EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/15/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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  AUSTRALIA   



Hawks take second test clash versus Breakers - by Eurobasket News

NZ Breakers - Wollongong Hawks 61:64

Wollongong Hawks earned victory in the second game of the test series versus NZ Breakers. Rhys Martin (193-G-86, college: Nova SE) posted 15 points to lead the winners in Dunedin. The third game is scheduled on Sautrday at the Clauderlands Arena.
The Hawks strongly started the game. They recorded a 19:13 lead after ten minutes. Wollongong maintained the lead throughout the second frame. They posted a 39:32 halftime lead. The Breakers got closer in the third quarter. The Kiwis narrowed the margin at 3-point mark before the fourth term. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the final quarter as the Hawks managed to secure the victory at the end. Larry Davidson (206-C/F-83, college: Boise St.) accounted for 13 points, while Oscar Forman (205-F/C-82) contributed 11 points for the Hawks. Alex Pledger (213-C-87, college: Belm.Abbey) responded with 18 points and 9 rebounds for the Breakers. Will Hudson (206-F/C-89, college: Oakland) and Cedric Jackson (191-G-86, college: Cleveland St.) netted 10 points each in the loss.

NZ Breakers: Alex Pledger 18, Will Hudson 10, Cedric Jackson 10
Wollongong Hawks: Rhys Martin 15, Larry Davidson 13, Oscar Forman 11


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  BELGIUM   


Nizhny Novgorod reach Final at Show Sports Brest - by Eurobasket News

Nizhny Novgorod - Mons-Hainaut 74:68

Nizhny Novgorod will play in the Final of Show Sport Brest Tournoi des As. They knocked down Mons-Hainaut to set up the clash versus Budivenyk for the trophy. Primoz Brezec (216-F/C-79) posted 18 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Russian team into the title clash.
Nizhny Novgorod confidently started the game. They registered a 20:12 lead after ten minutes. Nizhny Novgorod maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They ensured a 42:29 halftime advantage. The Belgian team finally adjusted their game in the third term. They held Nizhny Novgorod to 10 points to cut the deficit at 7-point mark 45:52. Mons-Hainaut fought bravely in the final period but could not succeed at the end. Dramir Zibirov (187-PG-86) accounted for 17 points, while Dragan Labovic (207-PF-87, agency: Alti Sport) added 12 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. Josh Bostic (196-F-87, college: Findlay, OH) replied with game-high 24 points for Mons-Hainaut. Quincy Taylor (196-G-82, college: UAB) had 17 points in the loss.

Nizhny Novgorod: Primoz Brezec 18+10 boards, Dramir Zibirov 17, Dragan Labovic 12+10 boards
Mons-Hainaut: Josh Bostic 24, Quincy Taylor 17


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  BOSNIA   


Interview with Bosnian basketball legend Nenad Markovic - by Nedzad Kladusak

There is no need to introduce Nenad Markovic, according many basketball fans the greatest basketball player BIH had in the post war-era.
He has played in the best European leagues and played for the Yugoslav and later for the BIH NT team leading it to victories against a superstrong Croatian team featuring basketball aces like Dino Radja, Zan Tabak, Damir Mulaomerovic, Arijan Komazec, Emilio Kovacic and Gordan Giricek.

First of all congratulations for the fantastic success you achieved with your team!

Q: How have you spent the last couple of days? How have you celebrated the championship with your guys?
A:Thank you very much! I have celebrated with my assistant coaches and KSBIH officials. My players went home and they deserved to celebrate without their coach after being 40 days with him. It s been very emotional during the tournament and we have all been exhausted at the end.

Q: How do you feel now and what means the title for BIH basketball and for you personally?
A:I think it s been a tremendous success for BIH basketball, its youth categories and the Bosnian basketball federation and we have to exploit this success for our future work in sub-senior categories.
For me personally it s been a fantastic success and the greatest success I have achieved so far because I achieved it with young players players and being under enormous pressure caused by great expectations of all sides. However we stayed focused and won the gold medal.

Q: During the tournament you have been dissatisfied. Which things have to be improved in order to stay in the A division?
A:It s not been so much dissatisfaction but mostly a way to keep a positive tension in the team. I wanted to preserve them from losing focus after the first four victories because the tournament lasts long and very both physically and mentally demanding so every relaxation might be fatal.We have to continue working the way we are working now with frequent workouts, practise games sending out a strong message to all player throughout Europe that we count on them and that we can offer them excellent conditions for their development.We have to set our goals higher. We don t want not only to stay in the A division!

Q: You have critisized some players in public after the defeat against Finland. Which things they need to be improve and which ist he role of teams and media in this process?
A: I have never critisized single players and this is not my style because despite some players are dominant they title is always won by a team and not by single players. I have critisized the approach as we have been leading by 18 against Finland and I asked for more team play. Players generally have to work daily on their individual skills and they have to work on concentration and focussing which are key points in the development of young players!Definitely media have to support this process by being objective and not producing stars after a single good action. Most of these kids can t handle these kind of flatteries!

Q: Has there ever been a moment when you doubted about our sucess?
A: I had never doubted that we will promote to A division but I have been well aware that the road to promotion won t be an easy one and that we would have to focussed 10 days, 8 matches which is for players in that age not easy at all.

Q: There have been many uncertainties concerning the roster and the preparations. How much impact had this on you and your team?
A: The roster has been only uncertain for the public media but my coaching team and I had no doubts about the players which will make up the roster.The only pending issue has been emir Sulejmanovic but we have prepared for the first day on for the situation that he won t be able to play for us this championship.

Q: Some players didn t respond to your call or have not been able to play for our team. Which players are these and how much can they contribute to the team?
A: Srdan Milanovic (201-C-95) of Leotar and Dejan Todorovic (F-94) of Clinicas Rincon are players which could give this team additional quality and promote the competition on their positions.

Q: We have qualified for A division. How are the chances to stay in A division and will you stay coach of the U 18 team?
A: I have said already. We have to set our goals higher than only staying in the A division.I will soon have negotiations with general secretary Harun Mahmutovic and we will close the deal. Both sides are interested to extend the contract.

Q:Have you already a vision of the U18 NT if you stay its coach?
A: Of course we have developed last year a vision since we have been optimistic that we will accomplish our mission and we have prepared long term plans. We have to planning over a longer stretch , looking in the future and being always ambitious. In my eyes it is the only way we can have success.

Q:Sometimes one could have the impression that Adin Vrabac (202-G/F-94), Nedim Buza (201-SF-95) and to a smaller extent Jusuf Nurkic (212-C-94) played their private matches? What makes up a leader? And how much can this be influenced by a coach?
A:They are all young players which played for the first time such a demanding tournament in front of domestic audience, playing under tremendous pressure of mandatory promotion to A division and everyone of them tried to cope with this situation his own way. I am sure that there has not been self-promotion because all of them are brilliant guys who worked hard to win the gold medal.
A leader is defined by many things. A leader is the driving forcer of a team, who never gives up, someone who always motivates and cheers up his team. Whenever his coach watches him in his eyes must shine the confidence that his team will win and he is willing to spark his teammates.
It is not necessarily the best player of a team and a leader is definitely born not made. It s a matter of character and a coach has to recognize a leader and direct him in a positive rewarding direction.

Q:BIH has plenty of talent but it seems that we are much weaker when it comes to coaching talents and coaching education? Can you share this impression and how could we improve this?
A:KSBIH and Sulejman Begovic who has got tremendous experience tries since years to improve the education of our coaches by organizing workshops with famous coaches. This weekend for example in Sarajevo will take place a workshop with Neven Spahija, Mirko Novosel

Q:You had already a great result in your coaching career while being being Panonios coach. Nevertheless you are at the beginning of your coaching career. Which are your plans?
A: Yes you are right. I am a young coach but I have already gathered coaching experiences on senior NT, competitive leagues like it is the Greek one and the Adriatic league and coaching experiences on junior NT level like which results in a considerable number of matches I coached a team.
I will soon pursue also my career as a club coach.

Q:You run your private basketball academy GEN. What is your concept and are you happy with the results after the first practice camps have been organised?
A:GEN is a basketball academy that has been organised by Emir Halimic, Gordan Firic and I aiming to introduce kids to basketball with a completely new approach, strongly influenced by the way we have been introduced into basketball. We are definitely satisfied with the results but the most important ist hat the kids and their parents are satisified.

Q:Do you consider yourself to be more a individiual coach or a tactician? Do you prefer coaching younger players or ready to play- senior players?
A:As a coach I have to be prepared for every situation and you have tob e ready to work with all types of players. I started my coaching careerr as a coach for senior teams but now I work with young players and junior teams and I don t have a problem with it. And well good fundamentals and individual skills are prerequisites for the execution of any tactic. The skills of your players are like a toolset of the coach who will define some offensive and defensive details to a individual working program. Afterwards you create a team tactic which is based on these details.

Q:In business life strong characters and leadership are required but it seems to me that such personalities often have problems in their careers?
A: Well it depends on the character oft he coach. A coach hast o be ready for compromises with both players and team owners. He has to be clever while doing his job. You are right strong characters are appreciated but not stubbornness and thats a big difference.

Q:Many (KSBIH and teams) ask state institutions to increase fundings for sports in general and basketball. What do you think about this and what should be the mission of the state regarding sports?
A: The state institutions and government definitely has to ensure the funding of sports in the country. However I can t offer them a plan how to perform this but they have to find a way as aoon as possible since sports represent countries more precisely sports and sportsmen and not politicians.

Q: Have you been satisfied with individual-tactial education and mental preparation of your players? Have there been voices from outside the NT influencing their game?
A:Generally the team has been fantastically prepared as you can see in the result we achieved and the fact that we played our best defence at the end of the match. Another indicator is that none of our players hase picked up an injury during the tournament.

Q:You have been uncontested leader of your generation and some have considered you tob e very dominant. However weh ad a clear hierarchy within the team and you founded a basketball academy with Gordan. Which is the secret of being a leader, who is respected by the team and avoding personal problems with teammates?
A: This is a natural selection and leaders always stand out in the end. It s a matter of character.

Q:When you have been coach of the senior NT you suffered some critisizm when you declared that Djedovic will be a starter instead of Damir Mrsic. Looking back what do you think about this move and how would have reacted player Nenad Markovic?
A: Coaches always get critisized and thats the other side of the medal and I never take this personally because you have always to consider who critisizes you and why he critisizes you. Nenad Markovic would have respected the coaches decision.

Q: In BIH Basketball your name is pronounced in the same sentence with Mirza Delibasic but most who gave this country so much are marginalised. How do you bear this development?
A: After the war this is normal in our country. All the negative things in our country are now present everywhere. All the good values, ethics have been marginalised. Unfortunatelly that s transformation of peoples of the Balkans.

Q: Are you still in touch with your former NT teammates?
A: I am in touch with most of them with Samir Avdic,Dzevdo Alihodzic, Haris Mujezinovic, Adis Beciragic, Samir Seleskovic, Gordan Firic, Emir Halimic, Senad Begovic We have been a generation and we grew up together which also reflected on the cohesion on the court. We are good friends and there have never been negative feelings like envy between us.

Q:Many in this country say that we can live together and they promote segregation from childhood on. Have you ever faced such problems in your coaching career and would you say that the title means more in terms of sport or by the fact that kids from everywhere in BIH showed that together they can achieve and get friends?
A: I mentioned before that many people leading this country don t want a strong and stable republic BIH because it wouldn t fit to their concept. They want mess, darkness and a lawless society in order to reign and profit. Our boys showed them what can be achieved if you stand together.

Q:You played many important matches. However I think that the match against Komazes, Radja, Sesar made you a legend and ensured your teammates a place in Bosnian basketball history.can you describe the feeling at this time and can you describe the feeling when you netted the ball?
A: I can t describe the feeling how it feels to represent your country, make the people screaming, yelling, electrify the masses. My friends and me felt really privileged being part of it.

Q: Fans hailed you often with rather explicit chants. How much did you get notice of fan chants and how does it affect your game?
Such things never motivated me. Only true cheering and a crowded Skenderija, which was and staid the basketball shrine (Mirza delibasic arena) motivated me.

Nenad thank you so much for what you have given to Bosnian basketball!



Partizan Belgrade and Khimky Moscow will play the final at international tournament in Republika Srpska - by Miljan Veskovic

BC Partizan MT:S Beograd and BC Khimky Moscow Region will play the final at International tournament in Republika Srpska. In the first semifinal game BC Partizan MT:S Beograd outplayed Slovenian team Krka Novo Mesto by 68:64. Serbian team was led by Djordje Gagic (210-C-90, agency: Interperformances) 16, Nikola Milutinov (212-C-94) 14 and Drew Gordon (205-F-90, college: N.Mexico) 12 while Domen Lorbek (197-G/F-85) 19, Jure Lalic (211-C-86) 12 and Jaka Klobucar (198-G-87) had 12 points for the losing side. In the second game of the evening Khimky Moscow won against the hosts BC Igokea Aleksandrovac 76:66. Top performers of the game were James Augustine (208-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois) with 18 and Petteri Koponen (194-PG-88) with 17 points.


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  BRAZIL   

Standings - Paulista, Carioca, Minas G. leagues

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

Second Stage: Round 8

Sep. 13: Pinheiros/Sky - Gremio Mogi 99-62
Sep. 13: S.Jose/Unimed - Metodista/S.B. 91-66
Sep. 13: Jacarei - Winner/Limeira 87-81
Sep. 13: Paschoalotto/B. - America 85-65
Sep. 12: Paulistano - Suzano 78-75
Sep. 12: Rio Claro - Vivo/Franca 63-75
Sep. 12: Inter Santos - Palmeiras 61-74

Second Stage: Round 9

Sep. 15: Liga Sorocaba - Paschoalotto/B.
Sep. 15: Gremio Mogi - S.Jose/Unimed
Sep. 15: Metodista/S.B. - Paulistano
Sep. 15: Vivo/Franca - Jacarei
Sep. 16: Palmeiras - Pinheiros/Sky
Sep. 16: Suzano - Inter Santos


Jacarei edge Winner/Limeira in Paulista League action - by Eurobasket News

Jacarei handed the second loss to Winner/Limeira at the second stage of Paulista League action. Jacarei edged Winner/Limeira 87:81 at home court. Tony Dennison (191-G-87, college: Barry) came up with 21 points to lead the hosts to the second win in Group B. Jacarei trailed by three points after the opening quarter but improved their performance in the next periods. They established a 49:46 halftime lead. Jacarei maintained the lead throughout the second half to post victory. Alex Matheus (85) accounted for 20 points for the winners. Omar Carter (195-G-88, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Appalachian St.) responded with 20 points for Winner/Limeira. Guilherme Hubner (209-C-87) topscored with 22 points in the loss.
In the meantime Sao Jose/Vinac claimed the seventh win. They cruised past visiting Metodista 91:66. Andre Laws (186-G-80, college: San Diego) finished with 20 points to orchestrate victory. Dede Stefanelli (196-F/G-84) and Alvaro Calvo (203-G/F-83, agency: Dynamics Global Management) had 14 points each in the win. Rafael Castellon (85) netted 19 points for Metodista.
Pinheiros/Sky proved too good for visiting Gremio Mogi 99:62. Mineiro Ferreira (208-C/F-88) chipped in 23 points to pace the hosts. Paulinho Boracini (183-G-84) and Marcio Dornelles (194-F-75) added 17 points each as Pinheiros/Sky improved at 5-3 record. Gremio Mogi were led by Guilherme Filipin (191-G/F-83) and Thomas Gehrke (203-F/C-82, college: UTEP) who nailed 12 points each.


Jacarei add Marcus Hubner - by Paulo Freire

The Jacarei Basketball/Fibria/JTU/Ativia basketball team has add Marcos Hubner (204-F/C-82, college: Abil.Christian)
The center comes in after a quick passage in the Mackenzie team from Minas State.
Marcos Hubner played the last NBB in the Tijuca team but did not saw many minutes on the floor, while playing 16 games, getting averages of 3.6 points and 3 rebounds in almost 12 minutes per game.
Hubner is 29 years old and is very experience, after playing in many clubs and overseas college basketball and in Chile


Tijuca sign Wanderson Trigueiro and renew with Bahia - by Paulo Freire

The Tijuca Tenis Clube Rio de Janeiro basketball team add at their roster Wanderson Trigueiro (204-F/C-81) and renew the contract of center Rodrigo Bahia Bispo (206-C/F-79)
Wanderson will be trying to live it up his career after having a season in Franca where he almost didn't saw the ball, as their coach did not played him.
At Tijuca Tenis Clube Rio de Janeiro Wanderson will be able to play the smallforward position and be a important piece on their offensive.
Rodrigo Bahia got his contract renew after the manager of Tijuca Tenis Clube Rio de Janeiro fail on getting a deal with big man Atila Santos who will play overseas this season.
Rodrigo is expect to be a defense leader on the team.


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  BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Esprit joins Clarke & Smith as SCBBC U10 MVPs! - by David Edole

SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI - Keshawn Esprits 8 points led the East to an 18-14 victory against the West in the All Star match at the conclusion of the Sea Cows Bay Basketball Clubs District League last Friday, September 7, 2012.

The West had romped into an 8-0 first quarter lead and didnt allow their opponents onto the score board until half way through the second quarter, but then Esprit and Rafael Singh took over the game.

At half time the deficit had been reduced to just 6 points and by the end of the third the game was tied at 12-12.

With just over 2 minutes left on the clock the East then took the lead for the first time and despite some nervous moments they held onto the lead to record the victory.

Esprit finished with 8 points, 4 rebounds and 6 steals, whilst Singh contributed 6 points, 3 rebounds and 5 steals. The top scorers for the West were Malaki Smith with 7 points, 2 rebounds and 5 steals, along with Enrique Jafarally who finished with 7 points, 1 rebound and 3 steals.

All Star MVP was Keshawn Esprit

After the All Star Game SCBBC League organizer, Mr. Milton McLean held an Awards Ceremony to present Trophies to the best players in several categories.

Most Points: Elroy Bollers Parson's Punishers

Most Rebounds: Daniel Singh Parsons Punishers

Most Steals: Raphael Singh Albion's Attackers

Most Assists: Cekoi Smith Albion Attackers

Most Blocks: Ryan Adams Cherry Ghut's Crushers

Good Sportsmanship: Enrique Jafarally Parson's Punishers

Regular Season MVP: Malaki Smith Cherry Ghut Crushers

Best Coach: Devon Blaize Albion Attackers

Regular Season Champs: Albion Attackers

Championship MVP: K'Andre Clarke Albion Attackers

League Champions: Albion Attackers

All Star Game MVP: Keshawn Esprit East


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  BULGARIA   


Panathinaikos defeated Crvena Zvezda in Sofia - by Christomir Rackov

Panathinaikos Athens is the first finalist at the friendly tournament in Sofia. In the first semifinal The Greens defeated Crvena Zvezda Beograd 70-64 after having the advantage for most of the game's duration. In the final tomorrow at 19.00 local time (18.00 CET) PAO will play the winner of Lukoil Academic vs Regal FC Barcelona.

Panathinaikos had the lead from start to finish but most of the time it was a slim margin. The Greens had a 14-12 advantage after the first quarter and after a good finish to the first half they went up by 30-23 at the break.

PAO scored the first two points of the second half but then Zvezda had a 7-0 run to cut the deficit to 2. The Serbians never managed to actually tie the game though, as PAO's lead went up once again and after 30 minutes it was 8 points - 47-39. In the last quarter the margin went up to 17 points, although Zvezda eventaully managed to cut it to 6 at the final buzzer.

Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85) was the top scorer for the winners with 18 points, while for Zvezda Elton Brown (206-C-83) scored 14.


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  CANADA   


Anderson re-signs at Saint John Mill Rats - by Eurobasket News

Saint John Mill Rats (NBL Canada) confirmed in their roster 31-year old American guard Anthony Anderson (180-81, college: Massachusetts). He played there last season. In 31 NBL Canada games he recorded 18.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 6.1apg and 1.5spg. Andersons team made it to NBL Canada Semifinals. He was also voted USBasket.com All-NBL Canada Guard of the Year.
Anderson is quite experienced player. He played also professionally in Cyprus, Philippines, Poland, United Kingdom and Venezuela. Anderson graduated University of Massachusetts in 2005 and it will be his eighth season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center


CANADA CAPTURES GOLD IN MENS PARALYMPIC WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL - by John Gary

courtesy basketbAll.ca The Canadian Mens Wheelchair basketball team won its third gold medal in the past four Paralympics on saturday beating the defending champions from Australia 64-58. Canada avenges the previous final in 2008 when Australia ended Canadas bid for a three peat. Canada concludes the tournament with a sterling 8-0 record and solidifies its domiance on the worlds biggest stage. The victory marks Canadas 31st win since 2000 improving its overall record to 31 wins and 1 loss in the last tweleve years. They have three golds and one silver during that span.


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  CHILE   


Osorno Basquetbol is ready for Liga Nacional - by Cristian Quiroga

Club Osorno Basquetbol is preparing his debut in Liga Nacional last weekend of september. Last week arrived to the city import players Kennel Sanchez (195-G/F-83, college: Drexel) and Calvin Clemmons (203-F/C-81, agency: SDJ Sports, college: Charlotte). Both played in Chile previously: Sanchez did it in Universidad de Concepcion in Dimayor, and Clemmons played last year in Deportivo Valdivia.
Coach will be Mario Negron and national roster comprises for several players who played last season in the team: Pablo Coro, Marcelo Hernandez, Nicolas Ulloa, Renato Vera, Julius Holt, Alejandro Maldonado, Carlos Cardenas and Edward Oyarzo. And this year arrived Michael Ernst (from Aleman Concepcion) and young promise Carlos Lauler.


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  CHINA   


2012 Fiba Asia Cup: China nip Philippines - by Eurobasket News

China - Philippines 71:68

China victoriously opened their 2012 Fiba Asia Cup campaign. They held off ambitious Philippines in Group A action. Guo Ailun (192-SF-93) scored 18 points to lead the winners.
It was a close battle from start to finish. China managed to eke out an 18:15 lead after ten minutes of action. Philippines denied the deficit midway through the second quarter. But China surged ahead and recorded a 40:33 halftime lead. Guo Ailun made it a 10-point lead for China midway through the third quarter. However Philippines recovered and went on a 19:7 run to take a 56:54 lead with ten minutes remaining. Zhao TaiLong (193-G/F-90) erased the deficit and drew things level at 64 with three minutes to go. Wu Ke (209-C-90) and Zhao TaiLong gave China a 71:68 lead with 49 seconds remaining. Tenorio and Chan had a chance to save the game for Philippines but missed their attempts.
Zhao TaiLong posted 11 points, while Sui Ran (193-G-92) and Wu Ke added 7 points each for the winning side. Ranidel deOcampo (195-F-81) answered with 11 points for Philippines. Marcus Douthit (210-C/F-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Providence) and Larry Fonacier (190-F/G-82) provided 10 points each in the loss.

China: Guo Ailun 18, Zhao TaiLong 11, Sui Ran 7, Wu Ke 7
Philippines: Ranidel deOcampo 11, Marcus Douthit 10, Larry Fonacier 10


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  COLOMBIA   


ISLANDERS AND PATRIOTAS UPDATED THEIR SCHEDULLE - by Victor Garcia

Islanders Sopesa and Patriotas de Tunja, updated their schedulle for the days 3 and 4 of the 2012 Federation Cup, Patriotas traveled to San Andres to play both games against the Islanders.

Tuesday September 12 results:

Islanders 93
Patriotas 54

Wednesday 13 results:

Islanders 84
Patriotas 56.

Patriotas will remain at the Island to play on days 5 and 6 against Bayside, Islanders traveled to Bogota to face the Guerreros.


FEDERATION CUP DAY 5 RESULTS - by Victor Garcia

In Bogot the Guerreros arrived to its 5th straight victory of the season, this time defeating the Islanders, for Islanders was the first loss of the season, Guerreros keeps the first place in the standings.
Guerreros 116 S. Ortiz 28, R. Bell 23
Islanders 88 M. Jackson 19 pts, E. Renteria 15 pts.

