EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/8/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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  AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18   



Afrobasket U18 Qualifiers: Curtain falls on qualifiers, as CIV look set to pick slot - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Host of the Afrobasket Men U18 Zone-3 qualifiers Cote dIvoire look set to pick the sole slot for the zone in the 2012 Afrobasket for U18 Men billed for Maputo Mozambique later in the year ends today at the Palais des Sports arena, Treichville.

The young Ivorian with a 4-1 record will take on Liberia in the last game of the qualifiers at 18H00 while second placed Nigeria will do battle against Ghana at 16H00.

Both Nigeria and Ghana are tied at 3-2 record with Ghana defeating Liberia on Friday by 55-44 points while Nigeria went down to Cote dIvoire by 43-65 points.

The game between Cote dIvoire and Liberia can be said to be a foreclose issue but with surprises everywhere in the basketball world no team can be written off until the buzzer as Ghana look set to upset Nigeria in their affairs.


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  ANDORRA   


Andorra win European Championship for Small Countries - by Eurobasket News

Andorra - Moldova 74:72

Andorra clinched the title at the European Championship for Small Countries. They eked out a thrilling win over Moldova in the Final. Xavier Galera (182-PG-82), Oriol Fernandez (186-F-88) and Daniel Marin (192-SF-78) came up with 16 points each for the winners.
Andorra enjoyed a narrow 17:16 lead ten minutes into the game. They stretched the gap to 5 points at halftime 32:27. Andorra maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. They arrived at the final intermission up by 13 points 58:45. Moldova went on a desperate rescue rally in the fourth quarter. Ivan Cropotov (210-C-88, college: SW Baptist) tied things up at 72 with ten seconds remaining. But Casals drained a jumper late in regulation to seal the victory for Andorra. Casals accounted for 11 points for Andorra. Ivan Cropotov posted 18 points for Moldova. Anton Rulevski (194-SF-88) netted 16 points in the loss.

Andorra: Xavier Galera 16, Oriol Fernandez 16, Daniel Marin 16
Moldova: Ivan Cropotov 18, Anton Rulevski 16


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  ARGENTINA   


U17 World Championship: Argentina overcame Czech Republic in Kaunas - by Eurobasket News

Argentina U17-Czech Republic U17 78:70

Argentina overcame Czech Republic in Kaunas in the classification Round for 5-8 places. The Latin American team celebrated a 78:70 win and will face Canada tomorrow for the 5th place. Czech Republic meanwhile will take on China in the game for the 7th place.
Czech Republic started the game with 17-13 lead, but failed to stay tough in the rest of the half. Argentina needed 22-15 in the second period to take 35:32 at the halftime. Moreover the winners added 24-20 in the third period and had 7 points deficit entering the last stanza. Argentina won also the last period 19-18 and will play for the higher place at U17 World Championship.
Gabriel Deck (202-C/F-95) top-scored for the winners with 28 points and Rodrigo Haag (193-SG-95) nailed 16. Alvaro Merlo (182-PG-95) notched 10 and Juan Vaulet (198-PF-96) brought 7. Jiri Dedek (191-SF-95) ended up with 15 points in the losing effort, while Martin Peterka (203-PF-95) had 13. Radovan Kouril (185-PG-95) delivered 12 and Jiri Soula (189-PG-95) posted 11.

Argentina U17: Gabriel Deck 28, Rodrigo Haag 16, Alvaro Merlo 10, Juan Vaulet 7
Czech Republic U17: Jiri Dedek 15, Martin Peterka 13, Radovan Kouril 12, Jiri Soula 11


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  AUSTRALIA   


U17 World Championship: Australia hand Croatia their first loss and advance to the Final - by Eurobasket News

Australia U17-Croatia U17 83:71

Australia hand Croatia their first loss and advance to the Final of the U17 World Championship. The Aussies overcame the European representative 83:71.
Croatia scored the first 6 points in the game and won the opening period 24:21. Mario Hezonja (202-G/F-95) nailed three for 29:23, but then Australian team pushed the tempo for good. After 21-11 in the frame they grabbed 42:35 at the halftime. Moreover Australia added 24-16 in the third quarter as Martin closed the period at 66:51. Croatia tried hard to recover in the last period, but managed to win the last stanza only 20-17. Jack Purchase (203-PF-95) made the last shot from the perimeter for the final success.
Mirko Djeric (191-PG-95) top-scored for the winners with 21 points, while Dante Exum (193-PG-95) added 18. Jack Purchase notched 12, while Nicholas Duncan (203-F-95) and Felix KALAU VON HOFE scored 8 each. Mario Hezonja delivered 28 points in the losing effort and Marko Arapovic (207-C/F-96) netted 17.

Australia U17: Mirko Djeric 21, Dante Exum 18, Jack Purchase 12, Nicholas Duncan 8, Felix KALAU VON HOFE 8
Croatia U17: Mario Hezonja 28, Marko Arapovic 17


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  BELGIUM   


Finland U16 and Belgium U16 exchange victories - by Eurobasket News

Finland U16 and Belgium U16 exchange victories in two friendly games between each other.
At first Belgium U16 grabbed 80:79 victory. Finland started with 31-18 but failed in the rest of the game. Belgium needed 18-13 in the second frame and erupted with 27-18 in the second quarter. Henri Niemisto (194-G-96) top-scored for the Finnish side with 21 points, while Tuomas Hirvonen brought 13.
In Game 2 Finland registered a 58:54 win. Trailing 12-16 after the first period, they won the rest of the quarters. In the last stanza Finland needed 12-11 to win the game. Elias Eerikinharju (185-G-96) paced all the winners with 19 points, while Juho-Matti Henttonen (195-C-96) had 11. Fiifi Aidoo (175-PG-96) scored 8 and Henri Niemisto as well as Aapeli Alanen poured in 5 apiece.


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  BOSNIA   


Igokea land Branko Jorovic - by Eurobasket News

Igokea Aleksandrovac strengthened their roster. They added Branko Jorovic (205-F-81, agency: Beo Basket). Last season Branko Jorovic spent in Germany. He played for New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. The forward averaged 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game in 1Bundesliga. He made it into German Bundesliga All-Bosmans Team. Previously Branko Jorovic had stints in Greece, Serbia and Spain. He was named into Serbian League All-Defensive Team in 2006. One year before Branko Jorovic was trumped All-Adriatic League Forward of the Year. He was the member of Serbian National Team in 2006. In 2003 Branko Jorovic played for the Serbian University National Team.


Jakov Vladovic leaves Siroki for Krka - by Eurobasket News

Jakov Vladovic (186-PG-83) is no longer a member of Siroki WWin. The Croatian point guard turned down the offer for contract extension. Instead of it Vladovic accepted deal with Slovenian champs Krka Novo Mesto.
Jakov Vladovic joined Siroki last summer. He helped them defend Bosnian championship title and Cup. Vladovic had 10.6 ppg, 5.3 apg and 3.5 rpg for 10 games in domestic championship. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Bosnia and Herzegovina League Guard of the Year. Vladovic also shined in Adriatic league, where he collected 10.9 points, 5 assists and 3.1 rebounds. He was No.5 in assists.
Before Siroki, Jakov Vladovic played for Zadar and Lokomotiv Kuban. Few days ago, Fran Pilepic (Bilbao) and Coleman Collins (Roanne) also left the club.
Croatian center Jure Lalic (212-C-86) signed contract extension with Krka.


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  CANADA   


U17 World Championship: Canada rout China to play for the 5th place tomorrow - by Eurobasket News

China U17-Canada U17 64:68

Canada rout China to play for the 5th place tomorrow at U17 World Championship. The Canadian team overcame the representative from Asia 68:64.
Canada opened the game with 23-14 and added 13-11 in the second frame. Chine tried to recover and responded with 17-6 in the third period, but Canada needed 26-22 in the last quarter for a 4-point victory.
Justin Jackson (198-SG-97) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Kevin-Mbezela Zabo (186-G-95) notched 18. Marial Shayok (196-SG-95) collected 9 points and 10 rebounds, while Tanveer Bhullar (218-C-95) added 8.
Zhou Qi (216-C-96) had 21 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 8 blocks. But Zhao Jiwei scored only 5 points on 1 of 10 shooting. He had 2 assists to 5 turnovers and fouled out in 33 minutes. Guo Xiaopeng stepped up with 21 points and 3 rebounds, starting ahead of Heng Yifeng. Heng had 9 points and 6 rebounds in reserve. Han Delong was scoreless in 18 minutes. Liu Bo had 4 points and 7 rebounds in 21 minutes.

China U17: Zhou Qi 21+10 rebs, Guo XiaoPeng 21,
Canada U17: Justin Jackson 23, Kevin-Mbezela Zabo 18, Marial Shayok 9+10 rebs, Tanveer Bhullar 8


Volcanoes' season ends with playoff loss - by Eurobasket News

The Vancouver Volcanoes' quest for a second straight league title crashed to a halt Friday with a 127-98 loss to Bellingham.

The Volcanoes, the defending International Basketball League champions, fell to the host Slam in the semifinals of the league playoffs. Bellingham will meet the Portland Chinooks on Sunday for the league title.

Alexander Hartman (201-F-85, college: Concordia, OR) led a balanced attack Friday for the Volcanoes with 21 points, but Vancouver was unable to overcome an early deficit.

The Slam led by four points following the first quarter and expanded the lead to 41-28 midway through the second. After leading 91-75 through three quarters, Bellingham put the game away with a 36-23 advantage in the final period.

Andrew Ready (185-G, college: W.Washington) finished with 26 points, nine rebounds, and six assists for the Slam.

Josh Tarver (191-G-86, college: Oregon St.) scored 20 points for Vancouver, while Brad Lechtenberg (188-G-81, college: San Diego) had 17 and Alex Tiefenthaler added 15. Lechtenberg was 5 of 6 from 3-point range for the second night in a row, finishing two playoff games with 32 points and 10 of 12 from long range.


IBL Semifinals at Bellingham

Friday's Games

Bellingham Slam 127, Vancouver Volcanoes 98

Portland Chinooks 118, Olympia Reign 113

BELLINGHAM SLAM 127, VANCOUVER VOLCANOES 98

VANCOUVER - Nakashima 0-0 0-0 0, Lechtenberg 5-6 2-2 17, Troupe 1-7 0-0 2, Tarver 6-14 6-6 20, Hartman 7-16 5-6 21, West 1-4 0-0 2, Murray 4-10 2-2 11, Uskoski 1-4 0-0 2, Tiefenthaler 7-17 1-1 15, Christie 1-4 0-0 2, Keep 2-3 2-2 6. Totals 35-85 2-2 6.

BELLINGHAM - Kok 3-4 0-0 8, Hafford 9-23 0-1 22, Henifin 1-3 4-5 6, Anderson 5-19 5-5 15, Ready 11-15 3-3 26, Jar.Stevenson 1-6 3-4 5, Jac.Stevenson 6-11 2-3 14, Green 3-9 0-0 6, Poole 11-18 2-4 25. Totals 50-108 19-25 127.

Vancouver 22 25 28 23 98

Bellingham 26 32 33 36127

Courtesy of www.columbian.com


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  CHINA   


Canada Edges China 68-64 in U-17 Tourney - by Arthur Volbert

China again played well but was edged by Canada 68-64 in the FIBA U-17 World Chanpionship. Zhou Qi (216-C-96) had 21 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 8 blocks. But Zhao Jiwei scored only 5 points on 1 of 10 shooting. He had 2 assists to 5 turnovers and fouled out in 33 minutes. Guo Xiaopeng stepped up with 21 points and 3 rebounds, starting ahead of Heng Yifeng. Heng had 9 points and 6 rebounds in reserve. Han Delong was scoreless in 18 minutes. Liu Bo had 4 points and 7 rebounds in 21 minutes.

Canada outrebounded China 63-40. Canada had 20 turnovers to 18 for China. Justin Jackson had 23 points and 7 rebounds for Canada. Kevin Zabo had 18 points and 6 rebounds. 7-2 Tanveer Bhullar had 8 points and 8 rebounds. Canada led 23-14 after one quarter and 36-25 at the half. But China outscored Canada 17-6 in the third quarter to tie the game 42-42. It then was outscored 26-22 in the fourth quarter.

China will play the Czech Republic for seventh place tomorrow. It defeated the Czechs 71-68 in the preliminary round.

Link to box scord:

http://kaunas2012.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/12/fu17wc/men/p/eid/6228/gid/A/grid/39/rid/9167/sid/6228/game.html


Recent CBA Transactions - by Alex Yam

Rumor has it that Joey Dorsey may be the next ex-NBA player to sign in China. Media outlets report that Xinjiang Flying Tigers are in advanced negotiations with the former big man from the Houston Rockets.

Dorsey and newly acquired Von Wafer are friends, and are familiar with one another.

Another CBA rumor is that Donnell Harvey is in advanced discussions with Shangdong, the rebounder and aggressive forward played last season with Tianjin, after 2 successful seasons with Jiangsu.


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  CROATIA   


Jakov Vladovic leaves Siroki for Krka - by Eurobasket News

Jakov Vladovic (186-PG-83) is no longer a member of Siroki WWin. The Croatian point guard turned down the offer for contract extension. Instead of it Vladovic accepted deal with Slovenian champs Krka Novo Mesto.
Jakov Vladovic joined Siroki last summer. He helped them defend Bosnian championship title and Cup. Vladovic had 10.6 ppg, 5.3 apg and 3.5 rpg for 10 games in domestic championship. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Bosnia and Herzegovina League Guard of the Year. Vladovic also shined in Adriatic league, where he collected 10.9 points, 5 assists and 3.1 rebounds. He was No.5 in assists.
Before Siroki, Jakov Vladovic played for Zadar and Lokomotiv Kuban. Few days ago, Fran Pilepic (Bilbao) and Coleman Collins (Roanne) also left the club.
Croatian center Jure Lalic (212-C-86) signed contract extension with Krka.


U17 World Championship: Australia hand Croatia their first loss and advance to the Final - by Eurobasket News

Australia U17-Croatia U17 83:71

Australia hand Croatia their first loss and advance to the Final of the U17 World Championship. The Aussies overcame the European representative 83:71.
Croatia scored the first 6 points in the game and won the opening period 24:21. Mario Hezonja (202-G/F-95) nailed three for 29:23, but then Australian team pushed the tempo for good. After 21-11 in the frame they grabbed 42:35 at the halftime. Moreover Australia added 24-16 in the third quarter as Martin closed the period at 66:51. Croatia tried hard to recover in the last period, but managed to win the last stanza only 20-17. Jack Purchase (203-PF-95) made the last shot from the perimeter for the final success.
Mirko Djeric (191-PG-95) top-scored for the winners with 21 points, while Dante Exum (193-PG-95) added 18. Jack Purchase notched 12, while Nicholas Duncan (203-F-95) and Felix KALAU VON HOFE scored 8 each. Mario Hezonja delivered 28 points in the losing effort and Marko Arapovic (207-C/F-96) netted 17.

Australia U17: Mirko Djeric 21, Dante Exum 18, Jack Purchase 12, Nicholas Duncan 8, Felix KALAU VON HOFE 8
Croatia U17: Mario Hezonja 28, Marko Arapovic 17


Croatia U20 beat Italian players in Crikvenica - by Eurobasket News

Italy U20-Croatia U20 79:81

Croatia U20 beat Italian players in Crikvenica. The Croatian side grabbed 81:79 in Game 1. The second game is scheduled for Saturday. Crikvenica is the largest settlement on the coast of the Vinodol coastal area, Croatia.
Croatia started with 26:23 lead after the first period, but allowed the opponents to take the lead at the halftime. Italy bounced back with 27-23 for 50:49 advantage after two quarters. Only due to the second half Croatia managed to grab the narrow win. They won the third quarter 14-13 and added 16-15 in the last stanza.
For Italy Marco Lagana (193-G-93) top-scored with 18 points and Awudu Abass (194-G-93) notched 12. Salvatore Parrillo (190-SG-92) netted 9, while Mohamed Toure (190-G-92) and Amedeo Tessitori (205-C-94) scored 8 apiece.


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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


U17 World Championship: Argentina overcame Czech Republic in Kaunas - by Eurobasket News

Argentina U17-Czech Republic U17 78:70

Argentina overcame Czech Republic in Kaunas in the classification Round for 5-8 places. The Latin American team celebrated a 78:70 win and will face Canada tomorrow for the 5th place. Czech Republic meanwhile will take on China in the game for the 7th place.
Czech Republic started the game with 17-13 lead, but failed to stay tough in the rest of the half. Argentina needed 22-15 in the second period to take 35:32 at the halftime. Moreover the winners added 24-20 in the third period and had 7 points deficit entering the last stanza. Argentina won also the last period 19-18 and will play for the higher place at U17 World Championship.
Gabriel Deck (202-C/F-95) top-scored for the winners with 28 points and Rodrigo Haag (193-SG-95) nailed 16. Alvaro Merlo (182-PG-95) notched 10 and Juan Vaulet (198-PF-96) brought 7. Jiri Dedek (191-SF-95) ended up with 15 points in the losing effort, while Martin Peterka (203-PF-95) had 13. Radovan Kouril (185-PG-95) delivered 12 and Jiri Soula (189-PG-95) posted 11.

Argentina U17: Gabriel Deck 28, Rodrigo Haag 16, Alvaro Merlo 10, Juan Vaulet 7
Czech Republic U17: Jiri Dedek 15, Martin Peterka 13, Radovan Kouril 12, Jiri Soula 11


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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Olympic Qualifying Tournament: Lithuania punch London ticket - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania - Dominican Republic 109:83

Lithuania will play at 2012 Olympic Games in London. They overcame Dominican Republic to ensure their appearance at the tournament. Jonas Maciulis (200-G/F-85) came up with 19 points to pace the Baltic team.
Lithuania pulled ahead in the opening quarter. They capitalized on Dominican Republic low scoring percentage to take a 21:16 lead. Lithuania exploded with 31 points in the second quarter to clear off to a 16-point lead. Dominican Republic stopped the bleeding in the third term. They narrowed the distance to 14 points with one period remaining. However Lithuania quickly picked up the tempo and fired 34 points in the final stanza giving no chance for Dominican Republic. Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) accounted for 17 points and 7 rebounds, while Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, college: Missouri) added 13 points for the winners. Jack Michael Martinez (201-F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) answered with 13 points and 10 rebounds for Dominican Republic. Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida) provided 12 points in the loss.

Lithuania: Jonas Maciulis 19, Jonas Valanciunas 17, Linas Kleiza 13
Dominican Republic: Jack Michael Martinez 13+10 boards, Alfred Horford 12


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  EBA   


Wade Dunston signs in Slovakia - by Justin Moore

Former Washington Madness guard Wade Dunston (6'4''-G, college: St.Bonaventure) has signed a contract with MBK Handlova) The Strong combo guard has the ability to play both back court positions his most recent experience abroad has been in mexico where he averaged 36.5pts 13rebs 7ast 4stls for EL Valle (Lireba) in 2011 and a short stint with Gallitos de Isabela (Puerto Rico).Wade said he ready for the challenge and Europe and has been training hard this summer to make an impact on his new team check out Wade Dunston's Bio below and luck overseas as the EBA and other minor leagues continue to produce talent.

Career:
Washington, D.C./Bullis
2001-2002: Bullis H.S: 25.0ppg, 8.0rpg, 6.0apg :2145rrg
2002-2003: Daytona Beach CC (NJCAA): 14.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 4.0apg
2003-2004: Iowa Western CC (JUCO): 12.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.0apg, FT: 85.0%, FGP: 50.0%
2004-2005: St.Bonaventure (NCAA): 28 games: 11.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 37.6%, 3Pts: 29.7%
2005-2006: St.Bonaventure (NCAA): 27 games: 4.3ppg, 1.6rpg
2006-2007: Maryland Nighthawks (ABA)
2007 July: Court Side Pro Camp in Frankfurt, GER (Atlantic Stars)
2007: Maverick Sports Camp
2008: Team Prague (Eurobasket Summer League in New York, starting five): 10ppg 5rpg
2008, December: Alexandria Avengers (EBA), training camp
2009: NoVa Hawks (EBA), then moved to Faraones de Nuevo Casas Grandes (Mexico-LiMeBa, starting five): 26pts, 7rebs, 10assists
2009: drafted by Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry (PBL,2rd (2))
2009-2010: NoVa Hawks (EBA)
2011: Faraones de Nuevo Casas Grandes (Mexico-LiCoMuBa): 25ppg 7rpg, 7apg, then moved to El Valle (Mexico-Lireba): 36.5 ppg, 13apg, 7rpg, 4spg
2011 June: Rebote SK Estonia Showcase
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Awards/Achievements:
Ranked #1 Player in MD-DC Area -98
Nike All-American Camp -00, 01
Jordan Brand Capital Classic -02
Montgomery County Player of the Year -02
Atlantic 10 2nd Leading free throws (FT: 81.0%) -06
Mexico LiMeBa MVP -09
EBA Regular Season S Capital Div. Runner-Up -10


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  EGYPT   


U17 World Championship: South Korea clinch first win at the tournament - by Eurobasket News

South Korea U17 - Egypt U17 89:83

South Korea recorded the first win at the U17 World Championship. They knocked down Egyptian counterparts in the final game at the tourney for both teams. Kim Nakhyeon (180-G-95) scored 29 points to lead the winners as they occupied the 11th overall position.
South Korea unloaded 26 points in the opening quarter to pull ahead. The Asian team secured a 9-point lead at the first break. South Korea kept in front throughout the second period. They accumulated a 46:35 halftime advantage. Things got even worse for Egypt in the third period. They allowed the Korean team gain a 14-point lead before the fourth quarter and never recovered in the reminder of the contest. Heo Hoon (181-G-95) contributed 28 points for the winners. Park Intae (203-C-95) finished with 14 points for South Korea. Ehab Amin (185-G-95) answered with 20 points for Egypt. Wessam Emad (197-C/F-95) produced 15 points in the loss.

South Korea U17: Kim Nakhyeon 29, Heo Hoon 28, Park Intae 14
Egypt U17: Ehab Amin 20, Wessam Emad 15


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  EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE   


Torino, Italy ESL day 3 cools off, but the game does not! - by ESL News

Again, for the third day in a row, the town of Torino came out to see the game tonight and the players did not disappoint. Also, four more Italian Pro teams showed up. Weather cooperated with us tonight as the rains came in off and on today to cool things down in Torino. However, the game was very intense and a high scoring affair. This game was the last of the past three days and the players played a tremendous game as Milano and Torino battled for much of the game until Milano just pulled away for a 127-93 victory. Leading the way for Milano was Bulut Altin (187-PG-93) as he was just on fire tonight pouring in 37 points and 9 assists. Helping the cause for Milano was Matija Poscic (205-C-85, college: De Paul) who was unstoppable underneath as he had 23 points and grabbed 31 rebounds with 2 blocks. Ruben Silva (192-F) had 33 points and 15 rebounds with local national team player, Lorenzo Baldasso (190-G-95) adding 17 points for Milano. Leading the way in defeat for Torino was Davide Curletti (205-F-90), who happens to have family living in Torino, with 32 points and 10 rebounds.

Milano-127
Bulut Altin, 37 pts, 9 asts, 4 rbds, Ruben Silva, 26 pts, 15 rbds, 2 asts, Corey Shontz (185-PG-89, college: John Carroll), 14 pts, 3 asts, 6 rbds, Lorenzo Baldasso, 17 pts, 5 asts, 5 rbds, Matija Poscic, 23 pts, 31 rbds, 2 blks, Riccardo Felletti (192-SG-93), 10 pts, 3 asts, 1 reb
Torino-93
Andrea Portilliotti, 7 pts, 2 asts, 2 rbds, Ludovico Tunzi, 16 pts, 2 asts, 2 rbds, Fiore Ares (192-SG-94), 9pts, 6 asts, 2 rbds, Davide Curletti, 32 pts, 10 rbds, Alisetto Merlo, 12 pts, 4 rbds, Fabrizio Catto, 3 pts, 2 asts, 6 rbds, Marco Rolando (208-C-75), 14 pts, 16 rbds, 1 blk


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  EUROCUP   


Galatasaray signs Cenk Akyol from Anadolu Efes - by Eurobasket News

Cenk Akyol (196-G-87) is back to Galatasaray. The Turkish guard penned a 2-year deal. He arrives to Galata from Anadolu Efes, where he had 6.8 ppg and 1.6 rpg for 39 games in TBL. He registered 4.7 ppg and 2 rpg for 16 Euroleague games. Akyol played for Efes also in 2010/11.
Cenk Akyol played for Italian Air Avelino in 2009/10. He had 11.8 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 25 games in SerieA. Akyol already played for Galatasaray and it was in 2007/08 season. He joined them in December of 2007 from Efes averaging 4.5 ppg and 1.9 rpg in Turkey. His stats in EuroCup read 6.7 ppg and 1.7 rpg. Akyol is a product of Efes Pilsen, where he started as a teenager.
Cenk Akyol is active member of the Turkish National Team. He had 2.8 ppg and 1.6 rpg for 5 games at EuroBasket in Lithuania last summer.


