Biella announced also Craig Brackins (208-F-87, college: Iowa St.) just yesterday.




Scottie Reynolds moves to Brindisi - by Eurobasket News

Scottie Reynolds (188-G-87, college: Villanova) moves to Brindisi for the upcoming season. The Italian team brings in American Guard.
Last year he played for Antalya in Tureky. The guard started the season 2010/2011with Talk N Text in Philippines. He tallied 12.8 points, 4.3 boards, 4.3 assists per game in PBA. Later Scottie Reynolds joined the Utah Jazz training camp. The guard however did not sign a deal in the NBA. Scottie Reynolds is in his second pro season. Last season he started in Italy. He posted 12.3 points, 2.5 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.8 boards for Prima Veroli. Later Scottie Reynolds moved to D-League. His stats read 13.1 points, 5.9 assists, 3.8 boards and 1.9 steals per appearance for the Springfield Armor. He participated at D-League All-Star Game.
In 2011-2012 for Antalya Buyuksehir Belediye (Turkey-TBL, starting five) he became the third top-scorer with 18.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 4.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 75.4%.


Vanoli Cremona add Croatian Andrija Stipanovic - by Eurobasket News

Vanoli Cremona add Croatian Andrija Stipanovic (209-C-86) for the next season. The Italian team brings the player from Pepsi Caserta.
Last year he averaged 7.7ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.9%, FT: 28.6%. The 25-year-old centre came to Italy from Belgium. He played for Belgacom Liege Basket in the previous season. Andrija Stipanovic tallied 8.5 points, 7.3 boards and 1.5 assists per game in EuroChallenge. In Belgian League his stats read 13.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals per appearance. The centre earned Eurobasket.com All-Belgian League Honourable Mention. Previously Andrija Stipanovic played for Split and Hermes Analitica Zagreb in Croatia. The centre was in Eurobasket.com Croatian A1 League All-Newcomers Team in 2007. Andrija Stipanovic also played for Croatian U20 National Team.


Casper Ware moves to Casale - by Eurobasket News

Casper Ware (177-PG-90) moves to Casale to start his pro career abroad. According to Sportando.net The rookie comes from Long State Beach 49ers for whom he has played his entire NCAA career averaging 17.4ppg, 2.4rpg and 3.4apg as senior.
In 2008-2009 he appeared for Long Beach St. (NCAA, starting five) and averaged 9.1ppg, 2.1rpg, 4.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.2%, 3Pts: 27.3%, FT: 70.5%. In 2009-2010 for Long Beach St. he improved to 11.9ppg, 3.2rpg, 4.8apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 37.2%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 78.4%.
In 2010-2011 Casper Ware had high 17.2ppg, 2.5rpg, 4.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 42.2%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 81.0% and last year even bettered his stats. In 2011-2012 after 34 games his stats read 17.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 79.3%.
In 2012 July he participated at the AirTran Orlando Summer League (Detroit Pistons) and in 3 games showed 2.3ppg, 1.3apg.
Only in the last few seasons Casper Ware made it into Big West All-Tournament Team -10, 11, 12, became Big West Regular Season Champion -11, 12 and All-Big West Player of the Year -11, 12. Moreover he was awarded All-Big West Defensive Player of the Year -11, All-Big West 1st Team -11, 12 and NABC Division I All-District 9 1st Team -11, 12. Ware became All-Big West All-Tournament MVP -12 and Big West Tournament Winner -12.


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Jamaican Ryan Reid moves to Chorale Roanne - by Eurobasket News

Jamaican Ryan Reid (203-F-86, college: Florida St.) moves to Chorale Roanne for the upcoming season. The National team player moves to Europe.
He has a Jamaican passport and represented the Caribbean island in the 2011 CBC Championship where he averaged 9.2 points and 10 rebounds.
He started his pro career in 2006-2007 for Florida St. (NCAA) and debuted with 2.9ppg, 3.2rpg. In his last season he improved to 6.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 49.1%, FT: 59.7%.
In 2010-2011 joined Intermache Zastal Zielona Gora (Poland-PLK), but in Nov.'10 moved to Tulsa 66ers (D-League) and in 51 games had 8.4ppg, 5.8rpg, FGP: 49.7%, FT: 75.3%. In 2011-2012 for Tulsa 66ers (D-League, starting five) he showed 12.2ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.4%, FT: 70.5%. Ryan Reid also appeared in NBA and for Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA) played 5 games averaging 1.6ppg. Last season he received USBasket.com All-D-League Honorable Mention -12 and Gatorade All-D-League Honorable Mention -12.


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JORDAN

Cyprus International Torunament : Jordan's Young Squad Debut - by Omar Shafaamri

12 Men were selected by the Local coach Murad Barakat will fly tomorrow to Nicosia, Cyprus to take part in Cyprus International Torunament. Cyprus, Norway, Sweden and Jordan will face each from Friday until Sunday at Tassos Papadopoulos Hall in Nicosia. Cyprus & Sweden are preparing for the Eurobasket 2013 Qualifications in August & September while Jordan is working on a Plan for the young generation and Cyprus tourney will be it's first Milestone.

Sweden will be the first opponent for Jordan, Detroit Pistons Star Jonas Jerebko with his mates are coming to grab the title taking into account their key players such as NCAA Alabama University giant Carl Engstrom, Naturalized Guard Thomas Massampa and Erik Rush. Sweden was pooled in Group B Eurobasket 2013 Qualifications along with : Germany, Bulgaria,Azerbaijan and Luxembourg.

Norway is composed mainly of young basketball players, not engaged in the qualifying round of Eurobasket 2013. The third game will be against hosts Cyprus lead by BBL German League Star Naturalized Forward Anthony King & their best scorer in Eurobasket 2011 Qualifications Trisokkas Panagiotis, last year Cyprus won Jordan 74-68 in Belarus Friendly Championship.

NT Coach Tab Baldwin won't lead the team since he stil did not come back from the states, where he's having a vacation after finishing the Olympic Qualifiying torunament in Venzuela last month, some sources says that Baldwin won't continue with the national team, big names like Osama Daghles, Zaid Abbas, Mousa Awadi, Mohammad Hadrab, Enver Soobzokov and Islam Abbas will also be missed while Youngsters Ahmad Al Dwairi (210-C-93), Moh. Shaher, Majdi Al-Ghazawi (183-PG-93) and Hani El-Faraj will be lead by the experienced guard Wesam Al-Sous (183-PG-83), who lately finished his ban period.

NT Roster

Mohammad Shaher (210-C-90)

Fares Saqf-AlHait (194-G/F-87, college: Calumet)

Wesam Al-Sous

Ali Jamal (205-C/F-88)

Majdi Al-Ghazawi

Mahmoud Abdeen (189-PG-87)

Khaldon Abu Ruqayah (200-F-83)

Ahmed Al-Hamarsheh (200-F-86)

Fakhri Al-Syouri

Fadel Al-Najjar (192-G-85)

Hani AlFaraj (192-SG-87)

Ahmad Al Dwairi

Cyprus International Tournament (3-5 August)
3. August:
JordanxSweden 5pm*
CyprusxNorway 7pm

4. August:
JordanxNorway 5pm
CyprusxSweden 7pm

5.August:
NorwayxSweden 5pm
JordanxCyprus 7pm

*Amman Time

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LATVIA

Spartak Primorye hires Gundars Vetra as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Gundars Vetra (agency: Ryzhov Stanislav ) is the new Head Coach of Spartak Primorye. The Latvian specialist worked last season with Ventspils. They reached Latvian league Finals and EuroChallenge Quarterfinals. Before Ventspils, Vetra coached women team of UMMC Ekaterinburg two and a half years. They won three Russian league titles and three Cup trophies together. Vetra won the Russian Cup also with CSKA Samara women team four years ago. In 2009 and 2011, he was named Eurobasket.com All-Russian Superleague Coach of the Year. In the past, Gundars Vetra (agency: Ryzhov Stanislav ) coached Barons Riga and was named Eurobasket All-Latvian LBL Coach of the Year -04. In 2005/06, the Latvian served as Assistant Coach at Ural Great Perm. They won the EuroChallenge title that season.


VEF Riga keeps Kaspars Berzins - by Eurobasket News

VEF Riga signed contract extension with Kaspars Berzins (213-F/C-85). It will be his third straight season with the club. Berzins appeared 22 times in latest LBL edition averaging 12.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. He had lower numbers in Baltic League and VTB. Berzins joined VEF Riga in 2010 from Caceres. They won two Latvian league titles together and Berzins was named Eurobasket.com All-Latvian League Center of the Year -12. He also won LBL title in 2008, but with Barons/LMT Riga. At that time he was named Eurobasket.com All-Latvian League Forward of the Year -09. In the past, Berzins played for Fuenlabrada, Unicaja and Skonto Riga.
Kaspars Berzins appeared 8 times for the Latvian National Team in 2011 EuroBasket Qualificatiosn averaging 9.2 points and 4.6 rebounds. He had slightly better numbers for 5 games at 2009 EuroBasket in Poland.


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LEBANON

Coach Baldwin denies rumors, won't be coaching in Lebanon anytime soon - by Ahmad Kerdi

After the news being spread about Coach Tab Baldwin joining Al Muttahed club lately, Coach Tab informed us that all those rumors have nothing to do with reality.
"I have not had a single conversation with Muttahed since I lived in Lebanon" Said Baldwin.
"My agent was approached over 2 months ago by Muttahed but I told the agent that I was not interested then and I am not intersted now so there is no truth to any rumors that I am heading back to Lebanon to coach." he added as he also wished all his Lebanese Friends and the basketball in Lebanon the best of luck.


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LITHUANIA

Siauliai returns PF Aurimas Kieza after four years - by Eurobasket News

Aurimas Kieza (202-PF-82, college: Hofstra) is back to Siauliai after four years. The Lithuanian power forward signed a deal for the next season. He spent the last one with Pieno Zvaigzdes Pasvalys. For 19 games in Baltic league Kieza averaged 4.9 points and 3 rebounds. The player also added 4.4 ppg and 3.5 rpg in 24 LKL games. Before Pieno Zvaigzdes Pasvalys, Aurimas Kieza spent one year with Juventus-LKSK Utenos, where he shined with 15.3 ppg and 9.4 rpg for 30 LKL games. Kieza was top rebounder and second scorer of the competition. He had pretty close numbers in Baltic league as well. The player split 2009/10 season between Ukrainian Marijampole Suduva-Arvi and Cypriot Keravnos Nicosia. Actually, he finished that season with Italian Reggio Emilia. In 2008/09 he was a member of Poltava-Basket Poltava, Ukraine. Aurimas Kieza played for Siauliai from 2006 to 2008.


Casale lands Povilas Butkevicius - by Eurobasket News

Povilas Butkevicius (203-F-87, agency: Players Group) will continue his career in Italy. The Lithuanian forward penned a deal with AS Junior Casale. The player split last season between Zalgiris and Rudupis Prienu. With Rudupis he appeared 25 times in LKL averaging 11.5 points and 6.5 rebounds. Butkevicius had almost the same numbers for 19 Baltic league games. In EuroCup, he registered 7 ppg and 6 rpg for 3 games. At the beginning of the season Butkevicius played just 7 games for Zalgiris. He was their member also from January of 2009 until the end of 2009/10 season. In 2010/11, Butkevicius played for Rudupis.
Povilas Butkevicius was Baltic league champion with Zalgiris in 2010. In 2007, the player won Estonian league title with Tartu ulikool/Rock. In the past, he played for Lithuanian youth National Teams.


Neptunas inks Lithuanian Deividas Gailius - by Eurobasket News

Neptunas inks Lithuanian Deividas Gailius (200-F-88) for the next season. The VTB League participant added 200cm Forward.
The last two seasons Deividas Gailius played for Canadian Solar Bologna. Deivydas Gaiulis joined Virtus Bologna two years ago from Siauliai. He played 32 games in SerieA last season registering 5.6 ppg and 2.1 rpg. He had almost the same numbers in 2010/11. With Siauliai, Gaiulis reached Baltic league Semifinals in 2010. He was one of the best players in the team, what helped him to land a deal with Bolgona.
Neptunas is the team he started his career in 2007. In his first season he debuted with 5.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 2FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 24.1%, FT: 50.0% in Baltic League and in Lithuanian League showed 5.1ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 51.1%, FT: 87.0%, 3PT: 24.2%.
In 2008-2009 for Neptunas Klaipeda (LKL, starting five) in Lithuanian League he averaged 12.2ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 60.0%. In Baltic League (Challenge Cup) after 18 games his stats read 14.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 60.2%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 60.0%.


Olympics 2012: France topple Lithuania for second win - by Eurobasket News

France - Lithuania 82:74

France recorded the second straight win at the Olympic Games basketball tournament. They defeated Lithuania to improve at 2-1 record in Group A. Lithuania fell at 1-2 record after the loss. Tony Parker (188-PG-82) scored 27 points to pace Les Bleus.
France scored 25 points in a high-flying first quarter to take a 4-point lead. Lithuania however took over in the second period. They capped the half on an 8:2 run to take a 43:39 halftime advantage. France responded with a 5:0 spurt at the start of the second half to retain the lead. France ignited a 10:3 rally late in the period to enter the final stanza up by 7 points 59:52. Nicolas Batum (203-SF-88), Seraphin and Boris Diaw (203-PF-82) stretched the lead to 11 points early in the final quarter. Lithuania got back within 6 points late in regulation but Nando De Colo and Tony Parker sealed the victory for France. Nicolas Batum posted 21 points, while Boris Diaw added 10 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds for the winners. Linas Kleiza (203-SF-85, college: Missouri) answered with 17 points and 7 rebounds for Lithuania. Martynas Pocius (196-SG-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) added 15 points in the loss.

France: Tony Parker 27, Nicolas Batum 21, Boris Diaw 10
Lithuania: Linas Kleiza 17, Martynas Pocius 15


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NAIA

Martin Methodist College: Austin Peay's Scott Combs Named as Head Coach - by Stephan Ditgens


Wed, May. 2, 2012

PULASKI, Tenn. -- Martin Methodist College, Director of Athletics, Jeff Bain is enthusiastic to announce his new men's basketball coach, Scott Combs. Coach Combs will assume the position immediately with the RedHawks once he gets clearance from Austin Peay State University where he has served as a men's basketball assistant coach for the past 12 years. During his tenure at APSU he has helped lead the Governors to two NCAA and two NIT tournament appearances, in addition to four OVC Conference Championships.

Prior to Combs employment at APSU he played two-years for the Governors' OVC Championship team and was an All-Academic team member. Prior to coming to APSU he was a two-year member of the University of Missouri Tigers' NCAA and NIT tournament teams, after having been an All-State high school basketball player and a Mr. Basketball finalist in the state of Indiana.

Combs brings to the RedHawks a strong background in Recruiting from the Governor's staff, along with Compliance and Academic responsibilities and understanding. He is looking forward to this opportunity in his career where he can polish off his fundamentals, and X's and O's skills.

Coach Combs states: "My family and I are honored and proud to accept the head coach position at Martin Methodist. We feel this is an excellent time to join the RedHawk family. Not only are we thrilled to get involved with the team, we are also excited to get to know the Giles County community. Our goal is to build, past and recent successes, a lasting foundation for the team to grow both on and off the court. We are very thankful for this opportunity."

Bain reflects: "Coach Combs revealed to me in the interview process a sense of creative ideas, along with a sincere desire to build team chemistry. I believe that he is the perfect person to come in to re-structure and re-organized our RedHawk team that lost five seniors this past season. It will take a lot of work, but I'm convinced that he will be successful and I look forward to seeing Scott's signature on his team in the near future with diplomas in their hands and championship rings on their fingers."

Scott brings with him to Pulaski his wife Casey and their three-year old daughter Chandler. Coach Combs will be on campus this Friday at 2:00 PM in the lobby of the gym.

courtesy of goredhawks.com


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NBA

Suns sign PJ Tucker after impressive Summer League - by Eurobasket News

The Phoenix Suns have signed forward P.J. Tucker to a two-year contract.

The Suns say the teams front office and coaching staff were impressed with Tuckers performance in the Las Vegas Summer League, leading to the signing.

The 6-foot-6, 244-pound forward played the last five seasons internationally. His stops were Puerto Rico, Greece, Israel and Germany. Tucker was a second-round draft pick of the Toronto Raptors out of Texas in 2004, the 35th selection overall.

Courtesy of www.bostonherald.com


Tracy McGrady reportedly has interest from Bulls - by Eurobasket News

The Bulls recently added Golden State Warriors free agent Nate Robinson (5'9''-PG-84, college: Washington), and Chicagos roster could remain intact as the team heads into training camp later this offseason.

But, if the Bulls do find room for one more player, it will be Atlanta Hawks unrestricted free agent Tracy McGrady (6'8''-G/F-79) who could get the nod, according to a tweet Wednesday afternoon from Chicago Bulls beat-reporter K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Tribune.

McGrady, a seven-time All-Star and two-time league scoring champion who spent the prime of his career with the Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets, would provide the Bulls with an inexpensive, veteran backup as a swingman who can play shooting guard or small forward.

In addition to Robinson, the Bulls acquired Marco Belinelli this offseason to address a backcourt that has suddenly become thin. Former Bull Kirk Hinrich also came to Chicago in a trade that sent Kyle Korver to the Atlanta Hawks. The team has rookie Marquis Teague as well, but backup point guard John Lucas III signed with the Toronto Raptors this offseason and its not likely that the Bulls will bring back guard Richard Hamilton either.

While McGrady could do everything from bring the ball up in Derrick Roses absence to guard three positions, its yet to be seen whether he can still play a full season. Injuries have followed him throughout his career; on average, he has missed 20 games per season since being drafted by the Toronto Raptors with the ninth overall pick in the 1997 NBA Draft.

K.C Johnson
@KCJHoop
After Nate Robinson signing, Bulls are either done or might add Tracy McGrady.

Courtesy of http://tracking.si.com


Source: Stotts, Canales finalists for Blazers job - by Eurobasket News

Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Terry Stotts is one of two finalists for the Portland Trail Blazers head coaching job, a source close to the situation confirmed Wednesday night.
New Portland general manager Neil Olshey will choose between Stotts and interim Blazers coach Kaleb Canales , The Oregonian first reported Wednesday. Canales took over on an interim basis after Nate McMillan was fired in March.

Stotts, 54, is 114-168 in four seasons as coach of the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks. He was named one of four finalists after an interview last week in Portland and interviewed for a third time on Monday, the source said.

Stotts served as Rick Carlisle's top assistant last season with the Mavericks after Dwane Casey left after the 2011 championship season to take over as head coach of the Toronto Raptors.

