Eurobasket Daily News Report: 8/1/2012 1:04:01 AM

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

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Men News

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ABA

Jersey Express and Ms.Boss Media agreement announced - by Gianni Pascucci

The ABA Jersey Express announces the agreement with Ms. Boss Media to help the franchise build the Jersey Express Brand into local and national household name. General Manager Marsha Blount is gearing up for the upcoming basketball season with some big bodacious goals of making the Jersey Express not only a household name in New Jersey, but also a national household name. With the departure of the Nets, the Jersey Express is the only game in town for New Jersey. The Jersey Express franchise offers some very unique opportunities. The first opportunity would be giving young men who love the game of basketball a second chance to realize their dreams of playing. The next opportunity is providing an environment for these young men that will allow them to connect themselves to something positive instead of being sucked up by the mean streets. This is a franchise that keeps on giving. Ms. Blount is providing jobs for her staff members that allow them to earn an extra stream of income in a down economy. We all know that something a little extra can go a long way when you have a shortage.
In order to make the Jersey Express a name that you know Ms. Boss Media which is owned by Audrey Bell-Kearney is a media and marketing company which has agreed to take the Jersey Express on as a client. MBM role in the franchise will be to make sure that every household in New Jersey knows that they still have a team to represent the state with the Jersey Express. Using creativity and technology Mrs. Bell-Kearney intend to help the players show off their stuff and pack the house at home games. MBM has some very exciting promotions planned for the fans once the season begins, and the ball is ready to bounce. We want to be able to support the fellas and add some local family entertainment to the New Jersey events calendar.
Helping the Jersey Express franchise to become massively successful will set the stage for other franchises that may want to throw their hat into the ABA ring. Especially here in New Jersey where there is only one team. Our neighbor New York has three teams in the ABA, so being the catalyst here in Jersey to add more teams to the roster is something that we are proud of.
We have a lot of exciting upcoming announcements to make over the next few weeks, with tryouts beginning on August 25th. To find out more about Jersey Express visit www.JerseyExpress.net To interview GM Marsha Blount contact Audrey Bell-Kearney at Audrey@MsBossMedia.com or call 862-205-1664

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ARGENTINA

France beats Argentina in London Olympics - by Leonardo Contieri

Behinf Tony Parker's 17 points leading five french player in double digit scoring France defeated Argentina 71-64 on the second day of action in men's basketball. Franece dominated the scoreboard since the tip-off with good accuracy from the three point range shooting 9/25 for the game. Meanwhile Argentina shot awfully from behind the arc, going 4 for 23 (17%). Ginbili was the game's leading scorer with 26 but Only Luis Scola accompanied him with 16 points. France also won the rebound battle 44 to 36.
France: Parker 17, Batum 14, Decolo 11, Turiaf 2, Gelabale 13 (starters) Seraphin 10, Diaw 2, Trarore 2, Pietrus, Bokolo.
Argentina: Prigioni 7, Ginobili 26, Delfino 4, Nocioni 4, Scola 16 (starters) J. Gutierrez 2, L. Gutirrez, Jasen 3, Leiva, Campazzo.

Olympics 2012: France edge Argentina for first victory - by Eurobasket News

France - Argentina 71:64

France opened win count at the Olympic basketball tournament. They knocked down Argentina A to improve at 1-1 record. Argentina in the meantime suffered the first defeat and slipped at 1-1 record. Tony Parker (188-PG-82) nailed 17 points to lead the charge.
France surged ahead in the opening quarter. They posted a 19:12 lead ten minutes into the game. Argentina quickly denied the deficit in the second quarter. France however did not allow the Latin American team to spur ahead staying in front. Les Bleus accounted for a 32:29 halftime lead. Luis Luis Scola (204-PF-80) and Prigioni finally gave Argentina a 43:42 lead midway through the third term. But Mickael Gelabale (201-SF-83, agency: Court Side) answered with a three-pointer and France rolled to a 55:53 lead with ten minutes remaining. Tony Parker triggered a 7:0 run from Les Bleus as they gained a 67:58 advantage with just over three minutes remaining. Seraphin and Tony Parker accounted for four points in the dying minutes and France survived the challenge to celebrate victory at the end. Nicolas Batum (203-SF-88) posted 14 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists, while Mickael Gelabale added 13 points for the winning side. Emanuel Ginobili (198-SG-77, agency: Interperformances) responded with 26 points for Argentina. Luis Scola had 16 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

France: Tony Parker 17, Nicolas Batum 14, Mickael Gelabale 13
Argentina: Emanuel Ginobili 26, Luis Scola 16

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AUSTRALIA

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. 36ers		0-0
2. Breakers		0-0
3. Crocodiles		0-0
4. Hawks		0-0
5. Kings		0-0
6. Taipans		0-0
7. Tigers		0-0
8. Wildcats		0-0

Regular Season: Round 1

Oct. 5: Breakers - Wildcats
Oct. 5: Hawks - Kings
Oct. 6: Taipans - Crocodiles
Oct. 7: 36ers - Tigers

Brad Robbins to undergo surgery - by Eurobasket News

Perth Wildcats co-captain Brad Robbins (186-PG-85) will undergo surgery today to repair tendon damage to his left wrist with the hope that the inspirational guard will be ready for the start of the 2012/13 iiNet NBL Championship season.

The 27-year-old has now played 167 games with the Wildcats in six seasons with his last three campaigns being the best and most consistent of his career as he has been able to stay healthy and on the floor after an injury ravaged 2008/09 season.

Robbins has been dealing with the wrist problem for 12 months now and it was hoped it was manageable, but it became more irritated than usual a month ago and it has been determined that he will require surgery to fully heal it according to Wildcats physiotherapist Dave Philpot.

"Robbo has had a tendon issue for probably a year now that we've been managing and it just sort of comes and goes. He irritated it again about four weeks ago and it was a bit worse than usual so we got the scans and everything done, and sent him to see the surgeon," Philpot said.

"The surgeon said that it was time that we needed to do something about it and what he's doing is basically stabilising the tendon because it is slipping around a bit. That slipping is causing the problem, so he will be going in for a surgery."

The double positive of the surgery now is that it should give Robbins time to be ready, or very close to, for the start of the NBL season that begins on October 5 in New Zealand against the Breakers, but it also should mean that the wrist will be at 100 per cent going forward.

"He will need to be in a sling for six weeks and then we will gradually work him back into it after that," Philpot said.

"The hope is that it becomes 100 per cent after the surgery, but it's hard to predict the success rate of any sort of surgery. We certainly hope that he will come back 100 per cent."

Meanwhile, big man Matt Knight is on the comeback trail from his own shoulder surgery and is just weeks away from resuming full training and should be right to take part in all of the official pre-season work that begins on Monday August 20.

"Matty is going pretty well. It's been about 12 weeks now since the surgery and he is going good," Philpot said.

"His movement is pretty good and he's getting stronger. It will still be a couple of week before we throw him into any sort of training because he needs to be a fair bit stronger.

"With the sling and everything he hasnt been able to lift weights or do anything on the shoulder for a while. He will need at least two weeks in the weight room to gradually work his way back into it, but he's doing well."

Courtesy of NBL Australia

Olympics 2012: Spain tame Australia - by Eurobasket News

Spain - Australia 82:70

Spain clinched the second straight win at the 2012 Olympic Games. They fired past Australia to improve at 2-0 record in Group B. Australia fell at 0-2 record after the loss. Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) scored 20 points to lead the charge.
Australia opened the game with an aggressive defence. They capitalized taking an early lead. The Boomers posted a 19:14 advantage after ten minutes. However Spain used a 9:0 run midway through the second term to pull in front 26:21. Spain capped the first half leading by five points 37:32. Spain tipped off the second half with 10:0 run to clear off. They unloaded 26 points in the third term to ensure a 21-point lead before the final quarter. Australia tried to stay in the game till the final buzzer. They narrowed the deficit at 10-point mark before losing at the end. Rudy Fernandez (198-SF-85) scored 17 points, while Marc Gasol (216-C-85, agency: Interperformances) provided 12 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Joe Ingles (203-SF-87, agency: Priority Sports) and Brad Newley (199-F/G-85, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 12 points each for the Boomers. Patrick Mills (183-PG-88, college: St.Mary's, CA) had 11 points in the loss.

Spain: Pau Gasol 20, Rudy Fernandez 17, Marc Gasol 12
Australia: Joe Ingles 12, Brad Newley 12, Patrick Mills 11

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AUSTRIA

Standings - A Bundesliga

A Bundesliga Standings

1. Arkadia		0-0
2. BC Vienna		0-0
3. Furstenfeld		0-0
4. Gmunden		0-0
5. Gussing		0-0
6. Kapfenberg		0-0
7. Klosterneub.		0-0
8. Oberwart		0-0
9. St.Polten		0-0
10. UBSC Graz		0-0
11. Wels		0-0

Standings - 2.Bundesliga

2.Bundesliga Standings

1. BC Vienna jrs		0-0
2. Dornbirn		0-0
3. Falcons		0-0
4. Klagenfurt		0-0
5. Mattersb.R.		0-0
6. Mistelbach		0-0
7. Salzburg		0-0
8. Schwaz		0-0
9. Vienna Timb.		0-0
10. Worthersee		0-0

WBC Wels signs Benjamin Mair, Gmunden and Morris Curry part ways - by Eurobasket News

Benjamin Mair (185-G-92) is a new member of WBC Wels. The Austrian point guard penned a 1-year deal with the club. Mair arrives to Wels from UBC St. Polten, where he spent last two seasons. In the past, Mair also played for St.Polten juniors. Benjamin Mair played for U20 Austrian National Team this summer averaging 5.8 points for 5 games at U20 EuroBasket Division B in Sofia. Two years ago he played for U18 Austrian NT.
Morris Curry (178-G-87, college: Providence) is no longer a member of Gmunden. The player exploded with 18 ppg, 5 apg and 3.1 rpg in 41 games last season. He helped Gmunden to win Austrian Cup and to reach A Bundesliga Finals. Curry was named Eurobasket.com All-Austrian League Guard of the Year -12. Before Gmunden, he played for AEK Athens and AZS Koszalin.

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BOSNIA

BRAZIL

CANADA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Manny PASQUALE
  Laure.
  (183-G-)
  Avg: 24.8

1. Pasquale, Laure.	24.8
2. King, TRU	23.1
3. Barbeau, Western	23.0
4. Dorsey, Cape Bret.	22.5
5. Barrett, Saskatch.	22.1
6. Fassett, St.Mary''s	20.7
7. Ferguson, Alberta	20.7
8. Mackinnon, Victoria	20.0
9. Thomas, St.Franc.	19.5
10. Baker, Alberta	19.4

Rebounds Per Game

Lien PHILLIP
  Windsor
  (203-F-89)
  Avg: 12.4

1. Phillip, Windsor	12.4
2. Lieffers, Saskatch.	11.7
3. Burke, UBC	10.5
4. King, TRU	10.1
5. Baker, Alberta	9.9
6. Coward, Lethbridge	9.7
7. Klassen, Acadia	9.7
8. Hadzimuratov., Lav.	9.0
9. Lual, UPEI	8.8
10. Buckley, Laurier	8.7

Assists Per Game

Jimmy DORSEY
  Cape Breton
  (188-G-)
  Avg: 8.6

1. Dorsey, Cape Bret.	8.6
2. Barrett, Saskatch.	7.2
3. Smith, TWU	5.8
4. Kanza Mata, Dalho.	5.8
5. Collins, Windsor	5.7
6. Bonhomme, Brandon	5.6
7. Allin, Laurier	5.4
8. Kraus, Brock	5.4
9. Smith, Cape Breton	4.9
10. Carter, Lakehead	4.8

Steals Per Game

Jimmy DORSEY
  Cape Breton
  (188-G-)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Dorsey, Cape Bret.	3.2
2. Thomas, St.Franc.	2.7
3. Collins, Windsor	2.7
4. Carter, Lakehead	2.6
5. Oliver, Manitoba	2.5
6. Cote-K., UQ.	2.4
7. Russel, Lakehead	2.4
8. Ogungbemi, Calgary	2.4
9. Yu, UBC	2.3
10. Walton, Manitoba	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Mike ANDREWS
  Bishop''s
  (208-C-)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Andrews, Bishop''s	1.9
2. Fidler, Calgary	1.7
3. Glisic, Toronto Un.	1.7
4. Bains, UBC	1.5
5. Klassen, Acadia	1.5
6. Duke, UPEI	1.5
7. Coward, Lethbridge	1.5
8. Black, McMaster	1.1
9. Ezenibe, St.Mary''s	1.1
10. Hadzimuratov., La.	1.1

Raptors re-sign free-agent forward Alan Anderson - by Eurobasket News

The Toronto Raptors re-signed free-agent forward Alan Anderson (6'6''-G/F-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Michigan St.) on Monday.

Anderson was signed to a 10-day contract by the Raptors on March 26 and then for the remainder of the season April 16, averaging 9.6 points, two rebounds and 27.1 minutes in 17 games with Toronto.

The six-foot-six, 220-pounder had a season-best 20 points to go along with a career-high five three-pointers April 26 versus New Jersey.

The 29-year-old Anderson has averaged 6.7 points, 1.9 rebounds and 18.3 minutes in 70 appearances with Charlotte and Toronto.

Anderson, who has also spent time in the NBA D-League and overseas, was a four-year starter at Michigan State University, where he helped the Spartans reach the 2005 Final Four.

Courtesy of http://toronto.ctvnews.ca

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CHINA

China Loses to Russia 73-54 - by Arthur Volbert

China lost to Russia today 73-54 and did not look good doing so. They were outrebounded 46-29. They had 7 assists to 19 for Russia. They had no one to pick up the scoring slack when Yi Jianlian was contained. If they play this way they will have difficulty defeating Great Britain, let alone Australia or Brazil. But China is noted for its inconsistency so there is still some hope of reaching the quarterfinals. China trailed 20-12 after the first quarter and 40-25 at the half. It trailed 61-39 after threee quarters.

Yi Jianlian had 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocked shots. But no other player was in double figures, Sun Yue continued to show degradation in play and had 2 points on 1 of 4 shooting in 13 minutes, Yi Li (203-SF-85) had 9 points and 2 rebounds and was China's second best player today. Wang Shipeng had 7 points in 17 minutes. Chen Jianghua had 5 points, 4 assists and 1 turnover but only shot 2 of 8. Wang Zhizhi had 3 points and 5 rebounds in 9 minutes.

Andrei Kirilenko led Russia with 16 points and 9 rebounds. Alexei Shved had 14 points and 6 assists and looked like the type of player one would have hoped Sun Yue would have become. Sasha Kaun had 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 blocks. Timofey Mosgov had 10 points and 2 rebounds.

Link to box score:
http://www.london2012.com/basketball/event/men/match=bkm400b04/index.html?v=20120731-105733577

Asia-Basket.com All-Chinese NBL Awards 2012 - by Eurobasket Center

Asia-Basket.com All-Chinese NBL 1st Team 2012

Chen

Yao

Feng

Sharpe

N'Diaye

Finals MVP: Chen DaWei (203-F-85) of Guangzhou L.
Player of the Year: Sharpe Walter (206-F-86) of Guangzhou FM
Guard of the Year: Feng Xin (187-PG-92) of Jiangsu
Forward of the Year: Sharpe Walter (206-F-86) of Guangzhou FM
Center of the Year: N'Diaye Hamady (213-C-87) of Guangzhou L.
Import Player of the Year: Sharpe Walter (206-F-86) of Guangzhou FM
Domestic Player of the Year: Chen DaWei (203-F-85) of Guangzhou L.
Defensive Player of the Year: Sharpe Walter (206-F-86) of Guangzhou FM
Coach of the Year: Wang XuLin of Guangzhou L.

1st Team
G: Yao KaiFu (196-83) of Guangzhou FM
PG: Feng Xin (187-92) of Jiangsu
F: Chen DaWei (203-85) of Guangzhou L.
F: Sharpe Walter (206-86) of Guangzhou FM
C: N'Diaye Hamady (213-87) of Guangzhou L.

2nd Team
G: Tian Chao (183-89) of Guangzhou L.
G: Yin ZhiTong (195-86) of Hebei
F: Davis Bryan (206-86) of Hebei
F: Taylor Joseph (203-85) of Changan Group
C: Adeleke Kenny (205-83) of Henan Jiyuan

Honorable Mention
Freeman Rashaun (206-C/F-84) of Heilongjiang
Hardin DeVon (211-C-86) of Hong Kong
Feng Zhou (180-G-81) of Hong Kong
Collins DeAngelo (206-F-82) of Sichuan
Chen XiaoDong (207-C-86) of Sichuan
Wang YingLiang (183-G-91) of Sichuan
Sun Shengyue (198-F-89) of Nanjin Army
Jin Ming (185-PG-90) of Heilongjiang
Fang Hui (198-F-82) of Jiangsu
Sun XianLing (190-G-89) of Jiangsu
Wang Jing (197-F-78) of Guangzhou L.

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Yao KaiFu (196-83) of Guangzhou FM
PG: Feng Xin (187-92) of Jiangsu
F: Chen DaWei (203-85) of Guangzhou L.
F: Wang Jing (197-78) of Guangzhou L.
C: Chen XiaoDong (207-86) of Sichuan

All-Imports Team
F: Davis Bryan (206-86) of Hebei
F: Taylor Joseph (203-85) of Changan Group
F: Sharpe Walter (206-86) of Guangzhou FM
C: N'Diaye Hamady (213-87) of Guangzhou L.
C: Adeleke Kenny (205-83) of Henan Jiyuan

Olympics 2012: Russia trounce China - by Eurobasket News

Russia - China 73:54

Russia claimed the second straight win at the start of Olympig Games basketball tournament in London. They denied China for 2-0 record in Group B. China fell at 0-2 record after the defeat.
Russia gained control midway through the first term. David Blatt team piled up a 20:12 lead after ten minutes. Russia stayed in full control throughout the second quarter. They posted a 40:25 halftime advantage. Things did not get any better for China in the third quarter. Russia stayed in charge stretching the margin. They accumulated a 22-point lead heading into the fourth frame. China managed to slow down Russia a bit in the final quarter but could not avoid an embarrassing loss at the end. Andrei Kirilenko (209-F-81) finished with 16 points and 9 rebounds for Russia. Alexey Shved added 14 points and 6 assists, while Sasha Kaun (211-C-85) added 13 points for the winners. Jianlian Yi (212-PF-87) answered with 16 points and 7 rebounds for China. Yi Li (203-SF-85) had 9 points in the loss.

Russia: Andrei Kirilenko 16, Alexey Shved 14, Sasha Kaun 13
China: Jianlian Yi 16, Yi Li 9

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CROATIA

KK Zadar signs Jozo Brkic - by Interperformances

The 6'11" power forward/center Jozo Brkic (211-F/C-86, agency: Interperformances) has agreed terms with the Croatian A1 Club, KK Zadar. Jozo is a Siroki product and has both Croatia and Bosnia Herzegovina passports. Has spent the last three season with HKK Capljina Lasta. Jozo had a great 2011 season as he made it to the Bosnia and Herzegovina National Team. Was also awarded as Eurobasket.com All-Bosnia and Herzegovina League Domestic Player of the Year, All-Bosnia and Herzegovina League 1st Team, Bosnia and Herzegovina League All-Domestic Players Team and Bosnia and Herzegovina League All-Defensive Team. Jozo averaged 14.6 points per game, 7.5 rebounds per game and 1.3 assists per game.

Drazen Bubnic signed with Union Olimpija - by Dajana Karl

Croatian Foward Drazen Bubnic (205-F-86) signed one year deal with Slovenian Union Olimpija Ljubljana. Bubnic was playing for Slovenian Helios last season averaging 12.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.3 blocked shots, 0.8 steals. He had similar statistics in Adriatic league.

Union Olimpija Ljubljana's coach Saso Filipovski said: "Drazen Bubnic is very experienced player that is very well known on the Slovenian courts. He is versatile, very diligent, his basketball skills are not debatable, he has a solid shot and progresses every season more and more. I believe that Bubnic will be helping out to the holders of our games in all of the competitions that we play in."

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CYPRUS

Great achievement........... - by Dr. Nasios Orinos

Linos Gavriel is the 1st Cypriot coach to have ever worked abroad. He has signed with the Tunisian ETOILE DU SAHEL.

The team is considered the best team in Tunisia at the moment, as well as the best team in the African region. Last year it has won the championship having a 13-1 run as well as the African cup. The team has also been the Tunisian League Champion in 2007, 2009 and 2011.

Gavriel seems to be impressed by the way he was approached by team's officials. As he mentioned, he was impressed by their professionalism, their open-mind and the fact that are target oriented. "They know exactly what they want and how to get it", as Gavriel stated at 24sports.com.

Gavriel considers this to be a great challenge. We wish Gavriel all the best.

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Tomas Hampl to play in Spanish LEB Gold next season - by Eurobasket News

Tomas Hampl (215-C-88) will play next season in Spanish second division (LEB Gold). The Czech big guy signed a one-year deal with River Andorra. The team was LEB Silver champion last season. Hampl started 2011/12 with Bilbao, but he appeared only 3 times in Liga Endesa and once in Euroleague. In February, Bilbao loaned Hampl to Cibona Zagreb. There he had 3 ppg and 2.6 rpg for 7 Adriatic league games, plus 1.1 ppg and 1.5 rpg for 11 games in Croatia. Hampl helped Cibona to win the championship title. In 2010/11 season Tomas Hampl played for the LEB Silver team Adrielu Santurtzi. He registered 10 ppg and 5.5 rpg for 28 games. In the past, he was a member of Sparta Praha and Syntehsia Pardubice. He moved to Bilbao in 2006. In the past, Thomas Hampl played for Czech Republic U20 and U18 National Teams.

Czech Republic triumphs at Four Nations Cup - by Eurobasket News

Czech Republic triumphs at Four Nations Cup in Estonia. The team won all three games against their opponents and rightfully clinched the top position.
In Day 1 Czech Republic beat the East Coast All Stars team from the United States in the start of Four Nations Cup in Tallinn. The European team won over the USA representative 108:86.
In Day 2 Czech Republic over won Estonia 72:70 in a thrilling game. Petr Benda (203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) led the winners with 18 points and 10 rebounds, Jiri Welsch added 16 points incl. deciding free throws with 7 seconds to play. Siim-Sander Vene (203-F-90, agency: Alti Sport) led the hosts with 13 pts and 10 rbs. Gregor Arbet added 12, Kristjan Kangur (201-F-82) 11 points, Sten Sokk 6 points and 10 assists. Czechs dominated the rebounding 46:26.
In Day 3 Czech Republic overcame Georgia 79:68. The latter started the game with 22-14, but lost the second frame 12-20. Czech Republic erupted with 27-13 in the third period and grabbed 14-point victory. Georgia replied with 21-18 in the last stanza for the final result. David Jelinek (196-G-90) top-scored for the winners with 22 points, while Jakub Houska (206-C-82) and Stefan Licartovsky (196-G/F-84) added 10 apiece. Manuchar Markoishvili (195-G-86) replied with 14 points, whilst Tornike Shengelia (207-F-91), Nika Metreveli and Jacob Pullen notched 12 each.
Jakub Houska was named the best player of the team.

