EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/21/2012 4:04:01 AM

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ABA   



Michiana Monarchs roster released - by Gianni Pascucci

Chris Coley , Owner of the Michiana Monarchs ABA team, has just sent to Usbasket.com his team, winter 2012/2013 roster, that is as follows:

No Name Pos Ht Wt Hometown
1 Hadley, Mike SF 6' 4" 215 lbs Elkhart, IN
3 Lee, Rodney PG 6' 0" 175 lbs Cassopolis, MI
5 Foster, Brian SG 6' 0" 175 lbs South Bend, IN
10 Cameron, Brad G 6' 5" 210 lbs Berrien Springs, MI
20 Gentry, Hubert PG 5' 10" 170 lbs South Bend, IN
22 Butler, Daniel PFSF 6' 6" 210 lbs Milwaukee, WI
23 Taylor, Mike SFSG 6' 4" 215 lbs South Bend, IN
32 Hill, Terry G 6' 4" 185 lbs Indianapolis, IN
50 Parker, Dannie CPF 6' 5" 290 lbs South Bend, IN
55 McKee, Tony CPF 6' 6" 260 lbs Niles, MI

Head Coach: Gary Rucker
Assistant Coach: Mike "Corey" Hadley


UBC-TV network and ABA announce National Television schedule - by Gianni Pascucci

UBC-TV Network, a Harlem NY-based broadcast multi-media company and the American Basketball Association (ABA) has locked down the inaugural national broadcast schedule for ABA games on UBC-TV (www.ubctvnetwork.com ) for the upcoming season.
The TV games will kickoff with the defending champion Jacksonville Giants hosting the runner-up South Carolina Warriors on December 8th. The broadcasts will air every Saturday night live on UBC-TV. There are currently 12 regular season games scheduled with the option for UBC-TV to add more. UBC-TV will also broadcast the ABA All Star Game, the playoffs and the championship game.
The games will be anchored by Bill Vargus, a two-time Emmy award winning sportscaster and Matt Waymire, who has worked for both Fox and NBC sports. Color commentary will take on a local flavor with each home team giving its home town commentator a chance to work alongside Vargus and Waymire.
Halftime will feature local and established performing artists which will make the ABA on UBC-TV complete entertainment package. There will also be a charity recognized at every game, a component that is close to ABA CEO Joe Newman 's heart. "There's a lot of basketball on television," stated Newman. "Our goal this season is to create something very special - more exciting, more interesting, more entertaining and more relevant than any other basketball. Combining exciting, fast-paced,. high scoring ABA basketball with top flight musical entertainment - and impacting the not-for-profit sector should help develop a large audience, We are extremely pleased to be associated with UBC-TV; this is a group of very creative, groundbreaking people willing to explore new ideas and concepts to make television sports better than ever. We are very excited about the upcoming season and our televised games."
Peggy Dodson, UBC-TV Network CEO ad ded, "I am so excited about UBC-TV bringing the ABA to national television. It means so much to sports and to have new professional talent coming into the spotlight is going to thrill audiences across America and the world."
The tentative schedule includes:*

Dec 8 South Carolina Warriors at Jacksonville Giants
Dec 15 Chicago Steam at Memphis Bluff City Reign
Dec 22 Gulf Coast Flash at Birmingham Blitz
Jan 5 Jacksonville Giants at Tampa Bay Reign
Jan 12 Arizona Scorpions at Los Angeles SLAM
Jan 19 Oklahoma Impact at Colorado Kings
Jan 26 ABA All Star Game at Jacksonville Florida
Feb 2 TBA at Sacramento Heatwave
Feb 9 Los Angeles Slam at Arizona Scorpions
Feb 16 Staten Island Vipers at Jersey Express
Feb 23 TBA
Mar 2 Jacksonville Giants at South Carolina Warriors
Mar 9 Louisiana Gators at Gulf Coast Flash
*Games could be changed depending Power Rankings. Games will air on Saturday night at 8PM EST.

UBC-TV is also preparing to promo its network in the Top 12 US markets shortly followed by its initial national rollout. UBC-TV's "The UBC Mix Dance Show" is also preparing to have its national audiitions for dancers that will be featured in this hot new dance show later this fall.
For information about ABA Broadcasts, programming, advertising and sponsorship opportunities, contact UBC-TV Network at info@ubctvnetwork.com or you can LIKE UBC-TV Networks on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/UBCTVNETWORKs or Twitter: @UBCTVNETWORKS or www.abalive.com


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  APBL   


Rockville Victors new APBL Team! - by Justin Moore

The Rockville Victors one of the new franchises in the APBL will be hosting Try-outs in the following weeks. The Victors are out of Rockville maryland and look to add a fierce rivalry with othe DC Area APBL teams lead by Dele Ojo (6'0''-G-81, college: Pfeiffer) and Anthony Williams (6'2''-G-79, college: Pfeiffer) to name a few Below is info on the Try-out and what the Victors are all about for more info on the Victors go to www.rockvillevictors.com

The Rockville Victors, who are we? We are the new HOME TEAM of Montgomery County, MD.
The Rockville Victors basketball team will showcase great players who used to play professionally overseas, in college or even those who were great in high school. There are so many talented athletes in the area and this new basketball team, the new home team, is going to give the community the opportunity to cheer them on GO LIONS!
The Rockville Victors is be made up of the top basketball players from the surrounding areas and will host at least eight home games. These games will not only be fun and safe family events they will also provide youth the chance to see hard work, teamwork and camaraderie in action on and off the court.
The Rockville Victors is apart of the Atlantic Coast Professional Basketball League (ACPBL). The Atlantic Coast Professional Basketball League (ACPBL) is a top-flight professional basketball league that was created for existing franchises that are fed up with mismanaged leagues, missed games and overall lack of professional guidance.
Last, but not least, the Victors team up with local recreation organizations and offer sports and fitness camps that will incorporate basketball skill development, healthy lifestyle and nutrition components to low income, underserved and at risk youth.
Team Tryouts Saturday, September 29th & Sunday, September 30th 10am-12noon each day Maryland Soccer Plex & Discovery Center 18031 Central Park Circle Boyds, MD 20841 BRING A WHITE T-SHIRT TO THE TRY OUT.


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  ARGENTINA   

Standings - LigaA

LigaA Standings
North
 1. Libertad S. 2-0 
 2. Regatas C. 2-0 
 3. Sionista 2-0 
 4. Olimpico LB 1-1 
 5. La Union 1-2 
 6. Atenas 1-2 
 7. Quimsa 0-2 
 8. Union Progr. 0-2 
South
 1. Argentino 2-0 
 2. Obras 2-0 
 3. Wuber-Est.Bahia 1-1 
 4. Lanus 1-1 
 5. 9 de Julio 1-1 
 6. Boca Jrs 1-1 
 7. GECR Indalo 0-2 
 8. Penarol 0-2 

Regular Season: Round 3

North

Sep. 21: Regatas C. - Quimsa
Sep. 21: Atenas - Union Progr.
Sep. 21: Sionista - Libertad S.
Sep. 21: Olimpico LB - La Union

Round 1

Sep. 18: Argentino - Lanus 79-62

Round 4

Sep. 19: Atenas - La Union 88-89

South

Sep. 21: Boca Jrs - 9 de Julio
Sep. 21: GECR Indalo - Penarol
Sep. 21: Obras - Argentino
Sep. 21: Lanus - Wuber-Est.Bahia


Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game
 William GRAVES
  Libertad S.
  (198-F/G-88)
  Avg: 23
 1. Graves, Libertad S.23.0 
 2. Gutierrez, Obras21.0 
 3. Roby, Wuber-Es.20.5 
 4. Nelson, 9 de Julio18.5 
 5. Seawright, GECR I.18.0 
 6. Osimani, Obras17.5 
 7. Torre, 9 de Julio17.5 
 8. Funes, Argentino17.0 
 9. Cequeira, Sionista16.5 
 10. Phillip, Union Pr.16.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Darren PHILLIP
  Union Progr.
  (201-F-78)
  Avg: 14.5
 1. Phillip, Union Pro.14.5 
 2. Williams, Quimsa10.0 
 3. Clancy, Olimpico.10.0 
 4. Sanchez, Libertad.10.0 
 5. DeGroat, Boca Jrs10.0 
 6. Nelson, 9 de Julio9.5 
 7. Lytch, Argentino9.0 
 8. Mata, Penarol8.5 
 9. Gutierrez, Obras8.5 
 10. Fierro, Atenas8.5 
Assists Per Game
 Facundo CAMPAZZO
  Penarol
  (179-PG-91)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Campazzo, Penarol6.5 
 2. Treise, Libertad S.6.0 
 3. Faggiano, Wuber-.5.5 
 4. Van Lacke, Boca J.4.5 
 5. Aguirre, Quimsa4.0 
 6. Konsztatd, Obras4.0 
 7. Gianella, La Union3.5 
 8. Martinez, Regat.3.5 
 9. Sanchez, Libertad.3.5 
 10. Cajal, Union Prog.3.5 
Steals Per Game
 Nicolas AGUIRRE
  Quimsa
  (188-G-88)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Aguirre, Quimsa3.5 
 2. De los Santo., Arg.3.5 
 3. Pittman, Sionista3.0 
 4. Nelson, 9 de Julio2.5 
 5. Weigand, Argentino2.5 
 6. Gerlero, Regatas C.2.5 
 7. Pau, Olimpico LB2.5 
 8. Boccia, Lanus2.5 
 9. Ciorciari, GECR I.2.0 
 10. Ramirez, Olimpico.2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Marcos MATA
  Penarol
  (201-SF-86)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Mata, Penarol2.5 
 2. Gutierrez, Obras2.0 
 3. Clancy, Olimpico.1.5 
 4. Williams, Quimsa1.5 
 5. Ayarza, 9 de Julio1.5 
 6. Battle, Lanus1.5 
 7. Lewis, La Union1.0 
 8. Roby, Wuber-Es.1.0 
 9. Sanchez, Libertad.1.0 
 10. Fernandez, Libert.1.0 


Gutierrez suspended, Sanchez injured - by Leonardo Contieri

Two of the main players in the league will be out several games for different reasons. Leonardo Gutierrez (201-F/C-78), league's winningest player was suspended for five games after clashing with official Juan Fernandez on last sunday's Pearol loss at home to Obras Sanitarias. The penalty was severe as he has had previous problems with officials. Meanwhile point guard Juan Ignacio Sanchez (192-G-77, college: Temple) of Weber Bahia Blanca Estudiantes will be out indefinitely with an herniated disc on his back.


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  AUSTRALIA   


Wildcats defeat Kings in pre-season match - by Hugh McAuliffe

Thanks to a 30-15 third quarter onslaught and an astounding 13 first half offensive boards, the Perth Wildcats opened the 2012 NBL preseason tournament with a 97-70 blowout victory over the Sydney Kings at Dandenong Stadium on Thursday night.

Sydney coach Shane Heal was ejected from the game in the third quarter after receiving two technical fouls and the Wildcats took full advantage, using a 17-6 run late in the period to turn what had been a reasonably competitive game into a runaway 73-54 lead with ten minutes left, then dominating the final period to run out comfortable winners.

Perth defeated the Kings in the finals of last seasons Sunshine State Challenge and showed no mercy in the second half of this one, using their depth and experience to overpower Sydney and stamp their class as one of the tournament favourites.

Shawn Redhage (203-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Arizona St.) had 20 points on six of nine shooting to lead a balanced attack for the Wildcats as they featured five players with double figure scoring, shot 47% from the field and outrebounded the Kings 41-27.

On a tough night for the purple and gold, James Harvey was a bright spot with 19 points and Ben Madgen had 14, but the highlights were few and far between for a Kings group that started the game well and was close at halftime but were undone by the Wildcats relentless pressure in the second half.

Showing no ill-effects from his hamstring injury that kept him out of the last three preseason games, Harvey came out aggressively in the opening period, setting the tone for the Kings as they raced to an early 13-6 lead.

Despite shooting just 35% from the field in the opening stanza, Perth stayed in it by crashing the glass, grabbing five offensive rebounds in the first seven minutes to the chagrin of Sydney head coach Shane Heal.

The Wildcats cashed in those second chances with Damian Martin and Shawn Redhage prominent on the back of an 11-2 run that closed the gap to just one, 19-18, at the first break.

Sydney import forward Darnell Lazare, who was benched in the opening minute of the first quarter and played no further part for the remainder of the period, came out with a vengeance to start the second with seven quick points staking the Kings to a 27-20 lead.

Again Perth responded, upping the intensity at the defensive end of the floor, and a 14-4 run keyed by Jesse Wagstaff and more Wildcat dominance on the offensive boards gave them a 34-31 advantage with three minutes left in the half.

Harvey played a virtual lone hand offensively late in the second quarter with seven crucial points for Sydney, but Kevin Lisch came through with four of his own to lead the Cats to a 43-39 lead at intermission.

After giving up a whopping 13 offensive rebounds in the first half, the Kings looked to make defending their basket more of a priority as the second half got underway, but threes to Martin and Lisch kept Perth in control, leading 54-46 with four minutes gone in the third quarter.

Redhage and Matt Knight combined for eight points to increase Perths lead to double figures, and when Heal was thrown out of the game for arguing about an unsportsmanlike call on Sydneys Aaron Bruce, Redhage hit five of the ensuing six free throws to give the Wildcats complete control of the game as they went to the final break up 73-54.

Martin piled on the misery for the Kings with two three point bombs in the first two minutes of the final quarter, and Perth cruised from there with head coach Rob Beveridge able to run his bench extensively in the last five minutes.

The margin extended to as much as 31 at one stage, as the Cats ripped off a devastating 24-5 run just to rub further salt in Sydneys wounds.


Tigers hold off Snakes, 78-74 - by Eurobasket News

In a hard-fought battle at Dandenong Stadium, the Melbourne Tigers outlasted the Cairns Taipans 78-74 as Thursday night action continued at the 2012 National Basketball League preseason tournament.

It was a game that went right down to the wire as both teams played with the kind of intensity not usually seen at this time of year a sure sign of just how competitive the 2012/13 season will be.

The Tigers survived despite being outrebounded 36-28 and shooting just 6 of 25 from long distance. Liam Rush (202-F-82) had a strong game with 19 points on 8 of 13 shooting from the field, while Adam Ballinger (205-F/C-79, college: Michigan St.) contributed 16 points and nine rebounds and Matthew Burston (211-C/F-82) had 16 points and five rebounds for the victors.

Cairns, who shot 44% from the field and committed 18 turnovers, got 18 points from Jamar Wilson (185-PG-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Albany), 13 points and six rebounds from Shane Edwards (201-F-87, college: UALR) and 11 points and five boards from Alex Loughton.

Neither team could establish early dominance as both struggled from the field in the opening minutes, but triples from Kerry Williams and new Taipan swingman Clint Steindl gave the Taipans an 11-9 lead midway through the first quarter.

However, Melbourne showed good intensity and effort to grab some momentum, and despite a pair of late buckets from Taipan floor leader Jamar Wilson, a 9-0 run featuring a Lucas Walker (203-F-84, college: St.Mary's, CA) power jam helped the Tigers to a 19-17 advantage with one period gone.

Melbourne started the second quarter with a purpose, and Rush and Burston combined for nine points as part of an 11-2 Tiger run in the first four minutes of the period before Steindl had five points as part of ten straight from Cairns to cut Melbournes lead to three, 30-27, with five minutes remaining.

Rush continued to give the Taipans problems with his energy and activity, but Wilson was a one man wrecking crew for Cairns in the quarter with a pair of treys and he kept the game close as the teams went to the change rooms with the Tigers up 39-38.

Coach Ansteys squad again came out of a break playing with excellent intensity, particularly at the defensive end of the floor. They restricted Cairns to just a single field goal in the first three minutes of the third quarter and with Burston and Ballinger getting the job done offensively, extended their lead to ten on the back of an early 11-2 run.

But displaying their typical resiliency, Cairns fought back superbly, and a 14-4 run keyed by six points from Cameron Tragardh and a massive two hand power jam from new import Shane Edwards helped the Snakes back into the contest as they trailed by just two, 58-56, with one quarter remaining.

Edwards brought the crowd to its feet with a vicious left-hand tomahawk jam in the early stages of the final period, giving the Taipans the lead for the first time since the second quarter, but Melbourne quickly responded with nine straight points to power out to a 69-61 advantage with five minutes left.

Rush continued his torrid offensive night with a pair of key triples and Melbourne looked to have seized control as the game entered its closing stages. But the Snakes just wouldnt go away, and five straight points from the impressive Edwards cut the Tiger margin to a single point with two minutes left.

An Alex Loughton three tied the score at 74 with a minute left, and we were set for a thrilling finish. Burston snuck inside for a deuce to give Melbourne the lead, but Kevin Braswell was whistled for an offensive foul after a Cairns miss, giving the ball back to the Taipans with 22 seconds left and the chance to win or send the game into overtime.

However, the Taipans turned over the ball immediately on the inbounds play and were forced to foul with time running out. Kevin Braswell made one of two at the line, then Burston made a great defensive play with six seconds left, was fouled immediately and knocked down a free throw as the Tigers escaped with the W.

Courtesy of NBL Australia


Hawks beat Sixers in 2OT, 105-104 - by Eurobasket News

The Wollongong Hawks have survived double overtime to defeat the Adelaide 36ers 105-104 in their opening clash of the NBL Pre-season Tournament at Dandenong.

New Hawks import Lance Hurdle (188-G-87, college: Miami, FL) made the winning shot for his team with 2.6 seconds left in the second extra period.

Rhys Martin (193-G-86, college: Nova SE) had 24 points, nine rebounds and five assists for the Hawks, while David Gruber (198-F-81, college: N.Iowa) added 19 points and 12 boards. Oscar Forman (205-F/C-82) also added 15 points for Wollongong.

Daniel Johnson (212-C-88, college: Pepperdine) had a game-high 32 points and six rebounds for the 36ers, while new signings Luke Schenscher (216-C-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgia Tech) 15 points, seven rebounds) and Adam Gibson (14 points, eight assists).

Adelaide started the game strongly with a 5-0 run before Oscar Forman drained a three to open the scoring for the Hawks. Wollongong steadied but a CJ Massingale two with five seconds remaining gave the 36ers a 23-19 quarter time lead.

In the second period Massingale exploded early, scoring seven points in a minute and a half but the Hawks were finding the basket as well and with six and a half minutes remaining in the quarter the 36ers lead remained modest at five points.

Some great team basketball by the Sixers after a Marty Clarke timeout saw Adelaide gradually build their buffer to double-digits. When Adam Gibson made a deuce with 2:32 on the clock, the 36ers held a 13-point lead, 46-33.

Wollongong worked hard but were unable to make significant inroads into the lead by the half and trailed 50-41 at the main break.

The Hawks came out of the changerooms after the half clearly fired up, and on the back of a pair of Forman triples started a charge. Wollongong went on a 12-2 run to start the second half, capping it with Formans second trifecta to give Wollongong their first lead of the game, 53-52.

Adelaide steadied however and by three-quarter time had re-established a lead, 68-64.

Adelaide looked poised to run away with the game at the start of the final period, and when Adam Gibson made an old fashioned three-point play with 6:59 remaining the Sixers led by nine, 75-66.

The Hawks refused to go quietly into the night however and after a rapid-fire 9-0 run punctuated by a triple from Deleon, Wollongong levelled the scores at 75-75 with five minutes to play.

Neither team could gain a decisive edge in the closing minutes and scores were tied at 3.6 seconds remaining when the Sixers took a timeout to draw up a play for the final possession.

It wasnt to be however as Adris Deleon drew the offensive foul on Daniel Johnson with 1.3 seconds remaining giving the Hawks a sniff of victory. Out of the timeout Forman took the pass, shook his man off with a dribble to his left and managed to get a shot off that missed, sending the game to overtime.

The first overtime remained close but when Martin hit a step-back jumper with 16.9 remaining to give the Hawks a 97-94 lead, the Hawks looked to have the game in hand. With 8.6 seconds remaining however Johnson hit a three to tie the game again at 97-97. Deleon couldnt make a triple attempt to end the contest and the match went to a second extra period.

In the second overtime, Hurdle scored on the clear-out with a jumper to give the Hawks a 105-104 lead with 2.6 on the clock. Schenscher got off a hook shot for the win but it failed to connect and the Hawks took the win.

Souring the victory somewhat, Wollongongs Larry Davidson went down with a knee injury and will likely miss the remainder of the tournament as a precautionary measure.

Courtesy of NBL Australia


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  BALTIC LEAGUE   


Juventus to test Gabriel McCulley - by Eurobasket News

Juventus has invited Gabriel McCulley (200-G/F-89) for try-outs. The forward has just graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso. Gabriel McCulley notched 11.1 points, 5.5 boards, 2.0 assists and 1.1 steals per game in his senior season. He is expected to join Juventus in the upcoming days.


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  BELGIUM   

Standings - Division II

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

Regular Season: Round 3

Sep. 21: M.Hainaut II - Excelsior
Sep. 21: CEP Fleurus - Sint-Jan Ant.
Sep. 22: St-Niklase - Kangor.-Boom
Sep. 22: Tongeren - Point Chaud
Sep. 23: Essor Charleroi - Houthalen
Sep. 23: Giants II - Waregem
Sep. 23: Oudenaarde - Gent Dragons



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  BRAZIL   

Standings - Paulista, Carioca, Minas G. leagues

Paulista Standings
GroupA
 1. S.Jose/Unimed 8-2 
 2. Paulistano 7-2 
 3. Pinheiros/Sky 6-3 
 4. Gremio Mogi 6-4 
 5. Palmeiras 5-4 
 6. Suzano 3-7 
 7. Metodista/S.B. 2-7 
 8. Inter Santos 1-9 
GroupB
 1. Paschoalotto/B. 7-1 
 2. Winner/Limeira 6-2 
 3. Vivo/Franca 5-3 
 4. America 3-5 
 5. Liga Sorocaba 2-5 
 6. Rio Claro 2-5 
 7. Jacarei 2-6 
Stage Two Standings

Second Stage: Round 10

Sep. 19: S.Jose/Unimed - Suzano 87-49
Sep. 19: Inter Santos - Gremio Mogi 83-88
Sep. 19: Winner/Limeira - America 83-67
Sep. 20: Jacarei - Liga Sorocaba
Sep. 20: Paschoalotto/B. - Rio Claro
Sep. 20: Paulistano - Pinheiros/Sky


Mackenzie add players to their roster - by Paulo Freire

The traditional club in Minas State, the Mackenzie has add a few players to their roster.