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  EUROLEAGUE   


Olympiacos keeps PG Acie Law with NBA out option until July 25 - by Eurobasket News

Olympiacos announced signing of a one-year contract extension with point guard Acie Law (190-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Texas A&M). The American has an option to leave for the NBA until July 25. Law joined Reds in January this year. He played 12 Euroleague games collecting 5.5 ppg, 2.1 apg and 1.4 rpg. In Greek league Law averaged 7.4 points and 1.7 assists for 15 games. Olympiacos won Euroleague and Greek league titles after 15 years. They also reached Greek Cup Finals, but failed against PAO.
Acie Law started last season with Partizan Belgrade. He had 12.7 ppg, 3.4 apg and 2.1 rpg for 9 Euroleague games with them. In Adriatic league the point guard posted 9.2 ppg, 2.5 apg and 1.9 rpg. In 2010/11 season he had 5.1 ppg and 1.8 apg with the Golden State Warriors (40 games). He also appeared 11 times with the Memphis Grizzlies.


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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


European Championship for Small Countries: Andorra triumph in San Marino - by Eurobasket News

Final
Andorra - Moldova 74:72
Andorra clinched the title at the European Championship for Small Countries. They eked out a thrilling win over Moldova in the Final. Xavier Galera (182-PG-82), Oriol Fernandez (186-F-88) and Daniel Marin (192-SF-78) came up with 16 points each for the winners.
Andorra enjoyed a narrow 17:16 lead ten minutes into the game. They stretched the gap to 5 points at halftime 32:27. Andorra maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. They arrived at the final intermission up by 13 points 58:45. Moldova went on a desperate rescue rally in the fourth quarter. Ivan Cropotov (210-C-88, college: SW Baptist) tied things up at 72 with ten seconds remaining. But Casals drained a jumper late in regulation to seal the victory for Andorra. Casals accounted for 11 points for Andorra. Ivan Cropotov posted 18 points for Moldova. Anton Rulevski (194-SF-88) netted 16 points in the loss.

Andorra: Xavier Galera 16, Oriol Fernandez 16, Daniel Marin 16
Moldova: Ivan Cropotov 18, Anton Rulevski 16

Bronze Medals
Malta - San Marino 96:57
Malta registered the victory on the final day of European Championship for Small Countries. They thumped San Marino to step onto the pedestal. Malta clinched the third position. Samuel Deguara (223-C-91) came up with impressive 41 points and 15 rebounds for the winners.
Malta left no chance for the hosts. The visitors went on a 28:13 run in the opening quarter. Malta stretched the gap to 17 points at halftime 43:26. Malta dominated right after the big break. Malta extended the advantage to as many as 29 points with ten minutes remaining. They did not slow down in the fourth quarter and rallied to a comfortable win at the end. Omar Said (177-PG-80) posted 15 points, while Darryl Jackson (189-SG-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Warner Pacific) and Steve Schembri (187-SF-79) accounted for 9 points each for the winners. Andrea Raschi (198-SG-79) answered with 16 points and 10 rebounds for San Marino. Lorenzo Liberti (183-G-91) posted 13 points in the loss.

Malta: Samuel Deguara 41+15 boards, Omar Said 15, Darryl Jackson 9, Steve Schembri 9
San Marino: Andrea Raschi 16+10 boards, Lorenzo Liberti 13

5-7 Place
Scotland - Gibraltar 84:60
Scotland finished their European Championship for Small Countries campaign on a high note. They knocked down Gibraltar to clinch the sixth overall position. Nicholas Collins (195-F-84) knocked down 20 points to lead the winners.
Scotland enjoyed a 21:12 lead after ten minutes of action. They held Gibraltar to 13 points in the second frame to enlarge the margin to 11 points 36:25. Scotland maintained the lead throughout the third term. They stretched the gap to 17 points with one period remaining 56:39. Scotland unleashed 28 points in the final stanza and sealed a comfortable win at the end. Euan Campbell (188-PG-80) provided 13 points, while Scott Russell (182-PG-81) added 11 points for Scotland. Dylan Gomez (194-F-89) answered with 11 points and 9 rebounds for Gibraltar. Jamie Sercombe (187-F-92), Angel Guerrero (192-F-75) and Sam Buxton (195-F-89) had 10 points each in the loss.

Scotland: Nicholas Collins 20, Euan Campbell 13, Scott Russell 11
Gibraltar: Dylan Gomez 11, Jamie Sercombe 10, Angel Guerrero 10, Sam Buxton 10


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  FINLAND   


Finland U16 and Belgium U16 exchange victories - by Eurobasket News

Finland U16 and Belgium U16 exchange victories in two friendly games between each other.
At first Belgium U16 grabbed 80:79 victory. Finland started with 31-18 but failed in the rest of the game. Belgium needed 18-13 in the second frame and erupted with 27-18 in the second quarter. Henri Niemisto (194-G-96) top-scored for the Finnish side with 21 points, while Tuomas Hirvonen brought 13.
In Game 2 Finland registered a 58:54 win. Trailing 12-16 after the first period, they won the rest of the quarters. In the last stanza Finland needed 12-11 to win the game. Elias Eerikinharju (185-G-96) paced all the winners with 19 points, while Juho-Matti Henttonen (195-C-96) had 11. Fiifi Aidoo (175-PG-96) scored 8 and Henri Niemisto as well as Aapeli Alanen poured in 5 apiece.


KORISLIIGA: Giordan Watson from Iceland to Finland - by Rauno Hurmalainen

American G Giordan Watson (178-G-85, college: Cent.Michigan) will leave Iceland and move to Finland during his professional career. After winning the Championship in Iceland (Grindavik) Watson has signed with Karhu (Kauhajoki) for coming 2012-13 season. Watson averaged last season 16,3 ppg, 4,4 rpg, 7,2 apg and 1,8 spg in 31 contests. Watson has played earlier two seasons also in Germany.
Finnish G Aleksi Koskinen (183-G-92) is leaving YMCA Lappeenranta and joining FoKoPo (Forssa) roster. FoKoPo has then seven contracts with Finnish players. Team new Head Coach is Miikka Sopanen .


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  FRANCE   


Strasbourg offers deal to Christos Tapoutos - by Eurobasket News

Strasbourg wants to sign Christos Tapoutos (208-F-82) for the next season, according to French media (Catch-and-shoot.com). Reportedly, they already offered him a deal and now wait for the answer. Tapoutos spent last two seasons with Aris Thassaloniki. In the latest one he appeared 25 times in Greece averaging 13.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists. The player also added 8.2 ppg and 4.4 rpg for 10 EuroCup games. In 2010/11, Tapoutos collected 13.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 2.1 apg for 13 EuroCup games. Before Aris, he spent one year with PAOK Thessaloniki. From 2006 to 2009 Christos Tapoutos was a member of AEK Athens and before that he played for Panionios and Iraklis. The player was named Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League Honorable Mention -11, 12. He participated at the Greek league All-Star Game a year ago.


Dylan Page to leave Roanne - by Eurobasket News

Dylan Page (204-F-82, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) will not play for Roanne next season. According to French media (Catch-and-shoot.com), the player will leave the club soon. Reportedly, his salary is too much for Roanne.
Dylan Page arrived to Roanne in 2009 from Pau-Orthez. He played 32 games in ProA last season collecting 14.5 ppg and 5.6 rpg for 32 games. Page averaged 13.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 14 EuroChallenge games. He helped Roanne to reach the Quarterfinals. Page was named Eurobasket.com All-French ProA Honorable Mention in 2010 and this year as well.
Before Roanne and Pau-Orthez, Dylan Page played for Granada, Mallorca and Panellinois. He started professional basketball career with Greek MENT. Page graduated at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee in 2004.


U17 World Championship: The hosts outscore France to finish on the 9th place - by Eurobasket News

France U17-Lithuania U17 64:75

The hosts outscore France in Kaunas at the Classification Round for 9-10 places at the U17 World Championship. Lithuania grabbed 75:64 win to clinch the 9th place.
Both teams nailed 19 points in the opening period and then CORNELIE brought 26:21 for France. The teams exchanged the lead several times, while Haroldas Saprykinas (188-G-95) brought the hosts 33:32 lead at the halftime. Lithuania added 21-16 in the third quarter and enjoyed 54:48 entering the last stanza. They added 21-16 in the last quarter and won the last game of the tournament.
Ernestas Serkevicius (187-PG-95) paced all the winners with 19 points and Norbertas Giga (204-C-95) netted 12. Zydrunas Jurgutis (178-PG-95) and Haroldas Saprykinas delivered 8 points each in a win. Damien Inglis (204-PF-95) responded with 21 points and 16 rebounds in defeat, while Paul Rigot (199-SF-95) scored 13. France U17 finished the tournament on the 10th place.

France U17: Damien Inglis 21+16 rebs, Paul Rigot 13
Lithuania U17: Ernestas Serkevicius 19, Norbertas Giga 12, Zydrunas Jurgutis 8, Haroldas Saprykinas 8


Maurienne keep Mantcha Traore - by Eurobasket News

Maurienne is expected to keep Mantcha Traore (203-C-79) on the roster. ProB team has reportedly agreed on terms of contract extension with the player. Mantcha Traore will enter his third straight season with Maurienne. Last season the centre notched 2.6 points and 1.9 rebounds per game in ProB. Previously Mantcha Traore had spells for Boulogne, Saint Vallier, Besancon and Cergy-Pontoise. He participated at N1 All-Star Games in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Eurobasket.com named Mantcha Traore into French N1 All-Domestic Players Team in 2007. He was N1 champion the same year.


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  GERMANY   


Kelly Beidler (MBC)For People To Remember Your Name, You Must Step Up To The Plate And Be Ready When Your Number Is Called. This Is My Chance And I Am Ready - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


Kelly Beidler (199-F-88, college: Mt.St.Mary's) is a 24 year old 199cm forward from Virginia Beach, Virginia that will start his third professional season and first in Germany in the Beko BBL for the Mitteldeutscher BC. He played at Mt.St.Mary's (NCAA) from 2006-2010 playing a total of 119 NCAA games. In his senior year, he played 31 games: 10.7ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 74.1% . In 2010-2011, he was a rookie playing for : IR Reykjavik (Iceland-Express League, starting five): 24 games: Score-4 (21.7ppg), Reb-2 (12.4rpg), 3.8apg, Steals-5 (2.5spg), Blocks-3 (2.0bpg), FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 72.9%. Last season, he played for Karhu Kauhajoki (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five): 44 games: Score-4 (19.2ppg), Reb-5 (9.8rpg), 1.4apg, Steals-1 (2.3spg), Blocks-1 (1.9bpg), FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 70.8%. Eurobasket gave him a welcome to the Beko BBL interview.

Congrats on your signing with the Mitteldeutscher BC. What convinced you that going to this team was the right move?

My agent and I talked it over. We understood we had options to choose from for this upcoming season. My agent want's whats best for me and my career and he felt this was the right move. Also the BBL is a very well respected league.

What do you know about the top German league Beko BBL? Are there any friends of yours playing here?

I don't know a lot about the BBL but I know that it's tough competition and some of the best players in Europe play in this league. In order to be the best you have to beat the best. I don't believe I know anyone personally in the league but I have heard of a few names. Corey Hassan and I played in the same conference in college.

How excited are you about playing for MBC? What will be the first thing that you will do when you arrive on German soil?

I'm thrilled to play for this ball club. Played against them last year in a tournament and remember them being a good team. First thing I'll want to do is most likely meet my teammates. Not a whole lot of time until the season begins. Want to know about them as much as I can before the season starts.

You are a very versatile player that can do just about all at 199cm. What is a hidden strength in your game that doesnt always get noticed right away?

My will and desire to win is big. Every time I step on the court I take on the challenge of being the best player and teammate. I take pride in defense and my offense comes second

You never scored more than 10,9 ppg in a season in the NCAA. Was it a big adjustment having to be that first scoring option in Iceland and Finland?

Not a big adjustment at all. The thing about my college team was that any of the starting 5 on my team could score 20. We played excellent team ball and all the pressure wasn't on one man. I take on the challenge of being the leader on the court so scoring the ball was just a part of my game

How would you compare the Finnish league to the NCAA? Was the NCAA level tougher?

No disrespect to the Finnish league but yes NCAA was tougher. Wide range of skilled athletic players all with in the age group of 18-22 with the desire to win. No money involved, just passion for the game.

The Beko BBL is at a higher level than what you saw the last two seasons. Do you feel a lot of pressure?

No pressure at all. This is my job, something I've been doing since I was a little kid. I read books about some of the greats and they all say pretty much the same thing, "For people to remember your name you must step up to the plate and be ready when your number is called. This is my chance and I'm ready.

What was the most important thing that you leraned from Milan Brown that got you ready for the professional level?

Milan Brown is one of the smartest people I've met and always had wise words up to this day. I remember two things he would say, "To reach the highs, you have to experience the low" I didn't feel like I belonged in Iceland but hey I did it and here I am and another was "every player is equal when stepping onto the court but when the lights turn on and it's time to play ball, the best separate themselves from the pack". That's what I try to do every time i step on the court.

Who won the majority of the one on one games in practice last season you or Casey Reed?

ME OF COURSE!!!! but no, Casey Reed was a good player and better yet a great person. He definitely helped me improve my game and I hope I did the same. Great Friendship that will last hopefully forever

Who was the best player that you played against in the NCAA that might be in the NBA or europe now?

Blake Griffin

Would you rather have dinner with Kobe Bryant or Lebron James if you could only chose one and why?

Lebron James


What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The Dream Team Documentary

Thanks Kelly for the chat.


Webmoebel Baskets Appoint Uli Naechster As Assistant Coach - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


PRO A team Webmoebel Baskets announced today that Uli Naechster will assist head coach Thomas Glasauer on the sidelines tis season. Naechster has been in the Paderborn organization having coached the Paderborn Baskets II (Oberliga) the last two years."With all the good coaches that we have in the organizaion, Uli really has deserved this chance as he has developed well the last years", stressed Paderborn Baskets CEO Sven Schaffer. Naechster who came from Hamm to Paderborn in 2009 has coached the U18-NRW team as well as the third team (Oberliga). Naechster will also carry the duties of coacing the U-18 team and second regionaliga team. "We have continued to carry our tradition of giving young coaches a chance and letting them develop at a high level. He will be the link between the team and Bundesliga. We are happy that getting his ok went so fast", added sport director Dirk Happe.

Source: Webmoebel Baskets


New head coach, new players - Crailsheim Merlins announce several changes - by Moritz Korff


Willie Young has been appointed the new head coach of Pro A team Crailsheim Merlins, the club unveiled on its website today. The 39-year-old American most recently served as a coach of the Merlins' farm team in the Regionalliga. During his career as a basketball player Young spent three years in Crailsheim and then joined the coaching staff in 2008. "We have full confidence in Willie. He has been in Crailsheim for a long time, he knows the people and the potential that we have", manager Martin Romig said. Young follows Ingo Enskat, who stepped back from coaching duties, but will stay with the Merlins: He was named the new sports director of the Crailsheim team.

Though the Merlins are coming off the most successful season in the club's history, Young, Enskat and Romig decided to change the outlook of the team. The following newcomers were added to the 2012-13 team: Jonathan Moore (203-F/G-82, college: N.C.Central), Dwight Tolbert (195-F-86), Liki Turner (195-F-89), Josten Crow (193-F-87, college: Sam Houston St.), Falko Theilig (180-PG-92), Philipp Friedel (185-G-87), Marco Lachmann (204-C-91).



Tolbert and Turner have been stars at the NCAA D2 level and dominated the Peach Belt Athletic Conference last season: Both received All-Conference First Team honors, with Tolbert being named the Peach Belt Player of the Year. Turner averaged 18.0 points and 8.9 rebounds during the 2011-12 season and recorded 29 double double for Francis Marion University.

Tolbert was among the top players, not only in the Peach Belt Athletic Conference, but also in the entire NCAA D2, earning NABC D2 All-America honors and participating in the NABC D2 All-Star Game. He ranked 5th in the nation in points per contest (21.8ppg) and 7th in three point field goals per game (3.4).

Crow is a 2011 graduate of NCAA D1 school Sam Houston State. As a senior in 2010-11 he posted 12.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists a game, being named All-Southland Conference Honorable Mention.

Meanwhile, Moore is a veteran in German basketball. Born in Nuernberg and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, the German/American forward had stints at Bayreuth, Trier, Bremerhaven and most recently Karlsruhe. Following the 2011-12 campaign, the 30-year-old joined TRBL's Cary Invasion and averaged 18.9 points as well as 7 boards through nine encounters.

Friedel reached the Pro A semifinals with the Duesseldorf Giants this past season. He contributed 7.3 points per game to the team's success. He will add lots of experience to the Merlins' squad, having several BBL, Pro A, Pro B games under his belt.

Theilig transfers from Frankfurt to Crailsheim. The 20-year-old German mostly played for the Skyliners' second team in the Pro B (21 games: 10ppg, 5apg), but also appeared in two BBL games.

21-year-old Lachmann will make his Pro A debut, he comes off a year at Regionalliga side BIS Baskets Speyer (25 games: 11.8ppg, 5.4rpg).

Remaining on the Crailsheim roster from last season will be: Joseph Buck (201-F-81, college: USC), Benjamin Lischka (200-G/F-89), Antonis Sivorotka (203-F-85) and Thomas Szewczyk (185-F-92).




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  GIBRALTAR   


Scotland defeat Gibraltar to clinch sixth place in San Marino - by Eurobasket News

Scotland - Gibraltar 84:60

Scotland finished their European Championship for Small Countries campaign on a high note. They knocked down Gibraltar to clinch the sixth overall position. Nicholas Collins (195-F-84) knocked down 20 points to lead the winners.
Scotland enjoyed a 21:12 lead after ten minutes of action. They held Gibraltar to 13 points in the second frame to enlarge the margin to 11 points 36:25. Scotland maintained the lead throughout the third term. They stretched the gap to 17 points with one period remaining 56:39. Scotland unleashed 28 points in the final stanza and sealed a comfortable win at the end. Euan Campbell (188-PG-80) provided 13 points, while Scott Russell (182-PG-81) added 11 points for Scotland. Dylan Gomez (194-F-89) answered with 11 points and 9 rebounds for Gibraltar. Jamie Sercombe (187-F-92), Angel Guerrero (192-F-75) and Sam Buxton (195-F-89) had 10 points each in the loss.

Scotland: Nicholas Collins 20, Euan Campbell 13, Scott Russell 11
Gibraltar: Dylan Gomez 11, Jamie Sercombe 10, Angel Guerrero 10, Sam Buxton 10


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  GREECE   


Olympiacos keeps PG Acie Law with NBA out option until July 25 - by Eurobasket News

Olympiacos announced signing of a one-year contract extension with point guard Acie Law (190-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Texas A&M). The American has an option to leave for the NBA until July 25. Law joined Reds in January this year. He played 12 Euroleague games collecting 5.5 ppg, 2.1 apg and 1.4 rpg. In Greek league Law averaged 7.4 points and 1.7 assists for 15 games. Olympiacos won Euroleague and Greek league titles after 15 years. They also reached Greek Cup Finals, but failed against PAO.
Acie Law started last season with Partizan Belgrade. He had 12.7 ppg, 3.4 apg and 2.1 rpg for 9 Euroleague games with them. In Adriatic league the point guard posted 9.2 ppg, 2.5 apg and 1.9 rpg. In 2010/11 season he had 5.1 ppg and 1.8 apg with the Golden State Warriors (40 games). He also appeared 11 times with the Memphis Grizzlies.


Strasbourg offers deal to Christos Tapoutos - by Eurobasket News

Strasbourg wants to sign Christos Tapoutos (208-F-82) for the next season, according to French media (Catch-and-shoot.com). Reportedly, they already offered him a deal and now wait for the answer. Tapoutos spent last two seasons with Aris Thassaloniki. In the latest one he appeared 25 times in Greece averaging 13.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists. The player also added 8.2 ppg and 4.4 rpg for 10 EuroCup games. In 2010/11, Tapoutos collected 13.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 2.1 apg for 13 EuroCup games. Before Aris, he spent one year with PAOK Thessaloniki. From 2006 to 2009 Christos Tapoutos was a member of AEK Athens and before that he played for Panionios and Iraklis. The player was named Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League Honorable Mention -11, 12. He participated at the Greek league All-Star Game a year ago.


Andrew Jones joins Ilysiakos - by Giorgos Diploidis

Andrew Jones (208-F-87, college: Penn St.) will be the new center for of Ilysiakos Athens The coach of the team of Athens, Dimitris Papanikolaou found the characteristics he was looking for his starting center in the American player and he demanded from the board to be signed. Jones the last period played in Slovakia for Nova Ves, there in 22 games had 16.4ppg, and 11.5rpg.

Before to come in Europe he was member of Penn State University for four years. There the season 2010-2011 had 6.0ppg and 5.6rpg in 34 matches.


Vangelis Alexandris makes plans for 2012-13 season - by Dimitris Katsionis


Aris BC coach, Vangelis Alexandris is in talks with several players for next season. The experienced coach knows that his work will be very difficult due to the teams low budget. Clubs new administration has announced a 300-350.000 (euros) budget for 2012-13 season in order to collect some money and repay old debts. So Alexandris is looking for players that can carry the team and prefers Thessalonica natives (with their own home and car in town) to save some money. Nestoras Kommatos (203-F-77) and Dimitris Haritopoulos (Alexandriss ex-players) are two of the main targets. Both players are positive to play for Aris, especially Haritopoulos who wants to stay in Thessalonica. Alexandris also talked with another Aris ex-player, combo guard Sotiris Karapostolou (194-G-78) who had a very good season with Kavala BC. Finally the administration is in talks with Kostas Haralampidis (189-G-76). Aris owns him money from 2010-11 season (about 100.000 euros) and offered Haralampidis a financial settlement and a new contract. Its obvious that Aris and coach Alexandris have made a turn to their own kids, players that understand very well the current difficult situation and their presence on the court (next to young talented players like Mavraides, Bochoridis, Vezenkov) can make sure that the team will be competitive.


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  HOLLAND   


Dutch Prospects Seek their Dream Abroad - by Fred Roggen

In the last 10-15 years the game of basketball in Holland has suffered a great deal. Other nations are maximizing the athletic and skill potential of their young players.
Instead of making more avenues to get our prospects better, the pro-teams using those young players just to fill the bench.
I understand that more players wont make money playing basketball than will but its not only about them. The product of basketball in Holland is pretty bad right now.
The last two years a lot of Dutch prospects left Holland, because of this situation, moving to the US or Spain to develop their skills and to seek their dreams.

Here is a list of Dutch prospects heading abroad and where they are headed.

USA:
Martijn Bernhard (178-G) 178 G J.and Wales, CO
Kevin Bleeker (208-C-93) 208 C 93 Canisius
Ruud de Jong (203-C) 203 C E.Kentucky
Kenoy Jones 193 G/F Chattahoochee TC
Charlon Kloof (190-G-90) 190 G 90 St.Bonaventure
Matthias Runs (208-C) 208 C 94 St.Bonaventure
Kadeem Pantophlet (198-F-90) 198 F 90 Duquesne
TThomas van der Mars (208-C-90)s 208 C 90 Portland
Wouter van der Eng (202-F/C-89) 202 F/C 89 Brandeis
Kevin van Wijk (204-F-89) 204 F 89 Valparaiso
Joey van Zegeren McAdam (208-F-90) 208 F 90 Virginia Tech
Chaed Weillian (203-F) 203 F Tennessee State University
Jasper Wieling (208-C-91) 208 C 91 BYU-Hawaii
Paul Candiff (184-PG-93) 184 G 93 Cuesta Junior College
Jito Kok (205-C-94) 205 C 94 University of San Diego
Shane Hammink (198-G-94) 198 G 94 Louisiana State University
Don Rigters Pensacola State College
Mike Hogervorst (207-C-95) 207 C 95 Holderness High School
Willem Brandwijk (204-F-95) 204 F 95 Holderness High School
Eric van Beek 178 G 92 EnterpriseOzark Community College
Derrik Smits 210 C 95 Zionsville Community HS

Canada:
Marc Peutz (205-C-92) 205 C 92 Cape Breton ( (CIS)
Arild Geugjes Cape Breton ( (CIS)
Daan Wiersum (F-91) 207 F 91 Calgary ( (CIS)

Spain:
Terrence Bieshaar Joventut Badalona
Oliver Bieshaar Joventut Badalona
Floris Versteeg (200-F-94) 200 F 94 CBA
Jordy Kuiper 203 F 95 CBA
Robbin Appels (180-G-93) 180 G 93 CBA
Nick Hammink 185 G 96 CBA
Ryan Hammink 193 F 96 CBA
Jonah Callenbach (194-F/G-93) 194 F 93 Fontedoso Carrefour El Bulevar de Avila
Torben Tonjann (203-C-94) 203 C 94 Caceres Ciudad del Baloncesto
Olaf Schaftenaar (205-C-93) 205 C 93 Real Club Nautico de Tenerife
Bart Stolk (206-C-93) 206 C 93 Real Club Nautico de Tenerife

Slovakia:
Kasper Averink (183-PG-93, agency: Arete Sports Agency) 183 G 93 BC Prievidza


Den Helder Kings tabs promising big man Jeroen van der List - by Fred Roggen

Newcomer Den Helder Kings signed promising big man Jeroen van der List (213-C-89, agency: Court Side, college: Indian Hills CC) to a one-year deal, the player announced on his Twitter. Jeroen van der List joined the youth program at Rotterdam, where he began playing with the cadet team during the 2005-06 season. He moved to Olympique Antibes (FRA) in 2006.
After Antibes he went to the United States and played at Stoneridge Highschool Prep and the Junior college of Indian Hills. In 2009 he signed a three-year-deal with EiffelTowers Den Bosch but was loaned to Aris Leeuwarden his first season in the DBL.
Last season he averaged 4.5ppg, 3.5rpg in 37 Dutch basketball league games.



