EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/20/2012 1:00:00 AM

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Men News

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  ABA   



Pacific Northwest Division introduces new website - by Gianni Pascucci

The Pacific Northwest Division is the newest Division in the American Basketball Association. The PacNW division consists of 9 teams expanding from Oregon to Alaska to Canada. We have created an outstanding division with solid owners with clear guidelines for standards and procedures for success. Stated, Division Chairman, Don Sims .

The PacNW Division teams are:
Kitsap Admirals,
Calgary Crush,
WA Rampage,
Olympia Rise,
Seattle Mountaineers,
Salem Sabres,
Alaska Quake,
Alaska 49ers,
Lakewood Panthers.

The season opener is Saturday, November 3, 2012 with Seattle Mountaineers at Kitsap Admirals, 7pm at Olympic College in Bremerton, WA
Please visit the Division website for more information, www.pacnorthwestaba.com


Surf sneak up on top ranked Soles in Ensenada, Mexico - by Gianni Pascucci

In a stunning upset the The San Diego Surf pulled off a pre-season victory 63-58 against the Soles de Mexicali , Mexico after being behind most of the game. The Surf played an aggressive full court press with a minimum roster to tire out the Soles in the fourth quarter and pull ahead to seal the game.
The Soles, rank 4th on the LNBP, the best professional league in Mexico, led by as much as 11 points through the game and at the start of the 4th quarter. The game was played under international FIBA rules with 10 minute quarters which accounted for the lower scoring game. Although the Surf was held to only 8 points the 1st quarter, the Surf held the Soles to only 8 points the 4ths quarter as the Soles tired out with the full court pressure. The Surfs physical conditioning through the summer under the guidance of the Conditioning Coach and former Boston Celtics Anthony Ussery (6'9''-F), was a major factor in the win.
Coach Mark Smith made all the right calls from the bench, while Anthony Javey and Christopher Agnes (6'4''-G-85, college: Morehouse) were the heroes with 25 and 24 points each.
High scorers for the Soles were Michael Lizarraga (6'7''-F-89) with 16 and Israel Nolasco (6'9''-C-89) 14. Rebounds and assists and steals were distributed evenly with the whole Surf squad.
The two teams will meet again next weekend with two games in San Diego, Sat. and Sun. the 25th and 26th. The Soles are bound to bring some cross the border revenge at those meetings. The Soles will travel to Los Angeles and OrangeCounty for games with the L.A. Slam and the OrangeCounty Novastars of the ABA earlier in the week.


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  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Crvena Zvezda tab Morris Almond - by Eurobasket News (T)

Crvena Zvezda bolstered their frontcourt. They signed contract with Morris Almond (198-F/G-85, college: Rice). The forward started the previous season in Ukraine. He played for Cherkasy Monkeys. Morris Almond averaged 10.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game in Superleague. In January Morris Almond moved to D-League. He joined the Maine Red Claws. His stats read 23.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists per appearance. Later Morris Almond joined the Washington Wizards. The forward notched 3.5 points and 2.0 rebounds per game in NBA. The forward participated at AirTran Orlando Summer League. His stats read 4.7 points and 1.7 rebounds at the League.


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  ARGENTINA   


Union Progresista announce Darren Phillip - by Eurobasket News (T)

Union Progresista bolstered their frontcourt. They announced the signing of Darren Phillip (201-F-78, college: Fairfield). The forward spent the previous season in Spain. Darren Phillip played for Autocid Ford Burgos. He notched 12.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Previously Darren Phillip spent several seasons with CAI Zaragoza. He also had stints with Stron Island Sound, Sevilla, Unicaja Malaga, Girona and Gotham City Knights. Eurobasket.com named Darren Phillip All-Spanish LEB Gold Player of the Year in 2010. He led CAI Zaragoza to the title that season.
Union Progresista also confirmed the signing of Greg Dilligard (203-F-85, agency: Warren Sports International) for another season.


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  ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18   


The End of Preliminary Round in Ulaanbaatar - by Eurobasket News

Group A
China - Lebanon 96-74
China wins Group A campaign at the 22nd FIBA Asia U18 Championship. The team overcame Lebanon 96:74 for the top position in the group. Lebanon meanwhile suffered the first lost and finished the group with 2-1 record. It was the game for the first place in the group as both teams won the first two games. China started with 22-18 and added massive 29-14 in the second frame. China never looked behind in the game and had also 19-13 surge in the third quarter. Lebanon scored 29 points in the last period, while China produced 26. Dai Huaibo (205-C/F-94) top-scored for the winners with 27 points and 10 rebounds, while Gao Shang (198-F/G-94) and Bai Bing (200-F-95) netted 13. Wu Qian followed them with 10 points each. Wael Arakji (192-G-94) ended up with 28 points in the losing effort and Hadidian Gerard nailed 11. Nemer Hanna scored 8, while Assi Jean had 6.

Hong Kong - India 68-77
India taste the initial success at the 22nd FIBA Asia U18 Championship. The team overcame Hong Kong 77:68 and finished with 1-2 record in Group A. Hong Kong remains winless in the tournament. India opened the game with 15:14 and added 18-14 in the second frame. The team also dominated the third quarter and increased the lead to 17 points after three quarters. Hong Kong meanwhile responded with 24-16 in the last stanza and reduced to final 9 points. Palpreet Singh Brar (204-C-94) top-scored for the winners with 27 points and 17 rebounds, while Amit Kanarjee (187-PG-94) added 16. Samina-Than Karthickeyan followed them with 10 points in a win. Leung Shiu Wah (189-SF-94) ended up with 18 points in the losing effort and Chang Yiu-Fai notched 13. Chung Ho Wa and Ho Chun Kit brought 9 points in defeat.

Group B
Japan - Syria 71-73
Syria upset Japan in Group B of the 22nd FIBA Asia U18 Championship. The team grabbed 73:71 win to finish on the second place with 2-1 record. Japan meanwhile dropped to the third position with 1-2 record. Both teams nailed 15 points each in the first period and proved the importance of the game. They added 19 points each in the second frame as the board showed even numbers at the halftime. Japan seemed to have a better break and won the third period 24-20, but could not seal the victory. Terazono Shuto scored for 70:70 with 1 minute to go, while SHNNO and Ali Obesi (188-F-94) gave Syria the important win. Ali Obesi top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Mourad Hashim (176-G-95) notched 20. Trub Mahmmoud followed them with 9 points in a win. Masahiro Narita (185-SF-94) replied with 19 points in the losing effort and Terazono Shuto scored 15. Watanabe Yuta delivered 13, whilst Osaka Yuta nailed 9.

South Korea - Singapore 110-32
South Korea thrash Singapore in Ulaanbaatar to win Group B of the 22nd FIBA Asia U18 Championship. The team won over the opponent 110:32 for a perfect 3-0 record. Singapore meanwhile finished with 0-3 record. South Korea opened the game with 18-9 lead and never looked behind after. They erupted with 35-5 in the second frame and enjoyed 53:14 at the halftime. Moreover the second half also belonged to the favorites. They won the third period 23-10 and finished the game with 34-8. Heewon Jung (193-F-94) paced all the winners with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Heo Hoon nailed 19. Sangjae Kang (202-F-94) poured in 17, whilst Choi Jun-Yong collected 16 points and 14 rebounds. Lim Justin (192-C-94) ended up with 9 points in defeat and Loon Tay Ding scored 8.

Group C
Taiwan - Bahrain 94-61
Taiwan celebrated the third straight win at the U18 Asia Championship. They knocked down Bahrain to clinch the top position in Group C. Bahrain fell at 1-2 record after the loss. Taiwan surged ahead early in the game. They posted a 22:13 lead ten minutes into the encounter. Bahrain bounced back in the second quarter. They cut the deficit to a single point 36:35 at halftime. But the second half belonged to Taiwan. They fired 25 points in the third quarter to clear off at 13-point mark. Taiwan erupted for 33 points in the final period and sealed a comfortable win at the end. Wu Chia-Chun (178-PG-94), Huang Tsun-Han (193-F-94) and Lin Kuan-Chun (184-G-95) finished with 14 points each for the winners. Shukralla Ali Hassan answered with 16 points and 9 rebounds for Bahrain. Mahamed Naser netted 15 points in the loss.

Indonesia - Mongolia 67-73
Mongolia could not advance into the Second Round of U18 Asia Championship. They managed to open win count beating Indonesia in the final game of preliminary round but it was not enough to reach the next stage. Mongolia remained in the fourth place in Group C. Indonesia finished in the third position at 1-2 record. Mongolia started aggressively. The hosts piled up a 16:8 lead after ten minutes. Mongolia maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They established a 38:26 halftime lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the third term as Mongolia entered the final frame up by 12 points. However Indonesia fired 25 points in the fourth quarter and cut the deficit to only 6 points at the end. Munkhnasan Lkhamjav (180-G-94) exploded with 33 points to lead Mongolia. Enkhtaivan Chinzorig (188-C-95) added 13 points for the winners. Jan Panagan (179-G-94) answered with 16 points for Indonesia. Katon Baskoro had 15 points in defeat.

Group D
Kazakhstan - Saudi Arabia 65-76
Saudi Arabia earned the first win at the U18 Asia Championship. They held off Kazakhstan to claim the third position in Group D. Kazakhstan remained winless and would play in classification round. Nassir Abo Jalas (192-F-94) posted 21 points and 12 rebounds to lead Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia pulled ahead early in the game. They ensured a 22:15 lead after ten minutes. Saudi Arabia maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They ensured a 44:35 halftime lead. Kazakhstan revived the intrigue in the third quarter. They cut the deficit at 2-point mark heading into the final stanza. But Saudi Arabia returned into drivers seat in the final quarter. They held their opponents to 9 points and rallied to the victory at the end. Waheed Faqihi (185-F-94) scored 18 points, while Asslam Bafarat had 12 points for the winners. Alexey Kurochka (185-G-94) came up with 19 points for Kazakhstan. Alymzhan Maxutov netted 17 points in the loss.

Iran - Philippines 93-72
Iran clinched the third consecutive win at U18 Asia Championship. They capped the preliminary round campaign with a comfortable win over Philippines. Vahid Dalirzahan (199-SF-95) scored 21 points to lead Iran as they claimed the top position in Group D. Philippines suffered the first loss at the tournament to finish at 2-1 record. Iran held a 22:17 lead after ten minutes. They stretched the margin in the second quarter. Iran secured a 42:33 halftime lead. Iran stayed dominant after the long break. They aggravated the damage establishing a 65:48 lead at the final break. Iran exploded with 28 points in the fourth term and sealed a comfortable result at the end. Hossein Rahmati (204-C-93) posted 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Sajjad Mashayekhi (180-PG-94) had 16 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. Rodolfo Alejandro answered with 12 points for Philippines. Janhubert Cani netted 11 points in defeat.


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  AUSTRALIA   


Tigers vs Hawks pre-season - by Hugh McAuliffe

The Kilsyth Sports Centre will welcome NBL teams Melbourne Tigers and Wollongong Hawks in what will be the second NBL exhibition game held on Hugh McMenamin Court in the month of August 2012.

The Melbourne Tigers will head back to the Kilsyth Sports Centre after a narrow one-point loss there to the Washington State Cougars last Tuesday, 7th August.

The Tigers finished the 2011/12 season in 6th place on the ladder with an 11-17 record and with their 2012/13 iiNet NBL Championship Season beginning on Sunday 7 October, the fans and coaches will get a chance to see this new look Tigers squad.

Returning to the Melbourne line-up for the 2012/13 season are Tommy Greer, Matt Burston, Lucas Walker, Bennie Lewis and Liam Rush, with the Tigers also signing prized young guard Nate Tomlinson (University of Colorado, USA), veteran Adam Ballinger from Adelaide, Chris Goulding from Gold Coast and new import Seth Scott.

Goulding gave the Tigers fans a reason to get excited about the iiNet 2012/13 NBL Season, posting 20-points and 6-rebounds against Washington State, with Nate Tomlinson recording 14 points for the game.

Wollongong has recently announced the re-signing of three players for the 2012/13 iiNet NBL Champion Season with Glen Saville, Dave Gruber and Dan Jackson all returning. The Hawks also played an international exhibition last Friday against Washington State University coming out 12-point victors 86-74.

With the first Melbourne Tigers game hosted at Kilsyth Sports Centre selling out, Kilsyth Basketball urges all fans to get in early for tickets to this excited peek into what the 2012/13 iiNet NBL Season holds for the Melbourne Tigers.

Get along to Kilsyth Stadium, 115 Liverpool Road, Kilsyth on Friday 31st August to watch the Tigers play the Hawks. Tip-off 7.30pm. Buy tickets at the Kilsyth Basketball Office during office hours Monday - Friday.


Taipans sign two development players - by Hugh McAuliffe

The Skytrans Cairns Taipans are pleased to announce the signing Matthew Andronicos (208-C/F-91) and Shaun Bruce (192-G-91), as Development Players for the upcoming 2012/13 iiNet NBL Championship season.

With the playing roster being close to finalised, the Snakes have been scouting the development leagues looking for the best young talent to compliment the current eight man squad. The Taipans development players will provide additional depth at both ends of the floor.

After graduating from the NSW Institute of sport, Andronicos accepted a scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) where he begun full time training. The AIS saw him go to China for a 17-day camp to compete against teams from China, USA and Spain.

Andronicos recently traveled to China again, with team mate Clint Steindl and Assistant Coach Mick Downer, as a member of the emerging Australian Boomers side, participating in the Stankovic Cup. Andronicos was also a training player for the Sydney Kings throughout the 2011/12 season.

Cairns Taipans Head Coach Aaron Fearne was pleased with the addition, stating "Although Matt is still raw in some areas, he is a talented young player with great potential. He has excellent touch around the basket and we look forward to developing him to an NBL level."

At the other end of the floor Shaun Bruce will look to add depth, alongside current Taipans point guard, Jamar Wilson and an incoming back up point. Bruce has played the last two seasons with the Ballarat Miners, averaging 10.5 points and 5.5 assists per game. Hes represented Victoria Country from 2005-2008 and won a National Championship with the Victorian under 20s team in 2010. After a breakthrough season for the Miners in 2011, Bruce went on to win the SEABL Golden Hands Award as well as the Miners Coachs Award.

The Taipans have been known for their defensive prowess which is something Fearne believes Bruce will compliment.

Shaun might be young but he certainly has the ability to control the floor. Hes a great defensive player, which is something Im big on. It will be good to see him get after guys at training.

"Weve got a bit of depth in our development roster this season which is good. It will put pressure on everyone to work harder."

"Those two are in good shape, but have some work ahead of them."

The season officially tips of on Saturday October 6 against our number one rivals, the Townsville Crocodiles.


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  AUSTRIA   


U18 European Championship: Hungary clinches 11th spot - by Eurobasket News

Austria U18-Hungary U18 52:67

Hungary clinches 11th spot at the U18 European Championship in Division B. The team overcame Austria 67:52 for a higher place.
Hungary easily reached 21-9 at the end of the first period, but Austria stayed tough in the first half. They answered with 23-13 in the second frame for 32:34 at the halftime. Hungary increased the lead to 9 points at the end of the third period when Marton Varga (205-C/F-94) made 48:39 after thirty minutes. Hungary added 19-13 in the last stanza for the final result in the game.
Timur Bas (198-PF-94) top-scored for the winners with 12 points and Jakob Poeltl (208-PF-95) collected 10 points and 12 rebounds. Djordje Djordjevic (194-F-94) and Valentin Bauer (181-PG-94) followed them with 9 points each in a win. Zoltan Perl (194-G-95) replied with 22 points in the losing effort and Gyorgy Goloman (204-PF-96) added 10. Marton Varga notched 9, while Janos Velkey (193-G-95) had 8.

Austria U18: Timur Bas 12, Jakob Poeltl 10+12 rebs, Djordje Djordjevic 9, Valentin Bauer 9
Hungary U18: Zoltan Perl 22, Gyorgy Goloman 10, Marton Varga 9, Janos Velkey 8


Ece Bulls Kapfenberg complete roster with big man Hermann Opoku - by Stefan Prager

After signing four new players this week the ECE Bulls Kapfenberg completed their roster with Austrian big man Hermann Opoku (205-F/C-86, agency: Dynamics Global Management, college: G.Washington). The 26 year old forward/center spent the last season in England and in the Czech Republic playing for Guildforf Heat and BK Pardubice. Opoku moved Guildford to Pardubice in November 2011 after playing just 5 games in England. Opoku appeard in 24 league games for Pardubice averaging 2.5 ppg and 1.3 rpg in just 7.2 minutes per game. In ten Euro Challenge games Opokus averages where 1.3 ppg and 0.9 rpg. Nevertheless Opoku is expected to back up center Demetrius Nelson and should help the Bulls especially with his rebounding.


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  BAHRAIN   


U18 Championship: Taiwan claim third win in a row - by Eurobasket News

Taiwan U18 - Bahrain U18 94:61

Taiwan celebrated the third straight win at the U18 Asia Championship. They knocked down Bahrain to clinch the top position in Group C. Bahrain fell at 1-2 record after the loss.
Taiwan surged ahead early in the game. They posted a 22:13 lead ten minutes into the encounter. Bahrain bounced back in the second quarter. They cut the deficit to a single point 36:35 at halftime. But the second half belonged to Taiwan. They fired 25 points in the third quarter to clear off at 13-point mark. Taiwan erupted for 33 points in the final period and sealed a comfortable win at the end. Wu Chia-Chun (178-PG-94), Huang Tsun-Han (193-F-94) and Lin Kuan-Chun (184-G-95) finished with 14 points each for the winners. Shukralla Ali Hassan answered with 16 points and 9 rebounds for Bahrain. Mahamed Naser (191-F-97) netted 15 points in the loss.

Taiwan U18: Wu Chia-Chun 14, Huang Tsun-Han 14, Lin Kuan-Chun 14
Bahrain U18: Shukralla Ali Hassan 16, Mahamed Naser 15


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  BALTIC LEAGUE   


Siauliai land Lewis Jackson - by Eurobasket News (T)

Siauliai bolstered their backcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Lewis Jackson (175-PG-89). The guard will start his pro career in Lithuania. Lewis Jackson has recently graduated from the Purdue University. The guard notched 10.4 points, 4.2 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in his senior season. Lewis Jackson earned All-Big Ten Honourable Mention for the second season in a row.


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  BELGIUM   


U18 European Championship: Israel steps higher than Belgium in Sarajevo - by Eurobasket News

Israel U18-Belgium U18 74:63

Israel steps higher than Belgium in Sarajevo at the U18 European Championship in Division B. The Israeli team won 74L63 and finished on the 7th place. Belgium meanwhile dropped to the 8th position.
The teams fired some three-pointers in the first period as Rafael Menco (201-SF-94, agency: Avi Zilberman) and Stijn Stevens (177-G-94) closed the period from the arc at 16:14. Kikus nailed three for 23:22 and he later closed the half at 30:26. Egor Koulechov (194-SF-94) and Ariel scored for 43:32, while Itay Segev (204-SF-95, agency: Avi Zilberman) increased the lead to 52:40 at the end of the third period. Belgium won the fourth quarter 23-22 but reduced to 11 points at the end.
Rafael Menco stepped up with 20 points for the winners and Egor Koulechov collected 19 points and 12 rebounds. Itay Segev nailed 11, while Adam Ariel (199-SF-94, agency: Avi Zilberman) brought 10. Mathijs Gijbels (204-PF-95) finished the game with 16 points in the losing effort and Stijn Stevens scored 11. Emmanuel Lecomte (180-G-95) followed them with 7 points in a loss.

Israel U18: Rafael Menco 20, Egor Koulechov 19+12 rebs, Itay Segev 11, Adam Ariel 10
Belgium U18: Mathijs Gijbels 16, Stijn Stevens 11, Emmanuel Lecomte 7


Adens pro career starts at Stella Artois Leuven Bears - by Eurobasket Center (T)

Stella Artois Leuven Bears strengthened their roster with addition of 23-year old Somalian-American guard Faisal Aden (193-G-89). He played most recently at Washington State University (NCAA) in the U.S. While playing 17 games for Washington St. last season he averaged 14.5ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.4apg and 1.3spg. Aden just graduated Washington State University and it will be his first season in pro basketball. He helped his university to make it to NIT Final Four two years ago. Adens will replace Ade Dagunduro, whos contract was buy-out by Virtus Rome (Italy).

By Eurobasket Data Center


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  BOSNIA   


BOSNIANS ON OTHER TEAMS IN THE UNDER 18 CHAMPIONSHIPS RECAP! - by Chris Mathieu

BOSNIANS ON OTHER TEAMS IN THE UNDER 18 CHAMPIONSHIPS RECAP!
Some of these players were born in BiH, some of them played in BiH and some play in Bosnia to this day. Some have roots in being Bosnian by birth

No Name Pos. Height Birth date Place of birth

5 Aleksej Nikolic G 1.85 21.02.1995 Postojna (SLO) Aleksej is the son of a famous player of the prewar generation Aleksandar Nikolic who went on to have a great career in Israel and Slovenia. Aleksej currently plays for KK SPARS in Sarajevo and is considered one of the best young prospects from Slovenia. His best game may have been in a head to head matchup with Kenan Sipahi when he scored 17 points in a narrow loss to Turkey. Overall he struggled in the competition but his team wasnt very talented and he had a hard time balancing running the offense and needing to be a primary scorer for the team.

4 Kenan Sipahi PG 1.98 26.05.1995 Pristina (SRB) Kenan it is reported is of Bosnian decent coming from the family name of Sipahic and is a Kosovar Bosnian. He is one of the top young prospects in Europe and flashed big time potential and dominated games going for 18 points and 11 assists in their last game with Slovenia after scoring 35 points in their first matchup against them. He is widely inconsistent though and struggles on defense so far.

6 Cedi Osman SG 1.95 08.04.1995 Ohrid (MKD) Cedi is an excellent ball handler with great size and good defensive skills. He struggles to score, has a bad shooting form and lacks range on his shot. He is excellent at attacking the basket however and is considered to be one of the best prospects of his generation. He was a player on KK BOSNA who the team didnt consider to be a good enough prospect long term otherwise he likely would be wearing a BiH jersey this year instead.

5 Stefan Pot G 1.95 15.07.1994 Bijeljina (BIH) Stefan was one of the surprises of the tournament as he flashed great range on his three point shot and good ball handling skills. He killed Bulgaria going 6-8 from three against them. He showed a good overall skill level and improved as the games wore on. He appears to have a solid future as a pro.

15 Doko Salic C 2.09 18.09.1995 Sokolac (BIH) Doko is a very young talented player from Bosnia who currently plays for KK SPARS as well. He is a highly skilled offensive player who struggles on the defensive end due to softness and lack of defensive aggressiveness. A 210cm post player should average better than .2 blocks per game when you are playing over 20 minutes per game in a youth competition, period.


BOSNIA U18 DIVISION B CHAMPIONS! RECAP! - by Chris Mathieu

BOSNIA U18 DIVISION B CHAMPIONS! RECAP!
Bosnia is celebrating the biggest victory in its youth selection in its history of basketball! The team was able to defy the odds and win their first promotion to Division A in the countrys history.
The team beat the Czech Republic in the title game 76-64 in front of over 700 spectators in Sarajevo. It was a big finish for the Bosnian team that only lost one game in the competition against Finland 84-86 in the last seconds.
It was a remarkable performance by the team and led by the young stars Jusuf Nurkic and Nedim Buza.
A recap of players and their performance during the tournament played in Sarajevo.

No Name Pos. Height Birth date Place of birth

4 Nedim Salcin SG 1.90 02.07.1994 Sarajevo (BIH) A hardworking youngster who hardly played during the tournament. It was surprising that he was chosen over Adi Zahiragic who is an excellent outside shooter and a decent ball handler.

5 Marko Rikalo PG 1.85 11.11.1994 Trebinje (BIH) Marko showed a lot of guts by playing through injuries in the tournament. It was questionable if he would be able to make the team considering he was coming off a serious injury. He is an excellent floor general who wasnt able to show all of his skills during the tournament. He is a facilitator who kept his turnovers low, under one a game.

6 Srdan Damjanovic G 1.88 08.12.1994 Vogosca (BIH) A combo guard who helped the team coming off the bench and made a difference in a few games. Srdan came up with a big 15 point performance in the pivotal games against England.

7 Adin Vrabac GF 2.02 27.01.1994 Sarajevo (BIH) A ultra-talented player who can do it all on the court and has great size. Adin is a huge guard who has great skills he can pass, shoot, rebound and has the ability to defend. He has yet to put it all together, he did a better job of being aggressive and attacking and learning situational basketball and when to move the ball. Has the potential to be great, just a question if and when he puts it all together. Adin did a better job of not disappearing all together and staying aggressive.

8 Dejan Ivkovic SF 1.97 26.03.1995 Trebinje (BIH) Dejan is a tough hard-nosed defender who hardly had the chance to get on the court. A favorite of coach Markovic he made the team even though he wasnt the most talented player on the team.

9 Marko Vukovic SG 1.90 15.04.1994 Rogatica (BIH) One of the biggest prospects to come from KK BOSNA in the last few years Marko is a big time talent who has the chance to turn into a good player. Marko is an excellent passer and ball handler who struggles with game tempo and situation. His shot selection also leaves a lot to be desired at this point. He has a good future if he continues to work hard and get good coaching. He proved valuable to the team with the injuries to Rikalo.

10 Asim Ahmedic PF 2.00 13.05.1994 Tuzla (BIH) A tough hard-nosed player who helped the team tremendously with his hard work and rebounding. He struggles with free throw shooting; Asim gets every ounce of ability out of his body.

11 Nikola Marijan C 2.08 26.02.1995 Sombor (SRB) Nikola is a hardworking kid who hardly touched the court, another favorite of coach Markovic.

12 Berin Gudic C 2.09 15.02.1994 Bugojno (BIH) Another player with size who is a long-term project who hardly got a chance to play.

13 Nedim Buza SF 2.01 10.05.1995 Visoko (BIH) Nedim is one of the best prospects of his generation who can do it all shoot, pass, rebound and defend. Nedim started off slowly but stepped it up as the competition wore on and averaged 20ppg in his last three games and impacted the team with more than just his scoring. Nedim has very good long term potential as a pro.

14 Stefan Glogovac SF 2.01 13.06.1994 Trebinje (BIH) Stefan was a key player on the team who had one of his best games in the title game. Stefan is a very good athlete who is inconsistent at this point in his career.

15 Jusuf Nurkic C 2.12 23.08.1994 Tuzla (BIH) Jusuf Nurkic was a monster in these games and has become a fan favorite and an almost overnight phenom. Nurkic has great size and weight and an unbelievable skill set and instincts. The sky is the limit for possibly the best prospect in Bosnian history. Nurkic impacted every single game he played in even when he wasnt scoring well his rebounding, passing and defending proved invaluable. There is nothing Nurkic cant do on the court; with proper coaching and continued development he could be an impact player in the NBA.

Coaching: Coach Markovic and his assistants deserve all the credit in the world for what they were able to do with this team. The in game situations and decision making was great; they seemed to push all the right buttons in substitutions, game situations and preparations. They also got the players to buy into a team concept were they put individual goals aside for team goals.


CSP Limoges signs Bosnian NT member Edin Bavcic - by Eurobasket News (T)

It's official. CSP Limoges signed a 1-year deal with Edin Bavcic (209-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket). The Bosnian National Team power forward 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.
Last 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) last 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.
Also, Limoges parted ways with Christophe Massie (206-C/F-77, agency: Court Side, college: Memphis). He spent last two years with Limoges. In the latest one Massie had 12.6 ppg, 11 rpg, 1.9 apg and 1 bpg. He was top rebounder and fifth shot blocker of the league.

