EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/12/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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  ACPBL   



Change of name for the ACPBL - by Gianni Pascucci

League Commissioner Brian Graham has just communicated to Usbasket.com that he has officially ceased operations of the ACPBL and has begun to proceed with APBL ( American Professional Basketball League). The new APBL season kicks off October 27th in New York City. The new website link will be www.theapbl.com


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  ALBANIA   


Belgium rout Albania to reach EuroBasket - by Eurobasket News

Albania - Belgium 46:82

Belgium eased past Albania in Tirana tonight. The victory propelled them to 5-3 record in the third position in Group E. It was just enough to advance to 2013 EuroBasket. Maxime De Zeeuw (205-PF-87) posted 20 points and 10 rebounds to lead the visitors.
Belgium started strong. They grabbed a 21:11 lead ten minutes into the game. Belgium stretched the gap in the second frame. They ensured a 41:24 halftime advantage. The visitors stayed dominant throughout the second half. They entered the final period up by 22 points and never looked back on the way to the victory. Sam Van Rossom (188-PG-86) accounted for 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, while Beye Tabu-Eboma (184-SG-85) added 11 points for Belgium. Klaudio Ndoja (198-SG-85) answered with 14 points for Albania. Gerti Shima (202-PF-86) had 10 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Albania: Klaudio Ndoja 14, Gerti Shima 10
Belgium: Maxime De Zeeuw 20+10 boards, Sam Van Rossom 17, Beye Tabu-Eboma 11


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  ARGENTINA   


TNA 2012/13 rosters: North group - by Facundo Iatzky

Alvear villa angela: Javier Ledesma (188-G-81), Ignacio Fernandez (195-F-81), Sebastian Bernasconi, Lautaro Fraga (181-PG-92), Martin Cequeira, Pablo Fernandez (198-G/F-82), Facundo Ortega, Ricardo Centeno (204-C-79), Federico Aldama, Robert Brown (195-F-80, college: Buffalo)

San isidro: Andres Mariani (188-F-87), Felipe Pais (185-G-90), Marcos Jovanovich, Agustin Lozano, Mateo Silveira, Martin Muller, Facundo Pinero (200-F-88), Eduardo Vassirani, DeVaughn Lamont (208-F-84, college: CS Monterey) , German Sciutto (190-F-78), Agustin Blasi, Gaston Giuliano, Gaston cordoba, Gonzalo Roldan

Echague: David Oviedo, Sergio Ravina, Leonardo La Bella (180-G-86), Andres Landoni (205-C/F-90), Jonathan Maldonado (188-G-90), Sebastian Uranga (200-F/C-89), Kevin Jerez, Aaron Williams (203-C/F-83, college: W.Chester), Rodrigo Haag, Fabricio Cosolito (197-F-93), Ayan Carvalho (192-G-97)

Estudiantes concordia: Pablo Moya (206-C-83), Eduardo Gamboa, Pablo Osores, Matias Fioretti (199-G/F-84), Leonardo Peralta (204-C-85), Facundo Sucatzky (175-PG-72), Lee Roberts (201-F/C-87, college: Findlay, OH), Alejo Montes, Sebastian Orresta, Franco Arroniz, Joaquin Gaztambide

Instituto cordoba: Adrian Forastieri, Agustin Rossi, Pablo Bruna, Juan Gallo (197-F-87), Emiliano Martina (200-C/F-83), Ignacio Alessio, Decorey Young (201-F-85, college: Cumberland), Lucas Martina (201-C-80), Juan Giaveno (175-PG-92), Lucas Gonzalez, Martin Cabrera, Federico Lardies (93), Sergio Rupil

La union colon: Mariano Mazzini (193-F-81), Brian Diaz, Jorge Chahab, Leopoldo Ibanez, Sebastian Taffarel (197-F-87), Fabricio Pizzola, Ezequiel Dentis (206-C-82), Mauro Rotschy, Pablo Perez (202-F/C-92), Scott Rodgers (191-G, college: Drexel), Pablo Bilat, Joaquin Caceres (190-F-94)

Obera TC: Martin Maximiliano (189-G-90), Pablo Rizzo, Joaquin Tuero, Emiliano Agostino, Jose Fabio (200-F-77), Damian Palacios, Tantos Luciano (185-G-88), Lucas Arn (197-F-89), Federico Oggero, Jason Blair (201-F/C-79, college: San Diego)

San martin corrientes: Gordon James (198-F-79, college: Bridgeport), Bruno Oprandi (192-G-85), Ramiro Iglesias (186-G-90), Patricio Rodriguez (193-F-84), Agustin Carnovale, Miguel Isola, Ivan Basualdo, Santiago Gonzalez (203-C-83), Mateo Bolivar, Lucas Chavez (186-G-94), Emilio Vallegos, Nicanor Barrios, Lautaro Baez, Nelson Barzelk

Sarmiento resistencia: Anthony Glover (197-F-79, college: St.John's), Michael Robinson (198-F-76, college: Purdue), Gustavo Mascaro, Fabian Elias Saad (190-G-83), Julio Ruiz, Ricardo Busciglio (185-G-86), Franco Giulietti (202-C-90), Oscar Arce, Emiliano Basabe, Federico Herrera (197-F-93), Ezequiel Martinez

Union sunchales: Milton Vittar (185-G-91), Franco Scarafia (197-F-91), Bruno Ingrata (201-F/C-85), Federico Radavero, Juan Gandoy (184-G-82), Sebastian Porta, Pablo Moldu, Brian Egwuatu (199-F-86, college: USC Aiken), Ignacio Boggiato, Franco Tossello, Matias Borda, Matias Loro


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  AUSTRIA   


Croatia leave Austria without EuroBasket - by Eurobasket News

Croatia - Austria 78:74

Croatia finished their 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round campaign on a high note. They knocked down Austria to improve at 8-0 record on top of Group C. Austria entered the game having a slim hope of qualifying. However they needed the victory that never came. Roko-Leni Ukic (196-PG-84) posted 16 points to lead the hosts to the win in Crikvenica.
Croatia set the tone early in the game. They recorded a 24:17 lead ten minutes into the clash. The hosts stayed in control throughout the second frame. Croatia built a 44:32 halftime lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the third frame. Croatia remained in charge leading by 12 points at the final intermission. Austria narrowed the gap at just three points with under five minutes remaining. But Roko-Leni Ukic scored quick four points and Croatia ran away for good. Darko Planinic (211-C-90) posted 14 points, while Bojan Bogdanovic (203-SG-89) added 13 points in the victory. Jason Detrick (195-SF-80, college: Oklahoma) answered with 19 points for Austria. Rasid Mahalbasic (208-C-90) had 16 points in the loss.

Croatia: Roko-Leni Ukic 16, Darko Planinic 14, Bojan Bogdanovic 13
Austria: Jason Detrick 19, Rasid Mahalbasic 16


UBC St. Polten participated at the International Tournament - by Eurobasket News

UBC St. Polten participated at the International Tournament of Tyrsuv Cup. The team played four games and unfortunately lost all of them.
In Day 1 Dresden Titans outscored UBC St. Polten 79:66. The latter led 44:43 at the halftime but could not win the game.
In Day 2 Chemnitz Niners outscored Dresden Titans 88:74. The team also beat UBC St. Polten 90:76. The Austrian team started with 21:18 in the first period and led 5 points at the halftime. The third quarter was decisive in the game as the German side grabbed 59:52 after thirty minutes. They increased to 14 points due to the last period. Takumi Ishizaki (188-PG-84) stepped up with 20 points and John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.) had 17. Blanchard Obiango (202-F-88) nailed 16 and Schmidt posted 13. Nenad Milosevic (190-G-83) replied with 20 points in the losing effort and Toni delivered 17.
SLUNETA Usti nad Labem won over UBC St. Polten 82:73. Nenad Milosevic scored 17 points in defeat and THOMAS Csebitz added 11.
In Day 3 BC Kolin overcame UBC St. Polten 80:61.


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  AZERBAIJAN   


Germany deny EuroBasket hope for Azerbaijan - by Eurobasket News

Germany - Azerbaijan 81:68

Germany recorded the eighth straight win in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They held off visiting Azerbaijan to clinch the top spot in Group B. Azerbaijan had to win the game to hope for EuroBasket qualification but came up short of their goal. Tim Ohlbrecht (210-F/C-88) tallied 11 points and 11 rebounds for the winners.
Azerbaijan eked out a 22:21 lead after ten minutes of action. Germany surged ahead in the second frame. They posted a 43:39 halftime lead. The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the third quarter. Staiger capped it with a three-pointer as Germany established a 58:54 lead. Staiger, Jagla and Schaffartzik made it 70:60 for Germany midway through the fourth term. Soon the margin grew at 14-point mark and the visitors could not recover. Philipp Schwethelm (201-SF-89, agency: Pro One Sports) and Robin Benzing (209-SF-89) finished with 11 points each for the hosts. Charles Davis (205-C-84, college: Alabama) responded with 25 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for Azerbaijan. Zaur Pashayev (188-G-83) netted 14 points in the loss.

Germany: Tim Ohlbrecht 11+11 boards, Philipp Schwethelm 11, Robin Benzing 11
Azerbaijan: Charles Davis 25, Zaur Pashayev 14


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  BALKAN LEAGUE   


Young forward Dimitar Dimitrov joins Levski - by Eurobasket News

Levski added another player for the upcoming season. Their new member is Bulgarian U20 National Team forward Dimitar Dimitrov (202-F-93, agency: Interperformances). He is back to the country after few years in Italy. Dimitrov shined at U20 EuroBasket Division B this summer with 12.4 ppg, 11.4 rpg and 2.8 apg for 5 games. He helped Bulgaria to reach the Semifinals. However, they failed to Croatia 79-85 in that game and after that lost to Israel 67-101 in the battle for bronze medal. Dimitar Dimitrov helped U18 Bulgarian NT to win the gold medal at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Varna, 2011. There he had 12.9 ppg and 7.6 rpg for 7 games. Bulgaria won the promotion for Division A at this event. In the past, he won gold and bronze medal with U16 Bulgaria. This summer Dimitar Dimitrov played for Bulgarian 3x3 team at FIBA 3x3 World Championship in Greece.


National Team guard Chavdar Kostov stays with Levski - by Eurobasket News

Great news for Levski Sofia fans. National Team guard Chavdar Kostov (195-SG-88, agency: Interperformances) decided to stay with the club for the upcoming season. Kostov averages 16.4 points and 5.3 rebounds after 8 games in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications this summer. The player started last season with Greek Kavala. He appeared 25 times in A1 registering 6 ppg and 2.8 rpg. After that Kostov moved to Levski, where he added 12.8 ppg and 5.1 rpg for 9 NBL games. In 2010/11 Chavdar Kostov also played for Kavala. Before that he spent six years with Lukoil Academik. In the past, Kostov played for Levski Sofia youth teams. He is active member of the Bulgarian NT since 2009. Last summer in Lithuania the guard had 5.4 ppg and 1.8 rpg for 5 games.


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  BELARUS   


BK Minsk-2006 lands John Edwards and Jon Kreft - by Eurobasket News

BK Minsk-2006 officially announced signing of John Edwards (213-C-81, college: Kent St.) and Jon Kreft (213-F/C-86, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) for the upcoming season.
John Edwards arrives to his new club from PGE Turow. He appeared 23 times in Polish league last season averaging 6.9 points and 2.2 rebounds. The player also added 7.2 ppg and 4.7 rpg for 6 EuroCup games. Before PGE Turow, Edwards spent some time in Puerto Rico, NBA D-League, Greece and Ukraine. He also played 2 years in the NBA as a member of Indiana Pacers (from 2004 to 2006). In their second season together Edwards had 1.8 ppg and 1.2 rpg in 40 games.
Jon Kreft heads to BK Minsk-2006 for his first season as a pro. He graduated few months ago at the Florida State University. The center had 2.8 ppg and 2.3 rpg for 35 games as a senior. Florida State was ACC Tournament winner this year, while in 2011 they reached NCAA Sweet 16.


Belarus roll over Portugal in Minsk - by Eurobasket News

Belarus-Portugal 77:64

Belarus roll over Portugal in Minsk in their last game of the EuroBasket Qualification Round. The team finished with 2-6 record, while Portugal ended up without victories.
Portugal managed to score the first six points in the game. Belarus however won the first period 21:15 and led 6 points at the halftime. Cunha nailed three to give Portugal 43:41 lead early in the third period, while Lashkevich scored for 54:51 at the end of the third period. The hosts later made the final push to seal the last victory at the tournament.
Aliaksandr Pustahvar (203-SF-85, agency: RU-Basket Management) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Aliaksandr Kudrautsau (190-SG-80) as well Dzianis Korshuk (204-PF-78, agency: New Trend Agency) nailed 15 points each. Claudio Fonseca (206-C-89) ended up with 22 points in defeat, while Joao Gomes (201-SG-85) notched 12.

Belarus: Aliaksandr Pustahvar 21, Aliaksandr Kudrautsau 15, Dzianis Korshuk 15
Portugal: Claudio Fonseca 22, Joao Gomes 12


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  BELGIUM   

Standings - Division II

Division II Standings
 1. Excelsior 1-0 
 2. Kangor.-Boom 1-0 
 3. Sint-Jan Ant. 1-0 
 4. Sprimont 1-0 
 5. St-Niklase 1-0 
 6. Waregem 1-0 
 7. CEP Fleurus 0-0 
 8. Houthalen 0-0 
 9. Tongeren 0-0 
 10. Essor Charleroi 0-1 
 11. Gembo BBC 0-1 
 12. Gent Dragons 0-1 
 13. Giants II 0-1 
 14. M.Hainaut II 0-1 
 15. Oudenaarde 0-1 

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 9: Gembo BBC - St-Niklase 83-88
Sep. 9: Giants II - Sint-Jan Ant. 82-99
Sep. 7: M.Hainaut II - Point Chaud 78-103
Sep. 8: Gent Dragons - Waregem 73-79
Sep. 9: Oudenaarde - Excelsior 70-77
Sep. 9: Essor Charleroi - Kangor.-Boom 64-94

Regular Season: Round 2

Sep. 14: Point Chaud - CEP Fleurus
Sep. 15: Waregem - Oudenaarde
Sep. 15: St-Niklase - Essor Charleroi
Sep. 15: Sint-Jan Ant. - M.Hainaut II
Sep. 15: Kangor.-Boom - Gembo BBC
Sep. 15: Excelsior - Gent Dragons
Sep. 16: Houthalen - Giants II


BC Telenet Oostende beat the French representatives - by Eurobasket News

BC Telenet Oostende beat the French representatives in the last two games.
At first the Belgian team overcame BCM Gravelines 94:88. The team led 34:30 midway through the game and had 42:40 at the halftime. BCM Gravelines reduced to 89:86 at the end of the game, but could not come closer. Matt Lojeski (198-G-85, college: Hawaii) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Dusan Katnic (193-G-89, agency: Beo Basket) had 16.
Later BC Telenet Oostende edged Sluc Nancy 83:76. The Belgian team scored the first 4 points in the game and increased to 26:4 in the start of it. The board showed 48:26 when the teams disappeared in the lockers. Sluc Nancy dominated the second half and reduced to 75:72, but could not win the game. Matt Lojeski paced all the winners with 29 points and Dusan Djordjevic (195-G-83, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 15.


Belgium rout Albania to reach EuroBasket - by Eurobasket News

Albania - Belgium 46:82

Belgium eased past Albania in Tirana tonight. The victory propelled them to 5-3 record in the third position in Group E. It was just enough to advance to 2013 EuroBasket. Maxime De Zeeuw (205-PF-87) posted 20 points and 10 rebounds to lead the visitors.
Belgium started strong. They grabbed a 21:11 lead ten minutes into the game. Belgium stretched the gap in the second frame. They ensured a 41:24 halftime advantage. The visitors stayed dominant throughout the second half. They entered the final period up by 22 points and never looked back on the way to the victory. Sam Van Rossom (188-PG-86) accounted for 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, while Beye Tabu-Eboma (184-SG-85) added 11 points for Belgium. Klaudio Ndoja (198-SG-85) answered with 14 points for Albania. Gerti Shima (202-PF-86) had 10 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Albania: Klaudio Ndoja 14, Gerti Shima 10
Belgium: Maxime De Zeeuw 20+10 boards, Sam Van Rossom 17, Beye Tabu-Eboma 11


Lions roar again in Albania and qualifies for EuroBasket 2013 to take place in Slovenia - by Bert Larsimont

After previous losses home against Poland and away against Switzerland, Belgium recovered by defeating top favourite team of Finland at the Lotto Arena in Antwerp in the EuroBasket 2013 qualifying round's Group E last weekend.

One last win away in Albania was therefore enough for the Belgian Lions of Coach Eddy Casteels to qualify for the second time in a row to the EuroBasket final round which should be organized in Slovenia from Sep. 4th to 22nd.

And the Lions made it indeed... They gave absolutely no chance to their Albanian hosts tonight. Albania, led by Klaudio Ndoja (198-SG-85) with 14 points and 1 assist as well as Gerti Shima (202-PF-86) with 10 points and 9 rebounds (the only two players who have tried to challenge their visitors), had a rather poor shooting percentage of 28.3% (13/46). The Lions also outscored their hosts in rebounds (28-39), fast break points (6-33), points in the paint (18-42) and points from turnover (5-18).

Wen Boss Mukubu (198-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: UAB) of Belgium was fouled out but this had no impact at all as the Lions with efficient guards Sam Van Rossom (188-PG-86), Jonathan Tabu (184-SG-85) and Guy Muya (190-PG-83, agency: TSS Management) won all four quarters in an impressive way. Young Belgian power forward Maxime De Zeeuw (205-PF-87) was very efficient offensively in this game: 20 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists.

Also to be noted: Albanians missed their last 11 three-point attempts.

Here is the full list (with some reservations) of teams qualified for the next FIBA European Championship to be organized in Slovenia in September 2013:
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, FYR of Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, Belgium.

Score evolution: 11-21, 24-41, 41-63 and 46-82.

Best scorers:
Albania: E. Llazani 1, R. Vogli 2, E. Karaj 7, E. Luca 7, K. Ndoja 14, G Shima 10, A. Bilali 5.
Belgium: R. Moors 2, S. Van Rossom 17, C. Beghin 4, J.-M. Mwema 10, J. Tabu 11, N. Marnegrave 2, G. Muya 6, W. Mukubu 8, M. De Zeeuw 20, I. Iarochevitch 2.



Division II - First Round - by Bert Larsimont

Essor Charleroi vs. Kangoeroes Boom: 64-94

This game was played on Sunday morning at 11:00. Thanks to an excellent start in this game and despite having several players quickly in foul trouble, the Kangoeroes, esp. Witse Van Schil (188-G-83), Sebastien Bellin (205-C-78, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Oakland) and Dieter Souveryns (193-F/G-83), were able to control the game all the way until the final buzzer.
Score evolution: 15-25, 37-45, 53-66 and 66-94.
Best scorers:
Essor Charleroi: N/A
Kangoeroes Boom: S. Bellin 21, M. Gorremans 13, D. Souveryns 18, W. Dobbelaere 11, W. Van Schil 15, D. D'Haens 14, Mikulec 2.

Gembo BBC vs. Sint-Niklase Condors: 83-88

The first quarter was the only one that the host team of Coach Stefan Sappenberghs won last weekend (27-19). Thanks to the presence of Sebastien Vermeulen (207-F/C-81) at the rebound and the efficiency of Elias Lasisi (192-G/F-92) in offense, the Condors reacted well and even grabbed the win by hitting important free-throws in the last minutes. To be noted: a controversial technical foul was called against Gembo's coach at a crucial moment in the game.
Score evolution: 45-46 (half time) and 83-88.
Best scorers:
Gembo BBC: Celis 14, Van Aken 13, D. Loubry 21.
Condors: E. Lasisi 31.

Port of Antwerp Giants II vs. Sint Jan Antwerp: 82-99

A first Antwerp derby which ended with a win for the visitors of Head Coach Steve Cornelis . The roster of Port of Antwerp Giants II coached by Luc Smout includes only Belgian players born from 1990 to 1993. Senne Geukens (190-G-83) of Sint Jan was the MVP of this game.
Score evolution: 53-58 (half time) and 82-99.
Best scorers:
Giants II: Rojas Palma 13, Donkor 24, Rademakers 23, Marchant 11.
Sint Jan: S. Geukens 29, B. Hartshorne 20.

BBC Haantjes Oudenaarde vs. Excelsior Brussels: 70-77

One good news for Excelsior Brussels before the game: Stephane Pelle (205-C/F-80, college: Colorado) signed a contract with the Belgian capital's club. Pelle played for the University of Colorado in the NCAA from 1999 to 2003. After having gone through the Los Angeles Lakers' Summer Camp and preseason in 2003, he came to Europe to play for Tekelspor Istanbul (Turkey) in 2003-2004, ASVEL (French Pro A) in 2004-2005, Liege Basket from 2005 to 2008, Okapi Aalstar in 2008-2009 and Base Oostende from 2009 to 2011. Division II newcomers of BBC Haantjes Oudenaarde had a hard time in the first half of the game. Led by a fantastic Sam Semijejero (196-F/C-77) (15 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals), Excelsior had a rather easy and impressive first win away. The host team of Alain Defraigne (190-G-68) came back into the game in the last quarter but eventually finished seven points behind: 70-77.
Score evolution: 14-21, 29-47, 49-65 and 70-77.
Best scorers:
BBC Oudenaarde: N/A
Excelsior Brussels: E. Mampuya 9, X. Collette 5, N. Verrept 6, M. Depuydt 11, J. Van Havermaet 6, G. De Pooter 9, J. De Schepper 8, S. Pelle 8, S. Semijejero 15.

Gent Dragons vs. Bent Schoenen Waregem: 73-79

Despite having outrebounded their guests 39-34, the Dragons of Coach Kris De Pauw were not able to stay in front in the last minutes of the game. This game was a close one but the visitors led by Arne Steinbach (182-PG-92), Ahmet Gueye (203-C/F-82, college: Hawaii) and the two Foucart brothers (Thomas and Olivier) made the difference in the last minutes of this game. The Dragons with Thomas Van De Vondel (197-F/G-80) and Brian Heinle (207-C-78, agency: Court Side, college: CS Northridge) were in front at 69-67 but could not keep their lead as Arne Steinbach from the free-throw line and big men Bart Samaey (199-C-87) and Ahmet Gueye in the paint remained efficient for BS Waregem. Gent had a poor 18/52 from 2pt range in this game. Also to be noted: the Dragons' web site announces that Kristof Ongenaet (203-F-85, college: Syracuse) could miss a big part of the season due to a serious back injury.
Score evolution: 19-24, 39-40, 53-58 and 73-79.
Best scorers:
Gent Dragons: B. Heinle 13, R. Spaens 13, L. Tielens 14, Van Herzele 2, T. Van De Vondel 24, Claeys 3, C. Tshimuanga 4.
Basket Waregem: A. Steinbach 17, B. Samaey 10, H. Loontiens 2, S. Naudts 9, O. Foucart 7, T. Foucart 12, A. Gueye 22.

Belfius Mons Hainaut II vs. Point Chaud Sprimont: 78-103

In a 100% Belgian match-up played on Friday evening, the visitors from the Liege Province gave no chance to their young opponents of Belfius Mons Hainaut II.

BasKet Tongeren vs. Cuva Houthalen (to be played on Sep. 15th, 2012)

Bye: CEP Fleurus



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  BOSNIA   


Edin Bavcic passes medical tests, officially joins CSP Limoges - by Eurobasket News

Edin Bavcic (209-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) arrived to Limoges yesterday and he already successfully passed medical tests. The Bosnian power forward penned a deal three weeks ago, but he was playing in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications with his country. They managed to book a ticket for Slovenia. Bavcic spent last season with Greek KAO Dramas averaging 10.9 points and 5.5 rebounds for 18 games. He joined them in December. Before that, the player had 3 ppg and 3.7 rpg for 3 games with Vanoli-Braga Cremona. Edin Bavcic changed three teams in 2010/11 season. He started with Enel Brindisi and in November of 2010 moved to Khimik Yuzhny. There he had 10.2 ppg and 5.2 rpg for 5 EuroChallenge games and averaged pretty close numbers in Ukrainian championship. Bavcic finished that season with Aris Thessaloniki registering 10.1 ppg and 6.2 rpg for 16 appearances. In the past, he played for Union Olimpija, Kepez, Koln and Bosna ASA BHT. Edin Bavcic is active member of the Bosnian National Team since 2005.


Balkan brings in Bosnian PF Kemal Avdic for tryout - by Eurobasket News

Balkan Botevgrad wants to reinforce its roster at position 4. The Bulgarian squad brought in Kemal Avdic (204-C-88) for tryout. The 24-year-old Bosnian will try to impress Head Coach Petar Kleckov and to earn a deal for the upcoming season. Avdic started the last one with French squad Nord Ardeche. They competed in NM2. In March this year Kemal Avdic joined Zrinjski Mostar. He appeared once in Balkan League. In the past, Avdic was a member of Celik Zenica, Slavija Istocno Sarajevo, Svjetlost Slavonski Brod and Slask Wroclaw. He also has experience from Bosna ASA BHT Sarajevo. They were Bosnian Cup winners in 2008, but Avdic had very limited playing time that season.


BOSNIA EUROBASKET 2012 QUALIFICATIONS RECAP! - by Chris Mathieu

BOSNIA EUROBASKET 2012 QUALIFICATIONS RECAP!

Season: 2012 (European Championships) 6-2
Bosnia was a revelation at the qualifying tournament 2012 for Eurobasket2013 in Slovenia. Bosnia came into the series with question marks at backup point guard, injuries and depth of the team. The team needed to accomplish one of two things during these games, qualify for Eurobasket2013 or develop young players for the future. They quite unbelievably in fact, were able to do both winning challenging games and develop a nice young core of players for the future.
12 Teletovic, Mirza: Mirza may have solidified his position as the greatest Bosnian basketball player of all time. Mirza was the undisputed leader of the team and 24.3ppg 6.3rbpg and 2.1aspg during the contests. Mirzas defense, shooting and leadership were critical in the success of the team.
14 Djedovic, Nihad: Nihad had a breakout series in Eurobasket, showing much more consistency than in the past and clearly was one of the leaders of the team. Most importantly even when he wasnt shooting well he still was able to help the team win games. Nihad had in many ways a bounce back series after a tough season that ended with him not being drafted by the NBA.
8 Wright, Zack: Zack proved to be an amazing pickup for the team, filling the point guard position perfectly for the team. Zack was the Bosnian Derrick Rose doing it all except lacking shooting range. Zack averaged 14ppg 7rbpg and 7aspg and gave the team a huge emotional lift. Zack is probably the best athlete to ever wear the Bosnian uniform.
11 Kikanovic, Elmedin: Elmedin was surprisingly consistent for Bosnia; he played very well in every area except defense. He is a very efficient offensive player who can easily slide over to the power forward position in the future. He tends to lose his man on defense and lacks the basic fundamental strength to be a great player. He was a major weakness in the teams defensive schemes when he was on the court.
5 Masic, Ante: Ante was a revelation for the team, especially his three point shooting. He was a major weapon for the team. He fought through injuries and played very well consistently for the team and was a major weapon during these games and will be counted on to do more of the same next summer in Slovenia.
13 Persic, Dalibor: Dalibor was a crucial part of the seven man rotation that Petrovic employed during this series. He shot well and was a critical piece in the success of the team; he shot the ball well, rebounded and gave excellent effort.
15 Sinanovic, Nedzad: Nedzad solidified the center position and gave a solid effort on the boards, defending and occasionally surprising scoring. Nedzad is deliberate into his moves struggles against smaller, quicker players.
4 Avdibegovic, Armin: Armin was the surprise of the tournament, after running through point gaurds because of injuries to Josip Natelic, Nemanja Gordic, Muhamad Pasalic and Filip Adamovic during qualifying the team settled on Armin as the backup point guard. He had a huge game in the crucial win over Georgia in Georgia that punched their ticket to Slovenia 2013. Armin scored 7points had 3 rebounds and 4 assists in the game and was a perfect 3-3 from the field.
6 Nurkic, Jusuf: The biggest talent of the young generation Jusuf struggled on offense in the series. His lack of scoring was not a surprise considering he was just 17 when the series started. What was more impressive was his ability to change games without scoring. The team went on a crucial run after he entered the game against Georgia that helped turn the tide and win the game. Jusuf will continue to be a building block for the future of Bosnia and a cornerstone of the team for years to come.
9 Buza, Nedim: Nedim is another young player who rarely got a chance to get onto the court before the last game. He is another of this talented youthful generation of players who will be given the chance to make the team again next year but needs to prove again he belongs.
10 Mitrovic, Nemanja: Nemanja struggled in very limited minutes on the court, going 0-7 from three in the series until finally getting a chance in meaningless minutes against Romania going 4-6 from the three point line. He will have to prove he can knockdown threes consistently if he is to make the team next summer.
7 Vrabac, Adin: Adin rarely had a chance to get on the court for BiH but played well in the last game against Romania. He is a very talented young player who will be given the opportunity to make the team again next summer.
7 Naletilic, Josip: Josip only got into one game before a serious injury sidelined him for the rest of the tournament. Josip was a replacement for the already injured Nemanja Gordic, Muhamad Pasalic and Filip Adamovic.
COACH ALEKSANDER PETROVIC: Coach Petrovic did a masterful job of managing talent, minutes, expectations and getting the players to sacrifice for the greater good of the team. The team played an amazing offensive game in these series. They were a masterful offensive team. The defense however often left a lot to be desired, the team allowed too much penetration and the big men didnt do a great job of boxing out on rebounds and getting back on defense in transition. The team will have to play their offensive game and improve their defense if they want to improve their results next year.


