member of the Greek National Team since 2002. Last summer at the EuroBasket in Lithuania Zisis averaged 10.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists for 10 games.


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  SWITZERLAND   


Swiss Central Basket adds Danijel Eric and Rolf Stallkamp - by Eurobasket News

Swiss Central Basket got two reinforcements for the next season. The team penned deals with forwards Danijel Eric (193-F-81) and Rolf Stallkamp (200-F-78).
Danijel Eric most recently played for Starwings Basket Regio Basel and it was in 2009/10 season. Before that, the forward spent two years with STV Luzern Basket. He was one of the best LNB players in 2007/08. In 34 games Eric shined with 25 ppg, 7 apg and 5 spg. He was player/coach of the team that season.
Rolf Stallkamp already played for Swiss Central Basket from 2009 to 2011. They reached LNB Semifinals together a year ago. Stallkamp also played for Luzern from 2007 to 2009. In their first season together he exploded with 22 ppg, 5 rpg and 3 apg for 38 games. He was fourth scorer of the LNB and Luzern reached league Finals.


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  TAIWAN   


Jeremy Lin and Greg Stiemsma withdraw from USA Select Team - by Eurobasket News

New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin (6'3''-PG-88, college: Harvard) and Boston Celtics center Gregory Stiemsma (6'11''-C-85, agency: N.E.T., college: Wisconsin) have withdrawn from the 2012 USA Select Team that will train July 6-11 against the 2012 USA National Team during training camp in Las Vegas, Nev.

Lin informed USA Basketball this afternoon that because of his current contract status (a restricted free agent) he was withdrawing. Stiemsma was forced to withdraw after undergoing a non-surgical process for Plantar Fasciitis.

Unfortunately, I am not going to be able to participate in the 2012 USA Mens Select Team this summer, said Lin. It was such an incredible honor to be selected, but I have withdrawn my name from the team because of my status as a free agent. I hope to have the opportunity to participate with USA Basketball at some point in the future.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com


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  TURKEY   


Anadolu Efes lands Semih Erden to 2+1 year contract - by Eurobasket News

Semih Erden (211-C-87) is a new member of Anadolu Efes. The Turkish center penned a 2+1 year deal with the club. He finished last season with Cleveland Cavaliers. Erden averaged 3.5 points and 2.6 rebounds for 28 games in the NBA. The player started last season with Besiktas and stayed there until the end of the NBA lockout. For 6 games in TBL Erden had 9.2 ppg and 6 rpg. The center collected 12 ppg and 8.3 rpg for 3 games in EuroChallenge.
Semih Erden split 2010/11 season between Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavs. With the Cavs he had 3.3 ppg and 2.8 rpg in 4 games, while with the Celtics Erden registered 3.5 pg and 2.6 rpg. In the past, Erden spent few years with Fenerbahce Ulker and he also has experience from Partizan Belgrade. Semih Erden helped Turkish National Team to win the Silver at 2010 World Championship. He had 9.1 ppg and 4.6 rpg for 9 games at this event.


Sean Marshall joins Erdemir - by Eurobasket News

Sean Marshall (198-G/F-85, college: Boston Coll.) is back to TBL, according to Sportando.net. Reportedly, the player signed a deal with Erdemir. Marshal spent last season with Dijon averaging 11.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists for 30 games in ProA. He is not a new face in Turkey as he already played for Karsiyaka and Aliaga. Marshall finished 2010/11 season with Karsiyaka. He joined them in April of 2011 collecting 12.1 ppg and 3.4 rpg for 8 games. Marshal started that season with NBA D-League team Sioux Falls Skyforce. He missed 2010/11 and year before that the swingman played for Dijon. He also has experience from Aris Thessaloniki. Sean Marshal is a product of Boston College, where he graduated in 2007. His first pro deal came with Karsiyaka in 2007/08 season, when the player had 18.8 ppg and 5.2 rpg for 33 TBL games.


Anadolu Efes extends Kerem Gonlum until 2014 - by Eurobasket News

Anadolu Efes has reached a new agreement with power forward Kerem Gonlum (208-C/F-77), who re-signed his contract until the end of the 2013-14 season, the club announced Tuesday. It means that Gonlum will play his eighth season with the club. He missed half of the 2011/12 due to injury. Gonlum returned to the court at the end of February. He played 26 games in TBL averaging 7.3 points and 4.8 rebounds, while Anadolu Efes reached Playoff Finals. Gonlum played only one Euroleague game for the team last season.
Anadolu Efes arrived to Efes in 2005. Before that, the player spent six years with Ulker Istanbul. He started pro career with TED Kolejliler. Gonlum played for the Turkish National Team more than 10 years. He helped them win the Silver at 2010 World Championship in Turkey.


Bulls won't say if they'll match Asik's deal - by Eurobasket News

General manager Gar Forman declined to address whether the Bulls will match Omer Asik's (7'0''-C-86) three-year, $24.2 million offer sheet from the Rockets, which Asik will sign when the free-agent moratorium ends July 11.

The Bulls will have three days to match the deal, which could rise slightly in value depending on what the salary cap is set at on July 10.

"I'm not going to talk about any type of negotiation or anything contractually until we see something," Forman said. "We've made it clear we value Omer and it's been our goal that Omer would stay with the Bulls."

The back-loaded deal, which rises to a maximum salary of somewhere between $14.1 and $14.9 million depending on the salary cap in Year 3, is a tough poison pill to swallow for a team that has Derrick Rose on the books for $17.8 million and Joakim Noah at $12.2 million in 2014-15. Carlos Boozer's $16.8 million salary likely will be a victim of the amnesty provision at that point.

Sources said Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau flew to Los Angeles to meet with Asik last weekend. The Bulls offered Asik a four-year deal, sources said, but with set percentage raises established by the new collective bargaining agreement, it didn't match the Rockets' annual salary of $8.3 million. The Rockets took advantage of a loophole to jump Asik to a maximum salary in Year 3.

The Bulls could use the moratorium to explore the trade market for Noah or match the deal and try to trade one of the centers in the next two years. They also could execute a sign-and-trade transaction with the Rockets.

Regardless, it's a tough decision.

"He's done a great job here for two years," Thibodeau said. "Obviously, his defense, shot-blocking and rebounding is obvious. He anchors our second unit defensively with Taj (Gibson). Offensively, his ability to run the floor, screen, get to the offensive board, that's what makes him so valuable to us. ... I'm sure we'll make a good decision in the end."