Nuevo Choco had to fight hard until the last second the get its first win of the 2012 Cup against the Hormigueros, the Hormigueros had the chance to win but failed two free throws at the end of the game.
Nuevo Choco 71 R. Holmes 22 pts, L. Truscott 13 pts.
Hormigueros 70

Cafeteros got another surprising victory, defeating the powerfull Arrieros in Medelln, the game had two overtimes
Arrieros 100
Cafeteros 107.

Bayside got its first victory defeating the Patriotas in San Andrs, Patriotas is the only team without victories this season.
Bayside 75
Patriotas 59.

Once Caldas got a great victory against the reigning champions Bukaros, Once Caldas is tied in points at the first place of the standings, already ranked second by goal average.
Once Caldas 83 T. Thomas 25 pts
Bukaros 74


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  COSTA RICA   


USJ Arba San Ramon is the 2012 National Champion - by Gianni Pascucci

After winning Game 3 of the National Finals, Coopenae USJ Arba San Ramon coached by Joshua Erickson managed to win the following two games, becoming the 2012 Costarican National Champion.
Game 4, played on August 24, ended 79-71 for San Ramon, after that Sanatura-Desamparados had tried a comeback during the last quarter, without success.
The decisive Game 5 was played on Sunday, August 26 at the Gimnasio Nacional in San Jose.
Another time more, USJ Arba started very well the game, all his players were hitting the basket with good percentages led on the court by import Greg Plater (185-G-89, college: Long Beach St.). After ending behind the first half, Sanatura completed a good rally during the thir quarter, ending it ahead in ths score, 54-53. But USJ Arba came back and won the game 68-74 making history, thanks to a succesful comeback from 0-2 in Final Series.


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  CROATIA   


Point shaving alleged from Croatia-Cyprus EB match-up - by Eurobasket News

The Cyprus Basketball Federation is considering an inquiry into allegations that there was an attempt to manipulate the score in the Croatia-Cyprus EuroBasket 2013 game held on August 18th. Citing reliable sources, various media outlets in Cyprus are stating that large bets were placed on the game and that Croatia would cover a 50-point spread (Croatia won 93-38). Feeling that the allegations are serious the CBF is considering their options, one of which is to launch a full investigation to see if any members of their squad was involved. This story was first announced by TalkBasket.

Cyprus National Team captain Panagiotis Trisokkas (206-PF-80) talked about the allegations in a radio talk show.

'I think there were rumours about big amount of bets made for the first (round) game', stated Cyprus caption Panagiotis Trisokkas while speaking on talk radio about the allegations. 'The thing I want to clarify is that no player of the national team has made a bet on the game. That should be made very clear. We can't ignore the fact that bets have been made on Cyprus national team games. No one can deny that.'

Trisokkas also added 'I categorically deny that any player of the national team has made a bet. In fact I challenge anyone to open all the banking acocunts of all players to check. I ask the Cyprus Basketball Federation to make an inquiry and if a player is found guilty to dismiss him from the team.'

Courtesy of www.court-side.com (Court Side)


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


Point shaving alleged from Croatia-Cyprus EB match-up - by Eurobasket News

The Cyprus Basketball Federation is considering an inquiry into allegations that there was an attempt to manipulate the score in the Croatia-Cyprus EuroBasket 2013 game held on August 18th. Citing reliable sources, various media outlets in Cyprus are stating that large bets were placed on the game and that Croatia would cover a 50-point spread (Croatia won 93-38). Feeling that the allegations are serious the CBF is considering their options, one of which is to launch a full investigation to see if any members of their squad was involved. This story was first announced by TalkBasket.

Cyprus National Team captain Panagiotis Trisokkas (206-PF-80) talked about the allegations in a radio talk show.

'I think there were rumours about big amount of bets made for the first (round) game', stated Cyprus caption Panagiotis Trisokkas while speaking on talk radio about the allegations. 'The thing I want to clarify is that no player of the national team has made a bet on the game. That should be made very clear. We can't ignore the fact that bets have been made on Cyprus national team games. No one can deny that.'

Trisokkas also added 'I categorically deny that any player of the national team has made a bet. In fact I challenge anyone to open all the banking acocunts of all players to check. I ask the Cyprus Basketball Federation to make an inquiry and if a player is found guilty to dismiss him from the team.'

Courtesy of www.court-side.com (Court Side)


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


Santa Cruz City Council approves $5.4 million arena for Warriors development league team - by Eurobasket News

The City Council approved city-based financing and construction plans Wednesday for a 33,000-square-foot temporary arena for the Santa Cruz Warriors, a team of 12-14 players who will relocate from North Dakota in about three months.

Santa Cruz would loan the Warriors $4.1 million and lease the facility at 140 Front St. to the NBA development league team for $532,000 in pre-paid rent and additional annual loan payments of at least $250,000 during the seven-year deal - all of which will be applied to the loan. If the Warriors leave Santa Cruz before seven years, the team will be considered in default.

The council approved permits with numerous parking, traffic and noise-muffling conditions aimed at addressing concerns raised by Beach Hill neighbors. The financing scheme and facility plans both passed 6-0 with Councilman Tony Madrigal absent, with cheers going up from supporters at the end.

The nearly six-hour meeting came to a close shortly before 1 a.m. Thursday.

"I do believe this is a beneficial project for the community but I equally believe the concerns the neighbors have are founded and that doesn't mean they will also materialize," Mayor Don Lane said.


THE PUBLIC SPEAKS

Throughout the evening, residents urged the council to delay a vote on the project, seek another site or restructure the financial arrangement to reduce the city's risk. Others told the council bringing a basketball venue with the potential for other community uses to a partially blighted area between downtown and the beach would give the city a much-needed economic boost.

Beach Hill neighbors who live behind the site are concerned about parking, noise and traffic impacts.

Joan Colonna, a Beach Hill resident, presented a petition with at least 150 signatures asking to remove parking meters in her neighborhood and approve year-round parking permits for residents.

"We live in this neighborhood knowing full well the impact of summer tourism," she said. "But this is something we endure because it takes places for three months out of the year, and tourism is a major source of income for Santa Cruz. Our neighborhood takes the hit for the greater good of all of Santa Cruz. We are not NIMBYs."

Local developer Joe Quigg, former Beach Flats Community Center Director Reyna Ruiz and others said the area was in dire need of a boost and they believe the parking and traffic access should be worked out. City planners have said the special permitting required for the project is merited, in part, because it draws links between downtown and the beach.

"Personally, I want to hear the noise," Quigg said. "We need a stimulus to get this area going."


FINANCING PLAN

The facility originally was estimated to cost $2.8 million but sandy soil and other construction issues necessitated a sturdier structure and raised costs to $5.4 million. The facility would come down in seven years unless the team and city agree to extend the arrangement while pursuing a more permanent deal.

The $4.1 million public interest loan can only be used for capital investments. The fund, created by selling city properties, contained $6.1 million as of June. The interest rate will be 3 percent.

Bonnie Lipscomb, the city's economic development director, acknowledged, "There is no question there is inherent risk involved." But she said the city had studied development league attendance rates to determine the Warriors' ability to repay the loan and felt comfortable about the financing, even absent additional revenue the city might take in from other community uses.

In addition to the loan and rent payments, the city will collect concessions revenue, including from wine and beer, and apply it to the debt. Revenue from renting the arena to UC Santa Cruz sports teams or other groups also will be applied.

If debt remains after seven years, the city will split it with the Warriors. The city's general fund also will benefit from increases in hotel and sales taxes, and share in merchandise and ticket sales once the loan is repaid.

The Warriors will pay $35,000 in annual lease payments to the Santa Cruz Seaside Co., which owns the parking lot where the building will go, and relocate Beach Boardwalk employee parking to downtown garages with under-used permit capacity and provide shuttles for workers. The company would also paint a Boardwalk logo on the arena floor six feet from center court - a sponsorship the team values at $50,000.

However, the deal with the Seaside Co. is still not inked, and Lipscomb said any work on the site would be at the Warriors' own risk until the deal is completed. City officials believe the deal will be finalized soon.


COLLATERAL CONSIDERED

As for collateral, the city is giving the Warriors credit for pre-paid construction expenses covered by the Warriors, as well as the value of the pre-paid rent, the city's share of a naming rights sponsorship by Kaiser Permanente and the value of the building if it were leased out to another renter if the team leaves. Some residents questioned that approach, asking why the parent team, the Golden State Warriors, wasn't providing backing.

County Treasurer Fred Keeley, who chaired a blue-ribbon panel of financial experts who reviewed the loan deal, reiterated, "We believe the repayment is very sound." He said the risk to the city, due to loan and repayment guarantees, is about $500,000 regardless of how popular the Warriors prove to be.

Santa Cruz Warriors President Jim Weyermann said NBA limits on debt loads prohibited financing from Golden State Warriors. Opponents are worried the new company created for the Santa Cruz team are worried doesn't have enough assets to repay the loan if revenues fall short.

Councilman Ryan Coonerty addressed concerns about why the team needs city financing, saying the Warriors first studied using the Civic Auditorium but that it didn't meet NBA standards. If the Civic had worked, there would be no need for a construction loan, he said.


FACILITY CONDITIONS

Conditions council members agreed to include:

A parking and signage plan ensuring downtown is the preferred parking area for arena visitor, including signs on Ocean Street directing vehicles downtown and Warriors publicity indicating that approach.
Working with neighbors to develop a parking program that may involve taking out some meters and bagging others on game days in residential areas surrounding the arena. The plan also could include year-round parking permits for residents.
Keeping Laurel Street Extension, a vital Beach Hill neighborhood entrance point, open during game days except for brief traffic-control periods when only residents will be able to get in.
Banning noisemaking devices sold or given away at games.
Black-out days for games or other commercial events on summer Friday nights and weekend days and during other high-traffic events in the area
No concerts with amplified music without a modified permit after a public hearing.
Security staff will clear area around facility an hour before and after games.
Monitor sound within the first month of Warriors games and create a mitigation plan if there are neighborhood problems with noise.
Council members and other city officials will meet with neighbors 45 days before first game to review concerns and take steps to address them.
Wine and beer sales only to be cutoff after third quarter.
Backpacks will be checked upon entrance.
Secured bike parking nearby.
Keeping restoration of Beach Hill stairway from Pacific Avenue on city's list of potential capital improvements.

A DAY'S DELAY

The council was supposed to hold the hearing Tuesday, but delayed it a day to address concerns from the Beach Hill Neighbors Association over the timing of the meeting and whether the expedited handling of the proposal complied with state environmental law, local planning procedures and parking rules. The association also made recommendations Wednesday on the design of the building to muffle noise.

Before the meeting, association president Don Webber said whether neighbors file a lawsuit would depend on conditions put on the project. The group will meet Sunday to determine its next step.

"The association has never taken the position that a sports facility is wrong for Santa Cruz," he said. "Our members understand the benefits of expanding economic activity beyond the summer tourist season, as well as better utilizing the event spaces we have and maybe adding to them."

At the meeting, Webber said the concerns were not meant to be threatening.

"We all kind of wish the Warriors well," he said. "We like basketball too. We are not deal killers."

Weyermann, the team president, said before the meeting he would resist demands on design by the association but wants to build a good relationship with the group. He did offer a new designated parking program that would assign fans a specific spot downtown and "traffic ambassadors" to direct fans away from Beach Hill.

"I am not willing to have the Beach Hill Neighbors Association dictate design and materials associated with the building of this building," Weyermann said.


WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED

Weyermann had drafted contingency plans in case the council voted against the plans or a delay would keep the team from hosting its first home games of the season at the planned site.

He said the Warriors would have been out about $800,000 in pre-construction and other costs if the deal, in the works since the spring, fell through. The costs included parts of the structure, as well as the basketball floor, shot clocks, scoreboard, some permitting fees and soil and sound studies.

If there had been a substantial delay in construction, Weyermann said the team could play its first four home games at Cabrillo College. And if the deal totally fell through, he said games could be moved to the Golden State Warriors practice facility in Oakland until a new location was identified.

Weyermann said he doesn't believe, if a suit were filed, a judge would halt facility construction.

"We think we are in a strong enough position under the law and what we've done and that a reasonable judge would say we met the requirements," he said.

Weyermann has said construction will begin as soon as the council approves the permits and financing. Meanwhile, he said the team is negotiating housing for its players, who won't arrive until mid-November and are on 4.5-month contracts that max out at $25,000 in salary. He expects players may stay for the season at a beach-area hotel while opposing teams and coaches will stay at the Hilton in Scotts Valley.

Follow Sentinel reporter J.M. Brown on Twitter @jmbrownreports


WHAT NEIGHBORS WANT

In an email to the city, the Beach Hill Neighbors Association requested these conditions Wednesday if the City Council approved the financial arrangement and permitting for the construction of a temporary arena for the Santa Cruz Warriors:

Remove 101 parking meters in the residential section of Beach Hill and make year-round parking permits for residents.
Provide 30 percent of parking required by city planning for a 4,000-seat venue through licensing agreements with private lot owners in the Lower Pacific and downtown areas.
Discourage use of the Beach Boardwalk area parking lots unless a shuttle system is put in place without using Laurel Street Extension, a key neighborhood access point.
Host no events on Fridays or weekend days from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Repair and reopen a pedestrian entrance at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Front Street.
Ban mechanical noisemakers in the arena.
Locate entry doors so there is no direct sound path to the outside and direct sound into solid walls.
Put in an airtight high-mass wall behind the speakers to reduce noise and build vestibules from exit doors to further reduce noise.

Courtesy of www.santacruzsentinel.com


Stampede add three to staff, including former NBA player - by Eurobasket News

Former NBA player and three-time NBA champion Scott Williams (6'10''-C/F-68, college: N.Carolina) and former Manhattan coach Barry Rohrssen have joined the Idaho Stampede as assistant coaches, the NBA Development League team and its NBA affiliate the Portland Trail Blazers announced Thursday. Ed Flory, a former Stampede assistant coach, will be the team's director of basketball operations.

Williams won three championships with the Chicago Bulls in a career that spanned 15 years. He also played for Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Denver, Phoenix, Dallas and Cleveland, averaging 5.1 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. Williams, who has been in broadcasting since 2008, played at North Carolina in college. He is one of two players in NBA history to be teammates with both Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

The team announced earlier in the week that Michael Peck, a high school coach from Henderson, Nev., will be the team's head coach.

Courtesy of http://voices.idahostatesman.com


It's Politics! Or is it? - by Julius Johnson

With the 2012 US Presidential elections approaching, the world is watching. Politicians make promises to get elected and then blame the other party when their "visions" are shot down.

Politician hide behind the economy, congress, and the opposition, tossing blame everywhere, so that they cannot be held accountable for their own decisions.

How do politics affect professional sports?

If you were to ask Michael Jordan, he would say that a player's success is determined by production.
If you were to ask most any d-leaguer, he would say that the only reason he plays for the 66ers and not the 76ers is because of POLITICS.
Now, once that same 66er gets his call-up, we would attribute his success to hard work and belief in himself, but would never insinuate that politics played any role.

Lets take the hypothetical case of a two nearly identical players, one who attended Florida and the other who went to UCF. Almost certainly, if the UCF player weren't happy with his professional career, he'd blame politics, claiming that had he gone to Florida, he would be in higher demand. He might be right about that, but that's not politics. That is decision making.

It's not who you know, it's who you are!




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  ESTONIA   


Tartu Ulikool prevail against Asseco Prokom in Wloclawek - by Eurobasket News

Asseco Prokom - Tartu Ulikool 75:81

Tartu Ulikool clinched the first win at the Kasztelan Cup in Poland. They knocked down Asseco Prokom in the opener. Ivan Nelyubov (207-C-88) delivered 18 points to lead the Estonian team.
Tartu Ulikool jumped to an early lead. They arrived at the first break up by 7 points 26:19. The visitors stretched the margin in the second quarter. Tartu piled up a 43:33 halftime advantage. Asseco Prokom went on a comeback rally in the third term. They got as close as two points before the final stanza. However Tartu Ulikool fired 23 points in the fourth term and sealed the victory. Egidijus Dimsa (205-C-85) provided 15 points, while Justin Ingram (185-PG-85, agency: Two Points, college: Toledo) added 13 points for Tartu Ulikool. Drew Viney (203-F-88, college: Loyola Mary) responded with 19 points for Asseco Prokom. Jerel Blassingame (175-PG-81, college: UNLV) had 18 points in the loss.

Asseco Prokom: Drew Viney 19, Jerel Blassingame 18
Tartu Ulikool: Ivan Nelyubov 18, Egidijus Dimsa 15, Justin Ingram 13


Kalev/Cramo invite Ty Abbott - by Eurobasket News

Kalev/Cramo are looking for the options to strengthen their backcourt. They brought in Ty Abbott (190-G-88). The player will stay with the team until the end of September for a try-out period. The guard will start his pro career in Estonia if signs a full-time contract. He graduated from Arizona State University in 2011. Ty Abbott tallied 12.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game in his senior season. Ty Abbott earned All-Pac 10 Honourable Mention in 2011. The guard was named into All-Pac 10 1st Team in 2010. He also made it into NABC Division I All-District 20 2nd Team in 2010. Ty Abbott had to deal with an injury and missed the last season.


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  EUROCHALLENGE   


Armia inks 1-year deal with PG Giorgi Gamqrelidze - by Eurobasket News

Point guard Giorgi Gamqrelidze (183-PG-86, agency: FCM) has signed an one-year agreement with Georgian club Armia and will play with his new team in EuroChallenge in the upcoming season. The 26-year old player had initially agreed with Polish club Trefl Sopot but a delay in the visa process did not allow him to join the team. Gamqrelidze was the starting PG of Georgia in Eurobasket 2011 and has international experience, as he played in Germany for two seasons.
Giorgi Gamqrelidze spent last season with Olimpi Tbilisi. He appeared 25 times in the league averaging 12.6 points, 6.8 assists and 4.4 rebounds. He was second assistant of the competition. Gamqrelidze was named to Eurobasket.com All-Georgian League 2nd Team -12 and he was also awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Georgian League Defensive Player of the Year. In 2010/11 the player had 5.2 ppg and 3.7 apg for 25 games with German Giessen. A year before that he spent with Mitteldeutscher. In 2008 and 2009, Giorgi Gamqrelidze won the Georgian league title with Energy Invest Rustavi.


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  EUROLEAGUE   


Maccabi great and three-time European champ Burstein retires - by Diamadis Farmakis

Maccabi Tel Aviv great Tal Burstein (198-G/F-80, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) announced his retirement from professional basketball at a press conference on Monday evening at Nokia Arena in Tel Aviv. Burstein, 32, took the decision to walk away from the game after learning that he would have to undergo surgery on his injured hip, which would have cost him the entire 2012-13 season.

Injuries have plagued Burstein over the past few years, as he missed the first nine Euroleague games of the 2006-07 season and played in just two games the following year

Burstein was a starter on the great Maccabi teams that conquered back-to-back Euroleague titles in 2004 and 2005. His first continental title came in his first year with Maccabi when he helped the Israeli juggernaut win the 2001 SuproLeague in Paris. Bursteins second-quarter fastbreak slam in the final against Panathinaikos stands as Maccabi's biggest highlight in that final. He walks away from the game having reached seven Final Fours in 11 seasons with Maccabi.

Burstein will long be celebrated as one of the greats to don the Maccabi yellow and blue. He is ranked 13th on the clubs all-time list of scorers in European competition with 1,224 points. He has also collected 10 Israeli League championship rings, 8 Israeli Cups and the 2012 Adriatic League crown. Burstein retires ranked fifth on the Euroleague all-time list of games played for one team with 178.

Burstein began his professional career at Bnei Herzliya and proved himself to be an elite talent as the captain of the Israeli national team that won the silver medal at the 2000 European U-20 Championships. He joined Maccabi after that and remained there for the remainder of his playing days spare the 2007-08 season, which he spent with Spanish side Fuenlabrada.


Blatt, Tel Aviv Own Greenberg And Haifa In Preseason Exhibition - by David Pick

David Blatt (Agency: Beo Basket) and Maccabi Tel-Aviv welcomed Brad Greenberg to Israeli hoops with an 18-point blowout last night (Thursday) at Nokia Arena as Tel Aviv marched all over Maccabi Haifa 89-71, in the teams' first exhibition game of the 2012-13 season.

Both teams were missing several key players. For Tel Aviv, Lior Eliyahu, Guy Pnini, and Georgian center Giorgi Shermadini enjoyed a few days of vacation after their national team duties while American Niklas Caner-Medley (Agency: Beo Basket) watched from the sidelines and British high-flyer Pops Mensah-Bonsu (Agency: SportsTalent), is scheduled for landing in Israel, tomorrow (Saturday).

Tel Aviv forward Devin Smith suffered an injury during last night's scrimmage. Smith's MRI results revealed a torn meniscus as he will undergo arthroscopic treatment and miss about a month of action. That said, Israeli veteran Cory Carr, who's been training with Maccabi, may possibly received a monthly deal.

Another player that is working out for Tel Aviv is big man Ater Majok, however, Majok's fill-in deal will come to an end this Sunday.

On the other end of the hardwood, Haifa lacked Israeli big man Ido Kozikaro who is also recovering from a hectic summer with Israel's national squad. Guard-shooter Chanan Colman was also absent for Haifa.

With Atlanta Hawks' head coach Larry Drew scouting from the bleachers, Tel Aviv partied all evening taking an early 21-13 first quarter lead. Greenberg's attempts of a comeback were instantly dashed by Tel Aviv's Euroleague rookies Sylven Landesberg (26) and Ricky Hickman (19), who increased the gap to twenty at halftime, 42-22.

In the third frame, Haifa cut Maccabi's lead down to 13, but David Blatt's exceptional coaching display, along with David Logan's game high six dimes, left the visitors empty handed.

MTA: Sylven Landesberg 26, Ricky Hickman 19, David Logan 11 and 6 assists, Itay Segev (Agency: Avi Zilberman) 9 and 3 steals, Moran Roth 7, Ater Majok 6, Tomer Ber-Aven and Shawn James 4 points each, Idan Zalmanson 2, and Cory Carr 1.

Haifa: Donta Smith 19, Pat Calathes 18, 9 rebounds and 5 turnovers, Paul Stoll 18, 4 steals and 7 turnovers, James Thomas 9 and 11 boards, Anton Shoutvin 6, Lior Segev (Agency: Gross Zeev ISA) 1, Bryan Cohen, Sean Labanowski and Alex Tzubrevitch went scoreless.


Kelly McCarty to miss Euroleague Qualifying Round due to injury - by Eurobasket News

Unics Kazan officially announced that Kelly McCarty (201-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: S.Mississippi) got injured during the yesterday's practice and he will miss the upcoming Euroleague Qualifying Round. The team didn't inform what kind of injury McCarty suffered. Unics will meet Ratiopharm Ulm on September 25.
Kelly McCarty plays his third straight season with Unics Kazan. He joined the club in 2010 from Khimky Moscow Region. The American had 5.9 ppg and 3.8 rpg for 18 Euroleague games last season. He helped Unics to reach the Quarterfinals in their debut year. In Russian league McCarty collected 9 ppg and 5.3 rpg for 21 games last season. He also added 7.8 ppg and 4.6 rpg for 17 games in VTB. A year ago, Kelly McCartty led Unics to EuroCup title and was named to Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup 2nd Team -11. That season he was also awarded with Eurobasket.com All-VTB League Forward of the Year -11.