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

Standings - Paulista, Carioca, Minas G. leagues

Paulista Standings
GroupA
 1. S.Jose/Unimed 6-1 
 2. Paulistano 5-2 
 3. Gremio Mogi 4-3 
 4. Palmeiras 4-3 
 5. Pinheiros/Sky 4-3 
 6. Suzano 3-4 
 7. Metodista/S.B. 2-5 
 8. Inter Santos 0-7 
GroupB
 1. Winner/Limeira 5-1 
 2. Itabom/Bauru 5-1 
 3. Vivo/Franca 3-3 
 4. America 3-3 
 5. Liga Sorocaba 2-4 
 6. Rio Claro 2-4 
 7. Jacarei 1-5 
Stage Two Standings

Second Stage: Round 7

Sep. 8: Pinheiros/Sky - Inter Santos 94-73
Sep. 9: Gremio Mogi - Suzano 89-71
Sep. 9: Paulistano - Metodista/S.B. 83-62
Sep. 9: Palmeiras - S.Jose/Unimed 80-97
Sep. 8: Liga Sorocaba - Vivo/Franca 79-85
Sep. 8: Jacarei - Rio Claro 76-85
Sep. 8: Winner/Limeira - Itabom/Bauru 75-72

Second Stage: Round 8

Sep. 12: Inter Santos - Palmeiras
Sep. 12: Rio Claro - Vivo/Franca
Sep. 12: Paulistano - Suzano
Sep. 13: Jacarei - Winner/Limeira
Sep. 13: Itabom/Bauru - America
Sep. 13: S.Jose/Unimed - Metodista/S.B.
Sep. 13: Pinheiros/Sky - Gremio Mogi


Sao Jose/Vinac edge Palmeiras to stay on top - by Eurobasket News

Sao Jose/Vinac remained on top of Paulista League Group A. They knocked down Palmeiras 97:80 on the road for the sixth win. Andre Laws (186-G-80, college: San Diego) and Deivisson Costa (211-C-80) accounted for 15 points each to lead the visitors. Sao Jose/Vinac piled up a 57:40 halftime lead and never looked back en route to the victory. Dede Stefanelli (196-F/G-84) provided 14 points in the win. Caleb Brown answered with 23 points for Palmeiras. Marcao Vinicius had 16 points in the loss.
Paulistano knocked down Metodista 83:62 for the 5th win in Group A. Alex Oliveira (194-F-83) provided 15 points to pace the winners. Renato Carbonari (204-F/C-87) and Andre Luiz Brugger (192-G-81) had 12 points each for the hosts. Joel Munoz (179-PG-80) had 16 points as Metodista slipped at 2-5 record.
Winner/Limeira remained on top of Group B improving at 5-1 record. They held off Bauru 75:72 at home court. Fernando Alvim (200-F-80) accounted for 16 points to pace the charge. Guilherme Hubner (209-C-87) netted 15 points for the winners. Pilar reacted with 22 points for Bauru. Fernando Fischer (190-G-81) had 13 points in defeat.


Luciano Machado transfer to Sorocaba - by Paulo Freire

The forward Luciano Machado (198-F-85), 26 years old, is the further strengthening of the Liga Sorocabana de Basquete team. Luciano has played in Araraquara, Guaruja and XV de Piracicaba, where he played in the last three years, the player was integrated into the roster on Monday.

Luciano says that he had already received other offers from coach and President of the LSB, Rinaldo Rodrigues, and admits that he is now eager for the chance to compete in the elite of Paulista State Championship and the NBB, which begins in November.

-It is a good opportunity. I get here in Liga Sorocabana de Basquete to help this basketball project that already has almost 15 years and I hope to take advantage of the chance to improve and grow my game. I had already received invitations from Rinaldo in other opportunities, now I hope to stay here for a long time.

Luciano is recovering from tendinitis and should only debut in two weeks-probably, when the team faces the Rio Claro, away from home.


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


Lukoil searching for some rhythm in first friendlies - by Maria Mitzova

Lukoil Academik Sofia played two friendly games against Aris Thessaloniki in the last week, scoring a win and a loss vs the Greeks. Bulgarian champion is still not in full strength, awaiting its last addition PG Tomas Massamba. The two games though were meant to be the start of a newly built team, preparing for the Euroleague QR.
First one was a low-scoring affair, finishing 58:52, but Lukoil was doubtful only in the second quarter. The second game, played in away arena in Sofia, ended 71:73, with Aris Thessaloniki capturing the lead at the end of the third quarter, and strong finish by its big man.
Greeks obviously were a good shooting team, especially from distance, nailing lots of shots from behind the arc. Lukoil is definitely still looking for that scoring touch, which will surely come, with the team having Eurocup legend scorer Todor Stoykov (198-G/F-77, agency: Interperformances) still captaining the team, and the likes of the new additions Devin Green (201-G/F-82, college: Hampton) and Mohammed Abukar (208-F-85, agency: Two Points, college: San Diego St.).
Abukar's positioning seems to wander between both forward positions, with him showing quite shooting skills in the second game against Aris Thessaloniki. He would need more rebounding action and post-up plays, if he is the one to cover the power forward. Center Darryl Watkins (211-C-84, college: Syracuse) is a massive change from the foreigner Lukoil had last season on that spot Bruno Sundov. Reliable and strong under the basket, he still could bring more to the offensive end for the team. Green, who has already been in the team some time ago, looks sharp from the start, came in in shape, as expected, and just got to adjust again to Bulgarian environment, to be probably the leading scorer for Lukoil in the upcoming season.
Returning PG Brandon Heath will be the starter on that position, with Bozhidar Avramov and Massamba switching as his replacement, or shooting guards at times. The other Bulgarians on the roster: Tencho Banev showed his skilled game against Aris Thessaloniki, Veselin Vesselinov could be entering for more minutes as power forward this season, and Pavel Marinov and Nikolay Kolev will cover the rest in the frontcourt.
Lukoil will rely mainly on 11-player roster for the season: Stoykov, Heath, Abukar, Green, Watkins, Banev, Avramov, Vesselinov, Marinov, Kolev and Massamba. Three juniors would fill the registered list for the club tournaments.
The next challenge for Lukoil is now Barcelona, with Bulgarian and Spanish champions clashing on September 14th in Sofia.


Marinovic joins Levski, team roster now completed - by Maria Mitzova

Marko Marinovic (183-PG-83) arrived in Sofia and joined his new teammates in Levski on Tuesday. Serbian point guard is expected to be the only foreign addition to the roster this season, making huge difference from the last ones. Surely, it will be interesting to be seen how Levski will handle itself without the leading topscorer for the last three years Aaron Harper, who left for Lebanese team.
That role will now go on Chavdar Kostov (195-SG-88, agency: Interperformances), who proved himself as leading scorer for Bulgarian NT in the just done European qualifiers. Kostov can most definitely do the job, transforming this power into his club team. Last year he developed also his defense game in Greece, so he is a huge addition for Levski this summer.
Nikolay Varbanov (210-C-85, agency: Interperformances) will also need to prove himself as the starting Bulgarian on the center position in NT, which will be tough head to head with veteran Stefan Georgiev. Both can more help each other though, than compete.
Marko Marinovic came in as a bit of a surprise, with Levski management juggling some American names for that PG place, but choosing the experienced Serbian at the end. Marinovic is a well-known name, and could be the guard Levski has been searching for the last 3 seasons.
Levski also brought in one of the most promising U20 Bulgarians Dimitar Dimitrov (202-F-93, agency: Interperformances) a product of Italian Rimini. Dimitrov is the future of Bulgarian NT, and has a good chance to earn a starting spot in Levski team before the U20 Divison A championship next summer.
The core of Levski remains the same Stefan Georgiev, his brother Zlatin Georgiev, Pavel Ivanov, Dimitar Anguelov, Hrisimir Dimitrov, Denis Agre and youngsters Ventsislav Petkov, Aleks Simeonov, Georgi Kunov.


Balkan brings in Bosnian PF Kemal Avdic for tryout - by Eurobasket News

Balkan Botevgrad wants to reinforce its roster at position 4. The Bulgarian squad brought in Kemal Avdic (204-C-88) for tryout. The 24-year-old Bosnian will try to impress Head Coach Petar Kleckov and to earn a deal for the upcoming season. Avdic started the last one with French squad Nord Ardeche. They competed in NM2. In March this year Kemal Avdic joined Zrinjski Mostar. He appeared once in Balkan League. In the past, Avdic was a member of Celik Zenica, Slavija Istocno Sarajevo, Svjetlost Slavonski Brod and Slask Wroclaw. He also has experience from Bosna ASA BHT Sarajevo. They were Bosnian Cup winners in 2008, but Avdic had very limited playing time that season.


National Team guard Chavdar Kostov stays with Levski - by Eurobasket News

Great news for Levski Sofia fans. National Team guard Chavdar Kostov (195-SG-88, agency: Interperformances) decided to stay with the club for the upcoming season. Kostov averages 16.4 points and 5.3 rebounds after 8 games in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications this summer. The player started last season with Greek Kavala. He appeared 25 times in A1 registering 6 ppg and 2.8 rpg. After that Kostov moved to Levski, where he added 12.8 ppg and 5.1 rpg for 9 NBL games. In 2010/11 Chavdar Kostov also played for Kavala. Before that he spent six years with Lukoil Academik. In the past, Kostov played for Levski Sofia youth teams. He is active member of the Bulgarian NT since 2009. Last summer in Lithuania the guard had 5.4 ppg and 1.8 rpg for 5 games.


Young forward Dimitar Dimitrov joins Levski - by Eurobasket News

Levski added another player for the upcoming season. Their new member is Bulgarian U20 National Team forward Dimitar Dimitrov (202-F-93, agency: Interperformances). He is back to the country after few years in Italy. Dimitrov shined at U20 EuroBasket Division B this summer with 12.4 ppg, 11.4 rpg and 2.8 apg for 5 games. He helped Bulgaria to reach the Semifinals. However, they failed to Croatia 79-85 in that game and after that lost to Israel 67-101 in the battle for bronze medal. Dimitar Dimitrov helped U18 Bulgarian NT to win the gold medal at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Varna, 2011. There he had 12.9 ppg and 7.6 rpg for 7 games. Bulgaria won the promotion for Division A at this event. In the past, he won gold and bronze medal with U16 Bulgaria. This summer Dimitar Dimitrov played for Bulgarian 3x3 team at FIBA 3x3 World Championship in Greece.


*****************************************************
  CHILE   

Standings - LIBSUR

DIMAYOR Standings
 1. Duoc 0-0 
 2. I.P. Virginio 0-0 
 3. Liceo Mixto 0-0 
 4. Quilicura 0-0 
 5. San Fernando 0-0 
 6. San Luis 0-0 
 7. U.Catolica 0-0 
 8. U.Concepcion 0-0 

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 22: Duoc - Liceo Mixto
Sep. 22: U.Catolica - San Luis
Sep. 22: Quilicura - U.Concepcion
Sep. 22: San Fernando - I.P. Virginio



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

Standings

Copa Federacion Standings
 1. Arrieros 3-0 
 2. Bucaros 3-0 
 3. Guerreros 3-0 
 4. Once Caldas 3-0 
 5. Islanders 1-0 
 6. Cafeteros 0-1 
 7. Bayside 0-3 
 8. Choco 0-3 
 9. Hormigueros 0-3 
 10. Patriotas 0-3 

Regular Season: Round 2

Sep. 10: Arrieros - Bayside 98-72
Sep. 10: Hormigueros - Once Caldas 83-87
Sep. 10: Guerreros - Choco 81-61
Sep. 10: Patriotas - Bucaros 66-77
Sep. 10: Islanders - Cafeteros 63-55
Sep. 11: Hormigueros - Arrieros
Sep. 11: Guerreros - Bayside
Sep. 11: Once Caldas - Choco
Sep. 11: Cafeteros - Bucaros
Sep. 11: Islanders - Patriotas


FEDERATION CUP DAY 3 RESULTS - by Victor Garcia

Once Caldas made its home debut playing a dominat game against Nuevo Choco, the Manizales team ruled the game since the jumpball and got its third straight victory.
Once Caldas 85 - A. Bangura 22 pts, T. Thomas 18 pts.
Nuevo Choco 77 - R. Holmes 17 pts.

Cafeteros give the first surprise of the cup defeating the reigning champion, Cafeteros will be a hard one to beat in the Cup
Cafeteros 95
Bukaros 84

Another big surprise, the underdog Hormigueros with a good coaching managed the situations to defeat the powerhouse Arrieros.
Hormigueros 77 - P. Culvert 20 pts
Arrieros 67

Guerreros ruled the boards to get its third victory of the season defeating the youg team of Bayside.
Guerreros 114 - R. Bell 20 pts, S. Ortiz 17 pts
Bayside 80 - K. Thompson 22 pts, Z. Atkinson 18 pts


CAMONTAE GRIFFIN JOINS HORMIGUEROS - by Victor Garcia

After the withdrawal of Indervalle, some good players was free, Camontae Gritffin was of them, but quickly the Hormigueros coaching staff took him and bring him to Bucaramanga.
Hormigueros is trying to find the players to strenght its roster.
Griffin will be a good piece for the Hormigueros teams, will bring his well known quickness and shooting range, a true player to trust in the backcourt.
Hormigueros is facing Arrieros in the days 3 and 4 of the 2012 Federatin Cup.


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


Croatia leave Austria without EuroBasket - by Eurobasket News

Croatia - Austria 78:74

Croatia finished their 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round campaign on a high note. They knocked down Austria to improve at 8-0 record on top of Group C. Austria entered the game having a slim hope of qualifying. However they needed the victory that never came. Roko-Leni Ukic (196-PG-84) posted 16 points to lead the hosts to the win in Crikvenica.
Croatia set the tone early in the game. They recorded a 24:17 lead ten minutes into the clash. The hosts stayed in control throughout the second frame. Croatia built a 44:32 halftime lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the third frame. Croatia remained in charge leading by 12 points at the final intermission. Austria narrowed the gap at just three points with under five minutes remaining. But Roko-Leni Ukic scored quick four points and Croatia ran away for good. Darko Planinic (211-C-90) posted 14 points, while Bojan Bogdanovic (203-SG-89) added 13 points in the victory. Jason Detrick (195-SF-80, college: Oklahoma) answered with 19 points for Austria. Rasid Mahalbasic (208-C-90) had 16 points in the loss.

Croatia: Roko-Leni Ukic 16, Darko Planinic 14, Bojan Bogdanovic 13
Austria: Jason Detrick 19, Rasid Mahalbasic 16


Cedevita plays another friendlies in Porec - by Eurobasket News

Cedevita plays another friendlies in Porec with two Russian representative.
At first Spartak-Primorie defeated Croatian Cedevita 72:60 in Porec. Michael Efevberha scored 19 points to lead the Vladivostok team.
The teams stayed close throughout the first quarter. Spartak-Primorie eked out a 19:17 lead after ten minutes. They boosted the gap in the second frame. The Russian team limited their opponents at just 8 points and secured a 12-point advantage at the interval 37:25. Cedevita showed signs of recovery in the third term. They outscored Spartak to trim the deficit at 8-point mark. However Spartak-Primorie went on an 18:14 run in the fourth term to seal the victory. Paul Delaney (188-G-86, college: UAB) provided 18 points, while Troy Gillenwater (205-F-88, college: N.Mexico St.) added 12 points for the winners.
Last night Enisey and Cedevita scored 63 points each. The teams decided not to continue and finished at 63:63. Enisey won the first period 21-11, while Croatian side replied with 20-14 in the second frame. Moreover Cedevita posted 17-7 in the third quarter and led 6 points at the end of the third quarter. Enisey needed 21-15 in the lasts stanza to tie the score. Hasan Rizvic (212-C-84) top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Rich nailed 12.


*****************************************************
  CYPRUS   


Hungary kept Cyprus winless in Group C - by Eurobasket News

Cyprus-Hungary 58:63

Hungary kept Cyprus winless in Group C of the Eurobasket 2013 Qualifying Round. Hungary finished the group with 3-5 record after 63:58 road win. The hosts meanwhile suffered their eighth straight loss.
Cyprus erupted with 20-6 in the first period but could not win the game. The second and the third quarters were decisive in the game as Hungary was too good for the opponents. The guests needed 23-11 in the second period to reduce to 2 points at the halftime. Moreover Hungary won the third quarter 17-7 and did not mind a narrow loss in the last stanza. Szabo nailed three for 59:47, while Hanga made two free throws for 63:55. Christopher Razis (194-PG-89) closed the game from the arc for the home side.
Peter Lorant (206-PF-85, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) paced all the winners with 13 points and Obie Trotter (188-PG-84, agency: Court Side, college: Alabama A&M) netted 11. Andreas Sizopoulos (193-G-83) replied with 15 points, while Panagiotis Trisokkas (206-PF-80) added 12. Christopher Razis and Andreas Pilavas (193-G-83) followed them with 8 points each in defeat.

Cyprus: Andreas Sizopoulos 15, Panagiotis Trisokkas 12, Christopher Razis 8, Andreas Pilavas 8
Hungary: Peter Lorant 13, Obie Trotter 11


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


Czech Teams Finish 2nd and 3rd in 66th Annual Tyrsuv Cup - by Surujh Roopnarine

Host SLUNETA Usti nad Labem finished in third place with a 2-2 record while BC Kolin finished 3-1, all behind 2012 Tyrsuv Cup winner BV Chemnitz 99 of Germany. Played this past weekend in Usti nad Labem, Chemnitz, a who play in Germany's second division, went 4-0 to claim the title which had been won last year by BC Kolin.

FINAL STANDINGS
BV Chemnitz 99: 4-0
BC Kolin: 3-1
SLUNETA Usti nad Labem: 2-2
Dresden Titans: 1-3
UBC St. Polten: 0-4

Results Tyrsuv Cup (Czech Teams)
Cologne - Usti 80-64 (Bolds 15, Matic 14, Benacek 13, Gonzales 12 - Slunecko 11, Gross 10)
Chemnitz - Cologne 97-92 (Bolds 25, Machac 20, Cross 11, Gonzales 10)
Dresden - St. Polten 79-66
Usti - St. Polten 82-73 (Koranda 24, Johnson 19)
Dresden - Cologne 78-94 (Bolds 23, Zuzak 14, Gonzales 13)
Dresden - Chemnitz 74-88
St. Polten - Chemnitz 76-90
Usti - Chemnitz 75-78 (Johnson 21, Koranda 20)
Kolin - St. Polten 80-61 (Bolds 17, Zuzak 11, Radulovic 11)
Dresden - Usti 63-64 (Koranda 15, Krakovic 9, Gross 9)


Turkey fire past Czech Republic, clinch 2nd position in Group F - by Eurobasket News

Turkey - Czech Republic 81:58

Turkey celebrated an important win at the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They cruised past Czech Republic in Istanbul to claim the second place in Group F. Czech Republic finished in the third position at 5-3 record.
Czech Republic jumped to an early lead. They maintained the advantage throughout the opening minutes. However Semih Erden (211-F/C-86) capped the period with four points in a row to make it 25:17 for the hosts. Turkey opened the second frame with eight consecutive points to gain a 33:17 lead. They kept Czech Republic at bay and rolled to a 44:26 halftime advantage. The gap grew at 25-point mark at the final intermission 65:40. Turkey did not slow down in the fourth stanza and marched to the needed victory. Semih Erden provided 21 points and 11 rebounds for Turkey. Kerem Gonlum (208-PF-77) added 20 points in the winning effort. Tomas Satoransky (201-PG-91) responded with 15 points for Czech Republic. Jiri Welsch (199-SG-80) had 13 points in the loss.

Turkey: Semih Erden 21+11 boards, Kerem Gonlum 20, Ilkan Karaman (205-F-90) 11
Czech Republic: Tomas Satoransky 15, Jiri Welsch 13


Kolin keep the majority of the squad - by Eurobasket News

Kolin keep the majority of the squad for 2012/2013 season.
Kolin keep high scorer David Machac (204-F-80) for the upcoming season. He joined the team early in 2008-2009 and averaged 9.8ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 77.7%. In 2011-2012 for BC Kolin (NBL, starting five) his stats read 13.9ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 75.6%.
BC Kolin confirmed in their roster 19-year old domestic center Filip Adamec (203-C-93) . He has played there for the last season. In 39 NBL games he had just 0.3ppg. Adamec's team made it to Czech Rep. League Semifinals.
BC Kolin also confirmed in their roster 25-year old domestic forward Jiri Jelinek (203-F-87). has played there for the last three seasons. In 43 NBL games he had 8.7ppg and 4.7rpg.
Jakub Nemecek (195-F-89), Michal Hubalek (195-G-87) and Stanislav Zuzak (206-F/C-80, college: Cal-Irvine) will also stay with the team.


*****************************************************
  D-LEAGUE   


Ewing rejects Knicks' offer to coach D-League club - by Eurobasket News

Patrick Ewing, who for years has been passed over for coaching positions with the Knicks, recently turned down an opportunity to become head coach of the clubs D-League team, the Daily News has learned.

Although Ewing is out of work after not being retained by the Orlando Magic, the former Knicks great, who interviewed for the Charlotte Bobcats head coach position in June, would prefer to work in the NBA. Ewing has previously worked as an assistant coach with the Wizards, Rockets and Magic but has never been offered a job with the Knicks despite numerous openings over the years.

The Knicks currently have a vacancy on their coaching staff but Mike Woodson is expected to hire LaSalle Thompson. It is unclear as to why the Knicks have refused to reach out to Ewing, especially since the club has former Knicks Allan Houston, John Starks, Herb Williams, Larry Johnson and Walt Frazier all under contract.

Houston, who serves as the Erie BayHawks' general manager, conducted the search for a new coach and contacted Ewing. Jay Larranaga coached Erie for one season before accepting a position on Doc Rivers coaching staff in Boston. On Monday, Houston told reporters at a charity golf event in Erie that he has hired a replacement but in typical declined to reveal the identity of the mystery coach.

"There are a lot of procedures that we are in the middle of, but we have come down to our finalist," Houston said. "We're very happy. Very excited."

Courtesy of www.nydailynews.com


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


Indios signed R.L. Horton in the LNB - by Kerwin Abreu

Dominican Basketball Team, Indios de San Francisco has sign R.L. Horton (182-G-89, college: S.Mississippi) as an import player to complete their semi finals roster. Indios de San Francisco are trailing Los Titanes 2-0 in a 7 games best series.

Indios de San Francisco also have most valuable player of the year Robert Glenn (201-F/C-89, college: IUPUI) and Ollie Bailey (201-F-85, college: Oklahoma City). Horton is a fast a great shooter, we know he will fit just well in our team, said GM Luis Esmurdoc.

The 4th game of the series will be play today (Wednesday), Horton arrived to the Dominican Republic on sunday and has been in practice with the team. He will join Victor Ortega and Jose Fortuna (180-G-84) as the team point guards. There is no doubt he will be very helpful.

For more log on masterdeportes.com



*****************************************************
  DR CONGO   


Boris Meno signs in Czech Republic - by Eurobasket News

Boris Meno (203-F-83, agency: Two Points, college: Davidson) will stay in Czech Republic for the upcoming season. The French/Congolese forward penned a 1-year deal with USK Praha. He already joined his new teammates. Meno arrived to USK Praha from Basketbal Svitavy, where he shined with 14.8 ppg and 8.4 rpg for 38 games last season. He was third rebounder of the NBL. Boris Meno joined Basketbal Svitavy in February of 2011, where he finished 2010/11 season. He had 15.1 ppg and 11 rpg for 11 games. Meno was named Eurobasket.com All-Czech Rep. League Bosman Player of the Year -11. Before Basketbal Svitavy, the forward was a member of Basketball Brno and again was one of the best players in NBL. Actually, he was named Eurobasket.com All-Czech Rep. League Defensive Player of the Year -10. In the past, Meno was a member of Kondori Liberec and Nantes. He graduated at Davidson University in 2008.


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


Estonia beat Iceland, hope for the best - by Eurobasket News

Estonia - Iceland 80:58

Estonia did their part of the task in order to gain 2013 EuroBasket ticket. They knocked down visiting Iceland to improve at 6-4 record in Group A. Estonia will now await for the result of Serbia vs. Israel clash to get to know their fate. The Baltic team needs Israel to stun Serbia on the road to advance. Iceland fell at 1-9 record after the loss.
Estonia could not clear off in the opening quarter. They led by just two points after ten minutes of action 24:22. Estonia boosted the margin in the second quarter. They recorded a 47:32 halftime advantage. The margin just kept on growing in the third term. Estonia secured a 62:43 lead at the final intermission. The hosts did not slow down in the fourth term and rallied to the victory. Siim-Sander Vene (203-SF-90, agency: Alti Sport) posted 23 points and 7 boards to lead Estonia. Gregor Arbet (195-G/F-83) added 11 points, while Gert Dorbek (193-SG-85) had 10 points in the win. Jon Stefansson (196-G-82) reacted with 13 points for Iceland. Jakob Sigurdarson (192-PG-82, college: Birm.Southern) notched 12 points in the loss.

