Eurobasket Daily News Report: 8/4/2012 1:04:01 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/4/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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BALKAN LEAGUE

Galil Gilboa inks point guard Kenny Hayes - by Eurobasket News

As reported by Eurobasket's David Pick via Twitter, Galil Gilboa announced signing of Kenny Hayes (188-PG-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Miami, OH) for the next season. The American point guard arrives from the NBA D-League team Maine Red Claws, where he spent last two years. In the latest one he shined with 17.1 ppg, 5.2 apg and 4.1 rpg in 44 games. In 2010/11, Hayes had much lower numbers. He played for D-League Select Team at 2012 NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas.
Kenny Hayes is a product of Miami University, Ohio, where he graduated two years ago. He had 14.9 ppg, 3.1 apg and 2.9 rpg for his school as a senior. Hayes moved to Miami OH in 2007 from the Cincinnati State Community College.
Kenny Hayes was named USBasket.com All-D-League Most Improved Player of the Year -12. After the season he moved to Venezuela playing two games for Trotamundos de Carabobo. He was signed to help the team in LPB Finals, but they failed against Marinos.
Galil Gilboa is the reigning Balkan League champion.

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BELGIUM

Belgium posts two victories over the Dutch side - by Eurobasket News

Belgium posts two victories over the Dutch side in the friendly clashes.
In Game1 Belgium smashed Holland 103:47 in Hoei in a preparation game for the European Championship 2013 qualifying games. Robin Smeulders (208-F-87, agency: Court Side, college: Portland) had 11 points in the losing case, while Francisco Elson (212-C-76, agency: Court Side, college: California) posted 9.
In Game 2 Belgium won over the Netherlands 79:76. Belgium capped the opening quarter to post a 19-17 lead at the first break. The Belgian Lions stayed in front throughout the second frame arriving at halftime up by 2 points 42-40. The Dutch team led however 59:58 after three quarters, while Belgium needed a productive last quarter to seal the narrow victory. Sam Van Rossom (188-G-86) accounted for 14 points, while Jonathan Tabu added 13 points for the winners. Arvin Slagter (192-G-85, agency: Court Side) notched 20 points for Holland. Henk Norel had 19 points while Rogier Jansen (188-G-84, agency: Court Side) added 15 points in the loss.

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BRAZIL

Givova Scafati confirms signing of Jonathan Tavernari - by Eurobasket News

As expected, Givova Scafati officially announced signing of Jonathan Tavernari (198-G/F-87, college: BYU). It will be third straight season for the player in Italy. He finished the last one with Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia averaging 10.7 points and 4 rebounds for 26 games. Tavernari arrived to Jesi in January on loan from Angelico Biella. With Biella he had very limited playing time. Jonathan Tavernari inked a long term deal with Biella in 2010, but he didn't appear in any official game in 2010/11 season. The player graduated at Brigham Young University two years ago. He had 10.1 ppg and 4.4 rpg for his school in 36 games as a senior. Tavernari shined in his junior year with 15.7 ppg and 7.2 rpg. He played for the Brazilian National Team at 2009 FIBA Americas in San Juan. There Jonathan Tavernari registered 6.3 ppg and 1.5 rpg, while Brazil won the Gold. They also won the Gold at 2010 South American Championships in Colombia.

Barbosa Rumors Flying - by Mel Devonne

While Leondro Barbosa is leading his Brasil national team in the London Olympics,rumors are flying about his next
NBA destination for the 2012-13 season.
His is rumored to be joining the Lakers next season who have revamped their lineup already adding Steve Nash,
and Anwtwonie Jamison.
The addition of Leondro Barbosa would make an already strong Lakers team a favorite in the
Western conference of the NBA.
Barbosa was a valuable player off the bench last season for Toronto and was traded to Indiana.
Barbosa averaged 11pts per game last season and is going into his 10th NBA season.

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COLOMBIA

COLOMBIAN YOUNG TALENT IN THE ADIDAS NATIONS GLOBAL 2012 - by Victor Garcia

Thee talented colombian Young players has been selected to play in the Adidas Nations Global 2012 as part of the Latinamerican team.

Braian Angola (66"-F), Tony Trocha (610" C) and Kevin Cuesta (66" F), all them members of the Colombian U-18 team traveled to United States with an invitation from the organization and will be playing from today in this important event.
Angola, Trocha and Cuesta were scouted in the Fiba Americas U-18 tournament in Brazil and all them has a brilliant future, Angola is a talented small forward / guard, with very good offensive skills , Trocha is one of the better centers in his age has very good foundamentals and knowledge of the game, Cuesta is a hard worker strong and athletic combo forward.

The tournament is hosted by the city of Long Beach - California.

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CROATIA

CYPRUS

Ogooluwa Adegboye signs with Etha - by Eurobasket News

Ogooluwa Adegboye (182-PG-87, college: St.Bonaventure) signs with Etha for the upcoming season. The British International remains in Cyprus, but with another team.
In 2007-2009 he played for Lamar CC (NJCAA) and in 2009-2010 moved to St.Bonaventure (NCAA). In 31 games his stats read 6.6ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 66.7%. In 2010-2011 for St.Bonaventure he improved to 11.5ppg, 3.1rpg, 4.0apg, FGP: 39.0%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 65.6%.
In 2011-2012 moved to Cytavision Apoel Nicosia (Cyprus-Division A, starting five) and in 13 games averaged 10.2ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.2apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 64.7%.
As a member of the national team he participated at the Qualifications to European Championships 2011. In 8 games hi stats read 4.8ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.5apg. At the European Championships in Lithuania -11 after 5 games he showed 3.6ppg, 1.4apg.
Ogooluwa Adegboye is a natural point guard, with good floor leadership and passing skills. He needs of some European playing time to become truly effective.

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Standings - District National

LNB Standings

North Division
1. Indios SF		5-3
2. Huracanes		5-3
3. Metros		4-3
4. Reales		2-5
South Division
1. Caneros		5-3
2. Leones SD		3-4
3. Titanes		3-4
4. Cocolos		3-5

Regular Season: Round 6

Aug. 1: Indios SF - Cocolos 91-79
Jul. 31: Huracanes - Titanes 88-66
Aug. 1: Caneros - Huracanes 76-79
Jul. 31: Cocolos - Metros 100-86

Regular Season: Round 7

Aug. 3: Metros - Leones SD
Aug. 3: Titanes - Reales
Aug. 4: Leones SD - Reales
Aug. 4: Metros - Titanes
Aug. 5: Caneros - Indios SF
Aug. 5: Huracanes - Leones SD

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EUROCUP

Rudupis Strenghtens Its Roster - by Uygar Karaca

According to lithuaniabasketball.com, The second year Eurocup contender Rudupis adds Zygimantas Janavicius (192-G-89, agency: Interperformances) and extends contract with Arturas Milaknis. The Lithuanian club lost the Last 16 stage by one win and wants to achieve higher this season. Janavicius, the young point guard from Zalgris Youth Team will experience the most competitive season of his career. The club coached by Virginijus Seskus also added Tautvydas Slezas previously.

Cholet bring in Marcus Goree - by Eurobasket News

Cholet added power to their frontcourt. They landed Marcus Goree. The forward started the previous season in Greece. He played for PAOK Thessaloniki. He tallied 12.1 points, 7.1 boards and 1.1 assists per game in A1 League. In EuroCup his stats read 14.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.0 steals per appearance. Later Marcus Goree moved to Benetton Treviso. The forward notched 13.1 points, 5.4 boards, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals per game in SeriaA. In EuroCup Marcus Goree posted 9.3 points and 4.7 rebounds. Previously he had stints in Germany, Russia, Italy, Israel, Spain and France. He was named All-Spanish ACB Centre of the Year in 2004. He was also trumped All-Russian Superleague Defensive Player of the Year in 2008.

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EUROLEAGUE

Brose Baskets adds Teddy Gipson - by Diamadis Farmakis

German champs Brose Baskets announced on Friday the arrival of shooter Teddy Gipson (193-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: Arkansas), arriving from Pau-Orthez of France. Gipson (32 years old, 1.91 meters) averaged 17.1 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game in the French League last season.

He played college ball in the University of Arkansas from 1999 to 2003 and after that, he moved to Europe to make his pro debut with the Demon Astronauts, with which he played in the ULEB Cup in 2005-06 and played 10 games, averaged 12.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists, while In 2006 he moved to Germany to play with Paderborn Baskets and after that year he was back to the Netherlands with MyGuide Amsterdam.

In 2009 he moved to France to join Pau-Orthez in the second division and that season he led the team to its comeback to the first division in France. Now, in 2012-13, he joins the German champs to make his debut in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague.

Le Mans inks 2-year extension with Alain Koffi - by Eurobasket News

Alain Koffi (207-C-83, agency: Beo Basket) will stay with Le Mans for the next two years. He returned to the club in 2010 from DKV Joventut. Koffi appeared 25 times in ProA last season averaging 5.9 points and 3.4 rebounds. The player also added 10.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg for 2 EuroCup games. Koffi is a product of Le Mans, where he played from 2000 to 2009. Than he moved to Spanish Joventut, but returned to the club after one year. Alain Koffi won ProA title with Le Mans in 2006. They also were Cup winners in 2004 and 2009. Last season Le Mans reached ProA Finals, but failed against Chalon. In 2009 and 2010, Koffi played for the French National Team.

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FINLAND

Turkey hold off Finland in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News

Turkey - Finland 88:77

Turkey will play in the title game at Adidas Istanbul Cup tournament. They overcame Finland to set up the clash versus Germany. Semih Erden (213-C-86) scored 19 points to lead the hosts.
Turkey fired 24 points in the starting quarter to take a 10-point lead. Finland cut the deficit in the second period. They got within 6 points at the interval 41:35. Turkey exploded with 25 points in the third stanza to stretch the lead to 8 points with ten minutes remaining. Turkey stayed in charge throughout the final frame. They kept Finland at distance and rolled to the victory at the end. Ilkan Karaman (205-F-90, agency: Beo Basket) knocked down 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while Serhat Cetin (197-G-86) added 14 points for the winners. Petteri Koponen (194-G-88) responded with 19 points and 7 assists for Finland. Hanno Mottola (209-F/C-76, college: Utah) had 15 points in the loss.

Turkey: Semih Erden 19, Ilkan Karaman 16+11 boards, Serhat Cetin 14
Finland: Petteri Koponen 19, Hanno Mottola 15

KORISLIIGA: Chris Taft and his come back - by Rauno Hurmalainen

American Center Chris Taft (208-F-85, college: Pittsburgh) will make his come back on basketball courts in Finland, Europe. UU-Korihait (Uusikaupunki) and Taft have signed a contract for coming 2012-13 season. Korihait and team's new Head Coach Jarmo Laitinen have found a terrific inside player, who has a nice medium range game. Taft averaged 13,3 ppg, 7,5 rpg and 1,7 bpg as a Sr at Pittsburgh University 2004-05 and was drafted by NBA 2nd round (42). Taft played 17 games on Golden State Warriors roster 2005-06 and averaged 2,8 ppg - 2,1 rpg. Later injuries have followed Taft, who has continued his career in the D-league.

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FRANCE

Standings - N1

NM1 Standings

1. Angers BC 49		0-0
2. Blois		0-0
3. CFBB		0-0
4. Challans		0-0
5. Chartres		0-0
6. Cognac		0-0
7. La Rochelle		0-0
8. Lievin		0-0
9. Monaco		0-0
10. Orchy		0-0
11. Quimper		0-0
12. Rennes		0-0
13. Roche		0-0
14. Rueil		0-0
15. Sorgues		0-0
16. Souffel		0-0
17. St Chamond		0-0
18. Vichy		0-0

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 29: Sorgues - Quimper
Sep. 29: Angers BC 49 - Monaco
Sep. 29: La Rochelle - Vichy
Sep. 29: CFBB - Rueil
Sep. 29: Chartres - Souffel
Sep. 29: Roche - Orchy
Sep. 29: Blois - Challans
Sep. 29: Lievin - Cognac
Sep. 29: Rennes - St Chamond

Monaco to sign Nemanja Calasan, according to report - by Eurobasket News

Nemanja Calasan (203-C-85, college: Purdue) will play next season in French NM1. According to Catch-and-shoot.com, the Montenegrin big guy is set to sign a deal with Monaco. Calasan spent last season in Switzerland. He shined with 17.7 ppg, 9.1 rpg and 2.3 apg for 22 games with Boncourt Red Team. He was top rebounder of the competition and fifth scorer. For his performance Calasan was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Swiss LNA Honorable Mention -12 and Eurobasket.com Swiss LNA All-Bosmans Team -12. Before Boncourt, Calasan played for Romanian Gaz Metan Medias in 2010/11 season. There he had 3.4 ppg and 2.4 rpg in 14 games, after what they parted ways. He started pro basketball career with French ProB team Charleville in 2009/10 season. For 23 games Calasan averaged 10.8 points and 8 rebounds. In the past, he played for Purdue University, Mogren Budva and Ibon Niksic.

Cholet bring in Marcus Goree - by Eurobasket News

Cholet added power to their frontcourt. They landed Marcus Goree. The forward started the previous season in Greece. He played for PAOK Thessaloniki. He tallied 12.1 points, 7.1 boards and 1.1 assists per game in A1 League. In EuroCup his stats read 14.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.0 steals per appearance. Later Marcus Goree moved to Benetton Treviso. The forward notched 13.1 points, 5.4 boards, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals per game in SeriaA. In EuroCup Marcus Goree posted 9.3 points and 4.7 rebounds. Previously he had stints in Germany, Russia, Italy, Israel, Spain and France. He was named All-Spanish ACB Centre of the Year in 2004. He was also trumped All-Russian Superleague Defensive Player of the Year in 2008.

Gravelines close to Larry Owens - by Eurobasket News

Gravelines is close to Larry Owens. The team is looking for the player to fill in the third spot and they turned to Larry Owens. The forward spent the last season between NBA and D-League. He tallied 12.7 points, 4.4 boards, 3.5 assists per game for the Tulsa 66ers. Larry Owens also played for the New Jersey Nets. His stats read 2.2 points and 2.2 assists per game in the NBA. He made it into Gatorade D-League All-Defensive 2nd Team. Previously Larry Owens had spells in NBA, D-League, Turkey, Belgium. He also played for Stade Clermontois Basket in France. He was named into All-D-League 2nd Team in 2011.

Le Mans inks 2-year extension with Alain Koffi - by Eurobasket News

Alain Koffi (207-C-83, agency: Beo Basket) will stay with Le Mans for the next two years. He returned to the club in 2010 from DKV Joventut. Koffi appeared 25 times in ProA last season averaging 5.9 points and 3.4 rebounds. The player also added 10.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg for 2 EuroCup games. Koffi is a product of Le Mans, where he played from 2000 to 2009. Than he moved to Spanish Joventut, but returned to the club after one year. Alain Koffi won ProA title with Le Mans in 2006. They also were Cup winners in 2004 and 2009. Last season Le Mans reached ProA Finals, but failed against Chalon. In 2009 and 2010, Koffi played for the French National Team.

Florent Pietrus has nasal fracture, most likely will miss next 2 games - by Eurobasket News

Florent Pietrus (202-F-81) got injured (broken nose) during the game against Lithuania and he will most likely miss next two games. After that, Pietrus will wear a protective mask.
Florent Pietrus averages 2.7 points and 2.7 rebounds after 3 games at the Olympic Games in London. His country has 2-1 record in Group A. Pietrus is active member of the French National Team since 2002. Last summer in Lithuania he had 2.6 ppg and 3.4 rpg for 11 games. France won the EuroBasket Silver. Seven years ago France won the Bronze at EuroBasket in Belgrade. There Pietrus averaged 7.6 points and 7.1 rebounds for 7 games. Florent Pietrus played last two years for Spanish Valencia.

