EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/25/2009

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Men News

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  ABA   


J.R. Rider to play with North Texas Fresh ? - by Gianni Pascucci
In an official release from ABA new team North Texas Fresh, Jay Bowdy (6'5'-F-85, college: W.Georgia), Owner/CEO of the team, announces that former NBA star player Isaiah J.R. Rider (6'5'-G-71, college: UNLV) is close to joining his team. 'I am just thrilled to have the opportunity to bring a player of his caliber in to better our current players who want the opportunity that J.R. has had in his NBA playing days,' stated Jay Bowdy. Nothing has been set in stone yet, but conversation between both parties, Bowdy and Joe Lee, Rider's agent, look to be something greatly appreciative for both ends; and of course the North Texas Fresh fans. 'We are making moves necessary to better our franchise. J.R. Rider is someone who I feel I can trust to bring in and make a positive impact for these players and the organization with his experience, knowledge, and understanding of the Professional level of basketball,' stated Jay Bowdy. 'Hopefully we can come to a mutual agreement on things and add something great to our phenomenal training camp roster that we have already.' For any comments or questions in regards to this article, please contact 817.770.1001 or northtexasfresh@yahoo.com


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  ARGENTINA   


First friendly match of 2009/10 season - by Facundo Iatzky
Quimsa defeated Regatas Corrientes in the first friendly match of the season. Both teams are in the middle of the preseason. For this reason, the game was not very entertaining. Some players missed the game too, like Roman Gonzalez in Quimsa and Federico Kammerichs in Regatas, both with the National Team in Puerto Rico. The final result was 78-72. This game was part of the celebration for the 20th aniversary of Asociacion Quimsa.

Quimsa (78): Jonatan Treise 4, Julio Mazzaro 10, Federico Marin 4, Camargo Dionisio Gomez (203-F-80, college: Arkansas) 16 Damian Tintorelli 9 (st), Jose Muruaga 8, Franco Balbi 2, Bruno Ingratta 6, Albert White 19. coach: Carlos Romano.

Regatas Corrientes (72): Agustin Carabajal (179-G-78) 18, Juan Manuel Rivero 14, Maximiliano Maciel 5, Roberto Lopez 10 Ed Nelson 12 (st), Alejo Montes 11, Martin Fernandez 2. coach: Fabio Demti

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  AUSTRALIA   


Standings - NBL
NBL Standings
 1. 36ers 0-0 
 2. Tigers 0-0 
 3. Hawks 0-0 
 4. Wildcats 0-0 
 5. Crocodiles 0-0 
 6. Taipans 0-0 
 7. Spirit 0-0 
 8. Breakers 0-0 
 9. Dragons 0-0 
 10. Blaze 0-0 


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  AUSTRIA   


Transfer Update - by Stefan Prager
A few new additions happened in the Viennese area these days. The Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions signed two new players. Both are represented by Interperformances. At first the Lions signed Shooting Guard/Small Forward Sergey Tsvetkov� (196-G/F-88, agency: Interperformances). The 6'5' 21 year old is coming from Dunav 2007 Rousse from Russia. His hometown club is BC CSKA Interlogic Sophia from Bulgaria. Tsvetkov played in all of the Bulgarian Youth National Teams.

After that the Lions signed Marko Simonovski� (190-G-89, agency: Interperformances). A Guard coming from Vardar 2000 Osiguruvanje Skopje from Macedonia. Simonovski also represented by Interperformances played in Macedonia all his career long. He played in the Macedonian U20 National Team at the B EM in in his hometown Skopje this year and scored an average 16.2ppg and was 5th in assists with 3.7apg. Simonovski was an Macedonian All
Star in 2009.

Meanwhile the Xion Dukes Klosterneuburg signed Forward Dominik Mullner� (190-F-85). He is coming from the BasketClubs Vienna where he played since 2005. Mullner was a Austrian B League Champion in 2006.

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  BRAZIL   


New brazilian in u.s. college - by Paulo Freire
The shooting guard Adonis Sousa went last Friday night (8/21) to the United States, to present himselves to Arizona Western College, in the city of Yuma, Arizona, he will dispute the championship of the Jnior North American College. The athlete, who served recently to the Brazilian National Team under-19, third placed in Nike Global Basketball, followed to the North American territory confident. His last team was Sorocaba.

Menorca ink Caio Torres - by Eurobasket News
ViveMenorca completed their roster with the addition of Caio Torres (211-C-87). The Brazilian-Spanish centre moved to Menorca from Caja Rural Melilla. There the 22-year-old centre averaged 7.6 points and 4.9 boards per game in the LEB Gold. Before joining Melilla Caio Torres spent three seasons with Estudiantes Madrid. Caio Torres started his career in Brazilian Pinheiros. The centre also played for U18 and U21 National Teams.


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  BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Two new basketball league champs to be crowned - by David Edole
The BVI Basketball Federation will crown at least two new champions in the Jr. and Intermediate Divisions, while unbeaten Young Legs have taken control of the senior division series against the East.

The respective championship series opened on Sunday night at the Multipurpose Sports Complex in Road Town.

Young Gunners ousted four times champs Virgin Gorda Jr. Mystics, with Saturday nights 71-67 triumph. On Sunday, Young Gunners fell to Another Level, 105-79, in their Jr. Division Championship series opener.

Deon Edwin led five Another Level players in double figures with 17 points. Daryl Alexander and Norville Carey chipped in 14 points each. Alexander also had six rebounds, six assists and four blocks. Carey pulled seven rebounds, had four blocks and three assists and steals respectively.

Shamal Caines had a game best 31 points and 13 rebounds with four steals for Young Gunners. Zaniel Joseph contributed another 14 points and snatched 12 rebounds.

After eliminating defending champs Ghetto Mix, 82-78, on Saturday night, All Or Nothing tamed Against Da Odds, 112-106 on Sunday. Gerard Vanterpool was All Or Nothings leading scorer with 29 points and 11 rebounds. He also had six steals and four assists. Kevin Issac tossed in 23, while Lee Evans-Jacobs poured in 21 points to go with seven steals, six assists and five rebounds.

Ray Victor was Against Da Odds top scorer with a game high 34 points. Victor pulled 12 boards and dished out eight assists. Phillip Glasgow narrowly missed a double, double, with 27 points and nine assists. He grabbed four rebounds and had four steals.

Unbeaten Young Legs outmuscled defending champs East, 93-88, during Sunday nights opener of the Sr. Divisions Championships series.

Young Legs, who swept the season series, led 52-45 at halftime. Leading scorer Kennedy Bass (196-F, college: Anderson) had an active game with 24 points, fiver rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks.

Jason Edwin followed up with 18 points, 8 rebounds while dishing out six assists and grabbing four steals. Trevon Lewis (G-82, college: Franciscan) and Randy George (200-F-81, college: Henderson St.) added 13 each to the tally, with George also snatching 15 boards.

Halstead Chiverton (G-82) led the East with a game high 37 points to go with 12 rebounds and five steals. Damien Ottley and Kelvin Samuel tossed in 14 and 13 points respectively.

Young Legs advanced to the title game, following Friday nights 80-66 drubbing of Talk Dat. The East overpowered the Guns, 105-96, for their return trip to the finals.
BY DEAN GREENAWAY


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  BULGARIA   


Chernomorets adds Aleksiev and Penev to its roster - by Eurobasket News
Chernomorets Burgas has signed two new faces for the upcoming season. Team, which has gained promotion to NBL this year, has brought in Plamen Aleksiev (180-GG-84) and Atanas Penev (195-FF-85). They are first reinforcements for the club which will be trying to avoid relegation next season. Both players recently stated that they are glad to receive the chance to sing for a club with ambition. This move is especially pleasing to Penev who will be returning to the city he was born and basically performing in front of the home town crowd.
Plamen Aleksiev is a product of BC Cherno More youth system. He has spent 7 seasons with the club before making a move across town. Last season he appeared in 30 games for the club and averaged 3.7 points and 1.1 rebound per game. Aleksiev also made 4 BIBL appearances and posted averages of 3.3 points and 1.3 rebounds per game.
Just like Aleksiev, Atanas Penev is also product of Cherno More youth system. He has also been with the club for 7 seasons, but never managed to establish himself as first choice player. Last season, Penev appeared in 23 games and averaged 1.3 points per game. Penev was a member of U20 Bulgarian National Team which participated at the European Championships in Varna in 2005. He averaged 2.5 points and 1.8 rebounds in 4 games helping U20 Bulgaria win 1st place.

Marko Simonovski joins Vienna Lions - by Interperformances
Another great signing for Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions Vienna that added to its his roster the Macedonian guard Marko Simonovski (190-GG-89, agency: Interperformances). This young talent is only 20 years old, but is already considered the future shooting guard of the FYROM national team.
Marko started with the Vodno Suns cadet team. In 2007, he signed a contract with Vardar Osiguruvanje but was immediately loaned out to Centar Skopje in Macedonian 2nd League. Last season, Simonovski returned to Vardar and became a member of a starting lineup. Simonovski has been a member of all youth National Team categories. He participated at U20 European Championships in Nova Gorica in 2007, then at U20 European Championships Division B in Romania, where he averaged 11.3 points and 3.4 rebounds.
This summer he showed his potential in the U20 European Championships in Skopje, his home town, where hes been named Best Scorer for the Macedonian national team, having averaged 16.2 ppg, grabbing also 5.3 rebounds.

Sergey Tsvetkov signs with Arkadia Lions - by Interperformances
6'6' Guard / Small Forward Sergey Tsvetkov (196-G/FG/F-88, agency: Interperformances) has been signed by Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions Vienna in the Austrian Bundesliga. Sergey is considered one of the most talented Bulgarian players. Last season he played with CSKA Sofia in the Bulgarian NBL league, where he had an excellent year, scoring 11.4 ppg and grabbing 3.1 rebounds. In the same year he proved his amazing physical skills in the 2008 European U20 Championships and, when he turned 21, he joined the Bulgarian University National Team for the last World University Games. For sure Sergey will be one of the best Bulgarian players and members of the Bulgarian National Team.

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  CHILE   


Dimayor: 1 on 1 with Delvin Thomas - by Daniel Valencia
After Marcus Heard (201-F-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: De Paul) left the team due to an injury, the leaders of Provincial Llanquihue agreed to terms with the american Delvin Thomas (201-F/C-78, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Bethune-Cookman) as the foreign player for the remainder of the season. With seven games played so far and a 5-2 record for Llanquihue, Thomas has become a strong presence in the paint, with averages of 20.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 1.5 assists and 1 steals per game. Delvin talk with us about this new experience in Chile and the chances for Llanquihue in the 2009 season.

Lat: You already played in SouthAmerica (Paraguay), so what was your tought about the chance to play in Chile ?
DT: I'm happy that I was given the opportunity to play in Chile. It gives me another opportunity to see another beautiful part of South America. Also, it allows me to do what I love to do and thats play basketball.

Lat: You have played 7 games with Llanquihue so far, what do you think about the league and also about your teammates and coach ?
DT: I think this is a very competitive league with good import players and local players. There is a lot of talent here from what i've seen and so far. I believe we have a good team with a great system that our coach has in place. My teammates are a great group of guys. We all get along just well. Its funny because i've been on teams where all of the guys didn't get along and it sometimes shows on the court or in practice but I don't see that on this team and thats perfect. Here everbody understands each other and we know our strengths and weaknesses. My coach is a good guy. He's understands the game of basketball and you can tell thru his strategies and coaching techniques. He is what I would call a players coach.

Lat: How can you describe your game for the fans that havent see you in the court ?
DT: For the fans who haven't had the chance to see me play, I would describe my game as exciting. I play every game like its my last. I play with passion and I love to play above the rim.

Lat: What about your adjustment to the city ? Do you speak any spanish to communicate in a good way with your teammates, your coach and the people around the city ?
DT: My adjustment to Llanquihue was a smooth transition. Its slower and much colder than Miami where I was born and raised. Its no big deal though because Llanquihue is a beautiful place. Over the years I've learned thru playing internationlly that nothing is going to be like home and you have to make the best of it. I speak a little bit of spanish or shall I say I know a lot of words. I communicate with my teammates pretty good and few of them speak english so thats always a plus. My coach also speaks a little bit of english so thats great. When we are on the court I know all the basketball spanish translations so that helps and makes for a chance of winning. The people here in llanquihue are nice and friendly. When I'm out and about every now and then someone walks up to me and strikes up a conversation. Usually they want to know where I'm from, do I speak spanish, and do I play basketball.