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  IBL   


Ready helps send Slam back to IBL title game - by Kip Leonetti

Slam guard Andrew Ready (6'1''-G, college: W.Washington) had a career night as he helped propel the Bellingham Slam back to the International Basketball League championship game for the third time in franchise history after a 127-98 win over the Vancouver Volcanoes in IBL semi-final playoff action at Whatcom Pavilion on Friday.

Ready finished with a game-high 26 points on 11-for-15 shooting and added nine rebounds and six assists in perhaps his best outing in a Slam uniform.

Guard Paul Hafford (6'4''-G-84, college: Portland St.) helped break open a tight game in the middle stages of the second quarter with three quick buckets that put the Slam up by 13, at 41-28. The Slam carried that momentum into halftime and led 58-47.

Bellingham continued their hot shooting in the third quarter, building thier lead up to 20 halfway through the period before taking a 91-75 lead into the fourth.

The Slam's defense came up big in the fourth quarter, holding Vancouver to 23 points to ensure a win and a berth in the title game.

Ready led the Slam in scoring for the first time this season, while center Blake Poole was just behind him with 25 points and a game-high 19 rebounds. Hafford finished with 22 points.

Forward Alexander Hartman (6'7''-F-85, college: Concordia, OR) led five Volcanoes players in double figures with 21 points. Guard Brad Lechtenberg (6'2''-G-81, college: San Diego) had 17 points on 5-of-6 shooting from three-point range.

The Slam advance to the IBL Championship game on Sunday, July 8 against the Portland Chinooks, who defeated the Olympia Reign in Friday's other semi-final game. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. at Whatcom Pavilion. The game will be broadcast live on KPUG 1170-AM and online at www.kpug1170.com.


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  ITALY   


Tezenis Verona hires Alessandro Ramagli as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Tezenis Verona got a new Head Coach for the next season. The Italian squad officially hired Italian coach Alessandro Ramagli (agency: Players Group). The 48-year-old Ramagli worked last two years with Banca Tercas Teramo. They finished last season as No.14 in SerieA with 12-20 record. In 2010/11 season, Teramo was No.15 in the league.
Before Teramo, Alessandro Ramagli worked season and a half with Trenkwalder Reggio Emilia. He was hired in January of 2009 and stayed there until the end of the 2009/10 season. They reached Lega Due Semifinals in 2010 and Lega Due Cup Semis in 2009 and 2010. In the past, Ramagli worked with Benetton, Treviso and Biella. He also coached Italian U18 National Team.


Enel Brindisi keeps American PG Jonathan Gibson, NBA out option until July 25 - by Eurobasket News

Enel Brindisi officially announced signing of Jonathan Gibson (182-PG-87, college: N.Mexico St.) for the next season. The American point guard has option to leave for the NBA until July 25. Gibson joined Brindisi in April this year. He exploded with 24.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 3.4 apg for 11 games in Lega Due. Gibson helped Brindisi to win Lega Due Playoffs and to earn a spot for SerieA.
Jonathan Gibson started the season with Trabzonspor. There he had 19.9 ppg, 3.7 apg and 2.5 rpg for 29 games in Turkish league. Gibson was the top scorer of the competition. The PG split 2010/11 season between Oyak Renault and Ironi Ashkelon. With the Turkish squad he had 18.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 3.3 apg for 11 games. Jonathan Gibson is a product of the New Mexico State University, where he graduated in 2010.


Croatia U20 beat Italian players in Crikvenica - by Eurobasket News

Italy U20-Croatia U20 79:81

Croatia U20 beat Italian players in Crikvenica. The Croatian side grabbed 81:79 in Game 1. The second game is scheduled for Saturday. Crikvenica is the largest settlement on the coast of the Vinodol coastal area, Croatia.
Croatia started with 26:23 lead after the first period, but allowed the opponents to take the lead at the halftime. Italy bounced back with 27-23 for 50:49 advantage after two quarters. Only due to the second half Croatia managed to grab the narrow win. They won the third quarter 14-13 and added 16-15 in the last stanza.
For Italy Marco Lagana (193-G-93) top-scored with 18 points and Awudu Abass (194-G-93) notched 12. Salvatore Parrillo (190-SG-92) netted 9, while Mohamed Toure (190-G-92) and Amedeo Tessitori (205-C-94) scored 8 apiece.


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  IVORY COAST   


Afrobasket U18 Qualifiers: Curtain falls on qualifiers, as CIV look set to pick slot - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Host of the Afrobasket Men U18 Zone-3 qualifiers Cote dIvoire look set to pick the sole slot for the zone in the 2012 Afrobasket for U18 Men billed for Maputo Mozambique later in the year ends today at the Palais des Sports arena, Treichville.

The young Ivorian with a 4-1 record will take on Liberia in the last game of the qualifiers at 18H00 while second placed Nigeria will do battle against Ghana at 16H00.

Both Nigeria and Ghana are tied at 3-2 record with Ghana defeating Liberia on Friday by 55-44 points while Nigeria went down to Cote dIvoire by 43-65 points.

The game between Cote dIvoire and Liberia can be said to be a foreclose issue but with surprises everywhere in the basketball world no team can be written off until the buzzer as Ghana look set to upset Nigeria in their affairs.


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  JAPAN   


Yasuaki Arai joins Sendai 89ers - by Eurobasket News

Saitama Broncos traded Yasuaki Arai (180-G-83) to the Sendai 89ers. The Broncos got an undisclosed amount of cash in exchange. Yasuaki Arai spent the last three seasons with the Broncos. Last season the guard notched 5.0 points, 1.5 boards and 1.2 assists per game in BJ League. Previously he played for the Mitsubishi Dolphins.


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  LITHUANIA   


U17 World Championship: The hosts outscore France to finish on the 9th place - by Eurobasket News

France U17-Lithuania U17 64:75

The hosts outscore France in Kaunas at the Classification Round for 9-10 places at the U17 World Championship. Lithuania grabbed 75:64 win to clinch the 9th place.
Both teams nailed 19 points in the opening period and then CORNELIE brought 26:21 for France. The teams exchanged the lead several times, while Haroldas Saprykinas (188-G-95) brought the hosts 33:32 lead at the halftime. Lithuania added 21-16 in the third quarter and enjoyed 54:48 entering the last stanza. They added 21-16 in the last quarter and won the last game of the tournament.
Ernestas Serkevicius (187-PG-95) paced all the winners with 19 points and Norbertas Giga (204-C-95) netted 12. Zydrunas Jurgutis (178-PG-95) and Haroldas Saprykinas delivered 8 points each in a win. Damien Inglis (204-PF-95) responded with 21 points and 16 rebounds in defeat, while Paul Rigot (199-SF-95) scored 13. France U17 finished the tournament on the 10th place.

France U17: Damien Inglis 21+16 rebs, Paul Rigot 13
Lithuania U17: Ernestas Serkevicius 19, Norbertas Giga 12, Zydrunas Jurgutis 8, Haroldas Saprykinas 8


Olympic Qualifying Tournament: Lithuania punch London ticket - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania - Dominican Republic 109:83

Lithuania will play at 2012 Olympic Games in London. They overcame Dominican Republic to ensure their appearance at the tournament. Jonas Maciulis (200-G/F-85) came up with 19 points to pace the Baltic team.
Lithuania pulled ahead in the opening quarter. They capitalized on Dominican Republic low scoring percentage to take a 21:16 lead. Lithuania exploded with 31 points in the second quarter to clear off to a 16-point lead. Dominican Republic stopped the bleeding in the third term. They narrowed the distance to 14 points with one period remaining. However Lithuania quickly picked up the tempo and fired 34 points in the final stanza giving no chance for Dominican Republic. Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) accounted for 17 points and 7 rebounds, while Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, college: Missouri) added 13 points for the winners. Jack Michael Martinez (201-F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) answered with 13 points and 10 rebounds for Dominican Republic. Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida) provided 12 points in the loss.

Lithuania: Jonas Maciulis 19, Jonas Valanciunas 17, Linas Kleiza 13
Dominican Republic: Jack Michael Martinez 13+10 boards, Alfred Horford 12


Houston Rockets sign Donatas Motiejunas to multi-year contract - by Eurobasket News

Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey announced that the team has signed former first-round pick Donatas Motiejunas (7'0''-F/C-90, agency: Interperformances) to a multi-year contract. Selected 20th overall by Minnesota in the 2011 NBA Draft, Houston acquired the draft rights to the Lithuanian forward/center from the Timberwolves on June 24, 2011.

Motiejunas (7-0, 222, Lithuania, pronounced doh-NAH-tahs moe-tee-YOU-nus) played this past season with Polish League champion Asseco Prokom Gdynia, averaging 15.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.35 steals in just over 26 minutes per game during the 2011-12 campaign. In Game Seven of the Polish League Finals, Motiejunas recorded game highs in points (23) and rebounds (11) while leading his club to the title. On December 7, 2011, Motiejunas pulled down a career-high 21 boards against Union Olimpija, as his 18 defensive rebounds were the most in a Euroleague game in the ULEB era (since 2000-01).

An early entry candidate for the 2011 NBA Draft, Motiejunas played with Italys Benetton Treviso from 2009-11 and was the winner of the 2010-11 Eurocup Rising Star Trophy for the best U-23 player in the ULEBs Eurocup competition. In 2008-09, Motiejunas played with Aisciai Kaunas and earned All-Star honors in Lithuanias top league. He spent 2005-07 playing exclusively for Zalgiris-Sabonio mokykla Kaunas, which is Zalgiris Kaunas junior team in Lithuanias second division. Motiejunas made his debut with the senior team in 2007-08, while splitting time with the junior squad. He also represented Lithuania in Junior National Team competition. His honors included MVP of the 2008 Nike International Junior Tournament and MVP of the 2008 U-18 European Championship. Motiejunas was also a member of the World Select Team at the 2009 Nike Hoop Summit, tallying 21 points (5-15 FG, 10-14 FT), eight rebounds and three assists.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com


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  MALTA   


Malta beat San Marino for the spot at the pedestal - by Eurobasket News

Malta - San Marino 96:57

Malta registered the victory on the final day of European Championship for Small Countries. They thumped San Marino to step onto the pedestal. Malta clinched the third position. Samuel Deguara (223-C-91) came up with impressive 41 points and 15 rebounds for the winners.
Malta left no chance for the hosts. The visitors went on a 28:13 run in the opening quarter. Malta stretched the gap to 17 points at halftime 43:26. Malta dominated right after the big break. Malta extended the advantage to as many as 29 points with ten minutes remaining. They did not slow down in the fourth quarter and rallied to a comfortable win at the end. Omar Said (177-PG-80) posted 15 points, while Darryl Jackson (189-SG-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Warner Pacific) and Steve Schembri (187-SF-79) accounted for 9 points each for the winners. Andrea Raschi (198-SG-79) answered with 16 points and 10 rebounds for San Marino. Lorenzo Liberti (183-G-91) posted 13 points in the loss.

Malta: Samuel Deguara 41+15 boards, Omar Said 15, Darryl Jackson 9, Steve Schembri 9
San Marino: Andrea Raschi 16+10 boards, Lorenzo Liberti 13


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  MOLDOVA   


Andorra win European Championship for Small Countries - by Eurobasket News

Andorra - Moldova 74:72

Andorra clinched the title at the European Championship for Small Countries. They eked out a thrilling win over Moldova in the Final. Xavier Galera (182-PG-82), Oriol Fernandez (186-F-88) and Daniel Marin (192-SF-78) came up with 16 points each for the winners.
Andorra enjoyed a narrow 17:16 lead ten minutes into the game. They stretched the gap to 5 points at halftime 32:27. Andorra maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. They arrived at the final intermission up by 13 points 58:45. Moldova went on a desperate rescue rally in the fourth quarter. Ivan Cropotov (210-C-88, college: SW Baptist) tied things up at 72 with ten seconds remaining. But Casals drained a jumper late in regulation to seal the victory for Andorra. Casals accounted for 11 points for Andorra. Ivan Cropotov posted 18 points for Moldova. Anton Rulevski (194-SF-88) netted 16 points in the loss.

Andorra: Xavier Galera 16, Oriol Fernandez 16, Daniel Marin 16
Moldova: Ivan Cropotov 18, Anton Rulevski 16


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  MONTENEGRO   


Milovan Draskovic close to sign with Barcelona - by Darko Pekic

Milovan Draskovic (209-C-95) is close to sign with Barcelona. The unexpected news arrived a couple of weeks ago and it will be confirmed officially on Monday when the finals clauses of this deal should be precised. The Niksic born talent played three seasons in KK Podgorica and last year got some playing time in the senior squad led by Petar Mijovic . Draskovic started his career in KK Bonus and played for U14, U16 and U18 National Teams of Montenegro.

The 214cm tall center who is still growing should sign a 5 year deal with Barcelona and join their junior team. He has already passed medical tests and impressed the coaching staff in the famous Spanish club


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  NBA   


Thunder sign rookie Perry Jones - by Eurobasket News

Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti announced that the team has signed rookie forward Perry Jones III (6'11''-F-91, college: Baylor).

All players selected in the first round of the NBA Draft are guaranteed to receive a contract. So, this signing was expected, and is standard.

Jones, the 28th overall selection in the 2012 NBA Draft, averaged 13.5 points and 7.6 rebounds in 33 games while leading Baylor to an Elite Eight appearance during his sophomore season. He was named AP All-American Honorable Mention, while also picking up Second-Team All-Big 12 honors by the media and Third-Team by the coaches.

As a freshman, Jones was named a unanimous Big 12 All-Rookie selection as he became the first player in Baylor history to be named a USBWA Freshman All-American.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com


Jeff Green returning to Celtics - by Eurobasket News

The agent for unrestricted free agent Jeff Green (6'9''-F-86, college: Georgetown) said Saturday that the framework for a deal is in place for his client to return to the Boston Celtics next season.

Green's agent, David Falk, would not reveal the specific length or value of the contract, but confirmed that the details have been ironed out and a deal likely will be consummated after the leaguewide moratorium on new business lifts Wednesday.

"This is where Jeff always wanted to be," said Falk, who continued to heap praise on the Celtics organization for the way it handled Green's heart ailment last season.

Falk stressed that Boston's goodwill played a major factor in his decision to return and said he's not surprised a deal got hammered out since the two sides were on the same page from the start of the process.

Both Falk and Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge expressed optimism that a contract would get done earlier this week and, after watching Ray Allen elect to sign with the Miami Heat on Friday night, the Celtics appear to have moved quickly to finalize with Green.

Green, traded to Boston in February 2011, sat out all of last season after undergoing surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm that was detected in training camp as the two sides prepared to sign a one-year, $9 million deal.

The relationship between Green and the Celtics was strengthened through his heart woes as Ainge accompanied him to doctor visits throughout the detection and repair, which will allow Green to resume his basketball career next season without limitations.

"Jeff, when he got traded to the Celtics, he loved his experience, he wanted to prove that he's a better player than he played when he got here (at the end of the 2010-11 season)," said Ainge, who dealt Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson to Oklahoma City in exchange for Green, Nenad Krstic, and a first-round pick (used to select Fab Melo in this year's draft) at the 2011 trade deadline.

"He really wants to make it work and, through the whole discovery, the surgery and the rehab, it was something that was motivating him. He wanted to come back to Boston and he wanted to show his worth. Through the playoffs, he loved the atmosphere -- he loved the atmosphere that was created by our fans. He loved his teammates and he just really wanted to make it work."

It's a sentiment echoed by Falk, who last week suggested Boston distinguished itself with its handling of Green's situation, particularly the care shown by Ainge and coach Doc Rivers.

"He's had a lot of interest from other teams, but, as I said earlier with (Boston first-round pick and fellow Falk client) Jared (Sullinger), having managed so many great players in my career, I believe the most important thing isn't where you have the most endorsement opportunities, where the media is the flashiest," Falk said. "It's being in a place where you have a great fit, and I think that one of the things that makes the fit the most effective is the relationship a player has with his coach. ... And I think when you have a coach having your back, you're halfway home. And I think the relationship that Jeff has with Doc is very special."

Courtesy of ESPN


Carmelo Anthony is stunned two-time MVP Steve Nash chose Los Angeles Lakers over NY Knicks - by Eurobasket News

Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) was convinced that the Hall of Fame point guard who was about to join him in New York would be Steve Nash (6'3''-PG-74, college: Santa Clara) and not Jason Kidd (6'4''-PG-73, college: California).

He made it sound like he was coming, Anthony said, referring to a conversation he and Nash had last week in Manhattan. It was a little shocking when the Lakers came and swooped him up.

The first three days of free agency morphed into point-guard roulette, with Nash agreeing to a sign and trade with the Lakers, Deron Williams staying with the Nets and Jeremy Lin signing an offer sheet with the Houston Rockets. The Knicks, who are expected to match the offer and retain Lin, also came out winners when Kidd turned down a chance to return to Dallas and agreed to come to New York.

Honestly, I didnt think we had a good shot at (Kidd), said Knicks center Tyson Chandler, who won a championship with Kidd in Dallas last year. Were friends first. I didnt want him to make a decision that wasnt in the best interest of himself and his family. I thought New York would be a great place for him and I expressed that to him. I was just as surprised as everybody else when he made his decision.

Chandler praised Kidd as a leader and said his presence in the locker room and on the floor were intangibles that will help Lin, Anthony and Amare Stoudemire. The Knicks have a losing record in games when Anthony and Stoudemire start, but the feeling is that Kidd has the experience to make that pairing work.

Asked if Kidd may be a better fit for his game, Anthony said: At that point it doesnt matter, Steve Nash, Jason Kidd . . . a point guard is a point guard. Somebody who can run the team, get guys in the right positions. It takes a lot of pressure off me to try to do everything. I can pick my spots, Amare can pick his spots and well go from there.

Anthony and Chandler are both training at UNLV with USA Basketball as they prepare for the London Olympics at the end of the month. Chandler is the only 7-footer on the team, and Anthony joked that besides playing power forward he may be asked to play center as well. Anthony, who will be playing off the ball more on a team that features LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, says that playing in this system will prepare him for next season with Kidd.

J-Kidd is a point guard that can bring the ball up court and get everybody involved, Anthony said. I dont have to do too much ball-handling. Right now, my mind-set is to start working off the ball a lot, especially with (Team USA).

Kidd, who turns 40 in March, was considering a move to Brooklyn to serve as Williams backup. But both the Mavs and Knicks made offers for $9 million over three years, and the Nets werent prepared to go that high.

I think he can help that team out a lot as far as distributing the ball and getting people in the right spots and taking pressure off of Carmelo and leading the team, Williams said on Friday. He doesnt have to do as much as he would in Dallas. I think at his age its going to help him out a lot.

Knicks coach Mike Woodson and assistant general manager Allan Houston attended Fridays practice and briefly huddled with Anthony. Woodson also spoke with his predecessor, Mike DAntoni, who is as assistant coach with the national team. Woodson declined to address the Knicks free agency moves until Wednesday, when players can officially sign their contracts. Without naming names, Woodson is confident that the Knicks will have a solid point guard rotation next season. The Knicks have until July 1 4 to match the four-year, $28.9 million offer sheet Lin signed.

Courtesy of www.nydailynews.com


Ray Allen chooses to sign with Miami Heat - by Eurobasket News

Ray Allen (6'5''-G-75, college: Connecticut) will take less money for a chance at another NBA championship.

Allen told the Miami Heat on Friday night that he intends to accept their contract offer and leave Boston after five seasons, even though the Celtics could pay him about twice as much as the reigning NBA champions will be able to next season. Miami could only offer Allen the mini mid-level, worth about $3 million a year.

Heat owner Micky Arison tweeted the news just after 9:30 p.m., or about 2:30 a.m. Saturday in Europe, where Arison has been for several days.

"I was just woken up with great news,'' Arison wrote. "Welcome to the family.'' Arison ended the tweet by making mention of Allen's jersey No. 20, and didn't mention the NBA's leading 3-point shooter by name.

A person briefed on details of the decision told The Associated Press that Arison got the word from Heat President Pat Riley, who made Allen the team's top free-agent priority - especially in recent days. Allen, who will be 37 this month, arrived in Miami on Thursday for a visit, went to dinner with Riley, coach Erik Spoelstra, team executive Alonzo Mourning and others Thursday night, then left Friday to presumably decide his future.

Hours later, the choice was made. Allen's agent, James Tanner, confirmed the decision to the AP not long after Arison's tweet.

Allen, who made a career-best 45 percent of his 3-point attempts this past season cannot officially sign until Wednesday because of the league's moratorium.

Allen becomes the latest player to be sold by Riley on the notion of sacrifice since the blockbuster summer of 2010. The Heat convinced LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all to take less money than they could have made elsewhere in that offseason, so there would be enough room left to add players like Udonis Haslem, Mario Chalmers and Mike Miller. Then last summer, Shane Battier accepted a deal that will pay him $3 million annually.,

The approach clearly worked. Next fall, the Heat will raise a championship banner, and Allen will be with them for the title defense.

"HeatNation continues to grow,'' Wade wrote on Twitter late Friday night. And James added, "please welcome our newest teammate Ray Allen'' with the added hashtag of "Wow.''

Wade and James both were involved on some level in the recruitment of Allen. James took to Twitter and Facebook in recent days to let his millions of followers know how much he wanted to see Allen in a Heat uniform, and Wade tweeted on Wednesday that the next day - the one where Allen was visiting - would be a big one for the franchise.

In the end, it appeared that the biggest push - again - came from Riley, who said before free agency started that Miami had identified "five or six'' clear targets to add to the roster.

He never specifically said Allen, and given how James was letting the secret out on Twitter anyway, Riley didn't have to say anything else.

New Orleans Hornets guard Jarrett Jack asked his followers in a tweet about an hour after the Allen story broke if he was "wrong for thinking ray allen is a traitor'' for signing with Miami. Even NFL stars were reacting Friday night. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick used the following hashtags on Twitter to describe his reaction to Allen's decision: "loaded,'' "finalpiece'' and "notfair.''

There's probably more than a few people in Boston who would agree.

Miami is still hoping to add at least one more piece through free agency, and is expected to meet this weekend with Marcus Camby and Rashard Lewis.

Allen was mentioned in some trade possibilities this past season, and eventually lost his starting job to Avery Bradley. Allen needed surgery earlier this offseason to remove bone spurs from his right ankle, though said when the Celtics were ousted from the playoffs by the Heat for the second straight year that his playing days were not over.

"There's still a lot of basketball left in my legs,'' Allen said in Miami not long after the Celtics dropped Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals to the Heat. "I know that for sure. So it's hard to say what can happen, what may happen.''

Not even a month later, Allen - who helped the Celtics win the 2008 NBA title - decided to join Miami.

Earlier this week, the Celtics reportedly agreed on a $15 million, three-year deal with shooting guard Jason Terry. But Boston also wanted to keep Allen, with general manager Danny Ainge quoted in recent days saying "we really want Ray to come back. Time will tell.''

Miami wanted Allen because of its ongoing quest to keep surrounding James, Wade and Bosh with shooters who extend defenses and therefore create room around the basket for the "Big Three'' to attack. That approach worked perfectly for Miami in the playoffs - the Heat were 9-1 when making at least eight 3-pointers in playoff games (7-6 otherwise), and they hit 14 in the finals-clincher over Oklahoma City.

Allen has made an NBA-record 2,718 3-pointers.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com


Nets sign 2nd-round pick Tyshawn Taylor - by Eurobasket News

The Brooklyn Nets have signed second-round pick Tyshawn Taylor (6'3''-G-90, college: Kansas) from Kansas.

The Nets acquired the point guard's rights in exchange for cash in a draft-night trade with Portland, bringing the Hoboken, N.J., native back to his home area.

The 6-foot-3 Taylor averaged career bests of 16.6 points and 4.8 assists as a senior last season, leading the Jayhawks to the national championship game.

Terms of the deal announced Friday were not disclosed.

Courtesy of www.chron.com


Guard Nick Young agrees to join 76ers - by Eurobasket News

The Philadelphia 76ers have agreed to a one-year contract with guard Nick Young (6'6''-G/F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: USC).

Youngs agent, Mark Bartelstein, told The Associated Press on Friday that the deal is for one season in the $6 million range. Deals cannot be signed until July 11.

Young spent his first four-plus seasons with the Washington Wizards before he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in March. Hes averaged 11.4 points over his career.

Young, a two-time all-conference standout at Southern California before becoming a consistent NBA scorer in five seasons with Washington, averaged 14.2 points last season, and 17.4 points in 2010-11. The versatile swingman could take the place of former Sixers guard Lou Williams, who opted out of the final year of his contract that was worth $6.4 million.

Hes got more size, gives you a little more versatility, and Nicks a big-time scorer, Bartelstein said. The more we took a look at the situation, its a perfect fit for Nick at this stage in his career.

Williams was runner-up to Oklahomas James Harden in the NBAs Sixth Man of the Year Award. He said after the Sixers were eliminated by the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals, that, If I was a better man, I think I would be back.

Youngs arrival signaled the end of Williams run. He averaged 11.3 points over a seven-year career with the Sixers.

Philly, I appreciate you all. Unfortunately I will not be coming back, as an organization they decided to move in a different direction, he posted on Twitter shortly after the Young move became public.

At one point, Young and JaVale McGee were considered potential building blocks for Washington. But their play has been selfish or undisciplined at times.

And their behavior off the court had the Wizards wary as well.

During last offseason, a video circulated on the Internet showing Young and McGee engaging in something called the Cinnamon Challenge, in which they swallowed spoonfuls of the spice.

Courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com


Hornets' guard Eric Gordon won't be happy about staying in NOLA - by Eurobasket News

New Orleans Hornets shooting guard Eric Gordon (6'4''-G-88, college: Indiana) said if the team matches the four-year, $58 million offer sheet he signed this week with the Phoenix Suns, he'll play in the Crescent City, but he won't be happy about it.

Gordon made his comments speaking with reporters for the first time since issuing a statement through his agent that his "heart" was in Phoenix.

"If (the Hornets) were interested, there wouldn't have been no tour, there wouldn't have been nothing," Gordon said. "There's been no negotiations. I was right there in Indiana. I haven't received no calls, to me personally. They've contacted my agent.

"As for now, I don't know what's going on. (If the Hornets match) as of right now, I'd be disappointed."

Is there anything the Hornets could do to change his mind?

"I don't think there is," Gordon said.

In a nearly 15-minute conversation with a handful of reporters after the first practice of the USA Basketball team, as it prepares to whittle its roster for the London Olympic Games, Gordon repeatedly said he felt the Hornets should have made a better offer than the reported four-year, $50 million contract the club wanted to give him in late January, while he was out with a right knee injury that two weeks later necessitated arthroscopic surgery.

"If you feel that I'm that caliber player," Gordon said, asked if he felt disrespected. "You don't think I knew I was going to be an unrestricted free agent this summer? I knew that. I took it into account. I'm taking accountability for how I play. What do they mean as an organization? What do I mean to them?

"Obviously they're saying all that (about him being the cornerstone on which the franchise will rebuild) to scare everybody off. If I don't really hear that from them, and they haven't shown it. It wouldn't be like this right now."

The Hornets have the right under the collective bargaining agreement to match the Suns' offer sheet and retain Gordon. That cannot happen, procedurally, until next Wednesday.

Gordon said he was surprised the Hornets drafted shooting guard Austin Rivers with the 10th overall selection, citing gaps throughout the Hornets roster, especially in the post.

"I was a little surprised; we have no center and no bigs," Gordon said. "You look at our roster right now, what do we have, one big? Jason Smith? Before Anthony Davis, we had no bigs.

"My thing is, if you're trying to be a good team, and you've got a young team, you've got to fill in spaces. I am the shooting guard. We've got plenty of point guards on our team right now."

Hornets general manager Dell Demps was a spectator at the USA Basketball workout on the campus of Nevada-Las Vegas. But Gordon said the two did not speak Friday.

"He's talked to my agent (Rob Pelinka), but as far as me, I haven't really talked to him."

Demps and Hornets Coach Monty Williams have said repeatedly the past few weeks that in their conversations with Gordon, the player always expressed his desire to return to New Orleans.

On June 29, Demps said: "I never want to speak for anyone. He has expressed that he enjoyed his time here. Hes been coming back here working out in the offseason which is always a great sign. He was just here a couple days ago working out at our facility. He likes it here, he likes the setup, he likes the direction from everything that weve gathered.

"At the end of the day," Gordon said Friday, "I'm a basketball player. The Suns people have beliefs in what type of caliber player I am. When you see me take an offer, you know, it's just an offer."

Gordon said he didn't feel as though the Hornets contract offer in January, when the team was still in NBA receivership, sufficiently represented his ability.

"No; I didn't accept it because I didn't think that was the type of caliber player I was," Gordon said. "We''ve just got to wait until July 11, because I don't know what they're going to do. I'm just focused on USA Basketball right now and looking ahead to July 11 because anybody can say anything right now."

Throughout the conversation, Gordon kept referring to the CBA, and his restricted free agent status, which, he said, put him in a difficult position.

"Being restricted, you're just being taken advantage of," Gordon said. "That's why things haven't been looking so well for (the Hornets). (The system) is built for players after their rookie contracts to play with their (existing) team. I can't deny it or have a judgment against that.

"I don't know what they're going to do. I don't know what their situation is since this offseason."

Asked if the Hornets had offered him in January, while he was still injured, the same type of contract the Suns offered this week, four years, $58 million, would he have signed it then?

"Why not?" Gordon said.

Yet Gordon insisted his current unhappiness with the Hornets is not about money.

"It's all about what type of caliber player I am," Gordon said. "It's all about interest. What kind of caliber player I am. That's what it's all about. No 1 thing is I'm here to win, I'm here to try to lead a team. All this new deal is built for me to stay in New Orleans, but the interest wasn't there. I've just got to move on.

"I'm a basketball player at the end of the day. Where I'm at, I've just got to play ball. But as of right now, it's going to be for the Phoenix Suns. If they match, I've got to play basketball."

Courtesy of www.nola.com


Heat going strong after free-agent C Camby - by Eurobasket News

Has center Marcus Camby (6'11''-C/F-74, college: Massachusetts) emerged as the free agent the Heat are going after the hardest?

Sources close to the situation said Friday the free agent will visit Miami on Saturday. One source said the Heat had reached out to Cambys camp at 12:01 a.m. EDT last Sunday, the very first time teams could contact free agents.

It initially appeared Cambys priority was to re-sign with Houston. But sources said Camby has changed his tune this week due to a belief the Rockets are rebuilding, and he would be very receptive to signing with Miami.

The Heat on Thursday entertained free-agent guard Ray Allen. On Sunday, they will play host to free-agent forward Rashard Lewis.

Using Miamis $3.09 million exception, the Heat are willing to give Allen a three-year, $9.53 million contract. However, Allen could end up returning to Boston, which has offered him a two-year, $12 million deal. And one source wondered if, due to how thin Miami is at center and the difficulty it is to acquire big men without big bucks, Camby could emerge as a more preferred Heat free agent than Allen.

Is there a possibility the Heat could get both Allen and Camby? A source reiterated theres no chance Camby would sign for the veterans minimum of $1.35 million but its possible a sign-and-trade deal could be arranged with Houston (its unclear if Lewis would accept the veterans minimum).

Camby, 38, split last season with Portland and Houston, averaging 4.9 points and 9.9 rebounds. In 19 late-season games with the Rockets, Camby averaged 7.1 and 9.3 rebounds.

Camby, who made $11.3 million last season, wants a multi-year deal and hopes to play about three more seasons. Due to his rebounding and shot-blocking ability and not caring about how many points he scores, he would fit in well with the Heat.

Sources had said early in the week Cambys preference was to re-sign with Houston. But that has changed.

He sees the moves they are making and it looks like theyre rebuilding, one source said. He wants to win a championship.

The Rockets last week traded center Samuel Dalembert to Milwaukee. This week, theyve agreed to trade point guard Kyle Lowry to Toronto, and free-agent point guard Gorin Dragic has agreed to bolt Houston for Phoenix.

Houston this week agreed to sign Chicago restricted free-agent center Omer Asik and New York restricted free-agent point guard Jeremy Lin to offer sheets. But both could be matched.

Sources said Camby also plans to visit New York, and that Dallas and San Antonio remain in the mix as possibilities. For now, though, he will take a long look at Miami.

Miami won the championship with Chris Bosh having been moved from power forward to start in the Finals at center against Oklahoma City. But it remains to be seen if that could work over the long haul. Miamis only true centers under contract for next season are Joel Anthony and Dexter Pittman.

The Heat entered free agency before last season hoping to get a big man but found the $3 million taxpayer exception didnt go very far. Theyll now see if it can be used to land Camby or whether the Rockets might cooperate for a sign-and-trade.

The Heat dont have a lot to offer for a possible sign-and-trade. There is young point guard Norris Cole and forward Udonis Haslem, but the Heat are very loyal to the Miami native. And there is the future first-round pick the Heat got last week from Philadelphia, which could be packaged in some manner.

Courtesy of www.foxsportsflorida.com


Houston Rockets sign Donatas Motiejunas to multi-year contract - by Eurobasket News

Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey announced that the team has signed former first-round pick Donatas Motiejunas (7'0''-F/C-90, agency: Interperformances) to a multi-year contract. Selected 20th overall by Minnesota in the 2011 NBA Draft, Houston acquired the draft rights to the Lithuanian forward/center from the Timberwolves on June 24, 2011.

Motiejunas (7-0, 222, Lithuania, pronounced doh-NAH-tahs moe-tee-YOU-nus) played this past season with Polish League champion Asseco Prokom Gdynia, averaging 15.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.35 steals in just over 26 minutes per game during the 2011-12 campaign. In Game Seven of the Polish League Finals, Motiejunas recorded game highs in points (23) and rebounds (11) while leading his club to the title. On December 7, 2011, Motiejunas pulled down a career-high 21 boards against Union Olimpija, as his 18 defensive rebounds were the most in a Euroleague game in the ULEB era (since 2000-01).

An early entry candidate for the 2011 NBA Draft, Motiejunas played with Italys Benetton Treviso from 2009-11 and was the winner of the 2010-11 Eurocup Rising Star Trophy for the best U-23 player in the ULEBs Eurocup competition. In 2008-09, Motiejunas played with Aisciai Kaunas and earned All-Star honors in Lithuanias top league. He spent 2005-07 playing exclusively for Zalgiris-Sabonio mokykla Kaunas, which is Zalgiris Kaunas junior team in Lithuanias second division. Motiejunas made his debut with the senior team in 2007-08, while splitting time with the junior squad. He also represented Lithuania in Junior National Team competition. His honors included MVP of the 2008 Nike International Junior Tournament and MVP of the 2008 U-18 European Championship. Motiejunas was also a member of the World Select Team at the 2009 Nike Hoop Summit, tallying 21 points (5-15 FG, 10-14 FT), eight rebounds and three assists.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com


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


U17 World Championship: USA stepped closer to the title - by Eurobasket News

Spain U17-USA U17 66:95

USA stepped closer to the title as they edged Spain in the Semifinal game. The defending champions overcame the Spanish team 95:66 at U17 World Championship in Kaunas.
Spain surprised the opponents in the first period and grabbed 7-point lead. Conner Frankamp (6'1''-G-95) closed the period at 19:14 and then Justice Winslow (6'6''-F-96) tied the game at 26:26. USA pushed the tempo later in the half and reached 43:37 at the end of the second period. In the second half the court was dominated only by one team. USA won the third period 26-17 and added 26-12 in the last stanza.
Justice Winslow paced all the winners with 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Conner Frankamp nailed 13. Stanley Johnson (6'6''-SG-96) and Jahlil Okafor-Benton (6'11''-C-95) followed them with 12 points each. Andreu Adrover (6'1''-PG-95) and Alberto Martin (6'1''-PG-95) produced 8 points each in the losing effort.
Tomorrow USA will face Australia in the Final game tomorrow.

Spain U17: Andreu Adrover 8, Alberto Martin 8
USA U17: Justice Winslow 17+13 rebs, Conner Frankamp 13, Stanley Johnson 12, Jahlil Okafor-Benton 12


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


Olympic Qualifying Tournament: Russia head to Olympics - by Eurobasket News

Russia - Nigeria 85:77

Russia booked the ticket to Olympic Games. They overcame ambitious Nigerian team to secure the place at the 2012 Olympic Games basketball tournament in London. Shved scored 22 points, issued 6 assists and grabbed 4 rebounds to lead the winners.
Russia got to a flying start. They exploded with 26 points in the starting quarter to take a 3-point lead. Russia held the African team to 8 points in the second term to ensure a 15-point halftime advantage 46:31. The teams traded baskets throughout the third term as Russia kept their opponents at distance. David Blatt team entered the fourth period up by 15 points 68:53. Nigeria tried hard cutting the deficit to 6 points but Russia hang on to escape with a crucial win at the end. Andrei Kirilenko (206-F-81) accounted for 19 points and 8 rebounds, while Vitaly Fridzon (196-G-85, agency: Alti Sport) added 15 points for the winners. Ike Diogu (208-F/C-83, college: Arizona St.) responded with 16 points and 14 boards for Nigeria. Adeola Dagunduro (195-G-86, college: Nebraska) added 16 points in the loss.

Russia: Shved 22, Andrei Kirilenko 19, Vitaly Fridzon 15
Nigeria: Ike Diogu 16+14 boards, Adeola Dagunduro 16


Tigers stumble but not out - by Iwedi Ojinmah

It is a dangerous combination. Belief and ability and that is precisley what has infected Nigeria currently.

As we know DTigers recorded another upset in the ongoing FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Venezuela when they defeated European powerhouse Greece 80-79 in the second quarter-final match played on Friday. Using their initial loss to the hosts as inspiration the team has not looked back and has now beaten the best of Europe in Lithuania and Greece back to back.

Yes - Coach Bakare's men were starting to believe in themselves and that was making them a very dangerous predator. Their Grrrrrrrr was becoming more pronounced.

Despite falling behind to Greece which started the onslaught on Friday right from the jump ball, they fought back to finish the first quarter 21-21. It was like 'de ja vu'.

Again the men from Troy tried to separate themselves from the pesky West Africans and actually they did taking control of the second quarter as they scored 21 points against Nigerias nine.

But Anthony Skinn and Al-Farouk Aminu just as they did on Wednesday, were not impressed and lifted their teams spirit with penetrating passes and powerful dunks.
.Nigeria out played Greece to the tune of 20-14 reminding the Spartans they they were in for a major fight.

D Tigers perseverance proved too much. Fact. Pillared in between that fact and the raw physicality of Team Nigeria the Greeks were the first to blink and even Olympiakos point guard, Vasileios Spanoulis, game-high 25 points and seven rebounds could not save them.

And then came Russia last night.

It was almost 'de ja vu' again. However the lead the Russians opened up was not a mere ten but double that and that proved too much even for the pesky Africans. And when they made their run spearheaded by Aminu it was too little too late.

This European team was just too strong and ruthless. As has been their trademark in this tournament, they turned the defensive screws in the second term, holding Nigeria scoreless in the final five minutes to build a 46-31 half-time lead.

At the end of the day Nigeria ran out of time and lost 85-77 allowing Russia to secure her berth to London.

Next for Nigeria will be one more roll of the die when she faces the winner of Lithuania and the Dominican Republic.

Regardless of what happens, Nigeria has shown us that her cats are for real and will continue to bite all who take her for granted.


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

Standings

Standings
Group A
1. Argentina0-0
2. France0-0
3. Tunisia0-0
4. USA0-0
Group B
1. Australia0-0
2. Brazil0-0
3. Chile0-0
4. U.Kingdom0-0
5. Spain0-0
Qualification Gr.A
1. Greece2-0
2. P.Rico1-1
3. Jordan0-2
Qualification Gr.B
1. Lithuania1-1
2. Nigeria1-1
3. Venezuela1-1
Qualification Gr.C
1. Russia2-0
2. Dominican R.1-1
3. S.Korea0-2
Qualification Gr.D
1. Angola1-1
2. FYR Macedon.1-1
3. N.Zealand1-1

Additional Qualifying Round: Round 5

Jul. 7: RUS - NGR 85-77
Jul. 7: LTU - DOM 109-83

Additional Qualifying Round: Round 6

Jul. 8: DOM - NGR


Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Bo MCCALEBB
  USA
  (178-PG-85)
  Avg: 26.3
 1. McCalebb, MKD26.3 
 2. Mingas, ANG20.3 
 3. Horford, DOM19.5 
 4. Kleiza, LTU19.3 
 5. Spanoulis, GRE19.3 
 6. Kirilenko, RUS16.3 
 7. Ramos, PUR14.7 
 8. Diogu, NGR14.5 
 9. Fridzon, RUS14.5 
 10. Martinez, DOM14.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jack Michael MARTINEZ
  DOM
  (201-F-81)
  Avg: 15
 1. Martinez, DOM15.0 
 2. Diogu, NGR11.0 
 3. Horford, DOM10.0 
 4. Gomes, ANG8.0 
 5. Kirilenko, RUS8.0 
 6. Samardziski, MKD7.7 
 7. Maciulis, LTU7.5 
 8. Antic, MKD7.0 
 9. Ramos, PUR6.0 
 10. Khryapa, RUS5.8 
Assists Per Game
 Mantas KALNIETIS
  LTU
  (195-G-86)
  Avg: 7
 1. Kalnietis, LTU7.0 
 2. McCalebb, MKD6.0 
 3. Spanoulis, GRE5.7 
 4. Shved, RUS5.0 
 5. Arroyo, PUR4.7 
 6. Jasikevicius, LTU4.5 
 7. Coronado, DOM4.3 
 8. Kirilenko, RUS4.0 
 9. Khryapa, RUS3.8 
 10. Horford, DOM3.5 
Steals Per Game
 Andrei KIRILENKO
  USA
  (206-F-81)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Kirilenko, RUS3.3 
 2. Dagunduro, NGR2.5 
 3. Khryapa, RUS2.0 
 4. Pocius, LTU1.8 
 5. Kalnietis, LTU1.5 
 6. Balkman, PUR1.3 
 7. McCalebb, MKD1.3 
 8. Stojanovski, MKD1.3 
 9. Gomes, ANG1.3 
 10. Skinn, NGR1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Olumide OYEDEJI
  NGR
  (210-C-81)
  Avg: 1
 1. Oyedeji, NGR1.0 
 2. Javtokas, LTU1.0 
 3. Aminu, NGR1.0 
 4. Samardziski, MKD0.7 
 5. Mozgov, RUS0.7 
 6. Bourousis, GRE0.7 
 7. Mavroeidis, GRE0.7 
 8. Sanchez, PUR0.7 
 9. Peavy, PUR0.7 
 10. Kirilenko, RUS0.5 


Russia and Lithuania advance to Olympic Games basketball tournament - by Eurobasket News

Russia - Nigeria 85:77
Russia booked the ticket to Olympic Games. They overcame ambitious Nigerian team to secure the place at the 2012 Olympic Games basketball tournament in London. Shved scored 22 points, issued 6 assists and grabbed 4 rebounds to lead the winners.
Russia got to a flying start. They exploded with 26 points in the starting quarter to take a 3-point lead. Russia held the African team to 8 points in the second term to ensure a 15-point halftime advantage 46:31. The teams traded baskets throughout the third term as Russia kept their opponents at distance. David Blatt team entered the fourth period up by 15 points 68:53. Nigeria tried hard cutting the deficit to 6 points but Russia hang on to escape with a crucial win at the end. Andrei Kirilenko (206-F-81) (206-F-81) accounted for 19 points and 8 rebounds, while Vitaly Fridzon (196-G-85, agency: Alti Sport) added 15 points for the winners. Ike Diogu (208-F/C-83, college: Arizona St.) responded with 16 points and 14 boards for Nigeria. Adeola Dagunduro (195-G-86, college: Nebraska) added 16 points in the loss.

Russia: Shved 22, Andrei Kirilenko 19, Vitaly Fridzon 15
Nigeria: Ike Diogu 16+14 boards, Adeola Dagunduro 16

Lithuania - Dominican Republic 109:83
Lithuania will play at 2012 Olympic Games in London. They overcame Dominican Republic to ensure their appearance at the tournament. Jonas Maciulis (200-G/F-85) came up with 19 points to pace the Baltic team.
Lithuania pulled ahead in the opening quarter. They capitalized on Dominican Republic low scoring percentage to take a 21:16 lead. Lithuania exploded with 31 points in the second quarter to clear off to a 16-point lead. Dominican Republic stopped the bleeding in the third term. They narrowed the distance to 14 points with one period remaining. However Lithuania quickly picked up the tempo and fired 34 points in the final stanza giving no chance for Dominican Republic. Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) accounted for 17 points and 7 rebounds, while Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, college: Missouri) added 13 points for the winners. Jack Michael Martinez (201-F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) answered with 13 points and 10 rebounds for Dominican Republic. Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida) provided 12 points in the loss.

Lithuania: Jonas Maciulis 19, Jonas Valanciunas 17, Linas Kleiza 13
Dominican Republic: Jack Michael Martinez 13+10 boards, Alfred Horford 12


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

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

PBA Governor's Cup Standings
 1. Rain or Shine 8-2 
 2. B-Meg Llam. 6-3 
 3. Ginebra Kings 6-4 
 4. Petron Blaze 6-4 
 5. Talk N Text 5-4 
 6. Barako Bull 4-5 
 7. Powerade T. 4-5 
 8. Meralco Bolts 4-6 
 9. Air21 Express 2-7 
 10. Alaska Aces 2-7 

Play-Offs: Round 1

Jul. 6: Petron Blaze - Rain or Shine 90-88
Jul. 6: Meralco Bolts - Ginebra Kings 76-89

Play-Offs: Round 2

Jul. 7: B-Meg Llam. - Talk N Text
Jul. 8: Rain or Shine - Meralco Bolts
Jul. 8: Petron Blaze - Ginebra Kings


PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Zach GRAHAM
  Air21 E.
  (198-G-89)
  Avg: 37.6
 1. Graham, Air21 E.37.6 
 2. West, Meralco29.6 
 3. Sneed, Powerade T.25.9 
 4. Hickerson, Barako25.3 
 5. David, Powerade T.24.8 
 6. Cornley, Rain o.24.7 
 7. Blakely, B-Meg L.23.7 
 8. Harris, Talk N Text23.6 
 9. Forte, Alaska Aces23.5 
 10. Bozeman, Ginebra23.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Omar SNEED
  Powerade T.
  (198-F-76)
  Avg: 16.6
 1. Sneed, Powerade T.16.6 
 2. Forte, Alaska Aces15.6 
 3. Graham, Air21 E.12.6 
 4. Harris, Talk N Text12.1 
 5. Blakely, B-Meg L.12.1 
 6. Taulava, Meralco11.2 
 7. Bozeman, Ginebra10.8 
 8. Cornley, Rain o.10.3 
 9. Pingris, B-Meg L.9.7 
 10. Santos, Petron B.8.5 
Assists Per Game
 Jimmy ALAPAG
  Talk N Text
  (177-PG-77)
  Avg: 7
 1. Alapag, Talk N Te.7.0 
 2. Casio, Powerade T.6.1 
 3. Hickerson, Barako5.7 
 4. Bozeman, Ginebra5.4 
 5. Sneed, Powerade T.5.4 
 6. Tenorio, Alaska A.5.2 
 7. Miller, Barako Bull4.8 
 8. Cabagnot, Petron4.5 
 9. Ross, Meralco4.5 
 10. Basden, Petron B.4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 3.4
 1. Blakely, B-Meg L.3.4 
 2. West, Meralco3.1 
 3. Basden, Petron B.2.4 
 4. Tenorio, Alaska A.1.6 
 5. Sneed, Powerade T.1.6 
 6. Seigle, Barako Bull1.3 
 7. Bozeman, Ginebra1.2 
 8. Ross, Meralco1.2 
 9. Cortez, Ginebra1.2 
 10. Graham, Air21 E.1.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Blakely, B-Meg L.2.8 
 2. Hickerson, Barako2.1 
 3. Forte, Alaska Aces1.6 
 4. Baguio, Alaska Ac.1.4 
 5. Santos, Petron B.1.4 
 6. Aguilar, Talk N.1.3 
 7. Thoss, Alaska Aces1.1 
 8. West, Meralco1.1 
 9. Washington, Petron1.0 
 10. Maierhofer, Gineb.1.0 


Petron Blaze Boosters sign Marcus Faison - by Eurobasket News

Marcus Faison (196-G-78, college: Siena) will continue his career in Philippines. The American/Belgian guard signed a deal with Petron Blaze Boosters for rest of the PBA Governors Cup. Faison finished 2011/12 season with Ukrainian team Kryvbasbasket-Lux Kryvyi Rih. He joined them in February averaging 8.7 points, 5 rebounds and 2.2 assists. Faison started the season in Belgium with Pepinster. There he had 10.9 ppg, 3 rpg and 1.8 apg for 10 games. In 2010/11, Marcus Faison played for Belgian Oostende. Before that, he was a member of Ukrainian Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk, Greek Peristeri, Spanish Menorca and Turkish Besiktas. Faison also has experience from Germany. Marcus Faison played for the Belgian National Team last summer at the EuroBasket in Lithuania. He had 8.4 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 1.6 spg for 5 games at this event.


Final Day of the 2012 SEABA Stankovic Qualifying Cup - by Enzo Flojo

Notes:
Team Pilipinas formalized its entry to the 2012 FIBA-Asia Cup, formerly known as the Stankovic Cup, by soundly beating the host team and, consequently, sweeping the competition in the 2012 SEABA Stankovic Cup Qualifying Tournament.

Once again, it was Marcus Douthit who dominated for the Filipinos. The naturalized 611 center drilled in 17 points on a flawless 8-of-8 shooting array from the field. He also collected 11 rebounds, blocked 5 shots, and connected on 4 assists. He was ably supported by fellow frontliner Sonny Thoss, who recorded 10 points and 3 boards. Backcourt partners Garvo Lanete and Chris Tiu also contributed significantly with 12 and 11 markers respectively. The Pinoys led from the get-go, limiting the hapless Thais to just 15 points in the first half, while scoring 41 of their own. This was thanks mainly to the superb quarterbacking of Alaskas LA Tenorio, who ended the game with 7 assists on top of 6 rebounds and 2 steals.

With this win, the Pinoys move on to the FIBA-Asia Cup in Tokyo, where the top four teams will automatically qualify for the 2013 FIBA-Asia Championships and also earn for their respective sub-zones additional berths in the same tournament. The Filipinos are grouped with 2011 FIBA-Asia Champion China, the defending 2010 Stankovic Cup titlist Lebanon, East Asias Macau, and a yet-to-be-determined representative from Central Asia probably Kazakhstan.

