Eurobasket Daily News Report: 9/3/2012 1:04:01 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/3/2012 1:04:01 AM

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

Men News

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

AFRICAN CHAMPIONS CUP

ACCMW Qualifier: LPRC oilers go down to Kano Pillars 63-93 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Host club of the FIBA Africa Champions Cup Zone-3 elimination LPRC Oilers basketball club of Liberia suffered a 30 points lose to Nigeria Kano Pillars basketball club in it first game of the qualifier by 63-93 points Sunday in Monrovia.

The Liberian side lost in all four quarters by 15-26, 14-20, 18-28 and 16-19 to go down by a whopping 63-93 points thus set Pillars in good stead to make it to Equatorial Guinea for the final round of the 2012 Africa Champions Cup Africa most prestigious men club competition.

Pillars hit-man Abubakar Usman led his team quest for a place in the final round with 19 points with 10 of such points made in the last quarter while the duo of Mathew Onmonya and Stanley Gumut added 18 points each. Aboubakar Usman (192-G-86)

ACCMW Qualifier: Uhuru Kings bow to ABC 51-88 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Home side Uhuru Kings basketball club of Liberia bowed to the superior fire power of Abidjan Basket Club (ABC) in the men opening game of the FIBA Africa Champions Cup Zone-3 qualifiers by 51-88 points.

The home side (Uhuru Kings) fell in all four quarters by 13-19, 09-23, 09-21 and 20-25 to go down gallantly by 51-88 points.

ABC was led in scoring by Stephane Konate who poured in 25 points and grabbed 2 rebounds, Stephane Kokoun had 16 points and 4 rebounds, Celestin Gbotto contributed 12 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steal with Ange Kouakou adding 11 points for the all important victory for the away side.

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

ALBANIA

ARGENTINA

Quimsa and Atenas reach Final in Arroyito - by Eurobasket News

Quimsa and Atenas will play in the Final of pre-season tournament in Arroyito. They defeated Sionista and Ciclista Olimpico respectively.
Quimsa narrowly edged Sionista 86:84. Eduardo Villares sank a late bucket to seal the victory for Quimsa. Sionista led by four points at halftime 40:36. Quimsa surged ahead in the third term. They posted a 65:57 advantage before the final frame. Sionista denied the deficit as the teams were tied at 84 late in regulation. However Eduardo Villares came up with a late basket to clinch the victory for Quimsa. Ramzee Stanton (197-F-80, agency: Dream Team Management, college: W.Chester) accounted for 15 points for Quimsa. Diego Lo Grippo (198-F-78) added 14 points, while Nicolas Aguirre (182-G-88) had 12 points in the victory. Jerome Meyinsse (206-F/C-88, agency: Dream Team Management, college: Virginia) answered with 14 points for Sionista. Luciano Gonzalez (196-F-90) had 16 points in the loss.
Atenas cruised past Ciclista Olimpico 88:69. Bruno Labaque (182-G-77, agency: Interperformances) came up with 23 points to lead the charge. Atenas piled up a 39:35 halftime lead. They extended the margin to 15 points 67:52 before the fourth frame. Atenas cruised to the victory at the end. Javier Bulfoni (192-G-76) posted 17 points, while Alexis Elsener (195-G-88) added 15 points for the winners. Cedric McGowan (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Cincinnati) replied with 14 points, while Barrios had 13 points for Ciclista Olimpico.

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

AUSTRALIA

QBL: Weekend Wrap-Up: Quarter Finals - by Eurobasket News

Rockhampton Cyclones 66 def. by Mackay Meteorettes 71

The Cyclones season came to an end on Saturday night, unable to overcome a determined Meteorettes side. The home side were down 14 points at the end of the first quarter but fought back in the second to even the score at 31-all three minutes before half-time, before Mackay again grabbed the lead to go into the break up by five points. The Meteorettes maintained their lead throughout the third quarter, before the Cyclones fired up and came from behind to grab a two-point lead with just three minutes left in the game. But Mackay werent about to give up on their finals campaign, and again got out in front to take the match by five points. Rachel Allison shot 24 points for Mackay while Chandrea Jones hit 19 for Rockhampton.

Bundaberg Bears 75 def. Ipswich Force 67

Ipswich got themselves an early lead in this match, dominating the first half and getting their lead out to nine points early in the second quarter, before Bundaberg pulled it back to trail by two going into halftime. The Force kept the lead up until five minutes into the third quarter, where the Bears began to bite back to turn the tables around, and went into the final period ahead by nine points. From there they maintained the upper hand and kept Ipswichs fightback at bay, to go through to the semi-finals with the eight-point win. Emma Langford shot 27 points for Ipswich, as did Rachel Maenpaa for Bundaberg.

Gold Coast Rollers 69 def. by Northside Wizards 72

It was a close game on the coast with the lead changing hands throughout the match until Northside got the better of the Rollers. The Wizards held a four-point lead going into the second quarter, before the Gold Coast overtook them to end the first half up by six points. The home side held onto their lead during the third quarter, managing to hold off constant scoring from Northside, but soon into the final quarter the Wizards again fought back and overtook the Rollers, the game going down to the wire but Northside coming out on top by three points. Katie Harris top-scored for Northside with 25 points, while Heidi Freeburn was Gold Coasts best with 17.

Mackay Meteors 106 def. Cairns Marlins 75
The Meteors conceded the lead for the first few minutes of the match, before firing up and coming from one point behind to lead by 14 points within five minutes in the first quarter. From there, the game was Mackays, managing to build a comfortable barrier between themselves and Cairns, to go through to the semi-finals with the 31-point win. Cairns Dwayne Vale had a game-high 24 points while Luke Harvey (204-F/C-91) shot 22 points for Mackay.

Ipswich Force 100 def. Bundaberg Bulls 85

The Force held the lead for the majority of the match, but had to work hard to keep the determined Bundaberg side at bay. Ipswich proved too powerful and secured the game with a 15-point margin grab the semi-finals berth. Willie Shackleford (197-F-85, college: Martin Methodist) shot a game-high 31 points for the Bulls, while Zarryon Fereti hit 26 points for the Force.

Northside Wizards 58 def. by Gold Coast Rollers 72

Northside controlled the first quarter, going into the first break up by seven points, but in the second quarter the Rollers fought back to go into half-time up by eight. The Gold Coast managed to hold onto the lead for the remainder of the match, and dominated in the final quarter to seal the match and their trip to Rockhampton. Northsides Louis Hurd put up a game-high 24 points, while David Gurney (194-F-85) shot 19 for Gold Coast.
Courtesy of: www.qbl.basketball.net.au

QBL: 2012 Development League Champions and MVPs - by Eurobasket News

Congratulations to the QBL Development League Champions for 2012 Seahawks GC (mens) and the Ipswich Force (womens). Seahawks took out their match against Toowoomba Mountaineers at home at the Runaway Bay Indoor Sports Stadium 72-69 last Saturday night, while it was an equally close game at Cotton On Foundation Stadium in Ipswich, with the Force defeating the Brisbane Capitals 68-64.

Congratulations also to the season's Most Valuable Players:
2012 D-League Mens Most Valuable Player
Jack Hunt - Noosa Cyclones

2011 D-League Womens Most Valuable Player
Kim Neilson - Noosa Cyclones

*MVPs are determined by regular season MVP votes submitted by Head Coaches
Courtesy of: qbl.basketball.net.au

Reformed Webster eager to repay his mentors - by Eurobasket News

Breakers veteran CJ Bruton believes his bad-boy, back-court mate Corey Webster (185-G-88, college: Lambuth) will bounce back from his year-long suspension and emerge as a key player in the club's quest for a title threepeat.

Bruton stuck by the 23-year-old Tall Black even when he had his contract torn up at the club after being banned for 12 months for a second drugs infraction. Now Webster has been reinstated for the 2012-13 campaign and last season's finals MVP predicts big things from him.

Webster was on Friday confirmed as the 10th, and final, fully contracted Breaker as they seek to become just the second club in Australian NBL history to win three consecutive titles.

He faced the media at the club looking in the shape of his life after two months training in China under former Australian coach Brian Goorjian. Bruton helped arrange the stint for Webster, and said all indications were he had returned ready to make an immediate impact.

Goorj came back with glowing reports about this kid, Bruton told Sunday News. I've never seen him in the shape he is in now in all the time I've been in New Zealand. That shows how hard he's worked while he's been away.

He's done all the right things. When you're a kid you're going to make mistakes and going to get slapped around. Now everyone's waiting to see if he's going to do right. I told him you're your own man, this is your chance to prove yourself'.

In my mind he's the best scorer New Zealand has outside of Kirk Penney. But he's never got to prove that. We know what he can give us, and now's his chance to show the public and the people who have seen him play for many years that he can be that player.

Webster said he owed Bruton plenty after the veteran Australian stood by him during a testing year spent reflecting on his mistakes.

He took me under his wing ever since he got here, and it was great he didn't just leave me in the dirt when this happened, Webster said.

He was always there for me, giving me advice. He set up the China opportunity with the Breakers, and I owe a lot of thanks to him. I idolised him when I was a youngster and it's awesome to be part of the same team as him.

Webster vowed he had learned his lessons, made the necessary changes in his life and was intent on repaying the faith of the club.

I know not many people have this chance again. I'm so grateful that they have faith, and that they've seen the changes I've made. The Breakers is where I want to be. This my home town, I feel part of the family and I feel like I owe them a lot.

The Breakers have a pre-season series against Wollongong in Christchurch, Dunedin and Hamilton on September 11, 13 and 15 before opening the regular season on October 5 against the Perth Wildcats in Auckland.

Courtesy of www.stuff.co.nz

Henare keen to share will to win with Sharks - by Eurobasket News

Right from a young age, basketball has been a huge part of Paul Henare's (182-G-79) life.

The 33-year-old enjoyed a memorable playing career - attending two Olympic Games and two world championships with the Tall Blacks, while also spending 17 seasons in the New Zealand national league.

It was with the New Zealand Breakers that Henare achieved the most acclaim, playing in the team's first eight seasons, and ended his time with the club in style, when he was part of their inaugural 2010-2011 Australian National Basketball League championship winning side. He holds the record for the most games played [250] for the Breakers, and was the first player in franchise history to have his number [32] retired by the club at the beginning of last season.

Henare has made a swift and successful move into the coaching ranks, mentoring the Hawke's Bay Hawks in the last two New Zealand NBL seasons. He has won 21 of his 30 games in charge of the Hawks, steering them through to the final in 2011, and the semi-finals this season.

Earlier this year, he was also named as an assistant coach for the Tall Blacks for the Olympic qualifying tournament in Venezuela.

Basketball is all Henare has known since finishing high school and he said his ultimate ambition is to steadily climb his way up the coaching ladder and and continue to gain more experience.

"People ask me if I study or have a degree, and my answer to them is I have a degree in basketball. I've been studying the game of basketball for 18 years now," he said.

"I've been goal-driven my whole life. That's a goal of mine. I would love to coach the Tall Blacks one day, and I want to continue coaching professionally."

Henare was this week named as the new fulltime coach of the Southland Sharks for the next two years. He will replace foundation coach Richard Dickel, who will become Southland Basketball's development officer.

Coaching basketball at the elite level has always been at the back of Henare's mind. He began to consider it seriously as his career was winding down with the Breakers, and remains thankful to the Hawks organisation for giving him his first opportunity in the big time, two years ago.

Snapping up someone of Henare's calibre is a massive boost for the Sharks. It instantly gives the franchise credibility and a respected figure whom high-profile players around the league will want to play for.

Ad Feedback
Some people might find it hard to fathom why Henare would want to uproot his family from their Napier hometown and shift to Invercargill, but his answer is simple.

"The Sharks have only been around a short time, but they're a well respected organisation - that's from an outsider looking in. They have a good programme. They're very professional. That was one of the attractive things.

"I'm a person, throughout my playing career, who wanted to challenge myself. I'm stepping out of my comfort zone in the Hawke's Bay, and taking on a different challenge was appealing."

Sharks general manager Jill Bolger said Henare stuck out from a talented list of candidates and was looking forward to working with him.

"Paul ticked the right boxes for our selection panel. He brought innovative ideas to the interview and we think that will make a difference to us. He's got a lot of mana with players. He's a legend, really. He's got a lot of respect and enthusiasm."

Henare, wife, Lisa, and the couple's 3-year-old daughter, Kaia, will arrive in Southland in early October. He said he was eager to get straight into things and start piecing the Sharks' roster together for next season, which is expected to tip off in April.

That will involve holding open trials for Southland-based players and scoping out the level of talent in the region.

Henare believes it is important to strike the right balance between retaining the core of the Sharks' squad to allow for continuity, and bolstering that with star power and experience from out of town.

"What I tried to establish here in Hawke's Bay is a real local feel in the team. That's something, I'm very conscious and aware of.

"That's not to say, if there's areas lacking, I won't try and bring in a player from out of town, that can fill a gap."

Henare will operate with a clean slate at the Sharks.

Homegrown players, who have been involved with the team in the past, will need to prove their worth and show they are keen to be a part of the new regime.

"From the outside, looking in, there's a good core group there," Henare said.

"There will be some opportunities there. It's up to those locals players and the guys that have been there the last year or two to prove to me in my time down there, what they've got and what they're able to offer."

Southland has several exciting young talents, such as Tim Campbell, Jordan Murphy, Rhys Smolenski and Mitchell Newton and they should only benefit from working alongside Henare and tapping into his expertise.

Henare will decide on an assistant coach once he arrives in Invercargill, but said the priority was to select someone from Southland, who showed promise and had aspirations to one day coach in the national league.

One of Henare's biggest focuses in Southland will be around coaching development and pass- ing on his wisdom to emerging basketball coaches in the region.

"I think I have a lot to offer and a lot of knowledge and I'm open and willing to pass that onto others," he said.

"It would be good to get to know some up-and-coming coaches down there."

Henare describes himself as a defence-first coach, which was evident with his Hawks' team this year. They conceded just 81.9 points per game this season - the lowest in the league.

He demands high standards from his squad during games and at training, and it's safe to say if players don't live up to those expectations, they will be watching from the bench.

As a basketballer, Henare gave his all for the teams he was representing, and was never afraid to express his emotions. That's something Sharks fans will able to glimpse firsthand next season.

"I'm an emotional coach. I wore my heart on my sleeve as a player and sometimes that shows in my coaching. I'm so passionate about the game. That's never going to change. That's who I am," he said. "I want to win and succeed and that's definitely not going to change with my new role with the Sharks."

Courtesy of www.stuff.co.nz

Hawks defeat Tigers 90-66 in Melbourne - by Eurobasket News

The Wollongong NRE Hawks have had a succesful weekend in Melbourne, defeating the Tigers 90-66 in their final game of the preseason double header weekend.

The two wins this weekend was a good sign for the Hawks who competed without both incoming imports Lance Hurdle & Adris Deleon, along with Dave Gruber who rested in Wollongong this weekend.

The Hawks coaching staff spread the minutes around this game, with Illawarra locals Dan Jackson and Tyson Demos (191-G-88), along with Macmillan and Coenraad all receiving good court time for the game.

Wollongong outscored Melbourne every quarter to cruise to the 23 point victory.

Leading scorers for the Hawks were Oscar Forman (205-F/C-82) with 19 and also tallied 8 rebounds, Tyson Demos with 18, Rhys Martin (193-G-86, college: Nova SE) 15 and Larry Davidson (206-C/F-83, college: Boise St.) with 13 points.

Forman and Martin got the Hawks going in the first half, scoring 10 & 12 points respectively. Davidson hit a three to close out the first half and take an 11 point lead into the change rooms.

The first half the Hawks shot 52% from the field and continued that hot shooting form finishing the game shooting 52% from the field and 46% from the three point line.

In the third quarter Dan Jackson came off the bench to score 6 points straight and create shots for the others, extending the Hawks lead out to 19 points. The Hawks continued the scoring streak and extended the lead all the way out to 23 before the Tigers brought it back to 17 heading into the fourth quarter.

Oscar nailed two 3-pointers in a row to take the lead out to 22 points with 2 minutes to play, sealing the second win in Melbourne for the weekend.

Development player Alex Beagley finished off the game with a score and free throw, giving the Hawks a 90-66 victory.

Tim Coenraad didn't hit the score sheet but lead the team with 5 assists for the game.

The Hawks will travel back to Wollongong tonight, before they rest and prepare for the New Zealand pre-season trip on September 10.

Courtesy of NBL Australia

Mirko Djeric on try-out at Partizan - by Eurobasket

BC Partizan MT:S Beograd (A League) will test 17-year old Australian point guard Mirko Djeric (191-95). He played in the summer at Bankstown Bruins in Australian WARATAH. Djeric was voted to Eurobasket.com All-World Championships U17 2nd Team in 2012. He played also pro basketball in Lithuania. Djeric has been a member of Australian U17 national team for last two years. He represented Australia at the World Championships U17 in Kaunas (Lithuania) this year. Djerics team won Silver and his stats at this event were 8 games: 9.8ppg, 2.0rpg, Assists-2 (5.6apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 22.7%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 55.6%.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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

AUSTRIA

AZERBAIJAN

Bulgaria topple Azerbaijan for crucial win in Group B - by Eurobasket News

Bulgaria - Azerbaijan 94:77

Bulgaria stayed hopeful about their 2013 EuroBasket ambitions. They shot down Azerbaijan in Samokov to catch up with their opponents at 3-3 record in Group B. Hristo Nikolov (200-PF-85) posted 26 points to lead the hosts.
Bulgaria left their opponents behind in the opening quarter. The hosts went on a 26:13 run in the first frame. Azerbaijan however stopped the rot in the second stanza. The visitors held Bulgaria to 11 points in the period to narrow the gap at 6-point mark at halftime 37:31. Bulgaria unleashed 31 points in the third quarter to take a 21-point lead at the final break. Azerbaijan challenged the hosts with a 15:7 run but Bulgaria quickly bounced back and silenced the visitors at the end. Ivan Lilov (196-SG-88) accounted for 17 points, while Chavdar Kostov (195-SG-88, agency: Interperformances) finished with 21 points for Bulgaria. Aleksandr Rindin (225-C-85, agency: Interperformances) answered with 17 points for Azerbaijan. Charles Davis (205-C-84, college: Alabama) banked 19 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.

Bulgaria: Hristo Nikolov 26, Chavdar Kostov 21, Ivan Lilov 17
Azerbaijan: Charles Davis 19+13 boards, Aleksandr Rindin 17

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

BALTIC LEAGUE

Baltic Basketball League expanding for the season 2012/2013 - by Eurobasket News

Baltic Basketball League (BBL) is changing the format for the upcoming season by uniting two divisions. It means that the amount of teams competing for the title in 2012/2013 will grow to 21.

BBL has proven to be a valuable tool for the federations and the clubs of the region for the player development, said the President of BBL, Peep Aaviksoo. Today we dont have to convince clubs to participate; they have understood the benefit that comes out of strong sportive level, and economy that these international games give. But as the environment has changed over the past years and our top teams are getting more exposure in international leagues, we have to adopt the model to suit best for local basketball goals. The aim of the league is to help sportive and organizational development and we feel that giving a chance to compete for the title to all our teams will help them in this quest, added Mr. Aaviksoo.
The BBL season will consist of three separate sessions. The opening event of the season will be the BBL Cup 2012 with four participating teams, similar to previous seasons. The BBL Championship tournament will be held with 21 participating teams from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Kazakhstan.

When the champion of the BBL Championship tournament is confirmed, the season will be completed with the Baltic Super Cup 2013. Held in a Final Four format, the winners of the BBL Championship tournament will take on the winners of the three 2012 Baltic domestic league winners.

The final list of the participants of the BBL season 2012/2013 will be announced on September 3, 2012.

BBL championship season 2012/2013 format:

Stage 1. Regular season

Three groups per 7 teams, 126 games, round - robin format (home and away)

Stage 2. TOP 16

Four groups per 4 teams, 48 games, round robin format (home and away)

Stage 3. Play-offs phase

Quarterfinals (home and away),

Semifinals (home and away),

Finals (home and away)

BC Zalgiris, BC Lietuvos Rytas and BC VEF Riga will not participate until Baltic Super Cup tournament due to clashes of the schedules of European and regional leagues.
Courtesy of: bbl.net

Tarvas keep Juris Umbrasko - by Eurobasket News

Tarvas added another import player to the squad. They agreed on terms of contract extension with Juris Umbrasko (197-G/F-79). The Latvian forward joined the team at the start of the previous season. He tallied 13.8 points, 4.4 boards and 1.5 assists per game in Baltic League. In Estonian League Juris Umbrasko accounted for 11.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists per appearance. The forward made it into All-Baltic League Challenge Cup 1st Team. Juris Umbrasko previously had stints with MBC Mykolaiv, VEF Riga, DniproAzot, Ventspils, Ifestos, Lvovskaya Politekhnika, Barons/LMT, Cherkasy, Khimik, CSKA, Broceni. He was the member of Latvian National Team in 2000/08 seasons.
Juris Umbrasko joins two other Latvian players on Tarvas roster. Rakvere have previously secured the services of Raitis Grafs (208-C-81, college: Valparaiso) and Maris Laksa (207-F-81, agency: Court Side, college: Providence).

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

BELARUS

Turkey had no mercy for Belarus in Minsk - by Eurobasket News

Belarus-Turkey 62:91

Turkey had no mercy for Belarus in Minsk at the EuroBasket Qualification Round in Group F. The guests rolled over the opponent 91:62 for 3-2 record. Belarus meanwhile fell at 1-5 record.
Turkey took the lead in the opening period and had 25:15 after the first 10 minutes. Moreover Turkey improved to 20-point lead at the halftime after 24-14 in the second frame. Belarus bounced back with 23-20 in the third quarter but could not save the game. Turkey had another 22-10 in the lasts stanza for the final result.
Semih Erden (211-F/C-86) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Ilkan Karaman (205-F-90) netted 17. Kerem Gonlum (208-PF-77) delivered 14, while Emir Preldzic (205-SF-87, agency: Beo Basket) and Serhat Cetin (197-G/F-86) added 10 each. Aliaksandr Kudrautsau (190-SG-80) and Artsiom Parakhouski (210-C-87, college: Radford) replied with 18 points each in defeat, whilst Yahor Meshcharakou (208-PF-76, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav, college: G.Washington) scored 9.

Belarus: Aliaksandr Kudrautsau 18, Artsiom Parakhouski 18, Yahor Meshcharakou 9
Turkey: Semih Erden 20, Ilkan Karaman 17, Kerem Gonlum 14, Emir Preldzic 10, Serhat Cetin 10

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

BELGIUM

Ethias League teams started pre-season campaign last weekend - by Bert Larsimont

Most Ethias League teams started their pre-season campaign last weekend.

VOO Verviers-Pepinster played against 1. Bundesliga team TBB Trier in Soleuvre, Luxemburg last Saturday.
Despite the Belgian team's loss 96-77, it was a first good test for the men of RBC's new Head Coach Nenad Trajkovic . It was a good opprotunity to see the new squad with young US trio Chris Ferguson (206-C, college: Mid-Continent), Jerime Anderson (187-G-89, college: UCLA) and Jeremy Green (193-G, college: Stanford) and Serbian duo of centers Dragan Tubak (217-C-87) and Nemanja Aleksandrov (210-C/F-87). Nate Linhart (20 points), Vitalis Chikoko (15 points), Brian Harper (14 points) and Andreas Seiferth (11 points) already seemed rather fit and efficient for TBB Trier.

Without three major players (Ioannis Iarochevitch, Pierre-Antoine Gillet and Wen Mukubu involved with the Belgian Lions in the EuroBasket 2013 qualifying campaign, Belgacom Liege Basket also started their pre-season program this weekend and faced a French Pro B team: ESSM Le Portel Cote d'Opale. The French squad looked ready for the new season. The men of French Coach Eric Girard won the game 82-64. Liege Basket won the last quarter 17-21 and finished on a positive note. Sherman Gay (16 points), Armand Charles (14 points) and Charles-Henri Bronchard (11 points) were the best scorers for ESSM Le Portel Cote d'Opale while B.J. Monteiro (21 points), Lionel Bosco (5 points) and Andre Williamson (9 points) were the most productive players on the Belgian side. Score evolution: 21-14, 37-28, 65-43 and 82-64.

Elsewhere, Belgacom Spirou Charleroi played a first scrimmage game against French Pro B squad of Chalons-Reims at the Couvidome in Couvin, Belgium. Hiring a foreign guard is still much talked about in Charleroi. In the meantime, Justin Hamilton (190-G-80, college: Florida), Amaury Jadin (189-G-86) and Matt Walsh (197-F/G-82, college: Florida) have played as guards during last weekend's game. After a rather balanced first quarter, Spirou quickly found a good rythm to take the lead and keep it until the final buzzer. Score evolution in this game: 17-11, 39-27, 59-45 and 74-60. Pierric Poupet (11 points), Justin Burrell (15 points) and Bryan Mullins (9 points) were the best scorers for the defeated team while Glen Dandridge (25 points and 7 three-pointers), Derrick Allen (20 points and 9 rebounds), Mike Scott (5 points and 8 rebounds), Matt Walsh (6 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists) and Justin Hamilton (14 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists) recorded great stats in this pre-season game.

After their win over Division II squad CEP Fleurus on Friday night, Belfius Mons-Hainaut played Royal Aera Excelsior Brussels (Division II) on Saturday and French Pro A team STB Le Havre on Sunday. The game against Excelsior Brussels was a tough one for Belfius MH and the decision was made only in the fourth quarter. Excelsior with their impressive roster including such names as Emmanuel Mampuya (9 points), Xavier Collette (10 points), Stephane Pelle (16 Points), Nick Verrept (9 points) and Sam Semijejero (3 points, 6 rebounds, 5 steals and 2 assists) gave a tought time to their hosts. Josh Bostic (33 points), Ronell Taylor (14 points), Jonathan Wallace (9 points) and Justin Cage (8 points and 9 rebounds) nevertheless led their team to a strong and spectacular finish. Score evolution: 21-28, 47-43, 63-64 and 78-90.

Belfius Mons-Hainaut starts pre-season with a win (85-93) in Fleurus - by Bert Larsimont

Christian Manzanza (injury), Jordan Garvin (administrative reason) and Mitchel Kouwijzer (190-G-87, who has just signed with CEP Fleurus) were missing on the host side last night. Guy Muya (involved with the Belgian Lions in the Eurobasket 2013 qualifying campaign), Monwell Randle and Alexandre Libert were left on the bench on the Belfius Mons-Hainaut's side.