After Stotts' initial interview, Carlisle gave Stotts a ringing endorsement, telling The Oregonian, "Of all the coaches presently in play, Terry is by far the best available."
Canales, 34, started as a video intern with the Blazers in 2005. In 2009, he was promoted to assistant coach. He went 8-15 during his interim stint to finish last season and received high praise from Portland players.

Canales became the NBA's first head coach of Mexican-American descent. He is a native of Laredo, Texas, and a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington.

Steve Clifford and Elston Turner were the other two finalists for the Portland job.

Courtesy of http://abclocal.go.com


Doc Rivers: Blame me for Ray Allen leaving Boston Celtics for Miami Heat - by Eurobasket News

Celtics fans looking for someone to blame for Ray Allen's (6'5''-G-75, college: Connecticut) decision to leave Boston for the Miami Heat - and for a lot less money - can point their fingers directly at Doc Rivers. And thats straight from the coachs mouth.

Its was Rivers decisions to give point guard Rajon Rondo control of the offense and to move Allen to the sixth-man role that motivated Allen to move on, Rivers acknowledged. Many league observers believed Allens contentious relationship with Rondo was the key factor, which Rivers far from denies.

"People can use all the Rondo stuffand it was there, no doubt about that but it was me more than Rondo," Rivers told Yahoo! Sports Adrian Wojnarowski. "I'm the guy who gave Rondo the ball. I'm the guy who decided that Rondo needed to be more of the leader of the team. That doesn't mean guys liked that and Ray did not love that because Rondo now had the ball all the time. ...

Rivers also made Avery Bradley the team's starting shooting guard in the middle of last season. "Not starting bothered Ray, Rivers added, per Wojnarowski.

Make no mistake-things werent exactly peachy between Allen and Rondo. Rivers said he had acted as a mediator between the two for most of the five years that they played together. But the relationship worsened in 2010-11 season, Wojnarowski reports, as Allen and Rondo developed a deep disdain for each other. Allen was not happy about his pay, or about his name coming up frequently in trade rumors.

Rivers said he saw the writing on the wall when Allen stopped returning his calls and texts after the Celtics lost the Heat in seven games in the Eastern Confernece finals.

"I thought, 'Uh-oh, we're in trouble,'" Rivers told Yahoo!. "And I just knew that Ray feeling like he had lost his voice in the locker room was a big obstacle, too."

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com


Pat Riley says Heat want but do not need to add a center - by Eurobasket News

On a roster that has only Joel Anthony (6'9''-C-82, college: UNLV) and Dexter Pittman (6'10''-C-88, college: Texas) under contract at center, Miami Heat President Pat Riley has reiterated that he sees no need to aggressively pursue a veteran in free agency.

'We definitely are going to continue to look for somebody in that spot, but unless theres an injury, we really don't need a center', Riley said during an appearance on WQAM.

Among veteran big men who remain available are Darko Milicic, Chris Andersen, Jermaine ONeal, Ben Wallace, Lou Amundson, Joel Przybilla and Andray Blatche. But as he has since the Heat won the 2012 NBA championship with Chris Bosh as the teams starting center, Riley said he believes the team is covered at the position.

'We signed Chris, basically, in my mind, fully in my mind, not in the back of my mind, he was probably going to be our center in critical situations, Riley said on the Joe Rose Show. And, so, Chris Bosh is a power forward, hes a Tim Duncan-type player, but when you watch the San Antonio Spurs play, Tim is in the middle. Thats all there is to it.'

Courtesy of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel (via www.insidehoops.com)


Timberwolves sign center Greg Stiemsma - by Eurobasket News

The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced the team has signed unrestricted free-agent center Gregory Stiemsma (6'11''-C-85, agency: N.E.T., college: Wisconsin) to a contract.

Greg had a fine rookie season for the Boston Celtics and is just beginning to mature as a player, said David Kahn, Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations. The physical nature of his game and his ability to rebound and block shots will be a welcome addition to our front court.

Stiemsma, 26, spent the 2011-12 season with Boston, averaging 2.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.55 blocks in 55 games, and appeared in 19 playoff games. He ranked 14th in blocked shots per game and second in blocked shots per minute (5.32).

The 6-11 center was previously signed by the Wolves on April 13, 2010 and waived on Sept. 10, 2010. Stiemsma played for the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the NBA D-League in 2009-10, averaging 8.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.6 blocks in 45 games and was named the NBA D-League Defensive Player of the Year. He appeared in four games for Sioux Falls in 2011 before signing with the Celtics. Stiemsma also played in South Korea in 2009-10 and Turkey in 2008-09 and 2010-11. He was a member of the 2011 USA National Team that won a bronze medal at the Pan-American Games in Guadalajara. The Randolph, Wis., native played collegiately for four years at the University of Wisconsin.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com


Barkley: Drexler was jealous of MJ - by Eurobasket News

Charles Barkley (6'6''-F-63, college: Auburn) said Thursday that he likes Clyde Drexler and considered him a great player, but Barkley also felt that Drexler had a jealousy problem on the 1992 "Dream Team."

"I think Clyde has always been jealous of Michael Jordan, to be honest with you," Barkley said on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "I think he's always wanted to be compared to Michael.

"Hey, we all want to be compared to Michael, but we're not. Clyde was a great player, but there was always that jealousy of Michael. That was one of the incidents and things about the Dream Team, Clyde was trying to play like it was Game 7 against Michael, and that's probably not a good idea. When Michael is driving his kids to school, he thinks it's Game 7."

And as far as what Drexler reportedly said about Magic Johnson in Jack McCallum's book: "Dream Team," Barkley picked a side in a dispute. McCallum wrote that Drexler said that people pitied Magic because of his HIV diagnosis and that was the only reason he was on the Dream Team. But Drexler later denied it and said the quotes were "totally ludicrous."

"I like Clyde Drexler , but Jack McCallum is a great guy, and I don't think he would misinterpret anything," Barkley said. "I saw some of the statements. I thought they were not very cool at all. I don't think Jack's going to make up ... first of all, he doesn't have to make up anything. ... If I had to believe somebody, I would probably believe Jack McCallum."

Courtesy of ESPN


China's Yi Jianlian suffers knee injury - by Eurobasket News

China's already slim chances in men's basketball just took a serious blow when star forward Jianlian Yi (7'0''-PF-87) went down with a knee injury.

Yi appeared to twist his right knee late in a loss to Australia on Thursday.

Yi had to be helped off the floor by teammates and he was still limping badly when the game was over.

Chinese coach Bob Donewald says it's too soon to tell how serious the injury is. Yi will be examined by doctors later in the afternoon.

Yi, an NBA player, played most recently for the Dallas Mavericks.

Courtesy of www.nbcolympics.com


Olympics 2012: USA cruise past Nigeria - by Eurobasket News

USA - Nigeria 156:73

USA clinched the third straight win at the start of Olympic basketball tournament. They swept Nigeria for 3-0 record on top of Group A. Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-SF-84, college: Syracuse) exploded with 37 points to lead the winners.
Team USA shocked Nigeria in the opening quarter. The North American team shot lights out hitting 11/14 three-pointers and accounting for stunning 49 points in the opening ten minutes. Team USA stayed red hot from the field in the second quarter. They accounted for 78 points in the first half to ensure a 33-point halftime advantage. Carmelo Anthony put on a one-man show in the third term. He poured in 18 points including five three-pointers to give Team USA a 119:62 lead with one quarter remaining. USA never looked back en route to a mesmerizing record-breaking win at the end. Russell Westbrook (6'3''-PG-88, college: UCLA) notched 21 points, while Kobe Bryant (6'6''-SG-78) added 16 points in the winning case. Ike Diogu (6'10''-F/C-83, college: Arizona St.) answered with 27 points and 7 rebounds for Nigeria. Chamberlain Oguchi (6'6''-SG-86, college: Illinois St.) had 11 points in the loss.

USA: Carmelo Anthony 37, Russell Westbrook 21, Kobe Bryant 16
Nigeria: Ike Diogu 27, Chamberlain Oguchi 11


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NCAA1

2012 JT Focus Mgt Cleveland Am Pro Basketball Summer League Championship Results - Youngbloodz defeat Meli Mels - by Vance Marbury

2012 JT Focus Mgt Cleveland Am Pro Basketball Mens Summer League Championship Game Results

Youngbloodz (106) vs Meli Mels (97)

Youngbloodz -- Justin Fritts (Wheeling Jesuit) 14 pts 7 rebs 2 asts, Collin Barth (Wheeling Jesuit) 11 pts 4 rebs 4 asts, Nick Brown (West Liberty) 24 pts 14 rebs 4 asts, Ramon Sheffield (Unsigned) 17 pts 10 rebs, Timothy Goff (Wheeling Jesuit) 10 pts 2 rebs, Danny Montgomery 5 pts 2 rebs 2 asts, Keane Cockburn (West Liberty) 17 pts 8 rebs 4 asts

Meli Mels -- Damon Jones (Unsigned) 3 pts 4 rebs, Anthony Wilson (Jacksonville St./Lebanon) 11 pts 6 rebs 6 asts, Rollie Smith (Clarion U./France) 19 pts 3 rebs 3 asts,William Jones (Spoonriver CC/ABA) 24 pts 8 rebs 2 asts, Bryant Fluker (Tri-C) 14 pts 7 rebs, Alexander McCray (Unsigned) 5 pts 8 rebs, Bryn Forbes (Cleveland St.) 18 pts

2012 JT Focus Mgt Cleveland Am Pro Summer League MVP - Marlin Mason (Cleveland State University)

2012 JT Focus Mgt Cleveland Am Pro Summer League Defensive Player of the Summer - Shonn Miller (Cornell University)

2012 JT Focus Mgt Cleveland Am Pro Summer League Newcomer of the Summer - Nick Brown (West Liberty University)


Kentucky basketball assistant Rod Strickland arrested - by Eurobasket News

Former NBA player Rod Strickland, currently a special assistant to University of Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari, was arrested for driving on a DUI-suspended license Thursday morning near the schools practice facility but was out less than three hours later with the school suggesting his arrest may have been the result of a clerical error.

According to Stricklands arrest citation from Lexington Metro Police, he was pulled over at East Maxwell and South Martin Luther King Boulevard at 8:53 a.m. in a Porsche Cayenne after failing to signal as he changed lanes.

He was arrested after he was found to have expired Kentucky registration and plates and a license that was suspended for a second-offense DUI, the citation said.

Stricklands license was suspended for 12 months after he pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol in September of 2010. He was also charged with DUI, reckless driving and driving on a suspended license in Tennessee in October of 2007.

Strickland was out of jail before lunch. He was seen being dropped off at the team's practice facility just before 11:30 a.m. Less than an hour a later, UK athletic department spokesman DeWayne Peevy released the following statement:

Rod Strickland was pulled over this morning in Lexington on a routine traffic stop on the way to the office. According to police reports, he was pulled over for failure to signal and for driving with a suspended license. According to Strickland, his vehicle was properly registered and he produced his driver's license at the scene. We are currently gathering information on whether his license was suspended due to a clerical error which led to his arrest.

Given the one-year suspension of his license nearly two years ago, it is possible the paperwork for reinstatement was not successfully submitted.

Courtesy of www.courier-journal.com


Mike Davis takes interim coaching position at Texas Southern - by Eurobasket News

Former UAB and Indiana head coach Mike Davis is back coaching in the college ranks, agreeing to take a position an interim position at Texas Southern.

Texas Southerns previous coach Tony Harvey resigned for personal reasons, KRIV, a Houston television station reported.

Its a great opportunity for me to get back into coaching. Ive researched Texas Southerns program, Davis said.

Davis led Indiana to the 2002 Final Four and was Conference USAs Coach of the Year in 2010-11. He was fired in March after leading the Blazers to a 1516 record. Davis is 237151 in 12 seasons as a head coach.

I think Harvey left some real good players there. They had a good program and its one of the better jobs in the (SWAC) conference, and Im excited to get back working and teaching, Davis said.

Davis said he focus his last year at UAB was off.

My mom passed away and I had two nephews pass away in a three-month period before the season started, and that kind of got me off key a little bit, he said. I got it back at the end of the year, but by that time we were already in conference play. I have my focus and my drive back and Im ready to get back into the flow.

Texas Southern competes in the SWAC Conference finishing with a record of 15-18 last season.

Courtesy of http://tracking.si.com


Don Meyer heart pacemaker surgery goes well - by Eurobasket News

Former Northern State coach Don Meyer is recovering in a Minneapolis-area hospital after having a pacemaker implanted.

His wife, Carmen Meyer, tells the American News that the surgery on Wednesday went well.

Meyer also recently had three heart valves replaced with mechanical ones and had a hole in his heart repaired. His heart problems are related to cancer that doctors discovered after a 2008 car accident that cost Meyer part of his left leg.

Meyer retired from coaching two years ago with an NCAA record 923 victories. The NCAA considers Meyer the winningest men's college basketball coach, even though his career was split between the NAIA and NCAA. Harry Statham at NAIA McKendree University has more than 1,000 victories.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com


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NCAA2

2012 JT Focus Mgt Cleveland Am Pro Basketball Summer League Championship Results - Youngbloodz defeat Meli Mels - by Vance Marbury

2012 JT Focus Mgt Cleveland Am Pro Basketball Mens Summer League Championship Game Results

Youngbloodz (106) vs Meli Mels (97)

Youngbloodz -- Justin Fritts (Wheeling Jesuit) 14 pts 7 rebs 2 asts, Collin Barth (Wheeling Jesuit) 11 pts 4 rebs 4 asts, Nick Brown (West Liberty) 24 pts 14 rebs 4 asts, Ramon Sheffield (Unsigned) 17 pts 10 rebs, Timothy Goff (Wheeling Jesuit) 10 pts 2 rebs, Danny Montgomery 5 pts 2 rebs 2 asts, Keane Cockburn (West Liberty) 17 pts 8 rebs 4 asts

Meli Mels -- Damon Jones (Unsigned) 3 pts 4 rebs, Anthony Wilson (Jacksonville St./Lebanon) 11 pts 6 rebs 6 asts, Rollie Smith (Clarion U./France) 19 pts 3 rebs 3 asts,William Jones (Spoonriver CC/ABA) 24 pts 8 rebs 2 asts, Bryant Fluker (Tri-C) 14 pts 7 rebs, Alexander McCray (Unsigned) 5 pts 8 rebs, Bryn Forbes (Cleveland St.) 18 pts

2012 JT Focus Mgt Cleveland Am Pro Summer League MVP - Marlin Mason (Cleveland State University)

2012 JT Focus Mgt Cleveland Am Pro Summer League Defensive Player of the Summer - Shonn Miller (Cornell University)

2012 JT Focus Mgt Cleveland Am Pro Summer League Newcomer of the Summer - Nick Brown (West Liberty University)


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NEW ZEALAND

Breakers re-sign Jackson - by Hugh McAuliffe

Cedric Jackson (191-G-86, college: Cleveland St.) will be a SKYCITY Breaker again for the 2012-13 NBL season.

The Breakers have been quietly working away with Cedric's agent through the off season, and were able to put a contract in place that if he didnt get picked up by an NBA team he would return to the Breakers.

That leaves only 1 place to confirm on the roster, which will be a local guard to back up Jackson, Bruton and Corletto.

Currently the Breakers have a lot of the guys working out at Atlas. CJ Bruton, Tom Abercrombie and Alex Pledger are on the courts and in the weight room most days, while Leon Henry is working hard in the gym as he rehabs his shin injury so he will be ready for the start of pre-season. Will Hudson, along with Jackson, will arrive the week of August 24, and be ready for pre-season while putting their focus on Game 1 on October 5 against the Perth Wildcats.


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NIGERIA

Olympics 2012: USA cruise past Nigeria - by Eurobasket News

USA - Nigeria 156:73

USA clinched the third straight win at the start of Olympic basketball tournament. They swept Nigeria for 3-0 record on top of Group A. Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-SF-84, college: Syracuse) exploded with 37 points to lead the winners.
Team USA shocked Nigeria in the opening quarter. The North American team shot lights out hitting 11/14 three-pointers and accounting for stunning 49 points in the opening ten minutes. Team USA stayed red hot from the field in the second quarter. They accounted for 78 points in the first half to ensure a 33-point halftime advantage. Carmelo Anthony put on a one-man show in the third term. He poured in 18 points including five three-pointers to give Team USA a 119:62 lead with one quarter remaining. USA never looked back en route to a mesmerizing record-breaking win at the end. Russell Westbrook (6'3''-PG-88, college: UCLA) notched 21 points, while Kobe Bryant (6'6''-SG-78) added 16 points in the winning case. Ike Diogu (6'10''-F/C-83, college: Arizona St.) answered with 27 points and 7 rebounds for Nigeria. Chamberlain Oguchi (6'6''-SG-86, college: Illinois St.) had 11 points in the loss.