Update: Edin Bavcic will join Limoges on September 10 due to obligations with Bosnian NT.


U18 European Championship: Bosnia and Herzegovina wins Gold at home tournament - by Eurobasket News

Bosnia and Herzegovina U18- Czech Republic U18 76:64

Bosnia and Herzegovina wins Gold at home tournament at the U18 European Championship in Division B. The hosts overcame Czech Republic 76:64 as both teams will play in Division A next year.
More than 700 fans came to support the local team in Sarajevo. Bosnia and Herzegovina took 17:16 at the end of the first period and then added massive 20-8 in the second frame. Both teams scored 21 points each in the third quarter and the host did not mind the narrow loss in the last stanza. Czech Republic won the last period 19-18 but could not upset the hosts. Ahmedic was the last to score for the winners and Karel Ausprunk (200-F/C-94) closed the game at 76:64.
Nedim Buza (201-SF-95) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Jusuf Nurkic (212-C-94) collected 18 points and 11 rebounds. Adin Vrabac (202-G/F-94) posted 11, whilst Stefan Glogovac (201-SF-94) nailed 8. Radovan Kouril (180-PG-95) ended up with 25 points and Karel Ausprunk posted 11.

Bosnia and Herzegovina U18: Nedim Buza 20, Jusuf Nurkic 18+11 rebs, Adin Vrabac 11, Stefan Glogovac 8
Czech Republic U18: Radovan Kouril 25, Karel Ausprunk 11


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


U18 European Championship: Italy prevail against Bulgaria - by Eurobasket News

Italy U18 - Bulgaria U18 84:65

Italy clinched the 7th position at U18 European Championship. They defeated Bulgaria on the last day of the tournament. Amedeo Tessitori (204-PF-94) came up with 28 points to lead the Azzurri.
Italy fired 25 points in the opening quarter to surge ahead. They ensured a 12-point lead after ten minutes. Italy boosted the margin in the second quarter. The Azzurri piled up a 45:25 halftime lead. Bulgaria could not change the complexion of the encounter in the third quarter. Italy stayed in charge taking a 24-point lead into the fourth frame. Bulgaria outscored their opponents in the final period but could not avoid the loss at the end. Mirco Turel (192-SG-94) finished with 12 points, while Tommaso Laquintana (187-PG-95) added 9 points for the winners. Kris Minkov (198-SF-94) answered with 15 points for Bulgaria. Anton Dikov (191-SG-94) had 10 points in the loss.

Italy U18: Amedeo Tessitori 28, Mirco Turel 12, Tommaso Laquintana 9
Bulgaria U18: Kris Minkov 15, Anton Dikov 10


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


Medway Park Crusaders sign two newcomers from Canada. - by Eurobasket Center (T)

Medway Park Crusaders (EBL D1) added to their roster two new players from Canadian university league CIS. They are 23-year old Canadian international guard Cole Hobin (198-G-89) and 22-year old Sudanese forward Manock Lual (198-F-89).
Hobin played most recently at Carleton University (Canada). While playing 28 games for Carleton last season he recorded 6.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.7apg and 1.4spg. He played also pro basketball in Mexico and Canada. Hobin has been a member of Canadian international program for some years. He played for both senior and university national teams this year and previously for university national team in 2012. Hobin represented Canada at the Panamerican Games in Guadalajara (Mexico) last year, where in 4 games averaged 5.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.3spg. Lual just graduated University of Prince Edward Island in Canadian CIS. In 20 games his stats were: 17.1ppg, 8.8rpg, and 2.6apg. Lual was voted at the end of the season to All-Atlantic Division 1st Team.

By Eurobasket Data Center


*****************************************************
  CHINA   


U18 Championship: China wins Group A campaign - by Eurobasket News

China U18-Lebanon U18 96:74

China wins Group A campaign at the 22nd FIBA Asia U18 Championship. The team overcame Lebanon 96:74 for the top position in the group. Lebanon meanwhile suffered the first lost and finished the group with 2-1 record.
It was the game for the first place in the group as both teams won the first two games. China started with 22-18 and added massive 29-14 in the second frame. China never looked behind in the game and had also 19-13 surge in the third quarter. Lebanon scored 29 points in the last period, while China produced 26.
Dai Huaibo (205-C/F-94) top-scored for the winners with 27 points and 10 rebounds, while Gao Shang (198-F/G-94) and Bai Bing (200-F-95) netted 13. Wu Qian (190-G-94) followed them with 10 points each. Wael Arakji (192-G-94) ended up with 28 points in the losing effort and Gerard Hadidian (197-F/C-95) nailed 11. Hanna Nemer (177-G-94) scored 8, while Jean Assi (193-F-94) had 6.

China U18: Dai Huaibo 27+10 rebs, Gao Shang 13, Bai Bing 13, Wu Qian 10
Lebanon U18: Wael Arakji 28, Gerard Hadidian 11, Hanna Nemer 8, Jean Assi 6


Chins Routs Lebanon 96-74 to Finish 3-0 in Group A - by Arthur Volbert

China defeated Lebanon 96-74 in the FIBA Asia U-18 tourney in a game that wasn't as close as the score looks. The score was 70-45 after three quarters, a more accurate reflection of the difference between the teams. But at least China was playing an opponent that offered some level of serious resistance.

Dai Huaibo (205-C/F-94) led China with 27 points and 10 rebounds and the 205 cm power forward looks like a real future star. 200 cm small forward Bai Bing (200-F-95) had 13 points and 5 rebounds and also is a new name with high promise. Gao Shang had 13 points and 3 rebounds. Point guard Wu Qian had 10 points, 5 rebounds and 5 steals. Wang Zhelin had 8 points and 7 rebounds. Han Delong was injured last game and did not play. Zhou Qi had 5 points and 2 rebounds in 14 minutes.

Wael Arakji led Lebanon with 28 points and 5 rebounds. China only outrebounded Lebanon 47-45. But China hit 43 percent of its shots to 33 percent for Lebanon. China had 14 turnovers to 12 for Lebanon.

China led group A with a 3-0 record moved into the second round in Group E. Korea is also in Group E with a 3-0 record and will provide China with its first true test when they play on Wednesday. Iran and Chinese Taipei head Group F with 3-0 records. In second round play games against eliminated teams are dropped from the standings.

Link to box score:
http://www.fibaasia.net/UserImages/BSF01201281822513.PDF

Today's scores:
Chinese Taipei 84 Bahrain 61
Iran 93 Philippines 72
Saudi Arabia 76 Kazakhstan 65
Mongolia 73 Indonesia 67
Syria 73 Japan 71
Korea 110 Singapore 32

GROUP A
Team W L Pts GA
China (CHN) 3 0 6 2.1029
Lebanon (LIB) 2 1 5 1.1101
India (IND) 1 2 4 0.7619
Hong Kong (HKG) 0 3 3 0.5394

GROUP B
Team W L Pts GA
Korea (KOR) 3 0 6 1.7178
Syria (SYR) 2 1 5 1.0812
Japan (JPN) 1 2 4 1.1521
Singapore (SIN) 0 3 3 0.4430

GROUP C
Team W L Pts GA
Chinese Taipei (TPE) 3 0 6 2.0408
Bahrain (BRN) 1 2 4 0.9292
Indonesia (INA) 1 2 4 0.7657
Mongolia (MGL) 1 2 4 0.7026

GROUP D
Team W L Pts GA
Iran, I.R. (IRI) 3 0 6 1.6512
Philippines (PHI) 2 1 5 1.1682
Saudi Arabia, K. (KSA) 1 2 4 0.7398
Kazakhstan (KAZ) 0 3 3 0.6818

SECOND ROUND

GROUP E
Team W L Pts GA
China (CHN) 2 0 04 1.6797
Korea (KOR) 2 0 04 1.2977
Syria (SYR) 1 1 03 0.9000
Lebanon (LIB) 1 1 03 0.8854
Japan (JPN) 0 2 02 0.8537
India (IND) 0 2 02 0.6250

GROUP F
Team W L Pts GA
Chinese Taipei (TPE) 2 0 04 1.8381
Iran, I.R. (IRI) 2 0 04 1.4206
Philippines (PHI) 1 1 03 1.1517
Indonesia (INA) 1 1 03 0.6988
Bahrain (BRN) 0 2 02 0.7711
Saudi Arabia, K. (KSA) 0 2 02 0.5856


*****************************************************
  CROATIA   


Croatia is hosting the NCAA team Brandeis Judges - by Dajana Karl (T)

"We leave today for Croatia. I can't believe the departure day is finally here. Our men's basketball coach, Brian Meehan, and I first talked about this trip years ago and to see it come to life is truly amazing." is what the Director of Athletics, Sheryl Sousa, wrote on Brandeis Judges' website on departure day.

NCAA III division team Brandeis Judges (The Brandeis University) from Waltham, Massachusetts arrived to Croatia this Tuesday. They will be touring around the country, sightseeing but also playing 3 games against 3 Croatian teams. They are currently in Split where they already had one game against KK Kastel galerija Kastela Sucurac and won by 3 points (70-73).

The SG Ruben Kanya (187-G) said: "We are in love with the city of Split. We are really enjoying Croatia as a unit. My first initial thoughts as tourist was the beautiful architecture and a lot of seas around which is really nice."

Next game will be held in Zadar on August 19 against KK Borik Puntamika Zadar at 7:00 pm, and then on August 22, Brandeis University will be playing against KK Zabok in Zabok.

If you want to know more about Brandeis Judges' adventure in Croatia, you can visit their website www.brandeisjudges.com


U18 European Championship: Dario Saric carries Croatia to the trophy - by Eurobasket News

Croatia U18 - Lithuania U18 88:76

Croatia celebrated the first U18 European Championship title since 2002. They overcame hosting Lithuania in the championship game tonight to clinch the trophy. Dario Saric (208-F-94) came up with another sizzling performance tallying 39 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assist to lead the winners.
Croatia opened the game on a 10:3 run. Dario Saric soon gave Croatia a 17:5 lead. He finished with 12 points in the opening quarter as Croatia earned a 22:15 lead. The visitors accumulated a 31:19 lead early in the second quarter. But Lekavicius helped Lithuania cut the deficit to just three points at halftime 33:36. Lekavicius and Gintvanis organized a 6:2 run from the hosts as they posted a 40:38 lead early in the third quarter. But Croatia quickly returned the lead and surged ahead for a 58:53 advantage at the final break. Saric came up with 12 more points in the fourth quarter as Croatia marched to the victory. Tomislav Gabric (201-F-95) posted 14 points, while Jakov Mustapic (193-G-94) added 11 points for the winners. Marius Grigonis (198-F-94) had 17 points for Lithuania. Jokubas Gintvainis (191-SF-94) and Justas Tamulis (194-SF-94, agency: Beo Basket) finished with 15 points each in the loss.

Croatia U18: Dario Saric 39+11 boards, Tomislav Gabric 14, Jakov Mustapic 11
Lithuania U18: Marius Grigonis 17, Jokubas Gintvainis 15, Justas Tamulis 15


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


U18 European Championship: Bosnia and Herzegovina wins Gold at home tournament - by Eurobasket News

Bosnia and Herzegovina U18- Czech Republic U18 76:64

Bosnia and Herzegovina wins Gold at home tournament at the U18 European Championship in Division B. The hosts overcame Czech Republic 76:64 as both teams will play in Division A next year.
More than 700 fans came to support the local team in Sarajevo. Bosnia and Herzegovina took 17:16 at the end of the first period and then added massive 20-8 in the second frame. Both teams scored 21 points each in the third quarter and the host did not mind the narrow loss in the last stanza. Czech Republic won the last period 19-18 but could not upset the hosts. Ahmedic was the last to score for the winners and Karel Ausprunk (200-F/C-94) closed the game at 76:64.
Nedim Buza (201-SF-95) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Jusuf Nurkic (212-C-94) collected 18 points and 11 rebounds. Adin Vrabac (202-G/F-94) posted 11, whilst Stefan Glogovac (201-SF-94) nailed 8. Radovan Kouril (180-PG-95) ended up with 25 points and Karel Ausprunk posted 11.

Bosnia and Herzegovina U18: Nedim Buza 20, Jusuf Nurkic 18+11 rebs, Adin Vrabac 11, Stefan Glogovac 8
Czech Republic U18: Radovan Kouril 25, Karel Ausprunk 11


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


U18 European Championship: Germany unable to avoid relegation despite win - by Eurobasket News

Germany U18 - Denmark U18 97:65

Germany capped their U18 European Championship campaign with victory. They drubbed Denmark but could not avoid the relegation to Division B. France also won their game and Les Bleus became the only team to save Division A spot from Group G.
Germany exploded with 28 points to surge ahead in the opening quarter. They ensured a 4-point lead at the first break. Germany stretched the margin in the second quarter. They piled up a comfortable 27-point lead at the big break. Denmark narrowed the gap in the third quarter. They cut the distance at 23-point mark at the final break. Germany outgunned their opponents 22:12 in the final stanza and sealed the victory at the end. Mauricio Marin (192-G-94) posted 15 points to lead the winners. Johannes Thiemann (203-F-94) added 12 points and 10 rebounds for Germany. Jacob Jensen (211-C-94) answered with 14 points and 11 rebounds for Denmark. Rasmus Hansen (203-PF-95) and Rasmus Larsen (212-C-94) netted 11 points apiece in the loss.

Germany U18: Mauricio Marin 15, Johannes Thiemann 12+10 boards, Maximilian Ugrai (200-SF-95) 11
Denmark U18: Jacob Jensen 14+11 boards, Rasmus Hansen 11, Rasmus Larsen 11


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


Pistons' Charlie Villanueva says he's motivated by fans' scorn - by Basket Dominicano

The campers at Cesar Chavez Academy leaned forward to hear Charlie Villanueva (209-F-84, college: Connecticut)'s message.

At a basketball camp with an emphasis on anti-bullying initiatives, he spoke of a stressful childhood in which others taunted him because of his alopecia -- a condition that prevents hair growth.

Looking at the $32 million he has earned over a seven-year career, Charlie Villanueva has grown into a successful NBA player -- at least, financially.

But Charlie Villanueva, 27, is coming off arguably the toughest year of his professional career, during which he became even more a source of scorn from fans.

So some of those lessons learned about coping with adversity probably come in handy.

"There are things that happen that sometimes you can't control, and people can't understand that," he said Sunday. "They don't know the whole story, but absolutely I use some of it.

"You hear it, but I don't let it affect me. It just drives you to get better. You use it as motivation and carry a chip on your shoulder. That's the approach I'm taking, and I'm just ready to get on the floor."

It started with the NBA lockout, which cost Charlie Villanueva an off-season that would have been helpful in getting acquainted with new Detroit Pistons coach Lawrence Frank 's system.

Then there was an ankle injury suffered in training camp that caused him to miss much of the lockout-shortened season. And when he did return, Frank didn't want to disrupt the chemistry of the team.

After hoping to help the Dominican Republic earn a berth in the Olympics, Charlie Villanueva was cut without a tryout or an explanation, amid reports that he showed up for a tryout overweight.

And then there was a fan base that wouldn't be hurting for volunteers to give Charlie Villanueva a ride to Metro Airport if the Detroit Pistons decided to use the amnesty clause to shed the $16 million he is owed over the next two seasons. The Detroit Pistons declined to use the provision, which would allow them to cut a player without salary-cap ramifications.

He gets the scorn. His salary ($8 million) is the third-highest on the Detroit Pistons' payroll, and his performance has gotten progressively worse since he arrived in Detroit.

"Since I've been here, have I had career years?" Charlie Villanueva said. "Have I had great years?

"But I can't worry about people not wanting me here -- people saying that I'm not any good. I know what type of player that I am. ... I'm just going to let my game do the talking."

The Detroit Pistons are pleased with Charlie Villanueva's conditioning efforts, and his 6-foot-11 frame looked slim. He has taken up a boxing regimen, and he flew to Orlando recently to practice with the summer-league team.

"I'm committed to this organization because they made a commitment to me," Charlie Villanueva said of his time in Florida. "It's an opportunity to get better. It's an opportunity to work with the younger guys and the draft picks."

By Vince Ellis vellis@freepress.com


*****************************************************
  ESTONIA   


U18 European Championship: Vrbica Masan leads Montenegro to the 5th place - by Eurobasket News

Montenegro U18-Estonia U18 85:77

Masan Vrbica (190-G-94) leads Montenegro to the 5th place at the U18 European Championship in Division B. He scored 22 points as his team beat Estonia 85:77. The latter finished on the 6th position.
Estonia looked better in the first 10 minutes of the game and won the first period 23-15. The rest of the game however belonged to the Montenegrin side that won three other quarters. Montenegro produced 19-16 in the second frame and then added 20-18 in the third quarter. Moreover the last quarter became decisive in the game as Montenegro needed 31-20 win for the final success. Masan Vrbica was the last to score in the game for the winners.
Vasilije Vusovic (191-G-94) posted 13 points for the winners, while Milija Mikovic (205-C-94) and Vaso Popovic (184-G-94) had 11 each. Martin Jurtom (198-PF-94) finished the game with 29 points in the losing effort and Kent Vene (192-SG-94) nailed 15. Sander Saare (182-PG-94) brought 13, whilst Georg Tambre (194-PF-94) had 7 points and 10 rebounds.

Montenegro U18: Masan Vrbica 22, Vasilije Vusovic 13, Milija Mikovic 11, Vaso Popovic 11
Estonia U18: Martin Jurtom 29, Kent Vene 15, Sander Saare 13, Georg Tambre 7+10 rebs


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


Unicaja officially add Kosta Perovic - by Eurobasket News (T)

Unicaja officiated the deal with Kosta Perovic (217-C-85). The centre signed a one-year deal with the Malaga team. Last two seasons the Serbian player spent in Regal FC Barcelona. Last season Kosta Perovic notched 4.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in Euroleague. In ACB his stats read 5.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per appearance. Previously Kosta Perovic had stints with Valencia, Golden State Warriors, Bakersfield Jam, Partizan, Beopetrol. Eurobasket.com named Kosta Perovic All-EuroCup Centre of the Year in 2010. He was All-Serbia and Montenegro League Centre of the Year in 2006. Kosta Perovic was the member of U16 Yugoslavian National Team. He has been playing for the Serbian National Team since 2003.


Unics confirm Chuck Eidson - by Eurobasket News (T)

Unics have confirmed the signing of Chuck Eidson (202-F/G-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Carolina). The forward has agreed on terms of two-year contract with the team. Last season Chuck Eidson played for Regal FC Barcelona. He tallied 7.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.2 steals per game in Euroleague. In ACB Chuck Eidson delivered 7.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals per appearance. He earned All-Spanish ACB Honourable Mention. Previously the forward had stints with Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Lietuvos Rytas, Strasbourg, Giessen 46ers and North Charleston Lowgators. Eurobasket.com named Chuck Eidson All-German Bundesliga Newcomer of the Year in 2005. He was Lithuanian All-Star Game MVP in 2009. Chuck Eidson earned EuroCup MVP title the same season. He was also trumped LKL Import Player of the Year in 2009.


Unicaja locks Zoran Dragic until 2014 - by Eurobasket News (T)

As expected, Unicaja Malaga announced signing of a 2-year deal with Zoran Dragic (196-F/G-89). The player arrives from Krka Novo Mesto. They were EuroChallenge champions and Slovenian league winners in 2011. Few months ago Krka defended the title in Slovenia. Dragic had 13 ppg and 5.3 rpg for 16 appearances last season. In Adriatic league the player had 11 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 1.7 spg for 25 games. Dragic also added 11.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 2.1 apg for 12 EuroCup games. Zoran Dragic was Eurobasket.com All-Slovenian League Player of the Year -11, 12. He was also awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Slovenian League Defensive Player of the Year -11, 12. Before Krka, Dragic spent few years with Geoplin Slovan. He played for the Houston Rockets this summer at the 2012 NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas. In 4 games Dragic had 6.3 ppg and 2.3 rpg.
Yesterday, Unicaja signed a deal with Kosta Perovic (217-C-85). The player arrives from Barcelona.


Montepaschi Siena announce Aleksandar Rasic - by Eurobasket News (T)

Montepaschi Siena confirmed another signing. They penned deal with Aleksandar Rasic (195-PG-84, agency: Beo Basket). The Serbian guard spent the last season in Lithuania. He played for Lietuvos Rytas. Aleksandar Rasic notched 6.9 points, 2.7 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game in LKL. In VTB League Aleksandar Rasic tallied 5.1 points, 2.5 assists and 1.7 rebounds. In Baltic League the guard averaged 8.3 points, 1.5 assists and 1.0 board per appearance. Rasic also posted 7.1 points, 2.6 assists and 1.6 boards in EuroCup. Previously Aleksandar Rasic had spells for Trabzanspor, Partizan, Dynamo Moscow, ALBA Berlin, Efes Pilsen, FMP Zeleznik, Borac Cacak. He has been the member of Serbian National Team since 2010.


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


Croatia celebrate the title in Vilnius - by Eurobasket News

FINAL
Croatia - Lithuania 88-76
Croatia celebrated the first U18 European Championship title since 2002. They overcame hosting Lithuania in the championship game tonight to clinch the trophy. Dario Saric (208-F-94) came up with another sizzling performance tallying 39 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assist to lead the winners. Croatia opened the game on a 10:3 run. Dario Saric soon gave Croatia a 17:5 lead. He finished with 12 points in the opening quarter as Croatia earned a 22:15 lead. The visitors accumulated a 31:19 lead early in the second quarter. But Lekavicius helped Lithuania cut the deficit to just three points at halftime 33:36. Lekavicius and Gintvanis organized a 6:2 run from the hosts as they posted a 40:38 lead early in the third quarter. But Croatia quickly returned the lead and surged ahead for a 58:53 advantage at the final break. Saric came up with 12 more points in the fourth quarter as Croatia marched to the victory. Tomislav Gabric (201-F-95) posted 14 points, while Jakov Mustapic added 11 points for the winners. Marius Grigonis (198-F-94) had 17 points for Lithuania. Jokubas Gintvainis and Justas Tamulis finished with 15 points each in the loss.
3-4 Place
Russia - Serbia 56-66
Serbia stepped onto the pedestal at U18 European Championship. They defeated Russia to clinch the Bronze medals. Stefan Pot (195-G-94) came up with 21 points to lead the winners. Serbia and Russia stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 20:20 after ten minutes. Serbia pulled ahead in the second quarter. They eked out a narrow 35:33 halftime lead. Serbia extended the lead in the third quarter. The Balkan team ensured a 7-point lead at the final intermission. Serbia did not loosen the grasp in the final term and rolled to the victory at the end. Doko Salic (209-C-95) accounted for 15 points, while Nikola Rebic added 7 points for the winners. Igor Kanygin (207-F/C-94) answered with 12 points for Russia. Mikhail Kulagin had 11 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.

5-6 Place
Latvia - Spain 51-80
Spanish U18 National Team earned the fifth position at the European Championship. They thumped hosting Latvia on the final day of the tournament. Ilimane Diop (209-C-95) paced former champions with 16 points. Spain held Latvia to 5 points in the opening quarter to take a 7-point lead. Spain erupted for 31 points in the second quarter to stretch the margin. The Spaniards piled up a 43:17 halftime lead. Latvia struggled to come back to life in the third quarter. They faced a massive 29-point deficit heading into the fourth frame. Spain never looked back in the final quarter marching to a comfortable win at the end. Guillermo Hernangomez (209-C-94) posted 12 points, while Juan Saiz added 11 points for the winners. Elvis Endzels (180-PG-94) answered with 11 points for Latvia. Armands Ginters had 9 points in the loss.

7-8 Place
Bulgaria - Italy 65-84
Italy clinched the 7th position at U18 European Championship. They defeated Bulgaria on the last day of the tournament. Amedeo Tessitori (204-PF-94) came up with 28 points to lead the Azzurri. Italy fired 25 points in the opening quarter to surge ahead. They ensured a 12-point lead after ten minutes. Italy boosted the margin in the second quarter. The Azzurri piled up a 45:25 halftime lead. Bulgaria could not change the complexion of the encounter in the third quarter. Italy stayed in charge taking a 24-point lead into the fourth frame. Bulgaria outscored their opponents in the final period but could not avoid the loss at the end. Mirco Turel (192-SG-94) finished with 12 points, while Tommaso Laquintana added 9 points for the winners. Kris Minkov (198-SF-94) answered with 15 points for Bulgaria. Anton Dikov had 10 points in the loss.

Group G
Denmark - Germany 65-97
Germany capped their U18 European Championship campaign with victory. They drubbed Denmark but could not avoid the relegation to Division B. France also won their game and Les Bleus became the only team to save Division A spot from Group G. Germany exploded with 28 points to surge ahead in the opening quarter. They ensured a 4-point lead at the first break. Germany stretched the margin in the second quarter. They piled up a comfortable 27-point lead at the big break. Denmark narrowed the gap in the third quarter. They cut the distance at 23-point mark at the final break. Germany outgunned their opponents 22:12 in the final stanza and sealed the victory at the end. Mauricio Marin (192-G-94) posted 15 points to lead the winners. Johannes Thiemann (203-F-94) added 12 points and 10 rebounds for Germany. Jacob Jensen (211-C-94) answered with 14 points and 11 rebounds for Denmark. Rasmus Hansen and Rasmus Larsen netted 11 points apiece in the loss.

France - Poland 76-52
France finished their U18 European Championship campaign on a high note. They defeated Poland to ensure Division A spot for the next season. Mouhammadou Jaiteh (206-C-94) came up with 18 points and 13 rebounds to lead the winners. France surged ahead right from the start. Les Bleus posted 19:13 lead after ten minutes. France maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They ensured a 38:29 halftime lead. France stretched the margin in the third quarter. They held their opponents to 12 points in the period to take a 17-point lead at the final break. Poland managed just 11 points in the fourth term and France cruised to the victory at the end. Antony Labanca (191-SF-94) posted 15 points, while Alexandre Chassang and Kevin Harley had 12 points each for the winners. Jakub Schenk (184-PG-94) replied with 15 points for Poland. Kacper Borowski netted 11 points in the loss.


Bosnia and Herzegovina wins Gold at home tournament - by Eurobasket News

FINAL
Bosnia - Czech Republic 76-64
Bosnia and Herzegovina wins Gold at home tournament at the U18 European Championship in Division B. The hosts overcame Czech Republic 76:64 as both teams will play in Division A next year. More than 700 fans came to support the local team in Sarajevo. Bosnia and Herzegovina took 17:16 at the end of the first period and then added massive 20-8 in the second frame. Both teams scored 21 points each in the third quarter and the host did not mind the narrow loss in the last stanza. Czech Republic won the last period 19-18 but could not upset the hosts. Ahmedic was the last to score for the winners and Ausprunk Karel closed the game at 76:64. Nedim Buza (201-SF-95) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Jusuf Nurkic (212-C-94) collected 18 points and 11 rebounds. Adin Vrabac (202-G/F-94) posted 11, whilst Glogovac Stefan nailed 8. Radovan Kouril (180-PG-95) ended up with 25 points and Ausprunk Karel posted 11.
3rd place
United Kingdom - Finland 73-59
England advanced to Division A for the next season. The team overcame Finland 73:59 in the game for the third place in the last game of the competition. The victory gave England a third place finish in the U18 Men European Championship Division B and secured them a spot in Division A for next season. An 11-0 start to the game looked to have given Steve Bucknall's side one foot in Division A, but the Finns retaliated and were just three points adrift after the first quarter. Joni Herrala (190-G-94) made two free throws for 19:16 after the opening frame and Kauhanen later reduced to 30:27. Rowell Graham (197-F-94) made it 45:35 early in the third and Tyrell Isaacs (183-PG-95) scored for 58:45. He also scored the quarter for 15-point advantage. Finland managed to win the last period but could not upset the British side. Kingsley Okoroh (213-C-95) and Rowell Graham top-scored for the winners with 15 points each. Tyrell Isaacs nailed 13, while Nelson Luke posted 12. Joni Herrala answered with 11 points in the losing effort, while Joonas Lehtoranta (183-SG-94) and Rajala Julius had 10 apiece.