BK Pardubice and Maurice Hampton Mutually Part Ways - by Surujh Roopnarine

Reacting to a more constrained operating budget for the 2012-13 season, BK JIP Pardubice and veteran guard Maurice Hampton (188-SG-84, agency: Two Points, college: Austin Peay St.) agreed to an early termination of his contract, making the four-year NBL veteran a free-agent. Hampton, 6-2, spent the last four seasons in the Czech Republic, beginning with the 2008-09 season in Liberec, and continuing the previous three seasons with Pardubice. During his time in the NBL Hampton earned numerous honors while helping Pardubice maintain its hold as one of the top teams in the league. A three time All-Star, Hampton was named to the Eurobasket.com All-EuroChallenge 3rd Team this past season after averaging 15.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.1 assist sin 12 contests. He was also named to the All-Czech Rep. League 2nd Team in 2009 as well as earning Honorable Mention honors this past season, all while leading Pardubice to back-to-back semifinals appearances in 2010 and 2011. A Kentucky native, Hampton began his career in the United Kingdom prior to the Czech Republic. His departure marks the fifth player to leave Pardubice this off-season, following Marcus Arnold (207-C/F-84, agency: Stanley International, college: Illinois), Hermann Opoku (205-F/C-86, agency: Dynamics Global Management, college: G.Washington), Tomas Toth (195-G-84) and Jiri Cernosek (200-F/G-81). Club management has stated that they will look to fill the whole at the shooting guard spot with a pair of young Czech players. New additions to the club thus far include American center Travis Nelson (211-C-87, college: Minnesota St.) and Lithuanian guard Evaldas Zabas (188-PG-88).

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Assignia Manresa signs 3-year contract extension with Josh Asselin - by Eurobasket News

Assignia Manresa announced signing of a 3-year contract extension (1+2) with Josh Asselin (210-C/F-78, agency: Duran International, college: Michigan). The American/Dominican big guy arrived to Manresa last summer from Estudiantes Madrid. He had 12.7 ppg and 4.3 rpg in 34 Liga Endesa games. It was enough for the player to secure long-term contract extension. In 2010/11, Asselin had 7.5 ppg and 4.1 rpg for 32 games with Estudiantes. He also added 10.3 ppg and 3.4 rpg in 14 EuroCup appearances. Josh Asselin split 2009/10 season between Cajasol Sevilla and Donetsk. He played for Manresa from 2006 to 2009. Asselin also has experience from Pau-Orthez, Cantabria Lobos, Caceres, Clermont and Puerto Rico.
Josh Asselin is active member of Dominican Republic National Team. He helped Dominicans to win the gold medal at 2012 CentroBasket in San Juan. Asselin had 4.7 ppg and 1.3 rpg for 6 games at this event.

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ESTONIA

Estonia U18 fire past Georgia U18 - by Eurobasket News

Estonia U18 - Georgia U18 87:61

Estonian U18 National Team claimed a comprehensive win over their Georgian counterparts in the friendly clash in Tallinn. Kent-Kaarel Vene (192-F-94) knocked down 17 points to lead the hosts. Estonia enjoyed a 21:18 lead after ten minutes of action. They stretched the lead in the second quarter. Estonia ensured a 42:29 halftime advantage. The hosts boosted the gap further in the third term. Estonia posted a 65:44 advantage with one quarter remaining. The Baltic team did not slow down in the final period. They dropped 22 points to seal a comfortable win at the end. Martin Jurtom (198-F-94) posted 16 points, while Georg Tambre (195-F/C-94) produced 13 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Gogodze replied with 12 points for Georgia. Kakhaber Tomaradze (193-G-95) netted 9 points in the loss.

Estonia U18: Kent-Kaarel Vene 17, Martin Jurtom 16, Georg Tambre 13
Georgia U18: Gogodze 12, Kakhaber Tomaradze 9

Estonia finishes second at home, huge performance by Vene - by Janar

Siim-Sander Vene (203-F-90, agency: Alti Sport) scored 41 points, took 19 rebounds and dished 6 assists and Estonian national team blew out East Coast All Stars 109:74 in the final game of the 4 Nations Cup 2012. Kristjan Kangur (201-F-82) and Gregor Arbet (194-F/G-83) added 15 points. Estonians finished the tournament on a second place behind Czech Republic who beat Georgia 79:68 and finished the tournament with a perfect 3-0 record. David Jelinek (196-G-90) lead the winners with 22 points.
check out the box scores at
http://basket.ee/?mid=6&xz=2012-07-31&yz=2012-07-31&tyypz=4

1.Czech Republic 3-0. Best player - Jakob Houska
2. Estonia 1-2 (+21).
3. Georgia 1-2 (+9). Best player - Viktor Sanikidze
4. East Coast All Stars (USA) 1-2 (-30). Best player - Quinn Cook.

The MVP of the tournament is Siim-Sander Vene with 24.0 ppg, 12.0 rpg and 2.6 apg in 3 games.

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EUROCUP

Galatasaray agreed with Macvan, not withdraw Buckman deal - by Ugur Turker

Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul is so close to add Milan Macvan (206-C-89, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) to its roster. Representative of Serbian Player Zoran Savic admitted developments to Eurobaske.com Turkey but " We are in table, agreement is soon but not finished " he said. It is expected 2 year contract will be signed and Galatasaray will pay $200.000 for buyout.
After Macvan agreement, it is claimed that Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul withdrawed the agreement with Bradley Buckman (203-F-84, college: Texas) that was announced by Murat zyer. Close to player deny this speculation " There is nothing new between two sides, Buckman is waiting for deal between Galatasaray and Tofas over buyout fee. He is already player of Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul " he said. It seems that Galatasaray will sign with both player.

Josh Carter signs with Spartak St Petersburg - by Eurobasket News

Josh Carter (201-F/G-88, college: Texas A&M) signs with Spartak St Petersburg for 2012/2013 season. The American player agreed to terms with the Russian powerhouse.
Josh Carter comes from Maccabi Ashdod where he spent the last two seasons. In 2010-2011 for Maccabi Ashdod he became the fifth top-scorer with 17.0ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 40.2%, FT: 80.0%. In 2011-2012 his stats read 17.4ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 60.6%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 82.9%.
Over the last few seasons he was named Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Honorable Mention -11. Moreover he participated at the Israeli Premier League All-Star Game -12, made it into Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League 1st Team -12 and became Israeli Premier League Finalist -12.
He is shooting guard with very high skills and is very athletic and should be a significant addition to the group's back court line given his height, athleticism and his ability of being a great defense player. Carter was a member of Team USA age group 22.
In his last season at Texas A&M. he averaged 13.8 points 4.3 rebounds per game a became the player with the most wins in history at A&M.

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EUROLEAGUE

Brose Baskets Bamberg lands Bostjan Nachbar - by Eurobasket News

Brose Baskets Bamberg officially announced signing of Bostjan Nachbar (207-F-80). He passed medical tests and will play for the reigning German champions next season. Nachbar finished 2011/12 with Unics Kazan averaging 4 points and 2.4 rebounds for 7 Euroleague games. He had 3.1 ppg and 2.1 rpg for 10 games in Russia, plus 5.3 ppg and 2.3 rpg in 4 VTB United League appearances. Nachbar played for Efes Pilsen from 2009 to 2011. In 2008/09, the former NBAer was third scorer in Russian league and fourth scorer in EuroCup. He was a member of Dynamo Moscow at that time averaging 16.2 ppg in Russia and almost the same number in EuroCup. Bostjan Nachbar played in the NBA from 2002 to 2008. He spent three years with the Houston Rockets and other three with the New Jersey Nets. In his last NBA season Nachbar averaged 9.8 points and 3.5 rebounds for 75 games.

Union Olimpija returns Finish PG Teemu Rannikko - by Eurobasket News

Teemu Rannikko (188-G-80) is back to Union Olimpija after five years. The Finish point guard signed a deal for the next season. He spent the last two years with Cimberio Varese. The PG registered 7.4 ppg, 3 apg and 1.5 rpg for 31 SerieA games last season. He had almost the same numbers in 2010/11. Before Varese, Rannikko spent one year with Granada and two with Khimky Moscow Region.
As mentioned above, Teemu Rannikko played for Union Olimpija from 2005 to 2007. He helped them win Slovenian championship title and Cup in their first season together. He had 14.5 ppg and 4 apg in domestic league. In Adriatic league and Euroleague Rannikko had even better numbers. In the past, the PG played for Scavolini Pesaro, Rosero and Reggio Emillia. He is active member of the Finish National Team since 1997.

What does David Logan brings to the table for Maccabi? - by Dimitris Katsionis

Maccabi complete (?) it's backcourt with the addition of David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) . The American-Polish combo guard was flirting with the club the last couple of years but both sides never manage to cooperate. However, what does Logan brings to the table for Maccabi?

It's obvious that David Blatt will return to his favorite two-guard lineup by adding Logan next to Hickman. Maccabi has a big tradition on those lineups in the past, presented perimeter duos that strangled the opponent with their on-the ball pressure, resistance and physical strength. Remember Ariel Macdonald & Derrick Sharp or Doron Perkins & Jeremy Pargo (even Vonteego Cummings & Will Bynum).. Hickman has the prospect to become the newest ''version'' of Doron Perkins. His strong body reminds us an NFL quarterback and his defensive ability is in a high level. His perimeter partner, David Logan is a totally different player, with specific features and advantages that David Blatt can use perfectly. He is a prolific scorer who thrives on transition offense, very good finisher, a rhythm shooter and an excellent on the ball defender using his quick hands to steal balls. Logan has much better chances to shine in Maccabi's up tempo game , being part of an offense that seeks isolations. Last year he didn't manage to find a role at Obradovic's discipline half court offense and put his best performances in the rare occasions the Greens increase their offensive tempo. According to Israeli media, David Logan will receive the amount of 500K for the first year of his contract and 650K for the second.

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16

Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U16 Division B - by Eurobasket Center

Eurobasket.com All-Tournament 1st Team 2012

Hakanson

Popovic

Dozic

Goloman

Kanda-Kanyinda

MVP: Ludvig Hakanson (190-PG-96) of Sweden
Best Guard: Ludvig Hakanson of Sweden
Best Forward: Aleksandar Dozic (199-F-96) of Montenegro
Best Center: Gyorgy Goloman (204-C-96) of Hungary
Best Coach: Vincent Bouffioux of Belgium

1st Team
PG: Ludvig Hakanson (190-96) of Sweden
PG: Petar Popovic (188-96) of Montenegro
F: Ordane Kanda-Kanyinda (-96) of Belgium
F: Aleksandar Dozic (199-96) of Montenegro
C: Gyorgy Goloman (204-96) of Hungary

2nd Team
G: Kristijan Nikolov (185-96) of FYR Macedonia
SG: Aleksandar Lazic (198-96) of Bosnia
SF: Timothy Kauffmann (191-96) of Luxembourg
PF: Jacob Larsen (204-97) of Denmark
C: Maksim Salash (203-96) of Belarus

3rd Team
PG: Tamir Blatt (178-97) of Israel
G: Andrej Magdevski (190-96) of FYR Macedonia
SF: Marius Ciotlaus (194-96) of Romania
PF: Sjur Berg (196-96) of Norway
C: Emanuel Cate (201-97) of Romania

Honorable Mention
Denis Petkov (171-PG-96) of Bulgaria
Norbert Janicek (206-C-96) of Slovakia
Faris Smajlovic (199-F/C-96) of Bosnia
Anthony Polite (190-SF-97) of Switzerland
Oliver Vujakovic (192-F-96) of Luxembourg
Uladzislau Kandybovic (190-G-96) of Belarus
Andreas Von Uthmann (196-F-96) of Sweden
Sami Demirtas (189-G-96) of Belgium
Henri Niemisto (194-G-96) of Finland
Johannes Nielsen (203-PF-96) of Denmark
Jaagup Russak (179-G-96) of Estonia

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

MVP: Daniel Pieper (185-F-96) of Monaco
Best Guard: Zane Micallef (170-PG-96) of Malta
Best Forward: Daniel Pieper (185-F-96) of Monaco
Best Center: Igor Biordi (200-C-96) of San Marino
Best Coach: Ludivine Fraget of Monaco

1st Team
PG: Zane Micallef (170-96) of Malta
G/F: Jake Haefner (185-97) of Gibraltar
G/F: Gregor Gray (193-96) of Scottland
F: Daniel Pieper (185-96) of Monaco
C: Igor Biordi (200-96) of San Marino

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FINLAND

Yamene Coleman heads to Karhu Kauhajoki - by Eurobasket News

Yamene Coleman (206-C-86, agency: Court Side, college: Troy) heads to Karhu Kauhajoki for the upcoming season. The American player moves to Finland from Holland.
Last year Stepco BS Weert have shored up their frontcourt with the addition of center Yamene Coleman. Yamene Coleman arrived from BC Perla Harghitei Miercurea Ciuc (Romania-Div.A) and averaged 15.3 points, 10.5 rebounds in 35 games last season. The graduate of Troy university was awarded Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Defensive Player of the Year.
In 2011-2012 for Stepco BS Weert (Holland-DBL, starting five) he averaged 10.9ppg, Reb-1 (9.9rpg), 1.4spg, FGP: 56.1%, FT: 53.9%. He participated at the Dutch Eredivisie All-Star Game -12 and reached Dutch Cup Semifinals -12.
Yamene Coleman is a product of Alabama (NCAA). In 2006-2007 he averaged 1.8ppg, 2.4rpg, while in 2007-2008 his stats read 2.3ppg, 1.9rpg. In 2008-2009 for Alabama (NCAA) he showed 3.7ppg, 3.8rpg.

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FRANCE

Saint-Brieuc tab Chris Miles - by Eurobasket News

Saint-Brieuc continued to bolster their roster. They added Chris Miles (211-F/C-86, college: BYU) to the squad. The centre signed a one-year deal with the team. Chris Miles spent the previous season in Germany. He played for White Wings Hanau. The centre posted 12.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 blocks per game in ProB. Previously Chris Miles had stints with BC Kolin in Czech Republic. Eurobasket.com named the centre into All-Regionalliga South-West 2nd Team in 2011. He was South-West Group Regionalliga champion in 2011. Chris Miles graduated from BYU back in 2010.

Charleville land Anthony Racine, eye Jeremie Douillet - by Eurobasket News

Charleville bolstered their roster. They added Anthony Racine (190-G-94) to the squad. The guard spent the last season in Centre Federal de Basket-Ball. He notched 13.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists per game. He was the member of U16 and U18 French National Teams. Anthony Racine participated at Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Mannheim this year.
Charleville also eye Jeremie Douillet (206-C-91). The centre played for Nantes last season. He notched 1.6 points and 1.1 boards per game in ProB. Previously Jeremie Douillet had stints with Orleans 45 and Rouen Basket. He was the member of U18 French National Team.

Olympics 2012: France edge Argentina for first victory - by Eurobasket News

France - Argentina 71:64

France opened win count at the Olympic basketball tournament. They knocked down Argentina A to improve at 1-1 record. Argentina in the meantime suffered the first defeat and slipped at 1-1 record. Tony Parker (188-PG-82) nailed 17 points to lead the charge.
France surged ahead in the opening quarter. They posted a 19:12 lead ten minutes into the game. Argentina quickly denied the deficit in the second quarter. France however did not allow the Latin American team to spur ahead staying in front. Les Bleus accounted for a 32:29 halftime lead. Luis Luis Scola (204-PF-80) and Prigioni finally gave Argentina a 43:42 lead midway through the third term. But Mickael Gelabale (201-SF-83, agency: Court Side) answered with a three-pointer and France rolled to a 55:53 lead with ten minutes remaining. Tony Parker triggered a 7:0 run from Les Bleus as they gained a 67:58 advantage with just over three minutes remaining. Seraphin and Tony Parker accounted for four points in the dying minutes and France survived the challenge to celebrate victory at the end. Nicolas Batum (203-SF-88) posted 14 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists, while Mickael Gelabale added 13 points for the winning side. Emanuel Ginobili (198-SG-77, agency: Interperformances) responded with 26 points for Argentina. Luis Scola had 16 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

France: Tony Parker 17, Nicolas Batum 14, Mickael Gelabale 13
Argentina: Emanuel Ginobili 26, Luis Scola 16

Le Portel pens deal with American Adrian Moss - by Eurobasket News

Adrian Moss (204-C/F-81, college: Florida) will continue his career in France. The American big guy signed a 1-year deal with Le Portel. He spent last season with Spanish LEB Gold team Palencia averaging 15.4 points and 6.1 rebounds in 34 games. Moss was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Gold Honorable Mention -12. The American played for Palencia also in 2010/11, but he had lower numbers that season. In 2009/10, Moss spent few months with Eisbaeren Bremerhaven and before that played one year for Caceres. They also competed in LEB Gold, where Moss had 10.2 ppg and 6.3 rpg for 25 games. He started pro basketball career in Denmark and later played in Switzerland. Adrian Moss graduated at the University of Florida in 2006. They were NCAA champions that year.

Chalons-Reims bring in Brice Kabengele-Kalala - by Eurobasket News

Brice Kabengele-Kalala (196-G-81) will continue his career in France. He agreed on terms of contract with Chalons-Reims. The guard spent the previous season in Romania. He played for Energia Rovinari Targu Jiu. Brice Kabengele-Kalala tallied 10.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists per game in Division A. Previously the guard had stints with Timisoara, Politekhnica Iasi, CSU Ploiesti, CSU Sibiu, Anjou Basket, Chalons-en-Champagne, Orleans. Brice Kabengele-Kalala participated at Romanian League All-Star Game in 2006 and 2008. Brice Kabengele-Kalala was Slam Dunk Contest winner in 2008. The guard was Romanian League champion in 2010. He was the member of Romanian National Team in 2006/07 seasons.

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GABON

The champions of Gabon 2012 - by Rodrigue Olivier Kassa

the ASSCTG (team of the oil group Total Gabon), National Champion Cadet 2012,

Port-Gentil via its basketball league distinguished itself once again in the cadet boys category by winning the trophy in this category ... Congratulations once again to the many coaches who decette city a great job ... this is just that this city is the reservoir of the national basketball ... Nollet, Jason, Geraldine and many others are the products ...

Libreville via its league gave as national champion teams from Don Bosco in junior Ndella BB Senior Ladies. In every senior will be between SOMO or Toungui.

Congratulations to all the basketball coaches and leaders for this great season of basketball in 2012

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GEORGIA

Estonia U18 fire past Georgia U18 - by Eurobasket News

Estonia U18 - Georgia U18 87:61

Estonian U18 National Team claimed a comprehensive win over their Georgian counterparts in the friendly clash in Tallinn. Kent-Kaarel Vene (192-F-94) knocked down 17 points to lead the hosts. Estonia enjoyed a 21:18 lead after ten minutes of action. They stretched the lead in the second quarter. Estonia ensured a 42:29 halftime advantage. The hosts boosted the gap further in the third term. Estonia posted a 65:44 advantage with one quarter remaining. The Baltic team did not slow down in the final period. They dropped 22 points to seal a comfortable win at the end. Martin Jurtom (198-F-94) posted 16 points, while Georg Tambre (195-F/C-94) produced 13 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Gogodze replied with 12 points for Georgia. Kakhaber Tomaradze (193-G-95) netted 9 points in the loss.

Estonia U18: Kent-Kaarel Vene 17, Martin Jurtom 16, Georg Tambre 13
Georgia U18: Gogodze 12, Kakhaber Tomaradze 9

Georgia complete 4 Nations Cup 2012 - by Eurobasket News

Georgia complete 4 Nations Cup 2012 with 1-2 record. The National team won the initial game and finished third. Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86) was named the top player in the team.
In Day 1 Georgia started the Four Nations Cup in Tallinn with a convincing 91:76 victory against Estonia. Viktor Sanikidze led the winners with 20 points and 11 rebounds, Georgi Tsintsadze and Jacob Pullen (182-PG-89, college: Kansas St.) added 14 points. Janar Talts (206-C-83) was the top scorer for Estonian team with 19 points, Vene added 18 points and Reinar Hallik posted 10 points.
In Day 2 Georgia lost to East Coast All Stars 124:129. Nick Faust erupted with 35 points and Quinn Cook (183-G-93) added massive 29. Manuchar Markoishvili (195-G-86) poured in 31 points in defeat and Viktor Sanikidze added 30 points and 15 boards.
In Day 3 Czech Republic overcame Georgia 79:68. The latter started the game with 22-14, but lost the second frame 12-20. Czech Republic erupted with 27-13 in the third period and grabbed 14-point victory. Georgia replied with 21-18 in the last stanza for the final result. David Jelinek top-scored for the winners with 22 points, while Jakub Houska and Stefan Licartovsky added 10 apiece. Manuchar Markoishvili replied with 14 points, whilst Tornike Shengelia (207-F-91), Nika Metreveli and Jacob Pullen notched 12 each.

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GERMANY

Brian Roberts Looking To Fullfil That NBA Dream With The New Orleans Hornets - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

According to Radio Bamberg Brian Roberts (188-G-85, agency: Interperformances) wont be playing for 5 time Beko BBL champion Brose Baskets Bamberg this season. Roberts is a 26 year old 188cm guard from Toledo, Ohio that played three seasons in the Beko BBL with Bamberg and racked up 6 titles. Last season in the Beko BBL, he played 44 games: 12.0ppg, 2.1rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 49.4%, FT: 88.0%. He was a member this summer of the New Orleans Hornets at the NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas and had a superb campaign averaging 13ppg and making the NBA team aware of his talent. "The New Orleans Hornets gave us the signal in written form that Brian Roberts will play in the NBA this season. First he will be in training camp and then they will see if he gets a contract for the season", stated Bamberg manager Wolfgang Heyder. The departure of Roberts leaves a huge void in the Bamberg back court as the team now will need a replacement.

The Artland Dragons Hold Acha Njei - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

2008 Beko BBL cup winner Artland Dragons have announced that Acha Njei (190-G-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) will play another season for the team. Njei is a 190cm guard that will play his second season for the team. Last season he played 9 Eurochallenge games and 15 Beko BBL games. he is the fifth player to stay from last season and so far the Dragons roster looks as follows with Johannes Strasser, Guido Gurnheid, Christian Hoffmann, Sergio Kerush, Bryce Taylor, Demond Mallet, Ben Spoeler, Marquez Haynes and Anthony King.

Razvan Munteanu Joins ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

PRO A team ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen are making the last preparations for the start of training camp and announced today that Razvan Munteanu will act as the assistant coach this season. He takes over for Stephan Laerbusch who will now take over as team manager. Razvan Munteanu is a 28 year old with expereince and the club is looking forward to have him as assistant coach. "He has expereince as assistant coach with the NBBL team. He will be an important cut surface between the players and the young players. WE hope that he will develop further under head coach Igor Krizanovic ", stated ETB Wohnbau Baskets CEO Niklas Cox. "Being an assistant coach in the PRO A is a big honour and challenge. I am happy about the trust from Igor an dthe club and I understand that there is a lot of work to be done. I am looking forward to that", stressed Razvan Munteanu

Source: ETB Wohnbau Baskets

The Licher Basket Baeren Hold Viktor Klassen And Daniel Dorr - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

PRO B team Licher Basket Baeren Have announced that Viktor Klassen (186-G-81) and Daniel Dorr (202-F/C-83) will play another season with the team. Klassen is a 31 year old 186cm guard that will be playing his fourth season with the Hessen team. Last season he played 25 games: 7.9ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 73.1%. Daniel Dorr (202-F/C-83) is a 29 year old 202cm forward that will be playing his second season in Lich. Last season he played : 25 games: 8.5ppg, 5.0rpg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT-3 (50.0%), FT: 85.2%. "Vikto has belonged to our important players the last seasons. He was our captain last season and showed his leadership qualities. He will continue to help the team with his huge expereince. Daniel was injured last season, but we are sure that we will find back to his game. We are happy to have another experienced player on our team", stated Licher Basket baeren assistant coach Christian Knaus

Source: Licher BasketBaren

Jusuf El Domiaty Gets One Year Deal With The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Beko BBL team Eisbaeren Bremerhaven have announced that Jusuf Domiaty Has recieved a one year deal. Jusuf El Domiaty (189-G-90, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) is a 21 year old 189cm guard that came late to the Eisbaeren late last season after playing in the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig organization since 2006 and starting 2011 with Cuxhaven. Last season he played for Spot Up Medien Baskets Braunschweig (ProB), only pre-season, then moved to Cuxhaven BasCats (ProA, starting five): 28 games: 11.3ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 79.0%, in Apr.'12 signed at Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (BBL): 2 games: 0pts. Last season, he also recieved Eurobasket.com German 2.Bundesliga Pro A All-Domestic Players Team -12, and Eurobasket.com German 2.Bundesliga Pro A All-Newcomers Team -12. "Jusuf is young and talented. Now he has to prove that he can also play in the Beko BBL and not only PRO A. He can do a lot more and I think he can. But he also has to learn to play more concentarted", stressed Bremerhaven head coach Doug Spradley.