Free for all: Forman underscored how little influence the Bulls can have on the market and the need to sign veterans to mostly minimum deals when he said calls "will continue throughout this week and possibly a lot of the month."

Thibodeau did have a phone conversation with Brandon Roy, a source said. And the Bulls continue negotiations with Kirk Hinrich, who would command most if not all of the $3 million mini-midlevel exception, if not higher. Hinrich appears to be the top target.

The Bulls have kept dialogue open with John Lucas III and also contacted Derek Fisher's representative.

Layups: Thibodeau, on Scott Brooks' reported four-year, $16-18 million extension with the Thunder: "Good for Scott." Thibodeau coached Brooks in his first NBA job in Minnesota. The Tribune reported last week that Thibodeau's extension talks have stalled over length and money. "We haven't got around to it yet," he said. "We'll address that later in the summer." Thibodeau is working on a team option that runs through next season. ... Assistant coach Rick Brunson accepted a position on new Bobcats coach Mike Dunlap's staff in Charlotte. ... The Bulls promoted longtime front-office staffer Sebrina Brewster to director of public and media relations. ... Leon Powe, whom the Bulls showed interest in last season, could land on the summer-league team.

Courtesy of www.chicagotribune.com


Royal Hali Gaziantep signs Caner Ercan - by Eurobasket News

Royal Hali Gaziantep signed a one-year deal with Caner Ercan (205-F-86, agency: Diamond Sportsman Agency). The Turkish forward arrives to the club from Erdemir, where he had limited playing time. Ercan appeared in 29 TBL games registering 4 ppg and 1 rpg. Before Erdemir, he spent one season with Olin Edrine. There the forward had 5.1 ppg and 1.5 rpg for 32 games, also in TBL. In 2010, Caner Ercan helped Olin Edrine to reach TB2L Finals and at the same time they won the promotion for TBL. In the past, Ercan played for Vestelspor Manisa.
Last week Royal Hali Gaziantep brought in Isaiah Swann. The point guard played last season for Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five). He was the third top-scorer of the League with 15.8ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 85.5%.


Aliaga Petkim inks point guard Ahmet Erdogan - by Eurobasket News

Aliaga Petkim reinforced its roster at position one. The Turkish squad signed a 1+1 season deal with Ahmet Ali Erdogan (186-PG-86). The player heads to the club after two years with Pinar Karsiyaka. Last season he got a chance in 12 TBL games registering 5.8 ppg, 1.6 apg and 1.1 rpg. He had limited playing time also in their first two years together. Before Karsiyaka, Ahmet Ali Erdogan spent four years with Oyak Renault. There he had 9.1 ppg, 4.2 apg and 3.1 rpg for 30 TBL games in 2009/10 season. They reached Turkish Cup Finals together in 2008. Erdogan started pro career with TB2L team Yesimspor Bursa. He also played for Turkish U20 NT in the past.


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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Zero Tolerance 9-12 division results. - by David Edole

ST. THOMAS--The Rising Stars outgunned More Youths, 36-22, in the second game on the 9-12 division of the Zero Tolerance Summer Basketball League Tuesday afternoon. Collins Joseph led the Stars with 12 points and Tecoy Lynch, JahJadey Hodge and Omar Lopez each dropped in five points. Javaughn Douglas led More Youths with ten points. Come 2 Defend made quick work of Heat, 30-9, in the opener. LeQuan George led C2D with seven points. Jahquan Richards had five points for More Youths. In a more heated contest, it was Heat edging More Youths, 24-23. Davean Plummer and Nathan Liverpool combined for 18 points to lead Heat. Jovaughn Douglas led More Youths with a game high 19 points. Playoff action now continues in the Zero Tolerance Basketball League. The 16-18 division takes center stage on Wednesday with AGSUF set to take on All Coast Ballers at 3pm followed by Justice versus Jah Youths. ALL GAMES ARE PLAYED AT CHARLOTTE AMALIE GYMNASIUM.


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  UKRAINE   


Danylo Kozlov joins MBC Mykolaiv - by Eurobasket News

MBK Mykolaiv continued to bolster their roster. They recently added Danylo Kozlov (206-C-82) to the squad. The forward spent the bigger part of his long career in Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk. Last season Danylo Kozlov averaged 3.2 points and 1.5 boards per game in Superleague. The forward also played for BC-93 Pulsar Rivne. Danylo Kozlov was the member of Ukrainian National Team in 2003-11 seasons. He participated at 2011 EuroBasket in Lithuania. Danylo Kozlov notched 0.8 points per game at the tournament.
MBC Mykolaiv are actively working on the market. They have already secured the services of Martins Kravcenko (192-G-85), Josh Mayo (182-G-87, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav, college: Ill.-Chicago) and Igor Chumakov (207-C-90, agency: New Trend Agency) for the next season.


Cherkasy target Marko Ljubicic - by Eurobasket News

Cherkasy are reportedly in talks with Marko Ljubicic (195-G-87, agency: Beo Basket). The guard spent the previous season in Greece. The Serb played for Ikaros Kallitheas. His stats read 6.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game in A1 League. Previously Marko Ljubicic had spells for Metalac Valjevo, Buducnost Podgorica and Superfund Beograd. Eurobasket.com named the guard into All-Serbian B League 2nd Team in 2009. He was Montenegrin champion in 2010. In 2011 Marko Ljubicic earned All-Serbian League Honourable Mention. He was the member of Serbian University National Team in 2011. The deal may officially be announced by the end of the week.


Kravtsov stays in Donetsk - by Alexander Muzyka

Viacheslav Kravtsov (212-C-87) will stay in Ukraine, BC Donetsk official site informs. No matter about verbal agreement with Detroit Pistons: Viacheslav had an option for breaking the contract with BC Donetsk but center hasn't use this possibility. So the information about possible deal with the NBA team as soon as the moratorium period ends set by basket-planet.com appeared too early.

Now there are some players who has an existing contracts with BC Donetsk for season 2012/13. They are Maksym Pustozvonov, Ramel Curry, Vojdan Stojanovski, Ivan Radenovic, Dmytro Gliebov, Viacheslav Kravtsov and Oleksandr Lypovyi.


