Eurobasket Daily News Report: 9/26/2012 1:00:00 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/26/2012 1:00:00 AM

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Men News

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APBL

Getting to know the Manhattan Pride: Nate Young - by Mike Lee

As the upcoming APBL season approaches, we will begin to highlight the Manhattan Pride roster, one player at a time.

Today's highlighted player is Nate Young, a 6'6" guard/forward from Brooklyn. Young played his collegiate basketball at New York City College of Technology, before playing at Baruch College during the 2011-12 season. He averaged 23.6 points and 7.0 rebounds per game at City College and then 15.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game at Baruch College before joining the Pride during the ACPBL Summer League. During the summer league with the Manhattan Pride, Young averaged 34 points and 11 rebounds per game, was second in the voting for MVP, and received First Team All-ACPBL Summer League honors.

Nate Young - 6'6" Guard/Forward

Where and for what teams have you played for throughout you professional career?

This is the first professional team that I have played for, so technically I guess you can say this is my "rookie" year as a pro.

How long have you been with the Manhattan Pride and what is your role with the team?

Ive been with Manhattan Pride since the summer league. As far as my role on the team, I feel that I can be whatever my team needs me to be. I like to try to be a do-it-all type player, whether it's scoring, rebounding, defense, or even simple stuff like setting screens - whatever helps my team win.

What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Manhattan Pride this season? And, where to you ultimately hope to advance to next in your basketball career?

As a member of the Manhattan Pride I hope to help bring this team to an elite level of basketball. I want other teams to know that they are going to have a tough night every time they play us. Overall, I just want the team the play at a championship level every game. Personally, I want to continue my career professionally overseas for a few years.

Have you thought about life after playing professional basketball? If so, what are your plans once your playing career is completed?

After basketball I want to open up a gym and do some personal training for younger players. Maybe I can do some coaching or maybe getting involved behind the scenes at the professional level. I just want to be involved in basketball as long as possible.

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ARGENTINA

Espinoza's double-double lands him Player of the Round award - by Eurobasket News

25-year old forward Pablo Espinoza (200-F-87) had a great game in the last round for second-ranked Obras and receives a Latinbasket.com Player of the Round 4 award.
He had a double-double of 17 points and 15 rebounds, while his team outclassed 9 de Julio (#6, 1-3) with 26-point margin 92-66. Obras is placed at 2nd position in Argentinian league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost that single game earlier this season. Obras will need more victories to improve their 3-1 record. In the team's last game Espinoza had a remarkable 62.5% from 2-point range. It's his second year at Obras and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Pablo Espinoza averages this season 8.8ppg and 8.0rpg.

Second best performed player last round was Ricardo Sanchez (212-C-87) of top-ranked Libertad S.. He is Puerto Rican center in his first season at Libertad S.. In the last game Sanchez recorded impressive 26 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. It was enough for Libertad S. to edge slightly lower-ranked Regatas C. (#3, 3-1) in overtime by 1 point 79-78. It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the top position in North. Libertad S. consolidated its place in the very top position of the standings. A very good start of the season for his team, which won so far all 4 games without any defeat. Sanchez is a newcomer at Libertad S. and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Federico Kammerichs (202-F-80) of Regatas C. (#3). Kammerichs scored 14 points and grabbed ten rebounds. Despite Kammerichs' great performance Regatas C. lost 78-79in overtime to #1 ranked Libertad S.. But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates especially in such crucial game. The last thing Regatas C. needs is to lose another game like this one. Their record is 3 victories and 1 lost games. Kammerichs has a great season in Argentina. After only 4 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 8.0rpg (9th best). Federico Kammerichs has also Argentinian passport and can play in the league with a status of domestic player.

Other top performing players last week:
4. David Teague (196-G-83) of Penarol - 27 points and 2 rebounds
5. Nicolas De los Santos (180-PG-88) of Argentino - 15 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists
6. Diego Romero (203-C-82) of GECR Indalo - 20 points and 7 rebounds
7. Paolo Quinteros (190-G/F-79) of Regatas C. - 18 points, 2 rebounds and 7 assists
8. Martin Osimani (194-G-81) of Obras - 21 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Patricio Prato (196-G-79) of Lanus - 21 points and 3 rebounds
10. Marcus Fizer (203-F/C-78) of Wuber-Est.Bahia - 24 points and 8 rebounds

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)

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AUSTRALIA

Wildcats win Preseason title again - by Eurobasket News

The Perth Wildcats won the 2012 National Basketball League preseason tournament with a 72-60 victory over the Wollongong Hawks in the tournament decider on Saturday night at Dandenong Stadium.

It was a rematch of the epic 2010 NBL Grand Final series, won by Perth in three pulsating games, and the Cats once again prevailed in what was a bruising encounter, with their captain Shawn Redhage named Most Valuable Player.

The Wildcats became the first team to win the preseason tournament for three straight years, and while Coach Rob Beveridge acknowledged the milestone, he was happier to talk about his groups continued improvement leading up to their season opener in a fortnights time.

I think were starting to get there, Bevo said afterwards.

I mean, no one really remembers who wins these things, but I thought our ball movement was excellent, and our defence was outstanding over the three games of the tournament.

Coach Beveridge also paid tribute to his youngsters, who played a major part throughout the three days carnival.

Its incredible how much talent we have, and the exciting thing for me is that this is the next generation of Wildcats coming through, he said.

These kids are serving a great apprenticeship going up against the Damian Martins, the Kevin Lischs and the Shawn Redhages of our group, and its just great seeing them develop every day.

Everard Bartlett had an impressive game, going six of seven from the field to lead the Wildcats with 14 points, while Redhage and Jeremiah Trueman had 13 each for the victors, while Oscar Forman was the only Hawk to get into double figures with 19 points including five three pointers as Wollongong shot just 36% from the field and were outrebounded 38-35.

The Hawks played without big man Larry Davidson and import guard Lance Hurdle, who picked up a minor leg injury the previous night, and Perth were similarly undermanned, going into the game minus reigning league Most Valuable Player Kevin Lisch

Wollongong closed their preseason with an impressive 9-2 record, including victories in two of their three games in Dandenong, while Perth completed a successful weekend with a perfect 3-0 record after wins over Sydney and Melbourne.

Defence was the order of the day early, with neither team able to register a score until Forman drained a corner triple for the Hawks with nearly three minutes gone.

After missing their first five shots, Perth finally got on the board with a strong move inside for two by Matt Knight, but Forman swished another trifecta and David Gruber went to the rack for two to give Wollongong an 8-4 lead midway through the first period.

Tim Coenraad then came to life with five points as part of a 7-2 Hawk run and Gordie McLeods crew had a 17-11 lead with two minutes left to the first break.

Redhage powered inside for the three point play in response, and Bartlett hit a fadeaway jumper at the buzzer to cut the Hawk lead to just two, 18-16, at the end of the opening period.

Bartlett hit a three pointer to give the Wildcats their first lead of the ballgame with a minute gone, but Auryn MacMillan answered immediately with a three point play for the Hawks and it continued to be a closely fought battle.

Perth coach Rob Beveridge had no problem giving his youngsters on the bench extended minutes, and Gavin Field repaid his faith with a nice move to the bucket for the deuce to keep the Wildcats nose barely in front.

It got physical down the stretch with bodies flying around, and Matt Knight threw in a tough baseline jump hook to close a low scoring half with the Cats heading to the rooms leading 32-29.

Neither team could crack 40% shooting for the first half and it was an even worse story from three point range, with Perth hitting on just two of their 12 shots from beyond the arc and Wollongong making just three of their ten long distance attempts.

Bartlett attempted to redress that poor outside shooting when we got the third period underway with a long range bomb, but Saville answered with a trey and then went to the rack for a deuce to cut the Wildcat lead to one in the first three minutes.

Redhage and Knight tried to take control from the inside, but the Hawks werent going to be intimidated, and five quick points from Forman kept Wollongong close.

However, the Hawks struggled to find the basket down the stretch, and a crucial 7-0 run capped by a three point play from Jeremiah Trueman gave Perth a 50-42 lead with one period left in the tournament decider.

Wollongong needed a fast start in the final quarter and got one with Saville, Rhys Martin and Adris Deleon connecting for scores, but Trueman had a pair of buckets in response and the Wildcats led by six in the first two minutes.

The game began to slip away from Wollongong as Field nailed two threes and Trueman got loose inside for another score, and with six minutes remaining the Wildcats had their biggest lead of the game, up 62-50.

Oscar Forman tried to spark the Hawks with a pair of triples, but the Wildcats held firm and carried a nine point advantage into the final two minutes.

Perth locked down the Hawks the rest of the way, and Damian Martin nailed a dagger three in the final 40 seconds to put yet another championship trophy in the Wildcats bulging cabinet.

Courtesy of NBL Australia

Greer, Burston to lead Tigers - by Eurobasket News

The Melbourne Tigers have announced Tommy Greer (200-F-83, college: Nova SE) and Matthew Burston (211-C/F-82) as the club's co-captains for the 2012/13 iiNet NBL Championship Season.

The captaincy was appointed in a player vote, which holds great recognition within the group.

"The honour is definitely not lost on me," said Greer. "I have grown up watching and being a part of the Tigers, so I know the history. I am wrapped to have been voted in by the players, and I really think Matty and I compliment each other."

For Matthew Burston it is his first captaincy role, having been in a vice role before at previous clubs in the NBL.

"Obviously (I'm) excited to carry this huge honour," said Burston. "There is a rich history in the club and I am proud to be part of the elite group which includes Andrew Gaze. I am happy to share with Tommy as we both stand up for what we believe when it comes to the game. A big challenge ahead but I have been in the league 13 years and I feel I'm ready for it."

Courtesy of NBL Australia

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AUSTRIA

Apollon beat Xion Dukes in Klosterneuburg - by Eurobasket News

Xion Dukes- Apollon 70:78

Apollon beat Xion Dukes in Klosterneuburg in the opening game of the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round tie. The team from Cyprus grabbed 78:70 victory before the next appearance at home. Xion Dukes started better and won the first period 18-13. The guests trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 3-point lead at the halftime. Moreover Apollon posted two narrow wins in the second half to win the game. American forward Brandon Brown (201-F-85, agency: Three Eye Sports, college: CS San Bernar.) nailed a double-double by scoring 24 points and 17 rebounds for the winning side and his fellow American import point guard MaJic Dorsey (185-PG-81, agency: Three Eye Sports, college: S.Indiana) accounted for 12 points and 10 assists. Brown is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Apollon players scored in double figures. Bosnian power forward Ramiz Suljanovic (205-F/C-79) came up with 22 points and 8 rebounds and swingman Christoph Nagler (196-G/F-84) added 14 points respectively for Xion Dukes in the defeat.

Xion Dukes: Ramiz Suljanovic 22, Christoph Nagler 14, Bobb 10
Apollon: Brandon Brown 24+17rebs, Kapelan 13, MaJic Dorsey 12+10 ast, Robinson 11

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BELGIUM

BOSNIA

Feliks Kojadinovic moves to Switzerland - by Eurobasket News (T)

Feliks Kojadinovic (197-G-79) will continue his career in Switzerland. The experienced guard/small forward penned a 1-year deal with BBC Monthey. He arrives to the club from Keravnos Nicosia. Kojadinovic won the Cypriot Cup with them last season and reached League Finals. He was named to Eurobasket.com Cyprus League All-Defensive Team -12. Kojadinovic started 2011/12 with Marousi, but moved to Keravnos after 7 games (4.1 ppg, 3 rpg). He played for Marousi also in 2010/11. Before that, Feliks Kojadinovic was a member of Bosna ASA BHT and Ukrainian Cherkassy Monkeys. In 2007/08 he spent his first year with Marousi. Kojadinovic also has experience from PAOK, Samara, Vojvodina and Borac Nektar. In 2010, he won the Bosnian Cup with Bosna ASA BHT and was named Eurobasket.com All-Bosnia and Herzegovina League Domestic Player of the Year.

Valladolid completes roster with center Nedzad Sinanovic - by Eurobasket News (T)

Blancos de Rueda Valladolid completed its roster for the upcoming season. The Spanish squad penned a 1-year deal with Nedzad Sinanovic (221-C-83). He arrives to the club from Unicaja. The Bosnian center had 4.1 ppg and 3.2 rpg in 24 Liga Endesa games last season. He also added 3.4 ppg and 2.3 rpg for 13 Euroleague appearances. Nedzad Sinanovic signed with Unicaja in 2009. During his first two years the center mostly played for the LEB Gold team Clinicas Rincon. Actually he was named to Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Gold 1st Team -10. Before Unicaja, Sinanovic was a member of Real Madrid from 2005 to 2009 (including loans to Real Madrid II, Koln and Burgos). Real Madrid was ACB and ULEB Cup champion in 2007 and player appeared 11 times in both competitions that season. In the past, Nedzad Sinanovic played for Pepinster and Citluk. He is active member of the Bosnian NT. He had 4.4 ppg and 3.8 rpg for 8 games in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications.

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BRAZIL

Sidao is back in Spain - by Paulo Freire (T)

The Brazilian center of 2, 15 m height and 29 years old, Sidnei De Santana (215-C-83) returns to Spain where he will play next season for the Knet Rioja of Adecco. The player is back to Spain after a season playing for the Clube Recreativo e Desportivo do Libolo from Angola where he won the local League championship.

Sidao is a very strong player physically with good coordination and with great experience in the LEB League. with his size and wingspan, he has just initimidando the opponents on defense, inhibiting shooting and infiltrations of rivals.

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BULGARIA

Euroleague: Pallacanestro Cantu downs Lukoil Academic 87-79 - by Eurobasket News

Pall. Cantu - Lukoil Academik 87-79
Pallacanestro Cantu advanced to the second stage of the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Qualifying Rounds and now stands two wins away from realizing its dream of returning to elite competition after holding off Lukoil Academic Sofia 87-79 Tuesday in Desio, Italy. Newcomers Alex Tyus (205-C-88, college: Florida) scored 18 points on 8-of-9 shooting and Jerry Smith (188-PG-87, college: Louisville) shined with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals to lead the host team. Cantu used a 13-2 run that bridged the third and fourth quarters to take the lead for good, but needed to work in the end after a pair of Brandon Heath three-pointers brought Sofia within 3. But a combined 3 free throws from Tyus and Smith in the final minute iced the win. Manuchar Markoishvili (196-SF-86) added 15 points and Marco Cusin (210-C-85, agency: Interperformances) and Pietro Aradori (195-SG-88) netted 12 apiece for the winners. Cusin also blocked 4 shots. Heath scored 21 and dished 5 assists, while Darryl Watkins (211-C-84, college: Syracuse) posted 18 points and 15 rebounds and Bozhidar Avramov (196-PG-90, agency: Interperformances) added 14 points for Sofia, which will now compete in the 2012-13 Eurocup. Courtesy of Euroleague

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CANADA

Losing Eddie Smith to Laval hurt, but his replacement from the Oshawa Power is called 'a great fit' - by Eurobasket News (T)

The London Lightning couldnt bring back Eddie Smith (6'2''-G-83, agency: Veracity Sports, LLC, college: Ill.-Springfield) so they did what they could to replace him.

And while Smith leaves the defending National Basketball League of Canada champion with big shoes to fill, the Lightning think theyve done a pretty good job of finding feet to fit.

Smith, the winner of the NBLs sixth man award, was traded to the Laval Kebs Monday for the Kebs first pick in the 2013 draft.

Then the Lightning traded their third-round pick in that draft along with cash to the Oshawa Power to bring shooting guard Morgan Lewis (6'4''-F-87, college: Findlay, OH) to London.

Lewis, the first player picked in the NBLs inaugural draft in 2011, played 25 games for the Power last year and was an all star. He led the league in steals and averaged more than 16 points a game. He also had games of 39 and 38 points.

Hes just an all-round complete player, Lightning general manager Taylor Brown said. He can shoot but he can also bring the ball up the floor. Hes going to be a great fit for our team.

Lewis was one of the leaders for the 2008-09 University of Findley Oilers, who went 36-0 to win the NCAA Division II championship.

He was part of a talented Power team that didnt find its rhythm until the second half of the season. They made a late surge for the playoffs and almost made it. This summer, though, the Power have made significant changes.

Smith played a key role in helping the Lightning win the title but was unhappy with having to come off the bench. He signed a contract with the Kebs, which the Lightning matched. But the Lightning and Smith couldnt come to an understanding he was traded to the Kebs.

Smith delivered many of his top performances in big games. His ability to draw fouls was often a key component in bringing the Lightning back from being behind.

We were going to match, that was a no-brainer, Brown said.

Despite Smiths loss, the Lightning are putting together another solid team with NBL most valuable player Gabe Freeman, forwards Tim Ellis and Shamari Spears and guard DeAnthony Bowden all coming back.

In addition, the Lightning have signed draft pick Adrian Moss and are bringing in solid players Josh Pace, Elvin Mims and Terrell Bell.

Courtesy of www.lfpress.com

Mill Rats ink three former Razorsharks - by Eurobasket News (T)

The Saint John Mill Rats announced today (Sept. 24) the signing of 6'8 power forward James Reaves (6'8''-F-82, agency: TSS Management, college: Niagara), 6'0 point guard Jerice Crouch (6'0''-G-84, college: Chattanooga), and 6'4 guard Melvin Council (6'3''-G-82, college: Robert Morris). The three players were teammates on the Rochester Razorsharks of the Premier Basketball League (PBL) over the past several years.

"We are thrilled at the talent these young men possess, their character, and also their camaradrie and chemistry will be important," stated Mill Rats president and general manager Ian McCarthy. "They've won an awful lot of basketball games in their careers and project to gel really well with our core veterans."

Reaves, also known as "Mook", is a bruising 245 pound post player with a soft touch and great hands. He averaged 13.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game last season in Mexico for the Barreteros de Zacatecazs. His last season in Rochester he posted 17.1 points and 9.0 rebounds per game averages. He is well traveled internationally, having also played in Finland, Germany, and Venezuela.

Crouch has been the starting point guard for the Razorsharks over the past five seasons, and last year averaged 14.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. He also has had stints in Holland, Finland, and Slovakia. He is a tremendous team leader and defensive hawk.

Council is a 6'4 combo guard who is equally adept at the point guard and shooting guard slots. Council generated 8.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists for the Razorsharks in last season. He was a third round draft pick in the NBA Development League draft in 2007 by the Austin Toros.

The Mill Rats have also come to terms with their second and third round draft picks, 6'2 guard Darin Mency (6'2''-G, college: Merrimack), and 6'6 forward Taneiko Robinson (6'7''-F-88).

The Saint John Mill Rats regular season opener is Nov. 3 at Harbour Station.

Courtesy of www.sackvilletribunepost.com

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CROATIA

Gary Ervin leaving Zadar. Chaisson Allen coming as a replacement? - by Dajana Karl

As expected, Gary Ervin (183-PG-83, college: Arkansas) and KK Zadar have decided to part their ways because of mutual dissatisfaction.

The club's sporting director, Branko Skroce, said that they're just a signature away.

"Ervin's agents and KK KK Zadar agreed that the player failed to acclimate or show the reason why he was brought so we prepared the termination papers by mutual consent. Please note that Ervin's party acted correctly and agreed to parting our ways, and the rest is just a formality of signature so that he could officially become a free agent."

"I'm sorry both parties didn't workout, but I wish the club and fans a great season. As for me, I'm hearing from other teams and will move on to having a great season. Thank you!" - Ervin said.

Seems like Chaisson Allen (192-PG-89, college: Northeastern) will be coming as Ervin's replacement. Allen spent his last season, along with Romeo Travis (201-PF-84, college: Akron), playing for Galil Bilboa, averaging 11.7 points in 7 games he played. KK Zadar's head coach, Ante Nazor is hoping that he'll show a lot more than Ervin, around which he planned on building a whole team, but in the end, it didn't work out.

Zadar pushes hard to sign Hrvoje Peric - by Eurobasket News

Zadar still negotiates with its former player Hrvoje Peric (203-F-85). According Sports Director Branko Skroce, talks are intensified these days and he hopes that Peric will be their biggest reinforcement for the upcoming season. Hrvoje Peric played for Zadar from 2008 to 2010. Last season he spent with Unicaja Malaga averaging 7.7 points and 3.9 rebounds for 15 Euroleague games. Peric registered slightly lower numbers for 32 appearances in Liga Endesa. Hrvoje Peric signed with Unicaja during the summer of 2010, but he was sent on loan to Benetton Treviso for 2010/11. There Peric had 7.7 ppg and 3.3 rpg for 36 Italian league games. They reached Playoffs Semifinals in SerieA and in EuroCup as well. In the past, Peric played for Split and they won Croatian Cup together in 2004. Two years ago Peric was named Eurobasket.com All-Croatian A1 League Forward of the Year.
Also Zadar will release Gary Ervin (183-PG-83, college: Arkansas) these days.

Marin Kukoc leaves University of Pennsylvania basketball team - by Eurobasket News (T)

As four new freshmen were added to Penn's roster this week, one junior was removed.

Junior Marin Kukoc (6'7''-G/F-92) is no longer a member of the Penn men's basketball team. The son of the former Bulls sixth man and 1995-6 NBA Sixth Man of the Year, Toni Kukoc, struggled with a back injury and did not play his freshman season, and fought for playing time in his sophomore campaign. The 6-foot-7 guard averaged 2.5 points and 1.6 rebounds per 10 minutes of playing time per game.

We have not confirmed the exact reasons for Kukoc's departure, but he is still on campus and enrolled.

Courtesy of http://blogs.dailypennsylvanian.com

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CYPRUS

CZECH REPUBLIC

Euroleague: CEZ Nymburk eliminates Oostende in Qualifying Round opener, 83-65 - by Eurobasket News

CEZ Basketball Nymburk - Telenet Oostende 83-65

Czech champion CEZ Basketball Nymburk advanced to the second stage of the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Qualifying Rounds with a resounding 83-65 victory on the opening game of the eight-team event in Desio, Italy. Nymburk pieced together a 17-2 run that bridged the third and fourth quarters to break open what had been a close game to that point. A.J. Abrams (180-G-86, agency: Two Points, college: Texas) scored 6 of his team-high 15 points during that stage to spark the winners. Nymburk also outshot Oostende from three-point range by making 12 of 26 (46.1%) and outrebounded the Belgian champs 37-32. Petr Benda (204-C-82, agency: Court Side) scored 14, Michael Taylor (188-G-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: Iowa St.) 13, Miljan Pavkovic (178-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) 10 and Pavel Houska (204-F/C-84) added 9 points and 11 rebounds for Nymburk, which plays next on Thursday. Matt Lojeski (198-G-85, college: Hawaii) paced Oostende with 16 points, Brent Wright (203-F/C-78, college: Florida) tallied 14 points and 9 rebounds and Dusan Katnic (193-G-89, agency: Beo Basket) also scored 14 in defeat. As a result of the loss, Oostende will play in the 2012-13 Eurocup.