There was a nice and enthusiastic crowd at the Salle Andre Robert for this excellent scrimmage game. CEP Fleurus took a good lead (+7) mainly due to an excellent start by Kevin Jonniaux (198-G-83) from long range (4 three-pointers in a row), nice presence of Thomas Bauwens (192-F-86) and the hardworking performance of Sead Muric (205-C-81) inside. Nevertheless, the visitors with their excellent US players Ronell Quincy Taylor (196-G-82, college: UAB), Jonathan Wallace (187-G-86, college: Georgetown), Justin Cage (198-F-85, college: Xavier), Josh Bostic (196-F-87, college: Findlay, OH) and Brian Qvale (210-C-88, college: Montana) reacted well after the CEP storm had passed. Belfius Mons-Hainaut was in front at the end of the first quarter: 22-24. CEP Coach Paul Vervaeck took a time-out with 2:13 remaining in the second quarter when the scoreboard showed 38-46. The half-time was reached at 43-49 and Belfius MH Head Coach Yves Defraigne had given some playing time to young Belgian players like Lorenzo Giancaterino (190-F/G-90), Amaury Gorgemans (212-C-92), Emmanuel Lecomte (180-G-95) and Kevin Tumba (192-F/G-91).

The visitors started the third quarter in a pretty strong way and Ronell Taylor was very active in all sectors of the game. Belfius Mons-Hainaut was leading 48-61 with 6:34 remaining in the third quarter and even 48-65 despite a CEP time-out. Belgian talents Amaury Marion (196-F-91), Ludovic Pourtoit (182-G-88) and Christian Ilongo (194-F-85) boosted CEP Fleurus which remained 11 points behind at the end of the third quarter: 63-74.

Belfius Mons Hainaut always seemed to control the game and Coach Defraigne made some interesting rotations after 70-89 with only 5 minutes remaining in the game. Jonathan Wallace, Josh Bostic and Justin Cage will need some time to find each other but this could be an interesting trio to watch this season on the Belfius side. The last minutes of the game were interesting as the young CEP players Louis Hazard (199-F-94), Rik Vandenberghe (208-C-93) and Amaury Marion were able to run down the court in fastbreak situation. The local team even managed to avoid a double digit margin on the final buzzer when Ilongo hit a nice jump shot to make 85-93. A great basketball evening in Province Hainaut and a good scrimmage game for both teams!

Score evolution: 22-24, 38-46, 63-74 and 85-93.

Best scorers:

CEP Fleurus: Jonniaux 20, Marion 10, Ilongo 20, Bauwens 3, Muric 8, Hazard 4, Vandenberghe 7, Pourtoit 13.
Belfius Mons-Hainaut: Lecomte 3, Tumba 8, Qvale 11, Wallace 11, Taylor 16, Cage 13, Giancaterino 6, Schwartz 5, Bostic 10, Gorgemans 10.

Belfius Mons-Hainaut will play Royal Aera Excelsior Brussels today in Woluwe Saint-Lambert (at 17:15) and French Pro A team STB Le Havre in Tournai (at 17:00).

Okapi Aalstar post two victories - by Eurobasket News

Okapi Aalstar post two victories in preseason campaign. Okapi Aalstar outscored Waregem 87:68. The team started with 25-10 in the first period and enjoyed 50:30 lead at the halftime. Moreover the board showed 63:48 after three quarters, while Okapi Aalstar increased to 19-point final lead. Jason Clark (188-G-90, college: Georgetown) stepped up with 15 points, while Derek Raivio (190-G-84, college: Gonzaga) delivered 14. Tofi John scored 13, whilst Dreesen, Ryan Thompson (198-G-89, college: Rider) and Hartsock delivered 12 each.
Last night Okapi Aalstar overcame Gent 95:64. The winners started with 35:24 after the first period and led 13 points at the halftime. They pushed the tempo in the second half and added another two victories. Derek Raivio and Ryan Thompson top-scored for the winners with 20 points each, while Christopher Young (206-F/C-79, agency: Court Side, college: Michigan) netted 13. Jason Clark scored 12 and Dreesen notched 11.
TBB Trier meanwhile edged Verviers Pepinster 96:77. Nate Linhart (201-F-86, college: Akron) stepped up with 20 points and Vitalis Chikoko (207-F/C-91) added 15. Harper poured in 14, while Seiferth delivered 11.

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

BOSNIA

Bosnia and Herzegovina roll over Netherlands in Sarajevo - by Eurobasket News

Bosnia and Herzegovina- Netherlands 99:83

Bosnia and Herzegovina roll over Netherlands in Sarajevo for 4-2 record in Group D of the EuroBasket Qualification Round. The home side got 80 points from a perfect trio in a 99:83 victory.
Bosnia and Herzegovina grabbed 28-14 after the first period, but had difficulties to lead in the game. They lost the second frame 21-22 but led 49:36 at the halftime. The third period belonged to the Dutch team that needed a 32-15 surge for 68:64 advantage when Theeuwkens closed the period. Bosnia and Herzegovina meanwhile erupted with an 8-0 run in the start of the last quarter and then Mirza Teletovic (205-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) scored for 81:73. Due to massive 32-15 comeback the hosts managed to seal the necessary win.
Mirza Teletovic erupted with 36 points and Zack Wright (188-G-85, college: Central Mo.) delivered 24. Elmedin Kikanovic (210-C-88, agency: Beo Basket) followed them with 20 points, while Dalibor Persic (193-G-85) notched 6. Robin Smeulders (207-F-87, agency: Court Side, college: Portland) collected 21 points and 15 rebounds in defeat, whilst Henk Norel (214-C-87) had 20. Rogier Jansen (188-G-84, agency: Court Side) produced 13 and Kees Akerboom (200-SF-83, agency: Court Side) scored 9.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Mirza Teletovic 36, Zack Wright 24, Elmedin Kikanovic 20, Dalibor Persic 6
Netherlands: Robin Smeulders 21+15 rebs, Henk Norel 20, Rogier Jansen 13, Kees Akerboom 9

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

BRAZIL

Standings - Paulista, Carioca, Minas G. leagues

Paulista Standings

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

Stage Two Standings

Second Stage: Round 5

Sep. 1: S.Jose/Unimed - Inter Santos 86-57
Sep. 1: Paulistano - Palmeiras 76-56
Sep. 1: Metodista/S.B. - Gremio Mogi 58-73
Sep. 2: Liga Sorocaba - Jacarei
Sep. 2: America - Itabom/Bauru
Sep. 2: Vivo/Franca - Rio Claro
Sep. 2: Suzano - Pinheiros/Sky

Thiago Carneiro goes to US - by Paulo Freire

The point guard Thiago Carneiro is the new brazilian in US that will play college basketball.
The player will be in the roster of Colorado Northwestern Community College.
Thiago played really well at the NBB U-21 last season, and also helped the Paulistano team in the NBB 2011-2012.
The player will need to adapt his game, and improve his body as the american players are much athletic.
For Colorado Northwestern thiago will be able to give them an international experience player with an up tempo and 3-point game, a long with a good vision of the court with pass a ability.

Gustavo Scaglia back in Palmeiras - by Paulo Freire

The brazilian Gustavo Scaglia is back in Brazil after a season at Arizona Western CC.
The player agreed with Palmeiras, a club that is really close to play the next NBB, if that happens the player will be able to play the NBB U-22 and the NBB season for the Palmeiras basketball team.
Gustavo is a young prospect with very good skills, a tall point guard that can improve his game this season in Brazil after a quick college experience.

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

BULGARIA

CROATIA

Croatia destroy Cyprus in Nicosia - by Eurobasket News

Cyprus - Croatia 49:98

Croatia clinched the fifth straight win at 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round Group C. They dismantled Cyprus in Nicosia to stay unbeaten. Luksa Andric (210-C-85, agency: Beo Basket) and Krunoslav Simon (197-G/F-85, agency: Beo Basket) scored 16 points each to lead Croatia as they can book tickets to Slovenia.
Croatia eked out an 18:17 lead after ten minutes. The visitors started to get away in the second frame. They posted a 40:31 halftime lead. Croatia exploded with 25 points in the third frame. They stretched the margin at 18-point mark before the fourth stanza. Cyprus collapsed both offensive and defensively in the final term. Croatia capped the game on a 33:2 run to seal a comfortable victory. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-SG-89) netted 14 points, while Saric had 13 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Anthony King (206-F/C-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Miami, FL) replied with 20 points for Cyprus. Panagiotis Trisokkas (206-PF-80) netted 15 points in the loss.

Cyprus: Anthony King 20, Panagiotis Trisokkas 15
Croatia: Luksa Andric 16, Krunoslav Simon 16, Bojan Bogdanovic 14

KK Zadar players in strike action - by Dajana Karl

KK Zadar players Ante Delas (201-G/F-88), Ante Smolic (204-C-93), Franko Sango (200-PF-92), Ivan Batur (201-G/F-91), Ive Ivanov (201-C-85), Marko Ramljak (203-PF-93) and Sime Olivari (197-G-90), with the support of the sporting director, head coach Ante Nazor and the rest of the coaching staff, decided to undertake a strike action on Sunday due to several months of not getting their salaries.

"We decided to undertake a strike action because we did not get our last season salaries. To some players the club owes three, and some several salaries, depending on when they signed the contract. We've been waiting the entire summer, they keep saying "next week, next week", however, we had enough of it. We decided to try and end this. From today we're in strike action. We have our coach's and sporting director's support, they understand us completely. Individual practices will still be held in Visnjik for the players that still didn't sign the contract and foreign players, whom the club still doesn't owe anything. Management knows what is all this about and they promised us that payment will be this week. When that happens, hopefully as soon as possible, we will start working as usually. Until then we'll be practicing ourselves. Coach said that, since we are not all together, we won't do anything on tactics. We're the first team, we all have to be as one, and so we'll be like that in this situation as well. Those who do not have a contract, we will work individually, and the rest of us in our own way and that's it. We are very sorry that all of this occurred, but it simply has to come to an end." - Ive Ivanov said.

The sporting director, Branko Skroce, also addressed this issue: "I am not surprised by this move. I've been pointing at the issue for months. The club did not do what's been promised in the contracts, they wait too long and simply can't continue in this way. We've been listening to the promises for a while now, but there's nothing is happening. I don't have the money to pay the players. We did not get the money we needed to get, especially from the City so we can't pay the players and they can't handle it anymore. They don't have the basic necessities for living, rents and food. People are on the verge of bankruptcy, I'm not just talking about the players, but also about the club's staff. I thank them for their patience so far, but at this point I don't know how and when will this come to an end."

There's only a couple of weeks left until the beginning of Adriatic league, there's a lot left to work on. What the club's management has to say about all this, we'll hear on Monday, Sptember 3.

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

CYPRUS

Croatia destroy Cyprus in Nicosia - by Eurobasket News

Cyprus - Croatia 49:98

Croatia clinched the fifth straight win at 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round Group C. They dismantled Cyprus in Nicosia to stay unbeaten. Luksa Andric (210-C-85, agency: Beo Basket) and Krunoslav Simon (197-G/F-85, agency: Beo Basket) scored 16 points each to lead Croatia as they can book tickets to Slovenia.
Croatia eked out an 18:17 lead after ten minutes. The visitors started to get away in the second frame. They posted a 40:31 halftime lead. Croatia exploded with 25 points in the third frame. They stretched the margin at 18-point mark before the fourth stanza. Cyprus collapsed both offensive and defensively in the final term. Croatia capped the game on a 33:2 run to seal a comfortable victory. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-SG-89) netted 14 points, while Saric had 13 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Anthony King (206-F/C-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Miami, FL) replied with 20 points for Cyprus. Panagiotis Trisokkas (206-PF-80) netted 15 points in the loss.

Cyprus: Anthony King 20, Panagiotis Trisokkas 15
Croatia: Luksa Andric 16, Krunoslav Simon 16, Bojan Bogdanovic 14

Cyprus NT's sixth straight loss proves a lot.... (part 1) - by Chris Mammides

After six straight losses the Cyprus National Team is basically proving what the eurobasket authors claiming the last 5-6 years about the Basketball development in the island, there is no improvement at all!

Cyprus suffered five holocausts and a loss at the OT by the Austrian NT in the opener of this disastrous tournament. A tournament which takes the Cyprus NT some years back, as the total point difference of -166 (336 -502) in just six games proves so.

There are many questions that are truly arising from these results and the particular statistics of the National team, some of them quite crucial and some others not so, but do have their "special weight" .

From these six games though it does show to the respected audience that the National Team even though started this season with many dreams and many official statements with a coaching team which outnumbers the previous seasons, and with a great achievement being the naturalization of the American power forward Anthony King (206-F/C-85, college: Miami, FL) who became a martyr as a member of this NT, that finally and with all these new players in the roster of the Cyprus NT, the team once more played in these six games with actually five players since all the rest parts of the roster seems to have "special roles".

One may wonder what would have been the result and the picture of the NT without King?? Who knows probably even worst if we count the fact that the Maerican PF was averaging 15 points and 9 rebounds per game...
In the six games the NT players who spent their time in the court were the following: Anthony King 198 minutes, Trisokkas 159, Razis 182, Sizopoulos 165, Liatsos 153 from all the rest if I deduct Kaskiris with his 76 minutes all the rest played less than an hour in all six games with the younger Iliadis, Aristotelous, Georgiou and Loizides being in the court some minutes only.

I do not really judge anyone but could it be the case (especially in the heavy losses suffered by Croatia) that some of these players, "the others" to play a bit more and to get some real time in the court?

Furthermore, there are obviously some players which could easily help the NT in this particular stage and they were either not called at all from the Federation and the Coaching team or simply called but never played as they could, i.e. Koronides, Palalas, Panteli, Kounas (over here there is the unbelievable excuse of his documentation), Nikolas Stylianou (who will play for an A1 team this season), Prodromos Nikolaidis (who will play for an A1 team in the Italian league this season), Pantouris and probably many other players..

Of course the coaching team and the federation knows better but it seems through the results with not so great basketball powerhouses such as Austria, Hungary and even Ukraine at some point since the home loss of 21 is not really a big achievement, that we may have some problems which are not born today, is been a number of years which the Cyprus Basketball is suffering and the responsible are not doing really some serious and organized steps rather than spasmodic moves and decisions..

My criticism has one and only scope to get things better for the Cyprus Basketball since I do care, and since I do not represent anybody or anything be assured that I will keep doing that until some major things finally do change

P.S. In my last criticism (like a couple of years ago) I received an anonymous letter from an email came from the federation simply saying about my attitude and how wrong I am in my criticism whereas the Federation and the players do their best for the sake of the Cyprus Basketball, I want to say that Im with them 100% with the only difference that I always use my name, whatever the case is.....

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

CZECH REPUBLIC

Italy too good for Czech Republic in Trieste - by Eurobasket News

Italy - Czech Republic 68:56

Italy celebrated the sixth straight win at 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They knocked down visiting Czech Republic in Trieste. The victory propelled the Azzurri at 6-0 record, while Czech Republic fell at 4-2 in Group F.
Italy jumped to an early lead. The hosts secured a 20:14 advantage after ten minutes. The Azzrurri opened a double-digit lead in the second frame. They posted a 42:26 halftime advantage. Italy held their opponents to 12 points in the third quarter. The Azzzuri ensured a comfortable 19-point buffer heading into the final stanza. Czech Republic managed to narrow the gap but could not avoid the loss in the fourth period. Pietro Aradori (195-SG-88) posted 14 points, while Danilo Gallinari (205-SF-88, agency: Players Group) accounted for 10 points for the winners. Petr Benda (204-C-82, agency: Court Side) answered with 12 points for Czech Republic. Lubos Barton (202-SF-80, college: Valparaiso) had 10 points in the loss.

Italy: Pietro Aradori 14, Danilo Gallinari 10, Luigi Datome (203-F-87) 8
Czech Republic: Petr Benda 12, Lubos Barton 10

Rashaan Ames is a newcomer at NH Ostrava - by Eurobasket

BK Nova Hut Ostrava (NBL) added to their roster 34-year old American point guard Rashaan Ames (184-86kg-78, college: Shaw). He played most recently at BC Kolin (NBL). While playing 45 games for the team from Kolin last season Ames averaged 10.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.6apg and 2.6spg. Ames was selected also to the all-star game. He was voted to Eurobasket.com Czech Rep. League All-Defensive Team in 2009. Ames is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Finland, Hungary and Slovakia. Ames graduated Shaw University in 1999 and it will be his 14th (!!!) season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

NH Ostrava signs rookie Justin Greene in his first year in pro basketball - by Eurobasket

BK Nova Hut Ostrava (NBL) added to their roster 23-year old American forward Justin Greene (203-100kg-89). Greene just graduated Kent State University (NCAA). While playing 30 games for the team from Kent, OH last season he averaged 13.8ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.4apg and 1.2spg. Greene helped them to make it to the semifinals. It was a very successful year in his career as he was voted to All-MAC 1st Team. Of course it will be Greene first season in professional basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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

DENMARK

Player news from Danish Basketligaen - by Christian Hamborg

Aarhus BC looked to complete their frontcourt by adding American forward/center Kevin McShane (205-F). McShane was a three-year team captain for Oregon State University and played a total of 101 games in his four seasons averaging 1.1 points and 1.3 rebounds per game.

Horsholm 79ers has added American guard Brenton Butler. Butler played four seasons at Fordham and had a strong senior season in 2010-2011 averaging 14.6 pog, 2.3 rpg and 3.4 apg. Butler then signed a pro contract to play for the German club RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf in the Pro-B and played 15 games averaging 11.3 ppg, 1.8 rpg and 1.8 apg before leaving the team in January. So far Butler is the only non-european player for Horsholm 79ers.

Team FOG Naestved added another import player to their already strong looking roster by signing 24-year old Canadian/English guard Alexander Murphy (183-G).

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

D-LEAGUE

Dakota's Marcus Dove gets deal in Israel - by Eurobasket News

Marcus Dove (6'9''-F-85, college: Oklahoma St.) will continue his career with Israeli team Elizur Ashkelon. They also signed Taj Gray (6'8''-F/C-84, college: Oklahoma).
Marcus Dove played in the NBA D-League last season. He had 13.8 ppg and 6.5 rpg in 45 games with Dakota Wizards. Dove picked up few awards: USBasket.com All-D-League Honorable Mention -12, Gatorade All-D-League Honorable Mention -12 and Gatorade D-League All-Defensive 1st Team -12. He was named to D-League Select Team for the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, where he registered 5.8 ppg and 2.4 rpg for 5 games. In the past, Dove played in Taiwan and Belgium. He is a product of the Oklahoma State University.
Taj Gray most recently played for Murcia and they won LEB Gold title together in 2011. The player appeared 24 times in the league averaging 6.4 points and 4.3 rebounds. Before Murcia, Gray spent half of the season with French Chalon. He also has experience from Roanne, Paris-Levallois and Cholet. He graduated at the University of Oklahoma in 2006.

D-League to Get a Boost from Europe's Faltering Economy - by Julius Johnson

Quality American players are expected to flood the D-League in droves as the Euro sinks to historical lows (1.25 - 1) and European teams struggle to fund their budgets.
Last year's NBA lockout was a temporary boost to European basketball. But, this season, players looking for stability will not board any international flights (void Toronto).
Players and agents are tired of chasing Euro teams for money. Very few American hoopers are venturing to Europe for the cultural experience. When a player decides between Europe and the D-League, the decision factors are: Money, NBA call up possibility, and the inconvenience of being far from home. The D-League lacks only in salary, but at least the payment are on time and secure. So, as European teams continue to fail to meet their contractual obligations, American players will follow a flight to quality, which may actually mean more bus rides, but no jet lag.

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

EBA

Metro moving on! - by Justin Moore

The Metropolitan All-Stars have decided they have done all of what they can do in the EBA. I think we have reached the ceiling in the EBA so its time to move on. Where you ask?? Details are coming soon I promise is what the 29 year old owner says of the future of his team. We have been changing the way the game is played in the semi pro market to the point metropolitan is not considered semi anymore we have pro players on our roster and sent plenty of them across the water, we are more of a feeding pool of hungry basketball players who want a shot of being paid to show their talents. There is no denying their successes Metropolitan all-star tour of Peru and teams connections over a dozen players in 3 years to plays pro basketball in other countries. I hope our body of work will continue to show players and teams that metropolitan is the team of the present and the future if you are looking to extend your basketball resume.

We will start preseason games soon and are looking for fill in some holes left with players left to play overseas any players that think they can fill in that void can contact the team at www.cbrown@centercourtonline.com and or go to www.centercourtonline.com and inquiry on dates and times of the try-outs

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

ESTONIA

Israel edge Estonia to tie both records in unpredictable Group A - by Eurobasket News

Estonia-Israel 53:94

Israel edge Estonia to tie both records in exciting Group A. The Israeli team needed massive 94:53 win for 4-3 records.
Almost 7000 fans came to support the local team in Tallinn, but they saw their team to fail in all quarters. Israel started with 21-13 in the first period and added 19-17 in the second frame as Prini and Tanel Sokk (188-G-85) scored for 40:30. Lior Eliyahu (203-SF-85, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) and Yotam Halperin (193-SG-84) created a 7-0 run early in the third period as Israel was too difficult to be stopped. Another 19-10 gave them 59:40 as Prini closed the third quarter. Israel added 25-13 in the lasts stanza for the final result.
Omri Casspi (204-SF-88) stepped up with 26 points and Lior Eliyahu collected 21 points and 11 rebounds. Alex Tyus (205-C-88, college: Florida) and Yotam Halperin had 10 each, while Yogev Ohayon (190-PG-87) added 9. Janar Talts (207-PF-83) replied with 14 points and 10 rebounds in defeat and Siim-Sander Vene (203-SF-90, agency: Alti Sport) had 13. Tanel Sokk poured in 8, while Gregor Arbet (195-G/F-83) delivered 6.

Estonia: Janar Talts 14+10 rebs, Siim-Sander Vene 13, Tanel Sokk 8, Gregor Arbet 6
Israel: Omri Casspi 26, Lior Eliyahu 21+11 rebs, Alex Tyus 10, Yotam Halperin 10, Yogev Ohayon 9

Tarvas keep Juris Umbrasko - by Eurobasket News

Tarvas added another import player to the squad. They agreed on terms of contract extension with Juris Umbrasko (197-G/F-79). The Latvian forward joined the team at the start of the previous season. He tallied 13.8 points, 4.4 boards and 1.5 assists per game in Baltic League. In Estonian League Juris Umbrasko accounted for 11.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists per appearance. The forward made it into All-Baltic League Challenge Cup 1st Team. Juris Umbrasko previously had stints with MBC Mykolaiv, VEF Riga, DniproAzot, Ventspils, Ifestos, Lvovskaya Politekhnika, Barons/LMT, Cherkasy, Khimik, CSKA, Broceni. He was the member of Latvian National Team in 2000/08 seasons.
Juris Umbrasko joins two other Latvian players on Tarvas roster. Rakvere have previously secured the services of Raitis Grafs (208-C-81, college: Valparaiso) and Maris Laksa (207-F-81, agency: Court Side, college: Providence).

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

EUROLEAGUE

Matt Janning is the hidden ace up coach Banchi's sleeve - by Dimitris Katsionis

Matt Janning (193-G-88, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Northeastern) made a great first impression on Montepaschi Siena's workouts, showing the he can be an X-factor in the team's offensive game this year. The 24 year old American guard showed up in a great physical condition and played with a lot of confidence in Montepaschi's first friendly games averaging 16.7 ppg. With Hackett and Rasic absent, Luca Banchi used Janning in the point guard spot also. His textbook shooting form (very quick release), help defense and high IQ basketball style matched directly on Banchi's philosophy, showing that he will be a great weapon in the half court offense. There will be no surprise if Janning require Marcelus Kemp (one of the team's main perimeter options) starting the games from the bench.

Don't forget that the rotation system which Montepaschi applies the last years ranks the Italian champs on the top of the groups with the largest internal competition. That means also higher level of training.. Coach Banchi is trying to establish a lower offensive tempo in his teams offense and get advantage of Kasun, Kemp, Janning, Brown and their talent to score in a half court offense. This will be one of the most interesting experiments for the upcoming season.

