EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/17/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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  ACPBL   



ACPBL Metro Guard nets a triple double - by Justin Moore

Jared Nowell (6'3''-G/F-84) of the ACPBL Metro summer league netted a triple double
against The NYC Jaguars. Nowell the Brooklyn, N.Y. native has been
somewhat of castaway in the minor league scene. Nowell has bounced
around to 3 ACPBL teams in the last year just looking for the right
fit. Early in Nowell's career he was a victim of The Manhattan Pride
purge that saw the departure of a head coach and about 90% percent of
the team. Nowell was able to hookup with NYC 524 where he would he
finish out the season. But the fit for Nowell was not a good one. His
offense game would meander to numbers and percentages he was not
accustomed to. Nowell was forced to change his game to a more
defensive role accumulating 29 steals in 11 games with NYC 524. His
average of 11.73 ppg was something that Nowell struggled with during
the season. If the team was consistently winning then he would feel a
little bit better about his output on the court.

When the opportunity came about to play for The ACPBL summer league
team ACPBL METRO he jumped at the opportunity. The Cuesta College alum
would take the court against The Jaguars and absolutely deconstruct
them to the tune of 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. The Jags
were left reeling in what was a deeply wounding loss. Nowell has now
set his sights on bigger opportunities hoping to catch on to anything
overseas. Nowell is blazing fast and aggressive combo guard who is a
lockdown defender with a solid jumpshot.


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  AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16   


Groups are known - by Eurobasket News

Last night Wednesday, 15th August 2012, the technical meeting of the AFROBASKET U18 Men was held at Hotel TURISMO in Maputo, the composition of draw of groups was done and teams participating in this championship was represented by their head of delegations and technical staffs.

The groups are as following:

Group A: MOZAMBIQUE, RWANDA, DR Congo, MALI, GHANA, TUNISIA
Group B: EGYPT, MORROCCO, COTE D'IVOIRE, SENEGAL, GABON, ANGOLA

The Championship will be played at DESPORTIVO Indoor and games are starting today Thursday, 16th August 2012. Teams of Morrocco, Ghana and DR Congo are not yet present in Mozambique and are arriving Friday and Saturday respectively due to flight itinerary.

Courtesy of www.rwandabasket.com


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  ARGENTINA   


CABB names argentinean team for 3x3 world cup - by Facundo Iatzky

CABB released the list of 4 players who will represent Argentina in the first 3x3 World championship to be played in Greece. Argentina decided to go to that tournament with 4 young players, but the four have a great future. They are: Alejandro Konsztatd (191-G-89) of Obras, Juan Emiliano Fernandez (196-G/F-91) of Libertad, Franco Giorgetti (202-F-92) of Penarol and Marcos Delia (206-C-92) of Boca jrs.
Ivan najnudel will be the coach. Argentina will share the group A with brasil, Czech republic, Dominican republic, Egypt and England among others.


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  ASEAN LEAGUE   


Chris Banchero re-signs with Petron Blaze - by Eurobasket News

Petron Blaze resigned their starting point guard. They kept Chris Banchero (185-G, college: Seattle Pacific) for another season. The Filipino guard started his pro career last season. He joined Petron Blaze. Chris Banchero posted 12.7 points, 6.6 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 3.1 steals per game in ASEAN League. Chris Banchero reached ASEAN League Final with the Beermen. The guard graduated from Seattle Pacific in 2011. Chris Banchero was named All-GNAC Player of the Year in 2010. He was also named Daktronics NCAA Division II All-West-Region Player of the Year the same season. He became GNAC champion in 2010.


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  AUSTRIA   


U18 European Championship: Austria wins Group G - by Eurobasket News

Austria U18-Hungary U18 71:69

Austria wins Group G of the Classification Round for 9th to 16th Place at the U18 European Championship in Division B. Austria beat Hungary 71:69 to seal the top place with 3-0 record. Hungary meanwhile finished with 2-1 record on the second place.
It was the game of two different halves. Austria started well and won the game due to the first and last quarters. They opened the game with 29-15, but lost the second and the third periods. Simon gave Hungary 52:48 after three quarters played. Austria trailed 9 points with 8 minutes to go however won the game. Knor tied it all at 59:59 and then Jakob Poeltl (208-PF-95) brought 69:65. The latter also scored two from the free throw line to seal the victory with Austria.
Jakob Poeltl erupted with 20 points and 17 rebounds for the winners and Timur Bas (198-PF-94) notched 13. Valentin Bauer (181-PG-94) poured in 11 and Benedikt Guettl (188-G-94) added 7. Zoltan Perl (194-G-95) answered with 22 points in the losing effort, while Gyorgy Goloman (204-PF-96) brought 15.

Austria U18: Jakob Poeltl 20+17 rebs, Timur Bas 13, Valentin Bauer 11, Benedikt Guettl 7
Hungary U18: Zoltan Perl 22, Gyorgy Goloman 15


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  BAHRAIN   


Bahrain U18 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

4 Jasim Abul 167-PG-94
5 Hasan Abdulkarim 165-PG-96
6 Mahamed Naser 191-F-97
7 Sadiq Shukralla 181-F-97
9 Abbas Abdulrasool 196-C-94
10 Hasan Ismaeel 172-PG-95
11 Ali Abdulreha 179-F-95
12 Ali Melad 171-F-94
13 Ali Rabeea 191-C-96
14 Mohammed Buallay 185-F-95
15 Ali Sayed Hasan 182-F-94

Aqeel Milad Head Coach Issa Town Bahrain



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  BALTIC LEAGUE   


Sakalai keep Evaldas Baniulis - by Eurobasket News

Sakalai secured the services of Evaldas Baniulis (201-F-87, college: S.Carolina) for another season. The forward has agreed on terms of contract extension. He will enter the third straight season with Sakalai. Evaldas Baniulis started his pro career in Sakalai in 2010. Last season the forward delivered 9.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game in Baltic League. In LKL Evaldas Baniulis posted 12.6 points and 5.1 boards per appearance. He participated at LKL All-Star Game. Evaldas Baniulis graduated from the University of Southern Carolina back in 2010. His stats read 1.6 points per game in his senior season overseas. He was the member of U16, U18 and U20 Lithuanian National Teams.


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  BELARUS   


U18 European Championship: Belarus wins Group I of the Classification Round for 17th to 22nd Place - by Eurobasket News

Luxembourg U18-Belarus U18 87:89

Belarus wins Group I of the Classification Round for 17th to 22nd Place with 2-0 record. The team overcame Luxembourg 89:87 in the last day of the Group Stage at the U18 European Championship in Division B.
Luxembourg opened the game with 26:22, but could not keep the lead at the halftime. Belarus controlled the second frame and grabbed 48:47 after 26-21 in the quarter. Luka Malakhau (185-PG-94) gave Belarus 66:58 late in the third quarter, but Thomas Grun (194-PG-95) closed the frame at 66:62. It was tough at the end of the game in the court as both teams exchanged the lead several times. Jo Hoeser (193-PF-94) tied it all at 87:87, while Anton Vashkevich (203-F/C-94) gave his side the final points.
Yahor Patupchyk (191-SG-94) and Anton Vashkevich paced all the winners with 16 points each, while Dzmitry Astashou (195-SF-94) notched 15. Kiryl Chumakou (194-SF-95) and Luka Malakhau followed them with 11 points apiece. Jo Hoeser erupted with 36 points in the losing effort and Thomas Grun scored 18. Bob Melcher (196-G-94) posted 16, while Yann Wolff (196-PF-94) chipped in with 8.

Luxembourg U18: Jo Hoeser 36, Thomas Grun 18, Bob Melcher 16, Yann Wolff 8
Belarus U18: Yahor Patupchyk 16, Anton Vashkevich 16, Dzmitry Astashou 15, Kiryl Chumakou 11, Luka Malakhau 11


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  BELGIUM   


U18 European Championship: Finland advanced to Top 4 - by Eurobasket News

Belgium U18-Finland U18 74:86

Finland advanced to Top 4 of the U18 European Championship in Division B. The Nordic side won Group F with 2-1 record after 86:74 win over Belgium. The latter finished with 1-2 record on the third place and will play for 5-8 places.
Only the victory could bring the winning side the ticket to the Semifinals. Finland managed to win the first period 20-18, but Belgium answered with 22-17 in the second period for 40:37 advantage at the halftime. It was Finland to pull the lead back and grabbed 61:54 after three quarters when Niko Mattila (191-SG-94) closed the frame from the perimeter. Finland continued their dominance in the last stanza and clinched the necessary win.
Joonas Lehtoranta (183-SG-94) paced all the winners with 27 points, while Julius Rajala (205-PF-94) collected 22 points and 12 rebounds. Mikael Kauhanen (202-F-94) nailed 14 and Niko Mattila scored 13. Emmanuel Lecomte (180-G-95) finished the game with 21 points in the losing effort and Mathijs Gijbels (204-PF-95) brought 15. Mathias Van Steenwinkel (200-F-94) ended up with 10 points in defeat and Naim El Khounchar (193-G-94) scored 9.

Belgium U18: Emmanuel Lecomte 21, Mathijs Gijbels 15, Mathias Van Steenwinkel 10, Naim El Khounchar 9
Finland U18: Joonas Lehtoranta 27, Julius Rajala 22+12 rebs, Mikael Kauhanen 14, Niko Mattila 13


Liege Transfer - by Peter Buyse

Liege today announced the addition of American center Gary Ware (205-F/C-83, college: Purdue) to their roster. Ware comes to Liege from Furstenfeld in Austria. In Austria he averaged 16.0 ppg and 7.2 rpg as well as being the league's top shot blocker.
After finishing his college career at Purdue in 2006 he started his overseas career in Holland where he played for Leeuwarden. He continued his European career in Cyprus where he was a member of Etha. The season 2008-2009 he spent in Hungary playing for Debreceni. His next two teams were Cherno More and Rabotnicki Skopje in Macedonia during the 2010-2011 season..


Great start for Lions in Euro 2013 qualifying campaign (a look back at yesterday's success) - by Bert Larsimont


After having had a great preparation campaign which ended with a 9-1 record (great successes against, among other, Olympic tournament participants France, Tunisia and Great Britain), the Belgian Lions keep doing well. Their only lost scrimmage game was the last one of the preparation campaign. The Lions were defeated on the buzzer after a very thrilling match-up with Israel on August 7th.

The good signs shown during the preparatory games seem to be confirmed. The men of Coach Eddy Casteels had their first official game of the Euro 2013 qualifying round against Poland in Sopot, Eastern Pomerania yesterday. The Lions played well and the large attendance at the Ergo Arena in Sopot (6000 fans) never seemed to impress the visitors. Under the lead of both Polish towers Marcin Gortat (213-C-84) and Michal Ignerski (207-F-80, college: Mississippi St.), the Poles had a short advantage 18-12 and 21-17 at the end of the first quarter. But Belgians rapidly came back into the game thanks to the speed and precision of Sam Van Rossom (188-PG-86), Pierre-Antoine Gillet (201-F-91) and Wen Boss Mukubu (198-F-83, college: UAB): 23-24. The scoreboard showed 33-33 at the half.

The Belgian Lions defended very well and Yannick Driesen (215-C-88) dunked. Belgians were rather euphoric and even led 40-49 after 30 minutes in this game.

The visitors even reached +11 as they scored the first basket of the fourth quarter. Until the scoreboard showed 49-56, the Lions seemed to dominate their opponents but it was without counting on last efforts by the Poles and especially their NBA star Gortat. Lukasz Koszarek (187-PG-84) hit a first three-pointer (the only one made despite 18 attempts by the Poles) for the hosts and brought back his team into the race. Nevertheless, a very strong Christophe Beghin (207-F-80) and an experienced Sam Van Rossom allowed Casteels' team to stay up front. Final score: 57-64.

A nice win for the Belgian national team and a good start on their road to the next FIBA European Championship 2013 to be organized in Slovenia!
The next Belgian NT game against Switzerland in the the Euro 2013 qualifying round is to be held at the Lotto Arena in Antwerp, Belgium on August 21st.

More info on http://www.belgianlions.com/lions/.

Score evolution: 21-17, 33-33, 40-49 and 57-64.

Best scorers:
Poland: Ignerski 8, Koszarek 12, Gortat 23, Zamojski 3, Waczynski 3, Skibniewski 2, Wisniewski 2, Kulig 2, Ponitka 2.
Belgium: De Zeeuw 11 , Driesen 4, Tabu 8, Van Rossom 13, Muya 3, Beghin 10, Mukubu 11, Gillet 5, Iarochevitch 1.


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  BOSNIA   


Aris inks Muhamed Pasalic - by Eurobasket News

Aris inked Muhamed Pasalic.


Boris Savovic to play for Bosnian National Team - by Eurobasket News

Boris Savovic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) will play for the Bosnian National Team in the future, according to local media. Reportedly, Bosnian Basketball Federation agreed with the player and managed to get all necessary papers from Montenegro. Savovic signed a deal with Crvena Zvezda Belgrade earlier this summer. He arrived from the Turkish giant Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul, where he averaged 6.3 points and 2.7 rebounds in 21 TBL games. The player also added 1.6 ppg and 3.2 rpg for 5 games in Euroleague. Savovic started the season with Hemofarm Vrsac, where he had 12.8 ppg, 11.4 rpg and 1.8 apg for 16 games in Adriatic league. He was top rebounder of the championship. Boris Savovic played for Hemofarm also from 2004 to 2009 and in 2010/11 season. Meanwhile, he spent one year with Buducnost Podgorica winning the Montenegrin championship title and Cup with them. Savovic was named Eurobasket.com All-Adriatic League European Player of the Year -12 and Eurobasket.com All-Adriatic League 1st Team -12.


CSP Limoges agrees with Edin Bavcic - by Eurobasket News

As expected, CSP Limoges agreed terms with Edin Bavcic (209-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) and they are expected to sign the contract very soon. The Bosnian National Team forward should replace Landon Milbourne (201-F-87, college: Maryland), who moved to Panionios Athens. Bavcic averaged 10.9 points and 5.5 rebounds for 18 games with Greek KAO Dramas last season. He joined them in December. Before that, the player had 3 ppg and 3.7 rpg for 3 games with Vanoli-Braga Cremona. Edin Bavcic changed three teams in 2010/11 season. He started with Enel Brindisi and in November of 2010 moved to Khimik Yuzhny. There he had 10.2 ppg and 5.2 rpg for 5 EuroChallenge games and averaged pretty close numbers in Ukrainian championship. Bavcic finished that season with Aris Thessaloniki registering 10.1 ppg and 6.2 rpg for 16 appearances. In the past, he played for Union Olimpija, Kepez, Koln and Bosna ASA BHT. Edin Bavcic is active member of the Bosnian National Team since 2005.
Earlier this week, Limoges penned a deal with Brad Wanamaker (193-G-89, college: Pittsburgh). The guard started the previous season with Teramo. He tallied 7.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game in SeriaA. Later Wanamaker moved to Forli. His stats read 17.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 1.8 assists per game in LegaDue.
The team also landed Greek guard Angelos Tsamis (192-G-81) this week. He signed 1+1 year deal. 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.


Maribor Messer signs Igor Josipovic - by Eurobasket News

Igor Josipovic (203-F/C-88) will continue his career in Slovenia. The Bosnian power forward/center penned a deal with Maribor Messer. Josipovic arrives to Maribor from Igokea Aleksandrovac, where he finished last season. He joined them in March for the Bosnian League Six. Josipovic started last season with SL Takovo Leotar Trebinje. There he shined with 15.5 points and 6.2 rebounds. Josipovic was second scorer of the Bosnian championship. Season 2010/11 Igor Josipovic also started with Leotar and later he moved to Borac Nektar for League Six. With Leotar he had 12.7 ppg and 5 rpg for 21 games that season. In the past, Josipovic spent few years with Borac.
Earlier this summer Maribor signed Esmir Rizvic (213-C-82, college: Texas Tech) and extended Bojan Jovanovic (186-G-82). The team also added Igor Maric (196-F-85).


U18 European Championship: the hosts edged Montenegro and advanced to the semis - by Eurobasket News

Bosnia and Herzegovina U18-Montenegro U18 82:72

The hosts edge Montenegro in Sarajevo at the U18 European Championship in Division B. Bosnia and Herzegovina outscored Montenegro 82:72 and advanced to the Semifinals.
Bosnia and Herzegovina started with 23:15 in front of 450 fans in the hall. They added 18-14 in the second frame for 41:29 at the halftime. They managed to keep 10-point advantage throughout the third quarter and finished with 59:50. No matter how hard Montenegro tried to upset the hosts, they could not match the favorites. Bosnia added 23-22 in the last stanza for the final 10-point win.
Adin Vrabac (202-G/F-94) paced all the winners with 27 points and Nedim Buza (201-SF-95) had 21. Asim Ahmedic (200-PF-94) collected 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Stefan Glogovac (201-SF-94) notched 10. Milija Mikovic (205-C-94) answered with 16 points in defeat and Nikola Zizic (195-G-94) scored 14. Veselin Kovacevic (200-F-94) delivered 12 points, while Milovan Draskovic (208-C-95) chipped in with 8.

Bosnia and Herzegovina U18: Adin Vrabac 27, Nedim Buza 21, Asim Ahmedic 11+10 rebs, Stefan Glogovac 10
Montenegro U18: Milija Mikovic 16, Nikola Zizic 14, Veselin Kovacevic 12, Milovan Draskovic 8


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  BRAZIL   


Paulistano add Rafael Malfi and Vinicius Pastor - by Paulo Freire

The Paulistano/Unimed Sao Paolo basketball team has add a few new pieces to their roster.
Managers of the team sign the point guard Rafael Malfi (188-G-91) a former player of the club that was playing in Sorocaba, also the team has add the swingman Vinicius Oliveira (200-F/C-90) more knwing as Vinicius Pastor who had a highlight season playing in Sao Jose dos Campos and in the last seasons had been playing for Jacarei team.
The two new peaces are already training with the team.


Santos sign Renan Custodio, Paulao and Rafinha - by Paulo Freire

The Internacional/Pref. de Santos team from Santos city has made a new move on their roster and are ready for the second phase of the Paulista State Championship.
The managers of the team agreed with the point guard Rafinha da Silva (183-G-88) da Silva as a replacement for Jefferson Campos (190-G-91) who left the team. Rafinha da Silva was playing at Campo Mourao.
For the small forward position the team brings in Renan Custodio (203-F-89) who was playing overseas for the last years at a college in US.
For the center position the team gets Paulao Castro (212-C-79) who played the last NBB finals for Sao Jose dos Campos.
As an international player the team sign Allen Jemmott (194-F/G-80) from Cuba.




Minas sign Gedson Thawan - by Paulo Freire

The Minas Tenis Clube basketball team is still thinking of next season, after revamping their roster they continues to strengthen. To replace the player Cristiano Felicio (206-C-92), that should be play in Spain next to Raulzinho, the managed work quickly and meet this gap. This time the reinforcement comes from Sao Paulo but is well knowing in Minas, the athlete is Gedson Thawan (202-F-91).

The power forward has 21 years old and 2.0cm tall, he was playing the last season in the Olympic Development League (NBB U-21) at Sao Jose dos Campos and In the paulista was in the young team of Taubate.

The Minas team also renew the contract of Mark Borders (188-G-82, college: Tampa), Robson Coimbra (194-F-91), Bruno Irigoyen (201-G/F-92) and Leonardo Demetrio (204-F/C-94).


Sao Bernardo add Telminho - by Paulo Freire

The Metodista/Sao Bernardo do Campo team sign the small forward Fabio Telminho Oliveira (195-F-79)
The shooter comes from the champions of the NBB where he was bench player on the Brasilia rotation.
Telminho is back on the Paulista State Championship, he had played in many teams from Sao Paulo in his career.
At Sao Bernardo he will probably have a lot more minutes on the court than in the last seasons at Brasilia.
Telminho is a veteran, at his career he has played in such teams as Limeira, Sao Jose dos Campos, Rio Claro, Guaruja, Goias and others.



Jacarei hire new players - by Paulo Freire

The Jacarei Basketball/Fibria/JTU/Ativia basketball team has found some look and got a invitation to play in the second phase of the Paulista State Championship, as the team original did not classified.
The managers of the team has sign Tony Dennison (191-G-87, college: Barry), Rafael Stabile (F-88), Andre Marone (193-G-89) and Irving Andre Proni (202-F-89)
Tony is an american player that is going to his second season in Brazil after playing in Olympico from Minas Gerais.
Andre Marone comes in after having a college experience in US.
Rafael Stabile was playing at Araraquara in the last NBB.
Irving is back at the team after playing in the young club Paraiso.
The team lost center Radames Santos (204-C-91) who left Jacarei and sign a contract with A.E. Sao Jose/Unimed/Vinac


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  CHINA   


China's Roster for Asisn U-18 Tournament - by Arthur Volbert

Below is China's roster for the FIBA Asia Under-18 Championship which begins tomorrow in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

No. Given Name Family Name DOB Ht. Pos.
4 Luo Hanchen (186-G-94) 23/08/1994 188 G
5 Wu Qian (190-G-94) 07/07/1994 190 G
6 Yang Jinmeng 26/06/1995 190 G
7 Li Qi 21/03/1995 198 F
8 Han Delong (194-F-95) 11/01/1995 192 F
9 Li Jinglong 15/03/1995 195 F
10 Gao Shang (198-F/G-94) 10/08/1994 198 F
11 Bai Bing 21/01/1995 200 F
12 Shao Yinglun 27/01/1996 200 F
13 Dai Huaibo 12/02/1994 205 PF/C
14 Wang Zhelin (213-C-94) 20/01/1994 215 PF/C
15 Zhou Qi (216-C-96) 16/01/1996 217 PF/ C


Chinese U18 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Chinese U18 National Team 2012
#s#
Hanchen Luo
Luo
Delong Han
Han
Zhelin Wang
Wang
Qi Zhou
Zhou
#e#4
4 Luo Hanchen 188-G-94 DongGuan L. China
5 Wu Qian 190-G-94
6 Yang Jinmeng 190-G-95
7 Li Qi 198-F-95
8 Han Delong 194-F-95
9 Li Jinglong 195-F-95
10 Gao Shang 198-F/G-94 Changan Group China
11 Bai Bing 200-F-95
12 Shao YingLun 200-F-96
13 Dai Huaibo 205-C/F-94
14 Wang Zhelin 215-C/F-94 Fujian QB China
15 Zhou Qi 217-C-96 Liaoning H. China

Wang Huaiyu Head Coach



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  CROATIA   


Marko Tomas did not pass the medical examination - by Dajana Karl

KK Cedevita Zagreb's new reinforcement Marko Tomas (201-G-85) did not pass the medical examination. The reason is a fracture in his right foot. It' the very same injury he got while playing for Turkish Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul and it's unknown why this injury wasn't treated until this day.

KK Cedevita Zagreb now have a problem on their shoulders because they have to find an adequate replacement, fast. Tomas was supposed to be KK Cedevita Zagreb's biggest reinforcement this season and it seems like they lost him before he even stepped out on the court.
The player did not have any comments about this situation.


Cibona gets bigger with C Justin Hamilton - by Eurobasket News

Cibona Zagreb reinforced its roster under the basket. The reining Croatian champion landed American center Justin Hamilton (210-C-90, college: LSU). It will be his first season as a pro. Hamilton played for the Miami Heat at 2012 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. He had 9 ppg and 4 rpg for 3 games. He was selected as 45th overall pick at the NBA Draft earlier this summer. The Philadelphia 76ers selected the player, but traded him to Miami soon after that. Justin Hamilton played for the Louisiana State University last season, but he decided to leave after his junior year. He had 12.7 ppg and 7.2 rpg for 32 games with the school. Justin Hamilton transferred to LSU a year ago from the Iowa State University. With Iowa State the player spent two seasons.
Earlier this summer Cibona landed its first American for the next season. It is PG Tweety Carter (180-PG-86, college: Baylor). He arrived to the club from Bnei Eshet Tours Hasharon. For 23 games in Israeli Premier league Carter shined with 20.7 ppg, 7.1 apg and 2.5 rpg. He participated at the All-Star Game and was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Honorable Mention -12. Before Bnei Hasharon, Tweety Carter spent was a member of Ventspils. He joined them in March of 2011 averaging 6.7 points and 3.1 assists for 22 Latvian league games. He had almost the same numbers for 6 Baltic league appearances. Carter started 2010/11 season the NBA D-League team Tulsa 66ers. He graduated at Baylor University two years ago.
Cibona went yesterday to Daruvarske toplice, where they will stay until August 27. After that, the Croatian champ will participate at international tournament in Malaga. Cibona's roster for the next season is still not completed.


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  CYPRUS   


Keravnos lands Julian Vaughn - by Chris Mammides

Keravnos Strovolou agreed financial terms with the American center Julian Vaughn. The player spent half the season with the Belgian Antwerp Giants in his rookie season in the European courts. The Georgetown graduate is a powerfull center which expected to add some energy and reboudns in the team of Coach Giannaras.

