Eurobasket Daily News Report: 10/30/2020 11:00:55 PM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 10/30/2020 11:00:55 PM

Copyright @copy; 1997-2020 Eurobasket
WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site!
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the report, nor will you attempt to do so.
More info:www.eurobasket.com

Men News

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

ABA LEAGUE

Novak is back at Mega SoccerBet - by Eurobasket News

BC Mega SoccerBet Beograd (KLS) added to their roster 25-year old Serbian point guard Jovan Novak (188-94, agency: BeoBasket). It is actually his comeback to Beograd as he has played here before. Novak has played for the last two seasons at SYNTAINICS MBC Weissenfels in German BBL league. In 20 games he had 8.3ppg, 3.0rpg and 8.9apg (leader !!!) last season. A very impressive year as he was named to Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Bosmans Team.
Novak represented Serbia at the World University Games in Gwangju (South Korea) five years ago. His stats at that event were 8 games: 9.5ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.5apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 70.0%.
Novak has played previously professionally in Poland (PGE Turow and MKS DG) and Serbia (Metalac, KK Vojvodina Novi Sad 2nd team, Vrsac and KK Radnicki 1950 Kragujevac).
The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others Novak's team made it to the Adriatic League Supercup Final Four in 2018. He was also voted Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Bosman Player of the Year in 2019.

By Eurobasket Data Center

(via @yugobasket)

Tags : JOVAN NOVAK, BC MEGA SOCCERBET BEOGRAD, SERBIAN BASKETBALL, SERBIAN TRANSACTIONS, ABA LEAGUE

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

AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18

Rwanda to participate in U-18 Afrobasket tourneys - by Eurobasket News

Rwanda will participate in the 2020 Fiba African Under-18 Basketball Championships (U-18 Afrobasket) later this year, the local basketball governing body - Ferwaba - has announced. Egypt was confirmed as the host of the tournaments, both the men's and women's categories, last month after initial hosts Equatorial Guinea was stripped of the right to organise the showpiece over safety concerns amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. It will be the North African nation's first time to host the tournament since 2008 when they clinched the men's U-18 title after beating Angola in the final. Speaking to Times Sport in an exclusive interview, Ferwaba president Desire Mugwiza explained that, 'Rwanda ranks fourth in women's category and fifth in men's fray in Africa, and this automatically qualifies us to be part of the tournaments this year.' Rwanda put up a good showing to finish fourth at the 2018 Afrobasket U-18 finals in women's category after losing 59-46 to Angola in the third-place playoff. The tournament was held in Maputo, Mozambique. 'After the recent reopening of sports activities, our physical trainers are resuming structures to give training to the young players. When we need them for the continental competitions, they will be fit and in form to represent the country and win medals in Egypt.' The exact dates for the event, according to organisers, will be determined at a later stage but this publication understands that it could take place from December 1-10, in Cairo. Mugwiza further added, 'We have faith in the two youthful teams, and we will continue to invest in young talents for a better future of our basketball.' The beat two teams, in each gender category, will represent Africa at the 2021 Fiba U-19 Basketball World Cup.
Courtesy of: newtimes.co.rw

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

ARGENTINA

Nicolas Maffei (ex Belgrano SN) signs at Xerez - by Eurobasket News

EBA newcomer Xerez Club Deportivo landed 25-year old Argentinian point guard Nicolas Maffei (180-95). The last time (13-16) he played at Belgrano San Nicolas in Argentinian Regional League. Maffei has played there for three years.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : NICOLAS MAFFEI, XEREZ CLUB DEPORTIVO, SPANISH BASKETBALL, SPANISH TRANSACTIONS

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

ARMENIA

League A Round 3: Urartu defeat Mad Foxes - by Eurobasket News

Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Mad Foxes (3-1) in Yerevan on Tuesday night. Hosts were defeated by Urartu (5-0) 83-74. Mad Foxes trailed by 14 points after 3 quarters before a 25-20 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 74-83 at the end of the game. Urartu dominated on the defensive end, holding Mad Foxes to just 5 points in first quarter. They made 22-of-28 free shots (78.6 percent) during the game. It was a good game for American guard Logan Primerano (193-96, college: Indiana Tech) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!), 11 rebounds and 5 assists. His fellow American import forward David Bottenberg (203-97, college: SC State) contributed with 13 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. American guard Damian Archer (183-96, college: Miles) answered with 28 points, 8 assists and 4 steals for Mad Foxes. Urartu are looking forward to face Vahakni City (#4) in the next round. Mad Foxes' supporters also look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Yerevan BKMA.
Important game to mention about took place in Yerevan. Cilicia (1-3) saved a 1-point derby victory at home edging Dvin (3-2) 94-93 on Tuesday evening. American players dominated the game. It was a great evening for forward Dylan Spriggins (198-92, college: Limestone, agency: Epic Sports Consulting LLC) who led his team to a victory scoring 32 points and 9 rebounds. William Jenkins helped adding 17 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. The best for the losing side was forward Demetrius Levarity (201-96, college: Pitt St.) with 38 points (!!!). Cilicia's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Yerevan to the arena Supersonics.
Another exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Yerevan: Urartu (#1) and Erebuni (#6). Urartu (5-0) crushed visiting Erebuni (1-4) by 18 points 107-89. American players dominated also this game. It was an exceptional evening for Logan Primerano who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 36 points (!!!), 10 rebounds and 6 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Tavis-Pistol Smith came up with 24 points for Erebuni in the defeat. Urartu will meet Vahakni City (#4) in the next round. Erebuni will play against Dvin and hope to win that game.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 3: Vahakni City beat BKMA on the road 93-85. Vahakni City won against Erebuni on its own court 95-87. Supersonics unfortunately lost to Dvin in a road game 85-102.
The most impressive performance of 3rd round was 27 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists by Jamal Smith of Vahakni City.

BKMA - Vahakni City 85-93

There was a small surprise when Vahakni City (2-2) beat BKMA (0-3) in Yerevan 93-85 on Monday. The guests trailed by 7 points at the halftime before their 27-8 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. American players dominated also this game. It was an exceptional evening for guard Jamal Smith (190-97, college: Cal Poly, agency: Epic Sports Consulting LLC) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 27 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Darious Clark (193-90, college: Slippery Rock) accounted for 27 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side. Clark is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Vahakni City players scored in double figures. Center Reggie George (208-84, college: RMU) came up with a double-double by scoring 27 points and 14 rebounds and guard Kyle Kincey (193-98, college: Clayton St.) added 24 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for BKMA in the defeat. Vahakni City will meet at home Urartu in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. BKMA's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Yerevan to the arena Mad Foxes.
Top scorers:
Vahakni City: J.Smith 27+15reb+4ast, D.Clark 27+8reb+3ast, A.Tatevosyan 18+6reb+1ast, J.Watts 13+9reb+5ast, R.Whitaker 6+1reb, S.Norayr 2+1reb+2ast
BKMA: R.George 27+14reb, K.Kincey 24+9reb+4ast, J.McCoy 23+8reb+4ast, O.Tovmas 8+5reb+1ast, B.Artyom 3+4reb+4ast, D.Razmik 0

Cilicia - Dvin 94-93

Important game to mention about took place in Yerevan. Cilicia (1-3) saved a 1-point derby victory at home edging Dvin (3-2) 94-93 on Tuesday evening. Dvin cut a 13-point halftime deficit to one at the end of the game. Cilicia forced 22 Dvin turnovers. American players dominated the game. It was a great evening for forward Dylan Spriggins (198-92, college: Limestone, agency: Epic Sports Consulting LLC) who led his team to a victory scoring 32 points and 9 rebounds. Forward William Jenkins (201-96, college: Virginia Union, agency: Epic Sports Consulting LLC) helped adding 17 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. Spriggins attended previously one of camps at Eurobasket Summer League on his way to pro basketball. Four Cilicia players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was forward Demetrius Levarity (201-96, college: Pitt St.) with 38 points (!!!) and guard Jordan Watson (188-95, college: West Liberty) scored 28 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Cilicia's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Yerevan to the arena Supersonics.
Top scorers:
Cilicia: D.Spriggins 32+9reb+3ast, W.Jenkins 17+12reb+5ast, C.Robertson 13+5reb+6ast, L.Apraham 12+3reb+2ast, M.Varand 9+4reb+1ast, J.Harvey 8+6reb+2ast
Dvin: D.Levarity 38+4reb+2ast, J.Watson 28+6reb+8ast, K.Green 11+6reb+1ast, C.Burhannon 8+5reb+4ast, D.Khachatryan 6+3reb, V.Mkhitar 2+7reb+3ast

Mad Foxes - Urartu 74-83

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Mad Foxes (3-1) in Yerevan on Tuesday night. Hosts were defeated by Urartu (5-0) 83-74. Mad Foxes trailed by 14 points after 3 quarters before a 25-20 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 74-83 at the end of the game. Urartu dominated on the defensive end, holding Mad Foxes to just 5 points in first quarter. They made 22-of-28 free shots (78.6 percent) during the game. It was a good game for American guard Logan Primerano (193-96, college: Indiana Tech) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!), 11 rebounds and 5 assists. His fellow American import forward David Bottenberg (203-97, college: SC State) contributed with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Primerano is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top summer league for players who want to play basketball overseas. Four Urartu players scored in double figures. American guard Damian Archer (183-96, college: Miles) answered with 28 points, 8 assists and 4 steals and the former international forward Arkadiy Mkrtychyan (204-95, college: Idaho) added 28 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Mad Foxes. Urartu are looking forward to face Vahakni City (#4) in the next round. Mad Foxes' supporters also look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Yerevan BKMA.
Top scorers:
Urartu: L.Primerano 33+11reb+5ast, D.Bottenberg 13+11reb+2ast, G.Podkolzin 11+5reb+1ast, L.Graham 10+2reb+2ast, A.Konstantinov 8+7reb+4ast, G.Daniil 6+6reb+1ast
Mad Foxes: A.Mkrtychyan 28+9reb, D.Archer 28+4reb+8ast, M.Little 9+8reb+2ast, K.Davit 5+5reb, A.McQuaige 4+6reb, S.Narek 0+3reb

Vahakni City - Erebuni 95-87

There was a minor upset when Erebuni (1-4) lost on the road to Vahakni City (2-2) 95-87 on Wednesday. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 29-15 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Strangely Erebuni outrebounded Vahakni City 49-37 including 35 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American players dominated also this game. It was an exceptional evening for guard Darious Clark (193-90, college: Slippery Rock) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 21 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists. Forward Jason Watts (201-96, college: Lambton) accounted for 22 points and 12 rebounds (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) for the winning side. Worth to mention Clark played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped get the job in pro basketball. Four Vahakni City players scored in double figures. Forward Iwin Ellis (201-95, college: PVAMU) came up with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 25 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) and guard Tavis-Pistol Smith (190-99, college: Belm.Abbey) added 34 points (!!!), 5 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for Erebuni in the defeat. Vahakni City will meet at home Urartu in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Erebuni will play against Dvin (#3) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Vahakni City: J.Watts 22+12reb+1ast, D.Clark 21+10reb+7ast, A.Tatevosyan 20+3reb+5ast, J.Smith 16+5reb+4ast, R.Whitaker 8+4reb, B.Andrey 6+1reb+1ast
Erebuni: T.Pistol Smith 34+5reb+4ast, I.Ellis 21+25reb+1ast, E.Fuller 10+2reb+5ast, A.Vazgen 6+4reb, V.Keledjian 6+2reb+3ast, J.Taylor 5+8reb+4ast

Urartu - Erebuni 107-89

Another exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Yerevan: Urartu (#1) and Erebuni (#6). Urartu (5-0) crushed visiting Erebuni (1-4) by 18 points 107-89. The game without a history. Urartu led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American players dominated also this game. It was an exceptional evening for guard Logan Primerano (193-96, college: Indiana Tech) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 36 points (!!!), 10 rebounds and 6 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Point guard Larenzo Graham (185-94, college: Alaska) accounted for 28 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists for the winning side. Primerano is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Guard Tavis-Pistol Smith (190-99, college: Belm.Abbey) came up with 24 points and forward Jordan Taylor (198-98, college: Stockton, agency: Big Game Management Inc.) added 24 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Erebuni in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Urartu will meet Vahakni City (#4) in the next round. Erebuni will play against Dvin and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Urartu: L.Primerano 36+10reb+6ast, L.Graham 28+7reb+7ast, D.Bottenberg 14+9reb+4ast, G.Daniil 10+3reb+2ast, G.Podkolzin 7, A.Konstantinov 6+6reb+4ast
Erebuni: T.Pistol Smith 24+3reb+3ast, J.Taylor 24+5reb, E.Fuller 18+3reb, I.Ellis 10+13reb+4ast, A.Nikolay 8+5reb+1ast, V.Keledjian 5+3reb+2ast

Dvin - Supersonics 102-85

Rather predictable result when Dvin (3-2) won against at home Supersonics (1-1) 102-85 on Thursday. The game was mostly controlled by Dvin. Supersonics managed to win second period 26-25. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Dvin dominated down low during the game scoring 76 of its points in the paint compared to Supersonics' 52. They outrebounded Supersonics 51-34 including a 37-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. Americans were the main players on the court. It was an exceptional evening for forward Demetrius Levarity (201-96, college: Pitt St.) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 17 rebounds. Guard Cameron Burhannon (190-95, college: Livingstone) accounted for 26 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists for the winning side. Burhannon is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top summer league for players who want to play basketball overseas. Guard Mark Hall (193-94, college: St.Cloud St.) came up with 19 points and 5 rebounds and guard Janai Raynor-Powell (182-97, college: SC State) added 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for Supersonics in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Dvin will meet at home Erebuni (#7) in the next round. Supersonics' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Yerevan Cilicia.
Top scorers:
Dvin: C.Burhannon 26+8reb+6ast, J.Watson 23+9reb+5ast, D.Levarity 23+17reb+3ast, D.Khachatryan 15+8reb+1ast, V.Mkhitar 8+3reb, S.Andrew 3+1reb+3ast
Supersonics: M.Hall 19+5reb+1ast, S.Whitt 14+5reb, J.Raynor-Powell 13+5reb+5ast, J.Vaughan 11+4reb+2ast, F.Slater 11+5reb+3ast, J.Mauro 7+2reb

Tags : LOGAN PRIMERANO, URARTU V-BET YEREVAN, ARMENIAN BASKETBALL

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

AUSTRALIA

NBL1 West to tip off in 2021 - by Hugh McAuliffe

For immediate release, 30 October 2020.

Australia's premier winter basketball league NBL1 will take another major step in its expansion in 2021 with the establishment of NBL1 West.

The NBL has reached a landmark agreement with Basketball Western Australia to rebrand the men's and women's State Basketball League (SBL) to NBL1 West.

NBL1 West will join NBL1 South (Victoria and Tasmania), NBL1 North (Queensland) and NBL1 Central (South Australia) in an expanded conference based competition in 2021, as the NBL continues to bring basketball in Australia together.

Competing NBL1 West teams will be Cockburn Cougars, East Perth Eagles, Geraldton Buccaneers, Goldfields Giants, Joondalup Wolves, Kalamunda Eastern Suns, Lakeside Lightning, Mandurah Magic, Perry Lakes Hawks, Perth Redbacks, Rockingham Flames, South West Slammers, Warwick Senators and Willetton Tigers.

Continuing the theme of creating a connection between the conference logos and state colours, the NBL1 West logo has adopted the traditional yellow of Western Australia.

NBL Chief Operating Officer Andy Crook said: 'This is an exciting day for Australian basketball and for basketball in Western Australia with the announcement of NBL1 West. NBL1 is Australia's premier winter basketball league and we are delighted to welcome Western Australia into the family.

'NBL1 will open up stronger pathways for Western Australian players to progress to the NBL, WNBL, US college and overseas leagues. It will bring bigger audiences to basketball in Western Australia and take NBL1 to a new level.

'Western Australia becomes the fourth major state league to join NBL1 in the space of just two years. The support of Basketball Western Australia and the competing clubs is a major endorsement of the league and its direction.

'After an interrupted 2020 we can't wait to get back on the court in 2021.'

Basketball Western Australia CEO Rob Clement said: 'Basketball Western Australia has worked closely with our 14 clubs to make the decision to join the NBL1. We are very excited to be part of the NBL1 competition in 2021 and showcasing the strength of basketball in Western Australia.

'The SBL has a proud history of 40 years of providing a product that unites our basketball community and we believe that the NBL1 can help us grow this. We look forward to working closely with the other states to raise the profile of our game in Australia.'

More information on the NBL1 structure for 2021, including the NBL1 National Championship weekend, will be announced soon.

NBL1 South enjoyed a highly successful inaugural 2019 season, with over 108,000 fans attending games, every game streamed live on YouTube with over 284,000 viewers across the year and over 1.6 million views on social media videos posted by NBL1.

The 2020 NBL1 season was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Courtesy of nbl1.com.au

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

BALKAN LEAGUE

Round 1: Ibar Rozaje defeat Teodo Tivat - by Eurobasket News

The Regular Season in Balkan League just started. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Teodo Tivat on the court of Ibar Rozaje on Wednesday night. Visitors were defeated by Ibar Rozaje 82-76. Worth to mention a great performance of Serbian point guard Nemanja Simovic (192-95) who helped to win the game recording 23 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Swingman Armin Kalic (193-92) contributed with 9 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Bosnian forward Lazar Djurovic (203-97, college: Dominican, CA) answered with 20 points and 8 rebounds for Teodo Tivat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Another exciting game for Academik Plovdiv which played in Stara Zagora against Beroe. Academik Plovdiv eked out just a narrow 1-point road win over Beroe 86-85. Beroe was very close to get their first win. But it seems they have to wait a little bit longer. Croatian forward Jere Vucica (206-92, college: Miami, OH) stepped up and scored 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks for the winners and Tony Gugino chipped in 15 points and 8 rebounds. Academik Plovdiv's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. At the losing side swingman Nikolay Stoyanov (194-94) responded with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Academik Plovdiv will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Beroe will play on the road against TFT Skopje and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
One of the most interesting games of round 1 was a derby match between two teams from North Macedonia. Kumanovo won against visiting TFT Skopje 90-83. Aleksandar Andrejevic nailed a double-double by scoring 11 points and 12 rebounds for the winning side. Ty Harris came up with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for TFT Skopje in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Kumanovo will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. TFT Skopje will play against Beroe and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
One of the most interesting games of round 1 was a derby match between two teams from Montenegro. Teodo Tivat won against visiting Ibar Rozaje 85-72. Petar Kusovac fired 25 points and 5 assists for the winners. Teodo Tivat's coach used an eleven-player rotation saving starting five for next games. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

Ibar Rozaje - Teodo Tivat 82-76

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Teodo Tivat on the court of Ibar Rozaje on Wednesday night. Visitors were defeated by Ibar Rozaje 82-76. Worth to mention a great performance of Serbian point guard Nemanja Simovic (192-95) who helped to win the game recording 23 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Swingman Armin Kalic (193-92) contributed with 9 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Bosnian forward Lazar Djurovic (203-97, college: Dominican, CA) answered with 20 points and 8 rebounds and forward Petar Kusovac (195-93, college: S.Centar) added 16 points and 5 assists in the effort for Teodo Tivat. Four Teodo Tivat players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Ibar Rozaje: N.Simovic 23+5reb+5ast, A.Nurkovic 18+1ast, D.Dickson 11+5reb, A.Kalic 9+6reb+7ast, M.Cicic 8+7reb+1ast, E.Cekic 6+3reb
Teodo Tivat: L.Djurovic 20+8reb+3ast, P.Kusovac 16+2reb+5ast, A.Vuckovic 15+4reb+1ast, B.Aleksandar 11+2reb, M.Mijovic 8+2reb+5ast, V.Vucinovic 4

Beroe - Akademik P. 85-86

Another exciting game for Academik Plovdiv which played in Stara Zagora against Beroe. Academik Plovdiv eked out just a narrow 1-point road win over Beroe 86-85. Beroe was very close to get their first win. But it seems they have to wait a little bit longer. Academik Plovdiv made 17-of-17 charity shots (100 percent !!!) during the game. Strangely Beroe outrebounded Academik Plovdiv 49-35 including 18 on the offensive glass. Croatian forward Jere Vucica (206-92, college: Miami, OH) stepped up and scored 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks for the winners and American power forward Tony Gugino (207-86, college: Hillsdale) chipped in 15 points and 8 rebounds. Academik Plovdiv's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. At the losing side swingman Nikolay Stoyanov (194-94) responded with 19 points and 7 rebounds and American forward Cadarian Raines (205-90, college: Virginia Tech) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 13 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Academik Plovdiv will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Beroe will play on the road against TFT Skopje and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Akademik P.: J.Vucica 22+5reb+1ast, T.Gugino 15+8reb+1ast, V.Bachev 14+2reb+1ast, N.Nikolov 13+7reb+2ast, T.Minkov 8+4reb+1ast, A.Sekulov 6+4reb+3ast
Beroe: N.Stoyanov 19+7reb+2ast, R.Mitchell 18+5reb+3ast, C.Raines 12+13reb+3ast, K.Bishop 11+6reb+3ast, S.Iliev 9+5reb+2ast, B.Rose 6+1reb+2ast

Kumanovo - TFT Skopje 90-83

One of the most interesting games of round 1 was a derby match between two teams from North Macedonia. Kumanovo won against visiting TFT Skopje 90-83. Serbian center Aleksandar Andrejevic (212-91) nailed a double-double by scoring 11 points and 12 rebounds for the winning side and swingman Gorjan Markovski (196-92) accounted for 12 points and 6 rebounds. American guard Ty Harris (188-91, college: Columbus St.) came up with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and Australian forward Lachlan Anderson (203, college: EKU) added 20 points and 5 rebounds respectively for TFT Skopje in the defeat. Five Kumanovo and four TFT Skopje players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Kumanovo will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. TFT Skopje will play against Beroe and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kumanovo: D.Robev 15+3reb+2ast, G.Markovski 12+6reb+3ast, A.Andrejevic 11+12reb, J.Crnic 10+4reb+2ast, G.Boyanov 10+5reb+2ast, O.Dvojakovski 10+2reb+1ast
TFT Skopje: L.Anderson 20+5reb, T.Harris 17+5reb+4ast, I.Sapundziev 16+4reb, N.Strahil 10+4reb+2ast, C.Shellman 8+7reb+5ast, A.Smith 5+4reb+1ast

Round 6

Teodo Tivat - Ibar Rozaje 85-72

One of the most interesting games of round 1 was a derby match between two teams from Montenegro. Teodo Tivat won against visiting Ibar Rozaje 85-72. Teodo Tivat shot the lights out from three nailing 14 long-distance shots on high 51.9 percentage. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. Forward Petar Kusovac (195-93, college: S.Centar) fired 25 points and 5 assists for the winners. Bosnian forward Arsenije Vuckovic (204-98) chipped in 18 points. Teodo Tivat's coach used an eleven-player rotation saving starting five for next games. Swingman Armin Kalic (193-92) produced 16 points and American forward Deandre Dickson (206, college: WWU) added 14 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Teodo Tivat: P.Kusovac 25+4reb+5ast, A.Vuckovic 18+4reb, L.Djurovic 14+5reb+2ast, V.Vucinovic 7+1reb+2ast, B.Aleksandar 7+2reb+3ast, D.Bozovic 4+2reb+1ast
Ibar Rozaje: A.Kalic 16+3reb+3ast, D.Dickson 14+7reb, N.Simovic 13+3reb+3ast, E.Cekic 9+2reb, N.Felec 8+1reb+2ast, E.Huremovic 6+2reb+1ast

Tags : NEMANJA SIMOVIC, KK IBAR ROZAJE, BALKAN LEAGUE BASKETBALL

Holon inks Frederic Bourdillon - by Eurobasket News

Hapoel Holon (Winner League) agreed terms with 29-year old naturalized French guard Frederic Bourdillon (193-91). He played last season at Maccabi Playtika Tel-Aviv. But in three Winner League games he did not score anything and had only 1 rebound and 2 assists. Bourdillon also played for Rishon that season where in 12 Winner League games he recorded 7.2ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.8apg and 1.5spg. He helped them to win the league title. Bourdillon also played 6 games in Eurocup where he averaged 12.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.5apg and 1.7spg.
He represented France at the World Maccabiah Games three years ago.
Bourdillon has played previously professionally also in France (Olympique Antibes, CFBB, Chalon/Saor, Rueil and Charleville Mezieres) and Israel (Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Eilat).

By Eurobasket Data Center

(via @Be_BasketFr)

Tags : FREDERIC BOURDILLON, HAPOEL HOLON, ISRAELI BASKETBALL, ISRAELI TRANSACTIONS, BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, BALKAN LEAGUE

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

BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Gray's 39-point game gives him Interperformances Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News

31-year old shooting guard Steven Gray (196-SG-89, agency: Octagon Europe) put on an amazing game in the last round for league's best team Peristeri GS and receives a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 2.
He had the game-high 39 points adding three rebounds and seven assists for Peristeri GS in his team's victory, helping them to crush Rytas (#3, 0-1) with 18-point margin 106-88. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. It allowed Peristeri GS to consolidate first place in the Basketball Champions League. But it's just the very beginning of the season and Peristeri GS won just one (their first) game. It's too early to say anything as the standings can be changed completely after next round. In the team's last game Gray had a remarkable ten three-pointers out of 13 attempts. He has many years of experience at Peristeri GS, through which he has constantly improved. Gonzaga University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Gray is league's best scorer averaging so far 39.0ppg. Gray is in league's top in and averages solid 5.0spg,60.0% FGP and 76.9% from behind 3-point line.

Second best performed player last round was Kyle Wiltjer (208-C/F-92) of league's second-best Turk Telekom. He is Canadian in his 2nd season at Turk Telekom. In the last game Wiltjer recorded impressive 33 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. It was enough for Turk Telekom to edge H.Jerusalem (0-1) by 4 points 98-94. His team has extremely good start of the season. They won their first game. However the season is at the beginning, so everything can happen. They still may lose their high position in the standings. Wiltjer is well-known at Turk Telekom and he already established his position as one of the team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 33.0ppg (#2). His other stats are also decent: 5.0rpg and 4.0apg.

Third place about best performers goes to Jerry Boutsiele (207-C/F-94) of league's leader Limoges. Boutsiele scored 25 points and grabbed eight rebounds. He was a key player of Limoges, leading his team to a 80-75 win against #4 ranked Igokea in a game of the week. Limoges has a very good start of the season. But there was just one game played, so it's too early to judge them at this stage. Boutsiele also has a very good start of the season with very strong stats. The season just started for Boutsiele as he played only first game. But it already looks like he can be team's leader.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Tyler Larson (191-PG-91) of Bamberg - 23 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists
5. Grant Jerrett (208-C-93) of Darussafaka - 27 points and 8 rebounds
6. Marvin Jones (213-C-93) of Peristeri GS - 14 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Tashawn Thomas (203-C/F-93) of H.Jerusalem - 21 points and 7 rebounds
8. Philip Scrubb (191-G-92) of Limoges - 17 points, 3 rebounds and 11 assists
9. Chris McCullough (208-F-95) of Rytas - 22 points and 9 rebounds
10. Thomas Welsh (213-C-96) of Oostende - 16 points and 9 rebounds

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

The Player of the Week awards are presented by Interperformances. Interperformances is a full-service agency specializing in the representation of professional athletes the world-over. With more than forty-eight years of experience, INTERPERFORMANCES is well known to all professional teams and clubs. General Managers trust and rely on our opinions and recommendations.

Tags : STEVEN GRAY, PERISTERI GS ATHENS, BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BASKETBALL

Devon Hall to sign at Bamberg - by Eurobasket News

Brose Bamberg (BBL) reportedly agreed terms 25-year old American international guard Devon Hall (196-95kg-95, college: Virginia, agency: Octagon Europe). He played most recently at OKC Thunder in the NBA. But in 11 games he averaged just 1.8ppg and 1.2apg last season. Hall also played for the Thunder in NBA where in 11 games he had only 1.7ppg. The other team he played that season for was Blue in U.S. NBA-G-League. In 30 games he recorded very impressive stats: 15.6ppg, 5.7rpg and 4.1apg.
Two years ago Hall was drafted by Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA) in second round (53rd overall). The former University of Virginia star is in his third season in pro basketball. Hall was called to USA Senior National Team this year.
He has played also professionally in Australia (Cairns Taipans).
Among many awards Hall won NBA G League Midwest Division championship title in 2019. He received also ACC All-Tournament 1st Team award in 2018 at his college time.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : DEVON HALL, BROSE BAMBERG, GERMAN BASKETBALL, GERMAN TRANSACTIONS, BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Demetrius Jackson left Rytas - by Eurobasket News

26-year old American point guard Demetrius Jackson (186-88kg-94, college: Notre Dame) left BC Rytas Vilnius (LKL). In 6 games he had 13.5ppg, 3.3rpg, 5.2apg and 2.3spg this season. Good year as he was named League Player of the Week. Jackson also played 1 game in Basketball Champions League where he recorded 14 points, 6 assists and 4 steals.
The last season Jackson played at Lakers in U.S. NBA-G-League. In four games he averaged 10.0ppg, 1.0rpg and 5.5apg.
In 2016 Jackson was drafted by Boston Celtics (NBA) in second round (45th overall). The former University of Notre Dame standout is in his fifth season in pro basketball.
Jackson is quite experienced player. He has played also professionally in China (Ducks), NBA (Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers), NBA G League (Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Maine Red Claws and Delaware Blue Coats) and NBA Summer League (Portland Trail Blazers).
Jackson was voted NABC All-District 2 2nd Team back in 2016 at his college time.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : DEMETRIUS JACKSON, BC RYTAS VILNIUS, LITHUANIAN BASKETBALL, LITHUANIAN TRANSACTIONS, BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Lavoropiu Fortitudo Bologna tabs Marco Cusin - by Eurobasket News

Lavoropiu Fortitudo Bologna (Serie A) inked experienced 35-year old former international center Marco Cusin (211-109kg-85, agency: Interperformances). He played most recently at Sporting Club JuveCaserta in Serie B. However his team was relegated to Serie C. In 20 Serie A2 games he averaged 7.9ppg, 5.2rpg and 1.8apg last season.
The previous (18-19) season Cusin played at Reale Mutua Basket Torino where in 28 Serie A games he had 4.0ppg and 3.2rpg. He helped them to make it to the Supercup final. Cusin also played 8 games in Eurocup where he recorded 3.4ppg, 2.5rpg and 1.4apg.
Cusin was also a member of Italian international program for some years. He played for Italian Senior National Team between 2004 and 2017 and previously for U20 National Team between 2003 and 2005.
Cusin also represented Italy at the European Championships three years ago. His stats at that event were 7 games: 2.3ppg, 3.1rpg.
Cusin has spent his entire career in Italy playing for eight other teams: Armani Milano, Cantu, Pesaro, Trieste, Fabriano, Sassari, Ferrara and Biella.
Among many awards he received Eurobasket.com Italian SerieA All-Domestic Players Team award back in 2012.
Cusin's game is described as: Can play the 4 and the 5 positions, runs well the court, passes the ball well; has the athletic skills to become a star player in a year or two, but needs to improve defensively and to add experience and playing time;.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : MARCO CUSIN, LAVOROPIU FORTITUDO BOLOGNA, ITALIAN BASKETBALL, ITALIAN TRANSACTIONS, BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Andre Lockhart (London Lions) It's About Sacrificing To Win And Not About Starting Games But Finishing Them - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Andre Lockhart (183-PG-86, college: Queens, NC) is a 34 year old 183 cm point guard that has the Barbados/British citizenship and is a professional basketball player. He played most of his basketball career in Barbados, UK and Germany. He played the last 5 seasons in the UK with The lOndon Lions playing 151 games and will play a sixth season for them in 20-21. He played two seasons in Germany. He split the 2013-2014 season with BG Biggessee (Germany-2.Regionalliga) in Nov.'13 signed at Giants Duesseldorf (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 10 games averaging 11.4ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 34.1%, 3PT: 21.4%, FT: 55.6%, in Feb.'14 signed at Essex Leopard. He also in 2014-2015 played for BG Topstar Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 26 games: 16.8ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.5apg, 2.7spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 80.7%. He played his college career at Rust (NCAA3) and Queens NC (NCAA2). Other stops as a professional have been Sagicor Tridents (Premier League), Newcastle Eagles (United Kingdom-BBL) and Lumber Company Lakers (Premier League). He spoke to eurobasket about basketball.

Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been despite the COVID_19 crisis?

I'm currently in the UK with my family, we are just trying to stay safe and healthy as possible. My summer has been a strange one. Normally I would only take two weeks off at the end of a season then I would quickly get back to working out. The pandemic cause things in the UK to be closed longer than other countries as we've been hit hard with the virus. Players have been forced to workout on outside courts as gyms have been closed until the 25th of July. I'm just eager to get back training as this season is huge and exciting.

Our last interview is 5 years ago. Has time flown by since then and finding a second home with London?

I was born in London so it has always been home. I enjoyed traveling while I was younger to other countries, at the time was even planning on staying in Germany longer term but things didn't plan out that way and I couldn't be more grateful to the Lions Organisation for giving me the chance to realize home is where I want to be and playing the game I love with my family.

In the summer of 2015 you were coming off a season in Germany. If someone had told you then that you would play for the same team London Lions in 2020-2021 then what would you have said?

Germany I had a good season, I enjoyed it. Things didn't workout how I would of liked. Playing for London Lions everything worked out how it was supposed to and I couldn't be more pleased how they have panned out. I'm happy in London and with my club, the organization is like family. So, still being with my family couldn't be happier.

I remember the last and only interview we ever did in 2015, you were looking for a team. At that time young German Fabian Beierlein was helping you out. Do you still have contact to him and have you followed his path as an agent?

Fabian is my guy!! He is a great person and we still speak to this day. Actually spoke to him last week and we both still follow each other careers and support each other. He has grown in his career and I'm proud of him.

You will be going into your sixth season with the London Lions. How blessed do you feel to have been able to play so long for this club?

Full of energy and excitement. The pandemic has put so many things into perspective for me, I know my role with my team when my number is called I'll be ready. I feel extremely blessed to be able to play this long period, God has truly blessed me and I'm so thankful.

What has been the secret to your longevity with London Lions? You have never averaged more than 6,5ppg in a season, but still the club always wants you back.

Not much of a secret, I'm a hard worker and I know my role with this team. Being one of the veteran guys for this club, we take pride in the culture that has been set and when my number is called I try to just play my game .

How important was head coach Nigel Lloyd in your early time there for being able to find yourself and be able to be successful?

Head coach Nigel Lloyd was huge for my career. Being a young kid watching him, then him being a mentor. The Head coach for the Barbados national team and also recruiting me to the Lions. I am nothing but extremely grateful for Nigel towards my career. I'm also happy that in the last national tour he coached, I was on the team that helped him finish with a bronze medal.

In your second season you were teammates with BBL legend Alex Owumi. He wrote a book and seems to always have lasting impressions on teammates. What kind of an experience was it sharing the court with him?

Sharing the court with Alex was cool, he was a good leader always talking to guys and wanting the best for them. He showed me that never to judge a book by it's cover hahaha, I'm not talking about his actual book by the way which is a great read. Alex is a guy when your in a fight he has your back.

Do you have a special story to tell about Alex Owumi which clearly illustrates the kind of player and person he is?

Alex, great teammate off the court but ultra competitive when on the court. He is one of those players that if you judge him from watching him play you would think he isn't a nice guy but soon as the game or practice is over genuinely one of the nicest people you will ever meet.

In Germany you were a consistent scorer and player but in the UK BBL you have had a different kind of role. Was that a tough adjustment having to play behind Justin Robinson for the last 3 years?

In Germany yeah I was mainly the guy and I enjoyed being the leader of those teams. My role would of only been tough if I never accepted it. I wanted to be back in the BBL after I didn't return to Germany. Justin is very talented and deserve all that he gets. I match up with him everyday in practice , so I know first hand. It's doesn't bother me coming off the bench on this team, it's about sacrificing to win and not about starting games but finishing them.

You have played with many talented big men in your career, but has Brandon Peel belonged to the best of them who will ball in Finland this season.

Brandon is a good player, when he first joined Lions he lacked confidence but that grew over time. It's hard to say as I've played with really talented players. He will do well in Finland, I'm happy for him.

Last season you played with Jules Akodo a guy I covered for some years in Frankfurt. Is he a player that came to you for the important pointers as he saw a mentor in you?

