Eurobasket Daily News Report: 7/5/2012 1:04:01 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/5/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18

Afrobasket U18 Qualifier: Resurgence Nigeria go past Liberia 59-34 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Nigeria moved to the second spot of the four-nation FIBA Africa Zone-3 qualifiers for the 2012 Afrobasket for U18 Men billed for Maputo Mozambique in August this year with a 59-34 points win over Liberia in a reschedule Day-1 pairing at the Palais des Sport Treichville, Abidjan Cote dIvoire.

The young Nigerian side began the quest for a comfortable finish in the race for the sole spot for the zone with a 14-04 points win in the first quarter and followed it up with another good run in the second quarter with a 19-07 points for a half-time score-line of 33-21 points.

The Nigeria side lost steam in the third quarter thus allowing the Liberian to fought back losing the quarter by 07-10 points before rallying back in the fought and decisive quarter with a 19-13 points victory for a cumulative scores of 59-13 points for a 2-1 record with a point short of leader and host Cote dIvoire who has kept a hundred record since the qualifiers began last Sunday.

Nigeria forward Michael Nzie led his side challenge with a double double of 16 points and 14 rebounds; guard Hakeem Suleiman had 10 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists with Musa mohammed adding 10 points while Prince Orizu grabbed 12 rebounds, 6 points and 3 block-shots to ensure victory for Nigeria.

Nigeria will Thursday take on the young Liberia in reverse fixtures at 16H00 while Ghana files out against host Cote dIvoire at 18H00.

Afrobasket U18 Qualifier: Resurgence Nigeria go past Liberia 59-34 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Nigeria moved to the second spot of the four-nation FIBA Africa Zone-3 qualifiers for the 2012 Afrobasket for U18 Men billed for Maputo Mozambique in August this year with a 59-34 points win over Liberia in a reschedule Day-1 pairing at the Palais des Sport Treichville, Abidjan Cote dIvoire.

The young Nigerian side began the quest for a comfortable finish in the race for the sole spot for the zone with a 14-04 points win in the first quarter and followed it up with another good run in the second quarter with a 19-07 points for a half-time score-line of 33-21 points.

The Nigeria side lost steam in the third quarter thus allowing the Liberian to fought back losing the quarter by 07-10 points before rallying back in the fought and decisive quarter with a 19-13 points victory for a cumulative scores of 59-13 points for a 2-1 record with a point short of leader and host Cote dIvoire who has kept a hundred record since the qualifiers began last Sunday.

Nigeria forward Michael Nzie led his side challenge with a double double of 16 points and 14 rebounds; guard Hakeem Suleiman had 10 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists with Musa mohammed adding 10 points while Prince Orizu grabbed 12 rebounds, 6 points and 3 block-shots to ensure victory for Nigeria.

Nigeria will Thursday take on the young Liberia in reverse fixtures at 16H00 while Ghana files out against host Cote dIvoire at 18H00.

Burundi and Somalia will not participate in Zone 5 Qualifying - by Eurobasket News

The Federations of Basketball of Burundi and Somalia declared that they will not participate in the Zone 5 AFROBASKET U18 Qualifying tournament that will be held at AMAHORO Indoor Satdium in Kigali from 17th to 22nd July 2012. Particpating countries in the Zone 5 Qualifying tournament are Rwanda as host, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan. The team of Egypt is already qualified and will play the final round that will be played in Mozambique for men category.

Earlier it was announced: The Zone 5 Qualifying for AFROBASKET U18 (Men and Women) will be hosted by Rwanda. Initially, the tournament is scheduled from 17th to 22nd July 2012. The participants countries are: Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Egypt, Tanzania, Eritrea, Sudan, Somalia.

Courtesy of www.rwandabasket.com

Rwanda ready to host AFROBASKET U18 Zone 5 Qualifying - by Eurobasket News

Less 2 months to go, the Rwanda Basketball Federation - FERWABA started preparation to host the Afrobasket U18 Zone 5 Qualifying tournament to be held here in Kigali from 17th to 22nd July 2012 at AMAHORO Indoor Stadium. Tournament will have participation of Men and Women National team of the Zone 5: Kenya, Rwanda,Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Erithrea. The National Team U18 of Egypt will not participate because it is already qualified as FIBA AFRIQUE U18 Champion in 2010.

FERWABA is working on preparation of the Rwanda National teams U18 Men and Women which selection are done. Led by the Croatian NENAD Amanovic, the Rwandan selections will have a hard work to be qualified against Kenya, Ugandan and Burundian boys and girls.

Qualified teams will play AFROBASKET U18 2012 in Mozambique for Men and in Ethiopia for Women.

Courtesy of www.rwandabasket.com

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ANDORRA

Andorra post second straight win in San Marino - by Eurobasket News

Andorra - Moldova 100:84

Andorra earned the second straight win at the European Championship for Small Countries. They held off Moldova to win Group A. Moldova finished in the second position at 1-1 record. Daniel Marin (192-SF-78) stepped up with 33 points to lead the winners.
Andorra unloaded 27 points in the starting quarter to take a 7-point lead. Moldova bounced back in the second quarter. They fired 24 points to narrow the deficit at 4-point mark 44:48. But Andorra took over after the big break. They held Moldova to 15 points in the third period to earn an 11-point lead heading into the fourth frame. Andorra did not slow down throughout the fourth term and raced to a comfortable win at the end. Jorge Olcina (190-F-76) provided 17 points, while Cinto Gabriel (199-C-87) had 15 points for the winning side. Anton Rulevski (194-SF-88) responded with 22 points for Moldova. Nicolai Coputerco (191-SG-85) and Andrus notched 13 points each in the loss.

Andorra: Daniel Marin 33, Jorge Olcina 17, Cinto Gabriel 15
Moldova: Anton Rulevski 22, Nicolai Coputerco 13, Andrus 13

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ANGOLA

Olympic Qualifying Tournament: New Zealand win over Angola not enough to advance - by Eurobasket News

New Zealand - Angola 68:64

New Zealand posted the first win at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. The Tall Blacks overcame Angola to create three-team tie at 1-1 record in Group D. However the best point difference propelled Angola and FYR Macedonia into the next round. Tai Jack Webster (186-G-95) paced the Tall Blacks with 21 points to his tally.
New Zealand started the game on a 9:0 run and led 14:6 late in the first period. But Angola capped the opening quarter with six points in a row to narrow the gap. Tai Jack Webster stayed on fire in the second quarter to keep the Kiwis in charge. New Zealand piled up a 40:26 halftime lead. Angola stole the momentum in the third quarter. The African powerhouse fired 26 points to narrow the margin to 6 points before the fourth frame. Angola held the Tall Blacks to 10 points in the fourth period but could not deny the deficit losing at the end. Leon Henry (200-F/G-85, college: S.Idaho JC) finished with 15 points, while Robert Loe (211-F-91) contributed 13 points for the winners. Eduardo Mingas (200-C-79) answered with 17 points and 10 rebounds for Angola. Olimpio Cipriano (194-F-82) netted 11 points in the losing effort.

New Zealand: Tai Jack Webster 21, Leon Henry 15, Robert Loe 13
Angola: Eduardo Mingas 17+10 boards, Olimpio Cipriano 11

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ARGENTINA

U17 World Championship: Argentina leave the hosts without playoffs - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania U17 - Argentina U17 82:92

Argentina finished the U17 World Championship preliminary round on a high note. They defeated hosting Lithuania to gain the third win at the tournament. Argentina clinched the third position at the tournament and advanced to the quarterfinals where they are going to face Australia. Lithuania fell at 1-4 record in the fifth place Group B ladder.
Argentina set the tone in the first half. They started the game strongly and built a 42:32 halftime lead. The Latin American side boosted the margin to 12 points at the third break. Lithuania exploded with 30 points in the fourth frame but Argentina matched the effort and sealed the victory at the end. Gabriel Deck (202-C/F-95) notched 26 points and 9 rebounds for Argentina. Rodrigo Haag (193-SG-95) added 20 points in the victory. Edvinas Seskus (192-SF-95) answered with 23 points for Lithuania. Ernestas Serkevicius (187-PG-95) provided 18 points in the losing case.

Lithuania U17: Edvinas Seskus 23, Ernestas Serkevicius 18
Argentina U17: Gabriel Deck 26, Rodrigo Haag 20, Lucas Gargallo (195-SF-95) 9

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ASEAN LEAGUE

Asia-Basket.com All-ASEAN League Awards 2012 - by Eurobasket

Asia-Basket.com All-ASEAN League 1st Team 2012

Brock

Avenido

Johnson

Wade

Williams

Finals MVP: Evan Brock (204-F-84) of Satria Muda Indonesia

Player of the Year: Tiras Wade (200-F-81) of KL Dragons Malaysia

Best Guard: Leo Avenido (186-G-78) of Petron Blaze Philippines

Best Forward: Tiras Wade (200-F-81) of KL Dragons Malaysia

Best Center: Steve Thomas (204-C/F-81) of Satria Muda Indonesia

Best Import Player: Anthony Johnson (197-G/F-79) of Philip.Patriots Philippines

Best Domestic Player: Leo Avenido (186-G-78) of Petron Blaze Philippines

Best Defensive Player: Steve Thomas (204-C/F-81) of Satria Muda Indonesia

Best Coach: Octaviarro Romely of Satria Muda Indonesia

1st Team
G: Leo Avenido (186-78) of Petron Blaze Philippines

G/F: Anthony Johnson (197-79) of Philip.Patriots Philippines

F: Tiras Wade (200-81) of KL Dragons Malaysia

C: Brian Williams (208-87) of KL Dragons Malaysia

C/F: Steve Thomas (204-81) of Satria Muda Indonesia

2nd Team
G: Dulay Donald (173-80) of Singapore S.

G: Al Vergara (173-79) of Barako Bull Philippines

F: Jahmar Thorpe (198-84) of Saigon H. Vietnam

F/C: Graham Louis (205-84) of Singapore S.

C: Jonathan Jones (211-79) of Saigon H. Vietnam

Honorable Mention
Marvin Cruz (173-G-84) of Bangkok C. Thailand

Jai Reyes (173-G) of Bangkok C. Thailand

Duke Crews (203-F-88) of Petron Blaze Philippines

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AUSTRALIA

U17 World Championship: Australia tame France - by Eurobasket News

Australia U17 - France U17 64:42

Australia finished the U17 World Championship preliminary round on a high note. They defeated France to secure 4-1 record in the second place in Group A. France fell at 1-4 record and failed to advance into playoffs.
Australia dominated from start to finish. The Aussies built a 16:13 lead after ten minutes. They held the French counterparts to 8 points in the second quarter and secured a 32:21 halftime lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the low-scoring third quarter. France managed to narrow the gap at 10-point mark. But Australia triggered a 21:9 run in the final quarter to seal a comfortable win at the end. Fabijan Krslovic (204-C/F-95) provided 13 points to lead the winners. Felix Kalau Van Hofe (195-SF-95) contributed 11 points for Australia. Paul Rigot (199-SF-95) answered with 11 points for France. Arthur Rozenfeld (179-PG-95) had 8 points in the loss.

Australia U17: Fabijan Krslovic 13, Felix Kalau Van Hofe 11, Matt Jackson (203-F-95) 9
France U17: Paul Rigot 11, Arthur Rozenfeld 8

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BELGIUM

Aalstar Transfer News - by Peter Buyse

Generali Okapi Aalstar today announced the addition of American guard Jason Clark (188-G-90) to their 2012-2013 roster.
Clark played the past 4 season at Georgetown. During his senior year he led the Hoyas in scoring with 14.1 ppg to go with his 4.1 rpg. He also averaged 1.6 spg.
All this earned him a selection on the Big East 1st team as well as the Big East Sportsmanshup Award, as voted by the Big East Coached.
He is scheduled to be on the roster of the Miami roster during the Vegas Summerleague which starts on Jul 13.

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BRAZIL

Pinheiros add new players to 2012-2013 roster - by Paulo Freire

The E.C. Pinheiros/Sky Sao Paolo team is moving forward on the market after losing two important peaces, as Marquinhos and Olivinha went to Flamengo.
The managers of E.C. Pinheiros/Sky Sao Paolo sign the veteran small forward Marcio Dornelles (194-F-75) that comes from Franca, the team he plays for years.
For the replace of Olivinha the managers are agreed with Andre Bambu (205-C-79) that comes from Limeira and Guillermo Araujo (205-C-82) that paraguayan that comes from rival team of Paulistano.
E.C. Pinheiros/Sky Sao Paolo is also bringing another importated player as they sign Joe Smith (193-G-77, college: Al.-Huntsville) that was playing in La Union Formosa

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BURUNDI

U18 AfroBasket: Burundi and Somalia will not participate in Zone 5 Qualifying - by Eurobasket News

The Federations of Basketball of Burundi and Somalia declared that they will not participate in the Zone 5 AFROBASKET U18 Qualifying tournament that will be held at AMAHORO Indoor Satdium in Kigali from 17th to 22nd July 2012. Particpating countries in the Zone 5 Qualifying tournament are Rwanda as host, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan. The team of Egypt is already qualified and will play the final round that will be played in Mozambique for men category.

Earlier it was announced: The Zone 5 Qualifying for AFROBASKET U18 (Men and Women) will be hosted by Rwanda. Initially, the tournament is scheduled from 17th to 22nd July 2012. The participants countries are: Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Egypt, Tanzania, Eritrea, Sudan, Somalia.

Courtesy of www.rwandabasket.com

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CANADA

U17 World Championship: Canada fire past South Korea - by Eurobasket News

Canada U17 - South Korea U17 82:61

Canada finished the preliminary round at U17 World Championship with victory. They beat South Korea to improve at 3-2 record in Group B. Malcolm Duvivier (186-G-95) stepped up with 16 points to pace Canada. South Korea suffered the fifth straight loss at the tournament.
Canada cleared off to a 20:10 lead ten minutes into the game. South Korea narrowed the margin in the second quarter. The Asian team trailed by just five points at the interval 27:32. The North American team restored a safe buffer at the final intermission. They entered the final frame up by 12 points 54:42. Canada exploded with 28 points in the fourth term and rallied to the victory at the end. Tyrell Bellot-Green (198-G/F-95) notched 14 points, while Marial Shayok (196-SG-95) added 13 points in the winning case. Kim Gookchan (193-F-96) answered with 21 points for South Korea. Kim Minki (199-C-95) netted 9 points in the loss.

Canada U17: Malcolm Duvivier 16, Tyrell Bellot-Green 14, Marial Shayok 13
South Korea U17: Kim Gookchan 21, Kim Minki 9

Cadet Men Finish Preliminary Schedule with Win - by John Gary

Courtesy basketball.,ca. THe Candian cadet national team was able to jump on Korea in the opening quarter and carry that lead throughout the game as they won 82-61.Canada finishes the preliminary schedule of the FIBA U17 World Championchips with a 3-2 record.The team will wait to see who they will face in a knockout round game once all teams have concluded play. The competition figures to be extremely competitive

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CHINA

U17 World Championship: Another easy win for USA - by Eurobasket News

USA U17 - China U17 116:47

USA registered the fifth straight win at the U17 World Championship in Lithuania. They coasted past China to win Group A. Seven USA players scored in double figures for the winners. Conner Frankamp (6'1''-G-95) knocked down 17 points to lead the winning side. China fell at 3-2 record in the third position in the ladder.
USA jumped right into this one. They were up by 14 points after ten minutes. The gap just kept on growing in the second quarter. The USA secured a 53:18 halftime lead. The North American unloaded 63 points in the second half to seal a comfortable win at the end. Stephen Domingo (6'7''-F-95) delivered 16 points, while Stanley Johnson (6'6''-SG-96) added 15 points for the winning team. Yang LinYi (6'3''-G-95) and Heng YiFeng (6'5''-F-95) answered with 9 points each in the loss.

USA U17: Conner Frankamp 17, Stephen Domingo 16, Stanley Johnson 15
China U17: Yang LinYi 9, Heng YiFeng 9

China Loses to USA 116-47 - by Arthur Volbert

China's practice team showed up against the USA today -- and this should have been expected. The team lost 116-47 in the FIBA U-17 Championship. If China had played at the level it displayed in its full games against Egypt, France and the Czech Republic it still would have lost to the USA by 20. So the correct decision was to indeed treat this game as practice.

China will be playing the most important game in its history on Friday when it faces Spain in the quarterfinals. Spain, like China, has a 3-2 group record and China can win if it plays at the top of its game. If China wins it will finish as one of the top 4 teams in the tourney, the highest finish ever by a Chinese men's basketball team in a world tournament. It might even win a medal if it gets lucky. China is not a deep team relying heavily on Zhou Qi and Zhao Jiwei. So it was reasonable strategy for China to take it easy this game.

China traied 24-10 after one quarter, 53-18 at the half and 77-34 after three quarters. Zhou Qi played only 14 minutes and had 6 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks. Zhou Jiwei played 18 minutes with 2 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Yang LinYi (190-G-95) and Heng Yifeng each scored 9 for China. Ma Bin scored 7, Seven players scored in double figures for the Americans.

Link to box score:
http://kaunas2012.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/12/fu17wc/men/p/eid/6228/gid/15/grid/A/rid/9024/sid/6228/game.html

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CONGO-BRAZAVILLE

Congo-Brazzaville U18 National Team 2012 - by Simas

Nsana

Hidaly Ikaliko

175-PG-95

Houmba

Viny Obosso

186-F/C-95

Galeko

Kayi

Charly Ossombi

182-F-95

Francis Mbemba

185-F-95

Suzhil Ngouari

193-C-95

Christmane Mongomo

172-PG-95

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CROATIA

Zadar hires Ante Nazor as Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Ante Nazor is the new Head Coach of Zadar. The 33-year-old Croatian signed a deal for the next season. Nazor is currently a Head Coach of Croatian U17 National Team, which competes at U17 World Championship in Kaunas. They currently have perfect 4-0 record at this event. Last summer Nazor won the Gold at U16 EuroBasket in Czech Republic. He was named Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U16 Best Coach -11. Three years ago he served as Assistant Coach of Croatian U19 NT at U19 World Championship in New Zealand. Ante Nazor worked last season with Split junior team and he also was Assistant Coach of the senior squad. In 2010/11, he coached Omis Gales (A2). In 2010, Nazor was Coach of the Year in Bosnia. He led Capljina Lasta to Bosnian league Semifinals that season.

U17 World Championship: Croatia hold off Spain to win Group B - by Eurobasket News

Croatia U17 - Spain U17 73:68

Croatia stayed undefeated at the U17 World Championship. They overcame Spain tonight to clinch the top position in Group B with 5-0 record. Spain fell at 3-2 record in the second place in the ladder. Mario Hezonja (202-G/F-95) had another amazing performance for Croatia scoring 30 points.
Spain eked out a 16:15 lead ten minutes into the game. But Croatia opened the second frame on a 13:4 run to surge ahead. Croatia boosted the gap at 13-point mark at halftime eventually 40:27. Spain were able to change the complexion of the encounter in the third quarter. They ignited a 19:4 run to take a 54:47 lead late in the period. Spain entered the final term up by four points 54:50. Spain were still up by two points 68:66 with under a minute to go. However Mario Hezonja drilled a three-pointer and then followed with a pair of free throws to set Croatia in charge. Karlo Zganec (205-C/F-95) then sealed the victory from the stripe. Karlo Zganec finished with 15 points, while Marko Arapovic (207-C/F-96) added 11 points for Croatia. Ilimane Diop (210-C-95) answered with 29 points and 19 rebounds for Spain. Jose Nogues (202-PF-95) netted 12 points in the losing effort.

Croatia U17: Mario Hezonja 30, Karlo Zganec 15, Marko Arapovic 11
Spain U17: Ilimane Diop 29+19 boards, Jose Nogues 12

Croatian National Team 2012 - by Ernest

Croatian National Team 2012

Ukic

Stipcevic

Car

Simon

Bogdanovic

Roko-Leni Ukic

196-G-84

Fener.Ulker Turkey

Rok Stipcevic

185-PG-86

Cimberio VA Italy

Marko Car

188-SG-85

Cedevita

Krunoslav Simon

197-F-85

KK Zagreb CO Croatia

Bojan Bogdanovic

203-G/F-89

Fener.Ulker Turkey

Fran Pilepic

192-G-89

Siroki WWin Bosnia

Damir Markota

210-C/F-85

KK Zagreb CO Croatia

Luksa Andric

210-C-85

Galatasaray Turkey

Luka Zoric

211-C/F-84

Unicaja

Goran Suton

209-C-85

Cibona

Stanko Barac

217-C-86

Anadolu Efes Turkey

Damjan Rudez

206-F-86

Cibona

Ivan Ramljak

203-F-90

Siroki WWin Bosnia

Luka Babic

200-F-91

KK Split

Pavle Marcinkovic

197-G-89

Cibona

Jasmin Repesa

Head Coach

Unicaja

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CZECH REPUBLIC

U17 World Championship: Czech Republic silence Egypt - by Eurobasket News

Czech Republic U17 - Egypt U17 78:70

Czech Republic gained the third win in the U17 World Championship. They overcame Egypt to seal the quarterfinal ticket. Martin Peterka (203-PF-95) came up with 21 points and 6 boards to pace the winners. Egypt suffered the fifth loss in a row and remained at the bottom of the ladder.
Czech Republic did not waste time surging ahead early in the encounter. They built a 23:11 lead ten minutes into the clash. Czech Republic stretched the margin in the second quarter. They secured a 42:23 halftime buffer. Egypt gradually tuned in offensively. They knocked down 20 points in the third term to narrow the margin by two points. Egypt unloaded 27 points in the fourth quarter in the desperate attempt to save the game but the margin proved too deep to overcome. Prokop Slanina (204-C-95) notched 13 points and 9 rebounds, while Radovan Kouril (185-PG-95) added 12 points and 12 assists in the victory for the winners. Ahmed Sayed Soliman (202-F/C-95), Walid Aly (185-G-95) and Omar Abdeen (180-PG-95) had 12 points each in the loss.

Czech Republic U17: Martin Peterka 21, Prokop Slanina 13, Radovan Kouril 12+12 assists
Egypt U17: Ahmed Sayed Soliman 12, Walid Aly 12, Omar Abdeen 12

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DENMARK

CDL player news - by Christian Hamborg

SISU announced the first newcomer of the upcoming season with the addition of American center Zack Moritz (210-C-88, college: Boise St.). The Center spent the last season in Spain playing for Grupo Inec Zamora in EBA. Zach Mortiz averaged 10.1 points and 10.5 rebounds per game for the Spanish team. At Boise St Zack averaged 3.2 points and 2.1 rebounds in 10 minutes of play in his senior season. SISU also announced that Danish forward David Harder (196-G/F-87) (196-F-92, college Western) who had a solid season will not be playing for the club for at least the first part of the upcoming season. On the other hand SISU will keep their key backcourt players in the club as it was also announced that Danish guard Mikael Nielsen (178-PG-90), Danish guard Mike Flowers (193-G-86, college: Barton, NC) and Danish/American veteran guard Mickey Dennis (190-G/F-78, college: JMU) will play at least one more season for the Copenhagen based club.

Horsens IC announced the contract extension of Hans Schur (203-F/C-83, college: Lynn) making him the first announced player the Danish bronze medal runner-ups. Hans Schur has been part of the Horsens roster for the past 4 seasons and was named team captain last season. Hans Schur was a big part of Horsens succes last season averaging 12 point, 6.6 rebounds despite playing only 26 minuttes per game. Hans Schur is considered one of the better domestic players in Ligaen and was also named Eurobasket All-Domestic Players Team last season.

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D-LEAGUE

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Olympic Qualifying Tournament: Russia topple Dominican Republic - by Eurobasket News

Russia - Dominican Republic 84:69

Russia gained the second win at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Caracas. They outscored Dominican Republic to win Group C. Dominican Republic fell at 1-1 record but still made it into the quarterfinals. Russia will now take on Angola, while Dominican Republic will face FYR Macedonia in the playoffs. Andrei Kirilenko (206-F-81) came up with 16 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists to pace the winners.
Russia gained a 23:18 lead ten minutes into the game. The European team maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They posted a 44:38 halftime advantage. David Blatt team stretched the gap in the third quarter. Russia entered the final quarter up by 12 points. They kept Dominican Republic at bay throughout the final period rallying to a well-deserved win at the end. Viktor Khryapa (205-SF-82) provided 14 points, 6 assists and 5 boards for Russia. Sasha Kaun (211-C-85) finished with 10 points in the victory. Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida) responded with 22 points and 9 rebounds for Dominican Republic. Jack Michael Martinez (201-F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) tallied 13 points and 12 rebounds in the loss.

Russia: Andrei Kirilenko 16+13 boards, Viktor Khryapa 14, Sasha Kaun 10
Dominican Republic: Alfred Horford 22, Jack Michael Martinez 13+12 boards

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DR CONGO

DR Congolese U18 National Team 2012 - by Simas

Kadita

DR Congo NT U18

Kabaleja

DR Congo NT U18

Isangi

DR Congo NT U18

Mbuyi

DR Congo NT U18

Mutombo

DR Congo NT U18

Ebongo

DR Congo NT U18

Lisimo

DR Congo NT U18

DR Congo NT U18

DR Congo NT U18

DR Congo NT U18

DR Congo NT U18

DR Congo NT U18

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EGYPT

EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE

ESL Vegas registration is now closed to overwhelming response, Orlando still open, for now! - by ESL News

Eurobasket summer league workouts are the most respected in the world, there is no one that can duplicate them. So, because we have turned the corner from years past and have upgraded the style of play and the level of players, it is no wonder that the there is an overwhelming response of players that have registered. Therefore, ESL has decided that the registration process for Las Vegas ESL is closed. However, players who have registered for the Las Vegas ESL should not be frustrated that they did not get there payments in on time as they can still go to an ESL that is run at the exact time as an NBA Summer League in Orlando July 10-12th. Furthermore, if all players who are currently registered do not pay registration fees by July 10, their registrations will be canceled and others will be asked to come back and register, there will be no exceptions. In the meantime we are advising all individuals to register and pay for Orland ESL as soon as they can, so that they can assure themselves a spot in Orlando as Vegas will undoubtedly remained closed.