Estonia: Siim-Sander Vene 23, Gregor Arbet 11, Gert Dorbek 10
Iceland: Jon Stefansson 13, Jakob Sigurdarson 12


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


Real Madrid and Barcelona chasing Okben Ulubay - by Ugur Turker

When Turkish National Team won U 16 European Championship in Liethuva this summer, Okben Ulubay (200-F-97) with 11.3 ppg and 5.1 rpg had been selected MVP of tournament. Recently, World Basketball is following his career and his development.
Touted as one of the most promising player of Europe, Okben Ulubay is wanted Real Madrid and Regal FC Barcelona. At the same time, CSKA Moscow is watching him with scouts and all these club is ready to pay buy out fee to Anadolu Efes to capture Okben Ulubay.
On the orther hand, important American colleges offer Okhen and his familiy Sport Schoolarship. Universities such as Duke and North Carolina States have made their offers already.
It is said that Okben Ulubay is eager to continue his career in his parent club Anadolu Efes and both parties are so close to sign new contract. Mid week is expected for signing.
While Okben Ulubay is dreaming to be player in NBA in his career, it does not seem hard since people consider Okben's ability.


*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   

Standings Div.A (Men)

Standings
Qualification Gr.A
1. Montenegro10-0
2. Israel6-4
3. Serbia6-4
4. Estonia6-4
5. Iceland1-9
6. Slovakia1-9
Qualification Gr.B
1. Germany8-0
2. Sweden4-4
3. Bulgaria4-4
4. Azerbaijan4-4
5. Luxembourg0-8
Qualification Gr.C
1. Croatia8-0
2. Ukraine6-2
3. Austria3-5
4. Hungary3-5
5. Cyprus0-8
Qualification Gr.D
1. Bosnia6-2
2. Georgia6-2
3. Latvia5-3
4. Holland2-6
5. Romania1-7
Qualification Gr.E
1. Finland6-2
2. Poland6-2
3. Belgium5-3
4. Switzerland3-5
5. Albania0-8
Qualification Gr.F
1. Italy8-0
2. Czech Rep.5-3
3. Turkey5-3
4. Belarus2-6
5. Portugal0-8

Qualifying Round: Round 10

A

Sep. 11: SRB - ISR 83-67
Sep. 11: EST - ISL 80-58
Sep. 11: MNT - SVK 80-48

B

Sep. 11: GER - AZE 81-68
Sep. 11: LUX - SWE 68-85

C

Sep. 11: CRO - AUT 78-74
Sep. 11: CYP - HUN 58-63

D

Sep. 11: GEO - NED 97-89
Sep. 11: ROM - LAT 77-85

E

Sep. 11: FIN - SUI 84-77
Sep. 11: ALB - BEL 46-82

F

Sep. 11: TUR - CZE 81-58
Sep. 11: BLR - POR 77-64


Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Anton GAVEL
  SVK
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 25.9
 1. Gavel, SVK25.9 
 2. Teletovic, BIH24.3 
 3. Davis, AZE22.7 
 4. Gortat, POL21.1 
 5. Jerebko, SWE20.3 
 6. Koponen, FIN19.9 
 7. Casspi, ISR19.5 
 8. Stefansson, ISL18.5 
 9. Markoishvili, GEO18.0 
 10. Haciyeva, AZE17.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Orhan HACIYEVA
  AZE
  (200-PF-89)
  Avg: 12.5
 1. Haciyeva, AZE12.5 
 2. Gortat, POL11.6 
 3. Shima, ALB9.6 
 4. Baeringsson, ISL9.2 
 5. King, CYP9.1 
 6. Sanikidze, GEO9.1 
 7. Hysenagolli, ALB8.3 
 8. Smeulders, NED8.3 
 9. Simmons, BUL8.3 
 10. Talts, EST8.3 
Assists Per Game
 Zack WRIGHT
  USA
  (188-G-85)
  Avg: 7.4
 1. Wright, BIH7.4 
 2. Kudrautsau, BLR5.6 
 3. Jansen, NED5.3 
 4. Ohayon, ISR5.3 
 5. Tsintsadze, GEO5.1 
 6. Gavel, SVK5.1 
 7. Massamba, SWE5.0 
 8. Preldzic, TUR5.0 
 9. Fernandes, POR4.9 
 10. Teodosic, SRB4.9 
Steals Per Game
 Manuchar MARKOISHVILI
  GEO
  (196-SF-86)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Markoishvili, GEO2.9 
 2. Davis, AZE2.7 
 3. Jones, LUX2.6 
 4. Wright, BIH2.5 
 5. Dasic, MNT2.5 
 6. Hanga, HUN2.3 
 7. Razis, CYP2.3 
 8. Tsintsadze, GEO2.3 
 9. Kotti, FIN2.0 
 10. Bashak, AZE2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Viacheslav KRAVTSOV
  UKR
  (212-C-87)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Kravtsov, UKR2.5 
 2. Gortat, POL2.3 
 3. Cusin, ITA1.6 
 4. Rindin, AZE1.5 
 5. Erden, TUR1.5 
 6. Tyus, ISR1.4 
 7. Berzins, LAT1.4 
 8. Varbanov, BUL1.4 
 9. Parakhouski, BLR1.3 
 10. Simmons, BUL1.3 


The End of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round - by Eurobasket News

Group A
Estonia - Iceland 80-58
Estonia did their part of the task in order to gain 2013 EuroBasket ticket. They knocked down visiting Iceland to improve at 6-4 record in Group A. Estonia will now await for the result of Serbia vs. Israel clash to get to know their fate. The Baltic team needs Israel to stun Serbia on the road to advance. Iceland fell at 1-9 record after the loss. Estonia could not clear off in the opening quarter. They led by just two points after ten minutes of action 24:22. Estonia boosted the margin in the second quarter. They recorded a 47:32 halftime advantage. The margin just kept on growing in the third term. Estonia secured a 62:43 lead at the final intermission. The hosts did not slow down in the fourth term and rallied to the victory. Siim-Sander Vene (203-SF-90, agency: Alti Sport) posted 23 points and 7 boards to lead Estonia. Gregor Arbet (195-G/F-83) added 11 points, while Gert Dorbek had 10 points in the win. Jon Stefansson (196-G-82) reacted with 13 points for Iceland. Jakob Sigurdarson notched 12 points in the loss.

Montenegro - Slovakia 80-48
Montenegro capped their brilliant 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round campaign with another victory. They stunned Slovak Republic at home court to remain undefeated at 10-0 record on top of Group A. Bojan Dubljevic (205-PF-91, agency: Beo Basket) posted 25 points and 12 rebounds to lead the hosts. Slovak Republic who played without their charismatic leader Anton Gavel suffered the ninth loss. Montenegro jumped to an early lead. They held their opponents to just 6 points to take a 21-point lead. Montenegro maintained a comfortable lead throughout the second frame. They accumulated a 44:20 halftime advantage. Montenegro kept Slovak Republic at bay throughout the third term. They arrived at the final intermission up by 28 points and coasted to the victory in the fourth stanza. Vladimir Dasic (208-PF-88, agency: Beo Basket) had 13 points and 9 rebounds, while Sead Sehovic netted 12 points for the winners. Dusan Pandula (197-SF-84) responded with 11 points for Slovak Republic. Tomas Mrvis had 8 points in the loss.

Serbia - Israel 83-67
Serbia left it late but finally sealed 2013 EuroBasket ticket. They knocked down Israel in Belgrade to clinch the third position in Group A. Israel remained in the second place to also qualify to Slovenia. Milenko Tepic (200-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) posted 16 points to lead Serbia to the crucial win. Serbia stormed into this one. They unleashed 28 points in the first quarter to take a 14-point lead. Serbia kept Israel at distance throughout the second frame. The hosts ensured a 51:31 halftime advantage. Israel however stiffened defensively in the third term. They limited Serbia to 12 points and got within 16 points at the final break. Serbia and Israel traded baskets throughout the fourth term as the hosts tried to gain needed 19-point lead to finish second in the group. But Israel survived the challenge and lost by just 16 points at the end. Nenad Krstic (213-C-83) accounted for 14 points, while Nemanja Bjelica added 12 points for the winning team. Omri Casspi (204-SF-88) responded with 20 points for Israel. Guy Pnini netted 13 points in the loss.

Group B
Luxembourg - Sweden 68-85
Sweden booked their 2013 EuroBasket appearance. They overcame Luxembourg on the road to improve at 4-4 record. It was enough to occupy the second position in Group B. Joakim Kjellbom (213-C-79, college: N.Arizona) scored 22 points to lead the Scandinavians. Sweden surged ahead early in the encounter. They ensured a 24:18 lead at the first break. The Scandinavian team maintained the lead throughout the second stanza. They rallied to a 41:26 halftime advantage. Sweden stretched the margin in the third quarter. They accumulated a 16-point lead at the final break. The visitors did not look back in the fourth frame and rolled to the victory. Jonas Jerebko (206-PF-87) finished with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists, while Kenny Grant had 10 points for the winners. Tom Schumacher (189-PG-87, college: Cal.Baptist) responded with 20 points for Luxembourg. Christopher Jones chipped in 19 points in the loss.

Germany - Azerbaijan 81-68
Germany recorded the eighth straight win in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They held off visiting Azerbaijan to clinch the top spot in Group B. Azerbaijan had to win the game to hope for EuroBasket qualification but came up short of their goal. Tim Ohlbrecht (210-F/C-88) tallied 11 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Azerbaijan eked out a 22:21 lead after ten minutes of action. Germany surged ahead in the second frame. They posted a 43:39 halftime lead. The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the third quarter. Staiger capped it with a three-pointer as Germany established a 58:54 lead. Staiger, Jagla and Schaffartzik made it 70:60 for Germany midway through the fourth term. Soon the margin grew at 14-point mark and the visitors could not recover. Philipp Schwethelm (201-SF-89, agency: Pro One Sports) and Robin Benzing (209-SF-89) finished with 11 points each for the hosts. Charles Davis (205-C-84, college: Alabama) responded with 25 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for Azerbaijan. Zaur Pashayev netted 14 points in the loss.

Group C
Croatia - Austria 78-74
Croatia finished their 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round campaign on a high note. They knocked down Austria to improve at 8-0 record on top of Group C. Austria entered the game having a slim hope of qualifying. However they needed the victory that never came. Roko-Leni Ukic (196-PG-84) posted 16 points to lead the hosts to the win in Crikvenica. Croatia set the tone early in the game. They recorded a 24:17 lead ten minutes into the clash. The hosts stayed in control throughout the second frame. Croatia built a 44:32 halftime lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the third frame. Croatia remained in charge leading by 12 points at the final intermission. Austria narrowed the gap at just three points with under five minutes remaining. But Roko-Leni Ukic scored quick four points and Croatia ran away for good. Darko Planinic (211-C-90) posted 14 points, while Bojan Bogdanovic added 13 points in the victory. Jason Detrick (195-SF-80, college: Oklahoma) answered with 19 points for Austria. Rasid Mahalbasic had 16 points in the loss.

Cyprus - Hungary 58-63
Hungary kept Cyprus winless in Group C of the Eurobasket 2013 Qualifying Round. Hungary finished the group with 3-5 record after 63:58 road win. The hosts meanwhile suffered their eighth straight loss. Cyprus erupted with 20-6 in the first period but could not win the game. The second and the third quarters were decisive in the game as Hungary was too good for the opponents. The guests needed 23-11 in the second period to reduce to 2 points at the halftime. Moreover Hungary won the third quarter 17-7 and did not mind a narrow loss in the last stanza. Szabo nailed three for 59:47, while Hanga made two free throws for 63:55. Razis closed the game from the arc for the home side. Peter Lorant (206-PF-85, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) paced all the winners with 13 points and Obie Trotter (188-PG-84, agency: Court Side, college: Alabama A&M) netted 11. Andreas Sizopoulos (193-G-83) replied with 15 points, while Trisokkas added 12. Razis and Pilavas followed them with 8 points each in defeat.

Group D
Georgia - Holland 97-89
Georgia claimed the 6th win at 2013 EuroBasket Qualification. They knocked down visiting Netherlands to improve at 6-2 record on top of Group D. Netherlands suffered the sixth loss and slipped at 2-6 record. Jacob Pullen (183-PG-89, college: Kansas St.) fired 23 points to lead the hosts. Georgia secured a 25:21 lead after ten minutes of action. They maintained the margin throughout the second quarter. Georgia knocked down 29 points in the period to build a 54:43 halftime lead. Netherlands stayed behind throughout the third frame. Georgia accounted for a 72:59 advantage at the final intermission. Netherlands got within six points late in regulation but Georgia stayed calm and finished the game on a high note. Manuchar Markoishvili (196-SF-86) and Viktor Sanikidze (203-SF-86) accounted for 22 points apiece in the victory. Robin Smeulders (207-F-87, agency: Court Side, college: Portland) replied with 22 points and 13 boards for Netherlands. Arvin Slagter had 19 points in the loss.

Romania - Latvia 77-85
Latvia advanced to Eurobasket 2013 taking the four best third-place teams Latvia advanced to Eurobasket 2013 taking the four best third-place teams. Latvia finished third in Group D of the Qualification Round after 85:77 win over Romania. The latter finished the campaign with 1-7 record. Latvia needed a win in the to be sure about the third place with 5-3 record. They started the game with 27-16 and had 10-point lead at the halftime. Moreover Latvia added 21-20 in the third period and did not mind 20-23 in the lasts stanza. Kaspars Berzins (211-PF-85) and Janis Strelnieks (191-PG-89) brought the final points for the winning side. Janis Strelnieks top-scored for the winners with 14 points, while Kaspars Berzins posted 13. Bertans Dairis, Meiers Martins and Bertans Davis netted 11 points each in a win. Mihai Silvasan (200-SF-85, agency: Court Side) replied with 19 points in the losing effort and Baciu Catalin scored 14. Dragusin Ionut posted 12, whilst Mandache Andrei and Paul Mihail-Octavian finished the game with 10 points each.

Group E
Albania - Belgium 46-82
Belgium eased past Albania in Tirana tonight. The victory propelled them to 5-3 record in the third position in Group E. It was just enough to advance to 2013 EuroBasket. Maxime De Zeeuw (205-PF-87) posted 20 points and 10 rebounds to lead the visitors. Belgium started strong. They grabbed a 21:11 lead ten minutes into the game. Belgium stretched the gap in the second frame. They ensured a 41:24 halftime advantage. The visitors stayed dominant throughout the second half. They entered the final period up by 22 points and never looked back on the way to the victory. Sam Van Rossom (188-PG-86) accounted for 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, while Beye Tabu-Eboma added 11 points for Belgium. Klaudio Ndoja (198-SG-85) answered with 14 points for Albania. Gerti Shima had 10 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Finland - Switzerland 84-77
Finland wins Group E of the EuroBasket Qualification Round with 6-2 record. They won over Switzerland 84:77 in their last game. The latter fell at 3-5 record on the 4th position. Switzerland surprised the hosts with 19-13 in the first period, but could not win the half. The Nordic side bounced back with 28-21 and nursed a 41:40 advantage. Again Switzerland pushed the tempo in the third period and grabbed 59:55 after three quarters. Finland however started the last stanza with a 5-0 run and then erupted with 29-18 in the fourth period. Petteri Koponen (194-PG-88) top-scored for the winners with 24 points and Gerald Lee (208-C-87, college: ODU) nailed 16. Huff Shawn posted 14, while Mottola Hanno had 12. Dusan Mladjan (198-SG-86, agency: Interperformances) finished the game with 23 points and Petkovic Stefan as well as Dubas Jonathan posted 14 each. Nicolas Dos Santos followed them with 9 points.

Group F
Turkey - Czech Republic 81-58
Turkey celebrated an important win at the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They cruised past Czech Republic in Istanbul to claim the second place in Group F. Czech Republic finished in the third position at 5-3 record. Czech Republic jumped to an early lead. They maintained the advantage throughout the opening minutes. However Semih Erden (211-F/C-86) capped the period with four points in a row to make it 25:17 for the hosts. Turkey opened the second frame with eight consecutive points to gain a 33:17 lead. They kept Czech Republic at bay and rolled to a 44:26 halftime advantage. The gap grew at 25-point mark at the final intermission 65:40. Turkey did not slow down in the fourth stanza and marched to the needed victory. Semih Erden provided 21 points and 11 rebounds for Turkey. Kerem Gonlum (208-PF-77) added 20 points in the winning effort. Tomas Satoransky (201-PG-91) responded with 15 points for Czech Republic. Jiri Welsch had 13 points in the loss.

Belarus - Portugal 77-64
Belarus roll over Portugal in Minsk in their last game of the EuroBasket Qualification Round. The team finished with 2-6 record, while Portugal ended up without victories. Portugal managed to score the first six points in the game. Belarus however won the first period 21:15 and led 6 points at the halftime. Cunha nailed three to give Portugal 43:41 lead early in the third period, while Lashkevich scored for 54:51 at the end of the third period. The hosts later made the final push to seal the last victory at the tournament. Aliaksandr Pustahvar (203-SF-85, agency: RU-Basket Management) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Kudrautsau Aliaksandr as well Korshuk Dzianis nailed 15 points each. Claudio Fonseca (206-C-89) ended up with 22 points in defeat, while Gomes Joao notched 12.


*****************************************************
  FIBA ASIA CUP   

Standings

Standings
Group A
1. China0-0
2. Lebanon0-0
3. Macau0-0
4. Philippines0-0
5. Uzbekistan0-0
Group B
1. India0-0
2. Iran0-0
3. Japan0-0
4. Qatar0-0
5. Taiwan0-0



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


Finland wins Group E of the EuroBasket Qualification Round - by Eurobasket News

Finland-Switzerland 84:77

Finland wins Group E of the EuroBasket Qualification Round with 6-2 record. They won over Switzerland 84:77 in their last game. The latter fell at 3-5 record on the 4th position.
Switzerland surprised the hosts with 19-13 in the first period, but could not win the half. The Nordic side bounced back with 28-21 and nursed a 41:40 advantage. Again Switzerland pushed the tempo in the third period and grabbed 59:55 after three quarters. Finland however started the last stanza with a 5-0 run and then erupted with 29-18 in the fourth period.
Petteri Koponen (194-PG-88) top-scored for the winners with 24 points and Gerald Lee (208-C-87, college: ODU) nailed 16. Shawn Huff (198-SF-84, college: Valparaiso) posted 14, while Hanno Mottola (209-PF-76, college: Utah) had 12. Dusan Mladjan (198-SG-86, agency: Interperformances) finished the game with 23 points and Stefan Petkovic (185-PG-92) as well as Jonathan Dubas (202-SF-91) posted 14 each. Nicolas Dos Santos (201-PF-87) followed them with 9 points.

Finland: Petteri Koponen 24, Gerald Lee 16, Shawn Huff 14, Hanno Mottola 12
Switzerland: Dusan Mladjan 23, Stefan Petkovic 14, Jonathan Dubas 14+13 rebs, Nicolas Dos Santos 9


Salon Vilpas land Shawn Atupem - by Greg

Salon Vilpas Vikings (Korisliiga) strengthened their roster with addition of 23-year old American forward Shawn Atupem (200-107kg-89, college: Mt.St.Marys). He played most recently at UCC Demons in Irish Superleague. In 20 Superleague games he averaged 24.3ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.9apg and 1.4spg. Atupem helped them to make it to the Cup final. A very spectacular season in his career as he was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Irish Superleague 2nd Team and named Eurobasket.com All-Irish Superleague Import Player of the Year.
He graduated from Mt.Saint Marys University, MD in 2011 and it will be his second season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


EUROBASKET: Slovenia is calling Finland - by Rauno Hurmalainen

EuroBasket, Qualifying Round, Group E: Slovenia is calling Finland after about 12 months. Finland has qualified into Slovenian European Championship Games 2013 (September 4 - 22). Finland defeated tonight in Helsinki Switzerland 84-77 (41-40) and will be one of the 24 countries to play in Slovenia. Quarters tonight: 13-19, 28-21, 14-19, 29-18.
Finland played eight contests in 26 days and got a nice 6-2 record. That means Team Finland was tied with Poland on the top of Group E. Petteri Koponen (194-PG-88) led again tonight Finland with 24 points. Gerald Lee Jr (208-C-87, college: ODU) added 16 pts and grabbed seven rebounds. Finland had four players in double digits. Switzerland had three players in double figures. Dusan Mladjan (198-SG-86, agency: Interperformances) scored 23 pts and Jonathan Dubas (202-SF-91) had a double-double 14/13r.
Finland - Switzerland 84-77 (41-40). F: Petteri Koponen 24, Gerald Lee Jr 16/7, Shawn Huff 14, Hanno Mottola 12. 1 - 90,5% (19/21), 2 - 47,5% (19/40), 3 - 33,3% (9/27). R: 39. TO: 15. - S: Dusan Mladjan 23, Jonathan Dubas 14/13, Stefan Petkovic 14/4a. 1 - 61,3% (19/31), 2 - 48,8% (20/41), 3 - 31,6% (6/19). R: 36. TO: 16. A: 4430.


EUROBASKET: Finland and Sweden to Slovenia 2013 - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Two Scandinavian countries Finland and Sweden are among the 24 teams, which got tickets to participate Slovenia 2013 European Championship Games (September 4 - 22). Finland made a 6-2 record in Group E and Sweden had a 4-4 record in exiting Group B. Finland big name in most of the eight games the "Wolf Team" played during 26 days was PG Petteri Koponen (194-PG-88). Koponen averaged 19,9 ppg (1 - 87,8% (43/49), 2 - 54,9% (28/51), 3 - 41,7% (20/48), 2,4 rpg, 4,8 apg and 1,6 spg in 30,1 mpg. The last three seasons in Italy (Virtus Bologna) have made Koponen a world class player.
The 24 teams, that will compete at EuroBasket 2013 are (in alphabetical order):
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Croatia
Czech Republic
F.Y.R. of Macedonia
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Great Britain
Greece
Israel
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Montenegro
Poland
Russia
Serbia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Turkey
Ukraine


KORISLIIGA: Troy Barnies to Salo - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Top League Team Vilpas Vikings (Salo) has replaced American players who left the team. Team's third American player Forward Troy Barnies (200-F-89, college: Maine) will arrive to Finland and Salo this week Friday. Barnies can play several positions on the court and has already one year experience of European basketball. Barnies played last season in Turkey (Istanbulspor, TBL2) averaging 10,9 ppg (1 - 73,2%, 2 - 50,7%, 3 - 35,3%) and 5,9 rpg. Mikko Tupamaki continues as Vilpas Head Coach.


KORISLIIGA: Vilpas not satisfied - by Rauno Hurmalainen

There are 23 days untill the new season 2012-13 start and Vilpas (Salo) still searching American players. Vilpas has already sent American Fabian Wilson (201-F/C-88, college: Tarleton St.) back home and this morning Deangelo Alexander left the team and Finland. Vilpas was not satisfied with these two players and no contract was signed. Tomorrow Vilpas Vikings is waiting PF-C Shawn Atupem (200-F-89, college: Mt.St.Mary's) to come for a try out. Atupem played last season in Ireland (UCC Demons Cork, 24,3 ppg - 9,5 rpg) and was named to All-Imports Team -12. Team's American G Marquis Hall (183-PG-87, college: Lehigh) has been tough by now and Vilpas is satisfied with his skills. The season 2012-13 will start on October 3.


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


Edin Bavcic passes medical tests, officially joins CSP Limoges - by Eurobasket News

Edin Bavcic (209-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) arrived to Limoges yesterday and he already successfully passed medical tests. The Bosnian power forward penned a deal three weeks ago, but he was playing in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications with his country. They managed to book a ticket for Slovenia. Bavcic spent last season with Greek KAO Dramas averaging 10.9 points and 5.5 rebounds for 18 games. He joined them in December. Before that, the player had 3 ppg and 3.7 rpg for 3 games with Vanoli-Braga Cremona. Edin Bavcic changed three teams in 2010/11 season. He started with Enel Brindisi and in November of 2010 moved to Khimik Yuzhny. There he had 10.2 ppg and 5.2 rpg for 5 EuroChallenge games and averaged pretty close numbers in Ukrainian championship. Bavcic finished that season with Aris Thessaloniki registering 10.1 ppg and 6.2 rpg for 16 appearances. In the past, he played for Union Olimpija, Kepez, Koln and Bosna ASA BHT. Edin Bavcic is active member of the Bosnian National Team since 2005.


Gravelines and Larry Owens part ways - by Eurobasket News

Larry Owens (201-G/F-83, college: ORU) is no longer a member of Gravelines. Two sides terminated their deal yesterday. Gravelines is again on the market. Owens arrived to the club earlier this summer. Last season he appeared in 6 NBA games with the New Jersey Nets averaging 2.2 points and 2.2 rebounds. The player spent most of the year in D-League. There he had 12.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 3.5 apg for 31 games with Tulsa 66ers. In 2010/11, Larry Owens had 6.2 ppg and 2.2 rpg for 5 games with the Washington Wizards. He also spent some time with San Antonio Spurs and Tulsa 66ers. In the past, Owens played for Liege and Clermont.
Few days ago Gravelines returned Yannick Bokolo (188-SG-85), who signed 2+1 year deal.


Boris Meno signs in Czech Republic - by Eurobasket News

Boris Meno (203-F-83, agency: Two Points, college: Davidson) will stay in Czech Republic for the upcoming season. The French/Congolese forward penned a 1-year deal with USK Praha. He already joined his new teammates. Meno arrived to USK Praha from Basketbal Svitavy, where he shined with 14.8 ppg and 8.4 rpg for 38 games last season. He was third rebounder of the NBL. Boris Meno joined Basketbal Svitavy in February of 2011, where he finished 2010/11 season. He had 15.1 ppg and 11 rpg for 11 games. Meno was named Eurobasket.com All-Czech Rep. League Bosman Player of the Year -11. Before Basketbal Svitavy, the forward was a member of Basketball Brno and again was one of the best players in NBL. Actually, he was named Eurobasket.com All-Czech Rep. League Defensive Player of the Year -10. In the past, Meno was a member of Kondori Liberec and Nantes. He graduated at Davidson University in 2008.


JDA Dijon to test center LaRon Dendy - by Eurobasket News

LaRon Dendy (205-C-88) will try to earn his first professional deal. The American center joined JDA Dijon for 10-day tryout. He will try to impress coaching staff and to get the contract for 2012/13 season. Dendy is a product of Middle Tennessee State University where he graduated few months ago. He shined with 14.8 ppg, 7.1 rpg and 2.1 apg for his school in 30 games as a senior. Dendy was named All-Sun Belt Player of the Year -12. Middle Tennessee State reached NIT Elite Eight this year. LaRon Dendy transferred to MTSU in 2010 from Iowa State. He was redshirted in 2010/11 due to NCAA transfer rules. With Iowa State the center had 7.3 ppg and 3.6 rpg in 24 games. As freshman LaRon Dendy played for the Indian Hills CC (JUCO).


Antibes finalize two-year deal with Tim Blue - by Eurobasket News

Antibes have officially landed Tim Blue (205-F-84, college: Middle Tenn.St.). The forward signed a two-year deal with the team. He will replace Jeff Allen (201-F/C-87, college: Virginia Tech) on the roster. Tim Blue spent the last season in Finland. He played for KTP Basket Kotka. Tim Blue averaged 23.2 points, 10.4 boards, 1.8 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 steal per game in Korisliiga. Eurobasket.com named Tim Blue All-Finnish Korisliiga Forward of the Year. He also made it into Finnish Korisliiga All-Defensive Team. Previously Tim Blue played in Netherlands and Germany. He participated at Dutch League All-Star Games in 2008, 2009 and 2010. The forward made it into All-Dutch Eredivisie 2nd Team in 2009.