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

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Standings Div.A (Men)

Standings

Group Qualification Gr.A
1. Montenegro.		7-0
2. Serbia		4-3
3. Estonia		4-3
4. Israel		4-3
5. Iceland		1-6
6. Slovakia		1-6
Group Qualification Gr.B
1. Germany		5-0
2. Sweden		3-2
3. Azerbaijan.		3-3
4. Bulgaria		3-3
5. Luxembourg.		0-6
Group Qualification Gr.C
1. Croatia		5-0
2. Ukraine		5-1
3. Hungary		2-3
4. Austria		2-4
5. Cyprus		0-6
Group Qualification Gr.D
1. Georgia		4-1
2. Bosnia		4-2
3. Latvia		3-2
4. Holland		2-4
5. Romania		1-5
Group Qualification Gr.E
1. Finland		5-0
2. Poland		4-2
3. Belgium		3-2
4. Switzerlan.		2-4
5. Albania		0-6
Group Qualification Gr.F
1. Italy		6-0
2. Czech Rep.		4-2
3. Turkey		3-2
4. Belarus		1-5
5. Portugal		0-5

Qualifying Round: Round 7

Sep. 2: ISL - SVK 84-86
Sep. 2: MNT - SRB 72-62
Sep. 2: EST - ISR 53-84

Sep. 2: BUL - AZE 94-77
Sep. 2: LUX - GER 67-95

Sep. 2: UKR - AUT 68-57
Sep. 2: CYP - CRO 49-98

Sep. 2: BIH - NED 99-83
Sep. 2: ROM - GEO 74-91

Sep. 2: ALB - FIN 52-95
Sep. 2: POL - SUI 111-67

Sep. 2: ITA - CZE 68-56
Sep. 2: BLR - TUR 62-91

Qualifying Round: Round 8

Sep. 5: SRB - SVK
Sep. 5: MNT - EST
Sep. 5: ISR - ISL

Sep. 5: AZE - SWE
Sep. 5: GER - BUL

Sep. 5: CRO - UKR
Sep. 5: AUT - HUN

Sep. 5: GEO - BIH
Sep. 5: NED - LAT

Sep. 5: FIN - POL
Sep. 5: SUI - BEL

Sep. 5: CZE - POR
Sep. 5: TUR - ITA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Anton GAVEL
  SVK
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 25.9

1. Gavel, SVK	25.9
2. Teletovic, BIH	25.7
3. Gortat, POL	20.7
4. Koponen, FIN	19.6
5. Casspi, ISR	19.3
6. Hanga, HUN	18.8
7. Jerebko, SWE	18.6
8. Norel, NED	17.3
9. Stefansson, ISL	17.1
10. Djedovic, BIH	16.8

Rebounds Per Game

Orhan HACIYEVA
  AZE
  (200-PF-89)
  Avg: 12.2

1. Haciyeva, AZE	12.2
2. Gortat, POL	10.3
3. Shima, ALB	9.5
4. King, CYP	9.2
5. Baeringsson, ISL	8.9
6. Talts, EST	8.6
7. Simmons, BUL	8.5
8. Pleiss, GER	8.4
9. Hysenagolli, ALB	8.3
10. Wright, BIH	8.2

Assists Per Game

Zack WRIGHT
  USA
  (188-G-85)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Wright, BIH	7.5
2. Preldzic, TUR	5.6
3. Koponen, FIN	5.4
4. Ohayon, ISR	5.4
5. Tsintsadze, GEO	5.4
6. Satoransky, CZE	5.3
7. Jansen, NED	5.3
8. Kudrautsau, BLR	5.2
9. Sokk, EST	5.1
10. Gavel, SVK	5.1

Steals Per Game

Manuchar MARKOISHVILI
  GEO
  (196-SF-86)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Markoishvili, GEO	3.2
2. Tsintsadze, GEO	2.8
3. Kotti, FIN	2.6
4. Strelnieks, LAT	2.4
5. Hanga, HUN	2.4
6. Jerebko, SWE	2.4
7. Shima, ALB	2.3
8. Razis, CYP	2.3
9. Koponen, FIN	2.2
10. Wright, BIH	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Viacheslav KRAVTSOV
  UKR
  (212-C-87)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Kravtsov, UKR	2.8
2. Gortat, POL	2.3
3. Rindin, AZE	1.8
4. Erden, TUR	1.8
5. Berzins, LAT	1.8
6. Cusin, ITA	1.8
7. Parakhouski, BLR	1.7
8. Eliyahu, ISR	1.6
9. Kjellbom, SWE	1.4
10. Shermadini, GEO	1.4

EuroBasket 2013 Qualifying Round. Day 7 - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Estonia - Israel 53-84
Israel edge Estonia to tie both records in exciting Group A. The Israeli team needed massive 94:53 win for 4-3 records. Almost 7000 fans came to support the local team in Tallinn, but they saw their team to fail in all quarters. Israel started with 21-13 in the first period and added 19-17 in the second frame as Prini and Sokk Tanel scored for 40:30. Lior Eliyahu (203-SF-85, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) and Halperin Yotam created a 7-0 run early in the third period as Israel was too difficult to be stopped. Another 19-10 gave them 59:40 as Prini closed the third quarter. Israel added 25-13 in the lasts stanza for the final result. Omri Casspi (204-SF-88) stepped up with 26 points and Lior Eliyahu collected 21 points and 11 rebounds. Tyus Alex and Halperin Yotam had 10 each, while Ohayon Yogev added 9. Talts Janar replied with 14 points and 10 rebounds in defeat and Siim-Sander Vene (203-SF-90, agency: Alti Sport) had 13. Sokk Tanel poured in 8, while Arbet Gregor delivered 6.

Montenegro - Serbia 72-62
Montenegro kept their record spotless on top of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round Group A. They held off visiting Serbia to climb at 7-0 record. Serbia fell at 4-3 record to share the second position with Estonia and Israel. Sead Sehovic (196-G/F-89) posted 20 points to lead the hosts. Serbia looked better in the opening quarter. They opened the game with six points in a row and soon gained a 16:3 lead. Montenegro cut the deficit but still trailed by six points at the first break 11:17. Montenegro capped the first half on an 11:3 run to take a 32:29 lead. The hosts stayed in charge throughout intense third frame. Montenegro entered the final frame up by 4 points 51:47. The hosts used a 7:0 run midway through the final stanza to take a 66:56 advantage. Taylor Rochestie (185-PG-85, college: Washington St.) and Sead Sehovic sealed the victory for the hosts in the dying minutes. Vladimir Dasic posted 13 points, while Blagota Sekulic finished with 11 points for the winners. Milos Teodosic replied with 13 points for Serbia. Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) netted 11 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in the loss.

Iceland - Slovakia 84-86
Slovak Republic posted the first win at the 2013 EuroBasket Qualification. They snatched a narrow road loss over Iceland in Reykjavik. Anton Gavel (188-PG-84, agency: Pro One Sports) exploded with 35 points, 6 assists and 6 rebounds to pace the visitors. Both teams are now tied at 1-6 record in Group A. Iceland started strongly. They accumulated a 25:18 lead after ten minutes. Slovak Republic reacted with 31 points in the second frame to snatch a 49:47 halftime lead. The tempo decreased in the third term. The teams exchanged baskets as Slovak Republic ensured a two-point lead before the final frame. The lead changed hands for several times throughout the fourth stanza. However Anton Gavel and Michal Batka delivered when it mattered the most to seal the victory for Slovak Republic. Dusan Pandula (197-SF-84) notched 17 points, while Michal Batka added 11 points for the winning team. Hlynur Baeringsson (197-F-82) answered with 21 points and 12 rebounds for Iceland. Jon Stefansson (196-G-82) posted 20 points in the loss.

Group B

Bulgaria - Azerbaijan 94-77
Bulgaria stayed hopeful about their 2013 EuroBasket ambitions. They shot down Azerbaijan in Samokov to catch up with their opponents at 3-3 record in Group B. Hristo Nikolov (200-PF-85) posted 26 points to lead the hosts. Bulgaria left their opponents behind in the opening quarter. The hosts went on a 26:13 run in the first frame. Azerbaijan however stopped the rot in the second stanza. The visitors held Bulgaria to 11 points in the period to narrow the gap at 6-point mark at halftime 37:31. Bulgaria unleashed 31 points in the third quarter to take a 21-point lead at the final break. Azerbaijan challenged the hosts with a 15:7 run but Bulgaria quickly bounced back and silenced the visitors at the end. Ivan Lilov accounted for 17 points, while Chavdar Kostov (195-SG-88, agency: Interperformances) finished with 21 points for Bulgaria. Aleksandr Rindin answered with 17 points for Azerbaijan. Charles Davis banked 19 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.

Luxembourg - Germany 67-95
Germany beat Luxembourg on the road for the fifth straight win in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. Germany remained undefeated on top of Group B. Luxembourg suffered the sixth straight defeat. Luxembourg put up a decent fight in the opening quarter. The matched the visitors well enough to stay on level terms 18:18 after ten minutes. Germany switched the gear in the second frame. They erupted for 31 points to take a 13-point halftime lead. Germany aggravated the damage in the third term. They outscored Luxembourg 24:12 to gain a 25-point lead at the final stanza. Luxembourg never recovered and had to yield at the end. Tibor Pleiss (215-C-89) posted 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Jan-Hendrik Jagla added 13 points for the winners. Martin Rajniak (205-PF-78, college: CSU Bakersfield) answered with 12 points for Luxembourg. Pitt Koster and Christopher Jones had 11 points apiece in the defeat.

Group C

Cyprus - Croatia 49-98
Croatia clinched the fifth straight win at 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round Group C. They dismantled Cyprus in Nicosia to stay unbeaten. Luksa Andric (210-C-85, agency: Beo Basket) and Krunoslav Simon scored 16 points each to lead Croatia as they can book tickets to Slovenia. Croatia eked out an 18:17 lead after ten minutes. The visitors started to get away in the second frame. They posted a 40:31 halftime lead. Croatia exploded with 25 points in the third frame. They stretched the margin at 18-point mark before the fourth stanza. Cyprus collapsed both offensive and defensively in the final term. Croatia capped the game on a 33:2 run to seal a comfortable victory. Bojan Bogdanovic netted 14 points, while Saric had 13 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Anthony King replied with 20 points for Cyprus. Panagiotis Trisokkas (206-PF-80) netted 15 points in the loss.

Ukraine - Austria 68-57
Ukraine celebrated the fifth win in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They knocked down Austria in Lviv for 5-1 record in Group C. Sergii Gladyr (196-SG-88) scored 17 points, grabbed 5 boards and issued 5 assists to lead the winners. Austria fell at 2-4 record after the loss. Ukraine started the game pretty strong. They ensured a 19:14 lead ten minutes into the game. Pustozvonov opened an 8-point lead for Ukraine midway through the second frame. But the visitors cut the deficit to just three points 28:31. Ukraine managed to take a 39:32 halftime advantage. The teams stayed close throughout the third period. Austria got within two points 50:52 at the final break. Kravtsov and Sergii Gladyr gave Ukraine a 62:53 lead midway through the final quarter. Austria could not recover as Ukraine coasted to the victory. Maxym Korniyenko (204-F/C-87) accounted for 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Artur Drozdov (200-SF-80) had 9 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Davor Lamesic (205-PF-83, agency: Interperformances) answered with 13 points for Austria. Jason Detrick netted 12 points in the loss.

Group D

Bosnia - Holland 99-83
Bosnia and Herzegovina roll over Netherlands in Sarajevo for 4-2 record in Group D of the EuroBasket Qualification Round. The home side got 80 points from a perfect trio in a 99:83 victory. Bosnia and Herzegovina grabbed 28-14 after the first period, but had difficulties to lead in the game. They lost the second frame 21-22 but led 49:36 at the halftime. The third period belonged to the Dutch team that needed a 32-15 surge for 68:64 advantage when Theeuwkens closed the period. Bosnia and Herzegovina meanwhile erupted with an 8-0 run in the start of the last quarter and then Mirza Teletovic (205-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) scored for 81:73. Due to massive 32-15 comeback the hosts managed to seal the necessary win. Mirza Teletovic erupted with 36 points and Wright Zack delivered 24. Elmedin Kikanovic (210-C-88, agency: Beo Basket) followed them with 20 points, while Persic Dalibor notched 6. Smeulders Robin collected 21 points and 15 rebounds in defeat, whilst Norel Henk had 20. Jansen Rogier produced 13 and Akerboom Kees scored 9.

Romania - Georgia 74-91
Georgia stepped closer to 2013 EuroBasket qualification. They knocked down Romania in Sibiu tonight to gain 4-1 record on top of Group D. Tornike Shengelia (207-PF-91) posted 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead the visitors. Georgia stayed confident throughout the opening quarter. They recorded a 24:21 lead after ten minutes. The visitors boosted the lead in the second quarter. They established a 47:39 halftime buffer. Georgia kept the hosts at distance throughout the third stanza. The visitors accumulated a 10-point advantage heading into the final frame. Georgia did not give a single chance for Romania rolling to the victory at the end. Manuchar Markoishvili (196-SF-86) netted 17 points, while Viktor Sanikidze (203-SF-86) provided 13 points in the victory. Andrei Mandache (191-G/F-87, agency: Global Sports Plaza) answered with 22 points for Romania. Mihail-Octavian Paul (188-PG-82) had 14 points in the loss.

Group E

Poland - Switzerland 111-67
Poland smash Switzerland for 4-2 record in Group E of the EuroBasket Qualification Round. The Polish side had an easy 111:67 victory at home to climb to the second place. Switzerland meanwhile dropped at 2-4 record. Poland did not have any difficulties reaching the 4th win. They started with 32-16 in the first period and never looked behind after. The hosts added 24-16 in the second period and led 24 points at the halftime. Moreover Poland produced a 28-26 in the third period and finished the game with 27-9. Gortat gave Poland three-digit at 100:64. Robert Skibniewski (183-PG-83) nailed three for the last points and Petkovic closed the game from the free throw line. Gortat erupted with 31 points and 13 rebounds, while Ignerski followed him with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Berisha delivered 14, while Robert Skibniewski and Zamojski notched 12 each. Mladjan replied with 20 points in the losing effort. Oliver Vogt (209-C-80) scored 17, whilst Dubas added 11.

Albania - Finland 52-95
Finland keep the perfect record in Group E of the EuroBasket Qualification Round. The Nordic side smashed Albania 95:52 for 5-0 record on top. The latter meanwhile fell at 0-6 record. Although Albania scored the first two points in the game, Finland grabbed 21:17 at the end of the first period. Moreover Finland added 20-15 in the second frame and Nikkila brought 41:32 at the halftime. The third quarter was decisive in the game and allowed the guests to erupt with 30-9 for 71:41 lead. Muurinen and Kotti scored for 75:43 early in the fourth, while Nikkarinen closed the winning account for the Finnish side. Shawn Huff (198-SF-84, college: Valparaiso) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Ahonen Roope notched 19. Sasu Salin (190-G-91) delivered 12 points in a winning effort. Hysenagolli Endrit finished the game with 27 points and Ndoja Klaudio scored 12.

Group F

Italy - Czech Republic 68-56
Italy celebrated the sixth straight win at 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They knocked down visiting Czech Republic in Trieste. The victory propelled the Azzurri at 6-0 record, while Czech Republic fell at 4-2 in Group F. Italy jumped to an early lead. The hosts secured a 20:14 advantage after ten minutes. The Azzrurri opened a double-digit lead in the second frame. They posted a 42:26 halftime advantage. Italy held their opponents to 12 points in the third quarter. The Azzzuri ensured a comfortable 19-point buffer heading into the final stanza. Czech Republic managed to narrow the gap but could not avoid the loss in the fourth period. Pietro Aradori posted 14 points, while Danilo Gallinari accounted for 10 points for the winners. Petr Benda (204-C-82, agency: Court Side) answered with 12 points for Czech Republic. Lubos Barton (202-SF-80, college: Valparaiso) had 10 points in the loss.

Belarus - Turkey 62-91
Turkey had no mercy for Belarus in Minsk at the EuroBasket Qualification Round in Group F. The guests rolled over the opponent 91:62 for 3-2 record. Belarus meanwhile fell at 1-5 record. Turkey took the lead in the opening period and had 25:15 after the first 10 minutes. Moreover Turkey improved to 20-point lead at the halftime after 24-14 in the second frame. Belarus bounced back with 23-20 in the third quarter but could not save the game. Turkey had another 22-10 in the lasts stanza for the final result. Erden Semih top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Karaman Ilkan netted 17. Kerem Gonlum (208-PF-77) delivered 14, while Emir Preldzic (205-SF-87, agency: Beo Basket) and Cetin Serhat added 10 each. Aliaksandr Kudrautsau (190-SG-80) and Parakhouski Artsiom replied with 18 points each in defeat, whilst Meshcharakou Yahor scored 9.

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

FINLAND

Finland keep the perfect record in Group E - by Eurobasket News

Albania-Finland 52:95

Finland keep the perfect record in Group E of the EuroBasket Qualification Round. The Nordic side smashed Albania 95:52 for 5-0 record on top. The latter meanwhile fell at 0-6 record.
Although Albania scored the first two points in the game, Finland grabbed 21:17 at the end of the first period. Moreover Finland added 20-15 in the second frame and Nikkila brought 41:32 at the halftime. The third quarter was decisive in the game and allowed the guests to erupt with 30-9 for 71:41 lead. Muurinen and Kotti scored for 75:43 early in the fourth, while Nikkarinen closed the winning account for the Finnish side.
Shawn Huff (198-SF-84, college: Valparaiso) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Roope Ahonen (186-G-90, agency: FCM) notched 19. Sasu Salin (190-G-91) delivered 12 points in a winning effort. Endrit Hysenagolli (204-C-88) finished the game with 27 points and Klaudio Ndoja (198-SG-85) scored 12.

Albania: Endrit Hysenagolli 27, Klaudio Ndoja 12
Finland: Shawn Huff 23, Roope Ahonen 19, Sasu Salin 12

EUROBASKET: Finland crushed Albania - by Rauno Hurmalainen

EuroBasket, Qualifying Round, Group E: Finland crushed Albania tonight in Tirana 52-95 (32-41). Quarters: 17-21, 15-20, 9-30, 11-24. The hosts got tired and Finland won the second half 20-54! During the first half Albania's center Endrit Hysenagolli (204-C-88) was dangerous scoring during the first two quarters already 19 points. Hysenagolli scored 27 pts in the game. Klaudio Ndoja (198-SG-85) added 12 pts. Albania was 1/17 from behind the arc, though. Finland was sharpshooting again from behind the bonus line: 17/28 (60,7%)! Shawn Huff (198-SF-84, college: Valparaiso) was the leading scorer with 23 pts. Roope Ahonen (186-G-90, agency: FCM) surprised, when netting 19 pts in 10:17 minutes!
Albania - Finland 52-95 (32-41). A: Endrit Hysenagolli 27/8, Klaudio Ndoja 12, Gerti Shima 8/15. 1 - 71,4% (15/21), 2 - 39,5% (17/43), 3 - 5,9% (1/17). R: 35. TO: 20. - F: Shawn Huff 23, Roope Ahonen 19, Sasu Salin 12, Petteri Koponen 7/7a. 1 - 76,9% (10/13), 2 - 34,7% (17/49), 3 - 60,7% (17/28). R: 47. TO: 13.
Finland record now 5-0. Next game: Finland - Poland on Wednesday, September 5 in Helsinki.

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

FRANCE

Le Mans and Orleans reach Trophee du Golfe Final - by Eurobasket News

Le Mans Sarthe Basket and Orleans reach Trophee du Golfe Final after the victories over their opponents.
Le Mans Sarthe Basket (Pro A) overcame SLUC Nancy (Pro A) 73:66. The latter won the first period 21-19, but Cuthbert Victor (197-F-83, college: Murray St.) gave Le Mans 32:26. Moreover the winners grabbed 42:38 at the halftime and leter enjoyed 54:50 lead. Khalid El-Amin (178-G-79, college: Connecticut) scored for 62:54 and then Le Mans Sarthe Basket managed to seal a narrow win.
Orleans won over Cholet Basket 83:81 in overtime. Trailing 16-23 in the first period, Orleans replied with 19-16 to reduce the gap to 39:35 at the halftime. Cholet Basket erupted with 21-11 in the second frame, while Orleans tied the game at the end of the fourth period after massive 24-10 in it. Due to 13-11 in overtime Orleans won the game. Bambale Osby (203-C/F-86, college: Maryland) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Brian Greene (204-F-81, college: Colorado St.) posted 17. Mael Lebrun (198-F-91) chipped in with 14, while Jahmar Young (196-G-86, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: N.Mexico St.) scored 13. Goree Marcus poured in 19 points in defeat and Slaughter A.J. had 18.

Claude Marquis and Yannis Morin sign with Cholet Basket - by Eurobasket News

Cholet Basket (ProA) signed 32-year old ex-international power forward Claude Marquis (204-F/C-80, agency: Prossin Sports Management). It's actually his comeback to Cholet as he played here before. Marquis played last season at Pau-Lacq-Orthez in ProA. However his team was relegated to ProB. He played also 19 games in ProA where he had 7.9ppg and 5.2rpg. Marquis was selected to Eurobasket.com All-French ProA Honorable Mention in 2008. He played also pro basketball in Iran and Italy. Marquis was a member of French international program for some years. He was a member of French senior national team between 2004 and 2008 and previously for U20 national team in 2000.
Moreover Cholet Basket (ProA) signed 19-year old domestic power forward Yannis Morin (208-C/F-93). He played last season at CFBB (NM1). While playing 23 games for CFBB last Morin averaged 6.4ppg, 4.0rpg and 1.1bpg. He played also pro basketball in Lithuania. Morin was a member of French U20 national team until 2012. He represented France at the Nike Euroleague Junior Tournament (Unofficial European Clubs Junior Championships) last year.

Chorale de Roanne wins Tournoi des Champions 2012 - by Eurobasket News

Chorale de Roanne wins Tournoi des Champions 2012 with 4 participating teams. In the Final Roanne edged Aix-Maurienne 72:67. The latter grabbed 21-20 after the first period, but Pro A team replied with 24-17 in the second frame. Moreover Chorale de Roanne added 18-13 in the third period to seal the victory. Pape-Philippe Amagou (185-G-85, agency: Beo Basket) and Howard top-scored for the winners with 14 points each, while Sangare nailed 13. Alan Voskuil (191-G-86, college: Texas Tech) delivered 11 and Victor Samnick (203-F/C-79, college: Georgetown) scored 7. Cliff Brown answered with 15 points in the losing effort and Wayne Chism (206-PF-87, college: Tennessee) nailed 11.

Le Mans Sarthe Basket wins Trophee du Golfe - by Eurobasket News

Le Mans Sarthe Basket wins Trophee du Golfe with 4 participating teams. In the Final Le Mans overcame Orleans Loiret Basket 70:46.
Orleans won the first period 18-15, but could not match the opponents in the rest of the game. Le Mans replied with 19-10 in the second period and added 21-8 in the third quarter. Moreover they needed a 15-10 surge to seal the victory at the tournament. Samba Dia (201-F-84, college: West Plains JC) top-scored for the winners with 16 points, while Cuthbert Victor (197-F-83, college: Murray St.) and KAHUDI Henri posted 9 each. YOUNG Jahmar and Mael Lebrun (198-F-91) replied with 8 points each in the losing effort.
In the game for the third place SLUC Nancy beat Cholet Basket 89:72. Shawn King (208-C-82, college: ORU) top-scored for the winners with 24 points and SOMMERVILLE Marcellus delivered 18. Jamal Shuler (191-G-86) posted 16, while DIABATE Souleyman nailed 13. Rudy Jomby (197-G/F-88) answered with 24 points in the losing effort and SLAUGHTER A.J. scored 19.

Saint-Quentin BB and JSA Bordeaux seal the latest victories - by Eurobasket News

Saint-Quentin BB and JSA Bordeaux seal the latest victories as they won over their opponents on Sunday.
JSA Bordeaux outscored FAC Basketball 79:72. Thomas Coleman (205-F/C-88, college: N.Carolina A&T) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Markel Humphrey (198-F-87, college: Marshall) posted 14. DARRIGAND Gauthier delivered 13 and ELISABETH-MESNAGER Boris added 9. TREW Tim answered with 23 points in the losing effort.
Saint-Quentin BB (Pro B) edged Etoile Charleville-Mezieres (Pro B) 81:79. Trailing 9 points at the halftime, Saint-Quentin needed 23-13 in the thrid period to take the lead in the game and kept the victory. HOWELL Keonta and Kevin Bichard (195-F/G-86) stepped up with 17 points each, while Malick Badiane (211-C/F-84) had 10. Patrick Sanders (198-F-85, agency: JEMsports, college: Cal-Irvine) ended up with 23 points in the losing case, while Fabien Calvez (187-G-84, college: Evansville), RACON Nicolas and PRIDOTKAS Vaidotas nailed 9 apiece.

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

GEORGIA

Tornike Shengelia leads Georgia to victory in Sibiu - by Eurobasket News

Romania - Georgia 74:91

Georgia stepped closer to 2013 EuroBasket qualification. They knocked down Romania in Sibiu tonight to gain 4-1 record on top of Group D. Tornike Shengelia (207-PF-91) posted 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead the visitors.
Georgia stayed confident throughout the opening quarter. They recorded a 24:21 lead after ten minutes. The visitors boosted the lead in the second quarter. They established a 47:39 halftime buffer. Georgia kept the hosts at distance throughout the third stanza. The visitors accumulated a 10-point advantage heading into the final frame. Georgia did not give a single chance for Romania rolling to the victory at the end. Manuchar Markoishvili (196-SF-86) netted 17 points, while Viktor Sanikidze (203-SF-86) provided 13 points in the victory. Andrei Mandache (191-G/F-87, agency: Global Sports Plaza) answered with 22 points for Romania. Mihail-Octavian Paul (188-PG-82) had 14 points in the loss.

Romania: Andrei Mandache 22, Mihail-Octavian Paul 14
Georgia: Tornike Shengelia 23+10 boards, Manuchar Markoishvili 17, Viktor Sanikidze 13

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

GERMANY

Germany bring win from Luxembourg - by Eurobasket News

Luxembourg - Germany 67:95

Germany beat Luxembourg on the road for the fifth straight win in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. Germany remained undefeated on top of Group B. Luxembourg suffered the sixth straight defeat.
Luxembourg put up a decent fight in the opening quarter. The matched the visitors well enough to stay on level terms 18:18 after ten minutes. Germany switched the gear in the second frame. They erupted for 31 points to take a 13-point halftime lead. Germany aggravated the damage in the third term. They outscored Luxembourg 24:12 to gain a 25-point lead at the final stanza. Luxembourg never recovered and had to yield at the end. Tibor Pleiss (215-C-89) posted 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Jan-Hendrik Jagla (211-PF-81, college: Penn St.) added 13 points for the winners. Martin Rajniak (205-PF-78, college: CSU Bakersfield) answered with 12 points for Luxembourg. Pitt Koster (182-PG-89) and Christopher Jones (186-G-90) had 11 points apiece in the defeat.

Luxembourg: Martin Rajniak 12, Pitt Koster 11, Christopher Jones 11
Germany: Tibor Pleiss 17+11 boards, Jan-Hendrik Jagla 13, Robin Benzing 11, Karsten Tadda 11

Latest victories for Walter Tigers, TBB Trier and Telekom Baskets - by Eurobasket News

The German teams continue their pre-season campaign. Walter Tigers Tubingen beat Ludwigsburg 79:74. Tyrone Nash (203-F-88, college: Notre Dame) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Vaughn Duggins (190-G-87, college: Wright St.) netted 14. Reggie Redding poured in 12, while Robert Oehle (209-C-88) added 11.
TBB Trier edged Verviers Pepinster 96:77. Nate Linhart (201-F-86, college: Akron) stepped up with 20 points and Vitalis Chikoko (207-F/C-91) added 15. Harper poured in 14, while Seiferth delivered 11.
Dragons Rhondorf lost to Telekom Baskets Bonn 64:83. The latter started with 22-12 in the first period and won the game mostly due to the last period when they won 32-14. Vaden and Benas Veikalas (192-G-83, college: Metro St.) stepped up with 14 points for the winners and Kyle Weems (198-F-89, college: Missouri St.) nailed 13. Ewing and Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann (208-C-90, agency: Court Side) delivered 8 points each in the winning effort. Koch and Robinson replied with 13 points each in the losing case.

Jeff Gibbs (Toyota Alvark) My Toughest Player Opponent Ever In The BBL Was The Team Of John Patrick) - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Jeff Gibbs (188-F-80, college: Otterbein) is a 32 year old 18cm forward/center from Columbus, Ohio that is playing his third season in Japan for Toyota Alvark. He played at Otterbein (NCAA3) from 1998 to 2002. He was NCAA3 champion and Final Four MVP in 2002. He holds the record for rebounds in a game (25) at NCAA3 Final Four, record for rebounds (40) in a NCAA3 Final Four and holds Otterbein's record for career rebounds. He went to Germany in 2003 to start his professional basketball career to play for TSG Ehingen. In 2004-2005, he tore up the second Bundesliga playing 22 games and averaging 21.5ppg, Reb-1 (12.8rpg), 1.8apg, 2.3spg, 1.2bpg, 2FGP: 62.6%, 3FGP: 31.6%, FT: 70.7%. In 2005, he went to Ratiopharm Ulm where he would play for until 2009. In 2005-2006, the team won the second Bundesliga south and came to the BBL. He was the BBL top rebounder for three straight years (2007,2008,2009). In 2009-2010, he played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven playing 44 games: 13.9ppg, Reb-1 (8.6rpg), 1.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 73.5%. Last season for Toyota Alvark, he played 48 games: 12.9ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.7apg, Steals-4 (1.6spg), FGP-2 (57.3%), 3PT-1 (43.8%), FT: 72.0%. He had 10 double doubles. He returned back to Frankfurt for an exhibition game against the Fraport Skyliners and spoke to eurobasket.

