EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/11/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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  ABA   



Georgia Wildcats hire new GM/Head Coach - by Gianni Pascucci

The Georgia Wildcats, a new ABA team that begins play in November, today announced that Norbert D. Sullivan has been named General Manager/Head Coach for the team. Sullivan has serviced as an Assistant Coach and Defensive Coordinator for the Fairbanks Grizzlies of Fairbanks, Alaska in the Indoor Football League.
In his first season, he helped lead the team to their first playoff appearance. He has also served in the same position with the Columbus Lions and led the team to the World Indoor Championship Game.
Coach Sullivan's basketball career spans from his 20-year military career where he coached both men and women to multiple regional championships. He has also coached at the high school level and helped lead the Central High School team to the Alabama State Class 6A Final Four. "His background an experience are tremendous," stated team owner Terence Coley."He knows sports, he knows business and he is a natural leader. We're excited to have him as part of our team."
For more information, visit www.georgiawildcats.com


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  ACPBL   


ACPBL Summer League Update - by Mike Lee

The NYC Primetime led the standings in the ACPBL Summer League with a 4-1 record heading into the Summer League Playoffs. ACPBL Metro finished with a winning record as well at 3-2, while the New York City 524 finished with a .500 record at 3-3. The New York City Jaguars and Manhattan Pride both finished with 2-3 records, while the Chinatown Dynasty finished last in the standings at 1-3. In the first round of the Summer League Playoffs, the Manhattan Pride and the New York City 524 won their first round matchups to setup up the Final Four matchups. The New York City Jaguars will face the New York City 524 and the NYC Primetime will face the Manhattan Pride.

NYC Primetime forward Sam Wallace (6'10''-C-85, college: Elizabeth City) was named the Week 4 Player of the Week after he finished with 20 points and 18 rebounds as the NYC Primetime defeated ACPBL Metro 112-102. Manhattan Pride guard Nate Young was then named Week 5 Player of the Week after he tallied 44 points and 15 rebounds in the Pride's 129-124 victory over ACPBL Metro. Carl Lee (6'6''-F-82, college: Utah Valley) (6'3''-F) (New York City Jaguars), Roman Perez (New York City Jaguars), and Jared Nowell (6'3''-G/F-84) (ACPBL Metro) were named Players of the Week in the first three weeks of the Summer League.


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  ARGENTINA   


GECR Indalo signs 1-year contract extension with Santiago Scala - by Eurobasket News

Santiago Scala (187-G-91) will play at least one more year for GECR Indalo. The Argentinean point guard signed contract extension last week. He arrived to the club last summer from Atletico Argentino Junin. The player appeared 53 times in LigaA averaging 6.3 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1 assist. Scala was a member of Argentino from 2006. The best stats he had in 2009/10 season registering 8.9 ppg, 1.9 rpg and 1.8 apg for 36 games. The player had slightly lower numbers in 2008/09. In the past, Santiago Scala was a member of Argentinean U16 and U18 National Team. This summer he joined Argentinean U23 squad. His name also was on the list of candidates for the senior NT.


Olympics 2012: USA race past Argentina into Final - by Eurobasket News

USA - Argentina 109:83

USA entered the title game at the Olympic Games basketball tournament. They bruised Argentina in the semifinal battle tonight to set up the clash versus Spain on Sunday. Kevin Durant (6'9''-SF-88, college: Texas) scored 19 points to lead the winners. Argentina will play versus Russia in the consolation final.
Team USA jumped to a 15:4 lead midway through the opening quarter. But Emanuel Ginobili (6'6''-SG-77, agency: Interperformances), Scola and Nocioni returned Argentina in the game. They cut the deficit to just three points 15:18 late in the period. USA entered the second frame up by 5 points 24:19. Delfino drained back-to-back triples midway through the second term to keep Argentina within striking distance. LeBron James (6'8''-SF-84) however answered with seven points in a row to make 37:27 for USA. Emanuel Ginobili capped the first half with a three-pointer to put Argentina within 7 points 40:47. Emanuel Ginobili drained another trey at the start of the second half but Team USA answered with 12:3 run to clear off. Kevin Durant connected twice from beyond the arc and LeBron James added a jumper as USA built a 72:53 lead with under two minutes to go in the third quarter. They entered the fourth quarter up by 17 points 74:57. USA opened the fourth frame with eight points in a row and never looked back cruising to the seventh win in a row at the tournament. LeBron James finished with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists, while Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-SF-84, college: Syracuse) chipped in 18 points for the winners. Emanuel Ginobili replied with 18 points for Argentina. Luis Scola (6'9''-PF-80) and Carlos Delfino (6'7''-SF-82) had 15 points each in the loss.

USA: Kevin Durant 19, LeBron James 18, Carmelo Anthony 18
Argentina: Emanuel Ginobili 18, Luis Scola 15, Carlos Delfino 15


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  AUSTRALIA   


Brose Baskets confirms signing of Australian C Ogilvy - by Eurobasket News

As expected, Brose Baskets Bamberg signed a deal with Andrew James Ogilvy (211-C-88, college: Vanderbilt). The Australian center spent last season with Valencia Basket. He collected 9.8 ppg and 3.3 rpg for 8 EuroCup games. In Liga Endesa, Ogilvy had 4.8 ppg and 2.3 rpg for 26 appearances. Valencia reached EuroCup Finals and Liga Endesa Semis. Before Valencia, Andrew James Ogilvy played one year for Besiktas Cola Turka. There he averaged 12.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks for 30 games in TBL. The center also added 10.9 ppg and 5.8 rpg for 8 EuroCup games. It was the first season as a pro for Ogilvy, who graduated at Vanderbilt two years ago. He had 13.4 ppg and 6.2 rpg for his school as a senior. Ogilvy won the Gold with Australian NT at 2009 Oceania Championships.


Tigers defeat Northern Colorado in pre-season game - by Hugh McAuliffe

The Melbourne Tigers have scored a comfortable 90-60 victory over touring US college team the Northern Colarado Bears in a closed practice match on Friday afternoon.

The Tigers were led by new signings Chris Goulding (25 points, six rebounds, six assists) and Adam Ballinger (23 points, four rebounds).

New Melbourne import Seth Scott (208-F-81, college: Portland St.) debuted for the Tigers with nine points, three assists and three rebounds, while Melbourne veteran Tommy Greer also had 13 points and six rebounds.

Derrick Barden was the best player for the Bears with 13 points and 14 rebounds.

Melbourne opened with a 23-14 first quarter and won every period afterwards.

A 26-17 edge in the third period helped seal the match for Melbourne.

The Tigers dominated the collegians in the paint, outscoring them 26-12 inside the keyway.


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  AUSTRIA   


Austria topple Portugal in test game - by Eurobasket News

Austria - Portugal 65:54

Austria and Portugal played their last test game before the start of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifiers. Austria proved the strength. Jason Detrick (198-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: Oklahoma) scored 14 points to lead the winners.
Portugal got to a slightly better start to the game. They earned a 17:15 lead after ten minutes. Austria quickly bounced back. They denied the deficit and recorded a 34:33 halftime lead. Austria held their opponents to just 7 points in the third term to boost the lead to 4 points at the final break. Austria exploded with 21 points in the fourth quarter and snatched victory at the end. Rasid Mahalbasic (210-F/C-90) produced 11 points, while Thomas Klepeisz (188-G-91, agency: TSS Management) added 10 points for Austria. Claudio Fonseca (206-C-89) and Joao Gomes (199-F-85) produced 11 points each for Portugal.

Austria: Jason Detrick 14, Rasid Mahalbasic 11, Thomas Klepeisz 10
Portugal: Claudio Fonseca 11, Joao Gomes 11


U18 European Championship: Jakob Poeltl leads Austria past Luxembourg - by Eurobasket News

Austria U18 - Luxembourg U18 75:64

Austria opened win count at U18 European Championship in Division B. They knocked down Luxembourg for 1-1 record in Group B. Jakob Poeltl (208-PF-95) tallied 16 points and 20 rebounds to lead the winners. Luxembourg fell at 0-2 record after the loss.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 21:21 at the first break. Austria put their noses in front in the second quarter. They established a 38:34 halftime lead. Austria boosted the lead in the third term. They piled up a 6-point lead at the final intermission. Austria held their opponents to just 12 points in the fourth frame to seal the victory at the end. Timur Bas (198-PF-94) posted 14 points, while Valentin Bauer (181-PG-94) added 13 points in the victory. Bob Melcher (196-G-94) answered with 22 points for Luxembourg. Thomas Grun (194-PG-95) had 13 points in the loss.

Austria U18: Jakob Poeltl 16+20 boards, Timur Bas 14, Valentin Bauer 13
Luxembourg U18: Bob Melcher 22, Thomas Grun 13


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  AZERBAIJAN   


Trabzon adds F Rasim Basak - by Eurobasket News

Trabzon reinforced its roster at position 3. The team signed a deal with Turkish/ Azerbaijani forward Rasim Basak (202-F-80, agency: Court Side). The player collected 7.3 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 28 TBL games with Antalya last season. Before Antalya, Basak spent one year with Turk Telekom averaging 7.1 points and 3 rebounds for 28 games in TBL. Turk Telekom also competed in EuroChallenge, where Basak posted 6.4 ppg and 4 rpg in 6 appearances. From 2003 to 2010, Rasim Basak played for Fenerbahce Ulker. They won TBL titles together in 2007, 2008 and 2010. Fener also grabbed Cup trophy two years ago. In the past, Basak played for Oyak Renault.
Rasim Basak is active member of Azerbaijani National Team. He shined with 14 ppg, 10 rpg, 2 apg and 2 spg for 3 games in Qualifications to European Championships Division B 2011.


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  BELARUS   


U18 European Championship: England too good for Belarus - by Eurobasket News

England U18 - Belarus U18 76:63

England registered the second straight win at the U18 European Championship in Division B. They prevailed against Belarus to stay perfect in Group A. Elliott Sentance (191-SG-94) knocked down 17 points to lead the effort. Belarus fell at 0-2 record after the loss.
Belarus jumped to an early lead. They enjoyed a 22:13 advantage ten minutes into the game. But England adjusted offence scoring 26 points in the second quarter and cutting the deficit at 2-point mark at halftime 41:39. England held their opponents to just 12 points in the third term to surge ahead. The Brits entered the fourth frame up by 3 points. They took over the initiative in the fourth frame completely and silenced Belarus. Rowell Graham (197-F-94) posted 15 points, while Kingsley Okoroh (213-C-95) had 11 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Yahor Patupchyk (191-SG-94) answered with 13 points for Belarus. Dzmitry Astashou (195-SF-94) had 11 points and 12 boards in the loss.

England U18: Elliott Sentance 17, Rowell Graham 15, Kingsley Okoroh 11
Belarus U18: Yahor Patupchyk 13, Dzmitry Astashou 11+12 boards


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  BOSNIA   


Bosna Sarajevo signs veteran PF/C Samir Leric - by Eurobasket News

Bosna Sarajevo reinforced its roster under the basket. The former Bosnian champion signed a 1-year deal with Samir Leric (205-F/C-74). The veteran PF/C spent last season with Mladost Mrkonjic Grad. He appeared 25 times for the club averaging 9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.9 steals. They reached Bosnian league and Cup Semifinals. Before Mladost, Leric played two years for Capljina Lasta. With them he also reaches Playoff and Cup Semis in 2010. Season 2008/09, Samir Leric spent with Sloboda Dita Tuzla and before that he was a member of Mogran Budva, Slavija Istocno Sarajevo, Student Tuzla and Universitet Surgut. In the past, Leric also played in Poland, Germany and Slovenia. He was a member of Bosna Sarajevo from 1998 to 2000. They were Bosnian league champions in 1999. Samir Leric played for the Bosnian National Team from 1997 to 2005.


U18 European Championship: Bosnia and Herzegovina topple Portugal - by Eurobasket News

Bosnia and Herzegovina U18 - Portugal U18 78:48

Bosnia and Herzegovina fired past Portugal for the second win at the U18 European Championship in Division B. Jusuf Nurkic (212-C-94) scored 20 points and grabbed 15 boards to lead the hosts on top of Group D. Portugal fell at 1-1 record after the defeat.
Bosnia and Herzegovina grabbed the initiative early in the game. They built a 24:11 lead after ten minutes. Bosnia and Herzegovina accumulated a 37:22 halftime lead. The hosts kept Portugal at bay throughout the third term. The margin grew at 18-point mark before the fourth quarter. Bosnia and Herzegovina did not loosen the grasp and breezed to the victory at the end. Nedim Buza (201-SF-95) delivered 13 points, while Asim Ahmedic (200-PF-94) added 10 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Andre Miguens (184-SF-94) answered with 14 points for Portugal. Pedro Bastos (186-PG-94) netted 8 points in the loss.

Bosnia and Herzegovina U18: Jusuf Nurkic 20+15 boards, Nedim Buza 13, Asim Ahmedic 10
Portugal U18: Andre Miguens 14, Pedro Bastos 8


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  BRAZIL   


Mackenzie has a new team for Minas State Tournament - by Paulo Freire

One the classic clubs from Minas Gerais State, the Mackenzie/Meridional Kawaii basketball team is working to be back on action as they put together a new roster.
The managers of the team agreed with center Fabio Ribeiro (208-C-86) who was playing college basketball in the US.
Another big man signed is Marcos Hubner (204-F/C-82, college: Abil.Christian) who was born in the Minas State as well.
As a offensive player the team sign Wanderson Trigueiro (204-F/C-81) who was playing in Franca last season.
Their new shooting guard is Thiago Perez (191-F/G-82) who comes in from Sorocaba team.
For the point guard position the team have agreed with veteran Ricardinho dos Santos (189-G-74).
Completing the team is the young prospect players Jonathan Ferreira, Gabriel Vieira Daneliczin and Lucas Esmeraldo.


Flamengo agreed with Kojo Mensah - by Paulo Freire

Clube de Regatas do Flamengo has agreed with a new point guard as Kojo Mensah (185-PG-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duquesne) sign with the club. The international player is going to his second season in Brazil. Kojo will play again for head coach Neto who coached him in Joinville and is also now with Clube de Regatas do Flamengo.

The team from Rio de Janeiro also renew the contract of the young prospect Alexandre de Souza (202-92), the managers also renew with center Caio Silveira (211-C-87, agency: Interperformances) after not getting a new deal with Atila Santos (208-C-83, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Minnesota St.) who is looking forward to be back in Europe.

Clube de Regatas do Flamengo managers also sign the young Feliciano Perez (210-C-90) who comes in from rival Brasilia.




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  BULGARIA   


Port of Varna saves the day for the basketball team of Cherno more - by Maria Mitzova

"Port of Varna" is the new sponsor for one of the best recognized Bulgarian teams - Euroins Cherno More.
Financial crisis was about to end the existence of Bulgaria's most productive clubs, after two long and hard bumpy seasons without major money flow.
Now "Port of Varna" guarantees that Euroins Cherno More will continue to work as usual, nurturing some of the top prospects in the country.
The best players of the team already left the team - Alexander Yanev to Manresa, Tihomir Zhelev to Rislki sportist, Simeon Iliev to Kavala and Plamen Aleksiev to Yambol.
It is yet to be announced the budget that "Port of Varna" has to offer to Euroins Cherno More.


U18 European Championship: France gain first win - by Eurobasket News

France U18 - Bulgaria U18 78:69

France recorded the first win at the U18 European Championship. They overcame a sloppy start against Bulgaria to secure the initial victory. Antony Labanca (191-SF-94) and Alexandre Chassang (203-PF-94) scored 21 points each to lead Les Bleus. Bulgaria fell at 1-1 record after the loss.
It was all going Bulgaria way in the first half. The Balkan team gained a 23:14 lead after ten minutes. The Division A newcomers stretched the lead in the second quarter. They ensured a 37:25 halftime advantage. But France refused to give up. They unleashed 29 points in the third term to draw things level heading into the final stanza. France held Bulgaria to 15 points in the final term to seal the victory at the end. Benjamin Sene (186-PG-94) posted 16 points and 6 assists for France. Aleksandar Vezenkov (205-SF-95) answered with 26 points for Bulgaria. Kris Minkov (198-SF-94) netted 18 points in the loss.

France U18: Antony Labanca 21, Alexandre Chassang 21, Benjamin Sene 16
Bulgaria U18: Aleksandar Vezenkov 26, Kris Minkov 18


Aaron Harper will continue his career in Lebanon - by Valentin Anguelov

The star of Levski from past three seasons - Aaron Harper (199-G/F-81, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Mississippi) will continue his career in Lebanon. The Guard who was a top scorer of the Bulgarian League, will play for last season semifinalist of Lebanon's league - Sagesse of Beirut. Harper had the option to stay in Bulgaria with Levski, but with much reduced financial terms, so it was free to get better offer from another club. After talks with Italian Caserta went nowhere, it appeared that the rich Asian teams have more power to have quality players such as Harper is. Sagesse among other things, is the most popular club in Lebanon, and was three times champion of the Asian Champions League - version of the Euroleague.


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  CANADA   


Miracles announce new Head Coach and General Manager - by Eurobasket News

Ricky Benitez was announced today as the Miracles Head Coach/General Manager. Ricky has 27 years of coaching experience and 13 years on a professional level. He is a proven winner by his record of 400 wins and 95 losses. He has either won the Championship or taken his Team to the Championship round everywhere he has coached. He has won Championships in 5 different countries and has the most wins as Head Coach in WBA History.

Kim Blanco, the teams President, said, "We are excited about announcing our newest addition to the Moncton Miracles - Ricky Benitez as our Head Coach/General Manager. He has a very diverse background. Not only is he a proven winner on the court, he was also a part of the United States Army Special Operations Response Team. He brings a different style to our organization with his approach. We are excited about kicking off the 2012-2013 NBL of Canada season on Sunday, November 4th at 2:00pm with our new coach."

Ricky will be attending the Combine Workouts on August 25th and 26th in Toronto. The Miracles have the second overall pick in the 2012 NBL Canada draft on Aug. 27.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com


Salerno thrilled to be back in Summerside - by Eurobasket News

Joe Salerno can't wait for the 2012-13 National Basketball League of Canada season to begin.

Salerno is thrilled to return for his second season as head coach of the Summerside Storm, and the native of Barre, Vermont, is anxious to put an improved product on the court for the team's growing fan base.

Im very, very excited for this season, said Salerno, 30. Last year, being the first season for this organization, I think we did a tremendous job.

For me to have the opportunity to come back here and have another crack at things is extremely exciting, and one Im really looking forward to.

Storm co-owner Duncan Shaw said he is pleased to have Salerno re-signed.

Joe is a very bright, talented young coach, said Shaw. He fits us as an organization because he wants to be involved year-round, he wants to be here long term and hes a very exceptional basketball mind to take us to the next level.

In the leagues inaugural campaign, Salerno led the Storm to a 12-24 (won-lost) record, and a sixth-place finish in the seven-team league. Windsor, Ont., was recently added as the leagues eighth franchise.

Our record obviously wasnt what we wanted it to be last year, admitted Shaw. This year, were looking for a better performance on the court. . . I feel the continuity is important to build the on-court part of the franchise going forward.

Salerno, who joined the Storm in August 2011, is actively recruiting players throughout North America this summer. In fact, he is attending a combine in Memphis this weekend.

This off-season Ive really been looking for some players who played professionally in different leagues, as well as guys who are a little more athletic, said Salerno. One of our weaknesses last season was having that IQ to close out games, and win some of those games that were close when we always seemed to come up on the short end of things.

Athleticism is another area Salerno wants to improve.

I really think we were probably one of the least athletic teams in the league (last year), said Salerno. We were still extremely competitive, but I feel having that little extra bit of athleticism is going to help us long term.


Roster turnover

Although Salerno expects there will be a lot of roster turnover as the Storm aims to compete for a championship, he confirmed one returnee will be six-foot-eight and 215-pound forward Chris Cayole, who was limited to 16 regular-season games last year with injuries.

Were thrilled to have Chris Cayole under contract hopefully a healthy Chris Cayole, said Salerno. We are certainly hoping to have at least two to three other guys back.

But some of these guys had good seasons last year, and there are certainly opportunities for them in other leagues. . . We want guys who have played for us to move on and get the best jobs that they can, but at the same time wed love to have some of those guys back.


Returning to camp

Salerno confirmed forward Doug McKinney of Charlottetown will be competing for a roster spot at training camp. McKinney played in 20 games with the Storm last season.

Doug has done a tremendous job this off-season, said Salerno. Doug has lost probably 20 pounds of bad weight, and probably put on about 10 pounds of good weight.

Doug has been working very hard. He really came on late last season. It took him a while to adjust to the physicality and speed of the game. But coming into January and February of last season, I thought he had some pretty good minutes for us. Im looking forward to having Doug back in training camp this year.


Assistant coach

Along with scouting players, Salerno is also in the hunt for an assistant coach. Mev Bahonjic, who held the position last year, will not return this year due to family commitments.

Ive met with a few different people, said Salerno. Just as were looking to improve our roster, Im looking to improve our coaching staff.

Certainly looking for a coach or two that is going to give another basketball opinion, and be another basketball mind on the bench. I have never been a coach to turn down any feedback or opinions from other coaches. Its important to get a look from all angles.

Courtesy of www.journalpioneer.com


Mill Rats set to introduce new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

The Saint John Mill Rats have hired a new Head Coach for the 2012-2013 NBL Canada season and will announce him to the public on Wednesday, August 15 at 12:00 noon in the Brunswick Square atrium.

The Mill Rats Head Coach for the past two seasons, Jaren Jackson, will not be returning this season as his wife accepted a job that will require his family to relocate to Indianapolis, Indiana . Jackson has decided to stay home to help out with the transition and focus on spending time with his 12-year old son, Jaren Jr.

"We are really excited about the new direction our team is taking. We are confident that we will be a very, very competitive team this season," stated Ian McCarthy, Mill Rats President and General Manager. "We are appreciative of the two years that Coach Jackson gave to our organization and we all learned a lot from his NBA pedigree and experience."


Mill Rats Introduce New Head Coach

Time: 12:00pm/Noon ADT

Date: Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Location: Brunswick Square Atrium

39 King Street

Saint John, NB

Map: https://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com


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  CHINA   


Jilin Northeast Tigers land Sam Hoskin - by Eurobasket News

Samuel Hoskin (206-F/C-79, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: De Paul) will continue his career in China. The centre has agreed on terms of contract with Jilin Northeast Tigers. The centre spent the last season in Lebanon. Samuel Hoskin played for Champville. He tallied 20.3 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game in Lebanese League. In WABA League the centre posted 19.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 steals per appearance. Asia-Basket.com named Samuel Hoskin All-Lebanese League Centre of the Year. He was also trumped All-Lebanese League Newcomer of the Year. Previously Samuel Hoskin had stints in Israel, Iran, Croatia, Greece, Russia. He is not new to China. Samuel Hoskin played for Xinjiang Gyang Hui Flying Tigers and Zhejiang Wanma Cyclones. He has been the member of Lebanese National Team since 2011.


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  CROATIA   

B Liga Standings

B Liga Standings
Center
 1. Maksimir 14-2 
 2. Zapad 14-2 
 3. Auctor 9-7 
 4. Podsused 9-7 
 5. Petrinja 9-7 
 6. Ivanic 8-8 
 7. Fortuna 8-8 
 8. Sisak 8-8 
 9. Medvescak 7-9 
 10. Savia 5-11 
 11. Jaska 4-12 
 12. Duga Resa 1-15 
East
 1. Pozega 16-2 
 2. Slavonija 16-2 
 3. Nasice 12-5 
 4. Beli Manastir 11-5 
 5. Orahovica 9-8 
 6. Hrvatski Sokol 8-9 
 7. Rekord Tim 7-9 
 8. Ilok 5-13 
 9. SK Sedan 3-16 
 10. SK Vukovar 1-16 
 11. Strmac 1-16 
West
 1. Sukosan 13-1 
 2. Mislav 10-4 
 3. D.Petrovic 7-7 
 4. Amfora 7-7 
 5. Jolly-JBS-J.B. 7-7 
 6. Otok Ugljan 5-9 
 7. Dalmatia Lions 4-10 
 8. Dalvin 3-11 


Luka Babic joins KK Cedevita Zagreb - by Eurobasket Center

KK Cedevita Zagreb agreed terms for a 4-year contract with 21-year old forward Luka Babic (200-F-91). Babic played for last 3 years at KK Split (A1). While playing 36 games for KK Split last season his stats were: 9.1ppg, 3.8rpg and 1.5apg. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. A very impressive season as he was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Croatian A1 League Honorable Mention. Babic played also pro basketball in France and Spain. He is currently a member of Croatian National Team for Euro 2013 qualifications.
BC Cedevita signed also a deal with 59-year Slovenian Mladen Starcevic, as assistant coach, last 5 years head coach of polish Polonia/Politechnika Warszawa in PLK.

By Eurobasket Data Center


U18 European Championship: Dario Saric and Croatia earn second victory - by Eurobasket News

Croatia U18 - Slovenia U18 105:80

Croatia celebrated the second straight win at the U18 European Championship. They handled Slovenia for 2-0 record in Group D. Dario Saric (208-F-94) was once again pivotal with 27 points, 6 boards and 4 assists.
Croatia set the tone early. They unloaded 32 points in the opening quarter to take a 12-point lead. Slovenia tried to match the effort. They fired 25 points in the second quarter to narrow the gap at 10-point mark. But Croatia shifted the gear and unleashed 37 points in the third stanza. Croatia established a comfortable 29-point lead at the final break and never looked back en route to the victory. Mislav Brzoja (196-F/G-94) scored 26 points, while Jakov Mustapic (193-G-94) added 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for Croatia. Matic Rebec (180-PG-95) answered with 15 points for Slovenia. Jure Ritlop (203-PF-95) had 14 points in the defeat.