5-6 place
Montenegro - Estonia 85-77
Masan Vrbica (190-G-94) leads Montenegro to the 5th place at the U18 European Championship in Division B. He scored 22 points as his team beat Estonia 85:77. The latter finished on the 6th position. Estonia looked better in the first 10 minutes of the game and won the first period 23-15. The rest of the game however belonged to the Montenegrin side that won three other quarters. Montenegro produced 19-16 in the second frame and then added 20-18 in the third quarter. Moreover the last quarter became decisive in the game as Montenegro needed 31-20 win for the final success. Masan Vrbica was the last to score in the game for the winners. Vasilije Vusovic (191-G-94) posted 13 points for the winners, while Mikovic Milija and Vaso Popovic (184-G-94) had 11 each. Jurtom Martin finished the game with 29 points in the losing effort and Vene Kent nailed 15. Saare Sander brought 13, whilst Tambre Georg had 7 points and 10 rebounds.

7-8 place
Israel - Belgium 74-63
Israel steps higher than Belgium in Sarajevo at the U18 European Championship in Division B. The Israeli team won 74L63 and finished on the 7th place. Belgium meanwhile dropped to the 8th position. The teams fired some three-pointers in the first period as Rafael Menco (201-SF-94, agency: Avi Zilberman) and Stevens Stijn closed the period from the arc at 16:14. Kikus nailed three for 23:22 and he later closed the half at 30:26. Koulechov Egor and Ariel scored for 43:32, while Segev Itay increased the lead to 52:40 at the end of the third period. Belgium won the fourth quarter 23-22 but reduced to 11 points at the end. Rafael Menco stepped up with 20 points for the winners and Koulechov Egor collected 19 points and 12 rebounds. Segev Itay nailed 11, while Ariel Adam brought 10. Mathijs Gijbels (204-PF-95) finished the game with 16 points in the losing effort and Stevens Stijn scored 11. Emmanuel Lecomte (180-G-95) followed them with 7 points in a loss.

9-10 place
Holland - Portugal 74-61
Holland clinched 9th place in Division B as in the last game they beat Hungary 74:61. The Dutch side took the higher spot as Hungary finished on the 10th position. Both teams hoped for the higher place and deserved it. They showed great game at the tournament and looked well in Sarajevo. Holland started with 18-12 and added massive 24-11 in the second period. Moreover they produced 19-15 in the third quarter as Maarten Bouwknecht (185-PG-94) closed the frame at 61:38. Gameiro and Julius van Sauers opened the fourth frame for each side and then Diogo Ventura (189-PG-94) cut it to 67:45. Kok Jito made it 71:47 and B. van Vliet closed the game at 74:61. Hammink Shane and Kok Jito top-scored for the winners with 15 points each. Diogo Ventura replied with 18 points in defeat, while Miguens Andre added 7.
11-12 place
Austria - Hungary 52-67
Hungary clinches 11th spot at the U18 European Championship in Division B. The team overcame Austria 67:52 for a higher place. Hungary easily reached 21-9 at the end of the first period, but Austria stayed tough in the first half. They answered with 23-13 in the second frame for 32:34 at the halftime. Hungary increased the lead to 9 points at the end of the third period when Varga Marton made 48:39 after thirty minutes. Hungary added 19-13 in the last stanza for the final result in the game. Timur Bas (198-PF-94) top-scored for the winners with 12 points and Jakob Poeltl (208-PF-95) collected 10 points and 12 rebounds. Djordje Djordjevic (194-F-94) and Valentin Bauer (181-PG-94) followed them with 9 points each in a win. Zoltan Perl (194-G-95) replied with 22 points in the losing effort and Goloman Gyorgy added 10. Varga Marton notched 9, while Velkey Janos had 8.

13-14 place
Iceland - Sweden 84-81
Iceland beat Sweden to finish the campaign on the 13th place. The team overcame the opponents 84:81 as the latter finished on the 14th place at the U18 European Championship in Division B. Sweden took 21-15 in the first period and led 5 points at the halftime. Jadersten gave Sweden 39:34 as the teams disappeared in the lockers. Matthias Sigurdarson (185-PG-94) meanwhile tied the game at 41:41 and Lofberg Johan later made the same at 50:50. Iceland however looked better at the end of the frame and reached 68:59 after thirty minutes. Sweden did their best to reduce the gap and cut it to 82:80, but Valur Valsson (182-PG-94) made the last two free throws to seal the victory with his team. Hermannsson Martin paced all the winners with 26 points and Matthias Sigurdarson netted 18. Valur Valsson followed them with 12 points in a win. Alexander Gorski (193-SG-94) answered with 16 points in the losing effort, while Lofberg Johan scored 14. Nicholas Spires (209-PF-94) notched 11 and Larsson Niklas produced 10.

15-16 place
Slovakia - Romania 47-65
Romania edge Slovakia in their last game of the U18 European Championship in Division B. The Romanian side grabbed 65:47 win to finish on the 15th place. Slovakia meanwhile ended up on the 16th position. Not too many people came to see the last game of the teams. Romania took 12:11 lead at the end of the first period and added 15-7 in the second frame. Vlad Cobzaru (201-C-95) scored for 27:18 as the teams disappeared in the lockers. Romania also scored the first 4 points in the third period and won it 23-9. Stoicoviciu Vlad closed the period at 50:27 and then Romania did not mind to slow down. Slovakia won the last stanza 20-15 but could reduce only to 18 points. Vlad Cobzaru top-scored for the winners with 15 points, while Mehmet Hortoglu (192-SG-95) and Stoicoviciu Vlad posted 10 each. Vladimir Brodziansky (206-PF-94) netted 19 in defeat and Rozim Robert brought 8.

17-18 place
Belarus - Georgia 62-72
Georgia finished Division B on a high note as they beat Belarus in the last game for both teams. Georgia overcame the opponents 72:62 and finished on the 17th place. Belarus meanwhile clinched the 18th place at the U18 European Championship. Georgia won the first period 16-13 and added 19-16 in the second frame. Nika Ramishvili (179-SG-94) brought 37:31 early in the third, while Abuladze nailed three for 9-point advantage. Belarus managed to respond with a massive run and Vashkevich brought 43:42. Abuladze meanwhile nailed another three for 51:46 at the end of the third period. Georgia came up with a narrow 21-16 victory in the last period fro the final success. Burjanadze Beka top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Nika Ramishvili notched 15. Giorgi Tsirekidze (202-C-94) followed them with 10 points. Kiryl Chumakou (194-SF-95) replied with 15 points and Tsimafei Yeusiyevich (190-SF-95) had 11. Astashou Dzmitry scored 10, while Bliznets Pavel delivered 8.

19-20 place
Luxembourg - Norway 85-59
Luxembourg sent Norway to the 20th place at the U18 European Championship in Division B. Luxembourg needed an 85:59 win to finish on the step higher. Both teams tried to finish the campaign with the victory, however Luxembourg deserved it more. Although they trailed 11-14 in the first period, they managed to produce 26-9 in the second frame and added massive 36-16 in the last stanza. Goergen and Gutenkauf scored the last points for the winners to seal the victory. Hoeser Jo top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Wolff Yann collected 13 points and 12 rebounds. Thomas Grun (194-PG-95) also scored 13, while Gengler Alain had 12. Espen Fjaerestad (192-SG-94) replied with 13 points in the losing effort and Lepovic Marko added 9 points and 12 rebounds. Vuk Krivokapic (193-SF-95) produced 8 points in defeat. Both teams made the same number of Assists 14. Norway meanwhile had more steals 13 versus 5.

21-22 place
Scotland - Switzerland 51-55
Switzerland sent Scotland to the last position in Sarajevo at the U18 European Championship in Division B. The Swiss side grabbed 55:51 win to finish on the 21st place. Scotland meanwhile finished the campaign on the last place. It was the game for the last position in the tournament and the teams struggled until the end. They both scored 12 points each in the first period and only after that Switzerland erupted with 17-4 for 29:16 lead at the halftime. Joshua McGilvray (201-C-95) helped his team to come closer to 35:30, while Verga nailed three for 41:31. Malcolm reduced to 43:44 and Joshua McGilvray brought 47:46 lead with 3 minutes to go. Nicholas Sim (180-PG-95) gave Scotland 51:50 but those points were the last in the game for his side. Switzerland finished the game with a 5-0 run and clinched the higher place. Daniel Andjelkovic (200-PF-94) paced all the winners with 21 points and Kostic Branislav netted 11. Nicholas Sim produced 19 points in the losing effort, whilst Joshua McGilvray and Nicholson Jack had 10 each.

Stats Leader

Points Per Game
 Jo HOESER
  (193-PF-94)
  Avg: 22.8
 1. Hoeser, LUX22.8 
 2. Koulechov, ISR19.8 
 3. Nurkic, BIH19.4 
 4. Burjanadze, GEO17.6 
 5. Hermannsson, ISL17.3 
 6. Perl, HUN17.3 
 7. Nelson, ENG16.7 
 8. Ausprunk, CZE16.6 
 9. Schilder, NED16.5 
 10. Lehtoranta, FIN16.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jusuf NURKIC
  BIH
  (212-C-94)
  Avg: 13.3
 1. Nurkic, BIH13.3 
 2. Poltl, AUT12.8 
 3. Brodziansky, SVK11.5 
 4. Burjanadze, GEO11.4 
 5. Okoroh, ENG10.8 
 6. Lepovic, NOR10.1 
 7. Spires, SWE9.6 
 8. Wolff, LUX9.3 
 9. Ausprunk, CZE9.0 
 10. Koulechov, ISR7.9 
Assists Per Game
 Radovan KOURIL
  CZE
  (180-PG-95)
  Avg: 8
 1. Kouril, CZE8.0 
 2. Vrbica, MNT6.6 
 3. Sharon, ISR4.7 
 4. Saare, EST4.5 
 5. Melcher, LUX4.0 
 6. Mattila, FIN3.8 
 7. Vrabac, BIH3.5 
 8. Mikeladze, GEO3.5 
 9. Nelson, ENG3.4 
 10. Valsson, ISL3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Egor KOULECHOV
  RUS
  (194-SF-94)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Koulechov, ISR2.6 
 2. Hoeser, LUX2.2 
 3. Valsson, ISL2.2 
 4. Saare, EST2.1 
 5. Melcher, LUX2.0 
 6. Varadi, HUN2.0 
 7. Graham, ENG2.0 
 8. Andjelkovic, SUI2.0 
 9. Mattila, FIN2.0 
 10. McGilvray, SCO1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Jito KOK
  NED
  (205-C-94)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Kok, NED3.1 
 2. Brodziansky, SVK3.0 
 3. Okoroh, ENG2.7 
 4. Nurkic, BIH2.3 
 5. Poltl, AUT1.9 
 6. Spires, SWE1.9 
 7. Rajala, FIN1.6 
 8. Bliznets, BLR1.6 
 9. Ausprunk, CZE1.3 
 10. Goloman, HUN1.2 


Stats Leaders Div. A

Points Per Game
 Dario SARIC
  CRO
  (208-F-94)
  Avg: 25.6
 1. Saric, CRO25.6 
 2. Rebec, SLO18.6 
 3. Vezenkov, BUL16.7 
 4. Jaiteh, FRA16.6 
 5. Agravanis, GRE16.4 
 6. Larsen, DEN15.7 
 7. Tessitori, ITA15.3 
 8. Hrovat, SLO15.3 
 9. Brzoja, CRO15.0 
 10. Sipahi, TUR14.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Mouhammadou JAITEH
  (206-C-94)
  Avg: 11.6
 1. Jaiteh, FRA11.6 
 2. Saric, CRO10.1 
 3. Kulagin, RUS8.5 
 4. Krestininas, LTU8.3 
 5. Jankovic, SRB8.2 
 6. Larsen, DEN8.2 
 7. Agravanis, GRE7.5 
 8. Diop, ESP7.2 
 9. Chassang, FRA7.1 
 10. Gromovs, LAT6.8 
Assists Per Game
 Deyan KARAMFILOV
  (180-PG-94)
  Avg: 5.7
 1. Karamfilov, BUL5.7 
 2. Rebec, SLO5.5 
 3. Sipahi, TUR5.3 
 4. Radicevic, SRB5.1 
 5. Annaev, RUS4.6 
 6. Perez, ESP4.1 
 7. Imbro, ITA3.6 
 8. Saric, CRO3.3 
 9. Mavra, CRO3.2 
 10. Diaz, ESP3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Gregor HROVAT
  (196-G-94)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Hrovat, SLO2.7 
 2. Mustapic, CRO2.6 
 3. Karamfilov, BUL2.4 
 4. Brzoja, CRO2.3 
 5. Annaev, RUS2.1 
 6. Imbro, ITA2.1 
 7. Karamalegkos, GRE1.9 
 8. Vezenkov, BUL1.9 
 9. Boyarkin, UKR1.8 
 10. Saric, CRO1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Amedeo TESSITORI
  (204-PF-94)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Tessitori, ITA2.3 
 2. Gromovs, LAT2.2 
 3. Diop, ESP2.0 
 4. Agravanis, GRE1.8 
 5. Chassang, FRA1.6 
 6. Saric, CRO1.6 
 7. Kanygin, RUS1.4 
 8. Zagreba, UKR1.4 
 9. Krestininas, LTU1.2 
 10. Saiz, ESP1.1 


Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U18 Division B Awards 2012 - by Eurobasket Center

Eurobasket.com All-Touornament 1st Team
#s#
Jusuf Nurkic
Nurkic
Radovan Kouril
Kouril
Luke Nelson
Nelson
Egor Koulechov
Koulechov
Jakob Poeltl
Poeltl
#e#5

MVP: Jusuf Nurkic (212-C-94) of Bosnia
Best Guard: Radovan Kouril (180-PG-95) of Czech Rep.
Best Forward: Egor Koulechov (194-SF-94) of Israel
Best Center: Jusuf Nurkic of Bosnia
Best Coach: Nenad Markovic of Bosnia

1st Team
PG: Radovan Kouril (180-95) of Czech Rep.
PG: Luke Nelson (189-95) of United K.
SF: Egor Koulechov (194-94) of Israel
PF: Jakob Poeltl (208-95) of Austria
C: Jusuf Nurkic (212-94) of Bosnia

2nd Team
G: Masan Vrbica (190-94) of Montenegro
SG: Joonas Lehtoranta (183-94) of Finland
SF: Nedim Buza (201-95) of Bosnia
F/C: Karel Ausprunk (200-94) of Czech Rep.
C: Kingsley Okoroh (213-95) of United K.

3rd Team
G: Zoltan Perl (194-95) of Hungary
G/F: Adin Vrabac (202-94) of Bosnia
PF: Julius Rajala (205-94) of Finland
PF: Beka Burjanadze (203-94) of Georgia
C: Jito Kok (205-94) of Holland

Honorable Mention
Pedro Bastos (186-PG-94) of Portugal
Mike Schilder (185-PG-94) of Holland
Nicholas Spires (209-PF-94) of Sweden
Jo Hoeser (193-PF-94) of Luxemboug
Nikola Blatancic (194-F-94) of Norway
Bob Melcher (196-G-94) of Luxemboug
Vladimir Brodziansky (206-PF-94) of Slovakia
Martin Hermannsson (190-SG-94) of Iceland
Martin Jurtom (198-PF-94) of Estonia
Daniel Andjelkovic (200-PF-94) of Switzerland


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


U18 European Championship: England advanced to Division A - by Eurobasket News

England U18-Finland U18 73:59

England advanced to Division A for the next season. The team overcame Finland 73:59 in the game for the third place in the last game of the competition. The victory gave England a third place finish in the U18 Men European Championship Division B and secured them a spot in Division A for next season.
An 11-0 start to the game looked to have given Steve Bucknall's side one foot in Division A, but the Finns retaliated and were just three points adrift after the first quarter. Joni Herrala (190-G-94) made two free throws for 19:16 after the opening frame and Kauhanen later reduced to 30:27. Rowell Graham (197-F-94) made it 45:35 early in the third and Tyrell Isaacs (183-PG-95) scored for 58:45. He also scored the quarter for 15-point advantage. Finland managed to win the last period but could not upset the British side.
Kingsley Okoroh (213-C-95) and Rowell Graham top-scored for the winners with 15 points each. Tyrell Isaacs nailed 13, while Luke Nelson (189-PG-95) posted 12. Joni Herrala answered with 11 points in the losing effort, while Joonas Lehtoranta (183-SG-94) and Julius Rajala (205-PF-94) had 10 apiece.

England U18: Kingsley Okoroh 15, Rowell Graham 15, Tyrell Isaacs 13, Luke Nelson 12
Finland U18: Joni Herrala 11, Joonas Lehtoranta 10, Julius Rajala 10


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


Chalons-Reims bring in Tyren Johnson - by Eurobasket News (T)

Chalons-Reims strengthened their roster. They announced the name of the new import player. The team signed contract with Tyren Johnson (202-F-88, college: La-Lafayette). The forward spent the last season in D-League. He played for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Tyren Johnson averaged 11.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.0 steal per game. Tyren Johnson participated at D-League All-Star Game. Tyren Johnson started his pro career last season in Belgium. He played for Okapi Aalstar. His stats read 9.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 steal per appearance in D1.


CSP Limoges signs Bosnian NT member Edin Bavcic - by Eurobasket News (T)

It's official. CSP Limoges signed a 1-year deal with Edin Bavcic (209-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket). The Bosnian National Team power forward 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.
Last 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) last 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.
Also, Limoges parted ways with Christophe Massie (206-C/F-77, agency: Court Side, college: Memphis). He spent last two years with Limoges. In the latest one Massie had 12.6 ppg, 11 rpg, 1.9 apg and 1 bpg. He was top rebounder and fifth shot blocker of the league.

Update: Edin Bavcic will join Limoges on September 10 due to obligations with Bosnian NT.


U18 European Championship: France keep Division A spot - by Eurobasket News

France U18 - Poland U18 76:52

France finished their U18 European Championship campaign on a high note. They defeated Poland to ensure Division A spot for the next season. Mouhammadou Jaiteh (206-C-94) came up with 18 points and 13 rebounds to lead the winners.
France surged ahead right from the start. Les Bleus posted 19:13 lead after ten minutes. France maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They ensured a 38:29 halftime lead. France stretched the margin in the third quarter. They held their opponents to 12 points in the period to take a 17-point lead at the final break. Poland managed just 11 points in the fourth term and France cruised to the victory at the end. Antony Labanca (191-SF-94) posted 15 points, while Alexandre Chassang (203-PF-94) and Kevin Harley (197-G-94) had 12 points each for the winners. Jakub Schenk (184-PG-94) replied with 15 points for Poland. Kacper Borowski (203-F/C-94) netted 11 points in the loss.

France U18: Mouhammadou Jaiteh 18+13 boards, Antony Labanca 15, Alexandre Chassang 12, Kevin Harley 12
Poland U18: Jakub Schenk 15, Kacper Borowski 11


Louis Campbell joins Strasbourg - by Eurobasket News (T)

Louis Campbell (190-G-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Buffalo) will continue his career in France. The guard signed contract with Strasbourg. Last season Louis Campbell played in Germany. He was the member of Walter Tigers Tuebingen squad. The guard notched 9.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game in 1.Bundesliga. Previously Louis Campbell had stints with EWE Baskets, Toyota Alvark, Giessen 46ers and Paderborn. He participated at 2006 and 2011 Bundesliga All-Star Games. Asia-Basket.com named Louis Campbell All-Japanese JBL Guard of the Year in 2007. He was JBL Superleague champion with Toyota Alvark in 2007. The guard made it into All-German Bundesliga 2nd Team in 2010.


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


David Weaver Moves To The Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber (T)

The Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg announced today that David Weaver (209-C-87, college: Wake Forest) is the new power forward for the upcoming season. Weaver is a 24 year old 209cm forward from Black Mountain, North Carolina. Last season, he played for Energa Czarni Slupsk (Poland-PLK): 36 games: 9.2ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 66.1%, 3PT-2 (50.0%), FT: 75.0%. He is a versatile big man who possesses a defensive-minded game. An excellent shot blocker and post defender. Powerful dunker who finished with 45 dunks in his NCAA career. Can play at both the power forward and center positions. He started his basketball career at Wake Forest in 2005-2006 being ateam mate of Beko BBL player Kyle Visser. He played at wake Forest until 2010 and in his senior year, played 31 games: 2.6ppg, 2.1rpg. He played a total of 120 NCAA games. He started his professional basketball career in 2010 with : Ilysiakos Athens (Greece-A1), only preseason, in Nov.'10 joined BC Siauliai (Lithuania-LKL): Lithuanian League: : 23 games: 11.5ppg, 5.5rpg, FGP: 62.8%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 68.4%; EuroCup: 6 games: 11.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 60.4%, FT: 64.7%; Baltic League: 17 games: 9.2ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 60.8%, FT: 62.3%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been MVP Conference Tournament -05, North Carolina All-State -05, Nike All-American -05 , Best Defensive Player Award -08, ACC Regular Season Runner-Up -09, Murray Greason Award -09, NCAA Tournament 2nd Round -10, Lithuanian League All-Star Game -11, Baltic League Quarterfinals -11, and Eurobasket.com Lithuanian LKL All-Newcomers Team -11

Source: Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg


Germany Survives The Hagen Sahara Desert Trouncing Luxemburg 101-53 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Not only has summer found a small crack through the back door in Germany with the weather heating up the deprived country this weekend the same way 100 meter lightening bolt Usain Bolt does the fans with his pre race facial expressions, but 2013 European championships qualifications got revved up this weekend in Hagen with 1993 Euro winner Germany facing off against tiny neighbor Luxemburg. With Germany having posted a stellar 7-2 record this summer in friendlies, the exuberant crew of head coach Svetislav Pesic didnt leave any of their past success this summer lost in Turkey or Bamberg, but were as focused as new New Orleans Hornet Brian Roberts always was on the court for Bamberg, Lionel Messi finally was in the second half of the 3-1 win against Germany this week where he scored one goal, but could of scored three or American gold medalist James Harden who has engraved the fear the beard phrase forever on the court as Germany trounced Luxemburg 101-53 winning their first game in the European qualifications for the Euro 2013. We came into this game wanting to give everything we had. They werent easy to play as they were very small and quick. Our goal was to go inside to our big men which also opened it up for our three point shooters, stressed ex Telekom Baskets Bonn forward Tim Ohlbrecht. Despite the big loss, Luxemburg players exited the dressing room after the loss in awe, but understood why they had lost this game. This was a great experience for me. I have never had the chance to play against a team like this on the pro level. I think if this game would only have had three quarters, we would have been in the game. If we hadnt had that awful first quarter of 0/7 shooting from outside, we would have had a chance. We were also too short to handle their big men, stressed Luxemburg guard Christopher Jones. Not only was Luxemburg in awe after, but so was new Phoenix Hagen American Abe Lodwick who saw his first international game in Germany. Luxemburg played out their hearts, but Germany was simply too talented and athletic. I liked the atmosphere. It is a small arena so the sound stays loud, commented Abe Lodwick.

Despite the beach like humidity in the Enervie arena, where the only thing missing was Felix the Thunderbird mascot uncovering a hammock and ordering margaritas, the German national team didnt really let any of the scorching heat disturb their play as they were able to manhandle Luxemburg as if they were on the north pole. For the 2,566 fans that had bought a ticket getting used to the sauna like conditions was difficult since they had been deprived of the summer with cooler temperatures this year, but the German players were used to it already. It is hard to play in these temperatures and be aggressive, but we were used to these temperatures in Turkey, stressed Tim Ohlbrecht. For 2010 NBA draft pick Tibor Pleiss (215-C-89), he will have to get used to these temperatures when he plays in the ACB this season for Caja Laboral. They better have air conditioning there, or I will have to drink a whole pool before the game, joked Tibor Pleiss. It was so hot today, I could hop around the corner and jump in the Ischland pool, laughed ratiopharm Ulm point guard Per Guenther. For Luxemburg player Christopher Jones who led his team in scoring with 19 points, he could of pulled a James Harden with his own theme with Fear the heat. It was like a sauna and you lost energy fast, so you had to drink a lot. We werent used to playing in this type of heat. When it is this warm, you really need to get back to resources and play with routine. After this game, I wish I could be at the beach IN Belgium where I have family, said Christopher Jones. This heat was crazy. This was the hottest I have played in Europe this year. The heat makes it even tougher to play Germany in conditions like this, said Luxemburg player Jairo Ferreira.

Even though Germany and Luxemburg are neighbors, both teams hadnt played against each other since 1976 where Germany prevailed 69-50. Germany also wanted to make amends for their negative record in Hagen of 10-15 going into this game. In the first five minutes both teams were at even eyelevel even though it took Germany more time to find their rhythm. Per Guenther got Germany on the board first with a three pointer, but Luxemburg quickly showed that they werent timid as Raul Birenbaum and ex TBB Trier forward Sammy Picard scored in the lane as Luxemburg led 4-3. Both teams kept exchanging leads as they were still feeling each other out. Ex Brose Baskets Bamberg giant Tibor PLeiss made a tip in and Pit Koster some how scored over 215cm Tibor Pleiss with his 182cm as Luxemburg led again 6-5. FC Bayern Munich forward Jan Jagla made two free throws giving Germany the 7-6 lead, but it was Samy Picard again who played 52 Beko BBL games scoring over Jagla as Germany trailed 8-7. However then as is so often the case in basketball, one team kept scoring while the other didnt as Germany ended the first quarter with a 18-2 run to lead 25-10. Germany was very versatile in their scoring any which way and their only mistake was when Jones stole a ball out of the hands of Per Guenther. Germany got needed production from Guenther and Jagla inside and a three pointer from Robin Benzing as Germany led 14-10. Luxemburg kept attacking with their run and gun, but were missing everything and Germany played heads up defense as Benzing made a monster block on Alexandre Rodenbourg. Ex TBB Trier center Maik Zirbes nailed a mid distance jumper, Tim Ohlbrecht made a tip in and Benzing ended the quarter with a bomb from downtown. I thought that Germany took Luxemburg a bit lightly at the start. Luxemburg was playing well. Germany wasnt 100% in the game and were giving up too many easy offensive rebounds. Germany was taking too many three pointers. Germany then found their rhythm and Picard and Schumacher didnt hit their shots, expressed eurobasket.com basketball expert Daniel Poerschke. Germany was shooting 47% from the field and 37% from outside while Luxemburg was shooting 26% from the field and 0% from outside. Germany led the rebounding easily 17-8 and both teams had four turnovers a piece.