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  FIBA ASIA CUP   

Standings

Standings
Group A
1. China1-0
2. Lebanon1-0
3. Uzbekistan.1-0
4. Philippine.0-1
5. Macau0-2
Group B
1. Iran1-0
2. Japan1-0
3. Qatar1-1
4. Taiwan0-0
5. India0-2

Preliminary Round: Round 2

A

Sep. 15: UZB - MAC 81-61
Sep. 15: LEB - PHI

B

Sep. 15: QAT - IND 84-63
Sep. 15: TAI - JPN


Results and Stats from Day 1 in Tokyo - by Eurobasket News

Group A
Philippines - China 68-71
China victoriously opened their 2012 Fiba Asia Cup campaign. They held off ambitious Philippines in Group A action. Guo Ailun (192-SF-93) scored 18 points to lead the winners. It was a close battle from start to finish. China managed to eke out an 18:15 lead after ten minutes of action. Philippines denied the deficit midway through the second quarter. But China surged ahead and recorded a 40:33 halftime lead. Guo Ailun made it a 10-point lead for China midway through the third quarter. However Philippines recovered and went on a 19:7 run to take a 56:54 lead with ten minutes remaining. Zhao TaiLong (193-G/F-90) erased the deficit and drew things level at 64 with three minutes to go. Wu Ke and Zhao TaiLong gave China a 71:68 lead with 49 seconds remaining. Tenorio and Chan had a chance to save the game for Philippines but missed their attempts. Zhao TaiLong posted 11 points, while Sui Ran and Wu Ke added 7 points each for the winning side. Ranidel deOcampo (195-F-81) answered with 11 points for Philippines. Marcus Douthit and Larry Fonacier provided 10 points each in the loss.

Macau - Lebanon 51-120
Lebanon clinched the first win at the 2012 Fiba Asia Cup. They knocked down Macau in preliminary Group A. Elie Estephane (193-G-86, college: Alabama So. CC) posted 24 point to lead the defending champions. Lebanon unloaded 32 points in the opening quarter to take a comfortable 15-point lead. They held Macau to just 8 points in the second quarter and stretched the lead. Lebanon ensured a 62:25 halftime advantage. The third term was a repetition of the second as Lebanon went on another 30:8 rally and secured a massive 59-point advantage before the fourth frame. They did not slow down and cruised to the victory at the end. Fadi Khatib (199-F-79) accounted for 22 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, while Elie Roustom added 15 points for the winners. Hip Meng Lo answered with 14 points for Macau. Fu In Lao netted 12 points in the loss.

Group B
Japan - Qatar 73-69
Japan claimed the initial win at the home 2012 Fiba Asia Cup. They held off Qatar in Tokyo for 1-0 record in Group B. Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) and Kosuke Kanamaru (193-F/G-89) posted 14 points each to lead the hosts. Japan jumped to an early lead. They established a 24:15 advantage after ten minutes of action. Qatar bounced back in the second frame. The visitors narrowed the margin and got within 5 points at halftime 36:41. Japan boosted the margin once again in the third term. The home side accumulated a 61:50 lead with one period to go. But Qatar refused to give up. Musa put Qatar within two points 69:71 with 28 seconds remaining. Kosuke Takeuchi sank two free throws then and sealed the victory for Japan. J.R. Sakuragi notched 13 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Erfan Ali (198-PF-83) answered with 21 points for Qatar. Yasseen Ismail added 13 points in the losing effort.

India - Iran 71-83
Iran clinched the first win at the 2012 Fiba Asia Cup. They held off India in Tokyo tonight. Samad Nik Khahbahrami (198-F-83) scored 23 points to lead the winning side. Iran strongly entered the game. They posted a 23:17 lead after ten minutes. India cut the deficit in the second quarter. They got within three points at the interval 37:40. Iran quickly opened an 11-point buffer in the third period. But India refused to give up. They cut the distance to just 6 points heading into the fourth frame 58:64. Iran needed a 12:2 run at the start of the final frame to cool off their opponents. Iran coasted to the victory afterwards. Hamed Afagh (190-SG-83) posted 16 points, while Asghar Kardoust added 12 points and 8 rebounds in the victory. Vishesh Bhriguvanshi (193-G-91) answered with 21 points for India. AmritPal Singh netted 15 points in the loss.


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  FIJI   


Fijian U19 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Walter Vanuya
Lorima Sautu
Sairusi Kalou
Tule Mawi
Filimoni Seru
Josh Uluviti
Iosefa Taliu
Isireli Vuetibau
Ulaiasi Koroi
Maika Nakora
Johnathan Kunau
Digitaki Kaci
George Patterson
Mataika Koyamainavure
Peter Gus
Joseia Qalotaki



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  FINLAND   


Solna Vikings land PG Roope Ahonen - by Eurobasket News

After helping the Finnish NT to qualify for the EuroBasket 2013 in his first appearance at international scene, point guard Roope Ahonen (186-G-90, agency: FCM) will play for the first time outside Finland. The 22-year old player signed for one year with Solna Vikings in Sweden and will begin his international career there. Ahonen had an exceptional season with Salon Vilpas last year averaging 13.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists. He had 42% behind the 3-point line. He played for Salon Vilpas in 2009/10 and 2010/11 as well. In 2010 Ahonen helped the club to win promotion from First Division to Korisliiga. In the past Roope Ahonen was a member of Torpan Pojat Helsinki and Rekolan Urheilijat Vantaa. He also played for Salon Vilpas in from 2005 to 2007. Ahonen successfully played for Finish youth National Teams. With U20 NT he won the bronze medal at U20 EuroBasket Division B in Warszawa, 2007.


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  FRANCE   


Budivelnyk better Limoges to enter Brest Basket Show Sports tournament Final - by Eurobasket News

Limoges - Budivelnyk 72:77

Budivelnyk advanced into the Final of Brest Basket Show Sports tournament. The Kyiv team will now face Nizhny Novgorod for the trophy. Budivelnyk outscored Limoges in the opener. Leo Lyons (206-F-87, college: Missouri) stepped up with 18 points to lead the charge.
Budivelnyk jumped to an early lead. They secured a 13:9 advantage ten minutes into the game. The Ukrainian side accumulated a 33:24 halftime advantage. Budivelnyk maintained the lead throughout the third term. They entered the fourth frame up by 11 points. Limoges unleashed 28 points in the fourth stanza to cut the deficit but still came up short of victory at the end. Malcolm Delaney (191-G-89, college: Virginia Tech) finished with 13 points, while Sergiy Gorbenko (202-F-85) added 11 points for the winners. Nobel Boungou Colo (202-F-88) answered with 14 points and 9 rebounds for Limoges. Brad Wanamaker (193-G-89, college: Pittsburgh) had 11 points in the losing effort.

Limoges: Nobel Boungou Colo 14, Brad Wanamaker 11
Budivelnyk: Leo Lyons 18, Malcolm Delaney 13, Sergiy Gorbenko 11


Cholet negotiates contract termination with Ben Uzoh - by Eurobasket News

It seems Cholet definitely made a decision to replace Ben Uzoh (191-PG-88, college: Tulsa). The team already started negotiations to terminate the deal. Meanwhile, Cholet is back on the market looking for replacement and one of the names is Diante Garrett (193-G-88, college: Iowa St.), according to Catch-and-shoot.com.
Ben Uzoh signed with Cholet almost a month ago. He played for Toronto Raptors at 2012 NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas averaging 6.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists. Uzoh finished last season with the Raptors as well. He joined them in March collecting 4.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 3.7 apg for 16 NBA games. Uzoh started the season with Lokomotiv Kuban and after two games moved to the New Jersey Nets. However, he did not appear in any official game with them and later moved to the NBA D-League team Rio Grande Valley Vipers. There Uzoh shined with 14.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 3.9 apg for 20 appearances. After that the player moved to Cleveland Cavs, where he had 2 ppg and 2 rpg and finally signed with Toronto in March. In 2010/11 season Ben Uzoh had 3.9 ppg, 1.7 apg and 1.5 rpg in 41 NBA games with New Jersey. He graduated at the University of Tulsa two years ago.
Diante Garrett finished last season with JSF Nanterre. He had 7.4 ppg, 3 apg and 2.6 rpg for 25 games. Garret played for the Phoenix Suns at 2010 NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas collecting 4.6 ppg and 2.6 apg for 5 games.


Gravelines and Chalon celebrate in friendly games - by Eurobasket News

Gravelines was better than Cholet 79-68 last night in a preseason game. Dwight Buycks (190-PG-89, college: Marquette) was the leading player in victory with 24 points. Ludovic Vaty (206-C-88, college: Moraine Valley CC) secured a nice help with 13 points, Abdoulaye M'Baye (189-PG-88) had 11, while Yannick Bokolo (188-SG-85) and Aldo Curti (180-PG-87) added 8 points each. In the loosing squad, Rudy Jomby (197-G/F-88) was better than the others with 19 points and Marcus Goree (201-F-77, college: W.Virginia) netted 12. Edwin Ubiles (198-G/F-86, college: Siena) was third scorer in Cholet with 11 points. Ben Uzoh (191-PG-88, college: Tulsa) stopped to 3 pts in this meeting and team made a decision to release him.
Also last night, reigning champion Chalon grabbed 71-69 win against Le Mans. Marcus Denmon (190-G-90, college: Missouri) stepped up for Chalon with 25 points. Blake Schilb (200-G/F-83, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Loyola, IL) added 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in this meeting. In Le Mans, Cuthbert Victor (197-F-83, college: Murray St.) and Pape Sy (201-G/F-88) posted 15 points each.
Many ProA and ProB teams will play friendly games this weekend.


Cholet reportedly eyes Travon Bryant - by Eurobasket News

Cholet could sign Travon Bryant (206-F-83, college: Missouri) as medical joker for injured Romain Duport (215-C-86), according to Catch-and-shoot.com. Nothing is officially confirmed by now. Bryant spent last season with Le Mans. Actually, he joined them in November averaging 5.4 points and 3.1 rebounds for 32 games in ProA. In EuroCup, the player added 5.8 ppg and 3 rpg for 5 games. Travon Bryant started the season with Budivelnyk Kyiv, but they parted ways after 3 games. In 2010/11 the American played for Pau-Orthez. He spent second half of the season with them collecting 9.5 ppg and 5.4 rpg for 21 ProB games. In the past, Bryant played for Panionios, AEK Athens, Marousi, Kolossos Rhodes, Peristeri and Iraklis. He also has experience from Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt. In 2006, Travon Bryant won Italian SerieA title with Benetton Treviso, where he spent few months.


Dwayne Broyles out at least 8 weeks, Orleans looks for 'medical joker' - by Eurobasket News

Dwayne Broyles (196-F/G-82, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: JMU) will miss at least 8 weeks due to patellar tendon injury. Orleans is already on the market looking for 'medical joker'. Broyles signed a deal with Orleans earlier this summer. He spent last four seasons with Charleroi. They won three Belgian league titles together and they also reached Playoff Finals this year, but lost to Oostende. Broyles averaged 11.8 points and 3.3 rebounds for 32 games in Belgium last season. He was named to Eurobasket.com All-Belgian League 2nd Team -12.
Few days ago Orleans lost Antoine Eito (186-PG-88) for the next six weeks. The player suffered stress fracture of the left tibia and most likely he will also be temporarily replaced. Eito arrived to Orleans this summer m Le Mans. He finished last season with Le Mans averaging 4.1 points and 1.1 rebounds. Eito started it with Vichy collecting 10.6 ppg, 4.4 apg, 3.9 rpg and 1.9 spg in 34 games.


Evreux's Jeremiah Wood returns after injury - by Eurobasket News

Jeremiah Wood (200-C/F-85, agency: Court Side) is back on the court. The American big guy recovered from injury and he got a green light to join his teammates. Wood signed with Evreux last summer. He shined with 16.5 ppg and 10.8 rpg for 37 games in ProB. The player was second rebounder and fourth scorer of the competition. He was named to Eurobasket.com All-French ProB 2nd Team -12. It was the first year in France for Jeremiah Wood, who spent three years in Finland before that. In 2009 and 2010 he was named Eurobasket.com All-Finnish Korisliiga Center of the Year. Actually in 2010 Wood was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Finnish Korisliiga Player of the Year. He exploded with 19.8 ppg, 14 rpg, 4.8 apg and 2.1 spg for 26 games. Wood was top rebounder of the competition, third scorer, No.1 in assists and No.5 in steals. He graduated at Akron University in 2008.


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  GEORGIA   


Armia inks 1-year deal with PG Giorgi Gamqrelidze - by Eurobasket News

Point guard Giorgi Gamqrelidze (183-PG-86, agency: FCM) has signed an one-year agreement with Georgian club Armia and will play with his new team in EuroChallenge in the upcoming season. The 26-year old player had initially agreed with Polish club Trefl Sopot but a delay in the visa process did not allow him to join the team. Gamqrelidze was the starting PG of Georgia in Eurobasket 2011 and has international experience, as he played in Germany for two seasons.
Giorgi Gamqrelidze spent last season with Olimpi Tbilisi. He appeared 25 times in the league averaging 12.6 points, 6.8 assists and 4.4 rebounds. He was second assistant of the competition. Gamqrelidze was named to Eurobasket.com All-Georgian League 2nd Team -12 and he was also awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Georgian League Defensive Player of the Year. In 2010/11 the player had 5.2 ppg and 3.7 apg for 25 games with German Giessen. A year before that he spent with Mitteldeutscher. In 2008 and 2009, Giorgi Gamqrelidze won the Georgian league title with Energy Invest Rustavi.


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  GERMANY   


Artland Dragons outscored BC Telenet Oostende in Lich - by Eurobasket News

Artland Dragons outscored BC Telenet Oostende 85:78. The German team won the first period 28:25, but led only 1 point at the halftime. Only due to the narrow victories in the second half they managed to seal the total success. Popovic top-scored for the winners with 25 points and Haynes nailed 14. Taylor and Drevo posted 11 each, while Kerusch had 10. Wright answered with 20 points in the losing effort and Stojic had 13. Lojeski brought 11, while Katnic posted 9.
Pallacanestro Cantu meanwhile outscored New Yorker Phantoms. The Italian team grabbed 89:79 win to reach the Final. Mazzarino top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Aradori notched 15. Brooks scored 11, while Tabu and Cukinas added 10 each. Mitchell replied with 19 points and Davis posted 17 in defeat.


Mahir Agva Completes Walter Tigers Tuebingen Roster - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The Walter TIgers Tuebingen announced today that Mahir Agva (202-C-96) is the 12th man on the roster. Agva is only 16 years, but already 203cm and weighs 110 kilograms. He was born in Reutlingen, Germany and will practice with the Tigers, but mostly play for the NBBL and Regionaliga team. He already showed his potential at the European Championships U16 in Lithuania -12: 8 games: 8.4ppg, 5.0rpg, FGP: 48.0%, FT: 63.3%. At the recent European U-16, he helped defeat Serbia 67-0 with 11 points and five rebounds. "I am very happy that I can practice with the pros. This is a big chnace that the team is giving me.

Source: Walter TIgers Tuebingen


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  GREECE   


Kolossos Rhodes signs Kevin Langford and Joshua Dollard - by Eurobasket News

Kolossos Rhodes announced signing of Kevin Langford (204-F/C-85, college: TCU) and Joshua Dollard (203-F-86, college: USC Aiken) for 2012/13.
Kevin Langford spent last season in Spain. He averaged 10.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in 41 LEB Gold games with Grupo Iruna Navarra. They reached Playoff Semifinals together. Before Navarra, Kevin Langford spent one year with Hungarian Debrecen collecting 17.1 ppg and 7.3 rpg for 25 appearances. In 2009/10, the American played in Germany and it was his first season as a pro. He had 10.8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for 30 games with Padeborn Basket. Kevin Langford graduated at Texas Christian University in 2009. He is younger brother of Keith Langford.
Joshua Dollard finished last season with Darussafaka. He had 12.4 ppg and 5.1 rpg for 17 games in TB2L.


Panionios overcome PGE Turow in Zielona Gora - by Eurobasket News

Panionios - PGE Turow 83:77

Panionios opened win count at the Memorial Lecha Birgfellnera tournament in Zielona Gora. The Greek team held off PGE Turow in the opener. Landon Milbourne (201-F-87, agency: Three Eye Sports, college: Maryland) stepped up with 22 points to lead the winners.
The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the first term. The scoreboard read 15:15 after ten minutes. PGE Turow pulled in front in the second frame. The Polish team eked out a narrow 35:32 halftime advantage. But Panionios turned things around in the third term. The Greek side erupted for 28 points to secure a 2-point lead before the final stanza. Panionios stayed in charge throughout the fourth quarter and rolled to the victory. Nikos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) netted 19 points for Panionios. Marios Batis (188-G-80) added 11 points in the win. Michal Chylinski (190-G-86, agency: Interperformances) replied with 17 points for PGE Turow. Djordje Micic (195-G-83) had 15 points in the loss.

Panionios: Landon Milbourne 22, Nikos Pappas 19, Marios Batis 11
PGE Turow: Michal Chylinski 17, Djordje Micic 15


Olympiacos beat CSKA at Trofeo Citta di Cagliari - by Eurobasket News

Olympiacos -CSKA 83:76

Olympiacos beat CSKA at Trofeo Citta di Cagliari in Italy. The Greek side posted 83:76 on Friday night.
Olympiacos took control of the game in the first minutes and reached 28:19 in the first period. The Russian side woke up in the second quarter and replied with 18-12. Olympiacos however posted two victories in the second half to seal the victory. They won the third quarter 26:23 and finished the game with 17-16.
Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Pero Antic (211-F-82, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 12. Kyle Hines (198-F-86) followed them with 11 points. Sonny Weems (198-G/F-86, college: Arkansas) erupted with 26 points in the losing effort and Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) scored 16. Jackson delivered 9, while Aleksandr Gudumak (204-F-93) brought 8.

Olympiacos: Vassilis Spanoulis 19, Pero Antic 12, Kyle Hines 11
CSKA: Sonny Weems 26, Andrey Vorontsevich 16, Jackson 9, Aleksandr Gudumak 8


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  HUNGARY   


Martins Berkis moves to Nyiregyhaza - by Tamas Deri

Latvian forward, Martins Berkis (198-F-85, agency: TSS Management) signed his contract with Furstenfeld Panthers in Austria for the coming season but agreed with the management yesterday to break the agreement and will start to practice with his new team NYKK in Hungary today. The 198 cm tall, 27 years old latvian wingman spent the last two seasons in Slovakia and was one of the top players of the league. After playing several seasons with teams in Latvia Martins played shortly in Sweden and Estonia before spending 3 months on Iceland with Ungmennafelagio Snaefell averaging 11.0ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg. The season 2010-11 he played for MBK Rieker Komarno in Slovakia and was one key player of his club adding 13.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.1apg in 34 games of the Extraliga. After his great debut in the league he got several offers and decided to move to Svit, where he run a great season helping his team with 15.6ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.3spg while shooting with 43.1% from the 3points and 87.1% from the free throw line.
"Things did not work like we all wished in Furstenfeld and my agent called me yesterday regarding a possible deal with NYKK in Hungary. He immediately got in touch with the management and asked for my release, so now i am free and happy to get the chance to play in Hungary" - said Martins.


Pre-season - by Tamas Deri


Soproni KC - SMAFC-NYME 78-43
(10-10, 21-9, 26-11, 21-13)
SKC: Thomas 9, Tommy Gunn (191-G-81, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Middle Tenn.St.) 13, Takacs 10/3, Gergely Toth (208-PF-89, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) 11/3. Barovic 10, Vesztergom 9/9, Keresztes 6, Gombas 6, Bus -, Molnar M. 2, Molnar B-, Ratvay 2.
SMAFC, best scorers: Balogh 10/3, Karacsonyi 8/6

Soproni KC - Top Cop Security Jaszbereny 79-67
(22-31, 17-11, 18-16, 22-9)
Sopron: Thomas 4, Tommy Gunn (191-G-81, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Middle Tenn.St.) 20/3, Zsolt Vesztergom (194-G/F-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) 16/6, Toth G 8/6, Filip Barovic (208-F/C-90) 27, Takacs, Gombas 1, Keresztes 3, Molnar B., Bus
Jaszbereny: Miljan Rakic (195-G-86, agency: BeoExcell) 15/3, Madar 3/3, Laszlo 7, Rastko Dramicanin (207-C-86, agency: BeoExcell) 19, Horti 4, Roland Torok (202-C-90, agency: TSS Management) 10, Szabo P, 3/3, Molnar B., Varga I., Solevic, Rac, Topalov

SMAFC - BC Kormend 52-89
(17-18, 10-21, 11-22, 14-28)
SMAFC, best scorers: Balogh 20, Karacsonyi 9/3, Berneczei 9/3.
Kormend: Rujak 9/3, Gergely Fodor (193-G-77, agency: TSS Management) 10/6, Attila Farkas (209-F-87, agency: TSS Management) 16, Shaw 11, Somenek 8/3, Sonyak 6, Lamar Roberson (203-F-86, college: La-Lafayette) 10, Kutasi 3/3, Ferencz 7/6, Csapai 4, Goloman 5/3

Marso-Vagep NYKK - Spisska Nova Ves 69-76
(10-18, 19-24, 26-16, 14-18)
NYKK: Anthony Nelson (185-G-89, college: Niagara) 31/12, Kaluha 7/3, Mohacsi 7, Boldizsar 5/3, Micic, Siska 8/6, Polyak 11
Spisska Nova Ves, best scorers: Stec 23/15, Ulman 12

Marso-Vagep NYKK - Spisska Nova Ves 81-75
(19-19, 27-21, 21-19, 14-16)
NYKK: Nelson 4, Polyak 5, Mohacsi 17, Boldizsar 13, Micic 12, Martins Berkis (198-F-85, agency: TSS Management) 21/9, Kaluha 3/3, Siska 6
Spisska Nova Ves, best scorers: Mandic 15/3, Ulman 14/3, Baldovsky 11/3

Alba Fehervar - Kaposvari KK 77-82
(23-26, 16-23, 20-13, 20-18)
Alba: Turner 2, Medve 8/3, Damian Hollis (203-F-88, agency: Two Points, college: G.Washington) 24/6, Juhos -, Lekli 4, Bodi 5/3, Cor-J Cox (195-F/G, college: Miss.Valley St.) 11/3, Zoltan Supola (190-G-88, agency: FCM) 23/6
Kaposvar: Christopher Dunn (189-PG-83, agency: Court Side, college: W.Virginia St.) 31/12, Drahos -, Szoke 7, David 12/3, Marko Spica (205-C/F-86, college: Cent.Michigan) 16, Kiss K. 9/9, Hendlein 5/3, Kovacs S. -, Biro 2

MBK Rieker Komarno - Falco-SZOVA KC Szombathely 78-85
(21-30, 19-20, 23-18, 15-17)
Falco: Simon L. 4/3, Jonathan Levy (193-G-82, college: CS San Bernar.) 18/3, Branislav Jancikin (198-F/G-86) 17/3, Tomislav Ivosev (204-F-90) 24/6, Fey 10, Szanati 2, Harazin 7, Simon B. 1, Jarosevits 2

MBK Rieker Komarno - Falco-SZOVA KC Szombathely 75-69
(14-14, 30-18, 17-20, 14-13)
Falco: Simon L. 2, Jonathan Levy 23, Branislav Jancikin 6, Tomislav Ivosev 17/3, Fey 6, Szanati 6, Harazin 5, Jarosevits 2, Simon B. 2

BCM U Piteti - Szolnoki Olaj KK 74-71
(15-17, 18-9, 23-22, 18-23)
Szolnoki Olaj KK: Simon B. 7, Nemeth I. -, Soos 3/3, Brandon Gay (203-F-82, agency: Edge Sports, college: San Diego) 13/12, Kalve 9, Calvin Watson (197-G-85, agency: Court Side, college: N.Texas) 11/3, Markovic 7/3, Marton Bader (210-C-80, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) 19, Grebenar 2

Atomeromu SE - Oradea 60-66
(15-12, 19-25, 14-18, 12-11)
ASE: Williams 4, Kerpel-Fronius 2, Jones 10/6, Eilingsfeld 7, Idlet 9, Adam Toth (208-F/C-89, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) 18, Kortelyesi 9, Eilingsfeld 7, Illes 1, Kovacs

Naturtex-SZTE-Szedeak - Kecskemeti TE KK 82-88
(28-27, 24-26, 10-22, 20-13)
Szedeak: Sims 4, Troy Brewer (195-G, college: American) 20/18, Kiss Zs., Dukic 10/3, Milan Csorvasi (209-F/C-88, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) 17, Tanacs 9/3, Vida 7, Csorvasi L. 7/3, Hajer 3/3, Jakab P. 5/3, Varga D., Wirth
Kecskemet: Pavlovic 5/3, Martin Pongo (180-G-92) 18/3, Meszaros M. 17/6, Hegedus 11, Bencze 8, Gruda 2, Wittmann 14, Jakab P. 2, Mate Pongo (175-G-93) 11/3, Kohari, Kovacs, Toth


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  INDIA   


Indian National Team 2012 - by Greg

Indian National Team 2012
#s#
Amjyot Singh
Singh
Vishesh Bhriguvanshi
Bhriguvanshi
Loveneet Singh
Singh
Yadwinder Singh
Singh
#e#4
4 Joginder Singh Services India
5 Narender Kumar 195-G/F-88 Services India
6 Amjyot Singh 185-G-92 Tormes Spain
7 Vinay Kaushin 188-G-91 Delhi India
8 Basil Philip Kerala India
9 Vishesh Bhriguvanshi 193-G-91 N.W. Railway India
10 AmritPal Singh 201-F-91 Punjab India
11 Palpreet Singh Brar 204-C-94 Punjab India
12 Rakesh Kumar 195-C Andhra Pradesh India
13 Loveneet Singh 180-G-95 Punjab India
14 Yadwinder Singh 197-C-86 N.W. Railway India
15 Pethani Rikin 206-C-90 Tamil Nadu India

Keshaw Kumar Chansoria Head Coach



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  ISRAEL   


Devin Smith to miss a month due to knee injury - by Eurobasket News

Devin Smith (196-G/F-83, college: Virginia) will miss about a month of action due to knee injury, according to Eurobasket's David Pick. The MRI results revealed a torn meniscus and Smith will undergo arthroscopic treatment.
Devin Smith arrived to Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv last summer. He appeared 21 times in Premier league averaging 13.4 points and 4.4 rebounds. In Adriatic league, the player registered 10.8 ppg and 3.7 rpg for 26 games. Smith helped Maccabi Electra to win the title in both competitions. He was named to Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League 3rd Team -12. Maccabi also won Israeli Cup last season and reached Euroleague Quarterfinals. Before Maccabi, Devin Smith played for Benetton Treviso. He was named Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup Forward of the Year -11.


