Bobby Maze spent the last season in Belarus. The guard played for Minsk-2006. He tallied 5.8 points, 2.6 assists, 2.4 rebounds per game in VTB League. In Belarusian League Bobby Maze delivered 14.1 points, 4.7 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals per appearance. He was named All-Belarusian League Player of the Year. He participated at Belarusian League All-Star Game. Previously Bobby Maze had stints in Venezuela and Lithuania.
Lawrence Kinnard played in Poland last season. He was the member of Anwil squad. The forward delivered 7.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.1 assists per appearance.




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CEZ Nymburk finished the International Tournament in Germany with 1-2 record.
In Day 1 Telekom Baskets Bonn overcame CEZ Nymburk 88:74. Benas Veikalas (192-G-83, college: Metro St.) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Jordan notched 15. Robert Vaden (196-G/F-85, college: UAB) posted 12, while Ewing delivered 11. For CEZ Nymburk Taylor finished the game with 16 points and Tapoutos scored 13.
BBC Bayreuth lost to CEZ Nymburk 82:85. The team from Czech Republic lost the first half 38:43, but erupted in the second half for the total success. Lukas Palyza (204-F-89) stepped up with 28 points for the winners, while Taylor notched 20. Coleman followed them with 19 points in a win. Rohnert scored 14, while Cain had 13 in defeat.
In Day 3 BC Boncourt won over CEZ Nymburk 81:77. Shy Ely (194-G/F-87, agency: Merit Sports, college: Evansville) paced all the winners with 30 points, while Jackson Capel (191-G-87, college: Evangel) notched 14. McCorkle posted 12 and Lahey as well as Ferguson had 8 each. Lukas Palyza answered with 18 points, while Taylor and Houska had 16 each.


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D-LEAGUE

Steadman will be missed in Valley - by Eurobasket News

A yearning to return coaching in the college basketball ranks plus the fact he was returning to his native Nebraska was too much of an opportunity to turn down for now former Rio Grande Valley Vipers assistant coach Jai Steadman.

Steadman recently left the Vipers organization where he served for three years under head coaches Chris Finch and Nick Nurse to become the assistant at NAIA Division II Bellevue University in Nebraska, the state he calls home.

Although his departure from the Vipers family may seem fairly inconspicuous to outsiders, make no mistake, he will be missed.

Steadman is one of the good guys.

He coached. He ran youth clinics. He stayed in the Valley during the offseason. He was the coaching face of the Vipers after everyone split town. He served as a father figure to the dozens players who came-and-went with the Vipers in his three season. The Vipers were lucky to have someone who is held in such high regard by many by represent the organization.

Current coach Nurse might be able to find someone who can match Steadmans basketball coaching acumen, but the intangibles made Steadman a popular figure with those who followed the Vipers closely.

That wont be easy to replace.

While Steadman loves the Valley, he said it was time to go home.

My heart is really with college basketball at any level, Steadman said. There werent very many positions open. I wanted to come back home, and I havent been there in a long time. I thought it would be a good opportunity to return home and return to college basketball.

After graduating from Nebraska in 1997, Steadman began a whirlwind coaching career that took him to several stops in Texas and Louisiana. They included Louisiana-Lafayette, North Texas, McNeese State, TCU and Tyler Junior College.

Then he arrived to the Valley three years ago after his friend Paul Mokeski, who had just been hired to be an assistant to newly-named Viper coach Finch, recommended he give it a look. Mokeski explained to Steadman that the Vipers had just entered into a hybrid agreement with the Houston Rockets and it would be a good opportunity for him.

Although coaching in the NBA Development League is more business-like, Steadman kept the same approach he used in college. He was approachable and served as an important buffer between the business end of professional basketball where it is often cutthroat and the personal stuff.

Relationships with several former Vipers remain as strong as ever. He stays in touch with ex-Vipers like Mike Harris, the NBA D-Leagues MVP in 2010, Terrel Harris, who won an NBA championship this past season with the Miami Heat, Matt Janning and Mickell Gladness - my boys he calls them.

Aside from getting a chance to coaching professional athletes, one thing he learned working with the Vipers is how to conduct a grassroots approach to building a fan base, which involves making numerous public appearances and conducting youth camps all over the place. That experience has been a plus at Bellevue, where the approach to raise fan awareness is similar.

Although Steadman no longer lives in the Valley, it will always be home in a way. During his tenure down here, Steadman met his future wife Sally at Summit Sports Club in Pharr, where the Vipers practice and where she used to work. They were married last year in a ceremony on the beach at South Padre Island.

She caught my eye, and I began courting her after that, Steadman said. That was the best thing for me.

Steadman also received an eye-opening experience during his stay with the Vipers. Steadman didnt finish the final portion of this past season with the team because of health reasons. Steadman noticed he had gained some weight and during a road trip in Reno he sensed something was wrong.

For the first time in my life, I felt unhealthy, Steadman said. We had been losing a lot so I guess I took that to heart, literally. I hadnt been working out like I should have. Everything added up.

When he saw a doctor, he said his heart rate was up and he had high blood pressure. The doctor ordered him to shape up and avoid stressful situations, which included coaching.

Nick was great about it, Steadman said. He said, Get healthy and get with your family.

Steadman says he works out everyday with Bellevue head coach Shane Paben, and thats his health has improved immensely.

Thats great news for Steadman. As I said before, hes good people. And he feels the same about the Valley.

Before I got there, I had never heard of the Valley, Steadman said. The Valley is a special place. I mean that, sincerely. Its just awesome. I love the people, and I love that basketball is growing in the Valley. I hope to get some kids from the Valley. Im going to come down and recruit some kids. Ive never had open arms and support like I had, than in the Valley. Courtesy of www.themonitor.com


Canton Charge's Biggs signs overseas - by Eurobasket News

It looks as though Tyrell Biggs (6'8''-F-86, college: Pittsburgh) will not be coming back to Canton.

The 6-foot-8 forward, who was the Charges first-round draft pick last year in their inaugural season, has signed to play with Pieno Zvaigzdes in Lithuania.

A terrific face-up jump shooter with limited athleticism, Biggs averaged 12.9 points on 45.8 percent shooting and 5.1 rebounds in 38 regular-season games (23 starts) last year. He was an NBA Development League All-Star.

Biggs, a New York native and University of Pittsburgh product who turned 26 last month, has international experience playing in Greece and Cyprus. Former University of Cincinnati big man Yancy Gates also has signed with Pieno Zvaigzdes.

Former Charge players Antonio Graves and Shane Edwards have signed overseas as well. Graves, 27, will play for Pistoria in Italy. A Mansfield native, Graves made the Charge through open tryouts and averaged 8.9 points in 27 games as a combo guard.

Edwards, 25, a former D-League All-Star who never could get consistent court time with the Charge because of injuries, has signed with Taipans in Australia.

It looks as though Tyrell Biggs will not be coming back to Canton.

The 6-foot-8 forward, who was the Charges first-round draft pick last year in their inaugural season, has signed to play with Pieno Zvaigzdes in Lithuania.

A terrific face-up jump shooter with limited athleticism, Biggs averaged 12.9 points on 45.8 percent shooting and 5.1 rebounds in 38 regular-season games (23 starts) last year. He was an NBA Development League All-Star.

Biggs, a New York native and University of Pittsburgh product who turned 26 last month, has international experience playing in Greece and Cyprus. Former University of Cincinnati big man Yancy Gates also has signed with Pieno Zvaigzdes.

Former Charge players Antonio Graves and Shane Edwards have signed overseas as well. Graves, 27, will play for Pistoria in Italy. A Mansfield native, Graves made the Charge through open tryouts and averaged 8.9 points in 27 games as a combo guard.

Edwards, 25, a former D-League All-Star who never could get consistent court time with the Charge because of injuries, has signed with Taipans in Australia.

Courtesy of www.cantonrep.com


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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Indios and Metros take 2-0 leads - by Oscar Peralta

The semi-Finals are under way and two team have made a big step towards the Finals. The Indios lead the series 2-0 against Titanes. They feel very comfortable and feel they have what it takes to reach the big stage, While Titanes feel they are just a few adjustment from being back in the series. In the other semi, Metros lead Caneros 2-0. Caneros feel they let both games slip away having a chance to win both but execution in the final minutes haven't turn there way. Unless these two team can respond in game 3 it will be Indios VS Metros in the finals.


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EUROCHALLENGE

Keravnos bring in Bobby Maze and Lawrence Kinnard - by Eurobasket News

Keravnos bolstered their roster with addition of two players. They agreed on terms of contract with Bobby Maze (191-G-86, college: Tennessee) and Lawrence Kinnard (202-F-86, college: UAB).

Bobby Maze spent the last season in Belarus. The guard played for Minsk-2006. He tallied 5.8 points, 2.6 assists, 2.4 rebounds per game in VTB League. In Belarusian League Bobby Maze delivered 14.1 points, 4.7 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals per appearance. He was named All-Belarusian League Player of the Year. He participated at Belarusian League All-Star Game. Previously Bobby Maze had stints in Venezuela and Lithuania.
Lawrence Kinnard played in Poland last season. He was the member of Anwil squad. The forward delivered 7.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.1 assists per appearance.




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EUROLEAGUE

Anadolu's USA backcourt will be the team's backbone. - by Dimitris Katsionis


Coach Mahmuti's first priority -after the signing with Efes- was to bring his multi-tool from Galatasaray, Jamon Lucas, to Sinan Erdem. Mahmuti build Galatasaray's entire game around Lucas's all around talent on both offensive and defensive end of the court and this year he paired him with ex-NBAer and Maccabi's superstar, Jordan Farmar. A closer look on both perimeter player's characteristics leads us to conclude that there will be an amazing chemistry between them.

Jamon Lucas is the epitome of a ''basketball quarterback'', a role that explode his career in the highest level. He was used to be the two-guard that controlled the impulsive of the scoring guard next to him in the backcourt and taking the ball of his hands in the close games's crucial minutes. The 28 year old guard shined on this role. Take a look back. Marousi (next to Billy Keys), Olympiakos (Milos Teodosic), Galatasaray (Jaka Lakovic).. Strong, physical and athletic, with great court vision, high basketball IQ and a lockdown defender, Lucas simply thrives on this role. It is also obvious that this type of perimeter players are highly sought after in the modern basketball. Remember Doron Perkins, Chuck Eidson or Dimitris Diamantidis..

On the other side, Jordan Farmar (188-PG-86, college: UCLA) brings to the table totally different characteristics. Last year he didn't start well with Maccabi but after the first games he took over and David Blatt essentially didn't manage to fill the gap in the ''1'' spot after Farmar's returning to States. He will be Anadolu's first offensive option this year, the go-to-guy and Lucas will be his armor.

However, Anadolu Efes presents a very modern and operational backcourt that meets the needs of today's basketball. Maybe the best in the upcoming Euroleague? We have to wait for this..


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FIJI

Basketball names strong U19 teams - by Eurobasket News

BASKETBALL Fiji has named a strong national men's and women's under-19 squad for the FIBA Oceania Youth Championship, which will be held in November in Australia.

Coach Saula Koroi and the national selectors closely followed the performance of the players during the Tuckers Ice Cream Fiji Secondary Schools Basketball Championship before naming the 30-member squad. Koroi said the initial squad was named two months ago and players were given training programs to follow. He was happy with the progress made by the players but said there were rooms for improvement. Koroi said the team would focus on combination and getting the basics right in the remaining days leading up to the championship. "We have named 15 players each in the men's and women's side which will be later trimmed to 10 players," the former national rep said. "It's encouraging to see the improvement in the performance of the players and we are hoping to continue building on it." Koroi said the weekly club competitions would provide the players with the much needed game time.

Squad: U19 girls - Tiyanna Kainamoli, Vika Ramara, Donnis Kainamoli, Georgina Balenacagi, Grace Taito, Wilma Cawi, Breeanna Kamsoo, Maraia Naivaluvou, Miliakere Koyamainavure, Lela Koyamainavure, Josifi Fifita, Elizabeth Seru, Maria Dabea; Boys U19 - Walter Vanuya, Lorima Sautu, Sairusi Kalou, Tule Mawi, Filimoni Seru, Josh Uluviti, Iosefa Taliu, Isireli Vuetibau, Ulaiasi Koroi, Maika Nakora, Johnathan Kunau, Digitaki Kaci, George Patterson, Mataika Koyamainavure, Peter Gus, Joseia Qalotaki.

Courtesy of: fijisun.com.fj


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FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: UU-Korihait inked with Ramon Dyer - by Rauno Hurmalainen

UU-Korihait (Uusikaupunki) new Head Coach Jarmo Laitinen summer job is done. Laitinen has chosen all three American players on his roster. Laitinen very seldom takes young men straight from College and that tradition he followed also this time. Chris Taft (208-F-85, college: Pittsburgh) and Daniel Horton (191-G-84, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Michigan) were signed earlier and these players are already in Finland.The third player Ramon Dyer (201-F-84, college: Houston) comes from D-league (Texas Legends), where he averaged last season 8,6 ppg - 7,5 rpg.


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FRANCE

Nantes signs 2-month deal with Cedric Ferchaud - by Eurobasket News

Cedric Ferchaud (195-G/F-80) is back to Nantes. The French swingman penned a 2-month deal with his former team. He is brought in as a medical joker due to injury of Mahamadou Drame (188-SG-86). Ferchaud played for Nantes in 2008/09 and 2009/10 seasons. He joined the club in February of 2009 from Hyeres-Toulon. In their second season together Ferchaud had 12.7 ppg and 3 rpg for 33 games in ProB. Cedric Ferchaud spent last two seasons with Bourg. In the latest one he had 8.6 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 2.2 apg for 30 games. The player registered slightly better numbers in 2010/11. In the past, Ferchaud played for Pau-Orthez and Cholet. With Pau-Orthez he won the French Cup in 2007. That year he also played for the French National Team averaging 3.4 points for 8 games at the EuroBasket in Spain.


Pau-Lacq-Orthez wins 2012 Tournoi du Palio - by Eurobasket News

Pau-Lacq-Orthez is the winner of 2012 Tournoi du Palio. The grabbed 77-76 thriller win against CSP Limoges in the final game. Charles Jackson (203-F-87, agency: Court Side, college: Hawaii-Pacific) paced Pau-Orthez with 23 points and Antoine Mendy (198-F-83) secured a nice help adding 14 pts. Third scorer in victory was Brian Boddicker (204-F-81, college: Texas) with 10 points. At the other side, Brad Wanamaker (193-G-89, college: Pittsburgh) and Terence Dials (206-F/C-83, college: Ohio St.) delivered 14 and 11 points respectively. Angelos Tsamis (192-G-81) stopped to 10. Boulazac took third place at this tournament thanks to 105-92 win against Lagun Aro GBC.
On Friday, Pau-Orthez downed host Boulazac 87-78. Brian Boddicker stepped up for Pau-Orthez with 25 points. Antoine Mendy was their second scorer with 14 points and Jean-Frederic Morency (199-F-89) added 10. In Boulazac, Osiris Eldridge (191-G-88, agency: N.E.T., college: Illinois St.) with 22 points and Amadi McKenzie (201-PF-86, college: Tenn Tech) scored 14.


Boulazac beats Lagun Aro GBC 102-95 for third place at Tournoi du Palio - by Eurobasket News

Boulazac BD - Lagun Aro GBC 102-95

Another loss for Lagun Aro GBC in France. Boulazac BD outplayed Spanish squad on Saturday 102-95 to take third place at Tournoi du Palio. Boulazac was the host of this tournament. Lagun Aro GBC failed to Limoges on Friday 78-84 ending as the last ranked team. Boulazac shined in the second half to take the victory in this meeting. Lagun Aro was up by 2 after 20 minutes of play, but the home squad answered with 27-21 in Q3. In high-scoring last period Boulazac was better again 26-26 and it was enough for the 7-point win at the end. Osiris Eldridge (191-G-88, agency: N.E.T., college: Illinois St.) scored 22 points for Boulzac and Darnell Harris (181-G-86, college: La Salle) had 15. Arnaud Kerckhof (193-PG-84) registered 11 points, Amadi McKenzie (201-PF-86, college: Tenn Tech) and Mehdi Cheriet (204-PF-87, college: San Diego St.) helped with 10 pts each. Lagun Aro GBC got 16 points from Emmanouil Papamakarios (192-G-80) and Raul Neto (186-PG-92). Chris Lofton (188-G-86, college: Tennessee) had 12 and Javier Salgado (180-PG-80) stopped to 11 pts.

Boulazac BD: Osiris Eldridge 22, Darnell Harris 15, Arnaud Kerckhof 11, Amadi McKenzie 10, Mehdi Cheriet 10
Lagun Aro GBC: Emmanouil Papamakarios 16, Raul Neto 16, Chris Lofton 12, Javier Salgado 11


Ben Uzoh and Cholet to part ways? - by Eurobasket News

Ben Uzoh (191-PG-88, college: Tulsa) and Cholet might part ways soon, according to Catch-and-shoot.com. Reportedly, the French team is already on the market looking for PG. Recently Cholet and Anthony Mason (201-F-87, college: St.John's) parted ways. Ben Uzoh signed with Cholet almost a month ago. He played for Toronto Raptors at 2012 NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas averaging 6.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists. Uzoh finished last season with the Raptors as well. He joined them in March collecting 4.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 3.7 apg for 16 NBA games. Uzoh started the season with Lokomotiv Kuban and after two games moved to the New Jersey Nets. However, he did not appear in any official game with them and later moved to the NBA D-League team Rio Grande Valley Vipers. There Uzoh shined with 14.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 3.9 apg for 20 appearances. After that the player moved to Cleveland Cavs, where he had 2 ppg and 2 rpg and finally signed with Toronto in March. In 2010/11 season Ben Uzoh had 3.9 ppg, 1.7 apg and 1.5 rpg in 41 NBA games with New Jersey. He graduated at the University of Tulsa two years ago.


Brazilian center Atila Santos to join Hyeres-Toulon - by Eurobasket News

Atila Santos (208-C-83, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Minnesota St.) will join Hyeres-Toulon for the next season, according to Catch-and-Shoot.com. The center will replace Jeremy Price (203-F-88, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Georgia), whose tryout period was unsuccessful. Santos arrives to France from the Brazilian team Clube de Regatas do Flamengo. He appeared 21 times in NBB last season averaging 4.7 points, 4.7 assists and 2.3 rebounds. The player also added 3.5 ppg and 2.3 rpg in 4 Liga Sudamericana games. Santos played for the same team also in 2010/11. He started 2009/10 in Spain as a member of LEB Gold team Tenerife and later moved to the NBA D-League (Bakersfield Jam). In 2008/09 season Atila Santos played for Cherno More. He shined with 13.7 ppg and 8 rpg in 34 Bulgarian league games. The played was named to Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League 3rd Team -09. In 2011 and this year as well Santos was awarded with Latinbasket.com All-Brazilian League Defensive Player of the Year. He graduated at Minnesota State University Mankato (NCAA2) in 2008.


American center Ty Walker on tryout in CSP Limoges - by Eurobasket News

CSP Limoges brought in Walker Ty (213-C-89, college: Wake Forest) for tryout. The American center will try to earn a deal for the upcoming season. Walker is a product of Wake Forest University, where he graduated few months ago. He had 4.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 2.6 bpg for 20 games as a senior. Walker spent all four years with Wake Forest. As a junior the player averaged 3.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks for 32 games. Earlier this summer Walker Ty participated at Tournoi de Tourcoing in France. He shined with 16.7 ppg, 11.4 rpg and 6.9 bpg for 5 games. The player also worked out with Memphis Grizzlies, Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves and Charlotte Bobcats, but he didn't get a deal. Walker Ty signed in China at the end of June. He had 16 ppg, 16 rpg, 4.7 bpg and 3.7 spg for 3 games with the NBL team Hong Kong Bulls.


Le Mans wins Trophee Sarthe Pays de la Loire - by Eurobasket News

Le Mans wins Trophee Sarthe Pays de la Loire in France with 4 teams in it. Khalid El-Amin (178-G-79, college: Connecticut) was named MVP of the tournament.
In Day 1 Le Mans overcame Nanterre 63:56. Joao Paulo Batista (207-F/C-81, college: Gonzaga) and Samba Dia top-scored for the winners with 11 points each, while Charles Kahudi netted 10. Marc Judith (192-G-87), Johan Passave-Ducteil, Rashaun Freeman and Stephen Brun (202-F-80) all scored 10 points each in a loss.
Paris-Levallois meanwhile outscored Cholet 81:61. Antoine Diot poured in 17 points, while Sean May (206-F-84, college: N.Carolina) scored 14. Marcus Goree (201-F-77, college: W.Virginia) ended up with 16 points in the losing effort and A.J. Slaughter added 12.
In the game for the third place Cholet edged Nanterre 74:67. Le Mans won over Paris-Levallois 79:72 in the Final game. Khalid El-Amin and Cuthbert Victor (197-F-83, college: Murray St.) stepped up with 14 points apiece and Charles Kahudi as well as Cameron Long had 13 each. Sean May and Maleye Ndoye posted 13 points each in the losing effort.


Olympique Antibes and Hyeres-Toulon VB advanced to Tournoi de Fos Final - by Eurobasket News

Olympique Antibes and Hyeres-Toulon VB advanced to Tournoi de Fos Final. Both teams overcame their opponents and will face each other tonight.
Antibes outscored Monaco 100:66. They started with 31-23 lead and added massive 31-19 in the second frame. Moreover Antibes won the third quarter 21-13 and finished the game with 17-11 in the last stanza. Tim Blue (205-F-84, college: Middle Tenn.St.) and Anthony Hilliard (193-G/F-86, college: Elizabeth City) combined for 43 points to lead the winners.
In another Semifinal Hyeres-Toulon overcame Fos OPB 73:66. It was a tough game in the court and Hyeres-Toulon led only 50:47 entering the last stanza. Some important baskets allowed them to take 61:53 lead, while Fos-sur-Mer reduced to 63:60. Jessie Begarin (190-G/F-88, agency: Court Side) managed to give his side the victory in the game.


Chorale de Roanne claim Ain Star Game 2012 title - by Eurobasket News

Chorale de Roanne claim Ain Star Game 2012 title with 4 participating teams.
In Day 1 ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne won over Elan Chalon/Saone 82:77. Chorale Roanne outscored JL Bourg-en-Bresse 73:56. Alan Voskuil (191-G-86, college: Texas Tech) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Pape-Philippe Amagou (185-G-85, agency: Beo Basket) posted 15. David Monds (205-C/F-83, college: Oklahoma St.) replied with 19 points in the losing effort.
In the Final Chorale de Roanne edged ASVEL 79:69. Trailing 16:18 after the first period, the winners needed 23-16 in the second period to take the lead at the halftime. Moreover they added 23-18 in the third quarter and took 10-point advantage after 30 minutes. Both teams scored 17 points each in the last stanza for the final result. William Gradit (197-SF-82, college: Hill JC) stepped up with 19 points and Alan Voskuil as well as Reid posted 12 each. Collins delivered 10, while Yohann Sangare (193-G-83) had 9 points and 6 assists.
In the game for the third place l'Elan Chalon overcame JL Bourg 79:70.


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FYR MACEDONIA

Pero Antic-Olympiakos,the best in frendly game against Apolon Patra (preparations for the new season) - by Georgi Bujukliev

Current Euroleague champion, led by Pero Antic (211-F-82, agency: Beo Basket) who was most effective player of the game, successfully launched a series of control games before the start of the new season.
Apollon Patras could not seriously oppose the " red and white " , they has controlling the outcome during the entire match , deservedly won 83 - 50. Pero Antic finish the match as the top scorer with 13 points achieved , while Kyle Hines and Joey Dorsey Powered by 11 points .
Followed a few days break before the continuation of the preparatory matches for the Antic's team . Olympiakos in next season enters as Euroleague defending champion and the Greece national championship .


Radnicki Kragujevac downs MZT Skopje 83-76 - by Eurobasket News

Radnicki Kragujevac - MZT Skopje 83-76

Radnicki Kragujevac and MZT Skopje met in a friendly game this weekend. The Serbian squad celebrated 83-76 home win. Both teams will play in Adriatic league next season. Milos Borisov (199-G/F-85) led Radnicki with 18 points and Mark Worthington (202-PF-83, college: Metro St.) secured a nice help with 13 points. Steven Markovic (190-G-85) and Terrico White (196-G-90, college: Mississippi) followed them with 10 points each. In defeat, Uros Nikolic (207-F/C-87) was better than the others with 19 points. Damjan Stojanovski (195-SG-87) scored 15 points, while Gjorji Cekovski (203-PF-79) and Igor Mijajlovic (192-PG-84, agency: Global Sports Plaza) posted 10 pts each. Radnicki had impressive first period of the match ending it with 14-point lead, 30-16. Visitors drastically improved after that closing the gap to 8 pts until the halftime. Later it was 60-55 with 10 minutes remaining in the game, but Milos Borsov and his teammates were strong enough to keep the lead and to win in this meeting.

Radnicki Kragujevac: Milos Borisov 18, Mark Worthington 13, Steven Markovic 10, Terrico White 10
MZT Skopje: Uros Nikolic 19, Damjan Stojanovski 15, Gjorji Cekovski 10, Igor Mijajlovic 10


Strumica brings in Nemanja Arsic and Milos Milovic for tryout - by Eurobasket News

Strumica brought in Nemanja Arsic (214-C-85) and Milos Milovic (208-C-84) for tryout. Both players will spend next few days with the club and will try to earn a deal for the upcoming season. Strumica will keep one of two centers, or the team will be back on the market. Everything will be known soon.
Nemanja Arsic played last two seasons for Sloboda Uzice. In the latest one he had 3.1 ppg and 4.6 rpg for 8 games in Serbian A League. He had slightly better numbers in 2010/11. Before Sloboda, Arsic was a member of Masinac Kraljevo.
Milos Milovic started last season with Mladost Cacak. He appeared six times in Serbian B League, but with very limited playing time. They parted ways in November. Before Mladost Cacak, Milovic played for Mogren Budva and Zeleznicar Cacak.


