EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/30/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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  AUSTRALIA   



Tom Daly wins the 2012 Central ABL MVP - by Hugh McAuliffe

Tom Daly (186-PG-91), the Adelaide 36ers Development Player and current Sturt Sabres star, has won the Central ABL's "Fairest and Most Brilliant" male player.

The prestigious medal, was first awarded in 1947 and the list of recipients includes some of the greats of Australian Basketball, many of whom have represented Australia at Olympic Games and World Championships, and others who were pioneers of the sport in South Australia.

Tom also was named the 2012 MVP, which is selected by all the coaches in the CABL league, and selected in the All Star Five.



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  BELGIUM   


Ethias League News - by Peter Buyse

Couple of recent news items and signings which happened recently.
Oostende Belgian Guard Quentin Serron (190-G-90) underwent surgery on his right shoulder a couple of days ago. He suffered the injury while playing an exhibition game with Belgium vs Tunesia.

Spirou Basket added a young French player to its roster with Arthur Zuccolini (210-F/C-91), who mostly played in France on U21 teams.

Belgium Mons-Hainaut added a young Belgian player to their D1 roster. Kevin Tumba is 21 years old and 2.06 tall. He played for the Belgian U20 national team and will continue to also play for Mons-Hainaut 2.


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  CAMEROON   


BWB: Ibaka, Mbah A Moute leads top NBA star to South Africa - by Olusegun Ikuesan

..... 3rd Girls camp on the bill
The 10th edition of the annual Basketball Without Borders Africa camp will feature top young players drawn from across the continent is schedule for August 30 through September 3, 2012 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The camp co-organized by the NBA and FIBA, this years camp features Nike, South African Airways, Spalding and Sprite as BWB Marketing Partners.

Some of the highlight of the 4-Day camp is the presence Thabo Sefolosha, who helped Oklahoma City Thunder to the final of the 2011/2012 season NBA finals, will join a group of NBA players and coaches to lead sixty of the top young basketball players from across Africa for the 2012 BWB Africa camp.

Sefolosha, whose father is South African, will join his Oklahoma City Thunder teammates Serge Ibaka (Congo), Nick Collison and Cole Aldrich as camp coaches along with Chicago Bulls Luol Deng (South Sudan), Milwaukee Bucks Luc Mbah A Moute (Cameroon), Brooklyn Nets CJ Watson, and NBA Global Ambassador Dikembe Mutombo (DRC). Sefolosha, Ibaka, Collison, Deng, Mbah a Moute and Mutombo have all previously participated in BWB camps, Mbah a Moute as both a camper (2003) and an NBA player coach.

The players were drawn from 26 countries will converge in Johannesburg for the four-day basketball camp. The players, including four from South Africa and one from the newly formed Republic of South Sudan, were selected by FIBA, the NBA and participating federations based on their basketball skills, leadership abilities and dedication to the sport.

Running concurrently to the boys camp is the girls camp which will feature 25 elite female South African players (ages 18 and under) will take part in a three-day girls camp, with expert instruction by WNBA Legend and six-time WNBA All-Star Chamique Holdsclaw.

For the duration of both events, campers will work on improving their basketball skills through drills, daily scrimmages, and competitions with top instruction from the NBA and WNBA players and coaches. Both camps will feature daily life skills sessions, in partnership with UNICEF and Hoops 4 Hope, in which NBA and WNBA players will speak about the importance of education, leadership, and HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. Campers will be hosted by St. Johns College, with the on-court action taking place at the King Edwards VII School.

NBA coaches and personnel attending the camp include Ron Adams (Chicago Bulls); Jim Boylan (Milwaukee Bucks); Luca Desta (Dallas Mavericks); Patrick Hunt (FIBA Coach); BJ Johnson (Houston Rockets); Popeye Jones (Brooklyn Nets); Milton Newton (Washington Wizards) and Patrick Mutombo (Denver Nuggets). Keith Jones from the Houston Rockets and Brian Zettler from the Utah Jazz join as camp trainers, whilst Phoenix Suns General Manager Lance Blanks and Denver Nuggets General Manager Masai Ujiri (Nigeria), the first African general manager of a US sports franchise, return as camp directors. Serge Ibaka (208-C/F-89)


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  CROATIA   


Trefl Sopot signs Sime Spralja - by Eurobasket News

Sime Spralja (206-F/C-83, agency: Court Side) will continue his career in Poland. The Croatian PF/C penned a deal with Trefl Sopot. Spralja started last season with CEZ Basketball Nymburk. He appeared 6 times in domestic championship averaging 8.5 points and 3.7 rebounds. The player also added 5.5 ppg and 1.3 rpg in 4 VTB United League games. They parted ways in December and Spralja joined Romanian Timisoara. There he shined with 19.4 ppg and 6 rpg for 5 Balkan league games. In Romanian league the big guy had 10.9 ppg and 4.2 boards. He left the club in May. From 2006 to 2011 Sime Spralja was a member of Siroki. He helped them win four Bosnian league titles and three Cup trophies. In the past, Spralja played for Split and Zadar. With Zadar, he won two championship titles in Croatia and two Cup trophies. They also were Adriatic league champs in 2003.


Zadar wins against Samara by 56 points! - by Dajana Karl

Tonight, in front of 2000 people, KK Zadar, without Jozo Brkic (minor injury) and Goran Vrbanc (playing with the national team), won against Krasnie Krilya Samara by 56 points.

Barisa Krasic shined in the first quarter, scoring 13 points which include trio of 3-pointers. KK Zadar closed the first quarter with the result of 29-14.

American duo, Gary Ervin and Romeo Travis took over the second quarter with a couple of attractive moves. Travis put on a show with two slam dunks which totally got the audience up on their feet. KK Zadar had a huge 52-27 lead in the second quarter.

The second half, players Sime Olivari , Ivan Batur, Ive Ivanov, Franko Kastropil and Ante Delas started filling the basket up and scoring points. At the end of the third quarter the scoreboard was showing 74-36 in favor of the host.

Even in the last quarter, Franko Sango and Franko Kastropil were relentlessly filling up the basket, Russians had no chance to win. The last seconds of the game Ivan Mikulic decided to cross the number of 100 by scoring 2 more points. The final result was 101-45.

KK Zadar: Smolic 4, Mikulic 4, Delas 5, Ervin 6, Olivari 11, Ramljak 9, Batur 6, Sango 11, Kastropil 12, Travis 8, Krasic 16, Ivanov 9.

KK Samara: Zakharchuk 2, Tiazhev 6, Konstontinov, Pogosian 6, Budorin, Dudarevich 4, Dankevich 7, Yatsenko, Chilikin 8, Olenev 2, Nazarov 6, Sorokin 4.


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  CZECH REPUBLIC   

Standings - D2

1Liga Standings
 1. JBC Brno 0-0 
 2. Kara Trutnov 0-0 
 3. Liberec 0-0 
 4. Litomerice 0-0 
 5. Loko Plzen 0-0 
 6. Nymburk B 0-0 
 7. Ostrava 0-0 
 8. Proton Zlin 0-0 
 9. Sokol H.K. 0-0 
 10. Sokol P. 0-0 
 11. Sokol V. 0-0 
 12. Sparta Praha 0-0 
 13. U19 0-0 

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 23: JBC Brno - Loko Plzen
Sep. 23: Sokol V. - Kara Trutnov
Sep. 21: Sokol P. - Nymburk B
Sep. 21: Sparta Praha - Ostrava
Sep. 23: Sokol H.K. - Proton Zlin
Sep. 21: Liberec - Litomerice



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  D-LEAGUE   


Alumni Update - by Serafim Karaiskakis

Anthony Goods has signed with the Ukrainian basketball club, Kyiv. The Stanford alum spent the last 10 games of the 2011-12 season with the Mad Ants, averaging 11 points, 2.4 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game. He began the 2011-12 season with the Dakota Wizards where he averaged 17 points and 2.5 assists over eight games. Goods also spent the 2010-11 season with the Wizards, averaging an impressive 18.2 points, 4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.

Oliver Lafayette has signed with the Lithuanian team, Zalgiris Kaunas. The University of Houston alum played with the Mad Ants for the 2009-10 season, starting 42 of 48 games and averaging 17.1 points, 6.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. Olivers impressive play for the Ants earned him a Gatorade Call-Up in April 2010, when he signed with the Boston Celtics. After finishing the 2009-10 season with the Celtics, Oliver played for a short time in Serbia and then returned to the Mad Ants where he played in 21 games and averaged 16.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. Oliver has since played for teams in Poland, Turkey, and Israel.

Darnell Lazare will play for the Sydney Kings of the Australasian National Basketball League. Lazare joined the Mad Ants in 2010 after spending the 2009-10 season with the Maine Red Claws. The 68 forward averaged 10.5 points and 5.4 rebounds for the Red Claws. Lazare played a key role for the Mad Ants, averaging 15.9 points per game and 6.9 rebounds per game over the two seasons he spent with the team. During his second season with the Mad Ants, Darnell was selected to play in the 2012 NBA D-League All-Star Game.

source: www.nba.com/dleague/fortwayne


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  EUROLEAGUE   


Besiktas confirms signing of PG Curtis Jerrells - by Eurobasket News

Besiktas officially announced signing of Curtis Jerrells (185-G-87, college: Baylor) for the upcoming season. The American point guard finished 2011/12 with UCAM Murcia. He joined them in March averaging 7.5 points and 1.5 rebounds for 2 games. He got injured after that and missed rest of the season. Jerrells is not a new face in Turkey as he started last season with Fenerbahce Ulker. He had 6.4 ppg and 2 apg for 17 TBL games. The player also added 8.6 ppg, 1.9 rpg and 1.7 apg in 14 Euroleague appearances. Curtis Jerrells played for Partizan Belgrade in 2010/11. They won Serbian and Adriatic league titles together and they also celebrated in Serbian Cup. Jerrells was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Guard of the Year -11. He was also named to Eurobasket.com All-Adriatic League 1st Team -11. In 2009/10, Jerrells played for the NBA D-League team Auston Toros. He is a product of Baylor University.


BC Donetsk adds Ivanov to mix at forward - by Diamadis Farmakis

Ukrainian champion BC Donetsk, who will participate in the Euroleague qualifying round, fortified its frontline with the signing of forward Kaloyan Ivanov (205-F-86, agency: Beo Basket), who was the Spanish League's second-best rebounder last season.

Ivanov (201 meters, 26 years old) averaged 12 points and 7,7 rebounds in 33 Spanish League games with Lucentum Alicante last season, which was his sixth in the Spanish League

He led the league in offensive rebounding (3,5 orpg), was second in average performance index rating (17,5), earned the leagues player of the week three times and was named the MVP for the month of December

The season before Ivanov helped Cajasol Sevilla reach the Eurocup final. He began his career with Arsenal Kazanlak in his native Bulgaria and also played for Dunav Russe, Cherno More Varna and Levski Sofa before heading abroad to play with Avtodor Saratov in Russia as a teenager.

In 2006, Ivanov signed with ViveMenorca in Spain, where he spent three seasons. He later played with Suzuki Manresa. Ivanov has also been a longtime member of the Bulgarian national team. With Donetsk he will try to reach the Turkish Airlines Euroleague regular season, where his twin brother, Dejan Ivanov, will compete this season with Lietuvos Rytas.


Jan Mocnik stays with Union Olimpija - by Eurobasket News

Jan Mocnik (178-G-87) stays with Union Olimpija for another season. The Slovenian Guard will enter his second staright season with the team.
Jan Mocnik started his basketball career in Nova Gorica, where he also grew up. He played there until end of 2002/2003 season, when he moved to Kraski Zidar Seana. He stayed there until 2007 when he again decided to return home to Nova Gorica. During next season he signed with Union Olimpija Ljubljana, where he won Slovenian League and also played in Semi-finals of Adriatic League. In 2008/2009 season he played in Poland for PGB Basket Poznan and for Slovenian club Postojna. During 2009/2010 he was in Italian Second Division where he played for Snaidero Udine. Jan Mocnik was part of all Slovenian National Team youth categories, including the U20 NT at the European Championship in his home town Nova Gorica, where he averaged 9 points and 5 assists per game. Before the start of 2011/2012 season he already practiced with Union Olimpija and in December 2011 the club decided to ink a contract with him.
In 2011-2012 season for Union Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-Telemach League) he averaged 5.8ppg, 1.1rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 72.2% in Slovenian League and in Euroleague showed 7.0ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.0apg. In Adriatic League his stats read 7.4ppg, 2.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP-2 (70.0%), 3PT: 43.6%, FT: 62.1%.


Perperoglou: I made the best choice - by Kostas Papadopoulos

On the day that Stratos Perperoglou (203-F-84) celebrated his 28th birthday, he also changed a page in his career and, as a member of the European and Greek Champions, he now wishes, being interviewed by the official site of the Reds, to celebrate new success in his career.

The international forward told about his decision to wear the Red shirt: Of course it had been a difficult decision to make, but the discussion I had with Spanoulis and the coach Bartzokas made it much easier. Everything they told me, led me to the best choice for me. I am happy to have the deal made official, the 28 year old forward commented and added: I needed this change. It has been a tough season, but I have overcome my problem and I am very willing to work. I have talked to many people about how the team functions and I have only heard the best of comments. Olympiacos had an incredible last season and seems to be working in the right mode.

About Olympiacos following day, the Reds newcomer said: Just like many guys use to say, its very easy to climb to the top but very hard to hold on to it. Everybody wants to beat us this season. No one was looking out for Olympiacos last year and that had been a plus, this will not be the case this year but its very important that the roster is basically the same.

For Perperoglou, the most important fact is that there are no absentees during the pre-season, which just started: For sure its a misfortune that the National team did not make the Olympic Games, but its very important for us that we are able to work together from the very beginning, he commented and since being referred to the National team he added: For sure I would like to return to the National team. But now I want to focus on my duties with Olympiacos, on working hard and becoming better to help my team.


Partizan eye Jacob Pullen - by Eurobasket News

Jacob Pullen (183-PG-89, college: Kansas St.) may soon move to Serbia. The guard has reportedly been in advanced talks with Partizan Belgrade. The US-Georgian player spent the last season in Italy. Jacob Pullen played for Angelico Biella. He notched 16.0 points, 3.2 assists, 1.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game in SeriaA. Jacob Pullen participated at AirTran Orlando Summer League. He notched 19.0 points, 3.0 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game. Jacob Pullen joined Georgian National Team this summer. He plays at 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. Jacon Pullen averages 16.0 points, 2.5 assists and 1.8 rebounds per game at the tournament.


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  FINLAND   


Spartak Saint Petersburg claim second straight win in Finland - by Eurobasket News

Pyrinto - Spartak Saint Petersburg 69:81

Spartak Saint Petersburg played the second pre-season game in Finland. They took on Pyrinto Tampere. The Russian team proved the strength claiming a comfortable 12-point victory. Artem Yakovenko (205-F/C-88, agency: RU-Basket Management) accounted for 15 points to lead the winners.
Spartak cleared off at 8-point mark after ten minutes 20:12. They kept Pyrinto at distance throughout the second quarter. The visitors accumulated a 43:35 halftime lead. Spartak boosted the gap in the third quarter. They established a 15-point buffer before the fourth quarter. Pyrinto outscored their opponents in the final stanza but could not avoid the loss. Zakharov and Fedor Dmitriev (205-F-84, agency: Alti Sport) knocked down 14 points each for the winning side. Carl Lindbom (206-F-91) answered with 18 points for Pyrinto. Antero Lehto (184-G-84), Jesse Niemi (193-F/G-90) and Jukka-Pekka Vaananen (195-G-84) had 8 points each in the loss.

Spartak SP: Artem Yakovenko 15, Zakharov 14, Fedor Dmitriev 14, Josh Carter 12
Pyrinto: Carl Lindbom 18, Antero Lehto 8, Jesse Niemi 8, Jukka-Pekka Vaananen 8


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  FRANCE   


ProB teams start friendly campaigns - by Eurobasket News

ProB teams start friendly campaigns of 2012/2013 season.
Boulogne-sur-Mer and SPO Rouen tied the game at 97:97. Both Pro B teams did their best but enjoyed the final result. Maxime Courby (201-SF-90) top-scored for SPO Rouen with 21 points and Gary Chathuant (195-SF-83) notched 20. WESLEY Tai poured in 14, while O'Darien Bassett (191-G-86, college: Troy) and McKINES Wendell added 12 each. Ken Horton (199-F-89, college: Cent.Conn.St.) scored 21 points for Boulogne-sur-Mer, whilst BAH Zainoul and Sy posted 17 apiece.
Evreux beat ADA Blois (NM1) 86:63. Trailing 17-23 after the first period, the more experienced team won the rest of the quarters. FLORIMONT Gary and HANNAH Clevin top-scored for the winners with 17 points each, while Guillaume Costentin (196-SG-82) added 13. TORNATO Jonathan poured in 17 in defeat and CISSE Souarata delivered 13.
Nantes edged Angers BC 49 (NM1) 82:77. Elson Mendy (200-F-85) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and LaMarshall Corbett (190-G-88, college: Angelo St.) added 15. Anthony Hill (204-F-88, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) replied with 21 points in the losing effort.


Nancy beat Dijon in Poligny - by Eurobasket News

SLUC Nancy (Pro A) beat Dijon 71:65 in the friendly game betweet two ProA teams. Marcellus Sommerville (200-F-82, college: Bradley) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Nicholas Pope (196-F/G-84, college: Oklah.Baptist) netted 16. SCHULER Jamal posted 13 and Shawn King (208-C-82, college: ORU) had 12. Andre Harris (201-F/C-85, college: Fair Dickinson) and Jeremy Leloup (202-F-87) posted 14 points each, while Zach Moss (201-F-81, college: Mountain St.) had 13.


Puy bring in Rolan Roberts - by Eurobasket News

Puy added Rolan Roberts (201-F/C-78, college: S.Illinois) to the squad. The centre joined the team for a try-out period. He is meant to replace Dragan Petronic (206-F/C-82) on the squad. Rolan Roberts spent the last season in Hyeres-Toulon. The centre notched 5.3 points and 4.1 boards per game in ProA. Previously Rolan Roberts had stints in France, Austria, Taiwan, Uruguay, Italy, Portugal, NBDL and Turkey. He was Australian NBL champion in 2005. Rolan Roberts won Portuguese Cup title in 2009. Rolan Roberts was awarded with All-NBDL Honourable Mention in 2004. The centre earned All-Australian NBL Honourable Mention in 2010.


Nate Carter agreed terms with Bordeaux - by Eurobasket

JSA Bordeaux Basket (ProB) added to their roster 29-year old American forward Nate Carter (201-107kg-83, college: Oklahoma). He played most recently at Chalons-Reims (ProB). While playing 30 games for Chalons-Reims last season Carter averaged 14.6ppg, 5.0rpg and 1.0apg. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. Carter was voted to Eurobasket.com French ProB All-Imports Team in 2011. He played also pro basketball in Israel and Philippines. Carter graduated The University of Oklahoma in 2007 and it will be his sixth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


JEAN-DENYS CHOULET NEW COACH OF AL MOUTTAHED - by Maarouf Mawloud

By PMA AGENCY

French reputed Coach Jean-Denys Choulet has just signed an agreement with Al Mouttahed to be their Head Coach for the coming season. After more than a week of negotiation, coordinated by PMA basketball, and a 4 day visit to the Club last week, the two parts agreed to cooperate.
JD Choulet, who coached Roanne since the year 2000 when they were in Pro B, helped the Club promote to Pro A in 2002, and since then became one of the most respected and reputed Coachs in France, at one time about to take the job of National Team Coach.
He won the French league and La semaine des As in 2007 with a certain Dewarick Spencer whom he recruited then from College. He went to the Final of the League in 2008 and the semi-finals in 2010 in spite of having one of the lowest budgets of the French Pro A.
He is known for his successfull choice of imports and his good management of the game. Coach Elias Zouros, who crossed his road in 2004-05 while in Paris, praises his game and results.
After the signatures of confirmed players like Rony Fahed, Roy Samaha, Bassel Bawji, and others, Al Mouttahed brings another major piece of puzzle to his set up for a season they hope will be successfull. "We are building a team to compete at the highest level and we believe Coach Choulet has the competence and high level Basketball knowledge to lead us through" commented Al Mouttahed President Ahmad Safadi. "Tripoli deserves a Top Team in the League and we are working to secure that".



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  GABON   


BWB commit to community in Africa - by Olusegun Ikuesan

.... As NBA cares refurbish sports complex in SA

As the 10th edition of the Basketball Without Borders Africa camp open today in Johannesburg, South Africa with about sixty young players from twenty-six countries from the Africa continent, the body has also made another giant stride by committing itself to developing sporting facilities across the continent for the continuous propagation of basketball.

BWB Africa will be joined on Saturday by a team of the United States of America National Basketball Association, NBA and it women counterpart WNBA to partner with Special Olympics in hosting basketball clinics in such places as Brazil, China, England, France, Italy, Mexico, Senegal, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkey.

Adding to a partnership that began in 2007, the NBA/WNBA contingent will help build two homes with Habitat for Humanity South Africa in Orange Farm Township on Aug. 31. Upon completion of the houses, which are supported by the Pagliuca family, 13 homes will have been built in the country as part of NBA Cares efforts at Basketball without Borders Africa.

The highlight of the week is the dedication of the NBA Cares Legacy Project, a newly refurbished sports complex in Alex Township, on Sept. 1. Alex is one of the largest urban neighborhoods in South Africa and this renovated area will provide four new basketball/netball courts creating a safe space for kids and families to play. The dedication ceremony will also feature a basketball and fitness clinic led by the NBA/WNBA players and coaches.

The community outreach events, NBA players will join BWB community partners UNICEF and Hoops4Hope to lead the campers in daily life-skills seminars focusing on leadership and HIV/AIDS education. The NBA will also make donations to partnering community-based organizations, which will include school supplies, sports equipment, clothing, and other necessities.


BWB commit to community in Africa - by Olusegun Ikuesan

.... As NBA cares refurbish sports complex in SA

As the 10th edition of the Basketball Without Borders Africa camp open today in Johannesburg, South Africa with about sixty young players from twenty-six countries from the Africa continent, the body has also made another giant stride by committing itself to developing sporting facilities across the continent for the continuous propagation of basketball.