Source: Eisbaeren Bremerhaven

5 Time Beko BBL Champion Brose Baskets Bamberg Haul In Ex NBA Player Bostjan Nacbar - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Last season the big Beko BBL attraction was NBA player Bobby Brown and this season it well could be Bostjan Nachbar (207-F-80) who has inked a contract with 5 time Beko BBL champion Brose Baskets Bamberg. Nachbar is a 32 year old 207cm forward from Slovenia who will replace Predrag Suput. He is an ex NBA player that was a number #1 draft pick of the Houston Rockets in 2002 and played in the NBA from 2002-2008 accumilating a total of 303 NBA games and has played for top teams in countries like Italy, Russia and Turkey. He is is an athletic all-around player with a great outside shooting touch and high basketball IQ. He possesses all the skills and the size needed to excel on forward position and to be a serious mismatch threat for opponent. His shooting instinct allows him to knock down jumpers from behind the arc and mid-range distance. He can create shots for himself or pass the ball to his open teammates because of his good shot selection. With his athletic body, he can penetrate to the rim and finish with the basket. Reading the game and making off-ball cuts with layups are among his strong sides. When it comes to fast breaks and transition game he attacks defense aggressively and draws fouls from opponents. This takes him to the line where he scores with high accuracy. His good size and smarts allow him to be always present for offensive and defensive rebounds. Last season, he played for Unics Kazan (Russia-PBL): VTB League: 4 games: 5.3ppg, 2.3rpg; Euroleague: 7 games: 4.0ppg, 2.4rpg; Russian League: 10 games: 3.1ppg, 2.1rpg. "Boki has very much expereince in the nBA and Europe. He has played at a high level for years and will be a very stable scoring option at the position 3 and 4. He fits very well into our concept and will help us on offense", added Bamberg head coach Chris Fleming.

He started his basketball career in 1995 with Maribor Ovni. He then played for teams like Lumar Maribor and Pivovarna Lasko before making the jump to Italy in 2000.He played for : Benetton Treviso from 2000-2002 playing Euroleague both seasons. In 2002 started his NBA run as he played for the Houston Rockets (NBA) from 2002-2005. He then played for the New Jersey Nets (NBA) from 2005-2008. From 2008-2009, he played for Dynamo Moscow (Russia-A Superleague): Russian League: 24 games: Score-3 (16.2ppg), 4.5rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 84.5%; Eurocup: 13 games: Score-4 (16.1ppg), 4.8rpg, 2.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 32.2%, FT: 91.2%- He then played for top Turkish team Efes Pilsen Istanbulfrom 2009-2011. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been European Championships U22 -96-97, Slovenian League Champion -98, Slovenian All-Star Game -99, Slovenian National Team -99-06, 09-10, World Junior All-Star Team -99, Slovenian Cup Finalist -00, Slovenian League Finalist -00, Slovenian U20 National Team -00, European U20 Champion -00, ULEB Euroleague Quarterfinals -01, 12, Slovenian U22 National Team -96-01, Italian A1 League FinalFour -01, Euroleague Semifinals -02, Italian SerieA Champion -02, European Championships -03, European Championships in Belgrade -05: 6 games: 11.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3FGP: 18.5%, FT: 80%, NBA Atlantic Division Champion -06, NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals -06, 07, World Championships in Japan -06: 6 games: 10.7ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 38.5%, 3FGP: 45.8%, FT: 59.1%, Russian Cup Finalist -09, Eurocup Quarterfinals -09, Eurobasket.com All-Eurocup 1st Team -09, Eurobasket.com Eurocup All-Europeans Team -09, Eurobasket.com All-Russian A Superleague Forward of the Year -09, Eurobasket.com All-Russian A Superleague 1st Team -09, Eurobasket.com Russian A Superleague All-Bosmans Team -09, European Championships in Poland -09 (Semifinals): 9 games: 12.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 75.0%, Turkish President Cup Winner -09, 10, World Championships in Turkey -10: 9 games: 12.0ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 68.2%, Turkish League All-Star Game -11, Turkish League Semifinals -11, and VTB United League Finalist -12

John Bryant Remains With ratiopharm Ulm - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The finger nail chewing has finally ended for die hard ratiopharm Ulm fans as according to Radio 7, John Bryant (208-C-87, college: Santa Clara) will stay in Ulm. Bryant is a 25 year old 208cm center from san Pablo, California that will be playing his third season in the Schwaben city. Despite having one year left on his deal with ratiopharm Ulm, he did have a clause in his contract where he could of gone to NBA and there were enough reports linking him with ACB teams, Italian teams and teams in the Beko BBL. However in the end when it came to push and shove, the big American showed where his true heart lays and that is in Ulm. He started his career with Ulm in 2010-200 where he played 34 games: 14.6ppg, Reb-1 (10.9rpg), 1.1apg, Blocks-2 (1.5bpg), FGP: 60.4%, FT: 74.2%. He probbaly would have been MVP in that season hadnt it been for the incredible play of Dashaun Wood. Bryant neve rlet up and had another spectacular season in 2011-2012 as he won the MVP playing 42 games: 14.1ppg, Reb-1 (9.4rpg), 1.3apg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 71.7%. Last season he led Ulm to the final, was 2012 Beko BBL Allstar Mvp, Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga 1st Team, and Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Center of the Year -12

Maxim Schneider Remains With TV Langen - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

After Joscha Domdey and Gianluca Raebel, PRO B team TV Langen have announced that Maxim Schneider (184-G-92) is the third player to be held for the coming season. Schneider is a 20 year old 184cm guard that will be playing his second season for TV Langen. Last season for TV Langen, he played 23 games: 5.4ppg, 1.2rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 55.6%. "We are happy that another young German player has decided to keep wearing the Giraffe uniform this season. On account of his job, we hope to see him for many years in Langen. He has made the jump at the point guard position in the PRO B. We will continue to support his development in Langen", stressed TV Langen manager Jogi Barth.

Source: TV Langen

Fabian Luehring returns to Buergerfelder TB - by Moritz Korff

Fabian Luehring (213-C-82) is leaving 2. Bundesliga Pro B team SC Rist Wedel and heads back to old stomping grounds. The 29-year-old big man joins Buergerfelder TB (2. Regionalliga North-West), the team which he played for prior to his Wedel stint. Luehring averaged 4.8 points and 3.3 rebounds per contest in the Pro B last season and had a season-high 22 points against Wolfenbuettel in late November. He scored 16 points per contest for the BTB Royals in the 2010-11 season.

Jordan Highland to strengthen Treis-Karden roster - by Moritz Korff

TuS Treis-Karden (1. Regionalliga South-West) will bring in Jordan Highland (195-F) as the team's new American import player, according to rhein-zeitung.de. Highland will replace leading scorer Joseph Roberson (193-F-83, college: Concordia Irvine) who determined to finish his overseas career.
Highland is 22 years of age and hails from Tualatin, Oregon. He scored 12.6 points per contest and pulled down 5.3 boards a game for NAIA Division 2 school Southern Oregon last season, while making the All-Cascade Collegiate Conference team. Following his junior year he had been voted NAIA Honorable Mention All-American.

Florian Kroepelin named new Dachau coach - by Moritz Korff

Florian Kroepelin has been appointed the new head coach of the Dachau Spurs (1. Regionalliga South-East), the team unveiled on its website. The 58-year-old already served as the Dachau coach from 1990 to 1998. Back then Kroepelin helped several young players to make the step from youth to men's basketball, including Johannes Strasser, who became a member of the German Men's National Team later in his career. The new coach is currently putting together the roster for the 2012-13 season and is also considering to boost the team by signing an import player. He follows Christian Kunz who stepped back from head coaching duties after three seasons with the Spurs.

Germany U18 posts the initial victory in Grottaferrata - by Eurobasket News

Germany U18 posts the initial victory in Grottaferrata at the International Tournament.
In Day 1 Germany U18 lost to Israel U18 64:77. Israel led 1 points at the halftime and pushed the tempo for good in the second half. They won the third period 29-21 and added 17-13 in the last stanza. For Germany Mauricio Marin (188-PG-94) and Gavin Schilling (205-C-95) posted 8 points each.
In Day 2 Germany U18 smashed Slovenia U18 70:46. The German side won all four quarters and dominated the court. Malik Muller stepped up with 15 points, while Stefan Wess and Daniel Mayr (212-C-95) delivered 10 apiece. For Slovenia Jure Ritlop (202-F-95) ended up with 12 points and Tomaz Bolcina (202-F-94) posted 9.
In Day 3 Italy U18 edged Germany U18 63:56. The hosts started with 19-16 lead in the first period, while the German side tied the game at the halftime. Both teams nailed 14 points each in the third frame and only due to 18-11 in the last quarter Italy grabbed the victory.

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GREECE

What does David Logan brings to the table for Maccabi? - by Dimitris Katsionis

Maccabi complete (?) it's backcourt with the addition of David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) . The American-Polish combo guard was flirting with the club the last couple of years but both sides never manage to cooperate. However, what does Logan brings to the table for Maccabi?

It's obvious that David Blatt will return to his favorite two-guard lineup by adding Logan next to Hickman. Maccabi has a big tradition on those lineups in the past, presented perimeter duos that strangled the opponent with their on-the ball pressure, resistance and physical strength. Remember Ariel Macdonald & Derrick Sharp or Doron Perkins & Jeremy Pargo (even Vonteego Cummings & Will Bynum).. Hickman has the prospect to become the newest ''version'' of Doron Perkins. His strong body reminds us an NFL quarterback and his defensive ability is in a high level. His perimeter partner, David Logan is a totally different player, with specific features and advantages that David Blatt can use perfectly. He is a prolific scorer who thrives on transition offense, very good finisher, a rhythm shooter and an excellent on the ball defender using his quick hands to steal balls. Logan has much better chances to shine in Maccabi's up tempo game , being part of an offense that seeks isolations. Last year he didn't manage to find a role at Obradovic's discipline half court offense and put his best performances in the rare occasions the Greens increase their offensive tempo. According to Israeli media, David Logan will receive the amount of 500K for the first year of his contract and 650K for the second.

The multi-talented Keaton Grant - by Diamadis Farmakis

Keaton Grant (193-G-86) is the new player of A1 League newcomer, Apollonas Patras. He has a very interestring life and he has accomplished some very significant things. Inside and outside of the basketball court. From his book, to his Bachelor in science, to his foundation. Let's get to know him.

Keaton Grant, was born in Winter Haven, Florida to James and Celia Grant. He is the younger of two sons and was raised in Kissimmee, Florida, where he graduated from Gateway High School in 2005.

After high school, he decided to attend prep school at Bridgton Academy in Maine. He attended Bridgton Academy for one year as a postgraduate. After finishing his first year at Bridgton, he decided to attend Purdue University. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelors of Science.

During his career at Purdue,he played four years on the mens basketball team, later becoming the player with the most wins in the universitys history. Aside from basketball, he is pursuing a career in the entrepreneurial field, hoping one day to start a variety of businesses. He also plans to start a foundation to encourge youth to perform to the best of their abilities.

**He completed one year of prep school and transferred to Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. His basketball career at Purdue was eventful. He was named team MVP in his sophomore year. As a team, they made it to the NCAA tournament four straight years and made two Sweet Sixteen appearances.

THE KEATON GRAND FOUNDATION
**The Keaton Grant Foundations mission is to provide substantial resources that will enable youth for college in areas of mentorship, tutoring, sponsorship and scholarship. In order to accomplish its goal, The Keaton Grant Foundation seeks to develop lasting partnerships within the Florida area in order to create strong communities and develop youth that are bound for college.His foundation efforts were inspired by his passionate mission to influence youth to set high goals and accomplish them.
**The foundation prides itself on assisting with these goals through programs such as A D.R.E.A.M program- A D|estiny that R|ealizes E|very A|ct M|atters offering scholarships, mentorships, and tutoring.The Keaton Grant Foundation supports those desiring to play sports professionally as well as those dreaming of being in the entertainment industry.

ACCESS GRANTed
**Access GRANTed is a memoir of a Division 1A college basketball player on one of the hottest teams in the nation for the 2009-2010 season. This book gives an in-depth look of the day to day lifestyle for future student athletes who have desired to play college basketball on the next level.
**This is a uniquely written memoir in a sense that gives fans and readers alike this much ACCESS. It could also be an attribute to those who might want to be coaches and who would be involved with players of various age groups; helping them to understand what their players might be experiencing and how they could be helpful

Source:keatongrant.com

Ilysiakos tab Maurice Hampton - by Eurobasket News

Maurice Hampton (188-SG-84, agency: Two Points, college: Austin Peay St.) will continue his career in Greece. He agreed on terms of contract with Ilysiakos. The guard spent the last season in Czech Republic. Maurice Hampton played for Pardubice. He tallied 15.3 points, 2.5 boards and 2.1 assists per game in EuroChallenge. In Czech League his stats read 12.4 points, 2.5 boards and 1.7 assists per appearance. Maurice Hampton earned Eurobasket.com All-Czech Republic League Honourable Mention. He also made it into All-EuroChallenge 3rd Team. Maurice Hampton participated at NBL All-Star Game for the third season in a row. Previously the guard had stints in United Kingdom.

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HOLLAND

Landstede Zwolle inks guard Tanner Smith - by Fred Roggen

Landstede Zwolle added some more punch to its squad for the 2012-13 season with the signing of guard Tanner Smith (195-G-90, agency: Priority Sports) to a one-year deal, the club announced Tuesday.
Tanner Smith is the second American attracted by Landstede Basketball for the upcoming 2012-2013 season. Tanner following a four-year career at the Clemson University, where he averaged 11.2ppg, 5.1rpg, 4.1apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 72.1% in 31 NCAA games in the 2011-12 season.

Awards/Achievements:
ACC All-Academic Team -09, 11
ACC Tournament Semifinals -11
Division I Academic All-District 4 Team -12
CoSIDA Capital One Academic All-America All-District 4 1st Team -12

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ICELAND

Jonathan Jones not to play with Njardvik - by Snorri Arnaldsson

Jonathan Jones (195-F, college: Kean), who UMFN Njardvik signed in early June, will not join the team according to local news reports. This comes as a surprise, as this was Jonathan Jones first gig as a professional. UMFN Njardvik coach Einar Arni Johannsson was quoted saying: "We are not worried, he [Jonathan Jones] is not the last available player at this position. We have a shortlist of players that we need to go through."

This sends UMFN Njardvik looking for a swingman to replace Jonathan Jones with roughly 2 months before the season start.

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ISRAEL

Pat Kalathis moves to Maccabi Haifa - by Eurobasket News

Pat Kalathis (208-G/F-85, college: St.Joseph's) moves to Maccabi Haifa for the upcoming season. The USA-Greek Swingman was officially announced by the teams website.
Pat Kalathis comes from Panathinaikos Athens where he spent the last season. In Euroleague his stats averaged 2.0ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.0apg. In Greek League after 11 games he showed 6.0ppg, 2.5rpg, FGP: 64.3%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 75.0%.
Last year Pat signed a one-year deal with the Greens. He exploded in 2010 season in VAP Kolossos Rodou averaging 14.3 ppg, 8.1 rpg and 1.9 apg for 28 games. He played at the Greek League All-Star Game and Eurobasket awarded him with All-Greek A1 League Honorable Mention -11. From 2008 until the last summer Pat Kalathis was a member of Marousi. He had 3.9 ppg and 1.6 rpg for them in 19 Eurloleague games in 2009/10. In A1, he added 5.5 ppg and 2.8 rpg. Pat Kalathis graduated at the Saint Joseph's University three years ago. He had 17.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg and 2.7 apg for them as a senior. He helped his school to win Atlantic 10 Tournament. Pat Kalathis, as well as his younger brother Nick, has dual American and Greek citizenship.

Bnei Herzeliya land Romel Beck - by Eurobasket News

Bnei Herzeliya continued to strengthen their roster. They agreed on terms of contract with Romel Beck (203-G/F-82, college: UNLV). The guard started the previous season in Mexico. He played for Pioneros de Quintana. Romel Beck tallied 25.7 points, 3.8 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game in LNBP. In December the guard moved to Europe. He signed deal with Ikaros Kallitheas in Greece. The guard notched 14.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per appearance in A1 League. Eurobasket.com named Romel Beck into All-Greek A1 League 3rd Team. Previously Romel Beck had stints in Venezuela, Italy, D-League, Mexico, Croatia and Puerto Rico. Romel Beck has been the member of Mexican National Team since 2005.

Ironi Nahariya signs American Ramon Clemente - by Eurobasket News

Ramon Clemente (200-PF-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Wichita St.) will continue his career in Israel. According to David Pick, the 26-year-old power forward penned a deal with Ironi Nahariya. Few months ago he won the title in Puerto Rico with Indios de Mayaguez. Clemente is not a new face in Israel as he played there for the last few years. The American shined with 21 ppg, 14.6 rpg and 1.7 apg for 27 games with Hapoel Kiryat Tivon last season. As Nahariya, they also compete in the National League. Before Hapoel Kiryat Tivon, Ramon Clemente spent one year with Hapoel Yokneam/Megido averaging 22.6 points and 11.4 rebounds for 31 games. He shined with Maccabi Ashdod as well in 2009/10 season. Clemente was named to Eurobasket.com All-Israeli National League 2nd Team -10, 11, 12 and Eurobasket.com Israeli National League All-Imports Team -10, 11, 12. Clemente is a product of Wichita State University.

Israel U18 comes back from Italy - by Eurobasket News

Israel U18 comes back from Italy after an International Tournament.
In Day 1 Germany U18 lost to Israel U18 64:77. Israel led 1 point at the halftime and pushed the tempo for good in the second half. They won the third period 29-21 and added 17-13 in the last stanza. For Germany Mauricio Marin (188-PG-94) and Gavin Schilling (205-C-95) posted 8 points each.
In Day 2 Italy U18 overcame Israel U18 61:54. The hosts started with 19-10 in the first period and increased the lead to 12 points at the halftime. Moreover Italy added 16-6 in the third period, while Israel relied with 13-8 in the last stanza. Simone Fontecchio (197-F-95) and Amedeo Tessitori (205-C-94) stepped up with 12 points each for the winners and Imbro poured in 10.
In Day 3 Israel U18 won over Slovenia U18 65:63 in overtime. The latter won the opening period 19-14 and led 7 points at the halftime. Israel however needed 20-8 in the third period and added 6-4 in overtime. For Slovenia Nikolic top-scored with 22 points and Tomaz Bolcina (202-F-94) posted 12.

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ITALY

Alex Righetti joins LegaDue team Ferentino - by Eurobasket News

Alex Righetti (198-G/F-77, agency: Interperformances) will continue his career in LegaDue. The former National Team swingman penned a 1-year deal with Ferentino. Righetti heads to his new club from Otto Caserta, where he had 9.7 ppg and 3.9 rpg for 27 SerieA games last season. In 2010/11, Righetti played for Varese collecting 7.2 ppg and 2.7 rpg for 31 games. Before Varese, he was a member of Canadian Solar Bologna (La Fortezza), Avelino, Lottomatica Roma and Rimini. In 2009 with La Fortezza Bologna Righetti won EuroChallenge title.
With Italian NT Alex Righetti won the Bronze at 2003 EuroBasket in Sweden. He also played in 2001 and 2005 European Championships. In 2004, Righetti played for Italy at the Olympic Games in Athens.
Last week, Ferentino signed Laurence Ekperigin (201-F-88, college: Le Moyne) and Muhammad El El Amin (196-G/F-87, agency: Two Points, college: Stony Brook).

Nikola Dragovic pens deal with Sidigas Avellino - by Eurobasket News

Nikola Dragovic pens deal with Sidigas Avellino for the upcoming season. The Serbian University National Team player moves from Russia.
Last month Spartak Saint Petersburg and Nikola Dragovic split ways. The contract of the player had expired and the team decided not to prolong it.
Nikola Dragovic joined Spartak back in 2010. Last season the Serbian forward notched 1.0 board and 1.0 steal per EuroCup game. In VTB League his stats read 2.1 points and 1.7 rebounds per appearance. Nikola Dragovic also posted 3.1 points and 1.5 boards in PBL. The forward struggled with injuries throughout the season missing bigger part of the games. Spartak Saint Petersburg was the first pro team for Nikola Dragovic. The Serb graduated from UCLA in 2010. He was the member of U16, U18 and U20 Serbian National Teams.

Craig Callahan signs with Barcellona - by Eurobasket News

Craig Callahan (203-F-81, agency: Court Side, college: NC-Wilmington) signs with Barcellona for the next season. The USA-Italian Forward moves from Enel Brindisi
Earlier Eurobasket announced that Craig Callahan was no longer a member of Enel Brindisi. The player joined Brindisi last summer and helped them win Lega Due Playoffs. Brindisi was the Cup winner in Lega Due this year. Callahan appeared 38 times with the club averaging 11.6 points and 5.1 rebounds.
Craig Callahan spent 2010/11 season with Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. There he had 14.8 ppg and 4.2 rpg in 34 German league games. He was named Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Honorable Mention -11. In 2010, Callahan reached Belgian Cup Semis with Dexia Mons-Hainaut. In 2007, the player won Spanish LEB Gold title with Manresa and year before that he was Eurobasket.com All-Czech Rep. League Player of the Year as a member of Prostejov.

Massimo Bulleri moves to Givova Scafati - by Eurobasket News

Massimo Bulleri (188-PG-77) moves to Givova Scafati for the upcoming season. The Italian Point Guard comes from Benetton.
With Benetton he started his career in 1995-1996. Later he played for Armani MI (Italy), Bologna V.1934 (Italy), CS Bologna (Italy), Mestre (Italy) and Ozzano (Italy).
In 2009-2010 finished his fourth season in a row for Armani Jeans Milano (SerieA) and in Euroleague averaged 8.4ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 71.4%. In Italian League after 39 games his stats read 7.1ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.9apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 85.7%. In 2010-2011 moved to Benetton Treviso (SerieA) and in EuroCup showed 8.2ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 48.8%, FT: 86.5%. In Italian League after 36 games his stats read 6.8ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.5apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT: 75.0%.
In 2011-2012 for Benetton Treviso (SerieA) Massimo Bulleri averaged 10.9ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 48.0% in EuroCup. In Italian League after 28 games his stats read 6.7ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 22.5%, FT: 80.9%.

Zimbabwean Julian Mavunga will play for Biella - by Eurobasket News

Zimbabwean Julian Mavunga (203-F-90) will play for Biella for the next season. The player will debut in Europe next season.
In 2008-2009 he started for Miami, OH (NCAA) and in 30 games averaged 3.4ppg, 2.2rpg. In 2009-2010 his stats read 10.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 69.1%. In 2010-2011 he improved to high 14.8ppg, 8.2rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 70.5%. The last season for Miami his stats read 16.4ppg, 9.0rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 48.4%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 73.4%.
In 2012 Julian Mavunga participated at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft) and in 3 games averaged 13.3ppg, 8.3rpg, 3.3apg, 1.0spg. Later in July he was at AirTran Orlando Summer League (Indiana Pacers) and in 2 games showed 7.0ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.5apg.
Last season he made it into NABC Division I All-District 14 1st Team -12.