In the first game, Indonesia asserted its might inside in tripping the Singaporeans, 65-51. Julius Ahmad and Arki Wisnu combined for 30 points to lead the Indons scoring, but it was the frontcourt duo of Galank Gunawan and Dodo Sitepu that trampled Singapore. Gunawan and Sitepu paired up for 25 rebounds, matching the team total of their foes, while also collectively blocking 2 shots and stealing the ball thrice.

Despite being tied with the Thais at 2 wins and 2 losses, Indonesia claimed second spot by virtue of beating the hosts yesterday. Singapore and Malaysia both finished with 1-3 slates, but because Singapore beat Malaysia earlier in the tournament, they claim fourth spot.

Final Day Scores:
PHILIPPINES over THAILAND, 74-52
PHI 74 - Douthit 17, Lanete 12, Tiu 11, Thoss 10, Tenorio 7, Baracael 6, Marcelo 6, Hermida 3, Ramos 2, Co 0, Monfort 0
THA 52 - Dasom 16, Ghogar 12, Danai 10, Samerjai 7, Klahan 5, Sekteera 2, Wanna 0, Lertmalaiporn 0, Suthap 0, Kaedum 0
QS: 22-8, 41-15, 57-32, 74-52
Notable Performances:
Marcus Douthit (PHI) - 17pts, 11rebs, 5blks, 4asts, 1stl
Sukhdave Ghogar (THA) - 12pts, 7rebs, 2blks, 1reb, 1ast

INDONESIA over SINGAPORE, 65-51
INA 65 - Ahmad 16, Wisnu 14, Michel 8, Susanto 8, Siregar 6, Sitepu 5, Liogu 4, Gunawan 4, Handoyo 0
SIN 51 - Matialakan 16, Ng 11, Khoo 6, Oh 5, Wu 4, Folkoff 4, Wong 2, Lim 2, Koh 1, Liew 0, Teo 0, Goh 0
QS: 9-12, 20-22, 49-35, 65-51
Notable Performances:
Galank Gunawan (INA) - 4pts, 13rebs, 3stls, 1ast
Pathman Matialakan (SIN) - 16pts, 9rebs, 1stl, 1blk

Source: HoopNut.blogspot.com


Ginebra Kings and Petron Blaze celebrate in Round One of the Semis - by Eurobasket News

Meralco Bolts - Ginebra Kings 76-89
Kerby Raymundo (199-C-81) reprised a role he has perfected long before he became a Barangay Ginebra King. Starting at forward and playing the lead role, Raymundo had 16 points and 13 rebounds to help lift the Kings to an 89-76 victory over the Meralco Bolts Friday night at the start of the PBA Governors Cup semifinals at the Ynares Sports Center. Raymundo, acquired during the off-season from B-Meg (formerly Purefoods) where he had his best years, shot 8 of 12 and had 4 assists, a steal and a block in 31 minutes. 'Kerby is getting comfortable with our system,' said Ginebra coach Tanquingcen. 'But he's still a work in progress.' Eric Menk (199-F-74, college: L.Superior), the 2004 MVP, may be another 'special project:' for the Kings. Playing in only his second game this conference after a calf muscle injury delayed his comeback, Menk came off the bench to add 6 points in the fourth quarter with 3 rebounds, playing 13 minutes. 'It felt very good, and I'm grateful to Coach for giving me a chance to play and contribute, especially in the playoffs,' said Menk, who was off the playing court in 5 minutes in Ginebra's 113-111 loss to Talk N Text in the elimination. Shooting 47 percent in the first quarter, Ginebra opened a 25-10 lead and went on to build several 25-point margins, the last at 79-54 with 8 minutes left before the Bolts made a 9-0 run. Cedric Bozeman added 13 with 16 rebounds and rookie Allein Maliksi 12 points. Bozeman gave away point production in his match-up with Bolts counterpart Mario West, who had 22, but stole the thunder with three electrifying dunks. 'A good start, that's the first thing in our minds in the semis,' added Tanquingcen. 'It's crucial that we get as many wins as we could.' Maliksi had 8 points in the first quarter as a starter and endured an accidental hit to the face from Meralco center Asi Taulava early in the fourth period that bloodied his mouth. The Kings, who, along with the rest of the PBA will pay tribute to former playing-coach Robert Jaworski when his iconic number is retired Sunday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum, improved to 6-4, with a shot at both the No. 2 spot behind league-leading Rain or Shine and the 4-of-5 playoff incentive. A ball club that doesn't land in the top two after the one-round semis but wins 4 of 5 games gains a playoff for the second finals berth. While the Kings are hailing their hot start, the Bolts are still waiting to thaw from their icy 23 percent shooting in the first 12 minutes that had them trailing, 25-10, and never establishing anything. 'Malaking bagay yung defense because we were able to clamp down on their two major strengths - fast breaks and turnover points,' said Tanquingcen. 'We had concerted effort to limit them.' West, Taulava, Sol Mercado and Mark Cardona combined for 10 points in the opening period, with Cardona scoreless. At 4-7, the Bolts, who beat the Powerade Tigers in a playoff to make it to the semis, have to sweep their four remaining games to be eligible for the 4-of-5 incentive. (TT) *Courtesy of www.pba.ph

Petron Blaze - Rain or Shine 90-88
Arwind Santos (193-F-81) made a crucial putback in the last seven seconds, and Petron Blaze survived Rain or Shine's fierce endgame uprising, squeezing out a 90-88 win at the start of the PBA Governors Cup semifinal round at the Ynares Sports Center here Friday night. Santos, following up a missed drive by Alex Cabagnot (183-G-82, college: Hawaii-Hilo), saved Petron from imminent danger and allowed the team to keep in step with Barangay Ginebra. Marcus Faison had his contribution in his debut as a Petron import, helping the Boosters improve their win-loss carry-over record to 6-4. 'Nakatulong yung import namin kahit walang practice. Hopeful ako, may ibibigay pa yan,' said Petron coach Ato Agustin of their new import subbing for the injury-stricken Eddie Basden. Faison logged 20 points, including four critical charities in the final quarter. The former Siena College standout also tallied nine rebounds, one steal and one block against two turnovers in 33 minutes of action. The entire Petron team played with great intensity and energy, enjoying a 23-point spread before facing a furious rally by the Elasto Painters. Rain or Shine went short of its bid but remained the tournament front-runner with an 8-2 record. 'Overall, our team played well. We dominated the boards. Nakabalik ang kalaban pero ang importante di bumaba ang energy namin. Di nawala ang will to win,' said Agustin. The Elasto Painters gallantly fought back from 30-53 down, coming to within two points at 86-88 with 30 seconds left. The Boosters, however, kept their poise and composure, pulling through on Santos' clutch shot in the closing seconds. Santos finished with 12 points, nine rebounds and three assists with Joseph Yeo and Jay Washington adding 14 and 11 markers, respectively. Poor shooting from the stripe didn't help the Elasto Painters. They could've completed a come-from-behind victory if not for 11 missed free throws in the final half. Nonetheless, the Elasto Painters showed admirable effort in trying to turn the game around. Jamelle Cornley led all scorers with 36 points and added 10 rebounds plus four assists and one steal. The Boosters built an early double-digit lead at 15-5 and pulled away further, 43-24, on a 13-to-nothing run to start the second quarter. Three Boosters in Yeo, Faison and Santos had put in double-digit output by the half ending at 56-39. (SB) *Courtesy of www.pha.ph


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


Possible changes in Asseco Prokom - by Eurobasket News

Polish National team players of Asseco Prokom might leave the Polish league for upcoming season.
Guard Przemyslaw Zamojski (194-SG-86, agency: Alti Sport, college: Independence CC) has being targeted by Polish teams of Anwil Wloclawek, Trefl Sopot, Zastal Zielona Gora and few teams gave offers already.
Przemyslaw Zamojski joined the team in 2008 and stayed for 4 years. In 2011-2012 for Asseco Prokom Gdynia (PLK, starting five) he averaged 6.3ppg, 1.9rpg, FGP: 41.9%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 78.6% in VTB League and in Euroleague showed 5.7ppg, 1.6rpg, FGP: 35.0%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 33.3%. In Polish League his stats read 9.9ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 79.5%.
The similar situation is with two Polish big men from Asseco Prokom, Adam Hrycaniuk (206-C-84, agency: Alti Sport, college: Cincinnati),206cm, 1984, Poland (agency: Alti Sport) and Adam Lapeta (217-C-87, agency: Alti Sport), 217cm, 1987, Poland (agency: Alti Sport). There are also rumors that these players might be hired abroad regarding their experience in international competitions they performed for Asseco Prokom in VTB league and in Euroleague competitions.
Adam Hrycaniuk averaged 7.3ppg, 5.8rpg, FGP: 49.4%, FT: 66.7% in VTB league and in Euroleague showed 6.0ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 35.7%, FT: 50.0%. In Polish League his stats read 9.5ppg, Reb-2 (8.3rpg), FGP: 54.2%, FT: 59.8%.
Adam Lapeta showed 5.1ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 61.7%, FT: 65.7% in VTB league and in Euroleague averaged 4.7ppg, 4.3rpg.


Czarni Slupsk eye Slobodan Dundjerski - by Eurobasket News

Czarni Slupsk eye Slobodan Dundjerski (190-G-88, agency: Alti Sport) for the next season. The Serbian Point Guard might join the Polish team for 2012/2013 season.
In 2011-2012 he played for KK Vojvodina Novi Sad (A League, starting five) and after 41 games averaged 9.3ppg, 2.7rpg, Assists-4 (4.7apg), Steals-4 (2.1spg), FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 68.3%.
Radnicki from Kragujevac were also interested in hiring player on more than one year deal. This player was in radar of Polish Turow from Zgorzelec last season, but player was under contract and negotiations were ceased.
Over the last few years Slobodan Dundjerski reached Balkan League Quarterfinals -10, 11 and was named Eurobasket.com All-Balkan League Honorable Mention -11. Moreover he received Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Honorable Mention -11, Eurobasket.com Serbian League All-Defensive Team -11 and was a member of the Serbian University National Team -11. In 2012 he reached Serbian League Semifinals.
Earlier Slobodan Dundjerski was a member of the U18 team. At the European Championships U18 in Amaliada (Greece) his stats read 5.5ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.9apg, 2FGP: 52.4%, 3FGP: 50%, FT: 56.5%.


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


Olympic Qualifying Tournament: Russia head to Olympics - by Eurobasket News

Russia - Nigeria 85:77

Russia booked the ticket to Olympic Games. They overcame ambitious Nigerian team to secure the place at the 2012 Olympic Games basketball tournament in London. Shved scored 22 points, issued 6 assists and grabbed 4 rebounds to lead the winners.
Russia got to a flying start. They exploded with 26 points in the starting quarter to take a 3-point lead. Russia held the African team to 8 points in the second term to ensure a 15-point halftime advantage 46:31. The teams traded baskets throughout the third term as Russia kept their opponents at distance. David Blatt team entered the fourth period up by 15 points 68:53. Nigeria tried hard cutting the deficit to 6 points but Russia hang on to escape with a crucial win at the end. Andrei Kirilenko (206-F-81) accounted for 19 points and 8 rebounds, while Vitaly Fridzon (196-G-85, agency: Alti Sport) added 15 points for the winners. Ike Diogu (208-F/C-83, college: Arizona St.) responded with 16 points and 14 boards for Nigeria. Adeola Dagunduro (195-G-86, college: Nebraska) added 16 points in the loss.

Russia: Shved 22, Andrei Kirilenko 19, Vitaly Fridzon 15
Nigeria: Ike Diogu 16+14 boards, Adeola Dagunduro 16


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  SAN MARINO   


Malta beat San Marino for the spot at the pedestal - by Eurobasket News

Malta - San Marino 96:57

Malta registered the victory on the final day of European Championship for Small Countries. They thumped San Marino to step onto the pedestal. Malta clinched the third position. Samuel Deguara (223-C-91) came up with impressive 41 points and 15 rebounds for the winners.
Malta left no chance for the hosts. The visitors went on a 28:13 run in the opening quarter. Malta stretched the gap to 17 points at halftime 43:26. Malta dominated right after the big break. Malta extended the advantage to as many as 29 points with ten minutes remaining. They did not slow down in the fourth quarter and rallied to a comfortable win at the end. Omar Said (177-PG-80) posted 15 points, while Darryl Jackson (189-SG-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Warner Pacific) and Steve Schembri (187-SF-79) accounted for 9 points each for the winners. Andrea Raschi (198-SG-79) answered with 16 points and 10 rebounds for San Marino. Lorenzo Liberti (183-G-91) posted 13 points in the loss.

Malta: Samuel Deguara 41+15 boards, Omar Said 15, Darryl Jackson 9, Steve Schembri 9
San Marino: Andrea Raschi 16+10 boards, Lorenzo Liberti 13


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


Scotland defeat Gibraltar to clinch sixth place in San Marino - by Eurobasket News

Scotland - Gibraltar 84:60

Scotland finished their European Championship for Small Countries campaign on a high note. They knocked down Gibraltar to clinch the sixth overall position. Nicholas Collins (195-F-84) knocked down 20 points to lead the winners.
Scotland enjoyed a 21:12 lead after ten minutes of action. They held Gibraltar to 13 points in the second frame to enlarge the margin to 11 points 36:25. Scotland maintained the lead throughout the third term. They stretched the gap to 17 points with one period remaining 56:39. Scotland unleashed 28 points in the final stanza and sealed a comfortable win at the end. Euan Campbell (188-PG-80) provided 13 points, while Scott Russell (182-PG-81) added 11 points for Scotland. Dylan Gomez (194-F-89) answered with 11 points and 9 rebounds for Gibraltar. Jamie Sercombe (187-F-92), Angel Guerrero (192-F-75) and Sam Buxton (195-F-89) had 10 points each in the loss.

Scotland: Nicholas Collins 20, Euan Campbell 13, Scott Russell 11
Gibraltar: Dylan Gomez 11, Jamie Sercombe 10, Angel Guerrero 10, Sam Buxton 10


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  SERBIA   


Bilbao offers 2-year deal to C Kosta Perovic - by Eurobasket News

According to various sources, Gescrap Bizkaia Bilbao wants to sign center Kosta Perovic (217-C-85). Reportedly, they already offered him a 2-year deal. Regal Barcelona parted ways with Perovic few days ago. The reigning Spanish champ decided not to use its contract option to keep the player for the next season. Perovic arrived to Barca two years ago from Valencia. Last season he had 5.3 ppg and 2.7 rpg for 23 games in Liga Endesa. The player also added 4.5 ppg and 3.3 rpg fro 20 Euroleague games. In 2010/11, Perovic had pretty close numbers. The Serbian center and Barca won two Spanish league titles and one Cup trophy together. In 2010 with Valencia, Perovic won the EuroCup and was named Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup Center of the Year. In the past, he played for the Golden State Warriors, Bakersfield Jam and Partizan Belgrade. Perovic also had important role in the Serbian NT over the past few years. He will miss 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications.
On Thursday, Bilbao penned a deal with Fran Pilepic (192-G-89). Before that, the team landed Nikolaos Zisis (197-G-83).


Uros Lucic stays with Slovenian champs - by Eurobasket News

Uros Lucic (207-C-83) got a contract extension from his team Krka Novo Mesto. They won the Slovenian league title together last season. Lucic played for the club also in 2009/10 and they won the title that season as well. Uros Lucic returned to Krka in January this year. He appeared 16 times in Slovenian league collecting 6.9 ppg and 4.1 rpg. The player had almost the same numbers in Adriatic league and EuroCup. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Most Improved Player of the Year -12. Last season Krka also reached Cup Finals in Slovenia. Uros Lucic started the season with Radnicki Kragujevac, but had limited playing time. The player split 2010/11 between Romanian Steaua Bucharest and OKK Beograd.


U16 Serbia outplays U16 Ukraine in Zrenjanin, 90-75 - by Eurobasket News

U16 Serbia - U16 Ukraine 90-75

Serbia was better than Ukraine in the first game of the international tournament in Zrenjanin. The home squad celebrated 90-75 victory in this meeting. Nikola Pavlovic (204-PF-96) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Stefan Lazarevic (193-SG-96) added 17 points, plus 5 rebounds. Djokovic (6 rebs) and Stefan Peno (193-G-97) added 12 points each. First quarter belonged to Ukraine 24-26, but after that Serbia drastically improved its defense limiting Ukraine to 12 points for the next ten minutes. The hosts scored 18 at the other side for 42-38 lead at the halftime. After almost leveled Q3, Serbia shined in the last period (23-11) to secure comfortable victory. In the next game Serbia will meet Greece. Russia outplayed Greece in Day One 74-66.
Serbia prepares for U16 EuroBasket. Their Head Coach is Marko Icelic.

U16 Serbia: Pavlovic 20, Kovacevic, Vucetic, Radovanovic 6, Daskalovic, Lazarevic 17+5 rebs, Djokovic 12+6 rebs, Starincevic, Vukan Stojanovic 6, Vojislav Stojanovic 1, Jovanovic 9, Peno 12, Gliic 7, Radovic.


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


U17 World Championship: South Korea clinch first win at the tournament - by Eurobasket News

South Korea U17 - Egypt U17 89:83

South Korea recorded the first win at the U17 World Championship. They knocked down Egyptian counterparts in the final game at the tourney for both teams. Kim Nakhyeon (180-G-95) scored 29 points to lead the winners as they occupied the 11th overall position.
South Korea unloaded 26 points in the opening quarter to pull ahead. The Asian team secured a 9-point lead at the first break. South Korea kept in front throughout the second period. They accumulated a 46:35 halftime advantage. Things got even worse for Egypt in the third period. They allowed the Korean team gain a 14-point lead before the fourth quarter and never recovered in the reminder of the contest. Heo Hoon (181-G-95) contributed 28 points for the winners. Park Intae (203-C-95) finished with 14 points for South Korea. Ehab Amin (185-G-95) answered with 20 points for Egypt. Wessam Emad (197-C/F-95) produced 15 points in the loss.

South Korea U17: Kim Nakhyeon 29, Heo Hoon 28, Park Intae 14
Egypt U17: Ehab Amin 20, Wessam Emad 15


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  SPAIN   


U17 World Championship: USA stepped closer to the title - by Eurobasket News

Spain U17-USA U17 66:95

USA stepped closer to the title as they edged Spain in the Semifinal game. The defending champions overcame the Spanish team 95:66 at U17 World Championship in Kaunas.
Spain surprised the opponents in the first period and grabbed 7-point lead. Conner Frankamp (6'1''-G-95) closed the period at 19:14 and then Justice Winslow (6'6''-F-96) tied the game at 26:26. USA pushed the tempo later in the half and reached 43:37 at the end of the second period. In the second half the court was dominated only by one team. USA won the third period 26-17 and added 26-12 in the last stanza.
Justice Winslow paced all the winners with 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Conner Frankamp nailed 13. Stanley Johnson (6'6''-SG-96) and Jahlil Okafor-Benton (6'11''-C-95) followed them with 12 points each. Andreu Adrover (6'1''-PG-95) and Alberto Martin (6'1''-PG-95) produced 8 points each in the losing effort.
Tomorrow USA will face Australia in the Final game tomorrow.

Spain U17: Andreu Adrover 8, Alberto Martin 8
USA U17: Justice Winslow 17+13 rebs, Conner Frankamp 13, Stanley Johnson 12, Jahlil Okafor-Benton 12


Bilbao offers 2-year deal to C Kosta Perovic - by Eurobasket News

According to various sources, Gescrap Bizkaia Bilbao wants to sign center Kosta Perovic (217-C-85). Reportedly, they already offered him a 2-year deal. Regal Barcelona parted ways with Perovic few days ago. The reigning Spanish champ decided not to use its contract option to keep the player for the next season. Perovic arrived to Barca two years ago from Valencia. Last season he had 5.3 ppg and 2.7 rpg for 23 games in Liga Endesa. The player also added 4.5 ppg and 3.3 rpg fro 20 Euroleague games. In 2010/11, Perovic had pretty close numbers. The Serbian center and Barca won two Spanish league titles and one Cup trophy together. In 2010 with Valencia, Perovic won the EuroCup and was named Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup Center of the Year. In the past, he played for the Golden State Warriors, Bakersfield Jam and Partizan Belgrade. Perovic also had important role in the Serbian NT over the past few years. He will miss 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications.
On Thursday, Bilbao penned a deal with Fran Pilepic (192-G-89). Before that, the team landed Nikolaos Zisis (197-G-83).


CB Prat extends Roger Vilanova and Gerbert Mart - by Eurobasket News

CB Prat kept first two players for the next season. After signing extension with their Head Coach Carles Duran , the team also prolonged deals with Roger Vilanova (182-G-87, agency: Regeneracom Sports) and Gerbert Mart.
Roger Vilanova arrived to the club two years ago. He had 6.2 ppg and 3.2 apg in 34 LEB Silver games last season. He had slightly lower numbers in 2010/11. Before Prat, Vilanova played for Nexus Olesa.
Gerbert Marti (203-F/C-91) was named to Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Silver 2nd Team -12. The player also was awarded with Eurobasket.com Spanish LEB Silver All-Domestic Players Team -12. He averaged 7.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 34 games last season. Marti is a product of Joventut Badalona and he joined Prat in 2009.


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  TURKEY   


Anadolu Efes and Jordan Farmar in advanced talks - by Eurobasket News

Jordan Farmar (188-PG-86, college: UCLA) could return to Europe this summer. The American point guard is in advanced talks with Anadolu Efes, according to Sportando.net. Reportedly, two sides are close to agree on 2+1 deal worth $2.5M per season. Farmar will be traded to Atlanta Hawks when the moratorium period ends, but the Hawks will waive him after July 11.
Jordan Farmar started last season with Maccabi Tel Aviv. He had 14.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 4 apg for 7 Euroleague games. The player also added 13.2 ppg and 6.2 apg for 6 games in Adriatic league. After the NBA lockout, Farmar returned to his team New Jersey Nets, where he collected 10.4 ppg and 3.3 apg for 39 games. He played for the Nets also in 2010/11 season. Before that, Jordan Farmar spent four years with Los Angeles Lakers. He is a product of UCLA.


Galatasaray signs Cenk Akyol from Anadolu Efes - by Eurobasket News

Cenk Akyol (196-G-87) is back to Galatasaray. The Turkish guard penned a 2-year deal. He arrives to Galata from Anadolu Efes, where he had 6.8 ppg and 1.6 rpg for 39 games in TBL. He registered 4.7 ppg and 2 rpg for 16 Euroleague games. Akyol played for Efes also in 2010/11.
Cenk Akyol played for Italian Air Avelino in 2009/10. He had 11.8 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 25 games in SerieA. Akyol already played for Galatasaray and it was in 2007/08 season. He joined them in December of 2007 from Efes averaging 4.5 ppg and 1.9 rpg in Turkey. His stats in EuroCup read 6.7 ppg and 1.7 rpg. Akyol is a product of Efes Pilsen, where he started as a teenager.
Cenk Akyol is active member of the Turkish National Team. He had 2.8 ppg and 1.6 rpg for 5 games at EuroBasket in Lithuania last summer.


Anadolu Efes Istanbul in advanced talks with Jordan Farmar - by Pervin Elgin

The American PG will be waived by the Hawks after July 11

The future of Jordan Farmar could be in Europe again after his short stint with Maccabi Tel Aviv during the NBA Lockout. The PG opted in on his contract with the Nets but Farmar will be traded to the Hawks in the package for Joe Johnson when the moratorium period ends. Atlanta will waive him after July 11 and, as free agent, he is close to joining Anadolu Efes Istanbul on a 2+1, $2.5M per season deal. There are still a few details left on his contract and some bonuses that the two parts are trying to set. In the mix for Farmar there is also Fenerbahce but he seems ready to join Efes. Anadolu Efes will give him the chance to be the main PG in the team and to play in Euroleague and in one of the most important European leagues. In the season 2011-12, Farmar averaged 10.4ppg in the 39 games played in the NBA

Courtesy of sportando.net


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  UBA   


UBA reigning MVP set to play for Team USA (Taipei City, Taiwan) - by David Walls


Courtesy Maurice Dixon of (Atlanta News paper) and UBA Reporter (David Walls)

With three Universal Basketball Association (UBA) titles and just as many league MVP awards alongside his name, Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Point, GA) is now preparing to put his talent on display during the William Jones Cup in August.

The reigning UBA MVP and current member of the GIE Morrow Disciples will play for the U.S. Select Team from Aug. 18-26 in Taipei City, Taiwan.

"Its an honor to be chosen to play against NBA-caliber players on ESPN", said Barnes, who was selected to the Usbasket.com All-United States Second Team.

Before participating in this event, Barnes, who averaged 30 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals last season for the Disciples, is scheduled to play with his GIE Morrow teammates in Uganda against the African National Team later this month.

Then after this contest and the Jones Cup, Barnes will meet with the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA D-League.

"I wanted to go through the draft process but the D-Fenders wanted me to come in for a workout", Barnes said.

To remain sharp and keep his stroke intact, Barnes is currently training at Morris Brown College daily. He attempts to make 600 shots a day while working on his endurance and footwork, which is key in his ability to score at will.

Of course after returning from Taiwan Barnes wont have much time to rest before attending NBA Dleague camp with the LA Defenders.

For more info on the Williams Jones Cup:





Michael Sloan signs with ADN in Guayaqui (Ecuador) - by David Walls


David Walls Reports:
July 8, 2012

Former UBA all-star Michael Sloan (6'5''-G/F-84, college: Clayton St.) is heading to Ecuador to continue his professional basketball career. Sloan will play for the Asociacion Deportiva Naval Marina. This season Sloan played for Hottur Egilsstadir (Iceland) where he averaged 29.8 PPG and 6.0 RPG, his 29.8ppg led the Iceland 1st Division.

