EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/22/2012 4:04:01 AM

Copyright © 1997-2012 Eurobasket
WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site!
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the report, nor will you attempt to do so.
More info:www.eurobasket.com


Men News

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



Bahamas ABA team is back on track - by Gianni Pascucci

Ricardo B. Smith from the Bahamas informed Usbasket.com that his Bahama All Pro Show team will be returning to the ABA in upcoming season. Mr. Smith is setting a press conference in Nassau, Bahamas in early October to make major announcements on team plans, progress and season 2012-2013. Ricardo B. Smith is the team Owner and will also serve as General Manager


*****************************************************
  AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18   

Standings

Standings
1. Angola1-0
2. Egypt1-0
3. Senegal1-0
4. Tunisia0-1
5. Kenya0-1
6. Mali0-1



*****************************************************
  ARGENTINA   

Standings - LigaA

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

Regular Season: Round 3

North

Sep. 20: Regatas C. - Quimsa 82-67
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. 20: Boca Jrs - 9 de Julio 76-71
Sep. 20: Obras - Argentino 72-83
Sep. 21: GECR Indalo - Penarol
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. Seawright, GECR I.18.0 
 5. Osimani, Obras17.5 
 6. Funes, Argentino17.0 
 7. DeGroat, Boca Jrs17.0 
 8. Nelson, 9 de Julio17.0 
 9. Lewis, La Union17.0 
 10. Cequeira, Sionista16.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Darren PHILLIP
  Union Progr.
  (201-F-78)
  Avg: 14.5
 1. Phillip, Union Pro.14.5 
 2. Clancy, Olimpico.10.0 
 3. Sanchez, Libertad.10.0 
 4. Nelson, 9 de Julio9.0 
 5. Lytch, Argentino9.0 
 6. Williams, Quimsa8.7 
 7. DeGroat, Boca Jrs8.7 
 8. Mata, Penarol8.5 
 9. Gutierrez, Obras8.5 
 10. Lewis, La Union8.3 
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. Konsztatd, Obras4.0 
 5. Van Lacke, Boca J.3.7 
 6. Aguirre, Quimsa3.7 
 7. De los Santo., Arg.3.5 
 8. Sanchez, Libertad.3.5 
 9. Cajal, Union Progr.3.5 
 10. Lytch, Argentino3.5 
Steals Per Game
 Nicolas DE LOS SANTOS
  Argent.
  (180-PG-88)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. De los Santo., Arg.3.5 
 2. Aguirre, Quimsa3.3 
 3. Pittman, Sionista3.0 
 4. Boccia, Lanus2.5 
 5. Pau, Olimpico LB2.5 
 6. Weigand, Argentino2.5 
 7. Ramirez, Olimpico.2.0 
 8. Espinoza, Obras2.0 
 9. Faggiano, Wuber-.2.0 
 10. Ciorciari, GECR I.2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Marcos MATA
  Penarol
  (201-SF-86)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Mata, Penarol2.5 
 2. Gutierrez, Obras2.0 
 3. Battle, Lanus1.5 
 4. Clancy, Olimpico.1.5 
 5. Sanchez, Libertad.1.0 
 6. Roby, Wuber-Es.1.0 
 7. Weigand, Argentino1.0 
 8. Rasio, Penarol1.0 
 9. Williams, Quimsa1.0 
 10. Bulfoni, Atenas1.0 



*****************************************************
  AUSTRIA   


Ian Boylan inks with BC Zepter Vienna - by Stefan Prager

The BC Zepter Vienna continues to buid a potential championship team. After signing Shawn Ray, Shelton Colwell and big man sensation Zarko Rakocevic the club has now announced the signing of guard Ian Boylan (197-G/F-83, college: CS Northridge). Boylan is coming from a season in Switzerland where he played for BBC Monthey. For IB it's a return to Austria where he had very successfull years in Gmunden being a part of a dynasty and winning two championships and three cup titles with the Swans. For Monthey Boylan appeared in 34 games last season averaging a bit more than 13 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists per contest. He made it to the Swiss cup final and the league semis. In Austria Boylan has enjoyed some stardom. He was selected to the All Star game in 2007, 2008 and 2010 and was voted Eurobasket All Austrian Defensive player of the year in 2010 as well as Guard and Import Player of the year in 2011. With the addition of Boylan the BC Vienna completed their roster for 2012/2013. Boylan is expected to have his debut tonight when Vienna will face the BK 6ers in the first round of the Austrian Cup.


Mahalbasic headed to Euroleague - signs with Asseco Prokom - by Stefan Prager

Via euroleague.net:

Asseco Prokom Gdynia further strengthened its frontcourt with the addition of center Rasid Mahalbasic (208-C-90) for the coming season. Mahalbasic signed a six-year deal with Fenerbahce Ulker of Turkey in 2010, but has spent the majority of the past two seasons on loan to different teams. He spent time last season with Split in Croatia and Zlatorog Lasko in Slovenia. Over the summer Mahalbasic starred for the Austrian national team in their EuroBasket 2012 qualifying campaign by leading the team with 16.8 points and 5.6 rebounds over eight games. Though born in Slovenia, Mahalbasic joined Austrian side kelag Worthersee Piraten as a 9-year-old and shined in that league throughout his teenage years. In the 2009-10 season his last in Austria Mahalbasic was sixth in the Austrian League in scoring with 18.4 points in 27 games and second in the league with 8.6 rebounds and a 19.6 index. He has also played at loan for Tofas in Turkey.


*****************************************************
  BOSNIA   


Igokea beats Cedevita 72:67 in Zagreb - by Miljan Veskovic

Cedevita and Igokea played friendly game in Zagreb last night. Igokea celebrated 72:67 (15:9, 14:20, 25:20 and 18:18). It was close match up from the beginning, Cedevita had +6 in the last quarter but the guests managed to turn the game and win. Both teams missed important players, Cedevita played without Goran Suton (209-C-85, college: Michigan St.), Bracey Wright (191-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Indiana) and Marino Bazdaric (197-G/F-78) while Igokea missed Milan Dozet (204-SF-79) and Sinisa Stemberger (195-G-79). So far Igokea played a lot of friendly games and seems that they are going in the right direction, they will be tough opponent for every team in Adriatic League.

Cedevita : Car 2, Green 5, Gelabale 6, Suput 8, Babic 9, Andric 25, Lebo 4, Bilan 8

Igokea : Adamovic 7, Jorovic 11, Komatina 8, Gajovic 11, ulovic 5, Bock 2, Hammonds 12, Joksimovic 4, Edwards 12


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

Standings - Paulista, Carioca, Minas G. leagues

Paulista Standings
GroupA
 1. S.Jose/Unimed 8-2 
 2. Pinheiros/Sky 7-3 
 3. Paulistano 7-3 
 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. 8-1 
 2. Winner/Limeira 6-2 
 3. Vivo/Franca 5-3 
 4. America 3-5 
 5. Liga Sorocaba 3-5 
 6. Rio Claro 2-6 
 7. Jacarei 2-7 
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: Paulistano - Pinheiros/Sky 81-84
Sep. 20: Jacarei - Liga Sorocaba 71-89
Sep. 20: Paschoalotto/B. - Rio Claro 105-66

Second Stage: Round 11

Sep. 22: Winner/Limeira - Vivo/Franca
Sep. 22: Paulistano - Inter Santos
Sep. 22: Gremio Mogi - Palmeiras
Sep. 22: Suzano - Metodista/S.B.
Sep. 23: America - Jacarei
Sep. 23: Rio Claro - Liga Sorocaba


Standings - NLB

Carioca Standings
 1. Botafogo 0-0 
 2. Flamengo 0-0 
 3. Riachuelo TC 0-0 
 4. Tijuca TC 0-0 


Luiz Bidart sign in The Seattle University - by Paulo Freire

The Seattle University men's basketball team, has a brazilian flavor. Luiz Bidart (188-G-90) a guard from Sao Paulo, Brazil, has made the transition from High School to College.
Luiz has travel with his new team to China, as they visit four cities and played games in China: Beijing, Fuxin, Qianjiang, and Heze.
Bidart played really well in a high school in California before join the Seattle University, he will be a Redshirt freshman.
The Seattle University men's basketball team joins the Western Athletic Conference beginning in 2012-13 and will be eligible for the conference title along with a berth into the NCAA Tournament.


Pinheiros/Sky edge Paulistano to take second spot in Group A - by Eurobasket News

Pinheiros/Sky defeated Paulistano 84:81 on the road in the latest Paulista League encounter. Pinheiros/Sky thus managed to catch up with their opponents in Group A ladder at 7-3 record. Marcio Dornelles (194-F-75) came up with 20 points to lead the winners.
Pinheiros/Sky enjoyed a 17:10 lead after ten minutes of action. Paulistano fired 29 points in the second frame to get within a single point 39:40 at halftime. The teams traded baskets throughout the third term as Pinheiros/Sky remained up by one point at the final intermission. They unloaded 30 points in the fourth frame and sealed the victory at the end. Joe Smith (193-G-77, college: Al.-Huntsville) finished with 16 points, while Paulinho Boracini (183-G-84) added 12 points for the winners. Renato Carbonari (204-F/C-87) answered with 21 points for Paulistano. Pedro Carvalho (198-F-92) had 15 points in the loss.


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


Brand new Levski is on fire - by Vladi Lazarova

Levski is full of ambition to stop Bulgarian powerhouse Lukoil Academic this season. Blues already gave a sign they will try to break 10 years of hegemony after beating their greatest rival 92:80 in a friendly on Wednesday. Tonight Levski won the trophy of "Kupina Kup" in Serbian town Nis. Bulgarian silver medalist for 2011 took the final battle over the host team of Konstantin by 7 points - 79:72.

Marko Marinovic (183-PG-83) led the scorers for Levski with 19 points and Chavdar Kostov (195-SG-88, agency: Interperformances) added 16 points for the victory. Before the game, Kostov won 3-point shooting contest of the tournament.


Beroe better than Chernomorets in preseason game - by Eurobasket News

Beroe - Chernomorets 73-66

Bulgarian teams continue with friendly games this preseason. Beroe and Chernomorets met yesterday in Stara Zagora. The home squad celebrated 73-66 victory in this meeting. Atanas Radev (200-F-81) top-scored for Beroe with 20 points and Will Walker (183-G, college: De Paul) secured a nice help with 16 pts. Alesandrov followed them with 12. In the loosing squad, Kiril Raykov (196-F-87) and Ivo Slavchev (198-F-90) were better than the others scoring 17 points each. Beroe had better start making 25-18 lead in the first ten minutes. They reached double digit advantage in Q2, but Chernomorets didnt give up. They came to minus 7 after the breather and later in the game tied the score to 66-66. Vasil Aleksandrov (188-G-90) drained a triple for Beroe and Will Walker connected four free throws to secure the victory.

Beroe: Atanas Radev 20, Will Walker 16, Vasil Aleksandrov 12
Chernomorets: Kiril Raykov 17, Ivo Slavchev 17


Levski downs Radnicki Kragujevac in 'Kupina Cup' - by Eurobasket News

Radnicki Kragujevac - Levski Sofia 79-86

'Kupina Cup' started yesterday in Nis. In the opening game Levski Sofia celebrated 86-79 victory against Radnicki Kragujevac and advanced to the Finals. The Serbian squad faced with first loss this preseason, after eight straight wins. Chavdar Kostov (195-SG-88, agency: Interperformances) was a key player for Bulgarians with 28 points. Point guard Marko Marinovic (183-PG-83) scored 17 points and Dimitar Dimitrov (202-F-93, agency: Interperformances) helped his team with 11. At the other side, Radnicki got 15 points from Bojan Krstovic (194-G-80, agency: Interperformances) and Mark Worthington (202-PF-83, college: Metro St.). Terrico White (196-G-90, college: Mississippi) this time stopped to 11 pts. Levski was in charge for most of the game. Bulgarians will meet Konstantin in the Finals. That game is scheduled for today at 20:30h. Radnicki and MZT Skopje will play for third place.

Radnicki Kragujevac: Bojan Krstovic 15, Mark Worthington 15, Terrico White 11
Levski Sofia: Chavdar Kostov 28, Marko Marinovic 17, Dimitar Dimitrov 11


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


2012 Fiba Asia Cup: Tailong Zhao leads China past Lebanon - by Eurobasket News

China - Lebanon 78:63

China earned the right to fight for the fifth place at Fiba Asia Cup. They fired past Lebanon tonight to set up the clash versus Taiwan in Tokyo tomorrow. Lebanon will take on Uzbekistan for the 7th position. Zhao TaiLong (193-G/F-90) stepped up with 27 points to carry China to the victory.
China stormed into the game leaving Lebanon behind. They posted a 23:11 lead after ten minutes. China maintained the pressure in the second quarter. They accumulated a 45:31 halftime advantage. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the third period. China were able to secure a 14-point lead into the fourth frame. China limited Lebanon to only 12 points in the fourth stanza and sealed the victory at the end. Duan JiangPeng (197-F-90) netted 15 points, while Wang Zhelin (215-PF-94) added 14 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Fadi Khatib (199-F-79) answered with game-high 34 points for Lebanon. Garnett Thompson (206-C/F-80, agency: Veracity Sports, LLC, college: Providence) netted 7 points in the loss.

China: Zhao TaiLong 27, Duan JiangPeng 15, Wang Zhelin 14
Lebanon: Fadi Khatib 34, Garnett Thompson 7


Josh Akognon joins Dallas Mavericks on non-guaranteed contract - by Eurobasket News

Josh-Emmanuel Akognon (5'11''-G-86, college: CS Fullerton) joined Dallas Mavericks on non-guaranteed contract. The player signed a fully guaranteed deal with Liaoning earlier this week (with NBA out option) and will return to China if Mavericks decide not to keep him on their regular season roster. Most recently Akognon played for the NBA D-League team Canton Charge. He joined them in April averaging 14.5 points and 2.5 rebounds in 4 games. The PG played for DongGuan New Century Leopards in 2011/12 CBA season. He shined there with 28.2 ppg, 3 apg and 2.9 rpg for 37 games. He was named to Asia-Basket.com All-Chinese CBA 2nd Team -12. In 2011 Josh-Emmanuel Akognon reached CBA Semifinals with DongGuan and was named to Asia-Basket.com All-Chinese CBA 3rd Team -11. That season the player had 29.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 2.7 ap for 39 games. Josh-Emmanuel Akognon played for Estonian Kalev/Cramo Tallinn in 2009/10 and it was his first season as a pro. He graduated at California State University, Fullerton in 2009.


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

Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 5

Sep. 21: Hormigueros - Guerreros
Sep. 21: Cafeteros - Patriotas
Sep. 21: Arrieros - Islanders
Sep. 21: Bayside - Once Caldas
Sep. 21: Choco - Bucaros
Sep. 22: Hormigueros - Guerreros
Sep. 22: Cafeteros - Patriotas
Sep. 22: Arrieros - Islanders
Sep. 22: Bayside - Once Caldas
Sep. 22: Choco - Bucaros



*****************************************************
  CUBA   


Aurteneche Maquinaria Euskadi adds Elias to their roster - by Eurobasket News

Aurteneche Maquinaria Euskadi (LEB Silver) added to their roster 31-year old Cuban ex-international forward Georvys Elias (199-103kg-81). Elias played for the last two years at Tenerife Baloncesto in EBA. However his team was relegated to 1 Division. In 24 EBA games he had 13.0ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.8apg and 1.5spg last season. A very spectacular season in his career as he was named to Eurobasket.com All-LEB Silver Honorable Mention.
He was a member of Cuban Senior National Team between 2000 and 2009. Elias also represented Cuba at the CBC Championships in Tortilla (BVI) three years ago. His team won Bronze and his stats at that event were : 5 games: 10.0ppg, Reb-5 (6.0rpg), FGP-1 (70.4%), 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 40.0%..

By Eurobasket Data Center


*****************************************************
  DENMARK   


Serbian Forward joins Horsholm 79ers - by Christian Hamborg

27 year old Serbian forward Attila Kovacs (203-F-85) joins Horsholm 79ers and looks to be a good addition to the Copenhagen-based team. Atila Kovac has played mostly in Hungary both in the B-division and A-division. Last season Kovac played 9 games for MTK Torokbalint averaging 16.6ppg, 9.6rpg and 2.2apg shooting 64.4% on 2pointers and hitting 44.4% of his three point attempts. Atila also played 5 games for Jaszbernyi KSE that season averaging 0.6 ppg


Serbian forward joins Horsholm 79ers - by Christian Hamborg

27 year old Serbian forward Atila Kovac joins Horsholm 79ers and looks to be a good addition to the Copenhagen-based team. Atila Kovac has played mostly in Hungary both in the B-division and A-division. Last season Kovac played 9 games for MTK Torokbalint averaging 16.6ppg, 9.6rpg and 2.2apg shooting 64.4% on 2pointers and hitting 44.4% of his three point attempts. Atila also played 5 games for Jaszbernyi KSE that season averaging 0.6 ppg


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


Heiko Rannula and Timo Oja returns to Valga - by Sander Loon

Heiko Rannula (186-G-83) is back in Valga Korvpallikool, where he has been playing 4 seasons. The player had 10.2 ppg and 4 rpg in KML at 2009/2010 season. After been playing in Finland and France he is back in Valga Korvpallikool. Also Timo Oja (186-G-87) is return in Valga Korvpallikool after one season in Rakvere Tarvas. In KML Timo Oja accounted 8.3 ppg, 2,3 rpg and in Baltic League 7.4 ppg and 1,3 rpg.


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


Asseco Prokom tab Rasid Mahalbasic - by Eurobasket News

Asseco Prokom bolstered their frontcourt. They added Rasid Mahalbasic (208-C-90) to the squad. The Austrian centre spent the last season in Slovenia. He played for Zlatogor Lasko. His stats read 4.0 points and 1.5 blocks per game in Slovenian League. In Adriatic League Rasid Mahalbasic posted 4.7 points, 6.7 boards, 1.7 assists and 1.0 block per appearance. Previously the centre had stints with Wels, Bosna Sarajevo, Worthersee Piraten, Tofas Bursa, KK Split. He used to play for Austrian U16, U18 and U20 National Teams. Rasid Mahalbasic was named All-European Championship U20 Division B Best Player in 2009. Rasid Mahalbasic has been the member of Austrian National Team since 2008. He averaged 15.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.0 assist per 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round game.


Aggelopoulos Bros: Euroleague needs changes - by Kostas Papadopoulos

The Euroleague champions had their media day last Tuesday, for the needs of Euroleague, and their owners, Panagiotis and George Aggelopoulos made an impressive appearance with their statements on the goals of the team and their rivalry with Panathinaikos.
"I wish for a good season. My dream is to be in London on May. Our team is the same by 11/14 since last season. They say that now they know us. If they do so, then let them come and play against us! I dont know how many teams won the Euroleague and kept their roster on the next season", Panagiotis Aggelopoulos said.
About the financial situation in Euroleague, Panagiotis Aggelopoulos stated: "We won the title and our bonus was 250.000 euros. I believe Friday is a good day for Euroleague games and we will have more fans in our arena. We have sold just 500 season tickets, we are Euroleague champions and we want our fans by our side. There are efforts in order to grow in other markets, like the UK and Germany, but this is not enough. Especially in Germany, there is wealth there. There is free time and money to spend in order to enjoy basketball (referring to the game between Alba Berlin against Bayern with almost 9.000 fans in the gym). Euroleague needs changes, otherwise only the Russian and the Turks will continue to spend money".
Being asked about the new coach of the team, Bartzokas, the owner of Olympiacos replied: "We have been following his work all those years. We appreciate him and believe that he is the best Greek coach and he can run the team".
On the other side, George Aggelopoulos, co-owner of Olympiakos, preferred to emphasize on what Dimitris Giannakopoulos, the president of Panathinaikos, stated about Olympiacos in an interview few days before. And mainly referring on Giannakopoulo's quote that Olympiacos should always have as its main goal in the Greek league the second place, making also a comment on a possible tax evasion by Panathinaikos, he stated: "I agree. With the current members of the central refereeing board being the same, Olympiacos is the favourite for the second place. It was also like this last year. We also heard that Mr. Giannakopoulos said that his teams budget was 35 million euros. We referred to the published balanced sheet of Panathinaikos. The total expenses seemed to be 13 million euros! So, one of those numbers is wrong. Our share capital is 75 million euros. Panathinaikos share capital is 300.000 euros. You can make your own conclusions, I dont want to say something more".


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


Japan and Iran advance into Final in Tokyo - by Eurobasket News

Semifinals
Japan - Qatar 73-66
Japan will play for the title at Fiba Asia Cup. The hosts held off Qatar tonight to set up the clash versus Iran for the trophy. Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) accounted for 18 points to lead the winners. Qatar will now take on Philippines for the Bronze medals. The teams got to a slow start. They combined for only 21 points in the opening quarter as Qatar enjoyed a 3-point lead. Japan however turned things around in the second period. They went on a 21:5 run to crown the first half and secured a 30:19 halftime advantage. Japan kept Qatar at safe distance throughout the third term. The hosts ensured a 12-point lead before the fourth frame. Qatar got within 6 points with under two minutes remaining but Hiejima and Takatoshi Furukawa (190-G/F-87) went deadly from the stripe to seal the victory for Japan. Takatoshi Furukawa accounted for 15 points, while J.R. Sakuragi added 12 points for the winning side. Mohammed Yousef (204-C-82) answered with 22 points, while Erfan Ali had 15 points and 13 boards in the loss.

Iran - Philippines 77-60
Iran are the first finalists of Fiba Asia Cup in Tokyo. They held off Philippines in the first semifinal of the day today. Hamed Afagh (190-SG-83) provided 14 points to lead the winners. Philippines enjoyed a slim lead at the end of the opening quarter 17:16. The teams stayed neck and neck in the second frame. Iran managed to level things up at 30 at the end of the first half. The third term saw Iran surge ahead. They fired 23 points and established a 6-point advantage before the final stanza. Iran opened the fourth frame on a 9:2 run to take a 13-point lead. The margin soon grew at 18-point mark as Philippines struggled to stay in the game. Iran dominated throughout the rest of the encounter and posted a comfortable win at the end. Mohammad Jamshidi (197-SF-91) and Asghar Kardoust (212-C-86) provided 13 points each for the winning side. LA Tenorio (177-PG-84) and Jared Dillinger (191-G/F-84, college: Hawaii) responded with 13 points apiece for Philippines.
5-8 Place
Uzbekistan - Taiwan 70-86
Taiwan will play for the fifth overall position at Fiba Asia Cup in Japan. They held off Uzbekistan in the classification round tonight. Chen Shih-Chieh (176-G-84) posted 13 points to lead the winners. Taiwan erupted for 30 points in the opening quarter to clear off. They posted a 12-point lead at the first break. Taiwan kept Uzbekistan at bay throughout the second quarter. They recorded a 47:33 halftime advantage. Uzbekistan slowed their opponents a bit in the third stanza. Oleg Levin team got within 13 points at the final intermission. But it was too small a success to hope for a positive outcome. Taiwan regained control in the fourth quarter and rallied to the win at the end. Lee Hsueh-Lin (176-PG-84) chipped in 12 points, while Tseng Wen-Ting, Tien Lei and Creighton Douglas had 10 points each in the victory. Aleksandr Kozlov (201-F-82) answered with 21 points for Uzbekistan. Vyacheslav Denisov netted 11 points in the loss.

Lebanon - China 63-78
China earned the right to fight for the fifth place at Fiba Asia Cup. They fired past Lebanon tonight to set up the clash versus Taiwan in Tokyo tomorrow. Lebanon will take on Uzbekistan for the 7th position. Zhao TaiLong (193-G/F-90) stepped up with 27 points to carry China to the victory. China stormed into the game leaving Lebanon behind. They posted a 23:11 lead after ten minutes. China maintained the pressure in the second quarter. They accumulated a 45:31 halftime advantage. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the third period. China were able to secure a 14-point lead into the fourth frame. China limited Lebanon to only 12 points in the fourth stanza and sealed the victory at the end. Duan JiangPeng (197-F-90) netted 15 points, while Wang Zhelin added 14 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Fadi Khatib (199-F-79) answered with game-high 34 points for Lebanon. Garnett Thompson netted 7 points in the loss.