Kumanovo beats Rabotnicki in friendly game, 93-89 - by Eurobasket News

Kumanovo - Rabotnicki 93-89

Kumanovo and Rabotnicki met in a friendly game last week. Kumanovo was the host and celebrated 93-89 victory. They had impressive start scoring 29 points in the first ten minutes of the game. At the other side, Rabotnicki was limited to 17 pts so Kumanvo was up by 12 after Q1. Rabotnicki replied in the second period 17-25 and continued with 22-24 after the breather. In very exciting last ten minutes Kumanovo players were focused and managed to get the victory in this meeting. Marjan Janevski (203-F-88) led the hosts with 20 points. Ivica Dimcevski (194-G/F-89, agency: Interperformances) had 19 points and Aleksandar Kostovski added 15 pts, plus 6 assists. Uros Lukovic (212-C-89) also was very good with double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds. In defeat, Nenad Zivcevic (204-F-87) shined with 22 points and Slobodan Mihajloski (202-F/C-82) posted 14 pts. Marjan Gurov and Nemanja Jelesijevic (210-C/F-79, agency: World Sport Agency) had 12 points each, while Aleksandar Dimitrovski (193-G-80) stopped to 11 pts. Both teams will play more friendly games next week.

Kumanovo: Marjan Janevski 20, Ivica Dimcevski 19, Aleksandar Kostovski 15+6 as, Uros Lukovic 14+10 boards
Rabotnicki: Nenad Zivcevic 22, Slobodan Mihajloski 14, Marjan Gurov 12, Nemanja Jelesijevic 12, Aleksandar Dimitrovski 11


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GERMANY

ALBA plays three friendlies - by Eurobasket News

ALBA plays three friendlies over the last few days.
Stelmet Zielona Gora surrendered against Alba Berlin 60:70. Alba piled up a 10-point lead at halftime and stayed in control in the second half. Deon Thompson (203-F-88, college: N.Carolina) finished with 20 points, while Zach Morley added 17 points to lead Alba. Walter Hodge replied with 16 points for Zielona Gora. Kamil Chanas (188-PG-85) banked 11 points for the Polish side.
Later ALBA lost to MBC 72:75. Devin Uskoski (198-F-85, college: Rocky Mountain) posted 14 points to lead the winners and Pantelic nailed 12. Deon Thompson nailed 20 points in the losing effort, while Morley Zach notched 12.
Last night ALBA won over EWE Baskets Oldenburg 80:77. Nathan Peavy (203-F-85, college: Miami, OH) posted 26 points, while Deon Thompson collected 25 points and 9 rebounds. DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.) nailed 13 to follow the winning effort. Rickey Paulding (196-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Missouri) answered with 23 points in defeat and Julius Jenkins had 21.


BBC Bayreuth wins BBC-Cup 2012 - by Eurobasket News

BBC Bayreuth wins BBC-Cup 2012 with 4 participating teams.
In Day 1 Telekom Baskets Bonn overcame CEZ Nymburk 88:74. Benas Veikalas (192-G-83, college: Metro St.) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Jordan notched 15. Vaden posted 12, while Ewing delivered 11. For CEZ Nymburk Taylor finished the game with 16 points and Tapoutos scored 13.
BBC Bayreuth edged BC Boncourt 88:68. The German side led 44:35 at the halftime and dominated the game. Joe Trapani (203-F-88, college: Boston Coll.) paced all the winners with 17 points and Gary McGhee (208-C-88, college: Pittsburgh) ended up with 12. Bailey followed them with 11 and Zeis delivered 9. N'Diaye replied with 15 points in defeat, while Ferguson produced 14.
In Day 2 Telekom Baskets Bonn overcame BC Boncourt 79:75. The German team led 47:30 at the halftime but escaped with the narrow win. Kyle Weems (198-F-89, college: Missouri St.) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Benas Veikalas delivered 12. Trey McCorkle (208-F, agency: SDJ Sports, college: IPFW) answered with 15 points in the losing effort, while Ferguson, Capel and Shy Ely (194-G/F-87, agency: Merit Sports, college: Evansville) notched 14 each.
BBC Bayreuth lost to CEZ Nymburk 82:85. The team from Czech Republic lost the first half 38:43, but erupted in the second half for the total success. Palyza stepped up with 28 points for the winners, while Taylor notched 20. Coleman followed them with 19 points in a win. Rohnert scored 14, while Cain had 13 in defeat.
In Day 3 BC Boncourt won over CEZ Nymburk 81:77. Shy Ely paced all the winners with 30 points, while Capel notched 14. Trey McCorkle posted 12 and Lahey as well as Ferguson had 8 each. Palyza answered with 18 points, while Taylor and Houska had 16 each.
BBC Bayreuth needed a 82:78 win over Telekom Baskets Bonn to take the trophy of BBC-Cup 2012. Joe Trapani stepped up with 20 points and Cain nailed 16. For Telekom Baskets Bonn Erwing and Kyle Weems scored 16 points each in a loss.


Brose Baskets triumphs at Sharp Cup - by Eurobasket News

Brose Baskets triumphs at Sharp Cup. The German side overcame Spirou Charleroi 91:73 to seal the trophy. Teddy Gipson (193-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: Arkansas) stepped up with 25 points for the winners and Bostjan Nachbar (207-F-80) notched 24. Philipp Neumann (209-C-92) delivered 18, while Beckham Wyrick (198-F-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Wilmington) brought 9. Hamilton replied with 15 points in the losing effort and Dandridge scored 14.
In Day 2 Brose Baskets beat Nurnberger Basketballclub 112:70. Jacobosen top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Philipp Neumann notched 20. Schmidt posted 17 and Richter ended up with 16.
In Day 1 Brose Baskets overcame Pardubice 118:88. Bostjan Nachbar top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Ford nailed 19. Andrew James Ogilvy (211-C-88, college: Vanderbilt) delivered 18, whilst Philipp Neumann scored 15 and Jacobsen added 12. Evaldas Zabas (188-PG-88) replied with 19 points in the losing effort.


LTi Giessen 46ers finished the International Cevat Soydas Basketball Tournament - by Eurobasket News

LTi GIESSEN 46ers finished the International Cevat Soydas Basketball Tournament on the fifth place. In the last game the German side overcame Olin Edirne 67:48. They started with 16-15 and added 18-15 in the second frame. Moreover LTi GIESSEN 46ers won the third and the last quarters. Ryan Brooks (193-G-88, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Temple) stepped up with 16 points and LaQuan Prowell (203-SF-84, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Auburn) posted 15. Andreas Buchert nailed 14 and Oskar Fassler (198-G-88) scored 7.
Earlier Antalya celebrated a pre-season victory. They faced Giessen from Germany and posted an 86:69 victory at the end. Antalya ensured a 44:39 halftime lead. They cleared off in the second half and rolled to a comfortable win at the end. Jordan Theodore (182-PG-89, college: Seton Hall) accounted for 17 points for Antalya. Xavier Gibson (210-F/C-88, college: Florida St.) and Ron Lewis delivered 18 points each for the Turkish team.Oskar Fassler and LaQuan Prowell finished the gamne with 13 points each in defeat.


Jelani Floyd: "I am a poor mans version of Scottie Pippen" - by Moritz Korff

A conversation with Jelani Floyd (203-G/F-88), who is currently working out with Pro A team Duesseldorf and who has been in Germany for a couple of weeks. The versatile forward hails from Chicago, Illinois, and spent the 2011-12 season at NCAA Division 1 school Florida Atlantic. He talks about his college career, how he has adapted to life and basketball in Germany thus far and about his ongoing search for a contract in pro basketball.

You are currently in Dusseldorf: How come?
I am currently in Dusseldorf practicing with the Dusseldorf Giants to stay in shape in hopes of landing on team this season or being a replacement player for an organization. The giants have allowed me to practice with their team even though they are not in need of a swingman at the moment but they are also trying to help find a team for me to play on because they have realized I just need somewhere to start and get my career off the ground. I came to Germany in hopes of getting a chance to start my pro basketball career. In many cases there is a higher chance of a player getting signed if he is already in the country and able to visit the team and showcase himself. Its a lot better for teams to see me in person rather than trying to judge me based on my film and lack of college stats.

What are your next steps towards a pro career overseas?
Right now, The Dusseldorf Giants of the German Pro A league has graciously allowed me to practice with them this past week, while I continue to search and reach out to teams across Germany. This has allowed me to stay in shape as well as practice and learn from experienced players. After each practice session with the Giants I feel myself getting better and more acclimated to European basketball. Gary Johnson of the Giants has really helped me out a lot this past week and the one thing I notice about him is how consistent he is everyday. Theres a lot to learn coming from the states to Germany both on and off the court.

Can you give us a summary of your college career?
I began my career at Brown University of the Ivy league (NCAA D1) in 2007-2008, but due to a stress fracture in my left foot, which happened early in the year I did not play my freshman year. I then decided to transfer to University of California, Davis where I sat out the 2008-2009 season due to NCAA transfer rules and I played just one season for UC Davis during the 2009-2010 season in which I was also elected team captain. After dealing with lingering foot issues, numerous staff infections to my foot, I did not play the 2010-2011, and season elected to graduate from UC Davis in June of 2011 with a degree in Managerial Economics (3.7 GPA). With one year of eligibility remaining I decided to accept a full scholarship offer and Florida Atlantic University of the Sun Belt conference and play as a 5th year graduate student. In hopes of getting my career going, getting over the foot issues and getting some stats behind my name things just did not work out at FAU as there was a lot left to be desired of my time at FAU. There are a lot of question marks behind my college basketball career but I know I can play and I know I can play at a high level and given the right opportunity and chance, I will succeed. The most important thing to those reading this is through all the trials and tribulations; I received my college degree, took some courses towards an advanced degree and remained a great teammate throughout even when things werent going my way.

What is your natural position on the basketball court?
I am a natural wing (swingman). With my ability to catch and shoot as well as put the ball on the floor I can be a dangerous player in Europe. I am 6-8, 215 lbs and I can effectively play and guard all the perimeter positions.

What kind of a basketball player are you? What are your strengths?
I am a poor mans version of Scottie Pippen or a young Chuck Eidson. At 6-8 215, I can handle the basketball as well as catch and shoot. I began high school as a 5-8 point guard and this is the reason I am a big guard. I am very versatile, coachable, and one of my strongest assets is my rebounding from the perimeter positions as well as my communication and defensive tactics. I am a smart basketball player that can simply dribble, pass and shoot. I try and always make the simple play rather than the home-run play. With any team that is willing to give me a chance and put the ball in my hands even without me having stats and the injury history behind my name I know I will be a low risk high reward type player for any organization because I am a late bloomer. I can be reached at jelanifloyd@gmail.com or at +49 0176-86735183. Also feel free to reach out to the Giants organization as well as Chicago native and long time German basketball legend Rob Shepherd who is now the program director of ART Dusseldorf about my abilities as a basketball player at coach.shepherd@yahoo.com


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ISRAEL

Jeff Allen tested by Hapoel Tel-Aviv - by Eurobasket News

Hapoel Tel-Aviv brought in Jeff Allen (201-F/C-87, college: Virginia Tech). The centre joined the Israeli team for a try-out period. Jeff Allen spent the last season in France. The centre played for Antibes. His stats read 13.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.3 assists per game in ProB. It was the first pro season for the centre. Jeff Allen graduated from Vriginia Tech in 2011. He averaged 13.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game in his senior season. Jeff Allen made it into All-ACC 2nd Team. He was also named into NABC Division I All-District 2 2nd Team.


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ITALY

Umana Reyer triumphs at Torneo di Modena - by Eurobasket News

Umana Reyer triumphs at Torneo di Modena with 4 participating teams.
Umana Reyer beat Reggio Emilia 77:51 in the Final game. They won the first period 14:11 and led 12 points at the halftime. Reggio Emilia reduced to 50:41 at the end of the third period, but could not match the opponents in the last stanza. Umana Reyer erupted for 16-point win to take the trophy of Modena. Clark and Guido Rosselli (198-G-83) stepped up with 14 points each for the winners, while Ivan Zoroski (195-G-79) and Tommaso Fantoni (203-F/C-85, agency: Players Group) nailed 9 each. Taylor finished the game with 11 points in the losing effort.
In the game for the third place EA7 Emporio MI edged Virtus SAIE 3. The favorites grabbed 83:62 win. They started with 22-19 and led 11 points at the halftime. Moreover they increased to 63:51 at the end of the third period and reached 21-point victory at the very end.


Sidigas Avellino wins Memorial Cezza - by Eurobasket News

Sidigas Avellino wins Memorial Cezza in Italy.
In Day 1 Sidigas Avellino overcame Juve Caserta 71:56.
Sutor Montegranaro won over Enel Basket Brindisi 77:63.
In the game for the third place Juve Caserta edged Enel Basket Brindisi 70:57.
Sidigas Avellino won over Sutor Montegranaro 65:61 in the Final game. Both teams scored 22 points each in the first period, while Sidigas Avellino grabbed 31:28 at the halftime. The teams again responded with the same number of points in the third period for 3-point difference at the board after three quarters. Sidigas Avellino added 1-point victory in the last stanza to seal the victory. Dwight Hardy (188-PG-87, college: St.John's) top-scored for the winners with 12 points and Richardson posted 11. Levour Warren (196-SF-81, agency: SportsTalent, college: S.Carolina) nailed 9, while Spinelli added 7. Christian Burns (203-F-85, college: Philadelphia) answered with 16 points in the losing effort and Daniele Cinciarini (194-G-83) scored 14.


Cimberio Varese clinched Trofeo Lombardia - by Eurobasket News

Cimberio Varese clinched Trofeo Lombardia after another vcitory. The team edged Vanoli Cremona 77:71 in the Final Game. Mike Green (185-PG-85, college: Butler) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Dunston posted 12. Sinica ended up with 11, while Adrian Banks (191-G-86, college: NW Mississippi CC) posted 10. Harris ended up with 23 points in the losing effort.
CSKA finished third at the 'Lombardia' Tournament. In the game for the third place the Russian team beat Angelico Biella 77:66. CSKA won the first period 27:15 and led 44:28 at the halftime. The board showed 66:44 after three quarters, while Angelico Biella managed to reduce to 11 points. Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) stepped up with 14 points and Kaun posted 13. Goran Jurak (203-F/C-77) delivered 18 points in the losing effort, while Craig Brackins (208-F-87, college: Iowa St.) and Robinson posted 15 each.


Umana Venezia, Cremona and Reggio Emilia won on Saturday - by Eurobasket News

Umana Venezia surprised EA7 Emporio Armani 92:88. Yakhouba Diawara (201-F-82, college: Pepperdine) top-scored for the winners with 26 points and Zoroski netted 19. Szewczyk and Williams posted 11 each, while Fantoni nailed 10. Langford finished the game with 18 points in defeat, while Omar-Sharif Cook (188-PG-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's) notched 16.
Reggio Emilia grabbed 83:82 win over Virtus. Taylor top-scored for the winners with 29 points and Slanina nailed 16. Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88, agency: Interperformances) and Filloy followed them with 11 points each in a win. Kenny Hasbrouck (191-G-86, college: Siena) replied with 25 points in the losing effort and Smith posted 18.
Cremona edged Russian CSKA 60:56. The Italian team won the first period 17:13, but trailed 1 point at the halftime. In the third period Cremona produced 16-9 and did not mind 13-15 in the last stanza. Harris top-scored for the winners with 16 points, while Janis Porzingis (201-F-82, agency: Interperformances), Johnson and Stipanovic had 8 apiece. Kaun replied with 15 points in the losing case.


Pallacanestro Cantu, Angelico Biella and Pesaro lost the friendlies - by Eurobasket News

Azovmash Mariupol overcame Pallacanestro Cantu 76:60. The Ukrainian team started the game with 21:16 and never looked behind after. They led 41:27 at the halftime and enjoyed 57:44 advantage after three quarters. Lynn Greer (186-PG-79, college: Temple) poured in 13 points to lead the winners, while Dragicevic and Nemanja Gordic (193-PG-88) netted 12 each. Serapinas delivered 9 and Kolchenko as well as Akinlolu Akingbala (208-C-83, college: Clemson) added 8 each. Nicolas Mazzarino (181-PG-75, agency: Players Group) finished the game with 14 points, while Brooks scored 13.
Cimberio Varese won over Angelico Biella 91:65. The latter actually started better and grabbed 22:20 at the end of the first period. Cimberio Varese erupted in the second frame and grabbed 13-point advantage at the halftime. Moreover they led 74:46 after three quarters and dominated the second half.
Galatasaray Medical Park won over Pesaro 79:48. The Turkish side started the game with 22-10 and dominated the rest of the game. Henry Domercant (194-G-80, college: E.Illinois) stepped up with 12 points, while Jamont Gordon (193-G/F-87, college: Mississippi St.) nailed 9. David Hawkins finished the game with 8 and Cenk Akyol (198-G/F-87) brought 7.


Cheeks pro career could starts at Aget Imola - by Eurobasket

Aget Service Imola (Lega2) is about to sign 21-year old USA guard Dominic Cheek (198-91). He just graduated Villanova (NCAA). In 32 games last season he averaged 12.5ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.3apg and 1.0spg. Cheeks team was regular season runner-up in Big East in 2010. He represented USA at the FIBA Americas U18 Championships in Formosa (Argentina) this year. Cheeks stats at this event were 5 games: 5.2ppg, 2.4rpg, FGP-3 (70.0%), 3PT: 17.6%, FT: 50.0%. He was also a member of USA U19 national team in 2009. So his pro career will start in Italy.

By Eurobasket Data Center


VL Pesaro close to get Paul Marigney - by Eurobasket News

Paul Marigney (192-G-82, college: St.Mary's, CA) will most likely join VL Pesaro for the upcoming season. Pesaro already agreed with the player and it seems they also agreed a buyout fee with Givova Scafati. Nothing is officially announced by any of two teams. According to rumors Scafati will get $30k, while Marigney will earn $50k for the season. The player has a valid deal with Scafati for the upcoming season, but he asked to leave and now we wait for the official confirmation. Paul Marigney arrived to Scafati last summer from Assigeco BPL Lodi. He appeared 37 times in LegaDue averaging 21.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.3 steals. He was third scorer of the competition, while Scafati reached LegaDue Playoffs and Cup Semifinals. Also Marigney was named to Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 1st Team -12. In 2010/11 season the player had 17.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 3.8 apg for 30 games with Lodi. In the past, he played for Reggio Emilia, Pavia and Ferrara. Marigney also has experience from France.


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JAPAN

D'Andre Bell joins Chiba Jets - by Eurobasket News

Chiba Jets bolstered their backcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with D'Andre Bell (198-G/F-87, college: Georgia Tech).. The guard started the previous season in Canada. He played for the Quebec Kebs. D'Andre Bell posted 1.4 points, 1.3 boards per game in NBL. In November the guard moved to D-League. He signed with the Austin Toros. D'Andre Bell posted 0.5 points per appearance. He finished the season in Santa Monica Jump in WCBL. The guard made it into All-WCBL 1st Team. D'Andre Bell participated at S. California Summer Pro League.


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LATVIA

Forward Ernests Kalve signs in Hungary - by Eurobasket News

Ernests Kalve (200-F-87) will continue his career in Hungary. The Latvian forward penned a 1-year deal with Szolnoki Olajbanyasz. They will compete in Adriatic league next season. Kalve spent some time with Milano earlier this summer. Last season the player split between BK Valmeira and Trabzon. Actually he joined Trabzon in April averaging 2.9 points and 1.5 rebounds for 12 TBL games. With Valmeira Ernests Kalve exploded with 18.8 ppg and 6.3 rpg for 17 Latvian league games. He was top scorer of the league. In Baltic league the player added 18 ppg (No.4) and 5.9 rpg for 10 games. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Baltic League (Challenge Cup) Forward of the Year -12. Before Valmeira, Ernests Kalve played for Nevezis Kedainiai and Ventspils. He also played for the Latvian National Team from 2008 to 2010.


Zalgiris win Butautas Cup - by Eurobasket News

Zalgiris - VEF Riga 105:101 (OT)

Zalgiris celebrated victory at the pre-season Butautas Cup. The hosts overcame VEF Riga in exciting clash to clinch the trophy. Marko Popovic (185-G-82, agency: Alti Sport, college: S.Idaho JC) came up with 26 points to lead the winners.
Zalgiris strongly started the game. They unleashed 28 points in the first term to accumulate a 6-point lead. Zalgiris maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They recorded a 51:39 lead at halftime. VEF Riga began working their way out of the deficit in the second half. The Latvian powerhouse cut the deficit at 5-point mark at the third break. VEF Riga scored 28 points in the fourth quarter to send the game into overtime. Lafayette stepped up for Zalgiris in extra period. He sank key points to propel the hosts to the victory. Paulius Jankunas (205-PF-84, agency: Alti Sport) finished with 18 points, while Mindaugas Kuzminskas (205-F-89) and Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-C-79) delivered 16 points apiece for the winners. Kristaps Janicenoks (196-F-83) answered with 26 points for VEF Riga. Donatas Zavackas (203-F-80, college: Pittsburgh) had 21 points in the loss.

Zalgiris: Marko Popovic 26, Paulius Jankunas 18, Mindaugas Kuzminskas 16, Ksistof Lavrinovic 16
VEF Riga: Kristaps Janicenoks 26, Donatas Zavackas 21


VEF Riga rally past Nizhny Novgorod - by Eurobasket News

VEF Riga toppled Nizhny Novgorod 76:65 in Kaunas. Antanas Kavaliauskas (208-C-84, agency: Interperformances, college: Texas A&M) posted 18 points to lead the winners. The Russian team gained an 18:15 lead after ten minutes of action. VEF Riga cut the deficit in the second quarter. The Latvian side got within two at the interval 38:40. VEF Riga limited their opponents to just 9 points in the third term. They surged ahead to take a 6-point buffer at the final intermission. VEF Riga knocked down 21 points in the fourth frame and sealed the victory. Earl Rowland (188-G-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) produced 13 points to lead the winners. Will Daniels (203-F-86, college: Rhode Island) added 11 points, while Donatas Zavackas (203-F-80, college: Pittsburgh) had 9 points for VEF Riga.


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LITHUANIA

Kedainiai adds Jakstas to their roster - by Eurobasket News

Kedainiai Triobet (LKL) agreed terms with 20-year old domestic forward Rolandas Jakstas (202-102kg-92). He played last season at Zalgiris-Sabonio (NKL). While playing 52 games for the team from Kaunas Jakstas averaged 10.3ppg, 5.7rpg and 1.3apg. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. Jakstas is a member of Lithuanian U20 national team. He represented Lithuania at the European Championships U20 in Slovenia this year. Jakstas team won Gold and his stats at this event were: 5.7ppg, 3.0rpg, FGP: 52.2%, FT: 83.3%.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Neptunas too good for Budivelnyk at Garastas Cup - by Eurobasket News

Neptunas - Budivelnyk 100:95

Neptunas clinched the first win at Garastas Cup. They knocked down Budivelnyk. Deividas Gailius (200-F-88) stepped up with 19 points to lead the charge. The Kyiv outfit suffered the second straight loss.
Neptunas fired 28 points in the opening quarter to take an 8-point lead. Budivelnyk managed to narrow the gap in the second frame. The Kyiv team got within 5 points at the interval 42:47. Neptunas stayed aggressive offensively in the third term. They secured a 6-point buffer before the fourth frame. Budivenyl unloaded 28 points in the final period but Neptunas nearly matched the effort and sealed the victory. Laurynas Mikalauskas (203-PF-85, college: Virginia) and Rashaun Broadus (183-PG-84, college: BYU) posted 16 points each for the winners. Leo Lyons (206-F-87, college: Missouri) topscored with 25 points for Budivelnyk. Malcolm Delaney (191-G-89, college: Virginia Tech) had 22 points in the loss.

Neptunas: Deividas Gailius 19, Laurynas Mikalauskas 16, Rashaun Broadus 16+11 assists
Budivelnyk: Leo Lyons 25, Malcolm Delaney 22


Liatkabelis shoot down Khimik in test game - by Eurobasket News

Liatkabelis - Khimik 71:65

Liatkabelis celebrated pre-season win over Khimik Yuzny. The Lithuanian team eked out a 6-point victory behind 13 points from Tauras Jogela (201-F-93). Liatkabelis ensured a 16:15 lead ten minutes into the game. They boosted the gap in the second frame. Liatkabelis piled up a 36:26 halftime advantage. Khimik slowed their opponents down a bit in the third term. The Ukrainian team got within 8 points before the fourth frame. Khimik cut the deficit even more in the final stanza but came up short of victory at the end. Darius Griskenas (194-F-84) and Kaspars Cipruss (210-C-82, agency: Interperformances) finished with 12 points apiece for the Panevezys team. Sava Lesic (205-C/F-88) answered with 13 points for Khimik. Willie Deane (188-PG-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Purdue) netted 9 points in the loss.

Liatkabelis: Tauras Jogela 13, Darius Griskenas 12, Kaspars Cipruss 12
Khimik: Sava Lesic 13, Willie Deane 9


Pieno Zvaigzdes invite Booker Woodfox - by Eurobasket News

Pieno Zvaigzdes landed Booker Woodfox (185-PG-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Creighton) for a try-out period. The guard started the previous season in D-League. He played for the Frisco Texas Legends. Booker Woodfox posted 15.1 points, 1.9 assists and 1.7 rebounds per game in D-League. The guard moved to Venezuela in April. He signed with Trotamundos de Carabobo. Booker Woodfox notched 14.0 points, 2.7 assists, 1.2 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game in LPB. The guard participated at NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas. Booker Woodfox averaged 2.0 points per game for the Dallas Mavericks. Previously Booker Woodfox had stints in D-League and Lebanon.