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  UNITED KINGDOM   


RISING BALLERS: PRO PERFORMERS DAY TWO & RECAP - by Ozell Wells

Pro Performers? The event that gives players a reality check, exposes weaknesses in your game and lets you know no holes barred if you aint got it. Sounds harsh? "what do you expect?" says coach Ozell Wells NBA scout and eurobasket.com co-founder, "you want to play pro? Dont be scared of criticism, instruction and guidance."

For some players this years 2 day event was a trip back to planet earth, where the tarted up resumes and applications sent to pro performers precamp became an instant mistake. During the morning sessions players were put through 2 sets of intense 20 minute offensive and defensive drills were footwork and finishing were proven to need improvements. "Its a new era in basketball, players need to be able to euro step and finish" says coach Steven Mroso.

Sam Bogucki (191-G) formerly of Liverpool Mersey Tigers impressed with his tenacity and strength on Defence, while Samuel Cricelli (200-F-85, agency: JEMsports, college: Caldwell) England international showed excellent focus and finishing on Offence.

As players and coaches broke for lunch, a handfull of players that had already impressed were being discussed. Roy Owen (183-G) of bristol academy flyers, Aaran Maherr of derby trailblazers and 21 year old 6ft 8 Patryk Bajtus (206-C-91, agency: Promotex) from poland. Day 2 the talk was all about Samuel Cricelli, Martelle McLemore (196-G/F-88, college: W.Michigan), usa and Luke Sanders (185-G-88) formerly of Worcester Wolves, while a few individuals came through and created more interest for the coaches and agents namely, Alex Wilson, Martin Gayle, Ryan Lewis (F) and 6ft 7 Joseph Ifill.

During the afternoon games things got interesting, with Dale Samuels of Birmingham trying to put the former mma fighter, centre Vaidotas Brazdeikis (198-F-80) of Lithuania on a poster. Vaidotas showed alot of physical play but impressed coach James Maudsley of Derby Trailblazers with his efficient moves and smart play. To alot of attendees surprise 17 year old Belgium national Francis torreborre showed fantastic potential and a 35 inch vert! Before leaving the court due to injury, Franco Kouagnia was causing problems in the paint with his low post play.

GB and team Rising Ballers local Myles Hesson (195-F-90, agency: Two Points) came through after touching down from Houston to show some love and support to Rising Ballers and his local peers during the afternoon.

Fiba agent Dermont Russell (Players 1st) is now in talks with several players from this years camp and all players present took on board the individual guidance to work on their game this summer.

Rising Ballers will be announcing the dates for "pro performers game shape" sessions set to take place later this summer for players to get ready for the upcoming season.

Stay tuned.

Top 5 players day 2.
Amir Boucenna (185-G)
Desta rudder-smith
Vaidotas Brazdeikis
Aaran Maher
Martelle McLemore


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  URUGUAY   


Rasio scored 30 poins for Marne - by Hector Lopez

The Argentine player Lisandro Rasio (197-F/C-90) scored 30 points and grabbed 22 rebounds leading Marne to beat Romis Nelimar 91-86, and his team is the Metro leader after 12 rounds. For Romis Devon Pearson (198-F-84, college: SMU) netted 14 points, took 12 rebounds and 4 blocks. Other results:
Atenas 94 - Anthony Johnson (203-F-88, college: Fairfield) 24 points 15 rebounds
Yale 73 - Jerry Echenique (201-C-79, college: High Point) 29 points 17 rebounds
- - -
Guruyu Waston 65 - Martavius Adams 22 points 17 rebounds 2 blocks
Cader 62 - Leonardo Vacca (177-PG-77) 16 points, Reggie Okosa (208-F/C-80, agency: Top Notch Sports, college: La Salle) 5 points 6 rebounds


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  VENEZUELA   


Olympic Qualifying Tournament: Lithuania stun hosts in Caracas - by Eurobasket News

Venezuela - Lithuania 82:100

Lithuania tipped off their Olympic Qualifying Tournament with victory. They shot down hosting Venezuela for 1-0 record in Group B. Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, college: Missouri) came up with 28 points to lead the Baltic team. Venezuela fell at 1-1 record after the loss.
Lithuania and Venezuela entered the game firing from all guns. Lively first quarter ended with the visitors holding on to a thin 23:21 lead. Lithuania started to get away in the second frame. They ensured a 49:36 halftime lead. Lithuania erupted for 31 points in the third term to secure a 16-point lead before the fourth frame. The visitors knocked down 20 points in the fourth term and sealed the victory at the end. Mantas Kalnietis (195-G-86, agency: Interperformances) posted 13 points, 8 assists and 4 boards for Lithuania. Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) added 12 points in the win. Greivis Vasquez (197-PG-87, agency: Interperformances, college: Maryland) answered with 24 points and 7 assists for Venezuela. Oscar Torres (198-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances) and John Cox (196-G-81, college: USF) netted 14 points each in the loss.

Venezuela: Greivis Vasquez 24, Oscar Torres 14, John Cox 14
Lithuania: Linas Kleiza 28, Mantas Kalnietis 13, Martynas Pocius 12


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  VTB UNITED LEAGUE   


Stefan Petkovic joins Minsk-2006 - by Eurobasket News

Stefan Petkovic (186-G-92) will continue his career in Belarus. The guard signed a deal with Minsk-2006. The contract is meant for three seasons. Stefan Petkovic spent his entire career in Benetton Fribourg. Last season the guard notched 10.4 points, 3.9 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in LNA. He earned Eurobasket.com All-Swiss LNA Honourable Mention. Eurobasket.com named Stefan Petkovic All-Swiss LNA Most Improved Player of the Year in 2010. He also made it into LNA All-Domestic Players Team in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Stefan Petkovic was the member of U16, U18 Swiss National Teams. He debuted for the Swiss National Team in 2009.


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  WALES   


Malta post second win in San Marino - by Eurobasket News

Malta - Wales 81:51

Malta recorded the second straight win at the start of European Championship for Small Countries. They held off Wales to improve at 2-0 record in Group B. Samuel Deguara (223-C-91) came up with 20 points and 12 rebounds to lead the winners.
Malta jumped to a 25:14 lead at the first break. They held the Welsh team to just 7 points in the second quarter to boost the lead. Malta arrived at halftime up by 29 points 50:21. Malta cruised throughout the second half. They established a 70:33 advantage at the final break and never looked back en route to the victory. Steve Schembri (187-SF-79) posted 18 points for Malta. Christopher Pearce (195-G/F-89) answered with 13 points for Wales. Alan Duppa (198-PF-80) posted 10 points in the loss.