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GEORGIA

Georgians Physically Beat Us - by Darbaiseli

Tiit Sokk, head coach of Estonian national basketball team, whose players lost with Georgian national basketball team at Fours tournament 76:90 recognized superiority of Igor
Kokoskovs players.
I had such impression that Georgian basketball players met the match with better physical condition. During the whole match they were acting convincingly. As for us, we had
several moments. It goes without going that the situation needs to be improved-stated Estonian head coach.
Janar Talts leader of Estonian team, who scored 19 points was dissatisfied too. it is going without saying that Georgia has a good team and they renovated the staff. In spite of this,
we had to do more. I hope, we will do better in the upcoming matches.
As far as you know, the second round matches of Estonian tournament are held today in the evening. At 18:00 oclock (Tbilisi time) Estonians plays against Czech team, at
20:00oclock Georgian national team plays against the USA colleges team.

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GERMANY

Germany rally past Iran in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News

Germany - Iran 70:41

Germany advanced into the final of Adidas Istanbul Cup. They knocked down Iran to book the place in the title game. Robin Benzing (208-F-89) scored 15 points to lead the European team.
Germany jumped into a 24;12 lead after ten minutes. They maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. Germany posted a 35:21 halftime advantage. Iran failed to recover after the big break. Germany stretched the gap to as many as 19 points with ten minutes remaining. Germany triggered a 20:10 run in the final quarter and sealed the victory at the end. Maik Zirbes (205-C-90) notched 14 points, while Tibor Pleiss (214-F/C-89) added 10 points for the winners. Asghar Kardoust (212-C-86) responded with 13 points for Iran. Mousa Nabipour (213-C-83) had 7 points in the loss.

Germany: Robin Benzing 15, Maik Zirbes 14, Tibor Pleiss 10
Iran: Asghar Kardoust 13, Mousa Nabipour 7

The Brose Baskets Bamberg Reel In Teddy Gipson - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Six years ago, Teddy Gipson (193-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: Arkansas) was a scoring machine together with future Beko BBL scoring leader Tim Black with the Paderborn Baskets, and today he is member of Euroleague team Brose Baskets Bamberg coming for the departed Brian Roberts.In between, he was continuing to score much in Holland and France. Gipson is a 32 year old 193 combo guard from Farmersville, Louisiana. Last season, he played for Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez (France-ProA): EuroChallenge: 6 games: 13.7ppg, 3.7rpg, 5.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 80.0%; French League: 28 games: Score-3 (17.1ppg), 3.9rpg, 4.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 78.6%. "I think that we made a good catch. It would be unfair to compare him to Brian Roberts. He is a very complete player. He is a big guard that defends well, passes well, can penetrate
and also post up. He is a good scorer that can progress to a leader with his experience and attitude", stressed Bamberg manager Wolfgang Heyder.

Gipson started his basketball career at Arkansas (NCAA) in 1998 and played there until 2002. In his senior year he played 7.6ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 61.1%. He started his professional basketball career in 2003 and played three seasons for Demon Astronauts Amsterdam (Holland-Eredivisie). He never averaged less than 12,2ppg in a season. In 2006-2007, he made the jump to the Beko BBL playing for the Paderborn Baskets 91 (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 34games: 14.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.6apg. It wa sthe first season that Paderborn played in the Beko BBL and despite that the three musketeers Tim Black, Steven Esterkamp and Marius Nolte had been responsible for the success of 50 wins in a row in the second Bundesliga the year before, Gipson held his own in the first year and was one of the most important players in that first year keeping the stability in the scoring department. He then returned back to Amsterdam for two more seasons. In the 2008-2009 season, he showed that he couldplay solid in the : FIBA EuroChallenge: 14 games: 15.2ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.1apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 88.0%; Dutch League: 48 games:, 13.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 73.2%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Dutch Eredivisie All-Star Game - 04-06, 08-09, Dutch Eredivisie All Star-Game MVP -06, Dutch Eredivisie Regular Season Runner-Up -04, 05, 06, Dutch Eredivisie Semifinals -04, 06, Dutch Cup Winner -04, 06, Dutch Eredivisie Champion -05, 08, 09, German Bundesliga All-Star Game -07, Dutch Cup Finalist -08, French ProB Regular Season Champion -10, French ProB Champion -10, Eurobasket.com All-French ProB Player of the Year -10, Eurobasket.com All-French ProB Guard of the Year -10, Eurobasket.com All-French ProB 1st Team -10, Eurobasket.com French ProB All-Imports Team -10, French ProA All-Star Game -12, and Eurobasket.com All-French ProA Honorable Mention -12

The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig Land Erik Land - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig have Snapped up Erik Land (203-C-90) and rewarded him with a two year deal. Land is a 22 year old 203cm center that also will have a double license to play for the Spot Up Medien Baskets. Last seaosn, he played for the Saar-Pfalz Braves (ProA, starting five): 24 games: 6.8ppg, 3.9rpg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 26.2%, FT: 71.2%. "He has a lot of talent and will develop further if he continues to work hard. We got him because we see potential. He is also a part of our future because the youth is our future", expressed New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig head coach Kostas Flevarakis. Land started his basketball career in 2005-2006 for TSV Troester II Breitengussbach (Regionalliga). He continued to play for the Bamberg farm team as well as play for the Brose Baskets Bamberg from 2009-2011. He played a total of 14 Beko BBL games. Awards and achievements in his basketball career have been German U16 National Team -06, European Championships U16 in Jaen (Spain) -06: 8 games: 7.9ppg, 5.9rpg, 2FGP: 46.8%, FT: 54.3%German U18 National Team -08, Albert Schweitzer International Tournament in Mannheim (Unofficial World Championships U18) -08, Adidas World Junior Tournament in Douai (France) -08, European Championships U18 in Amaliada Pyrgos (Greece) -08: 6 games: 7.0ppg, 6.5rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 45.5%, German U20 National Team -09-10, European Championships U20 in Croatia -10: 9 games: 4.4ppg, 2.0rpg, and German Bundesliga Cup Winner -11

Source: New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig

The Walter Tigers Tuebingen Sign Kenny Frease - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Chris Fleming has had a talent for bringing in the right pieces the last two title years as well as John Patrick always finding the right mix to help his ex teams Goettingen and Wurzburg be successful while Igor Perovic is also quietly doing his own magic in Tuebingen as he found the right spices with guys like Vaughn Duggins and Tyron Nash last season and is trying again this season as after bringing in rookie Douglas Davis, he has brought in another one with Kenny Frease (213-C-89) Frease is a 22 year old 213cm monster from the state of Ohio that breeds basketball talents as much as Lebron James was smiling during the blow out Olympic win against Nigeria yesterday. Frease played four years at Xavier (NCAA) from 2008-2012. In his senior year, he played 36 games: 10.2ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 51.4%, FT: 56.9%. He played a total of 137 NCAA games. This past summer, the big man had workouts with the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), and Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA). Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Atlantic 10 Regular Season Champion -09, 11, Atlantic 10 Tournament Semifinals -09, 10, Atlantic 10 Regular Season Co-Champion -10, NCAA Sweet 16 -10, 12, All-Atlantic 10 Honorable Mention -11, and Atlantic 10 Tournament Finalist -12. "What I like about his game is how he works under the basket. He is very consistent under the basket and is a good target for his players. We are happy having found a real center", stressed Tigers manager Robert Wintermantel.

Source: Walter tIgers Tuebingen

Jason Swanson Moves To The Licher Basket Baeren - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

After tearing up the Regionaliga two seasons season, Jason Swanson (201-F-86, college: W.Alabama) will get his chance to showcase his skills at the next level in the PRO B with the Licher Basket Baeren. Swanson is a 26 year old 201cm forward from Troy, Alabama that will be playing his second professional season. He last played for the Giants Noerdlingen (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 26 games and averaging 21.5ppg. "Jason is a fighter that goes there where it hurts. He is athletic with a versatile shot also from outside. We hope that he can continue there where he left off from his super Regionaliga season", stressed Licher Basket baeren assistant coach Christian Knaus. Swanson played at Shelton State Community College from 2006-2008 and then moved to W.Alabama (NCAA2) where he played from 2008-2010. In hiss enior year, he played 27 games: 16.2ppg, 10.1rpg, 1.8apg, 1.1bpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 55.1%, 3Pts: 35.3%, FT: 65.0%. "I am very happy that Lich is giving me the chance to play professional basketball again. That is every players dream and I am thankful to Igor and the whole management. I will do my best so the team will belong to the best teams at the end of the season. I am very excited about the season and am looking forward to my time with Lich", stressed Jason Swanson. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been All-GSC East Division 1st Team -09, 10
Eurobasket.com All-Regionalliga South-East Defensive Player of the Year -11, Eurobasket.com All-Regionalliga South-East 1st Team -11, and German Regionalliga (South-East Group) Champion -11.

Source: Licher BasketBren

Andreas Hasenkamm Stays With The Cuxhaven Bascats - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Fan favorite and the heart and soul of te Cuxhaven Bascat Andreas Hasenkamp will remain with the team and play his 12th season for the PRO A club. Hasenkamm is a 28 year old 192cm guard that last season played 4 games: 1.0ppg, 1.3rpg. He had to fight massive injuries last season, but is content he will ready for te 2012-2013 campaign. "I have been practicing since some weeks. I have no more problems with m yknee and I am excited to play again", stressed Andreas Hasenkamm (192-G-83). Hasenkamp will look to add to his 168 games that he has had with the Cuxhaven Bascats this season.

Pressemitteilung: Cuxhaven BasCats

BBC Bayreuth Find Their Big Man With Gary Mcghee - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

After putting together their team in May as quickly as Usain Bolt can skip from one length of the basketball court to the other, BBC Bayreuth took some time looking for their big man, but found him today with Gary McGhee (208-C-88, college: Pittsburgh). Despite Mcghee giving a solid perforance in the NBA Suer legaue for the Los Angeles Clippers, there had been speculation for a long time that he might come to the Bavarian city. Mcghee is a 23 year old 208cm center fro Anderson, Indiana and will try to fill the shoes of ex NBA players Jared Reiner and Brandon Hunter the last two years. Mcghee gets a one year deal. This will be the second professional season for the American. Last season, he played for KK Zagreb Croatia Osiguranje (Croatia-A1), only pre-season, then moved to Bandirma Kirmizi (Turkey-TBL, starting five): 30 games: 10.5ppg, Reb-4 (7.8rpg), FGP: 56.3%, FT: 45.6%. He played at Pittsburgh (NCAA) from 2007-2011. In his senior year, he played 34 games: 6.9ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 56.7%, FT: 48.5%. He played a total of 120 NCAA gaes. IN the sumer of 2011, he took part at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 2 games: 9.0ppg, Reb-5 (8.5rpg), 1.0bpg. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Big East Tournament Winner -08, Big East Regular Season Runner-Up -09, Big East Regular Season Co-Runner-Up -10, and Big East Regular Season Champion -11

Tony Bishop commits to Nuernberger BC - by Moritz Korff

Tony Bishop (201-F-89, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav, college: Texas St.) has inked a one-year deal with 2. Bundesliga Pro A outfit Nuernberger BC. The 23-year-old spent his first season as a professional athlete in Denmark last season and excelled as a double-double machine. Bishop scored 19 points and grabbed 11.3 boards per contest for the Aalborg Vikings. He also had 2.3 steals and 1.6 blocks a game. As a result to his outstanding performances, the 2011 Texas State grad received Eurobasket.com All-Danish League Second Team honors. He had produced 13.1ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.2spg and 1.1bpg as a senior at Texas State the year before. In 2009 Bishop was named NJCAA D3 Player of the Year after leading Richland College to a National Championship.

Aschersleben Tigers bolster frontcourt with Polish center - by Moritz Korff

The Aschersleben Tigers (1. Regionalliga North) announced Friday that Bartlomiej Lisowski (207-C/F-90) will join the team for the 2012-13 season. The 22-year-old post player moves from his native Poland to Aschersleben.
"We are excited to have found such a talented player like Bartlomiej. He's got attributes that you can't teach, like size and wing-span. He is eager to learn and willing to work hard in practice to gain playing time. He will give our starters some rest and that gives us much more opportunities on both ends of the floor", Aschersleben coach Kamil Piechucki said.
Last season Lisowski played three games for MOSiR Krosno in the Polish first division, but mostly saw action on the club's farmteam.

Rattelsdorf Independents add Saller and Slabu - by Moritz Korff

The Rattelsdorf Independents have bolstered their frontline by the addition of two post players for the 2012-13 season. Andreas Saller (205-C/F-82) and Romanian Ionut Slabu (204-C-86) will join the team, according to the Independents' website.
Saller is a former German junior international and went through the Breitenguessbach/Bamberg youth program. From 2000 to 2005 he saw action in several BBL games for Bamberg and then transferred to Regionalliga team FC Baunach. Last season Saller scored 22.0ppg in 6 games for Bayernliga side BBC Coburg.
Slabu previously played fro Timisoara and for Steaua Bucuresti in Romania's first division and recently finished a stint in England.

Eggleston returns to Leverkusen - by Moritz Korff

The Bayer Giants Leverkusen (2. Bundesliga Pro B) have announced that forward Jack Eggleston (203-F-88, college: Pennsylvania) will remain with the team and has agreed to terms on a new deal for the 2012-13 season. The 23-year-old Noblesville, IN, native spent his first year overseas in Leverkusen and played a solid season, though being slowed down by a foot injury. Eggleston averaged 14.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists per contest and had his best showings in the play down series against the Giessen Pointers, when he scored 27.0 points a game.

White Wings Hanau land Robert Huelsewede - by Moritz Korff

The White Wings Hanau keep putting together a roster that appears to have championship caliber in the 2. Bundesliga Pro B. Today the Wings confirmed the signing of Robert Huelsewede (198-F-90), who transfers from Mitteldeutscher BC to Hanau. The 22-year-old forward captured the Pro A title with the Weissenfels teams last season and despite his young age will add lots of experience to the White Wings' squad. Huelsewede played for the German Junior National Teams on several occasions, including the 2006 U16 European Championships, the 2008 Albert-Schweitzer-Tournament and the 2010 U20 European Championships. In the 2009-10 season the Bielefeld native appeared in 19 BBL games for Paderborn and then played in the Pro A for Cuxhaven and MBC in the following years.

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GREECE

Landon Milbourne is officially with Panionios - by Eurobasket News

Landon Milbourne (201-F-87, college: Maryland) is officially with Panionios for the next season. The American Forward moves to Greece.
Landon Milbourne spent the last season in France. He tallied 13.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game in ProB. Eurobasket.com gave the forward All-French ProB Honourable Mention. Landon Milbourne started his pro career in 2010/11 season. He joined Boulougne. His stats read impressive 16.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.5 assists per game in ProB. He also earned Eurobasket.com All-French ProB Honourable Mention then. Landon Milbourne is the product of the University of Maryland. He was named High School Defensive Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005.

AGOR lands Ray Reese - by Chris Mammides

AGOR officially announced the American guard Ray Reese (196-G-87, college: Tulsa) with a two years contract starting as of today! The 25 years old American player graduated from Tulsa, played last season in the Mexican Minejros De PArala having 24.4 points per game, 7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. While in his earlier years and as a colelge player he succeeded 22 double-double figures in 94 games with the jersey of Tulsa with 49% in the two point shots and 42% in the three pointers.