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  GEORGIA   


Georgia beat Netherlands to clinch top spot in Group D - by Eurobasket News

Georgia - Netherlands 97:89

Georgia claimed the 6th win at 2013 EuroBasket Qualification. They knocked down visiting Netherlands to improve at 6-2 record on top of Group D. Netherlands suffered the sixth loss and slipped at 2-6 record. Jacob Pullen (183-PG-89, college: Kansas St.) fired 23 points to lead the hosts.
Georgia secured a 25:21 lead after ten minutes of action. They maintained the margin throughout the second quarter. Georgia knocked down 29 points in the period to build a 54:43 halftime lead. Netherlands stayed behind throughout the third frame. Georgia accounted for a 72:59 advantage at the final intermission. Netherlands got within six points late in regulation but Georgia stayed calm and finished the game on a high note. Manuchar Markoishvili (196-SF-86) and Viktor Sanikidze (203-SF-86) accounted for 22 points apiece in the victory. Robin Smeulders (207-F-87, agency: Court Side, college: Portland) replied with 22 points and 13 boards for Netherlands. Arvin Slagter (191-G-85, agency: Court Side) had 19 points in the loss.

Georgia: Jacob Pullen 23, Manuchar Markoishvili 22, Viktor Sanikidze 22+13 boards
Netherlands: Robin Smeulders 22+13 boards, Arvin Slagter 19


Durrell Nevels signs at Rustavi - by Greg

Energy Invest Rustavi (Superleague) strengthened their roster with addition of 26-year old American forward Durrell Nevels (198-86, college: Cent.Arkansas). The last season he played at Terceira in Portuguese LPB. In 15 LPB games he averaged 16.9ppg, 9.6rpg, 1.1apg and 1.1spg. A very spectacular season in his career as he was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Portuguese League Honorable Mention.
Nevels played also professionally in Slovenia and Spain. He graduated from Central Arkansas in 2008 and it will be his fifth season in pro basketball.


Nika Metreveli could join Brescia - by Eurobasket

Centrale del Latte Brescia (Lega2) is close to add to their roster 21-year old Georgian international power forward Nika Metreveli (211-105kg-91, agency: Interperformances). He has a double citizenship as he also holds Italian passport. Metreveli played most recently at Banco di Sardegna Sassari (SerieA). In 29 SerieA games he recorded 3.6ppg and 1.8rpg last season. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. Metreveli represented Georgia at the Qualifications to European Championships last year. His team won Silver and his stats at that event were 2 games: 1.0ppg. Metreveli has been a member of Georgian international program for some years. He played for Senior National Team this year and previously for U20 National Team in 2009.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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  GERMANY   


Kai Schlueter Joins SC Rist - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


PRO B team SC Rist have announced that youth will join the team with Kai Schlueter. Schlueter is a 20 year old 196cm wing player. Last season, he played for BG Illertal Weissenhorn playing four games. He also played 8 games for ratiopharm academie in the 2 Regionaliga south west. For SC Rist, he will get experience with the PRO B team as well as with the 2 Regionaliga team. "We are looking forward to Kai. He practiced with us the last week. He played well and has the potential to play in the PRO B", stressed SC Rist head coach Sebastian Gleim

Source: SC Rist


Chemnitz Niners won Tyrsuv Cup - by Eurobasket News

Chemnitz Niners won Tyrsuv Cup with 5 participating teams. The Germna side won all 4 games to clinch the trophy.
In Day 1 Chemnitz Niners outscored BC Koln 97:92. ALEX Jones top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Takumi Ishizaki (188-PG-84) posted 16. Demarius Bolds (190-G-84, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: Missouri Western) replied with 25 points in the losing effort and David Machac (204-F-80) delivered 20.
In Day 2 Chemnitz Niners outscored Dresden Titans 88:74. The team also beat UBC St. Polten 90:76. The Austrian team started with 21:18 in the first period and led 5 points at the halftime. The third quarter was decisive in the game as the German side grabbed 59:52 after thirty minutes. They increased to 14 points due to the last period. Takumi Ishizaki stepped up with 20 points and Bynum had 17. Blanchard Obiango (202-F-88) nailed 16 and Schmidt posted 13. Nenad replied with 20 points in the losing effort and Toni delivered 17.
In Day 3 Chemnitz Niners overcame SLUNETA Usti nad Labem 78:75.


Germany deny EuroBasket hope for Azerbaijan - by Eurobasket News

Germany - Azerbaijan 81:68

Germany recorded the eighth straight win in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They held off visiting Azerbaijan to clinch the top spot in Group B. Azerbaijan had to win the game to hope for EuroBasket qualification but came up short of their goal. Tim Ohlbrecht (210-F/C-88) tallied 11 points and 11 rebounds for the winners.
Azerbaijan eked out a 22:21 lead after ten minutes of action. Germany surged ahead in the second frame. They posted a 43:39 halftime lead. The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the third quarter. Staiger capped it with a three-pointer as Germany established a 58:54 lead. Staiger, Jagla and Schaffartzik made it 70:60 for Germany midway through the fourth term. Soon the margin grew at 14-point mark and the visitors could not recover. Philipp Schwethelm (201-SF-89, agency: Pro One Sports) and Robin Benzing (209-SF-89) finished with 11 points each for the hosts. Charles Davis (205-C-84, college: Alabama) responded with 25 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for Azerbaijan. Zaur Pashayev (188-G-83) netted 14 points in the loss.

Germany: Tim Ohlbrecht 11+11 boards, Philipp Schwethelm 11, Robin Benzing 11
Azerbaijan: Charles Davis 25, Zaur Pashayev 14


Bayern Muenchen continue preaseason campaign - by Eurobasket News

Bayern Muenchen overcame Neckar RIESEN Ludwigsburg 77:73. The winning side led 37:32 midway through the game, but then the game was tied at 67:67. Due to the last push Bayern Muenchen managed to grab the victory. Tyrese Rice (185-PG-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Boston Coll.) top-scored for the winners with 19 points, while Chevon Troutman (202-F-81, agency: Beo Basket, college: Pittsburgh) posted 18. Brandon Thomas (198-G/F-84, college: Massachusetts) delivered 17 and Jared Homan brought 14.
Later WALTER Tigers Tubingen edged Bayern Muenchen 97:82. Brandon Thomas scored 24 points in the losing effort and Tyrese Ricenetted 13. Bogdan Radosavljevic and Jared Homan each scored 12.
Dutch Aris Leeuwarden meanwhile beat Eisbaren Bremerhaven 87:69. The team from Holland led 48:34 at the halftime and managed to seal the comfortable victory. With Holcomb-Faye top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Craig Osaikhwuwuomwan had 16. Sjors Poels (209-C-86, agency: R.H.Consultancy) nailed 13, while David Michaels added 11. Alexander Harris scored 21 points in the losing effort and Jusuf El Domiaty as well as Scott Morrison (212-C-86, college: Portland St.) had 10 each.


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  GREECE   


PAOK agreed in terms with Kaselakis - by Giorgos Diploidis

Leonidas Kaselakis made pre-season training with Panahtinaikos, he was very close to sign with Panionios but finally he reached an agreement with PAOK. The team of Thessaloniki earlier this day presented Macgrath nad Hatcher. The previous days did the same with Giorgos Dedas and Lazaros Papadopoulos. The fans of the club seem to be satisfied and the sailing of the season cards in increasing everyday.

Kaselakis last period with Ilysiakos in 24 matches had 7.1ppg and 3.3 rpg.


PAOK agreed in terms with Kaselakis - by Giorgos Diploidis

Leonidas Kaselakis made pre-season training with Panahtinaikos, he was very close to sign with Panionios but finally he reached an agreement with PAOK. The team of Thessaloniki earlier this day presented Macgrath nad Hatcher. The previous days did the same with Giorgos Dedas and Lazaros Papadopoulos. The fans of the club seem to be satisfied and the sailing of the season cards in increasing everyday.

Kaselakis last period with Ilysiakos in 24 matches had 7.1ppg and 3.3 rpg.


PAOK agreed in terms with Kaselakis - by Giorgos Diploidis

Leonidas Kaselakis (201-F-90) made pre-season training with Panathinaikos, he was very close to sign with Panionios but finally he reached an agreement with PAOK Thessaloniki. The team of Thessaloniki earlier this day presented Donnie McGrath (193-G-84, college: Providence) nad Wiliam Hatcher (188-PG-84, college: Miami, OH) The previous days did the same with Giorgos Dedas and Lazaros Papadopoulos. The fans of the club seem to be satisfied and the sailing of the season cards in increasing everyday.

Kaselakis last period with Ilysiakos Athens in 24 matches had 7.1ppg and 3.3 rpg.


Apollon Patras lands McCollum - by Chris Mammides

The team of head Coach Nikos Vetoulas has landed its fifth American this season (Waker has an English passport) and the American point guard Errick McCollum (185-G-88, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: Goshen) is officially an Apollon Patras player for the next one year. Errick McCollum spent ,many seasons in Israel where he played in a number of teams, during his last season his performance was excellent and his abilities convinced Head Coach Vetoulas to add him in his roster for the sesson 2012-2013.


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  HOLLAND   


EreDivisie News: EiffelTowers Den Bosch drops out of Eurocup competition - by Terry Cooper

On Friday it was officially confirmed by Euroleague Basketball that Budivelnik of Ukraine will fill in in the competition for Dutch team EiffelTowers Den Bosch, who decided not to take part in the 2012-13 Eurocup season. EiffelTowers Den Bosch was the 2011-12 DBL Champions, which gave them an automatic berth in European competition now will be replaced by the Ukrainian team that will be part of the 25 teams already confirmed to play in the Eurocup regular season. The seven remaining teams will come from the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Qualifying Round, to take place in late September in Desio, Italy. This will be Budivelnik's second participation in the Eurocup. In its previous one, in 2010-11, the team reached the Last 16 and finished last in Group J. With Eiffel dropping out, no other team in Holland will participate in European Cup competition for the 2012-13 season which is going to be tough for Dutch basketball with no representatives from the league.


Aris Leeuwarden and Stepco BSW preaseason games - by Eurobasket News

Dutch Aris Leeuwarden beat Eisbaren Bremerhaven 87:69. The team from Holland led 48:34 at the halftime and managed to seal the comfortable victory. With Holcomb-Faye top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Craig Osaikhwuwuomwan (211-F-90) had 16. Sjors Poels nailed 13, while David Michaels added 11. Alexander Harris scored 21 points in the losing effort and Jusuf El Domiaty (189-G-90, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) as well as Scott Morrison had 10 each.
Port of Antwerp Giants overcame Stepco BSW 96:55. The Belgium team started the game with 20-14 and added massive 27-15 in the second frame. Moreover the second half also belonged to the favorites. Port of Antwerp Giants won the third quarter 23-12 and finished the game with 26-14 in the last stanza. Rahmon Fletcher posted 21 points in defeat and Antwan Carter added 14. Joost Padberg (202-F/C-91) delivered 11, while Kenneth van Kempen (208-C-87, agency: Court Side, college: Ohio) brought 4.


Georgia beat Netherlands to clinch top spot in Group D - by Eurobasket News

Georgia - Netherlands 97:89

Georgia claimed the 6th win at 2013 EuroBasket Qualification. They knocked down visiting Netherlands to improve at 6-2 record on top of Group D. Netherlands suffered the sixth loss and slipped at 2-6 record. Jacob Pullen (183-PG-89, college: Kansas St.) fired 23 points to lead the hosts.
Georgia secured a 25:21 lead after ten minutes of action. They maintained the margin throughout the second quarter. Georgia knocked down 29 points in the period to build a 54:43 halftime lead. Netherlands stayed behind throughout the third frame. Georgia accounted for a 72:59 advantage at the final intermission. Netherlands got within six points late in regulation but Georgia stayed calm and finished the game on a high note. Manuchar Markoishvili (196-SF-86) and Viktor Sanikidze (203-SF-86) accounted for 22 points apiece in the victory. Robin Smeulders (207-F-87, agency: Court Side, college: Portland) replied with 22 points and 13 boards for Netherlands. Arvin Slagter (191-G-85, agency: Court Side) had 19 points in the loss.

Georgia: Jacob Pullen 23, Manuchar Markoishvili 22, Viktor Sanikidze 22+13 boards
Netherlands: Robin Smeulders 22+13 boards, Arvin Slagter 19


Niels Vorenhout ends basketball career for medical reasons - by Fred Roggen

Stepco BS Weert forward Niels Vorenhout (202-F-80, agency: Court Side) has decided not to continue his basketball career for medical reasons. After extensive diagnosis by several medical specialists, doctors advised Niels Vorenhout (202-F-80, agency: Court Side) immediately ends his active basketball career, in order to guarantee his physical health. The doctors consider the risk of persistent symptoms in continuation of his sport-career high. Vorenhout has suffered from a hernia
The staff of Stepco BS Weert, "Hes going to be part of our Club. Were finding a role for him, whether its going to be assistant or whatever".

Career:
1996-1997: Groningen
1997-1998: Groningen :90rrg
1998-1999: Omniworld Almere
1999-2000: Omniworld Almere: waived in Jan.'00 because of use of softdrugs
2000-2001: MPC Donar Groningen: 5.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.1apg
2001-2002: MPC Donar Groningen: 20 games: 7.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg
2003-2004: Cape Holland Den Helder (Eredivisie): 35 games: 2,6ppg, 1,5rpg, 0,5apg, 0,3spg
2004-2005: Cape Holland Den Helder (Eredivisie): 30 games: 6.3ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.6apg
2005-2006: Cape Holland Den Helder (Eredivisie), in Jan.'06 moved to TV Lich (Germany-2.Bundesliga): 15 games: 9.5ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 49.4%, 3FGP: 39.5%,
2006-2007: BS Weert (Eredivisie, starting five)
2007: In April extended the contract with BS Weert for 2 seasons: 38 games: 5.6ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 38.0%, FT: 78.6%, 3Pts: 33.1%
2007-2008: BS Weert (Eredivisie): 38 games: 3.1ppg, 2.0rpg
2008-2009: BS Weert (Eredivisie, starting five): 42 games: 5.5ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 65.5%
2009-2010: BS Weert (Eredivisie): 36 games: 4.7ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.5spg
2010-2011: BS Weert (DBL): 36 games: 5.0ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.4apg
2011-2012: BS Weert (DBL): 27 games: 3.7ppg, 2.6rpg
2012-2013: Stepco BS Weert (Eredivisie)


Tjoe de Paula Out 5-6 Weeks with Broken Hand - by Fred Roggen

Aris Leeuwarden guard Tjoe de Paula (185-PG-81, agency: Court Side) suffered a broken hand, after six minutes, in Tuesday afternoon's exhibition game versus German site Eisbren Bremerhaven.
The hand is put in plaster. The expectation is that left-handed De Paula is out of competition for at least six weeks.
Last season the former Dutch NT guard Tjoe de Paula (185-PG-81, agency: Court Side) missed the end of the 2011-12 season by appendicitis.


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  HUNGARY   


Levente Juhos and Zoltan Supola stay with the former team - by Eurobasket News

Levente Juhos (209-C/F-91, college: Moberly JC) and Zoltan Supola (190-G-88, agency: FCM) stay with the former team for the upcoming season.
Albacomp-UPC Szekesfehervar (A Division) confirmed in their roster 21-year old power forward Levente Juhos. In 24 A Division games he had 4.3ppg and 2.9rpg. He helped them to make it to the cup semifinals. Juhos graduated from Moberly Area JC in 2011 and it will be his second season in pro basketball.
Zoltan Supola played with Albacomp-UPC Szekesfehervar for the last season. In 29 A Division games he recorded 3.9ppg and 1.9rpg. He helped them to make it to the cup semifinals.
Supola played also professionally in United Kingdom. In 2010-2011 he finished his fourth year with Leeds Carnegie (United Kingdom-EBL, starting five) and averaged 16.8ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.3apg.


Albacomp and Atomeromu finished Romanian campaign - by Eurobasket News

Albacomp and Atomeromu finished Romanian campaign as they participated at the Memorial of Antonio Alexe with 4 participaing teams.
Eurobasket wrote that CSM Oradea and Atomeromu SE won in Day 1. In Day 2 U Mobitelco Cluj outscored Albacomp 73:70. Vedran Naikic top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Sean Barnette (198-F-86, college: Wingate) collected 14 points and 11 rebounds. Josiah Turner replied with massive 30 points in the losing effort. CSM Oradea won over Atomeromu 73:68.
In Day 3 U Mobitelco Cluj overcame Atomeromu 91:70. The Romanian team manage to win all four quarters in the game with the decisive 28-15 in the second one. Barnette Sean stepped up with 27 points to lead all the winners. Derek Wright (180-G-86, college: Austin Peay St.) and Nakic Vedran posted 14 each, while Petkovic Milos nailed 13. Steven Idlet (210-F-89, college: Tulsa) replied with 16 points in defeat and Anthony Jones (208-F-89, college: Baylor) had 14.
CSM Oradea edged Albacomp 93:57. The winners managed to post all four narrow victories in all four quarters. Milos Pesic (205-F-84) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Tibirna Bogdan nailed 19. Damian Hollis (203-F-88, agency: Two Points, college: G.Washington) finished the game with 22 points for the Hungarian team and Juhos Levente had 14.


Albacomp keep Bodi for another season - by Eurobasket News

Albacomp-UPC Szekesfehervar (A Division) re-signed 35-year old former international forward Ferenc Bodi (198-77). Bodi has played there for the last three seasons. In 32 A Division games he averaged 3.8ppg and 1.6rpg. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. Bodi was a member of Hungarian Senior National Team in 2009.
He is a very experienced player. It may be one of last seasons in his extensive career, which he may end at Albacomp.

By Eurobasket Data Center


American Lorenzo Williams stays with Atomeromu SE Paks - by Eurobasket News

American Lorenzo Williams (189-PG-84, agency: Court Side, college: Rice) stays with Atomeromu SE Paks for the upcoming season.
Atomeromu SE Paks confirmed in their roster 28-year old American point guard Lorenzo Williams. In 26 A Division games he recorded 14.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 5.5apg and 1.4spg. Williams helped them to make it to the cup final. It was a very successful year in his career as he was voted to Eurobasket.com All- League Honorable Mention. Williams played also 7 games in EuroChallenge where he recorded 15.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 5.0apg and 1.1spg.
He is quite experienced player. Williams played also professionally in Germany, Slovakia and Ukraine. He graduated Rice University in 2007 and it will be his sixth season in pro basketball.
Atomeromu SE Paks also announced keeping Akos Kovacs (184-PG-88, agency: TSS Management), Zoltan Czinger (215-C-93), Balazs Kerpel-Fronius (195-G/F-92) and Gergely Koertelyesi (202-PF-83, agency: TSS Management).


Hungary kept Cyprus winless in Group C - by Eurobasket News

Cyprus-Hungary 58:63

Hungary kept Cyprus winless in Group C of the Eurobasket 2013 Qualifying Round. Hungary finished the group with 3-5 record after 63:58 road win. The hosts meanwhile suffered their eighth straight loss.
Cyprus erupted with 20-6 in the first period but could not win the game. The second and the third quarters were decisive in the game as Hungary was too good for the opponents. The guests needed 23-11 in the second period to reduce to 2 points at the halftime. Moreover Hungary won the third quarter 17-7 and did not mind a narrow loss in the last stanza. Szabo nailed three for 59:47, while Hanga made two free throws for 63:55. Christopher Razis (194-PG-89) closed the game from the arc for the home side.
Peter Lorant (206-PF-85, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) paced all the winners with 13 points and Obie Trotter (188-PG-84, agency: Court Side, college: Alabama A&M) netted 11. Andreas Sizopoulos (193-G-83) replied with 15 points, while Panagiotis Trisokkas (206-PF-80) added 12. Christopher Razis and Andreas Pilavas (193-G-83) followed them with 8 points each in defeat.

Cyprus: Andreas Sizopoulos 15, Panagiotis Trisokkas 12, Christopher Razis 8, Andreas Pilavas 8
Hungary: Peter Lorant 13, Obie Trotter 11


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  ICELAND   


Estonia beat Iceland, hope for the best - by Eurobasket News

Estonia - Iceland 80:58

Estonia did their part of the task in order to gain 2013 EuroBasket ticket. They knocked down visiting Iceland to improve at 6-4 record in Group A. Estonia will now await for the result of Serbia vs. Israel clash to get to know their fate. The Baltic team needs Israel to stun Serbia on the road to advance. Iceland fell at 1-9 record after the loss.
Estonia could not clear off in the opening quarter. They led by just two points after ten minutes of action 24:22. Estonia boosted the margin in the second quarter. They recorded a 47:32 halftime advantage. The margin just kept on growing in the third term. Estonia secured a 62:43 lead at the final intermission. The hosts did not slow down in the fourth term and rallied to the victory. Siim-Sander Vene (203-SF-90, agency: Alti Sport) posted 23 points and 7 boards to lead Estonia. Gregor Arbet (195-G/F-83) added 11 points, while Gert Dorbek (193-SG-85) had 10 points in the win. Jon Stefansson (196-G-82) reacted with 13 points for Iceland. Jakob Sigurdarson (192-PG-82, college: Birm.Southern) notched 12 points in the loss.

Estonia: Siim-Sander Vene 23, Gregor Arbet 11, Gert Dorbek 10
Iceland: Jon Stefansson 13, Jakob Sigurdarson 12


Fridrik Stefansson returns to the floor - by Snorri Arnaldsson

Friarik Stefansson (204-F/C-76, college: Jacksonville), who retired after the 2010-2011 season has decided to lace up his shoes for one more season and play with UMFN Njardvik. Fridrik will help the young UMFN Njardvik team fill the middle and share his knowledge of the game with the young squad around him.

UMFN Njardvik has also retrieved another former player in Kristjan Sigurasson (188-G-86), who returns after one year away from basketball. Kristjan also played for UMFN Njardvik in the 2010-2011 season, but took a year away from basketball.


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  IRELAND   


England Select Men to face Irish Superleague team as part of BBL Cup Final 2013 - by Eurobasket News

The BBL, England Basketball and Basketball Ireland have announced that an England Select team will face an Ireland Superleague Select team on Sunday 13th January 2013 at the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham.



The game will form part of the BBL Cup Final day and will see England head coach Paul James coach a team made up of English players playing in the BBL, going up against an Ireland Superleague Select team.



James is looking forward to the occasion: Its always great to coach the national team, he said. We had an enjoyable victory against Scotland before the BBL Play-Off final in May, and hopefully we can repeat that.



Bernard OByrne, Basketball Ireland Secretary General, added: We are really looking forward to coming over to Birmingham in January to face England. We are excited by the prospect of playing in front of a 6000 strong crowd at such a great event and would call on all Ireland fans to come along and make some noise.



Tickets are already on sale and selling quickly, so book today and get closer to the action!
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk


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  ISRAEL   


Serbia topple Israel to clinch EuroBasket ticket - by Eurobasket News

Serbia - Israel 83:67

Serbia left it late but finally sealed 2013 EuroBasket ticket. They knocked down Israel in Belgrade to clinch the third position in Group A. Israel remained in the second place to also qualify to Slovenia. Milenko Tepic (200-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) posted 16 points to lead Serbia to the crucial win.
Serbia stormed into this one. They unleashed 28 points in the first quarter to take a 14-point lead. Serbia kept Israel at distance throughout the second frame. The hosts ensured a 51:31 halftime advantage. Israel however stiffened defensively in the third term. They limited Serbia to 12 points and got within 16 points at the final break. Serbia and Israel traded baskets throughout the fourth term as the hosts tried to gain needed 19-point lead to finish second in the group. But Israel survived the challenge and lost by just 16 points at the end. Nenad Krstic (213-C-83) accounted for 14 points, while Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) added 12 points for the winning team. Omri Casspi (204-SF-88) responded with 20 points for Israel. Guy Pnini (200-SF-83) netted 13 points in the loss.

Serbia: Milenko Tepic 16, Nenad Krstic 14, Nemanja Bjelica 12
Israel: Omri Casspi 20, Guy Pnini 13


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  ITALY   


Fulgor Forli wins Memorial Primo Novelli - by Eurobasket News

Fulgor Forli wins Memorial Primo Novelli.
In the Final game the team overcame Fileni Bpa Jesi 82:80. They started with 25:13 lead and enjoyed 42:36 win at the halftime. The victory however was not that easy as Fileni Bpa Jesi managed to do everything to catch up. They reduced to 57:58 at the end of the third period, but fell short at the end of the game. Bo Spencer (187-G-89, college: Nebraska) top-scored for the winners with 17 points, while Bernardo Musso (192-G-86) and Todic posted 13 each. Borsato finished the game with 12 points each in a win. Eric Griffin (203-F-90, college: Campbell) replied with 23 points in the losing effort and Hoover added 15.
Italian Acegas Trieste meanwhile beat Zlatorog Lasko 74:62. The etams were tied at 54:54, but the Italian team grabbed the victory at the end. Jobey Thomas (194-G-80, college: Charlotte) top-scored for the winners with 24 points, while Mescheriakov and Ariel Filloy (189-PG-87, agency: Interperformances) netted 12 each. Hucic and Duguh replied with 13 points each in the losing effort, while Brodnik, L. Lapornik 8, Nikolic 8 and Lapornik posted 8 each.


Orlandina and Tezenis Verona taste lastest victories - by Eurobasket News

Orlandina won over Agrigento 88:83. The latter posted 23-16 in the first period and led 43:41 at the halftime. Moreover the increased to 5 points at the end of the third period, but could not seal the victory. Orlandina had a comfortable 10-point win in the last stanza for 88:83 win. Young top-scored for the winners with 25 points and Talor Battle (183-G-88, college: Penn St.) had 22. Poletti scored 10, while George netted 9. Di Viccaro answered with 22 points in defeat and Mossi nailed 18.
Tezenis Verona overcame Pallacanestro Trento 2009 70:60. They won the first period 22-16 and posted another two victories in the second half. Olaseni Lawal (208-F/C-86, college: Wayne St., MI) stepped up with 13 points for the winners and Da Ros added 11. Luca Garri (207-C/F-82) replied with 13 points in the losing effort, while Michael Umeh (188-PG-84, agency: Two Points, college: UNLV) notched 12.


Nika Metreveli could join Brescia - by Eurobasket

Centrale del Latte Brescia (Lega2) is close to add to their roster 21-year old Georgian international power forward Nika Metreveli (211-105kg-91, agency: Interperformances). He has a double citizenship as he also holds Italian passport. Metreveli played most recently at Banco di Sardegna Sassari (SerieA). In 29 SerieA games he recorded 3.6ppg and 1.8rpg last season. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. Metreveli represented Georgia at the Qualifications to European Championships last year. His team won Silver and his stats at that event were 2 games: 1.0ppg. Metreveli has been a member of Georgian international program for some years. He played for Senior National Team this year and previously for U20 National Team in 2009.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Brescia signs former NBAer J.R. Giddens - by Eurobasket News

J.R. Giddens (196-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) will continue his career in Italy. The former NBA player signed a 1-year deal with Brescia. They will compete in LegaDue. Giddens spent last season with PAOK Thessaloniki. He appeared 16 times in Greek league averaging 7.9 points and 5.6 rebounds. The player had much better numbers in EuroCup adding 14 ppg and 7.8 rpg for 6 appearances. J.R. Giddens started 2010/11 season with Asseco Prokom registering 9 ppg and 5.2 rpg for 10 Euroleague games. They parted ways in December and Giddens signed for Valencia in January. However, he was released quickly and moved to the NBA D-League team New Mexico Thunderbirds. There he had 13 ppg and 5.5 rpg for 17 games. In the past, J.R. Giddens played fro the New York Knicks and also for the Boston Celtics. With the Knicks he had 4.1 ppg and 2.8 rpg for 11 NBA games in 2009/10. He joined them in February of 2010. J.R. Giddens is a product of the New Mexico State University.