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


Dijon is considering to sign Mike Davis - by Eurobasket News

JDA Dijon Bourgogne (ProA) may sign 24-year old American forward Mike Davis (205-102kg-88, college: Illinois). The team has invited the forward for a try-out period. Davis was tested by MBC Mykolaiv in Ukrainian Superleague, but was not approved after all. The last season he played at Ferro-ZNTU Zaporozhye in Superleague. In 31 Superleague games he had 11.3ppg, 8.4rpg and 1.8apg. Davis helped them to make it to the cup final.
He was selected to All-Big Ten Honorable Mention in 2011 back at the college.
He graduated from University of Illinois in 2011 and it will be his second season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Cholet to play without Ben Uzoh at tournament in Cognac - by Eurobasket News

Cholet will participate at tournament in Cognac this weekend, but the former French champion will play without Ben Uzoh (191-PG-88, college: Tulsa). According to Le Courrier de l'Ouest, he is no longer in plans of Head Coach Jean-Manuel Sousa. Local media already reported earlier that Cholet wants to release Uzoh and this could be another confirmation. Big guy Travon Bryant (206-F-83, college: Missouri), who signed for Cholet few days ago, already joined the team and will play in Cognac.
Ben Uzoh signed with Cholet more than a month ago. He played for Toronto Raptors at 2012 NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas averaging 6.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists. Uzoh finished last season with the Raptors as well. He joined them in March collecting 4.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 3.7 apg for 16 NBA games. Uzoh started the season with Lokomotiv Kuban and after two games moved to the New Jersey Nets. However, he did not appear in any official game with them and later moved to the NBA D-League team Rio Grande Valley Vipers. There Uzoh shined with 14.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 3.9 apg for 20 appearances. After that the player moved to Cleveland Cavs, where he had 2 ppg and 2 rpg and finally signed with Toronto in March. In 2010/11 season Ben Uzoh had 3.9 ppg, 1.7 apg and 1.5 rpg in 41 NBA games with New Jersey. He graduated at the University of Tulsa two years ago.


France keeps Vincent Collet for 2013 EuroBasket - by Eurobasket News

French Basketball Federation decided to keep National Team Head Coach Vincent Collet for 2013 EuroBasket in Slovenia. It will be their fourth year together. Collet took over Team France in 2009. He coached the team at the EuroBasket in Poland and World Championship in Turkey. A year ago they won the silver medal at the EuroBasket in Lithuania. This summer France reached Quarterfinals at the Olympic Games in London, but failed to Spain 59-66. Vincent Collet is also Head Coach of Strasbourg IG. He took over the team last summer. Before Strasbourg, the French specialist worked with ASVEL and Le Mans. Collet played for Le Mans, Le Havre and Villeurbanne from 1981 to 1998, when he started coaching career as Assictanct Coach of Le Mans.


Desmond Quincy-Jones returns to Saint-Etienne - by Eurobasket News

Desmond Quincy-Jones (201-F-85, college: Pace) stays in France for the upcoming season. The 27-year-old forward signed a 1-year deal with his former team Saint-Etienne. They will compete in NM1. Quincy-Jones is not a new face in the league as he spent last season with Sorgues. He appeared 35 times for the club averaging 6.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists. Before Sorgues, Desmond Quincy-Jones spent one season with Denain. He helped them reach NM1 Semifinals. The player had 8 ppg and 4.2 rpg for 33 games that season. Quincy-Jones already played for Saint-Etienne from 2008 to 2010. He had 3.7 ppg and 1.8 rpg for 30 ProB games in 2008/09. It was his first season as a pro, but Saint-Etienne faced with relegation to NM1 at that time.


Michael Thompson leaves Le Havre for ASVEL - by Eurobasket News

Michael Thompson (177-PG-89, college: Northwestern) is a new member of ASVEL. The American point guard left Le Havre during the tryout period to join ASVEL. He will make debut against Orleans at tournament in Bourges. Thompson spent last season with Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt and it was his first pro deal. The player had 8.5 ppg, 1.7 rpg and 1.7 apg for 27 games in Germany. He also added 7 ppg, 4 rpg and 3.3 apg for 6 appearances in EuroCup. Thompson played for the New Orleans Hornets at 2012 NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas. He had 4 ppg and 1.3 apg in 4 games. The point guard graduated at Northwestern University something more than a year ago. He shined with 16.3 ppg, 4.3 apg and 2.2 rpg in 34 games as a senior. He was named to All-Big Ten 3rd Team -11 and Big Ten All-Tournament Team -11. Thompson helped Northwestern to reached NIT Elite Eight.

Source: Stephane Marteau, @SMarteau.


*****************************************************
  FYR MACEDONIA   


Vojvodina and Kumanovo in the final of tournament in Novi Sad - by Eurobasket News

Vojvodina and Kumanovo will play in the final of 'Nenad and Nemanja' memorial tournament in Novi Sad.
The host Vojvodina outplayed Zeleznicar Indjija 82-64. Dragan Zekovic (210-F/C-87, agency: Interperformances) led the winners with 20 points and Radomir Marojevic (207-C-81) added 14 pts. Ognjen Kuzeta (194-G-87) was third scorer in victory with 11 points. In the loosing squad, Nikola Vujovic (207-C-93) was better than the others with 17 pts and Uros Stupar had 11 points.
In the other Semis, Kumanovo downed Meridijana 96-91 after two overtimes. Marjan Mladenovic (180-G-88) paced Macedonians with 28 points and Marjan Janevski (203-F-88) had 21 pts. Uros Lukovic (212-C-89) secured a nice helped with 16 points. For Meridijana, Nikola Savic (202-F-88) shined with 20 points.
This is the second memorial 'Nenad and Nemanja'. Last year Radnicki Kragujevac was the winner.


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


Aaron Cook joins ETB Wohnbau - by Eurobasket News

ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen (ProA) agreed terms with 29-year old American guard Aaron Cook (186-83, college: Hartford, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management). Cook played last season at Crailsheim Merlins (ProA). In 21 ProA games he had 11.7ppg, 2.5rpg and 3.6apg. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. Cook also played at Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels that season. In 3 ProA games he recorded 5.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.3apg and 1.0spg.
Cook is quite experienced player. He played previously in Sweden (Gothia Basket) and USA (Butte Daredevils and Vermont Frost Heaves).
Cook graduated from University of Hartford in 2006 and it will be his seventh season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center


THe LTi Giessen 46ers Continue To Have Injury Woes - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Despite putting together an adequate roster, LTi Giessen head coach Mathias Fischer has injury woes with his team with Elvir Ovcina (210-F/C-76, agency: Interperformances, college: Syracuse) and Achmadschah Zazai (177-PG-86). 36 year old Elvir Ovcina has been suffering from a knee problem since the end of August. His treatment recovery has shown positive signs, but there still has been no concrete answer to when he can play. "It has shown with Elvir that he is still not able to practice without pain. Despite modern rehabilitation methods, we still dont know when he will be able to play again", stressed team doctor Wolfgang Leutheuser. Point guard Achmadschah Zazai continues to labor on a ankle injury that he susutained last season. "With Achmadschah Zazai we have a complicated healing process where we dont know when it is completed", added team doctor Wolfgang Leutheuser

Source: LTi GIESSEN 46ers


Tyrone Lewis (I Always Played For The Name On The Front And Not On The Back) - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Tyrone Lewis (180-PG-87, college: Niagara) is a 24 year old 180cm point guard from Levittown, Pennslyvania that recently announced his retirement. He played at Niagra (NCAA) from 2006-2010 playing a total of 120 NCAA games. In his senior year, he played 27 games: 17.1ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.7apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 38.6%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 75.4%. In 2010-2011, he was a rookie with Maccabi Be'er Ya'akov (Israel-National League): got injured just after arrival and missed the season. Last season, he came to Germany and played for SC Itzehoe Eagles (Germany-Regionalliga, starting five): 22 games: 26.0ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.3apg, 3.0spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 59.3%, 3Pts: 29.4%, FT: 74.6%. This season, he was going to play in the German PRO A for the Finke Baskets Paderborn, but decided to retire. He spoke with eurobasket about basketball.

You recently signed a contract with the Finke Baskets, but instead of being at practice today, you walked your niece to the bus stop. Is this the perfect example of how life can take unexpected turns?

Yea I guess you can say that but that's life. Getting hit with unexpected turns I'm no stranger to but it's how we over come those things is what matters. I had to make a decision I thought was best for me and my family. I was just doing my uncle duties lol

You are a 24 year old 180 cm guard in tip top condition, but recently announced your retirement from professional basketball after only your second professional season. How diffiuclt was it to make this decision?

It was very hard basketball was my life and my way of living. I will always love the game and miss it. Basketball was good to me and it open up a lot of doors in my life.

For so many young players it is a huge challenge to come overseas as well an adventure. Did you just miss the States too much or what were the main reasons for hanging up your sneakers so early in your career?

Lol no I wasn't home sick I'm used to being away from my family of course I miss them but they know and I know it's part of the business. My choice for leaving the game early is a personal choice. It is a challenge to come play overseas because it's not like playing for your high school team or college because this is a business the americans come over there and y'all expect us to be the best players on the floor every night and we have no room for error one bad game or injury could be the end of our career there is no loyalty it's hard to play looking over your shoulder every night.

The Finke Baskets Paderborn where you were headed to had had some turbulence this past summer. Money problems, a new owner and name came. Where you possibly a bit unclear how your future could be in Paderborn with all the problems the club had had in the past?

I knew nothing about their past history which is crazy I didn't know any of that. I like I said it was a personal reason why I left

You had a stellar NCAA career at Niagra where you were a MAAC tournament winner and MVP as a freshman in 2007. Coming in as a freshman were you a bit surprised at the end of your freshman year how much individual success you had considering that team had very talented guys with Clif Brown, Charron Fischer and Benson Egemonye?

I was a little surprised because as a freshmen you want come in your first year and do well kind of set the tone for your career. It didn't hurt having great teammates around me to take all the attention off of me.

How much fun was dishing the ball to a Clif Brown that season? What was your sweetest memory with him on and off the court?

It was a lot of fun playing with Cliff. He was a machine on the court worked hard every day. Best moment on the court with him watching kill it in the play in game he had 33 that night. Off the court its to many. Cliff is a different man of the court lol

You had Joe Mihalich as head coach all four years. How did he make you better as a player and person on and off the court?

It was a blessing to play for him. He gives u this confidence where you believe you can do anything on the court. He brings the best out of you. Off the court just watching him live his life the right way he was a true leader and father figure to me and he always talked about playing and living your life one way and he didn't just preach it he lived it

You played in the NCAA and NIT tournaments. When you look back on your NCAA career, which was the biggest challenge you had against a player that might be in the NBA or in Europe now?

Playing against that great Kansas team as whole. I believe that starting 5 all got drafted

How would you like people to remember the basketball player Tyrone Lewis most?

I want people to remember that I played the game the right way and for the right reasons and I always played for the name on the front not the back and that I was a class act

What is next for Tyrone Lewis? What kind of new career are you striving for as a retired professional basketball player?

My second love and that's helping young people giving back because you owe it to them.

How has basketball in general shaped you to being the man you are today?

Basketball did it. In a lot of ways like being responsible learning how to handle your success and failures

Your uncle John Lewis was a corner back for the Buffalo Bills in 1987. What is your favorite story that he told you that has always stuck with you?

The one thing my uncle told me that will always stick to me is he told me to never take a day off because its someone out there in the world working harder


You come from Pennsylvania. What are the chances that either the Eagles or Steelers will bring home a Superbowl championship in 2013?

Hope neither one of them win I'm a cowboys fan but they are both really good teams and their chances are pretty good

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Think like a man. A very funny movie.

Thanks Tyrone for the chat.



Mike Taylor To Coach Boston Celtics Farm Team Maine Red Claws - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Not too long ago, Mike Taylor (agency: Pro One Sports ) was active helping develop German national players Robin Benzing and Per Guenther and now continues to move up the coaching ladder as he will help form future Boston Celtic players in the D-league with The Maine Red Claws. After a long stint in Germany with ratiopharm Ulm from 2003-2011, the Pennsylvania native returned back to the States last season and was an assistant coach for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. There he was responsible for developing game plans, scouting, practice plans and player development. Boston Celtic Director of Player Personnel Austin Ainge is thrilled about having Mike Taylor (agency: Pro One Sports ) as new head coach for the D-league team Mike impressed us with not only his coaching experience, but his enthusiasm and ability to develop young players. He brings a blend of international and NBA D-League experience that will benefit the Celtics players assigned to Maine and the entire Red Claws roster", stated Austin Ainge. 2012-13 will mark the 4th season that the Celtics have used the Maine Red Claws as their NBA Development League affiliate and the first under the new hybrid affiliation. Under the new agreement, Boston will be Maines sole NBA affiliate and will have full control over the teams basketball operations. Taylor was a very popular coaching figure in Germany having brought ratiopharm Ulm into the Beko BBL in 2006. In his stay at Ulm from 2006-2011, he helped lead the team into the 2009 playoffs. He was also responsible in shaping the ratiopharm Ulm team into their final run last season as new coach Thorsten Leibenath got the majority of his players. Recently, Taylor had been an assistant coach with the Czech national team from 2010-2012. In his 10 seasons in Europe, he amassed a record of 188-115.

Source: www.nba.com


Eric Boateng Taking A Look At The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Beko BBL team New Yorker Phnatoms Braunschweig who are still looking for a center have Eric Boateng (208-C-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona St.) practicing with the team. Boateng who was in London visiting family has decided to check out the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig as he has been invited to the Denver Nuggets veteran camp, but wants to keep his options open should the NBA path not work out. The 26 year old 208cm center that has the British and Ghana citzenship will play against the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven this Saturday. Boateng is has the size and rebounding skill to make an impact always at the European level. Last season, he played for DASH Peristeri GS Athens (Greece-A1, starting five), left in Jan.'12 because of injury: 7 games: 8.4ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 65.7%, FT: 46.4%. Boateng started his basketball career in 2005 for Duke (NCAA) where he played 20 NCAA games. He then finished his NCAA career at Arizona State from 2007-2010 playing a total of 98 nNCAA games. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 8.8ppg, 7.2rpg, FGP: 66.5%, FT: 54.2%. In 2010-2011, he started his professional basketball career for daho Stampede (D-League): 17 games: 5.2ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP: 46.1%, FT: 52.9%, in Feb.'11 moved to Austin Toros (D-League): 22 games: 4.9ppg, 4.9rpg. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been High School McDonald's All American Team -05, Hoop Summit -05 (World Team Selection), ACC Regular Season Champion -06, ACC Tournament Winner -06, NCAA Sweet 16 -06, Great Britain National Team -06, NIT Elite Eight -08, British National Team -08, 10-11-12, Qualifications to European Championships 2009 -08: 1 game: 0pts, Pac-10 Tournament Finalist -09, European Championships in Poland -09: 1 game: 0pts, Pac-10 Regular Season Runner-Up -10, Reese's College All-Star Game -10, English National Team -10, Qualifications to European Championships 2011 -10: 4 games: 1.0ppg, 1.3rpg, European Championships in Lithuania -11: 4 games: 1.5ppg, 2.0rpg, and Olympic Games in London (United Kingdon) -12: 3 games: 4.0ppg, 2.7rpg.

Source: New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig


Olympiakos rally past Brose Baskets at Domreiter Cup - by Eurobasket News

Brose Baskets - Olympiakos 81:96

Olympiakos clinched the first win at the 2012 Domreiter Cup in Bamberg. They prevailed against Brose Baskets in the opener. Stratos Perperoglou (203-F-84) came up with 17 points to lead the Pireus team.
Olympiakos led by three points after the starting quarter 25:22. The visitors stretched the gap in the second frame. They accumulated a 43:37 halftime advantage. The margin grew deeper in the third quarter. Olympiakos stayed in charge and registered a 75:62 lead at the final intermission. The Hellenes did not loosen the grasp in the fourth frame and rolled to the victory at the end. Kyle Hines (198-F-86) scored 13 points, while Pero Antic (211-F-82, agency: Beo Basket) and Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) added 12 points apiece for the winners. Bostjan Nachbar (207-F-80) replied with 15 points for Brose Baskets. Teddy Gipson (193-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: Arkansas) and Casey Jacobsen (198-G/F-81, college: Stanford) chipped in 13 points apiece in the loss.

Brose Baskets: Bostjan Nachbar 15, Teddy Gipson 13, Casey Jacobsen 13
Olympiakos: Stratos Perperoglou 17, Kyle Hines 13, Pero Antic 12, Vassilis Spanoulis 12


*****************************************************
  GREECE   


Olympiakos rally past Brose Baskets at Domreiter Cup - by Eurobasket News

Brose Baskets - Olympiakos 81:96

Olympiakos clinched the first win at the 2012 Domreiter Cup in Bamberg. They prevailed against Brose Baskets in the opener. Stratos Perperoglou (203-F-84) came up with 17 points to lead the Pireus team.
Olympiakos led by three points after the starting quarter 25:22. The visitors stretched the gap in the second frame. They accumulated a 43:37 halftime advantage. The margin grew deeper in the third quarter. Olympiakos stayed in charge and registered a 75:62 lead at the final intermission. The Hellenes did not loosen the grasp in the fourth frame and rolled to the victory at the end. Kyle Hines (198-F-86) scored 13 points, while Pero Antic (211-F-82, agency: Beo Basket) and Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) added 12 points apiece for the winners. Bostjan Nachbar (207-F-80) replied with 15 points for Brose Baskets. Teddy Gipson (193-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: Arkansas) and Casey Jacobsen (198-G/F-81, college: Stanford) chipped in 13 points apiece in the loss.

Brose Baskets: Bostjan Nachbar 15, Teddy Gipson 13, Casey Jacobsen 13
Olympiakos: Stratos Perperoglou 17, Kyle Hines 13, Pero Antic 12, Vassilis Spanoulis 12


Aggelopoulos Bros: Euroleague needs changes - by Kostas Papadopoulos

The Euroleague champions had their media day last Tuesday, for the needs of Euroleague, and their owners, Panagiotis and George Aggelopoulos made an impressive appearance with their statements on the goals of the team and their rivalry with Panathinaikos.
"I wish for a good season. My dream is to be in London on May. Our team is the same by 11/14 since last season. They say that now they know us. If they do so, then let them come and play against us! I dont know how many teams won the Euroleague and kept their roster on the next season", Panagiotis Aggelopoulos said.
About the financial situation in Euroleague, Panagiotis Aggelopoulos stated: "We won the title and our bonus was 250.000 euros. I believe Friday is a good day for Euroleague games and we will have more fans in our arena. We have sold just 500 season tickets, we are Euroleague champions and we want our fans by our side. There are efforts in order to grow in other markets, like the UK and Germany, but this is not enough. Especially in Germany, there is wealth there. There is free time and money to spend in order to enjoy basketball (referring to the game between Alba Berlin against Bayern with almost 9.000 fans in the gym). Euroleague needs changes, otherwise only the Russian and the Turks will continue to spend money".
Being asked about the new coach of the team, Bartzokas, the owner of Olympiacos replied: "We have been following his work all those years. We appreciate him and believe that he is the best Greek coach and he can run the team".
On the other side, George Aggelopoulos, co-owner of Olympiakos, preferred to emphasize on what Dimitris Giannakopoulos, the president of Panathinaikos, stated about Olympiacos in an interview few days before. And mainly referring on Giannakopoulo's quote that Olympiacos should always have as its main goal in the Greek league the second place, making also a comment on a possible tax evasion by Panathinaikos, he stated: "I agree. With the current members of the central refereeing board being the same, Olympiacos is the favourite for the second place. It was also like this last year. We also heard that Mr. Giannakopoulos said that his teams budget was 35 million euros. We referred to the published balanced sheet of Panathinaikos. The total expenses seemed to be 13 million euros! So, one of those numbers is wrong. Our share capital is 75 million euros. Panathinaikos share capital is 300.000 euros. You can make your own conclusions, I dont want to say something more".


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


Matt Bauscher diagnosed with meniscus tear, out for a Month - by Fred Roggen

Friday morning Matt Bauscher (188-G-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Boise St.) met the medical team after an MRI on Tuesday revealed a medial meniscus tear -- an injury he suffered during practice last week.
On Wednesday he will be operated and it is expected that Matt Bauscher (188-G-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Boise St.) is out four to six weeks for recovering. Matt Matt Bauscher (188-G-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Boise St.). the latest signing of EiffelTowers, played last season for the German side BG Gottingen where he averaged : 10.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.9apg, FGP: 43.9%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 64.1% in 24 BBL games.



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


Anthony Gurley joins Szeged - by Levente Szabo

Two weeks prior the seasons start the management of Szedeak is still in the process of finalizing the roster for the upcoming season. Their newest addition is former Massachusetts Minuteman standout, Anthony Gurley (190-G-88, college: Massachusetts).

After having a really strong senior season with 18.7ppg, 4.4rpg and 1.4apg (FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 73.1%) in 2011, Anthony was invited to attend the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament which is the oldest NBA Pre-draft camp in the United States. In the P.I.T. the 6'3" guard showed a decent form averaging 7.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.7apg and 1.3spg.

Last season Anthony Gurley didnt see much action as he played 1 game in the D-league before signing to New Zealand where he played 6 games before leaving. However he put up amazing numbers with Wellington Exodus Saints: 24.0ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.3apg and 2.0spg (FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 73.3%).


Szedeak and Jaszbereny lost to Romanian representatives - by Eurobasket News

Szedeak and Jaszbereny lost to Romanian representatives tonight. BC Timisoara overcame Naturtex-SZTE Szedeak 87:74. The Romanian team won the first period 25-16 and led 47:34 at the halftime. Bogdan Popescu top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Zlatko Jovanovic (181-PG-84, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 14. Delvon Johnson (206-F/C-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: Arkansas) finished the game with 12, while Robert Sarovic (205-F-78) had 11. Kevin Sims (178-G-88, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Tulane) answered with 17 points in the losing effort.
U Mobitelco Cluj-Napoca outscored Jaszbereny KSE, 101:75. The Romanian side won the first period 23-22 and added 28-23 in the second frame. Moreover they erupted with 30-10 in the decisive third period, while both teams nailed 20 points each in the last stanza.
Hristo Nikolov stepped up with 26 points and Derek Wright (180-G-86, college: Austin Peay St.) posted 17. Reinar Hallik nailed 14, while Mihai Silvasan (200-SF-85, agency: Court Side) added 13.


*****************************************************
  IRAN   


2012 Fiba Asia Cup: Iran defeat Philippines to reach Final - by Eurobasket News

Iran - Philippines 77:60

Iran are the first finalists of Fiba Asia Cup in Tokyo. They held off Philippines in the first semifinal of the day today. Hamed Afagh (190-SG-83) provided 14 points to lead the winners.
Philippines enjoyed a slim lead at the end of the opening quarter 17:16. The teams stayed neck and neck in the second frame. Iran managed to level things up at 30 at the end of the first half. The third term saw Iran surge ahead. They fired 23 points and established a 6-point advantage before the final stanza. Iran opened the fourth frame on a 9:2 run to take a 13-point lead. The margin soon grew at 18-point mark as Philippines struggled to stay in the game. Iran dominated throughout the rest of the encounter and posted a comfortable win at the end. Mohammad Jamshidi (197-SF-91) and Asghar Kardoust (212-C-86) provided 13 points each for the winning side. LA Tenorio (177-PG-84) and Jared Dillinger (191-G/F-84, college: Hawaii) responded with 13 points apiece for Philippines.

Iran: Hamed Afagh 14, Mohammad Jamshidi 13, Asghar Kardoust 13
Philippines: LA Tenorio 13, Jared Dillinger 13


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


Approaching the Italian SuperCup, Siena and Cantu warming up - by Giovanni Bargna

24 hours left, then we will officially enter the new season. Montepaschi Siena and MapoOro (main sponsor for this competition only) Cantu will get
on the court at the 105 Stadium, Rimini, tip-off at 7PM CET. The Italian Supercup has a new sponsor this year and the event name is "Beko Supercoppa 2012".

Seventeen years have passed since Virtus Bologna clinched the cup in 1995, the first edition ever. That game was won by Bologna for 90-72 against Treviso and Orlando Woolridge was named MVP of the competition. Woolridge, who had left Treviso for joining Bologna early that summer, died last May when he was 53.
That was the first Supercup title earned by Virtus Bologna and it is also the last so far.

Benetton Treviso lost its right to challenge in the Italian serie A last summer and will restart from the so called Promozione league next year heading to get back to the pro basketball in a near future.
Seventeen years and much more have passed since 1995.
Siena and Cantu will be on the court tomorrow trying to get the title in the 18th edition of the cup just as it happened 12 months ago when Siena clinched its 5th consecutive Supercup title. Both of the teams faced a lot of changes during last summer and this makes it, for the first in the last 5 seasons, a very unpredictable game.

Montepaschi Siena
At the end of a great era Siena have to prove that they can still count on its recent glorious tradition and on its winning mentality built up during the last decade. Simone Pianigiani left after six italian titles and flew to Turkey after signing with Fenerbahce. Bo McCalebb and David Andersen joined him. Shaun Stonerook, who's probably the best tactical player seen in the italian league in the last ten years, retired at the end of last season. Kaukenas and Lavrinovic got back to Lithuania and joined Zalgiris. All of these changes make Siena a very different team now, but Minucci and the staff did a great job on the market starting from the head coach. Luca Banchi , who's been the assistant of Pianigiani for years, is the link between the past and the future just as David Moss, Carraretto and Ress. Moreover they signed a bunch of top players from other italian teams just as Daniel Hackett, Matt Janning, Kristjan Kangur and Viktor Sanikidze. At the point they added Bobby Brown, who's doing very good in the pre-season and at shooitng guard position they inked Marcelus Kemp. Under the boards Mario Kasun and Ben Eze (another actor of the mentioned glorious past) will battle hard replacing Andersen and Lavrinovic.
Forecast : Siena is no longer the team that reigned for six years, but has mantained a top level roster and a top level coach. Key factors will be the impact of Kasun and Eze under the boards and the performance of point guard Bobby Brown.