Other transfer news
ENAD agreed financial terms with Lewis Sims (203-F/C-73, college: New Orleans) who is coming back in the Agios Dometios team after 1997 where he spent one of his roockie seasons in the team of ENAD. Other than Sims, Coach Stylianidis team agreed financial terms with four American players as follows:

Derrick Roland (193-G-88, college: Texas A&M), Steven Bennett (173-PG-88, college: Chaminade), Rob Wilson (193-G/F-88) and




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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


U18 European Championship: Czech Republic and England advanced to the semis - by Eurobasket News

Czech Republic U18-England U18 63:55

Czech Republic and England advanced to the semis of the U18 European Championship in Division B. Czech Republic beat England 63:55 as both teams finished with 2-1 records on top of Group E.
England started with 15-9 in the first period and dominated the first half. They managed to win also the second period for a 7-point lead at the halftime. Czech Republic meanwhile woke up in the second half and produced two victories for the final win. They won the third quarter 21-8 and finished the game with 17-15 in the last stanza. Jan Svandrlik (196-SF-94) and Radovan Kouril (180-PG-95) brought the final points for the winning side, while Luke Nelson (189-PG-95) closed the game at 63:55.
Karel Ausprunk (200-F/C-94) paced all the winners with 17 points and Radovan Kouril notched 16. Jan Svandrlik posted 8, while Prokop Slanina (204-C-95) added 7. Luke Nelson answered with 17 points in the losing effort and Lucas Stivrins (211-C-94) delivered 12. Rowell Graham (197-F-94) followed them with 11 points in a loss.

Czech Republic U18: Karel Ausprunk 17, Radovan Kouril 16, Jan Svandrlik 8, Prokop Slanina 7
England U18: Luke Nelson 17, Lucas Stivrins 12, Rowell Graham 11


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  DENMARK   


New Chapter for Donald Rutherford - by Christian Hamborg

Svendborg Rabbits reinforced their roster at the 4 position by signing American Forward Donald Rutherford (199-F-87, college: Catawba). Donald Rutherford played 4 years at Catawba (NCAA2) and then played two seasons for the Copenhagen based team SISU. In his first season for SISU Donald Rutherford averaged 15.2 ppg and 7.0 rpg playing 30 games. In his second season Donald Rutherford managed to improve those numbers and averaged 21.0ppg and 8.0rpg. Donald Rutherford was also chosen to participate in the Danish League All-Star Game and was nominated Eurobasket.com All-Danish Ligaen Honorable Mention.

This season playing for Svendborg Rabbits will be Donald Rutherford's third season in Denmark. Svendborg Rabbits is one of the most succesful teams in Danish Basketball and won the Danish cup in 2012 and was a Danish League Finalist as well.
Svendborg Rabbits also has Mikkel Plannthin (195-G-88), Adama Darboe (190-G-86) and Gregory Washington (208-F-84, college: Hofstra) on the roster.


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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Apollon Patras inks Larry Turner - by Eurobasket News

Larry Turner (210-F/C-82, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Tennessee St.) will continue his career in Greece. The American/Dominican big guy penned a 1-year deal with AS Apollon Patras. Turner arrives to the club from the Japanese team Toyama Grouses. He appeared 51 times for them last season averaging 6.4 points and 6.6 rebounds. Before Japan, Turner played in Dominican Republic, PBL and Puerto Rico. Season 2010/11, Larry Turner started with Ukrainian Odessa averaging 4.8 points and 2.9 rebounds in 14 games. They parted ways in November of 2010. In the past, the big guy played in Spain and Venezuela. He also has experience from the NBA D-League. Turner is a product of the Tennessee State University, where he graduated in 2007.


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  ESTONIA   


U18 European Championship: Israel blow Estonia to start Day 7 - by Eurobasket News

Estonia U18-Israel U18 47:73

Israel blow Estonia to start Day 7 with the win. The Israeli team celebrated a 73:47 victory at the U18 European Championship in Division B for 2-1 record in Group E. Estonia meanwhile lost another games and fell at 0-3 record.
Israel took 16-6 at the end of the first period and never looked behind after. They added 16-11 in the second frame for 32:17 at the halftime. Moreover the second half also belonged to the winning side. They produced 22-16 in the third period and finished the game with 19-14 in the last quarter.
Egor Koulechov (194-SF-94) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Rafael Menco (201-SF-94, agency: Avi Zilberman) netted 11. Adar Ben Aliza (206-C-94) delivered 10, while Naor Sharon (193-PG-95) notched 9. Martin Jurtom (198-PF-94) finished the game with 10 points in the losing effort, while Sander Saare (182-PG-94) and Sander Kruus (201-PF-95) had 7 each.

Estonia U18: Martin Jurtom 10, Sander Saare 7, Sander Kruus 7
Israel U18: Egor Koulechov 20, Rafael Menco 11, Adar Ben Aliza 10, Naor Sharon 9


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  EUROCUP   


Artur Drozdov leaves Azovmash - by Eurobasket News

Artur Drozdov (200-SF-80) decided to part ways with Azovmash. The forward opted for buy out of two remaining seasons on his contract with the Mariupol team. The forward joined Azovmash at the start of the previous season. Artur Drozdov notched 10.7 points, 7.6 boards, 1.4 assists per game in Superleague. In VTB League his stats read 10.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 1.0 steal per game. Artur Drozdov also notched 9.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per EuroCup appearance. He made it into All-Ukrainian Superleague Domestic Players Team. Previously Artur Drozdov had spells with Vanoli-Braga Cremona, Budivelnyk Kyiv, BC Kyiv, BC Donetsk, Pau-Orthez and Autodorozhnik Saratov. He was named All-French ProA Most Improved Player of the Year in 2003. Artur Drozdov has been playing for the Ukrainian National Team since 2003. He is the captain of the National Team.
The rumours sent Artur Drozdov to ACB League.


Cibona gets bigger with C Justin Hamilton - by Eurobasket News

Cibona Zagreb reinforced its roster under the basket. The reining Croatian champion landed American center Justin Hamilton (210-C-90, college: LSU). It will be his first season as a pro. Hamilton played for the Miami Heat at 2012 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. He had 9 ppg and 4 rpg for 3 games. He was selected as 45th overall pick at the NBA Draft earlier this summer. The Philadelphia 76ers selected the player, but traded him to Miami soon after that. Justin Hamilton played for the Louisiana State University last season, but he decided to leave after his junior year. He had 12.7 ppg and 7.2 rpg for 32 games with the school. Justin Hamilton transferred to LSU a year ago from the Iowa State University. With Iowa State the player spent two seasons.
Earlier this summer Cibona landed its first American for the next season. It is PG Tweety Carter (180-PG-86, college: Baylor). He arrived to the club from Bnei Eshet Tours Hasharon. For 23 games in Israeli Premier league Carter shined with 20.7 ppg, 7.1 apg and 2.5 rpg. He participated at the All-Star Game and was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Honorable Mention -12. Before Bnei Hasharon, Tweety Carter spent was a member of Ventspils. He joined them in March of 2011 averaging 6.7 points and 3.1 assists for 22 Latvian league games. He had almost the same numbers for 6 Baltic league appearances. Carter started 2010/11 season the NBA D-League team Tulsa 66ers. He graduated at Baylor University two years ago.
Cibona went yesterday to Daruvarske toplice, where they will stay until August 27. After that, the Croatian champ will participate at international tournament in Malaga. Cibona's roster for the next season is still not completed.


Orleans lands Dwayne Broyles - by Eurobasket News

Dwayne Broyles (196-F/G-82, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: JMU) is a new member of Orleans. The player signed a 1-year deal with his new club. The American G/SF heads to Orleans from Belgacom Spirou Charleroi, where he spent last four seasons. They won three Belgian league titles together (09, 10, 11). Last season Charleroi reached Playoff Finals, but failed to Telenet Oostende. Broyles appeared 32 times for the club averaging 11.8 points and 3.3 rebounds for 32 games in domestic championship (11/12). He also added 6.7 ppg and 1.7 apg for 3 Euroleague games. The player got injured in October and missed almost month and a half. Despite the injury he was named to Eurobasket.com All-Belgian League 2nd Team -12. Before Charleroi, Dwayne Broyles played for ASK Riga and Zagreb. He also has experience from Sibenka Sibenik. Broyles is a product of James Madison University.


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  EUROLEAGUE   


Asseco Prokom keeps PG Jerel Blassingame - by Eurobasket News

As announced by the club on Friday morning, Asseco Prokom Gdynia and Jerel Blassingame (175-G-81, college: UNLV) extended their agreement for one more season. The American point guard arrived to the club last summer from Energa Czarni Slupsk. He appeared 25 times in PLK averaging 15.6 points, 6.6 assists (No.2) and 3.5 rebounds. Prokom defended PLK title and Blassingame was named MVP of the Finals. He was also named to Eurobasket.com All-Polish League 2nd Team -12 and Eurobasket.com Polish League All-Imports Team -12. In Euroleague, Jerel Blassingame had much lower numbers for 10 games: 5.4 ppg, 4.5 apg and 2.1 rpg. In VTB United League the player averaged 11.3 ppg, 5.9 apg (No.1) and 3.1 rpg for 16 games. As mentioned above, before Prokom Jerel Blassingame spent one year with Energa Czarni and one with Ukrainian Odessa. He also has experience from Sweden, Finland, Israel, Greece and Cyprus. The player graduated at UNLV in 2005.


Lietuvos Rytas keen on keeping Redikas, loaning Dambrauskas - by Eurobasket News

Lietuvos Rytas will probably keep Dovydas Redikas (195-G-92) on the roster in the next season. The guard averaged 7.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game in Baltic League last season. Dovydas Redikas also posted 2.8 points per game in VTB League. In LKL the guard notched 2.6 points, 1.6 boards and 1.3 assists per appearance. Dovydas Redikas joined Lietuvos Rytas at the start of the previous season. He played for Perlas and KK Akademija Vilnius before. Dovydas Redikas led Lithuania to Gold at U20 European Championship this summer. The guard averaged 10.2 points, 3.7 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 2.7 steals per game in Slovenia.
In the meantime Lietuvos Rytas is looking for the options to send Paulius Dambrauskas (191-G-91) on loan. The guard also joined Lietuvos Rytas at the start of the previous season. He averaged 2.6 points per game in LKL. Paulius Dambrauskas also notched 2.0 points per appearance in EuroCup.


Asseco Prokom pens deal with Tomasz Snieg - by Eurobasket News

Asseco Prokom deepened their roster. They agreed on terms of conctact with Tomasz Snieg (190-PG-89). The guard spent the last season with Polpharma. Tomasz Snieg tallied 7.7 points, 2.7 assists and 2.1 rebounds per game in PLK. He was Polish SuperCup winner in 2012. Previously Tomasz Snieg had stints with AZS Koszalin, Polonia 2011, Politekhnika Warszawa and Jaworzno. He was Polish 1Liga champion in 2009. Tomasz Snieg participated at 2010 PLK All-Star Game. The guard played for U18 and U20 Polish National Teams. He has been the member of Polish National Team since 2010.


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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18   

M-Standings - Group B

Standings Div.B
Group E
1. Czech Rep.2-1
2. U.Kingdom2-1
3. Israel2-1
4. Estonia0-3
Group F
1. Bosnia2-1
2. Finland2-1
3. Montenegro.1-2
4. Belgium1-2
Group G (places 9-16)
1. Austria3-0
2. Hungary2-1
3. Slovakia1-2
4. Romania0-3
Group H (places 9-16)
1. Portugal3-0
2. Holland2-1
3. Sweden1-2
4. Iceland0-3
Group I (places 17-22)
1. Belarus2-0
2. Luxembourg.1-1
3. Scotland0-2
Group J (places 17-22)
1. Georgia2-0
2. Norway1-1
3. Switzerlan.0-2

Second Stage: Round 7

E

Aug. 16: CZE - ENG 63-55
Aug. 16: EST - ISR 47-73

F

Aug. 16: BIH - MNT 82-72
Aug. 16: BEL - FIN 74-86

G

Aug. 16: AUT - HUN 71-69
Aug. 16: SVK - ROM 64-55

H

Aug. 16: NED - SWE 79-76
Aug. 16: POR - ISL 77-75 OT

I

Aug. 16: LUX - BLR 87-89

J

Aug. 16: GEO - NOR 91-66

Second Stage: Round 8

Aug. 18: SVK - ISL
Aug. 18: ISR - MNT
Aug. 18: SWE - ROM
Aug. 18: BEL - EST
Aug. 18: AUT - NED
Aug. 18: POR - HUN

SEMIFINALS

Aug. 18: ENG - BIH
Aug. 18: FIN - CZE


Stats Leader

Points Per Game
 Jo HOESER
  (193-PF-94)
  Avg: 24
 1. Hoeser, LUX24.0 
 2. Nurkic, BIH21.2 
 3. Koulechov, ISR20.1 
 4. Schilder, NED19.0 
 5. Ausprunk, CZE18.8 
 6. Lehtoranta, FIN17.3 
 7. Vrabac, BIH17.3 
 8. Hermannsson, ISL17.1 
 9. Burjanadze, GEO16.7 
 10. Rajala, FIN16.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jusuf NURKIC
  BIH
  (212-C-94)
  Avg: 13.7
 1. Nurkic, BIH13.7 
 2. Poltl, AUT13.7 
 3. Burjanadze, GEO12.0 
 4. Brodziansky, SVK12.0 
 5. Okoroh, ENG10.3 
 6. Ausprunk, CZE9.8 
 7. Lepovic, NOR9.8 
 8. Spires, SWE9.3 
 9. Wolff, LUX8.8 
 10. Rajala, FIN7.9 
Assists Per Game
 Radovan KOURIL
  CZE
  (180-PG-95)
  Avg: 8.8
 1. Kouril, CZE8.8 
 2. Vrbica, MNT6.3 
 3. Sharon, ISR4.4 
 4. Perl, HUN4.1 
 5. Mattila, FIN3.9 
 6. Saare, EST3.8 
 7. Melcher, LUX3.5 
 8. Vukovic, BIH3.5 
 9. Vrabac, BIH3.5 
 10. Mikeladze, GEO3.5 
Steals Per Game
 Egor KOULECHOV
  RUS
  (194-SF-94)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Koulechov, ISR2.6 
 2. Valsson, ISL2.6 
 3. Hoeser, LUX2.3 
 4. Rozim, SVK2.3 
 5. Schilder, NED2.2 
 6. Saare, EST2.2 
 7. Andjelkovic, SUI2.2 
 8. Varadi, HUN2.1 
 9. Melcher, LUX2.0 
 10. Graham, ENG2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Jito KOK
  NED
  (205-C-94)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Kok, NED3.3 
 2. Brodziansky, SVK2.7 
 3. Okoroh, ENG2.3 
 4. Poltl, AUT2.0 
 5. Spires, SWE1.9 
 6. Bliznets, BLR1.7 
 7. Rajala, FIN1.6 
 8. Rozim, SVK1.5 
 9. Nurkic, BIH1.5 
 10. Mikovic, MNT1.3 


The Semifinals are set in Division B - by Eurobasket News

Group E
Czech Republic - United Kingdom 63-55
Czech Republic and England advanced to the semis of the U18 European Championship in Division B. Czech Republic beat England 63:55 as both teams finished with 2-1 records on top of Group E. England started with 15-9 in the first period and dominated the first half. They managed to win also the second period for a 7-point lead at the halftime. Czech Republic meanwhile woke up in the second half and produced two victories for the final win. They won the third quarter 21-8 and finished the game with 17-15 in the last stanza. Svandrlik Jan and Radovan Kouril (180-PG-95) brought the final points for the winning side, while Nelson Luke closed the game at 63:55. Karel Ausprunk (200-F/C-94) paced all the winners with 17 points and Radovan Kouril notched 16. Svandrlik Jan posted 8, while Prokop Slanina (204-C-95) added 7. Nelson Luke answered with 17 points in the losing effort and Stivrins Lucas delivered 12. Graham Rowell followed them with 11 points in a loss.

Estonia - Israel 47-73
Israel blow Estonia to start Day 7 with the win. The Israeli team celebrated a 73:47 victory at the U18 European Championship in Division B for 2-1 record in Group E. Estonia meanwhile lost another games and fell at 0-3 record. Israel took 16-6 at the end of the first period and never looked behind after. They added 16-11 in the second frame for 32:17 at the halftime. Moreover the second half also belonged to the winning side. They produced 22-16 in the third period and finished the game with 19-14 in the last quarter. Egor Koulechov top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Rafael Menco (201-SF-94, agency: Avi Zilberman) netted 11. Adar Ben Aliza (206-C-94) delivered 10, while Naor Sharon notched 9. Martin Jurtom (198-PF-94) finished the game with 10 points in the losing effort, while Sander Saare (182-PG-94) and Sander Kruus had 7 each.

Group F
Belgium - Finland 74-86
Finland advanced to Top 4 of the U18 European Championship in Division B. The Nordic side won Group F with 2-1 record after 86:74 win over Belgium. The latter finished with 1-2 record on the third place and will play for 5-8 places. Only the victory could bring the winning side the ticket to the Semifinals. Finland managed to win the first period 20-18, but Belgium answered with 22-17 in the second period for 40:37 advantage at the halftime. It was Finland to pull the lead back and grabbed 61:54 after three quarters when Niko Mattila (191-SG-94) closed the frame from the perimeter. Finland continued their dominance in the last stanza and clinched the necessary win. Lehtoranta Joonas paced all the winners with 27 points, while Julius Rajala (205-PF-94) collected 22 points and 12 rebounds. Kauhanen Mikael nailed 14 and Niko Mattila scored 13. Emmanuel Lecomte (180-G-95) finished the game with 21 points in the losing effort and Gijbels Mathijs brought 15. Mathias Van Steenwinkel (200-F-94) ended up with 10 points in defeat and Naim El Khounchar scored 9.

Bosnia - Montenegro 82-72
The hosts edge Montenegro in Sarajevo at the U18 European Championship in Division B. Bosnia and Herzegovina outscored Montenegro 82:72 and advanced to the Semifinals. Bosnia and Herzegovina started with 23:15 in front of 450 fans in the hall. They added 18-14 in the second frame for 41:29 at the halftime. They managed to keep 10-point advantage throughout the third quarter and finished with 59:50. No matter how hard Montenegro tried to upset the hosts, they could not match the favorites. Bosnia added 23-22 in the last stanza for the final 10-point win. Adin Vrabac (202-G/F-94) paced all the winners with 27 points and Buza Nedim had 21. Asim Ahmedic (200-PF-94) collected 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Glogovac Stefan notched 10. Milija Mikovic (205-C-94) answered with 16 points in defeat and Nikola Zizic (195-G-94) scored 14. Kovacevic Veselin delivered 12 points, while Draskovic Milovan chipped in with 8.

Group G
Austria - Hungary 71-69
Austria wins Group G of the Classification Round for 9th to 16th Place at the U18 European Championship in Division B. Austria beat Hungary 71:69 to seal the top place with 3-0 record. Hungary meanwhile finished with 2-1 record on the second place. It was the game of two different halves. Austria started well and won the game due to the first and last quarters. They opened the game with 29-15, but lost the second and the third periods. Simon gave Hungary 52:48 after three quarters played. Austria trailed 9 points with 8 minutes to go however won the game. Knor tied it all at 59:59 and then Jakob Poeltl (208-PF-95) brought 69:65. The latter also scored two from the free throw line to seal the victory with Austria. Jakob Poeltl erupted with 20 points and 17 rebounds for the winners and Bas Timur notched 13. Valentin Bauer (181-PG-94) poured in 11 and Guettl Benedikt added 7. Perl Zoltan answered with 22 points in the losing effort, while Gyorgy Goloman (204-PF-96) brought 15.

Slovakia - Romania 64-55
Slovak Republic taste the initial win in Group G at the Classification Round for 9th to 16th Place at the U18 European Championship in Division B. The winners overcame Romanian team 64:55 and improved to 1-2 record. Romanian finished the group without victories. It was the game for the initial success in the group. Romanian actually won the first period 16-13 and added 17-12 in the second frame. Both teams nailed 11 points each before the final push of the Slovakian side. Trailing 10 points with 9 minutes to go, Slovakia erupted with 28-9 surge to clinch the win. Last eight points the winners scored from the free throw line. Brodziansky Vladimir top-scored for the winners with 15 points and 16 rebounds, while Nemcok Vladimir added 14. Matejcik Martin finished the game with 13 and Vladimir Michalek (183-SG-94) nailed 11. Cobzaru Vlad ended up with 14 points for another loss of the team. Damian Andrei scored 12, whilst Vlad Popovici (200-PF-94) chipped in with 6.

Group H
Portugal - Iceland 77-75 OT
Portugal needs overtime to win Group H at the Classification Round for 9th to 16th Place. The team overcame Iceland 77:75 and won the group with 3-0 record. Iceland grabbed the lead after the first period as Valsson Valur scored for 20:14. Torfason Stefan increased the advantage to 11 points, but the victory came out from the team. Miguens Andre gave Portugal 33:31 lead and the latter grabbed 40:39 at the halftime. In the third period the teams exchanged the lead several times before Portugal took 57:51 after three quarters. Iceland trailed for the whole fourth period until Sigurdarson Matthias's three pointer with the buzzer for 69:69. Due to 8-6 in overtime Portugal however managed to win the thriller. Gallina Joao led the way with 17 points and Miguens Andre followed him with 14. Diogo Ventura (189-PG-94) scored 10, while Miranda Jose delivered 9. Sigurdarson Matthias ended up with 20 points in defeat, while Valsson Valur poured in 15 points. Torfason Stefan collected 13 points and 12 rebounds, whilst Hermannsson Martin notched 11.

Holland - Sweden 79-76
The Dutch side edge Sweden at the U18 European Championship in Division B. Holland needed 79:76 win over the Scandinavian side for 2-1 recrd in Group H of the Classification Round for 9th to 16th Place. Sweden meanwhile finished with 1-2 record. Both teams nailed 23 points each in the first period and continued their battle later in the half. Holland scored another 23 points in the second frame and it was enough to take 4-point lead at the halftime. Sweden replied with 19-18 in the thrid period but could not win the game. Jito Kok (205-C-94) and Maarten Bouwknecht (185-PG-94) brough the last points for the winners as Holland grabbed 79:76 win. Jito Kok paced all the winners with 15 points and Floris Versteeg netted 14. Mike Schilder deliveerd 11, while Maarten Bouwknecht added 9. Alexander Gorski ended up with 25 points in the losing effort and Nicholas Spires had 16. Caleb Musie followed them with 12 points in a loss.

Group I
Luxembourg - Belarus 87-89
Belarus wins Group I of the Classification Round for 17th to 22nd Place with 2-0 record. The team overcame Luxembourg 89:87 in the last day of the Group Stage at the U18 European Championship in Division B. Luxembourg opened the game with 26:22, but could not keep the lead at the halftime. Belarus controlled the second frame and grabbed 48:47 after 26-21 in the quarter. Malakhau Luka gave Belarus 66:58 late in the third quarter, but Thomas Grun (194-PG-95) closed the frame at 66:62. It was tough at the end of the game in the court as both teams exchanged the lead several times. Hoeser Jo tied it all at 87:87, while Anton Vashkevich (203-F/C-94) gave his side the final points. Patupchyk Yahor and Anton Vashkevich paced all the winners with 16 points each, while Astashou Dzmitry notched 15. Chumakou Kiryl and Malakhau Luka followed them with 11 points apiece. Hoeser Jo erupted with 36 points in the losing effort and Thomas Grun scored 18. Melcher Bob posted 16, while Wolff Yann chipped in with 8.

Group J
Georgia - Norway 91-66
Beka Burjanadze (203-PF-94) leads Georgia over Norway at the U18 European Championship in Division B. He erupted with 23 points and 14 rebounds in a 91:66 win at the Classification Round for 17th to 22nd Place. Georgia improved to 2-0 record, while Norway fell at 0-2. Georgia started well and reached 23:16 after the first period. They added 26-16 in the second frame for 49:32 halftime advantage. Beka Burjanadze scored for 51:37 and Ramishvili later brought 62:39. Tomaradze nailed three to close the period at 68:47 and then Georgia easily led the game to the victory. Ramishvili Nika posted 17 points and Giorgi Tsirekidze (202-C-94) added 16. Valeri Kvantaliani (202-PF-94) delivered 9 points in the winning effort. Fjaerestad Espen scored 14 points in defeat, while Seach Nicholas and Blatancic Nikola had 10 each.


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  FINLAND   


U18 European Championship: Finland advanced to Top 4 - by Eurobasket News

Belgium U18-Finland U18 74:86

Finland advanced to Top 4 of the U18 European Championship in Division B. The Nordic side won Group F with 2-1 record after 86:74 win over Belgium. The latter finished with 1-2 record on the third place and will play for 5-8 places.
Only the victory could bring the winning side the ticket to the Semifinals. Finland managed to win the first period 20-18, but Belgium answered with 22-17 in the second period for 40:37 advantage at the halftime. It was Finland to pull the lead back and grabbed 61:54 after three quarters when Niko Mattila (191-SG-94) closed the frame from the perimeter. Finland continued their dominance in the last stanza and clinched the necessary win.
Joonas Lehtoranta (183-SG-94) paced all the winners with 27 points, while Julius Rajala (205-PF-94) collected 22 points and 12 rebounds. Mikael Kauhanen (202-F-94) nailed 14 and Niko Mattila scored 13. Emmanuel Lecomte (180-G-95) finished the game with 21 points in the losing effort and Mathijs Gijbels (204-PF-95) brought 15. Mathias Van Steenwinkel (200-F-94) ended up with 10 points in defeat and Naim El Khounchar (193-G-94) scored 9.