Croatia U18: Dario Saric 27, Mislav Brzoja 26, Jakov Mustapic 13
Slovenia U18: Matic Rebec 15, Jure Ritlop 14


Croatia nip Italy in Porec - by Eurobasket News

Croatia - Italy 72:70

Croatia and Italy played the second friendly game in as many days. This time the teams moved to Porec. Croatia bounced back from the starting loss in Trieste and clinched a narrow success. Krunoslav Simon (197-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up with 20 points to lead the hosts.
Italy poured in 26 points in the opening quarter to take the lead. They enjoyed a 4-point advantage at the first break. The Azzurri stretched the margin in the second quarter. Italy gained a 42:32 halftime advantage. Italy stayed in control throughout the third term. They led by 7 points at the final intermission 57:50. But Croatia tipped off the fourth frame on a 12:3 run to surge ahead. Croatia managed to secure the winning outcome in the final seconds. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-G/F-89) accounted for 17 points, while Luka Zoric (211-C/F-84) finished with 9 points in the victory. Luigi Datome (202-G/F-87) came up with 19 points for Italy. Daniel Hackett (198-G-87, agency: Two Points, college: USC) netted 10 points in the loss.

Croatia: Krunoslav Simon 20, Bojan Bogdanovic 17, Luka Zoric 9
Italy: Luigi Datome 19, Daniel Hackett 10


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  CYPRUS   


Eurobasket qualifiers - by Dr. Nasios Orinos

The Eurobasket 2013 finals will take place in Slovenia, between 4-22 of September 2013.

At the final round, 24 teams will participate from which 8 teams are already qualified. Slovenia as the host plus Olympic Qualifying Tournament participants are all qualified directly to the Eurobasket 2013 final round (FYR of Macedonia, France, Great Britain, Greece, Lithuania, Russia and Spain).

The 31 remaining teams are divided into 5 groups of 5 teams and 1 group of 6 teams and will fight for 16 places in the Eurobasket 2013 final round.
The first 2 teams of each group and the 4 best third placed teams will qualify to the Eurobasket final round.

The qualifiers will take place between 15th of August and 11th of September 2012.

Cyprus will match up at Group C, against Croatia, Ukraine, Austria and Hungary.



Cyprus kicks-off on August 15th against Austria.

Source: www.fibaeurope.com


Aek signs Jamal Butler - by Dr. Nasios Orinos

Aek announces American Jamar Butler (185-PG-85, college: Ohio St.).

Butler is 1.85 cm tall and plays the point guard position.

Jamar is an explosive point guard that can really beat anyone with his footwork and his playmaking ability. He is always under control and cool under pressure. His impeccable ballhandling skills makes it difficult for a defender to rattle him. In contrast, he accepts every defensive challenge and will compete on every play. On the dribble drive, Butler shows shiftiness and craftiness that allows him to get into the lanes especially when the defender is off balance or not set. In the lane, he converts with lay-ups, finger rolls, and floaters. Butler's outside shot is one of his greatest assets. He can beat anyone from behind the arc, on spot-up and pull-up shots alike, mostly coming around screens.

Butler is coming from Pirates de Quebradillas Puerto Rico where he was a starting five. In 14 games he averaged 7 pts and 5 assists.


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


U18 European Championship: Czech Republic beat Slovakia for second win - by Eurobasket News

Czech Republic U18 - Slovakia U18 78:45

Czech Republic posted the second consecutive win at the start of U18 European Championship. They overcame their neighbours Slovakia for 2-0 record on top of Group B. Karel Ausprunk (200-F/C-94) came up with 18 points and 17 rebounds to lead the winners. Slovakia suffered the initial loss and slipped at 0-1 record.
Czech Republic held their opponents to 11 points in the opening quarter to take a 6-point lead. The Czech team stretched the lead in the second quarter. They accumulated a 36:23 halftime buffer. Czech Republic stayed in charge throughout the third quarter. They made it 57:34 lead with one quarter remaining. Slovakia never recovered in the final stanza as the Czech side cruised to the victory. Radovan Kouril (180-PG-95) accounted for 12 points and 10 assists, while Jan Svandrlik (196-SF-94) added 10 points for the winners. Robert Rozim (199-F-94) answered with 13 points for Slovakia. Vladimir Brodziansky (206-PF-94) banked 9 points and 14 boards in the loss.

Czech Republic U18: Karel Ausprunk 18+17 boards, Radovan Kouril 12+10 assists, Jan Svandrlik 10
Slovakia U18: Robert Rozim 13, Vladimir Brodziansky 9+14 boards


Levharti Chomutov Ink First Import for New Season with Signing of Charles Little - by Surujh Roopnarine

The University of Dayton was good to Levharti Chomutov last season as they had a great seaon from Rob Lowery (188-G-87, college: Dayton). This season the club hopes that fellow Dayton Alum and ex-teammate Charles Little (198-F-87, college: Dayton) can provide the same type of impact. The club announced the signing of the 6-6 forward this week who played from 2005-2009 at Dayton and has spent the last two seasons playing in Germany, Portugal, and Finland in addition to a stint with the Franklin Knights of the World basketball Association (USA). In November of last season Little joined Saynatsalon Riento in Finland, but only played in two games before being injured and missing the remainder of the season. The former Atlantic-10 sixth Man of the Year in 2007 enjoyed his best season in 2010-11 when he split time between Germany and Portugal where he averaged over 15 points and five rebounds per game combined. Little will join the club in early September as Chomutov prepares for its opening night matchup against last season's 1.Liga champions Jindrichuv Hradec on October 3.


Astrum Levice Signs Pair of Imports to Strengthen Roster - by Surujh Roopnarine

Slovak club Astrum Levice have strengthened their club for a second season in the Mattoni NBL with the signings of David Kyles (193-G-89) and Troy Gottselig (203-F-87). David Kyles, 6-4, is entering his first professional season after completing his collegiate career at Wichita State. This past season he appeared in 33 games averaging 8.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 41.1% from the field, 34.8% from three and 82.2% from the free-throw line. The high-flying Kyles helped l Wichita State to a 2011 NIT Championship and to the 2012 NCAA Tournament where they fell to VCU in the second (first) round.
Troy Gottselig is no stranger to play in the Czech Republic having spent part of last season with SLUNETA Usti nad Labem. The 24-year old Canadian forward played in 15 games for the Pandas last season, averaging 12.4 points and 8.4 rebounds while shooting 49.4% from the field and 68.3% from the line. This will be his second season abroad, having otherwise played in Canada in the IBL and Canadian NBL.


BK Prostejov and Rostislav Pelikan Part Ways - by Surujh Roopnarine

BK Prostejov Management and veteran big man Rostislav Pelikan (207-F/C-78) have mutually agreed to part ways for the 2012-13 season. Pelikan, 33, followed head coach Zbynek Choleva from Novy Jicin to Prostejov last season after spending the last 10-years of his career there. Injured in October, Pelikan appeared in Prostejov's two Eurocup qualification games and then returned in December for NBL play. In 32 domestic league games the Ostrava native averaged 2.9 points and 2.0 rebounds while shooting 56.2% from the field as a reserve. His best season as a pro came in 2004-05 when he averaged 8.5 points and 6.9 rebounds while helping lead Novy Jicin to the FIBA Europe Cup Quarterfinals and Czech Cup Final Four. According to club manager Petr Fridrich Prostejov is looking to fill two positions in the frontcourt and have a few short-list possibilities.


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


U18 European Championship: Lithuania gain tempo, edge Denmark - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania U18 - Denmark U18 92:63

Lithuania celebrated the second consecutive win at the start of home U18 European Championship. The hosts denied Denmark in Vilnius tonight to remain on top of Group B. Justas Tamulis (194-SF-94, agency: Beo Basket) scored 16 points to pace the hosts. Denmark fell at 0-2 record.
Lithuania exploded with 29 points in the opening quarter to clear off. The hosts established a 14-point lead ten minutes into the game. The teams traded baskets throughout the next two periods. Lithuania maintained the lead heading into the fourth stanza up by 14 points. Denmark finally ran out of steam and Lithuania capitalized. The home side went on a 25:10 rally in the final term and sealed the victory. Rokas Gustys (204-C-94) accounted for 15 points, while Denis Krestinin (202-PF-94) added 13 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. Rasmus Larsen (212-C-94) answered with 21 points for Denmark. Jacob Jensen (211-C-94) had 12 points in the loss.

Lithuania U18: Justas Tamulis 16, Rokas Gustys 15, Denis Krestinin 13+10 boards
Denmark U18: Rasmus Larsen 21, Jacob Jensen 12


*****************************************************
  D-LEAGUE   


Skyforce names Joel Abelson Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

The Sioux Falls Skyforce announced today that Joel Abelson has been named head coach of the long-standing franchise. He becomes the 15th head coach in franchise history after spending the past five seasons as an associate head coach/assistant coach in the NBA Development League.

"This is an important hire for our franchise," said owner/president Mike Heineman. "We were looking for someone to blow us away during the interview process and that is what Joel did. We believe he is the next great young coach with an NBA future."

Abelson served as associate head coach of the Idaho Stampede the past two seasons under former Skyforce guard Randy Livingston. He was an assistant coach in Idaho the previous two seasons under Bryan Gates (2008-09) and Bob MacKinnon (2009-10). He broke into the NBA D-League as director of basketball operations with the Tulsa 66ers in 2007-08 working under Joey Meyer following a basketball operations internship with the Charlotte Bobcats in 2007.

The University of Michigan graduate was an assistant coach for the Toronto Raptors summer league entry in July and in prior summers trained collegiate and professional players at the Bob Hill Basketball Camp (2009, 2010) and Impact Basketball (2008).

"I'm extremely honored and excited about the opportunity to be the head coach of the Sioux Falls Skyforce," said Abelson. "I look forward to immersing myself in the Sioux Falls community and leading this proud franchise back to its tradition of winning."

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com


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


Lagun Aro brings in Guille Rubio - by Diamadis Farmakis

Eurocup newcomer Lagun Aro Gipuzkoa Basket, announced the addition of experienced power forward Guillem Rubio (202-C-82) for the next two seasons. Rubio (2.02 meters, 30 years old) arrives from Cajasol Sevilla where last season he averaged 4.5 points and 2.9 rebounds in over 36 Spanish League games.

He made his pro debut with Manresa in the Spanish League in 1999 and played there for many years, exactly until the end of the 2008-09 season - including a few years in related teams - After an outstanding campaign in his last year in Manresa, Rubio was signed by Unicaja Malaga, where he spent two seasons and made his Turkish Airlines Euroleague debut and in the summer of 2011 he signed a deal with Cajasol Sevilla with which he played his last season. Now, he switches teams again and will make his Eurocup debut through Lagun Aro.


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


Mens Sana Siena returns Benjamin Eze after 2 years - by Eurobasket News

Benjamin Eze (207-C/F-81, college: S.Idaho JC) is back to Mens Sana Siena after two years. Eze was a member of Armani Jeans Milano, but he didn't appear in any official game last season. The player split 2010/11 between Khimky Moscow Region and Milano. With the Russian squad he had 8.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 1.3 bpg for 15 Euroleague games. He had almost the same numbers in VTB and slightly lower in Russian league. Benjamin Eze played for Siena from 2004 to 2010. They won four SerieA titles together and two Cup trophies. Eze had 7.3 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 38 games in 2009/10 SerieA season. The player has Nigerian and Italian citizenship. He played for the Nigerian National Team in 1999 and 2005.


Unics Kazan extends Kelly McCarty - by Eurobasket News

Unics Kazan signed a 1-year contract extension with Kelly McCarty (201-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: S.Mississippi). It will be their third straight season together. In the latest one McCarty averaged 5.9 points and 3.8 rebounds for 18 Euroleague games. He helped Unics to reach the Quarterfinals in their Euroleague debut. The player added 9 ppg and 5.3 rpg for 21 appearances in Russian league. He also had 7.8 ppg and 4.6 rpg 17 games in VTB. McCarty and Unics won the EuroCup title together a year ago. Before Unics, Kelly McCarty played for Khimky Moscow Region and Dynamo St. Petersburg. In the past, he played in Israel.
Unics will play in Euroleague qualifications this upcoming season. In the first game they will meet Ratiopharm Ulm.


Brose Baskets confirms signing of Australian C Ogilvy - by Eurobasket News

As expected, Brose Baskets Bamberg signed a deal with Andrew James Ogilvy (211-C-88, college: Vanderbilt). The Australian center spent last season with Valencia Basket. He collected 9.8 ppg and 3.3 rpg for 8 EuroCup games. In Liga Endesa, Ogilvy had 4.8 ppg and 2.3 rpg for 26 appearances. Valencia reached EuroCup Finals and Liga Endesa Semis. Before Valencia, Andrew James Ogilvy played one year for Besiktas Cola Turka. There he averaged 12.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks for 30 games in TBL. The center also added 10.9 ppg and 5.8 rpg for 8 EuroCup games. It was the first season as a pro for Ogilvy, who graduated at Vanderbilt two years ago. He had 13.4 ppg and 6.2 rpg for his school as a senior. Ogilvy won the Gold with Australian NT at 2009 Oceania Championships.


MONTEPASCHI SIENA inks playmaker Brown - by Diamadis Farmakis

Montepaschi Siena improved its backcourt for the upcoming season by inking american scoring-point guard Bobby Brown (188-PG-84, college: CS Fullerton) to a one-year deal, the club announced Wednesday. Brown (1.88 meters, 27 years old) arrives from EWE Baskets Oldenburg, where he became the German League's top scorer at season with 16.1 points per game.

He added 2.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists on average in 34 German League games, his previous Turkish Airlines Euroleague experience came in 2010-11, when Brown averaged 10.7 points in 6 games with Asseco Prokom Gydnia, while he finished the 2010-11 season with Aris BSA 2003, averaging 14.2 points and 3.3 assists in 9 Eurocup games.

Brown played the 2007-08 season with Alba Berlin, where he averaged 16 points and 4.2 assists in the Eurocup and he was involved in the longest ever Eurocup game that season a 141-127 five-overtime Berlin win over KK Bosna in which Brown scored 44 points and forced the first, fourth and fifth overtimes.

Brown also helped Berlin win the 2008 German League championship with 13.8 points and 3.7 assists per game. Brown has also played in 113 NBA games for Sacramento, Minnesota, New Orleans and Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 5.1 points and 1.8 assists along the way. He replaces 2011-12 Alphonso Ford Top Scoring Trophy winner Bo McCalebb, who joined Fenerbahce Ulker last week.


Aleksandar Rasic heads to Siena - by Eurobasket News

Montepaschi Siena are strengthening their roster. They have reportedly agreed on terms of contract with Aleksandar Rasic (194-G-84, agency: Beo Basket). The Serbian guard spent the last season in Lithuania. He played for Lietuvos Rytas. Aleksandar Rasic notched 6.9 points, 2.7 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game in LKL. In VTB League Aleksandar Rasic tallied 5.1 points, 2.5 assists and 1.7 rebounds. In Baltic League the guard averaged 8.3 points, 1.5 assists and 1.0 board per appearance. Rasic also posted 7.1 points, 2.6 assists and 1.6 boards in EuroCup. Previously Aleksandar Rasic had spells for Trabzanspor, Partizan, Dynamo Moscow, ALBA Berlin, Efes Pilsen, FMP Zeleznik, Borac Cacak. He has been the member of Serbian National Team since 2010.


Zalgiris announce Ksistof Lavrinovic - by Eurobasket News

Zalgiris officially signed Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-C-79). The centre will unite with his twin brother in the Kaunas team. Ksistof Lavrinovic played for Montepaschi Siena since 2007. Last season the centre notched 9.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per Euroleague game. In SeriaA the Lithuanian player tallied 12.6 points, 5.4 boards and 1.2 assists per appearance. He earned All-Italian SeriaA Honourable Mention. Ksistof Lavrinovic was named All-Italian SeriaA Player of the Year in 2008. He also made it into All-Euroleague 2nd Team in 2011. Previously Ksistof Lavrinovic had stints with Unics Kazan, Dynamo Moscow, CSKA Moscow, Ural Great, Alita Alytus. Eurobasket.com named the centre All-FIBA EuropeLeague Defensive Player of the Year in 2004.


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

Standings Division A

Standings
Group A
1. Serbia2-0
2. Spain2-0
3. Germany0-2
4. Ukraine0-2
Group B
1. Italy2-0
2. Lithuania2-0
3. Denmark0-2
4. Greece0-2
Group C
1. Latvia2-0
2. Bulgaria1-1
3. France1-1
4. Turkey0-2
Group D
1. Croatia2-0
2. Russia2-0
3. Slovenia0-2
4. Poland0-2

Preliminary Round: Round 2

A

Aug. 10: ESP - UKR 84-59
Aug. 10: SRB - GER 83-54

B

Aug. 10: LTU - DEN 92-63
Aug. 10: ITA - GRE 71-66

C

Aug. 10: FRA - BUL 78-69
Aug. 10: TUR - LAT 65-73

D

Aug. 10: RUS - POL 69-64
Aug. 10: CRO - SLO 105-80

Preliminary Round: Round 3

A

Aug. 11: UKR - GER
Aug. 11: ESP - SRB

B

Aug. 11: DEN - GRE
Aug. 11: LTU - ITA

C

Aug. 11: TUR - FRA
Aug. 11: LAT - BUL

D

Aug. 11: SLO - POL
Aug. 11: CRO - RUS


Stats Leaders Div. A

Points Per Game
 Dario SARIC
  CRO
  (208-F-94)
  Avg: 28
 1. Saric, CRO28.0 
 2. Vezenkov, BUL27.0 
 3. Tamulis, LTU21.5 
 4. Brzoja, CRO20.5 
 5. Kulagin, RUS19.5 
 6. Erulku, TUR19.5 
 7. Witlinski, POL19.0 
 8. Hernangomez, ESP19.0 
 9. Agravanis, GRE17.5 
 10. Jankovic, SRB16.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Denis KRESTININ
  (202-PF-94)
  Avg: 11
 1. Krestininas, LTU11.0 
 2. Jaiteh, FRA11.0 
 3. Agravanis, GRE11.0 
 4. Ristic, SRB10.0 
 5. Zvigurs, LAT9.5 
 6. Gromovs, LAT9.5 
 7. Kulagin, RUS9.0 
 8. Kanter, TUR9.0 
 9. Homs, ESP8.0 
 10. Jankaitis, LTU7.5 
Assists Per Game
 Josep PEREZ
  (184-PG-94)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Perez, ESP6.5 
 2. Sene, FRA5.5 
 3. Mavra, CRO5.5 
 4. Imbro, ITA5.0 
 5. Schenk, POL5.0 
 6. Radicevic, SRB4.5 
 7. Sipahi, TUR4.5 
 8. Pot, SRB4.5 
 9. Saric, CRO4.5 
 10. Karamalegkos, GRE4.5 
Steals Per Game
 Aleksandar VEZENKOV
  CYP
  (205-SF-95)
  Avg: 5
 1. Vezenkov, BUL5.0 
 2. Mustapic, CRO4.0 
 3. Moendadze, FRA3.5 
 4. Kulagin, RUS3.0 
 5. Mavra, CRO2.5 
 6. Witlinski, POL2.5 
 7. Radicevic, SRB2.5 
 8. Boyarkin, UKR2.5 
 9. Diaz, ESP2.0 
 10. Sene, FRA2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Ilja GROMOVS
  (207-C-94)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Gromovs, LAT3.5 
 2. Saric, CRO2.0 
 3. Ritlop, SLO2.0 
 4. Ristic, SRB2.0 
 5. Diop, ESP1.5 
 6. Zagreba, UKR1.5 
 7. Larsen, DEN1.5 
 8. Chassang, FRA1.5 
 9. Jensen, DEN1.0 
 10. Petrov, UKR1.0 


M-Standings - Group B

Standings Div.B
Group A
1. U.Kingdom2-0
2. Hungary2-0
3. Israel1-1
4. Romania1-1
5. Scotland0-2
6. Belarus0-2
Group B
1. Czech Rep.2-0
2. Estonia1-0
3. Austria1-1
4. Slovakia0-1
5. Luxembourg.0-2
Group C
1. Iceland2-0
2. Sweden2-0
3. Montenegro.1-1
4. Finland1-1
5. Norway0-2
6. Switzerlan.0-2
Group D
1. Bosnia2-0
2. Holland1-1
3. Portugal1-1
4. Georgia0-1
5. Belgium0-1

Preliminary Round: Round 2

A

Aug. 10: ISR - SCO 93-43
Aug. 10: HUN - ROM 86-57
Aug. 10: BLR - ENG 63-76

B

Aug. 10: LUX - AUT 64-75
Aug. 10: SVK - CZE 45-78

C

Aug. 10: MNT - ISL 68-80
Aug. 10: NOR - FIN 49-74
Aug. 10: SUI - SWE 44-89

D

Aug. 10: GEO - NED 50-92
Aug. 10: POR - BIH 48-78

Preliminary Round: Round 3

A

Aug. 11: ENG - ROM
Aug. 11: ISR - HUN
Aug. 11: SCO - BLR

B

Aug. 11: EST - LUX
Aug. 11: AUT - SVK

C

Aug. 11: FIN - SWE
Aug. 11: MNT - SUI
Aug. 11: ISL - NOR

D

Aug. 11: BEL - POR
Aug. 11: BIH - GEO


Stats Leader

Points Per Game
 Mike SCHILDER
  (185-PG-94)
  Avg: 21.5
 1. Schilder, NED21.5 
 2. Ausprunk, CZE20.5 
 3. Hermannsson, ISL20.0 
 4. Patupchyk, BLR19.5 
 5. Nurkic, BIH17.0 
 6. Poltl, AUT17.0 
 7. Mikovic, MNT16.5 
 8. Pajovic, MNT16.0 
 9. Varadi, HUN16.0 
 10. Spires, SWE16.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jakob POELTL
  (208-PF-95)
  Avg: 16.5
 1. Poltl, AUT16.5 
 2. Ausprunk, CZE15.0 
 3. Nurkic, BIH14.0 
 4. Spires, SWE10.5 
 5. Koulechov, ISR10.5 
 6. Rajala, FIN9.5 
 7. Lepovic, NOR9.5 
 8. Okoroh, ENG9.0 
 9. Astashou, BLR9.0 
 10. Wolff, LUX9.0 
Assists Per Game
 Radovan KOURIL
  CZE
  (180-PG-95)
  Avg: 8.5
 1. Kouril, CZE8.5 
 2. Perl, HUN6.5 
 3. Vrbica, MNT5.5 
 4. Fridriksson, ISL5.0 
 5. Musie, SWE4.0 
 6. Sharon, ISR4.0 
 7. Velkey, HUN4.0 
 8. Valsson, ISL3.5 
 9. Bouwknecht, NED3.5 
 10. Ventura, POR3.5 
Steals Per Game
 Nathan DAWIT
  (189-SG-94)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Dawit, SWE3.5 
 2. Koulechov, ISR3.5 
 3. Orija, ENG3.0 
 4. Graham, ENG3.0 
 5. Mattila, FIN2.5 
 6. Vrbica, MNT2.5 
 7. Mckay, SCO2.5 
 8. Lepovic, NOR2.5 
 9. Geffen, ISR2.0 
 10. McGilvray, SCO2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Karel AUSPRUNK
  (200-F/C-94)
  Avg: 4
 1. Ausprunk, CZE4.0 
 2. Rajala, FIN3.0 
 3. Poltl, AUT2.5 
 4. Okoroh, ENG2.5 
 5. Nurkic, BIH2.0 
 6. Spires, SWE2.0 
 7. Mikovic, MNT2.0 
 8. Segev, ISR2.0 
 9. Bliznets, BLR2.0 
 10. Zalmanson, ISR1.5 


Division B: Day 2 in Sarajevo - by Eurobasket News

Group A
Belarus - United Kingdom 63-76
England registered the second straight win at the U18 European Championship in Division B. They prevailed against Belarus to stay perfect in Group A. Elliott Sentance (191-SG-94) knocked down 17 points to lead the effort. Belarus fell at 0-2 record after the loss. Belarus jumped to an early lead. They enjoyed a 22:13 advantage ten minutes into the game. But England adjusted offence scoring 26 points in the second quarter and cutting the deficit at 2-point mark at halftime 41:39. England held their opponents to just 12 points in the third term to surge ahead. The Brits entered the fourth frame up by 3 points. They took over the initiative in the fourth frame completely and silenced Belarus. Rowell Graham (197-F-94) posted 15 points, while Kingsley Okoroh had 11 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Yahor Patupchyk (191-SG-94) answered with 13 points for Belarus. Dzmitry Astashou had 11 points and 12 boards in the loss.

Hungary - Romania 86-57
Hungary earned the second win in a row at the U18 European Championship in Division B. They held off Romania to stay on top of Group A. Zoltan Perl (194-G-95) scored 18 points to lead the winners. Hungary ensured a confident start to the game. They held their opponents to 9 points in the opening quarter to build a 17-point lead. Romania stopped the bleeding in the second quarter. They narrowed the gap at 10-point mark at halftime. But Hungary picked the rhythm in the third quarter. They unloaded 32 points in the period and entered the fourth frame up by 25 points. Hungary never looked back afterwards cruising to the victory at the end. Gyorgy Goloman (204-PF-96) netted 16 points, while Benedek Varadi added 12 points for the winners. Cristian Anghel (193-SF-94) had 11 points for Romania. Mirel Dragoste netted 10 points in the loss.

Israel - Scotland 93-43
Israel enjoyed the first victory at the U18 European Championship in Division B. They overwhelmed Scotland for 1-1 record in Group A. Maxim Kikus (191-SG-94, agency: Avi Zilberman) scored 16 points to lead the winners. Israel exploded with 29 points in the opening quarter to surge ahead. They held Scotland to 7 points in the second quarter posting a 48:27 halftime lead. The margin just kept on growing in the second half. Israel ensured a 34-point lead before the final stanza and never looked back en route to the victory. Daniel Sealine (187-SG-94) provided 15 points, while Egor Koulechov added 14 points for the winners. Jack Nicholson (180-SG-94) answered with 11 points for Scotland. Nicholas Sim netted 7 points in the losing effort.