Kryvbasbasket fire past Pieno Zvaigzdes in Trakai - by Eurobasket News

Pieno Zvaigzdes - Kryvbasbasket 101:106

Kryvbasbasket earned the third win at the training camp in Lithuanian Trakai. They faced Pieno Zvaizdes and eked out a 5-point win. Winsome Frazier (193-F/G-82, college: Mississippi St.) stepped up with 27 points to lead the Ukrainian side.
Kryvbasbasket ensured a quick start. They unloaded 31 points in the opening quarter to take an 8-point lead. Pieno Zvaigzdes cut the margin in the second quarter. The Lithuanian side got within 5 points at halftime 47:52. Kryvbasbasket fired from all guns coming off the dressing room. They posted 31 points in the third frame to take a 9-point lead. Pieno Zvaigzdes did not surrender and trimmed the deficit but finished short of victory at the end. James Florence (185-G-88, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mercer) secured 21 points, while Vitali Malchevskiy (204-F-87) provided 18 points Kryvbasbasket. TreVon Hughes (183-PG-87, agency: Edge Sports, college: Wisconsin) answered with 21 points for Pieno Zvaigzdes. Booker Woodfox (185-PG-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Creighton) netted 17 points in the loss.

Pieno Zvaigzdes: TreVon Hughes 21, Booker Woodfox 17
Kryvbasbasket: Winsome Frazier 27, James Florence 21, Vitali Malchevskiy 18


Lokomotiv Kuban thump Neptunas at Garastas Cup - by Eurobasket News

Lokomotiv Kuban - Neptunas 93:60

Lokomotiv Kuban recorded the second win at the Garastas Cup. They stunned Neptunas. Valery Likhodey (205-F-86) finished with 19 points to lead the winners.
Lokomotiv Kuban tipped off the game aggressively. They recorded a 30:22 lead after ten minutes. Lokomotiv limited their opponents to just 5 points in the second frame to enlarge the lead to as many as 26 points at halftime 53:27. Lokomotiv maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. They entered the fourth stanza up by 29 points. Lokomotiv Kuban dropped 22 points in the fourth frame and rallied to the victory at the end. Nikita Shabalkin (205-F-86) netted 16 points, while Simas Jasaitis (201-SF-82) and Nick Calathes (198-G-89, college: Florida) added 11 points for the winners. Deividas Gailius (200-F-88) replied with 19 points for Neptunas. Laurynas Mikalauskas (203-PF-85, college: Virginia) had 8 points in the loss.

Lokomotiv Kuban: Valery Likhodey 19, Nikita Shabalkin 16, Simas Jasaitis 11, Nick Calathes 11
Neptunas: Deividas Gailius 19, Laurynas Mikalauskas 8


Zalgiris win Butautas Cup - by Eurobasket News

Zalgiris - VEF Riga 105:101 (OT)

Zalgiris celebrated victory at the pre-season Butautas Cup. The hosts overcame VEF Riga in exciting clash to clinch the trophy. Marko Popovic (185-G-82, agency: Alti Sport, college: S.Idaho JC) came up with 26 points to lead the winners.
Zalgiris strongly started the game. They unleashed 28 points in the first term to accumulate a 6-point lead. Zalgiris maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They recorded a 51:39 lead at halftime. VEF Riga began working their way out of the deficit in the second half. The Latvian powerhouse cut the deficit at 5-point mark at the third break. VEF Riga scored 28 points in the fourth quarter to send the game into overtime. Lafayette stepped up for Zalgiris in extra period. He sank key points to propel the hosts to the victory. Paulius Jankunas (205-PF-84, agency: Alti Sport) finished with 18 points, while Mindaugas Kuzminskas (205-F-89) and Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-C-79) delivered 16 points apiece for the winners. Kristaps Janicenoks (196-F-83) answered with 26 points for VEF Riga. Donatas Zavackas (203-F-80, college: Pittsburgh) had 21 points in the loss.

Zalgiris: Marko Popovic 26, Paulius Jankunas 18, Mindaugas Kuzminskas 16, Ksistof Lavrinovic 16
VEF Riga: Kristaps Janicenoks 26, Donatas Zavackas 21


Zalgiris bruise Anwil at Butautas Cup - by Eurobasket News

Zalgiris - Anwil 78:61

Zalgiris are piling up pre-season victories. They faced Anwil Wloclawek at Butautas Cup yesterday. Paulius Jankunas (205-PF-84, agency: Alti Sport) scored 17 points to lead Zalgiris to a comfortable win at the end.
Zalgiris opened a 9:2 lead early in the game. Anwil cut the deficit and trailed by just 2 points at the first break 14:16. Zalgiris increased the tempo in the second frame. They opened up a 12-point lead at the interval 38:26. The Lithuanian team stayed in control throughout the third frame. They arrived at the final intermission up by 20 points. Anwil outscored Zalgiris in the fourth frame but could not avoid the loss at the end. Oliver Lafayette (188-G-84, college: Houston) delivered 13 points, while Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79) and Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-C-79) added 12 points each in the win. Ryan Wright (206-C/F-87, college: Oklahoma) answered with 12 points for Anwil. Krzysztof Szubarga (182-PG-84), Marcus Ginyard (196-G/F-87, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina) and Ruben Boykin (201-F-85, college: N.Arizona) netted 10 points apiece in the loss.

Zalgiris: Paulius Jankunas 17, Oliver Lafayette 13, Darjus Lavrinovic 12, Ksistof Lavrinovic 12
Anwil: Ryan Wright 12, Krzysztof Szubarga 10, Marcus Ginyard 10, Ruben Boykin 10


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

MEXICO

Shaq unplugged: Q&A with former LSU, NBA star Shaquille O'Neal - by Eurobasket News

Former NBA and LSU star Shaquille O'Neal (7'2''-C-72, college: LSU) has been anywhere and everywhere throughout his professional career that's spanned 19 seasons and six different NBA teams. Now into his second year of retirement, "Shaq" has taken his talents to the TV screen as an analyst on TNT's "Inside the NBA."

In 2000, he became the fourth LSU athlete to have his number retired, and a statue in his honor was unveiled at the LSU basketball practice facility in 2011. The Los Angeles Lakers, with whom O'Neal won three NBA championships and an MVP award in eight seasons, will retire his No. 34 on April 2 before a home game against the Dallas Mavericks.

O'Neal sat down with Times-Picayune sports writer Rachel Whittaker to talk about his career, what he does with his free offseasons, Dwight Howard's trade to the Lakers, a potential invite to the Mexican League and more.

How do you spend your time in the offseason?

"I take care of a lot of business. I own a lot of businesses. I just look at them; I don't try to run them. (President Dwight) Eisenhower said the smartest leaders are the ones who hire people smarter than them. So I got some really smart people working for me, and I just manage them. I always look at the books and make sure everything's all right up there. I own car washes, 40 24-hour fitness centers, 55 Five Guys and a lot of other stuff."

How do you like being a TV analyst now?

"It's fun. I get to lend a little bit of my expertise."

What was your reaction to Dwight Howard being traded to the Lakers?

"I don't have a reaction. You have to care to have a reaction. I've got businesses to run. I always tell people that in order to step in my shoes you have big shoes to fill. For him, he's going to have to at least win three to get people's respect."

How do you feel about a big center like Howard following your same path to the Lakers following four years with the Magic?

"I'm flattered, if you want to put it like that."

Is there any truth to the reports that you'll be playing games in the Mexican League next month?

"No truth to that. It's kind of unfortunate that so-called experts have to get their sources from the Internet. It's backwards. Especially like when people from ESPN know me and they can call me and ask me, but somebody else said it so they want to be the first to report it even though it's not true. However, we could talk, but nobody has contacted me."

So you definitely won't?

"Probably not."

What do you think of the Honey Badger's decision making after being declared ineligible for this season?

"I'm glad he's coming back to school. In this lifetime we don't get too many chances, so this is a warning for him because he won't get another chance. But I'm glad he's going back to school."

What kind of an honor was it to have your number retired?

"It just shows I've progressed as a player. Everyone wants to be a great player. You're not really great until you win championships or your number is retired. My best jersey retirement was the one at LSU. Nothing will ever top that -- there are a lot of great guys that have come through here, and then to be the only one next to Pistol Pete (Maravich) and Bob Pettit."

As you progressed more and more in your basketball career, did you think it would be possible to have an accomplishment like that?

"That was my goal. When you set a goal ... you'll achieve it or you won't achieve it. That was my goal to get my jersey up next to those guys. I really had to play my ass off and be able to win a lot of championships. We did that, and it was good."

What was it like playing under Dale Brown at LSU?

"It was the best. He taught me a lot about the game and about life. So far it's paying off."

Courtesy of www.nola.com


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

NBA

Miller, Nelson among 12 inducted into Hall of Fame - by Diamadis Farmakis

The 2012 induction ceremony to the Naismith Hall of Fame, involved some of the biggest and most respectfull faces in the history of the NBA. Among them was Reggie Miller (6'7''-G-65, college: UCLA), Don Nelson and Jamal Wilkes. All the details of the night, below.

**Reggie Miller on Friday night, he was the top star in the biggest basketball Hall of Fame class in half a century

The former UCLA and Indiana Pacers star was inducted in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, joining sister Cheryl as the first brother-sister pair in the Springfield shrine and Cheryl Miller, a two-time NCAA tournament MVP at Southern California and 1995 Hall inductee, was on stage to welcome him.

''I just so happened to live across the hall from absolutely, positively the greatest women's basketball player ever," Miller said as his sister stood by with tears in her eyes. "I'm proud to say I am not on this stage if it wasn't for you, Cheryl Deann. We rode your shoulders all the way here. So thank you for your help."

**It was a big night for UCLA, which also had Don Barksdale and Jamaal Wilkes in the 12-person class of 2012, and for the Indiana Pacers. Two-time ABA Most Valuable Player Mel Daniels also was inductedl, though illness presented him from attending the ceremony at Springfield Symphony Hall.

As the biggest name, Miller was the last to the stage - fitting for a man considered one of the most clutch players in NBA history. He said that it was fitting that he was honored after Daniels, allowing the ABA's career rebounding leader to become the Pacers' first player in the Hall.

"They set the standard for what all great Pacers team have achieved," said Miller, who spent his entire 18-year career with Indiana.

**Also honored on Friday night were Don Nelson, the winningest coach in NBA history; three-time NCAA player of the year Ralph Sampson; Nike co-founder Phil Knight; the All-American Redheads, known as the female Harlem Globetrotters; seven-time NBA All-Star Chet Walker, two-time Olympic gold medalist Katrina McClain, former Soviet women's coach Lidia Alexeeva, and longtime NCAA referee Hank Nichols.

**LeBron James and Ken Griffey Jr. were in the audience at Springfield Symphony Hall to support him. Jordan and former Georgetown coach John Thompson were Knight's presenters.

**Nelson also gave James a shoutout in his speech, congratulating him for leading the Miami Heat to the NBA championship. "I know the feeling when I won the first one," Nelson said.

Nelson won five NBA titles as a Boston Celtics player and then spent 31 years as a coach, winning an all-time best 1,335 games on the bench in Milwaukee, Golden State, New York and Dallas. He has since retired and moved to Hawaii, where he runs a coffee shop and shaved ice stand.


Chris Bosh adds weight to play a full season at center - by Eurobasket News

Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) is adding bulk (six pounds of lean muscle) to prepare for the rigors of playing a full season at center. The Heat is still giving thought about whether to sign former Knicks center Josh Harrellson (6'10''-F-89, college: Kentucky), who worked out for them the past week. Knicks center Marcus Camby (6'11''-C/F-74, college: Massachusetts) told Newday that even though he considered the Heat this summer. "I knew it would have been very hard for me to put on that Miami Heat uniform. Especially with all the battles we used to have back in the days with Allan Houston (6'6''-G-71, college: Tennessee) and those guys."

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com


Source: Isiah Thomas hesitant to take job with NY Knicks after conversations with James Dolan - by Eurobasket News

The one person standing in the way of Isiah Thomas officially returning to the Knicks is Isiah Thomas.

According to a source close to the former Knicks president, Thomas and Garden chairman James Dolan have had numerous discussions about a position in the organization, but Thomas has been reluctant to accept the job offer.

Isiah is very close with Jim Dolan but hes told me that hes not ready to jump back into the NBA just yet, said the source, who was with Thomas on Friday at the Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Springfield, Mass. Theres this perception out there that Isiah is desperate to get back, but thats false. I think it will eventually happen but just not now.

Thomas, who presented inductee Chet Walker at the ceremony, did not return phone calls on Saturday. One day earlier, he was spotted in a Manhattan hotel having breakfast with Dolan, which according to the source is not uncommon.

Theyre friends. They talk all the time, the source added.

Two years ago, Dolan wanted to rehire Thomas as a consultant, but the NBA vetoed the move because Thomas was coaching Florida International University at the time. Once the league nixed the hiring, Dolan famously said that he could continue to solicit Thomas views on basketball-related matters.

It is clear that Thomas is serving as an unofficial adviser, considering that his two former college teammates and longtime friends, Mike Woodson and Glen Grunwald, are the Knicks head coach and general manager, respectively.

There is a theory that Thomas isnt ready to accept an official position because he is concerned about the potential media backlash. Plus, there is some bad blood between Thomas and other top MSG executives in the aftermath of the highly publicized MSG sexual harassment trial in 2007.

Thomas, who was fired by FIU last spring, is said to be content working on earning a masters degree in education from UC-Berkeley and reconnecting with his Chicago roots.

Thomas seems to be taking on the role of activist in his hometown. He recently participated in a Stop the Violence march in Chicago, where he told gang members, This is genocide. You have to stop the killing.

Thomas, along with Bulls center Joakim Noah and former Knick Quentin Richardson, is scheduled to attend a basketball tournament on Sept. 22 to promote peace in Chicago.

Last month, Thomas returned to the West Side of Chicago to honor his late mother at a ceremony in which Homan St. was changed to Mary Thomas Way.

There are two basketball positions available in the Knicks organization. The club is looking to hire a D-League head coach, and Woodson is looking to add an assistant. Thomas is not under consideration for the latter. In fact, LaSalle Thompson, Woodsons former teammate with the Kings, is a leading candidate to replace Kenny Atkinson, who was recently hired by the Atlanta Hawks.

Thomas is not a candidate to replace Scott ONeil, who was removed from his position as Garden president on Wednesday.

Instead, Thomas will remain as the unpaid but very visible friend and adviser to Dolan, the Gardens most powerful man. And no doubt one day theyll officially be co-workers again.

Courtesy of www.nydailynews.com


Dominic McGuire reaches agreement to play for Raptors - by Eurobasket News

Free agent forward Dominic McGuire (6'9''-F/G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Fresno St.) has reached agreement on a deal with the Toronto Raptors, league sources told Yahoo! Sports on Sunday.

McGuire, who played 64 of 66 games for Golden State a season ago, is still working out the details on a one- or two-year deal, sources said, but has committed to play for Toronto. He was scheduled to participate in a workout with the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday with free agent Josh Childress, but cancelled after agreeing to play for Toronto this season.

McGuire gives the Raptors another athletic defender to come off the bench in the Eastern Conference this season.

After getting picked in the second round of the 2008 draft by the Washington Wizards, McGuire, 26, played two-plus seasons there, before stops in Sacramento, Charlotte and Golden State. McGuire is a long, athletic and versatile defender at 6-foot-9, averaging 2.8 points and 3.5 rebounds for his career.

Courtesy of Yahoo! Sports


Blatche to Nets deal might take longer than expected - by Eurobasket News

The Andray Blatche (6'11''-F/C-86) to the Nets move, a sensible and logical act, is expected to happen.

Its just going to take a little longer than it previously appeared.

Blatche, the talented 6-11 power forward who was amnestied by the Wizards, has other business that needs to be addressed first before he could or would make any official agreement, explained his agent, Andy Miller, who still sees the 9.9-point career scorer as a good fit for the Nets.

Blatche likely will agree sometime this week to report to the Nets -- there are options, but every indication says Brooklyn. Previously, it appeared he might have signed as early as last week.

League sources have maintained for some time that Blatche eventually would end up with Brooklyn, going to Nets camp with a non-guaranteed deal. If Blatche, who would help answer one Nets need as a backup center, stays on the roster he would earn $1.1 million. Blatche is owed over $23 million by Washington for the next three years.

The Nets completely re-made themselves in the off-season, now boasting one of the leagues best backcourts with re-signed Deron Williams and trade acquisition Joe Johnson. Also resigned are the members of their front line, forwards Gerald Wallace and Kris Humphries plus center Brook Lopez. Wallace and Lopez have yet to play together. Lopez and Williams have played together a total of 17 games since the point guard arrived in February, 2011.

Courtesy of www.nypost.com


Former Knicks star Houston sold Camby on New York return - by Eurobasket News

The Knicks reunion with Marcus Camby (6'11''-C/F-74, college: Massachusetts) almost never happened.

The veteran center, who signed a three-year contract in July, admitted his return to Madison Square Garden after an 11-year hiatus should be credited to a last-minute phone call from one of his former Knicks teammates.

I was on my way to Miami, about to go to the airport to go to Miami when I got the call from Allan [Houston], Camby said. I played with Allan for four years in New York, and he was like, Just come, sit down and have a meeting with us. So I took the meeting with him and Coach [Mike Woodson] and they pretty much talked me out of going down to Miami to take that visit.

Camby played with Houston on the Knicks from 1998-2001 and was part of the 1999 team that made it to the NBA Finals. When it boiled down to picking New York or Miami, Camby just had to look back to the playoff wars the teams had over a decade ago.

It would have been hard for me to put on that Miami Heat uniform, especially with all of those battles that we had back in the day, Camby said. Im happy things worked out here in New York.

After coming so close in 1999, when the Knicks lost 4-1 to the Spurs in the Finals, Camby has high hopes for this version of the team.

I feel we have a team assembled that can make a long playoff push, Camby said. We all know its going to be tough. Miami is the defending champions, and there are still a lot of good teams in the East. [But] we consider ourselves one of the top teams in the East, if not the NBA.

Camby knows all the confidence in the world wont be enough to get the Knicks back to playing basketball in June.

Its easier said than done, we have to get that continuity down, Camby said at the opening of the North Hempstead Yes We Can Community Center. I think if I [play my role] and everyone follows suit and listens to what Coach Woodson says we should have a prodigal season.

Houston and the Knicks faithful are not the only familiar faces Camby will see in New York this season. The former Defensive Player of the Year will rejoin former teammates Carmelo Anthony, J.R. Smith, Kurt Thomas and Raymond Felton.

Im looking forward to being reunited with Carmelo, J.R., guys I played 4-5 years with in Denver, Im familiar with a lot of players on the team, Camby said. Raymond is coming back, I played last year with him in Portland. Kurt Thomas is coming back. I like our depth and I like our talent. Hopefully we can put it all together.

Camby will serve as the primary backup for Tyson Chandler and could see minutes at power forward backing up Amare Stoudemire. Camby has spent the majority of his career as a starter, but pushing aside his ego should be no problem.

This is the first time Ill be coming off the bench in 16 years, Camby said. There has to come a point, a time in my career, where thats going to happen. I still feel I am going to be a big contributor to this team.

Im not going to come in here and say, Well, Ive been a starter for 16 years, so Im going to be a starter, I just want to come here and fit in.

Courtesy of www.nypost.com


Derrick Rose surprises table at Giordano's Pizza - by Eurobasket News

Derrick Rose (6'3''-G-88, college: Memphis) is now an equity partner and national spokesperson for Giordanos Pizza, but on Thursday the Bulls star and former NBA MVP briefly played the role of a Giordanos waiter.

Rose visited Giordanos on Rush Street hours after his involvement with the restaurant franchise had been announced and decided to surprise one table by personally delivering their pizza to them. Once he brought out their order, Rose took a seat at the table -- which included an ecstatic young boy, as you can see from the above photo -- and ate pizza with the group.

You can expect to see Rose in Giordanos advertising and promotions this year. He will also introduce his own signature pizza. "I'm actually pretty good in the kitchen," Rose said in a press release.

Courtesy of http://articles.chicagotribune.com


Grant Hill hasnt given up dream of championship - by Eurobasket News

When he began his speech as one of the Manny Jackson Human Spirit Award winners Thursday night in Springfield, Grant Hill (6'8''-F-72, college: Duke) mentioned that he was a nearly 40-year-old man still playing against 20-year-olds, trying to chase his dream of an NBA championship.

Hill was perhaps the youngest current or former player in the room, the lone current NBA player to appear at the first night of the Hall of Fame festivities. On this night, he was a young man amongst elders, an admittedly humbling experience as Julius Erving, Moses Malone, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Walton, and Bill Sharman were among those watching his speech.

But in his regular job, Hill is considered a fossil. Many NBA players dont make it to 35, let alone 40, and he will enter the season as the second-oldest player in the league but one who was robbed of four years of his career because of ankle surgery. He feels fresh enough to continue.

Hill signed with the Clippers in July, having spent the past five seasons with the Suns, unable to win a title with Steve Nash. He will join Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan with the Clippers, who will challenge Nash and the Lakers for Los Angeles supremacy.

Continue reading below

Related
Graphic: Greatest Celtics scorer: Bird or Pierce? Hill has yet another chance perhaps his best chance to win a championship, serving as a mentor and productive bench player.

As you go through this whole experience, its all about reflecting on your career, and you think back at those dark times and whether youd play again, he said. I may not have come back the player I was before because of the injuries but I made it back. Im still going.

To be turning 40 and having teams that are contenders trying to get me to play for them, it is humbling. Its a great feeling and Im glad that I am blessed and fortunate to continue to do it.

The injuries taught Hill to never take his career for granted. He was set for superstardom after a storied career at Duke and six stellar seasons with the Pistons. But playing in the 2000 playoffs still bothered by a fractured ankle and a botched surgery threatened his career. He was never able to return to elite status, although he returned to the All-Star Game in 2005.

After missing 61 games in the 2005-06 season with the Magic, Hill played in at least 80 games in three of the next five seasons and in 49 of the Suns 66 games last season. Health is no longer a major issue for Hill, and he has transformed himself from an unfortunate sports story to an ageless competitor, perhaps the ultimate compliment for an athlete.

Hill said he will take his wisdom about preservation and spread it to his new teammates, especially Griffin, who is coming off knee surgery and has already missed a full season because of his reckless, physical style.

The two were in a Los Angeles barber shop recently when Griffin declared himself ready for what is expected to be a big season for the Clippers. Hill had a message for his 20-something teammate.

Blakes a great kid, and I said, Look man, take your time. If I learned anything, take your time, Hill said. He wants to get back so fast.

I said, I need you in June, I dont need you in October. So hes a great kid and got a great career ahead of him, and hopefully I can share a little about the highs and the lows and the things that Ive gone though.

As usual, the Clippers took a back seat this offseason to the Lakers, who acquired Nash and Dwight Howard to join Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Metta World Peace to form a championship contender.

It reminds me a little bit of college, Duke-Carolina, living with the enemy, said Hill. I think it will be great for the city, great for the fans.

What Ive seen and experienced thus far is the fans on both sides are so passionate, so it should be an exciting season and hopefully both teams can do well, except when we play each other.

Courtesy of www.bostonglobe.com


Shaq unplugged: Q&A with former LSU, NBA star Shaquille O'Neal - by Eurobasket News

Former NBA and LSU star Shaquille O'Neal (7'2''-C-72, college: LSU) has been anywhere and everywhere throughout his professional career that's spanned 19 seasons and six different NBA teams. Now into his second year of retirement, "Shaq" has taken his talents to the TV screen as an analyst on TNT's "Inside the NBA."

In 2000, he became the fourth LSU athlete to have his number retired, and a statue in his honor was unveiled at the LSU basketball practice facility in 2011. The Los Angeles Lakers, with whom O'Neal won three NBA championships and an MVP award in eight seasons, will retire his No. 34 on April 2 before a home game against the Dallas Mavericks.

O'Neal sat down with Times-Picayune sports writer Rachel Whittaker to talk about his career, what he does with his free offseasons, Dwight Howard's trade to the Lakers, a potential invite to the Mexican League and more.

How do you spend your time in the offseason?

"I take care of a lot of business. I own a lot of businesses. I just look at them; I don't try to run them. (President Dwight) Eisenhower said the smartest leaders are the ones who hire people smarter than them. So I got some really smart people working for me, and I just manage them. I always look at the books and make sure everything's all right up there. I own car washes, 40 24-hour fitness centers, 55 Five Guys and a lot of other stuff."

How do you like being a TV analyst now?

"It's fun. I get to lend a little bit of my expertise."

What was your reaction to Dwight Howard being traded to the Lakers?

"I don't have a reaction. You have to care to have a reaction. I've got businesses to run. I always tell people that in order to step in my shoes you have big shoes to fill. For him, he's going to have to at least win three to get people's respect."

How do you feel about a big center like Howard following your same path to the Lakers following four years with the Magic?

"I'm flattered, if you want to put it like that."

Is there any truth to the reports that you'll be playing games in the Mexican League next month?

"No truth to that. It's kind of unfortunate that so-called experts have to get their sources from the Internet. It's backwards. Especially like when people from ESPN know me and they can call me and ask me, but somebody else said it so they want to be the first to report it even though it's not true. However, we could talk, but nobody has contacted me."

So you definitely won't?

"Probably not."

What do you think of the Honey Badger's decision making after being declared ineligible for this season?

"I'm glad he's coming back to school. In this lifetime we don't get too many chances, so this is a warning for him because he won't get another chance. But I'm glad he's going back to school."

What kind of an honor was it to have your number retired?

"It just shows I've progressed as a player. Everyone wants to be a great player. You're not really great until you win championships or your number is retired. My best jersey retirement was the one at LSU. Nothing will ever top that -- there are a lot of great guys that have come through here, and then to be the only one next to Pistol Pete (Maravich) and Bob Pettit."

As you progressed more and more in your basketball career, did you think it would be possible to have an accomplishment like that?

"That was my goal. When you set a goal ... you'll achieve it or you won't achieve it. That was my goal to get my jersey up next to those guys. I really had to play my ass off and be able to win a lot of championships. We did that, and it was good."