Belgium U18: Emmanuel Lecomte 21, Mathijs Gijbels 15, Mathias Van Steenwinkel 10, Naim El Khounchar 9
Finland U18: Joonas Lehtoranta 27, Julius Rajala 22+12 rebs, Mikael Kauhanen 14, Niko Mattila 13


KORISLIIGA: Jerald Fields back to Finland - by Rauno Hurmalainen

American PF-C Jerald Fields (201-F/C-82, college: E.Tenn.St.) is returning back to Finland. Fields and last season finalist Kataja (Joensuu) have signed a 1-year-contract for coming 2012-13 season. Fields will start his fourth season in Finland and ninth season in Europe. Fields has played earlier two seasons in Spain, one season in Belgium, two seasons in France, two seasons on KTP (Kotka) roster and one season on ToPo (Helsinki) roster. Last season Fields averaged 7,5 ppg - 5,2 rpg in France ProB (Nantes). Kataja's package is now about ready. The other two American helps are Loren Stokes (190-G-83, college: Hofstra) and Jonte Flowers (196-F/G-85, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Winona St.). Jukka Toijala continues as team's Head Coach.
Top League (Korisliiga) newcomer FoKoPo (Forssa) has signed with American F Andrais Thornton (203-F-85, college: NW Missouri St.). Thornton has played earlier in Portugal, Germany, Estonia and in Spain. FoKoPo has now two American players as team signed a few weeks ago with American G Charles Burgess (186-G-84, college: Texas Tech).


EUROBASKET2013: Finland hosting vs Albania - by Rauno Hurmalainen

EuroBasket qualifying to Slovenia 2013: Finland will start at home in Helsinki tomorrow, when hosting vs visiting Albania. Finland NT Captain Hanno Mottola (209-PF-76, college: Utah) says; the home games are very important and at least they should be won. Albania started already yesterday, when losing at home vs Switzerland 51-76 (29-45). Albania: Ersid Luca 12 pts. - Switzerland: Dusan Mladjan 24 pts. Belgium instead upset Poland in Sopot, Poland 57-64 (33-33). Poland: Marcin Gortat 23 pts. - Belgium: Sam Van Rossom 13 pts. Next game: Finland - Albania on Friday, August 17, at 7 p.m. Contest # 900 for Finland Men's NT - ever. The third game ever between Finland and Albania.


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


Asvel bring in Chace Stanback - by Eurobasket News

Asvel bolstered their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Chace Stanback (203-G/F-89). The forward will start his pro career in France. He graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Chace Stanback tallied 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game in his senior season. Chace Stanback participated at Reeses College All-Star Game. The forward took part at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament this summer. Chace Stanback notched 10.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game at the tournament. Chace Stanback made it into All-MWC 3rd Team in both 2010 and 2011. He was also named into NABC Division I District 17 2nd Team in 2010.


Orleans lands Dwayne Broyles - by Eurobasket News

Dwayne Broyles (196-F/G-82, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: JMU) is a new member of Orleans. The player signed a 1-year deal with his new club. The American G/SF heads to Orleans from Belgacom Spirou Charleroi, where he spent last four seasons. They won three Belgian league titles together (09, 10, 11). Last season Charleroi reached Playoff Finals, but failed to Telenet Oostende. Broyles appeared 32 times for the club averaging 11.8 points and 3.3 rebounds for 32 games in domestic championship (11/12). He also added 6.7 ppg and 1.7 apg for 3 Euroleague games. The player got injured in October and missed almost month and a half. Despite the injury he was named to Eurobasket.com All-Belgian League 2nd Team -12. Before Charleroi, Dwayne Broyles played for ASK Riga and Zagreb. He also has experience from Sibenka Sibenik. Broyles is a product of James Madison University.


CSP Limoges agrees with Edin Bavcic - by Eurobasket News

As expected, CSP Limoges agreed terms with Edin Bavcic (209-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) and they are expected to sign the contract very soon. The Bosnian National Team forward should replace Landon Milbourne (201-F-87, college: Maryland), who moved to Panionios Athens. Bavcic averaged 10.9 points and 5.5 rebounds for 18 games with Greek KAO Dramas last season. He joined them in December. Before that, the player had 3 ppg and 3.7 rpg for 3 games with Vanoli-Braga Cremona. Edin Bavcic changed three teams in 2010/11 season. He started with Enel Brindisi and in November of 2010 moved to Khimik Yuzhny. There he had 10.2 ppg and 5.2 rpg for 5 EuroChallenge games and averaged pretty close numbers in Ukrainian championship. Bavcic finished that season with Aris Thessaloniki registering 10.1 ppg and 6.2 rpg for 16 appearances. In the past, he played for Union Olimpija, Kepez, Koln and Bosna ASA BHT. Edin Bavcic is active member of the Bosnian National Team since 2005.
Earlier this week, Limoges penned a deal with Brad Wanamaker (193-G-89, college: Pittsburgh). The guard started the previous season with Teramo. He tallied 7.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game in SeriaA. Later Wanamaker moved to Forli. His stats read 17.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 1.8 assists per game in LegaDue.
The team also landed Greek guard Angelos Tsamis (192-G-81) this week. He signed 1+1 year deal. 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.


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  GEORGIA   


U18 European Championship: Burjanadze leads Georgia over Norway - by Eurobasket News

Georgia U18-Norway U18 91:66

Burjanadze leads Georgia over Norway at the U18 European Championship in Division B. He erupted with 23 points and 14 rebounds in a 91:66 win at the Classification Round for 17th to 22nd Place. Georgia improved to 2-0 record, while Norway fell at 0-2.
Georgia started well and reached 23:16 after the first period. They added 26-16 in the second frame for 49:32 halftime advantage. Burjanadze scored for 51:37 and Ramishvili later brought 62:39. Tomaradze nailed three to close the period at 68:47 and then Georgia easily led the game to the victory.
Nika Ramishvili (179-SG-94) posted 17 points and Giorgi Tsirekidze (202-C-94) added 16. Valeri Kvantaliani (202-PF-94) delivered 9 points in the winning effort. Espen Fjaerestad (192-SG-94) scored 14 points in defeat, while Nicholas Seach (181-PG-94) and Nikola Blatancic (194-F-94) had 10 each.

Georgia U18: Beka Burjanadze (203-PF-94) 23+14 rebs, Nika Ramishvili 17, Giorgi Tsirekidze 16, Valeri Kvantaliani 9
Norway U18: Espen Fjaerestad 14, Nicholas Seach 10, Nikola Blatancic 10


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  GERMANY   


Brian Roberts officially A New Orleans Hornet - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

After a strong rookie season in Israel in 2008-2009 where Brian Roberts (188-G-85, agency: Interperformances) played for Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa playing 28 games and averaging 15.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 88.5%, and reaching the semi finals in the playoffs, the Ohio native since has won 6 German titles and today officially became a New Orleans Hornet. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.To describe the last three years and his rapid rise to the NBA, one could say it best by painting the word WINNING and adding that the rest is history. Roberts who is a 26 year old 188cm guard won three league titles and three cups for the Brose Baskets Bamberg and never scored under double figures in the Beko BBL in a season. Roberts played a total of 132 Beko BBL games and 166 games in all including 20 Euroleague games. After playing for the Sacremento Kings in the 2009 NBA Summer league, he tried it again in 2012 playing for the New Orleans Hornets playing five games, starting three of them and not disappointing as he averaged 13,8ppg, 2,2apg and 2,0rpg in 27 minutes. He also showed the club, that his shooting was superb shooting 50% from the field, 54,5 from downtown a Lary Bird worthy 93,8% from the free throw line. Roberts will wear number 22.


Johnny Thomas Leaves The The LTi Giessen 46ers - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Sometimes a player and team just dont fit togetehr as the LTi Giessen 46ers and Johnny Thomas (198-F-87, college: Marshall) found out the last week. Thomas is a 24 year old 198cm forward from North Carolina that finished his NCAA career in 2011 at Marshall. After not finding a permanent home as a professional last season after playing for Eurobasket summer league teams, it seemed like the LTi Giessen 46ers could be his first home as a professional. However the American left the team after not being the needed puzzle piece for the team. Both sides ended the try out contract so he can be avaliable to new teams. The LTi Giessen 46ers wish Thomas all the best for the future and thanks him for his effort.

Source: LTi Giessen 46ers


FC Bayern Munich Release Je Kel Foster - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Not only in Ludwigsburg is the disappearance of Kurt Looby a mystery, but also in Munich where American Je Kel Foster didnt show up for the start of training camp and missed some fixed appointments. According to www.sport1.de FC Bayern Munich didnt hesitate and released the guard. FC Bayern Munich sport director Marko Pesic confirmed the release of Foster at a press conference. Foster has had a solid career in Germany having played in Ludwigsburg and Oldenburg before coming to Munich last season. Last season, he played : EuroCup: 3 games: 7.3ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg; German League: 32 games: 13.9ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT: 71.4%. "I have seldom seen a player that left the team before the summer so happy. It is our duty now to prepare the team so that we can reach our goals", warned FC Bayern head coach Dirk Bauermann (agency: Pro One Sports )




Will Kurt Looby Play For The Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg? - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

With the start of the 2012-2013 Beko BBL season less than two months away and many teams already having started with their preparation, the Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg seem to have some unwanted uncertainty about the future of Kurt Looby (208-F/C-84, college: Iowa). Looby is a 28 year old 208cm power forward/center that played a solid season last yera for Ludwigsburg playing 34 games: 7.0ppg, 5.3rpg, Blocks-4 (1.6bpg), FGP-1 (68.3%), FT: 63.7%. This summer, he played for Vaqueros de Bayamon (Puerto Rico-BSN): 14 games: 3.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.6bpg. Despite still having a legal contract with the Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg, he hasnt arrived for the coming season. Looby played in Puerto Rico this summer, but he never had a clearnace from the Beko BBL team. The FIBA is looking into the matter. Looby still has a contract with the team and the club is disappointed how the player hasnt reacted. As a result, with so little time remaining before the start of the season, the club will have to look forward and plan without him. "We dont understand this action. We are guessing that he is trying to get around the legal contract. We will decline of having him asking to leave the team", stressed Alexander Reil of the Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg.

Source: Neckar RIESEN Ludwigsburg


Daniel Theis Can Suit Up For ratiopharm Ulm - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


This summer one of the most curious German basketball news stories was the transfer of Daniel Theis (203-PF-92) to ratiopharm Ulm. ratiopharm ulm had signed him, but the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig were not content of the process as they felt that there had never been any talks about Theis leaving. ratiopharm Ulm stated that after the end of the season that the German national player had made use of his option to go, ended his working agreement and signed a three year contract with ratiopharm Ulm. It all still seemed to be in the dark the last month as the German basketball federation didnt have any team listed behind the name of Daniel Theis when he played U-20 and for the German national team. Today some light was shed as the German basketball federation finally gave Theis the green light to join ratiopharm Ulm. After his injury and a short stay with the German A national team, Theis is awaited at the ratiopharm Ulm training on August 23rd. "I am happy about coming to Ulm. Coach Thorsten Leibenath told me about a very good team fate. I hope for as much playing time as possible, and I will work hard for it", stressed Daniel Theis.

Source: ratiopharm Ulm


Citybasket Recklinghausen adds Daniel Leithner - by Moritz Korff

Daniel Leithner (200-F-91) will strenghten the roster of Pro B newcomer Citybasket Recklinghausen, according marler-zeitung.de. The 21-year-old forward missed the last season due to a torn ACL. Leithner is a former German junior international who averaged 6.4 points and 3.1 rebounds a game at the 2009 U18 European Championships. In the 2010-11 season he played five games for TSV Breitenguessbach in the Pro B before suffering the knee injury.


Interview with E.J. Kusnyer - by Moritz Korff

E.J. Kusnyer (196-G-86, college: Mercer) is 26 years of age and comes from Wexford, Pa. The 2010 graduate of Mercer University (NCAA Division One) played for Oshawa Power in the Canadian NBL last season and is planning to return to Europe for the 2012-13 campaign. Eurobasket.com had the chance to talk to him. He told about how he attracted the attention of the Frankfurt Skyliners, how he did playing against some BBL players during the summer and how he worked out with long time pro Pete Strobl. And not many people know that he has played in Germany before.

In 2009 you played with Athletes in Action in Germany. What do you remember from that time?
My trip to Germany with AIA was one of the best trips of my life. I was able to play basketball with some very talented players and share my faith at the same time. My favorite part of the trip was our time in Berlin and seeing where major events in history took place. It's a beautiful city! Mike Sigfrids did a great job of organizing the trip and he is now a great friend of mine.

However, you did not start your pro career in Germany, but in the Netherlands with the Rotterdam Challengers in 2010. But it was only a couple of months. Can you talk about that?
Yes, I signed my first contract in the Netherlands but only played in 11 games. I was averaging 13.9 ppg when I left but, unfortunately, we were not having a good season as a team. At the time, I thought it was a good decision, but now I realize I should have stayed and finished the year. I was a rookie and didn't understand the business. I was listening to the wrong advice. It is one of my biggest regrets in my basketball career and it has made me more humble and appreciative of the game of basketball.

In the 2011-12 season you spent some time in the NBL, a professional league in Canada. Can you talk about the level of competition in that league compared to the Netherlands and those minor leagues in the US that you know?
The level of competition in the NBL was very high. There were a lot of talented basketball players in the league and it did well for its first year in existence. I would rank it alongside many leagues in Europe. I had to battle through a training camp of 45 players just to make the roster and many of those players who didn't make the team went on to have great seasons overseas. That is a testament to the talent that played in the NBL.

While attending camps in the US you played with and against some players who have signed with German BBL teams for the 2012-13 season, like Reggie Redding, Doug Davis and Kenny Frease. How did you hold your own against those players?
I had a very good summer. The highlight of summer was my performance at Justin Haynes' Worldwide Sports Marketing Camp in Las Vegas. The camp was limited to high-level rookies and veterans and included the BBL players you mentioned. I was able to show that I am not just a 3-point specialist, but also someone who can score attacking the basket and off the dribble. My performance attracted the attention of several coaches, most notably the coaches from the BBL Frankfurt Skyliners. It showed me that I can compete with some of the best players in Europe and that my hard work is paying off.

You are among the best shooters in the history of Mercer University. What else than nailing three pointers characterizes your game?
In college I was fortunate to play with some very good players such as Daniel Emerson, James Florence, Calvin Henry, and Brian Mills. All of them have been successful in Europe after college. Therefore, my role was to knock down three pointers and I didn't need to show other parts of my game. In my Senior year I was fortunate to finish 2nd in Division 1 NCAA with 107 made 3 pointers. Now that I am a pro, I have been able to show that I can create for my self off of the dribble and handle the basketball. I have also spent many hours working on my defense and using ball screens. A team can always count on me to talk on defense and play with a tremendous amount of energy and passion.

Please talk about your plans for the 2012-13 season.
I plan on continuing my basketball career this season, preferably in Europe. I am very anxious to help a team win games and prove that I can be a very good player in Europe. I have talked with several teams and I am also working on getting naturalized as Hungarian citizen.

After spending some time playing in the US and Canada. Why are you looking to get back to European basketball?
I enjoy the structure of the game and how passionate the fans are about the game of basketball. I love living and experiencing new places and Europe has a lot to offer from a basketball and cultural standpoint.

What else than attending camps did you do during the summer as far as basketball is concerned and is there any part of your game that you worked on in particular?
I have spent a lot of time in the gym working on turning my weaknesses into strengths. I am in the best shape of my life and I have really focused on training hard and eating healthy. I have really focused on improving my quickness on defense. I have been training with Pete Strobl, who played in Europe for many years, and he has helped my game tremendously. He has been extremely effective in improving my ability to finish around the basket.

Earlier this year you played in China. How was this experience like for you?
My trip to China was an amazing experience. It allowed me to see another part of the world and play a lot of games against good competition. We played 11 games in 8 cities over a period of 22 days. I was fortunate to travel with a great group of coaches and players. I have never been on a team that had such good chemistry in such a short amount of time. We were very successful as a team and I played very well. My best game was a 30-point effort against a team of professionals from Lithuania.


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  GREECE   


Apollon Patras inks Larry Turner - by Eurobasket News

Larry Turner (210-F/C-82, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Tennessee St.) will continue his career in Greece. The American/Dominican big guy penned a 1-year deal with AS Apollon Patras. Turner arrives to the club from the Japanese team Toyama Grouses. He appeared 51 times for them last season averaging 6.4 points and 6.6 rebounds. Before Japan, Turner played in Dominican Republic, PBL and Puerto Rico. Season 2010/11, Larry Turner started with Ukrainian Odessa averaging 4.8 points and 2.9 rebounds in 14 games. They parted ways in November of 2010. In the past, the big guy played in Spain and Venezuela. He also has experience from the NBA D-League. Turner is a product of the Tennessee State University, where he graduated in 2007.


Kavvadas is finally a six star player! - by Chris Mammides

The international power forward / center Vassilis Kavvadas a player whose name was in the Hellenic Basketball news the last two months is finally ending up to the Green emperor as the team of Coach Argiris Pedoulakis , Panathinaikos Athens is just a detail away from the player. Argiris Pedoulakis 's wanted the player from the early beggining and finally will get him as the talented player is expected to sign his new (2+1 year's contract) within the next couple of days. Vassilis Kavvadas is becoming the ninth player for the team of Panathinaikos Athens this season and the coaching team is targeting the two remaining players to sum up and end their green puzzle of the season 2012-2013. The one American will be for sure a center while the second American is expected to be more in the guard position but with the chance to play all three positions more likely a small forward with abilities of shooting guard. The 12th position is expected to be filled up with a player from the junior team as it used to be all the previous seasons.
In the mean time Leonidas Kaselakis (201-F-90) is traveling in Karpenisi where he will be joining forces with the players of Panathinaikos Athens is order to "help" them with their training. Something similar happened last season with Alexis Kiritsis (198-G-82) and Smith and they finally ended up to join forces with Panatinaikos that doesn't mean anything of course as the Greens are usually starting their season with at least a couple of 'no green' players.

Other transfer news

DASH Peristeri GS Athens agreed financial terms with Andreas Psaropoulos (205-F-86) and Darrin Williams (205-C-90)

A.G.O Rethymno Aegean agreed financial terms with Dimitris Tsarouchas (197-G-86)

VAP Kolossos Rodou agreed financial terms with Alex Vougioukas (208-F/C-90) and is close to sign Fotis Vasilopoulos (187-G-86)

Aris Thessaloniki seems to win the case against Kolossos and Antonis Asimakopoulos (204-F-76) is just a step from the Thessaloniki team at the same time Zisis Sarikopoulos (213-C-90, college: Ohio St.) who was waiting a possible offer by Panathinaikos after the Kavvadas case is signing his new contract with Aris

Panionios ON Telecoms Athens split ways with both Stelios Ioannou (200-F-87) and Mihalis Paragios (206-F-82)

Ikaros Kallitheas is close to sign the young international talent Diamantis Slaftsakis (200-SF-94) and Panagiotis Skordas (200-F-97) ex player of AEK/Argous

KAO Dramas agreed terms with Alexandros Sigounas (200-F-88)


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  HOLLAND   


EiffelTowers signs shooting-guard DeJuan Wright - by Fred Roggen

Dutch champion EiffelTowers Den Bosch fortified its backcourt by signing shooting-guard Dejuan Wright (190-G-88, agency: Court Side) today. Wright and EiffelTowers Den Bosvh agreed on a one-year contract.
Dejuan Wright enjoyed a standout college basketball career at Florida International University. Dejuan Wright was named All-Sun Belt 2nd Team after his senior season in 2012 when he averaged 16.7ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 74.5% per game.


Factum Sport Debrecen hired Michael Schuurs as new head coach - by Fred Roggen

Factum Sport Debrecen from Hungary agreed to terms of a contract with Dutch coach Michael Schuurs , who will coach the team the upcoming season. Schuurs is replacing Raul Jimenez, who took over Debrecen last November. FS Debrecen finished as No.10 in Hungarian top division with 8-18 record. It means that the team failed to reach the Playoffs, but at the other hand they managed to survive in the league. Michael Schuurs started his coaching career in Nijmegen with Matrixx Magixx. Schuurs helped Matrixx Magixx to win the 2007 Dutch Cup and was awarded coach of the year in that same year in his six seasons coaching the team.


U18 European Championship: the Dutch side edge Sweden - by Eurobasket News

Netherlands U18-Sweden U18 79:76

The Dutch side edge Sweden at the U18 European Championship in Division B. Holland needed 79:76 win over the Scandinavian side for 2-1 recrd in Group H of the Classification Round for 9th to 16th Place. Sweden meanwhile finished with 1-2 record.
Both teams nailed 23 points each in the first period and continued their battle later in the half. Holland scored another 23 points in the second frame and it was enough to take 4-point lead at the halftime. Sweden replied with 19-18 in the thrid period but could not win the game. Jito Kok (205-C-94) and Maarten Bouwknecht (185-PG-94) brough the last points for the winners as Holland grabbed 79:76 win.
Jito Kok paced all the winners with 15 points and Floris Versteeg (205-F-94) netted 14. Mike Schilder (185-PG-94, agency: Court Side) deliveerd 11, while Maarten Bouwknecht added 9. Alexander Gorski (193-SG-94) ended up with 25 points in the losing effort and Nicholas Spires (209-PF-94) had 16. Caleb Musie (171-PG-95) followed them with 12 points in a loss.

Netherlands U18: Jito Kok 15, Floris Versteeg 14, Mike Schilder 11, Maarten Bouwknecht 9
Sweden U18: Alexander Gorski 25, Nicholas Spires 16, Caleb Musie 12


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  HONG KONG   


Hong Kong U18 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

4 Chang Yiu-Fai 168-PG-94
5 Wong Alfred 180-PG-94
6 Tsai Choi Kwan 186-SF-95
7 Chung Ho Wa 181-G-94
8 Tong Ho Man 185-F-94
9 Ng Sonny 183-F-94
10 Leung Shiu Wah 189-SF-94
11 Ng Chun Yan 196-C-12
12 Lau Ka Yin 187-PF-94
13 Li King Wang 191-C-95
14 Ho Chun Kit 191-C-95
15 Tsoi Hung Hing 191-F-95

Hing King On coach



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


U18 European Championship: Austria wins Group G - by Eurobasket News

Austria U18-Hungary U18 71:69

Austria wins Group G of the Classification Round for 9th to 16th Place at the U18 European Championship in Division B. Austria beat Hungary 71:69 to seal the top place with 3-0 record. Hungary meanwhile finished with 2-1 record on the second place.
It was the game of two different halves. Austria started well and won the game due to the first and last quarters. They opened the game with 29-15, but lost the second and the third periods. Simon gave Hungary 52:48 after three quarters played. Austria trailed 9 points with 8 minutes to go however won the game. Knor tied it all at 59:59 and then Jakob Poeltl (208-PF-95) brought 69:65. The latter also scored two from the free throw line to seal the victory with Austria.
Jakob Poeltl erupted with 20 points and 17 rebounds for the winners and Timur Bas (198-PF-94) notched 13. Valentin Bauer (181-PG-94) poured in 11 and Benedikt Guettl (188-G-94) added 7. Zoltan Perl (194-G-95) answered with 22 points in the losing effort, while Gyorgy Goloman (204-PF-96) brought 15.

Austria U18: Jakob Poeltl 20+17 rebs, Timur Bas 13, Valentin Bauer 11, Benedikt Guettl 7
Hungary U18: Zoltan Perl 22, Gyorgy Goloman 15


Debrecen and coach Raul Jimenez part ways - by Eurobasket News

Raul Jimenez (agency: Dynamics Global Management ) is no longer a Head Coach of Factum Sport Debrecen. The Spanish specialist announced this news via Twitter. Jimenez took over Debrecen last November. They finished as No.10 in Hungarian top division with 8-18 record. It means that the team failed to reach the Playoffs, but at the other hand they managed to survive in the league. Before Debrecen, Raul Jimenez (agency: Dynamics Global Management ) worked two years with Spanish LEB Gold team Ourense. He served as Assistant Coach there. In the past, Jimenez worked as Head Coach with Badajoz, Almassera and Segovia.
Debrecen will now look for the new Head Coach. Earlier this summer, the team inked deal with American power forward Sean Carter (205-F/C-88, college: Massachusetts). Serbian guard Dejan Mladenovic (186-G-85, agency: TSS Management) also signed for the club.


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  ICELAND   


U18 European Championship: Portugal needs overtime to win Group H - by Eurobasket News

Portugal U18-Iceland U18 77:75 OT

Portugal needs overtime to win Group H at the Classification Round for 9th to 16th Place. The team overcame Iceland 77:75 and won the group with 3-0 record.
Iceland grabbed the lead after the first period as Valur Valsson (182-PG-94) scored for 20:14. Stefan Torfason (200-PF-93) increased the advantage to 11 points, but the victory came out from the team. Andre Miguens (184-SF-94) gave Portugal 33:31 lead and the latter grabbed 40:39 at the halftime. In the third period the teams exchanged the lead several times before Portugal took 57:51 after three quarters. Iceland trailed for the whole fourth period until Matthias Sigurdarson (185-PG-94)s three pointer with the buzzer for 69:69. Due to 8-6 in overtime Portugal however managed to win the thriller.
Joao Gallina (192-SF-94) led the way with 17 points and Andre Miguens followed him with 14. Diogo Ventura (189-PG-94) scored 10, while Jose Miranda (189-SF-94) delivered 9. Matthias Sigurdarson ended up with 20 points in defeat, while Valur Valsson poured in 15 points. Stefan Torfason collected 13 points and 12 rebounds, whilst Martin Hermannsson (190-SG-94) notched 11.