Panionios lands Gibbs and Payne - by Chris Mammides

Panionios ON Telecoms Athens after the transfers of Nikos Pappas, Giorgos Bogris, and Spyridon Motsenigos (193-SG-92) and the renewals of the contracts of Marios Batis and Vladimiros Jankovic has now officially singed two Americans and a third one is ready to proceed to the team of Nea Smyrni.
The rookie Ashton Gibbs (187-G-90) graduate of Pittsburg University who had in 33 games as a graduate 15.5ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.2apg is as of today the first American player to sign with Panionios ON Telecoms Athens while Mark Payne (203-G, college: Cal-Davis) is the second. The third American to sign with Panionios ON Telecoms Athens (probably by the beginning of next week) is Landon Milbourne (201-F-87, college: Maryland) the ex forward of Limoges who helped his team to win the ticket to the First division of the French league having in 29 games 13.5ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.3apg and 1.2spg

Last but not least the team of Panionios did a future transaction as the Lianos Management added the young talented power forward Petros Melissaratos (205-F/C-93) member of the Hellenic NT U18

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HOLLAND

Matrixx Magixx tabs guard Andrew Dawson - by Fred Roggen

Matrixx Magixx Wijchen revamped its backcourt on Friday by signing Dutch point guard Andrew Dawson (190-F-87, agency: R.H.Consultancy) on a one-year deal. The 25-year-old Dawson arrives from fellow Dutch side Aris Leeuwarden, where he played two years. He averaged 3.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.0 steals for Aris Leeuwarden in the Dutch Basketball league last season.
The former Dutch U18 and U20 player developed at EclipseJet-MyGuide, where he played from 2006 to 2009.

Aris Leeuwarden inks forward Samme Givens - by Fred Roggen

Aris Leeuwarden announced the first American addition to its roster for the upcoming season with the signing of Samme Givens (195-F) for the power forward spot. Givens signed a one-year deal with the team from Leeuwarden. Samme Givens enjoyed a successful college basketball career at the Drexel University, where he was selected to
the All-CAA 2nd Team. Givens played a total of 33 games in his senior year at Drexel University, he averaged 11.4ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.8apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 51.8%, FT: 71.0%.

Crunch time!! - by Glenn Stokes

Hello world, welcome back to the Glenn Stokes blog! Today I will be updating you all on what's going on with me in Mexico...
Herre in the Cibane league my team finished strong to end the regular season, clinching another regular season title, earning the #1 seed and having home court throughout the playoffs... We did so by beating our cross town rival UAZ Tuzos de Zacatecas three straight games. Although the games were not easy we were able to find a way to get the necessary wins by fighting hard as a team and staying together throughout the ups and downs even when Tuzos went on runs and actually went up by 21 points late in the 3rd quarter.... Before the three games vs. Tuzos, I was really worried about our team chemistry and our fight as a collective group! I believed we were definitely a good team and had a chance to contend for the title but I wasn't as confident as I am now. I think those games were the turning point for the Mineros de fresnillo and they helped build the trust and confidence in each and every player on the roster. The thing that plays a great part in being able to fight and comeback late in the 3rd quarter is the trust and belief in not only ourselves but also in our fans... Our fans ( the best fans of all of Mexico) travelled 45 minutes away to not only support us but we actually had more fans than the home team of Zacatecas. Not only were they in the building but you heard them chanting and cheering us on ( min-er-os, MIN-ER-OS) at a time when it was easy for them to lose belief and for us to give up.... it felt like a home game really! After those games was when I said we are ready to win another championship ( 5 days after questioning it).
Here we are ready for the playoffs and ready to play against Tuzos AGAIN!!!! Although Tuzos is a very tough team to beat, I'm very happy and confident to have them in the 1st round not only because I think we are a better team but because we will basically have all home games in the series..
Game 1 was played on August 1st in a gym filled with Zacatecans, who were there to see a great game between two rivals. For me it already felt like a championship game, I felt the energy in the gym from when I first arrived to get my pre game shots up.. Before every game dating back to College I've always been the first guy in the gym getting up shots and trying to get into my beast mode rhythm before everyone else arrives. Typically, I shoot anywhere from 400-650 shots before any other player steps on the court. Here in Fresnillo there is about 30-75 ppl already in the gym early actually watching me get into what I call rhythm nation and asking for autographs and photos before the gym starts.. Earlier that day I did something else that I do on every game day dating back to my very first year as a professional basketball player where I watch game tape or highlights on YouTube while eating my pre game meal.... On this particular day I watched AI in the finals against the Lakers because just minutes before, I actually tweeted 48 was the number for tonight's game and as you all know AI had 30 at the half and 48 for the game as the 76ers stole game 1 in LA! By tweeting that and feeling that I needed to set the tone on offense by getting a great jump start rather than looking to get others involved early, I WAS FOCUSED!!! I was in attack mode from the jump, I started the game off with and and 1, then a layup and by the end of the 1st quarter I was told I had 16pts.. By being aggressive it opened up the court and my teammates were also able to get easy buckets as well which rolled over to our defense allowing us to dominate Tuzos and grab a big lead early.. That big lead afforded me about an unusual 4 minute break in the 2nd quarter (when I usually play games without sitting besides half time and during timeouts). Although I had a target in my mind of 48, it felt good to sit back and relax and enjoy this lil break while I can knowing we had another game the next day.. When I checked back into the game I was still in attack mode pulling up on 1 on 2's and everything. At the half I had 27 points and we were up by 17.. So in my mind I'm thinking I need a big 3rd quarter to stay on track to hit my target.. Long story short the game ended up being a blowout where at a time we were up by almost 40 and that 48 was looking kinda grim because I knew I was gonna sit most of the 4th quarter.. I ended up with a loud 37 points and we won game 1 113-87..
In preparation game 2 was very similar to game 1 other than the HUGE fact that the balls were late getting to the gym, therefore I was only able to get up about 150 shots before everyone else started shooting although I was there 45 minutes before. I wouldn't say I'm superstitious but I definitely believe in getting a good warm up before each game, so I'm alil upset about the fact that my pre game is alil off! All in all it didn't effect my mental approach to going at Tuzos neck, I was again in attack mode. I didn't tweet a number before the game but I had a few guys say we need 40 tonight from you.. The game went the same way as the first game with us taking control early and heading into halftime up 58-39. The stat guy came to me and said that I had 6 3pt shots in the 1st half and he asked how many will I finish with because before the game he said how many and requested 6, so with me having 6 at the half he said 10 or 12 for the game. I just laughed! Second half was like the first, we dominated and went up by as much as 34 points and I was again in a position to rest by sitting out the beginning of the 4th quarter.. We ended up winning the game by 20 plus and I don't know what I ended with but if I had to guess I'd say I had 36 or 38pts..
I thank each and everyone for reading my blogs and even some responding, please continue to do so and again if there you have any questions you can either email me stokesglenn@gmail.com or follow me on twitter @gmoneystokes.. Until the next blog, ADIOS! Glenn Stokes (170-PG-76, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: American)

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ICELAND

Stefan Torfason moves to Snaefell - by Snorri Arnaldsson

U18 national team player Stefan Torfason has signed a contract to play for Snaefell next season. Stefan Torfason came up through the youth ranks at 1st league club Thor Ak. but will now move to Stykkisholmur to take on the top division. In Snaefell, Stefan Torfason will team up with his older brother Olafur Torfason.

Stefan Torfason averaged 16.5ppg and 8.5rpg in the 1st division last season and will look to make an impression with Snaefell next season.

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IRAN

ISRAEL

Maccabi Bazan Haifa agrees to terms with PF/C James Thomas - by Eurobasket News

The Maccabi Bazan Haifa professional basketball team of the Israeli Basketball Super League announced today they have agreed to terms with power forward/center James Thomas (203-F/C-80, college: Texas) for the 2012-13 season.

Thomas, 31, played last season in Italy's second division for Givova Scafati Basket, where he was named 2012 Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 Center of the Year, appearing in 37 games, while tallying 13.2 points, 11.8 rebounds (1st in the league) and 1.3 steals in 30 minutes per game. For the 2010-11 season, Thomas appeared in 30 games for Erdemirspor Belediyesi in Turkeys top division, and averaged 9.3 points and 10.2 rebounds (1st in the league).

The 6-foot-8 center played in Italys top division from 2006-2010, where he averaged a double-double in points and rebounds in two out of his four seasons in the first division. For the 2006-07 season, Thomas played 13 games in the Euroleague for Climamio Bologna, posting averages of 10.5 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals. He also has NBA experience having recorded 33 career games in the NBA from 2004-2006 for the Portland Trail Blazers, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls.

James Thomas is a proven elite rebounder with NBA and international experience, said Maccabi Bazan Haifa head coach Brad Greenberg. He is a physical player who is tough and intelligent at both ends of the floor. He is coachable, an unselfish team player and capable of playing either as our center or as a power forward.

James Thomas is a prolific rebounder and a tough nosed player, who has proven himself year in and year out in some of the best leagues in Europe, said Maccabi Bazan Haifa owner Jeffrey Rosen.

A native of Schenectady, N.Y., Thomas played four years at NCAA Division I University of Texas at Austin from 2000-2004.

Courtesy of Maccabi Bazan Haifa

Galil Gilboa inks point guard Kenny Hayes - by Eurobasket News

As reported by Eurobasket's David Pick via Twitter, Galil Gilboa announced signing of Kenny Hayes (188-PG-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Miami, OH) for the next season. The American point guard arrives from the NBA D-League team Maine Red Claws, where he spent last two years. In the latest one he shined with 17.1 ppg, 5.2 apg and 4.1 rpg in 44 games. In 2010/11, Hayes had much lower numbers. He played for D-League Select Team at 2012 NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas.
Kenny Hayes is a product of Miami University, Ohio, where he graduated two years ago. He had 14.9 ppg, 3.1 apg and 2.9 rpg for his school as a senior. Hayes moved to Miami OH in 2007 from the Cincinnati State Community College.
Kenny Hayes was named USBasket.com All-D-League Most Improved Player of the Year -12. After the season he moved to Venezuela playing two games for Trotamundos de Carabobo. He was signed to help the team in LPB Finals, but they failed against Marinos.
Galil Gilboa is the reigning Balkan League champion.

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ITALY

Veroli inks Latvian swingman Mareks Jurevicus - by Eurobasket News

Mareks Jurevicus (197-G/F-85) is a new member of Veroli. The Latvian swingman signed a 1-year deal with the club. He spent last season with Assi Ostuni Basket averaging 13.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists for 29 games in LegaDue. He was named to Eurobasket.com Italian Lega2 All-Bosmans Team -12. Jurevicus arrived to Italy in December of 2010, when he penned a deal with Verona. There he had 12.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 1.8 apg for 20 games in LegaDue. Mareks Jurevicus started 2010/11 season with Liepajas Lauvas. He impressed with 22.1 ppg, 4.9 apg and 2.6 rpg for 8 games in Latvian league. Jurevicus played for Liepajas Lauvas also in the past. From 2008 to 2010 he was a member of Ventspils. Mareks Jurevicus played for the Latvian National Team at two latest European Championships.

Reggio Emillia signs 3-year deal with Mladen Jeremic - by Eurobasket News

Reggio Emillia signed a 3-year deal with Serbian guard Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88, agency: Interperformances), according to journalist Djordje Matic. It means that he will play for the club until the end of 2014/15 season. Jeremic spent last year and a half with Hemofarm Vrsac. He had 17.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 1.9 apg in 14 Serbian league games last season. In Adriatic league Jeremic added 12 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 1.8 apg for 26 games. He arrived to Hemfoarm in January of 2011. In the past, Mladen Jeremic spent couple of years with FMP Zeleznik. In 2008, the player won gold medal with U20 Serbian National Team at U20 EuroBasket in Riga. He had 10.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 2.3 apg for 8 games at this event. In 2007, Jeremic won the Gold with U19 Serbia at U19 World Championship in Novi Sad. There he shined with 14.7 ppg and 3.3 rpg for 9 games.

Givova Scafati confirms signing of Jonathan Tavernari - by Eurobasket News

As expected, Givova Scafati officially announced signing of Jonathan Tavernari (198-G/F-87, college: BYU). It will be third straight season for the player in Italy. He finished the last one with Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia averaging 10.7 points and 4 rebounds for 26 games. Tavernari arrived to Jesi in January on loan from Angelico Biella. With Biella he had very limited playing time. Jonathan Tavernari inked a long term deal with Biella in 2010, but he didn't appear in any official game in 2010/11 season. The player graduated at Brigham Young University two years ago. He had 10.1 ppg and 4.4 rpg for his school in 36 games as a senior. Tavernari shined in his junior year with 15.7 ppg and 7.2 rpg. He played for the Brazilian National Team at 2009 FIBA Americas in San Juan. There Jonathan Tavernari registered 6.3 ppg and 1.5 rpg, while Brazil won the Gold. They also won the Gold at 2010 South American Championships in Colombia.

Montegranaro land Kyle Johnson - by Eurobasket News

Sutor Montegranaro confirmed the signing of Kyle Johnson (195-G-88, college: LIU Brooklyn). The guard started his pro career last season. He first joined Ilysiakos Athens. Kyle Johnson averaged 2.3 points per game in A1 League. In November Kyle Johnson moved to Cyprus. The guard joined Apoel Nicosia. Kyle Johnson tallied 4.9 points per appearance in Division A. Kyle Johnson is the member of British National Team. He participated at 2011 EuroBasket in Lithuania. His stats read 6.8 points, 2.5 boards and 1.0 steal per game at the tournament.

Dinamo Sassari land Marvis Thornton - by Eurobasket News

Dinamo Sassari strengthened their roster. They agreed on terms of contract with Marvis Thornton. The guard spent the last season with Montepaschi Siena. He tallied 5.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game in Euroleague. In SeriaA Marvis Thornton averaged 7.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.3 steals per appearance. Previously Marvis Thornton had stints with Efes Pilsen, Girona, Barcelona, Cantu. Eurobasket.com named Marvis Thornton All-Italian SeriaA Defensive Player of the Year in 2003. He also made it into All-Turkish League 1st Team in 2009. He participated at TBL All-Star Game the same season. He was twice named into All-Italian SeriaA 2nd Team in 2003 and 2008.

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JAPAN

Takamatsu Five Arrows signs Penn just out of college - by Eurobasket Center

Takamatsu Five Arrows (BJ League) signed 22-year old American forward Brandon Penn (203-F-90, agency: I.D.S. Law). Penn played most recently at Rider University (NCAA) in the U.S. While playing 31 games for Rider last season his stats were: 12.0ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.5apg and 1.2spg. He just graduated Rider University and it will be his first season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Paul Williams is a newcomer at Takamatsu Five Arrows - by Eurobasket Center

Takamatsu Five Arrows (BJ League) strengthened their roster with addition of 29-year old American power forward Paul Williams (208-F/C-109kg-83, college: St.Bonaventure, agency: I.D.S. Law). Williams played most recently at UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders (United Kingdom). He helped them to make it to both league and cup finals. A very spectacular season in his career as he received an award of Eurobasket.com All-British BBL Center of the Year. Williams is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Dominican Rep., Spain and United Kingdom. Williams graduated St.Bonaventure University in 2007 and it will be his sixth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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LATVIA

LEBANON

Agents Alerts - by Asia-Basket Lebanon

A Strange situation with the Lebanese Clubs these days , many players , Coaches , Agents are not being paid on time and sometimes not at all which is obliging the involved persons to treat the clubs to go to BAT which is the Basketball Arbitral Tribunal created by FIBA to settle these type of conflicts.