BWB Africa will be joined on Saturday by a team of the United States of America National Basketball Association, NBA and it women counterpart WNBA to partner with Special Olympics in hosting basketball clinics in such places as Brazil, China, England, France, Italy, Mexico, Senegal, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkey.

Adding to a partnership that began in 2007, the NBA/WNBA contingent will help build two homes with Habitat for Humanity South Africa in Orange Farm Township on Aug. 31. Upon completion of the houses, which are supported by the Pagliuca family, 13 homes will have been built in the country as part of NBA Cares efforts at Basketball without Borders Africa.

The highlight of the week is the dedication of the NBA Cares Legacy Project, a newly refurbished sports complex in Alex Township, on Sept. 1. Alex is one of the largest urban neighborhoods in South Africa and this renovated area will provide four new basketball/netball courts creating a safe space for kids and families to play. The dedication ceremony will also feature a basketball and fitness clinic led by the NBA/WNBA players and coaches.

The community outreach events, NBA players will join BWB community partners UNICEF and Hoops4Hope to lead the campers in daily life-skills seminars focusing on leadership and HIV/AIDS education. The NBA will also make donations to partnering community-based organizations, which will include school supplies, sports equipment, clothing, and other necessities.


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  GERMANY   


Jose Angel Tejada- Munoz Back With MTV Stuttgart - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Jose Tejada-Munoz (179-G) returns back to the stomping ground where he once played with MTV Stuutgart. Jose Tejada-Munoz is a 23 year old 179cm German. Last season he played for Sportverein Fellbach 1890 (2.Regionalliga)." In his last season with MTV Stuttgart, he broke his foot and we felt it was better if he played a season in the 2 Regionaliga. He had a lot of misfortune with us, but we knew what he is capable of. Now he is top fit and learned to take responsobility at FellbachHe showed that he can bring teh same results in the first regionaliga. If he improves his defense then we will have much fun with him", stressed MTV Stuttgart manager Kresimir Miksa.

Source: MTV Stuttgart


Theodis Tarver Joins The Bis Baskets Speyer - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Regionaliga club Bis Baskets Speyer have announced the arrival of Theodis Tarver (206-F/C-84, college: Georgia Tech) Tarver is a 28 year old 206cm power forward from Monroe, Louisiana that is powerful center who is an outstanding shot blocker and an excellent post defender. He has numerous experience in Germany and played in the Beko BBL. Last season, he played for . FC Kaiserslautern (Germany-Oberliga). "We have a lot of quality under the baskets with this expereinced player", stressed Bis Baskets Speyer manager Gerd Kopf. Tarver started his basketball career in 2002 with Georgia Tech (NCAA) where he played until 2006. As a freshman he reached teh NCAA final. In his senior year, he played 27 games: 3.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.3bpg. He played a total of 97 NCAA games. In 2006, he started his professional basketball career for the Bremen Roosters (Germany-2.Bundesliga): 30 games: 15.7ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.6apg, 1.6spg, Blocks-3 (2.4bpg), 2FGP: 57.4%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 61.1%. In 2007-2008, he played for BG Karlsruhe (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 26 games: 8.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.3bpg, 2FGP: 49.4%, FT: 51.2%. In 2008-2009, he played for the Cuxhaven BasCats (Germany-ProA, starting five): 3 games: 3.0ppg, 1.7rpg, later that month moved to LTi Lich (Germany-ProA, starting five): 20 games: 11.7ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 70.2%. In 2009, he played for CD Universidad Catolica de Santiago (Chile-DIMAYOR, starting five): Clausura League: 8 games: 9.3ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 25.6%, FT: 61.5%. From 2009-2011, he played for the Saar-Pfalz Braves (Germany-ProA).

Source: BIS Baskets Speyer


The Ukrainian Train Maksym Shtein Moves To Weissenhorn - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

After many years in the Beko BBL playing 200 Beko BBL games, Maksym Shtein (206-C-80, agency: Limelight Hoops) is going back to the beautiful German region Swabenland where he started his basketball career to give all his expereince to the Weissenhorn youngsters of the PRO B. Shtein is a 32 year old 206 cm power forward/center that has the German/Ukrainian citzenship. He played 6 years in the top German basketball division and is a big guy who runs the floor extremely well. He is able to play both inside positions defensively because of his mobility and speed. Maksym likes to play physical and with contact and has nice has nice post-up moves underneath the basket and good hands cutting through the zone. His good shooting skills enable him to play also minutes offensively on Position four and is confident and fearless player who will produce at any level. Last season, he played for BBC Bayreuth (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 31 games: 3.7ppg, 2.6rpg. He scored in double figures two times including a 13 point efort against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg."To win Maksym for our program is great", stressed Artur Kolodziejski.

Shtein started his basketball career in 1997 with MTV Stuttgart (Regionalliga). He then played for Ludwigsburg (Germany-D2) until 2002. He then played 5 successful seasons for ratiopharm Ulm helping then head coach Mike Taylor build a winner program and helping the team move up to the Beko BBL in 2006. In 2007-2008, he played for the Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-1.Bundesliga): ULEB Cup: 9 games: 3.1ppg, 1.9rpg; German League: 36 games: 2.4ppg, 1.6rpg. He then played for TBB Trier from 2008-2010. In the 2010-2011 season, he played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 35 games: 3.5ppg, 2.1rpg. "I chose the region Ulm on account of private reasons and I want to plan for the future step by step. The chances I have with the help of the Ulm academy and Anton Gugelfuss in the PRO B fit good to my plans", stated Maksym Shtein.


Source: Weissenhorn Youngsters



Fraport Skyliner Quantez Robertson Injured - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The 2012 off season transfer movement for the Fraport Skyliners recently has been highlighted by three try out players arriving and with a center still to be signed, the last thing that head coach Muli Katzurin (agency: Avi Zilberman ) can digest at the moment is the injury to a player. However Katzurin will have to find a way to digest the injury to athletic Quantez Robertson (189-G-84, college: Auburn) who broke his left ring finger in pratice and will miss some weeks. Robertson is a 27 year old 189cm guard from Cincinnati, Ohio that is starting his fourth season as a professional and for the Fraport Skyliners. Together with Skyliner captain Marius Nolte (206-C-81, agency: Limelight Hoops), Robertson is the player that has the longest tour of duty for the German team. Robertson has played a total of 120 Beko BBL games, but should be able to be back for the start of the season on October 3rd in Ludwigsburg. The Fraport Sklyiners start their 2012-2013 pre season schedule with a game against Japanesse team Toyota Alvark which will have ex Beko BBl player Jeff Gibbs (188-F-80, college: Otterbein) and ex Oldenburg head coach Don Beck back in Germany. The game is this Sunday at 7:00pm at Basketball city in Frankfurt.

Source: Fraport Skyliners




Darion Anderson Joins Erdgas Ehingen - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


PRO A team Erdgas Ehingen have announced the arrival of Jake Anderson (187-G-87, college: Iowa St.). Anderson is a 25 year old 187cm guard from Chicago Illinois. He is the third new player for Erdgas Ehingen and last season played for Iowa Energy (D-League, starting five): 13 games: 10.4ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 76.0%, in Feb.'12 moved to Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League): 4 games: 9.8ppg, 1.8apg. This past summer, he played NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas (Chicago Bulls): 1 game: 0pts, 3rebs, 1ass. When looking at his stats, one may think he could be a forward, but rebounding is one of his strong points. "We were already interested in him last season. But he chose the D-league. I am happy that we could get him. He can play at all wing positions and has proven that he can be successful with different teams", stated Erdgas Ehingen head coach ralf Junge. Anderson started his career at N.Illinois (NCAA) in 2007 where he played until 2010. In his senior year, he played for Iowa St. (NCAA) playing 32 games: 12.8ppg, 7.2rpg, 2.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 72.5%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been All-MAC Freshman of the Year -08, MAC All-Freshman Team -08, and All-MAC 2nd Team -09

Source: Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule








Paul Guede Joins BG Goettingen - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

PRO A team BG Goettingen have announced the arrival of Paul Guede (195-G/F-87, agency: Interperformances, college: Portland St.). Guede is a 25 year old 196 swing man form the UK. Last season, he played for the Salem Soldiers (IBL): 8 games: 4.6ppg, 3.5rpg. "I am very happy that I can bring Paul Guede from my Slovakia champion team. We worked together very well. He can play the two and three positions. He is athletic, is agreat defender and can shoot from outside", stressed BG Goettingen head coach Johan Roijakkers. Guede got ample experience playing college basketball in the States starting at Valparaiso (NCAA) in 2006. He then got further experience at Tallahasse CC (JUCO) in 2007. He finished his college career at Portland St. (NCAA) in 2011 where he played a total of 65 NCAA games. In 2011-2012 as a rookie he played for BC Prievidza (Slovakia-Extraliga, starting five): 45 games: 12.8ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 30.2%, FT: 70.4% . Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Great Britain National Team Camp -08, Big Sky Conf. Regular Season Runner-Up -09, Big Sky Conf. Tournament Winner -09, Big Sky Conf. Tournament Semifinals -10, Slovakian League Champion -12
and Slovakian League Regular Season Runner-Up -12

Source: BG Gttingen


Tommy Mason Griffin Out For Season - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


The injuey bug has caught some Beko BBL teams today and the injury to Quantez Robertson of the Fraport Skyliners feels like a soft kick to the stomach by a baby while drinking its milk in comparision to the shock that ratiopharm Ulm recieved today with the announcement that Tommy Mason-Griffin (180-PG-90, college: Oklahoma) will miss the entire season. Mason Griffin who is a 21 year old 180cm point guard was preparing to start his third season with the 2012 runner up team from Ulm. Mason Griffin needs to have his right knee operated on causing him to miss the whole season. Last season Mason Griffin played 37 games averaging 7.6ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 43.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 80.6%. He scored in double figures 13 times. Now the club is looking for a replacement. "That will be very hard finding a replacement because his skills are hard to replace", stressed ratippharm ulm head coach Thorsten Leibenath.

Source: ratiopharm Ulm


*****************************************************
  GREECE   


Aris announced Kostas Charissis - by Giorgos Diploidis

Kostas Charissis (211-F/C-79, agency: FCM, college: USC) is officially player of Aris Thessaloniki. Althought the player was too close to Olympiacos the team of Thessaloniki mamanged to sign him. The reasons were that they that he will take his money on time and he will have a more protagonistic role than in the club of Pireus. Antonis Asimakopoulos who was also playmate with Charisis the last years in Kolossos.

So Charissis after four years in the team of Rhodes he will play for first time in Thessaloniki. Last year in Basketleague had 6.7ppg, 4.6rpg in 34 matches.


Greece organised a fantastic FIBA 3x3 World Championship - by Diamadis Farmakis

In the beautiful Zappeion and its classical Greek columns, the Hellenic Basketball Federation provided a perfect backdrop for the first ever edition of the FIBA 3x3 World Championship. Everyone who was involved, is already reflecting on what is widely considered a resounding success.

Located in central Athens, within walking distance of the Greek parliament as well as the famous Panathenaic Olympic Stadium, it not only drew seasoned basketball fans, but also drew many curious tourists and passers-by as the bleachers remained full, even when the home team was nowhere to be seen

The Olympic spirit prevailed throughout, with competitiveness, sportsmanship and friendship coming together as players from far and wide shared the hotel, the buses, as well as dining tables, stories and Facebook accounts.

It was a first ever not only for the event as a whole, but also for international mixed competition.

Sixteen countries came head-to-head with teams composed of two men and two women, in a straight knock-out tournament that caught the imagination of the capacity crowd.

On the court, France topped the medal table, pocketing gold in the Mixed competition, silver in the Mens and Womens, and bronze in the Skills Contest thanks to Sylvie Guszczynski.

Ukraine, who like France reached the Semi-Finals in all three team categories, bagged bronze in the Mixed and the Mens categories.

Serbia and USA won gold in the Mens and the Womens competitions respectively, while Pirgit Puu of Estonia won the Skills contest, Czech Republics Stanislav Votroubek the Shoot-Out contest and Venezuelan Deivi Aanguren the Dunk contest.

''This was a fantastic first edition'', said FIBA Secretary General and IOC Member Patrick Baumann.

''The players and organisers of this Championship have set a very high standard for those to follow''.

''For this, we must be extremely grateful to the Hellenic Basketball Federation''.

''They have strongly believed in this project from the very beginning''.

''Their enthusiasm spilled over and everyone has absolutely loved this tournament, from the players to the fans, to people who know nothing about basketball''.


Ilysiakos adds Dorkofikis - by Chris Mammides

Ikaros Kallitheas agreed financial terms with the Greek forward Periklis Dorkofikis (206-F-80) for the coming season. The ex player of AFOR had a special role in the roster of the Cretan team last year and he ended the season with 3.5ppg and 1.3rpg since he had only a limited time in the court under the coaching of Koufos. On the contrary his role the previous seasons was much more solid and his numbers were much better. The 32 years old dynamic forward is expected to give power to the team of Coach Papanikolaou and for sure his experience will assist the younger plaeyrs in the team. In the mean time Nejc Strnad (190-G-83) agreed financial terms with the team of Ikaros and is expected to be in Athens later this week

Other Transfer news
PAOK Thessaloniki added in his roster the talented 18 years old forward Alexandros Varytimiadis with a four years contract. Alexandros signed his first ever proffesional contract and is expected to gain some time in the court under Markopoulos coaching. The young forwad was born at the 21st of June 1994 and is a 2.03cm
Panionios ON Telecoms Athens agreed terms with Dimitrios Agravanis (208-F-94) and Leonidas Kaselakis (201-F-90) who finally stopped practising with Panathinaikos and is officially continuing with Panionios where he signed his contract too.
A.G.O Rethymno Aegean agreed financial terms with J'Covan Brown (185-G-90)
Ilysiakos Athens added in his coaching team as an assistant coach Dimitris Karvelas
Jeremy Fears (196-G-85, college: Bradley) is officially Kavala's player for the next two years


A2 League
Kostas Tzialas (207-C/F-84) finally agreed financial terms with AE Nea Kifisia and not Pagrati
OF Irakleio renewed Prodromos Tserkitsoglou (187-G-85) and Kostas Balafas (200-F-80)
AE Doxa Lefkadas agreed with Savvas Manousos (208-F/C-85) and John Koukounias (192-G-91)
GS Iraklis Thessaloniki agreed terms with Kostas Pehlivanis (192-F-79)
Kostas Pallis (200-F-79) agreed with Filippos Veroias
Stelios Halaris (207-F-93) agreed terms with the team of Ase Doukas Athens

AO Amyntas Dafnis Athens sign in Christoforos Choumas (194-G-85) who played in A1 with KAOD last season


KAOD lands Kevin Palmer - by Chris Mammides

KAO Dramas agreed financial terms with the American swingman Kevin Palmer (198-G/F-87, college: Texas A&M-CC). The American player had a tremendous season in the Japanese league with the colors of Fukuoka Rizing in a full season as he played 53 games! and was the second scorer in the Japanese league as his was scoring nearly 22 points per game while his nearly 8 rebounds per game is making him even more valid for the team of Coach Giorgos Kalafatakis . His numbers were as follows: Score-2 (21.9ppg), 7.6rpg, 2.3apg, Steals-2 (2.7spg), FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 71.8%


Perperoglou: I made the best choice - by Kostas Papadopoulos

On the day that Stratos Perperoglou (203-F-84) celebrated his 28th birthday, he also changed a page in his career and, as a member of the European and Greek Champions, he now wishes, being interviewed by the official site of the Reds, to celebrate new success in his career.

The international forward told about his decision to wear the Red shirt: Of course it had been a difficult decision to make, but the discussion I had with Spanoulis and the coach Bartzokas made it much easier. Everything they told me, led me to the best choice for me. I am happy to have the deal made official, the 28 year old forward commented and added: I needed this change. It has been a tough season, but I have overcome my problem and I am very willing to work. I have talked to many people about how the team functions and I have only heard the best of comments. Olympiacos had an incredible last season and seems to be working in the right mode.

About Olympiacos following day, the Reds newcomer said: Just like many guys use to say, its very easy to climb to the top but very hard to hold on to it. Everybody wants to beat us this season. No one was looking out for Olympiacos last year and that had been a plus, this will not be the case this year but its very important that the roster is basically the same.

For Perperoglou, the most important fact is that there are no absentees during the pre-season, which just started: For sure its a misfortune that the National team did not make the Olympic Games, but its very important for us that we are able to work together from the very beginning, he commented and since being referred to the National team he added: For sure I would like to return to the National team. But now I want to focus on my duties with Olympiacos, on working hard and becoming better to help my team.


*****************************************************
  HOLLAND   


Matrixx Magixx brings back Nick Oudendag - by Fred Roggen

A familiar face is back to Magixx, as Matrixx Magixx confirmed the arrival of Dutch center Nick Oudendag (210-C/F-87), who will play for the Dutch Eredivisieteam next season, he inked a one-year deal. The 25-year-old Oudendag arrives from Rotterdam College, where he avearged 11.8ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 44.7% in 11 Dutch Basketball league games last season. Oudendag had left Magixx to join Assignia Manresa (Spain-ACB) in summer 2011 but in January 2012 he moved to Rotterdam College.
He averaged 8.3ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 49.2%, FT: 41.1% in 37 Dutch Basketball league appearances with Matrixx Magixx in 2010-11.



EiffelTowers brings in Bauscher, Tinsley out - by Fred Roggen

Dutch Champion EiffelTowers Den Bosch strengthened its roster on Wednesday with the addition of guard Matt Bauscher (188-G-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Boise St.) for the next season. Bauscher replaces Brad Tinsley, who has a ankle injury and would be out for more then six weeks.
The 27-year-old Bauscher is considered an excellent defensive player and a scorer who can create shots for himself and others. Bauscher arrives from German site of BG Goettingen where last season he averaged 10.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.9apg, FGP: 43.9%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 64.1% in 24 league games. Bauscher played college ball at Boise State University from 2004 to 2008. After that, he moved to Holland to make his pro debut with Aris Friesland Leeuwarden, and after great performances, he moved to Groningen to join Dutch powerhouse GasTerra Flames. He played there for two seasons until 2010-11, winning a Dutch Championship in 2010 and the Dutch Cup in 2011.
In 2010, Bauscher was named Eurobasket.com All-Dutch Eredivisie Player of the Year.


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


Attila Farkas continues his carreer with BC Kormend - by Tamas Deri

The 25 years old and 209 cm tall domestic power forward - used to be a member of the Hungarian U16, U18 and U20 national teams and also the senior National team - agreed with the management of BC Kormend and will play for coach Hencsey's team in the comings. The very talented Attila Farkas spent a year in the USA on a high school and had several teams in Europe interested him already with the age of 18. During the summer 2006 he was invited to the Reebok Eurocamp in Treviso, Italy and got a contract from spanish ACB club Girona. He was loaned to the LEB silver club of Akasvayu Ferrer Vic, but Farkas decided to move back to Hungary after one season. He signed with NYKK and spent 2 seasons with the club, in his second season he was averaging 6.4 points and 3.2 rebounds in 20 games of the Hungarian Championship. After his solid season with NYKK he agreed with Albacomp for a season before moving to ASE. He started the preperation for the last season with Szeged but had an unlucky shoulder injury and sat out for the season.


Attila Farkas moves to BC Kormend - by Tamas Deri

The 25 years old and 209 cm tall domestic power forward - used to be a member of the Hungarian U16, U18 and U20 national teams and also the senior National team - agreed with the management of BC Kormend and will play for coach Hencsey's team in the comings. The very talented Attila Farkas (209-F-87, agency: TSS Management) spent a year in the USA on a high school and had several teams in Europe interested him already with the age of 18. During the summer 2006 he was invited to the Reebok Eurocamp in Treviso, Italy and got a contract from spanish ACB club Girona. He was loaned to the LEB silver club of Akasvayu Ferrer Vic, but Farkas decided to move back to Hungary after one season. He signed with NYKK and spent 2 seasons with the club, in his second season he was averaging 6.4 points and 3.2 rebounds in 20 games of the Hungarian Championship. After his solid season with NYKK he agreed with Albacomp for a season before moving to ASE. He started the preperation for the last season with Szeged but had an unlucky shoulder injury and sat out for the season.


*****************************************************
  IRAN   


Iranian National for the Asian Cup - by Aydin Dianat

Iranian basketball federation invited 26 players for the first round of the camp before Asian Cup.
The camp will start on Monday 2nd of September in Azadi Basketball Arena.
Players list is as below:

1- Samad Nik Khahbahrami (198-F-83)
2- Mahdi Kamrani (186-PG-82)
3- Hamed Afagh (190-SG-83)
4- Farid Aslani (183-PG-88)
5- Amir Sedighi (203-F-93)
6- Sajjad Mashayekhi (180-PG-94)i
7- Oshin Sahakian (200-F-86)
8- Aren Davoudichegani (185-PG-86)
9- Javad Davari (185-G-83)
10- Saman Veisi (189-G-82)
11- Benny Koochoie (190-G-86, college: CS Stanislaus)
12- Erfan Nasajpour (177-G-84)
13- Meysam Mirzaei
14- Asghar Kardoust (212-C-86)
15- Rouzbeh Arghavan (214-C/F-88)
16- Reza Lotfi (191-G/F-83)
17- Mousa Nabipour (212-C-83)
18- Shahab Reyhani (210-C)
19- Mehrad Atashi (191-G-86)
20- Yonas Lalehzadeh (195-G-89, college: Cal-Irvine)
21- Saleh Foroutannik (203-F/C-94)
22- Mohammad Jamshidi (197-SF-91)
23 - Mohammad Zarei
24- Mohammad Yusefvand
25- Behnam Yakhchali (191-G-95)
26- Vahid Dalirzahan (199-SF-95)


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


Ironi Ashkelon tab Julien Mills and Lior Lifshitz - by Eurobasket News

Ironi Ashkelon signed two players. They recruited Julien Mills (193-G/F-85, college: Ball St.) and Lior Lifshitz (178-PG-84).
Julien Mills spent the last season in Hungary. The forward played for Szolnoki. Julien Mills notched 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.4 steals per game in EuroChallenge. In Hungarian League Julien Mills tallied 11.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.9 steals per appearance. He made it into All-Hungarian League 2nd Team. He became Hungarian League champion and Hungarian Cup winner with Szolnok.
Lior Lifshitz played for Netanya last season. The guard averaged 5.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game in Premier League. Previously the point guard had stints with Ironi Ashkelon, Hapoel Holon, Maccabi Givat Schmuel, Elitzur Ashkelon, Maccabi Petah Tikva, Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion.