Portugal U18: Joao Gallina 17, Andre Miguens 14, Diogo Ventura 10, Jose Miranda 9
Iceland U18: Matthias Sigurdarson 20, Valur Valsson 15, Stefan Torfason 13+12 rebs, Martin Hermannsson 11


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  INDIA   


Indian U18 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Indian U18 National Team 2012
#s#
Khusmeet Singh Atwal
Atwal
Karthickeyan Samina-Than
Samina-Than
Loveneet Singh
Singh
Narender Satyawan
Satyawan
Rakesh Singh
Singh
#e#5
4 Akash Bhasin 186-SF-95 Chhattishgarh India
5 Khusmeet Singh Atwal 178-G-95 Punjab India
6 Karthickeyan Samina-Than 190-SF-95 Tamil Nadu India
7 Sreerag Narayanan Nair 183-G-95 Kerala India
8 Loveneet Singh 180-G-95 Punjab India
9 Amit Kanarjee 187-PG-94 Madhya Pradesh India
10 Narender Satyawan 176-PG-96 Delhi India
11 Shyam Sunder 179-PG-94 Chhattishgarh India
12 Karan Harold Joshua 194-PF-94 Karnataka India
13 Rakesh Singh 198-PF-95 Delhi India
14 Ajay Pratap Singh 193-SF-95 Chhattishgarh India
15 Palpreet Singh Brar 204-C-94 Punjab India

Jai Prakash Singh Head Coach
Pawan Kumar Assistant



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  INDONESIA   


Indonesian U18 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

4 Jan Panagan 179-G-94
5 Katon Baskoro 184-G-94
6 Juan Kokodiputra 193-C/F-95
7 Ricky Istiadi 174-G-95
8 Kristianto Halim 201-C-94
9 Laurentius Oei 192-F-94
10 Jeff Lapian 182-F-94
11 Yerikho Tuasela 178-G-94
12 Vicent Kosasih 202-C-96
13 Rivaldo Pangesthio 186-F-96
14 Kevin Argadiba 195-C-94
15 Andre Adrianno 175-G-94

Nathaniel Canson Head Coach Muba Hangtuah Indonesia



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  IRAN   


Iranian U18 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Iranian U18 National Team 2012
#s#
Sajjad Mashayekhi
Mashayekhi
Mohammad Yazdanpanah
Yazdanpanah
Vahid Dalirzahan
Dalirzahan
Hamed Beigiarbats
Beigiarbats
#e#4
4 Aliyar Najafikharaji 189-SG-94
5 Saleh Foroutannik 203-F/C-94 Petrochimi Iran
6 Rasoul Mozafarivanani 188-G-94
7 Sajjad Mashayekhi 180-PG-94 Mahram Iran
8 Behnam Yakhchali 191-G-95 Shahrekord Iran
9 Soroush Dehghani 196-PF-94 Shiraz a.s Pipe Iran
10 Mohammad Yazdanpanah 201-F-95
11 Saeid Bagheri 203-PF-94
12 Vahid Dalirzahan 199-SF-95
13 Hamed Beigiarbats 188-PG-95
14 Mohammad Yousof Vand 207-C-95
15 Hossein Rahmati 204-C-93

Mehran Hatami Head Coach Azad Iran



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  ISRAEL   


Hapoel Eilat recruit Jerome Tillman - by Eurobasket News

Hapoel Eilat bolstered their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Jerome Tillman (198-F-87, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Ohio). The forward spent the last season in Spain. He played for Autocid Ford Burgos. Jerome Tillman notched 11.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.1 steals per game in LEB Gold. Previously Jerome Tillman had spells for MBC in Germany and Chalon-Sur-Saone in France. Eurobasket.com named the forward into All-Spanish LEB Gold 2nd Team in 2011. He also made it into Spanish LEB Gold All-Imports Team. Jerome Tillman graduated from the University of Ohio back in 2009. He was named into NABC Division I All-District 14 First Team in his senior season.


U18 European Championship: Israel blow Estonia to start Day 7 - by Eurobasket News

Estonia U18-Israel U18 47:73

Israel blow Estonia to start Day 7 with the win. The Israeli team celebrated a 73:47 victory at the U18 European Championship in Division B for 2-1 record in Group E. Estonia meanwhile lost another games and fell at 0-3 record.
Israel took 16-6 at the end of the first period and never looked behind after. They added 16-11 in the second frame for 32:17 at the halftime. Moreover the second half also belonged to the winning side. They produced 22-16 in the third period and finished the game with 19-14 in the last quarter.
Egor Koulechov (194-SF-94) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Rafael Menco (201-SF-94, agency: Avi Zilberman) netted 11. Adar Ben Aliza (206-C-94) delivered 10, while Naor Sharon (193-PG-95) notched 9. Martin Jurtom (198-PF-94) finished the game with 10 points in the losing effort, while Sander Saare (182-PG-94) and Sander Kruus (201-PF-95) had 7 each.

Estonia U18: Martin Jurtom 10, Sander Saare 7, Sander Kruus 7
Israel U18: Egor Koulechov 20, Rafael Menco 11, Adar Ben Aliza 10, Naor Sharon 9


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  ITALY   


Terrence Roderick stays with Forli - by Eurobasket News

Terrence Roderick (196-G/F-88, agency: Interperformances, college: UAB) will stay at least one more year in Italy. The American G/SF signed contract extension with Forli. Roderick arrived to the club in March from Cremona. He exploded with 22.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg and 3 apg for 6 games in LegaDue. Before Forli, Roderick had 7.1 ppg and 3.7 rpg for 11 SerieA games. In 2010/11 season Terrence Roderick played for Rimini. With them he had 15.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg and 2.6 spg for 31 games in LegaDue. The player was named to Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 3rd Team -11 in his first season in Italy. Terrence Roderick got his first pro deal in 2009 from Austrian Arkadia. He shined with 18.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.7 apg and 1.8 spg for 38 games in A Bundesliga. Roderick was named to Eurobasket.com All-Austrian Bundesliga 2nd Team -10, Eurobasket.com Austrian Bundesliga All-Imports Team -10 and participated at the All-Star Game. He is a product of University of Alabama at Birmingham.


Trento inks Barry Elder - by Eurobasket News

Trento reinforced its roster at position 2. The team signed a deal with American guard Barry Elder (193-G-82, college: Georgia Tech). He finished last season with Prima Veroli averaging 12.6 points and 3.2 rebounds for 17 games in SeriA. Before Veroli, Elder spent one year with Jesi. There he had 14.5 ppg and 3.5 rpg for 30 LegaDue appearances. In 2009/10 season, Barry Elder played for the Greek squad Panionios Athens registering 6.6 ppg and 2.6 rpg for 25 games. In the past, the American also played for Cantu, Biella and German Giessen. He has experience from the NBA D-League as well. In 2008, Elder was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Italian SerieA Honorable Mention. The player graduated at Georgia Tech University in 2005.


Maarten Leunen welcomes the newcomers to Cantu - by Giovanni Bargna

The new season is upcoming and the supporters had the first chance to meet the players of Cantu yesterday during the team uninformal meeting in Cantu.
The official presentation will be held in a couple of weeks as the team is still missing five players that are currently playing for their national teams in the eurobasket qualifying round. They are Marco Cusin and Pietro Aradori (Italy), Manuchar Markoishvili (Georgia), Johnatan Tabu (Belgium) and Alex Tyus (Israel).

I was there and had an interesting talk with Maarten Leunen (206-F-85, college: Oregon), at his fourth season with the team, who's looking ahead to the Euroleague qualifying round and is ready to welcome all of the new guys that joined the team for the first time yesterday.

For the first time in the last three seasons there were a lot of changes in the roster this year. It seems it is going to be a very athletic team a little
bit less technical than before. Do you agree?
Well, no question. Last year we had a lot of european players and we had Vladimir (Micov) who's not so athletic and we're kind of replacing those type of players with young and athletic players and it's going to be interesting just because our style of play has always been kind of slow it down, run half court offense, while this year we might get out and run in transition, it might be a different style of play.

It will take a little time to build a good team chemistry as many players don't know each others yet...
Yes, for sure, but I think I'll be a big part just because I've been with this coach for three years, I understand his system and I'm pretty sure that he'll fit me in into the pieces where I can get guys in spots that they need to. Moreover some of the key pieces will remain. We got Manu (Markoishvili), then Tabu is coming back and all of the other guys from last season are players that understand what the coach wants.

You had your first Euroleague experience last season. We saw that this competition gave great satisfactions but in the meantime the team paid a lack of energy in some league games. It's great to have the chance to enter the competition qualifying round and try to make it to the regular season again.
Will this be a good chance to be taken and a primary goal?
Yes, that's our goal number one, at least for me is to get back in the euroleague. I think it's very important for us, it's a great experience for us. I love competing at the highest level, so I'd love to play in the euroleague again. I'm trying to make that happen. I'm gonna tell all these younger guys that haven't experienced what euroleague is alike.

Talking about the league, it seems that the Siena era has ended and that Milano has become the top team in Italy. Which are your sensations about next season.
Siena is a top team anyway because of their history and because they're bringing in great players, Milano defintively got a lot of talented players but I think next season will be everybody's opportunity because Siena no longer is the power they used to be. They still got great players but no longer do they have the core nucleus. So i think anyone has a chance next year, everybody has got a hope. Whoever comes in competing and comes in the best shape has a good chance of competing for the italian championship.

Do you think you can be helpful for the other guys from the US who came to Cantu recently?
Yes, for sure. This is my fourth year in Cantu and the fifth in overseas basketball so I understand, specially throughout the italian league, what it takes to be at the top so I can just relay down to the other guys and hopefully we'll have a good year and will be competing for the italian championship



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  JAPAN   


Japanese U18 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Japanese U18 National Team 2012
4 Yuta Watanabe 200-SF-94
5 Kazushi Mori 192-SF-94
6 Jotaro Matsuda 196-SG-94
7 Yusuke Sekido 193-PF-94
8 Yuta Osaka 179-PG-94
9 Shuto Terazono 165-PG-94
10 Ryunosuke Watanabe 185-SF-94
11 Masahiro Narita 185-SF-94
13 Yusei Suguira 194-PF-95
14 Yudai Baba 193-SF-95
15 Ryogo Suntano 193-SF-96

Hisao Sato Head Coach



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  KAZAKHSTAN   


Kazakhstan U18 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

4 Ardarkhan Toktarov 180-G-94
5 Nurlybek Nurkhanov 180-PG-94
6 Vladimir Kryachko 185-G-94
7 Maxim Marchuk 195-F/G-94 BK Almaty Kazakhstan
8 Roman Kadtsin 189-F-94
9 Alexey Kurochka 185-G-94
10 Alymzhan Maxutov 183-G-94
11 Maxim Nalagov 196-C-94
12 Birzban Zhumabek 192-F-95
14 Aibek Tuleobergenov 180-PG-95
15 Miron Korotkiy 194-F-95

Maksim Rakhimov Head Coach



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  LITHUANIA   


Sakalai keep Evaldas Baniulis - by Eurobasket News

Sakalai secured the services of Evaldas Baniulis (201-F-87, college: S.Carolina) for another season. The forward has agreed on terms of contract extension. He will enter the third straight season with Sakalai. Evaldas Baniulis started his pro career in Sakalai in 2010. Last season the forward delivered 9.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game in Baltic League. In LKL Evaldas Baniulis posted 12.6 points and 5.1 boards per appearance. He participated at LKL All-Star Game. Evaldas Baniulis graduated from the University of Southern Carolina back in 2010. His stats read 1.6 points per game in his senior season overseas. He was the member of U16, U18 and U20 Lithuanian National Teams.


Juventus brings in Darius Gvezdauskas - by Eurobasket News

Juventus reinforced its roster at position 1. The team signed a deal with Lithuanian point guard Darius Gvezdauskas (191-PG-88). The 24-year-old player arrives from Siauliai, where he spent last two seasons. In the latest one he had 6.5 ppg and 1.2 rpg for 26 games in LKL. Gvezdauskas also added 5.5 ppg and 1.5 rpg for 20 appearances in Baltic league. He had much better numbers in 2010/11 with Siauliai. That season the player collected 12.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg and 2.5 apg for 25 games in LKL. He had almost the same numbers for 23 Baltic league games. Before Siauliai, Darius Gvezdauskas was a member of Nevezis Kedainiai, Marijampole Suduva-Arvi and Aisciai Kaunas. In 2010, he was named Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LKL Most Improved Player of the Year. In the past Gvezdauskas played for Lithuanian University, U19, U18 and U16 National Teams.


Lietuvos Rytas keen on keeping Redikas, loaning Dambrauskas - by Eurobasket News

Lietuvos Rytas will probably keep Dovydas Redikas (195-G-92) on the roster in the next season. The guard averaged 7.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game in Baltic League last season. Dovydas Redikas also posted 2.8 points per game in VTB League. In LKL the guard notched 2.6 points, 1.6 boards and 1.3 assists per appearance. Dovydas Redikas joined Lietuvos Rytas at the start of the previous season. He played for Perlas and KK Akademija Vilnius before. Dovydas Redikas led Lithuania to Gold at U20 European Championship this summer. The guard averaged 10.2 points, 3.7 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 2.7 steals per game in Slovenia.
In the meantime Lietuvos Rytas is looking for the options to send Paulius Dambrauskas (191-G-91) on loan. The guard also joined Lietuvos Rytas at the start of the previous season. He averaged 2.6 points per game in LKL. Paulius Dambrauskas also notched 2.0 points per appearance in EuroCup.


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  LUXEMBOURG   


U18 European Championship: Belarus wins Group I of the Classification Round for 17th to 22nd Place - by Eurobasket News

Luxembourg U18-Belarus U18 87:89

Belarus wins Group I of the Classification Round for 17th to 22nd Place with 2-0 record. The team overcame Luxembourg 89:87 in the last day of the Group Stage at the U18 European Championship in Division B.
Luxembourg opened the game with 26:22, but could not keep the lead at the halftime. Belarus controlled the second frame and grabbed 48:47 after 26-21 in the quarter. Luka Malakhau (185-PG-94) gave Belarus 66:58 late in the third quarter, but Thomas Grun (194-PG-95) closed the frame at 66:62. It was tough at the end of the game in the court as both teams exchanged the lead several times. Jo Hoeser (193-PF-94) tied it all at 87:87, while Anton Vashkevich (203-F/C-94) gave his side the final points.
Yahor Patupchyk (191-SG-94) and Anton Vashkevich paced all the winners with 16 points each, while Dzmitry Astashou (195-SF-94) notched 15. Kiryl Chumakou (194-SF-95) and Luka Malakhau followed them with 11 points apiece. Jo Hoeser erupted with 36 points in the losing effort and Thomas Grun scored 18. Bob Melcher (196-G-94) posted 16, while Yann Wolff (196-PF-94) chipped in with 8.

Luxembourg U18: Jo Hoeser 36, Thomas Grun 18, Bob Melcher 16, Yann Wolff 8
Belarus U18: Yahor Patupchyk 16, Anton Vashkevich 16, Dzmitry Astashou 15, Kiryl Chumakou 11, Luka Malakhau 11


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  MEXICO   


Michael Fraser joins Soles de Mexicali - by Eurobasket News

Soles de Mexicali continued to strengthen their roster. They penned the deal with Michael Fraser (203-C/F-84, college: Oklah.Baptist). The Canadian forward spent the last season in Ukraine. He played for DniproAzot. Michael Fraser notched 14.0 points and 8.9 rebounds per game in Superleague. Previously Michael Fraser had stints with Al Kuwait, Gravelines, Hoverla, Antranik, Al Arabi, Furstenfeld Panthers. He was named Austrian League All-Star Game MVP in 2008. Next year Michael Fraser earned All-Lebanese League Honourable Mention. In 2010 the forward made it into All-Ukrainian Superleague 1st Team. He participated at 2010 and 2011 Superleague All-Star Games.


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  MONTENEGRO   


U18 European Championship: the hosts edged Montenegro and advanced to the semis - by Eurobasket News

Bosnia and Herzegovina U18-Montenegro U18 82:72

The hosts edge Montenegro in Sarajevo at the U18 European Championship in Division B. Bosnia and Herzegovina outscored Montenegro 82:72 and advanced to the Semifinals.
Bosnia and Herzegovina started with 23:15 in front of 450 fans in the hall. They added 18-14 in the second frame for 41:29 at the halftime. They managed to keep 10-point advantage throughout the third quarter and finished with 59:50. No matter how hard Montenegro tried to upset the hosts, they could not match the favorites. Bosnia added 23-22 in the last stanza for the final 10-point win.
Adin Vrabac (202-G/F-94) paced all the winners with 27 points and Nedim Buza (201-SF-95) had 21. Asim Ahmedic (200-PF-94) collected 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Stefan Glogovac (201-SF-94) notched 10. Milija Mikovic (205-C-94) answered with 16 points in defeat and Nikola Zizic (195-G-94) scored 14. Veselin Kovacevic (200-F-94) delivered 12 points, while Milovan Draskovic (208-C-95) chipped in with 8.

Bosnia and Herzegovina U18: Adin Vrabac 27, Nedim Buza 21, Asim Ahmedic 11+10 rebs, Stefan Glogovac 10
Montenegro U18: Milija Mikovic 16, Nikola Zizic 14, Veselin Kovacevic 12, Milovan Draskovic 8


Milorad Sutulovic signs in Serbia, OKK Beograd - by Eurobasket News

Milorad Sutulovic (196-G-90) will continue his career in Serbia. The Montenegrin guard penned a deal with OKK Beograd. They will compete in Serbian A League and Balkan League. Sutulovic arrives to OKK Beograd from KB Futura (Kosovo), where he finished last season. He started 2011/12 with Podgorica averaging 18.2 points and 3.4 rebounds for 5 games. Milorad Sutulovic split 2010/11 season between ABS Primorje Herceg Novi and Bosnian Igokea. In the past, he played for Union Olimpija and Buducnost Podgorica. Sutulovic played for U20 Montenegro National Team two years ago. He had 2.5 ppg for 8 games at U20 EuroBasket in Croatia. He played for U20 NT also in 2009 at U20 EuroBasket in Rhodes. In the past, Sutulovic was a member of U18 and U17 Montenegro.


Boris Savovic to play for Bosnian National Team - by Eurobasket News

Boris Savovic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) will play for the Bosnian National Team in the future, according to local media. Reportedly, Bosnian Basketball Federation agreed with the player and managed to get all necessary papers from Montenegro. Savovic signed a deal with Crvena Zvezda Belgrade earlier this summer. He arrived from the Turkish giant Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul, where he averaged 6.3 points and 2.7 rebounds in 21 TBL games. The player also added 1.6 ppg and 3.2 rpg for 5 games in Euroleague. Savovic started the season with Hemofarm Vrsac, where he had 12.8 ppg, 11.4 rpg and 1.8 apg for 16 games in Adriatic league. He was top rebounder of the championship. Boris Savovic played for Hemofarm also from 2004 to 2009 and in 2010/11 season. Meanwhile, he spent one year with Buducnost Podgorica winning the Montenegrin championship title and Cup with them. Savovic was named Eurobasket.com All-Adriatic League European Player of the Year -12 and Eurobasket.com All-Adriatic League 1st Team -12.


Radnicki Kragujevac eyes Vladimir Dasic - by Eurobasket News

According various media, Radnicki Kragujevac wants to sign Vladimir Dasic (208-PF-88, agency: Beo Basket) for the upcoming season. There are also some rumors that the team can be invited to play in EuroCup 2012/13. None of these two news is officially confirmed. Dasic finished last season with Union Olimpija. He joined them in January averaging 12.6 points and 5.9 rebounds in 14 Slovenian league games. The player also added 9.3 ppg and 4.5 rpg for 13 appearances in EuroCup. Dasic helped Olimpija to win the Slovenian Cup this year and to reach the Playoff Finals. He started the season with Roma, where he collected 12.6 ppg and 5.9 rpg in 14 SerieA games. Vladimir Dasic is a product of Buducnost Podgorica, where he played until 2009. That year the player moved to Real Madrid and later joined Gran Canaria on loan. Season 2010/11 Dasic spent with Roma.


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  NBA   


Now, Sixers' focus shifts to re-signing Bynum - by Eurobasket News

Undoubtedly, the one pressing question on most minds about the 76ers this upcoming season will be:

Can they re-sign center Andrew Bynum (7'0''-C-87, agency: David Lee services)?

Headed into the last year of a contract that will earn him $16,889,000 in salary and up to $789,000 in incentives, Bynum could very well become the most coveted free agent on the market next summer. That is, of course, if the Sixers dont sign him to an extension first.

The Sixers can sign Bynum to a three-year extension worth $60 million. However, if Bynum becomes a free agent, he could command a five-year contract worth over $100 million, though the Sixers would be able to exceed the salary cap in order to re-sign him because they own his Bird Rights.

According to team president Rod Thorn, the Sixers very much want to re-sign Bynum.

Our feeling is we will have a very good chance to sign Bynum for several reasons. Firstly, Ive had a conversation with him and hes very happy about getting traded to us. He thinks we have a good team and hes very happy about it, Thorn said. Hes from New Jersey, hes more an East Coast guy than a West Coast guy. You never know. Our feeling is hell like it here and hell want to continue his career here.

Bynum says he is entering a new phase of his career.

The Sixers certainly rolled out the red carpet for him on Wednesday afternoon at a pep rally/press conference at the National Constitution Center. Sure, the intent was to introduce Bynum and new teammate Jason Richardson and allow the media to probe the newcomers with questions. However, the main goal was for Bynum to see how much the Sixers and their fans want the center to remain in Philadelphia beyond the upcoming season.

Wednesdays scene was orchestrated and contrived the way the IBEW workers were spontaneous and sincere about the possibility of Jim Thome signing with the Phillies way back in 2002.

But what does Bynum think? What does he think about moving closer to his hometown in Plainsboro, N.J., near Princeton. It was there, in Plainsboro, where Bynum spent his freshman year of high school at West Windsor. For his sophomore year, Bynum transferred to the Solebury School near New Hope, Pa. before finishing high school at St. Josephs in Metuchen, N.J.

After seven seasons and two championships with the Lakers, is Bynum ready for Philadelphia?

To be honest, my first experience here's been so great, Bynum said. Im really leaning toward making this my home.

That sentence sent the pep rally into thunderous applause, making it the most well-received hedge ever spoken. There is something to be said for putting down roots, though. After all, nearly 40 years ago Doug Collins, from little known Illinois State, came to Philadelphia as the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft. He played his entire career with the Sixers, began his broadcasting career in Philadelphia as well as his coaching career with the University of Pennsylvania. Though he made stops in Arizona, Chicago, Detroit and Washington, Philadelphia was always Collins adopted home.

Philadelphia is where Collins wants to finish up and for very good reasons.

Hes excited about being back east, Collins said. Everyone wants to play for the Lakers because of the franchise and the glamour, but sometimes you have guys who are East Coast guys who want to get back East and be around their families and friends.

Bynum hasnt agreed to anything. Certainly, the Sixers would like to change that, and where it matters the most is not with pep rallies and big cheers, but with basketball. If Bynum is a happy basketball player with the Sixers, he will likely want to remain in Philadelphia for the max contract.

It makes sense. Unlike with the Lakers, where Kobe Bryant dictated the offense and Bynum was often the third option behind Pau Gasol, things will be different with the Sixers. The big center will be the focus of Collins offensive and defensive plans. Considering that Bynum scored nearly 19 points per game last season and wasnt the one driving the offense, the upcoming season could bode well for a prospective free agent.

Its the next step in my career, Bynum said. Its a lot more exciting and a lot more fun knowing they are going to run the offense through you. Looking at the roster, we have a deep team. The sky is the limit.

Bynum should be able to post some big numbers in Philadelphia. That is, of course, if he can remain focused. One of the knocks on the 24-year old was that he had trouble with concentrating on the task at hand with the Lakers. Perhaps that has to do with the fact that he was not "the man" on Kobes Lakers.

Bynums on-the-court issues have been legion. The latest example was when the seven-footer inexplicably decided he wanted to shoot three-pointers. This came despite the fact that Bynum shot just 2 for 19 (10.5 percent) on shots longer than 15 feet and 21 for 84 (25 percent) on shots longer than nine feet from the basket.

Bynum also served a four-game suspension and was fined $25,000 for a flagrant foul on the Mavericks J.J. Barea in the closing moments of the Dallas playoff sweep of the Lakers in 2011. Then, during the 2012 season, Bynum told reporters he doesnt pay attention in huddles on the bench because he needs to rest his mind to get his zen on.

But Bynum won two titles with the Lakers and took a third to a Game 7. To get that far, the center had to have some semblance of focus.

I was definitely focused, Bynum said. I worked with [Kareem Abdul-Jabbar] for my first two or three years. Later on, it became more of sort of a mentor role. He would just give me little tips here or there. I wasn't able to master the sky hook, but outside of that he showed me a lot of great things. Footwork, rebounding, how to cut the lane off. Just a bunch of things.

Ultimately, its all about winning basketball games, Bynum said.

Its work, every single day, day in and day out, Bynum said. Im looking forward to getting into the locker room and sharing [the championship experience] with our team.

Just by walking through the door, Bynum becomes the third greatest center in franchise history for the Sixers. To climb the ladder, he has to win.