Group B
Luxembourg - Austria 64-75
Austria opened win count at U18 European Championship in Division B. They knocked down Luxembourg for 1-1 record in Group B. Jakob Poeltl (208-PF-95) tallied 16 points and 20 rebounds to lead the winners. Luxembourg fell at 0-2 record after the loss. The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 21:21 at the first break. Austria put their noses in front in the second quarter. They established a 38:34 halftime lead. Austria boosted the lead in the third term. They piled up a 6-point lead at the final intermission. Austria held their opponents to just 12 points in the fourth frame to seal the victory at the end. Timur Bas (198-PF-94) posted 14 points, while Valentin Bauer added 13 points in the victory. Bob Melcher (196-G-94) answered with 22 points for Luxembourg. Thomas Grun had 13 points in the loss.

Slovakia - Czech Republic 45-78
Czech Republic posted the second consecutive win at the start of U18 European Championship. They overcame their neighbours Slovakia for 2-0 record on top of Group B. Karel Ausprunk (200-F/C-94) came up with 18 points and 17 rebounds to lead the winners. Slovakia suffered the initial loss and slipped at 0-1 record. Czech Republic held their opponents to 11 points in the opening quarter to take a 6-point lead. The Czech team stretched the lead in the second quarter. They accumulated a 36:23 halftime buffer. Czech Republic stayed in charge throughout the third quarter. They made it 57:34 lead with one quarter remaining. Slovakia never recovered in the final stanza as the Czech side cruised to the victory. Radovan Kouril (180-PG-95) accounted for 12 points and 10 assists, while Jan Svandrlik added 10 points for the winners. Robert Rozim (199-F-94) answered with 13 points for Slovakia. Vladimir Brodziansky banked 9 points and 14 boards in the loss.

Group C
Montenegro - Iceland 68-80
Iceland extended their surprising start to the U18 European Championship in Division B campaign. They knocked down Montenegro to stay perfect at 2-0 record. Martin Hermannsson (190-SG-94) scored 19 points to lead Iceland. Montenegro fell at 1-1 record after the defeat in Group C. The Balkan team looked slightly better throughout the starting quarter. They ensured a 20:18 lead ten minutes into the game. But Iceland turned things around in the second quarter. They denied the deficit and pulled ahead for a 37:35 halftime advantage. Iceland poured in 29 points in the third term to boost the lead. They entered the fourth quarter up by 11 points 66:55. Montenegro came up with just 13 points in the fourth quarter and had to surrender at the end. Elvar Fridriksson (180-PG-94) nailed 15 points, while Stefan Torfason added 13 points for the winners. Milos Pajovic (205-C-94) answered with 15 points and 9 rebounds for Montenegro. Vaso Popovic had 14 points in the loss.

Switzerland - Sweden 44-89
Sweden posted the second straight win at the start of U18 European Championship in Division B. They knocked down Swiss counterparts in Group C. Nicholas Spires (209-PF-94) came up with 18 points and 12 rebounds to pace the Scandinavian team. Switzerland suffered the second loss in a row. Sweden set the tone early. They held Switzerland to just 9 points in the first quarter to take a 10-point lead. Sweden boosted the margin in the second quarter. They accumulated a 41:19 halftime advantage. Things got even worse for Switzerland in the third term. Sweden accumulated a 34-point lead heading into the fourth frame and cruised to the victory at the end. Johan Lofberg (199-SG-95) and Adam Ramstedt scored 12 points each for Sweden. Leo Schittenhelm (194-SF-94) responded with 10 points for Switzerland. Fabio Appavou and Bertrand Galley netted 9 points each in the loss.

Norway - Finland 49-74
Finland clinched the first win at the U18 European Championship. They overcame Norway to improve at 1-1 record in Group C. Julius Rajala (205-PF-94) scored 13 points to lead well-balanced effort from the Finnish team. Norway fell at 0-2 record after the loss. Finland dominated from the starting minutes. They posted a 23:13 lead ten minutes into the game. Finland boosted the margin in the second quarter. They earned a 42:25 halftime lead. Norway cut the deficit in the third term. They limited the Finnish side to just 6 points in the period and got within 12 points at the final intermission. But Finland exploded with 26 points in the fourth term and sealed the victory. Joonas Lehtoranta (183-SG-94) posted 12 points, while Mikael Kauhanen and Niko Mattila notched 9 points each for the winners. Marco Lepovic (193-F-94) answered with 16 points and 15 boards for Norway. Nikola Blatancic and Vuk Krivokapic netted 11 points each in the loss.

Group D
Portugal - Bosnia 48-78
Bosnia and Herzegovina fired past Portugal for the second win at the U18 European Championship in Division B. Jusuf Nurkic (212-C-94) scored 20 points and grabbed 15 boards to lead the hosts on top of Group D. Portugal fell at 1-1 record after the defeat. Bosnia and Herzegovina grabbed the initiative early in the game. They built a 24:11 lead after ten minutes. Bosnia and Herzegovina accumulated a 37:22 halftime lead. The hosts kept Portugal at bay throughout the third term. The margin grew at 18-point mark before the fourth quarter. Bosnia and Herzegovina did not loosen the grasp and breezed to the victory at the end. Nedim Buza (201-SF-95) delivered 13 points, while Asim Ahmedic added 10 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Andre Miguens (184-SF-94) answered with 14 points for Portugal. Pedro Bastos netted 8 points in the loss.

Georgia - Holland 50-92
Netherlands claimed the opening win at the U18 European Championship in Division B. They toppled Georgia to gain 1-1 record in Group D. Georgia slipped at 0-1 record. Mike Schilder (185-PG-94, agency: Court Side) stepped up with 21 points to lead the Dutchmen. Netherlands lead by just three points ten minutes into the game 19:16. But they went on a 25:7 run to earn a 44:23 halftime advantage. Netherlands boosted the gap in the third quarter. They piled up a 29-point lead before the fourth stanza. Netherlands did not loosen the grip in the final term and marched to the victory at the end. Julius van Sauers (191-F-95) and Jito Kok notched 12 points each for the winners. Irakli Mikeladze (180-PG-94) answered with 17 points for Georgia. Beka Burjanadze netted 12 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in the loss.


Results and Stats from Day 2 in Latvia and Lithuania - by Eurobasket News

Group A
Serbia - Germany 83-54
Serbia secured the ticket into the next round of U18 European Championship. They held off German counterparts tonight to improve at 2-0 record in Group A. Germany slipped at 0-2 record and would fight against Ukraine tomorrow to stay in the title race. Nikola Jankovic (205-PF-94) came up with 16 points to lead the winners. Germany got hold of a tiny 18:17 lead at the first break. But Serbia took over in the next period. They went on a scoring spree to take a 44:38 halftime lead. Serbia dominated the third quarter. They held Germany to just 5 points in the period to ensure a 25-point lead heading into the fourth term. Serbia kept Germany at bay throughout the final stanza and marched to the victory at the end. Luka Andusic (191-G-94) added 15 points, while Dusan Ristic finished with 10 points and 17 rebounds for Serbia. Ismet Akpinar (190-PG-95, agency: Beo Basket) replied with 12 points for Germany. Gavin Schilling had 10 points in the loss.

Spain - Ukraine 84-59
Spain celebrated the second win at the start of U18 European Championship. They thumped Ukraine to improve at 2-0 record in Group A. Guillermo Hernangomez (209-C-94) scored 24 points and grabbed 6 boards to lead the winners. Ukraine fell at 0-2 record after the loss. Ukraine jumped to an early lead. They built a 16:13 advantage after ten minutes. But Spain adjusted offensively in the second quarter. They fired 28 points in the second period to establish a 41:37 halftime lead. Spain also tuned in defence in the second half. They limited Ukraine to just 7 points in the third term to pull ahead for an 18-point lead at the final intermission. Spain scored 22 points in the final term and sealed the victory at the end. Josep Perez (184-PG-94) provided 21 points, 6 assists and 5 boards for the winners. Alberto Diaz added 11 points for Spain. Igor Boyarkin (185-PG-95) answered with 13 points for Ukraine. Yevgen Sakhniuk had 9 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

Group B
Lithuania - Denmark 92-63
Lithuania celebrated the second consecutive win at the start of home U18 European Championship. The hosts denied Denmark in Vilnius tonight to remain on top of Group B. Justas Tamulis (194-SF-94, agency: Beo Basket) scored 16 points to pace the hosts. Denmark fell at 0-2 record. Lithuania exploded with 29 points in the opening quarter to clear off. The hosts established a 14-point lead ten minutes into the game. The teams traded baskets throughout the next two periods. Lithuania maintained the lead heading into the fourth stanza up by 14 points. Denmark finally ran out of steam and Lithuania capitalized. The home side went on a 25:10 rally in the final term and sealed the victory. Rokas Gustys (204-C-94) accounted for 15 points, while Denis Krestinin added 13 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. Rasmus Larsen (212-C-94) answered with 21 points for Denmark. Jacob Jensen had 12 points in the loss.

Italy - Greece 71-66
Italy celebrated the second straight win at the start of U18 European Championship. They knocked down Greece in Group B. Matteo Imbro (192-PG-94) posted 17 points, 6 assists and 4 boards to lead the winners. The Hellenes in the meantime suffered the second loss in a row. Italy and Greece stayed on level terms in the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 15:15 after ten minutes. Italy pulled ahead in the second term. They accumulated a 30:26 halftime advantage. The Azzurri stretched the lead in the third quarter. They went on a 20:9 rally to boost the margin to 15 points with one quarter remaining. Greece managed to cut the distance to just three points late in regulation but Mirco Turel converted a decisive layup late in the game to seal the victory for Italy. Amedeo Tessitori (204-PF-94) posted 16 points and 8 rebounds, while Mirco Turel added 13 points in the victory. Eleftherios Bochoridis (196-SG-94) answered with 14 points for Greece. Dimitrios Agravanis had 13 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

Group C
Turkey - Latvia 65-73
Latvia punched the ticket into the next round of U18 European Championship. The hosts knocked down Turkey in Liepaja to improve at 2-0 record in Group C. Turkey in the meantime suffered the second consecutive loss and appeared on the edge of elimination from the title race. Turkey started the game aggressively. They built a 17:15 lead after ten minutes. Latvia stopped the rot in the second quarter. The home team outscored Turkey for a 36:30 halftime lead. Latvia took over completely in the third term. The home team held their opponents to 12 points in the quarter and surged ahead for a 14-point lead before the fourth frame. Tayfun Erulku (193-SG-94) put Turkey within four points with under two minutes to go. But Dimitrijs Brizgalovs (186-G-94), Ilja Gromovs and Zvigurs sealed the victory from the stripe for Latvia. Dimitrijs Brizgalovs finished with 16 points for Latvia. Toms Leimanis (190-PG-94) added 14 points in the victory. Tayfun Erulku answered with 15 points for Turkey. Kenan Sipahi notched 13 points in the loss.

France - Bulgaria 78-69
France recorded the first win at the U18 European Championship. They overcame a sloppy start against Bulgaria to secure the initial victory. Antony Labanca (191-SF-94) and Alexandre Chassang (203-PF-94) scored 21 points each to lead Les Bleus. Bulgaria fell at 1-1 record after the loss. It was all going Bulgaria way in the first half. The Balkan team gained a 23:14 lead after ten minutes. The Division A newcomers stretched the lead in the second quarter. They ensured a 37:25 halftime advantage. But France refused to give up. They unleashed 29 points in the third term to draw things level heading into the final stanza. France held Bulgaria to 15 points in the final term to seal the victory at the end. Benjamin Sene posted 16 points and 6 assists for France. Aleksandar Vezenkov (205-SF-95) answered with 26 points for Bulgaria. Kris Minkov netted 18 points in the loss.

Group D
Croatia - Slovenia 105-80
Croatia celebrated the second straight win at the U18 European Championship. They handled Slovenia for 2-0 record in Group D. Dario Saric (208-F-94) was once again pivotal with 27 points, 6 boards and 4 assists. Croatia set the tone early. They unloaded 32 points in the opening quarter to take a 12-point lead. Slovenia tried to match the effort. They fired 25 points in the second quarter to narrow the gap at 10-point mark. But Croatia shifted the gear and unleashed 37 points in the third stanza. Croatia established a comfortable 29-point lead at the final break and never looked back en route to the victory. Mislav Brzoja (196-F/G-94) scored 26 points, while Jakov Mustapic added 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for Croatia. Matic Rebec (180-PG-95) answered with 15 points for Slovenia. Jure Ritlop had 14 points in the defeat.

Russia - Poland 69-64
Russia recorded the second straight win at the U18 European Championship. They held off Polish counterparts to improve at 2-0 record in Group D. Mikhail Kulagin (188-G-94) stepped up with 21 points and 8 rebounds to lead the charge. Poland slipped at 0-2 record. Russia grabbed a 17:14 lead ten minutes into the game. They maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. Russia secured a 36:31 halftime advantage. Russia boosted the lead in the third quarter. They led by 7 points before Poland denied the deficit and drew things level at 38. Russia recovered and restored the lead. They entered the final period up by 9 points 54:45. Poland kept intrigue alive as they cut the distance to just two points 64:66 with 19 seconds to go. However Mikhail Kulagin and Krechetov knocked down three free throws in the dying seconds to finalize victory for Russia. Stanislav Ilnitskiy (200-PF-94) delivered 19 points, while Rostislav Karenin added 8 points for the winners. Mikolaj Witlinski (207-F/C-95) answered with 20 points for Poland. Jakub Schenk and Kacper Borowski had 11 points each in the loss.


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  FINLAND   


U18 European Championship: Finland fire past Norway in Nordic battle - by Eurobasket News

Finland U18 - Norway U18 74:49

Finland clinched the first win at the U18 European Championship. They overcame Norway to improve at 1-1 record in Group C. Julius Rajala (205-PF-94) scored 13 points to lead well-balanced effort from the Finnish team. Norway fell at 0-2 record after the loss.
Finland dominated from the starting minutes. They posted a 23:13 lead ten minutes into the game. Finland boosted the margin in the second quarter. They earned a 42:25 halftime lead. Norway cut the deficit in the third term. They limited the Finnish side to just 6 points in the period and got within 12 points at the final intermission. But Finland exploded with 26 points in the fourth term and sealed the victory. Joonas Lehtoranta (183-SG-94) posted 12 points, while Mikael Kauhanen (202-F-94) and Niko Mattila (191-SG-94) notched 9 points each for the winners. Marco Lepovic (193-F-94) answered with 16 points and 15 boards for Norway. Nikola Blatancic (194-F-94) and Vuk Krivokapic (193-SF-95) netted 11 points each in the loss.

Finland U18: Julius Rajala 13, Joonas Lehtoranta 12, Mikael Kauhanen 9, Niko Mattila 9
Norway U18: Marco Lepovic 16+15 boards, Nikola Blatancic 11, Vuk Krivokapic 11


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  FRANCE   


U18 European Championship: France gain first win - by Eurobasket News

France U18 - Bulgaria U18 78:69

France recorded the first win at the U18 European Championship. They overcame a sloppy start against Bulgaria to secure the initial victory. Antony Labanca (191-SF-94) and Alexandre Chassang (203-PF-94) scored 21 points each to lead Les Bleus. Bulgaria fell at 1-1 record after the loss.
It was all going Bulgaria way in the first half. The Balkan team gained a 23:14 lead after ten minutes. The Division A newcomers stretched the lead in the second quarter. They ensured a 37:25 halftime advantage. But France refused to give up. They unleashed 29 points in the third term to draw things level heading into the final stanza. France held Bulgaria to 15 points in the final term to seal the victory at the end. Benjamin Sene (186-PG-94) posted 16 points and 6 assists for France. Aleksandar Vezenkov (205-SF-95) answered with 26 points for Bulgaria. Kris Minkov (198-SF-94) netted 18 points in the loss.

France U18: Antony Labanca 21, Alexandre Chassang 21, Benjamin Sene 16
Bulgaria U18: Aleksandar Vezenkov 26, Kris Minkov 18


Limoges close to sign Greek guard Angelos Tsamis - by Eurobasket News

Angelos Tsamis (192-G-81) could become a new member of Limoges soon. According to Catch-and-shoot.com, Limoges is close to sign the Greek guard. Tsamis spent last four seasons with VAP Kolossos. In the latest one he had 11.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 2.6 apg for 35 games. He helped Kolossos to reach the Playoff Semifinals, what was considered as huge success. Tsamis was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League 3rd Team -12. In 2010/11 season Angelos Tsamis collected 9.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 2.5 apg for 28 games. He had lower numbers from 2008 to 2010. Before Kolossos, the guard played one year for AEK Athens. He also has experience from Olimpiada Patron. Tsamis led Olimpiada to A2 title six years ago.


Hyeres-Toulon signs American PG Corey McIntosh - by Eurobasket News

Corey McIntosh (183-G-85, agency: Court Side, college: Iowa St.) is back to France. The American point guard will sign a deal with Hyeres-Toulon, according to Catch-and-shoot.com. Yesterday, the French squad brought in Gorjan Radonjic and Christophe Leonard.
Corey McIntosh was a member of the Finish team Torpan Pojat Helsinki last season. Actually, he joined them in December averaging 14.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists for 6 games, after what they parted ways. McIntosh is not a new face in France as he played for Boulazac and Saint Vallier in the past. In 2010/11 season the American had 10.4 ppg, 4.2 apg and 2.9 rpg for 15 ProB games with Boulazac. A year before that he shined with 15.1 ppg, 5.7 apg and 3.2 rpg for 33 games with Saint Vallier, also in ProB. Earlier, McIntosh played for Cherno More. He was the top scorer (23.9 ppg), No.2 in assists (4.7 apg) and No.3 in steals (2.1 spg) of the Balkan league season 2008/09. The player also shined in Bulgarian league.


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  FYR MACEDONIA   


Feni Industri keeps National Team guard Darko Sokolov - by Eurobasket News

Darko Sokolov (190-G-86) will stay at least one more year with Feni Industri. The player signed contract extension today. Sokolov arrived to the club in December of 2009 from Rabotnicki. Last season he had 10.4 ppg and 2.2 rpg for 31 games in FYROM. The player also added 7.3 ppg and 2.3 rpg for 12 games in BIBL. Darko Sokolov and Feni won two Macedonian league titles together (2010, 2011) and on Cup trophy (2010). They also were Balkan league champions a year ago. Darko Sokolov was named Eurobasket.com All-Balkan League Player of the Year -11. Sokolov played for Feni also in 2008/09 season. In the past, he was a member of Strumica, Khimik Yuzhny, Bosna ASA BHT and Vardar. He is active member of the Macedonian NT since 2005.


Feni Industri also keeps Head Coach Emil Rajkovic - by Eurobasket News

Feni Industri announced another important news today. The former FYROM champion signed a 1-year contract extension with its Head Coach Emil Rajkovic (agency: Global Sports Plaza ). It means that two sides stay together for their 8th straight season. The Macedonian specialist arrived to Feni in March of 2006 from TSJ Skopje. They won three championship titles together (2008, 2010, 2011). Rajkovic also guided Feni to Cup trophies in 2008 and 2010. Three times he was named Eurobasket.com All-Macedonian League Coach of the Year. In 2011, he was also awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Balkan League Coach of the Year as Feni won the Balkan league title. Before Feni, Emil Rakovic worked with Torus youth teams. In 2008 and 2009, he coached Macedonian U20 National Team. Rajkovic was professional basketball player in the past.


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  GEORGIA   


U18 European Championship: Netherlands bruise Georgia for initial win - by Eurobasket News

Netherlands U18 - Georgia U18 92:50

Netherlands claimed the opening win at the U18 European Championship in Division B. They toppled Georgia to gain 1-1 record in Group D. Georgia slipped at 0-1 record. Mike Schilder (185-PG-94, agency: Court Side) stepped up with 21 points to lead the Dutchmen.
Netherlands lead by just three points ten minutes into the game 19:16. But they went on a 25:7 run to earn a 44:23 halftime advantage. Netherlands boosted the gap in the third quarter. They piled up a 29-point lead before the fourth stanza. Netherlands did not loosen the grip in the final term and marched to the victory at the end. Julius van Sauers (191-F-95) and Jito Kok (205-C-94) notched 12 points each for the winners. Irakli Mikeladze (180-PG-94) answered with 17 points for Georgia. Beka Burjanadze (203-PF-94) netted 12 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in the loss.

Netherlands U18: Mike Schilder 21, Julius van Sauers 12, Jito Kok 12
Georgia U18: Irakli Mikeladze 17, Beka Burjanadze 12


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  GERMANY   


U18 European Championship: Serbia tame Germany - by Eurobasket News

Serbia U18 - Germany U18 83:54

Serbia secured the ticket into the next round of U18 European Championship. They held off German counterparts tonight to improve at 2-0 record in Group A. Germany slipped at 0-2 record and would fight against Ukraine tomorrow to stay in the title race. Nikola Jankovic (205-PF-94) came up with 16 points to lead the winners.
Germany got hold of a tiny 18:17 lead at the first break. But Serbia took over in the next period. They went on a scoring spree to take a 44:38 halftime lead. Serbia dominated the third quarter. They held Germany to just 5 points in the period to ensure a 25-point lead heading into the fourth term. Serbia kept Germany at bay throughout the final stanza and marched to the victory at the end. Luka Andusic (191-G-94) added 15 points, while Dusan Ristic (206-C-95) finished with 10 points and 17 rebounds for Serbia. Ismet Akpinar (190-PG-95, agency: Beo Basket) replied with 12 points for Germany. Gavin Schilling (205-PF-95) had 10 points in the loss.

Serbia U18: Nikola Jankovic 16, Luka Andusic 15, Dusan Ristic 10+17 boards
Germany U18: Ismet Akpinar 12, Gavin Schilling 10


AJ Ogilvy Lands With The Brose Baskets Bamberg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

In the last days there has been constant speculation in the Bamberg rumour soup about which big man will finally land in Bamberg. As soon as the name Andrew James Ogilvy (211-C-88, college: Vanderbilt) circulated, the moans started to appear in fan forums about not getting a high calibur player. Andrew James Ogilvy may never have played in the NBA and yet maintain that high spectatcular player type of name, but he is an enormous basketball talent that will surely give a lot of happines to fans and management in freak city. Ogilvy is a 24 year old 211cm center from Australia that also has the Irish citzenship. Last season, the Australian had a tough time finding playing time with many big men surrounding him in the roster at Valencia Basket (Spain-ACB). He played EuroCup: 8 games: 9.5ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 53.6%, FT: 69.6% and in the Spanish League: 26 games: 4.8ppg, 2.3rpg. Ogilvy is a player where his strong point is his defense, with a number of blocked shots in (nearly) every game he plays, has very good synchronization in the air and at the same time very nice positioning which helps him out in the rebounding area in both the defense and offence. He has also an excellent control of his efforts, so he rarely risks his defensive position. He started his basketball career at Australian Institute Sport where he played until 2007. He then went to the states and played NCAA ball at Vanderbilt until 2010. In his three years, he played a total of 96 NCAA games. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 13.4ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.0spg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 50.9%, FT: 73.1%. He turned professional in 2010 and played for : Besiktas ColaTurka Istanbul (Turkey-TBL): EuroCup: 8 games: 10.9ppg, 5.8rpg, FGP: 57.9%, FT: 75.0%; Turkish League: 30 games: 12.9ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.0apg, Blocks-4 (1.1bpg), FGP: 60.6%, FT: 76.2%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Australian U18 National Team -05-06, International Tournament in Mannheim (Unofficial World Championships U18) -06: 6 games: 15.0ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.8apg, 1.5spg, 1.2bpg, 2FGP: 63.8%, 3PT: 66.7%, FT: 77.8%, William Jones Cup Tournament -06, Australian U20 Champion -07, Australian U19 National Team -07, World Tournament of Douai -07 (All-Tournament Team), World Championships U19 in Novi Sad (Serbia) -07: 9 games: 22.3ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.6apg, 1.8spg, 2.3bpg, 2FGP: 69.2%, FT: 79.2%, Aussiebasketball All-U21 First-Team -07, All-SEC 2nd Team -08, 10, All-SEC Honorable Mention -08, 09, SEC All-Freshman Team -08, Australian National Team -08-09, 11, Oceania Championships -09 (Champion): 2 games: 10.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 2FGP: 66.7%, SEC Tournament Semifinals -10, SEC East Division Regular Season Runner-Up -10, NABC Division I All-District 21 2nd Team -10, Turkish League All-Star Game -11, Turkish Cup Finalist -11, Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League Honorable Mention -11, Eurocup Finalist -12, and Spanish ACB Semifinals -12.

Source: Brose Baskets Bamberg


Johnny Thomas Gets 4 Week Tryout Period With The LTi Giessen 46ers - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The Lti Giessen 46ers have announced today that Johnny Thomas (198-F-87, college: Marshall) will be in training camp for a four week try out period. Thomas is a 24 year old 198cm forward from Morehead city, North Carolina. This will be his second professional season. Last season, he was unable to land on a team and played for Team Brussels at the Erurobasket summer league in Las Vegas playing three games and averaging 18,7ppg and 6,0rpg. He also played for Team Amsterdam at the eurobasket summe rleague in Orlando playing four games and averaging 4,3ppg and 3,0rpg. He started his professional basketball career at North Carolina State in 2007 and playing there until 2010. He played a total of 25 NCAA games. In his senior year, he played at Marshall (NCAA) playing 30 games: 9.1ppg, 4.5rpg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 25.9%, FT: 74.0%. "Johnny left a good impression on film. He is very athletic and knows how to use his 198cm frame on the court. We will see in the next weeks if he fits into the team", stated LTi Giessen 46er head coach Mathias Fischer.