Lat: What you expect for the team for the upcoming playoffs ? Currently you guys are in the sixth place of the standings and the disparity from playing at home and on the road is big. In what ways you think the team could improve?
DT: I expect to win it all. Everytime I go into a season my goal is to be the champion at the end of the year. When this week started we were sitting in sixth place and now we've dropped to the fourth spot finishing the weekend with two wins so that makes me more hungrier to fight for the number one spot. Two areas I think our team could definitely improve in is defense and playing on the road.

Lat: Finally, what message could you send to Llanquihue's fans ?
DT: To the fans I want to let you know that we enjoy your support and you are the best fans in the Chilean basketball league. Keep coming out and supporting us as we push forward to make this a chapionship 2009 season.


Rodrigo Espinoza joins Gatos de Monagas in Venezuela - by Daniel Valencia
Rodrigo Espinoza (183-G-81, agency: Players Group) will join Gatos de Monagas for the upcoming Liga Nacional de Basquetbol en Venezuela. The guard was part of CD Boston College Santiago, leading the standings in Dimayor league with a 11-2 record and also having a terrific individual season, scoring 24.1 points per game (third in the league), with 5.5 assists per game (third in the league), 2.8 rebounds and 2.5 steals.


This will be the third time that Espinoza played outside the country. He had two stints in Italy's Legadue, with Premiata Montegranaro and Cimberio Novara. He will be coahces by the former NBA champion Carl Herrera.


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  CROATIA   


Zadar celebrate in its first friendly game - by Eurobasket News
Zadar - Rogashka 124-72

BC Zadar has started with friendly games as part of their preparations for upcoming season. They have recorded their first win, beating Slovenian 2nd League outfit Rogashka by 52 points margin. It was an easy game for Zadar who displayed its dominance and evident difference in class from the opening tip-off. In the first quarter, Zadar put on a pressure and easily took the lead. After 10 minutes of the play, they managed to score 33 points while allowing 16. In the second, again Zadar continued with good offensive execution and extending their lead. Behind the good play by Marko Car (188-G/F-85), Zadar took 62-35 lead to the break. After the half it was more of the same, but it was evident that Zadar has eased up defensively somewhat. Third quarter was the one where most points were scored, as Zadar scored 35 points while allowing 23. With 10 minutes to play, Zadar held 87-58 lead and the game was pretty much over. In the last 10 minutes all players got the chance for Zadar and they slowly brought the game to the close. The finals score stood at 124-72. Head Coach of Zadar, Zmago Sagadin stated that even though it is a first game and it was against weaker opponent, he was satisfied with the level of effort he received from his players.
Marko Car finished with game-high 26 points shooting perfect 6 for 6 from behind the arc. Hrvoje Peric (203-F-85), Jure Skific (202-F/C-88) and new signing Micah Downs (203-G-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) contributed with 16 points each. Zadar is set to play second control match against BC Politehnika.

Zadar: Marko Car 26, Hrvoje Peric 16, Jure Skific 16, Micah Downs 16

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  DENMARK   


Amager reach agreement with Brian Baskauskas - by Eurobasket News
Amager bolstered their squad with addition of Brian Baskauskas (198-G/F). The 198cm shooting guard will start his first pro season in Europe. He just graduated from the Amherst College. There Brian Baskauskas was among the top performers. Baskauskas averaged 12.9 points per game in the past three years to land in 15th place on Amhersts all-time scoring list. He also recorded the fifth highest free throw percentage in Amherst history last year (85.9) and is among the schools all-time leaders in three-pointers made. In his career, Baskauskas shot 54.5 percent from the floor, 44.8 percent from beyond the arc and 80.6 percent from the line. The guard was named to the D3 Hoops.com All-American Team. Baskauskas also earned the NABC All-Region honors.


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  FINLAND   


LrNMKY add Marc Davis - by Eurobasket News
LrNMKY landed experienced Marc Davis (200-G/FG/F-73, agency: ACMT, college: Texas Tech). The 36-year-old veteran shooting guard was last seen in German Jena in 2007-08 season. There he averaged 12.3 points, 7.0 boards and 3.5 assists per game. The Texas Tech graduate Marc Davis was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1995. He played for Minnesota, Miami, Philadelphia and Miami in the NBA. Later he traveled around playing in Italy, ABA, Philippines, Israel and South Korea.


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  FRANCE   


Strasbourg recruit Terrel Harris - by Eurobasket News
Strasbourg landed Terrel Harris (196-G-87, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) for the upcoming season. The Oklahoma State University graduate Harris got his first pro contract. The 22-year-old guard tallied 13.9 points, 4.8 boards, 1.9 assitsts and 1.7 steals per game in his senior year with the Cowboys. Terrel Harris participated at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. He was named to the Big 12 All-Defensive team in 2009. The guard also got honorable mention in All-Big 12 poll.


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  FYR MACEDONIA   


Feni Industri brings in new Assistant Coach - by Eurobasket News
Feni Indutri has brought in new Assistant Coach after agreeing a deal with Saso Todorovski. Now Head Coach of Feni Industri, Emil Rajkovic has completed his staff for the upcoming season. He will be looking to add more fresh faces to the roster which is set to go through some major changes. Todorovski is brining experience he has obtained while working as Head Coach for several Macedonian Teams. He was especially successful last season when he coached BC Torus. Todorovski is second signing by Feni from Torus, after they have recently agreed a deal with young talent Vladimir Brckov (194-GG-89).
Feni was considered a favorite to defend the title last season. They managed to make it to the Playoff Finals and were set for matchup with their main opponent Fersped Rabotnicki. However, in the Finals series it was Rabotnicki who managed to win the title. They have won the series 4 games to 2. Feni is entering the new season with same ambition, what is to try and regain the title.
Saso Todorovski started his coaching career with Rabotnicki Fersped as Assistant Coach. In 2002 he got his first Head Coaching job with BC Kumanovo. Following season he moved to A-2 League outfit Torus with whom he managed to gain promotion.

Marko Simonovski joins Vienna Lions - by Interperformances
Another great signing for Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions Vienna that added to its his roster the Macedonian guard Marko Simonovski (190-GG-89, agency: Interperformances). This young talent is only 20 years old, but is already considered the future shooting guard of the FYROM national team.
Marko started with the Vodno Suns cadet team. In 2007, he signed a contract with Vardar Osiguruvanje but was immediately loaned out to Centar Skopje in Macedonian 2nd League. Last season, Simonovski returned to Vardar and became a member of a starting lineup. Simonovski has been a member of all youth National Team categories. He participated at U20 European Championships in Nova Gorica in 2007, then at U20 European Championships Division B in Romania, where he averaged 11.3 points and 3.4 rebounds.
This summer he showed his potential in the U20 European Championships in Skopje, his home town, where hes been named Best Scorer for the Macedonian national team, having averaged 16.2 ppg, grabbing also 5.3 rebounds.

Sergey Tsvetkov signs with Arkadia Lions - by Interperformances
6'6' Guard / Small Forward Sergey Tsvetkov (196-G/FG/F-88, agency: Interperformances) has been signed by Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions Vienna in the Austrian Bundesliga. Sergey is considered one of the most talented Bulgarian players. Last season he played with CSKA Sofia in the Bulgarian NBL league, where he had an excellent year, scoring 11.4 ppg and grabbing 3.1 rebounds. In the same year he proved his amazing physical skills in the 2008 European U20 Championships and, when he turned 21, he joined the Bulgarian University National Team for the last World University Games. For sure Sergey will be one of the best Bulgarian players and members of the Bulgarian National Team.

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  GERMANY   


Martin Edes And Gene Hagner Join Franken Hexer - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


Franken Hexer got active on the basketball market bringing in experienced big man Martin Ides (217-C-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Davidson) and German American Gene Hagner (190-G-83) who has six years of basketball experience in Germany playing in the Regionaliga.With Ides, the team gets a 29 year old 217cm Czech-German, who is a Lefthandeder with a velvet-soft shooting touch which belies his size and surprises defenders, and is an excellent passer. His size alone will cause the opposition to be hesitant about coming into the lane. Ides played five years in the United States and in various european countries and should be a force under the hoops. Last season, he played for MBC playing 29 games and averaging 8.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 46.7%, FT: 79.2% and is happy to be playing in Nurnberg. 'I want to be a part of the success and development of the team. Nurnberg is a great city and I am looking forward to my new task', expressed Martin Ides. Coach Alex Krueger is happy that a big man will be present under the boards. 'We are very lucky to have gotten Martin. He was a big part fro MBC winning PRO A title and getting to the BBL. He will help us with his personality adn basketball skills', added coach Alex Krueger.

Ides who was born in Ostrava began his basketball career in 1997 for East Burke high school in North Carolina. He then played at Davidson from 1998-2002. His best season was his senior year as he played 29 games averaging 9.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.4 apg. He then started his professional basketball career with BK ECM Nymburk. In the 2004-2005 season, he played in France for Vichy Auvergne playing 26 games: 2.5ppg, 1.7rpg. In 2005-2006, he splitt his time with Akropol BBK in Sweden playing 30 games averaging 15.8ppg, Reb-4 (10.9rpg), 1.8apg, FGP: 49.3%, FT: 82.1% and then moved to Autocid Ford Burgos (Spain-LEB2) playing 4 games and averaging 5.0ppg, 3.5rpg. In 2006-2007, he played in the Czech Republic for BK Nova Hut Ostrava playing 46 games and averaging 9.9ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 44.2%, FT: 75.7%. In 2007-2008, he played fro BK Kondori Liberec (Czech Republic-NBL) playing 29 games and averaging 7.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 2FGP: 47.3%, FT: 70.0%.

The team also signed 25 year old 190cm Gene Hagner. He convinced the team of his quality in a tryout after not being able to crack the FC Bayern Munich lineup due to strong players at his position. Before going to Bayern Munich in January 2009, he played at BC Energie Zwickau (Germany-Regionalliga) and averaged 13,4ppg. Coach Alex Krueger feels that Hagner will be a strength at the guard position. 'Gene is an athletic and educated guard that was unable to get past two American players and injury in Munich. He brings a lot of enthusiasm and on account of his personality and strength at both guard positions he will have a permanent role in our rotation', commented Alex Krueger. Hagner started his career at KuSG Leimen (Regionalliga) in 2003-2004 and then played fro MTV Stuttgart in the Regionaliga. He then played for TS Goeppingen from 2005-2008.

Source: www.franken-hexer.de

Tom Jervis Leaves MBC, But Johnnie Gibert Remains - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Sometimes losing a player, can also bring some unexpected luck as MBC realised that by losing Australien Tom Jervis (213-C-87, college: Troy) the team was able to win back fan favorite Johnnie Gilbert (203-F-82, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Oklahoma) Jervis asked his new team MBC to release him from his contract duty, because he needed to get back to his home country because of personal reasons. It was not easy to let new BBL rookie Jervis go, but MBC coach Bjoern Harmsen understood that Jervis needed to get back home. 'I am sorry, that Tom has to go. But I understand about his personal reasons and had to let him go', stressed Bjoern Harmsen . Jervis would have been a BBL rookie after playing four years at Troy University.

MBC was able to hold 28 year old 203 cm American Johnnie Gilbert, who averaged 13,2ppg and 9,2rpg in 27 minutes per game last season. He was the sixth best rebounder in the PRO A last season and was the second best scorer behind Wayne Bernard. he also was efficient getting 11 double doubles. I am happy that we got Johnnie back, because he was one of the best rebounders in the PRO A and with his athleticism and potential, he will be able to play well in the BBL', warned Bjorn Harmsen. 'I am happy that we were able to keep Johnnie with MBC. Both sides know what is expected and I am convinced that we did the right thing', stressed MBC manager Martin Geissler.