National Updates On Israel's Big Three; Cavs' Casspi, Ohayon, & Tyus - by David Pick

After dropping a pair of its 2013 EuroBasket Qualification Games versus Montenegro and Estonia (at home), head coach Arik Shivek (Agency: Avi Zilberman) and the Israeli Men's Senior National Team astoundingly revived their summer campaign with back-to-back-to-back victories over Iceland, Slovakia, and last night's epic 89-76 triumph against European power Serbia, capping a 3-2 record, in what went down as one the all time greatest performances by any Israeli squad.

Israel's fast pace transition offensive style-of-play revolves mostly around the Cleveland Cavaliers' forward Omri Casspi. The first Israeli born athlete to ever play in the NBA, spent the first half of his summer in Cleveland and Las Vegas, working on his conditioning and shooting stroke with Cavaliers' trainers.

That said, Casspi is showcasing immense leadership for Israel on and off the court. The 24-year-old forward is currently ranked ninth in the competition in three point shooting percentages with 56.5%, pouring 13/23 shots from beyond the arc.

Behind the devotion to his nation and commitment to his locker room pals, Casspi is ranked in the top twenties in seven different categories amongst the competition's 31-teams. Last night versus Serbia, Casspi's smite rallied Israel to a dominant first period scoring 13 of the blue-and-white's 25 points.

Another dynamic contributor to Israel's inspiring success is 25-year-old point guard Yogev Ohayon.

During the campaign's exhibition games, Ohayon single-handedly took over Israel's premier playmaker position, leaving dust to Gal Mekel and Yuval Naimy, averaging 30.2 minutes per game. For the sake of comparison, last season under Maccabi's David Blatt, Ohayon played over 30-minutes just four times in 30-Israeli contests.

Having doubled his Euroleague scoring (11.2) and rebounding (6.6) averages, it came as no surprise when CSKA Moscow's guard Milos Teodosic told me Ohayon could be one of the most dominant guards in the Russian League, moments after being brutalized by the Israeli.

Despite standing just 6'3", Ohayon's athleticism allows him to crash the boards, collecting 33 rebounds in a total of five tournament games. A sneak peek at Israel's statistics reveal that Ohayon is only one rebound shy of the 6'9" giants Casspi and Alex Tyus; 13-more than Lior Eliyahu and 26-more boards than national center Ido Kozikaro.

Israel's third link is recently acquired citizen, former Florida Gator and Israeli Sixth Man of the Year Alex Tyus.

The high-flying American-Israeli, who was heavily pursued this summer by Maccabi Tel Aviv's head coach David Blatt is leading all Eurobasket 2013 Qualifying players in field goal percentages with 70.7% and a jaw-dropping 29/41 shooting (thank you Casspi for the lobs).

Tyus is also ranked number 13 in offensive rebounds with 2.6 per game, and seventh in blocked shots (1.6). Although he matched up against former NBA center and recent Euroleague finalist Nenad Krstic, Tyus utilized his superior athleticism abilities to frustrate the Serbian 7-footer, and limited him to just 8 points on 33% shooting.

Additional honorable mentions are Tel Aviv's Lior Eliyahu and recent Jerusalem signee, combo guard Raviv Limonad.

Tomorrow night (Thursday), Israel and its 11,000 Nokia Arena fans play host to Montenegro in Round 6 on the competition.


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

Standings - B1

Nazionale A Standings
 1. Agrigento 0-0 
 2. Bari 0-0 
 3. Bologna 0-0 
 4. Casalpusterlengo 0-0 
 5. Castelletto 0-0 
 6. Chieti 0-0 
 7. Ferrara 0-0 
 8. Firenze 0-0 
 9. Latina Basket 0-0 
 10. Lucca 0-0 
 11. Matera 0-0 
 12. Mirandola 0-0 
 13. Omegna 0-0 
 14. Perugia 0-0 
 15. Recanati 0-0 
 16. Reggio Calabr. 0-0 
 17. Rieti 0-0 
 18. San Severo 0-0 
 19. Torino 0-0 
 20. Treviglio 0-0 

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 30: Rieti - Firenze
Sep. 30: Bologna - Casalpusterlengo
Sep. 30: Reggio Calabr. - Agrigento
Sep. 30: Recanati - Castelletto
Sep. 30: Mirandola - Ferrara
Sep. 30: Chieti - Lucca
Sep. 30: San Severo - Bari
Sep. 30: Latina Basket - Treviglio
Sep. 30: Matera - Omegna
Sep. 30: Torino - Perugia


Brescia announced Jeremy Wise - by Eurobasket News

Brescia announced Jeremy Wise (191-G-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: S.Mississippi) for a 5-day tryout. The player was confirmed by the Italian team after he passed the physicals. Earlier however he was not accepted by Cherkasy Monkeys
Jeremy Wise started the last season in Israel. He played for Maccabi Haifa. Jeremy Wise notched 7.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.0 steal per game in Premier League. In December Jeremy Wise moved to D-League. The guard joined Bakersfield Jam. His stats read 14.0 points, 6.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals per appearance. Later Jeremy Wise moved to Trotamundos de Carabobo in Puerto Rico. The guard averaged 8.0 points, 2.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game in LPB. Jeremy Wise finished the season in Dominican Republic. He played for Caneros de La Romana. Previously the guard had stints in Italy, Philippines and D-League.


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  JORDAN   


CBA Chinese Tianjin close from Daghlas - by Omar Shafaamri

Asia and Jordan best guard Osama Daghles (198-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) is in real negotiations with CBA Chinese League Club Tianjin, Tianjin will take advantage from the Asian Foreign Rule as they finished the last CBA season in the 3rd Place from the bottom.

Daghlas played last season on the behalf of the CBA League Club Jilin playing a total of 29 games and averaging 16.7 Points, 7.2 assists, 4 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game.


*****************************************************
  JUCO   


Martell Medley Lakeland Community College (Mentor, Oh) Is Ready For His Sophomore Season - by Vance Marbury

Martell Medley Lakeland Community College (Mentor, Oh) Is Ready For His Sophomore Season

Martell Medley as a Freshman from Euclid, Oh averaged 8.3 pts, 2.8 rebs, and 2.3 asts per game. Medley helped Lakeland CC to a 24-10 overall record and a 4th place finish nationally last season. Medley scored 14 pts vs Owens and 25 pts vs Bismarck State at Nationals

Medley is a long wirery Combo Guard, who can score, defend, and rebound really well. Martell is also a fearless competitor. During an interview conducted at the 2012 Cleveland Am Pro Summer League, Medley simply stated he is ready to put in work this season. Medley felt he worked hard all summer and is looking forward to taking Lakeland CC back to nationals in 2013.

Martell Medley was featured in the 3rd Coast Hoops Summer League Mixtape: You can view this video below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVDJiXGfpjw


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


JEAN-DENYS CHOULET NEW COACH OF AL MOUTTAHED - by Maarouf Mawloud

By PMA AGENCY

French reputed Coach Jean-Denys Choulet has just signed an agreement with Al Mouttahed to be their Head Coach for the coming season. After more than a week of negotiation, coordinated by PMA basketball, and a 4 day visit to the Club last week, the two parts agreed to cooperate.
JD Choulet, who coached Roanne since the year 2000 when they were in Pro B, helped the Club promote to Pro A in 2002, and since then became one of the most respected and reputed Coachs in France, at one time about to take the job of National Team Coach.
He won the French league and La semaine des As in 2007 with a certain Dewarick Spencer whom he recruited then from College. He went to the Final of the League in 2008 and the semi-finals in 2010 in spite of having one of the lowest budgets of the French Pro A.
He is known for his successfull choice of imports and his good management of the game. Coach Elias Zouros, who crossed his road in 2004-05 while in Paris, praises his game and results.
After the signatures of confirmed players like Rony Fahed, Roy Samaha, Bassel Bawji, and others, Al Mouttahed brings another major piece of puzzle to his set up for a season they hope will be successfull. "We are building a team to compete at the highest level and we believe Coach Choulet has the competence and high level Basketball knowledge to lead us through" commented Al Mouttahed President Ahmad Safadi. "Tripoli deserves a Top Team in the League and we are working to secure that".


For Arabic version click on the following link: http://www.sportkello.com/basketball/basketball/basketball-lebanon/11577-ben-dis-donc-il-ya-des-croissants-chez-hallab



Coach Farran headed to Turkey - by Ahmad Kerdi

Coach Ahmad Farran who was appointed earlier this summer as the 2nd assistant Coach at AL Riyadi Club left Lebanon today to Turkey.
Coach Farran will be attending training sessions during the upcoming two days on the new Scouting Software acquired by the team, knowing that this software is being used by some of the top European Clubs.
The acquisition of the software is a part of the ongoing renovation process in the club in order to reach a higher level of professionalism and better preparations for the huge upcoming Championships awaiting the Team.


Al Moutahed Tripoli wants Marc Salyers - by Eurobasket

Al Moutahed Tripolis (Division A) new head coach Jean-Denys Choulet is considering to sign a 33-year old American forward Marc Salyers (205-F-79, college: Samford). He played for him in 2006-07 season, when Choulet was coaching French ProA team Roanne. Salyers played last season at Trabzonspor Basketbol in Turkish TBL. While playing 7 TBL games for Trabzonspor last year Salyers averaged 3.7ppg and 4.1rpg. He played also 2 games for Sokhumi (Georgia) in EuroChallenge where he had 12.5ppg, 6.5rpg, 2.5apg and 1.0bpg. Salyers played in the final of French ProA in 2010. He was also selected to Eurobasket.com French ProA All-Imports Team in 2008. Salyers is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in France, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Korea, Poland, Turkey and Ukraine. Salyers graduated Samford University in 2001 and it will be his 12th season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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


SMKA signs Giedrius Staniulis - by Eurobasket News

Giedrius Staniulis (205-C/F-91) is back to Lithuania. Recently the player failed to pass medical tests in Reggio Emilia and soon after that he penned a deal with SMKA. They will compete in NKL next season. The player spent 2011/12 with Panevezys Lietkabelis, where he averaged 8.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1 block for 21 LKL games. He was fourth shot blocker of the competition. The player added 9.6 ppg and 5.6 rpg for 16 Baltic league appearances. Before Panevezys Lietkabelis, Giedrius Staniulis spent two years with Perlas Vilnius. He had 11.4 ppg and 5.8 rpg for 12 Baltic league games in their second season together. His numbers in LKL were lower. In the past, Staniulis played for KKM-Aisciai Kauno and also for Zalgiris Kaunas juniors. He successfully played for U16, U18 and U20 Lithuanian National Teams from 2007 until the last summer. In 2008, he won the silver medal with U18 Lithuania at U18 EuroBasket in Amalaida Pyrgos. He also won the bronze medal with U16 Lithuania in 2007. Reggio Emilia is on the move now and they are expected to bring in the new player.


Robertas Javtokas undergoes successful surgery - by Eurobasket News

Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona) underwent successful foot surgery yesterday. The Lithuanian big guy got injured (stress fracture) during the Olympic Additional Qualifying Tournament in Caracas. He will be sidelined for the next 4-6 months. He had 2.3 ppg, 3 rpg and 1 bpg in 4 games in Caracas. Robertas Javtokas averaged 6.3 points and 5 rebounds for the Lithuanian NT last summer at 2011 EuroBasket. He appeared 11 times at this event. Robertas Javtokas returned to Zalgiris Kaunas a year ago from Valencia. He had 6.3 ppg and 5.2 rpg for 16 Euroleague games last season. The player also added 8.2 ppg and 5.2 rpg for 26 games in LKL, while his numbers in VTB United League were pretty close. Zalgiris won Lithuanian and Baltic league titles last season. They also celebrated in Lithuanian Cup. Zalgiris is now on the market looking for the big guy. They already have few options, according to the local media.


Azovmash beat Liatkabelis in Druskininkai - by Eurobasket News

Azovmash played their first pre-season game. They took on Liatkabelis in Druskininkai. Azovmash entered the game without Akingbala, Pecherov, Zabirchenko, Natyazhko and Paunic. Azovmash in the meantime played with Simonas Serapinas (197-F-82) and Vitas who joined the team for the training camp in Druskininkai.
Azovmash dominated throughout the game. They managed to record a 77:71 victory at the end. Tadija Dragicevic (206-F/C-86, agency: Beo Basket) scored 20 points to lead the winners. Lynn Greer (186-PG-79, college: Temple) delivered 12 points, while Simonas Serapinas added 11 points for the winners. Martynas Bapkauskas (187-G-92) answered with 12 points for Liatkabelis. Kaspars Cipruss (210-C-82, agency: Interperformances) and Adomas Drungilas (203-C-90) had 11 points each in the loss.
Azovmash will now move to Bormio for the second training camp.


Kazlauskas heads candidates to replace Kemzura - by Eurobasket News

The Lithuanian Basketball Federation (LKF) is yet to announce an official verdict on coach Kestutis Kemzura (193-G-70), whose contract with the federation expired after the Olympics, but a coaching change is almost inevitable for Lithuania.

Vladas Garastas, the Honorary President of LKF, was disappointed that the tradition of making the Olympic semi-finals was broken, but what frustrated him the most was the teams display on the court.

The thing I didnt like the most was the gray and monotonic game. I wanted speed, passing, running. We lacked fire. It seemed as if it was a team of veterans over 40-years-old, Garastas said in an interview with Delfi.lt.

Multiple names have been brought up of who could take over at the helm of the national team, but Jonas Kazlauskas and Rimas Kurtinaitis (agency: Alti Sport ) have been highlighted as the main candidates.

However, certain disagreements between Khimkis coach Rimas Kurtinaitis (agency: Alti Sport ) and the LKF, stemming from Lithuanias poor performance in EuroBasket 2009, have rounded up the candidate list to a single solid name.

Kazlauskas returning to the national team is potentially a deal made in heaven, as a rejuvenated team will benefit from having an experienced coach, who seems to be interested in returning as well.

I had no contact with the federation until Arvydas Sabonis was elected as President. Now, with Arvydas, things have a potential to change. I respect him a lot and if he ever asks for help, I will never say no, Jonas Kazlauskas told BasketNews.lt.

Rimas Kurtinaitis (agency: Alti Sport ) is fully behind the candidature of Kazlauskas, despite him not the best season with CSKA Moscow.

I don't see myself in the national team in the upcoming years. I would say Jonas Kazlauskas is the best option. He is experienced and already has been in this situation in the past, Kurtinaitis told Russian media.

Vladas Garastas was cautious about his wording of the issue, but the idea remained the same there is no better candidate than Kazlauskas.

When it comes to choosing the coach, the prerogative belongs to Arvydas Sabonis. First of all, we need to talk with the best candidate. And I think Jonas Kazlauskas is just that. We need an experienced guy like him to rebuild Lithuanian basketball.
Courtesy of: lithuaniabasketball.com


*****************************************************
  MONTENEGRO   


Buducnost's future is bright: Carapic, Bacovic and Radunovic joined the youth team - by Darko Pekic

Buducnost announced today the signing of three Montenegrin talents: Ognjen Carapic (178-PG-98), Vasilije Bacovic (201-C-96) and Mihailo Radunovic (199-SF-96). Three young players will initially join the youth teams hoping to join the fisrt team in the years to come. With this move Buducnost secured a bright future for their first team and proved once again that they were on the right track with the new management led by Dragan Bokan, director of VOLI supermarkets.

Ognjen Carapic is a talented guard, son of former Mornar's forward Rajko Carapic (196-G-64). He played last season in Mornar's Under 16 team and participated at the Final Four tournament held in Bar. He mpressed scouts with his handling skills and calm style of play and after the end of season Carapic got calls from Spain, Serbia and Turkey but finally decided to join the powerhouse from Podgorica.

Mihailo Radunovic is a power forward who has nice skills around the basket and was the team leader of KK Podgorica, fierce rival of Buducnost in youth selections. He is also a member of U16 NT of Montenegro. His teammate in the National Team, Vasilije Bacovic who is a true center, also joined Buducnost. He arrived from Anagastum Niksic.


*****************************************************
  NBA   


San Antonio Spurs hire Portland native, former Trail Blazers forward Ime Udoka as assistant coach - by Eurobasket News

The San Antonio Spurs hired former Trail Blazers forward and Portland native Ime Udoka (6'6''-F-77, agency: Priority Sports, college: Portland St.) as an assistant coach, the team announced Tuesday.

Release from the Spurs:

SAN ANTONIO (August 28, 2012) - The San Antonio Spurs today announced that Ime Udoka has been named an assistant coach.

Ime Udoka possesses an outstanding work ethic as well as a natural inclination to teach. We are excited to add someone with his potential to our coaching staff, said Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich.

Udoka returns to San Antonio after having played for the Silver and Black from 2007-09 and during the 2010-11 campaign. In his three seasons with the Spurs, he appeared in 160 games, averaging 4.5 points and 2.7 rebounds in 15.5 minutes.

Udoka spent seven seasons in the NBA playing in 316 career games, averaging 5.2 points and 2.9 rebounds in 18.1 minutes . He enjoyed his best campaign during the 2006-07 season when he started 75 games for Portland, averaging 8.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 28.6 minutes. Udoka also played for the L.A. Lakers in 2003-04, the New York Knicks in 2005-06, the Sacramento Kings in 2009-10 and the New Jersey Nets in 2011-12.

Undrafted out of college, Udoka spent time in NBA Development League, USBL, IBA and internationally in Spain and France. Udoka began his D-League career in 2002-03 with the Charleston Lowgators. In 2005-06 he was named to the All-NBA D-League First Team and was also the recipient of Jason Collier Sportsmanship Award after averaging 17.1 points and 6.2 rebounds in 45 games for the Fort Worth Flyers.

Udoka closed out his college career at Portland State where he led the Vikings in scoring, rebounding, steals and blocked shots during the 1999-2000 season. He was also named First Team All-Big Sky Conference and was selected as the leagues Newcomer of the Year. Udoka began his college career at Eastern Utah and spent a year at the University of San Francisco before arriving at Portland State.

Though American-born, Udokas late father was of Ibibio descent and was born in Nigeria which allowed Udoka to play for the Nigerian National Team. He represented Nigeria in multiple tournaments, including the 2005 African Championship, the 2006 FIBA World Championship, where he averaged 14.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists, and the 2011 African Championship where he helped lead Nigeria to a bronze medal.

Courtesy of www.oregonlive.com


Rondo says he wants to be greatest Celtics point guard ever - by Eurobasket News

I like that Rajon Rondo (6'1''-PG-86, college: Kentucky) is thinking big. Like the Celtics are my team big.

Look what he said while in the Philippines (where he is helping at a Red Bull sponsored youth Clinic), as reported by Interaksyon.com (via SLAM).

I hope I can end my career as the greatest point guard in the history of the Boston Celtics, he said.
Its lofty. Boston is a city that is prideful of its history in all forms, all the way to John Winthrop and his city upon a hill (which was intended in a very different way than politicians use it today).

With the Celtics that history goes back as well to their dominant era of the 1950s and 60s. It means Hall of Famer Bob Cousy at the point, a guard who dribbled behind the back because it was an efficient way to keep the ball away from a defender, who seems to have invented the no-look pass. Cousy revolutionized the point guard position. He is the point guard benchmark in Boston, one great players like Nate Tiny Archibald and Dennis Johnson tried to live up to.

Rondo can be on that list someday. He should be on that list someday. Boston needs to keep him in a few years to be the guy they build around when Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce ride off into the sunset. If he stays he should be remembered as one of the great Celtics ever, a guy with his number in the rafters.

But he is going to need more than one ring to ultimately be considered among the Boston elite. He knows it (as does KG and PP).

Still, I like that he has set his goals high. That is one of the things great players do.

Courtesy of http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com (by Kurt Helin)


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


Huskies Hold On For A 68-65 Win Over Tarragona - by Eurobasket News

TARRAGONA, Spain - The Washington Huskies outscored Tarragona 35-25 in the second half to rally from an eight point halftime deficit and win 68-65 in the first of seven games during their 16-day foreign tour on Monday evening.

Abdul Gaddy (6'3''-G-92) and Scott Suggs (6'6''-G) scored 16 points each and C.J. Wilcox added 12 to pace the Huskies' offensive efforts.

The Huskies were able to overcome a sluggish start and 28 turnovers - 14 in each half - to rally past Tarragona, a third division pro team in Spain. The Huskies came out cold from the field, making just 13 of their 37 shots in the first half (35.1%), including just one of seven 3-point field goals.

Gaddy, who also ended the game with 6 rebounds, 5 steals, 2 assists and 7 turnovers, kept the Huskies in the game offensively in the first half with 9 points. But the Huskies, for the most part, had trouble adjusting to the European style of play. The Huskies committed numerous traveling violations as they struggled to get their footing on the slick court and adjust to the international traveling rules.

The second half was a different story for the Huskies. Suggs (7) and Wilcox (5) combined to score 12 of the team's first 14 points and by the 3:50 mark in the third quarter, the Huskies trailed only by one, 47-46. A Gaddy three-point play the hard way gave the Huskies their first lead since early in the second quarter and spurred an 11-0 run over the final 4:10 of the third quarter.

Abdul Gaddy and Scott Suggs score 16 points apiece to lead Washington in their first of seven games during its foreign tour.
The Huskies had a 54-47 advantage entering the final 10-minute frame, but saw their lead evaporate quickly. Tarragona outscored the Huskies 14-6 in the first 3:28 of the fourth quarter to recapture the lead, but a Wilcox jumper followed by a desperation 3-point bucket from 33-feet out as the 24-second shot clock expired on the next possession gave UW the lead back for good, 65-61.

Tarragona went without a field goal over the final 6:32, making just four free throws during that span, but Washington was almost equally cold from the field. A Shawn Kemp turnaround jump hook from the right side of the key at 1:45 gave the Huskies a 67-63 advantage and was the last field goal for either team.

Things got tense for the Huskies near the end of the game, when the ball slipped through Kemp's hands near the 3-point line as his team tried to burn time off the clock. Kemp compounded the problem when he was whistled for an intentional foul and the Tarragona player converted both free throws to make it 67-65 with 50.7 seconds remaining.