Jules is a good person and works hard at his game, reminds me of myself. Always early and one of the last guys to leave. We have good communication. He is a young player and I'm always willing to help the younger guys as that's what my vets did for me. Hopefully one day he will pass on his knowledge also to the next generation when that time comes.

How much of an effect do you feel has COVID-19 had on players signings this summer. Do you feel the fact that the London Lions could sign a guy like ex NBA player Deandre Liggins has something to do with it?

I'm not sure to be honest how it has affected players, as I know teams are still operating like normal for the new season. Having an ex NBA player is always good for any club in Europe and to be honest Liggins signjng with the Lions is huge but we are a club on the come up and it's great to have a guy proven in the NBA joining us.

You have played with so much talent in the UK BBL in the last 5 years. You have molded your game after Chris Paul. How do you feel has your game progressed in this time?

I've learnt from so many players and still learning to this day. I'm a vet now and I know my role. Everyone wants to play big mins and show what they can do, but I'm at the point in my career I'm happy with my role and doing my part. Chris Paul I still study but I also study other small guards like Fred Van Fleet, Shabazz Napier and other small guards to see how they can impact the game, also those two mainly because they come off the bench and impact the games by scoring or getting others involved.

You will be playing your sixth season with the London Lions. Is this a club where you feel you will end your career with?

I know all good things come to and end but I never put that in my thought process. I love this club and it has become my family. Let's say I hope when I'm ready to hang it up this club will be the club my last game will be with.

You had many great personal games like your 18 point game against Surrey, 17 point game against Manchester and scored 16 points twice against Sheffield. Was one of these your most memorable games or did you have another?

Honestly having a high scoring game doesn't make games a great game. I've had games in the BBL when I've scored more than 20 also but in the BBL we have different competitions like the trophy, cup, championships and playoffs. Not sure if it was the cup or trophy I had my highest scoring game. Winning the championship was my most exciting moment. It was against the team where I started my pro career so to win on that floor was very special as I still have fans there that I love dearly.

You have been a resident of London for 5 years. How cool has it been being able to call London home and what has been your coolest experience living in the capital of Great Britain?

It's very cool as I was born in London, so to be able to play for this club is beyond a blessing. My family is here and I've made numerous friends who I've become close with. I don't really have a coolest experience, being born here and leaving at young age, I would always spend my summers in West London until I moved to the USA. So here has always been my home.

Will you be following end of NBA season? Do you feel like a surprise team might win it all?

Yeah definitely! I'm a Lakers fan since 96 so Lakers all day!

Please name your best 5 teammates of all-time:

Some of my best never made it pro, but here I go
Ormond Haynes- Junior level in Barbados national team
Daniel Bailey- Pro / College teammate
Joe Ikimwin - London lions teammate
Junior Moore- Barbados national player
Kai Williams - former teammate

Please construct your personal own NBA Mount Rushmore with 4 heads past or present?

MJ, Kobe, Magic and Shaq.

Where were you when you heard about the death of Kobe Bryant? How much of an influence did he have on your game growing up?

I was at home on the couch, when someone messaged me, I thought they were joking so I quickly went on social media and then Google, still don't want to accept it. He had a huge influence on me, his mentality, work ethic and ability just inspired a kid without having a real relationship or idea that I existed.

Why isn't Kobe Bryant mentioned more in the debate between the best of all-time between Michael Jordan and Lebron James?

I think he is. We live in a world of what happens right this minute seem to take precedence. Lebron is that guy still and Jordan is still seen as that Goat. Kobe is a better player than Lebron even with their different skill sets. If Kobe is supposed to be a clone of MJ then how couldn't Kobe be rated highly. I get it tho different era and different criteria for who is the Goat.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was Fatal Attraction with my girl, it wasn't a great movie but you know how it does when you start something you just have to finish it.

Thanks Andre for the chat.

Tags : ANDRE LOCKHART, LONDON LIONS, BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BASKETBALL

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

BELARUS

Stats Leaders - Premier League

Points Per Game

Mikita DASHKEVICH
  SDUSHOR
  (175-PG-1)
  Avg: 21.6

1. Dashkevich, SDUSHOR	21.6
2. Solyshko, Brest	20.0
3. McBrayer, Borisfen	19.8
4. Kosko, RGUOR	17.8
5. Shustov, Grodno	17.0
6. Porolev, Tsmo.	16.6
7. Shchurko, Brest	16.3
8. Potupchik, Grodno	16.2
9. DeBisschop, Bori.	15.8
10. Pishcheyko, Rubon	15.8

Rebounds Per Game

Pavel BLIZNEC
  Grodno G
  (211-C-94)
  Avg: 12.5

1. Bliznec, Grodno G	12.5
2. DeBisschop, Bori.	12.2
3. Solyshko, Brest	10.3
4. Pasko, Tsmoki II	9.4
5. Vinakurau, Grodno	9.0
6. Kosko, RGUOR	9.0
7. Terehov, Tsmoki I	8.8
8. Michailov, RGUOR	8.4
9. Pishcheyko, Rubon	7.8
10. Porolev, Tsmo.	7.6

Assists Per Game

Maksim MIROSHNICHENKO
  Grod.
  (182-PG-96)
  Avg: 6.8

1. Miroshnichen.,, Grod.	6.8
2. Shibaev, Rubon	6.4
3. Korzh, Borisfen	6.3
4. Milasheuski, Tsmoki	6.0
5. Korattsov, Tsmo.	6.0
6. McBrayer, Borisfen	5.4
7. Shustov, Grodno	5.4
8. Balduev, RGUOR	5.4
9. Shchurko, Brest	5.3
10. Blizniuk, Tsmo.	4.8

Steals Per Game

Mikita DASHKEVICH
  SDUSHOR
  (175-PG-1)
  Avg: 3

1. Dashkevich, SDUSHOR	3.0
2. Korattsov, Tsmo.	3.0
3. Ovsepyan, Rubon	3.0
4. Savostian, Grodno	2.8
5. McBrayer, Borisfen	2.8
6. Michailov, RGUOR	2.8
7. Milasheuski, Tsmoki	2.8
8. Porolev, Tsmo.	2.6
9. Solyshko, Brest	2.5
10. Barysevich, Tsmo.	2.5

Blocks Per Game

Brooks DEBISSCHOP
  Bori.
  (206-F/C-98)
  Avg: 2.4

1. DeBisschop, Bori.	2.4
2. Bliznec, Grodno G	1.8
3. Pishcheyko, Rubon	1.4
4. Savostian, Grodno	1.2
5. Golubko, SDUSHOR	1.0
6. Michailov, RGUOR	1.0
7. Stubeda, Tsmo.	1.0
8. Ovsepyan, Rubon	0.8
9. Kalyaev, Grodno	0.8
10. Moroz, Borisfen	0.8

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

BELGIUM

Roster Pre-selection Belgian Lions - by Peter Buyse

Below is the pres-selection roster of the Belgian Lions for their qualifying round later in November.
Belgium plays Lithuania and the Czech Republic between Nov 23 and Dec 1st.

Thomas Akyazili (Bahcesehir Koleji), Ismael Bako (Villeurbanne), Vrenz Bleijenbergh (Telenet Giants Antwerp), Khalid Boukichou (no team), Haris Bratanovic (Filou Oostende), Seppe D'Espalier (Leuven Bears), Maxime De Zeeuw (no team), Leander Dedroog (HUBO Limburg United),Pierre-Antoine Gillet (Filou Oostende), Michael Gilmore (no team), Vincent Kesteloot (Telenet Giants Antwerp), Elias Lasisi (Bamberg), Emmanuel Lecomte (Fraport /Frankfurt Skyliners), Alexandre Libert (Spirou Charleroi), Jean-Marc Mwema (Filou Oostende), Retin Obasohan (Nymburk), Jean Salumu (Rasta Vechta, Loic Schwartz (Filou Oostende), Quentin Serron (Bilbao), Jonathan Tabu (Manresa), Kevin Tumba (Kolosso Rodou), Sander Van Caeneghem (Belfius Mons-Hainaut), Andy Van Vliet (BC Siauliai), Hans Vanwijn (Dijon)

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

BULGARIA

Div A stats leaders

Points Per Game

Ivko IVKOV
  Chavdar
  (196-G/F-95)
  Avg: 28.5

1. Ivkov Chavdar	28.5
2. Stoyanov Sportist	27.0
3. Gatev Enigma F	26.0
4. Peychinov Fab F	24.7
5. Raykov Mix	24.0
6. Hunt Sportist S	22.3
7. Georgiev Slow &	20.5
8. Arabadzhiyski Hebar	20.3
9. Margaritov CSKA	20.3
10. Kurshumov Champion	19.7

Rebounds Per Game

Hristo GATEV
  Enigma F
  (188-G/F-85)
  Avg: 14

1. Gatev Enigma F	14.0
2. Slavchev Enigma F	13.0
3. Matrakov Lokomotiv	13.0
4. Gospodinov Mix	12.0
5. Georgiev Slow &	11.5
6. Todorov Champion	10.7
7. Popov Lokomotiv S	10.7
8. Natskin Lokomotiv	10.5
9. Barzakov Hebar	10.3
10. Ivanov Showtime	10.0

Assists Per Game

Ivan PETKOV
  Polytechnica
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 6.8

1. Petkov Polytechnica	6.8
2. Cholakov MU Varna	6.5
3. Barzakov Hebar	5.7
4. Stoitsov Enigma F	5.0
5. Stoyanov Sportist	5.0
6. Tsankov Athletic	5.0
7. Telcharov Lokomotiv	4.7
8. Paisiev Champion	4.7
9. Penchev Chavdar	4.5
10. Petkov Slavia	4.3

Steals Per Game

Dimitar PETROV
  Showtime
  (180-G-93)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Petrov Showtime	4.5
2. Todorov Slow &	4.0
3. Telcharov Lokomotiv	3.7
4. Todorov Chardafon	3.5
5. Tsenov Sportist S	3.0
6. Baychev Lokomotiv	3.0
7. Tsankov Athletic	3.0
8. Prokopiev Lokomotiv	3.0
9. Ivanov Showtime	3.0
10. Margaritov CSKA	2.8

Blocks Per Game

Ventsislav GEORGIEV
  Slow &
  (198-F/C-94)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Georgiev Slow &	2.5
2. Dimitrov Slavia	2.0
3. Oresharov Enigma	2.0
4. Todorov Champion	2.0
5. Brendax Lokomotiv	2.0
6. Avramov NSA	1.7
7. Cholakov MU Varna	1.5
8. Gospodinov Mix	1.5
9. Petkov Showtime	1.5
10. Matrakov Lokomotiv	1.5

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

CHINA

Stats Leaders - CBA

Points Per Game

Dejan TODOROVIC
  Tianjin
  (196-SF-94)
  Avg: 32

1. Todorovic Tianjin	32.0
2. Sun Guangsha L.	30.3
3. Adams Qingdao E.	28.0
4. Zhou Xinjiang FT	25.8
5. Hu Guangsha L.	25.2
6. Raduljica Guangsha	25.0
7. Harris Shandong H	24.2
8. Guo Liaoning FL	23.7
9. Wu Zhejiang GB.	22.8
10. Wang Fujian S.	22.6

Rebounds Per Game

Qi ZHOU
  Xinjiang FT
  (217-C-96)
  Avg: 13.8

1. Zhou Xinjiang FT	13.8
2. Wang Fujian S.	13.6
3. Todorovic Tianjin	13.0
4. Han Liaoning FL	11.8
5. Hu Guangsha L.	11.2
6. Zhai Beijing D.	10.8
7. Tao Shandong H.	10.8
8. Don Shanghai S.	10.7
9. Shen Shenzhen A.	9.7
10. Liu Qingdao E.	9.5

Assists Per Game

Tangwen YUAN
  Sichuan BW
  (185-PG-0)
  Avg: 10.2

1. Yuan Sichuan BW	10.2
2. Wu Zhejiang GB.	9.4
3. Sun Guangsha L.	8.3
4. Yu Xinjiang FT	8.3
5. Guo Liaoning FL	8.2
6. Xin Guangsha L.	8.0
7. Fang Beijing D.	7.5
8. Zhao Guangdong ST	7.0
9. Zeng Xinjiang FT	6.3
10. Co Nanjing TX MK	6.3

Steals Per Game

ShiYan GAO
  Shandong H.
  (186-PG-96)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Gao Shandong H.	4.5
2. Yuan Sichuan BW	4.4
3. Sun Guangsha L.	4.3
4. Lin Tianjin	3.3
5. Zhao Guangsha L.	3.0
6. Zhao Liaoning FL	2.8
7. Yao Guangzhou LL	2.8
8. Linjian Fujian S.	2.6
9. Zhong Jilin NE T.	2.5
10. Shuai Tianjin	2.5

Blocks Per Game

Qi ZHOU
  Xinjiang FT
  (217-C-96)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Zhou Xinjiang FT	3.5
2. Shen Shenzhen A.	3.2
3. Sun Beijing RF	2.3
4. Tao Shandong H.	2.0
5. Hu Guangsha L.	1.8
6. Zhu Liaoning FL	1.8
7. Liu Qingdao E.	1.7
8. Guo Guangzhou LL	1.5
9. Han Liaoning FL	1.5
10. Todorovic Tianjin	1.3

Arnett Moultrie agreed terms with Monkey Kings - by Eurobasket News

Nanjing Tongxi Monkey Kings (CBA) inked 29-year old American center Arnett Moultrie (208-113kg-90, college: MSU, agency: Interperformances). He played most recently at Beijing Royal Fighters. In 23 CBA games in China he recorded very impressive stats: 18.8ppg, 11.3rpg, 1.3apg and 1.2spg last season. Good year as he was selected League Player of the Week. Moultrie also played for Parma in Russian league that season where in 6 VTB United League games he averaged remarkable 17.7ppg, 6.8rpg and 1.0apg.
In 2012 Moultrie was drafted by Miami Heat (NBA) in first round (27th overall). The former Mississippi State University star is in his ninth season in pro basketball.
Moultrie is a very experienced player. He has quite traveled the world as his pro career brought him to fourteen different countries on four different continents (Europe, Asia, Latin America and of course North America). Moultrie has played previously professionally in Bahrain (Muharraq), Iran (Mahram), Latvia, Lebanon (Al Riyadi), Philippines (NLEX Road Warriors), Puerto Rico (Manati), Turkey (Ankara D.S.I.), Uruguay (Defensor), NBA (New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers), South Korea (ET Land and Anyang KGC), China (Jiangsu Dragons and Hebei Xianglan), Estonia (Kalev/Cramo), NBA G League (Delaware Blue Coats) and The Basketball Tournament (Armored Athlete).
His game is described as: High-level athlete combo forward with excellent size and length. Versatile offensive skill set to score inside/outside. Extraordinarily nimble and quick mover in the paint.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : ARNETT MOULTRIE, NANJING TONGXI MONKEY KINGS, CHINESE BASKETBALL, CHINESE TRANSACTIONS

Qian Wu claims Chinese CBA Interperformances weekly honour - by Eurobasket News

Former international Point guard Qian Wu (188-PG-94) had a very impressive game in the last round for Zhejiang GB. and that's him to receive a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 5.
The 26-year old playmaker got a double-double of 37 points and twelve assists, while his team beat Guangsha L. (#9, 2-2) 113-104. Zhejiang GB. is placed at 3rd position in Chinese CBA. They maintain a perfect record without any lost game in the league. The season is still on an early stage, but Zhejiang GB. already had a very good start winning all 5 without losing a single one. In the team's last game Wu had a remarkable 66.7% from 2-point range. It's his second year at Zhejiang GB. and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Wu has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in points (3rd best: 26.8ppg).

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 26-year old former international center Zhelin Wang (213-C-94) of Fujian S.. Wang impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 36 points and 10 rebounds. Bad luck as Fujian S. lost that game 87-116 to the higher-ranked Shanghai S. (#8, 3-2). This loss caused Fujian S. to slide to the very bottom (19) position in the standings. 4 lost games are too many considering they did not win any game. Wang is well-known by Fujian S. fans and he already established his position as one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 26.0ppg (#5). He also registered 14.0 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was American O.J. Mayo (193-G-87) of second-ranked Liaoning FL. Mayo got into 30-points club by scoring 36 points in the last round. He went also for ten rebounds . He was a key player of Liaoning FL, leading his team to a 119-91 easy win against Tianjin (#20, 0-5). Liaoning FL started extremely well this year. They recorded 5 victories without losing a single game. Mayo turns to be one of the very best players in the league while he is also a leader of the top team having his eyes on the championship title. Mayo has a very solid season. In 5 games in China he scored 15.4ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. MarShon Brooks (197-SG-89) of Guangdong ST - 34 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Hongfei Shi (183-PG-93) of Jiangsu D. - 31 points, 4 rebounds and 9 assists
6. Jinqiu Hu (210-C-97) of Guangsha L. - 25 points and 13 rebounds
7. HanLin Tao (208-C-91) of Shandong H. - 23 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Qi Zhou (217-C-96) of Xinjiang FT - 17 points, 20 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Dejan Todorovic (196-SF-94) of Tianjin - 25 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists
10. ZhaoBao Ge (213-C-92) of Shanxi L. - 28 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists

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

Tags : QIAN WU, ZHEJIANG GOLDEN BULLS, CHINESE BASKETBALL

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

COLOMBIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Anthony YOUNG
  Bucaros
  (200-C/F-89)
  Avg: 27.7

1. Young Bucaros	27.7
2. Merchant Sabios	26.5
3. Suero Storm	21.9
4. Greene Storm	21.6
5. Glotta Condores	21.6
6. Rodriguez Titanes	21.6
7. Givens Piratas	21.4
8. De Leon Bucaros	21.2
9. King Trigrillos	19.8
10. Shuler Sabios	19.8

Rebounds Per Game

Michael WATKINS
  Storm
  (206-F-95)
  Avg: 11.8

1. Watkins Storm	11.8
2. Merchant Sabios	11.0
3. Palacios-T., Tita.	9.4
4. Cutley Team Cali	9.2
5. Owens Condores	8.3
6. Rojas Piratas	7.7
7. Hernandez Team C	7.7
8. Pena Condores	7.7
9. Almanza Storm	7.4
10. Rodriguez Titanes	7.1

Assists Per Game

Jamaal SMITH
  Trigrillos
  (176-PG-85)
  Avg: 7

1. Smith Trigrillos	7.0
2. De Leon Bucaros	6.0
3. Rojas Piratas	5.1
4. Merchant Sabios	4.8
5. Suero Storm	4.4
6. Bacci Titanes	4.4
7. Palacios-T., Tita.	3.9
8. Cantero Team Cali	3.7
9. Shuler Sabios	3.0
10. Safar Titanes	3.0

Steals Per Game

Gianluca BACCI
  Titanes
  (182-G-89)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Bacci Titanes	2.7
2. Jackson Team Cali	2.4
3. Rojas Piratas	1.9
4. Watkins Storm	1.8
5. Crockrell Team C	1.8
6. Glotta Condores	1.6
7. King Trigrillos	1.5
8. De Leon Bucaros	1.5
9. Merchant Sabios	1.5
10. Suero Storm	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Michael HINESTROZA
  Sabios
  (210-C-90)
  Avg: 2

1. Hinestroza Sabios	2.0
2. Trocha-M., Titanes	1.3
3. Greene Storm	1.1
4. Cardenas Trigrillos	1.0
5. Watkins Storm	1.0
6. Mendoza Piratas	0.9
7. Marquez Sabios	0.8
8. Palacios-T., Tita.	0.6
9. Perez Trigrillos	0.6
10. Givens Piratas	0.6

Colombian LPB round 7 best performance: John Merchant - by Eurobasket News

American Guard John Merchant (187-G-89) put on an amazing game in the last round for Sabios, receiving a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 7.
The 31-year old player had a double-double of 36 points and 11 rebounds, while his team edged out Storm (#5, 3-4) 83-82. Sabios maintains the 7th position in Colombian LPB. Sabios is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 2-2 record. In the team's last game Merchant had a remarkable 66.7% from 2-point range and got six three-pointers out of 11 attempts. He turned to be Sabios' top player in his first season with the team. Former Dowling College star has very solid stats this year. Merchant is in league's top in points (2nd best: 26.5ppg), rebounds (2nd best: 11.0rpg), assists (4th best: 4.8apg) and averages impressive 43.2% from behind 3-point line.

The second best player in last round's games was 27-year old Dominican Rep. Juan Miguel Suero (196-F-93) of Storm. Suero had a very good evening with 30 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists. Bad luck as Storm was edged by slightly lower-ranked Sabios (#7, 2-2) 83-82. Storm managed to keep the same 5th spot in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 3-4 record. Suero is a newcomer at Storm, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 21.9ppg (#5). His other stats are also decent: 5.4rpg and 4.4apg.

Third on the list of top players last round was American Anthony Young (200-C/F-89) of league's second-best Bucaros. Young got into 30-points club by scoring 32 points in the last round. He went also for seven rebounds . He was a key player of Bucaros, leading his team to a 87-77 win against Piratas (#8, 0-6). Bucaros needs these victories very badly if they think about taking over top position in the standings. Their record at this point is 4 victories and 2 lost games. Young has a great season in Colombia. After only 6 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 27.7ppg (best scorer). He also has FGP: 61.7% and 3PT: 51.4%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Adris De Leon (180-PG-84) of Bucaros - 25 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists
5. Siaan Rojas (201-G/F-96) of Piratas - 17 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists
6. Jovonni Shuler (198-SG-87) of Sabios - 25 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Nick King (201-F-95) of Trigrillos - 25 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Jonathan Rodriguez (196-F-87) of Titanes - 15 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists
9. Malik Wineglass (203-C) of Condores - 16 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Tonny Trocha-Morelos (208-PF-94) of Titanes - 22 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists

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

Tags : JOHN MERCHANT, SABIOS DE MANIZALES, COLOMBIAN BASKETBALL

Team Cali signs Alexis Elsener - by Eurobasket News

Team Cali (LPB) signed 32-year old Italian forward Alexis Elsener (196-88, agency: Interperformances). He played last season at Plateros in Mexican LNBP. In 14 games he had 11.1ppg, 4.9rpg and 2.7apg.
Elsener represented Italy at the Panamerican Games in Guadalajara (Mexico) nine years ago. His stats at that event were 3 games: 2.0ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.0spg.
Elsener has played previously professionally in Argentina (Atenas, Obras, La Union, MH Basket and Quimsa) and Uruguay (Malvin). He was also voted Latinbasket.com All-Argentinian La Liga Honorable Mention in 2020.
The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others Elsener played in the final of Argentinian LigaA in 2012 and 2016.
He is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league on the market.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : ALEXIS ELSENER, TEAM CALI, COLOMBIAN BASKETBALL, COLOMBIAN TRANSACTIONS

MaJic Dorsey Agrees to Terms with Piratas de Bogota - by Eurobasket Center

Point guard MaJic Dorsey (185-81, college: S.Indiana) has agreed to play the 2020-21 season with Piratas de Bogota (LPB) in Colombia. This will be a return to Colombia for the veteran Dorsey, who played for Piratas in 2014.

During that season he posted impressive averages of 23.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 7.0apg and 1.3spg in 12 games.

During the 2019 season Dorsey, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, played in a few different competitions. Firstly, he suited up for SG Bergishe Loewen (Germany-Landesliga) in the Mediterranean Cup. During that 4-game tournament, which he led B.Loewen to the title, he averaged 11.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and a tournament high 8.3 assists while shooting 42.9% from the field and impressive 41.7% from three. For his efforts he was named to the Mediterranean Cup First-Team.

Following this, Dorsey traveled to Asia for the Hualien International Taiwan Cup where he again was dominant, posting averages of 23 points, 11 assists and 2 steals while shooting 54% from the field and 37% from three-point distance. To finish up the season Dorsey signed with FAR Rabat (Morocco), a team he also had experience with, for the Arab Cup.

Dorsey, a well-traveled player, has dominated and succeeded in nearly all competitions he has participated in. His early career was dedicated to the USA, playing in the ABA, WBA and NBADL (now G-League). His big leap occurred in Mexico where he posted some of the most impressive seasons and statistics in FIBA history (FIBA single-game assist record setter in 2011).

For his career, the number of countries and destinations on his passport is lengthy, Mexico, Venezuela, China, Ecuador, Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, Columbia, Egypt, Qatar and Morocco.

The return to Columbia marks just the next chapter in a long and prestigious career for MaJic Dorsey, one not close to the end.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : MAJIC DORSEY, PIRATAS DE BOGOTA, COLOMBIAN BASKETBALL, COLOMBIAN TRANSACTIONS

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

CROATIA

Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game

Ante KRAPIC
  H.Analitica
  (203-F-85)
  Avg: 20.5

1. Krapic H.Analitica	20.5
2. Cvitkovic Sonik P	18.2
3. Prkacin Cibona	17.5
4. Gunjina Skrljevo	17.3
5. Freeman Sibenik	17.2
6. Mazalin Gorica	17.0
7. Lukovic Split	16.6
8. Jordano Osijek	16.5
9. Echols Alkar	16.2
10. Sirko Sibenik	16.0

Rebounds Per Game

Mladen PRIMORAC
  Zabok
  (210-C-90)
  Avg: 9.3

1. Primorac Zabok	9.3
2. Prkacin Cibona	8.8
3. Vucic Alkar	8.2
4. Varence Alkar	7.8
5. Marcinkovic Split	7.8
6. Mazalin Gorica	7.5
7. Smolic Dubrava	7.5
8. Gilbert Zadar	7.4
9. Freeman Sibenik	7.2
10. Brankovic Dubrava	6.8

Assists Per Game

Mislav BRZOJA
  Dubrava
  (198-SF-94)
  Avg: 5.7

1. Brzoja Dubrava	5.7
2. Djokovic Split	5.7
3. Lakic Osijek	5.2
4. Primorac Zabok	4.7
5. Jelenkovic Skrljevo	4.6
6. Barnjak Skrljevo	4.5
7. Kapusta Gorica	4.3
8. Frye Osijek	4.3
9. Maric Zabok	4.3
10. Freeman Sibenik	4.0

Steals Per Game

Lovre RUNJIC
  Sonik P
  (193-G-0)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Runjic Sonik P	3.3
2. Vukovic Zadar	2.3
3. Marcinkovic Split	2.2
4. Bjelanovic Skrljevo	2.0
5. Lakic Osijek	2.0
6. Majcunic Gorica	2.0
7. Perkovic Split	1.8
8. Frye Osijek	1.8
9. Barnjak Skrljevo	1.8
10. Jordano Osijek	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Danko BRANKOVIC
  Dubrava
  (215-C-0)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Brankovic Dubrava	1.7
2. Sarlija Sonik P	1.5
3. Smolic Dubrava	1.0
4. Lakic Osijek	1.0
5. Vukovic Zadar	0.9
6. Jerkovic Dubrava	0.8
7. Vrgoc Skrljevo	0.8
8. Bakovic Gorica	0.8
9. Robertson Skrljevo	0.7
10. Vrankovic Split	0.7

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

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Centauros sign Kelvin Pena, ex Club San Jose - by Francisco Vega

Centauros de Portuguesa (SLB) signed experienced 40-year old Dominican-Venezuelan guard Kelvin Pena (193-80, college: Southeastern). He played last summer at Club San Jose in Higuey League in Dominican Republic.
Pena represented Dominican Republic at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Veracruz (Mexico) six years ago. His team won Gold and his stats at that event were 5 games: 6.2ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 38.5%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 66.7%.
Pena is quite experienced player. He has played also professionally in Colombia (Academia), Cyprus, France, Spain, Uruguay and Venezuela (Toros and Araguenos) and Dominican Republic (Soles de Santo Domingo, Gregorio Urbano Gilbert, Caneros Del Este, Metros de Santiago and Madre Vieja).
The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others Pena played in the final of Dominican Republic Santiago League in 2019. He was also voted Latinbasket.com All-Dominican Republic 2nd Team in 2019.
Pena attended Southeastern Community College until 2004 and it will be his 17th (!!!) season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : KELVIN PENA, CENTAUROS DE PORTUGUESA, VENEZUELAN BASKETBALL, VENEZUELAN TRANSACTIONS

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

DR CONGO

Moron sign a second import player - by Eurobasket News

Aceitunas Fragata Moron (LEB Silver) inked 24-year old Congolese ex-international center Gullit Mukendi (203-96, agency: Promo Sport ID). He is the second import player in the roster as French Adama Lo signed here earlier.
Mukendi was about to sign at ULE RBH Global - Basket Leon in the EBA. The last season he played at Agricola Villarrobledo CBV where in 22 LEB Silver games he averaged 8.2ppg and 3.0rpg. Mukendi was a member of Congolese Senior National Team between 2017 and 2018.
He has played previously for five other teams: Valladolid, Estudiantes Lugo Leyma Natura, Ponferrada, Rosalia and Azuqueca.

By Eurobasket Data Center

(via @promo_sport_int)

Tags : GULLIT MUKENDI, ACEITUNAS FRAGATA MORON, SPANISH BASKETBALL, SPANISH TRANSACTIONS

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

ESTONIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Maris GULBIS
  Ventspils
  (200-PF-85)
  Avg: 29.4

1. Gulbis Ventspils	29.4
2. Raley-Ross Kale.	21.3
3. Elksnis VIA	21.0
4. Rayman Tartu	20.7
5. Rundles Ventspils	18.2
6. Ausejs Ventspils	18.2
7. Maxhuni Parnu	17.0
8. Gromovs Liepaja	16.0
9. Allman VEF Riga	15.0
10. Freimanis Rapla	14.8

Rebounds Per Game

Roberts FREIMANIS
  Rapla
  (204-PF-91)
  Avg: 9.5

1. Freimanis Rapla	9.5
2. Coffey Ventspils	9.3
3. Gromovs Liepaja	9.0
4. Rayman Tartu	8.3
5. Jaunzems Parnu	8.3
6. Dargais Ogre	8.2
7. Berzins Ogre	8.2
8. Wembi Kalev/TLU	8.0
9. Selakovs Ventspils	7.8
10. Metsalu TalTech	7.3

Assists Per Game

Edmunds ELKSNIS
  VIA
  (188-PG-90)
  Avg: 9

1. Elksnis VIA	9.0
2. Raley-Ross Kale.	6.8
3. Sutt Rapla	6.0
4. Maxhuni Parnu	6.0
5. Birkans Liepaja	5.8
6. Ihring Rapla	5.7
7. Banks Tartu	5.3
8. Ausejs Ventspils	5.0
9. Zunda LU	4.8
10. Eelmae Tartu	4.7

Steals Per Game

Chris COFFEY
  Ventspils
  (201-F-97)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Coffey Ventspils	2.7
2. Rundles Ventspils	2.3
3. Kajupank TalTech	2.0
4. Vitols VEF Riga	2.0
5. Sirsnins Ogre	1.8
6. Sutt Rapla	1.8
7. Jaunzems Parnu	1.7
8. Jansons Ogre	1.7
9. Birkans Liepaja	1.6
10. Walker Ogre	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Michale KYSER
  VEF Riga
  (208-PF-91)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Kyser VEF Riga	2.2
2. Wembi Kalev/TLU	2.0
3. Berzins Ogre	1.6
4. Gromovs Liepaja	1.5
5. Rayman Tartu	1.3
6. Blaus Parnu	1.3
7. Ziedins VIA	1.0
8. Coffey Ventspils	1.0
9. Madsen VEF Riga	1.0
10. McLaughlin Kale.	1.0

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

EUROCUP

Results and Stats from Round 5 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News

The round was rather attractive and full of interesting results. The round ended with derby games and favorites losing the games. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The biggest surprise of round 5 in Eurocup was Russian guest Lokomotiv's (4-1) easy road victory over second-ranked French Monaco (3-2) 88-72 on Wednesday evening. It was a key game for the second position in Group C. The game without a history. Lokomotiv led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. Lokomotiv outrebounded Monaco 40-25 including a 28-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was American center Alan Williams (201-93, college: UCSB, agency: Wasserman) who had a double-double by scoring 13 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. His fellow American import forward Kevin Hervey (206-96, college: UT Arlington) chipped in 17 points and 8 rebounds. Lokomotiv's coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American guard Marcos Knight (188-89, college: MTSU, agency: BeoBasket) produced 17 points and 5 assists for the hosts. Lokomotiv have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to second place in Group C. Defending French champion Monaco dropped to the third position with two games lost. Lokomotiv are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Antwerp Giants (#6) on the road in the next round. Monaco will play against Andorra and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Important game to mention about took place in Kazan. Leader Spanish Joventut (5-0) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging second-ranked Russian Unics Kazan (2-2) 93-91 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Unics Kazan. Swedish center Simon Birgander (209-97, agency: Dynamics Global Management) orchestrated the victory by scoring 12 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks. Ferran Bassas contributed with 5 points, 5 rebounds and 13 assists for the winners. American-Slovenian center Jordan Morgan (204-91, college: Michigan) answered with 23 points and 8 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) for Unics Kazan. Unics Kazan's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Undefeated Joventut have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place in Group A with 5-0 record. Unics Kazan at the other side dropped to the third position with two games lost. They share it with Venezia. Joventut will play against Partizan NiS (#5) in Beograd in the next round. Unics Kazan will play at home against Umana Venezia and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very close game took place in Bar between Mornar Bar and Buducnost. Fourth ranked Mornar Bar (3-2) got a very close home victory over second-ranked Buducnost (3-2). Mornar Bar managed to escape with a 3-point win 85-82 in the game for the second place. Jacob Pullen stepped up and scored 23 points and 5 assists for the winners. Melvin Ejim responded with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Buducnost's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Mornar Bar moved-up to second place in Group B, which they share with Levallois and Buducnost. Mornar Bar will meet at home bottom-ranked ratiopharm Ulm (#6) in the next round. Buducnost will play against Brescia (#5) and hope to secure a win.
Very important is a home loss of third ranked Serbian Partizan NiS (2-3) against fourth ranked French JL Bourg (2-1) on Wednesday night. Host Partizan NiS was defeated by JL Bourg in Beograd 89-76. Pierre Pelos nailed 28 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. JL Bourg moved-up to second place in Group A. Partizan NiS at the other side dropped to the fifth position with three games lost. JL Bourg's next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Acibadem (#6) in Istanbul. Partizan NiS will play at home against the league's leader Joventut and hope to win that game.
Spanish leader Unicaja Malaga delivered the fourth victory on Wednesday night. This time they beat 6th ranked German ratiopharm Ulm (1-4) 81-76. The best player for the winners was Deon Thompson who scored 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Unicaja Malaga maintains first place in Group B with 4-1 record. Loser ratiopharm Ulm stay at the bottom position with four games lost. Unicaja Malaga will face league's second-placed Levallois on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. ratiopharm Ulm will play against Mornar Bar (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Other games of round 5 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
In Group A winless Bahcesehir were defeated by Venezia in a road game 88-82.
In Group B Brescia was beaten by Levallois at home 70-75.
In Group C Lietkabelis lost to Andorra on the opponent's court 66-76. Winless Antwerp lost to Italian defending champion Virtus BO in a home game 76-95.
The best stats of 5th round was 24 points and 4 assists by Josh Adams of Virtus BO.