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EUROLEAGUE

CSKA Moscow sign 5-year deals with Dmitry Korshakov and Ivan Strebkov - by Eurobasket News

CSKA Moscow announced signing of 5-year deals with Dmitry Korshakov (201-F-91) and Ivan Strebkov (190-PG-91). They join the senior squad from CSKA Moscow U23 team.
Dmitry Korshakov played for U20 Russian National Team last summer at U20 EuroBasket in Bilbao. He had 5.9 ppg and 4.7 rpg for 9 games at this event and Russia reached Semifinals.
Ivan Strebkov also played in Bilbao last summer. He had 6.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3 apg and 1.4 spg. In 2007, he was a member of U16 Russia. For 5 games at U16 Eurobasket in Rethinmo Strebkov had 6.8 ppg and 3 rpg.
Korshakov and Strebkov won last two championship titles with CSKA Moscow U23 team. In the past, both players were members of CSKA Moscow juniors. They also played for CSKA-Trinta Moscow in Higher league.

Partizan locks Dragan Milosavljevic until 2014 - by Eurobasket News

Partizan Belgrade penned a 2-year contract extension with Dragan Milosavljevic (198-G-89). Two days ago, the Serbian powerhouse landed young French star Leo Westermann (198-G-92, agency: Beo Basket). Milosavljevic arrived to Partizan in 2010 from Radnicki Kragujevac. He had 8.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 1.4 apg for 10 Euroleague games last season. The player collected 10 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 1.7 apg for 20 games in Serbian championship. Milosavljevic registered slightly lower numbers for 27 Adriatic league games. Partizan managed to defend Serbian league title and Cup trophy. They reached Adriatic league Semis. Before Partizan and Radnicki Kragujevac, Milosavljevic played for Napredak Rubin. Dragan Milosavljevic was named Eurobasket.com Serbian League All-Defensive Team -12. A year ago he was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Honorable Mention.

CSKA Moscow and Nikita Kurbanov terminate their deal - by Eurobasket News

CSKA Moscow announced that Nikita Kurbanov (202-F-86) is no longer member of the team. According to the Russian powerhouse, the player wanted to leave and two sides agreed to terminate their deal. Kurbanov spent last three seasons with CSKA Moscow. He also played for the club several years in the past.
Nikita Kurbanov had 4.6 ppg and 3 rpg for 5 Euroleague games last season. He also added 3.2 ppg and 1.9 rpg for 10 games in VTB United league. In Russian championship, the player had almost the same numbers. CSKA Moscow won the Russian and VTB League titles, plus their reached Euroleague Finals and lost it in thriller against CSKA Moscow. Kurbanov had limited playing time also from 2009/10 and 2010/11. Season 2008/09 he spent with Spartak St.Petersbut and played for CSKA from 2006 to 2008. The played split 2005/06 between Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu and CSKA, and in the past he also played for CSKA juniors. Nikita Kurbanov played for the Russian National Team at 2009 EuroBasket in Poland. He had 4.9 ppg and 1.9 rpg for 9 games.

Greens land 'Big Sofo' to 3-year deal - by Eurobasket News

Panathinaikos Athens announced signing of Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85) for the next three years. It means that Big Sofo will stay with the club until the end of 2014/15 season. Schortsanitis heads to PAO after two years with Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv. Last season he had 8.7 ppg and 3 rpg for the club in 21 Euroleague games. In Israeli league, Sofo posted 9.1 ppg and 4.3 rpg for 10 appearances. The center also played 24 games in Adriatic league registering 9.8 ppg and 4.2 rpg. Maccabi won Adriatic league title last season. Maccabi and Sofo also won two championship titles in Israel and two Cups. In 2011, Schortsanitis was named Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague Center of the Year.
Before Maccabi, Sofoklis Schortsanitis spent four years with Olympiakos and from 2004 to 2006 he played for Aris Thessaloniki. The center also has experience from Cantu and Iraklis. He played for the Greek NT at 2006 World Championship in Japan, 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, 2009 EuroBasket in Poland and 2010 World Championship in Turkey. Greece won the Silver in Japan and Bronze in Poland.

CSKA, Olympiacos, Unicaja are finalists for 2012 Devotion Marketing Awards - by Eurobasket News

Euroleague Basketball is pleased to announce that CSKA Moscow, Olympiacos Piraeus and Unicaja Malaga are the three finalists for the 2012 Devotion Marketing Awards. Each of the teams is deserving in its own right for the hard work and successful projects undertaken over the past year. The order of the winners will be announced on Thursday before the start of the European Basketball Marketing Summit.

This year the process for nominating clubs and selecting winners of the Devotion Marketing Awards underwent changes. Six teams were initially chosen as nominees by Euroleague Basketball, though the participating teams still had the option to vote for any team except their own. The final results were voted on by Euroleague Basketball and its member clubs.

CSKA MOSCOW for its efforts to produce content and its results with social media. CSKA is present on almost every platform or network and shares a lot of content with its fan base and members of the media. The club also promotes its brand and Euroleague Basketball actively through its players.

OLYMPIACOS PIRAEUS had to start from scratch with a brand new team composed mostly of younger players and had to convince its fan base that a successful season was possible with a new team philosophy: All for one, one for all, all for Olympiacos. The campaign was a huge success. Olympiacos also made good efforts to improve the fan experience at Peace and Friendship Stadium and is taking part actively in the ONE TEAM program, with a special elementary school for deaf and hard-of-hearing children.

UNICAJA MALAGA has reached impressive results in reaching its fans through social media and its website. Unicaja conveys a positive image of itself and of the league. Unicajas arena is one of the best arenas in Europe, where fans can always enjoy an excellent atmosphere. Unicajas players are very active in the community through their El Deporte es Vida CSR activities and the club is a founding member of the ONE TEAM program. Unicaja also offers a good hospitality program and is very effective in regard to merchandising and sales channels: shops, arena and online.

Courtesy of Euroleague

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Div.C Standings

Standings

Group A
1. Andorra		2-0
2. Moldova		1-1
3. Gibraltar		0-2
Group B
1. Malta		2-1
2. San Marino.		2-1
3. Wales		1-2
4. Scotland		1-2

Regular Season: Round 3

Jul. 4: AND - MDA 100-84

Jul. 4: SCO - WAL 75-76
Jul. 4: SMR - MLT 71-69

Regular Season: Round 4

Semifinal

Jul. 6: AND - MLT
Jul. 6: SMR - MDA

Places 5-7

Jul. 6: GIB - WAL

European Championship for Small Countries. Day 3 - by Eurobasket News

Group A
Andorra - Moldova 100:84
Andorra earned the second straight win at the European Championship for Small Countries. They held off Moldova to win Group A. Moldova finished in the second position at 1-1 record. Daniel Marin (192-SF-78) stepped up with 33 points to lead the winners.
Andorra unloaded 27 points in the starting quarter to take a 7-point lead. Moldova bounced back in the second quarter. They fired 24 points to narrow the deficit at 4-point mark 44:48. But Andorra took over after the big break. They held Moldova to 15 points in the third period to earn an 11-point lead heading into the fourth frame. Andorra did not slow down throughout the fourth term and raced to a comfortable win at the end. Jorge Olcina (190-F-76) provided 17 points, while Cinto Gabriel (199-C-87) had 15 points for the winning side. Anton Rulevski (194-SF-88) responded with 22 points for Moldova. Nicolai Coputerco (191-SG-85) and Andrus notched 13 points each in the loss.

Andorra: Daniel Marin 33, Jorge Olcina 17, Cinto Gabriel 15
Moldova: Anton Rulevski 22, Nicolai Coputerco 13, Andrus 13

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

San Marino - Malta 71:69
San Marino posted the second win at the European Championship for Small Countries. They nipped Malta to occupy the top position in Group B. Andrea Raschi came up with 22 points and 12 rebounds to lead the winners. Malta finished second at 2-1 record. San Marino will now take on Moldova, while Malta will face Andorra in the semis.
Malta snatched a 13:12 lead ten minutes into the game. The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter as Malta ensured a 34:33 halftime lead. Malta stretched the lead in the third term. They ensured an 8-point buffer before the fourth frame. But San Marino went on a massive run in the final quarter to turn things around. Stefano Rossini knocked down a jumper with one second remaining to seal the victory for San Marino. Stefano Rossini notched 20 points for the winners. Federico Cardinali added 11 points for the hosts. Darryl Jackson (189-SG-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Warner Pacific) answered with 21 points for Malta. Samuel Deguara (223-C-91) had 17 points in the loss.

San Marino: Andrea Raschi 22+12 boards, Stefano Rossini 20, Federico Cardinali 11
Malta: Darryl Jackson 21, Samuel Deguara 17

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FRANCE

Olympics: France's Joakim Noah nixed from hoops team with ankle injury - by Eurobasket News

Frenchman Joakim Noah (211-F/C-85, college: Florida) will miss the Olympic Games because he has not fully recovered from an ankle injury, the Chicago Bulls center said on Wednesday.

"I am absolutely not ready. Not ready to run, not ready to jump. I'm not fit enough to play in the Olympic Games," Noah told French sports daily L'Equipe.

Noah, who averaged 10.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game this season, picked up the ankle injury in a playoff game against the Philadelphia Sixers in May.

France are also sweating on Tony Parker's (183-PG-82) condition as the San Antonio Spurs point guard is doubtful with an eye injury.

Courtesy of www.gmanetwork.com

Batum, Wolves continue talking - by Eurobasket News

The Minnesota Timberwolves continued their free-agency pursuits on Tuesday, still wooing Portland swingman Nicolas Batum (6'7''-F-88) in Minneapolis with the prospect of a four-year offer sheet worth $45 million or more and agreeing by phone with restricted free-agent center Greg Stiemsmas agent that the two parties are a good fit for each other.

Comcast SportsNet in Portland reported Batum told the Trail Blazers on Tuesday that he does not want to return to the team.

Shortly thereafter, Batum tweeted, Trust me I didnt.

If true, its probably a negotiating move intended to dissuade Portland from matching an offer sheet or provoke a sign-and-trade agreement in which the Wolves would send players and/or draft pick (s) away for the 6-8 swingman who would address needs at both small forward and shooting guard.

Batum arrived in Minnesota on Sunday and remained in town Tuesday with his agent.

Courtesy of www.registerguard.com

BCM Gravelines signs young forward William Howard - by Eurobasket News

BCM Gravelines announced singing of William Howard (201-F-93). The 18-year-old forward is a member of French U20 National Team. Last summer he played for U18 France at U18 EuroBasket in Poland. For 9 games at this event he had 8.6 ppg and 3.3 rpg. In 2010, Howard won the title at Nike Euroleague Junior Tournament (Unofficial European Clubs Junior Championships) averaging 6 points and 1.8 rebounds in four games. From 2009 to 2011, William Howard was a member of CFBB. Last season he spent with New Hope Academy (Maryland, USA) and also played for INSEP. Howard committed to play next season for the University of Washington, but he was ineligible due to low score in English exam. Central Florida, Maryland, Boston College and George Mason and showed interest for the player.
Few days ago Gravelines signed 2-year deal with Aldo Curti (180-PG-87).

U17 World Championship: Australia tame France - by Eurobasket News

Australia U17 - France U17 64:42

Australia finished the U17 World Championship preliminary round on a high note. They defeated France to secure 4-1 record in the second place in Group A. France fell at 1-4 record and failed to advance into playoffs.
Australia dominated from start to finish. The Aussies built a 16:13 lead after ten minutes. They held the French counterparts to 8 points in the second quarter and secured a 32:21 halftime lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the low-scoring third quarter. France managed to narrow the gap at 10-point mark. But Australia triggered a 21:9 run in the final quarter to seal a comfortable win at the end. Fabijan Krslovic (204-C/F-95) provided 13 points to lead the winners. Felix Kalau Van Hofe (195-SF-95) contributed 11 points for Australia. Paul Rigot (199-SF-95) answered with 11 points for France. Arthur Rozenfeld (179-PG-95) had 8 points in the loss.

Australia U17: Fabijan Krslovic 13, Felix Kalau Van Hofe 11, Matt Jackson (203-F-95) 9
France U17: Paul Rigot 11, Arthur Rozenfeld 8

ASVEL announces return of Amara Sy - by Eurobasket News

Amara Sy (202-F-81) is officially back to ASVEL. The French squad announced this news yesterday. Sy spent last two seasons with Orleans averaging 13.3 points 5.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 2011/12. He was named Eurobasket.com All-French ProA Forward of the Year -12. Sy was also awarded with Eurobasket.com All-French ProA Domestic Player of the Year -12 and Eurobasket.com All-French ProA 1st Team -12. He joined Orleans two years ago. In their first season together Sy had much lower numbers. Before Orleans, the player split 2009/10 season between Murcia and Bakersfield Jam. Amara Sy played for the Malian National Team at 2009 AfroBasket in Libya. He had 15.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg and 3.4 rpg in 9 games. In the past, Sy spent several years with ASVEL (1999-2002, 2005-2007, 2008/09).
Few days ago, Leo Westermann (198-G-92, agency: Beo Basket) left ASVEL. He used contract option to leave the club and immediately signed a deal with Partizan Belgrade. Westermann will spend next three seasons with the Serbian powerhouse.

Rochel Chery joins Bordeaux - by Eurobasket News

Rochel Chery (194-G-82) will continue his career in Bordeaux. The guard has agreed on terms of contract with the team. Rochel Chery played for JL Bourg Basket last season. He tallied 5.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game in ProB. Previously Rochel Chery had stints with Chalons, Le Havre, Rouen, Boulazac, Reims, Le Portel and Lille.

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GERMANY

The Telekom Baskets Bonn Welcome Patrick Ewing Junior - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

If there is a taste of NBA flair next season in the Telekom Dome arena with the appearance of NBA legend Patrick Ewing Jr. (203-F-84, college: Georgetown), then it wont surprise any Bonn fans since he will be there visiting and watching his son Patrick Ewing Jr. (203-F-84, college: Georgetown) Jr. junior who signed a one year deal today. Ewing is a 28 year old 203 cm forward that is an American/Jamacian from Marietta, Georgia. He will be making his professional debut in Europe as he has played in the UNited States the last years. Last season, Ewing played for the New Orleans Hornets (NBA), only pre-season, in Jan.'12 moved to Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League): 11 games: 10.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 22.9%, FT: 82.1%; in Feb.'12 signed at Iowa Energy (D-League, starting five): 19 games: 8.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 81.6%. "We have a cornerstone player on our team for next season. He is a very versatile player that can be inserted into many positions on account of his physical and athletic play. He has many offensive moves and can also do many tasks on defense. He is a hard worker that already showed his fighting mentality at Georgetown. WE have a player that many coaches dream of. I am looking forward to im afte rthe first positive talks", expressed Bonn head coach Michael Koch.

Ewing started his basketball career at ./National Christian Academy in Maryland. He then started his NCAA career at Indiana (NCAA) in 2003 an dplayed there until 2005. he ten transfered to georgetown where his dad played. Ewing finished his NCAA career at Georgetwon in 2008 and in his senior year played 34 games: 6.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3Pts: 28.3%, FT: 65.8%. He played a total of 127 NCAA games and 70 at Georgetown. In 2008-2009, he started his professional basketball career and was drafted by the Sacramento Kings (NBA,2rd (43). He started the season with the Sacramento Kings (NBA), traded to Houston Rockets (NBA), in Sep.'08 traded to New York Knicks (NBA), left in Oct.'08, in Dec.'08 moved to Reno Bighorns (D-League): 29 games: 16.3ppg, 8.9rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 23.4%, FT: 77.0%. In 2010-2011, he played for New York Knicks (NBA), left in Oct.'10, then moved to Reno Bighorns (D-League): 25 games: 15.7ppg, 8.4rpg, 3.2apg, 1.6spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 79.4%; in Jan.'11 traded to Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League): 23 games: 19.9ppg, Reb-2 (10.6rpg), 3.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 82.1%, in Mar.'11 signed at New Orleans Hornets (NBA): 9 games: 0.7ppg. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Big East Regular Season Champion -07, 08, Big East Tournament Winner -07, NCAA Final Four -07, Big East Tournament Finalist -08, All-Big East Sixth Man of the Year -08, USBasket.com All-D-League 2nd Team -11, Gatorade All-D-League 3rd Team -11, D-League All-Star Game -11, Jamaican National Team -11-12, CBC Championships in Nassau (Bahamas) -11 (Bronze): 5 games: 13.0ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 68.2%
Latinbasket.com All-CBC Championships 2nd Team -11, and Centrobasket in San Juan (Puerto Rico) -12 (Bronze): 6 games: 8.8ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 34.4%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 71.4%.

Source: Telekom Baskets Bonn

The White Wings Hanau Keep Christian Schafer And Fabian Bahlke And Jens Hirschberg Departs - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

PRO B team White Wings Hanau announced today that two Germans Christian Schafer and Fabian Bahlke will remain with the team, but Jens irschberg will no longer be on the roster for this upcoming season. Schafer played six games last season and shooting guard Bahlke got into four games. On the other side, Jens Hirschberg (200-F-88) has left after playing 20 games last season and averaging 4.5ppg, 2.6rpg. I had injury problems and played under my capabilities. I want to start from scratch again in the PRO B and get more playing time elsewhere. I got a lot of experience my year in Hanau", commented Jens Hirschberg (200-F-88). "We had a different role for him and couldnt give him as much minutes. He was a real team player. We respect his decision and wish him all the best", stated manager Jens Gottwald.

Source: White Wings Hanau

Sajmen Hauer Moves To BG Karlsruhe - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

PRO A team BG Karlsruhe announced today the signing of Sajmen Hauer (190-G-88, agency: Court Side) giving him a 2 year deal. Hauer is a 24 year old 190cm guard that was one of the biggest German talents in 2005 already playing Beko BBL for Bamberg as a 17 yearold. However his career went down instead of up, but he never gave up and continues getting new chances. BG Karlsruhe hope that the German can refind his basketball career in the Baden city. Last season Hauer played for Future Basketball Berlin (2.Regionalliga). "He is an important pick up for us, because with the departure of Aaron Schmitz, we have no german back up. Thanks to Hauer, we can now be variable at all positions with Germans and international players", stressed BG Karlsruhe head coach Torsten Daume.

Hauer started his basketball career in 2003 with Franken Hexer junior team - TS Herzogenaurach (Regionalliga): 6 games: 10.2 ppg. In 2004-2005, he played for GHP Bamberg (1.Bundesliga), also a license for TSV Breitengubach (2.Bundesliga): 21 games: 6.5ppg, 1.1rpg, 2.2apg, 2FGP: 39.4%, 3FGP: 31.3%, FT: 74.4%. He played in the Bamberg organization until 2008 never really panning out as a Beko BBL player. In his four years there, he played a total of 22 Beko BBL games and 2 euroleague games. In 2008-2009, he played for Franken Hexer (ProB): 14 games: 10.6ppg, 1.2rpg, 2.3apg, 2FG: 42.7%, 3FG: 32.8%, FT: 67.7%, left team in Jan.'09. In 2009-2010, he played for RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf (ProB, starting five): 26 games: 13.8ppg, 2.0rpg, 4.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 75.8%. In 2010-2011, Michael Koch gave him a chance to redeem himself again in the Beko BBL with Bonn, but never got into the rotation playing EuroChallenge: 2 games: 4.0ppg, 1.0rpg; German League: 11 games: 2.1ppg. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been German U18 National Team -04-06, German U16 National Team -04, European Championships U16 in Amalaida (Greece) -04: 8 games: 12.4 ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.9spg, FG: 43.0% 3FG: 36.8%, FT: 60.0%, German Bundesliga Regular Season Runner-Up -05, German Bundesliga Champion -05, 07, European Championships U18 in Belgrade -05: 8 games: 8.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 36.8%, 3FGP: 8.7%, FT: 59.3%, International Tournament in Mannheim (Unofficial World Championships U18) -06: 6 games: 11.0ppg, 1.0rpg, 2.0apg, 2FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 82.4%, European Championships U18 in Amaliada (Greece) -06: 7 games: 4.6ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.1apg, FG: 33.3%, 3FGP: 12.5%, FT: 77.8%
German Bundesliga Cup Finalist -06, German Bundesliga Regular Season Runner-Up -06, German Bundesliga Semifinals -06, German U20 National Team -07
European Championships U20 Division B in Warsaw (Poland) -07 (Semifinals): 8 games: 9.1ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.3apg, 2FGP: 52.6%, 3FGP: 26.1%, FT: 46.9%, and German 2.Regionalliga (North-East Group) Runner-Up -12

Source: BG Karlsruhe

Sebastian Wild Is Named EBC Rostock coach - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The Regionaliga and EBC Rostock is getting a big name and and at the same time a home boy as Sebastian Wild is returning home to coach the team. Wild is originally from Rostock and took the chance to go overseas 8 years ago to coach Lees-McRae Women Team (NCAA2)and made a name for himself there. He returned back to Germany to seek new challenges. "It is a great feeling after 8 years in the States to be back home. I am looking forward to my task in Rostock and am very motivated. This team has a lot of potential. This will be a very interesting task for me since this is a fantastic organization and there is a lot of support here as well. I had the luck in the last 8 years to be the only European coach to coach in the American college basketball and I gathered a lot of experience from well known coaches and work at a high professional level. I hope to bring thes ethings into my job with Rostock. I have high goals and want to to bring this team on a successful way", stressed Sebastian Wild .

Source: EBC Rostock

DJ Hamilton signs with Schwelmer Baskets - by Moritz Korff

Pro B team Schwelmer Baskets has handed Dj Hamilton (185-G-90) a one-year contract. The 22-year-old hails from Phoenix, Arizona and spent these past two years playing for NCAA D2 school Minnesota State Moorhead. He averaged 14.9 points, 3.7 assists and 3.1 rebounds a game in the course of the 2011-12 season.
"DJ is the kind of player that I have been searching for a long a time. Plus I am convinced that he is the right fit as a person on and off the court. He and another American, that we are going to sign, will primarily run the team and play on the wing as well", Schwelm's coach Raphael Wilder said.

Ratiopharm Ulm brings in Kay Gausa - by Moritz Korff

20-year-old Kay Gausa (199-F-92) has inked a contract with BBL runner-up ratiopharm Ulm. The versatile forward is a product of SC Rist Wedel and appeared in 24 Pro B games throughout the 2011-12 season, averaging 8.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per contest. Gausa is a tenacious defender and a well-rounded offensive player. He will have a license to play for Ulm in the BBL as well as for Ulm's cooperation team BG Illertal/Weissenhorn in the Pro B.

Patrick Ewing Jr. joins the Telekom Baskets Bonn - by Daniel Poerschke

One of the best names in the history of basketball will be part of the new german BBL season:
Today Patrick Ewing Jr. (203-F-84, college: Georgetown, agency: Scorers1st Sportmanagement) signed a contract with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. The 203cm athletic forward is the son of former NBA All-Star center Patrick Ewing, who works as an assistant coach of the Orlando Magic now.
Ewing Jr. also has NBA experience with New York and New Orleans. He played last season in the D-League with Sioux Falls Skyforce and Iowa Energy. Last month Ewing Jr. won the bronze medal with his Jamaica national team at the Centrobasket games in San Juan. He averaged 8.8ppg and 7.2rpg.
Ewing jr. said: "I am very happy, that I will get the chance to play in Europe next season with Bonn. I am looking forward to a successfull campaign."

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GREECE

Greens land 'Big Sofo' to 3-year deal - by Eurobasket News

Panathinaikos Athens announced signing of Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85) for the next three years. It means that Big Sofo will stay with the club until the end of 2014/15 season. Schortsanitis heads to PAO after two years with Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv. Last season he had 8.7 ppg and 3 rpg for the club in 21 Euroleague games. In Israeli league, Sofo posted 9.1 ppg and 4.3 rpg for 10 appearances. The center also played 24 games in Adriatic league registering 9.8 ppg and 4.2 rpg. Maccabi won Adriatic league title last season. Maccabi and Sofo also won two championship titles in Israel and two Cups. In 2011, Schortsanitis was named Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague Center of the Year.
Before Maccabi, Sofoklis Schortsanitis spent four years with Olympiakos and from 2004 to 2006 he played for Aris Thessaloniki. The center also has experience from Cantu and Iraklis. He played for the Greek NT at 2006 World Championship in Japan, 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, 2009 EuroBasket in Poland and 2010 World Championship in Turkey. Greece won the Silver in Japan and Bronze in Poland.

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HUNGARY

Ivosev transfers to Falco KC - by Levente Szabo

Serbian forward Tomislav Ivosev (204-F-90) will stay in Hungary for one more season as he penned today a deal with Falco-Szova KC-Szombathely. The 6'9" forward had a breakout season last year as a key player of Szedeak. In his 3rd official game with the team he had an amazing performance against FS Debrecen with 37 points and 12 rebounds but he showed his all-around game against PVSK too when he scored 28 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and dished out 7 assists. The all-around forward finished the season averaging 20.4ppg, 8.6rpg, 2.2apg and 2.2spg (FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 73.3%). With many different offeres on his table Ivosev decided to stay in Hungary for one more season and he will join Falco-Szova KC-Szombathely.

Coach Benczes team was the regular season champion last year, and reached the finals where they fel short against reigning champion Szolnoki Olajbanyasz. With the addition of Ivosev they must be really happy, especially since they know that they will loose their starting Power Forward, Zsolt Szabo (202-F-86, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group).