Sloan was the Eurobasket.com All-Icelandic Guard of the Year in 2011-2012, and earned All-Icelandic Import Team honors last season.

In 2010-2011 Sloan was drafted by the Southern Generals of the UBA. He led the Generals to a league best 32-5 record and a UBA Championship. He averaged 24.5ppg with was ranked 4th in the league. Later being named Usbasket.com All-UBA Guard of the Year.


The North Texas Fresh join the UBA - by David Walls

David Walls Reports:
June 21, 2012

The Fresh 4-year run in the ABA (American Basketball Association) ended Wednesday with the teams market being turned over to Kim Henderson, native of Buford, GA. With the agreement, Owner Jay Bowdy (6'6''-F-83, college: W.Georgia) will take the team immediately to the UBA with terms undisclosed.

"We made it happen! This is a major boost to what we are trying to do for basketball for the Fresh and our foundation," Bowdy said. "The UBA will be in Fort Worth - Crowley area next season, playing their games."

The transition and move of the operation of the Fresh has already begun and are on steady pace to begin and finish the 2012 -2013 season.

Henderson, new owner of the ABAs market for Fort Worth, has also begun the process to continue the red, white, and blue basketball action for the Fort Worth area.

The North Texas Fresh will play under the same name and the history of the team prior to the UBA move will remain as well.

Change was needed, stated Bowdy. The ABA has great history but we needed the history to be present for our players, staff, fans, foundation, and our financial status. Our season turned into short comings every year with situations not under our control and thats a disappointment that I couldnt get over or put this franchise and foundation through again.

The Fresh office will be working with Crowley ISD on securing a home venue for the 2012 2013 season. The team will play a full schedule and will have a new uniform look and logo.

We are excited about this move, stated UBA Commissioner Michael Davis , of the UBA. We have been in discussion for the last two years on making a deal; bringing the Fresh over to the UBA and it has finally came to pass. We know that theyll a team that will compete with aggression coming out the gates.

The Fresh have not announced the roster or if any players will remain on the franchise but many players are excited about the move. A'Daeron Duncan (6'5''-F-87, college: N.Kentucky), the leading scorer for the Fresh the last two seasons, has been waiting for a move to better his chances for overseas play.

This move to the UBA that the Fresh has done is honestly the best thing for us (players), stated Duncan. It really gives us a chance to be looked at further and not go unnoticed when trying to pursue jobs and live out our dreams.

When asked if the Fresh have a legit chance of making it to the UBA Finals, Bowdy with the shrug of the shoulders and a smile stated, Im healthy now.

Jay Bowdy was a UBA All-Star this season playing with the Dallas Stars. He averaged 17.9ppg, 6.0rpg and 4.5assists. Now that Bowdy has fully healed from his season ending knee injury the UBA will be looking for a new star to emerge out of the Western Conference.

Courtesy of the Dallas Star Newspaper




Chris Miller-Williams signs with KFI (Iceland) - by David Walls


David Walls Reports:
June 17, 2012

Chris Miller-Williams (6'6''-F/G-87, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: W.Georgia) is returning to KFI Reykjavik next season. The star forward signed a new deal with the team. He will help KFI Reykjavik to show good results after promotion to Express League. Chris Miller-Williams joined KFI Reykjavik at the start of the last season. Miller-Williams averaged an impressive 22.2 points, 12.7 rebounds, 1.8 steals, 1.6 assists and 1.5 blocks per game in Iceland D1. Eurobasket.com named him All-Icelandic D1 Forward of the Year.

In April Chris Miller-Williams returned to UBA. He joined GIE Morrow Disciples. After an impressive showing the Disciples won their 3rd UBA championship. Miller-Williams was named Usbasket.com All-UBA International Player of the Year for this awesome season with KFI Reykjavik.




*****************************************************
  UGANDA   


UCU Canons -KIU Titans to open the Airtel NBL second round - by Joel Nature

Local Basketball governing body FUBA has confirmed that the second round of the Airtel National Basketball League will start next Friday, July 13. University sides UCU Canons and KIU Titans will face off in the opening fixture of the second round schedule in the men's top division at YMCA. KIU topped UCU in the first leg and held them to a season low 42 points and 4 points in a quarter.

MUK Sparks and Magic Stormers will open the women's division second round schedule on the same day. Sparks lost to Magic 34-49 in the first leg. Meanwhile two players have been handed suspensions for their indiscipline actions. Richard Ongom (Vegetarian) has been handed a one year suspension and Abel Emwodu (Livingstone, div 3A) recieved a 4 game suspension, FUBA competitions council chairman, Joseph Manano said


*****************************************************
  URUGUAY   


Results for the Metro League - by Hector Lopez

Resuls for the Metro League 9th round
Capitol 72 - Santiago Moglia (196-F-89) 17 points Kevin Martin (208-C-83, college: Florida Gulf Coast) 16 points 14 rebounds 2 blocks
Larranaga 70 -Gonzalo Balbuena (180-PG-89) 16 points Gordon James (198-F-79, college: Bridgeport) 6 points 9 rebounds
- - -
Results for the Metro League 13th round
Marne 75 - Lisandro Rasio (197-F/C-90) 22 points 21 rebounds 2 blocks 3 assists
Verdirrojo 60 - Kevin Nelson (192-G-84, college: Park) 16 points 8 rebounds
- - -
Guruyu Waston 78 - Martavius Adams 10 points 7 rebounds
Yale 75 - Facundo Roselli (188-G-91) 17 points 8 rebounds Jerry Echenique (201-C-79, college: High Point) 8 points 13 rebounds 2 blocks


*****************************************************
  WILLIAM JONES CUP   


For those who care deeply about the Jones Cup - by Chris Wang

Im writing this post as the general reply for those who have written me.

Around this time every year when the Williams Jones Cup is being held, I would receive numerous emails from players parents, friends and fans asking where they could find a link to the online stream of the games.

Honestly, I have no idea, despite I know there would be some links created by the always passionate Filipino fans when the mens competition is on -- if the Philippines NT is in the tourney.

But I do know that if you install this software PPS.tv, which is very popular in Taiwan and China, you could watch the game live on Taiwans sports channel Videoland ().

However, there is a precondition that you must understand Chinese to install the software. Maybe you can try.

On the other hand, I have been spending less time in recent years to write on this blog as you can see. At present I cover mostly politics. Which is why I have not been able to update game information regularly in a timely fashion. Ill update information which I think is important when I have time.

Here is the official website of the Jones Cup this year. Perhaps you could find information you need, such as game results, photos and boxscores on the site.

http://2012wjc.basketball-tpe.org/bin/home.php

Again, its in Chinese -- with some English translation.


*****************************************************
  WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS U17   


USA and Australia reach the Final in Kaunas - by Eurobasket News

SEMIFINAL
USA - Spain 95-66
USA stepped closer to the title as they edged Spain in the Semifinal game. The defending champions overcame the Spanish team 95:66 at U17 World Championship in Kaunas. Spain surprised the opponents in the first period and grabbed 7-point lead. Conner Frankamp closed the period at 19:14 and then Justice Winslow (198-F-96) tied the game at 26:26. USA pushed the tempo later in the half and reached 43:37 at the end of the second period. In the second half the court was dominated only by one team. USA won the third period 26-17 and added 26-12 in the last stanza. Justice Winslow paced all the winners with 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Conner Frankamp nailed 13. Stanley Johnson (198-SG-96) and Jahlil Okafor-Benton followed them with 12 points each. Andreu Adrover (184-PG-95) and Alberto Martin produced 8 points each in the losing effort. Tomorrow USA will face Australia in the Final game tomorrow.

Australia - Croatia 83-71
Australia hand Croatia their first loss and advance to the Final of the U17 World Championship. The Aussies overcame the European representative 83:71. Croatia scored the first 6 points in the game and won the opening period 24:21. Mario Hezonja nailed three for 29:23, but then Australian team pushed the tempo for good. After 21-11 in the frame they grabbed 42:35 at the halftime. Moreover Australia added 24-16 in the third quarter as Martin closed the period at 66:51. Croatia tried hard to recover in the last period, but managed to win the last stanza only 20-17. Jack Purchase (203-PF-95) made the last shot from the perimeter for the final success. Mirko Djeric (191-PG-95) top-scored for the winners with 21 points, while Dante Exum added 18. Jack Purchase notched 12, while Nicholas Duncan (203-F-95) and Felix KALAU VON HOFE scored 8 each. Mario Hezonja delivered 28 points in the losing effort and Marko Arapovic netted 17.

5-8 places
Argentina - Czech Republic 78-70
Argentina overcame Czech Republic in Kaunas in the classification Round for 5-8 places. The Latin American team celebrated a 78:70 win and will face Canada tomorrow for the 5th place. Czech Republic meanwhile will take on China in the game for the 7th place. Czech Republic started the game with 17-13 lead, but failed to stay tough in the rest of the half. Argentina needed 22-15 in the second period to take 35:32 at the halftime. Moreover the winners added 24-20 in the third period and had 7 points deficit entering the last stanza. Argentina won also the last period 19-18 and will play for the higher place at U17 World Championship. Gabriel Deck (202-C/F-95) top-scored for the winners with 28 points and Rodrigo Haag nailed 16. Alvaro Merlo notched 10 and Juan Vaulet brought 7. Jiri Dedek (191-SF-95) ended up with 15 points in the losing effort, while Martin Peterka (203-PF-95) had 13. Radovan Kouril delivered 12 and Jiri Soula (189-PG-95) posted 11.

China - Canada 64-68
Canada rout China to play for the 5th place tomorrow at U17 World Championship. The Canadian team overcame the representative from Asia 68:64. Canada opened the game with 23-14 and added 13-11 in the second frame. Chine tried to recover and responded with 17-6 in the third period, but Canada needed 26-22 in the last quarter for a 4-point victory. Justin Jackson top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Kevin-Mbezela Zabo notched 18. Marial Shayok collected 9 points and 10 rebounds, while Tanveer Bhullar added 8. Zhou Qi had 21 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 8 blocks. But Zhao Jiwei scored only 5 points on 1 of 10 shooting. He had 2 assists to 5 turnovers and fouled out in 33 minutes. Guo Xiaopeng stepped up with 21 points and 3 rebounds, starting ahead of Heng Yifeng. Heng had 9 points and 6 rebounds in reserve. Han Delong (194-F-95) was scoreless in 18 minutes. Liu Bo (203-F-96) had 4 points and 7 rebounds in 21 minutes.

9-10 places
France - Lithuania 64-75
The hosts outscore France in Kaunas at the Classification Round for 9-10 places at the U17 World Championship. Lithuania grabbed 75:64 win to clinch the 9th place. Both teams nailed 19 points in the opening period and then Petr Cornelie (209-C/F-95) brought 26:21 for France. The teams exchanged the lead several times, while Haroldas Saprykinas (188-G-95) brought the hosts 33:32 lead at the halftime. Lithuania added 21-16 in the third quarter and enjoyed 54:48 entering the last stanza. They added 21-16 in the last quarter and won the last game of the tournament. Ernestas Serkevicius (187-PG-95) paced all the winners with 19 points and Norbertas Giga netted 12. Zydrunas Jurgutis and Haroldas Saprykinas delivered 8 points each in a win. Damien Inglis responded with 21 points and 16 rebounds in defeat, while Paul Rigot (199-SF-95) scored 13. France U17 finished the tournament on the 10th place.

11-12 places
South Korea - Egypt 89-83
South Korea recorded the first win at the U17 World Championship. They knocked down Egyptian counterparts in the final game at the tourney for both teams. Kim Nakhyeon (180-G-95) scored 29 points to lead the winners as they occupied the 11th overall position. South Korea unloaded 26 points in the opening quarter to pull ahead. The Asian team secured a 9-point lead at the first break. South Korea kept in front throughout the second period. They accumulated a 46:35 halftime advantage. Things got even worse for Egypt in the third period. They allowed the Korean team gain a 14-point lead before the fourth quarter and never recovered in the reminder of the contest. Heo Hoon contributed 28 points for the winners. Park Intae finished with 14 points for South Korea. Ehab Amin (185-G-95) answered with 20 points for Egypt. Wessam Emad produced 15 points in the loss.



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

Women News


Israel grabs 60-58 thriller in against Belarus - by Eurobasket News

ISRAEL - BELARUS 60-58

Israel outsmarted Belarus tonight 60-58 in Round Eight of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications (Group A). It was a real thriller and Israel celebrated thanks to Liron Cohen's (173-G-82) lay-up, plus two free throws. Trafimava committed a turnover for Belarus (bad pass) with 16 seconds to go and Tatyana Troina (188-F-81, college: S.Carolina) made unsportsmanlike foul after that. As mentioned above, Cohen made one of two free throws and banked a jump shot with foul in the next possession. She made that extra FT and Belarus had 6 seconds at the other side, but Troina committed a turnover (ball handling). Quarters: 16-11, 17-25, 12-14, 15-8. Shay Doron (175-SG-85, college: Maryland) and Noa Ganor (171-G-86) scored 11 pts each in victory, while Katia Levitsky (190-PF-85, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Villanova) and Liron Cohen (5 as) scored 10 pts apiece. Anastasiya Veremeenko (194-C-87) exploded in Belarus with 14 points, 17 rebounds and 9 assists (valuation 38!). Troina had 18 points, with poor 1 of 6 from behind the arc. Belarus (5-2) will host Ukraine on Wednesday, while Israel (3-3) goes to Hungary.

Israel: Shay Doron 11, Noa Ganor 11, Liron Cohen 10+5 as, Katia Levitsky 10
Belarus: Anastasiya Veremeenko 14+17 boards+9 as, Tatyana Troina 18


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  BULGARIA   


Sweden wins Group D, books ticket for 2013 EuroBasket - by Eurobasket News

SWEDEN - BULGARIA 71-54

Despite there are two more rounds to go in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications, it is already clear that Sweden will be the winner of Group D. They were too strong for Bulgaria tonight 71-54 for almost perfect 6-1 record in this pool. Sweden already booked a spot for the EuroBasket in France. Bulgaria stays winless after 6 games. Sweden had 15-point lead at the halftime and jumped to plus 21 with ten minutes to go, so the last period was just the formality. Quarters: 22-12, 24-19, 16-10, 9-13. Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) had almost perfect night with 21 points and 9 rebounds (valuation 25, MVP). Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) scored 15 points and handed out 5 assists, while Frida Aili (179-G-88) netted 8 pts in victory. Jaklin Zlatanova (190-F-88) collected 17 points and 7 rebs in Bulgaria. Vera Perostiyska (196-C-82, college: FIU) had 11 pts and 5 boards, and Daniela Peteva (179-F-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) added 7 pts and 7 rebs. Sweden is free in Round 9, while Bulgaria will host Germany.

Sweden: Louice Halvarsson 21+9 boards, Frida Eldebrink 15+5 as, Frida Aili 8
Bulgaria: Jaklin Zlatanova 17+7 boards, Vera Perostiyska 11+5 boards, Daniela Peteva 7+7 boards


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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   

Standings Div.A (Women)

Standings
Group A
1. Belarus5-2
2. Hungary4-2
3. Ukraine4-2
4. Israel3-3
5. Portugal0-7
Group B
1. Poland5-1
2. Montenegro.5-2
3. Serbia4-2
4. Switzerlan.2-5
5. Estonia0-6
Group C
1. Slovakia5-1
2. Lithuania5-2
3. Slovenia4-3
4. Holland2-4
5. Belgium0-6
Group D
1. Sweden6-1
2. Spain5-2
3. Germany3-3
4. Romania2-4
5. Bulgaria0-6
Group E
1. Italy5-1
2. Greece4-2
3. Latvia4-3
4. Finland3-3
5. Luxembourg.0-7

Qualifying Round: Round 8

A

Jul. 7: ISR - BLR 60-58
Jul. 7: POR - HUN 53-73

B

Jul. 7: POL - MNT 53-50
Jul. 7: SUI - SRB 45-88

C

Jul. 7: NED - SLO 73-64
Jul. 7: SVK - LTU 60-58

D

Jul. 7: SWE - BUL 71-54
Jul. 7: GER - ESP 55-61

E

Jul. 7: LUX - ITA 66-88
Jul. 7: GRE - LAT 63-49

Qualifying Round: Round 9

A

Jul. 11: HUN - ISR
Jul. 11: BLR - UKR

B

Jul. 11: MNT - EST
Jul. 11: SRB - POL

C

Jul. 11: LTU - BEL
Jul. 11: NED - SVK

D

Jul. 11: BUL - GER
Jul. 11: ESP - ROM

E

Jul. 11: LAT - FIN
Jul. 11: ITA - GRE


Stats Leaders Div.A (Women)

Points Per Game
 Frida ELDEBRINK
  SWE
  (174-G-88)
  Avg: 21.6
 1. Eldebrink, SWE21.6 
 2. Tuukkanen, FIN21.5 
 3. Marginean, ROM20.2 
 4. Petronyte, LTU18.1 
 5. Doron, ISR17.7 
 6. Twehues, SUI15.9 
 7. Dabovic, SRB15.8 
 8. Quigley, HUN15.5 
 9. Zlatanova, BUL15.2 
 10. Dubljevic, MNT15.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Taru TUUKKANEN
  FIN
  (190-C-77)
  Avg: 13.2
 1. Tuukkanen, FIN13.2 
 2. Petronyte, LTU10.4 
 3. Veremeenko, BLR9.9 
 4. Teilane-T., LAT9.4 
 5. Perovanovic, MNT8.5 
 6. Nicholls, ESP8.1 
 7. Lima, ESP8.0 
 8. Giroud, SUI8.0 
 9. Meesseman, BEL7.8 
 10. Dubljevic, MNT7.6 
Assists Per Game
 Jelena SKEROVIC
  MNT
  (176-G-80)
  Avg: 5.4
 1. Skerovic, MNT5.4 
 2. Radocaj, SRB4.5 
 3. Baric, SLO4.3 
 4. Dubljevic, MNT4.3 
 5. Parau, ROM4.3 
 6. Eldebrink, SWE4.3 
 7. Sottana, ITA4.2 
 8. Karklina, LAT3.9 
 9. Stoenescu, ROM3.8 
 10. Hatzinikolao., GRE3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Romy BAR
  GER
  (189-F-87)
  Avg: 3.7
 1. Bar, GER3.7 
 2. Doron, ISR3.0 
 3. Dabovic, SRB3.0 
 4. Halman, NED2.8 
 5. Skobel, POL2.8 
 6. Kubatova, SVK2.7 
 7. Linkeviciene, LTU2.7 
 8. Hatzinikolao., GRE2.7 
 9. Ouvina, ESP2.4 
 10. Schmit, LUX2.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Anastasiya VEREMEENKO
  BLR
  (194-C-87)
  Avg: 2
 1. Veremeenko, BLR2.0 
 2. Teilane-T., LAT1.9 
 3. Majewska, POL1.8 
 4. Pavel, ROM1.5 
 5. Nicholls, ESP1.4 
 6. Petronyte, LTU1.3 
 7. Meesseman, BEL1.3 
 8. Tuukkanen, FIN1.0 
 9. Szott, POL0.8 
 10. Alyoshkina, UKR0.8 


Qualifications, Round 8: Sweden, Spain and Lithuania book spot for 2013 EuroBasket - by Eurobasket News

Group A
Portugal - Hungary 53-73
Hungary celebrated its fourth victory in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. They outplayed Portugal on the road with comfortable 53-73 sharing the second place in Group A with Ukraine. Everything is still open in this pool, but not for Portugal who dropped to 0-7. Hungary smashed its host in the second period and later had no troubles to keep the comfortable lead. Quarters: 11-18, 9-20, 13-16, 20-19. Allie Quigley (180-G-86, college: De Paul) stepped up for the guests with 23 points and 8 rebounds (valuation 33, MVP). Dora Horti (195-C-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) had 13 points and 5 boards, while Orsolya Szecsi (190-G/F-92) added 10 pts. In the loosing squad, Carla Nascimento (171-G-86) and Ana Oliveira (176-F-83, college: UTSA) netted 10 points each. Maria Correia (174-G/F-91) stopped to one less. Hungary will host Israel on Wednesday. Portugal is free in Round 9.

Israel - Belarus 60-58
Israel outsmarted Belarus tonight 60-58 in Round Eight of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications (Group A). It was a real thriller and Israel celebrated thanks to Liron Cohen's (173-G-82) lay-up, plus two free throws. Trafimava committed a turnover for Belarus (bad pass) with 16 seconds to go and Tatyana Troina (188-F-81, college: S.Carolina) made unsportsmanlike foul after that. As mentioned above, Cohen made one of two free throws and banked a jump shot with foul in the next possession. She made that extra FT and Belarus had 6 seconds at the other side, but Troina committed a turnover (ball handling). Quarters: 16-11, 17-25, 12-14, 15-8. Shay Doron (175-SG-85, college: Maryland) and Noa Ganor (171-G-86) scored 11 pts each in victory, while Katia Levitsky (190-PF-85, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Villanova) and Liron Cohen (5 as) scored 10 pts apiece. Anastasiya Veremeenko (194-C-87) exploded in Belarus with 14 points, 17 rebounds and 9 assists (valuation 38!). Troina had 18 points, with poor 1 of 6 from behind the arc. Belarus (5-2) will host Ukraine on Wednesday, while Israel (3-3) goes to Hungary.

Group B
Poland - Montenegro 53-50
Poland registered very valuable home win against Montenegro tonight. The hosts celebrated 53-50 staying alone on top of Group B with almost perfect 5-1 record. At the same time, Montenegro dropped to the second place with 5-2 score. Poland had impressive start making 15-point lead in the first ten minutes, but visitors replied in Q2 closing the gap to 32-28 until the halftime. Montenegro intensified defense after the breather limiting Poland to just 4 points in Q3, while they drained 18 at the other side and it seemed that Montenegro will take the victory in this game. However, Poland didn't give up and made impressive 14-1 run at the beginning of Q4. Thanks to free throws by Joanna Walich (183-F/C-81) and Skobel in the finish and great defense during the last ten minutes Poland grabbed crucial 53-50 win. Weronika Idczak (177-G-89) scored 11 points in victory, while Joanna Walich and Magdalena Losi (173-F-80, agency: Promotex) posted 7 points each. Milica Jovanovic (189-F/C-89) delivered 13 points in defeat. Ana Turcinovic (190-C-93) (8 rebs), Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) (8 rebs) and Jelena Skerovic (176-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) (6 as, 5 rebs) had 8 points apiece. Serbia will host Poland in Round 9, while Montenegro waits Estonia.

Switzerland - Serbia 45-88
Serbia had no mercy for Switzerland tonight. Visitors celebrated huge 45-88 victory for 4-2 record in Group B of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. Serbia is currently No.3 in this pool, behind Poland and Montenegro. Switzerland is No.4 with 2-5. Serbia took control on its rival from the beginning and they were increasing lead after each period. Quarters: 11-17, 9-20, 16-27, 9-24. Milica Ivanovic (175-G-88, college: Catawba) led the winners with 17 points and 5 rebounds for 17 minutes on the court. Ana Dabovic (183-G/F-89) scored 16 points and Ivanka Matic (195-F/C-79, agency: LBM Management) helped with double-double of 11 points and 10 rebs. Switzerland got 13 points from Marielle Giroud (180-F-87) (5 rebs) and Alexia Rol (175-F-82). Sarah Kershaw (180-SF-85) was limited to 10 pts. Serbia will host Poland next Wednesday and it will most likely be crucial game for both teams. Switzerland is free in Round 9.

Group C
Holland - Slovenia 73-64
Holland handed 73-64 loss to Slovenia in Round 8 of the 2013 EuroBasket in France. Thanks to this victory Holland improved to 2-4 record in this pool, but it is already clear they will not be able to reach the second place. At the other side, Slovenia dropped to 4-3 and their chance to reach the final tournament drastically decreased. Despite a good start (10-15), visitors faced with minus 5 at the halftime (33-28). Holland was slightly better in Q3, but Slovenia came to 51-50 with 7:35 minutes to go. Holland made crucial 9-2 run after that and managed to keep the lead for rest of the way. Myrthe Beld (183-G-89, agency: Regeneracom Sports) scored 18 points in victory and Fieke Ligthart (184-F/C-90) added 13. Tanya Broering (178-G-84) (5 rebs, 5 as) and Naomi Halman (191-F/C-86, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Cal-Irvine) (6 rebs) scored 11 points each. In Slovenia, Tina Trebec (189-F-90, agency: Kotnik Sports Agency) shined with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Sandra Pirsic (195-C-84) collected 18 pts and 13 rebs. Holland will play against Slovakia on Wednesday in another home game. Slovenia is free in Round 9.