To be able to fight in the Minas State Championship, the Club hired players with experience in the NBB. Arrived from Rio de Janeiro's Tijuca Tennis Club is the forward Jefferson Sobral (203-F-80) who has also defended Araraquara and Joinville in the NBB, and power forward Case Santos (203-C/F-77) that also played the NBB by the Vitoria team. Other reinforcements for the team are point guard Bernardo Barreto (183-G-83) who had a last moment in Uberlandia and guard Julio Toledo (194-F-85) who played for Araraquara and Bauru.


Lins sign Matheus Ribeiro, Juninho and Mantovani - by Paulo Freire

In a young project, the Lins Basquete has been doing an interesting role in the Paulista scenario. The team that competes in the Serie A-2 of Paulista State s eyeing the wave of the Brazil Cup Tournament that gives the right to 2 spots in the NBB, Brazil national basketball's elite.

The team that already has players known on the national scene is unbeaten in the A-2 Paulista. Not satisfied, Lins managers brought over 3 new players to the perimeter, Matheus Ribeiro (185-G), Juninho and Lucas Mantovani

Matheus is a young point guard and was playing in Junior College for Western Wyoming Community College, which is located in the city of Rock Springs, Wyoming.

Juninho is guard and his last team was Maringa, he also pass through Campo Mourao. Juninho started in basketball at franca.

Lucas Mantovani is a point guard with 1,77 height. He has played for Araraquara, Campinas, Campo Mourao and Americana Basketball.


Cristiano Felicio goes to Prep School - by Paulo Freire

CCSE PREPARATORY ACADEMY, hereby known as CCSE PREP is the new home for the forward Cristiano Felicio (206-C-92), one of the top young prospects in Brazil. The player arrives at the private school in Sacramento, U.S. to intent on developing the values, attitudes and skills of 21st century student athletes.

The young player, who excelled with strong performances in the Brazil National team under-19 at the World Cup of the category, in Latvia, in 2011, is already in the american land and, revealed that play in the "land of Uncle Sam" was an old dream, and will make his way to the goal of all basketball athletes: play in the NBA.

-Come to the United States was an old dream that I had. I always wanted to play here (United States) and now I could make this my will. I also want to get to the NBA, which is the dream of any player, and have a solid career there, said Cristiano who want to play college basketball next year.


Riachuelo back on basketball - by Paulo Freire

The Riachuelo TC club is working his way back on the basketball scene.
Their first step will be playing the Carioca State tournament. The club is been lead by head coach Roberto Almeida , who work for many years at the Tijuca basketball team.
Their roster for the Carioca State has the players:
Maicon Nascimento (210-C-85)
Marcelao da Silva (210-C-70)
Douglas Motta (190-G/F-77)
Assis Cardoso (PF)
Luiz Eduardo dos Santos (PG)
Renato Souza Gomes
Rogger Wanderley (187-F-92)
Andre Lopes


Hyeres-Toulon and Atila Santos part ways after tryout - by Eurobasket News

Hyeres-Toulon decided not to keep Atila Santos (208-C-83, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Minnesota St.) for the upcoming season. The Brazilian center joined Hyeres-Toulon almost 10 days ago, but he didnt convince the coaching staff to keep him. Santos arrived to France from the Brazilian team Clube de Regatas do Flamengo. He appeared 21 times in NBB last season averaging 4.7 points, 4.7 assists and 2.3 rebounds. The player also added 3.5 ppg and 2.3 rpg in 4 Liga Sudamericana games. Santos played for the same team also in 2010/11. He started 2009/10 in Spain as a member of LEB Gold team Tenerife and later moved to the NBA D-League (Bakersfield Jam). In 2008/09 season Atila Santos played for Cherno More. He shined with 13.7 ppg and 8 rpg in 34 Bulgarian league games. The played was named to Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League 3rd Team -09. In 2011 and this year as well Santos was awarded with Latinbasket.com All-Brazilian League Defensive Player of the Year. He graduated at Minnesota State University Mankato (NCAA2) in 2008.
Meanwhile, Hyeres-Toulon signed Terence Dials (206-F/C-83, college: Ohio St.).


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

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


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


Levski smashed Lukoil in friendly game - by Valentin Anguelov

In a repeat of last years final in the playoffs Levski beat the champions Lukoil Academic by the score 92-80 in friendly game played in Universiada Hall in Sofia. and gave. Excellent defense, unknown to the team from last season was demonstrated by the players of coach Titi Papazov and at the end they absolutely deserved success over deeply wide selection of Lukoil Academic.

Levski dominated the entire match and only for a moment allowed their opponent to lead in the score after a technical on coach Titi Papazov at the end of the third quarter. However Levski were quite successfully in the fourth quarter and deservedly won in this preseason match with 12 points at the end.

Serbian Marko Marinovic (183-PG-83) showed his class in his first appearance in front of the fans of Levski and finished with 21 points (4 three pointers). Chavdar Kostov added 16 points, Nicholay Varbanov finished with 15 points plus 6 rebounds. Pavel Ivanov performed well with his 11 points.

For Lukoil Brandon Heath led the scorers with 20 points.

The next two days Levski will play in a friendly tournament in Serbian Nis where today in the semi-final will face Radnicki Kragujevac.


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


Rainmen reach out to Richards - by Eurobasket News

Former St. Francis Xavier star Tyler Richards (6'2''-G-86) is getting a chance to revive his basketball career next month with the Halifax Rainmen.

Rainmen owner Andre Levingston confirmed Wednesday the four-time Atlantic conference all-star is among the 18 or 19 players extended invitations to training camp, which begins Oct. 1 in Halifax.

He knows whats at stake, he deserves this opportunity, hes worked hard over the summer and were gonna give him the opportunity," Levingston said.

Richards, from Dartmouth, averaged 19.6 points a game in 2008-09 to rank second in AUS scoring behind then-Saint Marys guard Joey Haywood, whos about to start his second season with the Rainmen.

But Richardss final campaign with the X-Men ended prematurely and in controversy when he and two teammates were charged after a man was punched and kicked in an altercation in Antigonish in February 2009.

He was sentenced in April 2010 to four months of house arrest on a single count of assault causing bodily harm.

Kids sometimes get off the right track and sometimes need another opportunity and maybe even two," Levingston said.

Hes always been a really good basketball player and hes just done the wrong things off the court so Im giving him this opportunity . . . to prove that hes serious about basketball again and wants to change his life."

The Rainmen president and CEO, who doubles as general manager of the National Basketball League of Canada club, said he has met frequently with Richards and the 25-year-old understands the terms under which hes being invited to try out.

I let it be known Im not giving him anything. If youre gonna come in here and make this team, its gonna be because you worked hard and you deserved to be on this team.

Im not taking no riff-raff. Im not playing no games with him. The first time that I hear that (he has) done something that (he) should not be doing as a young man is going to end our relationship."

The Rainmen also announced Wednesday the signing of sixfoot- seven Anthony Johnson, the second selection in the NBL draft after Halifax moved up by dealing all-star Tyrone Levett to the Moncton Miracles.

Johnson, 23, averaged 10.5 points and 6.3 rebounds last season in 32 NAIA games with Azusa Pacific University.

Levingston called Johnson the best player in the August draft and said he believes the forward can be an elite performer in the NBL within a year or two.

Johnson is the third player to agree to terms with the Rainmen.

Haywood signed last week and Brandon Robinson, the reigning NBL scoring champion acquired in a draft-day deal with Oshawa, put his name on a contract Monday.

Haywood could end up being the only holdover from the 2011-12 Rainmen, who fell one win short of an NBL title.

Co-captains Taliek Brown and Eric Crookshank have been cut loose since the beginning of the month, with Browns rights dealt to Laval last week and Crookshank informed Sept. 7 that he wouldnt be invited to camp after five seasons with the club.

Haywood, Levett and Brown were three of the five players on Halifaxs protected list.

Guard Chris Hagan and forward Darnell Hugee, the other two, officially became free agents Saturday.

Levingston said he had extended an offer to Hagan but didnt make one to Hugee.

He said the fact they had become free agents didnt rule out a return to the Rainmen, who have the right to match any offer made to the players by another NBL team.

The Rainmen will spend their first day of camp at the Canada Games Centre, then move to Mount Saint Vincent University for the duration with the Toronto Raptors camp occupying the Canada Games facility for the rest of the week.

Courtesy of http://thechronicleherald.ca


*****************************************************
  CENTRAL AFRICA   


Le Havre's Max Kouguere leaves training camp to join Central African NT - by Eurobasket News

Max Kouguere (198-F-87) joined Central African National Team and he will play in 2013 AfroBasket Qualifications, Zone 4. The player left preparations of Le Havre and will be back few days before the season opener. Kouguere penned a deal with Le Havre earlier this summer. He arrived from Le Mans, with whom he reached ProA and Semaine des As Finals last season. The player had 3.5 ppg and 1.3 rpg for 35 ProA games. He also added 2.4 ppg and 2.1 rpg for 8 EuroCup appearances. In 2010/11 season Max Kouguere was a member of Lions de Geneve. There he shined with 14.2 ppg and 4.4 rpg for 33 Swiss league games. In the past, Max Kouguere played for Antibes, Gravelines and InterClub Brazaville. He played for the Central African NT at 2009 AfroBasket in Libya and 2011 AfroBasket in Madagascar. In the latest one he had 10 ppg and 4.5 rpg for 6 games.


*****************************************************
  CHINA   


Jilin in talks with former Husky Rashad Anderson - by Alex Yam

Jilin North East Tigers, are in serious discussions with former UCONN standout Rashad Anderson. A 6'5 swing man, who last played in Iran, averaged over 30 ppg in the Super-League. Anderson is a prototypical player for the CBA, as he can slash and can shoot, a pure scorer. Jilin has also been linked with Sam Hoskins who played in the CBA a few years back, and had great success.

Jilin is trying to build on what was seen as a successful season last year and hopes to make the top 8, and the CBA playoffs.


2012 Fiba Asia Cup: Japan hold off China to enter semifinal stage - by Eurobasket News

Japan - China 60:50

Japan ensured the semifinal birth at home Fiba Asia Cup. The hosts toppled China in Tokyo to set up the clash versus Qatar. Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) accounted for 18 points and 10 rebounds to lead the winners.
China led by a single point ten minutes into the game 16:15. But Japan stiffened defence and held their opponents to just 9 points in the second quarter. The hosts pulled ahead for a 31:25 halftime advantage. Japan kept a tight grip on the lead in the second half. The home team accumulated a 7-point lead heading into the fourth frame. China cut the deficit at 3-point mark but it was as close as they could get. The hosts quickly boosted the lead to double-digits and rolled to the victory. Ryota Sakurai (194-G-83) posted 13 points, while Kosuke Kanamaru (193-F/G-89) added 10 points in the win. Wang Zhelin (215-PF-94) answered with 15 points and 14 boards for China. Guo Ailun (192-SF-93) and Zhao TaiLong (193-G/F-90) had 10 points each in the loss.

Japan: Kosuke Takeuchi 18+10 boards, Ryota Sakurai 13, Kosuke Kanamaru 10
China: Wang Zhelin 15+14 boards, Guo Ailun 10, Zhao TaiLong 10


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


ROSTER CHANGES IN BAYSIDE - by Victor Garcia

Bayside agrees terms with the american power forwar Michael Cox (203-F-89, college: CS Dominguez H.) Mic to replace Keith Thompson, Cox is a product of the Cal State at Dominguez College and had experience in Chile, with Thompson the Bayside wants to get more size for their frontcourt.
Bayside is already in the 9th place of the standings and is the younger team of the cup, a project for the future of the Basketball in Santander.
Cox will made his debut against the Cafeteros.


ONCE CALDAS ADDS TERRANCE GAMBLE - by Victor Garcia

Once Caldas tied in the first place of the standings with the Guerreros de Bogot, chooses to not get Jacob Blankenship and agreed terms with Terrance Gamble, the american center arrives after a good season in Ecuador and had previous experience in Mexico , Uruguay, Dominican Rep and Venezuela, also had played in the D. League.
Gamble will add size to the small Once Caldas roster and will be very important specially in the defensive side


FEDERATION CUP DAY 8 RESULTS - by Victor Garcia

Bukaros took revenge and defeated the Guerreros de Bogota in Bucaramanga, for the Bukaros this is the first victory at home.
Bukaros 88 R. Jeter 19 pts, M. Marriaga 17 pts.
Guerreros 65 R. Bell 14 pts, G. Plummer 21 pts.

Choco played a very good game, its best in the season tho defeat the Islanders in Quibdo.
Nuevo Choco 68 R. Holmes 17 pts, L. Truscott 13 pts
Islanders 65

Patriotas sweep Hormigueros with a good defensive effort to be closer to a place among the top eight.
Patriotas 87 J. Lopez 18 pts, J. Watson 15
Hormigueros 82.

Once Caldas keep doing a good job, defeated Arrieros for the second straight game in Manizales, this time Arrieros took an early control of the game but failed in the final basket
Once Caldas 87
Arrieros 86

Bayside claimed the second game in the island to keep the hope alive.
Bayside 82
Cafeteros 76


ROSTER CHANGES IN ISLANDERS, HOLLAND ARRIVES - by Victor Garcia

Islanders Sopesa wants to be a contender, the mangement is making efforts to strenght thier roster and to get more offensive power the team agreed terms with the american star forward Delonte Holland (201-F-82, college: De Paul) , Holland well known in Colombia was playing in Mexico and now is arriving to the beautifull island.
Holland will join Braggs and Jones as the americans trio, Islanders is currently among the top 4 in the league.
Islanders released Chucky Frierson.



ROSTER CHANGE IN BUKAROS, LANDS ADDAI - by Victor Garcia

With the injury of his point guard David Reyes the Bukaros managed was forced to make a big change in thier roster, and choose to release american forward Erron Maxey and land the american point guard Jeffrey Addai (188-G-84, college: Texas A&M)
Addai is and experienced guard who had played previously in the Brazils Paulista and NBB leagues, addai is a versatile point guard who will brings to the Bukaros a leader in the court.


FEDERATION CUP DAY 7 RESULTS - by Victor Garcia

Guerreros grind the Bukaros in the second half to get his 7th straight victory of the season, the Bogots team ruled the boards with 51 rebounds and ran the court really well.
Bukaros 69 - M. Marriga 16 pts, C. Silva 13 pts, C. Bradford 13 pts
Guerreros 96 - G. Plummer 28 pts (5 -3 pointers), S. Ortiz 21 pts

Islanders Sopesa had a great start and keep the leadership until de end of the game to stole the first game in Quibdo.
Nuevo Choco 69 - R. Holmes 17, L. Truscott 13
Islanders Sopesa 76

Once Caldas keep winning, this time came back for a low start to defeat the powerful Arrieros.
Once Caldas 95 - T. Thomas 22 pts, A. Bangura 21 pts, S. Trocha 18 pts
Arrieros 89 - D. Gonner 20 pts, E. Guevara 18 pts, H. Guillent 17 pts.

Patriotas won a key game against Hormigueros overcoming from a 18 points deficit at the end of the first half, the leadership of Jermaine Watson drove the Patriotas to the victory.
Patriotas 98 - J. Watson 24 pts, M. Dodd 17
Hormigueros 92

Cafeteros stole the first game at Bayside house a great meaning for the Cafeteros team in the fight to get a place among the top eight teams.
Bayside 70
Cafeteros 73


ROSTER CHANGES IN PATRIOTAS, JERMAINE WATSON ARRIVES - by Victor Garcia

Patriotas in serious need to add scoring and a point guard chooses to add the american guard Jermaine Watson (193-G-81, college: Boston Coll.), Watson played in Patriotas 4 years ago and now is back to help the team keep his palce among the eight teams that will qualify for the postseason.
Watson is a veteran who had played in Argentina, Urguay , Mexico and Venezuela, also played the FIBA Amricas league as part of the Miami Tropics roster


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


Interview with Damir Rancic - by Baha Kurtulus

The Croatian sharp shooter helped KK Zagreb Croatia Osiguranje have a good year in their first ever Euroleague experience and chipped in 6.1ppg mostly from beyond the arc to make things easier for quality big men such as Kasun, Markota, May and Heytvelt. Damir Rancic (199-G-83) has things to say regarding his basketball career and future plans.

You had a stint in the Euroleague with Cibona earlier and last year got back to the competition with KK Zagreb Croatia Osiguranje. Would you call it a successful season for Zagreb side?

Like you said my first experience with Euroleague was in Cibona 2006 and it was a success last year. It was a debut in Euroleauge for KK Zagreb Croatia Osiguranje and I think the season was ok. We started group with a couple of big losses but in the second part of the group we started to play better and until the last game we had a chance to go into Top 16 but we lost the last game against Zalgiris and said goodbye to Euroleauge.

Compare to your previous Euroleague experience what do you think of the last year?

The Euroleague is obviously getting bigger and tougher every year. Yes i think that euroleauge is getting better and tougher every year.. Its getting more physical and stronger day by day. In terms of organization Euroleague is one of the best sports events ever done.

Croatian basketball is producing a lot of talent everyday but it seems like people are expecting better success from the national team that you have been a part of as well?

That is true... We have so much young talents and gold medals in youth categories but nobody knows what the problem is with the senior team.. We lost 3 or 4 times in a row in quarter finals starting from Belgrade 2005 where I also participated in.

Mostly youre listed as a guard but do you think you are more of a shooting guard or else a small forward and on the floor positions matter as much as many believe?

My natural position is the shooting guard butIi can also play at small forward because I am 1.99 cm tall, but my trademark is getting out of the screens and shooting with a high percentage..

People know you as a true shooter. Your 3 point percentage has always been high and its said shooting is an instinct?

Yes that is my best thing and people know me through that... I think it is an instinct but also reqiures lots of hard work.

Like many other free agents you seem to be waiting for the right offer since you didnt agree terms with any club yet. Any progress going on with your negotiations?

Everybody knows the situation and the market is bad this year. Many teams lowered the budgets and also have problem with paying on time so I decided to wait for the right offer because I want to be on a team where I can give my best. So far in this season I havent found what Im looking for but I know it will be coming soon..

How does it feel to be professional athlete whos always at the practice or on the road for the games? Do you manage to save enough time for yourself and what do you do on your spare time?

Many players start to practice regularly in a very young age and that kind of life is in their blood... I like basketball and that kind of living so I don't have any problem with having no time for other things. I usually read books or play video games or go fishing in summer time just to get rid of the stress of basketball life.



Zadar's start of the season has become questionable - by Dajana Karl

Four KK Zadar basketball players requested the protection of their contracts by the Croatian Basketball Federation. While Kastrpil, Vrkic and Delas agreed to a settlement, former player Ivica Radic (208-F-90) is asking for payment of the debts all at once, without a settlement. So as long as this debt is not resolved, KK Zadar won't be allowed to register the newcomers and the final deadline is September 26. This issue is also stopping KK Zadar from participation in the Adriatic league.

This is what the sporting director, Branko Skroce, had to say: "I told the secretary Bilic that we won't start the season in the first round since the deadline of payment and registration of players for new the season is September 26. Unless the Croatian Basketball Federation doesn't bring some other decision and we don't solve our problem by then, it will be very difficult for us to start this season from the very start."

And while KK Zadar management is struggling with finding the money for the payment of debts to Radic, head coach Ante Nazor have no choice but to prepare the team the best he can within the new circumstances. Him and the team traveled to Porec this morning, where they will compete in the three-day basketball tournament, where they will participate with other three Russian teams.

On September 18 they will be playing against Enisey Krasnoyarsk at 4:30 pm, then the following day they will face Ruskon-Mordovia Saransk at 7:00 pm, and last but not least, Lokomotiv at 5:00 pm on September 20.


Djuro Djakovic signs Denis Toroman for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

Denis Toroman (194-G-82, agency: TSS Management) is a new member of Djuro Djakovic Slavonski Brond. The Croatian guard penned a deal for the upcoming season. He arrives to the club from Austrian BC Vienna. Toroman joined them in January averaging 11.6 points, 3.4 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.9 steals in 14 games. Denis Toroman started the season with A2 team Susedgrad-Moslavina. In 2010/11 the guard played for Slovakian Astrum Levice. There he had 13.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 2.3 apg for 39 games winning the Extraliga championship title. He was named to Eurobasket.com Slovakian League All-Bosmans Team -11 and participated at the All-Star Game. Before Levice, Toroman spent one year in Sweden and one with Slovenia. He also has experience from Hungary, Bosnia and Iran.


Cibona Zagreb confirms signing of D.J. Strawberry - by Eurobasket News

Cibona Zagreb announced signing of D.J. Strawberry (196-G-85, college: Maryland) for the upcoming season. The player arrives from Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem. Strawberry shined in Israeli Premier league with 15.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 2.2 apg for 29 games. He was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Honorable Mention -12. The American appeared 5 times in EuroCup adding 14 ppg, 1.8 rpg and 1.8 apg. Before Hapoel Jerusalem, D.J. Strawberry split 2010/11 season between the NBA D-League team Reno Bighorns and Lithuanian Lietuvos Rytas. With Rytas he had 6.6 ppg and 2.8 apg for 5 Euroleague games. He had pretty close numbers in LKL, VTB United League and Baltic league. The player participated at the LKL All-Star Game. In the past, he played for GMAC Real Estate Bologna. D.J. Strawberry graduated at the University of Maryland in five years ago.


Zagreb says that Dario Saric is still their player - by Eurobasket News

Management of Zagreb stated yesterday that Dario Saric (208-F/C-94) is still member of their team. Director of the club Ivan Bozanic said for local media that Saric is still under the contract with Zagreb. They wait for FIBA to make the decision about his move to Bilbao earlier this summer. Two days ago Saric arrived to Split where he should spend 2012/13 on loan. Dario Saric paced U18 Croatian NT to gold medal at U18 EuroBasket in Lithuania. The player exploded with 25.6 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 3.3 apg and 1.6 bpg for 8 games. He was top scorer and second rebounder of the competition. Saric was named Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U18 MVP -12. A year ago at U19 World Championship in Latvia the player had 18.1 ppg and 10.1 rpg for 8 games. He also very successfully played for U16 Croatia in the past. Saric was named All-Eurobasket.com European Championships U16 MVP -10. Saric played last season for Zagreb averaging 14.1 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists for 12 Croatian league games. His numbers were lower in Adriatic league and Euroleague.


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


Decin surrender against Rudupis at the start of home tournament - by Eurobasket News

Decin - Rudupis 86:99

Decin suffered defeat in the opening game of the home pre-season tournament. The Czech team took on Rudupis and lost by 13 points at the end. Rudupis strongly entered the game. They recorded a 28:16 lead ten minutes into the clash. The Lithuanian side maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. Rudupis accounted for a 50:36 halftime lead. Decin managed to narrow the gap in the third frame. They got within 6 points at the final break. But Rudupis increased the tempo and protected their lead to seal the victory. Arturas Milaknis (195-G-86) finished with 24 points to lead Rudupis. Zygimantas Janavicius (192-G-89, agency: Interperformances) and Arnas Labuckas (205-F-87) added 20 points each for the winners. Patrick Pope (183-G-81, college: St.Augustine) answered with 25 points for Decin. Peter Sedmak (207-C-85) nailed 13 points in the loss.