Courtesy of Euroleague

Jeremiah Wilson Made Preseason Debut with NH Ostrava at Weekend Tournament in Levice - by Surujh Roopnarine (T)

This past weekend BK Nova Hut Ostrava took part in a warm-up tournament in Astrum Levice, Slovakia where was the debut of new reinforcement Jeremiah Wilson (203-F-87, college: Tarleton St.). Wilson, a 6-8 forward out of Tarleton State (NCAA2) arrived to Ostrava after having left Colombia earlier this month where he played for Cafeteros de Armenia in the Copa Federacion. In his third professional season, Wilson, 24, has experience playing in Argentina, Chile and Australia in addition to his stint in California. A Chicago, Illinois native, Wilson averaged 10.8 points and 8.1 rebounds in 2009-10 as a senior at Tareleton State. Earlier this year he played for the Cockburn Cougars of Australia's SBL, where in 27 games he averaged 24.4 points, 13.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.6 blocks while leading the Cougars to the league title. Over the weekend after a lengthy journey, Wilson played against Domzale and Astrum Levice, tallying six and nine points respectively in his first action with his new club.

Overall, Ostrava had a successful tournament defeating Slovenian club Helios Domzale 87-64 and Hungarian Albacomp-UPC Szekesfehervarem 83-64, before falling to host Astrum Levice 81-84 in the final.

BK Nova Hut Ostrava - Albacomp-UPC Szekesfehervar 83:64 (21:19, 40:33,61:52)
OSTRAVA: Justin Greene (203-F-89, college: Kent St.) (16pts), Jan Stehlik (182-G-86) (14pts), Adam Ciz (190-PG-91) (12pts), Ludek Jurecka (199-G-83) (9pts+7reb), Rashaan Ames (184-PG-78, college: Shaw) (7pts+5ast), Rostislav Pelikan (207-F/C-78) (7pts), Martin Gniadek (202-F/C-90) (6pts), Adam Urbanek (197-F-93) (6pts), Filip Zbranek (192-G-89) (6pts)

Helios Domzale - BK Nova Hut Ostrava 64: 87 (11:16, 23:42, 41:67)
OSTRAVA: Justin Greene 12pts+8reb, Rostislav Pelikan (11pts), Adam Ciz (11pts), Ludek Jurecka (11pts), Filip Zbranek (9pts), Stehlk (9pts), Rashaan Ames (8pts), Martin Gniadek (8pts), Jeremiah Wilson (6pts), Adam Urbanek (1pt)

Astrum Levice - BK Nova Hut Ostrava 84:81 (17:19, 36:33, 58:60)
LEVICE: David Kyles (193-G-89, college: Wichita St.) (23pts), Jeremy Simmons (203-F-89, agency: Interperformances, college: Charleston) (21pts), Salih Nuhanovic (209-C-82) (13pts), Willie Kemp (188-G-87, college: Memphis) (6pts), Martin Sykora (193-G/F-81) (6pts), Troy Gottselig (203-F-87) (6pts)
OSTRAVA: Justin Greene (17pts), Adam Ciz (14pts), Filip Zbranek (12pts), Ludek Jurecka (9pts), Jeremiah Wilson (9pts), Rashaan Ames (7pts), Martin Gniadek (6pts), Rostislav Pelikan (4pts), Jan Stehlik (3pts)

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DENMARK

Danish Ligaen round 1 best performance: Mickey Dennis - by Eurobasket News

American swingman Mickey Dennis (190-G/F-78) had an amazing evening for SISU, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 1.
The 34-year old player was the main contributor (26 points, seven rebounds and seven assists) to his team's victory, helping them to crush Naestved (0-1) with 21-point margin 82-61. Dennis had a remarkable 88.9% from 2-point range. He has many years of experience at SISU, through which he has constantly improved.

The second best player in first round's games was 27-year old former international forward Casper Hesseldal (198-F-85, agency: Dynamics Global Management) of Horsholm. Hesseldal had a very good evening with a double-double of 26 points and 12 rebounds. Bad luck as Horsholm lost that game 74-90 to Bakken (1-0). Hesseldal is a newcomer at Horsholm, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was U.S. Virgin Islands Gregory Washington (208-C/F-84) of Svendborg. Washington scored 21 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Svendborg, leading his team to a 97-87 win against Horsens IC (0-1). Svendborg has good start of the season. But there was just one game played, so it's too early to judge them at this stage. Washington also has a very good start of the season with very strong stats. It already looks like he can be team's leader.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Ryan Willen (204-F/C-89) of Aalborg - 32 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Donald Rutherford (199-F/C-87) of Svendborg - 19 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Keane Thomann (211-C-89) of Horsens IC - 24 points and 12 rebounds
7. Louis Gibson (195-SF-90) of Aarhus BC - 14 points, 4 rebounds and 16 assists
8. Hristo Petkov (202-F-85) of Aarhus BC - 22 points and 11 rebounds
9. Adama Darboe (190-G-86) of Svendborg - 30 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Randy Dezouvre (195-F/G-87) of Aarhus BC - 19 points and 14 rebounds

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)

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

D-LEAGUE

BayHawks sign 5-year extension with LECOM - by Eurobasket News

The Erie BayHawks announced Monday that they have signed a five-year contract extension with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

As a result, LECOM will serve as the NBA Development League franchise's exclusive medical provider through the 2017-18 D-League season.

In addition, the BayHawks will continue to wear the "LECOM" name on their game jerseys during that time. The BayHawks also will promote LECOM via various signage, print and other media.

LECOM doctors will continue to serve as the team's exclusive medical provider, and the LECOM Medical Fitness & Wellness Center will be the team's official practice and workout facility. LECOM also will form a strength and conditioning program for the BayHawks that aligns with the New York Knicks, the team's NBA affiliate.

"Since their beginnings the BayHawks have strived to become a valuable partner to the Erie community, and there is no better example of their success in this regard than this multi-year partnership with an innovative, like-minded organization like LECOM," NBA D-League president Dan Reed said.

Courtesy of www.goerie.com

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

EL SALVADOR

First Division updating - by Jaime Arevalo

Leones and UTEC came ut winners from saturday evening Clausura games. The first game ended 86-83 for Leones over Chaleco. Scoring 30 points to lead his Leones team, Hugo Salazar (189-F-81) was the man of the game, Isidro Andaluz (178-PG-88) added 19 pts, Arturo Escamilla (185-F-77) 18. At the losing side, Chaleco had Alex Burgos with 26 pts, followed by Rene Palma with 12 and Herbert Penate with 11.
The secong game was a "stellar" meeting between ExSAL and UTEC, and the score went up and down between the two teams all game long. ExSal anded ahead the 1st quarter (22-10), UTEC took the 2nd quarter (29-10), ExSAL again won 3rd quarter (28-11), but wasn' t able to answer to the come back of UTEC, winner ofthe game 81-79. Jorge Loucel (186-F-90) scored 27 pts to lead UTEC, followed by Eduardo Aguilar (176-PG-86), with 14. Martin Ignacio Ramos (170-PG-92) led ExSAL in a 27 points losing effort. Guillermo Ochoa (190-F-93) and Eduardo Escalante (G-93) added 14 pts each at the losing side.

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

ESTONIA

Tofas one step away from EuroChallenge regular season - by Eurobasket News

Rakvere Tarvas - Tofas 76:106

Tofas have almost secured their EuroChallenge regular season appearance. They bruised Rakvere Tarvas in Estonia tonight to enjoy a massive 30-point lead heading into the home leg of the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round series. Joshua Heytvelt (210-F/C-86, college: Gonzaga) came up with 28 points and 7 rebounds to lead the Turkish team.
Tofas started the game aggressively. They fired 33 points in the opening quarter to take a 6-point lead. Tofas maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They ensured a 56:47 halftime advantage. Tofas boosted the gap in the third term. The visitors ensured a 15-point lead at the final intermission. Tofas finished off Tarvas with a 30:15 run in the fourth frame. Steven Burtt (185-G-84, college: Iona) delivered 20 points, while Chinemelu Elonu (206-F/C-87, college: Texas A&M) added 14 points for Tofas. Clarence Jackson (193-G-89, college: Siena) answered with 17 points for Rakvere. Reimo Tamm (185-PG-84) netted 13 points in the loss.

Rakvere Tarvas: Clarence Jackson 17, Reimo Tamm 13
Tofas: Joshua Heytvelt 28, Steven Burtt 20, Chinemelu Elonu 14

From Baltic Tiger to Memphis Grizzly - by Julius Johnson

This is a coming of age story of a Tiger that became a Bear.

23 year old Michael Dunigan is one of the newest members of the Memphis Grizzlies and his trail to the NBA is truly a tall tale.

His professional career started in Jerusalem where management saw an investment opportunity; they would train him in the pre-season and then loan him to teams where he could develop his craft in game situations.

His first stop was the tiny Baltic country, Estonia, which culminated in a league championship. Skipping the parade, Dunigan jetted back to Chicago to partake in the NBA pre draft combine, where he surprised scouts with his length and improved body.

Despite rising in the mock drafts, Dunigan was not selected in the 2011 draft. The next day, the Grizzlies brought Dunigan to Memphis, giving him the VIP treatment. Just a few days later, the NBA locked out players, leaving Dunigan without a summer league to further showcase his improvement.

So, Dunigan hired the NBA's most famous trainer, Tim Grover. After the summer, Dunigan signed to play in Italy, where his coach had the reputation of being fantastic with young players. In Europe, a young roster equates to young prospects and very few wins. Within a month, Dunigan lost playing time to an Italian veteran.

In an effort to find needed playing time, Dunigan accepted a job in the Ukraine. That winter, more than 100 people died from cold weather. But Dunigan braved the conditions, consistently scoring and rebounding all season. As the NBA regular season was near an end, both the Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies were on the cusp of offering Dunigan, only to learn that Dunigan had sustained an injury that would keep him out for two weeks. Jerusalem then backed out of their relationship, thinking their opportunity to collect a buyout has been exhausted.

So, Dunigan returned to Chicago and immediately began training. Soon he learned that the Grizzlies had invited him to NBA summer League. Only one day before his scheduled departure, he sustained an ankle injury that knocked him out of Summer League. Back to training and ankle rehab with Physical Therapist, Dave Reavy, known for working medical miracles for Dwyane Wade, Tracy McGrady, and Gilbert Arenas.

The Grizzlies kept a watchful eye on Dunigan throughout the summer and eventually invited him to training camp.

With only two true centers, and the backup still recovering from hand surgery, the Grizzlies may look to Dunigan for needed depth.

What began as the history of a hard luck hooper has become the feel-good fairy tale of a man who became a Grizzly Bear.

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Reinis STRUPOVICS
  Valga
  (192-G-87)
  Avg: 20.9

1. Strupovics, Valga	20.9
2. Raadik, Parnu	18.1
3. Raley-Ross, Tln K.	17.3
4. Soo, Rapla	16.8
5. Cipruss, Tarvas	16.7
6. Raap, Parnu	16.2
7. Veideman, Tartu U.	15.6
8. Pilk, TTU	15.3
9. Hallik, Tarvas	14.4
10. Akenparg, TTU	14.3

Rebounds Per Game

Kaspars CIPRUSS
  Tarvas
  (210-C-82)
  Avg: 10

1. Cipruss, Tarvas	10.0
2. Cricelli, Valga	8.4
3. Fedortchuk, Tln K.	8.2
4. Raadik, Parnu	7.8
5. Arnold, TTU	7.6
6. Fall, Kalev/Cramo	7.6
7. Shaw, Tln Kalev	7.4
8. Ringmets, Rapla	6.8
9. Pilk, TTU	6.6
10. Hallik, Tarvas	6.0

Assists Per Game

Edgars CUNDA
  Valga
  (195-G-84)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Cunda, Valga	4.5
2. Laane, Rapla	4.2
3. Sokk, Tartu Ulikool	4.1
4. Sirsnins, Tarvas	3.8
5. Kriisa, Tarvas	3.6
6. Pilk, TTU	3.6
7. Dorbek, Tarvas	3.4
8. Raap, Parnu	3.3
9. Kriisa, Tartu Ulik.	3.1
10. Keedus, TTU	3.0

Steals Per Game

Edgars CUNDA
  Valga
  (195-G-84)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Cunda, Valga	2.5
2. Raley-Ross, Tln K.	2.2
3. Veideman, Tartu U.	2.1
4. Laane, Rapla	2.0
5. Dorbek, Tarvas	1.9
6. Kaldre, Rapla	1.9
7. Raap, Parnu	1.8
8. Cricelli, Valga	1.7
9. Strupovics, Valga	1.6
10. Dorbek, Kalev/Cr.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Bamba FALL
  Kalev/Cramo
  (216-C-86)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Fall, Kalev/Cramo	2.1
2. Raadik, Parnu	1.4
3. Amis, Tartu Ulikool	1.1
4. Fedortchuk, Tln K.	1.0
5. Toome, Kalev/Cramo	0.6
6. Ulyanko, Kalev/Cr.	0.6
7. Veski, Tarvas	0.5
8. Hallik, Tarvas	0.5
9. Keedus, TTU	0.4
10. Makke, TTU	0.4

Eurochallenge: Tofas ruins Tarvas' euro-debut - by Janar

BC Rakvere Tarvas lost 76:106 to Bursa Tofas in the qualifying round game of FIBA EuroChallenge. It was the first time ever for the city of Rakvere to host a European cup competition game. Former NCAA star Joshua Heytvelt (210-F/C-86, college: Gonzaga) led the winners with 28 points and 7 rebounds, Steven Burtt (185-G-84, college: Iona) added 20 and Chinemelu Elonu (206-F/C-87, college: Texas A&M) 14 points.
Clarence Jackson (193-G-89, college: Siena) scored 17 for the hosts, Reimo Tamm (185-PG-84) added 13 and Raitis Grafs (208-C-81, college: Valparaiso) 12 points. Hosts were outrebounded 30:42.

The game was quite even at the first half. The hosts led three times in the opening quarter - 2:0, 17:13 (Heytvelt had scored all 13) and 21:20 - but the guests made 6:13 run to close the first quarter 27:33. In 2nd an almost even game continued as it was 43:49 with three minutes left to play. Both Heytvelt and Burtt had 18 points in first half.
On third, Jackson scored 7 points in a row and held the gap to a mere 5 points (58:63) but since then, the guests stormed away with a 3:13 run.
In 4th, the game became quite ugly from the hosts point of view.

Next week, the 2nd game will be played in Bursa with nothing much on stake, already.

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

EUROCHALLENGE

EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1 results and stats - by Eurobasket News

Gaz Metan - Ural Ekaterinb. 67-69
Ural Ekaterinburg win the road game at the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round. The Russian team upset Gaz Metan 69:67 in Romania. The guests trailed by 2 points after three quarters before their 19-15 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Ural Ekaterinburg made 18-of-23 free shots during the game. Dmitriy Arteshin drew a foul and made one of two free-throws for the two-point win. Chris Monroe (191-G-81, college: G.Washington) stepped up with 23 points for the winners and McGhee Aaron posted 19. Anton Glazunov (182-G-86) delivered 9 and Baranov Oleg scored 7. American forward Deven Mitchell (197-F-84, agency: Interperformances) answered with 24 points and 9 rebounds and Serbian power forward Aleksandar Mladenovic 12 points in the effort for Gaz Metan. Slobodan Dundjerski (188-G-88, agency: Alti Sport) notched 10, while St.John Mike scored 9. The second leg will be played next week in Russia.

Kataja - Aliaga 82-70
Kataja recorded the first win in the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round series versus Aliaga Petkim. The Finnish team posted a 12-point win at home court. Petri Virtanen (183-PG-80) scored 17 points to lead the hosts. It all went Aliga Petkim way in the first half. The Turkish team gained control in the starting quarter and posted a 19:15 lead after ten minutes. The Turkish team boosted the margin in the second frame. Aliaga ensured a 42:30 halftime advantage. But the Finnish team refused to give up. Petri Virtanen drained back-to-back triples to ignite a 12:2 run from the hosts as they got within 7 points 47:54. Aliaga managed to enter the fourth quarter up by 9 points 60:51. But Kataja quickly denied the deficit as Nenonen drew things level at 64. Soon Kataja went on a 16:0 rally to establish an 80:68 lead. They maintained it till the final buzzer. Jerald Fields provided 13 points, while Jonte Flowers added 10 points in the victory. Orhan Haciyeva (200-PF-89) answered with 26 points and 12 rebounds for Aliaga Petkim. Branislav Ratkovica (192-G-85, agency: Beo Basket) netted 15 points in the loss.

Tarvas - Tofas 76-106
Tofas have almost secured their EuroChallenge regular season appearance. They bruised Rakvere Tarvas in Estonia tonight to enjoy a massive 30-point lead heading into the home leg of the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round series. Joshua Heytvelt (210-F/C-86, college: Gonzaga) came up with 28 points and 7 rebounds to lead the Turkish team. Tofas started the game aggressively. They fired 33 points in the opening quarter to take a 6-point lead. Tofas maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They ensured a 56:47 halftime advantage. Tofas boosted the gap in the third term. The visitors ensured a 15-point lead at the final intermission. Tofas finished off Tarvas with a 30:15 run in the fourth frame. Steven Burtt delivered 20 points, while Chinemelu Elonu (206-F/C-87, college: Texas A&M) added 14 points for Tofas. Clarence Jackson (193-G-89, college: Siena) answered with 17 points for Rakvere. Reimo Tamm netted 13 points in the loss.

Klosterneub. - Apollon 70-78
Apollon beat Xion Dukes in Klosterneuburg in the opening game of the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round tie. The team from Cyprus grabbed 78:70 victory before the next appearance at home. Xion Dukes started better and won the first period 18-13. The guests trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 3-point lead at the halftime. Moreover Apollon posted two narrow wins in the second half to win the game. American forward Brandon Brown (201-F-85, agency: Three Eye Sports, college: CS San Bernar.) nailed a double-double by scoring 24 points and 17 rebounds for the winning side and his fellow American import point guard MaJic Dorsey accounted for 12 points and 10 assists. Brown is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Apollon players scored in double figures. Bosnian power forward Ramiz Suljanovic came up with 22 points and 8 rebounds and swingman Christoph Nagler (196-G/F-84) added 14 points respectively for Xion Dukes in the defeat.

Standings

EuroChallenge Standings

Group A
1. Etha			0-0
2. Karsiyaka			0-0
3. Krka			0-0
Group B
1. Keravnos			0-0
2. Krasnie Krilya			0-0
3. Ploiesti			0-0
Group C
1. Norrkoping			0-0
2. Pyrinto			0-0
3. Sodertalje			0-0
4. Ventspils			0-0
Group D
1. Dijon			0-0
2. Khimik			0-0
3. Tartu Ulikool			0-0
Group E
1. Aalstar			0-0
2. M.Hainaut			0-0
3. Paris-Levallois			0-0
4. Pitesti			0-0
Group F
1. EWE Baskets			0-0
2. Kormend			0-0
3. Szolnok			0-0
4. Timisoara			0-0
Group G
1. Gravelines			0-0
2. Minsk-2006			0-0
3. Nancy			0-0
Group H
1. Antwerp			0-0
2. Armia			0-0
3. Hapoel Holon			0-0
4. Telekom Baskets			0-0
Qualifying Round
1. Apollon			1-0
2. Kataja			1-0
3. Tofas			1-0
4. Ural Ekaterinb.			1-0
5. Aliaga			0-1
6. Gaz Metan			0-1
7. Klosterneub.			0-1
8. Tarvas			0-1

Qualifying Round: Round 1

Sep. 25: Kataja - Aliaga 82-70
Sep. 25: Tarvas - Tofas 76-106
Sep. 25: Klosterneub. - Apollon 70-78
Sep. 25: Gaz Metan - Ural Ekaterinb. 67-69

Qualifying Round: Round 2

Oct. 2: Ural Ekaterinb. - Gaz Metan
Oct. 2: Tofas - Tarvas
Oct. 2: Aliaga - Kataja
Oct. 2: Apollon - Klosterneub.

Interview: Orhan Haciyeva from Aliaga Petkim - by Diamadis Farmakis

Orhan Haciyeva (200-PF-89) has returned to Aliaga Petkim in Turkey as a different player after a stunning performance for Azerbaijan in the EuroBasket Qualification Round. Here is his interview in the official site of FIBA Europe.

Aliaga's Haciyeva, a versatile 23-year-old small forward, averaged 17,5 points and 12 rebounds, in the 2013 Eurobasket qualification round, with Azerbaijan. That 12,5 rebounds per game was not only a team-high, but led all players in the Qualification Round

Haciyeva was thrilled with his own performance, but the only thing that mattered was team success. He will not be able to take part in a glamorous 24-team EuroBasket in Slovenia.

''It's a pity," he said. ''Basketball in Azerbaijan in Soviet Union times was good, but that was many years ago. No one plays any more. The same players that were playing nine years ago when I left for Turkey are the same players that are still there.''

When asked if Azerbaijan had captured the imagination of sports fans in Baku and surroundings with their impressive performances, he answered: ''The first games, there were few fans in the gym. I couldn't believe it. "It was our first time in the Qualification Round and there were no commercials, no advertisements''. "After two or three games, the gym was really crowded.''

Aliaga Petkim will be one of the beneficiaries of Azerbaijan's strong showing in the Qualification Round. They have gotten a 2.00m small forward back whose confidence has reached an all-time high. Truth be told, though, Aliaga Petkim may be the ones that deserve much of the credit for Haciyeva's emergence in 2012.

Having spent several years in the Efes club system, starting as a youth, Haciyeva departed for Aliaga Petkim last season.

** ''When I went to Aliaga, I had to learn the system and the coaches didn't really know me that well," he said. "But the last six or seven games, I played really well. "Last year, we had seventh place and made the play-offs in Turkey.''

** ''The club has been emboldened by their great 2011-12 campaign when the post-season was deemed by some to be out of reach. Everyone has returned to the club this year looking to prove that last year was no fluke.''

Haciyeva doesn't like to get too far ahead of himself, but rather take it one step at a time. But he can't resist thinking about the possibilities.

** "If we pass this Qualifying Round, we'll play in a group (Group B) that is not such a hard group. "We'll play the team from Russia, Krasnye Krylia, they're a really good team. When I spoke to my coach, he said maybe they would take first place and we'd have to qualify for the next round as second.''

** "I read an interview where our coach, Werner Sallomon, said, "Maybe we can make the Final Four in the EuroChallenge." "I thought, Why not?' "Let's take it step by step. First pass this round, then go to the next round, then another group''.

The French teams in the 2012/13 Eurochallenge - by Diamadis Farmakis

Four clubs in total will represent France in the 2012/13 EuroChallenge Regular Season. Although the French Pro A league ended as late as June, the teams are already busy on the transfer market. Paris, Nancy, Dijon, Gravelines. We analyse their rosters.

**Paris Levallois have added valuable experience to their roster by signing Maleye NDoye and John Cox

NDoye, a 2.02 m small forward from Senegal, has spent the previous eight years playing in Europe including seven seasons in the French top-flight

Cox is also facing his eighth campaign in France. The 31-year-old combo guard was one of the key players for Le Havre in the past two seasons

The most prominent acquisition for Paris, though, might be French international Antoine Diot.

Sidelined with a back injury, the 23-year-old only played four games for Le Mans in the past Pro A season and was a member of the French team at EuroBasket 2009.
.
In another deal, 21-year-old guard Malela Mutuale has been loaned to JDA Dijon.

**SLUC Nancy have announced their first two signings for the 2012-13 season.

Nicholas Pope and Marcellus Sommerville have both penned deals with the club.

Pope, a 1.98 m swingman and alumni of the University of Georgia, started his professional career in 2008. He spent the last three season in France's Pro A, playing for BCM Gravelines Dunkerque (2009-10) and STB Le Havre (2010-12).

Last season, the 28-year-old averaged 11.9 points and 4.1 rebounds and was called to the French All Star Game for the first time.