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IBL

Standings

IBL Standings

Branding
1. Jersey G-F		4-2
2. Orlando V.		4-10
3. Yamhill H.		0-6
Continental
1. Bellingham S.		15-3
2. Vancouver V.		10-8
3. Olympia R.		7-13
International
1. Portland C.		14-4
2. Edmonton E.		14-4
3. Nippon T.		1-12
Travel Team
1. S. Soldiers		8-10
2. Los Angeles		0-0
3. W.Coast H.		0-5

Regular Season: Round 24

Jul. 3: Portland C. - Nippon T. 178-128
Jul. 3: Olympia R. - Edmonton E. 118-111

Quarter-Finals: Round 1

Jul. 5: Edmonton E. - Olympia R.
Jul. 5: Vancouver V. - S. Soldiers

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INDIA

5th Children of Asia International Sports Games - by umashankar gowda

5th Children of Asia International Sports Games (CAISG) to being held in Yakutsk, Russia, from July 4 to 12.
indian under 16 boys and girls team are taking part in the games

The teams:
Boys:
Narender, Sanjeev Kumar, Abhishek Kumar, Himanshu Singh, Rudrask Kaustubh Pandey, Sagar Joshi, Dildar Singh Brar, Ashiv Jain, Akashdeep Hazra, Gurinder Singh Gill, Gaurav Ohlan and Mahipal Singh;
Coach: Paramdeep Singh.

Girls:
Sharanjeet Kaur, Sangeeta Kaur, Elizabeth Hilarious, K.S. Poojamol, Ishwari Kailas Pingle, Shruthi Praveen Menon, Devirajalakshmi Kirubanandhan, Sharmila Rajan, Preeti Kumari, Barkha Sonkar, Kavita Akula and Pooja Ambastha;
Coach: Jagat Narain Nehra.

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INDONESIA

SEABA Cup: Yoong jing Kwaan leads Malaysia past Indonesia - by Eurobasket News

Malaysia - Indonesia 70:50

Malaysia posted the first win at the SEABA Cup in Thailand. They held off Indonesia behind 18 points from Yoong Jing Kwaan (200-C-90). Malaysia led by three points after ten minutes 16:13. They stretched the lead in the second quarter. Malaysia ensured a 32:25 halftime advantage. Malaysia capped the third term on a 14:3 run to establish a 15-point lead. The margin grew at 20-point mark early in the fourth stanza. Malaysia never looked back en route to the victory. Shee Fai Loh (192-G/F-89) posted 13 points for Malaysia. Zhi Shin Chin (190-F-87) added 8 points for the winning side. Arki Wisnu (187-G-88) answered with 27 points for Indonesia. Firdaus Julius Achmad (179-PG-87) had 9 points in the loss.

Malaysia: Yoong Jing Kwaan 18, Shee Fai Loh 13, Zhi Shin Chin 8
Indonesia: Arki Wisnu 27, Firdaus Julius Achmad 9

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IRAN

List A players - by Mohammad Amin Maghsoodlou

IRIBF decieded List A players for Iran 2012-13 super league season. each team can sign 3 of players from this list.
List A players :
1- Mahdi Kamrani (186-PG-82)
2- Hamed Afagh (190-SG-83)
3- Samad Nik Khahbahrami (198-F-83)
4- Rouzbeh Arghavan (213-F/C-88)
5- Oshin Sahakian (200-F-86)
6- Aren Davoudichegani (185-PG-86)
7- Saeid Davarpanah (191-G/F-87)
8- Asghar Kardoust (212-C-86)
9- Mohammad Jamshidi (197-SF-91)
10- Mehrad Atashi (190-G-86)
11- Mousa Nabipour (213-C-83)
12- Mohammad Hassanzadeh (201-F-90)
13- Reza Lotfi (191-G/F-83)
14- Javad Davari (185-G-83)
15- Pouya Tajik (202-F-80)
16- Babak Nezafatch (190-G/F-77)
17- Amir Amini (189-G-84)
18- Benny Koochoie (190-G-86, college: CS Stanislaus)
19- Erfan Nasajpour (177-G-84)
20- Hamed Sohrabnejad (205-C/F-83)
21- Iman Zandi (188-G-81)
22- Yonas Lalaehzadeh (195-G-89, college: Cal-Irvine)
23- Farid Aslani (183-PG-88)
24- Majid GhasemZadeh (188-G-89)

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ITALY

Enel Brindisi and Craig Callahan part ways - by Eurobasket News

Craig Callahan (203-F-81, agency: Court Side, college: NC-Wilmington) is no longer a member of Enel Brindisi, according to Spotando.net. The player joined Brindisi last summer and helped them win Lega Due Playoffs. It means that the club will compete in SerieA next season. Brindisi also was the Cup winner in Lega Due this year. Callahan appeared 38 times with the club averaging 11.6 points and 5.1 rebounds. It is not known what will be the next stop for him.
Craig Callahan spent 2010/11 season with Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. There he had 14.8 ppg and 4.2 rpg in 34 German league games. He was named Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Honorable Mention -11. In 2010, Callahan reached Belgian Cup Semis with Dexia Mons-Hainaut. In 2007, the player won Spanish LEB Gold title with Manresa and year before that he was Eurobasket.com All-Czech Rep. League Player of the Year as a member of Prostejov.

Market updates and rumors - by Giovanni Bargna

Here's a recap of latest deals and rumors, team by team.

Montepaschi Siena announced Daniel Hackett (198-G-87, agency: Two Points, college: USC) yesterday. The combo-guard is off a very good season with Pesaro in which he showed a significant improvement that makes him the right player for a top level team. Hackett signed a 2-year deal with the team. Latest news is the extension signed with David Moss (196-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: Indiana St.). The US forward agreed with the team on a 2-year contract extension. Both Kristjan Kangur (201-F-82) and Milovan Rakovic (208-C-85) were on loan and will be back to Siena but while the forward from Estonia will be part of next season's roster, Milovan Rakovic should be leaving soon. Also greek point-guard Nikolaos Zisis (197-G-83) left. He signed with Bilbao a couple of days ago. As reported by some rumors Montepaschi is in talks with Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86), one of the best power forward of the entire league last season, and Aubrey Coleman (193-G-87, agency: Two Points, college: Houston) who did great with Biella. David Andersen (211-C-80) and Bo McCalebb (178-PG-85, college: New Orleans) are considering offers from other teams and should probably leave Siena too.

EA7 Emporio Armani Milano keeps on planning next season in the best way possible and they've been the main market actor during last days. They announced Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) making it the most interesting deal of the market so far. Langford left Maccabi Tlv and will join the team soon. Considering that Omar-Sharif Cook (186-PG-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's) will stay just as Malik Hairston (198-G-87, college: Oregon), who's contract was extended for two more years, this will give Milano an incredibly skilled roster on the perimeter. Under the boards the team will keep Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) and added Richard Hendrix (203-F/C-86, college: Alabama) (from Maccabi tlv) and David Chiotti (205-F/C-84, agency: Court Side, college: N.Mexico). The big man from the USA has an italian passport and is off a good season with Casale Monferrato. Latest news : Milano signed Gianluca Basile (192-G-75) for next season.

Pallacanestro Cantu will face a deep roster change for the first time in last three seasons and lost two key players. Shermadini flew to Tel-Aviv and Micov signed with CSKA Moscow few days ago. The deal with Marco Cusin (211-C-85, agency: Interperformances) should be officially announced soon. Beye Tabu-Eboma (190-PG-85) will be back to Cantu to help the team at the point guard position starting from the bench. The player from Belgium is back after spending last season with Cremona on loan. Nicolas Mazzarino (181-PG-75, agency: Players Group) should stay while Gianluca Basile is leaving (Milano or Brindisi). The team coached by Trinchieri should be close to an agreement with Pietro Aradori (194-SG-88). The italian guard is leaving Montepaschi Siena.

Canadian Solar Bologna is in talks with Matt Howard (203-F-89, college: Butler) who played for Neckar RIESEN Ludwigsburg last season.

Victoria Libertas Pesaro haven't signed anyone so far. Hickman left for Maccabi, Cusin will be announced by Cantu soon and recent rumors say James White is in talks with the New York Knicks. Peasro is also looking for new head coach that will replace Luca Dalmonte.

Umana Venezia signed Eric Williams (206-C-84, college: Wake Forest) and Yakhouba Diawara (201-F-82, college: Pepperdine) early in this mearket period. They also seem close to an agreement with Ivan Zoroski (195-G-79), last season at Montegranaro, and Sani Becirovic (196-G-81) who's leaving Treviso.

Scandone Avellino is focused on extending some key contracts. The agreement was found with Linton Johnson (203-F/C-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Tulane) yesterday and now they're trying to do the same with point-guard Marques Green (167-PG-82, college: St.Bonaventure).

Juve Caserta should announce Stefano Gentile (191-PG-89) soon.

Milano tab Gianluca Basile - by Giovanni Bargna

EA7 Emporio Armani Milano inked Gianluca Basile (192-G-75). The italian veteran had a good season (his first back to Italy) with Pallacanestro Cantu helping the team in the italian legue and specially in the Euroleague. Basile scored 8.1 ppg during the regular season and then improved during the next phase scoring 13.8 ppg and shooting with 55.6% from behind the arc in the TOP 16. Though he's 37 years old he still suits a top european level team needs. The deal official announce will come soon.

Marco Cusin heads to Cantu - by Eurobasket News

Pallacanestro Cantu have officiated the deal with Marco Cusin (211-C-85, agency: Interperformances). The sides have agreed on terms of two-year contract. Marco Cusin spent the last two seasons with Scavolini Pesaro. He tallied 7.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.3 blocks per game in SeriaA last season. Eurobasket.com named Marco Cusin into Italian SeriaA All-Domestic Players Team. Previously the centre had stints with Trieste, Biella, Carife Ferrara, Indesit Fabiano, Vanoli Soresina and Vanoli Cremona. He participated at Italian SeriaA All-Star Game in 2011 and 2012. Marco Cusin has been the member of Italian National Team since 2004. He was named into Italian LegaDue All-Defensive Team in 2008. In 2010 Marco Cusin made it into SeriaA All-Newcomers Team.

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JAPAN

Cohey Aoki joins Tokyo Cinq Reves - by Eurobasket News

BJ League expansion team Tokyo Cinq Reves are building their roster. They announced the signing of Cohey Aoki (167-G-80). Six-time League All-Star is returning to Tokyo where he played before the last season. In 2011/12 season Cohey Aoki played for Osaka Evessa. The guard notched 11.5 points, 2.1 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game. Earlier Aoki played for Tokyo Apache. Asia-Basket.com named Cohey Aoki All-Japanese BJ League Guard of the Year in 2008. He also made it into Japanese BJ League All-Domestic Player Teams in 2009, 2010 and 2012.
Tokyo Cinq Reves also ensured the services of Hirohisa Takada (186-G-86) and Takuro Ito (183-G-83) for the next season. Hirohisa Takada also played for Osaka Evessa last season. He notched 1.2 points per game. Takuro Ito had a stint with Miyazaki Shining Suns last season. The guard posted 8.1 points, 1.5 boards and 1.3 steals per appearance.

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LEBANON

Riyadi wins the signature of Martinez - by Ahmad Kerdi

Al Riyadi Beirut Club made a significant move by adding young talented Point Guard Miguel Martinez to their roster.
Champville got Martinez back few weeks ago before releasing him and adding Anis Feghaly to their roster, Fghali who was playing lately in the second division and has already a good experience in Division A.
Despite all that the news of releasing Martinez from Champville was shocking specially when the List A came out from the federation excluding his name which got every team trying to acquire him and that was Riyadi's one of the catches of the year.
Miguo as his friends call him played two years ago for Champville before heading to Sagesse last year and now to Riyadi who are trying to make their way back to the title after last year's conflicts with the federation which led the team to withdraw from the semi final series against Anibal. Miguel Martinez (189-PG-88)

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LITHUANIA

MALAYSIA

MALI

ASVEL announces return of Amara Sy - by Eurobasket News

Amara Sy (202-F-81) is officially back to ASVEL. The French squad announced this news yesterday. Sy spent last two seasons with Orleans averaging 13.3 points 5.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 2011/12. He was named Eurobasket.com All-French ProA Forward of the Year -12. Sy was also awarded with Eurobasket.com All-French ProA Domestic Player of the Year -12 and Eurobasket.com All-French ProA 1st Team -12. He joined Orleans two years ago. In their first season together Sy had much lower numbers. Before Orleans, the player split 2009/10 season between Murcia and Bakersfield Jam. Amara Sy played for the Malian National Team at 2009 AfroBasket in Libya. He had 15.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg and 3.4 rpg in 9 games. In the past, Sy spent several years with ASVEL (1999-2002, 2005-2007, 2008/09).
Few days ago, Leo Westermann (198-G-92, agency: Beo Basket) left ASVEL. He used contract option to leave the club and immediately signed a deal with Partizan Belgrade. Westermann will spend next three seasons with the Serbian powerhouse.

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MALTA

San Marino edge out narrow win over Malta - by Eurobasket News

San Marino - Malta 71:69

San Marino posted the second win at the European Championship for Small Countries. They nipped Malta to occupy the top position in Group B. Andrea Raschi (198-SG-79) came up with 22 points and 12 rebounds to lead the winners. Malta finished second at 2-1 record. San Marino will now take on Moldova, while Malta will face Andorra in the semis.
Malta snatched a 13:12 lead ten minutes into the game. The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter as Malta ensured a 34:33 halftime lead. Malta stretched the lead in the third term. They ensured an 8-point buffer before the fourth frame. But San Marino went on a massive run in the final quarter to turn things around. Stefano Rossini (182-G/F-74) knocked down a jumper with one second remaining to seal the victory for San Marino. Stefano Rossini notched 20 points for the winners. Federico Cardinali (183-PG-91) added 11 points for the hosts. Darryl Jackson (189-SG-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Warner Pacific) answered with 21 points for Malta. Samuel Deguara (223-C-91) had 17 points in the loss.

San Marino: Andrea Raschi 22+12 boards, Stefano Rossini 20, Federico Cardinali 11
Malta: Darryl Jackson 21, Samuel Deguara 17

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MOLDOVA

NBA

Ray Allen to meet with Miami Heat on Thursday - by Eurobasket News

Boston shooting guard Ray Allen (6'5''-G-75, college: Connecticut), the Heats top target in free agency, will meet with Heat officials in Miami on Thursday as he continues to consider offers from the Heat, Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers.

Allen will visit the Clippers on Friday. As of Tuesday afternoon, he had not booked visits with his other suitors, including Memphis and Minnesota.

The Celtics reportedly have offered Allen $12 million over two years. The Heat can offer no more than $3.1 million per season over three years because teams that are above the luxury tax threshold have only a mini-mid level exception. The Clippers, who have a full mid-level exception, can offer $5 million annually over three years.

Boston on Tuesday agreed to a three-year, $15 million deal with guard Jason Terry, according to Yahoo, but the Celtics still want to keep Allen, even though they are now deep at guard with Terry, Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley.

Allen might get more playing time in Miami, where he would back up Dwyane Wade but also play alongside Wade quite a bit. The Clippers could offer Allen a starting job. Allen, 36, averaged 14.2 points last season and shot 45.3 percent from three-point range.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers, who on Sunday expressed confidence that Allen would re-sign, sounded far less convinced of that Tuesday.

"I don't know," Rivers said on Dan Patrick's radio show. "We're working hard. He has a lot of options and that's the bad news for us. It'll be interesting. I wish I had a feel on it. Usually, I do. But I can tell you in this one, I don't."

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Orlando Magic sign first round draft pick Andrew Nicholson - by Eurobasket News

The Orlando Magic have signed rookie forward Andrew Nicholson (6'9''-PF-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: St.Bonaventure) Tuesday. Terms of the deal are not disclosed.

Nicholson was selected in the first round (19th overall) of the 2012 NBA Draft. He will participate in the upcoming 2012 AirTran Airways Orlando Pro Summer League, taking place at Amway Center from July 9-13.

Nicholson (#44, 69, 250, 12/8/89) appeared in 123 career games at St. Bonaventure University, averaging 17.1 ppg., 7.2 rpg. and 1.98 blkpg. in 29.9 minpg. and shot .575 (809-1,407) from the field during his collegiate career. He earned All-Atlantic 10 Conference honors all four seasons and was named the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year as a senior in 2011-12. Nicholson also earned All-American honors by The Associated Press in 2011-12. Nicholson led the Bonnies in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots for three straight seasons (2009-12).

Nicholson ranks second all-time in school history in scoring (2,103 points), second in blocked shots (244), second in field goal percentage and fourth in rebounds (887).

As a senior (2011-12), Nicholson played in 32 games, averaging 18.5 ppg., 8.4 rpg., 1.0 apg. and 2.0 blkpg. in 30.1 minpg. He scored in double figures 29 times. Nicholson grabbed a career-best 23 rebounds (along with 21 points) against Duquesne, and led the Bonnies to the NCAA Tournament.

During his junior year (2010-11), Nicholson appeared in 31 games, averaging 20.8 ppg., 7.3 rpg. and 1.5 blkpg. in 33.8 minpg. He scored in double figures 30 times, including a career-high 44 points against Ohio University.

As a sophomore (2009-10), Nicholson appeared in 30 games, averaging 16.4 ppg., 7.1 rpg. and 1.8 blkpg. in 30.2 minpg. During his freshman season (2008-09), he averaged 12.5 ppg., 6.0 rpg. and a team-high 2.7 blkpg. in 25.1 minpg.

Nicholson, son of Fabian and Colmaleen, graduated with a degree in physics from St. Bonaventure.

Courtesy of www.baynews9.com

Luke Harangody signs to stay with Cavaliers - by Eurobasket News

According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the forward Luke Harangody (6'7''-F-88, agency: Priority Sports, college: Notre Dame) will remain with the Cleveland Cavaliers next season.

Luke Harangody has signed his $1.1 million qualifying offer to stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers, league source tells Y! Sports.

Cleveland extended the qualifying offer to Harangody making him a restricted free agent, but the third-year forward signed the offer to remain with the Cavs. Harangody played spot minutes off the bench in 21 games for the Cavs last season averaging 2.9 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.

Cleveland expects to match any offer for their remaining restricted free agent Alonzo Gee, if and when he signs an offer sheet with another team on July 11th. Center Semih Erden didn't test the NBA free agent market, instead signing to play in Turkey next season.

Courtesy of http://cleveland.sbnation.com

Rookie Harrison Barnes signs with Golden State Warriors - by Eurobasket News

The Golden State Warriors have signed first-round pick Harrison Barnes (6'8''-F-92, college: N.Carolina).

The team announced Tuesday that the former Ames High School and North Carolina small forward signed his rookie contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but as the No. 7 overall pick, Barnes is ensured more than $4.7 million in his first two seasons and the Warriors can pick up an option of more than $2.5 million in year three, according the NBA rookie contract scale.

The 20-year-old Barnes is expected to compete with Dorell Wright for the starting small forward spot. Barnes also is planning to play for the Warriors summer league team in Las Vegas.

Courtesy of www.desmoinesregister.com

Steve Nash headed to Lakers in sign-and-trade deal - by Eurobasket News

Steve Nash (6'3''-PG-74, college: Santa Clara) won't be coming home to Canada.

The veteran point guard is going to the Los Angeles Lakers, a Pacific Division rival the two-time MVP point guard tried so hard to beat, with little success, in his eight seasons with the Phoenix Suns.

At Nash's request, the Lakers and Suns reached a sign-and-trade deal, with Los Angeles using the trade exception it got when it sent Lamar Odom (6'10''-F-79, college: Rhode Island) to Dallas to facilitate the transaction.

The 38-year-old from Victoria, who spent the past eight seasons with the Suns, was a free agent but a sign-and-trade agreement was necessary for the Lakers to afford him. He agreed to a three-year, $27-million US contract. In return, the Suns get four draft picks - first rounders in 2013 and 2015 and second rounders in 2013 and 2014.

Nash's agent Bill Duffy said the deal was finalized Wednesday about 6 p.m., PDT.

In a statement released by the agent, Nash said that after he and the Suns agreed to part ways, he re-approached them to ask to pursue a sign-and-trade deal with Los Angeles "because it is very important to me to stay near my children and family," who live in Phoenix.

"They were very apprehensive and didn't want to do it," Nash said. "Fortunately for me, they reconsidered. They saw that they were able to get assets for their team that will make them better, assets they would not have otherwise had and it made sense for them to do a deal that helps their team get better."

Courtesy of www.cbc.ca

Phoenix Suns, Goran Dragic verbally agree to four-year, $34 million deal - by Eurobasket News

With the trade of point guard Steve Nash to the Los Angeles Lakers still fresh, the Phoenix Suns turned to his former backup, Goran Dragic (6'5''-PG-86), to fill their vacant starting position Wednesday.

The Suns and Dragic have reached a verbal agreement on a four-year deal worth an estimated $34 million, ESPN.com reported. Dragic has pledged to sign the contract when the NBA's free-agent moratorium ends July 11, ESPN.com added.

The deal includes a player option for the fourth year, according to ESPN.com and The Associated Press. The AP, citing a person with knowledge of the situation, reported the base deal is for $30 million and can increase to $34 million with incentives.

Dragic, a career backup, improved his stock last season with the Houston Rockets after point guard Kyle Lowry went down with a bacterial infection. Lowry has since lobbied for a trade, which made Dragic an obvious option for Houston. Talks between the sides quickly broke down, however, when Dragic insisted on a contract of $10 million per season.

Dragic, 26, averaged 11.7 points and 5.3 assists in 26.5 minutes, all career highs, for the Rockets in 2011-12. Those numbers led to interest from the Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte Bobcats in addition to the Suns and Rockets.

The Suns have been busy remaking their roster this offseason, starting with drafting guard Kendall Marshall 13th overall last week.

The team then agreed to sign New Orleans Hornets guard Eric Gordon to a four-year, $58 million offer sheet. The Hornets are expected to match the offer despite Gordons desire to play in Phoenix. The Suns on Wednesday also closed a three-year, $18 million deal with free-agent forward Michael Beasley after the Nash trade.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com

Celtics take shot with Jason Terry - by Eurobasket News

Though Ray Allen (6'5''-G-75, college: Connecticut) may find it hard to believe, the Celtics are standing behind Danny Ainge's publicly professed intention to re-sign him.

The declaration stands, even after the Celtics reached agreement with Jason Terry (6'2''-PG-77, college: Arizona) yesterday. The former Dallas guard agreed to a three-year contract that will pay him approximately $5 million next season, and just under $16 million by the end of the deal.

It would seem the 2009 Sixth Man of the Year - a player so important during the Mavericks 2011 title run - would duplicate Allens first-shooter-off-the-bench role.

But Ainge, who called Allen our No. 1 priority last Sunday, a day after reaching agreement with Kevin Garnett, hasnt changed his mind.

Were still going after Ray, a team source said yesterday.

Terry, too, seemed to welcome the chance to have Allen as a co-sixth man when he told Fox Sports Florida yesterday, That wouldnt hurt.

Of course, there was little not to like about his new situation.

I just love that they have a championship pedigree, said Terry, who was reportedly unable to get a third year out of Dallas. And I think their point guard (Rajon Rondo [stats]) is the best in the business at controlling both ends of the floor. And theyve got Hall of Famers.

Allen, though, has had second thoughts about the Celtics. He was bothered by his role as Ainges prime bait at each of the last two trade deadlines. The Clippers, whose officials will host Allen on Friday, can also offer him a starting job.

There are also growing reports about Allens dissatisfaction with Rondo. The two have often argued on the floor, but the situation reportedly worsened over the last year. Allen, who tends to blame his worst nights on poor ball movement, has occasionally been left alone in the corner, without a pass, by Rondo.

Even without Terrys emergence as a Celtic, Allens search for his next contract, and possibly a new team, is about to accelerate.

Allens agent, Jim Tanner, confirmed yesterday that the guard, probably the most in-demand shooter on the market, has scheduled visits with Miami tomorrow and the Clippers on Friday.

Allen also talked to officials from Memphis and Minnesota earlier this week.

And were still talking to the Celtics, Tanner said.

The Heats interest is well-known, but the team is also at a disadvantage in terms of what it can offer. The Celtics, who have the guards Bird rights, are prepared to offer Allen $12 million over the next two years.

Though Miami is prepared to offer a third year, the Heat can only give Allen the $3 million mini-mid-level exception. Thats the penalty for any team with a payroll over the $74 million luxury tax threshold.

The Clippers, however, do have the ability to offer a mid-level exception contract. And unlike the Celtics and Heat neither of which plans to use Allen as a starter the Clippers may indeed envision him as part of their starting unit. One of their few weaknesses last season was the lack of a pure shooter.

The Clippers have since traded guard Mo Williams, while swingman Nick Young a player the Celtics may be interested in is a free agent.

Allen would undoubtedly love the chance to collaborate with Chris Paul, the point guard whose arrival last season turned the Clippers into a serious playoff team.

And no matter where he ends up, including Memphis another team with major interest it appears Allen will have another chance at a ring next season.

Theres simply a growing possibility that it wont be in the city where he won his first.

Courtesy of http://bostonherald.com

Batum, Wolves continue talking - by Eurobasket News

The Minnesota Timberwolves continued their free-agency pursuits on Tuesday, still wooing Portland swingman Nicolas Batum (6'7''-F-88) in Minneapolis with the prospect of a four-year offer sheet worth $45 million or more and agreeing by phone with restricted free-agent center Greg Stiemsmas agent that the two parties are a good fit for each other.

Comcast SportsNet in Portland reported Batum told the Trail Blazers on Tuesday that he does not want to return to the team.