Wilcox would steal the ball on the ensuing Tarragona possession and dish the ball to Andrew Andrews who was fouled trying to escape down the court with 20.9 seconds remaining. Andrews converted the first of two free throws to give Washington a 68-65 advantage, but missed the second.

It appeared the Huskies would escape with the win from there when Tarragona turned the ball over and had to foul Suggs, one of UW's better free throw shooters, with 4.7 seconds left in the game. But, Suggs uncharacteristically missed both free throws, giving Tarragona both the ball and life.

The host team raced to mid-court, but their desperation shot harmlessly hammered off the backboard without touching rim.

"I thought we shared the ball well, which is a positive," Husky Coach Lorenzo Romar said following his team's win. "On the flipside, I thought we had some lapses defensively, but to have only had 10 practices and still get 16 steals -- that's a lot. I thought it forced them out of their offense."

"We missed a lot of easy shots," Romar added, "given the circumstances of traveling the day before, having to play a game so quickly, the hour bus ride ... I thought we did a lot of positive things."

Washington finished the game 26-of-65 (40%) from the field, 4-of-12 (33%) from the 3-point line and made 12 of 21 (57.1%) from the free throw line.

Martin Breunig led Washington with 7 of the Huskies 41 rebounds.

Tarragona stats were unavailable following the game.

The Huskies are off on Tuesday and will return to action on Wednesday when they play Zaragoza at 6:00 p.m.
Courtesy of: gohuskies.com


Former UNO, Memphis player Carmouche joins LSU - by Rick Ross

Courtesy of SICNN.COM

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) -- LSU coach Johnny Jones says former University of New Orleans and
Memphis guard Charles Carmouche has enrolled in LSU and will join the Tigers for the upcoming season.

The 6-foot-3 Carmouche played two seasons at New Orleans before transferring to Memphis,
where he played the past two years.

However, he received a medical redshirt last season while completing his graduation requirements at Memphis,
allowing him to transfer to another Division I program without sitting out a year.

Carmouche, who is from New Orleans, has played in 92 games in his college career with 75 starts.
He has averaged 7.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists.

Jones says Carmouche's ability to defend and his experience will make him an instant leader and a valuable addition to the Tigers.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/basketball/ncaa/08/26/charles-carmouche-lsu.ap/index.html#ixzz24x76YxU9


*****************************************************
  NCAA3   


Tyler Hammond Marietta Pioneers University is Primed and Ready For His Junior Season - by Vance Marbury

Tyler Hammond Marietta Pioneers University is Primed and Ready For His Junior Season

2010-11: Hammond a 510 180 lb Guard from Cleveland Ohio (St. Ignatius High School) as a Freshman Started all 31 games as a freshmen and earned his first varsity letter...Voted D3hoops.com Great Lakes Region Rookie of the Year and Third Team All-Great Lakes Region...Earned Honorable Mention All-OAC...Scored in double figures in 17 games...Averaged 11.1 points, 3.1 assist, 2.4 rebounds, and 23.2 minutes...Set career-bests with 22 points against Wilmington, eight assists against Otterbein and six rebounds against John Carroll.

2011-12: Hammond as a Sophomore 9 pts per game. Hammond shot 42% from the field and 35.6% from 3 point range. Earned his second varsity letter as a sophomore. Hammond started all 26 in 2011-12. Hammond led the team in assists. He averaged 9.3 pts, 2.6 rebs, and 2.7 asts per game and had a season high 16 against John Carroll. Hammond was awarded All-OAC Honorable Mention honors.

This Season much will be expected of Tyler, and during an interview of during the 2012 Cleveland Am Pro Summer League, Hammond stated that he is more confident then ever and he feels that Marietta will be back on top of there conference. Tyler also believes individually he worked hard on weakenesses in his game this summer, and his play during the 2012-13 season will show his efforts during the offseason.


*****************************************************
  NIGERIA   


Nigeria looks beyond Bakare - by Iwedi Ojinmah

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) is considering hiring a foreign coach for its men's team, D'Tigers.

This follows the decision of Ayo Bakare to leave his position as head coach of the men's basketball team after the 2012 Olympics in London.

A top official in the basketball federation disclosed that the body will discuss the matter when it reviews the performance of D'Tigers in the men's basketball tournament at the Olympics.

"As it is a foreign technical adviser is the option before the federation after what we have seen at the Olympics. We need someone that will guide the team and other coaches after Mr Bakare decided to stand down," said the official.

The last foreign coach hired for D'Tigers was John Harding Lucas II.

The ex-Philadelphia 76ers coach led the Nigerian men's team to a fifth placed finish at the 2009 Fiba African Championship for Men.


San Antonio Spurs hire Portland native, former Trail Blazers forward Ime Udoka as assistant coach - by Eurobasket News

The San Antonio Spurs hired former Trail Blazers forward and Portland native Ime Udoka (6'6''-F-77, agency: Priority Sports, college: Portland St.) as an assistant coach, the team announced Tuesday.

Release from the Spurs:

SAN ANTONIO (August 28, 2012) - The San Antonio Spurs today announced that Ime Udoka has been named an assistant coach.

Ime Udoka possesses an outstanding work ethic as well as a natural inclination to teach. We are excited to add someone with his potential to our coaching staff, said Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich.

Udoka returns to San Antonio after having played for the Silver and Black from 2007-09 and during the 2010-11 campaign. In his three seasons with the Spurs, he appeared in 160 games, averaging 4.5 points and 2.7 rebounds in 15.5 minutes.

Udoka spent seven seasons in the NBA playing in 316 career games, averaging 5.2 points and 2.9 rebounds in 18.1 minutes . He enjoyed his best campaign during the 2006-07 season when he started 75 games for Portland, averaging 8.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 28.6 minutes. Udoka also played for the L.A. Lakers in 2003-04, the New York Knicks in 2005-06, the Sacramento Kings in 2009-10 and the New Jersey Nets in 2011-12.

Undrafted out of college, Udoka spent time in NBA Development League, USBL, IBA and internationally in Spain and France. Udoka began his D-League career in 2002-03 with the Charleston Lowgators. In 2005-06 he was named to the All-NBA D-League First Team and was also the recipient of Jason Collier Sportsmanship Award after averaging 17.1 points and 6.2 rebounds in 45 games for the Fort Worth Flyers.

Udoka closed out his college career at Portland State where he led the Vikings in scoring, rebounding, steals and blocked shots during the 1999-2000 season. He was also named First Team All-Big Sky Conference and was selected as the leagues Newcomer of the Year. Udoka began his college career at Eastern Utah and spent a year at the University of San Francisco before arriving at Portland State.

Though American-born, Udokas late father was of Ibibio descent and was born in Nigeria which allowed Udoka to play for the Nigerian National Team. He represented Nigeria in multiple tournaments, including the 2005 African Championship, the 2006 FIBA World Championship, where he averaged 14.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists, and the 2011 African Championship where he helped lead Nigeria to a bronze medal.

Courtesy of www.oregonlive.com


BWB: Ibaka, Mbah A Moute leads top NBA star to South Africa - by Olusegun Ikuesan

..... 3rd Girls camp on the bill
The 10th edition of the annual Basketball Without Borders Africa camp will feature top young players drawn from across the continent is schedule for August 30 through September 3, 2012 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The camp co-organized by the NBA and FIBA, this years camp features Nike, South African Airways, Spalding and Sprite as BWB Marketing Partners.

Some of the highlight of the 4-Day camp is the presence Thabo Sefolosha, who helped Oklahoma City Thunder to the final of the 2011/2012 season NBA finals, will join a group of NBA players and coaches to lead sixty of the top young basketball players from across Africa for the 2012 BWB Africa camp.

Sefolosha, whose father is South African, will join his Oklahoma City Thunder teammates Serge Ibaka (Congo), Nick Collison and Cole Aldrich as camp coaches along with Chicago Bulls Luol Deng (South Sudan), Milwaukee Bucks Luc Mbah A Moute (Cameroon), Brooklyn Nets CJ Watson, and NBA Global Ambassador Dikembe Mutombo (DRC). Sefolosha, Ibaka, Collison, Deng, Mbah a Moute and Mutombo have all previously participated in BWB camps, Mbah a Moute as both a camper (2003) and an NBA player coach.

The players were drawn from 26 countries will converge in Johannesburg for the four-day basketball camp. The players, including four from South Africa and one from the newly formed Republic of South Sudan, were selected by FIBA, the NBA and participating federations based on their basketball skills, leadership abilities and dedication to the sport.

Running concurrently to the boys camp is the girls camp which will feature 25 elite female South African players (ages 18 and under) will take part in a three-day girls camp, with expert instruction by WNBA Legend and six-time WNBA All-Star Chamique Holdsclaw.

For the duration of both events, campers will work on improving their basketball skills through drills, daily scrimmages, and competitions with top instruction from the NBA and WNBA players and coaches. Both camps will feature daily life skills sessions, in partnership with UNICEF and Hoops 4 Hope, in which NBA and WNBA players will speak about the importance of education, leadership, and HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. Campers will be hosted by St. Johns College, with the on-court action taking place at the King Edwards VII School.

NBA coaches and personnel attending the camp include Ron Adams (Chicago Bulls); Jim Boylan (Milwaukee Bucks); Luca Desta (Dallas Mavericks); Patrick Hunt (FIBA Coach); BJ Johnson (Houston Rockets); Popeye Jones (Brooklyn Nets); Milton Newton (Washington Wizards) and Patrick Mutombo (Denver Nuggets). Keith Jones from the Houston Rockets and Brian Zettler from the Utah Jazz join as camp trainers, whilst Phoenix Suns General Manager Lance Blanks and Denver Nuggets General Manager Masai Ujiri (Nigeria), the first African general manager of a US sports franchise, return as camp directors. Serge Ibaka (208-C/F-89)


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  PARAGUAY   


CERRO becomes champion after 50 years!!! - by Santiago Maciel

After a super low start during the regular season Cerro ended up consolidating a great chemistry group.
The team had to get over so many adversities during the season that most people including this reporter gave very low chances to this team.
The great candidate was of course Libertad. The team led by Cristhian Viveros lost its first game only in the quoadrangular round. The acquisition of Jamal Levy was surprising
considering his great level at Lanus in Argentina and also for being teammate with Bruno Zanotti (199-F-82, college: Merrimack) at that same team.
However, Cerro ended 3rd at the SEMI FINAL round, having to had to play extra games the best of 3 with San Jos. Unbelievably , Cerro shutted down the main weapon of San Jos; their 3 pointers.
Juan Pablo Feliu had a great lecture of what San Jos was doing to finally reach th final SERIES to the best of 5 against libertad.

Libertad , bad coached by Viveros in offense, never could obtain an offensive line, his players were so inconsistent except fo Zanotti and Perez. They rarely got Levy involved in the game which at large gave Cerro tremendous advantage due to the profound game of Fabio , Penny, Ozuna and Paniagua. Only Edison Ortiz (197-F/C-82) had a consistent game from the 3 point line, but obviously shooting from long range could never be enough at this level.

Libertad played and lost with this players: Daniel Perez (190-G/F-84) (18), Carlos Luis Vallejos (183-G-92), Bruno Zanotti (15), Jamal Levy (12) y Edison Ortiz (13),Alexis Bentez, Carlos Riveros (8) . Diego Bareiro (4).
Cerro played and won after 50 years with: Gustavo Paniagua (12), Richard Ozuna (17), Elias Sosa (194-F/C-80), Jose Fabio (6) , James Penny (198-F-76, college: TCU) (30) Nelson Peralta, Luis Ljubetich, Jorge Sequera (5) , Marcos Rabino (5).



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  POLAND   

Standings - 1 Liga

1Liga Standings
 1. Astoria Bydg. 0-0 
 2. AZS Kutno 0-0 
 3. AZS PP 0-0 
 4. AZS Radex 0-0 
 5. MKS DG 0-0 
 6. MOSiR Krosno 0-0 
 7. P.Cukier SIDEn 0-0 
 8. Polonia 0-0 
 9. SKK Siedlce 0-0 
 10. Slask Wroclaw 0-0 
 11. Sokol Lancut 0-0 
 12. Spojnia 0-0 
 13. Stal Ostrow 0-0 
 14. Start Lublin 0-0 
 15. UMKS Kielce 0-0 
 16. Znicz Basket 0-0 

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 29: Znicz Basket - UMKS Kielce
Sep. 29: MKS DG - AZS Kutno
Sep. 29: Sokol Lancut - AZS PP
Sep. 29: AZS Radex - Start Lublin
Sep. 29: SKK Siedlce - P.Cukier SIDEn
Sep. 29: Astoria Bydg. - Polonia
Sep. 29: Slask Wroclaw - Spojnia
Sep. 29: Stal Ostrow - MOSiR Krosno


Trefl Sopot signs Sime Spralja - by Eurobasket News

Sime Spralja (206-F/C-83, agency: Court Side) will continue his career in Poland. The Croatian PF/C penned a deal with Trefl Sopot. Spralja started last season with CEZ Basketball Nymburk. He appeared 6 times in domestic championship averaging 8.5 points and 3.7 rebounds. The player also added 5.5 ppg and 1.3 rpg in 4 VTB United League games. They parted ways in December and Spralja joined Romanian Timisoara. There he shined with 19.4 ppg and 6 rpg for 5 Balkan league games. In Romanian league the big guy had 10.9 ppg and 4.2 boards. He left the club in May. From 2006 to 2011 Sime Spralja was a member of Siroki. He helped them win four Bosnian league titles and three Cup trophies. In the past, Spralja played for Split and Zadar. With Zadar, he won two championship titles in Croatia and two Cup trophies. They also were Adriatic league champs in 2003.


Siarka Jezioro tests Przybyszewski - by Eurobasket

Siarka Jezioro Tarnobrzeg (TBL) is currently testing a 31-year old ex-international center Dawid Przybyszewski (215-115kg-81, college: Vanderbilt). He played last season at Polski Cukier SIDEn Torun (1Liga). While playing 22 games for P.Cukier SIDEn last year Przybyszewski averaged 5.9ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.0apg and 1.2spg. Przybyszewski played in the final of Polish 2Liga Group A in 2011. He was also selected to Eurobasket.com All-Polish 2Liga 2nd Team in 2011. Przybyszewski played also pro basketball in Austria and Hungary. He graduated Vanderbilt University in 2005 and it will be his eighth season in pro basketball. Przybyszewski was a member of Polish senior national team in 2004.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Alba Chorzow sign Krzysztof Morawiec - by Eurobasket

UKS Alba Chorzow (2Liga) signed 38-year old domestic guard Krzysztof Morawiec (192-74). He played last season at MKS Dabrowa Gornicza (1Liga). While playing 37 games for MKS DG last year Morawiec averaged 5.0ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.3apg and 1.2spg. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. Morawiec was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Polish 2Liga Honorable Mention in 2010. He is a very experienced player.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Alba Chorzow sign Krzysztof Morawiec - by Eurobasket

UKS Alba Chorzow (2Liga) signed 38-year old domestic guard Krzysztof Morawiec (192-74). He played last season at MKS Dabrowa Gornicza (1Liga). While playing 37 games for MKS DG last year Morawiec averaged 5.0ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.3apg and 1.2spg. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. Morawiec was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Polish 2Liga Honorable Mention in 2010. He is a very experienced player.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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  RUSSIA   


Spartak Saint Petersburg claim second straight win in Finland - by Eurobasket News

Pyrinto - Spartak Saint Petersburg 69:81

Spartak Saint Petersburg played the second pre-season game in Finland. They took on Pyrinto Tampere. The Russian team proved the strength claiming a comfortable 12-point victory. Artem Yakovenko (205-F/C-88, agency: RU-Basket Management) accounted for 15 points to lead the winners.
Spartak cleared off at 8-point mark after ten minutes 20:12. They kept Pyrinto at distance throughout the second quarter. The visitors accumulated a 43:35 halftime lead. Spartak boosted the gap in the third quarter. They established a 15-point buffer before the fourth quarter. Pyrinto outscored their opponents in the final stanza but could not avoid the loss. Zakharov and Fedor Dmitriev (205-F-84, agency: Alti Sport) knocked down 14 points each for the winning side. Carl Lindbom (206-F-91) answered with 18 points for Pyrinto. Antero Lehto (184-G-84), Jesse Niemi (193-F/G-90) and Jukka-Pekka Vaananen (195-G-84) had 8 points each in the loss.

Spartak SP: Artem Yakovenko 15, Zakharov 14, Fedor Dmitriev 14, Josh Carter 12
Pyrinto: Carl Lindbom 18, Antero Lehto 8, Jesse Niemi 8, Jukka-Pekka Vaananen 8


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  RWANDA   


Espoir Are Zone V Club Champions - by Eurobasket News

When Rwanda's sole representatives at this year's Zone V Club championships confirmed their participation in the annual tournament, every basketball fan in the region did not give them a benefit of doubt as potential winners.
In fact not many fans were sure which country they were representing until they took to the court and stunned tournament favourites-Kyambogo Warriors 72-56 in their opening game.
A win against Tanzania's Savio 90-51 in their second Pool A fixture made sure Espoir booked a berth in the semi-finals despite a loss to the reigning tournament champions Urunani of Burundi 68-66 in their final group game.
A one sided game against the reigning league champions of Uganda, Power 67-54 in the first semi-final game confirmed their official bid for a regional title and to say that they would predict the results of the final maybe celebrations would have started earlier.
Espoir outclassed, out-rebounded and outplayed Urunani in the final to an extent that fans questioned the Burundian side's presence in the regional final. Espoir outscored Urunani 20-14 and 24-10 in the first two quarters to enjoy a comfortable half time lead.
A further dominance in the second half 24-8 and 22-7 sealed off the well-deserved victory for the Rwandan outfit that showed maturity, excellence and revengeful payback to the Burundians who had defeated them just two days ago.
Eventual tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP) and top scorer Aristide Mugabe (183-PG-88) sunk a spectacular 26 points as teammate Jean Louis Habineza dropped 24 points with seven three pointers in his collection.
Kami Kabange and Bienvenue Ngandu each dropped 17 and 13 points respectively to chock Urunani as the latter saw their title defense go to the drain.
Mugabe took to the social media revealing that this achievement was a realisation of his dreams as well as those of the entire team that had worked hard to make sure this dream came alive.
The last time a Rwandan side won the Zone V Club championships was in 2008 when APR clinched the title at a tournament hosted in Addis Ababa. APR also won the title in 2002 and 2007.
Men, Final
Espoir (Rwa) 90-39 Urunani (Bur)
Women, Final
Eagle Wings (Ken) 77-54 KPA (Ken)
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.ch/


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  SENEGAL   


Pape Sow is a newcomer at Avila - by Eurobasket

Grupo Eule Carrefour El Bulevar de Avila (LEB Silver) agreed terms with 31-year old Senegalese ex-international forward Pape Sow (207-102kg-81, college: CS Fullerton). Last time he played at Mahram Tehran in Iranian Superleague. While playing 6 games for Mahram last season Sow averaged 2.7ppg and 3.2rpg. Sow helped his team to win the championship title. It was a very successful year in his career as He received an award of Asia-Basket.com All-Iranian Superleague Center of the Year. Sow is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Iran, Italy, Morocco, Poland and Senegal. Sow graduated California State University, Fullerton in 2004 and it will be his nineth season in pro basketball. Sow was a member of Senegalese senior national team between 2003 and 2009. He played at the WABA Club Championships this year. Sows team won Gold.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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  SERBIA   


Serbian Srdjan Zivkovic stays with BBC Nyon - by Eurobasket News

Serbian Srdjan Zivkovic (200-G/F-86) stays with BBC Nyon for another season. In 2011-2012 for BBC Nyon (Switzerland-LNA, starting five) he averaged 10.4ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 18.4%, FT: 78.7%, also played at BBC Nyon U23 (LNB) and showed 15.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 6.5apg, 2.0spg, 2FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 25.9%, FT: 58.8%.
Last year the Serbian guard/small forward signed a one-year deal with the Swiss outfit. Zivkovic arrived to Nyon from OKK Beograd, where he spent the earlier season. He appeared 39 times in Serbian league averaging 10.6 points, 2 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1 steal. Zivkovic also added 10.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 1.5 apg for 10 Balkan league games. He helped OKK Beograd to reach the Quarterfinals in this competition. Before OKK Beograd, Srdjan Zivkovic was a member of Rilski Sportisti Samokov, but played just few games for them in 2009/10. Zivkovic also has experience from Masinac, Napredak Rubin, MZT Skopje and Ergonom. In the past, he played for the Serbian U18 and U16 National Team. Zivkovic played for Partizan youth teams.


Partizan eye Jacob Pullen - by Eurobasket News

Jacob Pullen (183-PG-89, college: Kansas St.) may soon move to Serbia. The guard has reportedly been in advanced talks with Partizan Belgrade. The US-Georgian player spent the last season in Italy. Jacob Pullen played for Angelico Biella. He notched 16.0 points, 3.2 assists, 1.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game in SeriaA. Jacob Pullen participated at AirTran Orlando Summer League. He notched 19.0 points, 3.0 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game. Jacob Pullen joined Georgian National Team this summer. He plays at 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. Jacon Pullen averages 16.0 points, 2.5 assists and 1.8 rebounds per game at the tournament.


LF Basket adds Mladen Soskic for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

LF Basket announced signing of Mladen Soskic (202-F-84) for the upcoming season. It will be his first time in Sweden. The Serbian forward spent last season with Slovenian squad Rogaska Crystal. He had 9.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg and 2 apg for 27 games in Telemach league. Soskic participated at the All-Star Game. The player finished 2010/11 season on Iceland. He joined UMF Krindavik in February of 2011 registering 14 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 2.8 apg for 9 Express League games. Before Grindavik, he spent one year with Slovenian Zasavje PRO-TEK Rudar. That season he averaged 10.5 points and 3.2 rebounds. Mladen Soskic also has experience from Austria, Greece, Poland and Montenegro. With Austrian UBSC Graz he shined with 15.7 ppg, 2.6 apg nd 2.4 rpg for 25 games. In 2007, he won the Polish Cup with Anwil Wloclawek.