Source: www.mitteldeutscherbc.de



Derek Raivio (TBB Trier) Interview - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Derek Raivio (190-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) is a 24 year old 190 cm American guard that grew up in Washington. He will start his third season in the BBL this season. He played at the well known NCAA basketball school Gonzaga from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 34 games averaging 18.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 45.3%, 3Pts: 40.9%, FT: 96.1%. He reached the NCAA sweet 16 in 2006 with Gonzaga. He was drafted by the Great Falls Explorers (CBA,4rd (37)). He started hs professional basketball career with the Cologne 99ers in 2007-2008 playing 27 games and avergaing 8.0ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.2apg, 2FGP: 41.2%,3PT:36.6%, FT-3 (91.7%). Last season, he moved to TBB Trier playing 33 games and avergaing 10.5ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 87.5%. He spoke to eurobasket this summer about last season, his summer and the new season.

Derek, thanks for taking some time to talk to eurobasket. You have been back in the States for some time now and what was the first thing you did, which you couldnt do all those months previously in Germany?

well directly after the season, i had to get surgery on my toe, so since ive been home ive just been rehabing my foot! other than that ive just been spending time with my family and friends.

You guys definitely had a strong roster with playoff potential, but you finished the season in 11th place with a record of 16-18.What was missing from TBB Trier that didnt allow them to reach the playoffs?

i think the main thing that held us back were injuries. it seemed like we never had our full team. We also had a tough time winning games on the road. that is something we need to improve.

You guys started off the season with a record of 5-5. How difficult was this period playing without big man George Evans?

it was tough. He is our anchor inside, and when he went down, we had to change our whole mentality.

As soon as Evans came back, Norman Richardson was injured and you lost four of five games. The team had a pretty strong roster even without a Norman Richardson. What were the biggest flaws of the team in the first half of the season?

um, i think we were just getting used to one another again. When George was out we had to change some of our strategies. like i said, injuries make things very tough!

After the Allstar Break, TBB Trier was unable to win more than one game in a row until April. Why was the team so inconsistent in the second half of the season?

i really dont know! the road games are what cost us in the end I think.

You guys had a four game winning streak at the end of the season including big wins against Bonn and Ulm. Was this the strongest phase of the season for TBB Trier?

ya i would say so. iIfeel like we were all playing well off of each other. another factor for that, is the team being fully healthy.

How well do you have the 102-100 loss against Tuebingen in your memory? Often it is the close games that you remember the most.

um, its not really the game I most remember. The game went back and forth and they made the plays at the end to win! it was a tough loss though.

What will TBB Trier need to do in the off season so the team will be a playoff team next season?

I think we are doing all the right things right now. it looks almost everyone is coming back. I think this is a real positive, it builds chemistry and familiarity.

What was your biggest highlight of the season? Possibly the 72-70 win against Oldenburg at home?

i dont really know. ya, that was a big game, I know we were shorted handed with some key players hurt and we came up with the win. that was definitely a big game!

It seems like management is content with trying to restore most of last seasons team. Is TBB Trier a team that can grow as a team with the same flow of players and a few additions?

yes i think we have a real good nucleus. The main thing is to stay healthy, if that happens, then i think we can have a real positive year!

The League usually is talking about Jason Gardner, Julius Jenkins, Immanuel Mcelroy or Rickey Paulding as the best players in the BBL. But you also have a strong candidate with Chris Copeland. Where does he stack up with that group in your mind?

well cope is my guy and I would stack him right there with those guys. He is a real tough cover because he can stretch the defense, take you off the dribble, or play with his back to the basket!

You had a very respectable sophomore season with TBB Trier averaging in 33 games: 10.5ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 87.5%. How more comfortable were you in your second year in the BBL then in your first with Cologne?

I was much more comfortasble my second year over here. My first year especially in the beginning it was a culture shock, and i just wasnt used to everything going on around me including some of the basketball stuff! As the year went on I progressed, and think I carried it into this past year. I feel very comfortable in trier!

What are your goals for your second season with TBB Trier as a player. What things do you still need to work on?

My personal and team goal is to make the playoffs. I just want to improve every year and keep climbing that ladder and taking strides in my game. I feel if I keep working and dont become satisfied, good things will happen to me! I feel I can work on everything.

You are a scoring point guard scoring 20 points or more five times and averaging 18,0ppg in your senior year at Gonzaga. What is the most vital thing that you still need to work on in your playmaking and game organization?

I would say just picking and chosing my moments. When to attack, when to pass, score, or get some one some touches. also, just keep the defense honest and always stay in attack mode.

You had injured yourself in practice and couldnt suit up against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners. After the game, you played little until the last games where you were averaging more than twenty minutes. Are you 100% fit again now?

um, well everyone goes through injuries during the year. As I mentioned I had surgery on my toe after the season. This was a problem that started happenening around November and went on through the season. I am happy to finally get it taken care of and prepare for this up coming year!

Big Spanish talent Rickey Rubio was drafted at #5 in the NBA draft by Minnesota. I am sure you have seen his videos. How much of a challenge would it be for you to guard him an dhow would you do in a one on one?

i think i would do fine.

Where were you and wha twere you doing as you heard that Michael Jackson had died?

At my buddies house eating.

What did Michael Jackson mean to you as a music artist?

He was a little before my time, but I have listened to a lot of his stuff. He was real talented and you cant forget the moon walk.

What special things will you be doing this summer besides working out and getting ready for the next season?

Well in my college program, they started making us do yoga, and since then I became a believer, so ill be doing yoga, fish, started playing golf, tennis, and just spent time with my fam and friends!

The EWE Baskets Oldenburg Add Srdjan Klaric To The Coaching Staff - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The EWE Baskets Oldenburg have officially gotten a new member to the traing team as they have welcomed 37 year old Srdjan Klaric aboard. He will join head coach Predrag Krunic and assistant coach Ralf Held. Last season, the Bosnian had already recieved some experience helping the team, but at the same time was working for the Oldenburg farm team TSV Westerstede and couldnt put all his time into both projects. Nenad Cirkovic will take over the place of Klaric in Westerstede. Klaric is happy that he can put 100% effort to the EWE Baskets Oldenburg in 2009-2010. 'Westerstede was a great experience. I was nearly able to coach 900 games as mens coach and youth coach. Last season was also a great experience for me with Oldenburg. I swear that I have never seen a team that had so much harmony at this level like Oldenburg. This season will be big, but a great challenge especially with the Euroleague games', stressed Srdjan Klaric . Coach Predrag Krunic is looking forward to working full time together with Klaric. 'Srdjan helped us a lot last season and I am happy that he can be with us full time. Oldenburg manager Herman Schueller is also thrilled that an additional coach will help the team. 'Srdjan has done excellent work with TSG Westerstede the last years and am happy that we have him on board. It is also great that TSG Westerstede have gotten such a strong new coach. We would never have taken this step had TSG Westerstede notagrred to do this', stressed Herman Schueller.
Source: www.ewe-baskets.de

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  GREECE   


23rd Acropolis Tournament: Hellas Serbia 66-65 - by Chris Mammides
In the opener game of the Hellenic NT, of the Acropolis tournament, which is taking place in OAKA, in front of 8,000 Hellene Fans, Kazlauskas's 'new' Hellenic NT beat the tough Serbian NT with 66-65 after a game that was a real derby after the first quarter. At the first quarter the Hellenic NT with Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82) and Shortsianitis took an early lead and kept it until the end of the first quarter mainly due to the positive presentation of the big guys in the paint as both Bourousis and Schortsianitis beat their opponents. The second quarter though with very good parameter game from the Serbs and with Erceg scoring a couple of triples the Serbs balance the game and minimized the deficit to seven, 31-24 with Teodosic and Cristic scoring some crucial baskets. The third quarter was a continuous monologue for the Serbs as Radulica and Teodosic beat their opponents 100% and brought the game to balance, 47-47. The fifth quarter was a Big Sofo show as the big guy from Kavala was playing nearly alone against all Serbs. The final score was mainly due to the good defense of the Hellenic NT and the inexperience of Teodosic who was trapped in the good D of Nikos Zisis (195-G-83) who was the MVP of the game together with Vassilis Spanoulis.
Kazlauskas seem to be quite problematic as Koufos for another game lost all the air-battles from Radulica and Cristic, while Bourousis was called an early third foul and was actually off the game most of the time, so in the center position it was only Big Sofo to handle all the Serbs. At the same time Fotsis and Printezis were once more ina very low productivity in both points and rebounds.
Top scorers were Vassilis Spanoulis and Nikos Zisis with 15 each while Bourousis had 13 points and 11 rebounds and Shortsianitis 11. From the Serbs another great game from Paunic (11 points) and Teodosic (10 points) .

The Lithuanian NT beat the Russian NT in the opening game of the tournament, with 78-61with Lavrinovic and Petravicius scoring 15 and 14 points respectively.


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  HUNGARY   


Matthew Knight is coming back to Hungary - by Tamas Deri
The australian player just signed a one year contract with the team of Sopron and will arrive on the 1st of September in our country. Matthew Knight (204-F/C-85, college: Loyola Marymount) graduated on the Loyola Marymount University in 2007 and played 28 games in his senior season averaging 16.5ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3Pts: 20.0%, FT: 68.7%. He started his professional carreer with West Sydney in the NBL of his home country and started the last season also home with Sydney Spirit. He played 28 games for the team and was one of the best player of the league with 16.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. He signed his first european contract with Univer KSE in February 2009 and played 6 games during the regular season for the team, which did not reach the playoffs. The 204 cm tall Aussie showed his excellent skills in our league and averaged 16.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.


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  IRELAND   


BI SENIOR, U-20 & U-18 NATIONAL CUP DRAWS 2009-10 - by Jolie Niland
12th Aug 2009

The Basketball Ireland Senior National Cup draw was made at the National Basketball Arena on Saturday and is as follows:

BI Senior National Cup Draw (Mens)

Round One
Weekend October 25
AOL Broadband Waterford v St. Vincents
Titans v Killester
Tolka Rovers v Belfast Tropics
North Star v Lisburn City
Blue Demons v Malahide
Donegal Town v UCD Marian

To view this story please visit our website by clicking here: www.basketballireland.ie

INTERNATIONAL PREVIEW - by Jolie Niland
Irelands international sides return to European action tomorrow (Wednesday) with the women set for Slovenia, while the men face a difficult test in Georgia.

Irelands senior women will be looking to re-ignite their European qualification hopes when they take on a tricky test in the shape of Slovenia.

The girls in green suffered a heartbreaking 70-67 loss at home to much fancied Montenegro on Saturday despite leading by 16 points at one stage during the contest.

Their preparations for Slovenia havent been helped by the loss of Ann Marie Healy through illness but Head Coach Mark Scannall is confident his side can repeat the win they enjoyed over Slovenia (67-59) in 2008.

To view this story please visit our website by clicking here: www.basketballireland.ie

IRELAND 100 LUXEMBOURG 83 - by Jolie Niland
Ireland 100 (61) (C OReilly 25, I OBoyle 23, B Mullins 19) Luxembourg 83 (36) (P Rajniak 22, T Schumacher 20, M Rajniak)

Ireland produced an excellent display on Saturday to overcome Luxembourg 100-83 in their senior mens European qualifier at the National Basketball Arena.
Ireland got off to a fine start, opening up an 11-0 lead in the early stages with Colin OReilly in particular impressive form.

Luxembourg registered their first points in impressive fashion with a three point play courtesy of Chris Scholtes. However, the Irish soon extended their advantage to 21-9 through OReilly and a pair of three pointers from Bryan Mullins and Aaron Westbrooks.
A huge quarter from OReilly, scoring 13 points alongside phenomenal three point shooting through Ian OBoyle gave the Irish side an 18 point lead at the close of the quarter (35-17).

Ian OBoyles excellent run of three pointers continued in the opening minutes of the quarter as he helped push Ireland out to a commanding 49-19 lead.
A three by Tom Schumacher provided some respite for the visitors but Ireland respond almost immediately with a great play by OReilly.

To view this story please visit our site by clicking here: www.basketballireland.ie

BOOTH RETURNS FOR ARENA CAMP - by Jolie Niland
National Basketball Arena Camp
August 10 14 2009
Caters for 8-16 year olds

NBA player Calvin Booth will be present at the National Basketball Arena next week (week beginning August 10) for the last Arena Camp of the summer.