Malta: Samuel Deguara 20+12 boards, Steve Schembri 18, Omar Said (177-PG-80) 9
Wales: Christopher Pearce 13, Alan Duppa 10


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  WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS U17   

Standings

Standings
Group A
1. USA4-0
2. Australia3-1
3. China3-1
4. Czech Rep.1-3
5. France1-3
6. Egypt0-4
Group B
1. Croatia4-0
2. Spain3-1
3. Argentina2-2
4. Canada2-2
5. Lithuania1-3
6. S.Korea0-4

Preliminary Round: Round 4

Group A

Jul. 3: AUS - EGY 88-73 2OT
Jul. 3: USA - FRA 86-50
Jul. 3: CHN - CZE 71-68

Group B

Jul. 3: ESP - CAN 83-62
Jul. 3: CRO - LTU 82-78
Jul. 3: ARG - KOR 106-59

Preliminary Round: Round 5

Group A

Jul. 4: EGY - CZE
Jul. 4: FRA - AUS
Jul. 4: USA - CHN

Group B

Jul. 4: KOR - CAN
Jul. 4: CRO - ESP
Jul. 4: LTU - ARG




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Women News


Hollie Florance shooting for new goals - by Eurobasket News

Basketball used to mean everything to Hollie Florance. It was her No. 1 priority and ruled most moves in her life, taking her to the Olympics, a world championship gold medal and well-paying European clubs.

But a lot has changed for Florance (nee Grima), who in the past 18 months has beaten cervical cancer, thanks to early detection, and in March welcomed daughter Emerson, her first child. Now Emerson rules Florance's life, and despite the London Olympics on the horizon, she wouldn't have it any other way.

In late 2010, during the lead-up to the FIBA world championships in Turkey, Florance took several medical tests, including a pap smear, which found she had an early form of the cancer. She stayed with the Opals, who lost in the quarter-finals, then at Christmas came to Melbourne for surgery.

Advertisement: Story continues below After returning to France, where she was playing professionally, Florance finished the season then came home. She hasn't played at the top level since.

Florance said the cancer scare and the six-month wait to see if it returned changed her outlook on life and, though she was only 28, she wanted to fulfil her lifelong dream to start a family. So that is what she and husband Dave did. ''I've kind of taken a step back; there is more to life than basketball,'' she said. ''Life is so different with Emerson. I knew I wanted to have kids, after the scare, [and] realised it's time to step back and focus on my family.''

But someone of Florance's talent and 190-centimetre frame rarely gets forgotten in basketball, and it wasn't long after Emerson's birth that her old club Bulleen Boomers came calling. She initially put off the Boomers, as she was still coming to grips with her 24-hour-a-day duties as a mother. But once the Boomers signed her best friend and former Australian teammate Emma Randall, she admits she began giving a little thought to returning to the court.

Those thoughts got stronger when Randall called her soon after signing on, putting the hard sell on her good friend. The two weren't friends when they were teenagers at the Australian Institute of Sport, but became close when Florance, originally from Tasmania, roomed with Randall's family in Melbourne a few years later. Randall returns to Melbourne from Queensland where she was playing with Logan Thunder.

''Emma was on the phone asking me if I had made up my mind,'' she said. ''I thought, 'why not play?' I think I'm the oldest one there. I've always been one of the younger players in a team, now, oh my god, I'm the oldest - the grandma.''

Randall has a baby daughter, Alexis, so Boomers trainings could resemble more of a child-minding centre next season.

Florance has already started the long road back to WNBL fitness after more than 10 months out by suiting up for Eltham Wildcats in the Big V State Championship women's competition.

''I'm not preparing for games like I used to,'' she said. ''Pre-game now is all about making sure Emerson is organised, has a clean nappy and is fed. I get her prepared then worry about what I need to do; I think it will take twice as long to get out on court.''

With the London Olympics on the horizon and the Opals once again challenging for a gold medal, one would think Florance would be feeling her absence from the team. But life has changed for the former Opal and so has her mindset.

''I haven't missed it at all,'' she said. ''Hearing the girls talking about training, I realised how much I enjoy sitting on the couch with Emerson. It might get hard watching it but I wouldn't trade what I have now.''

Bulleen is known for its rigorous off-season training under coach Tom Maher and Florance is prepared for when training clicks into full gear after the Olympics.

''Training with Eltham is different to the WNBL, where the intensity is a lot higher,'' she said. ''There is not really much you can do to simulate those high-intensity situations, so when training starts it will take a while to get used to it again.''

Courtesy of www.theage.com.au


Silver Stars guard Tully Bevilaqua to retire after the end of this season - by Eurobasket News

Silver Stars guard Tully Bevilaqua (5'5''-PG-72) will retire after the end of this season, the team has announced.

A 14-year WNBA veteran, Bevilaqua has played in 449 games, tallying more than 1,900 points, 800 assists and 500 steals. She is one of only four players in league history with that many steals and assists.

"It is with both sadness and excitement that I am officially announcing my retirement at the end of the season," Bevilaqua said in a press release. "I have been honored to play in this league for 14 years, but am excited to make my house and home and spend more time with my family.''

A native of Australia, Bevilaqua, 39, began her WNBA career with the Cleveland Rockers in 1998. She spent three seasons with the Portland Fire (2000-02) and two with the Seattle Storm (2003-04), helping them to win the 2004 title.

A six-time all-defensive team selection, the 5-foot-7 Bevilaqua spent six seasons (2005-10) with the Indiana Fever, helping the team to three appearances in the Eastern Conference finals. She signed as a free agent with the Silver Stars prior to last season.

As a member of the Australian women's basketball team, she won an Olympic silver medal in 2008.

She will be honored by the Silver Stars during a home game later this season.

Courtesy of www.mysanantonio.com


The Tradies back Canberra Capitals - by Eurobasket News

The Canberra Capitals have signed The Tradies as their new Principal Partner in a multi-year deal.

The strength of basketball in the ACT continues to grow with todays major announcement of The Tradies to become the Principal Partner of the Canberra Capitals.

This partnership has been established on the back of the already strong relationship that has been built with The Tradies since they first became involved as a sponsor with the Canberra Capitals at the beginning of the 2011/12 season.