What was it like playing under Dale Brown at LSU?

"It was the best. He taught me a lot about the game and about life. So far it's paying off."

Courtesy of www.nola.com


Reggie Miller admits he pushed off in 1995 - by Eurobasket News

Finally!

Knick nemesis Reggie Miller (6'7''-G-65, college: UCLA) admitted on Friday that he committed a foul during his infamous eight-points-in-nine-seconds run in Game 1 of the 1995 playoffs which propelled the Indiana Pacers to an improbable come from behind win.

Miller finally admitted that he shoved Greg Anthony and held him on the ground before the steal that set up the second of his back-to-back 3-pointers.

"In 1995, as you saw on the video, yeah, I pushed," Miller said Friday during his Hall of Fame induction speech. "I'm sorry. The ref didn't call it, I went with it.

"Like Magic said, 'By any means necessary,' " he added, offering a similar admission to pushing Michael Jordan in the 1998 playoffs. "So I apologize. I've never said that publicly. So Greg, OK. I shoved you and kept you down."

If you need a refresher on the sequence, click here.

Miller was inducted on Friday after a stellar 18-year career that included many performances that buried the Knicks.

Courtesy of ESPN


Case from 1970 revisted in TV revenue dispute - by Eurobasket News

The NBA asked a Manhattan judge on Thursday to side with the league in a legal battle with origins in the bygone era of short shorts, low-top sneakers and big Afros.

The dispute stems from a sweetheart deal that's enjoyed by the former owners of a defunct American Basketball Association team -- and despised by current owners of four NBA franchises.

It all began in 1970, when future legends like Oscar Robertson, John Havlicek and Bill Bradley filed an antitrust lawsuit challenging the NBA's then-proposed merger with the ABA.

As part of a settlement reached in 1976, the St. Louis Spirits of the ABA agreed to fold. In exchange, the NBA was required starting in 1980 to pay Spirits owners Ozzie and Dan Silna a portion of the television revenue earned by the four ABA teams that survived the merger: the Indiana Pacers, now Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs.

Because the four teams must share with the Silnas as long as the NBA exists, the brothers have quietly made a killing off league's explosion in popularity in recent decades -- by some estimates, around $240 million so far.

"Every year, when it came down to take a look at the budgeting process we would all just shake our heads," a former Nuggets executive once told the Los Angeles Times.

But the brothers have now called a technical foul: Last year, they asked the court to reopen the old antitrust case, claiming that the league has unfairly cut them out of revenue from international broadcasts and cable packages.

The judge who had originally presided over the case in federal court in Manhattan died last year. But a current judge, Loretta Preska, agreed to take a look.

NBA lawyer Jeff Mishkin argued on Thursday that the revenue-sharing provision applied only to national broadcasts by traditional TV networks.

Mishkin said the agreement makes clear that, "You get network television revenues -- and that's all you get." The NBA, he added, "has never not met its obligation."

The brothers' attorney, Michael Carroll, countered that wording in the settlement referring to revenue from "all broadcasts" should be interpreted to include more modern TV offerings like NBA League Pass, which allows viewers to see out-of-market games.

Preska told the parties she would review their court filings before making any ruling. In the meantime, she suggested they should try to find a way to share the wealth without one.

"I think you people ought to sit down and talk about this," she said.

Courtesy of ESPN


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

NCAA1

Al Freeman to UCLA - by Eurobasket News

While UCLA awaits the fate of star freshman wing Shabazz Muhammad (6'6''-G/F-93), they got some good news on Saturday.

Al Freeman, a 6-foot-4 combo guard from Findlay Prep, verbally committed to the Bruins during his official visit.

He Tweeted: Im officially a UCLA Bruin, thank you too all the people who supported me and especially my family! All love. Long way to go though.

Freeman, who transferred to Findlay from Charlotte (N.C.) Olympic for his senior season, was to have taken visits to Ohio State (Sept. 15), Villanova (Sept. 28) and Duke (Oct. 19) and Kansas but those wont be necessary now.

I think theyre just picking up where they left off with this past recruiting class, Findlay Prep coach Michael Peck told SNY.tv by phone. Als another tremendous player who is physically ready from a strength standpoint.

You look at his body, hes got good guard skills, he can handle it. Hes made an effort this spring and summer to try to be somewhat more of a point guard to distribute.

On top of that hes a tremendous scorer. Hes got a great mid-range and great long-range game. Once he works on on finishing at the rim, hell be a tremendous triple-threat.

Courtesy of www.zagsblog.com


California lands its second 2013 guard as Jordan Mathews commits - by Eurobasket News

In what could be an interesting season for the California Golden Bears, head coach Mike Montgomery and his staff have now picked up two important wins on the recruiting trail.

Just one week after keeping five-star Bay Area prospect Jabari Bird home, Cal received a verbal commitment from Santa Monica, CA guard Jordan Mathews on Sunday according to Scout.com (subscrption required).

Mathews is a player whose stock rose in the eyes of many recruiting analysts during the summer, as he was able to knock down shots from the perimeter as well as from mid-range.

Mathews helped lead Santa Monica High School to an 18-8 record as a junior, and he averaged 15.6 points per game in five games with California Supreme at the EYBL Finals at the Nike Peach Jam in July.

In the four EYBL events leading up to the Peach Jam Mathews averaged 14.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, shooting 46.3% from the field and 44.4% from beyond the arc.

The son of UCLA assistant coach Phil Mathews, Jordan also held offers from schools such as Colorado, Gonzaga, Kansas State, San Diego State, USC, VCU, Wake Forest and Wyoming according to Rivals.com.

Both Bird and Mathews will have the opportunity to earn playing time immediately next season, even with both Justin Cobbs (redshirt junior this season) and Allen Crabbe (junior) being able to return.

Brandon Smith is a senior this season and it remains to be seen what Missouri transfer Ricky Kreklow can provide after averaging 2.1 points per game in his one season in Columbia.

The Golden Bears needed a talent boost on the perimeter in the 2013 class, and landing both Bird and Mathews early is definitely a step in the right direction.

Courtesy of http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com


Texas Tech's decision on Gillispie on hold - by Eurobasket News

Billy Gillispie was released from the hospital Thursday late afternoon, but a decision regarding his future at Texas Tech could still be days away.

Sources told CBSSports.com that it's unlikely that the Texas Tech administration -- led by Chancellor Kent Hance and athletic director Kirby Hocutt -- will make an announcement prior to the Red Raiders football game Saturday night at Texas State.

A decision is likely early next week, but it could drag out as Texas Tech gathers more information in its ongoing investigation regarding Gillispie. Remember, this is a school that terminated former football coach Mike Leach in 2009. Leach then attempted to file a lawsuit against the school.

Gillispie's track record also includes settling with Kentucky for nearly $3 million after he sued the school for breach of contract and fraud. He was fired by the school after two seasons.

Gillispie was out of coaching for a year before signing a five-year deal at Texas Tech that paid $800,000 per season. The Red Raiders were 8-23 last season and won just a single conference game, but it's the recent allegations by players and coaches that have his coaching career in a state of flux.

ESPN.com reported last week that the current players have met with the administration regarding excessive practices and treatment of players. CBSSports.com also spoke to several former players and coaches who have alleged mistreatment.

Gillispie checked himself into the University Medical Center last Friday at 5 a.m., just hours before he was scheduled to meet with Hocutt, and was released Thursday late afternoon after nearly six days in the hospital.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com


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NCAA3

Jake Scott Tab To Lead Maritime - by Joan Manuel Sanchez

Maritime College Director of Athletics Heather MacCulloch is pleased to announce the hiring of Jake Scott as the new men's basketball coach for the Privateers for the upcoming 2012-13 season. Scott will also serve as the head coach for the men's and women's cross country teams.

'I am excited to welcome Jake Scott to Maritime College Athletics and the Privateer family,' commented MacCulloch. 'He brings a wealth of enthusiasm and motivation and is highly committed to moving our program forward. I am confident he will be a great asset to us and will achieve success here at Maritime College.'

Scott comes to Maritime after spending the last three seasons as an assistant basketball coach at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

At RIT, Scott was responsible for planning team practices and also implemented a new off-season training program for the student-athletes. He also helped the basketball program by scouting and recruiting student-athletes. Scott has coached four all-Liberty League players: Justin Heisig, Scott Young, Anthony Terry and Brendan Harder.

After earning his bachelor's degree in sport studies from St. John Fisher in 2005, Scott became a graduate assistant coach at Division I Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va., under current Duke assistant coach Jeff Capel. Scott developed scouting reports and helped in the recruiting aspect. In 2006, Scott earned his master's degree from VCU in sport leadership.

Later in 2006, Scott became the junior varsity head coach at Atlee High School in Mechanicsville, Va. The following season, he earned the head varsity basketball coaching and athletic director positions at nearby Amelia Academy. He coached the squad to an 18-10 record and a second-place finish in the Virginia Commonwealth Conference and earned a quarterfinal appearance in the VISAA State Playoffs.

"I am truly honored to have this opportunity to coach at SUNY Maritime,' said Scott. 'I want to thank Ms. MacCulloch and Admiral Carpenter for giving me the chance to lead these two great programs. Maritime is a special place with a great faculty and staff and a student body full of impressive young adults. I look forward to developing a basketball program with a strong defensive focus combined with detailed offensive execution. The opportunity to coach the men's and women's cross country program also comes with great excitement."

Via: Skyline Conference



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PHILIPPINES

2012 FIBA-Asia Cup Scouting Report: The Young Guns - by Enzo Flojo

The biggest continental tournament in this corner of the basketball world will unfold in about a week. This will determine the first three qualifiers in the 2013 FIBA-Asia Mens Championships, which, in turn, will award the top three finishers with automatic berths in the 2014 FIBA World Championships.

Needless to say, this tournament is going to be big, so your friendly neighborhood Hoop Nut has taken it upon himself to detail some of the personalities to watch for. This is the first in a series of scouting reports aimed at unveiling some of the names well have to remember as the FIBA-Asia Cup unfolds. Some of these names are staples of the FIBA-Asia scene, some are due to break out , while some are rising stars destined to carry their respective countries causes in the future.

In the first part of this series, we looked at the grizzled veterans, and in the second part, we discussed the guys poised to breakout big time. Now, we shall direct our attention to the generation who will eventually make the headlines and take leadership roles in their respective teams in the very near future. Most of these guys are the most recent stars of FIBA-Asias U18 and U16 tourneys. They may lack in experience at this level, but these are the guys who will be the future legends of Asian basketball. These are the Young Guns.

Matt Ganuela Rosser of the Philippines
Rosser is a 65 natural PG who was born in the Philippines back in 1990 to an American dad and a Filipina mom. He played high school and college ball in the US for Temecula Valley HS and Cal Poly Pomona College. His first stint with the senior NT of the Philippines was in the recent 2012 Jones Cup, where he played as a third-string guard/forward. In three games, he averaged about 2.7ppg and 1.7rpg. Expect those numbers to go up as LA Tenorio has no primary back-up at the PG spot in Tokyo.

Guo Ailun of China
Guo is a well-known 19-year old prodigy who stars for the Liaoning Dinosaurs (formerly Hunters) in the CBA. Rumors have circulated about Liaoning releasing him to play for Panathinaikos in the Euro League. Hes THAT good. He appeared for Team China in the 2012 London Olympics, playing four games with one start. He normed 8.1ppg and 3.2apg in about 21 minutes of play per contest for Liaoning this past CBA season. Hell definitely be the main playmaker and penetration threat for the Chinese in Tokyo.

Wang Zhelin of China
Wang is the 18-year old 7-footer (one of MANY in China) who is touted, along with Zhou Qi, to succeed Wang Zhizhi and Yao Ming as the next great big man from the orient. He certainly turned a lot of heads when he led the World Team over Team USA in the 2012 Nike Hoops Summit, scoring 19 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. He was also named MVP of the recent 2012 FIBA-Asia U18 Championships in Mongolia, where he was even more dominant. In 9 games, Wang normed a double-double line of 22.3ppg and 10.3rpg all in just 21 minutes of play per outing! Hell be one of the key pieces of Chinas young team in the FIBA-Asia Cup.

Li Muhao of China
Li is yet another of Chinas young, tall guys who can dominate under and around the basket. The 20-year old Dongguan Leopard scored 16 points and collared 6 rebounds against Duke University in a 2011 exhibition game, easily holding his own against the Plumlee brothers. Though some people have compared his handles to Eric Montrosss (that is NOT a compliment by the way), hes still touted to be one of the brightest young prospects for Chinese basketball.

Aleksandr Yahin of Uzbekistan
The 23-year old Yahin has already played on two FIBA-Asia Mens Tournaments and that collective experience should help him inherit the primary big mans role for the Uzbeks. Overall he averaged 4.1ppg and 4.2apg in the past two FIBA-Asia meets, but he should see a rise in those stats in Tokyo. Since some of the veterans of Team Uzbekistan wont be around in Japan, Yahin should have a more central role in the whole scheme of things for Coach Oleg Levin.

Amir Sedighi of Iran
At 68 and just 19 years of age, Sedighi is a prime prospect to inherit the starting swingman spot of Samad Nikkhah Bahrami. Sedighi starred for Iran in the 2010 Youth Olympic Games, norming 11.7ppg and 7.0rpg in the 3-on-3 competition. He also did well in the 2010 FIBA-Asia U18 tournament, averaging 9.1ppg in just 17 minutes of action per match. For Mahram, his Iranian Super League club, Amir plays about 18 minutes per outing, norming 8.5ppg and grabbing 3.3rpg while shooting 55.6% form the floor. Hell be one of the primary bench scorers for Coach Memi Becirovic.

Behnam Yakhchali of Iran
Despite being just 17 years old, Behnam is already being hailed as a probable mainstay for the Iranian senior NT. His shooting accuracy is reminiscent of Irans current super SG, Hamed Afagh. He was Irans leading scorer in the 2012 FIBA-Asia U18 Tournament, scoring 17.0ppg in 9 games while also grabbing 4.4rpg, and stealing the ball about 2.2 times per contest. He also hit more than two threes per game. Needless to say, nobody can afford to leave this kid open.

Sajjad Mashayekhi of Iran
Sajjad was a teammate of Amir Sedighi in the 2010 Youth Olympic Games. He didnt score much, but his hallmark was defense. He continued displaying his defensive prowess in the 2012 FIBA-Asia U18 Tournament, where he was second overall in steals per game with 3.7. He also shot 30% from beyond the arc while becoming Irans primary playmaker, averaging 13.2ppg, 6.2rpg, and 4.9apg good for second overall. He might be the heir apparent to the aging Mehdi Kamrani.

Vishesh Bhriguvanshi of India
Vishesh is a 64 21-year old combo guard who plays for NW Railways in India. He started playing for the senior NT in the 2010 Asian Games and continued in the 2011 FIBA-Asia Tournament. Hes the perfect partner for another young Indian up-and-coming player, Hareesh Koroth, as Vishesh is more of a penetrator and playmaker. He also has good size and should be a good match-up for many top-level Asian guards.

Satnam Singh Bhamara of India
Bhamara is the great big hope of Indian basketball. He is just 17 years old, but already hes about 71. Thats insane (unless youre from China). He played sparingly in the 2011 FIBA-Asia Mens Tournament, but he was Indias main weapon in the 2011 U16 meet, where he averaged 19.3ppg and 3.3bpg. He also shot 53.4% from the field, but the worrisome thing is he only managed to grab 1.8 rebounds per contest. Thats utterly unacceptable for a man his size. His footwork is the aspect of his game that needs the most improvement.

Palpreet Singh Brar of India
Palpreet learned basketball relatively late, but he became a natural at it and is now a leading young prospect in his native land. He was the brightest star in the U18 Indian team this year, averaging 20 points, more than 8 rebounds, and nearly 4 blocks per game during the 2012 FIBA-Asia U18 Tournament in Ulanbaatar. The 69 18-year old who plays center for Punjab will certainly be one of the pillars of Indian basketball in the future, and the future can start in Tokyo.

Source: HoopNut.blogspot.com


Petron Blaze officially announce Asi Taulava - by Eurobasket News

Petron Blaze bolstered their roster. They confirmed the signing of Asi Taulava (206-C-73, college: BYU-Hawaii). The experienced centre spent the last two seasons with Meralco Bolts. Last season Asi Taulava notched 5.6 points and 5.5 boards per game in Commissioners Cup. In Philippine Cup his stats read 7.9 points and 9.9 rebounds per appearance. Previously Asi Taulava had stints with Coca-Cola Tigers, Talk N Text Pals, San Diego WildFire, Boras, Guarulhos. He participated at PBA All-Star Game in 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2012. Asi Taulava was named MVP in 2006. The centre was trumped PBA All-Filipino Cup Finals MVP in 2004. Asi Taulava was the member of Philippines National Team in 2002/10 seasons.


Bolts rebuild without Asi - by Eurobasket News

MANILA, Philippines - Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio is moving ahead with the Bolts rebuilding plans as he bid center Asi Taulava (206-C-73, college: BYU-Hawaii) goodbye the other day after a two-year ride in the PBA.

Taulava,39, declined Meralcos offer of a two-year extension at the maximum salary to sign a contract with San Miguel Beer in the ABL. Taulavas agent Sheryl Reyes told The STAR one big reason (why he moved to the ABL) is because of the time he can spend with his family since games are once a week.

Reyes said Taulava had a strong offer to play for Foshan in the Chinese league. It was a six-month contract from the same team that (Marcus) Douthit played for last season, she added. Because of relocation, it will be hard so we leaned towards the San Miguel offer.

Gregorio said Taulava is a big loss and Meralco tried to retain him. Asi was an important component in our team, he said. He wasnt only our starting center, he was also our team leader. When he talked, everyone listened. He was like a big brother to all of us. We offered him a two-year deal at PBA max salary plus an opportunity to work for the organization after his basketball career. It was a sign of our appreciation for the loyalty that he bestowed to our organization. He started his career with us. When he had problems before, we were with him every step of the way. Hes a great person. He deserves to be taken care of. I heard about offers from the ABL and even in China. In the end, it was his decision. We respect whatever decision he reached. Then, we all move on.

Gregorio said anticipating Taulavas eventual exit, Meralco has shored up its frontline. Thats why we got Jay-R Reyes, Jason Ballesteros and Kelly Nabong, he said. For every difficulty, there is an opportunity. Our big guys must step up. The sad thing is that our fans will be robbed of an opportunity to see an icon finish his career in the PBA. We did what we had to do to get Asi back. But he went to a different direction.

As for the rebuilding process, Meralco PBA governor Ramon Segismundo said it is progressing according to plan. Cliff Hodge promises to be a significant factor, said Segismundo. Ryan Buenafe will add more grit and determination. Mac (Cardona) and Sol (Mercado) continue to be our 1-2 punch. And watch out for the dazzling new throwback or retro uniform.

Segismundo said the new Meralco jersey will be almost like the Reddy Kilowatt uniform in the MICAA of the 70s which Robert Jaworski wore without the short-shorts and the buckles. He said the look will relive Meralcos glory days of the pre-PBA era.

Buenafes arrival is a major element in the Bolts rebuilding process. Ronjay can shoot consistently from beyond the arc and he has great ball skills to get to the basket and manufacture his points, said Gregorio. He will play a major role in our scheme of things, both on offense and defense. He can play with Mac and Sol. When that happens, it is going to be a high-octane brand of basketball that we will play. Mac will play the three and Sol and Ronjay can inter-change at the one and two spots.

With Buenafe in the roster, Mark Macapagal has been pushed back in the rotation. But Gregorio said theres still a place for Macapagal in the lineup. We offered Mark a one-year deal which he is still deciding on, said Gregorio. If any team is interested, then we will ask for an acceptable trade to consummate the transaction. Other players like Dennis Daa and Mark Yee were released early for them to try out the free agency market while Gilbert Bulawan and Yousif Aljamal were given fresh one-year renewals.

Hodge, picked fourth overall in the recent draft, is a key addition. We were so lucky that Hodge was still available (when we picked in the draft), said Gregorio. He fell on our lap and we are excited to have him on board. For the past two years at Meralco, Ive been praying that a Marc Pingris prototype would join our team. My prayers were answered. He is closest to Pingris in terms of rebounding ability, hustle, effort rendered and defense. To top it all, he also has a decent offensive game.

Meralco hasnt finished in the top four of any conference in two years in the PBA although the Bolts made franchise history by breaking into their first-ever semifinals, which involved six teams, in the last Governors Cup. But there was a significant improvement in Meralcos performance which went from 13-20 (.394) in 2010-11 to 21-23 (.488) last season.
Courtesy of: http://www.philstar.com


Jaworski, Patrimonio lead PBA legends Dubai visit, but Duremdes steals spotlight - by Eurobasket News

DUBAI Kenneth Duremdes (190-F-74) shot the lights out of the Al-Shabab Club basketball stadium, scoring 40 points to bail out a selection of PBA legends 109-105 against a selection of Dubai-based Filipino expatriates on Friday night.

The legends, who fell behind by as much as eight points in the first half, banked on the troika of Duremdes, Vince Hizon and Marlou Aquino (205-C-72) in mounting an 11-0 run at the start of the third period to snatch the lead for good.

Aquino took advantage of his 6-foot-9 frame and produced 20 points, mostly from inside, and controlled the boards to contain the scrappy hosts that included former PBA player Ruben dela Rosa and others who saw action in the defunct Metropolitan Basketball League (MBA).

Duremdes and Aquino led a star-studded legends squad that also included Alvin Patrimonio, Ato Agustin, Jojo Lastimosa, Vince Hizon, Noli Locsin, Bonel Balingit, and Bobby Jose.

Kung laro lang, kaya pa naman natin kaso nauubos tayo sa [daily] practice, Duremdes, the 1998 PBA MVP who retired in 2008, told InterAKTV.

Earlier, the Philippine Expat Basketball Conference (PEBC), which organized the weekend visit of the PBA legends, retired the number 7 in honor of Philippine basketballs living legend, Robert Jaworski.

Mr. Senator, we are officially retiring jersey number 7 which means no one will be allowed to use your legendary number in PEBC-sanctioned tournaments here in Dubai, Gerry Martinez of the PEBC said during the programme that preceeded the exhibition game.

In response, Jaworski whose jersey was retired by the PBA exactly two months ago thanked the organizers and said: OK lang na gamitin ninyo ang number 7 basta sa kabutihan.

The scores:

PBA Legends 109 Kenneth Duremdes 40; Marlou Aquino 20; Alvin Patrimonio 13; Vince Hizon 12; Noli Locsin 11; Jojo Lastimosa 6; Bonel Balingit 4; Bobby Jose 3

Dubai All Stars 105 Nonoy Sayon 16; Al Federiso 15; Jayson Araneta 14; Khalifa Salem 10; Ruben dela Rosa 10; Archie Cruz 8; Lito Callueng 6; Alex Miclat 5; Jeff Roque 5; Alfie Gesta 4; Alwyn Flores 4; DJ de Jesus 4; Roel Hugnatan 2; JR Go 2
Courtesy of:http://www.interaksyon.com


Gilas kicks off Fiba Asia Cup vs China - by Eurobasket News

The Philippine men's national basketball team will kick off their FIBA Asia Cup campaign in Japan with back-to-back tests, facing tough squads in China and Lebanon in their first two playdates.

Smart Gilas Pilipinas will take on China on Friday and Lebanon on Saturday as they jumpstart their Group A elimination round play.

National team head coach Vincent Reyes told PBA.ph that he is looking forward to the FIBA Asia Cup even as Smart Gilas will be tested early.

But Reyes is not complaining about the tough early schedule. It is what it is. Its a good preparation for us, he said.

The team is optimistic that they will make it to the knockout stage, starting with the final eight where they will be up against one of the other qualifiers from Group B, which is composed of the host team, Iran, Chinese-Taipei, Qater and India.

Gilas has played against Iran, Taiwan, Japan and Lebanon during their run to the gold medal in the recently concluded Jones Cup. They also played Qatar in a tune-up match last Saturday night at the Ynares Sports Arena .

Most of the members of the team will leave for Tokyo on Wednesday. Alaskas Sonny Thoss will follow the next day.

Gilas will automatically qualify to the 2013 FIBA Asia Championships if they play in the top three of the Asia Cup. If not, they will have to go through the Southeast Asian Basketball Association qualfier.

China is expected to be a major contender in the Asia Cup, although it is not yet sure if they are fielding their Olympic team or their Team B.

Meanwhile, Lebanon team officials have confirmed that they will be fielding in a better squad than the one they brought in the Jones Cup. Long-time Lebanese star Fadi El-Khatib is expected to be among their reinforcements for Tokyo.

Courtesy of www.abs-cbnnews.com


Guiao is year's best coach - by Eurobasket News

For turning a losing team into a champion squad, Rain or Shine bench chieftain Yeng Guiao takes centerstage as Coach of the Year in the Smart/PLDT 19th PBA Press Corps Awards on Monday at Kamayan EDSA.

Handing the Asian Coatings Inc. team its first title in six years of participation in the pro league, Guiao beat Talk n Texts Chot Reyes and B-Megs Tim Cone in a three-way fight for the coveted Virgilio Baby Dalupan Trophy.

The unanimous choices as winners of the Danny Floro Trophy as Executives of the Year are Rain or Shine co-owners Terry Que and Raymond Yu.

They gave their coach full backing and together they engineered their breakthrough season, making their team the biggest toast in this years PBAPC awards night.

Elasto Painters skipper Jireh Ibanes is the Best Defensive Player while Rain or Shine super rookie Paul Lee topbills the All-Rookie Team that also includes Jayvee Casio, Marcio Lassiter, Dylan Ababou and James Sena.

Also to be feted are Mark Caguioa as Comeback Player of the Year, Larry Fonacier as Mr. Quality Minutes and Gary David as Scoring Champ.

Freddie Webb, a former PBA player, coach, Olympian and senator, is the guest of honor and speaker in the awards rites starting at 7 p.m.