The scoring rampage continued in the second quarter as Germany scooted out of the block with a 9-1 run to lead 34-11. Germany was subbing in and out and everyone was getting playing time. Maik Zirbes who looked like a monster compared to the Luxemburg players who seemed lost and out of place with their smaller bodies made a tip in off an offensive rebound. Bastian Doreth played with a lot of high intensity and is always putting the opponent under pressure hit a jumper and more big men did damage for Germany as Ohlbrecht made a tip in after his third try and Pleiss made a mid distance jumper as Germany led 34-11. From this stand point Luxemburg played a lot better mixing up their style with a healthy inside out game closing out the second quarter with a 16-11 run, but still trailed 45-27. Luxemburg went on a mini 5-0 run as Ferreira hit a three pointer and Schumacher scored inside with hard penetration as Germany led 34-16. Lucca Staiger stalled the Luxemburg run somewhat with a jumper, but Jones scored on penetration as Germany led 36-18. Staiger was hot and showed his scoring touch as netting 106 points in a youth game when he was 16 was no fluke nailed a step back 6 meter jumper from downtown Hagen. Luxemburg tried to keep pace with a Jones and Ferreira buckets, but Germany simply had too much fire power as Pleiss scored inside and Jan Jagla hit a pretty fade away jumper as Germany led 43-25. Jagla and Pablo Genevo whos dad palyed Davis Cup tennis for Luxemburg traded baskets at the end of the second quarter. Germany still led comfortably 45-27. Germany kept their rhythm despite that little Luxemburg run, but Pesic took two timeouts to correct some things. Germany rebounded better, but it is very hard for Luxemburg to defend with all these mismatches, stressed Daniel Poerschke. Germany was shooting 45% from the field and 31% from the three point line, while Luxemburg was shooting 34% from the field and 8,3% from the three point line. Germany had the commanding 28-15 rebound advantage and both teams had 8 turnovers.

If fans thought that the game was over at halftime, they were in for a big surprise as Luxemburg still had some kick in their tanks. Tom Schumacher started off the second half with a three point blast which was quickly answered from Heiko I can hit from anywhere Schaffartzik in the corner as Germany led 50-30. Picard then flew by Pleiss who was still looking for something as he scored on a lay up. Benzing then scored again as Germany continued to keep the nice lead 52-32. One could say Luxemburg then went on a 11-3 run to cut the lead down too only 55-43, but better was the Christopher Jones show as he socred all 11 points. He nailed three three pointers and made two free throws. Jones usually plays like that. He is a streaky scorer, but when he gets going , it is hard to stop him. His 11 points kept us in the game, added Jairo Ferreira. I guess you can say I was in the zone. I got hot. My 11 points was a team effort. My teammates had trust in my shot, said Christopher Jones. Howver that was as close as Luxemburg would get as Germany closed out the third quarter with 15-5 run to lead 70-48. With the hot temperature, it was evident that Luxemburg was getting tired. Germany also had an easier time to read their run and gun game as they had no inside game. Germany hit three three pointers in this run from Per Guenther who hit a in your face Schwarz jumper, Philipp Schwethelm and Kartsen Tadda also hit. We played too relaxed in their comeback. We ended the quarter with more concentration. We mixed up our game more which helped, added Tim Ohlbrecht. They played zone and we couldnt hit our shots at the end of the quarter. It was easier for them to guard our perimeter play and we had problems moving the ball, stressed Jairo Ferreira.

The fourth quarter was a walk in the parka s Germany closed out the game with a nasty31-5 quarter. Germany kept punishing Luxemburg inside as the lob pass proved to be very effective as Ohlbrecht scored twice inside and Zirbes also did thanks to an Ohlbrecht feed. Staiger and Doreth also hit jumpers as Germany had the overwhelming 84-53 lead. Germany then ended the game with a 17-0 run. The only thing challenging the German team and fans was the question as to wheather Germany could crack the 100 point mark. Germany kept supplying the fans with a smorgasboard of beautiful offensive plays. Benzing found some daylight from the wing and nailed a two handed dunk which was followed by back to back three pointers from Staiger and Schwethelm as Germany led 96-53. With a minute too go, Germany continued to keep their defensive pressure on par forcing turnovers and extended chnaces of hitting the 100 mark. Ohlbrecht then fed Pleiss with a lob pass that the German stuffed home. Germany then had the last possession and Tim Ohlbrecht finished off the game with a rare three pointer. I was very happy to make that shot. I didnt have too many chances last season to take the three pointer, smiled Tim Ohlbrecht. This was a tough game. We were in the game for three quarters, but then just broke down. Germany played at a high level for 40 minutes, added Jairo Ferriera. We played better in the second half on offense and defense. We boxed out better under the basket, commented Tom Ohlbrecht.

Germany was led by Robin Benzing with 17 points. Maik Zirbes, Tim Ohlbrecht and Maik Zirbes chipped in with 12 points a piece. Per Guenther and Tibor Pleiss added 10 points a piece. Luxemburg was led by Christopher Jones with 19 points. Tom Schumacher contributed 12 points. Germany shot 48% from the field and 44% from the three point line, while Luxemburg struggled all night shooting 32% from the field and 21% from the three point line. Germany dominated the boards 51-27. Germany had 17 turnovers and Luxemburg 21. Germany allowed only 53 points and will need to keep up their physical presence in the next games on defense. Germany isnt scared to be physical. Sometimes they give an elbow and that is something that the opponent needs to live with. This was the toughest defense that I have encountered, stressed Christopher Jones. Germany has to forget this game and focus on Bulgaria who they meet Tuesday in Sofia. Bulgaria will be more an exciting game. They play at a total different level. We will have to rebound well and keep that healthy balance of inside out, warned Tim Ohlbrecht.



The Independents Rattelsdorf Add Alex Danila And Max Kolbert - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber (T)

Regionaliga team Independents Rattelsdorf have added two new players with Danila Alexandru (185-G-85) and Max Kolbert. Danila is a 26 year old 185cm guard from Rumania. He played in Rumania the last years with CSU Cuadripol Brasov (Div A), CS Energia Rovinari Targu Jiu (Div.A), and CS Dinamo Bucuresti (Div.A). He chose the Independents on account of the team concept and to be able to work in Germany." He has a lot of experience, defends well and will give the team stability", stressed head coach Rainer Wolfschmitt. Max Kolbert played his youth with TTL Bamberg and with BG Litzendorf from 2008-2012. "He is a forward that trains hard and will play an importnat role with us", added assistant coach Andy Sippach.

Source: Independents Rattelsdorf


Dallas Green Wont Strap On The ETB Wohnbau Baskets Jersey - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The regular seaosn hasnt started yet, but Dallas Green (203-F-88, college: Robert Morris) wont be playing for the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen this season. Green who was born in 1988 hailing from Indiana and had professional experience playing for the Little Rock Lightning (ABA) and Frayles de Guasave (Mexico-CIBACOPA) was unable to convince the German team of his 203cm talent. The American who was supposed to help at the positions 4-5 didnt have good results with the fitness test either. "This isnt a pleasnat situation when you have to send a player home. But when it has to do with the success of a team, then you have to make decisions like that", stressed Sport director Markus Horn. The club is already looking for a replacement and should be named soon.

Source: ETB Baskets Essen


U18 European Championship: Germany unable to avoid relegation despite win - by Eurobasket News

Germany U18 - Denmark U18 97:65

Germany capped their U18 European Championship campaign with victory. They drubbed Denmark but could not avoid the relegation to Division B. France also won their game and Les Bleus became the only team to save Division A spot from Group G.
Germany exploded with 28 points to surge ahead in the opening quarter. They ensured a 4-point lead at the first break. Germany stretched the margin in the second quarter. They piled up a comfortable 27-point lead at the big break. Denmark narrowed the gap in the third quarter. They cut the distance at 23-point mark at the final break. Germany outgunned their opponents 22:12 in the final stanza and sealed the victory at the end. Mauricio Marin (192-G-94) posted 15 points to lead the winners. Johannes Thiemann (203-F-94) added 12 points and 10 rebounds for Germany. Jacob Jensen (211-C-94) answered with 14 points and 11 rebounds for Denmark. Rasmus Hansen (203-PF-95) and Rasmus Larsen (212-C-94) netted 11 points apiece in the loss.

Germany U18: Mauricio Marin 15, Johannes Thiemann 12+10 boards, Maximilian Ugrai (200-SF-95) 11
Denmark U18: Jacob Jensen 14+11 boards, Rasmus Hansen 11, Rasmus Larsen 11


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  GREECE   


Kavala made six transfers!! - by Giorgos Diploidis (T)

Enosi Kalathosfairisis Kavalas today added six players for the forthcoming season. Sotirios Manolopoulos (208-F-87) who was in Peristeri, Dimitris Kalampakas (202-F-89) who played for PAOK, Nikolao Stylianou (198-F-88, agency: FCM, college: W.Texas A&M) who was a member of Petrolina AEK Larnaca and Nikolaos Pievalitsa from the youth team are the Greek ones. The two Americans are William Coleman (206-F-88, college: Memphis) who passed from Le Mans and James Nunnally (200-G/F-90, college: UCSB) who was playing as a forward in Santa Barbara Breakers.

The target of the coach of Enosi Kalathosfairisis Kavalas (according to the annoucement made) is to create a young and strong team which will base their game on energy and will give spectacular show to their fans.

More about the two American players of Kavala you can see at : http://www.eurobasket.com/Greece/basketball.asp?NewsID=284650


Kavala add William Coleman and James Nunnally - by Eurobasket News (T)

Kavala strengthened their roster. They added William Coleman (206-F-88, college: Memphis) and James Nunnally (200-G/F-90, college: UCSB) to the roster.
William Coleman played in France last season. He was the member of Le Mans squad. The forward tallied 4.5 points and 2.2 rebounds per EuroCup game in his debut pro season. In ProA William Coleman notched 1.8 points and 1.4 rebounds per appearance.
James Nunnally has just graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He averaged 15.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game in his senior season. James Nunnally made it onto Big West All-Tournament Team for the third season in a row. The forward joined the Santa Barbara Breakers in WCBL then. He became WCBL champion with the team. James Nunnally participated at NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas. He averaged 5.3 points and 1.8 rebounds per game for the Sacramento Kings.


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  HONG KONG   


U18 Championship: India taste the initial success - by Eurobasket News

Hong Kong U18-India U18 68:77

India taste the initial success at the 22nd FIBA Asia U18 Championship. The team overcame Hong Kong 77:68 and finished with 1-2 record in Group A. Hong Kong remains winless in the tournament.
India opened the game with 15:14 and added 18-14 in the second frame. The team also dominated the third quarter and increased the lead to 17 points after three quarters. Hong Kong meanwhile responded with 24-16 in the last stanza and reduced to final 9 points.
Palpreet Singh Brar (204-C-94) top-scored for the winners with 27 points and 17 rebounds, while Amit Kanarjee (187-PG-94) added 16. Karthickeyan Samina-Than (190-SF-95) followed them with 10 points in a win. Leung Shiu Wah (189-SF-94) ended up with 18 points in the losing effort and Chang Yiu-Fai (168-PG-94) notched 13. Chung Ho Wa (181-G-94) and Ho Chun Kit (191-C-95) brought 9 points in defeat.

Hong Kong U18: Leung Shiu Wah 18, Chang Yiu-Fai 13, Chung Ho Wa 9, Ho Chun Kit 9
India U18: Palpreet Singh Brar 27+17 rebs, Amit Kanarjee 16, Karthickeyan Samina-Than 10


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  HUNGARY   


U18 European Championship: Hungary clinches 11th spot - by Eurobasket News

Austria U18-Hungary U18 52:67

Hungary clinches 11th spot at the U18 European Championship in Division B. The team overcame Austria 67:52 for a higher place.
Hungary easily reached 21-9 at the end of the first period, but Austria stayed tough in the first half. They answered with 23-13 in the second frame for 32:34 at the halftime. Hungary increased the lead to 9 points at the end of the third period when Marton Varga (205-C/F-94) made 48:39 after thirty minutes. Hungary added 19-13 in the last stanza for the final result in the game.
Timur Bas (198-PF-94) top-scored for the winners with 12 points and Jakob Poeltl (208-PF-95) collected 10 points and 12 rebounds. Djordje Djordjevic (194-F-94) and Valentin Bauer (181-PG-94) followed them with 9 points each in a win. Zoltan Perl (194-G-95) replied with 22 points in the losing effort and Gyorgy Goloman (204-PF-96) added 10. Marton Varga notched 9, while Janos Velkey (193-G-95) had 8.

Austria U18: Timur Bas 12, Jakob Poeltl 10+12 rebs, Djordje Djordjevic 9, Valentin Bauer 9
Hungary U18: Zoltan Perl 22, Gyorgy Goloman 10, Marton Varga 9, Janos Velkey 8


Akos Keller stays with Albacomp - by Levente Szabo

It was published today that Hungarian big man, Akos Keller (208-F/C-89, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) has reached a verbal agreement for a one year extension with Albacomp-UPC Szekesfehervar, which means he will begin his 6th season with the top Hungarian team.

The 23 year old Akos Keller had a breakout season last year averaging 11.0ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.3spg and 1.4bpg (FGP: 61.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 61.1%) as a starter for Albacomp-UPC Szekesfehervar. He had his best performances in the season on the 7th of March against Hungarian powerhouse Szolnok when he had 24 points, 12 rebounds and 5 blocked shots and helped his team to a much needed away win.

As one of the most promising big mans in Hungary he got a summer training camp invite from the Phoenix Suns and looked forward to a key role in the Hungarian National team but after he got diagnosed with a cartilage tear he had to leave the training camp of the National Team and undergo an arthroscopic surgery.

"We had strong interest from 3 teams from France top division, 3 other teams from Italian second division were also interested in him. We were in talks with a team from Greece top division and we very close with a Serbian, Adriatic League participant team..." - published the agent of Akos, Laszlo Vinko on his website. "But taking in consideration our short and long term plans the best and safest decision for Akos Keller was to stay home, take his time with the rehabilitation and develop another year with Albacomp-UPC Szekesfehervar where he is expected to get a key role on the team. Our goal and focus right now is to be ready to go back next year to the Phoenix Suns training camp."


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  ICELAND   


U18 European Championship: Iceland beat Sweden to finish the campaign - by Eurobasket News

Iceland U18-Sweden U18 84:81

Iceland beat Sweden to finish the campaign on the 13th place. The team overcame the opponents 84:81 as the latter finished on the 14th place at the U18 European Championship in Division B.
Sweden took 21-15 in the first period and led 5 points at the halftime. Jadersten gave Sweden 39:34 as the teams disappeared in the lockers. Matthias Sigurdarson (185-PG-94) meanwhile tied the game at 41:41 and Johan Lofberg (199-SG-95) later made the same at 50:50. Iceland however looked better at the end of the frame and reached 68:59 after thirty minutes. Sweden did their best to reduce the gap and cut it to 82:80, but Valur Valsson (182-PG-94) made the last two free throws to seal the victory with his team.
Martin Hermannsson (190-SG-94) paced all the winners with 26 points and Matthias Sigurdarson netted 18. Valur Valsson followed them with 12 points in a win. Alexander Gorski (193-SG-94) answered with 16 points in the losing effort, while Johan Lofberg scored 14. Nicholas Spires (209-PF-94) notched 11 and Niklas Larsson (200-SG-94) produced 10.

Iceland U18: Martin Hermannsson 26, Matthias Sigurdarson 18, Valur Valsson 12
Sweden U18: Alexander Gorski 16, Johan Lofberg 14, Nicholas Spires 11, Niklas Larsson 10


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  INDIA   


U18 Championship: India taste the initial success - by Eurobasket News

Hong Kong U18-India U18 68:77

India taste the initial success at the 22nd FIBA Asia U18 Championship. The team overcame Hong Kong 77:68 and finished with 1-2 record in Group A. Hong Kong remains winless in the tournament.
India opened the game with 15:14 and added 18-14 in the second frame. The team also dominated the third quarter and increased the lead to 17 points after three quarters. Hong Kong meanwhile responded with 24-16 in the last stanza and reduced to final 9 points.
Palpreet Singh Brar (204-C-94) top-scored for the winners with 27 points and 17 rebounds, while Amit Kanarjee (187-PG-94) added 16. Karthickeyan Samina-Than (190-SF-95) followed them with 10 points in a win. Leung Shiu Wah (189-SF-94) ended up with 18 points in the losing effort and Chang Yiu-Fai (168-PG-94) notched 13. Chung Ho Wa (181-G-94) and Ho Chun Kit (191-C-95) brought 9 points in defeat.

Hong Kong U18: Leung Shiu Wah 18, Chang Yiu-Fai 13, Chung Ho Wa 9, Ho Chun Kit 9
India U18: Palpreet Singh Brar 27+17 rebs, Amit Kanarjee 16, Karthickeyan Samina-Than 10


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  INDONESIA   


U18 Championship: Mongolia edge Indonesia, not enough to advance - by Eurobasket News

Mongolia U18 - Indonesia U18 73:67

Mongolia could not advance into the Second Round of U18 Asia Championship. They managed to open win count beating Indonesia in the final game of preliminary round but it was not enough to reach the next stage. Mongolia remained in the fourth place in Group C. Indonesia finished in the third position at 1-2 record.
Mongolia started aggressively. The hosts piled up a 16:8 lead after ten minutes. Mongolia maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They established a 38:26 halftime lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the third term as Mongolia entered the final frame up by 12 points. However Indonesia fired 25 points in the fourth quarter and cut the deficit to only 6 points at the end. Munkhnasan Lkhamjav (180-G-94) exploded with 33 points to lead Mongolia. Enkhtaivan Chinzorig (188-C-95) added 13 points for the winners. Jan Panagan (179-G-94) answered with 16 points for Indonesia. Katon Baskoro (184-G-94) had 15 points in defeat.

Mongolia U18: Munkhnasan Lkhamjav 33, Enkhtaivan Chinzorig 13, Khash-Erdene Doniddemberei 10
Indonesia U18: Jan Panagan 16, Katon Baskoro 15


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  IRAN   


2012 William Jones Cup: Samad Nik Khahbahrami lifts Iran past Japan - by Eurobasket News

Iran - Japan 71:59

Iran earned the second win in a row at the start of William Jones Cup. They held off Japan today. Samad Nik Khahbahrami (198-F-83) orchestrated the victory scoring 32 points and pulling down 9 rebounds for Iran.
Japan enjoyed a slim 10:9 lead after ten minutes. Iran denied the deficit in the second quarter. They pulled ahead for a 30:24 halftime lead. Iran stretched the lead in the third quarter. They accumulated a 12-point buffer at the final intermission 53:41. Iran and Japan traded baskets throughout the final stanza as Mostafa Hashemi team rallied to the victory. Mousa Nabipour (212-C-83) delivered 10 points for Iran. Hamed Afagh (190-SG-83) netted 9 points in the victory. Joji Takeuchi (207-F/C-85, agency: N.E.T.) answered with 14 points and 15 rebounds for Japan. Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) netted 10 points in the losing effort.

Iran: Samad Nik Khahbahrami 32, Mousa Nabipour 10, Hamed Afagh 9
Japan: Joji Takeuchi 14+15 boards, Kosuke Takeuchi 10


U18 Championship: Iran too good for Philippines - by Eurobasket News

Iran U18 - Philippines U18 93:72

Iran clinched the third consecutive win at U18 Asia Championship. They capped the preliminary round campaign with a comfortable win over Philippines. Vahid Dalirzahan (199-SF-95) scored 21 points to lead Iran as they claimed the top position in Group D. Philippines suffered the first loss at the tournament to finish at 2-1 record.
Iran held a 22:17 lead after ten minutes. They stretched the margin in the second quarter. Iran secured a 42:33 halftime lead. Iran stayed dominant after the long break. They aggravated the damage establishing a 65:48 lead at the final break. Iran exploded with 28 points in the fourth term and sealed a comfortable result at the end. Hossein Rahmati (204-C-93) posted 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Sajjad Mashayekhi (180-PG-94) had 16 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. Rodolfo Alejandro (180-G-95) answered with 12 points for Philippines. Janhubert Cani (178-PG-95) netted 11 points in defeat.

Iran U18: Vahid Dalirzahan 21, Hossein Rahmati 20+14 boards, Sajjad Mashayekhi 16+10 boards
Philippines U18: Rodolfo Alejandro 12, Janhubert Cani 11


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  IRELAND   


NCAA ,s Div 3 Redland University take home Paddy Ryan Memorial Trophy - by Patrick Maher

The Redland Bulldogs lived up to their moniker elegantly yesterday when they battled tenaciously individually and collectively to Win The Paddy Ryan Memorial Trophy played out to enthralled fans at The O Loughlin Gaels Sports Complex in Kilkenny City as they defeated newely promoted to Ireland,s Superleague The Dublin Thunder on a scoreline of 91 to 75.Now from a coaching stance I,m all for strategy that makes the best of what you,ve got and The Bulldogs certainly did this with a seriously disengaging often full court pressure and help defence that put quite simply never allowed opponents in any of their three games to play with composure concentration and confidence.Couple this to a really well conditioned team both physically and mentally and you have the components for real success.The Bulldogs opener versus hosts Team Left Bank Kilkenny saw them start as they obviously planned to finish by using their speed quickness and endurance to take the game to their opponents and keep it there in their opponents half for as long as possible the outcome of which most often than not was a relieved offence simply for getting the ball over the half way line though now with the clock running down and opponents guards over-stressed from having to carry the bulk of the phychological workload.In fairness to Kilkenny they never dropped their heads despite the scoreline running 15 plays 7 17/11, 19/11, 23/11, and to finished at 69 plays 24.Kilkenny though with ex Superleague Winner with Waterford Crystal guard Dean Kavanagh and guard Julian O Keeffe who certainly talent wise were up to Redlands level would have benefitted more having the bigger inside players with better level ball handling and finishing skills at least close to the basket, conditioning too physically would have made a considerable difference though that,s what you get practising 2/3 times / week as opposed to every day and twice a day.The Kilkenny followers though were fully appreciative of the efforts put forward by their team and with this the House -full sign can be expected to be seen when Kilkenny play Blue Demons in their Div 1 opener in a 10 game home schedule in October .
Game 2 saw Ballon BC play also newely promoted to superleague play Dublin thunder and as was to be expected seeing the strength of the teams in the warm ups The Thunder won convincingly at 61 to 37.The Thunder on their showing this weekend are quite capable of making an immediate impact at superleague level though it remains to be seen what the true picture can become until teams actually state their named teams for the season.The Thunder in this their opener had good balance with their guards and relatively speaking big men inside allowing substituting after the first quarter with the momentum and game under their control.

The third game pitched Redlands with Dublin Inter (Ballons 1st team) and it in terms of deciding who,d progress or not was critical.The contrasting via East versus West in terms of basketball styles was the hallmark of this game with Inter being more direct and staid in their approach whereas the U.S.A. team were at least on the surface more emotionally involved and self expressive in their play.Inter it must be said though did possess that winning attitude to a man and their tough uncomprimising attitude meant the Americans were put to the pin of their collar to eventually win it at 51 plays 47.Jim Ducey earned his corn with this one on the line in the third quarter impressing on his charges the value of what was at stake in a similar vein to how Isaw The USA team of under 20,s compete at the 2006 Albert Schweitzer Tournament at Mannheim Germany.Ducey,s team duly responded in what to a certain extent as the tournament was their final.
Game 4 Dublin Thunder 80 against Castleisland,s 55 points with St Mary,s Andrew Fitzgerald now in the best shape of his life at 30 years of age hitting 26 and playing defence that would have me starting him on any Superleague team at the minute (providing of course he comes through maherprobasket,s teamsystem player evaluation process).

Game 5 Dublin Inter 51 / Team Left Bank kilkenny 49. ....Game 6 Castleisland 66 / Ballon BC 60.

Game 6 the Final : Wearing my coach,s hat and having seen practically every shot, rebound, foul and heard the oooh,s and ahhh,s of a highly entertained fan contingent from early in the day being at the venue literally before the first team arrived my initial thoughts on writing up my usual pre game personalised "skinny" I asked myself "Pat ! What are the deciding factors here likely to be" next I listed them 1.Are the older and in 3/4 instances physically stronger Thunder,s players likely to be be able to gain some mometum early and maintain it to give themselves a shot at winning ?. 2. Do the thunder have the energy to stay with The Bulldogs given the intensity on defence the bulldogs have displayed up to this point ?. 3.Can the Bulldogs win enough boards to get the quick breaking points they are used to scoring to give themselves the leverage they need with what is practically a bit of a gamble even with the top level teams.
The answers as they unfolded were irrelevant to a degree as the quality of the bench players dictated the final outcome with the Thunder unable or unwilling to an extent to risk putting guys on the floor who up to this stage were quite capable of playing a positive contributing role and this scenario was evident really early in the opening quarter when The Thunder,s "Big 3" inside players simply had to come out for a breather. (In fairness to The Thunder this scenario is unlikely at the minute to be a diminishing factor in terms of their Superleague aspirations this season).Westbrooks up to the final few minutes to give him his due was able to run the game in a way where if his teamates (and I have seen him do this with the Senior Men,s National team) had the ability to dominate the floor and create passing lanes / opportunities he is quite capable of making those passes with his perimeter scoring threat a plus for himself too, though he could use a quicker step to give himself that triple threat game with a higher level of legetimacy.Bulldogs coaching staff played this one out not unlike an elaborate chess game allowing Thunder to get close but not too close again and again and again until finally and I could see it etched on the thunder,s faces an expression of "Well ! What do we have to do here against these guy.s".The final scoreline again of 91 to 75 was probably a fair reflection and a just outcome
for all the efforts The Bulldogs must have put in to get in the shape they are in.
Tournament sponsors : www.aib.ie, www.basketballireland.ie, www.kbowlkk.ie, www.leftbank.ie, www.firecentre.ie, www.kingsize.ie, www.arklowbay.com, www.springhillcourt.com, www.clonmelpark.com,www.greenisle.com

Congratulations to Kilkenny BC on running a very successful tournament. Dean Kavanagh (183-G-84)


*****************************************************
  ISRAEL   


U18 European Championship: Israel steps higher than Belgium in Sarajevo - by Eurobasket News

Israel U18-Belgium U18 74:63

Israel steps higher than Belgium in Sarajevo at the U18 European Championship in Division B. The Israeli team won 74L63 and finished on the 7th place. Belgium meanwhile dropped to the 8th position.
The teams fired some three-pointers in the first period as Rafael Menco (201-SF-94, agency: Avi Zilberman) and Stijn Stevens (177-G-94) closed the period from the arc at 16:14. Kikus nailed three for 23:22 and he later closed the half at 30:26. Egor Koulechov (194-SF-94) and Ariel scored for 43:32, while Itay Segev (204-SF-95, agency: Avi Zilberman) increased the lead to 52:40 at the end of the third period. Belgium won the fourth quarter 23-22 but reduced to 11 points at the end.
Rafael Menco stepped up with 20 points for the winners and Egor Koulechov collected 19 points and 12 rebounds. Itay Segev nailed 11, while Adam Ariel (199-SF-94, agency: Avi Zilberman) brought 10. Mathijs Gijbels (204-PF-95) finished the game with 16 points in the losing effort and Stijn Stevens scored 11. Emmanuel Lecomte (180-G-95) followed them with 7 points in a loss.

Israel U18: Rafael Menco 20, Egor Koulechov 19+12 rebs, Itay Segev 11, Adam Ariel 10
Belgium U18: Mathijs Gijbels 16, Stijn Stevens 11, Emmanuel Lecomte 7


*****************************************************
  ITALY   


Sidigas Avellino announce Levour Warren - by Eurobasket News (T)

Sidigas Avellino bolstered their frontcourt. They agreed on terms with Levour Warren (196-F-81, agency: SportsTalent, college: S.Carolina). The forward is not new to Avellino. He played here in 2008/09 season. The forward then posted 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 2.0 assists per game in SeriaA. Levour Warren also delivered 16.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists in Euroleague. Last season Levour Warren spent in Croatia. He played for KK Cedevita Zagreb. The forward notched 9.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game in EuroCup. In Adriatic League his stats read 12.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists. In Croatian League the forward delivered 9.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists per appearance. Levour Warren was named All-Croatian League Forward of the Year in 2007. In 2008 the player was named All-Adriatic League Defensive Player of the Year. Levour Warren was the member of Panama National Team in 2004/2005 seasons.