The addition of Calvin is a huge boost and will afford the campers the opportunity to learn from someone who has played at the very highest level of the game.

To view more please visit our website by clicking here: www.basketballireland.ie

INTERNATIONAL PREVIEW - by Jolie Niland
The National Basketball Arena plays host to two big European qualifiers this Saturday with the senior women continuing their assault at home to Switzerland, while the men take on Luxembourg.

Irelands senior women return to European action after a morale boosting win away to Slovenia midweek.

The 82-66 success over Slovenia has revived their European hopes with Switzerland set to provide the latest test this Saturday.

To view this story please visit our website by clicking here: www.basketballireland.ie

GEORGIA 98 IRELAND 73 - by Jolie Niland
Division B
Group C

Georgia 98 (48) (G Tsintsadze 19, T Ellis 18, V Sanikidze 17) Ireland 73 (38) (B Mullins 18, C Grace 16, C OReilly 14)

Ireland suffered a 98-73 loss to Georgia in their latest European qualifier despite a brave display from Jay Larranagas side.
Ireland got off to a fine start, opening up an early 5-0 lead with Bryan Mullins and Colin OReilly both securing baskets.

A three pointer from George Tsintsadze closed the gap but captain Conor Grace was not to be outdone and his three saw Ireland hold a 10-7 lead midway through the quarter. A revitalized Ireland increased their advantage with another three courtesy of Ulster Elks Ian OBoyle but the home side finished strongly with consecutive three pointers from Tsinsadze and Nikoloz Tskitishvili helping them to a 21-15 lead at the end of the first quarter.

To view this story please visit our website by clicking here: www.basketballireland.ie

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  ITALY   


Kevin Kruger joins NSB Napoli - by Antonello Varallo
NSB Napoli announced the agreement with Kevin Kruger (188-G-83, college: UNLV). He played last season with Utah Flash (D-League), scoring 13 ppg in 24 games with a season high of 24 points and reaching the Finals. At the beginning of last season, he shortly played with PBC Lukoil Akademik Sophia (Bulgaria-NBL), only 2 games with 13.5 ppg. During his college career (118 games with Arizona St. and UNLV with 11.3 ppg), he won Three-Point Shootout at the Florida-Georgia All-Star Game -03. His father is UNLV coach Lon Kruger (400 win in his career)

Bruno Cerella extends contract with Banca Tercas - by Eurobasket News
Bruno Cerella (194-G/F-86, agency: Players Group) prolonged his contract with Banca Tercas Teramo till 2012. The 24-year-old shooting guard averaged 2.0 points and 1.2 boards per game in Seria A last year. He moved to Banca Tercas in 2008 after a solid year in B1 League. There Bruno Cerella tallied 16.8 points, 5.5 boards and 1.8 assists per game for Potenza. Cerella was the part of Italian LNP U22 selection during the tournament in the USA and Canada in 2008.


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  JORDAN   


Jordan U23 NT - by Omar Shafaamri
Here is a list of Jordan U23 NT which is coached by Coach Muntaser Abu Al-Tayyeb .

This Team is prepared in order to fill the Gap after World championship Generation , And planned some of these players to take the responsibility of Qualifying to London 2012 Olympic Games by FIBA Asia Championship 2011 Qualifications .

Louay Obeidi (198-F/G-90)
Mohammad Shaher (208-C-90)
Abdul Aziz Shanneik (185-G-90)
Imad Qahwash (188-G-87)
Jamal Abu-Shamala (196-G/F-87)
Tamer Qutami (183-G-90)
Ali El-Zu'bi (182-G-89)
Ali Jamal (204-F/CF/C-88)
Ibrahim Bassam (204-C-87)
Amro Tkeidek (192-F-89)
Ahmed Hamarsheh (202-C-86)
Saif Amer (170-G-89)
Mahmoud Abdeen (186-G-87)
Camille Gargour
Fares Saqf-AlHait (193-F-87)
Tamer Qutami (183-G-90)

In addition to players above , there is Young players who starred with World Championship Generation like : Zaid Abbaas , Fadel Najjar , Mousa Al Awadi and Mohammed Hamdan


JOC honours national team - by Mohammed Malas
Jordan basketball team will be honoured today at a special ceremony held at the headquaters of the Jordan Olympic Committee (JOC), according to a statement by the JOC. HRH Prince Feisal, president of the JOC, will meet with the team that qualified for the 2010 World Basketball Championship for the first time after beating Lebanon 80-66 in the third place match at the 25th FIBA Asia Championship held in Tianjin, China. The World Basketball Championship will be held in Turkey.
Source: Jordan Times

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  LUXEMBOURG   


Gerad Punch chooses T71 - by Eurobasket News
T71 Dudelange signed the contract with Gerad Punch (193-G/FG/F-84, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Furman). The 25-year-old US shooting guard would arrive to Luxembourg from Netherlands. There he played for Landstede Zwolle for the last two years. Gerad Punch averaged 15.1 points, 6.5 boards and 2.2 steals per game in the last Eredivisie season. Punch graduated from the Furman University in 2007. The guard tallied 8.0 points, 5.9 boards and 1.6 assists for the Paladins in the senior year.


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  NBA   


2009 FIBA Americas Championship starts on Wednesday in San Juan - by Eurobasket
2009 FIBA Americas Championship is set to start on Wednesday in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Ten countries are divided in two groups. Participants of the Preliminary Group A are: Mexico, Uruguay, Canada, Virgins Islands and the host Puerto Rico. In Preliminary Group B are placed: Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Dominican Republic and Argentina.
In the opening day Virgin Island will meet Uruguay, while Mexico will take on Puerto Rico. In Group B, Dominican Republic will play against Brazil, while Venezuela will meet Argentina.
After 5 days of Preliminary Round, the last ranked teams in each pool will be eliminated. Other four teams will go to the next stage where they will meet four best teams from the other group. After that, the best ranked four will reach the Semifinals.
Two years ago, on 2007 FIBA Americas Championship, Team USA was the champion. In the final game USA smashed Argentina 118-81. LeBron James (203-F-84) was a game her for his country with 31 points. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) netted 23 points for Argentina.
In the battle for Bronze, Puerto Rico outsmarted Brazil 111-107. The MVP of the tournament was Luis Scola.
As a reminder, few days ago some of the above mentioned teams participated at the 'Marchand Cup', also in San Juan. Brazil demonstrated the best performance there, while Argentina was winless in three games. Puerto Rico had two and Canada one win.

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  NORWAY   


Silly season - update - by Kaare Vangen
A quick search reveals that we have not too many new players confirmed. Probably the clubs are in the final stages of finding out who will play for them.

BLNO
Brede Ellingsen (188-G-88) will play for Gimle until the Christmas break when he leaves for studies in the USA.
Runar Ytrehus (189-G-86) will probably leave Storm and study in Trondheim.

Harstad has some new signings. Erik Vestin (202-F-86) and Mehyar Rafii-Aval (186-G-89) both come from Sweden and have experience at the top level there. Charlie L. Freirson III will probably run the show for Harstad if they cant convince Jeff Rogers (185-G-73, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: W.Kentucky) to get a Norwegian passport and keep on playing. Marco Elsafadi (193-G/F-76) is out but hopes to come back before Christmas. He has been hit by an nervous disease but is recovering. Bjorn Risshall (200-F/C-76, college: Modesto JC) has resigned due to back problems.

Division 1
Kongsberg have some interesting signings. Bjoernar Andreassen (197-FF-89) comes from Div 1 rival Sandvika and Magnus Engen (188-F-91) and Oivind Lundestad (190-G-91) will return from 3B (BLNO). Stein Erik Rotegaard will coach Kongsberg together with Axel Langaker, Marcel DaCruz and brother Ole.

Baerum Basket has got guards Christer Elgmork (180-G-87) and Nils Paul Skara (185-G-87) from college teams in USA. They both have a past in the club.

Arne Danielsen (198-F-83, college: NC-Pembroke) comes from BLNO champions Ulriken Eagles to Kristiansand Pirates. Pirates have signed American coach Dan Mobbs.


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  PARAGUAY   


Libertad yet undefeated - by Gianni Pascucci
If nothing will change, Libertad will dominate the 2009 edition of Paraguayan National League. In teh last game of the round, the white and blacks won their sixth game in a row, destroying Felix Perez Cardozo 108-79. With 34 points, Daniel Perez (190-G/F-84) was the main gun of Libertad, P.J. Mills (201-F) added 27 pts and Roberto Laratro (198-C-82, college: Gettysburg) 15. Omar Waller (196-F-81, college: Texas Coll.) and Sergio Aceval (180-G-78) were the best in FPC, with 17 and 15 points, respectively.

National League Standings
National League Standings
 1. Libertad 6-0 
 2. Sol de Amer. 4-1 
 3. Sacachispas 4-2 
 4. Felix Perez 2-4 
 5. Estrellas 1-5 
 6. Amambay 1-6 


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  POLAND   


Brandun Hughes close to Polonia - by Eurobasket News
Brandun Hughes (180-G-76, college: S.Indiana) is reported to have talks with Polonia Warsaw. The 33-year-old player spent 2005-2006 season in Polonia averaging 17.3 points and 3.9 assists per game. The point guard then had stints with Kotwiza, Atlas Stal and Sokol Znicz. Last year Brandun Hughes tallied 14.6 points, 3.5 assists and 1.9 rebounds per appearance for Atlas Stal Ostrow. Brandun Hughes played in Slovenia, Israel and Poland after graduating from Southern Indiana in 2000.


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  PORTUGAL   


Vagos fill in two import spots - by Eurobasket News
AD Vagos signed contracts with two import players. They opted to bolster the squad with addition of John Smith (203-F-84, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Winona St.) and Brandon Voorhees (201-F-84, college: Park).
John Smith is the 25-year-old forward that never played in Europe before. He graduated from the Winona State University in 2008. John Smith averaged 17.5 points, 8.4 boards and 2.7 blocks per game for the Warriors in the senior season. The forward signed with the Iowa Energy in the D-League before moving to the Vermont Frost Heaves in the PBL. He played eight teams for the team tallying 6.3 points and 5.0 boards.
Brandon Voorhees was last spotted on try-out with Nantere in 2008. Earlier the 25-year-old forward played Atletico in the Uruguayan LUB. He also spent half of the 2007-08 season in Portugal playing for Ginasio. Voorhees averaged 15.9 points, 5.0 boards and 1.5 assists per game in the UZO Liga.


Carlos Andrade is coming back to Portugal - by Eurobasket News
Some sources report that Carlos Andrade (197-F-78, college: Queens (NC)) is close to returning to Portugal. The Portuguese international is expected to sign a contract with Porto Ferpinta. The 31-year-old forward played for Porto in 2003-04 season. In 2005 Carlos Andrade left Portugal to join Skyliners. The forward returned to Portugal in 2006 to spend one season with Benfica. One year later Carlos Andrade left for Spain where he played for Bruesa during two seasons. Last year Andrade averaged 2.8 points per game in the ACB.


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  RUSSIA   


Sergei Toporov joins Khimky - by Eurobasket News
Khimky acquired Sergei Toporov (197-F-81) from Triumph. The 28-year-old forward had a solid season in Lyubertsy. He averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 boards and 1.2 assists per game in the Russian Superleague. In EuroChallenge Toporov tallied 9.4 points, 3.5 boards and 1.4 assists per appearance. Sergei Toporov started his career in Kirov in Russian D2. He later played for Samara, Unics Kazan, Lokomotiv Rostov. Toporov was the member of the Russian National Team in 2004.