Welcome back to Germany Jeff. You are back in Germany playing an exhibition series against TBB Trier, FC Bayern Munich and the Fraport Skyliners. How happy are you to be back?
.

I am very happy to be back. I saw some Ulm fans at the game against Munich in Rosenheim. It is cool that Munich is playing in the BBL. I always thought that they should of had a team in the league considering the budget that they have. It was a great experience playing against them despite losing.

What have you missed most about Germany?

I have missed everything especially the homely atmosphere. My wife loved it as much as I did. Germany will always be a second home to me. I couldnt wait to have Wiener Schnitzel and Pommes when I got to Germany. I had it in Trier at a nice restaurant with Don Beck.

Today you play against the Fraport Skyliners. When I say the name Eric Chadfield, what is the first thing that pops to mind?

My very first game in the BBL in Frankfurt. We are leading the whole game an dthen he beats us on a buzzer beater. I remember head coach Mike Taylor saying after the game that all games will be like that in the BBL coming down to the wire.

Who was your favorite Skyliner to play against?

I always liked to play against Derrick Allen, because we played the same position and always had great battles. I am a bit surprised that he went to Belgium. I thought that he would stay in Berlin. I think that he will have a great season there and surprise many there.

You suffered a five game semi final loss to Frankfurt in 2010 with Bremerhaven. Would you have gone all the way if you had reached the final?

It would have been tough, but I think that it would have gone five games. We split against Bamberg that season 1-1. We would have had Kevin Lyde back who gives many match up problems. I think we would have edged it out.

The Fraport Skyliners have three try-out players, 3 players you played against with Quantez Robertson (injured), Marius Nolte and Johannes Herber and many question marks. What can we expect from the game?

I hardly know anyone on the team. I remember Nolte always being a hrad worker and Herber being injured, but I am happy that he is fit again. We will go in execute and just play hard.

You are playing your third year in Japan. You seem to like it there. Was it just the money or why did you turn your back on Germany, a place where you were loved by the fans?

I have stayed in Japan for three reasons. The money, I wanted to try something new and head coach Don Beck was able to sell me Toyota Alvark has a product where I would be happy.

What was the most difficult obstacle that you ahd to get used to on the court in the JBL league in Japan?

It was the same as when I first came to Germany in that I had to get used to how the refs officiate. They didnt know how to call my style. It took me a season to get used to how they officiate.

What was the most difficult obstacle that you and your family had to get used with the Japanese culture?

The language barrier. Me and the other Americans try to learn new words from our teammates. I also remember the first time that I went to the gym, I was stopped for not taking my shoes off. These were all things that I had to get used to. The culture is different, but I like it.

In Germany you had Mike Taylor and Doug Spradley as coach. How has Don Beck made you better as a player?

He gets on me more than Mike Taylor and Doug Spradley did. He just has pushed me very hard. Don Beck is all about defense. I am a much better defender now than when I played in the BBL. Beck always wants me to give 110%. The little things on defense are very important for him for me to do well.

You are 32 now. Is there any chance you might return back to the Beko BBL?

You never know.

Ratiopharm Ulm went to the final last season. Despite all this success last season, how much credit should a Mike Taylor get for getting ratiopharm Ulm to the point that Thorsten Leibenath took over?

Mike did a great job with ratiopharm Ulm. He was very good at getting very good players with their limited budget. Most of the guys last season with the exception of Swann and Esterkamp were from his team the year before. Mike was a players coach that ate and slept basketball. He helped me in many different ways and always told me how good I could get if I kept working hard.

Do you still keep in contact with Ulm players?

Yes I do. I have contact with Bryan Lucas, Jonathan Levy, Austin Rowland, Sean Finn and Emeke Erege. I also keep in contact with Steve Esterkamp who comes from the same place as I do in Ohio and say hi to Per Guether on occasion.

Who was the toughest player that you played against in the Beko BBL?

That is tough. I cant really name one player, but will say the whole team of John Patrick. BG Goettingen always triple teamed me.

FC Bayern Munich have a potent front court in the Beko BBL with Chevon Troutman, Jare Homan, Lawrence Roberts, Jan Jagla and Alexsander Nadjfeji. Are they the best front court in the Beko BBL?

They have a pretty big front court. Homan is pretty physical that always works hard. I did pretty well against him. They will really dominate. I really like Tyrese Rice. He will really help that team.

Who wins a one on one, you or ex NBA player Jerald Honeycutt?

He is still very skilled for his age. He still shows his veteran moves. I did very well against him in the games.

Who wins in their prime? The Dream team or Team USA 2012?

The Dream team would win. They had 11/12 NBA Hall of famers. They had much more defensive presence. They also had very good big men with Karl Malone and Patrick Ewing. They would have wore down Lebron who would have had to play the four position.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The TV show Necessary Roughness

Thanks Jeff for the chat.

Kendall Chones On The Way To Duesseldorf - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

According to www.citybasket.de, American Kendall Chones (201-F-84, agency: Dynamics Global Management, college: Colgate) is on his way to play for Murat Didin. He is headed to Duesseldorf on account of private reasons and also wants to play basketball there. Chones is a 28 year old 201cm forward from Cleveland, Ohio that is starting is 5th professional season after playing for the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen (Germany-ProA) the last two seasons. Last season he played 29 games: 7.8ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 55.3%, FT: 69.0%. "Kendall can only play for Duesseldorf if Duesseldorf overtake our expenses. If not then he will stay with us", stated City Baskets team manager Hans-Juergen Gayk.

Jerry Green To Repond To The Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg Termination Of His Contract - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Two days ago, the Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg announced that they had terminated the contract of Jerry Green (191-G-80, college: Cal-Irvine). The team stated that the reason for the termination of the contract of Jerry Green was due to the fitness test which was below the standard. Green who is a 32 year old 191cm point guard played five seasons for the Swaben team playing a total of 159 Beko BBL games for them. "We were very interested in getting a amicable solution with him. We were criticised harshly by the public for wanting to solve it internally. We didnt want to make our reason for the split public, in order to recognize his five year cooperation positively", stressed Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg CEO Alexander Reil.

Ben Pensack who is the agent of Jerry Green is stunned by the news of the the Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg and has announced that Jerry Green will not let the Beko BBL team take advantage of him. Ben Pensack has issued this statement. "The truth of the matter is that in reality the termination of Jerry's contract by the club is nothing more than an attempt by the club to get out of its obligation to pay Jerry his contract amount because of what the Club claims is a "reduced budget. We in fact have a tremendous amount of proof regarding this fact including a written statement from the Club stating this. Jerry is in Ludwigsburg and is in excellent condition and was in fact already participating in practices. It is really a shame the way the Club has treated the best player in Ludwigsburg history by turning their backs on him simply because they don't want to pay his contract. The fact the Club is now spreading false information about his physical condition is very unprofessional. We have already began the process of filing a lawsuit against the club for beach of contract. The facts of this case are overwhelmingly in Jerry's favor and we are confident this will be proven during the course of litigation", stressed Ben Pensack.

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

HOLLAND

ZZ Leiden lands Michael Schachtner - by Fred Roggen

Dutch Cup winner ZZ Leiden added more depth and more fire power to its roster by inking forward Michael Schachtner (206-F-86, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) to a one-year deal, the club announced Sunday.
Schachtner arrives from Factum Sport Debrecen (Hungary-A Division), where he averaged 20.1ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 86.7% in 14 Hungarian Division-A League games last season.
Schachtner has also played for Kapfenberg Bulls in Austria and CSM Oradea in Romania since finishing his college career at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (NCAA).

Preseason games this weekend - by Fred Roggen

In Quackenbruck, Artland Dragons edged GasTerra Flames 83-82. Scores GasTerra: Jessey Voorn (193-SG-90, agency: Court Side) 22, Jamal Boykin (203-F-87, college: California) 19, Jason Dourisseau (196-G-83, college: Nebraska) 14, Sergio de Randamie (201-F-84, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Houston) 10.
Den Helder Kings overcame Flexwerk Orca's 96-91, while EiffelTowers Den Bosch outscored Luxembourg site Amicale Steinsel at home 77-51.
Stepco BS Weert travelled to Belgium and beat St. Niklase Condors 67-82. Scores Stepco: Antwan Carter (198-C, agency: Court Side, college: Longwood) 20, Sjors Besseling (198-F-85, agency: Court Side) 17, Bryquis Perine (190-G-88, agency: Court Side, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) 15, Rahmon Fletcher (177-PG-88, agency: Court Side, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) 13.
Matrixx Magixx made a trip to Luxembourg and won three games, against Sparta Bertrange 70-80, Residence Walferdange 76-92 and Etzella Ettelbruck 56-76.

Bosnia and Herzegovina roll over Netherlands in Sarajevo - by Eurobasket News

Bosnia and Herzegovina- Netherlands 99:83

Bosnia and Herzegovina roll over Netherlands in Sarajevo for 4-2 record in Group D of the EuroBasket Qualification Round. The home side got 80 points from a perfect trio in a 99:83 victory.
Bosnia and Herzegovina grabbed 28-14 after the first period, but had difficulties to lead in the game. They lost the second frame 21-22 but led 49:36 at the halftime. The third period belonged to the Dutch team that needed a 32-15 surge for 68:64 advantage when Theeuwkens closed the period. Bosnia and Herzegovina meanwhile erupted with an 8-0 run in the start of the last quarter and then Mirza Teletovic (205-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) scored for 81:73. Due to massive 32-15 comeback the hosts managed to seal the necessary win.
Mirza Teletovic erupted with 36 points and Zack Wright (188-G-85, college: Central Mo.) delivered 24. Elmedin Kikanovic (210-C-88, agency: Beo Basket) followed them with 20 points, while Dalibor Persic (193-G-85) notched 6. Robin Smeulders (207-F-87, agency: Court Side, college: Portland) collected 21 points and 15 rebounds in defeat, whilst Henk Norel (214-C-87) had 20. Rogier Jansen (188-G-84, agency: Court Side) produced 13 and Kees Akerboom (200-SF-83, agency: Court Side) scored 9.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Mirza Teletovic 36, Zack Wright 24, Elmedin Kikanovic 20, Dalibor Persic 6
Netherlands: Robin Smeulders 21+15 rebs, Henk Norel 20, Rogier Jansen 13, Kees Akerboom 9

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

HUNGARY

Jaszberenyi KSE keep Adam Szogi, Krasznai Tibor stays with EKF HESZ Gepszolg SE - by Eurobasket News

Jaszberenyi KSE keep Adam Szogi (176-G-90), Tibor Krasznai (183-G-82, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) stays with EKF HESZ Gepszolg SE . Adam Szogi started the last season for Nagykorosi Solymok KE (B Division, starting five) and in Hungarian League averaged 10.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.5apg, 3.3spg, 2FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 17.4%, FT: 61.1%. In Jan.'12 moved to Jaszberenyi KSE (A Division, starting five) and after 12 games had 5.2ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.2apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 57.5%, FT: 84.2%.
Tibor Krasznai stays with EKF HESZ Gepszolg SE for another season. Early in 2007-2008 he played for Marso-Vagep NYKK (A Division, starting five) and in 21 games averaged 1.6ppg. In 2008-2009 moved to EnterNet-NTE (A Division) and had 5.0ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 42.1%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT-3 (94.1%). In 2009-2010 he appeared for Falco KC-Szombathely (A Division) and showed 0.4ppg. Later he moved to EKF HESZ Gepszolg SE and last season after 20 games showed 11.5ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.1apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 78.4%.

Factum Sport start friendly campaigns - by Eurobasket News

Factum Sport start friendly campaigns to prepare better for the upcoming season. In the end of August the Hungarian team lost to CSM Municipal Oradea 46:73. The latter won all the quarters of the game and rightfully sealed the victory. Tibarna stepped up with 18 points and Sasha Topchov (206-C-80) delivered 13. Stefanovic netted 10 and Silviu Lupusavei (183-PG-81) finished the game with 9. David Pek (192-G-92) and Carter ended up with 9 points in the losing case and Varge posted 8.
Last night Factum Sport beat Top Security Jaszbereny 67:59. The latter won the first period 21-18 and grabbed 17-9 win in the third period. Factum Sport however enjoyed 20-14 in the second period and 20-7 in the last stanza. Carter poured in 16 points and Papp had 11. Andras Madar (191-G-91, agency: TSS Management) replied with 14 points in the losing case and Aleksa Solevic netted 9.

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

ICELAND

ISRAEL

Israel edge Estonia to tie both records in unpredictable Group A - by Eurobasket News

Estonia-Israel 53:94

Israel edge Estonia to tie both records in exciting Group A. The Israeli team needed massive 94:53 win for 4-3 records.
Almost 7000 fans came to support the local team in Tallinn, but they saw their team to fail in all quarters. Israel started with 21-13 in the first period and added 19-17 in the second frame as Prini and Tanel Sokk (188-G-85) scored for 40:30. Lior Eliyahu (203-SF-85, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) and Yotam Halperin (193-SG-84) created a 7-0 run early in the third period as Israel was too difficult to be stopped. Another 19-10 gave them 59:40 as Prini closed the third quarter. Israel added 25-13 in the lasts stanza for the final result.
Omri Casspi (204-SF-88) stepped up with 26 points and Lior Eliyahu collected 21 points and 11 rebounds. Alex Tyus (205-C-88, college: Florida) and Yotam Halperin had 10 each, while Yogev Ohayon (190-PG-87) added 9. Janar Talts (207-PF-83) replied with 14 points and 10 rebounds in defeat and Siim-Sander Vene (203-SF-90, agency: Alti Sport) had 13. Tanel Sokk poured in 8, while Gregor Arbet (195-G/F-83) delivered 6.

Estonia: Janar Talts 14+10 rebs, Siim-Sander Vene 13, Tanel Sokk 8, Gregor Arbet 6
Israel: Omri Casspi 26, Lior Eliyahu 21+11 rebs, Alex Tyus 10, Yotam Halperin 10, Yogev Ohayon 9

Ironi Ashkelon signed Taj Gray and Marcus Dove - by Eurobasket News

Ironi Ashkelon signed Taj Gray (202-F/C-84, college: Oklahoma) and Marcus Dove (206-F-85, college: Oklahoma St.) for the next season.
Ironi Ashkelon signed 27-year old American forward Marcus Dove. He played last season at Dakota Wizards (D-League) in the U.S. While playing 45 games for the team from Bismarck last Dove averaged 13.8ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.1apg, 1.6spg and 1.5bpg. He was selected to Gatorade All-D-League Honorable Mention in 2012. Dove played also pro basketball in Belgium and Taiwan. He graduated Oklahoma State in 2008 and it will be his fifth season in pro basketball.
Ironi Ashkelon also agreed terms with 28-year old American power forward Taj Gray. He played last season at Guayama in Puerto Rican BSN. Gray was selected to Eurobasket.com All-French ProA Honorable Mention in 2010. He played also pro basketball in Spain. Gray graduated The University of Oklahoma in 2006 and it will be his seventh season in pro basketball.

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

ITALY

Givova Scafati triumphs at Memorial Errico - by Eurobasket News

Givova Scafati triumphs at Memorial Errico with 4 participating teams. In the Final game they edged Sidigas Avellino 79:76.
Givova Scafati trailed 11-16 after the first period, but managed to take 41:34 halftime advantage. The lead grew to 18 points at the end of the third period, but Sidigas Avellino did not give up and reduce d to final 3 points. Jonathan Tavernari (198-G/F-87, college: BYU) poured in 16 points to lead the charge, while Keddric Mays (183-G-84) posted 15. Franko Bushati (190-SG-85, agency: Two Points) scored 12 and Bulleri nailed 11. Hardy finished the game with 20 points in the losing effort, while Richardson followed him with 19.
In the game for the third place Caserta overcame Napoli 71:69. Stevan Jelovac (208-F/C-89, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for the winners with 15 points and Eric Chatfield (191-G-79, college: N.Mexico) chipped in with 14. Maresca delivered 12 and Andrea Michelori (202-F-78) had 10. Marco Allegretti (204-F-81) finished the game with 22 points, while Casini netted 19 in defeat.

Prima Veroli and Angelico Biella taste preseason wins - by Eurobasket News

Prima Veroli and Angelico Biella taste preseason wins over another Italian teams on Sunday.
Angelico Biella grabbed 82:80 win over Trenkwalder Reggio Emilia. The latter controlled the game almost for entire time but could not win the game. Trailing 59:70 with 10 minutes to go, Angelico Biella pushed the tempo for good and sealed the victory. Russell Robinson (185-G-86) stepped up with 20 points for the winners and Marco Lagana (193-G-93) added 16. Jurak notched 14, while Craig Brackins (208-F-87, college: Iowa St.) had 13. Taylor ended up with 18 points in the losing effort, while Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88, agency: Interperformances) scored 14.
Veroli overcame Brindisi 74:66. Trailing 17-23 after the first period, the winners managed to finish with a decisive 18-8 in the lasts stanza. Erving Walker (172-PG-90, college: Florida) stepped up with 20 points and Bruttini had 14. Infante nailed 10 and Jurevicus produced 8. Gibson finished the game with 13 points in the losing effort.

Italy too good for Czech Republic in Trieste - by Eurobasket News

Italy - Czech Republic 68:56

Italy celebrated the sixth straight win at 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They knocked down visiting Czech Republic in Trieste. The victory propelled the Azzurri at 6-0 record, while Czech Republic fell at 4-2 in Group F.
Italy jumped to an early lead. The hosts secured a 20:14 advantage after ten minutes. The Azzrurri opened a double-digit lead in the second frame. They posted a 42:26 halftime advantage. Italy held their opponents to 12 points in the third quarter. The Azzzuri ensured a comfortable 19-point buffer heading into the final stanza. Czech Republic managed to narrow the gap but could not avoid the loss in the fourth period. Pietro Aradori (195-SG-88) posted 14 points, while Danilo Gallinari (205-SF-88, agency: Players Group) accounted for 10 points for the winners. Petr Benda (204-C-82, agency: Court Side) answered with 12 points for Czech Republic. Lubos Barton (202-SF-80, college: Valparaiso) had 10 points in the loss.

Italy: Pietro Aradori 14, Danilo Gallinari 10, Luigi Datome (203-F-87) 8
Czech Republic: Petr Benda 12, Lubos Barton 10

Marcello Errico Memorial: Avellino and Scafati Basket reach the Final - by Eurobasket News

Avellino and Scafati Basket reach the Final of the Marcello Errico Memorial
Avellino overcame Napoli 78:73 at the Marcello Errico Memorial. Trailing almost in the entire game, Avellino needed a strong finish to seal the victory. Johnson and Spinelli top-scored for the winners with 15 points apiece, while Ndudi Ebi (206-F-84, agency: Higher Vision Sports) had 13. Warren notched 12 and Hardy produced 11. Denis Clemente (185-PG-86, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Kansas St.) ended up with 20 points in the losing effort and Marcos Casini (188-PG-80) scored 13.
Givova Scafati Basket won over Otto Juve Caserta 75:66. Scafati Basket started with 22-20 and added 22-16 in the second period. Moreover they needed 18-14 in the third frame for the comfortable lead. Otto Juve Caserta answered with 16-13 in the last period but it was not enough to catch up with the opponents. Keddric Mays (183-G-84) top-scored for the winners with 17 points, while Bushati and Patrick Baldassarre (200-F/C-86, agency: Players Group) had 15 each. Eric Chatfield (191-G-79, college: N.Mexico) finished the game with 16 points in the losing effort and Wise netted 14.

Cimberio Varese, Orlandina and Pallacanestro Cantu open September with wins - by Eurobasket News

Cimberio Varese roll over Virtus Roma in Bormio 83:67. Trailing 23-26 after the first period, Varese needed a strong third period to take 67:51 lead. Ebi Ere (195-G/F-81, college: Oklahoma) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Banks ended up with 15. Polonara followed them with 12 and Johnson scored 10. Phil Goss (186-G-83, college: Drexel) finished the game with 21 points and Olek Czyz (200-F-90, agency: Priority Sports, college: Nevada) added 18.
Orlandina outscored Trapani 104:63.The winners produced 20-10 in the start of the game and added 21-20 in the second period. Moreover they dominated the second half and added 20-9 and 31-16 respectively in the third and the last quarters. Another extra five minutes brought 12-8 on the board for the final result. Alex Young (198-G/F-89, college: IUPUI) top-scored for the winners with 26 points and George posted 21. Talor Battle (183-PG-88, college: Penn St.) delivered 15, while Passera followed them with 9. Rizzitiello answered with 13 points in defeat and Costantino chipped in with 10.
Pallacanestro Cantu edged Angelico Biella 68:65. Brooks stepped up with 25 points and Nicolas Mazzarino (181-PG-75, agency: Players Group) posted 14. Robinson finished the game with 15 points in the losing effort.

Angelico Biella keep Lagana for another season - by Eurobasket News

Angelico Biella (SerieA) re-signed 19-year old domestic guard Marco Lagana (193-80kg-93). He has played there for the last second seasons. Lagana has played there for the last second seasons. While playing 11 games for Angelico BI last he averaged 1.7ppg and 1.2rpg. Lagana played also pro basketball in Lithuania. He was a member of Italian U20 national team until 2012. Lagana represented Italy at the European Championships U20 in Slovenia this year.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Trento land Alessio Basile - by Eurobasket

Bitumcalor Trento (Lega2) strengthened their roster with addition of 26-year old domestic center Alessio Basile (202-101kg-86). He played most recently at Scauri (Nazionale B). Basiles team was regular season runner-up in Italian B dilettanti Group C in 2011. He was a member of Italian U20 national team in 2005.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Trento land Alessio Basile - by Eurobasket

Bitumcalor Trento (Lega2) strengthened their roster with addition of 26-year old domestic center Alessio Basile (202-101kg-86). He played most recently at Scauri (Nazionale B). Basiles team was regular season runner-up in Italian B dilettanti Group C in 2011. He was a member of Italian U20 national team in 2005.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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

IVORY COAST

ACCMW Qualifier: Uhuru Kings bow to ABC 51-88 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Home side Uhuru Kings basketball club of Liberia bowed to the superior fire power of Abidjan Basket Club (ABC) in the men opening game of the FIBA Africa Champions Cup Zone-3 qualifiers by 51-88 points.

The home side (Uhuru Kings) fell in all four quarters by 13-19, 09-23, 09-21 and 20-25 to go down gallantly by 51-88 points.

ABC was led in scoring by Stephane Konate who poured in 25 points and grabbed 2 rebounds, Stephane Kokoun had 16 points and 4 rebounds, Celestin Gbotto contributed 12 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steal with Ange Kouakou adding 11 points for the all important victory for the away side.

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

LITHUANIA

Pieno Zvaigzdes sign Tyrell Biggs - by Eurobasket News

Pieno Zvaigzdes Pasvalys signed 26-year old American forward Tyrell Biggs (203-109kg-86, college: Pittsburgh). He played last season at Canton Charge (D-League) in the U.S.
In 2003-2004 he appeared for Ramsey (NJ) Don Bosco HS and then in 2005-2006 moved to Pittsburgh (NCAA). In 31 games he debuted with 1.8ppg, 1.1rpg. In his last season for Pittsburgh his stats read 6.4ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 49.5%, 3Pts: 39.6%, FT: 62.5%.
In 2009-2010 appeared for AS Trikalla 2000 (Greece-A2) where he showed 6.6ppg, 3.0rpg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 24.2%, FT: 75.0%. In 2010-2011 played for Achilleas Kaimakliou (Cyprus-Division A) and had 12.4ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 82.6%. In Mar.'11 moved to Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa (Israel-Premier League) and showed 4.8ppg, 2.1rpg. In 2011 was drafted by Canton Charge (D-League, 1rd, 15)) and in 2011-2012 for Canton Charge (D-League, starting five) averaged 12.9ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 20.5%, FT: 75.4%.
Last season he participated at the D-League All-Star Game -12 and reached D-League Semifinals -12.

Giedrius Gustas joins Neptunas - by Eurobasket News

Neptunas Klaipeda (LKL) signed 32-year old ex-international guard Giedrius Gustas (190-80, agency: Interperformances). He played last season at PGE Turow in Polish TBL. While playing 52 games for PGE Turow last Gustas averaged 6.8ppg, 1.3rpg and 1.5apg. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. Gustas was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Latvian League 2nd Team in 2008. He played also pro basketball in Greece and Russia. Gustas was a member of Lithuanian international program for some years. He was a member of Lithuanian senior national team between 2003 and 2010 and previously for U20 national team in 2000.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Lietuvos rytas, Neptunas and Rudupulis play friendlies - by Eurobasket News

Lietuvos rytas won over LKKA-Atleto 95:58. The Lithuanian favorite looked better in the game and celebrated the victory. Rudupulis meanwhile lost to Seattle University 76:88.
Lokomotiv Kuban overcame Neptunas 108:85 in Lithuania. The Russian team started with 29-21 and added 25-18 in the second frame. Moreover they won the third period 28-24 and finished the game with 26-22 in the last stanza. Aleks Maric (211-C-84, college: Nebraska) top-scored for the winners with 28 points and 10 rebounds, while Simas Jasaitis (201-SF-82) had 20. Nick Calathes (198-G-89, college: Florida) came up with a triple double of 19 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, while Valery Likhodey (205-F-86) as well as Sheleketo Maksim posted 18 each. Gailius Deividas answered with 28 points in the losing effort. Martynas Mazeika (193-G-85, agency: Interperformances) had 18 and Gustas had 10.