Reyes became the first coach to win back-to-back Philippine Cup championships in over two decades while Cone snared a championship in his first year as coach of B-Meg.

In the end, the sportswriters regularly covering the PBA beat gave more weight on the giant breakthrough Rain or Shine achieved under Guiao.

After a season where they won just 16 of 40 games, the Elasto Painters improved with a 31-22 season mark highlighted by their 4-3 conquest of the Llamados in the Governors Cup best-of-seven Finals.

Before this, the E-Painters had never gone past the semifinals in any conference under coaches Leo Austria and Caloy Garcia.

Reyes steered Talk n Text to a Philippine Cup title repeat but the Tropang Texters wound up with a 40-22 (.645) season cumulative mark, sliding down from their 47-18 showing that nearly gave them a championship grand slam in the 2010-11 season.

Reyes has been the recipient of the Dalupan Trophy five times.

For his feat this year, Guiao became the sixth multi-winner of the Coach of the Year honors after Reyes, Cone, Perry Ronquillo, Jong Uichico and Ryan Gregorio. (SB)

Courtesy of www.pba.ph


Freeman comes back to the Beerman - by Eurobasket

Petron Blaze (PBA Governors Cup) added to their roster two-time PBA Best Import 27-year old American forward Gabe Freeman (198-F-85, college: Costa Mesa JC). Its actually his comeback to Manila as he played here before. Freeman was reported to sign at London Lightning in Canadian NBL for upcoming season. Freeman played also pro basketball in Australia and Mexico. He graduated Costa Mesa JC in 2007 and it will be his fifth season in pro basketball.
Agent Sheryl Reyes confirmed to InterAKTV that Freeman and former Westports Malaysia Dragons slotman Brian Williams (208-C-87, college: Tennessee) are being planned to reinforce the Beermen in the next ABL season. Reyes also negotiated for deals for Asi Taulava and Eric Menk to play for the Beermen.
Williams, a 6-foot-10 slotman, averaged 20.8 points and 14.4 rebounds per game for the Dragons coached by Filipino Ariel Vanguardia .
Last season, San Miguel finished the tournament bannering two former PBA imports, Duke Crews (203-F-88, college: Bowie St.) and Nick Fazekas (211-F-85, college: Nevada).

Courtesy of PBA Online


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POLAND

Trefl Sopot, PC SIDEn Torun claim wins in Torun - by Lukasz Lukaszewski

Second day of the Wojciech Michniewicz Memorial tournament was quite interesting. Fans in Torun watched two close games. Trefl Sopot (with Frank Turner in the roster) defeated
Siarka Jezioro Tarnobrzeg 80:74. Polski Cukier SIDEn Torun bruised another team from PLK. They win match against KS Start Gdynia 70:66.

Trefl Sopot had a strong start with 9:3. Then coach of Siarka Jezioro Tarnobrzeg called a timeout and game was more aligned. Players of the Trefl Sopot were scoring points after
movements with two players. Siarka Jezioro Tarnobrzeg has better individual moves, but even 27 points of Matt Addison (172-PG-87, college: Hardin-Simmons) did not allowed this team to win. On the other side Lukasz Wilczek (189-PG-86) made a strong performance with 16 points (5x3 point shot made).

Trefl Sopot - Siarka Jezioro Tarnobrzeg 80:74 (18:14, 18:12, 16:19, 28:27)
Trefl: . Wilczek 16, M. Michalak 13, M. Jarmakowicz 12, M. Stefanski 11, F. Turner 8, F. Dylewicz 7, R. Szymanski 6, D. Brembley 4, P. Dabrowski 3.
Jezioro: M. Addison 27, J. Doniak 15, X. Aleksander 10, M. Pearson 9, R. Long 7, D. Przybyszewski 4, J. Patoka 2, K. Krajniewski 0, M. Strzelecki 0.

Polski Cukier SIDEn Torun crushed KS Start Gdynia early in the first quarter. Thanks to the good, aggressive defense players from Torun were creating turnovers and making points after steals. They elaborate 9 point lead in the first quarter. In the second and third period PC SIDEn Torun had been controlling the game. Last quarter was much better for KS Start Gdynia. They reduced the disadvantage, but this team was not able to take the win. Jacek Jarecki (197-G-88) led his team to win scoring 13 points. Lukasz Zytko (181-G-81) added 12. Also Arkadiusz Kobus (197-F-86, agency: Promotex) noticed double figures with 11 points. On the other side Grzegorz Mordzak (183-G-77, agency: Promotex) scored 12 points, Maciej Kucharek (204-SF-93) made 11.

Polski Cukier SIDEn Torun- KS Start Gdynia 70:66 (24:13, 20:15, 17:20, 9:18)
PC SIDEn: J. Jarecki 13, . ytko 12, A. Kobus 11, A. Lisewski 8, P. migielski 8, S. Sikora 6, A. Perka 5, M. Kowalewski 3, W. Pagacz 2, B. Krlikowski 2, R. Plebanek 0.
Start: G. Mordzak 12, M. Kucharek 11, S. Kowalczyk 9, P. Peka 7, M. Jankowski 7, T. Andrzejewski 6, T. Wojdya 6, M. Malczyk 5, J. Mokros 3.



Jezioro Tarnobrzeg and Start Gdynia won pre-season games on Sunday - by Lukasz Lukaszewski

In the last day of the X Wojciech Michniewicz Memorial Tournament Siarka Jezioro Tarnobrzeg crushed host-team Polski Cukier SIDEn Torun. KS Start Gdynia won the second game against Franz Astoria Bydgoszcz. There are no winning teams in the tournament, but organizers selected MVP of the weekend. Matt Addison (172-PG-87, college: Hardin-Simmons) got this award.


Players from Siarka Jezioro Tarnobrzeg made a shooting festival on Sunday. They scored 73 points in the first half. Both teams did not play in defense with appropriate attention. Jezioro Tarnobrzeg had got great execution, they were playing quick. Polski Cukier SIDEn Torun cannot stop away team. Host-team was a little bit tired after two close games on Friday and Saturday.


After the game Arkadiusz Kobus (197-F-86, agency: Promotex) proposed to his girlfriend. She accepted his proposition, so they will be marriage soon. What is more Arkadiusz Kobus was the best shooter in his team with 21 points. Matt Addison led his team to win another time scoring 25 points. Five other players from Tarnobrzeg finished the game with double figures.

Polski Cukier SIDEn Torun - Siarka Jezioro Tarnobrzeg 85:114 (21:36,22:37, 19:17, 23:24)
PC SIDEn: A. Kobus 21, A. Perka 16, . ytko 15, S. Sikora 11 P. migielski 8, M. Kowalewski 7, A. Lisewski 7, B. Krlikowski 0, R. Plebanek 0, W. Pagacz 0, J. Jarecki 0, J. Nowak 0.
Jezioro: M. Addison 25, M. Pearson 16, M. Strzelecki 15, X. Aleksander 15, J. Doniak 15, R. Long 12, K. Krajniewski 8, P. Pandura 3, D. Przybyszewski 2, J. Patoka 2, P. Pyszniak 1.

Game between Franz Astoria Bydgoszcz and KS Start Gdynia was very close. Neither team was able made an advantage bigger than 7 points. Game had 11 lead changes. For the
most time of the game KS Start Gdynia was on the small lead. Players from this team were much better in transition. Their opponents were playing hard with great ambition and Franz
Astoria Bydgoszcz had a chance to win the game. But Mateusz Bierwagen (194-G-88) missed the buzzer-beater and KS Start Gdynia won this pre-season game 69:67.
Mateusz Bierwagen noticed the great game scoring 25 points. Sebastian Laydych (203-F/C-87) helped him with 15 points. KS Start Gdynia has 2 players with double figures: Patryk Pelka (202-F-89) (14) and Tomasz Wojdyla (201-F/C-77) (13). But 6 others players finished the game with 5-10 points.

Franz Astoria Bydgoszcz - KS Start Gdynia 67:69 (26:22,12:20,17:14,12:13)
Astoria: M. Bierwagen 25, S. Laydych 15, D. Szyttenholm 6, P. Robak 5, A.Adryanczyk 5, P. Czaplicki 5, P. Lewandowski 4, A. Barszczyk 2, P. Rapalski 0, F. Magorzaciak 0.
Start: P.Peka 14, T. Wojdya 13, T. Andrzejewski 8, M. Kucharek 8, M. Jankowski 7, S. Kowalczyk 6, M. Malczyk 5, G. Mordzak 5, J. Mokros 3.



Nizhny Novgorod prevail against Anwil at Butautas Cup - by Eurobasket News

Nizhny Novgorod - Anwil 78:67

Nizhny Novgorod finished in the third place at pre-season Butautas Cup tournament. They defeated Anwil on the last day of the tourney. Primoz Brezec (216-F/C-79) stepped up with 18 points to lead the winners.
Nizhny Novgorod surged ahead in the opening frame. They established a 26:18 lead ten minutes into the clash. Nizhny Novgorod accounted for a 43:33 halftime advantage. The Russian team ran away in the third stanza. Nizhny Novgorod limited their opponents to 11 points and secured a comfortable 20-point lead before the fourth term. Anwil went on a 23:14 rally in the final quarter but it was too late to save the game. Semen Antonov (202-PF-89, agency: RU-Basket Management) posted 14 points, while Dmitry Golovin (193-G-88) and Semen Shashkov (205-F-89) accounted for 12 points each for the winners. Seid Hajric (203-F-83), Krzysztof Szubarga (182-PG-84) and Marcus Ginyard (196-G/F-87, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina) answered with 14 points each in the loss.

Nizhny Novgorod: Primoz Brezec 18, Semen Antonov 14, Dmitry Golovin 12, Semen Shashkov 12
Anwil: Seid Hajric 14, Krzysztof Szubarga 14, Marcus Ginyard 14


Zalgiris bruise Anwil at Butautas Cup - by Eurobasket News

Zalgiris - Anwil 78:61

Zalgiris are piling up pre-season victories. They faced Anwil Wloclawek at Butautas Cup yesterday. Paulius Jankunas (205-PF-84, agency: Alti Sport) scored 17 points to lead Zalgiris to a comfortable win at the end.
Zalgiris opened a 9:2 lead early in the game. Anwil cut the deficit and trailed by just 2 points at the first break 14:16. Zalgiris increased the tempo in the second frame. They opened up a 12-point lead at the interval 38:26. The Lithuanian team stayed in control throughout the third frame. They arrived at the final intermission up by 20 points. Anwil outscored Zalgiris in the fourth frame but could not avoid the loss at the end. Oliver Lafayette (188-G-84, college: Houston) delivered 13 points, while Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79) and Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-C-79) added 12 points each in the win. Ryan Wright (206-C/F-87, college: Oklahoma) answered with 12 points for Anwil. Krzysztof Szubarga (182-PG-84), Marcus Ginyard (196-G/F-87, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina) and Ruben Boykin (201-F-85, college: N.Arizona) netted 10 points apiece in the loss.

Zalgiris: Paulius Jankunas 17, Oliver Lafayette 13, Darjus Lavrinovic 12, Ksistof Lavrinovic 12
Anwil: Ryan Wright 12, Krzysztof Szubarga 10, Marcus Ginyard 10, Ruben Boykin 10


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ROMANIA

Energia Rovinari downs Dinamo Bucuresti in friendly game, 74-53 - by Eurobasket News

Energia Rovinari - Dinamo Bucuresti 74-53

Energia Rovinari and Dinamo Bucuresti met in a friendly game this weekend. Energia Rovinari was the host and celebrated 74-53 victory. They had impressive start limiting Dinamo to just 3 points for the entire first quarter. At the other side, Rovinari scored 16 for 13-point lead at the end of Q1. The home squad jumped to 40-19 until the halftime and visitors were in big trouble. They were not able to reply for rest of the way and faced with 21-point loss at the end. Louis Darby (196-G-84, college: Long Beach St.) was the leading player in victory with 20 points and 6 rebounds. David Steffel (212-C/F-85), Viorel Mocanu (204-C-77) and Robert Giles (194-G-87, college: Ball St.) helped Rovinari with 10 points each. At the other side, Andrei Badila (190-G-84) was better than the others with 13 points. Ciprian Telinoiu (183-PG-91) and Dan Ioan (196-F-91) stopped to 10 and 8 points respectively. Both teams will play more friendly games next week.

Energia Rovinari: Louis Darby 20+6 boards, David Steffel 10+5 boards, Viorel Mocanu 10+5 boards, Robert Giles 10
Dinamo Bucuresti: Andrei Badila 13, Ciprian Telinoiu 10, Dan Ioan 8


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RUSSIA

Krasnie Krilya and Spartak Primorye won, CSKA lost in Italy - by Eurobasket News

Krasnie Krilya won over Sassari 72:67 in overtime at the start of the Pasta di Sardinia. Nikita Balashov (206-F-91) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Simmons nailed 14.
Spartak Primorye overcame Ural in Porec, Croatia. The winners started with 23:1 in the first period, but then won also the third and the last quarters. Ural managed to seal 21-13 win in the second frame. Troy Gillenwater (205-F-88, college: N.Mexico St.) top-scored for the winners with 17 points, while Michael Efevberha (199-G-84, college: CS Northridge) and Artem Zabelin (215-F/C-88, agency: RU-Basket Management) had 15 each. Chris Monroe (191-G-81, college: G.Washington) ended up with 17 points in the losing effort.
Cremona edged Russian CSKA 60:56. The Italian team won the first period 17:13, but trailed 1 point at the halftime. In the third period Cremona produced 16-9 and did not mind 13-15 in the last stanza. Harris top-scored for the winners with 16 points, while Janis Porzingis (201-F-82, agency: Interperformances), Johnson and Stipanovic had 8 apiece. Kaun replied with 15 points in the losing case.


Nizhny Novgorod prevail against Anwil at Butautas Cup - by Eurobasket News

Nizhny Novgorod - Anwil 78:67

Nizhny Novgorod finished in the third place at pre-season Butautas Cup tournament. They defeated Anwil on the last day of the tourney. Primoz Brezec (216-F/C-79) stepped up with 18 points to lead the winners.
Nizhny Novgorod surged ahead in the opening frame. They established a 26:18 lead ten minutes into the clash. Nizhny Novgorod accounted for a 43:33 halftime advantage. The Russian team ran away in the third stanza. Nizhny Novgorod limited their opponents to 11 points and secured a comfortable 20-point lead before the fourth term. Anwil went on a 23:14 rally in the final quarter but it was too late to save the game. Semen Antonov (202-PF-89, agency: RU-Basket Management) posted 14 points, while Dmitry Golovin (193-G-88) and Semen Shashkov (205-F-89) accounted for 12 points each for the winners. Seid Hajric (203-F-83), Krzysztof Szubarga (182-PG-84) and Marcus Ginyard (196-G/F-87, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina) answered with 14 points each in the loss.

Nizhny Novgorod: Primoz Brezec 18, Semen Antonov 14, Dmitry Golovin 12, Semen Shashkov 12
Anwil: Seid Hajric 14, Krzysztof Szubarga 14, Marcus Ginyard 14


Marius Valukonis joins Universitet-Yugra - by Eurobasket News

Marius Valukonis (198-F-88) will continue his career in Russia. The forward has agreed on terms of contract with Universitet-Yugra Surgut. Marius Valukonis spent the last season in Lithuania. He started the season with Kedainiai Triobet. He notched 8.1 points, 4.6 boards per game in LKL. In Baltic League his stats read 7.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals per appearance. Marius Valukonis moved to Marjampoles Matinga-Juodeliai in NKL then. The forward averaged 14.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game there. He made it into LKL All-Defensive Team in 2010 and 2011. Marius Valukonis was the member of U16, U18, U19, U20 and University Lithuanian National Teams.


CSKA and Krasnie Krilya finished the International Tournaments - by Eurobasket News

CSKA finished third at the 'Lombardia' Tournament. In the game for the third place the Russian team beat Angelico Biella 77:66. CSKA won the first period 27:15 and led 44:28 at the halftime. The board showed 66:44 after three quarters, while Angelico Biella managed to reduce to 11 points. Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) stepped up with 14 points and Kaun posted 13. Jurak delivered 18 points in the losing effort, while Craig Brackins (208-F-87, college: Iowa St.) and Robinson posted 15 each.
Galatasaray wins Pasta di Sardinia Tournament. In the Final game Galatasaray edged Krasnie Krilya 67:61. They grabbed 15:10 lead at the end of the first period and added 19-16 in the second frame. The Russian side replied with 19-16 in the third period, but could not upset the favorite. Galatasaray needed 17-16 to triumph at the tournament. Henry Domercant top-scored for the winners with 19 points, while Jamont Gordon (193-G/F-87, college: Mississippi St.) collected 14 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Cenk Akyol (198-G/F-87) posted 15 points, whilst Erwin Dudley had 13 points and 12 rebounds.


Lokomotiv Kuban thump Neptunas at Garastas Cup - by Eurobasket News

Lokomotiv Kuban - Neptunas 93:60

Lokomotiv Kuban recorded the second win at the Garastas Cup. They stunned Neptunas. Valery Likhodey (205-F-86) finished with 19 points to lead the winners.
Lokomotiv Kuban tipped off the game aggressively. They recorded a 30:22 lead after ten minutes. Lokomotiv limited their opponents to just 5 points in the second frame to enlarge the lead to as many as 26 points at halftime 53:27. Lokomotiv maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. They entered the fourth stanza up by 29 points. Lokomotiv Kuban dropped 22 points in the fourth frame and rallied to the victory at the end. Nikita Shabalkin (205-F-86) netted 16 points, while Simas Jasaitis (201-SF-82) and Nick Calathes (198-G-89, college: Florida) added 11 points for the winners. Deividas Gailius (200-F-88) replied with 19 points for Neptunas. Laurynas Mikalauskas (203-PF-85, college: Virginia) had 8 points in the loss.

Lokomotiv Kuban: Valery Likhodey 19, Nikita Shabalkin 16, Simas Jasaitis 11, Nick Calathes 11
Neptunas: Deividas Gailius 19, Laurynas Mikalauskas 8


Lokomotiv Kuban pessimists as they awaits Ohayon Verdict - by Anton Zirkov

Lokomotiv Kuban,who are deep in preparations for the upcoming season are also waiting for FIBA BAT verdict as for the situation of Yogev Ohayon (190-PG-87).
The Israeli international already agreed terms with the club but the deal is stalled as his club - Maccabi Tel-Aviv are claiming the he has a valid contract for the upcoming season without any escape clause.
Kuban top brass are starting to be pessimistic about Ohayon playing for the club and already looking in the market for a potential alternatives for the Israeli.
a senior source at the club has stated that the words that coming for FIBA are that Ohayon won't be able to join their team:"We are waiting for FIBA to call their verdict between Ohayon and Maccabi,we are waiting a long time for it.in last couple of days we are hearing signs that the verdict won't be in our favor and Ohayon will have to play for Maccabi,but we are waiting to the final and official word from FIBA".



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SCOTLAND

Standings National League Standings  1. C.Eriksson F. 1-0   2. Edinburgh K. 1-0   3. Stirling K. 1-0   4. Troon T. 1-0   5. Glasgow R. II 0-0   6. St.Mirren S. 0-0   7. Boroughmuir 0-1   8. Dunfermline R. 0-1   9. Glasgow Storm 0-1   10. Glasgow Univ. 0-1  Regular Season: Round 1 Sep. 8: Dunfermline R. - Stirling K. 73-79 Sep. 8: Troon T. - Glasgow Univ. 71-61 Sep. 8: Boroughmuir - Edinburgh K. 68-75 Sep. 8: Glasgow Storm - C.Eriksson F. 53-80 Regular Season: Round 2 Sep. 15: Edinburgh K. - Dunfermline R. Sep. 15: C.Eriksson F. - Boroughmuir Sep. 15: Glasgow R. II - Troon T. Sep. 15: Glasgow Univ. - Glasgow Storm Sep. 15: Stirling K. - St.Mirren S.

The start of the 2012/2013 season - by Eurobasket News

Four games opened the new, 2012/2013 season in the country this weekend. City of Edinburgh Kings SM and Clark Eriksson Fury SM won their first games on Saturday. Clark Eriksson Fury SM beat Glasgow Storm 80:53, while City of Edinburgh Kings SM edged Boroughmuir Blaze SM 75:68.
Tonight Stirling Knights SM beat Dunfermline Reign SM 79:73 and Troon Tornadoes SM overcame Glasgow University SM 71:61.


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SERBIA

Djuro Djakovic and Darda beat Serbian teams Zeleznicar and Spartak - by Eurobasket News

Djuro Djakovic and Darda celebrated in friendly games this weekend. They defeated Serbian teams Zeleznicar Indjija and Spartak Subotica.
Djuro Djakovic handed 74-62 loss to Zeleznicar getting 17 points from Mario Matasovic (200-F-93). Petar Zivkovic (193-SG-93) and Krunoslav Rimac (195-SG-84) netted 15 and 12 points respectively. In defeat, Slobodan Gugleta (C-83) scored 11 points, while Vladimir Jojic (185-G-75) and Slobodan Stanojevic (201-F-85) posted 10 pts apiece. The game was played in Slavonski Brod. Ends of periods: 14-13, 33-28, 44-31, 74-62.
Vrijednosnice Os Darda was better than Spartak Subotica 72-61 in Osijek. Dejan Meznaric (205-F/C-87) and Mate Perajica (203-C-81) led the winners with 18 points each. Mirza Hrncic (203-F/C-86) delivered 11 points in this meeting. At the other side, Spartak got 14 points from Milosavljevic and 12 from Brankov. Ends of periods: 17-15, 36-28, 56-53, 72-61.


Anadolu Efes wants to sign Marko Keselj - by Eurobasket News

Marko Keselj (206-SF-88, agency: Beo Basket) could become a new member of Anadolu Efes soon. According to Turkish media, two sides are close to agree 1+1 year deal. Recently, Valencia and Spartak St. Petersburg showed interest for the player. Marko Keselj spent last two seasons with Olympiakos. In the latest one they won Euroleague and Greek league titles. The Serbian National Team forward had 3.9 ppg and 2 rpg in 14 Euroleague games. He also added 5.8 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 26 appearances in domestic championship. In 2011, the Reds won Greek Cup. Before Olympiakos, Marko Keselj played two years for Crvena Zvezda. In the past, he also was a member of Koln 99ers, Girona, OKK Beograd and Avala Ada. In 2007 with Girona Keselj won FIBA EuroCup title. He is active member of the Serbian National Team since 2010. Keselj averaged 11.1 points and 3.1 rebounds for 9 games at FIBA World Championship in Turkey two years ago, while Serbia reached Semifinals. Last summer in Lithuania the player had 9.1 ppg and 3.5 rpg for 11 appearances. This summer Keselj averages 4.6 points and 3 rebounds after 7 games in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications.


Radnicki Kragujevac downs MZT Skopje 83-76 - by Eurobasket News

Radnicki Kragujevac - MZT Skopje 83-76

Radnicki Kragujevac and MZT Skopje met in a friendly game this weekend. The Serbian squad celebrated 83-76 home win. Both teams will play in Adriatic league next season. Milos Borisov (199-G/F-85) led Radnicki with 18 points and Mark Worthington (202-PF-83, college: Metro St.) secured a nice help with 13 points. Steven Markovic (190-G-85) and Terrico White (196-G-90, college: Mississippi) followed them with 10 points each. In defeat, Uros Nikolic (207-F/C-87) was better than the others with 19 points. Damjan Stojanovski (195-SG-87) scored 15 points, while Gjorji Cekovski (203-PF-79) and Igor Mijajlovic (192-PG-84, agency: Global Sports Plaza) posted 10 pts each. Radnicki had impressive first period of the match ending it with 14-point lead, 30-16. Visitors drastically improved after that closing the gap to 8 pts until the halftime. Later it was 60-55 with 10 minutes remaining in the game, but Milos Borsov and his teammates were strong enough to keep the lead and to win in this meeting.

Radnicki Kragujevac: Milos Borisov 18, Mark Worthington 13, Steven Markovic 10, Terrico White 10
MZT Skopje: Uros Nikolic 19, Damjan Stojanovski 15, Gjorji Cekovski 10, Igor Mijajlovic 10


Vrsac could sign Milivoje Bozovic for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

Milivoje Bozovic (210-F/C-85, agency: Beo Basket) could play in Vrsac (former Hemofarm) next season, according to local media (Novosti.rs). The power forward needs about a month to recover from the right knee surgery and reportedly he is close to join Vrsac. The team hired Oliver Popovic as new Head Coach few days ago. Milivoje Bozovic played for Hemofarm Stada Vrsac from 2007 to 2011. Last season he split between Buducnost Podgorica and Italian Sant Antimo. He got injured in February and missed rest of the season. With Hemofarm Bozovic reached Adriatic league Finals in 2008 and EuroCup Semis in 2009. They also played in Serbian league and Cup Finals, but were unable to win the trophy. In 2009, Bozovic was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Honorable Mention. He had 9.8 ppg and 5.9 rpg that season for 10 Superleague games. In the past Milivoje Bozovic played for OKK Beograd, Mega Ishrana, Avala Ada and Lavovi.


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SLOVAKIA

McNeal continues his carrer in Svit - by Michal Duchovic

On friday has BK Iskra Svit announced, that they have signed Tyronne McNeal (211-C-87, college: Miami Dade CC). McNeal has played during his pro carrer in Canada, Costa Rica, France and Portugal. In 2010 he was participating in Eurobasket Summer League in Las Vegas. Last season he started in french team BC Montbrison, but he moved to Portugal. Tyronne continued season in Sampaense Basket, where he was member of starting five. He started in 14 games with average of 4.4ppg, 6.1rpg. McNeal has already played on tournament in Spisska Nova Ves.