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  LATVIA   


Latvia advanced to Eurobasket 2013 - by Eurobasket News

Romania-Latvia 77:85

Latvia advanced to Eurobasket 2013 taking the four best third-place teams. Latvia finished third in Group D of the Qualification Round after 85:77 win over Romania. The latter finished the campaign with 1-7 record.
Latvia needed a win in the to be sure about the third place with 5-3 record. They started the game with 27-16 and had 10-point lead at the halftime. Moreover Latvia added 21-20 in the third period and did not mind 20-23 in the lasts stanza. Kaspars Berzins (211-PF-85) and Janis Strelnieks (191-PG-89) brought the final points for the winning side.
Janis Strelnieks top-scored for the winners with 14 points, while Kaspars Berzins posted 13. Dairis Bertans (192-SG-89), Martins Meiers (206-C-91) and Davis Bertans (205-SF-92) netted 11 points each in a win. Mihai Silvasan (200-SF-85, agency: Court Side) replied with 19 points in the losing effort and Catalin Baciu (214-C-88, college: Clemson) scored 14. Ionut Dragusin (221-C-85) posted 12, whilst Andrei Mandache (191-G/F-87, agency: Global Sports Plaza) and Mihail-Octavian Paul (188-PG-82) finished the game with 10 points each.

Romania: Mihai Silvasan 19, Catalin Baciu 14, Ionut Dragusin 12, Andrei Mandache 10, Mihail-Octavian Paul 10
Latvia: Janis Strelnieks 14, Kaspars Berzins 13, Dairis Bertans 11, Martins Meiers 11, Davis Bertans 11


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  LITHUANIA   

Standings - LKL

LKL Standings
 1. Baltai Kaunas 0-0 
 2. Juventus 0-0 
 3. Kedainiai 0-0 
 4. Lietkabelis 0-0 
 5. Lietuvos rytas 0-0 
 6. Naglis Palangos 0-0 
 7. Neptunas 0-0 
 8. Pieno Zvaigzdes 0-0 
 9. Rudupis 0-0 
 10. Sakalai 0-0 
 11. Siauliai 0-0 
 12. Zalgiris 0-0 

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 26: Naglis Palangos - Zalgiris
Sep. 27: Pieno Zvaigzdes - Sakalai
Sep. 27: Siauliai - Lietkabelis
Sep. 27: Neptunas - Lietuvos rytas


Neptunas and Juventus lost the latest games - by Eurobasket News

Neptunas and Juventus lost the latest games to the Ukrainian representatives. Dnipro overcame Neptunas 90:84. The Ukrainian side grabbed 24-22 after the first period and added 25-17 in the second frame. Both sides posted 19 points each in the third quarter, while the Lithuanian team replied with 26-22 in the lasts stanza.
Hoverla edged Juventus 77:68. Trailing 19-26 after the first period, Juventus needed 22-17 in the second frame to reduce to 2 points at the halftime. Hoverla meanwhile won the third and the last quarters respectively. They increased to 4 points at the end of the third period and won the last stanza 13-8. Nerijus Varnelis (201-F-78) ended up with 17 points in the losing effort and Aidas Viskontas (185-PG-86) had 16. Darius Gvezdauskas (191-PG-88) delivered 11, while Arvydas Cepulis (196-G-79) posted 9.


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  LUXEMBOURG   


Sweden rally past Luxembourg, seal EuroBasket appearance - by Eurobasket News

Luxembourg - Sweden 68:85

Sweden booked their 2013 EuroBasket appearance. They overcame Luxembourg on the road to improve at 4-4 record. It was enough to occupy the second position in Group B. Joakim Kjellbom (213-C-79, college: N.Arizona) scored 22 points to lead the Scandinavians.
Sweden surged ahead early in the encounter. They ensured a 24:18 lead at the first break. The Scandinavian team maintained the lead throughout the second stanza. They rallied to a 41:26 halftime advantage. Sweden stretched the margin in the third quarter. They accumulated a 16-point lead at the final break. The visitors did not look back in the fourth frame and rolled to the victory. Jonas Jerebko (206-PF-87) finished with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists, while Kenny Grant (188-G-82, college: Davidson) had 10 points for the winners. Tom Schumacher (189-PG-87, college: Cal.Baptist) responded with 20 points for Luxembourg. Christopher Jones (186-G-90) chipped in 19 points in the loss.

Luxembourg: Tom Schumacher 20, Christopher Jones 19
Sweden: Joakim Kjellbom 22, Jonas Jerebko 17, Kenny Grant 10


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  MEXICO   


Smith's 19 points and 6 rebounds give him LNBP Player of the Round award - by Eurobasket News

26-year old forward Jeremis Smith (203-F-86) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Pioneros and receives a Latinbasket.com LNBP Player of the Round 3 award.
He had the game-high 19 points adding six rebounds for Pioneros in his team's victory, helping them to crush Huracanes (#12, 1-2) with 16-point margin 97-81. Pioneros maintain perfect record without any lost game in the league (3-0). Smith turned to be Pioneros' top player in his first season with the team. Georgia Tech graduate has very impressive stats this year. Smith is in league's top in points (5th best: 16.0ppg) and averages solid 71.4% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Eugene Phelps (198-F) of Abejas. He is American forward in his first season at Abejas. In the last game Phelps recorded impressive 21 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists. Bad luck as Abejas lost that game 75-83 to Toros (3-0). The season is still at the very beginning and this lost game may not be such crucial, of course if they start win the games. Let's wait for the next round. Phelps is a newcomer at Abejas and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 21.0ppg (#6). His other stats are also decent: 7.5rpg and 4.5apg.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Chris Kaba (203-F-88) of Guerreros (#10). Kaba scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Despite Kaba's great performance Guerreros lost 71-83 to Barreteros (2-1). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Guerreros have 1-2 record. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Kaba could try to bring Guerreros' a little bit higher in the standings. Kaba has individually a great season in Mexico. After only 3 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 21.0ppg (9th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. John Gardiner (203-C-83) of Gigantes - 29 points and 8 rebounds
5. Jason Horton (188-G-86) of Barreteros - 16 points, 3 rebounds and 9 assists
6. Marcus Morrison (198-G/F-84) of Huracanes - 19 points and 7 rebounds
7. Keith Gayden (202-F-83) of Osos - 22 points and 10 rebounds
8. Sam Liggins (178-G) of Gigantes - 25 points and 4 assists
9. Ike Ofoegbu (205-F-85) of Toros - 14 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Rene Rougeau (198-G/F-86) of Toros - 15 points, 8 rebounds and 6 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)


Chris Kaba moves from SAM Massagno to Mexican Guerreros - by Eurobasket News

Chris Kaba (203-F-88, college: N.Colorado) will continue his career in Mexico. The American forward penned a deal with Guerreros de Guerroro Cumple. Actually, he already appeared in 3 LNBP games with his new club averaging 21 points and 7.3 rebounds. Kaba spent last season with SAM Massagno Basket. There he had 12.8 ppg and 4.2 rpg for 26 LNA games. It was his first year as a pro. Chris Kaba graduated at the University of Northern Colorado in 2011. He had 9.5 ppg and 4.8 rpg for his school in 32 games as a senior. They won Big Sky Conference Tournament that season. In 2010, Northern Colorado reached Tournament Semis. Kaba had 7.9 ppg and 4.2 rpg for 33 games.


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  MONTENEGRO   


Montenegro drub Slovak Republic to gain 10th straight win - by Eurobasket News

Montenegro - Slovak Republic 80:48

Montenegro capped their brilliant 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round campaign with another victory. They stunned Slovak Republic at home court to remain undefeated at 10-0 record on top of Group A. Bojan Dubljevic (205-PF-91, agency: Beo Basket) posted 25 points and 12 rebounds to lead the hosts. Slovak Republic who played without their charismatic leader Anton Gavel suffered the ninth loss.
Montenegro jumped to an early lead. They held their opponents to just 6 points to take a 21-point lead. Montenegro maintained a comfortable lead throughout the second frame. They accumulated a 44:20 halftime advantage. Montenegro kept Slovak Republic at bay throughout the third term. They arrived at the final intermission up by 28 points and coasted to the victory in the fourth stanza. Vladimir Dasic (208-PF-88, agency: Beo Basket) had 13 points and 9 rebounds, while Sead Sehovic (196-G/F-89) netted 12 points for the winners. Dusan Pandula (197-SF-84) responded with 11 points for Slovak Republic. Tomas Mrvis (200-SF-91) had 8 points in the loss.

Montenegro: Bojan Dubljevic 25+12 boards, Vladimir Dasic 13, Sead Sehovic 12
Slovak Republic: Dusan Pandula 11, Tomas Mrvis 8


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  NBA   


Heat reach out to Whiteside, Temple as camp looms - by Eurobasket News

The NBA limit for training-camp rosters is 20 players and the Miami Heat apparently will go to the max.

In the wake of a recent free-agent tryout for former New York Knicks center Josh Harrellson (6'10''-F-89, college: Kentucky), the Heat on Tuesday worked out for Sacramento Kings center Hassan Whiteside (7'0''-C/F-89, college: Marshall), the No. 33 overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft.

And a day after re-signing shooting guard Terrell Harris, the Heat, according to Yahoo Sports, reached an agreement with guard Garrett Temple (6'6''-G-86, college: LSU), who spent the past season in Italy.

Temple would bring the Heat camp roster to 17 players, with the impending signing of Heat 2009 second-round pick Robert Dozier to bring that total to 18.

With former New Orleans Hornets guard Jerome Dyson also having worked out for the Heat, it means the Heat essentially will have to trim their list of hopefuls in advance of the Sept. 29 start of training camp at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Whiteside worked out for the Minnesota Timberwolves before his tryout with the Heat. Temple is a veteran of two NBA seasons, spending 2009-10 with the Houston Rockets, Kings and San Antonio Spurs, and 2010-11 with the Spurs, Milwaukee Bucks and Charlotte Bobcats.

An agent who has been in talks with the Heat said the team is currently only offering non-guaranteed contracts, which was the signing basis with Harris, center Mickell Gladness and forward Jarvis Varnado, who also were added for camp this week.

Courtesy of www.sun-sentinel.com


Ewing rejects Knicks' offer to coach D-League club - by Eurobasket News

Patrick Ewing, who for years has been passed over for coaching positions with the Knicks, recently turned down an opportunity to become head coach of the clubs D-League team, the Daily News has learned.

Although Ewing is out of work after not being retained by the Orlando Magic, the former Knicks great, who interviewed for the Charlotte Bobcats head coach position in June, would prefer to work in the NBA. Ewing has previously worked as an assistant coach with the Wizards, Rockets and Magic but has never been offered a job with the Knicks despite numerous openings over the years.

The Knicks currently have a vacancy on their coaching staff but Mike Woodson is expected to hire LaSalle Thompson. It is unclear as to why the Knicks have refused to reach out to Ewing, especially since the club has former Knicks Allan Houston, John Starks, Herb Williams, Larry Johnson and Walt Frazier all under contract.

Houston, who serves as the Erie BayHawks' general manager, conducted the search for a new coach and contacted Ewing. Jay Larranaga coached Erie for one season before accepting a position on Doc Rivers coaching staff in Boston. On Monday, Houston told reporters at a charity golf event in Erie that he has hired a replacement but in typical declined to reveal the identity of the mystery coach.

"There are a lot of procedures that we are in the middle of, but we have come down to our finalist," Houston said. "We're very happy. Very excited."

Courtesy of www.nydailynews.com


Nets' Williams open to 2014 basketball worlds - by Eurobasket News

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Deron Williams (6'3''-PG-84, college: Illinois) of the Brooklyn Nets said Monday he would be ''definitely open'' to playing for the United States in the 2014 World Cup of Basketball.

Williams, who helped the Americans win the gold medal in Beijing in 2008 and defend their title last month in London, said he loves representing the U.S. and wouldn't rule out returning for a third Olympics in four years.

''I'll be 32, so I'm not going to be too old,'' Williams said. '' (Jason) Kidd was 36 the last time we did it, so I could play two more essentially. But we'll see, we'll see what happens. Four years is a long ways off.''

Formally called the world basketball championship, the World Cup of Basketball will be held in Spain in two years and the Americans are qualified with their Olympic title. Williams originally planned to play for the U.S. before pulling out of the 2010 worlds, a lesser event in the U.S. that NBA and world basketball officials are trying to strengthen.

''They're starting to try to put emphasis on it and make it more important,'' Williams said. ''It's definitely important. I think the world championship is great. It's not the Olympics, but it is a big deal.''

For now, the All-Star guard is focused on the Nets' debut in Brooklyn. He posted a picture on Twitter of players working out Monday and expects the team to be strong in its first season since leaving New Jersey.

Williams decided to stay with the Nets in July, signing a five-year contract worth about $98 million instead of joining his hometown Dallas Mavericks. The team also acquired All-Star Joe Johnson from Atlanta while re-signing Gerald Wallace, Brook Lopez and Kris Humphries.

''People sleep on us and we'll let them do that. That's fine,'' Williams said. ''We have no excuses. I think everybody's at the point in their career where they want to win. There's no hidden agendas, there's no contract issues. Pretty much everybody's locked in and ready to focus on basketball.''

Williams was set for Tuesday's debut of his first video game cover, ''NBA Baller Beats'' for Kinect for Xbox 360. The game teaches players dribbling and ball-handling skills by forcing them to dribble a real ball to the rhythm of 30 songs while keeping their head up to watch the screen in front of them.

While Williams was doing interviews about the game Monday in New York, the Mavericks were introducing five players they did land in the offseason: Elton Brand, O.J. Mayo, Chris Kaman, Darren Collison and Dahntay Jones, at a press conference in Dallas.

But the goal was Williams. The Mavericks trimmed payroll after winning the 2011 NBA title so they would be in position for a run at Williams, and the point guard said he didn't question the strategy of owner Mark Cuban and general manager Donnie Nelson.

It almost worked.

''Very tough decision,'' Williams said of re-signing with the Nets. ''Days where I thought I was going to be a Maverick, days where I thought I was going to be a Net. Just couldn't really come to a decision. Actually, I just kept going back and forth.''

Courtesy of Yahoo! Sports


LeBron and Durant are working out together, again - by Eurobasket News

They did it last year during the lockout - LeBron James (6'8''-SF-84) and Kevin Durant (6'9''-SF-88, college: Texas) worked out together. And both said it was the best training of their summer. They bonded. They pushed each other.

So, they are back at it again this summer, tweets Brian Windhorst at ESPN.

LeBron & Durant are back working out with each other in preparation for training camp. Last year they called it hell week.

This bothers some fans who want the old-school notion that rivals hated each other. Which had some legitimacy three or four decades ago when players didnt get to know each other on the youth/AAU circuits as well and stars often stayed with teams for a career. But even when Larry Bird and Magic Johnson got to know each other, they became friends.

Now, its different. Players dont carry rivalries over into the off-season the way fans do. Guys from different teams and parts of the country work out together all off-season long. And theres nothing wrong with it you as a fan dont have to like the Heat, but if your guys are getting better working out with some of their players then its good for your team.

The bottom line is LeBron and Durant are the two guys on the planet capable of pushing each other on the court. If you are a fan of the Thunder and want Durant to grow his game, this is one way he can do it. It may be the best way he can do it. And he comes to camp in better shape and more ready.

So long as these friendships dont carry over to games, it doesnt matter. And if you think LeBron and Durant went easy on each other in the finals, I think you were on the wrong channel watching some baseball interleague games. Because they went at it hard.

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


Hansen, Seattle Council reach deal on financing new sports arena - by Eurobasket News

Multiple Sources confirmed Monday that a deal has been reached between the Seattle City Council and the investor group led by Chris Hansen on the financial terms that would put a new sports arena near Safeco Field.

A key, multi-million dollar concession by Hansen that could see his investor group spend more out of pocket to build the arena appears to have brought reluctant councilmembers onboard with the project. City Council members are expected to make an official announcement outlining the terms of the agreement on Tuesday.

Transportation lies at the heart of the revised agreement. In the Memorandum of Understanding entered into earlier this year with Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and King County Executive Dow Constantine, Hansen pledged $290 million of private money to build the NBA/NHL facility in SODO. That original plan envisioned the city and county

issuing $200 million in bonds to finance the remaining costs of the project (a one-team scenario would have involved only a $120 million investment by the city and county). Hansen pledged that arena revenue would be sufficient to pay off the bond debt, thus resulting in no risk to taxpayers.

But to get that deal through the city council, sources said Hansen agreed to establish a $40 million transportation fund, which would come out of the publicly financed pool of money. He has also agreed to spend $7 million on Key Arena, aided by revenue from an NBA or NHL team that would use the facility while the SODO arena is being built. The money, which would also support planning for Key Arena's future, would also come out of the publicly financed portion.

Sources said the Council will commit to financing up to $145 million in bonded debt - rather than $120 million - in a one-team scenario. Council leaders are said to believe that the transportation portion of the deal will help secure matching funds from the state, federal government or the Port of Seattle.

Sources said they believe those two issues were important to bring the deal into compliance with Initiative 91 and to win over the Port of Seattle and other maritime interests that have criticized the transportation impacts of the proposed arena site.

Critics have claimed that the original proposal violated I-91 -- the 2006 initiative that effectively forbids the city from using taxpayer funds for a new sports arena unless the city is guaranteed to profit from it at the rate equal to or higher than the yield on U.S. Treasuries.

No specific freight or transportation projects have been identified for funding.

Hansen has remained relatively silent on the negotiations ever since the King County Council approved an amended MOU back on July 30. The Seattle City Councils approval was considered the last major stumbling block.

Sources with inside knowledge of the negotiations said they believe the plan has the needed five votes for majority approval. Councilmembers Bruce Harrell and Sally Bagshaw, an initial arena critic, have signaled their support, sources said. Chief negotiators Tim Burgess and Mike OBrien are also on board, and late Monday Council President Sally Clark signed on as well.

After full council approval, sources said the deal will allow Hansen to tell the NBA that Seattle is ready to host a franchise.

Those same sources said there are also several other important changes to the original MOU:

- The amended MOU also calls for the city to strengthen the line between the Stadium Transition area and the Industrial Area.

- The Environmental Review process, which is a requirement in the MOU currently, will be amended to require that alternative sites be considered, including a specific

reference to Seattle Center. Also, according to sources, the Council will make it clear that no further action be taken on the financing until the environmental review process is complete and necessary mitigation addressed.

- Hansen will be required to double his security reserves if Arena revenue does not perform as expected. His ArenaCo holding company must also keep a minimum of three months operating and maintenance cash on hand at all times.

- City will have enforcement power over schedules and require the owners of all three sports venues in SODO to coordinate schedules to avoid conflicts.

- Principal investors must also supply further financial portfolio details.

- City/County can require ArenaCo to purchase the land and the Arena in 30 years for $200 million.

- ArenaCo can replace the facility in the future for the amount of the land purchased by the City, plus inflation, but for no less than $200 million. The current MOU calls for the 5.5 acres to be transferred to the City/County upon groundbreaking. The amendment would require ArenaCo to rebuild the arena if it executes that clause.

Councilmember Burgesss Government Performance and Finance Committee is expected to discuss and vote on the changes on Thursday. The full Council would, in theory, then vote to approve the deal on Sept. 17.

The King County Council would then also have to approve the revised deal.

In a statement released late Monday, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn said: "I welcome the news that the City Council has decided to support bringing basketball back to Seattle. Executive Constantine and I negotiated a proposal with Chris Hansen, an Arena Review Panel vetted it and the County Council approved it. The City Council was the last piece of the puzzle. We haven't gotten a team yet, but Sonics fans have a reason to smile today."

Courtesy of www.king5.com


Earl Barron agreed terms with Washington Wizards - by Eurobasket

Washington Wizards (NBA) added to their roster 31-year old American center Earl Barron (212-109kg-81, college: Memphis). Barron signed a non-guaranteed contract. He played in the summer at Atleticos de San German in Puerto Rican BSN league. Barron managed to play in four leagues last year (!!!). The last season he also played at Meralco Bolts in Filipino PBA. In 10 PBA games he recorded 29.5ppg, 15.6rpg and 2.1apg. The other team Barron played that season for was Golden State Warriors. In 2 NBA games he recorded just 2.0ppg. The other team he represented that season was Portland Trail Blazers (left in Dec.11 without playing any game).
Barron played also professionally in Italy and Turkey. He graduated University of Memphis in 2003 and it will be his tenth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Thunder signing James Harden 'might' be impossible - by Eurobasket News

Sam Presti didn't say that signing James Harden (6'5''-SG-89, college: Arizona St.) would be impossible.

It just seemed that way.

On the day that the Thunder held a press conference to tout the deal done with big man Serge Ibaka, the focus predictably turned to Harden. Signing Ibaka last month meant that three-fourths of the Thunder's young and talented core was secure. Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Ibaka are all under contract beyond next season.

So, what about Harden?

James is somebody we value, Presti said Monday afternoon. We think he's an important part to what we're trying to do with our team and we're hopeful that he'll be with us.

No doubt about that. Harden is super talented, a rare combination of shooter, slasher and distributor. His offensive skills provide an amazing complement to those of Durant and Westbrook.

By the same token, we've been very upfront and transparent with everybody that we have some inherent challenges that we face as an organization as a result of the new collective bargaining agreement, the Thunder general manager continued. I know we'd love to have him here. I think James would like to be here as well. But at the end of the day ... you have to find a way to make it work for everybody.

Notice those qualifiers in there? By the same token? But?

You don't have to read far between the lines to realize the reality striking a deal with Harden is going to be like walking uphill on an icy sidewalk.

Darn near impossible.

The deadline to sign him is Oct. 31, so there's still a lot of time to hammer out the details. But Presti seems to be laying the groundwork for what will happen when a deal doesn't get done Harden will become a restricted free agent next summer, some team will offer him an exorbitant amount of money that the Thunder won't be able to match, and Harden will be playing for another team after this season.

The problem is the luxury tax.

In the 2013-14 season, when the new contracts for Ibaka and Harden would begin, the luxury tax would kick in once a team's combined player salaries reach $72 million. The Thunder already has $53.9 million committed to Durant, Westbrook, Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins for that season.

The team could amnesty Perk, but unless some of these newly acquired bigs grow a serious nasty streak, I wouldn't recommend it.

But even if the Thunder ultimately cuts ties with Perkins, Harden would still have to sign for $10 million a year or so for the team to stay out of luxury-tax trouble. And even then, it might exceed the limit.

Do that, and the consequences are serious.

Go over by $9 million which the Thunder likely would if it pays Harden what he's expected to be worth on the open market and the Thunder would owe $14.5 million in luxury tax. Add that to the salaries, and the team would be on the hook for nearly $100 million.

In any market, that's a big chunk of change for an NBA franchise. In Oklahoma City, that level of financial obligation could be crippling.

That's a lesson Presti learned in San Antonio. He was with the Spurs when they had to make some difficult and unpopular decisions because of finances.

In 2003, Stephen Jackson became a darling in San Antonio. He endeared himself to Spurs fans by making big shot after big shot in the playoffs, capped with several 3-pointers down the stretch in the championship-clinching game of the Finals.

With Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili already on the roster, the Spurs offered Jackson a three-year, $10 million deal after the season.

He walked.

Fans freaked.

What the Spurs did was not popular, but because they are a small-market franchise, they have made a commitment to be frugal about finances. That's one of the reasons they've been able to maintain success over several decades. Short-term sacrifices (and PR hits) for long-term stability.

You'd better believe Presti will do the same with the Thunder.

That reality might be starting to dawn on Thunder fans, but Monday afternoon, it seemed to have already set in with those close to the situation. As soon as the subject of Harden's contract arose, Ibaka and Thunder coach Scott Brooks went completely and totally stone faced.

Will signing Harden be impossible?

Sure looked and sounded that way.

Courtesy of http://newsok.com


Nets sign Childress to one-year deal: source - by Eurobasket News

The Nets have made plenty of moves since free agency began July 1. But, despite all of their maneuvers this summer, they still needed a backup small forward.

It took them awhile, but the Nets filled that need Tuesday, when sources confirmed they had agreed to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with free agent Josh Childress (6'8''-G/F-83, college: Stanford).

The Nets had been on the verge of signing free agent Donte Greene late last month before Greene suffered an ankle injury in a pickup game in Charlotte. That opened the door for Childress, who, assuming both he and power forward Andray Blatche sign with the Nets in the near future as expected, will bring the teams roster to 15 players.

Childress is coming off a dismal season in Phoenix, where he averaged just 2.9 points in 34 games. After signing a five-year deal with the Suns for $33.5 million in 2010, the Suns amnestied the 6-foot-8 forward in July to clear cap space to successfully claim power forward Luis Scola off waivers.

The Nets will hope that reuniting Childress with his former teammate in Atlanta, Joe Johnson, will help Childress approach the level of success he had with the Hawks. After averaging at least 10 points in each of his four seasons with the Hawks, Childress chose to sign with Greek club Olympiacos in 2008.

But Childress wasnt the same player when he returned to the NBA and signed with the Suns in 2010, averaging 5.0 points and 2.9 rebounds in 2010-11 before falling out of Phoenixs rotation last season.

Courtesy of www.nypost.com


Knicks sign Bellfield, Sims, Shurna and Thompson to training camp deals - by Eurobasket News

The New York Knicks have signed free agent guard Oscar Bellfield (6'2''-G-90, college: UNLV), center Henry Sims (6'10''-C-90, college: Georgetown) and forwards John Shurna (6'9''-F-90, agency: Priority Sports, college: Northwestern) and Mychel Thompson (6'7''-F-88, college: Pepperdine) to contracts.

Bellfield, 6-2, 190-pounds, played four seasons at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, finishing his collegiate career as the Mountain West Conferences all-time assists leader with 582. As a senior, he averaged 9.8 points, 5.4 assists and 2.3 rebounds over 32.0 minutes in 35 games.

Sims, 6-10, 245-pounds, played four seasons at Georgetown University, averaging 11.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.36 blocks over 27.5 minutes in 33 games as a senior.

Shurna, 6-9, 220-pounds, played four seasons at Northwestern University, setting the schools all-time scoring mark with 2,038 points. He led the Big 10 in scoring as a senior with 20.0 points on 44-percent shooting from downtown, 5.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.67 blocks over 37.3 minutes in 33 games.

Thompson, 6-6, 211-pounds, appeared in five games (three starts) for the Cleveland Cavaliers last season, averaging 3.6 points, 1.4 assists and 1.0 rebounds over 19.0 minutes. He began the season playing for the Erie BayHawks of the NBA Development League following a four-year playing career at Pepperdine University. He was a member of the Knicks Summer League entry in Las Vegas this summer, averaging 5.6 points and 3.4 rebounds over 20.0 minutes in five games.

Courtesy of http://basketball.realgm.com


Atlanta Hawks tab Damion James - by Eurobasket

Atlanta Hawks (NBA) added to their roster 25-year old American forward Damion James (201-102kg-87, college: Texas, agency: Priority Sports). He played for the last two years at Brooklyn Nets (NBA). He played just 7 games (injured in January) with stats: 4.9ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.0spg and 1.0bpg..
He graduated from The University of Texas in 2010 and it will be his third season in pro basketball.
He had a very imperrive college career. He represented USA at the U20 Global Games in Dallas in 2006. He was also voted to Sporting News NCAA All-America 2nd Team in his graduation year.