Perlas tab Augustinas Jankaitis - by Eurobasket News

Perlas Vilnius (LKL) strengthened their roster with addition of 18-year old domestic center Augustinas Jankaitis (202-95kg-94). He played most recently at Lietuvos rytas (LKL). While playing 8 games for Lietuvos rytas last season Jankaitis averaged 2.9ppg and 1.4rpg. He was voted to All-Eurobasket.com European Championships U16 3rd Team in 2010. Jankaitis played also pro basketball in Montenegro. He was a member of Lithuanian U18 national team until 2012. Jankaitis represented Lithuania at the European Championships U18 in Lithuania this year. His team won Silver and Jankaitis stats at this event were 9 games: 10.4ppg, 6.3rpg, FGP: 56.3%, FT: 53.8%.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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

LUXEMBOURG

BBC Grengewald tab Kirk Crecco - by Eurobasket News

BBC Grengelwald brought in import player. They agreed on terms of contract with Kirk Crecco (190-G-89). The guard start his pro career in Luxembourg. Kirk Crecco graduated from Dartmouth in 2012. The guard posted 2.6 points and 1.5 rebounds per game in his senior season. Kirk Crecco will be the second American player on Grengrewald roster. Nick Harrington is another name. Harrington has been with the team since 2009. Grengewald finished the last N2 season at 15-13 record after the playoffs. They occupied the 4th position.

Germany bring win from Luxembourg - by Eurobasket News

Luxembourg - Germany 67:95

Germany beat Luxembourg on the road for the fifth straight win in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. Germany remained undefeated on top of Group B. Luxembourg suffered the sixth straight defeat.
Luxembourg put up a decent fight in the opening quarter. The matched the visitors well enough to stay on level terms 18:18 after ten minutes. Germany switched the gear in the second frame. They erupted for 31 points to take a 13-point halftime lead. Germany aggravated the damage in the third term. They outscored Luxembourg 24:12 to gain a 25-point lead at the final stanza. Luxembourg never recovered and had to yield at the end. Tibor Pleiss (215-C-89) posted 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Jan-Hendrik Jagla (211-PF-81, college: Penn St.) added 13 points for the winners. Martin Rajniak (205-PF-78, college: CSU Bakersfield) answered with 12 points for Luxembourg. Pitt Koster (182-PG-89) and Christopher Jones (186-G-90) had 11 points apiece in the defeat.

Luxembourg: Martin Rajniak 12, Pitt Koster 11, Christopher Jones 11
Germany: Tibor Pleiss 17+11 boards, Jan-Hendrik Jagla 13, Robin Benzing 11, Karsten Tadda 11

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

MEXICO

Mexican coach Giovanni Rivera signs in Colombia - by Carlos Chapa

Mexican specialist Giovanni Rivera inked a deal to become Head Coach for Patriotas de Boyaca for the upcoming Copa Invitacional FCB 2012. First of all I want to thank Mr. Jorge Garcia for the opportunity and we are very excited about this ambitious project This is also a reminder for Mexican clubs to make a statement about local coachesWe are professionals.

Patriotas de Boyaca is scheduled to tip off September 7th against the powerhouse and current champion Bucaros de Bucaramanga coach by well known Jose Dilone who previously worked for Patriotas.

For Giovanni Rivera this will be his 5th international experience and a proof that Mexican coaches are ready to coach at the highest levels. We will be a high intensity team and fans will love the way we play because the most important issues for us as team will be playing the right way and also give a lot of playing time to the local players.

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

MONTENEGRO

NAIA

Farragut High School's Blake Williams commits to Maryville College Basketball - by Stephan Ditgens

Blake Williams, a 61 guard from Farragut High School in Knoxville, TN, has decided to continue his education and basketball career at Maryville College. Blake, the son of Hayli and Jack Williams of Knoxville, TN, was a two year starter and senior standout for the Admirals and head coach Chris Cool. In his senior campaign at Farragut, Blake averaged 21.7 points, 2.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per contest. Furthermore, Williams was a two-time selection to the 4-AAA All-District team as well as a two-time selection to the District 4-AAA All-Tournament team. As a senior, Blakes play earned him a spot on the Region 2-AAA All-Tournament team. Blake leaves his mark on the Admiral Basketball program as the schools 3rd all-time leading scorer. Coach Cool had this to say about Blakes decision, I am very excited for him. He is a great kid, and I hope he will be a valuable addition to your team and program.

Randy Lambert, head coach of the Fighting Scots, had this to say about Blakes decision to come to Maryville College, Blake is a great pick up for this years recruiting class. He has the ability to have an immediate impact at either guard position. With his addition to this years recruiting class, I am convinced that we have an exceptional freshmen class with five or more new players that could compete for varsity playing time. Williams will be joining a Scots basketball team that finished the 2011-2012 year with an 18-10 record. The MC Cagers also accomplished a Great South Athletic Conference Tournament championship and another birth in the NCAA Division III National Tournament, their 13th selection in 14 seasons. Head Coach Randy Lambert has been at Maryville College for 32 seasons, and has 602 wins to his credit all at his alma mater.

courtesy of: http://www.maryvillecollege.edu

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

NBA

Harden deal looms large - by Eurobasket News

The Oklahoma City Thunder made an interesting transaction last month, re-signing center Serge Ibaka to a four-year, $48 million extension, meaning Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and now Ibaka are signed long-term, leaving the organization with a decision about former lottery pick and Olympian James Harden (6'5''-SG-89, college: Arizona St.). The Thunders chance to commit long-term to Harden will come next summer.

Harden certainly improved his stock by helping the US win the gold medal, but that doesnt mean general manager Sam Presti is eager to sign him to a big-money contract and potentially hurt the franchises ability to sign other players for several years.

If you recall, Harden struggled miserably during the NBA Finals, shooting 37.5 percent from the field, 31.8 percent from the 3-point line, and missing 16 of 20 shots in the Game 3 and 4 losses in Miami.

Harden was also photographed hanging out after games in South Beach when the Thunder were being soundly beaten, eventually losing in five games.

So the Thunder now have to decide whether Harden is worthy of an extension. When it was apparent that Westbrook would flourish into an All-Star-caliber guard, Presti decided that Jeff Green, the third wheel on the Thunders machine in 2010-11, was expendable, and dealt him to the Celtics.

Well be open in saying that there are a lot of inherent challenges this organization faces as a result of the new CBA, Presti said. With that said, we also maintained that were going to figure out a way to build a team thats competitive within the new system and capable of [competing for championships]. Nothing changes in that respect.

Well have some tough decisions in terms of being a good team and a team thats enjoyed some level of flexibility. We need to work with James in hopes of keeping him with the team.

I dont want to speak for James or any of our players, but he knows how much we think of him. With any situation like this, its a matter of finding balance that works for both of us.

Presti has astutely built the Thunder into a Western Conference power through the draft (Durant, Westbrook, Ibaka, Harden) and through free agency and trades. And the aforementioned quartet have all met or exceeded expectations, which is rare in todays crapshoot draft landscape. But because of that, the Thunder could potentially be a luxury-tax team if they re-sign Harden.

The Celtics were a luxury-tax team last season, paying players approximately $86 million $15 million over the threshold which resulted in a $15 million tax payout. With the new agreement, teams cannot spend beyond $74 million or risk paying increased taxes for every $5 million above the threshold.

We understand there are tradeoffs all the time in the NBA, and we do our best to balance everything and respect how hard it is to win and how fortunate we have been to be in the postseason for the last several years, said Presti. We also have to take into account we have to put the organization in a strong and stable position.

Courtesy of www.boston.com

Mutiny at Texas Tech? Coach Billy Gillispie draws complaints - by Eurobasket News

Texas Tech players expressed concern about the way they are being treated by second-year coach Billy Gillispie during a meeting with athletic director Kirby Hocutt this week, multiple players told ESPN.com.

The players initially were called to meet individually with members of the compliance department about the number of hours they were being asked to practice.

After the meeting with compliance officials, players met with Hocutt as a group.

Associate athletic director Blayne Beal, who is in charge of communications, confirmed the meeting took place with Hocutt and the returning players.

Beal also said the school was informed early Friday morning that Gillispie was hospitalized in Lubbock at University Medical Center. Beal said he didn't know why the coach was hospitalized and had no further details on his condition.

Multiple sources told ESPN.com that he was being treated for high blood pressure.

Hospital spokesman Eric Finley told The Associated Press that Gillispie was in satisfactory condition Friday.

Beal said Sunday that Gillispie remained hospitalized. Beal said Gillispie's status remained unchanged.

Gillispie told the Lubbock Avalanche Journal that he thought he was having a heart attack or stroke when he called 911 on Friday and said it was the worst he had ever felt.

Gillispie, 52, didn't return a call or a text message seeking a response.

Beal and Hocutt met Friday to discuss the player matter and issued this statement through Beal:

"We are aware and are looking into concerns within the leadership of our men's basketball program. Student-athlete well-being is our top priority and a matter that we take extremely seriously at Texas Tech. Texas Tech is devoting its full resources to look into this matter."

Compliance officer Jennifer Brashear declined to comment.

Hired in March 2011 to replace Pat Knight, Gillispie went just 8-23 (1-17 Big 12) in his first season in Lubbock.

He previously was the head coach at Kentucky, Texas A&M and Texas-El Paso and a former assistant under Bill Self at Tulsa and Illinois.

"Compliance wanted to know what's going on," said one returning player who requested that his name not be used. " (The meeting) was about a lot of stuff that goes on in practice, everything within the program, the way we're being coached, the relationship we've got with our coach, practice hours and stuff like that."

The player said that Gillispie is a "good coach, teacher and mentor, but he's not the most personable person, not the coach you can go and talk to. He breaks you down. But he doesn't build you back up. It's hard to play for him when that happens every day. You feel like you're getting torn down and you can't get back up."

The player said there were a lot of "mental games" being played.

"The meeting was in his office," a second player said. "He had no idea what was going on. When some of the players told him, he said he was going to try and make it best for us and enjoy the career that we have at Tech. The feeling is that some guys will leave if (Gillispie) stays, maybe some of the new guys or some of the old guys. We all have to talk to our families first."

The first player said none of the Red Raiders talked about transferring during the meeting with Hocutt or made demands about Gillispie's job status.

The second player said the players "really like the assistant coaches."

Gillispie's top assistants are Chris Walker, Jeremy Cox and Bubba Jennings.

Texas Tech has experienced a high amount of attrition since the end of Gillispie's first season, as six players from the 2011-12 roster have transferred: Cameron Forte, DeShon Minnis, Jaron Nash, Terran Petteway, Kevin Wagner and Javarez Willis.

As many as nine new scholarship players will be on Texas Tech's roster this season.

This isn't the first time players have complained about the way they were coached by Gillispie.

Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart said Gillispie "wasn't the right fit" for the program when he fired him after just two seasons in 2009. Gillispie had been named SEC Coach of the Year one year earlier but failed to lead the Wildcats to the NCAA tournament the following season.

After his dismissal at Kentucky, stories began to surface about Gillispie's tough love type of coaching tactics. Former Wildcat Josh Harrellson said Gillispie once became so angered that he instructed him to sit in a bathroom stall during a halftime talk at Vanderbilt and then ordered him to ride back to Lexington in the Kentucky equipment truck. There were also complaints about the way Gillispie treated athletic department office types such as secretaries and other administrators.

Gillispie and Kentucky reached a settlement on his firing for $3 million in October 2009. Gillispie had sued the school for a breach of contract after he was fired following two years on the job. Gillispie wanted $6 million owed to him but took the $3 million in the deal. He was 40-27 during his tenure at UK but never signed his contract and worked under a memorandum of understanding. He was fired with five years left on his contract.

Five months after his firing, Gillispie was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in Lawrenceburg, Ky. -- his third DUI arrest since 1999. (The second charge was later dismissed.) A few weeks later, in September 2009, he checked into the John Lucas After Care Program in Houston.

"Billy isn't an alcoholic," Lucas said after Gillispie completed the program. "He was just making some bad choices."

Instead of coaching, Gillispie spent the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons working for charitable organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Boys and Girls Club. He also spent time in his hometown of Graford, Texas, caring for his mother, Winfred, who succumbed to lung cancer in January 2011.

Gillispie said his two years away from the game was much-needed.

"I was able to step back and take a deep breath," Gillispie said in March 2011, the same month he was hired at Texas Tech. "I went from being a high school coach in 1993 to the top of the college basketball mountain in 15 years. It was a meteoric rise. I never took time off because it never felt like work."

Indeed, before his struggles at Kentucky, Gillispie had quickly garnered a reputation as one of the top coaches in all of college basketball.

One season after finishing 6-24, Gillispie led UTEP to a 24-8 record in 2003-04. The 18-win improvement was the biggest in the history of college basketball.

Gillispie's success at UTEP prompted his hiring at Texas A&M in 2004. In his first season he guided a team that was picked to finish last in Big 12 play to a 21-10 overall record and an 8-8 mark in league games. Gillispie was named Big 12 Coach of the Year. He won the award again two seasons later, when the Aggies placed second in the Big 12 before reaching the Sweet 16.

Gillispie left for Kentucky after the 2006-07 season and has had a tough time ever since. He was among a handful of coaches who lost millions to a Ponzi scheme by former AAU basketball operator David Salinas, who committed suicide last summer. Sports Illustrated reported that Gillispie invested $2.3 million in corporate bonds.

Gillispie's Texas roots and recruiting ties made him seem like a natural fit at Texas Tech, where he signed a five-year contract worth an estimated $800,000-plus per year, according to the Lubbock Avalanche Journal. Gillispie was the first major hire at Texas Tech for Hocutt, who came to Lubbock in February 2011 after serving as the athletic director at Miami and Ohio University.

Courtesy of ESPN

Magic Johnson still happy to talk about Larry Bird - by Eurobasket News

Boston sports fans viewed Magic Johnson (6'10''-G-59, college: Michigan St.) as their archenemy 25 years ago, when he was trying to prevent the Celtics from piling up more championships with their Big Three.

Johnson perhaps made a couple of friends when he appeared at Larry Bird's jersey-retirement ceremony sporting a Celtics T-shirt under his Lakers warmup suit nearly two decades ago. And now, shifting gears as he does constantly, he has filled the airwaves of sports talk shows discussing the blockbuster trade between the Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers, a team he assumed partial ownership of in March.

Johnson talked like a baseball man, breaking down the strengths of all four players acquired the former pitching prowess of Josh Beckett, the base-stealing threat of Carl Crawford, the power potential of Adrian Gonzalez, and even mentioning that Nick Punto was returning to his Southern California roots (hes from Mission Viejo).

Yet, as schooled and passionate as Johnson sounded about baseball, his voice flowed with Bird stories when he addressed kids at a recent charity appearance at the Boys and Girls Club of Providence. The two renowned rivals have become close friends over the past several years, and Johnson couldnt describe the greatness of Bird without sporting his customary bright smile.

He related a story about Bird telling an injured Magic and Lakers coach Pat Riley during a regular-season matchup that he was disappointed he wouldnt be able to drop another 30-point game on Johnson.

Magic answered questions from the kids, then challenged the group none of whom were old enough to see Johnson play with basketball trivia questions. And each of the three times a child correctly answered his question, he pulled $100 out of his pocket and handed it to the stunned winner. Eventually, Johnson had to borrow some cash from R&B legend and Providence native Jeffrey Osborne.

This is what I love to do, [talk to] young people, tell them I was once them, he said. I went through similar issues, problems in life. Grew up poor. I had a reading problem, the whole thing.

And we connect. I would hope that they will be inspired and understand that anything in life they want, they have to get an education.

They were outstanding. I got some of the best questions Ive ever gotten from a young audience. You never thought in your wildest dreams that youd be the one talking to them, because there was somebody talking to me when I was young. This is definitely surreal.

Of course, Johnson had to comment about the gold medal-winning US Olympic basketball team and whether it could compete with the Johnson/ Michael Jordan 1992 Dream Team.

I dont really think [we could have beaten Spain by more than 6 in the gold medal game], I know, he said with a hearty laugh. You cant put together Larry Bird , Magic Johnson and, of course, the greatest player ever, Michael Jordan, and not win.

But I would say if we played a 10-game series, they would win definitely three and we would win seven. But I respect them. They are great for the league with Kevin Durant, Kobe [ Bryant]. The league is in good shape. But were always going to compare teams, were always going to do that.

Johnson, an NBA analyst for ESPN, keeps close tabs on the league and was thrilled that his former club acquired Dwight Howard, adding life to a Lakers-Celtics rivalry that many believed would tail off because both teams are aging.

It was a great move for the Lakers, not just for now but for the future because now well have somebody we can build the Lakers around once Kobe is gone, Johnson said. I think that Steve Nash was also a key trade because Steve will make everybody better like Dwight Howard will make all the players better because hes a great defender and he can get out on that break and run the pick-and-roll well.

Johnson remains one of the leagues biggest pitchmen, and it was apparent during this recent appearance that he remains an immensely popular figure.

The league is in for a special year, because you need the Lakers and Celtics to be good and be competitive, he said. Its great that New York is coming back with both of those teams. And of course Miami.

Now that the Lakers are strong again, that will make the West great, so now basketball is healthy because the Celtics, the rivalry between them and the Heat, and now you got New York having both rivalries with Boston and Miami.

And dont forget Philly. Phillys going to be good with [ Andrew] Bynum, so this league is probably as healthy as its been since the 80s and 90s when we had so many great teams battling.

I am excited. Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge did a nice job retooling with Boston. Courtesy of www.boston.com

Dwayne Wade's week: CNN, ESPN, Calvin Klein, Letterman, QVC - by Eurobasket News

It won't be difficult to play "Where's Wade?" this week. Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) is about to hit New York like a cyclone with the start of his book tour.

"A Father First: How my life became bigger than basketball" will be released Tuesday, which also is when the Miami Heat's All-Star guard will storm Manhattan.

From Letterman to Calvin Klein, from ESPN to CNN, Wade is about to enter a whirlwind week that culminates with three South Florida book signings this coming weekend.

Two weeks after that, training camp will open.

For Wade, it starts Tuesday on ABC Radio, continues with two segments alongside Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar on "The View," then a book signing on 5th Avenue, a mid-afternoon media session at the NBA Store, a late-afternoon taping of "The Late Show with David Letterman" and an ESPN fashion panel followed by an ESPN book party at Lincoln Center.

And that's just Tuesday.

Wednesday?

A live interview on "CBS this Morning" at a time still to be announced, a taping at "Fox & Friends" for weekend airing, a "Good Afternoon America" taping with former ESPN anchor Josh Elliott, a midday on-stage conversation with Business Week editor Josh Tyrangiel, a Bloomberg TV interview, interviews and a book signing at MIST Harlem.

Thursday?

That would be "CNN Starting Point with Soledad O'Brien," a "CNN Your Bottom Line" taping, a session at Time Magazine. And that's just the morning. The afternoon itinerary features a "Tavis Smiley Radio" interview, a "106 & Park" taped interview at CBS Studios for BET, after which it's off to the Calvin Klein Collection, time with Vogue editor Anna Wintour, a book signing there, and then off to QVC, the latter events all part of "Fashion Night Out," the start of New York Fashion Week.

On Friday there will be a Google-plus hangout at Google headquarters in New York in the morning and then back to South Florida for the first of those three book signings.

Friday: 7 p.m., Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art, 1 East Las Olas Boulevard.

Saturday: 3 p.m., Sports Authority Dolphin Mall, 11521 NW 12th Street, Sweetwater.

Sunday: 11 a.m., Books & Books, 265 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables.

Following those three signings in South Florida and the previous two in New York, Wade will continue on a signing tour that will take him through Atlanta, Chicago, Milwaukee, Los Angeles and culminating with a Sept. 22 signing in Washington at "Politics and Prose", one week before the Heat opening training camp Sept. 29 at AmericanAirlines Arena. The tour will have a one-week break before the Washington appearance.

Although Wade's book about his fight to gain primary custody of his two young sons has yet to be released, there already have been several reviews of the book that focuses more on family than sport, including one from "Publisher's Weekly" that said, "Wade recalls his own life, returning to the courtroom ugliness and peppering the story with his observation on fatherhood. . . . Wade's narrative is inspirational, and his enthusiasm for life and parenthood is apparent."

Among players who said they already have started reading the book are Heat teammate LeBron James and Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul, with Wade sending autographed copies to each.

Courtesy of www.sun-sentinel.com

Dwight Howard professes his love for Orlando in newspaper ad - by Eurobasket News

Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85) is professing his love for the city of Orlando and its fans.

Howard purchased a full-page ad in todays Orlando Sentinel to convey the message.

In that ad, which appears on Page C7, Howard said, To play the game of basketball in the NBA is a blessing and to have had the opportunity to play before the Orlando fans for eight years was truly a privilege and an honor.

Words cannot express the love that I have for Orlando. With your support we have done great things in this city from hanging banners to impacting our youth.

Although my career with the Magic has come to a close, my love for the city and the people that make it beautiful will never end.

Howard, who had requested a trade, was sent by the Magic to the Lakers on Aug. 10 in a complex four-team trade.

Here's the ad: CLICK HERE.

Courtesy of http://articles.orlandosentinel.com

Stephon Marbury sued for $3 million in Virginia court over unpaid loans - by Eurobasket News

Former NBA All-Star and current member of the Beijing Ducks Marbury Stephon (6'2''-G-77, college: Georgia Tech) was sued by U.S. Bank for $3 million in a Richmond, Va. court at the end of August, according to Aaron Kremer of RichmondBizSense.com:

Wachovia lent $1.4 million to Marbury in 2007. In August 2011, U.S. Bank foreclosed on the Petersburg property and sold it for $1.31 million, according to the suit. The bank alleges that it is still owed $1 million by Marbury, which includes unpaid interest and legal fees.

Marbury, who personally guaranteed the loans, had bought office and industrial properties throughout the United States but defaulted on the loans. He also foreclosed on an 8,000-square-foot home in Los Angeles after failing to pay back $3.1 million.

The news comes in stark contrast to Marburys positive turnaround recently.

After a promising NBA career that ended up being overshadowed and marred by on-the-court controversies, most notably with the New York Knicks, Marbury helped the Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association win the league title in 2012.

Since foreign players arent eligible to win the Most Valuable Player award in the CBA, the team instead erected a statue of Marbury on the lawn of the 2008 Olympic basketball arena.

Courtesy of http://tracking.si.com

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

NCAA1

Maurice Jones to miss Southern Cal basketball season for academic reasons - by Eurobasket News

Former Arthur Hill star Maurice Jones (5'7''-PG-91) will miss the 2012-13 season for Southern California because of academic reasons, the university announced Saturday.

"Maurice Jones has been nothing short of magnificent for us for two years," USC coach Kevin O'Neill said in a press release "Mo has been a great guy and great player and we want him to graduate from USC. I support him 100 percent in all that he does."

Jones, a 5-foot-7 point guard, was named the Southern Cal Most Valuable Player last season. The Trojans were 6-26.

He was also named the team's top defensive player. As a sophomore, Jones led the Trojans in scoring average (13.0), points (416), assists (111), steals (56), 3-pointers (52), free throws made (78) and minutes (1,221).

In his first two seasons, Jones had 125 steals, ranking ninth on USC's career list.

Former Arthur Hill star Maurice Jones was named the Southern Cal men's basketball Most Valuable Player at the team's awards banquet Tuesday.

Jones was also named the team's top defensive player. Southern Cal finished in the top 20 in the country in fewest points allowed per team.

The Southern Cal sophomore led team in scoring average (13.0), points (416), assists (111), steals (56), 3-pointers (52), free throws made (78) and minutes (1,221).

In his first two seasons, Jones has 125 steals, ranking ninth on USC's career list.

Jones, 20, averaged 30 points, 12 assists, 5 rebounds adn 4 steals to lead Arthur Hill to the Class A quarterfinals during his senior season in 2009-10. He was named the Associated Press Class A Player of the Year in Michigan.

In his four seasons at Arthur Hill, Jones scored more than 1,800 points with 705 assists.

Courtesy of www.mlive.com

Suit against NCAA seeks to pay current players - by Eurobasket News

In a surprising move that, if successful, could lead to much greater financial rewards for many college athletes, lawyers representing former college football and men's basketball players told a federal court that they now seek to change the way current athletes are compensated for the use of their images.

In filing to have their lawsuit against the NCAA certified as a class action, the attorneys argued that monies derived from television, video games and other products that use athletes' names, images and likeness should be shared with players -- and can be "temporarily held in trust for those individuals until cessation of their collegiate careers" if the NCAA feels it needs to abide its notions of amateur sports.

No monetary figures are disclosed in the public copy of the motion, filed Friday night in U.S. District Court in California. Heavy redactions of information were made by the plaintiffs. But a source close to the lawsuit -- filed in 2009 with Ed O'Bannon and other former athletes -- told ESPN that the new angle could deliver "hundreds of thousands" of dollars each year to Division I basketball players.

Football players, who are more plentiful, could get less -- "tens of thousands," according to the source.

"I'm sure the NCAA will go ballistic over this," another source, a member of the plaintiffs' legal team, told ESPN. "This is their worst nightmare, this issue coming front and center this deep into the case."

Asked why make a case for current players now, the source said, "Now we have evidence. And so much more has happened since we originally filed our lawsuit -- new media deals, new scandals."

In a statement, the NCAA's chief counsel on Saturday characterized the new angle as evidence that the lawsuit lacks merit.

"Unable to prove their original claims regarding former student-athletes, plaintiffs have now abandoned those claims and are attempting to assert new claims on behalf of current student-athletes," said Donald Remy, NCAA executive vice president and general counsel. "Unfortunately, this about face runs them smack into a very old argument, and one that the NCAA has defeated in court many times. ... Plaintiffs want the court to believe that student athletes are the same as professional athletes and unionized employees -- which is pure fiction. We are confident that plaintiffs will find no more success in this case than they have in past cases."

Lawyers for the plaintiffs have been gathering financial information about the NCAA, conferences and individual athletic departments. In their recent filing, they propose that players share in revenues produced from their names, images and likenesses much in the manner of those in the NFL and NBA.

Using an analysis by Stanford professor Roger Noll, the lawyers suggest a "50-50 split for telecasts and a one-third split for video games, based on recognized economic principles, examples from professional sports, and examples from music artists' licensing." They also propose "equal allocations among all members of a team in a given year, and these team members are then further divided according to whether they were current or former players at the time that the revenue was generated."

The filing quotes from depositions by, among others, NCAA president Mark Emmert, although his quotes are blacked out in the copy submitted to the court. The legal team member for the plaintiffs who spoke to ESPN said it was initially redacted because the deposition was stamped "confidential" by the NCAA.

Another figure cited in the filing was Walter Byers, the NCAA's first executive director. He ran the organization from 1951 to 1988, and since retiring has rarely surfaced, living on his ranch in Kansas. But he agreed to be deposed in the lawsuit, a coup for the plaintiffs, as Byers wrote a book after he left the NCAA that repudiated the amateur model as a means of diverting money away from players.

Other defendants include the video-games-maker Electronic Arts and the nation's largest college trademark licensing and marketing firm, Collegiate Licensing Co. Besides O'Bannon, who starred at UCLA, plaintiffs include Oscar Robertson, Bill Russell, former UConn star Tate George and many others.