30-year-old Sommerville has plenty of experience in the Pro A as Nancy is already his eighth destination in France. The 2.00 m forward, who averaged 12.7 points and 5.8 rebounds last season at Le Mans, has signed a two-year contract.

**BCM Gravelines Dunkerque have signed Ousmane Sarra Camara to a three-year-contract.

The 2.04 m big man was a member of the French U20 team that won the silver medal at the 2009 European Championship.

Last season he averaged 5.7 points and 6.4 rebounds for Le Havre.
.
Camara brings a lot of intensity. Last season was his first real season as a professional and his performances have been very promising.He is replacing Dounia Issa who, after two seasons with the club, is headed to 2012 league finalists Le Mans.

**The fourth French team in the upcoming EuroChallenge season, JDA Dijon, have announced their first roster changes at a press conference.

Apart from getting Paris' Mutuale on loan, the club has extended their contract with Jrmy Leloup and has agreed terms with Mykal Riley.

Riley, a 1.98 m swingman from the USA, is joining Dijon from fellow French club Nanterre, where he averaged 11.4 points and 4.7 rebounds last year.

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Joshua HEYTVELT
  Tofas
  (210-F/C-86)
  Avg: 28

1. Heytvelt, Tofas	28.0
2. Haciyeva, Aliaga	26.0
3. Mitchell, Gaz Metan	24.0
4. Brown, Apollon	24.0
5. Monroe, Ural E.	23.0
6. Suljanovic, Kloste.	22.0
7. Burtt, Tofas	20.0
8. McGhee, Ural E.	19.0
9. Jackson, Tarvas	17.0
10. Virtanen, Kataja	17.0

Rebounds Per Game

Brandon BROWN
  Apollon
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 17

1. Brown, Apollon	17.0
2. Haciyeva, Aliaga	12.0
3. Francis, Aliaga	10.0
4. Mitchell, Gaz Metan	9.0
5. Robinson, Apollon	9.0
6. Suljanovic, Kloste.	8.0
7. McGhee, Ural E.	8.0
8. Geyik, Tofas	8.0
9. Heytvelt, Tofas	7.0
10. Chappell, Kloster.	6.0

Assists Per Game

MaJic DORSEY
  Apollon
  (185-PG-81)
  Avg: 10

1. Dorsey, Apollon	10.0
2. Monroe, Ural E.	7.0
3. Tamm, Tarvas	6.0
4. Ratkovica, Aliaga	6.0
5. Smith, Kataja	5.0
6. Glazunov, Ural E.	5.0
7. Dean, Aliaga	5.0
8. Sipahi, Tofas	4.0
9. Virtanen, Kataja	4.0
10. Laksa, Tarvas	4.0

Steals Per Game

Grigoris PANTOURIS
  Apollon
  (190-G/F-82)
  Avg: 4

1. Pantouris, Apollon	4.0
2. Smith, Kataja	3.0
3. Ratkovica, Aliaga	3.0
4. Fields, Kataja	3.0
5. Heytvelt, Tofas	2.0
6. Tamm, Tarvas	2.0
7. Haciyeva, Aliaga	2.0
8. Tuncer, Aliaga	2.0
9. Lanegger, Klostern.	2.0
10. Dybovskiy, Ural E.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Brandon BROWN
  Apollon
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 3

1. Brown, Apollon	3.0
2. Suljanovic, Kloste.	2.0
3. Elonu, Tofas	2.0
4. Baranov, Ural E.	2.0
5. Fields, Kataja	1.0
6. Jefferson, Apollon	1.0
7. Dybovskiy, Ural E.	1.0
8. Lanegger, Klostern.	1.0
9. Gutoaia, Gaz Metan	1.0
10. Bobb, Klosterneub.	1.0

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

EUROCUP

AZOVMASH loans center Raduljica from Efes - by Diamadis Farmakis

Azovmash Mariupol agreed to terms with Turkish club Anadolu Efes to take on center Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) on loan for the coming season. Raduljica (2.13 meters, 24 years old) signed a five-year deal with Efes in 2010, but spent last season on loan to Partizan Belgrade.

There he averaged 5,7 points and 3 rebounds in 10 Turkish Airlines Euroleague games and 11,6 points and 4 boards in 27 Adriatic League contests

Raduljica helped Partizan win the Serbian League and Cup double, he grew up in FMP Zeleznik, where he was the Serbian Leagues top scorer and rebounder for the 2009-10 season

He has also played for Borac Cacak in Serbia, Alba Berlin in Germany and for Efes and he also represented Serbia at the international level. He won a silver medal with the Serbian national team at EuroBasket 2009 and at the junior level helped Serbia win gold medals at the 2005 European Under-18 Championships, the 2007 World U-19 Championships and the 2008 European U-20 Championships, where he was named tournament MVP.

Cholet confirms signing of Terrell Everett, releases Ben Uzoh - by Eurobasket News (T)

Cholet officially announced singing of Terrell Everett (193-G-84, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Oklahoma) for the upcoming season. The team also released Ben Uzoh (191-PG-88, college: Tulsa).
Terrell Everett spent last season with German Eisbaeren Bremerhaven, He played 33 games in the league averaging 11.3 points, 4.9 assists and 4.5 rebounds. Everett signed with Bremerhaven in March of 2011. Before that, he played for Cibona Zagreb and Iraklis. He already played in France and it was in 2009/10 season. Everett split it between Chalon and Hyeres-Toulon. He played for Chalon also in 2006/07 and it was his rookie year.
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.

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EUROLEAGUE

Euroleague Qualifying Rounds live on Twitter! - by Giovanni Bargna

Today is the day. The new Euroleague season is upcoming as the Qualifying Rounds will start today at Desio, Italy.
Four days, eight teams, only one spot available in the Regular Season.
Unics Kazan, CEZ Nymburk, Telenet Oostende, MapoOro Cantu, Lukoil Sofia, Ratiopharm Ulm, Le Mans Sarthe and BC Donetsk challenging in a format that gives no second chances.

I'll be there and commentating live via twitter every single game of the tournament.
Eurobasket.com brings you to the Euroleague Qualifying Rounds, just follow me on Twitter.

Here is the full schedule of the tournament:

Tuesday, September 25, 2012
CEZ Nymburk vs. Telenet Oostende 18:00 CET
Pall. Cantu vs. Lukoil A. Sofia 20:45 CET

Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Unics Kazan vs. ratiopharm Ulm 18:00 CET
Le Mans Sarthe vs. BC Donetsk 20:45 CET

Round 2, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012
Winner QR1C vs. Winner QR1D 18:00 CET
Winner QR1A vs. Winner QR1B 20:45 CET

FINAL, Friday, September 28, 2012
Winner QR2B vs. Winner QR2A 20:30 CET

10 players to keep an eye on during 2012-13 season - by Dimitris Katsionis

Most of them are not the top names in their clubs but they have the potential for an impressive performance this year. Let's see some players who could have a breakout season in the upcoming Euroleague.

10. Krunoslav Simon (197-G/F-85, agency: Beo Basket) : The left-handed slasher and KK Zagrebs living legend, left the club after many years for coach Repesas Unicaja. Simon shows an all around offensive game with a variety of moves and excellent ballhandling ability. He could have his chances in an offense that gives opportunities to players able to create their own shoots.

9. K.C. Rivers (196-G/F-87, college: Clemson) : One of the best spot shooters in Europe. Hell find those shoots in Khimkis offense which is used to play this way (with the presence of Kelati) and also has great split-out guards like Planinic and Koponen. Rivers is an excellent defender (uses great his 6'9'' wingspan), has high basketball IQ and plays a low mistake basketball since the Clemson-years.

8. Sylven Landesberg (198-F/G-90, college: Virginia): Davin Smith is injured and David Logan tries to find his rhythm. Landesberg is the biggest underdog in David Blatt's rotation. Smart, knows how to put his body and taking advantage of his opponents weaknesses. Don't be surprised if the 22 year-old wing player become Maccabi's most reliable scorer through this season.

7. DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.): Alba's leader and a great scoring-ace. Sasa Obradovic sign Avdalovic to release him from full PG duties. Wood is nodal for Alba's game. And this year is nodal for Wood's career if he wants to open an elite-club's door..

6. Marcus Slaughter (204-C/F-85, college: San Diego St.): The undersized bomb in the paint from Bamberg. Kyle Hines did a fantastic job in Olympiakos's transition offense. What can Slaughter do in Real Madrid's up tempo game? Ideal center for this kind of basketball and a rebounder ace.

5. Blake Schilb (200-G/F-83, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Loyola, IL): Is there any other player that is used both like a creator and a screener in pick'n roll situations so many times in a game? Schilb dominated French league with his speed of thought and enforcement.

4. Matt Janning (193-G-88, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college:Northeastern): Janning is very aggressive in the first games with Montepaschi and produces stable scoring. If he works on his weaknesses ( drive) he can be a complete perimeter player very soon.

Keep an eye to Victor Sanikidze too. Shawn Stonerook's ghost will be in Palaestra almost every night but that won't bother Sanikidze to produce high energy, fighting spirit and elite rebounding for Montepaschi.

3. Patrick Christopher (196-G-88, college: California): While the other Istanbul teams spend millions for McCalebb, Hawkins and Farmar, Besiktas manage to sign a great young player like Christopher. Great upsides, he needs to be more stable in his scoring by improving his shot selection. We expect a very hard-nosed perimeter line from Besictas with Jerrels-Asic-Guler and Christopher.

2. Leo Westermann (198-G-92, agency: Beo Basket): Rare leadership skills for his age. Patience and great court vision. He is focus on getting hia teammates involved in the offense. Westerman can excel in Vujosevic's half court offense.

1. Nikola Mirotic (207-F/C-91): In Real Madrid's high octane offense, Rudy-Carroll and Llull are the main weapons. But in the half court, Laso's secret ace will be Mirotic. There are many possibilities, after the end of season for Mirotic to be considered as Europe's best power forward.

Qualifying Round: CEZ Nymburk, Cantu, Unics and Le Mans advance to second stage - by Eurobasket News

Le Mans - BC Donetsk 61-55
Le Mans advanced to the second stage of 2012/13 Euroleague Qualifying Round. Its rival will be Unics Kazan and game is scheduled for tomorrow at 20:45h. Donetsk will compete in EuroCup next season. Cam Long (193-G-88, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: George Mason) top-scored for the winners with 14 points, while Khalid El-Amin (178-G-79, college: Connecticut) and Alain Koffi (207-C-83, agency: Beo Basket) added 12 points each. Pape Sy (201-G/F-88) followed them with 10 pts. In defeat, Doron Perkins (188-PG-83, college: Santa Clara) was much better than the others with double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds. Vojdan Stojanovski (194-G-87) and Ramel Curry (192-G-80, college: CSU Bakersfield) posted 11 and 10 pts respectively. It is important to mention that D'or Fischer (211-C-81, college: W.Virginia) scored only 2 points for almost 30 minutes on the court. Quarters: 13-19, 22-12, 13-16, 13-8. Eight teams participated at the first stage of the Qualifying Round. Four are already eliminated, while only one ticket for the regular season is available.

CEZ Nymburk - Oostende 83-65
Czech champion CEZ Basketball Nymburk advanced to the second stage of the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Qualifying Rounds with a resounding 83-65 victory on the opening game of the eight-team event in Desio, Italy. Nymburk pieced together a 17-2 run that bridged the third and fourth quarters to break open what had been a close game to that point. A.J. Abrams (180-G-86, agency: Two Points, college: Texas) scored 6 of his team-high 15 points during that stage to spark the winners. Nymburk also outshot Oostende from three-point range by making 12 of 26 (46.1%) and outrebounded the Belgian champs 37-32. Petr Benda (204-C-82, agency: Court Side) scored 14, Michael Taylor (188-G-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: Iowa St.) 13, Miljan Pavkovic (178-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) 10 and Pavel Houska (204-F/C-84) added 9 points and 11 rebounds for Nymburk, which plays next on Thursday. Matt Lojeski (198-G-85, college: Hawaii) paced Oostende with 16 points, Brent Wright (203-F/C-78, college: Florida) tallied 14 points and 9 rebounds and Dusan Katnic (193-G-89, agency: Beo Basket) also scored 14 in defeat. As a result of the loss, Oostende will play in the 2012-13 Eurocup. Courtesy of Euroleague

Pall. Cantu - Lukoil Academik 87-79
Pallacanestro Cantu advanced to the second stage of the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Qualifying Rounds and now stands two wins away from realizing its dream of returning to elite competition after holding off Lukoil Academic Sofia 87-79 Tuesday in Desio, Italy. Newcomers Alex Tyus (205-C-88, college: Florida) scored 18 points on 8-of-9 shooting and Jerry Smith (188-PG-87, college: Louisville) shined with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals to lead the host team. Cantu used a 13-2 run that bridged the third and fourth quarters to take the lead for good, but needed to work in the end after a pair of Brandon Heath three-pointers brought Sofia within 3. But a combined 3 free throws from Tyus and Smith in the final minute iced the win. Manuchar Markoishvili (196-SF-86) added 15 points and Marco Cusin (210-C-85, agency: Interperformances) and Pietro Aradori (195-SG-88) netted 12 apiece for the winners. Cusin also blocked 4 shots. Heath scored 21 and dished 5 assists, while Darryl Watkins (211-C-84, college: Syracuse) posted 18 points and 15 rebounds and Bozhidar Avramov (196-PG-90, agency: Interperformances) added 14 points for Sofia, which will now compete in the 2012-13 Eurocup. Courtesy of Euroleague

Unics - Ratiopharm 91-73
Unics Kazan of Russia withstood a spirited challenge by Ratiopharm Ulm of Germany to win 91-73 in their Turkish Airlines Euroleague Qualifying Rounds game on Wednesday in Desio, Italy. Unics stays in the tournament, to play either Le Mans Sarthe Basket of France or BC Donetsk of Ukraine on Thursday. Ulm is eliminated, but will make its Eurocup debut, instead, this season. Terrell Lyday (190-G-79, college: BYU) blistered the nets by making 5 of his first 6 triples on the way to 21 points for the night to lead the winners. Ian Vougioukas (212-C/F-85, college: St.Louis) provided the inside scoring for Unics with 18 points, while Petr Samoylenko (185-PG-77), Chuck Eidson (202-F/G-80, agency: Three Eye Sports, college: S.Carolina), Mire Chatman (187-PG-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: UTPA) and Lyday each had 4 or more assists. Ulm, which made first-half noise with a 0-15 run and tried to do it again with the first 7 points of the fourth quarter, couldn't keep up with Unics, which was a Euroleague quarterfinalist last season. Allan Ray (188-G-84, college: Villanova) and John Bryant (208-C-87, college: Santa Clara) scored 17 points each for Ulm. Courtesy of Euroleague

Alba Berlin loses Nathan Peavy long-term - by Eurobasket News

Just a couple of weeks before starting the Turkish Airlines Euroleague season, Alba Berlin was hit with the worst possible news as forward Nathan Peavy (203-F-85, college: Miami, OH) suffered a long-term knee injury in a preseason game on Sunday. Peavy joined Alba over the summer from another German team, Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck, for whom he averaged 13.8 points and 6.3 rebounds in 40 games last season. He was due to make his Euroleague debut on October 12. Peavy's multiple injuries - a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and a broken femur - occured when he fell during in a preseason game in Italy against Varese. Even the timing was cruel, as the injury came just 30 seconds before the end of a 74-73 defeat in which Peavy had scored 10 points and pulled 5 rebounds. Upon the team's return to the German capital on Monday, the team's worst fears were confirmed by doctors at the Berlin Trauma Center, who said that Peavy can be expected to miss the entire season. Alba's sports director, Mithat Demirel, said that the team would look for a replacement. "This news hits Nathan and us very hard shortly before the start of the season," Demirel said. "He was a central player to our concept this season."

Courtesy of Euroleague

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FINLAND

FRANCE

ASVEL part ways with Chace Stanback - by Eurobasket News (T)

ASVEL decided to split ways with Chace Stanback (203-G/F-89, college: UNLV). The guard joined the team at the pre-season. However his performance did not satisfy the coaching staff. So ASVEL opted not to sign the deal with the guard. Chace Stanback is looking to start his pro career. The guard graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas this summer. He tallied 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game in his senior season. Chace Stanback participated at Reeses College All-Star Game. The guard took part at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. He notched 10.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game at the Pre-NBA Draft Tourney.

Cholet confirms signing of Terrell Everett, releases Ben Uzoh - by Eurobasket News (T)

Cholet officially announced singing of Terrell Everett (193-G-84, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Oklahoma) for the upcoming season. The team also released Ben Uzoh (191-PG-88, college: Tulsa).
Terrell Everett spent last season with German Eisbaeren Bremerhaven, He played 33 games in the league averaging 11.3 points, 4.9 assists and 4.5 rebounds. Everett signed with Bremerhaven in March of 2011. Before that, he played for Cibona Zagreb and Iraklis. He already played in France and it was in 2009/10 season. Everett split it between Chalon and Hyeres-Toulon. He played for Chalon also in 2006/07 and it was his rookie year.
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.

Charleville signs young center Mourad Benkloua - by Eurobasket News (T)

Mourad Benkloua (206-C-92) is a new member of Charleville. The young French center signed a deal for the upcoming season. Benkloua arrived to the club recently for tryout. It was successful and player got a 1-year deal. He spent last two seasons with Roanne, but played for their U21 team. Benklous didn't appear in a single ProA matchup in 2011/12. He got a chance once in 2010/11. Before Roanne, Mourad Benkloua played for CFBB. There he had 4.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 1.9 bpg for 33 games in their last season together. They competed in NM1. Two years ago Mourad Benkloua won Nike Euroleague Junior Tournament (Unofficial European Clubs Junior Championships) with CFBB. He had 4 ppg and 7.5 rpg for 2 games. In the past, he played for French U16 National Team.

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GERMANY

Erik Land Suffers Knee Joint Bruise - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

With the start of the Beko BBL 2012-2013 season only a week away, clubs are preparing the x and o,s against their first opponent and the last thing teams need now are injuries, but the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig have lost German Erik Land (203-C-90) only temporarily as the club announced yesterday. Land is a 203cm center that last year played for the Saar-Pfalz Braves and also won titles with the Brose Baskets Bamberg before that. Land is playing his first season with the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig, but suffered a painful knee joint bruise agaisnt the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven last weekend. He suffered the injury shortly before halftime as he collided with a Bremerhaven player. The Phantoms announced that Land will only have to rest a few days and will be assisted by physical therapist Benjamin Krug.

Source: New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig

Terrell Everett Departs From Beko BBL Moving To Cholet - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

After two seasons in the Beko BBL, Terrell Everett (193-G-84, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Oklahoma) will return back to France where he has played a lot in his career in the past for teams like Chalon, JDA Dijon Bourgogne and Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket. The 28 year old 193cm guard from Charleston, South Carolina had played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven the last two seasons playing a total of 46 Beko BBL games. He was one of those players that could really fill up the stat sheet especially the point, rebound and assist areas. Last season for Bremerhaven he played 33 games: 11.3ppg, 4.5rpg, Assists-3 (4.9apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 61.0%. He scored in double figures 21 times including 20 points or more three times. His best game was 25 points and six assists against 8 time Beko BBL champion Alba Berlin. At Cholet, the American will join ex Frankfurt Skyliner Travon Bryant, and Americans Marcus Goree and AJ Slaughter.

Eight new players for Muenchen Basket - by Moritz Korff (T)

Regionalliga team Muenchen Basket has announced the arrival of eight new players for the 2011-13 season. The group of newcomers is being spearheaded by Lucas Mucoucah (198-F/C-93), a former Brazilian junior international who is also holding a Portuguese passport. Steffen Methner (198-F-85) and Jonas Hartmann (184-G-76) will add experience to the team. Hartmann has spent these past two seasons with Pro B team Hertener Loewen, while Methner played for SG Sechtem (1.Regionalliga West) most recently.
Felix Stauch (201-F-92) transfers from Swiss LNA team Starwings Basel to Bavaria, while Philipp Schnitzler (192-F-86) returns to the Muenchen team after taking a break from basketball last season. Other newcomers are former MTSV Schwabing guard Toni Sperber (180-G-90), Alexander Kleinguetl - who shot hoops fro Deisenhofen in the 2011-12 campaign - and Marco De Santis (200-C-84), formerly at TuS Fuerstenfeldbruck (2.Regionalliga).

Cuxhaven BasCats sign Greg Onwuegbuzie - by Moritz Korff (T)

The Cuxhaven BasCats (2. Bundesliga Pro A) have signed Greg Onwuegbuzie (190-G-93) for the 2012-13 season. The 19-year-old will serve as a back up on the point guard spot. The Goettingen native, the son of a German mother and a Nigerian father, attended the NBBL Allstar Game last year and was able to gain some experience practicing with Goettingen's BBL team throughout the 2011-12 season. He also saw action in eleven games for Regionalliga side ASC Goettingen, averaging 2.1 points per contest. In his final season in the U19-Bundesliga he averaged 12.7 points, 4.9 boards and 3.4 assists a game for BBT Goettingen.

Rickie Crews agrees to terms with BG Dorsten - by Moritz Korff (T)

Rickie Crews (205-C, college: Holy Family) has put pen to paper on a contract with BG Dorsten, according to ruhrnachrichten.de. The post player was waived by Pro A team Crailsheim Merlins recently and joined Dorsten for a tryout shortly after. He posted a triple-double for his new team in an exhibition game this past weekend.
Crews attended NCAA Division One school Monmouth from 2006 to 2008 and then transferred to Holy Family University (NCAA Division Two). As a senior he ranked second in the nation in blocks per contest (3.8bpg) and also averaged 11.9 points as well as 6.9 rebounds a game.

Alba Berlin loses Nathan Peavy long-term - by Eurobasket News

Just a couple of weeks before starting the Turkish Airlines Euroleague season, Alba Berlin was hit with the worst possible news as forward Nathan Peavy (203-F-85, college: Miami, OH) suffered a long-term knee injury in a preseason game on Sunday. Peavy joined Alba over the summer from another German team, Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck, for whom he averaged 13.8 points and 6.3 rebounds in 40 games last season. He was due to make his Euroleague debut on October 12. Peavy's multiple injuries - a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and a broken femur - occured when he fell during in a preseason game in Italy against Varese. Even the timing was cruel, as the injury came just 30 seconds before the end of a 74-73 defeat in which Peavy had scored 10 points and pulled 5 rebounds. Upon the team's return to the German capital on Monday, the team's worst fears were confirmed by doctors at the Berlin Trauma Center, who said that Peavy can be expected to miss the entire season. Alba's sports director, Mithat Demirel, said that the team would look for a replacement. "This news hits Nathan and us very hard shortly before the start of the season," Demirel said. "He was a central player to our concept this season."

Courtesy of Euroleague

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GREECE

Stergios Koufos signed for two years with AGOR - by Giorgos Diploidis (T)

Stergios Koufos and A.G.O Rethymno Aegean will continue their co-operation for two more years. The board of the team a few days before the start of the new championship made a proposal to the coach and Koufos agreed to stay with the team of Crete for two more seasons.

Agor in the first period after returning in the A1 category with Stergios Koufos took the fifth place in the championship and their team played very attractive basketball and it caught the attention of their fans.

Euroleague.TV blasts off with special offers for the 2012-13 season! - by Diamadis Farmakis

The upcoming 2012-13 Turkish Airlines Euroleague promises non-stop thrills for basketball fans worldwide as Euroleague.TV rolls out new and exciting ways to enjoy the very best of international basketball.