Mapooro Cantu
A three seasons project ended this summer. The team reached the the italian cup final game twice, the playoffs final series once and the supercup game once but didn't got a single title as always defeated by Siena. Moreover Cantu got back to the Euroleague last year and almost reached the playoffs thanks to amazing performances against all of the european top teams.
Lots of changes last summer as Micov signed with CSKA Moscow and Shermadini joined Maccabi Tel-Aviv. Coach Trinchieri is going to get in the battle again with a different roster and players with very different skills this season. If Cantu did great with a very tactical system, the market brought a new philosophy. Very athletical players just as Center Alex Tyus and point guard Jerry Smith joind the squad. Two main actors of the national italian team as Aradori and Cusin were added. Jeff Brooks who had a great season in the Legadue last year will face this new challenge at a higher level at spot '3'. A very important part of the core nucleus has remained in any case. Marty Leunen will keep on bringing points and rebounds just as being a point of reference on the court, while Mazzarino proved last season and in this pre-season that is still a deadly shooter altough he's 37 years old. Manuchar Markoishvili is back to Cantu after a great summer with the georgian national team. Tabu, Kudlacek and Scekic will be key players too in a very complete roster
Forecast: Is this game going to be the first good chance to clinch a title for Cantu? It could be for sure, but Trinchieri and his players had a very short time to build a good team chemistry (as 5 key players spent the summer with their national team) and this could become a problem for them at their official debut in the season.


DNA: Angels 2011 Rieti retires! - by Armando Caporaso

There are only 10 days at the beginning of the season but the situation of the DNA league could still change. After the movement of Sant'Arcangelo to Rieti (joining with the local team to form the third 'Sebastiani'), the new club Angels 2011 Rieti born this summer decided to renounce at the place in DNA for bureaucratic problems and with the required number of young teams. Now the two teams will separate again: Sant'Arcangelo may restart from the series D while for Rieti there will be a place in the group C of the DNB league with the other new team, the NPC Rieti! Currently there are two options: continue with a league of 19 teams or proceed to a repechage. There may be two competing teams, the Virtus Siena (relegated last season) or, less likely, the Assi Basket Ostuni excluded from the LegaA2 and restarted from the DNB. We'll see...


*****************************************************
  JAPAN   


Pre-season of BJ League - by Mark Buckton

With preparations for the first weekend of BJ League action pushing forward, four teams in the Kanto area around Tokyo will September 29th be competing in the final pre-season warm-ups in Ota-ku in the south of the city.
Chiba Jets and Saitama Broncos who last year competed in the Eastern Conference will go head to head at 1300 before the 2012/13 new boys Gunma Crane Thunders face the Tokyo Cinq Reves - tip off 1600.
For ticket information visit http://tokyo-cinqreves.jp/preseason/


2012 Fiba Asia Cup: Japan make their way into Final - by Eurobasket News

Japan - Qatar 73:66

Japan will play for the title at Fiba Asia Cup. The hosts held off Qatar tonight to set up the clash versus Iran for the trophy. Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) accounted for 18 points to lead the winners. Qatar will now take on Philippines for the Bronze medals.
The teams got to a slow start. They combined for only 21 points in the opening quarter as Qatar enjoyed a 3-point lead. Japan however turned things around in the second period. They went on a 21:5 run to crown the first half and secured a 30:19 halftime advantage. Japan kept Qatar at safe distance throughout the third term. The hosts ensured a 12-point lead before the fourth frame. Qatar got within 6 points with under two minutes remaining but Hiejima and Takatoshi Furukawa (190-G/F-87) went deadly from the stripe to seal the victory for Japan. Takatoshi Furukawa accounted for 15 points, while J.R. Sakuragi (206-F/C-76, college: UCLA) added 12 points for the winning side. Mohammed Yousef (204-C-82) answered with 22 points, while Erfan Ali (198-PF-83) had 15 points and 13 boards in the loss.

Japan: Kosuke Takeuchi 18, Takatoshi Furukawa 15, J.R. Sakuragi 12
Qatar: Mohammed Yousef 22, Erfan Ali 15+13 boards


*****************************************************
  KAZAKHSTAN   


Yuri Gorenkov agreed terms with BK Almaty - by Eurobasket News

BK Almaty Alma-Ata (D1) inked 24-year old Ukrainian center Yuri Gorenkov (215-88). Gorenkov played most recently at Dynamo Moscow in Russian Higher League. His stats read 3.0 points and 2.7 rebounds per game.
Gorenkov played also professionally in Pulsar Rovno, Dnipro and BC Kyiv.

By Eurobasket Data Center


TSM Kapshagay tabs Vladislav Tonchenko - by Eurobasket News

TSM Kapshagay (Higher League) inked 23-year old Ukrainian guard Vladislav Tonchenko (185-89). Tonchenko played most recently at BK Kremen in Ukrainian Higher League. In 22 Higher League games he averaged 10.4ppg, 1.9rpg, 5.0apg and 1.0spg last season. He helped them to make it to the cup semifinals. Tonchenko also played at Mykolaiv in Ukrainian Superleague that season. In 1 Superleague game he did not score anything and 1 block.
Tonchenko was a member of Ukrainian U20 National Team between 2007 and 2009 and a member of U16 National Team back in 2005. He represented Ukraine at the European Championships U20 in Rhodos (Greece) three years ago. His stats at that event were 8 games: 8.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 36.8%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 62.5%.

By Eurobasket Data Center


*****************************************************
  KUWAIT   


Merritt signs for Al Jahraa - by Ali Ahmed

Scott Merritt (208-C-82, agency: Top Notch Sports, college: Marquette) jonied Al Jahraa to play till the end of the season.

Outlook:
A techincal inside player, who can score even front to the basket. Not a great hustler, and due to this he is more effective at the 4 position, where he can take advantage from his good fundamentals.

Awards/Achievements:
HS Super Showcase in Orlando -99
HS Wisconsin Basketball Coaches All-Star Game -00
Conf.USA Tournament Finalist -02
NCAA Final Four -03
Conf.USA Regular Season Champion -03
NIT Quarterfinals -04
All-NBDL Honorable Mention -05
NBDL Regular Season Champion -05
NBDL Finalist -05
All D-League 2nd Team -06
Japanese JBL Superleague Regular Season Runner-Up -10
Japanese JBL Superleague Champion -10
Asia-Basket.com All-Japanese JBL Superleague Honorable Mention -10, 11
Asia-Basket.com Japanese JBL Superleague All-Imports Team -10


*****************************************************
  LATVIA   


Neptunas shoot down Ventspils in Liepaja - by Eurobasket News

Neptunas - Ventspils 97:82

Neptunas celebrated the second straight win at LOC Cup 2012. They overcame Ventspils to reach the title game. Martynas Mazeika (193-G-85, agency: Interperformances) stepped up with 20 points to pace the winners.
Neptunas scored 27 points in the opening quarter to establish a 5-point lead. The Lithuanian team stayed aggressive offensively piling up a 6-point advantage at the interval 55:49. The teams slowed down in the third term as defence started to prevail. Neptunas capitalized taking an 11-point buffer before the fourth frame. They did not allow Ventspils to recover in the fourth quarter and rallied to the victory. Giedrius Gustas (190-G-80, agency: Interperformances) finished with 17 points, while Deividas Gailius (200-F-88) added 15 points for the winners. Donald Sims (185-PG-87, college: Appalachian St.) answered with 24 points for Ventspils. Sandis Valters (193-G-78) netted 14 points in defeat.

Neptunas: Martynas Mazeika 20, Giedrius Gustas 17, Deividas Gailius 15
Ventspils: Donald Sims 24, Sandis Valters 14


*****************************************************
  LEBANON   


2012 Fiba Asia Cup: Tailong Zhao leads China past Lebanon - by Eurobasket News

China - Lebanon 78:63

China earned the right to fight for the fifth place at Fiba Asia Cup. They fired past Lebanon tonight to set up the clash versus Taiwan in Tokyo tomorrow. Lebanon will take on Uzbekistan for the 7th position. Zhao TaiLong (193-G/F-90) stepped up with 27 points to carry China to the victory.
China stormed into the game leaving Lebanon behind. They posted a 23:11 lead after ten minutes. China maintained the pressure in the second quarter. They accumulated a 45:31 halftime advantage. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the third period. China were able to secure a 14-point lead into the fourth frame. China limited Lebanon to only 12 points in the fourth stanza and sealed the victory at the end. Duan JiangPeng (197-F-90) netted 15 points, while Wang Zhelin (215-PF-94) added 14 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Fadi Khatib (199-F-79) answered with game-high 34 points for Lebanon. Garnett Thompson (206-C/F-80, agency: Veracity Sports, LLC, college: Providence) netted 7 points in the loss.

China: Zhao TaiLong 27, Duan JiangPeng 15, Wang Zhelin 14
Lebanon: Fadi Khatib 34, Garnett Thompson 7


2012 Fiba Asia Cup: Khatib Fadi leads Lebanon to the 7th place - by Eurobasket News

Lebanon-Uzbekistan 84:73

Fadi Khatib (199-F-79) leads Lebanon to the 7th place at the 2012 Fiba Asia Cup He erupted with 44 points as his team won over Uzbekistan 84:73 in the last game. The latter finished on the 8th position.
Lebanon scored the first 8 points in the game and never looked behind after. They won the first period 28-15 and added 21-16 in the second frame. Moreover Lebanon was stronger in the third quarter with 18-17 for 67:48 lead after 30 minutes. Uzbekistan replied with 25-17 to reduce to 11 points at the end.
Elie Estephane (193-G-86, college: Alabama So. CC) scored 14 points for the winners and Elie Roustom (197-F-87) posted 11. Aleksandr Kozlov (201-F-82) finished the game with 24 points in defeat and Samender Juginisov (202-F-87) delivered 17. Nail Kadirov (200-F-89) and Aleksandr Yahin (205-C-89) scored 8 points each in a loss.

Lebanon: Fadi Khatib 44, Elie Estephane 14, Elie Roustom 11
Uzbekistan: Aleksandr Kozlov 24, Samender Juginisov 17, Nail Kadirov 8, Aleksandr Yahin 8


*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA   


Dnipro win Sargunas Cup in Lithuania - by Eurobasket News

Dnipro - Liatkabelis 86:85

Dnipro claimed another pre-season tournament trophy. They snatched a tough win over Liatkabelis to celebrate Sargunas Cup title. Derrick Low (188-PG-86, college: Washington St.) scored 21 points to lead the Ukrainian team.
Dnipro started the game strong. They fired 30 points in the opening quarter to ensure a 10-point lead. Liatkabelis cut the deficit at 9-point mark at halftime 48:39. The Lithuanian side got closer in the third term. They narrowed the gap to a single point at the final intermission. Liatkabelis surged ahead in the fourth frame and led by a single point in the dying seconds. But Daniel Kickert (208-C/F-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) knocked down a jumper to seal the victory for Dnipro. Daniel Kickert posted 17 points, while Valdas Vasylius (203-F-83, college: ODU) added 13 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Gytis Sirutavicius (195-SF-83) and Darius Griskenas (194-F-84) answered with 16 points each for Liatkabelis. Tauras Jogela (201-F-93) netted 13 points in defeat.

Dnipro: Derrick Low 21, Daniel Kickert 17, Valdas Vasylius 13
Liatkabelis: Gytis Sirutavicius 16, Darius Griskenas 16, Tauras Jogela 13


Juventus edge Pieno Zvaigzdes to clinch third place at Sargunas Cup - by Eurobasket News

Juventus - Pieno Zvaigzdes 83:81

Juventus finished the Sargunas Cup campaign on a high note. They held off Pieno Zvaigzdes to occupy the third position in the ladder. Darius Gvezdauskas (191-PG-88) scored 18 points to lead the winners.
Juventus built a 22:17 lead after ten minutes. Pieno Zvaigzdes denied the deficit in the second frame. They pulled ahead for a 37:35 halftime advantage. Pieno Zvaigzdes boosted the margin in the third term. They accumulated a 59:55 lead at the final intermission. However Juventus managed to recover. They unloaded 28 points in the fourth stanza and snatched a tough win at the end. Nerijus Varnelis (201-F-78) accounted for 16 points, while Darrick Leonard (188-G-84, college: Aurora) added 15 points for the winners. Vaidas Cepukaitis (207-C-89, agency: Interperformances) responded with 15 points for Pieno Zvaigzdes. Tyrell Biggs (203-F-86, college: Pittsburgh) had 14 points in the loss.

Juventus: Darius Gvezdauskas 18, Nerijus Varnelis 16, Darrick Leonard 15
Pieno Zvaigzdes: Vaidas Cepukaitis 15, Tyrell Biggs 14


Neptunas shoot down Ventspils in Liepaja - by Eurobasket News

Neptunas - Ventspils 97:82

Neptunas celebrated the second straight win at LOC Cup 2012. They overcame Ventspils to reach the title game. Martynas Mazeika (193-G-85, agency: Interperformances) stepped up with 20 points to pace the winners.
Neptunas scored 27 points in the opening quarter to establish a 5-point lead. The Lithuanian team stayed aggressive offensively piling up a 6-point advantage at the interval 55:49. The teams slowed down in the third term as defence started to prevail. Neptunas capitalized taking an 11-point buffer before the fourth frame. They did not allow Ventspils to recover in the fourth quarter and rallied to the victory. Giedrius Gustas (190-G-80, agency: Interperformances) finished with 17 points, while Deividas Gailius (200-F-88) added 15 points for the winners. Donald Sims (185-PG-87, college: Appalachian St.) answered with 24 points for Ventspils. Sandis Valters (193-G-78) netted 14 points in defeat.

Neptunas: Martynas Mazeika 20, Giedrius Gustas 17, Deividas Gailius 15
Ventspils: Donald Sims 24, Sandis Valters 14


*****************************************************
  MEXICO   

Standings - LNBP

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

Regular Season: Round 6

Sep. 20: Osos - Huracanes 95-108
Sep. 20: Guerreros - Lechugueros 91-83
Sep. 20: Pioneros - Panteras 90-93
Sep. 20: Gansos - Abejas 84-106
Sep. 20: Soles - Barreteros 83-73
Sep. 20: Gigantes - Corr.Victoria 72-92
Sep. 21: Toros - Halc.Rojos
Sep. 21: Fuerza Regia - Halc.Xalapa


Soles de Mexicali adds Franklin to their roster - by Eurobasket Center

Soles de Mexicali (LNBP) agreed terms with 24-year old American Alexander Franklin (196-PF-103kg-88, college: Siena). In his first game he scored 2 points helping his new team beat Barreteros 83-73. Franklin played most recently at Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany). He is a very experienced player. Franklin played also pro basketball in Dominican Rep., France, Germany, Puerto Rico, Spain and Venezuela. He graduated Siena College in 2010 and it will be his third season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Guerreros de Guerroro Cumple sign Justin Avalos - by Eurobasket Center

Guerreros de Guerroro Cumple (LNBP) signed 25-year old naturalized Mexican guard Justin Avalos (191-G-87, college: Western St.). In In his first game he didn't score any points. Avalos played most recently at Indios de la UAC-Juarez (Regional). He helped them to make it to the semifinals. Avalos graduated Western State College in 2009 and it will be his fourth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Guerreros de Guerroro Cumple sign Justin Avalos - by Eurobasket Center

Guerreros de Guerroro Cumple (LNBP) signed 25-year old naturalized Mexican guard Justin Avalos (191-G-87, college: Western St.). In In his first game he didn't score any points. Avalos played most recently at Indios de la UAC-Juarez (Regional). He helped them to make it to the semifinals. Avalos graduated Western State College in 2009 and it will be his fourth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Soles de Mexicali sign Kentrell Gransberry - by Eurobasket Center

Soles de Mexicali (LNBP) signed 27-year old American center Kentrell Gransberry (206-C-85, college: S.Florida). In his first game he scored 30 points and grabbed 14 rebounds helping his new team beat Barreteros 83-73. Gransberry played most recently at Leones de Santo Domingo (Dominican Rep.). He is a very experienced player. Gransberry played also pro basketball in Belgium, Dominican Rep., France, Germany, Korea, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. He graduated University of South Florida in 2008 and it will be his fifth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


*****************************************************
  NBA   


Raptors signed Jerel McNeal and Chris Wright - by Errss Hertig

Toronto Raptors (NBA) agreed terms with 24-year old American forward Chris Wright (203-100kg-88, college: Dayton) and Jerel McNeal (6'3''-G-87, college: Marquette).
He played for the Raptors at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Wright played last season at Golden State Warriors (NBA). In 24 NBA games he had just 2.9ppg and 1.9rpg. He also played at Dakota Wizards that season. In 9 D-League games he recorded 18.1ppg, 8.8rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg and 2.1bpg. The other team Wright played that season for was Maine Red Claws. In 4 D-League games he recorded 17.0ppg, 10.8rpg and 1.5bpg.
McNeal bounced back anf forth between NBA/D-League last few seasons. Last year he played for Fabi Shoes Montegranaro in Italian SerieA. In 32 games he averaged 10.7ppg, 2.7rpg, and 2.3apg. However his best season was two years ago when he played in D-League for Rio Grande Valley Vipers. He was 4th best scorer in the league with 20.6ppg. He also added 4.4rpg and 4.7apg. He was voted to USBasket.com All-D-League 3rd Team. McNeal was also tried that year by Denver Nuggets and New Orleans Hornets.
He graduated from University of Dayton in 2011 and it will be his second season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center (via @trendbasket)


Josh Akognon joins Dallas Mavericks on non-guaranteed contract - by Eurobasket News

Josh-Emmanuel Akognon (5'11''-G-86, college: CS Fullerton) joined Dallas Mavericks on non-guaranteed contract. The player signed a fully guaranteed deal with Liaoning earlier this week (with NBA out option) and will return to China if Mavericks decide not to keep him on their regular season roster. Most recently Akognon played for the NBA D-League team Canton Charge. He joined them in April averaging 14.5 points and 2.5 rebounds in 4 games. The PG played for DongGuan New Century Leopards in 2011/12 CBA season. He shined there with 28.2 ppg, 3 apg and 2.9 rpg for 37 games. He was named to Asia-Basket.com All-Chinese CBA 2nd Team -12. In 2011 Josh-Emmanuel Akognon reached CBA Semifinals with DongGuan and was named to Asia-Basket.com All-Chinese CBA 3rd Team -11. That season the player had 29.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 2.7 ap for 39 games. Josh-Emmanuel Akognon played for Estonian Kalev/Cramo Tallinn in 2009/10 and it was his first season as a pro. He graduated at California State University, Fullerton in 2009.


Tony DiLeo is 76ers GM - by Eurobasket News

The Philadelphia 76ers have named Tony DiLeo general manager.

DiLeo will work alongside team president Rod Thorn. Thorn has only one year left on his contract. Thorn has a provision in his contract that will allow him to become a consultant after his contract expires.

DiLeo is entering his 23rd season with the Sixers and was named Friday the 12th GM in franchise history.

The Sixers spent the summer interviewing several candidates for the job. They decided to go with DiLeo, who has had several titles with the team for more than 20 years. He was their interim head coach in 2009 and led the Sixers to the playoffs.

DiLeo had been working as senior vice president and assistant general manager.

Philadelphia advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals last year.

Courtesy of ESPN


Blazers add Morrison, Harper, Lauderdale to camp roster - by Eurobasket News

The Portland Trail Blazers have signed Adam Morrison (6'8''-SF-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga), Demonte Harper (6'4''-G, college: Morehead St.) and Dallas Lauderdale (6'8''-F-88, college: Ohio St.).

Morrison played in Serbia and Turkey before joining the Brooklyn Nets and L.A. Clippers summer league squads in July. Morrison averaged 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 30.0 minutes in five games with the Clippers.

Harper spent last season playing in Croatia before playing for the Denver Nuggets NBA Summer League squad in July.

Lauderdale spent the 2011-12 season playing in Poland.

Courtesy of http://basketball.realgm.com


Howard in LA but won't commit to Lakers - by Eurobasket News

It's a little over a week before training camp begins and the Lakers' newest in a long line of superstar centers can't get the smile off his face.

"It's just a great feeling to be here," Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85) said Thursday afternoon at the Lakers practice facility. "It's the happiest I've been in a long time. This is an amazing opportunity for me and I'm very blessed to be here and be with this organization.

"I'm so thankful for this and I'm going to do the best I can to show the fans, the city and the organization my gratitude."

George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal are all Laker centers and Hall of Famers. It's certainly not a long stretch to imagine Howard acquired in a four-team trade that cost the Lakers' center Andrew Bynum joining them in Springfield, Mass., one day. There is, however, one thing that separates Dwight from the others he hasn't yet earned an NBA title.

He took his Orlando Magic team to the 2009 Finals, where they were drubbed by his current Laker team in a five-game series. That's as close as he's come to pro basketball's Holy Grail, one of the main reasons he wanted to move to Los Angeles and join a few other potential HOFers in a chase for that legacy-ensuring diamond ring.

"Coming here to play with Kobe, Steve, Pau, and Metta (World Peace) is the ideal situation for me," Howard said, the trademark smile disappearing for a moment, replaced by a look of tenaciousness. "All those guy are great players, and there's something I can learn from each one of them, and hopefully I can blend right in with everyone.

"I'm not going to come right out and guarantee that we're going to win a championship. But I can assure every Laker fan out there that we will bring our "A" game with us every time we step onto the court."

Howard appeared relaxed during the twenty-minute interview inside the Lakers' Media Room. Even when asked about his troubles in Orlando, his demeanor never changed and he offered up direct answers to the questions.

"It was very tough going through what I went through with the trade request and the injury, and people not knowing the severity of it," said the three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. "There were comments made about me, people saying this and that, and yeah, it did hurt for a while.

"It hurt that people were thinking negative things about me, but you can't control how people think or feel. The only thing you can control is you. I tried to keep my actions positive even through all the negativity."

The 26-year old native of Atlanta said he was truly shocked at the vitriol spewed toward him after he made his demand to be traded.

"When we would play in other arenas or even at home sometimes for one time in my career I felt I was hated," he said sadly. "It was like people couldn't stand to look at me.

"I'd see little kids with signs that said "We hate you" and stuff like that, and I said to myself 'Man, that really hurt.' But I just tried to stay focused, block all that stuff out and remain the same person. I didn't want to let that negativity all around me turn me into a negative person.

"It's easy when everything is going good to stay positive. But when everything is going against you, you have to fight not to let it change what kind of person you are or what kind of teammate you are."

Which had to be a very difficult endeavor when his former coach in Orlando, Stan Van Gundy, publicly accused Howard of trying to get him fired. After one such charge, Howard publicly voiced his complaints about Van Gundy, saying the coach was taking private statements and making them public. The situation quickly became toxic, Howard had back surgery and Van Gundy was fired. Howard insists, though, that it wasn't the Magic, the city of Orlando or the coach that convinced him that it was time to move on.

"I just need a change for my life," he said matter-of-factly.

"I was going back and forth with the whole 'should I leave?' or 'what if I do leave and it doesn't happen the way I want it to?' It put Howard in a very difficult position, because he wanted to do the impossiblemake everyone happy.

"I wanted to make the fans happy, this person happy, that person happy. Finally I realized that I needed a change for me," he said.

"In Orlando, it was very comfortable, but I understand that there's more out there. I just had to go out and get it. Go earn it. I could have stayed and been happy, been comfortable with what I had, but as a basketball player I want my goals, meaning I want more.

"I want to be a champion and I want to be great, so I had to go out and get those things. Sometimes you have to leave things behind. You don't want to, but if you really want to get somewhere, you have to get out of your comfort zone to get there. It was very tough to do, especially at a young age, but I'm glad I got over that hump.

"It was a risk, but everything is a risk. If you're going to take a risk, take a big risk, because at the end there might be a very big reward. I always look at Walt Disney. He put everything he had into making (Steamboat Willie with Mickey Mouse), and it turned into Disneyland and Disneyworld. That's how I look at things."

The risk-reward in this new chapter of Dwight Howard's life could be huge for him, the Lakers and their amazingly fervent fans. But there's no guarantee that Howard will be able to show his immense skills anytime soon. His recovery from April back surgery is in it's final stages, but he refuses to put an exact date on his return to the court.