Marco Mordente heads to JuveCaserta - by Eurobasket News (T)

JuveCaserta bolstered their backcourt. They announced the arrival of Marco Mordente (192-SG-79). The guard signed for the next season. Last season Marco Mordente spent with Lottomatica Roma. He tallied 5.1 points, 1.6 boards and 1.6 assists per game in SeriaA. Previously the guard had stints with Armani Jeans, Benetton Treviso, Reggio Emilia, Adecco Milano and Ragusa. Eurobasket.com named Marco Mordente SeriaA Most Improved Player of the Year in 2005. He was named SeriaA Defensive Player of the Year in 2006. Marco Mordente was the member of U22 Italian National Team. The guard has been the member of Italian National Team since 2001.


Montepaschi Siena announce Aleksandar Rasic - by Eurobasket News (T)

Montepaschi Siena confirmed another signing. They penned deal with Aleksandar Rasic (195-PG-84, agency: Beo Basket). The Serbian guard spent the last season in Lithuania. He played for Lietuvos Rytas. Aleksandar Rasic notched 6.9 points, 2.7 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game in LKL. In VTB League Aleksandar Rasic tallied 5.1 points, 2.5 assists and 1.7 rebounds. In Baltic League the guard averaged 8.3 points, 1.5 assists and 1.0 board per appearance. Rasic also posted 7.1 points, 2.6 assists and 1.6 boards in EuroCup. Previously Aleksandar Rasic had spells for Trabzanspor, Partizan, Dynamo Moscow, ALBA Berlin, Efes Pilsen, FMP Zeleznik, Borac Cacak. He has been the member of Serbian National Team since 2010.


U18 European Championship: Italy prevail against Bulgaria - by Eurobasket News

Italy U18 - Bulgaria U18 84:65

Italy clinched the 7th position at U18 European Championship. They defeated Bulgaria on the last day of the tournament. Amedeo Tessitori (204-PF-94) came up with 28 points to lead the Azzurri.
Italy fired 25 points in the opening quarter to surge ahead. They ensured a 12-point lead after ten minutes. Italy boosted the margin in the second quarter. The Azzurri piled up a 45:25 halftime lead. Bulgaria could not change the complexion of the encounter in the third quarter. Italy stayed in charge taking a 24-point lead into the fourth frame. Bulgaria outscored their opponents in the final period but could not avoid the loss at the end. Mirco Turel (192-SG-94) finished with 12 points, while Tommaso Laquintana (187-PG-95) added 9 points for the winners. Kris Minkov (198-SF-94) answered with 15 points for Bulgaria. Anton Dikov (191-SG-94) had 10 points in the loss.

Italy U18: Amedeo Tessitori 28, Mirco Turel 12, Tommaso Laquintana 9
Bulgaria U18: Kris Minkov 15, Anton Dikov 10


*****************************************************
  JAPAN   


2012 William Jones Cup: Samad Nik Khahbahrami lifts Iran past Japan - by Eurobasket News

Iran - Japan 71:59

Iran earned the second win in a row at the start of William Jones Cup. They held off Japan today. Samad Nik Khahbahrami (198-F-83) orchestrated the victory scoring 32 points and pulling down 9 rebounds for Iran.
Japan enjoyed a slim 10:9 lead after ten minutes. Iran denied the deficit in the second quarter. They pulled ahead for a 30:24 halftime lead. Iran stretched the lead in the third quarter. They accumulated a 12-point buffer at the final intermission 53:41. Iran and Japan traded baskets throughout the final stanza as Mostafa Hashemi team rallied to the victory. Mousa Nabipour (212-C-83) delivered 10 points for Iran. Hamed Afagh (190-SG-83) netted 9 points in the victory. Joji Takeuchi (207-F/C-85, agency: N.E.T.) answered with 14 points and 15 rebounds for Japan. Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) netted 10 points in the losing effort.

Iran: Samad Nik Khahbahrami 32, Mousa Nabipour 10, Hamed Afagh 9
Japan: Joji Takeuchi 14+15 boards, Kosuke Takeuchi 10


U18 Championship: Syria upset Japan in Group B - by Eurobasket News

Japan U18-Syria U18 71:73

Syria upset Japan in Group B of the 22nd FIBA Asia U18 Championship. The team grabbed 73:71 win to finish on the second place with 2-1 record. Japan meanwhile dropped to the third position with 1-2 record.
Both teams nailed 15 points each in the first period and proved the importance of the game. They added 19 points each in the second frame as the board showed even numbers at the halftime. Japan seemed to have a better break and won the third period 24-20, but could not seal the victory. Shuto Terazono (165-PG-94) scored for 70:70 with 1 minute to go, while SHNNO and Ali Obesi (188-F-94) gave Syria the important win.
Ali Obesi top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Mourad Hashim (176-G-95) notched 20. Mahmmoud Trub (195-F-94) followed them with 9 points in a win. Masahiro Narita (185-SF-94) replied with 19 points in the losing effort and Shuto Terazono scored 15. Yuta Watanabe (200-SF-94) delivered 13, whilst Yuta Osaka (179-PG-94) nailed 9.

Japan U18: Masahiro Narita 19, Shuto Terazono 15, Yuta Watanabe 13, Yuta Osaka 9
Syria U18: Ali Obesi 21, Mourad Hashim 20, Mahmmoud Trub 9


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  KAZAKHSTAN   


U18 Championship: Saudi Arabia defeat Kazakhstan, stay in title race - by Eurobasket News

Saudi Arabia U18 - Kazakhstan U18 76:65

Saudi Arabia earned the first win at the U18 Asia Championship. They held off Kazakhstan to claim the third position in Group D. Kazakhstan remained winless and would play in classification round. Nassir Abo Jalas (192-F-94) posted 21 points and 12 rebounds to lead Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia pulled ahead early in the game. They ensured a 22:15 lead after ten minutes. Saudi Arabia maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They ensured a 44:35 halftime lead. Kazakhstan revived the intrigue in the third quarter. They cut the deficit at 2-point mark heading into the final stanza. But Saudi Arabia returned into drivers seat in the final quarter. They held their opponents to 9 points and rallied to the victory at the end. Waheed Faqihi (185-F-94) scored 18 points, while Asslam Bafarat (197-F/C-94) had 12 points for the winners. Alexey Kurochka (185-G-94) came up with 19 points for Kazakhstan. Alymzhan Maxutov (183-G-94) netted 17 points in the loss.

Saudi Arabia U18: Nassir Abo Jalas 21+12 boards, Waheed Faqihi 18, Asslam Bafarat 12
Kazakhstan U18: Alexey Kurochka 19, Alymzhan Maxutov 17


*****************************************************
  LATVIA   


U18 European Championship: Spain finish fifth beating Latvia - by Eurobasket News

Spain U18 - Latvia U18 80:51

Spanish U18 National Team earned the fifth position at the European Championship. They thumped hosting Latvia on the final day of the tournament. Ilimane Diop (209-C-95) paced former champions with 16 points.
Spain held Latvia to 5 points in the opening quarter to take a 7-point lead. Spain erupted for 31 points in the second quarter to stretch the margin. The Spaniards piled up a 43:17 halftime lead. Latvia struggled to come back to life in the third quarter. They faced a massive 29-point deficit heading into the fourth frame. Spain never looked back in the final quarter marching to a comfortable win at the end. Guillermo Hernangomez (209-C-94) posted 12 points, while Juan Saiz (204-PF-94) added 11 points for the winners. Elvis Endzels (180-PG-94) answered with 11 points for Latvia. Armands Ginters (193-F-95) had 9 points in the loss.

Spain U18: Ilimane Diop 16, Guillermo Hernangomez 12, Juan Saiz 11
Latvia U18: Elvis Endzels 11, Armands Ginters 9


*****************************************************
  LEBANON   


2012 William Jones Cup: Anyang KGC overcome Lebanon for second straight win - by Eurobasket News

Anyang KGC - Lebanon 94:78

Anyang KGC celebrated the second straight win at the start of William Jones Cup. They defeated Lebanese National Team for 2-0 record. Pattillo Juan (197-F-88, college: W.Kentucky) stepped up with 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Korean team.
Anyang KGC scored 24 points in the opening quarter to take a 5-point lead. Lebanon managed to narrow the deficit in the second quarter. They got within 4 points at halftime 40:36. The Korean team exploded with 33 points in the third quarter to boost the margin. Anyang KGC entered the final term up by 17 points 73:56. Lebanon could not threaten the deficit in the fourth term as Anyang KGC coasted to the victory at the end. Stutz Garrett (212-C-90, college: Wichita St.) contributed 16 points and 8 rebounds, while Kim Tae-Sool (180-PG-84) and Hee-Jong Yang had 11 points apiece in the victory. Jarrid Famous (209-C/F-88, college: S.Florida) answered with 17 points and 14 rebounds for Lebanon. Elie Estephane (193-G-86, college: Alabama So. CC) provided 14 points in the loss.

Anyang KGC: Pattillo Juan 19+10 boards, Stutz Garrett 16, Kim Tae-Sool 11, Hee-Jong Jang 11
Lebanon: Jarrid Famous 17+14 boards, Elie Estephane 14


U18 Championship: China wins Group A campaign - by Eurobasket News

China U18-Lebanon U18 96:74

China wins Group A campaign at the 22nd FIBA Asia U18 Championship. The team overcame Lebanon 96:74 for the top position in the group. Lebanon meanwhile suffered the first lost and finished the group with 2-1 record.
It was the game for the first place in the group as both teams won the first two games. China started with 22-18 and added massive 29-14 in the second frame. China never looked behind in the game and had also 19-13 surge in the third quarter. Lebanon scored 29 points in the last period, while China produced 26.
Dai Huaibo (205-C/F-94) top-scored for the winners with 27 points and 10 rebounds, while Gao Shang (198-F/G-94) and Bai Bing (200-F-95) netted 13. Wu Qian (190-G-94) followed them with 10 points each. Wael Arakji (192-G-94) ended up with 28 points in the losing effort and Gerard Hadidian (197-F/C-95) nailed 11. Hanna Nemer (177-G-94) scored 8, while Jean Assi (193-F-94) had 6.

China U18: Dai Huaibo 27+10 rebs, Gao Shang 13, Bai Bing 13, Wu Qian 10
Lebanon U18: Wael Arakji 28, Gerard Hadidian 11, Hanna Nemer 8, Jean Assi 6


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  LITHUANIA   


U18 European Championship: Dario Saric carries Croatia to the trophy - by Eurobasket News

Croatia U18 - Lithuania U18 88:76

Croatia celebrated the first U18 European Championship title since 2002. They overcame hosting Lithuania in the championship game tonight to clinch the trophy. Dario Saric (208-F-94) came up with another sizzling performance tallying 39 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assist to lead the winners.
Croatia opened the game on a 10:3 run. Dario Saric soon gave Croatia a 17:5 lead. He finished with 12 points in the opening quarter as Croatia earned a 22:15 lead. The visitors accumulated a 31:19 lead early in the second quarter. But Lekavicius helped Lithuania cut the deficit to just three points at halftime 33:36. Lekavicius and Gintvanis organized a 6:2 run from the hosts as they posted a 40:38 lead early in the third quarter. But Croatia quickly returned the lead and surged ahead for a 58:53 advantage at the final break. Saric came up with 12 more points in the fourth quarter as Croatia marched to the victory. Tomislav Gabric (201-F-95) posted 14 points, while Jakov Mustapic (193-G-94) added 11 points for the winners. Marius Grigonis (198-F-94) had 17 points for Lithuania. Jokubas Gintvainis (191-SF-94) and Justas Tamulis (194-SF-94, agency: Beo Basket) finished with 15 points each in the loss.

Croatia U18: Dario Saric 39+11 boards, Tomislav Gabric 14, Jakov Mustapic 11
Lithuania U18: Marius Grigonis 17, Jokubas Gintvainis 15, Justas Tamulis 15


Siauliai land Lewis Jackson - by Eurobasket News (T)

Siauliai bolstered their backcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Lewis Jackson (175-PG-89). The guard will start his pro career in Lithuania. Lewis Jackson has recently graduated from the Purdue University. The guard notched 10.4 points, 4.2 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in his senior season. Lewis Jackson earned All-Big Ten Honourable Mention for the second season in a row.


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  LUXEMBOURG   


U18 European Championship: Luxembourg sent Norway to the 20th place - by Eurobasket News

Luxembourg U18-Norway U18 85:59

Luxembourg sent Norway to the 20th place at the U18 European Championship in Division B. Luxembourg needed an 85:59 win to finish on the step higher.
Both teams tried to finish the campaign with the victory, however Luxembourg deserved it more. Although they trailed 11-14 in the first period, they managed to produce 26-9 in the second frame and added massive 36-16 in the last stanza. Goergen and Gutenkauf scored the last points for the winners to seal the victory.
Jo Hoeser (193-PF-94) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Yann Wolff (196-PF-94) collected 13 points and 12 rebounds. Thomas Grun (194-PG-95) also scored 13, while Alain Gengler (202-C-94) had 12. Espen Fjaerestad (192-SG-94) replied with 13 points in the losing effort and Marko Lepovic (193-F-94) added 9 points and 12 rebounds. Vuk Krivokapic (193-SF-95) produced 8 points in defeat.
Both teams made the same number of Assists 14. Norway meanwhile had more Steals 13 versus 5.

Luxembourg U18: Jo Hoeser 18, Yann Wolff 13+12 rebs, Thomas Grun 13, Alain Gengler 12
Norway U18: Espen Fjaerestad 13, Marko Lepovic 9+12 rebs, Vuk Krivokapic 8


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  MONGOLIA   


U18 Championship: Mongolia edge Indonesia, not enough to advance - by Eurobasket News

Mongolia U18 - Indonesia U18 73:67

Mongolia could not advance into the Second Round of U18 Asia Championship. They managed to open win count beating Indonesia in the final game of preliminary round but it was not enough to reach the next stage. Mongolia remained in the fourth place in Group C. Indonesia finished in the third position at 1-2 record.
Mongolia started aggressively. The hosts piled up a 16:8 lead after ten minutes. Mongolia maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They established a 38:26 halftime lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the third term as Mongolia entered the final frame up by 12 points. However Indonesia fired 25 points in the fourth quarter and cut the deficit to only 6 points at the end. Munkhnasan Lkhamjav (180-G-94) exploded with 33 points to lead Mongolia. Enkhtaivan Chinzorig (188-C-95) added 13 points for the winners. Jan Panagan (179-G-94) answered with 16 points for Indonesia. Katon Baskoro (184-G-94) had 15 points in defeat.

Mongolia U18: Munkhnasan Lkhamjav 33, Enkhtaivan Chinzorig 13, Khash-Erdene Doniddemberei 10
Indonesia U18: Jan Panagan 16, Katon Baskoro 15


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  MONTENEGRO   


U18 European Championship: Vrbica Masan leads Montenegro to the 5th place - by Eurobasket News

Montenegro U18-Estonia U18 85:77

Masan Vrbica (190-G-94) leads Montenegro to the 5th place at the U18 European Championship in Division B. He scored 22 points as his team beat Estonia 85:77. The latter finished on the 6th position.
Estonia looked better in the first 10 minutes of the game and won the first period 23-15. The rest of the game however belonged to the Montenegrin side that won three other quarters. Montenegro produced 19-16 in the second frame and then added 20-18 in the third quarter. Moreover the last quarter became decisive in the game as Montenegro needed 31-20 win for the final success. Masan Vrbica was the last to score in the game for the winners.
Vasilije Vusovic (191-G-94) posted 13 points for the winners, while Milija Mikovic (205-C-94) and Vaso Popovic (184-G-94) had 11 each. Martin Jurtom (198-PF-94) finished the game with 29 points in the losing effort and Kent Vene (192-SG-94) nailed 15. Sander Saare (182-PG-94) brought 13, whilst Georg Tambre (194-PF-94) had 7 points and 10 rebounds.

Montenegro U18: Masan Vrbica 22, Vasilije Vusovic 13, Milija Mikovic 11, Vaso Popovic 11
Estonia U18: Martin Jurtom 29, Kent Vene 15, Sander Saare 13, Georg Tambre 7+10 rebs


Gajovic returns to Bosnia - by Darko Pekic (T)

Igokea from Aleksandrovac, the newcomer in Adriatic League announced today the signing of Goran Gajovic (199-SF-88, agency: Kotnik Sports Agency). The talented guard helped Sutjeska last season to achieve the biggest success in the Club's short history-they made the Finals and were defeated by Buducnost. He has played previously for IBON, Danilovgrad, Primorije and Hercegovac.

Igokea is a very ambitious club and they are looking to have an important role in the Adriatic League this year. Before signing Gajovic they brought Corsley Edwards (205-C/F-79, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Cent.Conn.St.), Sinisa Stemberger (195-G-79), Clifford Hammonds (191-G-85, college: Clemson) and Branko Jorovic (205-F-81, agency: Beo Basket).


*****************************************************
  NAIA   


Glasgow Rocks sign C Meneptha Darden - by Eurobasket News (T)

The Glasgow Rocks are proud to announce the signing of 6'9" athletic Centre, Meneptha Darden (206-C), to fill the void down in the paint. The 24 year old American will be looking to begin his professional career with the Rocks after a successful final year at Rogers State University where he led his team in both rebounds and blocked shots.

Darden's large frame and athletic agility should be a welcoming asset to the Glasgow Rocks as they continue their search for their first piece of Silverware since the 2002/03 Season. The Rocks have always struggled to find the 'right' big man and with a new season dawning, Darden may be the missing piece to the rocks puzzle.

Head Coach, Sterling Davis, had the following to say about his most recent signing: "Meneptha, I feel, is the big we have been wanting for a while now. He is very athletic, agile, and a really good shot blocker. I think what stood out about him is his intensity level when he plays the game. He is the guy who will do whatever needs done for his team to win and really seems to wear his heart on his sleeve."

During his college years, Darden was well regarded as a big time shot blocker and rebounder, facets of the game that will go a long way in cementing Coach Davis' lockdown defensive strategies for the forthcoming season.

His hunger and passion for basketball stood out to Coach Davis: "This guy is hungry to make a name for himself and I feel that he has not been given enough opportunity to prove his worth as yet. Hopefully he will come in and bring everything I envision of him to our team."

More signing announcements will follow in the coming days, alongside details for the Annual Glasgow Rocks pre-season fixture on the 9th September against the USA Select. Tickets for this event are now online at www.glasgowrocks.co.uk with the event being held at the Kelvin Hall ISA.

This will be the final ever game to be played at Kelvin Hall with the Glasgow Rocks scheduled to play their opening BBL Fixture against the Newcastle Eagles at the Brand New Commonwealth Arena on the 7th October @ 5:00pm.

Courtesy of www.glasgowrocks.co.uk


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  NBA   


New Orleans Hornets sign coach Monty Williams to contract extension - by Eurobasket News (T)

The New Orleans Hornets announced today that they have signed head coach Monty Williams to a new multi-year contract extension. According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, its a four-year deal that will keep Williams with the team through 2016.

We are proud to announce that Monty Williams will be the head coach of the New Orleans Hornets for years to come, said Hornets Owner Tom Benson. We could not be any happier to have someone of Montys quality both professionally and personally involved in the resurgence of this franchise.

The Hornets have a promising future and an exciting young nucleus, said Hornets Executive Vice President Mickey Loomis. It is our opinion that Monty is the perfect coach to develop and lead this group of talent going forward.

I would like to thank Mr. Benson, his family, Mickey and Dell for putting their trust in me and showing me their commitment, said Williams. The love and support the city and its fans have shown me and my family in the time we have been here has been incredible and I look forward to continuing to work to make the city and the Benson family proud of the Hornets.

Williams, hired by the Hornets on June 7, 2010 as the ninth coach in franchise history, is entering his third season at the helm with a career record of 67-81 (.453), including his debut season with the club in 2010-11 where he led New Orleans to a 46-36 record and earned the team a playoff appearance. Williams placed seventh in Coach of the Year voting after that season and was named the NBAs Western Conference Coach of the Month for January 2011. Last season, Williams squad improved its win total each month and finished the 2011-12 campaign with a 6-1 stretch at the New Orleans Arena.

A native of Fredericksburg, Va., Williams came to the Hornets after five seasons as the assistant coach under Nate McMillan of the Portland Trail Blazers, including serving as the head coach for the Blazers summer league team in the NBA Summer League in both 2007 and 2008. Prior to his time in Portland, Williams spent one season as a coaching intern under Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs in 2004-05, helping the Spurs capture the NBA Championship. He was also the head coach for the Spurs summer league entry team in the 2005 Rocky Mountain Revue.

Williams played in the NBA for 10 seasons before chronic knee problems forced him into retirement in 2003. Selected by the New York Knicks in the first round (24th pick overall) of the 1994 NBA Draft out of Notre Dame, Williams played for the Knicks, Spurs, Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers. His best season was with the Spurs in 1996-97, when he averaged 9.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 65 games. For his career, Williams averaged 6.3 points in 456 games. Williams was an honorable mention All-American at Notre Dame after averaging 22.4 points and 8.4 rebounds during his senior season.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com


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


U18 European Championship: Luxembourg sent Norway to the 20th place - by Eurobasket News

Luxembourg U18-Norway U18 85:59

Luxembourg sent Norway to the 20th place at the U18 European Championship in Division B. Luxembourg needed an 85:59 win to finish on the step higher.
Both teams tried to finish the campaign with the victory, however Luxembourg deserved it more. Although they trailed 11-14 in the first period, they managed to produce 26-9 in the second frame and added massive 36-16 in the last stanza. Goergen and Gutenkauf scored the last points for the winners to seal the victory.
Jo Hoeser (193-PF-94) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Yann Wolff (196-PF-94) collected 13 points and 12 rebounds. Thomas Grun (194-PG-95) also scored 13, while Alain Gengler (202-C-94) had 12. Espen Fjaerestad (192-SG-94) replied with 13 points in the losing effort and Marko Lepovic (193-F-94) added 9 points and 12 rebounds. Vuk Krivokapic (193-SF-95) produced 8 points in defeat.
Both teams made the same number of Assists 14. Norway meanwhile had more Steals 13 versus 5.

Luxembourg U18: Jo Hoeser 18, Yann Wolff 13+12 rebs, Thomas Grun 13, Alain Gengler 12
Norway U18: Espen Fjaerestad 13, Marko Lepovic 9+12 rebs, Vuk Krivokapic 8


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


U18 Championship: Iran too good for Philippines - by Eurobasket News

Iran U18 - Philippines U18 93:72

Iran clinched the third consecutive win at U18 Asia Championship. They capped the preliminary round campaign with a comfortable win over Philippines. Vahid Dalirzahan (199-SF-95) scored 21 points to lead Iran as they claimed the top position in Group D. Philippines suffered the first loss at the tournament to finish at 2-1 record.
Iran held a 22:17 lead after ten minutes. They stretched the margin in the second quarter. Iran secured a 42:33 halftime lead. Iran stayed dominant after the long break. They aggravated the damage establishing a 65:48 lead at the final break. Iran exploded with 28 points in the fourth term and sealed a comfortable result at the end. Hossein Rahmati (204-C-93) posted 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Sajjad Mashayekhi (180-PG-94) had 16 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. Rodolfo Alejandro (180-G-95) answered with 12 points for Philippines. Janhubert Cani (178-PG-95) netted 11 points in defeat.

Iran U18: Vahid Dalirzahan 21, Hossein Rahmati 20+14 boards, Sajjad Mashayekhi 16+10 boards
Philippines U18: Rodolfo Alejandro 12, Janhubert Cani 11


2012 William Jones Cup: Philippines cruise past Taiwan B - by Eurobasket News

Philippines - Taiwan B 99:68

Philippines clinched the second consecutive win at the William Jones Cup. They outscored Taiwan B National Team. Chico Lanete (186-G-79) accounted for 21 points to lead the winners.
Philippines unleashed 28 points in the opening quarter to surge ahead. They accumulated a 10-point lead at the first break. Philippines stretched the margin in the second quarter. They piled up a massive 53:32 halftime advantage. Philippines stayed in charge throughout the third term. They entered the fourth frame up by 26 points and never looked back en route to the victory. Larry Fonacier (190-F/G-82) and Joachim Thoss (201-C-81) produced 12 points each for the winners. Sung Yu-Hsuan (183-G-89) answered with 22 points for Taiwan B. Yi-Hsiang Chou (193-F-91) had 17 points in the loss.

Philippines: Chico Lanete 21, Larry Fonacier 12, Joachim Thoss 12
Taiwan B: Sung Yu-Hsuan 22, Yi-Hsiang Chou 17


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


U18 European Championship: France keep Division A spot - by Eurobasket News

France U18 - Poland U18 76:52

France finished their U18 European Championship campaign on a high note. They defeated Poland to ensure Division A spot for the next season. Mouhammadou Jaiteh (206-C-94) came up with 18 points and 13 rebounds to lead the winners.
France surged ahead right from the start. Les Bleus posted 19:13 lead after ten minutes. France maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They ensured a 38:29 halftime lead. France stretched the margin in the third quarter. They held their opponents to 12 points in the period to take a 17-point lead at the final break. Poland managed just 11 points in the fourth term and France cruised to the victory at the end. Antony Labanca (191-SF-94) posted 15 points, while Alexandre Chassang (203-PF-94) and Kevin Harley (197-G-94) had 12 points each for the winners. Jakub Schenk (184-PG-94) replied with 15 points for Poland. Kacper Borowski (203-F/C-94) netted 11 points in the loss.

France U18: Mouhammadou Jaiteh 18+13 boards, Antony Labanca 15, Alexandre Chassang 12, Kevin Harley 12
Poland U18: Jakub Schenk 15, Kacper Borowski 11


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


U18 European Championship: Romania edge Slovakia in the last game - by Eurobasket News

Slovakia U18-Romania U18 47:65

Romania edge Slovakia in their last game of the U18 European Championship in Division B. The Romanian side grabbed 65:47 win to finish on the 15th place. Slovakia meanwhile ended up on the 16th position.
Not too many people came to see the last game of the teams. Romania took 12:11 lead at the end of the first period and added 15-7 in the second frame. Vlad Cobzaru (201-C-95) scored for 27:18 as the teams disappeared in the lockers. Romania also scored the first 4 points in the third period and won it 23-9. Vlad Stoicoviciu (190-SG-94) closed the period at 50:27 and then Romania did not mind to slow down. Slovakia won the last stanza 20-15 but could reduce only to 18 points.
Vlad Cobzaru top-scored for the winners with 15 points, while Mehmet Hortoglu (192-SG-95) and Vlad Stoicoviciu posted 10 each. Vladimir Brodziansky (206-PF-94) netted 19 in defeat and Robert Rozim (199-F-94) brought 8.

Slovakia U18: Vladimir Brodziansky 19, Robert Rozim 8
Romania U18: Vlad Cobzaru 15, Mehmet Hortoglu 10, Vlad Stoicoviciu 10


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


U18 European Championship: Serbia best Russia to clinch Bronze - by Eurobasket News

Serbia U18 - Russia U18 66:56

Serbia stepped onto the pedestal at U18 European Championship. They defeated Russia to clinch the Bronze medals. Stefan Pot (195-G-94) came up with 21 points to lead the winners.
Serbia and Russia stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 20:20 after ten minutes. Serbia pulled ahead in the second quarter. They eked out a narrow 35:33 halftime lead. Serbia extended the lead in the third quarter. The Balkan team ensured a 7-point lead at the final intermission. Serbia did not loosen the grasp in the final term and rolled to the victory at the end. Doko Salic (209-C-95) accounted for 15 points, while Nikola Rebic (186-PG-95) added 7 points for the winners. Igor Kanygin (207-F/C-94) answered with 12 points for Russia. Mikhail Kulagin (188-G-94) had 11 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.