The season starts with a bang on Euroleague TV with free live coverage of the entire do-or-die Turkish Airlines Euroleague Qualifying Rounds between Tuesday, September 25 and Friday, September 29.

Looking ahead with anticipation to the regular season, starting on Thursday, October 11. Euroleague TV brings fans more than ever before with high-quality live coverage, video news, highlights, top plays, weekly magazine shows and other special features

The new Euroleague.TV DVR Player enhances the live and on-demand video experience, with personal controls to pause, fast-forward and rewind live content while enjoying both in-game statistics and picture-in-picture features.

Subscribers will also be the first to see a new video feature, Magic Moments, showing the best clips from all Euroleague games minutes after they happen.

Fans will soon be able to takeEuroleague.TV anywhere they go, too! Euroleague.TV To Go will bring live game and on-demand video wherever fans want to watch, with access on countless devices including iPhone, iPad and Android.

Those who act now will also get huge discounts on exclusive access to the Turkish Airlines Euroleague's endless action. Early Bird pricing in place until October 5, 2012, lets fans purchase full-season Euroleague packages for just 54.99.

Visit www.euroleague.tv, now!

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HOLLAND

Matthew Otten, "Hard work and confidence is the key to success" - by Fred Roggen

I sat down with Dutch-American Matthew Otten (196-G-81, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: San Francisco St.), the 30-year-old former basketball player from San Fransisco State University, who returned to the Dutch Basketball League for his sixth professional basketball season in Europe. After graduating in 2004, he traveled to Europe to continue his career, where he still plays today. Since arriving, he has played for professional teams in Cyprus, United Kingdom, Switserland and Holland. This season, he will play again in Holland for the Rotterdam Basketbal College. We talked about his return to Holland and his thoughts about his new team.

After a season abroad (UK) you made the decision to return to the Dutch Basketball League with Rotterdam. What made you decide to sign with Rotterdam Basketbal College?
Several reasons; Holland is great place to live, I have family here, a lot of friends and also a girlfriend. The Dutch basketball league is a very competitive league and great to play in. Another key reason is that I was only a role player when I played for Groningen. I feel I didnt get to maximize my potential in the DBL just yet. Rotterdam gave me the opportunity to play and I couldnt resist it

Is there anyone you're really looking forward to playing with on the roster?
Im always excited to meet and play with new teammates. One particular is veteran Chip Jones who said that this could possibly be his last year, a player of his caliber deserves to go retire on a high note, hopefully we can make that happen. I havent gotten the opportunity to play with the two new players we signed, Sally and Lowe, but I saw their highlights and looks like those guys can play. They start tonight, so Im definitely excited to see what they can do. Also the young guys that play the same position as me, Gian SLagter, Don Rigters, Ivan Filipan, and Mike Kok. Those guys are some very talented young guys who have loads of potential, as a veteran on this team I feel it is my responsibility to help the development process by giving them 100% in practice just like the veterans on my others teams always did for me.

What are your first impressions of the roster?
My first impressions are that we are fully capable to win games. Although we have been training for a month now, our roster was recently completed and tonight will be our first practice with a complete team. We have young guys who are eager to prove themselves and veterans that can help lead the way.

Can Rotterdam compete for a playoffs spot?
Definitely.

Matt, what do you feel you bring to the team, personality-wise or skill-wise? Whats your best asset?
I like to think I have always been a Coaches player, I will do whatever the coach finds necessary to help win games. Throughout my career I have worked extra hard on particular things coaches asked of me, and I have played for several coaches. The best asset I can bring to the team is my eagerness to win.

Youre one of the leaders of this team. How have you changed in five pro-years?
Id say that my confidence has gone up, one thing I have learned in basketball is that hard work and confidence is the key to success. Something I will never forget in my career is when played for Marco Van Den Berg in Groningen. He always said that I was a good player but in some situations I was too busy with myself, too worried about the outcome of my performance. He brought me a book called Tao Sports, Thinking Body Dancing Mind. Great book by the way, but aside from the book I certainly got the idea. Now that I think back Im pretty sure he only intended to let me borrow it, I hope he doesnt want it back (:

Are you ready for the late-game pressure with the ball in your hands?
I am, if Coach Randy Wiel wants the ball in my hands in late game situations, Ill be ready for it.. I am playing for Rotterdam partly because Coach Randy Wiel decided he would have use for me as a player and therefore he has trust me.

What's it like playing for coach Randy Wiel? What are your impressions of him so far?
His resume speaks for itself, his knowledge of the game shows in practice. Hes seen it all and he was groomed from one of the best all time basketball Universities in the world at North Carolina. Based on his resume alone I have no choice but to respect anything he tells me about basketball. I look at this as a huge opportunity to learn from him and its definitely a privilege.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, both on and off the court.
Im easy going, I enjoy living life and thus far in my life basketball is one of my favorite things to do. I value what basketball has brought me to the fullest, invaluable friendships, a college education, and an opportunity to live in and see several amazing places. I will keep doing it as long as I can. Enough people have told me that theres a lot of time for any other career, enjoy it while I can. On a side note I promised a lot of people I would learn Dutch this year, so if you ever have an interview with me again, it will be in Dutch.
Ok Matt, the following interview we talking Dutch.

After playing together with the Flames champions team of 2010, JD and Bausch are now your rivals in the Dutch Basketball League. What's that like?
Exciting, those guys are some of my closest friends. Weve already had some Skype conversations involving a little trash talk lol. Part of the reason playing in Groningen was the best part of my career aside from the fans and the great basketball atmosphere, is the great group of guys I got to play with.. I definitely cant wait to see those guys on the court again, it will be a change seeing them on the opposing end.

How do you see Rotterdams season playing out?
One game at a time.. Starting with Leewarden October 6th. I think if we focus in on each game leaving it all on the court each night, we can definitely get into playoffs, and when we figure out that we are good enough to get into playoffs, then well know we are capable of pushing it further.

Thanks Matt for the time doing this interview. Wish You and Rotterdam a successful season.

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IRAN

MOHAMMAD KASAEIPOUR is Gheshm new Head Coach - by Mohammad Amin Maghsoodlou (T)

New Iran Super league comer Esteghlal Gheshm signed Mohammad Kasaeipour as new head coach. He joined team 10 days ago and started tean training camp few days later.

Kasaeipour recent Awards/Achievements:
Head Coach: Iran Youth National Team
WABA Club Championships -08 (Semifinals), 11
Iranian Superleague Semifinals -10
Head Coach: Iranian National team "B" -10
Asian Club Championships -11
Iranian Superleague Regular Season Champion -11
Iranian Superleague Champion -11
Iranian Superleague Finalist -12

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ISRAEL

Brandon Hunter agreed terms with Galil Gilboa - by Eurobasket (T)

Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa (Winner League) strengthened their roster with addition of 32-year old American forward Brandon Hunter (201-125kg-80, college: Ohio). Hunter played most recently at BBC Bayreuth in German BBL league. In 28 BBL games he recorded 9.6ppg, 5.9rpg and 1.1apg last season. In 2003 he was drafted by Boston Celtics (NBA) in second round (56th overall).
Hunter graduated from Ohio University in 2003 and it will be his tenth season in pro basketball.
His team won Latvian League Regular Season in 2011. Hunter was also voted to Eurobasket.com Latvian League All-Imports Team that year.
He is a very experienced player. Hunter played also professionally in Italy (Livorno, Napoli, Angelico Biella and Sutor Montegranaro), Puerto Rico (Capitanes), Turkey (Aliaga), Israel (Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem) and Latvia (Ventspils).

By Eurobasket Data Center

Bernie Fine and Israeli Maccabi Haifa are no more - by David Pick (T)

Former Syracuse assistant coach Bernie Fine is no longer affiliated with Israeli Maccabi Haifa, sources with knowledge of the breakup told Eurobasket. Fine was hired by Haifa last April as head consultant.

Eurobasket was also told that Fine, who worked with Syracuse University for 36 seasons and had the longest active streak of consecutive seasons at one school among assistant coaches in Division I, was mostly responsible for Haifa's summer training camp in Florida, where they weigh up various potential contract players.

However, Haifa's 2012-13 roster doesn't feature a single signee from the team's tryout camp.

Haifa confirmed this report to Eurobasket, adding, "Bernie Fine's role was a consultant for the preseason. He is not currently with the club, but we are discussing future roles with the team down the road."

Oddly enough, in an interview with Maccabi's official website last April, Fine said, "I will bring a lot to the table for Haifa as I'm happy to reference and recruit many of the players I have coached and seen play over the years."

Asked whether he would be involved in the head coaching candidate search, Fine said, "..my role as a consultant is to recommend and evaluate potential coaching candidates for Haifa."

Haifa eventually went on to hire Brad Greenberg, a 58-year-old Jewish-American with NBA coaching, general management and NCAA Division I coaching experience.

The team's official press release following Fine's acquisition stated the following: "Maccabi Haifa has hired former Syracuse University associate head coach Bernie Fine as a basketball consultant. Fine, who will be based in the United States, will consult the Haifa management on player personnel decisions as well as the teams coaching search for next season."

Fine previously had strong ties to Israeli basketball as he coached the United States' Maccabiah team to a silver medal at the 1993 World Maccabiah Games in Israel.

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ITALY

Montegranaro win Baldinelli Memorial - by Eurobasket News

Sutor Montegranaro - Angelico Biella 84:79 (OT)

Sutor Montegranaro clinched the pre-season title. They overcame Angelico Biella in the Final of Baldinelli Memorial in Ancona. Sutor Montegranaro led by two points after ten minutes of action. They managed to clear off in the second frame. Montegranaro ensured a 43:34 halftime advantage. Angelico Biella stayed behind throughout the third term. They faced an 11-point deficit before the fourth quarter. But Biella found the way to deny the deficit. They levelled things up at 67 and sent the game into overtime. Sutor Montegranaro dropped 17 points in the extra period and ran away with victory at the end. Christian Burns (203-F-85, college: Philadelphia) led the charge for Montegranaro. He was named the MVP of the tournament after the game. Nemanja Jaramaz (201-SG-91, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 18 points for Biella. Goran Jurak (203-F/C-77) provided 14 points in the loss.

Denis Marconato joins Umana Venezia - by Eurobasket (T)

Umana Reyer Venezia (SerieA) added to their roster 37-year old ex-international center Denis Marconato (212-115kg-75). Marconato played last season at Pall. Cantu (SerieA). In 37 SerieA games he had 4.1ppg and 3.1rpg. He helped them to make it to the supercup final and to the cup final. Marconato also played 16 games in Euroleague where he recorded 5.8ppg and 3.4rpg.
He was a member of Italian Senior National Team between 1996 and 2007. Marconato represented Italy at the European Championships in Spain five years ago. His stats at that event were 6 games: 3.7ppg, 2.5rpg.
Marconato played previously also in Italy (Armani Milano, Benetton Treviso and Montepaschi Siena) and Spain (Regal FC Barcelona and Lagun Aro Gipuzkoa BC).
Its very possible he may end his playing career at Umana Venezia.

By Eurobasket Data Center

VL Pesaro parts ways with Paul Marigney - by Eurobasket News (T)

Paul Marigney (192-G-82, college: St.Mary's, CA) is out of VL Pesaro. The player arrived earlier this month for tryout, but Pesaro decided not to keep him. Marigney spent last season in Givova Scafati. He appeared 37 times in LegaDue averaging 21.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.3 steals. He was third scorer of the competition, while Scafati reached LegaDue Playoffs and Cup Semifinals. Also Marigney was named to Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 1st Team -12. In 2010/11 season the player had 17.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 3.8 apg for 30 games with Lodi. In the past, he played for Reggio Emilia, Pavia and Ferrara. Marigney also has experience from France. VL Pesaro will most likely return to the market again.

Euroleague: Pallacanestro Cantu downs Lukoil Academic 87-79 - by Eurobasket News

Pall. Cantu - Lukoil Academik 87-79
Pallacanestro Cantu advanced to the second stage of the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Qualifying Rounds and now stands two wins away from realizing its dream of returning to elite competition after holding off Lukoil Academic Sofia 87-79 Tuesday in Desio, Italy. Newcomers Alex Tyus (205-C-88, college: Florida) scored 18 points on 8-of-9 shooting and Jerry Smith (188-PG-87, college: Louisville) shined with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals to lead the host team. Cantu used a 13-2 run that bridged the third and fourth quarters to take the lead for good, but needed to work in the end after a pair of Brandon Heath three-pointers brought Sofia within 3. But a combined 3 free throws from Tyus and Smith in the final minute iced the win. Manuchar Markoishvili (196-SF-86) added 15 points and Marco Cusin (210-C-85, agency: Interperformances) and Pietro Aradori (195-SG-88) netted 12 apiece for the winners. Cusin also blocked 4 shots. Heath scored 21 and dished 5 assists, while Darryl Watkins (211-C-84, college: Syracuse) posted 18 points and 15 rebounds and Bozhidar Avramov (196-PG-90, agency: Interperformances) added 14 points for Sofia, which will now compete in the 2012-13 Eurocup. Courtesy of Euroleague

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KAZAKHSTAN

Barsy Atyrau bring in American Brandon Callahan - by Eurobasket News (T)

Brandon Callahan (180-G-85, college: Abil.Christian) first played for Hill JC (JUCO) and then in 2006-2007 moved to Morehead St. (NCAA). In 29 games he averaged 6.9ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 38.1%, 3Pts: 32.6%, FT: 60.6%. In 2007-2008 played for Abil.Christian (NCAA2) and showed 15.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.9apg, 1.4spg, 0.4bpg, 2FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 70.2%.
The team also announced keeping Yuriy Korshunov (205-F-86), Dmitri Dyatlovsky (196-G-85, agency: Promotex) and Leonid Bondarovich (207-C-89).
Yuriy Korshunov started last season for: BK Atyrau (Kazakhstan-D1, starting five), then moved to Barsy Atyrau (Kazakhstan-D1, starting five). In 20 games he became the second top-scorer of the league with 14.4ppg, 4.6rpg.
Dmitri Dyatlovsky will enter his third season with the team. In 2011-2012 he showed 8.8ppg, 2.5rpg. In Baltic League his stats read 5.2ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 33.3%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 0.0%.

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KOSOVO

Trepca to test Kolovrat - by Dren Shporta

After a one month test of American power forward, Rickey Young, the Kosova champion, Trepca and the player couldnt reach an agreement so they have separated the ways with each other.

Trepcas official, Naim Hajrizi, confirmed for kosovan trusted sports portal, borozani.com that they have taken the Croatian center, Milan Kolovrat (207-C/F-86), in a trial period.

Will Kolovrat play on the seasons opening match against Kolegji Univers is not sure, but it will be known until Thursday, which is the last day of registering player for the game 1 of the new season.

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LEBANON

Lebanon in the WABA U16 Championship - by Asia-Basket Lebanon

The Lebanese U15 National team will be participating in the WABA U16 Championship which will be held in Jordan from 26 till 28 September 2012.This Championship will be the first phase of the WABA U16 Championship, After the end of the two phases the first two teams other than Iran will qualify to the 2013 U16 FIBA ASIA Championship.
Iran will host the championship so West Asia will have three teams in the Championship.

Lebanon under the commands of Coach Joe Mojaess will try to be among the first two teams despite having almost no preparations. The Lebanese youth National teams are well known to be technically very gifted but lack of vision is not allowing the teams to record good results like in 2006.

Lebanons schedule in the WABA U16 Championship in Beirut Local Time:

Wednesday September 26th 2012 @ 17:00
Thursday September 27th 2012 @ 17:00
Friday September 28th 2012 @ 19:00

Byblos inks high flyer Jay Youngblood. - by Rabih Khoury (T)

Byblos management made a big move by inking the league's high flyer for the last 2 seasons Jasmon Youngblood (195-G-84, college: Kent St.). Youngblood will play his 3rd consecutive season in Lebanon after playing for Champville in 2010-2011 where he averaged in 27 games: 20.1ppg, 5.6rpg, 3.6apg, Steals-4 (2.3spg), FGP-2 (60.9%), 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 69.5%. in 2011-2012 Youngblood was a major part in the historical team of Anibal Zahle where he lead his team to the Lebanese finals for the first time, rather than winning Dubai International Tournament and Lebanese Cup. Youngblood averaged in 33 games: 22.0ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.7apg, Steals-2 (2.6spg), 1.1bpg, FGP-3 (63.6%), 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 57.3%.

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LITHUANIA

Jonas Kazlauskas takes the reins in National Team - by Eurobasket News (T)

Jonas Kazlauskas takes the reins in National Team. The Lithuanian federation announced him as a head Coach of the team.
Jonas Kazlaukas last worked with CSKA. He became VTB United League Champion -12, Russian PBL Regular Season Champion -12 and Eurobasket.com All-Russian PBL Coach of the Year -12.
Earlier he worked with the Greek National Team. He guided the Hellenes in 2009 and 2010. Jonas Kazlauskas won the 2009 EuroBasket Bronze medals and participated at the 2010 World Championship with Greece. Jonas Kazlauskas worked with Olympiakos Pireus in Greece in 2004/06 seasons. Earlier the Lithuanian specialist led Zalgiris and Lietuvos Rytas. He also worked with Lithuanian U16, U18 selections, Lithuanian and Chinese National Teams. Jonas Kazlauskas was LKL Coach of the Year in 2002.

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NBLCANADA

Mill Rats ink three former Razorsharks - by Eurobasket News (T)

The Saint John Mill Rats announced today (Sept. 24) the signing of 6'8 power forward James Reaves (6'8''-F-82, agency: TSS Management, college: Niagara), 6'0 point guard Jerice Crouch (6'0''-G-84, college: Chattanooga), and 6'4 guard Melvin Council (6'3''-G-82, college: Robert Morris). The three players were teammates on the Rochester Razorsharks of the Premier Basketball League (PBL) over the past several years.

"We are thrilled at the talent these young men possess, their character, and also their camaradrie and chemistry will be important," stated Mill Rats president and general manager Ian McCarthy. "They've won an awful lot of basketball games in their careers and project to gel really well with our core veterans."

Reaves, also known as "Mook", is a bruising 245 pound post player with a soft touch and great hands. He averaged 13.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game last season in Mexico for the Barreteros de Zacatecazs. His last season in Rochester he posted 17.1 points and 9.0 rebounds per game averages. He is well traveled internationally, having also played in Finland, Germany, and Venezuela.

Crouch has been the starting point guard for the Razorsharks over the past five seasons, and last year averaged 14.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. He also has had stints in Holland, Finland, and Slovakia. He is a tremendous team leader and defensive hawk.

Council is a 6'4 combo guard who is equally adept at the point guard and shooting guard slots. Council generated 8.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists for the Razorsharks in last season. He was a third round draft pick in the NBA Development League draft in 2007 by the Austin Toros.

The Mill Rats have also come to terms with their second and third round draft picks, 6'2 guard Darin Mency (6'2''-G, college: Merrimack), and 6'6 forward Taneiko Robinson (6'7''-F-88).

The Saint John Mill Rats regular season opener is Nov. 3 at Harbour Station.

Courtesy of www.sackvilletribunepost.com

Losing Eddie Smith to Laval hurt, but his replacement from the Oshawa Power is called 'a great fit' - by Eurobasket News (T)

The London Lightning couldnt bring back Eddie Smith (6'2''-G-83, agency: Veracity Sports, LLC, college: Ill.-Springfield) so they did what they could to replace him.

And while Smith leaves the defending National Basketball League of Canada champion with big shoes to fill, the Lightning think theyve done a pretty good job of finding feet to fit.

Smith, the winner of the NBLs sixth man award, was traded to the Laval Kebs Monday for the Kebs first pick in the 2013 draft.

Then the Lightning traded their third-round pick in that draft along with cash to the Oshawa Power to bring shooting guard Morgan Lewis (6'4''-F-87, college: Findlay, OH) to London.

Lewis, the first player picked in the NBLs inaugural draft in 2011, played 25 games for the Power last year and was an all star. He led the league in steals and averaged more than 16 points a game. He also had games of 39 and 38 points.

Hes just an all-round complete player, Lightning general manager Taylor Brown said. He can shoot but he can also bring the ball up the floor. Hes going to be a great fit for our team.

Lewis was one of the leaders for the 2008-09 University of Findley Oilers, who went 36-0 to win the NCAA Division II championship.

He was part of a talented Power team that didnt find its rhythm until the second half of the season. They made a late surge for the playoffs and almost made it. This summer, though, the Power have made significant changes.

Smith played a key role in helping the Lightning win the title but was unhappy with having to come off the bench. He signed a contract with the Kebs, which the Lightning matched. But the Lightning and Smith couldnt come to an understanding he was traded to the Kebs.

Smith delivered many of his top performances in big games. His ability to draw fouls was often a key component in bringing the Lightning back from being behind.

We were going to match, that was a no-brainer, Brown said.

Despite Smiths loss, the Lightning are putting together another solid team with NBL most valuable player Gabe Freeman, forwards Tim Ellis and Shamari Spears and guard DeAnthony Bowden all coming back.

In addition, the Lightning have signed draft pick Adrian Moss and are bringing in solid players Josh Pace, Elvin Mims and Terrell Bell.

Courtesy of www.lfpress.com

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

NCAA1

Saint Louis interim coach hires Platt as assistant - by Eurobasket News (T)

Saint Louis interim coach Jim Crews added Jim Platt , one of his former longtime assistants, to the staff.

Platt has nine years of head coaching experience, the latest at Charleston Southern from 2000-05 and was an assistant at Army from 2005-10, with four of those seasons under Crews. Last season he was the director of basketball operations at Liberty.

Crews is filling in for Rick Majerus, who took a medical leave of absence in August while undergoing evaluation for an ongoing heart condition in California. Saint Louis was 24-8 last season and made its first NCAA tournament appearance since 2000.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Northwestern suspends guard Cobb for season - by Eurobasket News

Northwestern junior guard Jershon Cobb (6'5''-G) has been suspended for the upcoming season because of violations of team policy, the school announced on Friday.

Cobb, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard, will sit out this season and have two years of eligibility remaining.

"There are standards that each student-athlete is expected to uphold," Northwestern coach Bill Carmody said in a statement. "JerShon has our complete support as he works to fulfill those expectations and we look forward to having him rejoin the program in a full capacity in the future."

Cobb has started 33 games and has averaged 7.3 points and 22.5 minutes in his first two seasons. He was expected to provide the Wildcats depth in their backcourt this season as they attempt to reach their first NCAA tournament.

Courtesy of ESPN

Marin Kukoc leaves University of Pennsylvania basketball team - by Eurobasket News (T)

As four new freshmen were added to Penn's roster this week, one junior was removed.

Junior Marin Kukoc (6'7''-G/F-92) is no longer a member of the Penn men's basketball team. The son of the former Bulls sixth man and 1995-6 NBA Sixth Man of the Year, Toni Kukoc, struggled with a back injury and did not play his freshman season, and fought for playing time in his sophomore campaign. The 6-foot-7 guard averaged 2.5 points and 1.6 rebounds per 10 minutes of playing time per game.

We have not confirmed the exact reasons for Kukoc's departure, but he is still on campus and enrolled.

Courtesy of http://blogs.dailypennsylvanian.com

Washington State's Moore dismissed from team - by Eurobasket News (T)

Washington State point guard Reggie Moore (6'1''-G-89) was dismissed from the team Monday.

Coach Ken Bone said in a prepared statement that the senior was dismissed for violation of team rules.