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SLOVENIA

Zlatorog and Krka update - by Eurobasket News

Zlatorog beat Kvarner 2010 70:61. The Slovenian team started with 15:13 in the first period and added massive 24-11 in the second frame. Both teams scored 16 points each in the third quarter, while Kvarner 2010 replied with 21-15 in the last stanza. Miha Lapornik (192-G-93) top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Sasa Mucic (202-F-83) nailed 12.
In the meantime Anadolu Efes celebrated another pre-season success. They took on Krka in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia. Anadolu Efes claimed a 76:67 victory. The Turkish team piled up a 39:25 halftime lead. They kept Krka at bay throughout the second half and ensured a comfortable win at the end. Jamon Lukas Gordon (191-SG-84, college: Virginia Tech) finished with 13 points for Anadolu Efes. Stanko Barac (216-C-86) top-scored with 15 points, while Ermal Kurtoglu (208-C-80, agency: Beo Basket) added 11 points in the win.


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SPAIN

Boulazac beats Lagun Aro GBC 102-95 for third place at Tournoi du Palio - by Eurobasket News

Boulazac BD - Lagun Aro GBC 102-95

Another loss for Lagun Aro GBC in France. Boulazac BD outplayed Spanish squad on Saturday 102-95 to take third place at Tournoi du Palio. Boulazac was the host of this tournament. Lagun Aro GBC failed to Limoges on Friday 78-84 ending as the last ranked team. Boulazac shined in the second half to take the victory in this meeting. Lagun Aro was up by 2 after 20 minutes of play, but the home squad answered with 27-21 in Q3. In high-scoring last period Boulazac was better again 26-26 and it was enough for the 7-point win at the end. Osiris Eldridge (191-G-88, agency: N.E.T., college: Illinois St.) scored 22 points for Boulzac and Darnell Harris (181-G-86, college: La Salle) had 15. Arnaud Kerckhof (193-PG-84) registered 11 points, Amadi McKenzie (201-PF-86, college: Tenn Tech) and Mehdi Cheriet (204-PF-87, college: San Diego St.) helped with 10 pts each. Lagun Aro GBC got 16 points from Emmanouil Papamakarios (192-G-80) and Raul Neto (186-PG-92). Chris Lofton (188-G-86, college: Tennessee) had 12 and Javier Salgado (180-PG-80) stopped to 11 pts.

Boulazac BD: Osiris Eldridge 22, Darnell Harris 15, Arnaud Kerckhof 11, Amadi McKenzie 10, Mehdi Cheriet 10
Lagun Aro GBC: Emmanouil Papamakarios 16, Raul Neto 16, Chris Lofton 12, Javier Salgado 11


Fuenlabrada, Joventut and Canarias celebrate in friendly games - by Eurobasket News

Mad-Croc Fuenlabrada handed 83-74 loss to Gescrap Bizkaia Bilbao in a friendly game on Saturday. James Feldeine (193-G-88, college: Quinnipiac) top-scored in victory with 23 points and Alvaro Munoz (195-SF-90) had 13. Dimitris Verginis (193-G-87, agency: FCM) responded with 15 points in defeat. The game was played in Avila.
FIATC Joventut cruised past CAI Zaragoza in Vielha 102-70. Emmanuel Quezada (188-PG-85, college: USF) and Barrera nailed 19 points each for the winners. Nacho Llovet (202-C-91) and Corey Fisher (186-PG-88, college: Villanova) followed them with 11 and 10 points respectively. In Zaragoza, Michael Roll (196-G-87, college: UCLA) was better than the others with 22 points.
CB Canarias downed Valladolid in Salamanca 89-64 to win Copa Ferias Aquimisa Labo. Levi Rost (201-F-83, college: W.Michigan) stepped up for the winners with 19 points, while Ricardo Guillen (205-C/F-76) and Jaime Heras (193-G-82) posted 11 points each. Nacho Martin (205-F-83) delivered 18 pts in defeat.


Thomas Kelati lifts Valencia to another win against Barcelona - by Eurobasket News

FC Barcelona Regal - Valencia Basket 66-68

FC Barcelona Regal and Valencia met last night in another friendly game. Valencia was better team once again celebrating 68-66 win. The game was played in Sabadell. Thomas Kelati (195-G/F-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: Washington St.) was a key player in victory with 18 points. Rodrigo San Miguel (190-G-85) and Serhiy Lishchuk (210-C/F-82, agency: Beo Basket) scored 11 points each, while Stefan Markovic (194-G-88) and Vitor Faverani (211-C-88) added 8 points apiece. In Barca, Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) scored 15 points and Pete Mickeal (199-F-78, college: Cincinnati) had 12. Australian big guy Nathan Jawai (208-F/C-86, college: Midland CC) nailed 11 pts. Valencia had better start making 17-10 lead after ten minutes. Barca won the second period 20-19 and continued with 16-12 after the breather. Barca was 56-51 up with 4 minutes remaining in the game, but than Thomas Kelati and his teammates made 13-6 run and later jumped to 68-64, what was too much for Barca. Valencia will play against Manresa today.

FC Barcelona Regal: Erazem Lorbek 15, Pete Mickeal 12, Nathan Jawai 11
Valencia Basket: Thomas Kelati 18, Rodrigo San Miguel 11, Serhiy Lishchuk 11, Stefan Markovic 8, Vitor Faverani 8


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SWITZERLAND

BC Boncourt continues preseason preparation - by Eurobasket News

BC Boncourt continues preseason preparation as they participated at the BBC-Cup 2012 with 4 participating teams.
In Day 1 BBC Bayreuth edged BC Boncourt 88:68. The German side led 44:35 at the halftime and dominated the game. Joe Trapani (203-F-88, college: Boston Coll.) paced all the winners with 17 points and McGhee ended up with 12. Bailey followed them with 11 and Zeis delivered 9. N'Diaye replied with 15 points in defeat, while Ferguson produced 14.
In Day 2 Telekom Baskets Bonn overcame BC Boncourt 79:75. The German team led 47:30 at the halftime but escaped with the narrow win. Weems top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Benas Veikalas (192-G-83, college: Metro St.) delivered 12. Trey McCorkle (208-F, agency: SDJ Sports, college: IPFW) answered with 15 points in the losing effort, while Ferguson, Capel and Shy Ely (194-G/F-87, agency: Merit Sports, college: Evansville) notched 14 each.
In Day 3 BC Boncourt won over CEZ Nymburk 81:77. Shy Ely paced all the winners with 30 points, while Capel notched 14. Trey McCorkle posted 12 and Laurent Lahey (204-F/C-89) as well as Ferguson had 8 each. Lukas Palyza (204-F-89) answered with 18 points, while Taylor and Houska had 16 each.


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TURKEY

Galatasaray Medical Park won over Pesaro - by Eurobasket News

Galatasaray Medical Park won over Pesaro 79:48. The Turkish side started the game with 22-10 and dominated the rest of the game. Henry Domercant (194-G-80, college: E.Illinois) stepped up with 12 points, while Jamont Gordon (193-G/F-87, college: Mississippi St.) nailed 9. David Hawkins finished the game with 8 and Cenk Akyol brought 7.
Olin Edirne meanwhile lost to LTi GIESSEN 46ers at the International Cevat Soydas Basketball Tournament . In the last game the German side overcame Olin Edirne 67:48. They started with 16-15 and added 18-15 in the second frame. Moreover LTi GIESSEN 46ers won the third and the last quarters. Ryan Brooks (193-G-88, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Temple) stepped up with 16 points and LaQuan Prowell (203-SF-84, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Auburn) posted 15. Andreas Buchert nailed 14 and Oskar Fassler scored 7.
In another games Aliaga Petkim beat Trepca Mitrovice 100:65 and Tofas edged Erdemir 85:73.


Galatasaray wins Pasta di Sardinia Tournament - by Eurobasket News

Galatasaray wins Pasta di Sardinia Tournament with 4 participating teams.
In the Final game Galatasaray edged Krasnie Krilya 67:61. They grabbed 15:10 lead at the end of the first period and added 19-16 in the second frame. The Russian side replied with 19-16 in the third period, but could not upset the favorite. Galatasaray needed 17-16 to triumph at the tournament. Henry Domercant (194-G-80, college: E.Illinois) top-scored for the winners with 19 points, while Jamont Gordon collected 14 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Cenk Akyol (198-G/F-87) posted 15 points, whilst Erwin Dudley had 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Fenerbahce meanwhile overcame Virtus Roma 82:74. Bo McCalebb (178-PG-85, college: New Orleans) stepped up with 16 points and Oguz Savas (212-C-87) nailed 14 points. Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) followed them with 12 points.


Anadolu Efes wants to sign Marko Keselj - by Eurobasket News

Marko Keselj (206-SF-88, agency: Beo Basket) could become a new member of Anadolu Efes soon. According to Turkish media, two sides are close to agree 1+1 year deal. Recently, Valencia and Spartak St. Petersburg showed interest for the player. Marko Keselj spent last two seasons with Olympiakos. In the latest one they won Euroleague and Greek league titles. The Serbian National Team forward had 3.9 ppg and 2 rpg in 14 Euroleague games. He also added 5.8 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 26 appearances in domestic championship. In 2011, the Reds won Greek Cup. Before Olympiakos, Marko Keselj played two years for Crvena Zvezda. In the past, he also was a member of Koln 99ers, Girona, OKK Beograd and Avala Ada. In 2007 with Girona Keselj won FIBA EuroCup title. He is active member of the Serbian National Team since 2010. Keselj averaged 11.1 points and 3.1 rebounds for 9 games at FIBA World Championship in Turkey two years ago, while Serbia reached Semifinals. Last summer in Lithuania the player had 9.1 ppg and 3.5 rpg for 11 appearances. This summer Keselj averages 4.6 points and 3 rebounds after 7 games in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications.


Darussafaka lands Marcus Hall - by Eurobasket News

Marcus Hall (185-PG-85, college: Colorado) is back to Turkey. The American point guard penned a deal with Darussafaka. Hall played for Kepez in 2009/10 and 2010/11 seasons. He joined them in February of 2010 from APOEL Nicosia. Hall appeared 30 times for Kepez in 2010/11 averaging 18.9 points, 5.5 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 2.1 steals. He was third scorer and third assistant of TB2L. Hall also was No.2 in steals. The player was named to Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TB2L 1st Team -11 and helped Kepez to reach the Semifinals. Last season Marcus Hall spent with Levski Sofia. He shined with 15.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 3.4 apg for 9 Balkan league games. In Bulgaria, the player had slightly lower stats. Levski reached three finals (BIBL, NBL, Cup), but failed to win the title. Hall played for Levski also in 2008/09. At that time he was named Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League Player of the Year.


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UBA

UBA Analysis break down 2012 Draft: Which class was better 2009-2012? - by David Walls

David Walls Reports:
9/9/2012
ATLANTA, GA

[Thanks to an assist from the wonderful Basketball-ubabasket.com web site, I gathered together the last four UBA Drafts (2009-2012) with an array of intended analysis in mind.]
We breakdown this seasons draft and compare it to the last 4 UBA drafts. This is based on the following:

- average performance of players by their draft pick number
- draft with the most players overseas
- Which team has sent the most overseas
- Performance of drafted players

From 2006-2009 the UBA was not in existence. It was known as the URBL. The league was run by Mac Claire and was looked as just a regional league for average basketball players. The league never really got the respect it was longing for until 2009 when they signed up the DFW Disciples. The Disciples were run by D.J. Douglas (now head coach of the GIE Maile Matrix). Douglas brought in what we know now as the movement; signing players like J. B. Barnes, Mike Sloan and Jerone Boyd. The Disciples would move on to win the URBL championship. Later the URBL was bought out by the Trinity Group which changed the name to the UBA.

With 2009 being the dawn of a new error we count that draft class. Below you will find year by year draft classes and breakdowns.

2008-2009: (Draft order)
*Player that signed overseas from 09 draft: (six players signed overseas contracts)

2009 URBL Draft

Round 1
1/1 Dallas Ft. Worth: Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Point, GA) (Saudi Arabia) * League MVP
1/2 Universal City: Curtis Scipio (5'11''-G, college: Okla.Wesleyan) (Australia)
1/4 Irving: Ricky James (6'3''-G-84, college: Trevecca Naz.) *1st Team All-League

Round 2
2/1 Dallas Ft. Worth: Royal Maxwell (6'9''-F-80, college: Jackson St.) *2nd Team All-League
2/5 Irving: Anthony Oxley (5'9''-PG-86, college: Mount Aloysius) (England) *2nd Team All-League

Round 3
3/1 Dallas Ft. Worth: Jerome Boyd (6'8''-F/C-84, college: Clayton St.) (Uruguay)*1st Team All-League
3/5 Irving: Will De La Cruz (6'2''-G-80, college: Atlanta Christian) (Dominican Rep.)*2nd Team All-League
3/6 Houston: Kevin Green (6'6''-F-84, college: Martin Methodist) (Chile)*Slam Dunk Contest Winner

Round 4
4/6 Austin: Rod Cannon (6'5''-F/G-80, college: Atlanta Tech) (Japan)

2010: (Draft order)
*Player that signed overseas from 09 draft: (eight players signed overseas contracts)

2010 UBA Draft

First Round:
1/1. GIE Morrow Disciples: Jermaine Dailey (6'8''-F-86, college: Ill.-Chicago) (Taiwan)*Defensive Player of the Year
1/4. Tennessee Dragons: Richard Jeter (6'6''-G/F-82, college: Atlanta Metro JC) (New Zealand)
1/9. Cleveland Vipers: Demario Mattox (6'2''-G-87, college: Wingate) (Uruguay)
1/11. Norman Express: Brayon Brown (6'3''-G-86, college: Oklahoma)* Rookie of the Year
1/12. Columbus Claws: Dominique Holmes (6'7''-F-84, college: So.Poly State) (Iceland) *2nd Team All-League
1/15. Northeast Air Soul: Michael Creppy (6'3''-G-86, college: Cal-Riverside) (England)

Second Round:
2/2. Southern Generals: Michael Sloan (6'5''-G/F-84, college: Clayton St.) (Iceland)* Guard of the Year
2/3. DFW Warriors: Edward Horton (6'4''-G-85, college: Murray St.) (Iceland)* 2nd Team All-League

Third Round:
3/3. Southern Generals: Freddie Williams (6'2''-G-87, college: Clayton St.) (Dominican Rep.) Finals MVP

2011: (Draft order)
*Player that signed overseas from 09 draft: (five players signed overseas contracts)

2011 UBA Draft

1st Round
1/1. GIE Morrow Disciples - John Cantrell (6'2''-G, college: Chicago St.)* Rookie of the Year
1/2. Georgia Lions - Kevin Sims (5'10''-G-88, college: Tulane) (Romania) *3rd Team All-League
1/6. DFW Warriors - Chad Eichelberger (6'9''-F-82, college: St.Andrews) (Romania)

1/7. Tennessee Dragons - Justin Tubbs (6'3''-G-87, college: E.Tenn.St.) (Rep. of Georgia)
1/9. Houston Express - Kenneth Henderson (6'7''-F-82, college: Texas Arlington) (Hungry) *3rd Team All-League

2nd Round
2/3. Georgia Lions - James Williams (6'3''-G/F-87, college: Victory) (Uruguay)* Most Improved Played
7. Southern Generals - Michael Corpening (6'8''-F-87, college: S.Wesleyan) * 1st Team All-Playoff Team

3rd Round
3/2. Texas Cyclones - Will Morning (6'8''-F-88, college: McNeese St.) * Western Conference Player of the Year

Breakdown:

Based off review its no question that the 2010 class was the best so far. So with being said; what about the 2012 class? Well the UBA will have its tryouts next month so all of the draft prospects are not out. But from the information we have it should be a tough class.

We know for sure that VSU star Michael Crain will be entering the draft. The reigning SEBL MVP will be in the draft and should be an easy top 5 selection. Another big name in this draft would be Quin Humphrey. He has a lot of professional experience including 3 seasons in the NBA Dleague.

Below you will find more names that should be seen in the 2012 UBA draft:

Jeremy Price (6'8''-F-88, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Georgia)
Jeremy Caldwell (6'8''-F/C-87, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Jackson St.)
James Justice (5'10''-PG-89, college: Martin Methodist)
Quin Humphrey (6'5''-G/F-84, college: Youngstown St.)
Mike Crain (6'2''-G-84, college: Valdosta St.)
Qadr Owens (6'1''-G-88)
Luis Guzman (6'4''-G-87, college: Temple)
Jay Bowdy (6'6''-F-83, college: W.Georgia)
Roscoe Davis (6'11''-F-88, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Midland CC)
Jermaine Abraham (6'8''-F-88, agency: Athlete Management Group, college: Elizabeth City)
Darius Mcknight (6'8''-F-90, college: Columbus St.)
Barry Wellington (6'1''-G-87, college: Mountain St.)
Derrick Allen (6'5''-G/F-85, college: Valdosta St.)
A'Daeron Duncan (6'5''-F-87, college: N.Kentucky)

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UGANDA

Warriors, Lady Canons post wins against KIU - by Joel Nature

Unlike the first round when Kyambogo Warriors needed overtime to see off KIU Titans, all Warriors used were two big quarters (second and fourth) to pin a 14 point loss to Titans.

Titans (12-5) broke out out of the shell first with point guard, Salim Ali (11 points) openning the scoring with a mid-range jumper followed by two 3-balls from him and Richard Osano (12 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists) and Titans taking the first period 19-13. Warriors (16-1) responded in the second quarter, took the lead for the first time through Syrus Kiviris corner triple and did not trail again.

Four warriors scored in double figures. Norman blick led the way with 16 points, Ronnie Kasewu and Syrus Kiviri with 15 points each and Henry Malinga scored 11 points. Ali, Osano and Moses Olobo (8 points) tried to engineer a fourth quarter push and KIU were on the road to redemption but the tragedy of vast proportions occurred in the final seven minutes when Osano fouled out and Olobo got into foul trouble including a technical that saw him get ejected in garbage time.

Meanwhile, UCU Lady Canons continued their unbeaten run to the season with a 54-39 win over KIU Rangers. Purity Adhiambo returned with a bang leading the way for Lady Canons with 16 points and 17 rebounds. Moreen Amoding added 11 points while Peace Proscovia and Loreine Akinyi had quite evnnings scoring 8 and 4 points respectively. Rangers were led by judith nansobya with 12 points, Florence Nanyonga and Ritah Komugisha contributed 6 points each.


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UKRAINE

Neptunas too good for Budivelnyk at Garastas Cup - by Eurobasket News

Neptunas - Budivelnyk 100:95

Neptunas clinched the first win at Garastas Cup. They knocked down Budivelnyk. Deividas Gailius (200-F-88) stepped up with 19 points to lead the charge. The Kyiv outfit suffered the second straight loss.
Neptunas fired 28 points in the opening quarter to take an 8-point lead. Budivelnyk managed to narrow the gap in the second frame. The Kyiv team got within 5 points at the interval 42:47. Neptunas stayed aggressive offensively in the third term. They secured a 6-point buffer before the fourth frame. Budivenyl unloaded 28 points in the final period but Neptunas nearly matched the effort and sealed the victory. Laurynas Mikalauskas (203-PF-85, college: Virginia) and Rashaun Broadus (183-PG-84, college: BYU) posted 16 points each for the winners. Leo Lyons (206-F-87, college: Missouri) topscored with 25 points for Budivelnyk. Malcolm Delaney (191-G-89, college: Virginia Tech) had 22 points in the loss.

Neptunas: Deividas Gailius 19, Laurynas Mikalauskas 16, Rashaun Broadus 16+11 assists
Budivelnyk: Leo Lyons 25, Malcolm Delaney 22


Latest victories for Azovmash, MBC Mykolaiv and Hoverla - by Eurobasket News

Azovmash Mariupol overcame Pallacanestro Cantu 76:60. The Ukrainian team started the game with 21:16 and never looked behind after. They led 41:27 at the halftime and enjoyed 57:44 advantage after three quarters. Lynn Greer (186-PG-79, college: Temple) poured in 13 points to lead the winners, while Dragicevic and Nemanja Gordic (193-PG-88) netted 12 each. Simonas Serapinas (197-F-82) delivered 9 and Kolchenko as well as Akingbala added 8 each. Nicolas Mazzarino (181-PG-75, agency: Players Group) finished the game with 14 points, while Brooks scored 13.
MBC Mykolaiv edged Latvian Jekabpils 78:70. Onufriyev Olexiy top-scored for the winners with 16 points, while Martins Kravcenko (192-G-85) posted 15. Rinalds Sirsnins collected 14 points and 9 assists, while Igor Chumakov (207-C-90, agency: New Trend Agency) netted 10.
Hoverla meanwhile rolled over Siauliai 74:61. Lewis Jackson (175-PG-89, college: Purdue) and Vitalijus Liutyc ended up with 14 points for the Lithuanian team.


Liatkabelis shoot down Khimik in test game - by Eurobasket News

Liatkabelis - Khimik 71:65

Liatkabelis celebrated pre-season win over Khimik Yuzny. The Lithuanian team eked out a 6-point victory behind 13 points from Tauras Jogela (201-F-93). Liatkabelis ensured a 16:15 lead ten minutes into the game. They boosted the gap in the second frame. Liatkabelis piled up a 36:26 halftime advantage. Khimik slowed their opponents down a bit in the third term. The Ukrainian team got within 8 points before the fourth frame. Khimik cut the deficit even more in the final stanza but came up short of victory at the end. Darius Griskenas (194-F-84) and Kaspars Cipruss (210-C-82, agency: Interperformances) finished with 12 points apiece for the Panevezys team. Sava Lesic (205-C/F-88) answered with 13 points for Khimik. Willie Deane (188-PG-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Purdue) netted 9 points in the loss.

Liatkabelis: Tauras Jogela 13, Darius Griskenas 12, Kaspars Cipruss 12
Khimik: Sava Lesic 13, Willie Deane 9


Dnipro rally past Budivelnyk at Garastas Cup - by Eurobasket News

Dnipro - Budivelnyk 105:79

Dnipro celebrated another win at the Garastas Cup in Lithuania. They outscored their Ukrainian rivals Budivelnyk. Daniel Kickert (208-C/F-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) posted 21 points to pace Dnipro to a comfortable win.
Dnipro jumped ahead right from the start. They erupted for 33 points in the opening quarter to ensure a 7-point lead. Dnipro extended the margin in the second frame. They piled up a 58:44 halftime advantage. Dnipro cleared off in the third quarter. They notched 31 points and established a massive 27-point lead at the start of the final stanza. Budivelnyk never recovered and had to surrender at the end. Derrick Low (188-PG-86, college: Washington St.) chipped in 20 points and issued 8 assists, while Valdas Vasylius (203-F-83, college: ODU) accounted for 16 points for the winners. Mathew Witt (183-PG-84, college: E.Kentucky) answered with 16 points for Budivelnyk. Malcolm Delaney (191-G-89, college: Virginia Tech) accounted for 10 points in the loss.

Dnipro: Daniel Kickert 21, Derrick Low 20, Valdas Vasylius 16
Budivelnyk: Mathew Witt 16, Malcolm Delaney 10


Kryvbasbasket fire past Pieno Zvaigzdes in Trakai - by Eurobasket News

Pieno Zvaigzdes - Kryvbasbasket 101:106

Kryvbasbasket earned the third win at the training camp in Lithuanian Trakai. They faced Pieno Zvaizdes and eked out a 5-point win. Winsome Frazier (193-F/G-82, college: Mississippi St.) stepped up with 27 points to lead the Ukrainian side.
Kryvbasbasket ensured a quick start. They unloaded 31 points in the opening quarter to take an 8-point lead. Pieno Zvaigzdes cut the margin in the second quarter. The Lithuanian side got within 5 points at halftime 47:52. Kryvbasbasket fired from all guns coming off the dressing room. They posted 31 points in the third frame to take a 9-point lead. Pieno Zvaigzdes did not surrender and trimmed the deficit but finished short of victory at the end. James Florence (185-G-88, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mercer) secured 21 points, while Vitali Malchevskiy (204-F-87) provided 18 points Kryvbasbasket. TreVon Hughes (183-PG-87, agency: Edge Sports, college: Wisconsin) answered with 21 points for Pieno Zvaigzdes. Booker Woodfox (185-PG-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Creighton) netted 17 points in the loss.

Pieno Zvaigzdes: TreVon Hughes 21, Booker Woodfox 17
Kryvbasbasket: Winsome Frazier 27, James Florence 21, Vitali Malchevskiy 18


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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Jaworski, Patrimonio lead PBA legends Dubai visit, but Duremdes steals spotlight - by Eurobasket News

DUBAI Kenneth Duremdes (190-F-74) shot the lights out of the Al-Shabab Club basketball stadium, scoring 40 points to bail out a selection of PBA legends 109-105 against a selection of Dubai-based Filipino expatriates on Friday night.

The legends, who fell behind by as much as eight points in the first half, banked on the troika of Duremdes, Vince Hizon and Marlou Aquino (205-C-72) in mounting an 11-0 run at the start of the third period to snatch the lead for good.

Aquino took advantage of his 6-foot-9 frame and produced 20 points, mostly from inside, and controlled the boards to contain the scrappy hosts that included former PBA player Ruben dela Rosa and others who saw action in the defunct Metropolitan Basketball League (MBA).

Duremdes and Aquino led a star-studded legends squad that also included Alvin Patrimonio, Ato Agustin, Jojo Lastimosa, Vince Hizon, Noli Locsin, Bonel Balingit, and Bobby Jose.

Kung laro lang, kaya pa naman natin kaso nauubos tayo sa [daily] practice, Duremdes, the 1998 PBA MVP who retired in 2008, told InterAKTV.

Earlier, the Philippine Expat Basketball Conference (PEBC), which organized the weekend visit of the PBA legends, retired the number 7 in honor of Philippine basketballs living legend, Robert Jaworski.

Mr. Senator, we are officially retiring jersey number 7 which means no one will be allowed to use your legendary number in PEBC-sanctioned tournaments here in Dubai, Gerry Martinez of the PEBC said during the programme that preceeded the exhibition game.

In response, Jaworski whose jersey was retired by the PBA exactly two months ago thanked the organizers and said: OK lang na gamitin ninyo ang number 7 basta sa kabutihan.