Decin: Patrick Pope 25, Peter Sedmak 13, Miroslav Soukup 12
Rudupis: Arturas Milaknis 24, Zygimantas Janavicius 20, Arnas Labuckas 20


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


LNB Semifinals: Caneros force crucial Game Seven against Metros (3-3) - by Eurobasket News

Caneros celebrated in Game Six of the LNB Semifinals against Metros. It was 94-85 victory for Caneros, who tied the score to 3-3 in the series and forced crucial Game Seven. Edward Santana (203-F-80, agency: Regeneracom Sports) was a key player in victory with 25 points and 8 rebounds. Jose Olivero (186-PG-85, college: Lehigh) scored 21 points and Alejandro Carmona (194-G/F-83) followed with 16 points and 5 rebs. In the loosing squad, Victor Liz (188-G/F-88) answered with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Evan Brock (204-F-84, college: Alabama) shined with double-double of 14 points and 15 boards, while Juan Pablo Montas (198-F-84, agency: Regeneracom Sports) stopped to 12 pts and 6 rebs. Quarters: 21-14, 25-21, 26-24, 22-26.
In Game Three, Caneros handed 76-68 loss to Metros. Teams will meet on Friday again and winner of that game will join Indios in LNB Finals. Indios eliminated Titanes with perfect 4-0.


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


Neptunas edge Tartu Ulikool in Liepaja - by Eurobasket News

Neptunas - Tartu Ulikool 84:78

Neptunas opened their Liepaja pre-season tournament campaign with victory. They held off Tartu Ulikool. Martynas Mazeika (193-G-85, agency: Interperformances) stepped up with 20 points to lead the Lithuanian side.
Neptunas ensured a 25:19 lead after ten minutes of action. Tartu cut the distance at 4-point mark at the interval 39:43. The teams stayed close throughout the third quarter. The Estonian team managed to narrow the gap at only 3 points 60:63. But Neptunas fired 21 points in the fourth frame and snatched a narrow win at the end. Deividas Gailius (200-F-88) posted 14 points, while Laurynas Mikalauskas (203-PF-85, college: Virginia) netted 11 points for the winners. Egidijus Dimsa (205-C-85) and Justin Ingram (185-PG-85, agency: Two Points, college: Toledo) responded with 14 points each for Tartu Ulikool.

Neptunas: Martynas Mazeika 20, Deividas Gailius 14, Laurynas Mikalauskas 11
Tartu Ulikool: Egidijus Dimsa 14, Justin Ingram 14


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


Cibona Zagreb confirms signing of D.J. Strawberry - by Eurobasket News

Cibona Zagreb announced signing of D.J. Strawberry (196-G-85, college: Maryland) for the upcoming season. The player arrives from Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem. Strawberry shined in Israeli Premier league with 15.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 2.2 apg for 29 games. He was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Honorable Mention -12. The American appeared 5 times in EuroCup adding 14 ppg, 1.8 rpg and 1.8 apg. Before Hapoel Jerusalem, D.J. Strawberry split 2010/11 season between the NBA D-League team Reno Bighorns and Lithuanian Lietuvos Rytas. With Rytas he had 6.6 ppg and 2.8 apg for 5 Euroleague games. He had pretty close numbers in LKL, VTB United League and Baltic league. The player participated at the LKL All-Star Game. In the past, he played for GMAC Real Estate Bologna. D.J. Strawberry graduated at the University of Maryland in five years ago.


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


Interview with Damir Rancic - by Baha Kurtulus

The Croatian sharp shooter helped KK Zagreb Croatia Osiguranje have a good year in their first ever Euroleague experience and chipped in 6.1ppg mostly from beyond the arc to make things easier for quality big men such as Kasun, Markota, May and Heytvelt. Damir Rancic (199-G-83) has things to say regarding his basketball career and future plans.

You had a stint in the Euroleague with Cibona earlier and last year got back to the competition with KK Zagreb Croatia Osiguranje. Would you call it a successful season for Zagreb side?

Like you said my first experience with Euroleague was in Cibona 2006 and it was a success last year. It was a debut in Euroleauge for KK Zagreb Croatia Osiguranje and I think the season was ok. We started group with a couple of big losses but in the second part of the group we started to play better and until the last game we had a chance to go into Top 16 but we lost the last game against Zalgiris and said goodbye to Euroleauge.

Compare to your previous Euroleague experience what do you think of the last year?

The Euroleague is obviously getting bigger and tougher every year. Yes i think that euroleauge is getting better and tougher every year.. Its getting more physical and stronger day by day. In terms of organization Euroleague is one of the best sports events ever done.

Croatian basketball is producing a lot of talent everyday but it seems like people are expecting better success from the national team that you have been a part of as well?

That is true... We have so much young talents and gold medals in youth categories but nobody knows what the problem is with the senior team.. We lost 3 or 4 times in a row in quarter finals starting from Belgrade 2005 where I also participated in.

Mostly youre listed as a guard but do you think you are more of a shooting guard or else a small forward and on the floor positions matter as much as many believe?

My natural position is the shooting guard butIi can also play at small forward because I am 1.99 cm tall, but my trademark is getting out of the screens and shooting with a high percentage..

People know you as a true shooter. Your 3 point percentage has always been high and its said shooting is an instinct?

Yes that is my best thing and people know me through that... I think it is an instinct but also reqiures lots of hard work.

Like many other free agents you seem to be waiting for the right offer since you didnt agree terms with any club yet. Any progress going on with your negotiations?

Everybody knows the situation and the market is bad this year. Many teams lowered the budgets and also have problem with paying on time so I decided to wait for the right offer because I want to be on a team where I can give my best. So far in this season I havent found what Im looking for but I know it will be coming soon..

How does it feel to be professional athlete whos always at the practice or on the road for the games? Do you manage to save enough time for yourself and what do you do on your spare time?

Many players start to practice regularly in a very young age and that kind of life is in their blood... I like basketball and that kind of living so I don't have any problem with having no time for other things. I usually read books or play video games or go fishing in summer time just to get rid of the stress of basketball life.



FC Barcelona Regal extends coach Pascual - by Eurobasket News

FC Barcelona Regal reached a new agreement with head coach Xavier Pascual (agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) to extend his contract until the end of the 2014-15 season, the club announced Thursday. Pascual, age 40, was under contract until the end of the upcoming season but now added two more years under the new agreement. Pascual is the only Spanish coach to win the Turkish Airlines Euroleague title in the last three decades, when he led Barcelona to lift the trophy in 2010, downing Olympiacos 86-68 in Paris, France. He was promoted to Barcelona's head coach spot in February 2008, replacing his former boss Dusko Ivanovic, and guided the team to the Spanish League finals. His four full seasons with the club have been very successful, winning trophies every year. He has led Barcelona to win three Spanish League titles in 2009, 2011 and 2012, lifted the Spanish King's Cup trophy in 2010 and 2011 and above all, helped the club to win its second continental crown in 2010. A press conference to explain the new agreement has been scheduled on September 28, as Barcelona will fight for its fourth consecutive Spanish Supercup title in Zaragoza this weekend.

Courtesy of Euroleague


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


Iran, Philippines, Qatar and Japan remain in title race - by Eurobasket News

Quarterfinals

Philippines - Taiwan 75-68
Philippines made it into the semifinal stage of Fiba Asia Cup. They toppled Taiwan in the quarterfinal today. Marcus Douthit (210-C/F-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Providence) stepped up with 19 points and 18 rebounds to pace the Smart Gilas. Taiwan started the game with a near perfect defence. They limited their opponents to 10 points in the opening quarter and posted a 3-point lead. But Philippines adjusted their offence in the second quarter. They unloaded 28 points to surge ahead for a 38:32 halftime lead. Taiwan refused to give up and increased the pressure in the third quarter. They cut the deficit to a single point with one period remaining 53:54. But Philippines opened the fourth frame on a 12:2 run to clear off and never looked back en route to the win. Gary David (188-G/F-78) posted 14 points, while Ranidel deOcampo contributed 10 points in the victory. Creighton Douglas (196-F-85) answered with 21 points for Taiwan. Lin Chih-Chieh answered with 12 points in the loss.

Lebanon - Qatar 72-79
Qatar clinched Fiba Asia Cup semifinal birth. They shocked Lebanon to stay in the title race. Clinton Fihnoir Johnson (193-G-84) fired 28 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to pace the winners. Qatar surged ahead early in the game. They secured a 21:15 lead after ten minutes of action. Lebanon slowed their opponents down in the second frame. They denied the deficit as the teams were tied at 35 heading into the second half. Qatar used a 6:0 run midway through the third term to open a 7-point lead. Soon Clinton Fihnoir Johnson opened a 10-point lead for Qatar 54:44. Lebanon narrowed the gap at 4-point mark at the final intermission. Qatar triggered a 9:0 run at the start of the fourth quarter to gain a 12-point advantage. They kept Lebanon at bay throughout the reminder of the contest and sealed the win at the end. Mansour Atif (177-PG-90) accounted for 14 points, while Mohammed Yousef added 13 points for the winners. Garnett Thompson (206-C/F-80, agency: Veracity Sports, LLC, college: Providence) answered with 26 points and 16 boards for Lebanon. Jean Abdel Nour had 24 points and 12 caroms in the loss.

Japan - China 60-50
Japan ensured the semifinal birth at home Fiba Asia Cup. The hosts toppled China in Tokyo to set up the clash versus Qatar. Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) accounted for 18 points and 10 rebounds to lead the winners. China led by a single point ten minutes into the game 16:15. But Japan stiffened defence and held their opponents to just 9 points in the second quarter. The hosts pulled ahead for a 31:25 halftime advantage. Japan kept a tight grip on the lead in the second half. The home team accumulated a 7-point lead heading into the fourth frame. China cut the deficit at 3-point mark but it was as close as they could get. The hosts quickly boosted the lead to double-digits and rolled to the victory. Ryota Sakurai (194-G-83) posted 13 points, while Kosuke Kanamaru added 10 points in the win. Wang Zhelin (215-PF-94) answered with 15 points and 14 boards for China. Guo Ailun and Zhao TaiLong had 10 points each in the loss.

Iran - Uzbekistan 79-37
Iran eased into Fiba Asia Cup semifinal stage. They thumped Uzbekistan in the first quarterfinal of the day in Tokyo. Asghar Kardoust (212-C-86) posted 12 points and 8 rebounds to lead the winners. Uzbekistan tried to stay close throughout the first frame. They trailed by just four points after ten minutes 13:17. But Iran held their opponents to just 3 points in the second quarter and boosted the gap. They ensured a 32:16 halftime advantage. Iran increased the tempo in the third term. They unloaded 27 points and piled up a 34-point lead before the fourth quarter. Iran never looked back afterwards cruising to the victory. Aren Davoudichegani (185-PG-86) posted 11 points, while Mohammad Jamshidi added 10 point for Iran. Vyacheslav Denisov (195-G-83) responded with 9 points for Uzbekistan. Aleksandr Yahin netted 8 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.


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  FRANCE   


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

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


Limoges beats Chalon to win 'Match des Champions 2012' - by Eurobasket News

Match des Champions 2012: Chalon - Limoges 76-78

Limoges won the first trophy this season - Match des Champions 2012 (SuperCup). They grabbed 78-76 victory against Chalon last night at Palais des Congres in Paris. Brad Wanamaker (193-G-89, college: Pittsburgh) top-scored in victory with 23 points, while Jean-Michel Mipoka (197-SF-85) added 17 points and 6 rebounds. Ty Walker (213-C-89, college: Wake Forest) helped his team with 11 points and 6 boards. For the reigning ProA champions, Blake Schilb (200-G/F-83, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Loyola, IL) shined with 23 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds, while Steed Tchicamboud (193-G-81) netted 21 pts. Clint N'Dumba-Capela (204-F-94) stopped to 10 points and 5 rebs. Quarters: 24-13, 36-33, 52-57, 76-78. Jean-Michel Mipoka was MVP of the game with valuation 23.
Elan Chalon had impressive least season winning three trophies. The team defended French Cup and also won the ProA title. Chalon was Semaine des As winner as well. At the other side, Limoges CSP was the ProB champion and they won the promotion for ProA. Also Limoges reached French Cup Finals, but lost it to Chalon.
A year ago, Nancy downed Chalon 89-83 to win the SuperCup. Nicolas Batum was the MVP of this game. He had 22 points and 9 rebounds (valuation 30).

Limoges: Brad Wanamaker 23, Jean-Michel Mipoka 17+6 boards, Ty Walker 11+5 boards
Chalon: Blake Schilb 23+7 as+5 boards, Steed Tchicamboud 21, Clint N'Dumba-Capela 10+5 boards


Strasbourg inks Gerald Fitch for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

Gerald Fitch (191-G-82, college: Kentucky) will continue his career in France. We reported earlier this week that Strasbourg is in talks with Fitch and today the club announced his signing. They penned a 1-year deal. Gerald Fitch spent last season with Unicaja. He appeared 21 times in Liga Endesa averaging 10 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists. The player also added 10.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 1.7 apg for 13 Euroleague games. He arrived to Unicaja from Aliaga in January of 2011 and spent rest of the 2010/11 season there. For 18 games in ACB Fitch shined with 15 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 2.3 apg. He was fifth scorer of the competition. Before that, the player exploded with 18.8 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 4.4 rpg and 2.3 apg for 6 games with Aliaga. In 2009/10 Gerald Fitch played for Fuenlabrada and before that he was a member of Kepez. With Kepez he had amazing 28.2 ppg (No.1), 6.9 rpg, 5 apg and 2.1 spg in 14 Turkish league games. Fitch was named Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League Player of the Year -09. He also was TBL scoring champion with Galatasaray in 2007.


Le Havre's Max Kouguere leaves training camp to join Central African NT - by Eurobasket News

Max Kouguere (198-F-87) joined Central African National Team and he will play in 2013 AfroBasket Qualifications, Zone 4. The player left preparations of Le Havre and will be back few days before the season opener. Kouguere penned a deal with Le Havre earlier this summer. He arrived from Le Mans, with whom he reached ProA and Semaine des As Finals last season. The player had 3.5 ppg and 1.3 rpg for 35 ProA games. He also added 2.4 ppg and 2.1 rpg for 8 EuroCup appearances. In 2010/11 season Max Kouguere was a member of Lions de Geneve. There he shined with 14.2 ppg and 4.4 rpg for 33 Swiss league games. In the past, Max Kouguere played for Antibes, Gravelines and InterClub Brazaville. He played for the Central African NT at 2009 AfroBasket in Libya and 2011 AfroBasket in Madagascar. In the latest one he had 10 ppg and 4.5 rpg for 6 games.


Hyeres-Toulon and Atila Santos part ways after tryout - by Eurobasket News

Hyeres-Toulon decided not to keep Atila Santos (208-C-83, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Minnesota St.) for the upcoming season. The Brazilian center joined Hyeres-Toulon almost 10 days ago, but he didnt convince the coaching staff to keep him. Santos arrived to France from the Brazilian team Clube de Regatas do Flamengo. He appeared 21 times in NBB last season averaging 4.7 points, 4.7 assists and 2.3 rebounds. The player also added 3.5 ppg and 2.3 rpg in 4 Liga Sudamericana games. Santos played for the same team also in 2010/11. He started 2009/10 in Spain as a member of LEB Gold team Tenerife and later moved to the NBA D-League (Bakersfield Jam). In 2008/09 season Atila Santos played for Cherno More. He shined with 13.7 ppg and 8 rpg in 34 Bulgarian league games. The played was named to Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League 3rd Team -09. In 2011 and this year as well Santos was awarded with Latinbasket.com All-Brazilian League Defensive Player of the Year. He graduated at Minnesota State University Mankato (NCAA2) in 2008.
Meanwhile, Hyeres-Toulon signed Terence Dials (206-F/C-83, college: Ohio St.).


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  FYR MACEDONIA   


Strumica's Nikola Karakolev to miss 2012/13 season - by Eurobasket News

Bad news for Strumica and its player Nikola Karakolev (197-SG-87). The FYR Macedonian shooting guard/small forward will miss the upcoming season due to hearth problems, according to @Makbasket. He joined the club earlier this summer from Torus Skopje. Karakolev supposed to be one of the key players in Strumica in 2012/13. The player had 7.1 ppg and 2.6 rpg for 26 Superleague games with Torus. He also added 5.1 ppg and 2.1 rpg for 9 Balkan league games last season. Nikola Karakolev played for Torus from 2009 averaging 11.4 ppg and 3.5 rpg for 28 games in their second season together. They reached Superleague Semifinals twice and also Cup Finals in 2010. In the past, Nikola Karakolev played for Rabotnicki and MZT. With Rabotnicki he won Macedonian league title and reached BIBL Finals in 2009. The player has experience from FYROM youth National Teams.


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  GERMANY   


Schwelmer Baskets Bring In CJ Trotter - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


PRO B team Schwelmer Baskets have announced that C.J. Trotter (192-G/F-88, college: S.Indiana) will join the roster. Trotter comes for German captain Fabian Gentgen who still has problems with his foot. Gentgen missed the whole last season and it seemed as if he was ready to play now, but his foot continues to give him problems. Gentgen will remain on the roster and continue to let his foot heel. Trotter is a 23 year old 192 cm swingman from Hopkinsville, Kentucky. He will start his second professional season afer playing his rookie season last year for BC Energie Zwickau (Germany-Regionalliga): 25 games: 22.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.8apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 62.1%, 3Pts: 36.6%, FT: 69.8%. "I decided to get C.J. Trotter mainly because he has been in Germany a year and can compensate the role of Gentgen. I also think that he fits to our team with his charachter and his play", stressed Schwelmer Baskets head coach Raphel Wilder. Trotter played at S.Indiana (NCAA2) and in his senior year played 14.9ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.8apg, 0.7bpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 80.2%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been GLVC East Division Regular Season Runner-Up -10, 11, GLVC Tournament Finalist -11, All-GLVC 2nd Team -11, and Eurobasket.com All-Regionalliga South-East Honorable Mention -12



Source: Schwelmer Baskets


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  HOLLAND   


Den Helder Kings will get its own sportcenter - by Eurobasket News

Den Helder Kings will get its own sportcenter. The owners of Dante Real Estate Ltd. are Paul Mijnen and Rob Waardenburg.

,,That we have purchased this property is purely born from the idea of supporting basketball said Waardenburg. ,,Our enthusiasm has made us decide to buy SportCenter so we will create a stable base for professional basketball in Den Helder.

It will be the first time ever in Dutch Basketball history that the gym in which a professional team will play, will also be owned by their main sponsor. That puts the Den Helder Kings in a truly unique position.

Meanwhile, for the renovation of the property Dante Real Estate Ltd. received several bids from contractors. The main hall of the building in which the Den Helder Kings will play and practice, was declared unsafe by the local fire department so no more activity could take place there as long a renovation plan has not been presented. Once a concrete action plan has been submitted to the municipality (and fire department), the basketball teams of the Den Helder Kings can start using gym. General Manager Peter Meijer;

I assume that the municipality has to keep their promises. We have kept our word and I am assuming that we can play our first league game on 6 October.

Basketball has a very rich tradition in Den Helder. Both the mens and womens team have won several championships and participated succesfully in international competition.

Especially the mens team was a dangerous outsider in international basketball in the early nineties of the last century and also formed the bulk of the Dutch national team for many years.

In this century Den Helder had to withdraw twice from the Dutch Basketball league due to bankruptcy but now they are back again as the Den Helder Kings. With the strong support of the local community and the many sponsors Den Helder Kings could be the dark horse of the Dutch Basketball League this year.

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


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  HUNGARY   

Standings - A Division

A Division Standings
 1. Albacomp 0-0 
 2. Atomeromu 0-0 
 3. Falco-Szova 0-0 
 4. FS Debrecen 0-0 
 5. Jaszberenyi 0-0 
 6. Kaposvari 0-0 
 7. Kormend 0-0 
 8. Marso NYKK 0-0 
 9. PVSK Pannon 0-0 
 10. Soproni 0-0 
 11. Szedeak 0-0 
 12. Szolnok 0-0 
 13. ZTE KK 0-0 

Regular Season: Round 1

Oct. 4: Falco-Szova - Soproni
Oct. 5: Marso NYKK - PVSK Pannon
Oct. 5: Albacomp - ZTE KK
Oct. 6: Kormend - Kaposvari
Oct. 7: Szedeak - FS Debrecen
Oct. 7: Atomeromu - Jaszberenyi


Standings - B Division

B Division Standings
East
 1. Bajai FKE 0-0 
 2. DEAC 0-0 
 3. EnterHod Vas. 0-0 
 4. KF-Eger-HESZ SE 0-0 
 5. Konecranes 0-0 
 6. Kosarlabda 0-0 
 7. Mezoberenyi 0-0 
 8. Nagykorosi 0-0 
 9. Obudai 0-0 
 10. Phoenix KK 0-0 
 11. Salgotarjani 0-0 
West
 1. Bonyhadi 0-0 
 2. Bp. Honved 0-0 
 3. GYOR-SZOL 0-0 
 4. MAFC 0-0 
 5. MTK Torokbalint 0-0 
 6. PTE-PEAC PVSK 0-0 
 7. SMAFC-NYME 0-0 
 8. TF Budapest 0-0 
 9. Vasas 0-0 
 10. Veszpremi 0-0 


Brandon Wood replaces Josiah Turner - by Tamas Deri

Josiah Turner (190-G-92, college: Arizona) got a contract for the coming season with Albacomp, but the american player asked his for release because of personal reasons. The management of Alba Fehervar did not have to wait for a replacement and invited american guard Brandon Wood (187-G-89, agency: N.E.T., college: Michigan St.) for a trial period. The 187 cm tall guard started his NCAA carreer with the University of Southern Illinois but was transferred afer one year to Valparaiso. He had a very strong sophomore season averaging 17.7ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg and got voted to the Newcomer of the Horizon League. In his junior season he helped his team with 16.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.1apg, 1.7spg. He played as a senior for powerhouse Michigan State and put up 8.8ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.9apg for the Spartans who won the Big Ten Tournament and attended the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament. Wood arrived from Skopje to Hungary today, where he was tested by the macedonian team KK MZT Skopje Aerodrom.