"The Caps sponsorship is a key plank in The Tradies commitment to sport across the Canberra community, in particular Women's sport. The Caps are Canberra's most successful national franchise & we want to provide them with an assured future we're with them for the long haul!" The Tradies CEO Rob Docker said.

With this fantastic partnership The Tradies will become the social sports hub and home of not only the Canberra Capitals but also the greater Basketball community. The Tradies along with the involvement in the Capitals last season have also played host to a number of basketball events as well as the Canberra Gunners and Canberra Capitals during the SEABL season.

The partnership solidifies the Capitals continual profile in the Canberra Community and strength as the most successful sporting team and that the commercial businesses in Canberra have great confidence in basketball as a sport to partner with and support. Basketball ACT CEO Tony Jackson said.

Courtesy of WNBL


Lauren Jackson considers a year off in attempt to sustain career - by Eurobasket News

Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) is oozing confidence as the Opals prepare to chase an elusive gold medal, but the superstar admits she might need a break from basketball next year to recharge after an emotionally draining year.

Jackson was in Canberra yesterday to help the Capitals announce The Tradies as their major sponsor for the next four WNBL seasons.

The length of the deal coincides with Jackson's contract with the Capitals. The superstar is set to suit up for the seven-time champions in three of the next four seasons.

Jackson opted against playing in the start of the WNBA season in the United States this year to focus on her Olympic Games gold medal bid.

After the Olympics, Jackson will return to Seattle for the end of the WNBA campaign before arriving back in Canberra to play for the Capitals.

But while she usually signs lucrative deals in Europe if not playing in Australia, the 31-year-old could opt for a break next year to ensure the longevity of her career.

''There's a part of me that wants to have it off, there's a part of me that wants to play,'' Jackson said.

''It just depends on what life brings in that period, I'll just wait and see before making a decision.

''It will just depend on how I'm feeling.''

The Opals will leave Australia on Monday for their final six preparation matches before the Olympic Games.

Jackson will again spearhead the campaign in her fourth Olympics.

''I think we're getting better, I'm really proud and confident and there's a big difference from where we started at,'' Jackson said.

''We've got the time and chemistry together now and we know how people will fit in the system and it's only going to get better.''

Courtesy of www.canberratimes.com.au


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


Eva Komplet out for 7 months, Novi Zagreb is looking for replacement - by Vladimir Ivankovic

New member of this season'a Euroleague, WBC Novi Zagreb, has left without one of its strongest player. Eva Komplet (182-F/C-86) will stay out for most of the 2012-13 campaign. Player who was expected to manage the game and with her experience contribute to team's appearance in the Euroleague, but also to help team winning the first Croatian championship title and the Croatian Cup, was injured on the last match of the Slovenian national team, which plays a qualification for the European Championship.

After magnetic resonance was made, imaging revealed a anterior cruciate ligament iand meniscus injuries, and the recovery after surgery will last approximately 7 months.

"This is a very difficult moment for Eva, but also for all of us. Eva is a fighter, and she will be back even better. For her, there will be always a room in our team, and we expect her to join the team for the final battles in championship and Croatian Cup competition. Now we have to find a good replacement for the Euroleague. "- said the coach of "Novi Zagreb", Vladimir Ivankovic.


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


EuroCup Women 2012/13 Teams Announced - by Eurobasket News

Fiba Europe announced the list of the teams to participate at 2012/13 season. The regular season tips off on November 3rd. Six groups with four teams in each and two groups of three teams will play the regular season. The top two teams in each group will qualify for the Playoffs. The Draw will take place in Freising, Germany on July 6th.
The list of participating teams is as follows:

Basket Landes (FRA)
Kibirkstis-Tiche-Iki Vilnius (LTU)
Basket Lattes Montpellier Agglomeration (FRA)
Lotto Young Cats Brussels (BEL)
BBC Sint Katelijne-Waver (BEL)
Mersin BB SK (TUR)
Belfius Namur (BEL)
Nantes Reze (FRA)
Botas SC Adana (TUR)
Olimpia Grodno (BLR)
Chevakata Vologda (RUS)
Partizan Galenika Belgrade (SRB)
CSM Satu Mare (ROU)
Ruzomberok (SVK)
Dunav 8806 Ruse (BUL)
Saint-Amand Hainaut Basket (FRA)
Dynamo GUVD Novosibirsk (RUS)
SISU Gentofte (DEN)
Dynamo Kursk (RUS)
Sdetlje BBK (SWE)
Dynamo Moscow (RUS)
Spartak Noginsk (RUS)
Elitzur Ramla (ISR)
Tarbes GB (FRA)
Homend Antakya Belediyesi (TUR)
TED Ankara Kolejliler (TUR)
Horizont Minsk (BLR)
TSV Wasserburg (GER)
Kayseri K.S. (TUR)
VS Prague (CZE).


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


Olga Vorobyeva joins CSM Targoviste - by Eurobasket News

Olga Vorobyeva (180-G-87, agency: LBM Management) heads to Romania. She has agreed on terms of contract with CSM Targoviste. The guard spent the last season in Russia. Olga Vorobyeva played for Spartak Saint Petersburg. Her stats read 11.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game in PBL. It was the second straight season with Spartak for the guard. Earlier Olga Vorobyeva had stints with Shelen-ETK, Slavyanka and Dynamo-GUVD.


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


Toulouse add Demetress Adams - by Eurobasket News

Toulouse secured the services of Demetress Adams (193-F-87, college: S.Carolina) for the next season. The forward spent the last season in Spain. She played for Celta Vigo. Demetress Adams averaged 9.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game in LFB. Previously the forward had spells for Extrugasa Villagarcia, Burgos, Caceres 2016.


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


Atomeromu-KSC bring in Maja Scekic, Alexandra Theodoran and Gina Szepsi - by Eurobasket News

Atomeromu-KSC added three players to the roster. They acquired Maja Scekic (170-G-87), Alexandra Theodoran (176-G/F-91) and Gina Szepsi (175-G-85). All three players spent the previous season with Bajai NKK.
Maja Scekic had a superb season with Bajai NKK. She tallied 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.2 steals and 2.6 assists per game in A Division. Previously the guard played in Cyprus, Romania and Serbia. Eurobasket.com named Maja Scekic All-Cyprus League Player of the Year in 2010. She was also trumped All-Cyprus League Bosman Player of the Year in 2011.
Alexandra Theodoran tallied 7.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.6 steals and 1.9 assists per game for Bajai NKK. She was the member of U16 and U20 Hungarian National Teams.
Gina Szepsi spent three straight seasons with Bajai. Her stats read 9.8 points, 3.3 boards, 2.3 assists and 2.1 steals per game last season.