In L.A., I was compared to Kareem and Shaq. I like that I am that good of a player to be compared to them, Bynum said. Im going to work hard to try to be the best. Im looking forward to the pressure. Pressure makes diamonds.

Courtesy of www.csnphilly.com


Arron Afflalo excited to join Magic - by Eurobasket News

Arron Afflalo (6'5''-G-85, college: UCLA) was wearing dark blue Magic practice gear, but his basketball shoes carried light blue colors colors of the Denver Nuggets, his old team.

"Yeah, I have to get some darker blue now," he laughed.

Afflalo will have time to get his apparel coordinated.

He was part of a multi-team, blockbuster deal involving Dwight Howard, sent to the Magic via the Nuggets. He has four years and $31 million remaining on his contract, but is seen as a building block in Orlando's massive rebuilding effort.

Afflalo, introduced to the media on Thursday, said he was excited to be joining the Magic.

"Change always brings mystery, always brings doubt.I'm looking forward to the challenge," he said. "The idea is about competitiveness. It's refreshing. A lot of people don't get that opportunity to grow in the league."

He will be counted on as a key contributor. Although his game has markedly improved since his rookie season of 2007, he was another face in the crowd with the Nuggets. He often took a backseat to players such as Carmelo Anthony, Nene' Hillario and Kenyon Martin during his time in Denver.

Afflalo, 26, said he was in Barcelona, working as a league ambassador, when he learned "on the internet" that he had been traded.

He had no phone service and didn't learn the deal was official until "I saw it on ESPN.com.," he said. "It's part of the business."

Afflalo will be competing for the starting shooting guard with veteranJ.J. Redick. He has become one of the league's steadier defenders, a role he embraced in Denver.

He said last season, "I developed more confidence (offensively), hit some big shots. It's an opportunity for me to continue to grow."

Afflalo, originally drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 2007, averaged 15.2 points and 2.4 assists last season.

He said he briefly met with new Magic coach Jacque Vaughn. "He told me just to compete," he said.

Courtesy of http://articles.orlandosentinel.com


Derrick Rose: ''the closest to death I've got to right there'' - by Diamadis Farmakis

Derrick Rose (6'3''-G-88, college: Memphis) says finding out he had a torn ACL was like death. The Chicago Bulls' superstar told CSNChicago.com he spent ''the whole time praying'' during the MRI that he wasn't seriously injured even though he heard a pop as he crashed to the court in the playoff opener against the Philadelphia 76ers.

''I remember everything,'' Rose said, ''I remember jumping in the air and coming back down, and just that popping sound, I felt it actually tear when I laid all the way out and it just let go.''

When team physician Dr. Brian Cole confirmed the tear, Rose said, ''I couldn't believe it. That's the closest thing to death, the closest to death I've got to right there, where it just seemed like the wind and everything was taken out (of me).''

Other than a brief YouTube video last month, he had said little publicly since the injury. The interview with CSNChicago.com was conducted last month in Los Angeles, where he was working out at the time, and posted Wednesday.

Chicago was wrapping up a 103-91 victory when Rose's left leg buckled as he came to a jump start in the lane. He still went up again and passed to Carlos Boozer before crashing to the court, sending a chill through the arena.

Rose's injury dashed the Bulls' championship hopes after they captured home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, and with Joakim Noah spraining his left ankle later in the series, Chicago bowed out in the first round.

The torn ACL also put the Bulls in a sort of holding pattern as they wait for their superstar point guard to return to form. Rose is expected to miss most of the season and might not rediscover his old explosive form until the following year, assuming he regains it.

''It's been hard, definitely been hard. But I've been all right,'' Rose told CSNChicago.com. ''The injury could have been way worse. You've got some people that probably feel worse than I am, but I know I'm going to be all right. I believe in God, my spirits are up and I believe in myself, and I know I'm going to be back even stronger.''

Also on Wednesday, Adidas released a one-minute promotional video documenting Rose's recovery and showing him performing various exercises.


Hornets sign G Brian Roberts - by Eurobasket News

The New Orleans Hornets signed former Dayton guard Brian Roberts (6'2''-G-85, agency: Interperformances) on Thursday.

Roberts played in all five Las Vegas summer league games for the Hornets, averaging 13.8 points, 2.2 assists and two rebounds in 27.4 minutes per game. He shot 50 percent from the field and hit 54 percent of the 3-pointers he attempted to go with nearly 94 percent foul shooting.

The 6-foot-1 Roberts spent the past three seasons playing professionally for Brose Baskets Bamberg in Germany.

The club didn't release the terms of the contract.

Courtesy of www.chron.com


Knicks guard Iman Shumpert's rehab progressing on schedule - by Eurobasket News

Knicks guard Iman Shumpert (6'5''-G-90, college: Georgia Tech) is biding his time until he can get back into a regular workout routine.

The second-year pro, who tore the ACL in his left knee in Game 1 of the Knicks' first-round playoff series against the Heat in April, admitted it's "frustrating" watching other players work out.

"I have a steady rehab and we mix it up," said Shumpert, who was on hand to help direct children Thursday at Nate Robinson's basketball camp at Fundamental Sports Training in Westbury. "There's a little bit more I can do every day, but it's definitely not the same thing being on the court sweating. I can't wait until I get back."

Eight months was the original timetable, according to Shumpert, and he said he's taking the proper time to make sure he stays on his rehab schedule.

"It's getting better . . . Everything's been good so far," Shumpert said. "I haven't had any bad days. I'm happy about that. I'll be going to a MRI soon and see if we can pick up the intensity of my rehab."

When Shumpert returns, he expects the Knicks to be a formidable team.

"I think having a full training camp together and having a full year under our belt, I think that the guys will be closer together," the 6-5 defensive wiz said. "We have some new additions, some new pieces. I think we're all going to mix well."

As for the departure of Jeremy Lin, Shumpert said: "I feel that everybody needs to do what's best for them. When [Lin] signed the agreement, I knew there could be a chance that the Knicks might not match it. That's just how this business goes . . . Now we have Raymond Felton and we have Jason Kidd, so that's what we're going to worry about."

Shumpert's appearance was definitely a boon for Fundamental Sports Training (FST).

"It's great for the kids," said Skip Gehring, owner and operator of the facility. "This helps the kids realize that everybody has to start somewhere. It could be a goal they can achieve."

Courtesy of www.newsday.com


Rubio is making progress and slightly ahead of schedule. - by Bryan Floyd

Although Ricky Rubio (6'4''-G-90) is slightly ahead of schedule in his rehab, he still won't be ready for training camp. He's still expected to be out until at least December "The doctors said he was progressing faster than normal, and normal was supposed to be in January," T-Wolves owner Glen Taylor said. "Faster than normal would be December. He's going to start running and stuff in a few weeks." The fact that Rubio hasn't even begun to run yet means he still has a lot of work to do to get back into basketball shape.


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  NCAA1   


Ohio is in a D1 State of Mind with 18 Commitments Already! - by Lucius Jones

Ohio has long been known as a hotbed for collegiate recruiting and 2013's Class looks like it will not dissapoint as 18 kids have already pledged their verbal commitment to D1 schools. Here's the update taken from www.tripledoubleprospects.com :

Ohio Division I Commitments
Elijah Macon - West Virginia (Postgrad)
Terry Rozier - Louisville (Postgrad)
Kevin Johnson - Cincinnati
Marc Loving - Ohio State
Mark Donnal - Michigan
Maverick Morgan - Illinois
Evan Bradds - Belmont
Jordan Lauf - Toledo
Zach Garber - Toledo
Josh Davenport - Winthrop
Keon Johnson - Winthrop
Zack Denny - Bowling Green
Tony Kynard - Bethune Cookman
Clemmye Owens - Bethune Cookman
Isaac McGlone - Eastern Kentucky
Jalen Rhea - American
Patrick Wrencher - Saint


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  NIGERIA   


Lagun Aro inks deal with Ekene Ibekwe - by Eurobasket News

Ekenechukwu Ibekwe (210-F-85, college: Maryland) will play next season in Spain. The Nigerian big guy signed a deal with Lagun Aro GBC. Ibekwe spent last season with BBC Bayreuth averaging 11.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 34 German league games. Season 2010/11 the player started with Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck and later moved to Ironi Ashkelon. Ibekwe finally finished that season with Bayreuth. In the past, he played in Turkey, Puerto Rico in France. Ekenechukwu Ibekwe graduated at the University of Maryland in 2007. He played 33 games for his school as a senior averaging 10.4 points and 7.8 rebounds. Ibekwe played for the Nigerian National Team at the Olympic Games in London this summer. He had 1.5 ppg for 2 games. Before the Olympics, Ibekwe had 4.4 ppg and 4.8 rpg for the Portland Trail Blazers at the NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas.


Scorer Michael Efevberha joins Spartak-Primorye - by Eurobasket News

Spartak-Primorye Vladivostok is very active on the transfer market after hiring of new Head Coach Gundars Vetra. Their latest signing is Nigerian/American Michael Efevberha (199-G-84, college: CS Northridge), who inked a 1-year deal. He will join the team on August 21. Efevberha heads to Spartak-Primorye from Dominican Republic, where he played most recently for Cocolos de San Pedro de Macoris. Last season the player finished with the NBA D-League team Iowa Energy. He appeared 39 times with them averaging 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists. Efevberha was awarded with USBasket.com All-D-League Honorable Mention -12. He started the season with Swiss team Lugano Tigers collecting 16.7 pppg, 4.5 rpg and 2.8 apg for 11 games. Michael Efevberha played for the same team also in 2009/10 and 2010/11 helping them to win two LNA titles and one Cup trophy. In 2011, he was named Eurobasket.com All-Swiss LNA Guard of the Year. Michael Efevberha played for Nigerian National Team at 2009 AfroBasket in Libya. He shined with 17.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 2 spg for 8 games.


Tofas Bursa signs 1+1 year deal with Chinemelu Elonu - by Eurobasket News

Chinemelu Elonu (206-F/C-87, college: Texas A&M) will continue his career in Turkey. The Nigerian big guy penned a 1+1 year deal with Tofas Bursa. Elonu played for the Los Angeles Lakers at 2012 NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas. He appeared 4 times with the team averaging 4.5 points and 7 rebounds. Last season Chinemelu Elonu spent with French Pau-Orthez registering 10.4 ppg, 8.3 rpg and 1.1 bpg for 30 games in ProA. He was top rebounder and fifth shot blocker of the competition. The player also added 12.8 ppg and 8.6 rpg for 5 games in EuroChallenge. Elonu arrived to Pau-Orthez in January of 2011 and played for them also for rest of 2010/11 season. He started it with Panionios Athens. In 2009/10, Elonu was a member of CAI Zaragoza. He graduated at Texas A&M University three years ago.


Akinlolu Akingbala signs deal in Ukraine - by Eurobasket News

Akinlolu Akingbala (208-C-83, college: Clemson) will continue his career in Ukraine. The Nigerian center penned a deal with former champions Azovmash. The team reached Finals last season in Ukrainian Superleague, but failed to Donetsk 0-4 in the series. Akingbala spent last three and a half seasons with Nancy. In the latest one he shined with 12.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg and 1.1 bpg for 33 games in French ProA. He was third rebounder and fifth shot blocker of the competition. The player also added 12 ppg and 6.9 rpg for 8 Euroleague games. Akinlolu Akingbala helped Nancy to win ProA title a year ago. He had 10.3 ppg and 8.2 rpg for 35 games that season. Before Nancy, the center played for Russian Universitet-Yugra Surgut. In the past, he was a member of Ventspils, Los Angeles D-Fenders and Lleida. Akingbala graduated at Clemson University in 2006. He played for Nigerian National Team at 2009 AfroBasket in Libya.


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  NORWAY   


U18 European Championship: Burjanadze leads Georgia over Norway - by Eurobasket News

Georgia U18-Norway U18 91:66

Burjanadze leads Georgia over Norway at the U18 European Championship in Division B. He erupted with 23 points and 14 rebounds in a 91:66 win at the Classification Round for 17th to 22nd Place. Georgia improved to 2-0 record, while Norway fell at 0-2.
Georgia started well and reached 23:16 after the first period. They added 26-16 in the second frame for 49:32 halftime advantage. Burjanadze scored for 51:37 and Ramishvili later brought 62:39. Tomaradze nailed three to close the period at 68:47 and then Georgia easily led the game to the victory.
Nika Ramishvili (179-SG-94) posted 17 points and Giorgi Tsirekidze (202-C-94) added 16. Valeri Kvantaliani (202-PF-94) delivered 9 points in the winning effort. Espen Fjaerestad (192-SG-94) scored 14 points in defeat, while Nicholas Seach (181-PG-94) and Nikola Blatancic (194-F-94) had 10 each.

Georgia U18: Beka Burjanadze (203-PF-94) 23+14 rebs, Nika Ramishvili 17, Giorgi Tsirekidze 16, Valeri Kvantaliani 9
Norway U18: Espen Fjaerestad 14, Nicholas Seach 10, Nikola Blatancic 10


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  PHILIPPINES   


Chris Banchero re-signs with Petron Blaze - by Eurobasket News

Petron Blaze resigned their starting point guard. They kept Chris Banchero (185-G, college: Seattle Pacific) for another season. The Filipino guard started his pro career last season. He joined Petron Blaze. Chris Banchero posted 12.7 points, 6.6 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 3.1 steals per game in ASEAN League. Chris Banchero reached ASEAN League Final with the Beermen. The guard graduated from Seattle Pacific in 2011. Chris Banchero was named All-GNAC Player of the Year in 2010. He was also named Daktronics NCAA Division II All-West-Region Player of the Year the same season. He became GNAC champion in 2010.


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  POLAND   


Asseco Prokom keeps PG Jerel Blassingame - by Eurobasket News

As announced by the club on Friday morning, Asseco Prokom Gdynia and Jerel Blassingame (175-G-81, college: UNLV) extended their agreement for one more season. The American point guard arrived to the club last summer from Energa Czarni Slupsk. He appeared 25 times in PLK averaging 15.6 points, 6.6 assists (No.2) and 3.5 rebounds. Prokom defended PLK title and Blassingame was named MVP of the Finals. He was also named to Eurobasket.com All-Polish League 2nd Team -12 and Eurobasket.com Polish League All-Imports Team -12. In Euroleague, Jerel Blassingame had much lower numbers for 10 games: 5.4 ppg, 4.5 apg and 2.1 rpg. In VTB United League the player averaged 11.3 ppg, 5.9 apg (No.1) and 3.1 rpg for 16 games. As mentioned above, before Prokom Jerel Blassingame spent one year with Energa Czarni and one with Ukrainian Odessa. He also has experience from Sweden, Finland, Israel, Greece and Cyprus. The player graduated at UNLV in 2005.


Asseco Prokom pens deal with Tomasz Snieg - by Eurobasket News

Asseco Prokom deepened their roster. They agreed on terms of conctact with Tomasz Snieg (190-PG-89). The guard spent the last season with Polpharma. Tomasz Snieg tallied 7.7 points, 2.7 assists and 2.1 rebounds per game in PLK. He was Polish SuperCup winner in 2012. Previously Tomasz Snieg had stints with AZS Koszalin, Polonia 2011, Politekhnika Warszawa and Jaworzno. He was Polish 1Liga champion in 2009. Tomasz Snieg participated at 2010 PLK All-Star Game. The guard played for U18 and U20 Polish National Teams. He has been the member of Polish National Team since 2010.


2 liga We have a problem - by Maciej Paszyn

In the off-season time a very great confusion arose in the polish 2 liga. In the last season the league was divided in 3 zones, however on account of the withdrawal of a six teams (KS Zyrardowianka Zyrardow, Inter Parts AZS UWM Olsztyn, MKS Limbach Limanowa, SSA Unia Tarnow, KS Open Florentyna Pleszew, Staco MNLK Niepolomice) the Polish Basketball Federation decided to conduct the reorganization. According to new arrangements 2 liga is supposed to be divided in two zones: North and South. These changes caused the determined opposition of parts of clubs, for which it is binding themselves by considerable increasing of organizational expenses. For example management of AZS Rzeszow (team from deep South-East of country) counted that in the season they would have to travel 9.500 kilometers. This situation is the worst for players because they will receive lower pays, as well as greater problems will appear at the work or at school.
In this situation federation have a huge problem, since from one side doesn't want to allow to three 10-11 team groups, on the other whereas must count with withdrawing next clubs.



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  PORTUGAL   


U18 European Championship: Portugal needs overtime to win Group H - by Eurobasket News

Portugal U18-Iceland U18 77:75 OT

Portugal needs overtime to win Group H at the Classification Round for 9th to 16th Place. The team overcame Iceland 77:75 and won the group with 3-0 record.
Iceland grabbed the lead after the first period as Valur Valsson (182-PG-94) scored for 20:14. Stefan Torfason (200-PF-93) increased the advantage to 11 points, but the victory came out from the team. Andre Miguens (184-SF-94) gave Portugal 33:31 lead and the latter grabbed 40:39 at the halftime. In the third period the teams exchanged the lead several times before Portugal took 57:51 after three quarters. Iceland trailed for the whole fourth period until Matthias Sigurdarson (185-PG-94)s three pointer with the buzzer for 69:69. Due to 8-6 in overtime Portugal however managed to win the thriller.
Joao Gallina (192-SF-94) led the way with 17 points and Andre Miguens followed him with 14. Diogo Ventura (189-PG-94) scored 10, while Jose Miranda (189-SF-94) delivered 9. Matthias Sigurdarson ended up with 20 points in defeat, while Valur Valsson poured in 15 points. Stefan Torfason collected 13 points and 12 rebounds, whilst Martin Hermannsson (190-SG-94) notched 11.

Portugal U18: Joao Gallina 17, Andre Miguens 14, Diogo Ventura 10, Jose Miranda 9
Iceland U18: Matthias Sigurdarson 20, Valur Valsson 15, Stefan Torfason 13+12 rebs, Martin Hermannsson 11


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  ROMANIA   


U18 European Championship: Slovak Republic taste the initial win in Group G - by Eurobasket News

Slovak Republic U18-Romanian U18 64:55

Slovak Republic taste the initial win in Group G at the Classification Round for 9th to 16th Place at the U18 European Championship in Division B. The winners overcame Romanian team 64:55 and improved to 1-2 record. Romanian finished the group without victories.
It was the game for the initial success in the group. Romanian actually won the first period 16-13 and added 17-12 in the second frame. Both teams nailed 11 points each before the final push of the Slovakian side. Trailing 10 points with 9 minutes to go, Slovakia erupted with 28-9 surge to clinch the win. Last eight points the winners scored from the free throw line.
Vladimir Brodziansky (206-PF-94) top-scored for the winners with 15 points and 16 rebounds, while Vladimir Nemcok (183-PG-95) added 14. Martin Matejcik (185-G-94) finished the game with 13 and Vladimir Michalek (183-SG-94) nailed 11. Vlad Cobzaru (201-C-95) ended up with 14 points for another loss of the team. Andrei Damian (192-SG-94) scored 12, whilst Vlad Popovici (200-PF-94) chipped in with 6.

Slovak Republic U18: Vladimir Brodziansky 15+16 rebs, Vladimir Nemcok 14, Martin Matejcik 13, Vladimir Michalek 11
Romanian U18: Vlad Cobzaru 14, Andrei Damian 12, Vlad Popovici 6


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  RUSSIA   


Scorer Michael Efevberha joins Spartak-Primorye - by Eurobasket News

Spartak-Primorye Vladivostok is very active on the transfer market after hiring of new Head Coach Gundars Vetra. Their latest signing is Nigerian/American Michael Efevberha (199-G-84, college: CS Northridge), who inked a 1-year deal. He will join the team on August 21. Efevberha heads to Spartak-Primorye from Dominican Republic, where he played most recently for Cocolos de San Pedro de Macoris. Last season the player finished with the NBA D-League team Iowa Energy. He appeared 39 times with them averaging 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists. Efevberha was awarded with USBasket.com All-D-League Honorable Mention -12. He started the season with Swiss team Lugano Tigers collecting 16.7 pppg, 4.5 rpg and 2.8 apg for 11 games. Michael Efevberha played for the same team also in 2009/10 and 2010/11 helping them to win two LNA titles and one Cup trophy. In 2011, he was named Eurobasket.com All-Swiss LNA Guard of the Year. Michael Efevberha played for Nigerian National Team at 2009 AfroBasket in Libya. He shined with 17.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 2 spg for 8 games.


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  RWANDA   


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy of www.rwandabasket.com


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  SERBIA   


Radnicki Kragujevac eyes Vladimir Dasic - by Eurobasket News

According various media, Radnicki Kragujevac wants to sign Vladimir Dasic (208-PF-88, agency: Beo Basket) for the upcoming season. There are also some rumors that the team can be invited to play in EuroCup 2012/13. None of these two news is officially confirmed. Dasic finished last season with Union Olimpija. He joined them in January averaging 12.6 points and 5.9 rebounds in 14 Slovenian league games. The player also added 9.3 ppg and 4.5 rpg for 13 appearances in EuroCup. Dasic helped Olimpija to win the Slovenian Cup this year and to reach the Playoff Finals. He started the season with Roma, where he collected 12.6 ppg and 5.9 rpg in 14 SerieA games. Vladimir Dasic is a product of Buducnost Podgorica, where he played until 2009. That year the player moved to Real Madrid and later joined Gran Canaria on loan. Season 2010/11 Dasic spent with Roma.


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  SLOVAKIA   


U18 European Championship: Slovak Republic taste the initial win in Group G - by Eurobasket News

Slovak Republic U18-Romanian U18 64:55

Slovak Republic taste the initial win in Group G at the Classification Round for 9th to 16th Place at the U18 European Championship in Division B. The winners overcame Romanian team 64:55 and improved to 1-2 record. Romanian finished the group without victories.
It was the game for the initial success in the group. Romanian actually won the first period 16-13 and added 17-12 in the second frame. Both teams nailed 11 points each before the final push of the Slovakian side. Trailing 10 points with 9 minutes to go, Slovakia erupted with 28-9 surge to clinch the win. Last eight points the winners scored from the free throw line.
Vladimir Brodziansky (206-PF-94) top-scored for the winners with 15 points and 16 rebounds, while Vladimir Nemcok (183-PG-95) added 14. Martin Matejcik (185-G-94) finished the game with 13 and Vladimir Michalek (183-SG-94) nailed 11. Vlad Cobzaru (201-C-95) ended up with 14 points for another loss of the team. Andrei Damian (192-SG-94) scored 12, whilst Vlad Popovici (200-PF-94) chipped in with 6.

Slovak Republic U18: Vladimir Brodziansky 15+16 rebs, Vladimir Nemcok 14, Martin Matejcik 13, Vladimir Michalek 11
Romanian U18: Vlad Cobzaru 14, Andrei Damian 12, Vlad Popovici 6


Astrum Levice inks American PG Willie Kemp - by Eurobasket News

Astrum Levice reinforced its roster at position 1. The Slovakian squad penned a deal with American point guard Willie Kemp (188-G-87, agency: Fierce Sports Management, college: Memphis). He arrives to the club from Tunisian team Etoile du Sahel. Kemp helped Sahel to win the championship title and Cup in Tunisia last season. They were also Africa Cup tournament winners. Before Sahel, Willie Kemp played for the NBA D-League team Dakota Wizards. He started 2010/11 season there averaging 3.3 points, 2.6 assists and 2 rebounds for 16 games. They parted ways in January of 2011. Willie Kemp graduated at the University of Memphis two years ago. He had 7.4 ppg, 4.3 apg and 2.2 rpg for his school in 34 games as a senior. They reached NCAA Finals in 2008.


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  SLOVENIA   


Maribor Messer signs Igor Josipovic - by Eurobasket News

Igor Josipovic (203-F/C-88) will continue his career in Slovenia. The Bosnian power forward/center penned a deal with Maribor Messer. Josipovic arrives to Maribor from Igokea Aleksandrovac, where he finished last season. He joined them in March for the Bosnian League Six. Josipovic started last season with SL Takovo Leotar Trebinje. There he shined with 15.5 points and 6.2 rebounds. Josipovic was second scorer of the Bosnian championship. Season 2010/11 Igor Josipovic also started with Leotar and later he moved to Borac Nektar for League Six. With Leotar he had 12.7 ppg and 5 rpg for 21 games that season. In the past, Josipovic spent few years with Borac.
Earlier this summer Maribor signed Esmir Rizvic (213-C-82, college: Texas Tech) and extended Bojan Jovanovic (186-G-82). The team also added Igor Maric (196-F-85).


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  SPAIN   


Alicante signs PG Albert Sabat - by Eurobasket News

Alicante is very active on the transfer market these days. Today the team added Spanish point guard Albert Sabat (187-PG-85) for the upcoming season. Earlier this week, Alicante penned a deal with PG Pedro Rivero (186-PG-79).
Albert Sabat heads to Alicante from Canarias, where he spent last two seasons. In the latest one he helped Canarias to win the LEB Gold title and promotion for Liga Endesa. The player had 8.7 ppg, 3.6 apg and 2.1 rpg in 34 games. He was named to Eurobasket.com Spanish LEB Gold All-Domestic Players Team -12. Before Canarias, Albert Sabat spent one year with Girona and one with Vic. In the past, he played for Vigo, Tenerife and Lleida. In 2008, Sabat was LEB Silver champion and Cup winner with Vic.