"When the doctors tell me I'm 100 percent, that's when I'll be back," has been his mantra ever since he met with the media the day of the trade. Nothing has changed since the afternoon of August 10, with the exception of Howard being one day closer to giving the Lakers their best big man since Shaq was traded after the 2004 season. "I feel good; better every day. But I'm going to be patient and let my body heal so when the season starts, I'm able to go all out." And Dwight wanted to set the record straight for those who doubt his ability to make a full, healthy return to the court because he's never had a serious injury prior to his back problem.

"That's not true at all," he said. "I broke my leg in high school, and everybody counted me out at that time. But I went from a broken leg, to the No.1 high school player in the nation to the No.1 pick (in the 2004 NBA draft). So for the people who are concerned for my health, I'm healed and I'm blessed to be here.

"I think this all happened for a reason; having my surgery in L.A., going through the changes in my life, everything that happened in Orlando with the negativity. Now, I'm healthy and so happy to be in L.A. and with such a great organization."

So, while DH12 has had a lot of time to rehab, get used to his new home city and think about the risk he took in forcing a trade, there's one thing hasn't changed in Howard's life he's nowhere close to signing a contract extension with the Lakers.

"I think the best thing to do is talk about it at the end of the year," Howard said confidentially despite seeing his basketball mortality up close a few months ago with the spinal surgery. "We just went through that last season, basically, and I don't want to go through it again or see anyone have to go through it.

"This is going to be my decision, and I'm going to wait till the end of the year. But I'm happy to be in L.A. This is a great place. I love the coaching staff and I love the organization for everything they've done for me since I got traded here.

"Hopefully I'll have a long career here in L.A."

Courtesy of www.foxsportswest.com


Chicago Bulls land Andre Emmett for the training camp - by Eurobasket News

Chicago Bulls (NBA) tabbed 30-year old American swingman Andre Emmett (196-102kg-82, college: Texas Tech) for the training camp. Emmett played most recently at Al Riyadi in Lebanese Division A. In 4 Division A games he averaged 28.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.8apg and 1.3spg last season. He helped them to end the regular season as a second best team in the league. They also advanced to the league semifinals. Emmett also played at Reno Bighorns that season. In 35 D-League games he had 23.1ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.1apg and 1.6spg. He contributed to his team ending the regular season as at the second position in the league. They also advanced to the league semifinals. He can count that season as a very successful as was awarded 2011-2012 All-United States Awards (Voted by All USA Sports Reporters) Small Forward of the Year and selected to 1st Team. The other team Emmett played that season for was Brooklyn Nets. In 5 NBA games he had just 2.6ppg and 1.2rpg.
Emmett is a very experienced player. He played also professionally in China (Shandong Bulls and Fujian), France (Pau-Lacq-Orthez), Lithuania, Puerto Rico (Mets), Venezuela (Marinos) and USA (Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and Reno Bighorns).
Emmett graduated from Texas Tech University in 2004 and it will be his ninth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Stephon Marbury questions Knicks - by Eurobasket News

Count ex-New York Knick Marbury Stephon (6'2''-G-77, college: Georgia Tech) among those who don't think current Knicks stars Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-SF-84, college: Syracuse) and Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82) 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


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


Waubonsie's Brownridge commits to Santa Clara - by Eurobasket News

Santa Clara traveled 2,128 miles in search of a shooter and will bring a heck of a dead-eye home with them next fall as Waubonsie Valley's Jared Brownridge committed to the Broncos on Tuesday.

The highly-regarded Brownridge, who was down to Southern Illinois, Drake and Santa Clara after receiving double-digit mid-major offers, decided to end things after a decision-making official visit this past weekend. The work head coach Kerry Keating and assistant Dustin Kerns put in went a long way in locking up Brownridge.

"The coaching staff has been recruiting me for a long time, going to my high school games and AAU games," Brownridge pointed out. "That went a long way. My whole family loves the staff."

Waubonsie Valley coach Steve Weemer was also impressed with the work put in by Santa Clara and the interest the staff showed his star guard.

"The loyalty was definitely there," says Weemer. "I think Santa Clara recruited Jared the longest. They consistently showed such great interest throughout the process."

In addition, the Santa Clara education played a major role in Brownridge's decision. The highly-regarded academics at Santa Clara, which is located in California's Silicon Valley, was a big factor.

"What they showed us academically blew us away," says Brownridge.

Santa Clara, which finished 8-22 a year ago after winning 24 games during the 2010-2011 season, will be getting one of the premier shooters in Illinois. Brownridge, who is among the top 20 prospects in an impressive Class of 2013 in Illinois, has a simple, pure and repetitive release on his jumper. A catch-and-shoot specialist, Brownridge has become a bigger offensive weapon with his ability to get to the basket and score better in transition.

The 6-1 senior guard put up some impressive numbers as a junior, averaging 20.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.7 steals a game. He knocked down 58 from beyond the arc and scored 31 and 30 points in his final two games in the postseason last March. He is eight points shy of 1,000 career points and with a big senior year could finish as the all-time leading scorer in school history.

"In the coaching profession you don't get to coach this type of kid very often," says Weemer. "When you do get that chance, you better enjoy it. He's such a high-character kid who does things the right way. He's fun to be around and a lot of fun to coach."

Brownridge will lead a Waubonsie Valley team that figures to be among the top two teams in the Upstate Eight this season.

Courtesy of http://blogs.suntimes.com


Kam Williams, Mount St. Joseph guard, headed to Ohio State - by Eurobasket News

Kevin Williams isn't prone to making comparisons, especially when they involve his son. But the father of Mount St. Joseph guard Kam Williams perked up during a conversation one year ago with Ohio State assistant men's basketball coach Dave Dickerson.

Dickerson, a former Maryland player and Terps assistant from 1996-2005, checked out [Kam Williams] and told me he reminded him of a young Juan Dixon, Kevin Williams said. But with more athleticism. And better handles. And he said he saw the same passion and fire when Juan played in Kam, which is a pretty lofty comparison.

Dickersons assessment didnt end there. When Kam Williams took his official visit to Ohio State over the weekend, Dixons play with the Terps was a regular topic of discussion.

He was constantly harping on it when I was down there, said Williams, who grew up following Maryland. He was telling me stories about Juan Dixon at Calvert Hall, how he would score in a variety of ways. Ive always heard the comparisons about me and him.

Starting next fall, Dickerson will get a chance to see how apt his comparison could be. Williams announced his commitment Tuesday to the Buckeyes, selecting the reigning Big 10 co-champions over offers from Marquette, Miami, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest.

I feel relieved. Very relieved. And actually excited, too, at the same time, Williams said. I told [Ohio State] coach [Thad] Matta Sunday night. We were yelling. I couldnt even understand. He was just yelling. He was ecstatic. He was excited. Its almost like he couldnt believe it.

Those who have followed Williams recruitment might also have trouble believing that the 6-foot-2, 175-pound senior will play for an elite national program. Talent was never a question, with Williams earning first-team Baltimore Catholic League honors for Mount St. Joseph as a sophomore and BCL Player of the Year accolades as a junior. But several scouts and college coaches remained wary about the slightly built shooting guard.

That started to change over the spring and summer, when Williams, playing for Nike Baltimore Elite, led the Elite Youth Basketball League in scoring at 22 points per game. Williams play earned him new offers seemingly every week. But a scholarship from a true national power eluded him until July when Ohio State, impressed by his play during the live period, extended its offer.

I almost couldnt believe it, said Williams, whos now considered a consensus four-star prospect. It felt like a dream when [Dickerson] said it. My heart just stopped. When he said it, I said, Are you serious? He was like, Yeah. So I couldnt really believe it. I just thought all the hard work that I put in, it really paid off.

The euphoria of landing a Buckeyes offer lingered, but Williams also remained a big fan of Miami one of the first programs to offer him. He took an official visit to Coral Gables two weekends ago, but the trip to Columbus the weekend after sealed the deal for the Buckeyes.

When they took me around, I just realized that they were the cream of the crop one of the top programs in mens basketball, Williams said. Just seeing all the player of the year trophies, the Big 10 trophies, Final Four trophies, just put it in my mind all the possibilities that could happen with me going there. I think it will help me become the best basketball player I could be.

Pat Clatchey, the longtime Mount St. Joseph coach, doesnt have a doubt in his mind that Williams is primed for a big college career. The questions about Williams size and strength are irrelevant in the coachs mind.

I think for Kam, it doesnt matter if hes playing high school or college. He can put the ball in the basket in a variety of ways, Clatchey said. I think hell have just a normal transition adjustment like most college players, [but] I think that will be over quick. Hes ready and capable to step in and contribute and play right away.

For Kevin Williams, watching his son from afar will be an adjustment. Traveling to AAU tournaments over the past nine years and spending countless hours working out together in the gym isnt something hell soon forget.

Thank goodness for cable TV and the Big 10 Network, Williams said. I knew this day was going to come eventually. I would have loved for him to play in our own backyard, but hey, it is what it is. We knew this day was coming. Im sure Kam will be focused on doing his best.

The newest Ohio State commitment is already looking forward to his future 400 miles away from Baltimore.

[Matta] said they usually recruit the Midwest, so for them to come recruit an East Coast kid, it just means a lot. It makes me feel like they believe in me, Williams said. They believe in what Im capable of. They believe I can thrive in their system. They believe I can become part of their family. Thats always great.

Courtesy of www.baltimoresun.com


Ballard forward Seth Berger commits to UMass - by Eurobasket News

Seth Berger, a three-star forward from Ballard according to ESPN.com, committed to play basketball at Massachusetts. Berger is the fifth-best prospect in the state for the class of 2013, according to ESPN.com and he is the 47th-best player at his position.

Berger (6-7, 210) also had an offer from Santa Clara, according to ESPN.com.

Scout.com said of Berger: "A slasher and hustler who could become a true force as he grows and spends time in the weight room."

ESPN.com wrote: "Berger is a rangy 4/3 with very good length and solid athleticism. He has a very nice 1st step off the dribble and he has a knack of getting in the lane for the score. His pull-up game is solid and he is an astute passer."

Courtesy of http://seattletimes.com


*****************************************************
  PHILIPPINES   


2012 Fiba Asia Cup: Iran defeat Philippines to reach Final - by Eurobasket News

Iran - Philippines 77:60

Iran are the first finalists of Fiba Asia Cup in Tokyo. They held off Philippines in the first semifinal of the day today. Hamed Afagh (190-SG-83) provided 14 points to lead the winners.
Philippines enjoyed a slim lead at the end of the opening quarter 17:16. The teams stayed neck and neck in the second frame. Iran managed to level things up at 30 at the end of the first half. The third term saw Iran surge ahead. They fired 23 points and established a 6-point advantage before the final stanza. Iran opened the fourth frame on a 9:2 run to take a 13-point lead. The margin soon grew at 18-point mark as Philippines struggled to stay in the game. Iran dominated throughout the rest of the encounter and posted a comfortable win at the end. Mohammad Jamshidi (197-SF-91) and Asghar Kardoust (212-C-86) provided 13 points each for the winning side. LA Tenorio (177-PG-84) and Jared Dillinger (191-G/F-84, college: Hawaii) responded with 13 points apiece for Philippines.

Iran: Hamed Afagh 14, Mohammad Jamshidi 13, Asghar Kardoust 13
Philippines: LA Tenorio 13, Jared Dillinger 13


2012 Fiba Asia Cup: Qatar clinch Bronze - by Eurobasket News

Philippines-Qatar 63:79

Qatar clinch Bronze at the Fiba Asia Cup in Tokyo. The GCC champions repeated of their bronze medal success from two years ago, having beaten Philippines at the similar stage at the 3rd FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup. Tonight they needed 79:63 to finish on the third place.
Qatar started the game with 12-8 lead and added 23-18 in the second period. Gabe Norwood (196-G/F-85, college: George Mason) reduced to 55:47 at the end of the third period as Philippines won the quarter 22-20. Qatar however needed a 24-15 surge in the last stanza to win bronze at Fiba Asia Cup in Tokyo.
Mohammed Yousef (204-C-82) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Clinton Fihnoir Johnson (193-G-84) had 16. Khalid Suliman (198-G/F-87) posted 14, while Erfan Ali (198-PF-83) had 10 points and 11 rebounds. Marcus Douthit (210-C/F-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Providence) replied with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Gary David (188-G/F-78) notched 15. Jared Dillinger (191-G/F-84, college: Hawaii) scored 12 and Gabe Norwood added 10.

Philippines: Marcus Douthit 17+10 rebs, Gary David 15, Jared Dillinger 12, Gabe Norwood 10
Qatar: Mohammed Yousef 17, Clinton Fihnoir Johnson 16, Khalid Suliman 14, Erfan Ali 10+11 rebs


Day 6 of the 2012 FIBA Asia Cup and Hagop Khajirians Crossover Move - by Enzo Flojo

It was an interesting series of quarterfinal matches on Day 6 of the 2012 FIBA Asia Cup. As expected, Iran had an easy time against Uzbekistan, while the Filipinos were true to form in disposing of a strong challenge from Taiwan. In contrast, the Lebanese floundered in the biggest upset of the tourney so far in their loss to Qatar, while Japan showcased their edge in experience as they dismantled the Chinese.

In related news, the FIBA-Asia Executive Committee finally decided on a venue for the 2013 FIBA-Asia Mens Championship. Asias biggest basketball tournament will be held NOT in Manila, but in Beirut, Lebanon. More on this strange decision after the game recaps below.

IRAN over UZBEKISTAN, 79-37
Team Iran, outplaying Uzbekistan in virtually every aspect of the game, barged into the semifinals with much ease. The WABA powerhouse limited the CABA squad to just 25% FG shooting, forced them to 19 turnovers, and outrebounded them, 50-38. Asghar Kardoust was unstoppable in 17 minutes of play, scoring 12 points and grabbing 8 rebounds, while Aren Davoudi and Mohammad Jamshidi paired up for 21 points in the backcourt. Young big man Saleh Foroutan also did well, accounting for 9 markers and 10 boards. Star wingmen Samad Nikkhah Bahrami and Hamed Afagh didnt need to play much here as the Uzbeks didnt really put up much resistance. Nobody scored in double-digits for Coach Oleg Levin as Vyacheslav Denisov had a team-high 9 points.

IRI 79- Kardoust 12, Davoudi 11, Jamshidi 10, Arghavan 10, Foroutan 9, Aslani 6, Yakhchali 6, Sedighi 4, Mashayekhi 4, Bahrami 4, Afagh 3, Sahakian 0
UZB 37- Denisov 9, Yahin 8, Timofeev 6, Kozlov 5, Nuraliev 4, Juginisov 2, Safarov 2, Kadirov 1, Tangrikulov 0, Nabiev 0, Shatrov 0, Rahimov 0
QS: 17-13, 32-16, 59-25, 79-37

PHILIPPINES over TAIWAN, 75-68
Marcus Douthit carried the Philippine cause for three quarters before LA Tenorio rediscovered the form that enabled him to cop the MVP trophy of the 2012 Jones Cup. Tenorio scored all 9 of his points in a stirring fourth quarter as the Pinoys withstood a stiff challenge from the determined Taiwanese. Gary David and Jeff Chan also hit big threes in the payoff period that saw Team Pilipinas erect a 14-point bubble, 71-57, with just 4 minutes to go. Taiwan countered with a brilliant 9-0 spurt to trim the lead to just 5 with under two minutes to go, but they would never get closer than that. Coach Chot Reyes of the Philippines bemoaned his teams bad shooting, which he said theyd need to improve if they harbor any dreams of moving past Iran in the semis.

PHI 75- Douthit 19, David 14, De Ocampo 10, Tenorio 9, Fonacier 9, Dillinger 5, Chan 5, Norwood 4, Thoss 0
TPE 68- Creighton 21, Lin 12, Chen SC 11, Tien 7, Wu 6, Mao 4, Lee 3, Chang 3, Tseng 1, Lu 0
QS: 10-13, 38-32, 54-53, 75-68

QATAR over LEBANON, 79-72
In the biggest upset of the day, Trey Johnson scored 28 points to lead the Qataris past Group As top-seeded team, Lebanon. Johnson, a one-time LA Laker, added 7 assists and 5 rebounds to his tally as Qatar never looked back after taking a first quarter lead. Mansour El Hadary and Mohd Yousuf Mohammed backstopped their naturalized import with 14 and 13 points respectively. Coach Tom Wismans wards offset their rebounding disadvantage by shooting 38% from beyond the arc. This was an ironic ending to the day for Lebanon as they were given news they would host the 2013 FIBA-Asia tourney in a controversial FIBA-Asia Executive Committee decision. Karma, perhaps? Or maybe a case of the Lebanese underplaying, since they knew they no longer needed to win anyway?

QAT 79- Johnson 28, El Hadary 14, Mohammed M 13, Daoud 7, Musa 5, Saeed 5, Abdi 4, Salem 3
LIB 72- Thompson 26, Abdel Nour 24, El Khatib F 12, Stephan 5, Sarkis 5, Tabet 0, El Khatib C 0, Akl 0
QS: 21-15, 35-35, 59-55, 79-72

JAPAN over CHINA, 60-50
The young Chinese gave a good effort, but the experience of the Japanese shone through in the endgame as the hosts advanced to the semifinals by defeating their upstart foes. China was unable to capitalize on their rebounding edge as they shot just 32% from the field and were forced to commit 20 turnovers. Kosuke Takeuchi led Japans cause with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Ryota Sakurai and Kosuke Kanamaru tallied 13 and 10 markers respectively. JR Sakuragi had another subpar offensive game, but hell take it as long as his adopted nations team claims victory. Wang Zhelin led China with 15 points and 14 boards, while Guo Ailun and Zhao Tailong each scored 10 markers.

JPN 60- Takeuchi 18, Sakurai 13, Kanamaru 10, Tanaka 9, Sakuragi 8, Hiejima 2, Furukawa 0, Ichioka 0, Kurihara 0
CHN 50- Wang ZL 15, Guo 10, Zhao 10, Wang ZR 8, Wu 7, Sui 0, Cao Y 0, Duan 0, Yu 0, Zhang 0, Sun 0
QS: 15-16, 31-25, 44-37, 60-50


HAGOP KHAJIRIANS CROSSOVER (OR HOW POLITICS REARED ITS FUGLY HEAD AGAIN)

Misdirection must be FIBA-Asia Secretary-General Hagop Khajirians middle name, or, if it isnt, it SHOULD be.

Heres a guy who came to the Philippines to check out the state-of-the-art Mall of Asia Arena. Heres a guy who told everyone how the competing bids for the hosting rights to the 2013 FIBA-Asia Mens Championship from Lebanon and Iran werent serious. Heres a guy who basically led us on.

I am full of bitterness, as you can see, but I am damn right to feel bitter. In fact, I URGE every Filipino to feel this bitter. We lost our bid to a country whose best possible representatives to an OFFICIAL and FORMAL FIBA-ASIA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE meeting were four members of its national team in casual clothes.

Red flag? Apparently not for the FIBA-Asia ExeComm.

I guess I would be less bitter if I knew exactly how Lebanons rag-tag crew upstaged our all-star cast of basketball executives. Did the aging Fadi El Khatib wax poetic about how this might be his last tour of duty for the Lebanese side? Did he use emotional appeal to explain how his country, which botched their previous chance to hold the Mens Championship in 2011 (it was moved to Wuhan, China after Lebanon admitted it was ill-prepared to host), was much better suited to host next year?

No.

The guy played a friggin CD for the ExeComm to watch.

Wow.

Slow clap for this guy.

So what happened here? The only country, the only national basketball organizing body, to go to GREAT lengths to impress upon FIBA-Asia its deep level of seriousness and preparedness to hold the biggest and most prestigious basketball event in Asia gets denied.

A slap in the face.

An unfair deal.

Misdirection at its finest.

Politics trumping integrity.

Doubt cast over transparency.

All because Lebanons 33-year old superstar, who waltzed into the room wearing a training shirt, jeans, and sneakers, played a CD.

That must be some CD.

But hold the invectives aimed at Mr. Khajirian. He wasnt the only one in the ExeComm, after all. According to some sources, five guys voted in favor of Lebanon, two in favor of the Philippines, and two were deemed invalid (for whatever reason). What made FIVE PEOPLE choose El Kahatibs CD over our powerhouse delegations comprehensive presentation?

Was protocol and formality given any weight? Was degree of preparedness? How about plain and simple merit?

It appears not. It appears all those are easily trumped by politics even in the most distinguished body of Asian basketball.

WHAT. A. JOKE.

Oh, but wait. It gets better. Theres a clause that says if Lebanon cannot prepare well, then Manila will be the alternate choice.

Why thank, you, FIBA-Asia. Thank you for patronizing us. Thank you for the oh youre nice, but well try this one, first gesture.

Thank you, Hayop, oops, Hagop, for your successful misdirection, for your brilliant crossover move. You juked us one way, only to go the other. What a guy, you are.

How about you play me one-on-one, and Ill show you what a real crossover looks like, huh?

I am bitter.

I know Manila deserves this, worked the hardest to prove it was ready. THE HARDEST I TELL YOU.

And for what? To be duped.

Now you guys have really pissed us off.

I guess well just have to beat your behinds in your own home turf.

Yeah. That would be EXTRA SWEET.

Wait for it. Youll get your just deserts.

For another strongly worded piece on this farce, read this Quinito Henson article on PhilStar.com (http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=69&articleId=851267).

Source: HoopNut.blogspot.com


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


Asseco Prokom tab Rasid Mahalbasic - by Eurobasket News

Asseco Prokom bolstered their frontcourt. They added Rasid Mahalbasic (208-C-90) to the squad. The Austrian centre spent the last season in Slovenia. He played for Zlatogor Lasko. His stats read 4.0 points and 1.5 blocks per game in Slovenian League. In Adriatic League Rasid Mahalbasic posted 4.7 points, 6.7 boards, 1.7 assists and 1.0 block per appearance. Previously the centre had stints with Wels, Bosna Sarajevo, Worthersee Piraten, Tofas Bursa, KK Split. He used to play for Austrian U16, U18 and U20 National Teams. Rasid Mahalbasic was named All-European Championship U20 Division B Best Player in 2009. Rasid Mahalbasic has been the member of Austrian National Team since 2008. He averaged 15.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.0 assist per 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round game.


Trefl Sopot bruise Energa Czarni at the start of Koszalin tournament - by Eurobasket News

Trefl Sopot - Energa Czarni 87:67

Trefl Sopot posted the first win at the Koszalin pre-season tournament. They rallied past Energa Czarni. Frank Turner (178-PG-88, agency: Court Side, college: Canisius) stepped up with 24 points to lead the winners.
Trefl Sopot posted 19:11 lead after ten minutes. The Sopot team accumulated a 45:35 halftime advantage. They remained in charge throughout the third quarter. Trefl Sopot accounted for a 13-point lead heading into the fourth stanza. Energa Czarni could not recover in the final frame and had to surrender at the end. Filip Dylewicz (202-F-80) finished with 15 points for Trefl Sopot. Adam Waczynski (199-G/F-89, agency: Limelight Hoops) added 13 points in the victory. Michal Nowakowski (202-F-88) answered with 15 points for Energa Czarni. Valdas Dabkus (204-PF-84) had 11 points in the loss.

Trefl Sopot: Frank Turner 24, Filip Dylewicz 15, Adam Waczynski 13
Energa Czarni: Michal Nowakowski 15, Valdas Dabkus 11


Polpharma test Christian Polk - by Eurobasket News

Polpharma invited Christian Polk (190-G-87, agency: Interperformances, college: UTEP). The guard will spend the next two weeks with the team on try-out. Christian Polk is meant to replace injured Jawan Carter (180-PG-87, college: Delaware) on the squad. Christian Polk is looking to start his pro career in Poland. The guard has just graduated from the University of Texas El Paso. Christian Polk notched 11.7 points, 3.0 assists, 2.6 rebounds per game in his senior season. He was named into C-USA All-Tournament Team.


*****************************************************
  QATAR   


2012 Fiba Asia Cup: Qatar clinch Bronze - by Eurobasket News

Philippines-Qatar 63:79

Qatar clinch Bronze at the Fiba Asia Cup in Tokyo. The GCC champions repeated of their bronze medal success from two years ago, having beaten Philippines at the similar stage at the 3rd FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup. Tonight they needed 79:63 to finish on the third place.
Qatar started the game with 12-8 lead and added 23-18 in the second period. Gabe Norwood (196-G/F-85, college: George Mason) reduced to 55:47 at the end of the third period as Philippines won the quarter 22-20. Qatar however needed a 24-15 surge in the last stanza to win bronze at Fiba Asia Cup in Tokyo.
Mohammed Yousef (204-C-82) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Clinton Fihnoir Johnson (193-G-84) had 16. Khalid Suliman (198-G/F-87) posted 14, while Erfan Ali (198-PF-83) had 10 points and 11 rebounds. Marcus Douthit (210-C/F-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Providence) replied with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Gary David (188-G/F-78) notched 15. Jared Dillinger (191-G/F-84, college: Hawaii) scored 12 and Gabe Norwood added 10.