DKSK Miskolc tab Monika Bukovszki - by Eurobasket News

DKSK Miskolc strengthened their roster. They added Monika Bukovszki (171-G-79) to the squad. The guard spent the last season with ZTE NKK. Her stats read 10.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.6 steals per appearance. Earlier she had stints with Atomeromu, CSS Targoviste and ZTE-Zala Volan. Eurobasket.com named Monika Bukovszki All-Hungarian League Guard of the Year in 2011. She also earned Hungarian League Honourable Mention in 2008.


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


Three teams sign their imports - by Siggi Hjorleifsson

Three teams in Domino's league have sign their import player. Only one will be on each team next season because of the new rules.

Njardvik sign back player of the year Lele Hardy (178-SF-88, agency: Merit Sports, college: Clemson). Next season Hardy will be player/coach for Njardvik, last years Cup & Champions winner.
Snaefell resign Kieraah Marlow (178-F-85) for upcoming season
Fjolnir sign back the top scorer from last season Britney Jones (170-G-87, college: UAB).
Fjolnir lost their coach when Bragi Magnusson quit from the Club
Only 8 jobs for import players are in the womens league this season.


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


Norwegian U18 National Team 2012 - by Greg

Tennaz Javid G
Christina Muren 172-G-94 Ullern Norway
Margrethe Kristiansen 177-F-94
Rannveig Gjesdal F-94 Gimle Norway
Siri Granheim 178-G
Stine Karlstad G Ulriken Norway
Stine Hoff Austgulen 177-G-94 Ulriken Norway
Elin Gulbrandsen 172-G-94
Kristine Lindholm 179-F-95 Asker/BV Norway
Vilde Tveito 183-C-95 Ulriken Norway



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


Lotos Gdynia pens deal with young guard Agnieszka Sniezek - by Eurobasket News

Lotos Gdynia reinforced its roster at position two. The former Polish champion signed a deal with 20-year-old prospect Agnieszka Sniezek (176-G-91). She arrives to the club from Wisla Can-Pack Krakow, where she spent last two years. They won two PLKK titles together and one Polish Cup. Also Wisla Can-Pack reached Euroleague Quarterfinals in 2011 and Euroleague Final Eight this year. Sniezek had very limited playing time in the team. She got a chance in 21 PLKK games last season averaging 3 points and 2.1 rebounds. The player appeared only once in Euroleague. In 2010/11, Sniezek mostly played for Wisla second team, but she got a chance few times in PLKK. She arrived to Wisla two years ago from Arcus SMS PZKosz Lomianki. Agnieszka Sniezek helped U20 Polish National Team to win the Bronze at U20 EuroBasket in Serbia last summer. She had 5.9 ppg and 3.2 rpg for 9 games. The guard also played for U18 Poland in the past.


Agnieszka Kaczmarczyk joins Matizol Lider Pruszkow - by Eurobasket News

Agnieszka Kaczmarczyk (188-F/C-89) is a new member of Matizol Lider Pruszkow. The Polish power forward/center signed a one-year deal with the club. She spent last several seasons with KSSSE AZS PWSZ Gorzow. In the latest one Kaczmarczyk averaged 8.5 points and 6.7 rebounds for 31 games. In 2010/11, the player had slightly lower numbers. Kaczmarczyk is a product of Gorzow, where she started her professional career.
Agnieszka Kaczmarczyk played for the Polish National Team last summer at 2011 EuroBasket. Poland was the host of this event and Kaczmarczyk averaged 4.2 points, plus 3.5 rebounds for 6 games. In the past, she played for U20 and U18 National Teams. With U20 Poland she shined with U20 EuroBasket in Gdynia (2009). The player had 12.7 ppg and 6 rpg for 9 games.


Artego Bydgoszcz lands 'Croatian League Guard of the Year' Julie McBride - by Eurobasket News

Julie McBride (165-PG-82, college: Syracuse) will play next season in Poland. The American point guard signed a deal with Artego Bydgoszcz. She arrives to the club from Gospic Croatia Osiguranje, where she spent 2011/12 season. McBride helped Gospic to win the Croatian league title and Cup. She was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Croatian League Guard of the Year -12'. McBride was MVP of the Cup Final Tournament. The player had 13.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 4.8 apg for the club in 14 Euroleague games. Before Gospic, Julie McBride spent one season with Ceyhan. She exploded with 15.6 ppg, 5.9 apg and 1.6 spg for 19 games in TKBL. For her performance, McBride was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TKBL 2nd Team -11. In the past, she also played for Kayseri, Samsun, Ceyhan and Botas. McBride graduated at Syracuse University in 2004.


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


Portuguese U18 National Team 2012 - by Greg

Starting five
#s#
Joana Soeiro
Soeiro
Laura Ferreira
Ferreira
Nadia Fernandes
Fernandes
Josephine Filipe
Filipe
Ines Viana
Viana
#e#5
Joana Soeiro 170-PG-95
Laura Ferreira 177-G-95 GDESSA Portugal
Nadia Fernandes 176-F-94 EMA Menres Portugal
Josephine Filipe 175-G-95 Olivais Portugal
Ines Veiga
Ines Viana 164-PG-94 Lombos Quinta Portugal
Filipa Marques
Simone Costa 176-G-96
Maria Kostourkova
Sara Dias
Chelsea Guimaraes
Mafalda Barros 166-PG-94 CAB Madeira Portugal



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


Satu Mare land Dara Kovacevic - by Eurobasket News

Satu Mare bolstered their squad. They ensured the services of Dara Kovacevic (197-C-83) for the next season. The Serbian centre started the previous season in Spain. She played for Joventud Mariana. The centre tallied 6.0 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. In January Dara Kovacevic moved to Romania to join CSM Targoviste. She averaged 3.9 points and 2.6 rebounds per appearance. Previously Dara Kovacevic played for Hemofarm Stada Vrsac. She was named All-Serbian League Centre of the Year in 2008. The centre was the member of Serbian National Team in 2005/08 seasons.