USA: Carmelo Anthony 37, Russell Westbrook 21, Kobe Bryant 16
Nigeria: Ike Diogu 27, Chamberlain Oguchi 11


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OLYMPIC GAMES

Standings Standings Group A 1. USA 3-0 2. Argentina 2-1 3. France 2-1 4. Lithuania 1-2 5. Nigeria 1-2 6. Tunisia 0-3 Group B 1. Spain 3-0 2. Russia 3-0 3. Brazil 2-1 4. Australia 1-2 5. China 0-3 6. U.Kingdom 0-3 Preliminary Round: Round 3 A Aug. 2: ARG - TUN 92-69 Aug. 2: FRA - LTU 82-74 Aug. 2: USA - NGR 156-73 B Aug. 2: AUS - CHN 81-61 Aug. 2: ESP - ENG 79-78 Aug. 2: BRA - RUS 74-75 Preliminary Round: Round 4 A Aug. 4: TUN - FRA Aug. 4: LTU - USA Aug. 4: NGR - ARG B Aug. 4: RUS - ESP Aug. 4: CHN - BRA Aug. 4: ENG - AUS

Stats Leaders PPG RPG APG SPG BPG Points Per Game  Emanuel GINOBILI   ARG   (198-SG-77)   Avg: 23.7  1. Ginobili, ARG 23.7   2. Kirilenko, RUS 23.3   3. Scola, ARG 22.7   4. Deng, ENG 21.3   5. Anthony, USA 20.7   6. Yi, CHN 19.7   7. Gasol, ESP 19.3   8. Parker, FRA 18.0   9. Mills, AUS 17.0   10. Durant, USA 16.3  Rebounds Per Game  Salah MEJRI   TUN   (217-C-86)   Avg: 10.3  1. Mejri, TUN 10.3   2. Yi, CHN 10.3   3. Diogu, NGR 10.0   4. Aminu, NGR 10.0   5. Ben Ghnia, TUN 9.7   6. Mensah-Bonsu, ENG 8.3   7. Deng, ENG 8.0   8. Scola, ARG 7.7   9. Nene, BRA 7.7   10. Aminu, NGR 7.5  Assists Per Game  Alexey SHVED   RUS   (198-G-88)   Avg: 8.3  1. Shved, RUS 8.3   2. Prigioni, ARG 7.0   3. Williams, USA 7.0   4. Huertas, BRA 7.0   5. Jasikevicius, LTU 6.0   6. James, USA 5.7   7. Deng, ENG 5.7   8. Paul, USA 5.3   9. Kalnietis, LTU 5.0   10. Durant, USA 4.3  Steals Per Game  Emanuel GINOBILI   ARG   (198-SG-77)   Avg: 2.7  1. Ginobili, ARG 2.7   2. Nielsen, AUS 2.7   3. Aminu, NGR 2.5   4. Prigioni, ARG 2.5   5. Kirilenko, RUS 2.3   6. Ben Ghnia, TUN 2.0   7. Andersen, AUS 2.0   8. Ribeiro, BRA 2.0   9. Shved, RUS 1.7   10. Sun, CHN 1.7  Blocks Per Game  Salah MEJRI   TUN   (217-C-86)   Avg: 4  1. Mejri, TUN 4.0   2. Yi, CHN 2.0   3. Ibaka, ESP 2.0   4. Kirilenko, RUS 1.7   5. Batum, FRA 1.7   6. Kaun, RUS 1.7   7. Nene, BRA 1.7   8. Aminu, NGR 1.5   9. Seraphin, FRA 1.3   10. Scola, ARG 1.0

Day 3 of Olympic tournament in London - by Eurobasket News

Group A

USA - Nigeria 156-73
USA clinched the third straight win at the start of Olympic basketball tournament. They swept Nigeria for 3-0 record on top of Group A. Carmelo Anthony (203-SF-84, college: Syracuse) exploded with 37 points to lead the winners. Team USA shocked Nigeria in the opening quarter. The North American team shot lights out hitting 11/14 three-pointers and accounting for stunning 49 points in the opening ten minutes. Team USA stayed red hot from the field in the second quarter. They accounted for 78 points in the first half to ensure a 33-point halftime advantage. Carmelo Anthony put on a one-man show in the third term. He poured in 18 points including five three-pointers to give Team USA a 119:62 lead with one quarter remaining. USA never looked back en route to a mesmerizing record-breaking win at the end. Russell Westbrook (191-PG-88, college: UCLA) notched 21 points, while Kobe Bryant added 16 points in the winning case. Ike Diogu (208-F/C-83, college: Arizona St.) answered with 27 points and 7 rebounds for Nigeria. Chamberlain Oguchi (198-SG-86, college: Illinois St.) had 11 points in the loss.

Argentina - Tunisia 92-69
Argentina fired past Tunisia for the second win in London. Trailing by 14 points by the end of the opening quarter Argentina woke up in the next quarters to seal the victory. Emanuel Ginobili (198-SG-77, agency: Interperformances) scored 24 points to lead the Latin American team. Tunisia fell at 0-3 record after the loss. Tunisia shocked their opponents in the starting frame. The African champions exploded with 28 points to take a 14-point lead. Argentina tipped off the second frame on a 15:0 run to surge ahead. But Tunisia refused to give that early knotting things up at 40 after twenty minutes. Emanuel Ginobili, Campazzo and Carlos Delfino (200-SF-82) connected from beyond the arc in the third term to give Argentina a 49:40 lead early in the third stanza. The Latin American team ensured a 71:56 advantage with ten minutes remaining. Argentina quickly boosted the lead to 20 points in the final stanza and cruised to the victory at the end. Luis Scola posted 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists, while Carlos Delfino netted 21 points for the winners. Salah Mejri answered with 19 points and 14 boards for Tunisia. Mourad El Mabrouk (185-SG-86) had 16 points in the loss.

France - Lithuania 82-74
France recorded the second straight win at the Olympic Games basketball tournament. They defeated Lithuania to improve at 2-1 record in Group A. Lithuania fell at 1-2 record after the loss. Tony Parker (188-PG-82) scored 27 points to pace Les Bleus. France scored 25 points in a high-flying first quarter to take a 4-point lead. Lithuania however took over in the second period. They capped the half on an 8:2 run to take a 43:39 halftime advantage. France responded with a 5:0 spurt at the start of the second half to retain the lead. France ignited a 10:3 rally late in the period to enter the final stanza up by 7 points 59:52. Nicolas Batum (203-SF-88), Seraphin and Boris Diaw stretched the lead to 11 points early in the final quarter. Lithuania got back within 6 points late in regulation but Nando De Colo and Tony Parker sealed the victory for France. Nicolas Batum posted 21 points, while Boris Diaw added 10 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds for the winners. Linas Kleiza (203-SF-85, college: Missouri) answered with 17 points and 7 rebounds for Lithuania. Martynas Pocius added 15 points in the loss.

Group B

Brazil - Russia 74-75
Russia earned the third straight win at the Olympic Games basketball tournament. They snatched a thrilling victory over Brazil. Vitaliy Fridzon (196-G-85, agency: Alti Sport) drained a late three-pointer to propel Russia to the win. Brazil fell at 2-1 record in Group B after the loss. Brazil ensured a confident start to the game. The Latin American team gained a 20:15 lead at the first intermission. However Andrei Kirilenko knocked donw 15 points in the second quarter to put Russian in front 40:32 at halftime. Timofey Mozgov (215-C-86, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) gave Russia a double-digit lead at the start of the third quarter. They kept Brazil at distance posting a 59:53 lead at the final intermission. But the Latin American team denied the deficit in the fourth stanza. Nene Hilario tipped off a 6:0 run that tied things up at 63. Soon Larry Taylor (185-G-80, college: Missouri Western) and Leandrinho Barbosa (190-PG-82) gave Brazil a 72:67 lead. But Alexey Shved knocked down five points in a row to narrow the deficit. Marcelinho Huertas made it 74:72 for Brazil however Vitaly Vitaliy Fridzon dropped a killer bomb and sealed the victory for David Blatt's team. Andrei Kirilenko accounted for 19 points, while Timofey Mozgov added 18 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Leandrinho Barbosa answered with 16 points for Brazil. Larry Taylor netted 12 points in the loss.

Spain - United Kingdom 79-78
Spain registered the third win at the Olympic basketball tournament. This one did not come easily as the European champions met a fierce opposition from the hosts. Great Britain challenged Spain before losing by a single point at the end. Jose Manuel Calderon (192-PG-81) finished with 19 points to keep Spain perfect. Great Britain slipped at 0-3 record after the loss. Spain opened the game with six points in a row to set the tone. They gained a 22:11 lead soon before allowing Great Britain to cut it to 9 points at the first break 15:24. Spain stayed in charge throughout the second quarter. They accumulated a 37:29 halftime advantage. Rudy Fernandez and Ibaka gave Spain a 54:41 lead midway through the third term. They finished the quarter up by 12 points 60:48. However Luol Deng (206-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) knocked down 8 points in a row for Great Britain midway through the final stanza to put Great Britain within 6. Joel Freeland and Luol Deng trimmed the distance to 3 points with just over three minutes remaining 65:68. Jose Manuel Calderon made it 75:69 with 39 seconds to go. But Clark drained a triple to keep intrigue alive. Jose Manuel Calderon hit four free throws, while Reinking and Luol Deng dropped two bombs from behind the arc to cut the distance to a single point 78:79. However Great Britain failed to foul any Spanish player in the dying seconds and they got away with victory. Pau Gasol posted 17 points, while Marc Gasol (216-C-85, agency: Interperformances) added 12 points for the winners. Luol Deng replied with 26 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists for Great Britain. Joel Freeland netted 25 points in the loss.

Australia - China 81-61
Australia recover from the first two losses celebrating the initial victory at Olympics 2012. The team grabbed 81:61 win over China for 1-2 record in Group B. The Asian team meanwhile fell at 0-3 record on the bottom of the group. Both teams entered the game winless and struggled for the first win. China managed to produce 22-21 in the first period but failed in the second quarter. Australia erupted with 28-11 in the end of the first half to take 49:33 advantage. Patrick Mills (183-PG-88, college: St.Mary's, CA) opened the third period for 51:33, while China reduced to 10 points after an 8-0 run. Wang ShiPeng (198-SG-83) nailed three for 51:41 and then Chen Jianghua scored for 55:46. That was however the closest gap they could come up with. Australia added massive 20-9 in the last stanza to seal the victory. Patrick Mills top-scored for the winners with 20 points and David Andersen nailed 17. Joe Ingles notched 13, whilst Aron Baynes delivered 8. Wang ShiPeng ended up with 21 points in the losing effort and Jianlian Yi collected 13 points and 12 rebounds. Chen Jianghua scored 10, while Liu had 9.


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POLAND

Start Gdynia brings in Sebastian Kowalczyk, extends Tomasz Andrzejewski - by Eurobasket News

Start Gdynia is very active on the transfer market these days. The latest addition for PLK newcomer is Sebastian Kowalczyk (190-PG-93). Also, Start Gdynia extended deal with Tomasz Andrzejewski (204-F/C-79).
Sebastian Kowalczyk arrives to the club from AZS Politechnika Warszawa, where he spent last season. The point guard had 4.7 ppg and 1.6 apg for 18 PLK games. He also appeared 14 times for the second team of AZS Politechnika Warszawa, who competes in 2Liga. There he shined with 14.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg and 2.1 apg in 14 games. Kowalczyk played for Polonia Warszawa in 2010/11. This summer he had 3.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 1.7 apg for 6 games with U20 Polish NT at U20 EuroBasket Division B in Sofia.
Tomasz Andrzejewski arrived to Start Gdynia last summer from Asseco Prokom 2. He played 37 games for the club averaging 8.6 points and 4.6 rebounds. They were 1Liga champions. Before Start Gdynia and Asseco Prokom 2, Andrzejewski played for Stal Stalowa Wola, Atlas Stal Ostrow and Basket Kwidzyn.


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PORTUGAL

Portugal U18 lose two in Hungary - by Eurobasket News

Portuguese U18 National Team travelled to Hungary to play a series of friendly encounters with their Hungarian counterparts. Portugal lost two games in a row. The first game ended with Hungary claiming a 68:64 victory. Andre Miguens (184-F-94) scored 16 points to lead the visitors. Isaias Insaly (197-F/C-95) knocked down 10 points for Portugal.
Hungary claimed victory in the second game as well. The hosts led from start to finish to celebrate a 60:52 victory. Henrique Piedade nailed 11 points for the visiting team. Joao Guimaraes (196-C-95) delivered 9 points in the loss.
Both Portugal and Hungary tip off their European Championship in Division B on August 9th in Sarajevo.


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PUERTO RICO

Titanes add Rivera and make a coaching change: - by Luis Modestti

After a 3-4 start Titanes del Licey of the Dominican League made some changes involving Puerto Ricans.

The first change they made was at the point guard position as they signed Filiberto Rivera (190-PG-82, college: UTEP) who replaces Christian Dalmau (194-G-77, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Daytona Beach CC). Dalmau averaged 8.4 points, 3 rebounds and 3.1 assists in seven games for Licey.

Rivera played with Atleticos de San German in the 2012 BSN season and has years of experience with the Puerto Rican national team.

Titanes also made a coaching change by firing Nelson Colon and signing David Rosario . The new head coach has three titles with Capitanes de Arecibo and is also in charge of the Panamanian National Team.

The next game for Titanes is tomorrow against Reales de La Vega.

The other Puerto Ricans in the Dominican National League are David Huertas (Metros), Jose Guitian (Leones), Jonathan Rodriguez (Leones), Benjamin Colon (Reales), Larry Ayuso and Kleon Penn who are teammates with Huracanes.


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ROMANIA

Loud signings in CS Municipal Bucuresti - by Eurobasket News

CS Municipal Bucuresti announced some loud signings for the upcoming season. The team tab Damjan Kandic (208-F-84), Aaron Pogue (205-F-87, agency: SDJ Sports), Ivan Bosnjak (198-G-82, agency: BeoExcell), Stephen Sir (195-G-82, college: N.Arizona) and will keep Garry Gallimore (192-G-84) and Goran Martinic (184-PG-87, agency: BeoExcell).
Last night CS Municipal Bucuresti has announced the signing of Damjan Kandic (208-F-84) for the 2012-2013 Season in Romania (written byCHRIS TERRELL)
Aaron Pogue is an American player who comes from Cleveland St. (NCAA). In his first season there he averaged 6.3ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 54.7%, FT: 52.2%. Last season with the team his stats read 5.8ppg, 4.4rpg, FGP: 43.8%, FT: 57.8%. Aaron Pogue reached Horizon League Tournament Semifinals -11, 12 and became Horizon League Regular Season Runner-Up -12.
Garry Gallimore will stay for another season. Last year for the team he averaged high 17.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 79.1%.
Goran Martinic became the third top-scorer in the league with 23.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 5.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 88.1%.
Stephen Sir is the latest signing who is coming from Huracanes de Tampico (Mexico-LNBP, starting five). In 21 games he averaged 11.2ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 43.2%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT-2 (93.0%).


CSM Bucharest signs Damjan Kandic - by Chris Terrell

CS Municipal Bucuresti has announced the signing of Damjan Kandic (208-F-84) for the 2012-2013 Season in Romania. Kandic is a 6'10 forward from Montenegro that played in Hungary last season for Marso NYKK where in 13 games he averaged 16.5ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 42.1%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 87.2%. He's known as a pick and pop 4 man that can stretch the floor and knock down 3s as evidenced by his near 40% 3 point shooting and 87% free throws. This type of player at the 4 position is very common in Europe and opens the court for a true post player to have space down low or for penetration and drive and kick from other positions.


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RUSSIA

Olympics 2012: Vitaly Fridzon carries Russia past Brazil - by Eurobasket News

Brazil - Russia 74:75

Russia earned the third straight win at the Olympic Games basketball tournament. They snatched a thrilling victory over Brazil. Vitaliy Fridzon (196-G-85, agency: Alti Sport) drained a late three-pointer to propel Russia to the win. Brazil fell at 2-1 record in Group B after the loss.
Brazil ensured a confident start to the game. The Latin American team gained a 20:15 lead at the first intermission. However Andrei Kirilenko (209-F-81) knocked donw 15 points in the second quarter to put Russian in front 40:32 at halftime. Timofey Mozgov (215-C-86, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) gave Russia a double-digit lead at the start of the third quarter. They kept Brazil at distance posting a 59:53 lead at the final intermission. But the Latin American team denied the deficit in the fourth stanza. Nene Hilario tipped off a 6:0 run that tied things up at 63. Soon Larry Taylor (185-G-80, college: Missouri Western) and Leandrinho Barbosa (190-PG-82) gave Brazil a 72:67 lead. But Alexey Shved knocked down five points in a row to narrow the deficit. Marcelinho Huertas made it 74:72 for Brazil however Vitaly Vitaliy Fridzon dropped a killer bomb and sealed the victory for David Blatt's team. Andrei Kirilenko accounted for 19 points, while Timofey Mozgov added 18 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Leandrinho Barbosa answered with 16 points for Brazil. Larry Taylor netted 12 points in the loss.

Brazil: Leandrinho Barbosa 16, Larry Taylor 12
Russia: Andrei Kirilenko 19, Timofey Mozgov 18, Alexey Shved 17


Krasnye Krylya Samara signs Tautvydas Lydeka, Vitaliy Zuev and Aleksei Fedortchuk - by Eurobasket News

Krasnye Krylya Samara announced signing of Tautvydas Lydeka (208-C/F-83). The Lithuanian big guy arrives to the club from Scavolini Siviglia Pesaro, where he spent last two seasons. In the latest one he had 7.5 ppg and 4.6 rpg in 41 SerieA games. Lydeka had slightly lower numbers in 2010/11. Before Scavolini, he was a member of Cantu, Igokea, Groningen and Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk.
Point guard Vitaliy Zuev (186-PG-89, agency: RU-Basket Management) played for Ataman Rostov last season. He had 2.4 ppg and 1.1 apg for 29 Superlegaue games. Ataman Rostov was regular season runner-up.
Center Aleksei Fedortchuk (210-C-86, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) arrives from Estonian Kalev Tallinn. The player registered 10.9 ppg, 8.2 rpg and 1 bpg for 26 games. He was third rebounder and fourth shot blocker in KML.


Spartak Primorye hires Gundars Vetra as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Gundars Vetra (agency: Ryzhov Stanislav ) is the new Head Coach of Spartak Primorye. The Latvian specialist worked last season with Ventspils. They reached Latvian league Finals and EuroChallenge Quarterfinals. Before Ventspils, Vetra coached women team of UMMC Ekaterinburg two and a half years. They won three Russian league titles and three Cup trophies together. Vetra won the Russian Cup also with CSKA Samara women team four years ago. In 2009 and 2011, he was named Eurobasket.com All-Russian Superleague Coach of the Year. In the past, Gundars Vetra (agency: Ryzhov Stanislav ) coached Barons Riga and was named Eurobasket All-Latvian LBL Coach of the Year -04. In 2005/06, the Latvian served as Assistant Coach at Ural Great Perm. They won the EuroChallenge title that season.


Lokomotiv Kuban keep French Ali Traore - by Eurobasket News

Lokomotiv Kuban keep French Ali Traore (208-PF-85, agency: Beo Basket, college: S.Idaho JC) for the upcoming season. The French Power Forward will stay with the Russian squad.
In 2011-2012 for Lokomotiv Kuban (Russia-PBL) Ali Traore averaged 11.8ppg, 4.4rpg, FGP: 57.5%, FT: 70.1% in VTB League and in EuroCup became the third top-scorer with 15.3ppg, Reb-3 (7.1rpg), FGP: 60.4%, FT: 68.5%. In Russian League after 20 games his stats read 11.8ppg, 5.2rpg, FGP: 59.1%, FT: 60.9%.
Last year the French National Team player headed to Russia from Lottomatica Virtus Roma, where he spent the earlier season. For 30 games in SerieA he averaged 10 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals. Traore also added 9.5 ppg and 3.8 rpg for 15 Euroleague games. He helped Lottomatica to reach the Top 16. From 2008 until the last summer Traore played for ASVEL. He exploded with 15.6 ppg, 5 rpg and 1.4 apg for 30 games in ProA 2009/10. Ali Traore was named MVP of the championship. That season Traore led ASVEL to French Cup trophy. He also had 14.5 ppg and 5.4 rpg for 10 Euroleague games. In the past, Traore already spent few years with ASVEL.