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JAPAN

Ilija Milutinovic is a newcomer at Gunma Crane Thunders - by Eurobasket Center

The newcomer in BJ League - Gunma Crane Thunders added to their roster 24-year old Serbian center Ilija Milutinovic (211-C-110kg-88, college: Oakland, agency: Global Sports Plaza). Milutinovic played most recently at Olimpi Tbilisi (Georgia). While playing 28 games for Olimpi last season he averaged 8.5ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.6apg and 1.0bpg (4th best in the league). He helped them to make it to the final. Milutinovic graduated from Oakland University in 2011 and it will be his second season in pro basketball.

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LEBANON

Champville inks CJ Giles and Darius Rice... - by Rabih Khoury

in a surprising move, and after negotiating a big number of players, Champville management signed today with american forward Darius Rice (208-F-82, college: Miami, FL) and american center C.J. Chester Giles (211-F/C-85, college: Oregon St.) . Both Rice and Chester Giles played in Bahrain last year.... Rice will have his first experience in Lebanon, while CJ will be playing here for the third time after playing for Riyadi and Chabab in the previous seasons. also on the other hand, rumors are spread in the market that Chester Giles might be the new naturalized player for the Lebanese NT.

Champville decides on Reyshawn Terry - by Rabih Khoury

After days of signings, Champville management finally settled on Reyshawn Terry (203-F-84, college: N.Carolina) to be the team's second foreigner next to Chester Giles. Terry will come to replace Darius Rice. Terry is a high level forward out of North Carolina who played in top leagues in Europe like Spain, Italy and Ukraine. Last season he had in EuroChallenge: 6 games: 12.7ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 22.7%, FT: 74.2% and in the Ukrainian League: 40 games: 15.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 46.2%, FT: 85.4%. Terry will add a big boost to Champs squad to defend their title.

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LITHUANIA

Olympics 2012: The Baltic State cruise past Nigeria - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania- Nigeria 72:53

The Baltic State cruise past Nigeria at Olympics 2012 tournament. The Lithuanian team celebrated a 72:53 win and improved to 1-1 record. The African side suffered their first loss and also with 1-1 record in Group A.
Linas Kleiza (203-SF-85, college: Missouri) and Aminu exchanged the early baskets, while Darius Songaila (204-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) closed the first period at 14:8. Lithuania dominated the second frame as well and after 20-19 reached 34:27. JASAITIS scored for 41:30 and Rimantas Kaukenas (192-SG-77, college: Seton Hall) increased to 45:31. A strong end of the period allowed the European team to taste 56:40 after three quarters. Lithuania added 16-13 in the last period to seal the initial victory.
Darius Songaila top-scored for the winners with 12 points, while Linas Kleiza notched 11. Rimantas Kaukenas poured in 10, whilst Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-PG-76, college: Maryland) had 9 points and 9 assists. Ike Diogu (208-F/C-83, college: Arizona St.) and Al-Farouq Aminu (206-F-90, college: Wake Forest) replied with 12 points each in the losing effort and combined for 21 rebounds.

Lithuania: Darius Songaila 12, Linas Kleiza 11, Rimantas Kaukenas 10, Sarunas Jasikevicius 9+9 ast
Nigeria: Ike Diogu 12+10 rebs, Al-Farouq Aminu 12+11 rebs

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MALTA

Shawn Morgan is a newcomer at Depiro Mtarfa Rabat - by Eurobasket Center

Depiro Mtarfa Rabat added to their roster 26-year old American forward Shawn Morgan (193-F-98kg-86, college: Arkansas St.). This will be Morgan's first experience in Europe after playing in Uruguay where he was the MVP in 2011 and Mexico where he played in early 2012. Morgan played most recently at Marietta Fastbreak (SEBL) in the U.S. Morgan graduated from Arkansas State University in 2009 and it will be his fourth season in pro basketball. Shawn will be replacing Greg Hamlin whom after playing with Depiro for one season just singed to play in Israel.

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MONTENEGRO

Buducnost added Dee Bost instead of Jordan Taylor - by Darko Pekic

When everybody thought that Jordan Taylor (185-PG-89) would run the ofense for Buducnost in the upcoming season an unexpected thing happened. The young US point guard who is fresh out of college has knee problems and his agent did not inform Buducnost about his condition before signing the contract. The management of Buducnost found it out and decided to cancel the deal with Taylor. However, Buducnost's fans did not have to wait long for a replacement because today was announced the signing of Dee Bost (187-G-89), the 22 year old point guard who is often com\pred to Rajon Rondo (185-PG-86, college: Kentucky) for his explosive style of play.

Dee Bost graduated from Mississippi State University where he had a great college career averaging last season 15,8 ppg, 3,3 rpg nd 5,5 apg. Dee played this summer for the Portland Trailblazers in the Summer League.

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NBA

Warriors re-sign Brandon Rush to 2-year, $8M US deal - by Eurobasket News

Brandon Rush (6'6''-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Kansas) is back where he wanted to be all along.

Rush agreed to a two-year, $8 million US deal Tuesday to stay with the Golden State Warriors after becoming the team's most reliable reserve last season. Rush's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said the second year of the contract is a player option. The deal is pending a physical that Rush will take in the next few days.

"He's thrilled," Bartelstein said. "He had a terrific season with the Warriors. He loves playing for Mark Jackson and he made it clear to me from the beginning of free agency that this is where he wanted to be."

The signing highlights a busy two days for Golden State's front office.

The Warriors agreed to sign free agent power forward Carl Landry also represented by Bartelstein on Monday. That deal is also worth about $8 million over two years with a player option for the second season.

Both moves solidify the bench and likely Golden State's roster. The Warriors now have 15 players signed and no more salary cap space to shuffle without going into the luxury tax.

Rush, a restricted free agent, averaged 9.8 points and 3.9 rebounds in 26 minutes per game last season. Rush shot 45.2 per cent from three-point range sixth best in the NBA and was Golden State's best option off the bench.

Before free agency began, the Warriors extended a qualifying offer to Rush on June 26 to make him a restricted free agent. The tender allowed the team to match any offer Rush received this summer.

No need for that now.

The 27-year-old Rush appeared in 65 games last season after coming over in a trade from Indiana for Lou Amundson. He posted career highs by shooting 50 per cent from the field and 79 per cent on free throws, fitting seamlessly into Jackson's system and staying steady despite a rash of injuries that shattered the roster.

Rush was originally drafted 13th overall by Portland in 2008 after leading Kansas to the national championship. He was then traded to Indiana along with Jarrett Jack and Josh McRoberts for Jerryd Bayless and Ike Diogu.

Courtesy of www.cbc.ca

Magic welcome 1st-time head coach Vaughn - by Eurobasket News

With a new general manager and the status of All-Star Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85) still in limbo, there's much to be resolved before the Orlando Magic take the floor next season.

But the team's top officials believe they have the right person in new head coach Jacque Vaughn to help turn the page on a year that almost everyone in the franchise wants to forget.

Magic general manager Rob Hennigan and CEO Alex Martins said Monday that Vaughn has the discipline, work ethic and pedigree as both a player and assistant to do the job.

"We're going to continue to try to build a culture here," Hennigan said at the news conference introducing Vaughn. "A culture that our players represent. A culture that our fans can be proud of. A culture our team will rally around. We feel we took a step in the right direction in building that culture with Jacque here today."

Vaughn becomes the 10th coach in franchise history after 12 years as an NBA player and two years as and assistant in San Antonio. He takes over for Stan Van Gundy, who was fired in May. He said he's looking forward to working with whoever is on the roster when training camp opens in a few months.

Asked if there was any hesitation in taking his first head coaching job with so much uncertainty surrounding the team and particularly Howard, he said the opportunity outweighed it all.

"Faith. Faith in your abilities. Faith in the people around you," Vaughn said about what drives him. "One of the great character-building attributes of the franchises I've been around -- the foundation and the basis -- is having good people around you. The DeVos family is about that. Alex Martins is about that. And I know Rob Hennigan is about that.

"And so for me, it was a no-brainer that with these gentlemen everything is OK. I'll stick my neck out for them."

Howard recently reissued a trade demand to the team and said he has no desire to play in Orlando for the final year of his contract.

Hennigan confirmed a second face-to-face meeting with the All-Star center, describing it mainly as a status meeting to check on his rehabilitation from back surgery, among other things.

Beyond that, he said he wants to keep their conversations private, refusing to say whether he has ruled out having Howard on the roster for training camp.

"One thing we'll tell our fans is that we'll continue look at all options to try and improve this team," he said. "And we'll continue to build piece by piece (and) brick by brick into something that is sustainable. At the end of the day it's about putting a group of guys on the floor that want to be coached by Jacque, who want to be led by Jacque and represent the values and attributes that our fan base can really rally around."

Vaughn singled out Roy Williams, his coach at Kansas, former Utah coach Jerry Sloan and Spurs' coach Gregg Popovich as the mentors who've had the most influence on his coaching pursuit. He considered the career after "my knees and ankles started hurting" toward the end of his playing days.

"You get a little smarter then," Vaughn said.

Vaughn won a title with the Spurs as a player in 2007, when Hennigan was working in the Spurs' front office. The two forged a relationship and landed him on Hennigan's radar during the recent coaching search.

After an initial interview, he met with Magic owner Rich DeVos and 13 other members of the DeVos family about 10 days ago. Team president Dan DeVos described it as "more of a conversation."

Martins said Vaughn's experience in a championship atmosphere and being around so many championship-caliber coaches helped push him over the top. It's why he said he doesn't feel like the Magic are taking a gamble replacing Van Gundy, who had one of the most successful runs in franchise history, with a first-time coach.

"I don't feel like we're sticking our neck out at all," Martins said. "I think he is clearly prepared for this opportunity. He's the right person for this moment in our history."

Vaughn said he hasn't yet spoken with Howard, but that he isn't just focused on Howard.

"I don't have a relationship," he said. "For me going forward, I just looking forward to the opportunity of communicating with every Magic player."

Magic forward Glen Davis attended the news conference Monday and said he "had some chills" listening to his new coach.

As far expectations and the challenges ahead, Vaughn said he plans to take them as they come.

"Would my resume look a little nicer if it said 14 years of experience? Maybe so," Vaughn said. "But I've sat in the seats that the guy I will coach have sat in. I'll be able to relate to their personal, physical, mental stresses that they come across everyday because I've been there. I think they'll relate to that and they'll appreciate that, and they'll know that I'm fighting for them and I believe in them."

Courtesy of ESPN

Chicago Bulls sign Nate Robinson - by Eurobasket News

The Chicago Bulls signed guard Nate Robinson (5'9''-PG-84, college: Washington), the team announced on Tuesday.

Robinson, a veteran of seven NBA seasons, averaged 11.2 points and 4.5 assists per game last season for the Golden State Warriors.

Golden State coach Mark Jackson tweeted: "The Bulls got a good one. It was a Pleasure coaching u."

In past seasons, Robinson has proven to be a prolific scorer. In 2008-09 he averaged a career high 17.2 points per a game for the Knicks. In spite of standing just 5-foot-9, Robinson also is the only player in NBA history to win the slam dunk contest three times.

Robinson likely will back up Kirk Hinrich at point guard to begin the season while Derrick Rose recovers from ACL surgery.

Courtesy of ESPN

Raptors re-sign free-agent forward Alan Anderson - by Eurobasket News

The Toronto Raptors re-signed free-agent forward Alan Anderson (6'6''-G/F-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Michigan St.) on Monday.

Anderson was signed to a 10-day contract by the Raptors on March 26 and then for the remainder of the season April 16, averaging 9.6 points, two rebounds and 27.1 minutes in 17 games with Toronto.

The six-foot-six, 220-pounder had a season-best 20 points to go along with a career-high five three-pointers April 26 versus New Jersey.

The 29-year-old Anderson has averaged 6.7 points, 1.9 rebounds and 18.3 minutes in 70 appearances with Charlotte and Toronto.

Anderson, who has also spent time in the NBA D-League and overseas, was a four-year starter at Michigan State University, where he helped the Spartans reach the 2005 Final Four.

Courtesy of http://toronto.ctvnews.ca

Timberwolves sign guard Brandon Roy to contract - by Eurobasket News

The Minnesota Timberwolves announced Tuesday theyve signed free agent guard Brandon Roy (6'6''-G-84, college: Washington). He was introduced to the media and select Timberwolves season ticket holders at a news conference.

Details of his contract were not released per team policy.

Roy, 28, played five seasons with the Portland Trailblazers until briefly retiring last season due to knee issues. He averaged 19 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists while with the team.

Roy will now play for the team that originally drafted him in the 2006 NBA Draft before he was dealt to Portland for Randy Foye. The Trailblazers made the playoffs in three of his five seasons with the team.

Roys exact role with the team isnt clear at this point and will be determined once the Timberwolves know how healthy he is and how many minutes he can play.

Courtesy of http://minnesota.cbslocal.com

King County Council approves Seattle arena plan - by Eurobasket News

A new NBA-ready arena in Seattle is slowly starting to materialize. Key word being slowly.

Tim Booth of the Associated Press reports:

One vote down and plenty more to go in the quest to build a new arena that could bring the NBA back to Seattle.

The Metropolitan King County Council took the initial step on Monday afternoon, approving the amended proposal from investor Chris Hansen by a 6-3 vote. After four hours of public testimony and statements from council members, the Hansens proposal - with a few tweaks - got the required number of votes to move forward.

Now the plan goes to the Seattle City Council, but if its actions earlier Monday are any indication, Hansens $490 million arena plan that includes nearly $300 million in private funds and $200 million in public contribution has plenty of adjustments and changes yet to come.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Olympics 2012: USA ease past Tunisia - by Eurobasket News

USA - Tunisia 110:63

USA earned the second win at the Olympic basketball tournament. They knocked down Tunisia in Group A for 2-0 record. Tunisia fell at 0-2 record after the loss. Kevin Love (6'10''-PF-88, college: UCLA) and Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-SF-84, college: Syracuse) came up with 16 points each to lead the winners.
The African champions quite unexpectedly managed to stay close throughout the opening quarter. They trailed by just 6 points 21:15. Tunisia tried to stay within reachable distance throughout the second quarter. Team USA however managed to take a 46:33 halftime lead. USA tipped off the second half with 10 points in a row. They gained the tempo and raced to a comfortable 85:47 lead with ten minutes remaining. Team USA never looked back in the final quarter rolling to a confident victory at the end. Kevin Durant (6'9''-SF-88, college: Texas) finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Anthony Davis (6'10''-C-93, college: Kentucky) added 12 points for the winning side. Macram Ben Romdhane (6'9''-PF-89, agency: Prossin Sports Management) delivered 22 points and 11 rebounds for Tunisia. Mohamed Hadidane (6'10''-PF-86) had 11 points in the loss.

USA: Kevin Love 16, Carmelo Anthony 16, Kevin Durant 13+10 boards
Tunisia: Macram Ben Romdhane 22+11 boards, Mohamed Hadidane 11

Korean KBL Producing NBA Players - by Julius Johnson

"Money follows talent and talent follows money" Emily Claire Afan

As the economy in Europe teeters on the brink of collapse. the Asian markets have stabilized. During last years's NBA lockout, a record number of NBA players went to China, where the league didn't have a long established tradition, but the payments were more certain.

This year we examine the career path's of Ivan Johnson (6'8''-F/C-84, college: CS San Bernar.) and Gregory Stiemsma (6'11''-C-85, agency: N.E.T., college: Wisconsin), who had eye-opening rookie seasons in the NBA after spending time in "The Land of the Morning Calm."

Neither Johnson nor Stiemsma were expected to make NBA teams. Johnson played at the NCAA2 level and Stiemsma was a backup at Wisconsin.

Both players went through the D-League and Korea. Both players will sign multi-million dollar contracts in the NBA this season.

Not too long ago, the KBL would have been considered a retirement league, a please for an older player to grab a few last checks before hanging up the shoes.

Now, with the success of "9 to 5" and "Stiemer," young players may seek KBL opportunities.

The KBL will no longer be overlooked. This year, ten players were selected in the 1st round of the KBL draft.

KCC Egis - Courtney Sims (6'11''-C-83, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Michigan) - VEF Riga (Latvia)
LG Sakers- Benson Rodrique (6'10''-F/C-84, college: California) - Dongbu (South Korea)
Goyang Orions - Terrence Leather (6'9''-C-81, college: S.Florida) - Foolad Mahan (Iran)/Mobis Phoebus (South Korea)
Samsung - Davis Bryan (6'9''-F-86, agency: N.E.T., college: Texas A&M) - Hebei (China)/Kryvbasbasket (Ukraine)
SK Knights - Haynes Aaron (6'7''-F-81, college: Boise St.) - LG Sakers (South Korea)
Mobis Phoebus - Ricardo Ratliffe (6'8''-F-89) - Missouri (NCAA)
Sonic Boom KT - Darian Townes (6'10''-F/C-84) - Kormend (Hungary)
ET Land - Carlos Powell (6'7''-F-83, college: S.Carolina) - Maccabi Haifa (Israel)
Dongbu Promy - Brandon Bowman (6'9''-F-84, college: Georgetown) - Maccabi Rishon (Israel)
Anyang KGC - Garrett Stutz (7'0''-C-90) - Wichita State (NCAA)

Two rookies, Garrett Stutz and Ricardo Ratliffe, took the KBL leap of faith.
From this draft, it would not be a surprise to see Stutz, Ratcliffe, or Davis Bryan get an NBA shot.

The NBA follows talent and money!

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

NCAA1

Self: Freshman's talent 'off the charts' - by Rick Ross

Courtesy Of CNNSI.COM
Kansas coach Bill Self remains more than a little bullish on redshirt freshman Ben McLemore. [Self],
who lavished praise on [McLemore] during an interview at the July 8 MLB All-Star Celebrity Softball Game in
Kauffman Stadium, again lauded the Big 12 freshman of the year candidate -- this time on ESPNU. "
Ben's talent level is off the charts," Self said. ... "He's good. I mean, he's as talented as just about anybody
we've had come through there. Now he doesn't know how to plug himself into a game yet,
Self cautioned of the 6-5, 185-pounder from St. Louis. ..
Fitting in the pieces and getting him to understand how to play, he's not quite there, obviously.
If he keeps improving at the same rate, he'll make a lot of money."

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

NIGERIA

OLYMPIC GAMES

Standings

Group A
1. USA		2-0
2. Argentina		1-1
3. France		1-1
4. Lithuania		1-1
5. Nigeria		1-1
6. Tunisia		0-2
Group B
1. Brazil		2-0
2. Spain		2-0
3. Russia		2-0
4. China		0-2
5. U.Kingdom		0-2
6. Australia		0-2

Preliminary Round: Round 2

Jul. 31: LTU - NGR 72-53
Jul. 31: FRA - ARG 71-64
Jul. 31: TUN - USA 63-110

Jul. 31: AUS - ESP 70-82
Jul. 31: ENG - BRA 62-67
Jul. 31: CHN - RUS 54-73

Preliminary Round: Round 3

Aug. 2: FRA - LTU
Aug. 2: ARG - TUN
Aug. 2: USA - NGR

Aug. 2: AUS - CHN
Aug. 2: BRA - RUS
Aug. 2: ESP - ENG

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Andrei KIRILENKO
  RUS
  (209-F-81)
  Avg: 25.5

1. Kirilenko, RUS	25.5
2. Scola, ARG	24.0
3. Ginobili, ARG	23.5
4. Yi, CHN	23.0
5. Gasol, ESP	20.5
6. Deng, ENG	19.0
7. Durant, USA	17.5
8. Mensah-Bonsu, ENG	17.5
9. Ben Ghnia, TUN	17.0
10. Kleiza, LTU	15.5

Rebounds Per Game

Mahdi BEN GHNIA
(203-F/C-87)
Avg: 11.5

1. Ben Ghnia, TUN	11.5
2. Mensah-Bonsu, ENG	10.5
3. Diogu, NGR	10.0
4. Aminu, NGR	10.0
5. Yi, CHN	9.5
6. Durant, USA	9.5
7. Mejri, TUN	8.5
8. Khryapa, RUS	8.5
9. Aminu, NGR	7.5
10. Ginobili, ARG	7.5

Assists Per Game

Alexey SHVED
  RUS
  (198-G-88)
  Avg: 9.5

1. Shved, RUS	9.5
2. Huertas, BRA	9.0
3. Prigioni, ARG	7.0
4. Jasikevicius, LTU	6.5
5. James, USA	6.0
6. Kalnietis, LTU	6.0
7. Williams, USA	5.0
8. Deng, ENG	5.0
9. Paul, USA	4.5
10. Chen, CHN	4.5

Steals Per Game

Emanuel GINOBILI
  ARG
  (198-SG-77)
  Avg: 3

1. Ginobili, ARG	3.0
2. Kirilenko, RUS	3.0
3. Prigioni, ARG	2.5
4. Shved, RUS	2.5
5. Aminu, NGR	2.5
6. Nielsen, AUS	2.5
7. Andersen, AUS	2.0
8. Varejao, BRA	2.0
9. Sun, CHN	2.0
10. Fridzon, RUS	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Jianlian YI
  CHN
  (212-PF-87)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Yi, CHN	2.5
2. Kaun, RUS	2.5
3. Nene, BRA	2.5
4. Mejri, TUN	2.5
5. Ibaka, ESP	2.0
6. Kirilenko, RUS	2.0
7. Seraphin, FRA	2.0
8. Scola, ARG	1.5
9. Fridzon, RUS	1.5
10. Aminu, NGR	1.5

Day 2 of Olympic tournament in London - by Eurobasket News

Group A

France - Argentina 71-64
France opened win count at the Olympic basketball tournament. They knocked down Argentina to improve at 1-1 record. Argentina in the meantime suffered the first defeat and slipped at 1-1 record. Tony Parker (188-PG-82) nailed 17 points to lead the charge. France surged ahead in the opening quarter. They posted a 19:12 lead ten minutes into the game. Argentina quickly denied the deficit in the second quarter. France however did not allow the Latin American team to spur ahead staying in front. Les Bleus accounted for a 32:29 halftime lead. Luis Luis Scola and Prigioni finally gave Argentina a 43:42 lead midway through the third term. But Mickael Gelabale (201-SF-83, agency: Court Side) answered with a three-pointer and France rolled to a 55:53 lead with ten minutes remaining. Tony Parker triggered a 7:0 run from Les Bleus as they gained a 67:58 advantage with just over three minutes remaining. Seraphin and Tony Parker accounted for four points in the dying minutes and France survived the challenge to celebrate victory at the end. Nicolas Batum (203-SF-88) posted 14 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists, while Mickael Gelabale added 13 points for the winning side. Emanuel Ginobili responded with 26 points for Argentina. Luis Scola had 16 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

Lithuania - Nigeria 72-53
The Baltic State cruise past Nigeria at Olympics 2012 tournament. The Lithuanian team celebrated a 72:53 and improved to 1-1 record. The African side suffered their first loss and also with 1-1 record in Group A. Linas Kleiza (203-SF-85, college: Missouri) and Aminu exchanged the early baskets, while Darius Songaila (204-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) closed the first period at 14:8. Lithuania dominated the second frame as well and after 20-19 reached 34:27. JASAITIS scored for 41:30 and Kaukenas increased to 45:31. A strong end of the period allowed the European team to taste 56:40 after three quarters. Lithuania added 16-13 in the last period to seal the initial victory. Darius Songaila top-scored for the winners with 12 points, while Linas Kleiza notched 11. Kaukenas poured in 10, whilst JASIKEVICIUS had 9 points and 9 assists. Ike Diogu (208-F/C-83, college: Arizona St.) and Al-Farouq Aminu (206-F-90, college: Wake Forest) replied with 12 points each in the losing effort and combined for 21 rebounds.