Group A

Venezia - Bahcesehir 88-82

The game between closely ranked teams ended with bottom-ranked Turkish Acibadem's (0-5) road loss to fifth ranked Italian Umana Venezia (2-2) 82-88 on Wednesday. Umana Venezia outrebounded Acibadem 44-33 including a 17-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was Greek-American Michael Bramos (196-87, college: Miami, OH) who scored 15 points and 9 rebounds. Tongan-New Zealand Isaac Fotu (203-93, college: Hawaii) chipped in 14 points and 8 rebounds. Five Umana Venezia players scored in double figures. American guard Erick Green (190-91, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Octagon Europe) produced 22 points (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and Mexican guard Alexander Perez-Kaufmann (191-93, agency: Pro Sports) added 19 points and 6 assists respectively for the guests. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Umana Venezia moved-up to third place in Group A, which they share with Unics. Acibadem lost their fifth game in a row. They still close the standings with five games lost. Umana Venezia will face Unics Kazan (#4) on the road in the next round. Acibadem will play against the league's second-placed JL Bourg and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Bahcesehir: E.Green 22+4reb+3ast, A.Perez Kaufmann 19+4reb+6ast, I.Akpinar 9+1reb+1ast, J.Owens 8+6reb, H.Ozdemir 7+1reb, B.Can Yildizli 6+8reb+1ast
Venezia: M.Bramos 15+9reb+1ast, J.Stone 14+2reb+4ast, I.Fotu 14+8reb+1ast, M.Watt 11+5reb+3ast, J.Chappell 10+5reb+2ast, V.Mazzola 9+4reb+1ast

Unics - Joventut 91-93

Important game to mention about took place in Kazan. Leader Spanish Joventut (5-0) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging second-ranked Russian Unics Kazan (2-2) 93-91 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Unics Kazan. Joventut made 20-of-23 charity shots (87.0 percent) during the game. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 25 assists. Swedish center Simon Birgander (209-97, agency: Dynamics Global Management) orchestrated the victory by scoring 12 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks. Guard Ferran Bassas (181-92) contributed with 5 points, 5 rebounds and 13 assists for the winners. American-Slovenian center Jordan Morgan (204-91, college: Michigan) answered with 23 points and 8 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and American forward John Brown-III (203-92, college: High Point) added 19 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Unics Kazan. Four Joventut and five Unics Kazan players scored in double figures. Unics Kazan's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Joventut have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place in Group A with 5-0 record. Unics Kazan at the other side dropped to the third position with two games lost. They share it with Venezia. Joventut will play against Partizan NiS (#5) in Beograd in the next round. Unics Kazan will play at home against Umana Venezia and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Unics: J.Morgan 23+8reb+2ast, J.Brown III 19+6reb+2ast, N.Wolters 15+3reb+4ast, O.White 12+7reb+2ast, J.Smith 10+2reb+5ast, I.Canaan 8+2reb+6ast
Joventut: V.Brodziansky 20+1ast, N.Dimitrijevic 17+2reb+2ast, X.Lopez-Arostegui 16+5reb, S.Birgander 12+9reb+3ast, J.Parra 8+3reb+1ast, A.Ventura 8+2reb+4ast

Partizan NiS - Bourg 76-89

Very important is a home loss of third ranked Serbian Partizan NiS (2-3) against fourth ranked French JL Bourg (2-1) on Wednesday night. Host Partizan NiS was defeated by JL Bourg in Beograd 89-76. The game was mostly controlled by JL Bourg. Partizan NiS was better in third quarter 18-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 24-of-27 charity shots (88.9 percent) during the game, while Partizan NiS only scored eight points from the stripe. 27 personal fouls committed by Partizan NiS helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Center Pierre Pelos (205-92) nailed 28 points and 7 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) for the winning side and Serbian guard Danilo Andjusic (194-91) accounted for 23 points and 4 assists. Bosnian guard Nemanja Gordic (193-88, agency: BeoBasket) came up with 15 points and 4 assists and American center Eric Mika (209-95, college: BYU) added 12 points respectively for Partizan NiS in the defeat. Four Partizan NiS players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. JL Bourg moved-up to second place in Group A. Partizan NiS at the other side dropped to the fifth position with three games lost. JL Bourg's next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Acibadem (#6) in Istanbul. Partizan NiS will play at home against the league's leader Joventut and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Partizan NiS: N.Gordic 15+3reb+4ast, M.Paige 14+1ast, E.Mika 12+4reb+3ast, C.Miller-McIntyre 10+3reb+4ast, R.Zagorac 6+1reb, N.Dangubic 6+1reb
Bourg: P.Pelos 28+7reb, D.Andjusic 23+2reb+4ast, A.Omic 10+3reb+1ast, Z.Peacock 8+2reb+1ast, Z.Wright 6+4reb+3ast, M.Courby 5+3reb+1ast

Group B

Ulm - Unicaja 76-81

Spanish leader Unicaja Malaga delivered the fourth victory on Wednesday night. This time they beat 6th ranked German ratiopharm Ulm (1-4) 81-76. The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. The best player for the winners was American-Ivorian center Deon Thompson (204-88, college: UNC, agency: BeoBasket) who scored 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Guard Francisco Alonso (193-96, college: UNCG) chipped in 21 points. American-German center Dylan Osetkowski (206-96, college: Texas) produced 17 points and 7 rebounds and American guard Troy Caupain (193-95, college: Cincinnati) added 11 points and 5 assists respectively for the hosts. Four ratiopharm Ulm players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Unicaja Malaga maintains first place in Group B with 4-1 record. Loser ratiopharm Ulm stay at the bottom position with four games lost. Unicaja Malaga will face league's second-placed Levallois on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. ratiopharm Ulm will play against Mornar Bar (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ulm: D.Osetkowski 17+7reb+1ast, T.Klepeisz 12+3reb+1ast, T.Caupain 11+3reb+5ast, A.Obst 11+2reb+1ast, J.Petrucelli 9+4reb+3ast, P.Guenther 8+2ast
Unicaja: F.Alonso 21+1reb, D.Thompson 14+5reb+4ast, A.Bouteille 12+5reb+1ast, T.Abromaitis 10, D.Brizuela 7+1reb+2ast, A.Diaz 7+4reb+5ast

Mornar Bar - Buducnost 85-82

A very close game took place in Bar between Mornar Bar and Buducnost. Fourth ranked Mornar Bar (3-2) got a very close home victory over second-ranked Buducnost (3-2). Mornar Bar managed to escape with a 3-point win 85-82 in the game for the second place. Georgian-American guard Jacob Pullen (183-89, college: Kansas St.) stepped up and scored 23 points and 5 assists for the winners and American forward Isaiah Whitehead (191-95, college: Seton Hall) chipped in 18 points and 5 assists. Canadian-Nigerian forward Melvin Ejim (201-91, college: Iowa St., agency: BeoBasket) responded with 15 points and 7 rebounds and American power forward Willie Reed (211-90, college: St.Louis) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds. Four Buducnost players scored in double figures. Buducnost's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Mornar Bar moved-up to second place in Group B, which they share with Levallois and Buducnost. Mornar Bar will meet at home bottom-ranked ratiopharm Ulm (#6) in the next round. Buducnost will play against Brescia (#5) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Buducnost: M.Ejim 15+7reb+2ast, W.Reed 13+11reb, S.Sehovic 12+5reb, N.Ivanovic 12+3reb+4ast, J.Cobbs 9+2reb+6ast, D.Nikolic 7+6reb+1ast
Mornar Bar: J.Pullen 23+3reb+5ast, I.Whitehead 18+3reb+5ast, K.Gabriel 13+8reb+2ast, U.Lukovic 9+3reb, M.Jeremic 8+1reb, T.Smith 8+7reb+1ast

Brescia - Levallois 70-75

The game between closely ranked teams ended with fourth ranked French Levallois' (3-2) road victory over 5th ranked Italian Brescia (1-4) 75-70 on Wednesday. Brescia was trailing by 2 points at halftime but managed to get 7-point lead after three quarters before a 25-13 charge of Levallois, which allowed them to win the game. The best player for the winners was American swingman Anthony Brown (199-92, college: Stanford) who scored 14 points and 6 rebounds. Zimbabwean power forward Vitalis Chikoko (208-91) chipped in 13 points and 6 rebounds. Canadian point guard Kenny Chery (180-92, college: Baylor) produced a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 assists and Serbian center Dusan Ristic (214-95, college: Arizona, agency: BeoBasket) added 14 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Levallois moved-up to second place in Group B. Loser Brescia keeps the fifth position with four games lost. Levallois will face league's leader Unicaja Malaga at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Brescia will play against Buducnost (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Brescia: D.Ristic 14+7reb, D.Crawford 13+4reb+1ast, L.Vitali 11+2reb+1ast, K.Chery 10+2reb+10ast, C.Burns 8+6reb+2ast, T.Cline 5+3reb+1ast
Levallois: R.Gray 16+3reb+2ast, A.Brown 14+6reb+3ast, V.Chikoko 13+6reb+2ast, B.Brown 10+3reb+2ast, N.Sako 8+6reb, L.Konate 5+3reb+1ast

Group C

Andorra - Lietkabelis 76-66

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both fifth ranked Spanish Andorra and 4th placed Lithuanian Lietkabelis had identical 1-3 record. This time Andorra used a home court advantage and won against the opponent from Panevezys 76-66 on Tuesday night. The hosts trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 76-66. Andorra made 19-of-22 free shots (86.4 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American center Babatunde Olumuyiwa (204-92, college: USC Upstate) who scored 8 points and 9 rebounds. Dominican center Tyson Perez (202-96) chipped in 16 points. Andorra's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Puerto Rican-American guard Kyle Vinales (185-92, college: CCSU, agency: Network Sports International) produced 23 points and forward Gytis Masiulis (206-98) added 8 points and 11 rebounds respectively for the guests. Andorra (2-3) moved-up to fourth place in Group C. Loser Lietkabelis dropped to the fifth position with four games lost. Andorra will face higher ranked Monaco (#3) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Lietkabelis will play against the league's leader Virtus BO in Bologna and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Lietkabelis: K.Vinales 23+3reb, M.Normantas 12+1reb+3ast, M.Maric 11+8reb, G.Masiulis 8+11reb+1ast, V.Lipkevicius 7+5reb+2ast, G.Maldunas 3+4reb+3ast
Andorra: T.Perez 16+3reb, J.Senglin 13+2reb+1ast, H.Palsson 9+7reb, D.Jelinek 9+1reb+4ast, C.Hannah 8+2reb+3ast, B.Olumuyiwa 8+9reb+2ast

Monaco - Lokomotiv 72-88

The biggest surprise of round 5 in Eurocup was Russian guest Lokomotiv's (4-1) easy road victory over second-ranked French Monaco (3-2) 88-72 on Wednesday evening. It was a key game for the second position in Group C. The game without a history. Lokomotiv led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. Lokomotiv outrebounded Monaco 40-25 including a 28-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was American center Alan Williams (201-93, college: UCSB, agency: Wasserman) who had a double-double by scoring 13 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. His fellow American import forward Kevin Hervey (206-96, college: UT Arlington) chipped in 17 points and 8 rebounds. Five Lokomotiv players scored in double figures. Lokomotiv's coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American guard Marcos Knight (188-89, college: MTSU, agency: BeoBasket) produced 17 points and 5 assists and center Mathias Lessort (205-95, agency: BeoBasket) added 16 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Lokomotiv have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to second place in Group C. Defending French champion Monaco dropped to the third position with two games lost. Lokomotiv are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Antwerp Giants (#6) on the road in the next round. Monaco will play against Andorra and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Monaco: M.Knight 17+2reb+5ast, D.Bost 16+4reb+1ast, M.Lessort 16+5reb+1ast, J.O'Brien 8+4reb+1ast, D.Inglis 5+4reb, A.N'Doye 4+2ast
Lokomotiv: K.Hervey 17+8reb+1ast, J.Crawford 15+3reb+3ast, W.Cummings 15+1reb+1ast, A.Williams 13+13reb+4ast, M.Andrey 11+5reb+1ast, M.Kuzminskas 11+6reb+2ast

Antwerp - Virtus BO 76-95

Very predictable result when leader Italian Virtus BO (5-0) outscored on the road bottom-ranked Belgian Antwerp Giants (0-5) 95-76 on Tuesday. The game without a history. Virtus BO led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Antwerp Giants' 26. Virtus BO looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The best player for the winners was American guard Josh Adams (188-93, college: Wyoming) who scored 24 points and 4 assists (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Serbian guard Milos Teodosic (195-87) chipped in 15 points and 7 assists. Virtus BO's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Senegalese Ibrahima Fall-Faye (207-97) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds and American guard Kenneth Smith (191-93, college: Louisiana Tech) added 16 points and 10 assists respectively for the hosts. Five Virtus BO and four Antwerp Giants players scored in double figures. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Virtus BO. Defending Italian champion maintains first place in Group C with 5-0 record. Antwerp Giants lost their fifth game in a row. They still close the standings with five games lost. Virtus BO will face Lietkabelis (#5) in Panevezys in the next round. Antwerp Giants will play at home against the league's second-placed Lokomotiv and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Antwerp: K.Smith 16+2reb+10ast, I.Fall-Faye 16+11reb+1ast, J.Jenkins 15+6reb+1ast, V.Bleijenbergh 14+5reb+1ast, V.Kesteloot 9+6reb, D.Donkor 6
Virtus BO: J.Adams 24+4reb+4ast, A.Abass 15+3reb, M.Teodosic 15+1reb+7ast, A.Alibegovic 12+2reb+2ast, V.Hunter 10+5reb+1ast, A.Tessitori 10+7reb+2ast

Tags : ALAN WILLIAMS, LOKOMOTIV KUBAN, EUROCUP BASKETBALL

Pierre Pelos gets MVP of the Week award for EuroCup - by Eurobasket News

Pierre Pelos (205-C-92) had a very impressive game in the last round for league's second-best Bourg and that's him to receive a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 5.
The 28-year old center had the game-high 28 points adding seven rebounds for Bourg in his team's victory, helping them to beat Partizan NiS (#5, 2-3) 89-76. Bourg is placed at 2nd position in EuroCup Group A. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost that single game earlier this season. Bourg will need more victories to improve their 2-1 record. In the team's last game Pelos had a remarkable 72.7% from 2-point range. It's his second year at Bourg and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Pelos has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in points (8th best: 17.0ppg) and averages solid 70.0% FGP and 41.7% from behind 3-point line.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 27-year old American guard Josh Adams (188-G-93) of league's best team Virtus BO. Adams impressed basketball fans with 24 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Of course he led Virtus BO to another comfortable win 95-76 over Antwerp (#6, 0-5) being unquestionably team leader. Of course Virtus BO still keep Group C's top spot. A very good start of the season for his team, which won so far all 5 games without any defeat. Adams is a newcomer at Virtus BO and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was Senegalese Ibrahima Fall-Faye (207-PF-97) of Antwerp (#6). Fall-Faye scored 16 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). Despite Fall-Faye's great performance Antwerp lost 76-95 to the league's current leader Virtus BO (#1, 5-0). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Antwerp can only dream about fighting for top spots in Group C. They have awful season losing so far all 5 games. Fall-Faye has a very solid season. In 5 games in EuroCup he scored 12.8ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Jordan Morgan (204-C-91) of Unics - 23 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Simon Birgander (209-C-97) of Joventut - 12 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Danilo Andjusic (194-G-91) of Bourg - 23 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Deon Thompson (204-C-88) of Unicaja - 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Jacob Pullen (183-G-89) of Mornar Bar - 23 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists
9. Alan Williams (201-C-93) of Lokomotiv - 13 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Alexander Perez Kaufmann (191-G-93) of Bahcesehir - 19 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists

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

Tags : PIERRE PELOS, JL BOURG BASKET, EUROCUP BASKETBALL

Rob Gray joins Monaco - by Fersu Yahyabeyoglu

Defending champion AS Monaco Basket (Jeep ELITE ProA) agreed terms with 26-year old American point guard Rob Gray (185-84kg-94, college: Houston). He already started the season at Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans in the Jeep ELITE ProA. In four games he had 10.0ppg, 1.3rpg and 1.8apg this season. Gray also played 4 games in Eurocup where he recorded 14.5ppg and 2.0rpg.
Two years ago he was drafted by Fort Wayne Mad Ants (G-League) as #3 pick overall.
Gray attended University of Houston until 2018 and it will be his third season in pro basketball.
He has played previously for French team JL Bourg. His team made it to the French Leaders Final Four. Gray was selected to French ProA All-Star Game in 2020.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : ROB GRAY, AS MONACO BASKET, FRENCH BASKETBALL, FRENCH TRANSACTIONS, EUROCUP

Gal Mekel (Unicaja Malaga) Remembers His Eyes Being On Kobe Bryant Like A Kid To See If He Had Watched When He Scored - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Gal Mekel (192-G-88, college: Wichita St., agency: BeoBasket) is a 32 year old 192cm point guard from Israel that is currently playing for Unicaja Malaga (ACB). He has had an extensive career having played in countries like Israel, Italy, Russia, Serbia, United States and Spain for top teams like Maccabi Fox Tel-Aviv (Winner League), Dallas Mavericks, Benetton Treviso (Italy-SerieA), New Orleans Pelicans, Crvena Zvezda Telekom Beograd (Serbia-KLS), Herbalife Gran Canaria Zenit Sankt Petersburg (Russia-VTB), and Grissin Bon Reggio Emilia (Italy-Serie A). He played 35 NBA games for the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans played 34 Euroleague games and 36 Eurocup games. He also has taken part at 4 Eurochampionships for his native country Israel. He spoke to eurobasket before a Eurocup game against ratiopharm Ulm.

Gal thanks for talking to eurobasket.com. You won't be traveling to Ulm, but have had your experiences playing against German teams. If you had to guess what your record is against German teams since 2009 what would you say?

Before reading your questions, I would have thought, I had a positive record, but after seeing the second question, I have a negative 3-6 record.

I will help you. You are 3-6 against FC Bayern Munich, Bamberg, Alba Berlin and ratiopharm Ulm. What memories do you have playing against German teams. One year you swept Alba Berlin including winning a very exciting game 75-72.

I remember the games we won against Alba Berlin well. That was an important game to qualify for the quarterfinals with Gran Canaria, I remember that Alba Berlin team as being very good. That was the first year of that new foundation that they had built with Aito and guys like Sikma, Siva and Giffey. I remember playing very well in Berlin. I remember hitting some big shots at the end. I was really happy that my dad and best friend had been there to watch me.

Before we talk basketball I have to ask you about your experiences in 2020 during COVID-.19. What was the biggest challenge for you on a daily basis that you had to cope with in life?

The last months haven't been easy. I signed with Malaga last season in March shortly before COVID-19 came. I played 1 game against Badalona before the shut down came. I was there alone. My wife and son were supposed to come, but then the lock down came. I stayed in Spain by myself for 4 months. That was a tough time but I'm a positive guy and just tried to make the best of everything. During those 4 months, I was able to spend time with myself and do things that I wasn't able to do before the lock down.

How do you feel did COVID-19 make you stronger as a man?

I was able to focus on things that I didn't have time to do before the lock down. I read a lot. I saw lectures on things that interested me. I also had enough time to take care of my injuries. I learned to cook and speak a little Spanish. I really took advantage of the situation. I also have to say that the club took very good care of us. They sent us equipment form the weight room. My living room looked like a fitness room. I ran and practiced dribbling the ball at night in the underground parking lot. It was a very challenging time, but I made the best out of it.

In the last 7 seasons you have played for 9 teams. You are a real basketball globetrotter. How do you feel have you grown as a player having seen so many different styles in comparison to a player who plays 8-9 years for only one club?

That's a very good question. Sometimes situations control us instead of us controlling the situation. I had many good seasons that helped me get that next better contract with another team. There were enough times where I really would have liked to have remained longer with a club, but it just didn't work out. I have achieved a lot of things in my career winning titles and playing in the NBA, but the one thing that I never achieved was playing for one team for a long time. I have learned that sometimes a career will take you down a different path. What I'm really proud of is having played for 4 teams that had their best season sin their history when I was there. I have been very fortunate to have good seasons with those clubs in those times. But at the same time, I have that feeling in my head that I never became that symbol of a team in Israel and being recognized more.

Your playing your first season for Unicaja Malaga. The team is 3-4 in the ACB and a strong 3-1 in Eurocup. Why has the team been like night and day in the 2 competitions?

I think that it is still early and we are trying to find our identity. Last season we finished strong in the bubble and many players stayed and we have a good balance. We have some injuries at the moment and are still waiting for them to return. You can't forget that the ACB is a very strong league. We have played well, but suffered close loses. What makes the ACB the best league in Europe is that you can win or lose on any night. If you aren't strong on a given night, you will lose. We have played good games in the Eurocup and are a good candidate to go far. One of our goals is to go far in Eurocup so we can qualify for Euroleague.

You have many very experienced and talented teammates, but how talented is 16 Yannick Nzosa? He is predicted as a NBA draft pick. What kind of an impression has he left for you in practice?

He is an amazing kid. He is really young, but a super professional. He works hard, is dedicated and humble. At the second week of training camp, I remember telling a teammate that he will be a big part of the team this season. He brings things to the game that you can't teach. He is long, has great timing and is a big shot blocker threat. I see him having an amazing future f he keeps working hard. He can be an NBA prospect. I enjoy playing with him and being a part of his career.

Before playing in the NCAA at Wichita State (NCAA), you played for Maccabi Tel Aviv youth team. Later as a professional you played parts of 4 seasons for the Euroleague power house. Did you have serious ambition to have wanted to have a longer career with them or was your desire to get experience with more teams interest you more?

Maccabi Tel Aviv and I just weren't meant to be. I finished my junior career with them when I was 17 or 18 years old. After college, I signed 3 years with them, but they loaned me to Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa (Premier League). I had amazing seasons with Galil Gillboa, but I wanted playing time which I wasn't getting with Maccabi. So I left and went to Italy. My second time with Maccabi was after the NBA. When I went back to Maccabi, I arrived at a very bad situation. I did good putting up good numbers, but we only won the cup and lost in the league Final 4 in a close game. The second season was the craziest ever for me. Management went through 5 coaches. The situation wasn't stable and I felt it. I felt that I played well again and it was a real challenge to face the roller coaster. But with Maccabi Tel Aviv all that matters are the results. After that season they decided to change the whole team. It was wrong timing for me. I would have liked to have stayed a long time. For every young Israel player it is the goal to play for Maccabi Tel Aviv. I'm happy that I was able to reach the NBA not through Maccabi Tel Aviv. I was confident with my skills that I could have success without them. It was never a disaster for me that I didn't stay with Maccabi Tel Aviv,

You played 2 years at Wichita State playing a total of 62 NCAA games. How do you feel did your game benefit most from getting those 2 seasons of American basketball?

Playing in the NCAA for Wichita State was an unbelievable experience. I left my parents house at age 18 and went to a new country and experienced a new language. I met new friends that I'm still in contact today and will be for the rest of my life. I feel going to college was the perfect stop between junior basketball and pro ball. In Israel many go to the army at age 18 and need 3 years of playing time. I think the NCAA improved my physicality and athleticism. I came to Wichita State as a skinny kid and got stronger in the gym. You really work hours in the gym. I also improved defensively. Playing in the NCAA was one of my best decisions in my life.

In 2009-2010 you were briefly with Maccabi Tel Aviv. I remember that club having incredible talent with Chuck Eidson, Alan Anderson, Doron Perkins and D 'OR Fischer to name just a few. What memories do you have of this team and where in your opinion did it stand against other great Maccabi teams?

That was an unbelievable team. I remember it being a very long pre-season. We played exhibition games in the States against NBA teams. The quality of the players was high level. I was young and tried to pick up as much as I could from my teammates. One player that I really looked up to was David Blue. He was my idol for professionalism. He taught me how to take care of my body and to get better each day. I left in mid season and joined Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa. It was a lot of fun to come back at the end and beat them for the title. I had teammates like Jeremy Pargo, Brian Randle and Isaiah Swann. It was a great close to the season.

In the 2011-2012 season you played for Benetton Treviso (Italy-SerieA) playing 5 EuroCup:games averaging 4.0ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.0apg; and played 22 Italian League games averaging 6.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 24.2%, FT: 65.5%. What memories do you have of ex NBA player Brian Scalabrine? You must have a funny story concerning his personality?

I was injured then and that was the first time that I had been out of Israel. Brian was a funny guy. He was a talented player that really knew the game. It was the season of the lock down and back then he wanted to experience something else than the NBA. He was fun to be around. Basketball wise he was a big part of the team. It took him time to make the adjustment from being a role player in the NBA to being the main guy for us. I think though all in all he was waiting for the lock down to end. He would sign with Chicago for a few more seasons. I remember seeing him at the NBA Summer League where he was an assistant coach with the Warriors. I'll definitely will never forget him.

In 2012-2013 you played with Maccabi Bazan Haifa (Israel-Winner League) playing 30 games averaging 13.3ppg, 2.6rpg, Assists-2 (5.4apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 77.9%. You led the club over Maccabi Tel Aviv to win the Winner League title. How did your game mature in that season?

That was one of the most important seasons of my career. I remember in the summer of 2012 the sponsor Beneton disappeared. I had one season left on my contract, but because the sponsor left, the club moved down. I didn't want to go back to Israel. I wasn't getting any good offers, so I decided to go to the States. I remember asking my friend Omri Casspi who had played his first season in the NBA if he could get me the best individual coach for me. He got me David Thorpe. He was based in Clearwater, Florida and had trained with many NBA guys. I flew to Florida in mid September and that turned out to be one of the best choices in my life. I spent 1 month 1-1 with him. I wasn't totally fit, but after 2 practices he told me that I was an NBA player. He told me that if I would have a good season in Europe that he would make sure that NBA teams would look at me. He did a great job in that 1 month to help me develop further and to dream bigger. When I returned to Europe I still had no offers from other teams in Europe. In Israel I had to offers from Jerusalem and Haifa. Something in my stomach told me that the Jerusalem offer wasn't the right one. I believed that Haifa was the right one and I signed in November. It was an amazing team with a small rotation. Many guys got many minutes. I took a huge step in my career winning the title and MVP. I knew that NBA teams had been looking at me the whole season.

In that final game you defeated Israeli legend Guy Pnini who has been your teammate in the national team. What has it meant being his teammate over the years?

Guy is a great friend of mine. We grew up together. His younger brother was my best friend. I know Guy since I'm 5 years old. He has had a great career. It is always fun to paly against him. He is a great competitor. He really likes to talk trash against me. We go very hard against each other on the court.

Do you feel like your very good play with Maccabi Bazan Haifa and winning the title and finals MVP opened up the door more for the NBA?

Definitely. I already had camps booked before the season had ended. I remember that it wasn't easy going from an amazing peak and winning the Winner League title and making the switch so quick and find enough energy and be competitive to make my NBA dream come true. I opened eyes for many teams. I had good camps and fortunately I got an offer from the Dallas Mavericks.

What do you still remember from the 113-105 loss to the Houston Rockets where 2 Israeli players you and Omri Casspi played against each other in a game? You got revenge a few months later beating Houston

That was a very exciting game. It was early in the season. The hype was big in Israel. It was the first derby in the NBA for 2 Israeli players. We both played great. My future wife, father and aunt came to the game. It was a great experience.

You were teammates with Dirk Nowitzki in Dallas and also knew him from the Euro championships. What kind of a teammate as he to you? Did act differently to you because you were a fellow European and what did you learn about him that you hadn't known before.

Dirk is a great person that acts great to everyone. We both obviously had a connection from Europe. He was always a leader by example. He was never a guy that would talk a lot, but he would make everyone around him better with his play on the court. He really helped me a lot when I first got there. We hung out a lot. Only a few months ago, he saw my dad in London and texted me and told me that he had seen my dad. I don't need to say anything about his game.

In 2014-205 you played 4 games for the New Orleans Pelicans. You Beat the Los Angeles Lakers 104-87 playing 12 minutes. What did it mean for you to battle Kobe Bryant and what kind of an impression did his basketball legacy leave on you?

My time with the Pelicans was great experience, but super short. I remember joining the team in Los Angeles. At my first practice, there was no tape or contact and I was learning the plays on a I-Pad. I had back to back games. Everything went so quickly. I had signed for 1 month It was a great experience to play with Anthony Davis, Playing for the Pelicans was a great experience. They are a very good organization. I remember Kobe not playing, but he was there with the team. Just seeing him there and his presence was amazing. I remember my eyes being on him at all times like a kid seeing if he watched me when I scored. When he is in the room, all eyes are on him. I was very sad when I heard the news of his death. I'm still hurt by his death.

You played 35 NBA games. What will you always remember about the NBA that you will never experience playing basketball in Europe?

I will always remember the professionalism and the intensity of everything going on with the flights, games, hotels etc. You don't see the pace of the NBA in Europe.

In 2015-2016 you played briefly for Crvena Zvezda Telekom Beograd (Serbia-KLS) before moving back to Maccabi Tel Aviv. What was the craziest memory you have seeing the incredible support by the club fans?

I will always remember the fans for sure. They are one of the best in Europe. They are always super intense. It was amazing seeing them in action and they always gave the team energy. Sometimes they were the 6th player. Even when there were seasons when they didn't have the biggest budget or record they would still overachieve and the fans were a big part of it.

In 2016-2017 you were back with Maccabi Tel Aviv. You have played for many coaches in your time, but how special was it learning from a legend like Pini Gershon? What example do you have that fully shows that he is a basketball junkie?

Pini is the general manager of the national team now. He is a very unique coach. For me he is like an artist. He isn't the basketball junkie or numbers guy 24/7, but he just has an amazing feel for the game and his biggest quality is his ability to manage the game and take decisions under pressure. He has coached great teams and has had a lot of success and was able to help the teams work together and achieve great success.

In the 2017-2018 season you played for Herbalife Gran Canaria (Spain-Liga ACB) playing 40 games averaging 8.4ppg, 1.3rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 73.3%; and played 17 Eurocup: games averaging 9.6ppg, 1.6rpg, 5.1apg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 72.5%. That season you were 2-/4 against Real Madrid. Did you ever think in that last season that Luka Doncic would have such a quick impact in the NBA?

Doncic was unbelievable that season. He won the Euroleague with Real Madrid. I remember the playoff series that season against him. We lost the series 3-0, but all games were close coming down only to a couple of possessions. I knew that he would be good in the NBA, but I never thought that it would happen so quickly. I was super happy when Dallas drafted him. I remember texting head coach Rick Carlisle and telling him how happy I was they got him. I'm still a Mavericks fan. They have a great base for the next years. I will cheer for them and hope that they will compete for the title.

In 2018-2019 you played with Zenit Sankt Petersburg (Russia-VTB) playing 20 games averaging 7.4ppg, 1.8rpg, 4.9apg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT-3 (94.7%); and 7 Eurocup games averaging 7.7ppg, 2.6rpg, 6.6apg, FGP: 36.2%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 68.8%. You were teammates with Brandon Jennings. What kind of a lasting impression did he leave you there? He seems to have retired at age 30 only.

Brandon is an unbelievable talent. He had a bad situation with Zenit. His experience in Russia was a lot different to what he had been used to. I really liked playing with him. He was a great competitor and super fast. He was one of fastest guys I ever saw.

You played at 4 European championships. You played your best basketball at the 2015 Euro. Can you still recall the endings of the Poland and Bosnia games?

Yes I remember those games. I remember losing very badly to Italy in the top 16. I had some great campaigns with the national teams. I truly believe that our generation should have done a lot better than we did. We had many guys in their prime and many guys playing at top levels in Europe. I feel that I have 1-2 more chances to play for the national team. I really want to achieve success with the National team. I think the future of Israeli basketball is looking good. We have a chance with the new generation. Our U-20 team won the Gold medal and we have some great prospects.

How special was the exciting 2017 82-80 Euro win over Germany against Dennis Schroeder, Daniel Theis and co? Is that a game you might watch again in your free time?

Yes I would watch that game again. It was in Israel and the crowd was crazy. It was a big game and the atmosphere was great. It would be a fun game to watch.

Who has been the toughest player that you have ever faced in your career?

I think the toughest guy I had to guard was Mike Conley. He was super fats and crafty and hard to keep in front of you. He is one player that I remember saying it is going to be a long night.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Dirk Nowitzki, Anthony Davis, Dontae Smith, Omri Casspi, Markus Errickson

Please construct your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Jordan, Lebron, Magic. Kobe

What is your personal opinion in the debate of who is the greatest Jordan or Lebron?

I will always go with Jordan. I grew up with him. He was the first to change the game globally.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Peaky Blinders.

Thanks Gal for the chat.

Tags : GAL MEKEL, UNICAJA MALAGA, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Coach Scepanovic left KK Partizan NiS Beograd - by Eurobasket News

45-year old Montenegrin coach Vlado Scepanovic left KK Partizan NiS Beograd (KLS). Scepanovic has coached there for the last three years.
Scepanovic has coached previously in Germany (Brose Bamberg) and Montenegro (Buducnost). His team won Adriatic League Supercup.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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

EUROLEAGUE

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Jordan LOYD
  Crvena Z
  (193-SG-93)
  Avg: 22.6

1. Loyd Crvena Z	22.6
2. Giedraitis Baskonia	19.3
3. Clyburn CSKA	18.5
4. Wilbekin Maccabi	18.0
5. James CSKA	17.5
6. Rodriguez Milano	16.3
7. Booker Khimki	16.2
8. Lucic Bayern	15.5
9. Grigonis Zalgiris	15.5
10. Simon Anadolu E	15.0

Rebounds Per Game

Devin BOOKER
  Khimki
  (205-C-91)
  Avg: 8.4

1. Booker Khimki	8.4
2. Jerebko Khimki	7.7
3. Polonara Baskonia	7.7
4. Mitoglou Pana.	7.5
5. Mickey Khimki	7.3
6. Shengelia CSKA	7.0
7. Reynolds Bayern	6.7
8. Vesely Fenerbahce	6.5
9. Fall ASVEL	6.3
10. Zizic Maccabi T-A	6.0

Assists Per Game

Vasilije MICIC
  Anadolu E
  (196-G-94)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Micic Anadolu E	6.6
2. Henry Baskonia	6.3
3. Calathes Barca	6.0
4. Sloukas Olympiacos	5.8
5. Delaney Milano	5.3
6. James CSKA	5.3
7. Hall Crvena Z	5.2
8. Granger ALBA	5.0
9. Zaitcev Khimki	4.7
10. Campazzo Real M	4.7

Steals Per Game

Rokas GIEDRAITIS
  Baskonia
  (200-F-92)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Giedraitis Baskonia	2.3
2. Polonara Baskonia	2.3
3. Baldwin IV Bayern	2.2
4. Vildoza Baskonia	2.0
5. Shields Milano	1.8
6. Henry Baskonia	1.7
7. Hall Crvena Z	1.6
8. Wilbekin Maccabi	1.5
9. Siva ALBA	1.5
10. Campazzo Real M	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Jordan MICKEY
  Khimki
  (203-C-94)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Mickey Khimki	3.3
2. Dunston Anadolu E	1.8
3. Fall ASVEL	1.7
4. Papagiannis Pana.	1.5
5. Bolomboy CSKA	1.3
6. Polonara Baskonia	1.3
7. Ellis Olympiacos	1.2
8. Davies Barca	1.2
9. Garuba Real M	1.2
10. Reath Crvena Z	1.0

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

FINLAND

Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game

Anton GILL
  Kipina
  (191-G-94)
  Avg: 41

1. Gill Kipina	41.0
2. Permanto Korikouvot	31.0
3. Hillsman Oulun B	31.0
4. Wilchcombe Raiders	29.0
5. Jacks Raiders B	27.0
6. Bivins Kipina	27.0
7. Moultrie Ura B	26.5
8. Ahvenjarvi Pyrinto	26.0
9. Natesan FoKoPo	25.5
10. Scott Huima	25.5

Rebounds Per Game

Saiquan JAMISON
  PeU-Basket
  (203-F-98)
  Avg: 19.5

1. Jamison PeU-Basket	19.5
2. Moultrie Ura B	18.5
3. Luosmaa Karkkila	18.5
4. Liukko Jyvaskyla	18.0
5. Scott Huima	15.0
6. Wilchcombe Raiders	13.5
7. Jacks Raiders B	13.0
8. Puittinen Pyrinto	12.0
9. Mantynen Korikouvot	12.0
10. Pohjonen Huima	12.0

Assists Per Game

Aubrey CONERLY
  LrNMKY
  (183-PG-83)
  Avg: 10

1. Conerly LrNMKY	10.0
2. Rautasalo MuKi	7.5
3. Waxlax HNMKY	7.0
4. Laine ToPo J	7.0
5. Permanto Korikouvot	7.0
6. Bah Westside ET	6.0
7. Salmi Huima	6.0
8. Abokar Oulun B	6.0
9. Jacks Raiders B	5.5
10. Rantala PuHu J	5.5

Steals Per Game

Aubrey CONERLY
  LrNMKY
  (183-PG-83)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Conerly LrNMKY	5.5
2. Natesan FoKoPo	4.5
3. Ahvenjarvi Pyrinto	4.0
4. Boyd Jyvaskyla BA	4.0
5. Gibson LoKoKo B	4.0
6. Jacks Raiders B	4.0
7. Suomi Kristika T	3.5
8. Towa HNMKY	3.5
9. Gill Kipina	3.5
10. Bivins Kipina	3.0

Blocks Per Game

Jalen CANTY
  LoKoKo B
  (203-F-95)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Canty LoKoKo B	3.5
2. Lehtonen Pyrinto	3.5
3. Rainamaa ToPo J	2.0
4. Syrjamaki Kori.	2.0
5. Liukko Jyvaskyla	2.0
6. Martin FoKoPo	2.0
7. Aalto Ura B	1.5
8. Porvari LrNMKY	1.5
9. Cross Oulun Bball	1.5
10. Pohjonen Huima	1.5

Korisliiga Round 4: KTP Basket lose to Kauhajoki - by Eurobasket News

It's still too early stage of the Regular Season in Korisliiga, but even now we can clearly see the differece between stronger teams and outsiders. There were many interesting games last round. The round ended with change at the leadership position and favorites losing the games. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The biggest surprise took place in Kauhajoki where host Kauhajoki (2-2) crushed league's leader KTP Basket (3-1) 122-89 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of KTP Basket. The game without a history. Kauhajoki led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They shot 60.5 percent from the field. Kauhajoki shot the lights out from three sinking 19 long-distance shots on high 52.8 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 33 assists comparing to just 19 passes made by KTP Basket's players. Bosnian point guard Bojan Sarcevic (190-88) fired a double-double by scoring 14 points and 13 assists for the winners. American TJ Holyfield (203-95, college: Texas Tech) chipped in 26 points (on 11-of-13 shooting from the field). Kauhajoki's coach Janne Koskimies felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American Greg Mangano (208-89, college: Yale) produced a double-double by scoring 31 points and 14 rebounds for lost side. Kauhajoki moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. KTP Basket at the other side dropped to the third position with one game lost. They share it with Lahti. They were replaced at the leadership position by Pyrinto. KTP Basket will play next round against Nokia trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Kauhajoki will try to continue on its current victory against ninth ranked Kataja in Joensuu.
Top-ranked Pyrinto blasted bottom-ranked Korihait (0-4) in Uusikaupunki 103-77 keeping the perfect record after 4 rounds. Korihait is still unable to win any game. The game was dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of Marcus Lewis (193-92, college: EKU) who helped to win the game recording 25 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists and 6 steals. Brady Skeens contributed with 17 points and 14 rebounds for the winners. Guard Trey Zeigler (198-91, college: TCU) replied with 11 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists for Korihait. Korihait's coach Jarno Nikula gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Pyrinto have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Seagulls. Korihait at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Ura Basket. Pyrinto will play against league's second-placed Seagulls in Helsinki in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Korihait will play at home against Vilpas (#6) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Bottom-ranked Ura Basket (0-4) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 102-86 loss to top-ranked Seagulls (4-0) in Kaarina on Wednesday evening. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. Worth to mention a great performance of Kendale McCullum who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 4 assists. At the losing side Kevin Bracy-Davis responded with 25 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Seagulls have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Pyrinto. Loser Ura Basket still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Korihait. Seagulls will meet league's leader Pyrinto in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Ura Basket will play against Lahti (#4) and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
The game in Kouvola was also worth to mention about. Fifth ranked Lahti (3-1) played at the court of 8th ranked Kouvot (1-3). Lahti defeated Kouvot 85-69. The winners were led by Wayne McCullough who had that evening a double-double by scoring 22 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Lahti moved-up to third place, which they share with KTP Basket. Kouvot at the other side dropped to the ninth position with three games lost. Lahti's next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Ura Basket (#12) in Kaarina and are hoping to win another game. Kouvot will play on the road against Kobrat in Lapua and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
We should mention about the upset which took place in Salo, where higher ranked Kataja (1-3) was outleveled in a road game by tenth ranked Vilpas (2-2) 97-72 on Wednesday. Jeremiah Wood fired a double-double by scoring 12 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists for the winners. Kataja's coach Petri Virtanen already knew that his team would not have a big chance, so allowed to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Defending champion moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Kataja dropped to the ninth position with three games lost. Vilpas will face Korihait (#11) in Uusikaupunki in the next round where they are favorite. Kataja will play at home against Kauhajoki and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 4 Kobrat was defeated by Nokia in a road game 99-86.
The best stats of 4th round was 22 points and 7 rebounds by Matti Nuutinen of Ura Basket.