Shortly thereafter, Batum tweeted, Trust me I didnt.

If true, its probably a negotiating move intended to dissuade Portland from matching an offer sheet or provoke a sign-and-trade agreement in which the Wolves would send players and/or draft pick (s) away for the 6-8 swingman who would address needs at both small forward and shooting guard.

Batum arrived in Minnesota on Sunday and remained in town Tuesday with his agent.

Courtesy of www.registerguard.com

Report: Lakers making push for Steve Nash - by Eurobasket News

As the Raptors and Knicks battle it out in the money fields for the rights to Steve Nash (6'3''-PG-74, college: Santa Clara), another possibility has emerged.

NBA.com's David Aldridge reports the Lakers plan to make a significant push for the two-time MVP free agent point guard:

While the Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks have made strong pushes for free agent guard Steve Nash, the Los Angeles Lakers have, quietly, entered the fray for the 38-year-old guard and are making a strong bid to acquire him, according to a league source.

The Lakers, with a payroll already projected in excess of $83 million next season, would only be able to offer Nash an exception starting at $3.09 million for next season. It's unlikely Nash would take that, so a sign-and-trade deal would be a more realistic possibility.

via Lakers Enter Fray For Steve Nash NBA.com | Hang Time Blog.

This comes just days after Nash said it would be hard to put on a Lakers uniform. So there's obviously a lot going on here.

The Lakers would give Nash a strong combination of options, depending on what they're willing to pay. They have the assets to send back in a sign-and-trade. It gives Nash a major market, title contention, access to the film industry and culture (which he's big on), and the money. If Phoenix is interested in any of the Lakers' parts (and trying to establish what Phoenix does and doesn't want is tricky).

This isn't entirely impossible. Toronto has to remain the favorite to land Nash, but if the Lakers can put together a good enough offer, they could jump the list no matter how "hard" it may be for Nash to put on the gold and purple.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Celtics sign their 2012 rookies - by Eurobasket News

The Boston Celtics announced today that they have signed their 2012 draft picks, forwards Jared Sullinger (6'9''-PF-92, college: Ohio St.) and Kris Joseph (6'7''-SF-88, college: Syracuse) along with center Fabricio Melo (7'0''-C-90, college: Syracuse).

Players drafted in the first round are guaranteed to receive a contract, but the team gets to decide whether to sign players they drafted in the second round.

Sullinger, a 69 forward, was taken with the 21st pick in the first round. The native of Columbus, OH was a consensus First Team All-American, Wooden Award finalist and First Team All-Big 10 Selection in each of his two seasons at Ohio State. He also was named the 2011 Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Sullinger posted the third-most points (1,282) over his first two seasons at Ohio State behind Jerry Lucas (1,381) and Michael Redd (1,361). Sullinger also earned National Freshman of the Year honors from the Sporting News and the Wayman Tisdale Award from the USBWA. He averaged 17.5 points and 9.2 rebounds this past season in helping the Buckeyes get to the Final Four.

Melo, a 70 center, was taken with the 22nd pick in the first round. The native of Juiz de Forz, Brazil was the Big East Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore. He is the Syracuse record holder for most blocks in a single game with 10 against Seton Hall this past season. He also was named Preseason Big East Rookie of the Year as a freshman. This past season he ranked first for Syracuse in rebounds (5.8 rpg) and blocks (2.9 bpg).

Joseph, a 67 forward, was taken with the 51st pick in the second round. The native of Montreal, Quebec, earned First Team All-Big East during his senior season and is one of 55 players in Syracuse University history to record 1,000 points in his career. During his senior season he ranked first on the Orange in points (13.4 ppg) and third in rebounds (4.7 rpg). During his junior season, he also was ranked first on the Orange in points (14.3 ppg) and second in rebounds (5.2 rpg).

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Pacers, George Hill agree to new deal - by Eurobasket News

The Indiana Pacers and point guard George Hill (6'2''-PG-86, college: IUPUI) have agreed to a new deal.

Hill's co-agent, Michael Whitaker, wrote in a text message Tuesday that Hill, a 26-year-old restricted free agent, will sign once the NBA's moratorium period ends on July 11. He did not disclose terms.

Hill joined the Pacers after a draft-day deal in 2011 that sent Indiana draft pick Kawhi Leonard to San Antonio, and he averaged 9.6 points and 2.9 assists per game last season. He began the season as a productive player off the bench, then became the starter after Darren Collison was hurt and kept the job through the Pacers' playoff run.

The Pacers are still trying to reach a deal with free agent center Roy Hibbert.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Report: Eric Gordon, Suns agree to 4-year contract - by Eurobasket News

New Orleans Hornets restricted free agent Eric Gordon (6'4''-G-88, college: Indiana) has reached an agreement with the Phoenix Suns on a four-year, $58 million contract, reports The New Orleans Times-Picayune on Tuesday night.

Gordon isn't allowed to sign the contract until July 11, and the Hornets will have two days to match the offer.

In January, Gordon turned down a four-year, $50 million extension by the Hornets.

Gordon was the cornerstone piece for the Hornets in the Chris Paul trade with the Los Angeles Clippers last offseason. The Hornets traded Paul and two future second-round picks to Los Angeles for Gordon, Chris Kaman, Al-Farouq Aminu and a 2012 first-round pick.

The Hornets are expected to match the offer to Gordon with hopes of combining him with No. 1 overall draft pick Anthony Davis and guard Austin Rivers, both selected last week in the NBA Draft, to form a very talented and young nucleus in New Orleans.

Gordon is regarded as one of the best up-and-coming shooting guards in the league. In four seasons, he has averaged 18.2 points on 45 percent shooting from the field to go with 3.3 assists per game.

Courtesy of www.foxsportssouthwest.com

AP Source: Suns, Beasley agree to 3-year deal - by Eurobasket News

Free agent forward Michael Beasley (6'10''-F-89, college: Kansas St.) has agreed to a three-year, $18 million deal with the Phoenix Suns, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because deals can't be announced until July 11. Beasley, the second overall pick in the 2008 draft out of Kansas State, averaged 15.1 points per game in his four NBA seasons, two with Miami and the past two with Minnesota.

His best season was 2010-2011, when he averaged 19.2 points with the Timberwolves.

It has been a busy 24 hours for the Suns, who agreed to an offer sheet with restricted free agent guard Eric Gordon on Tuesday, then agreed to a sign-and-trade deal that sends Steve Nash to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night. The New Orleans Hornets have said they will match any offer for Gordon, though.

The agreement with Beasley came Wednesday night, hours after he visited the Suns' headquarters.

The Timberwolves declined the $8 million option to keep Beasley on the team.

Despite his obvious talents, his problems off the court have followed him. Around 3 a.m. one night last June, he was ticketed for possessing marijuana and speeding in the Minneapolis suburb of Minnetonka. While playing for the Heat, Beasley has acknowledged, he twice violated the NBA's drug policy and entered a treatment facility for a time in 2009.

Beasley had vowed to work hard in the offseason to improve his overall game, with former NBA player Norm Nixon as something of a mentor.

At 6-foot-9, Beasley fits the Suns' need for more athleticism and might have been the most purely talented player on the Timberwolves' roster.

Beasley was bothered by injuries both his seasons with Minnesota.

''Both years, and I told Michael this a couple times recently, it is a shame that he got hurt,'' Minnesota general manager David Kahn said. ''His offensive game wasn't there at the start, but I at least thought he was trying defensively and just applying himself with more rigor than he had the year before with the previous staff, and I was at least hopeful that maybe there is something here. And he got hurt again, and again.''

Kahn also praised the way Beasley went along with going from a starter to reserve.

Courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com

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

NCAA1

Boston University banned from American East Tournament - by Eurobasket News

The American East Conference has barred Boston University from competing in its league tournament for the upcoming 2012-2013 season, reports the Albany Times-Union. The punishment comes as a response to BUs decision to leave the AmEast for the Patriot League - which is really a lateral move, all things considered - beginning next summer.

The Terriers would need to snatch an at-large bid next season to qualify for the 2013 NCAA tournament, which essentially renders the penalty a full-fledged tournament ban for one season. BU has never earned an at-large berth, and the American East is consistently a one-bid league.

The steep penalty issued by the AmEast is an offshoot of a similar situation in 2005, when Northeastern left the league for the Colonial Athletic Association. Under previous bylaws, Northeastern was allowed to participate in its conference tournament, prompting league officials to amend the law. The new laws in effect bar fleeting conference members from participating in the conference tournament during lame duck seasons.

This is not the first conference tournament ban handed down by a league to a departing member for the upcoming season.

The Colonial Athletic Association, which is losing Georgia State to the Sun Belt and Old Dominion to Conference USA, has forbidden the two schools from taking part in next years conference tournament. The temporary banning is a death knell for Georgia State, which like BU has no feasible shot at earning an at-large bid.

For Old Dominion, however, an at-large spot is well within the realm of possibility. The Monarchs nabbed a spot in the 2007 NCAA tournament despite losing in the championship game of the CAA conference tournament. Still, an at-large bid would be quite a tall task for an ODU program which loses its top three scorers from a team that lost to Mercer in the quarterfinals of the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (colloquially referred to as the CIT).

While major conferences like the Big East and Big XII have allowed (West Virginia, Missouri, Texas A&M) and still intend to allow (Syracuse, Pittsburgh) departing schools to participate in conference tournaments during lame duck seasons, mid-major league are holding their ground. Whereas money is the engine behind name-brand conferences permitting renegade members from competing in league tourneys, integrity and loyalty continue to drive smaller conferences.

Moral of the story: Little conferences can dole out big punishments too. Unlike power-six conferences manipulated by the bottom line, smaller leagues arent pulling any punches.

Courtesy of http://bustingbrackets.com

Harvey steps down as Texas Southern's men's basketball coach - by Eurobasket News

Texas Southern announced the resignation of men's head basketball coach Tony Harvey on Tuesday.

According to the school, Harvey decided it was in his personal and professional interests to pursue other goals. The resignation is effective as of July 2, 2012.

Harvey has been at TSU basketball since 2008 and won the regular season SWAC Championship in 2011, played in the SWAC Tournament Championship twice and qualified to participate in the 2011 NIT.

Harvey compiled a 56-72 record in four seasons at TSU, and went 13-18 last season and reached the SWAC title game.

"We appreciate the hard work put in by Coach Harvey over the past several seasons and we wish him well in his future endeavors," TSU Director of Athletics Dr. Charles McClelland said. "It is our goal to maintain as much continuity as possible within the men's basketball program as it relates to the student-athletes currently on the team and the coaching staff in place. Moving forward we will name an interim head coach who will serve in that capacity for the 2012-13 season. At the conclusion of the season we will conduct a national search to find a permanent replacement."

Courtesy of www.foxnews.com

Patrick Ewing Jr. joins the Telekom Baskets Bonn - by Daniel Poerschke

One of the best names in the history of basketball will be part of the new german BBL season:
Today Patrick Ewing Jr. (203-F-84, college: Georgetown, agency: Scorers1st Sportmanagement) signed a contract with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. The 203cm athletic forward is the son of former NBA All-Star center Patrick Ewing, who works as an assistant coach of the Orlando Magic now.
Ewing Jr. also has NBA experience with New York and New Orleans. He played last season in the D-League with Sioux Falls Skyforce and Iowa Energy. Last month Ewing Jr. won the bronze medal with his Jamaica national team at the Centrobasket games in San Juan. He averaged 8.8ppg and 7.2rpg.
Ewing jr. said: "I am very happy, that I will get the chance to play in Europe next season with Bonn. I am looking forward to a successfull campaign."

U17 World Championship: Another easy win for USA - by Eurobasket News

USA U17 - China U17 116:47

USA registered the fifth straight win at the U17 World Championship in Lithuania. They coasted past China to win Group A. Seven USA players scored in double figures for the winners. Conner Frankamp (6'1''-G-95) knocked down 17 points to lead the winning side. China fell at 3-2 record in the third position in the ladder.
USA jumped right into this one. They were up by 14 points after ten minutes. The gap just kept on growing in the second quarter. The USA secured a 53:18 halftime lead. The North American unloaded 63 points in the second half to seal a comfortable win at the end. Stephen Domingo (6'7''-F-95) delivered 16 points, while Stanley Johnson (6'6''-SG-96) added 15 points for the winning team. Yang LinYi (6'3''-G-95) and Heng YiFeng (6'5''-F-95) answered with 9 points each in the loss.

USA U17: Conner Frankamp 17, Stephen Domingo 16, Stanley Johnson 15
China U17: Yang LinYi 9, Heng YiFeng 9

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

NEW ZEALAND

NIGERIA

Nigeria shocks Lithuania - by Iwedi Ojinmah

On paper Nigeria stood little or no chance.

Against Venezuela she had distribution problems and in Lithuania she was now facing arguably the best passing team at the OQT. Furthermore ranked 5th in the world this very same team had decimated the same Venezuela that squeaked by Nigeria by two. The writing was on the wall.

But this is why they actually play the game because Nigeria shrugged off the pussy cat effect on Tuesday and tonight played like true Tigers. From the moment Skinn took the ball to the net during the games first attack the Nigerians never looked back.

Their Guard play was spectacular as were Messers Aminu and Aminu. The younger one especially was a trouble maker during the entire session, passing correctly and banging down earth shaking dunks. Even Ibekwes foul trouble again could not derail the West Africans all round performance.

And they were promptly rewarded for their effort by throtling the much fancied Europeans 86-80 in what has to be the upset of the tournament so far.

The Nigerians brought a physical game that was as tough as nails. It complimented an even more defenceive game. You know that one that had flickered on and off against the South Americans but shone like a floodlight tonight.

Considered one of the best teams in Africa along with Senegal and of course Angola D Tigers American imports proved to be just as good as the creme of Europe and simply outmuscled them.

At the end of the day it was the drums of the travelling faithful as the Lithuanian fans are called that fell silent and it was the Nigerian drummers that pounded away celebrating the euphoria of their huge victory which now also eliminated hosts Venezuela.

Afrobasket U18 Qualifier: Resurgence Nigeria go past Liberia 59-34 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Nigeria moved to the second spot of the four-nation FIBA Africa Zone-3 qualifiers for the 2012 Afrobasket for U18 Men billed for Maputo Mozambique in August this year with a 59-34 points win over Liberia in a reschedule Day-1 pairing at the Palais des Sport Treichville, Abidjan Cote dIvoire.

The young Nigerian side began the quest for a comfortable finish in the race for the sole spot for the zone with a 14-04 points win in the first quarter and followed it up with another good run in the second quarter with a 19-07 points for a half-time score-line of 33-21 points.

The Nigeria side lost steam in the third quarter thus allowing the Liberian to fought back losing the quarter by 07-10 points before rallying back in the fought and decisive quarter with a 19-13 points victory for a cumulative scores of 59-13 points for a 2-1 record with a point short of leader and host Cote dIvoire who has kept a hundred record since the qualifiers began last Sunday.

Nigeria forward Michael Nzie led his side challenge with a double double of 16 points and 14 rebounds; guard Hakeem Suleiman had 10 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists with Musa mohammed adding 10 points while Prince Orizu grabbed 12 rebounds, 6 points and 3 block-shots to ensure victory for Nigeria.

Nigeria will Thursday take on the young Liberia in reverse fixtures at 16H00 while Ghana files out against host Cote dIvoire at 18H00.

Afrobasket U18 Qualifier: Resurgence Nigeria go past Liberia 59-34 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Nigeria moved to the second spot of the four-nation FIBA Africa Zone-3 qualifiers for the 2012 Afrobasket for U18 Men billed for Maputo Mozambique in August this year with a 59-34 points win over Liberia in a reschedule Day-1 pairing at the Palais des Sport Treichville, Abidjan Cote dIvoire.

The young Nigerian side began the quest for a comfortable finish in the race for the sole spot for the zone with a 14-04 points win in the first quarter and followed it up with another good run in the second quarter with a 19-07 points for a half-time score-line of 33-21 points.

The Nigeria side lost steam in the third quarter thus allowing the Liberian to fought back losing the quarter by 07-10 points before rallying back in the fought and decisive quarter with a 19-13 points victory for a cumulative scores of 59-13 points for a 2-1 record with a point short of leader and host Cote dIvoire who has kept a hundred record since the qualifiers began last Sunday.

Nigeria forward Michael Nzie led his side challenge with a double double of 16 points and 14 rebounds; guard Hakeem Suleiman had 10 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists with Musa mohammed adding 10 points while Prince Orizu grabbed 12 rebounds, 6 points and 3 block-shots to ensure victory for Nigeria.

Nigeria will Thursday take on the young Liberia in reverse fixtures at 16H00 while Ghana files out against host Cote dIvoire at 18H00.

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

NORWAY

Standings - BLNO

BLNO Standings

1. Ammerud Bskt		0-0
2. Asker Aliens		0-0
3. Baerum Basket		0-0
4. Centrum		0-0
5. Froya Basket		0-0
6. Gimle BBK		0-0
7. Tromso		0-0

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 21: Centrum - Baerum Basket
Sep. 21: Asker Aliens - Froya Basket
Sep. 21: Gimle BBK - Tromso

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

OLYMPIC GAMES

Standings

Group A
1. Argentina		0-0
2. France		0-0
3. Tunisia		0-0
4. USA		0-0
Group B
1. Australia		0-0
2. Brazil		0-0
3. Chile		0-0
4. U.Kingdom		0-0
5. Spain		0-0
Group Qualification Gr.A
1. Greece		1-0
2. P.Rico		1-0
3. Jordan		0-2
Group Qualification Gr.B
1. Lithuania		1-1
2. Nigeria		1-1
3. Venezuela		1-1
Group Qualification Gr.C
1. Russia		2-0
2. Dominican R.		1-1
3. S.Korea		0-2
Group Qualification Gr.D
1. Angola		1-1
2. FYR Macedo.		1-1
3. N.Zealand		1-1

Additional Qualifying Round: Round 3

Qual. A

Jul. 4: PUR - GRE

Qual. B

Jul. 4: LTU - NGR 80-86

Qual. C

Jul. 4: DOM - RUS 69-84

Qual. D

Jul. 4: NZL - ANG 68-64

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Alfred HORFORD
  DOM
  (208-F/C-86)
  Avg: 26

1. Horford, DOM	26.0
2. Kleiza, LTU	25.0
3. Vasquez, VEN	24.0
4. McCalebb, MKD	22.0
5. Mingas, ANG	20.5
6. Sandrin, KOR	18.0
7. Antic, MKD	17.0
8. Cipriano, ANG	17.0
9. Kirilenko, RUS	16.0
10. Martinez, DOM	14.5

Rebounds Per Game

Jack Michael MARTINEZ
  DOM
  (201-F-81)
  Avg: 18.5

1. Martinez, DOM	18.5
2. Horford, DOM	10.5
3. Pledger, NZL	10.0
4. Gomes, ANG	9.5
5. Kirilenko, RUS	9.5
6. Diogu, NGR	9.0
7. Antic, MKD	8.0
8. Echenique, VEN	7.5
9. Mingas, ANG	7.0
10. Khryapa, RUS	7.0

Assists Per Game

Mantas KALNIETIS
  LTU
  (195-G-86)
  Avg: 8

1. Kalnietis, LTU	8.0
2. McCalebb, MKD	8.0
3. Kim, KOR	5.0
4. Jasikevicius, LTU	5.0
5. Vasquez, VEN	5.0
6. Shved, RUS	4.5
7. Tait, NZL	4.5
8. Kenny, NZL	4.5
9. Cubillan, VEN	4.5
10. Khryapa, RUS	4.5

Steals Per Game

Viktor KHRYAPA
(205-SF-82)
Avg: 3.5

1. Khryapa, RUS	3.5
2. Kim, KOR	3.5
3. Kirilenko, RUS	3.0
4. Dagunduro, NGR	2.5
5. Pocius, LTU	2.5
6. Daghles, JOR	2.0
7. Vasquez, VEN	2.0
8. Skinn, NGR	2.0
9. McCalebb, MKD	2.0
10. Sandrin, KOR	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Windi GRATEROL
(204-C-86)
Avg: 2

1. Graterol, VEN	2.0
2. Oyedeji, NGR	1.5
3. Javtokas, LTU	1.5
4. Jasikevicius, LTU	1.0
5. Mozgov, RUS	1.0
6. Sandrin, KOR	1.0
7. Ibekwe, NGR	1.0
8. Yoon, KOR	1.0
9. Lee, KOR	1.0
10. Aminu, NGR	1.0

PHILIPPINES

PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

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

1. Graham, Air21 E.	37.6
2. Sneed, Powerade T.	25.5
3. Hickerson, Barako	25.3
4. David, Powerade T.	25.1
5. Bozeman, Ginebra	24.7
6. Blakely, B-Meg L.	23.7
7. Harris, Talk N Text	23.6
8. Forte, Alaska Aces	23.5
9. Cornley, Rain o.	23.4
10. Basden, Petron B.	19.6

Rebounds Per Game

Omar SNEED
  Powerade T.
  (198-F-76)
  Avg: 16.8

1. Sneed, Powerade T.	16.8
2. Forte, Alaska Aces	15.6
3. Graham, Air21 E.	12.6
4. Harris, Talk N Text	12.1
5. Blakely, B-Meg L.	12.1
6. Taulava, Meralco	11.1
7. Cornley, Rain o.	10.3
8. Bozeman, Ginebra	10.2
9. Pingris, B-Meg L.	9.7
10. Santos, Petron B.	8.4

Assists Per Game

Jimmy ALAPAG
  Talk N Text
  (177-PG-77)
  Avg: 7

1. Alapag, Talk N Te.	7.0
2. Casio, Powerade T.	6.4
3. Hickerson, Barako	5.7
4. Bozeman, Ginebra	5.7
5. Sneed, Powerade T.	5.6
6. Tenorio, Alaska A.	5.2
7. Miller, Barako Bull	4.8
8. Ross, Meralco	4.8
9. Cabagnot, Petron	4.6
10. Basden, Petron B.	4.0

Steals Per Game

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

1. Blakely, B-Meg L.	3.4
2. Basden, Petron B.	2.4
3. Sneed, Powerade T.	1.6
4. Tenorio, Alaska A.	1.6
5. Cortez, Ginebra	1.3
6. Bozeman, Ginebra	1.3
7. Seigle, Barako Bull	1.3
8. Ross, Meralco	1.2
9. Caguioa, Ginebra	1.2
10. Anthony, Powerad.	1.2

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Blakely, B-Meg L.	2.8
2. Hickerson, Barako	2.1
3. Forte, Alaska Aces	1.6
4. Baguio, Alaska Ac.	1.4
5. Santos, Petron B.	1.4
6. Aguilar, Talk N.	1.3
7. Thoss, Alaska Aces	1.1
8. Maierhofer, Ginebr.	1.1
9. Washington, Petron	1.0
10. Norwood, Rain o.	0.9

2012 PBA Governors Cup Roundup: July 3-4, 2012 - by Enzo Flojo

POWERADE TIGERS over BARAKO BULL ENERGY, 99-95
No Gary David in the crucial stages of the playoff, no problem for Powerade.

The Tigers came out in vicious form sans their best local player and hammered out a 99-93 triumph over the Barako Bull Energy in their knockout game in the PBA Governors Cup on Tuesday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Josh Vanlandingham played his best basketball in his teams most important game, finishing with 18 points built around four triples. His explosive performance came at just the right time for Powerade, with David unable to return because of an ankle injury.

The Tigers didnt panic in the absence of Philippine Cup Best Player David, and Vanlandingham kept the game in hand.

His last triple of the game gave the Tigers an 84-75 lead in the early part of the fourth before Rudy Lingganay nailed another triple to give the team a sizeable advantage with 8:50 left.

I had mixed feelings on the absence of Gary, but I knew at the back of my mind, any player from Josh, Rey (Guevarra) to Lordy (Tugade), these players can step up and pick up the cudgels for us, said Tigers coach Bo Perasol.

Id really like to take my hat off to Josh. He was the catalyst in this game, and of course, Omar (Sneed), he provided the inspiration, added Perasol.

Without the high-scoring David, who averaged 26.4 points before this game, six Powerade players finished in double figures led by Sneeds 24 points and 15 rebounds.

David was able to score all of his 13 points in the first period before sitting out the game the rest of the way. Sean Anthony, Rey Guevarra and JVee Casio each scored 10 points for the Tigers.

Powerade will now face the Meralco Bolts in another knockout match for the final semifinal berth.

POW 99- Sneed 24, Vanlandingham 18, David 13, Anthony 10, Guevarra 10, Casio 10, Lingganay 7, Salvador 4, Belasco 2, Tugade 1, Adducul 0.
BAR 95- Hickerson 20, Seigle 20, Kramer 14, Miller 10, Tubid 9, Pennisi 8, Cruz 7, Allado 7, Vergara 0, Salvacion 0.
QS: 28-26, 52-52, 79-70, 99-95.

MERALCO BOLTS over POWERADE TIGERS, 94-86
After six conferences in the PBA, the Meralco Bolts have broken through to the leagues semifinals.

On Wednesday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum, the Bolts beat down a Powerade squad playing its second game in as many nights, 94-84, to march to the next round of the Governors Cup.

Import Mario West played another steady game, finishing with 26 points, eight rebounds and four steals, while also working double time defending Gary David.

The rest of the Bolts did their share in outsprinting and outgunning the entire Tigers crew, which has overachieved this season.

I told my players before the start of the game that we Filipinos are not equipped to play back-to-back games, so I mentioned to them that our advantage is our running legs, said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio, whose team had more fast break points, 20-6, and turnover points, 22-11, than the Tigers.

Meralcos victory completed the semifinals cast for the season-ending conference, joining Rain or Shine, B-MEG, Talk N Text, Petron and Ginebra in the next round.