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  SEBL   


Standings
SEBL Standings
City B-East
 1. Summ.Hill BD 8-3 
 2. BC Sixers 5-4 
 3. AWU-Howren 3-6 
 4. G. Wolverines 0-9 
City B-West
 1. N. Metro DB 9-1 
 2. Dalton 7-4 
 3. Cedartown B. 4-6 
 4. Rockmart 3-6 
Metro A-North
 1. Marietta O. 10-2 
 2. ServPro-1 9-3 
 3. BC Skyline 7-3 
 4. Cartersville W. 5-5 
 5. Smyrna K. 4-5 
 6. Supreme 3-6 
 7. Rome Rage 2-7 
 8. BC Howren-1 1-8 
Metro A-South
 1. Black Monop. 9-2 
 2. D.O.T.S. 8-3 
 3. Young Gunz 6-4 
 4. BC Lakers 5-4 
 5. Tri-County 5-5 
 6. A. Underrated 4-5 
 7. Metro Stars 1-8 
 8. BC Barnesville 0-9 


Marietta Outlaw & Summer Hill claim SEBL Titles, while OBG captures the WSEBL Crown... - by David Archer

Cartersville, GA - The SEBL & WSEBL wrapped up the 2009 summer season with three fantastic Championship Games Sunday everning at JH Morgan Gym. The Summer Hill Blue Devils fought off a hard-nosed Dalton Wholesale squad to win the City Conference B-League title, while OBG avenged its only loss of the season, with a solid win over Reinhardt, to capture its first WSEBL crown. In the Metro Conference A-League Championship Game, Marietta proved to be the strongest in the end, with an exciting win over perennial powerhouse, ServPro of Rome. Game summaries and comments are below...

Sun., Aug. 23rd @ Cartersville - Championship Day!

City B-League Finals:
Henderson pilots Summer Hill to the Championship...
E#2 Summer Hill 107 vs W#2 Dalton 99 -

WSEBL Women's Finals:
Klontz & Hetzel Head Up OBG's Total Team Effort...
#2 OBG 67 vs. #1 Reinhardt 65 -

Metro A-League Finals:
'King George' & Marietta Outlaw Stake Claim to the Kingdom...
N#3 Marietta Outlaw 101 vs. N#1 ServPro-1 99


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  SERBIA   


Team Serbia on 'Acropolis Cup' in Athens - by Dragan Jankovski
Serbian National team will participate on the strong 'Acropolis Cup', which starts today in Athens. Few days ago Serbia demonstrated wonderful performance beating Greece 83-82 at their home court. It was Ivan Paunic (194-G-87) and also Milenko Tepic (198-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) who shined in that game. However, Greece will be looking for revenge and it is for sure 'Acropolis Cup'. Four teams will participate there and except of Serbia and Greece, there also will be Lithuania and Russia.

So far Serbia played four games. In the first one they failed against Germany and after that registered three consecutive wins. First was against the Germans, second vs Latvia and the last one against Greece. So the head coach of NT Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket ) has a reason to be satisfied as the shape is pumping up.

'Games on 'Acropolis Cup' will be the last official before Poland. The result in Athens is not the main target, but we have to improve our game from day to day. Of course, our form has to be on peak for the most important time, EuroBasket in September. So I insist that all players give 100% in every single moment. Game against Greece will be difficult for sure. They will be very motivated to make a revenge for the last game and of course they will play in the front of their fans. We will play like a team and try to give our best again, says Dusan Ivkovic.

As a reminder, Serbia arrived to Greece on August 18th. Today they will meet Greece, tomorrow Latvia and on Wednesday will take on the reigning European champions - Russia. The team will return to belgrade on August 27th.

Hemofarm in Bulgaria, Swisslions against PAO this week - by Dragan Jankovski
Almost all teams in Serbia already started preparations for the next season. Some of the leading squads are heading into the second phase, where they will participate on many tournaments and play many friendly games.

Of course, Hemofarm STADA is one of those. The team from Vrsac went to Sophia where they will meet Bulgarian National Team. The first game will be played today and the second one tomorrow. As a reminder, Bulgarians prepare for the EuroBasket in Poland and they were in the same group as Serbia last summer. Hemofarm currently has 13 players in the roster: Boban Marjanovic (222-C-88, agency: Beo Basket), Pavkovic, Krstovic, Bozovic, Despotovic, Savovic, Petrovic, Katic, Sutalo, Obrenovic, Vulic, Andjusic and Tripkovic. Both games will start at 18h. The latest signing, Jerod Sievenson supposes to arrive in Vrsac today, after what he will go to medical checks.

The other team from Vrsac, Swisslions will play against the Greek and European champion Panathinaikos Athens this week. It will be as a part of tournament in Vrnjacka Banja. Except of these two teams, there also will be Napredak and Buducnost. Swisslions will again play against PAO on tournament in Vrsac. As a reminder, Swisslion was the fifth ranked team last season in Serbia. That means that they will play in Adriatic league this season. So we will have two teams from Vrsac in the regional championship, two from Belgrade and one from Zeleznik.

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  SLOVENIA   


Vujacic and Zupan left off National Team - by Zeljko Zule
The head coach of the Slovenian Basketball National Team Jurij Zdovc cut down the roster for the 2009 European Championship 16 players to 14. Miha Zupan (205-F/C-82) and NBA champion Sasha Vujacic (200-G-84) of Los Angeles Lakers - who has a minor knee injury - were not among the players selected for the roster by coach Zdovc before the tournament in Maribor.
The roster now includes Goran Dragic, Jaka Klobucar, Jaka Lakovic, Domen Lorbek, Beno Udrih, Samo Udrih, Goran Jagodnik, Bostjan Nachbar, Primoz Brezec, Jurica Golemac, Erazem Lorbek, Uros Slokar, Matjaz Smodis and Gasper Vidmar.

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  SPAIN   


Jose Maria Balmon and Eric Coleman join Breogan - by Eurobasket News
Breogan continued to work hard in the basketball market. They recently added J.M. Balmon (204-C-81) and Eric Coleman (200-C-85, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: N.Iowa) to their roster.
J.M. Balmon moved to Breogan from Manresa. The 28-year-old centre scored 1.8 points per game for the ACB team last season. In 2007-08 season J.M. Balmon played in the LEB Gold. He started the season with Palma Aqua Magica tallying 8.8 points, 4.2 boards and 1.2 steals per game. He then moved to Gijon where the centre notched 7.5 points and 3.7 boards per appearance.
Eric Coleman played in Poland in the previous season. The 24-year-old centre averaged 12.1 points, 6.9 boards and 1.2 blocks per game for Polpharma. Eric Coleman is the Northern Iowa graduate. He delivered 12.3 points, 8.8 boards and 2.0 assists per game for the Panthers in the senior college year.


Euroleague Giants Real and Caja Laboral Trade Players - by Paul Nilsen
The remainder of last seasons Caja Laboral first choice backcourt have followed Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78) out of the door after it was confirmed that both Pablo Prigioni (191-G-77) and Sergi Vidal (198-F/G-81) will both be at Vistalegre next season after being snapped up by Real Madrid. There is barely any room left in the locker rooms at the Whites who now have a phenomenally big squad with new coach Ettore Messina working with the directors to get the players in who he feels can land trophies.

The movement of Prigioni was merely confirmation of the worst kept secret in Spanish basketball, the Argentina International one of the top targets of Messina for many months. Vidal perhaps more of a surprise having spent his career in Vitoria and highlighting the desire of Dusko Ivanovic to bring a new era to the club by having a big clean out.

Both Prigioni and Vidal have signed two year deals with the option of a third year in the capital.

Part of the re-birth of Vitoria will involve Brad Oleson (191-G-83, agency: Duran International, college: Alaska-Fairb.) coming in the opposite direction from Madrid to take his place in the Caja Laboral team for the next five seasons. Oleson will be a replacement for Rakocevic in the two spot and will be hoping to repeat the stunning form he showed in Fuenlabrada last season.

Menorca ink Caio Torres - by Eurobasket News
ViveMenorca completed their roster with the addition of Caio Torres (211-C-87). The Brazilian-Spanish centre moved to Menorca from Caja Rural Melilla. There the 22-year-old centre averaged 7.6 points and 4.9 boards per game in the LEB Gold. Before joining Melilla Caio Torres spent three seasons with Estudiantes Madrid. Caio Torres started his career in Brazilian Pinheiros. The centre also played for U18 and U21 National Teams.


*****************************************************
  SWEDEN   


Saulius Dumbliauskas extends contract with Solna - by Eurobasket News
Solna Vikings kept Saulius Dumbliauskas (202-C-81, agency: Court Side, college: St.Bonaventure) in their roster. The team secured the services of the Lithuanian centre. The 28-year-old player averaged 10.0 points, 5.5 boards and 1.6 assists per game in the Basketligan last year. Saulius Dumbliauskas graduated from St. Bonaventure in 2005. He played for Rakvere and Tartu in Estonia. In 2007 the centre moved to France where he joined Chalons before opting for the contract with Jamtland in Sweden.


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


Roster of BBC Monthey for season 2009/10 is closed - by Eurobasket News
BBC Monthey closed its roster for the upcoming season. The team managed to keep eight players from 2008/09: Herman Alston (190-GG-69, college: Kean), Nicolas Porchet (188-GG-79), Zijad Kicara (199-FF-79), Coco Kashama (196-FF-81), Gino Martinez, Patrick Zwahlen (195-G/FG/F-82, college: Cleveland St. CC), Jean-Richard Volcy (202-FF-82, college: N.Michigan) and Kareem Johnson (205-CC-80, college: Cincinnati).

New faces in Monthey are Steeve Louissaint (190-GG-87), Alexandre Pidoux (185-GG-82) and Westher Molteni (200-F/GF/G-87).

Steeve Louissaint is coming from BC Boncourt. The 22-year old player can be used on positions 1 and 2. Last season he appeared 28 times in LNA averaging 5.2 ppg and 3.3 apg. In the past he was a member of U20 Switzerland.

Alexandre Pidoux arrived from Sdent BBC Nyon, where he had 3.6 ppg and 1.2 apg. In the past he also played for Cossonay and Morges Basket. He is 27-year old and can be used on 1 and 2 spots.

Third new face is Westher Molteni, who played last season for Lausanne Basket. Unfortunately, he did not get a lot of playing time collecting just 1.7 ppg and 1.6 rpg. In the past he was a member of Lugano Tigers and Vacallo Basket. Moltei is 22-year old and plays on position 3 and 4.

Head coach of the team will be Thibaut Petit (agency: LBM Management ). His assistants are Marc Overney and Benjamin Debry.

Boncourt Red Team lands Todd Peterson - by Eurobasket News
Boncourt Red Team announced signing of the American player Todd Peterson (203-FF-84, college: N.Illinois) for the upcoming season. The 25-year old player can be used on position 3, 4 and 5 and supposes to very useful next season for Boncourt. He arrives from ABA team South Chicago Ball Stars, where he had 16.4 ppg and 7 rpg last season. In 2007 he also played in one of the American leagues, this time in IBL with Kankakee County Soldiers. In this championship he had 15.7 ppg and 7.4 rpg. In 2006 Peterson graduated at the North Illinois University collecting 12.1 ppg and 5.9 rpg in his senior season. Since his freshman year, Peterson was constantly improving his numbers. He had 6.1 ppg in 2003, 7.4 ppg in 2004 and 11.3 ppg, plus 4.5 rpg as a junior.
It is important to be mentioned that he participated at the Eurobasket Summer League in Las Vegas 2009 as a part of Team Monacco.

Meanwhile BBC Nyon signed contract with Simon Amunugama (181-GG-90). The young 19-year old player can be used on 1 and 2 spots. He spent last season with Versoix Basket U20 team. With U17 Nyon he won the championship title in Switzerland in 2004. Later, he did the same with U20 Versoix Basket in 2007.

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  TOURNAMENT OF THE AMERICAS   


2009 FIBA Americas Championship starts on Wednesday in San Juan - by Eurobasket News
2009 FIBA Americas Championship is set to start on Wednesday in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Ten countries are divided in two groups. Participants of the Preliminary Group A are: Mexico, Uruguay, Canada, Virgins Islands and the host Puerto Rico. In Preliminary Group B are placed: Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Dominican Republic and Argentina.
In the opening day Virgin Island will meet Uruguay, while Mexico will take on Puerto Rico. In Group B, Dominican Republic will play against Brazil, while Venezuela will meet Argentina.
After 5 days of Preliminary Round, the last ranked teams in each pool will be eliminated. Other four teams will go to the next stage where they will meet four best teams from the other group. After that, the best ranked four will reach the Semifinals.
Two years ago, on 2007 FIBA Americas Championship, Team USA was the champion. In the final game USA smashed Argentina 118-81. LeBron James (203-F-84) was a game her for his country with 31 points. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) netted 23 points for Argentina.
In the battle for Bronze, Puerto Rico outsmarted Brazil 111-107. The MVP of the tournament was Luis Scola.
As a reminder, few days ago some of the above mentioned teams participated at the 'Marchand Cup', also in San Juan. Brazil demonstrated the best performance there, while Argentina was winless in three games. Puerto Rico had two and Canada one win.