Blatt, Tel Aviv Own Greenberg And Haifa In Preseason Exhibition - by David Pick

David Blatt (Agency: Beo Basket) and Maccabi Tel-Aviv welcomed Brad Greenberg to Israeli hoops with an 18-point blowout last night (Thursday) at Nokia Arena as Tel Aviv marched all over Maccabi Haifa 89-71, in the teams' first exhibition game of the 2012-13 season.

Both teams were missing several key players. For Tel Aviv, Lior Eliyahu, Guy Pnini, and Georgian center Giorgi Shermadini enjoyed a few days of vacation after their national team duties while American Niklas Caner-Medley (Agency: Beo Basket) watched from the sidelines and British high-flyer Pops Mensah-Bonsu (Agency: SportsTalent), is scheduled for landing in Israel, tomorrow (Saturday).

Tel Aviv forward Devin Smith suffered an injury during last night's scrimmage. Smith's MRI results revealed a torn meniscus as he will undergo arthroscopic treatment and miss about a month of action. That said, Israeli veteran Cory Carr, who's been training with Maccabi, may possibly received a monthly deal.

Another player that is working out for Tel Aviv is big man Ater Majok, however, Majok's fill-in deal will come to an end this Sunday.

On the other end of the hardwood, Haifa lacked Israeli big man Ido Kozikaro who is also recovering from a hectic summer with Israel's national squad. Guard-shooter Chanan Colman was also absent for Haifa.

With Atlanta Hawks' head coach Larry Drew scouting from the bleachers, Tel Aviv partied all evening taking an early 21-13 first quarter lead. Greenberg's attempts of a comeback were instantly dashed by Tel Aviv's Euroleague rookies Sylven Landesberg (26) and Ricky Hickman (19), who increased the gap to twenty at halftime, 42-22.

In the third frame, Haifa cut Maccabi's lead down to 13, but David Blatt's exceptional coaching display, along with David Logan's game high six dimes, left the visitors empty handed.

MTA: Sylven Landesberg 26, Ricky Hickman 19, David Logan 11 and 6 assists, Itay Segev (Agency: Avi Zilberman) 9 and 3 steals, Moran Roth 7, Ater Majok 6, Tomer Ber-Aven and Shawn James 4 points each, Idan Zalmanson 2, and Cory Carr 1.

Haifa: Donta Smith 19, Pat Calathes 18, 9 rebounds and 5 turnovers, Paul Stoll 18, 4 steals and 7 turnovers, James Thomas 9 and 11 boards, Anton Shoutvin 6, Lior Segev (Agency: Gross Zeev ISA) 1, Bryan Cohen, Sean Labanowski and Alex Tzubrevitch went scoreless.


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  ITALY   


Pesaro pip Krasnie Krilya in friendly - by Eurobasket News

Pesaro - Krasnie Krilya 68:67

Pesaro hosted Krasnie Krilya in the pre-season clash. The home side claimed a narrow win at the end. Valerio Amoroso (204-F/C-80) accounted for 18 points to lead the hosts.
Pesaro strongly started the game. They accumulated an 11-point lead after the opening quarter 21:10. Krasnie Krilya took over in the second frame. The Russian team went on a massive 32:12 run to ensure a 9-point halftime lead. Pesaro came back to life in the second half. They narrowed the deficit at 5-point mark before the final frame. The hosts went on an 18:12 rally in the fourth period to seal the victory at the end. Reggie Hamilton (180-PG-89, agency: Two Points, college: Oakland) knocked down 17 points for the winners. Andre Smith (203-F-85, college: N.Dakota St.) answered with 16 points for Krasnie Krilya. Omar Thomas (197-F-82, college: UTEP) netted 14 points in the loss.

Pesaro: Valerio Amoroso 18, Reggie Hamilton 17
Krasnie Krilya: Andre Smith 16, Omar Thomas 14


Bologna and Pallacanestro Cantu reach Caorle Final - by Eurobasket News

Bologna and Pallacanestro Cantu reach Caorle Final in Italy.
SAIE 3 Bologna overcame EA7 Emporio Armani Milano 67:62. SAIE 3 Bologna won the first period 17:14 and led 35:23 at the halftime. Moreover the winners increased to 53:42 at the end of the third period and managed to keep 5-point win. Mason Rocca (204-F-77, college: Princeton) top-scored for the winners with 14 points, while Ricky Minard (196-F/G-82, college: Morehead St.) and Smith added 13 each. Hendrix posted 13 in defeat, whilst Bourousis nailed 11.
Pallacanestro Cantu meanwhile outscored New Yorker Phantoms. The Italian team grabbed 89:79 win to reach the Final. Nicolas Mazzarino (181-PG-75, agency: Players Group) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Aradori notched 15. Brooks scored 11, while Tabu and Povilas Cukinas (210-C-83) added 10 each. Mitchell replied with 19 points and Davis posted 17 in defeat.


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  JAPAN   


2012 Fiba Asia Cup: Japan open win count - by Eurobasket News

Japan - Qatar 73:69

Japan claimed the initial win at the home 2012 Fiba Asia Cup. They held off Qatar in Tokyo for 1-0 record in Group B. Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) and Kosuke Kanamaru (193-F/G-89) posted 14 points each to lead the hosts.
Japan jumped to an early lead. They established a 24:15 advantage after ten minutes of action. Qatar bounced back in the second frame. The visitors narrowed the margin and got within 5 points at halftime 36:41. Japan boosted the margin once again in the third term. The home side accumulated a 61:50 lead with one period to go. But Qatar refused to give up. Musa put Qatar within two points 69:71 with 28 seconds remaining. Kosuke Takeuchi sank two free throws then and sealed the victory for Japan. J.R. Sakuragi (206-F/C-76, college: UCLA) notched 13 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Erfan Ali (198-PF-83) answered with 21 points for Qatar. Yasseen Ismail (204-F/C-80) added 13 points in the losing effort.

Japan: Kosuke Takeuchi 14, Kosuke Kanamaru 14, J.R. Sakuragi 13
Qatar: Erfan Ali 21, Yasseen Ismail 13


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  LATVIA   


BC Odessa topple Liepajas Lauvas in Kandava - by Eurobasket News

Liepajas Lauvas - BC Odessa 77:81

BC Odessa celebrated pre-season victory over Liepajas Lauvas. The Ukrainian team overcame their opponents in Kandava. Hernst Laroche (185-G, college: N.Mexico St.) posted 21 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists to pace the winners.
Liepaja grabbed a 21:17 lead after ten minutes. They maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. Liepaja accounted for a 46:43 halftime lead. BC Odessa denied the deficit in the third term. They surged ahead for a narrow 62:61 lead at the final break. BC Odessa stretched the gap in the fourth quarter and sealed a tough win at the end. Justin Love (189-G-78, college: St.Louis) accounted for 14 points, while Dario Hunt (203-F-89, college: Nevada) added 12 points for the winners. Ivars Timermanis (203-F-82, agency: Alti Sport) answered with 21 points for Liepaja. DeAndre Mays (188-G-87, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav, college: Youngstown St.) had 16 points in the loss.

Liepajas Lauvas: Ivars Timermanis 21, DeAndre Mays 16
BC Odessa: Hernst Laroche 21, Justin Love 14, Dario Hunt 12


VEF Riga edge Awnil to open Kasztelan Cup in Wloclawek - by Eurobasket News

Anwil - VEF Riga 64:75

VEF Riga celebrated the opening win at the Kasztelan Cup in Wloclawek. They defeated hosting Anwil. Kristaps Janicenoks (196-F-83) scored 16 points to lead the Latvian team.
VEF Riga jumped to an early lead. They accumulated a 23:14 advantage after ten minutes. VEF Riga boosted the gap in the second quarter. They ensured a 41:28 halftime advantage. Anwil showed some signs of recovery in the third term. They got within 8 points at the final break. But VEF Riga did not allow Anwil to get any closer. The Latvian team stayed dominant throughout the fourth period and sealed the victory at the end. Antanas Kavaliauskas (208-C-84, agency: Interperformances, college: Texas A&M) netted 14 points, while Will Daniels (203-F-86, college: Rhode Island) and Earl Rowland (188-G-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) provided 12 points each in the victory. Krzysztof Szubarga (182-PG-84) answered with 14 points for Anwil. Ryan Wright (206-C/F-87, college: Oklahoma) had 12 points in the loss.

Anwil: Krzysztof Szubarga 14, Ryan Wright 12
VEF Riga: Kristaps Janicenoks 16, Antanas Kavaliauskas 14, Will Daniels 12, Earl Rowland 12


Ventspils in talks with Sandis Valters - by Eurobasket News

Ventspils is in talks with Sandis Valters (193-G-78), according to Sportacentrs.com. The player is practicing with the team already for few weeks and now they are trying to agree terms for the upcoming season. Valters had 10.3 ppg and 2.6 apg for 20 LBL games last season with VEF Riga. His numbers in VTB league were almost the same for 16 games. In EuroCup, the player collected 9.3 ppg, 2.8 apg and 2.6 rpg for 12 appearances. Sandis Valters won the LBL title with VEF Riga last season and in 2011 as well. In 2011 he was named Eurobasket.com All-Latvian League Player of the Year -11. Before VEF Riga, Sandis Valters played for Imola, ASK Riga, Azovmash and Anwil.
Kristaps Valters (190-G-81) is also practicing with Ventspils. His price is too high for the team and it would be impossible to get him for 2012/13.


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  LITHUANIA   


STIHL Cup. Dnipro and Siauliai reach Final - by Eurobasket News

Dnipro and Siauliai will play in the final of pre-season STIHL Cup tournament in Lithuania.
Dnipro overcame Liatkabelis 88:76 in the first game of the tournament. Derrick Low (188-PG-86, college: Washington St.) stepped up with 22 points to lead the winners. Liatkabelis enjoyed a 23:18 lead after ten minutes of action. But Dnipro went on a 23:13 run in the second quarter to surge ahead. The Ukrainian team maintained the lead throughout the second half and registered well-deserved win at the end. Daniel Kickert (208-C/F-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) posted 13 points, while Olexandr Mishula (192-SG-92) accounted for 14 points for Dnipro. Kaspars Cipruss (210-C-82, agency: Interperformances) answered with 16 points and 9 boards for Liatkabelis. Adomas Drungilas (203-C-90) had 14 points in the loss.
Siauliai toppled Kryvbasbasket 107:103 in another game at the tourney. The Lithuanian team trailed by four points after the starting quarter 25:29. Kryvbasbasket stretched the gap at 12-point mark at the interval 55:43. But Siauliai managed to recover in the second part of the encounter. The Lithuanian side went on a 34:23 run to narrow the gap before the fourth frame. They drained 30 points in the final quarter and eked out a narrow victory at the end. Papa Dia (212-F-87, college: SMU) posted 20 points for Siauliai. Laurynas Samenas (192-G-88) added 17 points, while Vytautas Sulskis (200-G-88, college: Youngstown St.) had 16 points for the winning side. Pierce Caldwell (191-G-88, agency: Alti Sport, college: Incarnate Word) and Zoran Krstanovic (204-C-82, agency: TSS Management) answered with 25 points apiece for Kryvbasbasket.


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  MACAU   


Macau National Team 2012 - by Greg

4 Fu In 178-SG-88
5 Chi San Wong 175-PG-89
6 Pak Sou 183-SF-90
7 Shao Bing Cai 191-PG-92
8 Ka Kin Iong 170-PG-87
9 Hip Meng Lo 185-SF-93
10 Ka Tong Lai 191-C-95
11 Chon Pong 193-SF-95
12 Tong Fai Cheong 190-PG-93
15 Ngai Sam 200-C-96

Li Jin Head Coach



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  MEXICO   

Standings - LNBP

LNBP Standings
 1. Halc.Xalapa 4-0 
 2. Toros 4-0 
 3. Halc.Rojos 3-1 
 4. Fuerza Regia 3-1 
 5. Panteras 3-1 
 6. Pioneros 3-1 
 7. Corr.Victoria 2-2 
 8. Abejas 2-2 
 9. Barreteros 2-2 
 10. Huracanes 2-2 
 11. Guerreros 1-3 
 12. Lechugueros 1-3 
 13. Osos 1-3 
 14. Soles 1-3 
 15. Gansos 0-4 
 16. Gigantes 0-4 

Regular Season: Round 4

Sep. 13: Lechugueros - Gigantes 88-85
Sep. 13: Abejas - Osos 87-79
Sep. 13: Barreteros - Fuerza Regia 71-82
Sep. 13: Panteras - Toros 63-72
Sep. 13: Corr.Victoria - Guerreros 107-83
Sep. 13: Halc.Rojos - Pioneros 104-94
Sep. 13: Halc.Xalapa - Soles 102-86
Sep. 13: Huracanes - Gansos 100-72

Regular Season: Round 5

Sep. 15: Corr.Victoria - Gansos
Sep. 15: Huracanes - Guerreros
Sep. 15: Panteras - Fuerza Regia
Sep. 15: Barreteros - Toros
Sep. 15: Lechugueros - Osos
Sep. 15: Abejas - Gigantes
Sep. 15: Halc.Rojos - Soles
Sep. 15: Halc.Xalapa - Pioneros


Guerreros de Guerroro Cumple sign Angel Alamo - by Eurobasket Center

Guerreros de Guerroro Cumple (LNBP) signed 27-year old Puerto Rican international-Puerto Rican power forward Angel Alamo (206-F/C-102kg-85). In his first game he scored 13 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Despite his good performance his new team lost to Corr.Victoria 83-107. Alamo played most recently at Mets de Guaynabo (Puerto Rico). While playing 19 games for Guaynabo last season his stats were: 5.4ppg and 3.5rpg. He helped them to make it to the final. Alamo is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Argentina, Brazil and Puerto Rico. Alamo played for Puerto Rican senior national team this year.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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  MONTENEGRO   


BC Sutjeska annoounced the newcomers for 2012/2013 season - by Darko Pekic

Basketball Club Sutjeska from Niksic announced today the names of newcomers for the upcoming season. It seems that the finalist from last season will play an important role in the next season also as they brought the duo from BC Podgorica and Niksic born players- Luka Djurovic (190-G-95) and Marko Perovic (203-C-92) as well as three other players born and raised in Nksic: Radoje Djurkovic (198-C/F-87), Nikola Pavlicevic (192-SG-88) and Marko Calic (195-G/F-86).

The club also hired former Jedinstvo and Buducnost head coach Aleksandar Curovic as coordinator of all youth selections and Velibor Mrvaljevic, as youth team coach.


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  NBA   


Dwight Howard Injury Update - by Diamadis Farmakis

The Lakers training staff, led by head trainer Gary Vitti and head physical therapist Dr. Judy Seto, have recently been integrated into newly acquired center Dwight Howard's (6'11''-C-85) rehabilitation from back surgery in April. Let's see what is the medical status of the ''big man'', a month before the start of training camp.

Howard has begun working with Vitti's staff while continuing to work alongside his personal trainer, Bryan Meyer

Howard's rehabilitation has been going well, according to Lakers officials, and there have been no setbacks up to this point

The physical therapy that the six-time All-Star is doing consists of core stabilization, upper and lower body strengthening, light running and shooting.

The team is not giving a timetable for Howard's return to the court at this point. However, they have stated that he will not be ready for the start of training camp or the beginning of the preseason schedule starting on Oct. 7 against Golden State in Fresno.
..


It's Politics! Or is it? - by Julius Johnson

With the 2012 US Presidential elections approaching, the world is watching. Politicians make promises to get elected and then blame the other party when their "visions" are shot down.

Politician hide behind the economy, congress, and the opposition, tossing blame everywhere, so that they cannot be held accountable for their own decisions.

How do politics affect professional sports?

If you were to ask Michael Jordan, he would say that a player's success is determined by production.
If you were to ask most any d-leaguer, he would say that the only reason he plays for the 66ers and not the 76ers is because of POLITICS.
Now, once that same 66er gets his call-up, we would attribute his success to hard work and belief in himself, but would never insinuate that politics played any role.

Lets take the hypothetical case of a two nearly identical players, one who attended Florida and the other who went to UCF. Almost certainly, if the UCF player weren't happy with his professional career, he'd blame politics, claiming that had he gone to Florida, he would be in higher demand. He might be right about that, but that's not politics. That is decision making.

It's not who you know, it's who you are!




O.J. Mayo amazed by Dirk Nowitzki's work ethic - by Eurobasket News

After arriving in Dallas a month ago to work on his game, O.J. Mayo (6'5''-G-87, college: USC) was stunned to see a certain 7-foot German dude sweating on the American Airlines Center practice court.

Rest assured that there wont be a repeat of a rusty, out-of-shape Dirk Nowitzki (7'0''-F-78) showing up at training camp.

'He was in here working out and staying in shape', Mayo said. 'It was a crazy, crazy thing to see because he's a franchise player and he was here early like its his first or second year. I think that's enough said there.'

Nowitzkis offseason regimen was a wreck last summer and fall, when he celebrated finally winning an NBA title, unsuccessfully tried to help the German national team qualify for the Olympics again and rested in anticipation of a long lockout. Nowitzki wasnt ready when the lockout ended and admittedly was poorly prepared for a quickie camp and compressed schedule.

The results: Nowitzki had his worst statistical year since his second season, averaging 21.6 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting 45.7 percent from the floor. He needed a week-plus personal minicamp early in the season to return to something resembling Nowitzkis norm.

Nowitzki turned 34 over the summer, but the Mavs firmly believe he has a lot of elite basketball left in him. His work this summer confirmed that a hunger still burns in Nowitzkis belly, perhaps refreshed after last seasons struggles.

I just think Dirks going to come back stronger, ready to play, ready to prove something, owner Mark Cuban said.

Courtesy of ESPN


Santa Cruz City Council approves $5.4 million arena for Warriors development league team - by Eurobasket News

The City Council approved city-based financing and construction plans Wednesday for a 33,000-square-foot temporary arena for the Santa Cruz Warriors, a team of 12-14 players who will relocate from North Dakota in about three months.

Santa Cruz would loan the Warriors $4.1 million and lease the facility at 140 Front St. to the NBA development league team for $532,000 in pre-paid rent and additional annual loan payments of at least $250,000 during the seven-year deal - all of which will be applied to the loan. If the Warriors leave Santa Cruz before seven years, the team will be considered in default.

The council approved permits with numerous parking, traffic and noise-muffling conditions aimed at addressing concerns raised by Beach Hill neighbors. The financing scheme and facility plans both passed 6-0 with Councilman Tony Madrigal absent, with cheers going up from supporters at the end.

The nearly six-hour meeting came to a close shortly before 1 a.m. Thursday.

"I do believe this is a beneficial project for the community but I equally believe the concerns the neighbors have are founded and that doesn't mean they will also materialize," Mayor Don Lane said.


THE PUBLIC SPEAKS

Throughout the evening, residents urged the council to delay a vote on the project, seek another site or restructure the financial arrangement to reduce the city's risk. Others told the council bringing a basketball venue with the potential for other community uses to a partially blighted area between downtown and the beach would give the city a much-needed economic boost.

Beach Hill neighbors who live behind the site are concerned about parking, noise and traffic impacts.

Joan Colonna, a Beach Hill resident, presented a petition with at least 150 signatures asking to remove parking meters in her neighborhood and approve year-round parking permits for residents.

"We live in this neighborhood knowing full well the impact of summer tourism," she said. "But this is something we endure because it takes places for three months out of the year, and tourism is a major source of income for Santa Cruz. Our neighborhood takes the hit for the greater good of all of Santa Cruz. We are not NIMBYs."

Local developer Joe Quigg, former Beach Flats Community Center Director Reyna Ruiz and others said the area was in dire need of a boost and they believe the parking and traffic access should be worked out. City planners have said the special permitting required for the project is merited, in part, because it draws links between downtown and the beach.

"Personally, I want to hear the noise," Quigg said. "We need a stimulus to get this area going."


FINANCING PLAN

The facility originally was estimated to cost $2.8 million but sandy soil and other construction issues necessitated a sturdier structure and raised costs to $5.4 million. The facility would come down in seven years unless the team and city agree to extend the arrangement while pursuing a more permanent deal.

The $4.1 million public interest loan can only be used for capital investments. The fund, created by selling city properties, contained $6.1 million as of June. The interest rate will be 3 percent.

Bonnie Lipscomb, the city's economic development director, acknowledged, "There is no question there is inherent risk involved." But she said the city had studied development league attendance rates to determine the Warriors' ability to repay the loan and felt comfortable about the financing, even absent additional revenue the city might take in from other community uses.

In addition to the loan and rent payments, the city will collect concessions revenue, including from wine and beer, and apply it to the debt. Revenue from renting the arena to UC Santa Cruz sports teams or other groups also will be applied.

If debt remains after seven years, the city will split it with the Warriors. The city's general fund also will benefit from increases in hotel and sales taxes, and share in merchandise and ticket sales once the loan is repaid.

The Warriors will pay $35,000 in annual lease payments to the Santa Cruz Seaside Co., which owns the parking lot where the building will go, and relocate Beach Boardwalk employee parking to downtown garages with under-used permit capacity and provide shuttles for workers. The company would also paint a Boardwalk logo on the arena floor six feet from center court - a sponsorship the team values at $50,000.

However, the deal with the Seaside Co. is still not inked, and Lipscomb said any work on the site would be at the Warriors' own risk until the deal is completed. City officials believe the deal will be finalized soon.


COLLATERAL CONSIDERED

As for collateral, the city is giving the Warriors credit for pre-paid construction expenses covered by the Warriors, as well as the value of the pre-paid rent, the city's share of a naming rights sponsorship by Kaiser Permanente and the value of the building if it were leased out to another renter if the team leaves. Some residents questioned that approach, asking why the parent team, the Golden State Warriors, wasn't providing backing.