Serbia U18: Stefan Pot 21, Doko Salic 15, Nikola Rebic 7
Russia U18: Igor Kanygin 12, Mikhail Kulagin 11+11 boards


*****************************************************
  SAUDI ARABIA   


U18 Championship: Saudi Arabia defeat Kazakhstan, stay in title race - by Eurobasket News

Saudi Arabia U18 - Kazakhstan U18 76:65

Saudi Arabia earned the first win at the U18 Asia Championship. They held off Kazakhstan to claim the third position in Group D. Kazakhstan remained winless and would play in classification round. Nassir Abo Jalas (192-F-94) posted 21 points and 12 rebounds to lead Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia pulled ahead early in the game. They ensured a 22:15 lead after ten minutes. Saudi Arabia maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They ensured a 44:35 halftime lead. Kazakhstan revived the intrigue in the third quarter. They cut the deficit at 2-point mark heading into the final stanza. But Saudi Arabia returned into drivers seat in the final quarter. They held their opponents to 9 points and rallied to the victory at the end. Waheed Faqihi (185-F-94) scored 18 points, while Asslam Bafarat (197-F/C-94) had 12 points for the winners. Alexey Kurochka (185-G-94) came up with 19 points for Kazakhstan. Alymzhan Maxutov (183-G-94) netted 17 points in the loss.

Saudi Arabia U18: Nassir Abo Jalas 21+12 boards, Waheed Faqihi 18, Asslam Bafarat 12
Kazakhstan U18: Alexey Kurochka 19, Alymzhan Maxutov 17


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


U18 European Championship: Switzerland sent Scotland to the last position in Sarajevo - by Eurobasket News

Scotland U18- Switzerland U18 51:55

Switzerland sent Scotland to the last position in Sarajevo at the U18 European Championship in Division B. The Swiss side grabbed 55:51 win to finish on the 21st place. Scotland meanwhile finished the campaign on the last place.
It was the game for the last position in the tournament and the teams struggled until the end. They both scored 12 points each in the first period and only after that Switzerland erupted with 17-4 for 29:16 lead at the halftime. Joshua McGilvray (201-C-95) helped his team to come closer to 35:30, while Verga nailed three for 41:31. Malcolm reduced to 43:44 and Joshua McGilvray brought 47:46 lead with 3 minutes to go. Nicholas Sim (180-PG-95) gave Scotland 51:50 but those points were the last in the game for his side. Switzerland finished the game with a 5-0 run and clinched the higher place.
Daniel Andjelkovic (200-PF-94) paced all the winners with 21 points and Branislav Kostic (180-PG-94) netted 11. Nicholas Sim produced 19 points in the losing effort, whilst Joshua McGilvray and Jack Nicholson (180-SG-94) had 10 each.

Scotland U18: Nicholas Sim 19, Joshua McGilvray 10, Jack Nicholson 10
Switzerland U18: Daniel Andjelkovic 21, Branislav Kostic 11


*****************************************************
  SERBIA   


U18 European Championship: Serbia best Russia to clinch Bronze - by Eurobasket News

Serbia U18 - Russia U18 66:56

Serbia stepped onto the pedestal at U18 European Championship. They defeated Russia to clinch the Bronze medals. Stefan Pot (195-G-94) came up with 21 points to lead the winners.
Serbia and Russia stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 20:20 after ten minutes. Serbia pulled ahead in the second quarter. They eked out a narrow 35:33 halftime lead. Serbia extended the lead in the third quarter. The Balkan team ensured a 7-point lead at the final intermission. Serbia did not loosen the grasp in the final term and rolled to the victory at the end. Doko Salic (209-C-95) accounted for 15 points, while Nikola Rebic (186-PG-95) added 7 points for the winners. Igor Kanygin (207-F/C-94) answered with 12 points for Russia. Mikhail Kulagin (188-G-94) had 11 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.

Serbia U18: Stefan Pot 21, Doko Salic 15, Nikola Rebic 7
Russia U18: Igor Kanygin 12, Mikhail Kulagin 11+11 boards


Crvena Zvezda tab Morris Almond - by Eurobasket News (T)

Crvena Zvezda bolstered their frontcourt. They signed contract with Morris Almond (198-F/G-85, college: Rice). The forward started the previous season in Ukraine. He played for Cherkasy Monkeys. Morris Almond averaged 10.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game in Superleague. In January Morris Almond moved to D-League. He joined the Maine Red Claws. His stats read 23.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists per appearance. Later Morris Almond joined the Washington Wizards. The forward notched 3.5 points and 2.0 rebounds per game in NBA. The forward participated at AirTran Orlando Summer League. His stats read 4.7 points and 1.7 rebounds at the League.


*****************************************************
  SINGAPORE   


U18 Championship: South Korea thrash Singapore in Ulaanbaatar - by Eurobasket News

South Korea U18-Singapore U18 110:32

South Korea thrash Singapore in Ulaanbaatar to win Group B of the 22nd FIBA Asia U18 Championship. The team won over the opponent 110:32 for a perfect 3-0 record. Singapore meanwhile finished with 0-3 record.
South Korea opened the game with 18-9 lead and never looked behind after. They erupted with 35-5 in the second frame and enjoyed 53:14 at the halftime. Moreover the second half also belonged to the favorites. They won the third period 23-10 and finished the game with 34-8.
Heewon Jung (193-F-94) paced all the winners with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Heo Hoon (181-G-95) nailed 19. Sangjae Kang (202-F-94) poured in 17, whilst Choi Jun-Yong (200-F-94) collected 16 points and 14 rebounds. Lim Justin (192-C-94) ended up with 9 points in defeat and Loon Tay Ding (185-PF-94) scored 8.

South Korea U18: Heewon Jung 20+11 rebs, Heo Hoon 19, Sangjae Kang 17, Choi Jun-Yong 16+14 rebs
Singapore U18: Lim Justin 9, Loon Tay Ding 8


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


U18 European Championship: Romania edge Slovakia in the last game - by Eurobasket News

Slovakia U18-Romania U18 47:65

Romania edge Slovakia in their last game of the U18 European Championship in Division B. The Romanian side grabbed 65:47 win to finish on the 15th place. Slovakia meanwhile ended up on the 16th position.
Not too many people came to see the last game of the teams. Romania took 12:11 lead at the end of the first period and added 15-7 in the second frame. Vlad Cobzaru (201-C-95) scored for 27:18 as the teams disappeared in the lockers. Romania also scored the first 4 points in the third period and won it 23-9. Vlad Stoicoviciu (190-SG-94) closed the period at 50:27 and then Romania did not mind to slow down. Slovakia won the last stanza 20-15 but could reduce only to 18 points.
Vlad Cobzaru top-scored for the winners with 15 points, while Mehmet Hortoglu (192-SG-95) and Vlad Stoicoviciu posted 10 each. Vladimir Brodziansky (206-PF-94) netted 19 in defeat and Robert Rozim (199-F-94) brought 8.

Slovakia U18: Vladimir Brodziansky 19, Robert Rozim 8
Romania U18: Vlad Cobzaru 15, Mehmet Hortoglu 10, Vlad Stoicoviciu 10


*****************************************************
  SOMALIA   


Adens pro career starts at Stella Artois Leuven Bears - by Eurobasket Center (T)

Stella Artois Leuven Bears strengthened their roster with addition of 23-year old Somalian-American guard Faisal Aden (193-G-89). He played most recently at Washington State University (NCAA) in the U.S. While playing 17 games for Washington St. last season he averaged 14.5ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.4apg and 1.3spg. Aden just graduated Washington State University and it will be his first season in pro basketball. He helped his university to make it to NIT Final Four two years ago. Adens will replace Ade Dagunduro, whos contract was buy-out by Virtus Rome (Italy).

By Eurobasket Data Center


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


2012 William Jones Cup: Anyang KGC overcome Lebanon for second straight win - by Eurobasket News

Anyang KGC - Lebanon 94:78

Anyang KGC celebrated the second straight win at the start of William Jones Cup. They defeated Lebanese National Team for 2-0 record. Pattillo Juan (197-F-88, college: W.Kentucky) stepped up with 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Korean team.
Anyang KGC scored 24 points in the opening quarter to take a 5-point lead. Lebanon managed to narrow the deficit in the second quarter. They got within 4 points at halftime 40:36. The Korean team exploded with 33 points in the third quarter to boost the margin. Anyang KGC entered the final term up by 17 points 73:56. Lebanon could not threaten the deficit in the fourth term as Anyang KGC coasted to the victory at the end. Stutz Garrett (212-C-90, college: Wichita St.) contributed 16 points and 8 rebounds, while Kim Tae-Sool (180-PG-84) and Hee-Jong Yang had 11 points apiece in the victory. Jarrid Famous (209-C/F-88, college: S.Florida) answered with 17 points and 14 rebounds for Lebanon. Elie Estephane (193-G-86, college: Alabama So. CC) provided 14 points in the loss.

Anyang KGC: Pattillo Juan 19+10 boards, Stutz Garrett 16, Kim Tae-Sool 11, Hee-Jong Jang 11
Lebanon: Jarrid Famous 17+14 boards, Elie Estephane 14


U18 Championship: South Korea thrash Singapore in Ulaanbaatar - by Eurobasket News

South Korea U18-Singapore U18 110:32

South Korea thrash Singapore in Ulaanbaatar to win Group B of the 22nd FIBA Asia U18 Championship. The team won over the opponent 110:32 for a perfect 3-0 record. Singapore meanwhile finished with 0-3 record.
South Korea opened the game with 18-9 lead and never looked behind after. They erupted with 35-5 in the second frame and enjoyed 53:14 at the halftime. Moreover the second half also belonged to the favorites. They won the third period 23-10 and finished the game with 34-8.
Heewon Jung (193-F-94) paced all the winners with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Heo Hoon (181-G-95) nailed 19. Sangjae Kang (202-F-94) poured in 17, whilst Choi Jun-Yong (200-F-94) collected 16 points and 14 rebounds. Lim Justin (192-C-94) ended up with 9 points in defeat and Loon Tay Ding (185-PF-94) scored 8.

South Korea U18: Heewon Jung 20+11 rebs, Heo Hoon 19, Sangjae Kang 17, Choi Jun-Yong 16+14 rebs
Singapore U18: Lim Justin 9, Loon Tay Ding 8


*****************************************************
  SPAIN   


Huesca tab Eric Sanchez - by Eurobasket News (T)

Huesca deepened their backcourt. They tabbed Eric Sanchez (181-PG-82, agency: Dynamics Global Management). The guard started the previous season in Aguas de Valencia-Gandia Basquet. He tallied 8.0 points per game in LEB Silver. Soon Eric Sanchez moved to Slovakia. The guard penned deal with Levice. His stats read 10.0 points, 3.3 assists, 2.5 rebounds per game in Slovakian Extraliga. Eric Sanchez notched 8.9 points, 2.6 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game in Czech NBL. Previously the guard had spells for Obradoiro, Tenerife Rural, Villa de Los Barios, Huelva, Gandia and Badajoz. Eric Sanchez was LEB Gold Playoff winner in 2011 with Obradoiro.


Lucentum Alicante land Albert Moncasi - by Eurobasket News (T)

Lucentum Alicante bolstered their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Albert Moncasi (209-C-86). The centre spent the previous season with Menorca Basquet. He tallied 10.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game in LEB Gold. Albert Moncasi was tested by Benetton Treviso, Bologna and Biella this spring. Albert Moncasi had stints with San Josep Girona, Lleida, Gran Canaria and FC Barcelona before. He was the member of U20 Spanish National Team.


Unicaja locks Zoran Dragic until 2014 - by Eurobasket News (T)

As expected, Unicaja Malaga announced signing of a 2-year deal with Zoran Dragic (196-F/G-89). The player arrives from Krka Novo Mesto. They were EuroChallenge champions and Slovenian league winners in 2011. Few months ago Krka defended the title in Slovenia. Dragic had 13 ppg and 5.3 rpg for 16 appearances last season. In Adriatic league the player had 11 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 1.7 spg for 25 games. Dragic also added 11.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 2.1 apg for 12 EuroCup games. Zoran Dragic was Eurobasket.com All-Slovenian League Player of the Year -11, 12. He was also awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Slovenian League Defensive Player of the Year -11, 12. Before Krka, Dragic spent few years with Geoplin Slovan. He played for the Houston Rockets this summer at the 2012 NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas. In 4 games Dragic had 6.3 ppg and 2.3 rpg.
Yesterday, Unicaja signed a deal with Kosta Perovic (217-C-85). The player arrives from Barcelona.


Unicaja officially add Kosta Perovic - by Eurobasket News (T)

Unicaja officiated the deal with Kosta Perovic (217-C-85). The centre signed a one-year deal with the Malaga team. Last two seasons the Serbian player spent in Regal FC Barcelona. Last season Kosta Perovic notched 4.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in Euroleague. In ACB his stats read 5.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per appearance. Previously Kosta Perovic had stints with Valencia, Golden State Warriors, Bakersfield Jam, Partizan, Beopetrol. Eurobasket.com named Kosta Perovic All-EuroCup Centre of the Year in 2010. He was All-Serbia and Montenegro League Centre of the Year in 2006. Kosta Perovic was the member of U16 Yugoslavian National Team. He has been playing for the Serbian National Team since 2003.


U18 European Championship: Spain finish fifth beating Latvia - by Eurobasket News

Spain U18 - Latvia U18 80:51

Spanish U18 National Team earned the fifth position at the European Championship. They thumped hosting Latvia on the final day of the tournament. Ilimane Diop (209-C-95) paced former champions with 16 points.
Spain held Latvia to 5 points in the opening quarter to take a 7-point lead. Spain erupted for 31 points in the second quarter to stretch the margin. The Spaniards piled up a 43:17 halftime lead. Latvia struggled to come back to life in the third quarter. They faced a massive 29-point deficit heading into the fourth frame. Spain never looked back in the final quarter marching to a comfortable win at the end. Guillermo Hernangomez (209-C-94) posted 12 points, while Juan Saiz (204-PF-94) added 11 points for the winners. Elvis Endzels (180-PG-94) answered with 11 points for Latvia. Armands Ginters (193-F-95) had 9 points in the loss.

Spain U18: Ilimane Diop 16, Guillermo Hernangomez 12, Juan Saiz 11
Latvia U18: Elvis Endzels 11, Armands Ginters 9


Estudiantes keep German Gabriel - by Eurobasket News (T)

Estudiantes kept German Gabriel (207-C-80). The centre renewed his contact with the Madrid team. The new deal is meant for one season with an option of prolonging it for another one. German Gabriel joined Estudiantes back in 2009. Last season the centre averaged 12.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists per game in ACB. Previously he had stints with Unicaja, Girona, Bilbao. German Gabriel was the member of U18, U20 and U21 Spanish National Teams. In 2003 the centre joined Spanish B National Team. German Gabriel was Fiba EuroCup winner in 2007. He was Catalonian League champion in 2006.


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


U18 European Championship: Iceland beat Sweden to finish the campaign - by Eurobasket News

Iceland U18-Sweden U18 84:81

Iceland beat Sweden to finish the campaign on the 13th place. The team overcame the opponents 84:81 as the latter finished on the 14th place at the U18 European Championship in Division B.
Sweden took 21-15 in the first period and led 5 points at the halftime. Jadersten gave Sweden 39:34 as the teams disappeared in the lockers. Matthias Sigurdarson (185-PG-94) meanwhile tied the game at 41:41 and Johan Lofberg (199-SG-95) later made the same at 50:50. Iceland however looked better at the end of the frame and reached 68:59 after thirty minutes. Sweden did their best to reduce the gap and cut it to 82:80, but Valur Valsson (182-PG-94) made the last two free throws to seal the victory with his team.
Martin Hermannsson (190-SG-94) paced all the winners with 26 points and Matthias Sigurdarson netted 18. Valur Valsson followed them with 12 points in a win. Alexander Gorski (193-SG-94) answered with 16 points in the losing effort, while Johan Lofberg scored 14. Nicholas Spires (209-PF-94) notched 11 and Niklas Larsson (200-SG-94) produced 10.

Iceland U18: Martin Hermannsson 26, Matthias Sigurdarson 18, Valur Valsson 12
Sweden U18: Alexander Gorski 16, Johan Lofberg 14, Nicholas Spires 11, Niklas Larsson 10


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


U18 European Championship: Switzerland sent Scotland to the last position in Sarajevo - by Eurobasket News

Scotland U18- Switzerland U18 51:55

Switzerland sent Scotland to the last position in Sarajevo at the U18 European Championship in Division B. The Swiss side grabbed 55:51 win to finish on the 21st place. Scotland meanwhile finished the campaign on the last place.
It was the game for the last position in the tournament and the teams struggled until the end. They both scored 12 points each in the first period and only after that Switzerland erupted with 17-4 for 29:16 lead at the halftime. Joshua McGilvray (201-C-95) helped his team to come closer to 35:30, while Verga nailed three for 41:31. Malcolm reduced to 43:44 and Joshua McGilvray brought 47:46 lead with 3 minutes to go. Nicholas Sim (180-PG-95) gave Scotland 51:50 but those points were the last in the game for his side. Switzerland finished the game with a 5-0 run and clinched the higher place.
Daniel Andjelkovic (200-PF-94) paced all the winners with 21 points and Branislav Kostic (180-PG-94) netted 11. Nicholas Sim produced 19 points in the losing effort, whilst Joshua McGilvray and Jack Nicholson (180-SG-94) had 10 each.

Scotland U18: Nicholas Sim 19, Joshua McGilvray 10, Jack Nicholson 10
Switzerland U18: Daniel Andjelkovic 21, Branislav Kostic 11


*****************************************************
  SYRIA   


U18 Championship: Syria upset Japan in Group B - by Eurobasket News

Japan U18-Syria U18 71:73

Syria upset Japan in Group B of the 22nd FIBA Asia U18 Championship. The team grabbed 73:71 win to finish on the second place with 2-1 record. Japan meanwhile dropped to the third position with 1-2 record.
Both teams nailed 15 points each in the first period and proved the importance of the game. They added 19 points each in the second frame as the board showed even numbers at the halftime. Japan seemed to have a better break and won the third period 24-20, but could not seal the victory. Shuto Terazono (165-PG-94) scored for 70:70 with 1 minute to go, while SHNNO and Ali Obesi (188-F-94) gave Syria the important win.
Ali Obesi top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Mourad Hashim (176-G-95) notched 20. Mahmmoud Trub (195-F-94) followed them with 9 points in a win. Masahiro Narita (185-SF-94) replied with 19 points in the losing effort and Shuto Terazono scored 15. Yuta Watanabe (200-SF-94) delivered 13, whilst Yuta Osaka (179-PG-94) nailed 9.

Japan U18: Masahiro Narita 19, Shuto Terazono 15, Yuta Watanabe 13, Yuta Osaka 9
Syria U18: Ali Obesi 21, Mourad Hashim 20, Mahmmoud Trub 9


*****************************************************
  TAIWAN   


2012 William Jones Cup: Philippines cruise past Taiwan B - by Eurobasket News

Philippines - Taiwan B 99:68

Philippines clinched the second consecutive win at the William Jones Cup. They outscored Taiwan B National Team. Chico Lanete (186-G-79) accounted for 21 points to lead the winners.
Philippines unleashed 28 points in the opening quarter to surge ahead. They accumulated a 10-point lead at the first break. Philippines stretched the margin in the second quarter. They piled up a massive 53:32 halftime advantage. Philippines stayed in charge throughout the third term. They entered the fourth frame up by 26 points and never looked back en route to the victory. Larry Fonacier (190-F/G-82) and Joachim Thoss (201-C-81) produced 12 points each for the winners. Sung Yu-Hsuan (183-G-89) answered with 22 points for Taiwan B. Yi-Hsiang Chou (193-F-91) had 17 points in the loss.

Philippines: Chico Lanete 21, Larry Fonacier 12, Joachim Thoss 12
Taiwan B: Sung Yu-Hsuan 22, Yi-Hsiang Chou 17


U18 Championship: Taiwan claim third win in a row - by Eurobasket News

Taiwan U18 - Bahrain U18 94:61

Taiwan celebrated the third straight win at the U18 Asia Championship. They knocked down Bahrain to clinch the top position in Group C. Bahrain fell at 1-2 record after the loss.
Taiwan surged ahead early in the game. They posted a 22:13 lead ten minutes into the encounter. Bahrain bounced back in the second quarter. They cut the deficit to a single point 36:35 at halftime. But the second half belonged to Taiwan. They fired 25 points in the third quarter to clear off at 13-point mark. Taiwan erupted for 33 points in the final period and sealed a comfortable win at the end. Wu Chia-Chun (178-PG-94), Huang Tsun-Han (193-F-94) and Lin Kuan-Chun (184-G-95) finished with 14 points each for the winners. Shukralla Ali Hassan answered with 16 points and 9 rebounds for Bahrain. Mahamed Naser (191-F-97) netted 15 points in the loss.

Taiwan U18: Wu Chia-Chun 14, Huang Tsun-Han 14, Lin Kuan-Chun 14
Bahrain U18: Shukralla Ali Hassan 16, Mahamed Naser 15


2012 William Jones Cup: USA rally past Taiwan - by Eurobasket News

USA - Taiwan 100:77

USA selection claimed the first win at the 2012 William Jones Cup. The North American side defeated hosting Taiwan in the opener. Six player scored in double digits for the winners. Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Point, GA) led his team with 16 points.
USA silenced the hosts in the opening quarter. The visitors went on a 21:9 run to take a comfortable lead. USA fired 25 points in the second quarter to boost the lead. They ensured a 46:25 halftime lead. USA did not slow down in the third quarter. They fired 25 points to build a 28-point buffer heading into the fourth frame. Taiwan finally got things going in the fourth period scoring 34 points and cutting the deficit but the hosts could not threaten the deficit. Gerard Anderson (6'6''-F-87, college: CS Fullerton) finished with 11 points in the victory. Liu Cheng (6'4''-F-90) answered with 16 points for Taiwan. Tsung-Hsien Chang (6'4''-G-87) and Chen Shih-Chieh (5'9''-G-84) delivered 12 points each in defeat.

USA: Jermaine Barnes 16, Gerard Anderson 11, James Justice 10
Taiwan: Liu Cheng 16, Tsung-Hsien Chang 12, Chen Shih-Chieh 12


2012 Jones Cup Men Day 2 results - by Chris Wang

KGC (South Korea) 94-78 Lebanon
http://2012wjc.basketball-tpe.org/files/902-1008-3061-10000.php
Philippines 99-68 Taiwan B
http://2012wjc.basketball-tpe.org/files/902-1008-3067-10000.php
Iran 71-59 Japan
http://2012wjc.basketball-tpe.org/files/902-1008-3053-10000.php
UPG (US) 100-77 Taiwan

Standings:
Iran 2-0
KGC (South Korea) 2-0
Philippines 2-0
UPG (US) 1-0
Taiwan 1-1
Taiwan B 0-2
Jordan 0-1
Japan 0-2
Lebanon 0-2


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


Trabzonspor land Toure Murry - by Eurobasket News (T)

Toure Murry (195-G-89) is set to tip off his pro career in Turkey. The guard has agreed on terms of contract with Trabzonspor. Toure Murry has just graduated from the Wichita State University. The guard averaged 12.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game in his senior season. Toure Murry became MVC Regular season champion. He earned All-MVC Honourable Mention. Toure Murry also made it into MVC All-Defensive Team. Toure Murry was named into MVC All-Newcomers Team back in 2009. The guard participated at NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas. He notched 2.5 points and 1.8 rebounds per game for the Los Angeles Lakers.


*****************************************************
  UBA   


2012 William Jones Cup: USA rally past Taiwan - by Eurobasket News

USA - Taiwan 100:77

USA selection claimed the first win at the 2012 William Jones Cup. The North American side defeated hosting Taiwan in the opener. Six player scored in double digits for the winners. Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Point, GA) led his team with 16 points.
USA silenced the hosts in the opening quarter. The visitors went on a 21:9 run to take a comfortable lead. USA fired 25 points in the second quarter to boost the lead. They ensured a 46:25 halftime lead. USA did not slow down in the third quarter. They fired 25 points to build a 28-point buffer heading into the fourth frame. Taiwan finally got things going in the fourth period scoring 34 points and cutting the deficit but the hosts could not threaten the deficit. Gerard Anderson (6'6''-F-87, college: CS Fullerton) finished with 11 points in the victory. Liu Cheng (6'4''-F-90) answered with 16 points for Taiwan. Tsung-Hsien Chang (6'4''-G-87) and Chen Shih-Chieh (5'9''-G-84) delivered 12 points each in defeat.

USA: Jermaine Barnes 16, Gerard Anderson 11, James Justice 10
Taiwan: Liu Cheng 16, Tsung-Hsien Chang 12, Chen Shih-Chieh 12


*****************************************************
  UKRAINE   


Eric Devendorf joins DniproAzot - by Eurobasket News (T)

DniproAzot announced the name of their fourth import player. They agreed on terms of contract with Eric Devendorf (193-G-87, college: Syracuse). The guard started the previous season with the Idaho Stampede. Eric Devendorf notched 8.9 points and 1.6 rebounds per game in D-League. Later the guard moved to the Reno Bighorns. Eric Devendorf posted 11.0 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per appearance there. Previously Eric Devendorf had stints in Turkey, Australia and New Zealand. Australiabasket.com named Eric Devendorf All-New Zealand NBL Import Player of the Year in 2010. The guard averaged 24.3 points, 4.1 assists, 3.6 boards and 2.7 steals per game for the Waikato Pistons. The guard also tallied 23.1 points, 3.2 assists and 2.1 rebounds for the Wellington Saints during the same season.


*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM   


U18 European Championship: England advanced to Division A - by Eurobasket News

England U18-Finland U18 73:59

England advanced to Division A for the next season. The team overcame Finland 73:59 in the game for the third place in the last game of the competition. The victory gave England a third place finish in the U18 Men European Championship Division B and secured them a spot in Division A for next season.
An 11-0 start to the game looked to have given Steve Bucknall's side one foot in Division A, but the Finns retaliated and were just three points adrift after the first quarter. Joni Herrala (190-G-94) made two free throws for 19:16 after the opening frame and Kauhanen later reduced to 30:27. Rowell Graham (197-F-94) made it 45:35 early in the third and Tyrell Isaacs (183-PG-95) scored for 58:45. He also scored the quarter for 15-point advantage. Finland managed to win the last period but could not upset the British side.
Kingsley Okoroh (213-C-95) and Rowell Graham top-scored for the winners with 15 points each. Tyrell Isaacs nailed 13, while Luke Nelson (189-PG-95) posted 12. Joni Herrala answered with 11 points in the losing effort, while Joonas Lehtoranta (183-SG-94) and Julius Rajala (205-PF-94) had 10 apiece.

England U18: Kingsley Okoroh 15, Rowell Graham 15, Tyrell Isaacs 13, Luke Nelson 12
Finland U18: Joni Herrala 11, Joonas Lehtoranta 10, Julius Rajala 10


Glasgow Rocks sign C Meneptha Darden - by Eurobasket News (T)

The Glasgow Rocks are proud to announce the signing of 6'9" athletic Centre, Meneptha Darden (206-C), to fill the void down in the paint. The 24 year old American will be looking to begin his professional career with the Rocks after a successful final year at Rogers State University where he led his team in both rebounds and blocked shots.

Darden's large frame and athletic agility should be a welcoming asset to the Glasgow Rocks as they continue their search for their first piece of Silverware since the 2002/03 Season. The Rocks have always struggled to find the 'right' big man and with a new season dawning, Darden may be the missing piece to the rocks puzzle.