ZTE brings in American PG Omar Krayem for tryout - by Eurobasket News

Omar Krayem (185-G-86, college: Cal.Baptist) is in Hungary. The American point guard joined ZTE for tryout. Krayem was practicing with Stockholm Eagles recently. The player spent last season with Boras Basket. He helped them reach Basketligan Semifinals and was named Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan Guard of the Year -12. The PG shined with 18.6 ppg, 6.1 apg, 4.4 rpg and 2 spg in 45 games. In 2010/11 season Omar Krayem was Player of the Year in BasketEttan. He exploded with 27.2 ppg, 6.4 apg, 4.8 spg and 4.5 rpg for 19 games with KSF Srbija Malmo. It was his first season as a pro. Krayem played for California Baptist University (NCAA2) in 2008/09 season. He also has experience from the Eastern Washington University (NCAA1).


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  ICELAND   


Thor sign Robert Diggs - by Snorri Arnaldsson

League runner up Thor Thorl recently inked a contract with Robert Diggs (203-F-87, college: G.Washington) for the upcoming season. Diggs will bolster their roster and help Thor fight the battle under the basket.

Diggs has previously played in the top division in Holland, in Israel and in the D-league. Thor had previously signed Darrell Flake (193-F-80, college: McKendree) and Benjamin Smith (178-G-87, college: Jacksonville). These three players are expected to help Thor build on last seasons success, where Thor lost in the finals to Grindavik.


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  ISRAEL   


Hapoel Yokneam/Megido add Taylor Darby - by Eurobasket News

Hapoel Yokneam/Megido bolstered their roster. They agreed on terms of contract with Taylor Darby (203-F). The forward is expected to arrive to Israel in the upcoming days. It is the first pro contract for Taylor Darby. He has just graduated from the Pepperdine University. Taylor Darby notched 12.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in his senior season. He made it into WCC All-Academic Team. Taylor Darby was also named into CoSIDA Capital One Academic All-America All-District 8 1st Team.


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  ITALY   


Sutor Montegranaro inks Aaron Johnson - by Ernest Hertig

Sutor Montegranaro (SerieA) agreed terms with 24-year old American point guard Aaron Johnson (203-F/C-83, college: N.Mexico). He will replace Zach Andrews, who is sidelined for at least one month. That's why its hard to conclude that Johnson will stay there for entire season. Johnson missed last season. But two years ago he played at Mazzeo San Severo in LegaDue (7.6ppg, 7.8rpg) and then moved to C.B. Murcia in Spanish LEB Gold for just only 4 games (0.5ppg). Murcia won that season Spanish LEB Gold Championship.
Johnson played previously in Italy (Aget Imola, Scafati Basket and Fileni Bpa Jesi) in Holland (Giants Bergen op Zoom) and Latvia (Liepajas Lauvas).
He graduated from University of New Mexico in 2007 and it will be his fifth season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center


TUBAD Tournament: Banvit edge visiting Virtus Bologna - by Eurobasket News

Banvit-Virtus Bologna 79:77

The hosts edge visiting Virtus Bologna at the Banvit-TUBAD Tournament opener. Banvit won the thriller 79:77 in Day 1 of the competition.
The hosts started with 19-16 in the first period, but allowed the Italian team to take 1-point lead at the halftime. Virtus Bologna needed 20-16 in the second period for 36:35 at the halftime. Banvit meanwhile posted two narrow victories in the second half. They needed 27-25 in the third period to grab the lead back after three quarters and then won the game due to 17-16 in the last stanza.
Vladimir Stimac (211-C-87, agency: Interperformances) and Keith Simmons (196-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Holy Cross) top-scored for the winners with 14 points each. Erolcan Cinko (188-G-90) nailed 8, while Kenan Bajramovic (205-C-81) had 6. Steven Smith (203-F-83, college: La Salle) ended up with 26 points in the losing effort and Ricky Minard (196-F/G-82, college: Morehead St.) nailed 11. Brian Hasbrouk and Richard Rocca followed them with 9 points apiece.

Banvit: Vladimir Stimac 14, Keith Simmons 14, Erolcan Cinko 8, Kenan Bajramovic 6
Virtus Bologna: Steven Smith 26, Ricky Minard 11, Brian Hasbrouk 9, Richard Rocca 9


Nic Wise leaves Caserta, according to his tweet - by Eurobasket News

According to tweet by Nic Wise (178-PG-87, college: Arizona), it seems that the American point guard leaves Caserta. The player tweeted yesterday: I'm comin home'. However, nothing is officially announced by the club. Nic Wise spent last season with Le Havre. He appeared 22 times in ProA averaging 15.1 points, 5.6 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 2 steals. He was named to Eurobasket.com All-French ProA 3rd Team -12. Before Le Havre, Wise was a member of Telekom Baskets Bonn and it was his first season as a pro. The player had 13.7 ppg, 3.1 apg and 2.2 rpg for 33 games in Germany. He was awarded with Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Newcomers Team -11. Pretty close numbers Wise also registered for 6 EuroChallenge games. He graduated at the University of Arizona in 2010.


Biancoblu Bologna confirms signing of Ricky Harris - by Eurobasket News

Ricky Harris (188-G-87, college: Massachusetts) will continue his career in Italy. Biancoblu Bologna announced his signing for the upcoming season. The American guard spent 2011/12 with S. Oliver Baskets Wuerzburg. He appeared 35 times in German 1.Bundesliga averaging 9.8 points and 1.8 rebounds. He helped them reach Playoff Semifinals. Ricky Harris split 2010/11 season between Lithuanian Siauliai and Ukrainian Ferro-ZNTU Zaporozhye. With Siauliai he had 12.6 ppg and 1.6 rpg for 5 EuroCup games. His numbers were lower in Baltic league and LKL. Later with Ferro-ZNTU the player added 9.9 ppg, 3.4 apg and 2 rpg for 29 games in Ukraine. He finished the season with Filipino team B-Meg Llamados. Ricky Harris graduated at the University of Massachusetts something more than a year ago. He shined with 19.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 2.9 apg for his school in 31 games as a senior.


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  JAPAN   


2012 Fiba Asia Cup: Japan hold off China to enter semifinal stage - by Eurobasket News

Japan - China 60:50

Japan ensured the semifinal birth at home Fiba Asia Cup. The hosts toppled China in Tokyo to set up the clash versus Qatar. Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) accounted for 18 points and 10 rebounds to lead the winners.
China led by a single point ten minutes into the game 16:15. But Japan stiffened defence and held their opponents to just 9 points in the second quarter. The hosts pulled ahead for a 31:25 halftime advantage. Japan kept a tight grip on the lead in the second half. The home team accumulated a 7-point lead heading into the fourth frame. China cut the deficit at 3-point mark but it was as close as they could get. The hosts quickly boosted the lead to double-digits and rolled to the victory. Ryota Sakurai (194-G-83) posted 13 points, while Kosuke Kanamaru (193-F/G-89) added 10 points in the win. Wang Zhelin (215-PF-94) answered with 15 points and 14 boards for China. Guo Ailun (192-SF-93) and Zhao TaiLong (193-G/F-90) had 10 points each in the loss.

Japan: Kosuke Takeuchi 18+10 boards, Ryota Sakurai 13, Kosuke Kanamaru 10
China: Wang Zhelin 15+14 boards, Guo Ailun 10, Zhao TaiLong 10


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  KAZAKHSTAN   


BC Donetsk hold off BC Astana in Italy - by Eurobasket News

BC Donetsk - BC Astana 60:55

BC Donetsk played another friendly encounter at the training camp in Italy. They faced Kazakh champions BC Astana. The Ukrainian powerhouse eked out a narrow victory. Darius Songaila (204-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) posted 17 points to lead the winners.
BC Donetsk pulled in front early in the game. They dropped 25 points in the first frame to take an 8-point lead. BC Astana narrowed the gap in the second quarter. The Kazakh team got within 2 points at halftime 32:34. BC Astana denied the deficit in the third quarter. The Kazakh side surged ahead for a 46:45 lead at the final intermission. But BC Donetsk held their opponents to 9 points in the fourth frame and eked out a tough victory at the end. Vojdan Stojanovski (194-G-87) and Ramel Curry (192-G-80, college: CSU Bakersfield) provided 11 points each for the winners. Fischer had 8 points in the victory. Jerry Johnson (182-PG-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: Rider) answered with 13 points for BC Astana. Rawle Marshall (200-SF-82, college: Oakland) had 12 points in the loss.

BC Donetsk: Darius Songaila 17, Vojdan Stojanovski 11, Ramel Curry 11
BC Astana: Jerry Johnson 13, Rawle Marshall 12


Almaty add Ivan Gilyevych and Vyacheslav Bogdanov - by Eurobasket News

BK Almaty strengthened their roster with addition of two Ukrainian players. They agreed on terms of contract with Ivan Gilyevych (205-F/C-82) and Vyacheslav Bogdanov (200-F-83, agency: Promotex).
Ivan Gilyevych played for MBC Mykolaiv since 2007. Last season he tallied 7.6 points and 2.8 rebounds per game in Superleague. Previously the centre had spells for Cherkasy and Vozko Voznesensk.
Vyacheslav Bogdanov is not new to Kazakhstan. Last season the forward played for Tobol Kostanay. Vyacheslav Bogdanov notched 13.0 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in D1. He earned All-Kazakhstan League Honourable Mention. Previously the forward played in Ukraine, Belarus and Estonia.


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  KENYA   


Double win pushes Co-op to the top - by Eurobasket News

KBF premier league defending champions Co-op Bank ;posted double win son travel to Kakamega and Kisumu respectively results that helped them move to the top of the table standings with 28 points replacing arch rivals KCB Lions who are now placed at 2nd position with 26 points.
Co-op Bank defied the opponents home ground advantage beating students Masinde Muliro 79-58 at their own Police Canteen backyard on Saturday. They went ahead to dismiss bottom placed Lakeside 62-46 in Kisumu.
Co-op Bank has played 16 matches compared to KCB. Below are the collated results for other matches that were played on Sunday:
NAKURU-
NAKURU CLUB 55/92 VS K.A.A. 24/87
24/31/12/12/13 14/10/32/23/08
23 pts James Okerio 20 pts Vito Khote
21 pts Ariel Okal 13 pts Vincent Onyim
KISUMU -
LAKESIDE 19/46 VS COOPBANK 38/62
13/06/12/15 11/16/14/10
15 pts Andre Odhiambo 16 pts James Mwangi
08 pts Dennis Oduor 11 pts Eugene Genga
10 pts Cliff Ochieng
NYAYO
UMOJA 34/68 VS PARKLANDS 19/43
13/21/20/14 08/11/12/11
13 pts Rogers Ombati 13 pts Richard Adega
10 pts Felix Omondi 13 pts Goeffry Oteki
NRB AVIATION 29/51 VS TRAILBLAZERS 18/39
16/13/09/12 12/06/14/07
12 pts Ben Oluoch 12 pts Dennis Oyaro
11 pts Shem Otieno
EMYBA 28/37 VS K.A.A. 33/62
11/07/10/09 18/15/11/18
09 pts Collins Ochillo 18 pts Bill Ongute
13 pts Alphas Muema
12 pts Ronald Kipruto
BLAZERS 27/67 VS MENNONITES 21/50
12/15/21/19 09/12/13/16
15 pts Japheth Areba 13 pts Evans Ochieng
11 pts Kennedy Momanyi 12 pts Joseph Achega
STRATHMORE 37/58 VS TERROR 21/54
23/14/08/13 10/12/11/21
25 pts David Ogolla 14 pts Bryan Obimbo
12 pts Hillary Kubai
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.ch/


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  LEBANON   


2012 Fiba Asia Cup: Qatar shock Lebanon, advance into semifinals - by Eurobasket News

Qatar - Lebanon 79:72

Qatar clinched Fiba Asia Cup semifinal birth. They shocked Lebanon to stay in the title race. Clinton Fihnoir Johnson (193-G-84) fired 28 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to pace the winners.
Qatar surged ahead early in the game. They secured a 21:15 lead after ten minutes of action. Lebanon slowed their opponents down in the second frame. They denied the deficit as the teams were tied at 35 heading into the second half. Qatar used a 6:0 run midway through the third term to open a 7-point lead. Soon Clinton Fihnoir Johnson opened a 10-point lead for Qatar 54:44. Lebanon narrowed the gap at 4-point mark at the final intermission. Qatar triggered a 9:0 run at the start of the fourth quarter to gain a 12-point advantage. They kept Lebanon at bay throughout the reminder of the contest and sealed the win at the end. Mansour Atif (177-PG-90) accounted for 14 points, while Mohammed Yousef (204-C-82) added 13 points for the winners. Garnett Thompson (206-C/F-80, agency: Veracity Sports, LLC, college: Providence) answered with 26 points and 16 boards for Lebanon. Jean Abdel Nour (198-F/G-83) had 24 points and 12 caroms in the loss.

Qatar: Clinton Fihnoir Johnson 28, Mansour Atif 14, Mohammed Yousef 13
Lebanon: Garnett Thompson 26+16 boards, Jean Abdel Nour 24+12 boards


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  LITHUANIA   


Statyba Vilnius keep Rinkunas, Tarvydas and bring Zarskus - by Eurobasket News

Statyba Vilnius keep Tadas Rinkunas (195-G/F-91), Darius Tarvydas (200-F-91) and bring Alvydas Zarskus (205-C-94) for the next season.
Alvydas Zarskus played for Vilniaus KM-Magnus junior team and then moved to Lietuvos rytas Vilnius junior team.
Tadas Rinkunas played first for Vilniaus KM-Magnus (RKL) and then moved to Puntukas Jarimpeksas Anyksciai (NKL, starting five). In 2011-2012 appeared for Statyba Vilnius (NKL, starting five) and averaged 11.1ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 43.4%, FT: 76.2%.
Darius Tarvydas joined Panevezys Techasas (LKL) last year and averaged 5.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 26.3% in Baltic league. In Lithuanian League his stats read 2.4ppg, 1.3rpg. In Jan.'12 signed at Statyba Vilnius (NKL) and showed 12.2ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 86.9%.


Dnipro post first win at Sargunas Cup - by Eurobasket News

Dnipro - Juventus 89:78

Dnipro advanced into the Final of Sargunas Cup in Lithuania. They knocked down Juventus Utena to reach the title game. Daniel Kickert (208-C/F-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) posted 24 points, 6 boards and 5 assists to lead the winners.
Juventus led by two points after ten minutes of action. They stretched the lead to 4 points at halftime 42:38. But Dnipro exploded with 32 points in the third term and gained a 12-point lead before the fourth frame. Juventus could not deny the deficit in the fourth period and had to surrender at the end. Stanislav Tymofeyenko (202-F-89) accounted for 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Valdas Vasylius (203-F-83, college: ODU) added 11 points in the win. Darrick Leonard (188-G-84, college: Aurora) answered with 20 points for Juventus. Arvydas Cepulis (196-G-79) netted 19 points in the loss.

Dnipro: Daniel Kickert 24, Stanislav Tymofeyenko 15+10 boards, Valdas Vasylius 11
Juventus: Darrick Leonard 20, Arvydas Cepulis 19


Liatkabelis edge Pieno Zvaigzdes to reach R.Sargunas Cup Final - by Eurobasket News

Liatkabelis - Pieno Zvaigzdes 66:65

Liatkabelis advanced into the Final of R.Sargunas Cup. They held off Pieno Zvaigzdes in a tight battle in the first day of the tournament. Gytis Sirutavicius (195-SF-83) posted 19 points to lead the winners. Adomas Drungilas (203-C-90) finished with 13 points, while Mindaugas Kupsas (214-C-91) accounted for 13 points in the victory. Booker Woodfox (185-PG-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Creighton) answered with 17 points for Pieno Zvaigzdes. TreVon Hughes (183-PG-87, agency: Edge Sports, college: Wisconsin) had 12 points in the loss.
Liatkabelis will now take on Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk for the trophy. Pieno Zvaigzdes will face Juventus in consolation final.


Neptunas edge Tartu Ulikool in Liepaja - by Eurobasket News

Neptunas - Tartu Ulikool 84:78

Neptunas opened their Liepaja pre-season tournament campaign with victory. They held off Tartu Ulikool. Martynas Mazeika (193-G-85, agency: Interperformances) stepped up with 20 points to lead the Lithuanian side.
Neptunas ensured a 25:19 lead after ten minutes of action. Tartu cut the distance at 4-point mark at the interval 39:43. The teams stayed close throughout the third quarter. The Estonian team managed to narrow the gap at only 3 points 60:63. But Neptunas fired 21 points in the fourth frame and snatched a narrow win at the end. Deividas Gailius (200-F-88) posted 14 points, while Laurynas Mikalauskas (203-PF-85, college: Virginia) netted 11 points for the winners. Egidijus Dimsa (205-C-85) and Justin Ingram (185-PG-85, agency: Two Points, college: Toledo) responded with 14 points each for Tartu Ulikool.

Neptunas: Martynas Mazeika 20, Deividas Gailius 14, Laurynas Mikalauskas 11
Tartu Ulikool: Egidijus Dimsa 14, Justin Ingram 14


Juventus to test Gabriel McCulley - by Eurobasket News

Juventus has invited Gabriel McCulley (200-G/F-89) for try-outs. The forward has just graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso. Gabriel McCulley notched 11.1 points, 5.5 boards, 2.0 assists and 1.1 steals per game in his senior season. He is expected to join Juventus in the upcoming days.


Siauliai knock down Dynamo Moscow in Liepaja - by Eurobasket News

Siauliai - Dynamo Moscow 97:81

Siauliai recorded the first win at LOC Cup 2012 in Liepaja. They held off Dynamo Moscow in Group A action. Vytautas Sulskis (200-G-88, college: Youngstown St.) came up with 24 points to lead the winners.
Siaulia surged ahead early in the encounter. They recorded a 24:11 advantage after ten minutes of action. The margin grew at 18-point mark at halftime 49:31. Dynamo slowed their opponents a bit in the third term. The Russian team got within 16 points at the final intermission. The teams traded baskets throughout the fourth frame as Siauliai sealed the victory at the end. Vitali Liutych (197-SG-92) accounted for 17 points, while Ovidijus Galdikas (217-C-88) added 11 points for Siauliai. Artem Gorlanov (195-G-91) answered with 17 points for Dynamo Moscow. Artur Urazmanov (186-G-87) netted 16 points in the loss.

Siauliai: Vytautas Sulskis 24, Vitali Liutych 17, Ovidijus Galdikas 11
Dynamo Moscow: Artem Gorlanov 17, Artur Urazmanov 16


Naglis Palangos invite Marcus Relphorde - by Eurobasket News

Naglis Palangos (LKL) invited 24-year old American forward Marcus Relphorde (200-101kg-88, college: Colorado) for a try-out period. Relphorde played last season at LF Basket in Swedish Basketligan. In 20 Basketligan games he recorded 18.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.8apg and 1.2spg. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. Relphorde also played at Canton Charge in USA D-League that season. In 9 D-League games he averaged 11.7ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.3apg and 1.0spg. He contributed to his team making it to the semifinals.
He graduated from University of Colorado in 2011 and it will be his second season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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  MONTENEGRO   


Koljevic returns to Ukraine - by Darko Pekic

Ukrainian club Cherkasy got a newcomer for their backcourt. They agreed on terms of short-term contract with Ivan Koljevic (187-PG-84, agency: New Trend Agency) . The guard will spend at least two months with Cherkasy. Last season Koljevic started in Poland. He played for Polpharma. His stats read 6.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game. The guard finished the season with Cherkasy. He posted 13.0 points, 6.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals per appearance. Ivan Koljevic also played for Cherkasy back in 2008/09 season. The guard also had stints in Poland, Greece, Turkey, Russia, Lithuania, Spain, Montenegro.

Ivan Koljevic has been the member of Montenegrin National Team since 2008.


Centar Bijelo Polje will strengthen the roster with two Americans - by Darko Pekic

According to eurobasket.com sources, Centar Bijelo Polje, the newcomer in Division I, will sign two American players for the new season. The new names in the club will be Rickey Young (204-F/C-90, college: W.Virginia Tech) and Aaron Mitchell (187-G, college: Longwood).

Young played last year for the club from Bijelo Polje and averaged 9.3ppg, 5.7rpg. He was supposed to sign with Trepca (Kosovo) but after his former club won administrative promotion to the EBL he decided to return to Montenegro. Michell is a point guard with no professional experience abroad who played for Longwood (NCAA1) and averaged last season 13.4ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.8apg. Both players are expected to arrive to Bijelo Polje in the next couple of days.


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  NBA   


Channing Frye sidelined indefinitely with an enlarged heart - by Eurobasket News

Suns forward Channing Frye (6'11''-C/F-83, college: Arizona) never could have imagined life would pile any more on him after suffering a season-ending injury in April, undergoing shoulder surgery in May and enduring two surgeries on each eye for his 4-month-old daughter's cataracts.

There was no imagining he could have a heart virus.

Frye said he expects to miss the coming season due to an enlarged heart caused by a virus that is rare and only treatable with rest, if that even works. It was caught during a recent treadmill stress test that players undergo before each season's October training camp.

Suns cardiologist Dr. Tim Byrne discovered that Frye, 29, had dilated cardiomyopathy and Frye underwent a battery of tests before visiting the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota on Wednesday for a final accord among more doctors.

"It was very shocking and, at the same time, scary," Frye said. "It's not like an arm or knee or an elbow where you're like, 'Maybe I can just rehab this.' It's something that keeps you going. The only time you hear about things going on like that is (Boston's) Jeff Green getting open-heart surgery or (Sacramento's) Chuck Hayes getting a little scare."

The Suns said Frye, who is signed through 2015, will be re-evaluated in December for the possibility of activity but Frye told azcentral sports several times that he must have six months of rest and expects to miss the season that runs to April.

He said his activity will be limited to yoga and golf.

"I want to take a year off and make sure that I'm OK to play and that I'm not going to do any more damage to my heart," Frye said. "There's no reason to push. It's not worth it for the long run. To be 29 and have a heart issue is very rare. Other than that, I had a clean bill of health. I'm a 120-over-78 blood pressure guy."

Frye will miss out on a season at an age when NBA big men often are at their peak. The hometown product's best seasons have come in Phoenix, where he averaged 11.5 points and 5.9 rebounds and made 434 3-pointers over three years.

He felt like he would be in his best training-camp shape ever, other than the need to rebuild strength in his repaired right shoulder. Frye cleaned up his shooting mechanics and was ahead of schedule for a return to action.

But his heart was pumping out blood at half the capacity of what it had a year prior.

The unpreventable virus attacks the heart muscle severely and quickly, meaning an EKG test before his May surgery would not have indicated an issue.

His heart muscle fibers were stretched, weakening the strength to pump blood.