Among these teams Antranik who were in dispute with one player who played with them the past season, Riyadi they had a dispute with Anthony Williams and they settled it and finally Anibal the finalist of last season who owes players and agents good amount of money. Agents who worked with Anibal last season threat to go to BAT to collect their money and moreover they informed all International agents they work with not to deal with such clubs. Going to BAT will harm the image of the Club and the Lebanese Basketball moreover will oblige the team to pay the fees and the all the BAT expenses + Interest. Not honoring the awards of BAT will lead to bigger sanctions and moreover will oblige the LBF not to allow the club to sign any new players and to allow him to participate in any tournament or championship outside Lebanon. (FIBA Regulations)

One other thing the famous player Guarnette Thompson who played in Lebanon for the past 2 seasons and helped champville to win their first championship expressed to his entourage that he will go to BAT due that he still have a one season deal with the Lebanese Champion and he was released withoutany settlement. Champville Is working to retain their title and this is creating for them some obstacles due that till this day they signed 4 players and they are allowed to keep only 2 for the League.

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LITHUANIA

Breogan inks Lithuanian G Gintaras Leonavicius - by Eurobasket News

Gintaras Leonavicius (194-G-83, agency: Players Group) stays in Spain for the next season. The Lithuanian guard penned a deal with Breogan. He arrives to the club from Huesca, where he spent 2011/12. For 32 games in LEB Gold Leonavicius averaged 14.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists. It was his first year in Spain. Before Huesca, Gintaras Leonavicius was a member of Panevezys Techasas. He shined with 15.9 ppg, 2.5 apg and 2.3 spg for 9 Baltic league games with them. In Lithuanian league Leonavicius had slightly lower numbers. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LKL Defensive Player of the Year -11. The player started 2010/11 season with Italian LegaDue team Mazzeo San Severo. In the past, he played for Sakalai, Nevezis and Akademija-MRU Vilnius.

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MONTENEGRO

Vladimir Dragicevic remains with Spartak St. Petersburg - by Eurobasket News

Vladimir Dragicevic (206-C/F-86) remains with Spartak St. Petersburg for the upcoming season. The player from Montenegro will neter his second year with the team.
In 2011 Vladimir Dragicevic signed with Spartak St. Petersburg and averaged 7.5ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 60.2%, FT: 63.3% in Russian League. In EuroCup after18 games his stats read 10.7ppg, 4.4rpg, FGP-3 (67.7%), FT: 67.6%, while in VTB League he showed 10.7ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 62.3%, FT: 57.7%.
Dragicevic finished the season 2010 with Caja Laboral. He joined them in May averaging 4.3 points and 1.6 rebounds for 8 games in ACB.
Vladimir Dragicevic started the season 2010 with Buducnost Podgorica registering 16.1 ppg and 7 rpg for 27 Adriatic league games. He helped them reach the Semifinals. In EuroCup, Dagicevic had 19 ppg and 4 rpg in four games, while in two Euroleague Qualifications games he averaged 15.5 points and 5.5 rebounds. Dragicevic was a member of Buducnost since 2007. In 2009/10 he had 10.9 ppg and 4.4 rpg for 26 games in Adriatic league. He also added 14.2 ppg and 5.6 rpg for 12 EuroChallenge appearances. Before Buducnost, Dragicevic played for Lovcen Cetinje.

Monaco to sign Nemanja Calasan, according to report - by Eurobasket News

Nemanja Calasan (203-C-85, college: Purdue) will play next season in French NM1. According to Catch-and-shoot.com, the Montenegrin big guy is set to sign a deal with Monaco. Calasan spent last season in Switzerland. He shined with 17.7 ppg, 9.1 rpg and 2.3 apg for 22 games with Boncourt Red Team. He was top rebounder of the competition and fifth scorer. For his performance Calasan was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Swiss LNA Honorable Mention -12 and Eurobasket.com Swiss LNA All-Bosmans Team -12. Before Boncourt, Calasan played for Romanian Gaz Metan Medias in 2010/11 season. There he had 3.4 ppg and 2.4 rpg in 14 games, after what they parted ways. He started pro basketball career with French ProB team Charleville in 2009/10 season. For 23 games Calasan averaged 10.8 points and 8 rebounds. In the past, he played for Purdue University, Mogren Budva and Ibon Niksic.

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NBA

Team USA's perfomance vs Nigeria, set the bar very high - by Diamadis Farmakis

You can call it the perfect game and you will be correct. The players of team USA, tought a lesson to the rest of the basketball world, of how an efficient game is playing. Make the open shots, good passing of the ball, running in the open court. Most important: make the open shots (simple as that). Let's see what Olympic records the US players broke, in their 156-73 win against Nigeria.

1. They set Olympic records for most points in a half (78 points) and most points in a game in their 156-73 win. Also they scored 49 points in the first period!

2. Carmelo Anthony set U.S. Olympic records for points (37), breaking Stephon Marburys record of 31 (against Spain in 2004), 3-pointers made and attempted (10-for-12)

3. The U.S. team set Olympic records for points scored, points in a first half (78), field goals made (59), 3-pointers made and attempted (29-for-46), field goal percentage (71.1), victory margin (83) and their 41 assists tied a record.

4. They shot a staggering 81 percent (30-for-37) inside the 3-point line a wicked 63 percent from distance

''Ive never had a team Ive coached at any level shoot the ball the way they did tonight'', U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski said to Nigeria coach Ayo Barake as the two men walked off the stage in the press center after the game. Our guys couldnt miss tonight.

''It was unbelievable and you could see it from the get-go'', said Kevin Love, the NBAs reigning 3-point contest king. ''I mean, 78 points at halftime and seeing Carmelo go off, really in the first half and second half, 10-for-12 from [3] was unbelievable to watch. But we hit 29 3-pointers tonight, so we had a good rhythm going tonight. I hope its a good omen for us the rest of Olympics''.

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PHILIPPINES

PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Jamelle CORNLEY
  Rain o.
  (196-F-87)
  Avg: 22.8

1. Cornley, Rain o.	22.8
2. Blakely, B-Meg L.	22.7
3. Yap, B-Meg Llam.	16.4
4. Lee, Rain or Shine	14.0
5. Chan, Rain or Shine	13.3
6. Simon, B-Meg Llam.	10.8
7. Norwood, Rain o.	9.3
8. Pingris, B-Meg L.	8.6
9. de Ocampo, B-Meg	8.0
10. Cruz, Rain or Shi.	7.2

Rebounds Per Game

Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 13.2

1. Blakely, B-Meg L.	13.2
2. Cornley, Rain o.	11.5
3. Pingris, B-Meg L.	8.7
4. Reavis, B-Meg L.	6.3
5. de Ocampo, B-Meg	6.3
6. Cruz, Rain or Shine	5.1
7. Norwood, Rain o.	5.0
8. Yap, B-Meg Llam.	4.8
9. Quinahan, Rain o.	4.8
10. Belga, Rain or Sh.	4.3

Assists Per Game

Paul LEE
  Rain or Shine
  (191-G-)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Lee, Rain or Shine	3.6
2. Blakely, B-Meg L.	3.3
3. Cornley, Rain o.	3.2
4. Norwood, Rain o.	3.0
5. Pingris, B-Meg L.	2.9
6. Urbiztondo, B-Meg	2.8
7. Yap, B-Meg Llam.	1.9
8. Chan, Rain or Shine	1.9
9. de Ocampo, B-Meg	1.8
10. Arana, Rain o.	1.6

Steals Per Game

Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Blakely, B-Meg L.	2.8
2. Cornley, Rain o.	1.0
3. Urbiztondo, B-Meg	1.0
4. Chan, Rain or Shine	1.0
5. Norwood, Rain o.	0.9
6. Buenafe, Rain o.	0.7
7. Ibanes, Rain o.	0.7
8. Arana, Rain o.	0.5
9. Barroca, B-Meg L.	0.5
10. Yap, B-Meg Llam.	0.4

Blocks Per Game

Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Blakely, B-Meg L.	2.6
2. Quinahan, Rain o.	0.7
3. Norwood, Rain o.	0.7
4. Reavis, B-Meg L.	0.6
5. Yap, B-Meg Llam.	0.4
6. Pingris, B-Meg L.	0.4
7. Ibanes, Rain o.	0.4
8. de Ocampo, B-Meg	0.4
9. Arana, Rain o.	0.3
10. Barroca, B-Meg L.	0.3

B-Meg rains threes on Rain or Shine to force Game 7 - by Eurobasket News

B-Meg Llam. - Rain or Shine 97-81
Throw all the stats away. It now boils down to one last game. It's an all or nothing Game 7 on Sunday. Working behind a balanced offensive attack, the B-Meg Llamados forged that sudden death match after turning back Rain or Shine 97-81 Friday night to ensure a thrilling finale in their best-of-seven PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Fresh from a 30-point explosion in Game 6 last Wednesday, James Yap picked up from where he left off, coming up with a game-high of 20 points on top of nine boards and got needed help from his B-Meg teammates that enabled them to tie the series 3-3. The Llamados led all the way and broke the game wide open in the fourth period, where they sank seven triples and led by as many as 24 points. Import Marqus Blakely got the better of counterpart Jamelle Cornley anew, tallying 19 points and 15 boards, while PJ Simon added 16 and reserve guard Jonas Villanueva had 11 for the Llamados, who are now bidding to duplicate the feat achieved by sister team Ginebra in 1991 over Shell. 'Game 7 is a huge battle,' stressed B-Meg coach Tim Cone. 'Basically, it's an all-out war. Game 7 is always a 50/50 game. It's not a game of adjustments; it's a game of heart.' Interestingly, the Kings were the only team in the league's 37 year of existence to completely come back from a 1-3 hole in a finals series. 'We want to stay focused. All we did was tie the series. If we win this and lose on Sunday, we might as well lose tonight. True happiness comes from winning it all,' Cone added. Cornley, the Best Import awardee, groped all night long against the reinvigorated B-Meg defense and was held down to a series low of 14 points. Gabe Norwood, who went scoreless in Game 5, added 14 while diminutive guard TY Tang had 11 but those proved not enough for the suddenly sagging Elasto Painters. Validating Rain or Shine's another rough outing was its atrocious 38 percent shooting from the field, highlighted by Jeff Chan's miserable 1-of-9 attempts from beyond the arc. Making matters worse, the E-Painters got abused down low with a 33-56 rebounding discrepancy and coach Yeng Guiao gamely acknowledged that, saying: 'It's our perennial problem-rebounding again. We lost by 23 rebounds. We were having problems with their size and length.' The fiery RoS mentor also acknowledged B-Meg's hot shooting, saying: 'They also shot well outside. They were shooting their threes a lot better.' Despite failing to get the job done consecutively, Guiao remains confident, adding: 'Na-delay lang ng konti. Na-delay lang ulit. It's (Game 7) just another chance to win a championship.' Tang momentarily breathed life into the Painters by knocking a triple that cut their deficit to 63-70 with less than ten minutes in the payoff period, but B-Meg just wouldn't be denied. The Llamados camped out from beyond the arc, with Blakley and Villanueva draining back-breaking, shotclock-beating treys followed by another two from Yap that put the game out of the Painters' reach at 92-68. As expected, intense emotions boiled over the court anew, with Cornley getting into a heated exchange with injured B-Meg forward Joe DeVance. That came on the heels of an earlier word war between rugged RoS center Beau Belga and B-Meg team manager Alvin Patrimonio. 'There should be something done with Alvin and DeVance,' Guiao bewailed. 'JDV is in civilian clothing but there's no warning, none whatsoever. I've been given warning and technical fouls pero si DeVance at si Alvin walang warning. So thats been overlooked. Talo kami pero di naman necessary na i-trash talk nila kami ng ganoon without action from the officials.' *Courtesy of http://ph.news.yahoo.com

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

POLAND

Hubert Radke stays with Rosa Radom - by Eurobasket News

Rosasport Radom announced signing of a 1-year contract extension with Hubert Radke (208-C-80, college: Loyola, IL). He arrived to the club in January of 2011. Last season the Polish big guy appeared 38 times in 1Liga averaging 9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2 steals. He helped Rosa Radom to reach the Finals. In 2010/11, Radke had 9.4 ppg and 6.3 rpg for 16 games. He started that season with 2Liga team MMKS SIDEn VIII LO Torun. There he exploded with 21.9 ppg and 7.7 rpg for 12 games. In 2009/10, Hubert Radke played for PBG Basket Poznan and year before that he spent with Polonia Warszawa. He also has experience from Kotwica Kolobrzeg, Energa Czarni Slupsk and Anwil. In the past, he played for Notec Inowroclaw and AZS Torun.
Rosa Radom will compete next season in PLK.

Lukasz Wichniarz signs with PGE Turow - by Eurobasket News

Lukasz Wichniarz (197-F-82) signs with PGE Turow for the upcoming season. The Polish Foard moves to the team from Kotwica Kolobrzeg.
In 2005-2006 he played for SKK Kotwica Kolobrzeg (EBL) and in 29 games averaged 7.0ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.0apg, 2FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 67.4%. In 2006-2007 moved to Sportino Inowroclaw (1Liga, starting five) and had 12.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.2apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 38%, FT: 75.7%.
In 2007-2008 appeared for JKKS Gornik Walbrzych (DBE) and in 26 games had 10.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.0apg, 2FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 80.4%. In 2008-2009 moved to Atlas Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski (DBE), while in Dec.'08 moved to ISS Sportino Inowroclaw (DBE).
The season 2009-2010 Lukasz Wichniarz started for SKK Kotwica Kolobrzeg (PLK, starting five) and in 26 games had 11.8ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 72.0%. In 2010-2011 played for Polonia Azbud Warszawa (PLK) and had 7.7ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 31.0%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 61.9%.The last season he appeared for Kotwica Kolobrzeg (PLK, starting five) and showed 9.4ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 37.8%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 67.9%.