Source: LTi Giessen 46ers



Emmanuel Wilson Joins SSV Lok Bernau - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

SSV Lok Bernau have added a fresh face from the American college NAIA league with Emmanuel Wilson (190-G-89 Wright Sports Enterprise ) Wilson is a 22 year old 190cm shooting guard that won National player of the year in the NAIA. He played at Oklahoma Baptist from 2007-2012. Last season, the American played 37 games averaging 17,3ppg, 4,4rpg, 1,2apg, 1,2spg while shooting 47,6% form the field and 38,8% from downtown. "Beisdes looking for a big man, we were looking for a player that can be a dangerous shooter from outside and help on offense. After viewing the first videos, it was clear that he fit the profil we were looking for", addressed SSV Lok Bernau manager Thomas Schoenhoff. "I am awaiting that we play well as a team and win many games. I want to win the league. I am a very emotional player that always plays hard and does everything to win", expressed Emmanuel Wilson Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been NAIA D1 Elite Eight -08, NAIA D1 Sweet 16 -09, NAIA D1 Champion -10, NAIA D1 All-Tournament Team -12, All-NAIA D1 1st Team -12, All-NAIA D1 Player of the Year -12, and NAIA D1 Finalist -12

Source: SSV Lok Bernau


Joel Mondo Back In Germany Wth UBC Tigers Hannover - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


PRO B team UBC Tigers Hannover have gotten a player with Beko BBL experience with Joel Mondo (186-G-88) who is returning back to Germany after two years in the States. Mondo is a 24 year old 186cm guard from Cologne, Germany. He played the last two seasons in the States with USC-Salkahatcie JC (JUCO) playing a total of 28 games. "We are very happy that Joel is joining the team. He brings quickness and athletcism along with good ball handling. He is a rare diamond that can still use some fine tuning. We are confident that he will have the needed practice effort and show what he can do in the PRO B", expressed UBC Tigers Hannover head coach Michael Mai. Mondo started his basketball career in 2006 with SG RheinEnergie Koeln (Regionaliga. In 2007-2008, he played for Bergheim Bandits (Regionalliga): 1 game: 3 pts . In 2008-2009, he played 3 Beko BBL games for the Cologne 99ers.

Source: UBC Tigers Hannover



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  GREECE   


Limoges close to sign Greek guard Angelos Tsamis - by Eurobasket News

Angelos Tsamis (192-G-81) could become a new member of Limoges soon. According to Catch-and-shoot.com, Limoges is close to sign the Greek guard. Tsamis spent last four seasons with VAP Kolossos. In the latest one he had 11.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 2.6 apg for 35 games. He helped Kolossos to reach the Playoff Semifinals, what was considered as huge success. Tsamis was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League 3rd Team -12. In 2010/11 season Angelos Tsamis collected 9.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 2.5 apg for 28 games. He had lower numbers from 2008 to 2010. Before Kolossos, the guard played one year for AEK Athens. He also has experience from Olimpiada Patron. Tsamis led Olimpiada to A2 title six years ago.


EK Kavalas announced two new signings - by George Fragkos

Having lost the majority of their players Enosi Kalathosfairisis Kavalas have begun to build their new roster. The club from Kavala announced the signings of Nemanja Mitrovic (195-G) and Petros Velissariou (184-PG-93), two young players who do not have much experience but they seem to have potential.

Mitrovic is a Canadian-Bosnian 22-year-old guard who was a member of the NCAA team Portland Pilots from 2008 till last season. In Portland Mitrovic did not make it to get established as a member of the starting five but the last two years he had a quite decent point average.

Petros Velissariou has the same age with Mitrovic. He is also a guard but he is more capable of organizing than shooting. Velissariou comes from Mantoulidis a team with great tradition of bringing up new talents. The Greek point guard participated in this years European Championship in Slovenia, though he did not make it to shine scoring only 1 point per game and giving 1.3 assists.


U18 European Championship: Italy send Greece to second straight loss - by Eurobasket News

Italy U18 - Greece U18 71:66

Italy celebrated the second straight win at the start of U18 European Championship. They knocked down Greece in Group B. Matteo Imbro (192-PG-94) posted 17 points, 6 assists and 4 boards to lead the winners. The Hellenes in the meantime suffered the second loss in a row.
Italy and Greece stayed on level terms in the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 15:15 after ten minutes. Italy pulled ahead in the second term. They accumulated a 30:26 halftime advantage. The Azzurri stretched the lead in the third quarter. They went on a 20:9 rally to boost the margin to 15 points with one quarter remaining. Greece managed to cut the distance to just three points late in regulation but Mirco Turel (192-SG-94) converted a decisive layup late in the game to seal the victory for Italy. Amedeo Tessitori (204-PF-94) posted 16 points and 8 rebounds, while Mirco Turel added 13 points in the victory. Eleftherios Bochoridis (196-SG-94) answered with 14 points for Greece. Dimitrios Agravanis (208-F-94, agency: FCM) had 13 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

Italy U18: Matteo Imbro 17, Amedeo Tessitori 16, Mirco Turel 13
Greece U18: Eleftherios Bochoridis 14, Dimitrios Agravanis 13+10 boards


AS Apollon Patras lands Klaiber - by Eurobasket Center

AS Apollon Patras strengthened their roster with addition of 29-year old Guyanese-American forward Gordon Klaiber (206-F-83, college: Fair Dickinson). Klaiber played most recently at Iwate Big Bulls (Japan). While playing 32 games for Iwate Big Bulls last season he averaged 13.5ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.2apg and 1.8spg. He is a very experienced player. Klaiber played also pro basketball in Argentina, Hungary and Venezuela. He graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2006 and it will be his seventh season in pro basketball.




Tsamis leaves Apollonas for Limoges? - by Dimitris Katsionis


According to last hour rumors Angelos Tsamis (192-G-81) has reach to a 2-year agreement with Limoges. Last week Apollonas Patras (birth city of Tsamis) announced the player but it seems there was a term in Tsamis contract which allowed him to discuss with any foreign team until the 20th of August. Tsamis was one of the best players of the last A1 league and an MVP candidate. He developed his talent and his game, late in his career. Strong and athletic wing player, an all around guard who can defend from 1-3 spots, rebound and create for his teammates. Last year with Kolossos Rhodes.. 11.3 PPG. (47.9% FG-82.3% FT)-4.6 RPG-2.6 APG


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  GUYANA   


AS Apollon Patras lands Klaiber - by Eurobasket Center

AS Apollon Patras strengthened their roster with addition of 29-year old Guyanese-American forward Gordon Klaiber (206-F-83, college: Fair Dickinson). Klaiber played most recently at Iwate Big Bulls (Japan). While playing 32 games for Iwate Big Bulls last season he averaged 13.5ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.2apg and 1.8spg. He is a very experienced player. Klaiber played also pro basketball in Argentina, Hungary and Venezuela. He graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2006 and it will be his seventh season in pro basketball.




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  HOLLAND   


Holland defeated Slovakia 96-83 - by Fred Roggen

Holland celebrated the second win at the friendly tournament in Chomutov, Czech Republic. The lead changed for several times throughout the first period. Holland established a 49-45 advantage at the interval. The Dutch team dictated the tempo in the third stanza as they boosted the gap to as many as 17 points. The Dutch squad of head coach Jan Willem Jansen posted a 80-63 lead at the third intermission. But Slovakia were not about to surrender that easily. Slovakia went on a 11-0 run to get within six, but it was as close as they could get.
Holland easily kept their opponents at safe distance throughout the rest of the fourth frame and celebrated a well-deserved win at the end 96-83.
Worthy de Jong (194-SG-88, agency: R.H.Consultancy) provided 23 points to pace the winners. Robin Smeulders (208-F-87, agency: Court Side, college: Portland) added 21 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while Arvin Slagter (192-G-85, agency: Court Side) netted 17 points in the win.



BG Goettingen Inks Ingmar Snabilie As Assistant Coach And Team Manager - by Fred Roggen

BG Goettingen announced the arrival of 22-year-old Dutch man Ingmar Snabilie who will be the assistant coach and team manager. Snabilie is on the moment assistant-coach of the Dutch U18 National Team in 2012. "I am very happy to welcome my assistant coach of the U18 Dutch team. We have worked very well together the last months.
Despite his young age, he has a good understanding of the game", said Head coach Johannes Roijakkers .



U18 European Championship: Netherlands bruise Georgia for initial win - by Eurobasket News

Netherlands U18 - Georgia U18 92:50

Netherlands claimed the opening win at the U18 European Championship in Division B. They toppled Georgia to gain 1-1 record in Group D. Georgia slipped at 0-1 record. Mike Schilder (185-PG-94, agency: Court Side) stepped up with 21 points to lead the Dutchmen.
Netherlands lead by just three points ten minutes into the game 19:16. But they went on a 25:7 run to earn a 44:23 halftime advantage. Netherlands boosted the gap in the third quarter. They piled up a 29-point lead before the fourth stanza. Netherlands did not loosen the grip in the final term and marched to the victory at the end. Julius van Sauers (191-F-95) and Jito Kok (205-C-94) notched 12 points each for the winners. Irakli Mikeladze (180-PG-94) answered with 17 points for Georgia. Beka Burjanadze (203-PF-94) netted 12 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in the loss.

Netherlands U18: Mike Schilder 21, Julius van Sauers 12, Jito Kok 12
Georgia U18: Irakli Mikeladze 17, Beka Burjanadze 12


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  HUNGARY   


U18 European Championship: Hungary drub Romania in Sarajevo - by Eurobasket News

Hungary U18 - Romania U18 86:57

Hungary earned the second win in a row at the U18 European Championship in Division B. They held off Romania to stay on top of Group A. Zoltan Perl (194-G-95) scored 18 points to lead the winners.
Hungary ensured a confident start to the game. They held their opponents to 9 points in the opening quarter to build a 17-point lead. Romania stopped the bleeding in the second quarter. They narrowed the gap at 10-point mark at halftime. But Hungary picked the rhythm in the third quarter. They unloaded 32 points in the period and entered the fourth frame up by 25 points. Hungary never looked back afterwards cruising to the victory at the end. Gyorgy Goloman (204-PF-96) netted 16 points, while Benedek Varadi (194-G/F-95) added 12 points for the winners. Cristian Anghel (193-SF-94) had 11 points for Romania. Mirel Dragoste (180-PG-95) netted 10 points in the loss.

Hungary U18: Zoltan Perl 18, Gyorgy Goloman 16, Benedek Varadi 12
Romania U18: Cristian Anghel 11, Mirel Dragoste 10


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  ICELAND   


U18 European Championship: Iceland surprise Montenegro - by Eurobasket News

Iceland U18 - Montenegro U18 80:68

Iceland extended their surprising start to the U18 European Championship in Division B campaign. They knocked down Montenegro to stay perfect at 2-0 record. Martin Hermannsson (190-SG-94) scored 19 points to lead Iceland. Montenegro fell at 1-1 record after the defeat in Group C.
The Balkan team looked slightly better throughout the starting quarter. They ensured a 20:18 lead ten minutes into the game. But Iceland turned things around in the second quarter. They denied the deficit and pulled ahead for a 37:35 halftime advantage. Iceland poured in 29 points in the third term to boost the lead. They entered the fourth quarter up by 11 points 66:55. Montenegro came up with just 13 points in the fourth quarter and had to surrender at the end. Elvar Fridriksson (180-PG-94) nailed 15 points, while Stefan Torfason (200-PF-93) added 13 points for the winners. Milos Pajovic (205-C-94) answered with 15 points and 9 rebounds for Montenegro. Vaso Popovic (184-G-94) had 14 points in the loss.

Iceland U18: Martin Hermannsson 19, Elvar Fridriksson 15, Stefan Torfason 13
Montenegro U18: Milos Pajovic 15, Vaso Popovic 14


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  ISRAEL   


U18 European Championship: Israel deny Scotland - by Eurobasket News

Israel U18 - Scotland U18 93:43

Israel enjoyed the first victory at the U18 European Championship in Division B. They overwhelmed Scotland for 1-1 record in Group A. Maxim Kikus (191-SG-94, agency: Avi Zilberman) scored 16 points to lead the winners.
Israel exploded with 29 points in the opening quarter to surge ahead. They held Scotland to 7 points in the second quarter posting a 48:27 halftime lead. The margin just kept on growing in the second half. Israel ensured a 34-point lead before the final stanza and never looked back en route to the victory. Daniel Sealine (187-SG-94) provided 15 points, while Egor Koulechov (194-SF-94) added 14 points for the winners. Jack Nicholson (180-SG-94) answered with 11 points for Scotland. Nicholas Sim (180-PG-95) netted 7 points in the losing effort.

Israel U18: Maxim Kikus 16, Daniel Sealine 15, Egor Koulechov 14
Scotland U18: Jack Nicholson 11, Nicholas Sim 7


Hapoel Holon inks Tyler Smith - by Eurobasket News

Tyler Smith (201-F-86, college: Tennessee) is a new member of Hapoel Holon. The American forward signed a 1-year deal with the club. Smith heads to Israel from the German team BBC Bayreuth, where he spent last season. He appeared 32 times in 1. Bundesliga averaging 6.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists. In 2010/11, Smith played for Bornova. With them he shined with 15.4 ppg, 7.9 rpg and 3.7 apg for 19 games in Turkey. Smith participated at TBL All-Star Game and was Slam Dunk Contest winner. Tyler Smith graduated at University of Tennessee two years ago. He had 11.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 3.7 apg for his school as a senior. After graduation he immediately moved to Bornova, where he finished 2009/10 season. Smith transferred to Tennessee from the University of Iowa in 2007.


Maccabi Ashdod adds rookie F Kenny Gabriel - by Eurobasket News

Kenny Gabriel (203-F) will start his professional basketball career in Israel. The American forward penned a 1-year deal with Maccabi Ashdod, according to Eurobasket's David Pick. The team competes in Israeli top division (Premier league). Gabriel is a product of Auburn University, where he graduated few months ago. The forward played 31 games for his school as a senior averaging 12.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. He had slightly lower numbers as a junior. Gabriel transferred to Auburn in 2009 from Paris JC (JUCO). This year he participated at dunk contest at the NCAA Final Four and finished as No2.
Last month Kenny Gabriel played for Sacramento at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. However, he appeared just once for the Kings scoring 8 points.


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  ITALY   


Andrea Traini stays with Pesaro - by Eurobasket News

Pesaro kept Andrea Traini (184-PG-92) for the next season, according to Sportando.net. The young Italian point guard spent last season with La Fortezza Recanati. It was a one-year loan. Traini appeared 17 times for Recanati in Nazionale A averaging 10.5 points, 3.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds. The player appeared 6 times also with Pesaro in SerieA, but with very limited playing time. He averaged less than a point. Andrea Traini arrived to Pesaro two years ago from Stella Suolificio Porto S.Elpidio. In their first season together he had 2.7 ppg and 1.1 rpg for 19 games in SerieA.
Andrea Traini played for U20 Italian NT this summer at U20 EuroBasket in Slovenia. He had 11.2 ppg, 3.8 apg and 3.3 rpg for 6 games at this event. A year ago Traini won the Silver with U20 Italy at U20 EuroBasket in Bilbao.


Mens Sana Siena returns Benjamin Eze after 2 years - by Eurobasket News

Benjamin Eze (207-C/F-81, college: S.Idaho JC) is back to Mens Sana Siena after two years. Eze was a member of Armani Jeans Milano, but he didn't appear in any official game last season. The player split 2010/11 between Khimky Moscow Region and Milano. With the Russian squad he had 8.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 1.3 bpg for 15 Euroleague games. He had almost the same numbers in VTB and slightly lower in Russian league. Benjamin Eze played for Siena from 2004 to 2010. They won four SerieA titles together and two Cup trophies. Eze had 7.3 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 38 games in 2009/10 SerieA season. The player has Nigerian and Italian citizenship. He played for the Nigerian National Team in 1999 and 2005.


Market recap. Rosters and line-ups - by Giovanni Bargna

Montepaschi Siena

Revolution time has come. After six titles in a row Montepaschi Siena is going to face a new challenge with an almost brand-new roster. A center is needed in order to complete the change.

Roster : Kristjan Kangur (201-F-82), Daniel Hackett (198-G-87, agency: Two Points, college: USC), Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86), Marcelus Kemp (195-SG-84, agency: SportsTalent, college: Nevada), Bobby Brown (188-PG-84, college: CS Fullerton), Matt Janning (193-G-88, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Northeastern), David Moss (196-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: Indiana St.), Marco Carraretto (197-G-77, agency: Players Group), Tomas Ress (209-C-80, college: Texas A&M), Benjamin Eze (207-C/F-81, college: S.Idaho JC)

Line-up : Brown, Hackett, Kemp, Sanikidze, ?
Coach : Luca Banchi
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EA7 Emporio Armani
At its second season the project of Milano seems ready for the title. The roster is already completed.

Roster : Malik Hairston (198-G/F-87, college: Oregon), Nicolo Melli (205-F-91), Alessandro Gentile (200-G/F-92), Ioannis Bourousis (213-C-83, agency: FCM), Jacopo Giachetti (190-PG-83), Omar-Sharif Cook (185-PG-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's), Richard Hendrix (204-C/F-86, college: Alabama), Keith Langford (193-SG-83, college: Kansas), David Chiotti (205-C/F-84, agency: Court Side, college: N.Mexico), Gianluca Basile (192-G-75), Rok Stipcevic (184-PG-86), Antonis Fotsis (209-F-81)

Line-up : Cook, Langford, Hairston, Fotsis, Bourousis
Coach : Sergio Scariolo
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Pallacanestro Cantu
After three seasons without big changes Cantu will have a new face next year. An off-the-bench help is still needed on the perimeter.

Roster : Beye Tabu-Eboma (190-PG-85), Jerry Smith (188-PG-87, college: Louisville), Pietro Aradori (194-SG-88), Nicolas Mazzarino (181-PG-75, agency: Players Group), Manuchar Markoishvili (195-G-86), Jeff Brooks (203-F-89, college: Penn St.), Maarten Leunen (206-F-85, college: Oregon), Marco Cusin (211-C-85, agency: Interperformances), Marko Scekic (207-F/C-81, agency: Beo Basket), Alex Tyus (203-F/C-88, college: Florida), Awudu Abass (196-G-93)

Line-up : J. Smith, Aradori, Markoishvili, Leunen, Cusin
Coach : Andrea Trinchieri
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Banco di Sardegna Sassari
Sassari is off an amazing season and going to have its debut in the eurocup. The current roster should be already the definitive one.

Roster : Drake Diener (196-G-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: De Paul), Travis Diener (184-PG-82, college: Marquette), Manuel Vanuzzo (203-F-75), Giacomo DeVecchi (196-F-85, agency: Players Group), Brian Sacchetti (200-F-86), Mauro Pinton (185-PG-84, agency: Two Points), Dane Diliegro (204-C-88, college: New Hampshire), Michal Ignerski (207-F-80, agency: Stanley International, college: Mississippi St.), Marvis Thornton (194-G-77, college: St.John's), Tony Easley (206-F-87, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Murray St.), Anthony Binetti (186-G-83, college: Seattle Pacific)

Line-up : T. Diener, D. Diener, Thornton, Ignerski, Easley
Coach : Romeo Sacchetti
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Virtus Bologna
An heavy budget reduction is having impacts on the creation of the new roster, but the team seems to be ready to battle in the higher part of the standings anyway. Other deals still to come

Roster : Angelo Gigli (209-F/C-83), Giuseppe Poeta (190-G-85), Viktor Gaddefors (203-SF-92), Jakub Parzenski (212-F/C-91), Mason Rocca (204-F-77, college: Princeton), Steven Smith (203-F-83, college: La Salle)

Line-up : Poeta, ?, ?, Smith, Rocca
Coach : Finelli
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Victoria Libertas Pesaro
No news from Pesaro yet. Only a couple of confirmation so far. Future roster is still unpredictable

Roster : Daniele Cavaliero (188-G-84), Andrea Traini (184-PG-92)
To Be Confirmed : Flamini
Coach : Ticchi
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Umana Venezia
Venezia was the main actor early in this summer market. They did great and put together a bunch of players that will surely become a very good team soon. No further additions expected.

Roster : Szymon Szewczyk (209-C-82), Alvin Young (188-PG-75, college: Niagara), Kee Kee Clark (180-PG-84, college: St.Peter's), Eric Williams (206-C-84, college: Wake Forest), Yakhouba Diawara (201-F-82, college: Pepperdine), Ivan Zoroski (195-G-79), Timothy Bowers (188-G-82, college: Mississippi St.), Tommaso Fantoni (204-F-85, agency: Players Group), Daniele Magro (208-C/F-87), Francesco Candussi (211-PF-94), Guido Rosselli (198-G-83)

Line-up : Clark, Bowers, Diawara, Szewczyk, Williams
Coach : Mazzon
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Cimberio Varese
Supporters of Varese are having an exciting summer. Coach Vitucci will have the chance to work with a very interesting group of players. No future additions are expected except from Cerella.

Roster : Janar Talts (206-C-83), Ndudi Ebi (206-F-84, agency: Higher Vision Sports) Ere (195-G/F-81, college: Oklahoma), Dusan Sakota (209-SF-86, agency: Beo Basket), Bryant Dunston (202-F/C-86), Achille Polonara (203-F-91), Mike Green (185-PG-85, college: Butler), Andrea De De Nicolao (185-PG-91), Erik Rush (197-G/F-88, college: Montana St.), Adrian Banks (191-G-86, college: NW Mississippi CC)
To Be Confirmed: Cerella

Line-up : Green, Banks, Ere, Sakota, Dunston
Coach : Francesco Vitucci
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Sidigas Avellino
Very few extensions (only Linton Johnson actually) but the goal is making interesting deals on the market. And they seem on the right way.
Other deals or confirmations should be announced.

Roster : Dwight Hardy (188-PG-87, college: St.John's), Jeremy Richardson (200-G/F-84, college: Delta St.), Nikola Dragovic (206-F-87, college: UCLA), Linton Johnson, Ndudi Ebi
To Be Confirmed : M. Green, Spinelli

Line-up : ?, Hardy, Richardson, Dragovic, Johnson
Coach : Valli
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Vanoli Cremona
Lots of changes in the roster of Cremona. Good players and team chemistry to work on for coach Caja. Roster seems already completed.

Roster : Aaron Johnson, Lance Harris (195-G-84, college: Kansas St.), Jarrius Jackson (188-G-85, college: Texas Tech), Tuukka Kotti (205-F/C-81, college: Providence), Janis Porzingis (201-F-82, agency: Interperformances), Fabio Ruini (186-G-80), Shawn Huff (198-G/F-84, college: Valparaiso), Andrija Stipanovic (209-C-86), Roberto Cazzaniga (205-F/C-78)


Line-up : Johnson, Jackson, Harris, Huff, Stipanovic
Coach : Attilio Caja

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Angelico Biella
Chrysikopoulos was confirmed. Others will be new faces in Biella. A Small Forward still has to come.

Roster : Linos-Spyridon Chrysikopoulos, Nemanja Jaramaz (201-G-91, agency: Beo Basket), Tommaso Raspino (196-G-89, agency: Players Group), Russell Robinson (185-G-86), Julian Mavunga (203-F-90, college: Miami, OH), Craig Brackins (208-F-87, college: Iowa St.), Ramone Moore (193-G-89, college: Temple)

Line-up : Robinson, Moore, ?, Mavunga, Brackins
Coach: Cancellieri

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Acea Roma
Roma keeps Luigi Datome (202-G/F-87) and change all of the rest. Work in progress.

Roster : Luigi Datome, Bobby Jones (201-F-84, college: Washington), Peter Lorant (207-F/C-85, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group), Lorenzo D'Ercole (190-PG-88, agency: Two Points), Jordan Donell Taylor (198-G-82, college: UAB) (185-PG-89, college: Wisconsin)

Line-up : Donell Taylor, ?, Datome, Jones, ?
Coach : Marco Calvani

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Sutor Montegranaro
Lots of new players also for Montegranaro. The management is still looking for a small forward.

Roster : Fabio Di Bella, Zachary Andrews (203-F/C-85, college: Bradley), Daniele Cinciarini (194-G-83), Ronald Steele (187-PG-86, agency: SportsTalent, college: Alabama), Kyle Jackson, Christian Burns (203-F-85, college: Philadelphia), Valerio Mazzola (205-F/C-88)

Line-up : Steele, Cinciarini D., ?, Burns, Andrews
Coach : Carlo Recalcati

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Juve Caserta
Caserta is doing good on the market. Good players already signed and other deals could be announced soon.

Roster : Giuliano Maresca (192-G-81), Salvatore Parrillo (190-SG-92), Stevan Jelovac (208-F/C-89, agency: Beo Basket), Stefano Gentile, Nic Wise (178-PG-87, college: Arizona), Andrea Michelori (202-F-78), Eric Chatfield (191-G-79, college: N.Mexico), Zygimintas Jonusas (200-F-82), Kyle Visser (211-C-85, college: Wake Forest)

Line-up : Wise, Chatfield, Jonusas, Jelovac, Visser
Coach : Stefano Sacripanti

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Trenkwalder Reggio Emilia
Some additions and the chance to count on many players from last years roster. Back to the SerieA Reggio Emilia will try to compete at a good level counting on an interesting and solid roster.

Roster : Riccardo Cervi (215-C-91), Michele Antonutti (202-G/F-86), Donatas Slanina (192-G-77), Demian Filloy (198-F-82, agency: Interperformances), Donell Taylor, Dawan Robinson, Andrea Cinciarini, Greg Brunner (201-C/F-83, college: Iowa), Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88, agency: Interperformances)

Line-up : Robinson, Taylor, Slanina, Filloy D., Brunner
Coach : Menetti

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Enel Brindisi
Just as Reggio Emilia Brindisi gets to the SerieA keeping some players and adding some others. A shooting guard should be added soon.

Roster : Dejan Borovnjak (207-F/C-86, agency: Beo Basket), Andrea Zerini (200-F-88), Klaudio Ndoja (200-G/F-85), Jonathan Gibson (182-PG-87, college: N.Mexico St.), Matteo Formenti (194-G-82), Robert Fultz (189-PG-82, agency: Interperformances), A. Robinson, Jeffrey Viggiano (197-F-84, college: Massachusetts), Jerai Grant (203-F/C-89, college: Clemson), Scottie Reynolds (188-PG-87, college: Villanova)

Line-up : Reynolds, Gibson, Viggiano, Robinson, Grant
Coach : Bucchi



Line-ups are a prediction based on deals announced and players positions. Further roster additions and coaches decisions couldnt be considered.