Philippines: Marcus Douthit 17+10 rebs, Gary David 15, Jared Dillinger 12, Gabe Norwood 10
Qatar: Mohammed Yousef 17, Clinton Fihnoir Johnson 16, Khalid Suliman 14, Erfan Ali 10+11 rebs


2012 Fiba Asia Cup: Japan make their way into Final - by Eurobasket News

Japan - Qatar 73:66

Japan will play for the title at Fiba Asia Cup. The hosts held off Qatar tonight to set up the clash versus Iran for the trophy. Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) accounted for 18 points to lead the winners. Qatar will now take on Philippines for the Bronze medals.
The teams got to a slow start. They combined for only 21 points in the opening quarter as Qatar enjoyed a 3-point lead. Japan however turned things around in the second period. They went on a 21:5 run to crown the first half and secured a 30:19 halftime advantage. Japan kept Qatar at safe distance throughout the third term. The hosts ensured a 12-point lead before the fourth frame. Qatar got within 6 points with under two minutes remaining but Hiejima and Takatoshi Furukawa (190-G/F-87) went deadly from the stripe to seal the victory for Japan. Takatoshi Furukawa accounted for 15 points, while J.R. Sakuragi (206-F/C-76, college: UCLA) added 12 points for the winning side. Mohammed Yousef (204-C-82) answered with 22 points, while Erfan Ali (198-PF-83) had 15 points and 13 boards in the loss.

Japan: Kosuke Takeuchi 18, Takatoshi Furukawa 15, J.R. Sakuragi 12
Qatar: Mohammed Yousef 22, Erfan Ali 15+13 boards


Marcus Campbell signs at Al Rayyan - by Eurobasket News

Al Rayyan Doha (D1) landed 30-year old American center Marcus Campbell (214-120kg-82, college: Mississippi State, agency: Three Eye Sports). Campbell played most recently at Shiraz a.s Pipe in Iranian Superleague.
He is a very experienced player. Campbell played also professionally in Italy (Air Avellino), New Zealand (The Good Home Taranaki Mountain Airs), Spain (Los Barrios) and USA (Houston Rockets, Idaho Stampede, Kansas Cagerz, Springfield Armor and Washington Madness).
He graduated from Mississippi State in 2005 and it will be his eighth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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


BC Timisoara, U Mobitelco Cluj-Napoca and BC Perla post victories - by Eurobasket News

BC Timisoara overcame Naturtex-SZTE Szedeak 87:74. The Romanian team won the first period 25-16 and led 47:34 at the halftime. Bogdan Popescu (200-F-78, college: Alaska-Fairb.) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Zlatko Jovanovic nailed 14. Delvon Johnson (206-F/C-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: Arkansas) finished the game with 12, while Robert Sarovic had 11. Kevin Sims answered with 17 points in the losing effort.
U Mobitelco Cluj-Napoca outscored Jaszbereny KSE, 101:75. The Romnaian side won the first period 23-22 and added 28-23 in the second frame. Moreover they erupted with 30-10 in the decisive third period, while both teams nailed 20 points each in the last stanza. Hristo Nikolov (200-PF-85) stepped up with 26 points and Derek Wright posted 17. Reinar Hallik (208-C-84) nailed 14, while Mihai Silvasan added 13.
BC Perla Harghitei Miercurea Ciuc beatBC Mures 81:74.


BCM U Pitesti clinch SuperCup title - by Eurobasket News

BCM U Pitesti -Ploiesti 83:75

BCM U Pitesti clinch SuperCup title tonight to start the new season with the trophy. The team overcame Ploiesti 83:75 after a strong second half.
Ploiesti won the first period 25-22 and added 18-16 in the second frame. No matter how hard the team tried to keep the score for good they could not match the opponents later in the game. BCM U Pitesti produced 21-16 in the third quarter to tie the game after 30 minutes. Moreover BCM U Pitesti posted 24-16 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Marcel Jones (203-F-85, college: Oregon St.) top-scored for the winners with 24 points and Pankracije Barac (196-G-81, agency: Court Side) had 15. Slobodan Popovic (198-G-80, agency: BeoExcell) and Drasko Albijanic (211-C-86) followed them with 13 each, whilst Donte Gennie (185-PG-83, agency: TSS Management, college: Georgia South) notched 10. Catalin Burlacu (210-C-77, agency: Court Side) replied with 18 points in the losing effort. Darius Hargrove (193-G-82, college: Virginia Union) scored 13 and Aleksandar Vlahovic (190-G-90) delivered 11.

BCM U Pitesti: Marcel Jones 24, Pankracije Barac 15, Slobodan Popovic 13, Drasko Albijanic 13, Donte Gennie 10
Ploiesti: Catalin Burlacu 18, Darius Hargrove 13, Aleksandar Vlahovic 11


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


Sean Denison signs with Ataman Rostov - by Interperformances

The Canadian Center, Sean Denison (211-F/C-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Santa Clara) has just agreed terms with the Russian Superleague Club Ataman Rostov. The upcoming season will be his second consecutive season in Russia. Sean played the previous season in the PBL with Spartak Primorie Vladivostok and in 13 games he registered 8.9 ppg and 4.7 rpg. After his four year college basketball career in Santa Clara, in 2007 Sean signed his first professional deal overseas with the Turkish TB2L club Tofas Bursa. Sean remained with Tofas for the following three seasons. Had an excellent 2007/08 season, in fact was named: Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TB2L Center of the Year, All-Turkish TB2L 1st Team, Turkish TB2L All-Imports Team. The following season Tofas won the TB2L championship. In 2009/10 season Tofas competed in the TBL and Sean averaged 12.2 pp. 4.9 rpg, 1.4apg, 5- blocks (1.2 bpg). In 2010-2011 season Sean moved to Germany in the Bundesliga 1 with Bremerhaven.


Khimky ease past Maccabi Tel-Aviv at Domreiter Cup - by Eurobasket News

Khimky - Maccabi Tel-Aviv 80:60

Khimky earned the opening win at the Domreiter Cup in Bamberg. They knocked down Maccabi Tel-Aviv. Alexey Zhukanenko (210-F-86, agency: Alti Sport) scored 15 points to lead the Russian team.
Khimky eked out an 18:16 lead ten minutes into the game. The margin grew in the second quarter. Khimky piled up a 43:33 halftime advantage. Khimky took over completely in the third quarter. The Russian side ensured a 63:46 lead at the final intermission. Maccabi never recovered as Khimky rolled to a comfortable win at the end. K.C. Rivers (196-G/F-87, college: Clemson) provided 14 points, while James Augustine (208-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois), Vitaliy Fridzon (196-G-85, agency: Alti Sport) and Petteri Koponen (194-PG-88) added 9 points each for the winners.
Khimky will next take on Olympiakos.


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


Heavy defeat for Partizan in Spain - by Ivan Milenkovic

Partizan disappointed in their first visit to Fuenlabrada after 20 years. Home team had no mercy for young ''black and whites'' and won friendly game in front of 5,500 people with 25 points of difference! It was 89-64 (22-19, 25-14, 20-17, 22-14) for Mad Croc Fuenlabrada who led from the start of the game and extended their lead until the end.
Drew Gordon (205-F-90, college: N.Mexico) led Partizan with 14 points and 11 rebounds, but had 8 turnovers! Davis Bertans scored 11 points and Bogdan Bogdanovic added 10. Other players had less than 10 points: Djordje Gagic and Nikola Milutinov 6, Danilo Andjusic 5, Dragan Milosavljevic 4, Leo Westermann, Torey Thomas, Dejan Musli and Branislav Djekic 2, while Marko Cakarevic did not play.
Serbian champions shot 42% for two (21/50) and 17% for three points (3/18). They had only 8 assists and 20 turnovers, but at least dominated in rebounds (44 in total, 14 offensive rebs).


Azovmash are considering to add Miroslav Raduljica to their roster - by Eurobasket News

Azovmash Mariupol (Superleague) is close to sign 24-year old Serbian international center Miroslav Raduljica (213-88). Raduljica played last season at Partizan. In 20 Superleague games he had 12.2ppg, 5.5rpg and 1.3apg. He helped them to win the championship title. A very impressive season as he was voted Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Domestic Player of the Year, Center of the Year and named to 1st Team. Raduljica also played 37 games in Euroleague where he recorded 10.0ppg and 3.9rpg.
He has been also a member of Serbian international program for some years. Raduljica has played for Senior National Team since 2009 and previously for U20 National Team in 2008. He represented Serbia at the European Championships in Poland three years ago. Raduljica's team won Silver and his stats at that event were 7 games: 3.3ppg.
Raduljica is quite experienced player. He played also professionally in Italy, Turkey (Anadolu Efes).

By Eurobasket Data Center (via @Basketfaul)


Vojvodina and Kumanovo in the final of tournament in Novi Sad - by Eurobasket News

Vojvodina and Kumanovo will play in the final of 'Nenad and Nemanja' memorial tournament in Novi Sad.
The host Vojvodina outplayed Zeleznicar Indjija 82-64. Dragan Zekovic (210-F/C-87, agency: Interperformances) led the winners with 20 points and Radomir Marojevic (207-C-81) added 14 pts. Ognjen Kuzeta (194-G-87) was third scorer in victory with 11 points. In the loosing squad, Nikola Vujovic (207-C-93) was better than the others with 17 pts and Uros Stupar had 11 points.
In the other Semis, Kumanovo downed Meridijana 96-91 after two overtimes. Marjan Mladenovic (180-G-88) paced Macedonians with 28 points and Marjan Janevski (203-F-88) had 21 pts. Uros Lukovic (212-C-89) secured a nice helped with 16 points. For Meridijana, Nikola Savic (202-F-88) shined with 20 points.
This is the second memorial 'Nenad and Nemanja'. Last year Radnicki Kragujevac was the winner.


Levski downs Radnicki Kragujevac in 'Kupina Cup' - by Eurobasket News

Radnicki Kragujevac - Levski Sofia 79-86

'Kupina Cup' started yesterday in Nis. In the opening game Levski Sofia celebrated 86-79 victory against Radnicki Kragujevac and advanced to the Finals. The Serbian squad faced with first loss this preseason, after eight straight wins. Chavdar Kostov (195-SG-88, agency: Interperformances) was a key player for Bulgarians with 28 points. Point guard Marko Marinovic (183-PG-83) scored 17 points and Dimitar Dimitrov (202-F-93, agency: Interperformances) helped his team with 11. At the other side, Radnicki got 15 points from Bojan Krstovic (194-G-80, agency: Interperformances) and Mark Worthington (202-PF-83, college: Metro St.). Terrico White (196-G-90, college: Mississippi) this time stopped to 11 pts. Levski was in charge for most of the game. Bulgarians will meet Konstantin in the Finals. That game is scheduled for today at 20:30h. Radnicki and MZT Skopje will play for third place.

Radnicki Kragujevac: Bojan Krstovic 15, Mark Worthington 15, Terrico White 11
Levski Sofia: Chavdar Kostov 28, Marko Marinovic 17, Dimitar Dimitrov 11


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


Sulli Won't Join Prievidza - by Thomas Kottra

Quite shocked were left fans of BC Prievidza by their team when after a fair portion of negotiations The Star of last years squad Sullivan Phillips (198-G/F-79, college: Wash.Adventist) turned down the agreement which was unofficially considered as reality. Only a short statement about the case was left on official Facebook page of last Slovak champion. "There were intense negotiations with Sullivan and his agent. At last, Sulli has decided to play abroad in the end of his career."
Sullivan Phillips achieved Slovak title in his one-year stand on Slovakia, leading his team with 15 points, 5.6 rebounds 4.9 assists and 1.6 steals in 45 games.


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


Cajasol has no mercy for Valladolid in preseason game, 95-67 - by Eurobasket News

Cajasol - Valladolid 95-67

Cajasol demonstrated great performance last night against Valladolid. The team from Seville celebrated huge 95-67 victory in this meeting. The game was played in Oviedo. Cajasol took control on its rival in the second period and never looked back after that. Quarters: 20-16, 27-15, 21-20, 27-16. Luka Bogdanovic (210-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) paced the winning squad with 20 points, while John Holland (195-G/F-88, college: Boston U.) and Brian Asbury (200-SF-86, college: Miami, FL) netted 17 and 16 points respectively. Tomas Satoransky (201-PG-91) and Joan Sastre Morro (201-F-91) helped their team with 10 points each. In Valladolid, Ian O'Leary (201-F-86, college: St.Mary's, CA) delivered 13 points and Francis Koffi (202-F-81, college: Fresno St.) scored 11. David Navarro (192-G/F-83) and Uros Tripkovic (197-G-86) stopped to 10 points each. Cajasol will play another friendly game today. Their rival will be Joventut.

Cajasol: Tomas Satoransky (10), Joan Sastre Morro (10), John Holland (17), Brian Asbury (16), Buckman (2), Triguero (4), Tepic (6), Burjanadze (3), Porzingis (2), Balvin (5), Radicevic, Luka Bogdanovic (20).
Blancos de Rueda Valladolid: Francis Koffi (11), David Navarro (10), Uros Tripkovic (10), Nacho Martn (6), Mohammed (2), Jordi Grimau (6), Edu Ruiz (5), Antonio Izquierdo (2), Ian O'Leary (13), Cizauskas (2).


Caja Laboral and Bilbao win in their latest friendlies - by Eurobasket News

Caja Laboral cruised past Knet Rioja Clavijo last night in Logrono 83-56. The former Spanish champ shined in the second half to register comfortable win in this meeting. Brad Oleson (191-G-83, agency: Duran International, college: Alaska-Fairb.) stepped up with 19 points, while Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) and Fernando San Emeterio (198-F/G-84) netted 15 points each. Andres Nocioni (199-SF-79) and Taylor Rochestie (185-PG-85, college: Washington St.) contributed with 8 and 7 points respectively. In Knet Rioja, Ruiz de Galarreta and Mareks Mejeris (207-SF-91, agency: Players Group) responded with 14 points each. Quarters: 18-16, 20-15, 25-12, 20-13.
Gescrap Bizkaia Bilbao Basket downed Lagun Aro GBC yesterday in Basauri 78-65. Second quarter was the crucial one in this game. Milovan Rakovic (208-C-85) top-scored in victory with 19 points, Kostas Vasiliadis (200-G/F-84, agency: FCM) had 13 and Raul Lopez (183-PG-80) stopped to one point less. Roger Grimau (196-G-79, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) and Adrien Moerman (203-F/C-88) delivered 9 points apiece. In defeat, Yaroslav Korolev (206-G/F-87) and Emmanouil Papamakarios (192-G-80) posted 11 and 10 points. Quarters: 18-16, 26-11, 21-17, 19-21.


Valladolid signs Othello Hunter - by Eurobasket News

Othello Hunter (203-F-86, agency: David Lee services, college: Ohio St.) will continue his career in Spain. The 26-year-old American penned a one-season deal with Valladolid. He arrives to the club from Azovmash Mariupol. Hunter joined Azovmash in February averaging 11.6 points and 7 rebounds for 21 league games. They reached Playoff Finals, but failed to Donetsk. Hunter added 8.7 ppg and 8.3 rpg for 3 games in VTB United League. Othello Hunter started last season with Chinese Shandong Flaming Bulls. There he had 18.1 ppg and 12.5 rpg for 31 CBA games. In 2010/11 he was a member of Dinamo Sassari collecting 14.8 ppg and 7.8 rpg for 33 games. Hunter played 7 games for the Atlanta Hawks in 2009/10 and he also appeared 16 times for the franchise in 2008/09 NBA season. He had 1.6 ppg and 1.7 rpg two years ago and 1.6 ppg, plus 1.9 rpg in his rookie year. Othello Hunter is a product of the Ohio State University, where he played from 2006 to 2008.


Javier Manuel Alvarado signs at Aurteneche Maquinaria Euskadi - by Eurobasket News

Aurteneche Maquinaria Euskadi (LEB Silver) landed 27-year old point guard Javier Manuel Alvarado (183-85). Alvarado played most recently at Gandia Basquet in LEB Silver. However his team was relegated to EBA. In 24 LEB Silver games he averaged 10.4ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.5apg and 1.1spg last season.
His team won Spanish EBA Group B Regular Season in 2011.
  Alvarado was a member of Spanish U20 National Team back in 2005 and played also for U16 National Team in 2001..

By Eurobasket Data Center


Javier Manuel Alvarado signs at Aurteneche Maquinaria Euskadi - by Eurobasket News

Aurteneche Maquinaria Euskadi (LEB Silver) landed 27-year old point guard Javier Manuel Alvarado (183-85). Alvarado played most recently at Gandia Basquet in LEB Silver. However his team was relegated to EBA. In 24 LEB Silver games he averaged 10.4ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.5apg and 1.1spg last season.
His team won Spanish EBA Group B Regular Season in 2011.
Alvarado was a member of Spanish U20 National Team back in 2005 and played also for U16 National Team in 2001..

By Eurobasket Data Center


Blusens Monbus Obradoiro adds Hopkins to their roster - by Eurobasket News

Blusens Monbus Obradoiro CAB (ACB) confirmed in their roster 39-year old naturalized American forward Bernard Hopkins (198-105kg-73, college: VCU). He temporarily replaces injured Robbie Hummel. Hopkins has played there for the last two seasons. He had 4.2 ppg and 2.2 rpg for 33 Liga Endesa games last season. Before Obradoiro he played for Lagun Aro.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Aurteneche Maquinaria Euskadi adds Elias to their roster - by Eurobasket News

Aurteneche Maquinaria Euskadi (LEB Silver) added to their roster 31-year old Cuban ex-international forward Georvys Elias (199-103kg-81). Elias played for the last two years at Tenerife Baloncesto in EBA. However his team was relegated to 1 Division. In 24 EBA games he had 13.0ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.8apg and 1.5spg last season. A very spectacular season in his career as he was named to Eurobasket.com All-LEB Silver Honorable Mention.
He was a member of Cuban Senior National Team between 2000 and 2009. Elias also represented Cuba at the CBC Championships in Tortilla (BVI) three years ago. His team won Bronze and his stats at that event were : 5 games: 10.0ppg, Reb-5 (6.0rpg), FGP-1 (70.4%), 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 40.0%..

By Eurobasket Data Center


*****************************************************
  SWITZERLAND   


Justin Rutty joins BBC Nyon - by Luca Maffioli

BBC Nyon agreed terms with the 23-years old American power forward Justin Rutty (200-F-89, college: Quinnipiac). Graduated at Quinnipiac College, Rutty started his career in Uruguay. He played only two games of LUB with Atletico Aguada averaging 13.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks. In 2010-2011 NCAA season he averaged 14.5 points ( FGP: 52.7%, FT: 44.7%), 9.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists. Rutty was nominated NEC Player of the Year 2010.


Feliks Kojadinovic and Abdelmajid Naji joins BBC Monthey - by Luca Maffioli

BBC Monthey announced signing of Feliks Kojadinovic (197-G-79) and Abdelmajid Naji (207-F/C-89) for the upcoming season. Last season Kojadinovic started at Marousi BC, then he moved to Keravnos Strovolou (Cyprus). In Greece he averaged 4.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 7 games; then in Cyprus he played only 6 games.
Naji comes from France. He spent last season at Denain ASC Voltaire in ProB averaging 1.6 points and 1.4 rebounds. The French-Moroccan center started his career at ES Chalon-Sur-Saone, he played also with Saint Vallier Basket Drome and Widad Safrou AC de Casablanca. Naji was a member of Moroccan National Team. He played the Mediterranean Games 2009, the African Championships in Libya 2009 and the Arab Nations Cup 2009.


*****************************************************
  TAIWAN   


2012 Fiba Asia Cup: Taiwan topple Uzbekistan - by Eurobasket News

Taiwan - Uzbekistan 86:70

Taiwan will play for the fifth overall position at Fiba Asia Cup in Japan. They held off Uzbekistan in the classification round tonight. Chen Shih-Chieh (176-G-84) posted 13 points to lead the winners.
Taiwan erupted for 30 points in the opening quarter to clear off. They posted a 12-point lead at the first break. Taiwan kept Uzbekistan at bay throughout the second quarter. They recorded a 47:33 halftime advantage. Uzbekistan slowed their opponents a bit in the third stanza. Oleg Levin team got within 13 points at the final intermission. But it was too small a success to hope for a positive outcome. Taiwan regained control in the fourth quarter and rallied to the win at the end. Lee Hsueh-Lin (176-PG-84) chipped in 12 points, while Tseng Wen-Ting (203-F/C-84), Tien Lei (202-F-83) and Creighton Douglas (196-F-85) had 10 points each in the victory. Aleksandr Kozlov (201-F-82) answered with 21 points for Uzbekistan. Vyacheslav Denisov (195-G-83) netted 11 points in the loss.

Taiwan: Chen Shih-Chieh 13, Lee Hsueh-Lin 12
Uzbekistan: Aleksandr Kozlov 21, Vyacheslav Denisov 11


Taiwan to meet China for fifth place - by Chris Wang

Taiwan beat Uzbekistan 86-70 in the classification round on Friday and set up a clash with China for the fifth place of the 2012 FIBA Asia Cup tournament at Tokyo, Japan.

China defeated Lebanon 78-63 in the other matchup. Uzbekistan and Lebanon will play off for the seventh place.

Chen Shih-chieh led Taiwan with 13 points and Lee Hsueh-lin had 12. Tseng Wen-ting, Tien Lei and Lu Cheng-ju scored 10 apiece.

Aleksandr Kozlov led Uzbekistan with 21 points.


*****************************************************
  TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO   


Hoop Of Life Community Basketball League - by Don Farrell

The Hoop Of Life Community Basketball League is calling all individuals from the communities and environs of Arouca, Arima, Maloney, La Horquetta and Malabar, who are interested in being trained as basketball Referees and Table Officials, to attend the first of several workshops this weekend.
The workshop will commen
ce on Saturday 22 September at the Conference Room at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sports Arena, Tacarigua from 10 am to 1 pm, and continue on Sunday 23 September, from 9 am to noon.
A similar two-day programme will be held at the St Madeline Regional Sports Complex on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 September from 10 am to 1 pm on both days.
The workshop module will included all aspects of Refeering and Table Officials operations. Interested participants will be exposed the rules, laws and mechanics of the refereeing and the practical operations of table officiating according the FIBA, the world governing body for the sport.
So far, workshops have been conducted in the East Sector 3 for the communities of -- Valencia, Sangre Grande, Cumana, Manzanila and Toco and in central for -- Couva, Edinburgh 500, Enterprise, St Helina and Longdenville.
Workshops will be held in all 12 Sectors in Trinidad and Tobago involving 60 communitiries.


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


TUBAD Tournament: Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul win again - by Bulent Karagoz

Two games are played in the second day of TUBAD tournament. Eurobasket.com was there for you. In the first match Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul clinched the second straight win in the group against SAIE3 Bologna 76-74. SAIE3 Bologna gained a 11-0 marge at the start. Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul Medical Park Istanbul was able to score first points by Boniface Ndong (213-C-77) after Coach Ergin Ataman (agency: Beo Basket ) changed all of the starting five in 3 minutes. SAIE3 Bologna maintained the advantage throughout the first period 21-16, by the 9 points of Steven Smith (203-F-83, college: La Salle).

Milan Macvan (205-PF-89, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) made it 21-21 at the start of the second term. The period passed with the mutual points to the end. Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul Medical Park secured a 44-40 half time lead. The score was 52-52 at 3 minutes before the end of the third period and 66-66 at the time 35:32. Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul had the 8 points march after that minute. SAIE3 Bologna succeeded to get closer to 76-74 but it was the score of the match. Milan Macvan and Henry Domercant (194-G-80, college: E.Illinois) scored 12 points where Steven Smith scored 22.


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


Warriors, Falcons clash today to claim who takes the top spot - by Joel Nature

Two teams Warriors and Falcons that can claim to have temporarily forgotten how losing feels clash in the Airtel National Basketball League at YMCA court today.

Fittingly, the two will jostle for the regular season top spot. However, Falcons still have big fish to fry in DMark Power and KIU Titans over the next fortnight after tonight.

Warriors, who have not lost since Power beat them 71-68 in June, were the last team to defeat Falcons four months ago. That game ended 73-53 in favour of the 2009 champions.

Its a result the six-time champions, whose last crown came in 2007, have since discussed endlessly. Thats the worst we have played this season, guard Julius Lutwama commented.

His minutes along with those of Geoff Omondi and Francis Tumusiime will be trimmed or their burden lessened with the return of Tanzanian Abdullahi Ramadhan last Sunday.

The former Warrior finds Falcons at 17-2. Dulah, who came to Falcons last year, has been away in Zanzibar and Seychelles because of family issues. He reunites with former Warriors coach Gad Eteu, now an assistant at Falcons. My promise to Falcons was to get a Cup and thats why I came, Dulah told Daily Monitor.