The players claim the NCAA broke anti-trust law by working together to prevent athletes from negotiating for or receiving any benefit from licensing agreements that used their names, images or likenesses.

The lawsuit says the NCAA allowed EA to make video games with "the purpose of having the game avatars match as closely as possible the real-life characteristics" of actual athletes.

As a condition of NCAA participation, athletes are required to sign forms that relinquish all rights pertaining to the use of their names and images, whether in TV contracts, jersey sales, video games or otherwise. O'Bannon and other former players object to the NCAA and member schools continuing to sell archival materials without compensation well after they stopped playing college sports.

Remy, in his statement, said the NCAA does not "make any attempt to prevent former student-athletes from selling or licensing their 'collegiate likeness,' nor has it ever done so."

The NCAA's embrace of amateurism as a principle dates back nearly a century. But the aggressive pursuit of ballooning television and other revenues has placed considerable tension on the model, as have ethical scandals at colleges such as Penn State, USC, Ohio State and Miami. At the same time, NCAA member schools have been reluctant to share more of their revenue with athletes.

The team of plaintiffs' lawyers is led by Michael Hausfeld, a prominent Washington, D.C.,-based litigator who specializes in class-action lawsuits related to human rights, discrimination and anti-trust law.

Courtesy of ESPN

UCLA trio being investigated by NCAA - by Eurobasket News

CBSSports.com has confirmed that the NCAA has been investigating three of UCLA's highly touted freshmen.

Shabazz Muhammad (6'6''-G/F-93), Kyle Anderson and Tony Parker, a trio of Ben Howland recruits who the Bruins are hopeful will take them back to national relevance, have all been the target of the NCAA over the last few months.

The news was first reported by the UCLA site of Scout.com.

CBSSports.com wrote about Muhammad and his connections to a pair of financial advisors back in February. However, the NCAA is also concerned about the recruitments of both Anderson, a 6-foot-7 1/2 point forward from New Jersey, and Parker, a big man out of Georgia.

Muhammad wasn't allowed to play on the team's recent trip to China while both Anderson and Parker were cleared to play.

Sources told CBSSports.com that one of the issues that the NCAA is looking into the relationship between Anderson and agent Thad Foucher -- who works for Arn Tellem and the Wasserman Group. The NCAA is also investigating whether Parker's family received improper benefits throughout the recruiting process.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Former Jayhawks guard Doyle enrolls at Loyola - by Eurobasket News

Milton Doyle, an all-state guard from Chicago who enrolled at Kansas but left the school earlier this month, has enrolled at Loyola University in Chicago and will be a freshman with the Ramblers this year.

But will he play this season?

The answer is "almost certainly not" considering Doyle actually participated in the Jayhawks' tour of Switzerland and France. The more likely scenario has the 6-foot-4 guard sitting out this season per normal NCAA transfer rules and playing again in 2013-14, though Loyola will surely apply for a NCAA waiver and keep its so-called fingers crossed.

Doyle chose Loyola over Wisconsin-Green Bay and Illinois State.

Loyola is the third different school Doyle has selected in the past year. He initially committed to Florida International but decommitted after Isiah Thomas was fired. He then committed to Kansas, enrolled, took classes, practiced and played in exhibitions in Europe before leaving Lawrence, reopening his recruitment and ultimately landing at Loyola, where Porter Moser led the Ramblers to a 7-23 record last season.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

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

NEW ZEALAND

Hawks Head Coach vacancy - by Eurobasket News

The Hawks Basketball franchise is looking for expressions of interest from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered as the head coach of HBS Bank Hawks National Basketball League (NBL) team.

Expressions of interest would be considered from coaches interested in a full-time position and those who just wish to coach for the NBL season. It is anticipated that the contract would be for a minimum of two years.

The successful applicant will be based in Hawkes Bay and will have the use of a vehicle.

Please send details to Paul Trass gm@basketballballhawkesbay.co.nz by 17 October 2012.

Courtesy of www.basketball.org.nz

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

NIGERIA

POLAND

Poland smash Switzerland for 4-2 record in Group E - by Eurobasket News

Poland-Switzerland 111:67

Poland smash Switzerland for 4-2 record in Group E of the EuroBasket Qualification Round. The Polish side had an easy 111:67 victory at home to climb to the second place. Switzerland meanwhile dropped at 2-4 record.
Poland did not have any difficulties reaching the 4th win. They started with 32-16 in the first period and never looked behind after. The hosts added 24-16 in the second period and led 24 points at the halftime. Moreover Poland produced a 28-26 in the third period and finished the game with 27-9. Marcin Gortat (213-C-84) gave Poland three-digit at 100:64. Robert Skibniewski (183-PG-83) nailed three for the last points and Petkovic closed the game from the free throw line.
Marcin Gortat erupted with 31 points and 13 rebounds, while Michal Ignerski (207-F-80, agency: Stanley International, college: Mississippi St.) followed him with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Dardan Berisha (193-SG-88, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) delivered 14, while Robert Skibniewski and Przemyslaw Zamojski (194-SG-86, agency: Alti Sport, college: Independence CC) notched 12 each. Dusan Mladjan (198-SG-86, agency: Interperformances) replied with 20 points in the losing effort. Oliver Vogt (209-C-80) scored 17, whilst Jonathan Dubas (202-SF-91) added 11.

Poland: Marcin Gortat 31+13 rebs, Michal Ignerski 17+11 rebs, Dardan Berisha 14, Robert Skibniewski 12, Przemyslaw Zamojski 12
Switzerland: Dusan Mladjan 20, Oliver Vogt 17, Jonathan Dubas 11

Trefl Sopot cruises past Start Gdynia in preseason game - by Eurobasket News

Trefl Sopot - Start Gdynia 71-57

Trefl Sopot and Start Gdynia met in a friendly game yesterday. Trefl Sopot was too strong for its rival registering comfortable 71-57 win. Filip Dylewicz (202-F-80) and Frank Turner (178-PG-88, agency: Court Side, college: Canisius) were the leading players in victory with 15 points each. Michal Michalak (194-SG-93, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) and David Brembly (197-SG-93) followed with 11 points each. In the loosing squad, Michal Jankowski (192-G-87) was better than the others with 15 points. Their second scorer was Maciej Kucharek (204-SF-93) with 11 points, while Marcin Malczyk (193-G-82) and Patryk Pelka (202-F-89) stopped to 9 pts each. Trefl Sopot had impressive Q1 making 26-12 lead. Start Gdynia slightly improved after that winning Q2 and Q3 19-17 and 17-13 for minus 8 with ten minutes remaining in the game. Filip Dylewicz and his teammates intensified defense in the last period and limited its rival to just 9 points, while they scored 15 at the other side for comfortable 14-point win at the end. Both teams will play more friendlies next week.

Trefl Sopot: Filip Dylewicz 15, Frank Turner 15, Michal Michalak 11, David Brembly 11, Marcin Stefanski 9, Mateusz Jarmakowicz 5, Lukasz Wilczek 5, Piotr Dsbrowski 0.
Start Gdynia: Michal Jankowski 15, Maciej Kucharek 11, Marcin Malczyk 9, Patryk Pelka 9, Sebastian Kowalczyk 4, Tomasz Wojdyla 3, Tomasz Andrzejewski 2, Grzegorz Mordzak 2, Jaroslaw Mokros 2.

Anwil and Zielona Gora win in friendly games - by Eurobasket News

Anwil Wloclawek and Stelmet Zielona Gora celebrated in friendly games yesterday.
Anwil handed 85-55 loss to Polpharma Starogard Gdanski. Marcus Ginyard (196-G/F-87, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina) and Ryan Wright (206-C/F-87, college: Oklahoma) stepped up for the winners with 18 and 16 points respectively. Ruben Boykin (201-F-85, college: N.Arizona) and Mateusz Bartosz (203-F-87) helped with 12 and 10 pts. At the other side Jawan Carter (180-PG-87, college: Delaware) and Dominik Majewski (185-G-83) posted 12 points each in loss. Anwil had impressive second half to secure the victory in this meeting. Quarters - 18:14, 19:14, 23:11, 25:16.
Stelmet Zielona Gora cruised past CEZ Nymburk on the road 96-75. Walter Hodge (183-PG-86, college: Florida) exploded with 27 points in victory. Quinton Hosley (201-F/G-84, college: Fresno St.), Piotr Stelmach (205-F-84, agency: BeoExcell, college: Mississippi St.) and Oliver Stevic (204-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) netted 13 points each.
More friendly games will be played today.

Robert Skibniewski is on the way to Levice - by Eurobasket News

Robert Skibniewski (183-PG-83) is on the way to Levice for the upcoming season. The player denied that he signed with AZS Koszalin, the 7th team of previous season in Poland.
In 2011-2012 he played for WKS Slask Wroclaw (PLK, starting five) and after 43 games averaged 11.4ppg, 3.2rpg, Assists-1 (7.2apg), Steals-3 (1.5spg), FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 81.1%.
Robert Skibniewski spent the season 2009-2010 in Czech Republic with Prostejov. He appeared 53 times for them in NBL averaging 6.1 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists. He helped them to reach the Playoff Finals. On season 2008/09, Robert Skibniewski also played for Prostejov registering 6.4 ppg, 1.8 rpg and 5.1 apg for 35 games. In 2008, he was a member of Turow who reached the Polish League Finals and ULEB Cup QFinals. However, he had limited playing time with the club that season. In the past, Skibniewski spent many years with Slask Wroclaw and also played for Polpak Swecie. He won two National Cup trophies with Slask.
Robert Skibniewski was a member the Polish National Team at the EuroBasket 2009, but appeared just in one game. He also played for Team Poland at EuroBasket 2007 in Spain. For the games there, Skibniewski had 1 ppg and 1.3 apg.

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

ROMANIA

BC Mures wins home tournament undefeated - by Eurobasket News

BC Mures wins home tournament undefeated with 3-0 record. The team posted three victories at the Mures Cup.
In Day 1 CSM Bucuresti propel over CSM Oradea 84:77. BC Mures overcame CSU Sibiu 78:73 as Darko Balaban (211-C-89, agency: Beo Basket) paced all the winners with 18 points. Matija Ceskovic (192-G-81) and Andrija Ciric (199-G-80, agency: BeoExcell) followed him with 14 points each.
In Day 2 BC Mures beat CSM Oradea 81:73. Andrija Ciric top-scored for the winners with 20 and Branko Cuic (197-G-78) had 13. Sasha Topcov ended up with 17 points in the losing effort and Milos Pesic added 15.
CSU Sibiu won over CSM Bucuresti 79:77 as Mantas Griskenas posted 14 points and Devon Austin (198-F-87, college: Manhattan) had 12. Goran Martinic (184-PG-87, agency: BeoExcell) finished the game with 29 points in the losing effort.
In Day 3 BC Mures outscored CSM Bucuresti 86:80. CSM Oradea edged CSU Sibiu 64:47 for the second place.

Tornike Shengelia leads Georgia to victory in Sibiu - by Eurobasket News

Romania - Georgia 74:91

Georgia stepped closer to 2013 EuroBasket qualification. They knocked down Romania in Sibiu tonight to gain 4-1 record on top of Group D. Tornike Shengelia (207-PF-91) posted 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead the visitors.
Georgia stayed confident throughout the opening quarter. They recorded a 24:21 lead after ten minutes. The visitors boosted the lead in the second quarter. They established a 47:39 halftime buffer. Georgia kept the hosts at distance throughout the third stanza. The visitors accumulated a 10-point advantage heading into the final frame. Georgia did not give a single chance for Romania rolling to the victory at the end. Manuchar Markoishvili (196-SF-86) netted 17 points, while Viktor Sanikidze (203-SF-86) provided 13 points in the victory. Andrei Mandache (191-G/F-87, agency: Global Sports Plaza) answered with 22 points for Romania. Mihail-Octavian Paul (188-PG-82) had 14 points in the loss.

Romania: Andrei Mandache 22, Mihail-Octavian Paul 14
Georgia: Tornike Shengelia 23+10 boards, Manuchar Markoishvili 17, Viktor Sanikidze 13

Romanian teams continue preseason clashes - by Eurobasket News

Energia Rovinari lost to Jagodina 78:87. Louis Darby (196-G-84, college: Long Beach St.) posted 22 points and Stefan Atanackovic (196-G-84) delivered 18. Stefan Nikoloc followed them with 11 points and Flavius Lapuste scored 7.
BC Timba Timisoara beat Hungarian Mezobereny 89:42. The Romanian side won the first period 23-11 and added defensive 11-5 in the second frame. Moreover BC Timba Timisoara produced 19-11 in the third period and finished the game with 36-15 in the last stanza. Jordan Glynn (200-F-89, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: SF Austin) stepped up with 20 points for the winners and Stojakovic had 17. Rickey Huckaby (188-G-83, college: Tex.A&M-Kingsv.) posted 14, while Patru delivered 12.
Crvena Zvezda from Serbia beat Gaz Metan Medias 103:93. Boris Savovic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Igor Rakocevic (193-G-78) netted 17. Aleksandar Mladenovic (207-F/C-84, agency: BeoExcell) replied with 19 points in the losing case and Slobodan Dundjerski (190-G-88, agency: Alti Sport) had 18. Deven Mitchell delivered 14 and Ivan Ivanovic scored 11.

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

RUSSIA

Dnipro edge Ruskon-Mordovia in Lithuania - by Eurobasket News

Dnipro - Ruskon-Mordovia 72:63

Dnipro clinched victory over Ruskon-Mordovia in pre-season training camp in Lithuania. Simas Galdikas (203-F-87) tallied 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead the winners.
Dnipro earned a 25:18 lead after ten minutes. The Ukrainian team maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They posted a 38:30 halftime advantage. Dnipro extended the lead in the third term. They established a comfortable 15-point buffer before the fourth frame. Ruskon-Mordovia cut the margin in the fourth term but had to surrender at the end. Derrick Low (188-PG-86, college: Washington St.) accounted for 17 points, while Daniel Kickert (208-C/F-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) added 14 points in the victory. Nikita Gresev (204-F-88) answered with 10 points for Ruskon-Mordovia. Stanislav Sotnikov (200-F-85, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) and Semeninov had 8 points each in the loss.

Dnipro: Simas Galdikas 19+11 boards, Derrick Low 17, Daniel Kickert 14
Ruskon-Mordovia: Nikita Gresev 10, Stanislav Sotnikov 8, Semeninov 8

Nick Calathes came up with a triple double for Lokomotiv - by Eurobasket News

Lokomotiv Kuban overcame Neptunas 108:85 in Lithuania. The Russian team started with 29-21 and added 25-18 in the second frame. Moreover they won the third period 28-24 and finished the game with 26-22 in the last stanza. Aleks Maric top-scored for the winners with 28 points and 10 rebounds, while Simas Jasaitis (201-SF-82) had 20. Nick Calathes (198-G-89, college: Florida) came up with a triple double of 19 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, while Valery Likhodey (205-F-86) as well as Sheleketo Maksim posted 18 each. Deividas Gailius (200-F-88) answered with 28 points in the losing effort. Martynas Mazeika had 18 and Gustas had 10.
Enisey meanwhile lost to Donetsk 63:70 in Belgrade. The Ukrainian team won the first period 21-18, but led only 1 point at the halftime. Moreover Enisey tied the game after three quarter when they won the third quarter 17-16. Donetsk however needed 22-15 in the last stanza for the final success. Vojdan Stojanovski (194-G-87) poured in 25 points and Ramel Curry (192-G-80, college: CSU Bakersfield) had 12. Rich ended up with 11 points in defeat, while Petr Gubanov (207-PF-87) posted 10.

Khimky and Nizhniy Novgorod post victories on Saturday - by Eurobasket News

Khimky overcame Croatian Cedevita 88:74 in Slovenia. The Russian team looked better in the game and grabbed the pre-season victory. Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and 7 rebounds, while James Augustine (208-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois) followed him with 10 points and 10 boards. Alexey Zhukanenko (210-F-86, agency: Alti Sport) ended up with 9 points and 6 rebounds in a win.
Nizhniy Novgorod meanwhile outscored Ryazan 90:66. The favorites started with 27-15 and added 22-14 in the second frame. Ryazan replied with 22-20 in the third period, while they could not come closer at the end of the game. Nizhniy Novgorod finished the game with 21-15 to seal the victory. Vadim Panin (203-SG-84, agency: Alti Sport) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Brezec added 15. Dmitry Golovin (193-G-88) delivered 12, while Pavel Korobkov (206-C-90) posted 11. Maxim Kiryanov (190-G-90) ended up with 13 points in the losing effort, whilst Oleg Bartunov (197-F-85, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) posted 12.

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

SERBIA

Montenegro prevail against Serbia to stay perfect - by Eurobasket News

Montenegro - Serbia 72:62

Montenegro kept their record spotless on top of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round Group A. They held off visiting Serbia to climb at 7-0 record. Serbia fell at 4-3 record to share the second position with Estonia and Israel. Sead Sehovic (196-G/F-89) posted 20 points to lead the hosts.
Serbia looked better in the opening quarter. They opened the game with six points in a row and soon gained a 16:3 lead. Montenegro cut the deficit but still trailed by six points at the first break 11:17. Montenegro capped the first half on an 11:3 run to take a 32:29 lead. The hosts stayed in charge throughout intense third frame. Montenegro entered the final frame up by 4 points 51:47. The hosts used a 7:0 run midway through the final stanza to take a 66:56 advantage. Taylor Rochestie and Sead Sehovic sealed the victory for the hosts in the dying minutes. Vladimir Dasic (208-PF-88, agency: Beo Basket) posted 13 points, while Blagota Sekulic (209-C-82, agency: FCM) finished with 11 points for the winners. Milos Teodosic (195-PG-87) replied with 13 points for Serbia. Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) netted 11 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in the loss.

Montenegro: Sead Sehovic 20, Vladimir Dasic 13, Blagota Sekulic 11
Serbia: Milos Teodosic 13, Nemanja Bjelica 11

Crvena Zvezda post third consecutive win - by Eurobasket News

Crvena Zvezda post third consecutive win in preseason. After the victory over Asesoft 94:87, the Serbian side added 86:61 over Sloga Societe Generale Kraljevo and 103:93 against Gaz Metan Medias.
In Game 2 Crvena Zvezda won over Sloga Societe Generale Kraljevo 86:61. Trailing 19-21 after the first period, Zvezda needed three victories in the last three quarters to seal the win. Marko Simonovic (202-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) poured in 16 points and Subotic scored 14. Mitrovic netted 12 and Boris Savovic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) ended up with 9.
Last night Crvena Zvezda beat Gaz Metan Medias 103:93. Boris Savovic top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Igor Rakocevic netted 17. Aleksandar Mladenovic (207-F/C-84, agency: BeoExcell) replied with 19 points in the losing case and Slobodan Dundjerski (190-G-88, agency: Alti Sport) had 18. Deven Mitchell (197-F-84, agency: Interperformances) delivered 14 and Ivan Ivanovic scored 11.

Petar Bozic denies rumors about Crvena Zvezda - by Eurobasket News

Petar Bozic (197-G-78) officially denied rumors that he will join Crvena Zvezda. Various media reported recently that the former Partizan captain will most likely continue his career in Crvena Zvezda, but that will not happen after all. Bozic spent last 8 seasons with Partizan. They won 8 Serbian and 5 Adriatic league titles together. They also grabbed 5 Cup trophies. In 2010, Partizan reached Euroleague Final Four. Petar Bozic had 2 ppg and 1.1 rpg for 7 Euroleague games last season. He had almost the same numbers in Serbian and Adriatic league. In the past, Bozic was a member of Hemofarm, Radnicki and Beobanka. Meanwhile, Partizan and Crvena Zvezda had true media war last week. Main actors were Head Coach of Partizan Dusko Vujosevic and President of Crvena Zvezda Nebojsa Covic.

Guadalajara inks Gavrilo Markovic - by Eurobasket News

Gavrilo Markovic (186-PG-91) stays in Spain. The Serbian point guard penned a deal with Guadalajara Ciudad de Congresos. He is their second signing this summer. Markovic arrives to the club from Mallorca, where he finished last season. The player joined Mallorca in March averaging 1.2 points and 1.1 rebounds for 9 LEB Gold games. He started the season with Grupo Inec Zamora in EBA. There the player collected 11.8 ppg, 2.3 apg and 1.9 epg for 15 games. He was named to Eurobasket.com Spanish EBA All-Bosmans Team -12. Before Zamora, Gavrilo Markovic played for CD Alcazar in 2010/11 season. With them he registered 5 ppg and 2.1 apg for 27 EBA games. In the past, the PG played for Cosehisa Monzon.

Partizan beats Mega Vizura in friendly game - by Eurobasket News

Partizan played two friendly games this week.
The Serbian powerhouse handed 96-61 loss to Mega Vizura thanks to great played first half of the game. Partizan was 50-25 up after 20 minutes and all after that was just the formality. Drew Gordon (205-F-90, college: N.Mexico) led the winners with 29 points, while Bogdan Bogdanovic (197-F-92) and Djordje Gagic (210-C-90, agency: Interperformances) netted 12 and 10 points respectively. In defeat, Boban Marjanovic (222-C-88, agency: Beo Basket) collected 15 points and Andrija Bojic (206-C/F-93, agency: Beo Basket) added 10.
Partizan lost to Igokea on Tuesday 79-85. The Serbian team started with 23-19 but had only 1-point advantage at the halftime. The team from Bosnia and Herzegovina produced decisive 27-18 in the third period to take 8-point lead after three quarters. Partizan replied with 22-20 in the last stanza but could not save the game. Clifford Hammonds (191-G-85, college: Clemson) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Milan Dozet (204-SF-79) as well as Sinisa Stemberger (195-G-79) posted 11 each. Bogdan Bogdanovic finished the game with 22 points in the losing effort.
Next Tuesday, Partizan will meet reigning Ukrainian champion BC Donetsk. Their Head Coach is Vlada Jovanovic (agency: Beo Basket), who spent last several years with Partizan, first as Assistant Coach and after that as HC.

Mirko Djeric on try-out at Partizan - by Eurobasket

BC Partizan MT:S Beograd (A League) will test 17-year old Australian point guard Mirko Djeric (191-95). He played in the summer at Bankstown Bruins in Australian WARATAH. Djeric was voted to Eurobasket.com All-World Championships U17 2nd Team in 2012. He played also pro basketball in Lithuania. Djeric has been a member of Australian U17 national team for last two years. He represented Australia at the World Championships U17 in Kaunas (Lithuania) this year. Djerics team won Silver and his stats at this event were 8 games: 9.8ppg, 2.0rpg, Assists-2 (5.6apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 22.7%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 55.6%.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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

SLOVAKIA

Slovak Republic celebrate first win at 2013 EuroBasket Qualification - by Eurobasket News

Iceland - Slovak Republic 84:86

Slovak Republic posted the first win at the 2013 EuroBasket Qualification. They snatched a narrow road loss over Iceland in Reykjavik. Anton Gavel (188-PG-84, agency: Pro One Sports) exploded with 35 points, 6 assists and 6 rebounds to pace the visitors. Both teams are now tied at 1-6 record in Group A.
Iceland started strongly. They accumulated a 25:18 lead after ten minutes. Slovak Republic reacted with 31 points in the second frame to snatch a 49:47 halftime lead. The tempo decreased in the third term. The teams exchanged baskets as Slovak Republic ensured a two-point lead before the final frame. The lead changed hands for several times throughout the fourth stanza. However Anton Gavel and Michal Batka (204-PF-87) delivered when it mattered the most to seal the victory for Slovak Republic. Dusan Pandula (197-SF-84) notched 17 points, while Michal Batka added 11 points for the winning team. Hlynur Baeringsson (197-F-82) answered with 21 points and 12 rebounds for Iceland. Jon Stefansson (196-G-82) posted 20 points in the loss.

Iceland: Hlynur Baeringsson 21+12 boards, Jon Stefansson 20
Slovak Republic: Anton Gavel 35, Dusan Pandula 17, Michal Batka 11

Robert Skibniewski is on the way to Levice - by Eurobasket News

Robert Skibniewski (183-PG-83) is on the way to Levice for the upcoming season. The player denied that he signed with AZS Koszalin, the 7th team of previous season in Poland.
In 2011-2012 he played for WKS Slask Wroclaw (PLK, starting five) and after 43 games averaged 11.4ppg, 3.2rpg, Assists-1 (7.2apg), Steals-3 (1.5spg), FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 81.1%.
Robert Skibniewski spent the season 2009-2010 in Czech Republic with Prostejov. He appeared 53 times for them in NBL averaging 6.1 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists. He helped them to reach the Playoff Finals. On season 2008/09, Robert Skibniewski also played for Prostejov registering 6.4 ppg, 1.8 rpg and 5.1 apg for 35 games. In 2008, he was a member of Turow who reached the Polish League Finals and ULEB Cup QFinals. However, he had limited playing time with the club that season. In the past, Skibniewski spent many years with Slask Wroclaw and also played for Polpak Swecie. He won two National Cup trophies with Slask.
Robert Skibniewski was a member the Polish National Team at the EuroBasket 2009, but appeared just in one game. He also played for Team Poland at EuroBasket 2007 in Spain. For the games there, Skibniewski had 1 ppg and 1.3 apg.

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

SPAIN

Guadalajara inks Gavrilo Markovic - by Eurobasket News

Gavrilo Markovic (186-PG-91) stays in Spain. The Serbian point guard penned a deal with Guadalajara Ciudad de Congresos. He is their second signing this summer. Markovic arrives to the club from Mallorca, where he finished last season. The player joined Mallorca in March averaging 1.2 points and 1.1 rebounds for 9 LEB Gold games. He started the season with Grupo Inec Zamora in EBA. There the player collected 11.8 ppg, 2.3 apg and 1.9 epg for 15 games. He was named to Eurobasket.com Spanish EBA All-Bosmans Team -12. Before Zamora, Gavrilo Markovic played for CD Alcazar in 2010/11 season. With them he registered 5 ppg and 2.1 apg for 27 EBA games. In the past, the PG played for Cosehisa Monzon.

Bilbao hands 80-72 loss to Palencia in the first check - by Eurobasket News

Palencia - Bilbao 72-80

Bilbao and Palencia played a friendly game on Saturday. It was the first check for Bilbao and they celebrated 80-72 victory. Alex Mumbru (202-F-79) top-scored for the winners with 14 points. Kostas Vasiliadis (200-G/F-84, agency: FCM) and Raul Lopez (183-PG-80) followed with 13 points each. In Palencia, Roger Fornas (202-F/C-82) was on fire with 23 points. Alfredo Ott (193-G-83, college: Dillard) and Urko Otegui (203-F/C-81) stopped to 11 and 10 points respectively.
More friendly games will be played today. Joventut will meet Manresa at 18:30h. Later today Cajasol will play against Cibona and Valencia will meet Lleida. Bilbao will also play today and its rival will be Obradoiro. After that, teams will continue with friendlies on Tuesday.