Debrecen and coach Raul Jimenez part ways - by Eurobasket News

Raul Jimenez (agency: Dynamics Global Management ) is no longer a Head Coach of Factum Sport Debrecen. The Spanish specialist announced this news via Twitter. Jimenez took over Debrecen last November. They finished as No.10 in Hungarian top division with 8-18 record. It means that the team failed to reach the Playoffs, but at the other hand they managed to survive in the league. Before Debrecen, Raul Jimenez (agency: Dynamics Global Management ) worked two years with Spanish LEB Gold team Ourense. He served as Assistant Coach there. In the past, Jimenez worked as Head Coach with Badajoz, Almassera and Segovia.
Debrecen will now look for the new Head Coach. Earlier this summer, the team inked deal with American power forward Sean Carter (205-F/C-88, college: Massachusetts). Serbian guard Dejan Mladenovic (186-G-85, agency: TSS Management) also signed for the club.


Lagun Aro inks deal with Ekene Ibekwe - by Eurobasket News

Ekenechukwu Ibekwe (210-F-85, college: Maryland) will play next season in Spain. The Nigerian big guy signed a deal with Lagun Aro GBC. Ibekwe spent last season with BBC Bayreuth averaging 11.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 34 German league games. Season 2010/11 the player started with Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck and later moved to Ironi Ashkelon. Ibekwe finally finished that season with Bayreuth. In the past, he played in Turkey, Puerto Rico in France. Ekenechukwu Ibekwe graduated at the University of Maryland in 2007. He played 33 games for his school as a senior averaging 10.4 points and 7.8 rebounds. Ibekwe played for the Nigerian National Team at the Olympic Games in London this summer. He had 1.5 ppg for 2 games. Before the Olympics, Ibekwe had 4.4 ppg and 4.8 rpg for the Portland Trail Blazers at the NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas.


Huesca land Jamar Samuels - by Eurobasket News

Huesca bolstered their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Jamar Samuels (200-F-89). The forward will start his pro career in Spain. Jamar Samuels has just graduated from the Kansas State University. He tallied 9.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game in his senior season. Jamar Samuels earned All-Big 12 Honourable Mention. Jamar Samuels played at NCAA Elite Eight in 2010 with Kansas State. He was named All-Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year in the same season. Huesca stay active on the market. They have secured the services of Deividas Pukis (193-G/F-92), Sandi Cebular (196-G-86) for the next season before.


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  SWEDEN   


U18 European Championship: the Dutch side edge Sweden - by Eurobasket News

Netherlands U18-Sweden U18 79:76

The Dutch side edge Sweden at the U18 European Championship in Division B. Holland needed 79:76 win over the Scandinavian side for 2-1 recrd in Group H of the Classification Round for 9th to 16th Place. Sweden meanwhile finished with 1-2 record.
Both teams nailed 23 points each in the first period and continued their battle later in the half. Holland scored another 23 points in the second frame and it was enough to take 4-point lead at the halftime. Sweden replied with 19-18 in the thrid period but could not win the game. Jito Kok (205-C-94) and Maarten Bouwknecht (185-PG-94) brough the last points for the winners as Holland grabbed 79:76 win.
Jito Kok paced all the winners with 15 points and Floris Versteeg (205-F-94) netted 14. Mike Schilder (185-PG-94, agency: Court Side) deliveerd 11, while Maarten Bouwknecht added 9. Alexander Gorski (193-SG-94) ended up with 25 points in the losing effort and Nicholas Spires (209-PF-94) had 16. Caleb Musie (171-PG-95) followed them with 12 points in a loss.

Netherlands U18: Jito Kok 15, Floris Versteeg 14, Mike Schilder 11, Maarten Bouwknecht 9
Sweden U18: Alexander Gorski 25, Nicholas Spires 16, Caleb Musie 12


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  TURKEY   


Tofas Bursa signs 1+1 year deal with Chinemelu Elonu - by Eurobasket News

Chinemelu Elonu (206-F/C-87, college: Texas A&M) will continue his career in Turkey. The Nigerian big guy penned a 1+1 year deal with Tofas Bursa. Elonu played for the Los Angeles Lakers at 2012 NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas. He appeared 4 times with the team averaging 4.5 points and 7 rebounds. Last season Chinemelu Elonu spent with French Pau-Orthez registering 10.4 ppg, 8.3 rpg and 1.1 bpg for 30 games in ProA. He was top rebounder and fifth shot blocker of the competition. The player also added 12.8 ppg and 8.6 rpg for 5 games in EuroChallenge. Elonu arrived to Pau-Orthez in January of 2011 and played for them also for rest of 2010/11 season. He started it with Panionios Athens. In 2009/10, Elonu was a member of CAI Zaragoza. He graduated at Texas A&M University three years ago.


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  UKRAINE   


Dnipro keep Qyntel Woods - by Eurobasket News

Dnipro re-signed Qyntel Woods (203-F/G-81, college: N.Mississippi JC) for another season. The forward joined the team back in January. He tallied 13.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.0 steal per game in Superleague. Qyntel Woods started the season in Israel. He played for Maccabi Haifa. His stats read 7.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists per game in Premier League. Previously Qyntel Woods had stints in Poland, Russia, Italy, Greece, NBA and D-League. Eurobasket.com named Qyntel Woods All-Euroleague Forward of the Year in 2010. He was also trumped All-Polish League Import Player of the Year in 2010. Qyntel Woods also made it into All-Greek A1 League 2nd Team in 2008.


Artur Drozdov leaves Azovmash - by Eurobasket News

Artur Drozdov (200-SF-80) decided to part ways with Azovmash. The forward opted for buy out of two remaining seasons on his contract with the Mariupol team. The forward joined Azovmash at the start of the previous season. Artur Drozdov notched 10.7 points, 7.6 boards, 1.4 assists per game in Superleague. In VTB League his stats read 10.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 1.0 steal per game. Artur Drozdov also notched 9.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per EuroCup appearance. He made it into All-Ukrainian Superleague Domestic Players Team. Previously Artur Drozdov had spells with Vanoli-Braga Cremona, Budivelnyk Kyiv, BC Kyiv, BC Donetsk, Pau-Orthez and Autodorozhnik Saratov. He was named All-French ProA Most Improved Player of the Year in 2003. Artur Drozdov has been playing for the Ukrainian National Team since 2003. He is the captain of the National Team.
The rumours sent Artur Drozdov to ACB League.


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  UNITED KINGDOM   


U18 European Championship: Czech Republic and England advanced to the semis - by Eurobasket News

Czech Republic U18-England U18 63:55

Czech Republic and England advanced to the semis of the U18 European Championship in Division B. Czech Republic beat England 63:55 as both teams finished with 2-1 records on top of Group E.
England started with 15-9 in the first period and dominated the first half. They managed to win also the second period for a 7-point lead at the halftime. Czech Republic meanwhile woke up in the second half and produced two victories for the final win. They won the third quarter 21-8 and finished the game with 17-15 in the last stanza. Jan Svandrlik (196-SF-94) and Radovan Kouril (180-PG-95) brought the final points for the winning side, while Luke Nelson (189-PG-95) closed the game at 63:55.
Karel Ausprunk (200-F/C-94) paced all the winners with 17 points and Radovan Kouril notched 16. Jan Svandrlik posted 8, while Prokop Slanina (204-C-95) added 7. Luke Nelson answered with 17 points in the losing effort and Lucas Stivrins (211-C-94) delivered 12. Rowell Graham (197-F-94) followed them with 11 points in a loss.

Czech Republic U18: Karel Ausprunk 17, Radovan Kouril 16, Jan Svandrlik 8, Prokop Slanina 7
England U18: Luke Nelson 17, Lucas Stivrins 12, Rowell Graham 11


Ryan Reflects on Seven Years Of GB Basketball - by Paul Nilsen

British basketball journalist Dave Ryan looks back at GB's first seven summers back in the international game, with a certain amount of disappointment.
With the dust now settled on the Olympics, there's time to look back on Great Britain's achievements in the basketball tournament.

I'll freely admit that I waited to write these words because I didn't want to mess up my gold medal ticket chances. That sounds paranoid, I know, but the reason I haven't worked for GB Basketball this summer is that I reported we stunk against Turkey at EuroBasket last summer. I actually quoted Chris Finch and Joel Freeland saying we stunk, and all hell was let loose. This isn't a rant about me not working for GB, while I could have used the money, I was actually relieved when they confirmed they wouldn't be using my services this summer because the level of grief would have ruined the tournament for me. I don't think their website has gained from the decision, much of the stuff over and above games reports - previews, reaction pieces and tournament round-ups (much of which I did for free) - has disappeared.

I wouldn't be arrogant enough to suggest that GB's non-employment of me is the biggest problem facing British basketball (if it is, there is no problem!) but some of what happened last summer shows how the bigger picture was ignored in favour of things that don't really matter. If the Performance Director needs to sit on the bench, he shouldn't be sending texts about what needs to appear in the game report - he really should have more important things to worry about rather than ranting about me using the word "trey" in a report.
The last six years haven't been a disaster. Far from it. Three of the four GB teams have achieved a level of success that couldn't have been dreamed of before London got the Games. As Chris Finch said in his final press conference, we took on every challenge and succeeded but ultimately came up short at the Olympics. It's the lack of legacy that concerns many people.

The main focus of GB was always going to be the Olympics and doing well at them. It had to be, if we didn't get there - and certainly for the women is was far from guaranteed - the funding would've ended instantly. If we stunk at the Olympics the funding was likely to disappear. If they drastically cut the funding now, and don't give us a chance of build on what's been achieved over the last six years, that money really was wasted. But more really could have been done to build towards the future.

The "GB Futures" programme was pretty big in 2010 running in tandem with an England programme and gave the next generation a lot of international experience. But, with our place in London confirmed in March 2011, the last two summers have seen it shrink to the point that it barely seems worthwhile. It should be a big part of the GB set-up, running alongside the U-20 team, preferably with the same coaching staff. As it was, Finch did the job for a year, GB made a big deal about development, then appeared to forget all about it because hthey'd been given the berths. Still, that's better than the women's development programme, that consisted of playing in the World Student Games and then forgetting all about it. The England programme that was supposed to form part of it, never happened, either.

The under-20 men have been poor throughout the six years, they haven't really progressed from the hastily recruited team that Jeff Jones put together when England Basketball ran the programme in the first year. Tim Lewis was given far longer than a coach of one of the senior sides would have been allowed with such failure. It's as if they didn't really care.

And, without raking up the whole Devon van Oostrum saga (and there's definitely more to that than we've heard) , to not even name him on the reserve list when GB were so top heavy with big men, didn't exactly show any forward thinking.

There's been little in the way of coaching development. By this summer - the key point in the programme - all four teams are coached by foreign coaches, with their lead assistant a non-Brit as well. Whatever happened to Tony Garbelotto? Shouldn't there have been a British assistant coach for the men being groomed for the big job when Finch moved on? Damian Jennings is the obvious candidate for the women, but there's still every chance next year that (at least) three of the four head coaches will be non-Brits. Although I'm beginning to turn into John Amaechi, that's a pretty damning indictment after six years.

There's been a lot written about the money spent on training camps and hotels etc. it's hard to judge whether it was spent well without having been there. The camp in Houston this year seems like a lot of money to spend, but with EuroBasket qualifying not starting until next week, it was the only way of getting decent opposition at that stage of the summer. We could probably have done with longer together as a team before the Olympics anyway, but if we'd stayed in England, there wouldn't have been anyone worth playing. But the amount of money spent on non-coaching personnel really needs looking at. There are three people on the GB website listed a having "performance" in their title - and that's not counting Tim Lewis because his real title should be video co-ordinator - seriously what are they all doing? Warwick Cann provides a link between the England junior teams and GB, he does get out a lot and watches a lot of games, but it's arguable whether it's a full-time job in November or December. Ron Wutella (who I have a lot of time for) has seen his role shrink, he's now part-time and dealing with the players in America. I don't know what his terms and conditions are, but that doesn't seem like a very big job and in the days of modern communication it's not as if he needs to be the States.

And then there's the Performance Director - a man who's never played or coached basketball at any proper level. I've coached one EBL D1 game (I may have mentioned this in the past), that's one more than he'll ever do and I just can't see how someone with no background in basketball could be the best man for the job. Even if you ignore that, they appeared to have two and half men doing what is basically one job. He really can't be that busy if he's trying to write the game reports from the bench during games - and yes, there is obviously a bit of an issue between us, but that doesn't change the basic facts.

I could ignore the chronic waste of money but the farce about places in the Olympic Village and bench really tops it - and I'll admit to being seriously angry about this. After Poland 2009 there was serious consideration given to firing Finch and bringing someone else in. Maybe they couldn't get who they wanted or maybe they just didn't think they could justify it after what he'd done (and we had been placed in the group of death), but in the end the decision was made to stick with him and they appoint Paul Modeski as an assistant coach. He's good, I've talked to him and talked to people who've talked to him, and he knows his stuff. He's played and coached in the NBA and his role was much more than just being a big-man coach. So where was he during the Olympics? Staying in a hotel outside the Village and sitting ten rows back in the stand, rather than being on the bench.

Meanwhile, Damian Jennings was doing likewise for the women while Spice and Ron W sit on the bench. Unbelievable. I can just about understand Ron being there, he's coached at college level in the States and could conceivably bring something to a game situation - and the women had three coaches, even if they chose the wrong second assistant thanks to a Facebook campaign by people who think they should pick the team based on who wins the women's league. But to have only two coaches for the men, and leave arguably the most experienced of the three in the stand so a bloke who's never coached a game in his life beggars belief. The ego truly landed when it came to the crunch.
The lack of interest in building a fan-base for OUR national was also clear. Whether it was the invitation-only games at Cobham when they should've been taking them to Guildford (or elsewhere). But it was just never there. I guess the money was irrelevant in the big scheme of things, and once again it comes back to the lack of any real wish to build a legacy. Let's be honest the GB Supporters' Club exists in spite rather than because of the efforts of GB Basketball. I'm not being unfair, here, look at the farce over tickets in Lithuania, it made their lack of interest in the fans pretty obvious. Which if you're going to grow the game - and get to a point where home game make money - is pretty short-sighted.

I'm not totally down on the whole GB programme. It's achieved a lot in its first seven summers. But if it's going to succeed it needs to be run by people who want to grow the game in the long-term. So much has been achieved, so much more could have been.

Dave Ryan


Destination Devon For Matt Schneck - by Paul Nilsen

The UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders have signed their fifth player of the summer, and their second American, with the news that 6'8" Matt Schneck (203-C-88, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: St.Cloud St.) will be joining the club from the Cheshire Jets.

"I'm delighted that Matt will be joining the team," said Raiders head coach Gavin Love. "He's a huge impact player, a fierce competitor, a winner, and plays with real intensity. When we've matched up against him in the past, he's given us a hard time - he's very hard to stop inside, a relentless rebounder and one of the top big men in the BBL in recent years."

Last season with the Jets, Schneck averaged 16.1 points and 10.7 rebounds a game. The season before he averaged 18.3 points and 10.2 rebounds a game. With the Raiders, he will be in familiar company. Schneck will be following Colin O'Reilly in moving from the Jets to the Raiders, with Jeremy Bell making a similar move the season before. "Those guys all know each other very well," added Love. "They had a season together, and then Colin and Matt played together last year as well."

Schneck graduated from St Cloud State University in Minnesota in the summer of 2010, before moving immediately to the BBL with Cheshire.




Champions Host Six Team Pre-Season Tournament - by Paul Nilsen

Newcastle Eagles will tip-off the new season with a pre-season event at Sport Central spanning two days, Monday 10th and Tuesday 11th September 2012. The new look line up will be on show, including new signings Damon Huffman (186-G-85) at point guard and Kareem Maddox in the forward spot.

Invited teams include Sheffield Sharks, Durham Wildcats, the returning Team USA Select I and II touring teams and Eagles partner team; the newly promoted EBL Division I side Team Northumbria.

There will be six games played on two courts within the main Sport Central hall on Day One with teams playing in two groups. Day Two will see a match up game on the main show court for first, second and third placed teams from each group.

Group A will consist of the Newcastle Eagles, Sheffield Sharks and Team USA II

Group B will consist of Durham Wildcats, Team USA I and Team Northumbria.

Doors will open at 3.30pm and all games will tip off at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm with the following schedule:

Day One - Monday 10th September 2012

Group A

4pm Newcastle Eagles vs USA II

6pm USA II vs Sheffield Sharks

8pm Newcastle Eagles vs Sheffield Sharks

Group B

Team Northumbria vs USA I
USA I vs Durham

Durham vs Team Northumbria

Day Two - Tuesday 11th September 2012

Games - Main Show Court 4pm 3rd Place Group A vs 3rdPlace Group B 6pm 2nd Place Group A vs 2nd Place Group B 8pm 1st Place Group A vs 1st Place Group B


Fantazia Back In Glasgow - by Paul Nilsen

Glasgow Rocks are able to announce the (re)signing of 6'4" guard, Brice Fantazia (193-G-85, college: Culver Stockton), as he makes his return to Glasgow after a year's absence. During his first stint with the Rocks Fantazia averaged 9.8ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.9apg and shot 45.5% from the field.

Fantazia was initially part of the Glasgow Rocks 2010/11 squad and after a year away playing for Portuguese side S.C. LUSITANIA ANGRO PATRIMONIO MUNDIAL, Coach Davis decided to bring back Fantazia in an effort to strengthen his backcourt in the absence of Danny Huffor. Unfortunately, Danny Huffor acquired a season ending knee injury while he was representing the Scottish National Team in San Marino at the European Championships for Small Countries.

Fantazia will be a welcome addition to the Rocks squad and as an added bonus for Glasgow Rock fans he will no longer need a Certificate of Sponsorship to play for the franchise due to his recent acquisition of Portuguese Citizenship, giving him automatic EU membership status.

Head Coach, Sterling Davis said: "Most fans here will be familiar with Brice and what he can bring. He is a hard-nosed guard who will not back down. He spent last season playing for a very good Portuguese side and hopefully will come back with even more experience than when he left. He unfortunately dealt with a nagging injury in his debut season in a Rocks jersey, so I'm sure he will be ready to come in and show us a new side of him that he was not able to show before."

Fans will be hoping that the extra experience Fantazia has accumulated over the past few years will put him in good stead for the 2012/13 Season and that his energetic style of play will add another dimension to the Rocks offensive prowess. He is due to arrive in Glasgow on the 1st September as the Rocks prepare to start their official 2012/13 training camp on the 3rd September.



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Women News


AFROBASKET U18 Zone 5: Kenya U18 women qualified - by Eurobasket News

From Saturday 21st to Sunday 22nd July 2012, at AMAHORO Stadium held the AFROBASKET U18 Zone 5 Qualifying tournament where 2 nations took place Kenya and Rwanda the host. Rwanda got his ticket after defeating Kenya's men team in two games, on Saturday 21st July, Rwanda won the game with 68 - 29 (24-12, 20-07, 09-04, 15-06), while the women's team won the first game 54-50 (12-13, 16-20, 05-08, 21-09). Yamfasjihe Jeanne and Shyaka Olivier was the top scores of the Saturday's women and men games with 16 points and 18 Points respectively.

On Sunday, the Kenyan's ladies played with determination and they defeated Rwandan side 71 against 58 (12-20, 27-10, 15-13, 17-15). For Kenya OLUOCH T. scored 35 points and on other side Jeanne Yamfashije counted 19 points. For the second game of Men the battle started energetically high and Rwandan boys won the 1st quarter 20 - 11, the OCHIENG's boys in the second quarter looked tired and was defeated 25 - 04. During the third quarter the Kenyan boys took the battle and scored 18 against 13, and at the last quarter the Rwandan boys surprised them scoring 38 against 1 single point.

The number 9 of Rwanda, SHYAKA Olivier once again was the man of the game after scoring 22 points while the number 8 of Kenya UMA I scored 20 points.

At the end of the two days tournament, Rwanda U18 Men booked his ticket to Maputo and Kenya U18 Women got the ticket to Senegal. The best players in both categories was crowned, SHYAKA Olivier and OLUOCH T. was the MVPs of the tournament.

The AFROBASKET U18 Men 2012 is scheduled from 16th to 25th August 2012 in Mozambique and for Women the tournament is scheduled to start from 22th to 29th September 2012 in Senegal.

Courtesy of www.rwandabasket.com


*****************************************************
  ARGENTINA   


Argentina celebrates in U18 FIBA Americas debut - by Eurobasket News

U18 Argentina - U18 Colombia 56-46

Argentina had successful debut at U18 FIBA Americas for women. They handed 56-46 loss to Colombia for 1-0 record in Preliminary Group A. Participants of the same pool are also defending champion USA and Dominican Republic, but only two teams will book a spot for the Semifinals. Argentina came out strong from the start against a team from Colombia that had almost no offense in the first quarter, shooting for 13 percent from field. Magali Armesto (165-PG-95) paced her team to 16-8 lead in the first ten minutes. Argentina managed to keep the lead for rest of the way, despite Colombia came to 43-40 with 5:36 left in the game. Nine points from Micaela Sancisi (168-PG-94) in those last five minutes of play were key to giving the victory to Argentina, 56-46 against a tough Colombia squad. Magali Armesto led the winners with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Sancisi finished the game with 18 points. Argentina did not have anyone else with double digits in scoring. Colombia got 14 points and 7 boards from Laura Ramirez (94), and Diana Prens (96) stopped to 11 pts and 5 rebs. In Day Two, Argentina will meet powerful USA. Colombia will play against also winless Dominican Republic.

Argentina: Magali Armesto 20+12 boards, Micaela Sancisi 18
Colombia: Laura Ramirez 14+7 boards, Diana Prens 11+5 boards


*****************************************************
  BRAZIL   


Brazil downs Canada 56-46 in Day One of U18 FIBA Americas - by Eurobasket News

U18 Canada - U18 Brazil 46-56

Brazil had joyful Day One in Gurabo. They outplayed Canada 56-46 in their debut at U18 FIBA Americas for women. Thanks to this win Brazil jumped to 1-0 record in Preliminary Group B, which also includes two more teams - Mexico and host Puerto Rico. Canada had 19-8 lead after ten minutes and jumped to 29-12 at the beginning of Q2. Brazilians immediately woke up after that and responded with 12-2 run cutting the margin to 7 points until the halftime. The South Americans opened Q3 with another 6-0 run to take a 32-31 lead with 6:14 left in the period. Later, Brazil had 38-36 with ten minutes remaining. During the last quarter Brazil made crucial 13-2 run which allowed them to take the victory at the end. Maria Fonseca (179-F-94) was the leading scorer in victory with 14 points (5 rebounds). Thamara Silva (187-C-94) (12 rebs) and Isabela Lyra (7 rebs) added 11 points each. In defeat, Samantha Cooper (185-G/F) was better than the others with 9 points and 8 rebounds, while Sarah-Jane Marois (168-G) was behind her with 7 pts. In Day Two, Brazil will take on Mexico, while Canada will play against Puerto Rico.

Canada: Samantha Cooper 9+8 boards, Sarah-Jane Marois 7
Brazil: Maria Fonseca 14+5 boards, Thamara Silva 11+12 boards, Isabela Lyra 11+7 boards


*****************************************************
  BULGARIA   


Dunav brings in Margarita Ilieva - by Eurobasket News

Dunav reinforced its roster under the basket. The reigning Bulgarian champion penned a deal with center Margarita Ilieva (189-C-88, agency: Promotex). The 24-year-old player arrives to the club from Beroe, where she spent last season. She appeared 24 times in NBL averaging 4.2 points and 3.8 rebounds. Before Beroe, the center spent one year with Lukoil Neftochimik. The team was Bulgarian league champion and Ilieva helped them with 3.3 ppg, plus 2.1 rpg for 11 games. She played for Lukoil also from 2005 to 2009. They won two more championship titles in the country (2006, 2009), plus they grabbed Cup trophy in 2008. In 2009/10 season, Margarita Ilieva played for Italian team Passalacqua Spedizioni Ragusa. They competed in Italian second division for women. In the past, Ilieva was a member of U20 and U18 Bulgarian NT.


*****************************************************
  CANADA   


Brazil downs Canada 56-46 in Day One of U18 FIBA Americas - by Eurobasket News

U18 Canada - U18 Brazil 46-56

Brazil had joyful Day One in Gurabo. They outplayed Canada 56-46 in their debut at U18 FIBA Americas for women. Thanks to this win Brazil jumped to 1-0 record in Preliminary Group B, which also includes two more teams - Mexico and host Puerto Rico. Canada had 19-8 lead after ten minutes and jumped to 29-12 at the beginning of Q2. Brazilians immediately woke up after that and responded with 12-2 run cutting the margin to 7 points until the halftime. The South Americans opened Q3 with another 6-0 run to take a 32-31 lead with 6:14 left in the period. Later, Brazil had 38-36 with ten minutes remaining. During the last quarter Brazil made crucial 13-2 run which allowed them to take the victory at the end. Maria Fonseca (179-F-94) was the leading scorer in victory with 14 points (5 rebounds). Thamara Silva (187-C-94) (12 rebs) and Isabela Lyra (7 rebs) added 11 points each. In defeat, Samantha Cooper (185-G/F) was better than the others with 9 points and 8 rebounds, while Sarah-Jane Marois (168-G) was behind her with 7 pts. In Day Two, Brazil will take on Mexico, while Canada will play against Puerto Rico.