Croatia nip Italy in Porec - by Eurobasket News

Croatia - Italy 72:70

Croatia and Italy played the second friendly game in as many days. This time the teams moved to Porec. Croatia bounced back from the starting loss in Trieste and clinched a narrow success. Krunoslav Simon (197-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up with 20 points to lead the hosts.
Italy poured in 26 points in the opening quarter to take the lead. They enjoyed a 4-point advantage at the first break. The Azzurri stretched the margin in the second quarter. Italy gained a 42:32 halftime advantage. Italy stayed in control throughout the third term. They led by 7 points at the final intermission 57:50. But Croatia tipped off the fourth frame on a 12:3 run to surge ahead. Croatia managed to secure the winning outcome in the final seconds. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-G/F-89) accounted for 17 points, while Luka Zoric (211-C/F-84) finished with 9 points in the victory. Luigi Datome (202-G/F-87) came up with 19 points for Italy. Daniel Hackett (198-G-87, agency: Two Points, college: USC) netted 10 points in the loss.

Croatia: Krunoslav Simon 20, Bojan Bogdanovic 17, Luka Zoric 9
Italy: Luigi Datome 19, Daniel Hackett 10


U18 European Championship: Italy send Greece to second straight loss - by Eurobasket News

Italy U18 - Greece U18 71:66

Italy celebrated the second straight win at the start of U18 European Championship. They knocked down Greece in Group B. Matteo Imbro (192-PG-94) posted 17 points, 6 assists and 4 boards to lead the winners. The Hellenes in the meantime suffered the second loss in a row.
Italy and Greece stayed on level terms in the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 15:15 after ten minutes. Italy pulled ahead in the second term. They accumulated a 30:26 halftime advantage. The Azzurri stretched the lead in the third quarter. They went on a 20:9 rally to boost the margin to 15 points with one quarter remaining. Greece managed to cut the distance to just three points late in regulation but Mirco Turel (192-SG-94) converted a decisive layup late in the game to seal the victory for Italy. Amedeo Tessitori (204-PF-94) posted 16 points and 8 rebounds, while Mirco Turel added 13 points in the victory. Eleftherios Bochoridis (196-SG-94) answered with 14 points for Greece. Dimitrios Agravanis (208-F-94, agency: FCM) had 13 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

Italy U18: Matteo Imbro 17, Amedeo Tessitori 16, Mirco Turel 13
Greece U18: Eleftherios Bochoridis 14, Dimitrios Agravanis 13+10 boards


Aleksandar Rasic heads to Siena - by Eurobasket News

Montepaschi Siena are strengthening their roster. They have reportedly agreed on terms of contract with Aleksandar Rasic (194-G-84, agency: Beo Basket). The Serbian guard spent the last season in Lithuania. He played for Lietuvos Rytas. Aleksandar Rasic notched 6.9 points, 2.7 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game in LKL. In VTB League Aleksandar Rasic tallied 5.1 points, 2.5 assists and 1.7 rebounds. In Baltic League the guard averaged 8.3 points, 1.5 assists and 1.0 board per appearance. Rasic also posted 7.1 points, 2.6 assists and 1.6 boards in EuroCup. Previously Aleksandar Rasic had spells for Trabzanspor, Partizan, Dynamo Moscow, ALBA Berlin, Efes Pilsen, FMP Zeleznik, Borac Cacak. He has been the member of Serbian National Team since 2010.


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  JAPAN   


Tokyo Cinq Reves sign Jared Carter - by Eurobasket Center

Tokyo Cinq Reves (BJ League) signed 26-year old American center Jared Carter (216-C-113kg-86, college: Kentucky, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management). Carter played most recently at Summerside Storm (Canada). While playing 32 games for Summerside S. last season his stats were: 5.2ppg, 4.7rpg and 1.1bpg (5th best in the league). He graduated from University of Kentucky in 2009 and it will be his fourth season in pro basketball.




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  JORDAN   


Jordan active in 3x3 basketball - by Omar Shafaamri

AMMAN Fans and players are increasingly taking more interest in 3x3 basketball as the newest aspect for Jordans No. 2 sport.

Endorsed by the sports governing body FIBA, Riyadi Aramex have recently concluded the Riyadi-Umniah 3x3 Challenge which organisers hope will include basketball-oriented family activities and grow in size and number starting next season.

The 3x3 Challenge qualified two teams to Istanbul World Tour Masters which in turn qualifies teams to the World Championship.

We had 28 teams and aim to have 64 next year, Riyadi Secretary General Fadi Sabbah told The Jordan Times.

Sabbah represents the West Asia Zone in the Asian Basketball Confederation and recently represented the region in the 3x3 seminar in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Sabbah, who heads the 3x3 committee at the Jordan Basketball Federation, joined the seminar with representatives from the continent to put forth a comprehensive strategy to develop the sport.

Before the senior edition, Riyadi organised its 5th annual 3x3 Basketball Championship with the support of the Jordan Basketball Federation and Umniah. Players representing clubs and schools played for six titles U-13, U-15, U-17, free throw, dunk and 3-point shooting.

Sabbah noted having strong teams will enable Jordan to take a leading role in hosting and organising 3x3 tournaments which are important in the development of the game and gaining added interest from FIBA.

FIBA requires players to take part in one of the FIBA 3x3 endorsed events like the Riyadi Umniah Challenge in order to get a chance at World Tours, World Championship and get a world ranking. National teams play the World Championship while the World Tour is open to individuals and clubs annually.

There are five qualifying events to the World Tour Finals this year in Istanbul, New York, Sao Paolo, Madrid and Vladivostok. Four teams from each will move to the 3x3 Basketball World Championship in Miami, Florida.

FIBAs First 3x3 World Championship for Men and Women will take place in Greece in August, while the FIBA 3x3 2nd Annual Youth World Championship for U-18 boys and girls will be held in Spain in September.

FIBA invited teams from active countries to send national teams to its World Championship and Jordan was selected to play in three out of the four national team events. The JBF will send its womens 3x3 national team to Athens and its U-18 boys and girls national teams to Spain.

Last year, Jordan took part it the First Invitational Youth World Championship in Rimini, Italy, where the boys team finished 16th and the girls 21st, among 32 teams.

Jordan Times


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  LATVIA   


Spartak Primorye adds Martins Zibarts and Eriks Visockis to coaching staff - by Eurobasket News

Latvians Martins Zibarts and Eriks Visockis are new members of Spartak Primorye's coaching staff. They joined Head Coach Gundars Vetra (agency: Ryzhov Stanislav), who took over the team recently.
Martins Zibarts served as Assistant Coach under Vetra last season in BK Ventspils. Before that, Zibarts was Head Coach of Latvijas Universitate in 2010/11 season. In the past he was Assistant Coach of Barons Riga. Zibarts also has experience from Latvian U20 women National Team. They won the Bronze together two yeas ago at U20 EuroBasket in Liepaja. In 2008, ZIbarts was Head Coach of U18 Latvian women NT and they won the Gold at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Skopje. In the past, Martins Zibarts won the Silver at U16 EuroBasket Division B with Latvian U16 women NT.
Yesterday, Spartak Primorye signed its first new player for the next season. It is Artem Isakov (192-G-87, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav), who arrives from Ural Ekaterinburg.


U18 European Championship: Latvia put Turkey on the verge - by Eurobasket News

Latvia U18 - Turkey U18 73:65

Latvia punched the ticket into the next round of U18 European Championship. The hosts knocked down Turkey in Liepaja to improve at 2-0 record in Group C. Turkey in the meantime suffered the second consecutive loss and appeared on the edge of elimination from the title race.
Turkey started the game aggressively. They built a 17:15 lead after ten minutes. Latvia stopped the rot in the second quarter. The home team outscored Turkey for a 36:30 halftime lead. Latvia took over completely in the third term. The home team held their opponents to 12 points in the quarter and surged ahead for a 14-point lead before the fourth frame. Tayfun Erulku (193-SG-94) put Turkey within four points with under two minutes to go. But Dimitrijs Brizgalovs (186-G-94), Ilja Gromovs (207-C-94) and Zvigurs sealed the victory from the stripe for Latvia. Dimitrijs Brizgalovs finished with 16 points for Latvia. Toms Leimanis (190-PG-94) added 14 points in the victory. Tayfun Erulku answered with 15 points for Turkey. Kenan Sipahi (198-PG-95) notched 13 points in the loss.

Latvia U18: Dimitrijs Brizgalovs 16, Toms Leimanis 14, Davis Geks 12, Ilja Gromovs 12
Turkey U18: Tayfun Erulku 15, Kenan Sipahi 13


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  LEBANON   


Sam Hoskin moves to China with Jilin Tigers - by Rabih Khoury

Today, Samuel Hoskin (206-F/C-79, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: De Paul) (Higher Vision Sports) 6'9" power-forward, signed a deal with the Chinese Basketball Association's Jilin Northeast Tigers. Before last season, Hoskin was nationalized as a Lebanese and played in the Asian World Championships with the Lebanese National Team. There, Hoskin averaged 16.3 points per game and 10.1 rebounds and the team enjoyed their best record in years. After that, Hoskin signed a deal with Lebanese outfit Champville Basketball Club and helped them win their first Lebanese Championship in their history. In the final game of the championship, Samuel Hoskin led his team to a championship victory that had former NBA player Marcus Haislip as his teammate on it with 23 points and 8 rebounds. Hoskin averaged 20.8 points per game and 10.8 rebounds and was the power-forward of the year in the Lebanese league last season.

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Sagesse lands Aaron Harper - by Rabih Khoury

After long negotiations with many players, Sagesse management and coaching staff decided to sign the MVP of the bulgarian league for the last 3 seasons Aaron Harper (199-G/F-81, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Mississippi). Harper is a guard with good size who Could also see time at small forward. He played for Levski Sofia (Bulgaria-NBL, starting five) since 2009 and averaged the past season: Bulgarian League: 34 games: Score-1 (20.6ppg), 4.9rpg, 3.3apg, Steals-4 (1.9spg), FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 78.4% and in Balkan League: 9 games: Score-2 (18.7ppg), 5.8rpg, 2.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 63.3%. Sagesse management is still looking to fill the center position with the second which could be announced in 1 week.


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  LITHUANIA   


Siauliai signs Senegalese big guy Papa Dia - by Eurobasket News

Papa Dia (212-C-87, college: SMU) will continue his career in Lithuania. The Senegalese big guy signed a deal with Siauliai. Dia split last season between Zagreb and Breogan. With Zagreb he had 3.7 ppg and 2.8 rpg for 12 Adriatic league games. He also added 2.3 ppg and 1.1 rpg for 7 Euroleague appearanes with the club. In January this year Papa Dia moved to Spanish Breogan. There he collected 7.9 ppg and 4.8 rpg for 18 games in LEB Gold. It was the first professional season for Papa Dia, who graduated at Southern Methodist University a year ago. The player spent all four years with SMU. Dia played for the Senegalese National Team at the 2011 AfroBasket in Madagascar. He had 11.2 ppg and 6.8 rpg for 6 games at this event.


Sakalai hires Romualdas Petronis as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Sakalai Vilnius hired new coaching staff for the upcoming season. New Head Coach of the team is Lithuanian specialist Romualdas Petronis . He worked last two years in Russia. Petronis coached U23 team of NN-Chekhovskie Yastreby Chekhov. Sakali and Petronis already cooperated in the past and it was from January of 2007 until the end of 2007/08 season. He served as Assistant Coach at that time. Petronis also worked as Assistant Coach of Ural Great Perm and Dynamo Moscow women team. He was a Head Coach of Avtodor Saratov and Prienai (LKAL).
Virginijus Sirvydis (196-G/F-73) is new Assistant Coach of Sakalai. He played for the club last three years. Stats from 2011/12: Baltic League - 13 games: 7.2ppg, 1.2apg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 81.3%. Lithuanian League - 19 games: 7.1ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 70.6%. In the past, Sirvydis played in Czech Republic, Germany, Cyprus and Russia.


CSU Sibiu inks Mantas Griskenas - by Eurobasket News

Mantas Griskenas (200-F-85, college: Wichita St.) is a new member of the Romanian team CSU Sibiu. The Lithuanian forward signed a deal for the next season. Griskenas spent last two with the Swedish squad Sodertalje Kings and they reached Basketligan Finals this year. The player shined with 12.4 ppg and 5.5 rpg in 49 games with the Kings. He was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan Honorable Mention -12. In 2010/11 season Griskenas collected 12.8 ppg and 5.4 rpg in 43 games. That year the Kings were stopped in the Semifinals. Before Sweden, Mantas Griskenas played for the Lithuanian NKL team Meresta Pakruojis in 2009/10 and it was his first professional deal. The forward graduated at Wichita State University three years ago. He transferred to Wichita State from Three Rivers CC (JUCO) in 2007.


Zalgiris announce Ksistof Lavrinovic - by Eurobasket News

Zalgiris officially signed Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-C-79). The centre will unite with his twin brother in the Kaunas team. Ksistof Lavrinovic played for Montepaschi Siena since 2007. Last season the centre notched 9.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per Euroleague game. In SeriaA the Lithuanian player tallied 12.6 points, 5.4 boards and 1.2 assists per appearance. He earned All-Italian SeriaA Honourable Mention. Ksistof Lavrinovic was named All-Italian SeriaA Player of the Year in 2008. He also made it into All-Euroleague 2nd Team in 2011. Previously Ksistof Lavrinovic had stints with Unics Kazan, Dynamo Moscow, CSKA Moscow, Ural Great, Alita Alytus. Eurobasket.com named the centre All-FIBA EuropeLeague Defensive Player of the Year in 2004.


U18 European Championship: Lithuania gain tempo, edge Denmark - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania U18 - Denmark U18 92:63

Lithuania celebrated the second consecutive win at the start of home U18 European Championship. The hosts denied Denmark in Vilnius tonight to remain on top of Group B. Justas Tamulis (194-SF-94, agency: Beo Basket) scored 16 points to pace the hosts. Denmark fell at 0-2 record.
Lithuania exploded with 29 points in the opening quarter to clear off. The hosts established a 14-point lead ten minutes into the game. The teams traded baskets throughout the next two periods. Lithuania maintained the lead heading into the fourth stanza up by 14 points. Denmark finally ran out of steam and Lithuania capitalized. The home side went on a 25:10 rally in the final term and sealed the victory. Rokas Gustys (204-C-94) accounted for 15 points, while Denis Krestinin (202-PF-94) added 13 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. Rasmus Larsen (212-C-94) answered with 21 points for Denmark. Jacob Jensen (211-C-94) had 12 points in the loss.

Lithuania U18: Justas Tamulis 16, Rokas Gustys 15, Denis Krestinin 13+10 boards
Denmark U18: Rasmus Larsen 21, Jacob Jensen 12


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  LUXEMBOURG   


U18 European Championship: Jakob Poeltl leads Austria past Luxembourg - by Eurobasket News

Austria U18 - Luxembourg U18 75:64

Austria opened win count at U18 European Championship in Division B. They knocked down Luxembourg for 1-1 record in Group B. Jakob Poeltl (208-PF-95) tallied 16 points and 20 rebounds to lead the winners. Luxembourg fell at 0-2 record after the loss.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 21:21 at the first break. Austria put their noses in front in the second quarter. They established a 38:34 halftime lead. Austria boosted the lead in the third term. They piled up a 6-point lead at the final intermission. Austria held their opponents to just 12 points in the fourth frame to seal the victory at the end. Timur Bas (198-PF-94) posted 14 points, while Valentin Bauer (181-PG-94) added 13 points in the victory. Bob Melcher (196-G-94) answered with 22 points for Luxembourg. Thomas Grun (194-PG-95) had 13 points in the loss.

Austria U18: Jakob Poeltl 16+20 boards, Timur Bas 14, Valentin Bauer 13
Luxembourg U18: Bob Melcher 22, Thomas Grun 13


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  MONTENEGRO   


U18 European Championship: Iceland surprise Montenegro - by Eurobasket News

Iceland U18 - Montenegro U18 80:68

Iceland extended their surprising start to the U18 European Championship in Division B campaign. They knocked down Montenegro to stay perfect at 2-0 record. Martin Hermannsson (190-SG-94) scored 19 points to lead Iceland. Montenegro fell at 1-1 record after the defeat in Group C.
The Balkan team looked slightly better throughout the starting quarter. They ensured a 20:18 lead ten minutes into the game. But Iceland turned things around in the second quarter. They denied the deficit and pulled ahead for a 37:35 halftime advantage. Iceland poured in 29 points in the third term to boost the lead. They entered the fourth quarter up by 11 points 66:55. Montenegro came up with just 13 points in the fourth quarter and had to surrender at the end. Elvar Fridriksson (180-PG-94) nailed 15 points, while Stefan Torfason (200-PF-93) added 13 points for the winners. Milos Pajovic (205-C-94) answered with 15 points and 9 rebounds for Montenegro. Vaso Popovic (184-G-94) had 14 points in the loss.

Iceland U18: Martin Hermannsson 19, Elvar Fridriksson 15, Stefan Torfason 13
Montenegro U18: Milos Pajovic 15, Vaso Popovic 14


Nikola Vucevic moves to the Magic - by Darko Pekic

In a blockbuster four-team trade, Dwight Howard (211-C-85) has been traded to the Lakers, according to multiple reports. The fans from Montenegro will appreciate this trade beacuse it involved the young member of Montenegrin National Team, Nikola Vucevic (208-F-90, college: USC), who moved from the 76ers to the Magic.

The framework is this trade is: Howard to the Lakers, Andre Iguodala (198-SF-84, college: Arizona) to the Nuggets, Andrew Bynum (213-C-87, agency: David Lee services) and Jason Richardson (198-G-81, college: Michigan St.) to the 76ers, and the Magic get Arron Afflalo (196-G-85, college: UCLA), Maurice Harkless (203-G/F-93, college: St.John's), Nikola Vucevic, Al Harrington (206-F-80) and three first round picks.


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  NBA   


Olympics 2012: USA race past Argentina into Final - by Eurobasket News

USA - Argentina 109:83

USA entered the title game at the Olympic Games basketball tournament. They bruised Argentina in the semifinal battle tonight to set up the clash versus Spain on Sunday. Kevin Durant (6'9''-SF-88, college: Texas) scored 19 points to lead the winners. Argentina will play versus Russia in the consolation final.
Team USA jumped to a 15:4 lead midway through the opening quarter. But Emanuel Ginobili (6'6''-SG-77, agency: Interperformances), Scola and Nocioni returned Argentina in the game. They cut the deficit to just three points 15:18 late in the period. USA entered the second frame up by 5 points 24:19. Delfino drained back-to-back triples midway through the second term to keep Argentina within striking distance. LeBron James (6'8''-SF-84) however answered with seven points in a row to make 37:27 for USA. Emanuel Ginobili capped the first half with a three-pointer to put Argentina within 7 points 40:47. Emanuel Ginobili drained another trey at the start of the second half but Team USA answered with 12:3 run to clear off. Kevin Durant connected twice from beyond the arc and LeBron James added a jumper as USA built a 72:53 lead with under two minutes to go in the third quarter. They entered the fourth quarter up by 17 points 74:57. USA opened the fourth frame with eight points in a row and never looked back cruising to the seventh win in a row at the tournament. LeBron James finished with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists, while Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-SF-84, college: Syracuse) chipped in 18 points for the winners. Emanuel Ginobili replied with 18 points for Argentina. Luis Scola (6'9''-PF-80) and Carlos Delfino (6'7''-SF-82) had 15 points each in the loss.

USA: Kevin Durant 19, LeBron James 18, Carmelo Anthony 18
Argentina: Emanuel Ginobili 18, Luis Scola 15, Carlos Delfino 15


Courtney Lee: I really wanted to come to Boston - by Eurobasket News

Courtney Lee (6'5''-G/F-85, college: W.Kentucky) was all smiles during his first public appearance as a member of the Boston Celtics on Thursday, mere hours after arriving in the city as a full-time resident.

Speaking at the team's annual Summer Soiree -- a cocktail event hosted by the Celtics and partners Xfinity and New England Baptist Hospital to help raise money for the Shamrock Foundation -- Lee expressed his enthusiasm over joining the team and his happiness to have the free-agency process behind him.

"I'm definitely excited. I got here earlier today," Lee said, prior to serving on a four-player interview panel alongside Avery Bradley, Dionte Christmas and Kris Joseph. "I've just got to find somewhere to live, and I got a chance to drive around a little bit, see the city, and see all that it has to offer. I'm excited, being back on a playoff-caliber team. Doc [Rivers is] a great coach, I get to play under him, and it's a good core group of guys here and I'm excited I get to join them."

The Celtics acquired Lee, who was an unrestricted free agent, on July 19 as part of a three-team sign-and-trade that saw Boston send E'Twaun Moore, JaJuan Johnson, Sean Williams and a second-round pick to Lee's former club, the Houston Rockets, and Sasha Pavlovic and two second-round picks to the Portland Trail Blazers. This all came after president of basketball operations Danny Ainge worked to try and facilitate a sign-and-trade for Jason Terry, so that the $5 million mid-level exception could be used to sign Lee. When a deal couldn't be reached with Terry's former team, the Dallas Mavericks, the C's used the mid-level on Terry and explored other creative options to try and land Lee, eventually facilitating the sign-and-trade.

Their commitment to acquiring him solidified the Celtics as Lee's No. 1 choice.

"I was definitely happy about [Boston's dedication]. The free-agency period was definitely a stressful one, but I stayed patient," said Lee, who at one point earlier in the summer acknowledged he was drawing interest from as many as eight teams. "I let my agent and I let Danny [Ainge] and those guys figure it out, and once it came to [to be], I was definitely happy and relieved about it.

"Once you see that there's interest from a team, the decision's up to you, so I had a tough decision to make. I had a lot of different offers from a lot of different teams, but the one I really wanted to come to was Boston, so I spoke with my agent, I spoke with my family. It was a decision that I had to take less money to come here, but in that, I'll be winning, I have a chance to play on TV, and that's what everybody wants to do -- they want to win big and have a chance to win a ring. So it was a no-brainer for me."

Standing at 6-foot-5, Lee has shown an ability to impact a game in many different ways, but he said to expect to see a strong commitment to the defensive end of the floor -- words that will surely serve as music to Rivers' ears.

"[I'm] just a guy that's going to go out there and play hard every possession," Lee said. "There are no possessions off. I'm capable of scoring on the offensive end, but I'm going to give the same effort on the defensive end night in and night out."

Lee, who shot 40.1 percent from 3-point nation for the Rockets last season, will still be counted on for some offensive production, and he noted that his higher-profile teammates will help to open things up for him.

"When you've got those kind of caliber players, [Kevin Garnett] down low, you've got [Paul] Pierce on a wing, and [Rajon] Rondo, who's going to find you in transition, you can only be excited about that," said Lee. "With those guys, I'm sure they're going to have the focus of the defense, night in and night out, and it's only going to make my job a lot easier to get out there, run, try to get buckets in transition, knock down the open shot, and also play defense."

Lee's currently pegged as the team's starting shooting guard, due to Terry's preference to come off the bench and Bradley's recovery from shoulder surgeries, but that could change if Bradley's ready to play at the start of the season. Lee chose to stay tight-lipped on the conversations he's had with Rivers about his role, but he did say he'll come off the bench if that's what the team requires.

"I just want to win. I'm not the coach, so whatever Doc feels will help the team, it's his decision," Lee said. "So I'm just going to go out there and just play.

"[Coming off the bench is] the same as starting the game. You've just got a job and a role to go out there and fulfill. You've just got to be professional and handle that."

Having cited Boston as a playoff-caliber team, Lee was pleased to see Ainge execute the other moves he did in order to keep the C's competitive for seasons to come, namely the re-signings of players like Garnett, Brandon Bass, Jeff Green and Chris Wilcox.

"I think [Ainge] did a good job. I think he was one of the better [general managers] during the offseason, getting a team and putting them together to go back and try to compete for a championship," Lee explained. "You've got Jason Terry, who's a phenomenal shooter and scorer, who's capable of coming off the bench and giving you 20, and then you get Wilcox back, it's an inside presence, and you get Jeff Green back, also. I think he did a great job."

A somewhat unsung part of Ainge's offseason effort has been building a younger core, consisting of the likes of Lee, Green, Bass, Rondo, Bradley and rookie Jared Sullinger. Despite having a label as an "old" team the last few seasons, the C's won't have to rely as heavily on Pierce and Garnett, now that Ainge has put more youthful pieces around them.

"We'll be able to give the old guys a break," Lee joked. "It only adds to the excitement of basketball. You've got KG, Pierce, those guys that are up there in age, but can still get the job done. And then to have a young core come in and keep the intensity and that level and that pace up throughout the whole game, it's going to be tough to beat us."

Courtesy of ESPN


OFFICIAL: Lakers Acquire Dwight Howard - by Diamadis Farmakis

It's official. Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85) signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. Here is the official press release from the team of L.A.

The Los Angeles Lakers have acquired three-time Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard from the Orlando Magic in a four-team trade, it was announced today by General Manager Mitch Kupchak. In addition to Howard, the Lakers will receive Chris Duhon and Earl Clark from the Magic while sending Josh McRoberts, Christian Eyenga and a future protected first round and 2015 protected second round draft pick to Orlando. Andrew Bynum will be sent to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Howard, the first player in NBA history to earn three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year Awards (2009, 2010, 2011), has been named First Team All-NBA in each of the past five seasons (Third Team in 2006-07), First Team All-Defense in each of the past four seasons (Second Team in 2007-08) and has made six consecutive All-Star appearances for the Eastern Conference (five straight starts).

Selected by the Magic with the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft out of Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, Howard has appeared in 621 career regular season games, averaging 18.4 points, 13.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.01 steals and 2.16 blocks in 36.2 minutes. Owning the fifth best career field goal percentage (.577) in NBA history, Howard has finished ranked among the leagues top 10 in field goal accuracy in each of his eight NBA seasons while having led the NBA in total rebounds six times and in blocks twice.

A member of the USA Mens Senior National Team that captured the Gold Medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, this past season, Howard appeared in 54 games, averaging 20.6 points, 2.15 blocks and career-bests in rebounds (14.5), assists (1.9), steals (1.5) and minutes (38.3).

''Wed like to thank Andrew for all hes done for the team and the organization, said Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak. Andrew has been with us since we drafted him at seventeen years old and over the last seven years we have watched him develop into an All-Star player who has helped the team win two NBA Championships. Hes a special talent with a bright future. We appreciate all of his contributions and wish him well for the remainder of his career''.