FIBA AMERICAS TEAMS Quick look - by Eurobasket
Virgin Islands
Population: 109,825 (July 2009 est.) ranked 191 in the world.
FIBA RANK: 36
Last time in Tourney: After an opening game lost to Kobe Bryant and Team USA, the Virgin Islands played in three spirited games but came up.
Interesting Fact: The Virgin Islands has played in four of the five Tournament of Americas played in this decade.

URUGUAY
Population: 3,494,382
FIBA RANK: 28
Impact Players: Former Atlanta Hawk 6-foot-10 post Esteban Batista was the best rebounder (12.4) during the 2007 ToAs that was held in Las Vegas. Martn Osimani is a heady point guard but will miss the tourney with an injury and Mauricio Aguiar is a scorer. Uruguay has beaten Mexico twice in three warm up games. The last game was stopped as both team ended up in a brawl. Leandro Garca Morales was their leading scorer in the warm ups.
Last Time We Met: August 25th, 2001. The US Virgin Islands knocked off Uruguay, 113-91, behind 26 points from Marcus Oliver and 25 points from Jameel Heywood.
Interesting Fact: American Reque Newsome has gone through the naturalization process and became a Uruguayan citizen. Newsome has lived in Uruguay for three years and is married to a Uruguayan.

PUERTO RICO
Population: 3,971,020
FIBA RANK: 11
Impact Players: Carlos Arroyo is still a key player along with Larry Ayuso while new faces like Jesse Pellot-Rosa, Angel (AD) Vassallo and Guillermo Diaz will bring presence on both sides of the ball. Jorge Bryan Diaz will suit up for Puerto Rico making history as someone with no ties to the land playing for the national team. Diaz was born in Spain but grew up in Puerto Rico.
Last Time We Met: Puerto Rico defeated the Virgin Islands, 87-70, in the 2008 CentroBasket Gold Medal game.
Interesting Fact: Jason Edwin scored a three pointer with no time left to give the Virgin Islands a win over Puerto Rico, 85-84, in the semifinals of the Centrobasket Tournament (July 8, 2006). Since that win, Puerto Rico has won the next two games. Puerto Rico defeated the U.S. Virgin Islands 62-57 in the Pan Am Games and 87-70 at the 2008 CentroBasket.

CANADA
Population: 33,487,208
FIBA RANK: 19
Impact Players: Veterans Carl English (Tau Ceramica) and NBAs Joel Anthony (Miami Heat) will lead Canadas attack. Levon Kendall (Panionios griego), Jesse Young (Murcia-ACB) and Phil Martin ( Lega Basket A with Banco Sardegna) are all experienced. Team Canada has a solid nucleus of talented guys that have been working hard and played together for several years. Canada will be a tough out.
Last Time We Met: Canada defeated the Virgin Islands, 93-83, behind a 30-13 second quarter score at the 2007 ToAs.
Interesting Fact: The Virgin Islands has won one game in the last three meetings with Canada.

MEXICO
Population: 111,211,789
FIBA RANK: 29
Impact Players: NBA players Eduardo Najera (New Jersey Nets) and Earl Watson (Indiana Pacers) did not get permission to play with Mexico. Mexico will rely on the ultra athletic Romel Beck who had a brief stay with the San Antonio Spurs. Beck led Mexico to a COCABA gold medal after averaging 31.5 points, Lorenzo Matta (UCLA) and center Gustavo Ayn (Fuenlabrada ACB) will help Beck.
Last Time We Met: Mexico defeated the Virgin Islands, 74-71, in 2008 Centro Basket. The loss did not damper the Virgin Islands hopes of advancing to the medal round where they took home a silver medal.
Interesting Fact: The Mexican team is trying to qualify for their first FIBA World Championship since 1974.

Group B

ARGENTINA
Population: 40,913,584
FIBA RANK: 1
Impact Players: Despite not having the usual stars, Argentina will have a group of young veterans with experience in many international leagues. Luis Scola (Houston Rockets) will be key along with Paolo Quinteros, Roman Gonzalez and Federico Kammerichs. Argentina lost all three games at the 2009 Tuto Marchand Cup.
Last Time We Met: (August 21, 2001) Argentina defeated the US Virgin Islands 98-77 at the Tournament of Americas. San Antonio Spurs Manu Ginobilli had seven points and Houston Rockets Luis Scola had nine. Jameel Heywood led the Virgin Islands with 19 points.
Interesting Fact: Young point guard Juan Fernandez will travel with Argentinas National team. Fernandez is a teammate of Virgin Islander Craig Williams at Temple University.

BRAZIL
Population: 198,739,269, Brazil is the sixth most populated country in the world
FIBA RANK: 18
Impact Players: Brazil brings a dream team with NBA players like Leandrinho Barbosa (Phoenix Suns), Anderson Varejao (Cleveland Cavaliers) and soon to be San Antonio Spur Tiago Splitter.
Lethal scorers in Marcelinho Machado and Guilherme are also on the team. This powerful team has many other options in Marcelo Huertas and point guard Eduardo 'Duda' Machado. Brazil won the Tuto Marchand Cup going undefeated in three contests; however, they did the same in the 2007 edition of the event.
Last Time We Met: Brazil outlasted Virgin Islands, 93-89, behind 36 points by Leandro Barbosa at the 2007 ToAs. Cuthbert Victor led the Virgin Islands with 25 points.
Interesting Fact: Virgin Islands defeated Brazil at the Pan Am Games in 1979.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Population: 9,650,054
FIBA RANK: 31
Impact Players: NBA stars Al Horford (Atlanta Hawks), Francisco Garca (Sacramento Kings) and Charlie Villanueva (Detroit Pistons) will play together for the first time. The Dominicans swept Puerto Rico in two warm up games; led by their NBA players. Garcia was the leading scorer in both games for DR with 20.5 points, followed by Villanueva (15.5) and Horford (14.5).
Last Time We Met: Virgin Islands have defeated DR in four of their last five meetings. The last win came during the 2008 CentroBasket, 83-74, Kevin Sheppard tallied 25 points, and Cuthbert Victor and Jason Edwin added 22 points each.
Interesting Fact: The Dominican fans are calling this contingent of players Dream Team. However, they did the same last summer.

PANAMA
Population: 3,360,474
FIBA RANK: 30
Impact Players: Michel Hicks, Jair Peralta, and Ruben Garces (Providence) are the players expected to lead Panamas attack. Panama came in third at the 2009 COCABA Championships that was held in Mexico two weeks ago. Despite winning the bronze medal Panama missed out on a spot to qualify for the 2010 CentroBasket. Former Los Angeles Lakers JR Pinnock who tallied 27.0 points, 6.5 boards and 3.5 assists per game in the COCABA Tourney, recently signed a mega deal with Netanya (Israel) is a key player.
Last Time We Met: The Virgin Islands lost to Panama twice at the 2006 Centro Basket. Panama won 84-77 in preliminary action and 73-59 in the gold medal game. The tournament was held in Panama.
Interesting Fact: Panama got a special invite to FIBA Americas after Cuba bowed out. The Panamanian Basketball federation received $14,300 from Panamas Olympic committee.

VENEZUELA
Population: 26,814,843
FIBA RANK: 22
Impact Players: Greivis Vsquez (Maryland Terrapins) and Hector Pepito Romero (Snaidero Udine-Lega Basket, Italy) will do most of the work. Former Houston Rocket Oscar Torres still has something left in the tank. Torres played for Russian Powerhouse CSKA Moscow last season. Virgin Islander David Vanterpool is the assistant coach at CSKA.
Last Time We Met: Venezuela defeated Virgin Islands, 100-90, in the last round of action in Group B. Venezuela used a strong third frame to eliminate the Virgin Islands from the tournament. Hector Romero led Venezuela with 29 points and 10 boards and Greivis Vasquez added 18 points and 10 assists for the winners.
Interesting Fact: Venezuela has beaten the Virgin Islands in three straight meetings since 2001.


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  TURKEY   


Oyak Renault inks big guy Josh Heytvelt - by Baha Kurtulus
Oyak Renault Bursa added last import player for 2009-2010 season . It is big guy Josh Heytvelt (211-F-86).
He has averaged 14.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, shooting 54 percent from the floor. Unusual for a big man, he's made 41 percent of his 3-point attempts (23-of-56).
Heytvelt is Gonzaga's major inside force, even though he is not a natural post-up center.
Heytvelt will be started his professional career at Oyak Renault Bursa.

2005-2006: Gonzaga (NCAA): 14 games: 3.6ppg, 2.1rpg,
2006-2007: Gonzaga (NCAA, starting five): 25 games: 15.5ppg, 7.7rpg,
2007-2008: Gonzaga (NCAA): 22 games: 10.3ppg, 4.9rpg,
2008-2009: Gonzaga (NCAA, starting five): 34 games: 14.9ppg, 6.5rpg,


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


FIBA AMERICAS TEAMS Quick look - by David Edole
Virgin Islands
Population: 109,825 (July 2009 est.) ranked 191 in the world.
FIBA RANK: 36
Last time in Tourney: After an opening game lost to Kobe Bryant and Team USA, the Virgin Islands played in three spirited games but came up.
Interesting Fact: The Virgin Islands has played in four of the five Tournament of Americas played in this decade.

URUGUAY
Population: 3,494,382
FIBA RANK: 28
Impact Players: Former Atlanta Hawk 6-foot-10 post Esteban Batista was the best rebounder (12.4) during the 2007 ToAs that was held in Las Vegas. Martn Osimani is a heady point guard but will miss the tourney with an injury and Mauricio Aguiar is a scorer. Uruguay has beaten Mexico twice in three warm up games. The last game was stopped as both team ended up in a brawl. Leandro Garca Morales was their leading scorer in the warm ups.
Last Time We Met: August 25th, 2001. The US Virgin Islands knocked off Uruguay, 113-91, behind 26 points from Marcus Oliver and 25 points from Jameel Heywood.
Interesting Fact: American Reque Newsome has gone through the naturalization process and became a Uruguayan citizen. Newsome has lived in Uruguay for three years and is married to a Uruguayan.

PUERTO RICO
Population: 3,971,020
FIBA RANK: 11
Impact Players: Carlos Arroyo is still a key player along with Larry Ayuso while new faces like Jesse Pellot-Rosa, Angel (AD) Vassallo and Guillermo Diaz will bring presence on both sides of the ball. Jorge Bryan Diaz will suit up for Puerto Rico making history as someone with no ties to the land playing for the national team. Diaz was born in Spain but grew up in Puerto Rico.
Last Time We Met: Puerto Rico defeated the Virgin Islands, 87-70, in the 2008 CentroBasket Gold Medal game.
Interesting Fact: Jason Edwin scored a three pointer with no time left to give the Virgin Islands a win over Puerto Rico, 85-84, in the semifinals of the Centrobasket Tournament (July 8, 2006). Since that win, Puerto Rico has won the next two games. Puerto Rico defeated the U.S. Virgin Islands 62-57 in the Pan Am Games and 87-70 at the 2008 CentroBasket.

CANADA
Population: 33,487,208
FIBA RANK: 19
Impact Players: Veterans Carl English (Tau Ceramica) and NBAs Joel Anthony (Miami Heat) will lead Canadas attack. Levon Kendall (Panionios griego), Jesse Young (Murcia-ACB) and Phil Martin ( Lega Basket A with Banco Sardegna) are all experienced. Team Canada has a solid nucleus of talented guys that have been working hard and played together for several years. Canada will be a tough out.
Last Time We Met: Canada defeated the Virgin Islands, 93-83, behind a 30-13 second quarter score at the 2007 ToAs.
Interesting Fact: The Virgin Islands has won one game in the last three meetings with Canada.