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SAINT VINCENT

Saint-Etienne add Nyika Williams from St. Vincent - by Eurobasket News

Saint-Etienne add Nyika Williams (203-C-87, college: Pacific) from St. Vincent for the next season. The French side brought the player from abroad. In 2007-2008 he started for Barton County CC (JUCO) and then in 2009-2010 moved to Pacific (NCAA). In his season there his stats read 8.1ppg, 4.4rpg, FGP: 58.3%, FT: 55.3%. In 2011-2012 he played for Takamatsu Five Arrows (Japan-BJ League, starting five) and after 50 games averaged 13.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 55.4%, FT: 63.5%.


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SEBL

2011 SEBL North Champs Meet For Award Ceremony - by Marcus Tate

The 2011 Marietta Outlaws met Sunday July 9th for the award ceremony from last years season. Outlaws, who went 12-0, defeated Black Monopoly in the finals to take home the title. Tay Barber (6'0''-G-86, college: Life) was awarded Tournament MVP and Antonio Shaw (6'6''-F-83, college: W.Georgia) League MVP.

Marietta Outlaws, coached by George Coleman , are 40-3 in the last 4 SEBL seasons giving them the best winning percentage in league history. They are currently in 1st place in the 2012 season defeating a tough Marietta Fastbreak last Sunday. Outlaws will face Baseline this Saturday at 9pm to defend the top seed going into the playoffs.


SEBLs own Shawn Morgan signs to play Overseas - by Marcus Tate

Shawn Morgan (6'4''-F-86, college: Arkansas St.) is a native of Memphis, TN and attended Arkansas State on a full basketball scholarship. After graduating from Arkansas State he signed his first deal with a professional team in Uruguay where he was awarded 2011 league MVP. In 2012 Morgan signed another one year contract to the Manzaneros which is a pro team out of Mexico. Following that season, Shawn Morgan displayed an outstanding performance in the SEBL Pro-Am league playing for Marietta Fastbreak. It was in this league that he averaged 18 points a game leading his team to the 2nd seed going into the playoffs.

As of last week, Shawn Morgan signed his 3rd professional contract and will be playing for Depiro in Italy. This team went 5-5 last season but Im sure with the addition of Shawn, they will be a good contender in the Malta-Powerade league.


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SENEGAL

Center Mansour Kasse stays in Spain - by Eurobasket News

Young Senegalese center Mansour Kasse (207-C-92) will stay in Spain for at least one more year. He penned a deal with LEB Gold team Planasa Navarra. Kasse arrives to the club from Real Madrid II, where he spent last two seasons. In the latest one the center had 8.6 ppg and 8.8 rpg for 30 games in EBA. His numbers in 2010/11 were just a little bit lower. Before Real Madrid II, Mansour Kasse spent one year with European Basketball College Majadahonda. They also competed in EBA, but Kasse had very limited playing time. In the past, he played for Real Club Nautico de Tenerife. Four years ago Mansour Kasse played for Senegalese U18 National Team. They reached Semifinals at U18 AfroBasket in Egypt. Kasses new team reached LEB Gold Quarterfinals last season and they have big ambitions for the next one.


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SERBIA

Serbian National team on ADECCO Cup in Slovenia - by Zoran Popovic

Serbian team continues preparation on ADECCO Cup in Slovenia. First game Serbian team will play against Croatia National team tomorrow at 6pm. Other two games Serbian team will play against Bosnia and Herzegovina Saturday 6pm and last game against the host Slovenia Sunday 6pm. After ADECCO Cup in Slovenia, Serbian National team will host National teams of Hungary, Turkey and Slovenia on Belgrade trophy 2012. Witch will be played from August 8th until August 9th. Head coach of Serbian National team Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket ) still cannot count of Captain Nenad Krstic. Aleksandar Rasic, who had injury problems in last 7 days will be candidate for team on tournament in Ljubljana.


Factum Sport Debrecen lands Mladenovic - by Eurobasket Center

Factum Sport Debrecen strengthened their roster with addition of 27-year old naturalized Serbian guard Dejan Mladenovic (186-G-85, agency: TSS Management). Mladenovic played most recently at MJUS-Fortress Kormend (A Division). While playing 34 games for Kormend last season he averaged 6.2ppg, 1.0rpg and 1.2apg. He helped them to make it to the league and cup semifinals. Mladenovic played also pro basketball in Romania and Slovakia.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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SLOVAKIA

Marek Jass comes back to Prievidza - by Petr Marek

22-years old guard Marek Jass (194-G-90) is second player of Nitra who has signed contract with Slovak Champion BC Prievidza. He spent last two seasons in Nitra where achieved Silver and Bronze Medal. Now he comes back to the club where he began with basketball. Three games in EuroChallege Cup helped him to become more experienced player and Marek can be one of the important players in Prievidzas roster. Jass was member of Slovak National Teams in his youth and played for his country at four European Championships (U16, 18, 20).


Handlova has signed Vido - by Misko Duchovic

24-years old center Roman Vido (203-C-88) is another player who left BK SPU Bemaco Nitra for joining in new club. He has signed in the city he was born - MBK Handlova. MBK Handlova has ended their last season run in quaterfinals against Svit. For MBK Handlova this is their first player sign for the upcoming season. Vido has played in BK SPU Bemaco Nitra for six seasons and over that time he achieved one gold and two silver medals. Also he is a member of the Slovakian National Team for the upcoming qualifying matches for European Championship. Last season Vido has averaged in 36 games 6.2ppg and 3.7rpg per game.


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SPAIN

Olympics 2012: Brits put scare on European champs - by Eurobasket News

Great Britain - Spain 78:79

Spain registered the third win at the Olympic basketball tournament. This one did not come easily as the European champions met a fierce opposition from the hosts. Great Britain challenged Spain before losing by a single point at the end. Jose Manuel Calderon (192-PG-81) finished with 19 points to keep Spain perfect. Great Britain slipped at 0-3 record after the loss.
Spain opened the game with six points in a row to set the tone. They gained a 22:11 lead soon before allowing Great Britain to cut it to 9 points at the first break 15:24. Spain stayed in charge throughout the second quarter. They accumulated a 37:29 halftime advantage. Rudy Fernandez and Ibaka gave Spain a 54:41 lead midway through the third term. They finished the quarter up by 12 points 60:48. However Luol Deng (206-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) knocked down 8 points in a row for Great Britain midway through the final stanza to put Great Britain within 6. Joel Freeland (208-F-87) and Luol Deng trimmed the distance to 3 points with just over three minutes remaining 65:68. Jose Manuel Calderon made it 75:69 with 39 seconds to go. But Clark drained a triple to keep intrigue alive. Jose Manuel Calderon hit four free throws, while Reinking and Luol Deng dropped two bombs from behind the arc to cut the distance to a single point 78:79. However Great Britain failed to foul any Spanish player in the dying seconds and they got away with victory. Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) posted 17 points, while Marc Gasol (216-C-85, agency: Interperformances) added 12 points for the winners. Luol Deng replied with 26 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists for Great Britain. Joel Freeland netted 25 points in the loss.

Great Britain: Luol Deng 26, Joel Freeland 25
Spain: Jose Manuel Calderon 19, Pau Gasol 17, Marc Gasol 12


UCAM Murcia tab Berni Rodriguez - by Eurobasket News

UCAM Murcia added experience to their roster. They agreed on terms of contract with Berni Rodriguez (197-F/G-80, agency: Court Side). The guard signed two-year deal with the team. Berni Rodriguez spent all his previous career with Unicaja Malaga. Last season the guard notched 5.1 points, 1.9 assists and 1.6 boards per game in Euroleague. In ACB the guard posted 5.3 points, 2.1 assists and 1.6 rebounds per appearance. He participated at ACB All-Star Game in 2001. The guard also made it into Spanish ACB All-Defensive Team in 2006. He played for U18, U20 and U21 Spanish National Teams. Berni Rodriguez was the member of Spanish National Team in 2002/08 seasons.


Huesca bring in Sandi Cebular - by Eurobasket News

Huesca deepened their roster. They added Sandi Cebular (196-G-86). The Slovenian guard spent the previous season in Helios Domzale. He tallied 5.1 points and 2.0 rebounds per game in Adriatic League. In Slovenian League Sandi Cebular notched 7.4 points and 2.4 rebounds per appearance. The guard is not new to Spain. He played for Rosalia back in 2007/09 seasons. Sandi Cebular also had stints with Sentjur, Union Olimpija, Geoplin. He was the member of Slovenian National Team in 2007/10 seasons. The guard made it into All-Slovenian League 1st Team in 2010.


Manuel Gomez gets 2-year extension at Breogan - by Eurobasket News

Spanish big guy Manuel Gomez (203-C-78) penned a 2-year contact extension with Breogan. It means that he will stay with the club until the end of 2013/14 season. Gomez joined Breogan last summer from Burgos. He played 38 games in LEB Gold registering 8.1 ppg and 5.4 rpg. Gomez spent four years with Burgos averaging 6.2 points and 4.6 rebounds in their last season together. He helped them reach LEB Gold Finals. Burgos played in the Finals also in 2010. Before Burgos, Manuel Gomez spent one year with Los Barrios and one with Valladolid in ACB. He had 2.1 ppg and 1.5 rpg for 19 games with Valladolid. In 2004/05, he played for Murcia, where he moved after three years with Alicante. Gomez played for Unicaja and La Coruna in the past.


Canarias extend deal with PG Nicolas Richotti - by Eurobasket News

Nicolas Richotti (181-PG-86) will make his debut in Liga Endesa next season. Canarias signed a 2-year contract extension with the player. Richotti arrived to the club in 2010 averaging 10.5 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists in their first season together. He appeared 38 times in LEB Gold. Last season Canarias won the LEB Gold title and Richotti was one of their best players. The PG had 12.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 2.2 apg in 34 games and he was named to Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Gold 2nd Team -12. Richotti was also awarded with Eurobasket.com Spanish LEB Gold All-Bosmans Team -12. Before Canarias, Nicolas Richotti spent one year with Real Madrid II. He also has experience from EBA team San Isidro. In the past, Richotti played for Italian team Agropoli and CUS Bari (C1).


Autocid Ford Burgos extends deal with Rafa Huertas - by Eurobasket News

Autocid Ford Burgos is very active these days. The Spanish LEB Gold team announced singing of Rafael Huertas (189-G-84, agency: Court Side) for the next season. Earlier this week Bourgos extended deal with Josep Ortega (200-F/C-84) and added Lucas Sikma (203-F-89, college: Portland).
Rafael Huertas arrived to the club last summer. He played 38 games for Burgos in LEB Gold averaging 9.3 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists. In 2010/11 season Huertas played for Menorca. They competed in ACB and player registered 4.6 ppg for 31 games. From 2007 to 2010 Rafael Huertas played for Melilla in LEB Gold. He had 9.3 ppg and 2.3 rpg in their last season together. Huertas also has experience from Caceres and Unicaja Malaga. In 2009, the player reached LEB Gold Finals with Melilla. In 2010, they were stopped in the Semis.


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TUNISIA

Olympics 2012: Argentina spark late, beat Tunisia - by Eurobasket News

Argentina - Tunisia 92:69

Argentina fired past Tunisia for the second win in London. Trailing by 14 points by the end of the opening quarter Argentina woke up in the next quarters to seal the victory. Emanuel Ginobili (198-SG-77, agency: Interperformances) scored 24 points to lead the Latin American team. Tunisia fell at 0-3 record after the loss.
Tunisia shocked their opponents in the starting frame. The African champions exploded with 28 points to take a 14-point lead. Argentina tipped off the second frame on a 15:0 run to surge ahead. But Tunisia refused to give that early knotting things up at 40 after twenty minutes. Emanuel Ginobili, Campazzo and Carlos Delfino (200-SF-82) connected from beyond the arc in the third term to give Argentina a 49:40 lead early in the third stanza. The Latin American team ensured a 71:56 advantage with ten minutes remaining. Argentina quickly boosted the lead to 20 points in the final stanza and cruised to the victory at the end. Luis Scola (204-PF-80) posted 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists, while Carlos Delfino netted 21 points for the winners. Salah Mejri (217-C-86) answered with 19 points and 14 boards for Tunisia. Mourad El Mabrouk (185-SG-86) had 16 points in the loss.

Argentina: Emanuel Ginobili 24, Carlos Delfino 21, Luis Scola 20+10 boards
Tunisia: Salah Mejri 19+14 boards, Mourad El Mabrouk 16


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TURKEY

Olin Edirne invites David Jelinek - by Eurobasket News

Olin Edirne invites David Jelinek (196-G-90) for the next season and signs a contract with the him. The Czech Republic International moves from Spain.
Last year David Jelinek played for DKV Joventut. Jelinek appeared 34 times in ACB this season averaging 7 points and 1.6 rebounds. He joined DKV Joventut in 2007 from BBK IVes Brno.
David Jelinek was a member of the U20 Czech Republic National Team last summer. He played 2 games for them at U20 EuroBasket in Croatia registering 13.5 ppg and 3 rpg. Jelinek is also active member of the Czech senior NT. In 2009, he paced U20 Czech Republic to Silver medal at the EuroBasket Division B in Skopje. In 2006, he won the Gold with U16 Czech Republic at the EuroBasket in Tallinn.
In 2011-2012 for FIATC Joventut Badalona (Spain-ACB, starting five) his stats read 7.6ppg, 1.2rpg, FGP: 40.6%, 3PT: 31.9%, FT: 77.1%.


Fenerbahce Ulker officially signs Euroleague scoring champion Bo McCalebb - by Eurobasket News

Fenerbahce Ulker got huge reinforcement at position one. The former Turkish champion penned a 3-year deal with guard Bo McCalebb (178-PG-85, college: New Orleans). The American arrives from Montepaschi Siena, where he played the last two seasons. He was the Euroleague scoring champion last season with 16.9 ppg winning Alphonso Ford Trophy (63.7% FG2, 52.6% 3-pts). McCalleb also averaged 2.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals in 17 games. In SerieA the player had 14.2 ppg, 3.4 apg and 2.8 rpg in 43 games. He won two SerieA titles and one Italian Cup with Montepashi. McCalebb was named Eurobasket.com All-Italian SerieA Player of the Year -11, 12. Before Montepaschi, Bo McCalebb played one year for Partizan Belgrade winning three trophies with them (Serbian league, Serbian Cup, Adriatic league). They also reached Euroleague Final Four together. Last summer, McCalebb paced FYROM National Team to EuroBasket Semifinals. He had 21.4 ppg, 3.7 apg, 3.1 rpg and 2.1 spg for 11 games in Lithuania. This summer McCalleb exploded at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Caracas averaging 26.3 points (No.1), 6 assists (No.2) and 2.3 rebounds.


Usak Universitesi returns F Gurol Karamahmut after two years - by Eurobasket News

Usak Universitesi Belediyespor reinforced its roster at position 3. The team signed a deal with Turkish forward Gurol Karamahmut (199-F-80). He arrives to the club from Gaziantepspor, where he had 4 ppg for 22 games in TB2L last season. Before Gaziantep, Karamahmut spent one year with Kepez, also in TB2L. With them he had 7 ppg and 1.2 rpg in 24 games. Gurol Karamahmut already was a member of Usak and it was in 2009/10 season. The player shined with 18 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 2.4 apg for 16 games in TB2L. In 2008, Karamahmut won TB2L title with Erdemir. He also has TBL experience from Mersin. In the past, the forward played for Turkish University National Team.


Erdemir signs Can Ozcan - by Eurobasket News

Can Ozcan (202-F-89) is a new member of Erdemir. The Turkish forward signed a 1-year deal with the club. Ozcan arrives to Erdemir from Tofas Bursa, where he spent last two seasons. He had very limited playing time averaging just 1.4 ppg and 1.1 rpg for 16 games in the latest TBL edition. In 2010/11, he had almost the same numbers. Before Tofas, Can Ozcan spent one year with Darussafaka, but there his playing time was limited as well. In 2008/09 season the forward had 10.6 ppg, 3 rpg and 1.8 apg for 32 games with Trabzon. They competed in TB2L that year. From 2006 to 2008, Ozcan played for Alpella Istanvul and before that he played for Ulker youth teams. In the past, Can Ozcan was a member of Turkish University and youth National Teams.


Dusan Cantekin is on the way to Banvit - by Eurobasket News

Dusan Cantekin (222-C-90, agency: Beo Basket) is on the way to Banvit for the next season. The Turkish center moves from Serbia.
Earlier Efes Pilsen loaned prospect Dusan Cantekin to Mega Vizura. The 20-year-old center started last season with Mersin averaging 2.3 points and 1.5 rebounds. His playing time was limited to 5.3 mpg and Efes Pilsen decided to move their prospect to Mega Vizura, who competes in Serbian top division. In 2010 for Mega Vizura he averaged 11.0ppg, 6.8rpg, FGP: 67.2%, FT: 67.8%.
In 2011-2012 for Mega Vizura (Serbia-A League, starting five) his stats read 11.4ppg, Reb-4 (7.2rpg), FGP: 63.1%, FT: 61.9%.
Dusan Cantekin is a member of U20 Turkish National Team. Only last year he became Turkish National Team -12 player and participated at the Adidas EuroCamp in Treviso, Italy -12. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Bosman Player of the Year -12 and Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Honorable Mention -12.


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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Great Adventure Parent Showcase/Got A Minute? Rakeem Christmas - by David Edole

Great Adventure Parent Showcase
ST. THOMAS - The sixth annual Great Adventure Inc. Parent Showcase will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Boschulte Middle School gym. The event will highlight fundamentals learned in ball handling, dribbling, rebounding, defense, shooting, speed and agility and plyomentrics conditioning. There will also be two exhibition games, followed by an awards ceremony.

Got A Minute? Rakeem Christmas
By Donna Ditota, The Post-Standard
Post-Standard Sports reporter Donna Ditota spends a minute talking with Central New York athletes. In this installment, Donna catches up with Syracuse University basketball big man Rakeem Christmas.

http://videos.syracuse.com/post-standard/2012/08/got_a_minute_rakeem_christmas.html


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UKRAINE

Khimik started the preparation for the upcoming season - by Eurobasket News

Khimik-OPZ Yuzny started the preparation for the upcoming season, however so far without the foreigners and Pustovyi Artem who is with the national team.
Khimik-OPZ Yuzny announced keeping Sergei Popov (194-G-88), Oleksandr Ryabchuk (189-G-89), Prokopenko Oleksandr, Olexandr Belikov (200-G/F-92), Alexander Sizov (199-F-88), Dmytro Tykhonov (205-F/C-92), Stanislav Zavadsky (213-C-87), Vitaliy Kovalenko (203-F-84).
Sergei Popov averaged 8.3ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 94.1%, 3PT: 66.7%, FT: 75.0% in EuroChallenge and in Ukrainian League had 4.0ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.4apg. He joined the team early in 2005 after a year with BASCO-Dinamo Vinnytsya.
Prokopenko Oleksandr showed 4.5ppg, 1.5rpg in EuroChallenge and in Ukrainian League his stats read 3.7ppg, 1.1rpg. The player also spent the whole career with the team.
Vernon Goodridge (206-F-84, college: La Salle), Devoe Joseph (193-G-90, agency: Interperformances, college: Oregon), Willie Deane (188-PG-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Purdue) and Suad Sehovic (197-G/F-87) will join the squad later. The latter will prepare with Montenegrin national team for Eurobasket 2013 qualifiers.
Khimik will stay in Yuzhniy until August 11th and then will head to Slovenia. They might play Krka and Olimpia in some friendly encounters.