Head Coach, Sterling Davis, had the following to say about his most recent signing: "Meneptha, I feel, is the big we have been wanting for a while now. He is very athletic, agile, and a really good shot blocker. I think what stood out about him is his intensity level when he plays the game. He is the guy who will do whatever needs done for his team to win and really seems to wear his heart on his sleeve."

During his college years, Darden was well regarded as a big time shot blocker and rebounder, facets of the game that will go a long way in cementing Coach Davis' lockdown defensive strategies for the forthcoming season.

His hunger and passion for basketball stood out to Coach Davis: "This guy is hungry to make a name for himself and I feel that he has not been given enough opportunity to prove his worth as yet. Hopefully he will come in and bring everything I envision of him to our team."

More signing announcements will follow in the coming days, alongside details for the Annual Glasgow Rocks pre-season fixture on the 9th September against the USA Select. Tickets for this event are now online at www.glasgowrocks.co.uk with the event being held at the Kelvin Hall ISA.

This will be the final ever game to be played at Kelvin Hall with the Glasgow Rocks scheduled to play their opening BBL Fixture against the Newcastle Eagles at the Brand New Commonwealth Arena on the 7th October @ 5:00pm.

Courtesy of www.glasgowrocks.co.uk


Madourie Back On Tyneside - by Paul Nilsen (T)

Eagles are happy to confirm the return of Joel Madourie (196-F-86), 6'5 power forward. Madourie was hampered by an injury during the first half of last season but blossomed in the second half after experience gained in the Basketball Days Christmas Tournament. Whilst minutes were limited he did start a number of games after the Eagles had clinched the BBL Championship and tookadvantage of that opportunity by averaging 18 points and 7 rebounds in those games. Madourie, who hails from Birmingham, will be expected to build on that over the course of this season.

Coach Fab Flournoy is keen to see further progress from Madourie this season;

'We do expect more from Joel this season. Last year was an extremely steep learning curve for him and this year will be his opportunity to prove that he has been able to take on board all that information and begin to provide us with consistent production on the court. I have no doubt that he possesses the physical skills to make a significant impact in our league, something he demonstrated in the last 4 games of last season'.




Medway Park Crusaders sign two newcomers from Canada. - by Eurobasket Center (T)

Medway Park Crusaders (EBL D1) added to their roster two new players from Canadian university league CIS. They are 23-year old Canadian international guard Cole Hobin (198-G-89) and 22-year old Sudanese forward Manock Lual (198-F-89).
Hobin played most recently at Carleton University (Canada). While playing 28 games for Carleton last season he recorded 6.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.7apg and 1.4spg. He played also pro basketball in Mexico and Canada. Hobin has been a member of Canadian international program for some years. He played for both senior and university national teams this year and previously for university national team in 2012. Hobin represented Canada at the Panamerican Games in Guadalajara (Mexico) last year, where in 4 games averaged 5.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.3spg. Lual just graduated University of Prince Edward Island in Canadian CIS. In 20 games his stats were: 17.1ppg, 8.8rpg, and 2.6apg. Lual was voted at the end of the season to All-Atlantic Division 1st Team.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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


The Metro League began its second stage - by Hector Lopez

Atenas maintained the Metro League leadership adter beating Larranaga 81-56, at the beginning of the 2nd stage. For Atenas, Anthony Johnson (203-F-88, college: Fairfield) cored 29 points, grabbed 16 rebounds andd added 3 blocks and 5 assists while Juan Carlos Zaballa (181-G-77) aded 16 points and 3 assists. For Larranaga Gordon James (198-F-79, college: Bridgeport) netted 16 points and took 22 rebounds and Federico Martinez added 11 points. Cader it is now in the second place after beating Goes 94-84. Adrian Bertolini (191-G-78) scored 24 points while Grady Reynolds (198-F-80, agency: Strategic Sports, college: St.John's) netted 18 and took 11 rebounds. For Goes Jimmy Boston (201-F-77, college: N.C.Central) netted 30 points and too 13 rebounds. The standings are: Atenas 19 points, Cader 17.5, Goes 17, Larranaga 16.5, Marne 16 and Urunday 15.5


Standings - Metropolitan League

Metropolitan Standings
 1. Atenas 14-6 
 2. Goes 12-8 
 3. Marne 12-8 
 4. Larranaga 11-8 
 5. Cader 11-9 
 6. Urunday Univ. 11-9 
 7. Capitol 10-10 
 8. Verdirrojo 9-10 
 9. Guruyu Waston 8-12 
 10. Romis N. 7-13 
 11. Yale 4-16 

Second Stage: Round 1

Aug. 18: Goes - Cader 84-94
Aug. 18: Atenas - Larranaga 81-56
Aug. 21: Urunday Univ. - Marne



*****************************************************
  VTB UNITED LEAGUE   


Unics confirm Chuck Eidson - by Eurobasket News (T)

Unics have confirmed the signing of Chuck Eidson (202-F/G-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Carolina). The forward has agreed on terms of two-year contract with the team. Last season Chuck Eidson played for Regal FC Barcelona. He tallied 7.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.2 steals per game in Euroleague. In ACB Chuck Eidson delivered 7.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals per appearance. He earned All-Spanish ACB Honourable Mention. Previously the forward had stints with Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Lietuvos Rytas, Strasbourg, Giessen 46ers and North Charleston Lowgators. Eurobasket.com named Chuck Eidson All-German Bundesliga Newcomer of the Year in 2005. He was Lithuanian All-Star Game MVP in 2009. Chuck Eidson earned EuroCup MVP title the same season. He was also trumped LKL Import Player of the Year in 2009.


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


2012 Jones Cup Men Day 2 results - by Chris Wang

KGC (South Korea) 94-78 Lebanon
http://2012wjc.basketball-tpe.org/files/902-1008-3061-10000.php
Philippines 99-68 Taiwan B
http://2012wjc.basketball-tpe.org/files/902-1008-3067-10000.php
Iran 71-59 Japan
http://2012wjc.basketball-tpe.org/files/902-1008-3053-10000.php
UPG (US) 100-77 Taiwan

Standings:
Iran 2-0
KGC (South Korea) 2-0
Philippines 2-0
UPG (US) 1-0
Taiwan 1-1
Taiwan B 0-2
Jordan 0-1
Japan 0-2
Lebanon 0-2



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

Women News


Argentina downs Canada 53-49 to win the Bronze at U18 FIBA Americas - by Eurobasket News

U18 ARGENTINA - U18 CANADA 53-49

Argentina had to work very hard against Canada to take the gold medal at U18 FIBA Americas in Gurabo. Argentina celebrated 53-49 win on Sunday in the game for third place. Victoria Llorente (184-F/C-96) was the leading player in victory with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Florencia Martinez (170-G-94) scored 11 points and Julieta Armesto (179-F-94) added 7 pts, plus 5 rebs. In the loosing squad, Cheyanne Roger (188-C-95) answered with 13 points and 8 rebs. Michelle Hudyn (188-F) followed her with 8 points and 6 rebs, while Paige Crozon (186-F-94) stopped to 6 pts in this loss. Canada shined at the beginning of this game making 11-point lead in the first ten minutes, but Argentineans immediately woke up after that. They made 25-12 in Q2 for 2-point lead at the halftime. Third period belonged to Canada 13-11 and teams went to the last ten minutes tied at 45-45. Argentina stopped its rival to only six points for the entire Q4, while they scored 8 at the other side and it was enough for the victory. USA defended the gold medal in Gurabo, while Brazil won the silver.

Argentina: Victoria Llorente 20+10 boards, Florencia Martinez 11, Julieta Armesto 7+5 boards
Canada: Cheyanne Roger 13+8+ boards, Michelle Hudyn 8+6 boards, Paige Crozon 6


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


USA defends U18 FIBA Americas title - by Eurobasket News

U18 BRAZIL - U18 USA 47-71

USA won the Gold at U18 FIBA Americas Championship. They cruised past Brazil 71-47 to defend the title in Gurabo. Brazil opened the game better making 16-7 lead in the first ten minutes, but all after that belonged to USA. They needed just few minutes to tie the score and later USA went to the halftime with 5-point lead. USA continued in the same rhythm after the breather creating 21-7 in Q3 for plus 19 with ten minutes remaining in the game. It was too much for Brazil and USA brought gold medal to the country. Morgan Tuck (188-F-94) stepped up for the winners with double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds. Michaela Mabrey (175-G-94) had 14 points and 5 rebs, while Breanna Stewart (191-F/C-94) helped with 13 pts and 10 boards in this victory. At the other side, Isabela Ramona (178-F-94) was better than the others with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Their second scorers were Thamara Silva (187-C-94) and Estela Gregorio (177-G-94). Argentina won the Bronze in Gurabo. Breanna Stewart is named the MVP of the tournament.

Brazil: Isabela Ramona 18+6 boards+5 as, Thamara Silva 6, Estela Gregorio 6
USA: Morgan Tuck 15+11 boards, Michaela Mabrey 14+5 boards, Breanna Stewart 13+10 boards

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game
 Iziane CASTRO MARQUES
  Maran.
  (182-G/F-82)
  Avg: 26.2
 1. Castro Marqu., Mar.26.2 
 2. Bibiano, Basquete.17.5 
 3. Dos Santos, Ameri.16.6 
 4. Felipe, Santo Andre16.0 
 5. Martins, Americana15.7 
 6. Justino, Poty/Acu.15.3 
 7. Crepaldi, Basque.14.8 
 8. De Oliviera, Sao J.14.8 
 9. Ribeiro, Sao Jose14.7 
 10. Santos, Ourinhos14.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Fernanda BIBIANO
  Basquete.
  (193-C-85)
  Avg: 11.8
 1. Bibiano, Basquete.11.8 
 2. De Oliviera, Sao J.11.3 
 3. Dos Santos, Ameri.10.8 
 4. Ferreira, Sao C.10.3 
 5. Rodriguez, Blume.9.3 
 6. Irvin, Americana8.8 
 7. Da Silva, Poty/Acu.8.1 
 8. Gomes, Santo Andre7.9 
 9. Santos, Ourinhos7.6 
 10. Nascimento, Basq.7.4 
Assists Per Game
 Babi GENEROSO
  Ameri.
  (180-G-85)
  Avg: 5.7
 1. Generoso, Ameri.5.7 
 2. de Souza, Ourinhos5.5 
 3. Vasconcelos, Ourin.4.6 
 4. De Oliveira, Ourin.4.0 
 5. Garvao, Santo And.3.5 
 6. Gattei, Poty/Acuc.3.2 
 7. De Andrade, Sao J.3.1 
 8. Souza, Sao Jose3.0 
 9. Martins, Americana3.0 
 10. Frediani, Sao C.2.8 
Steals Per Game
 Joice RODRIGUES
  Ourinhos
  (168-PG-86)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. de Souza, Ourinhos2.7 
 2. Martins, Santo A.2.5 
 3. Ribeiro, Sao Jose2.4 
 4. Oliveira, Maranhao2.3 
 5. Camargo, Blumenau2.3 
 6. Martins, Americana2.2 
 7. De Andrade, Sao J.1.9 
 8. Felipe, Santo Andre1.9 
 9. Souza, Sao Jose1.9 
 10. Castro Marqu., Ma.1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Isis NASCIMENTO
  Basque.
  (202-C-83)
  Avg: 2
 1. Nascimento, Basqu.2.0 
 2. Garvao, Santo And.1.4 
 3. Dos Santos, Maran.1.1 
 4. Gomes, Santo Andre1.1 
 5. Irvin, Americana1.1 
 6. Da Silva Nas., Sao0.9 
 7. Dos Santos, Ameri.0.8 
 8. Ferreira, Sao C.0.8 
 9. Da Silva, Poty/Acu.0.7 
 10. Santos, Ourinhos0.7 



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


Argentina downs Canada 53-49 to win the Bronze at U18 FIBA Americas - by Eurobasket News

U18 ARGENTINA - U18 CANADA 53-49

Argentina had to work very hard against Canada to take the gold medal at U18 FIBA Americas in Gurabo. Argentina celebrated 53-49 win on Sunday in the game for third place. Victoria Llorente (184-F/C-96) was the leading player in victory with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Florencia Martinez (170-G-94) scored 11 points and Julieta Armesto (179-F-94) added 7 pts, plus 5 rebs. In the loosing squad, Cheyanne Roger (188-C-95) answered with 13 points and 8 rebs. Michelle Hudyn (188-F) followed her with 8 points and 6 rebs, while Paige Crozon (186-F-94) stopped to 6 pts in this loss. Canada shined at the beginning of this game making 11-point lead in the first ten minutes, but Argentineans immediately woke up after that. They made 25-12 in Q2 for 2-point lead at the halftime. Third period belonged to Canada 13-11 and teams went to the last ten minutes tied at 45-45. Argentina stopped its rival to only six points for the entire Q4, while they scored 8 at the other side and it was enough for the victory. USA defended the gold medal in Gurabo, while Brazil won the silver.

Argentina: Victoria Llorente 20+10 boards, Florencia Martinez 11, Julieta Armesto 7+5 boards
Canada: Cheyanne Roger 13+8+ boards, Michelle Hudyn 8+6 boards, Paige Crozon 6


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


U18 Puerto Rico beats U18 Colombia 56-46, takes fifth place in Gurabo - by Eurobasket News

U18 COLOMBIA - U18 PUERTO RICO 46-56

Puerto Rico won the fifth place in Gurabo. The host of U18 FIBA Americas Championship handed 56-46 loss to Colombia in the last day of the competition. Krystal Luciano (96) top-scored in victory with 14 points and Diamalises Rivera (93) followed her with 13, but she also grabbed 7 rebounds beside that. Claudia Ortiz (96) delivered 10 points. In Colombia, Maria Tapias (95) posted 18 points and Laura Ramirez (94) added 10 points, plus 6 rebs. Diana Prens (96) collected 9 points and 8 boards in this defeat. Puerto Rico was up by 6 at the halftime and Colombia cut the margin to 5 with ten minutes to go in the game. The hosts shined in the last quarter and later won this game with comfortable 56-46. USA defended the gold medal in Gurabo. Silver belongs to Brazil, while Argentina won the bronze.

Colombia: Maria Tapias 18, Laura Ramirez 10+6 boards, Diana Prens 9+8 boards
Puerto Rico: Krystal Luciano 14, Diamalises Rivera 13+7 boards, Claudia Ortiz 10


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


U18 Mexico avoids last place in Gurabo - by Eurobasket News

U18 MEXICO - U18 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 64-33

Mexico avoided last place at U18 FIBA Americas Championship in Gurabo. They blasted Dominican Republic 64-33 in the last day of the competition and it was a game for the seventh place. Mexico took control on its rival from the very beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 14-5, 25-7, 11-13, 14-8. Myriam Lara led the winners with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Maria Morales scored 12 points and Maria Faz (95) added 10 pts, plus 9 boards. In defeat, Cheisy Hernandez (94) was better than the others with 12 points. Libia Peralta had 7 pts and 9 rebounds. USA defended the gold medal at this event. They handed 71-47 loss to Mexico in the Big Final. Argentina is the bronze medal winner.

Mexico: Myriam Lara 14+10 boards, Maria Morales (95) 12, Maria Faz 10+9 boards
Dominican Republic: Cheisy Hernandez 12, Libia Peralta 7+9 boards


*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16   

Stats Leaders W - Group A

Points Per Game
 Emma lina STACH
  (175-PG-96)
  Avg: 19.2
 1. Stach, GER19.2 
 2. Crvendakic, SRB17.1 
 3. Onar, TUR16.8 
 4. Dojkic, CRO16.5 
 5. Kolosovskaya, RUS14.8 
 6. Zandalasini, ITA14.7 
 7. Slonjsak, CRO14.0 
 8. Salvadores, ESP13.6 
 9. Dubei, HUN12.3 
 10. Horvath, HUN11.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Anita KELAVA
  (185-PF-97)
  Avg: 9.5
 1. Kelava, CRO9.5 
 2. Linskens, BEL9.2 
 3. Crvendakic, SRB9.0 
 4. Oikonomaki, GRE8.9 
 5. Ndiba, NED8.8 
 6. Zandalasini, ITA8.6 
 7. Stach, GER8.0 
 8. Tivenius, SWE8.0 
 9. Bura, CRO7.6 
 10. Brossmann, GER7.4 
Assists Per Game
 Ksenia LEVCHENKO
  (165-PG-96)
  Avg: 4
 1. Levchenko, RUS4.0 
 2. Onar, TUR3.5 
 3. Duchet, FRA3.3 
 4. Cukic, SRB3.3 
 5. Flores, ESP2.9 
 6. Manlaci, TUR2.8 
 7. Dojkic, CRO2.8 
 8. Kuijt, NED2.6 
 9. Pavlopoulou, GRE2.6 
 10. Allemand, BEL2.6 
Steals Per Game
 Martina KACERIK
  (179-SG-96)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Kacerik, ITA3.1 
 2. Kuijt, NED2.9 
 3. Flores, ESP2.9 
 4. Manlaci, TUR2.6 
 5. Andelova, CZE2.4 
 6. Allemand, BEL2.4 
 7. Dojkic, CRO2.4 
 8. Dambach, FRA2.3 
 9. Ondrejkova, SVK2.3 
 10. Capella, ESP2.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Kyara LINSKENS
  (191-C-96)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Linskens, BEL2.4 
 2. Sema, RUS2.3 
 3. Lo Sylla, ESP2.2 
 4. Kelava, CRO1.9 
 5. Ba, FRA1.6 
 6. Geldof, BEL1.4 
 7. Bura, CRO1.4 
 8. Karambatsa, GRE1.3 
 9. Zandalasini, ITA1.3 
 10. Oikonomaki, GRE1.3 



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

Div.A Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Paulina HERSLER
  (190-PF-94)
  Avg: 20.9
 1. Hersler, SWE20.9 
 2. Ben Abdelkad., BEL18.6 
 3. Stamolamprou, GRE16.3 
 4. Bilgic, TUR14.3 
 5. Hruscakova, SVK14.0 
 6. Stanacev, SRB14.0 
 7. Tikvic, CRO13.6 
 8. Balintova, SVK12.9 
 9. Raileanu, ROM12.8 
 10. Delaere, BEL12.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Eva LISEC
  (191-C-95)
  Avg: 10.9
 1. Lisec, SLO10.9 
 2. Hruscakova, SVK10.6 
 3. Tikvic, CRO9.0 
 4. Badiane, FRA9.0 
 5. Begic, CRO8.6 
 6. Stankovic, SRB8.3 
 7. Gaye, FRA8.2 
 8. Hersler, SWE7.9 
 9. Marchenkova, RUS7.7 
 10. Treffers, NED7.7 
Assists Per Game
 Olivia EPOUPA
  (168-PG-94)
  Avg: 4.6
 1. Epoupa, FRA4.6 
 2. Stanacev, SRB4.4 
 3. Eriksson, SWE3.3 
 4. Havlikova, CZE3.3 
 5. Gabrovsek, SLO3.3 
 6. Ben Abdelkad., BEL3.2 
 7. Owczarzak, POL3.0 
 8. Mandic, SRB2.8 
 9. Dumitrache, ROM2.7 
 10. Novikova, RUS2.6 
Steals Per Game
 Leticia ROMERO
  (177-G-95)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Romero, ESP2.6 
 2. Hanson, SWE2.4 
 3. Gavrila, ROM2.3 
 4. Aydin, TUR2.2 
 5. Epoupa, FRA2.1 
 6. Balintova, SVK2.0 
 7. Stamolamprou, GRE2.0 
 8. Bilgic, TUR2.0 
 9. Gladkova, RUS1.9 
 10. Owczarzak, POL1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Dragana STANKOVIC
  SRB
  (188-PF-95)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Stankovic, SRB2.8 
 2. Tikvic, CRO2.6 
 3. Gaye, FRA2.2 
 4. Jaworska, POL1.7 
 5. Marchenkova, RUS1.3 
 6. Hersler, SWE1.3 
 7. Coklar, TUR1.0 
 8. Badiane, FRA0.8 
 9. Bende, BEL0.8 
 10. Slim, NED0.7 



*****************************************************
  FIBA AMERICAS U18   


USA defends the title in Gurabo - by Eurobasket News

Final
Brazil - USA 47-71
USA won the Gold at U18 FIBA Americas Championship. They cruised past Brazil 71-47 to defend the title in Gurabo. Brazil opened the game better making 16-7 lead in the first ten minutes, but all after that belonged to USA. They needed just few minutes to tie the score and later USA went to the halftime with 5-point lead. USA continued in the same rhythm after the breather creating 21-7 in Q3 for plus 19 with ten minutes remaining in the game. It was too much for Brazil and USA brought gold medal to the country. Morgan Tuck (188-F-94) stepped up for the winners with double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds. Michaela Mabrey (175-G-94) had 14 points and 5 rebs, while Breanna Stewart (191-F/C-94) helped with 13 pts and 10 boards in this victory. At the other side, Isabela Ramona (178-F-94) was better than the others with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Their second scorers were Thamara Silva (187-C-94) and Estela Gregorio (177-G-94). Argentina won the Bronze in Gurabo.
Bronze
Argentina - Canada 53-49
Argentina had to work very hard against Canada to take the gold medal at U18 FIBA Americas in Gurabo. Argentina celebrated 53-49 win on Sunday in the game for third place. Victoria Llorente (184-F/C-96) was the leading player in victory with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Florencia Martinez (170-G-94) scored 11 points and Julieta Armesto (179-F-94) added 7 pts, plus 5 rebs. In the loosing squad, Cheyanne Roger (188-C-95) answered with 13 points and 8 rebs. Michelle Hudyn (188-F) followed her with 8 points and 6 rebs, while Paige Crozon (186-F-94) stopped to 6 pts in this loss. Canada shined at the beginning of this game making 11-point lead in the first ten minutes, but Argentineans immediately woke up after that. They made 25-12 in Q2 for 2-point lead at the halftime. Third period belonged to Canada 13-11 and teams went to the last ten minutes tied at 45-45. Argentina stopped its rival to only six points for the entire Q4, while they scored 8 at the other side and it was enough for the victory. USA defended the gold medal in Gurabo, while Brazil won the silver.

Places 5-6
Colombia - Puerto Rico 46-56
Puerto Rico won the fifth place in Gurabo. The host of U18 FIBA Americas Championship handed 56-46 loss to Colombia in the last day of the competition. Krystal Luciano (96) top-scored in victory with 14 points and Diamalises Rivera (93) followed her with 13, but she also grabbed 7 rebounds beside that. Claudia Ortiz (96) delivered 10 points. In Colombia, Maria Tapias (95) posted 18 points and Laura Ramirez (94) added 10 points, plus 6 rebs. Diana Prens (96) collected 9 points and 8 boards in this defeat. Puerto Rico was up by 6 at the halftime and Colombia cut the margin to 5 with ten minutes to go in the game. The hosts shined in the last quarter and later won this game with comfortable 56-46. USA defended the gold medal in Gurabo. Silver belongs to Brazil, while Argentina won the bronze.

Places 7-8
Mexico - Dominican Republic 64-33
Mexico avoided last place at U18 FIBA Americas Championship in Gurabo. They blasted Dominican Republic 64-33 in the last day of the competition and it was a game for the seventh place. Mexico took control on its rival from the very beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 14-5, 25-7, 11-13, 14-8. Myriam Lara led the winners with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Maria Morales scored 12 points and Maria Faz (95) added 10 pts, plus 9 boards. In defeat, Cheisy Hernandez (94) was better than the others with 12 points. Libia Peralta had 7 pts and 9 rebounds. USA defended the gold medal at this event. They handed 71-47 loss to Mexico in the Big Final. Argentina is the bronze medal winner.


*USA, BRAZIL, ARGENTINA and CANADA booked a ticket for 2013 FIBA U19 World Championship. American forward Breanna Stewart was named the MVP of the tournament.


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  ISRAEL   


Maccabi Ashdod keeps Naomi Kolodny for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News (T)

Naomi Kolodny (171-PG-82, agency: Data Plus Group) will stay with Maccabi Ashdod for at least one more year. The Israeli NT point signed contract extension last week. She arrived to the club in 2010 from Elitzur Maccabi Netanya. Last season Kolodny appeared 24 times in the league averaging 6.4 points, 4 assists and 3.8 rebounds. The player also added 1.9 ppg, 3 apg and 2.8 rpg for 6 EuroCup games. She helped Maccabi Ashdod to win the championship title and Israeli Cup. In 2010/11 season, Naomi Kolodny had 6.7 ppg, 4.5 apg and 4.5 rpg for the club in 26 games. As mentioned above, before Maccabi Ashdod she played for Elitzur Maccabi Netanya, Ramat Hasharon, Bnei Yehuda, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Haifa. The player won championship title in 2006 with Hapoel Tel Aviv and in 2009 with Ramat Hasharon. Naomi Kolodny is active member of the Israeli National Team.


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


U18 Mexico avoids last place in Gurabo - by Eurobasket News

U18 MEXICO - U18 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 64-33

Mexico avoided last place at U18 FIBA Americas Championship in Gurabo. They blasted Dominican Republic 64-33 in the last day of the competition and it was a game for the seventh place. Mexico took control on its rival from the very beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 14-5, 25-7, 11-13, 14-8. Myriam Lara led the winners with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Maria Morales scored 12 points and Maria Faz (95) added 10 pts, plus 9 boards. In defeat, Cheisy Hernandez (94) was better than the others with 12 points. Libia Peralta had 7 pts and 9 rebounds. USA defended the gold medal at this event. They handed 71-47 loss to Mexico in the Big Final. Argentina is the bronze medal winner.

Mexico: Myriam Lara 14+10 boards, Maria Morales (95) 12, Maria Faz 10+9 boards
Dominican Republic: Cheisy Hernandez 12, Libia Peralta 7+9 boards


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  NCAA1   


Former JMU guard Evans signs with Sparks - by Eurobasket News (T)

Former James Madison guard Dawn Evans (5'7''-PG-89, agency: LBM Management, college: JMU) played for the LA Sparks of the Women's National Basketball Association in its game Saturday at Seattle, after signing with the Sparks on Friday.

Evans played 1:37 in the game, won 82-71 by the Sparks.

The 5-7 Evans, who led JMU to the Colonial Athletic Association title in both 2010 and 2011, is the Dukes all-time leader in four different statistical categories, including points, free throws, three point shots made and three point shots attempted. She also holds CAA records for career points and three pointers made and attempted.

In July Evans was honored for her play for the U.S. All-Star Team in a series of summer games in China. She was named the team's Most Valuable Player for its series of games vs. the China National "B" Team.

Earlier this year Evans played in Vienna, Austria, for the Flying Foxes and signed a training camp contract with the WNBA's Connecticut Sun. She trained with the Sun in April and May and played in three preseason games but was not selected for the Sun's 2012 roster.

Evans was named CAA Player of the Year in 2011, as well as All-CAA First Team and Tournament Most Outstanding Player. She was an Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American as a junior in 2010 as well as both an Associated Press and WBCA State Farm Honorable Mention All-American in 2011 as a senior. Evans ranked in the top five in scoring in the nation in her sophomore, junior and senior seasons.

The Sparks' roster includes Harrisonburg, Va., native and former Harrisonburg High School standout Kristi Toliver (Maryland '09) and former college national Player of the Year Candace Parker (Tennessee '08), who played for the gold-medal winning U.S. Team at this summer's London Olympics.