Washington State spokeswoman Jessica Schmick declined to provide additional details about the dismissal.

A Seattle native, Moore became a starter his freshman year, when he averaged 12 points per game and ranked fifth in the Pac-10 with 4.2 assists per game. He averaged 9 points his sophomore season.

Last year, the 6-foot-1 guard averaged 10 points, third on the Cougars, and 5 assists per game.

Courtesy of www.kval.com

Southern Illinois guard and former Badger Diamond Taylor suspended - by Eurobasket News

Southern Illinois junior guard Diamond Taylor (6'4''-G-90) has been suspended indefinitely after being charged with driving under the influence Saturday morning.

Taylor was expected to have an increased role this season after averaging 4.3 points last season.

"I am extremely disappointed in Diamond," Hinson said in a statement. "We're in the business of educating student-athletes and teaching them how to conduct themselves on and off the court, and this is a significant setback."

Taylor initially signed with Wisconsin out of Bolingbrook High in Illinois, but never played for the Badgers after being arrested in September of 2009 on charges of burglary, possession of stolen property and underage drinking.

Taylor was also arrested in July for allegedly stealing a bicycle and was suspended last season after being arrested for possession of marijuana.

Hinson inherited a team that went 8-23 last season under Chris Lowery.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

College Basketball Recruiting: Big Weekend for Rhode Island and Oregon - by Carl Berman

It was a very successful weekend on the recruiting trail for the University of Rhode Island and the Oregon Ducks.

Danny Hurley and his staff have been working hard trying to revamp the Rams roster after a tough prior season under the previous staff. With an almost all new team, the Rams have been predicted at, or near, the bottom of the Atlantic 10 this year. That likely wont change. However with this years recruits, three transfers eligible next season and the recent 2013 signings, Rhode Island is in position to challenge for an NCAA berth as soon as the 2013-14 season.

This weekend the Rams reeled in E.C. Matthews, a 6'4 combo-guard from Michigan rated as a Top-100 recruit in the 2013 class by ESPN. Matthews is probably more suited to a scoring role but can also play the point. Then, Ifeanyi Onyekaba, a strong 6'7 Nigerian power forward playing high school ball in Virginia enrolled at the school. Onyekaba was initially in the 2013 class but reclassified to potentially join the Rams for the 2012 season. Hell need to be deemed eligible by the NCAA but at the very least hell help form an imposing frontline for Rhody for 2013-14. Onyekaba appears to be very strong and a solid rebounder who can finish around the basket. Then Hassan Martin, a 6'6 athletic swing forward from Staten Island signed on. Martin is rated #7 in New York State and spurned offers from Kansas State, Iowa State and Providence.

In 2013-14 the Rams will feature interior play from Onyekaba, Jordan Hare, a 6'10 3-star 2012 recruit from Michigan, Gil Biruta, a 6'8, 245 pound transfer from Rutgers, Martin, Jarelle Reischel (6'6, Rice transfer) and incoming 6'8 frosh Mike Aaman. Matthews will join a backcourt with current sophomores PG Mike Powell and CG TJ Buchanan, 6'3 Biggie Minnis (Texas Tech transfer) and 6'2 shooter Xavier Munford. Thats a solid nucleus to build on.

Rice transfer Arsalan Kazemi (6'7''-F-90), a 67 forward with one year of eligibility remaining elected to transfer to Oregon this weekend. Kazemi, the first collegiate player from Iran and one of the top rebounders (10.3 rpg) in the nation will file a hardship application with the NCAA in order to be eligible for the 2012-13 season. He chose Oregon over Kentucky, Florida, Ohio State and others.

If Kazemi is eligible this season hell join recent signee 6'11 Waverly Austin, the top JUCO center last season, 6'10 senior Tony Woods and returnee E.J. Singler in a much improved frontcourt for the Ducks. With the losses of starters Devoe Joseph, Garrett Sim and Olu Ashaolu it was thought this would be a rebuilding year for the Ducks. But with Austins addition and the possible addition of Kazemi this year, Oregon will be able to compete in a much stronger Pac-12 conference.

Oregon also received commitments this weekend from Tyrell and Tyree Robinson, 6'3 brothers from San Diego who will primarily play football but will also play basketball. The Robinson's are close friends with Aaron Gordon, the 6'8, 5-star forward also considering Oregon. A Gordon signing would elevate Oregon to Pac-12 contenders for the 2013-14 season.

Carl Berman is a Managing Partner of NetScouts Basketball.

Bernie Fine and Israeli Maccabi Haifa are no more - by David Pick (T)

Former Syracuse assistant coach Bernie Fine is no longer affiliated with Israeli Maccabi Haifa, sources with knowledge of the breakup told Eurobasket. Fine was hired by Haifa last April as head consultant.

Eurobasket was also told that Fine, who worked with Syracuse University for 36 seasons and had the longest active streak of consecutive seasons at one school among assistant coaches in Division I, was mostly responsible for Haifa's summer training camp in Florida, where they weigh up various potential contract players.

However, Haifa's 2012-13 roster doesn't feature a single signee from the team's tryout camp.

Haifa confirmed this report to Eurobasket, adding, "Bernie Fine's role was a consultant for the preseason. He is not currently with the club, but we are discussing future roles with the team down the road."

Oddly enough, in an interview with Maccabi's official website last April, Fine said, "I will bring a lot to the table for Haifa as I'm happy to reference and recruit many of the players I have coached and seen play over the years."

Asked whether he would be involved in the head coaching candidate search, Fine said, "..my role as a consultant is to recommend and evaluate potential coaching candidates for Haifa."

Haifa eventually went on to hire Brad Greenberg, a 58-year-old Jewish-American with NBA coaching, general management and NCAA Division I coaching experience.

The team's official press release following Fine's acquisition stated the following: "Maccabi Haifa has hired former Syracuse University associate head coach Bernie Fine as a basketball consultant. Fine, who will be based in the United States, will consult the Haifa management on player personnel decisions as well as the teams coaching search for next season."

Fine previously had strong ties to Israeli basketball as he coached the United States' Maccabiah team to a silver medal at the 1993 World Maccabiah Games in Israel.

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POLAND

Maurice Acker in Trefl Sopot - by Maciej Paszyn (T)

The second team of the previous season in Polish TBL extra league found reserve point guard. This position was filled by Maurice Acker (173-PG-87, agency: Edge Sports, college: Marquette) 25-years old former Marquette University player, who spent last season in Holland Eredivisie. Contracting Acker is interesting experiment of Trefl Sopot management. They decided to sign-up two PG, which in the last season were playing in Netherlands extra league, because Acker will probably be a substitute for Frank Turner (178-PG-88, agency: Court Side, college: Canisius) (also former Holland Eredivisie player). First opportunity for seeing new Trefl Sopot player on court will be probably Polish Super Cup game against Asseco Prokom Gdynia, which will be played on Wednesday on 26 September.

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PORTUGAL

Standings - LPB

LPB Standings

1. Academica		0-0
2. Alges		0-0
3. Barcelos		0-0
4. Benfica		0-0
5. CAB Madeira		0-0
6. Fisica		0-0
7. Galitos-Tley		0-0
8. Lusitania		0-0
9. Ovarense		0-0
10. Sampaense		0-0
11. Vitoria SC		0-0

Regular Season: Round 1

Oct. 20: Ovarense - Alges
Oct. 20: CAB Madeira - Benfica
Oct. 21: Vitoria SC - Barcelos
Oct. 20: Fisica - Lusitania
Oct. 21: Galitos-Tley - Academica

Standings - Proliga

Proliga Standings

1. Angra		0-0
2. Benfica B		0-0
3. Electrico FC		0-0
4. Ginasio		0-0
5. Guifoes		0-0
6. Illiabum		0-0
7. Leca		0-0
8. Maia Basket		0-0
9. Oliveirense		0-0
10. Sangalhos		0-0
11. Terceira		0-0

Regular Season: Round 1

Oct. 13: Oliveirense - Benfica B
Oct. 13: Maia Basket - Sangalhos
Oct. 13: Electrico FC - Illiabum

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ROMANIA

Ural Ekaterinburg win the road EuroChallenge Qualifying game in Romania - by Eurobasket News

Gaz Metan - Ural Ekaterinburg 67:69

Ural Ekaterinburg win the road game at the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round. The Russian team upset Gaz Metan 69:67 in Romania.
The guests trailed by 2 points after three quarters before their 19-15 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Ural Ekaterinburg made 18-of-23 free shots (78.3 percent) during the game. Dmitriy Arteshin drew a foul and made one of two free-throws for the two-point win.
Chris Monroe (191-G-81, college: G.Washington) stepped up with 23 points for the winners and Aaron McGhee (203-F/C-79, college: Oklahoma) posted 19. Anton Glazunov (182-G-86) delivered 9 and Oleg Baranov (202-F-82, agency: Stanislav Ryzhov) scored 7. American forward Deven Mitchell answered with 24 points and 9 rebounds and Serbian power forward Aleksandar Mladenovic 12 points in the effort for Gaz Metan. Slobodan Dundjerski (188-G-88, agency: Alti Sport) notched 10, while Mike St.John (203-F/C-84, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: La Salle) scored 9.
The second leg will be played next week in Russia.

Gaz Metan: Deven Mitchell (197-F-84, agency: Interperformances) 24, Aleksandar Mladenovic (207-F/C-84, agency: BeoExcell) 12, Slobodan Dundjerski 10, Mike St.John 9
Ural Ekaterinburg: Chris Monroe 23, Aaron McGhee 19, Anton Glazunov 9, Oleg Baranov 7

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RUSSIA

SERBIA

Standings - A Liga

A League Standings

1. BKK Radnicki		0-0
2. Borac		0-0
3. Jagodina		0-0
4. Konstantin		0-0
5. Mega Vizura		0-0
6. Metalac		0-0
7. OKK Beograd		0-0
8. Radnicki Basket		0-0
9. Sloboda Uzice		0-0
10. Sloga		0-0
11. Smederevo		0-0
12. Tamis		0-0
13. Vojvodina		0-0
14. Vrsac		0-0
Play in international cups:
1. Crvena Zvezda		-
2. Partizan		-
3. Radnicki KG		-

Regular Season: Round 1

Oct. 6: Mega Vizura - Borac
Oct. 6: Vrsac - Vojvodina
Oct. 6: Konstantin - Tamis
Oct. 6: Smederevo - Radnicki Basket
Oct. 6: Jagodina - OKK Beograd
Oct. 6: BKK Radnicki - Metalac
Oct. 6: Sloga - Sloboda Uzice

Nenad Miljenovic signs at Radnicki Kragujevac - by Eurobasket News (T)

Radnicki Kragujevac (A League) landed 19-year old guard Nenad Miljenovic (194-93, agency: Beo Basket). Miljenovic played most recently at Partizan (A League). In 1 Adriatic League game he had 3 points last season. He also played at Mega Vizura that season. In 26 A League games he averaged 16.1ppg, 5.0rpg, 4.1apg and 1.7spg. It was a very successful year in his career as he was selected to Eurobasket.com All-League 1st Team. The other team Miljenovic played that season for was Crvena Zvezda. He can count that season as a very successful as was selected to Eurobasket.com All-League 1st Team.
He was a member of Serbian U20 National Team in 2012 and a member of U19 National Team last year. Miljenovic represented Serbia at the European Championships U20 in Slovenia this year. His stats at that event were 6 games: 12.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT-2(64.3%), FT: 80.0%..

By Eurobasket Data Center

Partizan lands another Serbian prospect - by Zoran Popovic (T)

Partizan continues to collect top Serbian and European prospects. After Miljenovic, Musli, Bertans, Westermann, Cekovski, Milutinov and Magdeski, management of Serbian champion lands Petar Aranitovic (192-PG-94). With Bogdanovic, Marinkovic, Andjusic, Gagic and Djekic, Partizan definitely have youngest, but top prospect team in Europe. Young Aranitovic is Belgade kid, born September 20, 1994 who played for KK Crvena Zvezda Diva junior team last two seasons. Also, young Aranitovic is member of Serbian U18 National team.

Metalac signs two players - by Eurobasket News (T)

Metalac announced signing of Stefan Zivanovic (196-G-89) and Filip Vukosavljevic (205-F/C-83, agency: Interperformances) for the upcoming season.
Stefan Zivanovic played last season for Vojvodina Novi Sad. He had 7 ppg and 3 rpg in 24 games. Before Vojvodina, Zivanovic spent few years with FMP Zeleznik. He also has experience from Beovuk 72. Zivanovic played for the Serbian U18 National Team five years ago and they won the gold medal at U18 EuroBasket in Madrid.
Filip Vukosavljevic had 14.9 ppg and 5.6 rpg last season for 28 Bulgarian league games with Rilski Sportist. The player also added 15.8 ppg and 6.7 rpg for 12 appearances in Balkan League. Vukosavljevic was awarded with Eurobasket.com Balkan League All-Europeans Team -12 and Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League Honorable Mention -12. Before Rilski, Vukosavljevic played for Capljina Lasta, AEK Larnaca and Borac Cacak. He spent few years with Proleter Zrenjanin in the past.

Goran Cakic inks 'open deal' with Mega Vizura - by Eurobasket News (T)

Goran Cakic (209-C/F-80, agency: Beo Basket) is back to Mega Vizura. The Serbian big guy signed an 'open deal' and he can leave the team anytime. Cakic spent last season with BC Astana winning the Kazakhstan championship title and Cup. The player was named to 'Asia-Basket.com All-Kazakhstan League 2nd Team -12'. He had 9.2 ppg and 5.3 rpg for 16 league. He was fourth rebounder of the league. Astana also participated in VTB United League last season. There he had 6.4 ppg and 4.1 rpg for 16 appearances. Goran Cakic started 2010/11 season with Mega Vizura and after four games moved to Scavolini Siviglia Pesaro. He finished the season with Turkish Trabzon. In 2010, Goran Cakic reached Turkish league and Cup Semifinals with Banvit. He had 7.2 ppg and 2.8 rpg for 12 games in EuroChallenge. In 2009, the player won Ukrainian championship title and Cup with Azovmash. A year before that he was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian Superleague Center of the Year -08' as a member of Khimik. That season Cakic had 15.4 ppg and 6.5 rpg for 22 games. In the past, he played for Apollon Patras, Partizan, Crvena Zvezda, Buducnost and Radnicki Belgrade.

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SPAIN

Lagun Aro GBC targets Luther Head to replace Chris Lofton - by Eurobasket News

Lagun Aro GBC wants to sign Luther Head (191-G-82, college: Illinois) for the upcoming season, according to El Mundo Deportivo. Reportedly, the other option is Louis Bullock (185-G-76, college: Michigan). One of these two players will most likely replace Chris Lofton (188-G-86, college: Tennessee), who is released by the club due to back injury.
Luther Head recently left Hapoel Holon, where he signed earlier this summer. Head played 33 NBA games for the Sacramento Kings in 2010/11 season collecting 6.1 ppg, 2.1 apg and 1.8 rpg. The player missed last season. In 2009/10, Luther Head averaged 7.6 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 47 games with Indiana Pacers. Before that, the player had 4.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 2.3 apg for 9 games with Miami Heat, where he finished 2008/09. He started that season with the Houston Rockets, where he arrived in 2005. The Rockets selected Head as 24th overall pick at 2005 NBA Draft. In his second NBA season the player shined with 10.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 2.4 apg for 80 regular season games. Head graduated at the University of Illinois in 2005. Most likely Hapoel Holon will be back on the market soon.
Louis Bullock finished last season with Estudiantes. He signed in April and appeared only 3 times in Liga Endesa.

Valladolid completes roster with center Nedzad Sinanovic - by Eurobasket News (T)

Blancos de Rueda Valladolid completed its roster for the upcoming season. The Spanish squad penned a 1-year deal with Nedzad Sinanovic (221-C-83). He arrives to the club from Unicaja. The Bosnian center had 4.1 ppg and 3.2 rpg in 24 Liga Endesa games last season. He also added 3.4 ppg and 2.3 rpg for 13 Euroleague appearances. Nedzad Sinanovic signed with Unicaja in 2009. During his first two years the center mostly played for the LEB Gold team Clinicas Rincon. Actually he was named to Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Gold 1st Team -10. Before Unicaja, Sinanovic was a member of Real Madrid from 2005 to 2009 (including loans to Real Madrid II, Koln and Burgos). Real Madrid was ACB and ULEB Cup champion in 2007 and player appeared 11 times in both competitions that season. In the past, Nedzad Sinanovic played for Pepinster and Citluk. He is active member of the Bosnian NT. He had 4.4 ppg and 3.8 rpg for 8 games in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications.

Jose Calderon not worried about losing minutes to Kyle Lowry - by Eurobasket News

Jose Manuel Calderon (6'4''-PG-81) has been around too long, seen too many guys come and go and has answered the same question so many times that another trip down Point Guard Controversy lane imaginative as it may be isnt going to bother him.

'I'll be happy, I'm always happy', the veteran Raptors guard said Monday.

With arrival of a younger point guard in new teammate Kyle Lowry (6'0''-PG-86, college: Villanova), and the chance Calderon will be asked to come off the bench in his eighth season in the NBA, there is sure to be some segments of the fan base wholl look for contretemps were none exist.

To Calderon, its a fabricated issue that will have no impact on the impending season.

'I don't know if we have to use that word (controversy) before even training camp', said Calderon before flatly denying a summer report that he was put out by the acquisition of Lowry and wanted a trade from the only NBA team hes ever played for. I think we are just two more players for the Raptors team, were going to try to win games for the Raptors.

I think its just wanting to make a big thing before anything has started. It doesnt matter, we have to win games, we want to make the playoffs. If he scores 20 points a game, Ill be happy; its helping us win.

The Lowry-Calderon duo does give the Raptors the luxury of two starting-calibre NBA point guards as they chase the teams first playoff spot in five seasons.

The gritty Lowry, picked up for a conditional first-round draft pick and Gary Forbes in July, should complement the savvy Calderon perfectly. How the minutes are distributed, or who starts and who comes off the bench, is an issue for coach Dwane Casey and will be determined solely by who works better with whom and in what role.

Joses one of the best, said Casey. I know there was a lot of grumbling around but I expect nothing whether hes the starter or coming off the bench no rumblings at all because his hearts in the right place and hes going to do the right thing for this team and this organization.

Casey even held up the notion that both could be on the court at the same time, although with shooting guard DeMar DeRozan and Terrence Ross in the fold thats probably not going to be a common occurrence.

Last year, I watched a lot of tape on Houston and Kyle and also (Goran) Dragic played a lot minutes together and co-existed really well together, said Casey. Thats going to be something well look at in training camp because theyre two of our best players, not only just point guards but two of our best players and its up to us to make sure we know (in) which situations we can put them on the court together.

Calderon, who has shared with or won the full-time job from T.J. Ford, Jarrett Jack, Jerryd Bayless and a handful of others over his career, knows the ultimate decision isnt his.

This is my eighth season, I always have to compete with another guy, it doesnt matter, he said. I look like always, you have to compete to be starting or if not, at the end of the day, the coach is the one who gives you more or less minutes.

I dont know what Kyle thinks about it at the end of the day we have to co-exist if you want to win games.

Courtesy of www.thestar.com

Caja Laboral tabs Eduardo Hernandez-Sonseca - by Eurobasket News (T)

Caja Laboral Vitoria (ACB) inked 29-year old center Eduardo Hernandez-Sonseca (212-83) for two weeks period. Hernandez-Sonseca played most recently at Blancos de Rueda Valladolid (ACB). In 19 ACB games he averaged 3.8ppg and 3.0rpg last season.
He was a member of Spanish U20 National Team back in 2002, and played also for U18 National Team between 2000 and 2002..

By Eurobasket Data Center

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SWEDEN

Flink number one in Swedish Basketettan for round 1 - by Eurobasket News

Forward Marcus Flink (190-F-94) had an amazing evening for BG Lulea, receiving a Eurobasket.com Basketettan Player of the Week award for round 1. The 18-year old player had a double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds, while his team beat Alvik Basket (0-2). Flink had a remarkable 66.7% from 2-point range. It's his second year at BG Lulea and it's hard to imagine this team without him.

The second best player in first round's games was 24-year old Egal Saleman (199-F-88) of Umea. Saleman had a very good evening with a double-double of 22 points and 16 rebounds. It was enough for Umea to edge Fryshuset (0-1) 68-66. Saleman is a newcomer at Umea, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was Swedish guard Kristoffer Gafor (194-G-92) of Malbas. Gafor scored 29 points and grabbed seven rebounds. He was a key player of Malbas, leading his team to a 88-70 easy win against Helsingborg (0-1). Malbas has a good start of the season. But there was just one game played, so it's too early to judge them at this stage. Gafor also has a very good start of the season with very strong stats. It already looks like he can be team's leader.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Bjorn Larsson Hillgren (88) of Alvik Basket - 21 points and 12 rebounds
5. Tresor Saya (203-C-84) of LF Future - 8 points, 16 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Dwight Bankhead (181-PG-83) of Malbas - 17 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists
7. Johan Westerlund (191-G/F-84) of Taby - 17 points, 2 rebounds and 6 assists
8. Abdou Medjedoub (196-F-93) of Eos - 17 points and 14 rebounds
9. Richard Hartmann (201-F-89) of Akropol - 14 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Markus Lenngren (196-F-83) of Hogsbo - 27 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists

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

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SWITZERLAND

Union Neuchatel signs American Ray Reese - by Eurobasket News (T)

Ray Reese (196-G-87, college: Tulsa) will continue his career in Switzerland. The American guard penned a 1-year deal with BBC Monthey. He arrives to the club from Mexico, where he played in 2012 CIBACOPA season. He appeared 23 times with Coras de Tepic averaging 24.4 points, 7 rebounds and 3.2 assists. Reese was second scorer of the league and was awarded with Latinbasket.com All-Mexican CIBACOPA Honorable Mention -12. He also spent some time with Mexican Mineros de Parral and participated at Chihuahua Vive All-Star Game. Ray Reese appeared twice in 2009/10 NBA D-League season. He had 7.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 2.5 apg for the Los Angeles D-Fenders. Reese graduated at Tulsa University in three years ago. He had 10.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 2.6 apg for his school in 36 games as a senior.

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SYRIA

Good Luck Syrian U16 National team !! - by Ahmad Madwar

The Syrian National team U16 delegation left Syria to Jordan few days ago .. to had friendly games before WABA U16 Starts ..
Our national team played 2 friendly games against Orthodoxi U18 & U16, They lost the first one after very tough game from the Orthodoxi side, and won the second game ..
The coaching staff of the National team Includes the Macedonian Coach who has very big popular in Syrian Basketball coach Tane Spasev as head coach and his assistant coaches Odai Khabbaz and George Shakar .. this staff doing good job to build good National team for the future, they work very hard to get the best in not really suitable situation for thinking about basketball .. we appreciate them effort ..
here are the names of 12players and the coaching staff who will play in WABA U16 ..
Ronaldo Shammas
Mouhammad Wahid Rajjob
Naser Husain
Mayyar Diab
Laith Hajj-Ali
Anas Kairawan
Yousef Khodeir
Carl Egho
Mouhammad Hadri
Khalil Khoury
Jerji Doumet
Nouri Rashid

Head coach : Tane Spasev
Assistant coaches : Odai Khabbaz , George Shakar

We wish all the best and good luck for our National team in this competition, our National team will start the competition at Wednesday against Jordan

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TURKEY

Kataja make first step towards EuroChallenge regular season - by Eurobasket News

Kataja - Aliaga Petkim 82:70

Kataja recorded the first win in the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round series versus Aliaga Petkim. The Finnish team posted a 12-point win at home court. Petri Virtanen (183-PG-80) scored 17 points to lead the hosts.
It all went Aliga Petkim way in the first half. The Turkish team gained control in the starting quarter and posted a 19:15 lead after ten minutes. The Turkish team boosted the margin in the second frame. Aliaga ensured a 42:30 halftime advantage. But the Finnish team refused to give up. Petri Virtanen drained back-to-back triples to ignite a 12:2 run from the hosts as they got within 7 points 47:54. Aliaga managed to enter the fourth quarter up by 9 points 60:51. But Kataja quickly denied the deficit as Nenonen drew things level at 64. Soon Kataja went on a 16:0 rally to establish an 80:68 lead. They maintained it till the final buzzer. Jerald Fields (201-F/C-82, college: E.Tenn.St.) provided 13 points, while Jonte Flowers (196-F/G-85, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Winona St.) added 10 points in the victory. Orhan Haciyeva (200-PF-89) answered with 26 points and 12 rebounds for Aliaga Petkim. Branislav Ratkovica (192-G-85, agency: Beo Basket) netted 15 points in the loss.