Slovakia - Lithuania 60-58
Slovakia made a huge step toward 2013 EuroBasket in France. They grabbed 60-58 home win against Lithuania for 5-1 record in Group C. It means that Slovakia is now alone on top of the standings, while Lithuania slipped to the second place with 5-2. Slovakia made 15-7 lead at the beginning and later jumped to 44-27 at the halftime. Lithuania held Slovakia to just eight points in the last period to produce an unlikely comeback led by Ginatre Petronyte who was too hot to handle under the hoop at times and found herself on the line an eye-popping 17 times. It was 52-41 for the hosts with 10:00 remaining. After lay-up by Paugaite visitors came to 59-58 with 2:11 to go and teams went to thrilling finish. Jurcenkova was the only player who scored for rest of the game and it was one free throw. The visitors could force overtime but Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) missed the pivotal shot in the last seconds before Gabriela Kubatova grabbed the all-important defensive rebound. Ivana Jalcova (182-G-83) scored 11 points for the winners and Anna Jurcenkova (195-C-85) helped with 9 points, plus 8 rebs. Klaudia Lukacovicova (193-C-90) (8 rebs) and Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) (5 rebs) posted 8 pts apiece. In defeat, Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) shined with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Egle Sulciute (190-PF-85) had 14 points and 6 rebs, and Sandra Linkeviciene posted 10 pts and 5 rebs. Slovakia will play in Holland on Wednesday, while Lithuania will host Belgium.
UPDATE: Thanks to unexpected loss by Slovenia, Lithuania already booked a spot for 2013 EuroBasket in France.

Group D
Sweden - Bulgaria 71-54
Despite there are two more rounds to go in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications, it is already clear that Sweden will be the winner of Group D. They were too strong for Bulgaria tonight 71-54 for almost perfect 6-1 record in this pool. Sweden already booked a spot for the EuroBasket in France. Bulgaria stays winless after 6 games. Sweden had 15-point lead at the halftime and jumped to plus 21 with ten minutes to go, so the last period was just the formality. Quarters: 22-12, 24-19, 16-10, 9-13. Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) had almost perfect night with 21 points and 9 rebounds (valuation 25, MVP). Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) scored 15 points and handed out 5 assists, while Frida Aili (179-G-88) netted 8 pts in victory. Jaklin Zlatanova (190-F-88) collected 17 points and 7 rebs in Bulgaria. Vera Perostiyska (196-C-82, college: FIU) had 11 pts and 5 boards, and Daniela Peteva (179-F-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) added 7 pts and 7 rebs. Sweden is free in Round 9, while Bulgaria will host Germany.

Germany - Spain 55-61
Spain booked a spot for 2013 EuroBasket in France. They handed 55-61 home loss to Germany tonight for 5-2 record in Group D of the qualifications. Germany dropped to 3-3 and will not be able to reach the second place because of this loss. Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas) paced her team to this crucial victory with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Anna Montanana (186-F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: G.Washington) and Elisa Aguilar (177-G-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: G.Washington) posted 10 points each. The hosts got 21 points and 8 rebounds from Romy Bar (189-F-87). Their second scorer was Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) with 10 points and Sarah Austmann (179-G/F-85) (5 rebs) had two less. Spain had wonderful start making 10-23 lead in the first ten minutes. They improved to plus 14 at the halftime and plus 15 with one quarter to go. Visitors jumped to 41-58 with something more than five minutes remaining and Germany answered with 12-1 run, but was not able to come any closer than minus six. Spain will host Romania on Wednesday and Germany will play in Bulgaria.

Group E
Luxembourg - Italy 66-88
Italy is very close to 2013 EuroBasket in Spain after this victory. Visitors cruised past Luxembourg 66-88 for 5-1 record in Group E of qualifications. Luxembourg dropped to 0-7 and stays the last ranked team in this pool. The game without a history. Italy made double-digit lead in the second period and never looked back. Quarters: 19-20, 12-22, 18-22, 17-24. Laura Spreafico (182-F/G-91) scored 19 points for the winners and Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) had two points less, plus 6 assists. Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) and Ilaria Zanoni (180-G-86) netted 13 pts each. Lisy Hetting (173-G-90) delivered 15 points for the hosts and Nadia Mossong (182-F-86, college: E.Kentucky) had 13. Their third corer was Jill Bausch (176-G-87) with 12 pts (5 rebs). Italy will host Greece on Wednesday. Luxembourg will play against Greece next weekend.

Greece - Latvia 63-49
Greece defeated Latvia tonight 63-49 for 4-2 record in Group E of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. That is currently enough for the second place in this pool, but Latvia (4-3) outplayed Greece in the first game with plus 19. Latvia is currently third ranked team in the group. Greece was 34-20 up at the half time and it seemed they will destroy Latvia tonight. They jumped to 52-35 at the end of Q3 and even reached plus 19 with 7:14 to go. Visitors closed this game with 8-13 and now they have a tiebreaker against Greece, what was one of their goals in this game. Katerina Sotiriou (187-F-84, agency: FCM) led the hosts with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Artemis Spanou (182-F-93) netted 11 points and Olga Hatzinikolaou (181-G-81) helped with 10 points, plus 11 assists. Zane Teilane-Tamane (200-C-83, agency: LBM Management, college: W.Illinois) answered with 11 pts and 10 rebs in loss. Ieva Krastina (175-G/F-90, agency: LBM Management) and Aija Putnina (192-F/C-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) stopped to 7 pts apiece. Greece will play another crucial game on Wednesday and its rival will be Italy, who will be the host. Latvia waits Finland.


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


Finland U16 edged the German representatives twice in Sports Centre Tikkurila - by Eurobasket News

Finland U16 edged the German representatives twice in Sports Centre Tikkurila. The home side grabbed 63:47 and 58:53 victories.
In Game 1 Finland registered a 63:47 win due to the victory in all quarters. Finland won the first period 15-12 and added 10-5 in the second frame. Moreover they needed 20-18 in the third and then 18-12 in the last quarters for the final result. Tuuli Menna (183-F-96) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Lotta Hamalainen (174-F-96) netted 9.
In Game 2 Finland needed a second half push to seal a 58:53 win. They trailed 12 points at the halftime but erupted with 18-12 and then 18-7 respectively in the third and the fourth quarters. Olivia Moskari (175-F-96) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Tuuli Menna added 14. Emma lina Stach (175-PG-96) replied with 25 points in the losing effort.


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


Team France for 2012 Olympic Games announced - by Eurobasket News

French Basketball Federation announced final roster for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Head Coach of the team is Pierre Vincent.

Players
Clemence Beikes (180-G-83, agency: Josep and Nicolas)
Jennifer Digbeu (190-F/C-87)
Celine Dumerc (169-G-82)
Elodie Godin (190-C-85)
Emilie Gomis (180-G/F-83)
Sandrine Gruda (193-C-87)
Marion Laborde (178-G/F-86)
Florence Lepron (182-F-85)
Nwal-Endene Miyem (188-PF-88)
Emmeline Ndongue (191-C-83)
Edwige Lawson-Wade (166-PG-79)
Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (190-C-86)

France is placed to Group B of the Preliminary Round in London. Their rivals will be Australia, Brazil, Great Britain, Russia and Canada. Four teams will advance to Quarterfinals. Before the Olympics, Team France will play couple of friendly games. They will participate at tournaments in UK and France. Team France booked a ticket for London thanks to great performance at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. They outplayed South Korea 80-63 in the Quarterfinals to complete their mission in Ankara. The Olympic Games begin on July 28, when France will meet Brazil.


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


Spain wins in Nordlingen, advances to 2013 EuroBasket in France - by Eurobasket News

GERMANY - SPAIN 55-61

Spain booked a spot for 2013 EuroBasket in France. They handed 55-61 home loss to Germany tonight for 5-2 record in Group D of the qualifications. Germany dropped to 3-3 and will not be able to reach the second place because of this loss. Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas) paced her team to this crucial victory with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Anna Montanana (186-F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: G.Washington) and Elisa Aguilar (177-G-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: G.Washington) posted 10 points each. The hosts got 21 points and 8 rebounds from Romy Bar (189-F-87). Their second scorer was Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) with 10 points and Sarah Austmann (179-G/F-85) (5 rebs) had two less. Spain had wonderful start making 10-23 lead in the first ten minutes. They improved to plus 14 at the halftime and plus 15 with one quarter to go. Visitors jumped to 41-58 with something more than five minutes remaining and Germany answered with 12-1 run, but was not able to come any closer than minus six. Spain will host Romania on Wednesday and Germany will play in Bulgaria.

Germany: Romy Bar 21+8 boards, Anne Breitreiner 10, Sarah Austmann 8+5 boards
Spain: Amaya Valdemoro 18+8 boards, Anna Montanana 10, Elisa Aguilar 10


Finland U16 edged the German representatives twice in Sports Centre Tikkurila - by Eurobasket News

Finland U16 edged the German representatives twice in Sports Centre Tikkurila. The home side grabbed 63:47 and 58:53 victories.
In Game 1 Finland registered a 63:47 win due to the victory in all quarters. Finland won the first period 15-12 and added 10-5 in the second frame. Moreover they needed 20-18 in the third and then 18-12 in the last quarters for the final result. Tuuli Menna (183-F-96) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Lotta Hamalainen (174-F-96) netted 9.
In Game 2 Finland needed a second half push to seal a 58:53 win. They trailed 12 points at the halftime but erupted with 18-12 and then 18-7 respectively in the third and the fourth quarters. Olivia Moskari (175-F-96) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Tuuli Menna added 14. Emma lina Stach (175-PG-96) replied with 25 points in the losing effort.


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


Greece better than Latvia 63-49 in Round Eight - by Eurobasket News

GREECE - LATVIA 63-49

Greece defeated Latvia tonight 63-49 for 4-2 record in Group E of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. That is currently enough for the second place in this pool, but Latvia (4-3) outplayed Greece in the first game with plus 19. Latvia is currently third ranked team in the group. Greece was 34-20 up at the half time and it seemed they will destroy Latvia tonight. They jumped to 52-35 at the end of Q3 and even reached plus 19 with 7:14 to go. Visitors closed this game with 8-13 and now they have a tiebreaker against Greece, what was one of their goals in this game. Katerina Sotiriou (187-F-84, agency: FCM) led the hosts with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Artemis Spanou (182-F-93) netted 11 points and Olga Hatzinikolaou (181-G-81) helped with 10 points, plus 11 assists. Zane Teilane-Tamane (200-C-83, agency: LBM Management, college: W.Illinois) answered with 11 pts and 10 rebs in loss. Ieva Krastina (175-G/F-90, agency: LBM Management) and Aija Putnina (192-F/C-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) stopped to 7 pts apiece. Greece will play another crucial game on Wednesday and its rival will be Italy, who will be the host. Latvia waits Finland.

Greece: Katerina Sotiriou 13+8 boards, Artemis Spanou 11, Olga Hatzinikolaou 10+11 as
Latvia: Zane Teilane-Tamane 11+10 boards, Ieva Krastina 7, Aija Putnina 7


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


Holland beats Slovenia in Almere - by Eurobasket News

HOLLAND - SLOVENIA 73-64

Holland handed 73-64 loss to Slovenia in Round 8 of the 2013 EuroBasket in France. Thanks to this victory Holland improved to 2-4 record in this pool, but it is already clear they will not be able to reach the second place. At the other side, Slovenia dropped to 4-3 and their chance to reach the final tournament drastically decreased. Despite a good start (10-15), visitors faced with minus 5 at the halftime (33-28). Holland was slightly better in Q3, but Slovenia came to 51-50 with 7:35 minutes to go. Holland made crucial 9-2 run after that and managed to keep the lead for rest of the way. Myrthe Beld (183-G-89, agency: Regeneracom Sports) scored 18 points in victory and Fieke Ligthart (184-F/C-90) added 13. Tanya Broering (178-G-84) (5 rebs, 5 as) and Naomi Halman (191-F/C-86, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Cal-Irvine) (6 rebs) scored 11 points each. In Slovenia, Tina Trebec (189-F-90, agency: Kotnik Sports Agency) shined with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Sandra Pirsic (195-C-84) collected 18 pts and 13 rebs. Holland will play against Slovakia on Wednesday in another home game. Slovenia is free in Round 9.

Holland: Myrthe Beld 18, Fieke Ligthart 13, Tanya Broering 11+5 boards+5 as, Naomi Halman 11+6 boards
Slovakia: Tina Trebec 23+10 boards, Sandra Pirsic 18+13 boards


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  HUNGARY   


Hungary keeps Portugal winless in Group A - by Eurobasket News

PORTUGAL - HUNGARY 53-73

Hungary celebrated its fourth victory in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. They outplayed Portugal on the road with comfortable 53-73 sharing the second place in Group A with Ukraine. Everything is still open in this pool, but not for Portugal who dropped to 0-7. Hungary smashed its host in the second period and later had no troubles to keep the comfortable lead. Quarters: 11-18, 9-20, 13-16, 20-19. Allie Quigley (180-G-86, college: De Paul) stepped up for the guests with 23 points and 8 rebounds (valuation 33, MVP). Dora Horti (195-C-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) had 13 points and 5 boards, while Orsolya Szecsi (190-G/F-92) added 10 pts. In the loosing squad, Carla Nascimento (171-G-86) and Ana Oliveira (176-F-83, college: UTSA) netted 10 points each. Maria Correia (174-G/F-91) stopped to one less. Hungary will host Israel on Wednesday. Portugal is free in Round 9.

Portugal: Allie Quigley 23+8 boards, Dora Horti 13+5 boards, Orsolya Szecsi 10
Hungary: Carla Nascimento 10, Ana Oliveira 10, Maria Correia 9


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  ISRAEL   


Israel grabs 60-58 thriller in against Belarus - by Eurobasket News

ISRAEL - BELARUS 60-58

Israel outsmarted Belarus tonight 60-58 in Round Eight of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications (Group A). It was a real thriller and Israel celebrated thanks to Liron Cohen's (173-G-82) lay-up, plus two free throws. Trafimava committed a turnover for Belarus (bad pass) with 16 seconds to go and Tatyana Troina (188-F-81, college: S.Carolina) made unsportsmanlike foul after that. As mentioned above, Cohen made one of two free throws and banked a jump shot with foul in the next possession. She made that extra FT and Belarus had 6 seconds at the other side, but Troina committed a turnover (ball handling). Quarters: 16-11, 17-25, 12-14, 15-8. Shay Doron (175-SG-85, college: Maryland) and Noa Ganor (171-G-86) scored 11 pts each in victory, while Katia Levitsky (190-PF-85, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Villanova) and Liron Cohen (5 as) scored 10 pts apiece. Anastasiya Veremeenko (194-C-87) exploded in Belarus with 14 points, 17 rebounds and 9 assists (valuation 38!). Troina had 18 points, with poor 1 of 6 from behind the arc. Belarus (5-2) will host Ukraine on Wednesday, while Israel (3-3) goes to Hungary.

Israel: Shay Doron 11, Noa Ganor 11, Liron Cohen 10+5 as, Katia Levitsky 10
Belarus: Anastasiya Veremeenko 14+17 boards+9 as, Tatyana Troina 18


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  ITALY   


Italy beats Luxembourg with ease - by Eurobasket News

LUXEMBOURG - ITALY 66-88

Italy is very close to 2013 EuroBasket in Spain after this victory. Visitors cruised past Luxembourg 66-88 for 5-1 record in Group E of qualifications. Luxembourg dropped to 0-7 and stays the last ranked team in this pool. The game without a history. Italy made double-digit lead in the second period and never looked back. Quarters: 19-20, 12-22, 18-22, 17-24. Laura Spreafico (182-F/G-91) scored 19 points for the winners and Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) had two points less, plus 6 assists. Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) and Ilaria Zanoni (180-G-86) netted 13 pts each. Lisy Hetting (173-G-90) delivered 15 points for the hosts and Nadia Mossong (182-F-86, college: E.Kentucky) had 13. Their third corer was Jill Bausch (176-G-87) with 12 pts (5 rebs). Italy will host Greece on Wednesday. Luxembourg will play against Greece next weekend.

Italy: Laura Spreafico 19, Giorgia Sottana 17+6 as, Raffaella Masciadri 13, Ilaria Zanoni 13
Luxembourg: Lisy Hetting 15, Nadia Mossong 13, Jill Bausch 12+5 boards


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  LATVIA   


Greece better than Latvia 63-49 in Round Eight - by Eurobasket News

GREECE - LATVIA 63-49

Greece defeated Latvia tonight 63-49 for 4-2 record in Group E of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. That is currently enough for the second place in this pool, but Latvia (4-3) outplayed Greece in the first game with plus 19. Latvia is currently third ranked team in the group. Greece was 34-20 up at the half time and it seemed they will destroy Latvia tonight. They jumped to 52-35 at the end of Q3 and even reached plus 19 with 7:14 to go. Visitors closed this game with 8-13 and now they have a tiebreaker against Greece, what was one of their goals in this game. Katerina Sotiriou (187-F-84, agency: FCM) led the hosts with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Artemis Spanou (182-F-93) netted 11 points and Olga Hatzinikolaou (181-G-81) helped with 10 points, plus 11 assists. Zane Teilane-Tamane (200-C-83, agency: LBM Management, college: W.Illinois) answered with 11 pts and 10 rebs in loss. Ieva Krastina (175-G/F-90, agency: LBM Management) and Aija Putnina (192-F/C-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) stopped to 7 pts apiece. Greece will play another crucial game on Wednesday and its rival will be Italy, who will be the host. Latvia waits Finland.

Greece: Katerina Sotiriou 13+8 boards, Artemis Spanou 11, Olga Hatzinikolaou 10+11 as
Latvia: Zane Teilane-Tamane 11+10 boards, Ieva Krastina 7, Aija Putnina 7


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  LITHUANIA   


Slovakia celebrates great win in Poprad, Lithuania heads to EuroBasket despite this loss - by Eurobasket News

SLOVAKIA - LITHUANIA 60-58

Slovakia made a huge step toward 2013 EuroBasket in France. They grabbed 60-58 home win against Lithuania for 5-1 record in Group C. It means that Slovakia is now alone on top of the standings, while Lithuania slipped to the second place with 5-2. Slovakia made 15-7 lead at the beginning and later jumped to 44-27 at the halftime. Lithuania held Slovakia to just eight points in the last period to produce an unlikely comeback led by Ginatre Petronyte who was too hot to handle under the hoop at times and found herself on the line an eye-popping 17 times. It was 52-41 for the hosts with 10:00 remaining. After lay-up by Paugaite visitors came to 59-58 with 2:11 to go and teams went to thrilling finish. Jurcenkova was the only player who scored for rest of the game and it was one free throw. The visitors could force overtime but Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) missed the pivotal shot in the last seconds before Gabriela Kubatova grabbed the all-important defensive rebound. Ivana Jalcova (182-G-83) scored 11 points for the winners and Anna Jurcenkova (195-C-85) helped with 9 points, plus 8 rebs. Klaudia Lukacovicova (193-C-90) (8 rebs) and Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) (5 rebs) posted 8 pts apiece. In defeat, Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) shined with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Egle Sulciute (190-PF-85) had 14 points and 6 rebs, and Sandra Linkeviciene posted 10 pts and 5 rebs. Slovakia will play in Holland on Wednesday, while Lithuania will host Belgium.

Slovakia: Ivana Jalcova 11, Anna Jurcenkova 9+8 boards, Klaudia Lukacovicova 8+8 boards, Lucia Kupcikova 8+5 boards
Lithuania: Gintare Petronyte 20+6 boards, Egle Sulciute 14+6 boards, Sandra Linkeviciene 10+5 boards

UPDATE: Thanks to unexpected loss by Slovenia, Lithuania already booked a spot for 2013 EuroBasket in France.


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  LUXEMBOURG   


Italy beats Luxembourg with ease - by Eurobasket News

LUXEMBOURG - ITALY 66-88

Italy is very close to 2013 EuroBasket in Spain after this victory. Visitors cruised past Luxembourg 66-88 for 5-1 record in Group E of qualifications. Luxembourg dropped to 0-7 and stays the last ranked team in this pool. The game without a history. Italy made double-digit lead in the second period and never looked back. Quarters: 19-20, 12-22, 18-22, 17-24. Laura Spreafico (182-F/G-91) scored 19 points for the winners and Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) had two points less, plus 6 assists. Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) and Ilaria Zanoni (180-G-86) netted 13 pts each. Lisy Hetting (173-G-90) delivered 15 points for the hosts and Nadia Mossong (182-F-86, college: E.Kentucky) had 13. Their third corer was Jill Bausch (176-G-87) with 12 pts (5 rebs). Italy will host Greece on Wednesday. Luxembourg will play against Greece next weekend.

Italy: Laura Spreafico 19, Giorgia Sottana 17+6 as, Raffaella Masciadri 13, Ilaria Zanoni 13
Luxembourg: Lisy Hetting 15, Nadia Mossong 13, Jill Bausch 12+5 boards


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  MONTENEGRO   


Poland downs Montenegro in thriller 53-50 - by Eurobasket News

POLAND - MONTENEGRO 53-50

Poland registered very valuable home win against Montenegro tonight. The hosts celebrated 53-50 staying alone on top of Group B with almost perfect 5-1 record. At the same time, Montenegro dropped to the second place with 5-2 score. Poland had impressive start making 15-point lead in the first ten minutes, but visitors replied in Q2 closing the gap to 32-28 until the halftime. Montenegro intensified defense after the breather limiting Poland to just 4 points in Q3, while they drained 18 at the other side and it seemed that Montenegro will take the victory in this game. However, Poland didn't give up and made impressive 14-1 run at the beginning of Q4. Thanks to free throws by Joanna Walich (183-F/C-81) and Skobel in the finish and great defense during the last ten minutes Poland grabbed crucial 53-50 win. Weronika Idczak (177-G-89) scored 11 points in victory, while Joanna Walich and Magdalena Losi (173-F-80, agency: Promotex) posted 7 points each. Milica Jovanovic (189-F/C-89) delivered 13 points in defeat. Ana Turcinovic (190-C-93) (8 rebs), Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) (8 rebs) and Jelena Skerovic (176-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) (6 as, 5 rebs) had 8 points apiece. Serbia will host Poland in Round 9, while Montenegro waits Estonia.

Poland: Weronika Idczak 11, Joanna Walich 7, Magdalena Losi 7
Montenegro: Milica Jovanovic 13, Ana Turcinovic 8+8 boards, Iva Perovanovic 8+8 boards, Jelena Skerovic 8+6 as+5 boards


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  OLYMPIC GAMES   


Team France for 2012 Olympic Games announced - by Eurobasket News

French Basketball Federation announced final roster for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Head Coach of the team is Pierre Vincent.

Players
Clemence Beikes (180-G-83, agency: Josep and Nicolas)
Jennifer Digbeu (190-F/C-87)
Celine Dumerc (169-G-82)
Elodie Godin (190-C-85)
Emilie Gomis (180-G/F-83)
Sandrine Gruda (193-C-87)
Marion Laborde (178-G/F-86)
Florence Lepron (182-F-85)
Nwal-Endene Miyem (188-PF-88)
Emmeline Ndongue (191-C-83)
Edwige Lawson-Wade (166-PG-79)
Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (190-C-86)

France is placed to Group B of the Preliminary Round in London. Their rivals will be Australia, Brazil, Great Britain, Russia and Canada. Four teams will advance to Quarterfinals. Before the Olympics, Team France will play couple of friendly games. They will participate at tournaments in UK and France. Team France booked a ticket for London thanks to great performance at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. They outplayed South Korea 80-63 in the Quarterfinals to complete their mission in Ankara. The Olympic Games begin on July 28, when France will meet Brazil.


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  POLAND   


Poland downs Montenegro in thriller 53-50 - by Eurobasket News

POLAND - MONTENEGRO 53-50

Poland registered very valuable home win against Montenegro tonight. The hosts celebrated 53-50 staying alone on top of Group B with almost perfect 5-1 record. At the same time, Montenegro dropped to the second place with 5-2 score. Poland had impressive start making 15-point lead in the first ten minutes, but visitors replied in Q2 closing the gap to 32-28 until the halftime. Montenegro intensified defense after the breather limiting Poland to just 4 points in Q3, while they drained 18 at the other side and it seemed that Montenegro will take the victory in this game. However, Poland didn't give up and made impressive 14-1 run at the beginning of Q4. Thanks to free throws by Joanna Walich (183-F/C-81) and Skobel in the finish and great defense during the last ten minutes Poland grabbed crucial 53-50 win. Weronika Idczak (177-G-89) scored 11 points in victory, while Joanna Walich and Magdalena Losi (173-F-80, agency: Promotex) posted 7 points each. Milica Jovanovic (189-F/C-89) delivered 13 points in defeat. Ana Turcinovic (190-C-93) (8 rebs), Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) (8 rebs) and Jelena Skerovic (176-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) (6 as, 5 rebs) had 8 points apiece. Serbia will host Poland in Round 9, while Montenegro waits Estonia.

Poland: Weronika Idczak 11, Joanna Walich 7, Magdalena Losi 7
Montenegro: Milica Jovanovic 13, Ana Turcinovic 8+8 boards, Iva Perovanovic 8+8 boards, Jelena Skerovic 8+6 as+5 boards


ROW Rybnik extends Magdalena Radwan, Magdalena Skorek and Aldona Morawiec - by Eurobasket News

ROW Rybnik announced signing of one-year contract extension with Magdalena Radwan (180-G-82), Magdalena Skorek (177-G-84, agency: Data Plus Group) and Aldona Morawiec (183-F-92).
Magdalena Radwan arrived to the club last summer from Energa Torun. She appeared 31 times in PLKK averaging 4.7 points and 1.8 rebounds. Radwan played for ROW Rybnik also in 2008/09 season. From 2009 to 2011, she was a member of Enegra Torun.
Magdalena Skorek also signed with the club last summer collecting 4.9 ppg and 2 rpg for 33 games. Season 2010/11 she spent with Blachy Pruszynski Lider Pruszkow and before that played for Wisla Can-Oack and Jelenia Gora. Skorek played for ROW Rybnik in 2007/08.
Aldona Morawiec has limited playing time last season registering 1.9 ppg and 1.2 rpg for 26 games. She arrived to the club a year ago from Arcus SMS PZKosz Lomianki.