By Eurobasket Data Center (from @SportandoBasket)


The New Look Wolves - by Alex Yam

HANG TIME HEADQUARTERS Now that the Minnesota Timberwolves have a firm timetable as to when Ricky Rubio will rejoin his teammates on the court, they can move on to the business of crafting a potent attack without one of the best young point guards in the league.
Rubios injury and absence last season all but dashed the faint playoff hopes the Timberwolves had. They didnt have another dynamic playmaker on the team to balance the floor as All-Star power forward (and recent gold medal winner) Kevin Love continued his assault on opposing teams and the stat sheet. But in a summer filled with twists and turns, they did come up with a player capable of not only balancing the floor but taking over games, if his knees hold up, in Brandon Roy.
No offense to Russian rookie point guard Aleksey Shved, who was something of a revelation this summer in London during the Olympics, but the Timberwolves are going to need more than what we think he can give in Rubios absence.
If this footage (above) is any indication, Roy appears to be ready to resume the All-Star activities he displayed in Portland, where he starred before knee injury issues forced him to retire before the start of last season.
If he can provide a spark during the first month of the season, Rubios return in December should be another swift punch Rick Adelman can add to the Timberwloves arsenal this season. The roster is as sound as its been in years and the optimism surrounding Rubios return is yet another step in a new direction for a franchise thats been searching for an identity since the Kevin Garnett era ended.
And if there was any doubt about Rubios importance to the Timberwolves team that we saw last season, Fox Sports Norths Joan Niesen puts and end to that foolishness:
The Timberwolves missed Rubio last season, more than they might have imagined. They finished with an 18-13 record in games he started and went 8-27 when he didnt, but no matter how ready they might be for him to rejoin them, patience will be of the essence.
On June 27, Timberwolves president of basketball operations David Kahn said Rubio would be permitted to return to Spain for his rehab after spending the previous three months based in Minneapolis. Even then, Kahn said that training camp, which begins Oct. 2, would be a pretty accelerated target for the point guards return.
Throughout Rubios recovery process, the team has remained positive, if vague, about his return, and Rubio has shared the Timberwolves optimism. In his first media appearance after the surgery, Rubio remained overwhelmingly upbeat and confident, and the team has repeatedly assured that it will not rush his recovery.
You always have to think about everything, but you just have to keep the right (thoughts), Rubio said in April. Because if not, you can think, I got hurt. Im going to be out for six, nine months, and maybe Im not going to be the player that I was before. Thats not the right thing. It can be. But it can be that you are better than you were.
As much as the folks in the Twin Cities are anticipating Rubios return, we still believe that Roy is the guy who will give the Timberwolves the edge they were missing last season, when before and after Rubios injury.
Theyve lacked a superstar talent on the wing for a while now. And as good as both Love and Rubio were last season when healthy, there was no one like Roy around to complete the trio.
There is now

Credit NBA.com for this article.


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.


Josh Childress to work out for Nets - by Eurobasket News

Free agent small forward Josh Childress (6'8''-G/F-83, college: Stanford) will meet with Brooklyn Nets general manager Billy King and coach Avery Johnson and have a workout with the team Tuesday, a source confirmed to ESPNNewYork.com.

The Phoenix Suns used their amnesty clause option on Childress. The clause allows a team to waive one player during the new labor deal and have 100 percent of his salary taken off the cap and the tax. Childress, 29, was released this offseason to give the Suns cap relief, even though they must still pay him what remains on his contract.

Childress, a six-year NBA veteran who also has played overseas, averaged 2.9 points and 2.8 rebounds in 34 games for Phoenix last season. The source also said that Childress is currently evaluating a couple of different offers.

The Nets are looking for a backup small forward to round out their roster. They currently have 13 players signed to guaranteed contracts and have an agreement in principle with big man Andray Blatche on a one-year/non-guaranteed deal.

If he does sign with the Nets, Childress likely would receive the same type of deal Blatche is going to get.

Yahoo! Sports reported last week that the Nets would work out Childress and Dominic McGuire early this week, but McGuire ended up signing with the Toronto Raptors, according to Yahoo!.

Courtesy of ESPN


Mavs introduce Brand, Mayo, newcomers to fans - by Eurobasket News

There was no secret about the Dallas Mavericks' plans going into free agency and their heavy pursuit of Deron Williams (6'3''-PG-84, college: Illinois).

Things obviously turned out much differently.

More than two months after All-Star guard Williams opted to stay with the Nets for their move to Brooklyn rather than come home to play, the Mavericks formally introduced the five veteran players they were able to add instead.

"We went on the option for the big free agent. That didn't work out. Honestly, that wasn't my first choice,'' owner Mark Cuban said Monday. "Sometimes the best deals are the ones you don't do and they lead to better things. And I think that's what happened now.''

Dallas got Elton Brand (6'8''-F-79, college: Duke) on a waiver claim from Philadelphia, signed free agents Chris Kaman and O.J. Mayo (6'5''-G-87, college: USC), and acquired Darren Collison and Dahntay Jones in a trade from Indiana. All those moves were made in July.

The newcomers sat with Cuban and coach Rick Carlisle at a long table set up on a podium on the main floor of the team's home arena.

Season ticket holders were invited to attend, and a couple of hundred of them sat in the stands munching on free popcorn. A few even got to ask questions during the hour-long session, which came just less than three weeks before the start of training camp Sept. 29.

Add the three rookies drafted in June, and the Mavericks' current 15-player roster has only seven players back from last season. Only four players remain from their NBA title team the year before that, including perennial All-Star Dirk Nowitzki, who is going into his 14th season.

"Definitely, we want to keep Dirk's window open as long as possible to win another championship,'' Brand said. "We're hungry because we don't have championships and he does. Hopefully, we make just job a lot easier.''

Philadelphia used its one-time amnesty provision in the new CBA to let Brand go, and the Mavs won the waiver claim. The 33-year-old two-time All-Star who will make $18.1 million the final season of a five-year contract that will be paid mostly by the 76ers.

"I've still got a lot left in the tank,'' Brand said. "I feel great.''

Kaman, a 7-foot center, spent last season in New Orleans after eight years with the Los Angeles Clippers, spending five of those with Brand. Kaman has also been on the German national team with Nowitzki.

Mayo played the first four seasons of his career in Memphis, averaging 15.2 points in 301 games. The 6-foot-4 guard has already been in Dallas about a month acclimating himself to the organization and the area.

"It's going to be fun,'' said Mayo, the former USC star who was the third overall pick in the 2008 draft.

"I think he can be a star,'' Cuban said. "I think O.J. knows this is his make-or-break who am I going to really be in this league. Coach is going to him that opportunity.''

Dallas sent Ian Mahinmi to the Pacers in July to get Collison, the guard is going into his fourth season, and Jones, a guard-forward who has played for four different teams in his nine seasons.

Jason Kidd, their 39-year-old point guard whose 1,315 career regular-season games are more than any other active player, and Jason Terry were among the free agents that left Dallas this summer after the Mavericks had the league's oldest team last season.

Before Cuban and the players took the stage, showing on the huge screen above the floor was the ABC-TV broadcast of the Mavericks' NBA Finals-clinching victory at Miami in June 2011.

There wasn't much to show from the last season, such as the season-opening Christmas Day loss at home to the Heat or the playoffs, when the Mavs were swept by Oklahoma City in the first round. The last game was in the same building four month ago, when Dallas blew a 13-point lead in the final 10 minutes.

After their 2011 championship came the NBA lockout and a new collective bargaining agreement with different rules that affected how the Mavs put together their roster. Cuban strategically let go of some big pieces, moves that also created some salary-cap flexibility for the pursuit of Williams that didn't work out as planned.

"We were talking a calculated risk, you guys knew what I was trying to do up front,'' Cuban said. "I told you there would be a lot of pieces that fell through the cracks because of the way teams were doing their financing now, and told you teams were going to make enormous mistakes because they didn't understand all the nuances (of the CBA) ... and I think a lot of those fell to our favor.''

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com


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  NBLCANADA   


Rainmen re-sign All-Star Joey Haywood - by Eurobasket News

Joey Haywood (6'1''-G-84) stays with Halifax Rainmen. The Canadian/Trinidad and Tobago guard penned a 1-year contract extension. Last season he had 12.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 2.4 apg in 43 games. It was inaugural season of the NBL Canada and at the same time the first season for Haywood as a pro. Joey Haywood is a product of St.Mary's University, where he graduated two years ago. In their last season together he shined with 24.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg and 5.1 apg for 20 games. Haywood transferred to St.Mary's in 2008 from Langara College.
Halifax Rainmen reached NBL Finals last season. Joey Haywood participated at the All-Star Game and was named to USBasket.com NBL Canada All-Defensive 2nd Team -12.

"We are extremely excited to have re signed Joey this season", said Rainmen owner Andre Levingston. "He played a major role in helping us reach the finals last season. He is a very good player, and an even better young man."


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  NCAA1   


JDA Dijon to test center LaRon Dendy - by Eurobasket News

LaRon Dendy (205-C-88) will try to earn his first professional deal. The American center joined JDA Dijon for 10-day tryout. He will try to impress coaching staff and to get the contract for 2012/13 season. Dendy is a product of Middle Tennessee State University where he graduated few months ago. He shined with 14.8 ppg, 7.1 rpg and 2.1 apg for his school in 30 games as a senior. Dendy was named All-Sun Belt Player of the Year -12. Middle Tennessee State reached NIT Elite Eight this year. LaRon Dendy transferred to MTSU in 2010 from Iowa State. He was redshirted in 2010/11 due to NCAA transfer rules. With Iowa State the center had 7.3 ppg and 3.6 rpg in 24 games. As freshman LaRon Dendy played for the Indian Hills CC (JUCO).


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  NORWAY   


Boras Basket signs Terrence Oglesby - by Eurobasket News

Terrence Oglesby (188-G-88, college: Clemson) will stay in Sweden for the upcoming season. The Norwegian/American guard signed a deal with Boras Basket. He joined Eco Orebro in January this year averaging 16.9 points and 3.3 assists for 12 Basketligan games. The player started last season with Spanish Tarragona and in December moved to Sundsvall Dragons. With them Oglesby had 10.8 ppg and 2 apg for 8 games, after what he moved to Orebro. In 2010/11 Terrence Oglesby played fro Tarragona, where he also finished 2009/10 season. The player started professional basketball career with Ukrainian team MBC Mykolaiv. He graduated at Clemson University in 2009. A year before that Terrence Oglesby was top scorer of U20 EuroBasket Division B. He had 24.4 ppg for 8 games with U20 Norwegian NT.


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  PHILIPPINES   

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

PBA Philippine Cup Standings
 1. Air21 Express 0-0 
 2. Alaska Aces 0-0 
 3. Barako Bull 0-0 
 4. Barangay Ginebra 0-0 
 5. Global Port 0-0 
 6. Meralco Bolts 0-0 
 7. Petron Blaze 0-0 
 8. Rain or Shine 0-0 
 9. San Mig Coffee 0-0 
 10. Talk N Text 0-0 



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  POLAND   


Handlopex AZS bring in Rafal Glapinski and Piotr Jagoda - by Eurobasket News

Handlopex AZS bolstered their roster. They added Rafal Glapinski (183-G-82) and Piotr Jagoda (188-G-85).
Rafal Glapinski started the previous season with Rosasport Radom. The guard notched 3.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game in 1Liga. Later Rafal Glapinski moved to Slask II Wroclaw. His stats read 6.8 points, 3.1 assists, 2.2 boards and 2.2 steals per game in 2Liga. Previously the guard had stints with Sokol Lancut and Gornik Walbrzych.
Piotr Jagoda was last seen playing for Start Lublin in 2010/11 season. The guard averaged 3.0 points and 1.0 assist per game in 1Liga. He also used to play for Polonia 2011, Zubry Bialystok.


P.Cukier SIDEn adds Szymanski to their roster - by Eurobasket

Polski Cukier SIDEn Torun (1Liga) agreed terms with 21-year old center Roman Szymanski (211-91). He just graduated from Colby County (JUCO). He elready played in 1 liga back in 2009-10 and 2010-11 spending these two years with Polonia Warszawa roster.
He played for POlish U20 National Team between 2010-2011.
Of course it will be Szymanskis first season in professional basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center (from @polskikosz)


Rahshon Turner agreed terms with Siarka Jezioro - by Eurobasket

Siarka Jezioro Tarnobrzeg (TBL) added to their roster 37-year old American power forward Rahshon Turner (201-102kg-75, college: Fair Dickinson). He played most recently at Hapoel Yokneam/Megido in Israeli National League. In 20 National League games he recorded 18.8ppg, 11.1rpg and 2.4apg last season. It was a very successful year in his career as he was voted to Eurobasket.com All-Israeli National League Center of the Year and to Eurobasket.com All-Israeli National League 2nd Team. Turner also played at Libertad Sunchales in Argentinian LigaA that season. In 4 LigaA games he recorded 8.3ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.0apg and 1.3spg.
He is a very experienced player. Turner played also professionally in France, Holland, Philippines and Spain. It may be one of last seasons in his extensive career, which he may end at Siarka Jezioro. Turner graduated Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1998 and it will be his 15th (!!!) season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


PGE Turow wins tournament in Zgorzelec - by Eurobasket News

PGE Turow is the winner of preseason tournament in Zgorzelec.
In Day One, PGE Turow downed Stelmet Zielona Gora 89-79 thanks to great played third quarter. Visitors had minimum lead at the halftime, but PGE Turow created 27-16 for the next ten minutes having no troubles to keep the safe margin for rest of the game. David Jackson (193-G-86, college: W.Illinois) was a key player in victory with 25 points, while Djordje Micic (195-G-83) and Lukasz Wichniarz (197-F-82) netted 15 and 12 points respectively. In defeat, Walter Hodge (183-PG-86, college: Florida) shined with 28 points, while Adam Lapeta (217-C-87, agency: Alti Sport) and Quinton Hosley (201-F/G-84, college: Fresno St.) added 19 pts apiece.
In Day Two, Stelmet Zielona Gora was better than Turi Svitavy 97-66 to win the second place at this tournament. Marcin Sroka (200-F-81, agency: Promotex) scored 15 points to lead the Polish squad. Quarters: 18-20, 35-15, 24-11, 20-22.
In the last day of the tournament PGE Turow cruised past Turi Svitavy 104-74. Djordje Micic top-scored in this game with 19 points and Ivan Zigeranovic (212-C-84, agency: BeoExcell) posted two points less. Lukasz Wichniarz delivered 15 pts. Quarters: 23-17, 35-10, 27-27, 19-20.


P.Cukier SIDEn adds Szymanski to their roster - by Eurobasket

Polski Cukier SIDEn Torun (1Liga) agreed terms with 21-year old center Roman Szymanski (211-91). He just graduated from Colby County  (JUCO). He elready played in 1 liga back in 2009-10 and 2010-11 spending these two years with Polonia Warszawa roster.
He played for POlish U20 National Team between 2010-2011.
Of course it will be Szymanskis first season in professional basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center (from @polskikosz)


Start Gdynia and Jezioro Tarnobrzeg win in friendly games - by Eurobasket News

Start Gdynia and Jezioro Tarnobrzeg celebrated in latest friendlies.
Start Gdynia grabbed 69-67 win against Franz Astoria Bydgoszcz in very exciting game. Patryk Pelka (202-F-89) top-scored in victory with 14 points and Tomasz Wojdyla (201-F/C-77) followed him with one less. They were only two players with double digits in victory. Third scorers of Start Gdynia were Tomasz Andrzejewski (204-F/C-79) and Maciej Kucharek (204-SF-93) with 8 points each. In defeat, Mateusz Bierwagen (194-G-88) shined with 25 points and Sebastian Laydych (203-F/C-87) added 15. Quarters: 22-26, 20-12, 14-17, 13-12.
Jezioro Tarnobrzeg had an easy job against Polski Cukier SIDEn Torun celebrating comfortable 114-85 victory. The team from Tarnobrzeg took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 21-36, 22-37, 19-17, 23-24. Matt Addison (172-PG-87, college: Hardin-Simmons) stepped up for the winners with 25 points. Maurice Pearson (205-F/C, college: Georgetown, KY) scored 16, while Strzelecki, Alexander and Jakub Dloniak (192-F-83, agency: Promotex) netted 15 points each. Long was the last one in double digits with 12 pts.


Kotwica Kolobrzeg to sign Maurice Bolden - by Eurobasket News

Maurice Bolden (208-G/F-89, agency: Strategic Sports, college: S.Mississippi) will play next season for Kotwica Kolobrzeg, according to Polskikosz.pl. Bolden is a rookie, who graduated few months ago at the University of Southern Mississippi. He averaged 9.7 points and 5.2 rebounds for his school in 34 games last season. The American had 6.8 ppg and 4.4 rpg for 32 games in 2010/11. After graduation Maurice Bolden spent some time with UBA team GIE Morrow Disciples. He helped them win UBA title.
Few days Kotwica Kolobrzeg landed Sean Mosley (193-G, college: Maryland) and Piotr Niedzwiedzki (210-F-93). Mosley has just graduated from the University of Maryland. The guard posted 10.2 points, 5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1 steal per game in his senior season. Niedzwiedzki spent 2011/12 with Slask Wroclaw. He tallied 3.2 points and 2.4 boards per game in PLK.


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  PORTUGAL   


Rapiers pro career starts at Sampaense - by Greg

Sampaense Basket (LPB) strengthened their roster with addition of American forward Al Rapier (200-100kg, agency: Dynamics Global Management). He just graduated from Stony Brook (NCAA). In 30 games last season he averaged 8.1ppg, 5.1rpg and 1.1apg. Rapier helped them to make AEC Regular Season Champion and AEC Tournament Final.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Belarus roll over Portugal in Minsk - by Eurobasket News

Belarus-Portugal 77:64

Belarus roll over Portugal in Minsk in their last game of the EuroBasket Qualification Round. The team finished with 2-6 record, while Portugal ended up without victories.
Portugal managed to score the first six points in the game. Belarus however won the first period 21:15 and led 6 points at the halftime. Cunha nailed three to give Portugal 43:41 lead early in the third period, while Lashkevich scored for 54:51 at the end of the third period. The hosts later made the final push to seal the last victory at the tournament.
Aliaksandr Pustahvar (203-SF-85, agency: RU-Basket Management) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Aliaksandr Kudrautsau (190-SG-80) as well Dzianis Korshuk (204-PF-78, agency: New Trend Agency) nailed 15 points each. Claudio Fonseca (206-C-89) ended up with 22 points in defeat, while Joao Gomes (201-SG-85) notched 12.

Belarus: Aliaksandr Pustahvar 21, Aliaksandr Kudrautsau 15, Dzianis Korshuk 15
Portugal: Claudio Fonseca 22, Joao Gomes 12


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  ROMANIA   


Serbian Bojan Radetic joins BCM U Pitesti - by Eurobasket News

Serbian Bojan Radetic (203-F-88) joins BCM U Pitesti for the upcoming season. The player previously agreed with Radnicki Basket, but later moved to Romania.
Bojan Radetic appeared just four times with Crvena Zvezda in 2011/12. He was their member also in 2010/11. Before Crvena Zvezda, Bojan Radetic played one year for FMP Zeleznik registering 5.5 ppg and 2.8 rpg for 25 Adriatic league games. He added 8.8 ppg and 3.3 rpg for 13 games in Balkan League. In Serbian championship, Radetic averaged 4.8 points and 2.8 rebounds that season. Bojan Radetic played for Borac Cacak from 2007 to 2009. In 2008, the player won gold medal with Serbian U18 National Team at U18 EuroBasket in Riga. He had 1.5 ppg for 6 games at this event. In 2006, Radetic won the bronze medal with Serbian U18 NT at International Tournament in Mannheim.


CSM Bucuresti wins Memorialul Elemer Tordai title - by Eurobasket News

CSM Bucuresti wins Memorialul Elemer Tordai title even with the loss in the last game of the competition.
In Day 1 Etoile Du Sahel lost to CSM Bucuresti 81:92, while CSU Atlassib Sibiu overcame BCM U Pitesti 79:78.
In Day 2 Etoile du Sahel beat BCM U Pitesti 78:72. CSM Bucuresti edged 86:77.
In Day 3 CSU Sibiu beat Etoile du Sahel 81:78. Sasho Gruev poured in 19 points, while Devon Austin (198-F-87, college: Manhattan) had 18. Makrem Ben Romdhane replied with 24 points in the losing effort.
BCM U Pitesti won over CSM Bucuresti 74:70. Pitesti trailed 7:22 at the end of the first period but did not give up and won the rest three quarters. They reduced to 9 points at the halftime winning the second quarter 17-11. Moreover BCM U Pitesti produced 21-16 in the third quarter and won the last stanza 29-21. Popovic stepped up with 21 points for the winners and Joned had 16. Pankracije Barac (196-G-81, agency: Court Side) posted 13, while Gennie and Drasko Albijanic (211-C-86) nailed 10 apiece. Garry Gallimore (192-G-84) replied with 26 points in the losing effort and Goran Martinic (184-PG-87, agency: BeoExcell) as well as Santa had 10 apiece.


CSM Oradea triumphs at Memorial of Antonio Alexe - by Eurobasket News

CSM Oradea triumphs at Memorial of Antonio Alexe with 4 participaing teams. Milos Pesic from CSM Oradea was named MVP of the tournament.
Eurobasket wrote that CSM Oradea and Atomeromu SE won in Day 1. In Day 2 U Mobitelco Cluj outscored Albacomp 73:70. Vedran Naikic top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Sean Barnette (198-F-86, college: Wingate) collected 14 points and 11 rebounds. Josiah Turner (190-G-92, college: Arizona) replied with massive 30 points in the losing effort. CSM Oradea won over Atomeromu 73:68.
In Day 3 U Mobitelco Cluj overcame Atomeromu 91:70. The Romanian team manage to win all four quarters in the game with the decisive 28-15 in the second one. Barnette Sean stepped up with 27 points to lead all the winners. Derek Wright (180-G-86, college: Austin Peay St.) and Nakic Vedran posted 14 each, while Milos Petkovic (201-F/C-91, agency: Global Sports Plaza) nailed 13. Steven Idlet (210-F-89, college: Tulsa) replied with 16 points in defeat and Jones Anthony had 14.
CSM Oradea edged Albacomp 93:57. The winners managed to post all four narrow victories in all four quarters. Milos Pesic (205-F-84) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Tibirna Bogdan nailed 19. Damian Hollis (203-F-88, agency: Two Points, college: G.Washington) finished the game with 22 points for the Hungarian team and Juhos Levente had 14.


Latvia advanced to Eurobasket 2013 - by Eurobasket News

Romania-Latvia 77:85

Latvia advanced to Eurobasket 2013 taking the four best third-place teams. Latvia finished third in Group D of the Qualification Round after 85:77 win over Romania. The latter finished the campaign with 1-7 record.
Latvia needed a win in the to be sure about the third place with 5-3 record. They started the game with 27-16 and had 10-point lead at the halftime. Moreover Latvia added 21-20 in the third period and did not mind 20-23 in the lasts stanza. Kaspars Berzins (211-PF-85) and Janis Strelnieks (191-PG-89) brought the final points for the winning side.
Janis Strelnieks top-scored for the winners with 14 points, while Kaspars Berzins posted 13. Dairis Bertans (192-SG-89), Martins Meiers (206-C-91) and Davis Bertans (205-SF-92) netted 11 points each in a win. Mihai Silvasan (200-SF-85, agency: Court Side) replied with 19 points in the losing effort and Catalin Baciu (214-C-88, college: Clemson) scored 14. Ionut Dragusin (221-C-85) posted 12, whilst Andrei Mandache (191-G/F-87, agency: Global Sports Plaza) and Mihail-Octavian Paul (188-PG-82) finished the game with 10 points each.

Romania: Mihai Silvasan 19, Catalin Baciu 14, Ionut Dragusin 12, Andrei Mandache 10, Mihail-Octavian Paul 10
Latvia: Janis Strelnieks 14, Kaspars Berzins 13, Dairis Bertans 11, Martins Meiers 11, Davis Bertans 11


Giurgiu and Rovinari meet in Championship of Cupa Energia - by Chris Terrell

Giurgiu appeared to be on it's way to winning the Energy Cup, up 3 points with a minute to play in the final of the Preseason tournament played against the host Energia Rovinari. It was a hard fought battle and played without key import Josh Simmons who is on the mend from a injury that would sideline him for the tournament. The whistles started coming one after another, 8 free throws to the host in the final minute of play and the game went to overtime. In the end, Energia Rovinari would attempt 40 free throws to Giurgiu's 18. A large disparity for two clubs that both were battling on both ends with penetration and post ups. Giurgiu would out shoot Rovinari 47.6 to 38.9 in FG% but the big difference in free throws, total fouls, and especially the 4 whistles all by the same referee in the final moments was crucial. The game went to overtime and the host eventually prevailed 74-72. The first and second place clubs were both presented trophies for their accomplishments. Final results had Rovinari defeating Craiova by 5, while Giurgiu won by 14. Rovinari defeating Dinamo by 21 while Giurgiu beat Dinamo by 43. While Craiova defeats Dinamo by 19. Craiova will have a good club this season as they competed in the tournament without key players PG Radi Dzambic and big man Ionut Dragusin who is with the National team. Each club will now look to move on to the next training and preseason games in preparation for the Romanian Cup and the 2012-2013 Romanian Championship. All Cupa Energia teams listed below:

All Cupa Energia 1st Team:
F: Louis Darby (196-G-84, college: Long Beach St.) (Energia Rovinari)
G/F: Derek Thomas (Giurgiu)
G: Andrei Badila (Dinamo)
G: Perry Petty (Giurgiu)
C: David Steffel (Energia Rovinari)

2nd Team:
F: Travis Bureau (Craiova)
G/F: Levar Seals (Craiova)
G: Brian Burrell (Giurgiu)
G: Darko Habus (Craiova)
C: Trevor Harvey (Giurgiu)

MVP: Louis Darby (Energia Rovinari)



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


Spartak St Petersburg edge Astana in Bormio - by Eurobasket News

Spartak St Petersburg overcame Astana 68:67. The Russian team started with 24-19 in the first period, while the team from Kazakhstan replied with 16-10 in the second frame. Moreover Astana won the third period 21-15 but could not seal the victory. Spartak St Petersburg needed 19-11 in the lasts stanza to win the game. Vladimir Dragicevic (205-C/F-86) stepped up with 16 points, while Josh Carter (201-F/G-88, college: Texas A&M) nailed 14. Patrick Beverley (185-PG-88, college: Arkansas) collected 12 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds, whilst Nikita Kurbanov (202-F-86) scored 11.
Last night Enisey and Cedevita scored 63 points each. The teams decided not to continue and finished at 63:63. Enisey won the first period 21-11, while Croatian side replied with 20-14 in the second frame. Moreover Cedevita posted 17-7 in the third quarter and led 6 points at the end of the third quarter. Enisey needed 21-15 in the lasts stanza to tie the score. Hasan Rizvic (212-C-84) top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Jason Rich (191-G-86) nailed 12.


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


Rocks finalise roster after signing 68 American/Irish Big man Owen McNally and Scottish Guard Dale Grieve - by Eurobasket News

The Glasgow Rocks are proud to announce that they have completed their 2012/13 roster with the signing of two up-and-coming youngsters to their line-up, Owen McNally (203-F-87, college: Spring Hill) and Dale Grieve.

24 year old Owen McNally, will be looking to make an impact in the BBL and may well be the surprise packet signing of 2012/13. McNally will be coming to the Rocks after a short stint at Irish club UCD Marian last season where he averaged 15.8ppg and 8.5rpg. McNally, who was originally born in Long Beach Mississippi, also holds an Irish passport making him eligible to play for the Rocks without incurring a work permit position.

McNallys 68 frame gives the Rocks one of their biggest line-ups in years and his ability to play inside-out should pose some match-up problems for the defence. He had a very successful four years at Spring Hill (NAIA) and is currently taking time out from the University of Mississippi where he is looking to complete his Law Degree. Coach Sterling Davis said:I foresee Owen being our dark horse this season. He has some professional experience playing in Ireland which will give him a step closer to being very effective in the league. He has great footwork and skill along with physical strength which gives us some depth on the interior.

To complete the double final signing, the Glasgow Rocks can confirm that they have secured the services of up-and-coming Scottish star Dale Grieve.