Kataja: Petri Virtanen 17, Jerald Fields 13, Jonte Flowers 10
Aliaga Petkim: Orhan Haciyeva 26+12 boards, Branislav Ratkovica 15

Tofas one step away from EuroChallenge regular season - by Eurobasket News

Rakvere Tarvas - Tofas 76:106

Tofas have almost secured their EuroChallenge regular season appearance. They bruised Rakvere Tarvas in Estonia tonight to enjoy a massive 30-point lead heading into the home leg of the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round series. Joshua Heytvelt (210-F/C-86, college: Gonzaga) came up with 28 points and 7 rebounds to lead the Turkish team.
Tofas started the game aggressively. They fired 33 points in the opening quarter to take a 6-point lead. Tofas maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They ensured a 56:47 halftime advantage. Tofas boosted the gap in the third term. The visitors ensured a 15-point lead at the final intermission. Tofas finished off Tarvas with a 30:15 run in the fourth frame. Steven Burtt (185-G-84, college: Iona) delivered 20 points, while Chinemelu Elonu (206-F/C-87, college: Texas A&M) added 14 points for Tofas. Clarence Jackson (193-G-89, college: Siena) answered with 17 points for Rakvere. Reimo Tamm (185-PG-84) netted 13 points in the loss.

Rakvere Tarvas: Clarence Jackson 17, Reimo Tamm 13
Tofas: Joshua Heytvelt 28, Steven Burtt 20, Chinemelu Elonu 14

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UBL

UBL AUSTIN RHYTHM TRYOUTS - by Ozzie Denson

UBL AUSTIN RHYTHM 2013 TRYOUTS

November 3rd 2012
7:30p-9:30p
Clay Madsen Recreation Center
1600 Gattis School Road
Round Rock, TX 78664

The Austin Rhythm are getting ready for the upcoming 2013 season. The Rhythm made the final 4 last season.

For application and more information visit www.Austin-Rhythm-Basketball.com, www.Ublhoops.com

Email us @ Austinrhythmbasketball@hotmail.com

Facebook Austin Rhythm Basketball

TwitterRhythm Hoops, ATX Rhythm

COME GET SOME !!!

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UGANDA

Falcons beat Warriors to stay top - by Joel Nature

Falcons used late trips to the line to pin an 11 points loss to Kyambogo Warriors on Friday night at YMCA. Sharing scoring responsibility has been Falcons major strength all season and was not any different in the 69-58 win over Warriors. Steven Omony led the way for Falcons (18-2) with 18 points and 10 rebounds, Geoffrey Omondi added 14 points and 12 boards and center, Philpi Ameny chipped in with 12 points as league leaders cruised to their fourteenth win in a row. What is important is that there is no selfishness among the guys. Guys are playing for each other. They have embraced the vision Falcons coach, Gad Eteu said.

Falcons took the first quarter 14-10 and were matched shot-for-shot in the second to take a 31-27 lead into halftime. Warriors (17-2) rallied back early in the third quarter with a 6-2 run to tie the game at 33 and a couple of foul shots from Steven Okias with 7:50 gave Warriors the lead for the first time which eventually turned out as the last. Falcons went on a 19-6 run to close the quarter taking a double digit lead into the final period.

Warriors came with in 6, 3:32 to the final buzzer but was the closest they could as three non-contested shots from Steven Omony and a jumper from Brian Sentongo (4 points) restored the double figure lead. Warriors were crushed on the boards 46-31 and the foul trouble Norman Blick (12 points) got into early in the second quarter affected Warriors offense as he barely played the third quarter because of the three fouls he had accumulated. Micheal Kariuki paced Warriors with 13 points. The only reason why Falcons did not score more than 69 points was their ineffectiveness on the line. The former champions were 19-for-36 from the line.

Meanwhile UCU Lady Canons beat MUK Sparks 57-29 in the womens division. Verginia Awino and Moreen Amoding scored 11 points apiece for Lady Canons (20-0) and Peace Proscovia added 10 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Winnie Anyango scored 8 for Sparks (8-11) and Diana Awor added 7.

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UKRAINE

From Baltic Tiger to Memphis Grizzly - by Julius Johnson

This is a coming of age story of a Tiger that became a Bear.

23 year old Michael Dunigan is one of the newest members of the Memphis Grizzlies and his trail to the NBA is truly a tall tale.

His professional career started in Jerusalem where management saw an investment opportunity; they would train him in the pre-season and then loan him to teams where he could develop his craft in game situations.

His first stop was the tiny Baltic country, Estonia, which culminated in a league championship. Skipping the parade, Dunigan jetted back to Chicago to partake in the NBA pre draft combine, where he surprised scouts with his length and improved body.

Despite rising in the mock drafts, Dunigan was not selected in the 2011 draft. The next day, the Grizzlies brought Dunigan to Memphis, giving him the VIP treatment. Just a few days later, the NBA locked out players, leaving Dunigan without a summer league to further showcase his improvement.

So, Dunigan hired the NBA's most famous trainer, Tim Grover. After the summer, Dunigan signed to play in Italy, where his coach had the reputation of being fantastic with young players. In Europe, a young roster equates to young prospects and very few wins. Within a month, Dunigan lost playing time to an Italian veteran.

In an effort to find needed playing time, Dunigan accepted a job in the Ukraine. That winter, more than 100 people died from cold weather. But Dunigan braved the conditions, consistently scoring and rebounding all season. As the NBA regular season was near an end, both the Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies were on the cusp of offering Dunigan, only to learn that Dunigan had sustained an injury that would keep him out for two weeks. Jerusalem then backed out of their relationship, thinking their opportunity to collect a buyout has been exhausted.

So, Dunigan returned to Chicago and immediately began training. Soon he learned that the Grizzlies had invited him to NBA summer League. Only one day before his scheduled departure, he sustained an ankle injury that knocked him out of Summer League. Back to training and ankle rehab with Physical Therapist, Dave Reavy, known for working medical miracles for Dwyane Wade, Tracy McGrady, and Gilbert Arenas.

The Grizzlies kept a watchful eye on Dunigan throughout the summer and eventually invited him to training camp.

With only two true centers, and the backup still recovering from hand surgery, the Grizzlies may look to Dunigan for needed depth.

What began as the history of a hard luck hooper has become the feel-good fairy tale of a man who became a Grizzly Bear.

BC Kyiv keep J.P. Primm - by Eurobasket News (T)

BC Kyiv decided to keep J.P. Primm (185-G, college: NC-Asheville) on the roster. The decision was announced by head coach Renato Pasquali . The guard joined BC Kyiv several weeks ago. He successfully passed try-out period and would continue with the Kyiv team. The guard is looking to start his pro career in Europe. J.P. Primm graduated from the University of North Carolina-Ashville. The guard notched 15.4 points, 4.2 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game in his senior season. J.P. Primm was named All-Big South Conference All-Tournament MVP. He made it into All-Big South Conference 2nd Team for the second season in a row. The guard was also named into NABC Division I All-District 3 1st Team. J.P. Primm spent some time with Nanterre in pre-season. However the guard did not make it to the roster.

Korochkin is back at Cherkasy - by Eurobasket News (T)

SK Cherkasy Monkeys (Superleague) signed 30-year old ex-international guard Andrei Korochkin (193-82kg-82). Its actually his comeback to Cherkasy as he played here before. Korochkin has played for the last two seasons at MBC Mykolaiv (Superleague). In 39 Superleague games last year he had 4.6ppg and 1.5rpg. He was a member of Ukrainian Senior National Team back in 2004..

By Eurobasket Data Center

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UNITED KINGDOM

Hamilton Is Raring To Go - by Paul Nilsen

He admits it's been a baptism of fire, but Cheshire Jets' new player-coach James Hamilton (201-F-72, college: Iowa St.) can't wait to get going this weekend.

After a summer that saw the Jets facing closure after 21 years in the BBL, former hero Hamilton was given the task of building a team in the space of a fortnight.

"It's been a nightmare and a blessing" admitted the 40-year-old. "From the start, I really only had three days to put a team together, otherwise the guys would not have arrived on time for the first game, mainly because of the time it takes process work permits and visas. So, I spent a lot of hours on the phone to my contacts in the States trying to get some players. And unbelievably we managed to do it."

Hamilton was a member of the legendary 2002 Jets team that completed a clean sweep of BBL honours, and he's clearly raring to go: "It's great to be back involved in basketball. Currently, everything is still a whirlwind and we are doing our best to prepare for the season. People should understand that this is a new project, and we are basically starting from scratch, it's going to be a very long and difficult journey this year, but we should be proud that we have saved the organization from collapse, as it would have been very sad to see a franchise with so much history go under.

"I have always wanted to coach. Having been a professional for nearly 20 years, I have seen it all, and done it all. I believe I have the drive and vision to get the Jets back to where we should be."

The new-look Jets open their season on Saturday evening when they travel to Loughborough University to face Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders.

BBL Team Of The Week - Week 1 - by Paul Nilsen

The very first BBL Team Of The Week for the 2012-13 season sees three familiar faces and two league rookies make the starting five.

Chavis Holmes (Surrey Heat)

BBL debutante Chavis Holmes certainly made an instant impression during his first taste of British Basketball League action. He helped his team destroy Mersey Tigers in brutal fashion. The playmaker showed Heat fans what they can expect this season with an excellent first night performance. He just missed out on a double-double after scoring 15 points and dishing up nine assists to torture the under-cooked Tigers. He also showed he is willing to do the dirty work too, pulling down six rebounds to complete a terrific performance.

James Jones (193-G/F-83, college: Whitworth) (Manchester Giants)

Shooter James Jones (193-G/F-83, college: Whitworth) may have moved club but he is no stranger to our BBL Team Of The Week having landed a place when at both Mersey Tigers and UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders. Now, it has taken him only 40 minutes to accomplish the same feat with his new team, Manchester Giants, after a match winning role in the thrilling one-point home victory against London Lions. James was in typically deadly form from long-range, sinking five triples on his way to a mammoth 29 points. He was also excellent finishing inside the three-point line, going six of seven from two-point range while adding four rebounds, three assists and three steals to his line.

Samuel Cricelli (200-F-85, college: Caldwell) (Surrey Heat)

The all-action, energetic and bustling play of Samuel Cricelli was very much in evidence at Surrey Sports Park as he made his debut for Heat, announcing his arrival with a typically buoyant display against a toothless Tigers team who just couldnt keep pace with their opponent. One of the reasons for this was the instant form of the forward who landed a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds whilst also claiming four assists and three steals to help his team cruise to a landslide success.

Gareth Murray (201-F-84, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Kalamazoo Valley CC) (Glasgow Rocks; pictured)

It was a mixed weekend for the Rocks who crashed on opening night at Sport Central against the Eagles but then returned to the north-east 48 hours later to experience victory against Durham Wildcats at Newton Aycliffe. Pivotal to that first win of the new season was Gareth Murray (201-F-84, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Kalamazoo Valley CC) who showed his impressive inside-outside skills. He finished with 20 points after going an impressive four of six from downtown where he had the hot hand but also converted three of five inside which made him a tricky customer for the Wildcats' defence. The Scots forward also wrapped up a double-double by harvesting 11 rebounds in an excellent display.

John Fraley (203-C-89, college: Austin Peay St.) (Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders)

Saving the best until last, centre John Fraley (203-C-89, college: Austin Peay St.) marked his first outing in British Basketball with the best performance of the opening weekend. Racking up a valuation score of 31 by torturing One Health Sharks Sheffield under the hoop, Fraley finished with a superb 10 of 13 inside on his way to 23 points, and was just as productive on the glass. He cleaned up with seven offensive rebounds giving him eleven in total. This secured a double-double, handed Riders their opening win of the season and also excited the clubs fans who can seemingly look forward to great things from their new big man this year.

Off The Bench Frank Holmes (Surrey Heat), Duane James (London Lions), Alex Owumi (Worcester Wolves), David Watts (Manchester Giants), Mike Baldarelli (Durham Wildcats), Joe Chapman (Newcastle Eagles)

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URUGUAY

Montevideo and Malvin, both 3-0, are the LUB leaders - by Hector Lopez

Malvin and Montevideo won their third straigth game to maintain the Uruguayan League leadership after the third round. The results and mai players were:
Malvin 78 - Bruno Fitipaldo (183-PG-91) 15 points 10 assists, Anthony Myles (208-F/C-82, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Xavier) 12 points 5 rebounds, Reque Newsome (204-C-81, college: S.Indiana) 8 points 9 rebounds, Alexander Galindo (200-F-85, college: FIU) 2 points
Bigua 72 - Anthony Johnson (203-F-88, college: Fairfield) 17 points 13 rebounds, Chris Jeffries (199-F-80, college: Wash.-St.Louis) 14 points 4 assists
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Montevideo 73 - Diego Pereyra (184-G-85) 26 points 4 assists, Paul Crosby (203-C, college: Miss.Valley St.) 15 points 15 rebounds
Bohemios 67 - John Huggins (188-G-82, college: Amer.Internat.) 26 points 2 rebounds, Brian Craig (206-C-79, college: Miles) 8 poinyts 9 rebounds, Jenard Harrison (203-F-84, college: Amer.Internat.) 6 points 7 rebounds
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Aguada 88 - Alejandro Muro (187-G-74, agency: Players Group) 27 points Christopher Hayes (206-F-87, college: Detroit Mercy) 17 points 17 rebounds, Byron Allen (203-C-81, agency: SDJ Sports, college: Northwestern St.) 2 points 1 rebound
Larre Borges 83 - Gerald January (201-C-88, agency: Hightower Law Firm, college: Montevallo) 15 points 7 rebounds 2 blocks Ike Udanoh (203-C-89, college: Wayne St., MI) 6 points 7 rebounds
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Defensor Sporting 81 - Walter Baxley (193-G-84, college: Mars Hill) 19 points 5 rebounds, Jose Juan Bravo (202-C-86) 5 points 5 rebounds
Hebraica 79 - Jamie Vanderbeken (210-F-87, college: Iowa St.) 17 points 10 rebounds, Hatila Passos (211-C-86, college: N.Mexico St.) 15 points 11 rebounds, Mauricio Aguiar (197-F-83, agency: Players Group) 21 points 6 assists
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Olimpia 78 - Mauricio Trasante (183-G-86) 28 points, Ricardo de Bem (210-F/C-84, college: Oklahoma City) 10 points 7 rebounds, Kevin Nelson (192-G-84, college: Park) 9 points 4 rebounds
Nacional 74 - Emiliano Giano (180-G-89) 25 points, Mildon Ambres (198-F/G-84, college: S.Nazarene) 17 points 9 rebounds 4 assists, Kevin Martin (208-C-83, college: Florida Gulf Coast) 15 points 11 rebounds
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Union Atletica 99 - Jon Rogers (204-C-84, college: Valdosta St.) 25 points, 6 rebounds 6 blocks, Jimmy Boston (201-F-77, college: N.C.Central) 7 points 4 rebounds Ryan Blankson (201-C-80, college: Loyola, IL) 10 points 11 rebounds
Cordon 73 - Brian Morris (205-F-87, college: Humboldt St.) 11 points 6 rebounds, Timothy Jennings (193-G-83, college: Gardner-Webb) 11 points
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Trouville 78 - Justin Keenan (202-F/C-88, college: Ferris St.) 22 points 4 rebounds, Brad Kanis (218-C-84, college: Grand Canyon) 10 points 10 rebounds 2 blocks, Carlton Fay (203-F-88, college: S.Illinois) 2 points 4 rebounds
Tabare 67 - Edward Cage (203-F-78, college: Bradley) 15 points 8 rebounds, Howard Wilkerson (198-F-84, agency: Two Points, college: Wofford) 8 points 5 rebounds

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VENEZUELA

LPB 2013 News - Guaros de Lara bring in Rafael Guevara and Robert Yriarte through trades - by Francisco Vega (T)

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Guaros de Lara kept themselves active in the market. After acquiring Dominican PF-C Jack Michael Martinez (201-F-81) and hiring Scott Fields as head coach for the 2013 LPB season, while announcing the come backs of John Millsap (198-F-82) and Hassan Adams (193-G-84) as imported players, the team also completed a couple of trades involving players Rafael Guevara (194-F-79) and Robert Yriarte (201-F-89) to strenghten their national players rosters and variety of options for the new coach.

The general management, led by Tomas Morris, announced the arrival of Guevara coming from Bucaneros de La Guaira for SF Jackson Zapata (198-F-85). They're both playing together in Venezuela's LNB for Tiburones de Vargas at the moment. Guevara played for Guaros before, back in 2008.

Meanwhile, the team acquired Yriarte from Marinos de Anzoategui to complete a previous negotiation in which Guaros sent Francisco Sanabria (190-G-77) to Marinos for Carlos Morris (194-G-76) and the rights of a player to be named later. Yriarte is also playing for Tiburones de Vargas in Venezuela's LNB.

LPB 2013 News - Gaiteros del Zulia hire Filiberto Rivera as imported player - by Francisco Vega (T)

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Gaiteros del Zulia's general management announced through a press release the signing of Puerto Rican guard Filiberto Rivera (190-PG-82), a 30 year-old, 1.91m tall player with experience in leagues of Italy, Germany, Israel, Greece and Puerto Rico, as well as in NBA camps for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks.

Rivera will be a part of the structure that has been arranged by the team for the 2013 season, which has involved the signing of head coach Bobby Porrata and several trades involving Venezuelan players.

Gaiteros recently traded Enielsen Guevara (204-F/C-82) to Trotamundos de Carabobo for Leinert Zerpa (182-G-81) and Yorbis Umbria (203-F-84). They also sent Francisco Centeno (201-G/F-85) to Bucaneros de La Guaira for Alejandro Barrios (205-C-79) and Yonaicker Ecker (179-PG-90) and they also sent Lenin Lopez (198-F-91) to Cocodrilos de Caracas for Derson Santos (197-F-84).

LPB 2013 News - Bucaneros de La Guaira complete 3-day camp for young talents - by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- The coaching staff of Bucaneros de La Guaira completed another step heading towards the 2013 edition of LPB, by completing a 3-day camp for young talents in Catia La Mar, Vargas state, led by Argentinian head coach Guillermo Narvarte and his first assistant coach, Daniel Seoane .

A total of 15 players had a chance to show their skills and participate in several exercises. "It's been four wonderful days in which we worked in an excellent day with this group" said Narvarte through a press release. "We have to talk about the commitment and discipline that this guys showed at the Navy School facilities. We had no trouble in this camp", he added.

Some of the players there were already part of the team's U23 squad, set to play in the next edition of LEB. "We now know we can count with some of them for a more ambicious project and we also had a chance to see some guys we hadn't seen before", said Narvarte.

Among the players present were Leonardo Betancourt (205-F/C-92), Rodolfo Canate (201-F/C-92), Emiro Hernandez, John Almeida, Jean Almeida, Eduardo Diaz, Antonio Bermudez, Erick Bermudez (F-92), Andrix Farias (194-F-90), Elvis Morales, Steven Quiroz (187-SG-93), Neil Ojeda, Edwin Arellano and Wilson Montes De Oca.

Venezuelans Abroad - Jhornan Zamora doing a great job in Palencia's preseason (Spain/LEB Gold) - by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan SG-SF Jhornan Zamora (196-G-89) is getting ready to play a good role for team Palencia Baloncesto in Spain's LEB Gold, second division basketball, as he prepares to play there for the next three months, prior to coming back to Venezuela to serve his pro contract in the country as a member of Trotamundos de Carabobo's main roster in LPB.

Zamora, who played last season as a reserve for Blancos de Rueda Valladolid in Spain's top league, ACB, returns to a division in which he belonged to Clinicas Rincon during the 2009-2010 and the 2010-2011 seasons.

In his most recent game in the 2012-2013 preseason, Zamora came off the bench and scored 10 points in a victory of Palencia over Melilla, 97-70. His team was the winner of the Castilla y Leon Cup.

Zamora was a part of Venezuela's Senior NT as they won the Silver Medal in the 2012 South American Championship in Argentina and then saw no minutes in the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualy Tournament, held at El Poliedro in Caracas, Venezuela.

Venezuelans Abroad - Bethelmy and Vargas keep starring in Mexico's LNBP - by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan PF Luis Bethelmy (200-F/C-86), of Halcones Rojos de Veracruz and Venezuelan PG Gregory Vargas (180-PG-86), of Halcones UV de Xalapa, have kept their role as stars for their respective teams in Mexico's Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional (LNBP) after Matchday 7 was played last weekend.

Bethelmy has helped his team remain at the top of the standings with a 6-1 record. Bethelmy lifted his team over Fuerza Regia de Monterrey, 85-81 with 14 points, 7 rebounds and an assists in 24 minutes. He got help from Jeffrion Aubry (205-C-76) with 12 points and Carlos Rivera (187-PG-83) with 19 points. For Fuerza Regia, Terrence Shannon (203-F-79) netted 19, Gregory Grays (185-PG-79) added 15 and Lance Allred (211-C-81) 11 more.

Meanwhile, Vargas couldn't avoid his team's defeat against Toros de Nuevo Laredo, 82-80, but his team remains close to the lead with a 5-2 record so far. He scored 15 points and added 2 rebounds and an assist in 32 minutes of action, but Toros got the win thanks to the efforts of Brody Angley (180-PG-86) with 18 points, Nigerian Ike Ofoegbu (205-F-85) with 16 and Adrian Henning with 14. For Xalapa, besides Vargas, LeRoy Hickerson (196-G-82) scored 24 points and Franco Harris (183-G-83) added 18.

Venezuelans Abroad - Jesus Urbina joins San Andres Islanders in Colombia - by Francisco Vega (T)

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan PF Jesus Urbina (201-F-84), a star for Toros de Aragua in Venezuela's LPB and a former member of Venezuela's Senior NT, agreed to terms with San Andres Islanders Caribbean Heat in Colombia's Copa Federacion, a league in which he can play as a local player instead of an imported player thanks to the fact that his dad was born in that country, according to Latinbasket.com's correspondant in that country, Victor Garcia.

Urbina, a 28 year-old former player of the George Mason Patriots in the NCAA, had played in Colombia before for Orgullo Paisa and recently averaged 15.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game for Toros in the LPB 2012 season.