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UNITED KINGDOM

Champions Go For Huffman To Pull Strings - by Paul Nilsen

The Newcastle Eagles are delighted to announce the signing of point guard Damon Huffman (186-G-85). The 6'2 American who hails from Michigan joins the Eagles having spent last season playing in the Dutch League.

Huffman played his college basketball at the prestigious Brown University, part of the academically elite Ivy League. He set a number of records at college including making the most three pointers in the history of the university with 232 over a four year period.

Following university he spent 3 years playing at Okapi Aalst in the Belgian first division and also gained Euro Challenge experience. Last season he moved to Landstede Zwolle in Holland where he led his team with averages of just under 12 points and 4 assist per game whilst shooting 42% from the three point line.

He came to Eagles attention in the Basketball Days tournament in Zwolle last Christmas when he led his team to the championship including a win against the Eagles and also won the tournament MVP award.

Fab Flournoy was delighted to persuade Huffman to come to Newcastle.

"It's no secret that I played more minutes at the point guard spot last year than I really wanted to. In Damon I hope we have signed a savvy floor general who can run our team whilst also getting his own offence when we need him to".

Eagles managing director was also very pleased to be bringing Huffman to the club.

"Both Dave and Fab viewed Damon as a great option for us at some point in the future, following the Holland tournament. We are very pleased to announce that we have been able to come to an agreement. I spoke with GB coach Chris Finch about Damon last week and got some very positive feedback. I would like to also wish Paul Gause the best of luck in his move to Slovakia, Paul was instrumental in our success last season. We are now working hard to find a replacement in the forward spot for Andy Thomson".


Olympics 2012: Brits put scare on European champs - by Eurobasket News

Great Britain - Spain 78:79

Spain registered the third win at the Olympic basketball tournament. This one did not come easily as the European champions met a fierce opposition from the hosts. Great Britain challenged Spain before losing by a single point at the end. Jose Manuel Calderon (192-PG-81) finished with 19 points to keep Spain perfect. Great Britain slipped at 0-3 record after the loss.
Spain opened the game with six points in a row to set the tone. They gained a 22:11 lead soon before allowing Great Britain to cut it to 9 points at the first break 15:24. Spain stayed in charge throughout the second quarter. They accumulated a 37:29 halftime advantage. Rudy Fernandez and Ibaka gave Spain a 54:41 lead midway through the third term. They finished the quarter up by 12 points 60:48. However Luol Deng (206-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) knocked down 8 points in a row for Great Britain midway through the final stanza to put Great Britain within 6. Joel Freeland (208-F-87) and Luol Deng trimmed the distance to 3 points with just over three minutes remaining 65:68. Jose Manuel Calderon made it 75:69 with 39 seconds to go. But Clark drained a triple to keep intrigue alive. Jose Manuel Calderon hit four free throws, while Reinking and Luol Deng dropped two bombs from behind the arc to cut the distance to a single point 78:79. However Great Britain failed to foul any Spanish player in the dying seconds and they got away with victory. Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) posted 17 points, while Marc Gasol (216-C-85, agency: Interperformances) added 12 points for the winners. Luol Deng replied with 26 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists for Great Britain. Joel Freeland netted 25 points in the loss.

Great Britain: Luol Deng 26, Joel Freeland 25
Spain: Jose Manuel Calderon 19, Pau Gasol 17, Marc Gasol 12


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VENEZUELA

Standings - LNB LNB Standings Central-East  1. Atleticos UCV 0-0   2. Estudiantes 0-0   3. Guacharos 0-0   4. Rojos de Sucre 0-0   5. Tiburones 0-0  Central-West  1. Aduaneros 0-0   2. Bravos 0-0   3. Cent.Apure 0-0   4. Generales 0-0   5. Lanc.Cojedes 0-0  Regular Season: Round 1 Aug. 16: Cent.Apure - Lanc.Cojedes Aug. 17: Cent.Apure - Lanc.Cojedes Aug. 17: Generales - Bravos Aug. 17: Estudiantes - Guacharos Aug. 17: Aduaneros - Atleticos UCV

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VTB UNITED LEAGUE

VEF Riga keeps Kaspars Berzins - by Eurobasket News

VEF Riga signed contract extension with Kaspars Berzins (213-F/C-85). It will be his third straight season with the club. Berzins appeared 22 times in latest LBL edition averaging 12.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. He had lower numbers in Baltic League and VTB. Berzins joined VEF Riga in 2010 from Caceres. They won two Latvian league titles together and Berzins was named Eurobasket.com All-Latvian League Center of the Year -12. He also won LBL title in 2008, but with Barons/LMT Riga. At that time he was named Eurobasket.com All-Latvian League Forward of the Year -09. In the past, Berzins played for Fuenlabrada, Unicaja and Skonto Riga.
Kaspars Berzins appeared 8 times for the Latvian National Team in 2011 EuroBasket Qualificatiosn averaging 9.2 points and 4.6 rebounds. He had slightly better numbers for 5 games at 2009 EuroBasket in Poland.


Neptunas inks Lithuanian Deividas Gailius - by Eurobasket News

Neptunas inks Lithuanian Deividas Gailius (200-F-88) for the next season. The VTB League participant added 200cm Forward.
The last two seasons Deividas Gailius played for Canadian Solar Bologna. Deivydas Gaiulis joined Virtus Bologna two years ago from Siauliai. He played 32 games in SerieA last season registering 5.6 ppg and 2.1 rpg. He had almost the same numbers in 2010/11. With Siauliai, Gaiulis reached Baltic league Semifinals in 2010. He was one of the best players in the team, what helped him to land a deal with Bolgona.
Neptunas is the team he started his career in 2007. In his first season he debuted with 5.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 2FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 24.1%, FT: 50.0% in Baltic League and in Lithuanian League showed 5.1ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 51.1%, FT: 87.0%, 3PT: 24.2%.
In 2008-2009 for Neptunas Klaipeda (LKL, starting five) in Lithuanian League he averaged 12.2ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 60.0%. In Baltic League (Challenge Cup) after 18 games his stats read 14.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 60.2%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 60.0%.



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Women News

Austria gets closer to 9th place at U18 EuroBasket Division B - by Eurobasket News

U18 AUSTRIA - U18 SWITZERLAND 53-41

Austria handed 53-41 loss to Switzerland on Wednesday. Thanks to this win Austria jumped to 2-0 record in Group G and they are a step closer to ninth place at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Switzerland stays winless with 0-3 record. Austria had 8-point lead at the halftime and jumped to plus 18 with ten minutes to go, what was to much for Switzerland. Quarters: 19-12, 11-10, 18-8, 5-11. The winners did not have anyone with double digits in scoring. Their best player was Camille Legris (168-PG-95) with 8 points and 5 rebounds. Annika Neumann (171-SG-96) added 7 points and Anja Fuchs-Robetin (180-SG-96) helped with 6 points, plus 7 rebounds. Switzerland got 12 points from Safie Tolusso (178-SG-97) (6 rebs) and Ljubica Cutunic (186-F-94). Today, Austria will play against Finland. Switzerland's rival will be Israel.

Austria: Camille Legris 8+5 boards, Annika Neumann 7, Anja Fuchs-Robetin 6+7 boards
Switzerland: Safie Tolusso 12+6 boards, Ljubica Cutunic 12


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BELARUS

U18 Belarus extends winning streak, advances to Semifinals in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

U18 GERMANY - U18 BELARUS 74-89

Belarus advanced to the Semifinals of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. They outplayed Germany 89-74 on Thursday to win Group F with perfect 3-0 record. In the Semis, Belarus will play against Hungary. Germany slipped to third place in the group with 1-2 score and failed to reach the next stage. Germany will fight for the fifth place in Strumica and its first rival will be Denmark. Belarus made 13-point lead in the first ten minutes and later shined in Q4 to take the victory in this meeting. Quarters: 22-9, 26-26, 19-23, 22-16. Maryia Papova (186-PF-94) exploded with 23 points and 12 rebounds in Belarus. She reached valuation 34! Alena Holubeva (176-PG-94) had 17 points and 5 rebs, while Natallia Pratskaila (184-F-94) added 13 pts and 6 boards. Germany got 12 points and 7 rebounds from Ama Degbeon (183-F-95). Levke Brodersen (168-G-94) and Anneke Schluter (171-PG-95) also scored 12 points each in this loss. Both teams will continue with games on Saturday.

Germany: Ama Degbeon 12+7 boards, Levke Brodersen 12, Anneke Schluter 12
Belarus: Maryia Papova 23+12 boards, Alena Holubeva 17+5 boards, Natallia Pratskaila 13+6 boards


U18 Belarus stays unbeaten in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

U18 BELARUS - U18 LITHUANIA 77-45

Belarus is on the verge of Semifinals at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. They destroyed Lithuania on Wednesday 77-45 for perfect 2-0 record in Group F. Belarus took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 27-5, 14-15, 19-10, 17-15. Hanna Kalenta (190-C-94) shined with 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Ksenija Voishal (182-F-94) posted 13 pts. Maryia Papova (186-PF-94) helped her country with 12 points and 13 rebs. In defeat, Greta Tamasuskaite (173-G-92) was the leading scorer with 12 points. Laura Zelnyte (188-F-94) (8 rebs) and Justina Kraujunaite (174-F-95) had 10 and 8 points respectively. Lithuania dropped to 0-2 having no chance to reach the Semis. Today, Belarus will play against Germany. Lithuania's rival will be United Kingdom.

Belarus: Hanna Kalenta 17+10 boards, Ksenija Voishal 13, Maryia Papova 12+13 boards
Lithuania: Greta Tamasuskaite 12, Laura Zelnyte 10+8 boards, Justina Kraujunaite 8


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BELGIUM

U18 Czech Republic jumps to 3-0 in Group G - by Eurobasket News

U18 CZECH REPUBLIC - U18 BELGIUM 64-62

Czech Republic jumped to 3-0 record in Group G of U18 EuroBasket. They grabbed very valuable 64-62 win against Belgium making another huge step toward survival in Division A. Belgium slipped to 2-1 after this loss and only the winner of Group G will avoid relegation. Havlikova's two free throws lifted Czech Republic to 64-60 lead with 12 seconds remaining in the game. Hind Ben Abdelkader (170-SF-95) quickly responded with 2 free throws at the other side, but Czech Republic managed to keep the possession for rest of the way and to celebrate 64-62 win. Quarters: 14-19, 19-9, 13-19, 18-15. Kamila Hoskova (174-SF-95) led her country with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Karolina Severova (182-PF-94) and Sarka Jozova (174-SG-94) netted 12 points each. In the loosing squad, Ben Abdelkader responded with 27 points and 6 rebounds, while Antonia Delaere (176-F/G-94) added 18 points and 7 rebs. Camille Lebrun (174-SF-94) posted 9 pts for 12 minutes on the court. All teams will take a rest today. On Friday, Czech Republic will meet Romania, while Belgium will take on Poland.

Czech Republic: Kamila Hoskova 19+9 boards, Karolina Severova 12, Sarka Jozova 12
Belgium: Hind Ben Abdelkader 27+6 boards, Antonia Delaere 18+7 boards, Camille Lebrun 9


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BULGARIA

U18 Hungary beats U18 Bulgaria in thriller, 57-54 - by Eurobasket News

U18 HUNGARY - U18 BULGARIA 57-54

Hungary celebrated very important 57-54 win against Bulgaria in stage two of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Thanks to this victory Hungary joined Bulgaria with 1-1 record in Group E. Both teams have a chance to reach the Semifinals, but Hungary is in better position now. Regina Pap (187-F/C-94) led the winners with 16 points and 11 rebounds, and Amadea Szamosi (190-F/C-94) also had a great game adding 12 points and 19 rebs. In Bulgaria, Borislava Hristova (180-F-96) collected 18 points and 5 rebs, while Iva Kostova (178-SG-94) netted 15 points. Radostina Dimitrova (175-SF-94) scored 12 points in this loss. Nagy's free throw set the score to 57-54 with 14 seconds remaining in the game. Bulgaria had the last possession, but Kostova missed from the field. Quarters: 16-10, 11-11, 24-19, 6-14. Bulgaria will have to beat Portugal today. Hungary will meet last ranked Denmark.

Hungary: Regina Pap 16+11 boards, Amadea Szamosi 12+19 boards
Bulgaria: Borislava Hristova 18+5 boards, Iva Kostova 15, Radostina Dimitrova 12


U18 Portugal wins Group E, U18 Bulgaria fails to reach the Semis - by Eurobasket News

U18 BULGARIA - U18 PORTUGAL 55-60

Portugal is the winner of Group E in Strumica. They handed 66-50 loss to Bulgaria on Thursday and advanced to the Semifinals of U18 EuroBasket Division B. There, Portugal will meet United Kingdom. Bulgaria dropped to 1-2 record and finished as No.3 in the group. That is not enough for the Semis, so Bulgaria will be transferred to Classification Round from 5th to 8th place. Portugal shined in the finish to take the victory in this game. Quarters: 14-16, 16-18, 17-10, 13-11. Josephine Filipe (175-G/F-95) led the winners with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Maria Kostourkova (188-C-97) (8 rebs) and Laura Ferreira (177-G-95) (5 rebs) netted 14 points each. In the loosing squad, Iva Kostova (178-SG-94) collected 21 points and 5 rebs, while Borislava Hristova (180-F-96) added 17 points and 7 rebs. Radostina Dimitrova (175-SF-94) stopped to 12 pts and 6 rebs in this meeting. Both teams will take a rest today and will continue with games on Saturday.

Bulgaria: Iva Kostova 21+5 boards, Borislava Hristova 17+7 boards, Radostina Dimitrova 12+6 boards
Portugal: Josephine Filipe 17+9 boards, Maria Kostourkova 14+8 boards, Laura Ferreira 14+5 boards


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CANADA

CANADA NAMES ROSTER FOR THE 2012 JUNIOR WOMENS NATIONAL TEAM - by John Gary

courtesy basketball.ca Canada Basketball announced the atheletes who will represent Canada in the FIBA AMEICAS U18 Championchip for women which will be played in Gurabo Puerto Rico from August 15-August 19. Players eligible for this competition must have been born on or after Jan 1, 1994. The Canadian Junior Womens National; Team will be looking to medal in this event for the fifth consecutive time. The event serves as a qualifier for the 2013 FIBA WORLD U19 Championchip for women which will be held in Lithuania. For Canada to qualify they will need to reach the semi-finals in the FIBA AMERICAS U18 Championchip for women. Canada has qualified for the last four FIBA World U19 Championchips and is currently ranked 4th in the FIBA Youth Womens world rankings.


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CROATIA

U18 Croatia demolishes U18 Slovenia 77-40, books Quarterfinals ticket - by Eurobasket News

U18 CROATIA - U18 SLOVENIA 77-40

Croatia celebrated 77-40 crucial win against Slovenia in the last day of U18 EuroBasket. Thanks to this win Croatia jumped to 3-2 record and finished as fourth ranked team in Group F. That is enough for the Quarterfinals. Slovenia failed to advance and they actually close the standings in this pool with 1-4. Slovenia will be transferred to Classification Round from 9th to 12th places. Croatia made 7-point lead in the first ten minutes and increased it to 14 at the halftime. Croatia 'humiliated' Slovenia after the breather (26-3, Q3) and all after that was just the formality. Inja Butina (170-PG-95) (6 rebs) scored 21 points for the winners and Ivana Dujic (170-PG-95) had 16. Andrijana Cvitkovic (189-PF-94) collected 15 points and 10 rebs. Slovenia got 23 points and 7 boards from Maja Bosnjak (186-PF-95). Their second scorer was Vesna Sever (180-F-94) with only 6 points. Croatia will play against France on Friday (QFinals). Slovenia will meet Sweden in Classification Round.

Croatia: Inja Butina 21+6 boards, Ivana Dujic 16, Andrijana Cvitkovic 15+10 boards
Slovenia: Maja Bosnjak 23+7 boards, Vesna Sever 6


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CZECH REPUBLIC

U18 Czech Republic jumps to 3-0 in Group G - by Eurobasket News

U18 CZECH REPUBLIC - U18 BELGIUM 64-62

Czech Republic jumped to 3-0 record in Group G of U18 EuroBasket. They grabbed very valuable 64-62 win against Belgium making another huge step toward survival in Division A. Belgium slipped to 2-1 after this loss and only the winner of Group G will avoid relegation. Havlikova's two free throws lifted Czech Republic to 64-60 lead with 12 seconds remaining in the game. Hind Ben Abdelkader (170-SF-95) quickly responded with 2 free throws at the other side, but Czech Republic managed to keep the possession for rest of the way and to celebrate 64-62 win. Quarters: 14-19, 19-9, 13-19, 18-15. Kamila Hoskova (174-SF-95) led her country with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Karolina Severova (182-PF-94) and Sarka Jozova (174-SG-94) netted 12 points each. In the loosing squad, Ben Abdelkader responded with 27 points and 6 rebounds, while Antonia Delaere (176-F/G-94) added 18 points and 7 rebs. Camille Lebrun (174-SF-94) posted 9 pts for 12 minutes on the court. All teams will take a rest today. On Friday, Czech Republic will meet Romania, while Belgium will take on Poland.

Czech Republic: Kamila Hoskova 19+9 boards, Karolina Severova 12, Sarka Jozova 12
Belgium: Hind Ben Abdelkader 27+6 boards, Antonia Delaere 18+7 boards, Camille Lebrun 9


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DENMARK

U18 Portugal extends winning streak in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

U18 PORTUGAL - U18 DENMARK 75-62

Portugal jumped to 2-0 record in Group E of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. They handed 75-62 loss to Denmark and now Portugal is very close to reach the Semifinals. At the other side, Denmark dropped to 0-2 with no chance to advance. Portugal made 9-point lead at the halftime and managed to keep it for rest of the way. Quarters: 24-20, 20-15, 11-10, 20-17. Josephine Filipe (175-G/F-95) top-scored in victory with 18 points and Joana Soeiro (170-PG-95) added 12. Ines Viana (164-PG-94) and Laura Ferreira (177-G-95) netted 11 points each. In defeat, Maria Jespersen (179-G-94) shined with 15 points and 9 rebounds. Sophie Kjems-Krognos (172-SG-94) and Julie Hoeier (185-C-95) (5 rebs) posted 14 and 11 points respectively. In the last day of the second stage in Strumica Portugal will meet Bulgaria. Denmark will play against Hungary.