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

PORTUGAL

Stats Leaders - UZO Liga

Points Per Game

Nate BOWIE
  Terceira.
  (183-G-86)
  Avg: 19.1

1. Bowie, Terceira.	19.1
2. Murphy, Terceira.	18.6
3. Addison, Sampaense	18.2
4. Scott, Benfica	17.0
5. Nevels, Terceira.	16.9
6. Franklin, Lusitania	16.5
7. Morris, Vitoria SC	16.5
8. Stempin, Porto F.	16.3
9. Balseiro, Sampa.	15.5
10. Oruche, Academica	15.4

Rebounds Per Game

Brian MORRIS
  Vitoria SC
  (205-F-87)
  Avg: 11

1. Morris, Vitoria SC	11.0
2. Lee, Ovarense	9.9
3. Nevels, Terceira.	9.6
4. Fonseca, Vitoria SC	9.2
5. Addison, Sampaense	8.3
6. Djukic, Ginasio	8.2
7. Gunter, CAB M.	7.9
8. Momplasir, Lusitan.	7.9
9. Cunha, Vitoria SC	7.9
10. Coll, Barcelos	7.5

Assists Per Game

Mario FERNANDES
  CAB M.
  (176-PG-82)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Fernandes, CAB M.	6.5
2. Sing, Sampaense	5.9
3. Blanks, Vitoria SC	5.4
4. Reveles, Sampaense	5.3
5. Barbosa, Ovarense	4.5
6. Ferreira, Ginasio	4.4
7. Bowie, Terceira.	4.1
8. Fechas, Barcelos	4.1
9. Manarte, Ovarense	4.1
10. Silva, CAB Madeira	3.7

Steals Per Game

Jaime SILVA
  CAB Madeira
  (187-PG-80)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Silva, CAB Madeira	3.2
2. Fernandes, CAB M.	2.3
3. Balseiro, Sampa.	2.3
4. Cunha, Vitoria SC	2.0
5. Andrade, Porto F.	1.9
6. Kenon, CAB Madeira	1.9
7. Jackson, CAB M.	1.8
8. Bessa, Vitoria SC	1.8
9. Silva, Barcelos	1.8
10. Oliveira, Barcelos	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Durrell NEVELS
  Terceira.
  (198-F-86)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Nevels, Terceira.	2.8
2. Momplasir, Lusitan.	2.0
3. Johnson, Porto F.	1.3
4. Gunter, CAB M.	1.0
5. Silva, Barcelos	1.0
6. Addison, Sampaense	0.8
7. Ehiagwina, Ginasio	0.8
8. Coelho, CAB M.	0.8
9. Doliboa, Benfica	0.7
10. Howell, Academica	0.7

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

ROMANIA

BC Timba Timisoara sign Jordan Glynn - by Eurobasket Center

BC Timba Timisoara signed 23-year old American forward Jordan Glynn (200-F-102kg-89, college: SF Austin, agency: I.D.S. Law). Glynn played most recently at Team FOG Naestved (Denmark). While playing 37 games for Naestved last season his stats were: 14.5ppg, 10.4rpg (3rd best in the league), 1.4apg and 1.2spg. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. A very impressive season as he was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Danish Ligaen 1st Team. Glynn graduated Stephen F. Austin State University in 2011 and it will be his second season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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

RUSSIA

SERBIA

Adecco 2012: Serbia edge Croatia in the opener - by Eurobasket News

Serbia-Croatia 90:74

Serbia edge Croatia in the opener of the Adecco 2012. The Serbia side grabbed 90:74 win in Ljubljana.
Serbia started the game with 23-16 and remained tough in the rest of the game. Croatian side managed to win the second frame 23-22 and reduced to 5 points in the halftime. The second half however belonged to the Serbian squad. The latter won the third period 21-14 and added 24-21 in the last stanza. Dusan Ivkovics team reached 16-point victory at the end of the game.
Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) and Zoran Erceg (210-C/F-85) top-scored for the winners with 14 points each, while Dusko Savanovic (204-PF-83, agency: Beo Basket) notched 13. Milan Macvan (206-C-89, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) and Vladimir Stimac (208-C-87, agency: Interperformances) delivered 9 points each in a win. Roko-Leni Ukic (196-G-84) ended up with 14 points in the losing effort, whilst Rok Stipcevic (185-PG-86), Damjan Rudez (206-F-86) and Luka Zoric (211-C/F-84) had 10 each.

Serbia: Milos Teodosic 14, Zoran Erceg 14, Dusko Savanovic 13, Milan Macvan 9, Vladimir Stimac 9
Croatia: Roko-Leni Ukic 14, Rok Stipcevic 10, Damjan Rudez 10, Luka Zoric 10

Reggio Emillia signs 3-year deal with Mladen Jeremic - by Eurobasket News

Reggio Emillia signed a 3-year deal with Serbian guard Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88, agency: Interperformances), according to journalist Djordje Matic. It means that he will play for the club until the end of 2014/15 season. Jeremic spent last year and a half with Hemofarm Vrsac. He had 17.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 1.9 apg in 14 Serbian league games last season. In Adriatic league Jeremic added 12 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 1.8 apg for 26 games. He arrived to Hemfoarm in January of 2011. In the past, Mladen Jeremic spent couple of years with FMP Zeleznik. In 2008, the player won gold medal with U20 Serbian National Team at U20 EuroBasket in Riga. He had 10.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 2.3 apg for 8 games at this event. In 2007, Jeremic won the Gold with U19 Serbia at U19 World Championship in Novi Sad. There he shined with 14.7 ppg and 3.3 rpg for 9 games.

Serbia U18 needs three overtimes to beat Slovenian team - by Eurobasket News

Serbia U18-Slovenia U18 113:100 3OT

Serbia U18 needs three overtimes to beat Slovenian team in the friendly game before the start of the U18 European Championship. The Serbian side grabbed a 113-100 victory due to 16-3 in extra time.
Slovenia won the opening period 22-21, but Serbia bounced back with 29-26 in the second frame. The teams again exchanged the victories in the second half as the score was tied after four quarters. In the first extra time the teams scored 11 points each and remained tied. Another 10-10 in the second overtime did not bring the winner of the game. Serbia erupted however with 16-3 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Nikola Jankovic (200-F-94) stepped up with 25 points and Stefan Pot (192-G-94) nailed 24. Nikola Radicevic (194-G-94) delivered 13, while Nikola Cvorovic (201-F-94) posted 12. Matic Rebec (179-PG-95) ended up with 34 points in the losing effort and Nikolic added 20. Jure Kopac (198-F-94) poured in 10, whilst Tomaz Bolcina (202-F-94) had 8.

Serbia U18: Nikola Jankovic 25, Stefan Pot 24, Nikola Radicevic 13, Nikola Cvorovic 12
Slovenia U18: Matic Rebec 34, Nikolic 20, Jure Kopac 10, Tomaz Bolcina 8

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

SLOVENIA

Serbia U18 needs three overtimes to beat Slovenian team - by Eurobasket News

Serbia U18-Slovenia U18 113:100 3OT

Serbia U18 needs three overtimes to beat Slovenian team in the friendly game before the start of the U18 European Championship. The Serbian side grabbed a 113-100 victory due to 16-3 in extra time.
Slovenia won the opening period 22-21, but Serbia bounced back with 29-26 in the second frame. The teams again exchanged the victories in the second half as the score was tied after four quarters. In the first extra time the teams scored 11 points each and remained tied. Another 10-10 in the second overtime did not bring the winner of the game. Serbia erupted however with 16-3 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Nikola Jankovic (200-F-94) stepped up with 25 points and Stefan Pot (192-G-94) nailed 24. Nikola Radicevic (194-G-94) delivered 13, while Nikola Cvorovic (201-F-94) posted 12. Matic Rebec (179-PG-95) ended up with 34 points in the losing effort and Nikolic added 20. Jure Kopac (198-F-94) poured in 10, whilst Tomaz Bolcina (202-F-94) had 8.

Serbia U18: Nikola Jankovic 25, Stefan Pot 24, Nikola Radicevic 13, Nikola Cvorovic 12
Slovenia U18: Matic Rebec 34, Nikolic 20, Jure Kopac 10, Tomaz Bolcina 8

Sentjur lands American playmaker Venezia - by Zeljko Zule

Tajfun Sentjur shored up its backcourt with the signing Mike Venezia (185-G-88) as the first club's import player for the upcoming season. Venezia arrives from Colgate, for whom he averaged 9.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 30 NCAA games last season.
His collegiate career began after he missed nine games with a preseason knee injury, but he rebounded to make the 2008 All-Rookie Team for the Patriot League. As a sophomore, he started all 30 Colgate games and averaged a team-high 10,8 points. Venezia was named a team captain and was off to a fast start before suffering a season-ending injury. Last season he started in all 30 games for the Raiders.

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

SOUTH AMERICAN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

Travis Derochowski got a deal with Athletics UCV in Venezuela - by Wolfgang Lucena

6'10'' power forward/center Travis Derochowski (206-C, college: Warner Pacific) will arrive in Venezuela next week from McMinnville, Oregon to join Athletics UCV towards 2012 Venezuela National Basketball League.
Athletics UCV lead by its head coach Freddy Rengifo Rizzo, has been training since the last week of June this year in order to get ready for the upcoming 2012 Venezuela National Leagues Tip Off. "Our main focus in this years practices is to improve last years experience...Travis Derochowski will be a great help for us...I am sure he will bring a lot of respect in the post position...we are really excited with this agreement" - Head Coach Freddy Rengifo Rizzo
Derochowski earned First Team All-Cal Pac honors in 2010-2011. He also led the conference in rebounds and shots blocked. Later at Simpson University Travis Derochowski averaged a double-double in points and rebounds in two California Pacific Conference games and the big guy from McMinnville was selected as the California Pacific Conference Men's Basketball player of the week for the date of January 23rd through January 29th, 2012.
His size and experience will be welcome to Athletics UCV in Venezuelas Basketball National League.

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

SPAIN

TAIWAN

Fields, Haslem, Payton to visit Taiwan for 3-on-3 event - by Chris Wang

Former NBA great Gary Payton, Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem and Toronto Raptors forward Landry Fields are scheduled to visit Taiwan for NBA 3X, a FIBA-sanctioned three-on-three event, from Aug 25-26.

A maximum of 408 teams are able to register for the event which would earn them ranking points in a global ranking system, according to Bros Sports, one of the local organizers, along with NBA Taiwan and the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA).

Apart from the three-on-three competition, a slam dunk contest, a three-point shootout and a skill challenge would also be held.

The event will take place in the central Taiwan city of Taichung from Aug 25-26.

The three former or active NBA players would also participate in a charity event to play basketball with children with rare diseases and the underprivileged children.

Official even website www.2012nba3x.com

Jeremy Lin arrives in Taiwan for two-day visit - by Chris Wang

Houston Rockets guard Jeremy Lin arrived in Taiwan Saturday morning for a two-day visit in his fathers homeland.

Lin returned to Taiwan for the third consecutive summer for basketball promotional events.

The Taiwanese-American is scheduled to appear at a consumer event organized by NIKE Taiwan Saturday evening and attend a press conference on Sunday before leaving for China.

Local media reported that Lin is scheduled to visit Taiwan again from Aug 27-28 for the Cathay Life basketball summer camp, where he would teach children basketball fundamentals.

BOT names Chou Po-hsun top draft pick - by Chris Wang

Bank of Taiwan surprised everyone with its selection of 196cm forward Chou Po-hsun, a senior at Mindao University, as the top draft pick in the 2012 SBL draft on Aug. 1 in Taipei.

Chinese Culture University shooting guard Sung Yu-hsuan, who was the odds-on favorite as the No. 1 pick, went to KKL at the third pick. Taiwan Mobile picked up Lin Yao-tsung of Mindao University at No. 2.

Only eight players were selected in the annual draft.

BOT skipped Sung and gambled on Chou for his athleticism and because BOT desperately needed to shore up its front line, according to assistant coach Hsiao Wei-chieh. Hsiao attended the draft for head coach Wei Chen-ming, who was absent due to personal reasons.

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

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

NBA coches for T&T Camp! - by Albert-Lee Young

The Millennium Basketball Academy (MBA) will be hosting the T&T Basketball Development Camp from August 9-11, 2012 at the Maloney Indoor Sporting Complex, Maloney Gardens.This year marks the tenth anniversary of the MBA and in celebration the theme for the camp is Mock NBA Training Camp.

The camp will target the top 40 players between the ages 16-19yrs. Also observing coaches will be invited to participate. The players (boys & girls) for the camp will be chosen at a screening session on August 6 to be conducted by the MBA technical staff headed by former national coach Joseph Lenny Guy. The session will be held from 1-4pm at the Tacarigua Indoor Complex, Tacarigua.

Meanwhile the coaches listed to conduct the training sessions at the camp include Lawrence Mann, Professional Athletic Consultant/Trainer & Founder Top Achievers Foundation, Texas; Clifford Ray, Assistant Coach Sacramento Kings & ex NBA player, 1975 NBA Championships Golden State Warriors; Alfred Butch Beard: former Head Coach, NJ Nets & ex player 1975 NBA Championships Golden State Warriors, Author of the Complete Basketball Player manual; and Morlon Wiley, ex NBA player/Assistant Coach, Orlando Magic.

Following the camp the MBA Boys 19u team will depart for Orlando on August 14. Whilst in the USA the team will participate in the International Global Basketball Cup which will be held at ESPN Wide World of Sport Complex, Walt Disney World.

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

TURKEY

UBA

Standings

UBA Standings

Eastern
1. Cambridge C.		0-0
2. Cincinnati S.		0-0
3. Dayton K.		0-0
4. Ohio H.G.		0-0
Southern
1. Atlanta A.		0-0
2. Georgia P.		0-0
3. Georgia S.		0-0
4. GIE Maile M.		0-0
5. Louisville L.		0-0
6. S.Generals		0-0
Western
1. Cleveland H.		0-0
2. Dallas G.		0-0
3. Houston E.		0-0
4. LoneStar S.		0-0
5. N.Texas F.		0-0
6. Texas C.		0-0
Dleague
1. Austin K.		0-0
2. DFW Warriors		0-0
3. Queen City G.		0-0

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

UKRAINE

BC Kyiv return Renato Pasquali - by Eurobasket News

Renato Pasquali is coming back to BC Kyiv. The Italian specialist has agreed on terms of contract with his former team. Renato Pasquali worked in the Ukrainian capital back in 2003/2006 seasons. He became Ukrainain Superleague champion in 2005. Eurobasket.com named Renato Pasquali All-Ukrainian Superleague Coach of the Year in 2005. He was Fiba EuroCup Final Four participant with BC Kyiv. Later Renato Pasquali took over Reggio Emilia and then La Fortezza Bologna. Lately the specialist worked as Team Director in Benetton Treviso. He also worked as coach assistant with Canadian National Team. Renato Pasquali guided Italian U18, U16 and U20 Italian National Teams.

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

VENEZUELA

Women News

Ana Lelas leads Croatia to first-ever win at the Olympics - by Eurobasket News

ANGOLA - CROATIA 56-75

Croatia registered its first-ever win at the Olympic Games. They outplayed Angola 75-56 for 1-2 record in Group A. The win kept alive Croatias chances to advance to the quarterfinals. At the other side, Angola faced with third straight loss with no chance to advance. Ana Lelas (183-G/F-83) was a key player in victory with 23 points and 6 rebounds. She made 5 of 7 attempts from behind the arc. Sandra Mandir (177-G-77) had 18 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, while Marija Vrsaljko (198-C-89) helped with 10 points, plus 8 boards. In defeat, Luisa Tomas (192-C-83) responded with 15 points and 8 rebs. Nadir Manuel (185-PF-86) and Nassecela Mauricio (181-F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) (8 rebs) netted 14 and 12 points respectively. Croatia was up by 9 at the halftime and after that made crucial 12-0 run at the beginning of third quarter. Angola could only get within 13 the rest of the way. It is important to mention that African countries won only one of their 27 games in the Olympics since Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo) first qualified in the 1996 Atlanta Games. The tournament continues on Sunday, when Croatia will meet Turkey. Angolas next rival is Czech Republic.

Angola: Luisa Tomas 15+8 boards, Nadir Manuel 14, Nassecela Mauricio 12+8 boards
Croatia: Ana Lelas 23+6 boards, Sandra Mandir 18+5 boards+5 as, Marija Vrsaljko 10+8 boards

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

AUSTRALIA

Liz Cambage dunks, Australia beats Russia 70-66 - by Eurobasket News

Cambage Elizabeth (203-C-91) made the play of the day - maybe of the Olympic women's basketball tournament.

The 6-foot-8 Australian dunked.

FIBA couldn't confirm if the 20-year Cambage was the first woman to dunk in an Olympic game. But she and her teammates knew she had done something special Friday in Australia's 70-66 victory over Russia.

"That's the first time I've seen it in the Olympics,'' said Australia forward Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81), playing in her fourth Olympics. "Even in the WNBA, you see some girls do it, on a fast break but she had the zone around her, she had people around her. She made it look so easy.

"I wish I could do that.''

Cambage caught the ball at the top of the lane from teammate Kristi Harrower with 6:14 left in the third quarter, took one dribble drove to the basket for the one-handed dunk.

Cambage said she never has dunked before in a game and rarely tries to in practice. Still, she was happy to provide what's sure to be a highlight of the tournament.

"It's good to finally do it and get everyone off my back about it,'' she said. "I was wide open and I felt it and just did it. It was an out of body experience. I wasn't thinking about it.''

Australian coach Carrie Graf has encouraged her young star to dunk in warmups to gain more confidence. She was proud to see her do it in the flow of the game.

"To have someone dunk at the Olympics, and a rising star of the women's world game is huge,'' Graf said. "It's one of the many things that will continue to put women's basketball on the map as a global game. That's what it does.