Canada: Samantha Cooper 9+8 boards, Sarah-Jane Marois 7
Brazil: Maria Fonseca 14+5 boards, Thamara Silva 11+12 boards, Isabela Lyra 11+7 boards


Canada JWNT DROPS OPENING GAME AT FIBA AMERICAS U18 - by John Gary

courtesy basketball.ca In Canadas opening game of the FIBA Americas U 18 championchip for women, Canada had a difficult time scoring in the second half which led to their loss against Brazil 56-46. Canadas scoring was led by Samantha Cooper , who had nine points,while adding eight rebounds and two assits. Taiijah Campbell,scored six points and added a team high eleven rebounds in the loss. In the opening quater, Canada came out strong. Canada opened the game on a 14-2 run to gain the upper hand over Brazil. Canada finished the quater with a 19-8 lead. Sarah JANE MARSES led Canada with five points in the opening frame.


*****************************************************
  COLOMBIA   


Argentina celebrates in U18 FIBA Americas debut - by Eurobasket News

U18 Argentina - U18 Colombia 56-46

Argentina had successful debut at U18 FIBA Americas for women. They handed 56-46 loss to Colombia for 1-0 record in Preliminary Group A. Participants of the same pool are also defending champion USA and Dominican Republic, but only two teams will book a spot for the Semifinals. Argentina came out strong from the start against a team from Colombia that had almost no offense in the first quarter, shooting for 13 percent from field. Magali Armesto (165-PG-95) paced her team to 16-8 lead in the first ten minutes. Argentina managed to keep the lead for rest of the way, despite Colombia came to 43-40 with 5:36 left in the game. Nine points from Micaela Sancisi (168-PG-94) in those last five minutes of play were key to giving the victory to Argentina, 56-46 against a tough Colombia squad. Magali Armesto led the winners with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Sancisi finished the game with 18 points. Argentina did not have anyone else with double digits in scoring. Colombia got 14 points and 7 boards from Laura Ramirez (94), and Diana Prens (96) stopped to 11 pts and 5 rebs. In Day Two, Argentina will meet powerful USA. Colombia will play against also winless Dominican Republic.

Argentina: Magali Armesto 20+12 boards, Micaela Sancisi 18
Colombia: Laura Ramirez 14+7 boards, Diana Prens 11+5 boards


*****************************************************
  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


USA starts U18 FIBA Americas title defense in style - by Eurobasket News

U18 Dominican Republic - U18 USA 26-99

First games of U18 FIBA Americas in Gurabo were played last night. USA is placed to Group A together with Dominican Republic, Argentina and Colombia. In the opening game USA demonstrated its power against Dominican Republic 99-26 for 1-0 record in the group. The North Americans got off to an erratic start on offense, shooting only 29 percent from the field in the first quarter. That resulted with 13-15 for Dominicans after 10 minutes of play. However, USA took control on its rival after that making huge 31-4 in the second period. They continued with 33-5 after the breather and 20-4 in the last quarter for the final 99-26 victory. Morgan Tuck (188-F-94) led the winners with 23 points. Breanna Stewart (191-F/C-94) had 14 and Candice Agee (198-C-94) helped with 11 points. In the loosing squad, Cheisy Hernandez (94) answered with 9 pts. Today, USA will meet Argentina, while Dominican Republic will take on Colombia. Two best teams from Group A will advance to the Semifinals.

Dominican Republic: Cheisy Hernandez 9
USA: Morgan Tuck 23, Breanna Stewart 14, Candice Agee 11


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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20   

W-Standings - Group A

Standings
Group A
1. Spain1-0
2. Lithuania1-0
3. Latvia0-1
4. Belarus0-1
Group B
1. Holland1-0
2. Sweden1-0
3. Poland0-1
4. Italy0-1
Group C
1. France1-0
2. Turkey1-0
3. Ukraine0-1
4. Portugal0-1
Group D
1. Russia1-0
2. Serbia1-0
3. Slovakia0-1
4. U.Kingdom0-1

Preliminary Round: Round 1

A

Aug. 16: LTU - LAT 71-66
Aug. 16: BLR - ESP 39-73

B

Aug. 16: NED - ITA 72-67
Aug. 16: SWE - POL 56-54

C

Aug. 16: UKR - TUR 61-86
Aug. 16: POR - FRA 33-55

D

Aug. 16: SVK - SRB 67-68 OT
Aug. 16: ENG - RUS 49-55

Preliminary Round: Round 2

A

Aug. 17: LAT - BLR
Aug. 17: ESP - LTU

B

Aug. 17: ITA - SWE
Aug. 17: POL - NED

C

Aug. 17: TUR - POR
Aug. 17: FRA - UKR

D

Aug. 17: RUS - SVK
Aug. 17: SRB - ENG


Stats Leaders (Women)

Points Per Game
 Alina IAGUPOVA
  (186-G-92)
  Avg: 22
 1. Iagupova, UKR22.0 
 2. Abdi, SWE21.0 
 3. Druskyte, LTU18.0 
 4. Bridina, LAT18.0 
 5. Zietara, POL16.0 
 6. Chek, UKR15.0 
 7. Grigalauskyt., LTU14.0 
 8. Zahui, SWE13.0 
 9. Kavurmaciogl., TUR13.0 
 10. Rozenberga, LAT12.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Amanda ZAHUI
  (190-C-93)
  Avg: 12
 1. Zahui, SWE12.0 
 2. Druskyte, LTU11.0 
 3. Kavurmaciogl., TUR9.0 
 4. Grigalauskyt., LTU9.0 
 5. Naumenko, UKR8.0 
 6. Preskienyte, LTU8.0 
 7. Rozenberga, LAT8.0 
 8. Svaryte, LTU7.0 
 9. Almeida, POR7.0 
 10. Iagupova, UKR7.0 
Assists Per Game
 Olcay CAKIR
  (180-PG-93)
  Avg: 4
 1. Cakir, TUR4.0 
 2. Iagupova, UKR3.0 
 3. Saurazaite, LTU3.0 
 4. Sezer, TUR3.0 
 5. Guler, TUR3.0 
 6. Druskyte, LTU3.0 
 7. Cora, TUR3.0 
 8. Bridina, LAT2.0 
 9. Rozenberga, LAT2.0 
 10. Grigalauskyt., LTU2.0 
Steals Per Game
 Kornelija VALIUSKYTE
  LTU
  (172-G-92)
  Avg: 6
 1. Valiuskyte, LTU6.0 
 2. Zahui, SWE6.0 
 3. Okockyte, LTU4.0 
 4. Iagupova, UKR3.0 
 5. Cakir, TUR3.0 
 6. Domingues, POR3.0 
 7. Druskyte, LTU3.0 
 8. Drammeh, SWE3.0 
 9. Naumenko, UKR2.0 
 10. Zietara, POL2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Clementine SAMSON
  (181-G/F-91)
  Avg: 1
 1. Samson, FRA1.0 
 2. Faustino, POR1.0 
 3. Chek, UKR1.0 
 4. Kavurmaciogl., TUR0.0 
 5. Jakobsone, LAT0.0 
 6. Iagupova, UKR0.0 
 7. Valiuskyte, LTU0.0 
 8. Holmqvist, SWE0.0 
 9. Tkach, UKR0.0 
 10. Gunay, TUR0.0 


Standings Div.B (Women) - by Charles Ramsdell

Standings Div.B
1. Czech Rep.1-0
2. Germany1-0
3. Greece1-0
4. Hungary1-0
5. Switzerlan.0-0
6. Belgium0-1
7. Bulgaria0-1
8. Israel0-1
9. Romania0-1

Preliminary Round: Round 1

Aug. 16: GER - ROM 95-66
Aug. 16: ISR - HUN 64-70
Aug. 16: BEL - CZE 60-66
Aug. 16: GRE - BUL 55-48

Preliminary Round: Round 2

Aug. 17: BUL - BEL
Aug. 17: ROM - GRE
Aug. 17: CZE - ISR
Aug. 17: SUI - GER



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  FIBA AMERICAS U18   

Standings (Women)

Standings
Group A
1. Canada4-1
2. Chile2-1
3. Mexico1-4
4. Costa Rica.0-3
Group B
1. USA5-0
2. Brazil4-1
3. Argentina2-3
4. P.Rico1-4

Preliminary Round: Round 2

A

Aug. 16: USA - ARG 68-28
Aug. 16: COL - DOM 47-40

B

Aug. 16: CAN - PUR 58-43
Aug. 16: MEX - BRA 31-62

Preliminary Round: Round 3

A

Aug. 17: DOM - ARG
Aug. 17: COL - USA

B

Aug. 17: MEX - CAN
Aug. 17: PUR - BRA


Day One in Gurabo - by Eurobasket News

GROUP A

U18 Dominican Republic - U18 USA 26-99
First games of U18 FIBA Americas in Gurabo were played last night. USA is placed to Group A together with Dominican Republic, Argentina and Colombia. In the opening game USA demonstrated its power against Dominican Republic 99-26 for 1-0 record in the group. The North Americans got off to an erratic start on offense, shooting only 29 percent from the field in the first quarter. That resulted with 13-15 for Dominicans after 10 minutes of play. However, USA took control on its rival after that making huge 31-4 in the second period. They continued with 33-5 after the breather and 20-4 in the last quarter for the final 99-26 victory. Morgan Tuck (188-F-94) led the winners with 23 points. Breanna Stewart (191-F/C-94) had 14 and Candice Agee (198-C-94) helped with 11 points. In the loosing squad, Cheisy Hernandez (94) answered with 9 pts. Today, USA will meet Argentina, while Dominican Republic will take on Colombia. Two best teams from Group A will advance to the Semifinals.

Dominican Republic: Cheisy Hernandez 9
USA: Morgan Tuck 23, Breanna Stewart 14, Candice Agee 11


U18 Argentina - U18 Colombia 56-46
Argentina had successful debut at U18 FIBA Americas for women. They handed 56-46 loss to Colombia for 1-0 record in Preliminary Group A. Participants of the same pool are also defending champion USA and Dominican Republic, but only two teams will book a spot for the Semifinals. Argentina came out strong from the start against a team from Colombia that had almost no offense in the first quarter, shooting for 13 percent from field. Magali Armesto (165-PG-95) paced her team to 16-8 lead in the first ten minutes. Argentina managed to keep the lead for rest of the way, despite Colombia came to 43-40 with 5:36 left in the game. Nine points from Micaela Sancisi (168-PG-94) in those last five minutes of play were key to giving the victory to Argentina, 56-46 against a tough Colombia squad. Magali Armesto led the winners with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Sancisi finished the game with 18 points. Argentina did not have anyone else with double digits in scoring. Colombia got 14 points and 7 boards from Laura Ramirez (94), and Diana Prens (96) stopped to 11 pts and 5 rebs. In Day Two, Argentina will meet powerful USA. Colombia will play against also winless Dominican Republic.

Argentina: Magali Armesto 20+12 boards, Micaela Sancisi 18
Colombia: Laura Ramirez 14+7 boards, Diana Prens 11+5 boards


GROUP B

U18 Puerto Rico - U18 Mexico 51-48
Puerto Rico grabbed 51-48 win in the opening day of U18 FIBA Americas championship in Gurabo. The host of this event now has 1-0 record in Group B. Yesterday, Brazil downed Canada 56-46 also in this pool. Claudia Ortiz (96) scored 13 points for Puerto Rico in victory and Roxairaly Rivera helped with 11 points. Aleana Leon (96) followed them with 8 points and 8 boards. At the other side, Mexico got 13 points from Daniela Pardo and 11 pts, plus 10 boards from Maria Faz (95). Maria Morales (95) netted 9 pts in this loss. It was a very exciting meeting and Puerto Rico was focused in the finish to take the victory. Quarters: 16-18, 22-10, 4-10, 9-10. In Day Two, Puerto Rico will meet Canada. Mexico will take on Brazil.

Puerto Rico: Claudia Ortiz 13, Roxairaly Rivera 11, Aleana Leon 8+8 boards
Mexico: Daniela Pardo 13, Maria Faz 11+10 boards, Maria Morales 9


U18 Canada - U18 Brazil 46-56
Brazil had joyful Day One in Gurabo. They outplayed Canada 56-46 in their debut at U18 FIBA Americas for women. Thanks to this win Brazil jumped to 1-0 record in Preliminary Group B, which also includes two more teams - Mexico and host Puerto Rico. Canada had 19-8 lead after ten minutes and jumped to 29-12 at the beginning of Q2. Brazilians immediately woke up after that and responded with 12-2 run cutting the margin to 7 points until the halftime. The South Americans opened Q3 with another 6-0 run to take a 32-31 lead with 6:14 left in the period. Later, Brazil had 38-36 with ten minutes remaining. During the last quarter Brazil made crucial 13-2 run which allowed them to take the victory at the end. Maria Fonseca (179-F-94) was the leading scorer in victory with 14 points (5 rebounds). Thamara Silva (187-C-94) (12 rebs) and Isabela Lyra (7 rebs) added 11 points each. In defeat, Samantha Cooper (185-G/F) was better than the others with 9 points and 8 rebounds, while Sarah-Jane Marois (168-G) was behind her with 7 pts. In Day Two, Brazil will take on Mexico, while Canada will play against Puerto Rico.

Canada: Samantha Cooper 9+8 boards, Sarah-Jane Marois 7
Brazil: Maria Fonseca 14+5 boards, Thamara Silva 11+12 boards, Isabela Lyra 11+7 boards


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


U20 France shines in Day One in Debrecen - by Eurobasket News

U20 PORTUGAL - U20 FRANCE 33-55

France had a joyful Day One at U20 EuroBasket in Debrecen. They blasted Portugal 55-33 for 1-0 record in Preliminary Group C. Turkey and Ukraine are also placed to this pool and three teams will book a spot for the next stage. The last ranked country will fight for the survival in Division A. France took control on its rival in the second period and never looked back after that. Quarters: 12-13, 12-6, 12-8, 19-6. Sara Chevaugeon (177-G-93) led the scorers in victory with 12 points and Adja Konteh (173-G/F-92) helped with 8. In defeat, Almeida collected 6 points and 7 rebounds. Ines Faustino (170-G-92) and Daniela Domingues (176-G/F-92) also posted 6 pts apiece. In Day Two, France will play against Ukraine. Portugal's Rival will be Turkey.

Portugal: Almeida 6+7 boards, Ines Faustino 6, Daniela Domingues 6
France: Sara Chevaugeon 12, Adja Konteh 8


*****************************************************
  KENYA   


AFROBASKET U18 Zone 5: Kenya U18 women qualified - by Eurobasket News

From Saturday 21st to Sunday 22nd July 2012, at AMAHORO Stadium held the AFROBASKET U18 Zone 5 Qualifying tournament where 2 nations took place Kenya and Rwanda the host. Rwanda got his ticket after defeating Kenya's men team in two games, on Saturday 21st July, Rwanda won the game with 68 - 29 (24-12, 20-07, 09-04, 15-06), while the women's team won the first game 54-50 (12-13, 16-20, 05-08, 21-09). Yamfasjihe Jeanne and Shyaka Olivier was the top scores of the Saturday's women and men games with 16 points and 18 Points respectively.

On Sunday, the Kenyan's ladies played with determination and they defeated Rwandan side 71 against 58 (12-20, 27-10, 15-13, 17-15). For Kenya OLUOCH T. scored 35 points and on other side Jeanne Yamfashije counted 19 points. For the second game of Men the battle started energetically high and Rwandan boys won the 1st quarter 20 - 11, the OCHIENG's boys in the second quarter looked tired and was defeated 25 - 04. During the third quarter the Kenyan boys took the battle and scored 18 against 13, and at the last quarter the Rwandan boys surprised them scoring 38 against 1 single point.

The number 9 of Rwanda, SHYAKA Olivier once again was the man of the game after scoring 22 points while the number 8 of Kenya UMA I scored 20 points.

At the end of the two days tournament, Rwanda U18 Men booked his ticket to Maputo and Kenya U18 Women got the ticket to Senegal. The best players in both categories was crowned, SHYAKA Olivier and OLUOCH T. was the MVPs of the tournament.

The AFROBASKET U18 Men 2012 is scheduled from 16th to 25th August 2012 in Mozambique and for Women the tournament is scheduled to start from 22th to 29th September 2012 in Senegal.

Courtesy of www.rwandabasket.com


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  LATVIA   


U20 EuroBasket: Lithuania beats Latvia 71-66 in Day One - by Eurobasket News

U20 LITHUANIA - U20 LATVIA 71-66

Lithuania celebrated in Day One of U20 EuroBasket in Debrecen. They handed 71-66 loss to Latvia in Baltic derby. Both teams are placed to Preliminary Group A together with Spain and Belarus. Three teams will advance to the second stage. Kriste Druskyte (179-G/F-92) was a key player in victory with double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds (valuation 25, MVP). Monika Grigalauskyte (190-PF-92) had 14 points and 9 boards, while Santa Okockyte (176-PG-92) added 12 pts. In the loosing squad, Krista Bridina (174-PG-94) answered with 18 points. Dita Rozenberga (181-F-92) (8 rebs) and Renate Reine (176-G-94) followed her with 12 points each. It was a very exciting meeting and Lithuania had minimum lead (67-66) with 2:44 remaining. Grigalauskyte made lay up after that and both teams were scoreless for almost 2 minutes. Druskyte sealed the victory for Lithuania with two free throws, while Latvia committed a turnover in their last possession. Quarters: 21-18, 15-16, 16-19, 19-13. Lithuania will meet Spain in Day Two. Latvia will take on Belarus.

Lithuania: Kriste Druskyte 18+11 boards, Monika Grigalauskyte 14+9 boards, Santa Okockyte 12
Latvia: Krista Bridina 18, Dita Rozenberga 12+8 boards, Renate Reine 12


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


U20 EuroBasket: Lithuania beats Latvia 71-66 in Day One - by Eurobasket News

U20 LITHUANIA - U20 LATVIA 71-66

Lithuania celebrated in Day One of U20 EuroBasket in Debrecen. They handed 71-66 loss to Latvia in Baltic derby. Both teams are placed to Preliminary Group A together with Spain and Belarus. Three teams will advance to the second stage. Kriste Druskyte (179-G/F-92) was a key player in victory with double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds (valuation 25, MVP). Monika Grigalauskyte (190-PF-92) had 14 points and 9 boards, while Santa Okockyte (176-PG-92) added 12 pts. In the loosing squad, Krista Bridina (174-PG-94) answered with 18 points. Dita Rozenberga (181-F-92) (8 rebs) and Renate Reine (176-G-94) followed her with 12 points each. It was a very exciting meeting and Lithuania had minimum lead (67-66) with 2:44 remaining. Grigalauskyte made lay up after that and both teams were scoreless for almost 2 minutes. Druskyte sealed the victory for Lithuania with two free throws, while Latvia committed a turnover in their last possession. Quarters: 21-18, 15-16, 16-19, 19-13. Lithuania will meet Spain in Day Two. Latvia will take on Belarus.

Lithuania: Kriste Druskyte 18+11 boards, Monika Grigalauskyte 14+9 boards, Santa Okockyte 12
Latvia: Krista Bridina 18, Dita Rozenberga 12+8 boards, Renate Reine 12


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  MALI   


Mali U17 National Team 2012 - by Simas

Mali U17 National Team 2012
4 Fanta Djre 165-PG-96 CAT Mali
5 Astan Soumare 167-PG-96 Commune Mali
6 Djeneba N'Diaye 165-PG-97
7 Mariam Maiga 169-G-96 CAT Mali
8 Aissata Fomba 175-G-95
9 Safiatou Drave 170-F-96 CAT Mali
10 Mariam Kone 172-F-97 Commune Mali
11 Korotoumou Konare 172-G-96 Commune Mali
12 Christine Dakouo 178-PF-96 Commune Mali
13 Oumou Konta 181-C-97
14 Awa Keita 182-C-96 Commune Mali
15 Maimouna Diallo 180-C-95 Real Mali
Kadidiatou Traore 95
Djeneba Coulibaly 95
Aminata Diop
Mariam Camara



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


Puerto Rico opens U18 FIBA Americas with 51-48 win over Mexico - by Eurobasket News

U18 Puerto Rico - U18 Mexico 51-48

Puerto Rico grabbed 51-48 win in the opening day of U18 FIBA Americas championship in Gurabo. The host of this event now has 1-0 record in Group B. Yesterday, Brazil downed Canada 56-46 also in this pool. Claudia Ortiz (96) scored 13 points for Puerto Rico in victory and Roxairaly Rivera helped with 11 points. Aleana Leon (96) followed them with 8 points and 8 boards. At the other side, Mexico got 13 points from Daniela Pardo and 11 pts, plus 10 boards from Maria Faz (95). Maria Morales (95) netted 9 pts in this loss. It was a very exciting meeting and Puerto Rico was focused in the finish to take the victory. Quarters: 16-18, 22-10, 4-10, 9-10. In Day Two, Puerto Rico will meet Canada. Mexico will take on Brazil.

Puerto Rico: Claudia Ortiz 13, Roxairaly Rivera 11, Aleana Leon 8+8 boards
Mexico: Daniela Pardo 13, Maria Faz 11+10 boards, Maria Morales 9


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


USA starts U18 FIBA Americas title defense in style - by Eurobasket News

U18 Dominican Republic - U18 USA 26-99

First games of U18 FIBA Americas in Gurabo were played last night. USA is placed to Group A together with Dominican Republic, Argentina and Colombia. In the opening game USA demonstrated its power against Dominican Republic 99-26 for 1-0 record in the group. The North Americans got off to an erratic start on offense, shooting only 29 percent from the field in the first quarter. That resulted with 13-15 for Dominicans after 10 minutes of play. However, USA took control on its rival after that making huge 31-4 in the second period. They continued with 33-5 after the breather and 20-4 in the last quarter for the final 99-26 victory. Morgan Tuck (188-F-94) led the winners with 23 points. Breanna Stewart (191-F/C-94) had 14 and Candice Agee (198-C-94) helped with 11 points. In the loosing squad, Cheisy Hernandez (94) answered with 9 pts. Today, USA will meet Argentina, while Dominican Republic will take on Colombia. Two best teams from Group A will advance to the Semifinals.

Dominican Republic: Cheisy Hernandez 9
USA: Morgan Tuck 23, Breanna Stewart 14, Candice Agee 11


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


Sweden grabs tiny win against Poland to start U20 EuroBasket - by Eurobasket News

U20 SWEDEN - U20 POLAND 56-54

Sweden grabbed 56-54 win against Poland at the beginning of U20 EuroBasket in Debrecin. Amanda Zahui (190-C-93) made a basket for Sweden setting the score to 54-51 with 26 seconds remaining in the game and Martyna Stelmach (187-F/C-92) answered with lay-up 16 seconds later. Sweden had the possession and Drammeh was sent to the line making both free throws. Poland had the ball with 9 seconds left, but Sweden quickly fouled Magdalena Zietara (170-G/F-92), who missed first and scored second FT. Sweden called a time-out and after that managed to keep the ball for rest of the way. Farhiya Abdi (188-F-92) stepped up for the winners with 21 points and Zahui added 13 points, plus 12 rebounds. Binta Drammeh (180-F-92) netted 8 points in this victory. Poland got 16 points from Zietara, while Marta Martyna Stelmach collected 14 points and 7 rebounds. Poland did not have any other player with double digits in scoring. Quarters: 17-18, 11-12, 12-12, 16-12. Sweden will meet Italy on Friday, while Poland will play against Dutch NT. All teams are placed to Group B.

Sweden: Farhiya Abdi 21, Amanda Zahui 13+12 boards, Binta Drammeh 8
Poland: Magdalena Zietara 16, Martyna Stelmach 14+7 boards


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


U20 France shines in Day One in Debrecen - by Eurobasket News

U20 PORTUGAL - U20 FRANCE 33-55

France had a joyful Day One at U20 EuroBasket in Debrecen. They blasted Portugal 55-33 for 1-0 record in Preliminary Group C. Turkey and Ukraine are also placed to this pool and three teams will book a spot for the next stage. The last ranked country will fight for the survival in Division A. France took control on its rival in the second period and never looked back after that. Quarters: 12-13, 12-6, 12-8, 19-6. Sara Chevaugeon (177-G-93) led the scorers in victory with 12 points and Adja Konteh (173-G/F-92) helped with 8. In defeat, Almeida collected 6 points and 7 rebounds. Ines Faustino (170-G-92) and Daniela Domingues (176-G/F-92) also posted 6 pts apiece. In Day Two, France will play against Ukraine. Portugal's Rival will be Turkey.

Portugal: Almeida 6+7 boards, Ines Faustino 6, Daniela Domingues 6
France: Sara Chevaugeon 12, Adja Konteh 8


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


Puerto Rico opens U18 FIBA Americas with 51-48 win over Mexico - by Eurobasket News

U18 Puerto Rico - U18 Mexico 51-48

Puerto Rico grabbed 51-48 win in the opening day of U18 FIBA Americas championship in Gurabo. The host of this event now has 1-0 record in Group B. Yesterday, Brazil downed Canada 56-46 also in this pool. Claudia Ortiz (96) scored 13 points for Puerto Rico in victory and Roxairaly Rivera helped with 11 points. Aleana Leon (96) followed them with 8 points and 8 boards. At the other side, Mexico got 13 points from Daniela Pardo and 11 pts, plus 10 boards from Maria Faz (95). Maria Morales (95) netted 9 pts in this loss. It was a very exciting meeting and Puerto Rico was focused in the finish to take the victory. Quarters: 16-18, 22-10, 4-10, 9-10. In Day Two, Puerto Rico will meet Canada. Mexico will take on Brazil.