Frye's condition ran the risk of sudden cardiac death, according to cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Grayson Wheatley of the Arizona Heart Institute. He is not Frye's doctor.

"There's the small but real possibility that he could go into an arrhythmia," Wheatley said. "His heart would beat in an uncoordinated fashion and he'd pass out and die."

In these cases, Wheatley said it is unknown whether the heart will recover from the infection and regain normalcy.

"It's exceptionally rare to have this problem and even more rare in an athlete," Wheatley said. "His heart is going to have to regenerate quite a bit."

Wheatley said it is more common for people in their 20s.

He said the three-month checkpoint mentioned by the Suns would be the earliest possibility to resume activity.

He also warned of a small risk of deterioration, even requiring a heart transplant.

Without Frye, the Suns have Marcin Gortat, Luis Scola, Markieff Morris and Jermaine O'Neal at center and power forward, but could use Michael Beasley at times and camp invitee Solomon Jones.

Frye maintains optimism, looking forward to more time with his wife, Lauren, 2-year-old son, Hendrix, and 4-month-old daughter, Margeaux.

"I'm definitely not done," Frye said. "When it's done and the doctors clear me, I'm going to get right back at it as if nothing's wrong.

"You can't play scared. If you can't play scared, don't get out there. As soon as I get healthy, I'll be more determined to take advantage of the time I have out there."

On the suns.com website, the team is asking for fans to submit well wishes to Frye.

Courtesy of www.azcentral.com


Kevin Love: It will be a big surprise to me if we don't make playoffs - by Eurobasket News

At the tender age of 24, Kevin Love's (6'10''-PF-88, college: UCLA) basketball resume is in rarified air.

Two-time NBA All-Star. Member of the U.S. gold medal-winning teams at the World Championships (2010) and Olympic Games (2012). NBA rebounding king in 2010-11. Led the league in double-doubles (48), second in rebounds (13.3 per game) and fourth in scoring (26.0) last season.

One major omission: NBA playoff experience.

Entering his fifth season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Love hasnt had a sniff of the postseason. Minnesota, in fact, has finished fifth and last in the Northwest Division in each of his four seasons. That could change in 2012-13 as the Timberwolves have beefed up a roster that has their Western Conference competition on notice.

It would be a big surprise to me if we didnt make a huge leap this year and make it to the playoffs, the Lake Oswego native told me Wednesday.

With Hall of Fame-to-be coach Rick Adelman and rookie phenom Ricky Rubio at point guard, the Timberwolves nearly made it there a year ago. They were 21-19, but a game later, Rubio was lost for the season with an ACL knee injury.

Thus began a progression of injuries that saw the Wolves without their top five scorers including Love at one point. They went into free-fall, losing 13 of their last 14 games to finish 26-40.

Thats all in the rear-view mirror now. During the offseason, General Manager David Kahn bolstered a returning nucleus of Love, Rubio, Nikola Pekovic, J.J. Barea, Luke Ridnour, Wesley Johnson and Derrick Williams by signing free agents Brandon Roy, Andrei Kirilenko, Greg Stiemsma and Russian guard Alexey Shved and trading a first-round pick for Chase Budinger.

Were going to have a chance to be very good, Love said. Were hoping Brandon can stay healthy through 82 games. Kirilenko is a big addition. Shved hopefully is going to be a big deal for us.

Well have more firepower in terms of veterans. Brandon and Andrei will help our locker room and on the court. It will make Coach Adelmans job a lot easier.

If everything is put together, if Ricky comes back healthy, were going to be a force to be reckoned with.

Love is right about that, especially with Adelman masterminding the impressive blend of talent. He and Kevin have known each other since Adelmans youngest son, Patrick, were teammates at Lake Oswego High.

Ricks been really great to play for, Love said. Hes a players coach. He knows exactly what he wants and gets the most out of his players. There is always that mutual respect. You can talk to each other and work things out.

Hell throw you on the court and let you make mistakes and learn from them. We have a pretty young corps, so it works well for us.

Loves role as a key reserve with the U.S. team at the London Olympics this summer was typically understated, but important. He wound up as the teams No. 5 scorer, averaging 11.6 points in the eight games. He was the top rebounder (7.6) despite playing only 17 minutes per contest, shot .630 from the field and was often on the court in the final minutes with the likes of Chris Paul, LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant.

After the U.S. had beaten Spain 107-100 for the gold medal, coach Mike Krzyzewski paid tribute, calling Love the teams unsung hero.

That meant a lot to me, Love said. Im playing with the best players in the world. To be in there with the final group ... I was glad to be able to play well and produce for the team.

The overall experience, Love said, was unbelievable a dream come true.

I was a kid who grew up watching the Olympics, and not just basketball, Love said. Gymnastics, swimming, track and field I loved all the sports.

I remember watching my first Olympics (the Atlanta 96 Games as a 7-year-old), and thinking it would be so much fun to be a part of the USA team. And there I was, living a dream.

During the time in London, Love attended several other events.

Got to see Usain Bolt, he said. We were sitting midway through the 100-meter dash, 10 or 15 rows up, when he won the gold. Saw (swimmer) Michael Phelps win a couple of gold medals. Watched tennis, beach volleyball. It was special.

Love said the camaraderie among the U.S. players was great.

There was never a doubt it was going to happen, he said. It was a younger group of guys mixed with an older, veteran group, and we had to mesh. It started during training camp. Thats when we took off and became a strong unit. We felt we were all there as one in London.

Love caught some good-natured grief from his teammates while using his Instagram app on Twitter, sending out a photo of napping Paul, James, James Harden, Deron Williams and Anthony Davis during the team flight to London and tweeting it accompanied by the hashtag #GotEm for the world to see.

Williams got payback later when he snapped a dozing Love and tweeted the solo shot of the initial perpetrator.

It was all in fun, Love said. Were like everybody else. Some guys take on that persona that were larger than life, but we still have the same type interactions with people.

After (the original tweet), everybody wanted to catch me at that point. We always sat in the same spot on the team bus. I knew somebody was going to get me.

The entire Love family parents Stan and Karen, brother Collin and sister Emily made it to London for the Games.

That was very cool, Kevin said. They were able to take in a lot of different events as well as our (basketball) games. It was fun to see that and party with them after we won. The whole thing all the way through was a family affair.

Two days after London, Love was back at the home in Santa Monica, Calif., he shares with his girlfriend, actress Cody Horn (Magic Mike).

Our townhouse is five minutes from where I was born St. Johns Hospital, he said.

When he turned pro in 2008, Love worked with a personal coach on his basketball skills. He has expanded his entourage to include a teacher of yoga (after my rookie year), strength and conditioning (the last two years) and biomechanics.

Just started that two weeks ago, Love said. Im learning to move the right way. Its going to be better for my body. All of the stuff I do is hard work, but its my job. I love putting in the work and seeing the results. It pays off. Its worth it.

Love flies on Friday to Minneapolis to begin preparation for his fifth NBA season, one he hopes will reap the fruits of playoff action.

Ive worked a lot on my post game to try to be more of an inside/outside threat, he said. I want to be a leader even more so than I was before with this new group of guys.

It wont be easy. But Im thinking that, when the 2012-13 campaign is in the books, Kevin Love will have something more to add to that already glitzy resume.

Courtesy of http://portlandtribune.com


Warriors' Stephen Curry cleared to play - by Eurobasket News

Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (6'3''-PG-88, college: Davidson) received full medical clearance to resume all basketball-related activities.

The announcement by the team Thursday came after Curry's surgically repaired right ankle was examined again by Dr. Richard Ferkel in Van Nuys (Los Angeles County). Curry missed 40 games last season because of repeated problems with his ankle.

The team said his most recent operation on April 25 was an "exploratory procedure" that "revealed a stable ankle with no structural damage and consisted of cleaning out loose debris and scar tissue."

Curry averaged 14.7 points, 5.3 assists and 3.4 rebounds last season. The former Davidson star had surgery to repair a tendon in his ankle in the summer of 2011 and never seemed at full speed in the 26 games he played.

Courtesy of www.sfgate.com


Clippers exercise Bledsoe's contract option - by Eurobasket News

The Los Angeles Clippers announced Thursday that the club has exercised the fourth-year option on the contract of guard Eric Bledsoe (6'1''-PG-89, college: Kentucky).

In his second pro season, the 22-year-old Birmingham native totaled 3.3 points, 1.6 assists and 1.6 rebounds in 40 games last year. The season was hampered by recovery from surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.

A former first-round pick of the Thunder in 2010, Bledsoe, is a Kentucky product. He averaged 5.6 points, 2.4 boards and 2.9 assists in 121 games for the Clippers.

Courtesy of www.sacbee.com


Keyon Dooling retires after 12 NBA seasons - by Eurobasket News

Boston Celtics guard Keyon Dooling (6'3''-G-80, college: Missouri) has decided to retire from the NBA after 12 seasons, the team announced on Thursday.

Dooling, a career journeyman, has played for six NBA teams. Mostly a point guard or wing off the bench, Dooling provided timely shooting in his only season with the Celtics, most notably in the Eastern Conference finals against the Miami Heat.

"We'll miss Keyon's spirit and energy, both on and off the court," said Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge. "The whole Celtics family wishes him well as he enters the next phase of his life."

Before joining the Celtics, who waived the guard on Thursday, Dooling spent significant time with the Los Angeles Clippers and Orlando Magic. Dooling averaged 7.0 points and 2.2 assists on multiple middling teams. Although he never started a postseason game, Dooling made the most of his time. He put in 5.3 points per game in only 14.1 minutes in four trips.

"Keyon has decided that he has given the NBA 12 good years and that it's time to pursue other interests and spend more time with his family," Dooling's agent Kenge Stevenson said. "He will never forget his time in Boston with the Celtics."

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com


Stephon Marbury questions Knicks - by Eurobasket News

Count ex-New York Knick Stephon Marbury among those who don't think current Knicks stars Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire are a good fit together.

"Amare needs a point guard like Steve Nash (to thrive). He's a pick-and-roll guy, a pick-and-pop guy. He can't play in the half court where everything's slowed down," Marbury told ESPN New York during a brief interview in Manhattan on Wednesday.

When asked if he thought Anthony and Stoudemire could flourish together, Marbury said flatly, "Nope."

Many have expressed the same concerns with the Knicks' star duo. In their season and a half together, the Knicks have a sub-.500 record when both are in the starting lineup.

But Marbury brings a unique perspective to the debate. He played with Stoudemire in Phoenix during the 2002-03 season and for 34 games the next season before Marbury was dealt to the Knicks. He also spent five mostly rocky years with the Knicks.

In addition to his thoughts on Stoudemire, Marbury also questioned the Knicks' motivation in obtaining Anthony. New York executed a three-team blockbuster deal to bring Anthony in from Denver in February 2011.

"I don't know if (Knicks owner James) Dolan brought him in to win games or to make money," Marbury said. "I think it was to make money."

Marbury, though, says Anthony is the Knicks' best player and the team should be built around his strengths. Anthony is a skilled passer but also thrives in isolation.

This style clashed at times with ex-Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni's up-tempo system. Current Knicks coach Mike Woodson seemed more comfortable putting the ball in Anthony's hands in the low and mid-post and letting him operate in isolation after he took over in late March.

"You knew what he was when you got him," Marbury said of Anthony. "Let him do what he does."

Marbury is 3 years removed from his controversial tenure in New York. The Brooklyn native came home in a trade midway through the 2003-04 season and led the Knicks to the playoffs that season. But losing seasons and clashes with management, coaches and teammates followed. He and the team agreed to a buyout in the 2008-09 season.

As a Coney Island native, though, Marbury said he still remains a Knicks fan and will always root for the team.

"I think they have a good team," Marbury said. "They could make the second round (of the playoffs)."

Marbury currently plays for the Beijing Ducks in the Chinese Basketball Association. He led the team to a championship last season and is heading back to China this week.

Courtesy of ESPN


Kings invite Mitchell, N'Diaye to camp - by Eurobasket News

Training Camp is set to begin in less that two weeks for the Kings and a couple of names of invitees have surfaced. Jason Jones reported that the Kings training camp roster would likely include 18 players, and hoped to have Summer League Standout Tony Mitchell (6'6''-F) among them. Jonathan Santiago of Cowbell Kingdom confirmed Mitchell's addition to the training camp roster. According to Santiago, if Mitchell impresses, it could be trouble for Tyler Honeycutt, who sources have told Santiago does not have a guaranteed spot on the team.

Adrian Wojnarowski also reported today that the Kings have invited Free Agent Center N'Diaye Hamady (7'0''-C-87, college: Rutgers) to camp. N'Diaye was with the Wizards for the last two seasons but saw just 83 minutes of playing time. N'Diaye was a phenomenal shot blocker during college and the Kings only have four big men on the roster, so N'Diaye has a shot of making the team.

The other two invitees (if there are really going to be 18) are currently unknown. Former King Darnell Jackson is a good bet, as is Michael Lee, another Summer League standout like Mitchell. For those wondering about Terrence Williams, he accepted a camp invite from the Detroit Pistons, also reported by Wojnarowski.

Courtesy of www.sactownroyalty.com


Swingman Marquis Daniels agrees to contract with Bucks - by Eurobasket News

Free agent swingman Marquis Daniels (6'6''-G/F-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Auburn), late of the Boston Celtics, has agreed to terms on a guaranteed contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, according to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe.

Gary Washburn, @GwashNBAGlobe
Marquis Daniels has agreed to a guaranteed deal with the Milwaukee #bucks. Daniels played with the #celtics the past few seasons.

Daniels did two stints in Boston, although his second one (3.2 ppg, 36.4 FG%), which came after he had spinal surgery, was not nearly as productive as the first (5.6 ppg, 49.5 FG%). He is known as a versatile slasher who can handle the ball and defend, but scoring is not his forte.

Daniels is the 15th player on the Bucks with a guaranteed deal, effectively rounding out their roster.

Courtesy of http://tracking.si.com


San Antonio Spurs sign non-guaranteed contract with Derrick Brown - by Ernest Hertig

San Antonio Spurs (NBA) tabbed 25-year old American forward Derrick Brown (203-103kg-87, college: Xavier) by signing him to a non-guaranteed contract. Brown has played for last 3 years at Charlotte Bobcats (NBA) where he was drafted in 2009 in 2nd round (40 overall). In 65 NBA games he averaged 8.1ppg, 3.6rpg and 1.0apg last season.
He graduated from Xavier University in 2009 and it will be his fourth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Dooling left Boston Celtics - by Ernest Hertig

Boston Celtics (NBA) gave up on 32-year old guard Keyon Dooling (191-88kg-80, college: Missouri) and he is no more in Celtics roster. Dooling played there last season. In 66 NBA games he recorded 3.6ppg. He helped them to win the championship title.
Dooling graduated from University of Missouri in 2000 and he had quite successful NBA career in last 12 years. He played previously for LA Clippers, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and New Jersey Nets.

By Eurobasket Data Center (via @SpearsNBAYahoo)


Detroit Pistons added Terrence Williams to their camp - by Ernest Hertig

Detroit Pistons (NBA) added to their pre-season camp 25-year old American swingman Terrence Williams (198-100kg-87, college: Louisville). Williams played last season at Sacramento Kings (NBA). In 18 NBA games he recorded 8.8ppg, 4.1rpg and 3.1apg. He also played at Houston Rockets that season. In 12 NBA games he averaged 4.5ppg and 2.3rpg.
Williams team won Big East Regular Season in 2009.
He was also selected to All-Big East 1st Team back in 2009 in his college time.
Williams graduated from University of Louisville in 2009 and it will be his fourth season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center (via @Adrian Wojnarowski)


Darko Milicic agreed terms with Boston Celtics - by Ernest Hertig

Boston Celtics (NBA) signed a 1-year contract with of 27-year old Serbian center Darko Milicic (212-111kg-85). Milicic played for the last two years at Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA). In 28 NBA games he recorded 4.8ppg and 3.5rpg.
Milicic played for Serbiann National Team between 2005-2007, representing them at both European and World Championships.
His NBA career started back in 2003 when Milicic was drafted by Detroit Pistons as a second pick overall that year. After 3 years with the Pistons, he moved to Orlando Magic (1 season), then to Memphis (1 year), New York (half of season) and finally in February 2010 moved to Minnesota.

By Eurobasket Data Center (via @http://www.zona131.com/?feed=rss2)


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  NBLCANADA   


Rainmen reach out to Richards - by Eurobasket News

Former St. Francis Xavier star Tyler Richards (6'2''-G-86) is getting a chance to revive his basketball career next month with the Halifax Rainmen.

Rainmen owner Andre Levingston confirmed Wednesday the four-time Atlantic conference all-star is among the 18 or 19 players extended invitations to training camp, which begins Oct. 1 in Halifax.

He knows whats at stake, he deserves this opportunity, hes worked hard over the summer and were gonna give him the opportunity," Levingston said.

Richards, from Dartmouth, averaged 19.6 points a game in 2008-09 to rank second in AUS scoring behind then-Saint Marys guard Joey Haywood, whos about to start his second season with the Rainmen.

But Richardss final campaign with the X-Men ended prematurely and in controversy when he and two teammates were charged after a man was punched and kicked in an altercation in Antigonish in February 2009.

He was sentenced in April 2010 to four months of house arrest on a single count of assault causing bodily harm.

Kids sometimes get off the right track and sometimes need another opportunity and maybe even two," Levingston said.

Hes always been a really good basketball player and hes just done the wrong things off the court so Im giving him this opportunity . . . to prove that hes serious about basketball again and wants to change his life."

The Rainmen president and CEO, who doubles as general manager of the National Basketball League of Canada club, said he has met frequently with Richards and the 25-year-old understands the terms under which hes being invited to try out.

I let it be known Im not giving him anything. If youre gonna come in here and make this team, its gonna be because you worked hard and you deserved to be on this team.

Im not taking no riff-raff. Im not playing no games with him. The first time that I hear that (he has) done something that (he) should not be doing as a young man is going to end our relationship."

The Rainmen also announced Wednesday the signing of sixfoot- seven Anthony Johnson, the second selection in the NBL draft after Halifax moved up by dealing all-star Tyrone Levett to the Moncton Miracles.

Johnson, 23, averaged 10.5 points and 6.3 rebounds last season in 32 NAIA games with Azusa Pacific University.

Levingston called Johnson the best player in the August draft and said he believes the forward can be an elite performer in the NBL within a year or two.

Johnson is the third player to agree to terms with the Rainmen.

Haywood signed last week and Brandon Robinson, the reigning NBL scoring champion acquired in a draft-day deal with Oshawa, put his name on a contract Monday.

Haywood could end up being the only holdover from the 2011-12 Rainmen, who fell one win short of an NBL title.

Co-captains Taliek Brown and Eric Crookshank have been cut loose since the beginning of the month, with Browns rights dealt to Laval last week and Crookshank informed Sept. 7 that he wouldnt be invited to camp after five seasons with the club.

Haywood, Levett and Brown were three of the five players on Halifaxs protected list.

Guard Chris Hagan and forward Darnell Hugee, the other two, officially became free agents Saturday.

Levingston said he had extended an offer to Hagan but didnt make one to Hugee.

He said the fact they had become free agents didnt rule out a return to the Rainmen, who have the right to match any offer made to the players by another NBL team.

The Rainmen will spend their first day of camp at the Canada Games Centre, then move to Mount Saint Vincent University for the duration with the Toronto Raptors camp occupying the Canada Games facility for the rest of the week.

Courtesy of http://thechronicleherald.ca


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  PBL   


PBL Signs Upstate New York's Buffalo Warriors for 2013 Season - by Allen White



CHICAGO, Sep 17, 2012 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- The Premier Basketball League (PBL) announced the latest expansion into upstate New York with the Buffalo Warriors entering the 2013 season. With New York also playing host to the PBL's winningest team, the Rochester RazorSharks, the new season is gearing up for more action on the heels of 2012's successful regional play model.

The new team has backing and leadership from two Buffalo residents that know both the game of basketball and the business around it. Led by Edward "Eddie B" Bednarz and Terence "T" Dill, the Warriors look to enter 2013 riding the momentum built up during the off-season.

A lifelong Buffalo resident, Eddie Bednarz has vested interests in several business ventures and companies, most of them involved in creative processes. His main company, 21st Century Enterprises, operates credit card facilitation and Clicketix ticket processing for events of all types. He is also the founder of the successful summer festival "Taste of South Buffalo".

"Pounding the pavement to get things done is how you do it in Buffalo," commented Bednarz. "It's a small city with the potential to be a great basketball city once again."

Bednarz's position as co-owner is the operations and day to day functions of the team: administrative, accounting/finance, marketing, publicity, and promotion. His co-owner Terence "T" Dill comes from inside the basketball industry as both a player and leader. Born and raised in Bermuda, Dill came to Buffalo via Texas University. He met his wife, a Buffalo native, while attending Texas University. They married and settled in Buffalo, and recently welcomed their first child, a son, earlier this year.

Dill believes Buffalo could make a major comeback in the sport of basketball, and in the few years he's been here he has witnessed how excited people are to learn of their desire to do just that. "Buffalo is a fantastic city, like a well-kept secret. We want to show the world what we can do," commented Dill

The PBL will be kicking off the 2013 season March 1st, a later date that previous years. "We want to give team owners and front office staff ample time to prepare for the highly anticipated 2013 season. Our regional play model was a success and 2012, and with less competition from the NFL post-season, we are giving our fans and teams a chance at an even larger reach for the upcoming season," commented Tom McGinn, PBL Vice President of Operations.

For more information on the Premier Basketball League visit www.ThePBL.com or for information on the Buffalo Warriors team contact Eddie Bednarz at 716-400-9856.

This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com

SOURCE: Premier Basketball League (PBL)

The Premier Basketball League (PBL) logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=11424


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  POLAND   


Maciej Lampe hopes to be ready for Liga Endesa tip-off - by Eurobasket News

Maciej Lampe (211-F/C-85) still recovers from back injury (disc protrusion L4-L5), but the Polish buy guy hopes he will be ready for the beginning of Liga Endesa season. It starts on September 30. However, during the official press conference Lampe stated that he will not rush and will return to the court only when he is 100% ready. 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.


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  PUERTO RICO   


Puerto Rico begins practices on July 2013: - by Marcos Carlo

The Puerto Rican Basketball Federation said that the national team begins to practice on July 2013 for the FIBA Americas Championship.

After recieving a report from coach Flor Melendez, the Federation said that it is best to start the preparation in July for this tournament that starts on August 20 and ends on September 1.

The FIBA Americas Championship qualifies the top four teams for the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain. In the last two FIBA World Championships Puerto Rico failed to qualify for the second round.