Gregorio put the Meralco franchises feat in perspective.

The hardest is always the breakthrough, said Gregorio. We nearly made it to the semis last conference, but we made sure our second one wont slip away. We made it to the playoffs in two of the three conferences this season. But tonights game is about effort.

The Bolts were helped by the fact that six teams made the semifinals this conference, as opposed to four teams in the first two tournaments of the season.

David, who was nursing an ankle injury, finished the game with 22 points, but was held to only five in the second half by the tight defense of West.

As a team, Meralco also did well in shackling Powerade, particularly in the third period when the Bolts held the Tigers to a lone field goal in a four-minute stretch.

That triggered the Bolts 19-6 run as they posted a 67-54 lead, 3:32 left in the third.

MER 94- West 26, Cardona 24, Hugnatan 14, Mercado 10, Reyes 6, Taulava 6, Macapagal 4, Ross 2, Artadi 2, Bulawan 0.
POW 86- Sneed 29, David 22, Casio 9, Salvador 7, Anthony 6, Guevarra 4, Tugade 4, Adducul 3, Belasco 2, Martinez 0, Lingganay 0, Vanlandingham 0.
QS: 18-25, 44-45, 69-60, 94-86

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

Tigers oust Energy, face Meralco in KO - by Eurobasket News

Powerade did something it has never done before in its resurgence as a legitimate PBA force this season, and that is win a tight game without Gary David in the stretch.

With their leading local scorer sidelined in the last three quarters, the Tigers pulled out a 99-95 win over Barako Bull last night to live another day in the Governors Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Joshua Vanlandingham (193-F) ably filled in for David, shooting all of his 18 points after their team leader hit the bench, and Omar Omar Sneed (198-F-76, college: Memphis) flirted with a triple-double as the Tigers advanced to another KO match against Meralco today.

Omar Sneed tossed in 24 points, had 15 rebounds, eight assists, five steals and a block.

His absence is a big thing, but we barely felt it because his production was ably filled by our bench players, coach Bo Perasol said of David, who left the game due to a foot injury.

An 11-0 run early in the third quarter had the Tigers peeling away from a 54-all game and they rode it all the way to the end with Joshua Vanlandingham hitting some clutch three pointers and Omar Sneed doing almost everything.

Though the Tigers were in command from there, the Energy didnt stop trying, coming to within 89-95 only for game officials to do a boo-boo by failing to call a three-second violation on Omar Sneed in one crucial play.

Omar Sneed lay in the shaded lane for more than five seconds, and JV Casio escaped with a lay-up that gave the Tigers a 97-89 lead going into the final 1:42.

Six players scored twin digits for Perasol, counting Davids 13 which he shot all in the first period.

The scores:

POWERADE 99 - Omar Sneed 24, Joshua Vanlandingham 18, David 13, Anthony 10, Guevarra 10, Casio 10, Lingganay 7, Salvador 4, Belasco 2, Tugade 1, Adducul 0.

BARAKO BULL 95 - LeRoy Hickerson (196-G-82, college: Cumberlands) 20, Andy Seigle (207-F/C-72, college: New Orleans) 20, Kramer 14, Miller 10, Tubid 9, Pennisi 8, Cruz 7, Allado 7, Vergara 0, Salvacion 0.

Quarters: 28-26, 52-52, 79-70, 99-95

Courtesy of wwwsports.inquirer.net

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

POLAND

Olek Czyz attempts to get into NBA - by Eurobasket News

Olek Czyz (200-F-90, agency: Priority Sports, college: Nevada) is aiming high. The Polish forward will participate at the NBA Summer League. He will play for the Chicago Bulls summer league team in his attempt to break into the NBA. Olek Czyz spent the last two seasons playing and studying at the University of Nevada. He tallied 13.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.0 assist for the Wolfpack last season. He led his team into the NIT Elite Eight. Olek Czyz was not drafted during the NBA Draft last week. He also participated at Adidas EuroCamp in Treviso in Italy this summer. Olek Czyz had workouts with four NBA teams prior to the Draft. The forward played for Polish U20 National Team. He participated at 2010 European Championship in Division B. Olek Czyz was named All-European Championship U20 Division B Best Forward in 2010.

Polish extra league losing Poznan - by Maciej Paszyn

It is over for professional mens basketball in Poznan. After 4 spent seasons in highest Polish league the PBG Basket team was forced to the withdrawal from gameses. Reason? Money or rather than that their lack. After the withdrawal of the chief sponsor - building PBG joint-stock company, the team from Poznan stayed with nothing to live on enabling there is a start in the new season. In consequence the chairman of the club - Mr. Adam Bekier - on a press conference announced ultimate finishing functioning of the club.

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ROMANIA

Standings

Division A Standings

1. Craiova		0-0
2. CSM Bucuresti		0-0
3. CSU Sibiu		0-0
4. Dinamo B.		0-0
5. Farul Const.		0-0
6. Gaz Metan		0-0
7. Giurgiu		0-0
8. Miercurea Ciuc		0-0
9. Oradea		0-0
10. Pitesti		0-0
11. Ploiesti		0-0
12. Rovinari		0-0
13. Targu Mures		0-0
14. Timba Timis.		0-0
15. Timisoara		0-0
16. U.Mobitel.CN		0-0

Regular Season: Round 1

Oct. 6: Rovinari - CSU Sibiu
Oct. 6: Timba Timis. - Craiova
Oct. 6: Giurgiu - Gaz Metan
Oct. 6: Farul Const. - Ploiesti
Oct. 6: Targu Mures - Timisoara
Oct. 6: CSM Bucuresti - Miercurea Ciuc
Oct. 6: U.Mobitel.CN - Dinamo B.
Oct. 6: Oradea - Pitesti

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RUSSIA

CSKA Moscow and Nikita Kurbanov terminate their deal - by Eurobasket News

CSKA Moscow announced that Nikita Kurbanov (202-F-86) is no longer member of the team. According to the Russian powerhouse, the player wanted to leave and two sides agreed to terminate their deal. Kurbanov spent last three seasons with CSKA Moscow. He also played for the club several years in the past.
Nikita Kurbanov had 4.6 ppg and 3 rpg for 5 Euroleague games last season. He also added 3.2 ppg and 1.9 rpg for 10 games in VTB United league. In Russian championship, the player had almost the same numbers. CSKA Moscow won the Russian and VTB League titles, plus their reached Euroleague Finals and lost it in thriller against CSKA Moscow. Kurbanov had limited playing time also from 2009/10 and 2010/11. Season 2008/09 he spent with Spartak St.Petersbut and played for CSKA from 2006 to 2008. The played split 2005/06 between Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu and CSKA, and in the past he also played for CSKA juniors. Nikita Kurbanov played for the Russian National Team at 2009 EuroBasket in Poland. He had 4.9 ppg and 1.9 rpg for 9 games.

CSKA Moscow sign 5-year deals with Dmitry Korshakov and Ivan Strebkov - by Eurobasket News

CSKA Moscow announced signing of 5-year deals with Dmitry Korshakov (201-F-91) and Ivan Strebkov (190-PG-91). They join the senior squad from CSKA Moscow U23 team.
Dmitry Korshakov played for U20 Russian National Team last summer at U20 EuroBasket in Bilbao. He had 5.9 ppg and 4.7 rpg for 9 games at this event and Russia reached Semifinals.
Ivan Strebkov also played in Bilbao last summer. He had 6.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3 apg and 1.4 spg. In 2007, he was a member of U16 Russia. For 5 games at U16 Eurobasket in Rethinmo Strebkov had 6.8 ppg and 3 rpg.
Korshakov and Strebkov won last two championship titles with CSKA Moscow U23 team. In the past, both players were members of CSKA Moscow juniors. They also played for CSKA-Trinta Moscow in Higher league.

Spartak Saint Petersburg sign Nikita Kurbanov - by Eurobasket News

Nikita Kurbanov (202-F-86) has already found the new team. The forward has joined Spartak Saint Petersburg not long after parting ways with CSKA Moscow. The forward inked a two-year deal with Spartak. Kurbanov spent last three seasons with CSKA Moscow. He also played for the club several years in the past. Nikita Kurbanov had 4.6 ppg and 3 rpg for 5 Euroleague games last season. He also added 3.2 ppg and 1.9 rpg for 10 games in VTB United league. In Russian championship, the player had almost the same numbers. CSKA Moscow won the Russian and VTB League titles, plus their reached Euroleague Finals and lost it in thriller against CSKA Moscow. Kurbanov had limited playing time also from 2009/10 and 2010/11. Season 2008/09 he spent with Spartak St.Petersbut and played for CSKA from 2006 to 2008. The player split 2005/06 between Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu and CSKA, and in the past he also played for CSKA juniors. Nikita Kurbanov played for the Russian National Team at 2009 EuroBasket in Poland. He had 4.9 ppg and 1.9 rpg for 9 games.

Olympic Qualifying Tournament: Russia topple Dominican Republic - by Eurobasket News

Russia - Dominican Republic 84:69

Russia gained the second win at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Caracas. They outscored Dominican Republic to win Group C. Dominican Republic fell at 1-1 record but still made it into the quarterfinals. Russia will now take on Angola, while Dominican Republic will face FYR Macedonia in the playoffs. Andrei Kirilenko (206-F-81) came up with 16 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists to pace the winners.
Russia gained a 23:18 lead ten minutes into the game. The European team maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They posted a 44:38 halftime advantage. David Blatt team stretched the gap in the third quarter. Russia entered the final quarter up by 12 points. They kept Dominican Republic at bay throughout the final period rallying to a well-deserved win at the end. Viktor Khryapa (205-SF-82) provided 14 points, 6 assists and 5 boards for Russia. Sasha Kaun (211-C-85) finished with 10 points in the victory. Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida) responded with 22 points and 9 rebounds for Dominican Republic. Jack Michael Martinez (201-F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) tallied 13 points and 12 rebounds in the loss.

Russia: Andrei Kirilenko 16+13 boards, Viktor Khryapa 14, Sasha Kaun 10
Dominican Republic: Alfred Horford 22, Jack Michael Martinez 13+12 boards

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RWANDA

ETENI and St Joseph crowned champions of Interschools 2012 - by Eurobasket News

Ten days ago, the District of RUBAVU hosted the semi-final and finals games of interschools 2012 for secondary schools for all spsorts. In Basketball, Semi finals was scheduled on Saturday, 23th June 2012 as follow:

Women: St Joseph (Kabgayi) vs ENDP (Huye): 62 - 36, St Aloys (Rwamagana) vs ES MUSANZE : 34 - 14

Men: ETENI (Rubavu) vs College Amis des Enfants (Gasabo): 71 - 61, LDK vs St Joseph (Kabgayi): 75 - 54

On Sunday, 24th June 2012, the finals was played by winners in semi finals where in women's category the team of St Joseph from Kabgayi beat St Aloys from Rwamagana 60 against 34, the ladies of Coach Patrick HABIYAMBERE played a good and technical games full of motivation as most of them are selected in the U18 National women team and dominated the Alexandre's Ladies who are growing up in Basketball as they accepted the defeat against St Joseph.

The last Basketball final game was played by men teams, and the team of Lyce de Kigali start the 1st Quarter technical and physicaly fit and beat ETENI (Rubavu) by 15 - 09, after this short score, the Rubavu based school team ETENI took the game seriously and ended the second quarter with a score of 23 against 10.

During the second half the LDK boys was dominated seriuosly by Rubavu guys and the third quarter was dominated by ETENI boys who was motivated physicaly with the support of their fans and the score at the 3rd quarter was 28 - 09.

At the 4th Quarter, the boys of Coach Moise MUTOKA tried to wake up and both teams shown a good basketball game full of tactics and technicas and the period ended with a tight score of 22 points each team, and the final scores was 76 for ETENI against 56 of LDK.

NZARAMBA Cecile and SHYAKA Eric was named as MVPs in their respective categories and they ware awarded by the Rwanda Basketball Federation, and each one got a Ball.

This year, the Federation of Basketball gave his supports to the School sports federation for awarding the particpating teams in final phases of finals, Four teams in ladies category and 4 in men category where each team got a ball for practice.

Courtesy of www.rwandabasket.com

Rwanda ready to host AFROBASKET U18 Zone 5 Qualifying - by Eurobasket News

Less 2 months to go, the Rwanda Basketball Federation - FERWABA started preparation to host the Afrobasket U18 Zone 5 Qualifying tournament to be held here in Kigali from 17th to 22nd July 2012 at AMAHORO Indoor Stadium. Tournament will have participation of Men and Women National team of the Zone 5: Kenya, Rwanda,Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Erithrea. The National Team U18 of Egypt will not participate because it is already qualified as FIBA AFRIQUE U18 Champion in 2010.

FERWABA is working on preparation of the Rwanda National teams U18 Men and Women which selection are done. Led by the Croatian NENAD Amanovic, the Rwandan selections will have a hard work to be qualified against Kenya, Ugandan and Burundian boys and girls.

Qualified teams will play AFROBASKET U18 2012 in Mozambique for Men and in Ethiopia for Women.

Courtesy of www.rwandabasket.com

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SAN MARINO

SCOTLAND

Wales nip Scotland at European Championship for Small Countries - by Eurobasket News

Wales - Scotland 76:75

Wales celebrated the first win at the European Championship for Small Countries. They defeated their British rivals Scotland to finish at 1-2 record in Group B. Scotland fell at 1-2 record and appeared at the bottom of the ladder. Jordan Seeley (190-PG-89) knocked down 22 points to lead the winners.
Wales gained a 19:16 lead after ten minutes. Scotland denied the deficit and pulled ahead for a 39:37 halftime advantage. But Wales retained the lead in this competitive battle. They eked out a 60:59 lead with one quarter to go. Wales managed to clear off to a 6-point lead with under two minutes remaining and hung on to seal the victory. Christopher Pearce (195-G/F-89) provided 16 points and 11 rebounds for Wales. Ioan Nickson (194-F-88) added 14 points for the winners. Gareth Murray (201-F-84, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Kalamazoo Valley CC) answered with game-high 30 points for Scotland. Nicholas Collins (195-F-84) had 13 points in the loss.

Wales: Jordan Seeley 22, Christopher Pearce 16+11 boards, Ioan Nickson 14
Scotland: Gareth Murray 30, Nicholas Collins 13

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SERBIA

Perovic leaves Barcelona - by Zoran Popovic

According to Serbian sports news Serbian center Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) leaves Barcelona. Management of Barcelona and Kosta Perovic made agreement and Serbian center is free agent now. Last season Kosta Perovic in Euroleague on 20 games average scored 4.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, in Spanish league on 23 games average scored 5.3 points, 2.7 rebounds per game. During the career Perovic played for Beopetrol, Partizan Beograd, Golden State Warriors, Valencia and Regal FC Barcelona. Kosta Perovic passed all Serbian youth National teams and now is member of Serbian National team.

Dragan Nikolic new assistant of Dusan Ivkovic - by Zoran Popovic

Head coach of BKK Radnicki Dragan Nikolic is new assistant coach of Dusan Ivkovic in Serbian National team. First assistant of coach Ivkovic, Aleksandar Kesar accept offer of Ukrainian team Azovmash to be head coach for next season and coach Ivkovic choose Dragan Nikolic as replacement with great scouting references. Last season Dragan Nikolic led BKK Radnicki in Serbian league and Super league. During the career Dragan Nikolic was head coach of Proleter Naftagas, Tamis Petrohemija and BKK Radnicki

Ivan Jeremic in Lokomotiv Kuban two more years. - by Zoran Popovic

Serbian coach Ivan Jeremic (agency: Beo Basket ) sings two year cotract deal with Lokomotiv Kuban. Jeremic will stay as assistant coach of Evgeny Pashutin. During the career Ivan Jeremic (agency: Beo Basket ) worked in CSKA Moscow, Lietuvos Rytas, BC Kyiv, Unics Kazan and Lokomotiv Kuban. Ivan Jeremic (agency: Beo Basket ) was head coach of OKK Beograd, Al Shabab and head coach of Libyan National team. Ivan Jeremic (agency: Beo Basket ) is coach who has plan of Russian National titles, National Cups, Euroleague F4 and Eurocup F4 competitions.

Partizan locks Dragan Milosavljevic until 2014 - by Eurobasket News

Partizan Belgrade penned a 2-year contract extension with Dragan Milosavljevic (198-G-89). Two days ago, the Serbian powerhouse landed young French star Leo Westermann (198-G-92, agency: Beo Basket). Milosavljevic arrived to Partizan in 2010 from Radnicki Kragujevac. He had 8.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 1.4 apg for 10 Euroleague games last season. The player collected 10 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 1.7 apg for 20 games in Serbian championship. Milosavljevic registered slightly lower numbers for 27 Adriatic league games. Partizan managed to defend Serbian league title and Cup trophy. They reached Adriatic league Semis. Before Partizan and Radnicki Kragujevac, Milosavljevic played for Napredak Rubin. Dragan Milosavljevic was named Eurobasket.com Serbian League All-Defensive Team -12. A year ago he was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Honorable Mention.

Azovmash hires Aleksandar Kesar as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Azovmash got a new Head Coach for the next season. The former Ukrainian champion hired Aleksandar Kesar (agency: Beo Basket), who worked last two years as Assistant Coach of Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket) in Olympiakos. They had wonderful season winning the Euroleague and Greek league titles. In 2011, the Reds won Greek Cup. Before Olympiakos, Aleksandar Kesar spent few months as a Head Coach of Ural Great Perm in 2008/09 season. A year before that he coached Serbian team Mega Aqua Monta Belgrade. From 2004 to 2007, Kesar served as Assistant Coach of Partizan Belgrade. In 2009, he won the Gold with Serbian University NT at the World University Games. Kesar was named Eurobasket.com All-World University Games Best Coach. He also worked last few years as Assistant Coach of the Serbian National Team.

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SINGAPORE

SEABA Cup: Thailand knock down Singapore - by Eurobasket News

Thailand - Singapore 67:62

Thailand opened the 2012 SEABA Cup with victory. The hosts knock down Singapore in Chiang Mai. Chaiwat Kaedum (195-C-83) scored 11 points to lead the winners.
Singapore led throughout the opening quarter building a 20:18 advantage at the first break. Thailand pulled ahead in the second frame. The hosts ensured a 35:28 halftime lead. They boosted the lead early in the third term 46:38. But Singapore strongly finished the quarter and retained advantage at 50:48. Thailand surged back in charge at the start of the final term. They maintained the lead throughout the fourth stanza sealing a comfortable win at the end. Wutipong Dasom netted 10 points and 8 rebounds, while Sukhdavb Ghogar added 9 points in the victory. Wong Wei Long (172-G-88) answered with 18 points for Singapore. Desmond Wei Jie Oh (176-F-86) netted 10 points in defeat.

Thailand: Chaiwat Kaedum 11, Wutipong Dasom 10, Sukhdavb Ghogar 9
Singapore: Wong Wei Long 18, Desmond Wei Jie Oh 10

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SLOVENIA

Phoenix Suns, Goran Dragic verbally agree to four-year, $34 million deal - by Eurobasket News

With the trade of point guard Steve Nash to the Los Angeles Lakers still fresh, the Phoenix Suns turned to his former backup, Goran Dragic (6'5''-PG-86), to fill their vacant starting position Wednesday.

The Suns and Dragic have reached a verbal agreement on a four-year deal worth an estimated $34 million, ESPN.com reported. Dragic has pledged to sign the contract when the NBA's free-agent moratorium ends July 11, ESPN.com added.

The deal includes a player option for the fourth year, according to ESPN.com and The Associated Press. The AP, citing a person with knowledge of the situation, reported the base deal is for $30 million and can increase to $34 million with incentives.

Dragic, a career backup, improved his stock last season with the Houston Rockets after point guard Kyle Lowry went down with a bacterial infection. Lowry has since lobbied for a trade, which made Dragic an obvious option for Houston. Talks between the sides quickly broke down, however, when Dragic insisted on a contract of $10 million per season.

Dragic, 26, averaged 11.7 points and 5.3 assists in 26.5 minutes, all career highs, for the Rockets in 2011-12. Those numbers led to interest from the Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte Bobcats in addition to the Suns and Rockets.

The Suns have been busy remaking their roster this offseason, starting with drafting guard Kendall Marshall 13th overall last week.

The team then agreed to sign New Orleans Hornets guard Eric Gordon to a four-year, $58 million offer sheet. The Hornets are expected to match the offer despite Gordons desire to play in Phoenix. The Suns on Wednesday also closed a three-year, $18 million deal with free-agent forward Michael Beasley after the Nash trade.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com

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SOMALIA

SOUTH KOREA

U17 World Championship: Canada fire past South Korea - by Eurobasket News

Canada U17 - South Korea U17 82:61

Canada finished the preliminary round at U17 World Championship with victory. They beat South Korea to improve at 3-2 record in Group B. Malcolm Duvivier (186-G-95) stepped up with 16 points to pace Canada. South Korea suffered the fifth straight loss at the tournament.
Canada cleared off to a 20:10 lead ten minutes into the game. South Korea narrowed the margin in the second quarter. The Asian team trailed by just five points at the interval 27:32. The North American team restored a safe buffer at the final intermission. They entered the final frame up by 12 points 54:42. Canada exploded with 28 points in the fourth term and rallied to the victory at the end. Tyrell Bellot-Green (198-G/F-95) notched 14 points, while Marial Shayok (196-SG-95) added 13 points in the winning case. Kim Gookchan (193-F-96) answered with 21 points for South Korea. Kim Minki (199-C-95) netted 9 points in the loss.

Canada U17: Malcolm Duvivier 16, Tyrell Bellot-Green 14, Marial Shayok 13
South Korea U17: Kim Gookchan 21, Kim Minki 9

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SPAIN

Spanish National Team 2012 - by Greg

Starting five

Calderon

Navarro

Fernandez

Ibaka

Gasol

Jose Manuel Calderon

190-PG-81

Toronto R. USA

Juan Carlos Navarro

192-G-80

FCB Regal

Rudy Fernandez

198-G/F-85

Denver N.

Serge Ibaka

208-C/F-89

Oklah.City T. USA

Pau Gasol

214-F/C-80

LA Lakers

Felipe Reyes

203-F/C-80

Real Madrid Spain

Victor Claver

207-F/C-88

Valencia

Fernando San Emeterio

198-F/G-84

Caja Laboral Spain

Sergio Llull

190-PG-87

Real Madrid Spain

Marc Gasol

212-C-85

Memphis G. USA

Victor Sada

192-G-84

FCB Regal

Rafael Martinez

191-G-82

Valencia

Sergio Rodriguez

191-G-86

Real Madrid Spain

Sergio Scariolo

Head Coach

U17 World Championship: Croatia hold off Spain to win Group B - by Eurobasket News

Croatia U17 - Spain U17 73:68

Croatia stayed undefeated at the U17 World Championship. They overcame Spain tonight to clinch the top position in Group B with 5-0 record. Spain fell at 3-2 record in the second place in the ladder. Mario Hezonja (202-G/F-95) had another amazing performance for Croatia scoring 30 points.
Spain eked out a 16:15 lead ten minutes into the game. But Croatia opened the second frame on a 13:4 run to surge ahead. Croatia boosted the gap at 13-point mark at halftime eventually 40:27. Spain were able to change the complexion of the encounter in the third quarter. They ignited a 19:4 run to take a 54:47 lead late in the period. Spain entered the final term up by four points 54:50. Spain were still up by two points 68:66 with under a minute to go. However Mario Hezonja drilled a three-pointer and then followed with a pair of free throws to set Croatia in charge. Karlo Zganec (205-C/F-95) then sealed the victory from the stripe. Karlo Zganec finished with 15 points, while Marko Arapovic (207-C/F-96) added 11 points for Croatia. Ilimane Diop (210-C-95) answered with 29 points and 19 rebounds for Spain. Jose Nogues (202-PF-95) netted 12 points in the losing effort.

Croatia U17: Mario Hezonja 30, Karlo Zganec 15, Marko Arapovic 11
Spain U17: Ilimane Diop 29+19 boards, Jose Nogues 12

Planasa Navarra extends Inaki Sanz until 2014 - by Eurobasket News

Planasa Navarra is very active on the transfer market these days. The team's latest move is signing of Inaki Sanz (190-PG-84) to a contract extension, according to Spanish media (Solobasket.com). The player will stay with Navarra until the end of 2013/14 season. Sanz arrived to the club five years ago. He appeared 39 times in LEB Gold last season averaging 9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists, while Navarra reached Playoff Semifinals. Sanz had slightly lower numbers in 2010/11. Actually, in all five years with the club Inaki Sanz had about 10 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 3 apg. Before Navarra, he played for EBA teams Basquet Coruna-Atlantico and Alvecon Maristas Pamplona.
Few days ago Navarra signed deal with Stu Douglass and Alvaro Frutos. They also kept Angel Jareno.

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TAIWAN

SBL coaching carousel - by Chris Wang

SBL coaching carousel began as many familiar faces returned to the SBL coaching fraternity recently.

Wei Chen-Ming , who coached Bank of Taiwan from 2003-2007 before being replaced by Lai Liang-chung, returned to his old team and replaced Lai as head coach.

BOT under Wei did enjoy a brief spotlight, when it gave defending champ Yulon a scare in an epic four-game first round playoff series in the 2005-06 season. However, the bank-backed team has been always one of the worst teams in the league.

Local media reported that only nine players are under contract with the BOT currently, which means Wei has to find as many players as he could before the season starts.

Six players, including forward Hsu Wei-sheng, has been released.

Wei was quoted as saying that he needs three years to transform a team and make BOT a team which is respected by its opponents. However, time is probably not on his side in the cruel world of basketball when every win counts.