USA - Tunisia 110:63
USA earned the second win at the Olympic basketball tournament. They knocked down Tunisia in Group A for 2-0 record. Tunisia fell at 0-2 record after the loss. Kevin Love (208-PF-88, college: UCLA) and Carmelo Anthony (203-SF-84, college: Syracuse) came up with 16 points each to lead the winners.
The African champions quite unexpectedly managed to stay close throughout the opening quarter. They trailed by just 6 points 21:15. Tunisia tried to stay within reachable distance throughout the second quarter. Team USA however managed to take a 46:33 halftime lead. USA tipped off the second half with 10 points in a row. They gained the tempo and raced to a comfortable 85:47 lead with ten minutes remaining. Team USA never looked back in the final quarter rolling to a confident victory at the end. Kevin Durant finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Anthony Davis (208-C-93, college: Kentucky) added 12 points for the winning side. Macram Ben Romdhane (204-PF-89, agency: Prossin Sports Management) delivered 22 points and 11 rebounds for Tunisia. Mohamed Hadidane had 11 points in the loss.

Group B

United Kingdom - Brazil 62-67
The Great Britain put up a courageous performance on Tuesday night, but lost to Brazil 62:67 at the Olympic Basketball Arena in London. The Brazilian team improved to 2-0 record, while the hosts fell at 0-2. It was a great start of the home side that erupted with the defensive 11-4 lead and limited the guests only to 2 successful shots. Brazil woke up in the second frame and replied with 23-16 for 27:27 at the halftime. The teams were tied three times in the third period, while Barbosa and Anderson Varejao (205-C-82) closed the frame at 48:43. Nathan Reinking (188-G-73, college: Kent St.) nailed three early in the fourth period for 51:50 and Deng made 57:56 midway through the period. Brazil however managed to win the game as they dominated the end of the quarter. Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Marcelinho Huertas (191-PG-83, agency: Edge Sports) notched 13. Anderson Varejao and VIEIRA followed them with 8 points apiece. Pops Mensah-Bonsu (206-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: G.Washington) and Nathan Reinking poured in 13 points each in the losing effort. Deng notched 12, while Clark finished the night with 9.

China - Russia 54-73
Russia claimed the second straight win at the start of Olympig Games basketball tournament in London. They denied China for 2-0 record in Group B. China fell at 0-2 record after the defeat. Russia gained control midway through the first term. David Blatt team piled up a 20:12 lead after ten minutes. Russia stayed in full control throughout the second quarter. They posted a 40:25 halftime advantage. Things did not get any better for China in the third quarter. Russia stayed in charge stretching the margin. They accumulated a 22-point lead heading into the fourth frame. China managed to slow down Russia a bit in the final quarter but could not avoid an embarrassing loss at the end. Andrei Kirilenko (209-F-81) finished with 16 points and 9 rebounds for Russia. Alexey Shved added 14 points and 6 assists, while Sasha Kaun (211-C-85) added 13 points for the winners. Jianlian Yi (212-PF-87) answered with 16 points and 7 rebounds for China. Yi Li had 9 points in the loss.

Australia - Spain 70-82
Spain clinched the second straight win at the 2012 Olympic Games. They fired past Australia to improve at 2-0 record in Group B. Australia fell at 0-2 record after the loss. Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) scored 20 points to lead the charge. Australia opened the game with an aggressive defence. They capitalized taking an early lead. The Boomers posted a 19:14 advantage after ten minutes. However Spain used a 9:0 run midway through the second term to pull in front 26:21. Spain capped the first half leading by five points 37:32. Spain tipped off the second half with 10:0 run to clear off. They unloaded 26 points in the third term to ensure a 21-point lead before the final quarter. Australia tried to stay in the game till the final buzzer. They narrowed the deficit at 10-point mark before losing at the end. Rudy Fernandez (198-SF-85) scored 17 points, while Marc Gasol provided 12 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Joe Ingles (203-SF-87, agency: Priority Sports) and Brad Newley (199-F/G-85, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 12 points each for the Boomers. Patrick Mills had 11 points in the loss.

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

POLAND

DBE Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Walter HODGE
  Stelmet-.
  (183-PG-86)
  Avg: 19.4

1. Hodge, Stelmet-.	19.4
2. Corbett, Siarka J.	16.1
3. Miller, Siarka J.	15.9
4. Dylewicz, Trefl So.	15.8
5. Kulig, PBG Basket	15.7
6. Motiejunas, Asseco	15.7
7. Micic, PBG Basket	15.7
8. Blassingame, Assec.	15.6
9. Burrell, Energa C.	15.6
10. Koszarek, Trefl S.	15.5

Rebounds Per Game

Darrell HARRIS
  Kotwica
  (208-F/C-84)
  Avg: 11.6

1. Harris, Kotwica	11.6
2. Lawal, Stelmet-Zas.	10.2
3. Hrycaniuk, Asseco	8.3
4. Dluski, LKS Lodz	8.1
5. Burgess, Trefl S.	8.0
6. Archibeque, Stelme.	8.0
7. Turek, Trefl Sopot	7.4
8. Doaks, Siarka J.	7.3
9. Simmons, Polpharma	7.2
10. Bartosz, PBG Bas.	7.1

Assists Per Game

Robert SKIBNIEWSKI
  Slask W.
  (182-G-83)
  Avg: 7.2

1. Skibniewski, Slask	7.2
2. Blassingame, Assec.	6.6
3. Hodge, Stelmet-.	5.7
4. Koszarek, Trefl S.	5.4
5. Wilczek, AZS P.	5.2
6. Milicic, AZS K.	5.0
7. Burrell, Energa C.	4.8
8. Miller, Siarka J.	4.7
9. Micic, PBG Basket	4.5
10. Moore, PGE Turow	4.4

Steals Per Game

Krzysztof SZUBARGA
  Anwil
  (182-PG-84)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Szubarga, Anwil	1.7
2. Skibniewski, Slask	1.5
3. Sapp, Kotwica	1.5
4. Tiller, Siarka J.	1.5
5. Miller, Siarka J.	1.4
6. Dabrowski, Polph.	1.4
7. Ponitka, AZS P.	1.4
8. Hodge, Stelmet-.	1.4
9. Motiejunas, Asseco	1.4
10. Nikolic, PBG Bask.	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Darrell HARRIS
  Kotwica
  (208-F/C-84)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Harris, Kotwica	1.6
2. Eziukwu, AZS K.	1.6
3. Burgess, Trefl S.	1.6
4. Kesicki, Kotwica	1.4
5. Morrison, Energa C.	1.3
6. Karnowski, Siarka	1.2
7. Lawal, Stelmet-Zas.	1.1
8. Lauderdale, PGE T.	1.1
9. Mladenovic, Slask	1.1
10. Doaks, Siarka J.	1.0

Stats Leaders - 1Liga

Points Per Game

Lukasz PACOCHA
  AZS S.
  (182-G-82)
  Avg: 18.5

1. Pacocha, AZS S.	18.5
2. Woloszyn, MKS D.	17.9
3. Niesobski, Sudety	16.7
4. Kostrzewski, Start	15.6
5. Donigiewicz, Rosa	15.5
6. Jarecki, P.Cuk.	15.3
7. Mazur, Polonia	14.8
8. Lewandowski, P.Cuk.	14.0
9. Kukielka, Sportino	13.6
10. Pluta, MOSiR K.	13.6

Rebounds Per Game

Krzysztof MIELCZAREK
  AZS S.
  (198-G/F-81)
  Avg: 11.8

1. Mielczarek, AZS S.	11.8
2. Luszczewski, Start	9.8
3. Wilczek, Sokol Lan.	9.4
4. Mikolajko, Polonia	7.9
5. Wilusz, Sudety	7.1
6. Misiewicz, Znicz B.	7.1
7. Grudzinski, Spojnia	7.0
8. Malewski, Znicz B.	7.0
9. Radke, Rosa Radom	6.9
10. Klima, Sokol Lanc.	6.8

Assists Per Game

Grzegorz GROCHOWSKI
  MKS D.
  (178-PG-93)
  Avg: 5.6

1. Grochowski, MKS D.	5.6
2. Musijowski, Polonia	5.5
3. Basinski, SKK S.	4.9
4. Zytko, P..	4.6
5. Ochonko, Spojnia	4.1
6. Michalski, Start L.	4.1
7. Brek, AZS Kutno	3.9
8. Kardas, Rosa Radom	3.8
9. Wojcicki, SKK S.	3.6
10. Szumelda-K., Znic.	3.4

Steals Per Game

Lukasz ZYTKO
  P..
  (181-G-81)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Zytko, P..	3.5
2. Mielczarek, AZS S.	3.1
3. Szumelda-K., Znicz	3.0
4. Niesobski, Sudety	2.9
5. Lewandowski, P.Cuk.	2.8
6. Sulinski, Znicz B.	2.7
7. Basinski, SKK S.	2.5
8. Pisarczyk, Sokol L.	2.5
9. Szurlej, Sokol L.	2.4
10. Musijowski, Polon.	2.4

Blocks Per Game

Artur DONIGIEWICZ
  Rosa R.
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Donigiewicz, Rosa	1.9
2. Zytko, P..	1.8
3. Klima, Sokol Lancut	1.8
4. Niesobski, Sudety	1.8
5. Oczkowicz, MOSiR K.	1.7
6. Zmarlak, MKS D.	1.7
7. Malecki, AZS Kutno	1.6
8. Wojcicki, SKK S.	1.6
9. Aleksandrowi., Sta.	1.6
10. Mazur, Polonia	1.5

2Liga Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Jakub KAROLAK
  Novum Lublin
  (196-G/F-93)
  Avg: 21.9

1. Karolak, Novum Lub.	21.9
2. Kowalewski, AZS U.	21.4
3. Peciak, MKS L.	19.9
4. Lapinski, Zyrardow.	19.8
5. Sobilo, Pulaski Wa.	19.7
6. Swiech, MKS S.	19.4
7. Kuczynski, Tur B.	18.8
8. Zurawski, Open F.	18.6
9. Ejsmont, GKK G.	18.6
10. Majewski, PWiK P.	17.8

Rebounds Per Game

Mateusz SZWED
  Zyrardow.
  (197-C-91)
  Avg: 12.8

1. Szwed, Zyrardow.	12.8
2. Zabielski, Tur B.	11.8
3. Cygan, Unia Tarnow	10.8
4. Niedzwiedzki, WKK	10.5
5. Fras, Trefl I.	9.8
6. Kwandrans, MKS L.	9.8
7. Mis, Handlopex AZS	9.8
8. Zurawski, Open F.	9.7
9. Sobkowiak, AZS P.	9.3
10. Kuczynski, Tur B.	9.0

Assists Per Game

Marcin STOKLOSA
  Open F.
  (188-G-77)
  Avg: 10.7

1. Stoklosa, Open F.	10.7
2. Hybiak, AZS P.	6.7
3. Paszkiewicz, PWiK	6.5
4. Wluczynski, Ksieza.	6.2
5. Jarosz, MKS S.	5.8
6. Gospodarek, Novum	5.5
7. Kindlik, MKS L.	5.2
8. Rapucha, Tur B.	5.2
9. Grzelinski, WKK O.	5.1
10. Lewandowski, Asto.	5.1

Steals Per Game

Marcin STOKLOSA
  Open F.
  (188-G-77)
  Avg: 5

1. Stoklosa, Open F.	5.0
2. Rapucha, Tur B.	4.4
3. Bojko, Wilki Morsk.	4.3
4. Jarosz, MKS S.	4.2
5. Misztela, UMKS P.	4.0
6. Adamczyk, Pulaski	3.8
7. Hybiak, AZS P.	3.8
8. Zych, Unia Tarnow	3.8
9. Chojecki, Zyrardow.	3.8
10. Wrobel, GTK G.	3.6

Blocks Per Game

Tomasz ZYCH
  Unia Tarnow
  (188-G-87)
  Avg: 3

1. Zych, Unia Tarnow	3.0
2. Lewandowski, Astor.	2.8
3. Misztela, UMKS P.	2.3
4. Szewczyk, Unia T.	2.3
5. Hybiak, AZS P.	2.3
6. Fediuk, UKS S.	2.2
7. Kunc, Staco M.	2.2
8. Paszkiewicz, PWiK	2.2
9. Bojko, Wilki Morsk.	2.1
10. Szwed, Zyrardow.	2.1

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

ROMANIA

CSU Asesoft Ploiesti returns PG Adrian Tudor after one year - by Eurobasket News

Adrian Tudor (182-PG-85) is back to CSU Asesoft Ploiesti after one year. The Romanian point guard played for Ploiesti squad from 2003 to 2008 and later from 2009 to 2011. They won six championship titles together. Ploiesti also was the Cup winner in 2006, 2007 and 2008, plus they won FIBA EuroCup title in 2005.
Adrian Tudor spent last season with Targu Mures. There he had limited playing time averaging 2.1 points, 2.1 assists and 1.5 rebounds for 22 games. In 2010/11, Tudor collected 8.5 ppg, 5.1 apg and 3.5 rpg in 42 league games with Ploiesti. He was named to Eurobasket.com Romanian League All-Domestic Players Team -11. In 2008/09 season Tudor player for Otopeni and he participated at Romanian All-Star Game that year.
Adrian Tudor played for Romanian National Team at 2009 Eurobasket Division B. He had 5.8 ppg, 2 apg and 1.8 rpg in 4 games.

Alexandru Mihuti signs with Timba Timisoara - by Eurobasket News

Alexandru Mihuti (206-F-88) signs with Timba Timisoara for the upcoming season. The Romanian player comes from BC Timisoara.
In 2007-2008 he played for BC Targoviste Bucuresti (Div.A) and in 10 games averaged 2.6ppg, 1.4rpg. In 2008-2009 for BC Targoviste Bucuresti (Div.A) his stats read 3.6ppg, 1.5rpg. In 2009-2010 for CS Elba Timisoara (Div.A) he had 0.4ppg. In 2010-2011 continued for BC Timisoara (Div.A) and after 12 games showed 2.9ppg, 1.9rpg. In 2011-2012 he played for BC Timisoara (Div.A) and played also in Balkan League.
For his Awards/Achievements it is a must to mention that he was a Romanian U18 National Team member-05 and played for Romanian University National Team -09. At the World University Games in Belgrade (Serbia) he had 4pts, 5reb, 1ast, 1steal.
Together with BC Timisoara he reached Romanian League Semifinals -10 and became Romanian Cup Finalist -12.

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

RUSSIA

Olympics 2012: Russia trounce China - by Eurobasket News

Russia - China 73:54

Russia claimed the second straight win at the start of Olympig Games basketball tournament in London. They denied China for 2-0 record in Group B. China fell at 0-2 record after the defeat.
Russia gained control midway through the first term. David Blatt team piled up a 20:12 lead after ten minutes. Russia stayed in full control throughout the second quarter. They posted a 40:25 halftime advantage. Things did not get any better for China in the third quarter. Russia stayed in charge stretching the margin. They accumulated a 22-point lead heading into the fourth frame. China managed to slow down Russia a bit in the final quarter but could not avoid an embarrassing loss at the end. Andrei Kirilenko (209-F-81) finished with 16 points and 9 rebounds for Russia. Alexey Shved added 14 points and 6 assists, while Sasha Kaun (211-C-85) added 13 points for the winners. Jianlian Yi (212-PF-87) answered with 16 points and 7 rebounds for China. Yi Li (203-SF-85) had 9 points in the loss.

Russia: Andrei Kirilenko 16, Alexey Shved 14, Sasha Kaun 13
China: Jianlian Yi 16, Yi Li 9

Josh Carter signs with Spartak St Petersburg - by Eurobasket News

Josh Carter (201-F/G-88, college: Texas A&M) signs with Spartak St Petersburg for 2012/2013 season. The American player agreed to terms with the Russian powerhouse.
Josh Carter comes from Maccabi Ashdod where he spent the last two seasons. In 2010-2011 for Maccabi Ashdod he became the fifth top-scorer with 17.0ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 40.2%, FT: 80.0%. In 2011-2012 his stats read 17.4ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 60.6%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 82.9%.
Over the last few seasons he was named Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Honorable Mention -11. Moreover he participated at the Israeli Premier League All-Star Game -12, made it into Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League 1st Team -12 and became Israeli Premier League Finalist -12.
He is shooting guard with very high skills and is very athletic and should be a significant addition to the group's back court line given his height, athleticism and his ability of being a great defense player. Carter was a member of Team USA age group 22.
In his last season at Texas A&M. he averaged 13.8 points 4.3 rebounds per game a became the player with the most wins in history at A&M.

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

RWANDA

Junior Hoops Team Line Up Warm-Up Games - by Eurobasket News

THE national U-18 men's basketball team will play three build-up matches as they continue their preparations for the African U-18 basketball tournament slated for Maputo-Mozambique from August 16-30.

According to the president of Rwanda Basketball Federation Desire Mugwiza, the proposal to have a training camp in Gabon is not yet finalized but says friendlies against top local clubs APR and Espoir will provide the coach with good knowledge on where and how to improve the team before the continental show piece.

"We want to take the boys to Gabon for training because the weather is similar to the one in Mozambique and they also have a good team which would provide us with good knowledge on how our team is faring but since nothing is finalized, but we have secured friendlies with APR and Espoir," Mugwiza told this paper.

Rwanda beat Kenya 68-29 and 96-34 respectively to claim the zonal qualification slot and the junior hoops team have since returned back to residential camp at La Pallise Nyadungu to intensify their training sessions which are held twice daily at Amahoro.
Courtesy of: The New Times

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

SEBL

Standings

SEBL Standings

North-A Division
1. Marietta Fbr.		6-1
2. Marietta O.		6-1
3. Summer Hill		4-3
4. TN Temple		4-3
5. Baseline		3-4
6. Skyline		3-4
7. Gwinnett E.		1-6
8. BC Howren		0-7
North-B Division
1. Dalton W.		7-0
2. Cartersville T.		6-1
3. Polk County		4-3
4. Columbus S.		3-4
5. Cedartown B.		1-6
6. Bartow B.		0-7
South Division
1. Black Monop.		4-1
2. ABC		4-1
3. Tri-County		4-2
4. Strictly Bus		4-3
5. Da Fellaz		3-2
6. BC Lakers		2-4
7. Reep 3		2-4
8. School Boys		2-4
9. Phoenix		1-5

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

SERBIA

Nikola Dragovic pens deal with Sidigas Avellino - by Eurobasket News

Nikola Dragovic pens deal with Sidigas Avellino for the upcoming season. The Serbian University National Team player moves from Russia.
Last month Spartak Saint Petersburg and Nikola Dragovic split ways. The contract of the player had expired and the team decided not to prolong it.
Nikola Dragovic joined Spartak back in 2010. Last season the Serbian forward notched 1.0 board and 1.0 steal per EuroCup game. In VTB League his stats read 2.1 points and 1.7 rebounds per appearance. Nikola Dragovic also posted 3.1 points and 1.5 boards in PBL. The forward struggled with injuries throughout the season missing bigger part of the games. Spartak Saint Petersburg was the first pro team for Nikola Dragovic. The Serb graduated from UCLA in 2010. He was the member of U16, U18 and U20 Serbian National Teams.

Metalac hires Dragan Nikolic as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Metalac got a new Head Coach. The Serbian squad hired Dragan Nikolic and they signed 1+1 year deal. Nikolic arrives to Metalac after impressive season with BKK Radnicki. They won the promotion from B to A League in 2011 and last season managed to reach the Superleague. BKK Radnicki was the second ranked team in A League with 19-7 record and later they ended as No.7 in Superleague with 4-10 score. Before BKK Radnicki, Dragan Nikolic coached Tamis Petrohemija Pancevo. With them he also was B League champion in 2008. Nikolic was Eurobasket.com All-Serbian B League Coach of the Year -11.
As reported earlier this month, BKK Radnicki hired Marko Icelic as new Head Coach for the next three seasons. Icelic worked last two and a half years with OKK Beograd. They parted ways in December of 2011.

Ilija Milutinovic is a newcomer at Gunma Crane Thunders - by Eurobasket Center

The newcomer in BJ League - Gunma Crane Thunders added to their roster 24-year old Serbian center Ilija Milutinovic (211-C-110kg-88, college: Oakland, agency: Global Sports Plaza). Milutinovic played most recently at Olimpi Tbilisi (Georgia). While playing 28 games for Olimpi last season he averaged 8.5ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.6apg and 1.0bpg (4th best in the league). He helped them to make it to the final. Milutinovic graduated from Oakland University in 2011 and it will be his second season in pro basketball.

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

SLOVAKIA

Longtime Levice's captain Richard Klein retires - by Eurobasket News

Richard Klein (198-F-77) decided to retire from pro basketball. The 35-year-old Slovakian was captain of Astrum Levice over the past few years, but he didn't get contract extension this summer and decided to retire. Klein led Levice to Extraliga title a year ago. He had 6.8 ppg and 4.7 rpg in 48 games. Last season Klein appeared 24 times in Czech NBL with Astrum Levice averaging 2.8 points and 1.4 rebounds. He also added 8.4 ppg and 4.4 rpg for 25 games in Extraliga with Onyx Levice. Richard Klein started basketball career with Leivice and he left them for the first time in 2003 for Czech ASK Chomutov. He returned to Levice that same year and stayed there until 2005. Than, Klain moved to Svit for one year and he spent 2006/07 season with Dolny Kubin. In 2007, he returned to Levice and played there until his summer. Klein participated two times at Extraliga All-Star Game.

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

SLOVENIA

Elektra adds Podvrsnik and Collins, Rogaska inks Kostomaj and Horvat - by Zeljko Zule

Elektra has started to build its roster for the upcoming season by inking its former member Andrej Podvrsnik (186-G-87) and Canadian David Collins (213-C-85, college: Bradley) to a one-year deal. Podvrsnik arrives from local rival Hopsi, where he averaged 11.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.6 assist and 1.3 assists in 25 Telemach League games last season. Podvrsnik already played for Elektra in 2009-10 season. Collins arrives from Canadian side Oshawa Power and over 13 games NBL games he averaged 2.2 points and 3.6 rebounds . Collins already played in Slovenia in 2009-10 season with Zlatorog averaging 5.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.3 blokcs for 9 games.
Rogaska improved its roster by inking Tadej Kostomaj (186-G-87) and Tadej Horvat (196-G-87) for one year. Kostomaj started last season with Slovakian champion Levice and later moved to Croatian side Svjetlost Brod. He averaged 11.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assist in 23 Croatian League games. Horvat arrives from Elektra, where he averaged 11.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 28 Telemach League games.

Union Olimpija returns Finish PG Teemu Rannikko - by Eurobasket News

Teemu Rannikko (188-G-80) is back to Union Olimpija after five years. The Finish point guard signed a deal for the next season. He spent the last two years with Cimberio Varese. The PG registered 7.4 ppg, 3 apg and 1.5 rpg for 31 SerieA games last season. He had almost the same numbers in 2010/11. Before Varese, Rannikko spent one year with Granada and two with Khimky Moscow Region.
As mentioned above, Teemu Rannikko played for Union Olimpija from 2005 to 2007. He helped them win Slovenian championship title and Cup in their first season together. He had 14.5 ppg and 4 apg in domestic league. In Adriatic league and Euroleague Rannikko had even better numbers. In the past, the PG played for Scavolini Pesaro, Rosero and Reggio Emillia. He is active member of the Finish National Team since 1997.

Brose Baskets Bamberg lands Bostjan Nachbar - by Eurobasket News

Brose Baskets Bamberg officially announced signing of Bostjan Nachbar (207-F-80). He passed medical tests and will play for the reigning German champions next season. Nachbar finished 2011/12 with Unics Kazan averaging 4 points and 2.4 rebounds for 7 Euroleague games. He had 3.1 ppg and 2.1 rpg for 10 games in Russia, plus 5.3 ppg and 2.3 rpg in 4 VTB United League appearances. Nachbar played for Efes Pilsen from 2009 to 2011. In 2008/09, the former NBAer was third scorer in Russian league and fourth scorer in EuroCup. He was a member of Dynamo Moscow at that time averaging 16.2 ppg in Russia and almost the same number in EuroCup. Bostjan Nachbar played in the NBA from 2002 to 2008. He spent three years with the Houston Rockets and other three with the New Jersey Nets. In his last NBA season Nachbar averaged 9.8 points and 3.5 rebounds for 75 games.