Strahinja Stojacic joins Smederevo - by Eurobasket

Vizura Smederevo (A League) agreed terms with 20-year old domestic guard Strahinja Stojacic (197-92). He played last season at Radnicki Kragujevac (A League), but the team loaned him to Smederevo for 12-13 season. While playing 8 games for Radnicki KG last year Stojacic averaged just 1.1ppg. Stojacic helped his team to end the regular season as a second best team in the league. They advanced also to the league semifinals. He was a member of Serbian U19 national team until 2012.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Strahinja Stojacic joins Smederevo - by Eurobasket

Vizura Smederevo (A League) agreed terms with 20-year old domestic guard Strahinja Stojacic (197-92). He played last season at Radnicki Kragujevac (A League), but the team loaned him to Smederevo for 12-13 season. While playing 8 games for Radnicki KG last year Stojacic averaged just 1.1ppg. Stojacic helped his team to end the regular season as a second best team in the league. They advanced also to the league semifinals. He was a member of Serbian U19 national team until 2012.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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  SEYCHELLES   


Sylla's monster slams in Cobras blow-out loss to Hawks - by Eurobasket News

Amadou Sylla s third quarter monster slam dunk was probably the only thing special Premium Cobras brought into their game with defending champions PLS Hawks who extended their win run to 14 games in the mens division one league.
In an amazing display of athleticism and ingenuity, Sylla caught a long fast break in the air with one hand and jumped over his defender Neddy Oye Fanchette before slam dunking the basketball. There were no other major storylines in this match, only that the Hawks could not reach the century mark for the fourth straight game but still won by double digits in a blow-out 90-56 in Saturdays double-header at Victoria Gymnasium.
Before fouling out in the fourth quarter, Sylla scored 11 points and got help in offence from Dan Cme (14 points) and Steven Speedy Servina (12) but these statistics were barely enough against a Hawks team who are firing on all cylinders as they attempt to retain their championship crown with an unbeaten record.
Centre Rodney Loz came off the bench to lead all scores with 25 points, while Fanchette added 16 and Nigeria Alao Solomon 14.
In Saturdays other double-header, Baya finished with just four players after three others captain Timmy Adam, Liston Reginald and Faizal Naiken had fouled out, but they still beat Mont Fleuri Dawgz 79-66 to avenge their first-round 62-83 loss.
Captain Adam and shooting guard Steve Denis finished with 17 points apiece to carry their team to a ninth victory in 13 games for 22 points the same total as Premium Cobras and Mont Fleuri Dawgz. All three teams have identical win-lose records of 9-4.
With a stretched line-up, coach Michel Malbrook will be without another of his top players for at least the next six months after he refused to take a drugs test on Saturday.
Steven Andr had the hot hands for the Dawgz with 22 points, but his double digit scoring performance was to no avail as his team lost.
Big men Emmanuel Larue (C) (28 points) and Emmanuel Jupiter (F) (24) combined for 52 points to help their team RC Dynamics overcome a 13-point 28-41 half-time deficit and outscore Angels 59-35 in the second period for an 87-76 win, bringing their points tally to 17 after three wins and 11 defeats in 14 games.
Angels are on 18 points with five wins and eight defeats and they were paced by Dominique Franoise with 23 points and Chabel Servina chipped in with 17.
Playmaker and captain Nigel Sinon carried MBU Rockers to a 72-65 victory over Cascade Bullets, while teammates Pascal Bibi added 14 and Daniel Hoareau got 10 for their eighth win in 15 games played.
The Rockers built their victory in the first half which they won 36-28, while the Bullets, who got 23 points from playmaker Christopher Toto Camille and 11 from Sandy Julienne, won the third quarter 19-18 and tied the Rockers 18-18 in the fourth as they slumped to their 13th defeat in 14 games.

Meanwhile, in a mens bottom division, Razors edged AAP Brothers 57-55.
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.ch/


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  SLOVENIA   


Turk Telekom sign Miha Zupan - by Eurobasket News

Turk Telekom sign Miha Zupan (205-F/C-82) for the upcoming season.The Slovenian 205cm player will come from Russia.
In 1999-2000 he started for DGN Ljubljana (D4) and then moved to Geoplin Slovan Ljubljana (1A). He stayed with the team until February 2007 and then moved to Union Olimpija Ljubljana (1A, starting five). In Slovenian League after 21 games he averaged 12.7ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 60,7%, 3FGP: 18,2%, FT: 79,6%, while in Adriatic League after 10 games had 7.9ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 47%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 63.2%. In 2007-2008 for Union Olimpija Ljubljana (1A) debuted in Euroleague and after 13 games showed 6.5ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 75%. In Adriatic League that season after 30 games he averaged 7.0ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 81%, while in Slovenian League after 20 games showed 8.4ppg, 1.2rpg, 2FGP: 67.5%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 86.0%. After abother season with Union Olimpija Ljubljana he moved to AS Trikalla 2000 (Greece-A2, starting five). After 24 games he averaged 13.6ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 60.8%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 69.1%. In Greece he became Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League Bosman Player of the Year -10 and Eurobasket.com Greek A1 League All-Bosmans Team -10.
In 2011-2012 for Spartak St.Petersburg (Russia-PBL) Miha Zupan averaged 6.1ppg, 2.5rpg, FGP: 59.7%, 3PT: 26.8%, FT-3 (91.3%) in Russian league and in VTB League showed 6.4ppg, 2.4rpg, FGP: 62.2%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 83.3%. In EuroCup after 18 games his stats read 6.7ppg, 3.2rpg, FGP: 67.4%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT-3 (90.0%, starting five).


Jan Mocnik stays with Union Olimpija - by Eurobasket News

Jan Mocnik (178-G-87) stays with Union Olimpija for another season. The Slovenian Guard will enter his second staright season with the team.
Jan Mocnik started his basketball career in Nova Gorica, where he also grew up. He played there until end of 2002/2003 season, when he moved to Kraski Zidar Seana. He stayed there until 2007 when he again decided to return home to Nova Gorica. During next season he signed with Union Olimpija Ljubljana, where he won Slovenian League and also played in Semi-finals of Adriatic League. In 2008/2009 season he played in Poland for PGB Basket Poznan and for Slovenian club Postojna. During 2009/2010 he was in Italian Second Division where he played for Snaidero Udine. Jan Mocnik was part of all Slovenian National Team youth categories, including the U20 NT at the European Championship in his home town Nova Gorica, where he averaged 9 points and 5 assists per game. Before the start of 2011/2012 season he already practiced with Union Olimpija and in December 2011 the club decided to ink a contract with him.
In 2011-2012 season for Union Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-Telemach League) he averaged 5.8ppg, 1.1rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 72.2% in Slovenian League and in Euroleague showed 7.0ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.0apg. In Adriatic League his stats read 7.4ppg, 2.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP-2 (70.0%), 3PT: 43.6%, FT: 62.1%.


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  SPAIN   


Huskies Hold On For A 68-65 Win Over Tarragona - by Eurobasket News

TARRAGONA, Spain - The Washington Huskies outscored Tarragona 35-25 in the second half to rally from an eight point halftime deficit and win 68-65 in the first of seven games during their 16-day foreign tour on Monday evening.

Abdul Gaddy (6'3''-G-92) and Scott Suggs (6'6''-G) scored 16 points each and C.J. Wilcox added 12 to pace the Huskies' offensive efforts.

The Huskies were able to overcome a sluggish start and 28 turnovers - 14 in each half - to rally past Tarragona, a third division pro team in Spain. The Huskies came out cold from the field, making just 13 of their 37 shots in the first half (35.1%), including just one of seven 3-point field goals.

Gaddy, who also ended the game with 6 rebounds, 5 steals, 2 assists and 7 turnovers, kept the Huskies in the game offensively in the first half with 9 points. But the Huskies, for the most part, had trouble adjusting to the European style of play. The Huskies committed numerous traveling violations as they struggled to get their footing on the slick court and adjust to the international traveling rules.

The second half was a different story for the Huskies. Suggs (7) and Wilcox (5) combined to score 12 of the team's first 14 points and by the 3:50 mark in the third quarter, the Huskies trailed only by one, 47-46. A Gaddy three-point play the hard way gave the Huskies their first lead since early in the second quarter and spurred an 11-0 run over the final 4:10 of the third quarter.

Abdul Gaddy and Scott Suggs score 16 points apiece to lead Washington in their first of seven games during its foreign tour.
The Huskies had a 54-47 advantage entering the final 10-minute frame, but saw their lead evaporate quickly. Tarragona outscored the Huskies 14-6 in the first 3:28 of the fourth quarter to recapture the lead, but a Wilcox jumper followed by a desperation 3-point bucket from 33-feet out as the 24-second shot clock expired on the next possession gave UW the lead back for good, 65-61.

Tarragona went without a field goal over the final 6:32, making just four free throws during that span, but Washington was almost equally cold from the field. A Shawn Kemp turnaround jump hook from the right side of the key at 1:45 gave the Huskies a 67-63 advantage and was the last field goal for either team.

Things got tense for the Huskies near the end of the game, when the ball slipped through Kemp's hands near the 3-point line as his team tried to burn time off the clock. Kemp compounded the problem when he was whistled for an intentional foul and the Tarragona player converted both free throws to make it 67-65 with 50.7 seconds remaining.

Wilcox would steal the ball on the ensuing Tarragona possession and dish the ball to Andrew Andrews who was fouled trying to escape down the court with 20.9 seconds remaining. Andrews converted the first of two free throws to give Washington a 68-65 advantage, but missed the second.

It appeared the Huskies would escape with the win from there when Tarragona turned the ball over and had to foul Suggs, one of UW's better free throw shooters, with 4.7 seconds left in the game. But, Suggs uncharacteristically missed both free throws, giving Tarragona both the ball and life.

The host team raced to mid-court, but their desperation shot harmlessly hammered off the backboard without touching rim.

"I thought we shared the ball well, which is a positive," Husky Coach Lorenzo Romar said following his team's win. "On the flipside, I thought we had some lapses defensively, but to have only had 10 practices and still get 16 steals -- that's a lot. I thought it forced them out of their offense."

"We missed a lot of easy shots," Romar added, "given the circumstances of traveling the day before, having to play a game so quickly, the hour bus ride ... I thought we did a lot of positive things."

Washington finished the game 26-of-65 (40%) from the field, 4-of-12 (33%) from the 3-point line and made 12 of 21 (57.1%) from the free throw line.

Martin Breunig led Washington with 7 of the Huskies 41 rebounds.

Tarragona stats were unavailable following the game.

The Huskies are off on Tuesday and will return to action on Wednesday when they play Zaragoza at 6:00 p.m.
Courtesy of: gohuskies.com


CB Lobe Huesca tab Jamar Samuels - by Eurobasket News

CB Lobe Huesca (LEB Gold) strengthened their roster with addition of 23-year old American forward Jamar Samuels (200-89, college: Kansas State). He just graduated from Kansas State University. While playing 33 games for Kansas St. season Samuels averaged 8.0ppg, 5.0rpg and 1.0apg. It will be his first season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Qyntel Woods heads to Lagun Aro GBC - by Eurobasket News

Qyntel Woods (203-F/G-81, college: N.Mississippi JC) will play next season in Lagun Aro GBC. He confirmed this news on Twitter. Two weeks ago the American extended deal with Ukrainian squad Dnipro, but he decided to leave them for Lagun Aro. The forward arrived to Dnipro in January. He tallied 13.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.0 steal per game in Superleague. Qyntel Woods started the season in Israel. He played for Maccabi Haifa. His stats read 7.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists per game in Premier League. Previously Qyntel Woods had stints in Poland, Russia, Italy, Greece, NBA and D-League. Eurobasket.com named Qyntel Woods All-Euroleague Forward of the Year in 2010. He was also trumped All-Polish League Import Player of the Year in 2010. Qyntel Woods also made it into All-Greek A1 League 2nd Team in 2008.
On Monday, Lagun Aro GBC got Daniel Diez (203-F-93) for the next season. The young forward is sent on loan by Real Madrid. He played last season for Real Madrid II averaging 16.9 points and 5.4 rebounds for 19 games in EBA. The player also appeared twice in Liga Endesa. Daniel Diez shined this summer at U20 EuroBasket in Slovenia. He had 13.5 ppg and 3.7 rpg for 6 games at this event. Diez was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U20 Best Forward -12 and he was named to Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U20 1st Team -12. A year ago he won the gold medal with U18 Spain at U18 EuroBasket in Wroclaw. There he had 12.2 ppg and 10.4 rpg for 9 games. Diez was named to Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U18 1st Team -11. In the past he also won the gold medal with U16 Spain at U16 EuroBasket in Kaunas (2009).


Lagun Aro GBC targets Chris Lofton to replace Jimmy Baron - by Eurobasket News

Lagun Aro GBC wants to sign Chris Lofton (188-G-86, college: Tennessee) for the upcoming season. He should replace Jimmy Baron (191-G-86, college: Rhode Island). Lofton spent last season with Estudiantes. Actually, he joined them in January averaging 12.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.4 steals for 17 Liga Endesa games. He played for the Students also in 2009/10. Season 2010/11, Chris Lofton started with the NBA D-League team Iowa Energy. There he had 15.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.3 apg and 2.1 apg in 34 games. He finished the season with Lokomotiv Kuban adding 3.3 ppg for 6 Russian league games. In the past, Lofton spent two months with Caja Laboral and he played for Turkish Mersin in 2008/09. It was his first season as a pro and Lofton exploded with 20.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 2 apg for 29 appearances. He was the fourth scorer in TBL and was named to Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League 2nd Team -09.


Guadalajara adds Perez to their roster - by Eurobasket

Ceba Guadalajara (LEB Silver) agreed terms with 33-year old domestic forward Sergio Perez (206-79, agency: Interperformances). He played last season at UCAM Murcia (ACB). While playing 19 games for UCAM Murcia last year Perez averaged 1.3ppg. Perez won Spanish LEB Gold championship title in 2011. He is a very experienced player.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Guadalajara adds Perez to their roster - by Eurobasket

Ceba Guadalajara (LEB Silver) agreed terms with 33-year old domestic forward Sergio Perez (206-79, agency: Interperformances). He played last season at UCAM Murcia (ACB). While playing 19 games for UCAM Murcia last year Perez averaged 1.3ppg. Perez won Spanish LEB Gold championship title in 2011. He is a very experienced player.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Pape Sow is a newcomer at Avila - by Eurobasket

Grupo Eule Carrefour El Bulevar de Avila (LEB Silver) agreed terms with 31-year old Senegalese ex-international forward Pape Sow (207-102kg-81, college: CS Fullerton). Last time he played at Mahram Tehran in Iranian Superleague. While playing 6 games for Mahram last season Sow averaged 2.7ppg and 3.2rpg. Sow helped his team to win the championship title. It was a very successful year in his career as He received an award of Asia-Basket.com All-Iranian Superleague Center of the Year. Sow is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Iran, Italy, Morocco, Poland and Senegal. Sow graduated California State University, Fullerton in 2004 and it will be his nineth season in pro basketball. Sow was a member of Senegalese senior national team between 2003 and 2009. He played at the WABA Club Championships this year. Sows team won Gold.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Feve Oviedo tab Francisco Cardenas - by Eurobasket

Oviedo Club Baloncesto (LEB Silver) strengthened their roster with addition of 22-year old domestic point guard Francisco Cardenas (177-90). He played most recently at Aquas De Sousas Club Ourense Baloncesto in LEB Silver. Cardenas helped his team get promotion to LEB Gold. While playing 36 games for Ourense last season Cardenas averaged 4.8ppg, 1.7rpg and 1.6apg. He helped them to end the regular season as a second best team in the league..

By Eurobasket Data Center


David Ortega joins Castello - by Eurobasket

Amics Castello (LEB Silver) agreed terms with 28-year old domestic power forward David Ortega (199-84). He played last season at Oviedo Club Baloncesto (LEB Silver). While playing 23 games for Oviedo CB last year Ortega averaged 10.5ppg, 7.2rpg and 1.6apg. His team made it to LEB Silver Play-Off Semifinals in 2011. Ortega is a very experienced player.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Palma land Gabriel Torres - by Eurobasket

Palma Air Europa (LEB Silver) strengthened their roster with addition of 23-year old domestic forward Gabriel Torres (198-89). He played most recently at C.B. Aridane (EBA). While playing 30 games for Aridane last season Torres averaged 15.5ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.3apg and 1.5spg. His team won Spanish EBA Group E Regular Season in 2011. Torres was a member of Spanish U16 national team until 2005.

By Eurobasket Data Center


David Ortega joins Castello - by Eurobasket

Amics Castello (LEB Silver) agreed terms with 28-year old domestic power forward David Ortega (199-84). He played last season at Oviedo Club Baloncesto (LEB Silver). While playing 23 games for Oviedo CB last year Ortega averaged 10.5ppg, 7.2rpg and 1.6apg. His team made it to LEB Silver Play-Off Semifinals in 2011. Ortega is a very experienced player.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Feve Oviedo tab Francisco Cardenas - by Eurobasket

Oviedo Club Baloncesto (LEB Silver) strengthened their roster with addition of 22-year old domestic point guard Francisco Cardenas (177-90). He played most recently at Aquas De Sousas Club Ourense Baloncesto in LEB Silver. Cardenas helped his team get promotion to LEB Gold. While playing 36 games for Ourense last season Cardenas averaged 4.8ppg, 1.7rpg and 1.6apg. He helped them to end the regular season as a second best team in the league..

By Eurobasket Data Center


Castello tab Victor Hidalgo - by Eurobasket

Amics Castello (LEB Silver) strengthened their roster with addition of 26-year old domestic center Victor Hidalgo (204-86). He played most recently at Leyma Basquet Coruna in LEB Silver. Hidalgo helped his team get promotion to LEB Gold. While playing 26 games for Coruna last season Hidalgo averaged 4.8ppg and 2.6rpg. He played in the final of Spanish LEB Silver Play-Off in 2010.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Palma land Gabriel Torres - by Eurobasket

Palma Air Europa (LEB Silver) strengthened their roster with addition of 23-year old domestic forward Gabriel Torres (198-89). He played most recently at C.B. Aridane (EBA). While playing 30 games for Aridane last season Torres averaged 15.5ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.3apg and 1.5spg. His team won Spanish EBA Group E Regular Season in 2011. Torres was a member of Spanish U16 national team until 2005.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Oscar Herrero agreed terms with Avila - by Eurobasket

Grupo Eule Carrefour El Bulevar de Avila (LEB Silver) added to their roster 25-year old domestic point guard Oscar Herrero (182-87). He played most recently at CB Lobe Huesca (LEB Gold). While playing 34 games for Lobe Huesca last season Herrero averaged 8.5ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.9apg and 1.4spg. Herreros team won Spanish LEB Silver Cup in 2010.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Oscar Herrero agreed terms with Avila - by Eurobasket

Grupo Eule Carrefour El Bulevar de Avila (LEB Silver) added to their roster 25-year old domestic point guard Oscar Herrero (182-87). He played most recently at CB Lobe Huesca (LEB Gold). While playing 34 games for Lobe Huesca last season Herrero averaged 8.5ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.9apg and 1.4spg. Herreros team won Spanish LEB Silver Cup in 2010.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Castello tab Victor Hidalgo - by Eurobasket

Amics Castello (LEB Silver) strengthened their roster with addition of 26-year old domestic center Victor Hidalgo (204-86). He played most recently at Leyma Basquet Coruna in LEB Silver. Hidalgo helped his team get promotion to LEB Gold. While playing 26 games for Coruna last season Hidalgo averaged 4.8ppg and 2.6rpg. He played in the final of Spanish LEB Silver Play-Off in 2010.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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  SUDAN   


BWB commit to community in Africa - by Olusegun Ikuesan

.... As NBA cares refurbish sports complex in SA

As the 10th edition of the Basketball Without Borders Africa camp open today in Johannesburg, South Africa with about sixty young players from twenty-six countries from the Africa continent, the body has also made another giant stride by committing itself to developing sporting facilities across the continent for the continuous propagation of basketball.

BWB Africa will be joined on Saturday by a team of the United States of America National Basketball Association, NBA and it women counterpart WNBA to partner with Special Olympics in hosting basketball clinics in such places as Brazil, China, England, France, Italy, Mexico, Senegal, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkey.

Adding to a partnership that began in 2007, the NBA/WNBA contingent will help build two homes with Habitat for Humanity South Africa in Orange Farm Township on Aug. 31. Upon completion of the houses, which are supported by the Pagliuca family, 13 homes will have been built in the country as part of NBA Cares efforts at Basketball without Borders Africa.

The highlight of the week is the dedication of the NBA Cares Legacy Project, a newly refurbished sports complex in Alex Township, on Sept. 1. Alex is one of the largest urban neighborhoods in South Africa and this renovated area will provide four new basketball/netball courts creating a safe space for kids and families to play. The dedication ceremony will also feature a basketball and fitness clinic led by the NBA/WNBA players and coaches.

The community outreach events, NBA players will join BWB community partners UNICEF and Hoops4Hope to lead the campers in daily life-skills seminars focusing on leadership and HIV/AIDS education. The NBA will also make donations to partnering community-based organizations, which will include school supplies, sports equipment, clothing, and other necessities.


BWB commit to community in Africa - by Olusegun Ikuesan

.... As NBA cares refurbish sports complex in SA

As the 10th edition of the Basketball Without Borders Africa camp open today in Johannesburg, South Africa with about sixty young players from twenty-six countries from the Africa continent, the body has also made another giant stride by committing itself to developing sporting facilities across the continent for the continuous propagation of basketball.

BWB Africa will be joined on Saturday by a team of the United States of America National Basketball Association, NBA and it women counterpart WNBA to partner with Special Olympics in hosting basketball clinics in such places as Brazil, China, England, France, Italy, Mexico, Senegal, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkey.

Adding to a partnership that began in 2007, the NBA/WNBA contingent will help build two homes with Habitat for Humanity South Africa in Orange Farm Township on Aug. 31. Upon completion of the houses, which are supported by the Pagliuca family, 13 homes will have been built in the country as part of NBA Cares efforts at Basketball without Borders Africa.

The highlight of the week is the dedication of the NBA Cares Legacy Project, a newly refurbished sports complex in Alex Township, on Sept. 1. Alex is one of the largest urban neighborhoods in South Africa and this renovated area will provide four new basketball/netball courts creating a safe space for kids and families to play. The dedication ceremony will also feature a basketball and fitness clinic led by the NBA/WNBA players and coaches.

The community outreach events, NBA players will join BWB community partners UNICEF and Hoops4Hope to lead the campers in daily life-skills seminars focusing on leadership and HIV/AIDS education. The NBA will also make donations to partnering community-based organizations, which will include school supplies, sports equipment, clothing, and other necessities.