Some of the players expected to be called are Jose Juan Barea (181-PG-84, college: Northeastern), Carlos Arroyo, David Huertas, Peter John Ramos, Ricky Sanchez, Nathan Peavy and others. It will be interesting to see if they call Moe Harkless and Ricky Ledo who have shown interest before.


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  QATAR   


2012 Fiba Asia Cup: Qatar shock Lebanon, advance into semifinals - by Eurobasket News

Qatar - Lebanon 79:72

Qatar clinched Fiba Asia Cup semifinal birth. They shocked Lebanon to stay in the title race. Clinton Fihnoir Johnson (193-G-84) fired 28 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to pace the winners.
Qatar surged ahead early in the game. They secured a 21:15 lead after ten minutes of action. Lebanon slowed their opponents down in the second frame. They denied the deficit as the teams were tied at 35 heading into the second half. Qatar used a 6:0 run midway through the third term to open a 7-point lead. Soon Clinton Fihnoir Johnson opened a 10-point lead for Qatar 54:44. Lebanon narrowed the gap at 4-point mark at the final intermission. Qatar triggered a 9:0 run at the start of the fourth quarter to gain a 12-point advantage. They kept Lebanon at bay throughout the reminder of the contest and sealed the win at the end. Mansour Atif (177-PG-90) accounted for 14 points, while Mohammed Yousef (204-C-82) added 13 points for the winners. Garnett Thompson (206-C/F-80, agency: Veracity Sports, LLC, college: Providence) answered with 26 points and 16 boards for Lebanon. Jean Abdel Nour (198-F/G-83) had 24 points and 12 caroms in the loss.

Qatar: Clinton Fihnoir Johnson 28, Mansour Atif 14, Mohammed Yousef 13
Lebanon: Garnett Thompson 26+16 boards, Jean Abdel Nour 24+12 boards


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  ROMANIA   


Vlad Corpodean joins PH Miercurea Ciuc - by Eurobasket News

Vlad Corpodean (194-F-91) will play next season for PH Miercurea Ciuc. The young Romanian forward is sent on loan by CS U-Mobitelco Cluj Napoca. Last season he appeared 13 times with them in the league averaging 2.6 points and 1.2 rebounds. The player also got a chance 3 times in EuroChallenge. Corpodean played CS U-Mobitelco Cluj Napoca second team in Division B. There he registered with 13 ppg, 4 apg and 3 rpg. Vlad Corpodean is a product of CS U-Mobitelco, where he started as teenager. In 2010 and 2011 he played for Romanian U20 National Team. Last summer he had 13.1 ppg and 8.7 rpg for 9 games at U20 EuroBasket Division B in Sarajevo. In the past, Corpodean played for U18 Romania.


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  RUSSIA   


Siauliai knock down Dynamo Moscow in Liepaja - by Eurobasket News

Siauliai - Dynamo Moscow 97:81

Siauliai recorded the first win at LOC Cup 2012 in Liepaja. They held off Dynamo Moscow in Group A action. Vytautas Sulskis (200-G-88, college: Youngstown St.) came up with 24 points to lead the winners.
Siaulia surged ahead early in the encounter. They recorded a 24:11 advantage after ten minutes of action. The margin grew at 18-point mark at halftime 49:31. Dynamo slowed their opponents a bit in the third term. The Russian team got within 16 points at the final intermission. The teams traded baskets throughout the fourth frame as Siauliai sealed the victory at the end. Vitali Liutych (197-SG-92) accounted for 17 points, while Ovidijus Galdikas (217-C-88) added 11 points for Siauliai. Artem Gorlanov (195-G-91) answered with 17 points for Dynamo Moscow. Artur Urazmanov (186-G-87) netted 16 points in the loss.

Siauliai: Vytautas Sulskis 24, Vitali Liutych 17, Ovidijus Galdikas 11
Dynamo Moscow: Artem Gorlanov 17, Artur Urazmanov 16


Lokomotiv lost TUBAD Tournament opener - by Eurobasket News

Lokomotiv lost TUBAD Tournament opener as they were beaten by Galatasaray 83:93. The Turkish team looked better midway through the game and reached the necessary win in Day 1. Lokomotiv started with 18-10, but lost the second frame 21-32. The Turkish side also won the third period 26-17 and led 12 points at the end of the third period. Lokomotiv replied with 27-25 in the last stanza and managed to reduce to 10 points.
In another game the hosts edge visiting Virtus Bologna at the Banvit-TUBAD Tournament opener. Banvit won the thriller 79:77 in Day 1 of the competition. Vladimir Stimac and Keith Simmons (196-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Holy Cross) top-scored for the winners with 14 points each. Erolcan Cinko (188-G-90) nailed 8, while Kenan Bajramovic had 6. Steven Smith (203-F-83, college: La Salle) ended up with 26 points in the losing effort and Ricky Minard nailed 11. Brian Hasbrouk and Richard Rocca followed them with 9 points apiece.


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  SCOTLAND   


Glasgow Rocks cut ties with Meneptha Darden - by Eurobasket News

The Glasgow Rocks regret to announce that Big Man Meneptha Darden (206-C-88, college: Rogers St.) has been released by the club. Underlying health issues have dictated that Darden needs to return to the USA. The Rocks franchise wish him the best for any future venture .

The Rocks will now have to face reigning BBL Champions Newcastle Eagles on Friday evening without Darden. It will be the opening league fixture of the 2012/13 BBL Championship season.

The Rocks are scheduled to play their first Home game on the 7th October at the Commonwealth Arena. Tickets for this major event will be going on sale within the next 24 hours.

Courtesy of www.glasgowrocks.co.uk


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  SERBIA   


Belgrade Trophy 2012 youth tournament - by Zoran Popovic

From September 28 until September 30 Belgrade will host six teams on traditional tournament for youth teams Belgrade Trophy 2012. On tournament will compete Partizan, Crvena Zvezda DIVA, Fles, Zemun, ACGBA Geneve and Mantoulidis.

Schedule of the games:
Group A:
Partizan
Fles
ACGBA Geneve

Group B:
Crvena Zvezda Beograd
Zemun
Mantoulidis

Friday September 28
11:00 Fle - ACGBA Geneve
13:00 Mantoulidis - Crvena Zvezda Beograd
15:00 Partizan - Fle

Saturday, September 29
11:00am Crvena Zvezda Beograd - Zemun
1:00pm ACGBA Geneve - Partizan
3:00pm Zemun - Mantoulidis

Sunday, September 30
11:00am the game for the 5th place
1:00pm the game for the 3rd place
3:00pm Final match


Partizan in Fuenlabrada - by Ivan Milenkovic

Serbian champions Partizan mt:s traveled to Fuenlabrada, Spain, where they will celebrate 20 years of their European title with home team.
''Black and whites'' and Mad-Croc Fuenlabrada will play two friendly games, first on Friday as part of event named ''1992 - 2012: 20 anos de nuestra Copa de Europa'' and second on Saturday, which will be played in empty Fernando Martin.
It will be Partizan's first visit to Fuenlabrada since 1992, when they played majority of their European Champions Cup home games in town near Madrid.
Coach Dusko Vujosevic decided to leave in Belgrade Nenad Miljenovic, Michal Cekovsky, Ivan Marinkovic, Nemanja Besovic as well as injured captain Vladimir Lucic. Twelve players who are in Fuenlabrada are: Leo Westermann, Torey Thomas, Danilo Andjusic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Dragan Milosavljevic, Davis Bertans, Marko Cakarevic, Drew Gordon, Branislav Djekic, Djordje Gagic, Nikola Milutinov and Dejan Musli.


Darko Milicic agreed terms with Boston Celtics - by Ernest Hertig

Boston Celtics (NBA) signed a 1-year contract with of 27-year old Serbian center Darko Milicic (212-111kg-85). Milicic played for the last two years at Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA). In 28 NBA games he recorded 4.8ppg and 3.5rpg.
Milicic played for Serbiann National Team between 2005-2007, representing them at both European and World Championships.
His NBA career started back in 2003 when Milicic was drafted by Detroit Pistons as a second pick overall that year. After 3 years with the Pistons, he moved to Orlando Magic (1 season), then to Memphis (1 year), New York (half of season) and finally in February 2010 moved to Minnesota.

By Eurobasket Data Center (via @http://www.zona131.com/?feed=rss2)


Stockholm Eagles sign Nikola Korac for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

Stockholm Eagles reinforced their roster at position 1. The Swedish Basketligan newcomer penned a deal with point guard Nikola Korac (185-G-86). Most recently he played for Jedinstvo Bijelo Polje (Montenegro) and it was in 2010/11 season. The 26-year-old Serbian played for OKK Beograd from 2007 to 2010. He had 11.1 ppg, 4.1 apg and 2.3 rpg for 26 Serbian league games in 2009/10 season. The player also added 11.1 ppg and 2.8 apg for 11 games in Balkan league. He helped OKK Beograd to reach BIBL Quarterfinals. In the past, Nikola Korac played for Prokuplje in Serbian B league.
Earlier this summer Stockholm Eagles signed deal with center Dragoljub Kitanovic (203-C-85). The team also added Marko Ljujic (205-C-90) and Nikola Ljujic for the upcoming season.


Crvena Zvezda hands 82-77 loss to Metalac in preseason game - by Eurobasket News

Crvena Zvezda DIVA - Metalac Valjevo 82-77

Crvena Zvezda DIVA and Metalac Valjevo played a friendly game yesterday. Crvena Zvezda was the host and celebrated 82-77 victory in this meeting. They had to work very hard to beat Metalac and they did it mostly owing to returnee Igor Rakocevic (193-G-78). The former Euroleague scoring champion had 24 points in this game. Bojan Subotic (206-F/C-90) secured a great help adding 17 points and Rasko Katic (208-C-80, agency: Beo Basket) posted 14 pts. Fourth scorer in victory was Morris Almond (198-F/G-85, college: Rice) with 9 points. In the loosing squad, Dragan Mitrovic (200-G/F-85) and Vladimir Panic (194-F-82) responded with 14 points each. Zivanovic scored 13 and Stefan Balmazovic (202-F-89) stopped to 8 points. Crvena Zvezda made 3-point lead in the first ten minutes and jumped to 45-38 until the halftime. However, visitors replied with 17-23 after the breather and everything was open. Than Igor Rakocevic stepped up for his team and helped them to create 20-16 during the last ten minutes, what was enough for the victory.

Crvena zvezda DIVA: Igor Rakocevic 24, Simonovic 1, Nelson 4, Morris Almond 9, Rasko Katic 14, Mitrovic 5, Bojan Subotic 17, Smiljanic, Covic, Radivojevic, Milovanovic 7, Cvetkovic 2.
Metalac: Tanaskovic, Tomasevic 2, Krusic 7, Dragan Mitrovic 14, Vladimir Panic 14, Vukovic, Jokic 3, Mijovic 7, Marojevic 5, Stefan Balmazovic 8, Zivanovic 13, Dujkovic 4.


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  SPAIN   


FC Barcelona Regal extends coach Pascual - by Eurobasket News

FC Barcelona Regal reached a new agreement with head coach Xavier Pascual (agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) to extend his contract until the end of the 2014-15 season, the club announced Thursday. Pascual, age 40, was under contract until the end of the upcoming season but now added two more years under the new agreement. Pascual is the only Spanish coach to win the Turkish Airlines Euroleague title in the last three decades, when he led Barcelona to lift the trophy in 2010, downing Olympiacos 86-68 in Paris, France. He was promoted to Barcelona's head coach spot in February 2008, replacing his former boss Dusko Ivanovic, and guided the team to the Spanish League finals. His four full seasons with the club have been very successful, winning trophies every year. He has led Barcelona to win three Spanish League titles in 2009, 2011 and 2012, lifted the Spanish King's Cup trophy in 2010 and 2011 and above all, helped the club to win its second continental crown in 2010. A press conference to explain the new agreement has been scheduled on September 28, as Barcelona will fight for its fourth consecutive Spanish Supercup title in Zaragoza this weekend.

Courtesy of Euroleague


Maciej Lampe hopes to be ready for Liga Endesa tip-off - by Eurobasket News

Maciej Lampe (211-F/C-85) still recovers from back injury (disc protrusion L4-L5), but the Polish buy guy hopes he will be ready for the beginning of Liga Endesa season. It starts on September 30. However, during the official press conference Lampe stated that he will not rush and will return to the court only when he is 100% ready. 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.


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  SWEDEN   


Stockholm Eagles sign Nikola Korac for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

Stockholm Eagles reinforced their roster at position 1. The Swedish Basketligan newcomer penned a deal with point guard Nikola Korac (185-G-86). Most recently he played for Jedinstvo Bijelo Polje (Montenegro) and it was in 2010/11 season. The 26-year-old Serbian played for OKK Beograd from 2007 to 2010. He had 11.1 ppg, 4.1 apg and 2.3 rpg for 26 Serbian league games in 2009/10 season. The player also added 11.1 ppg and 2.8 apg for 11 games in Balkan league. He helped OKK Beograd to reach BIBL Quarterfinals. In the past, Nikola Korac played for Prokuplje in Serbian B league.
Earlier this summer Stockholm Eagles signed deal with center Dragoljub Kitanovic (203-C-85). The team also added Marko Ljujic (205-C-90) and Nikola Ljujic for the upcoming season.


Stockholm Eagles agree deal with Omar Krayem - by Eurobasket News

It seems that Omar Krayem (185-G-86, agency: Three Eye Sports, college: Cal.Baptist) will play for the Stockholm Eagles after all. According to Basketsverige.se, chairman of the club Goran Popov announced that two sides managed to agree a deal. Krayem was on tryout with Hungarian team ZTE recently. Earlier this summer he already practiced with Eagles. Omar Krayem is not a new face in Sweden as he spent 2011/12 with Boras Basket. He helped them reach Basketligan Semifinals and was named Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan Guard of the Year -12. The player shined with 18.6 ppg, 6.1 apg, 4.4 rpg and 2 spg in 45 games. In 2010/11 season Omar Krayem was Player of the Year in BasketEttan. He exploded with 27.2 ppg, 6.4 apg, 4.8 spg and 4.5 rpg for 19 games with KSF Srbija Malmo. It was his first season as a pro. Stockholm Eagles won Basketettan title few months ago and will compete in Basketligan.


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  SWITZERLAND   


Lugano Tigers hold off Omegna in scrimmage - by Eurobasket News

Lugano Tigers claimed a pre-season victory. They took on Italian Omegna and came out winners 77:58. Dusan Mladjan (198-SG-86, agency: Interperformances) provided 18 points to lead the charge.
Lugano strongly started the game. They recorded a 24:13 lead after ten minutes of action. The Swiss team stayed in charge throughout the second quarter. They accounted for a 45:24 halftime advantage. Omegna cut the deficit in the third quarter. The Italian team got within 19 points before the final frame. The teams traded baskets throughout the fourth quarter as Lugano cruised to the victory. Derek Stockalper (196-SG-84, college: Cal Poly - SLO) posted 17 points, while Korvotney Barber (201-F-87, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Auburn) contributed 15 points in the victory.


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  TAIWAN   


Taiwan lost to Philippines in Asia Cup quarterfinal - by Chris Wang

Taiwan lost to the Philippines 75-68 on Thursday in the quarterfinal game of the 2012 FIBA Asia Cup at Tokyo, Japan and will have to play in the classification round for 5-8 placings.

It is scheduled to meet Uzbekistan today.

Led by Marcus Douthit, who had 13 points and 11 rebounds at the half, the Philippines managed to maintain a small lead in the first three period, but Taiwan was not far behind thanks to Doug Creightons six three-pointers.

The Philippines led 38-32 at the half and 54-53 at the end of the third quarter.

The Philippines opened the final period with a 7-0 run and led by as many as 14 points before Taiwan answered with a 9-0 spurt and cut the deficit to five points with 37 seconds left. However, two turnovers cost Taiwan the opportunity for a comeback win.

Taiwan NT head coach Hsu Chin-tse was disappointed at failing to make the semifinal round -- his pre-tournament goal -- but would shoulder the blame for his substitution errors.

Creighton led Taiwan with 21 points and Lin Chih-chieh had 12 points.

Douthit had 19 points and 18 rebounds.

Taiwan trailed 50-31 in rebounding.

Quarterfinal results:
Japan 60-50
Qatar 79-72 Lebanon
Philippines 75-68 Taiwan
Iran 79-37 Uzbekistan


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  TURKEY   


Trabzon reportedly signs Henry Antwan Dobie for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

Trabzon reinforced its roster at position one, according to Basketmerkezi.com. The Turkish squad signed a deal with Henry Antwan Dobie (183-G-78, college: LIU Brooklyn). The American is not a new face in Turkey as he spent last season with Selcuk. In 42 TBL2 games the point guard had 16 ppg, 4.3 apg and 2.8 rpg. He was named to Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TB2L 1st Team -12, while Selcuk was regular season champion and later reached Semifinals. In 2010/11 season Henry Antwan Dobie played for Hapoel Lev Hasharon. They competed in Israeli D2 (National League). Dobie appeared in 27 games registering 19.1 pgp, 4 rpg and 6.2 apg (No.2) and was named to Eurobasket.com Israeli National League All-Imports Team -11. In the past, Dobie played for Ormanspor Genc Ankara, Beykozspor and TED Kolejliler Ankara. He also has experience from Argentina, France, Belgium and Poland.
Rookie Toure Murry left the club this week for Hapoel Tel Aviv.


Vestel inks 'TB2L Guard of the Year' Ty Waller - by Eurobasket News

Antabia Waller (188-G-88, college: Auburn) stays in Turkey for the upcoming season. The American guard signed a 1-year deal with Vestel. He exploded last season in Gaziantep and was named Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TB2L Guard of the Year -12. The player was also named to Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TB2L 1st Team -12 and Eurobasket.com Turkish TB2L All-Imports Team -12. He had 18.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 1.7 apg in 44 games. Waller was fifth scorer of the competition. His first season as a pro Antabia Waller spent with Oyak Renault in TBL. There he had 13.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.2 apg and 2.1 spg for 20 games. Waller is a product of Auburn University, where he graduated in 2010. He had 15.3 ppg and 3.8 rpg for his school as a senior. They reached NIT Elite Eight in 2009. Waller transferred to Auburn from Okaloosa-Walton College in 2008.


Mersin beats Antalya, Erdemir escapes against Gaziantep - by Eurobasket News

Mersin and Erdemir celebrated in friendly games yesterday (Antalya Cup).
Mersin was too strong for Antalya celebrating 76-65 victory. Ali Karadeniz (203-F-80, college: Arizona) and Omar Sneed (198-F-76, college: Memphis) stepped up for the winners with 18 points each. J.P. Prince (201-G-87, college: Tennessee) secured a great help adding 14 points and Altan Erol (194-G-83) scored 9. In the loosing squad, Hakan Demirel (192-G-85) and Ronald Lewis (183-G-81, college: Mars Hill) responded with 18 points apiece. Third scorer in Antalya was Jordan Theodore (182-PG-89, college: Seton Hall) with 12 points.
In the other game, Erdemir grabbed 82-80 win against Gaziantep. Sean Marshall (198-G/F-85, college: Boston Coll.) exploded with 25 points to lead Erdemir and Melih Mahmutoglu (193-G-90) was their second scorer with 14 pts. Gerrod Henderson (192-G-78, college: Louisiana Tech) and Engin Bayav netted 13 pts and 11 rebounds respectively. Gaziantep got 17 points from Vernon Macklin (208-F/C-86, college: Florida) and Murat Goktas (201-G-87), while Isaiah Swann (188-G-85, college: Florida St.) stopped to 12.
On Tuesday, Gaziantep downed host Antalya 87-83. Mersin cruised past Erdemir 74-63.


Ulug Kacaniku returns to Darussafaka after two years - by Eurobasket News

Ulug Kacaniku (202-G/F-85) is back to Darussafaka. The swingman penned a 1-year deal with his former team. He returns to Dacka from Istanbulspor. Kacaniku appeared 20 times in TB2L last season with Istanbulspor averaging 14 points and 6.5 rebounds. In 2010/11, Kacaniku played for Karsiyaka, buy he had very limited time on the curt. In TBL the player registered 2.2 ppg and 1.5 rpg for 16 games. He also appeared 12 times in EuroChallenge with 1.3 ppg and 1.7 rpg. Ulug Kacaniku already played for Dacka in 2009/10 season. He joined them in January registering 5.8 ppg and 2.2 rpg for 16 TBL games. Kacaniku started that season with Sigal Prishtine. In the past, he played for Mersin, Antalya and Tofas. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Kosovo League Forward of the Year -10. Kacaniky played for U20, U18 and U16 Turkish National Teams from 2001 to 2005.


TUBAD Tournament: Banvit edge visiting Virtus Bologna - by Eurobasket News

Banvit-Virtus Bologna 79:77

The hosts edge visiting Virtus Bologna at the Banvit-TUBAD Tournament opener. Banvit won the thriller 79:77 in Day 1 of the competition.
The hosts started with 19-16 in the first period, but allowed the Italian team to take 1-point lead at the halftime. Virtus Bologna needed 20-16 in the second period for 36:35 at the halftime. Banvit meanwhile posted two narrow victories in the second half. They needed 27-25 in the third period to grab the lead back after three quarters and then won the game due to 17-16 in the last stanza.
Vladimir Stimac (211-C-87, agency: Interperformances) and Keith Simmons (196-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Holy Cross) top-scored for the winners with 14 points each. Erolcan Cinko (188-G-90) nailed 8, while Kenan Bajramovic (205-C-81) had 6. Steven Smith (203-F-83, college: La Salle) ended up with 26 points in the losing effort and Ricky Minard (196-F/G-82, college: Morehead St.) nailed 11. Brian Hasbrouk and Richard Rocca followed them with 9 points apiece.

Banvit: Vladimir Stimac 14, Keith Simmons 14, Erolcan Cinko 8, Kenan Bajramovic 6
Virtus Bologna: Steven Smith 26, Ricky Minard 11, Brian Hasbrouk 9, Richard Rocca 9


*****************************************************
  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Duncan mentors young Hornets during recent visit - by David Edole

by Dan McCarney
For a group of young, hungry players, there probably couldnt be a better mentor than a future Hall of Famer like Tim Duncan (211-F/C-76, college: Wake Forest). So when Hurricane Isaac forced the New Orleans Hornets to relocate their volunteer workouts to San Antonio for a couple of days, they jumped at the opportunity to work with one of the NBAs grand masters. (Or, as the Wu-Tang Clan might call Timmy, a battle-scarred shogun.)

John Reid of the New Orleans Times-Picayune recounted their experience yesterday, in which nine players including top draft picks Anthony Davis and Austin Rivers went through a battery of informal workouts and drills at San Antonios practice facility. Even Ryan Anderson, a grizzled vet compared to his teenage teammates, said it was a thrill to work with Duncan.