He'll join a league that already features several Venezuelan and Colombian-Venezuelan players. Arrieros de Antioquia includes Juan Herrera (197-F-81), Heberth Bayona (210-C-78), Heissler Guillent (186-PG-86), Eduardo Torres (195-F-81) and Enielsen Guevara (204-F/C-82) in their roster. Once Caldas includes Jorge Leon (188-G-79), Deivis Ananguren (192-F-85) and Yader Fernandez (197-F-82). Bucaros de Bucaramanga have Miguel Marriaga (205-C-84), Miguel Fernandez (194-F-92), Elides Pereira, Adan Reyes (183-PG-83) and Cesar Silva (190-G/F-81) and Hormigueros de Bucaramanga include Cruz Salcedo (190-G-74) and head coach Jesus Cordobes .

LPB 2013 News - Panteras de Miranda sign Paco Diez as head coach - by Francisco Vega (T)

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Panteras de Miranda made official through a press release the signing of veteran Venezuelan head coach Francisco "Paco" Diez for the LPB 2013 season, who'll be coaching his 26th season in the league and is currently the second head coach with most games won in the history of the league.

"Coming back to Panteras brings back memories of many years of success and admiration by a franchise that led the professional basketball league in Venezuela. I feel proud and grateful to its managers for trusting me", said Diez.

"It's not about accepting another position. It's a great challenge for me, maybe the toughest one I've ever faced in my career. Every day I count the hours left for the official practices to begin. Our group of national players needs to be motivated and stimulated by working under a system, designed for the quest of excellence. Some of them have playing below their level and they've settled with loosing year after year. We're glad that there's a new U21 group of guys ready to have their talent developed", he added.

Venezuelans Abroad - Jose Bravo scores 5 points, Defensor wins in Uruguay - by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan PF Jose Juan Bravo (202-C-86) played his second game in the 2012-2013 season of Uruguay's LUB as an imported player for Defensor Sporting, scoring 5 points with 5 rebounds in a tight victory over Hebraica, 81-79, in the league's Matchday 3.

Defensor Sporting improved their record to 2-0 as they didn't play their scheduled Matchday 1 game due to bad conditions of the court they were supposed to play in. Bravo could only play 23 minutes because he fouled out. He added 2 assists and 3 steals, though he turned the ball over 4 times. He had scored 5 points in a previous win of the team coached by Gerardo Jauri .

Walter Baxley (193-G-84) led the scorers with 19 points and Sebastian Izaguirre (207-C-85) added 17 points. For Hebraica, Mauricio Aguiar (197-F-83) scored 21 points, Jamie Vanderbeken (210-F-87) added 17 points, Brazilian Hatila Passos (211-C-86) followed them with 15 and Gustavo Barrera (194-G-85) finished up with 13.

Eric Musselman becomes assistant coach for Arizona State (NCAA), still wanted by Venezuela's Senior NT - by Francisco Vega (T)

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuela's Senior NT head coach Eric Musselman , who's still wanted by the Venezuelan Basketball Federation (FVB) to continue as the head of the coaching staff for the 2013 FIBA Americas World Cup Qualy, to be played in Caracas, agreed to terms to become Arizona State's assistant coach to head coach Herb Sendek .

Musselman has had an amazing run in a career that has seen him coach the Golden State Warriors (2002-2004) and the Sacramento Kings (2006-2007) in the NBA, the Dominican Republic's Senior NT (2010). He also led the Los Angeles Lakers affiliate in the D-League, Los Angeles-Dfenders, to the NBDL Finals in the 2011-2012 season, earning himself a Coach of the Year award.

With Venezuela's Senior NT, Musselman finished fifth in the 2011 FIBA Americas Olympic Qualy Tournament, advancing to the 2012 FIBA Olympic World Qualy Tournament and allowing Venezuela to bid for the chance to host the tournament. The bid was successful and Musselman then led Venezuela to the Silver Medal in the 2012 South American Championship in Argentina and to a 1-1 record in Caracas against Nigeria and Lithuania, unable to conquer one of the final three spots for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Carmelo Cortez, president of the FVB, said that he has begun talks with Musselman to try and get him back, though it is not know how much Musselman's new job will affect the odds for his come back to actually happen.

LPB 2013 - Cocodrilos announce Tomas Nagys and Carl Elliott, trade Derson Santos to Gaiteros - by Francisco Vega (T)

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Cocodrilos de Caracas made a few moves in advance to the LPB 2013 season, as they signed imported players Tomas Nagys (209-F/C-80) and Carl Elliott (193-G-83) and traded Derson Santos (197-F-84) to Gaiteros del Zulia for Lenin Lopez (198-F-91).

Nagys is a 32 year-old Lithuanian Center and former Clemson player in the NCAA who's got experience in leagues of Poland, Russia, Italy, Greece, Spain, Latvia, Germany, Iran and Turkey.

Elliott, currently playing in Mexico, will come back for another LPB season. He's been an imported player for Cocodrilos since the 2009 season. He's also played in leagues of Finland, Dominican Republic and Uruguay.

The general management also decided to move Derson Santos to Gaiteros del Zulia for Lenin Lopez. Santos is currently playing in Venezuela's secondary league, LNB, for Bravos de Portuguesa. Lopez, and up and coming talent, is also playing in that league for Lanceros de Cojedes.

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Women News

Another win for Pecs - by Zeljko Zule (T)

Peac Pecs defeated Vozdovac 69-65 the only tonight's game of Round 1. Amy Jaeschke collected 18 points and 11 rebounds, Andrea Barbour scored 14 points, Diana Furesz (174-G-84, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) had 12 points and 8 assists and Amadea Szamosi grabbed 13 rebounds. Pecs commited 30 turnovers, but outrebounded Vozdovac 48-25, picking up 14 offensive boards. Vozdovac opened the games with a 11-2 run and Pecs took their first lead of the game at 22-21. Hungarian team go ahead 50-41 in the third quarter and after trailing by 56-57 in the final period, Pecs used consecutive 3-pointers by Diana Furesz and Lilla Horvath to fuel its comeback and secure the win. Ana Radovic posted 21 points and grabbed 8 rebounds for Vozdovac, Aleksandra Katic added 16 points, Irena Vrancic scored 13 points and Natasa Kovacevic finished with 13 points.

Welcome to 2012/13 season: Round 1 review - by Eurobasket News

The Regular Season in Adriatic League just started. The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the first round.

Vojvodina - Athlete Celje 74-56
Visitors were defeated by Serbian Vojvodina 74-56. Vojvodina forced 25 Athlete Celje turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Jovana Popovic (173-90) who helped to win the game recording 28 points and 8 steals. Natasa Ivancevic (188-81) contributed with 10 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Vojvodina's coach Miodrag Selimovic used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Serbian guard Sanja Orozovic (184-90) answered with 12 points and 4 assists and Bosnian center Marica Gajic (192-95) added 8 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Athlete Celje.
Top scorers:
Athlete Celje: A.Potocnik 12+1reb, S.Orozovic 12+4reb+4ast, R.Abramovic 11+2reb, M.Gajic 8+10reb, N.Gabrovsek 8+2reb+1ast, E.Lisec 5+6reb
Vojvodina: J.Popovic 28+1reb+3ast, S.Boskovic 14+4reb, N.Ivancevic 10+9reb+2ast, D.Sesnic 8+8reb+1ast, N.Bucevac 6+5reb+2ast, A.Stupar 4+5reb+5ast

Vrsac - Mladi Krajisnik 52-70
The game without a history. Mladi Krajisnik led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Mladi Krajisnik outrebounded Hemofarm Stada 34-22 including 25 on the defensive glass. It was a very good performance for Serbian center Jelena Velinovic (193-81) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 16 points and 14 rebounds. Serbian swingman Marina Markovic (181-91) contributed with 15 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Swingman Jovana Jaksic (178-92) answered with 14 points and 4 assists and Milana Kerkez (-94) added 12 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Hemofarm Stada. Vrsac's coach rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win.
Top scorers:
Hemofarm: J.Jaksic 14+3reb+4ast, M.Kerkez 12+5reb, M.Mrsic 11+4ast, M.Marjanovic 6+7reb, A.Radic 5+5reb, I.Corda 2+1ast
Mladi Krajisnik: J.Velinovic 16+14reb+2ast, M.Markovic 15+6reb+2ast, T.Petkovic 9+3reb+4ast, D.Zakula 9+1reb+4ast, M.Zivadinovic 8+1reb+4ast, M.Osterman 8+3reb+1ast

Novi Zagreb - Partizan 90-93 OT
Partizan grabbed 93-90 OT win. Nevena Jovanovic (179-G-90) led Partizan with 21 points, Latoya Williams (193-C-87, college: Chipola JC) shined in loss with 36 pts and 7 rebs.
Top scorers:
Novi Zagreb: L.Williams 36+7reb+1ast, M.Mazic 22+14reb+2ast, D.Prcic 15+8reb+1ast, S.Pavetic 6+6reb, A.Cacic 4, S.Mandir 4+2reb+4ast
Partizan: N.Jovanovic 21+3reb, M.Dabovic 18+2reb+3ast, T.Radocaj 16+1reb+1ast, K.Baltic 10+4reb+1ast, M.Mandic 10+6reb+1ast, B.Stankovic 7+2reb+4ast

Vozdovac - PEAC-PECS 64-69
The guests trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 4-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 69-64. PEAC-PECS outrebounded Vozdovac 48-25 including a 34-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a very good performance for American center Amy Jaeschke (196-89, college: Northwestern) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Diana Furesz (174-84, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) contributed with 12 points and 8 assists for the winners. Center Ana Radovic (190-90) answered with 21 points and 8 rebounds and Bosnian guard Irena Vrancic (167-90) added 13 points and 6 assists in the effort for Vozdovac. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Vozdovac: A.Radovic 21+8reb, A.Katic 16+1reb+1ast, I.Vrancic 13+2reb+6ast, N.Kovacevic 11+3reb+1ast, Z.Marinkovic 2+1reb+2ast, I.Boskovic 1+7reb+1ast
PEAC-PECS: A.Jaeschke 18+11reb+2ast, A.Barbour 14+6reb+2ast, D.Furesz 12+3reb+8ast, A.Szamosi 10+13reb, L.Horvath 8+3reb+1ast, L.Dusanic 4+6reb+1ast

Sloboda - Radivoj Korac 42-73
The game without a history. Radivoj Korac led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Sloboda to just 1 points in second quarter. Radivoj Korac forced 32 Sloboda turnovers. It was a very good performance for power forward Tina Jovanovic (190-91) who helped to win the game recording 19 points and 6 rebounds. Montenegrin point guard Mirjana Beronja (170-86) contributed with 11 points for the winners. Radivoj Korac's coach Milos Pavlovic felt very confident using 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Serbian-Bosnian Dragana Stankovic (188-95) answered with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds and guard Ljiljana Latinovic (172-76) added 10 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists in the effort for Sloboda.
Top scorers:
Sloboda: N.Kajtaz 13+2reb+1ast, D.Stankovic 12+10reb, L.Latinovic 10+5reb+6ast, S.Niksic 2+3reb+1ast, V.Kecojevic 2+3reb, T.Stevanovic 2+1ast
Radivoj Korac: T.Jovanovic 19+6reb+1ast, M.Beronja 11+3reb+3ast, S.Colic 10+3reb+3ast, J.Radic 9+1reb, I.Brajkovic 8+4reb+2ast, S.Mandic 5

Celik - Ilrija 74-48
Celik led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Ilrija's 36 and made 16-of-17 free shots (94.1 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Ilrija 32-16 including a 23-11 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a very good performance for forward Lejla Bejtic (174-85) who helped to win the game recording 19 points. American forward Stanecia Graham (186-86, college: Washburn) contributed with 10 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Celik's coach Eldar Durmic felt very confident using 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Serbian power forward Jovana Karakasevic (190-92) answered with 13 points and 7 rebounds and Bosnian guard Matea Tavic (178-92, agency: Regeneracom Sports) added 13 points in the effort for Ilrija.
Top scorers:
Ilrija: M.Tavic 13+2reb, J.Karakasevic 13+7reb, S.Meden 7+3reb, A.Klavzar 6+1reb, T.Kropivsek 4+1ast, S.Bajrektarevic 3+2reb
Celik: L.Bejtic 19+3reb, A.Kovacevic 11+4reb, S.Graham 10+7reb, Z.Gagic 8+1reb, I.Bogoje 7+7reb, A.Mehmedic 6+2reb+4ast

Round 3

Vojvodina - PEAC-PECS 65-69
The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Vojvodina won third quarter 23-11. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when PEAC-PECS won last quarter 17-14. PEAC-PECS outrebounded Vojvodina 54-28 including a 21-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a very good performance for American center Amy Jaeschke (196-89, college: Northwestern) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds. Serbian guard Latinka Dusanic (178-90) contributed with 16 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Guard Jovana Popovic (173-90) answered with 23 points and 6 assists and Bosnian power forward Anja Stupar (180-89) added 13 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Vojvodina. Newly promoted PEAC-PECS maintains first place with 2-0 record.
Top scorers:
Vojvodina: J.Popovic 23+4reb+6ast, D.Sesnic 13+7reb+1ast, A.Stupar 13+8reb+1ast, M.Corto 7+2reb, N.Bucevac 6+5reb+2ast, S.Boskovic 3+1reb
PEAC-PECS: A.Jaeschke 16+11reb+1ast, L.Dusanic 16+5reb+1ast, D.Furesz 9+9reb+3ast, L.Horvath 8+13reb, A.Barbour 7+5reb+1ast, A.Szamosi 6+2reb

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AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18

Dakar 2012: Tunisia surrenders to Egypt 53-67 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

After starting off to a good beginning in the first two quarters (16-14, 13-11) Tunisia Monday surrender to the superior fire power of defending champion Egypt who only took over the lead late into the third quarter in a Day-3 pairing of the 2012 Afrobasket for18 women at the Marius Ndiaye stadium Dakar Senegal losing the by 53-67 points for 1-2 record.

With Egypt taking over the lead for the first with 22 second remaining in the third quarter they however continue to mount ceaseless pressure on the Tunisian forcing them to make series of turn-over resulting in the Tunisian losing the third and fourth quarters with wide margins of 13-20 and 11-22 for a final score-line of 53-67.

Egypt lead in scoring by points guard Saraia Deghady who poured in 20 points now lead the series with a 3-0 record. Deghady was join on the scorer chat by her teammates Farida Enam who had a double double of 13 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assist while Reem Mousa added 18 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assist to ensure victory for their side.

Dakar 2012: Mali in first win beat Angola 55-37 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Mali U18 women national Monday night shrug off Saturday night narrow lose to Senegal to post her first win in the 2012 Afrobasket for U18 Women with a 55-37 points.

Mali won the first, second and fourth quarters 16-06, 19-06 and 13-06 but lost the third quarter to the Angolan by 07-19 to pick the valuable win thus brightening their chances of a semi-final spot.

Mali forward Aminata Traore was the best player of the night on the scorer chat with 20 points, the ebony forward was also in splendid form on the board with 13 rebounds. Her teammate Madjan Camara also record double double figure of 14 points and 12 rebounds with guard Hawa Traore recording 10 points and 6 rebounds for their side first victory in the championship.

Dakar 2012: Senegal blow out Kenya - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Host of the 2012 Afrobasket for U18 Women Senegal Monday night gave a five-star performance with an 84-32 points blow out of Kenya in a Day-3 pairing.

Senegal out played the Kenyan in all department of the game winning in all four quarters by 25-12, 27-02, 20-11 and 12-07 to seal her third straight victory.

Senegal forward Yacine Diop led the floor with 20 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assist, guard Ndeye Diend poured in 13 points, Aminata Faye recorded 12 points and 3 rebounds with the duo of Aminata Kamara and Maissa Sylla contributing 10 points each.

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AUSTRALIA

Canberra's Ardossi to face WNBL Tribunal - by Eurobasket News

The Women's National Basketball League has announced Canberra Capitals player Brigitte Ardossi (188-F-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Georgia Tech) will face the WNBL Tribunal this week on the charge of Striking.

The charge arose from an incident involving Ardossi and Bulleen player Rachel Jarry in the Saturday night Bulleen Boomers versus Canberra Capitals game of the WNBL Pre Season Tournament. It was held at Dandenong Stadium.

A report was made by the Bulleen Boomers on Monday, with the WNBL deciding to refer the matter to the Tribunal.

As per the WNBL rules, all parties are forbidden from publically discussing the charges as the matter has been referred to the Tribunal.

Courtesy of WNBL Australia

Bendigo import Scheer to miss WNBL season - by Eurobasket News

A knee injury has cut short US import Kathleen Scheer's (187-G/F, college: Duke) time with the Bendigo Bank Sprit.

Scheer, a Duke University graduate, developed tendinitis like symptoms while training at home in preparation to take up her spot on the Spirit roster.

The decision to part ways was particularly difficult for Head Coach Bernie Harrower given how popular Scheer had become in her short time with the team and her obvious ability to play at the WNBL level.

In many ways Kathleen was exactly what we were hoping for in terms of her work ethic, ability and personality, Harrower said.

Weve been really impressed with Kathleen and its just devastating that this injury means that shell miss this WNBL season and will instead be heading home to undertake rehabilitation.

The club and Kathleen wanted it to work out, but in the end the risk of further injury to Kathleen while shes playing hurt and the risk to the team of having such a key player under an injury cloud meant there was little option.

We were all hoping for the best, but medical advice is that its a 6-12 week rehabilitation period without the rigours of playing and training at the WNBL level.

We certainly hope this isnt the last weve seen of Kathleen in Bendigo. Shes enjoyed her time here and weve enjoyed having her, so hopefully something can work out for future seasons.

Even with her injury, Kathleen appeared in four pre-season matches for the Spirit with highlights including an 18 point, 4 rebound haul against Townsville and being a member of the Spirit team which won the WNBL Preseason Tournament Bendigos first piece of silverware in its short history.

The Spirit will move quickly to attempt to replace Kathleens restricted player position on the team for this season, most likely with another US import.

We need to maintain some extra size in the team, so hopefully we can find another athletic forward who can have an impact for us, Harrower said.

Kathleen will return to the US on Wednesday.

Courtesy of WNBL Australia

Bendigo edge Bulleen in WNBL Pre Season Final thriller - by Eurobasket News

Bendigo Spirit have held on in a cliff-hanger to take out the WNBL Pre Season Tournament Final in a classic over the Bulleen Boomers 61-59 at Dandenong Stadium.

The two undefeated teams of the tournament did not disappoint in the final game of the three-day basketball extravaganza, with the Boomers coming from 10 points with four minutes on the clock to cut the lead to one point inside the final minute.

A late free throw from Kelly Wilson (170-G-84) gave the Spirit a two-point advantage before a three-point attempt from Tess Madgen (180-G/F-90) on the buzzer rimmed out, giving Bendigo a perfect 3-0 start to the pre-season.

Gabrielle Richards (191-C-84, college: Oregon) top-scored for the Spirit, finishing with 16 points and 7 rebounds, while Kristi Harrower (166-PG-75) once again proved why she is the player for the big moments, turning back the clock with a 15 points, 6 rebound and 7 assist performance.

Bursting out of the blocks Bendigo quickly established a lead that they would hold through half-time and the entire game, with their ability curtail the influence of the Bulleen frontcourt a highlight.

Emma Randall (188-C-85) put in her best showing of the tournament to finish with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Alice Kunek was again a solid contributor with 13 points and 7 rebounds.

What we learnt
The secret is out: The WNBL Pre Season Tournament has revealed its first secret; Bendigo look very good. A strong backcourt of Wilson, Harrower, Camino and Perera is complemented by a strong interior presence led by Richards, Scheer and Aubry.

Bulleen right in the mix: An impressive tournament from the Boomers will have them shaping up as a genuine WNBL title contender come March. Plenty of frontcourt talent (Florance, McDonald and Penaluna) along with Jarry, Kunek and Madgen looks like a potent roster.

THIRD PLACE

The West Coast Waves have ended their WNBL Pre Season Tournament on a high, thrashing Adelaide Lightning 85-69 to finish third, while new recruit Deanna Smith (179-G-80) capped off a brilliant three days of basketball taking out the MVP award.

After a credible performance against Bulleen and a convincing win over Logan, the Waves continued their impressive tournament in accounting for Adelaide by 17 points on the back of some sharp-shooting from their veteran gunners Smith and captain Melissa Marsh (209-G-85).

Marsh started the game with 9 points in the first quarter, going on to finish the game with 19 points, while Smith had 16 points and Lisa Wallbutton adding 12 points to her 11 rebounds.

After trailing by more than 20 points heading into the final quarter, Adelaide didnt allow the Waves to take the margin towards 30 thanks largely to the efforts of
Lauren Mansfield (17 points) and Amy Lewis (16 points), while veteran Jo Hill added 9 points and 12 rebounds.

What we learnt
New Wave rising: It is hard not to come away impressed by the Waves. They look fit, determined and able to control the tempo of games.

Plenty of upside: Add the likes of Batkovic and Screen to the Lightning team and youll find a squad with depth and championship potential.

Courtesy of WNBL Australia

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EGYPT

EUROLEAGUE

The rookie players of next season's Euroleague women - by Diamadis Farmakis

There will be plenty of new faces in the upcoming Euroleague women season. Players who will be rookies in the competition and players who are new to their teams. Most of them are young and talented, representing the future of the game in Europe and will now see their profiles, below.

QUERALT CASAS

She is such a multi-skilled, smart and decisive player that it looks almost impossible she won't be a huge success in Madrid

She led Spain to back to back gold medals at the U20 European Championship Women, being named MVP in Novi Sad during 2011 and with her former national team coach Miguel Mendez to look after her progress at Rivas Ecopolis, it looks a match made in heaven

Naturally, her first season may see limited results but in the long term, Casas will surely be one of the biggest names in European basketball. She has the class and temperament to reach the very highest level and to stay there.

OLCAY CAKIR

It was a truly incredible moment when 1993-born Olcay Cakir stepped out as a member of the starting five for Fenerbahce at the 2012 Final Eight and it will be intriguing to see whether new head coach, Roberto Iniguez, has as much faith in her as his predecessor, George Dikeoulakos.

Tenacious and gutsy, in perpetual motion, Cakir has just helped Turkey claim their first ever women's youth medal when they grabbed bronze at the recent U20 European Championship Women in Debrecen.

She also made the All Tournament Team and if she can make smart decisions with the ball and deal with defensive pressure that teams will inevitably try to place on her, she can continue her progression.

NIKA BARIC

Whilst Nika Baric is no secret or surprise any longer, having played her rookie year with Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje including some very decent court time at the Final Eight, it's also important not to forget just how young she still is and also how important this season will be for her.
To learn from Becky Hammon and now Spanish veteran Elisa Aguilar, who replaces Jelena Skerovic, is an education beyond belief for the stellar-talented Baric.

She's in a lucky position and I am backing her to take the opportunity with both hands and continue to evolve, one day becoming a true star of the women's game.

But, point guard is arguably the toughest position for any young player so she must keep working hard and listening to coach Pokey Chatman and her team-mates.

KSENIA TIKHONENKO

Ksenia Tikhonenko also stepped out at the Final Eight earlier this year with Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje but this season she is will be on loan to Municipal Targoviste.

It looks to be a pretty smart move by the Russian club - that is, if she settles and, she is given the court-time and support she needs to continue with her development.

She will certainly head into the new season full of confidence having been crowned MVP at the recent U20 European Championship Women in Debrecen where she was the marquee player for a Russian team which made it to the Final and won silver.