Courtesy of www.whsv.com


USA defends U18 FIBA Americas title - by Eurobasket News

U18 BRAZIL - U18 USA 47-71

USA won the Gold at U18 FIBA Americas Championship. They cruised past Brazil 71-47 to defend the title in Gurabo. Brazil opened the game better making 16-7 lead in the first ten minutes, but all after that belonged to USA. They needed just few minutes to tie the score and later USA went to the halftime with 5-point lead. USA continued in the same rhythm after the breather creating 21-7 in Q3 for plus 19 with ten minutes remaining in the game. It was too much for Brazil and USA brought gold medal to the country. Morgan Tuck (188-F-94) stepped up for the winners with double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds. Michaela Mabrey (175-G-94) had 14 points and 5 rebs, while Breanna Stewart (191-F/C-94) helped with 13 pts and 10 boards in this victory. At the other side, Isabela Ramona (178-F-94) was better than the others with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Their second scorers were Thamara Silva (187-C-94) and Estela Gregorio (177-G-94). Argentina won the Bronze in Gurabo. Breanna Stewart is named the MVP of the tournament.

Brazil: Isabela Ramona 18+6 boards+5 as, Thamara Silva 6, Estela Gregorio 6
USA: Morgan Tuck 15+11 boards, Michaela Mabrey 14+5 boards, Breanna Stewart 13+10 boards


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  POLAND   


Four polish players joined AZS Rzeszow - by Lukasz Lukaszewski (T)

AZS Rzeszow which will make a debut in PLKK this year signed 4 polish players. Club signed 2 former IInea AZS Poznan players: Joanna Kedzia (193-C-87) and Aneta Kotnis (186-F-89). AZS Rzeszow also inked deal with Anna Kuncewicz (186-F-88, agency: Promotex) and Agnieszka Krzywon (176-G/F-84, agency: Promotex). Club will play their home league games in Lancut, small town close to Rzeszow. AZS Rzeszow is trying to have enough money to sign one or two American players.

Joanna Kedzia is 25 years old center. She started her career in Bydgoszcz. Then she had been playing for AZS KK Jelenia Gra and Inea AZS Poznan. In last season she averaged
7,1 points and 7 rebounds in 34 games.

Aneta Kotnis is 23 year old forward. She is from Krakow and she get on playing basketball in TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow. She graduated polish sport high school SMS PZKosz Lomianki and then she got back to her first club. In 2010 Aneta Kotnis signed contract with IInea AZS Poznan. In 2011/2012 season she averaged 11, 2 points and 6, 5 rebounds.

Anna Kuncewicz is also playing as the power forward on the court. She is 28 years old. She had been playing for MKS Tecza Leszno for last two years. Kuncewicz was one of the polish leaders of the team. In last season she averaged 10,1 points and 5,1 rebounds.

Agnieszka Krzywon is a 28 years old swingman. She has a lot of experience from 1st league, but she has not played in PLKK before. In 2011/2012 she was playing for Domeny.pl
Siemaszka, where she noticed 10, 2 points and 6, 5 rebounds in 14 league games.



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  PUERTO RICO   


Piratas made triumphant return to BSNF: - by Luis Modestti

Piratas de Quebradillas made their return to BSNF in grand style by beating Tigresas de Aguas Buenas 85-69.

Quebradillas was out of the tournament for more than two decades and their last title in the women's league was in 1981.

Melissa Lechlitner (170-G-88, college: Notre Dame) and Becca Bruszewski netted 24 each, Cristina Centeno added 15 and Mari Placido 10 for the winners.

In the loss Monique Martin scored 31 points.

The next game is Monday as Valencianas de Juncos visit Leonas de Ponce.


U18 Puerto Rico beats U18 Colombia 56-46, takes fifth place in Gurabo - by Eurobasket News

U18 COLOMBIA - U18 PUERTO RICO 46-56

Puerto Rico won the fifth place in Gurabo. The host of U18 FIBA Americas Championship handed 56-46 loss to Colombia in the last day of the competition. Krystal Luciano (96) top-scored in victory with 14 points and Diamalises Rivera (93) followed her with 13, but she also grabbed 7 rebounds beside that. Claudia Ortiz (96) delivered 10 points. In Colombia, Maria Tapias (95) posted 18 points and Laura Ramirez (94) added 10 points, plus 6 rebs. Diana Prens (96) collected 9 points and 8 boards in this defeat. Puerto Rico was up by 6 at the halftime and Colombia cut the margin to 5 with ten minutes to go in the game. The hosts shined in the last quarter and later won this game with comfortable 56-46. USA defended the gold medal in Gurabo. Silver belongs to Brazil, while Argentina won the bronze.

Colombia: Maria Tapias 18, Laura Ramirez 10+6 boards, Diana Prens 9+8 boards
Puerto Rico: Krystal Luciano 14, Diamalises Rivera 13+7 boards, Claudia Ortiz 10


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  SPAIN   

Stats Leaders - LFB

Points Per Game
 D''Andra MOSS
  Gran Canaria
  (178-SG-88)
  Avg: 20.2
 1. Moss, Gran Canaria20.2 
 2. Mosby, Cajarural17.4 
 3. Ferrari, Mariana17.1 
 4. Traore, Mariana16.7 
 5. Bonner, Perfumer.15.7 
 6. De Souza, Perfumer.15.6 
 7. Ross, Cadi I.14.7 
 8. Jones, Rivas Ecopo.14.5 
 9. Robinson, Girona14.4 
 10. Morrison, Burgos14.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Angelica ROBINSON
  Girona
  (196-F-87)
  Avg: 11.5
 1. Robinson, Girona11.5 
 2. Ble, Gran Canaria10.7 
 3. Morrison, Burgos10.6 
 4. Hajdune Csas., Mar.10.2 
 5. De Souza, Perfumer.9.9 
 6. Szczechowiak, Ibi.9.8 
 7. Lyttle, Ros Casar.8.3 
 8. Mosby, Cajarural7.9 
 9. Jones, Rivas Ecopo.7.5 
 10. Vega, Girona7.4 
Assists Per Game
 Lorena INFANTES
  Burgos
  (171-PG-81)
  Avg: 5.4
 1. Infantes, Burgos5.4 
 2. Ocete, Mariana5.1 
 3. Palau, Ros Casares4.3 
 4. Dominguez, Ros C.4.1 
 5. Morales, Ibiza3.9 
 6. Jordana, Girona3.6 
 7. Ferrari, Mariana3.5 
 8. Xargay Casad., Per.3.4 
 9. Moore, Ros Casares3.3 
 10. Ouvina, Mann Filt.3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Adrianne ROSS
  Cadi I.
  (173-G-84)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Ross, Cadi I.2.6 
 2. Ouvina, Mann Filter2.0 
 3. Lyttle, Ros Casar.1.9 
 4. Cruz, Rivas Ecopol.1.9 
 5. Murphy, Ros C.1.9 
 6. Morales, Ibiza1.8 
 7. Allison, Burgos1.8 
 8. Parham, Cajarural1.8 
 9. Ygueravide, Hondar.1.7 
 10. Moore, Ros Casar.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Erika DE SOUZA
  Perfumer.
  (197-C-82)
  Avg: 1
 1. De Souza, Perfumer.1.0 
 2. Robinson, Girona1.0 
 3. Denti, Ibiza0.9 
 4. De Ciman, Cadi I.0.9 
 5. Bonner, Perfumer.0.8 
 6. Morrison, Burgos0.7 
 7. Hajdune Csas., Mar.0.7 
 8. Parham, Cajarural0.7 
 9. Adams, Real C.Vigo0.7 
 10. Jones, Rivas Ecop.0.6 



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  WNBA   


Latest games (6): Silver Stars pummel Mercury for 11th straight win - by Eurobasket News

Phoenix M. - S.Antonio SS 47-89
Becky Hammon (5'9''-PG-77, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Colorado St.) scored 13 of her 19 points in the first half to lead the San Antonio Silver Stars past Phoenix 89-47 on Sunday, extending their franchise-best winning streak to 11 games and handing the Mercury their worst loss. Hammon, a member of the Russian Olympic team that lost in the bronze-medal game to Australia, made two 3-pointers in the first half as the Silver Stars built a 19-point lead by the break. Alexis Hornbuckle (5'11''-G-85, college: Tennessee) had 11 points and seven rebounds for the Mercury, who have lost eight straight, dating back to July 1. The 42-point margin surpassed an 89-48 loss to Seattle on July 19, 2002. It was also the most lopsided game of the season for both teams as San Antonio hadn't won by more than 21 and Phoenix's worst loss a 22-point defeat to Minnesota in the season opener. Danielle Adams had 13 points and nine rebounds for the Silver Stars, and Shameka Christon added 10 points. DeWanna Bonner, the Mercury's leading scorer at 20.1 points a game, was held to 10 points on 4-of-16 shooting. Phoenix had its poorest offensive output of the season after a low of 58 against Seattle on Thursday, in its first game after the month-long Olympic break. The Mercury were just off a franchise worst 45 points, set in 2004. The Mercury played without Olympic gold medalist Diana Taurasi, who was not with the team after undergoing a dental procedure on Friday. Taurasi has missed 18 of Phoenix's 20 games this season with a hip flexor but led the Americans in scoring during the Olympic tournament, averaging 12.4 points a game. Phoenix regulars Candice Dupree (knee), Alexis Gray-Lawson (knee) and Charde Houston (ankle) all sat out on Sunday with injuries. The Mercury missed 12 of their first 14 shots, allowing San Antonio to grab an early 18-6 lead in the first 8 minutes. Phoenix only shot 7 for 32 (22 percent) from the field in the first half, trailing 41-22 at the break. It was the fewest points in a half by the Mercury all season. The Silver Stars had a key 10-3 spurt late in the second quarter, capped by Jia Perkins' 3-pointer that gave them a 40-20 lead. Phoenix got within 14 in the third quarter but San Antonio finished the period on a 13-4 run to take a 65-42 advantage into the final 10 minutes. *Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Minnesota L. - Tulsa S. 83-59
After sputtering for most of the first three quarter, the Minnesota Lynx picked up their intensity in the fourth and pulled away from the league-worst Tulsa Shock. Maya Moore (6'0''-SG-89, college: Connecticut) scored 22 points, Lindsay Whalen (5'9''-PG-82, college: Minnesota) had 15 and Seimone Augustus 14 as Minnesota beat Tulsa 83-59 to win its fourth straight and clinched a playoff spot at the earliest point in franchise history. The defending champion Lynx (17-4) didn't clinch a postseason berth until their 26th game last season. ''It means absolutely nothing to us. That's not the mission,'' coach Cheryl Reeve said. ''We know it's part of the process.'' Whalen also had four assists to pass Katie Smith for the franchise lead with 498. Glory Johnson led Tulsa (3-17) with 17 points. The Shock have lost four straight overall and remain winless in eight road games this season. Five of Tulsa's next seven games are away from home. Minnesota, which has beaten the Shock four times this year by an average of 20 points, shot 50 percent from the field and had a 38-27 edge in rebounding. This was the third meeting in four games between the teams, who also played a home-and-home series before the Olympic break. The Lynx were nearly flawless in beating Washington 98-69 Friday, but struggled to put this game away until the final period when it outscored Tulsa 25-7. ''It was one of those nights where shots weren't going in and we had some turnovers (13) in the first half,'' Whalen said. ''I really have confidence in the team that we're going to make the plays and kind of share the ball when we need to and make a defensive play.'' Up 58-52 entering the fourth quarter, Moore made a 3-pointer and Whalen converted a three-point play to give the Lynx its first double-digit lead since the first quarter and bring the sellout crowd of 10,223 to its feet. Moore later had another 3-pointer and added two more free throws to make it 75-54 before back-to-back jumpers by Amber Harris capped an 18-0 run for a 79-54 lead with 2 minutes to play. Besides going 11 of 13 from the free-throw line, Minnesota was 6 for 11 from the field in the final quarter; Tulsa 3 for 19. Reeve said the Lynx did a much better job contesting shots, while Augustus noted the team's defensive intensity picked up. ''We were able to get out and get easy baskets and set the tempo in the fourth quarter maybe like we didn't do in the first half and even a little bit in the third quarter,'' Augustus said. It was the second straight game that Tulsa faded down the stretch. The Shock were outscored by 11 in the fourth of Friday's 89-79 loss to San Antonio. ''We need to go back to the drawing board and figure out why we're giving up so easy in the second half,'' Johnson said. ''Once they had a run we let them make another run and we tried to pick it up a little bit, but when they start hitting 3s you know there's not much you can do if you're not scoring.'' Whalen scored nine of the first 16 Lynx points, including a fast-break layup to cap a 9-0 run to make it 16-7, but Ivory Latta made a pair of 3-pointers as Tulsa finished the first quarter on a 14-5 run to get within 24-23. A couple of layups by Amber Holt put the Shock up 32-30 midway through the second quarter, but Rebekkah Brunson scored on a fast-break layup in the final second to give the Lynx a 42-39 halftime lead. The Lynx wore commemorative uniforms with pink lettering and numbers in honor of the team's Breast Health Awareness Week. *Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Seattle S. - L.Angeles S. 71-82
Kristi Toliver (5'7''-PG-87, college: Maryland) scored 22 points and Alana Beard (5'11''-G/F-82, college: Duke) added 18 to help the Los Angeles Sparks beat the short-handed Seattle Storm 82-71 Saturday night for their sixth consecutive win. The Sparks started slowly in their first game since the monthlong Olympic break but picked up the pace in the second half. ''I think it was natural that we would have at least a little bit of rust in the first half,'' Toliver said. ''We hadn't played in a long time. I think we responded well and hopefully we can take a little bit of this momentum against Indiana on Tuesday.'' Rookie Nneka Ogwumike had 17 points and 10 rebounds for Los Angeles (16-6), which swept the season series 5-0. Candace Parker added 11 points and 12 rebounds as the Sparks outrebounded the Storm 36-24. ''We're the best rebounding team in the league offensively and we should rebound the ball well,'' Los Angeles coach Carol Ross said. ''We should do it every time we step on the floor, but we weren't doing it that well in the first half because rebounding requires effort.'' Ross noticed a difference in her team's play after halftime. ''I thought we played the second half with passion and effort,'' Ross said. ''Effort will beat talent any day and in the first half, it was beating our talent.'' Tanisha Wright had 21 points and rookie reserve Shekinna Stricklen added 16 to lead Seattle (10-11), which remained in fourth place in the Western Conference. The Storm were without point guard Sue Bird (stomach flu) and Ann Wauters (strained Achilles). Also, three-time MVP Lauren Jackson hasn't joined the team yet after playing for Australia at the London Olympics. Beard scored eight points in the third quarter to help the Sparks break open the game after leading 40-38 at halftime. Parker added seven points and Milton-Jones six to help the Sparks to a 27-17 third-quarter run after a Seattle led by as many as eight in the second quarter. ''In the second half we didn't come out with the aggression that we needed to come out with,'' Wright said. ''They jumped up on us, and from there it was a battle. We fought we just didn't have enough gas in the tank.'' Toliver scored 16 to help the Sparks to a two-point halftime lead. Toliver had 12, including three 3s, in the second quarter to help erase an eight-point deficit. ''Toliver has offensive gifts and she used them and hit some big shots when we needed them,'' Ross said. Wright figured she should have done a better job defending Toliver. ''Ididn't do a good job on her tonight,'' Wright said. ''I let her get too comfortable. I didn't really do a good job of forcing her to do some things that she doesn't like to do. I just think overall I didn't do a good job of handling her.'' Bird, averaging 12.7 points and 5.7 assists per game, remained at home. She left in the second quarter of Thursday's 72-58 win against Phoenix with the stomach flu. Jackson is expected to join the Storm for Tuesday's game against Minnesota. *Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Washington M. - Chicago S. 75-71 OT
Chicago and Washington both desperately needed a victory. The Mystics proved clutch when it counted. Matee Ajavon (5'7''-PG-86, college: Rutgers) scored 22 points and Jasmine Thomas (5'9''-G-89, college: Duke) made the go-ahead 3-pointer with 16 seconds left in overtime as the Washington Mystics outlasted Chicago 75-71 on Sunday to snap an eight-game losing streak against the Sky. Crystal Langhorne had 18 points for the last-place Mystics (5-16), who had lost two straight and played for the third time in four days since returning from the month-long Olympic break. "Man, this game is so huge for us because we desperately need wins in the second half, as far as playoffs go," said Ajavon, whose 3 with 1.7 seconds left in regulation tied the game. "Every win, every play, every second counts." Epiphanny Prince scored 18 points and her free throws with 26.7 seconds left in overtime put the Sky (8-11) up 71-70. Ajavon fouled out on the play so her backcourt mate Thomas stepped up on the next possession with her first field goal since the first half, putting Washington in front 73-71. "We executed the play exactly as we drew it up," said Thomas, who finished with eight points and a career-high eight assists. "Came off that great screen by (Michelle) Snow. I was open so I shot it." Monique Currie tallied 10 points and made two free throws with 7.7 seconds left following a clear path foul. Sylvia Fowles had 13 points and 16 rebounds for the Sky. One week ago Fowles and Olympic teammate Swin Cash were celebrating a gold medal triumph. Now they are dealing with a six-game losing streak. "That's part of the game," Fowles said. "You come back for the second half, teams are going to be ready, ready to step. Just so happened we ran across Washington. They played well collectively as a team and they came out with a W. We have to take from this moment and move on to the next one. We don't really have time to sob and get into it." Washington had not defeated Chicago since June 19, 2010, with two of the losses coming earlier this season. The Sky turned a nine-point fourth quarter deficit into a 60-57 lead with 1:43 remaining as Cash's jumper capped a 14-2 run. Prince sank two free throws with 10 seconds remaining for a 62-59 advantage, but Ajavon's 3 over Le'coe Willingham tied the game. Both sides labored offensively in the first half, though Washington closed the second quarter on a 16-4 run for a 28-25 halftime lead. Ajavon scored 12 points and outscored Chicago 9-6 in the second quarter as the Sky set season-lows for fewest points in a quarter and in a first half. " (Washington) hit some big shots, those are the ones you always remember, "Sky coach Pokey Chatman said. "In the fourth quarter we held them to seven points up until Matee hit that three, but you need that energy, teamwork and trust early on and maybe it doesn't become a one possession game." The Mystics jumped ahead in the third quarter, shooting 71 percent (10 of 14) and opened up their largest lead at 48-39 on Snow's jumper with 1:48 left in the period. After Sonja Petrovic's jumper gave the Sky a 21-12 lead, Chicago missed its final 11 shots of the second quarter and finished 8 of 30 (27 percent) for the half. Cash made Chicago's first attempt in the third quarter and scored 10 of her 12 points after halftime. Washington celebrated its 15th year in the league by honoring its All-Time team, including Langhorne and Chamique Holdsclaw, as selected by a fan vote. *Courtesy of www.chron.com

Connecticut S. - New York L. 85-74
Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) was determined to make up for a poor offensive performance against the New York Liberty in the last matchup. She only had to wait two days to get another chance at them. Charles had 23 points and nine rebounds while playing nearly 38 minutes, and the Connecticut Sun beat the Liberty 85-74 on Saturday night. The third-year center, who scored a season-low four points in the Sun's 79-66 loss at New York on Thursday night in the teams' first game after the monthlong Olympic break, played the entire first half. ''I have never not taken her out in the first half,'' Sun coach Mike Thibault said. ''I talked to her and said, 'You let me know when you need a sub tonight.' She said, 'Coach, I'm staying out there.' So, 'Yes, ma'am.' I might not say that to some other people, but I know when she is feeling that way. She had that look in her eye. I know she didn't like the other night in New Jersey and she wanted to make up for it.'' Kara Lawson had 21 points and Allison Hightower added a career-high 20 for the Eastern Conference-leading Sun (16-5). Mistie Mims, playing in place of the injured Asjha Jones (strained left Achilles tendon), added 11 points, four rebounds and four assists. ''We had some people step up pretty big-time tonight and make shots - between Tina in the first half and Kara and Allie throughout the game, and Mistie was everywhere on the boards,'' Thibault said. Charles also became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 1,000 rebounds, accomplishing it in her 89th game - three fewer than Yolanda Griffith's previous mark. Cappie Pondexter had 17 points and five assists for the Liberty (7-13). Essence Carson also scored 17 and Plenette Pierson added 14 points and eight rebounds. Connecticut capitalized on 26 New York turnovers, scoring 28 points off the miscues. ''We went from six turnovers the other night to 26 tonight,'' Liberty coach John Whisenant said. ''We have to keep our turnovers under 15 to compete with a team like that. ... We got them the other night and they made a lot of turnovers. We made eight turnovers in the first quarter (tonight) and that just digs you a big hole.'' The Sun were trying to withstand a late Liberty rally as their 17-point, second-half lead eroded to six points with more than 2 minutes remaining. Another New York turnover derailed it quickly as Nicole Powell was called for traveling, the Liberty's final turnover of the game. Powell was hit by a technical, and Lawson made the free throw to give the Sun an 81-74 lead. ''Some of those (turnovers), we just shot ourselves in the foot,'' Powell said. ''Really bad choices and decisions.'' Renee Montgomery followed with a short jumper at the shot-clock buzzer that just rolled in. Charles added a jumper of her own for the final margin. New York trailed 76-61 with less than 5 minutes left in the game when it made one last charge. A 3-pointer by Carson off a drive-and-kick by Pondexter cut the Liberty's deficit to 80-74 with 2:18 left. Connecticut led 47-43 at halftime. The Sun used a lot of defense and clutch scoring by Lawson to extend the lead in the third quarter. Lawson scored 10 points in the period as the Sun pulled ahead 66-50. The Liberty missed nine of their 12 shots in the third and also turned it over nine times, including twice on 3-second violations. Connecticut trailed by eight points in the second quarter, but closed with a 13-6 run. Hightower ended the quarter with a 3-pointer to give the Sun their four-point lead. Hightower finished 6 for 13 from the field, including 2 for 5 on 3s, and was 6 for 6 on free throws. ''I know that I can score,'' the former LSU star said. ''It's just being confident and taking what the defense gives you. My teammates and my coaches have so much confidence in me. That also helps that they know that I can score and they know the things that I'm capable of doing. I just want to go out there and do it and take what they give me.'' Thibault was impressed with Hightower's performance. ''She took over the game offensively when things were bogging down,'' he said. ''She has grown up so much. ... I made a prediction that she is going to be maybe a top-20 player in this league in a couple of years. She has the ability to do that. People laugh when you say that, but every week she gets better and her teammates trust her. I think that is a big factor.'' Charles carried the Sun offensively in the first half, playing all 20 minutes and scoring 19 points. The Liberty went on a 9-0 run at the end of the first quarter and into the second. It was highlighted by Powell's 3-pointer and Kia Vaughn's jumper over Charles that gave New York a 31-23 edge. New York shot 64 percent in the first quarter, including four 3s to take a 26-23 lead. *Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Indiana F. - Atlanta D. 86-72
Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) scored a season-high 29 points to lead the Indiana Fever to an 86-72 victory over the Atlanta Dream on Saturday night. Tamika Catchings (6'1''-SF-79, college: Tennessee) had 17 points and nine rebounds to help the Fever (12-7) win for the second time in three days since the WNBA resumed play following the monthlong Olympic break. Briann January added 13 points and Shavonte Zellous 11. Douglas shot 11 for 17 from the field, including 7 for 9 from beyond the arc - tying her career high and the franchise record for 3-pointers made. ''It's about time,'' Douglas said. ''It's a good feeling. This morning I definitely wasn't shooting it well. But definitely in warmups, I felt really, really good. Really loose. ... My teammates just found a way to get me the ball and I was able to step up and knock down shots. And that's my role.'' Douglas, who had the previous team record of six 3s, scored 15 points in the first half to help the Fever take a 46-33 lead at halftime. ''Katie was hot,'' Fever coach Lin Dunn. ''We started calling her number and calling any plays we could think of to get her threes.'' Angel McCoughtry scored 22 points on 8-for-19 shooting to lead the Dream (10-11). Rookie guard Tiffany Hayes had 13 points and Lindsey Harding added 12. ''The Fever have a tough offense and (Douglas) shot really well against us,'' Dream coach Marynell Meadors said. ''We just weren't very strong mentally tonight.'' McCoughtry added, ''We just came out flat.'' McCoughtry had four points on 2-for-7 shooting in the first half. ''They were a hard 22 points,'' Dunn said. ''Nothing came easy for her. ... That's about the best we can do with her. She's just that good.'' Fever forward Shavonte Zellous added, ''My goal was to limit Angel's touches tonight. She got off at the end a little bit.'' Zellous admitted she was pumped up for the game a little more than usual. ''The last two years Atlanta knocked us out the playoffs,'' she said. ''We kind of have a thing against them.'' The Fever jumped out to a 20-7 lead with a 13-3 run in the first quarter. Douglas made three jumpers to put the Dream in a hole that it never recovered from. The Dream shot 22.2 percent from the field in the opening 10 minutes and the Fever never trailed. The Fever made 12 or more 3s for the fifth time this season after accomplishing the feat just three times in the franchise's previous 12 years. Catchings' five assists moved her to eighth on the WNBA's all-time list with 1,207. *Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com


Former JMU guard Evans signs with Sparks - by Eurobasket News (T)

Former James Madison guard Dawn Evans (5'7''-PG-89, agency: LBM Management, college: JMU) played for the LA Sparks of the Women's National Basketball Association in its game Saturday at Seattle, after signing with the Sparks on Friday.

Evans played 1:37 in the game, won 82-71 by the Sparks.

The 5-7 Evans, who led JMU to the Colonial Athletic Association title in both 2010 and 2011, is the Dukes all-time leader in four different statistical categories, including points, free throws, three point shots made and three point shots attempted. She also holds CAA records for career points and three pointers made and attempted.

In July Evans was honored for her play for the U.S. All-Star Team in a series of summer games in China. She was named the team's Most Valuable Player for its series of games vs. the China National "B" Team.

Earlier this year Evans played in Vienna, Austria, for the Flying Foxes and signed a training camp contract with the WNBA's Connecticut Sun. She trained with the Sun in April and May and played in three preseason games but was not selected for the Sun's 2012 roster.

Evans was named CAA Player of the Year in 2011, as well as All-CAA First Team and Tournament Most Outstanding Player. She was an Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American as a junior in 2010 as well as both an Associated Press and WBCA State Farm Honorable Mention All-American in 2011 as a senior. Evans ranked in the top five in scoring in the nation in her sophomore, junior and senior seasons.

The Sparks' roster includes Harrisonburg, Va., native and former Harrisonburg High School standout Kristi Toliver (Maryland '09) and former college national Player of the Year Candace Parker (Tennessee '08), who played for the gold-medal winning U.S. Team at this summer's London Olympics.

Courtesy of www.whsv.com


Connecticut Sun signs 3-year contract extension with Kara Lawson - by Eurobasket News (T)

Connecticut Sun announced signing of a 3-year contract extension with Kara Lawson (5'8''-PG-81, college: Tennessee). The player arrived in 2010 from the Sacramento Monarchs. Lawson averages 14.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists this season (21 games). In 2011, the player had 10.2 ppg, 3 apg and 2.6 rpg in 34 games. In her first year with Connecticut, Lawson registered 8.3 ppg, 3.5 apg and 2.6 rpg also in 34 appearances. From 2006 to 2010 she played for the Sacramento Monarchs. They were WNBA champions in 2006 and it was rookie year for Lawson. Kara Lawson is a product of the University of Tennessee. She played for the USA National Team at 2007 FIBA Americas and 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. USA won gold medals at both events.

'I have enjoyed my time playing for the Connecticut Sun organization. Top to bottom, it is the best franchise in the WNBA. The community has embraced me and my family, and we look forward to sharing many winning seasons in the years to come. We have developed special relationships here, and hope to be a part of the first championship team for the Sun and their fans', said Kara Lawson for the Connecticut Sun official web site.