Additionally, former Dacin head coach Liu Jia-fa is back with Taiwan Beer. Former Yulon assistant Lin Cheng-ming was promoted to the head coach position and replaced Chiu Chi-yi. Former KKL head coach Hsu Chih-chao returned to Dacin as head coach.

Transaction and rumors:

-- Point guard Wu Yong-jen and forward Cheng Jen-wei left Taiwan Beer and signed with Taiwan Mobile.

Cheng averaged 11.3 points, 6.7 rebounds last season with TB. Wu, who played for TM for four years previously, returned with his old employer after averaging a career-low 4.6 point and 2.4 assists with TB.

-- Word is that point guard Su Yi-chieh would leave Taiwan Mobile and sign with another team, probably Yulon or Dacin.

Wu Tai-hao, who spent last season with Chinas Zhejiang, is rumored to be returning to Taiwan and sign with Yulon or Taiwan Mobile.

Taiwan lost in friendly in Japan
Taiwan NT lost 85-77 to Japan NT in a July 1 exhibition game in Tokyo, Japan for relief effort of the March 11 tsunami that had killed thousands of people in northeastern Japan.

Lin Yi-hui led Taiwan NT with 19 points, followed by Doug Creightons 13 points and 10 boards. The team committed 15 turnovers and trailed 45-27 in rebounding.

According to Taiwan NT head coach Hsu Chin-tse, Wu Tai-hao and Mao Chi-en injured their knees in the exhibition game, with Mao sustaining a more serious injury which could take a MRI for further assessment. Mao may have to sit out the Jones Cup and the Asia Cup if the injury is serious.

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THAILAND

TURKEY

Gelisim Koleji brings in Burak Erol - by Eurobasket News

Burak Erol (197-F/G-88) will play at least one more season in TB2L. The Turkish swingman signed a deal with Gelisim Koleji. He spent last three seasons with Optimum TED Kolejliler Ankara. In the latest one the player had 3 ppg and 2.8 rpg for 15 games, but they parted ways in January. In 2011, Erol helped Optimum TED to win Group B of TB2L. That season he had 5.8 ppg and 4.5 rpg for 26 games. Optimum TED competed in TB2L in 2009/10 as well. From 2007 to 2009, Burak Erol was a member of Ankara Basket. He had 9.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg and 3.2 apg for 21 games in their last season together. Ankara Basket also was TB2L team.

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

West is Best in 2012 NBBA All-stars Classic - by David Edole

By Dave Davis July 3, 2012

The New Breed Basketball Association West All-stars used a late surge to defeat the East All-stars, 94-93, in an exciting, fun-filled, summer league all-stars game Monday night at the Ronald Charles gymnasium on the St. Croix Central high Campus.

Fans were treated to a contest full of slam dunks and moves that could challenge the ESPN plays of the day. The Easts Jaquim Francis was a human highlight reel all by himself as he excited and entertained the crowd with an assortment of high flying slams.

The game was entertaining but was still very tightly played and at the end of the first quarter it was knotted at 22 all.

Charles Moorehead led the East with eight points in the opening period, while Warren Christian led the West with 11 points.

Devonte Pryce took over the scoring for the East and Wilson Ferrance for the West in the second quarter, both tallying eight points in the period, but the East held the one point advantage at the half at 42-41.

The East would dominate play for most of the second half, but the West was best late in the fourth and final quarter, rallying from as much as 10 points down to pull out the 94-93 victory.

The Wests Shomari Francis was especially good for the all-stars champs as he was good for six of his teams final seven points down the stretch.

There was no MVP selected for the contest, but if there were no one would have had a stronger argument for those honors than Christian who finished with a game high 24 points, grabbed 12 boards and scored the final two points for his team that proved to be the game-winners.

Other top scorers for the West were Ferrance with 18 and Zomari Swanston with 17.

For the East, Craig Williams (205-F-89) led the way with 18 points, Raydel Dennis netted 17 and Moorehead finished with 16.

For NBBA President Cecile 'Daddy Bird' Joseph, the closeness of the all-star game was a good reflection of the 2012 NBBA summer basket ball league.

This year the league is very competitive as the teams are now more evenly match, Joseph said. We only have one undefeated team left in the league and that is the retooled Dread-Is, a team that has been down over the last few years but with the addition two first class frontline players are now on sitting atop the league.

The action continues Friday with two scheduled games at the CHS gym, game time 7:15 p.m.

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UKRAINE

Jay Larranaga to serve as Assistant Coach of Ukrainian NT - by Eurobasket News

Erie BayHawks head coach James Larranaga is heading to Kiev, Ukraine for two months to serve as an assistant coach of the Ukrainian senior men's national team under legendary head coach Mike Fratello. Larranaga will return to Erie in September to coach his third year with the BayHawks.

"I'm incredibly excited and honored to join Coach Fratello's staff of the Ukrainian team. He is one of the great coaches in NBA history and I look forward to working with him and learning from him on a daily basis," said Larranaga. "I'm also thankful for the support of the Knicks and BayHawks that have encouraged me to accept this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and continue to grow in my coaching career."

Over the next two months the Ukrainian team will be competing in Group C of the qualifying round of the 2013 European Championships. Group C includes the national teams of Croatia, Austria, Cyprus, Hungary and Ukraine. The top two teams from the group will advance to next year's European Championships to be played in Slovenia.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Azovmash hires Aleksandar Kesar as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Azovmash got a new Head Coach for the next season. The former Ukrainian champion hired Aleksandar Kesar (agency: Beo Basket), who worked last two years as Assistant Coach of Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket) in Olympiakos. They had wonderful season winning the Euroleague and Greek league titles. In 2011, the Reds won Greek Cup. Before Olympiakos, Aleksandar Kesar spent few months as a Head Coach of Ural Great Perm in 2008/09 season. A year before that he coached Serbian team Mega Aqua Monta Belgrade. From 2004 to 2007, Kesar served as Assistant Coach of Partizan Belgrade. In 2009, he won the Gold with Serbian University NT at the World University Games. Kesar was named Eurobasket.com All-World University Games Best Coach. He also worked last few years as Assistant Coach of the Serbian National Team.

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URUGUAY

Standings - Metropolitan League

Metropolitan Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 15

Jul. 6: Cader - Larranaga
Jul. 6: Capitol - Goes
Jul. 6: Verdirrojo - Urunday Univ.
Jul. 6: Guruyu Waston - Marne
Jul. 6: Yale - Romis N.

Metro results for the 12th round - by Hector Lopez

Results for the 12th round Metro League
Capitol 90 - Kevin Martin (208-C-83, college: Florida Gulf Coast) 26 points 12 rebounds 2 blocks, Santiago Moglia (196-F-89) 23 points 4 rebounds 4 assists
Urunday 83 - Howard Wilkerson (198-F-84, agency: Two Points, college: Wofford) 17 points 10 rebounds 2 assists, Jose Mackiewicz (201-F/C-79) 25 points 3 rebounds
- - -
Verdirrojo 72 - Kevin Nelson (192-G-84, college: Park) 22 points 9 rebounds 5 assists, Nicolas Delgado (198-F/C-87) 18 points 14 rebounds
Larranaga 66 - Gordon James (198-F-79, college: Bridgeport) 27 points 14 rebounds 2 blocks, Gonzalo Balbuena (180-PG-89) 13 points 8 assists

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VTB UNITED LEAGUE

Spartak Saint Petersburg sign Nikita Kurbanov - by Eurobasket News

Nikita Kurbanov (202-F-86) has already found the new team. The forward has joined Spartak Saint Petersburg not long after parting ways with CSKA Moscow. The forward inked a two-year deal with Spartak. Kurbanov spent last three seasons with CSKA Moscow. He also played for the club several years in the past. Nikita Kurbanov had 4.6 ppg and 3 rpg for 5 Euroleague games last season. He also added 3.2 ppg and 1.9 rpg for 10 games in VTB United league. In Russian championship, the player had almost the same numbers. CSKA Moscow won the Russian and VTB League titles, plus their reached Euroleague Finals and lost it in thriller against CSKA Moscow. Kurbanov had limited playing time also from 2009/10 and 2010/11. Season 2008/09 he spent with Spartak St.Petersbut and played for CSKA from 2006 to 2008. The player split 2005/06 between Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu and CSKA, and in the past he also played for CSKA juniors. Nikita Kurbanov played for the Russian National Team at 2009 EuroBasket in Poland. He had 4.9 ppg and 1.9 rpg for 9 games.

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WALES

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS U17

Standings

Group A
1. USA		5-0
2. Australia		4-1
3. China		3-2
4. Czech Rep.		2-3
5. France		1-4
6. Egypt		0-5
Group B
1. Croatia		5-0
2. Spain		3-2
3. Argentina		3-2
4. Canada		3-2
5. Lithuania		1-4
6. S.Korea		0-5

Preliminary Round: Round 5

Group A

Jul. 4: EGY - CZE 70-78
Jul. 4: FRA - AUS 42-64
Jul. 4: USA - CHN 116-47

Group B

Jul. 4: LTU - ARG 82-92
Jul. 4: CRO - ESP 73-68
Jul. 4: KOR - CAN 61-82

Quarter-Finals: Round 6

9-12 Place

Jul. 6: FRA - KOR
Jul. 6: LTU - EGY

Quarterfinal

Jul. 6: ESP - CHN
Jul. 6: USA - CAN
Jul. 6: AUS - ARG
Jul. 6: CRO - CZE

Day 5 in Kaunas. Quarterfinals are set - by Eurobasket News

Group A

USA - China 116-47
USA registered the fifth straight win at the U17 World Championship in Lithuania. They coasted past China to win Group A. Seven USA players scored in double figures for the winners. Conner Frankamp (186-G-95) knocked down 17 points to lead the winning side. China fell at 3-2 record in the third position in the ladder. USA jumped right into this one. They were up by 14 points after ten minutes. The gap just kept on growing in the second quarter. The USA secured a 53:18 halftime lead. The North American unloaded 63 points in the second half to seal a comfortable win at the end. Stephen Domingo (201-F-95) delivered 16 points, while Stanley Johnson added 15 points for the winning team. Yang LinYi (190-G-95) and Heng YiFeng answered with 9 points each in the loss.

France - Australia 42-64
Australia finished the U17 World Championship preliminary round on a high note. They defeated France to secure 4-1 record in the second place in Group A. France fell at 1-4 record and failed to advance into playoffs. Australia dominated from start to finish. The Aussies built a 16:13 lead after ten minutes. They held the French counterparts to 8 points in the second quarter and secured a 32:21 halftime lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the low-scoring third quarter. France managed to narrow the gap at 10-point mark. But Australia triggered a 21:9 run in the final quarter to seal a comfortable win at the end. Fabijan Krslovic (204-C/F-95) provided 13 points to lead the winners. Felix Kalau Van Hofe contributed 11 points for Australia. Paul Rigot (199-SF-95) answered with 11 points for France. Arthur Rozenfeld had 8 points in the loss.

Egypt - Czech Republic 70-78
Czech Republic gained the third win in the U17 World Championship. They overcame Egypt to seal the quarterfinal ticket. Martin Peterka (203-PF-95) came up with 21 points and 6 boards to pace the winners. Egypt suffered the fifth loss in a row and remained at the bottom of the ladder. Czech Republic did not waste time surging ahead early in the encounter. They built a 23:11 lead ten minutes into the clash. Czech Republic stretched the margin in the second quarter. They secured a 42:23 halftime buffer. Egypt gradually tuned in offensively. They knocked down 20 points in the third term to narrow the margin by two points. Egypt unloaded 27 points in the fourth quarter in the desperate attempt to save the game but the margin proved too deep to overcome. Prokop Slanina (204-C-95) notched 13 points and 9 rebounds, while Radovan Kouril added 12 points and 12 assists in the victory for the winners. Ahmed Sayed Soliman (202-F/C-95), Walid Aly and Omar Abdeen had 12 points each in the loss.

Group B

Lithuania - Argentina 82-92
Argentina finished the U17 World Championship preliminary round on a high note. They defeated hosting Lithuania to gain the third win at the tournament. Argentina clinched the third position at the tournament and advanced to the quarterfinals where they are going to face Australia. Lithuania fell at 1-4 record in the fifth place Group B ladder. Argentina set the tone in the first half. They started the game strongly and built a 42:32 halftime lead. The Latin American side boosted the margin to 12 points at the third break. Lithuania exploded with 30 points in the fourth frame but Argentina matched the effort and sealed the victory at the end. Gabriel Deck (202-C/F-95) notched 26 points and 9 rebounds for Argentina. Rodrigo Haag (193-SG-95) added 20 points in the victory. Edvinas Seskus (192-SF-95) answered with 23 points for Lithuania. Ernestas Serkevicius provided 18 points in the losing case.

Croatia - Spain 73-68
Croatia stayed undefeated at the U17 World Championship. They overcame Spain tonight to clinch the top position in Group B with 5-0 record. Spain fell at 3-2 record in the second place in the ladder. Mario Hezonja (202-G/F-95) had another amazing performance for Croatia scoring 30 points. Spain eked out a 16:15 lead ten minutes into the game. But Croatia opened the second frame on a 13:4 run to surge ahead. Croatia boosted the gap at 13-point mark at halftime eventually 40:27. Spain were able to change the complexion of the encounter in the third quarter. They ignited a 19:4 run to take a 54:47 lead late in the period. Spain entered the final term up by four points 54:50. Spain were still up by two points 68:66 with under a minute to go. However Mario Hezonja drilled a three-pointer and then followed with a pair of free throws to set Croatia in charge. Karlo Zganec (205-C/F-95) then sealed the victory from the stripe. Karlo Zganec finished with 15 points, while Marko Arapovic added 11 points for Croatia. Ilimane Diop (210-C-95) answered with 29 points and 19 rebounds for Spain. Jose Nogues netted 12 points in the losing effort.

South Korea - Canada 61-82
Canada finished the preliminary round at U17 World Championship with victory. They beat South Korea to improve at 3-2 record in Group B. Malcolm Duvivier (186-G-95) stepped up with 16 points to pace Canada. South Korea suffered the fifth straight loss at the tournament. Canada cleared off to a 20:10 lead ten minutes into the game. South Korea narrowed the margin in the second quarter. The Asian team trailed by just five points at the interval 27:32. The North American team restored a safe buffer at the final intermission. They entered the final frame up by 12 points 54:42. Canada exploded with 28 points in the fourth term and rallied to the victory at the end. Tyrell Bellot-Green (198-G/F-95) notched 14 points, while Marial Shayok added 13 points in the winning case. Kim Gookchan answered with 21 points for South Korea. Kim Minki netted 9 points in the loss.

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Women News

Burundi and Somalia will not participate in Zone 5 Qualifying - by Eurobasket News

The Federations of Basketball of Burundi and Somalia declared that they will not participate in the Zone 5 AFROBASKET U18 Qualifying tournament that will be held at AMAHORO Indoor Satdium in Kigali from 17th to 22nd July 2012. Particpating countries in the Zone 5 Qualifying tournament are Rwanda as host, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan. The team of Egypt is already qualified and will play the final round that will be played in Mozambique for men category.

Earlier it was announced: The Zone 5 Qualifying for AFROBASKET U18 (Men and Women) will be hosted by Rwanda. Initially, the tournament is scheduled from 17th to 22nd July 2012. The participants countries are: Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Egypt, Tanzania, Eritrea, Sudan, Somalia.

Courtesy of www.rwandabasket.com

Rwanda ready to host AFROBASKET U18 Zone 5 Qualifying - by Eurobasket News

Less 2 months to go, the Rwanda Basketball Federation - FERWABA started preparation to host the Afrobasket U18 Zone 5 Qualifying tournament to be held here in Kigali from 17th to 22nd July 2012 at AMAHORO Indoor Stadium. Tournament will have participation of Men and Women National team of the Zone 5: Kenya, Rwanda,Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Erithrea. The National Team U18 of Egypt will not participate because it is already qualified as FIBA AFRIQUE U18 Champion in 2010.

FERWABA is working on preparation of the Rwanda National teams U18 Men and Women which selection are done. Led by the Croatian NENAD Amanovic, the Rwandan selections will have a hard work to be qualified against Kenya, Ugandan and Burundian boys and girls.

Qualified teams will play AFROBASKET U18 2012 in Mozambique for Men and in Ethiopia for Women.

Courtesy of www.rwandabasket.com

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BELARUS

BELGIUM

Slovakia keeps Belgium winless - by Eurobasket News

BELGIUM - SLOVAKIA 54-63

Slovakia handed 54-63 home loss to Belgium tonight in Round Seven of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. After this victory Slovakia improved its score to 4-1 in Group C and they have a good chance to reach the final tournament in Slovenia. At the other side, Belgium dropped to 0-6 and it closes the standings in this pool. Romana Vynuchalova (192-C/F-86, college: Penn St.) led the winners with 14 points and 5 rebounds, and Ivana Jalcova (182-G-83) scored 13 points. Katarina Tetemondova (188-F/C-88) collected 12 points and 7 rebs. The hosts got 11 points and 5 rebs from Noemie Mayombo (170-PG-91, agency: LBM Management), while Anne-Sophie Strubbe (182-SF-90) posted 8 points. Young star Emma Meesseman (192-C-93, agency: LBM Management) had 7 points and 8 rebs. Slovakia exploded after the breather making 9-23 in Q3. They started the last period with mini 0-5 run for 11-point lead with 7:52 remaining and Belgium was not able to treat for rest of the way. Quarters: 20-15, 16-13, 9-23, 9-12. Slovakia will host Lithuania on Saturday, while Belgium is free in Round 8.

Belgium: Noemie Mayombo 11+5 boards, Anne-Sophie Strubbe 8, Emma Meesseman 7+8 boards
Slovakia: Romana Vynuchalova 14+5 boards, Ivana Jalcova 13, Katarina Tetemondova 12+7 boards

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BURUNDI

CANADA

Canada sets final roster for 2012 Olympic Games in London - by Eurobasket News

The Canadian Olympic Committee and Canada Basketball announced 12 basketball players nominated to the Canadian Olympic Team for London 2012 after the women's senior national team locked up an Olympic berth in Turkey this past weekend.

The nominees included: Natalie Achonwa (190-F-92), Chelsea Aubry (188-F-84, college: Nebraska), Miranda Ayim (191-F/C-88, college: Pepperdine), Teresa Gabriele (165-PG-79), Lizanne Murphy (185-F-84, college: Hofstra), Krista Phillips (198-C-88, college: Michigan), Courtnay Pilypaitis (184-G-88, college: Vermont), Michelle Plouffe (191-F-92), Kimberley Smith (186-F-84, college: Utah), Alisha Tatham (180-G-86, college: Massachusetts), Tamara Tatham (185-F-85, college: Massachusetts) and Shona Thorburn (178-G-82, college: Utah).

These young women showed so much heart and perseverance to qualify for London, said Canadian Olympic Team Chef de Mission for London 2012, Mark Tewksbury. They have truly given their everything to represent their country at the Olympic Games.

We are very proud of our senior womens teams Olympic qualification which is a culmination of many years of work by so many people, said Denise Dignard, Canada Basketballs Director, Womens High Performance. Our senior national team head coach, Allison McNeill and her coaching and support staff, have been very focused on this objective and their determination has paid off. This is also a collaborative effort of many coaches who have worked together to help develop the younger generation of players into multi-skilled players. We hope that this will inspire the next generation of players and get more coaches working towards the long-term development of our young Canadian women.

This the well-deserved result of many years of dedication and sacrifice by the entire team, both players and coaching staff, said Michele OKeefe, Executive Director, Canada Basketball. This success reflects the growth and direction that we have planned for Canada Basketball. We strive for excellence and by qualifying for the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Senior Womens team has shown that they are ready to compete on the most prestigious international stage.

The 2012 Canadian Olympic Team grows with each passing day, said Marcel Aubut, President of the Canadian Olympic Committee. It is exciting to see these exceptional athletes come through under such pressure and earn the right to call themselves Olympians.

Courtesy of http://olympic.ca

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CHINA

China post two victories over USA All-Stars - by Eurobasket News

Chinese National Team registered back-to-back victories over USA All-Star selection in Jinzhong City.
The first game ended with the hosts claiming a 99:74 victory. China jumped to a 30:16 lead after ten minutes and maintained the lead throughout the rest of the encounter. Ma Zengyu (183-F-84) accounted for 26 points for China. Chen Nan (197-C-83) and Miao LiJie (180-G-81) came up with 11 points each to lead the winners. Rebecca Tobin (195-F-88, college: Arizona St.) answered with 12 points for USA All-Stars. Becky Burke (180-G-89, agency: LBM Management) had 11 points in the losing case.
Next game was a tougher contest. China led by six points after the opening quarter 27:21. The hosts boosted the gap at 16-point mark at the interval 54:38. China maintained the lead throughout the second term to secure a 100:82 win at the end. Miao LiJie posted 22 points to pace the winning side. Wei Wei (206-C-89) contributed 21 points for China. Ashley Corral (175-G-90, college: USC) topscored with 17 points for USA All-Stars. Dawn Evans (170-PG-89, agency: LBM Management, college: JMU) provided 14 points in the loss.

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DENMARK

SISU bring in Ida Pretzmann - by Eurobasket News

SISU continued to bolster their roster for the next season. As the team gets ready for EuroCup campaign they strengthened their backcourt. SISU have agreed on terms of contract with Ida Pretzmann (174-G-90, college: TCU). The guard spent the previous season in France. She played for Le Havre in LF2. Ida Pretzmann notched 9.7 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. Previously Ida Pretzmann played for Aabyhoj. She helped the team reach Danish Cup Final in 2011. The guard was the member of Danish U18 National Team in 2007/08 seasons. She participated at U18 European Championship in Division B in Skopje.

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ESTONIA

Poland celebrates valuable win in Tallinn - by Eurobasket News

ESTONIA - POLAND 58-65

Poland improved its score to 4-1 in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. They celebrated in Tallinn 58-65 jumping to 4-1 record in Group B. That record is currently enough for the second place, but it is important to mention that top-ranked Montenegro played one game more than Poland and it has 5-1. Estonia stays the only winless team in this pool (0-6). Estonia was 3-points up at the halftime and kept plus 2 with one quarter to go, thanks to triple by Agnieszka Makowska. It was 48-49 with 5:40 remaining, after what Poland made mini 0-5 run, but still Estonia came to 54-56 soon after that. Visitors answered with crucial 1-7 series and managed to keep the lead for rest of the way. Izabela Piekarska (196-C-85, college: UTEP) scored 16 points for the winners and Joanna Walich (183-F/C-81) added 12 pts, plus 6 rebs. Agnieszka Skobel (179-F-89) netted 10 points. At the other side, Merike Anderson (180-F/G-81, agency: LBM Management) collected 15 points and 7 boards. Valeria Kast (201-C-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: N.Mexico) had 14 pts and 5 rebs, while Mirjam Nikolai (177-G-86) registered 8 pts and 6 boards. Poland will host Montenegro on Saturday, while Estonia is free in Round Seven.

Estonia: Merike Anderson 15+7 boards, Valeria Kast 14+5 boards, Mirjam Nikolai 8+6 boards
Poland: Izabela Piekarska 16, Joanna Walich 12+6 boards, Agnieszka Skobel 10

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EUROCUP

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Standings Div.A (Women)

Standings

Group A
1. Belarus		5-1
2. Ukraine		4-2
3. Hungary		3-2
4. Israel		2-3
5. Portugal		0-6
Group B
1. Montenegro.		5-1
2. Poland		4-1
3. Serbia		3-2
4. Switzerlan.		2-4
5. Estonia		0-6
Group C
1. Lithuania		5-1
2. Slovakia		4-1
3. Slovenia		4-2
4. Holland		1-4
5. Belgium		0-6
Group D
1. Sweden		5-1
2. Spain		4-2
3. Germany		3-2
4. Romania		2-4
5. Bulgaria		0-5
Group E
1. Italy		4-1
2. Latvia		4-2
3. Greece		3-2
4. Finland		3-3
5. Luxembourg.		0-6

Qualifying Round: Round 7

Jul. 4: UKR - ISR 71-68
Jul. 4: BLR - POR 63-41

Jul. 4: MNT - SUI 69-39
Jul. 4: EST - POL 58-65

Jul. 4: LTU - SLO 65-46
Jul. 4: BEL - SVK 54-63

Jul. 4: ESP - SWE 73-79
Jul. 4: ROM - GER 64-75

Jul. 4: LAT - LUX 70-44
Jul. 4: FIN - GRE 52-66

Qualifying Round: Round 8

Jul. 7: POR - HUN
Jul. 7: ISR - BLR

Jul. 7: SUI - SRB
Jul. 7: POL - MNT

Jul. 7: SVK - LTU
Jul. 7: NED - SLO

Jul. 7: GER - ESP
Jul. 7: SWE - BUL

Jul. 7: GRE - LAT
Jul. 7: LUX - ITA

Stats Leaders Div.A (Women)

Points Per Game

Frida ELDEBRINK
  SWE
  (174-G-88)
  Avg: 22.7

1. Eldebrink, SWE	22.7
2. Tuukkanen, FIN	21.5
3. Marginean, ROM	20.2
4. Doron, ISR	19.0
5. Twehues, SUI	17.8
6. Petronyte, LTU	17.8
7. Dubljevic, MNT	16.3
8. Dabovic, SRB	15.8
9. Breitreiner, GER	15.8
10. Perovanovic, MNT	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

Taru TUUKKANEN
  FIN
  (190-C-77)
  Avg: 13.2

1. Tuukkanen, FIN	13.2
2. Petronyte, LTU	11.2
3. Teilane-T., LAT	9.3
4. Veremeenko, BLR	8.7
5. Perovanovic, MNT	8.6
6. Giroud, SUI	8.5
7. Dubljevic, MNT	8.2
8. Meesseman, BEL	7.8
9. Nicholls, ESP	7.7
10. Perostiyska, BUL	7.6

Assists Per Game

Jelena SKEROVIC
  MNT
  (176-G-80)
  Avg: 5.3

1. Skerovic, MNT	5.3
2. Dubljevic, MNT	4.7
3. Baric, SLO	4.7
4. Parau, ROM	4.3
5. Radocaj, SRB	4.2
6. Doron, ISR	4.2
7. Karklina, LAT	4.2
8. Sottana, ITA	3.8
9. Eldebrink, SWE	3.8
10. Stoenescu, ROM	3.8

Steals Per Game

Romy BAR
  GER
  (189-F-87)
  Avg: 4

1. Bar, GER	4.0
2. Skobel, POL	3.4
3. Doron, ISR	3.0
4. Dabovic, SRB	3.0
5. Hatzinikolao., GRE	3.0
6. Linkeviciene, LTU	2.7
7. Ouvina, ESP	2.5
8. Erkic, SLO	2.5
9. Halman, NED	2.4
10. Kubatova, SVK	2.4

Blocks Per Game

Anastasiya VEREMEENKO
  BLR
  (194-C-87)
  Avg: 2

1. Veremeenko, BLR	2.0
2. Teilane-T., LAT	1.8
3. Nicholls, ESP	1.7
4. Pavel, ROM	1.5
5. Meesseman, BEL	1.3
6. Tuukkanen, FIN	1.0
7. Majewska, POL	1.0
8. Papamichail, GRE	1.0
9. Halman, NED	1.0
10. Petronyte, LTU	1.0

Round Seven of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Ukraine - Israel 71-68
Ukraine made a big step toward 2013 EuroBasket in Slovenia. They handed 71-68 loss to Israel jumping to 4-2 record in qualifications, what is currently enough for the second place in Group A. Visitors dropped to 2-3 and they are in difficult situation now. Israel had 8-point lead with 10 minutes remaining in the game. Five minutes later it was 60-65 and for rest of the way Ukraine posted a decisive run of ten unanswered points and it swung the momentum in their favour just at the right time as Israel dried up offensively. Quarters: 22-19, 15-24, 13-15, 21-10. Ganna Zarytska (182-F-86, agency: Data Plus Group) top-scored for the hosts with 14 points. Iryna Tsekova (177-G/F-78, agency: Promotex) (6 as) and Olexandra Kurasova (186-F-86) (5 rebs) followed with 13 points each. In the loosing squad, Shay Doron (175-SG-85, college: Maryland) was better than the others with 23 points. Liron Cohen (173-G-82) and Shiran Tzairi (166-PG-86, agency: Data Plus Group) posted 11 and 8 pts respectively. Ukraine is free next weekend, while Israel will host Belarus.