Obviously, Tim was around, and theres not a better guy to learn from, said Anderson, a 6-foot-10 forward whom the Hornets acquired in a sign-and-trade deal from the Orlando Magic in July. He is such a great leader and just talking with him was a positive experience in San Antonio.

Davis, who asked for restaurant guidance on Twitter during his visit, couldnt be reached for comment in the story. But one can only imagine what the top pick in the draft soaked up from Duncan, even in just a few days. Should make for an interesting sidebar when the two teams meet in New Orleans on Oct. 31 for the season opener.


The Raja problem - by David Edole

Further complicating the process: Raja Bell (196-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances, college: FIU) s unresolved contract buyout.

With just two weeks remaining before the start of training camp for the 2012-13 season, the veteran guard is still on Utahs roster.

Jazz General Manager Dennis Lindsey has said several times he wont comment on Bells lingering situation. Herb Ruody, Bells agent, last week denied reports his client has refused to accept a buyout proposal thats been on the table since at least July.

The Jazz have long believed Bells buyout would take care of itself. The veteran guard believes he was underutilized in Utah; he feels strongly he can still play several seasons in the NBA; and he has no desire to continue his career in Salt Lake City. As a result, the Jazz finally accepted the situation as unwinnable, agreeing late during the 2011-12 season it was best for both sides to part ways.

For the last two months, several agents with clients interested in signing with Utah have wondered why its taken the Jazz so long to buy out Bell. The question continues to be asked, with training camp approaching and Utah unable to sign another player until Bell officially moves on.

Bells frustration with Utah stretches back to the early part of the 2010-11 season, when Deron Williams was still the small-market franchises star player and Jerry Sloan was the coach.

Bells situation with the Jazz only worsened during the 2011-12 campaign. Despite being Utahs main free-agent signing in the summer of 2010 and serving as the teams starting shooting guard for two seasons, his playing time was limited, his role in the offense was often relegated to random 3-pointers, and he regularly clashed with Corbin.



*****************************************************
  UGANDA   


Falcons run riot at YMCA - by Eurobasket News

UCU Canons Desmond Owili (R) beats Falcons Phillip Ameny (L) to a rebound at YMCA. PHOTO/Michael Nsubuga

Airtel National Basketball League Mens division one
Falcons 79 Rez Life 44
Ndejje 59 Stormers 43
Nkumba 48 Vegetarian 42

Womens division one
Nabisunsa 42 Nkumba 41
Stormers 83 Cubs 19

The Falcons snatched their 13th successive victory in the mens Airtel National Basketball League with a straightforward 79-44 win over Rez Life Saturday at the YMCA, Wandegeya.
Next, the Kyambogo Warriors, DMark Power and KIU Titans.
Francis Tumusiime drilled a game-high 16 points as the Falcons comfortably stretched the longest winning streak in the mens elite division.
Edwin Kateregga and Peter Elungat added 15 points apiece while Phillip Amweny nailed 10 points for the red-hot Falcons.
Felix Wamuno and Daniels Jjuko scored 11 and 10 points respectively for Rez Life, who lost the first, third and fourth quarters heavily. They tied the Falcons at nine points in the second period but that was just one of the few positives for Rez Life.
After the match, Falcons superstar Steven Omony said while the team was happy with the winning run, it wasnt much of a big deal.
He added that they will need to raise their level ahead of their next three games.
We have to play these games with a different mind-set because all these teams are title contenders, Omony said shortly after the match in Wandegeya.
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.ch/


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

Standings - Superleague

Superleague Standings
 1. Azovmash 0-0 
 2. BC Donetsk 0-0 
 3. BC Kyiv 0-0 
 4. BC Odessa 0-0 
 5. Budivelnyk 0-0 
 6. Cherkasy 0-0 
 7. Dnipro 0-0 
 8. DniproAzot 0-0 
 9. Ferro-ZNTU 0-0 
 10. Halychyna 0-0 
 11. Hoverla 0-0 
 12. Khimik 0-0 
 13. Kryvbasbasket 0-0 
 14. Mykolaiv 0-0 

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 28: Budivelnyk - BC Kyiv
Sep. 28: Azovmash - BC Odessa
Sep. 28: Hoverla - Halychyna
Sep. 28: Ferro-ZNTU - Dnipro
Sep. 28: Kryvbasbasket - Cherkasy


Mykolaiv keep Rinalds Sirsnins - by Eurobasket News

MBC Mykolaiv agreed on terms of contract with Rinalds Sirsnins (186-PG-85, agency: Promotex). The coaching staff was satisfied with his performance during try-out period and Mykolaiv decided to ink the deal for the next season. Last season Rinalds Sirsnins started with DniproAzot in Ukraine. He notched 4.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game in Superleague. Later Rinalds Sirsnins moved to Estonia to join Rakvere Tarvas. His stats read 13.3 points, 3.8 assists, 2.8 rebounds per game in EMKL. In Baltic League the guard notched 15.4 points, 5.5 boards, 4.1 assists and 2.1 steals per appearance. He earned All-Estonian League Honourable Mention. Previously Rinalds Sirsnins played in Latvia and Poland. He was named All-Latvian League Defensive Player of the Year in 2010.


BC Donetsk hold off BC Astana in Italy - by Eurobasket News

BC Donetsk - BC Astana 60:55

BC Donetsk played another friendly encounter at the training camp in Italy. They faced Kazakh champions BC Astana. The Ukrainian powerhouse eked out a narrow victory. Darius Songaila (204-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) posted 17 points to lead the winners.
BC Donetsk pulled in front early in the game. They dropped 25 points in the first frame to take an 8-point lead. BC Astana narrowed the gap in the second quarter. The Kazakh team got within 2 points at halftime 32:34. BC Astana denied the deficit in the third quarter. The Kazakh side surged ahead for a 46:45 lead at the final intermission. But BC Donetsk held their opponents to 9 points in the fourth frame and eked out a tough victory at the end. Vojdan Stojanovski (194-G-87) and Ramel Curry (192-G-80, college: CSU Bakersfield) provided 11 points each for the winners. Fischer had 8 points in the victory. Jerry Johnson (182-PG-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: Rider) answered with 13 points for BC Astana. Rawle Marshall (200-SF-82, college: Oakland) had 12 points in the loss.

BC Donetsk: Darius Songaila 17, Vojdan Stojanovski 11, Ramel Curry 11
BC Astana: Jerry Johnson 13, Rawle Marshall 12


Dnipro post first win at Sargunas Cup - by Eurobasket News

Dnipro - Juventus 89:78

Dnipro advanced into the Final of Sargunas Cup in Lithuania. They knocked down Juventus Utena to reach the title game. Daniel Kickert (208-C/F-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) posted 24 points, 6 boards and 5 assists to lead the winners.
Juventus led by two points after ten minutes of action. They stretched the lead to 4 points at halftime 42:38. But Dnipro exploded with 32 points in the third term and gained a 12-point lead before the fourth frame. Juventus could not deny the deficit in the fourth period and had to surrender at the end. Stanislav Tymofeyenko (202-F-89) accounted for 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Valdas Vasylius (203-F-83, college: ODU) added 11 points in the win. Darrick Leonard (188-G-84, college: Aurora) answered with 20 points for Juventus. Arvydas Cepulis (196-G-79) netted 19 points in the loss.

Dnipro: Daniel Kickert 24, Stanislav Tymofeyenko 15+10 boards, Valdas Vasylius 11
Juventus: Darrick Leonard 20, Arvydas Cepulis 19


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


Heat Keep Captain JJ - by Paul Nilsen

Surrey Heat fans will be delighted to hear that Julius Joseph (193-F-75, college: Georgia Coll.) is returning to the BBL team. Joseph has played with the Heat for three seasons, and has been named as Surrey Heat captain for the 2012/2013 season.

The Heat's former captain, Mike Martin, will be playing for London Lions this season, having failed to agree contract terms with the Surrey-based club.

Creon Raftopoulos, head coach at Surrey Heat said, ''Mike has been a fantastic ambassador and captain for the Heat and will be missed on and off the court. Unfortunately, we were not able to retain him this season but are delighted that JJ will take on the role.

"The 2012/2013 season marks a new era for us - with a new name, Surrey Heat, and a new captain. I am delighted to have JJ back for another season. His leadership qualities, along with his experience, will play a huge part in us having a good season. I know he will do his best to lead our team at all times.''

In three seasons with the Heat Julius has averaged 14,5 points, 3 rebounds, shot 30% from the three point range and 72% from the free throw.

Julius Joseph (193-F-75, college: Georgia Coll.) added, "Surrey Heat has some of the best fans in the country and the organisation does a fantastic job - so I am very excited and motivated about returning to play for the club this season.

"I know what it takes to be successful and to play basketball at its highest level and I'm ready and focused to push our team to its maximum potential. My experience and leadership will be needed with Mike's departure. It is a great challenge which I'm ready to accept."


Glasgow Rocks cut ties with Meneptha Darden - by Eurobasket News

The Glasgow Rocks regret to announce that Big Man Meneptha Darden (206-C-88, college: Rogers St.) has been released by the club. Underlying health issues have dictated that Darden needs to return to the USA. The Rocks franchise wish him the best for any future venture .

The Rocks will now have to face reigning BBL Champions Newcastle Eagles on Friday evening without Darden. It will be the opening league fixture of the 2012/13 BBL Championship season.

The Rocks are scheduled to play their first Home game on the 7th October at the Commonwealth Arena. Tickets for this major event will be going on sale within the next 24 hours.

Courtesy of www.glasgowrocks.co.uk


Riders add Jarram; Anderson commits future - by Eurobasket News

Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders have strengthened their coaching staff by appointing Mark Jarram as Assistant Coach to the senior men's team. Jarram joins Phil Gleadell on the bench in support of Rider's Head Coach Rob Paternostro.

Jarram played basketball at Burleigh Community College from 2002 to 2006, where he was captain of the team and won a total of 7 County championships in 4 years, and was 3 time MVP and 2 time Coach's Player of the year. He was also part of the Leicester Riders Colts Junior Program. He then went on to study and play for University of Worcester from 2006 to 2009, and was Assistant Coach on University of Worcester 2009 BUCS Championship winning Team. Mark graduated in 2009 with a degree in Sports Coaching Science.

Jarram joins the Riders staff having just spent the past three years expanding his coaching as the Assistant Coach at Bard College in New York, an NCAA Division 3 school. This role provided Jarram with many opportunities to coach on elite clinics and showcases throughout the East coast. Before that he was the Director of Basketball at Camp Scatico, NY.

Jarram said, "I'm very humbled to be offered this position and be involved in this growing program. I'm a huge believer in that you never stop learning and being a young coach I'll be making the most of this opportunity to learn as much as possible. I am also looking forward to bringing the knowledge and experience that I've already gained in order to try and help make an impact this year and assist Rob in all areas."

"It's a new level of basketball for me and one that I know will be a huge part of my personal development. It's going to be great working under coach Rob with a different style to what I'm used to and an unarguable passion for winning. I'm very impressed with the group of players that has been assembled this year and excited to work with these guys throughout the season."

Riders have also extended the contract of Great Britain Futures player Jamell Anderson (200-F-90) for 3 years. The player is in his final year at Loughborough University, and were keen to commit to the player once he has graduated.

Anderson recently competed for England in the inaugural 3 on 3 World Championships in Athens.

Riders Head Coach Rob Paternostro said, "Jamell is very important to the Club, and is improving day by day. He has tremendous athletic talent, and is a very hard worker. Whatever I ask him to do gets done, and I truly believe he has a lot more to come, so it is great he has committed to the Club."

Riders General Manager Russell Levenston said, "We are absolutely delighted that Jamell has agreed this contract, because we are extremely keen to support Great Britain players. We would like to believe that Jamell can be a part of the Club for a very long time."

Courtesy of www.bbl.org.uk (BBL)


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


Brandon Hunter will not play in Uruguay - by Eurobasket News

Brandon Hunter (201-F-80, college: Ohio) will not play for Aguada from Uruguay. That team has had continuous problems with finding a new foreign player. After finally signing Brandon Hunter who has NBA experience, a sudden change of plans has sent him to Israel to play.

Hunter was the fourth foreign player that was selected to play with Aguada. It is really beginning to look like a curse for the team but the President of Aguada has stated that they are not worried about this setback and that they are going to start the season fighting.

Courtesy of www.court-side.com



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

Women News


Dakar 2012 Afrobasket for U18 Women: Egypt dream second title - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Any moment from the now the jump-ball to signal the commencement of the 2012 Afrobasket U18 Women in Dakar, Senegal with Head Coach of the defending champion Egypt Eid Hayssam confident that his wards are capable of retaining the title.

In a brief chat with FIBA Africa Coach Hayssam describe the Egyptian players as very hard working, the tactician also appeal to FIBA Africa to relax the rule that has shot out younger players from being part of the U18 teams for the continent flagship youth championship. Excerpt:

Mission in Dakar, Senegal?

Our mission is just one thing and that is to win the title again and this believe stem from our hard working players and the full backing of the federation.

Any pressure to perform?

There is no pressure whatsoever except the one placed by myself which is to win for the country, the federation and my family.

Transition of some players from the U16 to U18?

Well, this team only have just two players from the 2011 U16 team and four players from the last U18 team, I want to appeal to FIBA Africa to relax the rule which bar players who are 16 years from being in any country U18 team if such country feel the player is good enough to make the team.


*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA   

ABA Standings - by Simas

State League Standings
Big V
 1. Melbourne T. 17-3 
 2. McKinnon 16-4 
 3. Eltham 13-7 
 4. Ringwood H. 10-10 
 5. Bulleen 9-11 
 6. Diamond VE 9-11 
 7. Hume City 8-12 
 8. Sherbrooke S. 4-16 
 9. Waverley 4-16 
Central ABL
 1. C.Districts L. 0-0 
 2. Eastern M. 0-0 
 3. Forestville E. 0-0 
 4. N.Adelaide R. 0-0 
 5. Norwood F. 0-0 
 6. S.Adelaide P. 0-0 
 7. Southern T. 0-0 
 8. Sturt S. 0-0 
 9. W.Adelaide B. 0-0 
 10. Woodville W. 0-0 
QBL
 1. Gladstone PCP 15-1 
 2. Bundaberg B. 13-3 
 3. Rockhampton 13-3 
 4. Mackay M. 12-4 
 5. Gold Coast R. 10-6 
 6. Ipswich F. 9-7 
 7. Northside W. 9-7 
 8. Brisbane S. 7-9 
 9. Townsville F. 6-10 
 10. Cairns D. 4-12 
 11. Toowoomba M. 3-13 
 12. Maroochydore 2-14 
 13. SW Metro P. 1-15 
SBL
 1. Cockburn C. 0-0 
 2. East Perth E. 0-0 
 3. Kalamunda E.S. 0-0 
 4. Lakeside L. 0-0 
 5. Mandurah M. 0-0 
 6. Perry Lakes H. 0-0 
 7. Perth R. 0-0 
 8. Rockingham 0-0 
 9. Stirling S. 0-0 
 10. SW Slammers 0-0 
 11. Wanneroo W. 0-0 
 12. Willetton T. 0-0 
SEABL-East
 1. Dandenong 20-6 
 2. Geelong S. 18-8 
 3. Bendigo LB 16-10 
 4. Sandringham S. 12-14 
 5. Brisbane C. 8-18 
 6. Canberra N. 8-18 
 7. Frankston B. 5-21 
SEABL-South
 1. Knox R. 24-2 
 2. Kilsyth C. 20-6 
 3. Nunawading S. 17-9 
 4. Hobart C. 14-12 
 5. Ballarat R. 11-15 
 6. Launceston T. 8-18 
 7. Albury W. 1-25 
WARATAH
 1. Bankstown B. 0-0 
 2. Hornsby S. 0-0 
 3. Illawarra H. 0-0 
 4. Manly Warr. 0-0 
 5. Newcastle H. 0-0 
 6. Norths Bears 0-0 
 7. Parramatta W. 0-0 
 8. Sutherland S. 0-0 
 9. Sydney C. 0-0 



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


NT member Emanuela Salopek returns to Gospic after 2 years - by Eurobasket News

Emanuela Salopek (178-SG-87) is back to Gospic Croatia Osiguranje. The player signed a deal for the upcoming season. Salopek played for the Croatian National Team at the Olympics Games in London. She appeared in all five games, but with very limited time on the court. The guard also played in Olympic Games Additional Qualifying Round in Ankara. There she had 3 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 1.7 apg for 3 games helping Croatia to reach the Olympics for the first time in their history. Last season Emanuela Salopek spent with Lupa Promotion Novi Zagreb and was named Eurobasket.com All-Croatian League Defensive player of the Year -12. In 2010/11, Salopek played for Jolly JBS winning the Adriatic league tile with them. Emanuela Salopek played for Gospic from 2007 to 2010. They won two Croatian league titles and also celebrated once in Adriatic league. In 2010, they won the trophy in Croatian Cup.


*****************************************************
  EGYPT   


Dakar 2012 Afrobasket for U18 Women: Egypt dream second title - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Any moment from the now the jump-ball to signal the commencement of the 2012 Afrobasket U18 Women in Dakar, Senegal with Head Coach of the defending champion Egypt Eid Hayssam confident that his wards are capable of retaining the title.

In a brief chat with FIBA Africa Coach Hayssam describe the Egyptian players as very hard working, the tactician also appeal to FIBA Africa to relax the rule that has shot out younger players from being part of the U18 teams for the continent flagship youth championship. Excerpt:

Mission in Dakar, Senegal?

Our mission is just one thing and that is to win the title again and this believe stem from our hard working players and the full backing of the federation.

Any pressure to perform?

There is no pressure whatsoever except the one placed by myself which is to win for the country, the federation and my family.

Transition of some players from the U16 to U18?

Well, this team only have just two players from the 2011 U16 team and four players from the last U18 team, I want to appeal to FIBA Africa to relax the rule which bar players who are 16 years from being in any country U18 team if such country feel the player is good enough to make the team.


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


Elizur Ramla signs Shay Doron, extends Katie Levitsky - by Eurobasket News

Shay Doron (175-SG-85, college: Maryland) and Katia Levitsky (190-PF-85, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Villanova) will play for Elizur Ramla next season, according to Safsal.co.il.
Shay Doron started 2011/12 with Elizur Ramla, but left them in February for Chinese Shanghai Octopus. After a single game in China, Doron penned a deal with Russian UMMC Ekaterinburg. There she played 5 games in total and left the club in April. With Elitzur Ramla the player shined with 19.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 3.4 apg for 12 games in Israeli league. She also added 18 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 3 apg for 6 EuroCup games. A year ago Shay Doron won EuroCup and Israeli league titles with Elitzur Ramla, plus they celebrated in National Cup. She is active member of the Israeli NT.
Katia Levitsky also played for the Israeli NT in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. She returned to Elitzur Ramla last summer. For 25 games in Israel Levitsky had 6.9 ppg and 4.3 rpg, while she had almost the same numbers for 6 EuroCup appearances. She played fro Ramla in the past.


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


Nevriye Yilmaz to miss 6-7 weeks due to back injury - by Eurobasket News

According to Turkish media, Nevriye Yilmaz (194-C-80) is expected to miss next 6-7 weeks due to lower back injury. Reportedly, the player already underwent successful surgery. Yilmaz signed a deal with Galatasaray earlier this summer. He moved to Galata after 7 years with their rival team Fenerbahce. In 2011/12 season Nevriye Yilmaz averaged 7.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists for 16 Euroleague games. In Turkish League her stats read 10.4ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 54.7%, FT: 80.3%. Over the last two seasons she became the Turkish President Cup Winner -11 and reached Turkish Cup Semifinals -11. She was named Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague Honorable Mention -11 and Turkish TBBL Regular Season Runner-Up -11. Nevriye Yilmaz received Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TKBL Player of the Year -11 and Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TKBL Center of the Year -11. Moreover she got Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TKBL Domestic Player of the Year -11, Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TKBL 1st Team -11 and Eurobasket.com Turkish TKBL All-Domestic Players Team -11.


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


Tanya Broering joins Aros Leon - by Eurobasket News

Tanya Broering (178-G-84) is new member of Aros Leon. The 27-year-old Dutch guard signed a deal for the upcoming season. She arrives from Burgos. Broering joined Burgos in January averaging 7.5 points and 2.6 rebounds for 23 LFB games. She started the season with Lekdetec.nl Basketball. There Broering shined with 19.9 ppg, 6 rpg, 5.5 apg and 3.6 spg for 11 games in Dutch Eredivisie. Before Lekdetec, Tanya Broering spent one year with Spanish Limoges and one with Italian Napoli. In the past, she also played in Germany and for Spanish Ferrol. In 2009, the player was named to Eurobasket.com German DBBL All-Bosmans Team. She played for BG Donau-Ries at that time. In 2007, Tanya Broering won Eredivisie title with ProBuild Lions Landslake. She is active member of Dutch National Team since 2005. In 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications Broering had 8.4 ppg, 4.8 rgp and 2.1 apg for 8 games.


*****************************************************
  ICELAND   


Keflavik signs Jenkins just out of college - by Greg

Keflavik (Dominos League) signed 22-year old American guard Jessica Jenkins (172-90). Jenkins just graduated from St.Bonaventure (NCAA). In 35 games last season she had 13.9ppg and 2.3rpg. She helped them to win the regular season and make it to the Atlantic 10 Tournament final. Jenkins was selected to All-Atlantic 10 1st Team back at the college.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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


Elizur Ramla signs Shay Doron, extends Katie Levitsky - by Eurobasket News

Shay Doron (175-SG-85, college: Maryland) and Katia Levitsky (190-PF-85, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Villanova) will play for Elizur Ramla next season, according to Safsal.co.il.
Shay Doron started 2011/12 with Elizur Ramla, but left them in February for Chinese Shanghai Octopus. After a single game in China, Doron penned a deal with Russian UMMC Ekaterinburg. There she played 5 games in total and left the club in April. With Elitzur Ramla the player shined with 19.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 3.4 apg for 12 games in Israeli league. She also added 18 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 3 apg for 6 EuroCup games. A year ago Shay Doron won EuroCup and Israeli league titles with Elitzur Ramla, plus they celebrated in National Cup. She is active member of the Israeli NT.
Katia Levitsky also played for the Israeli NT in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. She returned to Elitzur Ramla last summer. For 25 games in Israel Levitsky had 6.9 ppg and 4.3 rpg, while she had almost the same numbers for 6 EuroCup appearances. She played fro Ramla in the past.