Olga Vorobyeva joins CSM Targoviste - by Eurobasket News

Olga Vorobyeva (180-G-87, agency: LBM Management) heads to Romania. She has agreed on terms of contract with CSM Targoviste. The guard spent the last season in Russia. Olga Vorobyeva played for Spartak Saint Petersburg. Her stats read 11.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game in PBL. It was the second straight season with Spartak for the guard. Earlier Olga Vorobyeva had stints with Shelen-ETK, Slavyanka and Dynamo-GUVD.


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


Serbian U20 National Team 2012 - by Greg

Serbian U20 National Team 2012
#s#
Marina Markovic
Markovic
Jelena Prvulovic
Prvulovic
Tijana Ajdukovic
Ajdukovic
Milica Spikic
Spikic
Ivana Grbic
Grbic
#e#5
Marina Markovic 181-G/F-91 Radivoj Korac Serbia
Jelena Prvulovic 175-G-91 Radnicki KG Serbia
Tijana Ajdukovic 193-C-91 Hemofarm Serbia
Milica Spikic 174-G/F-91 Stara Pazova Serbia
Ivana Grbic 175-G/F-91 Partizan Serbia
Nikolina Nikolic 178-G-91 Brasov Romania
Milana Zivadinovic 179-G-91 Vojvodina Serbia
Kaja Stankovic 173-G-92 Radivoj Korac Serbia
Tina Jovanovic 190-F/C-91 Radivoj Korac Serbia
Snezana Colic 178-G-92 Radivoj Korac Serbia
Dijana Stancic 182-G/F-93 Radivoj Korac Serbia
Katarina Milenkovic 182-G/F-91 Solna Vikings Sweden
Sara Krnjic 193-C-91 UNIQA Eurol. Hungary
Maja Vucurovic 188-F-91 Alexandria Romania

Milkan Mrda Head Coach Celarevo Serbia
Bogdan Bulj Assistant Hemofarm Serbia
Aleksandar Jovanovic Assistant
Damir Karan Assistant



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


Ceyhan keeps PG Asena Yalcin - by Eurobasket News

Asena Yalcin (172-PG-91) will play at least one more season with Ceyhan. Two sides agreed on contract extension yesterday. Yalcin started her basketball career with the club. Last season the point guard had 2.5 ppg and 1.1 rpg for 19 games. In 2010/11 she registered 4.1 ppg and 1.3 apg for 22 games in Turkish top division. Asena Yalcin played for U20 Turkey for the last two years. At U20 EuroBasket in Serbia last summer the player had 1.6 ppg. She also played for her country at U20 EuroBasket in Latvia two years ago. In the past, Yalcin was a member of U18 and U16 Turkey. Ceyhan reached TKBL Quarterfinals last season. They ended as No.7 in the league with 9-13 record.


Five EuroCup Teams From Turkey - by Serkan Ozdemir

FIBA Europe has announced the list of teams that will participate in the 2012/13 edition of EuroCup Women. 30 teams will take part in the Regular Season which tips-off on 3rd November. They will be drawn into six (6) groups of four (4) teams each and two (2) groups of three (3) teams. The top two (2) teams in each group, 16 teams in total, will qualify for the Play-Offs of the competition. The draw takes place in Freising, Germany on Friday 6th July at approximately 11:15 CET.

Turkey has five participants in EuroCup Women 2012/13. Here they are:

Homend Antakya Belediyesi (TUR)
Optimum TED Ankara Kolejliler (TUR)
Pankup Ted Kayseri Kolejspor (TUR)
Mersin BSH Bld (TUR)
Botasspor Adana (TUR)



*****************************************************
  WNBA   

Standings

WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Connecticut S. 10-4 
 2. Indiana F. 8-5 
 3. Chicago S. 8-5 
 4. Atlanta D. 7-8 
 5. New York L. 5-9 
 6. Washington M. 4-10 
Western
 1. Minnesota L. 13-2 
 2. L.Angeles S. 9-7 
 3. S.Antonio SS 8-5 
 4. Seattle S. 8-8 
 5. Phoenix M. 4-11 
 6. Tulsa S. 2-12 

Regular Season: Round 20

Jul. 3: S.Antonio SS - Phoenix M. 82-81
Jul. 5: L.Angeles S. - Minnesota L.
Jul. 5: Indiana F. - S.Antonio SS
Jul. 6: Washington M. - S.Antonio SS
Jul. 6: Tulsa S. - Connecticut S.
Jul. 6: Chicago S. - New York L.


Silver Stars guard Tully Bevilaqua to retire after the end of this season - by Eurobasket News

Silver Stars guard Tully Bevilaqua (5'5''-PG-72) will retire after the end of this season, the team has announced.

A 14-year WNBA veteran, Bevilaqua has played in 449 games, tallying more than 1,900 points, 800 assists and 500 steals. She is one of only four players in league history with that many steals and assists.

"It is with both sadness and excitement that I am officially announcing my retirement at the end of the season," Bevilaqua said in a press release. "I have been honored to play in this league for 14 years, but am excited to make my house and home and spend more time with my family.''

A native of Australia, Bevilaqua, 39, began her WNBA career with the Cleveland Rockers in 1998. She spent three seasons with the Portland Fire (2000-02) and two with the Seattle Storm (2003-04), helping them to win the 2004 title.

A six-time all-defensive team selection, the 5-foot-7 Bevilaqua spent six seasons (2005-10) with the Indiana Fever, helping the team to three appearances in the Eastern Conference finals. She signed as a free agent with the Silver Stars prior to last season.

As a member of the Australian women's basketball team, she won an Olympic silver medal in 2008.

She will be honored by the Silver Stars during a home game later this season.

Courtesy of www.mysanantonio.com


Tina Charles and Candace Parker named WNBA Players of the Month - by Eurobasket News

WNBA announced that Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) (Eastern Conference) and Los Angeles Sparks power forward Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) (Western Conference) have been named Players of the Month of June.


In leading the Sun to a 7-3 record, Tina Charles paced the conference in blocks (1.5 bpg), was second in rebounds (11.5 rpg), and fourth in scoring (17.9 ppg). Charles recorded a double-double in six of 10 contests, scoring at least 20 points five times. For the week of June 11-17, Charles was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week presented by Boost Mobile.

Highlights of Charles' month included:

With eight rebounds vs. Indiana on June 19, became the fastest player in league history to reach 900 career boards, doing so in her 79th game to surpass the mark of 83 games set by Yolanda Griffith.