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

SPAIN

Stats Leaders - ACB

Points Per Game

Andy PANKO
  Lagun A.
  (204-F-77)
  Avg: 18.6

1. Panko, Lagun A.	18.6
2. Doellman, Assignia	16.8
3. Teletovic, Caja L.	15.8
4. Wright, CAI Z.	14.5
5. Penney, Fuenlabra.	14.4
6. Davis, Cajasol	14.1
7. De Colo, Valencia	13.5
8. Hettsheimer, CAI Z.	13.3
9. Navarro, FCB Regal	13.0
10. Freeland, Unicaja	12.9

Rebounds Per Game

James AUGUSTINE
  UCAM M.
  (208-F-84)
  Avg: 8.3

1. Augustine, UCAM M.	8.3
2. Ivanov, Lucentum	7.9
3. Borchardt, B.de R.	7.7
4. Freeland, Unicaja	7.5
5. Davis, Cajasol	7.3
6. Williams, FIATC J.	7.1
7. Caner-Medley, Vale.	6.7
8. Gabriel, Asefa E.	6.5
9. Hettsheimer, CAI Z.	6.4
10. Lasme, Blusens M.	6.3

Assists Per Game

Javier RODRIGUEZ
  Assignia.
  (189-G-79)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Rodriguez, Assigni.	6.5
2. Salgado, Lagun A.	4.3
3. Rodriguez, Bluse.	3.9
4. Rodriguez, Real M.	3.9
5. Prigioni, Caja L.	3.9
6. Llull, Real Madrid	3.9
7. Granger, Asefa E.	3.8
8. Rodriguez, Bluse.	3.8
9. Dumas, B.de R.	3.7
10. Uriz, B.de Rueda	3.4

Steals Per Game

Pablo PRIGIONI
  Caja L.
  (191-PG-77)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Prigioni, Caja L.	1.8
2. Doellman, Assignia	1.5
3. Vidal, Lagun A.	1.5
4. De Colo, Valencia	1.5
5. Uriz, B.de Rueda V.	1.4
6. Calloway, Cajasol	1.4
7. Udoka, UCAM M.	1.4
8. Hanga, Assignia M.	1.4
9. Garbajosa, Unicaja	1.3
10. Granger, Asefa E.	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Stephane LASME
  Blusens M.
  (203-F-82)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Lasme, Blusens M.	1.9
2. Fischer, Gescrap BB	1.9
3. Lasme, Blusens M.	1.9
4. Sene, Fuenlabrada	1.7
5. Toure, B.de R.	1.4
6. Begic, Real Madrid	1.3
7. Vazquez, FCB Regal	1.2
8. Ndong, FCB Regal	1.0
9. Barnes, Lucentum	1.0
10. Zoric, Unicaja	0.9

Stats Leaders - LEB Gold

Points Per Game

Troy DEVRIES
  Melilla
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 19.1

1. DeVries, Melilla	19.1
2. Witt, Knet Clavijo	18.2
3. Feldeine, Breogan	17.7
4. Quezada, Leon	16.5
5. Franklin, Huesca	16.2
6. Bivia, Mallorca	16.0
7. Fernandez, Granada	15.7
8. Moss, Palencia	15.4
9. Leonavicius, Hues.	14.7
10. Antelo, Caceres	14.7

Rebounds Per Game

Olaseni LAWAL
  Knet Clavijo
  (208-F/C-86)
  Avg: 10.6

1. Lawal, Knet Clavijo	10.6
2. Diouf, Palencia	8.8
3. Donaldson, Canarias	8.8
4. Donaldson, Canarias	8.7
5. Kuzmin, Clinicas.	8.6
6. Starosta, Navarra	8.2
7. Antelo, Caceres	7.8
8. Mortellaro, Leon	7.7
9. Sikma, La Palma	7.7
10. Fernandez, Grana.	7.6

Assists Per Game

Oscar ALVARADO
  La Palma
  (184-PG-91)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Alvarado, La Palma	6.1
2. Bivia, Mallorca	5.1
3. Witt, Knet Clavijo	4.5
4. Norris, Lleida	4.3
5. Lopez, Burgos	4.0
6. Sabat, Canarias	3.7
7. Bernabe, Leon	3.7
8. Sabat, Canarias	3.6
9. Perez, Menorca	3.6
10. Quezada, Leon	3.4

Steals Per Game

Alexander FRANKLIN
  Huesca
  (196-PF-88)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Franklin, Huesca	2.5
2. Toledo, Burgos	2.1
3. Bernabe, Leon	2.0
4. Xavier, Palencia	2.0
5. Norris, Lleida	1.9
6. Abrines, Clinic.	1.8
7. Green, Mallorca	1.8
8. Alonso, Mallorca	1.8
9. Rost, Canarias	1.8
10. Rost, Canarias	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Ognjen KUZMIC
  Clinicas.
  (215-C-90)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Kuzmin, Clinicas.	2.1
2. Lawal, Knet Clavijo	1.7
3. Diouf, Palencia	1.6
4. Green, Mallorca	1.3
5. Samb, Granada	1.1
6. Olmos, Caceres	1.1
7. Coleman, Girona	1.1
8. Odiakosa, Melilla	1.1
9. Donaldson, Canarias	0.9
10. Antelo, Caceres	0.9

Olympics 2012: Spain tame Australia - by Eurobasket News

Spain - Australia 82:70

Spain clinched the second straight win at the 2012 Olympic Games. They fired past Australia to improve at 2-0 record in Group B. Australia fell at 0-2 record after the loss. Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) scored 20 points to lead the charge.
Australia opened the game with an aggressive defence. They capitalized taking an early lead. The Boomers posted a 19:14 advantage after ten minutes. However Spain used a 9:0 run midway through the second term to pull in front 26:21. Spain capped the first half leading by five points 37:32. Spain tipped off the second half with 10:0 run to clear off. They unloaded 26 points in the third term to ensure a 21-point lead before the final quarter. Australia tried to stay in the game till the final buzzer. They narrowed the deficit at 10-point mark before losing at the end. Rudy Fernandez (198-SF-85) scored 17 points, while Marc Gasol (216-C-85, agency: Interperformances) provided 12 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Joe Ingles (203-SF-87, agency: Priority Sports) and Brad Newley (199-F/G-85, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 12 points each for the Boomers. Patrick Mills (183-PG-88, college: St.Mary's, CA) had 11 points in the loss.

Spain: Pau Gasol 20, Rudy Fernandez 17, Marc Gasol 12
Australia: Joe Ingles 12, Brad Newley 12, Patrick Mills 11

River Andorra recruit Tomas Hampl - by Eurobasket News

River Andorra deepened their roster. They agreed on terms of contract with Tomas Hampl (215-C-88). The Czech player started the previous season with Bizkaia Bilbao. He averaged 4.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game in ACB. In Euroleague he appeared in just one game scoring 2 points. The centre was loaned to KK Cibona in February. Tomas Hampl posted 1.1 points and 1.5 boards per game in A1 League. In Adriatic League his stats read 3.0 points and 2.6 rebounds per appearance. Previously Tomas Hampl had stints with Santurtzi, Sparta Praha and Pardubice. He was the member of U18 and U20 Czech National Teams.

Navarra land Mansour Kasse - by Eurobasket News

Navarra added new player. They inked contract with Mansour Kasse (207-C-92). The Senegalese centre spent the last season with Real Madrid II. Mansour Kasse notched 8.6 points and 8.8 rebounds per game in EBA. Prevously the centre had spells for European Basketball College Majadahonda, Real Club Nautico de Tenerife. He played for Senegalese U18 National Team.

Dario Saric heads to Bilbao - by Eurobasket News

Dario Saric (208-F/C-94) is close to finalizing the deal with Bizkaia Bilbao. The Spanish team is about to sign a four-year contract with the Basque team. The Croatian centre previously played for KK Zagreb. He tallied 3.9 points, 3.0 rebounds per game in Adriatic League. In Euroleague the centre notched 2.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per appearance. Dario Saric also posted 14.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.0 block per game in A1 League. He participated A1 League All-Star Game in 2012. Dario Saric was the member of U16, U18 and U19 National Teams. Dario Saric was named All-Eurobasket.com European Championship U16 MVP in 2010. He was voted All-Croatian A1 League Defensive Player of the Year in 2011. The centre also made it into All-World Championship U19 2^nd Team in 2011.

Assignia Manresa signs 3-year contract extension with Josh Asselin - by Eurobasket News

Assignia Manresa announced signing of a 3-year contract extension (1+2) with Josh Asselin (210-C/F-78, agency: Duran International, college: Michigan). The American/Dominican big guy arrived to Manresa last summer from Estudiantes Madrid. He had 12.7 ppg and 4.3 rpg in 34 Liga Endesa games. It was enough for the player to secure long-term contract extension. In 2010/11, Asselin had 7.5 ppg and 4.1 rpg for 32 games with Estudiantes. He also added 10.3 ppg and 3.4 rpg in 14 EuroCup appearances. Josh Asselin split 2009/10 season between Cajasol Sevilla and Donetsk. He played for Manresa from 2006 to 2009. Asselin also has experience from Pau-Orthez, Cantabria Lobos, Caceres, Clermont and Puerto Rico.
Josh Asselin is active member of Dominican Republic National Team. He helped Dominicans to win the gold medal at 2012 CentroBasket in San Juan. Asselin had 4.7 ppg and 1.3 rpg for 6 games at this event.

Valladolid signs David Navarro and Antonio Izquierdo - by Eurobasket News

Valladolid signed 1-year deal with David Navarro (192-G/F-83) and Antonio Izquierdo (194-F-93), according to Zonadostres.com.
David Navarro played last season for Menorca averaging 11.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 44 games. He helped the team to win LEB Gold Playoffs and was named to Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Gold 2nd Team. Navarro played for Girona from 2009 until February of 2011. In their last season together he was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Gold Guard of the Year -11. The player had 14.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 2.8 apg for 21 games, after what he joined Valencia for rest of 2010/11 season. With them he had 3 ppg and 1.2 rpg for 16 games in ACB. Navarro had very limited playing time for 7 Euroleague games.
Antonio Izquierdo played last season for EBA team Castilleja Cajasol Sevilla. He appeared 13 times in the league registering 7.5 ppg and 2.5 rpg. In 2010/11, Izquierdo played for Cajasol in ACB.

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

SWITZERLAND

Standings - LNA

LNA Standings

1. BBC Nyon		0-0
2. Boncourt		0-0
3. Fribourg		0-0
4. Geneve Lions		0-0
5. Lugano Tigers		0-0
6. Monthey		0-0
7. Neuchatel		0-0
8. SAM Massagno		0-0
9. SAV Vacallo		0-0
10. Starwings		0-0

Standings - LNB

LNB Standings

1. Acad.Fribourg		0-0
2. BC AKA		0-0
3. Bern		0-0
4. Blonay Basket		0-0
5. GC Zurich		0-0
6. Kusnacht-Erl.		0-0
7. Lausanne		0-0
8. Meyrin Geneve		0-0
9. Pully		0-0
10. Swiss Central		0-0
11. Vevey		0-0
12. Villars		0-0

1LN Standings

1LN Standings

East
1. Agaune		0-0
2. Baden		0-0
3. Birsfelden		0-0
4. Boncourt U23		0-0
5. Gordola		0-0
6. Lug.Tigers U23		0-0
7. Massagno U23		0-0
8. Rapid Bienne		0-0
9. Solothurn		0-0
10. Starwings U23		0-0
11. Winterthur		0-0
West
1. Chene		0-0
2. Collombey-Muraz		0-0
3. Cossonay		0-0
4. La Chx-de-F.		0-0
5. Morges		0-0
6. Nyon U23		0-0
7. Ovronnaz-Mart.		0-0
8. Renens		0-0
9. Sion		0-0
10. Vevey U23		0-0

Vevey Riviera Basket inks deal with Stephane Grau - by Eurobasket News

Vevey Riviera Basket got a new reinforcement for 2012/13. The team penned a deal with 20-year-old Swiss player Stephane Grau (192-F-92). He will be used at positions 2 and 3. Grau arrives to the club from BBC Monthey, where he spent last few seasons. In the latest one he had very limited playing time with Monthey averaging 1.4 points for 23 LNA games. Grau had the same role in 2010/11 and during that season he spent some time with LNB team Ovronnaz-Martigny Basket. Monthey reached LNA Semis and Cup Finals in 2011 and this year as well. Stephane Grau played for U18 Swiss National Team two years ago. He had 3.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 1.6 apg for 8 games at U18 EuroBasket Division in Israel.
Earlier this month, Vevey Riviera Basket returned Coco Kashama (196-F-81) for the next season.

Tommy Freeman joins SAM Massagno - by Luca Maffioli

SAM Basket Massagno officialy announced signing of Tommy Freeman (195-F-88, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Ohio). The American small forward spent last season in United Kingdom. He played with Worcester Wolves and he averaged 19.7 points (FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 86.6%), 3.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists. Freeman graduated at Ohio University and in his last season he had 11.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.0 steals. He finished his career as Ohio University's all-time leader in career three-point field goals made (259).

Starwings lands Dobbins - by Eurobasket Center

Justin Dobbins (203-C/F-87, college: E.Michigan, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) has signed a contract to play for Starwings Basket Regio Basel in Switzerland's top league during the 2012-13 season. Starwings, which finished sixth in the league with a record of 9-15, will welcome the inside scoring and rebounding presence that Dobbins brings as the club looks to improve on last year's first-round playoff exit.

Dobbins played the majority of last season with the Sheffield Sharks in the British Basketball League before moving to the MK Lions. In 19 games with the Sharks, Justin averaged 16.6 ppg, 10.2 rpg and 1.4 big and in the final six games with Marshall Milton Keynes Lions, he averaged 17.3 ppg and 9.8 rpg, while shooting 59.7% from the field. Dobbins spent the 2010-11 season with the Worcester Wolves of the United Kingdom BBL and averaged 17.9 ppg and 7.8 rpg. Dobbins graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2010 where he received All-League honors in the Mid-American Conference as a senior.

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TUNISIA

Olympics 2012: USA ease past Tunisia - by Eurobasket News

USA - Tunisia 110:63

USA earned the second win at the Olympic basketball tournament. They knocked down Tunisia in Group A for 2-0 record. Tunisia fell at 0-2 record after the loss. Kevin Love (6'10''-PF-88, college: UCLA) and Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-SF-84, college: Syracuse) came up with 16 points each to lead the winners.
The African champions quite unexpectedly managed to stay close throughout the opening quarter. They trailed by just 6 points 21:15. Tunisia tried to stay within reachable distance throughout the second quarter. Team USA however managed to take a 46:33 halftime lead. USA tipped off the second half with 10 points in a row. They gained the tempo and raced to a comfortable 85:47 lead with ten minutes remaining. Team USA never looked back in the final quarter rolling to a confident victory at the end. Kevin Durant (6'9''-SF-88, college: Texas) finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Anthony Davis (6'10''-C-93, college: Kentucky) added 12 points for the winning side. Macram Ben Romdhane (6'9''-PF-89, agency: Prossin Sports Management) delivered 22 points and 11 rebounds for Tunisia. Mohamed Hadidane (6'10''-PF-86) had 11 points in the loss.

USA: Kevin Love 16, Carmelo Anthony 16, Kevin Durant 13+10 boards
Tunisia: Macram Ben Romdhane 22+11 boards, Mohamed Hadidane 11

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

TURKEY

Ismail Cevik joins Olin Edrine for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

Olin Edrine reinforced its roster under the basket. They penned a 1-year deal with Turkish big guy Ismail Cevik (206-F-81). The 31-year-old player registered 7.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg and 1.3 bpg in 43 TB2L games last season with Selcuk. He was top shot blocker of the league and was named to Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TB2L Defensive Player of the Year -12. Selcuk was regular season champ and later reached TB2L Semifinals. Befor Selcuk, Ismail Cevik spent one season with Besiktas, but he had limited playing time. In 2009/10 he played for Aliaga and in 2008/09 Cevik played for Selcuk. The cooperated also in 2006/07. In the past, Ismail Cevik was a member of Antalya, ITU, Karsiyaka and Fenerbahce.
Gokhan Tastimur will stay with Olin Edrine as Head Coach.

Krasiyaka adds G Soner Senturk - by Eurobasket News

Pinar Krasiyaka is very active on the transfer market after arrival of the new Head Coach Ufuk Sarica. Their latest addition is Turkish guard Soner Senturk (194-G-86, agency: 1x1 Sports). The 26-year-old player had 9.3 ppg, 4.9 apg and 3.8 rpg for 30 TBL games last season. He finished as No.5 in assists and participated at TBL All-Star Game. Before Erdemir, Senturk played one year for Bornova. With them he averaged 8.1 points, 4 rebounds and 4.8 assists for 30 games. In 2009/10, Senturk was a member of Turk Telekom and before that he played several years for Darussafaka. He made pro debut with Dacka as 16-year-old player.
Soner Senturk was a member of Turkish B National Team last summer. In 2009, he played for Turkish University National Team registering 9.9 ppg, 5 rpg and 3.3 apg for 7 games at World University Games in Belgrade. In the past, Senturk played for U20 and U18 Turkey.

Caner Topaloglu heads to Pinar Karsiyaka - by Eurobasket News

Caner Topaloglu (199-F-85) is a new member of Pinar Karsiyaka, according to Solobasket.net. The player inked a 1-year deal with his new club. Topaoglu had 3.3 ppg and 1.4 rpg in 24 TBL games with Galatasaray last season. He also got chance in 11 Euroleague games averaging less than a point. The player arrived to Galatasaray three years ago. They won President Cup last season and reached TBL Finals in 2011. Galata was also the regular season champ this year, but failed to reach the Finals. From 2006 to 2009 Caner Topaoglu was a member of Banvit and reached Cup Finals with them in 2007. That same year the forward played for Turkish University National Team. In the past, he also played for U21, U18 and U16 Turkey.

Usak Universitesi inks Yetim, Selcuk adds Yilmaz, Istanbul BB extends Kolaric - by Eurobasket News

Usak Universitesi signed a deal with Erhan Yetim (204-F-87) for the next season. The Turkish forward appeared just 7 times for Olin Edrine last season. He split 2010/11 season between Selcuk and Kepez. From 2006 to 2009, Yetim was a member of Karsiyaka and after that he played one year for Erdemir. From 2003 to 2009, he played for Turkish U16, U18, U20 and University National Teams.
Selcuk brought in Oktay Yilmaz (205-C/F-83) for 2012/13. He played last season for Trabzon and before that for Erdemir. Yilmaz also has experience from Antalya, Banvit, Mersin and Darussafaka. However, he also had pretty limited playing time.
Istanbul Buyuksehir Belediyesi signed a 1-year contract extension with Marko Kolaric (213-F/C-84, college: Chaminade). He had 10.9 ppg and 10 rpg for 37 games last season in TB2L. Kolaric won TB2L title with Genc Banvit in 2011 and he was named Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TB2L Center of the Year.

Galatasaray agreed with Macvan, not withdraw Buckman deal - by Ugur Turker

Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul is so close to add Milan Macvan (206-C-89, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) to its roster. Representative of Serbian Player Zoran Savic admitted developments to Eurobaske.com Turkey but " We are in table, agreement is soon but not finished " he said. It is expected 2 year contract will be signed and Galatasaray will pay $200.000 for buyout.
After Macvan agreement, it is claimed that Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul withdrawed the agreement with Bradley Buckman (203-F-84, college: Texas) that was announced by Murat zyer. Close to player deny this speculation " There is nothing new between two sides, Buckman is waiting for deal between Galatasaray and Tofas over buyout fee. He is already player of Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul " he said. It seems that Galatasaray will sign with both player.

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

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Raja Bell refusing to accept Utah Jazz's buyout offer, source says - by David Edole

Brian T. Smith

The Raja Bell (196-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances, college: FIU) saga goes on.

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

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

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

Messages left Monday for Bell and his agent, Herb Rudoy, weren't immediately returned.

Technically, Bell is still under contract with the Jazz and set to make $3.4 million in 2012-13. With second-round pick Kevin Murphy expected to compete for a contract during training camp if he's not signed sooner, the small-market organization is losing flexibility Bell and Murphy would give the Jazz 15 players if the season started Monday.

Bell, 35, averaged 6.4 points and 1.4 rebounds during the 2011-12 season in 34 games (33 starts). He played in only one contest after March 15, though, dealing with a left knee injury and publicly clashing with coach Tyrone Corbin several times.

During an exit interview, Bell said Corbin made things "personal" Bell didn't play against San Antonio during a first-round playoff series, despite being healthy and the 12-year veteran made it clear he didnt want to ever play for Utah again.

Bell said July 8 he'd received interest from several teams, and he's been linked to Miami and the Los Angeles Lakers. A league source told The Tribune last week, though, that Bell wasn't close to signing with a new club.