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

Standings A1 (W)

A1 Standings
 1. Cagliari CUS 0-0 
 2. Chieti 0-0 
 3. Familia Schio 0-0 
 4. Lucca 0-0 
 5. Orvieto 0-0 
 6. Parma 0-0 
 7. Pozzuoli 0-0 
 8. Priolo 0-0 
 9. Romagna 0-0 
 10. Taranto 0-0 
 11. Umbertide 0-0 

Regular Season: Round 1

Oct. 14: Parma - Orvieto
Oct. 14: Pozzuoli - Umbertide
Oct. 14: Lucca - Familia Schio
Oct. 14: Taranto - Romagna
Oct. 14: Chieti - Priolo


Standings A2 Women - by Greg

A2 Standings
North
 1. Alghero 0-0 
 2. Biassono 0-0 
 3. Broni 0-0 
 4. Cagliari V. 0-0 
 5. Crema 0-0 
 6. Cremona 0-0 
 7. Marghera 0-0 
 8. Milano 0-0 
 9. Muggia 0-0 
 10. San Martino 0-0 
 11. San Salvatore 0-0 
 12. Udine 0-0 
 13. Umana Reyer 0-0 
 14. Valmadrera 0-0 
South
 1. Ancona 0-0 
 2. Bologna 0-0 
 3. Calabria 0-0 
 4. College Italia 0-0 
 5. Irpino 0-0 
 6. Min.Battipaglia 0-0 
 7. Napoli S.Dike 0-0 
 8. Ragusa 0-0 
 9. S. La Spezia 0-0 
 10. Salerno 0-0 
 11. Siena 0-0 
 12. T. La Spezia 0-0 
 13. Viterbo 0-0 

Regular Season: Round 1

North

Oct. 6: Crema - Alghero
Oct. 6: Cremona - San Salvatore
Oct. 6: Valmadrera - Milano
Oct. 7: Broni - Biassono
Oct. 7: Umana Reyer - Muggia
Oct. 7: Cagliari V. - San Martino
Oct. 7: Udine - Marghera

South

Oct. 6: Bologna - Min.Battipaglia
Oct. 6: S. La Spezia - Calabria
Oct. 6: Salerno - Irpino
Oct. 6: Siena - Ancona
Oct. 7: Ragusa - Napoli S.Dike
Oct. 7: College Italia - Viterbo



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  KENYA   


KCA on top of NBA league - by Eurobasket News

Kenya College of Accountancy University ladies basketball team is at the helm of the Nairobi Basketball Association League (Div 2) despite pressure from fellow students Kenyatta University Oryx who are in second position. KCA has 34 points from 16 wins and 2 losses.
Oryx on the other hand have only lost one of their 17 matches (33 points) when they went down to Sylvia Kamaus Strathmore 40-37. Oryx maintained the pressure over the weekend when they beat Safe Spaces 47-32 on Saturday then seeing off Kenya Polytechnic 43-23 on Sunday. Strathmore Swords (3rd place) also have 33 points but have played 18 matches compared Oryxs 17 matches losing 3 of those.
JKUAT who registered double wins over the weekend when they humiliated Mt. Kenya University 80-17 then held off Footprints 36-33 on Sunday are in 4th position with 28 points followed by Multi Media University with 27 points.
In the second half of the standings Safe Spaces who saw off MKU 32-23 on Saturday are at position 6 with 25 points from 19 matches while Barclays Bank Eaglets are at 7th with 24 points. Foot Prints and MKU who both lost their weekend matches and also share 23 points are at 8th and 9th respectively with Foot Prints having played 18 matches while MKU have participated in 20 matches.
The last are two teams are EMYBA and Kenya Polytechnic with EMYBA having 22 points from 3 wins and 16 loses while Kenya Poly have 3 wins, 12 loses and forfeiting one match.
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.ch/


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  PUERTO RICO   


League changes date of All-Star Game: - by Luis Modestti


BSNF Tournament Director, Miguel Laborde, announced that the 2012 All-Star Game will be played on September 30 at Guillermo Angulo Coliseum in Carolina.

The game is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. local time and features the top native and import players.

Because of that change, the game between Aguas Buenas and Juncos scheduled for September 30 was moved to October 15. The games scheduled for October 1 were also moved. The game where Morovis plays Quebradillas was moved to September 29. The game between Carolina and Ponce was changed to October 26.


Atleticas dominate Leonas: - by Luis Modestti


Atleticas de San German dominated Leonas de Ponce 88-62 in the only game played on Wednesday.

San German improves to 6-4 while Ponce is 0-12.

Dominique Smith (177-G, college: Prairie View A&M) led the way with 17 points while Stephanie Rosado (189-PF-89, college: IPFW) added 15, Angelica Bermudez 14 and Zuleimarie Sanchez 11 for the winners.

San German dominated the first half 40-25 and never looked back.

Denise Lewis led Ponce with 24 points.

Today Quebradillas visits Aguas Buenas and San German plays in Morovis.


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  RUSSIA   


Istanbul Universitesi confirms signing of Irina Osipova - by Eurobasket News

Irina Osipova (196-C-81) officially became a new member of Istanbul Universitesi. The Turkish squad confirmed her signing yesterday and Russian center already joined her new teammates. Osipova spent last seven years with Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region. She had 7.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 1.3 bpg for 15 games in Russia last season. Osipova also added 6.4 ppg and 5.9 rpg for 17 Euroleague games. She had almost the same numbers in 2010/11. Irina Osipova won many titles and personal awards with Spartak. They were Euroleague champions four straight times from 2007 to 2010. Osipova is active member of the Russian National Team since 2001. With them she also won big number of medals, including the Gold at 2011 EuroBasket in Poland. For 9 games at this event Irina Osipova averaged 5.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists. This summer she had 6.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 2.5 apg for 8 games at the Olympic Games in London. Russia reached Semifinals.


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  SERBIA   


Jelena Mitic moved to Jagodina - by Dragana Vukovic

Jelena Mitic (172-F-89) signed one year deal with Jagodina 2001. She is expected to reinforce struggle in the paint. Last season she played in ZKK Vrbas Medela averaging 13.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists during 30.2 minutes on the court. Before that Jelena Mitic played for Vojvodina Nis Novi Sad and KK Celarevo. She was a member of Serbian U18 NT that won gold medal at U18 European Championship in Novi Sad 2007.


Radivoj Korac signed Tina Jovanovic - by Dragana Vukovic

The management of Radivoj Korac Beograd announced that they made a deal with Tina Jovanovic (190-F/C-91). Last season, during U20 European Champioship in Novi Sad she injured knee and a month later she underwent surgery. She missed whole last season due to process of rehabilitation. She decided to stay in Radivoj Korac Beograd because she have played last two seasons there and she has big support of coaches and management for returning on the court. Last season, when she played, she averaged 11.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game in Adriatic League. Tina Jovanovic was a member of all Serbian youngsters NT and competed on U16, U18 and U20 European Championships.


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  SLOVAKIA   


Ruzomberok will try to stop Kosice - by Michal Duchovic

The first game of the season has MBK Ruzomberok dominated, they won 98:56 over SBS Ostrava. The club has changed coach, the new coach is Stefan Svitek , who coached Kosice. Stefan Svitek says: "We are happy that we have four members of Slovakian National Team. We are building this team as one piece, not on individual performances." Now is MBK Ruzomberok looking for one center and also they are looking forward to see Luisa Michulkova (179-G/F-84) in their roster. But the situation with Michulkova is complicated, because she has gave birth to her son year ago.

The squad of MBK Ruzomberok for the 2012/2013 season: Janka Mincikova (172-PG-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas), Zuzana Brezaniova (175-G-87), Adela Kudlickova (163-PG-94), Veronika Cernakova (175-G-90), Dominika Baburova (182-SF-91), Sequoia Holmes (185-F-86, agency: Merit Sports, college: UNLV), Katarina Tetemondova (188-F/C-88), Veronika Remenarova (185-F-97), Beata Fricova (177-G/F-94), Kadidja Andersson (185-F-80, college: Minnesota), Eva Kmetova (188-C/F-87, agency: Regeneracom Sports), Tina Trebec (189-F-90, agency: Kotnik Sports Agency), Lucia Hadacova (187-PF-95).


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  SPAIN   


Tanya Broering joins Aros Leon - by Eurobasket News

Tanya Broering (178-G-84) is new member of Aros Leon. The 27-year-old Dutch guard signed a deal for the upcoming season. She arrives from Burgos. Broering joined Burgos in January averaging 7.5 points and 2.6 rebounds for 23 LFB games. She started the season with Lekdetec.nl Basketball. There Broering shined with 19.9 ppg, 6 rpg, 5.5 apg and 3.6 spg for 11 games in Dutch Eredivisie. Before Lekdetec, Tanya Broering spent one year with Spanish Limoges and one with Italian Napoli. In the past, she also played in Germany and for Spanish Ferrol. In 2009, the player was named to Eurobasket.com German DBBL All-Bosmans Team. She played for BG Donau-Ries at that time. In 2007, Tanya Broering won Eredivisie title with ProBuild Lions Landslake. She is active member of Dutch National Team since 2005. In 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications Broering had 8.4 ppg, 4.8 rgp and 2.1 apg for 8 games.


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  TAIWAN   


Lin Yu-ting leads Taiwan U-18 womens NT in Malaysia - by Chris Wang

With experiences at the U16 and U18 Asian championship as well as the U19 World Championship, 180cm versatile forward Lin Yu-Ting (183-F-94) will be Taiwan NTs leader at the FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Women at Johor Baru, Malaysia.

Lin will be one of the few players who was able to participate in two U18 Asia events because she made the NT roster at a very young age.

And her goal would be the same -- making the medal round and win an opportunity for a berth in the World Championship in Lithuania next year.

Taiwan finished for bronze medal two years ago.

It is in the same Level I bracket with China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia.

While it appears Taiwan would have no problems making the semifinal round, South Korea will be Taiwans main target in the final four, according to Taiwan NT head coach Lee Tai-ying, who said Japan looks like a tougher team to beat.

Japan finished fourth in the U17 World Championship this year.

Participating teams:
LEVEL I
1. CHINA
2. JAPAN
3. C. TAIPEI
4. KOREA
5. MALAYSIA
6. THAILAND

LEVEL II
1. HONG KONG
2. INDIA
3. KAZAKHSTAN
4. SINGAPORE
5. SRI LANKA
6. UZBEKISTAN

FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Women
Johor Baru, Malaysia
Sept. 29 - Oct. 6

Tournament facts:
The 21st FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Women is the qualifying event for the 10th FIBA World U19 Championship for Women to be held in Lithuania from July 18-28, 2013.
The top three teams from the 21st FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Women will represent FIBA Asia in the 10th FIBA World U19 Championship for Women.
China, Japan and Chinese Taipei had represented FIBA Asia in the 9th FIBA World U19 Championship for Women, held in Chile.
This will be the first occasion when Johor Bahru will host a FIBA Asia event for Women. However, Johor Bahru has hosted two FIBA Asia events earlier.
In 2009, Johor Bahru was the host of the inaugural FIBA Asia U16 Championship and 13 years before that in 1996, Johor Bahru had hosted the 14th FIBA Asia U18 Championship.
East Asian nations have held a powerful hold on the podium-finishes in this event.
China have won the gold medal 12 times, the silver four times and the bronze on one occasion.
Korea won the gold seven times, the silver five times and the bronze six times.
Japan, who won their maiden gold medal at the 19th FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Women in Medan two years ago, have won seven silver medals and five bronze medals.
Chinese Taipei have won the silver three times and the bronze four times.
Only three other nations have won any medal on any other occasion.
Malaysia have won the silver and bronze once each; Philippines have won the bronze twice and Thailand once.
In fact, no team apart from the East Asian foursome China, Japan, Chinese Taipei and Korea has entered the semifinals in the last 28 years.
The last time any team apart from these four made the last four was when Malaysia entered the semifinals in the eighth edition of the FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Women at Seoul, Korea way back in 1984.

System of competition
In order to balance the level of competitions, the Championship shall be played in two levels: Level I and Level II.

The number of the teams in Level I is set at six (6). The teams to be qualified into Level I of the Championship must be already set out at the end of the previous Championship by the FIBA ASIA Women Committee, using as basis, the teams' performance at that Championship.

Level I:
The teams will form one (1) group. Each team will play all the other teams in the group in one (1) Preliminary Round. The four best-placed teams in this round will qualify into the Final Round.

Semi Finals:
Game 1 Level 1 vs Level 4
Game 2 Level 2 vs Level 3

Finals:
Game 3 Loser 1 vs Loser 2 (3rd and 4th)
Game 4 Winner 1 vs Winner 2 (1st and 2nd)

Level II:
The other teams will form one (1) group. Each team will play all the other teams in the group in one (1) Round. FIBA Official Basketball Rules for "Classification of Teams" shall apply for standing of the teams in the group.

Qualification to Level I of next Championship: At the end of the Preliminary Round the 5th & 6th placed teams in Level I and the 1st & 2nd placed team in Level II will play decisive games for qualification to Level I of the next FIBA ASIA Women Championship:

QFG 1 5th Level I vs 2nd Level II
QFG 2 6th Level I vs 1st Level II

Winners of Game 1 and Game 2 will have the right to play in Level I of the next FIBA ASIA Women Championship beside the four best placed teams of Level I of this Championship.

Losers of Game 1 and Game 2 will have to play in Level II of the next FIBA ASIA Women Championship.


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  TURKEY   


Nevriye Yilmaz to miss 6-7 weeks due to back injury - by Eurobasket News

According to Turkish media, Nevriye Yilmaz (194-C-80) is expected to miss next 6-7 weeks due to lower back injury. Reportedly, the player already underwent successful surgery. Yilmaz signed a deal with Galatasaray earlier this summer. He moved to Galata after 7 years with their rival team Fenerbahce. In 2011/12 season Nevriye Yilmaz averaged 7.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists for 16 Euroleague games. In Turkish League her stats read 10.4ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 54.7%, FT: 80.3%. Over the last two seasons she became the Turkish President Cup Winner -11 and reached Turkish Cup Semifinals -11. She was named Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague Honorable Mention -11 and Turkish TBBL Regular Season Runner-Up -11. Nevriye Yilmaz received Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TKBL Player of the Year -11 and Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TKBL Center of the Year -11. Moreover she got Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TKBL Domestic Player of the Year -11, Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TKBL 1st Team -11 and Eurobasket.com Turkish TKBL All-Domestic Players Team -11.


Istanbul Universitesi confirms signing of Irina Osipova - by Eurobasket News

Irina Osipova (196-C-81) officially became a new member of Istanbul Universitesi. The Turkish squad confirmed her signing yesterday and Russian center already joined her new teammates. Osipova spent last seven years with Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region. She had 7.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 1.3 bpg for 15 games in Russia last season. Osipova also added 6.4 ppg and 5.9 rpg for 17 Euroleague games. She had almost the same numbers in 2010/11. Irina Osipova won many titles and personal awards with Spartak. They were Euroleague champions four straight times from 2007 to 2010. Osipova is active member of the Russian National Team since 2001. With them she also won big number of medals, including the Gold at 2011 EuroBasket in Poland. For 9 games at this event Irina Osipova averaged 5.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists. This summer she had 6.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 2.5 apg for 8 games at the Olympic Games in London. Russia reached Semifinals.


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  UGANDA   


Strike looming at KCCA over unpaid player wages - by Eurobasket News

Leopards players litsen to their coach Timothy Odeke during halftime of a previous league game. Players are growing impatient over salary delays. Photo by Ismail Kezaala KCCA Leopards players are threatening strike action over non-payment of wages dating back to January though their team manager claims they have been paid.
We had deals before KCC became KCCA but they were all wiped out, a basketball player, who asked to speak anonymously for fear of reprisal, said. Under the new system, KCCA, which also runs sports teams in football and volleyball among others, ordered players to open bank accounts. Everyone gets a flat salary. In this day and age, who do you give Shs197, 000 (a month)? Thats not even (enough for) transport, she added.
We are all thinking of a strike because I am quite sure the people at the top dont know about this. Joy Olinga, the team manager, told us the contrary. Those players have been paid for all the active months since April, Olinga, seemingly puzzled by the development, responded.
The Airtel National Basketball League where KCC lie third runs from April to December. The monthly stipend is the fixed pay for sportsmen and women under KCCA and the bodys publicist Peter Kaujju sounded shocked when contacted.
Are you sure? Kaujju responded. Daily Monitor understands that players have missed several practice sessions this season over the same issue. Everyone thinks all is good but no transport money or allowances have been given to us ladies since the beginning of the year, the source added. However, Daily Monitor established that during the Zone V Club Championship last month, some allowances were paid.
Players got Shs2,000 for the first two days. A further Shs5,000 was paid for the next two, Shs15,000 for the semifinals and Shs7, 000 on August 26 when the tournament climaxed at Lugogo. Things were better under the old KCC, according to some players.
Those days, we used to get tournament allowances of even Shs400, 000 especially when we travel plus our usual monthly salary, the player revealed. Until recently, KCC Leopards has been one of the most financially stable clubs in the league.
They joined the league in 2004. Due to their healthy financial muscle, they recruited massively in 2006 and went through the regular season unbeaten.
In 2007, Leopards claimed their first league title and have since participated in several regional tournaments. Not many other Ugandan clubs can facilitate teams to travel outside Uganda.
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.ch/


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  WBCBL   


Taylor headed to Sweden - by Willie McCray

Taylor Wencis (57 / PG / Northwood University-FL) of the Dallas Lady Diesel has signed with the Visby Ladies of Sweden and will make her Professional debut this fall. During the 2012 Season of the WBCBL, Wencis displayed strong defensive skills while averaging 11 points and 4 assists for the Lady Diesel. Her dedication on and off the court helped the Lady Diesel make an appearance to the 2012 WBCBL National Tournament in Miami Lakes, Florida.




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  WNBA   


Sun choose All-Decade team - by Eurobasket News

Five members of the current Connecticut Sun team were among the 10 chosen for the All-Decade team, which was introduced prior to the game with Indiana on Wednesday night.

Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut), Asjha Jones (6'2''-PF-80, college: Connecticut), Kara Lawson (5'8''-PG-81, college: Tennessee), Renee Montgomery (5'7''-PG-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) and Tan White (5'7''-PG-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Mississippi St.) all received a bouquet of flowers from coach Mike Thibault as they were introduced.

First of all, its an honor to be selected with all the players who have been here and been a part of this team, White said. Im proud to be a part of that list of names. It shows people are thinking of you.

Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue), who was in attendance as a member of the Fever, Taj McWilliams-Franklin (6'3''-C-70, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: St.Edward's), Nykesha Sales (6'0''-F/G-76, agency: Merit Sports, college: Connecticut), Lindsay Whalen (5'9''-PG-82, college: Minnesota) and the late Marta Dydek (6'5''-C-82, college: UTEP) also were selected to the team.

Its a great honor to be recognized with some of the great people who have played for this franchise, Jones said.

The players also received a framed commemorative poster of the occasion.

Beginning in May, fans were asked to vote for their top 10 players among a list of 55 players who have been with the Sun since it re-located from Orlando, Fla., to the Mohegan Sun Arena in 2003.

Courtesy of www.norwichbulletin.com


WNBA's Western Conference playoff schedule set - by Eurobasket News

The Storm will make its WNBA-record ninth playoff appearance on the road against top-seed Minnesota on Sept. 28. Game 2 for the best-of-three series is Sept. 30 in Seattle. Game 3, if needed, is Oct. 2 in Minneapolis.

Seattle (14-18) has two games remaining this season, hosting its final home game against San Antonio on Friday. Seattle clinched a playoff berth after a win at Tulsa on Sept. 8 and was locked into the fourth seed. The pairing against Minnesota (26-5) is a rematch of the teams' 2004 series where Seattle advanced and went on to win its first WNBA championship.

The Storm was 1-3 against the defending champion Lynx this season. The sole win (65-62) was at KeyArena in June to halt Minnesota's record season start (10-0). The teams haven't played each other with three-time MVP Lauren Jackson in the lineup.

Minnesota finished 16-1 at home this season and has three road games remaining on its schedule. Seattle is 5-11 on the road, playing at Phoenix to close the regular-season on Sept. 23.

Here's the complete Western Conference first-round schedule. The Eastern Conference is still being determined. Chicago (13-19) and New York (14-18) are battling for the fourth and final postseason slot.


Minnesota vs. Seattle

Game 1 - Fri Sept. 28 Seattle at Minnesota 8:00PM (Central) 9:00PM (EST) ESPN2

Game 2 - Sun Sept. 30 Minnesota at Seattle 6:00PM (PST) 9:00PM (EST) ESPN

Game 3 * Tue October 2 Seattle at Minnesota TBDTBD ESPN2


Los Angeles vs. San Antonio

Game 1 - Thu Sept. 27 San Antonio at Los Angeles 7:00PM (PST) 10:00PM (EST) ESPN2

Game 2 - Sat Sept. 29 Los Angeles at San Antonio 2:00PM (Central) 3:00PM (EST) NBA TV

Game 3 * Mon October 1 San Antonio at Los Angeles 7:30PM (PST) 10:30PM (EST) NBA TV

Courtesy of www.i4u.com


Fever: January and Zellous to miss remainder of road trip - by Eurobasket News

The Indiana Fever will complete the remainder of its three-game road trip without two of its starters - Briann January (5'8''-PG-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Arizona St.) and Shavonte Zellous (5'10''-G-86, college: Pittsburgh). January and Zellous will not accompany the team for games at Connecticut (tonight) and Washington (9/21). Both sustained blows to the head during Monday night's game at Minnesota and have returned to Indianapolis for evaluation and treatment.

Both players will continue to be evaluated by Fever medical staff and will be day-to-day as the team prepares for the WNBA Playoffs which begin next week.

The Fever, 20-11 and a No. 2 seed in the upcoming playoffs, has three games remaining in its regular season before hosting Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals next Thursday (9/27) or Friday (9/28). Zellous, averaging 7.5 points per game, has been a starter in all 31 games this season. January, Indiana's point guard, has averaged 10.3 points and a team-high 3.9 assists while starting the past 26 games.

In Monday's loss against the defending champion Lynx, Zellous was treated by Fever trainer Todd Champlin after a collision near the end of the first half, and did not return after halftime. January absorbed a similar injury with 4:47 remaining in the contest.

A WNBA playoff participant in eight straight seasons and nine times since 2002, the Indiana Fever has advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals four times in the past seven years. The Fever celebrates Fan Appreciation Night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse when Indiana hosts the Tulsa Shock in its regular season finale on Sunday, Sept. 23 (6:00 p.m.). Indiana will host the Atlanta Dream in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Thursday, Sept. 27 or Friday, Sept. 28.

Courtesy of ww.oursportscentral.com