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  SWEDEN   


Fernandes the new PG in Jamtland - by Andreas Eriksson

Jamtland Basket have all summer long searched for a new PG to replace Evaldas Zabas. They made their intentions clear early on that they wanted a True PG that can play defense in contrast to Zabas who was the leagues best scorer, but not a true PG and who had his fair share of struggles defensivly. They announced today the arrival of Mario Fernandes (174-PG-82), who's the starting Point Guard of the Portugese National Team. Fernandes is expected to join the team along with the rest of the teams foreign players, Lalugba, Klaric, Hudson and Marolt in Slovenia for the teams pre-season camp in September before heading to Sweden for the season opener in October.


Norrkoping Dolphins sign American C James Hughes - by Eurobasket News

James Hughes (211-C-83, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: N.Illinois) will continue his career in Sweden. The American center penned a 1-year deal with Norrkoping Dolphins. Hughes arrives to Norrkoping from the Czech Republic, where he spent last season. He shined with 14.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg and 1.3 bpg in 42 games with BK Nova Hut Ostrava. The player was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Czech Rep. League Honorable Mention -12. Before Ostrava, James Hughes spent one year with Ukrainian MBC Mykolaiv. There he had 8.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 2.1 bpg for 53 games. He was top shot blocker of the league. In 2009/10, Hughes played for Dutch team Matrixx Magix Nijmegen and before that he spent one season with Israeli Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion. Hughes also has experience from Turkey and Poland. James Hughes graduated at Northern Illinois University in 2007.


LF Basket adds Mladen Soskic for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

LF Basket announced signing of Mladen Soskic (202-F-84) for the upcoming season. It will be his first time in Sweden. The Serbian forward spent last season with Slovenian squad Rogaska Crystal. He had 9.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg and 2 apg for 27 games in Telemach league. Soskic participated at the All-Star Game. The player finished 2010/11 season on Iceland. He joined UMF Krindavik in February of 2011 registering 14 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 2.8 apg for 9 Express League games. Before Grindavik, he spent one year with Slovenian Zasavje PRO-TEK Rudar. That season he averaged 10.5 points and 3.2 rebounds. Mladen Soskic also has experience from Austria, Greece, Poland and Montenegro. With Austrian UBSC Graz he shined with 15.7 ppg, 2.6 apg nd 2.4 rpg for 25 games. In 2007, he won the Polish Cup with Anwil Wloclawek.


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  SWITZERLAND   


Serbian Srdjan Zivkovic stays with BBC Nyon - by Eurobasket News

Serbian Srdjan Zivkovic (200-G/F-86) stays with BBC Nyon for another season. In 2011-2012 for BBC Nyon (Switzerland-LNA, starting five) he averaged 10.4ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 18.4%, FT: 78.7%, also played at BBC Nyon U23 (LNB) and showed 15.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 6.5apg, 2.0spg, 2FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 25.9%, FT: 58.8%.
Last year the Serbian guard/small forward signed a one-year deal with the Swiss outfit. Zivkovic arrived to Nyon from OKK Beograd, where he spent the earlier season. He appeared 39 times in Serbian league averaging 10.6 points, 2 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1 steal. Zivkovic also added 10.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 1.5 apg for 10 Balkan league games. He helped OKK Beograd to reach the Quarterfinals in this competition. Before OKK Beograd, Srdjan Zivkovic was a member of Rilski Sportisti Samokov, but played just few games for them in 2009/10. Zivkovic also has experience from Masinac, Napredak Rubin, MZT Skopje and Ergonom. In the past, he played for the Serbian U18 and U16 National Team. Zivkovic played for Partizan youth teams.


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  TURKEY   


Turk Telekom sign Miha Zupan - by Eurobasket News

Turk Telekom sign Miha Zupan (205-F/C-82) for the upcoming season.The Slovenian 205cm player will come from Russia.
In 1999-2000 he started for DGN Ljubljana (D4) and then moved to Geoplin Slovan Ljubljana (1A). He stayed with the team until February 2007 and then moved to Union Olimpija Ljubljana (1A, starting five). In Slovenian League after 21 games he averaged 12.7ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 60,7%, 3FGP: 18,2%, FT: 79,6%, while in Adriatic League after 10 games had 7.9ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 47%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 63.2%. In 2007-2008 for Union Olimpija Ljubljana (1A) debuted in Euroleague and after 13 games showed 6.5ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 75%. In Adriatic League that season after 30 games he averaged 7.0ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 81%, while in Slovenian League after 20 games showed 8.4ppg, 1.2rpg, 2FGP: 67.5%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 86.0%. After abother season with Union Olimpija Ljubljana he moved to AS Trikalla 2000 (Greece-A2, starting five). After 24 games he averaged 13.6ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 60.8%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 69.1%. In Greece he became Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League Bosman Player of the Year -10 and Eurobasket.com Greek A1 League All-Bosmans Team -10.
In 2011-2012 for Spartak St.Petersburg (Russia-PBL) Miha Zupan averaged 6.1ppg, 2.5rpg, FGP: 59.7%, 3PT: 26.8%, FT-3 (91.3%) in Russian league and in VTB League showed 6.4ppg, 2.4rpg, FGP: 62.2%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 83.3%. In EuroCup after 18 games his stats read 6.7ppg, 3.2rpg, FGP: 67.4%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT-3 (90.0%, starting five).


Galatasaray CBO Murat Ozyer talked Eurobasket.com Turkey - by Ugur Turker

Speculation in Turkey have not finished yet.Coordinator of Galatasaray Basketball Organisation Murat Ozyer talked Eurobasket.com Turkey about Huseyin Koksal (195-SG-91) and Ilkan Karaman (205-F-90).

" I never created these news about Huseyin Koksal so that i do not have to solve this topic. That is Turkish Basketball Federation who have to make an announcement about these speculation since TBF is the centre of this circle. Personally, i am only empoyer of Galatasaray Medicak Park and i am only intersted in my management not for other teams. " Murat Ozyer said.

" We applied TBF with information and documents we have about Ilkan Karaman. I hope we are right. At the end of this process, there is going to be public announcement in order to clean information pollution. " talked Ozyer about Ilkan Karaman movement.


Besiktas confirms signing of PG Curtis Jerrells - by Eurobasket News

Besiktas officially announced signing of Curtis Jerrells (185-G-87, college: Baylor) for the upcoming season. The American point guard finished 2011/12 with UCAM Murcia. He joined them in March averaging 7.5 points and 1.5 rebounds for 2 games. He got injured after that and missed rest of the season. Jerrells is not a new face in Turkey as he started last season with Fenerbahce Ulker. He had 6.4 ppg and 2 apg for 17 TBL games. The player also added 8.6 ppg, 1.9 rpg and 1.7 apg in 14 Euroleague appearances. Curtis Jerrells played for Partizan Belgrade in 2010/11. They won Serbian and Adriatic league titles together and they also celebrated in Serbian Cup. Jerrells was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Guard of the Year -11. He was also named to Eurobasket.com All-Adriatic League 1st Team -11. In 2009/10, Jerrells played for the NBA D-League team Auston Toros. He is a product of Baylor University.


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  UBA   


The North Texas Fresh join the UBA - by David Walls

David Walls Reports:
June 21, 2012

The Fresh 4-year run in the ABA (American Basketball Association) ended Wednesday with the teams market being turned over to Kim Henderson, native of Buford, GA. With the agreement, Owner Jay Bowdy (6'6''-F-83, college: W.Georgia) will take the team immediately to the UBA with terms undisclosed.

"We made it happen! This is a major boost to what we are trying to do for basketball for the Fresh and our foundation," Bowdy said. "The UBA will be in Fort Worth - Crowley area next season, playing their games."

The transition and move of the operation of the Fresh has already begun and are on steady pace to begin and finish the 2012 -2013 season.

Henderson, new owner of the ABAs market for Fort Worth, has also begun the process to continue the red, white, and blue basketball action for the Fort Worth area.

The North Texas Fresh will play under the same name and the history of the team prior to the UBA move will remain as well.

Change was needed, stated Bowdy. The ABA has great history but we needed the history to be present for our players, staff, fans, foundation, and our financial status. Our season turned into short comings every year with situations not under our control and thats a disappointment that I couldnt get over or put this franchise and foundation through again.

The Fresh office will be working with Crowley ISD on securing a home venue for the 2012 2013 season. The team will play a full schedule and will have a new uniform look and logo.

We are excited about this move, stated UBA Commissioner Michael Davis , of the UBA. We have been in discussion for the last two years on making a deal; bringing the Fresh over to the UBA and it has finally came to pass. We know that theyll a team that will compete with aggression coming out the gates.

The Fresh have not announced the roster or if any players will remain on the franchise but many players are excited about the move. A'Daeron Duncan (6'5''-F-87, college: N.Kentucky), the leading scorer for the Fresh the last two seasons, has been waiting for a move to better his chances for overseas play.

This move to the UBA that the Fresh has done is honestly the best thing for us (players), stated Duncan. It really gives us a chance to be looked at further and not go unnoticed when trying to pursue jobs and live out our dreams.

When asked if the Fresh have a legit chance of making it to the UBA Finals, Bowdy with the shrug of the shoulders and a smile stated, Im healthy now.

Jay Bowdy was a UBA All-Star this season playing with the Dallas Stars. He averaged 17.9ppg, 6.0rpg and 4.5assists. Now that Bowdy has fully healed from his season ending knee injury the UBA will be looking for a new star to emerge out of the Western Conference.

Courtesy of the Dallas Star Newspaper




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  UGANDA   


Power now eye league title defence - by Eurobasket News

After finishing third in the just concluded Zone V Club Championship their best ever performance in the tournament Fuba league champions Dmark Power have shifted focus to winning a third consecutive league title.
With the type of character that everyone on the team exhibited, it will be very hard to beat us in the playoffs, noted skipper Isaac Afidra.
Power came back from a double-digit deficit in the last quarter to edge Kenyas KCB Lions 66-65 in the bronze medal match.
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.ch/


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  UKRAINE   


Qyntel Woods leaves Dnipro for Spain - by Eurobasket News

Qyntel Woods (203-F/G-81, college: N.Mississippi JC) has decided to part ways with Dnipro. The forward has already confirmed his destination. Qyntel Woods will continue his career in Lagun Aro in Spain. The forward arrived to Dnipro in January. He tallied 13.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.0 steal per game in Superleague. Qyntel Woods started the season in Israel. He played for Maccabi Haifa. His stats read 7.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists per game in Premier League. Previously Qyntel Woods had stints in Poland, Russia, Italy, Greece, NBA and D-League. Eurobasket.com named Qyntel Woods All-Euroleague Forward of the Year in 2010. He was also trumped All-Polish League Import Player of the Year in 2010. Qyntel Woods also made it into All-Greek A1 League 2nd Team in 2008.


Azovmash beat Liatkabelis in Druskininkai - by Eurobasket News

Azovmash played their first pre-season game. They took on Liatkabelis in Druskininkai. Azovmash entered the game without Akingbala, Pecherov, Zabirchenko, Natyazhko and Paunic. Azovmash in the meantime played with Simonas Serapinas (197-F-82) and Vitas who joined the team for the training camp in Druskininkai.
Azovmash dominated throughout the game. They managed to record a 77:71 victory at the end. Tadija Dragicevic (206-F/C-86, agency: Beo Basket) scored 20 points to lead the winners. Lynn Greer (186-PG-79, college: Temple) delivered 12 points, while Simonas Serapinas added 11 points for the winners. Martynas Bapkauskas (187-G-92) answered with 12 points for Liatkabelis. Kaspars Cipruss (210-C-82, agency: Interperformances) and Adomas Drungilas (203-C-90) had 11 points each in the loss.
Azovmash will now move to Bormio for the second training camp.


Budivelnyk lands Tsintsadze - by Alexander Muzyka

When Eurobasket-2013 qualification ends there will be one more newcomer in Budivelnyk. Kyiv's club officially informed Georgi Tsintsadze (192-PG-86) will play in Superleague. Last season this pointguard scored 15,8 ppg + 4,8 rpg + 4,7 apg + 1,4 spg for Georgian Olimpi. His career includes performances for Academy (GEO), CSKA, CSK-VVS Samara and Dynamo (all of them - RUS), Tartu/Rock (EST), Trikalla (GRE) and Trefl Sopot (POL). Tsintsadze was a champion of Russia and Estonia, won an ULEB Cup.


Donetsk tabs Songaila for a while - by Alexander Muzyka

BC Donetsk inked seventh foreigner for itself. Darius Songaila (204-C/F-78) was called to replace injured Ivan Radenovic (208-F-84) who is out at least for a two months, basket-planet.com informs. Lithuanian forward has a bright career - he played for Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, New Orleans Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers. European caree includes seasons for CSKA, Galatasaray, Valladolid etc. Songaila was one of the key players in Lithuanian NT but decided to leave it after Olympic Games in London.


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  UNITED KINGDOM   


Zaire Lands In Leicester - by Paul Nilsen

Leicester Riders Head Coach Rob Paternostro continued his team building for the new season, with the signing of 25 year old American guard Zaire Taylor (193-G-86, agency: Fierce Sports Management, college: Missouri)

The 6 foot 4 inch Taylor played at top US basketball University, the Missouri Tigers, then had a season in Holland with Nijmegan in the top flight in Holland, before playing with the Staten Island Vipers in the American Basketball Association (ABA) last season.

Taylor started for the Tigers for 2 seasons, after transferring from the University of Delaware, and in his senior year averaged over 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists a game, while shooting over 36% from the 3 point line. He was in the Big 12 Conference All Tournament Team in 2009, when Missouri were Big 12 Tournament winners.

In 2011, Taylor was selected to the All Dutch Eredivisie Second Team, and Eredivisie All Defensive Team. In Holland, Taylor averaged 14 points, nearly 4 rebounds and 3 assists a game while shooting 49% from the floor. He was also selected to the ABA All Star game earlier this year.

The Jelson Homes DMU backed Rider's Head Coach Rob Paternostro said, "Zaire is a player that can do many things on the basketball court. He has good size and length for a guard at 6-4 but also possesses speed and athleticism."

"I have been most impressed by his basketball IQ and his ability to read the game on both ends of the floor. He comes from a big time program at Missouri where his play was very instrumental in a couple of very good seasons for their program."

"I like his versatility on both ends of the floor and am excited about the many ways we can use him."

"He had a very good season in Holland, he had some good numbers and played on a team that had success , we hope that experience will be beneficial to what he can bring to the Riders."


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  VENEZUELA   


LNB 2012 Week 2 - Tiburones, Aduaneros and Guacharos sweep, Bravos and Lanceros split - by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Week 2 of Venezuela's Liga Nacional de Baloncesto (LNB) Division I was played. Tiburones de Vargas swept Atleticos UCV as visitors in Caracas and so did Aduaneros de Carabobo against Generales de Lara in Puerto Cabello and Guacharos de Monagas against Rojos de Sucre in Cumana, while Bravos de Portuguesa and Centauros de Apure got series splits as visitors against Lanceros de Cojedes in San Carlos and Estudiantes de Guarico in San Juan de los Morros.

Tiburones crushed Atleticos 101-62 in the first match of the season for them while Atleticos lost its third straight game and firsts as hosts at La Cachucha Arena. The next day, Tiburones did it again, 94-85, thanks to Rafael Guevara (194-F-79), who scored 30 points, Axiers Sucre (200-F-78) added 25 points and 9 rebounds. For Atleticos, Cesar Garcia (175-G-89) netted 24 and Jovanni Diaz (195-G-92) added 17 with 8 rebounds.

Aduaneros took game one at Manuel Penaloza Arena, 98-89, and then won a second straight game, 87-73 to increase their run to 4-0, while Generales dropped to 0-4, prompting the general management to dismiss head coach Daniel Seoane and bring in Oscar Silva as his replacement. Generales added Juan Manaure (188-G-79), Jerry Cheves (193-G-84) and Jorge Prada (182-G-90) to the team for this series.

Guacharos de Monagas did not hesitate against Rojos de Sucre, winning 85-84 and 105-89. In the second match, the team coached by Nestor Salazar handled things better with 18 points by Maurice Carter (183-G-83), 11 points of Kervis Ramirez (190-PG-78) and 10 of David Cedeno (190-G-83) and Jose Martinez (196-F-82). For Rojos, Blake Walker (197-F/G-82) finished off with 19, Daniel Macuare (190-F-84) and Luis Almanza (196-F-91) scored 14 each and Roberto Basanta (192-F-82) added 12.

In a very hard fought series, Bravos de Portuguesa won the first game against Lanceros de Cojedes at Jose Miguel Pandare Colisseum, 69-65 and lost the second one, 83-79.

In the second game, Cojedes's top scorers were Elvis Baez (189-PG-89) with 27 points and Darwin Cristopher (192-F-86) with 17. For Bravos, Tomas Aguilera (198-F-77) completed a double double of 17 points and 18 rebounds and Elder Gimenez (186-G-91) added 13 points with 6 rebounds. Kenji Urdaneta (188-G-85, college: E.Oklahoma St. JC) scored 12 and Cesar Musset (190-G-78) added 8 coming off the bench.

in the series between Estudiantes and Centauros, at the Olympic Village Dome of San Juan de los Morros, Centauros won the first game 100-94 and Estudiantes prevailed in the second one, 98-95. Derwin Ramirez (191-F-82) led the hosts with 22 points, Ernesto Mijares (190-PG-76) added 13 and Johan Pinero (183-PG-76) 12. For Centauros, Tulio Cobos (196-F-86) scored 19, Clarence Matthews (201-F-83) scored 17 with 7 rebounds and Rafael Perez (193-G/F-82) netted 16.


Venezuela finished in Top 8 of FIBA's 3x3 World Cup in Greece - by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuela's 3x3 Senior National Team finished in the Top 8 teams of FIBA's 3x3 World Cup, played in Athens, Greece, thanks to effort of players Deivis Ananguren (192-F-85), Michael Flores (192-G-85), Pedro Brito (204-F/C-82) and Jorge Diaz (195-F-77). Ananguren won the official slam dunks contest, his second trophy this year, after jumping over a motorcycle for his last dunk.

Venezuela finished the first round's Group C with a 2-3 record, after defeating Guam (21-9), Mexico (21-18) and loosing against France (16-12), Ukraine (14-11) and Argentina (21-17).

In the Eights of Finals Round (Round of 16), they surprised the entire world by beating Slovenia, an undefeated team leader by then, with a scoreboard of 21-13.

However, they were stopped by Israel in the Quarter Finals, 21-11. Their performance allowed them to become South America's top team, as neither Brazil, nor Argentina, reached the Quarter Finals round.

Venezuela had won a Bronze Medal in the FIBA World Tour tournament played in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in which Ananguren also won the slam dunks contest. In Greece, he was flawless and got a 30-point performance for the judges.



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Women News


Two of 8 countries to compete in Yaounde - by Eurobasket News

Only two of the eight affiliated federations in AFROBASKET Zone IV shall compete in the 2013 AFROBASKET qualifiers this weekend in Cameroon.
DR Congo and host country shall tussle for the 2013 AFROBASKET qualification in a double round-robin whose away leg shall play today and return leg tomorrow.
The six federations that turned down the rendezvous are Central Africa Republic, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome & Principe and Chad.
Courtesy of StarAfrica.com


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  BOSNIA   


Reigning champion ZKK Celik Zenica starts preparations for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

ZKK Celik Zenica officially started preparations for the upcoming season. Roster is almost the same like in 2011/12. Also, Head Coach Eldar Durmic stayed with the team. The main target for Celik will be to defend Bosnian league title and Cup. They will also try to reach one of the first four places in Adriatic league.

ZKK Celik Zenica roster for 2012/13: Tamara Bajic (172-G-87), Lejla Bejtic (174-F-85), Ivona Bogoje (193-C-76), Josipa Bura (185-C-85), Anida Corovic, Zvjezdana Gagic (169-G-81, agency: Global Sports Plaza), Alma Kovacevic (186-F/C-83), Amra Mehmedic (177-G-81), Sedina Pasic, Tijana Rus (180-F-75), Monika Veselovski (183-F-77), Rada Vidovic (177-G-79) and Stanecia Graham (186-F-86, college: Washburn).

ZKK Celik Zenica will host international tournament at the beginning of September. It will be third memorial Amna Fazlic which will be held in Zenica. It will be played on September 8 and 9. Except of Celik, participants of this memorial will be Alba Iulia, Edrine Spor and Jagodina. They are coming from Romania, Turkey and Serbia, respectively.


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  BULGARIA   


Tahnee Robinson moves from Israel to Bulgaria - by Eurobasket News

Tahnee Robinson (175-G-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Nevada) will continue her career in Bulgaria. The American guard signed a deal with former champions Lukoil Neftochimik. Robinson arrives to the club from Israel, where she spent last season. Actually, she joined Elitzur Maclaren Holon in February averaging 14.3 points and 6 rebounds for 15 games. She had 43.6% for FG2 and very good 38.2% from behind the arc. It was the first season as a pro for Tahnee Robinson, who graduated at the University of Nevada-Reno something more than a year ago. She exploded with 22.1 ppg and 6.1 rpg for her school in 31 games as a senior. In 2009/10, the player had 16.1 ppg and 4.1 rpg in 24 games. Robinson helped Nevada-Reno to reach WAC Tournament Semifinals twice. In 2010, she was named All-WAC Newcomer of the Year -10 and also to All-WAC 1st Team -10. The player transferred to Nevada-Reno from the University of Wyoming in 2007. She was selected as 31st overall pick at 2011 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury.


Lukoil Neftochimik inks American rookie Ashley Gale - by Eurobasket News

Ashley Gale (185-G-89) is set to start her professional basketball career. The American guard penned a 1-year deal with Lukoil Neftochimik. They will compete in Bulgarian top division for women - NBL. Gale is a product of La Salle University, where she graduated a year ago. She shined with 18 ppg, 5 rpg, 3.2 spg and 2.3 apg for 30 games as a senior. Gale was awarded with All-Atlantic 10 Most Improved Player of the Year -11. She was also named to All-Atlantic 10 2nd Team -11 and Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team -11. As a junior, Ashley Gale had much lower digits. She appeared 29 times for the school registering 7.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 2.1 apg. In her sophomore year the player collected 9.8 ppg and 3.6 rpg for 62 games. She spent all four years with La Salle.