County Treasurer Fred Keeley, who chaired a blue-ribbon panel of financial experts who reviewed the loan deal, reiterated, "We believe the repayment is very sound." He said the risk to the city, due to loan and repayment guarantees, is about $500,000 regardless of how popular the Warriors prove to be.

Santa Cruz Warriors President Jim Weyermann said NBA limits on debt loads prohibited financing from Golden State Warriors. Opponents are worried the new company created for the Santa Cruz team are worried doesn't have enough assets to repay the loan if revenues fall short.

Councilman Ryan Coonerty addressed concerns about why the team needs city financing, saying the Warriors first studied using the Civic Auditorium but that it didn't meet NBA standards. If the Civic had worked, there would be no need for a construction loan, he said.


FACILITY CONDITIONS

Conditions council members agreed to include:

A parking and signage plan ensuring downtown is the preferred parking area for arena visitor, including signs on Ocean Street directing vehicles downtown and Warriors publicity indicating that approach.
Working with neighbors to develop a parking program that may involve taking out some meters and bagging others on game days in residential areas surrounding the arena. The plan also could include year-round parking permits for residents.
Keeping Laurel Street Extension, a vital Beach Hill neighborhood entrance point, open during game days except for brief traffic-control periods when only residents will be able to get in.
Banning noisemaking devices sold or given away at games.
Black-out days for games or other commercial events on summer Friday nights and weekend days and during other high-traffic events in the area
No concerts with amplified music without a modified permit after a public hearing.
Security staff will clear area around facility an hour before and after games.
Monitor sound within the first month of Warriors games and create a mitigation plan if there are neighborhood problems with noise.
Council members and other city officials will meet with neighbors 45 days before first game to review concerns and take steps to address them.
Wine and beer sales only to be cutoff after third quarter.
Backpacks will be checked upon entrance.
Secured bike parking nearby.
Keeping restoration of Beach Hill stairway from Pacific Avenue on city's list of potential capital improvements.

A DAY'S DELAY

The council was supposed to hold the hearing Tuesday, but delayed it a day to address concerns from the Beach Hill Neighbors Association over the timing of the meeting and whether the expedited handling of the proposal complied with state environmental law, local planning procedures and parking rules. The association also made recommendations Wednesday on the design of the building to muffle noise.

Before the meeting, association president Don Webber said whether neighbors file a lawsuit would depend on conditions put on the project. The group will meet Sunday to determine its next step.

"The association has never taken the position that a sports facility is wrong for Santa Cruz," he said. "Our members understand the benefits of expanding economic activity beyond the summer tourist season, as well as better utilizing the event spaces we have and maybe adding to them."

At the meeting, Webber said the concerns were not meant to be threatening.

"We all kind of wish the Warriors well," he said. "We like basketball too. We are not deal killers."

Weyermann, the team president, said before the meeting he would resist demands on design by the association but wants to build a good relationship with the group. He did offer a new designated parking program that would assign fans a specific spot downtown and "traffic ambassadors" to direct fans away from Beach Hill.

"I am not willing to have the Beach Hill Neighbors Association dictate design and materials associated with the building of this building," Weyermann said.


WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED

Weyermann had drafted contingency plans in case the council voted against the plans or a delay would keep the team from hosting its first home games of the season at the planned site.

He said the Warriors would have been out about $800,000 in pre-construction and other costs if the deal, in the works since the spring, fell through. The costs included parts of the structure, as well as the basketball floor, shot clocks, scoreboard, some permitting fees and soil and sound studies.

If there had been a substantial delay in construction, Weyermann said the team could play its first four home games at Cabrillo College. And if the deal totally fell through, he said games could be moved to the Golden State Warriors practice facility in Oakland until a new location was identified.

Weyermann said he doesn't believe, if a suit were filed, a judge would halt facility construction.

"We think we are in a strong enough position under the law and what we've done and that a reasonable judge would say we met the requirements," he said.

Weyermann has said construction will begin as soon as the council approves the permits and financing. Meanwhile, he said the team is negotiating housing for its players, who won't arrive until mid-November and are on 4.5-month contracts that max out at $25,000 in salary. He expects players may stay for the season at a beach-area hotel while opposing teams and coaches will stay at the Hilton in Scotts Valley.

Follow Sentinel reporter J.M. Brown on Twitter @jmbrownreports


WHAT NEIGHBORS WANT

In an email to the city, the Beach Hill Neighbors Association requested these conditions Wednesday if the City Council approved the financial arrangement and permitting for the construction of a temporary arena for the Santa Cruz Warriors:

Remove 101 parking meters in the residential section of Beach Hill and make year-round parking permits for residents.
Provide 30 percent of parking required by city planning for a 4,000-seat venue through licensing agreements with private lot owners in the Lower Pacific and downtown areas.
Discourage use of the Beach Boardwalk area parking lots unless a shuttle system is put in place without using Laurel Street Extension, a key neighborhood access point.
Host no events on Fridays or weekend days from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Repair and reopen a pedestrian entrance at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Front Street.
Ban mechanical noisemakers in the arena.
Locate entry doors so there is no direct sound path to the outside and direct sound into solid walls.
Put in an airtight high-mass wall behind the speakers to reduce noise and build vestibules from exit doors to further reduce noise.

Courtesy of www.santacruzsentinel.com


Houston Rockets F Jon Brockman injures eye during workout - by Eurobasket News

Houston Rockets forward Jon Brockman (6'7''-F-87, college: Washington) is expected to make a full recovery after he was hospitalized for a right eye injury sustained during a workout at the Toyota Center.

The 6-foot-7 Brockman, the University of Washington's career leader in rebounds (1,283), was a second-round pick by Portland (38th overall) in 2009.

Brockman was hurt Monday while working with an elastic band used for stretching muscles. The band apparently slipped off his foot and the recoil hit Brockman's right eye.

Brockman was treated at a hospital and released Thursday. The injury did not require surgery, and the team said Brockman will be monitored daily by team doctors. The Rockets set no timetable for his return to basketball activities.

Houston acquired Brockman, Jon Leuer and Shaun Livingston from Milwaukee in a trade for Samuel Dalembert in July.

Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com


Tracy McGrady works out for Spurs, Knicks - by Eurobasket News

Still searching for an NBA franchise willing to guarantee a contract for next season, seven-time All-Star Tracy McGrady (6'8''-G/F-79) worked out for the San Antonio Spurs this week at the team's practice facility, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Next up for McGrady on Thursday is a workout for the New York Knicks, league sources said.

Time is running out for the 33-year-old McGrady to secure a guaranteed contract for the season. Sources say he will likely have to choose between accepting a "make-good" training-camp invite or going overseas perhaps to China.

The Spurs have brought several players to San Antonio to evaluate over recent weeks, and have yet to make a decision on whether McGrady could possibly fit into the team's plans this season. The Knicks have discussed the possibility of adding another perimeter scoring threat, and want to evaluate McGrady for a possible return. McGrady played 24 games in 2010 with the Knicks.

After 15 years in the league, McGrady had career-low numbers in Atlanta a season ago, averaging 5.2 points in 16 minutes per game. A former two-time scoring champion and first-team All-NBA player, McGrady has been slowed with knee problems in recent years.

Courtesy of Yahoo! Sports


D-Wade: LeBron still improving, 'sky's limit' - by Eurobasket News

LeBron James (6'8''-SF-84) already has won three NBA MVP awards and recently earned his first NBA championship, but teammate Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) believes James will get even better.

"The sky's the limit," Wade told ESPNChicago.com on Wednesday after a promotional appearance for his new book, "A Father First." "He's been very good. He has three MVPs. I don't know statistically how much more he can do, but I think just his dominance of a game and starting to really understand everything about the game now. It's starting to all come together. That's the scary part."

Wade can see James' confidence building as the years pass. James became the first player since Michael Jordan in 1992 to win a regular-season MVP award, an NBA Finals MVP award, an NBA championship and an Olympic gold medal in the same year.

"It's here. This is the time," Wade said of James. " (He's) 27, you won a championship, you had success, it's not going to go anywhere. You can see him now taking that next step to that next elite level. I thought he proved it this whole season. I thought he was dominant from Game 1 all the way until the end, and he proved that that's not easy to do and there's not many that have ever done it."

Wade also said he has no problem with James continuing to work out with Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant during the offseason. Wade believes James is just doing his part to grow the league as it pertains to training with Durant.

James' Heat beat Durant's Thunder in five games in the NBA Finals last season.

"They worked out last summer; they've got a great relationship," Wade said. "It's just two of the best players taking things from each other, in a sense, and seeing the other person's work ethic so they push each other to be good, and I think on the other end it's LeBron being kind of the veteran in the sense that KD is the future of this game as well.

"He's not afraid to say, 'Listen, let's go work out in the gym together. Let's make each other better.' It's a good thing."

Courtesy of ESPN


Seattle arena investor can now shop for team - by Eurobasket News

Chris Hansen has a ticket to shop.

His list is short: Find an NBA franchise willing to sell and bring professional basketball back to Seattle.

Hansen, the investor trying to build a new arena, said Thursday that the league has been closely watching what's taking place in the Pacific Northwest and a renegotiated memorandum of understanding between Hansen and the city council on the proposed arena goes a long way to easing the league's concerns about Hansen's plan.

"It means a lot to the NBA," Hansen said. "They've been watching very close to what we're doing. I think going in they were very skeptical we would get to this point given our history in Seattle.

"It's a great win for the city with the league."

Hansen spoke at a bar in Seattle's Pioneer Square shortly before an event where he invited fans to come celebrate the agreement announced earlier this week and have their first beer on him.

While the green-and-gold celebration was just getting under way, a short distance away a council committee was voting to advance the renegotiated agreement to the full city council for a vote that is expected to happen Sept. 24. The agreement must receive full approval from the city council and the King County council.

Even some members of the city council showed up at the bar following the committee vote, along with a huge throng of Sonics fans hoping to see the franchise return sooner than later. Hansen cautioned it might not be a quick process and what might be the most difficult task - team acquisition - is just beginning.

Asked if there could be a franchise in Seattle next year, Hansen didn't want to be overly optimistic.

"I think it's conceivable, that would be optimistic and that is not an expectation I would not want to set," he said. "I worry that people are expecting us to get this deal done and it be like magic and a team would be here this year. It's like, 'Poof and we've got a deal done and where is our team?' This is a far more difficult process. I think anybody who is intimately familiar with the NBA knows this is a tough next face we have to go through."

The revised deal first leaked late Monday night and was announced by a trio of city councilmembers on Tuesday night. Hansen said his phone erupted when the news leaked and he stayed up until 1 a.m. listening to a Seattle sports radio station take phone calls from excited fans.

Hansen said the demands of the council pushed him and his investors past the point that they were probably prepared to go financially, but they decided it was in the best interest of the community to drop a few more dollars into the agreement.

"In the interest of making this happen and taking a step back and see the big picture it was just really important for us to get this done," Hansen said.

The renegotiated deal was met with praise by fans and city officials, but still skepticism from opponents. On Wednesday, opponents to the arena sent a letter to the city stating their concerns about the re-worked agreement. Among those signing the letter was a representative of the Seattle Mariners' front office, one of the first public statements by the Mariners opposing the deal.

The proposed site of the arena is adjacent to the parking garage across the street from the Mariners' home park, Safeco Field.

Hansen said there have been repeated efforts to reach out to the Mariners along with Seattle's other pro franchises.

"About the only comment I would make is the Seahawks and Sounders have engaged with us and are interested in what we are doing, expressed their concerns and are willing to work with us," Hansen said. "We have made a lot of outreach to the Mariners and they are not interested in having a dialogue. You can't reach a point with people if they're not interested in having the discussion about what it would take to make it happen and make it acceptable for them."

The revised deal called for Hansen's group to increase its reserves on the $490 million project that will include $290 million in private investment. Hansen's group will also commit $7 million toward KeyArena and spend $40 million on improving traffic and freight mobility in the area around the stadiums and the nearby Port of Seattle.

"We said we would do our share on the transportation side. We would contribute money, we always said we would try and make it better than it was before," Hansen said. "So I think $40 million, plus what we have to put in for SEPA, we're hopeful other professional sports organizations will benefit from improved pedestrian access and transit connectivity will have a similar point of view as us and help out."

Courtesy of http://seattletimes.com


Matt Barnes expected to sign with Clippers - by Eurobasket News

Matt Barnes is moving down the hallway.

The small forward who spent two seasons with the Lakers is expected to change locker rooms inside Staples Center and sign with the Clippers later this week, according to a person close to the situation who was not authorized to discuss the matter until it becomes official.

Barnes will rejoin the team he started his NBA career with nine years ago after being a reserve with the Lakers last season, when he averaged 7.8 points and 5.5 rebounds. After he suffered an ankle injury in the next-to-last game of the regular season, he averaged only 3.5 points (shooting 27.1%) and 3.3 rebounds in the playoffs.

He fell out of the rotation by the end of the Lakers Western Conference semifinal series against Oklahoma City, playing only four minutes in Game 4 and not at all in Game 5.

Barnes joins a Clippers team already well stocked at his position, with small forwards Caron Butler, Grant Hill and Travis Leslie. The 6-foot-10 Lamar Odom can also play small forward.

The well-traveled Barnes, 32, has played for eight teams in nine NBA seasons, producing career averages of 7.3 points and 4.5 rebounds.

Barnes faces a felony charge of threatening a public official after an incident late July in Manhattan Beach. An officer, aware that Barnes had an outstanding warrant for a misdemeanor violation of driving on a suspended license, approached him on foot and attempted to arrest him when police officials say Barnes refused to cooperate and threatened the officer.

He is scheduled to appear in a Torrance courtroom Oct. 1.

Courtesy of www.latimes.com


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  NCAA1   


Demetrius Treadwell and Nick Harney ready to help lead Akron University to a MAC Championship and NCAA Tournament Apperance - by Vance Marbury

Demetrius Treadwell and Nick Harney ready to help lead Akron University to a MAC Championship and NCAA Tournament Appearance!!

I had been reaching out to Akron University Mens Basketball Coach Keith Dambrot the last 3 years in regards to allowing the Akron University Mens Basketball Players to participate in the JT Focus Mgt Cleveland Am Pro Basketball Summer League. Simply put Coach Dambrot didnt allow it.

2012 JT Focus Mgt Akron/Canton Am Pro Basketball Summer League, Coach Dambrot allows the Akron University players to participate in the 1st year of the new segmentation of the Cleveland + Akron Am Pro Summer League.

Nick Harney (Benedictine High School/Cleveland Ohio) a 6'7" wing player who is blessed with an abudance of talent, shows up for Day 1 of the summer league and silently, plays extremely hard and asserts his ability on his opponents. I previously knew Mr. Harney, and I took his smoothness for a lack of effort.

Harney is a great young man, who is humbled, works hard, and is looking forward to this upcoming season. Harney, can handle the ball, create his own shot, blocks shots, drop dimes, and play defense. What separates Harney from most wing players in college is the combination of athletic and ball handling ability. You want proof, google the Tomahawk dunk Nick Harney had vs Mississippi St. last season, where he almost tore the rim down, and Akron U. routed the then highly ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs. Harney could definitely be an NBA draft pick in 2 years, if he continues to keep developing.

Demetrius Treadwell, a young man who only played one year of high school basketball, receives a Divsion I scholarship. Why, well because he is a freak of nature. At. 6'7" 225lbs with a great vertical leap. Treadwell who reminds you a lot of Dennis Rodman, is an relentless and mean offensive and defensive rebounder. Treadwell worked relentlessly this summer on his ballhandling, mid range jump shot, and conditioning.

I sat down with Demetrius over the summer, and he stated "I plan on being the next Norris Cole", Translation: I plan on being the next Mid-Major basketball athlete, that went under the radar, to get drafted in the NBA, in 2 years and quite honestly, I believe Mr. Treadwell. His no nonsense approach to training, discipline, and a new found maturity spells problems to any opponent of the Akron University Mens Basketball Team.

Harney and Treadwell are not the only reason Akron University has and will dominate the Mid American Conference (MAC), check back for more stories about other Akron University Mens Basketball players in the coming weeks.

Demetrius Treadwell and Nick Harney were featured in 3rd Coast Hoops top players of the 2012 JT Focus Mgt Akron Am Pro Summer League produced by Steve Newton. The link to the video is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brXk1xQV544.


Notre Dame to ACC: Big East commish says no discussions yet on letting Irish out early - by Eurobasket News

Big East commissioner Mike Aresco said Thursday that there have been no discussions about letting Notre Dame leave the league prior to the end of the required 27-month waiting period.

Notre Dame announced on Wednesday that it is joining the ACC in all sports except football and hockey. The Irish will play five football games against ACC schools as part of the agreement.

"They may make that request and then we'd have to negotiate with them because they are required to stay for two more seasons. If they do, we'll engage them in a negotiation. I can't tell you much more than that," Aresco said before Thursday's Rutgers-South Florida game.

The comments were his first public statements since the move was announced.

Pittsburgh, Syracuse and West Virginia were all able to negotiate early exits from the conference. West Virginia paid $20 million to join the Big 12 for this year; Pittsburgh and Syracuse each paid $7.5 million to join the ACC for the 2013 football season.

When asked about allowing Notre Dame to leave early, Aresco said it could happen.

"There is a precedent for that," he said. "We'll maintain a good relationship with Notre Dame. We've been very magnanimous. That's the way we should be. We wish Notre Dame well. We'll talk to them. We may be able to figure something out. We may not. We just don't know yet."

Despite another departure from the conference, Aresco does not believe the Big East is falling apart.

"Complete nonsense," he said. "First of all. I've read some of the articles. Some have been fair, others haven't been fair. We have a great basketball conference. Notre Dame -- we enjoy having the relationship -- but when you have Louisville, Cincinnati, Marquette, and UConn and Georgetown and Villanova and an up-and-coming St. John's, the possibility of DePaul doing well in Chicago, and adding Memphis and Temple, two strong programs. ... When you have all that, how can anybody argue we aren't top to bottom the best basketball conference in the country? We're right up there.

"When you lose a team, there's always some comment and that's fine. We know we have a strong future, and we also know we've reconstituted our football and we've added some outstanding teams. The old Big East in football was a very good conference, but it didn't have a Boise (State), which has a national appeal, it didn't have range, it didn't have the Texas schools. We have a bright outlook, and I'm going to make that point. What we don't want to do is let a narrative take over that might simply be inaccurate. It is simply inaccurate."

The conference will add Boise State, Houston, Memphis, Navy, San Diego State, SMU and UCF to its football league over the next three years. Houston, Memphis, SMU and UCF are joining the conference in all sports.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com


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  NCAA3   


Ted Sharber and Trey Vaughn Play for Ohio Chrtistian University a program headed by Former Ohio State University Star Tony Stockman - by Vance Marbury

Ted Sharber and Trey Vaughn Play for Ohio Chrtistian University a program headed by Former Ohio State University Star Tony Stockman

Ted Sharber a 6'4" Power Forward basketball game has come a long way in the last 2 years. Predominantly a banger and rebounder, Mr. Sharber has lost a ton of weight, gained foot-speed, and confidence. With a new more fit athletic body, Mr. Sharber should be able to play some Small Forward this season. Ted has also worked on his mid-range jumpshot. Ted dedicated himself to be the best player he can be this upcoming season and I believe his numbers will prove it at the end of the season.

Trey Vaughn a 6'1" combo guard transferred to Ohio Christian via Ohio Valley University. Last season Trey averaged 7.3 ppg, 1.7 rpg while shooting 33% from the 3 point line. Trey can score with the best of them. Trey is a shooter by nature, but he also can create his own shot and create shots for others via the dribble drive. Trey also does not shy away from the spotlight, which should help Ohio Christian during their 2012-13 NCAA Tournament Participation

Tony Stockman former Clemson/Ohio State star is now the Head Coach at Ohio Christian. Tony who was is a product of Medina, Ohio and is no stranger to basketball in the Buckeye state. Stockman was named Mr. Basketball Ohio in 2000 after averaging 25.5 points per game and becoming the all-time leading scorer at Medina High School where he led his team to a 58-9 record in three seasons. He then signed with Clemson University where he would prove to be the top freshman in the ACC with a scoring average of 12.0 in his first season. In his 2nd season at Clemson he was the leading sophomore scorer in ACC play with an average of 14.1 points per game in conference games.

Stockman became an Ohio State Buckeye following the 2001-02 season when he transferred from Clemson University. After sitting out a year due to NCAA transfer rules, he averaged 13.6 points per game to lead Ohio State in scoring as a junior. As a senior, he led Ohio State to a 20-12 record under new head coach Thad Matta.

Tony who is a devout Christian and great family and community leader should provide Ohio Christian with a great injection into its basketball program.


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  NEW ZEALAND   


Hawks take second test clash versus Breakers - by Eurobasket News

NZ Breakers - Wollongong Hawks 61:64

Wollongong Hawks earned victory in the second game of the test series versus NZ Breakers. Rhys Martin (193-G-86, college: Nova SE) posted 15 points to lead the winners in Dunedin. The third game is scheduled on Sautrday at the Clauderlands Arena.
The Hawks strongly started the game. They recorded a 19:13 lead after ten minutes. Wollongong maintained the lead throughout the second frame. They posted a 39:32 halftime lead. The Breakers got closer in the third quarter. The Kiwis narrowed the margin at 3-point mark before the fourth term. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the final quarter as the Hawks managed to secure the victory at the end. Larry Davidson (206-C/F-83, college: Boise St.) accounted for 13 points, while Oscar Forman (205-F/C-82) contributed 11 points for the Hawks. Alex Pledger (213-C-87, college: Belm.Abbey) responded with 18 points and 9 rebounds for the Breakers. Will Hudson (206-F/C-89, college: Oakland) and Cedric Jackson (191-G-86, college: Cleveland St.) netted 10 points each in the loss.

NZ Breakers: Alex Pledger 18, Will Hudson 10, Cedric Jackson 10
Wollongong Hawks: Rhys Martin 15, Larry Davidson 13, Oscar Forman 11


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  PHILIPPINES   


2012 Fiba Asia Cup: China nip Philippines - by Eurobasket News

China - Philippines 71:68

China victoriously opened their 2012 Fiba Asia Cup campaign. They held off ambitious Philippines in Group A action. Guo Ailun (192-SF-93) scored 18 points to lead the winners.
It was a close battle from start to finish. China managed to eke out an 18:15 lead after ten minutes of action. Philippines denied the deficit midway through the second quarter. But China surged ahead and recorded a 40:33 halftime lead. Guo Ailun made it a 10-point lead for China midway through the third quarter. However Philippines recovered and went on a 19:7 run to take a 56:54 lead with ten minutes remaining. Zhao TaiLong (193-G/F-90) erased the deficit and drew things level at 64 with three minutes to go. Wu Ke (209-C-90) and Zhao TaiLong gave China a 71:68 lead with 49 seconds remaining. Tenorio and Chan had a chance to save the game for Philippines but missed their attempts.
Zhao TaiLong posted 11 points, while Sui Ran (193-G-92) and Wu Ke added 7 points each for the winning side. Ranidel deOcampo (195-F-81) answered with 11 points for Philippines. Marcus Douthit (210-C/F-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Providence) and Larry Fonacier (190-F/G-82) provided 10 points each in the loss.