Kauhajoki - KTP Basket 122-89

The biggest surprise took place in Kauhajoki where host Kauhajoki (2-2) crushed league's leader KTP Basket (3-1) 122-89 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of KTP Basket. The game without a history. Kauhajoki led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They shot 60.5 percent from the field. Kauhajoki shot the lights out from three sinking 19 long-distance shots on high 52.8 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 33 assists comparing to just 19 passes made by KTP Basket's players. Bosnian point guard Bojan Sarcevic (190-88) fired a double-double by scoring 14 points and 13 assists for the winners. American TJ Holyfield (203-95, college: Texas Tech) chipped in 26 points (on 11-of-13 shooting from the field). Five Kauhajoki players scored in double figures. Kauhajoki's coach Janne Koskimies felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American Greg Mangano (208-89, college: Yale) produced a double-double by scoring 31 points and 14 rebounds and his fellow American import power forward Joe Burton (203-90, college: Oregon St., agency: GoEmpire Group) added 21 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for lost side. Kauhajoki moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. KTP Basket at the other side dropped to the third position with one game lost. They share it with Lahti. They were replaced at the leadership position by Pyrinto. KTP Basket will play next round against Nokia trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Kauhajoki will try to continue on its current victory against ninth ranked Kataja in Joensuu.
Top scorers:
Kauhajoki: T.Holyfield 26+2reb+1ast, C.Malcolm 22+3reb+2ast, B.Spearman 20+4reb+4ast, D.Utomi 19+7reb+2ast, B.Sarcevic 14+4reb+13ast, O.Jarvi 8+2reb+4ast
KTP Basket: G.Mangano 31+14reb+3ast, J.Burton 21+6reb+5ast, T.Kuukkanen 10+2reb+3ast, J.Herrala 8+1reb+3ast, S.Thomas 7+3reb+3ast, M.Rautasalo 5+3reb

Vilpas - Kataja 97-72

We should mention about the upset which took place in Salo, where higher ranked Kataja (1-3) was outleveled in a road game by tenth ranked Vilpas (2-2) 97-72 on Wednesday. The game without a history. Vilpas led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Kataja's players. American power forward Jeremiah Wood (200-85, agency: Inception Sports) fired a double-double by scoring 12 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists for the winners. The other American import guard Myles Stephens (196-97, college: Princeton) chipped in 16 points and 8 rebounds. Point guard Valtteri Mervola (183-2) produced 11 points and 6 assists and American guard Rashard Odomes (198-96, college: Oklahoma) added 15 points respectively for lost side. Five Vilpas and four Kataja players scored in double figures. Kataja's coach Petri Virtanen already knew that his team would not have a big chance, so allowed to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Defending champion moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Kataja dropped to the ninth position with three games lost. Vilpas will face Korihait (#11) in Uusikaupunki in the next round where they are favorite. Kataja will play at home against Kauhajoki and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Vilpas: M.Stephens 16+8reb+1ast, A.Kivimaki 13+3reb+8ast, P.Blomgren 13+3ast, M.Koivisto 13+1reb+4ast, J.Nenonen 13+4reb, J.Wood 12+6reb+10ast
Kataja: R.Odomes 15+3reb, D.Walton 13+2reb+2ast, M.Valtteri 11+2reb+6ast, A.Alanen 10+5reb+1ast, P.Fayne 7+1reb, M.Nuolivirta 7+7reb

Korihait - Pyrinto 77-103

Top-ranked Pyrinto blasted bottom-ranked Korihait (0-4) in Uusikaupunki 103-77 keeping the perfect record after 4 rounds. Korihait is still unable to win any game. It looked good early as Korihait took a 2-point small lead at the end of first quarter. But then Pyrinto had a 28-20 second period charge getting the lead and Korihait was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 77-103. Pyrinto dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Korihait's 34. Pyrinto forced 20 Korihait turnovers. The game was dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of Marcus Lewis (193-92, college: EKU) who helped to win the game recording 25 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists and 6 steals. Brady Skeens (201-95, college: Washburn) contributed with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 14 rebounds for the winners. Guard Trey Zeigler (198-91, college: TCU) replied with 11 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists and power forward Kai Mitchell (201-97, college: SHSU) added 14 points and 12 rebounds in the effort for Korihait. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Korihait's coach Jarno Nikula gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Pyrinto have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Seagulls. Korihait at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Ura Basket. Pyrinto will play against league's second-placed Seagulls in Helsinki in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Korihait will play at home against Vilpas (#6) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Pyrinto: L.Kilpinen 25+1reb+2ast, M.Lewis 25+6reb+9ast, B.Skeens 17+14reb+1ast, S.Hopkins 10+4reb, D.Gonzalvez 9+3reb+2ast, T.Pihlajamaki 6+4reb+1ast
Korihait: M.Marttinen 17+3reb+2ast, K.Mitchell 14+12reb+1ast, T.Blondin 13+5reb+3ast, T.Zeigler 11+8reb+9ast, B.Zeigler 8+10reb+1ast, A.Perttu 6+1reb

Nokia - Kobrat 99-86

There was a minor upset when one of their biggest challengers Kobrat (2-2) was defeated on the road by ninth ranked Nokia (2-2) 99-86 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Nokia. Kobrat was better in third quarter 26-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The game was also dominated by American players. Forward Jeff Garrett (201-94, college: LSUS) fired 28 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Guard Daeshon Francis (193-96, college: UTPB) chipped in 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Nate Grimes (203-96, college: Fresno St.) produced a double-double by scoring 11 points and 22 rebounds and swingman Anthony Gaines-Jr (195-93, college: Louisiana Coll.) added 26 points respectively for lost side. Five Nokia and four Kobrat players scored in double figures. Nokia moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Kobrat. Nokia will face higher ranked KTP Basket (#3) in Kotka in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Kobrat will play at home against Kouvot and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Nokia: J.Garrett 28+7reb, D.Francis 20+7reb+4ast, W.Washpun 14+5reb+8ast, M.Ojala 13+2reb, A.Lehto 11+2reb+5ast, K.Spicer 7+3reb+1ast
Kobrat: A.Gaines Jr. 26+4reb+1ast, J.Loveridge 23+4reb+4ast, J.Pierce 15+6reb+1ast, N.Grimes 11+22reb+1ast, A.Nikkarinen 8+1reb+12ast, J.Lehtoranta 3+3reb

Kouvot - Lahti 69-85

The game in Kouvola was also worth to mention about. Fifth ranked Lahti (3-1) played at the court of 8th ranked Kouvot (1-3). Lahti defeated Kouvot 85-69. The game was mostly controlled by Lahti. Kouvot was better in second period 31-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Kouvot to just 5 points in first quarter. Lahti players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. The winners were led by Canadian guard Wayne McCullough (195-94, college: CCU) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 22 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists and forward Henri Ventoniemi (207-95, college: UWF, agency: Players Group) supported him with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Five Lahti players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds by American forward Moses Greenwood (201-97, college: SE Louisiana) did not help to save the game for Kouvot. His fellow American import forward Antonio Ballard (194-88, college: Miami, OH) added 13 points and 14 rebounds for lost side. Lahti moved-up to third place, which they share with KTP Basket. Kouvot at the other side dropped to the ninth position with three games lost. Lahti's next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Ura Basket (#12) in Kaarina and are hoping to win another game. Kouvot will play on the road against Kobrat in Lapua and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Lahti: W.McCullough 22+10reb+6ast, H.Ventoniemi 17+12reb+3ast, A.Campbell 10+3reb+2ast, V.Karvonen 10+3ast, B.Peel 10+9reb+4ast, B.Myer 6+5reb+2ast
Kouvot: M.Greenwood 19+12reb+1ast, J.Armstrong 15+2reb+5ast, A.Ballard 13+14reb+3ast, O.Storgard 9+1reb+1ast, I.Toikkanen 4+1reb+1ast, S.Kaukiainen 4+2reb+4ast

Ura Basket - Seagulls 86-102

Bottom-ranked Ura Basket (0-4) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 102-86 loss to top-ranked Seagulls (4-0) in Kaarina on Wednesday evening. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. The game was mostly controlled by Seagulls. Ura Basket managed to win fourth quarter 24-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Seagulls forced 21 Ura Basket turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Kendale McCullum (194-96, college: Lewis, agency: Octagon Europe) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 4 assists and the other American import forward Wayne Martin (201-93, college: TSU) who added 17 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Four Seagulls players scored in double figures. At the losing side American guard Kevin Bracy-Davis (201-95, college: Davis & Elkins) responded with 25 points and 6 rebounds and the former international forward Matti Nuutinen (200-90, agency: Blacktop Management) scored 22 points and 7 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Seagulls have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Pyrinto. Loser Ura Basket still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Korihait. Seagulls will meet league's leader Pyrinto in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Ura Basket will play against Lahti (#4) and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Seagulls: K.McCullum 21+4reb+4ast, A.Kanervo 19+1reb+2ast, W.Martin 17+7reb, M.Diawara 14+4reb+1ast, P.Troupe 10+1reb+5ast, B.Max 7+4reb+2ast
Ura Basket: K.Bracy-Davis 25+6reb+3ast, M.Nuutinen 22+7reb, T.Niemi 12+1reb+1ast, T.Sulonen 7+1ast, K.Allen 7+2reb+1ast, J.White 6+8reb+1ast

Tags : BOJAN SARCEVIC, KARHU KAUHAJOKI, FINNISH BASKETBALL

Marcus Lewis claims Finnish Korisliiga Interperformances weekly honour - by Eurobasket News

American Marcus Lewis (193-SF-92) had a great game in the last round for league's leader Pyrinto and that's him to receive a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 4.
The 28-year old had the game-high 25 points adding six rebounds and nine assists for Pyrinto in his team's victory, helping them to outclass, the league's bottom-ranked team Korihait (#11, 0-4) with 26-point margin 103-77. It allowed Pyrinto to jump to the first place in the Finnish Korisliiga. They maintain a perfect record without any lost game in the league. The season is still on an early stage, but Pyrinto already had a very good start winning all 4 without losing a single one. In the team's last game Lewis had a remarkable 64.7% from 2-point range. He turned to be Pyrinto's top player in his first season with the team. Eastern Kentucky University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Lewis is in league's top in points (6th best: 19.5ppg), assists (5th best: 6.3apg) and averages solid 4.0spg and 58.8% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 31-year old American power forward Greg Mangano (208-PF-89) of KTP-Basket. Mangano impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 31 points and 14 rebounds. Bad luck as KTP Basket lost that game 89-122 to the lower-ranked Kauhajoki (#7, 2-2). This loss caused KTP Basket to drop to 3rd position in the standings. His team's 3-1 record is not bad at all. Mangano is a newcomer at KTP Basket and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 28.8ppg (#1). He also registered 11.0 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was Canadian Wayne McCullough (195-G-94) of Lahti Basketball (#4). McCullough showcased his all-around game by recording 22 points, ten rebounds and six assists in the last round. He was a key player of Lahti, leading his team to a 85-69 easy win against the lower-ranked Kouvot (#10, 1-3). Lahti needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 3 victories and 1 lost game. McCullough has a great season in Finland. After only 4 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 18.3ppg (8th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Brady Skeens (201-PF-95) of Pyrinto - 17 points and 14 rebounds
5. Matti Nuutinen (200-F-90) of Ura Basket - 22 points and 7 rebounds
6. Bojan Sarcevic (190-PG-88) of Kauhajoki - 14 points, 4 rebounds and 13 assists
7. Moses Greenwood (201-F-97) of Kouvot - 19 points and 12 rebounds
8. Collin Malcolm (200-F-97) of Kauhajoki - 22 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists
9. TJ Holyfield (203-PF-95) of Kauhajoki - 26 points and 2 rebounds
10. Jeff Garrett (201-F-94) of Nokia - 28 points and 7 rebounds

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

Tags : MARCUS LEWIS, PYRINTO TAMPERE, FINNISH BASKETBALL

Kazembe Abif:"Winning has always been my first priority on a team" - by Daniel Poerschke

Kazembe Abif (201-F-92, college: Drexel, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) has played in multiple countries in his career so far, including Germany, Denmark and Finland and has established himself as a valuable contributor in today's fast paced game, where Power Forwards just not only operate under the basket, but also space the floor with a good outside game. In 36 games in the Korisliiga last season Abif averaged 9.2ppg, 4.4rpg and shot FGP: 54.6%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 70.8%.

Kazembe is currently in New Jersey, preparing his body for his potential next chapter during this crazy Corona times:

Kazembe, tell us a little bit about last season in Finland with the Helsinki Seagulls
My last season is Finland went really well. My team finished at the top of the standings and were able to go undefeated at home during the whole season (18-0). We also won the Finnish Cup, the first championship in team history so that was really exciting. It was also my first time as a champion at the professional level which is always my goal at the start of every season.

The past months have been very different in terms of preparation and concentration for a profesional athelet. How do you work out in this changing environment?
Staying in shape has been a lot easier the past few month compared to the early spring when the Corona virus first broke out. We were basically on a total lockdown the first couple months. Parks and gyms were completely closed. Over the last few months gyms have opened allowing for weight training, on court training and full cardio use which has helped me stay in shape.

What are the biggest learnings from your pro experience so far?
I have been able to learn a lot over the past few years playing in Europe. I've had the pleasure of playing on teams with both young players as well as experienced veterans which allowed me to really pick their brains for more basketball knowledge. I've really learned the importance of being a professional at all times, showing up to film and practice early, making sure you are taking care of your body with treatment and eating the right foods to stay fueled. I've been able to see the importance of watching film and scouting. Generally the deeper into the season you get the harder the grind is to win games and small details and adjustments can be the difference between wins and losses.

Why should a team sign you for this ongoing season?
I am a player who will do whatever it takes to win. Winning has always been my first priority on a team. I am a player who can knock down open shots, rebound, defend, and brings that much needed energy and positivity to a team. I am a proven winner who brings it every night and has all the intangibles to make a team successful.

What are your plans for the next couple weeks?
My plans for the next few weeks are to continue to train and stay in the best shape possible until the right opportunity is presented. I will continue to try to stay healthy during this Corona pandemic while perfecting my craft.

Tags : KAZEMBE ABIF, HELSINKI SEAGULLS, FINNISH BASKETBALL

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

FRANCE

Levallois may tab Trevor Lacey - by Nathan Smith

Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans (Jeep ELITE ProA) is about to agree terms with 29-year old American shooting guard Trevor Lacey (188-98kg-91, college: NC State) who played last time at Wisconsin Herd in NBA G League. In 36 NBA-G-League games he had 4.7ppg, 2.1rpg and 1.4apg last season.
Lacey won NBA G League Central Division championship title.
The previous (18-19) season Lacey played at Lokomotiv in Russian league where in 17 Eurocup games he recorded 5.8ppg, 2.1rpg and 2.4apg. He also played 13 games in VTB United League where he averaged 5.3ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.1apg and 1.0spg.
Lacey has played also professionally in Italy (Sassari).
He was voted All-ACC 2nd Team back in 2015 at his college time.
He attended North Carolina State University until 2016 and it will be his fifth season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : TREVOR LACEY, WISCONSIN HERD, USA BASKETBALL, USA TRANSACTIONS, NBA-G-LEAGUE

NM1 Round 7: Avignon/Pontet still unable to win any game - by Eurobasket News

Host teams show no mercy winning all games. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

Bottom-ranked Avignon/Pontet (0-4) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 75-63 loss to seventh ranked Mulhouse (3-2) in Mulhouse on Tuesday evening. 24 personal fouls committed by Avignon/Pontet helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Central African power forward Johan Grebongo (202-94) fired 16 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Guinean center Daouda Conde (210-92) chipped in 15 points and 9 rebounds. American point guard Greg Pryor-Jr (188-95, college: Chattanooga) produced 20 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals for lost side. Mulhouse moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Le Havre. Avignon/Pontet at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. Mulhouse is looking forward to face C'Chartres (#7) at home in the next round. Avignon/Pontet will play against Besancon (#12) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
We should mention about the upset which took place in Bordeaux, where higher ranked Toulouse (2-2) lost to eleventh ranked JSA Bordeaux (2-4) in a road game 67-76. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Jeffrey Dalmat (191-91) who helped to win the game recording 17 points, 6 assists and 4 steals. Quentin Hanck contributed with 11 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Adrien Thimon (188-94) answered with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds for Toulouse. Toulouse's coach Stephane Dao rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. JSA Bordeaux moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Angers. Toulouse at the other side keeps the sixth position with two games lost. They share it with Vanves and Chartres. JSA Bordeaux will play against higher ranked Union Rennes (#9) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Toulouse will play against Tours and hopes to get back on the winning track.

In the last game of round 7 Kaysersberg was defeated by Boulogne in Boulogne-sur-Mer 69-62.
The best stats of 7th round was 21 points and 15 rebounds by Mickael Var of Boulogne.

Round 1

Mulhouse - Avignon/Pontet 75-63

Bottom-ranked Avignon/Pontet (0-4) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 75-63 loss to seventh ranked Mulhouse (3-2) in Mulhouse on Tuesday evening. 24 personal fouls committed by Avignon/Pontet helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Central African power forward Johan Grebongo (202-94) fired 16 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Guinean center Daouda Conde (210-92) chipped in 15 points and 9 rebounds. American point guard Greg Pryor-Jr (188-95, college: Chattanooga) produced 20 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals and point guard Geoffrey Bourcier (182-88) added 15 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Mulhouse moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Le Havre. Avignon/Pontet at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. Mulhouse is looking forward to face C'Chartres (#7) at home in the next round. Avignon/Pontet will play against Besancon (#12) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Mulhouse: J.Grebongo 16+7reb+2ast, D.Conde 15+9reb+1ast, G.Payen-Boucard 10+7reb+2ast, L.Plasse 9+2reb+6ast, A.Ekani 8+4reb, C.Andre 7+5reb
Avignon/Pontet: G.Pryor Jr 20+8reb+5ast, G.Bourcier 15+7reb+2ast, A.Fraser 10+4reb, Y.Mendy 6+8reb, M.Djo Ebala 6+4reb+3ast, M.Bernaoui 4+3reb

Bordeaux - Toulouse 76-67

We should mention about the upset which took place in Bordeaux, where higher ranked Toulouse (2-2) lost to eleventh ranked JSA Bordeaux (2-4) in a road game 67-76. JSA Bordeaux players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Jeffrey Dalmat (191-91) who helped to win the game recording 17 points, 6 assists and 4 steals. Point guard Quentin Hanck (192-93) contributed with 11 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Adrien Thimon (188-94) answered with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds and American-Mali forward Ibrahim Djambo (208-92, college: Hofstra) added 18 points in the effort for Toulouse. Five JSA Bordeaux and four Toulouse players scored in double figures. Toulouse's coach Stephane Dao rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. JSA Bordeaux moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Angers. Toulouse at the other side keeps the sixth position with two games lost. They share it with Vanves and Chartres. JSA Bordeaux will play against higher ranked Union Rennes (#9) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Toulouse will play against Tours and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Bordeaux: J.Dalmat 17+4reb+6ast, T.Van Ounsem 12+3reb+2ast, A.Vialaret 12+4reb+3ast, Q.Hanck 11+7reb+5ast, G.Meyniel 11+2reb+2ast, W.Mackey 7+4reb
Toulouse: I.Djambo 18+4reb, A.Thimon 13+10reb+2ast, J.Kennedy 11+1reb, V.Mopsus 10+2reb+4ast, F.Sahraoui 8+3reb+2ast, L.Kouyate 4+5reb+1ast

Boulogne - Kaysersberg 69-62

There was no surprise in Boulogne-sur-Mer where 10th ranked Kaysersberg (1-3) was defeated by fourth ranked SO Maritime Boulogne (4-2) 69-62. SO Maritime Boulogne forced 19 Kaysersberg turnovers. It was a very good performance for power forward Mickael Var (205-90) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 21 points and 15 rebounds. American-DR Congolese forward Cedric Kuakumensah (204-93, college: Brown) contributed with 13 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Center Melvyn Govindy (212-97) answered with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds and Lithuanian point guard Dovydas Redikas (193-92) added 3 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists in the effort for Kaysersberg. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. SO Maritime Boulogne have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Stade Rochelais and Lorient. Kaysersberg lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eleventh position with three games lost. SO Maritime Boulogne will play against CFBB (#9) in Paris in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Kaysersberg will play at home against the league's second-placed Andrezieux to get more than just one victory in their record.
Top scorers:
Boulogne: M.Var 21+15reb+2ast, C.Kuakumensah 13+8reb+1ast, M.Boyer 11+10reb+1ast, M.Durand 6+2reb+1ast, L.Akono 5+3reb+4ast, W.Davis 5+3reb+4ast
Kaysersberg: M.Govindy 15+10reb, C.Lopez 11+3reb+1ast, S.Cabarkapa 9+6reb, M.Diagne 7+6reb+3ast, K.Walter 6+2ast, B.Hugo 5+2reb+2ast

Tags : JOHAN GREBONGO, MULHOUSE BASKET AGGLOMERATION, FRENCH BASKETBALL

Vera welcomes back Scott, ex Andrezieux - by Giorgi Gugeshashvili

BC Vera (Superleague) landed 26-year old French guard Bryson Scott (188-93kg-94, college: PFW). It is actually his comeback to Vera as he has played here before. Scott played most recently at Andrezieux Boutheon Loire Sud Basket in French NM1 league. In 17 games he averaged 12.9ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.4apg and 2.3spg (leader !!!) last season.
Scott ended the previous (2019) season at Team Raptors 905 in U.S. semi-pro league Eurobasket Summer League where in four games he had 10.5ppg, 3.0rpg and 2.8apg in 2019 season. But the most of that year he spent at Vera in Georgian A League. In 16 games he was the best scorer with impressive 21.1ppg and recorded 6.6rpg, 2.3apg and 2.5spg (in top 3) in 2019 season. Scott helped them to win the Georgian A League title despite they ended the regular season at the second place. It was a very successful season in his career as he was awarded Eurobasket.com All-Georgian A-League Guard of the Year, selected to 1st Team and selected to All-Imports Team.
Two years ago Scott was drafted by Raptors 905 (G-League) in third round (19th overall).
The former Purdue University Fort Wayne standout is in his third season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : BRYSON SCOTT, BC VERA, GEORGIAN BASKETBALL, GEORGIAN TRANSACTIONS

Rob Gray joins Monaco - by Fersu Yahyabeyoglu

Tags : ROB GRAY, AS MONACO BASKET, FRENCH BASKETBALL, FRENCH TRANSACTIONS, EUROCUP

Wesley Saunders (ex Monaco) could join Lavoropiu Fortitudo Bologna - by Eurobasket News

Lavoropiu Fortitudo Bologna (Serie A) is close to sign 27-year old American swingman Wesley Saunders (196-98kg-93, college: Harvard) who currently played at AS Monaco Basket in France. But in three Jeep ELITE ProA games he recorded just 1.0ppg and 1.3rpg this season. He also played 4 games in Eurocup where he averaged only 2.0ppg, 1.5rpg and 1.0spg. The last season Saunders played at Vanoli Cremona in Italian Serie A. In 20 games he had 14.0ppg, 5.9rpg, 3.4apg and 1.4spg.
Saunders is a very experienced player. He has played also professionally in Finland (Kataja), Germany (BG Goettingen), NBA (New York Knicks) and NBA G League (Austin Spurs, Westchester Knicks and Windy City Bulls).
Among many awards he received Eurobasket.com All-Finnish Korisliiga Honorable Mention award in 2018.
Saunders attended Harvard University until 2015 and it is his sixth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : WESLEY SAUNDERS, AS MONACO BASKET, FRENCH BASKETBALL, FRENCH TRANSACTIONS, EUROCUP

Holon inks Frederic Bourdillon - by Eurobasket News

(via @Be_BasketFr)

Tags : FREDERIC BOURDILLON, HAPOEL HOLON, ISRAELI BASKETBALL, ISRAELI TRANSACTIONS, BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, BALKAN LEAGUE

LNB postpones action after French goverment announces lockdown - by Eurobasket News

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a second national lockdown for at least until the end of November and while professional sports may continue their action, the professional basketball in France is taking a break, at least for the upcoming weekend. Michel Mimran, the general director of the LNB, has announced via Twitter that the league decided to postpone all action in the JeepElite (ProA) and ProB for the upcoming weekend, starting from Friday. A decision for the rest of the November games is pending, however, things are not looking good for French basketball. Dominique Juillot, the president of Elan Chalon, stated today to 'L'Equipe': 'it's financial suicide to continue playing without fans, or with just 1.000 of them allowed on the gym'. The League expects to know the details for a possible financial aid program from the French state for professional sports, however, the scenario of not having games in France during November is more than possible.
Courtesy of: eurohoops.net

Gerry Blakes is a newcomer at Cholet - by Eurobasket News

Cholet Basket (Jeep ELITE ProA) strengthened their roster with addition of 26-year old American shooting guard Gerry Blakes (193-88kg-93, college: ASU). Blakes ended the last season at SIG Strasbourg in French Jeep ELITE ProA where in only one game he recorded very impressive stats: 16 points, 6 rebounds and 1 assist. But the most of that year he spent at EWE Baskets in Germany league. In 10 Eurocup games he averaged 12.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.1apg and 1.0spg.
Blakes is quite experienced player. He has played also professionally in Cyprus (Enosis Neon Paralimni), Italy (Cantu), Sweden (Norrkoping Dolphins) and The Basketball Tournament (Forks Up).
Blakes attended Arizona State University until 2016 and it is his fifth season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : GERRY BLAKES, CHOLET BASKET, FRENCH BASKETBALL, FRENCH TRANSACTIONS, BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Trey Lewis (ex Gravelines) is a newcomer at Rishon - by Eurobasket News

Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion (Winner League) added to their roster 28-year old American guard Trey Lewis (188-85kg-92, college: Louisville). He played last season at BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral in French Jeep ELITE ProA. In 18 games he recorded 14.0ppg, 3.8rpg and 2.7apg.
Lewis has tried to make it to the NBA and played in the NBA Pro Summer League in 2016.
He is quite experienced player. Lewis has played also professionally in Germany (ratiopharm Ulm and Bayreuth), NBA (Utah Jazz), NBA G League (Salt Lake City Stars) and NBA Summer League (Portland Trail Blazers).
The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others his team made it to the Horizon League Tournament Semifinals for two years in a row (2014 and 2015). Lewis was selected to German Bundesliga All-Star Game between 2017 and 2018.
He attended University of Louisville until 2016 and it will be his fifth season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : TREY LEWIS, MACCABI RISHON LE-ZION, ISRAELI BASKETBALL, ISRAELI TRANSACTIONS, BALKAN LEAGUE

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

GEORGIA

Vera welcomes back Scott, ex Andrezieux - by Giorgi Gugeshashvili

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

GERMANY

Gal Mekel (Unicaja Malaga) Remembers His Eyes Being On Kobe Bryant Like A Kid To See If He Had Watched When He Scored - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Andre Lockhart (London Lions) It's About Sacrificing To Win And Not About Starting Games But Finishing Them - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Joshua Braun claims German ProA weekly honour - by Eurobasket News

American Joshua Braun (193-SG-94) put on an amazing game in the last round for league's leader Bremerhaven and that's him to receive a Interperformances ProA Player of the Week award for round 2.
The 26-year old shooting guard had the game-high 23 points adding five rebounds and three assists for Bremerhaven in his team's victory, helping them to outclass, the league's bottom-ranked team Ehingen (#14, 0-2) with 34-point margin 106-72. It allowed Bremerhaven to jump to the first place in the German ProA. But it's just the very beginning of the season and Bremerhaven won both games without losing any. It's too early to say anything as the standings can be changed completely after next round. It's Braun's second year at Bremerhaven and it's hard to imagine this team without him.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 27-year old power forward Julius Wolf (203-PF-93) of Jena. Wolf impressed basketball fans with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Of course he led Jena to another comfortable win outscoring Kirchheim (0-1) 111-81. His team has extremely good start of the season. They won their first game. However the season is at the beginning, so everything can happen. They still may lose their high position in the standings. Wolf is one of the most experienced players at Jena and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 21.0ppg (#3). He also registered 7.0 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was Iranian Behnam Yakhchali (196-SG-95) of Rostock (#6). Yakhchali scored 26 points and grabbed five rebounds. He was a key player of Rostock, leading his team to a 86-83 win against Bayer Giants (1-1). Rostock needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 1 victory and 1 lost game. Yakhchali has a very solid season. In 2 games in Germany he scored 16.5ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Jordan Geist (188-SG-97) of Heidelberg - 19 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists
5. Daniel Norl (191-SG-95) of Karlsruhe PS - 23 points and 4 rebounds
6. Ivan Buntic (208-C-91) of Paderborn - 18 points and 3 rebounds
7. Kyle Leufroy (190-SG-96) of Kirchheim - 22 points and 6 assists
8. John Bohannon (210-C-91) of Bremerhaven - 10 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists
9. Dennis Heinzmann (216-C-91) of Bayer Giants - 7 points and 12 rebounds
10. Jonathan Maier (211-C-92) of Nuernberg - 17 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists

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

Tags : JOSHUA BRAUN, EISBAEREN BREMERHAVEN, GERMAN BASKETBALL

ProA Round 2: Artland Dragons lose to Gladiators - by Eurobasket News

There were only 2 rounds played so far and it's still very beginning of the Regular Season in ProA. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

Artland Dragons recorded a loss in Quakenbrueck on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by Gladiators 87-71. Gladiators outrebounded Artland Dragons 38-24 including a 16-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was Jamaican-Canadian Jermaine Bucknor (201-83, college: Richmond) who scored 18 points and 4 assists. American Daniel Monteroso (191-94, college: West Liberty) chipped in 12 points. American Gerel Simmons (188-93, college: LMU) produced 20 points and 4 assists for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Gladiators is looking forward to face Ehingen/Urspringschule in Allmendingen in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Artland Dragons will play on the road against Schwenningen and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Important game to mention about took place in Rostock. Rostock saved a 3-point victory at home edging Bayer Giants 86-83 in the game for the sixth place. Iranian Behnam Yakhchali (196-95) orchestrated the victory by scoring 26 points and 5 rebounds. Chris Carter contributed with 11 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Haris Hujic (193-97) replied with 17 points for Bayer Giants. Bayer Giants' coach Hansi Gnad tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Rostock will play against Nuernberg at home in the next round. Bayer Giants will play against MLP Academics Heidelberg to get more than just one victory in their record.
Very important is a road loss of Nuernberg against MLP Academics Heidelberg on Sunday night. Visiting Nuernberg was crushed by MLP Academics Heidelberg in Heidelberg 99-77. Jordan Geist had a double-double by scoring 19 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners. Jonathan Maier responded with 17 points and 7 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. MLP Academics Heidelberg will meet Bayer Giants in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Nuernberg will play against Rostock and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Allmendingen. Local Ehingen/Urspringschule was outscored by Eisbaeren Bremerhaven 106-72. The game was dominated by American players. Joshua Braun notched 23 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) to lead the effort. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Eisbaeren Bremerhaven's next round opponent will be Kirchheim Knights at home which should be another easy win for them. Ehingen/Urspringschule will play against Gladiators in Trier and hope to win that game.

In the last two games of round 2 winless Karlsruhe PS were defeated by Paderborn in a road game 86-75. Winless Kirchheim lost to undefeated Jena at home 81-111.
The best stats of 2nd round was 21 points and 7 rebounds by Julius Wolf of Jena.