Lukoil Neftochimik adds NT member Stefka Nikolova, keeps Dubrovina - by Eurobasket News

More important news are coming from Lukoil Neftochimik. The team penned a 1-year deal with Bulgarian NT member Stefka Nikolova (173-G-90). Also Lukoil managed to keep 'All-Bulgarian League Guard of the Year' Olga Dubrovina (170-G-87, agency: LBM Management).
Stefka Nikolova heads to lukoil from Slavia Sofia, where she finished last season. She joined them in January registering 10.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 2.4 apg for 15 games. Nikolova started last season with Beroe. There she had 4.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 2.4 apg for 10 games. She played for Beroe also in 2010/11 and before that Nikolova was a member of Slavia Sofia. She played for the Bulgarian NT this summer in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. Nikolova averaged 1.5 ppg in 4 games.
Olga Dubrovina arrived to Lukoil last summer from Kozachka-Zalk Zaporozhye. She shined with 15.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 4.5 apg (No.4) and 2.6 spg (No.1) for 35 games. Lukoil reached Bulgarian league and Cup Finals, while Dubrovina was named Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League Guard of the Year -12 and Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League Defensive Player of the Year -12.


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

CIS Standings

CIS Standings
AUS
 1. Acadia 0-0 
 2. Cape Breton 0-0 
 3. Dalhousie 0-0 
 4. Memorial 0-0 
 5. New Brunsw. 0-0 
 6. St.Francis X. 0-0 
 7. St.Marys 0-0 
 8. UPEI 0-0 
CanWest Pacific Division
 1. Mount Royal 0-0 
 2. TRU 0-0 
 3. TWU 0-0 
 4. UBC 0-0 
 5. UBC Okanagan 0-0 
 6. UFV 0-0 
 7. UNBC 0-0 
 8. Victoria 0-0 
CanWest Prairie Division
 1. Alberta 0-0 
 2. Brandon 0-0 
 3. Calgary 0-0 
 4. Lethbridge 0-0 
 5. Manitoba 0-0 
 6. Regina 0-0 
 7. Saskatchewan 0-0 
 8. Winnipeg 0-0 
QSSF
 1. Bishops 0-0 
 2. Concordia 0-0 
 3. Laval 0-0 
 4. McGill 0-0 
 5. UQAM 0-0 
UOA East
 1. Carleton 0-0 
 2. Laurentian 0-0 
 3. Ottawa 0-0 
 4. Queens 0-0 
 5. RMC 0-0 
 6. Ryerson 0-0 
 7. Toronto Univ. 0-0 
 8. York 0-0 
UOA West
 1. Brock 0-0 
 2. Guelph 0-0 
 3. Lakehead 0-0 
 4. Laurier 0-0 
 5. McMaster 0-0 
 6. Waterloo 0-0 
 7. Western 0-0 
 8. Windsor 0-0 

Regular Season: Round 1

Nov. 1: Regina - Saskatchewan
Nov. 2: Lethbridge - Winnipeg
Nov. 2: Alberta - Brandon
Nov. 2: Victoria - UBC Okanagan
Nov. 2: TWU - UBC
Nov. 2: TRU - UNBC
Nov. 2: Calgary - Manitoba



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


Cras Taranto brings in Gintare Petronyte - by Eurobasket News

Cras Taranto brings in Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) for the next season. The team also added local Ilaria Zanoni (180-G-86) and Giulia Gatti (172-G-89, agency: LBM Management).
The season 2011/2012 Gintare started for CCC Polkowice (Poland-PLKK) and in Euroleague averaged 4.7ppg, 3.7rpg. In Polish League her stats read 7.7ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.9bpg, FGP: 60.0%, FT: 76.7%. In Dec.'11 moved to Kibirkstis-Tiche-IKI Vilnius and became the top-scorer with 19.5ppg, Reb-1 (14.7rpg), 2.7apg, 2.1spg, Blocks-2 (3.2bpg), FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 81.6%.
The 22-year-old Lithuanian centre spent the previous season in Turkey. She averaged 4.8 points and 3.4 boards for Galatasaray in TKBL. In Euroleague Gintare Petronyte averaged 5.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per appearance. Previously the centre played in TEO Vilnius and Athinaikos Greece. She was named Eurobasket.com Player of the Year in Baltic League in 2008. Petronyte also grabbed the title in LMKL in 2008 and 2009 and in Greek League in 2010. Gintare Petronyte played for Lithuania during Qualifying Round of 2011 EuroBasket. She tallied 11.0 points, 5.1 boards and 1.0 block per game
Ilaria Zanoni comes from Bracco Geas Sesto San Giovanni (A1, starting five). In 24 games her stats read 11.2ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.7spg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 67.1%.
Giulia Gatti played for Pool Comense (A1, starting five) and showed 6.4ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 36.5%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 73.7%.


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


The pre-season schedule of Uni Seat Gyor has been announced - by Mate Papp

Defending champion Uni UNI SEAT Gyor will travel to Croatia next monday where they will spend three days with physical trainings. The team is going to meet last year's runner up Uniqa UNIQA Euroleasing Sopron Sopron on the 8th of september. Gyor will also participate on the traditional cup in Trutnov between the 13th and the 16th of september. The next challenge will be the Gcsej Cup in Zalaegerszeg on the 28th and 29th of september. The defending champion will meet Szekszard on the season opener. From the 11th till the 15th of october, just before the beginning of the Euroleague Uni UNI SEAT Gyor Gyr will travel to Ekaterinburg to compete with some of the top sides of the world, just like UMMC Ekaterinburg.

Source: http://www.gyorikosar.hu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=440:jekatyerinburgba-utazik-a-bajnok-gyr


Zavecz returns from Australia - by Mate Papp

Hanna Zavecz (182-F/G-85) has returned from Australia and joined last season's runner up Uniqa UNIQA Euroleasing Sopron Sopron. There is only one missing player in the squad of Sopron, Shenise Johnson (180-G-90) plays in the WNBA for San Antonio Silver Stars. Johnson avarages 6,1 points and 4,5 rebounds per game in Silver Stars and will arrive in Sopron after the elimination of his team. The new season in Hungary will start in october, and UE Sopron is one of the top favourites of winning the title in the 2012/2013 season.

Source:http://wb-sopron.com/news/?id=21004


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


Tahnee Robinson moves from Israel to Bulgaria - by Eurobasket News

Tahnee Robinson (175-G-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Nevada) will continue her career in Bulgaria. The American guard signed a deal with former champions Lukoil Neftochimik. Robinson arrives to the club from Israel, where she spent last season. Actually, she joined Elitzur Maclaren Holon in February averaging 14.3 points and 6 rebounds for 15 games. She had 43.6% for FG2 and very good 38.2% from behind the arc. It was the first season as a pro for Tahnee Robinson, who graduated at the University of Nevada-Reno something more than a year ago. She exploded with 22.1 ppg and 6.1 rpg for her school in 31 games as a senior. In 2009/10, the player had 16.1 ppg and 4.1 rpg in 24 games. Robinson helped Nevada-Reno to reach WAC Tournament Semifinals twice. In 2010, she was named All-WAC Newcomer of the Year -10 and also to All-WAC 1st Team -10. The player transferred to Nevada-Reno from the University of Wyoming in 2007. She was selected as 31st overall pick at 2011 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury.


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


Le Mura Lucca inks U20 NT member Francesca Dotto, extends Ruzickova - by Eurobasket News

Le Mura Lucca announced signing of Francesca Dotto (170-PG-93) for the upcoming season. The team also extended deal with Marie Ruzickova (189-C-86, agency: LBM Management).
Point guard Francesca Dotto heads to her new club from Serie A2 team Fila San Martino Di Lupari. She had 8.8 ppg and 2.8 rpg for 28 games with them last season. From 2009 to 2011, Dotto played for College Italia Roma. Thus summer she played for U20 Italian National Team at U20 Eurobasket in Debrecen. For 9 games at this event the PG had 10.2 ppg, 2.9 spg, 2.9 apg and 2.3 rpg. In the past, she played for U18 and U16 Italy. With U18 National Team Dotto won the gold medal at U28 EuroBasket in Slovakia (2010).
Slovakian center Marie Ruzickova will stay with Lucca for the next season. She joined the club a year ago from the French LF2 team B.Catalan Perpignan Med. Ruzickova had 8.7 ppg and 5 rpg for 29 games last season.


Cras Taranto brings in Gintare Petronyte - by Eurobasket News

Cras Taranto brings in Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) for the next season. The team also added local Ilaria Zanoni (180-G-86) and Giulia Gatti (172-G-89, agency: LBM Management).
The season 2011/2012 Gintare started for CCC Polkowice (Poland-PLKK) and in Euroleague averaged 4.7ppg, 3.7rpg. In Polish League her stats read 7.7ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.9bpg, FGP: 60.0%, FT: 76.7%. In Dec.'11 moved to Kibirkstis-Tiche-IKI Vilnius and became the top-scorer with 19.5ppg, Reb-1 (14.7rpg), 2.7apg, 2.1spg, Blocks-2 (3.2bpg), FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 81.6%.
The 22-year-old Lithuanian centre spent the previous season in Turkey. She averaged 4.8 points and 3.4 boards for Galatasaray in TKBL. In Euroleague Gintare Petronyte averaged 5.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per appearance. Previously the centre played in TEO Vilnius and Athinaikos Greece. She was named Eurobasket.com Player of the Year in Baltic League in 2008. Petronyte also grabbed the title in LMKL in 2008 and 2009 and in Greek League in 2010. Gintare Petronyte played for Lithuania during Qualifying Round of 2011 EuroBasket. She tallied 11.0 points, 5.1 boards and 1.0 block per game
Ilaria Zanoni comes from Bracco Geas Sesto San Giovanni (A1, starting five). In 24 games her stats read 11.2ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.7spg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 67.1%.
Giulia Gatti played for Pool Comense (A1, starting five) and showed 6.4ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 36.5%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 73.7%.


Elin Eldebrink joins C.U.S. Cagliari - by Eurobasket

C.U.S. Cagliari (A1) agreed terms with 24-year old Swedish international guard Elin Eldebrink (174-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas). She played last season at ZVVZ USK Praha in Czech Republic ZBL. While playing 46 games for USK Praha last year Eldebrink averaged 4.1ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.9apg and 1.3spg. Eldebrink won Swedish Damligan championship title in 2011. She was also selected to Eurobasket.com Swedish Damligan All-Domestic Players Team in 2011. Eldebrink is a very experienced player. She played also pro basketball in Czech Rep., France, Poland, Spain and Sweden. Eldebrink has been a member of Swedish international program for some years. She was a member of both senior and university national teams this year and previously for university national team in 2012.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Louice Halvarsson joins C.U.S. Cagliari - by Eurobasket

C.U.S. Cagliari (A1) signed 23-year old Swedish international center Louice Halvarsson (189-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas). She played last season at Bracco Geas Sesto San Giovanni (A1). Halvarsson was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Czech Rep. D1 Honorable Mention in 2011. She is a very experienced player. Halvarsson played also pro basketball in Czech Rep., Poland, Russia, Spain and Sweden. She has been a member of Swedish international program for some years. Halvarsson was a member of both senior and university national teams this year and previously for university national team in 2012.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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


Eagle wings return home with regional title - by Eurobasket News

Just like they promised, Kenyan reigning basketball champions Eagle Wings Basketball team returned home on Monday night with their heads held high having dethroned Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to win the 2012 edition of the Zone V Basketball championships.
With the title, Eagle Wings now earn the sole ticket to represent the region at the FIBA African club championships to be held in Ivory Coast later in October.
Eagle Wings overcame KPA in the finals played at the Lugogo gymnasium in Kampala beating their hot rivals 77-54 after leading 31-30 by half time.
Samba Mjomba (160-G-85) scored 17 points for the champions while Angela Okoth (F-85) had 14.Hilda Indasi scored 19 points for KPA who will now shift their focus to the domestic title.
It was a hard competition but we were determined to prove that we are the best. Everyone played to their best and we now pray for that opportunity that will give us an honor to play against the best of the continent. Eagle Wings Samba Mjomba told michezoafrika.com.
Eagle Wings, a self sponsored club, has been undergoing tight financial difficulties but the players could not let the empty pockets affect their field performance. During their one week stay in Kampala for the tournament, the team survived on a shoe string budget but managed to win all their matches against some of the best supported clubs.
For us we had our eyes fixed on one prize, winning the competition against all odds and we are glad God was with us and he supported our hard work. Mjomba added.
Last year, Eagle Wings did not travel to Tanzania for the same competition that was won by KPA in Daresalaam. The team won the 2010 edition held in Burundi but could not raise the needed finances to enable them travel to Tunisia for the African championships.

Finals Results
Eagle Wings 77 (14/17/24/22) Vs KPA 54 (12/18/10/14) Women
Samba Mjomba 15pts Hilda Indasi 19pts
Angela Akoth 14pts Brenda Agenshi 09pts
Rebecca Serange 11pts

Espoir (Rwanda) 90 Vs Urunani (Burundi) 36 Men

Playoffs
DM Power (Uganda) 66 Vs KCB Lions (Kenya) 65 Men
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.ch/


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


Lukoil Neftochimik inks American rookie Ashley Gale - by Eurobasket News

Ashley Gale (185-G-89) is set to start her professional basketball career. The American guard penned a 1-year deal with Lukoil Neftochimik. They will compete in Bulgarian top division for women - NBL. Gale is a product of La Salle University, where she graduated a year ago. She shined with 18 ppg, 5 rpg, 3.2 spg and 2.3 apg for 30 games as a senior. Gale was awarded with All-Atlantic 10 Most Improved Player of the Year -11. She was also named to All-Atlantic 10 2nd Team -11 and Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team -11. As a junior, Ashley Gale had much lower digits. She appeared 29 times for the school registering 7.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 2.1 apg. In her sophomore year the player collected 9.8 ppg and 3.6 rpg for 62 games. She spent all four years with La Salle.


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


Energa Torun inks Milica Cvetanovic - by Eurobasket News

Energa Torun added another player for the upcoming season. The team signed a deal with Serbian center Milica Cvetanovic (195-C-86). She arrives to the club from Hungarian Atomeromu-KSC. Cvetanovic appeared 23 times for them last season averaging 11.8 points and 6.8 rebounds for 23 games. Before Atomeromu, the center spent one year with Szolnoki NKK. There she had 13.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg and 1.3 bpg for 26 games. Cvetanovic was third shot blocker and fifth rebounder of the Hungarian league. She was named to Eurobasket.com Hungarian League All-Bosmans Team -11. From 2008 to 2010, Milica Cvetanovic was a member of Hemfoarm Vrsac. They were Serbian league champions and Cup winners in 2009. Before Hemofarm, the player split 2007/08 between Turkish Buhaniye and Serbian ZKK Kraljevo. She also has experience from Herceg Novi (Montenegro) and Kovin. In 2009, Cvetanovic played for the Serbian University NT at the World University Games in Belgrade. She had 5 ppg and 2.2 rpg for 5 games at this event.


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

Standings - Women

Liga Feminina Standings
 1. Academico FC 0-0 
 2. AD Vagos 0-0 
 3. Alges 0-0 
 4. Boa Viagem 0-0 
 5. CAB Madeira 0-0 
 6. CDTorres N. 0-0 
 7. GDESSA 0-0 
 8. Lombos Quinta 0-0 
 9. Lousada 0-0 
 10. Montijobanda 0-0 
 11. Olivais 0-0 
 12. Ovarense 0-0 

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 3: CDTorres N. - AD Vagos
Sep. 3: Ovarense - CAB Madeira
Sep. 3: Lousada - Olivais
Sep. 3: GDESSA - Lombos Quinta
Sep. 3: Alges - Montijobanda
Sep. 3: Boa Viagem - Academico FC


D2 Standing - by Greg

D1 Standings
 1. Alges B 0-0 
 2. C.S.M. / C.S.CAB 0-0 
 3. Calvao 0-0 
 4. E.S.A. 0-0 
 5. EMA Menres 0-0 
 6. Esgueira 0-0 
 7. Gafanha 0-0 
 8. Guifoes 0-0 
 9. Juvemaia 0-0 
 10. S.C. Coimbroes 0-0 
 11. Simecq 0-0 
 12. Uniao Sportiva 0-0 



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


Piratas and Montaneras stay undefeated: - by Luis Modestti

Piratas de Quebradillas and Montaneras de Morovis stay undefeated in BSNF after winning yesterday over Ponce and Juncos, respectively.

Piratas defeated Leonas 67-63 led by Becca Bruszewski (185-F-88, college: Notre Dame) who netted 20 points and Karen Colon added 12. The winners dominated the whole game and held a late rally by Leonas who are now 0-5.

Montaneras defeated Valencianas in their home opener 60-59. Angelina Williams scored 16 and Carla Escalera 14 for the winners who enjoy a 2-0 record.

Today Carolina goes to Juncos at 8:00 p.m.


*****************************************************
  SEYCHELLES   


Anse Etoile Stars were too strong for RA Sisters - by Eurobasket News

In the womens league, Anse Etoile Stars were too strong for RA Sisters as they ran away with a 78-44 win their 10th in as many matches for 20 points.
Jana Malbrook top-scored with 22 points and her mother Simone Malbrook added 14 to help the Stars close in on retaining their championship crown.
Katrina Morel scored 13 points and Veronique Loizeau added 11 for RA Sisters who suffered an eighth defeat in 10 games.
Centre Tina Agathine (C) finished with 28 points and Jenita Toussaint added 11 as HotShots beat Juniors 113-34 for their sixth win in 10 matches.
Laura Franoise netted 16 points and skipper Sarah Rose 12 in Juniors 10th loss in as many matches.
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.ch/


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


SKBD Rucon bring in Regina Palusna - by Eurobasket News

SKBD Rucon Spisska Nova Ves bolstered their roster. They brought in one of the top Slovakian players Regina Palusna (192-F/C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas). Last season Regina Palusna spent in France. The centre played for Reze Nantes Basket 44. She tallied 4.9 points and 3.1 rebounds per game in French League. In EuroCup Regina Palusna notched 5.2 points, 3.3 boards and 1.2 assists per game. Previously the centre had stints with Pecs 2010, Ros Casares Valencia, MBK Ruzomberok, Kosice. She was named All-Slovakian Extraliga Most Improved Player of the Year in 2008. Regina Palusna was the member of U18, U19 and U20 Slovakian National Teams. She has been the member of Slovak Republic National Team since 2009. The centre participated at 2011 EuroBasket. She notched 1.5 points and 3.0 rebounds per game in Poland. Regina Palusna underwent a knee surgery in June and would be doing the course of rehabilitation deep into autumn.


Marie Ruzickova stays in Italy - by Eurobasket News

Marie Ruzickova (189-C-86, agency: LBM Management) will stay for at least one more year in Italy. The Slovakian center signed contract extension with Le Mura Lucca today. She arrived to the club last summer from the French LF2 team B Catalan Perpignan Med. The player averaged 8.7 points and 5 rebounds for 29 games in Italian Serie A1. It was enough for extension and Ruzickova is getting ready for her second straight season in Italy, fourth in total. Marie Ruzickova played for Livorno in 2008/09 registering 6.8 ppg and 4.5 rpg for 30 games. A year before that she spent with Montigarda. There the center collected 8.9 ppg and 5 rpg for 22 appearances. As mentioned above, in 2010/11 Ruzickova played for B Catalan Perpignan Med and in 2009/10 she was a member of the French LFB team Challes. In the past she played for Kosice and Hungarian ZTE.
Marie Ruzickova was named to Eurobasket.com Italian A1 All-Bosmans Team last season. She helped Lucca to reach Playoff Semifinals.


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


Patricia Soler inks with CB Conquero - by Eurobasket News

Patricia Soler (185-C-94) inks with CB Conquero for the upcoming season. The Spanish team remains one of the active teams in the tranfer market.
Patricia Soler is a Spanish U18 National Team member. At the European Championships U18 in Bucharest (Romania) she averaged 5.1ppg, 5.0rpg, FGP: 56.7%, FT: 60.0%. Her Spain was better than Turkey 71:60 in the game for fifth place at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. Spain had wonderful beginning of the game as they made 24-8 lead in the first quarter. Turkey improved after that, but still Spain was strong enough to keep the comfortable lead and even to increase it. They had 69-49 with 2:29 remaining in the game. Elena De Alfredo scored 13 points for the winners, while Ariadna Pujol and Marta Montoliu added 12 points each. Patricia Soler followed them with 9 points and 7 rebounds.


UNB Obenasa brings in G Patricia Arguello - by Eurobasket News

UNB Obenasa reinforced its roster at position 2. The Spanish squad penned a deal with guard Patricia Arguello (176-G-87). She arrives from Gran Canaria. Arguello spent last three years with Granca averaging 9.7 points and 2.5 rebounds for 25 LFB games in the latest one. She also added 7.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 2.3 apg in 8 EuroCup appearances and Granca reached Quarterfinals. In 2010/11 season the player had 10 ppg and 3.3 rpg for 26 games in Spain. Her numbers in EuroCup were almost the same. They played in EuroCup QFinals also in 2009 and 2011. Before Granca, Patricia Arguello played for Leon, Rivas and Estudiantes. In the past, she was a member of Spanish youth National Teams. In 2007, she won the gold medal with U20 Spain at U20 Eurobasket in Sofia. Arguello shined with 13.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 2.3 apg for 8 games at this event.