"It's a historic, iconic moment in women's sport.''

The dunk in the middle of a 12-0 run that gave Australia (3-1) a 44-33 lead - its biggest of the game.

Russia (3-1) battled back to close within 61-58 with 4:22 left in the game on Becky Hammon's 3-pointer. Australia responded extending its lead back up to 68-62 on Jenna O'Hea's 3-pointer with 1:27 left.

Hammon's basket with 50 seconds left made it 68-66 before Cambage hit two free throws to seal the victory.

Cambage finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds for Australia.

But it was her dunk that was the highlight of the game.

"Cambage posterizing people is good for women's basketball,'' Hammon said. "Making plays like that, memorable moments, people aren't going to remember who won or lost that game.

"They'll remember that dunk.''

Because it didn't happen on a breakaway and Cambage did it with such ease, there was not much reaction from the crowd.

But the Australian bench erupted after the play and Cambage had a big smile as she ran back on defense.

"I never do it, but everyone wants me to do it, it's the one thing I'm really shy about,'' Cambage said. "I'm usually not shy about anything but when it comes to dunking I'm a bit shy.''

Cambage was the second pick by the Tulsa Shock in the 2011 WNBA draft. She missed the first part of the WNBA season to train with Australia.

Australia held a 32-30 halftime advantage despite going without a basket for the final 5:18 of the second quarter. The Aussies led 30-23 after Batkovic's three-point play before Russia scored seven straight to tie it at 30. Batkovic, who scored the final seven points of the half for the Aussie, hit two free throws with 3 seconds left to cap the scoring.

Irina Osipova (196-C-81) scored 15 points for Russia, which closes out its pool play on Sunday against France; Australia faces Canada.

"it's a very big - a massive win - every win is a good win,'' Cambage said. "If we drop another game we could end up third or fourth. I got my fingers crossed that Russia will beat France.''

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

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BRAZIL

London 2012 basketball: Canadian women reach quarter-finals with 79-73 win over Brazil - by Eurobasket News

It will go down as the most significant Canadian women's basketball victory in decades.

With a 79-73 triumph over Brazil Friday morning, Canada has qualified for the Olympic Games quarter-finals for the first time ever.

After seeing a 14-point disappear during a dreadful third quarter, Canada got things under control in a nervous fourth to improve its record to 2-2, and is guaranteed a berth in the elimination quarter-finals.

Canada still faces Australia to finish the preliminary round and wont know for sure who theyll play in the quarter-finals until Sunday.

The most likely scenario is a date with the powerful United States.

Canada looked to be in control, building a 14-point lead early in the third quarter before a series of turnovers caused by a Brazil press turned the game.

Brazil took its first lead early in the fourth before Canada settled down.

Courtnay Pilypaitis (184-G-88, college: Vermont) of Ottawa and Hamiltons Shona Thorburn (178-G-82, college: Utah) hit back-to-back three-pointers with about five minutes to go to give Canada a seven-point lead it nursed home.

Pilypaitis and Kimberley Smith (186-F-84, college: Utah) of Mission, B.C., had 14 points each for Canada.

Courtesy of www.thestar.com

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CANADA

CHINA

Turkey rolls past China 82-55 to reach quarterfinals of womens Olympic basketball tournament - by Eurobasket News

Nevriye Yilmaz (194-C-80) scored 16 points to help Turkey advance to the quarterfinals of the womens Olympic basketball tournament with an 82-55 victory over China on Friday.

Isil Alben (170-G-86) nailed two 3-pointers and Turkey ended the first quarter with a 12-0 run to take a 26-13 lead.

Turkey stretched its lead to 19 but then could not score for nearly seven minutes before Birsel Vardari hit a 3-pointer, but the Turks still led 39-27 at halftime.

But China, which has already qualified for the quarterfinals, could not mount a serious second-half challenge and fell to 3-1 in the tournament.

American-born Quanitra Hollingsworth added 10 points and 11 rebounds for Turkey (3-1). Chen Nan had 19 points for China.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

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CROATIA

CZECH REPUBLIC

US women roll to another victory, beat Czech Republic 88-61 in Olympic basketball - by Eurobasket News

Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) is leading the way inside, to where the big girls play.

With 6-foot-5 center Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) resting a sore left foot, Charles has become the U.S. womens basketball teams leading rebounder in her first Olympics.

She has always been an aggressive player, but now seems even more determined.

And her U.S. teammates are following her lead.

The Americans used a team effort to dominate the boards in an 88-61 victory over the Czech Republic on Friday.

'We did a good job offensive rebounding when we werent making shots', said center Candace Parker (6'4''-C-86, college: Tennessee). Weve got to continue to do that.

Especially since the U.S. might have a tougher time Sunday against China, which is led by 6-6 center Chen Nan.

The Americans, however, have run past their opponents, winning by huge margins each time they step on the floor. So its difficult to find any real flaws in their performance.

But like all coaches, Geno Auriemma has. Rebounding.

And his team has responded.

The 6-foot-4 Charles finished with a game-high 15 boards Friday and the U.S. outrebounded the Czechs 62-39, including 27 on the offensive end.

Coach definitely put an emphasis of getting on the offensive boards, said Charles, who grabbed 15 rebounds and had 16 points. We got to keep doing that.

Diana Taurasi (6'0''-SG-82, college: Connecticut) scored 18 points to lead the Americans (4-0), who have now won 37 straight games in the Olympics. The U.S. started slow but looked fresh after its first day off since getting together on July 14 to start training for the London Games.

The Czechs jumped out to a quick lead scoring the first 10 points of the game in just two minutes. It was the Americans biggest deficit in the Olympics since they trailed the Czechs 13-2 in the opener of the 2008 Beijing Games. They went on to win that game by 40 points.

We had a little bit of a tough time getting shots to go in and the Czech Republic team did a great job of hitting their threes, Maya Moore said of the Americans slow start. We just try to stay aggressive. Its about when the other team hits you, you gotta get back up and figure out a way to overcome it. And thats what we did.

The Czech Republic also played the U.S. tight for a half in the 2010 world championship gold medal game, trailing by five at the break. The U.S. won that contest by 20.

The Czechs led 26-24 after the first quarter after hitting six of their first 10 3-point attempts. They didnt hit another 3-pointer the rest of the game, missing their final 11 attempts.

While the Czechs went cold, the Americans heated up behind Charles and Catchings.

Trailing 30-26, the Americans scored 22 of the next 28 points to go up 48-36 with 2:18 left in the half. Catchings and Charles each had six points during the burst. Catchings layup off a fullcourt pass from Moore gave the U.S. a 31-30 lead. After a Czech basket, Charles scored six straight and the U.S. never trailed again.

The Americans led 48-38 at the half and put the game away with a 20-3 run to start the second half. Taurasi hit two 3-pointers during the spurt.

The Czechs couldnt get within 20 points of the U.S. the rest of the way.

Throughout the whole game I think our defensive intensity picked up, Catchings said. The third quarter was probably one of the best third quarters weve had since weve been playing together. Now weve just got it going in the first half, start the game off that way.

Michaela Zrustova (6'1''-F-87) scored 15 points to lead the Czech Republic.

Very tough game, said Eva Viteckova (6'3''-F-82), who finished with 12 points. Our main problems was the rebounding, they had 22 more rebounds than us (actually 23). They also have a very good fast break.

Its always very difficult to play against the Americans, we know we can never be winners against them, they are so much better. But we started very well and maybe they were surprised by our performances.

They can be beaten, if the other team has a very good day and they (the U.S.) has a very bad day.

While the U.S. has already clinched a spot in the quarterfinals, the Czechs (1-2) still are trying to advance.

They made a surprising run to the silver medal at the worlds, knocking off defending champion Australia in the quarterfinals before losing to the U.S. in the title game. The Czech Republic was definitely buoyed in that tournament by its home crowd that included President Vaclav Klaus for the championship game.

The Americans will close out pool play Sunday against China, which was routed by Turkey 82-55.

Also Friday, Australias Liz Cambage had the play of the day maybe of the Olympic womens basketball tournament when she dunked in the Aussies 70-66 win over Russia. Canada advanced to the quarterfinals with a 79-73 victory over Brazil. Croatia routed Angola 75-56; and France edged Britain 80-77 in overtime.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

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EUROCUP

Kibirkstis-Tiche-IKI Vilnius signs Vita Kuktiene, keeps Kristina Vengryte - by Eurobasket News

Kibirkstis-Tiche-IKI Vilnius officially announced signing of a 1-year deal with experienced Vita Kuktiene (186-F-80). The team also extended contract with Kristina Vengryte (190-C-81) for the next season.
Vita Kuktiene was Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LMKL Forward of the Year -12. She spent last two seasons with VICI Aistes Kaunas. In the latest one she averaged 11.1 points and 3.9 rebounds in 14 Euroleague games. She had almost the same numbers in domestic championship. Before VICI Aistes Kaunas, Kuktiene played for TEO Vilnius and Clermont. In her career she won LMKL and BWBL titles in 06, 10, 11 and this year as well. Kuktiene also grabbed two Cup trophies with VICI Aistes Kaunas.
Kristina Vengryte shined with 15.2 ppg and 4.6 rpg in 34 LMKL games last season. Kibirkstis-Tiche-IKI reached the Finals and Vengryte was named Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LMKL 2nd Team -12. She also played at the All-Star Game.

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18

Div.A Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Paulina HERSLER
(190-PF-94)
Avg: 21.3

1. Hersler, SWE	21.3
2. Ben Abdelkad., BEL	19.5
3. Tikvic, CRO	16.0
4. Stamolamprou, GRE	15.3
5. Hruscakova, SVK	14.7
6. Bilgic, TUR	14.5
7. Delaere, BEL	14.3
8. Balintova, SVK	14.3
9. Stanacev, SRB	13.8
10. Arrojo, ESP	13.8

Rebounds Per Game

Zofia HRUSCAKOVA
(190-C-95)
Avg: 11.2

1. Hruscakova, SVK	11.2
2. Lisec, SLO	11.2
3. Tikvic, CRO	10.0
4. Badiane, FRA	10.0
5. Gaye, FRA	9.0
6. Begic, CRO	8.7
7. Stankovic, SRB	8.3
8. Hersler, SWE	8.0
9. Marchenkova, RUS	7.3
10. Hof, NED	7.3

Assists Per Game

Olivia EPOUPA
(168-PG-94)
Avg: 4.5

1. Epoupa, FRA	4.5
2. Stanacev, SRB	4.0
3. Gabrovsek, SLO	3.6
4. Owczarzak, POL	3.5
5. Havlikova, CZE	3.5
6. Eriksson, SWE	3.3
7. Novikova, RUS	3.0
8. Ben Abdelkad., BEL	3.0
9. Mandic, SRB	2.8
10. Arrojo, ESP	2.7

Steals Per Game

Leticia ROMERO
(177-G-95)
Avg: 3.5

1. Romero, ESP	3.5
2. Owczarzak, POL	2.3
3. Aydin, TUR	2.2
4. Epoupa, FRA	2.2
5. Sorokina, RUS	2.2
6. Gladkova, RUS	2.2
7. Gavrila, ROM	2.0
8. Tikvic, CRO	2.0
9. Wozniak, POL	2.0
10. Bilgic, TUR	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Dragana STANKOVIC
  SRB
  (188-PF-95)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Stankovic, SRB	3.2
2. Tikvic, CRO	3.0
3. Gaye, FRA	2.0
4. Hersler, SWE	1.5
5. Marchenkova, RUS	1.2
6. Badiane, FRA	1.0
7. Slim, NED	1.0
8. de Jonge, NED	1.0
9. Coklar, TUR	1.0
10. Jaworska, POL	0.8

Standings - Division B - by Eurobasket News

Standings Div.B

Group E
1. Portugal		3-0
2. Hungary		2-1
3. Bulgaria		1-2
4. Denmark		0-3
Group F
1. Belarus		3-0
2. U.Kingdom		2-1
3. Germany		1-2
4. Lithuania		0-3
Group G (places 9-18)
1. Austria		3-1
2. Finland		3-1
3. Israel		3-1
4. Norway		1-3
5. Switzerland		0-4
Group H (places 9-18)
1. Latvia		4-0
2. Ukraine		3-1
3. Montenegro		2-2
4. FYR Macedon.		1-3
5. Scotland		0-4

Second Stage: Round 8

Aug. 3: AUT - NOR 75-51
Aug. 3: FIN - ISR 48-57

Aug. 3: LAT - MNT 97-59
Aug. 3: UKR - MKD 72-62

Semi-Finals: Round 9

Aug. 4: POR - ENG
Aug. 4: BLR - HUN

Places 15-16

Aug. 4: NOR - MKD

Places 17-18

Aug. 4: SUI - SCO

Places 5-8

Aug. 4: BUL - LTU
Aug. 4: GER - DEN

Div.B Stats Leaders - by Greg

Points Per Game

Stine AUSTGULEN
(177-G-94)
Avg: 18

1. Austgulen, NOR	18.0
2. Kostova, BUL	17.5
3. Hristova, BUL	16.5
4. Stojanovska2, MKD	14.8
5. Jespersen, DEN	14.5
6. Kraujunaite, LTU	14.5
7. Rakovic, MNT	14.3
8. Papova, BLR	13.8
9. Szamosi, HUN	13.6
10. Joseph, ENG	13.4

Rebounds Per Game

Amadea SZAMOSI
(190-F/C-94)
Avg: 11.2

1. Szamosi, HUN	11.2
2. Papova, BLR	10.2
3. Jespersen, DEN	8.7
4. Stojanovska2, MKD	8.5
5. Rakovic, MNT	8.3
6. Kalenta, BLR	8.2
7. Green, ENG	8.2
8. Austgulen, NOR	7.8
9. Jurhar, AUT	7.5
10. Batrakova, UKR	7.4

Assists Per Game

Anni JAMSA
(167-PG-95)
Avg: 3.5

1. Jamsa, FIN	3.5
2. Kraujunaite, LTU	3.2
3. Viana, POR	3.2
4. Wood, SCO	2.7
5. Austgulen, NOR	2.6
6. Soeiro, POR	2.6
7. Bridina, LAT	2.6
8. Csutoras, HUN	2.6
9. Tamasauskait., LTU	2.5
10. Peychinova, BUL	2.5

Steals Per Game

Iva KOSTOVA
(178-SG-94)
Avg: 4

1. Kostova, BUL	4.0
2. Ferreira, POR	3.2
3. Bridina, LAT	3.0
4. Dzirma, GER	2.7
5. Skorbatyuk, UKR	2.4
6. Viana, POR	2.4
7. Joseph, ENG	2.4
8. Stojanovska2, MKD	2.3
9. Dimitrova, BUL	2.3
10. Kulbitskaya, BLR	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Maryia PAPOVA
(186-PF-94)
Avg: 3

1. Papova, BLR	3.0
2. Perrenoud, SUI	2.5
3. Kalenta, BLR	2.4
4. Kostourkova, POR	1.6
5. Kostova, BUL	1.5
6. Szamosi, HUN	1.4
7. Kostova, BUL	1.2
8. Zelnyte, LTU	1.2
9. Kyrychok, UKR	1.0
10. Gulich, GER	1.0

Division B, Day 7: Semifinals are set in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

Group E

Bulgaria - Portugal 55-60
Portugal is the winner of Group E in Strumica. They handed 66-50 loss to Bulgaria on Thursday and advanced to the Semifinals of U18 EuroBasket Division B. There, Portugal will meet United Kingdom. Bulgaria dropped to 1-2 record and finished as No.3 in the group. That is not enough for the Semis, so Bulgaria will be transferred to Classification Round from 5th to 8th place. Portugal shined in the finish to take the victory in this game. Quarters: 14-16, 16-18, 17-10, 13-11. Josephine Filipe (175-G/F-95) led the winners with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Maria Kostourkova (188-C-97) (8 rebs) and Laura Ferreira (177-G-95) (5 rebs) netted 14 points each. In the loosing squad, Iva Kostova (178-SG-94) collected 21 points and 5 rebs, while Borislava Hristova (180-F-96) added 17 points and 7 rebs. Radostina Dimitrova (175-SF-94) stopped to 12 pts and 6 rebs in this meeting. Both teams will take a rest today and will continue with games on Saturday.