Grieve rounds off the 2012/13 squad and will be coming into the line-up after being spotted at the Glasgow Rocks Open Trials held back in August. He was part of the U/18 Scottish National Team and was heavily backed to represent the Rocks last season, however, a series of unfortunate events caused him to miss out. This year he is tipped to develop into another very talented Scottish Basketball Player. Coach Davis had the following to say about Grieve:Dale is a guy I have been keeping my eye on for a year now. He has shown tremendous potential in the two open tryouts he has participated in and I am excited to see his development progress at this level.

With the Glasgow Rocks squad finalised, all eyes will be on the Rocks first pre-season fixture of the season, when they play the USA Select team this Sunday at Kelvin Hall ISA at 5:00pm. The USA team will be staging a basketball camp for kids aged between 7-17 prior to the main event fixture. Tickets are still available via the Rocks website www.glasgowrocks.co.uk.
Courtesy of: http://www.glasgowrocks.co.uk


Jonny Bunyan returns for the Glasgow Rocks - by Eurobasket News

Jonny Bunyan (182-PG-92), will return to the Glasgow Rocks for another season after an impressive debut with the club.

Jonny is widely recognised as Scotland's most promising point guard and proved his worth during the 2011/12 BBL season intermittently stepping into the role in the absence of Rocks import, EJ Harrison, who missed half the season due to injury. During his time on the court, Bunyan was very productive shooting 44% from the field including 38.1% from beyond the 3 point line. He also chipped in with 1.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game.

Coach Sterling Davis will be hoping to see Jonny continue his rise through the pro ranks and become an influential player within the Glasgow Rocks Franchise."JB showed a huge upside last season considering it was his first season in the BBL. What stuck out the most was his heart and willingness to not back down from anyone. When he came in the game teams definitely respected him which is a credit to his confidence in his ability."

Bunyan will also continue to play for his local National League Team, Clark Eriksson Falkirk Fury, and will be looking to lead them to a championship after narrowly missing out last season. Fan favourite, Jonny Bunyan had the following to say about his return to the Glasgow Rocks: "I am really excited about coming back to the Glasgow Rocks for the 2012/13 season. I enjoyed playing against the best players in Britain last year, and I can't wait to get back into it again. I have been working hard on all facets of my game during summer and feel confident that I can really contribute to the team throughout 2012/13."

Jonny has represented Scotland at all age groups - Cadet, Junior and Senior. He was Scotland junior men's captain in 2010 in the European Championships in Israel and made the Final Cut for the U/20 Team GB squad this summer. Jonny's Scottish heritage makes him a valuable commodity for the Glasgow Rocks as he stands as a great role model for any young aspiring Scottish Basketball Players.

"I am very proud to be Scottish and it makes me even prouder to be able to play for the only Scottish Professional Basketball team. I think there are a lot of talented basketball players in Scotland, hopefully we will begin to see more and more of them making their presence felt within the BBL in the coming years."

Jonny Bunyan has joined the Rocks in their pre-season training camps and will be looking to impress during their first friendly fixture against the USA Select Squad on the 9th September, 5:00pm at Kelvin Hall.

With only 3 weeks to go until the official start of the BBL season the Glasgow Rocks squad is almost complete with a further 2 player announcements scheduled for
release later this week.
Courtesy of: glasgowrocks.co.uk


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  SERBIA   


Serbian Bojan Radetic joins BCM U Pitesti - by Eurobasket News

Serbian Bojan Radetic (203-F-88) joins BCM U Pitesti for the upcoming season. The player previously agreed with Radnicki Basket, but later moved to Romania.
Bojan Radetic appeared just four times with Crvena Zvezda in 2011/12. He was their member also in 2010/11. Before Crvena Zvezda, Bojan Radetic played one year for FMP Zeleznik registering 5.5 ppg and 2.8 rpg for 25 Adriatic league games. He added 8.8 ppg and 3.3 rpg for 13 games in Balkan League. In Serbian championship, Radetic averaged 4.8 points and 2.8 rebounds that season. Bojan Radetic played for Borac Cacak from 2007 to 2009. In 2008, the player won gold medal with Serbian U18 National Team at U18 EuroBasket in Riga. He had 1.5 ppg for 6 games at this event. In 2006, Radetic won the bronze medal with Serbian U18 NT at International Tournament in Mannheim.


Serbia topple Israel to clinch EuroBasket ticket - by Eurobasket News

Serbia - Israel 83:67

Serbia left it late but finally sealed 2013 EuroBasket ticket. They knocked down Israel in Belgrade to clinch the third position in Group A. Israel remained in the second place to also qualify to Slovenia. Milenko Tepic (200-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) posted 16 points to lead Serbia to the crucial win.
Serbia stormed into this one. They unleashed 28 points in the first quarter to take a 14-point lead. Serbia kept Israel at distance throughout the second frame. The hosts ensured a 51:31 halftime advantage. Israel however stiffened defensively in the third term. They limited Serbia to 12 points and got within 16 points at the final break. Serbia and Israel traded baskets throughout the fourth term as the hosts tried to gain needed 19-point lead to finish second in the group. But Israel survived the challenge and lost by just 16 points at the end. Nenad Krstic (213-C-83) accounted for 14 points, while Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) added 12 points for the winning team. Omri Casspi (204-SF-88) responded with 20 points for Israel. Guy Pnini (200-SF-83) netted 13 points in the loss.

Serbia: Milenko Tepic 16, Nenad Krstic 14, Nemanja Bjelica 12
Israel: Omri Casspi 20, Guy Pnini 13


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  SLOVAKIA   


Montenegro drub Slovak Republic to gain 10th straight win - by Eurobasket News

Montenegro - Slovak Republic 80:48

Montenegro capped their brilliant 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round campaign with another victory. They stunned Slovak Republic at home court to remain undefeated at 10-0 record on top of Group A. Bojan Dubljevic (205-PF-91, agency: Beo Basket) posted 25 points and 12 rebounds to lead the hosts. Slovak Republic who played without their charismatic leader Anton Gavel suffered the ninth loss.
Montenegro jumped to an early lead. They held their opponents to just 6 points to take a 21-point lead. Montenegro maintained a comfortable lead throughout the second frame. They accumulated a 44:20 halftime advantage. Montenegro kept Slovak Republic at bay throughout the third term. They arrived at the final intermission up by 28 points and coasted to the victory in the fourth stanza. Vladimir Dasic (208-PF-88, agency: Beo Basket) had 13 points and 9 rebounds, while Sead Sehovic (196-G/F-89) netted 12 points for the winners. Dusan Pandula (197-SF-84) responded with 11 points for Slovak Republic. Tomas Mrvis (200-SF-91) had 8 points in the loss.

Montenegro: Bojan Dubljevic 25+12 boards, Vladimir Dasic 13, Sead Sehovic 12
Slovak Republic: Dusan Pandula 11, Tomas Mrvis 8


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  SOUTH KOREA   

Standings

KBL Standings
 1. Anyang KGC 0-0 
 2. Dongbu Promy 0-0 
 3. ET Land 0-0 
 4. Goyang Orions 0-0 
 5. KCC Egis 0-0 
 6. LG Sakers 0-0 
 7. Mobis Phoebus 0-0 
 8. Samsung Th. 0-0 
 9. SK Knights 0-0 
 10. Sonic Boom KT 0-0 

Regular Season: Round 1

Oct. 13: Dongbu Promy - Anyang KGC
Oct. 13: ET Land - SK Knights
Oct. 13: Goyang Orions - Sonic Boom KT
Oct. 13: Samsung Th. - KCC Egis
Oct. 13: Mobis Phoebus - LG Sakers



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  SPAIN   


Joventut edge BC Kyiv in friendly - by Eurobasket News

Joventut - BC Kyiv 92:79

Joventut took on BC Kyiv in pre-season clash in Badalona. The hosts claimed a comfortable win at the end. Emmanuel Quezada (188-PG-85, college: USF) delivered 16 points to lead the charge.
Joventut exploded with 31 points in the opening frame to ensure a 17-point lead. Joventut stretched the margin in the second quarter. They accumulated a 53:32 halftime advantage. BC Kyiv adjusted their offence in the third term. They knocked down 26 points to narrow the gap at 15-point mark. BC Kyiv got even closer in the fourth period but had to surrender at the end. Joonas Caven (211-C/F-93) nailed 14 points, while Jordi Trias (207-F-80) had 13 points for the winners. Jarrod Jones (205-F-90, college: Ball St.) answered with 16 points for BC Kyiv. Anthony Goods (191-G-87, college: Stanford) and Ruslan Otverchenko (192-SG-90) had 11 points each in the loss.

Joventut: Emmanuel Quezada 16, Joonas Caven 14, Jordi Trias 13
BC Kyiv: Jarrod Jones 16, Anthony Goods 11, Ruslan Otverchenko 11


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  SWEDEN   


Sweden rally past Luxembourg, seal EuroBasket appearance - by Eurobasket News

Luxembourg - Sweden 68:85

Sweden booked their 2013 EuroBasket appearance. They overcame Luxembourg on the road to improve at 4-4 record. It was enough to occupy the second position in Group B. Joakim Kjellbom (213-C-79, college: N.Arizona) scored 22 points to lead the Scandinavians.
Sweden surged ahead early in the encounter. They ensured a 24:18 lead at the first break. The Scandinavian team maintained the lead throughout the second stanza. They rallied to a 41:26 halftime advantage. Sweden stretched the margin in the third quarter. They accumulated a 16-point lead at the final break. The visitors did not look back in the fourth frame and rolled to the victory. Jonas Jerebko (206-PF-87) finished with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists, while Kenny Grant (188-G-82, college: Davidson) had 10 points for the winners. Tom Schumacher (189-PG-87, college: Cal.Baptist) responded with 20 points for Luxembourg. Christopher Jones (186-G-90) chipped in 19 points in the loss.

Luxembourg: Tom Schumacher 20, Christopher Jones 19
Sweden: Joakim Kjellbom 22, Jonas Jerebko 17, Kenny Grant 10


Boras Basket signs Terrence Oglesby - by Eurobasket News

Terrence Oglesby (188-G-88, college: Clemson) will stay in Sweden for the upcoming season. The Norwegian/American guard signed a deal with Boras Basket. He joined Eco Orebro in January this year averaging 16.9 points and 3.3 assists for 12 Basketligan games. The player started last season with Spanish Tarragona and in December moved to Sundsvall Dragons. With them Oglesby had 10.8 ppg and 2 apg for 8 games, after what he moved to Orebro. In 2010/11 Terrence Oglesby played fro Tarragona, where he also finished 2009/10 season. The player started professional basketball career with Ukrainian team MBC Mykolaiv. He graduated at Clemson University in 2009. A year before that Terrence Oglesby was top scorer of U20 EuroBasket Division B. He had 24.4 ppg for 8 games with U20 Norwegian NT.


LF Basket in talks with NT center Andreas Schreiber - by Eurobasket News

Andreas Schreiber (205-C-87, agency: Two Points, college: Pennsylvania) could become a new member of LF Basket soon. According to local media, two sides are in advanced talks but they still didnt agree a deal. The Swedish center spent last season with Spanish Tarragona. He appeared 33 times in LEB Gold collecting 7.1 ppg and 4.1 rpg. It was his first pro deal. Andreas Schreiber graduated at the University of Pennsylvania something more than a year ago. He had 2.8 ppg and 1.2 rpg for his school in 16 games as a senior. He got one extra year of eligibility, so Schreiber spent five years in total with Pennsylvania. Before that, he played for KFUM and 08 Stockholm. Andreas Schreiber is currently with the Swedish National Team. So far he appeared once in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications.


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  SWITZERLAND   


Chris Kaba moves from SAM Massagno to Mexican Guerreros - by Eurobasket News

Chris Kaba (203-F-88, college: N.Colorado) will continue his career in Mexico. The American forward penned a deal with Guerreros de Guerroro Cumple. Actually, he already appeared in 3 LNBP games with his new club averaging 21 points and 7.3 rebounds. Kaba spent last season with SAM Massagno Basket. There he had 12.8 ppg and 4.2 rpg for 26 LNA games. It was his first year as a pro. Chris Kaba graduated at the University of Northern Colorado in 2011. He had 9.5 ppg and 4.8 rpg for his school in 32 games as a senior. They won Big Sky Conference Tournament that season. In 2010, Northern Colorado reached Tournament Semis. Kaba had 7.9 ppg and 4.2 rpg for 33 games.


Finland wins Group E of the EuroBasket Qualification Round - by Eurobasket News

Finland-Switzerland 84:77

Finland wins Group E of the EuroBasket Qualification Round with 6-2 record. They won over Switzerland 84:77 in their last game. The latter fell at 3-5 record on the 4th position.
Switzerland surprised the hosts with 19-13 in the first period, but could not win the half. The Nordic side bounced back with 28-21 and nursed a 41:40 advantage. Again Switzerland pushed the tempo in the third period and grabbed 59:55 after three quarters. Finland however started the last stanza with a 5-0 run and then erupted with 29-18 in the fourth period.
Petteri Koponen (194-PG-88) top-scored for the winners with 24 points and Gerald Lee (208-C-87, college: ODU) nailed 16. Shawn Huff (198-SF-84, college: Valparaiso) posted 14, while Hanno Mottola (209-PF-76, college: Utah) had 12. Dusan Mladjan (198-SG-86, agency: Interperformances) finished the game with 23 points and Stefan Petkovic (185-PG-92) as well as Jonathan Dubas (202-SF-91) posted 14 each. Nicolas Dos Santos (201-PF-87) followed them with 9 points.

Finland: Petteri Koponen 24, Gerald Lee 16, Shawn Huff 14, Hanno Mottola 12
Switzerland: Dusan Mladjan 23, Stefan Petkovic 14, Jonathan Dubas 14+13 rebs, Nicolas Dos Santos 9


Rudy Etilopy on a tryout with Lugano Tigers - by Eurobasket News

Rudy Etilopy (208-F/C-88) agreed tryout Terms with Lugano Tigers. He is currently playing with the Team. But, he hasn't signed yet. Very energetic and physical player with great rebounding and post scoring skills.


*****************************************************
  TUNISIA   


Etoile du Sahel finished Memorialul Elemer Tordai - by Eurobasket News

Etoile du Sahel finished Memorialul Elemer Tordai with 1-2 record in Romania. The team from Tunisia continues their European trip.
In Day 1 Etoile Du Sahel lost to CSM Bucuresti 81:92, while CSU Atlassib Sibiu overcame BCM U Pitesti 79:78.
In Day 2 Etoile du Sahel beat BCM U Pitesti 78:72. The team from Tunisia lost the first period 16-22 but then needed 23-14 in the second frame to take 3-point advantage at the halftime. Moreover Sahel won the third quarter 19-15 and did not mind 20-21 in the last quarter. Macram Ben Romdhane (204-PF-89, agency: Prossin Sports Management) stepped up with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Mouhli Omar also scored 16. Cico and Atef Maoua (200-SF-81) posted 13 points each in a win. Pankracije Barac (196-G-81, agency: Court Side) replied with 21 points in the losing effort and Marcel Jones had 14 points and 15 rebounds.
In Day 3 CSU Sibiu beat Etoile du Sahel 81:78. Sasho Gruev poured in 19 points, while Devon Austin (198-F-87, college: Manhattan) had 18. Macram Ben Romdhane replied with 24 points in the losing effort.BCM


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


Real Madrid and Barcelona chasing Okben Ulubay - by Ugur Turker

When Turkish National Team won U 16 European Championship in Liethuva this summer, Okben Ulubay (200-F-97) with 11.3 ppg and 5.1 rpg had been selected MVP of tournament. Recently, World Basketball is following his career and his development.
Touted as one of the most promising player of Europe, Okben Ulubay is wanted Real Madrid and Regal FC Barcelona. At the same time, CSKA Moscow is watching him with scouts and all these club is ready to pay buy out fee to Anadolu Efes to capture Okben Ulubay.
On the orther hand, important American colleges offer Okhen and his familiy Sport Schoolarship. Universities such as Duke and North Carolina States have made their offers already.
It is said that Okben Ulubay is eager to continue his career in his parent club Anadolu Efes and both parties are so close to sign new contract. Mid week is expected for signing.
While Okben Ulubay is dreaming to be player in NBA in his career, it does not seem hard since people consider Okben's ability.


Turkey fire past Czech Republic, clinch 2nd position in Group F - by Eurobasket News

Turkey - Czech Republic 81:58

Turkey celebrated an important win at the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They cruised past Czech Republic in Istanbul to claim the second place in Group F. Czech Republic finished in the third position at 5-3 record.
Czech Republic jumped to an early lead. They maintained the advantage throughout the opening minutes. However Semih Erden (211-F/C-86) capped the period with four points in a row to make it 25:17 for the hosts. Turkey opened the second frame with eight consecutive points to gain a 33:17 lead. They kept Czech Republic at bay and rolled to a 44:26 halftime advantage. The gap grew at 25-point mark at the final intermission 65:40. Turkey did not slow down in the fourth stanza and marched to the needed victory. Semih Erden provided 21 points and 11 rebounds for Turkey. Kerem Gonlum (208-PF-77) added 20 points in the winning effort. Tomas Satoransky (201-PG-91) responded with 15 points for Czech Republic. Jiri Welsch (199-SG-80) had 13 points in the loss.

Turkey: Semih Erden 21+11 boards, Kerem Gonlum 20, Ilkan Karaman (205-F-90) 11
Czech Republic: Tomas Satoransky 15, Jiri Welsch 13


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


Joventut edge BC Kyiv in friendly - by Eurobasket News

Joventut - BC Kyiv 92:79

Joventut took on BC Kyiv in pre-season clash in Badalona. The hosts claimed a comfortable win at the end. Emmanuel Quezada (188-PG-85, college: USF) delivered 16 points to lead the charge.
Joventut exploded with 31 points in the opening frame to ensure a 17-point lead. Joventut stretched the margin in the second quarter. They accumulated a 53:32 halftime advantage. BC Kyiv adjusted their offence in the third term. They knocked down 26 points to narrow the gap at 15-point mark. BC Kyiv got even closer in the fourth period but had to surrender at the end. Joonas Caven (211-C/F-93) nailed 14 points, while Jordi Trias (207-F-80) had 13 points for the winners. Jarrod Jones (205-F-90, college: Ball St.) answered with 16 points for BC Kyiv. Anthony Goods (191-G-87, college: Stanford) and Ruslan Otverchenko (192-SG-90) had 11 points each in the loss.

Joventut: Emmanuel Quezada 16, Joonas Caven 14, Jordi Trias 13
BC Kyiv: Jarrod Jones 16, Anthony Goods 11, Ruslan Otverchenko 11


Khimik, Hoverla and Dnipro play friendlies - by Eurobasket News

Triumph overcame Khimik 91:70. The Russian team started with 23-13 and led 8 points at the halftime. Both teams scored 17 points each in the third quarter for the same difference on the board, while Triumph added 26-13 in the lasts stanza. Sergey Karasev (202-SG-93) stepped up with 22 points and Kyle Landry (207-C/F-86, college: N.Arizona) posted 18. Mitchell followed them with 13 points in a win.
Dnipro overcame Neptunas 90:84. The Ukrainian side grabbed 24-22 after the first period and added 25-17 in the second frame. Both sides posted 19 points each in the third quarter, while the Lithuanian team replied with 26-22 in the lasts stanza.
Hoverla edged Juventus 77:68. Trailing 19-26 after the first period, Juventus needed 22-17 in the second frame to reduce to 2 points at the halftime. Hoverla meanwhile won the third and the last quarters respectively. They increased to 4 points at the end of the third period and won the last stanza 13-8.


Mykolaiv eye Boban Tomic - by Eurobasket News

Mykolaiv eye Boban Tomic (190-G-88, agency: Alti Sport) to add to the roster for the upcoming season. The Slovenian player is with the team now for the try-out period.
He started his career for Jance (D2) and in 2005-2006 joined Union Olimpija Ljubljana II (1B) where he averaged 6.4ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 46.6%, 3FGP: 21.4%, FT: 45.5%. In 2006-2007 moved to Postojnska jama Postojna (1A, starting five) and showed 5.6ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 50,5%, 3FGP: 12,1%, FT: 63,8%. Later he played for GD Hrastnik (1B) and Epic Misel Postojna (1A). In Mar.'10 signed at TCG Mercator Skofja Loka (Telemach League) and showed 1.5ppg, 3.0rpg. In 2010-2011 joined Terme Rogaska (1B, starting five) and had high 15.9ppg, 2.9rpg, Assists-1 (6.4apg), Steals-1 (2.9spg), FGP: 72.0%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 75.3%. The last season Boban Tomic played for
Rogaska Crystal (Telemach League, starting five) and became the third top-scorer with 15.8ppg, 3.6rpg, Assists-4 (4.1apg), Steals-1 (1.9spg), FGP: 60.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 84.9%.


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


England Select Men to face Irish Superleague team as part of BBL Cup Final 2013 - by Eurobasket News

The BBL, England Basketball and Basketball Ireland have announced that an England Select team will face an Ireland Superleague Select team on Sunday 13th January 2013 at the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham.



The game will form part of the BBL Cup Final day and will see England head coach Paul James coach a team made up of English players playing in the BBL, going up against an Ireland Superleague Select team.



James is looking forward to the occasion: Its always great to coach the national team, he said. We had an enjoyable victory against Scotland before the BBL Play-Off final in May, and hopefully we can repeat that.



Bernard OByrne, Basketball Ireland Secretary General, added: We are really looking forward to coming over to Birmingham in January to face England. We are excited by the prospect of playing in front of a 6000 strong crowd at such a great event and would call on all Ireland fans to come along and make some noise.



Tickets are already on sale and selling quickly, so book today and get closer to the action!
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk


Giants Sign Six Brits - by Paul Nilsen

BBL new-boys Manchester Giants have announced their first six signings as top flight basketball returns to the city after a ten year gap.

All of the new players are British, leaving coach Jeff Jones with plenty of room for imports as he looks to continue adding to his line-up.

Arguably the biggest signing by Jones is Mersey Tigers' big man David Aliu (198-F-81, college: Morehead St.) who played a key role alongside James Jones (193-G/F-83, agency: JEMsports, college: Whitworth) in 2010/11 and was credited by man as being their key player last season. His BBL experience has seen him also play for Scottish Rocks and Leicester, as well as having spells in Switzerland and Iceland.

Both of Jones' sons - James Jones (193-G/F-83, agency: JEMsports, college: Whitworth) and Callum Jones (193-G-85, college: Pace) - join the new-look Giants, and will bring plenty of BBL experience. James was part of the Mersey Tigers side who went agonisingly close to a clean sweep in 2011 before joining up with UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders last season. Meanwhile, younger brother Callum was an integral part of the Worcester Wolves side who side who finished third in the BBL Championship table last season.

Former Worcester Wolves' forward David Watts (206-F-83) makes the switch alongside Callum Jones, and the versatile 6' 8" forward Watts also played under coach Jones at Magic in 2009-10 having helped Reading Rockets to a historic 2008/10 campaign where they won all 36 games on the way to a clean sweep of honours.

Point guard Stefan Gill (173-G-83), 28, is also no stranger to Jones, having played for him at Manchester Magic, helping them to a treble winning season and being named the EBL player of the season during the club's most successful spell. He then spent two years with MK (now London) Lions for two years and was a regular starter last season.

Athletic young forward Nathan Schall (201-F) was another former Magic player before stepping up to the BBL with Cheshire Jets last season.

Giants take to the court for the first time tonight with a friendly at Rossendale Raptors, and coach Jones is happy with how pre-season has worked out for the new-look club: ""I'm very pleased with where we are at," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"The players have been very patient while we have sorted things out and it just shows how much they want to play in Manchester."

Giants opened their BBL campaign with a home match against London Lions at Wright Robinson Sports College in Gorton on Friday September 21 (7.30pm) before travelling across Cheshire two days later to face the Jets.


Worthing finalise squad for new season - by Eurobasket News

Worthing Thunder Basketball Club have finalised their squad for the upcoming England Basketball Division One season by signing a collection of ex-Thunder juniors and Brighton based players.

The club have re-signed James Brame, who will continue his role as assistant coach.

Brame is joined by 67 forward Hank Rivers (203-F-81, college: SF Austin) from Stephen F. Austin University in Texas, Bud Johnston (193-G/F-84), Jack Sunderland, Tomas Seduikis (195-F), Joe Carter, Rhys Francis and Julian Stanley. Dominic Baker (200-F-89, college: Dartmouth), who left the team mid-way through last season, also re-joins the squad.

They are joined by Corey Thompson and Nick Corbin, who both played for University of Chichester Thunder last season and Ben Budgen. He and Corbin were part of Worthing Thunder Under 18s national championship victory in 2011.

Its great that we have a passionate and hard-working group of local lads this season, Brame said. I know its been hard for us this off-season but the club have pulled through and this is a good, solid team we have. Ive watched all these guys play from when they were kids and the improvement they have made year after year has been fantastic and they will really benefit from playing in this league.

Worthing have also recruited Brighton-based guard Noel Pollock who has impressed Brame during the summer scrimmages that the club have run.

The club are very happy with the squad put together as we look to give our youngsters a chance at making a name for themselves this season, Worthing Thunder Chairman Frank Gainsbury said.

We are delighted that Hank [Rivers] has come back along with Dominic Baker and Bud [Johnston]. Tomas Seduikis, Joe Carter and Julian Stanley were all fantastic last season and despite their other commitments, they were happy to play for Worthing and its great to welcome them back again.
Report courtesy John Hobbs, Worthing Thunder


Gayle re-signs with Rossendale - by Eurobasket News

Stephen Gayle (180-G-80) has rejoined the Rossendale Raptors for a second year and will once again spearhead their National League campaign.

Stephen Gayle was a huge success at the club last year, leading the league in scoring and being voted as the MVP of EBL Division 4 North.

Having played several seasons in the BBL before joining the Raptors there was a lot of interest over the summer from BBL teams looking to add Stephen Gayle to their roster. Despite some very good offers from other clubs Steve commented:

"I was very happy at Rossendale last season, it really feels like home. The club is brilliant, the people are brilliant, and the fans are great. I've had offers from elsewhere, including offers from clubs in the BBL, however, it was an easy decision to return to the Raptors as I'm really excited about the program in Rossendale and the long term vision for the club. It's a very exciting and fun place to be, and I'm delighted to be back for another year."

Coach Jim Fry is obviously delighted to have his star player return, commenting:

"It's great to have Steve back for another season. We have a lot of strength in depth but Steve brings that extra flair, an extra spark and to be honest he's the best scorer in the league as well as a guy who creates a lot of opportunities for the other guys in our squad. That gives us something extra that no one else really has on court. We're pleased to have him back, and I know how excited he is to be back on board."

Report information courtesy Rossendale Raptors


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


Goes took a 1-0 lead over urunday - by Hector Lopez

Goes defeated Urunday Universitario 63-58 to take a 1-0 lead for the best of games for the Metro League second promotion to te Uruguayan League 2013. The second gamed will be played on Wednesday. For the winner, Matias De Gouveia (180-PG-88) scored 13 points with 4 rebounds and 2 assists, Jimmy Boston (201-F-77, college: N.C.Central) netted 11 points with 7 rebounds and Ivan Loriente (186-G-92) added 13 points with 6 rebounds and 5v assists. For Urunday Universitario Nicolas Alvarez (194-G-92) scored 15 points and Howard Wilkerson (198-F-84, agency: Two Points, college: Wofford) added 13 points with 10 rebounds y 2 assists. The first promotion for the Uruguayan League was already won by Atenas.