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UBA

Standings

UBA Standings

Eastern
1. Cambridge C.		0-0
2. Cincinnati S.		0-0
3. Dayton K.		0-0
4. Ohio H.G.		0-0
Southern
1. Atlanta A.		0-0
2. Georgia P.		0-0
3. Georgia S.		0-0
4. GIE Maile M.		0-0
5. Louisville L.		0-0
6. S.Generals		0-0
Western
1. Cleveland H.		0-0
2. Dallas G.		0-0
3. Houston E.		0-0
4. Longstar S.		0-0
5. N.Texas F.		0-0
6. Texas C.		0-0
Dleague
1. Austin K.		0-0
2. DFW Warriors		0-0
3. Queen City G.		0-0

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UNITED KINGDOM

BBL Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Demarius BOLDS
  MK Lions
  (190-G-84)
  Avg: 24.3

1. Bolds, MK Lions	24.3
2. Bell, Plymouth R.	20.3
3. Chapman, Newcastl.	20.2
4. Brown, Cheshire.	19.7
5. Freeman, Worceste.	19.4
6. Rundles, Leiceste.	19.3
7. Smith, Newcastl.	18.8
8. Gordon, Worceste.	18.5
9. Langhurst, Sheffie.	18.2
10. Green, Glasgow	17.9

Rebounds Per Game

Daniel NORTHERN
  MK Lions
  (206-F/C-85)
  Avg: 12.1

1. Northern, MK Lions	12.1
2. Williams, Plymouth	11.2
3. Tuck, Sheffield S.	11.0
4. Schneck, Cheshire.	10.7
5. Dobbins, Sheffield	10.2
6. Gordon, Worceste.	9.5
7. Cricelli, Mersey T.	9.0
8. Thomson, Newcastl.	9.0
9. Cole, Cheshire Jets	8.9
10. Hardy, Leicester	8.4

Assists Per Game

Ayron HARDY
  Leicester R.
  (195-F-88)
  Avg: 5.1

1. Hardy, Leicester R.	5.1
2. Brown, Cheshire.	5.0
3. Bolds, MK Lions	4.7
4. Prezzie-Blue, Worc.	4.7
5. Green, Glasgow	4.4
6. Patton, Sheffiel.	4.4
7. Bailey, Mersey Tig.	4.3
8. Rundles, Leiceste.	4.3
9. Flournoy, Newcastl.	4.1
10. Bucci, Durham W.	3.8

Steals Per Game

Demarius BOLDS
  MK Lions
  (190-G-84)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Bolds, MK Lions	2.9
2. Hardy, Leicester R.	2.5
3. Brown, Cheshire.	2.1
4. Gause, Newcastl.	1.8
5. Smith, Newcastl.	1.8
6. Capocci, Durham W.	1.7
7. Cricelli, Mersey T.	1.5
8. Bell, Plymouth R.	1.5
9. Lasker, Guildfor.	1.4
10. Elderkin, Durham	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Bill COLE
  Cheshire Jets
  (205-F-89)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Cole, Cheshire Jets	2.3
2. Northern, MK Lions	1.9
3. Dobbins, Sheffield	1.4
4. Gordon, Worceste.	1.2
5. Royster, Leiceste.	1.1
6. Williams, Plymouth	1.1
7. Hardy, Leicester R.	1.0
8. Smith, Newcastl.	0.7
9. Flournoy, Newcastl.	0.7
10. Williams, Cheshir.	0.7

EBL Div.1 Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Vernon TEEL
  Leopards
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 23.8

1. Teel, Leopards	23.8
2. Kakad, Derby T.	23.5
3. Krubally, Leopards	20.8
4. Rivers, Worthing.	20.2
5. Toluwase, Brixt.	19.6
6. Tullis, Worthing T.	18.2
7. Berry, Tees V.	17.8
8. Fenyn, Medway Park	16.9
9. Small, Worthing T.	16.8
10. Sulcs, Bradford D.	16.6

Rebounds Per Game

Ousman KRUBALLY
  Leopards
  (198-F-88)
  Avg: 13.8

1. Krubally, Leopards	13.8
2. Rivers, Worthing.	13.1
3. Silcott, Bradford.	10.3
4. Bolomo, Tees V.	9.7
5. Whittington, Derby	9.7
6. Demba-Kasse, Brixt.	9.5
7. Teel, Leopards	9.1
8. Bowne, Bristol AF	9.1
9. Fenyn, Medway Park	8.4
10. Adorian, Brixton	7.4

Assists Per Game

Vernon TEEL
  Leopards
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 8.9

1. Teel, Leopards	8.9
2. Vear, Medway Park	7.4
3. Edmunds, Bradford.	5.6
4. Popoola, Westmins.	5.1
5. Lascelles, Derby T.	4.6
6. Ciesla, Bradford D.	4.4
7. Streete, Bristol AF	4.3
8. Tullis, Worthing T.	3.5
9. Small, Worthing T.	3.5
10. Silcott, Bradford.	3.1

Steals Per Game

Vernon TEEL
  Leopards
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Teel, Leopards	3.1
2. Small, Worthing T.	2.8
3. Sulcs, Bradford D.	2.7
4. Toluwase, Brixt.	2.1
5. Silcott, Bradford.	2.0
6. Popoola, Westmins.	2.0
7. Edmunds, Bradford.	2.0
8. Treasure, Brist.	1.9
9. Krubally, Leopards	1.6
10. Gayle, Derby T.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Troy WHITTINGTON
  Derby T.
  (198-C-)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Whittington, Derby	2.7
2. Tullis, Worthing T.	2.1
3. Garcia, Bristol AF	1.5
4. Teel, Leopards	1.0
5. Bowne, Bristol AF	1.0
6. Bulambwe, Westmi.	0.9
7. Amato, Worthing T.	0.9
8. Bolomo, Tees V.	0.9
9. Matzeder, Readi.	0.7
10. McGrew, Bradford.	0.7

Olympics 2012: Great Britain's courageous performance not enough against Brazil - by Eurobasket News

Great Britain-Brazil 62:67

The Great Britain put up a courageous performance on Tuesday night, but lost to Brazil 62:67 at the Olympic Basketball Arena in London. The Brazilian team improved to 2-0 record, while the hosts fell at 0-2.
It was a great start of the home side that erupted with the defensive 11-4 lead and limited the guests only to 2 successful shots. Brazil woke up in the second frame and replied with 23-16 for 27:27 at the halftime. The teams were tied three times in the third period, while Barbosa and Anderson Varejao (205-C-82) closed the frame at 48:43. Nathan Reinking (188-G-73, college: Kent St.) nailed three early in the fourth period for 51:50 and Luol Deng (206-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) made 57:56 midway through the period. Brazil however managed to win the game as they dominated the end of the quarter.
Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Marcelinho Huertas (191-PG-83, agency: Edge Sports) notched 13. Anderson Varejao and Marquinhos Vieira (207-F-84) followed them with 8 points apiece. Pops Mensah-Bonsu (206-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: G.Washington) and Nathan Reinking poured in 13 points each in the losing effort. Luol Deng notched 12, while Daniel Clark (210-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) finished the night with 9.

Great Britain: Pops Mensah-Bonsu 13+13 rebs, Nathan Reinking 13, Luol Deng 12, Daniel Clark 9
Brazil: Tiago Splitter 21, Marcelinho Huertas 13, Anderson Varejao 8 Marquinhos Vieira 8

Eighth Season For Defoe On Tyneside - by Paul Nilsen

Newcastle Eagles centre Darrius Defoe (204-F-84) has signed up for his eighth season on Tyneside. The 6'8" Londoner has played a part in all 17 of the Eagles trophy wins in the last eight seasons.

The Eagles are delighted to welcome back the 27-year-old who last season was voted Most Improved Player by the clubs fans during the sides clean sweep season. During the course of his time with the Eagles Defoe has improved year on year most noticeably his outside shooting. In recent times he has taken on more of a leadership role within the team. Defoe averages over 12 points and 8 rebounds per game, making him one of most valuable British big men in the league.

Player coach Fab Flournoy could not hide his delight at the signing of Defoe.

'Darius is a critical part of our unit. I am really pleased we are able to bring him back for next year. Adding him to Charles and Joe really means that we have a head start with our continuity. I expect Darius to have another excellent year and to impose himself as one of the best centres in the league'.

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

URUGUAY

Club Atletico Marne sign Eric Freeman - by Eurobasket Center

Club Atletico Marne (Metropolitan) signed 33-year old American center Eric Freeman (205-C-105kg-79, college: Ky Wesleyan, agency: Gamble Sports Management). Freeman played most recently at Tiro Federal (Argentina). He is a very experienced player. Freeman played also pro basketball in Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Honduras, Hungary, Mexico, New Zealand, Venezuela and USA. He graduated from Kentucky Wesleyan College in 2004 and it will be his nineth season in pro basketball.

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

ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwean Julian Mavunga will play for Biella - by Eurobasket News

Zimbabwean Julian Mavunga (203-F-90) will play for Biella for the next season. The player will debut in Europe next season.
In 2008-2009 he started for Miami, OH (NCAA) and in 30 games averaged 3.4ppg, 2.2rpg. In 2009-2010 his stats read 10.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 69.1%. In 2010-2011 he improved to high 14.8ppg, 8.2rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 70.5%. The last season for Miami his stats read 16.4ppg, 9.0rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 48.4%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 73.4%.
In 2012 Julian Mavunga participated at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft) and in 3 games averaged 13.3ppg, 8.3rpg, 3.3apg, 1.0spg. Later in July he was at AirTran Orlando Summer League (Indiana Pacers) and in 2 games showed 7.0ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.5apg.
Last season he made it into NABC Division I All-District 14 1st Team -12.

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

Women News

Standings - AWBL

AWBL Standings

1. Basket Flames		0-0
2. BC Vienna		0-0
3. BK Duchess		0-0
4. Fl.Foxes		0-0
5. UBBC		0-0
6. UBI Graz		0-0

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

BELGIUM

U18 Belgium has no mercy for U18 Romania, 84-44 - by Eurobasket News

U18 BELGIUM - U18 ROMANIA 84-44

Belgium destroyed Romania 84-44 in the second game of Group G in Bucharest. Belgium jumped to 2-0 in this pool staying on top of it, together with Czech Republic. At the other side, Romania dropped to 0-2. The host of U18 EuroBasket is in very difficult situation now and most likely will face with relegation to Division B. Only the winner of Group G will survive in Division A. Belgium made 27-point lead at the halftime and all after that was just the formality. Quarters: 21-10, 23-7, 19-10, 21-17. Antonia Delaere (176-F/G-94) scored 19 points and Hind Ben Abdelkader (170-SF-95) had two less for the winners. Axelle Bernard (183-C-95) collected 8 pts and 10 rebs. In Romania, Dora Ardelean (186-PF-94) had 10 points and Iulia Raileanu (189-PF-95) added 8 pts, plus 10 rebs. In the next game, Belgium will meet Czech Republic. Romania will take on also winless Poland.

Belgium: Antonia Delaere 19, Hind Ben Abdelkader 17, Axelle Bernard 8+10 boards
Romania: Dora Ardelean 10, Iulia Raileanu 8+10 boards

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

BULGARIA

Montana inks deal with Radostina Slavova - by Eurobasket News

Radostina Slavova-Naneva (188-F/C-86) is back to Bulgaria after two years. The National Team forward signed a one-season deal with Montana. Slavova arrives to the club from Mercede Basket Alghero, where she had 13.6 ppg, 9.5 rpg and 2.4 spg for 25 games in Italian A2 last season. She played for the same club also in 2010/11. Before that Slavova played one year for Slavia Sofia. She shined with 16.8 ppg and 9.5 rpg for 12 NBL games. In 2006, Radostina Slavova-Naneva was named Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League Co-Player of the Year -06. She was a member of Lukoil Neftochimik at that time.
Radostina Slavova-Naneva is active member of the Bulgarian National Team since 2005. She appeared 7 times in 2013 EuroBasket Qualification averaging 1 point and 3.3 rebounds. She had better numbers in 2009 and 2011 Eurobasket Qualifications.

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

CHILE

CROATIA

U18 Croatia celebrates second win in Group F in Bucharest, second loss for U18 Italy - by Eurobasket News

U18 CROATIA - U18 ITALY 75-56

Croatia outplayed Italy 75-56 in very important game in Bucharest. Both teams now have 2-2 record in Group F of the second stage at U18 EuroBasket and both have a good chance to reach the Quarterfinals. Lana Packovski (170-G-94) top-scored in Croatia with 20 points and Ivana Tikvic (189-C-94) added 17 points, plus 10 rebounds. Ruzica Dzankic (179-SF-94) followed them with 16 points and 5 rebs. In Italy, Elisa Penna (185-F-95) shined with 22 points (5/5 for 3-pts). Antonia Peresson (183-PG-95) (6 rebs) and Ilaria Milazzo (167-PG-94) netted 9 and 8 points respectively. Quarters: 19-14, 21-12, 15-17, 20-13. In the last day of the second stage Croatia will meet Slovenia. Italy's rival will be Holland. Four of six teams from Group F will book a spot for the Quarterfinals and only Slovenia is without the chance to do it.

Croatia: Lana Packovski 20, Ivana Tikvic 17+10 boards, Ruzica Dzankic 16+5 boards
Italy: Elisa Penna 22, Antonia Peresson 9+6 boards, Ilaria Milazzo 8

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

CZECH REPUBLIC

U18 Czech Republic jumps to 2-0 in Group G - by Eurobasket News

U18 CZECH REPUBLIC - U18 POLAND 63-52

Czech Republic registered its second straight win in Group F of U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. They handed 63-52 loss to Poland on Tuesday. Czech Republic has 2-0 record now in this pool, while Poland dropped to 0-2. Only the group winner will survive in Division A. Mariana Opocenska (184-PF-95) shined for Czech Republic with 16 points and 6 rebounds, and Sarka Jozova (174-SG-94) helped with 13 points and 6 rebs. Kamila Hoskova (174-SF-95) netted 10 points. Poland got 12 points from Dominika Owczarzak (169-PG-94) and Magdalena Wojdalska (185-SG-94) had 11 pts, plus 7 rebs. Their third scorer was Angelika Stankiewicz (170-SG-95) with 8 points. Quarters: 16-13, 16-9, 14-20, 17-10. In the next game, Czech Republic will meet also undefeated Belgium. Poland will play against the host - Romania (0-2).

Czech Republic: Mariana Opocenska 16+6 boards, Sarka Jozova 13+6 boards, Kamila Hoskova 10
Poland: Dominika Owczarzak 12, Magdalena Wojdalska 11+7 boards, Angelika Stankiewicz 8

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

EUROLEAGUE

Perfumerias names Alberto Miranda new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Alberto Miranda is the new Head Coach of Perfumerias Avenida, according to Lovewomensbasketball.com. He worked last two years as Assistant Coach. In 2009/10 season Miranda was Head Coach of Grupo Inec Zamora (EBA), after what he joined Perfumerias. Over the past two years he worked under Lucas Mondelo. Earlier this summer Mondelo and Perfumerias parted ways and the coach signed in China. His new team is Shanxi Xing Rui Flame. Reportedly, Perfumerias wanted to hire Jorge Mendez, but the coach turned down that offer due to family reasons.
Raquel Romo will work as Assistant Coach of Perfumerias next season. So far he worked with Perfumerias youth teams.
As Assistant Coach, Alberto Miranda won Euroleague and LFB titles with Perfumerias a year ago. Last season they grabbed Spanish Cup trophy.

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

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18

W-Standings - Group A

Standings

Group E
1. Spain		3-1
2. France		3-1
3. Turkey		3-1
4. Russia		2-2
5. Sweden		1-3
6. Greece		0-4
Group F
1. Holland		3-1
2. Croatia		2-2
3. Italy		2-2
4. Serbia		2-2
5. Slovakia		2-2
6. Slovenia		1-3
Group G (Places 13-16)
1. Belgium		2-0
2. Czech Rep.		2-0
3. Poland		0-2
4. Romania		0-2

Second Stage: Round 5

Jul. 31: ESP - TUR 78-53
Jul. 31: FRA - RUS 58-68
Jul. 31: GRE - SWE 56-58

Jul. 31: CRO - ITA 75-56
Jul. 31: NED - SRB 68-66 OT
Jul. 31: SLO - SVK 54-72

Jul. 31: BEL - ROM 84-44
Jul. 31: CZE - POL 63-52

Second Stage: Round 6

Aug. 1: RUS - SWE
Aug. 1: TUR - FRA
Aug. 1: ESP - GRE

Aug. 1: ITA - NED
Aug. 1: SRB - SVK
Aug. 1: CRO - SLO

Aug. 1: CZE - BEL
Aug. 1: POL - ROM

Div.A Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Paulina HERSLER
(190-PF-94)
Avg: 21.6

1. Hersler, SWE	21.6
2. Ben Abdelkad., BEL	18.0
3. Arrojo, ESP	16.6
4. Bilgic, TUR	16.0
5. Tikvic, CRO	16.0
6. Stamolamprou, GRE	15.0
7. Packovski, CRO	14.6
8. Slim, NED	14.4
9. Balintova, SVK	14.0
10. Lisec, SLO	14.0

Rebounds Per Game

Eva LISEC
(191-C-95)
Avg: 13.4

1. Lisec, SLO	13.4
2. Hruscakova, SVK	11.4
3. Tikvic, CRO	10.0
4. Begic, CRO	9.8
5. Badiane, FRA	9.6
6. Stankovic, SRB	8.8
7. Gaye, FRA	8.8
8. Hof, NED	7.8
9. Fouraki, GRE	7.4
10. Hersler, SWE	7.2

Assists Per Game

Aleksandra STANACEV
(167-PG-94)
Avg: 4.6

1. Stanacev, SRB	4.6
2. Epoupa, FRA	4.2
3. Gabrovsek, SLO	3.6
4. Ben Abdelkad., BEL	3.4
5. Eriksson, SWE	3.2
6. Havlikova, CZE	3.2
7. Begic, CRO	3.0
8. Mandic, SRB	3.0
9. Stromberg, SWE	2.6
10. Slamova, SVK	2.6

Steals Per Game

Leticia ROMERO
(177-G-95)
Avg: 3.2

1. Romero, ESP	3.2
2. Owczarzak, POL	2.7
3. Epoupa, FRA	2.6
4. Sorokina, RUS	2.5
5. Gavrila, ROM	2.4
6. Bilgic, TUR	2.2
7. Palenikova, SVK	2.0
8. Aydin, TUR	2.0
9. Tikvic, CRO	2.0
10. Gladkova, RUS	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Dragana STANKOVIC
  SRB
  (188-PF-95)
  Avg: 3

1. Stankovic, SRB	3.0
2. Tikvic, CRO	3.0
3. Gaye, FRA	1.8
4. Badiane, FRA	1.2
5. Hersler, SWE	1.2
6. de Jonge, NED	1.0
7. Fouraki, GRE	1.0
8. Marchenkova, RUS	1.0
9. Bende, BEL	0.8
10. Ayayi, FRA	0.8

Division A: Day Five in Bucharest - by Eurobasket News

Group E

France - Russia 58-68
Russia grabbed very important 68-58 win against France on Tuesday. Thanks to this victory Russia improved to 2-2 record in Group E of U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. At the other side, it was the first loss for France, who has 3-1 now. Russia will meet Sweden in do-or-die game on Wednesday. The winner will advance to the next stage. Julia Gladkova (183-F-94) led Russia with 17 points and Albina Razheva (188-PF-94) had 16 pts, plus 6 boards against France. Olga Novikova (177-G-94) helped with 10 points and 9 rebounds. In defeat, Valeriane Ayayi (184-F-94) scored 16 points and Aby Gaye (193-C-95) had double-double of 13 pts and 13 rebs. Olivia Epoupa (168-PG-94) stopped to 8 pts in this meeting. Russia had 2-point lead after 30 minutes, after what they shined in Q4 to hand France the first loss. Quarters: 21-11, 14-19, 10-13, 23-15). As mentioned above, Russia's next rival will be Sweden. France will meet Turkey and still hopes to win the first place in Group E.

Greece - Sweden 56-58
Both teams had 0-3 record in Group E of U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. Sweden grabbed 58-56 victory mostly thanks to Paulina Hersler (190-PF-94), who scored their last five points in the game. Greece had the last possession with only 3 seconds left, but Anna Stamolamprou (171-PG-95) was unable to score for 3. Sweden has 1-3 record now and will meet Russia on Wednesday in do-or-die game. The winner will advance to Quarterfinals. Hersler scored 23 points and pulled down 9 rebounds on Tuesday. Linnea Frykbo (169-SG-94) scored 12 points and Gabriella Hanson (180-SG-95) added 9 pts, plus 13 boards. At the other side, Greece got 18 points and 5 rebs from Stamolamprou. Amanda Lovely (180-PF-94) (5 rebs) and Vasiliki Tarla (181-SF-94) (6 rebs) netted 10 and 9 points respectively. Quarters: 14-19, 15-15, 11-9, 16-15. Greece will play against Spain in the last game of the second stage in Bucharest.

Spain - Turkey 78-53
Spain demonstrated wonderful performance against Turkey on Tuesday in Bucharest. Spain celebrated 78-53 win and joined its rival with 3-1 record in Group E of U18 EuroBasket. Both teams already booked a ticket for the Quarterfinals, but thanks to this win Spain will most likely end as No.1 in the group. Spain took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 23-16, 26-15, 20-9, 9-13. Maria Arrojo (186-F-85) led the winners with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Elena De Alfredo (170-G-94) also scored 18 pts and Irene Gari (184-F-94) helped with 13. In defeat, Pelin Bilgic (173-G-94) was better than the others with 18 points. Merve Aydin (174-PG-94) was their second scorer with 9 pts. Wednesday is the last day of the second stage in Bucharest. Spain will meet Greece, while Turkey will play against France.

Group F

Holland - Serbia 68-66 OT
Holland grabbed 68-66 thriller win against Serbia jumping to 3-1 record in Group F of the second stage at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. Thanks to this victory Holland booked a spot for the Quarterfinals. Serbia dropped to 2-2 in this pool, but they still have a chance to advance. Serbia will have to beat Slovakia on Wednesday in do-or-die game. Kourtney Treffers (186-PF-94) stepped up for Holland with 19 points and 9 rebounds, while Isabella Slim (181-F-95) helped with 14 points. Laura Cornelius (174-PG-96) shined with double-double of 12 points and 13 rebs. In Serbia, Sanja Mandic (177-G-95) had 20 points and 6 rebounds, and Natasa Kovacevic (187-F-94) added 11 pts, 7 rebs and 5 assists. Third scorer in defeat was Jovana Vidakovic (171-PG-94) with 10 points. Cornelius made a triple for Holland setting the score to 60-60 with 49 seconds left in regular time, after what both teams were scoreless so the game went to OT. Kathmann and Cornelius lifted Holland to 68-66 with 12 seconds remaining in OT, but Serbia had the last possession. Kovacevic tried to score from behind the arc, but she missed and Vidakovic grabbed offensive rebound after that. Stanacev also tried for 3 at the buzzer, but it was another miss and Holland booked a spot for the Quarterfinals. In the next game, Holland will meet Italy.

Slovenia - Slovakia 54-72
Slovakia handed 72-54 loss to Slovenia on Tuesday in Bucharest. Thanks to this win Slovakia improved to 2-2 record in Group F of the second stage and kept its Quarterfinals hopes alive. Slovakia will meet Serbia in do-or-die game on Wednesday. The winner will end as No.4 in this pool and will book a spot for the QFinals. At the other side, Slovenia dropped to 1-3 with no chance to advance. Slovakia had 10-point lead at the halftime and later shined in Q4 to take the victory in this meeting. Quarters: 20-15, 15-10, 15-20, 22-9. Angelika Slamova (173-G-94) stepped up for the winners with 18 points and Zofia Hruscakova (190-C-95) added 17 pts, plus 9 boards. Barbora Balintova (176-G-94) collected 14 pts, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in this victory. In defeat, Sara Meden (170-PG-94) top-scored with 18 points. Eva Lisec (191-C-95) had 15 pts and 10 boards, while Nina Gabrovsek (168-PG-94) stopped to 6 points and 6 rebs. Wednesday is the last day of the second stage in Bucharest. Slovenia will play against Croatia.

Croatia - Italy 75-56
Croatia outplayed Italy 75-56 in very important game in Bucharest. Both teams now have 2-2 record in Group F of the second stage at U18 EuroBasket and both have a good chance to reach the Quarterfinals. Lana Packovski (170-G-94) top-scored in Croatia with 20 points and Ivana Tikvic (189-C-94) added 17 points, plus 10 rebounds. Ruzica Dzankic (179-SF-94) followed them with 16 points and 5 rebs. In Italy, Elisa Penna (185-F-95) shined with 22 points (5/5 for 3-pts). Antonia Peresson (183-PG-95) (6 rebs) and Ilaria Milazzo (167-PG-94) netted 9 and 8 points respectively. Quarters: 19-14, 21-12, 15-17, 20-13. In the last day of the second stage Croatia will meet Slovenia. Italy's rival will be Holland. Four of six teams from Group F will book a spot for the Quarterfinals and only Slovenia is without the chance to do it.

Group G

Czech Republic - Poland 63-52
Czech Republic registered its second straight win in Group F of U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. They handed 63-52 loss to Poland on Tuesday. Czech Republic has 2-0 record now in this pool, while Poland dropped to 0-2. Only the group winner will survive in Division A. Mariana Opocenska (184-PF-95) shined for Czech Republic with 16 points and 6 rebounds, and Sarka Jozova (174-SG-94) helped with 13 points and 6 rebs. Kamila Hoskova (174-SF-95) netted 10 points. Poland got 12 points from Dominika Owczarzak (169-PG-94) and Magdalena Wojdalska (185-SG-94) had 11 pts, plus 7 rebs. Their third scorer was Angelika Stankiewicz (170-SG-95) with 8 points. Quarters: 16-13, 16-9, 14-20, 17-10. In the next game, Czech Republic will meet also undefeated Belgium. Poland will play against the host - Romania (0-2).

Belgium - Romania 84-44
Belgium destroyed Romania 84-44 in the second game of Group G in Bucharest. Belgium jumped to 2-0 in this pool staying on top of it, together with Czech Republic. At the other side, Romania dropped to 0-2. The host of U18 EuroBasket is in very difficult situation now and most likely will face with relegation to Division B. Only the winner of Group G will survive in Division A. Belgium made 27-point lead at the halftime and all after that was just the formality. Quarters: 21-10, 23-7, 19-10, 21-17. Antonia Delaere (176-F/G-94) scored 19 points and Hind Ben Abdelkader (170-SF-95) had two less for the winners. Axelle Bernard (183-C-95) collected 8 pts and 10 rebs. In Romania, Dora Ardelean (186-PF-94) had 10 points and Iulia Raileanu (189-PF-95) added 8 pts, plus 10 rebs. In the next game, Belgium will meet Czech Republic. Romania will take on also winless Poland.