It's going to be interesting to see if she can follow the highly successful method which reaped dividends for all three parties last season, when Sparta&K team-mate Natalia Vieru was loaned to Good Angels Kosice.

OZGE YAVAS

I was thrilled to see Ozge Yavas handed a chance to shine with Galatasaray after she penned a deal with them earlier in the summer and this is just the kind of profile her talent deserves although she will have to fight for minutes.

However, she can help provide a really solid Turkish backbone to the team which is essential in any recipe for success at Gala to support the glittering arrival of import stars.

Source: www.fibaeurope.com

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FRANCE

Villeneuve adds Vulic to their roster - by Eurobasket News (T)

Villeneuve DAscq ESB Lille Metropole (LFB) added to their roster 28-year old Serbian power forward Bojana Vulic (191-84). She signed for two months to replace Emma Meesseman. Vulic played last season at CS Nova Vita Targu Mures in Romanian Division A. In 17 Division A games she had 10.3ppg, 8.7rpg, 1.1apg and 1.1spg. She helped them to make it to the semifinals. Vulic also played at Maccabi Ashdod in Israeli league that season. In 6 Eurocup games she recorded 5.8ppg and 3.7rpg.
She is quite experienced player. Vulic played also professionally in Turkey (Burhaniye Bld, Kayseri, Cankaya and Edremit), Israel (Maccabi Ashdod), France (Charleville-Mezieres), Serbia (Radivoj Korac and Spartak) and Armenia (Hatis Yerevan).

By Eurobasket Data Center

Robert's double-double lands her Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News

32-year old forward Geraldine Robert (184-F-80) had an amazing evening for Lattes Montp. and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 1.
She had a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, while her team crushed Toulouse (0-1) with 20-point margin 65-45. Robert turned to be Lattes Montp.'s top player in her first season with the team.

Second best performed player in Round 1 was Marianna Tolo (196-C-89) of Aix-en-Provence. She is Australian center in her first season at Aix-en-Provence. In the first game Tolo recorded impressive 16 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Bad luck as Aix-en-Provence was edged by Nantes (1-0) 55-51. The season is still at the very beginning and this lost game may not be such crucial, of course if they start win the games. Let's wait for the next round.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) of Bourges. Dumerc scored 20 points and grabbed six rebounds. She was a key player of Bourges, leading her team to a 66-55 win against Perpignan (0-1). Bourges has a good start of the season. But there was just one game played, so it's too early to judge them at this stage. Dumerc also has a very good start of the season with very strong stats.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Mame-Marie Sy-Diop (185-F-85) of Lyon - 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Emilija Podrug (190-C-79) of Lyon - 15 points, 2 rebounds and 6 assists
6. Kristen Sharp (175-PG-81) of Mondeville - 20 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Laetitia Kamba (187-F-87) of Mondeville - 15 points and 6 rebounds
8. Emmeline Ndongue (191-C-83) of Bourges - 12 points and 6 rebounds
9. Diandra Tchatchouang (186-F-91) of Perpignan - 12 points and 5 rebounds
10. Stephany Skrba (188-F-87) of Bourges - 6 points and 14 rebounds

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)

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LITHUANIA

Kibirkstis-Vici-Iki is ready for the new season - by Eurobasket News

Kibirkstis-Vici-Iki is ready for the new season as they will be the favorite this year. The team recently edged Nadezhda Orenburg 72:70. The Lithuanian team opened the game with 29:19, but could win any other quarters. Nadezhda did everything they could to win the game but reduce only to 2 final points. Celeste Trahan-Davis (184-C-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Elizabeth City) led all the winners with 13 points and Daniels posted 12. Lina Pikciute (192-F-90) produced 11, while Vitalija Vasciunaite (172-G-88, college: St.Francis, NY) added 9.
Kibirkstis-Vici-Iki will play in local championship, Eurocup and Baltic League. Kibirkstis-Vici-Iki team will represent Lithuiania in BWBL championship. Kibirkstis-Vici-Iki will start the match from the second round, which will be held in February and March. Final Four tournament will be held 19-21 April, 2013.

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MALI

Dakar 2012: Mali in first win beat Angola 55-37 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Mali U18 women national Monday night shrug off Saturday night narrow lose to Senegal to post her first win in the 2012 Afrobasket for U18 Women with a 55-37 points.

Mali won the first, second and fourth quarters 16-06, 19-06 and 13-06 but lost the third quarter to the Angolan by 07-19 to pick the valuable win thus brightening their chances of a semi-final spot.

Mali forward Aminata Traore was the best player of the night on the scorer chat with 20 points, the ebony forward was also in splendid form on the board with 13 rebounds. Her teammate Madjan Camara also record double double figure of 14 points and 12 rebounds with guard Hawa Traore recording 10 points and 6 rebounds for their side first victory in the championship.

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SENEGAL

Dakar 2012: Senegal blow out Kenya - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Host of the 2012 Afrobasket for U18 Women Senegal Monday night gave a five-star performance with an 84-32 points blow out of Kenya in a Day-3 pairing.

Senegal out played the Kenyan in all department of the game winning in all four quarters by 25-12, 27-02, 20-11 and 12-07 to seal her third straight victory.

Senegal forward Yacine Diop led the floor with 20 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assist, guard Ndeye Diend poured in 13 points, Aminata Faye recorded 12 points and 3 rebounds with the duo of Aminata Kamara and Maissa Sylla contributing 10 points each.

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SERBIA

Biljana Stankovic moved to Partizan - by Dragana Vukovic (T)

After she has spent 22 years in Hemofarm Stada Vrsac, Biljana Stankovic (176-G-74) decided to change team. She signed one year deal with ZKK Partizan Galenika Beograd. Biljana Stankovic spent all her carrier in Hemofarm Stada Vrsac and won 22 trophies during that period. Last one was last season when Hemofarm Stada Vrsac won Serbian Cup. Biljana Stankovic played more that 100 times for National Team and she was at two European Champioships, 2001. and 2003., and at one World Championship, 2002. She is expected to bring experience and old school mentality to ZKK Partizan Galenika Beograd. Also, there is a big chance to see her at European Championship 2013, leading Serbian National Team. Last season she was averaging 13.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists in Adriatic League and 12.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists in Serbian League.

Villeneuve adds Vulic to their roster - by Eurobasket News (T)

Villeneuve DAscq ESB Lille Metropole (LFB) added to their roster 28-year old Serbian power forward Bojana Vulic (191-84). She signed for two months to replace Emma Meesseman. Vulic played last season at CS Nova Vita Targu Mures in Romanian Division A. In 17 Division A games she had 10.3ppg, 8.7rpg, 1.1apg and 1.1spg. She helped them to make it to the semifinals. Vulic also played at Maccabi Ashdod in Israeli league that season. In 6 Eurocup games she recorded 5.8ppg and 3.7rpg.
She is quite experienced player. Vulic played also professionally in Turkey (Burhaniye Bld, Kayseri, Cankaya and Edremit), Israel (Maccabi Ashdod), France (Charleville-Mezieres), Serbia (Radivoj Korac and Spartak) and Armenia (Hatis Yerevan).

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tanja Cirov heads to Canik Belediyesi Samsun - by Tamara Ruzic

Tanja Cirov (181-G/F-81) has signed a one year contract with Canik Belediyesi Samsun from Turkey. Serbian experienced guard has decided to move to Turkey after spending 5 years in Italy. Cirov has a very big experience playing in Italy, one season for Italmoka Pozzuoli and four seasons for Acer ERG Priolo. She is ready to reinforce and will be a great help to the team of Samsun to achieve their goals in this coming season. Cirov had a tremendous season and was top leading scorer of Italian league with 15.0 ppg, 5.4rpg and 2.4spg. Tanja Cirov was elected as Eurobasket.com All-Italian A1 1st Team '11, ' 12 and Bosman player of the Year 2012. She was also a member of Bulgarian CSKA from Sofia that has won Bulgarian Cup , Championship and WABA Championship 2007 (Adriatic League) . Cirov also played for Maccabi Ramat Hen from Israel and FYP Macedonian WBC Kimico Struga where she played EuroCup 6 games: 14.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 0.3apg, 3.0spg.

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SLOVAKIA

MBK Ruzomberok gets bigger with American C Nadia Parker - by Eurobasket News (T)

Nadia Parker (191-C-87, college: USC) will continue her career in Slovakia. The American center penned a 1-year deal with MBK Ruzomberok. Their goal will be to win Extraliga title this season. Parker spent 2011/12 with Romanian squad CSU Alba Iulia. She shined with 14.9 ppg and 8.5 rpg for 33 games. Parker was named Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Center of the Year -12 and she participated at the All-Star Game. Nadia Parker played for Greek FEA Neas in 2010/11 season. However, she appeared just 3 times for the club, after what they parted ways. In 2009/10, Parker was a member of CCC Polkowice. It was her first year as a pro. She graduated at the University of Southern California three years ago. In 2011, Parker played for Team Spain at the EuroBasket Summer League in Atlanta and actually won it.

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WNBA

Atlanta Dream's Angel McCoughtry wins league scoring title - by Eurobasket News

The Atlanta Dream's Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-SF-86, college: Louisville) was honored with a 2012 WNBA Peak Performer Award for leading the league in scoring, the WNBA announced Monday. McCoughtry, who also led the league in steals, is the first member of the Dream to lead the league in scoring.

The WNBA presents the Peak Performer awards annually to the players who lead the league in scoring, rebounding and assists during the regular season. Each player will receive a trophy crafted by Tiffany in honor of her accomplishments.

McCoughtry earned her first Peak Performer award for scoring after averaging 21.4 points per game in 2012. The four-year veteran averaged more than 20 points per game for the third straight year and shot 45 percent from the floor. The Louisville product scored 20 or more points in 18 of her 24 games this season, including a season-high 33 against Chicago on June 2. Her career average of 19.0 points per game ranks her fourth all-time in the league.

McCoughtry was the runner-up in the scoring race last year when she averaged 21.6 points, losing the title to Phoenix's Diana Taurasi by less than a tenth of a point. This season, she outdistanced the Mercury's DeWanna Bonner, who was second with an average of 20.6 points per game.

In the steals race, McCoughtry held off her teammate, Sancho Lyttle, who won the league's steals title last year. McCoughtry averaged 2.50 steals per game, while Lyttle was second at 2.4. However, Lyttle, who played in all 34 games, broke McCoughtry's franchise record for steals in a season, finishing with a league-high 82.

McCoughtry became just the second player in WNBA history to lead the league in scoring and steals in the same season, joining Sheryl Swoopes, who accomplished the feat in 2000.

The other WNBA Peak Performer Awards went to Tina Charles (Connecticut Sun) and Lindsay Whalen (Minnesota Lynx), who led the league in rebounding and assists, respectively.

The two-time defending Eastern Conference champion Atlanta Dream (19-15) opens its Eastern Conference Semifinals series against Indiana (22-12) on Friday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m. ET in Indianapolis. The Dream will host Game 2 at Philips Arena on Sunday, Sept. 30, at 4 p.m. ET.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Mystics part ways with Head Coach Trudi Lacey - by Eurobasket News (T)

Washington Mystics head coach Trudi Lacey will not have her contract renewed, the team announced on Monday.

Lacey also had served as the Mystics' general manager, and the team said a search to fill the roles will begin immediately.

"We are looking forward to a fresh start with our core returning players, a high draft pick that will yield an impact player and a new direction in basketball operations," said Mystics president and managing partner Sheila C. Johnson. "Everyone in our organization recognizes how frustrating the season has been and would like to thank our fans for their support. We thank Trudi for her dedicated work and wish her well in her future endeavors."

The Mystics lost their final 13 games to finish with a league-worst 5-29 record this season.

Lacey was named the team's general manager and head coach on November 25, 2010.

Courtesy of www.foxnews.com

New York Liberty extend contract of Cappie Pondexter - by Eurobasket News (T)

New York Liberty Head Coach and General Manager John Whisenant announced Monday that the team has extended guard Cappie Pondexter's (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) contract. Per team policy, the terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Cappie is our MVP and the type of player that is rare. While fans marvel at her skill and athleticism, it's her passion for the game, competitiveness, work ethic and leadership that really make her special," said Whisenant. "We are very happy that she will be continuing her career with the Liberty."

Pondexter added: "There is no place better to play basketball than New York. It is an absolute honor to represent this great city. Madison Square Garden and the New York Liberty have proven to be world-class organizations, and I am excited to continue on with them in our quest for a championship."

For the 2012 regular season, Pondexter led the Liberty, and ranked third in the WNBA, in average points per game (20.4). She tied her career-high of 4.5 rebounds per game and ranked tenth in the league in assists per game (4.3). Her 90% free throw percentage made her the seventh best in the WNBA. During her three years with the Liberty, Pondexter has started every game and led the team in points each season. She was acquired by the Liberty from the Phoenix Mercury on March 30, 2010.

Pondexter has started every game of her WNBA career (231), racking up averages of 19.5 points, 4.3 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game during her seven seasons. She has been named a WNBA All-Star four times, and won two WNBA Championships with the Phoenix Mercury (2007, 2009). In 2007, Pondexter was also named WNBA Finals MVP. Pondexter was originally selected by the Mercury in the first round (second overall) of the 2006 WNBA Draft.

Courtesy of www.noodls.com

Silver Stars reward Sophia Young with multi-year contract extension - by Eurobasket News (T)

The San Antonio Silver Stars signed forward Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) to a multi-year contract extension on Monday.

Young averaged 16.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 2.1 assists in 33 games this season.

"We are so pleased to announce that Sophia Young will continue to bring her outstanding play to the Silver Stars into the future," said San Antonio head coach and general manager Dan Hughes. "Her play and leadership this year has been an example of what Sophia has brought us game in and game out for the past seven years and we are so glad to go into the future with Sophia in the Silver & Black."

Selected fourth overall by the Silver Stars in the 2006 draft, Young is the franchise leader in games played (255), steals (428), total rebounds (1,626) and points (3,630).

San Antonio will face the Sparks in the Western Conference semifinals. The best-of-three series begins Thursday in Los Angeles.

Courtesy of www.todaysthv.com

Charles, Parker named Players of the Week - by Eurobasket News

Tina Charles of the Connecticut Sun and Candace Parker (6'4''-C-86, college: Tennessee) of the Los Angeles Sparks were named the WNBA's Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for the period ending Sept. 23.

Charles led the Sun to a 2-0 record and posted 10.5 rebounds per game, helping her clinch her third consecutive WNBA season rebounding title. She also poured in 17 points and blocked 1.5 shots per game for the week.

Parker averaged 24 points, six assists and three blocked shots over two games, leading all three categories in the Western Conference for the week. She helped extend the Sparks' record to 24-10 by posting a pair of double-doubles in wins against Phoenix and Minnesota.

Other players considered for the award were Angel McCoughtry of the Atlanta Dream and Katie Smith of the Seattle Storm.

Courtesy of www.foxnews.com

Angel McCoughtry, Tina Charles and Lindsay Whalen Capture 2012 WNBA Peak Performer Honors - by Eurobasket News

Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-SF-86, college: Louisville) (Atlanta Dream), Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) (Connecticut Sun) and Lindsay Whalen (5'9''-PG-82, college: Minnesota) (Minnesota Lynx) have won the 2012 WNBA Peak Performer Awards for scoring, rebounding and assists, respectively, the WNBA announced today.

The WNBA presents the Peak Performer awards annually to the players who lead the league in each of those categories during the regular season. Each player will receive a trophy crafted by Tiffany in honor of her accomplishments.

McCoughtry earned her first Peak Performer award for scoring after averaging 21.4 points per game in 2012. The four-year veteran averaged more than 20 points per game for the third straight year and shot 45 percent from the floor. The Louisville product scored 20 or more points in 18 games this season, including a season-high 33 against Chicago on June 2. Her career average of 19.0 points per game ranks her fourth all-time in the league.

Leading the league in rebounds per game with 10.5, Charles bested runner-up Sylvia Fowles (10.4 rpg) of the Chicago Sky for the second-straight year. The 2010 Rookie of the Year captured her third straight rebounding title in the same year that she became the fastest player in league history to reach 800. 900, 1,000 and 1,100 career boards in 71, 79, 89 and 100 games, respectively. The University of Connecticut alumna had her highest rebounding total of the season (22) against Atlanta on June 17, coming up just one rebound short of her career high (23). Charles is the all-time leader in rebounds per game (11.1) and also recorded the second highest single-season rebound total in league history (374) in 2011.

Minnesota Lynx guard Lindsay Whalen recorded 5.39 assists per game to edge out Seattle Storm guard Sue Bird (5.34 apg) to earn her second-straight Peak Performer Award in the category. Whalen dished out five or more assists in 22 games this season, with a season-high of 10 on June 9 against Tulsa. The University of Minnesota product ranks first in franchise history while ranking fourth in league history in both assists per game (5.1 apg) and total assists (1,525).

The three top honorees were also teammates in 2012 for Team USA at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, where the U.S. Womens Basketball Team took home their fifth-straight gold medal.

2012 WNBA Peak Performers Final Statistics

Top Five: Scoring Average

Player (Team) G FG FT PTS PPG
1. Angel McCoughtry (Atlanta Dream) 24 177 132 514 21.4
2. DeWanna (Phoenix Mercury 32 212 184 660 20.6
3. Cappie Pondexter (New York Liberty) 34 249 144 695 20.4
4. Epiphanny Prince (Chicago Sky) 33 250 93 594 18.0
5. Tina Charles (Connecticut Sun) 33 250 93 594 18.0

Top Five: Rebounding Average

Player (Team) G OR ORPG DR DRPG TOT RPG
1. Tina Charles (Connecticut Sun) 33 123 3.7 222 6.7 345 10.5
2. Sylvia Fowles (Chicago Sky) 25 94 3.8 166 6.6 260 10.4
3. Candace Parker (L.A. Sparks) 33 83 2.5 237 7.2 320 9.7
4. Rebekkah Brunson (Minn. Lynx) 31 108 3.5 169 5.5 277 8.9
5. Krystal Thomas (Phoenix Mercury) 29 93 3.2 140 4.8 233 8.0

Top Five: Assist Average

Player (Team) G AST APG
1. Lindsay Whalen (Minn.Lynx) 33 178 5.39
2. Sue Bird (Seattle Storm) 29 155 5.34
3. Becky Hammon (SA. Silver Stars) 33 176 5.33
4. Kristi Toliver (L.A. Sparks) 34 166 4.88
5. Temeka Johnson (Tulsa Shock) 29 135 4.66

Courtesy of WNBA

Chicago, Phoenix, Tulsa, Washington to vie for top pick in WNBA Draft - by Eurobasket News

The Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, Tulsa Shock, and Washington Mystics will participate in the 2013 WNBA Draft Lottery on Wednesday, Sept. 26. The winner of the league's twelfth annual Lottery will secure the top pick in the 2103 Draft, which will be conducted next April.
ESPN will present the 2013 WNBA Draft Lottery - to be held for the first time at ESPN's studios in Bristol, Conn. - live during the 6 p.m. ET edition of SportsCenter.

Washington, which posted a record of 5-29 this season and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year, has the best opportunity (44.2 percent) to win the top pick in the Draft. A year ago, despite coming off a 6-28 campaign, Washington did not participate in the Lottery, having traded its top pick in the 2012 Draft to the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for forward/center Nicky Anosike in April of 2011.

The Phoenix Mercury, which finished this season 7-27, has the next best odds of winning the Draft Lottery (27.6 percent). The Tulsa Shock, which posted a 9-25 record this past season, and the Chicago Sky (14-20) round out the Lottery-eligible teams. Tulsa has a 17.8 percent chance of landing the top pick; Chicago has a 10.4 percent chance.

WNBA officials and a representative from the accounting firm of Ernst & Young will conduct the Draft Lottery. The Lottery will establish the first four picks of the draft. The order of selection for the remainder of the first round as well as the second and third round is determined by inverse order of the teams' respective regular-season records from 2012.

Fourteen balls numbered 1-14will be placed in a lottery machine and mixed. Four balls will then be drawn to the top to determine a four-digit combination. The team that has been assigned that four-ball combination will receive the No. 1 pick. The four balls will then be placed back into the machine and the process will be repeated to determine the second and third picks. The team that does not win one of the top three picks will be slotted fourth.

There are 1,001 possible combinations when four balls are drawn out of 14, without regard to their order of selection. One thousand of those combinations will be assigned to the four non-playoff teams based on their order of finish in the 2012 regular season. The remaining combination will be unassigned. If the one unassigned combination is drawn, the balls will be placed back into the machine and the process will be repeated until an assigned combination is drawn.

Only once in history as the WNBA Draft Lottery, instituted prior to the 2002 draft, gone exactly according to the odds. The Atlanta Dream, Washington and Chicago, respectively, entered the eight annual Lottery with the most chances to earn the top pick in the 2009 Draft, and came away with, in order, the first, second and third selections.

On two occasions the team with the fewest chances of earning the top pick has come out on top. Phoenix was the first to do so, winning the Lottery for the 2007 Draft. The Los Angeles Sparks also overcame the longest odds and earned the No. 1 pick in the 2012 Draft.

With the WNBA playoffs set to tip off on Thursday, Sept. 27, the winners of the last five WNBA lotteries - and the players whom they selected with the No. 1 overall pick - will all be participating in post-season play. Minnesota, which won the Lottery that preceded the 2011 Draft and selected Maya Moore, looks to defend their WNBA title when they open play against the Seattle Storm. The Sparks, who won the lotteries in advance of the 2008 and 2012 drafts and tabbed Candace Parker and Nneka Ogwumike, respectively, will face the San Antonio Silver Stars. The Connecticut Sun, which selected Tina Charles after winning the 2010 Draft Lottery, will meet the New York Liberty, and the Atlanta Dream, which won the Lottery prior to the 2009 Draft and used the pick on Angel McCoughtry, will meet the Indiana Fever.

The following are the number of chances for teams in the 2013 WNBA Draft Lottery:

LOTTERY TEAMS FOR 2013 WNBA DRAFT

Team Record Chances (out of 1,000)

1. Washington 5-29 442

2. Phoenix 7-27 276

3. Tulsa 9-25 178

4. Chicago 14-20 104

Following is the remaining order of the first round, as determined by 2012 regular season records:

REMAINING ORDER FOR FIRST ROUND

Team Record

5. New York 15-19

6. Seattle 16-18

7. Atlanta 19-15

8. San Antonio 21-13

9. Indiana 22-12

10. Los Angeles 24-10

11. Connecticut 25-9

12. Minnesota 27-7

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Standings

WNBA Standings

Eastern
1. Connecticut S.		25-9
2. Indiana F.		22-12
3. Atlanta D.		19-15
4. New York L.		15-19
5. Chicago S.		14-20
6. Washington M.		5-29
Western
1. Minnesota L.		27-7
2. L.Angeles S.		24-10
3. S.Antonio SS		21-13
4. Seattle S.		16-18
5. Tulsa S.		9-25
6. Phoenix M.		7-27

Quarter-Finals: Round 2

West

Sep. 29: S.Antonio SS - L.Angeles S. 94-101

East

Sep. 30: Atlanta D. - Indiana F. 88-103

West

Sep. 30: Seattle S. - Minnesota L. 86-79 2OT

East

Sep. 29: New York L. - Connecticut S. 62-75

Quarter-Finals: Round 3

East

Oct. 2: Indiana F. - Atlanta D.

West

Oct. 2: Minnesota L. - Seattle S.