The Dulah-Eteu combo won the title at Warriors three years ago despite an uneasy relationship. I dont have problems with him. It was just misunderstandings. This is for basketball, Dulah retorted.

The manner in which Warriors, beaten just once in 18 games thus far, finished the first encounter, should give coach Mandy Juruni the onus to feel like favourites.

They turned a seven-point lead at the start of the fourth into a 20-point victory. Ivan Enabu and Norman Blick scored 19 and 15 points respectively.

Times have changed. Enabu is in a bad slump while Blick has had inconsistent brushes with class. Warriors back court will be hit by the absence of Cyrus Kiiviri, arguably their best player this season.
Players always find motivation for such games. Beating a big team always helps with anyones confidence, Juruni stated, unequivocally.

FUBA league
Playing today at ymca
Warriors vs. Falcons (8.30pm)
W: Mak Sparks vs. UCU (6.30pm)
WEDNESDAY RESULTS
Vegetarian 54-52 Stormers
W: KCCA 77-20 Nkumba
Crane 37-31 Mak Sparks ...@dailymonitor


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


Dnipro win Sargunas Cup in Lithuania - by Eurobasket News

Dnipro - Liatkabelis 86:85

Dnipro claimed another pre-season tournament trophy. They snatched a tough win over Liatkabelis to celebrate Sargunas Cup title. Derrick Low (188-PG-86, college: Washington St.) scored 21 points to lead the Ukrainian team.
Dnipro started the game strong. They fired 30 points in the opening quarter to ensure a 10-point lead. Liatkabelis cut the deficit at 9-point mark at halftime 48:39. The Lithuanian side got closer in the third term. They narrowed the gap to a single point at the final intermission. Liatkabelis surged ahead in the fourth frame and led by a single point in the dying seconds. But Daniel Kickert (208-C/F-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) knocked down a jumper to seal the victory for Dnipro. Daniel Kickert posted 17 points, while Valdas Vasylius (203-F-83, college: ODU) added 13 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Gytis Sirutavicius (195-SF-83) and Darius Griskenas (194-F-84) answered with 16 points each for Liatkabelis. Tauras Jogela (201-F-93) netted 13 points in defeat.

Dnipro: Derrick Low 21, Daniel Kickert 17, Valdas Vasylius 13
Liatkabelis: Gytis Sirutavicius 16, Darius Griskenas 16, Tauras Jogela 13


Azovmash are considering to add Miroslav Raduljica to their roster - by Eurobasket News

Azovmash Mariupol (Superleague) is close to sign 24-year old Serbian international center Miroslav Raduljica (213-88). Raduljica played last season at Partizan. In 20 Superleague games he had 12.2ppg, 5.5rpg and 1.3apg. He helped them to win the championship title. A very impressive season as he was voted Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Domestic Player of the Year, Center of the Year and named to 1st Team. Raduljica also played 37 games in Euroleague where he recorded 10.0ppg and 3.9rpg.
He has been also a member of Serbian international program for some years. Raduljica has played for Senior National Team since 2009 and previously for U20 National Team in 2008. He represented Serbia at the European Championships in Poland three years ago. Raduljica's team won Silver and his stats at that event were 7 games: 3.3ppg.
Raduljica is quite experienced player. He played also professionally in Italy, Turkey (Anadolu Efes).

By Eurobasket Data Center (via @Basketfaul)


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

Standings - BBL

BBL Standings
 1. Manchester G. 1-0 
 2. Newcastle E. 1-0 
 3. Cheshire Jets 0-0 
 4. Durham W. 0-0 
 5. Leicester R. 0-0 
 6. Mersey Tigers 0-0 
 7. Plymouth R. 0-0 
 8. Surrey Heat 0-0 
 9. Worcester W. 0-0 
 10. Glasgow Rocks 0-1 
 11. London Lions 0-1 
 12. Sheffield S. 0-1 

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 21: Manchester G. - London Lions 85-84
Sep. 21: Newcastle E. - Glasgow Rocks 72-65
Sep. 21: Sheffield S. - E.London R. 55-71
Sep. 22: Surrey Heat - Mersey Tigers
Sep. 22: Leicester R. - Plymouth R.
Sep. 22: Worcester W. - Durham W.
Sep. 23: Cheshire Jets - Manchester G.
Sep. 23: Durham W. - Glasgow Rocks
Sep. 23: London Lions - Newcastle E.


BBL Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Joe CHAPMAN
  Newcastl.
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 23
 1. Chapman, Newcastl.23.0 
 2. Murray, Glasgow16.0 
 3. Smith, Newcastl.15.0 
 4. Davis, Glasgow12.0 
 5. Harrison, Glasgow11.0 
 6. Robinson, Glasgow11.0 
 7. Defoe, Newcastl.10.0 
 8. Flournoy, Newcastl.10.0 
 9. Wedemire, Glasgow8.0 
 10. Maddox, Newcas.5.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Fabulous FLOURNOY
  Newcastl.
  (192-G/F-73)
  Avg: 11
 1. Flournoy, Newcastl.11.0 
 2. Defoe, Newcastl.11.0 
 3. Davis, Glasgow11.0 
 4. Wedemire, Glasgow10.0 
 5. Chapman, Newcastl.8.0 
 6. Maddox, Newcastl.8.0 
 7. McNally, Glasgow7.0 
 8. Robinson, Glasgow7.0 
 9. Murray, Glasgow6.0 
 10. Huffman, Newca.6.0 
Assists Per Game
 Damon HUFFMAN
  Newcastl.
  (186-PG-85)
  Avg: 7
 1. Huffman, Newcastl.7.0 
 2. Harrison, Glasgow3.0 
 3. Chapman, Newcastl.3.0 
 4. Smith, Newcastl.2.0 
 5. Flournoy, Newcastl.2.0 
 6. Davis, Glasgow2.0 
 7. Martin, Newcastl.2.0 
 8. Fantazia, Glasgow1.0 
 9. Murray, Glasgow1.0 
 10. Maddox, Newcas.0.0 
Steals Per Game
 Joe CHAPMAN
  Newcastl.
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 4
 1. Chapman, Newcastl.4.0 
 2. Flournoy, Newcastl.4.0 
 3. McNally, Glasgow2.0 
 4. Huffman, Newcastl.1.0 
 5. Wedemire, Glasgow1.0 
 6. Defoe, Newcastl.0.0 
 7. Murray, Glasgow0.0 
 8. Harrison, Glasgow0.0 
 9. Robinson, Glasgow0.0 
 10. Maddox, Newcas.0.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Kareem MADDOX
  Newcastl.
  (202-F/C-89)
  Avg: 2
 1. Maddox, Newcastl.2.0 
 2. McNally, Glasgow2.0 
 3. Smith, Newcastl.1.0 
 4. Robinson, Glasgow1.0 
 5. Flournoy, Newcastl.1.0 
 6. Davis, Glasgow1.0 
 7. Chapman, Newcastl.1.0 
 8. Huffman, Newcastl.0.0 
 9. Fantazia, Glasgow0.0 
 10. Murray, Glasg.0.0 


Chapman Raring To Go - by Paul Nilsen

Finishing his comeback season with five trophies obviously wasn't enough for Newcastle Eagles' guard Joe Chapman (193-G-84, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: Marquette).

The 28-year-old added the Molten Player-of-the-Year trophy to the clean sweep of BBL silverware Eagles won last year, but he has shed 15lbs in the summer and is ready for an improved season.

"I had a great summer" said. "I trained a lot, lost some weight and got my body how I wanted it to be. I'm moving a lot better now, and I'm back to how I was before the injury. I'm definitely lighter on my feet, and looking forward to the new season."

Considering that Chapman averaged 20.2 points, 3.8 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game last season, having missed a large chunk of the previous campaign with an Achilles injury, the thought of an improved MVP will probably send a few shivers down the spine of other BBL players.

The Chicago born player is clearly excited about the new look Eagles as they prepare to defend the four trophies they won last season: "We've got some new faces and that makes for a fresh start. The new guys are good, and Anthony Martin helps us a lot. Losing Andy [Thomson] was tough as we thought he'd be here for another season, but he got an offer he couldn't pass up."

Eagles open their BBL season Friday when Glasgow Rocks are the visitors to Sport Central (7.30pm) before Chapman and his team travel to Crystal Palace to face the new London Lions (5pm).


Local Signings For Jets - by Paul Nilsen

Cheshire Jets are proud to welcome back even more well known previous players in Philip Brandreth (186-G-85) and Niel Gillard.

27-year-old 6ft 3in forward Brandreth (pictured), from Ellesmere Port, returns to the Northgate Arena for his eighth season in Jets colours.

Speaking about why chose Cheshire once more, he said: "It's so close to home, and with the added reinvigoration from the change of management, together with a player-coach in James Hamilton who knows the game well, has been around for the league for years, and as well as that is one of my very good friends; they were the main reasons that helped me with my decision to remain with Cheshire Jets."

Having had more opportunity and minutes on court last season because of injuries picked up to key players, Brandreth was able to make a name for himself and proved he could hold his own with some of the best players in the BBL; but is wanting to take that a step further this campaign: "I know what I can and can't do out there, I won't be trying to score 30 odd points a game, but I'll be out there playing tough defence, knock down my open shots and getting all my basics right."

Alongside Brandreth comes 19-year-old 6ft Chester guard, Niel Gillard.

Gillard, who has played internationally for England at U16 and U18 level, developed through the Jets National League set-up, and last year averaged over 30ppg for University of Chester, where he is into his second year studying law.

His first taste of senior team action came during the 2010/11 BBL season, where he gained experience as part of the pro team, but this year could be the first real chance of making himself a household name to Jets supporters and further afield.

"This is a club that I have supported since I first picked up a basketball aged 7. When the coach called me and told me the situation I felt it was a great opportunity for me to combine studying at University of Chester with playing basketball at the highest level in Great Britain. It was an offer I could just not turn down." said Gillard.

Despite having both only played relatively minor roles in previous squads, Brandreth believes that this season, everyone's efforts will be vital towards generating the success Cheshire Jets will be striving for: "We have to think this will be a season that we can build on for next year, but we won't be letting others think that this is a team they are going to come in and get an easy win against. Hopefully, we can shock a few teams and make a good run again to make the play-offs at the very least."


BBL Curtain Is Raised Once More - by Paul Nilsen

A brand new BBL season tips off this weekend and there could barely be a better opening night match-up.

For several years, the lack of a BBL club in both Manchester and London has been a real Achilles heel for British Basketball; but the 2012-13 campaign sees that particular issue rectified in glorious fashion.

For the re-born Manchester Giants host London Lions in one of three curtain raising games on Friday night as another exciting season gets underway.

And, nobody could be happier than one of the longest serving protagonists in British Basketball. Lions Vince Macaulay is preparing to pick up a play-board again this season but it isnt just the buzz of holding the coaching reins which is exciting him, since he also sees the importance of the bigger picture.

He said, I am pleased to always be part of the forefront of what happens in the British Basketball League.

Manchester and London are names that need to be in the BBL and, it is paramount that both organisations create an impact and help to reach the thousands of hoops fans in our respective cities.

Elsewhere, Newcastle Eagles being the defence of their BBL Championship crown with a mouth-watering fixture against arch rivals Glasgow Rocks at Sport Central. Both clubs are being widely tipped to challenge for silverware having retained a core of players and so there will be plenty of old scores to settle on the court.

Also jumping out on Friday are One Health Sharks Sheffield who entertain the ambitious Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders, another team expected to again compete at the top of the table. However, unlike Rocks and Eagles, head-coach Rob Paternostro has seen his starting five decimated - aside from the return of Great Britain star Andrew Sullivan (pictured).

Tomorrow night, four teams get to take to the floor for the first time with Worcester Wolves attempting to replicate or improve on their best ever BBL season.

Their programme begins with a home clash against Durham Wildcats who finished bottom of the pile last time around but will be confident of making progress in their all-important second year in the top flight.

Rebranded as Surrey to attain broader appeal, the Heat will be expected to get their new era off to a winning start when they welcome Mersey Tigers which is likely to be a real test for the young visitors.

Meanwhile on Sunday, a quartet of BBL teams all play a second game of the weekend with both Rocks and Eagles facing tricky road trips which will provide an early test of their title credentials.

Glasgow heads back to the north-east to face Durham who are always capable of producing a surprise at Newton Aycliffe whilst Newcastle makes the long trip to Crystal Palace to face the Lions and that could be an early pressure game if Eagles slip at home in their opener to the Rocks.

It certainly promises to be a fascinating first weekend.


*****************************************************
  UZBEKISTAN   


2012 Fiba Asia Cup: Taiwan topple Uzbekistan - by Eurobasket News

Taiwan - Uzbekistan 86:70

Taiwan will play for the fifth overall position at Fiba Asia Cup in Japan. They held off Uzbekistan in the classification round tonight. Chen Shih-Chieh (176-G-84) posted 13 points to lead the winners.
Taiwan erupted for 30 points in the opening quarter to clear off. They posted a 12-point lead at the first break. Taiwan kept Uzbekistan at bay throughout the second quarter. They recorded a 47:33 halftime advantage. Uzbekistan slowed their opponents a bit in the third stanza. Oleg Levin team got within 13 points at the final intermission. But it was too small a success to hope for a positive outcome. Taiwan regained control in the fourth quarter and rallied to the win at the end. Lee Hsueh-Lin (176-PG-84) chipped in 12 points, while Tseng Wen-Ting (203-F/C-84), Tien Lei (202-F-83) and Creighton Douglas (196-F-85) had 10 points each in the victory. Aleksandr Kozlov (201-F-82) answered with 21 points for Uzbekistan. Vyacheslav Denisov (195-G-83) netted 11 points in the loss.

Taiwan: Chen Shih-Chieh 13, Lee Hsueh-Lin 12
Uzbekistan: Aleksandr Kozlov 21, Vyacheslav Denisov 11


2012 Fiba Asia Cup: Khatib Fadi leads Lebanon to the 7th place - by Eurobasket News

Lebanon-Uzbekistan 84:73

Fadi Khatib (199-F-79) leads Lebanon to the 7th place at the 2012 Fiba Asia Cup He erupted with 44 points as his team won over Uzbekistan 84:73 in the last game. The latter finished on the 8th position.
Lebanon scored the first 8 points in the game and never looked behind after. They won the first period 28-15 and added 21-16 in the second frame. Moreover Lebanon was stronger in the third quarter with 18-17 for 67:48 lead after 30 minutes. Uzbekistan replied with 25-17 to reduce to 11 points at the end.
Elie Estephane (193-G-86, college: Alabama So. CC) scored 14 points for the winners and Elie Roustom (197-F-87) posted 11. Aleksandr Kozlov (201-F-82) finished the game with 24 points in defeat and Samender Juginisov (202-F-87) delivered 17. Nail Kadirov (200-F-89) and Aleksandr Yahin (205-C-89) scored 8 points each in a loss.

Lebanon: Fadi Khatib 44, Elie Estephane 14, Elie Roustom 11
Uzbekistan: Aleksandr Kozlov 24, Samender Juginisov 17, Nail Kadirov 8, Aleksandr Yahin 8



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

Women News

Standings

Standings
1. Angola0-0
2. Egypt0-0
3. Kenya0-0
4. Mali0-0
5. Senegal0-0
6. Tunisia0-0

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 20: ANG - KEN 57-45
Sep. 20: SEN - TUN 54-47
Sep. 20: EGY - MLI 53-43

Regular Season: Round 2

Sep. 22: TUN - KEN
Sep. 22: EGY - ANG
Sep. 22: MLI - SEN


Dakar 2012: Team-work gives Angola victory over Kenya 57-45 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Youthful Angola U18 women national Friday fall back on team work to rattle their Kenyan opponent in the last Day-1 pairing of the 2012 Afrobasket for U18 Women in Dakar, Senegal.

The Angolan won the first three quarters by 19-05, 12-07 and 14-12 to take a 21 points advantage of 45-24 points into the final quarter. The fourth quarter however proved somehow difficult for the Angolan as the Kenyan gain some confidence and match them skill for skill.

Angola however lost the quarter by 12-21 points but the cut in lead by the Kenyan was not enough to save them from defeat as Angola rallied to a 57-45 points victory.

Angola Rosa Gala led the floor with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists while Kenya forward posted an impressive double double of 11 points, 10 rebounds and 4 block shots.


Dakar 2012: Day-3 Games preview - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Tunisia Vs Kenya: its one game both side needed to win if they must progress in the championship as the two sides had earlier lost their opening games.

With Tunisia losing narrowly to host Senegal on Thursday the match-up against Kenya is one the FIBA Africa Zone-I side could not afford to toil with and Kenya on the hand would need to play more as a team if they must curtail the fast Tunisian side. The game is billed for 16H00.

Egypt Vs Angola: Defending champion, Egypt will have to be on its guide to survive the team play of the Angolan side who like their senior team never give up until the buzzer.

Both sides enjoy Day-1 victories over their opponents on Thursday and Friday with Egypt defeating Mali by 53-43 points while Angola posted the widest margin of the championship so far when it saw off Kenya by 57-45 points win over Kenya, the pairing against Egypt promises to be a delight to watch. Match time 18H00.

Mali Vs Senegal: The game billed for 20H00 could a litmus test for both sides as Mali searches for her first win in the championship but against a free scoring senegalaise side that task appear daunting but in basketball no team could be regarded as push over.

Senegal will be banking on home support but they must not be carried away by the euphoria of playing before home crowd if they must survive Mali who will not want to lose it second straight game.


Dakar 2012 Afrobasket for U18 Women: Egypt edge Mali 53-43 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Defending champion of the Afrobasket for U18 women Egypt Thursday night made good it pledge to return to Cairo with the 2012 edition diadem as it opened it title defence with a 53-43 points win over Mali in Dakar, Senegal.

The champion entered the game as favourite but were stunned by the Malian in the first quarter 12-15 points, the defending champion took the second quarter with one point in a low score quarter that ended 05-04 to trail it opponent by 17-19 at half-time.

The young Egyptian ladies made good it promise at the resumption of play in the third quarter with a 14-09 points win and further caged the Malian with a 22-15 points victory in the fourth quarter for a final score-line of 53-43 points.

Egypts Ola El-Temsahi led the floor with 17 points and 7 rebounds while her compatriot Soraia Deghady added 16 points for a well deserved victory.


Dakar 2012 Afrobasket for U18 Women: Senegal beat Tunisia 54-47 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

After an even score-line in the first quarter (12-12) Senegal young lioness roar back in the second quarter pouring in a whooping 20 points to Tunisia 8 for a half-time score of 32-20.

But the Tunisian showed better understanding of the game even as both missed valuable points from the free-throw line, the Tunisia were unable to take advantage of it early raid of the Senegalese defense as they crumble towards the end of the third quarter by 15-14 points with Senegal taking a 13 points lead into the last quarter of 47-34 points.

The fourth and final quarter began on a cautious note with Tunisia opening the quarter with a three-point to reduce the margin to 10 points with 7 minute and 28 second left in play but a more determined Senegalese side roared back to live thus stopping the rampaging Tunisian, though the young Senegalese women lost the last quarter by 07-13 points but they manage to seal victory by 54-47 points.

Senegal Ndaw Coumba Ndeye led her side quest for honours as the 2012 Afrobasket for U18 Women gets underway with 15 points for the lioness hard earned victory.


*****************************************************
  ANGOLA   


Angolan U18 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Luyana Filipe 95 1 De Agosto Angola
Vitoria Da Cruz 94 1 De Agosto Angola
Helena Viegas 95 Juventude Angola
Rosa Gala 95 Benfica Lub. Angola
Maria Fula 94 Sporting C. Angola
Emilia Mucuta 95 1 De Agosto Angola
Dalsana Kuto 95 Inter-Clube Angola
Daniela Tchocongo 95 Inter-Clube Angola
Olga Cunha 94 Inter Benguela Angola
Doneth Silva 94 D.Maculusso Angola
Vania Vicente 95 Sporting C. Angola
Francisca Mateus 95 Inter-Clube Angola
Feliciana Zuluca 95 D.Maculusso Angola
Mycolete Ndozuawu 95 Inter-Clube Angola
Senia Cazua 95 Inter-Clube Angola



Dakar 2012: Team-work gives Angola victory over Kenya 57-45 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Youthful Angola U18 women national Friday fall back on team work to rattle their Kenyan opponent in the last Day-1 pairing of the 2012 Afrobasket for U18 Women in Dakar, Senegal.

The Angolan won the first three quarters by 19-05, 12-07 and 14-12 to take a 21 points advantage of 45-24 points into the final quarter. The fourth quarter however proved somehow difficult for the Angolan as the Kenyan gain some confidence and match them skill for skill.

Angola however lost the quarter by 12-21 points but the cut in lead by the Kenyan was not enough to save them from defeat as Angola rallied to a 57-45 points victory.

Angola Rosa Gala led the floor with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists while Kenya forward posted an impressive double double of 11 points, 10 rebounds and 4 block shots.


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

Paulista standings - by Eurobasket News

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



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


Dynamo Moscow hands 88-74 loss to Novi Zagreb in Porec - by Eurobasket News

Novi Zagreb - Dynamo Moscow 74-88

Novi Zagreb faced with the first loss this preseason. Dynamo Moscow downed Euroleague newcomers in Porec 88-74. Irina Sokolovskaya (187-F-83) led the winners with 14 points, while Ilona Korstin (182-SG-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Vidmar netted 12 points each. Snezana Aleksic (172-G-89), Ekaterina Sytnyak (185-PF-82, agency: LBM Management) and Nadezhda Grishaeva (195-C-89) helped Dynamo with 10 points apiece. At the other side, Matea Vrdoljak (186-F-85) was better than the others with 18 points. Second scorers in Novi Zagreb were Sandra Mandir (177-G-77) and Sena Pavetic (198-C-86) with 13 pts. Ivana Dojkic (176-SG-97) and Ana Cacic (175-G-86) stopped to 8 and 7 points respectively. Teams were almost leveled in the first half. The opening quarter ended with 22-22 tie and Novi Zagreb managed to take 45-43 lead until the halftime. However, Dynamo Moscow responded with 21-15 after the breather and later celebrated 6-point win. Both teams will play more friendlies during the preseason.

Novi Zagreb: Matea Vrdoljak 18, Sandra Mandir 13, Sena Pavetic 13, Ivana Dojkic 8, Ana Cacic 7
Dynamo Moscow: Irina Sokolovskaya 14, Ilona Korstin 12, Snezana Aleksic 10, Ekaterina Sytnyak 10, Nadezhda Grishaeva 10


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


Kosice Grand Prix 2012: USK Praha upset Wisla - by Eurobasket News

Wisla Can-Pack - ZVVZ USK Praha 71:83

USK Praha upset Wisla in Day 1 of the Kosice Grand Prix 2012. The team from Czech Republic posted an 83:71 win.
Wisla Can-Pack opened the game with 20-15 but could not win even the half. The team from Czech Republic posted a massive 29-14 surge to take 44:34 halftime advantage. Moreover they added 22-18 in the third period and led 14 points after 30 minutes. Wisla replied with 19-17 in the last stanza for the final result.
Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) erupted with 29 points and Michaela Zrustova (184-F-87) naield 21. Katerina Elhotova (180-SG-89) delivered 11, while Ilona Burgrova (196-C-84, college: S.Carolina) had 5. Justyna Zurowska (188-F-85) ended up with 18 points in the losing effort and Dora Horti (195-C-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) brought 15. Daria Mieloszynska (188-F-83, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Texas) had 13 and Petra Stampalija (189-C-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) added 12.
In another game Good Angels Kosice edge MBK Ruzomberok in the opener of the Kosice Grand Prix 2012. The Slovakian champions were stringer with 97:61 win.

Wisla Can-Pack: Justyna Zurowska 18, Dora Horti 15, Daria Mieloszynska 13, Petra Stampalija 12
ZVVZ USK Praha: Eva Viteckova 29, Michaela Zrustova 21, Katerina Elhotova 11, Ilona Burgrova 5


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


Dakar 2012 Afrobasket for U18 Women: Egypt edge Mali 53-43 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Defending champion of the Afrobasket for U18 women Egypt Thursday night made good it pledge to return to Cairo with the 2012 edition diadem as it opened it title defence with a 53-43 points win over Mali in Dakar, Senegal.

The champion entered the game as favourite but were stunned by the Malian in the first quarter 12-15 points, the defending champion took the second quarter with one point in a low score quarter that ended 05-04 to trail it opponent by 17-19 at half-time.

The young Egyptian ladies made good it promise at the resumption of play in the third quarter with a 14-09 points win and further caged the Malian with a 22-15 points victory in the fourth quarter for a final score-line of 53-43 points.

Egypts Ola El-Temsahi led the floor with 17 points and 7 rebounds while her compatriot Soraia Deghady added 16 points for a well deserved victory.