''We also appreciate the contributions that Josh and Christian made, said Kupchak. Although they were only with us for a short period of time, they worked hard both on and off the court and were well respected by their teammates. We wish them the best of luck in the future''.


Lin to host basketball camp for youth in China - by Diamadis Farmakis

NBA star Jeremy Lin (6'3''-PG-88, college: Harvard) says he hopes to boost young players' enthusiasm for basketball at a four-day camp he plans to host later this month in southern China.

Lin said Thursday at a news conference in Beijing that he expected 80 kids to attend and that is because his Asian heritage makes him a huge draw in the homeland of former Houston Rockets star Yao Ming
Lin says "I want every kid to leave the camp feeling like they had really fun time" and "they can't wait to go back home and continue to play."

His visit to China is his first since emerging as an NBA star with the New York Knicks. He will move to Yao's former team next season on a three-year deal worth $25 million.


Big night gets Kobe drug tested - by Eurobasket News

So what was Kobe Bryant's (6'6''-SG-78) reward for his 20-point second-half outburst in Team USAs quarterfinal victory over Australia on Wednesday night? An Olympic drug test.

According to a source, Bryant was the USA player chosen to take the mandatory random drug test after the late-night contest and was unable to ride back to the team hotel with his teammates. With the game beginning at 10:15 p.m. here, Bryant didnt arrive back at the hotel until 2 a.m.

Grant Hill said last month when he was a member of the Olympic team in 1996, players tried to avoid being the games high scorer because the high scorer often was chosen for the postgame random drug test and had to stay two hours after a game. However, an Olympic official said yesterday that isnt true at all.

However, it was no surprise Bryant was chosen since he had played poorly his first five games before draining six 3-pointers in the second half Wednesday to finish with all 20 of his points after intermission.

Courtesy of www.nypost.com


Cavaliers sign Micheal Eric - by Eurobasket News

Rookie free agent Micheal Eric (6'11''-F/C) has signed a multiyear deal with the Cavaliers, according to Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld (via Twitter). It's not clear how much of the contract is guaranteed, but it's probably reasonable to assume that 2012/13 is the only year with any guaranteed money for the Nigerian big man. Eric, who averaged 9.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game in his senior year at Temple, reportedly drew interest from a handful of teams leading up to the draft as a potential second-round pick. As a junior with Temple Eric had 7.1 ppg and 5.9 rpg in 24 games. He had 49.0%, FT: 48.9%.

Courtesy of www.hoopsrumors.com


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  NBLCANADA   


Mill Rats set to introduce new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

The Saint John Mill Rats have hired a new Head Coach for the 2012-2013 NBL Canada season and will announce him to the public on Wednesday, August 15 at 12:00 noon in the Brunswick Square atrium.

The Mill Rats Head Coach for the past two seasons, Jaren Jackson, will not be returning this season as his wife accepted a job that will require his family to relocate to Indianapolis, Indiana . Jackson has decided to stay home to help out with the transition and focus on spending time with his 12-year old son, Jaren Jr.

"We are really excited about the new direction our team is taking. We are confident that we will be a very, very competitive team this season," stated Ian McCarthy, Mill Rats President and General Manager. "We are appreciative of the two years that Coach Jackson gave to our organization and we all learned a lot from his NBA pedigree and experience."


Mill Rats Introduce New Head Coach

Time: 12:00pm/Noon ADT

Date: Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Location: Brunswick Square Atrium

39 King Street

Saint John, NB

Map: https://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com


Salerno thrilled to be back in Summerside - by Eurobasket News

Joe Salerno can't wait for the 2012-13 National Basketball League of Canada season to begin.

Salerno is thrilled to return for his second season as head coach of the Summerside Storm, and the native of Barre, Vermont, is anxious to put an improved product on the court for the team's growing fan base.

Im very, very excited for this season, said Salerno, 30. Last year, being the first season for this organization, I think we did a tremendous job.

For me to have the opportunity to come back here and have another crack at things is extremely exciting, and one Im really looking forward to.

Storm co-owner Duncan Shaw said he is pleased to have Salerno re-signed.

Joe is a very bright, talented young coach, said Shaw. He fits us as an organization because he wants to be involved year-round, he wants to be here long term and hes a very exceptional basketball mind to take us to the next level.

In the leagues inaugural campaign, Salerno led the Storm to a 12-24 (won-lost) record, and a sixth-place finish in the seven-team league. Windsor, Ont., was recently added as the leagues eighth franchise.

Our record obviously wasnt what we wanted it to be last year, admitted Shaw. This year, were looking for a better performance on the court. . . I feel the continuity is important to build the on-court part of the franchise going forward.

Salerno, who joined the Storm in August 2011, is actively recruiting players throughout North America this summer. In fact, he is attending a combine in Memphis this weekend.

This off-season Ive really been looking for some players who played professionally in different leagues, as well as guys who are a little more athletic, said Salerno. One of our weaknesses last season was having that IQ to close out games, and win some of those games that were close when we always seemed to come up on the short end of things.

Athleticism is another area Salerno wants to improve.

I really think we were probably one of the least athletic teams in the league (last year), said Salerno. We were still extremely competitive, but I feel having that little extra bit of athleticism is going to help us long term.


Roster turnover

Although Salerno expects there will be a lot of roster turnover as the Storm aims to compete for a championship, he confirmed one returnee will be six-foot-eight and 215-pound forward Chris Cayole, who was limited to 16 regular-season games last year with injuries.

Were thrilled to have Chris Cayole under contract hopefully a healthy Chris Cayole, said Salerno. We are certainly hoping to have at least two to three other guys back.

But some of these guys had good seasons last year, and there are certainly opportunities for them in other leagues. . . We want guys who have played for us to move on and get the best jobs that they can, but at the same time wed love to have some of those guys back.


Returning to camp

Salerno confirmed forward Doug McKinney of Charlottetown will be competing for a roster spot at training camp. McKinney played in 20 games with the Storm last season.

Doug has done a tremendous job this off-season, said Salerno. Doug has lost probably 20 pounds of bad weight, and probably put on about 10 pounds of good weight.

Doug has been working very hard. He really came on late last season. It took him a while to adjust to the physicality and speed of the game. But coming into January and February of last season, I thought he had some pretty good minutes for us. Im looking forward to having Doug back in training camp this year.


Assistant coach

Along with scouting players, Salerno is also in the hunt for an assistant coach. Mev Bahonjic, who held the position last year, will not return this year due to family commitments.

Ive met with a few different people, said Salerno. Just as were looking to improve our roster, Im looking to improve our coaching staff.

Certainly looking for a coach or two that is going to give another basketball opinion, and be another basketball mind on the bench. I have never been a coach to turn down any feedback or opinions from other coaches. Its important to get a look from all angles.

Courtesy of www.journalpioneer.com


Miracles announce new Head Coach and General Manager - by Eurobasket News

Ricky Benitez was announced today as the Miracles Head Coach/General Manager. Ricky has 27 years of coaching experience and 13 years on a professional level. He is a proven winner by his record of 400 wins and 95 losses. He has either won the Championship or taken his Team to the Championship round everywhere he has coached. He has won Championships in 5 different countries and has the most wins as Head Coach in WBA History.

Kim Blanco, the teams President, said, "We are excited about announcing our newest addition to the Moncton Miracles - Ricky Benitez as our Head Coach/General Manager. He has a very diverse background. Not only is he a proven winner on the court, he was also a part of the United States Army Special Operations Response Team. He brings a different style to our organization with his approach. We are excited about kicking off the 2012-2013 NBL of Canada season on Sunday, November 4th at 2:00pm with our new coach."

Ricky will be attending the Combine Workouts on August 25th and 26th in Toronto. The Miracles have the second overall pick in the 2012 NBL Canada draft on Aug. 27.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com


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


Asefa Estudiantes reportedly signs 2-year deal with Kyle Kuric - by Eurobasket News

Kyle Kuric (193-G/F-89) will start his professional basketball career in Spain. The American guard signed a 2-year deal with Asefa Estudiantes, according to Solobasket.com. He graduated at the University of Louisville few months ago. Kuric played 38 games for his school as a senior collecting 12.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 1.2 apg. He helped them reach NCAA Final Four. Louisville was the Big East Tournament winner and Kuric was named to Big East All-Tournament Team -12. The player was also awarded with All-Big East Honorable Mention -12. Louisville reached Big East Tournament Finals in 2011 and won it two years before that. It was the freshmen season for Kyle Kuric and he had very limited playing time. The player shined for Louisville as a junior with 10.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 1.2 apg for 33 games.


Marquette reports potential men's hoops violation - by Eurobasket News

Marquette has reported a possible rules violation involving its men's basketball program to the NCAA, athletic director Larry Williams said Thursday.

The nature of the violation was not disclosed.

"Recently, during the athletic department's normal course of business, we discovered information regarding a possible NCAA rules violation involving our men's basketball program," Williams said. "Marquette University takes these matters seriously. Upon learning the information, we followed established protocols and reported the matter directly to the NCAA."

Williams said the school is conducting a joint review with the NCAA and has no further comment.

Marquette coach Buzz Williams is 96-45 in four years as coach, including 46-26 in Big East play. The Golden Eagles have advanced to the NCAA tournament in all four seasons since Williams took over for Tom Crean, including back-to-back appearances in the regional semifinals.

Marquette was 27-8 overall and 14-4 in the Big East last year, losing to Florida in its second straight regional semifinal.

Larry Williams was hired as the school's vice president and director of athletics in December. He replaced Steve Cottingham, who resigned in June as school and athletic department officials faced questions about how they handled two cases of alleged sexual assault involving unidentified athletes.

Courtesy of http://nbcsports.msnbc.com


Melbourne Tigers beat Northern Colarado Bears 90-60 - by Eurobasket News

The Melbourne Tigers have scored a comfortable 90-60 victory over touring US college team the Northern Colarado Bears in a closed practice match on Friday afternoon.

The Tigers were led by new signings Chris Goulding (6'4''-G-88) (25 points, six rebounds, six assists) and Adam Ballinger (6'9''-F/C-79, college: Michigan St.) (23 points, four rebounds).

New Melbourne import Seth Scott debuted for the Tigers with nine points, three assists and three rebounds, while Melbourne veteran Tommy Greer also had 13 points and six rebounds.

Derrick Barden was the best player for the Bears with 13 points and 14 rebounds.

Melbourne opened with a 23-14 first quarter and won every period afterwards.

A 26-17 edge in the third period helped seal the match for Melbourne.

The Tigers dominated the collegians in the paint, outscoring them 26-12 inside the keyway.

Courtesy of NBL Australia


Arkansas' Powell returns to court after injury - by Eurobasket News

Marshawn Powell (6'7''-F-90) is back on the court at Arkansas and ready to see action for the first time since a knee injury that cost him most of last season.

Powell joined the rest of his teammates at practice last week. The early work was a precursor to a 10-day trip to Italy, beginning Friday, for the Razorbacks, who will play four games against European competition.

The 6-foot-7 Powell was a preseason second-team All-Southeastern Conference last season as a sophomore after averaging 14.9 points as a freshman. He averaged 19.5 points in Arkansas' first two games last season but tore the ACL in his right knee in practice and missed the rest of the season.

The Razorbacks were 18-14 last season, losing nine of their final 12.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com


Maccabi Ashdod adds rookie F Kenny Gabriel - by Eurobasket News

Kenny Gabriel (203-F) will start his professional basketball career in Israel. The American forward penned a 1-year deal with Maccabi Ashdod, according to Eurobasket's David Pick. The team competes in Israeli top division (Premier league). Gabriel is a product of Auburn University, where he graduated few months ago. The forward played 31 games for his school as a senior averaging 12.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. He had slightly lower numbers as a junior. Gabriel transferred to Auburn in 2009 from Paris JC (JUCO). This year he participated at dunk contest at the NCAA Final Four and finished as No2.
Last month Kenny Gabriel played for Sacramento at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. However, he appeared just once for the Kings scoring 8 points.


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

Standings - 1Div.

1Div. Standings
 1. Fyllingen BBK 0-0 
 2. Hoybraten 0-0 
 3. Miners 0-0 
 4. NTNUI 0-0 
 5. Persbraaten 0-0 
 6. Sverresborg 0-0 
 7. Varden 0-0 

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 29: Fyllingen BBK - Miners


U18 European Championship: Finland fire past Norway in Nordic battle - by Eurobasket News

Finland U18 - Norway U18 74:49

Finland clinched the first win at the U18 European Championship. They overcame Norway to improve at 1-1 record in Group C. Julius Rajala (205-PF-94) scored 13 points to lead well-balanced effort from the Finnish team. Norway fell at 0-2 record after the loss.
Finland dominated from the starting minutes. They posted a 23:13 lead ten minutes into the game. Finland boosted the margin in the second quarter. They earned a 42:25 halftime lead. Norway cut the deficit in the third term. They limited the Finnish side to just 6 points in the period and got within 12 points at the final intermission. But Finland exploded with 26 points in the fourth term and sealed the victory. Joonas Lehtoranta (183-SG-94) posted 12 points, while Mikael Kauhanen (202-F-94) and Niko Mattila (191-SG-94) notched 9 points each for the winners. Marco Lepovic (193-F-94) answered with 16 points and 15 boards for Norway. Nikola Blatancic (194-F-94) and Vuk Krivokapic (193-SF-95) netted 11 points each in the loss.

Finland U18: Julius Rajala 13, Joonas Lehtoranta 12, Mikael Kauhanen 9, Niko Mattila 9
Norway U18: Marco Lepovic 16+15 boards, Nikola Blatancic 11, Vuk Krivokapic 11


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

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Patrick MILLS
  AUS
  (183-PG-88)
  Avg: 21.5
 1. Mills, AUS21.5 
 2. Ginobili, ARG19.1 
 3. Scola, ARG19.0 
 4. Gasol, ESP18.4 
 5. Durant, USA18.0 
 6. Anthony, USA17.4 
 7. Kirilenko, RUS17.1 
 8. Barbosa, BRA16.2 
 9. Deng, ENG15.8 
 10. Parker, FRA15.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jianlian YI
  CHN
  (212-PF-87)
  Avg: 10.2
 1. Yi, CHN10.2 
 2. Mejri, TUN10.0 
 3. Diogu, NGR9.5 
 4. Ben Ghnia, TUN8.6 
 5. Nene, BRA8.0 
 6. Gasol, ESP7.6 
 7. Love, USA7.4 
 8. Kirilenko, RUS7.4 
 9. Mensah-Bonsu, ENG7.3 
 10. Varejao, BRA7.0 
Assists Per Game
 Pablo PRIGIONI
  ITA
  (191-PG-77)
  Avg: 6.4
 1. Prigioni, ARG6.4 
 2. Huertas, BRA6.0 
 3. Shved, RUS5.7 
 4. James, USA5.7 
 5. Paul, USA5.6 
 6. Jasikevicius, LTU5.3 
 7. Williams, USA5.1 
 8. Kalnietis, LTU4.8 
 9. Khryapa, RUS4.6 
 10. Deng, ENG4.6 
Steals Per Game
 Chris PAUL
  (183-PG-85)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Paul, USA2.4 
 2. Aminu, NGR2.3 
 3. Kirilenko, RUS2.1 
 4. Nielsen, AUS1.8 
 5. Ben Ghnia, TUN1.8 
 6. Durant, USA1.7 
 7. De Colo, FRA1.7 
 8. Prigioni, ARG1.6 
 9. Ginobili, ARG1.6 
 10. Deng, ENG1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Salah MEJRI
  TUN
  (217-C-86)
  Avg: 3.4
 1. Mejri, TUN3.4 
 2. Yi, CHN2.2 
 3. Kirilenko, RUS1.7 
 4. Batum, FRA1.5 
 5. Gasol, ESP1.4 
 6. Seraphin, FRA1.3 
 7. Ibaka, ESP1.3 
 8. Aminu, NGR1.0 
 9. Jankunas, LTU1.0 
 10. Nene, BRA1.0 


USA and Spain set up title clash - by Eurobasket News

USA - Argentina 109-83
USA entered the title game at the Olympic Games basketball tournament. They bruised Argentina in the semifinal battle tonight to set up the clash versus Spain on Sunday. Kevin Durant (206-SF-88, college: Texas) scored 19 points to lead the winners. Argentina will play versus Russia in the consolation final. Team USA jumped to a 15:4 lead midway through the opening quarter. But Emanuel Ginobili (198-SG-77, agency: Interperformances), Scola and Nocioni returned Argentina in the game. They cut the deficit to just three points 15:18 late in the period. USA entered the second frame up by 5 points 24:19. Delfino drained back-to-back triples midway through the second term to keep Argentina within striking distance. LeBron James (203-SF-84) however answered with seven points in a row to make 37:27 for USA. Emanuel Ginobili capped the first half with a three-pointer to put Argentina within 7 points 40:47. Emanuel Ginobili drained another trey at the start of the second half but Team USA answered with 12:3 run to clear off. Kevin Durant connected twice from beyond the arc and LeBron James added a jumper as USA built a 72:53 lead with under two minutes to go in the third quarter. They entered the fourth quarter up by 17 points 74:57. USA opened the fourth frame with eight points in a row and never looked back cruising to the seventh win in a row at the tournament. LeBron James finished with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists, while Carmelo Anthony (203-SF-84, college: Syracuse) chipped in 18 points for the winners. Emanuel Ginobili replied with 18 points for Argentina. Luis Scola and Carlos Delfino had 15 points each in the loss.

Spain - Russia 67-59
Spain will play in the Olympic basketball tournament Final. They overcame Russia in the semifinal thriller. Spain thus took revenge on Russia for the loss in the preliminary round. Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) scored 16 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to pace the winners. Sasha Kaun (211-C-85) and Khryapa gave Russia a 9:4 lead midway through the opening quarter. The teams were plagued by misses in the first ten minutes but Russia managed to secure a 12:9 lead. Monya hit a bunch of three-pointers to give Russia a 27:14 lead midway through the second term. Spain cut the distance but still faced an 11-point deficit at halftime 20:31. But the third term turned the tables for the Spaniards. Pau Gasol and Jose Manuel Calderon (192-PG-81) connected from beyond the arc late in the period and Spain levelled things up at 46 heading into the fourth frame. Anton Ponkrashov put Russia back in charge early in the quarter. But Llull and Jose Manuel Calderon organized a 9:0 run from Spain as they accumulated a 55:49 advantage. Jose Manuel Calderon hit another trey and Reyes added a jumper to make it 60:50 for Spain with under five minutes to go. Andrei Kirilenko kept Russian fans hopeful draining a triple but a number of misses from the charity stripe from Andrei Kirilenko sealed the deal for them. Spain celebrated victory and advanced into the championship game. Jose Manuel Calderon provided 14 points, while Marc Gasol and Rudy Fernandez added 11 points each for Spain. Sasha Kaun answered with 14 points for Russia. Anton Ponkrashov and Andrei Kirilenko had 10 points apiece in the loss.


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


U18 European Championship: Russia outscore Poland - by Eurobasket News

Russia U18 - Poland U18 69:64

Russia recorded the second straight win at the U18 European Championship. They held off Polish counterparts to improve at 2-0 record in Group D. Mikhail Kulagin (188-G-94) stepped up with 21 points and 8 rebounds to lead the charge. Poland slipped at 0-2 record.
Russia grabbed a 17:14 lead ten minutes into the game. They maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. Russia secured a 36:31 halftime advantage. Russia boosted the lead in the third quarter. They led by 7 points before Poland denied the deficit and drew things level at 38. Russia recovered and restored the lead. They entered the final period up by 9 points 54:45. Poland kept intrigue alive as they cut the distance to just two points 64:66 with 19 seconds to go. However Mikhail Kulagin and Krechetov knocked down three free throws in the dying seconds to finalize victory for Russia. Stanislav Ilnitskiy (200-PF-94) delivered 19 points, while Rostislav Karenin (201-F/C-94) added 8 points for the winners. Mikolaj Witlinski (207-F/C-95) answered with 20 points for Poland. Jakub Schenk (184-PG-94) and Kacper Borowski (203-F/C-94) had 11 points each in the loss.

Russia U18: Mikhail Kulagin 21, Stanislav Ilnitskiy 19, Rostislav Karenin 8
Poland U18: Mikolaj Witlinski 20, Jakub Schenk 11, Kacper Borowski 11


Jezioro Tarnobrzeg adds another American - Chris Long - by Eurobasket News

Jezioro Tarnobrzeg continues with signings for the upcoming season. Their latest addition is American point guard Christopher Long (187-G-87, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Elon), who will play his second year in Europe. Long spent last season with Romanian team BC Perla Harghitei Miercurea Ciuc and it was his first pro deal. The player shined with 15.8 ppg, 5 apg and 3.2 rpg for 30 games. In 2011, Long participated at the Eurobasket Summer League in Las Vegas. He played 3 games for Team Geneva registering 6 ppg, 1.3 rpg and 1.3 apg. Christopher Long is a product of Elon University, where he graduated something more than a year ago. He had 14.7 ppg, 6.1 apg and 2.5 rpg for his school in 31 games as a senior. Long was named to All-Southern Conference 2nd Team -11. He spent all four years with Elon.
Yesterday, Jezioro Tarnobrzeg landed Xavier Alexander (198-G-88, college: S.Nazarene).


AZS Koszalin lands American F Jeff Robinson - by Eurobasket News

Jeff Robinson (198-F-88, college: Seton Hall) became a new member of AZS Koszalin. The American forward signed a 1-year deal with the club. He shined last season with 15.5 ppg and 6.8 rpg for 33 Austrian league games. The player helped his team BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers to reach Austrian Cup Semifinals. It was his first year as a professional. Jeff Robinson graduated at Seton Hall University a year ago. He had 12.1 ppg and 6.4 rpg in 31 games as a senior. The forward had almost the same numbers in 2009/10. He transferred to Seton Hall that year from the University of Memphis. Jeff Robinson reached NCAA Finals with Memphis in 2008. It was his freshman year and Robinson had pretty limited playing time.


Sokol Lancut closing their roster - by Maciej Paszyn

4th team of last regular season in 1 Liga PTG Sokol Lancut signed-up last player for their new roster. Karol Debski (198-G/F-84, agency: Promotex) became last strengthening the club from south Poland. This 28 years old forward measuring 198 cm of the height in the last season scored 11.6 points and grabbed 7.5 rebound in each game a on average within 24 minutes.

Earlier the team was reinforced by the following players: Kacper Mlynarski (200-F-92) (from Start Gdynia ), Michal Baran (185-G-80), Kamil Gawrzydek (210-C-87, college: Idaho St.) and Damian Pieloch (195-F-89) (all three from MOSIR Krosno).

According to words of the head coach of Sokol team participation in the play-off phase is main goal for the club in coming season.



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

Standings - LPB

LPB Standings
 1. Academica 0-0 
 2. Alges 0-0 
 3. Barcelos 0-0 
 4. Barreirense 0-0 
 5. Benfica 0-0 
 6. CAB Madeira 0-0 
 7. Fisica 0-0 
 8. Lusitania 0-0 
 9. Ovarense 0-0 
 10. Sampaense 0-0 
 11. Vitoria SC 0-0 

Regular Season: Round 1

Oct. 20: Ovarense - Alges
Oct. 20: CAB Madeira - Benfica
Oct. 20: Vitoria SC - Barcelos
Oct. 20: Fisica - Lusitania
Oct. 20: Barreirense - Academica


Standings - Proliga

Proliga Standings
 1. Angra 0-0 
 2. Benfica B 0-0 
 3. Electrico FC 0-0 
 4. Galitos-Tley 0-0 
 5. Ginasio 0-0 
 6. Guifoes 0-0 
 7. Illiabum 0-0 
 8. Leca 0-0 
 9. Maia Basket 0-0 
 10. Oliveirense 0-0 
 11. Sangalhos 0-0 
 12. Terceira 0-0 

Regular Season: Round 1

Oct. 13: Angra - Guifoes
Oct. 13: Terceira - Leca
Oct. 13: Oliveirense - Benfica B
Oct. 13: Galitos-Tley - Ginasio
Oct. 13: Maia Basket - Sangalhos
Oct. 13: Electrico FC - Illiabum

Round 2

Oct. 14: Terceira - Guifoes
Oct. 14: Angra - Leca


U18 European Championship: Bosnia and Herzegovina topple Portugal - by Eurobasket News

Bosnia and Herzegovina U18 - Portugal U18 78:48

Bosnia and Herzegovina fired past Portugal for the second win at the U18 European Championship in Division B. Jusuf Nurkic (212-C-94) scored 20 points and grabbed 15 boards to lead the hosts on top of Group D. Portugal fell at 1-1 record after the defeat.
Bosnia and Herzegovina grabbed the initiative early in the game. They built a 24:11 lead after ten minutes. Bosnia and Herzegovina accumulated a 37:22 halftime lead. The hosts kept Portugal at bay throughout the third term. The margin grew at 18-point mark before the fourth quarter. Bosnia and Herzegovina did not loosen the grasp and breezed to the victory at the end. Nedim Buza (201-SF-95) delivered 13 points, while Asim Ahmedic (200-PF-94) added 10 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Andre Miguens (184-SF-94) answered with 14 points for Portugal. Pedro Bastos (186-PG-94) netted 8 points in the loss.

Bosnia and Herzegovina U18: Jusuf Nurkic 20+15 boards, Nedim Buza 13, Asim Ahmedic 10
Portugal U18: Andre Miguens 14, Pedro Bastos 8


Austria topple Portugal in test game - by Eurobasket News

Austria - Portugal 65:54

Austria and Portugal played their last test game before the start of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifiers. Austria proved the strength. Jason Detrick (198-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: Oklahoma) scored 14 points to lead the winners.
Portugal got to a slightly better start to the game. They earned a 17:15 lead after ten minutes. Austria quickly bounced back. They denied the deficit and recorded a 34:33 halftime lead. Austria held their opponents to just 7 points in the third term to boost the lead to 4 points at the final break. Austria exploded with 21 points in the fourth quarter and snatched victory at the end. Rasid Mahalbasic (210-F/C-90) produced 11 points, while Thomas Klepeisz (188-G-91, agency: TSS Management) added 10 points for Austria. Claudio Fonseca (206-C-89) and Joao Gomes (199-F-85) produced 11 points each for Portugal.