MEXICO
Population: 111,211,789
FIBA RANK: 29
Impact Players: NBA players Eduardo Najera (New Jersey Nets) and Earl Watson (Indiana Pacers) did not get permission to play with Mexico. Mexico will rely on the ultra athletic Romel Beck who had a brief stay with the San Antonio Spurs. Beck led Mexico to a COCABA gold medal after averaging 31.5 points, Lorenzo Matta (UCLA) and center Gustavo Ayn (Fuenlabrada ACB) will help Beck.
Last Time We Met: Mexico defeated the Virgin Islands, 74-71, in 2008 Centro Basket. The loss did not damper the Virgin Islands hopes of advancing to the medal round where they took home a silver medal.
Interesting Fact: The Mexican team is trying to qualify for their first FIBA World Championship since 1974.

Group B

ARGENTINA
Population: 40,913,584
FIBA RANK: 1
Impact Players: Despite not having the usual stars, Argentina will have a group of young veterans with experience in many international leagues. Luis Scola (Houston Rockets) will be key along with Paolo Quinteros, Roman Gonzalez and Federico Kammerichs. Argentina lost all three games at the 2009 Tuto Marchand Cup.
Last Time We Met: (August 21, 2001) Argentina defeated the US Virgin Islands 98-77 at the Tournament of Americas. San Antonio Spurs Manu Ginobilli had seven points and Houston Rockets Luis Scola had nine. Jameel Heywood led the Virgin Islands with 19 points.
Interesting Fact: Young point guard Juan Fernandez will travel with Argentinas National team. Fernandez is a teammate of Virgin Islander Craig Williams at Temple University.

BRAZIL
Population: 198,739,269, Brazil is the sixth most populated country in the world
FIBA RANK: 18
Impact Players: Brazil brings a dream team with NBA players like Leandrinho Barbosa (Phoenix Suns), Anderson Varejao (Cleveland Cavaliers) and soon to be San Antonio Spur Tiago Splitter.
Lethal scorers in Marcelinho Machado and Guilherme are also on the team. This powerful team has many other options in Marcelo Huertas and point guard Eduardo 'Duda' Machado. Brazil won the Tuto Marchand Cup going undefeated in three contests; however, they did the same in the 2007 edition of the event.
Last Time We Met: Brazil outlasted Virgin Islands, 93-89, behind 36 points by Leandro Barbosa at the 2007 ToAs. Cuthbert Victor led the Virgin Islands with 25 points.
Interesting Fact: Virgin Islands defeated Brazil at the Pan Am Games in 1979.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Population: 9,650,054
FIBA RANK: 31
Impact Players: NBA stars Al Horford (Atlanta Hawks), Francisco Garca (Sacramento Kings) and Charlie Villanueva (Detroit Pistons) will play together for the first time. The Dominicans swept Puerto Rico in two warm up games; led by their NBA players. Garcia was the leading scorer in both games for DR with 20.5 points, followed by Villanueva (15.5) and Horford (14.5).
Last Time We Met: Virgin Islands have defeated DR in four of their last five meetings. The last win came during the 2008 CentroBasket, 83-74, Kevin Sheppard tallied 25 points, and Cuthbert Victor and Jason Edwin added 22 points each.
Interesting Fact: The Dominican fans are calling this contingent of players Dream Team. However, they did the same last summer.

PANAMA
Population: 3,360,474
FIBA RANK: 30
Impact Players: Michel Hicks, Jair Peralta, and Ruben Garces (Providence) are the players expected to lead Panamas attack. Panama came in third at the 2009 COCABA Championships that was held in Mexico two weeks ago. Despite winning the bronze medal Panama missed out on a spot to qualify for the 2010 CentroBasket. Former Los Angeles Lakers JR Pinnock who tallied 27.0 points, 6.5 boards and 3.5 assists per game in the COCABA Tourney, recently signed a mega deal with Netanya (Israel) is a key player.
Last Time We Met: The Virgin Islands lost to Panama twice at the 2006 Centro Basket. Panama won 84-77 in preliminary action and 73-59 in the gold medal game. The tournament was held in Panama.
Interesting Fact: Panama got a special invite to FIBA Americas after Cuba bowed out. The Panamanian Basketball federation received $14,300 from Panamas Olympic committee.

VENEZUELA
Population: 26,814,843
FIBA RANK: 22
Impact Players: Greivis Vsquez (Maryland Terrapins) and Hector Pepito Romero (Snaidero Udine-Lega Basket, Italy) will do most of the work. Former Houston Rocket Oscar Torres still has something left in the tank. Torres played for Russian Powerhouse CSKA Moscow last season. Virgin Islander David Vanterpool is the assistant coach at CSKA.
Last Time We Met: Venezuela defeated Virgin Islands, 100-90, in the last round of action in Group B. Venezuela used a strong third frame to eliminate the Virgin Islands from the tournament. Hector Romero led Venezuela with 29 points and 10 boards and Greivis Vasquez added 18 points and 10 assists for the winners.
Interesting Fact: Venezuela has beaten the Virgin Islands in three straight meetings since 2001.


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  UNITED KINGDOM   


Essex Boys Bank On Dodd - by Andy Webb
Essex Pirates have added to their frontcourt for the forthcoming 2009/10 BBL season with the signing of 6ft 11in Kyle Dodd.

The former Great Britain U20 player arrives in Southend having recently graduated from Eastern Michigan and head coach Tim Lewis cant wait to start working with his new recruit.

We are very happy to have signed Kyle as he is a player that I have admired for some time. He is a fantastic prospect with a host of attributes that we feel will be a great fit for what we are trying to build.

He is really athletic, rebounds pretty well, plays long and can block shots. He has a real upside to his game.

After three years in the NCAA playing pro-basketball will give him a new challenge and he is the kind of kid that will thrive on that.

I am comfortable that we can help him realise his potential and I cant wait to start working with him.

Having now signed two young players, Lewis also took the opportunity to underline the strategy for Essex moving forward claiming he isnt willing to compromise on his ethos of building a team with British or European players.

We are committed to recruiting hungry young British or European players and while we will try to add experience where necessary, it isnt easy to do that with limited budgets.

Signing up an experienced British player comes at a cost and in year one of any franchise you have to be mindful of that.

I just dont see the situation where we will be bringing in American imports for the sake of it. I am really confident that in time, we can get a balanced group of guys playing fun basketball that can take us forward.




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Women News

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  AUSTRIA - Women  


Standings - AWBL
AWBL Standings
 1. WBC Kraftwerk 0-0 
 2. UBBC 0-0 
 3. Jocher's D. 0-0 
 4. Fl.Foxes 0-0 
 5. Graz 0-0 
 6. Vienna 87 0-0 
 7. Union Kuenring 0-0 


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  BELGIUM - Women  


BBC Boom lose to Dunkerque in friendly - by Eurobasket News
BBC Boom played the exhibition game against French opponents Dunkerque in the preparations for the upcoming season. BBC Boom looked solid but had to surrender 61:66 at the end. The Belgian team missed their key player Corina Arts (184-CC-76) in this one but still got to impressive start. They led by 5 points after ten minutes of action. The gap grew at 8 points at halftime 39:31. But Dunkerque stepped on the gas in the second half and ran away to a 5-point win.
Ilse Van den Vonder (174-FF-80) knocked down 10 points to pace BBC Boom. Melissa Van Breedam (172-GG-85) and Virginie Michiels (180-FF-87) added 9 points apiece in the losing effort.


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  COLOMBIA - Women  


D1 Standing
D1 Standings
 1. Antioquia 0-0 
 2. Valle 0-0 
 3. San Andres B. 0-0 
 4. Cundimarca 0-0 
 5. Santander 0-0 
 6. Choco 0-0 
 7. Bogota 0-0 
 8. Sanandres S. 0-0 


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  DENMARK - Women  


Falcon land Chelsea Lutha - by Eurobasket News
Falcon boosted their roster with addition of one of the best players of the previous season Chelsea Lutha (F).
Chelsea Lutha played for Vaerlose in the previous season. The US forward was among the top scorers in the league. She averaged 19.3 points, 6.4 boards and 1.8 assists per game for Vaerlose. Chelsea Lutha was chosen to take part at the Dameligaen All-Star Game in 2008.


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  FRANCE - Women  


Laima Rickeviciute joins Limoges - by Eurobasket News
Limoges recruited Laima Rickeviciute (188-F-88) for the upcoming season. The French team agreed on terms of one-year deal with the Lithuanian player. The 21-year-old Lithuanian international is expected to arrive in Limoges on August 26. The power forward played for Arvi Marijampole in the previous season. Laima Rickeviciute scored 7.8 points, grabbed 5.5 boards and made 1.3 steals per game in the LMKL. In EuroCup her stats came up to 8.1 points, 4.6 boards per appearance. Laima Rickeviciute also delivered 7.5 points and 5.6 boards in the BWBL.


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  IRELAND - Women  


SL CUP DRAWS - by Jolie Niland
12th Aug 2009

The Superleague National Cup draws was made at the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel on Saturday and is as follows:

SuperLeague National Cup Draw (Mens)

Round Two
Weekend November 15
UCD/Marian v Tralee Tigers
UCC Demons v DCU Saints
Moycullen v HOOPS

Quarter Final
Weekend December 16
Killester v UL Eagles
UCD/Marian v Tralee Tigers/Ulster Elks
UCC Demons/DCU Saints v Belfast Star
Moycullen/HOOPS v Neptune

SuperLeague National Cup Draw (Womens)

To view this story please visit our website by clicking here: www.basketballireland.ie

INTERNATIONAL PREVIEW - by Jolie Niland
The National Basketball Arena plays host to two big European qualifiers this Saturday with the senior women continuing their assault at home to Switzerland, while the men take on Luxembourg.

Irelands senior women return to European action after a morale boosting win away to Slovenia midweek.

The 82-66 success over Slovenia has revived their European hopes with Switzerland set to provide the latest test this Saturday.

To view this story please visit our website by clicking here: www.basketballireland.ie

BI SENIOR, U-20 & U-18 NATIONAL CUP DRAWS 2009-10 - by Jolie Niland
The Basketball Ireland Senior National Cup draw was made at the National Basketball Arena on Saturday and is as follows:

BI Senior National Cup Draw (Mens)

Round One
Weekend October 25
AOL Broadband Waterford v St. Vincents
Titans v Killester
Tolka Rovers v Belfast Tropics
North Star v Lisburn City
Blue Demons v Malahide
Donegal Town v UCD Marian

Round Two
Weekend November 15
St. Pauls v AOL Broadband Waterford/St. Vincents
Sligo All-Stars v St. Brendans
St. Marys v Titans/Killester
Ballon v Tolka Rovers v Belfast Tropics
PV Falcons v North Star/Lisburn City
Queens v Blue Demons/Malahide
Ballina v Portlaoise
Maree v Donegal Town/UCD Marian

To view this story please visit our website by clicking here: www.basketballireland.ie

INTERNATIONAL PREVIEW - by Jolie Niland
Irelands international sides return to European action tomorrow (Wednesday) with the women set for Slovenia, while the men face a difficult test in Georgia.

Irelands senior women will be looking to re-ignite their European qualification hopes when they take on a tricky test in the shape of Slovenia.

The girls in green suffered a heartbreaking 70-67 loss at home to much fancied Montenegro on Saturday despite leading by 16 points at one stage during the contest.

Their preparations for Slovenia havent been helped by the loss of Ann Marie Healy through illness but Head Coach Mark Scannall is confident his side can repeat the win they enjoyed over Slovenia (67-59) in 2008.

To view this story please visit our website by clicking here: www.basketballireland.ie

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  ISRAEL - Women  


Holon signed Rashanda MecCants !! - by Gil Goshen


. Rashanda McCants (22, 6'1), a UNC graduate , completes Holon's foreigner roster. She joins Tamara Runsburg & Angela Tisdale, as well as Israelis Bat El Lazmi, Inbar Orion & Revital Carmon.

She was selected 15th overall by the Lynx in the 09' WNBA draft. She is currently averaging 3.9 points and 1.8 rebounds in 13.5 minutes per game. McCants is an athletic forward who was one of the key players for the UNC in the last couple of years. last season she averaged 14.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Tal Natan holon coach thinks that Rashanda will contribute to the team with all the game aspects.
She joins a long line of UNC to play in Israel recently (Pringle, Latta, Little, Bell, Atkinson).