Belarus - Portugal 63-41
Belarus had no troubles to beat Portugal tonight in Round Seven of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. It was a 63-41 win for the hosts, who stay No.1 of Group A with almost perfect 5-1 record. Portugal closes the standings in this pool with 0-6. Belarus won every single period of this game to celebrate comfortable win at the end. Quarters: 14-12, 18-11, 13-10, 18-8. Tatsiana Likhtarovich (179-G/F-88, agency: LBM Management) scored 13 points for the hosts, but their best player tonight was Anastasiya Veremeenko (194-C-87) with double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds (valuation 24). Natalia Anufryienka (174-G-85, agency: LBM Management) helped with 10 pts. In Portugal, Sofia Silva (187-C-90) scored 15 points, Michelle Brandao (172-G-91) had 8 and Joana Lopes (185-SF-86) stopped to 7 pts, plus 5 rebs. Belarus will play in Israel next weekend. Portugal waits Hungary.

Group B

Estonia - Poland 58-65
Poland improved its score to 4-1 in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. They celebrated in Tallinn 58-65 jumping to 4-1 record in Group B. That record is currently enough for the second place, but it is important to mention that top-ranked Montenegro played one game more than Poland and it has 5-1. Estonia stays the only winless team in this pool (0-6). Estonia was 3-points up at the halftime and kept plus 2 with one quarter to go, thanks to triple by Agnieszka Makowska. It was 48-49 with 5:40 remaining, after what Poland made mini 0-5 run, but still Estonia came to 54-56 soon after that. Visitors answered with crucial 1-7 series and managed to keep the lead for rest of the way. Izabela Piekarska (196-C-85, college: UTEP) scored 16 points for the winners and Joanna Walich (183-F/C-81) added 12 pts, plus 6 rebs. Agnieszka Skobel (179-F-89) netted 10 points. At the other side, Merike Anderson (180-F/G-81, agency: LBM Management) collected 15 points and 7 boards. Valeria Kast (201-C-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: N.Mexico) had 14 pts and 5 rebs, while Mirjam Nikolai (177-G-86) registered 8 pts and 6 boards. Poland will host Montenegro on Saturday, while Estonia is free in Round Seven.

Montenegro - Switzerland 69-39
Montenegro stays the top ranked team of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications - Group B. They outplayed Switzerland tonight in Cetinje 69-39 for 5-1 record. Visitors faced with fourth loss in six games. Montenegro took control on Switzerland from the very beginning and never looked back. It was plus 16 for the host after ten minutes of play and plus 20 at the halftime. Visitors were not able to respond after the breather and Montenegro cruised to the final 30-point win. Jelena Dubljevic (191-C-87) scored 14 pts for the hosts and Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) collected 12 points and 9 rebounds. Jelena Skerovic (176-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) helped her team with 10 points and 6 assists. Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) answered with 15 points for the guests. Marielle Giroud (180-F-87) (11 rebs) and Nseya Kassongo (187-F-87) scored 9 and 6 pts respectively. Montenegro will play in Poland on Saturday. Switzerland will host Serbia.

Group C

Belgium - Slovakia 54-63
Slovakia handed 54-63 home loss to Belgium tonight in Round Seven of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. After this victory Slovakia improved its score to 4-1 in Group C and they have a good chance to reach the final tournament in Slovenia. At the other side, Belgium dropped to 0-6 and it closes the standings in this pool. Romana Vynuchalova (192-C/F-86, college: Penn St.) led the winners with 14 points and 5 rebounds, and Ivana Jalcova (182-G-83) scored 13 points. Katarina Tetemondova (188-F/C-88) collected 12 points and 7 rebs. The hosts got 11 points and 5 rebs from Noemie Mayombo (170-PG-91, agency: LBM Management), while Anne-Sophie Strubbe (182-SF-90) posted 8 points. Young star Emma Meesseman (192-C-93, agency: LBM Management) had 7 points and 8 rebs. Slovakia exploded after the breather making 9-23 in Q3. They started the last period with mini 0-5 run for 11-point lead with 7:52 remaining and Belgium was not able to treat for rest of the way. Quarters: 20-15, 16-13, 9-23, 9-12. Slovakia will host Lithuania on Saturday, while Belgium is free in Round 8.

Lithuania - Slovenia 65-46
Both teams had 4-1 record in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications before this game. Lithuania celebrated comfortable 65-46 win staying alone on top of Group C. At the same time, Slovenia dropped to third place with 4-2 record. The hosts had impressive second half to take this very valuable victory. They made 23-8 in Q3 and closed this game with 20-14 in the last ten minutes for 65-46 win at the end. Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) shined for the hosts with 18 points and 9 rebounds and Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) also was great with double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds. Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) collected 12 points and 6 rebounds. Tina Trebec (189-F-90, agency: Kotnik Sports Agency) (8 rebs) and Maja Erkic (183-G/F-85) (5 as) scored 13 and 12 points respectively for Slovenia. Sandra Pirsic (195-C-84) stopped to 9 pts and 5 rebs. Lithuania will play in Slovakia on Saturday, while Slovenia will meet Holland in another road game.

Group D

Spain - Sweden 73-79
Sweden did a great job tonight in Alcobendas. They handed 73-79 home loss to Spain in Round Seven of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. Both teams had 4-1 record before this meeting and Sweden now stays alone on top of Group D. Spain dropped to the second place with 4-2. Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) stepped up for the winners with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) (12 rebs) and Kadidja Andersson (185-F-80, college: Minnesota) netted 14 points each. In defeat, Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas) delivered 19 points for 23 minutes on the court. Laia Palau (178-G-79) scored 12 and Elisa Aguilar (177-G-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: G.Washington) stopped to 10 pts in this loss. Sancho Lyttle played her first game in qualifications, but she had only 9 pts and 5 rebs for 29 minutes. Sweden made 2-9 run at the middle of the Q3 and later ended it with 52-60 lead. With 7:38 remaining in the game visitors were up by 14 and Spain was in big trouble. The hosts came to 65-70 with 4:41 to go, but Kaddidja Andersson immediately replied with two jump shots and later sisters Eldebrink sealed the victory for Sweden. Quarters: 17-21, 20-23, 15-16, 21-19. Sweden will host Bulgaria on Saturday, while Spain will play in Germany.

Romania - Germany 64-75
Germany jumped to 3-2 record in Group D of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. They celebrated 64-75 road victory against Romania tonight. Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Romy Bar (189-F-87) also was great adding 14 points, plus 9 rebounds. Sarah Austmann (179-G/F-85) contributed with 13 pts, 5 rebounds and 5 assists to this victory. Gabriela Marginean (182-F-87, college: Drexel) was better than the others in Romania with 20 points. Cristiana Cutas (187-C-84) was their second scorer with 9 points (6 rebs) and she had perfect shooting night. Romania dropped to 2-4 record in this pool. Germany made plus 6 at the halftime and totally took control on Romania after that. Visitors started the last quarter with 4-10 run for 46-66 lead with 5:44 to go and rest of the game was just the formality. Germany will go home to meet Spain on Saturday. Romania will play again in Round 9.

Group E

Finland - Greece 52-66
Greece celebrated very important road victory against Finland tonight 52-66. Thanks to this win visitors jumped to 3-2 record in Group E of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. Greece is currently third ranked team in this pool. Finland dropped to fourth place with 3-3 score. Zoi Dimitrakou (188-F-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas) netted 15 points in victory and Olga Hatzinikolaou (181-G-81) had 11 pts. Peli Papamichail (189-F/C-86, agency: Josep and Nicolas) collected 10 points and 8 boards. Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Xavier) answered with double-double of 19 points and 10 rebs for the hosts. Tiina Sten (189-G/F-85, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: St.John's) had 15 pts and 9 rebs. Greece shined in Q1 and Q3 to secure the victory in this game. Visitors just had too much in its locker, finishing the third quarter with a powerful 15-3 burst in what ultimately proved to be the game-winning run, as they put serious daylight between themselves and their opponent. Quarters: 11-16, 8-9, 13-23, 20-18. Greece will host Latvia on Saturday. Finland is free in Round 8.

Latvia - Luxembourg 70-44
As expected, Latvia cruised past Luxembourg tonight celebrating comfortable 70-44 home victory. The hosts made double digit lead already in the first ten minutes and kept extending it for rest of the way. Quarters: 20-9, 22-15, 13-10, 15-10. Thanks to this win, Latvia improved to 4-2 record in Group D of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. That is currently enough for the second place in this pool. Luxembourg faced with sixth defeat in qualifications. Liene Jansone (191-F/C-81, college: Siena) had 16 points and 9 rebounds for the winners, while Sabine Niedola (184-F-91) collected 15 pts and 11 boards. Ieva Krastina (175-G/F-90, agency: LBM Management) was third scorer in victory with 10 points. Luxembourg got 14 points from Nadia Mossong (182-F-86, college: E.Kentucky) and Lisy Hetting (173-G-90) was limited to 7 pts. Latvia will play in Greece on Saturday, whil Luxembourg will host Italy.

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FINLAND

Zoi Dimitrakou leads Greece to victory in Vantaa - by Eurobasket News

FINLAND - GREECE 52-66

Greece celebrated very important road victory against Finland tonight 52-66. Thanks to this win visitors jumped to 3-2 record in Group E of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. Greece is currently third ranked team in this pool. Finland dropped to fourth place with 3-3 score. Zoi Dimitrakou (188-F-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas) netted 15 points in victory and Olga Hatzinikolaou (181-G-81) had 11 pts. Peli Papamichail (189-F/C-86, agency: Josep and Nicolas) collected 10 points and 8 boards. Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Xavier) answered with double-double of 19 points and 10 rebs for the hosts. Tiina Sten (189-G/F-85, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: St.John's) had 15 pts and 9 rebs. Greece shined in Q1 and Q3 to secure the victory in this game. Visitors just had too much in its locker, finishing the third quarter with a powerful 15-3 burst in what ultimately proved to be the game-winning run, as they put serious daylight between themselves and their opponent. Quarters: 11-16, 8-9, 13-23, 20-18. Greece will host Latvia on Saturday. Finland is free in Round 8.

Finland: Taru Tuukkanen 19+10 boards, Tiina Sten 15+9
Greece: Zoi Dimitrakou 15, Olga Hatzinikolaou 11, Peli Papamichail 10+8 boards

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GERMANY

Germany hands 11-point home loss to Romania - by Eurobasket News

ROMANIA - GERMANY 64-75

Germany jumped to 3-2 record in Group D of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. They celebrated 64-75 road victory against Romania tonight. Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Romy Bar (189-F-87) also was great adding 14 points, plus 9 rebounds. Sarah Austmann (179-G/F-85) contributed with 13 pts, 5 rebounds and 5 assists to this victory. Gabriela Marginean (182-F-87, college: Drexel) was better than the others in Romania with 20 points. Cristiana Cutas (187-C-84) was their second scorer with 9 points (6 rebs) and she had perfect shooting night. Romania dropped to 2-4 record in this pool. Germany made plus 6 at the halftime and totally took control on Romania after that. Visitors started the last quarter with 4-10 run for 46-66 lead with 5:44 to go and rest of the game was just the formality. Germany will go home to meet Spain on Saturday. Romania will play again in Round 9.

Germany: Anne Breitreiner 18, Romy Bar 14+9 boards, Sarah Austmann 13+5 boards+5 as
Romania: Gabriela Marginean 20, Cristiana Cutas 9+6 boards

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GREECE

ISRAEL

Ukraine outplays Israel 71-68 thanks to great finish - by Eurobasket News

UKRAINE - ISRAEL 71-68

Ukraine made a big step toward 2013 EuroBasket in Slovenia. They handed 71-68 loss to Israel jumping to 4-2 record in qualifications, what is currently enough for the second place in Group A. Visitors dropped to 2-3 and they are in difficult situation now. Israel had 8-point lead with 10 minutes remaining in the game. Five minutes later it was 60-65 and for rest of the way Ukraine posted a decisive run of ten unanswered points and it swung the momentum in their favour just at the right time as Israel dried up offensively. Quarters: 22-19, 15-24, 13-15, 21-10. Ganna Zarytska (182-F-86, agency: Data Plus Group) top-scored for the hosts with 14 points. Iryna Tsekova (177-G/F-78, agency: Promotex) (6 as) and Olexandra Kurasova (186-F-86) (5 rebs) followed with 13 points each. In the loosing squad, Shay Doron (175-SG-85, college: Maryland) was better than the others with 23 points. Liron Cohen (173-G-82) and Shiran Tzairi (166-PG-86, agency: Data Plus Group) posted 11 and 8 pts respectively. Ukraine is free next weekend, while Israel will host Belarus.

Ukraine: Ganna Zarytska 14, Iryna Tsekova 13+6 as, Olexandra Kurasova 13+5 boards
Israel: Shay Doron 23, Liron Cohen 11, Shiran Tzairi 11

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ITALY

LATVIA

Latvia easily beats Luxembourg 70-44 - by Eurobasket News

LATVIA - LUXEMBOURG 70-44

As expected, Latvia cruised past Luxembourg tonight celebrating comfortable 70-44 home victory. The hosts made double digit lead already in the first ten minutes and kept extending it for rest of the way. Quarters: 20-9, 22-15, 13-10, 15-10. Thanks to this win, Latvia improved to 4-2 record in Group D of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. That is currently enough for the second place in this pool. Luxembourg faced with sixth defeat in qualifications. Liene Jansone (191-F/C-81, college: Siena) had 16 points and 9 rebounds for the winners, while Sabine Niedola (184-F-91) collected 15 pts and 11 boards. Ieva Krastina (175-G/F-90, agency: LBM Management) was third scorer in victory with 10 points. Luxembourg got 14 points from Nadia Mossong (182-F-86, college: E.Kentucky) and Lisy Hetting (173-G-90) was limited to 7 pts. Latvia will play in Greece on Saturday, whil Luxembourg will host Italy.

Latvia: Liene Jansone 16+9 boards, Sabine Niedola 15+11 boards, Ieva Krastina 10
Luxembourg: Nadia Mossong 14, Lisy Hetting 7

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LITHUANIA

Lithuania blasts Slovenia in the second half for 65-46 win in Kaunas - by Eurobasket News

LITHUANIA - SLOVENIA 65-46

Both teams had 4-1 record in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications before this game. Lithuania celebrated comfortable 65-46 win staying alone on top of Group C. At the same time, Slovenia dropped to third place with 4-2 record. The hosts had impressive second half to take this very valuable victory. They made 23-8 in Q3 and closed this game with 20-14 in the last ten minutes for 65-46 win at the end. Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) shined for the hosts with 18 points and 9 rebounds and Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) also was great with double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds. Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) collected 12 points and 6 rebounds. Tina Trebec (189-F-90, agency: Kotnik Sports Agency) (8 rebs) and Maja Erkic (183-G/F-85) (5 as) scored 13 and 12 points respectively for Slovenia. Sandra Pirsic (195-C-84) stopped to 9 pts and 5 rebs. Lithuania will play in Slovakia on Saturday, while Slovenia will meet Holland in another road game.

Lithuania: Sandra Linkeviciene 18+9 boards, Gintare Petronyte 16+11 boards, Marina Solopova 12+6 boards
Slovenia: Tina Trebec 13+8 boards, Maja Erkic 12+5 as, Sandra Pirsic 9+5 boards

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LUXEMBOURG

MONTENEGRO

Montenegro destroys Switzerland in Cetinje - by Eurobasket News

MONTENEGRO - SWITZERLAND 69-39

Montenegro stays the top ranked team of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications - Group B. They outplayed Switzerland tonight in Cetinje 69-39 for 5-1 record. Visitors faced with fourth loss in six games. Montenegro took control on Switzerland from the very beginning and never looked back. It was plus 16 for the host after ten minutes of play and plus 20 at the halftime. Visitors were not able to respond after the breather and Montenegro cruised to the final 30-point win. Jelena Dubljevic (191-C-87) scored 14 pts for the hosts and Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) collected 12 points and 9 rebounds. Jelena Skerovic (176-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) helped her team with 10 points and 6 assists. Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) answered with 15 points for the guests. Marielle Giroud (180-F-87) (11 rebs) and Nseya Kassongo (187-F-87) scored 9 and 6 pts respectively. Montenegro will play in Poland on Saturday. Switzerland will host Serbia.

Montenegro: Jelena Dubljevic 14, Iva Perovanovic 12+9 boards, Jelena Skerovic 10+6 as
Switzerland: Karen Twehues 15, Marielle Giroud 9+11 boards, Nseya Kassongo 6

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NCAA1

Nebraska extends Connie Yori contract through 2017 - by Eurobasket News

Nebraska women's basketball coach Connie Yori has received a two-year contract extension through 2017.

Athletic director Tom Osborne said Tuesday that Yori deserved to be rewarded for a 2011-12 season in which the Cornhuskers went 24-9, including 10-6 in their first year in the Big Ten, and advanced to the championship game of the conference tournament.

Yori, who earned a base salary of $660,000 last year, will be paid $673,000 in 2012-13.

The Cornhuskers lost to Kansas in the first round of the NCAA tournament and finished the season ranked No. 22.

Yori, entering her 11th season at Nebraska, has guided the Huskers to eight postseason tournament appearances and more than 20 wins a season over the past nine years.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

LSU women add JUCO standout LaQuinta Jefferson - by Eurobasket News

Laquinta Jefferson, a finalist for the 2012 WBCA National Junior College Player of the Year Award, will transfer from Jefferson (Mo.) College to LSU, head women's basketball coach Nikki Caldwell announced.

Jefferson, a 6-foot guard, will enroll at LSU in the spring of 2013 and be eligible to compete during the 2013-14 season. She will have two years of remaining eligibility when she joins the Lady Tigers.

"We are very excited about LaQuinta joining the LSU family," said Caldwell. "She is a tremendous all-around player and scorer. She brings in a wealth of experience and versatility from the junior college ranks and will make a great impact on our team."

Jefferson, a native of La Vergne, Tenn., averaged a team-high 17.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.9 steals per game for Jefferson College as a sophomore this past season. She led the Lady Vikings to a 31-5 overall record, an appearance at the National Junior College Tournament, and a No. 7 national ranking.

Jefferson combined for 48 points in two games at the Region 16 tournament. She received NJCAA All-Tournament Team honors and earned a spot on the Women's Basketball Coaches' Association Junior College All-America team. Jefferson was one of three finalists for the WBCA National Junior College Player of the Year. She scored 38 points to clinch a berth for the Lady Vikings in the NJCAA National Tournament.

Courtesy of www.shreveporttimes.com

Auriemma says lawsuit won't be Olympic distraction - by Eurobasket News

U.S. women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma said Wednesday the Olympic team should not be distracted by an employment discrimination lawsuit filed by a security official who claims she spurned his advances.

"It better not be, and I don't think it will be," said Auriemma, who called his team focused and intent on winning a gold medal.

Auriemma said he would let lawyers worry about the lawsuit filed June 11 by NBA security official Kelly Hardwick, who alleges the coach tried to kiss her on a trip to Russia in 2009. The lawsuit, filed in New York state court, names Auriemma, the NBA and USA Basketball as defendants.

Auriemma made his first public appearance since the allegations became known, playing in the celebrity pro-am event at the PGA's Travelers Championship.

"I'm not going to let anything change the way I go about my job, about my life," he said. "If I was scared of anything, I wouldn't be out here. But I'm not."

Hardwick is a former detective with the New York police department who started working for the NBA in security in 2002. Her suit says that as part of her job duties, she managed security for the U.S. women at international basketball events, including the Olympics in 2004 and 2008 and the world championships in 2010.

It was during a 2009 trip to Russia that she says Auriemma wedged his way into a conversation with a co-worker in a hotel lounge, followed her to the door of her room and tried to kiss her.

Hardwick says in the suit she told supervisors about the incident, but that nothing was done. In subsequent international trips, according to the suit, Auriemma avoided her but was uncomfortable with her being there.

In March, Hardwick says, she learned of a conference call involving NBA officials in which Auriemma demanded that she be taken off the security assignment for the London Games.

Auriemma has called the allegations "beyond false."

Olympic and WNBA players have been keeping their distance from the controversy.

"I only know him as my coach," said Asjha Jones, a member of the WNBA's Connecticut Sun and an Olympic team member who also played for Auriemma at the University of Connecticut. "I don't know what happens off the court with him. It's not my business, and it's none of his business what I do off the court. We stay in our lanes."

Jones and other WNBA players said they know and respect Hardwick, who also provides security for the league.

U.S. center Tina Charles, another former Husky, said she doesn't think the lawsuit will distract players.

"Knowing coach Auriemma, he knows how to prioritize things," she said. "Like when you're on the court, your focus should be on the court. Outside things, you go on and handle your business."

Auriemma made light of the situation Wednesday, joking that pro wrestler Booker T, a playing partner at the pro-am, might be a good person to take "on road trips where I need some kind of protection."

"Like my wife said, those people who didn't like me, like me less, and those people who did like me, like me the same," he said. "So, I guess it's a net loss."

Auriemma is next scheduled to meet with the Olympic team for practice in Washington on July 14-16 before heading to London for the games, which begin two weeks later.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Notre Dame head coach McGraw receives contract extension - by Eurobasket News

Notre Dame head women's basketball coach Muffet McGraw signed a 10-year contract extension on Monday.

The new deal runs through the 2021-22 season.

"We are thrilled to be able to enter into a decade-long agreement with Muffet, who is not only the face of Notre Dame women's basketball, but increasingly, the face of women's basketball, given all that she's accomplished," said Notre Dame vice president and athletic director Jack Swarbrick said.

McGraw guided the Fighting Irish to the 2001 national title and three other appearances in the national championship game (1997, 2011, 2012).

"She's taken this program to a place where it's annually in the conversation for the national championships, which is the model all coaches want to follow," Swarbrick added. "She's also playing an important role in the game nationally, and her peers recognize those contributions, as well as the quality of her program here at Notre Dame. Off the court, she has created a program that has a lasting community identification and a special connection between the University and the city of South Bend, which is one of those unique points of intersection that universities have to be careful to build and maintain, and she's done that for us in a really remarkable way."

McGraw has compiled a 591-215 record during her 25 seasons with Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish have made 19 NCAA Tournament appearances under McGraw, including 17 in a row.

Courtesy of www.foxnews.com

Arizona assistant hired to lead NAU women's team - by Eurobasket News

Northern Arizona has hired Arizona assistant coach Sue Darling to lead the women's basketball program.

Darling, an assistant women's basketball coach at Arizona for the last four seasons, replaces Laurie Kelly, who resigned from Northern Arizona in April.

As the top assistant at Arizona, Darling served as the offensive coordinator and directed player and team development. She was also involved in recruiting, scouting and marketing.

Darling has coached for 27 years, including her stint at Arizona and a stint at Arizona State and three years as the head coach at Air Force.