China: Guo Ailun 18, Zhao TaiLong 11, Sui Ran 7, Wu Ke 7
Philippines: Ranidel deOcampo 11, Marcus Douthit 10, Larry Fonacier 10


Philippines National Team 2012 - by Greg

Philippines National Team 2012
#s#
Jay-R Reyes
Reyes
LA Tenorio
Tenorio
Ranidel deOcampo
deOcampo
Joachim Thoss
Thoss
Gabe Norwood
Norwood
#e#5
4 Jay-R Reyes 200-C-84 Meralco Bolts Philippines
5 LA Tenorio 177-PG-84 Barangay Ginebra Philippines
6 Ranidel deOcampo 195-F-81 Smart Gilas Philippines
7 Joachim Thoss 201-C-81 Alaska Aces Philippines
8 Gabe Norwood 196-G/F-85 Rain or Shine Philippines
9 Jeffrei Chan 192-F-83 Rain or Shine Philippines
10 Jared Dillinger 191-G/F-84 Talk N Text Philippines
11 Marcus Douthit 210-C/F-80 Smart Gilas Philippines
12 Larry Fonacier 190-F/G-82 Talk N Text Philippines
13 Gary David 188-G/F-78 Global Port Philippines
14 Enrico Villanueva 196-C-80 Barako Bull Philippines
15 Matt Ganuelas 195-F-90 Smart Gilas Philippines

Vincent Reyes Head Coach Smart Gilas Philippines



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  POLAND   


Caja Laboral's Maciej Lampe back to Vitoria due to injury - by Eurobasket News

Maciej Lampe (211-F/C-85) left Caja Laboral's training camp in France due to injury and returned to Vitoria. The initial diagnosis confirmed that Lampe suffers a disc protrusion L4-L5. Further tests will show for how long he will be sidelined.
Maciej Lampe signed with Caja Laboral last summer. He suffered serious hip injury and missed most of the season. He returned to the court at the end of February averaging 12.4 points and 5.1 rebounds for 21 games. The center picked up few important awards: Eurobasket.com All-Spanish ACB Newcomer of the Year -12, Eurobasket.com All-Spanish ACB 3rd Team -12 and Eurobasket.com Spanish ACB All-Bosmans Team -12. Lampe had amazing 2010/11 season with Unics Kazan. He was named Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup Player of the Year -11 and also Eurobasket.com All-Russian PBL Player of the Year -11. In VTB United League Lampe was Center of the Year- 11. He helped Unics to win the EuroCup title averaging 15.6 points and 8.1 rebounds. He had even better numbers in Russia.


Kasztelan Basketball Cup in Wocawek - by Maciej Paszyn

Today in Wocawek annual international pre-season tournament is starting. This year on the cup the following teams will appear: VEF Riga from Lativa, Tartu Ulikool from Estonia and two toppest polish teams: Asseco Prokom Gdynia and Anwil Wloclawek. Three teams will appear in optimum rosters (A lack is an only exception Tony Weeden which caught haematoma in the knee and will have to be out of the game for 3 weeks). Only club from Gdynia will arrive in totally experimental set. In Wocawek will be missing contracted: Frank Robinson (193-G-84, college: CS Fullerton), Julian Khazzouh (209-C-86) and Adam Hrycaniuk (206-C-84, agency: Alti Sport, college: Cincinnati), however will play staying without contracts Dardan Berisha (193-SG-88, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) and Krzysztof Roszyk (200-F-78) training with Prokom. Moreover for four players it will be debut in this team (Lukasz Koszarek (187-PG-84), Drew Viney (203-F-88, college: Loyola Mary) Piotr Pamula (194-G-90) and Tomasz Snieg (190-PG-89)).

Kasztelan Basketball Cup 2012 schedule:

14 September (Friday):

17:00 Asseco Prokom Gdynia - Tartu Ulikool
19:30 Anwil Wloclawek - VEF Riga

15 September (Saturday):

17:00 Asseco Prokom Gdynia - VEF Riga
19:30 Anwil Wloclawek - Tartu Ulikool

16 September (Sunday):

16:00 Tartu Ulikool - VEF Riga
18:30 Anwil Wloclawek - Asseco Prokom Gdynia



Zielona Gora trounce Khimik Yuzny - by Eurobasket News

Zielona Gora - Khimik Yuzny 101:76

Stelmet Zielona Gora earned the first win at the home Memorial Lecha Birgfellnera tournament. They drubbed Khimik Yuzny. Walter Hodge (183-PG-86, college: Florida) came up with 23 points to lead the winners.
Zielona Gora built a 25:20 lead after ten minutes. They stretched the margin to as many as 10 points at halftime 46:36. The hosts went on a 33:21 run in the third frame to leave Khimik far behind. Zielona Gora did not look back en route to the victory. Quinton Hosley (201-F/G-84, college: Fresno St.) produced 22 points, while Marcin Sroka (200-F-81, agency: Promotex) added 16 points for Zielona Gora. Willie Deane (188-PG-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Purdue) answered with 16 points for Khimik. Vernon Goodridge (206-F-84, college: La Salle) netted 13 points in the loss.

Zielona Gora: Walter Hodge 23, Quinton Hosley 22, Marcin Sroka 16
Khimik: Willie Deane 16, Vernon Goodridge 13


Panionios overcome PGE Turow in Zielona Gora - by Eurobasket News

Panionios - PGE Turow 83:77

Panionios opened win count at the Memorial Lecha Birgfellnera tournament in Zielona Gora. The Greek team held off PGE Turow in the opener. Landon Milbourne (201-F-87, agency: Three Eye Sports, college: Maryland) stepped up with 22 points to lead the winners.
The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the first term. The scoreboard read 15:15 after ten minutes. PGE Turow pulled in front in the second frame. The Polish team eked out a narrow 35:32 halftime advantage. But Panionios turned things around in the third term. The Greek side erupted for 28 points to secure a 2-point lead before the final stanza. Panionios stayed in charge throughout the fourth quarter and rolled to the victory. Nikos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) netted 19 points for Panionios. Marios Batis (188-G-80) added 11 points in the win. Michal Chylinski (190-G-86, agency: Interperformances) replied with 17 points for PGE Turow. Djordje Micic (195-G-83) had 15 points in the loss.

Panionios: Landon Milbourne 22, Nikos Pappas 19, Marios Batis 11
PGE Turow: Michal Chylinski 17, Djordje Micic 15


Tartu Ulikool prevail against Asseco Prokom in Wloclawek - by Eurobasket News

Asseco Prokom - Tartu Ulikool 75:81

Tartu Ulikool clinched the first win at the Kasztelan Cup in Poland. They knocked down Asseco Prokom in the opener. Ivan Nelyubov (207-C-88) delivered 18 points to lead the Estonian team.
Tartu Ulikool jumped to an early lead. They arrived at the first break up by 7 points 26:19. The visitors stretched the margin in the second quarter. Tartu piled up a 43:33 halftime advantage. Asseco Prokom went on a comeback rally in the third term. They got as close as two points before the final stanza. However Tartu Ulikool fired 23 points in the fourth term and sealed the victory. Egidijus Dimsa (205-C-85) provided 15 points, while Justin Ingram (185-PG-85, agency: Two Points, college: Toledo) added 13 points for Tartu Ulikool. Drew Viney (203-F-88, college: Loyola Mary) responded with 19 points for Asseco Prokom. Jerel Blassingame (175-PG-81, college: UNLV) had 18 points in the loss.

Asseco Prokom: Drew Viney 19, Jerel Blassingame 18
Tartu Ulikool: Ivan Nelyubov 18, Egidijus Dimsa 15, Justin Ingram 13


VEF Riga edge Awnil to open Kasztelan Cup in Wloclawek - by Eurobasket News

Anwil - VEF Riga 64:75

VEF Riga celebrated the opening win at the Kasztelan Cup in Wloclawek. They defeated hosting Anwil. Kristaps Janicenoks (196-F-83) scored 16 points to lead the Latvian team.
VEF Riga jumped to an early lead. They accumulated a 23:14 advantage after ten minutes. VEF Riga boosted the gap in the second quarter. They ensured a 41:28 halftime advantage. Anwil showed some signs of recovery in the third term. They got within 8 points at the final break. But VEF Riga did not allow Anwil to get any closer. The Latvian team stayed dominant throughout the fourth period and sealed the victory at the end. Antanas Kavaliauskas (208-C-84, agency: Interperformances, college: Texas A&M) netted 14 points, while Will Daniels (203-F-86, college: Rhode Island) and Earl Rowland (188-G-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) provided 12 points each in the victory. Krzysztof Szubarga (182-PG-84) answered with 14 points for Anwil. Ryan Wright (206-C/F-87, college: Oklahoma) had 12 points in the loss.

Anwil: Krzysztof Szubarga 14, Ryan Wright 12
VEF Riga: Kristaps Janicenoks 16, Antanas Kavaliauskas 14, Will Daniels 12, Earl Rowland 12


Zielona Gora tab Rob Jones - by Eurobasket News

Stelmet Zielona Gora added another newcomer. They agreed on terms of contract with Rob Jones (198-F-89). The forward will start his pro career in Poland. Rob Jones graduated from St. Mary's College in 2012. He notched 15.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game in his senior season. Rob Jones became WCC regular season champion. He was named into WCC All-Tournament Team. Rob Jones also made it into NABC Division I All-District 9 2nd Team for the second season in a row. Rob Jones participated at NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas. He posted 1.5 points per game for the Cleveland Cavaliers.


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  PORTUGAL   


Vitoria SC land Dain Swetalla - by Eurobasket News

Vitoria SC continued to strengthen their roster. They added Dain Swetalla (206-C-86, college: Augustana, IL). The centre is not new to Portugal. He spent the previous season with Illibaum Clube. Dain Swetalla notched 17.2 points, 9.1 boards, 2.3 assists and 1.0 steal per game in Proliga. He was named All-Proliga Centre of the Year. He also made it into Proliga All-Newcomers Team. Previously Dain Swetalla had stints with Merida, Majadahonda and Buffalo Stampede. Dain Swetalla joins Will Holland (193-G/F-87, college: Mt.St.Mary's) as the second import player on Vitoria SC roster.
The roster now stands at eight players: Andre Bessa (179-G-89), Rui Pereira (180-G-87), Jose Silva (194-G/F-89), Jose Fernandes, Francisco Oliveira (185-G-88), Paulo Cunha (200-F-80), Dain Swetalla and Will Holland.


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  PUERTO RICO   


Guerreros de Guerroro Cumple sign Angel Alamo - by Eurobasket Center

Guerreros de Guerroro Cumple (LNBP) signed 27-year old Puerto Rican international-Puerto Rican power forward Angel Alamo (206-F/C-102kg-85). In his first game he scored 13 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Despite his good performance his new team lost to Corr.Victoria 83-107. Alamo played most recently at Mets de Guaynabo (Puerto Rico). While playing 19 games for Guaynabo last season his stats were: 5.4ppg and 3.5rpg. He helped them to make it to the final. Alamo is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Argentina, Brazil and Puerto Rico. Alamo played for Puerto Rican senior national team this year.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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  QATAR   


Qatari National Team 2012 - by Simas

#s#
Mansour Atif
Atif
Hassan Mohamed
Mohamed
Abdulrahman Saad
Saad
Daoud Mousa
Mousa
Khalid Suliman
Suliman
#e#5
4 Mansour Atif 177-PG-90 Al Arabi Qatar
5 Hassan Mohamed 191-G-91 Al Rayyan Qatar
6 Abdulrahman Saad 192-F/G-85 As Sadd Qatar
7 Daoud Mousa 193-G-82 As Sadd Qatar
8 Khalid Suliman 198-G/F-87 As Sadd Qatar
9 Baker Ahmad 199-F-86 Al Jaysh Qatar
10 Yasseen Ismail 204-F/C-80 Al Rayyan Qatar
11 Erfan Ali 198-PF-83 Al Rayyan Qatar
12 Clinton Fihnoir Johnson 193-G-84
13 Mohammed Yousef 204-C-82 As Sadd Qatar
14 Hashem Zaidan 211-C-80 Al Ahli Qatar
15 Omar Abdelkader 206-C-83 Al Gharrafah Qatar

Thomas Wisman Head Coach Tochigi Brex Japan



2012 Fiba Asia Cup: Japan open win count - by Eurobasket News

Japan - Qatar 73:69

Japan claimed the initial win at the home 2012 Fiba Asia Cup. They held off Qatar in Tokyo for 1-0 record in Group B. Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) and Kosuke Kanamaru (193-F/G-89) posted 14 points each to lead the hosts.
Japan jumped to an early lead. They established a 24:15 advantage after ten minutes of action. Qatar bounced back in the second frame. The visitors narrowed the margin and got within 5 points at halftime 36:41. Japan boosted the margin once again in the third term. The home side accumulated a 61:50 lead with one period to go. But Qatar refused to give up. Musa put Qatar within two points 69:71 with 28 seconds remaining. Kosuke Takeuchi sank two free throws then and sealed the victory for Japan. J.R. Sakuragi (206-F/C-76, college: UCLA) notched 13 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Erfan Ali (198-PF-83) answered with 21 points for Qatar. Yasseen Ismail (204-F/C-80) added 13 points in the losing effort.

Japan: Kosuke Takeuchi 14, Kosuke Kanamaru 14, J.R. Sakuragi 13
Qatar: Erfan Ali 21, Yasseen Ismail 13


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  RUSSIA   


Kelly McCarty to miss Euroleague Qualifying Round due to injury - by Eurobasket News

Unics Kazan officially announced that Kelly McCarty (201-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: S.Mississippi) got injured during the yesterday's practice and he will miss the upcoming Euroleague Qualifying Round. The team didn't inform what kind of injury McCarty suffered. Unics will meet Ratiopharm Ulm on September 25.
Kelly McCarty plays his third straight season with Unics Kazan. He joined the club in 2010 from Khimky Moscow Region. The American had 5.9 ppg and 3.8 rpg for 18 Euroleague games last season. He helped Unics to reach the Quarterfinals in their debut year. In Russian league McCarty collected 9 ppg and 5.3 rpg for 21 games last season. He also added 7.8 ppg and 4.6 rpg for 17 games in VTB. A year ago, Kelly McCartty led Unics to EuroCup title and was named to Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup 2nd Team -11. That season he was also awarded with Eurobasket.com All-VTB League Forward of the Year -11.


Pesaro pip Krasnie Krilya in friendly - by Eurobasket News

Pesaro - Krasnie Krilya 68:67

Pesaro hosted Krasnie Krilya in the pre-season clash. The home side claimed a narrow win at the end. Valerio Amoroso (204-F/C-80) accounted for 18 points to lead the hosts.
Pesaro strongly started the game. They accumulated an 11-point lead after the opening quarter 21:10. Krasnie Krilya took over in the second frame. The Russian team went on a massive 32:12 run to ensure a 9-point halftime lead. Pesaro came back to life in the second half. They narrowed the deficit at 5-point mark before the final frame. The hosts went on an 18:12 rally in the fourth period to seal the victory at the end. Reggie Hamilton (180-PG-89, agency: Two Points, college: Oakland) knocked down 17 points for the winners. Andre Smith (203-F-85, college: N.Dakota St.) answered with 16 points for Krasnie Krilya. Omar Thomas (197-F-82, college: UTEP) netted 14 points in the loss.

Pesaro: Valerio Amoroso 18, Reggie Hamilton 17
Krasnie Krilya: Andre Smith 16, Omar Thomas 14


Spartak SP ease past Lugano in Bormio - by Eurobasket News

Spartak SP - Lugano Tigers 62:47

Spartak Saint Petersburg clinched pre-season victory in Bormio. They took on Lugano Tigers and celebrated a comfortable win. Josh Carter (201-F/G-88, college: Texas A&M) posted 16 points to lead the charge.
Lugano led by a single point after the opening quarter 16:15. But Spartak Saint Petersburg stunned their opponents in the second quarter. The Russian team went on a 19:2 run to take a 34:18 halftime lead. Spartak maintained the margin throughout the third term. Moreover they accumulated a 20-point buffer heading into the fourth frame. Lugano Tigers outscored their opponents in the final quarter but could not escape the loss. Patrick Beverley (185-PG-88, college: Arkansas) produced 14 points for Spartak Saint Petersburg. Loukas Mavrokefalidis (209-C-84) added 8 points, while Nikita Kurbanov (202-F-86) delivered 5 in the victory.


Olympiacos beat CSKA at Trofeo Citta di Cagliari - by Eurobasket News

Olympiacos -CSKA 83:76

Olympiacos beat CSKA at Trofeo Citta di Cagliari in Italy. The Greek side posted 83:76 on Friday night.
Olympiacos took control of the game in the first minutes and reached 28:19 in the first period. The Russian side woke up in the second quarter and replied with 18-12. Olympiacos however posted two victories in the second half to seal the victory. They won the third quarter 26:23 and finished the game with 17-16.
Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Pero Antic (211-F-82, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 12. Kyle Hines (198-F-86) followed them with 11 points. Sonny Weems (198-G/F-86, college: Arkansas) erupted with 26 points in the losing effort and Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) scored 16. Jackson delivered 9, while Aleksandr Gudumak (204-F-93) brought 8.

Olympiacos: Vassilis Spanoulis 19, Pero Antic 12, Kyle Hines 11
CSKA: Sonny Weems 26, Andrey Vorontsevich 16, Jackson 9, Aleksandr Gudumak 8


BC Khimky Moscow Region reach Laktasi Final - by Eurobasket News

BC Khimky Moscow Region reach Laktasi Final as they beat BC Igokea Aleksandrovac. The Russian team upset the hosts 76:66. Top performers of the game were James Augustine (208-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois) with 18 and Petteri Koponen (194-PG-88) with 17 points. Planinic posted 13, while Rivers scored 10.
In another game of the Tournament Partizan edged Krka in Laktasi at the Semifinal of the International Tournament. The Serbian team overcame the Slovenian representative 68:64.
Triumph meanwhile overcame Juventus 82:76. The Russian team opened the game with 23-14, but allowed the Lithuanian team to respond with 27-19 in the second frame. Only due to the second half Triumph managed to seal the victory. They posted 21-19 in the third quarter and finished the game with 19-16 in the last. Sergey Karasev (202-SG-93) top-scored for the winners with 34 points and Evgeny Valiev (205-F-90, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) added 9.


Nizhny Novgorod reach Final at Show Sports Brest - by Eurobasket News

Nizhny Novgorod - Mons-Hainaut 74:68

Nizhny Novgorod will play in the Final of Show Sport Brest Tournoi des As. They knocked down Mons-Hainaut to set up the clash versus Budivenyk for the trophy. Primoz Brezec (216-F/C-79) posted 18 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Russian team into the title clash.
Nizhny Novgorod confidently started the game. They registered a 20:12 lead after ten minutes. Nizhny Novgorod maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They ensured a 42:29 halftime advantage. The Belgian team finally adjusted their game in the third term. They held Nizhny Novgorod to 10 points to cut the deficit at 7-point mark 45:52. Mons-Hainaut fought bravely in the final period but could not succeed at the end. Dramir Zibirov (187-PG-86) accounted for 17 points, while Dragan Labovic (207-PF-87, agency: Alti Sport) added 12 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. Josh Bostic (196-F-87, college: Findlay, OH) replied with game-high 24 points for Mons-Hainaut. Quincy Taylor (196-G-82, college: UAB) had 17 points in the loss.

Nizhny Novgorod: Primoz Brezec 18+10 boards, Dramir Zibirov 17, Dragan Labovic 12+10 boards
Mons-Hainaut: Josh Bostic 24, Quincy Taylor 17


Unics Kazan lost another game in Turkey - by Eurobasket News

Unics Kazan lost another game in Turkey at Rixos Cup 2012. The Russian team lost to Galatasaray 55:70 and could not make it to the semifinals. All four Turkish teams will play in Final Four of the Cup.
Galatasaray started with 16:14 and led 1 points at the halftime. Moreover the team pushed the tempo in the second frame and won both periods They produced 18-14 in the third quarter and finished the game with 20-10 in the last stanza.
David Hawkins (194-G-82, college: Temple) exploded against Unics Kazan scoring 26 points, Jamont Gordon (193-G/F-87, college: Mississippi St.) posted 15 points for Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul. Kostas Kaimakoglou (206-C/F-83) recorded a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds in loss and Terrell Lyday (190-G-79, college: BYU) netted 14 in defeat.


Soloviev is back at Spartak Primorie Vladivostok - by Eurobasket News

Spartak Primorie Vladivostok (PBL) agreed terms with 25-year old domestic center Daniil Soloviev (211-102kg-87, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group). Its actually his comeback to Vladivostok as he played here before. Soloviev moved there from Triumph (PBL). He helped them to make it to the semifinals.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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  SERBIA   


Feni Industri lands Sasa Bratic - by Zoran Popovic

After one season in Kragujevac Sasa Bratic (202-F/G-81, agency: BeoExcell) moves to Macedonia and signs contract with Feni Industri. Last season Bratic played 15 games for Radnicki Kragujevac and average scored 5.6 points, 3.6 boards per game. During the career Bratic played for Beovuk 72, Crvena Zvezda, Radnicki Beograd, Atlas, Lavovi, Hapoel Galil Elyon, Khimik, Hapoel Holon, Maccabi Haifa and AEK Larnacas. Sasa Bratic was member of Yugoslavian U20 National team.


Partizan edged Krka in Laktasi - by Eurobasket News

Partizan-Krka 68:64

Partizan edged Krka in Laktasi at the Semifinal of the International Tournament. The Serbian team overcame the Slovenian representative 68:64.
Partizan won the first period 14-10 and added 25-21 in the second frame. Moreover the Serbia champions won the third quarter 16-7 and had 17 points advantage. Krka was too far to give up and erupted with 26-13 in the last stanza to reduce to 4 points. That was however the Final result in the game.
Djordje Gagic (210-C-90, agency: Interperformances) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Nikola Milutinov (212-C-94) netted 12. Vesterman and Drew Gordon (205-F-90, college: N.Mexico) followed them with 11 points each. Domen Lorbek (197-G/F-85) answered with 19 points in the losing effort and Jure Lalic (211-C-86) as well as Jaka Klobucar (198-G-87) brought 12 each. Edo Muric (202-F-91) and Uros Lucic (207-C-83) delivered 8 points apiece in a loss.

Partizan: Djordje Gagic 17, Nikola Milutinov 12, Vesterman 11, Drew Gordon 11
Krka: Domen Lorbek 19, Jure Lalic 12, Jaka Klobucar 12, Edo Muric 8, Uros Lucic 8


Valladolid confirms signing of Uros Tripkovic - by Eurobasket News

Valladolid confirmed signing of Uros Tripkovic (197-G-86). The player will be officially presented today. The Serbian shooting guard was in talks with Virtus Bologna recently, but they were not able to agree a deal. Uros Tripkovic missed last season due to injury. In 2010/11 the player had 8.1 ppg and 1.5 rpg for 15 Euroleague games with Unicaja Malaga. He also added 6.5 ppg in 24 Liga Endesa appearances. Tripkovic arrived to Unicaja in 2010. Before that he spent one year with Joventut Badalona. In the past, the shooting guard very successfully played for Partizan Belgrade. From 2006 to 2009 he played for the Serbian National Team.


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  SLOVENIA   


Partizan edged Krka in Laktasi - by Eurobasket News

Partizan-Krka 68:64

Partizan edged Krka in Laktasi at the Semifinal of the International Tournament. The Serbian team overcame the Slovenian representative 68:64.
Partizan won the first period 14-10 and added 25-21 in the second frame. Moreover the Serbia champions won the third quarter 16-7 and had 17 points advantage. Krka was too far to give up and erupted with 26-13 in the last stanza to reduce to 4 points. That was however the Final result in the game.
Djordje Gagic (210-C-90, agency: Interperformances) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Nikola Milutinov (212-C-94) netted 12. Vesterman and Drew Gordon (205-F-90, college: N.Mexico) followed them with 11 points each. Domen Lorbek (197-G/F-85) answered with 19 points in the losing effort and Jure Lalic (211-C-86) as well as Jaka Klobucar (198-G-87) brought 12 each. Edo Muric (202-F-91) and Uros Lucic (207-C-83) delivered 8 points apiece in a loss.