Portugal: Josephine Filipe 18, Joana Soeiro 12, Ines Viana 11, Laura Ferreira 11
Denmark: Maria Jespersen 15+9 boards, Sophie Kjems-Krognos 14, Julie Hoeier 11+5 boards


U18 Hungary heads to Semifinals in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

U18 DENMARK - U18 HUNGARY 43-67

Hungary had no troubles to beat Denmark 67-43 in the last day of the second stage at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Hungary finished as the second ranked team of Group E with 2-1 record and advanced to the Semifinals. Their rival will be Belarus. At the other side, Denmark ended this phase as 0-3 and will continue in Classification Round from 5th to 8th place. Fanni Csutoras (181-G/F-94) led the winners with 16 points and 5 assists. Agnes Gorjanacz (182-G/F-94) and Dora Szabo (171-G-95) helped their country with 10 points each. In defeat, Julie Hoeier (185-C-95) was better than the others with double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds. Marian Sheikh (180-PF-94) and Simone Ceccardi (182-PF-95) scored 9 and 6 points respectively. Hungary took control on its rival from the very beginning and never looked back after that. They were up by 22 at the HT and jumped to plus 29 with ten minutes to go. Both teams will take a rest today.

Denmark: Julie Hoeier 14+11 boards, Marian Sheikh 9, Simone Ceccardi 6
Hungary: Fanni Csutoras 16+5 as, Agnes Gorjanacz 10, Dora Szabo 10


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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18

Div.A Stats Leaders PPG RPG APG SPG BPG Points Per Game  Paulina HERSLER   (190-PF-94)   Avg: 21.3  1. Hersler, SWE 21.3   2. Ben Abdelkad., BEL 19.5   3. Tikvic, CRO 16.0   4. Stamolamprou, GRE 15.3   5. Hruscakova, SVK 14.7   6. Bilgic, TUR 14.5   7. Delaere, BEL 14.3   8. Balintova, SVK 14.3   9. Stanacev, SRB 13.8   10. Arrojo, ESP 13.8  Rebounds Per Game  Zofia HRUSCAKOVA   (190-C-95)   Avg: 11.2  1. Hruscakova, SVK 11.2   2. Lisec, SLO 11.2   3. Tikvic, CRO 10.0   4. Badiane, FRA 10.0   5. Gaye, FRA 9.0   6. Begic, CRO 8.7   7. Stankovic, SRB 8.3   8. Hersler, SWE 8.0   9. Marchenkova, RUS 7.3   10. Hof, NED 7.3  Assists Per Game  Olivia EPOUPA   (168-PG-94)   Avg: 4.5  1. Epoupa, FRA 4.5   2. Stanacev, SRB 4.0   3. Gabrovsek, SLO 3.6   4. Owczarzak, POL 3.5   5. Havlikova, CZE 3.5   6. Eriksson, SWE 3.3   7. Novikova, RUS 3.0   8. Ben Abdelkad., BEL 3.0   9. Mandic, SRB 2.8   10. Arrojo, ESP 2.7  Steals Per Game  Leticia ROMERO   (177-G-95)   Avg: 3.5  1. Romero, ESP 3.5   2. Owczarzak, POL 2.3   3. Aydin, TUR 2.2   4. Epoupa, FRA 2.2   5. Sorokina, RUS 2.2   6. Gladkova, RUS 2.2   7. Gavrila, ROM 2.0   8. Tikvic, CRO 2.0   9. Wozniak, POL 2.0   10. Bilgic, TUR 2.0  Blocks Per Game  Dragana STANKOVIC   SRB   (188-PF-95)   Avg: 3.2  1. Stankovic, SRB 3.2   2. Tikvic, CRO 3.0   3. Gaye, FRA 2.0   4. Hersler, SWE 1.5   5. Marchenkova, RUS 1.2   6. Badiane, FRA 1.0   7. Slim, NED 1.0   8. de Jonge, NED 1.0   9. Coklar, TUR 1.0   10. Jaworska, POL 0.8

Standings - Division B - by Charles Ramsdell Standings Div.B Group E 1. Portugal 3-0 2. Hungary 2-1 3. Bulgaria 1-2 4. Denmark 0-3 Group F 1. Belarus 3-0 2. U.Kingdom 2-1 3. Germany 1-2 4. Lithuania 0-3 Group G (places 9-18) 1. Finland 3-0 2. Israel 2-1 3. Austria 2-1 4. Norway 1-2 5. Switzerlan. 0-4 Group H (places 9-18) 1. Latvia 3-0 2. Montenegro. 2-1 3. Ukraine 2-1 4. FYR Macedo. 1-2 5. Scotland 0-4 Second Stage: Round 7 E Aug. 2: BUL - POR 55-60 Aug. 2: DEN - HUN 43-67 F Aug. 2: GER - BLR 74-89 Aug. 2: LTU - ENG 62-72 G Aug. 2: ISR - SUI 58-42 Aug. 2: FIN - AUT 56-53 H Aug. 2: MKD - SCO 66-59 Aug. 2: UKR - LAT 40-66 Second Stage: Round 8 G Aug. 3: AUT - NOR Aug. 3: FIN - ISR H Aug. 3: LAT - MNT Aug. 3: UKR - MKD

Div.B Stats Leaders - by Greg PPG RPG APG SPG BPG Points Per Game  Stine AUSTGULEN   (177-G-94)   Avg: 18  1. Austgulen, NOR 18.0   2. Kostova, BUL 17.5   3. Hristova, BUL 16.5   4. Stojanovska2, MKD 14.8   5. Jespersen, DEN 14.5   6. Kraujunaite, LTU 14.4   7. Rakovic, MNT 14.3   8. Papova, BLR 13.8   9. Szamosi, HUN 13.6   10. Kalenta, BLR 13.0  Rebounds Per Game  Amadea SZAMOSI   (190-F/C-94)   Avg: 11.2  1. Szamosi, HUN 11.2   2. Papova, BLR 10.2   3. Jespersen, DEN 8.7   4. Stojanovska2, MKD 8.5   5. Rakovic, MNT 8.3   6. Batrakova, UKR 8.3   7. Kalenta, BLR 8.2   8. Austgulen, NOR 7.8   9. Jurhar, AUT 7.5   10. Kmetovska, MKD 7.3  Assists Per Game  Anni JAMSA   (167-PG-95)   Avg: 3.5  1. Jamsa, FIN 3.5   2. Kraujunaite, LTU 3.4   3. Viana, POR 3.2   4. Bridina, LAT 2.8   5. Wood, SCO 2.7   6. Soeiro, POR 2.6   7. Austgulen, NOR 2.6   8. Csutoras, HUN 2.6   9. Peychinova, BUL 2.5   10. Papova, BLR 2.4  Steals Per Game  Iva KOSTOVA   (178-SG-94)   Avg: 4  1. Kostova, BUL 4.0   2. Bridina, LAT 3.3   3. Ferreira, POR 3.2   4. Joseph, ENG 2.8   5. Dzirma, GER 2.7   6. Skorbatyuk, UKR 2.5   7. Viana, POR 2.4   8. Dayan, ISR 2.3   9. Stojanovska2, MKD 2.3   10. Dimitrova, BUL 2.3  Blocks Per Game  Maryia PAPOVA   (186-PF-94)   Avg: 3  1. Papova, BLR 3.0   2. Kalenta, BLR 2.4   3. Perrenoud, SUI 2.2   4. Kostourkova, POR 1.6   5. Kostova, BUL 1.5   6. Szamosi, HUN 1.4   7. Zelnyte, LTU 1.4   8. Kostova, BUL 1.2   9. Djaletic, MNT 1.0   10. Rakovic, MNT 1.0

Division B: Day 6 in Strumica (second stage) - by Eurobasket News

Group E

Hungary - Bulgaria 57-54
Hungary celebrated very important 57-54 win against Bulgaria in stage two of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Thanks to this victory Hungary joined Bulgaria with 1-1 record in Group E. Both teams have a chance to reach the Semifinals, but Hungary is in better position now. Regina Pap (187-F/C-94) led the winners with 16 points and 11 rebounds, and Amadea Szamosi (190-F/C-94) also had a great game adding 12 points and 19 rebs. In Bulgaria, Borislava Hristova (180-F-96) collected 18 points and 5 rebs, while Iva Kostova (178-SG-94) netted 15 points. Radostina Dimitrova (175-SF-94) scored 12 points in this loss. Nagy's free throw set the score to 57-54 with 14 seconds remaining in the game. Bulgaria had the last possession, but Kostova missed from the field. Quarters: 16-10, 11-11, 24-19, 6-14. Bulgaria will have to beat Portugal today. Hungary will meet last ranked Denmark.

Portugal - Denmark 75-62
Portugal jumped to 2-0 record in Group E of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. They handed 75-62 loss to Denmark and now Portugal is very close to reach the Semifinals. At the other side, Denmark dropped to 0-2 with no chance to advance. Portugal made 9-point lead at the halftime and managed to keep it for rest of the way. Quarters: 24-20, 20-15, 11-10, 20-17. Josephine Filipe (175-G/F-95) top-scored in victory with 18 points and Joana Soeiro (170-PG-95) added 12. Ines Viana (164-PG-94) and Laura Ferreira (177-G-95) netted 11 points each. In defeat, Maria Jespersen (179-G-94) shined with 15 points and 9 rebounds. Sophie Kjems-Krognos (172-SG-94) and Julie Hoeier (185-C-95) (5 rebs) posted 14 and 11 points respectively. In the last day of the second stage in Strumica Portugal will meet Bulgaria. Denmark will play against Hungary.

Group F

Belarus - Lithuania 77-45
Belarus is on the verge of Semifinals at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. They destroyed Lithuania on Wednesday 77-45 for perfect 2-0 record in Group F. Belarus took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 27-5, 14-15, 19-10, 17-15. Hanna Kalenta (190-C-94) shined with 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Ksenija Voishal (182-F-94) posted 13 pts. Maryia Papova (186-PF-94) helped her country with 12 points and 13 rebs. In defeat, Greta Tamasuskaite (173-G-92) was the leading scorer with 12 points. Laura Zelnyte (188-F-94) (8 rebs) and Justina Kraujunaite (174-F-95) had 10 and 8 points respectively. Lithuania dropped to 0-2 having no chance to reach the Semis. Today, Belarus will play against Germany. Lithuania's rival will be United Kingdom.

United Kingdom - Germany 81-76
United Kingdom was better than Germany 81-76 in the opening game of Stage Two in Strumica (U18 EuroBasket Division B). Both teams have 1-1 record now in Group F, but UK has much better chance to reach the Semifinals. Germany also hopes to do it, but everything will be known tonight. UK exploded in the last ten minutes of the game to take the victory. Quarters: 25-23, 12-17, 17-22, 27-14. Their key payer was Shequila Joseph (189-F-95) with 23 points and 8 rebounds. Michelle Turner (163-PG-94) scored 13 points and Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott (183-PG-95) followed with two less. Germany got 13 points from Fanny Szittya (170-PG-94), plus 12 points and 6 rebounds from Elisabeth Dzirma (179-G-94). Marie Gulich (192-C-94) added 10 points and 7 boards. UK will meet last ranked Lithuania today. Germany will play against undefeated Belarus.

Group G

Austria - Switzerland 53-41
Austria handed 53-41 loss to Switzerland on Wednesday. Thanks to this win Austria jumped to 2-0 record in Group G and they are a step closer to ninth place at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Switzerland stays winless with 0-3 record. Austria had 8-point lead at the halftime and jumped to plus 18 with ten minutes to go, what was to much for Switzerland. Quarters: 19-12, 11-10, 18-8, 5-11. The winners did not have anyone with double digits in scoring. Their best player was Camille Legris (168-PG-95) with 8 points and 5 rebounds. Annika Neumann (171-SG-96) added 7 points and Anja Fuchs-Robetin (180-SG-96) helped with 6 points, plus 7 rebounds. Switzerland got 12 points from Safie Tolusso (178-SG-97) (6 rebs) and Ljubica Cutunic (186-F-94). Today, Austria will play against Finland. Switzerland's rival will be Israel.

Norway - Israel 55-72
Israel improved its score to 1-1 in Group G of U18 EuroBasket Division B. Teams in this group fight for ninth place in Strumica. After 13-12 lead in Q1, Israel exploded for rest of the first half making 22-8 for plus 15 at the breather. Nothing has changed after that and Israel continued to dominate in Q3 setting the score to 60-34 with ten minutes remaining. Hadar Levi (170-PG-94) shined in victory with 17 points and 6 assists. Michal Assaf (164-SG-94) (7 rebs) and May Dayan (170-PG-94) helped with 11 points each. In the loosing squad, Stine Austgulen (177-G-94) answered with 20 points and 7 boards. Maja Foeleide (181-PF-95) had 12 points and 8 rebs, while her Norway dropped to 1-2. Championship continues today, but Norway will take a rest. Israel will meet last ranked Switzerland.

Group H

Latvia - Scotland 101-29
Latvia had an easy job against Scotland on Wednesday celebrating huge 101-29 victory. Latvia jumped to 2-0 record in Group H making a step closer to ninth place at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. At the other side, Scotland still closes the standings in this pool with 0-3. Latvia drained 60 points in the first and stopped its rival to only ten. Quarters: 23-7, 37-3, 26-9, 15-10. Kitija Laksa (180-G-96) and Paula Tomsone (193-C-94) (8 rebs) scored 22 and 20 points respectively for the winners. Paula Langina (180-F-94) helped with 13 points. In Scotland, Claire Paxton (184-C-94) was better than the others with 11 points and 6 rebounds. Robyn Lewis (160-PG-95) and Hilary Wood (163-G-94) posted 5 points each. Latvia's next rival will be Ukraine. Scotland will meet the hosts - FYROM.

Montenegro - FYROM 61-51
Box-score will be available soon.


Division A, Day 6: Quarterfinals are set in Bucharest - by Eurobasket News

Group E

Russia - Sweden 70-65
Russia outplayed Sweden 70-65 in do-or-die game on Wednesday. Thanks to this victory Russia finished as the fourth ranked team in Group E with 3-2 record and it is enough for the Quarterfinals. At the other side, Sweden dropped to 1-4 ending as No.5 in this pool. They failed to reach the next stage and will continue in Classification Round from 9th to 13th places. Russia was down by 5 at the halftime, but managed to take minimum lead with ten minutes remaining in the game. Sweden shined at the beginning of Q4 and quickly made 3-9 run for 55-60 lead, but Russia tied the score at 65-65 with 1:17 to go. Novikova drained a triple soon after that and Albina Razheva (188-PF-94) connected two free throws, while Paulina Hersler (190-PF-94) and Gabriella Hanson (180-SG-95) missed twice at the other side. Quarters: 15-12, 17-25, 20-14, 18-14. Alexandra Marchenkova (183-PF-94) paced Russia with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Razheva had double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Julia Gladkova (183-F-94) added 13 pts, plus 7 rebs. In defeat, Hersler shined with 20 points and 12 boards, and Hanson netted 15 points (5 rebs). Their third scorer was Linnea Frykbo (169-SG-94) with 14 pts. In the Quarterfinals, Russia will meet Italy. Sweden will play against Slovenia in the first game of the Classification Round.

Turkey - France 54-63
France is the winner of Group E at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. They handed 63-54 loss to Turkey in the last day of the second stage to finish with almost perfect 4-1 record. Of course France advanced to the Quarterfinals, where they will meet Croatia. Turkey also heads to QFinal, but as No.3 in this pool with 3-2 score. Their rival will be Holland. France exploded in the last ten minutes to take the victory in this meeting. Quarters: 16-9, 12-18, 16-13, 10-23. Valeriane Ayayi (184-F-94) led France with 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Aby Gaye (193-C-95) added 13 points and also 10 rebs. Marieme Badiane (190-F/C-94) was their third player with double-double: 10 pts, 12 boards. In Turkey, Elif Emirtekin (184-F-94) answered with 15 points (5 rebs), while Gizem Sezer (196-C-94) scored 11 pts (5 rebs). Merve Aydin (174-PG-94) followed them with 10 pts. Quarterfinals are scheduled for Friday.

Spain - Greece 76-36
As expected, Spain was too strong for Greece 76-36 in the last day of the second stage at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. Spain finished as the second ranked team of Group E with almost perfect 4-1 score and advanced to the Quarterfinals. There, Spain will play against Serbia. Greece closes the standings in this pool with 0-5 and will continue in Classification Round. Greece will fight for 9th position in Bucharest and its first rival will be Slovakia. Spain took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 28-7, 13-12, 20-6, 15-11. Irene Gari (184-F-94) top-scored in victory with 14 points. Ariadna Pujol (182-F-95) netted 9 points, while Elena De Alfredo (170-G-94) and Marles Balart (185-F/C-94) posted 8 points each. In the loosing squad, Anna Stamolamprou (171-PG-95) answered with 17 points in defeat. Nikolina Ioannidou (174-SG-94) scored 7 and Amanda Lovely (180-PF-94) stopped to 6 pts. All teams will take a rest today and will continue with games on Friday.

Group F

Italy - Holland 64-56
Italy closed second stage at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest with 64-56 win over Holland. It was a game for the first place in Group F and it belongs to Italy now. Both teams ended with 3-2 record, but Holland is No.2. Third and fourth ranked Serbia and Croatia have the same score and all of them advanced to the Quarterfinals. Holland exploded in the second quarter (4-19) to take 14-point lead at the halftime, but Italy replied with 21-11 in Q3 and continued in the same rhythm for rest of the way (22-10) celebrating 8-point win at the end. Elena Ramo' (180-F-94) and Erica Reggiani (175-G-94) (6 as) scored 15 and 14 points respectively in Italy. Marida Orazzo (175-F/G-94) helped with 10 pts. In defeat, Kourtney Treffers (186-PF-94) was much better than the others with 21 points and 6 rebounds. Isabella Slim (181-F-95) (8 rebs) and Britt Zappeij (184-C-95) had 9 and 8 pts in this meeting. Quarterfinals are scheduled for Friday, when Italy will play against Russia. Holland's rival will be Turkey.