The scores:

PBA Legends 109 Kenneth Duremdes 40; Marlou Aquino 20; Alvin Patrimonio 13; Vince Hizon 12; Noli Locsin 11; Jojo Lastimosa 6; Bonel Balingit 4; Bobby Jose 3

Dubai All Stars 105 Nonoy Sayon 16; Al Federiso 15; Jayson Araneta 14; Khalifa Salem 10; Ruben dela Rosa 10; Archie Cruz 8; Lito Callueng 6; Alex Miclat 5; Jeff Roque 5; Alfie Gesta 4; Alwyn Flores 4; DJ de Jesus 4; Roel Hugnatan 2; JR Go 2
Courtesy of:http://www.interaksyon.com


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UNITED KINGDOM

BLAKE OPTIMISM FOR BRITISH BASKETBALL PART 2 - by Jeff King

Paul Blake is the Chairman of the British Basketball League and after commenting on his other responsibility as Managing Director of Newcastle Eagles he switched his hats and talked about The BBL and his hopes for the league.

Paul, as Chairman of the BBL how are you seeing the league shape up this year?

"Behind the scenes there's definitely a lot of progress going on in terms of rebuilding the infrastructure of the league. It is fair to say it has had to come back from a position of losing a sizeable television deal with ITV Digital eight or nine years ago. It not only knocked our league but knocked other sports leagues as well and continues to do so.

It changed the whole culture of sports television in this country and for me its still going in a bad direction and a direction that I think the Government needs to do something about. Hopefully the Olympics will help that especially in terms of supporting so-called minority sports which I quite frankly don't think we are but we're certainly a media minority sport in this country.

Despite all that we're absolutely as a league finding our feet again. We've just taken on a new Commercial Director for the first time in seven years and are bringing new staff in to the centre, so I full expect us to start building in strength.

The thing that holds the sport back and indeed all indoor sport in this country is the paucity of indoor facilities and a reasonable number of seats for supporters which we don't seem to be capable of building in this country despite the poor weather and that's something I really can't get my head around.

But we're working hard with senior politicians that are supporting the sport right now to change that culture. Once again the Olympics are raising the fact as an issue because several untelevised sports have been in the public eye for a few weeks and quite clearly the public enjoy them.

We've still got a lot of build to do and go and the league needs a group of Clubs that are playing in facilities that have larger seating numbers and that the Clubs have more control over. If we dont reach that goal and we need help to do that then the league will be what it will be. That's not the fault of the Clubs its to do with the stage that this country allows them to play on. For example, there are only seven Arenas in this country and by comparison there are seven Arenas in Philadelphia."

Some big statements made and clearly Blake is a deep-thinking individual that cares about his product, wants to take it forward and realises that to do that there's a lot of talking and work to do. But overall he's happy with the league going forward although he was not in a position to comment on individual Clubs.

"I'm absolutely happy going forward. Its an incredibly tough time to be running any kind of a business let alone a culture changing business which is what these Clubs are trying to achieve. There's a need from all sorts of Departments and organisations to give the same level of support to this sport that other Clubs in other sports get and take for granted in this country.

Yes, we have to help ourselves as well, absolutely no question and I think were doing everything we can moving forward. But again it comes back to the basic building blocks of Clubs including the facilities the sport needs. If we can start to tackle some of those issues over the next couple of years with the people we have supporting us behind the scenes who very rarely stick their heads above the parapets as they just get on and do what they have to do then things will improve.

I have to say I keep hearing that certain media protagonists in this country keep talking this league up as the worst league in Europe. But thats absolute rubbish. There are 47 professional leagues in Europe and we know exactly where we are in relation to that. We know which leagues we are playing at a similar level to because were trading players with them.

On a year to year basis were trading players with the Czech League, the Austrian League, the Swedish League, the Finnish League, the Dutch League as obviously we as in the Newcastle Eagles have just done. We are trading players regularly with LEB Gold. That's around about where we are and that tier of leagues is not the worst in Europe and not even close to being so. That's got to give us optimism moving forward.

Clearly Blake recognises there's still a long way to go for The BBL and a lot of work to do to get there but with his forward thinking attitude he can pull people along with him and get their buy-in then there's every reason to be optimistic about the long term future of The British Basketball League.


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URUGUAY

Urunday will play against Goes for the second promotion - by Hector Lopez

Howard Wilkerson (198-F-84, agency: Two Points, college: Wofford) with one minute to play netted a two point shot and Nicolas Alvarez (194-G-92) added a three point shot leading Uruday Universitario to beat Cader 82-79, and the winner will be now playing against Goes for the second promotion to the Uruguayan League 2013. The best of three final serie will begin next Monday. Alvarez scored 18 points, with 4/5 for the three points line, Wilkerson netted 16 and grabbed 10 rfebounds plus 2 blocks and five assists. For Cader Andres Aristimuno scored 25 points and Grady Reynolds (198-F-80, agency: Strategic Sports, college: St.John's) 14 with 9 rebounds 2 blcoks and five assists.



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Women News

SEABL: Three-Peat complete for Rangers - by Eurobasket News

The Dandenong Rangers etched their names into the history books as one of the most dominant teams in the 22 years of SEABL womens competition with a victory over the Knox Raiders in Saturdays Championship final.

It was a third consecutive Championship for the Rangers, a feat never before achieved in the womens competition.

Dandenong began the match looking lethargic, missing their first nine shots and not registering a score for the opening three and a half minutes. But Amelia Todhunter (166-G-88) got the ball rolling for the defending champions, and in addition to a Faith Probst three point play, the Rangers managed led by four late in the first term. This advantage had diminished by quarter time though, and with Amy Denson (186-F-84, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Arizona St.) and Kelly Wilson (170-G-84) finding their range, Knox took a two-point lead into the first break.

The Raiders solid shooting continued into the second term with a three pointer from Cassie Smith opening up an 8-point edge for the Raiders. However, a 10-2 run from Dandenong in the final four minutes silenced the home crowd and tied the match at 26 going into the main break.

The first half had seen Knox play better basketball, but the Rangers were able to find another level when it counted in the third term, and that ultimately proved to be the difference.

Steph Cumming, who had been well held in the opening two quarters, burst through the Knox defense on a number of occasions, finishing with seven points for the period. Alison Downie, who went down with an injury scare in the opening half, also asserted her presence around the basket when the game was there to be won.

At the other end, the Raiders struggled with the heightened pace of the game, managing just 3-13 from the field in the term. The 19-7 quarter blew the game open for Dandenong.

Any hope of a comeback for Knox seemed lost when Steph Cumming hit another three to put the Rangers up by 15 in the opening minute of the fourth. To the Raiders credit, they played out the match, reducing the margin to eight at one stage before the Rangers powered home to a convincing 17-point win.

The Barb Barton medal was awarded to the Rangers point guard, Amelia Todhunter. Todhunter collected 15 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists in an inspirational display of effort and resilience. She was aided by Downie, who finished just short of a double-double with 11 points and 9 rebounds, while Cumming had 14 points on 2-5 shooting from long range.

For Knox, Wilson was the game high scorer with 20 while Denson was the only other Raider to reach double figures, finishing with 13 points, 10 rebounds and 2 steals. Emily Fryters was a monster on the boards, pulling down 14 rebounds, including 6 offensive, but she struggled for 1-9 shooting from the field. Overall, Knox shot an impressive 7-17 from the three-point line and won the rebound count, but their downfall came about from 22 turnovers, which gifted Dandenong 30 points.

Dandenong 65 (Todhunter 15, Cumming 14)

Def

Knox 48 (Wilson 20, Denson 13)

Barbra Barton Medalist for MVP: Amelia Todhunter (Dandenong)
Courtesy of: seabl.com.au


QBL Grand Final Wrap-Up - by Eurobasket News

In Gladstone, the Mackay Meteorettes staged a huge upset over reigning three-time womens QBL champions the Gladstone Power, taking out the match 78-71.

The first quarter saw both teams run the court at a frantic pace, both eager to get ahead on the scoreboard early. Mackay managed to get the lead early but Gladstone answered back on a number of times to keep the margins close. The Meteorettes got the upper hand and finished the quarter with a six-point lead.

The Meteorettes came back into the second quarter and extended their lead, taking advantage of their height under the basket and drawing a number of Gladstone fouls to see them go to the free throw line. The Power were plagued at the basket with many shot attempts going unrewarded, allowing Mackay to get further out in front to go into halftime with a 12 point lead at 46-34.

Gladstone came back from the break fired up and got the quarter off to a positive start, finding the basket early and managing to reduce the deficit and hold it to 10 points for a number of minutes. But they were unable to get the edge over the Mackay shooters, with Kelli Payton and Fiona Mcgrath able to push their teams lead out to 15 points by the end of the third quarter.

The final 10 minutes saw the Power put in a huge effort to put points on the board, with Gladstones core group of Bibby, Neves, Haynes and Hurst managing to secure points, which saw them come from 15 points down to get within four points of Mackay with just two minutes left on the clock. The final two minutes saw both teams make desperate efforts to get the upper hand, but with the Power unable to sink a number of shot attempts and Mackay again capitalizing on fouls at the hands of Gladstone, the Meteorettes were rewarded at the foul line, managing to again extend their lead and end the Gladstone QBL dynasty with the 78-71 point win.

Despite strong performances, the Power were still behind by 15 points at the start of the final quarter but pulled out a huge comeback to bring the margin back to four points with less than two minutes left on the clock.

Rachel Allison shot 22 points, took 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals in the match for Mackay, alongside captain Fiona Mcgrath who put up 16 points, took 14 rebounds, one steal and one block. Jillian Haughton (179-G-92) also had a strong match for the Meteorettes with 10 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and two steals.

Gladstone coach/captain Jessica Bibby (169-G-79) shot a game-high 30 points, shooting at 75 percent from the three point line, and also taking three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Natalie Hurst put up 15 points, took seven rebounds, had 11 assists and two steals, while team-mate Rebecca Haynes was strong on rebounds with 14 boards, seven points, three assists, five steals and three blocks.
Courtesy of: www.qbl.basketball.net.au


WNBL and NBL come together in Australian First - by Eurobasket News

In a first for Australian basketball, the National Basketball League (NBL) and Womens National Basketball League (WNBL) are joining together to kick start their 2012/13 seasons with a combined launch and pre-season tournament in Melbourne this month.

The joint NBL/WNBL tournament launch will tip-off at St Pauls Court, Federation Square in Melbourne at 12:00pm on Thursday 20 September.

Running from 20 23 September at Melbournes Dandenong Stadium, the pre-season tournament will bring together all eight NBL teams and all nine WNBL teams the first time both leagues have ever had all of their teams in the one place, at the one time.

Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Kristina Keneally said basketball was the first major professional sport in Australia to bring all of its teams together in a single venue for a pre-season tournament.

The 2012/2013 combined NBL/WNBL pre-season tournament will be an entirely unique event in Australian sport, Ms Keneally said.

Theres no better time to demonstrate the strength of professional basketball in Australia than now and no better way to do it than by showcasing the continuing growth of both our mens and womens leagues.

Frankly, no other sport in Australia can boast the kind of growth in both a men's and a women's professional league in the way basketball can.

Over the past three seasons, the NBL has increased its average regular season crowd every year with a total growth of 20 per cent in crowds across the league since the 2009/10 season.

In the WNBL, more than 81,000 fans attended games throughout the 2011/12 season up 11.6 per cent on the previous year culminating in the sell-out crowd at the WNBL Grand Final between Dandenong and Bulleen.

Bringing together all of our elite domestic mens and womens athletes in a gathering of the basketball family will demonstrate our motto in action basketball truly is everyones game.

Dandenong Basketball Association Chief Executive Officer Graeme Allen said Dandenong was proud to host yet another world class basketball event.

The combined NBL/WNBL pre-season tournament will give Dandenong locals and Victorian basketball fans alike the chance to experience world class basketball right in their backyard, Mr Allen said.

The Dandenong Basketball Association is home to over 800 domestic teams, including five national teams.

Having the tournament at Dandenong Stadium allows us to bring Australias best to a hotbed of Victorian basketball and will undoubtedly help inspire our next generation of Boomers and Opals.

Both the NBL and WNBL regular seasons commence on October 5.

Pre-Season Tournament information

Tickets for the pre-season tournament are now on sale through the Dandenong Basketball Association and can be booked by calling 03 9794 7192. For further information on ticketing, please visit www.dandenongbasketball.com.au

Each team will play three games during the course of the tournament one preliminary match per day, followed by a graded final on the final day of competition.


NBL Game Schedule

The NBL tournament commences on Thursday, 20 September, concluding on Saturday, September 22.

Thursday
17:30 Adelaide v Wollongong
17:30 Perth v Sydney
19:30 Melbourne v Cairns
19:30 New Zealand v Townsville

Friday
18:00 Adelaide v Sydney
18:00 Cairns v New Zealand
20:00 Melbourne v Perth
20:00 Wollongong v Townsville

Saturday
16:00 8th v 7th
16:00 6th v 5th
18:00 4th v 3rd
20:00 1st v 2nd


WNBL Game Schedule

The WNBL tournament commences on Friday, September 21 and concludes on Sunday, September 23.

Friday
16:00 Bendigo v Townsville
18:00 Adelaide v China-B
18:00 Bulleen v West Coast
20:00 Sydney Uni v Logan
20:00 Dandenong v Canberra

Saturday
16:00 Logan v West Coast
16:00 Townsville v China-B
18:00 Bulleen v Canberra
18:00 Bendigo v Sydney Uni
18:00 Dandenong v Adelaide

Sunday
10:00 9th v 10th
10:00 7th v 8th
10:00 5th v 6th
12:00 3rd v 4th
12:00 1st v 2nd

***Note: China-B has been invited by Basketball Australia to participate in the pre-season tournament only

Courtesy of WNBL Australia


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BRAZIL

Erika de Souza WNBA Watch: - by Mel Devonne

Our beloved Erika De Souza (197-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) has had a busy year with her leading Brasil through tough Olympic play,
and now she is helping a strong Atlanta Dream team hold down a WNBA playoff spot.
Atlanta has just 5 games remaing in the season and are currently in the 3rd spot for a playoff
bid and should be one of the favorites to come out of the eastern conference.
Erika has been solid throughout the second half of the season and even though they lost their
last game Friday night to league leading Minnesota Lyncs 97-93, the Dream are a proven power in the
league even though they are just 1 game over 500 this season at 15-14.
In the lost to Minnesota Lyncs Friday Erika De Souza had 10 points 8 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Erika is schedule to play in the Brasilan national league this year.
By the way, anybody seen Izzy Marques?????? WNBA misses you!!


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CROATIA

Ivona Matic returns to Ragusa Dubrovnik - by Eurobasket News

Ivona Matic (188-F/C-86) is back to Ragusa Dubrovnik for the upcoming season. The Croatian power forward/center signed 1-year deal with her former team. Matic is a product of Ragusa, where she started as teenager and played until 2009. Last season, Ivona Matic spent with Novi Zagreb. They reached Playoff Semifinals and Cup Finals. From January of 2010 until the end of 2010/11 season the PF/C played for Gospic. They won Adriatic and Croatian league titles in 2010. That year Gospic also was Croatian Cup winner. In the past, Matic also played in Slovenia and France. With Merkur Celje she won the Slovenian league title in 2009. The player had 12.4 ppg and 6.3 rpg for 21 games. In 2008, Ivona Matic played for Croatian National Team. She had 4.8 ppg and 3.4 rpg for 5 games in 2009 EuroBasket Qualifications.


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FRANCE

Tarbes inks Joyce Cousseins-Smith - by Eurobasket News

Joyce Cousseins-Smith (165-PG-88) is a new member of Tarbes. The French point guard penned a deal for the upcoming season. Cousseins-Smith supposed to play for Challes, but the team folded earlier this summer. Last season she spent with Arras averaging 7.7 points and 4 rebounds for 25 games in LFB. The player also added 8 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 1.9 apg for 10 EuroCup appearances. They reached EuroCup Quarterfinals. Arras was the LFB Cup winner last season. In 2010/11 Joyce Cousseins-Smith was member of Reze Nantes Basket and with them she also reached EuroCup Quarterfinals. From 2008 to 2010 she was a member of Calais. Coussenis-Smith was named Eurobasket.com All-French LFB Most Improved Player of the Year -10 and also to Eurobasket.com French LFB All-Domestic Players Team -10. In the past, she played for Pays dAix, Union Basket and Montpeiller.


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ISRAEL

ELITZUR HOLON SIGNED KERRI GARDIN.! - by Gil Goshen


Elitzur Holon ( div 1 ) signed today Kerri Gardin.
For Kerri it is going t be the the 4th season in Israel
( 3 seasons in Elitzur Holon ).
2011: Connecticut Sun (WNBA), only pre-season, then signed at Washington Mystics (WNBA): 27 games: 1.6ppg, 2.6rpg
2011-2012: Bnot Hasharon (Israel-D1, starting five): 18 games: 13.4ppg, Reb-5 (10.4rpg), 1.8apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT-2 (47.6%), FT: 80.0%
2012: Washington Mystics (WNBA, starting five).
Elitzur Holon signed also:
Avery Warley, and Jasmine Wynne..


Niki Williams signs with Elizur Netanya - by Eurobasket News

Niki Williams (168-G, college: Hofstra) signs with Elizur Netanya for the next season. The American Guard will debut in Europe.
In 2005-2006 she appeared for Hofstra (NCAA) and averaged 2.5ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.8apg, 1.1spg. In 2006-2007 for Hofstra (NCAA) her stats read 4.6ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.6apg, 2.1spg. In 2007-2008 she improved to 7.5ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.7apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 38.9%, 3Pts: 27.1%, FT: 85.7%, In 2008-2009 Niki showed 5.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.4apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 35.8%, 3Pts: 27.9%, FT: 76.4%.
Niki Williams reached CAA Tournament Semifinals -06, 07 and made it into CAA All-Academic 1st Team -07. Moreover she repeated in 2008 as se was also named into CAAC All-Academic 1st Team. In 2009 Niki was awarded into CAA All-Academic First Team.


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POLAND

CCC Polkowice defeat KK ROW Rybnik in the preseason opener - by Eurobasket News

CCC Polkowice -KK ROW Rybnik 55:40

CCC Polkowice defeat KK ROW Rybnik in the preseason opener. First minutes were great for orange team, after 5 min the team won 10-0. KK ROW Rybnik however was too far to give up and reduced to 15:12 at the end of the first period. Moreover the latter won the second frame 14-9 and grabbed one point advantage at the halftime. CCC Polkowice replied with 15-8 in the third period and never looked behind after. They added 16-6 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Valeriya Berezhynska (193-C-86, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Rice) top-scored for the winners with 16 points, while Laia Palau (178-G-79) netted 13. Puss scored 11 and Magdalena Leciejewska (191-C-86) delivered 8. Walker ended up with 10 points in the losing effort, whilst Leah Metcalf (173-G-83, college: N.Carolina) produced 8. Kulaga and Skorek delivered 6 points each in a loss.
Great matches for new players in the team: Valeriya Berezhynska and Laia Palau, also good job from Magdalena Leciejewska (especially in rebounding) and Puss more than 10 points[NT U18] Polkowice are still without Snell and Ogwumike. For Polkowice Majewska, Musina and Jalcova werent able to play.

CCC: Valeriya Berezhynska 16, Laia Palau 13, Puss 11, Magdalena Leciejewska 8, Dominika Owczarzak (169-PG-94) 4, Mistygacz 3, Hotyn 0.
KK ROW: Walker 10, Leah Metcalf 8, Kuaga 6, Skorek 6, Stelmach 2, Morawiec 2, Chomac 2, abuz 0, Kocon 0, Trofimowa 0.


Gorzow officially add Sybil Dosty - by Eurobasket News

Gorzow officially add Sybil Dosty (191-C-86, college: Arizona St.) to the roster for the upcoming season. After signing Chineze Nwagbo (183-G-82, college: Syracuse), Ariana Moorer (170-G-90), the team also added American player.
Last year Sybil Dosty played for ROW Rybnik. In 2011-2012 for KK ROW Rybnik (Poland-PLKK) she averaged 11.3ppg, Reb-3 (9.7rpg), 1.1apg, FGP: 55.0%, FT: 62.7%.
Dosty already has experience from Europe as she spent the earlier season in Slovakia. She was a member of BK Inpek UKF Nitra averaging 10.9 points, 12.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 2.1 blocks per game. She helped Nitra to reach the Extraliga Semifinals. For her performance Dosty was named Eurobasket.com All-Slovakian Extraliga 2nd Team -11. Sybil Dosty is a product of the Arizona State University. She graduated there two years ago. As a senior Dosty had 8.2 ppg, 6.7 rpg and 1.4 bpg for 35 games.


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PUERTO RICO

Standings - Women BSNF Standings  1. Quebradillas 7-1   2. Morovis M. 6-0   3. Carolina G. 5-2   4. San German 4-2   5. Aguas B.T. 1-5   6. Juncos V. 1-6   7. Ponce L. 0-8  Regular Season: Round 6 Sep. 6: Carolina G. - Aguas B.T. 89-73 Sep. 7: Aguas B.T. - Morovis M. 88-96 Sep. 6: San German - Juncos V. 65-63 Sep. 8: Quebradillas - Carolina G. 59-55 Regular Season: Round 7 Sep. 9: Juncos V. - Aguas B.T. Sep. 11: Morovis M. - Ponce L. Sep. 11: San German - Aguas B.T. Sep. 12: Juncos V. - Quebradillas

Stats Leaders - Superleague 25 PPG RPG APG SPG BPG Points Per Game  Yolanda MARTIN   Aguas B.T.   (180-G-83)   Avg: 25.8  1. Martin, Aguas B.T. 25.8   2. Valentin, Carolina 23.3   3. Werema, Juncos V. 22.7   4. Jones, Carolina G. 18.8   5. Fairweather, Ponce 18.0   6. Bruszewski, Quebra. 17.5   7. Seals, Aguas B.T. 16.5   8. Smith, San German 16.2   9. Williams, San Germ. 15.0   10. Rosado, Morovis M. 14.8  Rebounds Per Game  Yolanda JONES   Carolina G.   (184-F-84)   Avg: 12.8  1. Jones, Carolina G. 12.8   2. Rosario, Ponce L. 12.0   3. Seals, Aguas B.T. 9.8   4. Martin, Aguas B.T. 9.5   5. Gonzalez, San G. 9.0   6. Bruszewski, Quebra. 8.9   7. Werema, Juncos V. 8.3   8. Williams, Morovis 8.2   9. Williams, San Germ. 8.0   10. Pineiro, Morovis 7.8  Assists Per Game  Carla ESCALERA   Morov.   (179-PF-84)   Avg: 3.8  1. Escalera, Morov. 3.8   2. Ruiz, Aguas B.T. 3.7   3. Rodriguez, Carolin. 3.5   4. Figueroa, Morov. 3.4   5. Gonzalez, San G. 3.4   6. Bruszewski, Quebra. 3.4   7. Jones, Carolina G. 3.2   8. Rosado, San German 3.2   9. Fairweather, Ponce 3.1   10. Concepcion, Junc. 3.1  Steals Per Game  Pamela ROSADO   Morovis M.   (165-PG-86)   Avg: 3.8  1. Rosado, Morovis M. 3.8   2. Magee, Carolina G. 3.0   3. Rodriguez, Carolin. 2.7   4. Fairweather, Ponce 2.7   5. Martin, Aguas B.T. 2.5   6. Matthews, Aguas B. 2.5   7. Jones, Carolina G. 2.5   8. De La Paz, Juncos 2.4   9. Lechlitner, Quebra. 2.3   10. Lanza, Juncos V. 2.2  Blocks Per Game  Angelina WILLIAMS   Morovis M.   (183-F/C-83)   Avg: 2.6  1. Williams, Morovis 2.6   2. Rosario, Ponce L. 1.6   3. Werema, Juncos V. 1.4   4. Seals, Aguas B.T. 1.3   5. Placido, Quebradil. 1.3   6. Escalera, Morov. 1.0   7. Bruszewski, Quebra. 1.0   8. Martin, Aguas B.T. 1.0   9. Flores, Ponce L. 0.9   10. Ruiz, Aguas B.T. 0.8

Cynthia Valentin gets MVP of the Round award for Puerto Rican BSNF - by Eurobasket News

Naturalized American shooting guard Cynthia Valentin (174-SG-84, agency: LBM Management) had an amazing evening in the last round for Carolina G. and that's her to receive a Latinbasket.com Player of the Round 6 award.
The 28-year old shooting guard had the game-high 31 points adding three rebounds and four assists for Carolina G. in her team's victory, helping them to crush Aguas B.T. (#5, 1-5) with 16-point margin 89-73. Carolina G. maintains the 3rd position in American BSNF. They would have been even better if they did not have these two lost games earlier in Regular Season. Carolina G. will need more victories to improve their 5-2 record. In the team's last game Valentin had a remarkable 92.9% from 2-point range. She has many years of experience at Carolina G., through which he has constantly improved. Indiana University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Valentin is in league's top in points (2nd best: 24.0ppg) and averages solid 2.2spg,67.4% FGP and 44.4% from behind 3-point line.

The second most remarkable performance in last week's games was 27-year old American swingman Tena Matthews (175-G/F-85) of Aguas B.T.. Matthews impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds. Bad luck as Aguas B.T. lost that game 88-96 to league's leader Morovis M. (#2, 6-0). Aguas B.T. is still second from the bottom in the standings. 5 lost games are too many comparing to just one victory Aguas B.T. managed to get this year. Matthews is a newcomer at Aguas B.T. and it seems she did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. Northwestern State University alumni Matthews played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which is considered top summer league for players who want to play basketball overseas.