Courtesy of http://sports.sportsillustrated.cnn.com

China post two victories over USA All-Stars - by Eurobasket News

Chinese National Team registered back-to-back victories over USA All-Star selection in Jinzhong City.
The first game ended with the hosts claiming a 99:74 victory. China jumped to a 30:16 lead after ten minutes and maintained the lead throughout the rest of the encounter. Ma Zengyu (183-F-84) accounted for 26 points for China. Chen Nan (197-C-83) and Miao LiJie (180-G-81) came up with 11 points each to lead the winners. Rebecca Tobin (195-F-88, college: Arizona St.) answered with 12 points for USA All-Stars. Becky Burke (180-G-89, agency: LBM Management) had 11 points in the losing case.
Next game was a tougher contest. China led by six points after the opening quarter 27:21. The hosts boosted the gap at 16-point mark at the interval 54:38. China maintained the lead throughout the second term to secure a 100:82 win at the end. Miao LiJie posted 22 points to pace the winning side. Wei Wei (206-C-89) contributed 21 points for China. Ashley Corral (175-G-90, college: USC) topscored with 17 points for USA All-Stars. Dawn Evans (170-PG-89, agency: LBM Management, college: JMU) provided 14 points in the loss.

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NORWAY

Standings - Women

Kvinneligaen Standings

1. Ammerud		0-0
2. BC Asker		0-0
3. Gimle		0-0
4. Oslo Tigers		0-0
5. Ullern		0-0
6. Ulriken		0-0

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 21: Ulriken - BC Asker
Sep. 21: Ullern - Oslo Tigers
Sep. 21: Ammerud - Gimle

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OLYMPIC GAMES

POLAND

Standings - PLKK

PLKK Standings

1. Artego Bydg.		0-0
2. AZS Rzeszow		0-0
3. CCC Polkowice		0-0
4. Energa Torun		0-0
5. Gdynia		0-0
6. Gorzow		0-0
7. L.School P.		0-0
8. Lider Pruszkow		0-0
9. LKS Siemens		0-0
10. Odra Brzeg		0-0
11. ROW Rybnik		0-0
12. Tecza Leszno		0-0
13. Widzew		0-0
14. Wisla Can-Pak		0-0

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 29: AZS Rzeszow - Wisla Can-Pak
Sep. 29: Gdynia - ROW Rybnik
Sep. 29: Tecza Leszno - L.School P.
Sep. 29: Odra Brzeg - Widzew
Sep. 29: Gorzow - LKS Siemens
Sep. 29: Energa Torun - Artego Bydg.
Sep. 29: CCC Polkowice - Lider Pruszkow

PORTUGAL

Belarus too strong for Portugal in Minsk, 63-41 - by Eurobasket News

BELARUS - PORTUGAL 63-41

Belarus had no troubles to beat Portugal tonight in Round Seven of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. It was a 63-41 win for the hosts, who stay No.1 of Group A with almost perfect 5-1 record. Portugal closes the standings in this pool with 0-6. Belarus won every single period of this game to celebrated comfortable win at the end. Quarters: 14-12, 18-11, 13-10, 18-8. Tatsiana Likhtarovich (179-G/F-88, agency: LBM Management) scored 13 points for the hosts, but their best player tonight was Anastasiya Veremeenko (194-C-87) with double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds (valuation 24). Natalia Anufryienka (174-G-85, agency: LBM Management) helped with 10 pts. In Portugal, Sofia Silva (187-C-90) scored 15 points, Michelle Brandao (172-G-91) had 8 and Joana Lopes (185-SF-86) stopped to 7 pts, plus 5 rebs. Belarus will play in Israel next weekend. Portugal waits Hungary.

Belarus: Tatsiana Likhtarovich 13, Anastasiya Veremeenko 12+12 boards, Natalia Anufryienka 10
Portugal: Sofia Silva 15, Michelle Brandao 8, Joana Lopes 7+5 boards

Portugal Under-16 in the CPLP Sports Games - by Luis Filipe Cristovao

Portugal Under-16 Women team will participate in the CPLP Sports Games, to be held in Mafra, before leaving for Tallinn (July 10th), where they will play in the European Championship Division B.

Along with Portugal, the CPLP Sports Games Basketball Tournament will include the National Teams from Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau and Sao Tome Principe.

The Portuguese roster is composed by the following players:
Ana Moniz (CPN)
Catarina Cavaco (Juventude BC)
Carolina Bernardeco (GDEMA Meneres)
Chelsea Guimaraes (GDESSA)
Emilia Ferreira (GDESSA)
Francisca Meinedo (CPN)
Joana Alves (SL Benfica)
Mafalda Marques (SIMECQ)
Maria Kostourkova (SIMECQ)
Marlene Cassama (GDESSA)
Simone Costa (SL Benfica)
Sofia Almeida (CPN)

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ROMANIA

RWANDA

ETENI and St Joseph crowned champions of Interschools 2012 in Basketball - by Eurobasket News

Ten days ago, the District of RUBAVU hosted the semi-final and finals games of interschools 2012 for secondary schools for all spsorts. In Basketball, Semi finals was scheduled on Saturday, 23th June 2012 as follow:

Women: St Joseph (Kabgayi) vs ENDP (Huye): 62 - 36, St Aloys (Rwamagana) vs ES MUSANZE : 34 - 14

Men: ETENI (Rubavu) vs College Amis des Enfants (Gasabo): 71 - 61, LDK vs St Joseph (Kabgayi): 75 - 54

On Sunday, 24th June 2012, the finals was played by winners in semi finals where in women's category the team of St Joseph from Kabgayi beat St Aloys from Rwamagana 60 against 34, the ladies of Coach Patrick HABIYAMBERE played a good and technical games full of motivation as most of them are selected in the U18 National women team and dominated the Alexandre's Ladies who are growing up in Basketball as they accepted the defeat against St Joseph.

The last Basketball final game was played by men teams, and the team of Lyce de Kigali start the 1st Quarter technical and physicaly fit and beat ETENI (Rubavu) by 15 - 09, after this short score, the Rubavu based school team ETENI took the game seriously and ended the second quarter with a score of 23 against 10.

During the second half the LDK boys was dominated seriuosly by Rubavu guys and the third quarter was dominated by ETENI boys who was motivated physicaly with the support of their fans and the score at the 3rd quarter was 28 - 09.

At the 4th Quarter, the boys of Coach Moise MUTOKA tried to wake up and both teams shown a good basketball game full of tactics and technicas and the period ended with a tight score of 22 points each team, and the final scores was 76 for ETENI against 56 of LDK.

NZARAMBA Cecile and SHYAKA Eric was named as MVPs in their respective categories and they ware awarded by the Rwanda Basketball Federation, and each one got a Ball.

This year, the Federation of Basketball gave his supports to the School sports federation for awarding the particpating teams in final phases of finals, Four teams in ladies category and 4 in men category where each team got a ball for practice.

Courtesy of www.rwandabasket.com

Rwanda ready to host AFROBASKET U18 Zone 5 Qualifying - by Eurobasket News

Less 2 months to go, the Rwanda Basketball Federation - FERWABA started preparation to host the Afrobasket U18 Zone 5 Qualifying tournament to be held here in Kigali from 17th to 22nd July 2012 at AMAHORO Indoor Stadium. Tournament will have participation of Men and Women National team of the Zone 5: Kenya, Rwanda,Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Erithrea. The National Team U18 of Egypt will not participate because it is already qualified as FIBA AFRIQUE U18 Champion in 2010.

FERWABA is working on preparation of the Rwanda National teams U18 Men and Women which selection are done. Led by the Croatian NENAD Amanovic, the Rwandan selections will have a hard work to be qualified against Kenya, Ugandan and Burundian boys and girls.

Qualified teams will play AFROBASKET U18 2012 in Mozambique for Men and in Ethiopia for Women.

Courtesy of www.rwandabasket.com

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SERBIA

Serbia U16 edge Great Britain U16 in test game in Loznica - by Tamara Ruzic

Serbian U16 National team played a first test game against Great Britain in Loznica wining 65-39. The hosts proved the strength from the beginning and kept all the way. Serbia had their opponents up to 15points in the fist half. Great Britain adjusted their offense in second half. Visitors started the last quarter with 6-2, but Serbia controlled it and the rest of the game was the formality.
Anja Spasojevic (180-SG-96) top scored with 14 points and Aleksandra Crvendakapic added 13 points for Serbia. On the other side, Leah McDerment (180-PG-96) scored 10 points.
Second test game these two team will play again on Thursday in Lozica @ 20.30.

U20 NT started preparation for European Champonship - by Dragana Vukovic

Two days ago Serbian U20 NT started preparation for European Championship. Head coach Radenko Varagic (agency: Beo Basket ) invited 16 girls in training camp which started in Belgrade. On the 11th of July they will play against Serbian U18 NT and after that they are moving in Banja Koviljaca to continue the preparation. They will stay there till the 24th of July and during that period they will play three games against Turkey. After that they will have tournament in France and they are coming back in Serbia to continue the preparation in Becej. On the 14th of August they are leaving for European Championship.

Kaja Stankovic (173-G-92), Radivoj Korac, Belgrade
Zorana Marinkovic (168-G-93), Vozdovac, Belgrade
Tamara Miskovic, Vrbas, Vrbas
Snezana Colic (178-G-92), Radivoj Korac, Belgrade
Tijana Dijan (174-PG-92), Crvena Zvezda, Belgrade
Tamara Rajic (182-G/F-93), Vrbas, Vrbas
Jovana Jaksic (178-F/G-92), Hemofarm, Vrsac
Milica Toskovic (187-G-93), Dartmouth College, USA
Jelena Stankovic (180-F-93), Vozdovac, Belgrade
Vanja Grbic (176-G-93), Celarevo, Celarevo
Jovana Djordjevic (187-F-93), Radivoj Korac, Belgrade
Jovana Karakasevic (190-C/F-92), Crvena Zvezda, Belgrade
Ivana Brajkovic (195-C-93), Radivoj Korac, Belgrade
Olivera Gapic (179-G-92), Crvena Zvezda, Belgrade
Tijana Djukic (190-F/C-93), Vojvodina, Belgrade
Vida Emese (188-F/C-93), Spartak, Subotica

Head Coach: Radenko Varagic (agency: Beo Basket )
Assistant Coach: Marjan Stojanac
Assistant Coach: Vladimir Stojiljkovic
Physiotherapist: Igor Kovacic
Doctor: Momcilo Jakovljevic
Team Manager: Jelena Popovic

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SLOVAKIA

SLOVENIA

Italy defeat Slovenia in Slovenj Gradec - by Eurobasket News

Slovenia U16 - Italy U16 56:59

Italy gained the first win in the test series versus Slovenian counterparts in Slovenj Gradec. The visitors earned a tough three-point win in the opener. Isabel Hernandez scored 12 points to lead the visitors.
Slovenia bravely entered the game. The hosts ensured a 22:14 lead after ten minutes. But Italy slowed the hosts down in the second quarter. The visitors drew things level at 31 after twenty minutes of action. Italy pulled ahead for a narrow 40:39 lead with one quarter remaining. Italy outscored the hosts in the final frame and sealed the victory at the end. Alessia Cabrini accounted for 10 points, while Arianna Landi added 9 points in the victory. Larisa Ocvirk (184-F-97) answered with 14 points for Slovenia. Jakobcic and Zala Lesek (187-F-97) had 11 points apiece in the loss.

Slovenia U16: Larisa Ocvirk 14, Jakobcic 11, Zala Lesek 11
Italy U16: Isabel Hernandez 12, Alessia Cabrini 10, Arianna Landi 9

Lithuania blasts Slovenia in the second half for 65-46 win in Kaunas - by Eurobasket News

LITHUANIA - SLOVENIA 65-46

Both teams had 4-1 record in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications before this game. Lithuania celebrated comfortable 65-46 win staying alone on top of Group C. At the same time, Slovenia dropped to third place with 4-2 record. The hosts had impressive second half to take this very valuable victory. They made 23-8 in Q3 and closed this game with 20-14 in the last ten minutes for 65-46 win at the end. Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) shined for the hosts with 18 points and 9 rebounds and Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) also was great with double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds. Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) collected 12 points and 6 rebounds. Tina Trebec (189-F-90, agency: Kotnik Sports Agency) (8 rebs) and Maja Erkic (183-G/F-85) (5 as) scored 13 and 12 points respectively for Slovenia. Sandra Pirsic (195-C-84) stopped to 9 pts and 5 rebs. Lithuania will play in Slovakia on Saturday, while Slovenia will meet Holland in another road game.

Lithuania: Sandra Linkeviciene 18+9 boards, Gintare Petronyte 16+11 boards, Marina Solopova 12+6 boards
Slovenia: Tina Trebec 13+8 boards, Maja Erkic 12+5 as, Sandra Pirsic 9+5 boards

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SOMALIA

SPAIN

Sancho Lyttle will play tonight against Sweden - by Eurobasket News

According to Liga Endesa web site, Sancho Lyttle (192-C-83, college: Houston) joined Spanish National Team and she is expected to play tonight against Sweden. Both teams have 4-1 record in Group D of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. Lyttle is a member of the Spanish NT since 2010. She paced them to Bronze at 2010 World Championship in Czech Republic. For 8 games at this event Lyttle had 18.4 ppg, 11.5 rpg and 1.8 spg for 8 games. She was named Eurobasket.com All-World Championships Best Center. Sancho Lyttle also was good at 2011 EuroBasket in Poland. There she had 11.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 2.5 apg for 6 games. Eurobasket awarded her with All-European Championships Honorable Mention -11. Sancho Lyttle is currently a member of the WNBA team Atlanta Dream. She averages 13.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists.

Sweden beats Spain in Alcobendas, stays alone at No.1 in Group D - by Eurobasket News

SPAIN - SWEDEN 73-79

Sweden did a great job tonight in Alcobendas. They handed 73-79 home loss to Spain in Round Seven of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. Both teams had 4-1 record before this meeting and Sweden now stays alone on top of Group D. Spain dropped to the second place with 4-2. Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) stepped up for the winners with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) (12 rebs) and Kadidja Andersson (185-F-80, college: Minnesota) netted 14 points each. In defeat, Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas) delivered 19 points for 23 minutes on the court. Laia Palau (178-G-79) scored 12 and Elisa Aguilar (177-G-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: G.Washington) stopped to 10 pts in this loss. Sancho Lyttle played her first game in qualifications, but she had only 9 pts and 5 rebs for 29 minutes. Sweden made 2-9 run at the middle of the Q3 and later ended it with 52-60 lead. With 7:38 remaining in the game visitors were up by 14 and Spain was in big trouble. The hosts came to 65-70 with 4:41 to go, but Kaddidja Andersson immediately replied with two jump shots and later sisters Eldebrink sealed the victory for Sweden. Quarters: 17-21, 20-23, 15-16, 21-19. Sweden will host Bulgaria on Saturday, while Spain will play in Germany.

Spain: Amaya Valdemoro 19, Laia Palau 12, Elisa Aguilar 10
Sweden: Frida Eldebrink 18+9 boards, Louice Halvarsson 14+12 boards, Kadidja Andersson 14

Spanish U18 National Team 2012 - by Greg

Spanish U18 National Team 2012

De Alfredo

Romero

Lizaranzu

Perez

Gari

Elena De Alfredo

170-F-94

Estudiantes Spain

Irene Goicoechea

175-G-94

Estudiantes Spain

Leticia Romero

174-G-95

Gran Canaria Spain

Marina Lizaranzu

172-F-95

Rivas Ecopolis Spain

Marta Perez

172-G-89

Rivas Ecopolis Spain

Irene Gari

184-F-94

Segle XXI

Maria Arrojo

186-F-85

Segle XXI

Marta Montoliu

182-G-94

CBF Sarria Spain

Rocio Trigueros

183-F-94

Estudiantes Spain

Edurne Segues

182-F-95

Pais Vasco Spain

Marles Balart

182-F/C-94

Ros Casares Spain

Ana Faussuier

189-C/F-94

Segle XXI

Astou Ndour

196-C-94

Gran Canaria Spain

Yaiza Lazaro

186-F/C-94

Gernika

Laura Correa

190-C-94

Segle XXI

185-C-94

Head Coach

Coach Assistant

Coach Assistant

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SWEDEN

Sweden beats Spain in Alcobendas, stays alone at No.1 in Group D - by Eurobasket News

SPAIN - SWEDEN 73-79

Sweden did a great job tonight in Alcobendas. They handed 73-79 home loss to Spain in Round Seven of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. Both teams had 4-1 record before this meeting and Sweden now stays alone on top of Group D. Spain dropped to the second place with 4-2. Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) stepped up for the winners with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) (12 rebs) and Kadidja Andersson (185-F-80, college: Minnesota) netted 14 points each. In defeat, Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas) delivered 19 points for 23 minutes on the court. Laia Palau (178-G-79) scored 12 and Elisa Aguilar (177-G-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: G.Washington) stopped to 10 pts in this loss. Sancho Lyttle played her first game in qualifications, but she had only 9 pts and 5 rebs for 29 minutes. Sweden made 2-9 run at the middle of the Q3 and later ended it with 52-60 lead. With 7:38 remaining in the game visitors were up by 14 and Spain was in big trouble. The hosts came to 65-70 with 4:41 to go, but Kaddidja Andersson immediately replied with two jump shots and later sisters Eldebrink sealed the victory for Sweden. Quarters: 17-21, 20-23, 15-16, 21-19. Sweden will host Bulgaria on Saturday, while Spain will play in Germany.

Spain: Amaya Valdemoro 19, Laia Palau 12, Elisa Aguilar 10
Sweden: Frida Eldebrink 18+9 boards, Louice Halvarsson 14+12 boards, Kadidja Andersson 14

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SWITZERLAND

TAIWAN

2012 Williams Jones Cup invitational tournament -- womens competition - by Chris Wang

The 2012 William Jones Cup invitational tournament will be held at the Miaoli Dome Gymnasium in Miaoli County, Taiwan from July 7-11 with six teams from five countries in participation.

The six teams include a pair of teams from host Taiwan -- Cathay Life and Chunghua Telecom as well as Japan NT, India NT, Malaysia NT and Chapman University, a US college team at Div. III.

The preliminary schedule is as follows:

July 7
14:00 Opening ceremony
14:30 Cathay Life vs. US
16:00 Japan vs. India
18:00 Chunghua Telecom vs. Malaysia

July 8
14:00 Malaysia vs. Cathay Life
16:00 US vs. Japan
18:00 India vs. Chunghua Telecom

July 9
14:00 Malaysia vs. US
16:00 Japan vs. Chunghua Telecom
18:00 Cathay Life vs. India

July 10
14:00 US vs. India
16:00 Malaysia vs. Japan
18:00 Cathay Life vs. Chunghua Telecom

July 11
14:00 Malaysia vs. India
16:00 US vs. Chunghua Telecom
18:00 Cathay Life vs. Japan
20:00 Closing ceremony

According to India Basketball Federation, the India NT roster is listed below:

India's Women's Team for 2012 William Jones Cup

Akanksha Singh (Delhi)
Geethu Anna Jose (Indian Railways)
Anitha Paul Durai (Indian Railways)
Anju Lakra (Indian Railways)
S. Kokila (Indian Railways)
Smruthi Radhakrishnan (Indian Railways)
Kiranjit Kaur (Indian Railways)
Apoorva Murlinath (Indian Railways)
Kavita (Indian Railways)
Aruna Kindo (Indian Railways)
Jeena PS (Kerala)
Pratima Singh (Delhi)
Head Coach: C. Thinakaran (Tamil Nadu)
Assistant Coach: Prem Kumar (Kerala)

http://indiabasketball.org/newsdetails.php?id=676

I will post related information on to the blog as long as they are available.a

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TURKEY

Turkish Women U20 National Team 2012 - by Greg

Turkish U20 National Team 2012

Yildiz

Duman

Karasu

Koc

Akgun

Ferda Yildiz

183-F-93

Antalya Koleji Turkey

Gulsah Duman

175-G-93

Mersin Univ. Turkey

Hande Karasu

187-P/F-93

Besiktas

Yasemin Koc

189-C-93

Besiktas

Busra Akgun

185-SF-93

Botas

Nadya Zuyeva

192-C-93

Botas

Pelin Gulbag

172-G-91

Tarsus Bld Turkey

Pinar Caliskan

173-F-93

Burhaniye Bld Turkey

Aysegul Gunay

172-PG-92

Kayseri

Emel Turkyilmaz

194-F/C-92

Fenerbahce Turkey

Olcay Cakir

180-PG-93

Fenerbahce Turkey

Ozge Kavurmacioglu

187-F-93

Fenerbahce Turkey

Ayse Cora

175-G/F-93

Galatasaray Turkey

Gizem Basaran

194-C-92

Burhaniye Bld Turkey

Rana Derin

175-G/F-92

Gure

Kubra Dicle

187-C-92

Nesibe

Balim Akbulak

176-G/F-93

Izmir BSB

Ecem Guler

189-PF-92

Optimum TED Turkey

Aziz Akkaya

Head Coach

Besiktas

Ebutalip Ozsar

Assistant

Umit Dahar

Assistant

Fenerbahce Turkey

Ismail Tuncay

Assistant

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UKRAINE

WILLIAM JONES CUP

WNBA

Storm centers Ann Wauters and Ewelina Kobryn injured - by Eurobasket News

The Storm returned from a successful 2-1 road trip with a pair of injuries to its post rotation. Reserve C Ewelina Kobryn (6'4''-C-82) missed practice on Tuesday due to a strained right hamstring. She was able to ride a stationary bike, according to a team spokeswoman.

C Ann Wauters (6'5''-C-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) missed Sunday's win in Connecticut and practice due to a strained left Achilles. She said the injury was evaluated by doctors and there is a small tear, which could keep her out of the lineup for Saturday's game at Los Angeles.

"It's nothing too big, it's a little tear," Wauters said after practice. "It happened during the New York game toward the end. I kind of felt when I jumped that I must have stretched it a little bit. What the doctors have told me is (playing Saturday) is really going to depend on how I'm going to feel. It all depends on how fast it heals."

Wauters, a 6 foot 4 post, is averaging 10.3 points and 6.2 rebounds. The Storm (7-8) has won six of its past seven games, but is 0-3 against the Sparks (10-6) this season. The final of the five-game series is after the Olympic break.

Joining Wauters on the sideline was Kobryn, also a 6-4 post. She tweaked her hamstring on Sunday and is day-to-day. She's averaging 5 points off the bench, scoring a career-high 13 against the Sun.

"We'll know more on Thursday," Agler said of the injuries.

Courtesy of http://seattletimes.nwsource.com

Adams, Hammon propel Silver Stars past Mercury - by Eurobasket News

Danielle Adams (6'1''-F/C-89, college: Texas A&M) scored 24 points and Becky Hammon added 22 as the San Antonio Silver Stars rallied for an 82-81 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday night.

Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) had 12 points and 14 rebounds to help San Antonio (8-5) win its fourth in a row overall and sixth consecutive at home.

DeWanna Bonner (6'4''-G-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Auburn) had a career-high 38 points and eight rebounds and Charde Houston (6'1''-F-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) added 19 points for Phoenix (4-11).

Hammon scored 17 points in the second half as the Silver Stars rallied after trailing by 13.

"That's why she's the player that she is," San Antonio coach Dan Hughes said. "Some players you kind of look at where they are during a game, but you never do that with Becky. She'll give us the best she has got. She is a heck of a player."

Hammon scored seven points in the final 1:05, including a tiebreaking three-point play that put the Silver Stars ahead for good after Bonner's two free throws tied the score at 75-all. Hammon made two free throws with 38.5 to go, extending the lead to five.

Alexis Hornbuckle (5'11''-G-85, college: Tennessee) hit a 3-pointer less than 8 seconds later, and Hammon made two more free throws with 2.4 seconds remaining to seal the victory. Bonner's 3 at the buzzer provided the final margin.

"We played so hard," Houston said. "I think our effort and energy is never questioned, but tonight, despite everything that happened, it came down to the last play. No matter how we fought, we came up short."

Adams sparked San Antonio's rally, scoring 20 points and grabbing four rebounds in the second half. She shot 8-for-13 over the final 20 minutes, including 5-for-7 in the fourth quarter.

"We let Adams get going in the second half," Bonner said. "She played a great game. She shot lights out in the second half. I don't know if she even missed a shot."

Adams scored nine points in a 17-5 run that cut the Silver Stars' deficit to 52-51 with 2 minutes left in the third. Hammon's first 3-pointer since late in the first half tied the score at 61-all with 7 minutes left and Adams' driving layup 19 seconds later gave them a 63-61 lead.

San Antonio extended its lead to 66-61 when Hammon pretended to run upcourt, stole the ensuing inbounds pass and converted a three-point play.

After failing to shoot better than 33 percent in the first three quarters, the Silver Stars closed by making 2 of 3 shots and 9 of 10 free throws. They closed the game shooting 35 percent from the field, including 5-for-30 on 3-pointers.

"We just told each other to keep pushing," Adams said. "Keep going, keep playing defense. We play off of our defense."

The Mercury dominated the first 23 minutes of the game before San Antonio closed the score.

Bonner's 3-pointer gave Phoenix a 7-6 advantage, the first time San Antonio had trailed in five games since losing June 22 at Seattle. The 6-foot-4 Bonner dominated San Antonio's smaller defenders, scoring 19 points in the first quarter while shooting 6 for 9 from the field.

"A couple of times we had decent pressure on them and they hit some tough shots," Hammon said. "You've got to give them credit. I thought they played pretty well."

Bonner's 16-foot jumper gave the Mercury a 33-23 lead with 3 minutes left in the first half as they limited the Silver Stars to 28-percent shooting from the field.

"Offensively, I can't remember us missing that many wide open shots," Hammon said. "It was just one of those nights."

Silver Stars reserve Tully Bevilaqua announced prior to the game that she is retiring after this season. Bevilaqua has spent 14 seasons in the WNBA, including two with San Antonio. She has played in 449 career games, scoring 1,900 points and is one of only four players in league history with 800 career assists and 500 career steals.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com