Palencia Baloncesto: Roger Fornas 23, Alfredo Ott 11, Urko Otegui 10
Gescrap Bizkaia: Alex Mumbru 14, Kostas Vasiliadis 13, Raul Lopez 13

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

SWITZERLAND

TURKEY

Euroleague group F: Belarus - Turkey 62-91 - by Pervin Elgin

In game 5 of the 2013 Eurobasket Qualifying Round, Turkey beat Belarus 62-91, but is still third in Group F. Semih Erden (211-F/C-86) was Turkey top scorer with 20 points, and added 9 rebounds as well. Ilkan Karaman (205-F-90) scored 17 points, Kerem Gonlum (208-PF-77) 14.

Semih Erden (211-F/C-86) opened the score for Turkey, followed by a basket by Emir Preldzic. After four minutes, the lead was 6 points (4-10), and upon entering the last 3 minutes the Turkish lead was 8 points (10-18). With effective offensive play the national team closed the first period with a double digit lead 15-25.

After mutual baskets Turkey steadily increased the lead 17-29, 19-32, 21-36 and 23-41. With two minutes of playing time left the national team created a margin of 20 points (27-47) and held on to completed the first half with a 29-49 lead.

The second half started with a 0-6 series for the Turkish national team, 29-55. The hosts closed the gap to 20 points again (37-57) and managed to close ranks and even outscore Turkey in the remain the remainder of the period: 52-69 at the buzzer.

The last quarter started with mutual baskets, but Turkey increased the lead to 20+ points again after that: 54-75. With 6 minutes of playing time left Belarus made a final attempt to close the gap, but stranded at 60-77. The Turkish nationals responded with a 0-8 run, 60-85, and with outstanding play finished one point short of a 30-point lead: 62-91.

Turkey will play group leader Italy next on wednesday, september 5th.

Senior National Team loses to Czech Republic: 64-82 - by Pervin Elgin

On day 5 of the 2013 Eurobasket Qualifying Round, Turkey lost 82-64 to the Czech Republic in Group F. The Czechs secured a 35-30 halftime lead and extended the advantage in the second half. With the defeat, Turkey dropped to third place in the Group with a 2-2 record.

Efes players Kerem Gonlum (208-PF-77) and Semih Erden (211-F/C-86) were the top scorers for Turkey with 13 points, followed by their teammate Serhat Cetin (197-G/F-86) with 12 points. Fenerbahce Ulker player Emir Preldzic (205-SF-87, agency: Beo Basket) added 10. They were outscored by the Czech quartet Tomas Satoransky (201-PG-91), Petr Benda (204-C-82, agency: Court Side), Jiri Welsch (199-SG-80) and Jakub Kudlacek (193-PG-90), who scored a combined total of 58 points. Turkey trailed by 5 points at halftime, saw the gap increase to 9 at the end of the third and was without a chance in the final period, leading to a 64-82 defeat.

For the all important fifth game Turkey will be hosted by Belarus on day 7 of the 2013 Eurobasket Qualifying Round, on September 2nd.

Turkey had no mercy for Belarus in Minsk - by Eurobasket News

Belarus-Turkey 62:91

Turkey had no mercy for Belarus in Minsk at the EuroBasket Qualification Round in Group F. The guests rolled over the opponent 91:62 for 3-2 record. Belarus meanwhile fell at 1-5 record.
Turkey took the lead in the opening period and had 25:15 after the first 10 minutes. Moreover Turkey improved to 20-point lead at the halftime after 24-14 in the second frame. Belarus bounced back with 23-20 in the third quarter but could not save the game. Turkey had another 22-10 in the lasts stanza for the final result.
Semih Erden (211-F/C-86) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Ilkan Karaman (205-F-90) netted 17. Kerem Gonlum (208-PF-77) delivered 14, while Emir Preldzic (205-SF-87, agency: Beo Basket) and Serhat Cetin (197-G/F-86) added 10 each. Aliaksandr Kudrautsau (190-SG-80) and Artsiom Parakhouski (210-C-87, college: Radford) replied with 18 points each in defeat, whilst Yahor Meshcharakou (208-PF-76, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav, college: G.Washington) scored 9.

Belarus: Aliaksandr Kudrautsau 18, Artsiom Parakhouski 18, Yahor Meshcharakou 9
Turkey: Semih Erden 20, Ilkan Karaman 17, Kerem Gonlum 14, Emir Preldzic 10, Serhat Cetin 10

Galatasaray Medical Park enjoys the Italian trip - by Eurobasket News

Galatasaray Medical Park enjoys the Italian trip as they already played four games in Bormio. Eurobasket wrote earlier that Cimberio Varese overcame Galatasaray 81:65, while now the Turkish side exchanged the victories with Montepaschi Siena.
At first Galatasaray Medical Park beat Montepaschi Siena 87:82. The Turksih team won the first period 28:17 and added 23-22 for 51:39 at the halftime. The second half belonged to the Italian team that posted two narrow wins, however could not win the game. Ersin Dagli (203-F/C-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Alabama) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Henry Domercant (194-G-80, college: E.Illinois) posted 17. Sertac Sanl 26 notched 14 and David Hawkins (194-G-82, college: Temple) added 11.
Last night Galatasaray Medical Park lost to Montepaschi Siena 67:77. The Italian team won the first period 13-11 and led 25:24 at the halftime. Moreover they won the third period 22-20 and finished the game with 30-23. Ersin Dagli and David Hawkins scored 15 points each in the losing effort.

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

UKRAINE

Ukraine prevail against Austria in Lviv - by Eurobasket News

Ukraine - Austria 68:57

Ukraine celebrated the fifth win in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They knocked down Austria in Lviv for 5-1 record in Group C. Sergii Gladyr (196-SG-88) scored 17 points, grabbed 5 boards and issued 5 assists to lead the winners. Austria fell at 2-4 record after the loss.
Ukraine started the game pretty strong. They ensured a 19:14 lead ten minutes into the game. Pustozvonov opened an 8-point lead for Ukraine midway through the second frame. But the visitors cut the deficit to just three points 28:31. Ukraine managed to take a 39:32 halftime advantage. The teams stayed close throughout the third period. Austria got within two points 50:52 at the final break. Kravtsov and Sergii Gladyr gave Ukraine a 62:53 lead midway through the final quarter. Austria could not recover as Ukraine coasted to the victory. Maxym Korniyenko (204-F/C-87) accounted for 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Artur Drozdov (200-SF-80) had 9 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Davor Lamesic (205-PF-83, agency: Interperformances) answered with 13 points for Austria. Jason Detrick (195-SF-80, agency: Court Side, college: Oklahoma) netted 12 points in the loss.

Ukraine: Sergii Gladyr 17, Maxym Korniyenko 12+12 boards, Artur Drozdov 9
Austria: Davor Lamesic 13, Jason Detrick 12

Donetsk edged Enisey in Belgrade - by Eurobasket News

Donetsk edged Enisey in Belgrade 73:60. The Ukrainian team won the first period 21-18, but led only 1 point at the halftime. Moreover Enisey tied the game after three quarter when they won the third quarter 17-16. Donetsk however needed 22-15 in the last stanza for the final success. Vojdan Stojanovski (194-G-87) poured in 25 points and Ramel Curry (192-G-80, college: CSU Bakersfield) had 12. Rich ended up with 11 points in defeat, while Petr Gubanov (207-PF-87) posted 10.

Dnipro edge Ruskon-Mordovia in Lithuania - by Eurobasket News

Dnipro - Ruskon-Mordovia 72:63

Dnipro clinched victory over Ruskon-Mordovia in pre-season training camp in Lithuania. Simas Galdikas (203-F-87) tallied 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead the winners.
Dnipro earned a 25:18 lead after ten minutes. The Ukrainian team maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They posted a 38:30 halftime advantage. Dnipro extended the lead in the third term. They established a comfortable 15-point buffer before the fourth frame. Ruskon-Mordovia cut the margin in the fourth term but had to surrender at the end. Derrick Low (188-PG-86, college: Washington St.) accounted for 17 points, while Daniel Kickert (208-C/F-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) added 14 points in the victory. Nikita Gresev (204-F-88) answered with 10 points for Ruskon-Mordovia. Stanislav Sotnikov (200-F-85, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) and Semeninov had 8 points each in the loss.

Dnipro: Simas Galdikas 19+11 boards, Derrick Low 17, Daniel Kickert 14
Ruskon-Mordovia: Nikita Gresev 10, Stanislav Sotnikov 8, Semeninov 8

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

UNITED KINGDOM

Bradford Dragons sign Ricky Fetske - by Eurobasket News

Bradford Dragons are pleased to announce the signing of 67 American centre Ricky Fetske. Fetske comes to Dragons straight out of Fairleigh Dickinson University in NCAA Division III where he led his team in both rebounds and blocks, posting 7.5 and 1.2 per game respectively. He was known for his high energy and aggressive style of play on both ends of the court, enabling him in his senior year at FDU to be named to the Second Team All-Freedom Conference.

Fetske is excited about becoming a Dragon I am excited about joining the Bradford Dragons and competing with them for future championships. The season is right around the corner and we will give our fans something to cheer about!

Dragons Head Coach Chris Mellor is pleased with his latest signing Ricky Fetske joins us from Fairleigh Dickinson University in the USA. I think he will be an excellent fit for us, providing us with scoring, rebounding and a dominant presence around the hoop

Fetske is a key piece in the Dragons roster and will be joining his team mates in the coming days as they look to prepare for the new season which starts in mid September. Dragons tip off the new season away to Derby Trailblazers on the 15th September with their first home fixture the following week on Saturday 22nd September against local rivals Leeds Carnegie.

For all the latest Dragons news check back to www.bradforddragons.co.uk

Courtesy of www.bradforddragons.co.uk

EBL men's teams disciplined - by Eurobasket News

Two EBL mens teams will go into the 2012/2013 season without key members after being hit with a series of penalties following disciplinary action by England Basketball for fielding ineligible players.

Former Division One side PAWS London Capital and ex-Division Two Birmingham As were both found guilty of serious misconduct and bringing the game into disrepute after allowing players on court illegally during the 2011/12 campaign.

Relegated PAWS London Capital will tip-off their Division Two campaign with a 12-point penalty, a 750 fine (250 of which is suspended) and without coach Milek Jivens (186-G-74), player/coach and team captain Chiedozie Offiah (193-F-82, agency: 22ft, college: Merrimack) and player Kofi Danso. All three were suspended from participating in all basketball activities after Danso was discovered to have played in a league fixture at BA London Leopards in January despite not being listed on the scoresheet.

Bans until April 30, 2013 for Jivens and Offiah effectively rules them out of the entire campaign, while Danso, who played under the guise of ex-teammate Dapo Fegbenie, cannot return to the game until the end of April 2014.

Birmingham As, after finishing in the bottom two of Division 2, have been relegated to Division 3 for the forthcoming season, and will start their season with a 6-point penalty. The club was also hit with a fine of 500 (200 suspended) with player Dennis Preware, who took to the court against London United under the name of colleague Darren Hume-Francis, suspended from all aspects of the game until April 30, 2013.

Michael Gayle, who at the same fixture was listed as coach despite not being registered to do so, also finds himself sidelined for the early weeks of the season after being hit with a ban until December 31, 2012.

The Birmingham As lodged an appeal against the findings of the England Basketball Disciplinary Panel; however, an independent Appeals Panel found all of the charges against the club to be properly laid and endorsed the decisions of the Disciplinary Panel.

Any repeat infractions by the clubs concerned will lead to the suspended fines becoming payable along with any penalties for any new offences.

Courtesy of www.englandbasketball.co.uk

Paralympics Day 3: GB teams off the mark - by Eurobasket News

Both GB teams picked up their first wins of the London 2012 Paralympic Wheelchair Basketball tournament on Saturday.

The Women were up first and they overcame a tough challenge from Brazil to win 42-37.

Trailing 31-27 after three quarters it was an impressive defensive performance in the fourth, when they held Brazil to 6 points, that saw them to their first win of the tournament after two large losses.

Amy Conroy top scored for GB with 18 points and 8 rebounds and Helen Freeman filled up the stat sheet with 9 points, 8 rebounds and 11 assists.

The Men had an easier time as they cruised to an 81-41 victoy against Colombia.

A 13-0 run in the opening quarter gave them a double digit lead and set the tone for a contest where they shot 56% from the floor in comparison to Colombia's 32%.

They extended their lead throughout the game and ended with 4 players in double figures led by Terry Bywater's 21. Bywater also made 2 of 3 from three point range and tallied 6 rebounds and 8 assists.

The Women have a day off on Sunday and the Men face a tough contest against Poland.

Sep 1 Results

Women
USA 67-33 Mexico
Brazil 37-42 Great Britain
France 32-76 Germany
Australia 50-57 Canada

Men
Turkey 65-60 Italy
USA 91-29 South Africa
Japan 49-64 Germany
Great Britain 81-41 Colombia
Australia 75-59 Spain
Canada 83-65 Poland

Courtesy of www.englandbasketball.co.uk

Bobby Edmunds returns to Bradford Dragons - by Eurobasket News

Bradford Dragons are excited to announce the return of last years starting point guard Bobby Edmunds (180-PG-88, college: Widener). Edmunds had an explosive first season with the Dragons where he helped the club reach its highest ever league position, finishing sixth in EB Division One. Whilst also reaching the Quarter Finals of the Playoffs, Cup and Trophy. He also managed to finish third in the league for assists with 5.6 per game whilst also posting 13.3 points and 4.8 rebounds.

Dragons Head Coach is excited to have his star guard back. Bobby Edmunds will be one of our two import players once again after an excellent first season. He plays hard at both ends of the court and is a fearless competitor. His ability to control the tempo of a game along with Daumants will provide good stability for us in the back court.

He has become renowned around the league for the speed at which he plays on both ends of the court and will be looking to bring that back again this season. The American guard said I am pleased that I am coming back to Bradford to play another season with the Dragons. I believe our team has enough talent and potential to take the League title this year. I am very excited to start working with my teammates and coaches to achieve our goal of winning the league and cant wait to play in front of the Dragons fans again in the upcoming season.

Edmunds will join up with fellow New Jersey native Ricky Fetske who joined up with Dragons earlier in the week. The star guard will be heading back to the UK in the next few days to start preparations for the new season which starts on 22nd September with a local Derby.

Courtesy of www.bradforddragons.co.uk

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

VENEZUELA

Standings - LNB

LNB Standings

Central-East
1. Guacharos		5-1
2. Estudiantes		4-2
3. Tiburones		3-1
4. Rojos de Sucre		0-4
5. Atleticos UCV		0-6
Central-West
1. Cent.Apure		5-1
2. Aduaneros		4-2
3. Bravos		4-2
4. Lanc.Cojedes		3-3
5. Generales		0-6

Regular Season: Round 4

Sep. 1: Estudiantes - Rojos de Sucre 92-89
Sep. 1: Generales - Lanc.Cojedes 90-96
Aug. 31: Cent.Apure - Aduaneros 90-79
Sep. 1: Cent.Apure - Aduaneros 87-73
Sep. 1: Guacharos - Atleticos UCV 85-57
Aug. 31: Guacharos - Atleticos UCV 80-74
Aug. 31: Generales - Lanc.Cojedes 76-84
Aug. 31: Bravos - Tiburones 76-62
Sep. 1: Bravos - Tiburones 61-75
Aug. 31: Estudiantes - Rojos de Sucre 112-100

Regular Season: Round 5

Sep. 7: Generales - Cent.Apure
Sep. 7: Tiburones - Estudiantes
Sep. 7: Bravos - Aduaneros
Sep. 7: Atleticos UCV - Rojos de Sucre
Sep. 7: Lanc.Cojedes - Guacharos
Sep. 8: Generales - Cent.Apure
Sep. 8: Tiburones - Estudiantes
Sep. 8: Bravos - Aduaneros
Sep. 8: Atleticos UCV - Rojos de Sucre
Sep. 8: Lanc.Cojedes - Guacharos

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

Women News

ACCMW Qualifier: ABC record first victory beat C-Delta 95-29 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

The race for a place in the final round of Africa most glamorous women club championship, FIBA Africa Champions Cup for began in earnest Sunday at the basketball gymnasium of Samuel Kayon Doe stadium, Monrovia, Liberia with Abidjan Basket Club (ABC) of Cote dIvoire making the first announcement with a 95-29 points victory over host C-Delta basketball club of Liberia.

ABC won all four quarters by 27-07, 22-07, 19-09 and 27-06 for a cumulative score-line of 95-29 points.

ABC free scoring Mame Diouf led her teammates quest to make it to the final round slated for October in Abidjan, Cote dIvoire with 29 points and 5 steal while her compatriot Salimata Berte added 24 points, 3 assist and 2 block shots to seal a 66 margin victory.

ACCMW Qualifier: First Deepwater edge First Bank 54-52 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Nigeria women league champion First Deepwater basketball club Sunday prove to be a worthy champion when it edge arch rival First Bank basketball club by 54-52 points in the opening day of Africa Champions Cup qualifier in Liberia.

The Oil and Gas ladies picked the first quarter of the tense game by 18-12 points but the former champion First Bank even score in the second by 17-17 points for half-time score of 35-29 points.

First Deepwater extended the lead by one point in the third quarter which ended 09-08 to take seven points lead into the last quarter but First Bank came back forcefully in the last quarter forcing the First Deepwater players to commit series of turn-over thereby cutting the lead by five points of 10-15 points for a final score-line of 54-52 points in favour of the Nigerian champion.

First Deepwater guard Nkechi Akashili led her team with 11 points and 6 rebounds to secure the hard earn victory thus brightening her team chances of making to the final round of the continent most prize women club competition. Nkechi Akashili (G)

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

AUSTRALIA

SBL: Slammers claim first championship - by Eurobasket News

The South West Slammers have convincingly beaten the Rockingham Flames 85-48 to claim their first ever womens State Basketball League Championship.

It was a fairy-tale win for the Slammers who came from 11th place last year to take out this years title and the victory was combined with the incredible milestone for captain Lisa Cartwright, playing in her 250th game.

The Slammers were led to victory by grand final MVP Kim Sitzmann (164-G-88, college: UALR) who finished with an incredible 24 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Kara Hargreaves also stepped up with a massive 20 points, nine assists and seven rebound.

Championship winning centre Zoe Harper was solid for the Slammers defensively and finished with 15 points and eight rebounds.

The Flames fought valiantly, however they struggled offensively, shooting just 26% from the field and 23% from three point territory.

Star forwards Emma Cannon (188-F, college: Cent.Florida) (12 points, 10 rebounds) and Kaye Tucker (182-F-83) (11 points, 11 rebounds) were unable to fire for the Flames.

The game started with the Slammers firing early, going into the first break with a 25-15 first quarter. The second and third quarters were much closer, the Slammers managing to increase their lead to 17 points heading into the last break.

However the Slammers continued to push and when Emma Cannon fouled out early in the fourth the Flames were unable to hold on.

The game was played in front of a record womens crowd of 956 fans supporting both teams in their first ever grand final.

Article by Hannah Coleman
Courtesy of: http://www.sbl.asn.au/

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

BALTIC LEAGUE

EUROCUP

Kibirkstis-Tiche-IKI announced Mante Kvederaviciute, Lina Pikciute and Rima Valentiene - by Eurobasket News

Kibirkstis-Tiche-IKI announced Mante Kvederaviciute (180-G-90), Lina Pikciute (192-F-90) and Rima Valentiene (170-PG-78) that come from VICI for the next season. Mante Kvederaviciute played last season at VICI Aistes (LMKL). While playing 8 Baltic League games for VICI Aistes this year Kvederaviciute averaged 6.1ppg, 3.1rpg and 1.6apg. She played also 34 games in LMKL where she had 6.7ppg, 2.9rpg and 1.6apg. She played also 12 games in Euroleague where her stats were 2.3ppg and 1.2rpg. Kvederaviciute was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LMKL Honorable Mention in 2011. She has been a member of Lithuanian international program for some years. Kvederaviciute played for senior national team this year and previously for U20 national team in 2010. She represented Lithuania at the European Championships in Poland last year.
Lina Pikciute averaged 7.4ppg, 5.4rpg and 1.1apg. Pikciute played also 35 games in LMKL where she had 5.6ppg and 4.4rpg. Pikciute helped them to win the cup and end the regular season at the top position. She played also 13 games in Euroleague where her stats were 2.2ppg and 1.6rpg. Pikciute played also pro basketball in Latvia and Slovakia. She has been a member of Lithuanian international program for some years. Pikciute was a member of both senior and university national teams this year and previously for university national team in 2012.
Rima Valentiene averaged 4.0ppg and 1.9rpg. Valentiene played also 27 games in LMKL where she had 4.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.0apg and 1.3spg. She played also 14 games in Euroleague where her stats were 5.3ppg, 1.5rpg and 1.3apg. Valentiene was selected to Eurobasket.com Lithuanian LMKL All-Domestic Players Team in 2010. She played also pro basketball in Brazil. Valentiene represented Latvia at the European Championships in Poland last year.

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

EUROLEAGUE

Arras brings in Ines Ajanovic - by Eurobasket News

Ines Ajanovic (195-F-80, agency: LBM Management) is a new member of Arras. She penned a deal for the upcoming season. Ajanovic finished last season with Italian Pool Comense. She joined them in January averaging 7.6 points and 3.1 rebounds for 17 games. The former Serbian NT player started last season with Lotos Gdynia. There she had 6.5 ppg and 3 rpg in 14 Polish league appearances. Ajanovic is not a new face in France as she already played for Latter Montpellier and Union Hainaut. Ines Ajanovic also has experience from Radivoj Korac and Hungarian Szeged. From 2005 to 2007 she played for Italian Viterbo. In 2005, Ajanovic played for the Serbian NT at the EuroBasket in Turkey. She had 3 ppg and 2.7 rpg for 7 games at this event.

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

FINLAND

Salomaa comes back to Forssan Alku - by Eurobasket News

Forssan Alku (SM-sarja) added to their roster 23-year old Finnish international guard Henna Salomaa (175-89, college: Oakland). Its actually her comeback to Forssan Alku as she played here before. Salomaa played most recently at Caja Rural in Spanish LF2. While playing 7 LF2 games for Caja Rural last season she averaged . Salomaa played also 17 games for Forssan Alku in Finnish SM-sarja where she had 15.1ppg, 3.4rpg and 1.8apg. Salomaa was voted to Eurobasket.com Finnish League All-Domestic Players Team in 2007. She played also pro basketball in Germany and Italy. Salomaa graduated Oakland University in 2010 and it will be her third season in pro basketball. Salomaa has been a member of Finnish international program for some years. She was a member of both senior and university national teams this year and previously for university national team in 2012.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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

FRANCE

Olesia Malashenko to miss 2-6 months due to foot injury - by Eurobasket News

Bad news for Olesia Malashenko (189-PF-91, agency: LBM Management) and her team Arras. The Ukrainian forward will miss next 2-6 months due to injury, according to La Voix du Nord (via Catch-and-Shoot.com). Malashenko has plantar fasciitis on her foot. The French squad already reacted and brought in Serbian player Ines Ajanovic. Olesia Malashenko already played for Arras from 2009 to 2011. She spent last season with Russian squad Vologda-Chevakata. There the player averaged 9.8 points and 3.3 rebounds for 12 games. She also added 7.4 ppg and 2.7 rpg for 25 appearances in domestic championship. In the past, Malashenko played for Dexia Namur and Odessa. With Dexia she won the Belgian league title and Cup in 2009. Last summer Olesia Malashenko shined at U20 EuroBasket in Serbia. She had 16.4 ppg and 9.9 rpg for 9 games with Ukrainian U20 NT. Malashenko very successful played for Ukrainian youth National Teams also in the past.

Arras brings in Ines Ajanovic - by Eurobasket News

Ines Ajanovic (195-F-80, agency: LBM Management) is a new member of Arras. She penned a deal for the upcoming season. Ajanovic finished last season with Italian Pool Comense. She joined them in January averaging 7.6 points and 3.1 rebounds for 17 games. The former Serbian NT player started last season with Lotos Gdynia. There she had 6.5 ppg and 3 rpg in 14 Polish league appearances. Ajanovic is not a new face in France as she already played for Latter Montpellier and Union Hainaut. Ines Ajanovic also has experience from Radivoj Korac and Hungarian Szeged. From 2005 to 2007 she played for Italian Viterbo. In 2005, Ajanovic played for the Serbian NT at the EuroBasket in Turkey. She had 3 ppg and 2.7 rpg for 7 games at this event.

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

ITALY

Priolo lands Marija Eric - by Eurobasket News

Priolo landed Marija Eric.

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

IVORY COAST

LITHUANIA

VICI seized to exist - by Eurobasket News

No more team VICI. The Lithuanian team will not be present in LMKL, EuroLeague and Baltic League.
Sad news came from the champion of the League VICI. The team seized to exist. Some players already moved to another teams, while other are still negotiating with some squads.
In season 2011/2012 LMKL also had 8 teams. VICI Aistes lifted up the trophy as they won the Final series over Kibirkstis-Tiche. The decisive game brought 94:65 win for the favorites that proved their Regular Season unbeaten record. VICI-Aistes finished the Regular Season with 28-0 record, while Kibirkstis-Tiche second with 18-10 record. The latter looked however fantastic in the Play-off series and managed to beat the favorites twice.
Last year the team moved from Vilnius. The most successful side of the past years Vilnius TEO has been disbanded as the telecommunication giants TEO LT have decided not to support the team. The shares of the club were remised to a Kaunas-based company Vici Sport, therefore the team played their games in the second largest city in Lithuania.

LMKL announced 8 participating teams for 2012/2013 season - by Eurobasket News

LMKL announced 8 participating teams for 2012/2013 season. They are: Kauno LKKA-Aistes, Vilniaus Kibirkstis-Tiche-IKI, Kauno rajono Sirenos, Marijampols Suduva, Vilniaus KM-LKC, Siauliu Ruta-Universitetas, Utenos Utena and Klaipeda. The League will start on October 12th.
Sad news came from the champion of the League VICI. The team seized to exist. Some players already moved to another etams, while other are still negotiating with other squads.
In season 2011/2012 LMKL also had 8 teams. VICI Aistes lifted up the trophy as they won the Final series over Kibirkstis-Tiche. The decisive game brought 94:65 win for the favorites that proved their Regular Season unbeaten record. VICI-Aistes finished the Regular Season with 28-0 record, while Kibirkstis-Tiche second with 18-10 record. The latter looked however fantastic in the Play-off series and managed to beat the favorites twice.