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  JAMAICA - Women  


WBA tournament gets under in Jamaica - by Eurobasket News
The Western Basketball Association championship tipped off during the weekend in Jamaica. The defending champions Unique Ballers got to a victorious start of their campaign. They cruised past the Pacers 60:19 to take the lead in the tournament.
The Unique Ballers grabbed an 8:3 lead after a low-scoring first quarter but opened the second frame with 10 unanswered points to clear off for good. The reigning champs built a 24:9 lead at halftime and arrived at the final break up by 30 points 43:13. They never looked back en route to the comfortable win. Tracey-Ann Kelly knocked down 16 points and pulled down 8 boards for the winners. Kashika Brown and Zondira Dell added 15 points each for the Unique Ballers. Danielle Ellis responded with 10 points and 9 boards in the loss.
The championship feature five teams including two-time champions Lady Avalanche. The action will resume next weekend.


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  LITHUANIA - Women  


Laima Rickeviciute joins Limoges - by Eurobasket News
Limoges recruited Laima Rickeviciute (188-F-88) for the upcoming season. The French team agreed on terms of one-year deal with the Lithuanian player. The 21-year-old Lithuanian international is expected to arrive in Limoges on August 26. The power forward played for Arvi Marijampole in the previous season. Laima Rickeviciute scored 7.8 points, grabbed 5.5 boards and made 1.3 steals per game in the LMKL. In EuroCup her stats came up to 8.1 points, 4.6 boards per appearance. Laima Rickeviciute also delivered 7.5 points and 5.6 boards in the BWBL.


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  NEW ZEALAND - Women  


New Zealand Womens National Basketball Championships - by Mike Lacey
The NZWNBC concluded in Wellington at the weekend with defending champions North Harbour Breeze successfully defending their title despite losing the opening game of the tournament to the Taranaki Trojans

The preceding rounds in Auckland and Dunedin determined the seeding for the Wellington tournament. The top four teams, North Harbour Breeze, Taranaki Trojans, Canterbury Wildcats Wildcats and Otago Breakers Gold Rush competed for the Championship title whilst the remaining six teams battled it out for the Plate title.

The Breeze beat Canterbury Wildcats 73-65 and Otago Breakers overcame Taranaki 63-50 in the semi finals to set up a north versus south clash in the final.

Harbour started strongly and led by double figures midway through the opening quarter but Otago Breakers, with Suzie Bates making a couple of threes reduced the deficit to just a single point at quarter time (18-17). Early in the second stanza Otago Breakers led by 5 points however, the Breeze boasting a number of former internationals turned up the defensive intensity and took a 49-28 lead into the half time break.
The Breeze maintained the pressure in the third period and with the interior presence of Karlene Kingi starting to tell finished the third period with a 28 points buffer, eventually winning 80-53. Kingi finished with a game high 22 points whilst tournament MVP Charmian Purcell had a double double of 21 points and 10 rebounds.

The result was a fitting climax for coach Brett Goebel and a number of his senior players who may not return for another campaign next year. They leave having won three consecutive championships and an impressive 58 wins, 2 loss record over the past four years.

The Plate Final was contested by the two Waikato teams the Wizards and the Cougars with the Wizards led by Leanne Walker prevailing 73-65 over their local rivals.

A number of the players on show in this tournament now head into the NZ Tall Ferns training camp to prepare for the FIBA Oceania Championships against Australia being held at the end of this month.

SEMI FINALS
North Harbour Breeze 72; Charmian Purcell 23, Karlene Kingi 12
Canterbury Wildcats 51; Megan Shea 14, Georgina Richards 10
Otago Breakers Gold Rush 63; Suzie Bates 25, Janet Main 11
Taranaki Trojans 50; Zoe Kensington 9

FINAL
North Harbour Breeze 80; Karlene Kingi 22, Charmian Purcell 21, Chanel Pompallier12
Otago Breakers Gold Rush 53; Suzie Bates 14, Elise Cassidy 13, Samara Gallaher 11

PLATE FINAL
Waikato Wizards 73; Miriam Slatter 21, Leanne Walker 19
Waikato Cougars 65; Moengaroa Subritzki 19, Letava Whippy 18

7th/8th CLASSIFICATION
Wellington Swish 88; Molly McCullum 19, Renea Leota 17
NZ Academy 83; Jelena Vucinic 24, Milika Nathan 14, Anna Lacey 14

9th/10th CLASSIFICATION
Greater Auckland (GABBA) 72; Stevie Theyers 24, Adoniah Lewis 13
Hutt Valley 53; Mariana Cowan 14, Iva Filipo 10,


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  NIGERIA - Women  


NBBF/Zenith Bank WPL - Delta, First Deepwater in battle royal - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Delta Force basketball club of Asaba will back on home fans and mother luck to outwit First Deepwater basketball club of Lagos when both sides clash on Tuesday in the Day-5 of the second phase of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, (NBBF) organised Zenith Bank Women Premier League holding in Asaba, Delta State capital.

Asaba fans will expect nothing less from the two sides that are yet to taste defeat in the Asaba-leg of the league.

First Deepwater coached by the duo of Lateef Erinfolami and Shola Ogunade boast of impressive record which has seen them maintain their second spot behind reigning champion, First Bank basketball club of Lagos will want to consolidate on their unbeaten run in the league.

The game comes up at 08.00 hour; the second game of the day will see Dolphin basketball club of Lagos take to the floor against Sunshine Angels basketball club of Akure at 10.00 hour.

The Wale Aboderin Lagos-based Dolphin who survived Delta Force last Sunday must at their best to wade off stiff challenge from the Coaches Andrew Isokpehi and Sola Aluko tutored Akure, Ondo-based Angels.

Nigeria Immigration basketball club of Kano and F.C.T Angels basketball club of Abuja will slug it out at noon in a game that will put either side in winning ways as both sides are yet to record a win in the phase since it dunked-off last Thursday.

Border ladies, Nigeria Customs Service basketball club of Lagos will play the game of their lives as they engage First Bank basketball club of Lagos.

The Coach Scott Nnaji tutored ladies who are without some of their experience players such as Bola Solaja, Idowu Badejo will have their star to thank if they escape being beaten thoroughly by the Elephant Girls who had a walk-over against Immigration in its Day-one rescheduled game.

The last game of the day is between Plateau Rocks basketball club of Jos and Adolescent Health and Information Project (AHIP) Queens basketball club of Kano at 16.00 hour.

Day-3 (Saturday 22/-8/09) Results:
Nigeria Customs 66-47 Nigeria Immigration

First Bank 122-43 F.C.T Angels

AHIP Queens 42-50 Sunshine Angels

Dolphin 61-70 First Deepwater

Plateau Rocks 48-74 Delta Force

Day-4 (Sunday 23/08/09) Results:

First Bank 86-45 AHIP Queens

Sunshine Angels 70-58 Nigeria Customs

F.C.T Angels 55-57 Plateau Rocks

Dolphin 65-63 Delta Force

Nigeria Immigration 35-103 First Deepwater

Rescheduled Day-1 Results:

Delta Force 92-53 F.C.T Angels

First Bank 20-0 Nigeria Immigration (W/O)

Day-6 (Tuesday 25/08/09) Pairing:

Delta Force Vs First Deepwater 08.00 Hours

Dolphin Vs Sunshine Angels 10.00 Hours

Nigeria Immigration Vs F.C.T Angels 12.00 Hours

Nigeria Customs Vs First Bank 14.00 Hours

Plateau Rocks Vs AHIP Queens 16.00 Hours

Day-7 (Wednesday 26/08/09) Pairing:

AHIP Queens Vs Nigeria Immigration 08.00 Hours

First Bank Vs First Deepwater 10.00 Hours

Sunshine Angels Vs Delta Force 12.00 Hours

Plateau Rocks Vs Nigeria Customs 14.00 Hours
F.C.T Angels Vs Dolphin 16.00 Hours

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  NORWAY - Women  


Kvinneligaen - some news from Gimle - by Kaare Vangen
New coaches for the womens team are Greg Knudson (198-F-71, college: Montana-Western) and Peter Bullock (198-F-82, college: Alaska-Anch.). Knudson will get his debut as coach at this level but his ambitions leave no doubt only gold is good enough.

Birte Hegrenaes returns to Gimle, Amanda Gran comes from Hop and Maren Mikkelsen will replace Karoline Fadnes (170-GG-92) who leaves for studies and play in Oslo. Sigrun Eskeland (83) will play the last part of the season and will bring a lot of experience to the team. No one should be surprised if an import comes as well.


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  PUERTO RICO - Women  


The Conquistadoras keep winning, while Tigresas routs Cabo Rojo - by Raul Colon
The Conquistadoras of Guaynabo equal its record to 3 wins with an easy 81-65 victory over the Warriors of San Juan. One night after they surprised the Montaeras de Morovis in one of the most exciting games so far in the young season, the Conquerors were at it again.
Mercedes Colon scored 25 points while Janee Hayes (186-F, college: Duke) had another double-double with 15 points and 11 boards to help Guaynabo. Shantrell Moss (175-G-85) contributed 12 in the triumph.
For the Warriors, Rashida Suber (173-G-85, college: Coppin St.) was most outstanding with 19. The big Center, Whitney Cunningham (191-C-87, college: Coppin St.) had 14. Crystal Bellinger (173-G-85, college: Rhode Island) chipped in with10 in lost cause.

In the other encounter of the night, the Aguas Buenas Tigresas dominated early and then held various advances to defeat the Tourists of Cabo Rojo 87-79.
The Tigresas took an early first half lead and held for dear life in the end. Although the Tourists tried to cut the breach of 12 points with several short advances in the second stanza, these never managed to approach them to more than 7.
Korreb Merchant and Amber Bland (180-G-86, college: N.Carolina A&T) led to the balanced attack for the Tigers. Merchant had 18 points while capturing 7 rebounds. Bland added 22.
Jeannie Saunders (173-G-86, college: Salem Intern.) was the sole bring spot for the Turistas with 29 points, 11 boards and 6 assists.


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  WNBA - Women  


Standings
WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Indiana F. 19-7 
 2. Connect. S. 14-11 
 3. Atlanta D. 14-12 
 4. Chicago S. 13-14 
 5. Washingt. M. 12-14 
 6. Detroit S. 11-14 
 7. New York L. 10-16 
Western
 1. Phoenix M. 18-8 
 2. Seattle S. 15-11 
 3. L.Angeles S. 12-13 
 4. S.Antonio SS 11-15 
 5. Minnesota L. 11-16 
 6. Sacram. M. 9-18 


Last games (3) - Sparks, Liberty and Shock celebrate - by Eurobasket News
L.Angeles S. - Atlanta D. 91-87
The LA Sparks had Iziane Castro (6'0'-G/F-82) and Angel McCoughtry (6'1'-F-86, college: Louisville) in a game mood last night with 26 and 23 points respectively, while Atlanta had only Candace Parker on fire - 23 points and 8 rebounds. The winners also got 13 points and 9 boards from Erika DeSouza (6'6'-C-82), plus 10 pts from Ivory Latta (5'6'-G-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: N.Carolina). With this win, the Sparks jumped to 12-13 record. The Dream fell to 14-12.

Minnesota L. - New York L. 67-80
10-16 for the Liberty and 11-16 for the Lynx after this game. The winning squad got 24 points from Shameka Christon (6'1'-G/F-82, college: Arkansas), while Cathrine Kraayeveld (6'4'-F-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Oregon) followed with 18. Minnesota had Nicky Anosike (6'4'-C-86, college: Tennessee) with 18 pts and 6 boards.

S.Antonio SS - Detroit S. 84-99
The Detroit Shock drained 99 points against the Silver Stars last night, what was way more than enough for comfortable win. Katie Smith (5'11'-G-74, college: Ohio St.) was on fire pacing her team with 31 pts. Alexis Hornbuckle (5'11'-G-85, college: Tennessee) helped with 14. The Silver Stars got 19 points and 5 boards from Sophia Young (6'1'-F-83, college: Baylor). Shock 11-14, Silver Stars 11-15.