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

Group F

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

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

Group G

Israel - Switzerland 58-42
Israel was better than Switzerland 58-42 on Thursday in Strumica. After this victory Israel jumped to 2-1 record in Group G making a step closer to ninth place at U18 Eurobasket Division B. Switzerland dropped to 0-4 closing the standings in this pool. They will play tomorrow against Scotland and winner of that game will avoid last place in Strumica. Israel made 7-point lead in the first quarter and jumped to plus 15 at the halftime. They had no troubles to keep it for rest of the way. Nof Kedem (170-SG-94) scored 15 points in victory and Shahd Abboud (173-G/F-95) added 13. Michal Assaf (164-SG-94) posted 8 pts. In Switzerland, Ljubica Cutunic (186-F-94) shined with double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Alexandra Koch (175-PG-94) also scored 12 pts and Dijana Milenkovic (180-SF-96) stopped to 6. Israel will meet top-ranked Finland today.

Finland - Austria 56-53
Box-score will be available soon.

Group H

FYR Macedonia - Scotland 66-59
FYROM finally registered first win at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. The host of this event handed 66-59 loss to Scotland for 1-2 record in Group H. Scotland dropped to 0-4 and will end as the last ranked team of this pool. FYROM was down by 5 points with ten minutes to go, but they shined after that making 20-8 in Q4 to celebrate the first win in Strumica. Quarters: 12-10, 21-20, 13-21, 20-8. Aleksandra Stojanovska (178-SF-94) paced hosts with 21 points. Ivana Kmetovska (186-PF-95) (6 rebs) and Dragana Jolovik (184-F-94) netted 12 and 11 points respectively. In Scotland, Jennifer Crawford (177-F-95) delivered 14 points. Claire Paxton (184-C-94) (8 rebs) and Hilary Wood (163-G-94) netted 11 and 9 pts. Scotland already played all of its four games at this stage. They will fight to avoid last place in Strumica. FYROM will meet Ukraine today.

Ukraine - Latvia 40-66
Both teams had perfect 2-0 record in Group H before this meeting. Latvia celebrated easy 66-40 victory to stay on top of this pool. With this win Latvia also made big step toward ninth place at U18 EuroBasket Division B. Ukraine dropped to 2-1 sharing the second position with Montenegro. Latvia dominated during the entire game having no troubles to register comfortable win. Quarters: 18-7, 16-11, 30-13, 12-9. Renate Reine (176-G-94) scored 16 points to lead Latvia in this game. Paula Langina (180-F-94) had 9 points and 5 rebs, while Paula Tomsone (193-C-94) helped with 7 pts, plus 8 boards. Ukraine got 12 points and 6 rebs from Funmilayo Omoboogunje (185-F-94). Nataliya Skorbatyuk (183-F-95) scored 9 points and Miriam Uro-Nile (190-C-94) stopped to 5. Latvia will meet Montenegro today. Ukraine will take on the host - FYROM.

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FRANCE

France women beat Britain 80-77 in OT - by Eurobasket News

Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) hit a 3-pointer with 0.2 seconds left in overtime to give France an 80-77 victory over Britain and deny the hosts their first victory in women's Olympic basketball.

Dumerc, who finished with 14 points, also sent the game into overtime by hitting a 3-pointer with 5.6 seconds remaining in regulation.

Julie Page (188-PF-83, college: E.Washington) made one of two free throws to tie the game at 77-77 in OT with 10 seconds on the clock setting up a potential second overtime period. But Dumerc was able to create some space, shaking off two defenders, to hit the game-winner.

Sandrine Gruda (193-C-87) and Edwige Lawson-Wade led France with 16 points each, while Johannah Leedham (180-SF-87, college: Franklin Pierce) had 29 for Britain (0-4).

France is unbeaten in four games and has qualified for the quarterfinals.

Courtesy of http://summergames.ap.org

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FYR MACEDONIA

U18 FYROM finally wins first game in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

U18 FYR MACEDONIA - U18 SCOTLAND 66-59

FYROM finally registered first win at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. The host of this event handed 66-59 loss to Scotland for 1-2 record in Group H. Scotland dropped to 0-4 and will end as the last ranked team of this pool. FYROM was down by 5 points with ten minutes to go, but they shined after that making 20-8 in Q4 to celebrate the first win in Strumica. Quarters: 12-10, 21-20, 13-21, 20-8. Aleksandra Stojanovska (178-SF-94) paced hosts with 21 points. Ivana Kmetovska (186-PF-95) (6 rebs) and Dragana Jolovik (184-F-94) netted 12 and 11 points respectively. In Scotland, Jennifer Crawford (177-F-95) delivered 14 points. Claire Paxton (184-C-94) (8 rebs) and Hilary Wood (163-G-94) netted 11 and 9 pts. Scotland already played all of its four games at this stage. They will fight to avoid last place in Strumica. FYROM will meet Ukraine today.

FYROM: Aleksandra Stojanovska 21, Ivana Kmetovska 12+6 boards, Dragana Jolovik 11
Scotland: Jennifer Crawford 14, Claire Paxton 11+8 boards, Hilary Wood 9

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GERMANY

Germany beats Ukraine in Rotenburg - by Eurobasket News

Germany U20-Ukraine U20 71:53

Germany beats Ukraine in Rotenburg in a friendly clash between two sides. The home side celebrated a 71:53 in the opener. The teams will meet tonight again.
Germany started with 27:16 and never looked behind after. The hosts added 16-10 in the second frame and enjoyed 43:26 at the halftime. Both teams scored 15 points each in the third frame as the board showed the same difference after three quarters. Germany posted a 14-12 in the last stanza for the final success.
Julia Gaudermann (166-PG-92) top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Sonja Greinacher (193-F-92) notched 12. Christina Schnorr (187-F-92) poured in 11, while Janna Graf (182-F) added 10. Alina Iagupova (186-G-92, agency: LBM Management) ended up with 15 points in the losing effort, while Lyudmyla Naumenko (184-F-93) and Oleksandra Chek (191-C-93, agency: New Trend Agency) posted 10 apiece.

Germany U20: Julia Gaudermann 14, Sonja Greinacher 12, Christina Schnorr 11, Janna Graf 10
Ukraine U20: Alina Iagupova 15, Lyudmyla Naumenko 10, Oleksandra Chek 10

Jennifer Kerns continue with BG 74 Goettingen - by Eurobasket News

Jennifer Kerns continue with BG 74 Goettingen for the upcoming season. The head Coach announced the following player for the next season: Nele Aha (171-PG-96), Jennifer Crowder (164-G-96), Klaudia Grudzien (183-F-90), Maike Jorgensen (PG), Nekane Krumm (178-F-88), Jana Lucken (178-F/C), Melina Mueller, Jenele Peterson, Maj Vom Hofe.

Jenele Peterson is the last edition for the team. She comes from Whitman College. She scored a team-high and season-high 22 points in a win at Whitworth and was named MVP of 2011 Kim Evanger-Raney Classic with 25 points, 11 assists, 9 rebounds, and six steals, while shooting 55% from the field.
Nele Aha, Jennifer Crowder, Melina Mueller, Maj Vom Hofe (178-SF-96), Grudzien Klaudia, Jana Lucken and Maike Jorgensen will enter their second straight season with the team.
Nekane Krumm started with the team in 2006 and stays with them up to now.
The head Coach Jennifer Kerns first worked at Trinos Goettingen (DBBL) women team and then became a Head Coach for the team last season. Together they became German 2.Bundesliga Group North Finalist -12.

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ISRAEL

U18 Israel keeps U18 Switzerland winless in Strumica, 58-42 - by Eurobasket News

U18 ISRAEL - U18 SWITZERLAND 58-42

Israel was better than Switzerland 58-42 on Thursday in Strumica. After this victory Israel jumped to 2-1 record in Group G making a step closer to ninth place at U18 Eurobasket Division B. Switzerland dropped to 0-4 closing the standings in this pool. They will play tomorrow against Scotland and winner of that game will avoid last place in Strumica. Israel made 7-point lead in the first quarter and jumped to plus 15 at the halftime. They had no troubles to keep it for rest of the way. Nof Kedem (170-SG-94) scored 15 points in victory and Shahd Abboud (173-G/F-95) added 13. Michal Assaf (164-SG-94) posted 8 pts. In Switzerland, Ljubica Cutunic (186-F-94) shined with double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Alexandra Koch (175-PG-94) also scored 12 pts and Dijana Milenkovic (180-SF-96) stopped to 6. Israel will meet top-ranked Finland today.

Israel: Nof Kedem 15, Shahd Abboud 13, Michal Assaf 8
Switzerland: Ljubica Cutunic 12+10 boards, Alexandra Koch 12, Dijana Milenkovic 6

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LATVIA

U18 Latvia cruises past U18 Ukraine in Strumica, 66-40 - by Eurobasket News

U18 UKRAINE - U18 LATVIA 40-66

Both teams had perfect 2-0 record in Group H before this meeting. Latvia celebrated easy 66-40 victory to stay on top of this pool. With this win Latvia also made big step toward ninth place at U18 EuroBasket Division B. Ukraine dropped to 2-1 sharing the second position with Montenegro. Latvia dominated during the entire game having no troubles to register comfortable win. Quarters: 18-7, 16-11, 30-13, 12-9. Renate Reine (176-G-94) scored 16 points to lead Latvia in this game. Paula Langina (180-F-94) had 9 points and 5 rebs, while Paula Tomsone (193-C-94) helped with 7 pts, plus 8 boards. Ukraine got 12 points and 6 rebs from Funmilayo Omoboogunje (185-F-94). Nataliya Skorbatyuk (183-F-95) scored 9 points and Miriam Uro-Nile (190-C-94) stopped to 5. Latvia will meet Montenegro today. Ukraine will take on the host - FYROM.

Ukraine: Funmilayo Omoboogunje 12+6 boards, Nataliya Skorbatyuk 9, Miriam Uro-Nile 5
Latvia: Renate Reine 16, Paula Langina 9+5 boards, Paula Tomsone 7+8 boards

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LITHUANIA

OLYMPIC GAMES

Standings - Women

Standings

Group A
1. USA		4-0
2. China		3-1
3. Turkey		3-1
4. Croatia		1-3
5. Czech Rep.		1-3
6. Angola		0-4
Group B
1. France		4-0
2. Russia		3-1
3. Australia		3-1
4. Canada		2-2
5. U.Kingdom		0-4
6. Brazil		0-4

Preliminary Round: Round 4

Aug. 3: TUR - CHN 82-55
Aug. 3: CZE - USA 61-88
Aug. 3: ANG - CRO 56-75

Aug. 3: FRA - ENG 80-77 OT
Aug. 3: BRA - CAN 73-79
Aug. 3: RUS - AUS 66-70

Preliminary Round: Round 5

Aug. 5: ANG - CZE
Aug. 5: CHN - USA
Aug. 5: CRO - TUR

Aug. 5: FRA - RUS
Aug. 5: CAN - AUS
Aug. 5: ENG - BRA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Nan CHEN
(195-C-83)
Avg: 18

1. Chen, CHN	18.0
2. Leedham, ENG	17.3
3. De Souza, BRA	16.3
4. Mandir, CRO	15.8
5. Stafford, ENG	15.3
6. Dumerc, FRA	15.0
7. Jackson, AUS	14.5
8. Viteckova, CZE	13.8
9. Batkovic-B., AUS	13.8
10. Smith, CAN	13.3

Rebounds Per Game

Tina CHARLES
(193-C-88)
Avg: 9.3

1. Charles, USA	9.3
2. De Souza, BRA	9.0
3. Osipova, RUS	8.5
4. Parker, USA	8.3
5. Dos Santos, BRA	8.0
6. Chen, CHN	7.5
7. Yilmaz, TUR	7.3
8. Page, ENG	6.8
9. Batkovic-B., AUS	6.8
10. Cambage, AUS	6.3

Assists Per Game

LiJie MIAO
(178-F-81)
Avg: 7.3

1. Miao, CHN	7.3
2. Bird, USA	5.8
3. Thorburn, CAN	4.8
4. Vardarli, TUR	4.0
5. Hammon, RUS	4.0
6. O''Hea, AUS	3.8
7. Danilochkina, RUS	3.3
8. Bartonova, CZE	3.3
9. Vesela, CZE	3.3
10. Horakova, CZE	3.0

Steals Per Game

Johannah LEEDHAM
  ENG
  (180-SF-87)
  Avg: 3

1. Leedham, ENG	3.0
2. McCoughtry, USA	2.3
3. Ivezic, CRO	2.3
4. Horakova, CZE	2.0
5. Yilmaz, TUR	2.0
6. Palazoglu, TUR	1.5
7. Vesela, CZE	1.5
8. Dumerc, FRA	1.5
9. Vardarli, TUR	1.5
10. Tatham, CAN	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Sandrine GRUDA
  FRA
  (193-C-87)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Gruda, FRA	2.8
2. Parker, USA	2.3
3. De Souza, BRA	1.8
4. Burgrova, CZE	1.8
5. Ivankovic, CRO	1.8
6. Cambage, AUS	1.5
7. Osipova, RUS	1.5
8. Smith, CAN	1.3
9. Kulichova, CZE	1.3
10. Manuel, ANG	1.0