Art.Dragons - Trier 71-87

Artland Dragons recorded a loss in Quakenbrueck on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by Gladiators 87-71. Gladiators outrebounded Artland Dragons 38-24 including a 16-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was Jamaican-Canadian Jermaine Bucknor (201-83, college: Richmond) who scored 18 points and 4 assists. American Daniel Monteroso (191-94, college: West Liberty) chipped in 12 points. American Gerel Simmons (188-93, college: LMU) produced 20 points and 4 assists and Adrian Breitlauch (193-93) added 16 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Gladiators is looking forward to face Ehingen/Urspringschule in Allmendingen in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Artland Dragons will play on the road against Schwenningen and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Art.Dragons: G.Simmons 20+4reb+4ast, A.Breitlauch 16+6reb+3ast, R.Oehle 12+4reb+1ast, Q.Welton 7+1reb+1ast, C.Griffin 6+2reb+1ast, J.Knauf 3+3reb+2ast
Trier: J.Bucknor 18+3reb+4ast, D.Monteroso 12+4reb+1ast, J.Dubas 12+4reb, K.Smit 9+1reb+1ast, R.Hennen 7+2reb+1ast, T.Gruen 7+3reb+3ast

Rostock - Bayer Giants 86-83

Important game to mention about took place in Rostock. Rostock saved a 3-point victory at home edging Bayer Giants 86-83 in the game for the sixth place. Rostock made 19-of-24 charity shots (79.2 percent) during the game. Bayer Giants were plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Iranian Behnam Yakhchali (196-95) orchestrated the victory by scoring 26 points and 5 rebounds. American point guard Chris Carter (193-92, college: Florida Tech) contributed with 11 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Haris Hujic (193-97) replied with 17 points and center Eddy Edigin (201-95) added 11 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Bayer Giants. Four Bayer Giants players scored in double figures. Bayer Giants' coach Hansi Gnad tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Rostock will play against Nuernberg at home in the next round. Bayer Giants will play against MLP Academics Heidelberg to get more than just one victory in their record.
Top scorers:
Bayer Giants: H.Hujic 17+3reb+3ast, J.Mann 15+4reb, E.Edigin 11+9reb, W.Lohaus 10+5ast, G.Dressler 10+3reb+2ast, L.Kahl 8+4ast
Rostock: B.Yakhchali 26+5reb+1ast, R.Zakis 14+4reb+1ast, C.Carter 11+5reb+6ast, S.Theis 9+1reb+1ast, R.Veideman 8+3reb+2ast, B.Loesing 7+3reb+5ast

Ehingen - Bremerhaven 72-106

The game with biggest result difference took place in Allmendingen. Local Ehingen/Urspringschule was outscored by Eisbaeren Bremerhaven 106-72. Eisbaeren Bremerhaven forced 19 Ehingen/Urspringschule turnovers and outrebounded them 39-26 including a 29-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Eisbaeren Bremerhaven players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Ehingen/Urspringschule's players. 25 personal fouls committed by Ehingen/Urspringschule helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The game was dominated by American players. Joshua Braun (193-94, college: GCU) notched 23 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and center John Bohannon (210-91, college: UTEP) supported him with 10 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Even 20 points and 6 rebounds by DeQuan Abrom (188-96, college: Belm.Abbey) did not help to save the game for Ehingen/Urspringschule. Kameron Hankerson (196-98, college: Green Bay) added 12 points for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Eisbaeren Bremerhaven's next round opponent will be Kirchheim Knights at home which should be another easy win for them. Ehingen/Urspringschule will play against Gladiators in Trier and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Ehingen: D.Abrom 20+6reb+2ast, K.Hankerson 12+4reb+1ast, J.Pagenkopf 11+1reb+3ast, F.Aunitz 11+1reb+1ast, C.Oshita 9+5reb+1ast, K.Strangmeyer 6+3reb
Bremerhaven: J.Braun 23+5reb+3ast, M.Ugrai 17+3reb, M.Poelking 14+9reb, L.Friederici 11+1reb+2ast, J.Bohannon 10+11reb+5ast, M.Heckel 9+1reb+3ast

Heidelberg - Nuernberg 99-77

Very important is a road loss of Nuernberg against MLP Academics Heidelberg on Sunday night. Visiting Nuernberg was crushed by MLP Academics Heidelberg in Heidelberg 99-77. MLP Academics Heidelberg outrebounded Nuernberg 41-24 including a 12-1 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American Jordan Geist (188-97, college: Missouri, agency: Inception Sports) had a double-double by scoring 19 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and American point guard Saeed Nelson (188-98, college: American) chipped in 17 points and 4 assists during the contest. Center Jonathan Maier (211-92) responded with 17 points and 7 rebounds and American Jackson Kent (196-93, college: JMU) scored 22 points (perfect from downtown making all six shots !!!). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. MLP Academics Heidelberg will meet Bayer Giants in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Nuernberg will play against Rostock and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Nuernberg: J.Kent 22+2reb+2ast, J.Maier 17+7reb+3ast, M.Pongo 11+4reb+5ast, M.Bogdanov 9+1reb+4ast, M.Sanders 4+4reb+1ast, F.Fischer 4+2reb
Heidelberg: J.Geist 19+11reb+5ast, S.Nelson 17+4reb+4ast, P.Heyden 13+7reb, A.Kuppe 9+1reb+2ast, E.McGaughey 9+8reb+1ast, N.Wuerzner 8+3reb+2ast

Paderborn - Karlsruhe PS 86-75

Uni Baskets used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Karlsruhe 86-75. Uni Baskets dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Lions' 28 and made 17-of-19 charity shots (89.5 percent) during the game. Uni Baskets players were unselfish on offense dishing 25 assists. Center Tom Alte (207-95, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) notched 17 points and 9 rebounds to lead the effort and American point guard Grant Benzinger (193-96, college: Wright St.) supported him with 13 points and 7 rebounds. Five Uni Baskets players scored in double figures. Uni Baskets' coach Steven Esterkamp allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 23 points by naturalized American Daniel Norl (191-95, college: Omaha) did not help to save the game for Lions. American Kavin Gilder-Tilbury (201-94, college: Texas St.) added 16 points for the guests. Uni Baskets' next round opponent will be Walter Tigers in Tuebingen where they are favorite. Lions will play at home against Phoenix Hagen and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Karlsruhe PS: D.Norl 23+4reb, K.Gilder-Tilbury 16+2reb+3ast, A.Pilipovic 11+4reb+4ast, T.Lyles 8+4reb+2ast, M.Pluskota 6+4reb, E.Marshall 5+1reb+1ast
Paderborn: I.Buntic 18+3reb+1ast, T.Alte 17+9reb, G.Benzinger 13+7reb+3ast, D.Ward 11+3reb+6ast, D.Mixich 11+1reb+2ast, R.Drijencic 7+2reb

Round 1

Kirchheim - Jena 81-111

But Kirchheim Knights were not able to use a home court advantage and were smashed by the opponent from Jena 111-81. Science City Jena shot 66.7 percent from the field. They shot the lights out from three nailing 18 long-distance shots on high 60.0 percentage. Science City Jena players were unselfish on offense dishing 33 assists comparing to just 19 passes made by Kirchheim Knights' players. Julius Wolf (203-93) notched 21 points and 7 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and center Robin Lodders (206-94) supported him with 14 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Science City Jena's coach Frank Menz felt very confident that he used 11 players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Even 22 points and 6 assists by American Kyle Leufroy (190-96, college: Lehigh) did not help to save the game for Kirchheim Knights. Kevin Wohlrath (197-95) added 20 points for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Science City Jena will have a break next round. Kirchheim Knights will play on the road against Eisbaeren Bremerhaven and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Kirchheim: K.Leufroy 22+1reb+6ast, K.Wohlrath 20+4reb+1ast, T.Pape 13+3reb+1ast, A.Kronhardt 13+7reb+2ast, T.Keita 5+6reb, R.Williams 5+1reb+5ast
Jena: J.Wolf 21+7reb+3ast, A.Smith 17, R.Lodders 14+6reb+1ast, S.Haukohl 13+5reb+2ast, V.Radojicic 12+4ast, D.Holland 9+1reb+8ast

Tags : JERMAINE BUCKNOR, ROMERSTROM GLADIATORS TRIER, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Euroleague: Real ease past Bayern in Madrid - by Eurobasket News

Real Madrid - Bayern 100-82

Real registered just the second win in Euroleague regular season. The Spanish powerhouse outgunned Bayern at Wizink Center on Thursday. Five players scored in double digits for the hosts. Jaycee Carroll (188-G-83) chipped in 19 points for Real.
The hosts drained 27 points in the first period to open a 10-point lead. Bayern responded with a 28-point effort in the second stanza to pull within 4 at halftime 45-49. But Real were back in the driver's seat in the third quarter. The home side boosted the lead to 9 points 70-61 at the final intermission. Real unloaded 30 points in the fourth stanza to race to the win. Trey Thompkins (208-F-90, college: Georgia, agency: Wasserman) tossed in 16 points and grabbed 7 rebounds for Real. Wade Baldwin IV (193-G-96, college: Vanderbilt) answered with 18 points for Bayern.

Tags : JAYCEE CARROLL, REAL MADRID, SPANISH BASKETBALL

Gerry Blakes (ex Bamberg) is a newcomer at Cholet - by Eurobasket News

Cholet Basket (Jeep ELITE ProA) strengthened their roster with addition of 26-year old American shooting guard Gerry Blakes (193-88kg-93, college: ASU). He was tested by Brose Bamberg in German BBL league, but was not approved after all. Blakes ended the last season at SIG Strasbourg in French Jeep ELITE ProA where in only one game he recorded very impressive stats: 16 points, 6 rebounds and 1 assist. But the most of that year he spent at EWE Baskets in Germany league. In 10 Eurocup games he averaged 12.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.1apg and 1.0spg.
Blakes is quite experienced player. He has played also professionally in Cyprus (Enosis Neon Paralimni), Italy (Cantu), Sweden (Norrkoping Dolphins) and The Basketball Tournament (Forks Up).
Blakes attended Arizona State University until 2016 and it is his fifth season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : GERRY BLAKES, CHOLET BASKET, FRENCH BASKETBALL, FRENCH TRANSACTIONS, BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Gerry Blakes is a newcomer at Cholet - by Eurobasket News

Tags : GERRY BLAKES, CHOLET BASKET, FRENCH BASKETBALL, FRENCH TRANSACTIONS, BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Devon Hall to sign at Bamberg - by Eurobasket News

Kazembe Abif:"Winning has always been my first priority on a team" - by Daniel Poerschke

Kazembe is currently in New Jersey, preparing his body for his potential next chapter during this crazy Corona times:

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

GREECE

Stats Leaders - A2

Points Per Game

Yannis GAGALOUDIS
  Marousi
  (192-G-78)
  Avg: 23.5

1. Gagaloudis Marousi	23.5
2. Kiritsis Psychiko	22.3
3. Kokkalis Tritonas	18.0
4. Xydas Marousi	17.0
5. Milentigievi., Psyc.	16.7
6. Marousits Enosi K	16.7
7. Molfetas Apollon	15.7
8. Dimakos Elef.	15.7
9. Melissaratos Olym.	15.0
10. Vavatsikos Kard.	14.7

Rebounds Per Game

Georgios DIAMANTAKOS
  Apollon
  (215-C-95)
  Avg: 11

1. Diamantakos Apollon	11.0
2. Papanikolaou Psyc.	9.7
3. Matalliotakis Pagr.	9.3
4. Kalles Karditsas	9.0
5. Kanonidis Amyntas	8.7
6. Kallinikidis Napf.	8.3
7. Papadimitriou Trit.	7.7
8. Kokkalis Tritonas	7.7
9. Arnokouros Marousi	7.5
10. Niforas Apollon P	7.5

Assists Per Game

Thomas NIKOU
  Elef.
  (185-PG-80)
  Avg: 9.3

1. Nikou Elef.	9.3
2. Koumpouras Napfliou	6.3
3. Matalon Karditsas	5.7
4. Antonakis Apollon	5.7
5. Koufopoulos Pagrati	5.3
6. Kaklamanos Kard.	4.7
7. Papadionysiou Koro.	4.7
8. Athanasoulas Pane.	4.3
9. Milentigievi., Psyc.	4.0
10. Mastoros Psychiko	4.0

Steals Per Game

Ioannis NIKOLAIDIS
  Agriniou
  (193-PG-99)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Nikolaidis Agriniou	2.8
2. Papageorgopo., Maro.	2.5
3. Saleh Amyntas D.	2.3
4. Mantzaris Tritonas	2.0
5. Papadionysiou Koro.	2.0
6. Stasinos Marousi	2.0
7. Tsiloulis Elef.	2.0
8. Pelekanos Napfliou	2.0
9. Topalis Amyntas D	1.7
10. Grekas Karditsas	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Andreas KASSIOUMIS
  Enosi
  (211-C-98)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Kassioumis Enosi	2.3
2. Melissaratos Olym.	1.7
3. Niforas Apollon P	1.5
4. Arnokouros Marousi	1.5
5. Theodorou Tritonas	1.3
6. Kalles Karditsas	1.3
7. Pelekanos Napfliou	1.3
8. Vougioukas Pane.	1.0
9. Tsamis Olympiacos	1.0
10. Simitzis Napfliou	1.0

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

HIGH SCHOOLS

4-Star SG Dallan Coleman commits to Georgia Tech - by Eurobasket News

Georgia Tech basketball is on the board with a major addition to its 2021 recruiting class: 4-star shooting guard Dallan Coleman (6'5'-G). A big 6-foot-6, 210-pound guard from Florida, Coleman checks in as a top-50 prospect, per 247 Sports. Coleman has a good frame and plenty of scoring craft; he's an excellent shooter, which bodes well for a program that's struggled with perimeter shooting under Josh Pastner. Florida State, Florida, Ohio State, Texas Tech, Georgetown and Clemson - among others - all offered scholarships for Coleman, too. Texas Tech and Ole Miss were the other finalists for Coleman. In the end, though, Georgia Tech pulled it out. Assistant coach Julian Swartz was pivotal; he led Georgia Tech's recruitment of Coleman. Coleman joins Miles Kelly, a 4-star combo guard from Hargrave Military Academy, in Georgia Tech's 2021 class. During his junior season at West Nassau (Callahan, Fla.) High, Coleman averaged 25.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.9 steals and 3.5 assists per game. If junior guard Michael Devoe returns for his senior season in 2021-22, Georgia Tech will have a strong backcourt with Coleman, Kelly and Devoe.
Courtesy of: accsports.com

Tags : DALLAN COLEMAN, WEST NASSAU, USA BASKETBALL, USA TRANSACTIONS

Jake Heidbreder announces commitment to Air Force - by Eurobasket News

Floyd Central's Jake Heidbreder announced his commitment Wednesday to play basketball at Air Force. 'It has a little bit of everything I wanted with great academics, great basketball too,' he said about the academy. 'Obviously, every kid that goes there has to be a great person or they're not going to be able to go there. I know my teammates will be great people. It sets you up for the future really well. With all that, it made it a pretty good decision.' 'Everything that they had to offer, I felt like, fit me really well. I like challenging myself and that's one of the big things that the academy is - always challenging. I'm looking forward to that.' Heidbreder made an unofficial visit to the campus in Colorado last weekend, which he said helped finalize his decision. He was unable to make an official visit due to the pandemic. Along with academics and basketball, the campus and community atmosphere was another priority in his decision-making. 'Getting a good degree was always a priority,' he said. 'Also, I want to be at a place where I like being. Going there this past weekend made me feel like I really liked it there. That checked off that box too. Also, just being with a good group of guys. You always want to be around good teammates because that builds good team chemistry and leads to winning. That was a big priority for me too.' He let the coaching staff know of his decision Tuesday night. "We've had several kids go on to play college basketball at multiple levels," Floyd Central basketball coach Todd Sturgeon said, "and I've never had a coach as excited as Air Force coach was last night. Those guys are over the moon to get him." The 6-foot-5 guard, who said that he plans to sign his letter of intent during the early signing period, is the second player to commit to the Mountain West Conference in two Southern Indiana in two years. Former Jeffersonville star Tre Coleman is now at Nevada. 'They have a really high level basketball in Mountain West,' he said. 'Every game is a good game. It's like Southern Indiana. You take every game seriously.' Sturgeon, who coached in the collegiate level previously, believes the combination of Heidbreder's ballhandling, shooting and size allows him to fit in well with any system and compete at an elite level. "From a basketball standpoint, I'm not sure people in the Midwest understand how good Air Force basketball is and how good that league is in basketball," he said. "So many times in sports, we don't think of the service academies as being elite, but he might be going into a top 20 program. I'd be willing to bet that during his time there, you're going to see them in the top 25 rankings." Ranked as the 19th best prospect in his class in Indiana, according to 247Sports, Heidbreder, who averaged 19.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, three assists and 1.4 steals per game, also received offers from Indiana State, Evansville, Lipscomb, Navy, Furman, Idaho, Vermont, Elon, among others. Last season as a junior, he led the Highlanders to their first sectional title since 1989.
Courtesy of: courier-journal.com

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

HOLLAND

Menno Dijkstra's double-double lands him Player of the Week award among Dutch players playing currently abroad: - by Eurobasket Center2

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Dutch players who are currently playing abroad.

Menno Dijkstra

#1. This week's number one is former U20 international center Menno Dijkstra (213-97, college: UC Riverside, currently plays in Spain). Dijkstra was the major contributor in Menorca's victory against the tenth-ranked Jairis (0-1) 77-59 in the Spanish LEB Silver (third division) last Saturday. He recorded a double-double by scoring 13 points and getting 10 rebounds. Dijkstra also added 2 blocks. Hestia Menorca (3-0) is placed first in East group. So far his team won all three games in the Regular Season. But the season just started, so everything may happen. Dijkstra has relatively good stats this year: 13.3ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3bpg, 2FGP: 61.9%(13-21), 3FGP: 22.2%. He played for the Dutch U20 national team five years ago.

Joey van Zegeren

#2. Second place goes to an international forward Joey van Zegeren (208-90, agency: Duran International, college: Northwestern, currently plays in Spain). van Zegeren contributed to Valladolid's victory against the 13th-ranked Leyma Basquet (0-1) 80-67 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) on Saturday night. He had a double-double by scoring 10 points and getting 11 rebounds in 25 minutes. Clinica Sur-Aspasia RVB Valladolid (0-2) is placed 11th in Group A. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. It's van Zegeren's first year with the team. This season van Zegeren has relatively solid stats: 12.5ppg, 8.0rpg and FT: 33.3% in two games he played so far. He is in the roster of the Dutch senior national team.

Keye Van Der Vuurst

#3. The Dutch player who performed third best last week abroad was an experienced international shooting guard Keye Van Der Vuurst (190-1, currently plays in Basketball Champions League). Van Der Vuurst could not help Oostende (0-1) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite his good performance Oostende was defeated 79-74 on the road by the leading Dacka. Van Der Vuurst scored 11 points, made 4 passes and 3 steals. It was his first game for Oostende this season. Van Der Vuurst is also a member of the Dutch senior national team.

Tyson Kanseyo

#4. Forward Tyson Kanseyo (203-95, college: Azusa Pacific, currently plays in Germany) was not able to help Recklinghausen (0-0) in their game against Ibbenbueren (4-1) in the German Regionalliga (fourth division), despite his very good performance last Saturday. He had a double-double by scoring 14 points and getting 10 rebounds. Kanseyo also added 3 assists in 25 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it's only his second season in pro basketball. ButHis team was edged 68-67 on the opponent's court by the leading Ibbenbueren in the West group. It's Kanseyo's first year with the team. Kanseyo has reliable stats this season: 13.6ppg, 12.4rpg, 1.8apg and 1.4spg in five games. He used to play for the Dutch U20 national team back in 2015.

Roeland Schaftenaar

#5. International power forward Roeland Schaftenaar (211-88, college: Oregon St., currently plays in Spain) led Caceres Basket to a 1-point victory against the 18th-ranked Melilla (0-2) 75-74 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) on Friday night. Schaftenaar scored 13 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. It was his first game for Caceres Basket this season. His team is placed fifth in Group A. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. It's Schaftenaar's first year with the team. He plays currently for the Dutch national team.

Lucas N'Guessan

#6. Center Lucas N'Guessan (213-97, college: ETSU, currently plays in Spain) was not able to secure a victory for Basquet (17-8) in their game against HLA Alicante (2-0) in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division), despite his good performance in Friday night's game. N'Guessan scored 10 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 17 minutes. But the fifth-placed Basquet (17-8) was badly defeated 82-65 in Alicante by the leading HLA Alicante in the Group B. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. It's N'Guessan's first year with the team. This season his overall stats are: 5.0ppg and 5.5rpg in two games. N'Guessan is a former U18 international player as he played for the Dutch team five years ago.

Yannick Franke

#7. International guard Yannick Franke (194-96, currently plays in France) couldn't help one of league's weakest teams Sluc Nancy (2-1) in their game against ADA Blois (3-0) in the French ProB (second division). He cannot count Saturday's game as one of the best ones. Franke scored only 2 points. Sluc Nancy was defeated 87-76 in Blois by the leading ADA Blois. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Franke's total stats this season are: 5.7ppg and 2.3rpg. He is also Dutch national team player.

Kevin van Wijk

#8. Forward Kevin van Wijk (203-89, college: Valpo, currently plays in Spain) contributed to Ourense's victory against the 15th-ranked Palencia (0-1) 75-68 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) last Saturday. van Wijk scored 6 points in 18 minutes. Ibereolica Renovables Ourense (1-1) is placed sixth in Group A. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. This year van Wijk averages: 6.0ppg and 2.0rpg in two games. He used to play for the Dutch U16 national team back in 2005.

Olaf Schaftenaar

#9. International forward Olaf Schaftenaar (208-93, college: Oregon St., currently plays in Spain) managed to help Basquet Girona to win against the bottom-ranked Palma (0-2) 81-78 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) last Sunday. He scored only 4 points. Basquet Girona (6-1) is placed third in Group B. It was his team's sixth consecutive victory in a row. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. It's Schaftenaar's first year with the team. Schaftenaar's total stats this season are: 5.0ppg and 2.0rpg. He is also in the roster of the Dutch national team.

Terrence Bieshaar

   #10. Center Terrence Bieshaar (208-97, agency: Interperformances, currently plays in Austria) couldn't help Gunners Oberwart (17-1) in their game against Raiffeisen Flyers Wels (3-0) in the Austrian BSL. Bieshaar recorded 5 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 21 minutes. The league leader Gunners Oberwart was edged in an overtime 90-88 in Wels by the second-ranked Raiffeisen Flyers. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. It's Bieshaar's first year with the team. This season his total stats are: 8.5ppg and 7.0rpg in four games. Bieshaar is a former international player as two years ago he still played for the Dutch senior national team.

The list of other players, who all have Dutch passport but never been selected to any of Dutch national teams:

   #1. Experienced Aaron Doornekamp (201-F-85, college: Carleton, currently plays in Spain) led CB Canarias to a victory over the 12th-ranked Unicaja Malaga (3-4) 86-79 in the Spanish Liga Endesa in Sunday night's game. He was MVP of the game. Doornekamp recorded 22 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 33 minutes. Iberostar Tenerife CB Canarias (6-0) is placed second in the Liga Endesa. So far his team won all six games in the Regular Season. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. Doornekamp has relatively good stats this year: 13.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.7apg and 1.2spg in six games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Canadian and Dutch.

   #2. Logan Schilder (213-F-96, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: WWU, currently plays in Austria) managed to help SKN St. Poelten Basketball to win against the closely-ranked Kapfenberg Bulls (1-2) 87-86 in the Austrian BSL last Monday. He recorded only 4 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. SKN St. Poelten Basketball (3-1) is placed fourth in the BSL. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. It's Schilder's first year with the team. Schilder's total stats this season are: 8.0ppg and 4.8rpg.

   #3. Derrik Smits (216-C-96, college: Butler, currently plays in Spain) contributed to Valladolid's victory against the 13th-ranked Leyma Basquet (0-1) 80-67 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) on Saturday night. He scored only 2 points in 8 minutes on the court. Clinica Sur-Aspasia RVB Valladolid (0-2) is placed 11th in Group A. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. It's Smits' first year with the team. This season Smits averages just 2.0ppg in two games.

   #4. Deion Bute (206-C-95, agency: Duran International, college: CCSU, currently plays in Spain) contributed to an easy victory against the ninth-ranked Alcobendas (1-2) crushing them 106-74 in the Spanish LEB Silver (third division) on Sunday night. Bute scored 13 points. Azpeitia Juaristi Iraurgi Saski Baloia (2-1) is placed third in West group. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Bute's total stats this season are: 7.3ppg and 2.3rpg.

   #5. Kai Edwards (206-F-97, college: N.Colorado, currently plays in Spain) contributed to an easy victory against the ninth-ranked Real Canoe (1-1) crushing them 92-63 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) in Friday night's game. He scored 11 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 20 minutes. TAU Castello (2-0) is placed second in Group B. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. It's Edwards' first year with the team. Edwards averaged so far 11.5ppg and 6.0rpg in two games.

   #6. Shaquille Doorson (213-C-94, college: Rutgers, currently plays in Spain). He could not help Melilla to beat Caceres Basket. Doorson cannot count Friday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 2 points. His team was edged 75-74. This season Doorson averages just 2.0ppg.

   #7. Jordy Kuiper (206-F-95, agency: Inception Sports, college: UNCG, currently plays in France) contributed to Lorient's victory against the 12th-ranked Vendee Challans 92-85 in the French NM1 (third division) last Saturday. He scored 8 points in 23 minutes. Kuiper has averaged so far 9.8ppg and 2.2rpg in six games.

   #8. Sven Cikara (188-PG-1, currently plays in Germany) was not able to help Wolfenbuettel in their last game on Sunday. Despite his good performance his team was crushed 87-59 on the road by the lower-ranked WSG Koenigs (#5) in the North group. Cikara scored 11 points, had 4 rebounds and dished 4 assists. He averaged so far 12.6ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.4apg and 3.2spg.

Fuenlabrada tabs Charlon Kloof - by Eurobasket News

Montakit Fuenlabrada (Liga Endesa) inked 30-year old Dutch international guard Charlon Kloof (190-87kg-90, college: St.Bonaventure). He has a double citizenship as he also holds Surinamese passport. Kloof already started the season at MoraBanc Andorra (Liga Endesa). In 5 games he averaged 3.0ppg, 1.0rpg and 1.0apg this season. Kloof also played 2 games in Eurocup where he had 7.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.5apg and 1.0spg. The last season Kloof played at OGM Orman in Turkish BSL. In 19 games he recorded 9.6ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.4apg and 1.2spg.
Kloof has been also a member of Dutch international program for some years. He has regularly played for Dutch senior team since 2015 and previously for U20 National Team between 2009 and 2010.
Kloof represented Holland at the Qualifications to European Championships 2017 four years ago. His stats at that event were 6 games: 13.2ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 34.5%, 3PT: 29.6%, FT: 81.4%.
Kloof is a very experienced player. He has played also professionally in Greece, Italy, North Macedonia (MZT Skopje) and Turkey (Istanbul DSI).
Among many awards Kloof won Macedonian League championship title in 2017. He received also Eurobasket.com All-Macedonian League 2nd Team award back in 2017.
Kloof attended St. Bonaventure University until 2014 and it is his seventh season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

(via @romaiorsports)

Tags : CHARLON KLOOF, MONTAKIT FUENLABRADA, SPANISH BASKETBALL, SPANISH TRANSACTIONS

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

HUNGARY

Adam Hanga selected the top Hungarian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center2

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Hungarians who are currently playing abroad.

Adam Hanga

#1. This week's number one is former international small forward Adam Hanga (200-89, agency: Octagon Europe, currently plays in Spain). He contributed to a FC Barcelona's victory against the 13th-ranked Andorra (3-4) 82-71 in the Spanish Liga Endesa in Sunday night's game. Hanga recorded 9 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 17 minutes on the court. FC Barcelona Lassa (5-2) is placed third in the Liga Endesa. It's Hanga's fourth season with the team. This year he averages: 6.6ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.6apg, 2FGP: 47.1% and FT: 37.5% in seven games he played so far. Hanga played for the Hungarian senior national team three years ago.

Rosco Allen

#2. Second place goes to an international power forward Rosco Allen (208-93, agency: Pensack Sports, college: Stanford, currently plays in Japan). He could not help Niigata Albirex (4-7) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Allen's very good performance the eighth-placed Niigata Albirex (4-7) was defeated 92-86 on the road by the lower-ranked Kyoto Hannaryz (#8) in the East group. He recorded a double-double by scoring 29 points and getting 10 rebounds. Allen also added 6 assists (was perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line). But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. It's Allen's first year with the team. He has individually a very good season with high stats. Allen averages: 22.5ppg, 7.6rpg, 2.5apg, 2FGP: 53.8%, 3FGP: 29.3% and FT: 84.7%. He is a naturalized American. Allen is in the roster of the Hungarian senior national team. Strangely he has never played in Hungary.

Jarrod Jones

#3. The Hungarian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international power forward Jarrod Jones (207-90, college: Ball St., currently plays in ABA League). Jones was not able to help Cedevita Olimpija (3-1) in their last game. Despite his good performance Cedevita Olimpija lost 77-86 in Beograd to the lower-ranked (#7) Partizan NiS. Jones recorded 11 points in a mere 19 minutes. But the season just started, so everything may happen. It's Jones' first year with the team. This season his overall stats are: 9.5ppg, 1.8rpg, 3FGP: 56.3%(9-16) in four games. Jones is a naturalized American. He played for the Hungarian national team one years ago. Jones used to play for Albacomp-UPC Szekesfehervar in Hungarian league.

Akos Keller

#4. Center Akos Keller (208-89, currently plays in Poland) was not able to secure a victory for Slask (1-2) in their game against Start (8-3) in the Polish EBL. He scored 8 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Slask was edged 79-76 in Lublin by the second-ranked Start. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Keller's total stats this season are: 6.8ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.0apg and 1.3bpg. He is also Hungarian national team player.

Obie Trotter

#5. An experienced former international point guard Obie Trotter (188-84, college: AAMU, currently plays in Poland) couldn't help Twarde Pierniki (4-6) in their game against Trefl (7-4) in the Polish EBL. Trotter scored 9 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and dished 3 assists in 29 minutes. But Twarde Pierniki was crushed 96-67 in Sopot by the much higher-ranked (#3) Trefl. They ended the series of four consecutive victories. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Trotter has relatively good stats this year: 11.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 6.1apg and 2.9spg in 10 games. He is a naturalized American. Trotter used to play for the Hungarian national team seven years ago. He played also for Szolnoki Olajbanyasz in Hungarian league.

Marcell Pongo

#6. Point guard Marcell Pongo (194-97, also represented by Octagon Europe, currently plays in Germany) couldn't help Nuernberg (1-1) in their game against MLP Academics Heidelberg (1-0) in the German ProA (second division). Despite his good performance on Sunday night Pongo scored 11 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and dished 5 assists. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. This season Pongo has relatively solid stats: 12.5ppg, 5.0rpg, 5.0apg and 2.5spg. He is an international player who is currently on the senior Hungarian National Team roster.

One more player who has never been selected to any of national teams, but has Hungarian passport:

#1. Amit Suss (200-F-99, currently plays in Balkan League). Suss could not help Beer Sheva (0-3) to beat Hapoel Jerusalem (2-0). He scored 5 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 10 minutes. Beer Sheva lost 77-90 on the road to the leading Hapoel Jerusalem. So far Beer Sheva lost all three games in the First Round. There are only two games left until the end of the Balkan League First Round. So now every game will be critical. This year Suss' total stats are: 2.7ppg and 2.0rpg in three games he played so far.

Other top Hungarian players, who play abroad:

Zsombor Maronka (208-G-8) plays for Joventut in Spanish Liga Endesa
Marko Popadic (192-G-89) plays for Terme Olimia in Slovenian Liga Nova KBM
Gyorgy Goloman (211-F-96) plays for Spirou Charleroi in Belgian Euromillions League
Derek Hall (211-C/F-90) plays for Al Dhafra in UAE D1
Damian Hollis (204-F-88) plays for Orzinuovi in Italian Serie A2
Srdjan Stojanovic (197-SG-91) plays for Thor AK in Icelandic Dominos League
Milan Kusonic (183-G-97) plays for KK Joker Sombor in Serbian 1MRL
Momir Genal (91) plays for KK Joker Sombor in Serbian 1MRL

Notice: The list above includes only some of the Hungarian playing currently abroad. Go to Hungarian Abroad Page to see completed list.

A Division Round 8: Szedeak keeps a leadership position - by Eurobasket News

Coincidentally all hosts won their games. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Szedeak as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Szedeak defeated 7th ranked OSE Lions in Szeged 91-84. Serbian center Djordje Dzeletovic (204-93, agency: Alti Sport) orchestrated the victory by scoring 23 points and 8 rebounds. American forward James Dickey (208-96, college: UNCG) contributed with 11 points and 19 rebounds for the winners. American guard CJ Anderson (196-96, college: UMass) replied with 19 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for OSE Lions. OSE Lions' coach Sebastjan Krasovec rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. OSE Lions at the other side dropped to the ninth place with two games lost. They share the position with Sopron KC. OSE Lions will play next round against ZTE KK trying to get back on the winning streak. Szedeak will try to continue on its current victory against third ranked DEAC in Debrecen.
PVSK-Veolia's fans can finally celebrate the first win of their team.The victory is especially important as they defeated much higher ranked Kaposvari (2-4) 80-75. Worth to mention a great performance of Serbian center Veljko Brkic (206-95) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 8 rebounds and Andras Rujak who added 7 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists during the contest. PVSK-Veolia's coach Dragan Aleksic allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Serbian guard Milos Milisavljevic (193-93) responded with 19 points and 5 rebounds. PVSK-Veolia (1-0) left bottom position moving up to fifth place, which they share with Kormend and Szombathely. Kaposvari at the other side keeps the fourth position with four games lost. PVSK-Veolia will play against Szombathely (#7) on the road in the next round. Kaposvari will play against Alba and hopes to get back on the winning track.

PVSK-Veolia - Kaposvari 80-75

PVSK-Veolia's fans can finally celebrate the first win of their team.The victory is especially important as they defeated much higher ranked Kaposvari (2-4) 80-75. Worth to mention a great performance of Serbian center Veljko Brkic (206-95) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 8 rebounds and international guard Andras Rujak (189-88) who added 7 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists during the contest. PVSK-Veolia's coach Dragan Aleksic allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Serbian guard Milos Milisavljevic (193-93) responded with 19 points and 5 rebounds and American guard Morris Curry (178-87, college: Providence) scored 14 points and 8 assists. Four Kaposvari players scored in double figures. PVSK-Veolia (1-0) left bottom position moving up to fifth place, which they share with Kormend and Szombathely. Kaposvari at the other side keeps the fourth position with four games lost. PVSK-Veolia will play against Szombathely (#7) on the road in the next round. Kaposvari will play against Alba and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
PVSK-Veolia: V.Brkic 16+8reb, M.Lewis II 16, K.Funderburk 11+4reb+6ast, G.Meleg 9+3reb, A.Rujak 7+6reb+8ast, V.Budimir 6+10reb+1ast
Kaposvari: M.Milisavljevic 19+5reb+2ast, J.Jukic 16+7reb+1ast, M.Curry 14+3reb+8ast, D.Rivers 11+4reb, A.Revesz 8+3reb, R.Hendlein 6+14reb+3ast

Round 2

Szedeak - OSE Lions 91-84

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Szedeak as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Szedeak defeated 7th ranked OSE Lions in Szeged 91-84. Serbian center Djordje Dzeletovic (204-93, agency: Alti Sport) orchestrated the victory by scoring 23 points and 8 rebounds. American forward James Dickey (208-96, college: UNCG) contributed with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 19 rebounds for the winners. Five Szedeak players scored in double figures. American guard CJ Anderson (196-96, college: UMass) replied with 19 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists and his fellow American import guard Remy Abell (193-92, college: Xavier, agency: Inception Sports) added 20 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) in the effort for OSE Lions. OSE Lions' coach Sebastjan Krasovec rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. OSE Lions at the other side dropped to the ninth place with two games lost. They share the position with Sopron KC. OSE Lions will play next round against ZTE KK trying to get back on the winning streak. Szedeak will try to continue on its current victory against third ranked DEAC in Debrecen.
Top scorers:
Szedeak: Z.Brown 23+3reb+1ast, D.Dzeletovic 23+8reb+2ast, D.Govens 19+1reb+10ast, J.Dickey 11+19reb+2ast, B.Kerpel-Fronius 10, I.Keller 2+2reb
OSE Lions: R.Abell 20+3reb+2ast, C.Anderson 19+8reb+5ast, B.Hayes 12+6reb, C.Kucsora 9+3reb+4ast, A.Bailey 8+3reb+1ast, A.Garamvolgyi 6+2reb

Tags : DJORDJE DZELETOVIC, NATURTEX-SZTE-SZEDEAK SZEGED, HUNGARIAN BASKETBALL

Dzeletovic's 23 points and 8 rebounds give him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News

27-year old center Djordje Dzeletovic (204-C-93, agency: Alti Sport) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for league's best team Szedeak and receives a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 8.
He had the game-high 23 points adding eight rebounds and two assists for Szedeak in his team's victory, helping them to beat OSE Lions (#9, 1-2) 91-84. It allowed Szedeak to take over top position in the Hungarian league. Szedeak have a solid 4-1 record. In the team's last game Dzeletovic had a remarkable 87.5% from 2-point range. He turned to be Szedeak's top player in his first season with the team. Dzeletovic has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in points (3rd best: 20.4ppg) and averages solid 57.7% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Remy Abell (193-G-92, agency: Inception Sports) of OSE Lions. He is American guard in his first season at OSE Lions. In the last game Abell recorded impressive 20 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Bad luck as OSE Lions lost that game 84-91 to the higher-ranked Szedeak (#1, 4-1). This loss caused OSE Lions to drop to 9th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 1-2 record. Abell is a newcomer at OSE Lions and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 20.0ppg (#4).