Serbia - Slovakia 71-56
It was a do-or-die game for both teams. Serbia cruised to 71-56 victory and booked a spot for the Quarterfinals of U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. Serbia finished as third ranked team of Group F with 3-2 record. At the other side, Slovakia slipped to fifth place with 2-3 and will continue in Classification Round. Slovakia will play two more games at this event and they will end as No.9 if they win both. Serbia was up by 7-points at the halftime and jumped to plus 10 at the end of Q3. Slovakia was not able to reply and later faced with 15-point loss. Quarters: 18-15, 18-14, 15-12, 20-15. Aleksandra Stanacev (167-PG-94) was a key player in victory with 24 points and 5 rebounds. Sanja Mandic (177-G-95) and Natasa Kovacevic (187-F-94) scored 11 and 10 points respectively. In Slovakia, Zofia Hruscakova (190-C-95) had double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds. Barbora Balintova (176-G-94) scored 18 points and Michaela Rakova (187-F-94) had 9 pts, plus 10 rebs. All teams will take a rest today. On Friday, Serbia will meet Spain in the Quarterfinals. Slovakia will play against Greece in Classification Round.

Croatia - Slovenia 77-40
Croatia celebrated 77-40 crucial win against Slovenia in the last day of U18 EuroBasket. Thanks to this win Croatia jumped to 3-2 record and finished as fourth ranked team in Group F. That is enough for the Quarterfinals. Slovenia failed to advance and they actually close the standings in this pool with 1-4. Slovenia will be transferred to Classification Round from 9th to 12th places. Croatia made 7-point lead in the first ten minutes and increased it to 14 at the halftime. Croatia 'humiliated' Slovenia after the breather (26-3, Q3) and all after that was just the formality. Inja Butina (170-PG-95) (6 rebs) scored 21 points for the winners and Ivana Dujic (170-PG-95) had 16. Andrijana Cvitkovic (189-PF-94) collected 15 points and 10 rebs. Slovenia got 23 points and 7 boards from Maja Bosnjak (186-PF-95). Their second scorer was Vesna Sever (180-F-94) with only 6 points. Croatia will play against France on Friday (QFinals). Slovenia will meet Sweden in Classification Round.

Group G

Czech Republic - Belgium 64-62
Czech Republic jumped to 3-0 record in Group G of U18 EuroBasket. They grabbed very valuable 64-62 win against Belgium making another huge step toward survival in Division A. Belgium slipped to 2-1 after this loss and only the winner of Group G will avoid relegation. Havlikova's two free throws lifted Czech Republic to 64-60 lead with 12 seconds remaining in the game. Hind Ben Abdelkader (170-SF-95) quickly responded with 2 free throws at the other side, but Czech Republic managed to keep the possession for rest of the way and to celebrate 64-62 win. Quarters: 14-19, 19-9, 13-19, 18-15. Kamila Hoskova (174-SF-95) led her country with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Karolina Severova (182-PF-94) and Sarka Jozova (174-SG-94) netted 12 points each. In the loosing squad, Ben Abdelkader responded with 27 points and 6 rebounds, while Antonia Delaere (176-F/G-94) added 18 points and 7 rebs. Camille Lebrun (174-SF-94) posted 9 pts for 12 minutes on the court. All teams will take a rest today. On Friday, Czech Republic will meet Romania, while Belgium will take on Poland.

Poland - Romania 82-62
Poland finally registered its first win in Group G of U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. They handed 82-62 loss to the home squad for 1-2 record in this pool. After this win Poland is theoretically still 'in' for the survival in Division A, but it will be very hard to do as Czech Republic already jumped to 3-0 and only the winner of this pool will avoid relegation. Romania dropped to 0-3 and they will definitely play in Division B next summer. Poland shined in first and third period to take the victory in this game (22-8, 22-28, 24-13, 14-13). Kinga Wozniak (168-G-94) scored 14 points in Poland, while Dominika Owczarzak (169-PG-94) and Angelika Stankiewicz (170-SG-95) posted 12 points each. The hosts got 14 points and 6 rebounds from Iulia Raileanu (189-PF-95). Kinga Domokos (188-F/C-94) and Dora Ardelean (186-PF-94) (6 rebs) posted 12 and 10 rebounds respectively. Thursday is a day-off in Bucharest. On Friday, Poland will play against Belgium and Romania will meet Czech Republic.


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GERMANY

U18 Belarus extends winning streak, advances to Semifinals in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

U18 GERMANY - U18 BELARUS 74-89

Belarus advanced to the Semifinals of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. They outplayed Germany 89-74 on Thursday to win Group F with perfect 3-0 record. In the Semis, Belarus will play against Hungary. Germany slipped to third place in the group with 1-2 score and failed to reach the next stage. Germany will fight for the fifth place in Strumica and its first rival will be Denmark. Belarus made 13-point lead in the first ten minutes and later shined in Q4 to take the victory in this meeting. Quarters: 22-9, 26-26, 19-23, 22-16. Maryia Papova (186-PF-94) exploded with 23 points and 12 rebounds in Belarus. She reached valuation 34! Alena Holubeva (176-PG-94) had 17 points and 5 rebs, while Natallia Pratskaila (184-F-94) added 13 pts and 6 boards. Germany got 12 points and 7 rebounds from Ama Degbeon (183-F-95). Levke Brodersen (168-G-94) and Anneke Schluter (171-PG-95) also scored 12 points each in this loss. Both teams will continue with games on Saturday.

Germany: Ama Degbeon 12+7 boards, Levke Brodersen 12, Anneke Schluter 12
Belarus: Maryia Papova 23+12 boards, Alena Holubeva 17+5 boards, Natallia Pratskaila 13+6 boards


U18 UK explodes in Q4 to beat U18 Germany in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

U18 UNITED KINGDOM - U18 GERMANY 81-76

United Kingdom was better than Germany 81-76 in the opening game of Stage Two in Strumica (U18 EuroBasket Division B). Both teams have 1-1 record now in Group F, but UK has much better chance to reach the Semifinals. Germany also hopes to do it, but everything will be known tonight. UK exploded in the last ten minutes of the game to take the victory. Quarters: 25-23, 12-17, 17-22, 27-14. Their key payer was Shequila Joseph (189-F-95) with 23 points and 8 rebounds. Michelle Turner (163-PG-94) scored 13 points and Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott (183-PG-95) followed with two less. Germany got 13 points from Fanny Szittya (170-PG-94), plus 12 points and 6 rebounds from Elisabeth Dzirma (179-G-94). Marie Gulich (192-C-94) added 10 points and 7 boards. UK will meet last ranked Lithuania today. Germany will play against undefeated Belarus.

United Kingdom: Shequila Joseph 23+8 boards, Michelle Turner 13, Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott 11
Germany: Fanny Szittya 13, Elisabeth Dzirma 12+6 boards, Marie Gulich 10+7 boards


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HUNGARY

U18 Hungary heads to Semifinals in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

U18 DENMARK - U18 HUNGARY 43-67

Hungary had no troubles to beat Denmark 67-43 in the last day of the second stage at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Hungary finished as the second ranked team of Group E with 2-1 record and advanced to the Semifinals. Their rival will be Belarus. At the other side, Denmark ended this phase as 0-3 and will continue in Classification Round from 5th to 8th place. Fanni Csutoras (181-G/F-94) led the winners with 16 points and 5 assists. Agnes Gorjanacz (182-G/F-94) and Dora Szabo (171-G-95) helped their country with 10 points each. In defeat, Julie Hoeier (185-C-95) was better than the others with double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds. Marian Sheikh (180-PF-94) and Simone Ceccardi (182-PF-95) scored 9 and 6 points respectively. Hungary took control on its rival from the very beginning and never looked back after that. They were up by 22 at the HT and jumped to plus 29 with ten minutes to go. Both teams will take a rest today.

Denmark: Julie Hoeier 14+11 boards, Marian Sheikh 9, Simone Ceccardi 6
Hungary: Fanni Csutoras 16+5 as, Agnes Gorjanacz 10, Dora Szabo 10


U18 Hungary beats U18 Bulgaria in thriller, 57-54 - by Eurobasket News

U18 HUNGARY - U18 BULGARIA 57-54

Hungary celebrated very important 57-54 win against Bulgaria in stage two of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Thanks to this victory Hungary joined Bulgaria with 1-1 record in Group E. Both teams have a chance to reach the Semifinals, but Hungary is in better position now. Regina Pap (187-F/C-94) led the winners with 16 points and 11 rebounds, and Amadea Szamosi (190-F/C-94) also had a great game adding 12 points and 19 rebs. In Bulgaria, Borislava Hristova (180-F-96) collected 18 points and 5 rebs, while Iva Kostova (178-SG-94) netted 15 points. Radostina Dimitrova (175-SF-94) scored 12 points in this loss. Nagy's free throw set the score to 57-54 with 14 seconds remaining in the game. Bulgaria had the last possession, but Kostova missed from the field. Quarters: 16-10, 11-11, 24-19, 6-14. Bulgaria will have to beat Portugal today. Hungary will meet last ranked Denmark.

Hungary: Regina Pap 16+11 boards, Amadea Szamosi 12+19 boards
Bulgaria: Borislava Hristova 18+5 boards, Iva Kostova 15, Radostina Dimitrova 12


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ISRAEL

U18 Israel blasts U18 Norway 72-55 - by Eurobasket News

U18 NORWAY - U18 ISRAEL 55-72

Israel improved its score to 1-1 in Group G of U18 EuroBasket Division B. Teams in this group fight for ninth place in Strumica. After 13-12 lead in Q1, Israel exploded for rest of the first half making 22-8 for plus 15 at the breather. Nothing has changed after that and Israel continued to dominate in Q3 setting the score to 60-34 with ten minutes remaining. Hadar Levi (170-PG-94) shined in victory with 17 points and 6 assists. Michal Assaf (164-SG-94) (7 rebs) and May Dayan (170-PG-94) helped with 11 points each. In the loosing squad, Stine Austgulen (177-G-94) answered with 20 points and 7 boards. Maja Foeleide (181-PF-95) had 12 points and 8 rebs, while her Norway dropped to 1-2. Championship continues today, but Norway will take a rest. Israel will meet last ranked Switzerland.

Norway: Stine Austgulen 20+7 boards, Maja Foeleide 12+8 boards
Israel: Hadar Levi 17+6 as, Michal Assaf 11+7 boards, May Dayan 11


Elitzur Netanya lands Lewis - by Eurobasket Center

Tia Lewis (190-F/C-89, college: ODU), a graduate of theODU joined Elizur Netanya. Lewis is the fourth and the last foreign player in the roster of Elizur Netanya. Tia Lewis is the fourth player from the Old Dominion college who will play for Elizur Netanya, when preceded by: Tamara Ransburg, Monique Coker and Okeisha Howard. Lewis plays as a forward/center, she played over 90 games for her team, in 32 games in the last season Lewis posted averages of: 16.3 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 35.5 minutes per game.
Professional manager, Simcha Lev-Tzur: "Tia Lewis continues a lineage of excellent players who studied at the Old Dominion, and then came to Elizur Netanya. Tia is expected to contribute points to the team and rebounds on both sided of the court. Tia Lewis together with Courtney Hurt (1.85m) completes a line of two high and excellent players which should set the tone for the league ."
Tia Lewis: "I decided to come to Israel because it was the best fit for me overall as far as the coach and the beautiful area. I expect from myself to lead the team to a good season, I hope that as a team we will play a good and beautiful basketball and that we will have fun. This will be my first season outside of the states, I am nervous and excited at the same time. I am ready to take on this new journey in my life and I hope it will be successful".


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ITALY

A1 market moves by Orvieto and CUS Cagliari; Geas withdraws from championship - by Carlo Grilli

The newcomer Ceprini Orvieto has four more players for the incoming 2012-2013 season in A1 series. At point guard there will be the Spanish Lorena Infantes (171-PG-81, agency: Regeneracom Sports) from Ciudad de Burgos where she scored 9.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists last season, among the best assist-women in Liga Femenina. In the backcourt there will be also Martina Fassina (182-G/F-88), yet seen in A1 at Venice, Como and Alcamo. In the frontcourt two addictions: Aishah Sutherland (187-F-90, agency: Two Points, college: Kansas), from Kansas University (NCAA), an interesting prospect at her first experience overseas, and Shamela Hampton (191-C-87, college: UNLV), a great substance player coming back in Italy after the last two seasons spent in Lucca.

CUS Cagliari, after the readmission in A1 and the departures of Francesca Bergante to Broni (A3) and Sara Giorgi to Termocarispezia (A2), signed the talented point guard Erika Striulli (171-G-90), grew up in Venice and Udine and last season playing for Marghera (A2) after the complete recovery from a critical foot injury.

Today there is also the official announcement that the glorious team of Geas Sesto San Giovanni has officially declined to participate the 2012-2013 A1 championship because of the lack of commercial partners for next campaign; a painful but necessary step in a time the economic crisis is being heard at all levels.


Lavinia Santucci joins Cras Taranto - by Eurobasket News

Lavinia Santucci (186-F-85) will continue her career in Cras Taranto. The forward spent the last four seasons with Faenza. Lavinia Santucci posted 4.8 points and 2.8 rebounds per game last season. Previously Lavinia Santucci had stint with Virtus Viterbo. She was the member of Italian U20 National Team. Lavinia Santucci debuted for the Italian National Team in 2005. The forward was Italian Cup winner in 2009. She participated at A1 All-Star Game in 2006. Eurobasket.com named Lavinia Santucci All-Italian A1 Most Improved Player of the Year in 2010. Lavinia Santucci will team up with Italian NT head coach Roberto Ricchini in Taranto.


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LATVIA

Latvia improves to 2-0 in Group H of U18 EuroBasket Division B - by Eurobasket News

U18 LATVIA - U18 SCOTLAND 101-29

Latvia had an easy job against Scotland on Wednesday celebrating huge 101-29 victory. Latvia jumped to 2-0 record in Group H making a step closer to ninth place at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. At the other side, Scotland still closes the standings in this pool with 0-3. Latvia drained 60 points in the first and stopped its rival to only ten. Quarters: 23-7, 37-3, 26-9, 15-10. Kitija Laksa (180-G-96) and Paula Tomsone (193-C-94) (8 rebs) scored 22 and 20 points respectively for the winners. Paula Langina (180-F-94) helped with 13 points. In Scotland, Claire Paxton (184-C-94) was better than the others with 11 points and 6 rebounds. Robyn Lewis (160-PG-95) and Hilary Wood (163-G-94) posted 5 points each. Latvia's next rival will be Ukraine. Scotland will meet the hosts - FYROM.

Latvia: Kitija Laksa 22, Paula Tomsone 20+8 boards, Paula Langina 13
Scotland: Claire Paxton 11+6 boards, Robyn Lewis 5, Hilary Wood 5


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LITHUANIA

U18 UK downs U18 Lithuania 72-62, books Quarterfinals ticket - by Eurobasket News

U18 LITHUANIA - U18 UNITED KINGDOM 62-72

United Kingdom will play in the Semifinals of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. They celebrated 72-62 win against Lithuania on Thursday for 2-1 record in Group F. That is enough for the second place and Semifinals ticket at this event. Lithuania dropped to 0-3 and failed to reach the next stage. It was a very exciting game with many turns, but UK shined in the finish to take it. Quarters: 27-14, 15-11, 10-25, 20-12. Shequila Joseph (189-F-95) stepped up for the winners with 18 points and 5 rebounds. Cheridene Green (187-C-95) also was great adding 16 points and 13 boards. At the other side, Justina Kraujunaite (174-F-95) was better than the others with 15 points, while Greta Tamasauskaite (171-G-91) had 10 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Lithuania had two more players 10 pts. In the Semifinals, UK will meet Portugal. That game is scheduled for Saturday. Lithuania will continue in Classification Round from 5th to 8th place.

Lithuania: Justina Kraujunaite 15, Greta Tamasauskaite 10+6 boards+6 as
UK: Shequila Joseph 18+5 boards, Cheridene Green 16+13 boards


U18 Belarus stays unbeaten in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

U18 BELARUS - U18 LITHUANIA 77-45

Belarus is on the verge of Semifinals at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. They destroyed Lithuania on Wednesday 77-45 for perfect 2-0 record in Group F. Belarus took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 27-5, 14-15, 19-10, 17-15. Hanna Kalenta (190-C-94) shined with 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Ksenija Voishal (182-F-94) posted 13 pts. Maryia Papova (186-PF-94) helped her country with 12 points and 13 rebs. In defeat, Greta Tamasuskaite (173-G-92) was the leading scorer with 12 points. Laura Zelnyte (188-F-94) (8 rebs) and Justina Kraujunaite (174-F-95) had 10 and 8 points respectively. Lithuania dropped to 0-2 having no chance to reach the Semis. Today, Belarus will play against Germany. Lithuania's rival will be United Kingdom.

Belarus: Hanna Kalenta 17+10 boards, Ksenija Voishal 13, Maryia Papova 12+13 boards
Lithuania: Greta Tamasuskaite 12, Laura Zelnyte 10+8 boards, Justina Kraujunaite 8


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NORWAY

U18 Israel blasts U18 Norway 72-55 - by Eurobasket News

U18 NORWAY - U18 ISRAEL 55-72

Israel improved its score to 1-1 in Group G of U18 EuroBasket Division B. Teams in this group fight for ninth place in Strumica. After 13-12 lead in Q1, Israel exploded for rest of the first half making 22-8 for plus 15 at the breather. Nothing has changed after that and Israel continued to dominate in Q3 setting the score to 60-34 with ten minutes remaining. Hadar Levi (170-PG-94) shined in victory with 17 points and 6 assists. Michal Assaf (164-SG-94) (7 rebs) and May Dayan (170-PG-94) helped with 11 points each. In the loosing squad, Stine Austgulen (177-G-94) answered with 20 points and 7 boards. Maja Foeleide (181-PF-95) had 12 points and 8 rebs, while her Norway dropped to 1-2. Championship continues today, but Norway will take a rest. Israel will meet last ranked Switzerland.