Egyptian U18 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Egyptian U18 National Team 2012
#s#
Nour Abou El Ela
Abou El Ela
Reem Moussa
Moussa
Doaa El Saharty
El Saharty
Allah Eid Menai
Eid Menai
Soraia Deghady
Deghady
#e#5
4 Nour Abou El Ela 94 Al Gezira Egypt
5 Reem Moussa 165-G-94 El Shams Egypt
6 Doaa El Saharty 95 Sporting Egypt
7 Allah Eid Menai 171-PG-94 Heliopolis Egypt
8 Soraia Deghady 95 Shooting Egypt
9 Mai Ghonim 94 Semouha Egypt
10 Ola El Temsahi 174-G-94 Sporting Egypt
11 Yassmin El Darawy 95 Al Ahly Egypt
12 Farida Emara 185-F-94 Al Gezira Egypt
13 Sarah El Menawi 94 Al Gezira Egypt
14 Salma Salem 94 Al Ahly Egypt
15 Hana Abdel Kader 94 Heliopolis Egypt



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


2013 EuroBasket Draw takes place in Paris - by Eurobasket News

2013 EuroBasket took place at the UNESCO building in Paris, France. 16 teams have been drawn into four groups with four teams in each. Top three teams from each group will make it into the Second Stage of the tournament. The event is slated to take place from 15 to 30 June 2013 in France.

First Round Groups:
Group A: Montenegro, Ukraine, Turkey and Slovak Republic
Group B: Sweden, Spain, Russia and Italy
Group C: Serbia, Latvia, France, Great Britain
Group D: Lithuania, Belarus, Czech Republic and Croatia.


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


France keeps NT Head Coach Pierre Vincent for 2013 EuroBasket - by Eurobasket News

French Basketball Federation decided to keep National Team Head Coach Pierre Vincent for 2013 EuroBasket. He took them over four years ago. Vincent guided France to silver medal at the Olympic Games in London earlier this summer. France booked a spot for the Olympics through the Qualifying Tournament in Ankara. Last summer at the EuroBasket in Poland France reached Semifinals. Pierre Vincent is currently a Head Coach of ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket. He took over the team last summer. Before ASVEL, the French specialist worked with Bourges from 2004. They were very successful and Vincent was named Eurobasket.com All-French LFB Coach of the Year -06, 07, 08, 11. Bourges won 3 LFB titles and one French Cup trophy. They also were LFB Cup winners twice. In 2009, Pierre Vincent was named Eurobasket.com All-Europe Coach of the Year and he won the EuroBasket Gold with France.


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


Dutch teams getting ready for Supercup - by Bas Hendriks

Next week the first major prize of Dutch Hoops will be target of play in a game between Lekdetec.nl from Bemmel and Probuild Lions Landsmeer. In Landsmeer the teams will tip off for the supercup, an annual event that will include presentation of all league teams.

A few years ago season started in Utrecht with 5 games between ten teams but so far Dutch basketball has seen a serious decline of number of teams. This year the Dutch eredivisie features national champion Probuild Lions, cupwinner Lekdetec.nl , Dosy Den Helder, De Wit Grasshoppers, Challenge Sports Binnenland and CTO Amsterdam. International players such as Zera Butter, Rachel Roubehie-Fissa (175-G-89) and Marianne van der Hoek were looking for international transfers but all came back to the Dutch league, due to a variety of reasons.

Two teams replaced their headcoaches: De Wit Grasshoppers has Ivo Boom at the reigns, whereas Challenge Sports Binnenland is led by Joost van Rangelrooij who did magnificent things with the men's team in the passed years. Seven days to go, the league will be stunning!! As is said in Holland: Dames eredivisie, where amazing happens


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


Alberta Auguste agreed terms with Valur - by Eurobasket News

Valur Reykjavik strengthened their roster with addition of 27-year old American forward Alberta Auguste (180-85, college: Tennessee). Auguste played most recently at Olivais in Portuguese Liga Feminina. She missed last season and had one year break from professional basketball. She graduated from University of Tennessee. That was in 2008.

Eurobasket Data Center


*****************************************************
  KENYA   


Kenyan U18 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Taudencia Katumbi 95
Assura Primerose 95
Esther Mwashumbe 95
Christine Ndalo 94
Linet Juma 95
Beril Awuor 95
Everlyne Atieno 95
Mercy Jerotich 95
Eve Chebet 94
Agnes Muhonja 95
Damaris Achila 95
Lisa Mayienga 95
Ruth Awuor 95
Brenda Nawiri 95
Irene Achieng 94
Ann Lizz Njeri 94
Mollette Achieng 94
Night Jemimah 95
Zipporah Khasoa 95



*****************************************************
  MALI   


Mali U18 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Mali U18 National Team 2012
#s#
M'Bamakan Kanoute
Kanoute
Mariam Kone
Kone
Hawa Dougo Traore
Traore
Aminata Togo
Togo
Penda Kone
Kone
#e#5
4 M'Bamakan Kanoute 160-G-94 Real Mali
5 Mariam Kone 172-SF-97 AS C III Mali
6 Hawa Dougo Traore G-95 AS C I Mali
7 Aminata Togo 95 AS C III Mali
8 Penda Kone 95 DAC Mali
9 Sira Camara 95 Stade Malien Mali
10 Fanta Guindo 168-F/G-94 DAC Mali
11 Penda Toure 95 CAT Mali
12 Madjan Camara 95 USFAS Mali
13 Aminata Traore 186-C-95 DAC Mali
14 Fatoumata Dembele 94 DAC Mali
15 Djeneba Dabo 94 AS C VI Mali



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


Kosice Grand Prix 2012: USK Praha upset Wisla - by Eurobasket News

Wisla Can-Pack - ZVVZ USK Praha 71:83

USK Praha upset Wisla in Day 1 of the Kosice Grand Prix 2012. The team from Czech Republic posted an 83:71 win.
Wisla Can-Pack opened the game with 20-15 but could not win even the half. The team from Czech Republic posted a massive 29-14 surge to take 44:34 halftime advantage. Moreover they added 22-18 in the third period and led 14 points after 30 minutes. Wisla replied with 19-17 in the last stanza for the final result.
Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) erupted with 29 points and Michaela Zrustova (184-F-87) naield 21. Katerina Elhotova (180-SG-89) delivered 11, while Ilona Burgrova (196-C-84, college: S.Carolina) had 5. Justyna Zurowska (188-F-85) ended up with 18 points in the losing effort and Dora Horti (195-C-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) brought 15. Daria Mieloszynska (188-F-83, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Texas) had 13 and Petra Stampalija (189-C-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) added 12.
In another game Good Angels Kosice edge MBK Ruzomberok in the opener of the Kosice Grand Prix 2012. The Slovakian champions were stringer with 97:61 win.

Wisla Can-Pack: Justyna Zurowska 18, Dora Horti 15, Daria Mieloszynska 13, Petra Stampalija 12
ZVVZ USK Praha: Eva Viteckova 29, Michaela Zrustova 21, Katerina Elhotova 11, Ilona Burgrova 5


*****************************************************
  PUERTO RICO   

Standings - Women

BSNF Standings
 1. Quebradillas 9-3 
 2. Morovis M. 8-2 
 3. Carolina G. 8-2 
 4. San German 6-5 
 5. Juncos V. 4-7 
 6. Aguas B.T. 3-7 
 7. Ponce L. 0-12 

Regular Season: Round 10

Sep. 20: Quebradillas - Aguas B.T. 73-75
Sep. 20: San German - Morovis M. 68-87
Sep. 21: Ponce L. - Juncos V.
Sep. 22: Carolina G. - Quebradillas


Stats Leaders - Superleague 25

Points Per Game
 Yolanda MARTIN
  Aguas B.T.
  (180-G-83)
  Avg: 27.4
 1. Martin, Aguas B.T.27.4 
 2. Valentin, Carolina22.7 
 3. Werema, Juncos V.21.4 
 4. Seals, Aguas B.T.17.5 
 5. Bruszewski, Quebra.17.3 
 6. Williams, Morovis17.1 
 7. Fairweather, Ponce16.6 
 8. Lewis, Ponce L.16.4 
 9. Jones, Carolina G.16.3 
 10. Rosado, Morovis M.14.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Denise LEWIS
  Ponce L.
  (185-F-90)
  Avg: 12.4
 1. Lewis, Ponce L.12.4 
 2. Vargas-S., Juncos12.1 
 3. Jones, Carolina G.11.4 
 4. Rosario, Ponce L.11.4 
 5. Martin, Aguas B.T.10.1 
 6. Seals, Aguas B.T.9.6 
 7. Williams, Morovis9.2 
 8. Gonzalez, San G.8.6 
 9. Pineiro, Morovis M.8.4 
 10. Werema, Juncos V.8.2 
Assists Per Game
 Karla RUIZ
  Aguas B.T.
  (--)
  Avg: 3.7
 1. Ruiz, Aguas B.T.3.7 
 2. Jones, Carolina G.3.4 
 3. Colon, Ponce L.3.3 
 4. Escalera, Morov.3.3 
 5. Rosado, San German3.2 
 6. Bruszewski, Quebra.3.2 
 7. Figueroa, Morov.3.1 
 8. Johnson, Aguas B..3.1 
 9. Concepcion, Junco.3.1 
 10. Rodriguez, Caroli.3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Pamela ROSADO
  Morovis M.
  (165-PG-86)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Rosado, Morovis M.2.9 
 2. Fairweather, Ponce2.8 
 3. Valentin, Carolina2.7 
 4. De La Paz, Juncos2.5 
 5. Matthews, Aguas B.2.3 
 6. Martin, Aguas B.T.2.3 
 7. Johnson, Aguas B..2.1 
 8. Rodriguez, Carolin.2.1 
 9. Flores, Aguas B.T.2.0 
 10. Jones, Carolina G.2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Esmary VARGAS-SANCHEZ
  Juncos V.
  (191-C-81)
  Avg: 3.6
 1. Vargas-S., Juncos3.6 
 2. Williams, Morovis2.3 
 3. Rosario, Ponce L.1.9 
 4. Seals, Aguas B.T.1.3 
 5. Werema, Juncos V.1.1 
 6. Placido, Quebradil.1.1 
 7. Rosado, San German1.0 
 8. Escalera, Morov.0.9 
 9. Smith, San German0.9 
 10. Pineiro, Morovis0.8 


Leonas de Ponce lands Rivera - by Eurobasket Center

Leonas de Ponce strengthened their roster with addition of Leika Rivera ). In her first game she scored 7 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. However her new team lost to San German 62-88. Rivera played most recently at Valencianas de Juncos (BSNF). While playing 4 games for Juncos V. this season she averaged 1.5ppg, 1.0rpg and 1.0apg.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Dominique Smith gets MVP of the Round award for Puerto Rican BSNF - by Eurobasket News

American Dominique Smith (177-G) had a great game in the last week for San German and that's her to receive a Latinbasket.com Player of the Round 9 award.
The -year old guard had a double-double of 17 points and ten rebounds, while her team outclassed, the league's bottom-ranked team Ponce L. (#7, 0-12) with 26-point margin 88-62. San German maintains the 4th position in Puerto Rican BSNF. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. San German will need more victories to improve their 6-4 record. In the team's last game Smith had a remarkable 58.3% from 2-point range. She turned to be San German's top player in her first season with the team. Dominique Smith averages this season 14.1ppg.

The second most remarkable performance in last week's games was 31-year old former international center Esmary Vargas-Sanchez (191-C-81) of Juncos V.. Vargas-Sanchez impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds. It was enough for Juncos V. to edge slightly higher-ranked San German (#4, 6-4) by 4 points 70-66. Juncos V.'s 5th position in the standings has not changed. Her team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 4-7 record. Vargas-Sanchez is a newcomer at Juncos V. and it seems she did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last week was American Kaihla Szunko (187-F-88) of second-ranked Carolina G.. Szunko scored 20 points and grabbed twelve rebounds (!!!). She was a key player of Carolina G., leading her team to a 81-58 easy win against Ponce L. (#7, 0-12). Carolina G. is closer and closer to the top of the standings. They will still need more victories. But 8-2 record is not that bad... Szunko has a very solid season. In 3 games in Puerto Rico she scored 12.0ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Yolanda Martin (180-G-83) of Aguas B.T. - 28 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Stephanie Rosado (189-PF-89) of San German - 27 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Denise Lewis (185-F-90) of Ponce L. - 16 points, 18 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Denise Lewis (185-F-90) of Ponce L. - 24 points and 10 rebounds
8. Stephanie Rosado (189-PF-89) of San German - 15 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Angelina Williams (183-F/C-83) of Morovis M. - 23 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists
10. Angelica Bermudez (179-G-89) of San German - 14 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists

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


BSNF Round 9: Tigres edge Montaneras by three points - by Eurobasket News

The most exciting game of round 9 in the BSNF took place in Morovis. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of 3rd placed Montaneras (7-2) to sixth ranked Tigres (2-7) 92-89 on Tuesday evening. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Montaneras won third quarter 20-18. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Montaneras 47-36 including 16 on the offensive glass. 25 personal fouls committed by Montaneras helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American guard Yolanda Martin (180-83, college: Brewton Parker) who had a double-double by scoring 28 points and 12 rebounds. Her fellow American import guard Tasha Harris (175-88, college: Syracuse) chipped in 24 points. At the other side the best for losing team was American power forward Angelina Williams (183-83, college: Illinois) who recorded 23 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Tigres maintains sixth place with 2-7 record. Montaneras at the other side keep the third position with two games lost. Tigres are looking forward to face league's leader Piratas in Quebradillas in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Montaneras will play on the road against Athleticas in San German and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Bottom-ranked Leonas (0-12) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 81-58 loss to third ranked Gigantes (8-2) in Ponce. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. It was a good game for American forward Kaihla Szunko (187-88, college: Cent.Michigan) who led her team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds. Cynthia Valentin contributed with 15 points for the winners. American forward Denise Lewis (185-90, college: Tulsa) answered with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 18 rebounds and 4 assists for Leonas. Defending champion moved-up to second place. Leonas at the other side still closes the standings with 12 games lost. Gigantes will play against league's leader Piratas in Quebradillas in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Leonas will play at home against Valencianes (#5) in Juncos and hope to get finally their first victory.
Bottom-ranked Leonas (0-12) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 88-62 loss to fourth ranked Athleticas (6-4) in San German on Wednesday evening. Dominique Smith stepped up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. The best for the losing side was Denise Lewis with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 10 rebounds. Leonas' coach gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Athleticas maintains fourth place with 6-4 record. Loser Leonas still closes the standings with 12 games lost. Athleticas will meet at home higher ranked Montaneras (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Leonas will play against Valencianes (#5) in Juncos and look forward to get finally their first victory.
The game in Juncos was also worth to mention about. 4th placed Athleticas (6-4) played at the court of fifth ranked Valencianes (4-7). Valencianes managed to secure a 4-point victory 70-66. Renee Taylor nailed 27 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals for the winning side. Valencianes maintains fifth place with 4-7 record. Athleticas at the other side keep the fourth position with four games lost. Valencianes' next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Leonas (#7) in Ponce. Athleticas will play at home against Montaneras in Morovis and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

The best stats of 9th round was 16 points and 14 rebounds by Esmary Vargas-Sanchez of Juncos V..

Ponce L. - Carolina G. 58-81

Bottom-ranked Leonas (0-12) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 81-58 loss to third ranked Gigantes (8-2) in Ponce. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. The game without a history. Gigantes led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Leonas to just 4 points in first quarter. Gigantes forced 20 Leonas turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. It was a good game for American forward Kaihla Szunko (187-88, college: Cent.Michigan) who led her team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds. The former international Cynthia Valentin (174-84, college: Indiana, agency: LBM Management) contributed with 15 points for the winners. Four Gigantes players scored in double figures. American forward Denise Lewis (185-90, college: Tulsa) answered with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 18 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import forward Jessica Fairweather (178, college: Dominican, NY) added 15 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Leonas. Defending champion moved-up to second place. Leonas at the other side still closes the standings with 12 games lost. Gigantes will play against league's leader Piratas in Quebradillas in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Leonas will play at home against Valencianes (#5) in Juncos and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Carolina G.: K.Szunko 20+12reb+2ast, Y.Tosado 15+3reb+3ast, C.Valentin 15+4reb+3ast, S.Roman 10+3reb+2ast, C.Cortijo 7+3reb, E.Gonzalez 5+2ast
Ponce L.: D.Lewis 16+18reb+4ast, J.Fairweather 15+6reb+1ast, M.Colon 9+5reb+5ast, K.Rosario 8+6reb+2ast, S.Ramos 8+2reb+2ast, J.Valles 2+1reb
gschID: 187199


Morovis M. - Aguas B.T. 89-92

The most exciting game of round 9 in the BSNF took place in Morovis. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of 3rd placed Montaneras (7-2) to sixth ranked Tigres (2-7) 92-89 on Tuesday evening. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Montaneras won third quarter 20-18. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Montaneras 47-36 including 16 on the offensive glass. 25 personal fouls committed by Montaneras helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American guard Yolanda Martin (180-83, college: Brewton Parker) who had a double-double by scoring 28 points and 12 rebounds. Her fellow American import guard Tasha Harris (175-88, college: Syracuse) chipped in 24 points. At the other side the best for losing team was American power forward Angelina Williams (183-83, college: Illinois) who recorded 23 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists and Kathiria Rodriguez added 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists respectively. Five Montaneras players scored in double figures. Tigres maintains sixth place with 2-7 record. Montaneras at the other side keep the third position with two games lost. Tigres are looking forward to face league's leader Piratas in Quebradillas in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Montaneras will play on the road against Athleticas in San German and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Aguas B.T.: Y.Martin 28+12reb+2ast, T.Harris 24+4reb+3ast, D.Seals 20+7reb+1ast, J.Quiles 6+2reb+1ast, L.Baez 5+5reb+2ast, A.Johnson 4+3reb
Morovis M.: A.Williams 23+9reb+5ast, K.Rodriguez 19+5reb+4ast, A.Sepulveda 18+2reb+2ast, P.Rosado 11+5reb+3ast, C.Escalera 11+7reb+3ast, S.Pineiro 6+6reb+4ast
gschID: 187200


San German - Ponce L. 88-62

Bottom-ranked Leonas (0-12) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 88-62 loss to fourth ranked Athleticas (6-4) in San German on Wednesday evening. The game without a history. Athleticas led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 70 of its points in the paint compared to Leonas' 40. Athleticas had a 35-23 advantage in offensive rebounds. American guard Dominique Smith (177, college: Prairie View A&M) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds for the winners and the former international Stephanie Rosado (189-89, college: IPFW) chipped in 15 points and 9 rebounds. Five Athleticas players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American forward Denise Lewis (185-90, college: Tulsa) with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 10 rebounds and the other American import forward Jessica Fairweather (178, college: Dominican, NY) scored 11 points and 8 rebounds. Leonas' coach gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Athleticas maintains fourth place with 6-4 record. Loser Leonas still closes the standings with 12 games lost. Athleticas will meet at home higher ranked Montaneras (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Leonas will play against Valencianes (#5) in Juncos and look forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
San German: D.Smith 17+10reb, S.Rosado 15+9reb+2ast, A.Bermudez 14+4reb+3ast, Z.Sanchez 11+7reb+2ast, T.White 10+2reb+5ast, K.Rivera 9+3reb+1ast
Ponce L.: D.Lewis 24+10reb, J.Fairweather 11+8reb+1ast, M.Colon 9+5reb+3ast, L.Rivera 7+7reb+2ast, K.Rosario 6+9reb+3ast, J.Valles 5+1ast
gschID: 187201


Juncos V. - San German 70-66

The game in Juncos was also worth to mention about. 4th placed Athleticas (6-4) played at the court of fifth ranked Valencianes (4-7). Valencianes managed to secure a 4-point victory 70-66. Athleticas were ahead by 7 points after three quarters before a 20-9 charge of Valencianes, which allowed them to win the game. They made 17-of-21 charity shots (81.0 percent) during the game. Valencianes forced 23 Athleticas turnovers. American guard Renee Taylor (158-85, college: Miami, FL, agency: Merit Sports) nailed 27 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals for the winning side and the former international center Esmary Vargas-Sanchez (191-81, college: Emporia St.) accounted for 16 points and 14 rebounds. The former international Stephanie Rosado (189-89, college: IPFW) came up with 27 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and American guard Tyra White (182-89, college: Texas A&M) added 13 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for Athleticas in the defeat. Valencianes maintains fifth place with 4-7 record. Athleticas at the other side keep the fourth position with four games lost. Valencianes' next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Leonas (#7) in Ponce. Athleticas will play at home against Montaneras in Morovis and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Juncos V.: R.Taylor 27+7reb+4ast, E.Vargas-Sanchez 16+14reb+1ast, B.Concepcion 11+3reb+2ast, T.De La Paz 7+4reb+1ast, S.Colon 4+2reb+3ast, P.Ramirez 2+1reb+2ast
San German: S.Rosado 27+5reb+4ast, T.White 13+12reb+4ast, Z.Sanchez 7+6reb+3ast, D.Smith 7+3reb+3ast, Z.Gonzalez 6+11reb+2ast, M.Gonzalez 6+2reb+2ast
gschID: 187198



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


Dynamo Moscow hands 88-74 loss to Novi Zagreb in Porec - by Eurobasket News

Novi Zagreb - Dynamo Moscow 74-88

Novi Zagreb faced with the first loss this preseason. Dynamo Moscow downed Euroleague newcomers in Porec 88-74. Irina Sokolovskaya (187-F-83) led the winners with 14 points, while Ilona Korstin (182-SG-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Vidmar netted 12 points each. Snezana Aleksic (172-G-89), Ekaterina Sytnyak (185-PF-82, agency: LBM Management) and Nadezhda Grishaeva (195-C-89) helped Dynamo with 10 points apiece. At the other side, Matea Vrdoljak (186-F-85) was better than the others with 18 points. Second scorers in Novi Zagreb were Sandra Mandir (177-G-77) and Sena Pavetic (198-C-86) with 13 pts. Ivana Dojkic (176-SG-97) and Ana Cacic (175-G-86) stopped to 8 and 7 points respectively. Teams were almost leveled in the first half. The opening quarter ended with 22-22 tie and Novi Zagreb managed to take 45-43 lead until the halftime. However, Dynamo Moscow responded with 21-15 after the breather and later celebrated 6-point win. Both teams will play more friendlies during the preseason.

Novi Zagreb: Matea Vrdoljak 18, Sandra Mandir 13, Sena Pavetic 13, Ivana Dojkic 8, Ana Cacic 7
Dynamo Moscow: Irina Sokolovskaya 14, Ilona Korstin 12, Snezana Aleksic 10, Ekaterina Sytnyak 10, Nadezhda Grishaeva 10


*****************************************************
  SENEGAL   


Senegalese U18 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Nassira Ba 95
Mbarka Diop 95
Khady Camara 95
Mame Borso Niang Diallo
Marieme Cisse 95
Ndeye Coumba Ndao 94
Adja Maguette Mboup 94
Mame Fatou Ndiaye 94
Ndeye Awa Kebe 95
Mbaya Sembene 95
Aminata Faye 94
Amy Fall Soumare 94 GBC Senegal
Yaye Irma Dieme 95
Ndeye Seyni Sow 94
Ndeye Fatou Ndiaye 94 Louga Senegal
Ndeye Siry Diagne 95 SLBC Senegal
Sokhna Nafy Mbaye 95
Amy Diop 95
Mame Coumba Sy 95



Dakar 2012: Day-3 Games preview - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Tunisia Vs Kenya: its one game both side needed to win if they must progress in the championship as the two sides had earlier lost their opening games.

With Tunisia losing narrowly to host Senegal on Thursday the match-up against Kenya is one the FIBA Africa Zone-I side could not afford to toil with and Kenya on the hand would need to play more as a team if they must curtail the fast Tunisian side. The game is billed for 16H00.

Egypt Vs Angola: Defending champion, Egypt will have to be on its guide to survive the team play of the Angolan side who like their senior team never give up until the buzzer.

Both sides enjoy Day-1 victories over their opponents on Thursday and Friday with Egypt defeating Mali by 53-43 points while Angola posted the widest margin of the championship so far when it saw off Kenya by 57-45 points win over Kenya, the pairing against Egypt promises to be a delight to watch. Match time 18H00.

Mali Vs Senegal: The game billed for 20H00 could a litmus test for both sides as Mali searches for her first win in the championship but against a free scoring senegalaise side that task appear daunting but in basketball no team could be regarded as push over.

Senegal will be banking on home support but they must not be carried away by the euphoria of playing before home crowd if they must survive Mali who will not want to lose it second straight game.


Dakar 2012 Afrobasket for U18 Women: Senegal beat Tunisia 54-47 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

After an even score-line in the first quarter (12-12) Senegal young lioness roar back in the second quarter pouring in a whooping 20 points to Tunisia 8 for a half-time score of 32-20.