Third place about best performers goes to another Szedeak's star - forward Zach Brown (198-F-95). Brown scored 23 points. He was another key player of Szedeak, helping his team with a 91-84 win against the lower-ranked OSE Lions (#9, 1-2). Szedeak confirms their top position in the standings. Brown has a great season in Hungary. After only 5 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 17.0ppg (6th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. James Dickey (208-F-96) of Szedeak - 11 points, 19 rebounds and 2 assists
5. C.J. Anderson (196-G-96) of OSE Lions - 19 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists
6. Josip Jukic (205-C-96) of Kaposvari - 16 points and 7 rebounds
7. Morris Curry (178-G-87) of Kaposvari - 14 points, 3 rebounds and 8 assists
8. Veljko Brkic (206-C-95) of PVSK-Veolia - 16 points and 8 rebounds
9. Darrin Govens (185-PG-88) of Szedeak - 19 points and 10 assists
10. Andras Rujak (189-G-88) of PVSK-Veolia - 7 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists

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

Tags : DJORDJE DZELETOVIC, NATURTEX-SZTE-SZEDEAK SZEGED, HUNGARIAN BASKETBALL

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

ICELAND

Martin Hermannsson selected the top Icelandic playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center2

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Icelandic who are currently playing abroad.

Martin Hermannsson

#1. This week's number one is an international guard Martin Hermannsson (190-94, college: LIU Brooklyn, currently plays in Spain). He was the major contributor in a Valencia Basket's victory against the ninth-ranked Zaragoza (3-4) 93-84 in the Spanish Liga Endesa in Saturday night's game. Hermannsson recorded 16 points in 22 minutes on the court. Valencia Basketis placed in the Liga Endesa. This year Hermannsson averages: 8.3ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.3apg, 2FGP: 55.6%(15-27) in seven games he played so far. He played for the Icelandic senior national team one years ago.

Tryggvi Hlinason

#2. Second place goes to an international center Tryggvi Hlinason (215-97, currently plays in Spain) faced previously mentioned Martin Hermannsson in the Spanish Liga Endesa last game. Hlinason. He could not help Zaragoza in their last game on Saturday. Despite Hlinason's good performance his team was defeated 93-84 on the road by the second-ranked Valencia Basket. He recorded 11 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks. Hlinason has relatively good stats this season: 11.7ppg, 7.0rpg, 2FGP: 83.7%(36-43). He is in the roster of the Icelandic senior national team.

Haukur Palsson

#3. The Icelandic player who performed third best last week abroad was an international guard Haukur Palsson (197-92, college: Maryland, currently plays in EuroCup). Palsson was not able to help Andorra (2-3) in their last game. Despite his good performance the fourth-placed Andorra (2-3) lost 61-76 in Krasnodar to the second-ranked Lokomotiv in the group C of Eurocup. Palsson was the second best scorer with 12 points. He also added 4 rebounds in 22 minutes. It's Palsson's first season with the team. This year Palsson's overall stats are: 9.0ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 38.5%, 3FGP: 25.0% and FT: 61.5% in three games. He played for the Icelandic national team one years ago.

Elvar Fridriksson

#4. Point guard Elvar Fridriksson (180-94, college: Barry, currently plays in Lithuania) was not able to secure a victory for the league outsider Siauliai (0-7) in their game against Nevezis (4-2) in the Lithuanian LKL. Despite his very good performance in Sunday night's game Fridriksson recorded a double-double by scoring 14 points and making 11 passes. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. Fridriksson has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 15.9ppg, 3.9rpg, 7.3apg and 1.4spg. Fridriksson used to play for the Icelandic national team last year.

Hilmar Henningsson

#5. An experienced U20 international guard Hilmar Henningsson (193-0, agency: Duran International, currently plays in Spain) led Valencia-2 to a victory over the ninth-ranked L'Alcora (0-2) crushing them 93-49 in the Spanish EBA (fourth division) last Saturday. He was MVP of the game. Henningsson recorded 26 points (!!!) and had 3 steals in 23 minutes. Valencia Basket 2nd team (2-0) is placed second in Group E-A. But the season just started, so everything may happen. Henningsson has very impressive stats this year: 19.5ppg, 2.0apg and 1.5spg in two games. He used to play for the Icelandic U20 national team last year.

One more player who has never been selected to any of national teams, but has Icelandic passport:

#1. Michael Craion (195-F-89, agency: Inception Sports, college: ORU, currently plays in France) was the major contributor in Tours' victory against the tenth-ranked Etoile Angers (2-4) 98-83 in the French NM1 (third division) on Friday night. Craion scored 20 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Union Tours Metropole Basket (4-1) is placed third in Group A. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Craion has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 17.0ppg, 8.4rpg, 2.6apg and 1.8spg. Craion is a naturalized American. He used to play for Keflavik in Icelandic league.

Other top Icelandic players, who play abroad:

Jon Axel Gudmundsson (196-G-96) plays for Skyliners in German BBL
Leif Moeller (197-PG-3) plays for Hamburg Towers in German BBL
Ingvi Gudmundsson (195-SG-98) plays for Titans in German ProB
Robert Birmingham plays for Fundacion 5 11 in Spanish U19 Championship
Hjalmar Stefansson (199-F-96) plays for Carbajosa in Spanish LEB Silver
Tomas Hilmarsson (201-F-95) plays for Carbajosa in Spanish LEB Silver

Jon Sverrisson signs at Breidablik - by Eurobasket News

Breidablik Kopavogur (D1) landed 22-year old shooting guard Jon Sverrisson (187-98).
Sverrisson represented Iceland at the European Championships U20 in Chemnitz (Germany) two years ago. His stats at that event were 7 games: 5.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP-3 (72.2%), 3PT: 13.3%, FT: 83.3%.
Sverrisson has played previously for played also at Hamar.
Among many awards Sverrisson's team was regular season runner-up in Icelandic League in 2019. He received also Eurobasket.com All-Icelandic D1 Honorable Mention award in 2018.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : JON SVERRISSON, BREIDABLIK KOPAVOGUR, ICELANDIC BASKETBALL, ICELANDIC TRANSACTIONS

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

IRAN

Standings - Superleague

Superleague Standings

Group A
1 Ahwaz 0-0
2 Exxon SC 0-0
3 Gorgan 0-0
4 Naft Abadan 0-0
5 Parsa 0-0
6 Qazvin 0-0
7 Raad 0-0
8 Rafsanjan 0-0
Group B
1 Ayandeh Sazan 0-0
2 Bandar Abbass 0-0
3 Chemidor 0-0
4 Kerman 0-0
5 Kouchin 0-0
6 Mahram 0-0
7 Niroo Zamini 0-0
8 Zob Ahan 0-0

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

IRAQ

Al Naft inks Kevin Galloway, Ex Al Arabi - by Ahmad Madwar

Al Naft Baghdad (Superleague) signed 32-year old Iraqi ex-international point guard Kevin Galloway (200-98kg-88, college: TSU). He is a dual citizen owning also American passport. Galloway played last season at Al Arabi in Qatari D1 league. In 18 games he had 14.7ppg, 7.1rpg, 6.2apg, 1.0spg and 1.4bpg. He helped them to win the regular season and make it to the final. They also played in the Cup final. 2019-2020 was a great season as he was named to Asia-Basket.com All-Qatar D1 2nd Team and League Player of the Week (2 times). The other team Galloway played shortly was Al Riyadi (LBL) in Lebanese league where in three games he recorded 9.0ppg, 5.0rpg and 1.0apg. Another team Galloway played briefly was Champville (LBL) in Lebanese league. In three games he averaged 9.0ppg, 5.0rpg and 1.0apg.
In 2011 Galloway was drafted by Idaho Stampede (D-League) in second round (9th overall).
He attended Texas Southern University and it will be his tenth season in pro basketball.
Galloway also represented Iraq at the FIBA Asia Cup in Lebanon three years ago. His stats at that event were 4 games: 15.3ppg, Reb-3 (9.5rpg), Assists-2 (6.3apg), Steals-1 (3.0spg), FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 19.4%, FT: 47.4%.
Galloway is quite experienced player. He has played in seven different countries on four different continents (Europe, Asia, Latin America and of course North America). Galloway has played previously professionally in Greece (AS Apollon Patras and Ifestos), Japan (San en NeoPhoenix and Osaka Evessa), Uruguay (Malvin), NBA G League (Salt Lake City Stars), Lebanon (Homentmen) and The Basketball Tournament (Bluegrass Boys).
The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others Galloway's team won Qatari Cup in 2016 and 2019. He was also voted All-SWAC Newcomer of the Year back in 2011 at his college time.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : KEVIN GALLOWAY, AL NAFT BAGHDAD, IRAQI BASKETBALL, IRAQI TRANSACTIONS

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

ISRAEL

Euroleague: Fenerbahce upset Maccabi in Tel Aviv - by Eurobasket News

Maccabi - Fenerbahce 65-75

Fenerbahce snapped three-game losing skid in Euroleague as they beat Maccabi in Tel Aviv on Thursday. Bobby Dixon (178-PG-83, college: Troy, agency: BeoBasket) stepped up with 17 points to lead the winners.
Maccabi stayed in front throughout the opening quarter. The hosts established a 22-18 lead at the first break. Fenerbahce cut the distance to 3 points at the big break 35-38. The Turkish side surged ahead in the third quarter. Fenerbahce snatched a 56-54 advantage at the final intermission. They held Maccabi to just 11 points in the fourth stanza and raced to the victory. Nando De Colo (196-G-87) chipped in 13 points for Fenerbahce. Scottie Wilbekin (188-G-93, college: Florida, agency: BeoBasket) answered with game-high 23 points for Maccabi. Ante Zizic (209-C-97, agency: BeoBasket) had 11 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

Tags : BOBBY DIXON, FENERBAHCE DOGUS ISTANBUL, TURKISH BASKETBALL

Trey Lewis (ex Gravelines) is a newcomer at Rishon - by Eurobasket News

Tags : TREY LEWIS, MACCABI RISHON LE-ZION, ISRAELI BASKETBALL, ISRAELI TRANSACTIONS, BALKAN LEAGUE

Holon inks Frederic Bourdillon - by Eurobasket News

(via @Be_BasketFr)

Tags : FREDERIC BOURDILLON, HAPOEL HOLON, ISRAELI BASKETBALL, ISRAELI TRANSACTIONS, BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, BALKAN LEAGUE

Tomer Ginat selected the top Israeli playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center2

We bring you last week's top performances from Israelis who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

Tomer Ginat

#1. This week's number one is an international power forward Tomer Ginat (202-94, currently plays in France). He led Levallois to a victory over the sixth-ranked Limoges CSP Elite (3-2) 82-76 in the French Jeep ELITE ProA in Monday night's game. Ginat was MVP of the game. He scored 23 points in 26 minutes on the court. Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans (4-0) is placed second in the Jeep ELITE ProA. So far Levallois won all four games in the Regular Season. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. It's Ginat's first year with the team. Ginat has relatively good stats this season: 13.3ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 53.8%, 3FGP: 25.0% and FT: 94.1%(16-17) in four games he played so far. He is currently a member of the Israeli senior national team.

Jake Cohen

#2. Second place goes to an international power forward Jake Cohen (208-90, college: Davidson, currently plays in Spain). Cohen could not help Blusens Monbus (5-3) in their last game on Tuesday. Despite his very good performance Blusens Monbus was edged 78-77 on the road by the second-ranked Valencia Basket. Cohen was the top scorer with 17 points. He also added 8 rebounds and made 2 blocks. It's Cohen's first season with the team. This year Cohen averages: 8.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.6apg, 3FGP: 35.3%. He is a naturalized American. Cohen is in the roster of the Israeli senior national team. He used to play for Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv in Israeli league.

Anton Shoutvin

#3. The Israeli player who performed third best last week abroad was former U22 international forward Anton Shoutvin (207-89, currently plays in Austria). Shoutvin was not able to help one of league's weakest teams BC Vienna (2-2) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite his very good performance BC Vienna was edged 75-73 in St.Poelten by the higher-ranked UBC St. Poelten (#4). Shoutvin was the top scorer with 18 points. He also added 7 rebounds and 2 blocks. But the season just started, so everything may happen. This year Shoutvin has relatively solid stats: 15.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.5apg, 2FGP: 35.5%, 3FGP: 36.0%. He played for the Israeli U22 national team nine years ago.

T.J. Cline

   #4. Power forward T.J. Cline (206-94, college: Richmond, currently plays in EuroCup) was not able to secure a victory for Brescia (1-4) in their game against Levallois (3-2) in the Eurocup. Cline scored 5 points in 12 minutes. The fifth-placed Brescia (1-4) lost 70-75 at home to the second-ranked Levallois in the group B of Eurocup. It was Brescia's third consecutive loss in a row. This year Cline's overall stats are: 7.3ppg, 3.0rpg and 1.8apg in four games. He is a naturalized American. Cline is also Israeli national team player. He used to play for Hapoel Unet Holon in Israeli league.

The list of other players, who all have Israeli passport but never been selected to any of Israeli national teams:

   #1. Experienced Adrian Banks (191-SG-86, college: Arkansas St., currently plays in Basketball Champions League) could not help Fortitudo BO (0-1) in their last game. Despite Banks' good performance Fortitudo BO was crushed 100-63 at home by the leading Brose Bamberg. He was the second best scorer with 14 points in 30 minutes. It was his first game for Fortitudo BO this season. Banks is a naturalized American. He used to play for Elitzur Netanya in Israeli league.

   #2. Israel Kolomoisky (194-F/G-99, college: CSU, currently plays in Ukraine) managed to help BK Dnipro to win against the fourth-ranked Ternopil-TNEU (4-2) 83-70 in the Ukrainian Superleague on Friday night. Kolomoisky recorded 5 points. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. BK Dniprois placed in the Superleague. Kolomoisky's total stats this season are: 3.5ppg and 2.0rpg. He has a dual citizenship: Israeli and Swiss.

   #3. Marios Matalon (186-G-89, college: Wyoming, currently plays in Greece) contributed to Karditsas' victory against the 13th-ranked Enosi Kavalas (0-3) 76-65 in the Greek A2 (second division) in Saturday night's game. Matalon recorded 10 points and added 6 passes in 32 minutes. AS Karditsas (2-1) is placed seventh in the A2. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Matalon has reliable stats this year: 13.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 5.7apg and 1.3spg in three games he played so far. He is another player who holds two passports: Israeli and Greek. Despite Matalon's Israeli nationality, he previously played for the Greek U20 national team and is probably not eligible to play for the Israeli team.

Other top Israeli players, who play abroad:

Shawn Dawson (197-F-93) plays for Joventut in Spanish Liga Endesa
Gal Mekel (192-G-88) plays for Unicaja Malaga in Spanish Liga Endesa
TJ Leaf (208-F-97) plays for Indiana Pacers in the NBA
Gilad Levy (215-C-2) plays for Movil Estudiantes in Spanish Liga Endesa
Itay Segev (204-C/F-95) plays for Gravelines-Dunkerque in French Jeep ELITE ProA
Rafi Menco (200-SF-94) plays for Chalon/Saor in French Jeep ELITE ProA
Noam Hasson (191-G-99) plays for Amsterdam in Dutch DBL
Ohad Segev (183-PG) plays for Memorial University in U Sports
Anton Kazarnovski (206-F/C-85) plays for Euro Nickel in North Macedonian Prva Liga

Notice: The list above includes only some of the Israeli playing currently abroad. Go to Israeli Abroad Page to see completed list.

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

ITALY

Daniel Hackett selected the top Italian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center2

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Italian players, who play currently abroad.

Daniel Hackett

#1. This week's number one is an experienced international guard Daniel Hackett (193-87, college: USC, currently plays in Euroleague). Hackett could not help one of league's weakest teams CSKA (2-3) in their last game on Thursday. Despite his very good performance CSKA was edged 86-84 on the road by the higher-ranked Crvena Zvezda (#10). Hackett was the top scorer with 29 points. He also added 5 rebounds and dished 3 assists. But the season just started, so everything may happen. Hackett has relatively good stats this year: 10.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.6apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 35.7%, 3FGP: 61.1%(11-18). He is a naturalized American. Hackett played for the Italian senior national team one years ago. He used to play for Scavolini Pesaro in Italian league.

Alessandro Gentile

#2. Second place goes to an international swingman Alessandro Gentile (201-92, currently plays in Spain). Gentile led Movil Estudiantes to a victory over the 17th-ranked Gipuzkoa (1-6) 80-61 in the Spanish Liga Endesa on Wednesday night. He was MVP of the game. Gentile scored 30 points (!!!), grabbed 7 boards, dished 6 assists and stole 3 balls in 33 minutes. Movistar Estudiantes Madridis placed in the Liga Endesa. It's Gentile's first season with the team. He has individually a very good year with high stats. Gentile averages: 15.8ppg, 6.2rpg, 3.2apg, 2FGP: 45.3%, 3FGP: 25.0% and FT: 75.0% in five games he played so far. Former Virtus Segafredo Bologna starter played for the Italian national team in 2019.

Achille Polonara

#3. The Italian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international center Achille Polonara (202-91, currently plays in Spain). He was the main contributor in Baskonia's victory against the tenth-ranked La ICL Manresa (4-4) 87-68 in the Spanish Liga Endesa in Wednesday night's game. Polonara was the best player in that game. He recorded a double-double by scoring 17 points and getting 13 rebounds. Polonara also added 4 assists and 3 steals. TD Systems Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (5-3) is placed fifth in the Liga Endesa. This season Polonara has relatively solid stats: 10.3ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 63.6%(21-33), 3FGP: 37.0% and FT: 71.4%. Former Fortitudo Teramo starter played for the Italian national team two years ago.

Michele Vitali

   #4. Guard Michele Vitali (196-91, currently plays in Basketball Champions League) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Fortitudo BO (0-1) crushing them 100-63 in the Basketball Champions League last Tuesday. He scored 17 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 27 minutes. It was his first game for Brose Bamberg this season. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. His team is placed first in the Basketball Champions League. Vitali is also Italian national team player.

The list of other players, who all have Italian passport but never been selected to any of Italian national teams:

   #1. Experienced Marcelinho Huertas (191-PG-83, currently plays in Spain) led CB Canarias to a victory against the 12th-ranked Unicaja Malaga (3-4) 86-79 in the Spanish Liga Endesa in Sunday night's game. He had a double-double by scoring 16 points and making 10 passes. Huertas also added 5 rebounds in 29 minutes. Iberostar Tenerife CB Canarias (6-0) is placed second in the Liga Endesa. So far his team won all six games in the Regular Season. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. Huertas has relatively good stats this year: 13.3ppg, 2.8rpg and 6.0apg in six games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Brazilian and Italian.

   #2. Angelo Caloiaro (203-F-89, agency: Pensack Sports, college: USF, currently plays in Euroleague) contributed to a 2-point Maccabi T-A's victory against the league outsider Khimki (0-5) 89-87 in the Euroleague last Friday. He had a double-double by scoring 15 points and getting 10 rebounds. Caloiaro also added and 3 steals in 33 minutes. Maccabi Playtika Tel-Aviv (2-3) is placed 13th in the Euroleague. It was his team's first victory after three consecutive loses. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. This year Caloiaro's overall stats are: 10.0ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.8apg and 1.8spg in five games. He is a naturalized American. Strangely Caloiaro has never played in Italy.

   #3. Fulvio de Assis (188-PG-81, currently plays in Brazil) could not help Mogi in their last game on Thursday. Despite his very good performance the third-placed Mogi was badly defeated 98-80 on the road by the lower-ranked Vivo/Franca (#3) in the Group D. de Assis was the second best scorer with 16 points. He also added 9 passes. de Assis' overall stats this season are: 8.0ppg, 2.0rpg, 7.5apg and 1.5spg. He is another player who holds two passports: Italian and Brazilian.

   #4. Marc Trasolini (206-F/C-90, college: Santa Clara, currently plays in Japan) led Cyberdyne Ibaraki Robots to a victory over the eighth-ranked Kagawa FA (1-8) 85-76 in the Japanese B2 League in Sunday night's game. Trasolini was the top player that evening. He had a double-double by scoring 31 points and getting 12 rebounds. Trasolini also added 2 blocks (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!) in 35 minutes. Cyberdyne Ibaraki Robots (7-2) are placed fourth in East group. It was his team's seventh consecutive victory in a row. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Trasolini has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 21.9ppg, 9.2rpg, 2.7apg and 1.4spg in nine games. Trasolini has both Canadian and Italian nationalities.

   #5. Aaron White (206-F-92, college: Iowa, currently plays in Greece) managed to help Panathinaikos OPAP Athens to win against the 11th-ranked Larissa BC (0-1) 69-60 in the Greek A1 last Sunday. He recorded only 4 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. It was his first game for Panathinaikos this season. His team is placed fourth in the A1. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen.

   #6. Abramo Canka (199-G-2, currently plays in Lithuania) contributed to an easy victory against the league outsider Siauliai 96-77 in the Lithuanian LKL on Sunday night. Canka scored 11 points and added 3 passes in 23 minutes. This year Canka's overall stats are: 5.5ppg, 2.5rpg and 1.5apg in two games.

   #7. Frankie Ferrari (185-PG-95, agency: Wasserman, college: USF, currently plays in Spain) was not able to help Gran Canaria in their game against Blusens Monbus in the Spanish Liga Endesa. He recorded 9 points. His team was defeated 85-75. Ferrari's overall stats this season are: 8.3ppg, 1.4rpg and 2.1apg. He is a naturalized American. Strangely Ferrari has never played in Italy.

   #8. Peter Olisemeka (207-C-91, currently plays in Poland) was not able to secure a victory for Polpharma (1-8) in their last game on Thursday. Despite his very good performance the bottom-ranked Polpharma was edged 92-90 in Gdynia by the much higher-ranked Asseco Arka (#8). Olisemeka was the top scorer with 15 points. He also added 7 rebounds. Olisemeka has reliable stats this season: 10.8ppg, 7.7rpg and 1.6spg. He also holds two passports: Nigerian and Italian.

   #9. Anthony Libroia (180-PG-94, college: Adelphi, currently plays in Spain) was the main contributor in Zamorano's victory against the 14th-ranked Clavijo 73-68 in the Spanish LEB Silver (third division) in Sunday night's game. Libroia was the top player that evening. He scored 16 points and had 4 steals in 34 minutes. Libroia has very impressive stats this year: 15.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 2.0apg and 1.3spg in three games. He is a naturalized American. Strangely Libroia has never played in Italy.

   #10. Gianluca Prosek (198-PF-0, currently plays in Austria) contributed to an easy victory against the fifth-ranked Worthersee Piraten 79-64 in the Austrian 2.Bundesliga (second division) last Saturday. He was the top player that evening. Prosek scored 25 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. This season Prosek has very high stats. He averages: 17.3ppg, 5.3rpg and 1.7apg.

Wesley Saunders (ex Monaco) could join Lavoropiu Fortitudo Bologna - by Eurobasket News

Tags : WESLEY SAUNDERS, AS MONACO BASKET, FRENCH BASKETBALL, FRENCH TRANSACTIONS, EUROCUP

Lavoropiu Fortitudo Bologna tabs Marco Cusin - by Eurobasket News

Tags : MARCO CUSIN, LAVOROPIU FORTITUDO BOLOGNA, ITALIAN BASKETBALL, ITALIAN TRANSACTIONS, BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Team Cali signs Alexis Elsener - by Eurobasket News

Tags : ALEXIS ELSENER, TEAM CALI, COLOMBIAN BASKETBALL, COLOMBIAN TRANSACTIONS

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

IVORY COAST

Deon Thompson selected the top Ivorian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center2

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Ivorians who are currently playing abroad.

Deon Thompson

#1. This week's number one is an international center Deon Thompson (204-88, college: UNC, currently plays in Spain). He could not help Unicaja Malaga in their last game. Despite Thompson's very good performance his team lost 79-86 on the road to the second-ranked CB Canarias. He was the second best scorer with 18 points. Thompson also added 5 rebounds, 5 assists and made 2 blocks in 23 minutes on the court. This year Thompson averages: 7.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 2FGP: 44.4%, 3FGP: 41.7% in seven games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Ivorian and American. Despite Thompson played previously for the USA university national team, he is currently a member of the Ivorian senior national team.

Charles Abouo

#2. Second place goes to an international swingman Charles Abouo (196-89, college: BYU, currently plays in France). Abouo managed to help ESSM Le Portel Cote d'Opale to win against one of league's weakest teams Chalons-Reims (1-5) 78-76 in the French Jeep ELITE ProA last Wednesday. He scored only 3 points. ESSM Le Portel Cote d'Opale (3-2) is placed seventh in the Jeep ELITE ProA. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. It's Abouo's first year with the team. Abouo's overall stats this season are: 9.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.3apg, 3FGP: 57.1% and FT: 75.0%. He is another player who holds two passports: Ivorian and American. Abouo played for the Ivorian national team in 2019.

Cedric Bah

#3. The Ivorian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international power forward Cedric Bah (198-94, currently plays in France). He contributed to an ADA Blois' victory against the closely-ranked Sluc Nancy (2-1) 87-76 in the French ProB (second division) in Saturday night's game. Bah scored 5 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. ADA Blois Basket 41 (3-0) is placed first in the ProB. So far his team won all three games in the Regular Season. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Bah's overall stats this season are: 8.7ppg, 6.7rpg, 2FGP: 38.1%, 3FGP: 16.7%. He played for the Ivorian national team three years ago.

Remi Dibo

#4. Forward Remi Dibo (201-91, college: WVU, currently plays in France) led Rueil to a victory against the fifth-ranked Toulouse (2-0) 99-94 in the French NM1 (third division) last Friday. Dibo scored 15 points in 21 minutes. It was his first game for Rueil this season. His team is placed first in Group A. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. It's Dibo's first year with the team. He has both Ivorian and French nationalities. Despite Dibo played previously for the French U16 national team, he is currently in the Ivorian national team roster.

Louri Frejus Zerbo

#5. International power forward Louri Frejus Zerbo (208-89, currently plays in France) contributed to Aix-Maurienne's victory against the 12th-ranked Gries/Oberhoffen (1-2) 93-83 in the French ProB (second division) in Friday night's game. He scored only 4 points in 17 minutes. It was his first game for Aix-Maurienne this season. His team is placed sixth in the ProB. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Zerbo also holds two passports: Burkinabe and Ivorian. He used to play for the Ivorian national team last year.

Jean-Francois Kebe

#6. Point guard Jean-Francois Kebe (185-94, currently plays in France) faced previously mentioned Louri Frejus Zerbo in the French ProB last game. Kebe was not able to help Gries/Oberhoffen (1-2) in their last game on Friday. Despite his good performance Gries/Oberhoffen was defeated 93-83 in Aix-les-Bains by the higher-ranked Aix-Maurienne (#6). Kebe scored 11 points. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Kebe has relatively good stats this season: 14.3ppg, 1.7rpg and 3.7apg. He is an international player who is currently on the senior Ivorian National Team roster.

Bali Coulibaly

   #7. International center Bali Coulibaly (199-95, currently plays in France) contributed to Lorient's victory against the 12th-ranked Vendee Challans (1-4) 92-85 in the French NM1 (third division) on Saturday night. Coulibaly scored 9 points in 16 minutes. CEP Lorient Basket (4-2) is placed fourth in Group A. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. It's Coulibaly's first year with the team. He has individually a very good season with high stats. Coulibaly averages: 16.2ppg and 4.7rpg in six games. He is also Ivorian national team player.

The list of other players, who all have Ivorian passport but never been selected to any of Ivorian national teams:

   #1. Experienced Alain Koffi (207-C-83, agency: BeoBasket, currently plays in France). He could not help Le Mans (3-1) to beat Chalons-Reims (1-5). It was not Koffi's best game last Saturday. He scored only 2 points in 18 minutes. It was his first game for Le Mans this season. Le Mans was edged 87-84 at home by the one of league's weakest teams (#17) Chalons-Reims. But the season just started, so everything may happen. It's Koffi's first year with the team. Koffi has a dual citizenship: Ivorian and French.

   #2. Nisre Zouzoua (188-G-96, agency: Duran International, college: Nevada, currently plays in France) was not able to help Dax-Gamarde (1-4) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Zouzoua's very good performance the 13th-placed Dax-Gamarde (1-4) was defeated 89-79 on the road by the second-ranked Vitre in the Group A. He was the top scorer with 22 points. Zouzoua also added 5 rebounds. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. It's Zouzoua's first year with the team. He has relatively good stats this season: 13.5ppg, 3.5rpg and 1.5apg. Zouzoua is another player who holds two passports: Ivorian and American.

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

JAPAN

Stats Leaders - JBL Superleague

Points Per Game

Rayvonte RICE
  Kyoto H.
  (193-G-92)
  Avg: 26.8

1. Rice, Kyoto H.	26.8
2. Simon, Kyoto H.	25.3
3. Mayo, Hokkaido L.	24.0
4. Hamilton, Shiga L	23.3
5. Gardner, Sea H	23.1
6. Mavunga, Toyama G	22.6
7. Allen, Niigata A.	22.5
8. Hawkinson, Shinshu	22.3
9. Fazekas, Kawasaki	21.5
10. Solomon, Toyama G	20.7

Rebounds Per Game

Richard SOLOMON
  Toyama G
  (208-C-92)
  Avg: 15.3

1. Solomon, Toyama G	15.3
2. Cooley, Ryukyu GK	12.6
3. Echenique, Hiro.	11.7
4. Hawkinson, Shinshu	11.1
5. Saiz, Chiba J.	10.1
6. Harrellson, Osaka	9.9
7. Fazekas, Kawasaki	9.8
8. Mayo, Hokkaido L.	9.7
9. Burrell, Nagoya D	9.3
10. Brown, Osaka E.	9.1

Assists Per Game

Jordan HAMILTON
  Shiga L
  (201-F-90)
  Avg: 6.7

1. Hamilton, Shiga L	6.7
2. Ito, Osaka E.	6.1
3. Uto, Toyama G.	6.0
4. Mavunga, Toyama G	6.0
5. Togashi, Chiba J.	5.8
6. Morii, Yokohama B	5.4
7. Saito, Nagoya DD	5.2
8. McHenry, Shinshu	5.2
9. Tanaka, Alvark T.	4.9
10. Nishiyama, Shinshu	4.9

Steals Per Game

Hayato KAWASHIMA
  San-en
  (186-G-90)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Kawashima, San-en	2.5
2. Aguilar, Kawasaki	2.3
3. Davis, Akita NH	2.0
4. Saito, Nagoya DD	1.9
5. Suzuki, San-en NP	1.6
6. Hendrix, Niigata	1.6
7. Mavunga, Toyama G	1.5
8. Rice, Kyoto H.	1.5
9. Shorter, Chiba J.	1.5
10. McHenry, Shinshu	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Alex DAVIS
  Akita NH
  (206-F-92)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Davis, Akita NH	3.3
2. Traylor, Hiroshima	1.6
3. McHenry, Shinshu	1.5
4. Calfani, Kawasaki	1.4
5. Heath, Kawasaki B	1.4
6. Brown, Osaka E.	1.4
7. Mayo, Hokkaido L.	1.3
8. Simon, Kyoto H.	1.3
9. Cooley, Ryukyu GK	1.3
10. Scott, Tochigi B.	1.3

B2 League Round 9: Sendai 89ers lose to Koshigaya A. - by Eurobasket News

After 9 rounds played we can already see who rules in the B2 League and who belongs to weaker ones. There was no lack of interesting games this round. The round ended with loss of the undefeated team and favorites losing the games. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Sendai 89ers (7-2) at the home court on Wednesday night. Hosts were defeated by Koshigaya A. (7-2) 91-82. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Sendai 89ers. It was a key game for the top position in the league. They outrebounded Sendai 89ers 38-26 including a 31-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Koshigaya A. looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American center Isaac Butts (208-89, college: App State) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 13 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for the winners and guard Tomoya Hasegawa (185-89) chipped in 16 points and 6 assists. The best for the losing side was American Eric Jacobsen (208-94, college: ASU) with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Koshigaya A. keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Sendai 89ers. Koshigaya A. is looking forward to face Ibaraki R. (#4) in Mito in the next round. Sendai 89ers will play on the road against Fukushima and are hoping to win this game.
Important game to mention about took place in Tokyo. Eighth ranked Tokyo Z (2-7) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 7th ranked Aomori W. (1-8) 73-71 in the game for the sixth place. American power forward Ishmael Lane (203-97, college: NSU) nailed a double-double by scoring 16 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side and Nnanna Egwu accounted for 15 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. American center Joshua Crawford (211-88, college: Indiana St.) came up with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists for Aomori W. in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Tokyo Z moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Yamagata. Aomori W. lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with eight games lost. They share it with Ehime OV and Kagawa FA. Tokyo Z will play against Orange Vikings (#7) in Matsuyama in the next round. Aomori W. will play on the road against the league's leader Saga B. to get more than just one victory in their record.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Fukushima (6-3) against fourth ranked Gunma (7-2) on Wednesday night. Visiting Fukushima was crushed by Gunma in Gunma 94-74. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The best player for the winners was Trey McKinney-Jones who scored 21 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Tshilidzi Nephawe who recorded a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Gunma have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams. Fukushima at the other side dropped to the second place with three games lost. They share the position with Fukuoka R. and Kumamoto V.. Gunma will meet Nishinomiya S. (#5) in the next round. Fukushima will play against Sendai 89ers and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a home loss of second ranked FE Nagoya (5-4) against eighth ranked Orange Vikings (1-8) on Wednesday night. Host FE Nagoya was defeated by Orange Vikings in Nagoya 77-67. It was a good game for Ryan Stephan who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds. FE Nagoya's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Orange Vikings left bottom position moving up to seventh place, which they share with Kagawa FA and Aomori W. FE Nagoya at the other side dropped to the fourth position with four games lost. Orange Vikings' next round opponent will be higher ranked Tokyo Z (#6) at home and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. FE Nagoya will play against Yamagata and hope to win that game.
B2 League top team - Saga B. (7-2) added another victory to their record on Wednesday. This time they beat sixth ranked Bambitious N. (3-6) in Nara 75-67. Ryota Nakanishi stepped up and scored 18 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Saga B.'s coach used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Saga B.. They maintain first place with 7-2 record, which they share with 4 other teams. Bambitious N. lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the sixth position with six games lost. Saga B. will face Aomori W. (#8) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Bambitious N. will play against Kumamoto V. and hope to win that game.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 9: Ibaraki R. won against Yamagata on the opponent's court 93-77. Fukuoka R. managed to outperform Nishinomiya S. in a home game 79-68. Kagawa FA recorded a loss to Kumamoto V. on the road 93-84.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 17 points, 18 rebounds and 6 assists by Kevin Kotzur of Kagawa FA.