The third best performed player last week was another Carolina G.'s star - international Angiely Morales (180-SF-87). Morales showcased her all-around game by recording 28 points, nine rebounds and four assists in the last week. She was another key player of Carolina G., helping her team with a 89-73 easy win against slightly lower-ranked Aguas B.T. (#5, 1-5). Carolina G. needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 5 victories and 2 lost games. Morales has a very solid season. In 5 games in Puerto Rico she scored 11.8ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Dominic Seals (188-F-87) of Aguas B.T. - 19 points and 14 rebounds
5. Dominique Smith (177-G) of San German - 26 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Yolanda Martin (180-G-83) of Aguas B.T. - 23 points and 10 rebounds
7. Yolanda Martin (180-G-83) of Aguas B.T. - 29 points and 5 rebounds
8. Yolanda Jones (184-F-84) of Carolina G. - 24 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Amanda Sepulveda (163-PG) of Morovis M. - 22 points
10. Pamela Rosado (165-PG-86) of Morovis M. - 22 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)


BSNF Round 6: Quebradillas keep a leadership position - by Eurobasket News

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Quebradillas as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Quebradillas defeated 3rd ranked Carolina G. at home 59-55. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Carolina G.. The hosts trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 21-14 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Quebradillas forced 19 Carolina G. turnovers. The best player for the winners was the former international forward Mari Placido (181-87) who had a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds. The former international guard Karen Colon (-77) chipped in 13 points and 7 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was international forward Yolanda Jones (184-84, college: La-Lafayette) who recorded 24 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Defending champion Carolina G. keeps the third place with two games lost. Carolina G. will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest in order to get back on the winning path. Quebradillas will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Juncos V. on the road.
Fourth ranked San German (4-2) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 6th ranked Juncos V. (1-6) 65-63 on Thursday evening. It was a good game for American guard Dominique Smith (177, college: Prairie View A&M) who led her team to a victory with 26 points and 5 rebounds. Michelle Gonzalez contributed with 13 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. American guard Gaati Werema (183-88, college: Prairie View A&M) replied with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds for Juncos V.San German maintains fourth position with 4-2 record. Juncos V. at the other side keeps the sixth place with six games lost. San German will play against Aguas B.T. (#5) in the next round. Juncos V. will play against the league's leader Quebradillas to get more than just one victory in their record.
The game in was also quite interesting. Top-ranked Morovis M. (6-0) played at the court of 5th ranked Aguas B.T. (1-5). Morovis M. managed to secure a 8-point victory 96-88 on Friday. Pamela Rosado scored 22 points and 5 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners. Morovis M.'s coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was Tena Matthews with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds. Undefeated Morovis M. have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 6-0 record behind leader Quebradillas. Loser Aguas B.T. keeps the fifth place with five games lost. Morovis M. will meet at home bottom-ranked Ponce L. (#7) in the next round where they are favorite. Aguas B.T. will play against San German and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Local Carolina G. (5-2) beat 5th ranked Aguas B.T. (1-5) 89-73. Angiely Morales notched 28 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort. Carolina G.'s coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Defending champion maintains third position with 5-2 record having just three points less than leader Quebradillas. Aguas B.T. at the other side keeps the fifth place with five games lost. Carolina G. will have a break next round. Aguas B.T. will play against San German (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

The best stats of 6th round was 31 points and 4 assists by Cynthia Valentin (174-SG-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Indiana) of Carolina G..


Quebradillas - Carolina G. 59-55
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Quebradillas as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Quebradillas defeated 3rd ranked Carolina G. at home 59-55. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Carolina G.. The hosts trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 21-14 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Quebradillas forced 19 Carolina G. turnovers. The best player for the winners was the former international forward Mari Placido (181-87) who had a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds. The former international guard Karen Colon (-77) chipped in 13 points and 7 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was international forward Yolanda Jones (184-84, college: La-Lafayette) who recorded 24 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international Cynthia Valentin (174-84, college: Indiana, agency: LBM Management) added 20 points and 8 rebounds respectively. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Defending champion Carolina G. keeps the third place with two games lost. Carolina G. will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest in order to get back on the winning path. Quebradillas will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Juncos V. on the road.
Top scorers:
Quebradillas: M.Placido 15+10reb+3ast, K.Colon 13+7reb+2ast, M.Lechlitner 11+4reb+3ast, B.Bruszewski 8+6reb+2ast, C.Centeno 6+3reb+4ast, Y.Cabrera 4+7reb+2ast
Carolina G.: Y.Jones 24+8reb+4ast, C.Valentin 20+8reb+1ast, A.Morales 4+8reb, T.Magee 4+6reb+1ast, S.Roman 3+1reb+3ast, R.Rodriguez 0+9reb+5ast

gschID: 187189

Carolina G. - Aguas B.T. 89-73
Local Carolina G. (5-2) beat 5th ranked Aguas B.T. (1-5) 89-73. The game was mostly controlled by Carolina G.. Aguas B.T. was better in third quarter 24-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Carolina G. dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Aguas B.T.'s 44. They outrebounded Aguas B.T. 48-32 including 33 on the defensive glass. Carolina G. players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists. International Angiely Morales (180-87) notched 28 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and the former international Cynthia Valentin (174-84, college: Indiana, agency: LBM Management) supported her with 31 points and 4 assists (on 14-of-17 shooting from the field). Carolina G.'s coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds by American guard Yolanda Martin (180-83, college: Brewton Parker) did not help to save the game for Aguas B.T.. Her fellow American import forward Dominic Seals (188-87, college: Texas Tech) added 13 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Defending champion maintains third position with 5-2 record having just three points less than leader Quebradillas. Aguas B.T. at the other side keeps the fifth place with five games lost. Carolina G. will have a break next round. Aguas B.T. will play against San German (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Carolina G.: C.Valentin 31+3reb+4ast, A.Morales 28+9reb+4ast, Y.Jones 18+11reb+4ast, R.Rodriguez 7+13reb+4ast, T.Magee 4+5reb+4ast, E.Gonzalez 1+1reb+1ast
Aguas B.T.: Y.Martin 23+10reb+1ast, F.Lee Flores 15+7reb+2ast, D.Seals 13+7reb+5ast, J.Quiles 8+2reb+3ast, T.Matthews 7+3reb+3ast, A.Johnson 5+4ast

gschID: 187186

San German - Juncos V. 65-63
Fourth ranked San German (4-2) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 6th ranked Juncos V. (1-6) 65-63 on Thursday evening. It looked good early as Juncos V. took an 3-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then San German had a 14-9 second period charge getting the lead and Juncos V. was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 63-65. It was a good game for American guard Dominique Smith (177, college: Prairie View A&M) who led her team to a victory with 26 points and 5 rebounds. The former international guard Michelle Gonzalez (167-89, college: FIU) contributed with a double-double by scoring 13 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. American guard Gaati Werema (183-88, college: Prairie View A&M) replied with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds and guard Barbara Concepcion (173) added 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Juncos V.San German maintains fourth position with 4-2 record. Juncos V. at the other side keeps the sixth place with six games lost. San German will play against Aguas B.T. (#5) in the next round. Juncos V. will play against the league's leader Quebradillas to get more than just one victory in their record.
Top scorers:
San German: D.Smith 26+5reb+2ast, M.Gonzalez 13+10reb+4ast, S.Rosado 10+6reb+1ast, E.Williams 7+10reb+4ast, Z.Gonzalez 6+14reb+2ast, Z.Sanchez 3+3reb
Juncos V.: G.Werema 17+11reb+3ast, B.Concepcion 14+5reb+4ast, E.Vargas-Sanchez 11+8reb+3ast, S.Roman 8+12reb+1ast, T.De La Paz 5+2reb+1ast, E.Williams 4+8reb+1ast

gschID: 187187

Aguas B.T. - Morovis M. 88-96
The game in was also quite interesting. Top-ranked Morovis M. (6-0) played at the court of 5th ranked Aguas B.T. (1-5). Morovis M. managed to secure a 8-point victory 96-88 on Friday. The guests trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 7-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 96-88. Morovis M. looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. International point guard Pamela Rosado (165-86) scored 22 points and 5 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and American point guard Amanda Sepulveda (163, college: Rider) chipped in 22 points (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) during the contest. Five Morovis M. players scored in double figures. Morovis M.'s coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was American swingman Tena Matthews (175-85, college: Northwestern St.) with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds and her fellow American import guard Yolanda Martin (180-83, college: Brewton Parker) scored 29 points and 5 rebounds. Morovis M. have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 6-0 record behind leader Quebradillas. Loser Aguas B.T. keeps the fifth place with five games lost. Morovis M. will meet at home bottom-ranked Ponce L. (#7) in the next round where they are favorite. Aguas B.T. will play against San German and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Morovis M.: P.Rosado 22+5reb+2ast, A.Sepulveda 22+1reb+1ast, C.Escalera 13+5reb+4ast, A.Williams 12+8reb+1ast, K.Rodriguez 12+4reb+3ast, S.Pineiro 8+5reb+3ast
Aguas B.T.: Y.Martin 29+5reb, T.Matthews 23+10reb+1ast, D.Seals 19+14reb+1ast, G.Quinones 8+3reb+2ast, A.Johnson 4+2reb, F.Lee Flores 3+3reb+2ast


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SCOTLAND

Standings - Women National League Standings  1. Edinburgh KK 1-0   2. St.Mirren RKC 1-0   3. Glasgow Rocks 0-0   4. Polonia Phoenix 0-0   5. Tayside 0-0   6. Clark Eriksson 0-1   7. Pentland Star 0-1  Regular Season: Round 1 Sep. 8: Edinburgh KK - Clark Eriksson 73-62 Sep. 9: St.Mirren RKC - Pentland Star 63-42 Regular Season: Round 2 Sep. 16: Glasgow Rocks - St.Mirren RKC Sep. 16: Pentland Star - Polonia Phoenix Sep. 15: Clark Eriksson - Tayside

The start of the 2012/2013 season - by Eurobasket News

St Mirren Reid Kerr College and City of Edinburgh Kool Kats started the season 2012/2013 with the victories. St Mirren Reid Kerr College SW overcame Pentland Star SW 63:42, while City of Edinburgh Kool Kats SW beat Clark Eriksson Fury SW 73:62.
The next games will be played on September 15-16th.


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SERBIA

Jelena Budimir signs with Galatasaray - by Tamara Ruzic


Jelena Budimir (192-C/F-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Bethel, TN) will play for a turkish club Galatasaray M.P. from Instanbul . Serbian center panned a 2 months deal for the upcoming season, with a possibility to extend the contract.
Last season Budimir played 19 games with DKSK from Hungary, averaging 6.1 points and 6.2 rebounds. From 2005-2009, Budimir played for Bethel College ( NAIA ) where she averaged 8.7 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. The player also played for 2 years for Bajai NKK ( Hungary A, starting five), Radnicki, Cubura and Red Star from Belgrade.


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WBCBL

Columbus Hidden Gems sending 5 Players to Sweden for 2012-2013 Season! - by Lucius Jones

The Columbus Hidden Gems have been a Nationally Ranked team in 3 of their 4 years of play in the ultra-competitive NorthEast Region of the WBCBL. During this 4 year stretch, the Hidden Gems have assisted many players in Professional Placement with various teams across the world. 2009 (5 Hidden Gems +1 other Player), 2010 (5 Hidden Gems), 2011 (6 Hidden Gems). 2012-2013 is no different as the Columbus Hidden Gems have already matched their best year of Placement with 5 Hidden Gems and 1 other Player all placed in Sweden's Top Division:

* Jeannie Saunders (5'8''-G-86, college: Salem Intern.)/Umea - Former Swedish Leading Scorer & Import of the Year, Saunders will be expected to be a main source of production for Umea this year. Fresh off a 16ppg 5apg 5rpg 3spg 1bpg season in the NorthEast Region of the WBCBL, Jeannie looks to be back to her former Regional MVP & Natl 1st Team level of play.

* Brittany Smart (5'9''-G-85, college: Cedarville)/Kvarnby - Leading Scorer at Cedarville, in Belgium, and in Sweden as well. After scoring 19ppg with 5rpg 5apg 2spg on 48%FG and an awesome 52%3pt, Brittany most certainly looks like a Smart bet to be back atop Sweden's statistical charts.

* Michele Miller (5'11''-G-85, college: Xavier)/Visby - Double figure scorer at Xavier and 3rd leading scorer on the Columbus Hidden Gems with 12ppg 5rpg 48%FG 42%3pt 92%FT. Miller Time will have the clock ticking immediately with expectations to keep pace with the guards above and more. Michele seems totally ready for the task at hand.

* Crystal Murdaugh (6'0''-G/F, college: N.Carolina A&T)/Umea - 3yr D1 Starter and versatile, all around talent, Crystal Murdaugh looks to be the final piece to a Championship push being made by Umea. A defensive stopper who also is a more than capable scorer in the paint and out to 15ft. Her Professional debut looks to be a good one.

* Ashleigh Brown (6'0''-F/G-87, college: Miami, OH)/Kvarnby - Swedish rebounding machine has relocated from one team to another and looks to be a key factor in the team goals of ascension in the rankings. Expect the 14ppg 11rpg versatile Brown to have a big season this year after lots of hard work to expand her game.

* Taylor Wencis of the Dallas Lady Diesel is yet another player who is now on her way to her Professional debut, also with the Visby Ladies. The point guard with supreme shooting skills will be given the opportunity to excel in each category right away.

* 2013 WBCBL recruit, Cobilyn Hill (6'3''-C-89) has signed onto the Visby Ladies as well. The post player will be a load to deal with underneath the basket in Sweden in her Pro debut.

Look for more information on WBCBL and/or Hidden Gems players being placed OverSeas and status reports on the production of all of the WBCBL Professionals abroad.


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WNBA

Standings WNBA Standings Eastern  1. Connecticut S. 21-8   2. Indiana F. 19-9   3. Atlanta D. 16-14   4. New York L. 12-17   5. Chicago S. 11-17   6. Washington M. 6-24  Western  1. Minnesota L. 24-4   2. L.Angeles S. 19-11   3. S.Antonio SS 17-11   4. Seattle S. 14-14   5. Phoenix M. 7-21   6. Tulsa S. 6-22  Regular Season: Round 34 Sep. 9: Atlanta D. - Washington M. 93-68 Sep. 9: Indiana F. - Phoenix M. 89-83 Sep. 9: Connecticut S. - Chicago S. 82-77 Sep. 9: New York L. - L.Angeles S. 73-71 Sep. 9: S.Antonio SS - Minnesota L. 62-81 Regular Season: Round 35 Sep. 11: Atlanta D. - Seattle S. Sep. 11: Chicago S. - Minnesota L. Sep. 12: New York L. - Washington M. Sep. 12: Indiana F. - Seattle S. Sep. 12: Tulsa S. - S.Antonio SS Sep. 12: Phoenix M. - Connecticut S.

Latest games: Storm bests Shock again - by Eurobasket News

Tulsa S. - Seattle S. 66-89
Two nights after losing by 27 points at Seattle, the Tulsa Shock suffered a repeat performance on Saturday night in an 89-66 loss to the Storm at the BOK Center. "They're (Seattle) really good and they've got at least four Hall-of-Fame-level players in their lineup," Shock head coach Gary Kloppenburg (agency: Warren Sports International) said. "This is the one team that we haven't been close to." After trailing 20-15 at the end of the first quarter, Riquna Williams registered an old-fashioned three-point play to cut the deficit to 20-18, but the Shock was unable to get any closer. Camille Little promptly responded with nine straight points to give the Storm a double-digit lead. Little had 11 points in the quarter on her way to a season-high 28. The Shock would get no closer than eight points the remainder of the quarter. "You can't shoot 33 percent and they shoot 58 percent and expect to win," Kloppenburg said. Tulsa (6-22) was outrebounded 38-27 and was also outscored 40-24 in the paint. "I thought in the second half we got pretty good shots, but we missed some inside layups and we just couldn't get anything going," Kloppenburg said. Seattle (13-14) took a 67-54 lead into the half and never let its lead drop below double-digits. Ivory Latta, who had just two points in the first half, aggressively scored Tulsa's first six points of the third quarter to keep Seattle from pulling away. The Storm built its lead to 60-42 in the third, but Scholanda Dorrell rattled off five consecutive points to keep Tulsa alive. A 3-pointer by Tulsa's Jennifer Lacy early in the fourth trimmed the lead to 12, but an 11-0 run by Seattle sealed the game. Williams and Latta paced the Shock with 11 points apiece while Roneeka Hodges chipped in 10. Sue Bird (5'9''-PG-80, college: Connecticut) (11) and Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) (10) finished in double figures for the Storm. Tulsa will host San Antonio on Wednesday with tip-off set for 7 p.m. *Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

New York L. - Chicago S. 83-92
The Liberty doesn't need an epiphany to realize its current state -- on the outside looking in on the playoff chase. The Sky's Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G-88, college: Rutgers) put them there. The former Rutgers star scored 30 points and Chicago never trailed in a 92-83 win over the Liberty at Prudential Center on Friday night. Chicago moved a half-game ahead of the Liberty for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with six games to play. The Sky (11-16) also earned a season split with the Liberty (11-17), meaning if the teams are tied at the end of the season, the postseason tiebreaker will be conference record. The Liberty is 8-12 against the East and Chicago is 7-12. One saving grace for the Liberty is that four of its final six games are against last-place teams Washington and Tulsa. Prince hit three fourth-quarter three-pointers to give the Sky a 10-point lead with 4:15 to play. Prince was 5-for-10 from three-point range, including a four-point play to open the scoring. "We started right from the beginning not guarding them and that carried right through," said Liberty coach John Whisenant, who received a technical foul in the second quarter. "We just didn't defend them and that led to too many easy baskets." The Liberty's 8-0 run, capped by Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) 's three-pointer, made it 58-55 at the 4:04 mark of the third quarter and prompted a Chicago timeout. But the Sky answered with a 7-0 run to push the lead back to 10. Pondexter had 24 points. Prince hit a jumper as the shot clock expired, then Tamera Young (6'2''-G-86, college: JMU) (19 points) hit an elbow jumper to make it 69-58 with 23.9 seconds left in the third. The Liberty never cut the lead to below seven in the fourth quarter. Kara Braxton (6'6''-C-83, college: Georgia) did her best to keep the Liberty in the game in the first half, scoring nine of her 13 points in the second quarter. But Prince's layup with 1.4 seconds left in the half gave Chicago a 46-41 lead at the break. Courtesy of www.newsday.com

S.Antonio SS - Indiana F. 78-82
Tamika Catchings (6'1''-SF-79, college: Tennessee) had 26 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Indiana Fever to an 82-78 victory over the San Antonio Silver Stars on Friday night. Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) added 18 points, Briann January (5'8''-PG-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Arizona St.) had 12 and Shavonte Zellous 11 for the Fever (18-9), who moved 1 1/2 games behind first-place Connecticut in the Eastern Conference. Becky Hammon (5'9''-PG-77, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Colorado St.) had 15 points to lead San Antonio (17-10), which lost its second straight at home after winning their previous nine at the AT&T Center. Shameka Christon, Sophia Young and Jia Perkins each had 13 points for the Silver Stars. The Fever made all 15 of their free throw attempts in the final quarter to rally from a five-point deficit. The Silver Stars took only three free throws in the quarter, with Perkins missing the second of three after being fouled on a 3-point attempt. Courtesy of www.sacbee.com

Washington M. - L.Angeles S. 68-96
Candace Parker (6'4''-C-86, college: Tennessee) and Kristi Toliver (5'7''-PG-87, college: Maryland) scored 18 points each as the Los Angeles Sparks snapped a three-game skid with a 96-68 victory over the Washington Mystics on Friday night. Former Mystics star Alana Beard (5'11''-G/F-82, college: Duke) added 16 points for the Sparks (20-9), who swept the two-game season series against Washington. Los Angeles, which has already clinched a playoff berth and remains in second place in the Western Conference, finishes its five-game road trip Sunday against New York. "We needed it," Beard said. "This was a great game to get back on track with and sort of get back to basic and do the little things that we've been doing all season." Monique Currie (6'0''-G/F-83, college: Duke) scored 16 points for the Mystics (5-23), who lost their season-high seventh straight. Jasmine Thomas added 15 points for Washington, which was outscored 197-138 in its two losses to Los Angeles. The Sparks outrebounded the Mystics 39-29 and shot 62 percent from the floor (39 of 63) compared to the Mystics' 36 percent (25 of 69). Parker also had nine rebounds and eight assists. "They share the ball and they run everything through Candace Parker," Mystics coach Trudi Lacy said. "It's a tough loss. They have a lot of weapons." Los Angeles led by 19 in the second quarter before settling for a 54-39 halftime lead. A 15-2 run stretched it to 34-20 early in the second, DeLisha Milton-Jones' corner 3-pointer later pushed it to 45-30, and Toliver hit back-to-back jumpers to make it 51-32. Mystics guard Shannon Bobbitt hit a 38-foot bank shot at the halftime buzzer. It was more of the same in the second half, with the lead growing to 83-56 early in the fourth quarter. Beard, making her first visit to the Verizon Center since signing with the Sparks in the offseason, received a loud ovation from the crowd in pregame introductions. The four-time WNBA All Star, selected by the Mystics in the first round of the 2004 draft, played six seasons in Washington before foot and ankle injuries forced her to miss the entire 2010 and 2011 seasons. "I have a home here, and this is where I've been for eight years," Beard said. "It's a comfortable environment. Seeing familiar faces and coming back here and playing for the fans, I felt like they were our fans." Courtesy of www.chron.com

Connecticut S. - Phoenix M. 82-91
DeWanna Bonner (6'4''-G-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Auburn) was determined not to let the Phoenix Mercury get embarrassed for the second straight game. Bonner had 35 points and seven rebounds to lead the Mercury past the Eastern Conference-leading Connecticut Sun 91-82 on Friday night. Diana Taurasi (6'0''-SG-82, college: Connecticut) scored 16 minutes in just 18 minutes, and Krystal Thomas (6'5''-C-89, college: Duke) had 16 rebounds -- including seven on the offensive end -- for the Mercury (7-20), who were coming off a 28-point loss to the New York Liberty two nights earlier. "It was a tough night in New York," said Bonner, who shot 12 for 23 from the field, including 6 for 11 on 3-pointers. "Losing by (almost) 40 will kind of motivate any team. I had to do better." Renee Montgomery (5'7''-PG-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) had 25 points for Connecticut (20-8) and Tina Charles added 18. The Sun's loss, coupled with Indiana's 82-78 win at San Antonio, cut their lead over the second-place Fever to 1 games. It was Connecticut's second-straight home loss, and dropped them to 9-5 at Mohegan Sun Arena this season after going 15-2 here a year ago. "We have an opportunity with two games at home here (this weekend) to build some momentum before we go out on the road," Connecticut's Kara Lawson said. "What's the point of securing home-court (in the playoffs) if you can't win at home? "The brand of basketball we're playing right now, we can't win in the playoffs because we don't have the focus and the execution that's necessary right now. It's in us. The wheels aren't falling off, but this was disappointing." Phoenix, which finished with a 45-21 rebounding edge, scored the game's first seven points and never trailed. The Mercury led 73-52 with more than 2 minutes left in the third quarter. Bonner made five straight shots in the first quarter, including two 3s, to push Phoenix ahead 22-14. The Mercury made 12 of 19 field goals (63 percent) in the first period. Phoenix pushed its lead to 37-18 with more than 6 minutes left in the first half when Montgomery shot her team back into the game. She made three straight 3s, two of which she was fouled and completed four-point plays. Lawson followed with her own 3 as Connecticut closed its deficit to 42-32. The Sun got as close as 47-40 with under a minute on Montgomery's two free throws. However, Taurasi hit a jumper with 26.7 seconds left, and Bonner was fouled by Montgomery while shooting a 3 with 2.1 seconds remaining and made all three free throws to give the Mercury a 52-40 lead at the break "My teammates did a great job of screening and putting the ball in the perfect spot for me," Bonner said. "Before the game, me and (Phoenix coach) Corey (Gaines) talked a little bit about just shooting the ball and being aggressive." Taurasi and Bonner each made a 3 to start the second half. Thomas made the first of two free throws as Phoenix went ahead, 59-40, with more than 8 minutes left in the third quarter. Connecticut pulled to 83-76 with more than 4 minutes left in the fourth. Charde Houston missed a 3 for Phoenix, but Thomas grabbed the offensive rebound. Moments later, Houston made a driving layup to give the Mercury an 85-76 edge with more than 3 minutes remaining. Courtesy of ESPN

Minnesota L. - Atlanta D. 97-93 2OT
Maya Moore (6'0''-SG-89, college: Connecticut) scored 19 of her 23 points after the break, Seimone Augustus had 12 of her 14 points in the second half before leaving with an ankle injury, and Taj McWilliams-Franklin (6'3''-C-70, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: St.Edward's) made a key jumper and two big defensive plays in the second overtime to help the Lynx outlast the Dream 97-93 Friday night. ''I was really appreciative at halftime that they weren't going to quit,'' Reeve said - ''Not a thing went our way in the first half and we were determined to make our breaks in the second half.'' Instead of folding and playing frustrated, the Lynx defended and attacked after the break, and matched the biggest comeback in WNBA history en route to their 10th straight win. The second half was an example of why defending champion Minnesota (23-4) has the best record in the WNBA - they got production up and down their roster. McWilliams-Franklin finished with 15 points, Rebekkah Brunson also scored 15 and had 14 of her 18 rebounds after the break, and Wiggins added 11 points, including two big 3-pointers late in regulation and overtime. ''We never panicked which is really good to see,'' Moore said. ''Usually what it comes down to is effort and focus. We had to work harder and harder and harder and know that the other team has to break at some point. ''I'm just so proud of this team with how we responded. Our hearts don't quit and we were able to pull out a big win.'' Angel McCoughtry scored 30 points to lead the Dream (15-14) while Lindsey Harding added 23. Atlanta has now lost eight straight to Minnesota, including a 3-0 sweep in the Finals a year ago. Augustus did not play the final possession of regulation or in the overtime periods after suffering a right ankle injury. Augustus stayed on the bench and was able to stand on the ankle, but walked with a limp.