Partizan: Djordje Gagic 17, Nikola Milutinov 12, Vesterman 11, Drew Gordon 11
Krka: Domen Lorbek 19, Jure Lalic 12, Jaka Klobucar 12, Edo Muric 8, Uros Lucic 8


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  SPAIN   


Valladolid confirms signing of Uros Tripkovic - by Eurobasket News

Valladolid confirmed signing of Uros Tripkovic (197-G-86). The player will be officially presented today. The Serbian shooting guard was in talks with Virtus Bologna recently, but they were not able to agree a deal. Uros Tripkovic missed last season due to injury. In 2010/11 the player had 8.1 ppg and 1.5 rpg for 15 Euroleague games with Unicaja Malaga. He also added 6.5 ppg in 24 Liga Endesa appearances. Tripkovic arrived to Unicaja in 2010. Before that he spent one year with Joventut Badalona. In the past, the shooting guard very successfully played for Partizan Belgrade. From 2006 to 2009 he played for the Serbian National Team.


Caja Laboral's Maciej Lampe back to Vitoria due to injury - by Eurobasket News

Maciej Lampe (211-F/C-85) left Caja Laboral's training camp in France due to injury and returned to Vitoria. The initial diagnosis confirmed that Lampe suffers a disc protrusion L4-L5. Further tests will show for how long he will be sidelined.
Maciej Lampe signed with Caja Laboral last summer. He suffered serious hip injury and missed most of the season. He returned to the court at the end of February averaging 12.4 points and 5.1 rebounds for 21 games. The center picked up few important awards: Eurobasket.com All-Spanish ACB Newcomer of the Year -12, Eurobasket.com All-Spanish ACB 3rd Team -12 and Eurobasket.com Spanish ACB All-Bosmans Team -12. Lampe had amazing 2010/11 season with Unics Kazan. He was named Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup Player of the Year -11 and also Eurobasket.com All-Russian PBL Player of the Year -11. In VTB United League Lampe was Center of the Year- 11. He helped Unics to win the EuroCup title averaging 15.6 points and 8.1 rebounds. He had even better numbers in Russia.


Palencia signs Jhornan Zamora until January 1 - by Eurobasket News

Jhornan Zamora (196-G-89) is a new member of Palencia. The Venezuelan guard penned a deal until the end of December. Last season Zamora spent with Valladolid, but he had very limited playing time there. He got a chance in ten Liga Endesa games registering 2.9 ppg and 1.1 rpg. Before Valladolid he was a member of the LEB Gold team Clinicas Rincon. There he had 9.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 2.2 apg for 29 games in 2010/11 season. His numbers were lower in 2009/10. In the past, Jhornan Zamora also played for Valladolid. This summer he played for the Venezuelan National Team at South American Championships in Chaco. For 5 games at this event Zamora averaged 5.8 points and 1.2 rebounds. Venezuela won the silver medal.


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  SWEDEN   


Solna Vikings land PG Roope Ahonen - by Eurobasket News

After helping the Finnish NT to qualify for the EuroBasket 2013 in his first appearance at international scene, point guard Roope Ahonen (186-G-90, agency: FCM) will play for the first time outside Finland. The 22-year old player signed for one year with Solna Vikings in Sweden and will begin his international career there. Ahonen had an exceptional season with Salon Vilpas last year averaging 13.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists. He had 42% behind the 3-point line. He played for Salon Vilpas in 2009/10 and 2010/11 as well. In 2010 Ahonen helped the club to win promotion from First Division to Korisliiga. In the past Roope Ahonen was a member of Torpan Pojat Helsinki and Rekolan Urheilijat Vantaa. He also played for Salon Vilpas in from 2005 to 2007. Ahonen successfully played for Finish youth National Teams. With U20 NT he won the bronze medal at U20 EuroBasket Division B in Warszawa, 2007.


Solna signs rookie Donald Johnson in his first year in pro basketball - by Eurobasket

Solna Vikings (Basketligan) strengthened their roster with addition of American forward Donald Johnson (203-98kg). Johnson just graduated from CSU Bakersfield (NCAA). In 28 games last season he recorded 9.9ppg and 5.5rpg. His team was ranked the best among independent schools.
Of course it will be Johnsons first season in professional basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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  TURKEY   


Anadolu Efes and Esteban Batista to part ways - by Eurobasket News

It seems that Esteban Batista (208-C/F-83, agency: Duran International) will not play for Anadolu Efes next season. According to team official Cetin Yilmaz, the Uruguayan big guy will leave the club soon. CAI Zaragoza showed serious interest for the player recently, but they were unable to agree a deal. According to rumors, there is an option that Anadolu Efes will pay part of the salary to Batista, while the other part could be paid by Zaragoza. Esteban Batista signed a deal with Efes last summer. He played 41 games in TBL registering 7.6 ppg and 5 rpg. The player also added 5.1ppg and 4.3 rpg for 16 Euroleague games. Efes reached TBL Finals and Cup Semis. Before Anadolu Efes, Esteban Batiste split 2010/11 season between Fuenlabrada and Caja Laboral. With Vitoria team he had 8.4 ppg and 5.3 rpg (No.5) for 10 Euroleague games. In 2009/10 season the center shined with 14.1 ppg and 8.4 rpg for 31 games with Fuenla. He was the top rebounder in ACB and was named to Eurobasket.com All-Spanish ACB 2nd Team -11 and also to Eurobasket.com Spanish ACB All-Imports Team -11.


Pertevniyal Istanbul inks Dewayne Reed - by Eurobasket News

Dewayne Reed (185-G-87, agency: EM-PA, college: Auburn) will continue his career in Turkey. The American guard penned a 1-year deal with TB2L team Pertevniyal Istanbul. Reed arrives to his new club from Croatian Zadar. He joined them in March averaging 6.5 points and 2.5 assists for 15 games. They reached Playoff Semifinals in Croatia. Dewayne Reed started the season with Cypriot team ENAD. There he shined with 16.3 ppg in 14 games. In 2010/11, Dewayne Reed appeared in a single game with Azovmash Mariupole and than moved to UBA team Austin Knights. He graduated at Auburn University two years ago. For 32 games as a senior Reed collected 16.2 ppg, 4.3 apg and 2.6 rpg. In 2009, Reed helped Auburn to reach NIT Elite Eight.


Rixos Cup 2012 : Day 3 results and semifinal games - by Baha Kurtulus

Last champion of Turkish League Besiktas Istanbul grabbed 80-77 win against Anadolu Efes Istanbul.
Cevher Ozer (206-F/C-83, agency: 1x1 Sports) shined for Besiktas Istanbul and was the top scorer of this game with 25 points and 4 rebounds. Patrick Christopher had 15 points, Gasper Vidmar (211-C/F-87) 12 points and 8 rebounds and Curtis Jerrells (185-G-87, college: Baylor) stopped to 12 points. Stanko Barac (216-C-86) netted18 points, Jordan Farmar (188-PG-86, college: UCLA) added 20 points in defeat.

The second game of Day 3, Galatasaray beats Unics Kazan easiliy. ( 70-55 )
David Hawkins (194-G-82, college: Temple) exploded against Unics Kazan scoring 26 points, Jamont Gordon (193-G/F-87, college: Mississippi St.) posted 15 points for Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul. Kostas Kaimakoglou (206-C/F-83) recorded a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds in loss.

Semifinal Games:
15th September 2012
14:00 Besiktas Istanbul - Banvit Basketbol Kulubu
16:15 Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul - Anadolu Efes Istanbul


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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


V.I. Pride basketball meeting/Zero Tolerance awards presentation - by David Edole

V.I. Pride basketball meeting
ST. THOMAS - The Virgin Islands Pride Basketball Association will have a meeting at 6 p.m.today at the CAHS gym for all individuals interested in coaching in the upcoming 40-Plus and Female Open basketball leagues. For more information, contact JoJo Gumbs at 640-690-2847 or Kirby Callendar at 344-6126.

Zero Tolerance awards presentation
ST. THOMAS - The awards ceremony for the annual Zero Tolerance Labor Day Basketball Tournament and its 2012 Summer League will be at noon on Saturday at the CAHS gym. The public is invited.


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  UKRAINE   


Ferro-ZNTU and Politekhnika-Halychyna reach Final at Gavrilov Memorial Cup - by Eurobasket News

Ferro-ZNTU and Politekhnika-Halychyna will play at the Gavrilov Memorial Cup Final in Zaporizhya.
Ferro-ZNTU overcame Mykolaiv in the first day of the pre-season tournament tonight. Cameron Moore (208-F-90, college: UAB) posted 15 points to lead the hosts to a 77:67 victory. Ferro-ZNTU earned a 23:13 lead after ten minutes. The hosts stretched the gap in the second quarter. They ensured an 11-point lead at the interval 42:31. Mykolaiv narrowed the margin in the third frame. They got within 8 points at the final break. But Ferro-ZNTU limited their opponents at 14 points in the fourth frame and sealed the victory at the end. Daniel Werner (203-F-87, college: Florida) accounted for 12 points, while R.T. Guinn (208-PF-81, college: Baylor) had 14 points for the winners. Josh Mayo (182-G-87, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav, college: Ill.-Chicago) answered with 13 points for Mykolaiv. Dwayne Mitchell (196-G/F-82, agency: Interperformances, college: La-Lafayette) netted 12 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in the loss.
Politekhnika-Halychyna cruised past DniproAzot 86:69 in another game at the tourney. Halychyna jumped to a 47:34 halftime lead and never looked back en route to the victory. Vladan Vukosavljevic (206-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) accounted for 21 points and 18 rebounds to pace the Lviv team. Darrel Mitchell (181-PG-84, agency: Beo Basket, college: LSU) added 18 points for the winners. Maxim Balashov (190-G-80, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) answered with 19 points for DniproAzot. Eric Devendorf (193-G-87, college: Syracuse) had 13 points in the losing case.


MBC Mykolaiv part ways with Callistus Eziukwu - by Eurobasket News

MBC Mykolaiv decided to split ways with Callistus Eziukwu (208-F/C-85, college: Grand Valley St.). The centre has been on a try-out with the team and Mykolaiv decided not to sign a full-time contract with the player.
Callistus Eziukwu spent the previous season in Poland. He played for AZS Koszalin. The centre notched 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.6 blocks per game in PLK. He earned All-Polish League Honourable Mention. Previously Callistus Eziukwu had stints in Estonia, Mexico, Turkey and France. He was named All-Baltic League Defensive Player of the Year in 2011. He was also trumped All-Mexican CIBACOPA Forward of the Year in 2010. Callistus Eziuwku was also named All-Turkish TB2L Defensive Player of the Year in 2010.


Zielona Gora trounce Khimik Yuzny - by Eurobasket News

Zielona Gora - Khimik Yuzny 101:76

Stelmet Zielona Gora earned the first win at the home Memorial Lecha Birgfellnera tournament. They drubbed Khimik Yuzny. Walter Hodge (183-PG-86, college: Florida) came up with 23 points to lead the winners.
Zielona Gora built a 25:20 lead after ten minutes. They stretched the margin to as many as 10 points at halftime 46:36. The hosts went on a 33:21 run in the third frame to leave Khimik far behind. Zielona Gora did not look back en route to the victory. Quinton Hosley (201-F/G-84, college: Fresno St.) produced 22 points, while Marcin Sroka (200-F-81, agency: Promotex) added 16 points for Zielona Gora. Willie Deane (188-PG-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Purdue) answered with 16 points for Khimik. Vernon Goodridge (206-F-84, college: La Salle) netted 13 points in the loss.

Zielona Gora: Walter Hodge 23, Quinton Hosley 22, Marcin Sroka 16
Khimik: Willie Deane 16, Vernon Goodridge 13


STIHL Cup. Dnipro and Siauliai reach Final - by Eurobasket News

Dnipro and Siauliai will play in the final of pre-season STIHL Cup tournament in Lithuania.
Dnipro overcame Liatkabelis 88:76 in the first game of the tournament. Derrick Low (188-PG-86, college: Washington St.) stepped up with 22 points to lead the winners. Liatkabelis enjoyed a 23:18 lead after ten minutes of action. But Dnipro went on a 23:13 run in the second quarter to surge ahead. The Ukrainian team maintained the lead throughout the second half and registered well-deserved win at the end. Daniel Kickert (208-C/F-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) posted 13 points, while Olexandr Mishula (192-SG-92) accounted for 14 points for Dnipro. Kaspars Cipruss (210-C-82, agency: Interperformances) answered with 16 points and 9 boards for Liatkabelis. Adomas Drungilas (203-C-90) had 14 points in the loss.
Siauliai toppled Kryvbasbasket 107:103 in another game at the tourney. The Lithuanian team trailed by four points after the starting quarter 25:29. Kryvbasbasket stretched the gap at 12-point mark at the interval 55:43. But Siauliai managed to recover in the second part of the encounter. The Lithuanian side went on a 34:23 run to narrow the gap before the fourth frame. They drained 30 points in the final quarter and eked out a narrow victory at the end. Papa Dia (212-F-87, college: SMU) posted 20 points for Siauliai. Laurynas Samenas (192-G-88) added 17 points, while Vytautas Sulskis (200-G-88, college: Youngstown St.) had 16 points for the winning side. Pierce Caldwell (191-G-88, agency: Alti Sport, college: Incarnate Word) and Zoran Krstanovic (204-C-82, agency: TSS Management) answered with 25 points apiece for Kryvbasbasket.


Budivelnyk better Limoges to enter Brest Basket Show Sports tournament Final - by Eurobasket News

Limoges - Budivelnyk 72:77

Budivelnyk advanced into the Final of Brest Basket Show Sports tournament. The Kyiv team will now face Nizhny Novgorod for the trophy. Budivelnyk outscored Limoges in the opener. Leo Lyons (206-F-87, college: Missouri) stepped up with 18 points to lead the charge.
Budivelnyk jumped to an early lead. They secured a 13:9 advantage ten minutes into the game. The Ukrainian side accumulated a 33:24 halftime advantage. Budivelnyk maintained the lead throughout the third term. They entered the fourth frame up by 11 points. Limoges unleashed 28 points in the fourth stanza to cut the deficit but still came up short of victory at the end. Malcolm Delaney (191-G-89, college: Virginia Tech) finished with 13 points, while Sergiy Gorbenko (202-F-85) added 11 points for the winners. Nobel Boungou Colo (202-F-88) answered with 14 points and 9 rebounds for Limoges. Brad Wanamaker (193-G-89, college: Pittsburgh) had 11 points in the losing effort.

Limoges: Nobel Boungou Colo 14, Brad Wanamaker 11
Budivelnyk: Leo Lyons 18, Malcolm Delaney 13, Sergiy Gorbenko 11


BC Odessa topple Liepajas Lauvas in Kandava - by Eurobasket News

Liepajas Lauvas - BC Odessa 77:81

BC Odessa celebrated pre-season victory over Liepajas Lauvas. The Ukrainian team overcame their opponents in Kandava. Hernst Laroche (185-G, college: N.Mexico St.) posted 21 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists to pace the winners.
Liepaja grabbed a 21:17 lead after ten minutes. They maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. Liepaja accounted for a 46:43 halftime lead. BC Odessa denied the deficit in the third term. They surged ahead for a narrow 62:61 lead at the final break. BC Odessa stretched the gap in the fourth quarter and sealed a tough win at the end. Justin Love (189-G-78, college: St.Louis) accounted for 14 points, while Dario Hunt (203-F-89, college: Nevada) added 12 points for the winners. Ivars Timermanis (203-F-82, agency: Alti Sport) answered with 21 points for Liepaja. DeAndre Mays (188-G-87, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav, college: Youngstown St.) had 16 points in the loss.

Liepajas Lauvas: Ivars Timermanis 21, DeAndre Mays 16
BC Odessa: Hernst Laroche 21, Justin Love 14, Dario Hunt 12


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  UNITED KINGDOM   


Cricelli Joins Heat - by Paul Nilsen

6'7" Samuel Cricelli (200-F-85, agency: JEMsports, college: Caldwell) - a member of the England Men's Basketball Team, has signed a contract to join Surrey Heat.

The Italian-British national brings a wealth of experience to Surrey Heat after playing with UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders, Worcester Wolves and Mersey Tigers in the BBL.

Surrey Heat's head coach, Creon Raftopoulos commented, "Sam is a player I have always respected. I like the versatility he brings to a team. At 6'7'' he plays positions 2,3 and 4 comfortably - and as he knows the BBL well, he will have no problem's adjusting to our style of play. I am delighted that he has agreed to join our team."

Samual Cricelli said, "I'm happy to be with Surrey Heat. It's early days but I'm excited to see what our new team is capable of. I am looking forward to the new season. In fact, I can't wait to get started!"

Come and see Cricelli and his new team mates in Surrey Heat's first home game of the season - on Saturday 22 September at 7pm at Surrey Sports Park.

For further information, visit www.surreyheat.com


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  URUGUAY   


Anadolu Efes and Esteban Batista to part ways - by Eurobasket News

It seems that Esteban Batista (208-C/F-83, agency: Duran International) will not play for Anadolu Efes next season. According to team official Cetin Yilmaz, the Uruguayan big guy will leave the club soon. CAI Zaragoza showed serious interest for the player recently, but they were unable to agree a deal. According to rumors, there is an option that Anadolu Efes will pay part of the salary to Batista, while the other part could be paid by Zaragoza. Esteban Batista signed a deal with Efes last summer. He played 41 games in TBL registering 7.6 ppg and 5 rpg. The player also added 5.1ppg and 4.3 rpg for 16 Euroleague games. Efes reached TBL Finals and Cup Semis. Before Anadolu Efes, Esteban Batiste split 2010/11 season between Fuenlabrada and Caja Laboral. With Vitoria team he had 8.4 ppg and 5.3 rpg (No.5) for 10 Euroleague games. In 2009/10 season the center shined with 14.1 ppg and 8.4 rpg for 31 games with Fuenla. He was the top rebounder in ACB and was named to Eurobasket.com All-Spanish ACB 2nd Team -11 and also to Eurobasket.com Spanish ACB All-Imports Team -11.


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  UZBEKISTAN   


Uzbekistan National Team 2012 - by Simas

#s#
Hurmatjon Nuraliev
Nuraliev
Aleksandr Kozlov
Kozlov
Vyacheslav Denisov
Denisov
Evgeniy Shatrov
Shatrov
Denis Timofeev
Timofeev
#e#5
4 Shuhrat Tangrikulov 197-G-88
5 Hurmatjon Nuraliev 202-F-81
6 Alisher Nabiev 202-C-93
7 Aleksandr Kozlov 201-F-82 FSK Sogdiana Uzbekistan
8 Vyacheslav Denisov 195-G-83 Dynamo DN Ukraine
9 Evgeniy Shatrov 192-G-86
10 Denis Timofeev 202-F-92
11 Samender Juginisov 202-F-87 FSK Sogdiana Uzbekistan
12 Aleksandr Yahin 205-C-89
13 Hasan Rahimov 175-G-87
14 Ildar Safarov 207-C-85
15 Nail Kadirov 200-F-89

Oleg Levin Head Coach



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  VENEZUELA   


Palencia signs Jhornan Zamora until January 1 - by Eurobasket News

Jhornan Zamora (196-G-89) is a new member of Palencia. The Venezuelan guard penned a deal until the end of December. Last season Zamora spent with Valladolid, but he had very limited playing time there. He got a chance in ten Liga Endesa games registering 2.9 ppg and 1.1 rpg. Before Valladolid he was a member of the LEB Gold team Clinicas Rincon. There he had 9.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 2.2 apg for 29 games in 2010/11 season. His numbers were lower in 2009/10. In the past, Jhornan Zamora also played for Valladolid. This summer he played for the Venezuelan National Team at South American Championships in Chaco. For 5 games at this event Zamora averaged 5.8 points and 1.2 rebounds. Venezuela won the silver medal.


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  VTB UNITED LEAGUE   


Kalev/Cramo invite Ty Abbott - by Eurobasket News

Kalev/Cramo are looking for the options to strengthen their backcourt. They brought in Ty Abbott (190-G-88). The player will stay with the team until the end of September for a try-out period. The guard will start his pro career in Estonia if signs a full-time contract. He graduated from Arizona State University in 2011. Ty Abbott tallied 12.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game in his senior season. Ty Abbott earned All-Pac 10 Honourable Mention in 2011. The guard was named into All-Pac 10 1st Team in 2010. He also made it into NABC Division I All-District 20 2nd Team in 2010. Ty Abbott had to deal with an injury and missed the last season.



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Women News


Australian Natalie Hurst debuted for Gyor - by Eurobasket News

Australian Natalie Hurst (163-G-83) debuted for Gyor with 21 points in Trutnov. The player landed in Hungary.
The Hungarian powerhouse agreed on terms of contract withNatalie Hurst. The Aussie guard spent the last season in France.Natalie Hurst played for Pays dAix Basket. She tallied 15.5 points, 3.2 boards, 3.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game in LFB. The guard was named into French LFB All-Imports Team. It was the second straight season with Pays dAix Basket for Natalie Hurst.
Previously she played for the Canberra Capitals. In 2005-2006 for Canberra Capitals (WNBL) her stats read 3.1ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 35%, 3FGP: 42.9%, FT: 80%. In her last year there she improved to 12.2ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 78.1% She has been the member of Australian National Team since 2009.


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  BRAZIL   

Paulista standings - by Simas

Paulista Standings
 1. Abdala 0-0 
 2. ABPV 0-0 
 3. Americana 0-0 
 4. Divino/COC 0-0 
 5. Guarulhos 0-0 
 6. Marilia 0-0 
 7. Ourinhos 0-0 
 8. Recreativa 0-0 
 9. Rio Claro 0-0 
 10. Santo Andre 0-0 
 11. Sao Caetano 0-0 
 12. Sao Jose 0-0 
 13. XV/Unimep 0-0 



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  CHINA   


Bo Overton takes over Guangdong Dolphins - by Eurobasket News

Overton Bo is coming back to China for another season. This time the US specialist will face a new challenge. He will take over Guangdong Dolphins. Last season Overton Bo worked with Liaoning Hengye. He led the team to 16-6 record in the WCBA regular season. Liaoning then reached the semifinal stage where they surrendered against Beijing in five games. Overton Bo was an assistant coach during Chinese WCBA All-Star Game. Later he worked as an assistant coach with Chinese National Team. Overton Bo travelled with the team to London to participated at 2012 Olympic Games tournament. Overton Bo guided the University of Missouri Kansas City basketball team. He also worked as head coach of the Chicago Sky in WNBA.


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

Standings - Women

A1 Standings
 1. Agram ZG 0-0 
 2. Croatia 2006 0-0 
 3. Gospic 0-0 
 4. Jolly 0-0 
 5. Medvescak 0-0 
 6. Novi Zagreb 0-0 
 7. Pleter 0-0 
 8. Rockwool Pula 0-0 
 9. Studenec Omis 0-0 
 10. Zadar 0-0 
 11. Ragusa 0-0 
 12. Tresnjevka 0-0 



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


MEKR'S CUP 2012: Dynamo Kursk edge ZVVZ USK Praha in Day 2 opener - by Eurobasket News

Dynamo Kursk - ZVVZ USK Praha 82:71

Dynamo Kursk edge ZVVZ USK Praha in Day 2 opener of the MEKRS CUP 2012. The Russian team grabbed 82:71 winning all the quarters in the game.
Dynamo Kursk started with 22-19 and added 16-15 in the second frame. The Russian team continued to dominate the court and enjoyed the minimum lead. They won the third period 27-21 and finished the game with 17-16.
Ekaterina Lisina (202-C-87) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Ausra Bimbaite (178-SG-82) added 19. Maria Cherepanova (190-PF-87) and Psareva Barbara followed them with 16 points each. Anna De Forge (178-SG-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Nebraska) ended up with 23 points in the losing effort and Ilona Burgrova (196-C-84, college: S.Carolina) delivered 16. Jelena Skerovic (176-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) poured in 11 and Jelena Dubljevic (191-C-87) scored 10.
Tomorrow ZVVZ USK Praha will take on Wasserburg, while Dynamo Kursk will meet Wisla in the opener.