But the Tunisian showed better understanding of the game even as both missed valuable points from the free-throw line, the Tunisia were unable to take advantage of it early raid of the Senegalese defense as they crumble towards the end of the third quarter by 15-14 points with Senegal taking a 13 points lead into the last quarter of 47-34 points.

The fourth and final quarter began on a cautious note with Tunisia opening the quarter with a three-point to reduce the margin to 10 points with 7 minute and 28 second left in play but a more determined Senegalese side roared back to live thus stopping the rampaging Tunisian, though the young Senegalese women lost the last quarter by 07-13 points but they manage to seal victory by 54-47 points.

Senegal Ndaw Coumba Ndeye led her side quest for honours as the 2012 Afrobasket for U18 Women gets underway with 15 points for the lioness hard earned victory.


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

Standings - Women

Extraliga Standings
 1. Good Angels 1-0 
 2. MBK Ruzomb. 1-0 
 3. Samorin 1-0 
 4. Levice 0-0 
 5. Petrzalka 0-0 
 6. Piestanske C. 0-0 
 7. SKBD Rucon 0-0 
 8. Cassovia K. 0-1 
 9. Ostrava 0-1 
 10. Poprad 0-1 

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 18: MBK Ruzomb. - Ostrava 98-56
Sep. 21: Samorin - Poprad 97-39
Sep. 15: Good Angels - Cassovia K. 100-30
Sep. 23: SKBD Rucon - Levice
Sep. 22: Piestanske C. - Petrzalka


Kosice Grand Prix 2012: Good Angels Kosice edge MBK Ruzomberok in the opener - by Eurobasket News

Good Angels Kosice MBK Ruzomberok 97:61

Good Angels Kosice edge MBK Ruzomberok in the opener of the Kosice Grand Prix 2012. The Slovakian champions were stringer with 97:61 win.
They started the game with 26-10 and led 57:28 at the halftime. Moreover the third period brought them 81:40 advantage. MBK Ruzomberok replied with 21-16 in the lasts stanza and managed to reduce to 36 points.
Tijana Krivacevic (194-F-90) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Allie Quigley (180-G-86, college: De Paul) nailed 21. Miljana Bojovic (181-G-87) poured in 16, while Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) scored 12. Sequoia Holmes (185-F-86, agency: Merit Sports, college: UNLV) answered with 16 points in the losing effort and Janka Mincikova (172-PG-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) brought 9. Veronika Cernakova (175-G-90) and Tina Trebec (189-F-90, agency: Kotnik Sports Agency) finished the game with 8 points each.
In another game Wisla Can-Pack lost to ZVVZ USK Praha 71:83.

Kosice: Tijana Krivacevic 23, Allie Quigley 21, Miljana Bojovic 16, Lucia Kupcikova 12
Ruzomberok: Sequoia Holmes 16, Janka Mincikova 9, Veronika Cernakova 8, Tina Trebec 8


*****************************************************
  SWITZERLAND   


Highflyers sign Snyder just out of college - by Eurobasket News

Luzern Highflyers (LNA) signed American center Chelsea Snyder (198). Snyder just graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (NCAA). In 33 games last season she had 3.6ppg and 4.0rpg. She helped them to make it to the NIT Sweet 16 last season.
As mentioned above Snyder is just out of college, so it will be her first season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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


Tunisian U18 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Tunisian U18 National Team 2012
#s#
Yosra Taktouk
Taktouk
Houda Hamrouni
Hamrouni
Nourehene Tangour
Tangour
Mayssa Grira
Grira
Fatma Mniguir
Mniguir
#e#5
4 Yosra Taktouk G-95 CSS Tunisia
5 Houda Hamrouni F-94 ESCB Tunisia
6 Nourehene Tangour G-94 ASFJ Tunisia
7 Mayssa Grira F-94 ASFJ Tunisia
8 Fatma Mniguir C-94 CSS Tunisia
9 Donia Yangui C-95 CSS Tunisia
10 Takwa Gafsi F-95 ASFJ Tunisia
11 Wafa Lobiri F-95 ESS Tunisia
12 Yosr Nafekhi C-95 CSFB Tunisia
13 Marwa Baccar F-94 ASFJ Tunisia
14 Nouha Jaffel F-94 ESS Tunisia
15 Molka Hmani



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

Standings

WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Connecticut S. 24-9 
 2. Indiana F. 21-12 
 3. Atlanta D. 19-14 
 4. New York L. 14-19 
 5. Chicago S. 13-20 
 6. Washington M. 6-28 
Western
 1. Minnesota L. 27-6 
 2. L.Angeles S. 23-11 
 3. S.Antonio SS 20-13 
 4. Seattle S. 16-18 
 5. Tulsa S. 9-23 
 6. Phoenix M. 7-26 

Regular Season: Round 39

Sep. 21: Seattle S. - S.Antonio SS 84-75
Sep. 21: Phoenix M. - Minnesota L. 66-89
Sep. 21: Washington M. - Indiana F. 53-66
Sep. 22: New York L. - Tulsa S.
Sep. 22: Chicago S. - Washington M.


Latest games (8): Shock beat Liberty 78-66; NY gets playoff berth - by Eurobasket News

L.Angeles S. - Minnesota L. 92-76
Candace Parker (6'4''-C-86, college: Tennessee) is ready to make a run in the playoffs, if the Los Angeles Sparks can shed their inconsistency. Parker and rookie Nneka Ogwumike had 22 points and 11 rebounds each, and the Sparks tuned up for the postseason with a 92-76 victory over the defending WNBA champion Minnesota Lynx on Thursday night. "We knew this was a team we'd possibly have to go through to win a championship, so everybody laid it out on the court," Parker said. "We wanted to wrap it up and make a statement." Alana Beard (5'11''-G/F-82, college: Duke) added 13 points and Kristi Toliver had 10 points and eight assists for the Sparks (24-10), who ended the regular season with their fourth straight win while splitting the four-game season series with the Lynx in front of Clippers teammates Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan. It was the biggest margin of victory by either team in their meetings this season. "In spurts we were the best team in the league and in spurts we were the worst," Parker said in summing up the regular season. "In the playoffs, hopefully we'll be the best." Monica Wright scored 19 points, and Devereaux Peters added 17 points and 13 rebounds for Minnesota (26-6), which had won six of its last seven games against the Sparks but fell to 3-19 all-time at Staples Center. Maya Moore (6'0''-SG-89, college: Connecticut) had 13 points as the Lynx shot a season-low 35 percent. "I thought we were getting great shots. We literally couldn't knock it in," Moore said. "I know I had some open shots. Our 3-point shooters had some open shots. They just weren't falling. The more disappointing thing was our defense, and not making it hard enough for their team to score, which is not like us. We really want to get that out of our system and bounce back from that." The Lynx played without starting guard Lindsay Whalen, who didn't dress because of a cold. The West's top seed has two more games left before starting the playoffs. Coach Cheryl Reeve said she wasn't sure about Whalen's status for Friday's game at Phoenix. "We'll have to see how she's feeling tomorrow," she said. Asked if she would rest her starters until the playoffs, Reeve said, "It looks like that happened today." The Sparks finished 16-1 at home where they outscored opponents by double-digits during the regular season under first-year coach Carol Ross. They open the playoffs at home against San Antonio on Sept. 27. "We've got to get better on both ends. We're not great yet," Ross said. "We've knocked on the door of greatness a few times and slammed our finger in it. We have lapses." The Sparks missed the playoffs last season, and in Parker's first four seasons in the league she has never gotten past the Western Conference finals. Ogwumike, a Final Four regular during her college career at Stanford, will be making her playoff debut. "The level of play is going to boost up," she said. "I hope we realize that and continue to realize that." Los Angeles outscored the Lynx 52-24 in the paint and was 15 of 19 from the free throw line in the game. The Sparks cruised through the fourth quarter after building a 21-point lead in the third. "We didn't play well. We didn't defend. They came out and did everything they wanted," Reeve said. "Parker and Ogwumike played great, and we provided very little resistance. We couldn't make a shot." The Sparks opened the third on a 13-0 run, with Beard scoring six points and Parker five. The Lynx hit three 3-pointers in the quarter, but trailed 74-55 heading into the final 12 minutes. "We came in on a serious note," Ogwumike said. "We wanted to play for each other and that showed." The Sparks led by 14 in the first half. Parker scored 14 points, including a 3-pointer at the buzzer to end the first quarter, and Ogwumike had 12 in the half. Los Angeles opened the game on a 20-9 run, led by Parker with seven and Ogwumike with six. The Lynx were limited to 15 points in the opening quarter, and they were 1 of 15 from the 3-point line in the half. *Courtesy of www.mercurynews.com

Minnesota L. - Indiana F. 86-79
Maya Moore made five her six 3-pointers in the third quarter to tie the WNBA record and had a career-high 29 points in the Minnesota Lynx's 86-79 victory over the Indiana Fever on Monday night. The coaching staff just made me aware of what actually happened. In the moment, youre just playing, Moore said. I was just trying to be aggressive and its one of those nights where the shot is feeling good, so you keep shooting. Moore matched Phoenix star Diana Taurasi's (6'0''-SG-82, college: Connecticut) WNBA record for 3-pointers in a quarter set in 2010. The defending champion Lynx completed their home schedule with a franchise-record 16-1 mark and improved to 26-5 overall. They will finish the regular season with three road games. Lindsay Whalen (5'9''-PG-82, college: Minnesota) added 13 points, eight rebounds and six assists for Minnesota, which has already clinched home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. With the loss, the Fever (20-11) dropped out of contention for the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Tamika Catchings (6'1''-SF-79, college: Tennessee) led Indiana with 19 points and 10 rebounds, Katie Douglas added 17 points, Briann January had 14, and Jessica Davenport 13. It was too bad we couldnt do some things down the stretch, Fever coach Lin Dunn said. We need to stay healthy. We dont need to lose two starters and play the fourth quarter with two starters going down, especially our starting point guard. The Lynx trailed by as many as 14 points in the first half and were down 62-52 with 4:07 remaining in the third quarter. But Moore hit three of her five 3 pointers in the quarter over the next 3 minutes and Minnesota tied it entering the fourth. The Lynx forced five fourth-quarter turnovers to take control. Seimone Augustus returned from a three-game absence due to a sprained right foot and scored eight points on 3-for-11 shooting. Devereaux Peters also finished in double figures for Minnesota with 10. Indianas Shavonte Zellous took a blow to the head with less than 30 seconds remaining in the first half and didnt return due to concussion-like symptoms. January sustained an apparent injury with 4:47 to play and was helped to the locker room. She did not return. Minnesotas victory assured the Connecticut Sun of the Eastern Conferences No. 1 seed. The Fever have clinched the No. 2 seed and home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs against the third-seeded and defending Eastern Conference champion Atlanta Dream. Courtesy of www.boston.com

Connecticut S. - Indiana F. 73-67
Although the Connecticut Sun had already secured the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, they were still disappointed with their latest win. Kara Lawson (5'8''-PG-81, college: Tennessee) scored nine of her 23 points in the final 4 minutes to lead the Sun to a 73-67 win over the Indiana Fever on Wednesday night. Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) had 17 points and 12 rebounds and Allison Hightower (5'10''-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: LSU) added 10 points for Connecticut (24-9). Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) scored 16 of her 19 points in the first half for the Fever (20-12). Tamika Catchings (6'1''-SF-79, college: Tennessee) added 15 points and five rebounds. The Sun led 44-27 with more than eight minutes left in the third quarter. However, Indiana which didnt play Catchings or Douglas in the fourth quarter got as close as 70-65 with less than 2 minutes left in the game. I think were just a little disappointed, Lawson said. They got it down to a two possession game in the fourth, and we talked about at the start of the fourth about not letting up and putting the game away. We won. Thats probably about all you can say good about the game. The Fever announced before the game that they'll play without starting guards Briann January and Shavonte Zellous the rest of the regular season. Both sustained head injuries in Mondays loss at Minnesota and returned to Indianapolis. One of the things we wanted to do was compete, Indiana coach Lin Dunn said. Were not going to come in here and lay down and die, and were going to give our backups some quality minutes. Asjha Jones returned to Connecticuts lineup after missing the last 14 games due to a strained Achillies tendon. She played six minutes off the bench and made both of her shots for four points. I just wanted to play, Jones said. No matter how many minutes I was going to play, I wanted to be somewhat of a factor. Just be part of the game and make sure I had positive minutes. Hightower started the second half with a driving layup, followed by a putback by Charles. Hightower followed with a jumper as the Sun pulled ahead 44-27 their largest lead of the game less than two minutes into the third period.. Indiana pulled to 64-58 with more than 4 minutes left in the game. Lawson was fouled moments later while attempting a 3-pointer. She made all her free throws. Karima Christmas had a 3-pointer on the other end for Indiana. Lawson answered with a 3 to push Connecticuts lead to 70-61 with less than 3 minutes left in the game. I thought (the reserves) did really well, Catchings said. (Goodlett) did a good job our little rookie. Shes been battling all year. Back-to-back putbacks by rookie Sasha Goodlett cut the Suns lead to 70-65 with 1:40 left, but Lawson made another 3 with 34.1 seconds to go to seal Connecticuts win. Were trying to win a game to have the second-best record in the league (behind the Minnesota Lynx), Sun coach Mike Thibault said. I was just disappointed that I had to put those two (starters Charles and Hightower) back in (with over five minutes left in the game). I didnt want to. Douglas recorded a few milestones during the game. She made four 3s to break Indianas franchise single-season record. She has 80 this season and joined Katie Smith and Diana Taurasi as the only players in WNBA history to make that many 3s in one season. Douglas also had an assist to become the 15th player in league history to record 1,000 for her career. Connecticut unveiled its All-Decade team prior to the game as part of its season-long celebration of its 10th anniversary. Current players Renee Montgomery, Tan White, Charles, Jones and Lawson were among the 10. Former Sun players Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Nykesha Sales, Lindsay Whalen, the late Margo Dydek and Douglas rounded out the list. It means an awful lot, Douglas said. I was here for five years and put in a tremendous amount of work and we had a lot of success. I know we fell short (in the WNBA Finals) two times and for the fans of Connecticut to recognize me and be part of such a quality group of ladies on that team it means a lot and I am honored and humbled. Courtesy of www.boston.com

Tulsa S. - New York L. 78-66
Temeka Johnson (5'3''-PG-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: LSU) put on a show in what could possibly be her last home game with the Tulsa Shock. Johnson scored 26 points on 10-for-12 shooting from the field to lead the Shock to a 78-66 victory over the New York Liberty on Thursday night, for their third straight win and the franchise's longest in three seasons in Tulsa. With just two road games remaining and Johnson a free agent after the season, nothing seems certain for 2013. Asked if she wanted to return, Johnson said, ''Of course.'' After thinking about it, she added: ''I won't rule it out. It's been a very difficult season, something I've never experienced. We've lived the highs and lows but you always want to make a difference in terms of turning things around. There's an upside (to this organization) and I may just be around to see it.'' Ivory Latta had 13 points and Amber Holt added 10 as the Shock (9-23) matched their victory total from the first two years since moving from Detroit before the 2010 season - a combined 9-59. ''Tonight was really a collective effort,'' Johnson said. ''Everyone came out with a lot of energy. We wanted to do this for the fans. When you are on the outside all you see is the record. You don't feel the energy of the fans. When I talked to coach (Gary Kloppenburg) during the offseason he made me want to come Tulsa. You don't want to be anywhere where you aren't wanted and the Shock wanted me. That was a plus.'' Tulsa hit shot 14 for 30 (47 percent) on 3-pointers, led by Johnson's 4 for 5, Jennifer Lacy's 3 for 4, and Latta's 3 for 7. Kara Braxton, Plenette Pierson and Cappie Pondexter scored 14 points apiece to lead the Liberty (14-19), and Essence Carson added 11 points. New York clinched the Eastern Conference's fourth and final playoff berth minutes later when Chicago lost to Atlanta, 75-66. The Liberty close the regular season at home against Tulsa on Saturday. ''We need to go into the playoffs feeling good,'' Pondexter said. ''It's our last regular season home game so we need to give our fans something as we head in to the playoffs.'' New York opens the first round of the playoffs at first-place Connecticut next Thursday. ''We have just got to focus on our stuff,'' Braxton said of the postseason matchup. ''We need to click on all cylinders, rebound the ball, we've got to put in easy chippers, box out and contain pressure - which is a lot of stuff but we are going to work on it the next couple of days before we go up to Connecticut.'' Tulsa made four 3-pointers early to grab a 22-14 advantage. The Shock used a 12-2 run over the final three minutes of the second quarter to take a 45-30 lead at halftime. Riquna Williams made a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 4.2 seconds to play in the half. ''Riquna hit a couple of big 3s for us,'' Kloppenburg said. ''We have gotten really great guard play particularly in the second half of the season. We really got our running game going. ... Temeka played outstanding tonight, so did Amber and Ivory. Temeka is probably the reason we've been winning of late.'' The Shock finish the season on the road, with the game at New York followed by the finale at Indiana on Sunday. Kloppenburg acknowledged the team has a few free agents but added it was a priority to re-sign Johnson. ''For sure, we'd love to get Temeka back,'' Kloppenburg said. ''No question about that. We want to keep this team intact and add those two bigs (Tiffany Jones and Liz Cambage) back into the scheme. Ideally, that's what we want to do.'' *Courtesy of Yahoo! Sports

Chicago S. - Atlanta D. 66-75
Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-SF-86, college: Louisville) scored 21 points and Sancho Lyttle (6'4''-C-83, college: Houston) added 17 as the Atlanta Dream beat Chicago 75-66 Thursday night, eliminating the Sky from playoff contention. Armintie Price had 12 points and Erika DeSouza grabbed 10 rebounds for Atlanta (19-14), which has secured third place in the Eastern Conference. The Dream never trailed and won their fourth straight and seventh in the last eight. Carolyn Swords scored 16 points to lead the seventh-year Sky (13-20), who have never made the postseason. Epiphanny Prince added 14, Shay Murphy had 12 and Courtney Vandersloot 10. Chicago, which has lost three of its last four remained one game behind fourth-place New York with one game remaining. The teams split their four regular-season meetings but the Liberty have the second tiebreaker with a better conference record. *Courtesy of www.sacbee.com

S.Antonio SS - New York L. 77-66
Danielle Robinson (5'9''-G-89, college: Oklahoma) had 21 points and the San Antonio Silver Stars earned a 77-66 victory over the New York Liberty on Tuesday. Shameka Christon (6'1''-G/F-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Arkansas) added 17 points and Becky Hammon 12 for playoff-bound San Antonio (20-12). Cappie Pondexter scored 23 points to lead New York (14-18), which is fighting for a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. Essence Carson had 11 points and Kara Braxton 10. The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for the Liberty. New York was outscored 22-9 in the fourth quarter and San Antonio rallied for the victory. The Liberty shot 24 percent (4-for-17) from the field in the fourth and were outrebounded 12-5 in the quarter. *Courtesy of www.dailyrecord.com

Seattle S. - Chicago S. 75-60
KeyArena engulfed Tina Thompson with cheers, scoreboard acknowledgments and congratulatory signs. She was emotionless. The Storm forward sank an open 13-foot jumper from the left side to surpass 7,000 career points - increasing her WNBA record - with 9:02 remaining before halftime of an eventual 75-60 win against Chicago that snapped a four-game losing streak. But Thompson gave the equivalent of a shrug after reaching the mark, quietly tending to guard Tanisha Wright (5'11''-SF-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Penn St.), who was hit in the head on the assist to Thompson. Then Thompson gave a slight wave as the in-game celebration ensued. As she has throughout her 16-year pro career, Thompson let her game do the talking. She entered the matchup midway through the first quarter, and her first six points buoyed a 14-4 run to help Seattle take a 26-13 lead. "I'm really not an accolade-type of person unless it involves a really big trophy and rings to match," Thompson said of winning a fifth WNBA title. "I didn't know (I hit the mark) because Tanisha got hit in the face, so I wasn't paying attention. Then Katie (Smith) came over and was like, 'That (the applause) is for you.' " Ignoring the distraction, the Storm continued with its hot shooting in the second quarter to lead 46-28 at halftime. Seattle stitched together another 14-4 run in the third quarter, getting feeds inside to center Ann Wauters, to totally blow the game open at 60-32. Wauters was 7 for 11 from the field for a team-high 16 points. The Storm, exploiting the absence of Sky center Sylvia Fowles (lower leg), shot 49 percent overall. Thompson passed WNBA legend Lisa Leslie's 6,263 career points in August 2010. The next active players on the all-time scoring list are Storm stars Katie Smith (6,205) and Lauren Jackson (5,992). "It speaks to her ability to score and her longevity," said Storm point guard Sue Bird, who's 14th on the list (4,433). "Not everybody can play that long and still be effective the way she has. That's a whole other ballgame." The Storm is already locked into the West's fourth playoff spot at 14-18 and biding its time before a first-round playoff matchup against top-seeded Minnesota (26-5). Only two regular-season games remain. "This game was important for us to concentrate on our team and to feel good," said Wauters, whose team outrebounded the Sky 42-25. "And also to try to get better because we've had some ups and downs." Bird returned to the lineup, missing the past three games due to a left hip flexor injury, and had a game-high eight assists. Alysha Clark returned from sickness but Jackson (hamstring) missed her third consecutive game. She was re-evaluated Monday and is expected to practice on Thursday. Reserve Svetlana Abrosimova sprained her right wrist in the first half. She is questionable for Friday's home finale. "I like the way we defended, and we played with a purpose at the offensive end," Storm coach Brian Agler said. "It was a real good effort for us." *Courtesy of http://o.seattletimes.nwsource.com

L.Angeles S. - Phoenix M. 101-76
Candace Parker had 26 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, and the Los Angeles Sparks earned a 101-76 victory against the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday night to clinch the home-court advantage for the first round of the playoffs. The Sparks (23-10), who secured second place in the Western Conference, have won nine straight at home and are 15-1 on their court this season. "Home court is huge," Alana Beard said. "We're 15-1 at home and 8-9 on the road. You can do the calculations and understand that this is where we want to be. I'm excited about this (first-round) series. I think it's going to be a competitive series, and having home-court advantage is huge for us. "I think there's great energy in here. We have a great pregame routine here. We have to figure out a way to translate that to the road. But I think we're in our comfort zone here." L.A. concludes the regular season Thursday against first-place Minnesota. Parker had a double-double by the third quarter and had four blocks. Beard scored 22 points, one point shy of her season high, with six steals and Kristi Toliver added 17. The Sparks led wire to wire and by double digits over the final 15 minutes. The Mercury (7-25) dropped their fifth consecutive game despite getting two starters back. DeWanna Bonner, second in the WNBA with 20.9 points per game, returned from a sore back that kept her out for two games and led Phoenix with 23 points and six rebounds. Candice Dupree made her first appearance since she had left knee surgery on July 24. Dupree, whose 14.8 points per game is second on the Mercury, started and had six points on 3-for-4 shooting in almost 15 minutes. Phoenix coach Corey Gaines said Dupree is limited to three minutes per quarter. Gaines also said that Olympic guard Diana Taurasi has been shut down for the season after Taurasi sat out her fourth straight game as Gaines opts to play his younger players. Backcourt mate Samantha Prahalis missed her sixth straight game because of a shoulder injury. The Mercury went on a 7-0 run early in the third quarter and pulled to 60-53 on Dupree's 10-foot jumper. The Sparks came right back with a 16-2 run, completed by two free throws and a 3-pointer by Beard. Parker and Toliver helped lead a 13-6 run to start the fourth. Parker swished a straightaway 3-pointer and Toliver sank a pair of 3s for a 94-70 lead. All five starters finished in double-digit scoring for the Sparks, who have lost only to San Antonio at home. "Great crowd, great team," Bonner said of the Sparks. "They have a lot of confidence. Anybody can score on any given night, so it's tough to guard a team like that. You can't just stop one person." Parker was glad to secure home court but didn't put much into it. "I don't think you can ever breathe easy in the playoffs," said Parker, whose 17th double-double tied Tina Charles of Connecticut for the most in the league. "I think it's like a win-or-go home, especially with the playoff format. You can't have any real time to stumble. So it just puts the pressure on us to win that first game at home. "We have a lot of confidence going forward, but we still have a lot of work to do for the playoffs." Parker had 14 points, eight rebounds and five assists at halftime. She had an impressive sequence late in the second quarter when she made a turnaround jumper after Marissa Coleman rebounded her missed free throw, got a block on the ensuing trip down the floor, and scored on another turnaround in the paint for an 18-point lead. Parker then hit a 3-pointer as L.A. took a 54-40 lead into halftime. Phoenix committed 10 turnovers in the first quarter and 13 in the first half. Bonner scored 19 points in the first half, but the Sparks led by double digits from 26-14 to halftime. "They got a lot of fast-break points on us," Bonner said. "You can't come back on a team like that. It was a tough shooting night for us. Good luck to them in the playoffs." Los Angeles swept Phoenix for the first time in nine years. *Courtesy of www.mercurynews.com