Austria: Jason Detrick 14, Rasid Mahalbasic 11, Thomas Klepeisz 10
Portugal: Claudio Fonseca 11, Joao Gomes 11


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


CSU Sibiu inks Mantas Griskenas - by Eurobasket News

Mantas Griskenas (200-F-85, college: Wichita St.) is a new member of the Romanian team CSU Sibiu. The Lithuanian forward signed a deal for the next season. Griskenas spent last two with the Swedish squad Sodertalje Kings and they reached Basketligan Finals this year. The player shined with 12.4 ppg and 5.5 rpg in 49 games with the Kings. He was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan Honorable Mention -12. In 2010/11 season Griskenas collected 12.8 ppg and 5.4 rpg in 43 games. That year the Kings were stopped in the Semifinals. Before Sweden, Mantas Griskenas played for the Lithuanian NKL team Meresta Pakruojis in 2009/10 and it was his first professional deal. The forward graduated at Wichita State University three years ago. He transferred to Wichita State from Three Rivers CC (JUCO) in 2007.


LeVar Seals stays with CSU Craiova - by Eurobasket News

LeVar Seals (195-G-82, college: De Paul) will stay with CSU Craiova for the next season. The player arrived in October from CSS Giurgiu. He played 25 games in Division A with Craiova collecting 13.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg and 2.7 apg. The player added 20 ppg, 11 rpg and 3.5 apg for 2 games with Giurgiu. Seals started 2010/11 season with Otopeni and in October moved to Sibiu. There with Sibiu he shined with 15.3 ppg, 5 rpg and 3.1 apg for 26 games. The American played for Otopeni also from January of 2009 to October of 2010. Before that, Seals was a member of U Mobitelco Cluj Napoca. He also has some experience from Poland. In 2008, he was named to Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League 1st Team. LeVar Seals is a product of De Paul University, where he graduated in 2005.


SCM U Craiova gets bigger with 221-cm C Ionut Dragusin - by Eurobasket News

Ionut Dragusin (221-C-85) will continue his career in SCM U Craiova. The Romanian giant heads to Craiova from Gaz Metan Medias, where he played last two and a half years. The center had 7.4 ppg and 4.8 rpg for 33 games last season. He had almost the same numbers in 2010/11. As mentioned above, Dragusin joined Gaz Metan in February of 2010 from Pitesti. Before that, he played for Brasov and Dinamo-Erbasu Bucuresti. Dragusin also has experience from Spanish teams Bruesa and Akasvayu Vic. In 2008, he won the LEB Silver title and Cup with Vic averaging 4.3 points and 3.9 rebounds for 36 games in the league. Ionut Dragusin played for Romanian National Team in Qualifications to European Championships Division B 2011. He also played for his country at 2009 EuroBasket Division B. That year, Dargusin was named Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Most Improved Player of the Year -09 and Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Domestic Player of the Year -09.


U18 European Championship: Hungary drub Romania in Sarajevo - by Eurobasket News

Hungary U18 - Romania U18 86:57

Hungary earned the second win in a row at the U18 European Championship in Division B. They held off Romania to stay on top of Group A. Zoltan Perl (194-G-95) scored 18 points to lead the winners.
Hungary ensured a confident start to the game. They held their opponents to 9 points in the opening quarter to build a 17-point lead. Romania stopped the bleeding in the second quarter. They narrowed the gap at 10-point mark at halftime. But Hungary picked the rhythm in the third quarter. They unloaded 32 points in the period and entered the fourth frame up by 25 points. Hungary never looked back afterwards cruising to the victory at the end. Gyorgy Goloman (204-PF-96) netted 16 points, while Benedek Varadi (194-G/F-95) added 12 points for the winners. Cristian Anghel (193-SF-94) had 11 points for Romania. Mirel Dragoste (180-PG-95) netted 10 points in the loss.

Hungary U18: Zoltan Perl 18, Gyorgy Goloman 16, Benedek Varadi 12
Romania U18: Cristian Anghel 11, Mirel Dragoste 10


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


Unics Kazan extends Kelly McCarty - by Eurobasket News

Unics Kazan signed a 1-year contract extension with Kelly McCarty (201-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: S.Mississippi). It will be their third straight season together. In the latest one McCarty averaged 5.9 points and 3.8 rebounds for 18 Euroleague games. He helped Unics to reach the Quarterfinals in their Euroleague debut. The player added 9 ppg and 5.3 rpg for 21 appearances in Russian league. He also had 7.8 ppg and 4.6 rpg 17 games in VTB. McCarty and Unics won the EuroCup title together a year ago. Before Unics, Kelly McCarty played for Khimky Moscow Region and Dynamo St. Petersburg. In the past, he played in Israel.
Unics will play in Euroleague qualifications this upcoming season. In the first game they will meet Ratiopharm Ulm.


Spartak Primorye adds Martins Zibarts and Eriks Visockis to coaching staff - by Eurobasket News

Latvians Martins Zibarts and Eriks Visockis are new members of Spartak Primorye's coaching staff. They joined Head Coach Gundars Vetra (agency: Ryzhov Stanislav), who took over the team recently.
Martins Zibarts served as Assistant Coach under Vetra last season in BK Ventspils. Before that, Zibarts was Head Coach of Latvijas Universitate in 2010/11 season. In the past he was Assistant Coach of Barons Riga. Zibarts also has experience from Latvian U20 women National Team. They won the Bronze together two yeas ago at U20 EuroBasket in Liepaja. In 2008, ZIbarts was Head Coach of U18 Latvian women NT and they won the Gold at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Skopje. In the past, Martins Zibarts won the Silver at U16 EuroBasket Division B with Latvian U16 women NT.
Yesterday, Spartak Primorye signed its first new player for the next season. It is Artem Isakov (192-G-87, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav), who arrives from Ural Ekaterinburg.


Olympics 2012: Spain survive thriller against Russia to enter Final - by Eurobasket News

Spain - Russia 67:59

Spain will play in the Olympic basketball tournament Final. They overcame Russia in the semifinal thriller. Spain thus took revenge on Russia for the loss in the preliminary round. Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) scored 16 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to pace the winners.
Sasha Kaun (211-C-85) and Khryapa gave Russia a 9:4 lead midway through the opening quarter. The teams were plagued by misses in the first ten minutes but Russia managed to secure a 12:9 lead. Monya hit a bunch of three-pointers to give Russia a 27:14 lead midway through the second term. Spain cut the distance but still faced an 11-point deficit at halftime 20:31. But the third term turned the tables for the Spaniards. Pau Gasol and Jose Manuel Calderon (192-PG-81) connected from beyond the arc late in the period and Spain levelled things up at 46 heading into the fourth frame. Anton Ponkrashov (202-SG-86, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) put Russia back in charge early in the quarter. But Llull and Jose Manuel Calderon organized a 9:0 run from Spain as they accumulated a 55:49 advantage. Jose Manuel Calderon hit another trey and Reyes added a jumper to make it 60:50 for Spain with under five minutes to go. Andrei Kirilenko (209-F-81) kept Russian fans hopeful draining a triple but a number of misses from the charity stripe from Andrei Kirilenko sealed the deal for them. Spain celebrated victory and advanced into the championship game. Jose Manuel Calderon provided 14 points, while Marc Gasol (216-C-85, agency: Interperformances) and Rudy Fernandez (198-SF-85) added 11 points each for Spain. Sasha Kaun answered with 14 points for Russia. Anton Ponkrashov and Andrei Kirilenko had 10 points apiece in the loss.

Spain: Pau Gasol 16+12 boards, Jose Manuel Calderon 14, Marc Gasol 11, Rudy Fernandez 11
Russia: Sasha Kaun 14, Anton Ponkrashov 10, Andrei Kirilenko 10


U18 European Championship: Russia outscore Poland - by Eurobasket News

Russia U18 - Poland U18 69:64

Russia recorded the second straight win at the U18 European Championship. They held off Polish counterparts to improve at 2-0 record in Group D. Mikhail Kulagin (188-G-94) stepped up with 21 points and 8 rebounds to lead the charge. Poland slipped at 0-2 record.
Russia grabbed a 17:14 lead ten minutes into the game. They maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. Russia secured a 36:31 halftime advantage. Russia boosted the lead in the third quarter. They led by 7 points before Poland denied the deficit and drew things level at 38. Russia recovered and restored the lead. They entered the final period up by 9 points 54:45. Poland kept intrigue alive as they cut the distance to just two points 64:66 with 19 seconds to go. However Mikhail Kulagin and Krechetov knocked down three free throws in the dying seconds to finalize victory for Russia. Stanislav Ilnitskiy (200-PF-94) delivered 19 points, while Rostislav Karenin (201-F/C-94) added 8 points for the winners. Mikolaj Witlinski (207-F/C-95) answered with 20 points for Poland. Jakub Schenk (184-PG-94) and Kacper Borowski (203-F/C-94) had 11 points each in the loss.

Russia U18: Mikhail Kulagin 21, Stanislav Ilnitskiy 19, Rostislav Karenin 8
Poland U18: Mikolaj Witlinski 20, Jakub Schenk 11, Kacper Borowski 11


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  SCOTLAND   


U18 European Championship: Israel deny Scotland - by Eurobasket News

Israel U18 - Scotland U18 93:43

Israel enjoyed the first victory at the U18 European Championship in Division B. They overwhelmed Scotland for 1-1 record in Group A. Maxim Kikus (191-SG-94, agency: Avi Zilberman) scored 16 points to lead the winners.
Israel exploded with 29 points in the opening quarter to surge ahead. They held Scotland to 7 points in the second quarter posting a 48:27 halftime lead. The margin just kept on growing in the second half. Israel ensured a 34-point lead before the final stanza and never looked back en route to the victory. Daniel Sealine (187-SG-94) provided 15 points, while Egor Koulechov (194-SF-94) added 14 points for the winners. Jack Nicholson (180-SG-94) answered with 11 points for Scotland. Nicholas Sim (180-PG-95) netted 7 points in the losing effort.

Israel U18: Maxim Kikus 16, Daniel Sealine 15, Egor Koulechov 14
Scotland U18: Jack Nicholson 11, Nicholas Sim 7


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  SEBL   


Metro A and City B-League Semi Finals Results - by Marcus Tate

Metro A and City B-League Semi Finals Results

Bartow Braves (6) defeat Cartersville Thunder (2) 79-58
Columbus Storm (4) defeat Dalton Wholesale (1) 78-63
Marietta Outlaws (1) defeat Skyline (4) 86-75
Fastbreak (2) defeat Baseline (6) 67-57

Saturday August 11th-Metro A-League Final Four Games
4:00pm Final Four: Fastbreak (North #2) vs. Tri-County (South #1)
5:30pm Final Four: Black Monopoly (South #2) vs. Marietta Outlaws (North #1)


*****************************************************
  SENEGAL   


Siauliai signs Senegalese big guy Papa Dia - by Eurobasket News

Papa Dia (212-C-87, college: SMU) will continue his career in Lithuania. The Senegalese big guy signed a deal with Siauliai. Dia split last season between Zagreb and Breogan. With Zagreb he had 3.7 ppg and 2.8 rpg for 12 Adriatic league games. He also added 2.3 ppg and 1.1 rpg for 7 Euroleague appearanes with the club. In January this year Papa Dia moved to Spanish Breogan. There he collected 7.9 ppg and 4.8 rpg for 18 games in LEB Gold. It was the first professional season for Papa Dia, who graduated at Southern Methodist University a year ago. The player spent all four years with SMU. Dia played for the Senegalese National Team at the 2011 AfroBasket in Madagascar. He had 11.2 ppg and 6.8 rpg for 6 games at this event.


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  SERBIA   


U18 European Championship: Serbia tame Germany - by Eurobasket News

Serbia U18 - Germany U18 83:54

Serbia secured the ticket into the next round of U18 European Championship. They held off German counterparts tonight to improve at 2-0 record in Group A. Germany slipped at 0-2 record and would fight against Ukraine tomorrow to stay in the title race. Nikola Jankovic (205-PF-94) came up with 16 points to lead the winners.
Germany got hold of a tiny 18:17 lead at the first break. But Serbia took over in the next period. They went on a scoring spree to take a 44:38 halftime lead. Serbia dominated the third quarter. They held Germany to just 5 points in the period to ensure a 25-point lead heading into the fourth term. Serbia kept Germany at bay throughout the final stanza and marched to the victory at the end. Luka Andusic (191-G-94) added 15 points, while Dusan Ristic (206-C-95) finished with 10 points and 17 rebounds for Serbia. Ismet Akpinar (190-PG-95, agency: Beo Basket) replied with 12 points for Germany. Gavin Schilling (205-PF-95) had 10 points in the loss.

Serbia U18: Nikola Jankovic 16, Luka Andusic 15, Dusan Ristic 10+17 boards
Germany U18: Ismet Akpinar 12, Gavin Schilling 10


*****************************************************
  SLOVAKIA   


U18 European Championship: Czech Republic beat Slovakia for second win - by Eurobasket News

Czech Republic U18 - Slovakia U18 78:45

Czech Republic posted the second consecutive win at the start of U18 European Championship. They overcame their neighbours Slovakia for 2-0 record on top of Group B. Karel Ausprunk (200-F/C-94) came up with 18 points and 17 rebounds to lead the winners. Slovakia suffered the initial loss and slipped at 0-1 record.
Czech Republic held their opponents to 11 points in the opening quarter to take a 6-point lead. The Czech team stretched the lead in the second quarter. They accumulated a 36:23 halftime buffer. Czech Republic stayed in charge throughout the third quarter. They made it 57:34 lead with one quarter remaining. Slovakia never recovered in the final stanza as the Czech side cruised to the victory. Radovan Kouril (180-PG-95) accounted for 12 points and 10 assists, while Jan Svandrlik (196-SF-94) added 10 points for the winners. Robert Rozim (199-F-94) answered with 13 points for Slovakia. Vladimir Brodziansky (206-PF-94) banked 9 points and 14 boards in the loss.

Czech Republic U18: Karel Ausprunk 18+17 boards, Radovan Kouril 12+10 assists, Jan Svandrlik 10
Slovakia U18: Robert Rozim 13, Vladimir Brodziansky 9+14 boards


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


U18 European Championship: Dario Saric and Croatia earn second victory - by Eurobasket News

Croatia U18 - Slovenia U18 105:80

Croatia celebrated the second straight win at the U18 European Championship. They handled Slovenia for 2-0 record in Group D. Dario Saric (208-F-94) was once again pivotal with 27 points, 6 boards and 4 assists.
Croatia set the tone early. They unloaded 32 points in the opening quarter to take a 12-point lead. Slovenia tried to match the effort. They fired 25 points in the second quarter to narrow the gap at 10-point mark. But Croatia shifted the gear and unleashed 37 points in the third stanza. Croatia established a comfortable 29-point lead at the final break and never looked back en route to the victory. Mislav Brzoja (196-F/G-94) scored 26 points, while Jakov Mustapic (193-G-94) added 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for Croatia. Matic Rebec (180-PG-95) answered with 15 points for Slovenia. Jure Ritlop (203-PF-95) had 14 points in the defeat.

Croatia U18: Dario Saric 27, Mislav Brzoja 26, Jakov Mustapic 13
Slovenia U18: Matic Rebec 15, Jure Ritlop 14


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  SPAIN   


Lucentum Alicante bring in Shaun Green - by Eurobasket News

Lucentum Alicante bolstered their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Shaun Green (203-F-87, college: Utah). The forward spent the last season with Mallorca. He averaged 14.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.3 blocks per game in LEB Gold. Shaun Green became All-Spanish LEB Gold Forward of the Year. The forward also made it into LEB Silver All-Imports Team in 2011.


U18 European Championship: Spain cruise past Ukraine - by Eurobasket News

Spain U18 - Ukraine U18 84:59

Spain celebrated the second win at the start of U18 European Championship. They thumped Ukraine to improve at 2-0 record in Group A. Guillermo Hernangomez (209-C-94) scored 24 points and grabbed 6 boards to lead the winners. Ukraine fell at 0-2 record after the loss.
Ukraine jumped to an early lead. They built a 16:13 advantage after ten minutes. But Spain adjusted offensively in the second quarter. They fired 28 points in the second period to establish a 41:37 halftime lead. Spain also tuned in defence in the second half. They limited Ukraine to just 7 points in the third term to pull ahead for an 18-point lead at the final intermission. Spain scored 22 points in the final term and sealed the victory at the end. Josep Perez (184-PG-94) provided 21 points, 6 assists and 5 boards for the winners. Alberto Diaz (190-PG-94) added 11 points for Spain. Igor Boyarkin (185-PG-95) answered with 13 points for Ukraine. Yevgen Sakhniuk (201-PF-95) had 9 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

Spain U18: Guillermo Hernangomez 24, Josep Perez 21, Alberto Diaz 11
Ukraine U18: Igor Boyarkin 13, Yevgen Sakhniuk 9


Olympics 2012: Spain survive thriller against Russia to enter Final - by Eurobasket News

Spain - Russia 67:59

Spain will play in the Olympic basketball tournament Final. They overcame Russia in the semifinal thriller. Spain thus took revenge on Russia for the loss in the preliminary round. Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) scored 16 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to pace the winners.
Sasha Kaun (211-C-85) and Khryapa gave Russia a 9:4 lead midway through the opening quarter. The teams were plagued by misses in the first ten minutes but Russia managed to secure a 12:9 lead. Monya hit a bunch of three-pointers to give Russia a 27:14 lead midway through the second term. Spain cut the distance but still faced an 11-point deficit at halftime 20:31. But the third term turned the tables for the Spaniards. Pau Gasol and Jose Manuel Calderon (192-PG-81) connected from beyond the arc late in the period and Spain levelled things up at 46 heading into the fourth frame. Anton Ponkrashov (202-SG-86, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) put Russia back in charge early in the quarter. But Llull and Jose Manuel Calderon organized a 9:0 run from Spain as they accumulated a 55:49 advantage. Jose Manuel Calderon hit another trey and Reyes added a jumper to make it 60:50 for Spain with under five minutes to go. Andrei Kirilenko (209-F-81) kept Russian fans hopeful draining a triple but a number of misses from the charity stripe from Andrei Kirilenko sealed the deal for them. Spain celebrated victory and advanced into the championship game. Jose Manuel Calderon provided 14 points, while Marc Gasol (216-C-85, agency: Interperformances) and Rudy Fernandez (198-SF-85) added 11 points each for Spain. Sasha Kaun answered with 14 points for Russia. Anton Ponkrashov and Andrei Kirilenko had 10 points apiece in the loss.

Spain: Pau Gasol 16+12 boards, Jose Manuel Calderon 14, Marc Gasol 11, Rudy Fernandez 11
Russia: Sasha Kaun 14, Anton Ponkrashov 10, Andrei Kirilenko 10


Asefa Estudiantes reportedly signs 2-year deal with Kyle Kuric - by Eurobasket News

Kyle Kuric (193-G/F-89) will start his professional basketball career in Spain. The American guard signed a 2-year deal with Asefa Estudiantes, according to Solobasket.com. He graduated at the University of Louisville few months ago. Kuric played 38 games for his school as a senior collecting 12.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 1.2 apg. He helped them reach NCAA Final Four. Louisville was the Big East Tournament winner and Kuric was named to Big East All-Tournament Team -12. The player was also awarded with All-Big East Honorable Mention -12. Louisville reached Big East Tournament Finals in 2011 and won it two years before that. It was the freshmen season for Kyle Kuric and he had very limited playing time. The player shined for Louisville as a junior with 10.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 1.2 apg for 33 games.


Canarias keeps Head Coach Alejandro Martinez until 2014 - by Eurobasket News

Canarias announced signing of a 2-year contract extension with its Head Coach Alejandro Martinez. It means that he will stay with the club until the end of 2013/14 season. The Spanish specialist took over Canarias 8 years ago. They reached LEB Silver Finals in 2007 and won the promotion to LEB Gold. Last season Canarias won the LEB Gold title and they will compete in Liga Endesa 2012/13. Martinez was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Gold Coach of the Year -12. He won the same award in 2010. Alejandro Martinez coached Spanish U17 National Team this summer. They reached Semifinals of U17 World Championship in Kaunas. In the past, Martinez worked with U20 and U18 Spanish National Teams.


Canarias brings in Ricardo Uriz and Carles Bivia - by Eurobasket News

Canarias continues with signings for the next season. The Liga Endesa newcomer brought in Ricardo Uriz (189-PG-80) and Joan Carles Bivia (185-PG-85).
Point guard Ricardo Uriz posted 5.7 ppg, 3.4 apg, 2.1 rpg and 1.4 spg for Valladolid last season. He appeared in all 34 games and was Liga Endesa's No.5 in steals. Before Valladolid, Uriz spent two years with Lagun Aro GBC and four with Bruesa. In the past, he played for Bilbao and Zaragoza. Uriz won two LEB Gold titles with Bilbao and Bruesa in 2004 and 2006. He also was LEB Gold Playoffs winner in 2008 with Bruesa, who was relegated from ACB a year before that.
Joan Carles Bivia heads to his new club from Mallorca, where he spent last five seasons. In the latest one the player shined with 16 ppg, 5.1 apg and 4 rpg in 34 LEB Gold games. He was the league's No.1 in assists. A year ago Bivia won the LEB Silver Playoffs with Mallorca.


Palencia adds PF/C Urko Otegui - by Eurobasket News

Urko Otegui (203-F/C-81) stays in LEB Gold for the next season. The Spanish PF/C signed a deal with Palencia Basket. Otegui heads to Palencia from Menorca, where he had 7 ppg and 5.5 rpg in 44 games last season. They won the LEB Gold Playoffs and at the same time promotion for Liga Endesa. However, the team faced with huge financial troubles this summer and it ceased to exist. Urko Otegui played for Menorca from 2008 and they were LEB Gold champions in 2010. In 2010/11 ACB season the player had 3.3 ppg and 2.1 rpg for 32 games. Before Menorca, Otegui spent two years with Leon and one with Cantabria Lobos. From 2002 to 2005 he also played for Menorca. Otegui has experience from Valladolid, where he played from 2000 to 2002.
Earlier this week, Palencia signed a deal with Roger Fornas (202-F/C-82).


Roberto Morentin joins Caceres - by Eurobasket News

Roberto Morentin (206-F/C-81, college: Cent.Florida) is a new member of Caceres Patrimonio de la Humanidad. The Spanish big guy signed a deal for the next season. Yesterday, Caceres penned a 1-year deal with Devon Van Oostrum (190-G-93).
Roberto Morentin heads to the club from Menorca, with whom he won the LEB Gold Playoffs last season. The player had 6.4 ppg and 4 rpg in 44 games. However, Menorca ceased to exist in the meantime due to big financial problems. A year ago Morentin won the LEB Gold title with Murcia. He helped the club with 6.2 ppg and 4.5 rpg in 34 games. Before Murcia, he spent one year with Melilla and two with Breogan. He reached LEB Gold Semis in 2008 and 2010 with them. In 2006, Roberto Morentin played for Farho Gijon and was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB1 Newcomer of the Year. The player also has experience from Valladolid and Alicante. He graduated at Central Florida University in 2004.


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  SWEDEN   


Eco Orebro lands Darris Santee - by Eurobasket News

Eco Orebro continues with signings for the upcoming season. Their latest addition is American PF Darris Santee (203-F-87, college: UNLV). Earlier this week Eco Orebro already signed Stefan Ilic (206-F-93) and Mario Diez (188-G-82).
Darris Santee played last season in Chile. He was a member of CD Boston College Santiago and helped them reach the National League Finals. In South American Championship the player had 10.3 ppg and 3 rpg for 3 games. In 2010/11 season Santee played in Uruguay. He shined with 14.5 ppg and 5.4 rpg for 15 games with Montevideo (LUB). It was his first deal as a pro. Darris Santee graduated at the University of Nevada -Las Vegas two years ago. He had 4.5 ppg and 3.2 rpg in 34 games as a senior. The forward transferred to UNLV in 2008 from JC Houston, Texas/Midland College.


U18 European Championship: Sweden coast past Switzerland - by Eurobasket News

Sweden U18 - Switzerland U18 89:44

Sweden posted the second straight win at the start of U18 European Championship in Division B. They knocked down Swiss counterparts in Group C. Nicholas Spires (209-PF-94) came up with 18 points and 12 rebounds to pace the Scandinavian team. Switzerland suffered the second loss in a row.
Sweden set the tone early. They held Switzerland to just 9 points in the first quarter to take a 10-point lead. Sweden boosted the margin in the second quarter. They accumulated a 41:19 halftime advantage. Things got even worse for Switzerland in the third term. Sweden accumulated a 34-point lead heading into the fourth frame and cruised to the victory at the end. Johan Lofberg (199-SG-95) and Adam Ramstedt (203-SF-95) scored 12 points each for Sweden. Leo Schittenhelm (194-SF-94) responded with 10 points for Switzerland. Fabio Appavou (183-G-94) and Bertrand Galley (195-SF-94) netted 9 points each in the loss.

Sweden U18: Nicholas Spires 18+12 boards, Johan Lofberg 12, Adam Ramstedt 12
Switzerland U18: Leo Schittenhelm 10, Fabio Appavou 9, Bertrand Galley 9


*****************************************************
  SWITZERLAND   


U18 European Championship: Sweden coast past Switzerland - by Eurobasket News

Sweden U18 - Switzerland U18 89:44

Sweden posted the second straight win at the start of U18 European Championship in Division B. They knocked down Swiss counterparts in Group C. Nicholas Spires (209-PF-94) came up with 18 points and 12 rebounds to pace the Scandinavian team. Switzerland suffered the second loss in a row.
Sweden set the tone early. They held Switzerland to just 9 points in the first quarter to take a 10-point lead. Sweden boosted the margin in the second quarter. They accumulated a 41:19 halftime advantage. Things got even worse for Switzerland in the third term. Sweden accumulated a 34-point lead heading into the fourth frame and cruised to the victory at the end. Johan Lofberg (199-SG-95) and Adam Ramstedt (203-SF-95) scored 12 points each for Sweden. Leo Schittenhelm (194-SF-94) responded with 10 points for Switzerland. Fabio Appavou (183-G-94) and Bertrand Galley (195-SF-94) netted 9 points each in the loss.