Ensino keep Calvelo for another season - by Eurobasket

Duran Maquinaria Ensino Lugo (LF2) re-signed 20-year old domestic center Claudia Calvelo (192-92). She has played there for the last third seasons. While playing 28 games for Ensino last year Calvelo averaged 6.9ppg and 6.1rpg. She is a very experienced player. Calvelo played also pro basketball in Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. She was a member of Spanish U20 national team until 2012. Calvelo represented Spain at the European Championships U20 in Debrecen (Hungary) this year. Her team won Gold and Calvelos stats at this event were 9 games: 1.9ppg, 2.9rpg.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Ensino keep Calvelo for another season - by Eurobasket

Duran Maquinaria Ensino Lugo (LF2) re-signed 20-year old domestic center Claudia Calvelo (192-92). She has played there for the last third seasons. While playing 28 games for Ensino last year Calvelo averaged 6.9ppg and 6.1rpg. She is a very experienced player. Calvelo played also pro basketball in Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. She was a member of Spanish U20 national team until 2012. Calvelo represented Spain at the European Championships U20 in Debrecen (Hungary) this year. Her team won Gold and Calvelos stats at this event were 9 games: 1.9ppg, 2.9rpg.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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


Elin Eldebrink joins C.U.S. Cagliari - by Eurobasket

C.U.S. Cagliari (A1) agreed terms with 24-year old Swedish international guard Elin Eldebrink (174-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas). She played last season at ZVVZ USK Praha in Czech Republic ZBL. While playing 46 games for USK Praha last year Eldebrink averaged 4.1ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.9apg and 1.3spg. Eldebrink won Swedish Damligan championship title in 2011. She was also selected to Eurobasket.com Swedish Damligan All-Domestic Players Team in 2011. Eldebrink is a very experienced player. She played also pro basketball in Czech Rep., France, Poland, Spain and Sweden. Eldebrink has been a member of Swedish international program for some years. She was a member of both senior and university national teams this year and previously for university national team in 2012.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Louice Halvarsson joins C.U.S. Cagliari - by Eurobasket

C.U.S. Cagliari (A1) signed 23-year old Swedish international center Louice Halvarsson (189-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas). She played last season at Bracco Geas Sesto San Giovanni (A1). Halvarsson was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Czech Rep. D1 Honorable Mention in 2011. She is a very experienced player. Halvarsson played also pro basketball in Czech Rep., Poland, Russia, Spain and Sweden. She has been a member of Swedish international program for some years. Halvarsson was a member of both senior and university national teams this year and previously for university national team in 2012.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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


Samsun Basketbol prepare 2012/2013 roster - by Eurobasket News

Samsun Basketbol build up a roster for the next season. The team announced four foreigner players.
Megan Frazee (191-G/F-87, college: Liberty) and Chante Black (195-C-85, college: Duke) are the top American players. Megan Frazee comes from CCC Polkowice. For the past two years she played in WNBA in San Antonio Silver Stars where she gained an average of 4.4 ppg and 2.5 rpg. In season 2010/2011 she also played in Turkey league in Botasspor Adana. She played in 27 games averaged 16.6 ppg, 8.1 rpg and 1.9 apg. Chante Black spent last season in China playing for Shandong Sports Lottery, there she averaged 16.5 points and 12.4 rebounds per game.
Anna Vadja (191-F/C-84, agency: Josep and Nicolas) played last seaosn for Perfumerias Avenida Salamanca (Spain-LFB). In Euroleague after 13 games she averaged 4.0ppg, 2.9rpg, while in Spanish League her stats read 4.5ppg, 4.1rpg.
Andja Jelavic (172-G-80) started the season 2011-2012 for Gospic Croatia Osiguranje (A1), but in Dec.'11 moved to Lupa Promotion Novi Zagreb (A1). In Jan.'12 signed at Pankup Ted Kayseri Kolejspor (Turkey-TKBL) and in Turkish League averaged 8.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.9apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 29.6%. In EuroCup her stats read 1.9ppg, 1.6rpg.
Nesibe Uzun (181-F-76), Rana Derin (175-G/F-92) Meric Yenal (188-F-88, agency: 1x1 Sports), Cansu Aslan (170-G-90), Doga Comba (185-F-94) and Aygun Ayyildiz will be another players in the team for 2012/2013 season.


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


Former NT player Olga Dubrovina stays in Bulgaria - by Eurobasket News

Olga Dubrovina (170-G-87, agency: LBM Management) extended her stay in Bulgaria for one more year. The former National Team member will play for Lukoil Neftochimik, where she joined last summer. Dubrovina had impressive last season and she was named Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League Guard of the Year -12. She was also awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League Defensive Player of the Year -12. The guard had 15.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg 4.5 apg (No.4) and 2.6 spg (No.1) for 35 NBL games, while Lukoil reached Playoff Finals. They also played in the Cup Finals last season. Before Lukoil, Olga Dubrovina split 2010/11 season between Italian Lucca and Ukrainian Kozachka-Zalk Zaporozhye. In the past, she played for Orlan Simferopol, Dynamo-NPU Kyiv and Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk. She also has experience from Poland and Hungary. Dubrovina played for the Ukrainian NT from 2009 to 2011.


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  VENEZUELA   

D1 STANDING

LINABAFE Standings
Central
 1. EPB 2-0 
 2. Bucaneras 1-0 
 3. Sel.Nac. U15 0-0 
 4. Estudiantes 0-3 
West
 1. Yaracuyanas 2-0 
 2. Aguilas 0-0 
 3. Lanceras 0-0 
 4. Potras 0-0 
 5. Juveniles 0-2 

Regular Season: Round 2

Aug. 29: Bucaneras - Estudiantes 73-56
Aug. 29: EPB - Sel.Nac. U15
Sep. 1: Sel.Nac. U15 - Estudiantes
Sep. 1: Potras - Lanceras
Sep. 1: Bucaneras - EPB
Sep. 1: Juveniles - Aguilas
Sep. 2: Sel.Nac. U15 - Estudiantes
Sep. 2: Potras - Lanceras
Sep. 2: Bucaneras - EPB
Sep. 2: Juveniles - Aguilas


Venezuelans Overseas - Cleyder Blanco to play for Weatherford in NJCAA - by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan PF-C Cleyder Blanco (C-90) will play for the Weatherford College Lady Coyotes in the 2012-2013 season of the United States's NJCAA, Division I, according to a report sent by the Venezuelan Basketball Federation.

Blanco appears in the roster for a second straight season, as she's studying Criminology in that college. The 22 year-old, 1.84m tall player, was born in Caracas and is an active member of Venezuela's Senior NT, heading towards the 2013 South American Championship.

Her goal is to play in the WNBA. The Lady Coyotes were the Region 5 Champions in the 2011-2012 season, thanks to the work of head coach Bob McKinley.


Linabafe 2012 - Yaracuyanas sweep Juveniles to begin quest for another championship - by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Yaracuyanas began their quest for the 2012 Linabafe Championship with a home sweep over Juveniles de Lara at Nicolas Ojeda Parra Arena of San Felipe, Yaracuy, 78-38 and 63-27.

It was an easy way to come back into action against a team that mixes amateur U16 and U18 girls and that uses the tournament as preparation for the Venezuelan Basketball Federation's National Championship in both cathegories, for the second straight season.

In the second game, Sonia Rodriguez (90) led Yaracuyanas with 14 points, Ivaney Marquez (83) added 13, Mariana Duran finished off with 12 and Jhurney Reverol also added 13.

For Lara, Marines Mendoza (G-94) scored 7 and Maria Mendez added 4.


Venezuelans Overseas - Roselis Silva will attempt to thrive for Arkansas Tech - by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan PG-SG Roselis Silva (167-G-91) will play for the Arkansas Tech Golden Suns, of the United States's NCAA Division II basketball, after having helped her team earn a 22-4 win-loss record in the 2011-2012 season, by averaging 13.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game in 26 games, all of them as a starter.

Coached by Dave Wilbers, her team was a GAC Conference Champion thanks to that effort. She's also known for having finished at first place in the steals department with 5.0 per game. Her main goal is to play for Venezuela's Senior NT again in 2013, when the South American Championship takes place.


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  WNBA   


Latest games (6): Katie Douglas' 18 points leads Fever past Mystics 83-68 - by Eurobasket News

Chicago S. - Connecticut S. 72-83
When Connecticut last played at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill., on July 13, it trailed by 13 points in the fourth quarter before piecing together a wild rally that culminated in an overtime win. Those kind of dramatics weren't necessary Tuesday night as Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) dominated inside and Chicago shot miserably in the Sun's 83-72 win, which kept the Sun's Eastern Conference lead over Indiana at 2 1/2 games. Charles compiled 24 points and grabbed 14 rebounds for Connecticut (18-6), which was playing its first road game in 12 days, while Kara Lawson (5'8''-PG-81, college: Tennessee) added 18 points and six assists, going 4-of-6 from the 3-point line. Renee Montgomery came off the bench to tally 15 points. The game turned in the middle two quarters, when the Sun limited the Sky to 24 points, allowing Connecticut to expand a one-point first-quarter lead to 11 at halftime and 14 after three periods. Chicago lost its 10th game in 11 outings in large part because it couldn't make a shot. It was an awful 26-of-70 from the field and 4-of-24 from the 3-point line, more than canceling out spirited work on the offensive glass, where it grabbed 14 missed shots. Courtney Vandersloot came off the bench to lead the Sky (9-15), which fell into a tie with New York for the fourth and final playoff spot in the East, with 17 points and six assists. Swin Cash scored 15 points, while Carolyn Swords contributed 10 points and seven rebounds. Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G-88, college: Rutgers) and Sonja Petrovic also hit for 10 points. Connecticut continues its four-game road trip Thursday night in San Antonio against the Silver Stars. *COurtesy of Yahoo! Sports

Atlanta D. - Tulsa S. 80-84
Tulsa coach Gary Kloppenburg finally got the road win his team desperately needed. It was a mixed blessing of sorts for the Shock, who learned earlier Tuesday that center Elizabeth Cambage will not return this season. ''That was our first road win, so we're really excited about that,'' Kloppenburg said. ''I thought we executed down the stretch to win. We've had trouble finishing games.'' Roneeka Hodges (5'11''-G-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Florida St.) scored 20 points, Temeka Johnson (5'3''-PG-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: LSU) had 17 and the Shock beat the short-handed Atlanta Dream 84-80 on Tuesday night to snap a 13-game road losing streak. The Dream played without guard Angel McCoughtry, who was suspended indefinitely before the game by new coach and general manager Fred Williams for breaking an unspecified team rule. McCoughtry is the WNBA's leading scorer and helped the U.S. women win the gold medal at the London Olympics. Williams plans to meet with McCoughtry on Wednesday. ''I have to thoroughly and strongly talk to her,'' Williams said. ''We'll see where that lies tomorrow when I talk with her. I think it's been a culmination of some things that added on to the suspension that I read into it.'' Williams indicated that McCoughtry's future with the Dream is not certain. ''I wanted to come into this game for our team with a clear mind, and I wanted her not to have the pressure of everything, of her thinking about a few things that are going on,'' he said. ''Now if she's still with us, she still has the Atlanta Dream tag on her back right now, and we'll see where that goes.'' Erika de Souza scored 16 points and Sancho Lyttle had 14 for Atlanta (12-13), which has lost two straight and three of five. Tulsa, which dropped its last three road games of 2011, improved to 1-10 this season away from home. The Shock (5-19) announced they will be without Cambage for the rest of the season after the No. 2 overall pick in last year's WNBA draft decided not to play. Tulsa closed the first half with a 14-4 run to trim Atlanta's lead to 51-44. The Shock grabbed the lead for good when Glory Johnson converted a fast-break layup to make it 63-62 with 1:28 left in the third. ''We showed a lot of poise tonight,'' Temeka Johnson said. Cathrine Kraayeveld hit a 3-pointer with 12.6 seconds remaining to help Atlanta close to 81-80, but Temeka Johnson hit a free throw and Lyttle's inbounds pass was stolen by Glory Johnson. Ivory Latta scored 14 points and Glory Johnson finished with 10 for Shock. Armintie Price had 13 points for the Dream. Kraayeveld finished with 11. ''I told the young ladies that we've got to finish out the game and play a good, solid four quarters of basketball,'' Williams said. ''Some of the focus was distracted a little bit tonight, but they still played through it and made some things happen for us.'' Cambage, who won a bronze medal with Australia, had been expected to return to Tulsa on Monday but did not board her flight. The team had been promoting her expected return in Thursday night's home game against Los Angeles after she dunked in an Olympic game. ''She is physically fatigued, and we've been in touch for a while with Tulsa to let them know that,'' said Allison Tranquilli, Cambage's Australia-based agent. ''She is taking a well-earned rest.'' Kloppenburg has yet to speak with Cambage. ''Not since this all went down,'' he said. ''I think it's a situation where she was probably coming back off the Olympics, got back home and some fatigue set in. Maybe she was just kind of overwhelmed about coming back for just a few games. I think that was it more than anything. ''I think she definitely wants to be in our league and in Tulsa. But I think with our situation this year and her youth, you see with most of veteran players that they play in the Olympics and they're back. I think she's still learning how to come back.'' Kloppenburg and team president Steve Swetoha said they think Cambage will return next year, but Tranquilli did not want to speculate about next season. ''We just made a decision based on her situation right now,'' she said. ''We'll let her recover first.'' *Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Minnesota L. - S.Antonio SS 96-84 OT
On a record-setting night for Taj McWilliams-Franklin (6'3''-C-70, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: St.Edward's), it was her specialty that led the Minnesota Lynx to victory. The 13-year veteran was one of three Lynx with five offensive rebounds, and Minnesota scored 29 second-chance points on 19 offensive boards to grind out a 96-84 overtime victory against the San Antonio Silver Stars on Tuesday night. McWilliams-Franklin scored a season-high 19 points, while Rebekkah Brunson (6'3''-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) added 17 to go with a franchise-record and career-best 20 rebounds as the Western Conference-leading Lynx pushed the third-place Silver Stars to three games back in the standings. ''We knew we had to limit their second chance points,'' Brunson said. ''We really focused in on not letting them get those offensive boards and we always try to attack the glass offensively to get extra possessions and extra points.'' Seimone Augustus scored 19 points for the Lynx, Lindsay Whalen chipped in eight of her 15 in overtime and Maya Moore added 14 as Minnesota (20-4) extended its winning streak to seven games. It also improved to 12-1 at home. McWilliams-Franklin's putback with 1:51 left in the second quarter put her in sole possession of the WNBA's offensive rebounding record, and she grabbed two more the rest of the way for a career total of 1,052. Yolanda Griffith held the previous record with 1,049. ''I'm thankful to have my name first, and in a couple years it will be someone else's and I'll move down the line,'' McWilliams-Franklin said. ''But for now I'm just proud I'm here and able to continue playing, able to be someone the Minnesota Lynx can depend on.'' Sophia Young and Jia Perkins led San Antonio with 19 points apiece, while Becky Hammon added 13 and Danielle Robinson scored 10. The Silver Stars lost for the second time in three games after winning 12 straight. After falling behind by nine points in the fourth quarter, San Antonio (17-7) finished the game on an 8-2 run to send the contest into overtime. Hammon missed a potential game-winning runner at the end of regulation. From there, it was all Minnesota. The Lynx scored 10 consecutive points to begin overtime, five coming from Whalen. San Antonio shot just 1 for 7 in the extra period and scored five points, while the Lynx - who shot 43.5 percent in regulation - went 7 of 9 from the floor. ''The second half we had a much better focus of trying to compete against the physicality and got through their defense a little bit, so in the overtime we had a lot of confidence in that area,'' Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve said. ''When you get a couple stops and couple scores, then all of a sudden everything just raises and you can dig in defensively.'' Minnesota outrebounded the Silver Stars 52-31, including a 19-7 margin on the offensive glass. It proved to be the difference against a San Antonio team that was the only squad to push the Lynx to three games during last season's playoff run to the WNBA title. Minnesota has won two of the three games against the Silver Stars this season with a pair of contests left between the teams in San Antonio. ''They sure have been great games,'' Silver Stars coach Dan Hughes said. ''When you get on the road and are playing good teams and they reach that kind of intensity you find out what you do well and what you don't do well. As tough as it is to lose, I think there's a learning possibility from this type of game.'' The Silver Stars lost for the first time in 14 games this season where they held a halftime lead. *Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Connecticut S. - Chicago S. 70-82
Epiphanny Prince scored 15 points and the short-handed Chicago Sky snapped a nine-game losing streak with an 82-70 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Sunday. Olympic center Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) and forward Tamara Young missed the game because of personal reasons. Sky coach Pokey Chatman said Young had a death in the family. Reserve center Carolyn Swords (6'6''-C-89, agency: LBM Management, college: Boston Coll.) started in Fowles absence and had a career-high 14 points and added six rebounds for the Sky (9-14). Swin Cash had 14 points and six rebounds, and Courtney Vandersloot added 11 assists and four steals. Allison Hightower (5'10''-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: LSU) had 17 points and five assists for the Eastern Conference-leading Sun (17-6). Connecticut played its fifth straight game without Olympic forward Asjha Jones, sidelined by a strained left Achilles tendon. Kara Lawson had 16 points and six assists for Connecticut, and Tina Charles added 15 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. The Sun could have clinched a playoff berth with a win and a New York Liberty loss Sunday night at the Seattle Storm. Chicago outhustled and outplayed the Sun. Chicago made 10 3-pointers and shot 46.5-percent from the field. The Sky also had a 38-26 rebounding advantage. Chicago trailed 50-41 with over 6 minutes left in the third quarter, then closed the period with a 20-5 run. Cash made a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to four points late in the quarter. LeCoe Willingham followed with a turnaround bank shot and a wide-open 3-pointer to put Chicago ahead. A turnover led to Cashs layup. She closed the quarter with a wide-open 3-pointer from the top to give the Sky a 61-55 lead they never relinquished. Courtesy of www.suntimes.com

Seattle S. - New York L. 84-66
A blank list on the video board revved up the crowd. No Seattle Storm player was on the injury report showed in the arena. The entire roster, for the first time this year, was available. The result was a blowout. Sue Bird (5'9''-PG-80, college: Connecticut) had 18 points and 10 assists, Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) scored 16 points and the Storm snapped a three-game losing streak with an 84-66 whitewashing of the fatigued New York Liberty on Sunday night. The Storm have fluctuated all season while navigating injuries and the absence of Jackson, who spent the first half of the year training for the London Olympics. Sunday was just her second game back, she played a big role despite shooting 3 for 11 from the field. With team's so focused on Jackson, numerous options open up, such as Camille Little (6'2''-F/G-85, college: N.Carolina), who had 15 points and eight rebounds, and slashing space for rookie Shekinna Stricklen (6'2''-G/F-90, college: Tennessee), who had 12 points. "That's when Sue's at her best," Seattle coach Brian Agler said. " (When) you put people around her that can do different things." The change which led to Bird's first double-double of the season and 20th of her career was evident from the start. Stricklen's layup on the break prompted New York coach John Whisenant to call a timeout with 5:20 left in the first quarter after the Storm opened on a 12-2 run. Tina Thompson lofted in the exclamation point of the first quarter with a 3-pointer just before the buzzer. Seattle finished the first 10 minutes up 28-9, its biggest lead of the season following the opening quarter. The Liberty committed eight turnovers in the first and was outrebounded 11-6. Bird's midrange jumper at the end of the second gave the Storm its biggest lead of the half, 21 at 51-30, and its biggest halftime lead of the season. Bird had eight assists in the half on her way to her first double-double of the season and 20th of her career. Seattle (11-13) has struggled to come up with offensive rebounds throughout the season coming into the game, the Storm averaged 6.35 offensive rebounds, by far last in the WNBA, and had 14 the last four games combined. Agler made it a point of emphasis and Sunday, the Storm had 13. While the Storm ran out to a large lead, New York tried to steady itself on weary legs. The Liberty (9-15) played their sixth game in the last nine days, which left Whisenant irritated. "Without taking anything away from Seattle, the league ought to take some of our loss," Whisenant said. "It was a terrible schedule." Cappie Pondexter, the WNBA's second-leading scorer, had 23 points for the Liberty, though New York would get no closer than 14 points in the second half. She was the only New York player in double figures. Jackson is still trying to find her rhythm. She missed her first five 3-point attempts Sunday, the last hitting the rim, backboard, then the rim again twice before rolling off. Jackson laughed on her way back up the court. She swished her next 3. The three-time MVP is 4 for 15 from the field in two games since returning. "As we get more practice under our belt, we're going to get better," Jackson said. "It was obvious the other night. Our next game we'll get better. You never know what we'll achieve." Count Whisenant as a believer. "I think Seattle, now that they've got Lauren back and when she gets in a rhythm like I know she can I can see them getting into the playoffs and winning the whole thing," he said. Courtesy of http://online.wsj.com

Indiana F. - Washington M. 83-68
A strong performance against the Washington Mystics has pushed the Indiana Fever a bit closer to the top of the Eastern Conference. Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) scored 18 points to lead the Fever to an 83-68 victory over the Mystics on Tuesday night. Tamika Catchings (6'1''-SF-79, college: Tennessee) had 17 points, five rebounds and five assists for the Fever (14-8), who have won five of six since returning from the Olympic break and continue their race for the No. 1 spot in the East. Reserve Noelle Quinn had 13 points and five rebounds for the Mystics (5-18), while Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton scored 10. The Fever went on a 10-2 run in the third quarter and led by as many as 14 points in sending the Mystics to their fifth loss in the last six games. The Fever took a 2-1 series lead on the Mystics this season. The teams meet for the final time Sept. 21. "We came out much better in the second half," Fever coach Lin Dunn said. "We won the boards again. We are getting continued help from our bench. We are definitely benefiting from the Olympic break." Shavanta Zellous hit a 3-pointer to spark the run with 6:19 left in the third. "It's all about our 11 players and each and every night somebody different provides the energy and spark for us," Douglas said. While Douglas led in scoring, Zellous, at times, was the spark on her 26th birthday. She had 13 points, including 3 of 4 from 3-point range. The Fever pushed it to 56-44 midway in the third quarter when Catchings was fouled on a layup at the 4:41 mark. Douglas scored on a layup to give the Fever a 58-44 lead, their largest of the game to that point. "I thought we played hard and it was a physical game," Mystics coach Trudi Lacey said. "They made their run in the third quarter and we couldn't close it." Jessica Davenport made two free throws to give the Fever a five-point lead at the end of the first quarter and they went on to lead 43-37 at halftime. "We started off well," Quinn said. "Gave up too many three-point shots. In the third quarter we fell on our Achilles heel and let too many three-point baskets be made today." Indiana made 10 3-pointers, reaching double figures in that category for the seventh time this season. Veteran forward Iziane Castro Marques made her first appearance with Washington when she entered the game with 30 seconds left in the first quarter. The Mystics signed the free agent on Sunday. She had four points. NOTES: With four assists, Douglas surpassed Nikki Teasley for 15th place on the all-time career assists list. ... Indiana's 53.6 percent shooting is the second-best shooting performance this season. ... Washington's 23 rebounds is the fewest by an Indiana opponent this season. *Courtesy of www.tribtown.com