Matizol Lider Pruszkow gets bigger with Marta Jujka - by Eurobasket News

Matizol Lider Pruszkow continues with signings for the next season. Their latest addition is Polish center Marta Jujka (192-C-88). The 23-year-old Jujka started last season with Energa Torun, but she appeared just 3 times for the club averaging 4.7 points and 5.3 rebounds. They parted ways in November.
Marta Jujka played for Lotos Gdynia from 2007 to 2011. She had 8 ppg and 4.2 rpg for 23 PLKK games in their last season together. The player added 5.6 ppg and 4 rpg for 8 Euroleague games. Jujka and Lotos Gdynia won PLKK titles in 2009 and 2010, and also Polish Cup a year ago. In the past, she was a member of Arcus SMS PZKosz Lomianki. Marta Jujka played for Polish National Team in 2009.


Teja Oblak to miss at least 6-7 months due to serious knee injury - by Eurobasket News

Slovenian Basketball Federation officially announced that Teja Oblak (171-G-90) torn her ACL last Wednesday during the game against Lithuania. Tjasa Gortnar (187-F-92) and Eva Komplet (182-F/C-86) suffered same injury recently. Oblak will be out for at least 6-7 months. She signed a deal with Polish squad CCC Polkowice earlier this summer and it was a 2-year deal.
Teja Oblak joined CCC Polkowice from ZKK Merkur Celje (SKL, starting five). Last season in Adriatic League she became the top-scorer with 18.7ppg, 2.6rpg, Assists-3 (3.9apg), 2.3spg, FGP: 58.9%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 77.3%. In Slovenian League she was third top-scorer with 16.5ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-1 (5.0apg), Steals-5 (2.2spg), FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT-2 (83.6%). Oblak was named Eurobasket.com All-Slovenian League Guard of the Year -11, 12. She was Player of the Year 2011 in Slovenia. Oblak is a member of the Slovenian NT since 2009.


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  PORTUGAL   


Hungary keeps Portugal winless in Group A - by Eurobasket News

PORTUGAL - HUNGARY 53-73

Hungary celebrated its fourth victory in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. They outplayed Portugal on the road with comfortable 53-73 sharing the second place in Group A with Ukraine. Everything is still open in this pool, but not for Portugal who dropped to 0-7. Hungary smashed its host in the second period and later had no troubles to keep the comfortable lead. Quarters: 11-18, 9-20, 13-16, 20-19. Allie Quigley (180-G-86, college: De Paul) stepped up for the guests with 23 points and 8 rebounds (valuation 33, MVP). Dora Horti (195-C-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) had 13 points and 5 boards, while Orsolya Szecsi (190-G/F-92) added 10 pts. In the loosing squad, Carla Nascimento (171-G-86) and Ana Oliveira (176-F-83, college: UTSA) netted 10 points each. Maria Correia (174-G/F-91) stopped to one less. Hungary will host Israel on Wednesday. Portugal is free in Round 9.

Portugal: Allie Quigley 23+8 boards, Dora Horti 13+5 boards, Orsolya Szecsi 10
Hungary: Carla Nascimento 10, Ana Oliveira 10, Maria Correia 9


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  RUSSIA   


Spain U16 successfully opens Nice tournament - by Eurobasket News

Russia U16-Spain U16 50:68

Spain U16 successfully opens Nice tournament in France. The Spanish cadets overcame Russia U16 68:50.
Russia started the game better and grabbed 13-10 after the first 10 minutes. Spain replied with 21-13 in the second frame and grabbed 31:23 at the halftime. Moreover Spain added 21-15 in the third period and enjoyed 14 points advantage after three quarters. They also added 16-9 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Salvadores top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Quevedo notched 13. Conde nailed 11, while Capella delivered 8. Ksenia Kuzmina (195-C-95) ended up with 15 points in defeat and Ksenia Levchenko (165-PG-96) added 9.
Tonight Russia will face France in the second game of the tournament. Spain will play against Belgium.

Russia U16: Ksenia Kuzmina 15, Ksenia Levchenko 9
Spain U16: Salvadores 18, Quevedo 13, Conde 11, Capella 8


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  SERBIA   


Milica Micovic signs with Passalaqua Ragusa ( IT ) - by Tamara Ruzic

Milica Micovic (182-G-84 )will play one more season in Italy. The Serbian guard signed one -year deal with Passalgua Ragusa. She arrives to Passalaqua Ragusa from Pozzuoli where she spent last season. Micovic played 25.5 minutes and had 8.7 points (38.3% shot for two and 1.30 for three), 3 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Season 2010/11 spent with Vomero Basket Napoli where she played 22 games in Serie A1, averaging 6.3 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2 steals. In the past, Micovic also was a member of Viterbo, Nuova Bologna, Carugate and Stem Marine Parma. In 2005, Micovic won the Italian league title with Stem Marine Parma. She helped the team with 3.4 ppg and 1.2 rpg for 33 games. It was the only Euroleague experience for Micovic, who had 1.6 ppg for 13 games in this competition.




Serbia cruises past Switzerland in Contern - by Eurobasket News

SWITZERLAND - SERBIA 45-88

Serbia had no mercy for Switzerland tonight. Visitors celebrated huge 45-88 victory for 4-2 record in Group B of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. Serbia is currently No.3 in this pool, behind Poland and Montenegro. Switzerland is No.4 with 2-5. Serbia took control on its rival from the beginning and they were increasing lead after each period. Quarters: 11-17, 9-20, 16-27, 9-24. Milica Ivanovic (175-G-88, college: Catawba) led the winners with 17 points and 5 rebounds for 17 minutes on the court. Ana Dabovic (183-G/F-89) scored 16 points and Ivanka Matic (195-F/C-79, agency: LBM Management) helped with double-double of 11 points and 10 rebs. Switzerland got 13 points from Marielle Giroud (180-F-87) (5 rebs) and Alexia Rol (175-F-82). Sarah Kershaw (180-SF-85) was limited to 10 pts. Serbia will host Poland next Wednesday and it will most likely be crucial game for both teams. Switzerland is free in Round 9.

Switzerland: Marielle Giroud 13+5 boards, Alexia Rol 13, Sarah Kershaw 10
Serbia: Milica Ivanovic 17+5 boards, Ana Dabovic 16, Ivanka Matic 11+10 boards


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  SLOVAKIA   


Slovakia celebrates great win in Poprad, Lithuania heads to EuroBasket despite this loss - by Eurobasket News

SLOVAKIA - LITHUANIA 60-58

Slovakia made a huge step toward 2013 EuroBasket in France. They grabbed 60-58 home win against Lithuania for 5-1 record in Group C. It means that Slovakia is now alone on top of the standings, while Lithuania slipped to the second place with 5-2. Slovakia made 15-7 lead at the beginning and later jumped to 44-27 at the halftime. Lithuania held Slovakia to just eight points in the last period to produce an unlikely comeback led by Ginatre Petronyte who was too hot to handle under the hoop at times and found herself on the line an eye-popping 17 times. It was 52-41 for the hosts with 10:00 remaining. After lay-up by Paugaite visitors came to 59-58 with 2:11 to go and teams went to thrilling finish. Jurcenkova was the only player who scored for rest of the game and it was one free throw. The visitors could force overtime but Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) missed the pivotal shot in the last seconds before Gabriela Kubatova grabbed the all-important defensive rebound. Ivana Jalcova (182-G-83) scored 11 points for the winners and Anna Jurcenkova (195-C-85) helped with 9 points, plus 8 rebs. Klaudia Lukacovicova (193-C-90) (8 rebs) and Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) (5 rebs) posted 8 pts apiece. In defeat, Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) shined with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Egle Sulciute (190-PF-85) had 14 points and 6 rebs, and Sandra Linkeviciene posted 10 pts and 5 rebs. Slovakia will play in Holland on Wednesday, while Lithuania will host Belgium.

Slovakia: Ivana Jalcova 11, Anna Jurcenkova 9+8 boards, Klaudia Lukacovicova 8+8 boards, Lucia Kupcikova 8+5 boards
Lithuania: Gintare Petronyte 20+6 boards, Egle Sulciute 14+6 boards, Sandra Linkeviciene 10+5 boards

UPDATE: Thanks to unexpected loss by Slovenia, Lithuania already booked a spot for 2013 EuroBasket in France.


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  SLOVENIA   


Holland beats Slovenia in Almere - by Eurobasket News

HOLLAND - SLOVENIA 73-64

Holland handed 73-64 loss to Slovenia in Round 8 of the 2013 EuroBasket in France. Thanks to this victory Holland improved to 2-4 record in this pool, but it is already clear they will not be able to reach the second place. At the other side, Slovenia dropped to 4-3 and their chance to reach the final tournament drastically decreased. Despite a good start (10-15), visitors faced with minus 5 at the halftime (33-28). Holland was slightly better in Q3, but Slovenia came to 51-50 with 7:35 minutes to go. Holland made crucial 9-2 run after that and managed to keep the lead for rest of the way. Myrthe Beld (183-G-89, agency: Regeneracom Sports) scored 18 points in victory and Fieke Ligthart (184-F/C-90) added 13. Tanya Broering (178-G-84) (5 rebs, 5 as) and Naomi Halman (191-F/C-86, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Cal-Irvine) (6 rebs) scored 11 points each. In Slovenia, Tina Trebec (189-F-90, agency: Kotnik Sports Agency) shined with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Sandra Pirsic (195-C-84) collected 18 pts and 13 rebs. Holland will play against Slovakia on Wednesday in another home game. Slovenia is free in Round 9.

Holland: Myrthe Beld 18, Fieke Ligthart 13, Tanya Broering 11+5 boards+5 as, Naomi Halman 11+6 boards
Slovakia: Tina Trebec 23+10 boards, Sandra Pirsic 18+13 boards


Teja Oblak to miss at least 6-7 months due to serious knee injury - by Eurobasket News

Slovenian Basketball Federation officially announced that Teja Oblak (171-G-90) torn her ACL last Wednesday during the game against Lithuania. Tjasa Gortnar (187-F-92) and Eva Komplet (182-F/C-86) suffered same injury recently. Oblak will be out for at least 6-7 months. She signed a deal with Polish squad CCC Polkowice earlier this summer and it was a 2-year deal.
Teja Oblak joined CCC Polkowice from ZKK Merkur Celje (SKL, starting five). Last season in Adriatic League she became the top-scorer with 18.7ppg, 2.6rpg, Assists-3 (3.9apg), 2.3spg, FGP: 58.9%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 77.3%. In Slovenian League she was third top-scorer with 16.5ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-1 (5.0apg), Steals-5 (2.2spg), FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT-2 (83.6%). Oblak was named Eurobasket.com All-Slovenian League Guard of the Year -11, 12. She was Player of the Year 2011 in Slovenia. Oblak is a member of the Slovenian NT since 2009.


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  SPAIN   


Spain U16 successfully opens Nice tournament - by Eurobasket News

Russia U16-Spain U16 50:68

Spain U16 successfully opens Nice tournament in France. The Spanish cadets overcame Russia U16 68:50.
Russia started the game better and grabbed 13-10 after the first 10 minutes. Spain replied with 21-13 in the second frame and grabbed 31:23 at the halftime. Moreover Spain added 21-15 in the third period and enjoyed 14 points advantage after three quarters. They also added 16-9 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Salvadores top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Quevedo notched 13. Conde nailed 11, while Capella delivered 8. Ksenia Kuzmina (195-C-95) ended up with 15 points in defeat and Ksenia Levchenko (165-PG-96) added 9.
Tonight Russia will face France in the second game of the tournament. Spain will play against Belgium.

Russia U16: Ksenia Kuzmina 15, Ksenia Levchenko 9
Spain U16: Salvadores 18, Quevedo 13, Conde 11, Capella 8


Spain wins in Nordlingen, advances to 2013 EuroBasket in France - by Eurobasket News

GERMANY - SPAIN 55-61

Spain booked a spot for 2013 EuroBasket in France. They handed 55-61 home loss to Germany tonight for 5-2 record in Group D of the qualifications. Germany dropped to 3-3 and will not be able to reach the second place because of this loss. Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas) paced her team to this crucial victory with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Anna Montanana (186-F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: G.Washington) and Elisa Aguilar (177-G-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: G.Washington) posted 10 points each. The hosts got 21 points and 8 rebounds from Romy Bar (189-F-87). Their second scorer was Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) with 10 points and Sarah Austmann (179-G/F-85) (5 rebs) had two less. Spain had wonderful start making 10-23 lead in the first ten minutes. They improved to plus 14 at the halftime and plus 15 with one quarter to go. Visitors jumped to 41-58 with something more than five minutes remaining and Germany answered with 12-1 run, but was not able to come any closer than minus six. Spain will host Romania on Wednesday and Germany will play in Bulgaria.

Germany: Romy Bar 21+8 boards, Anne Breitreiner 10, Sarah Austmann 8+5 boards
Spain: Amaya Valdemoro 18+8 boards, Anna Montanana 10, Elisa Aguilar 10


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  SWEDEN   


Sweden wins Group D, books ticket for 2013 EuroBasket - by Eurobasket News

SWEDEN - BULGARIA 71-54

Despite there are two more rounds to go in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications, it is already clear that Sweden will be the winner of Group D. They were too strong for Bulgaria tonight 71-54 for almost perfect 6-1 record in this pool. Sweden already booked a spot for the EuroBasket in France. Bulgaria stays winless after 6 games. Sweden had 15-point lead at the halftime and jumped to plus 21 with ten minutes to go, so the last period was just the formality. Quarters: 22-12, 24-19, 16-10, 9-13. Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) had almost perfect night with 21 points and 9 rebounds (valuation 25, MVP). Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) scored 15 points and handed out 5 assists, while Frida Aili (179-G-88) netted 8 pts in victory. Jaklin Zlatanova (190-F-88) collected 17 points and 7 rebs in Bulgaria. Vera Perostiyska (196-C-82, college: FIU) had 11 pts and 5 boards, and Daniela Peteva (179-F-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) added 7 pts and 7 rebs. Sweden is free in Round 9, while Bulgaria will host Germany.

Sweden: Louice Halvarsson 21+9 boards, Frida Eldebrink 15+5 as, Frida Aili 8
Bulgaria: Jaklin Zlatanova 17+7 boards, Vera Perostiyska 11+5 boards, Daniela Peteva 7+7 boards


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  SWITZERLAND   


Serbia cruises past Switzerland in Contern - by Eurobasket News

SWITZERLAND - SERBIA 45-88

Serbia had no mercy for Switzerland tonight. Visitors celebrated huge 45-88 victory for 4-2 record in Group B of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. Serbia is currently No.3 in this pool, behind Poland and Montenegro. Switzerland is No.4 with 2-5. Serbia took control on its rival from the beginning and they were increasing lead after each period. Quarters: 11-17, 9-20, 16-27, 9-24. Milica Ivanovic (175-G-88, college: Catawba) led the winners with 17 points and 5 rebounds for 17 minutes on the court. Ana Dabovic (183-G/F-89) scored 16 points and Ivanka Matic (195-F/C-79, agency: LBM Management) helped with double-double of 11 points and 10 rebs. Switzerland got 13 points from Marielle Giroud (180-F-87) (5 rebs) and Alexia Rol (175-F-82). Sarah Kershaw (180-SF-85) was limited to 10 pts. Serbia will host Poland next Wednesday and it will most likely be crucial game for both teams. Switzerland is free in Round 9.

Switzerland: Marielle Giroud 13+5 boards, Alexia Rol 13, Sarah Kershaw 10
Serbia: Milica Ivanovic 17+5 boards, Ana Dabovic 16, Ivanka Matic 11+10 boards


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  WILLIAM JONES CUP   


For those who care deeply about the Jones Cup - by Chris Wang

Im writing this post as the general reply for those who have written me.

Around this time every year when the Williams Jones Cup is being held, I would receive numerous emails from players parents, friends and fans asking where they could find a link to the online stream of the games.

Honestly, I have no idea, despite I know there would be some links created by the always passionate Filipino fans when the mens competition is on -- if the Philippines NT is in the tourney.

But I do know that if you install this software PPS.tv, which is very popular in Taiwan and China, you could watch the game live on Taiwans sports channel Videoland ().

However, there is a precondition that you must understand Chinese to install the software. Maybe you can try.

On the other hand, I have been spending less time in recent years to write on this blog as you can see. At present I cover mostly politics. Which is why I have not been able to update game information regularly in a timely fashion. Ill update information which I think is important when I have time.

Here is the official website of the Jones Cup this year. Perhaps you could find information you need, such as game results, photos and boxscores on the site.

http://2012wjc.basketball-tpe.org/bin/home.php

Again, its in Chinese -- with some English translation.


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  WNBA   

Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 20

Jul. 5: L.Angeles S. - Minnesota L. 96-90
Jul. 3: S.Antonio SS - Phoenix M. 82-81
Jul. 6: Tulsa S. - Connecticut S. 75-86
Jul. 6: Washington M. - S.Antonio SS 73-78
Jul. 5: Indiana F. - S.Antonio SS 72-88
Jul. 6: Chicago S. - New York L. 59-64

Regular Season: Round 21

Jul. 7: Indiana F. - Chicago S.
Jul. 7: Minnesota L. - Connecticut S.
Jul. 7: Phoenix M. - Atlanta D.
Jul. 7: L.Angeles S. - Seattle S.
Jul. 8: New York L. - S.Antonio SS
Jul. 8: Tulsa S. - Washington M.
Jul. 8: L.Angeles S. - Atlanta D.
Jul. 8: Seattle S. - Phoenix M.


Latest games: Silver Stars notch sixth straight win - by Eurobasket News

Chicago S. - New York L. 59-64
Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) scored a team-high 19 points, including a pair of key late free throws, and New York held off a late Chicago comeback. The win was the second straight for the Liberty (6-9) and first in two tries over Chicago. The Sky (8-6) trailed 61-59 following Sylvia Fowles' bank shot with 1:23 left, but missed a chance to tie on a turnover with 48 seconds to play. Pondexter, fouled on an inbound pass with 19.3 seconds left, hit two free throws to open a four-point Liberty lead. Teammate Essence Carson (6'0''-G-86, college: Rutgers) had 14 points and 11 rebounds, Leilani Mitchell had 12 points and Kara Braxton added 11. Fowles paced Chicago with 20 points while Tamera Young added 16. *Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Washington M. - S.Antonio SS 73-78
Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) scored all 18 of her points in the second half and the San Antonio Silver Stars defeated the Washington Mystics 78-73 on Friday night for their sixth straight victory. Becky Hammon (5'6''-PG-77, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Colorado St.) added 17 points for the Silver Stars (10-5), who have won three consecutive road games and six straight in Washington. After missing her first three field goal attempts including her first in the second half, Young got hot during a 17-4 third-quarter run as the Silver Stars turned a tie score into a 55-42 lead. San Antonio's leading scorer on the season made six straight shots. Young made her only two attempts in the fourth quarter. Monique Currie led the Mystics (3-11) with 15 points. *Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Tulsa S. - Connecticut S. 75-86
Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) had a team-high 24 points and added 10 rebounds to lead Connecticut over Tulsa. Charles, who had just four points in the first quarter, had 12 by halftime and tallied 12 more in the second half to post the 55th double-double of her career, a Connecticut franchise record. Asjha Jones (6'2''-F-80, college: Connecticut) also had a double-double for the Eastern Conference-leading Sun (11-4) with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Kara Lawson had 14 points and six assists for Connecticut while reserve Mistie Mims added 10 points. Tulsa's Ivory Latta also had 24 points, including 6 of 7 from 3-point range. Kayla Pedersen added 10 points and five assists for the Shock (2-13). *Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

L.Angeles S. - Minnesota L. 96-90
Guard Kristi Toliver (5'7''-PG-87, college: Maryland) matched her career high with 29 points to lead the Sparks to a 96-90 win over the defending champion Minnesota Lynx at Staples Center on Thursday. The Sparks ended a losing streak at three games, their worst skid of the season. The streak was personal for Toliver, who was scoreless in the Sparks' most recent loss June 28 at San Antonio. The memory of that gaping zero bothered Toliver all week, driving her to play one of the best games in her career against the Lynx in front of an announced 11,256. Toliver led all scorers in the game, making eight of her 13 shots from the field, including all six of her three-pointers. "It was completely crazy that I didn't even shoot the ball in the last game," Toliver said. "Today I just kind of shifted that and showed everybody this is who I am and this is what I do. I'm back on track." Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee), who scored 28 points and had 13 rebounds, sat by her locker after the game marveling at her teammate's performance. "Some of that range was like near half-court," Parker said of Toliver. "When she's in her zone we just give her the ball and get out of the way." The Sparks led by 20 points with 9:22 to go in the fourth quarter. But the Lynx went on a 15-2 run to cut the lead to six points with 21/2 minutes remaining. The Sparks staved off the Lynx's comeback with flawless free-throw shooting down the stretch. They made each of their 12 attempts from the line in the final two minutes. "You're not going to keep a champion down for four quarters," Sparks Coach Carol Ross said of the Lynx. "I'm just real excited with how we bounced back." The Sparks are in second place in the Western Conference, 21/2 games behind Minnesota. The Sparks improved to 11-6 overall, and 7-1 at home, and the Lynx slipped to 13-3. The last time the teams played, on May 24 at Minnesota, the Sparks lost, 92-84. With this win, Toliver wasn't the only one who proved something to herself. "It's good to know that we can beat them," she said. Courtesy of www.latimes.com

Indiana F. - S.Antonio SS 72-88
The second half was all the San Antonio Silver Stars needed. After a strong first half by Indiana, San Antonio picked up its defense and got better transition play to rally for an 88-72 win over the Fever on Thursday night. Becky Hammon (5'6''-PG-77, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Colorado St.) scored 19 points, Jia Perkins (5'8''-G-82, agency: Merit Sports, college: Texas Tech) had 17 points and Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) added 15 points and eight rebounds to help the Silver Stars (9-5) win their fifth straight. "A little bit of grind and more assertiveness in the second half is what helped," Hammon said. "They came out in the first half red hot and we knew we had to work hard on defense to give ourselves a chance. We knew the offense would come." San Antonio came from 18 points down for and finished with the second-largest turnaround (34 points) by a Fever opponent in franchise history. The Charlotte Sting had a 43-point swing in a win against Indiana on Aug. 20, 2003. "I thought in the second half we started assertively," San Antonio coach Dan Hughes said. "Defensively we were early in what we wanted to do. We were a step behind in the second half and we were able to play out of our defense. Our bench was very productive. We got 35 points off the bench. It allowed us a kind of consistency at that point." Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) scored 19 points for the Fever (8-6), who made 12 3-pointers. Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee), set for her third trip to the Olympics, had 17 points and a season-high 15 rebounds for her 75th career double-double. After Catchings' jumper pushed the Fever's lead to 45-32 with 8:13 remaining in the third, the Silver Stars scored the next eight points to pull within five midway through the period. Jia Perkins' 3 capped an 8-2 run that got San Antonio to 54-53 with about 1 minutes left in the third, and Danielle Adams (6'1''-F/C-89, college: Texas A&M) jumper 20 seconds into the fourth tied the score at 59-all. Young's layup about a minute later put the Silver Stars ahead and they didn't trail again. "Very disapointed with our lack of intensity in the second half," Fever coach Lin Dunn said. "The way we started the second half let them back in the game. San Antonio is a very good team. We did not match their intensity." After Briann January's two free throws tied the score, Adams' hit a jumper with 8:03 to go to put San Antonio ahead for good. Perkins hit a jumper and Shenise Johnson made a 3 to cap a 13-2 run that put the Silver Stars ahead 68-61 with 7:20 remaining. Danielle Robinson's jumper 4 minutes later made it a double-digit game, and San Antonio scored the last six points in the final 57 seconds as the final score was their largest margin of the game. "We came out the first 20 minutes and played really well," Douglas said. "Then we were flat for some reason. Whatever it was in the third quarter, they were knocking down shots. We put our heads down and then we looked a little rattled out there and didn't hold our composure." After going on a 15-2 run in the first quarter to take a 23-11 lead, the Fever pulled away further in the second quarter and did it from behind the arc. Pohlen, Catchings, and Douglas each hit 3's on the next three possessions and held the Silver Stars scoreless to take a 32-20 lead midway through the quarter. January made two 3s and Douglas had one as Indiana scored nine consecutive points to take a 41-23 lead with 3:20 to go in the second quarter. Robinson hit a jumper and Shameka Christon made a free throw to pull San Antonio to 43-28 at halftime. "Indiana totally dominated us for a half," Hughes said. "We just didn't feel like we had any rhythm. We started getting rhythm, especially out of our defensive play, in the second half." Courtesy of http://news.cincinnati.com

S.Antonio SS - Phoenix M. 82-81
Danielle Adams 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 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


Shock acquires Hodges from Indiana Fever - by Eurobasket News

The Tulsa Shock have acquired veteran Roneeka Hodges (5'11''-G-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Florida St.) from the Indiana Fever in exchange for Karima Christmas (6'0''-G/F-89, college: Duke).

Hodges is averaging 3.2 points in 8.9 minutes through 12 games with the Fever this season. She averaged a career-high 9.9 points a game in 27.9 minutes in 33 games for the Minnesota Lynx in 2009.

Coach Gary Kloppenburg says Hodges gives the team an added outside scoring threat and she is also a good defender.

Christmas started six of the 14 games for the Shock this season, averaging 3.6 points a game 11.5 minutes. The second-year guard was signed by the Shock in July 2011 after being waived by the Washington Mystics.

Courtesy of http://pryordailytimes.com