Dynamo Kursk: Ekaterina Lisina 23, Ausra Bimbaite 19, Maria Cherepanova 16, Psareva Barbara 16
ZVVZ USK Praha: Anna De Forge 23, Ilona Burgrova 16, Jelena Skerovic 11, Jelena Dubljevic 10


MEKR'S CUP 2012: Uni Gyor won over KARA Trutnov - by Eurobasket News

KARA Trutnov - Uni Gyor 70:75

Uni Gyor won over KARA Trutnov at the MEKRS CUP 2012. The Hungarian team needed a strong second half to seal a 23:22 win. Both teams are with 1-1 record after the second day.
Uni Gyor started the game with 19-13, but could not stay tough in the first half. The hosts needed 23-9 in the second period to take 36:28 lead at the halftime. The third period however was decisive in the game as the guests grabbed 24-21 in it for 4-point advantage. Moreover they added 23-22 in the last stanza for the final success.
Natalie Hurst (163-G-83) paced all the winners with 21 points and Ieva Kublina (193-C-82, college: Virginia Tech) nailed 16. Anna Lakloth (182-G-88) delivered 14, while Zsofia Simon (180-G-89, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) poured in 13. Ambrosia Anderson (186-F-84, college: BYU) answered with 26 points in the losing effort and Lenka Vetrovcova (188-C-84) brought 12. Katerina Hindrakova (176-G/F-88) posted 11, whilst Petra Zaplatova (175-G/F-91) had 10.

KARA Trutnov: Ambrosia Anderson 26, Lenka Vetrovcova 12, Katerina Hindrakova 11, Petra Zaplatova 10
Uni Gyor: Natalie Hurst 21, Ieva Kublina 16, Anna Lakloth 14, Zsofia Simon 13


*****************************************************
  FIJI   


Fiji U19 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Tiyanna Kainamoli
Vika Ramara
Donnis Kainamoli
Georgina Balenacagi
Grace Taito
Wilma Cawi
Breeanna Kamsoo
Maraia Naivaluvou
Miliakere Koyamainavure
Lela Koyamainavure
Josifi Fifita
Elizabeth Seru
Maria Dabea



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


Toulouse inks Adrijana Knezevic - by Eurobasket News

Toulouse Metropole Basket (LFB) signed 25-year old Serbian international forward Adrijana Knezevic (185-87). She played last season at BI SSA Gdynia in Polish PLKK. She has been a member of Serbian international program for some years. Knezevic played for Senior National Team this year and previously for University National Team between 2007 and 2009.
She played also professionally in Italy and Spain.

By Eurobasket Data Center (from @lovewomensbball)


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


MEKR'S CUP 2012: Wisla Can-Pack Krakow beat TSV Wasserburg - by Eurobasket News

Wisla Can-Pack Krakow - TSV Wasserburg 88:60

Wisla Can-Pack Krakow beat TSV Wasserburg in Day 2 of the MEKRS CUP 2012. The Polish side celebrated an 88:60 for 1-0 record as they did not play in Day 1. The German team meanwhile lost the second game and dropped at 0-2 record.
Wisla Can-Pack Krakow opened the game with 16-12 and never looked behind later in the game. They erupted with 28-8 in the second period and enjoyed 44:20 lead at the halftime. Wisla won the third quarter 27-22 and did not mind 17-18 in the last period.
Anke De Mondt (176-F/G-79) top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Katarzyna Krezel (184-F/G-85, college: UTEP) nailed 13. Cristina Ouvina (174-G-90) and Justyna Zurowska (188-F-85) delivered 12 points each. Emma Cannon (188-F, college: Cent.Florida) finished the game with 27 points and Tiina Sten (189-G/F-85, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: St.John's) had 11.
Tomorrow ZVVZ USK Praha will take on Wasserburg, while Dynamo Kursk will meet Wisla in the opener.

Wisla Can-Pack Krakow: Anke De Mondt 14, Katarzyna Krezel 13, Cristina Ouvina 12, Justyna Zurowska 12
TSV Wasserburg: Emma Cannon 27, Tiina Sten 11


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


Australian Natalie Hurst debuted for Gyor - by Eurobasket News

Australian Natalie Hurst (163-G-83) debuted for Gyor with 21 points in Trutnov. The player landed in Hungary.
The Hungarian powerhouse agreed on terms of contract withNatalie Hurst. The Aussie guard spent the last season in France.Natalie Hurst played for Pays dAix Basket. She tallied 15.5 points, 3.2 boards, 3.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game in LFB. The guard was named into French LFB All-Imports Team. It was the second straight season with Pays dAix Basket for Natalie Hurst.
Previously she played for the Canberra Capitals. In 2005-2006 for Canberra Capitals (WNBL) her stats read 3.1ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 35%, 3FGP: 42.9%, FT: 80%. In her last year there she improved to 12.2ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 78.1% She has been the member of Australian National Team since 2009.


MEKR'S CUP 2012: Uni Gyor won over KARA Trutnov - by Eurobasket News

KARA Trutnov - Uni Gyor 70:75

Uni Gyor won over KARA Trutnov at the MEKRS CUP 2012. The Hungarian team needed a strong second half to seal a 23:22 win. Both teams are with 1-1 record after the second day.
Uni Gyor started the game with 19-13, but could not stay tough in the first half. The hosts needed 23-9 in the second period to take 36:28 lead at the halftime. The third period however was decisive in the game as the guests grabbed 24-21 in it for 4-point advantage. Moreover they added 23-22 in the last stanza for the final success.
Natalie Hurst (163-G-83) paced all the winners with 21 points and Ieva Kublina (193-C-82, college: Virginia Tech) nailed 16. Anna Lakloth (182-G-88) delivered 14, while Zsofia Simon (180-G-89, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) poured in 13. Ambrosia Anderson (186-F-84, college: BYU) answered with 26 points in the losing effort and Lenka Vetrovcova (188-C-84) brought 12. Katerina Hindrakova (176-G/F-88) posted 11, whilst Petra Zaplatova (175-G/F-91) had 10.

KARA Trutnov: Ambrosia Anderson 26, Lenka Vetrovcova 12, Katerina Hindrakova 11, Petra Zaplatova 10
Uni Gyor: Natalie Hurst 21, Ieva Kublina 16, Anna Lakloth 14, Zsofia Simon 13


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


Taranto part ways with Simona Ballardini - by Eurobasket News

Taranto decided to split ways with Simona Ballardini (181-F-81). The sides have reached agreement on terms of contract termination. Simona Ballardini joined Taranto at the start of the previous season. She tallied 7.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game in Euroleague. In Italian League the forward notched 10.3 points, 2.4 boards, 1.8 steals and 1.4 assists per appearance. Simona Ballardini led Taranto to the A1 title. Previously Simona Ballardini had stints with Liomatic Umbertide, Umana Reyer, Faenza, Schio. She was named Italian A1 Player of the Year in 2005. Simona Ballardini made it onto All-Italian A1 2nd Tema in 2006 and 2009. She was the member of Italian National Team in 2003/11.


Bologna inks Dominique Allen - by Eurobasket

Meccanica Nova Bologna (A2) agreed terms with 23-year old British international center Dominique Allen (192-89). She just graduated from (NCAA). In 31 games last season she had 4.3ppg, 4.1rpg and 1.5spg. Allen helped them to end the regular season as a second best team in the Summit League. She represented United Kingdom at the European Championships U20 Division B in Ohrid (FYR Macedonia) three years ago. Her stats at that event were 6 games: 5.2ppg, 7.3rpg, FGP: 52.2%, FT: 46.7%. Allen has been also a member of British international program for some years. She was a member of both senior and University National Teams. She played also this year at the Olympic Games in London.
As mentioned above Allen is just out of college, so it will be her first season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center (from @lovewomensbball)


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


TCU women's coach Mittie agrees to extension - by Eurobasket News

TCU women's basketball coach Jeff Mittie has agreed to a contract extension.

Terms of the deal weren't disclosed Thursday.

Mittie is 276-140 in 13 seasons at the school. He is 427-199 in 20 seasons overall at Missouri Western, Arkansas State and TCU.

The Horned Frogs are entering their first season in the Big 12.

Courtesy of www.sacbee.com


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


MEKR'S CUP 2012: Wisla Can-Pack Krakow beat TSV Wasserburg - by Eurobasket News

Wisla Can-Pack Krakow - TSV Wasserburg 88:60

Wisla Can-Pack Krakow beat TSV Wasserburg in Day 2 of the MEKRS CUP 2012. The Polish side celebrated an 88:60 for 1-0 record as they did not play in Day 1. The German team meanwhile lost the second game and dropped at 0-2 record.
Wisla Can-Pack Krakow opened the game with 16-12 and never looked behind later in the game. They erupted with 28-8 in the second period and enjoyed 44:20 lead at the halftime. Wisla won the third quarter 27-22 and did not mind 17-18 in the last period.
Anke De Mondt (176-F/G-79) top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Katarzyna Krezel (184-F/G-85, college: UTEP) nailed 13. Cristina Ouvina (174-G-90) and Justyna Zurowska (188-F-85) delivered 12 points each. Emma Cannon (188-F, college: Cent.Florida) finished the game with 27 points and Tiina Sten (189-G/F-85, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: St.John's) had 11.
Tomorrow ZVVZ USK Praha will take on Wasserburg, while Dynamo Kursk will meet Wisla in the opener.

Wisla Can-Pack Krakow: Anke De Mondt 14, Katarzyna Krezel 13, Cristina Ouvina 12, Justyna Zurowska 12
TSV Wasserburg: Emma Cannon 27, Tiina Sten 11


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


MEKR'S CUP 2012: Dynamo Kursk edge ZVVZ USK Praha in Day 2 opener - by Eurobasket News

Dynamo Kursk - ZVVZ USK Praha 82:71

Dynamo Kursk edge ZVVZ USK Praha in Day 2 opener of the MEKRS CUP 2012. The Russian team grabbed 82:71 winning all the quarters in the game.
Dynamo Kursk started with 22-19 and added 16-15 in the second frame. The Russian team continued to dominate the court and enjoyed the minimum lead. They won the third period 27-21 and finished the game with 17-16.
Ekaterina Lisina (202-C-87) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Ausra Bimbaite (178-SG-82) added 19. Maria Cherepanova (190-PF-87) and Psareva Barbara followed them with 16 points each. Anna De Forge (178-SG-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Nebraska) ended up with 23 points in the losing effort and Ilona Burgrova (196-C-84, college: S.Carolina) delivered 16. Jelena Skerovic (176-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) poured in 11 and Jelena Dubljevic (191-C-87) scored 10.
Tomorrow ZVVZ USK Praha will take on Wasserburg, while Dynamo Kursk will meet Wisla in the opener.

Dynamo Kursk: Ekaterina Lisina 23, Ausra Bimbaite 19, Maria Cherepanova 16, Psareva Barbara 16
ZVVZ USK Praha: Anna De Forge 23, Ilona Burgrova 16, Jelena Skerovic 11, Jelena Dubljevic 10


*****************************************************
  SERBIA   


Toulouse inks Adrijana Knezevic - by Eurobasket News

Toulouse Metropole Basket (LFB) signed 25-year old Serbian international forward Adrijana Knezevic (185-87). She played last season at BI SSA Gdynia in Polish PLKK. She has been a member of Serbian international program for some years. Knezevic played for Senior National Team this year and previously for University National Team between 2007 and 2009.
She played also professionally in Italy and Spain.

By Eurobasket Data Center (from @lovewomensbball)


Natasha Krnjetin moves to Spiska Nova Ves - by Tamara Ruzic

Natasa Krnjetin (180-G-88) is a new member of SKBD Rucon Spisska Nova Ves. Krnjetin has signed a one year deal with a newcomer in Slovakian first league. Last season she played for Hemofarm Stada Vrsac in Serbia. She started in 7 games averaging 11.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.4apg, 1.7spg. Also she has experience from Adriatic League where she played 18 games scoring 7.1ppg, 3.1rpg,2.6apg and 1.3spg. With Hemofarm Stada Vrsac she won Serbian Cup '12 and they were finalist for Serbian League trophy. Krnjetin was a member of the Serbian National team this summer who qualified for France 2013


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


BKZ Levice finalize roster - by Barbora Stuchlikova

BKZ Levice, one of the newcomers in Slovak Extraliga have finalized a squad for upcoming season.
The team is going to be coached by Peter Kovacik , who led Levice also previous season. Kovacik belongs among the experienced coaches in Slovakia. He has worked with both men and women. In 2003 he had an opportunity to coach Slovak Women NT at Eurobasket. Slovakia finished the tournament on seventh spot. Kovacik also led Kosice, Ruzomberok and men's teams such as Komarno and Levice.

At the moment, there are 12 players on Levice's roster. Most of them played for the club in a lower Slovak league previous season. The team is very young - the average age of the players is 20. Vanesa Tuha in her 17 is so far the youngest one.

Levice's roster:
Guards: Michaela Ozdincova (170-G-92), Lujza Burianova (171-G-92), Laura Salatova
Forwards: Barbora Bacova (180-F-91), Paula Kubusova, Martina Melezinkova (F), Martina Tomkova (181-F-93), Andrea Belanska
Centers: Zuzana Stevove (189-F/C-92), Jana Stefanakova (186-F-92), Veronika Simova (185-F/C-91), Vanesa Tuha



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


Tynikki Crook re-signs at Gernika - by Eurobasket

Gernika KESB (LF2) re-signed 23-year old American forward Tynikki Crook (185-89, college: Marshall, agency: Regeneracom Sports). She was a team leader there last season. In 27 LF2 games she averaged 17.0ppg and 9.2rpg. A very spectacular season in her career as she was selected to Eurobasket.com All-LF2 Honorable Mention.
Crook graduated from Marshall University in 2011 and it will be her second season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center (from @baloncestofeb)


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


Bologna inks Dominique Allen - by Eurobasket

Meccanica Nova Bologna (A2) agreed terms with 23-year old British international center Dominique Allen (192-89). She just graduated from (NCAA). In 31 games last season she had 4.3ppg, 4.1rpg and 1.5spg. Allen helped them to end the regular season as a second best team in the Summit League. She represented United Kingdom at the European Championships U20 Division B in Ohrid (FYR Macedonia) three years ago. Her stats at that event were 6 games: 5.2ppg, 7.3rpg, FGP: 52.2%, FT: 46.7%. Allen has been also a member of British international program for some years. She was a member of both senior and University National Teams. She played also this year at the Olympic Games in London.
As mentioned above Allen is just out of college, so it will be her first season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center (from @lovewomensbball)


*****************************************************
  WBCBL   

Standings

WBCBL Standings
Atlantic
 1. Lowcountry F. 11-2 
 2. Virginia LS 8-3 
 3. USA Elite 7-3 
 4. Winston-Salem LW 2-8 
 5. RDU Sting 1-8 
East Coast
 1. Pennsylvania L. 3-0 
 2. Delaware LD 1-0 
 3. NYC Exodus 1-1 
 4. LMAS 0-2 
Gulf South
 1. Louisiana BA 9-1 
 2. Montgomery D. 6-3 
 3. Mississippi S. 4-5 
 4. Gulf Coast T. 1-7 
Mid South
 1. Arkansas S. 2-0 
 2. East Texas D. 1-1 
 3. Louisiana AS 0-2 
Mid West
 1. Rock County R. 10-3 
 2. Minnesota J. 6-4 
 3. Kansas N. 3-6 
 4. St.Louis Surge 3-7 
New England
 1. Boston B. 3-0 
 2. New York F. 0-0 
 3. Hudson Valley Q 0-1 
 4. New Hampshire 0-2 
North East
 1. Flint Monarchs 12-2 
 2. Detroit B.H. 8-5 
 3. Cleveland C. 7-3 
 4. Columbus HG 5-7 
 5. Oakland-MaComb 2-8 
 6. Toronto L.E. 0-9 
Pacific Northwest
 1. Seattle E. 1-0 
 2. Tacoma S. 1-0 
 3. Lakewood P. 0-1 
 4. NW Magic 0-1 
 5. Olympia M. 0-1 
South
 1. Atlanta BC 1-0 
 2. Tallahassee T. 1-0 
 3. Columbus LW 0-0 
 4. S.Carolina AS 0-0 
 5. Newberry LP 0-1 
South West
 1. Oklahoma F. 3-0 
 2. Dallas LD 2-0 
 3. Austin E. 1-3 
 4. Houston C. 0-1 
Suncoast
 1. Miami R. 10-2 
 2. Orlando E. 9-2 
 3. Fort Lauderdale L. 7-3 
 4. Florida K. 6-5 
 5. Tampa X. 5-5 
 6. Brevard F. 2-8 
 7. Central Florida D. 2-8 
 8. Palm Beach 1-9 
Westcoast
 1. Tuscon S. 5-1 
 2. San Diego S. 1-0 
 3. Las Vegas H. 1-4 
 4. So Cal Mayhem 0-3 



*****************************************************
  WNBA   

Standings

WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Connecticut S. 22-8 
 2. Indiana F. 20-9 
 3. Atlanta D. 17-14 
 4. New York L. 13-17 
 5. Chicago S. 12-18 
 6. Washington M. 6-25 
Western
 1. Minnesota L. 24-5 
 2. L.Angeles S. 20-11 
 3. S.Antonio SS 18-11 
 4. Seattle S. 14-16 
 5. Phoenix M. 7-22 
 6. Tulsa S. 6-23 

Regular Season: Round 36

Sep. 13: L.Angeles S. - Chicago S. 86-77
Sep. 14: Washington M. - Atlanta D.
Sep. 14: Indiana F. - Minnesota L.
Sep. 14: S.Antonio SS - Seattle S.
Sep. 14: Phoenix M. - Tulsa S.
Sep. 14: L.Angeles S. - Connecticut S.


Lynx to meet Obama at White House on Tuesday - by Eurobasket News

The traditional visit to the White House by a championship team will take place for the Lynx on Tuesday.

The team announced this morning that it will meet President Obama in Washington D.C. to be honored as the 2011 WNBA champions.

The visit will come just as the Lynx are preparing for a three-game road trip to wrap up the regular season. They have the best record in the WNBA again this season.

The team's release:

On Tuesday, September 18, the Minnesota Lynx will visit the White House and President Barack Obama in recognition of the teams 2011 WNBA Championship. The President will honor the teams memorable 2011 season, as well as the efforts of the Lynx to support health and wellness programs through its WNBA FIT and Breast Health Awareness initiatives.

The Lynx had a historic 2011 season, setting a franchise record with 27 wins and outscoring opponents by an average of 7.9 points per game, matching the fifth largest single-season point differential in WNBA history. Minnesota went 7-1 in the postseason, including sweeping the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA Finals to win the teams first championship in franchise history. Lynx guard and Olympian Seimone Augustus was named the 2012 WNBA Finals MVP for her play against Atlanta in the Finals, averaging 24.7 points per game in the series, including scoring a single-game franchise postseason high 36 points in Game 2.

Courtesy of www.startribune.com


Phoenix Mercury guard Briana Gilbreath's long journey - by Eurobasket News

You have seen Briana Gilbreath (6'1''-G-90, college: USC) make a 3-pointer with a shooting stroke as sweet as any in the league.

Watched her use all of her 6-toot-1 frame spring for a rebound or stretch for a steal.

And witnessed her become one of the more exciting rookies on the Mercury's roster.

So you wouldn't know that she was scared entering the WNBA. Or that she was released just before preseason games began without logging a single WNBA second and spent two weeks playing basketball in China because that was her only option. Or that she felt that signing a seven-day contract with the Mercury on Aug. 22 was going to be her biggest moment yet.

"Seven days was all I needed," said Gilbreath, who signed her fourth consecutive seven-day contract with the Mercury earlier this week. "I thought, 'Just give me the opportunity and I'll make the best of it this time. I promise.'"

By all accounts, Gilbreath has. She's averaged 6.6 points and 3.5 rebounds in 20.8 minutes per game for the Mercury (7-22), who take on the Tulsa Shock Friday night at US Airways Center. Through the last eight games, Gilbreath has showcased her scoring ability with a career-high 13 points against San Antonio on Sept. 1 and her versatility, recording four assists in one game and grabbing at least five rebounds in three games.

It's a far cry from how she played in preseason training camp with the Washington Mystics, who drafted Gilbreath in the third round of April's draft out of Southern Cal.

"I was so scared and nervous then," Gilbreath said. "I had so many different emotions going in. I didn't play my game. I think I was thinking too much -- since I'm a rookie, I needed to do this right and I needed to do that right. And I was adjusting to the professional life, being on my own. That was different for me."

Gilbreath was released, went back home to Katy, Texas and had no leads until she locked on with a team of American basketball players that went to China for two weeks to play against the Chinese national women's basketball team.

She came back home and heard the injury-riddled Mercury needed bodies. Gilbreath signed a contract knowing that she is filling a roster exemption spot because of the Mercury's long-term injuries. If Candice Dupree (left knee) ever comes back healthy this season, the Mercury will have to release Gilbreath no matter how well she has played.

"But it's a new start for me," Gilbreath said. "It's a chance to prove I really belong."

Courtesy of www.azcentral.com


Nneka Ogwumike leads Sparks past Sky, 86-77 - by Eurobasket News

Rookie Nnemkadi Ogwumike (6'2''-F-90, college: Stanford) scored a career-high 30 points and had 11 rebounds to help the Los Angeles Sparks beat the Chicago Sky 87-77 on Thursday night.

Delisha Milton-Jones (6'1''-F-74, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Florida) added 19 points for Los Angeles. Coming off a 1-4 trip, the Sparks improved to 13-1 at home and 21-10 overall. They moved two games ahead of San Antonio for second place in the Western Conference with four games remaining. The top two teams get home-court advantage in the playoffs.

Ogwumike scored 16 points in the second half and helped turn away a late Chicago rally.

"She was super," Sparks coach Carol Ross said. "She kept battling in the paint. She created a lot of plays just by being aggressive. She was clearly the sparkiest of Sparks tonight."

Swin Cash (6'1''-SF-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Connecticut) scored 19 of her 23 points in the second half for Chicago, and Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G-88, college: Rutgers) had 19. The Sky (12-18) fell a game behind New York for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Sky center Sylvia Fowles, an Olympian and the WNBA's second-leading rebounder, missed her third straight game because of a strained calf.

Ogwumike gave Los Angeles a 12-point lead when she put back a missed shot with 3:20 remaining, but Chicago put together a 10-2 run to trim the Sparks' lead to 81-77 on Cash's 3-pointer with 51.2 seconds to go.

The teams exchanged turnovers and Chicago committed two fouls. Kristi Toliver made a free throw, and Ogwumike took an inbound pass from Milton-Jones for an uncontested layup with 28.9 seconds left as Los Angeles held on for its seventh straight win at home.
The Sparks managed to win despite a rough night for leading scorer Toliver, who was 0 for 5 from the field and finished with six points.

"We just came off a 1-4 road trip," Ogwumike said. "We knew this game was essential, and also learning from the win was really important, too.

"I think pushing the ball was working well for us, and playing outside of ourselves, because a lot of times we're kind of stagnant and we don't play past the first option. I think by moving the ball . that really added to our success tonight."

Cash had a 14-point third quarter as Chicago closed to 61-57. Prince scored six in the third, including a long jumper and a pair of free throws.

Chicago was coming off a win against first-place Minnesota.

"We're in the playoff race and this one hurts," Cash said.

Ogwumike scored 14 and Milton-Jones added 11 to lead the Sparks a 44-35 halftime lead.

Chicago coach Pokey Chatman acknowledged that her team has to play a different way without Fowles inside to defend against players like Ogwumike.

"She's a tremendous player," Chatman said of Ogwumike. "She has those volleyball hops. She runs the floor. She gets 10 from the (free-throw) line. She gets six on the putbacks. She gets four because she gets up over somebody. She's not a rookie anymore."

The Sky shot 35 percent in the first half, including 0 for 8 from 3-point range, and Cash was held to one basket, a layup before the buzzer.

Ogwumike and Milton-Jones combined for 17 of the Sparks' 27 first-quarter points. Ogwumike began her night with a three-point play and scored an uncontested layup for a 22-10 lead.

Courtesy of www.mercurynews.com