Sendai 89ers - Koshigaya A. 82-91

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Sendai 89ers (7-2) at the home court on Wednesday night. Hosts were defeated by Koshigaya A. (7-2) 91-82. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Sendai 89ers. It was a key game for the top position in the league. They outrebounded Sendai 89ers 38-26 including a 31-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Koshigaya A. looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American center Isaac Butts (208-89, college: App State) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 13 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for the winners and guard Tomoya Hasegawa (185-89) chipped in 16 points and 6 assists. Four Koshigaya A. players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American Eric Jacobsen (208-94, college: ASU) with 17 points and 7 rebounds and guard Reiju Sasakura (187-97) scored 15 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Koshigaya A. keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Sendai 89ers. Koshigaya A. is looking forward to face Ibaraki R. (#4) in Mito in the next round. Sendai 89ers will play on the road against Fukushima and are hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Koshigaya A.: T.Ochiai 16+4reb, T.Hasegawa 16+2reb+6ast, I.Butts 13+11reb+6ast, C.Hinkle 10+6reb+4ast, H.Mone 8+1reb+1ast, S.Hatakeyama 8+3reb+3ast
Sendai 89ers: E.Jacobsen 17+7reb+1ast, S.Reiju 15+4reb+2ast, K.Sawabe 11+2reb+5ast, M.Kataoka 10+1reb+1ast, D.Miller 9+7reb+3ast, W.Shota 5+2reb+2ast

Yamagata - Ibaraki R. 77-93

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 6th ranked Yamagata's (2-7) home loss to fifth ranked Ibaraki R. (7-2) 77-93 on Wednesday. Ibaraki R. made 25-of-28 free shots (89.3 percent) during the game, while Yamagata only scored five points from the stripe. They outrebounded Yamagata 40-28 including a 34-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. Ibaraki R. looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. American forward Chehales Tapscott (195-90, college: Portland St.) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds for the winners and Canadian-Italian power forward Marc Trasolini (206-90, college: Santa Clara) chipped in 9 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Ibaraki R. players scored in double figures. Ibaraki R.'s coach Richard Glesmann used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. The best for the losing side was American forward Andrew Randall (198-90, college: Temple) with 24 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import forward Lance Goulbourne (203-89, college: Vanderbilt) scored 13 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. The victory was the seventh consecutive win for Ibaraki R.. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Yamagata keeps the sixth place with seven games lost. Ibaraki R. will face league's leader Koshigaya A. in Tokyo in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Yamagata will play on the road against FE Nagoya (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ibaraki R.: C.Tapscott 19+13reb+1ast, A.Hirao 16+2reb+4ast, K.Fukuzawa 15+1ast, J.Maniwa 10+2reb+3ast, D.Kobayashi 10+5reb+4ast, M.Trasolini 9+10reb+5ast
Yamagata: A.Randall 24+8reb+1ast, Y.Nakajima 14+3reb+1ast, L.Goulbourne 13+5reb+6ast, K.Ryohei 8+6reb+1ast, I.Ryo 5+3reb, S.Kouno 5+4ast

Gunma - Fukushima 94-74

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Fukushima (6-3) against fourth ranked Gunma (7-2) on Wednesday night. Visiting Fukushima was crushed by Gunma in Gunma 94-74. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Gunma dominated down low during the game scoring 70 of its points in the paint compared to Fukushima's 40. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. The best player for the winners was American guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-90, college: Miami, FL) who scored 21 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists. His fellow American import power forward Justin Keenan (202-89, college: Ferris St.) chipped in 25 points and 6 rebounds. Four Gunma players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was South African center Tshilidzi Nephawe (208-89, college: NM State) who recorded a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and guard Yuji Kanbara (183-89) added 14 points and 4 assists respectively. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Gunma have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams. Fukushima at the other side dropped to the second place with three games lost. They share the position with Fukuoka R. and Kumamoto V.. Gunma will meet Nishinomiya S. (#5) in the next round. Fukushima will play against Sendai 89ers and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Gunma: J.Keenan 25+6reb, T.McKinney-Jones 21+6reb+9ast, B.Qvale 17+10reb+2ast, M.Parker 14+5reb+5ast, R.Yamazaki 9, N.Reiya 4+3reb+2ast
Fukushima: T.Nephawe 18+12reb+1ast, Y.Kanbara 14+2reb+4ast, S.Kanno 13+1reb+3ast, S.Davis 9+7reb+3ast, D.Suzuki 6+3reb+3ast, K.Kikuyama 6

Tokyo Z - Aomori W. 73-71

Important game to mention about took place in Tokyo. Eighth ranked Tokyo Z (2-7) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 7th ranked Aomori W. (1-8) 73-71 in the game for the sixth place. Tokyo Z forced 20 Aomori W. turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 27 assists. American power forward Ishmael Lane (203-97, college: NSU) nailed a double-double by scoring 16 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side and Nigerian-American center Nnanna Egwu (211-92, college: Illinois) accounted for 15 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. American center Joshua Crawford (211-88, college: Indiana St.) came up with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import forward Stephen Hurt (211-93, college: Kansas St.) added 11 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for Aomori W. in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Tokyo Z moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Yamagata. Aomori W. lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with eight games lost. They share it with Ehime OV and Kagawa FA. Tokyo Z will play against Orange Vikings (#7) in Matsuyama in the next round. Aomori W. will play on the road against the league's leader Saga B. to get more than just one victory in their record.
Top scorers:
Tokyo Z: I.Lane 16+11reb+5ast, Y.Okada 16+1reb+2ast, N.Egwu 15+8reb+5ast, S.Nisbet 7+4reb+3ast, D.Burns 6+5reb+3ast, S.Watanuki 6+6reb+3ast
Aomori W.: J.Crawford 20+13reb+4ast, D.Shimoyama 14+1reb, S.Hurt 11+9reb+6ast, K.Monma 9+2reb+2ast, J.Nozato 6+1reb+1ast, T.Kyonosuke 4+2reb+1ast

FE Nagoya - Ehime OV 67-77

Very important is a home loss of second ranked FE Nagoya (5-4) against eighth ranked Orange Vikings (1-8) on Wednesday night. Host FE Nagoya was defeated by Orange Vikings in Nagoya 77-67. It was a good game for American center Ryan Stephan (208-94, college: CMU) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds. American-Filipino forward Eugene Phelps (198-90, college: LBSU) contributed with 19 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. American power forward Andrew Fitzgerald (202-90, college: Oklahoma) answered with 18 points and point guard Shun Matsuyama (175-96) added 8 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists in the effort for FE Nagoya. FE Nagoya's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Orange Vikings left bottom position moving up to seventh place, which they share with Kagawa FA and Aomori W. FE Nagoya at the other side dropped to the fourth position with four games lost. Orange Vikings' next round opponent will be higher ranked Tokyo Z (#6) at home and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. FE Nagoya will play against Yamagata and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Ehime OV: R.Stephan 20+10reb+2ast, E.Phelps 19+9reb+1ast, P.Ellis 12+4reb+2ast, Y.Toshino 7+2reb+1ast, T.Ozawa 7+3reb+2ast, T.Iju 6+5ast
FE Nagoya: A.Fitzgerald 18+1reb+1ast, J.Tillman 12+4reb+3ast, M.Shun 8+6reb+6ast, Y.Yokoe 6+2reb+5ast, B.Waldow 6+6reb+2ast, K.Sugimoto 6+7reb+5ast

Bambitious N. - Saga B. 67-75

B2 League top team - Saga B. (7-2) added another victory to their record on Wednesday. This time they beat sixth ranked Bambitious N. (3-6) in Nara 75-67. Saga B. looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The former international power forward Ryota Nakanishi (199-88) stepped up and scored 18 points and 9 rebounds for the winners and Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-90) chipped in 11 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Saga B.'s coach used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. The best for the losing side was American power forward Sean OMara (208-95, college: Xavier, agency: Inception Sports) with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds and the other American import Marcus Dove (206-85, college: OK State) scored 8 points and 13 rebounds. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Saga B.. They maintain first place with 7-2 record, which they share with 4 other teams. Bambitious N. lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the sixth position with six games lost. Saga B. will face Aomori W. (#8) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Bambitious N. will play against Kumamoto V. and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Saga B.: R.Nakanishi 18+9reb, S.Reon 16+3reb+1ast, R.Garcia 11+5reb+6ast, K.Lawson 9+9reb+1ast, M.Mata 8+4reb+2ast, T.Soma 6+4reb+8ast
Bambitious N.: S.O'Mara 19+10reb+3ast, T.Komoda 19+3reb, L.Jackson 13+4reb+3ast, M.Dove 8+13reb+1ast, S.Fujitaka 5+4reb+4ast, K.Kimura 3+1reb+1ast

Fukuoka R. - Nishinomiya S. 79-68

The game between closely ranked teams ended with fourth ranked Rizing's (6-3) home victory over 5th ranked Nishinomiya S. (4-5) 79-68 on Wednesday. Rizing forced 19 Nishinomiya S. turnovers. Nishinomiya S. was plagued by 30 personal fouls down the stretch. American forward Jeffrey Parmer (203-85, college: FAU) stepped up and scored 17 points and 8 rebounds (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) for the winners and Nigerian forward Chukwudiebere Maduabum (206-91) chipped in 16 points and 6 rebounds. Four Rizing players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Senegalese center Cheikh Mbodj (208-87, college: Cincinnati, agency: Octagon Europe) with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 12 rebounds and swingman Naoki Tani (193-88) scored 13 points. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Rizing moved-up to second place, which they share with Kumamoto V. and Fukushima. Loser Nishinomiya S. keeps the fifth position with five games lost. Rizing will face Kagawa FA (#8) in Takamatsu in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Nishinomiya S. will play at home against the league's second-placed Gunma and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Fukuoka R.: J.Parmer 17+8reb, A.Tanno 16+1reb+4ast, C.Maduabum 16+6reb, N.Spikes 12+6reb+1ast, M.Tate 6+2reb+6ast, M.Kanou 3+3reb+2ast
Nishinomiya S.: C.Mbodj 25+12reb, N.Tani 13+1reb+1ast, D.Jones 9+3reb+1ast, M.Fukuda 7+4reb+1ast, S.Watanabe 5+2reb+5ast, N.Dohara 5+3reb+1ast

Kumamoto V. - Kagawa FA 93-84

Not a big story in a game when 7th ranked Kagawa FA (1-8) was defeated on the road by third ranked Kumamoto V. (6-3) 93-84 on Wednesday. Kumamoto V. looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Guard Kaito Ishikawa (188-90) stepped up and scored 22 points and 7 assists for the winners and Spanish center David Doblas (208-81) chipped in 16 points and 14 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American forward Kevin Kotzur (203-89, college: St.Mary's, TX) with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 18 rebounds and 6 assists and Australian forward Rhys Vague (206-96) produced a double-double by scoring 20 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists. Five Kumamoto V. and four Kagawa FA players scored in double figures. Kumamoto V. moved-up to second place, which they share with Fukuoka R. and Fukushima. Kagawa FA lost their seventh game in a row. They keep the seventh position with eight games lost. Kumamoto V. will face Bambitious N. (#6) in Nara in the next round. Kagawa FA will play at home against the league's second-placed Rizing and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Kumamoto V.: K.Ishikawa 22+4reb+7ast, M.Harris 19+6reb+6ast, T.Kida 17+2reb+2ast, D.Doblas 16+14reb+2ast, E.Ravenel 10+10reb+4ast, R.Motomura 9+1reb
Kagawa FA: T.Kodama 23+2reb+5ast, R.Vague 20+13reb+7ast, K.Kotzur 17+18reb+6ast, T.Yokoo 11+2reb+1ast, K.Fujioka 6+3reb+1ast, T.Tsukuba 4+1reb

Tags : ISAAC BUTTS, KOSHIGAYA ALPHAS, JAPANESE BASKETBALL

B1 League Round 10 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News

After 10 rounds played we can already see who rules in the B1 League and who belongs to weaker ones. There was no lack of excitement in the last round games. The round ended with favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The most interesting game of round 10 was only two-point a home defeat of 5th ranked Shiga L-Stars (4-6) to fourth ranked Shimane Magic (5-5) 82-80 in the game for the fourth place. It ended the two-game winning streak of Shiga L-Stars. Shimane Magic looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American DeMon Brooks (202-92, college: Davidson) scored 20 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import forward Perrin Buford (198-94, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. At the losing side American forward Jordan Hamilton (201-90, college: Texas) responded with 27 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Shimane Magic maintains fourth position with 5-5 record. Shiga L-Stars at the other side keep the fifth place with six games lost. They share the position with Hitachi SRT and Osaka E.. Shimane Magic are looking forward to face San-en NeoPhoenix (#10) in Hamamatsu in the next round where they are favorite. Shiga L-Stars will play on the road against Toyota Alvark (#5) in Tokyo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Seventh-ranked Dragonflies (3-7) gave a tough game to first ranked Ryukyu GK (8-2) in Hiroshima. The visitors from Okinawa managed to secure only two-point victory 74-72. However their fans expected much easier game. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Dragonflies. The former international guard Narito Namizato (172-89) notched 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and Jack Cooley supported him with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Even a double-double of 17 points and 16 rebounds by Venezuelan center Gregory Echenique (206-90, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Dragonflies. Ryukyu GK have an impressive eight-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 8-2 record, which they share with 3 other teams. Newly promoted Dragonflies keep the seventh place with seven games lost. They share the position with Hokkaido L.. Ryukyu GK will play against Toshiba Thunders (#3) in Kanagawa in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Dragonflies will play at home against Toyama G. (#4) and hope to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in Tokyo between Hitachi Sunrockers and Akita Happinets. Eighth ranked Hitachi Sunrockers (4-6) got a very close home victory over 6th ranked Akita Happinets (6-4). Hitachi Sunrockers managed to escape with a 3-point win 89-86 in the fight for the fifth place. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Akita Happinets. Ryan Kelly fired 22 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Kadeem Coleby produced a double-double by scoring 30 points and 15 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Hitachi Sunrockers moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Osaka E. and Shiga L-Stars. Loser Akita Happinets keep the sixth position with four games lost. Hitachi Sunrockers will meet at home Kyoto H. (#8) in the next round. Akita Happinets will play against Osaka E. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Aishin Sea Horses (7-3) against sixth ranked Osaka E. (4-6) on Wednesday night. Visiting Aishin Sea Horses were crushed by Osaka E. in Osaka 98-76. Worth to mention a great performance of Josh Harrellson who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 21 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Osaka E. moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Hitachi SRT and Shiga L-Stars. Aishin Sea Horses at the other side keep the second position with three games lost. Osaka E.'s next round opponent will be Akita Happinets (#6) on the road.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Chiba. Third ranked host Chiba J. (8-2) defeated their biggest opponent Toyota Alvark (7-3) 82-73. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Toyota Alvark. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Sebastian Saiz had a double-double by scoring 27 points and 11 rebounds (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Chiba J. have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Toyota Alvark keeps the second place with three games lost. Chiba J. will face Hokkaido L. (#9) in Saporro in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Toyota Alvark will play at home against Shiga L-Stars (#6) and hope to win that game.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 10: Niigata A. was destroyed by Kawasaki BT on the opponent's court 92-69. Nagoya DD managed to outperform Shinshu BW in a home game 65-61. Kyoto H. was rolled over San-en NP on the road 94-75. Toyama G. crushed Yokohama BC on its own court 84-64. Hokkaido L. was beaten by Tochigi B. in a road game 85-76.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 25 points and 11 rebounds by Nick Mayo of Hokkaido L..

Kawasaki BT - Niigata A. 92-69

Rather expected game in Kanagawa where 7th ranked Niigata A. (4-7) was crushed by fifth ranked Toshiba Thunders (8-2) 92-69 on Wednesday. Toshiba Thunders dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Niigata A.'s 32. International power forward Nick Fazekas (211-85, college: Nevada) had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the former international swingman Naoto Tsuji (185-89) chipped in 15 points during the contest. Five Toshiba Thunders players scored in double figures. At the losing side Bahamas Mark StFort (200-88, college: Warner) responded with 18 points and 9 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws) and Hungarian-American Rosco Allen (208-93, college: Stanford, agency: Pensack Sports) scored 16 points and 8 rebounds. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Niigata A. dropped to the eighth place with seven games lost. Toshiba Thunders will face league's leader Ryukyu GK in Okinawa in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Niigata A. will play at home against the league's leader Tochigi B. (#1) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Kawasaki BT: N.Fazekas 20+10reb+3ast, N.Tsuji 15+2reb+3ast, Y.Aoki 13+2ast, P.Aguilar 10+7reb, J.Heath 10+8reb+2ast, K.Masuda 10+1reb+3ast
Niigata A.: M.St.Fort 18+9reb+1ast, R.Allen 16+8reb, N.Yuto 12+2reb+10ast, H.Shotaro 7+3reb+1ast, R.Hendrix 6+4reb+1ast, T.Kashiwagura 5+5reb+4ast

Chiba J. - Alvark T. 82-73

The game between Top Four teams took place in Chiba. Third ranked host Chiba J. (8-2) defeated their biggest opponent Toyota Alvark (7-3) 82-73. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Toyota Alvark. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Spanish forward Sebastian Saiz (205-94, college: Ole Miss) had a double-double by scoring 27 points and 11 rebounds (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and American guard Shannon Shorter (193-89, college: N.Texas) chipped in 25 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. At the losing side the former international Daiki Tanaka (191-91) responded with 17 points and 8 assists and American center Alex Kirk (211-91, college: N.Mexico, agency: Pensack Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Chiba J. have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Toyota Alvark keeps the second place with three games lost. Chiba J. will face Hokkaido L. (#9) in Saporro in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Toyota Alvark will play at home against Shiga L-Stars (#6) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Chiba J.: S.Saiz 27+11reb, S.Shorter 25+5reb+4ast, G.Edwards 8+10reb+1ast, J.Duncan 6+4reb+2ast, Y.Togashi 6+2reb+3ast, S.Hara 5+1ast
Alvark T.: D.Tanaka 17+4reb+8ast, Y.Suda 14+3reb+1ast, A.Kirk 14+11reb, S.Ando 8+2reb+4ast, T.Shota 5+2reb+1ast, Z.Baranski 5+1reb

Nagoya DD - Shinshu BW 65-61

Very predictable result in Nagoya where third ranked Diamond Dolphins (6-5) defeated 9th ranked Shinshu BW (2-8) 65-61 on Wednesday. However just four-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Diamond Dolphins dominated down low during the game scoring 42 of its points in the paint compared to Shinshu BW's 22. They outrebounded Shinshu BW 34-21 including a 33-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. American forward Justin Burrell (207-88, college: St.John's) scored 20 points and 8 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import forward Jeff Ayres (206-87, college: ASU) chipped in 12 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side guard Tatsuya Nishiyama (171-88) responded with 26 points and 7 assists and American Anthony McHenry (202-83, college: Georgia Tech) scored 14 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Diamond Dolphins maintains third position with 6-5 record having just one point less than leader Tochigi B. Newly promoted Shinshu BW dropped to the eighth place with eight games lost. Diamond Dolphins will face Yokohama BC (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game.
Top scorers:
Nagoya DD: J.Burrell 20+8reb+2ast, J.Ayres 12+10reb+2ast, S.Ando 9+2reb, L.Lyons 8+4reb+1ast, T.Sasayama 5+2reb+1ast, T.Saito 4+4reb+5ast
Shinshu BW: T.Nishiyama 26+1reb+7ast, A.McHenry 14+6reb+2ast, W.Marshall 11+5reb+1ast, L.Kurihara 4+4reb+3ast, R.Ono 4+2reb, T.Sato 2+2reb

Hiroshima D. - Ryukyu GK 72-74

Seventh-ranked Dragonflies (3-7) gave a tough game to first ranked Ryukyu GK (8-2) in Hiroshima. The visitors from Okinawa managed to secure only two-point victory 74-72. However their fans expected much easier game. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Dragonflies. The former international guard Narito Namizato (172-89) notched 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and American power forward Jack Cooley (206-91, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) supported him with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Even a double-double of 17 points and 16 rebounds by Venezuelan center Gregory Echenique (206-90, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Dragonflies. American power forward Jamari Traylor (203-92, college: Kansas) added 13 points for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Ryukyu GK have an impressive eight-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 8-2 record, which they share with 3 other teams. Newly promoted Dragonflies keep the seventh place with seven games lost. They share the position with Hokkaido L.. Ryukyu GK will play against Toshiba Thunders (#3) in Kanagawa in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Dragonflies will play at home against Toyama G. (#4) and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Ryukyu GK: N.Namizato 17+5reb+4ast, K.Imamura 13+1reb, J.Cooley 10+10reb+2ast, R.Kishimoto 10+4reb+1ast, N.Tashiro 8+5reb+3ast, H.Maki 6+2reb
Hiroshima D.: G.Echenique 17+16reb+1ast, I.Murphy 13+2reb+1ast, J.Traylor 13+3reb+1ast, T.Kennedy 11+4reb, S.Asayama 9+2reb+1ast, R.Tawatari 6+5reb+6ast

San-en NP - Kyoto H. 94-75

There was a minor upset in Hamamatsu where 8th ranked Kyoto H. (2-8) was rolled over by tenth ranked San-en NeoPhoenix (1-9) 94-75 on Wednesday. San-en NeoPhoenix looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists comparing to just 10 passes made by Kyoto H.'s players. Serbian power forward Stevan Jelovac (208-89, agency: BeoBasket) scored 27 points and 9 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and American-Jamaican power forward Kyle Hunt (208-89, college: USAO) chipped in 16 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American guard Rayvonte Rice (193-92, college: Illinois) responded with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and his fellow American import center David Simon (208-82, college: PFW) scored 22 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. San-en NeoPhoenix maintains tenth position with 1-9 record. Loser Kyoto H. keeps the eighth place with eight games lost. San-en NeoPhoenix will face higher ranked Shimane Magic (#4) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game.
Top scorers:
San-en NP: S.Jelovac 27+9reb+2ast, K.Hunt 16+10reb+3ast, K.Shumei 12+2reb, H.Kawashima 12+7ast, T.Suzuki 8+6ast, S.Terazono 8+3reb+3ast
Kyoto H.: D.Simon 22+7reb, R.Rice 21+6reb+4ast, K.Matsui 13+4reb+1ast, H.Kazuki 7+5reb, T.Ryo 7+2reb+2ast, Y.Nagayoshi 3+4reb

Osaka E. - Sea Horses M. 98-76

Very important is a road loss of second ranked Aishin Sea Horses (7-3) against sixth ranked Osaka E. (4-6) on Wednesday night. Visiting Aishin Sea Horses were crushed by Osaka E. in Osaka 98-76. Osaka E. players were unselfish on offense dishing 28 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Josh Harrellson (208-89, college: Kentucky) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 21 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. The former international Takuya Hashimoto (186-94) contributed with 19 points, 5 assists and 4 steals for the winners. Four Osaka E. players scored in double figures. American power forward Davante Gardner (203-91, college: Marquette) replied with a double-double by scoring 26 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists and North Macedonian-American center Shane Whittington (211-91, college: W.Michigan) added 23 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Aishin Sea Horses. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Osaka E. moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Hitachi SRT and Shiga L-Stars. Aishin Sea Horses at the other side keep the second position with three games lost. Osaka E.'s next round opponent will be Akita Happinets (#6) on the road.
Top scorers:
Osaka E.: J.Harrellson 21+10reb+4ast, T.Hashimoto 19+2reb+5ast, D.Newbill 19+5ast, I.Brown 11+9reb+4ast, R.Sumino 9+1ast, G.Stutz 9+7reb+1ast
Sea Horses M.: D.Gardner 26+12reb+4ast, S.Whittington 23+6reb+1ast, K.Collinsworth 8+7reb+2ast, K.Kumagai 5+2ast, K.Takahashi 3+3reb+2ast, A.Schafer 3+4reb+1ast

Shiga L-Stars - Shimane SM 80-82

The most interesting game of round 10 was only two-point a home defeat of 5th ranked Shiga L-Stars (4-6) to fourth ranked Shimane Magic (5-5) 82-80 in the game for the fourth place. It ended the two-game winning streak of Shiga L-Stars. Shimane Magic looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American DeMon Brooks (202-92, college: Davidson) scored 20 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import forward Perrin Buford (198-94, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. At the losing side American forward Jordan Hamilton (201-90, college: Texas) responded with 27 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists and Australian center Angus Brandt (208-89, college: Oregon St.) scored 13 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Shimane Magic maintains fourth position with 5-5 record. Shiga L-Stars at the other side keep the fifth place with six games lost. They share the position with Hitachi SRT and Osaka E.. Shimane Magic are looking forward to face San-en NeoPhoenix (#10) in Hamamatsu in the next round where they are favorite. Shiga L-Stars will play on the road against Toyota Alvark (#5) in Tokyo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Shimane SM: D.Brooks 20+7reb+5ast, P.Buford 18+6reb+4ast, R.Travis 16+4reb, N.Williams 11+6reb+1ast, Y.Sugiura 7+1reb+2ast, R.Abe 4+1ast
Shiga L-Stars: J.Hamilton 27+7reb+6ast, J.Octeus 21, A.Brandt 13+7reb+5ast, K.Hareyama 11+2reb+1ast, M.Reo 4+3reb, I.Tomonori 2+2reb

Hitachi SRT - Akita NH 89-86

A very close game took place in Tokyo between Hitachi Sunrockers and Akita Happinets. Eighth ranked Hitachi Sunrockers (4-6) got a very close home victory over 6th ranked Akita Happinets (6-4). Hitachi Sunrockers managed to escape with a 3-point win 89-86 in the fight for the fifth place. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Akita Happinets. Hitachi Sunrockers made 22-of-27 free shots (81.5 percent) during the game. American Ryan Kelly (211-91, college: Duke) fired 22 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. The other American import center Charles Jackson (208-93, college: Tenn Tech) chipped in a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds. Four Hitachi Sunrockers players scored in double figures. Bahamas power forward Kadeem Coleby (206-89, college: Wichita St.) produced a double-double by scoring 30 points and 15 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) and the former international swingman Takatoshi Furukawa (190-87) added 19 points respectively for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Hitachi Sunrockers moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Osaka E. and Shiga L-Stars. Loser Akita Happinets keep the sixth position with four games lost. Hitachi Sunrockers will meet at home Kyoto H. (#8) in the next round. Akita Happinets will play against Osaka E. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hitachi SRT: R.Kelly 22+7reb+1ast, C.Jackson 19+10reb+1ast, J.McAdoo 10+6reb, L.Vendrame 10+6reb+3ast, K.Ishii 9+1reb+1ast, K.Hirose 8+4reb+1ast
Akita NH: K.Coleby 30+15reb+2ast, T.Furukawa 19+2reb+1ast, T.Nakayama 10+4reb+5ast, H.Noboru 9+2reb+4ast, T.Ito 8+1reb+5ast, R.Yasuoka 5+1ast

Toyama G. - Yokohama BC 84-64

Everything went according to plan when fourth ranked Toyama G. (8-2) outscored at home 10th ranked Yokohama BC (2-8) 84-64 on Wednesday. Toyama G. looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists. Yokohama BC was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. American center Richard Solomon (208-92, college: California, agency: Pensack Sports) had a double-double by scoring 24 points and 14 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and Zimbabwean-American forward Julian Mavunga (203-90, college: Miami, OH, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in 14 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists during the contest. At the losing side Czech Patrik Auda (204-89, college: Seton Hall, agency: Octagon Europe) responded with 24 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and naturalized American guard Aki Chambers (190-90, college: UC Merced) scored 16 points. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Toyama G. keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 3 other teams. Yokohama BC lost seventh consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth place with eight games lost. Toyama G. will face Dragonflies (#7) in Hiroshima in the next round where they are favorite. Yokohama BC will play at home against Diamond Dolphins and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Toyama G.: R.Solomon 24+14reb+3ast, S.Maeta 16+2reb, J.Mavunga 14+12reb+10ast, J.Smith 9+2reb+3ast, N.Uto 9+4reb+10ast, M.Yoshiyuki 6+1reb+3ast
Yokohama BC: P.Auda 24+7reb+4ast, A.Chambers 16+1reb+3ast, E.Morris 10+5reb+2ast, K.Morii 8+4reb+7ast, R.Buckner 4+7reb+1ast, S.Kedrick 2+1reb+2ast

Tochigi B. - Hokkaido L. 85-76

There was no surprise when 9th ranked Hokkaido L. (3-7) was defeated on the road by first ranked Tochigi B. (9-1) 85-76 on Wednesday. The former international guard Yusuke Endo (185-89) scored 20 points (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and the former international swingman Makoto Hiejima (190-90) chipped in 19 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) during the contest. At the losing side American forward Nick Mayo (206-97, college: EKU, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Jawad Williams (204-83, college: UNC) scored 13 points and 5 rebounds. Four Hokkaido L. players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Tochigi B. have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 9-1 record. Hokkaido L. lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh place with seven games lost. Tochigi B. will face Niigata A. (#8) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Hokkaido L. will play against the league's second-placed Chiba J. and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Tochigi B.: Y.Endo 20+3ast, M.Hiejima 19+3ast, S.Ikaruga 10+3reb+2ast, H.Watanabe 9+1reb, R.Rossiter 7+3reb+5ast, J.Gibbs 7+3reb+3ast
Hokkaido L.: N.Mayo 25+11reb+1ast, J.Taylor 13+4ast, J.Williams 13+5reb, T.Nakano 10+3reb, P.Faye 4+3reb, R.Hashimoto 4+5ast

Tags : DE'MON BROOKS, SHIMANE SUSANOO MAGIC, JAPANESE BASKETBALL

Japanese B2 League round 9 best performance: Trey McKinney-Jones (by Interperformances) - by Eurobasket News

American Guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-G-90) had a great game in the last round for second-ranked Gunma, receiving a Interperformances B2 League Player of the Week award for round 9.
The 30-year old player was the main contributor (21 points, six rebounds and nine assists) to his team's victory, helping them to crush Fukushima (#5, 6-3) with 20-point margin 94-74. Gunma is placed at 2nd position in Japanese B2 League. They would have been even better if they did not have these two lost games earlier in Regular Season. Gunma will need more victories to improve their 7-2 record. In the team's last game McKinney-Jones had a remarkable 76.9% from 2-point range. He turned to be Gunma's top player in his first season with the team. Trey McKinney-Jones averages this season 14.9ppg and 5.9apg.

The second best player in last round's games was 33-year old Senegalese Cheikh Mbodj (208-C-87, agency: Octagon Europe) of Nishinomiya S.. Mbodj had a very good evening with a double-double of 25 points and 12 rebounds. Bad luck as Nishinomiya S. lost that game 68-79 to the higher-ranked Fukuoka R. (#2, 6-3). Nishinomiya S. managed to keep the same 5th spot in West. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 4-5 record. Mbodj is a newcomer at Nishinomiya S., but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was American forward Kevin Kotzur (203-F-89) of Kagawa FA (#8). Kotzur showcased his all-around game by recording 17 points, eighteen rebounds (!!!) and six assists in the last round. Despite Kotzur's great performance Kagawa FA lost 84-93 to the higher-ranked Kumamoto V. (#3, 6-3). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Kagawa FA can only dream about fighting for top spots in West. They have rather bad season and 1-8 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Kotzur has individually a great season in Japan. After only 9 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 14.2rpg (#1 in league).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Joshua Crawford (211-C-88) of Aomori W. - 20 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Ryan Stephan (208-C-94) of Ehime OV - 20 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Tshilidzi Nephawe (208-C-89) of Fukushima - 18 points and 12 rebounds
7. Rhys Vague (206-F-96) of Kagawa FA - 20 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists
8. Sean O'Mara (208-F/C-95) of Bambitious N. - 19 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Isaac Butts (208-C-89) of Koshigaya A. - 13 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists
10. Andrew Randall (198-F-90) of Yamagata - 24 points and 8 rebounds

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

Tags : TREY MCKINNEY-JONES, GUNMA CRANE THUNDERS, JAPANESE BASKETBALL

Japanese B1 League round 10 best performance: Kadeem Coleby - by Eurobasket News

Bahamas Kadeem Coleby (206-C/F-89) had a very impressive game in the last round for Akita NH, receiving a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 10.
The 31-year old player had a double-double of 30 points and 15 rebounds, while his team Akita NH maintains the 6th position in their group in Japanese B1 League. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Akita NH will need to avoid more loses keep or improve their 6-4 record. Coleby has many years of experience at Akita NH, through which he has constantly improved. Kadeem Coleby averages this season 15.2ppg and 7.4rpg. Worth to mention Coleby played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball.

The second best player in last round's games was 28-year old American Richard Solomon (208-C-92, agency: Pensack Sports) of Toyama G.. Solomon had a very good evening with a double-double of 24 points and 14 rebounds. Of course he led Toyama G. to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked Yokohama BC (#10, 2-8) 84-64. Toyama G.'s 4th position in East has not changed. His team lost just two games this season, while they won 8 matches. Solomon is a newcomer at Toyama G., but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was Spanish forward Sebastian Saiz (205-F-94) of league's second-best Chiba J.. Saiz scored 27 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Chiba J., leading his team to a 82-73 win against the lower-ranked Alvark T. (#5, 7-3). Chiba J. is closer and closer to top of the standings in East. They will still need more victories. But 8-2 record is not that bad... Saiz has a great season in Japan. After 10 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 10.1rpg (5th best). He also has 1.1bpg and FGP: 57.6%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Davante Gardner (203-F/C-91) of Sea Horses M. - 26 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Nick Mayo (206-F-97) of Hokkaido L. - 25 points and 11 rebounds
6. Justin Burrell (207-F-88) of Nagoya DD - 20 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Gregory Echenique (206-C-90) of Hiroshima D. - 17 points and 16 rebounds
8. Shannon Shorter (193-G-89) of Chiba J. - 25 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Julian Mavunga (203-F-90) of Toyama G. - 14 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists
10. Charles Jackson (208-C-93) of Hitachi SRT - 19 points and 10 rebounds

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

Tags : KADEEM COLEBY, AKITA NORTHERN HAPPINETS, JAPANESE BASKETBALL

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

KAZAKHSTAN

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Colin DOUGHERTY
  Kaspiy
  (193-G-96)
  Avg: 23

1. Dougherty Kaspiy	23.0
2. Sizov Barsy A	21.5
3. Lagutin Alma.	21.0
4. Carter Barsy A	18.5
5. Azizov Aktobe	16.5
6. Gusak Aktobe	15.0
7. Sviridov Alma.	14.0
8. Cook Barsy Atyrau	12.5
9. Utegen Barsy A	12.5
10. Balashov Barsy A	12.5

Rebounds Per Game

Dmitry SVIRIDOV
  Alma.
  (212-C-85)
  Avg: 13

1. Sviridov Alma.	13.0
2. Utegen Barsy A	7.0
3. Azizov Aktobe	7.0
4. Ponomarev Astana	7.0
5. Orlenko Kaspiy A	6.7
6. Bormatenkov Aktobe	6.5
7. Carter Barsy A	6.0
8. Dzhunusov Alma.	6.0
9. Marchuk Alma.	6.0
10. Nasriddinov Aktobe	6.0

Assists Per Game

Evgeny MARININ
  Barsy A
  (192-PG-92)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Marinin Barsy A	7.5
2. Carter Barsy A	7.0
3. Utegen Barsy A	5.0
4. Gusak Aktobe	5.0
5. Shkirov Alma.	5.0
6. Dougherty Kaspiy	4.7
7. Hill Astana	4.0
8. Toktarov Aktobe	4.0
9. Murzagaliyev Astana	3.5
10. Lagutin Alma.	3.0

Steals Per Game

Vadim KORZHOV
  Alma.
  (178-PG-97)
  Avg: 4

1. Korzhov Alma.	4.0
2. Utegen Barsy A	3.5
3. Bormatenkov Aktobe	3.0
4. Carter Barsy A	2.5
5. Marchuk Astana	2.0
6. Hill Astana	2.0
7. Marat Barsy A	2.0
8. Ilyin Kaspiy A	2.0
9. Papshiv Aktobe	2.0
10. Bazhin Astana	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Denis ORLENKO
  Kaspiy A
  (216-C-93)
  Avg: 1

1. Orlenko Kaspiy A	1.0
2. Nasriddinov Aktobe	1.0
3. Kurochkin Kaspiy	0.7
4. Artison Kaspiy A	0.7
5. Ponomarev Astana	0.5
6. Petrishinets Aktobe	0.5
7. Orazbekov Kaspiy	0.3
8. Maidekin Astana	0.0
9. Konysov Barsy A	0.0
10. Ilyin Kaspiy A	0.0

Kozyrkin's 42-point game gives him Higher League Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News

22-year old guard Artem Kozyrkin (185-G-98) put on an amazing game in the last round for league's best team Bars and receives a Interperformances Higher League Player of the Week award for round 2.
He had the game-high 42 points adding nine rebounds and six assists for Bars in his team's victory, helping them to outclass Karaganda (#2, 3-2) with 26-point margin 80-54. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. It allowed Bars to consolidate first place in the Kazakhstan Higher League. The season is still on an early stage, but Bars already had a very good start winning all 5 without losing a single one. In the team's last game Kozyrkin had a remarkable 64.3% from 2-point range and got eight three-pointers out of 14 attempts. He has many years of experience at Bars, through which he has constantly improved. Kozyrkin has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in points (3rd best: 18.2ppg), rebounds (8th best: 6.2rpg) and averages solid 2.6spg and 53.3% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Dias Katarbay (183-SG-01) of league's second-best Karaganda. He is a guard in his first season at Karaganda. In the last game Katarbay recorded impressive 29 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists. Of course Karaganda cruised to a 85-76 relatively comfortable win over Barsy 2 (2-3). The season is still at the very beginning and this victory may help a lot. Let's wait for the next round. Katarbay is a newcomer at Karaganda and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 13.0ppg (#8). He also recorded 5.0 assists per game.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Ramazan Samsin (198-F-02) of Aktobe 2 (#8). Samsin scored 25 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). Despite Samsin's great performance Aktobe 2 lost 54-90 to Bars (#1, 5-0). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Samsin has individually a great season in Kazakhstan. After only 5 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 19.0ppg (2nd best) and rebounds with 15.2rpg (#1 in league).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Maksim Nalagov (198-F/C-94) of Bars - 18 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists
5. Bogdan Rabchenyuk (186-SG-03) of Barsy 2 - 15 points, 3 rebounds and 9 assists
6. Nikita Lytyh (196-F-04) of Aktobe 2 - 19 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Timur Tangiev (193-C-03) of Barsy 2 - 16 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Yernar Zheksenbayev (187-SG-01) of Barsy 2 - 27 points and 4 rebounds
9. Alexey Alyonushka (190-F-95) of Karaganda - 14 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists
10. Dias Zhambeisov (185-G-01) of Karaganda - 16 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists

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

Tags : ARTEM KOZYRKIN, MBK BARS PETROPAVLOVSK, KAZAKHSTAN BASKETBALL

Best players of Kazakhstan National League round 1 - by Eurobasket News

American C.J. Carter (185-G-93) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's second-best Barsy Atyrau and that's him to receive a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 1.
The 27-year old guard had the game-high 21 points adding seven rebounds and nine assists for Barsy Atyrau in his team's victory, helping them to edge out Aktobe (#5, 0-2), the league's bottom-ranked team 92-88. Barsy Atyrau maintains the 2nd position in Kazakhstan National League. But it's just the very beginning of the season and Barsy Atyrau won both games without losing any. It's too early to say anything as the standings can be changed completely after next round. In the team's last game Carter had a remarkable 63.6% from 2-point range. It's his second year at Barsy Atyrau and it's hard to imagine this team without him. University of Nebraska at Omaha graduate has very impressive stats this year. Carter is in league's top in points (3rd best: 18.5ppg), rebounds (7th best: 6.0rpg), assists (2nd best: 7.0apg) and averages solid 2.5spg and 52.9% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 24-year old American guard Colin Dougherty (193-G-96) of Kaspiy Aktau. Dougherty impressed basketball fans with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Bad luck as Kaspiy Aktau lost that game 66-87 to Astana (2-0). The season is still at the very beginning and this lost game may not be such crucial, of course if they start win the games. Let's wait for the next round. Dougherty is a newcomer at Kaspiy Aktau and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 21.0ppg (#2). His other stats are also decent: 5.0rpg and 3.5apg.