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FRANCE

U18 Russia hands first loss to U18 France in Group E - by Eurobasket News

U18 FRANCE - U18 RUSSIA 58-68

Russia grabbed very important 68-58 win against France on Tuesday. Thanks to this victory Russia improved to 2-2 record in Group E of U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. At the other side, it was the first loss for France, who has 3-1 now. Russia will meet Sweden in do-or-die game on Wednesday. The winner will advance to the next stage. Julia Gladkova (183-F-94) led Russia with 17 points and Albina Razheva (188-PF-94) had 16 pts, plus 6 boards against France. Olga Novikova (177-G-94) helped with 10 points and 9 rebounds. In defeat, Valeriane Ayayi (184-F-94) scored 16 points and Aby Gaye (193-C-95) had double-double of 13 pts and 13 rebs. Olivia Epoupa (168-PG-94) stopped to 8 pts in this meeting. Russia had 2-point lead after 30 minutes, after what they shined in Q4 to hand France the first loss. Quarters: 21-11, 14-19, 10-13, 23-15). As mentioned above, Russia's next rival will be Sweden. France will meet Turkey and still hopes to win the first place in Group E.

France: Valeriane Ayayi 16, Aby Gaye 13+13 boards, Olivia Epoupa 8
Russia: Julia Gladkova 17, Albina Razheva 16+6 boards, Olga Novikova 10+9 boards

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GREECE

U18 Sweden keeps its Quarterfinals hopes alive - by Eurobasket News

U18 GREECE - U18 SWEDEN 56-58

Both teams had 0-3 record in Group E of U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. Sweden grabbed 58-56 victory mostly thanks to Paulina Hersler (190-PF-94), who scored their last five points in the game. Greece had the last possession with only 3 seconds left, but Anna Stamolamprou (171-PG-95) was unable to score for 3. Sweden has 1-3 record now and will meet Russia on Wednesday in do-or-die game. The winner will advance to Quarterfinals. Hersler scored 23 points and pulled down 9 rebounds on Tuesday. Linnea Frykbo (169-SG-94) scored 12 points and Gabriella Hanson (180-SG-95) added 9 pts, plus 13 boards. At the other side, Greece got 18 points and 5 rebs from Stamolamprou. Amanda Lovely (180-PF-94) (5 rebs) and Vasiliki Tarla (181-SF-94) (6 rebs) netted 10 and 9 points respectively. Quarters: 14-19, 15-15, 11-9, 16-15. Greece will play against Spain in the last game of the second stage in Bucharest.

Greece: Anna Stamolamprou 18+5 boards, Amanda Lovely 10+5 boards, Vasiliki Tarla 9+6 boards
Sweden: Paulina Hersler 23+9 boards, Linnea Frykbo 12, Gabriella Hanson 9+13 boards

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HOLLAND

Den Helder returns Eredivisie scoring champion Marianne Van Der Hoek - by Eurobasket News

Good news for Den Helder fans. The team penned a 1-year deal with Eredivisie scoring champion Marianne Van der Hoek (180-F-90). He was a member of Eurosped Twente Tubbergen last season averaging 18.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1 block for 21 games. Van Der Hoek was the top-scorer and second shot blocker of the league. She participated at All-Star Game and was named to Eurobasket.com All-Dutch Eredivisie 1st Team -12. She was also awarded with Eurobasket.com Dutch Eredivisie All-Defensive Team -12. Before Eurosped Twente, Marianne Van der Hoek spent one year with CTO Amsterdam. There she had 16 ppg and 5.7 rpg for 21 games. The forward already played for Den Helder in 2009/10 season. Before that she spent few years with Perik Jumpers Tubbergen.

U18 Holland beats U18 Serbia in OT, heads to Quarterfinals in Bucharest - by Eurobasket News

U18 HOLLAND - U18 SERBIA 68-66 OT

Holland grabbed 68-66 thriller win against Serbia jumping to 3-1 record in Group F of the second stage at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. Thanks to this victory Holland booked a spot for the Quarterfinals. Serbia dropped to 2-2 in this pool, but they still have a chance to advance. Serbia will have to beat Slovakia on Wednesday in do-or-die game. Kourtney Treffers (186-PF-94) stepped up for Holland with 19 points and 9 rebounds, while Isabella Slim (181-F-95) helped with 14 points. Laura Cornelius (174-PG-96) shined with double-double of 12 points and 13 rebs. In Serbia, Sanja Mandic (177-G-95) had 20 points and 6 rebounds, and Natasa Kovacevic (187-F-94) added 11 pts, 7 rebs and 5 assists. Third scorer in defeat was Jovana Vidakovic (171-PG-94) with 10 points. Cornelius made a triple for Holland setting the score to 60-60 with 49 seconds left in regular time, after what both teams were scoreless so the game went to OT. Kathmann and Cornelius lifted Holland to 68-66 with 12 seconds remaining in OT, but Serbia had the last possession. Kovacevic tried to score from behind the arc, but she missed and Vidakovic grabbed offensive rebound after that. Stanacev also tried for 3 at the buzzer, but it was another miss and Holland booked a spot for the Quarterfinals. In the next game, Holland will meet Italy.

Holland: Kourtney Treffers 19+9 boards, Isabella Slim 14, Laura Cornelius 12+13 boards
Serbia: Sanja Mandic 20+6 boards, Natasa Kovacevic 11+7 boards+5 as, Jovana Vidakovic 10

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ISRAEL

Hapoel Rishon Lezion signs G Rebeka Ros - by Eurobasket News

Hapoel Rishon Lezion officially reinforced its roster at guard position. The Israeli squad penned a deal with Rebeka Ros (168-G-89). The 23-year-old American also has an Israeli passport, so she has status of domestic player. Ros most recently played for ASA Jerusalem. She had 5.8 ppg and 2.3 apg for 21 games in 2009/10 season. In the past, Ros was a member of Israeli U20 National Team. She played for them at U20 EuroBasket Division B in Ohrid three years ago. Ross appeared 7 times at this event averaging 3 points and 1.9 rebounds. She played for her country also at U20 EuroBasket Division B in Poznan, 2008. Hapoel Rishon Lezion was No.7 in Israel last season with 8-12 record.

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ITALY

Ancona announced Valentina Aragonese - by Eurobasket News

Free Woman Ancona announced Valentina Aragonese (173-F-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas) for the upcoming season. The Chilean player returns to the team where she played in 2010-2011.
In 2008-2009 she played for Proffasa Badajoz Extremadura (Spain-LF2, starting five) and in 25 games averaged 9.8ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 60.0%. In 2009-2010 she moved to Chajeba 04 Jerez de la Frontera (Spain-LF2) and had 5.1ppg, 1.6rpg, 2FGP: 43%, 3PT: 37%, FT: 75%. In Jan.'10 moved to C.U.S. Chieti (Italy-A2) and finished the season there.
In 2010-2011 Valentina Aragonese started for Sma Ancona (Italy-A2, starting five) where her stats read 13.6ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.1apg, 2.3spg, 2FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 82.8%. In Jan.'12 signed at Officine Gaudino Collegno (Italy-A2, starting five) and showed 13.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.2apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 67.7%.
Valentina Aragonese was named Eurobasket.com Italian A2 All-Imports Team -12 and Latinbasket.com All-South American Championships 2nd Team -10.

Francesca Bergante signs with Omc Broni - by Eurobasket News

Francesca Bergante (170-G-82) signs with Omc Broni for the upcoming season. The Italian player moves from C.U.S. Cagliari.
In 2006-2007 she appeared for Lenzi Profexional Bolzano (A2, starting five) and stayed with the team for 5 seasons. In 2010-2011 she moved to Iveco Lenzi Bolzano (A2) and averaged 6.2ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.3apg, 1.9spg, 2FGP: 33.3%, 3PT: 26.8%, FT: 73.8%. In 2011-2012 played for C.U.S. Cagliari (A1) and had 0.4ppg.
Loredana Costantino (170-G-73) meanwhile moves to Olympia (A2). Earlier she played four years for Patti (A2) and Alcamo (A2) for 2 years. She also played for Marsala, Augusta (B1), Palestrina (A2), Alghero (A2), Palermo, Valmadrera (B1), Battipaglia and Campobasso.
Luca Piccionne will be a new head Coach of the Free Woman Ancona. The specialist will take the team in A2 League.

U18 Croatia celebrates second win in Group F in Bucharest, second loss for U18 Italy - by Eurobasket News

U18 CROATIA - U18 ITALY 75-56

Croatia outplayed Italy 75-56 in very important game in Bucharest. Both teams now have 2-2 record in Group F of the second stage at U18 EuroBasket and both have a good chance to reach the Quarterfinals. Lana Packovski (170-G-94) top-scored in Croatia with 20 points and Ivana Tikvic (189-C-94) added 17 points, plus 10 rebounds. Ruzica Dzankic (179-SF-94) followed them with 16 points and 5 rebs. In Italy, Elisa Penna (185-F-95) shined with 22 points (5/5 for 3-pts). Antonia Peresson (183-PG-95) (6 rebs) and Ilaria Milazzo (167-PG-94) netted 9 and 8 points respectively. Quarters: 19-14, 21-12, 15-17, 20-13. In the last day of the second stage Croatia will meet Slovenia. Italy's rival will be Holland. Four of six teams from Group F will book a spot for the Quarterfinals and only Slovenia is without the chance to do it.

Croatia: Lana Packovski 20, Ivana Tikvic 17+10 boards, Ruzica Dzankic 16+5 boards
Italy: Elisa Penna 22, Antonia Peresson 9+6 boards, Ilaria Milazzo 8

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JAPAN

Standings - JBL Women

WJBL Standings

1. Aishin AW		0-0
2. Chanson V-M		0-0
3. Denso Iris		0-0
4. Ebara Vickies		0-0
5. Fujitsu RW		0-0
6. Hitachi Cougars		0-0
7. JX Sunflowers		0-0
8. Mitsubishi K.		0-0
9. Niigata		0-0
10. Toyota A.		0-0
11. Toyota B SR		0-0
12. Yamanashi QB		0-0

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 28: Toyota A. - JX Sunflowers
Sep. 28: Mitsubishi K. - Aishin AW

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NCAA1

2012 JT Focus Mgt Cleveland Am Pro Womens Summer League: Akron U. Taylor Ruper + Sina King Dominate in Semi-Final Game!! - by Vance Marbury

2012 JT Focus Mgt Cleveland Am Pro Womens Summer League Semi-Final Recap

Game 1 -- Lady Ballers 51 vs JT Focus 80

Lady Ballers -- Lydia McCally (Univ of Illinois) 16 pts 7 rebs, Asia Reid (Alcorn St.) 8 pts 1 reb, Megan Weber (John Carroll U.) 6 pts 1 reb 1 ast, Catherine Cain (Ohio U./South Carolina Aiken) 11 pts 5 rebs

JT Focus Mgt -- Taylor Ruper (Akron U.) 33 pts 3 rebs 3 asts, Sina King (Akron U.) 23 pts 11 rebs 2 asts, Nicole Carman (Pittsburgh at Johnstown) 4 pts 8 rebs, Kiersten Green (Cleveland St.) 8 pts 1 reb 2 asts, Brittney Pennman (Tri-C) 2 pts 2 rebs

Game 2 -- Hotcards 45 vs Youngsters 56

Hotcards -- Shalonda Winton (Cleveland St.) 15 pts 11 rebs 1 ast, Wanda Ford 4 pts 10 rebs, Melanie Sweeney 2 pts 3 rebs, Chenara Wilson (Cleveland St. Alumni) 9 pts 4 rebs, Shelli Liverpool (Mineral Area CC) 13 pts 4 rebs 2 asts,

Youngsters -- Kelsey Berger (St. Josephs) 15 pts 2 rebs, Tess Zufall (Cleveland St.) 12 pts 2 rebs 4 asts, Adesuwa Aideyman (Cleveland St.) 13 pts 4 asts, Allison Mitchell (Cleveland St.) 6 pts 6 rebs 1 ast, Nafeshia Holifield (Cleveland St.) 6 pts 13 rebs 1 ast, Jasmine Flanagan (Cleveland St.) 5 pts 2 rebs

Girona lands American F Cierra Bravard - by Eurobasket News

Cierra Bravard (193-C-89, college: Florida St.) will start her professional basketball career in Spain. The American forward inked a 1-year deal with Girona, according to Encancha.com. They compete in Spanish top division for women - LFB. Bravard is a product of Florida State University, where she graduated few months ago. She had 14.2 ppg and 6.4 rpg for 31 games as a senior. The player was named to All-ACC 3rd Team -12. A year ago, Cierra Bravard was named to All-ACC 1st Team. She had 15 ppg and 7.8 rpg for 32 games that season. In 2010, Bravard helped Florida State to reach NCAA Elite Eight. In 2009, they reached ACC Tournament Finals and Bravard was named to ACC All-Freshman Team. She averaged 9.7 points and 4.7 rebounds in 34 games.

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NCAA2

POLAND

ROMANIA

RUSSIA

SERBIA

U18 Holland beats U18 Serbia in OT, heads to Quarterfinals in Bucharest - by Eurobasket News

U18 HOLLAND - U18 SERBIA 68-66 OT

Holland grabbed 68-66 thriller win against Serbia jumping to 3-1 record in Group F of the second stage at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. Thanks to this victory Holland booked a spot for the Quarterfinals. Serbia dropped to 2-2 in this pool, but they still have a chance to advance. Serbia will have to beat Slovakia on Wednesday in do-or-die game. Kourtney Treffers (186-PF-94) stepped up for Holland with 19 points and 9 rebounds, while Isabella Slim (181-F-95) helped with 14 points. Laura Cornelius (174-PG-96) shined with double-double of 12 points and 13 rebs. In Serbia, Sanja Mandic (177-G-95) had 20 points and 6 rebounds, and Natasa Kovacevic (187-F-94) added 11 pts, 7 rebs and 5 assists. Third scorer in defeat was Jovana Vidakovic (171-PG-94) with 10 points. Cornelius made a triple for Holland setting the score to 60-60 with 49 seconds left in regular time, after what both teams were scoreless so the game went to OT. Kathmann and Cornelius lifted Holland to 68-66 with 12 seconds remaining in OT, but Serbia had the last possession. Kovacevic tried to score from behind the arc, but she missed and Vidakovic grabbed offensive rebound after that. Stanacev also tried for 3 at the buzzer, but it was another miss and Holland booked a spot for the Quarterfinals. In the next game, Holland will meet Italy.

Holland: Kourtney Treffers 19+9 boards, Isabella Slim 14, Laura Cornelius 12+13 boards
Serbia: Sanja Mandic 20+6 boards, Natasa Kovacevic 11+7 boards+5 as, Jovana Vidakovic 10

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SLOVAKIA

U18 Slovakia downs U18 Slovenia 72-54 in crucial game - by Eurobasket News

U18 SLOVENIA - U18 SLOVAKIA 54-72

Slovakia handed 72-54 loss to Slovenia on Tuesday in Bucharest. Thanks to this win Slovakia improved to 2-2 record in Group F of the second stage and kept its Quarterfinals hopes alive. Slovakia will meet Serbia in do-or-die game on Wednesday. The winner will end as No.4 in this pool and will book a spot for the QFinals. At the other side, Slovenia dropped to 1-3 with no chance to advance. Slovakia had 10-point lead at the halftime and later shined in Q4 to take the victory in this meeting. Quarters: 20-15, 15-10, 15-20, 22-9. Angelika Slamova (173-G-94) stepped up for the winners with 18 points and Zofia Hruscakova (190-C-95) added 17 pts, plus 9 boards. Barbora Balintova (176-G-94) collected 14 pts, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in this victory. In defeat, Sara Meden (170-PG-94) top-scored with 18 points. Eva Lisec (191-C-95) had 15 pts and 10 boards, while Nina Gabrovsek (168-PG-94) stopped to 6 points and 6 rebs. Wednesday is the last day of the second stage in Bucharest. Slovenia will play against Croatia.

Slovenia: Sara Meden 18, Eva Lisec 15+10 boards, Nina Gabrovsek 6+6 boards
Slovakia: Angelika Slamova 18, Zofia Hruscakova 17+9 boards, Barbora Balintova 14+8 boards+5 as

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

SLOVENIA

SPAIN

U18 Spain easily beats U18 Turkey in Bucharest, 78-53 - by Eurobasket News

U18 SPAIN - U18 TURKEY 78-53

Spain demonstrated wonderful performance against Turkey on Tuesday in Bucharest. Spain celebrated 78-53 win and joined its rival with 3-1 record in Group E of U18 EuroBasket. Both teams already booked a ticket for the Quarterfinals, but thanks to this win Spain will most likely end as No.1 in the group. Spain took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 23-16, 26-15, 20-9, 9-13. Maria Arrojo (186-F-85) led the winners with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Elena De Alfredo (170-G-94) also scored 18 pts and Irene Gari (184-F-94) helped with 13. In defeat, Pelin Bilgic (173-G-94) was better than the others with 18 points. Merve Aydin (174-PG-94) was their second scorer with 9 pts. Wednesday is the last day of the second stage in Bucharest. Spain will meet Greece, while Turkey will play against France.

Spain: Maria Arrojo 18+7 boards, Elena De Alfredo 18, Irene Gari 13
Turkey: Pelin Bilgic 18, Merve Aydin 9

Perfumerias names Alberto Miranda new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Alberto Miranda is the new Head Coach of Perfumerias Avenida, according to Lovewomensbasketball.com. He worked last two years as Assistant Coach. In 2009/10 season Miranda was Head Coach of Grupo Inec Zamora (EBA), after what he joined Perfumerias. Over the past two years he worked under Lucas Mondelo. Earlier this summer Mondelo and Perfumerias parted ways and the coach signed in China. His new team is Shanxi Xing Rui Flame. Reportedly, Perfumerias wanted to hire Jorge Mendez, but the coach turned down that offer due to family reasons.
Raquel Romo will work as Assistant Coach of Perfumerias next season. So far he worked with Perfumerias youth teams.
As Assistant Coach, Alberto Miranda won Euroleague and LFB titles with Perfumerias a year ago. Last season they grabbed Spanish Cup trophy.

Girona lands American F Cierra Bravard - by Eurobasket News

Cierra Bravard (193-C-89, college: Florida St.) will start her professional basketball career in Spain. The American forward inked a 1-year deal with Girona, according to Encancha.com. They compete in Spanish top division for women - LFB. Bravard is a product of Florida State University, where she graduated few months ago. She had 14.2 ppg and 6.4 rpg for 31 games as a senior. The player was named to All-ACC 3rd Team -12. A year ago, Cierra Bravard was named to All-ACC 1st Team. She had 15 ppg and 7.8 rpg for 32 games that season. In 2010, Bravard helped Florida State to reach NCAA Elite Eight. In 2009, they reached ACC Tournament Finals and Bravard was named to ACC All-Freshman Team. She averaged 9.7 points and 4.7 rebounds in 34 games.

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SWEDEN

SWITZERLAND

Standings - LNF

LNA Standings

1. Basel		0-0
2. Fribourg		0-0
3. Helios		0-0
4. Highflyers		0-0
5. Hope-GBA		0-0
6. Ovronnaz-Mart.		0-0
7. Pully		0-0
8. Riva Basket		0-0

LNB Standings - by Eurobasket

LNB Standings

East
1. Baden		0-0
2. Frauenfeld		0-0
3. Luzern		0-0
4. Olten		0-0
5. Riehen		0-0
6. Wallaby		0-0
West
1. Agaune		0-0
2. BBC Troist.		0-0
3. Bernex		0-0
4. Cossonay		0-0
5. DEL Basket		0-0
6. Fribourg II		0-0
7. Lancy		0-0
8. Lausanne		0-0
9. Nyon		0-0
10. Sion Basket		0-0

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TURKEY

UBA

WUBA Standings

WUBA Standings

Southern
1. Georgia D.		0-0
2. GIE Matrix		0-0
3. Metro A. Sparks		0-0
4. Southern G.		0-0
5. Tennessee D.		0-0
Western
1. Cleveland H.		0-0
2. Fort Worth L.		0-0
3. Longstar S.		0-0
4. Mid City Q.		0-0
5. NT Fresh		0-0
6. Texas Finest		0-0

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WNBA

Taurasi soaking in London, healing on the fly - by Eurobasket News

Leading the U.S. womens basketball team, Diana Taurasi (6'0''-SG-82, college: Connecticut) also is eager to see Roger Federer play in the Summer Olympics and experience Wimbledon and Wembley Stadium, two of this nations most celebrated sports venues.

"This is my first time in London," said Taurasi, a Phoenix Mercury star and three-time Olympian.

Since arriving here, Taurasi has been inundated with messages from those back in Arizona wishing her well after a lost first half of the WNBA season due to injuries.

"It feels good cause I feel like they can share this experience," Taurasi said after Team USA's Sunday morning practice. "Every time I go to the Olympics, they really support me."

Taurasi is key to the U.S. bid for a gold medal. In the team's Olympic opener Saturday night against Croatia, she nailed two consecutive 3-pointers late in the first half to break open a close game in an 81-56 victory. It was the Team USA's 34th straight win in Olympic play.

After playing only 36 minutes in the first half of the WNBA's regular season, Taurasis status for the Olympics was questionable. Despite being off the court since May, she returned with a splash.

"Once youre healthy, you feel good and you just get into the works of things pretty easily and pretty quickly," Taurasi said. "I had to get healthy first. I had a lot of trouble with my hamstring and hip flexor and quad, which, you know, is something Ill probably have to deal with for the rest of my career."

Taurasi is seeking a third gold medal to accompany those she took home from the 2004 and 2008 Summer Games. The U.S. plays Angola on Monday in group play.

"Every Olympics is different, Taurasi said. "Different city, different coach, different groups of players, so each one has its own flavor, and so far this one is a really cool experience so far. Weve only played one game, but, you know, things are good. We take a lot of pride in coming here and showing the world how hard weve worked."

Courtesy of www.foxsportsarizona.com

Charde Houston undergoes successful knee surgery - by Eurobasket News

Phoenix Mercury forward Charde Houston (6'1''-F-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) today underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in her left knee, the club has announced. The procedure was performed by Dr. Evan Lederman in Phoenix, Ariz. She will begin rehabilitation immediately and is expected to take 6-8 weeks to recover.

Houston sustained the injury on July 10 in the first half of the Mercury's matinee game vs. Los Angeles. She missed the next game, the team's final game before the month-long hiatus. Further evaluation revealed the extent of the injury and need for surgery.

Brought to Phoenix from Minnesota during the offseason in a sign-and-trade deal, Houston is having a breakout season averaging a career-high 13.2 points per game compared to just 9.5 points per game over four seasons with the Lynx. The 6-0 forward, who has played more on the perimeter in Phoenix's system, has been the Mercury's most lethal shooting threat, connecting on a career-high 38.8 percent of her 3-point shots. In the five games before her injury, Houston was averaging 16.4 points on 15-of-35 (.429) 3-point shooting.

Houston had been inserted into the starting lineup in place of the injured Diana Taurasi, and made 16 starts in the club's first 19 games, already her most since 2009 (33). She has played a career-high 26.9 minutes per contest, over three minutes more than any other season of her career.

The Mercury returns from the break on Thursday, August 16 when it takes on the Seattle Storm in KeyArena. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. Pacific Time. The club returns to US Airways Center on Sunday, August 19 when it hosts the San Antonio Silver Stars in an afternoon tipoff scheduled for 3 p.m.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com