Puerto Rico: Claudia Ortiz 13, Roxairaly Rivera 11, Aleana Leon 8+8 boards
Mexico: Daniela Pardo 13, Maria Faz 11+10 boards, Maria Morales 9


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  ROMANIA   


Alexia Adams joins Nova Vita Targu Mures - by Eurobasket News

Alexia Adams (163-PG-86, college: Albany St.) stays in Romania for the next season. The American point guard signed a 1-year deal with Nova Vita Targu Mures. She arrives to the club from CSM Oradea. Adams joined Oradea in January averaging 5.7 points and 2.4 rebounds for 21 games. She started the season with another Romanian team - Sportul Studentesc Omnilogic Bucuresti. There the American had 3.5 ppg and 1.9 rpg for 13 appearances. Alexia Adams is a product of Albany State University, where she graduated four years ago. They competed in NCAA2 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. In 2010, Adams played pro ball for the WBCBL team Savannah Lady Warriors.
Two days ago Targu Mures signed young Beatrice Alaiba (183-F-91). In 2011-2012 for Politehnica National Iasi (D1, starting five) she averaged 5.5ppg, 2.7rpg, FGP: 27.4%, 3PT: 26.9%, FT: 68.5%.


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  RWANDA   


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy of www.rwandabasket.com


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  SERBIA   


Mladi Krajisnik signs Marina Markovic - by Tamara Ruzic

Serbian Marina Markovic (181-G/F-91) is heading to Mladi Krajisnik. The 21- year old guard/forward is going for the fist time abroad, after a season spent in Radivoj Korac. She also played for Hemofarm and Kovin. For Radivoj Korac, Markovic played 17 games in Adriatic League averaging 17 min, 6.4 pts, 3.5 reb and 0.7 ass. She was member of the youth national team, where she took 4th place in European Championship last season for U 20 .





Milana Zivadinovic signed with Mladi Krajisnik - by Tamara Ruzic

Mladi Krajisnik is very active on the transfer market. They bring one more player from Serbia. The Bosnian squad penned 1-year deals with Milana Zivadinovic (179-G-91). The guard spent last season with Vojvodina from Novi Sad. She also played for Red Star and Radivoj Korac from Belgrade. In Adriatic league Zivadinovic in 17 games was averaging 8.4 pts 2.8 ass, 1.5 steals. Last summer, Zivadinovic was member of the U20 national team.


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  SLOVAKIA   


Luboslav Kovalsky is new Head Coach of Poprad - by Eurobasket News

ZBK Whirlpool Poprad will have a new Head Coach for the upcoming season. The team decided to promote its assistant coach Luboslav Kovalsky . It will be his first head coaching experience. Kovalsky served as assistant coach in Poprad last season and he was their General Manager in the past. Poprad reached Slovakian Cup Finals this year. This summer Kovalsky also took over Slovakian U16 National Team.
ZBK Whirlpool Poprad also announced that Katarina Polakova (180-F-79) will be their Assistant Coach next season. It will be her first coaching experience. Polakova played for Poprad last season, but she appeared just twice in Extraliga. She played for Poprad also in the past.


Spisska Nova Ves ink Zatloukalova - by Barbora Stuchlikova

SKBD Rucon Spisska Nova Ves signed 23-year-old center Marketa Zatloukalova (190-C-89) from Czech Republic. Zatloukalova has practised with the team for 10 days without a contract. Nevertheless, with her performance she persuaded the club to signing a two-year deal with the player. Zatloukalova spent four seasons at Valosun KP Brno. Previous year she played just in 8 games and averaged 2,6 points and 3,8 rebounds.
Zatloukalova was also a member of Czech U20 National team in 2009 in Poland. There she averaged 3,7 points and 2,2 rebounds per game.
Thanks to signing with Spisska Nova Ves, Zatloukalova will have an opportunity to play against her former team as Brno as well as Spissna Nova Ves are going to participate in CEWL and were drawn in the group B with BC ICIM Arad and DSK Basketball Karlin.


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  SOUTH KOREA   


South Korean U17 National Team 2012 - by Simas

South Korean U17 National Team 2012
An Heji 97
Kim Heejin 95
Kim Hyewon 96
Kim Jiseon 95
Kim Sion 95
Kim Yeonhee 95
Kim Yeonhee 95
Lee Haeun 96
Lee Min Ji 95
Lee Rurira 95
Lee Seonyoung 95
Park Jinhui 96
Park Jieun 95
Park Jinhui 96
Seo Subin 95
Shin Jihyun 95
Yang Eunju 95
Yang Inyoung 95



*****************************************************
  SWEDEN   


Sweden grabs tiny win against Poland to start U20 EuroBasket - by Eurobasket News

U20 SWEDEN - U20 POLAND 56-54

Sweden grabbed 56-54 win against Poland at the beginning of U20 EuroBasket in Debrecin. Amanda Zahui (190-C-93) made a basket for Sweden setting the score to 54-51 with 26 seconds remaining in the game and Martyna Stelmach (187-F/C-92) answered with lay-up 16 seconds later. Sweden had the possession and Drammeh was sent to the line making both free throws. Poland had the ball with 9 seconds left, but Sweden quickly fouled Magdalena Zietara (170-G/F-92), who missed first and scored second FT. Sweden called a time-out and after that managed to keep the ball for rest of the way. Farhiya Abdi (188-F-92) stepped up for the winners with 21 points and Zahui added 13 points, plus 12 rebounds. Binta Drammeh (180-F-92) netted 8 points in this victory. Poland got 16 points from Zietara, while Marta Martyna Stelmach collected 14 points and 7 rebounds. Poland did not have any other player with double digits in scoring. Quarters: 17-18, 11-12, 12-12, 16-12. Sweden will meet Italy on Friday, while Poland will play against Dutch NT. All teams are placed to Group B.

Sweden: Farhiya Abdi 21, Amanda Zahui 13+12 boards, Binta Drammeh 8
Poland: Magdalena Zietara 16, Martyna Stelmach 14+7 boards


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


Luzern sign Ceciley Johnson - by Eurobasket News

Luzern Highfiers continued to bolster their roster. They added Ceciley Johnson (188-C-87, college: W.Texas A&M) to the squad. The centre started her pro career last season. She played for Politechnika National Iasi. Ceciley Johnson tallied 11.9 points, 12.0 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game in D1. The centre graduated from the West Texas A&M University in 2010. She notched 9.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game for the Lady Buffs in her senior season. Ceciley Johnson played at NCAA D2 Elite Eight in 2009 with the Lady Buffs.
Yesterday we wrote about another Luzern signing. The Highfliers ensured the services of Giulia Simioni for the next season.


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


U20 Turkey too strong for U20 Ukraine in Debrecin, 86-61 - by Eurobasket News

U20 UKRAINE - U20 TURKEY 61-86

Turkey demonstrated its power against Ukraine today in Debrecin. It was a Day One of U20 EuroBasket and Turkey celebrated comfortable 86-61 victory. After 21-21 tie in the first quarter, Turkey exploded with 27-14 for the next ten minutes and continued with 26-12 after the breather to secure the victory in this meeting. Last ten minutes were just the formality. Pelin Bilgic (173-G-94) paced Turkey with 21 points and 5 rebounds and Ozge Kavurmacioglu (187-F-93) helped with 13 points, plus 9 boards. Ayse Cora (175-G/F-93) and Ecem Guler (189-PF-92) netted 12 points each. At the other side, Ukraine got 22 points and 7 boards from Alina Iagupova (186-G-92, agency: LBM Management). Oleksandra Chek (191-C-93, agency: New Trend Agency) collected 15 pts and 7 rebs for 18 minutes on the court. Both teams are placed to Group C, where their rivals are also France and Portugal. Three teams will advance to the next stage. On Friday, Turkey will play against Portugal, while Ukraine will meet France.

Ukraine: Alina Iagupova 22+7 boards, Oleksandra Chek 15+7 boards
Turkey: Pelin Bilgic 21+5 boards, Ozge Kavurmacioglu 13+9 boards, Ayse Cora 12, Ecem Guler 12


Canik Belediyesi signs Nihan Anaz - by Eurobasket News

Nihan Anaz (172-G/F-79) is a new member of Canik Belediyesi. The Turkish forward signed a deal for the next season. Anaz arrives to the club from Besiktas CT, where she spent 2011/12. She appeared 19 times with them in TKBL averaging 2.2 points. The player had 2.9 ppg for 7 EuroCup appearances. It is expected that Anaz will have much bigger playing time with Canik. Before Besiktas, Nihan Anaz spent one year with Galatasaray. There she had 4.3 ppg for 26 games in Turkey. In Euroleague, her numbers were lower. Anaz and Galatasaray won Turkish Cup together. Before Galata, the forward played for Kayseri, Samsun and Mirgspor. She also played for Galatasaray and Besiktas in the past.


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  UKRAINE   


U20 Turkey too strong for U20 Ukraine in Debrecin, 86-61 - by Eurobasket News

U20 UKRAINE - U20 TURKEY 61-86

Turkey demonstrated its power against Ukraine today in Debrecin. It was a Day One of U20 EuroBasket and Turkey celebrated comfortable 86-61 victory. After 21-21 tie in the first quarter, Turkey exploded with 27-14 for the next ten minutes and continued with 26-12 after the breather to secure the victory in this meeting. Last ten minutes were just the formality. Pelin Bilgic (173-G-94) paced Turkey with 21 points and 5 rebounds and Ozge Kavurmacioglu (187-F-93) helped with 13 points, plus 9 boards. Ayse Cora (175-G/F-93) and Ecem Guler (189-PF-92) netted 12 points each. At the other side, Ukraine got 22 points and 7 boards from Alina Iagupova (186-G-92, agency: LBM Management). Oleksandra Chek (191-C-93, agency: New Trend Agency) collected 15 pts and 7 rebs for 18 minutes on the court. Both teams are placed to Group C, where their rivals are also France and Portugal. Three teams will advance to the next stage. On Friday, Turkey will play against Portugal, while Ukraine will meet France.

Ukraine: Alina Iagupova 22+7 boards, Oleksandra Chek 15+7 boards
Turkey: Pelin Bilgic 21+5 boards, Ozge Kavurmacioglu 13+9 boards, Ayse Cora 12, Ecem Guler 12


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  WNBA   

Standings

WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Connecticut S. 15-5 
 2. Indiana F. 11-7 
 3. Atlanta D. 9-10 
 4. Chicago S. 8-9 
 5. New York L. 7-12 
 6. Washington M. 5-15 
Western
 1. Minnesota L. 15-4 
 2. L.Angeles S. 14-7 
 3. S.Antonio SS 13-5 
 4. Seattle S. 11-10 
 5. Phoenix M. 4-16 
 6. Tulsa S. 3-15 

Regular Season: Round 24

Aug. 16: Indiana F. - Washington M. 84-66
Aug. 16: New York L. - Connecticut S. 79-66
Aug. 16: Seattle S. - Phoenix M. 72-58
Aug. 17: Tulsa S. - S.Antonio SS
Aug. 17: Minnesota L. - Washington M.
Aug. 17: Chicago S. - Atlanta D.


Phoenix Mercury injuries help give Dymond Simon another shot - by Eurobasket News

It may be only seven days, but it's seven days in the WNBA.

Valley product Dymond Simon (5'5''-PG-89, college: Arizona St.) treated it as such when she got the call from Mercury President and Chief Operations Officer Amber Cox offering her a short-term contract with the team.

"It's an amazing opportunity, no matter what," Simon said.

"I'm so blessed to be able to come back here."

Simon got her chance as a result of Candice Dupree's and Charde Houston's injuries. That led to roster exemptions -- and Simon's midseason debut.

Coach Corey Gaines hopes the guard will offer breathers to other players, starting with Thursday night's game against the Seattle Storm.

"She'll be able to give (Samantha Prahalis) some spare minutes, give her some rest," he said. "She came to training camp, so she knows what we're doing."

Simon knows what she's doing, too.

The Valley native first showed off her skills at Phoenix St. Mary's, where she was a two-time state Player of the Year and champion.

She fought knee injuries while playing for Arizona State University, where she graduated from in 2011.

But she played one game in Australia and a full season in Croatia for professional teams before returning to the Mercury's 2012 training camp.

An injury there led to her being waived from the regular roster.

Now healthy and getting a second opportunity to show what she can do, Simon said she's trying not to put too much pressure on herself going in to Thursday night's game.

"I know the system," she said. "I know what (Gaines) wants. He wants a guard who pushes the ball, who's aggressive.

"I have all those aspects to my game, so it's just finding that balance, not getting ahead of myself and doing what I know how to do."

Thursday night's game is exciting because it's her first, but Simon said she's really looking forward to Sunday's home game against San Antonio, since her father will be in the crowd.

"My dad, he's my biggest fan," she said. "He's been raising me to play basketball since I was about 4 years old. He'll probably get some season tickets or something like that, but just knowing he's in the crowd, supporting me, it's a great feeling."

Taurasi out

Diana Taurasi did not practice with the team Wednesday, and she will not play Thursday night, as she is still recovering from the Olympics, Gaines said.

"She's been flying all over the place, so it's kind of tough," he said. "I know she's tired. We'll get that all settled later on."

Courtesy of www.azcentral.com


Pondexter, Pierson help Liberty beat Sun 79-66 - by Eurobasket News

The New York Liberty's goal for the second half of the season is to win 11 of their remaining games. They got off to a good start in their return from the WNBA's Olympic break.

Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) scored 24 points to lead the Liberty to a 79-66 victory over the first-place Connecticut Sun on Thursday night.

Plenette Pierson (6'2''-PF-81, college: Texas Tech), returning after missing the New York's last eight games before the hiatus due to a left knee strain, had 16 points to help the Liberty (7-12) snap a three-game skid.

"If we win 11 games we give ourselves a chance to make a playoff push," Pondexter said. "It's attainable. Right now we got 10 to go. I really feel we have a chance to win some games on the road."

The Liberty, who have 15 games remaining, play their next five on the road starting with a rematch against Connecticut on Saturday night. They then close with seven of their last 10 at home.

Renee Montgomery (5'7''-PG-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) scored 16 points, and Allison Hightower (5'10''-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: LSU) and Mistie Mims added 12 each for the Sun (15-5), who snapped a five-game winning streak.

"We struggled tonight," Connecticut coach Mike Thibault said. "We shot terrible in the second half and we turned it over."

Tina Charles, who helped lead the United States to a gold medal at the London Games, had just four points and 12 rebounds, while fellow Olympian Asjha Jones sat out due to a strained left Achilles' tendon an injury she was dealing with before the break.

Connecticut dropped to 8-2 on the road and had its lead over second-place Indiana in the Eastern Conference cut to three games.

While the Olympic break helped teams like the Liberty get healthy and refreshed, Thibault believes it disrupted the Sun's momentum.

"It helped some players individually get some work in," he said, "but it didn't help our team in the sense of having a rhythm because you're practicing every day without your two starting post players."

New York scored the first six points of the third quarter to stretch a four-point halftime lead to double digits. Pierson had a layup and Pondexter made two baskets to make it 45-35 with about 7 minutes left in the period.

The Sun pulled within six points twice, but Leilani Mitchell countered with 3s both times to extend the Liberty's lead back out again. Mitchell finished 3 for 3 from beyond the arc.

"Everybody knows Leilani, when she shoots she has a pretty good chance to make it," Pondexter said. "It's just a matter of her being aggressive. She's been putting up shots during the break. I really believe in her and I know her shots will take us a long way."

Essence Carson had a layup and Pondexter followed with a steal and fast-break basket to extend the advantage to 59-46 with 1:41 remaining in the third.

New York's 8-2 run to open the fourth quarter stretched the lead to 67-50 with 6:54 remaining, and Connecticut got no closer than 11 the rest of the way.

Pondexter's 3 with 4:14 remaining put the Liberty up 73-54 for their largest lead of the game.

New York moved two games behind Chicago and Atlanta for third place in the East, and 7 1/2 behind the Sun.

"I don't think anybody's given up," Liberty coach John Whisenant said. "We're still in it, you look at Chicago and Atlanta and Indiana that are just two or three games ahead of us. We just got to win ... We figure we got to get to .500, win 11 of our (remaining) games, and we've won one of them."

Connecticut finished with a 39-30 rebounding edge, but committed 17 turnovers which led to 19 points for New York. Whisenant was also pleased his team held Charles nearly 15 points below her season average.

"Tina Charles is the best rebounder in the league in the last 3 or four years," he said. "She's a monster in there, she gets double digits and we're not going to match that. We don't have anyone who can do that. ... We did a good job keeping her out of (the scoring), and to do that we had to do relays because that's a physically wearing effort."

Trailing by eight late in the first quarter, the Liberty used a 13-2 run to take a 25-22 lead with 5:22 to go before halftime. The Sun tied the score twice, the last time on Kara Lawson's jumper with 4:16 left in the first half that evened it at 27-all.

Kara Braxton followed with a layup and Pondexter hit a 3 to put the Liberty ahead by five a little more than a minute later.

Hightower and Mims made consecutive baskets in the final minute to pull Connecticut within one, but Pondexter's 3 from 25 feet out at the buzzer gave the Liberty a 39-35 lead at the break.

Courtesy of http://online.wsj.com


Liberty extend contract of Plenette Pierson - by Eurobasket News

New York Liberty Head Coach and General Manager John Whisenant announced today that the team has extended forward Plenette Pierson's (6'2''-PF-81, college: Texas Tech) contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Plenette is a hard-nosed, smart, and passionate player. She has shown that she is a true New Yorker at heart, and we are thrilled that she will be continuing her career with the Liberty," said Whisenant.

Pierson is averaging 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds, including two point-rebound double-doubles over 10 games (nine starts) this season, her second with the Liberty. Last season, she averaged a career high 12.9 points and second-best 5.2 rebounds per game over 33 starts. She was acquired by the Liberty from the Tulsa Shock on June 14, 2010.

Pierson holds career averages of 9.4 points and 4.2 rebounds over 21.8 minutes in 272 games (84 starts) over nine seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, Detroit/Tulsa and New York. As a member of the Shock, Pierson won two WNBA Championships (2006, 2008) and was awarded the first-ever WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year award in 2007. She was originally selected in the first round (fourth overall) of the 2003 WNBA Draft.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com


Fever beat Mystics 84-66 - by Eurobasket News

Erlana Larkins (6'1''-F-86, college: N.Carolina) scored a career-high 16 points to help the Indiana Fever defeat the Washington Mystics 84-66 on Thursday night.

Larkins also matched career highs with seven rebounds and three steals.

Tamika Catchings (6'1''-SF-79, college: Tennessee), fresh off winning her third gold medal for Team USA, had 14 points and 14 rebounds. The double-double was the 76th of her career, tied her with Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) for third in WNBA history.

Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) added 11 points for the Fever (11-7), who returned from the Olympic break trailing Connecticut by four games in the Eastern Conference standings.

Monique Currie scored 12 points, Michelle Snow scored 11 and Jasmine Thomas added 10 for the Mystics (4-15), who remained in last place in the East.

Indiana outrebounded Washington 41-35 and had 20 assists on 29 field goals.

Indiana led 40-38 at halftime despite shooting just 34 percent from the field before the break. The Fever allowed Washington to shoot 47 percent in the first 20 minutes, but came out ahead by outscoring the Mystics 9-4 from the free-throw line. Catchings scored just two points on 2-for-7 shooting in the first half.

Currie's basket in close tied the score at 45 before Catchings hit a mid-range jumper to spark an 8-0 run that gave Indiana control. Jeanette Pohlen's 3-pointer in the closing seconds of the third quarter gave the Fever a 62-47 lead at the end of the period.

In the third quarter, the Fever held the Mystics to 2-for-13 shooting and outrebounded them 16-6. Catchings, who had done little on the offensive end in the first half, had six points and seven rebounds, including four offensive boards, in the third quarter. The Fever had eight offensive rebounds and 10 second-chance points in the period.

Washington tried to chip away, but the Fever maintained control. With Indiana leading by 10 points, Catchings hit Sasha Goodlett with a perfect pass near the free throw line, and Goodlett drained the jumper. On the next possession, Pohlen zipped a perfect pass to Shavonte Zellous for a fast-break layup that gave Indiana a 72-58 lead with just over six minutes to play.

Courtesy of www.wishtv.com


Connecticut Sun add Jessica Moore - by Eurobasket News

When Mike Thibault was informed about the good things being said about the Connecticut Sun before the season, their longtime coach accepted the glad tidings with a shrug and a smile.

Without a WNBA championship since their move to Connecticut in 2003, the Sun knew the proof would come with the pounding. And things seem to be going well so far.

Tied with Minnesota for the best record in the league (15-4) and on a five-game winning streak, the Sun return from a month off for the Olympic break with a game Thursday on the road against New York. The Sun have not played since defeating the Chicago Sky in overtime on July 14. Gold medalists Ashja Jones and Tina Charles rejoined the Sun Tuesday after returning from London.

"You get a little stir crazy," Thibault said of the break. "And it's hard to practice because you don't have your two post players with you. It's hard to go five-on-five."

Perhaps because of that, the Sun made a move to improve their veteran depth Wednesday, signing center Jessica Moore (6'3''-C-82, college: Connecticut) to a seven-day contract and waiving rookie center Chay Shegog.

Moore, the former UConn center, appeared in 29 games for the Sun in 2011 with 48 points and 23 rebounds in limited minutes. She was not re-signed because she was not ready to play at the start of the season because of a knee injury. Moore signed with Atlanta, but was waived by the Dream on July 5. Shegog, the 6-5 center selected with the 21st overall pick in the second round, appeared in three games, playing eight minutes.

The Sun now have five former UConn players on their 11-player roster Moore, Charles, Jones, Renee Montgomery and Kalana Greene.

With the addition of Mistie Mims before the season, the Sun have three strong post players to rotate with Charles and Moore.

Now all that's left is to see how the combinations work and whether the Sun, 8-2 on the road, can keep the momentum going.

"The break was good. But it's cabin fever. It's been a long time," Greene said. "You want to pull your hair out or punch somebody. I am ready to play games. It will be interesting because we had two key players from our team in London and they are tired from that. We need to work them back into the system."

The play of Mims and guard Allie Hightower has also impressed Thibault. Hightower, who played in two NCAA Final Fours with LSU, has become one of the team's best defensive players.

"She has been something," Thibault said. "And she is only going to get better.

"Allie Hightower and Misty Mims have really developed. There were many marquee free agents available last season but Misty has been as good as anyone. And Allie has become one of the league's premier defenders."

Thibault hopes the addition of Moore will help his team solve perhaps its greatest flaw, consistent rebounding.

"We haven't been consistent in rebounding; for the most part we've been a reasonable defensive rebounding team," Thibault said. "And I'd like us to do better as an offensive rebounding team to create more possessions.

"Maybe our defense can cause a few more turnovers to help influence games. We would benefit from more consistent perimeter play, like all teams could. We don't need to be great, just a little."

As for the rest of the Eastern Conference, the Dream, the two-time Eastern Conference champs, will be helped by the return of center Erika de Souza from the Brazilian national team. De Souza averaged 16.2 points in Olympic play, tied with Great Britain's Jo Leedham, a Sun draft pick, for high scorer.

"It will give Atlanta a boost, but I don't think it will be as huge a factor as some think," Thibault said. "I think it is more about how the Olympic break will help get teams caught up."

Courtesy of http://articles.courant.com


Camille Little scores 17 points, Storm pull away from Mercury 72-58 - by Eurobasket News

Camille Little (6'2''-F/G-85, college: N.Carolina) scored 17 points to help the Seattle Storm beat the Phoenix Mercury 72-58 Thursday night.

Tanisha Wright (5'11''-SF-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Penn St.) added 10 points for the Storm, which got to .500 (10-10) for the first time this season and has won nine of their last 12 after a 1-7 start.

We always felt confident in our team, Little said after Seattle and the rest of the WNBA returned to action following the month-long break for the Olympics. When we lost those games, we were upset - we didnt expect to lose that many games. But we didnt focus on what anyone else was thinking. We were more worried about how we felt and how we could play.

Seattle went in front for good on Thursday with a 10-0 run in the second quarter and led by 18 late in the game.

We just werent playing our basketball, and we knew we could play better, Little said. We just had to get some energy and get some rebounds, and we were off to the races then.

Samantha Prahalis (5'7''-PG-90, college: Ohio St.) led the Mercury (4-16) with 15 points, and Alexis Hornbuckle chipped in 12. Phoenix has lost seven a row, three to Seattle.

DeWanna Bonner (6'4''-G-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Auburn), the Mercurys leading scorer at 20.7 points per game, scored seven points Thursday night.

We just couldnt score in the second half, Mercury coach Corey Gaines said. DB (Bonner) was 3 for 18, and we just couldnt score. We missed open shots. Weve been trying to find our rhythm all year, and the injuries dont help.

Sue Bird, fresh off of helping the United States win the gold medal last Saturday in London, had two points and three assists in 10 minutes of play. She sat out the second half with the stomach flu.

While Bird was back in action following the Olympics, Storm teammate Lauren Jackson and USA teammate Diana Taurasi were not in Seattle. Jackson, who missed the entire first half of the season to prepare with the Australia team that won bronze, is expected back Monday.

Taurasi did not make the trip because of a late return from London. She has missed 18 of the Mercurys 20 games this season with a strained left hip flexor.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com