Sweden U18: Nicholas Spires 18+12 boards, Johan Lofberg 12, Adam Ramstedt 12
Switzerland U18: Leo Schittenhelm 10, Fabio Appavou 9, Bertrand Galley 9


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  TURKEY   


Karsiyaka inks Bora Pacun - by Eurobasket News

Bora Pacun (210-F-87) is a new member of Pinar Karsiyaka. The player signed a deal for the next season. Pacun spent the last one with Antalya Buyuksehir Belediye. He appeared 30 times in TBL averaging 6.5 points and 5.2 rebounds. Before Antalya, Pacun spent one year with Banvit registering 3.4 ppg and 2.9 rpg in 34 games. In 2009/10 the big guy played for Darussafaka and season before that he also started with Dacka, but left them for Efes Pilsen in December of 2008. Pacun ended that season with FYR Macedonian team Rabotnicki and won the championship title with them. Rabotnicki also reached Balkan League Finals. In the past, Pacun also played for Efes Pilsen and Tuborg Izmir. From 2004 to 2007, Bora Pacun was a member of U18 and U20 Turkish National Team. A year ago he played for their University selection.


Trabzon adds F Rasim Basak - by Eurobasket News

Trabzon reinforced its roster at position 3. The team signed a deal with Turkish/ Azerbaijani forward Rasim Basak (202-F-80, agency: Court Side). The player collected 7.3 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 28 TBL games with Antalya last season. Before Antalya, Basak spent one year with Turk Telekom averaging 7.1 points and 3 rebounds for 28 games in TBL. Turk Telekom also competed in EuroChallenge, where Basak posted 6.4 ppg and 4 rpg in 6 appearances. From 2003 to 2010, Rasim Basak played for Fenerbahce Ulker. They won TBL titles together in 2007, 2008 and 2010. Fener also grabbed Cup trophy two years ago. In the past, Basak played for Oyak Renault.
Rasim Basak is active member of Azerbaijani National Team. He shined with 14 ppg, 10 rpg, 2 apg and 2 spg for 3 games in Qualifications to European Championships Division B 2011.


Hacettepe inks Ogun Sevinc and Polat Kaya - by Eurobasket News

Hacettepe Universitesi reinforced its roster with two new players. The Turkish squad signed deals with Ogun Sevinc (198-F/G-88, agency: 1x1 Sports) and Polat Kaya (197-G/F-86).
Ogun Sevinc played last season for Olin Edrine averaging 2.8 points and 1.5 rebounds in 29 TBL games. He had better numbers for 6 EuroChallenge appearances (5.2 ppg and 2 rpg). Season 2010/11 Sevinc split between Kepez and Oyak Renault. Before that, he played for Aliaga, Trabzon, Alpella and Ulker. Sevinc was a member of Turkish University and youth National Teams in the past.
Polat Kaya had 6.1 ppg and 2.6 rpg for 29 games with Trabzon last season. In 2010/11 he played for Aliaga and before that Kaya spent one year with Darussafaka. He also has experience from TED Koleji, Mersin and Banvit.


Olin Edirne keeps C Davud Kamer - by Eurobasket News

Davud Kamer (211-C-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Washington) extended his stay with Olin Edrine for at least one more year. The player arrived in January of 2010 from ITU Istanbul. Last season he had 4.3 ppg and 2 rpg for 12 games in TBL. The American big guy, with Turkish passport, registered 2.7 ppg and 2.8 rpg for 30 games in 2010/11. He helped Olin Edrine to reach TB2L Finals in 2010 and they won promotion to TBL at that time. In 2008, Davud Kamer won TB2L crown with Erdemir. He was one of their key players with 11.3 ppg and 6.7 rpg for 27 games. In 2009, the player reached TB2L Semis with ITU. He started that season with Polish BPS Basket Kwidzyn. In the past Davud Kamer was a member of Selcuk and Tekelspot. He also has experience from Germany, Bosnia, Croatia, Cyprus and Mexico.


Genc Telekom signs deal with Polat Kocaoglu - by Eurobasket News

Polat Kocaoglu (205-C/F-79, agency: 1x1 Sports) will continue his career in Genc Telekom. The Turkish PF/C signed a deal with for the next season. Kocaoglu heads to his new club from Olin Edrine, where he had 6.1 ppg and 1.7 rpg for 27 TBL games last season. The player also collected 5.3 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 6 games in EuroChallenge. Before Olin Edrine, Polat Kocaoglu spent one year with Antalya. There he had 9.1 ppg and 3.3 rpg for 32 TBL games. From 2008 to 2010 the big guy played for Galatasaray, but he had very limited time on the court. They reached TBL and Cup Semifinals in 2009. In the past Polat Kocaoglu was a member of Mersin, Darussafaka, Erdemir, Beykoz etc. In 2007, he was named Eurobasket.com Turkish League Most Improved Player of the Year. He had 12.3 ppg and 4.3 rpg fro 32 games with Darussafaka that season.


U18 European Championship: Latvia put Turkey on the verge - by Eurobasket News

Latvia U18 - Turkey U18 73:65

Latvia punched the ticket into the next round of U18 European Championship. The hosts knocked down Turkey in Liepaja to improve at 2-0 record in Group C. Turkey in the meantime suffered the second consecutive loss and appeared on the edge of elimination from the title race.
Turkey started the game aggressively. They built a 17:15 lead after ten minutes. Latvia stopped the rot in the second quarter. The home team outscored Turkey for a 36:30 halftime lead. Latvia took over completely in the third term. The home team held their opponents to 12 points in the quarter and surged ahead for a 14-point lead before the fourth frame. Tayfun Erulku (193-SG-94) put Turkey within four points with under two minutes to go. But Dimitrijs Brizgalovs (186-G-94), Ilja Gromovs (207-C-94) and Zvigurs sealed the victory from the stripe for Latvia. Dimitrijs Brizgalovs finished with 16 points for Latvia. Toms Leimanis (190-PG-94) added 14 points in the victory. Tayfun Erulku answered with 15 points for Turkey. Kenan Sipahi (198-PG-95) notched 13 points in the loss.

Latvia U18: Dimitrijs Brizgalovs 16, Toms Leimanis 14, Davis Geks 12, Ilja Gromovs 12
Turkey U18: Tayfun Erulku 15, Kenan Sipahi 13


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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Boys Dem Complete Sweep of Defending Champions, 71-61 - by David Edole

By Dave Davis August 9, 2012
Terrell Christian and Zomari Swanston (193-G/F) both scored 17 points to lead Boys Dem to a dominating 71-61 victory over the defending champion Hoyas to sweep them out of the 2012 New Breed Basketball Association playoffs, two games to none, at the Ronald Charles Gymnasium on Monday. The Hoyas, five-time defending champions, let it all out on the court but in the end, the deep, talented Boys Dem squad proved too much to overcome.

Christians 10 first-half points helped lead Boys Dem to a seven-point advantage at the half, 30-23.

That lead would double to 14 points at the end of the third quarter at 58-44, as eight points apiece by Zomari Swanston and Kadeem Jones (94) enabled Boys Dem to take the quarter, 28-21. Six of Jones points came on back-to-back three-pointers that gave his team some breathing room when the Hoyas looked poised to make a run.

The Hoyas, maybe fatigued from playing with a two-man bench, did not mount much of a threat to the youthful Boys Dem in the fourth quarter, even though they fought valiantly to the end. Boys Dem went on cruise control, allowing the Hoyas to win the fourth quarter 17-13, but it was not nearly enough to keep their 2012 season alive and they were sent packing, 71-61.

Christian also grabbed eight rebounds and blocked four shots to go along with his 17 points. Rasheed Swanston (196-F-95) netted 10 points and grabbed nine boards, and Jones had 12 points and six dimes for the winners.

For the Hoyas it was the John brothers leading a valiant effort that just fell short. Kurt John finished with 17 points and 14 rebounds, and Karl John netted 16 points and also grabbed 14 rebounds. The Hoyas also got 13 points and eight assists from Eddie Castillo in the loss.

Boys Dem stormed into the final with the sweep of the Hoyas and now await the winner of the other semifinal series between Guidance and the No. 1 seeded Kings.


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  UKRAINE   


BC Kyiv land also Anthony Goods - by Eurobasket News

BC Kyiv landed another newcomer. They agreed on terms of contract with Anthony Goods (191-G-87, college: Stanford). The guard started the previous season in D-League. He played for the Dakota Wizards. The guard notched 17.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game in D-League. Later Anthony Goods moved to Italy. He signed with Banca Tercas Teramo. The guard tallied 9.2 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game in SeriaA. In March Anthony Goods returned to D-League. He joined the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. The guard posted 11.1 points, 2.4 assists and 2.2 rebounds per appearance. Previously Anthony Goods had stints in D-League and Venezuela.


Mick Hedgepeth joins BC Kyiv - by Eurobasket News

BC Kyiv bolstered their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Mick Hedgepeth (205-F/C-89). Mick Hedgepeth will start his pro career in Ukraine. Mick Hedgepeth has just graduated from Belmont University. He tallied 9.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in his senior season. Mick Hedgepeth was named into Division I Academic All-District 3 Team. The centre also made it into CoSIDA Capital One Academic All-America All-District 3 1st Team in 2012. Mick Hedgepeth was named All-A-Sun All-Tournament MVP in 2011. He earned All-A-Sun 2nd Team spot in 2011 and 2012.
The centre joins Jarrod Jones (205-F-90, college: Ball St.) and Justin Robinson (187-PG-87, agency: Two Points, college: Rider) who already penned deals with BC Kyiv.




U18 European Championship: Spain cruise past Ukraine - by Eurobasket News

Spain U18 - Ukraine U18 84:59

Spain celebrated the second win at the start of U18 European Championship. They thumped Ukraine to improve at 2-0 record in Group A. Guillermo Hernangomez (209-C-94) scored 24 points and grabbed 6 boards to lead the winners. Ukraine fell at 0-2 record after the loss.
Ukraine jumped to an early lead. They built a 16:13 advantage after ten minutes. But Spain adjusted offensively in the second quarter. They fired 28 points in the second period to establish a 41:37 halftime lead. Spain also tuned in defence in the second half. They limited Ukraine to just 7 points in the third term to pull ahead for an 18-point lead at the final intermission. Spain scored 22 points in the final term and sealed the victory at the end. Josep Perez (184-PG-94) provided 21 points, 6 assists and 5 boards for the winners. Alberto Diaz (190-PG-94) added 11 points for Spain. Igor Boyarkin (185-PG-95) answered with 13 points for Ukraine. Yevgen Sakhniuk (201-PF-95) had 9 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

Spain U18: Guillermo Hernangomez 24, Josep Perez 21, Alberto Diaz 11
Ukraine U18: Igor Boyarkin 13, Yevgen Sakhniuk 9


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  UNITED KINGDOM   

Standings - BBL

BBL Standings
 1. Cheshire Jets 0-0 
 2. Durham W. 0-0 
 3. E.London R. 0-0 
 4. Glasgow Rocks 0-0 
 5. Guildford Heat 0-0 
 6. Leicester R. 0-0 
 7. Manchester G. 0-0 
 8. Mersey Tigers 0-0 
 9. MK Lions 0-0 
 10. Newcastle E. 0-0 
 11. Plymouth R. 0-0 
 12. Sheffield S. 0-0 
 13. Worcester W. 0-0 

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 21: Manchester G. - MK Lions
Sep. 21: Newcastle E. - Glasgow Rocks
Sep. 21: Sheffield S. - E.London R.
Sep. 22: Guildford Heat - Mersey Tigers
Sep. 22: Leicester R. - Plymouth R.
Sep. 22: Worcester W. - Durham W.
Sep. 23: Cheshire Jets - Manchester G.
Sep. 23: Durham W. - Glasgow Rocks
Sep. 23: MK Lions - Newcastle E.


U18 European Championship: England too good for Belarus - by Eurobasket News

England U18 - Belarus U18 76:63

England registered the second straight win at the U18 European Championship in Division B. They prevailed against Belarus to stay perfect in Group A. Elliott Sentance (191-SG-94) knocked down 17 points to lead the effort. Belarus fell at 0-2 record after the loss.
Belarus jumped to an early lead. They enjoyed a 22:13 advantage ten minutes into the game. But England adjusted offence scoring 26 points in the second quarter and cutting the deficit at 2-point mark at halftime 41:39. England held their opponents to just 12 points in the third term to surge ahead. The Brits entered the fourth frame up by 3 points. They took over the initiative in the fourth frame completely and silenced Belarus. Rowell Graham (197-F-94) posted 15 points, while Kingsley Okoroh (213-C-95) had 11 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Yahor Patupchyk (191-SG-94) answered with 13 points for Belarus. Dzmitry Astashou (195-SF-94) had 11 points and 12 boards in the loss.

England U18: Elliott Sentance 17, Rowell Graham 15, Kingsley Okoroh 11
Belarus U18: Yahor Patupchyk 13, Dzmitry Astashou 11+12 boards


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  VTB UNITED LEAGUE   


Unics Kazan keep Kelly McCarty - by Eurobasket News

Unics Kazan ensured the services of Kelly McCarty (201-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: S.Mississippi) for another season. The sides have agreed on terms of contract extension. The forward will enter his third straight season in Kazan. Last season Kelly McCarty averaged 7.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in VTB League. In Euroleague the forward notched 5.9 points and 3.8 rebounds per appearance. Kelly McCarty also posted 9.0 points, 5.3 rebounds. Eurobasket.com named Kelly McCarty All-VTB League Forward of the Year in 2011. Previously the forward played for Khimky, Dynamo Saint Petersburg, Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion, Hapeol Jerusalem, Givat Shmuel, Maccabi Raanana, Oklahoma Storm. Kelly McCarty was trumped All-FIBA EuroCup Forward of the Year in 2006. He also clinched All-EuroCup Forward of the Year title in 2009.



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Women News


Ilirija puts Todorovic on bench - by Zeljko Zule

Slovenian side Subrina Ilirija announced today the coaching staff that will lead the club in 2012-13 season. Spasoje Todorovic has been appointed head coach. Joining him on the sidelines will be Emir Haskic , who was named assistant coach.
Todorovic arrives from Tinex Medvode, where he lead junior team. Todorovic also served as assistant coach to Miodrag Baletic for the Montenegrin national side. Haskic served as an assistant coach for his entire career at Kranjska Gora and at Slovenian national team.


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  AUSTRALIA   


Opals v Russia bronze medal preview - by Eurobasket News

Read Marc Howard's exclusive preview of the Opals Bronze Medal match against Russia.
Australia (5-2, 2nd Group B) vs Russia (4-3, 3rd Group B)
Tip-off: Sun 12 Aug 2:00AM (Australian Eastern Standard Time)
TV coverage: Live on Foxtels London 7 & London 7 HD from 1:50AM AEST

The Australian Opals must pick themselves up after the disappointment of their Semi Final loss to Team USA and prepare themselves for what promises to be a tough battle against Russia for the bronze medal early on Sunday morning Australian time.

It would be understandable if the Australians feel flat after their defeat on Friday, which ended their dreams of finally beating the USA and winning the Olympic gold medal that has thus far eluded them. After all, the Opals were right in the match until the final period when the US guards took advantage of the absence of Australias best perimeter defender Jenni Screen through an eye injury to help their team pull away.

Yet the Opals dont have time to contemplate what might have been. Medals even bronze ones arent simply handed out at the Olympics. They need to be won.

The Australians might feel disappointed to be in the bronze medal playoff, but its unlikely the Russians feel the same way. After all, they finished 3-2 in group play and were forced to overcome a tough Turkish team even to make it to the Semi Finals, where they were comfortably defeated by France for the second time in the tournament, 81-64.

The European Champions will undoubtedly be looking to ensure they leave London with some sort of medal, even if it is bronze. They will also no doubt be keen to reverse the result of their pool match against Australia, when the Opals eked out a narrow four-point win.

As a result of that win, Australia will go into the Bronze Medal game as favourites but the matches arent played on paper and the Opals will need to bring their A game if they want to beat the Russians.

Specifically, they will need to avoid the offensive drought they suffered in the second quarter of their pool game against the Russians. In that period, the Opals managed just 11 points and struggled to find the basket.

Russia have been sound defensively in London, and have allowed opposition teams to score on average just 64.6 points per game.

The Europeans havent been able to capitalise on their good defence as much however as their own offence has sputtered regularly and is averaging just 63.4 points per game.

As it has been throughout the tournament, the Opals beat Russia in their pool game on the back of their bigs. Cambage Elizabeth (203-C-91) had 17 points and Suzy Batkovic-Brown (195-C-80) 15 to provide an inside presence that the Russians ultimately couldnt contain.

The Opals will need to ensure their Big Three of Batkovic, Cambage and Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) (who was uncharacteristically quiet in the Opals pool game against the Russians with just nine points) are all delivered the ball in scoring position regularly. That will put significant pressure on the Russian interior defenders and open up scoring opportunities for the Australian perimeter players when the Russian defence collapses to help.

Russia are a strong rebounding team, averaging 41.3 boards per game, so the Opals will need to ensure they body up on their opponents. In particular, the Russians average a handy 16.1 offensive rebounds per game so boxing out on defence is going to be critical.

In London Australia are averaging 8.2 points more per game than Russia thus far (71.6 compared to 63.4) so as long as they dont forget about defence altogether, this is a match-up where the Opals can focus on outscoring their opponents.

Russia has no one outstanding scorer, with naturalised American Becky Hammon leading the team at 11.1 per game. Opals players should be able to concentrate on shutting down their individual opponents without having to double-team as much as they did in many of their previous games.

For at least some in the Opals team, like veteran Kristi Harrower, this will be their last game ever at the Olympics. As long as they continue to focus on the things that got them into the Semi Finals, they should at least be able to leave London with a souvenir in a Bronze Medal around their necks. After all, there are eight other teams that were in London that would gladly swap places with them right now.

Opals Keys to Victory
- Pump the ball inside to their bigs and attack the Russian interior defenders;
- Dont allow the Russians to create additional scoring opportunities through their strong offensive rebounding;
- Stay aggressive offensively and force the Russians to try to match the Australian offensive output;
- Look for opportunities to create easy transition baskets by pressuring the Russian passing lanes and forcing them into turnovers.

Courtesy of WNBL Australia


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  FRANCE   


Limoges tab Iva Grbas - by Eurobasket News

Iva Grbas (188-F/C-87) will continue her career in Limoges. The centre has agreed on terms of contract with the team. Iva Grbas spent the last season in Reims. The Croatian player averaged 12.6 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in LF2. Previously Iva Grbas played in Austria, Croatia and Slovenia.


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  GREECE   


Panathinaikos makes the difference by adding Dimitra Kalentzou - by Diamadis Farmakis

Panathinaikos continues strong in the summer player market and it's last edition (so far), seems to be, the best of all. The ''greens'' announced the transfer of the very experienced Greek point guard Dimitra Kalentzou (174-G-78).

Kalentzou, who is international with the Greek national women's team, was a basic ''piece'' of Athinaikos dynasty, the last five years in Greek and European basketball

She returns to Panathinaikos after 10 years, as Panathinaikos was her first team, in her great professional basketball carriere. She first signed with Panathinaikos in 1997, when she was 19 years old. With the team, Kalentzou won 2 Greek championships, in 1998 and 2000 and a Greek cup in 2000.

With the addition of Kalentzou, Panathinaikos instantly becomes a big contestant for the Greek championship.


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  OLYMPIC GAMES   

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Johannah LEEDHAM
  ENG
  (180-SF-87)
  Avg: 16.2
 1. Leedham, ENG16.2 
 2. De Souza, BRA16.2 
 3. Chen, CHN15.7 
 4. Viteckova, CZE15.2 
 5. Stafford, ENG15.2 
 6. Dumerc, FRA15.1 
 7. Cambage, AUS15.1 
 8. Jackson, AUS14.6 
 9. Mandir, CRO14.0 
 10. Smith, CAN13.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Clarissa DOS SANTOS
  (187-C-88)
  Avg: 9
 1. Dos Santos, BRA9.0 
 2. De Souza, BRA8.8 
 3. Charles, USA8.0 
 4. Jackson, AUS7.4 
 5. Parker, USA7.3 
 6. Manuel, ANG7.2 
 7. Yilmaz, TUR7.2 
 8. Horakova, CZE6.8 
 9. Chen, CHN6.7 
 10. Osipova, RUS6.7 
Assists Per Game
 LiJie MIAO
  (178-F-81)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Miao, CHN6.5 
 2. Bird, USA4.7 
 3. Vardarli, TUR4.5 
 4. Thorburn, CAN4.5 
 5. Pinto, BRA4.4 
 6. Hammon, RUS4.0 
 7. Dumerc, FRA3.4 
 8. O''Hea, AUS3.3 
 9. Rodrigues, BRA3.2 
 10. Lelas, CRO3.2 
Steals Per Game
 Jelena IVEZIC
  CRO
  (182-F/G-84)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Ivezic, CRO2.8 
 2. Leedham, ENG2.4 
 3. McCoughtry, USA2.4 
 4. Horakova, CZE2.0 
 5. Alben, TUR1.8 
 6. Catchings, USA1.6 
 7. Moore, USA1.6 
 8. Yilmaz, TUR1.5 
 9. Rodrigues, BRA1.4 
 10. Vodopiyanova, RUS1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Sandrine GRUDA
  FRA
  (193-C-87)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Gruda, FRA2.1 
 2. Cambage, AUS1.9 
 3. Burgrova, CZE1.7 
 4. De Souza, BRA1.6 
 5. Ivankovic, CRO1.4 
 6. Stewart, ENG1.4 
 7. Parker, USA1.3 
 8. Fagbenle, ENG1.2 
 9. Osipova, RUS1.1 
 10. Kulichova, CZE1.0 



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  POLAND   


ROW Rybnik and Wielebnowska part ways - by Eurobasket News

Anna Wielebnowska (188-C-78) is no longer a member of ROW Rybnik. The Polish center signed a deal earlier this summer, but two sides already terminated it and Wielebnowska became a free agent. She spent last season with Matizol Lider Pruszkow. For 31 games in PLKK Wielebnowska averaged 4.6 points and 4.1 rebounds. Before Pruszkow, the center spent four years with Wisla Can-Pak Krakow. She helped them win PLKK titles in 2007 and 2008, as well as Polish Cup in 2009. Wielebnowska had 4.6 ppg and 3.9 rpg for 23 PLKK games in their last season together. Her playing time in Euroleague was very limited. In the past, Anna Wielebnowska played for Belgian Dexia Namur. She also played for the Polish National Team from 2003 to 2005 and later in 2008.
Few days ago ROW Rybnik signed American center Marcedes Marie Walker (191-C-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Pittsburgh) and announced that the roster is completed. It is not clear now will the club add another player to replace Wielebnowska.


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  SLOVENIA   


Ilirija puts Todorovic on bench - by Zeljko Zule

Slovenian side Subrina Ilirija announced today the coaching staff that will lead the club in 2012-13 season. Spasoje Todorovic has been appointed head coach. Joining him on the sidelines will be Emir Haskic , who was named assistant coach.
Todorovic arrives from Tinex Medvode, where he lead junior team. Todorovic also served as assistant coach to Miodrag Baletic for the Montenegrin national side. Haskic served as an assistant coach for his entire career at Kranjska Gora and at Slovenian national team.


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  SPAIN   


Bembire signs young guard Elisabet Vivas - by Eurobasket News

Elisabet Vivas (178-G-92, agency: Josep and Nicolas) is a new member of Bembire. The 20-year-old Spanish guard signed a deal for the next season. Vivas heads to her new club from Uni-Cajacanarias Santa Cruz, where she spent last few years. The player had 11.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 2.4 apg for 26 games in LF2 last season. Elisabet Vivas played for the Spanish U19 National Team last summer helping them to win the Silver at U19 World Championship. She had 2.4 ppg and 1.2 rpg for 9 games. The event was held in Chile. In 2010, Vivas won the Silver at U18 EuroBasket in Slovakia. A year before that, she won the Gold with Spain at U18 EuroBasket in Sweden. In the past, Vivas also played for U16 Spanish NT.
Earlier this summer Bembire extended deals with Cristina Lopez, Veronica Alonso, Esther Montenegro, Bea Sanchez, Marta Tudanca and Nedra Brown.


Former NT member Marta Zurro stays with Asefa Estudiantes - by Eurobasket News

Good news for Asefa Estudiantes fans. Former Spanish National Team PF/C Marta Zurro (186-F/C-80) decided to stay with the club for at least one more year. It will be their fourth straight season together. Zuro had impressive numbers in 2011/12 averaging 17.3 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists for 26 games in LF2. She was third rebounder of the league and was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LF2 Honorable Mention -12. In 2010/11 season Zurro shined with 14.8 ppg and 10.1 rpg for 29 games. She joined the club in 2009, but they faced with relegation from LFB that season. Before Estu, Marta Zurro played for Cadi la Seu, Burgos, Hondarribia-Irun, Real Canoe and Zaragoza. She also has experience from the French squad Aix en Provence. Marta Zurro played for the Spanish National Team in 2001, 2002, 2006 and 2007. They won the Silver together at 2008 EuroBasket in Italy and also Bronze in 2001.


Latest signings - by Eurobasket News

Porta XI Ensino reinforced its roster under the basket. The Spanish LF2 team penned a 1-year deal with center Yaiza Garcia (190-C-88, agency: Regeneracom Sports). The 23-year-old player heads to her new club from Aguere Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where she spent last four seasons. She shined with 14.3 ppg and 7 rpg for 23 games in LF2 in the latest one. Garcia had lower numbers in other three years. Before Tenerife, Yaiza Garcia spent one season with Gran Canaria in LFB. However, she played just few games for the club.

Meanwhile, Las Rozas extended deal with its captain Beatriz Gallardo (178-SG-83). Last season she had 5.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 1.9 apg for 18 games.

Arxil kept 19-year old Estefania Lopez for the next season. She made debut for the senior squad a year ago.