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


BK Minsk-2006 lands John Edwards and Jon Kreft - by Eurobasket News

BK Minsk-2006 officially announced signing of John Edwards (213-C-81, college: Kent St.) and Jon Kreft (213-F/C-86, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) for the upcoming season.
John Edwards arrives to his new club from PGE Turow. He appeared 23 times in Polish league last season averaging 6.9 points and 2.2 rebounds. The player also added 7.2 ppg and 4.7 rpg for 6 EuroCup games. Before PGE Turow, Edwards spent some time in Puerto Rico, NBA D-League, Greece and Ukraine. He also played 2 years in the NBA as a member of Indiana Pacers (from 2004 to 2006). In their second season together Edwards had 1.8 ppg and 1.2 rpg in 40 games.
Jon Kreft heads to BK Minsk-2006 for his first season as a pro. He graduated few months ago at the Florida State University. The center had 2.8 ppg and 2.3 rpg for 35 games as a senior. Florida State was ACC Tournament winner this year, while in 2011 they reached NCAA Sweet 16.



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

Women News


Marija Boskovic moves from Keravnos to AEL Limassol - by Eurobasket News

Marija Boskovic (173-G-81) stays on Cyprus for the upcoming season, but not with Keravnos. The Serbian guard signed a deal with reigning champion and National Cup holder AEL Limassol. Boskovic was a key player of Keravnos last season helping them to reach two finals. However, they were defeated by AEL twice. The Marija Boskovic was named Eurobasket.com All-Cyprus League Shooting Guard of the Year -12. The player was also named to Eurobasket.com Cyprus League All-Defensive Team -12. Before Keravnos, Marija Boskovic spent three seasons with Hungarian Szolnoki NKK. She had 12.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 3.7 rpg in 2010/11. Boskovic was named Eurobasket.com All-Cyprus League Co-Bosman Player of the Year -12. In the past, she played for Cegledi, Partizan, Crvena Zvezda and Spartak.


*****************************************************
  EUROCUP   


Partizan Galenika lands Brooke Queenan for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

Partizan Galenika announced signing of Brooke Queenan (188-F-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Boston Coll.) for the upcoming season. The American power forward most recently played for BK Minsk-2006. It was in 2010/11. Queenan helped Minsk to win the Belarusian Cup that season and they also reached League Finals. She was named to Eurobasket.com All-Belarusian League 1st Team -11. The player had 11.8 ppg and 5 rpg for 19 games in Baltic league, plus 12.8 ppg and 5.5 rpg for 6 appearances in EuroCup. Before Minsk, she spent one year with Greek Aris and one with Hungarian MiZo. In the past Brooke Queenan played for Panionios, Chicago Sky (WNBA) and Aris. In 2008, she was named to Eurobasket.com All-Greek League 1st Team. Queenan is a product of Boston College, where she graduated in 2006.


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  EUROLEAGUE   


Galatasaray brings in PF/C Jelena Budimir - by Eurobasket News

Jelena Budimir (192-C/F-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Bethel, TN) is a new member of Galatasaray. The Serbian PF/C signed a 2-month deal with Galata's option to keep the player for the entire season. Budimir averaged 6.1 points and 6.2 rebounds for 19 games with Hungarian DKSK Miskolc last season. Before Miskolc she spent two years with Bajai NKK. In 2010, Jelena Budimir was top rebounder of Hungarian league with 8.5 rpg and also fourth scorer with 15.2 ppg for 22 games. She graduated at Bethel College three years ago. In the past, Budimir played for Radnicki Belgrade and Crvena Zvezda.

Outlook:
Jelena is a post player, born and bred. She has been performing her leadership skills in the center position by battling in the paint on both ends of the floor.
Jelena is a great ball handler which is unusual for players her size. She has the mentality of a point guard which helps her better understand the game of basketball. She is an excellent passer, and proven scorer on every team she has played for.
Also has the ability to use her scoring and passing skills to really change the game. Jelena is a disciplined player who works hard every day and is willing to work even harder for the betterment of her team. She plays solid defense and is able to block shots. Her great physical condition helps her move quick up and down the floor.
OFFENSE: Great hands and tremendous basketball IQ. Excellent passer, who finds open shooters in a heart beat. In transition sees the floor well and is able to throw long and accurate passes. Jelena is also a solid middle range shooter, who will sink baskets from around the perimeter.
Physically strong, which helps her post up in the paint and scores with her back to the basket using a variety of moves such as up and under, hook and baby hook, spin moves, drop step moves, etc.
Not afraid to take responsibility down the stretch of a game, Jelena is a winner and team leader. Able to adapt to virtually any style of the game. Able to finish shots around the basket even when double or triple teamed.
DEFFENSE: Overall big and strong, has a real basketball body, which Jelena uses to real advantage. Physically tough in the paint and able to stop opponents from scoring. Great off the ball defender as well, where she communicats well with her teammates. Gets a lot of blocks, taking advantage of her height advantage and quick hands. Out of great box outs able to crash the boards. Overall, great team defender, comfortable in any type of man-to-man or zone defense.


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


Toulouse to test young Swedish player Binta Drammeh - by Eurobasket News

Binta Drammeh (180-F-92) joined Toulouse Metropole Basket for 10-day tryout. Drammeh is a product of Telge Basket, where she spent last couple of years. In the latest season she exploded with 16.7 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 1.9 apg and 1.9 spg for 27 games. Telge won the championship title and Drammeh was named Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Damligan Domestic Player of the Year -12. In EuroCup, the player added 14.5 ppg and 8.5 rpg for 6 games. She helped Telge to win the title also a year ago. That season she had 9.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg for 16 games. Binta Drammeh played for U20 Sweden this summer. She had 13.2 ppg and 6.8 rpg for 9 games at U20 EuroBasket in Debrecen. She very successfully played for U18 and U16 NT in the past.


Binta Drammeh to join Mondeville - by Eurobasket News

Binta Drammeh (180-F-92) is set to sign a deal with Mondeville. The young Swedish forward spent last ten days on tryout with Toulouse Metropole Basket. In Mondeville she should replace injured Touty Gandega (170-G-91). Drammeh is a product of Telge Basket, where she spent last couple of years. In the latest season she exploded with 16.7 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 1.9 apg and 1.9 spg for 27 games. Telge won the championship title and Drammeh was named Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Damligan Domestic Player of the Year -12. In EuroCup, the player added 14.5 ppg and 8.5 rpg for 6 games. She helped Telge to win the title also a year ago. That season she had 9.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg for 16 games. Binta Drammeh played for U20 Sweden this summer. She had 13.2 ppg and 6.8 rpg for 9 games at U20 EuroBasket in Debrecen. She very successfully played for U18 and U16 NT in the past.


Touty Gandega out with knee injury (torn ACL) - by Eurobasket News

Bad news for Touty Gandega (170-G-91) and her team USO Mondeville. The young French guard was diagnosed yesterday with a torn ACL. It is not known yet how long she will be sidelined, but recovery will definitely take most of the season. Gandega is a product of Mondeville where she started as teenager. Last season she had 6.4 ppg for 28 games in LFB. The player also added 9.3 ppg for 6 EuroCup appearances. Gandega had much lower numbers in 2010/11. Touty Gandega played for U20 French National Team last summer at U20 EuroBasket in Serbia. She had 7.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 2.2 apg for 9 games at this event. Three years ago the player won silver medal at U18 EuroBasket in Sodertalje. She had 5.2 ppg and 2.4 rpg for 9 games with U18 France.


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


Halle signs rookie Kayli Murphy - by Eurobasket News

SV Halle Lions (DBBL) added to their roster 24-year old American power forward Kayli Murphy (188-88). She just graduated from Arizona State University (NCAA). Murphy missed last season and had one year break from professional basketball.
Of course it will be her first season in professional basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


DJK Don Bosco Bamberg add Mara Muender and Bettina Bode - by Eurobasket News

DJK Don Bosco Bamberg add Mara Muender (173-PG-92) and Bettina Bode (193-C-80) for the upcoming season. Both players comes from BG 74 Goettingen.
DJK Don Bosco Bamberg (DBBL) agreed terms with 20-year old point guard Mara Muender. She played for the last four years at BG 74 Goettingen (2.Bundesliga). In 21 2.Bundesliga games she had 5.9ppg and 1.6rpg.
DJK Don Bosco Bamberg (DBBL) strengthened also their roster with addition of 32-year old center Bettina Bode. She played most recently at BG 74 Goettingen (2.Bundesliga). In 22 2.Bundesliga games she averaged 6.0ppg and 4.5rpg. Earlier she played for C.B. Conquero (Spain-LF2) and in 5 games averaged 1.0ppg, 3.4rpg. Then she moved to BBV Leipzig Eagles (DBBL) and showed 5.4ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 44.0%, FT: 42.0%
Mara Muender and Bettina Bode helped them to make it to the final.


TV Saarlouis Royals announced Merideth Marsh and Colleen Planeta - by Eurobasket News

TV Saarlouis Royals announced Merideth Marsh (169-PG-88, college: Vanderbilt) and Colleen Planeta (188-F-88, college: Point Loma) for the upcoming season.
TV Saarlouis Royals (2.Bundesliga) signed 24-year old American point guard Merideth Marsh. She played most recently at Cod.Carmelitas in Spanish LF2 league. Marsh missed last season and had one year break from professional basketball. She graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2010 and actually missed last season. It will be her third season in pro basketball.
Colleen Planeta started her career in 2008-2009 for Point Loma (NAIA, starting five) and then in 2010-2011 moved to Barcelos-MendanhaSousa (Portugal-Liga Feminina, starting five). In 11 games her stats read 21.4ppg, 12.0rpg, 1.5apg, 2.2spg, 3.5bpg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 72.1%. The last season she sepnt with DAS Ano Liosa (Greece-A1, starting five). Planeta became the third top-scorer with 20.3ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.0spg, Blocks-1 (1.9bpg), FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 78.3%.
The team also announced keeping Levke Brodersen (168-G-94), Laura Rahn (181-F-86), Jamailah Adams (180-G/F-93), Leonie Edringer (182-F-95).


Lohneiss comes back to Bamberg - by Eurobasket News

DJK Don Bosco Bamberg (DBBL) added to their roster 21-year old German guard Tonia Lohneiss (174-91). Its actually her comeback to Don Bosco Bamberg as she played here before. Lohneiss played most recently at UWIC Archers 2 in British EBL3. She also played at Bamberg that season. Lohneiss won in 2011.

By Eurobasket Data Center


German PF/C Petra Glaser returns to Kvarnby Basket - by Eurobasket News

Petra Glaser (196-F/C-81, college: Long Beach St.) is back to Sweden. The German power forward/center returned to her former team Kvarnby Basket. She was their member in 2010/11 averaging 17.4 points and 7.4 rebounds for 28 games. Last season Glaser spent with Italian team Termocarispe La Spezia. There she had 14.2 ppg and 6.3 rpg for 29 games in Serie A2. They reached South Division Semifinals and also Cup Semis. Termocarispe La Spezia was the regular season champion in South Division. In the past, Petra Glaser played for Visby Ladies. She joined them in January of 2010 and spent rest of the season there. For 6 games in Damligan the PF/C had 15.5 ppg and 6.7 rpg. Glaser also has experience from Germany and Russia. She was a member of Visby in 2005/06 as well. Petra Glaser played for the German NT from 2004 to 2011.


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  HUNGARY   


Traditional Gcsej Cup - by Adam Patonay

The city of Zalaegerszeg will organize the traditional Men's and Women's Gcsej Cup on the 28-29th of September. This cup have more than 30 years history and this year will show a very quality women's tournament. The local ZTE NKK will meet the hungarian Euroleague teams, Sopron and Gyor plus the turkish super club, Galatasary will join to the tournament.

ZTE signed back Irina Mihailova, added a rookie from Duquesne, Alex Gensler (180-G-90, agency: Interperformances, college: Duquesne) and signed the hungarian national team guard Time Czank.
Gyor added the young talent Krisztina Raksanyi from Pecs, saved their strong hungarian players, signed back Ieva Kublina and added Chay Shegog from North Carolina and australian Natalie Hurst.
Sopron signed back Jelena Milovanovic,added Shenise Johnson who plays for San Antonio now and signed hungarian national team player Orsolya Zsovar.


Brittainey Raven will play for DKSK Miskolc next season - by Mate Papp

DKSK Miskolc has announced the arrival of Brittainey Raven (183-G-88). She arrives from German side TSV 1860 Wasserburg. Raven averaged 14.1 points 4.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game in the Bundesliga. Raven will have to replace key player Brankica Hadzovic who will have a surgery in the near future. Raven has already played in the United States, France, Puerto Rico and in Germany during her career. Brittainey Raven (183-G-88, college: Texas)


Lenita Sanford has joined DKSK Miskolc - by Mate Papp

DKSK Miskolc signed american youngster Lenita Sanford (190-F-89). Sanford has played for UNLV in the last season. She averaged 10.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in the NCAA. DKSK is going to be Sanford's first team in Europe. The goal of the team in 2012/2013 is to reach the top 6 in the League, and the Final Four in the Cup. DKSK will also participate in the Central European Basketball League which will start in the upcoming season. Lenita Sanford (190-F-89, college: UNLV)


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  OLYMPIC GAMES   

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Erika DE SOUZA
  BRA
  (197-C-82)
  Avg: 16.2
 1. De Souza, BRA16.2 
 2. Leedham, ENG16.2 
 3. Jackson, AUS15.9 
 4. Chen, CHN15.7 
 5. Stafford, ENG15.2 
 6. Viteckova, CZE15.2 
 7. Dumerc, FRA14.3 
 8. Mandir, CRO14.0 
 9. Smith, CAN13.8 
 10. Cambage, AUS13.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Clarissa DOS SANTOS
  (187-C-88)
  Avg: 9
 1. Dos Santos, BRA9.0 
 2. De Souza, BRA8.8 
 3. Jackson, AUS7.9 
 4. Parker, USA7.8 
 5. Charles, USA7.3 
 6. Yilmaz, TUR7.2 
 7. Manuel, ANG7.2 
 8. Osipova, RUS6.8 
 9. Horakova, CZE6.8 
 10. Chen, CHN6.7 
Assists Per Game
 LiJie MIAO
  (178-F-81)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Miao, CHN6.5 
 2. Vardarli, TUR4.5 
 3. Thorburn, CAN4.5 
 4. Bird, USA4.5 
 5. Pinto, BRA4.4 
 6. Hammon, RUS4.0 
 7. O''Hea, AUS3.5 
 8. Dumerc, FRA3.4 
 9. Rodrigues, BRA3.2 
 10. Lelas, CRO3.2 
Steals Per Game
 Jelena IVEZIC
  CRO
  (182-F/G-84)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Ivezic, CRO2.8 
 2. McCoughtry, USA2.5 
 3. Leedham, ENG2.4 
 4. Horakova, CZE2.0 
 5. Alben, TUR1.8 
 6. Catchings, USA1.6 
 7. Dumerc, FRA1.6 
 8. Moore, USA1.5 
 9. Yilmaz, TUR1.5 
 10. Rodrigues, BRA1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Sandrine GRUDA
  FRA
  (193-C-87)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Gruda, FRA2.1 
 2. Burgrova, CZE1.7 
 3. Cambage, AUS1.6 
 4. De Souza, BRA1.6 
 5. Ivankovic, CRO1.4 
 6. Stewart, ENG1.4 
 7. Parker, USA1.3 
 8. Fagbenle, ENG1.2 
 9. Osipova, RUS1.1 
 10. Kulichova, CZE1.0 



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


CSM Sportul Studentesc signs guard Nikolina Nikolic - by Eurobasket News

CSM Sportul Studentesc Bucuresti added another player for the upcoming season. The team penned a 1-year deal with Serbian guard Nikolina Nikolic (178-G-91). She arrives to the club from Galactica Olimpia Brasov. Nikolic appeared 25 times in Romanian league last season averaging 15.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists. It was her first year abroad. Before Brasov, the player spent two seasons with Vozdovac. However, there she had very limited playing time. In 2010/11, Nikolina Nikolic registered only 1.6 ppg for 21 games in Adriatic league. Last summer, and this one as well, Nikolic was on the list of candidates for the Serbian U20 National Team. In 2006, she played for U16 Serbia at U16 EuroBaset in Kosice. They reached Semifinals at this event, while Nikolic had 3.9 ppg for 7 games.


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  SERBIA   


Partizan Galenika lands Brooke Queenan for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

Partizan Galenika announced signing of Brooke Queenan (188-F-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Boston Coll.) for the upcoming season. The American power forward most recently played for BK Minsk-2006. It was in 2010/11. Queenan helped Minsk to win the Belarusian Cup that season and they also reached League Finals. She was named to Eurobasket.com All-Belarusian League 1st Team -11. The player had 11.8 ppg and 5 rpg for 19 games in Baltic league, plus 12.8 ppg and 5.5 rpg for 6 appearances in EuroCup. Before Minsk, she spent one year with Greek Aris and one with Hungarian MiZo. In the past Brooke Queenan played for Panionios, Chicago Sky (WNBA) and Aris. In 2008, she was named to Eurobasket.com All-Greek League 1st Team. Queenan is a product of Boston College, where she graduated in 2006.


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  SPAIN   


Katie Gearlds is a newcomer at Conquero - by Eurobasket News

CB Conquero Huelva (LFB) agreed terms with 28-year old American swingman Katie Gearlds (186-84, college: Purdue). She played last season at Orion-GDKO Ibaizabal Galdakao (LF2). In 26 LF2 games she recorded 17.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.9apg and 1.5spg. It was a very successful year in her career as she was voted to Eurobasket.com All- LF2 Honorable Mention and Eurobasket.com LF2 All-Imports Team.
Gearlds played also professionally in Greece and Slovakia. She graduated Purdue University in 2007 and it will be her sixth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center (from @lovewomensbball)


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


Binta Drammeh to join Mondeville - by Eurobasket News

Binta Drammeh (180-F-92) is set to sign a deal with Mondeville. The young Swedish forward spent last ten days on tryout with Toulouse Metropole Basket. In Mondeville she should replace injured Touty Gandega (170-G-91). Drammeh is a product of Telge Basket, where she spent last couple of years. In the latest season she exploded with 16.7 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 1.9 apg and 1.9 spg for 27 games. Telge won the championship title and Drammeh was named Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Damligan Domestic Player of the Year -12. In EuroCup, the player added 14.5 ppg and 8.5 rpg for 6 games. She helped Telge to win the title also a year ago. That season she had 9.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg for 16 games. Binta Drammeh played for U20 Sweden this summer. She had 13.2 ppg and 6.8 rpg for 9 games at U20 EuroBasket in Debrecen. She very successfully played for U18 and U16 NT in the past.


Toulouse to test young Swedish player Binta Drammeh - by Eurobasket News

Binta Drammeh (180-F-92) joined Toulouse Metropole Basket for 10-day tryout. Drammeh is a product of Telge Basket, where she spent last couple of years. In the latest season she exploded with 16.7 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 1.9 apg and 1.9 spg for 27 games. Telge won the championship title and Drammeh was named Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Damligan Domestic Player of the Year -12. In EuroCup, the player added 14.5 ppg and 8.5 rpg for 6 games. She helped Telge to win the title also a year ago. That season she had 9.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg for 16 games. Binta Drammeh played for U20 Sweden this summer. She had 13.2 ppg and 6.8 rpg for 9 games at U20 EuroBasket in Debrecen. She very successfully played for U18 and U16 NT in the past.


German PF/C Petra Glaser returns to Kvarnby Basket - by Eurobasket News

Petra Glaser (196-F/C-81, college: Long Beach St.) is back to Sweden. The German power forward/center returned to her former team Kvarnby Basket. She was their member in 2010/11 averaging 17.4 points and 7.4 rebounds for 28 games. Last season Glaser spent with Italian team Termocarispe La Spezia. There she had 14.2 ppg and 6.3 rpg for 29 games in Serie A2. They reached South Division Semifinals and also Cup Semis. Termocarispe La Spezia was the regular season champion in South Division. In the past, Petra Glaser played for Visby Ladies. She joined them in January of 2010 and spent rest of the season there. For 6 games in Damligan the PF/C had 15.5 ppg and 6.7 rpg. Glaser also has experience from Germany and Russia. She was a member of Visby in 2005/06 as well. Petra Glaser played for the German NT from 2004 to 2011.


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


Galatasaray brings in PF/C Jelena Budimir - by Eurobasket News

Jelena Budimir (192-C/F-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Bethel, TN) is a new member of Galatasaray. The Serbian PF/C signed a 2-month deal with Galata's option to keep the player for the entire season. Budimir averaged 6.1 points and 6.2 rebounds for 19 games with Hungarian DKSK Miskolc last season. Before Miskolc she spent two years with Bajai NKK. In 2010, Jelena Budimir was top rebounder of Hungarian league with 8.5 rpg and also fourth scorer with 15.2 ppg for 22 games. She graduated at Bethel College three years ago. In the past, Budimir played for Radnicki Belgrade and Crvena Zvezda.

Outlook:
Jelena is a post player, born and bred. She has been performing her leadership skills in the center position by battling in the paint on both ends of the floor.
Jelena is a great ball handler which is unusual for players her size. She has the mentality of a point guard which helps her better understand the game of basketball. She is an excellent passer, and proven scorer on every team she has played for.
Also has the ability to use her scoring and passing skills to really change the game. Jelena is a disciplined player who works hard every day and is willing to work even harder for the betterment of her team. She plays solid defense and is able to block shots. Her great physical condition helps her move quick up and down the floor.
OFFENSE: Great hands and tremendous basketball IQ. Excellent passer, who finds open shooters in a heart beat. In transition sees the floor well and is able to throw long and accurate passes. Jelena is also a solid middle range shooter, who will sink baskets from around the perimeter.
Physically strong, which helps her post up in the paint and scores with her back to the basket using a variety of moves such as up and under, hook and baby hook, spin moves, drop step moves, etc.
Not afraid to take responsibility down the stretch of a game, Jelena is a winner and team leader. Able to adapt to virtually any style of the game. Able to finish shots around the basket even when double or triple teamed.
DEFFENSE: Overall big and strong, has a real basketball body, which Jelena uses to real advantage. Physically tough in the paint and able to stop opponents from scoring. Great off the ball defender as well, where she communicats well with her teammates. Gets a lot of blocks, taking advantage of her height advantage and quick hands. Out of great box outs able to crash the boards. Overall, great team defender, comfortable in any type of man-to-man or zone defense.


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  WNBA   

Standings

WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Connecticut S. 21-8 
 2. Indiana F. 19-9 
 3. Atlanta D. 17-14 
 4. Chicago S. 12-17 
 5. New York L. 12-17 
 6. Washington M. 6-24 
Western
 1. Minnesota L. 24-5 
 2. L.Angeles S. 19-11 
 3. S.Antonio SS 17-11 
 4. Seattle S. 14-15 
 5. Phoenix M. 7-21 
 6. Tulsa S. 6-22 

Regular Season: Round 35

Sep. 11: Chicago S. - Minnesota L. 83-70
Sep. 11: Atlanta D. - Seattle S. 77-61
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.


McCoughtry, DeSouza lead Dream past Storm, 77-61 - by Eurobasket News

Just like they did the past two seasons, the Atlanta Dream are playing their best basketball at just the right time.

Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-SF-86, college: Louisville) scored 23 points, Erika De Souza (6'6''-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) had 20 and the Dream pulled away late to beat the Seattle Storm 77-61 for their fifth win in six games Tuesday night.

"We're finally meshing," Armintie Price (5'9''-G-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Mississippi) said. "It's late in the season to do it. But the best time to do it."

Sancho Lyttle (6'4''-C-83, college: Houston) scored 13 points and Price had 10 for the Dream (17-14), who are firmly in third place in the Eastern Conference but haven't officially clinched a playoff berth yet.

"The team shared the basketball again," coach Fred Williams said. "It's starting to come for us. We want to play that kind of basketball and play well."

Seattle pulled to 55-54 on a 3-pointer by Sue Bird early in the fourth quarter. However, Atlanta went on a 13-0 run to regain control and finished with a 22-7 spurt.

The Dream were swept by the Storm in three games in the WNBA Finals in 2010, but have won the four regular-season meetings since.

"We've got to be physically and mentally tougher if we're going to be in a situation to win a championship," said Seattle coach Brian Angler, who wasn't happy with the Storm's 21 turnovers. "We gave it to them 16 times (on steals) and they are going to go down there and shoot layups."

Lauren Jackson had 14 points and nine rebounds and Camille Little added 13 points and eight boards for the Storm (13-15), who have already secured their WNBA-record ninth consecutive playoff berth.

Trailing by 16 points early in the second half, Seattle went on a 19-6 run to pull to 49-46 on a three-point play by Jackson with 2:13 left in the third quarter. The Storm trailed 53-49 going into the final period as Jackson had 10 points in the period and Little scored nine.

"We had an opportunity," Angler said. "We worked ourselves back in the game in the third quarter."

But a missed layup prevented the Storm from taking the lead and the Dream went on their 13-point run, with all five players scoring.

"We're trying to get our chemistry going," Lyttle said. "Hopefully this will take us over to the playoffs."

McCoughtry, who didn't attempt a shot in the first quarter, was 6 for 6 from the floor and had 14 points in the second quarter as Atlanta took a 37-25 halftime lead.

The WNBA's leading scorer has been coming off the bench since missing two games for personal reasons and then serving a two-game team suspension.

"That's what I did in the Olympics," the member of the gold-medal United States team. "It doesn't matter."

McCoughtry scored all but two points during a 16-6 run that gave the Dream a 37-21 lead late in the quarter. DeSouza had eight of her 10 first-half points in the first quarter.

Atlanta had 20 assists on 29 baskets and scored 21 points on the fast break. Lindsey Harding and Tiffany Hayes each handed out five assists.

"We've been up and down, but we're on a real high note now," Hayes said.

Courtesy of www.chron.com


Harding, Moore named Players of the Week - by Eurobasket News

Lindsey Harding (5'8''-G-84, college: Duke) of the Atlanta Dream and Maya Moore (6'0''-SG-89, college: Connecticut) of the Minnesota Lynx were named the WNBA's Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week for the period ending Sept. 9.

Harding won the honor for the first time in her career, after averaging 19.3 points and dishing out 6.3 assists, times per game for the week. She helped improve the Dream's overall record to 16-14. She also averaged 1.67 steals per game.

Moore led the Lynx to three wins against playoff-bound teams during the week to extend their winning streak to 11 games. She ranked second in the Western Conference in both scoring and rebounds, averaging 21.3 points and 11 rebounds per game.

Other players considered for the award were Epiphanny Prince of the Chicago Sky, Tina Charles of the Connecticut Sun, DeWanna Bonner of the Phoenix Mercury and Camille Little of the Seattle Storm.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com


Prince scores 26 to lead Sky past Lynx, 83-70 - by Eurobasket News

Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G-88, college: Rutgers) scored 26 points and Courtney Vandersloot (5'8''-G-89, college: Gonzaga) added 17 as the Chicago Sky beat the defending champion Minnesota Lynx 83-70 on Tuesday night.

Carolyn Swords (6'6''-C-89, agency: LBM Management, college: Boston Coll.) had 11 points and nine rebounds to help the Sky (12-17) pull into a tie with New York for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with five games remaining. Chicago was without Olympic center Sylvia Fowles for the second straight game due to a calf strain.

Maya Moore (6'0''-SG-89, college: Connecticut) scored 18 points to lead the Lynx (24-5). Rebekkah Brunson (6'3''-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) had 17 and Candice Wiggins added 14.

The Sky broke open a tight game in the fourth quarter with a 13-3 run over the final 5 minutes. Chicago finished with a 40-18 scoring edge in the paint and had a 31-24 rebounding advantage.

Courtesy of www.sacbee.com