Recorded 23 points, pulled down 22 rebounds, and hit a pair of free throws with 3.1 seconds left to give the Sun its first lead of the game in a in a 75-73 win at Atlanta on June 17. In the process, became the first player in WNBA history to log three 20-20 games in a career.

Scored 30 points, the second-highest total of her career, in a 94-86 win over Washington June 3.

Tallied 20 points and 12 rebounds in loss to the defending champion Minnesota Lynx June 1.

Led Connecticut past Atlanta, 92-73, with a 22-point, 11-rebound effort June 10.


Candace Parker, who also earned Western Conference Player of the Month presented by Boost Mobile honors in May, helped the Sparks to a 6-5 mark in June while leading the conference in rebounds (10.2 rpg) and blocks (2.7 bpg), and ranking second in scoring (18.8 ppg). Twice in June Parker was named the Western Conference Player of the Week presented by Boost Mobile as she notched six double-doubles in 10 contests.

Highlights of Parker's month included:

- Game highs of 33 points, 16 rebounds (including 13 defensive boards), eight assists, and five blocks while contributing three steals in an 87-81 road win over Connecticut June 13.

- Tallied 33 points, nine blocks, and eight rebounds in a 95-79 victory over Tulsa June 20. Became third player in WNBA history to post nine or more blocks (the late Margo Dydek and Lisa Leslie each recorded a 10-block game, and Dydek swatted away nine shots three other times).

- Recorded 25 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists in a 94-80 defeat at the hands of the San Antonio Silver Stars June 28.

- Posted a 23-point, 10-rebound effort in a 90-74 victory over Phoenix June 8.

The 2008 WNBA MVP and Rookie of the Year has been named Player of the Week in the Western Conference three times in six weeks this season.

Courtesy of www.oursportscetral.com


McCoughtry, Young earn WNBA weekly honors - by Eurobasket News

Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) of the Atlanta Dream and Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) of the San Antonio Silver Stars have been named the WNBA's Eastern and Western Conference players of the week, respectively, for games played June 25-July 1.

McCoughtry, who earned her seventh career weekly honor, led the Dream to a 2-1 record last week. She paced the conference in scoring (22.3 ppg) and was tied for second in blocks (1.67 bpg). The fourth-year pro had at least 20 points in each game to run her streak of consecutive games with 20-or-more points to six.

Young took home her first weekly award this season and the second of her career. She averaged 22.5 points and 7.5 rebounds while leading the Silver Stars to a 2-0 record last week.

Other candidates for the weekly award were Chicago's Sylvia Fowles, Connecticut's Asjha Jones, and Washington's Crystal Langhorne in the East, and, in the West, Minnesota's Rebekkah Brunson, Phoenix's DeWanna Bonner, and Seattle's Sue Bird.

Courtesy of www.foxnews.com


Prahalis named June Rookie of the Month in WNBA - by Eurobasket News

Samantha Prahalis (5'7''-PG-90, college: Ohio St.) was named the Rookie of the Month for June. She has come along way since her debut and stepped up in a big way minus Diana Taurasi, Candice Dupree, and Nakia Sanford for most of the month.

The rookie was Top 3 in most general statistical categories. She was 1st in Assists (5.1), 1st in Free-Throw Percentage at 96.3% (26-27), 2nd in Points (13.8), and 3rd in Steals (1.8) among rookies this season. As the sixth overall pick Prahalis has been a breath of fresh air in an otherwise forgettable season for the proud Mercury. With injuries galore she has stepped up as a leader running the offense for just under 31 minutes a night (30.8).

Watch out, this is an indication that Prahalis is having a season worth being on the radar for Rookie of the Year. Sure, Nneka Ogwumike is having a really good season on a very good team, but the impact of the first and sixth overall picks is not as big as it seemed.

Courtesy of http://arizona.sbnation.com


Tulsa Shock trade Christmas to Indiana - by Eurobasket News

The Tulsa Shock traded guard Karima Christmas (6'0''-G/F-89, college: Duke) to the Indiana Fever on Thursday in exchange for guard Roneeka Hodges (5'11''-G-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Florida St.), the team announced in a news release Monday.

Hodges, a veteran guard who will be joining her fifth team in eight seasons, shot over 40 percent from the field in three of the last four seasons. Tulsa currently ranks last in the WNBA in field-goal percentage.

In 12 games off the bench this year for the Fever, she averaged 3.2 points in 8.9 minutes. Hodges best season came in 2009, when she started 27 games for the Minnesota Lynx and averaged 9.9 points per game.

Roneeka is a veteran pro who is a proven three-point shooter with excellent scoring ability, Tulsa coach Gary Kloppenburg said in the release. She gives us an added outside scoring threat and is also a good defender.

Christmas had started the Shocks last four games. The second-year guard was averaging 3.6 points in 11.5 minutes per game in 14 games played this year.

Hodges is the twin sister of Doneeka Lewis, who played in five games for Tulsa last season.

Tulsas next game is Friday at 7 p.m. against the Connecticut Sun in the BOK Center.

Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com


Lauren Jackson considers a year off in attempt to sustain career - by Eurobasket News

Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) is oozing confidence as the Opals prepare to chase an elusive gold medal, but the superstar admits she might need a break from basketball next year to recharge after an emotionally draining year.

Jackson was in Canberra yesterday to help the Capitals announce The Tradies as their major sponsor for the next four WNBL seasons.

The length of the deal coincides with Jackson's contract with the Capitals. The superstar is set to suit up for the seven-time champions in three of the next four seasons.

Jackson opted against playing in the start of the WNBA season in the United States this year to focus on her Olympic Games gold medal bid.

After the Olympics, Jackson will return to Seattle for the end of the WNBA campaign before arriving back in Canberra to play for the Capitals.

But while she usually signs lucrative deals in Europe if not playing in Australia, the 31-year-old could opt for a break next year to ensure the longevity of her career.

''There's a part of me that wants to have it off, there's a part of me that wants to play,'' Jackson said.

''It just depends on what life brings in that period, I'll just wait and see before making a decision.

''It will just depend on how I'm feeling.''

The Opals will leave Australia on Monday for their final six preparation matches before the Olympic Games.

Jackson will again spearhead the campaign in her fourth Olympics.

''I think we're getting better, I'm really proud and confident and there's a big difference from where we started at,'' Jackson said.

''We've got the time and chemistry together now and we know how people will fit in the system and it's only going to get better.''

Courtesy of www.canberratimes.com.au