Kibirkstis-Tiche-IKI announced Mante Kvederaviciute, Lina Pikciute and Rima Valentiene - by Eurobasket News

Kibirkstis-Tiche-IKI announced Mante Kvederaviciute (180-G-90), Lina Pikciute (192-F-90) and Rima Valentiene (170-PG-78) that come from VICI for the next season. Mante Kvederaviciute played last season at VICI Aistes (LMKL). While playing 8 Baltic League games for VICI Aistes this year Kvederaviciute averaged 6.1ppg, 3.1rpg and 1.6apg. She played also 34 games in LMKL where she had 6.7ppg, 2.9rpg and 1.6apg. She played also 12 games in Euroleague where her stats were 2.3ppg and 1.2rpg. Kvederaviciute was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LMKL Honorable Mention in 2011. She has been a member of Lithuanian international program for some years. Kvederaviciute played for senior national team this year and previously for U20 national team in 2010. She represented Lithuania at the European Championships in Poland last year.
Lina Pikciute averaged 7.4ppg, 5.4rpg and 1.1apg. Pikciute played also 35 games in LMKL where she had 5.6ppg and 4.4rpg. Pikciute helped them to win the cup and end the regular season at the top position. She played also 13 games in Euroleague where her stats were 2.2ppg and 1.6rpg. Pikciute played also pro basketball in Latvia and Slovakia. She has been a member of Lithuanian international program for some years. Pikciute was a member of both senior and university national teams this year and previously for university national team in 2012.
Rima Valentiene averaged 4.0ppg and 1.9rpg. Valentiene played also 27 games in LMKL where she had 4.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.0apg and 1.3spg. She played also 14 games in Euroleague where her stats were 5.3ppg, 1.5rpg and 1.3apg. Valentiene was selected to Eurobasket.com Lithuanian LMKL All-Domestic Players Team in 2010. She played also pro basketball in Brazil. Valentiene represented Latvia at the European Championships in Poland last year.

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

NCAA1

Buckeyes open with Notre Dame on aircraft carrier - by Eurobasket News

Ohio State returns four starters to its women's basketball team that will open its season against national runner-up Notre Dame on the USS Yorktown in Charleston, S.C., Harbor on Nov. 9.

That game will be followed by the Ohio State men taking on Marquette. Last year's Carrier Classic was held in San Diego on the USS Carl Vinson when North Carolina defeated Michigan State, a game attended by President Barack Obama

The women's team will also hit the road to take on North Carolina in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge on Nov. 28.

After a road swing to Washington State and Gonzaga, Ohio State opens conference play at Iowa on Jan. 3 and plays its first Big Ten home game against Illinois on Jan. 6. The Buckeyes close the regular season at home against rival Michigan on March 3.

All-Big Ten performer Tayler Hill (5'10''-G-90) and Big Ten defensive player of the year Amber Stokes (5'10''-G) lead the Buckeyes.

Game times and broadcast information will be announced later.

Courtesy of http://sports.sportsillustrated.cnn.com

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

NIGERIA

ACCMW Qualifier: First Deepwater edge First Bank 54-52 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Nigeria women league champion First Deepwater basketball club Sunday prove to be a worthy champion when it edge arch rival First Bank basketball club by 54-52 points in the opening day of Africa Champions Cup qualifier in Liberia.

The Oil and Gas ladies picked the first quarter of the tense game by 18-12 points but the former champion First Bank even score in the second by 17-17 points for half-time score of 35-29 points.

First Deepwater extended the lead by one point in the third quarter which ended 09-08 to take seven points lead into the last quarter but First Bank came back forcefully in the last quarter forcing the First Deepwater players to commit series of turn-over thereby cutting the lead by five points of 10-15 points for a final score-line of 54-52 points in favour of the Nigerian champion.

First Deepwater guard Nkechi Akashili led her team with 11 points and 6 rebounds to secure the hard earn victory thus brightening her team chances of making to the final round of the continent most prize women club competition. Nkechi Akashili (G)

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

SERBIA

Priolo lands Marija Eric - by Eurobasket News

Priolo landed Marija Eric.

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

UKRAINE

VENEZUELA

D1 STANDING

LINABAFE Standings

Central
1. EPB		3-1
2. Bucaneras		2-1
3. Sel.Nac. U15		0-0
4. Estudiantes		0-3
West
1. Aguilas		4-0
2. Yaracuyanas		2-0
3. Lanceras		0-0
4. Potras		0-2
5. Juveniles		0-4

Regular Season: Round 2

Sep. 2: Bucaneras - EPB 83-77
Sep. 1: Bucaneras - EPB 77-78
Aug. 29: Bucaneras - Estudiantes 73-56
Sep. 1: Juveniles - Aguilas 61-62
Sep. 2: Juveniles - Aguilas 56-66
Aug. 29: EPB - Sel.Nac. U15
Sep. 1: Sel.Nac. U15 - Estudiantes
Sep. 1: Potras - Lanceras
Sep. 2: Sel.Nac. U15 - Estudiantes
Sep. 2: Potras - Lanceras

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

WNBA

Standings

WNBA Standings

Eastern
1. Connecticut S.		19-7
2. Indiana F.		17-8
3. Atlanta D.		14-13
4. New York L.		10-16
5. Chicago S.		10-16
6. Washington M.		6-21
Western
1. Minnesota L.		21-4
2. L.Angeles S.		18-9
3. S.Antonio SS		17-9
4. Seattle S.		12-14
5. Phoenix M.		6-19
6. Tulsa S.		6-20

Regular Season: Round 31

Sep. 1: Phoenix M. - S.Antonio SS 94-90
Sep. 2: Atlanta D. - Connecticut S. 87-80
Sep. 2: Chicago S. - L.Angeles S. 85-74
Sep. 1: Indiana F. - Chicago S. 81-64
Sep. 1: New York L. - Washington M. 79-73

Regular Season: Round 32

Sep. 4: Washington M. - Connecticut S.
Sep. 4: Minnesota L. - L.Angeles S.
Sep. 5: New York L. - Phoenix M.
Sep. 5: Atlanta D. - Indiana F.
Sep. 6: Seattle S. - Tulsa S.

Taj McWilliams-Franklin Breaks WNBA Offensive Rebounding Record - by Diamadis Farmakis

The year was 1993 and a 23-year-old Taj McWilliams-Franklin (6'3''-C-70, agency: Josep and Nicolas) had all but given up on the game of basketball. Now, less than two months shy of her 42nd birthday, McWilliams-Franklin is still playing professional basketball. Here is her basketball story.

Now, in her 14th WNBA season -- after three seasons in the now-defunct ABL and a few stretches overseas before that -- the leagues oldest player is now the leagues all-time leader in offensive rebounds (1,052), after pulling down five on Tuesday night to slip past Yolanda Griffith into first place.

In 1993, however, McWilliams-Franklin, who was playing in Europe after starring at St. Edwards, wasnt even sure shed make it to 1994.

''After my first year overseas I didnt think Id make it past 25, McWilliams-Franklin said. I tore all the ligaments in both my ankles and I had a meniscus tear in my knee so I had to have three surgeries in three months This was my first year overseas in Germany and I said Im done with this basketball. I want to finish my degree''.

About a year later, she got a call from an agent of a friend saying that he needed a replacement for an injured player on a team in Luxembourg. Relatively healthy -- at least by her standards -- McWilliams decided to give it a shot.

What has resulted from that fateful decision is a career that has spanned 17 years of professional basketball in the United States, almost as many winters playing overseas, more than 13,000 minutes of WNBA play and, amidst all that, the birth of three children.

And now, a player who came dangerously close to giving up the game 19 years ago ranks as one of the greatest rebounders -- and leaders -- the leagues ever had. For McWilliams-Franklin, that all comes down to one word: preparation. ''In our shootarounds the morning before the game, I dont shoot, I just rebound for everyone, McWilliams-Franklin said. You get a feel for how everyones shooting for that game and how their shots are coming off so I use that to my advantage on the offensive end''.

The offensive rebounding record McWilliams now holds has as much to do with longevity as it does pure rebounding prowess, and McWilliams-Franklin takes pride in the fact that shes been able to keep her body in shape and play for so long. And as her career went on, she learned how to pace herself to make sure she doesnt overwork her battle-tested body.

But if the game-day routines varied, the results on the court have largely remained the same. A model of consistency and production, McWilliams-Franklin is only 57 points away from becoming the tenth player in league history to reach the 5,000-point plateau and now sits just 28 total rebounds shy of joining Lisa Leslie (3,307) as the only WNBA players to record 3,000 boards.

When it comes to attacking the glass, McWilliams-Franklin is a student of the game. The 6-foot-2 forward/center makes up for her admitted lack of leaping ability with intelligence.

Bonner leads Mercury past Silver Stars - by Eurobasket News

DeWanna Bonner (6'4''-G-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Auburn) had 22 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots to lead Phoenix past the San Antonio Silver Stars 94-90 on Saturday night, giving the Mercury back-to-back for the first time this season.

Diana Taurasi (6'0''-SG-82, college: Connecticut) added 25 points and four assists for Phoenix (6-19), which moved out of last place Western Conference and handed the Silver Stars (17-9) their fourth loss in five games.

Danielle Robinson (5'9''-G-89, college: Oklahoma) converted a three-point play with 37 seconds left to cut the Mercury's lead to 88-86, but Taurasi passed to Krystal Thomas in the lane for a basket with 19 seconds remaining to help secure the win.

San Antonio's Becky Hammon was called for traveling on the subsequent possession to end any threat.

Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) had a career-high 32 points and added eight rebounds for San Antonio.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Carson scores 20 as Liberty beat Mystics 79-73 - by Eurobasket News

Essence Carson (6'0''-G-86, college: Rutgers) scored 20 points and Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) added 16 to lead the New York Liberty past the last-place Washington Mystics 79-73 on Saturday.

Kara Braxton (6'6''-C-83, college: Georgia) had 14 points, including eight in a decisive 11-0 run in the second quarter, to help New York (10-16) snap a three-game losing streak. Carson shot 8 for 13 from the field and also had six assists. The Liberty moved fourth place in the Eastern Conference, one-half game ahead of Chicago which lost at Indiana later. Atlanta is 3 1/2 games ahead in third.

"Every game is crucial at this point," said Carson, who got a rare start after usually being the Liberty's first player off the bench. "We have to think that we need every game. We had to win a game like this, especially with the situation we're in."

Pondexter, bothered by sore Achilles on both feet, believes New York had to win seven of its final nine games to secure a postseason berth. With one of those wins down, the Liberty have eight games remaining including two more against Washington and one against Chicago here on Friday night.

"If we want to make the playoffs, that's what we need to do," she said. "We also have to count on others to lose. Destiny is not in our own hands. We have a chance to make up the difference and get in."

Pondexter knew that she wasn't feeling well and tried to play through the pain, but shot just 6 for 18.

"It was great that Essence stepped up," Pondexter said. "I'm happy we got the win. It's more important than me getting 20 points. I just wanted to give as much effort as I could."

Liberty head coach John Whisenant was pleased with the team effort.

"We told them that it didn't matter who we were playing, that we had to play hard," Whisenant said. "Essence came back and played well. She got more minutes. We shook the starting lineup around a little, not for any reason. It seemed to work."

Monique Currie (6'0''-G/F-83, college: Duke) scored 20 points, Crystal Langhorne had 19 points and eight rebounds, and Jasmine Thomas added 18 for Washington (5-21), which lost its fifth straight.

"In the second quarter we got stagnant with the offense and scored only 12 points," Mystics coach Trudi Lacey said. "Down the stretch we had a couple crucial turnovers, but for the most part we competed very hard. They're big, they're physical and we it took us a little bit out of our game."

The Mystics took a 20-15 lead with about 2 1/2 minutes left in the first quarter on two consecutive drives by Langhorne and a power move from Thomas. The Liberty responded with the final seven points of the period, taking a two-point lead on Pondexter's three-point play with 23 seconds remaining.

New York increased the lead to 29-24 on Leilani Mitchell's 3-pointer with 6:49 to go in the second quarter.

The Liberty then went on its 11-0 run with Braxton taking over in the paint, making four baskets from close range to take a 40-26 lead with 3 1/2 minutes left in the first half.

Carson had 11 points in the opening 20 minutes and Braxton scored 10 to give New York a 45-32 lead at the break. Langhorne had eight to lead the Mystics.

"We had some periods when we weren't executing and weren't scoring," Currie said. "New York was able to take advantage of that."

Pondexter, who shot just 2 for 8 in the first half, found her touch in the third quarter. She scored nine points in the quarter as the Liberty extended their lead, with the biggest advantage at 55-37. New York led 63-50 heading to the fourth.

Washington pulled to 68-60 on a driving basket from Thomas, but the Liberty held off the charge. Thomas' 3 with 7 seconds left provided the final margin.

"We still have to win the games we have left," Whisenant said. "Nothing is an easy win. It was good that we got a win when we didn't have to count on Cappie."

Especially with Carson now playing well, after recovering from a shoulder injury.

"I'm starting to feel a little better now," Carson said. "I think I'm returning to my old form and put the pedal to the metal. We can't always count on Cappie."

Courtesy of http://online.wsj.com

Sky is not limit, Fever roll 81-64, clinch playoffs - by Eurobasket News

Briann January (5'8''-PG-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Arizona St.) scored 19 points, Tamika Catchings (6'1''-SF-79, college: Tennessee) and Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) added 17 each, and the Indiana Fever beat the Chicago Sky 81-64 Saturday night to get their season-high fifth straight win and clinch their eighth straight playoff berth.

Catchings also had 10 rebounds for the Fever (17-8), who moved two games behind first-place Connecticut in the Eastern Conference. Indiana, which has won seven of eight since the Olympic break, tied Seattle (2004-11) and Los Angeles (1999-06) for the longest consecutive postseason appearances in league history.

''In training camp we wanted to focus on the little things and small goals and build up and become better as a team,'' January said. ''We're taking things from every game and every day in practice.

''I think that'll help us in the long run and get us to where we want to be.''

Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G-88, college: Rutgers) scored 22 points to lead the Sky (9-16), which has lost 11 of its last 12. Chicago dropped one-half game behind New York for the fourth and final playoff spot in the East. The Sky have nine games remaining, including one at New York on Friday night.

Chicago took a 15-5 lead as the Fever missed 10 of their first 11 shots. However, Indiana had an 18-3 run and took a 45-31 lead at the break. The Fever had five layups in six possessions during on stretch and ran away with a fast-break that included a rebound by Catchings, an outlet to Douglas whose touch pass led to a layup by Shavonte Zellous. Douglas knocked down a 23-foot bank shot at the buzzer.

''We started the game very sluggish,'' Fever coach Lin Dunn said. ''The good news is we weathered their hot shooting in the first quarter and were able to chip away and really get control of the game in the second quarter.''

The Sky shot 29 percent from the field in the second quarter while the Fever shot 67 percent.

''I thought we took our defense up a notch or two, turned them over a couple times, got some run-outs and then just kind of established our will the rest of the game,'' Dunn added.

Chicago leading scorer Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU), back after missing two games, went to the locker room in tears early in the third quarter with an apparent injury to her lower right leg. She returned to the bench but did not play, finishing with two points and two rebounds in about 11 minutes.

''We had 20 turnovers and 10 assists,'' Sky coach Pokey Chatman said. ''That's a ratio 2-to-1. We didn't recover from that.''

Prince added: ''I thought they beat us to every loose ball. We didn't play defense like we're capable of. They seemed to get every shot that they threw up at the buzzer. We didn't take advantage of the switches on defense.''"

Douglas tied a career-high with five steals and moved to No. 4 on the WNBA's all-time list with 579.

Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Latest games (5): McCoughtry leads Dream past Sun 87-80 - by Eurobasket News

Atlanta D. - Connecticut S. 87-80
Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-SF-86, college: Louisville) was quiet for the first three quarters in her return from a two-game suspension. She then took over in the fourth. McCoughtry scored 18 of her 24 points in the final period to lead the Dream to an 87-80 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Sunday, and then triumphantly jumped into the arms of teammate Erika De Souza (6'6''-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) at midcourt to celebrate. "I was so excited," McCoughtry said. "It felt so good to be back on the floor. I'll never take basketball for granted again." The WNBA's leading scorer shot 7 for 8 from the field as the Dream (14-13) pulled away from a third-quarter tie to hand Connecticut (19-7) just its third loss in 13 road games. Sancho Lyttle had 15 points and 13 rebounds, and De Souza finished with 14 points and 12 boards. However, the story was McCoughtry's big fourth quarter. "We all know she can do that," Lyttle said. "To prove it with all the nonsense we had going on proves she's a good player and she can help us win." McCoughtry didn't enter the game until the final minute of the first quarter and had just two points at halftime while missing all three of her shots from the floor. She was 1 of 6 going into the final quarter, with four of her six points coming at the foul line. "She went out and played hard and got into the flow," coach Fred Williams said. "She had to really get her legs under her a little bit in the first half and got in a rhythm with a few shots in the second half. Kara Lawson had 16 points and five assists, and Danielle McCray scored a season-high 15 - including 13 in the final quarter - for the Sun. But not even McCray, who was 3 for 3 on 3-pointers in the quarter, could match McCoughtry. "I was disappointed in our defense in the fourth quarter," Sun coach Mike Thibault said. "Angel had the ball on the wing and we acted like she wasn't going to shoot. And we all know that she usually does." McCoughtry was suspended indefinitely for a violation of unspecified team policy by Williams on Monday after he was promoted to take over as coach and general manger for the fired Marynell Meadors. "I was never worried about that," McCoughtry said when asked if she thought she'd be able to rejoin the Dream. "I was just worried about the pressure on the team with all this." McCoughtry, who missed a loss to Tulsa and a victory over Washington, had been involved in a conflict with Meadors and sat out two games for personal reasons before returning Aug. 25 in a loss to Minnesota. She played 20 minutes off the bench in that game and scored 14 points. Williams reinstated McCoughtry on Saturday and she took part in an open practice for season-ticket holders. Williams said on Wednesday that he had given the former No. 1 draft choice from Louisville a written list of requirements she had to sign and comply with before being reinstated. The Sun used a 9-0 run to take a 51-46 lead midway in the third quarter, but the Dream tied it at 58 going into the final quarter on McCoughtry's two free throws with 1.5 seconds left. Then came the fourth-quarter outburst by the member of the gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic team. "She is the best player out there when she is with them, so we just need to be aware of where she is," said the Sun's Tina Charles, an Olympic teammate. "In the fourth quarter, Atlanta got some great energy and crowd got them into it." "It's a first step," Williams said of McCoughtry's return. "It means a lot not only to me, but her teammates. . It's not just one player. It's a team sport." Connecticut, which was swept by Atlanta in the first round of the playoffs last year, defeated the Dream twice in June as Charles totaled 45 points and 33 rebounds. But De Souza, who was training with Brazil for the Olympics, missed those games. With her inside this time, Charles had 11 points and 11 rebounds. "The coach challenged us to stop her," Lyttle said. "If we did, he said that we'd win. Erika did a great job." *Courtesy of www.cleveland.com

Chicago S. - L.Angeles S. 85-74
Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G-88, college: Rutgers) led six Chicago players in double figures with 17 points and the Sky defeated the Los Angeles Sparks, 85-74, on Sunday. Courtney Vandersloot (5'8''-G-89, college: Gonzaga) added 15 points and Sylvia Fowles had 14 for the Sky, who halted a two-game slide. Swin Cash and Shay Murphy both chipped in 13 points while Tamera Young finished with 11. Kristi Toliver scored a game-high 19 points in defeat and Alana Beard added 16. The Sparks, who have lost two games in a row, were up 43-33 at the half, but managed just 13 points in the third quarter and lost the lead in the process. Chicago shot 64.7 percent in the third and got seven points from Vandersloot en route to a 60-56 advantage entering the final quarter. The Sky never trailed in the fourth and led by as many as 11. *Courtesy of www.foxnews.com

New York L. - Washington M. 79-73
Essence Carson (6'0''-G-86, college: Rutgers) scored 20 points and Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) added 16 to lead the New York Liberty past the last-place Washington Mystics 79-73 on Saturday. Kara Braxton (6'6''-C-83, college: Georgia) had 14 points, including eight in a decisive 11-0 run in the second quarter, to help New York (10-16) snap a three-game losing streak. Carson shot 8 for 13 from the field and also had six assists. The Liberty moved fourth place in the Eastern Conference, one-half game ahead of Chicago which lost at Indiana later. Atlanta is 3 1/2 games ahead in third. "Every game is crucial at this point," said Carson, who got a rare start after usually being the Liberty's first player off the bench. "We have to think that we need every game. We had to win a game like this, especially with the situation we're in." Pondexter, bothered by sore Achilles on both feet, believes New York had to win seven of its final nine games to secure a postseason berth. With one of those wins down, the Liberty have eight games remaining including two more against Washington and one against Chicago here on Friday night. "If we want to make the playoffs, that's what we need to do," she said. "We also have to count on others to lose. Destiny is not in our own hands. We have a chance to make up the difference and get in." Pondexter knew that she wasn't feeling well and tried to play through the pain, but shot just 6 for 18. "It was great that Essence stepped up," Pondexter said. "I'm happy we got the win. It's more important than me getting 20 points. I just wanted to give as much effort as I could." Liberty head coach John Whisenant was pleased with the team effort. "We told them that it didn't matter who we were playing, that we had to play hard," Whisenant said. "Essence came back and played well. She got more minutes. We shook the starting lineup around a little, not for any reason. It seemed to work." Monique Currie (6'0''-G/F-83, college: Duke) scored 20 points, Crystal Langhorne had 19 points and eight rebounds, and Jasmine Thomas added 18 for Washington (5-21), which lost its fifth straight. "In the second quarter we got stagnant with the offense and scored only 12 points," Mystics coach Trudi Lacey said. "Down the stretch we had a couple crucial turnovers, but for the most part we competed very hard. They're big, they're physical and we it took us a little bit out of our game." The Mystics took a 20-15 lead with about 2 1/2 minutes left in the first quarter on two consecutive drives by Langhorne and a power move from Thomas. The Liberty responded with the final seven points of the period, taking a two-point lead on Pondexter's three-point play with 23 seconds remaining. New York increased the lead to 29-24 on Leilani Mitchell's 3-pointer with 6:49 to go in the second quarter. The Liberty then went on its 11-0 run with Braxton taking over in the paint, making four baskets from close range to take a 40-26 lead with 3 1/2 minutes left in the first half. Carson had 11 points in the opening 20 minutes and Braxton scored 10 to give New York a 45-32 lead at the break. Langhorne had eight to lead the Mystics. "We had some periods when we weren't executing and weren't scoring," Currie said. "New York was able to take advantage of that." Pondexter, who shot just 2 for 8 in the first half, found her touch in the third quarter. She scored nine points in the quarter as the Liberty extended their lead, with the biggest advantage at 55-37. New York led 63-50 heading to the fourth. Washington pulled to 68-60 on a driving basket from Thomas, but the Liberty held off the charge. Thomas' 3 with 7 seconds left provided the final margin. "We still have to win the games we have left," Whisenant said. "Nothing is an easy win. It was good that we got a win when we didn't have to count on Cappie." Especially with Carson now playing well, after recovering from a shoulder injury. "I'm starting to feel a little better now," Carson said. "I think I'm returning to my old form and put the pedal to the metal. We can't always count on Cappie." Courtesy of http://online.wsj.com

Indiana F. - Chicago S. 81-64
Briann January (5'8''-PG-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Arizona St.) scored 19 points, Tamika Catchings (6'1''-SF-79, college: Tennessee) and Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) added 17 each, and the Indiana Fever beat the Chicago Sky 81-64 Saturday night to get their season-high fifth straight win and clinch their eighth straight playoff berth. Catchings also had 10 rebounds for the Fever (17-8), who moved two games behind first-place Connecticut in the Eastern Conference. Indiana, which has won seven of eight since the Olympic break, tied Seattle (2004-11) and Los Angeles (1999-06) for the longest consecutive postseason appearances in league history. ''In training camp we wanted to focus on the little things and small goals and build up and become better as a team,'' January said. ''We're taking things from every game and every day in practice. ''I think that'll help us in the long run and get us to where we want to be.'' Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G-88, college: Rutgers) scored 22 points to lead the Sky (9-16), which has lost 11 of its last 12. Chicago dropped one-half game behind New York for the fourth and final playoff spot in the East. The Sky have nine games remaining, including one at New York on Friday night. Chicago took a 15-5 lead as the Fever missed 10 of their first 11 shots. However, Indiana had an 18-3 run and took a 45-31 lead at the break. The Fever had five layups in six possessions during on stretch and ran away with a fast-break that included a rebound by Catchings, an outlet to Douglas whose touch pass led to a layup by Shavonte Zellous. Douglas knocked down a 23-foot bank shot at the buzzer. ''We started the game very sluggish,'' Fever coach Lin Dunn said. ''The good news is we weathered their hot shooting in the first quarter and were able to chip away and really get control of the game in the second quarter.'' The Sky shot 29 percent from the field in the second quarter while the Fever shot 67 percent. ''I thought we took our defense up a notch or two, turned them over a couple times, got some run-outs and then just kind of established our will the rest of the game,'' Dunn added. Chicago leading scorer Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU), back after missing two games, went to the locker room in tears early in the third quarter with an apparent injury to her lower right leg. She returned to the bench but did not play, finishing with two points and two rebounds in about 11 minutes. ''We had 20 turnovers and 10 assists,'' Sky coach Pokey Chatman said. ''That's a ratio 2-to-1. We didn't recover from that.'' Prince added: ''I thought they beat us to every loose ball. We didn't play defense like we're capable of. They seemed to get every shot that they threw up at the buzzer. We didn't take advantage of the switches on defense.''" Douglas tied a career-high with five steals and moved to No. 4 on the WNBA's all-time list with 579. Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Phoenix M. - S.Antonio SS 94-90
DeWanna Bonner (6'4''-G-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Auburn) had 22 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots to lead Phoenix past the San Antonio Silver Stars 94-90 on Saturday night, giving the Mercury back-to-back for the first time this season. Diana Taurasi (6'0''-SG-82, college: Connecticut) added 25 points and four assists for Phoenix (6-19), which moved out of last place Western Conference and handed the Silver Stars (17-9) their fourth loss in five games. Danielle Robinson (5'9''-G-89, college: Oklahoma) converted a three-point play with 37 seconds left to cut the Mercury's lead to 88-86, but Taurasi passed to Krystal Thomas in the lane for a basket with 19 seconds remaining to help secure the win. San Antonio's Becky Hammon was called for traveling on the subsequent possession to end any threat. Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) had a career-high 32 points and added eight rebounds for San Antonio. Courtesy of www.usatoday.com