Norway: Stine Austgulen 20+7 boards, Maja Foeleide 12+8 boards
Israel: Hadar Levi 17+6 as, Michal Assaf 11+7 boards, May Dayan 11


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OLYMPIC GAMES

Standings - Women Standings Group A 1. China 3-0 2. USA 3-0 3. Turkey 2-1 4. Czech Rep. 1-2 5. Angola 0-3 6. Croatia 0-3 Group B 1. France 3-0 2. Russia 3-0 3. Australia 2-1 4. Canada 1-2 5. U.Kingdom 0-3 6. Brazil 0-3 Preliminary Round: Round 3 A Aug. 1: USA - TUR 89-58 Aug. 1: CHN - ANG 76-52 Aug. 1: CRO - CZE 70-89 B Aug. 1: AUS - BRA 67-61 Aug. 1: ENG - RUS 61-67 Aug. 1: CAN - FRA 60-64 Preliminary Round: Round 4 A Aug. 3: ANG - CRO Aug. 3: TUR - CHN Aug. 3: CZE - USA B Aug. 3: RUS - AUS Aug. 3: BRA - CAN Aug. 3: FRA - ENG

Stats Leaders PPG RPG APG SPG BPG Points Per Game  Nan CHEN   (195-C-83)   Avg: 17.7  1. Chen, CHN 17.7   2. Jackson, AUS 16.3   3. Dumerc, FRA 15.3   4. da Costa, BRA 15.3   5. Mandir, CRO 15.0   6. Gomis, FRA 14.7   7. Viteckova, CZE 14.3   8. Stafford, ENG 14.3   9. De Souza, BRA 14.3   10. Thorburn, CAN 14.0  Rebounds Per Game  Candace PARKER   (193-C-86)   Avg: 9.7  1. Parker, USA 9.7   2. Osipova, RUS 8.3   3. De Souza, BRA 8.0   4. Batkovic-B., AUS 7.7   5. Charles, USA 7.7   6. Kulichova, CZE 7.3   7. Chen, CHN 7.3   8. Horakova, CZE 7.3   9. Dos Santos, BRA 7.3   10. Gao, CHN 7.0  Assists Per Game  LiJie MIAO   (178-F-81)   Avg: 7.7  1. Miao, CHN 7.7   2. Bird, USA 4.7   3. Hammon, RUS 4.3   4. Vardarli, TUR 4.0   5. Thorburn, CAN 3.7   6. Vesela, CZE 3.7   7. Horakova, CZE 3.3   8. O''Hea, AUS 3.3   9. Dumerc, FRA 3.3   10. Lelas, CRO 3.3  Steals Per Game  Johannah LEEDHAM   ENG   (180-SF-87)   Avg: 2.7  1. Leedham, ENG 2.7   2. Yilmaz, TUR 2.3   3. McCoughtry, USA 2.3   4. Horakova, CZE 2.0   5. Vesela, CZE 2.0   6. Ivezic, CRO 1.7   7. Richards, AUS 1.7   8. Vardarli, TUR 1.7   9. Ma, CHN 1.7   10. Dumerc, FRA 1.7  Blocks Per Game  Candace PARKER   (193-C-86)   Avg: 3  1. Parker, USA 3.0   2. Burgrova, CZE 2.3   3. Osipova, RUS 2.0   4. Gruda, FRA 2.0   5. De Souza, BRA 1.7   6. Petrakova, RUS 1.5   7. Fagbenle, ENG 1.3   8. Smith, CAN 1.3   9. Cambage, AUS 1.3   10. Ivankovic, CRO 1.3

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POLAND

U18 Poland grabs first win in Group G - by Eurobasket News

U18 POLAND - U18 ROMANIA 82-62

Poland finally registered its first win in Group G of U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. They handed 82-62 loss to the home squad for 1-2 record in this pool. After this win Poland is theoretically still 'in' for the survival in Division A, but it will be very hard to do as Czech Republic already jumped to 3-0 and only the winner of this pool will avoid relegation. Romania dropped to 0-3 and they will definitely play in Division B next summer. Poland shined in first and third period to take the victory in this game (22-8, 22-28, 24-13, 14-13). Kinga Wozniak (168-G-94) scored 14 points in Poland, while Dominika Owczarzak (169-PG-94) and Angelika Stankiewicz (170-SG-95) posted 12 points each. The hosts got 14 points and 6 rebounds from Iulia Raileanu (189-PF-95). Kinga Domokos (188-F/C-94) and Dora Ardelean (186-PF-94) (6 rebs) posted 12 and 10 rebounds respectively. Thursday is a day-off in Bucharest. On Friday, Poland will play against Belgium and Romania will meet Czech Republic.

Poland: Kinga Wozniak 14, Dominika Owczarzak 12, Angelika Stankiewicz 12
Romania: Iulia Raileanu 14+6 boards, Kinga Domokos 12, Dora Ardelean 10+6 boards


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PORTUGAL

U18 Portugal wins Group E, U18 Bulgaria fails to reach the Semis - by Eurobasket News

U18 BULGARIA - U18 PORTUGAL 55-60

Portugal is the winner of Group E in Strumica. They handed 66-50 loss to Bulgaria on Thursday and advanced to the Semifinals of U18 EuroBasket Division B. There, Portugal will meet United Kingdom. Bulgaria dropped to 1-2 record and finished as No.3 in the group. That is not enough for the Semis, so Bulgaria will be transferred to Classification Round from 5th to 8th place. Portugal shined in the finish to take the victory in this game. Quarters: 14-16, 16-18, 17-10, 13-11. Josephine Filipe (175-G/F-95) led the winners with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Maria Kostourkova (188-C-97) (8 rebs) and Laura Ferreira (177-G-95) (5 rebs) netted 14 points each. In the loosing squad, Iva Kostova (178-SG-94) collected 21 points and 5 rebs, while Borislava Hristova (180-F-96) added 17 points and 7 rebs. Radostina Dimitrova (175-SF-94) stopped to 12 pts and 6 rebs in this meeting. Both teams will take a rest today and will continue with games on Saturday.

Bulgaria: Iva Kostova 21+5 boards, Borislava Hristova 17+7 boards, Radostina Dimitrova 12+6 boards
Portugal: Josephine Filipe 17+9 boards, Maria Kostourkova 14+8 boards, Laura Ferreira 14+5 boards


U18 Portugal extends winning streak in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

U18 PORTUGAL - U18 DENMARK 75-62

Portugal jumped to 2-0 record in Group E of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. They handed 75-62 loss to Denmark and now Portugal is very close to reach the Semifinals. At the other side, Denmark dropped to 0-2 with no chance to advance. Portugal made 9-point lead at the halftime and managed to keep it for rest of the way. Quarters: 24-20, 20-15, 11-10, 20-17. Josephine Filipe (175-G/F-95) top-scored in victory with 18 points and Joana Soeiro (170-PG-95) added 12. Ines Viana (164-PG-94) and Laura Ferreira (177-G-95) netted 11 points each. In defeat, Maria Jespersen (179-G-94) shined with 15 points and 9 rebounds. Sophie Kjems-Krognos (172-SG-94) and Julie Hoeier (185-C-95) (5 rebs) posted 14 and 11 points respectively. In the last day of the second stage in Strumica Portugal will meet Bulgaria. Denmark will play against Hungary.

Portugal: Josephine Filipe 18, Joana Soeiro 12, Ines Viana 11, Laura Ferreira 11
Denmark: Maria Jespersen 15+9 boards, Sophie Kjems-Krognos 14, Julie Hoeier 11+5 boards


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ROMANIA

U18 Poland grabs first win in Group G - by Eurobasket News

U18 POLAND - U18 ROMANIA 82-62

Poland finally registered its first win in Group G of U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. They handed 82-62 loss to the home squad for 1-2 record in this pool. After this win Poland is theoretically still 'in' for the survival in Division A, but it will be very hard to do as Czech Republic already jumped to 3-0 and only the winner of this pool will avoid relegation. Romania dropped to 0-3 and they will definitely play in Division B next summer. Poland shined in first and third period to take the victory in this game (22-8, 22-28, 24-13, 14-13). Kinga Wozniak (168-G-94) scored 14 points in Poland, while Dominika Owczarzak (169-PG-94) and Angelika Stankiewicz (170-SG-95) posted 12 points each. The hosts got 14 points and 6 rebounds from Iulia Raileanu (189-PF-95). Kinga Domokos (188-F/C-94) and Dora Ardelean (186-PF-94) (6 rebs) posted 12 and 10 rebounds respectively. Thursday is a day-off in Bucharest. On Friday, Poland will play against Belgium and Romania will meet Czech Republic.

Poland: Kinga Wozniak 14, Dominika Owczarzak 12, Angelika Stankiewicz 12
Romania: Iulia Raileanu 14+6 boards, Kinga Domokos 12, Dora Ardelean 10+6 boards


ICIM Arad confirm CEWL participation - by Eurobasket News

ICIM Arad confirm CEWL participation in the upcoming season. In 2012/2013 season the team will play in Group B together with Valosun Brno, DSK Basketbal Praga and SKBD Rucon Spisska Ves. Group A will have DKSK Miskolc, Post Viena and Kara Trutnov. The Final tournament will be played on February 23-24.


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SCOTLAND

Latvia improves to 2-0 in Group H of U18 EuroBasket Division B - by Eurobasket News

U18 LATVIA - U18 SCOTLAND 101-29

Latvia had an easy job against Scotland on Wednesday celebrating huge 101-29 victory. Latvia jumped to 2-0 record in Group H making a step closer to ninth place at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. At the other side, Scotland still closes the standings in this pool with 0-3. Latvia drained 60 points in the first and stopped its rival to only ten. Quarters: 23-7, 37-3, 26-9, 15-10. Kitija Laksa (180-G-96) and Paula Tomsone (193-C-94) (8 rebs) scored 22 and 20 points respectively for the winners. Paula Langina (180-F-94) helped with 13 points. In Scotland, Claire Paxton (184-C-94) was better than the others with 11 points and 6 rebounds. Robyn Lewis (160-PG-95) and Hilary Wood (163-G-94) posted 5 points each. Latvia's next rival will be Ukraine. Scotland will meet the hosts - FYROM.

Latvia: Kitija Laksa 22, Paula Tomsone 20+8 boards, Paula Langina 13
Scotland: Claire Paxton 11+6 boards, Robyn Lewis 5, Hilary Wood 5


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SLOVAKIA

Standings - Women Extraliga Standings  1. Cassovia K. 0-0   2. Good Angels 0-0   3. Levice 0-0   4. MBK Ruzomb. 0-0   5. Ostrava 0-0   6. Petrzalka 0-0   7. Piestanske C. 0-0   8. Poprad 0-0   9. Samorin 0-0   10. SKBD Rucon 0-0  Regular Season: Round 1 Sep. 22: Good Angels - Cassovia K. Sep. 22: Poprad - Samorin Sep. 22: MBK Ruzomb. - Ostrava Sep. 22: SKBD Rucon - Levice Sep. 22: Piestanske C. - Petrzalka

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SLOVENIA

U18 Croatia demolishes U18 Slovenia 77-40, books Quarterfinals ticket - by Eurobasket News

U18 CROATIA - U18 SLOVENIA 77-40

Croatia celebrated 77-40 crucial win against Slovenia in the last day of U18 EuroBasket. Thanks to this win Croatia jumped to 3-2 record and finished as fourth ranked team in Group F. That is enough for the Quarterfinals. Slovenia failed to advance and they actually close the standings in this pool with 1-4. Slovenia will be transferred to Classification Round from 9th to 12th places. Croatia made 7-point lead in the first ten minutes and increased it to 14 at the halftime. Croatia 'humiliated' Slovenia after the breather (26-3, Q3) and all after that was just the formality. Inja Butina (170-PG-95) (6 rebs) scored 21 points for the winners and Ivana Dujic (170-PG-95) had 16. Andrijana Cvitkovic (189-PF-94) collected 15 points and 10 rebs. Slovenia got 23 points and 7 boards from Maja Bosnjak (186-PF-95). Their second scorer was Vesna Sever (180-F-94) with only 6 points. Croatia will play against France on Friday (QFinals). Slovenia will meet Sweden in Classification Round.

Croatia: Inja Butina 21+6 boards, Ivana Dujic 16, Andrijana Cvitkovic 15+10 boards
Slovenia: Maja Bosnjak 23+7 boards, Vesna Sever 6


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SWEDEN

Standings - Damligan Damligan Standings  1. 08 0-0   2. Eos 0-0   3. Jarfalla 0-0   4. Kvarnby 0-0   5. Mark Basket 0-0   6. Norrkoping 0-0   7. Northland 0-0   8. Sallen 0-0   9. Solna Vikings 0-0   10. Telge 0-0   11. Umea 0-0   12. Visby 0-0  Regular Season: Round 1 Oct. 5: Solna Vikings - Kvarnby Oct. 6: Telge - Northland Oct. 7: Sallen - 08 Oct. 7: Norrkoping - Visby Oct. 7: Mark Basket - Eos

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SWITZERLAND

Bellinzona announced two new players - by Melanie Nussbaumer

The new promoted team Sopraceneri Bellinzona announced the signature of Canadian post player Julie Seabrook (190-F-90). She graduated from University of Colorado this year, averaging 7.3ppg and 5.2rpg. She was also a member of U19 Canadian Team and participated in the FIBA World Championship in 2009 and Canadian University National Team in 2011. Julie is a versatile and mobile post player who has abilities to shoot the ball from the perimeter. The second player announced on the roster is swiss nationality Christina Ferrari,166cm guard, who is coming back in swiss league after spending last season in Italy with team Malnate.


Austria gets closer to 9th place at U18 EuroBasket Division B - by Eurobasket News

U18 AUSTRIA - U18 SWITZERLAND 53-41

Austria handed 53-41 loss to Switzerland on Wednesday. Thanks to this win Austria jumped to 2-0 record in Group G and they are a step closer to ninth place at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Switzerland stays winless with 0-3 record. Austria had 8-point lead at the halftime and jumped to plus 18 with ten minutes to go, what was to much for Switzerland. Quarters: 19-12, 11-10, 18-8, 5-11. The winners did not have anyone with double digits in scoring. Their best player was Camille Legris (168-PG-95) with 8 points and 5 rebounds. Annika Neumann (171-SG-96) added 7 points and Anja Fuchs-Robetin (180-SG-96) helped with 6 points, plus 7 rebounds. Switzerland got 12 points from Safie Tolusso (178-SG-97) (6 rebs) and Ljubica Cutunic (186-F-94). Today, Austria will play against Finland. Switzerland's rival will be Israel.

Austria: Camille Legris 8+5 boards, Annika Neumann 7, Anja Fuchs-Robetin 6+7 boards
Switzerland: Safie Tolusso 12+6 boards, Ljubica Cutunic 12


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UNITED KINGDOM

U18 UK explodes in Q4 to beat U18 Germany in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

U18 UNITED KINGDOM - U18 GERMANY 81-76

United Kingdom was better than Germany 81-76 in the opening game of Stage Two in Strumica (U18 EuroBasket Division B). Both teams have 1-1 record now in Group F, but UK has much better chance to reach the Semifinals. Germany also hopes to do it, but everything will be known tonight. UK exploded in the last ten minutes of the game to take the victory. Quarters: 25-23, 12-17, 17-22, 27-14. Their key payer was Shequila Joseph (189-F-95) with 23 points and 8 rebounds. Michelle Turner (163-PG-94) scored 13 points and Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott (183-PG-95) followed with two less. Germany got 13 points from Fanny Szittya (170-PG-94), plus 12 points and 6 rebounds from Elisabeth Dzirma (179-G-94). Marie Gulich (192-C-94) added 10 points and 7 boards. UK will meet last ranked Lithuania today. Germany will play against undefeated Belarus.

United Kingdom: Shequila Joseph 23+8 boards, Michelle Turner 13, Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott 11
Germany: Fanny Szittya 13, Elisabeth Dzirma 12+6 boards, Marie Gulich 10+7 boards


U18 UK downs U18 Lithuania 72-62, books Quarterfinals ticket - by Eurobasket News

U18 LITHUANIA - U18 UNITED KINGDOM 62-72

United Kingdom will play in the Semifinals of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. They celebrated 72-62 win against Lithuania on Thursday for 2-1 record in Group F. That is enough for the second place and Semifinals ticket at this event. Lithuania dropped to 0-3 and failed to reach the next stage. It was a very exciting game with many turns, but UK shined in the finish to take it. Quarters: 27-14, 15-11, 10-25, 20-12. Shequila Joseph (189-F-95) stepped up for the winners with 18 points and 5 rebounds. Cheridene Green (187-C-95) also was great adding 16 points and 13 boards. At the other side, Justina Kraujunaite (174-F-95) was better than the others with 15 points, while Greta Tamasauskaite (171-G-91) had 10 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Lithuania had two more players 10 pts. In the Semifinals, UK will meet Portugal. That game is scheduled for Saturday. Lithuania will continue in Classification Round from 5th to 8th place.

Lithuania: Justina Kraujunaite 15, Greta Tamasauskaite 10+6 boards+6 as
UK: Shequila Joseph 18+5 boards, Cheridene Green 16+13 boards


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WBCBL

Defensive makeover lifts Miami Rain - by Willie McCray

The surging Miami Rain used its trademark defense to fuel comeback victories in the Womens Blue Chip Basketball League Regional playoffs and advance to the National Tournament at Shulas Athletic Club this Saturday as the No. 2 seed

No matter how sporadic the Miami Rain offense has looked during its run to a franchise best 12-0 record and No. 2 rank in the Womens Blue Chip Basketball League, a game-changing defense has saved the day.

After trailing in both Regional Tournament games on Saturday, the Rain dialed up its defense to pull out comeback victories and clinch the Suncoast South Division title in Tampa.

Due in large part to its new defensive mindset, which coach Lester Patterson credits to the arrival of first-year assistant Chris Garcia, the Rain has a shot to win the WBCBL National Tournament which opens at Shulas Athletic Club in Miami Lakes on Saturday.

Without Chris Garcia I dont think we would have the success we have had so far, Patterson said. He has added a lot of things that I didnt see. He is a defensive minded guy. He brings so much more to the table and our team has bought into his defensive schemes.

Patterson said under Garcia, the Rain has tried to become a carbon copy of the NBA champion Miami Heat, in its ability to convert turnovers into quick baskets.

Led by high energy 6-1 forward Arlande Cherizol, who should contend for WBCBL defensive player of the year honors, the Rains defense erased a 10-point third quarter deficit to defeat the Orlando Extreme 90-77 in the Suncoast South Division championship game.

Kiesha Alexander had a team-high 21 points, Christina Rozier added 13 points while Sudanne Stewart and Cherizol added 10 points each.

Against the Jacksonville Cougars in the Suncoast South semifinals, the Rain dug a 14-2 hole before storming back for a 71-56 victory. Charmaine Clark had 20 points, Alexander added 12 points and 6-3 center Melissa Dalembert had a team-high 13 rebounds.

Orlando was really beating us on the inside but our constant ball pressure and transition game picked up and it wore them out, Patterson said. I think with the way we have been playing defense and having the national tournament in our backyard puts us in position to be a favorite. But were not taking anything for granted.

BY FABIAN LYON
FLYON@MIAMIHERALD.COM