Day 4 of the Olympic Games in London - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Czech Republic - USA 61-88
Tina Charles (193-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) is leading the way inside, to where the big girls play. With 6-foot-5 center Sylvia Fowles (198-C-85, college: LSU) resting a sore left foot, Charles has become the U.S. womens basketball teams leading rebounder in her first Olympics. She has always been an aggressive player, but now seems even more determined. And her U.S. teammates are following her lead. The Americans used a team effort to dominate the boards in an 88-61 victory over the Czech Republic on Friday. 'We did a good job offensive rebounding when we werent making shots', said center Candace Parker (193-C-86, college: Tennessee). Weve got to continue to do that. Especially since the U.S. might have a tougher time Sunday against China, which is led by 6-6 center Chen Nan. The Americans, however, have run past their opponents, winning by huge margins each time they step on the floor. So its difficult to find any real flaws in their performance. But like all coaches, Geno Auriemma has. Rebounding. And his team has responded. The 6-foot-4 Charles finished with a game-high 15 boards Friday and the U.S. outrebounded the Czechs 62-39, including 27 on the offensive end. Coach definitely put an emphasis of getting on the offensive boards, said Charles, who grabbed 15 rebounds and had 16 points. We got to keep doing that. Diana Taurasi (6'0''-SG-82, college: Connecticut) scored 18 points to lead the Americans (4-0), who have now won 37 straight games in the Olympics. The U.S. started slow but looked fresh after its first day off since getting together on July 14 to start training for the London Games. The Czechs jumped out to a quick lead scoring the first 10 points of the game in just two minutes. It was the Americans biggest deficit in the Olympics since they trailed the Czechs 13-2 in the opener of the 2008 Beijing Games. They went on to win that game by 40 points. We had a little bit of a tough time getting shots to go in and the Czech Republic team did a great job of hitting their threes, Maya Moore (183-SG-89, college: Connecticut) said of the Americans slow start. We just try to stay aggressive. Its about when the other team hits you, you gotta get back up and figure out a way to overcome it. And thats what we did. The Czech Republic also played the U.S. tight for a half in the 2010 world championship gold medal game, trailing by five at the break. The U.S. won that contest by 20. The Czechs led 26-24 after the first quarter after hitting six of their first 10 3-point attempts. They didnt hit another 3-pointer the rest of the game, missing their final 11 attempts. While the Czechs went cold, the Americans heated up behind Charles and Catchings. Trailing 30-26, the Americans scored 22 of the next 28 points to go up 48-36 with 2:18 left in the half. Catchings and Charles each had six points during the burst. Catchings layup off a fullcourt pass from Moore gave the U.S. a 31-30 lead. After a Czech basket, Charles scored six straight and the U.S. never trailed again. The Americans led 48-38 at the half and put the game away with a 20-3 run to start the second half. Taurasi hit two 3-pointers during the spurt. The Czechs couldnt get within 20 points of the U.S. the rest of the way. Throughout the whole game I think our defensive intensity picked up, Catchings said. The third quarter was probably one of the best third quarters weve had since weve been playing together. Now weve just got it going in the first half, start the game off that way. Michaela Zrustova (184-F-87) scored 15 points to lead the Czech Republic. Very tough game, said Eva Viteckova (6'3''-F-82), who finished with 12 points. Our main problems was the rebounding, they had 22 more rebounds than us (actually 23). They also have a very good fast break. Its always very difficult to play against the Americans, we know we can never be winners against them, they are so much better. But we started very well and maybe they were surprised by our performances. They can be beaten, if the other team has a very good day and they (the U.S.) has a very bad day. While the U.S. has already clinched a spot in the quarterfinals, the Czechs (1-2) still are trying to advance. They made a surprising run to the silver medal at the worlds, knocking off defending champion Australia in the quarterfinals before losing to the U.S. in the title game. The Czech Republic was definitely buoyed in that tournament by its home crowd that included President Vaclav Klaus for the championship game. The Americans will close out pool play Sunday against China, which was routed by Turkey 82-55. Also Friday, Australias Liz Cambage had the play of the day maybe of the Olympic womens basketball tournament when she dunked in the Aussies 70-66 win over Russia. Canada advanced to the quarterfinals with a 79-73 victory over Brazil. Croatia routed Angola 75-56; and France edged Britain 80-77 in overtime. Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Turkey - China 82-55
Nevriye Yilmaz (194-C-80) scored 16 points to help Turkey advance to the quarterfinals of the womens Olympic basketball tournament with an 82-55 victory over China on Friday. Isil Alben (170-G-86) nailed two 3-pointers and Turkey ended the first quarter with a 12-0 run to take a 26-13 lead. Turkey stretched its lead to 19 but then could not score for nearly seven minutes before Birsel Vardari hit a 3-pointer, but the Turks still led 39-27 at halftime. But China, which has already qualified for the quarterfinals, could not mount a serious second-half challenge and fell to 3-1 in the tournament. American-born Quanitra Hollingsworth (196-C-88, college: VCU) added 10 points and 11 rebounds for Turkey (3-1). Chen Nan had 19 points for China. Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Angola - Croatia 56-75
Croatia registered its first win ever at the Olympic Games. They outplayed Angola 75-56 for 1-2 record in Group A. The win kept alive Croatia's chances to advance to the quarterfinals. At the other side, Angola faced with third straight loss with no chance to advance. Ana Lelas (183-G/F-83) was a key player in victory with 23 points and 6 rebounds. She made 5 of 7 attempts from behind the arc. Sandra Mandir had 18 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, while Marija Vrsaljko (198-C-89) helped with 10 points, plus 8 boards. In defeat, Luisa Tomas (192-C-83) responded with 15 points and 8 rebs. Nadir Manuel and Nassecela Mauricio (8 rebs) netted 14 and 12 points respectively. Croatia was up by 9 at the halftime and after that made crucial 12-0 run at the beginning of third quarter. Angola could only get within 13 the rest of the way. It is important to mention that African countries won only one of their 27 games in the Olympics since Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo) first qualified in the 1996 Atlanta Games. The tournament continues on Sunday, when Croatia will meet Turkey. Angola's next rival is Czech Republic.

Group B

France - United Kingdom 80-77 OT
Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) hit a 3-pointer with 0.2 seconds left in overtime to give France an 80-77 victory over Britain and deny the hosts their first victory in women's Olympic basketball. Dumerc, who finished with 14 points, also sent the game into overtime by hitting a 3-pointer with 5.6 seconds remaining in regulation. Julie Page (188-PF-83, college: E.Washington) made one of two free throws to tie the game at 77-77 in OT with 10 seconds on the clock setting up a potential second overtime period. But Dumerc was able to create some space, shaking off two defenders, to hit the game-winner. Sandrine Gruda (193-C-87) and Edwige Lawson-Wade (166-PG-79) led France with 16 points each, while Johannah Leedham (180-SF-87, college: Franklin Pierce) had 29 for Britain (0-4). France is unbeaten in four games and has qualified for the quarterfinals. Courtesy of http://summergames.ap.org

Brazil - Canada 73-79
It will go down as the most significant Canadian women's basketball victory in decades. With a 79-73 triumph over Brazil Friday morning, Canada has qualified for the Olympic Games quarter-finals for the first time ever. After seeing a 14-point disappear during a dreadful third quarter, Canada got things under control in a nervous fourth to improve its record to 2-2, and is guaranteed a berth in the elimination quarter-finals. Canada still faces Australia to finish the preliminary round and wont know for sure who theyll play in the quarter-finals until Sunday. The most likely scenario is a date with the powerful United States. Canada looked to be in control, building a 14-point lead early in the third quarter before a series of turnovers caused by a Brazil press turned the game. Brazil took its first lead early in the fourth before Canada settled down. Courtnay Pilypaitis (184-G-88, college: Vermont) of Ottawa and Hamiltons Shona Thorburn (178-G-82, college: Utah) hit back-to-back three-pointers with about five minutes to go to give Canada a seven-point lead it nursed home. Pilypaitis and Kimberley Smith (186-F-84, college: Utah) of Mission, B.C., had 14 points each for Canada. Courtesy of www.thestar.com

Russia - Australia 66-70
Cambage Elizabeth (203-C-91) made the play of the day - maybe of the Olympic women's basketball tournament. The 6-foot-8 Australian dunked. FIBA couldn't confirm if the 20-year Cambage was the first woman to dunk in an Olympic game. But she and her teammates knew she had done something special Friday in Australia's 70-66 victory over Russia. "That's the first time I've seen it in the Olympics,'' said Australia forward Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81), playing in her fourth Olympics. "Even in the WNBA, you see some girls do it, on a fast break but she had the zone around her, she had people around her. She made it look so easy. "I wish I could do that.'' Cambage caught the ball at the top of the lane from teammate Kristi Harrower with 6:14 left in the third quarter, took one dribble drove to the basket for the one-handed dunk. Cambage said she never has dunked before in a game and rarely tries to in practice. Still, she was happy to provide what's sure to be a highlight of the tournament. "It's good to finally do it and get everyone off my back about it,'' she said. "I was wide open and I felt it and just did it. It was an out of body experience. I wasn't thinking about it.'' Australian coach Carrie Graf has encouraged her young star to dunk in warmups to gain more confidence. She was proud to see her do it in the flow of the game. "To have someone dunk at the Olympics, and a rising star of the women's world game is huge,'' Graf said. "It's one of the many things that will continue to put women's basketball on the map as a global game. That's what it does. "It's a historic, iconic moment in women's sport.'' The dunk in the middle of a 12-0 run that gave Australia (3-1) a 44-33 lead - its biggest of the game. Russia (3-1) battled back to close within 61-58 with 4:22 left in the game on Becky Hammon's 3-pointer. Australia responded extending its lead back up to 68-62 on Jenna O'Hea's 3-pointer with 1:27 left. Hammon's basket with 50 seconds left made it 68-66 before Cambage hit two free throws to seal the victory. Cambage finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds for Australia. But it was her dunk that was the highlight of the game. "Cambage posterizing people is good for women's basketball,'' Hammon said. "Making plays like that, memorable moments, people aren't going to remember who won or lost that game. "They'll remember that dunk.'' Because it didn't happen on a breakaway and Cambage did it with such ease, there was not much reaction from the crowd. But the Australian bench erupted after the play and Cambage had a big smile as she ran back on defense. "I never do it, but everyone wants me to do it, it's the one thing I'm really shy about,'' Cambage said. "I'm usually not shy about anything but when it comes to dunking I'm a bit shy.'' Cambage was the second pick by the Tulsa Shock in the 2011 WNBA draft. She missed the first part of the WNBA season to train with Australia. Australia held a 32-30 halftime advantage despite going without a basket for the final 5:18 of the second quarter. The Aussies led 30-23 after Batkovic's three-point play before Russia scored seven straight to tie it at 30. Batkovic, who scored the final seven points of the half for the Aussie, hit two free throws with 3 seconds left to cap the scoring. Irina Osipova (196-C-81) scored 15 points for Russia, which closes out its pool play on Sunday against France; Australia faces Canada. "it's a very big - a massive win - every win is a good win,'' Cambage said. "If we drop another game we could end up third or fourth. I got my fingers crossed that Russia will beat France.'' Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

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POLAND

Gorzow announced three new players - by Eurobasket News

Gorzow announced three new players for the upcoming season. Natalia Grzywna, Agnieszka Makowska (182-F-82) and Aleksandra Drzewinska (179-F-83) joined the team.
Agnieszka Makowska comes from MUKS Poznan. In 2010-2011 she played for Inea AZS Poznan and averaged 9.5ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.1apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 83.0%. In 2011-2012 continued for MUKS Poznan and in 34 games averaged 12.1ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.6apg, Steals-2 (2.6spg), FGP: 35.2%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 81.7%.
Aleksandra Drzewinska comes from Inea AZS Poznan. In 2009-2010 she played for Super-Pol Leszno (PLKK, starting five) and after 26 games had 10.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 37.7%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 82.6%. In 2010-2011 for Super-Pol Leszno (PLKK) had 3.0ppg. The last season appeared for Inea AZS Poznan (PLKK, starting five) and showed 8.3ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 33.7%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 75.8%.

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RUSSIA

SCOTLAND

SPAIN

Celta Vigo announced four players - by Eurobasket News

Celta Vigo announced four players that will stay with the team in the upcoming season. Deborah Rodriguez (187-C-89), Marta Canella, Cristina Loureiro and Maria Centeno (176-F-93) will enter the next season with the team.
Maria Centeno played early in 2010 for the team. Being a Spanish U16 National Team member she participated at the European Championships U16 in Naples (Italy). She became a Champion with the team and averaged 2.0ppg, 1.0rpg.
Deborah Rodriguez will enter her third season with the team. In 2009-2010 she played for Codigalco Carmelitas Ourense (LF2) and in 23 games averaged 1.9ppg, 1.9rpg, 0.3bpg. In 2010-2011 she joined Real Club Celta Vigo Urban (LFB) and last year for Real Club Celta Vigo Urban (LFB) had 0.5ppg.
Marta Canella joined the team last season and had 1.4ppg, 1.7rpg. Cristina Loureiro averaged 1.3ppg.

Cortegada keep the majority of the squad - by Eurobasket News

Cortegada keep the majority of the squad for the next season. After confirming earlier Amy Syll (195-C-93), Montserrat Gilabert (172-G-80) and Maria Ylenia Manzanares (175-G-83) the squad announced keeping Salome Garcia (176-F-92, agency: Josep and Nicolas), Andrea Rios (187-C/F-91), Eva Arines (180-F-93) and Dita Liepkalne (185-F-87, college: Hawaii).
Dita Liepkalne is a Latvian foreigner in the team. In 2010-2011 she played for U.M.F. Njardvik (Iceland-Express League, starting five) and in 28 games averaged 15.9ppg, Reb-5 (11.2rpg), Assists-5 (3.7apg), 2.1spg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 79.6%. In 2011-2012 for Thetrend Social Cortegada (Spain-LF2, starting five) her stats read 7.6ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 64.9%.
Andrea Rios averaged 6.5ppg, 3.0rpg, FGP: 46.2%, FT: 45.3% last season. Earlier she played for C.B. Arxil Pontevedra and Extrugasa Vilagarcia.
Salome Garcias stats read 3.7ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.2apg last season. Eva Arines was a junior newcomer and had 10 games: 0.4ppg.

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SWITZERLAND

TURKEY

UBA

WUBA Announces 2013 Expansion Draft Date and Procedure - by David Walls

WUBA Announces 2013 Expansion Draft Date and Procedure

ATLANTA (August 3, 2012) W Universal Basketball Association will hold the 2012 WUBA Expansion Draft via conference call on Friday, Aug. 3, at 2 p.m. ET.

The Leagues 10th team, the GIE Lady Matrix, will select 1 players during the 3-round draft.

Each current WUBA club will have the opportunity to be in the regular WUBA draft but the Matrix will have the chance to select from the current pool of athletes today.

The Matrix said they will target size in this expansion draft and work form the inside out. It should be an exciting time for the WUBA

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UKRAINE

Germany beats Ukraine in Rotenburg - by Eurobasket News

Germany U20-Ukraine U20 71:53

Germany beats Ukraine in Rotenburg in a friendly clash between two sides. The home side celebrated a 71:53 in the opener. The teams will meet tonight again.
Germany started with 27:16 and never looked behind after. The hosts added 16-10 in the second frame and enjoyed 43:26 at the halftime. Both teams scored 15 points each in the third frame as the board showed the same difference after three quarters. Germany posted a 14-12 in the last stanza for the final success.
Julia Gaudermann (166-PG-92) top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Sonja Greinacher (193-F-92) notched 12. Christina Schnorr (187-F-92) poured in 11, while Janna Graf (182-F) added 10. Alina Iagupova (186-G-92, agency: LBM Management) ended up with 15 points in the losing effort, while Lyudmyla Naumenko (184-F-93) and Oleksandra Chek (191-C-93, agency: New Trend Agency) posted 10 apiece.

Germany U20: Julia Gaudermann 14, Sonja Greinacher 12, Christina Schnorr 11, Janna Graf 10
Ukraine U20: Alina Iagupova 15, Lyudmyla Naumenko 10, Oleksandra Chek 10

U18 Latvia cruises past U18 Ukraine in Strumica, 66-40 - by Eurobasket News

U18 UKRAINE - U18 LATVIA 40-66

Both teams had perfect 2-0 record in Group H before this meeting. Latvia celebrated easy 66-40 victory to stay on top of this pool. With this win Latvia also made big step toward ninth place at U18 EuroBasket Division B. Ukraine dropped to 2-1 sharing the second position with Montenegro. Latvia dominated during the entire game having no troubles to register comfortable win. Quarters: 18-7, 16-11, 30-13, 12-9. Renate Reine (176-G-94) scored 16 points to lead Latvia in this game. Paula Langina (180-F-94) had 9 points and 5 rebs, while Paula Tomsone (193-C-94) helped with 7 pts, plus 8 boards. Ukraine got 12 points and 6 rebs from Funmilayo Omoboogunje (185-F-94). Nataliya Skorbatyuk (183-F-95) scored 9 points and Miriam Uro-Nile (190-C-94) stopped to 5. Latvia will meet Montenegro today. Ukraine will take on the host - FYROM.

Ukraine: Funmilayo Omoboogunje 12+6 boards, Nataliya Skorbatyuk 9, Miriam Uro-Nile 5
Latvia: Renate Reine 16, Paula Langina 9+5 boards, Paula Tomsone 7+8 boards

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UNITED KINGDOM

WNBA