The third best performed player last round was another Barsy Atyrau's star - Russian Evgeny Marinin (192-PG-92). Marinin showcased his all-around game by recording 16 points, six rebounds and nine assists in the last round. He was another key player of Barsy Atyrau, helping his team with a 109-77 easy win against Aktobe (#5, 0-2). Barsy Atyrau has a very good start of the season. But there were just 2 games played, so it's too early to judge them at this stage. Marinin also has a very good start of the season with very strong stats. Marinin has a great season in Kazakhstan. After only 2 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in assists with 7.5apg (best passer).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Pavel Sizov (200-F-95) of Barsy Atyrau - 25 points and 4 rebounds
5. Rustam Murzagaliyev (190-G-92) of Astana - 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Dmitriy Gavrilov (204-C-86) of Astana - 11 points and 8 rebounds
7. Rustam Utegen (191-SG-96) of Barsy Atyrau - 16 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Ryan Cook (191-G-90) of Barsy Atyrau - 24 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Emir Azizov (190-G-93) of Aktobe - 18 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Vladislav Gusak (202-PF-95) of Aktobe - 16 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists

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

Tags : C.J. CARTER, BK BARSY ATYRAU, KAZAKHSTAN BASKETBALL

Higher League Round 3: Barsy 2 lose to Bars - by Eurobasket News

Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The game between Top Four teams took place in Petropavlovsk. Host Bars (6-0) smashed Barsy 2 (2-4) 72-52. Bars forced 21 Barsy 2 turnovers and outrebounded them 42-30 including 28 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. It was a great evening for power forward Maksim Nalagov (198-94) who led his team to a victory scoring 22 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Forward Roman Dedov (193-99) helped adding 17 points and 7 rebounds. The best for the losing side was center Timur Tangiev (193-3) with 24 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Atyrau. host Barsy 2 (2-4) lost to Karaganda (4-2) 82-70. It was an exceptional evening for forward Alexey Alyonushka (190-95) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists. Ilyas Shakir accounted for 23 points and 10 rebounds. Yernar Zheksenbayev (187-1) came up with 20 points for Barsy 2 in the defeat. Barsy 2's coach Alexander Lyssyak rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Bars (6-0) had no problems winning another game on Thursday. This time they crushed Aktobe 2 (0-6) 100-41. The best player for the winners was Artem Kozyrkin who had a double-double by scoring 16 points, 7 rebounds, 12 assists and 7 steals. At the other side the best for losing team was Ramazan Samsin who recorded a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
The game in Aktobe was also worth to mention about. Karaganda (4-2) played at the court of Aktobe 2 (0-6). Karaganda defeated Aktobe 2 64-48. It was a good game for Alexey Alyonushka who led his team to a victory with 12 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

Aktobe 2 - Karaganda 48-64

The game in Aktobe was also worth to mention about. Karaganda (4-2) played at the court of Aktobe 2 (0-6). Karaganda defeated Aktobe 2 64-48. Karaganda forced 26 Aktobe 2 turnovers. It was a good game for forward Alexey Alyonushka (190-95) who led his team to a victory with 12 points and 8 rebounds. Guard Muhamed Bolegenov (187-98) contributed with 16 points and 4 assists for the winners. Forward Ramazan Samsin (198-2) answered with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 19 rebounds and guard Nikita Fedchenko (190-4) added 14 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Aktobe 2. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Aktobe 2: F.Nikita 14+8reb+2ast, S.Ramazan 14+19reb+1ast, K.Karim 6+2ast, L.Nikita 5+8reb, B.Altair 5+1reb+1ast, A.Bibarys 2+1reb+4ast
Karaganda: B.Muhamed 16+2reb+4ast, D.Anton 13+6reb+2ast, A.Alexey 12+8reb+2ast, K.Dias 8, S.Stanislav 6+4reb+1ast, T.Andrey 5+1reb+2ast

Bars - Barsy 2 72-52

The game between Top Four teams took place in Petropavlovsk. Host Bars (6-0) smashed Barsy 2 (2-4) 72-52. Bars forced 21 Barsy 2 turnovers and outrebounded them 42-30 including 28 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. It was a great evening for power forward Maksim Nalagov (198-94) who led his team to a victory scoring 22 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Forward Roman Dedov (193-99) helped adding 17 points and 7 rebounds. The best for the losing side was center Timur Tangiev (193-3) with 24 points and 7 rebounds and Bogdan Rabchenyuk (186-3) scored 11 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Barsy 2: T.Timur 24+7reb+2ast, R.Bogdan 11+3ast, Z.Yernar 6+4reb+2ast, R.Andrey 4+2reb+2ast, I.Sabyrzhan 3+2reb, K.Mahamtet 2+8reb+3ast
Bars: M.Nalagov 22+7reb+5ast, R.Dedov 17+7reb, D.Sergey 13+4reb+4ast, V.Yanchurov 8+2reb+5ast, A.Kozyrkin 7+6reb+7ast, A.Surnin 3+11reb+3ast

Aktobe 2 - Bars 41-100

Bars (6-0) had no problems winning another game on Thursday. This time they crushed Aktobe 2 (0-6) 100-41. Bars held Aktobe 2 to an opponent 23.4 percent shooting from the field compared to 53.1 percent accuracy of the winners. Bars forced 31 Aktobe 2 turnovers and outrebounded them 49-31 including a 34-23 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 34 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by Aktobe 2's players. The best player for the winners was guard Artem Kozyrkin (185-98) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points, 7 rebounds, 12 assists and 7 steals. Forward Roman Dedov (193-99) chipped in 19 points. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Ramazan Samsin (198-2) who recorded a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds and swingman Vasiliy Samoylenko (192-3) added 5 points and 7 rebounds respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Aktobe 2: S.Ramazan 10+10reb+3ast, S.Vasiliy 5+7reb, F.Nikita 5+2reb+1ast, D.Chingiz 5+1reb+1ast, L.Nikita 4, K.Almat 3
Bars: R.Dedov 19+4reb+3ast, A.Kozyrkin 16+7reb+12ast, P.Vladimir 13+11reb, M.Nalagov 12+4reb, L.Stepan 10+5reb, V.Yanchurov 8+3reb+10ast

Barsy 2 - Karaganda 70-82

The game between Top Four teams took place in Atyrau. Host Barsy 2 (2-4) lost to Karaganda (4-2) 82-70. Karaganda forced 20 Barsy 2 turnovers and outrebounded them 44-26 including a 29-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. It was an exceptional evening for forward Alexey Alyonushka (190-95) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists. Guard Ilyas Shakir (188-0) accounted for 23 points and 10 rebounds for the winning side. Yernar Zheksenbayev (187-1) came up with 20 points and guard Andrey Repalov (185-3) added 10 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for Barsy 2 in the defeat. Four Barsy 2 players scored in double figures. Barsy 2's coach Alexander Lyssyak rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Barsy 2: Z.Yernar 20+3reb+2ast, T.Timur 11+8reb, R.Bogdan 10+2reb+6ast, R.Andrey 10+5reb+6ast, R.Nikita 8+3reb+1ast, S.Turlan 6+1reb+2ast
Karaganda: I.Shakir 23+10reb+2ast, K.Dias 19+3reb+4ast, A.Alexey 18+8reb+10ast, Z.Dias 9+2reb+2ast, E.Askar 8+16reb+2ast, T.Andrey 5+2reb+1ast

Tags : MAKSIM NALAGOV, MBK BARS PETROPAVLOVSK, KAZAKHSTAN BASKETBALL

Kazakhstan Higher League round 3 best performance: Maksim Nalagov - by Eurobasket News

Power forward Maksim Nalagov (198-F/C-94) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for top-ranked Bars, receiving a Interperformances Higher League Player of the Week award for round 3.
The 26-year old player was the main contributor (22 points, seven rebounds and five assists) to his team's victory, helping them to crush Barsy 2 (#3, 2-4) with 20-point margin 72-52. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. It allowed Bars to consolidate first place in the Kazakhstan Higher League. They maintain a perfect record without any lost game in the league. The season is still on an early stage, but Bars already had a very good start winning all 6 without losing a single one. In the team's last game Nalagov had a remarkable 80.0% from 2-point range. He has many years of experience at Bars, through which he has constantly improved. Maksim Nalagov has solid league stats. He is league's best scorer averaging so far 22.2ppg. Nalagov is in league's top in rebounds (2nd best: 10.8rpg), assists (5th best: 4.3apg) and averages impressive 62.7% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was another Bars' star - young Artem Kozyrkin (185-G-98). Kozyrkin had a very good evening with a double-double of 16 points and 12 assists. Of course together with Nalagov he helped Bars with another comfortable win outscoring Aktobe 2 (0-6) 100-41. A very good start of the season for his team, which won so far all 6 games without any defeat. Kozyrkin is one of the most experienced players at Bars and similarly like Maksim Nalagov has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 17.8ppg (#3). His other stats are also decent: 6.3rpg and 11.7apg.

Third on the list of top players last round was center Timur Tangiev (193-C-03) of Barsy 2 (#3). Tangiev scored 24 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Despite Tangiev's great performance Barsy 2 lost 52-72 to #1 ranked Bars. But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates especially in such crucial game. The chances of Barsy 2 not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 4 games, recording just two victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Tangiev could try to bring Barsy 2's a little bit higher in the standings. Tangiev has individually a great season in Kazakhstan. After only 6 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 12.3ppg (9th best) and rebounds with 7.7rpg (6th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Alexey Alyonushka (190-F-95) of Karaganda - 18 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists
5. Ilyas Shakir (188-G) of Karaganda - 23 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Ramazan Samsin (198-F-02) of Aktobe 2 - 14 points and 19 rebounds
7. Dias Katarbay (183-SG-01) of Karaganda - 19 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Vladimir Pitko (202-C-01) of Bars - 13 points and 11 rebounds
9. Yernar Zheksenbayev (187-SG-01) of Barsy 2 - 20 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Roman Dedov (193-F-99) of Bars - 19 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists

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

Tags : MAKSIM NALAGOV, MBK BARS PETROPAVLOVSK, KAZAKHSTAN BASKETBALL

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

KENYA

Kenya Morans forward to miss Afro-Basket qualifiers - by Eurobasket News

France-based Robert Nyakundi (202-F-89, college: SMU, agency: Octagon Europe) will not be available to play for Kenya Morans during next month's Fiba Afro-Basket qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda. Nyakundi made his debut in the team during the January pre-qualifiers and was instrumental as the Morans humbled South Sudan 74-68 in Nairobi for the ticket. National men's basketball team coach Cliff Owuor confirmed that the forward will not be available for the event due to personal commitment, adding that it was a big blow to the team. "Nyakundi is a smart player. His exploits during the qualifiers were there for everyone to see. I was hoping that he will be available, but he has communicated that he won't be joining the team atleast for this competition. While we will miss his services, I have enough cover and I hope they will rise up to the occasion," said the tactician during the team's evening non residential training session at Nyayo National Stadium, basketball court on Tuesday. Nyakundi has previously played for Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket in Belgium, Saint Quentin in Romania and is currently with Chorale De Roanne of France. Australia-based Preston Bungei, France-based Joel Awich and Portugal-based Alonzo Ododa are a doubt for the November 25-29 event. Morans, who are drawn in pool B will line up against Senegal, Angola and Mozambique in the qualifiers set to be played in a bubble setting due to coronavirus pandemic. The return matches are expected to be played in February next year. The top three teams in the group proceed to the Afrobasket Championship. In the meantime, Algeria based Ariel Okal was set to fly in on Wednesday, and is scheduled to join the team after the 24 hour quarantine. Centre player Tom 'Bush' Wamukota, who was part of the Rwanda's Patriots team that defended the Rwanda National League thanks to 76-71 win against Rwanda Energy Group last weekend, is expected to link up with the outfit next week. USA -based Ronnie Gundo and Denmark's Tylor Ongwae are also expected to join the team. Owuor said they have been concentrating on half court intense training, but will go full throttle next week. "Hopefully we will be a full house next week. We intend to have a friendly match with a select team in the second week of November to gauge our preparedness but we are optimistic ahead of the event," said the tactician.
Courtesy of: nation.africa

Tags : ROBERT NYAKUNDI, CHORALE DE ROANNE BASKET, KENYAN BASKETBALL

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

KOSOVO

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Marvin JONES
  Rahoveci
  (193-G-94)
  Avg: 38

1. Jones Rahoveci	38.0
2. Morina Prishtina	28.0
3. Zekiqi Ylli	26.0
4. Berisha Peja	25.0
5. Hajrizi Peja	24.0
6. John Ylli	24.0
7. Qallaku Prishtina	24.0
8. Nichols Prizreni	22.0
9. Vukcevic Bashkimi	22.0
10. Cartwright Peja	22.0

Rebounds Per Game

Amel KULJUHOVIC
  Peja
  (208-F-)
  Avg: 12

1. Kuljuhovic Peja	12.0
2. Karanezi Bashkimi	12.0
3. Council Vellaznimi	12.0
4. Martin Prizreni	11.0
5. Veseli Rahoveci	11.0
6. Ikpeze Rahoveci	11.0
7. McKay Ylli	11.0
8. Hajrizi Peja	11.0
9. Carter Bashkimi	9.0
10. Zenelaj Prizreni	9.0

Assists Per Game

Musab MALAJ
  Bashkimi
  (185-PG-96)
  Avg: 7

1. Malaj Bashkimi	7.0
2. Jones Rahoveci	6.0
3. Hoehn Bashkimi	6.0
4. Cartwright Peja	6.0
5. Zenelaj Prizreni	5.0
6. Nichols Prizreni	5.0
7. Berisha Peja	5.0
8. Veseli Rahoveci	5.0
9. Hajdari Prizreni	5.0
10. Balluku Vellaznimi	5.0

Steals Per Game

Cedric COUNCIL
  Vellaznimi
  (203-F-97)
  Avg: 4

1. Council Vellaznimi	4.0
2. Ewuosho Trepca/AS	4.0
3. Jones Rahoveci	3.0
4. Morina Prishtina	3.0
5. Zekiqi Trepca/AS	3.0
6. Ikpeze Rahoveci	3.0
7. Hajdari Prizreni	3.0
8. Berisha Peja	3.0
9. Balluku Vellaznimi	2.0
10. Rexha Rahoveci	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Devin HAYGOOD
  Trepca/AS
  (203-PF-)
  Avg: 7

1. Haygood Trepca/AS	7.0
2. Mehmeti Prishtina	2.0
3. Kuljuhovic Peja	1.0
4. McKay Ylli	1.0
5. Morina Prishtina	1.0
6. Ikpeze Rahoveci	1.0
7. Regis Ylli	1.0
8. Carter Bashkimi	1.0
9. Karanezi Bashkimi	1.0
10. Hajrizi Peja	1.0

Superliga Round 1: Bashkimi roll past Trepca - by Eurobasket News

The Regular Season in Superliga just started. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

Bashkimi edged Trepca/AS in Prizren 73-72. They outrebounded Trepca/AS 42-25 including a 34-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Montenegrin point guard Nikola Vukcevic (187-97) stepped up and scored 22 points for the winners and Ujkan Karanezi (202-95) chipped in 13 points and 12 rebounds. At the losing side American Devin Haygood (203, college: NC A&T) responded with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 7 blocks. Trepca/AS will play next round against Prishtina trying to get back on the winning streak. Bashkimi will try to continue on its current victory against Xhebrailat in Therande.
The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Prizreni at the home court. Hosts were defeated by Xhebrailat 85-77. The former international forward Samir Zekiqi (202-95) nailed 26 points for the winning side and Cody John accounted for 24 points and 5 assists. American guard Ty Nichols (190, college: Keene St.) came up with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for Prizreni in the defeat. Xhebrailat will play against Bashkimi in Prizren in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Prizreni will play on the road against Vellaznimi in Gjakove to get more than just one victory in their record.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Peja. host Peja smashed Prishtina 107-86. Drilon Hajrizi fired a double-double by scoring 24 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Arian Qallaku produced 24 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for lost side. Peja will meet at home Rahoveci in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Prishtina will play against Trepca/AS and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Rahoveci crushed at home Vellaznimi by 23 points 88-65, which is the biggest margin this round. Americans were the main players on the court. Worth to mention a great performance of Marvin Jones who helped to win the game recording 38 points (!!!), 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Rahoveci's coach Bujar Loci felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Rahoveci's next round opponent will be Peja on the road and it will be for sure the game of the week. Vellaznimi will play against Prizreni and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Prizreni - Ylli 77-85

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Prizreni at the home court. Hosts were defeated by Xhebrailat 85-77. Xhebrailat had a 17-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. The former international forward Samir Zekiqi (202-95) nailed 26 points for the winning side and Canadian guard Cody John (190-96, college: Weber St.) accounted for 24 points and 5 assists. American guard Ty Nichols (190, college: Keene St.) came up with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and the other American import guard Justin Jones (188, college: Bethany, KS) added 22 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Prizreni in the defeat. Xhebrailat will play against Bashkimi in Prizren in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Prizreni will play on the road against Vellaznimi in Gjakove to get more than just one victory in their record.
Top scorers:
Ylli: S.Zekiqi 26+4reb+3ast, C.John 24+2reb+5ast, V.Bunjaku 16+6reb+4ast, B.Avdili 5+4reb+2ast, R.Krasniqi 5+4reb, D.Regis 4+8reb+1ast
Prizreni: J.Jones 22+5reb+2ast, T.Nichols 22+5reb+5ast, A.Hajdari 19+2reb+5ast, J.Martin 6+11reb+2ast, U.Zenelaj 6+9reb+5ast, B.Matoshi 2+2reb

Bashkimi - Trepca/AS 73-72

Bashkimi edged Trepca/AS in Prizren 73-72. They outrebounded Trepca/AS 42-25 including a 34-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Montenegrin point guard Nikola Vukcevic (187-97) stepped up and scored 22 points for the winners and Ujkan Karanezi (202-95) chipped in 13 points and 12 rebounds. At the losing side American Devin Haygood (203, college: NC A&T) responded with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 7 blocks and Finnish guard Kalin Fisher (188-96, college: Hampton) scored 13 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Trepca/AS will play next round against Prishtina trying to get back on the winning streak. Bashkimi will try to continue on its current victory against Xhebrailat in Therande.
Top scorers:
Bashkimi: N.Vukcevic 22+4reb+1ast, S.Carter 16+9reb+1ast, U.Karanezi 13+12reb+2ast, M.Malaj 12+5reb+7ast, S.Hoehn 6+6reb+6ast, Q.Biraj 4+6reb+1ast
Trepca/AS: T.Ewuosho 21+3reb+2ast, D.Haygood 20+7reb, B.Zekiqi 14+2reb+2ast, K.Fisher 13+9reb+5ast, S.Shpat 4, G.Anid 0

Peja - Prishtina 107-86

The game between Top Four teams took place in Peja. host Peja smashed Prishtina 107-86. Peja looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The former international forward Drilon Hajrizi (203-91) fired a double-double by scoring 24 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. The former international Dardan Berisha (191-88) chipped in 25 points and 5 assists. The former international guard Arian Qallaku (196-92) produced 24 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international point guard Altin Morina (194-92) added 28 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Peja will meet at home Rahoveci in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Prishtina will play against Trepca/AS and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Peja: D.Berisha 25+4reb+5ast, D.Hajrizi 24+11reb+5ast, R.Cartwright 22+4reb+6ast, A.Kuljuhovic 16+12reb, M.Perovic 8+6reb+1ast, B.Ermal 6+1reb+2ast
Prishtina: A.Morina 28+5reb+2ast, A.Qallaku 24+8reb+4ast, D.Haxhosaj 15+7reb+1ast, A.Mehmeti 10+9reb+3ast, M.Ismaili 4, A.Koshi 3+1reb+3ast

Rahoveci - Vellaznimi 88-65

Rahoveci crushed at home Vellaznimi by 23 points 88-65, which is the biggest margin this round. Rahoveci forced 21 Vellaznimi turnovers and had a 32-21 advantage in offensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. Americans were the main players on the court. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Marvin Jones (193-94, college: UWF) who helped to win the game recording 38 points (!!!), 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Center Amadi Ikpeze (208, college: St.Bonaventure, agency: GoEmpire Group) contributed with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Jones is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Rahoveci players scored in double figures. Rahoveci's coach Bujar Loci felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Cedric Council (203-97, college: Coppin St.) answered with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds and guard Chris Hortman (190-88, college: UW-Stout) added 20 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Vellaznimi. Rahoveci's next round opponent will be Peja on the road and it will be for sure the game of the week. Vellaznimi will play against Prizreni and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Rahoveci: M.Jones 38+6reb+6ast, E.Kryeziu 15+3reb+3ast, A.Ikpeze 12+11reb+1ast, R.Bardh 12+6reb, V.Ejupi 7+5reb+1ast, F.Juniku 4+4ast
Vellaznimi: C.Hortman 20+7reb+1ast, C.Council 18+12reb+1ast, A.Balluku 11+2reb+5ast, K.Roni 8+1reb+2ast, K.Avdija 4+3reb, B.Qeku 3+1reb

Tags : NIKOLA VUKCEVIC, KB BASHKIMI PRIZREN, KOSOVAN BASKETBALL

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

LATVIA

Rolands Smits selected the top Latvian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center2

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Latvians who are currently playing abroad.

Rolands Smits

#1. This week's number one is an international power forward Rolands Smits (207-95, currently plays in Spain). He led FC Barcelona to a victory over the 13th-ranked Andorra (3-4) 82-71 in the Spanish Liga Endesa in Sunday night's game. Smits was MVP of the game. He recorded 15 points in 20 minutes on the court. FC Barcelona Lassa (5-2) is placed third in the Liga Endesa. This year Smits averages: 4.9ppg, 2.6rpg, 2FGP: 55.6%(10-18), 3FGP: 22.2% and FT: 72.7% in seven games he played so far. He played for the Latvian senior national team one years ago.

Martins Laksa

#2. Second place goes to an international small forward Martins Laksa (200-90, currently plays in Poland). Laksa was the main contributor in Start's victory against the ninth-ranked Slask (4-3) 79-76 in the Polish EBL last Monday. He was the best player in that game. Laksa scored 20 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and dished 3 assists. Pszczolka Start Lublin (8-3) is placed second in the EBL. Laksa has relatively good stats this season: 14.5ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 41.2%, 3FGP: 49.1%(28-57) and FT: 97.1%(34-35). He is in the roster of the Latvian senior national team.

Janis Berzins

#3. The Latvian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international forward Janis Berzins (201-93, currently plays in VTB United League). Berzins could not help Zastal Enea BC (0-4) in their last game. Despite his good performance the 13th-placed Zastal Enea BC (0-4) lost 99-114 on the road to the second-ranked Lokomotiv in the group A of VTB United League. Berzins scored 14 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 25 minutes. So far Zastal Enea BC lost all four games in the Regular Season. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. This year Berzins' overall stats are: 9.0ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.0apg, 3FGP: 42.1% and FT: 66.7% in four games. He played for the Latvian national team three years ago.

Rolands Freimanis

#4. Power forward Rolands Freimanis (208-88, currently plays in VTB United League) is a teammate of previously mentioned Janis Berzins and both played together in the last VTB United League game. Freimanis was not able to help Zastal Enea BC in their game against Lokomotiv (4-1). Despite his very good performance in Sunday night's game He scored 15 points. This season Freimanis has relatively solid stats: 13.5ppg and 2.5rpg. He used to play for the Latvian national team last year.

Roberts Freimanis

#5. Former U18 international power forward Roberts Freimanis (204-91, college: Liepaja, currently plays in Estonia) contributed to an easy victory against the tenth-ranked Kalev/TLU (1-3) 92-76 in the Estonian EstLatBL last Saturday. Freimanis was the top player that evening. He scored 26 points (!!!), grabbed 7 rebounds and dished 3 assists in 37 minutes. AVIS UTILITAS Rapla (2-2) is placed sixth in the EstLatBL. The Regular Season already ended. Freimanis has reliable stats this year: 14.8ppg, 9.5rpg and 1.8apg in four games. He used to play for the Latvian U18 national team eleven years ago.

Andrejs Grazulis

#6. Power forward Andrejs Grazulis (202-93, currently plays in Italy) was not able to secure a victory for Trieste (2-1) in their game against Brindisi (4-2) in the Italian Serie A. Despite his good performance on Sunday night Grazulis scored 12 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. But the season just started, so everything may happen. Grazulis' total stats this year are: 10.0ppg, 7.6rpg and 1.2apg. He is a former international player as he played for the Latvian senior team two years ago.

Ingus Jakovics

#7. International point guard Ingus Jakovics (186-93, college: Liepaja, currently plays in Italy) couldn't help Openjobmetis VA (2-1) in their game against Virtus BO (5-1) in the Italian Serie A, despite his very good performance in Sunday night's game. Jakovics was the second best scorer with 13 points. He also added 4 rebounds in 23 minutes. But Openjobmetis VA (#3) lost 73-85 in Bologna to the leading Virtus BO in the Group A. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. This year Jakovics' total stats are: 7.0ppg and 1.4rpg in five games. He used to play for the Latvian national team last year.

Janis Timma

#8. Forward Janis Timma (201-92, currently plays in VTB United League) couldn't help Khimki (2-4) in their game against Avtodor (2-2) in the VTB United League. Timma scored 8 points. Khimki (#8) was edged 85-82 in Saratov by the higher-ranked Avtodor (#7) in the group A of VTB United League. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Timma has averaged so far 7.4ppg, 3.0rpg and 2.2apg. He used to play for the Latvian national team last year.

Arturs Strautins

#9. Former international small forward Arturs Strautins (198-98, currently plays in Italy) is a teammate of previously mentioned Ingus Jakovics and both played together in the last Italian Serie A game. Strautins couldn't help Openjobmetis VA (2-1) in their game against Virtus BO (5-1). He scored 9 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 31 minutes. But Openjobmetis VA (#3) lost 73-85 in Bologna to the leading Virtus BO in the Group A. Strautins averaged so far 12.2ppg and 8.6rpg in five games. He used to play for the Latvian national team two years ago.

Janis Kaufmanis

   #10. Point guard Janis Kaufmanis (185-89, currently plays in Estonia) contributed to Kalev/Cramo's victory against the closely-ranked Kalev/TLU (1-3) 98-88 in a derby game in the Estonian EstLatBL last Wednesday. He scored 6 points in 23 minutes. It was his first game for Kalev/Cramo this season. His team is placed eighth in the EstLatBL. The Regular Season already ended. Kaufmanis is a former U20 international player as eleven years ago he still played for the Latvian national team.

   #11. International guard Janis Strelnieks (191-89, currently plays in Euroleague) managed to help CSKA Moscow to win against the closely-ranked Valencia Basket 84-75 in the Euroleague on Thursday night. He scored only 2 points. It was his first game for CSKA this season. Strelnieks used to play for the Latvian national team last year.

   #12. An experienced international guard Janis Blums (191-82, currently plays in Italy) contributed to an easy victory against the second-ranked Brescia 83-67 in the Italian Serie A in Sunday night's game. He scored only 3 points in 6 minutes on the court. This year Blums averages just 1.5ppg in four games. He is also in the roster of the Latvian national team.

   #13. International center Martins Meiers (208-91, currently plays in VTB United League) couldn't help Astana in their game against Avtodor in the VTB United League. Meiers scored 8 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. His team was crushed by 22 points 107-85. Meiers has averaged so far 9.0ppg and 4.5rpg. He is also Latvian national team player.

   #14. International power forward Ojars Silins (203-93, currently plays in VTB United League) is a teammate of previously mentioned Martins Meiers and both played together in the last VTB United League game. Silins couldn't help Astana in their game against Avtodor. He scored 8 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 26 minutes. His team was crushed by 22 points 107-85. Silins averaged so far 12.5ppg and 4.0rpg in two games. He plays currently for the Latvian national team.

   #15. Former University international forward Marts Ozolinkevics (188-96, agency: Big Game Management Inc., currently plays in Estonia) couldn't help Liepaja in their game against Ogre in the Estonian EstLatBL. Ozolinkevics scored 7 points. His team was badly defeated by 17 points 94-77. Ozolinkevics has averaged so far 6.0ppg and 2.0apg. He used to play for the Latvian university national team three years ago.

The list of other players, who all have Latvian passport but never been selected to any of Latvian national teams:

   #1. Andrew Smith (205-C-92, college: Liberty, currently plays in Germany) was the major contributor in a Science City Jena's victory against the 13th-ranked Kirchheim Knights (0-1) crushing them 111-81 in the German ProA (second division) in Tuesday night's game. Smith scored 17 points and had 3 steals. It was his first game for Science City Jena this season. His team is placed in the ProA. It's Smith's first year with the team. He is a naturalized American. Smith used to play for Jurmalas Sports / Fenikss in Latvian league.

   #2. Aksels Skaistlauks (195-SG-97, currently plays in Germany) could not help Tuebingen 2 (0-1) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Skaistlauks' good performance Tuebingen 2 (#7) was defeated 83-75 on the road by the leading Elchingen in the South-West South group. He was the second best scorer with 14 points. It was his first game for Tuebingen 2 this season. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. It's Skaistlauks' sixth year with the team.

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

LITHUANIA

Stats Leaders - NKL

Points Per Game

Chase HARLER
  Palanga
  (191-G-98)
  Avg: 21.7

1. Harler Palanga	21.7
2. Kumpys Gargzdu	20.0
3. Pukelis Vytis	18.8
4. Ruikis Gargzdu	17.7
5. Staniulis Jonava	17.5
6. Pacevicius Vilnius	17.0
7. Stasys Silute	16.5
8. Tarvydas Jonava	16.3
9. Uzupis Vytis	16.0
10. Rubinas Vilnius	15.8

Rebounds Per Game

Laurynas MIKALAUSKAS
  Palanga
  (205-PF-85)
  Avg: 11

1. Mikalauskas Palanga	11.0
2. Kumpys Gargzdu	10.7
3. Staniulis Jonava	10.3
4. Gaidys Vilkaviskis	9.3
5. Narusevicius Maze.	9.0
6. Mineikis Nept.	8.5
7. Juskevicius Ezer.	8.3
8. Thomas Silute	8.3
9. Kozys Zalgiris II	8.3
10. Pukelis Vytis	8.3

Assists Per Game

Jokubas RUBINAS
  Vilnius
  (187-G-2)
  Avg: 7.8

1. Rubinas Vilnius	7.8
2. Razutis Telsiai	7.5
3. Kliucinykas Sudu.	7.3
4. Semaska Vytis	6.8
5. Anuzis Gargzdu	6.7
6. Viskontas Palanga	6.7
7. Lekavicius Silute	5.8
8. Gaidys Mazeikiai	5.3
9. Ruikis Gargzdu	5.3
10. McCarthur Deli.	5.0

Steals Per Game

Tautvydas KLIUCINYKAS
  Sudu.
  (190-G-95)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Kliucinykas Sudu.	3.3
2. Zdanavicius Telsiai	3.0
3. Birgelis Vilk.	2.5
4. Lesciauskas Nept.	2.5
5. Nausedas Sudu.	2.3
6. Bruzas Gargzdu	2.0
7. Kymantas Silales	1.8
8. Dumasius Gargzdu	1.7
9. Baslyk Mazeikiai	1.7
10. Zukauskas Palanga	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Ignas JUSKEVICIUS
  Ezer.
  (201-C-91)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Juskevicius Ezer.	1.7
2. Kancleris Deli.	1.7
3. Maceikis Nept.	1.5
4. Pleikys Gargzdu	1.3
5. Sederevicius Silute	1.3
6. Staniulis Jonava	1.3
7. Jocius Vilnius	1.0
8. Maciulis Ezerunas	1.0
9. Lavrinovic Vytis	1.0
10. Uzupis Vytis	1.0

Demetrius Jackson left Rytas - by Eurobasket News

Tags : DEMETRIUS JACKSON, BC RYTAS VILNIUS, LITHUANIAN BASKETBALL, LITHUANIAN TRANSACTIONS, BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Eimantas Bendzius selected the top Lithuanian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center2

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Lithuanians who are currently playing abroad.

Eimantas Bendzius

#1. This week's number one is an international forward Eimantas Bendzius (203-90, currently plays in Italy). He could not help Sassari (4-2) in their last game. Despite Bendzius' very good performance the first-placed Sassari (4-2) lost 92-99 on the road to the lower-ranked (#3) Umana Venezia in the Group D. He was the top scorer with 29 points in 29 minutes on the court. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. Bendzius has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 15.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 63.6%(14-22), 3FGP: 47.8%(11-23) and FT: 75.0% in five games he played so far. Bendzius is currently a member of the Lithuanian senior national team.

Laurynas Birutis

#2. Second place goes to an international center Laurynas Birutis (213-97, currently plays in Spain). He was the major contributor in a Blusens Monbus' victory against the 16th-ranked Gran Canaria (1-7) 85-75 in the Spanish Liga Endesa last Sunday. Birutis recorded a double-double by scoring 19 points and getting 12 rebounds. He also added 2 blocks. Rio Natura Monbus Obradoiro CAB (5-3) is placed sixth in the Liga Endesa. This season Birutis has very high stats. He averages: 15.6ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.5bpg, 2FGP: 67.6%(48-71) and FT: 72.5%. Birutis is in the roster of the Lithuanian senior national team.

Edgaras Ulanovas

#3. The Lithuanian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international forward Edgaras Ulanovas (199-92, currently plays in Turkey). He led Fenerbahce to an easy victory against one of league's weakest teams Socar Petkim (1-4) crushing them 93-70 in the Turkish BSL on Sunday night. Ulanovas scored 13 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and dished 3 assists in 25 minutes. Fenerbahce Dogus Istanbul (6-0) is placed first in the BSL. So far his team won all six games in the Regular Season. But the season just started, so everything may happen. This year Ulanovas' overall stats are: 9.7ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.0apg, 2FGP: 45.5% and FT: 63.6% in three games. He played for the Lithuanian national team one years ago.

Mindaugas Kuzminskas

#4. Forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas (205-89, currently plays in VTB United League) led his Russian team Lokomotiv to an easy victory against the bottom-ranked Zastal Enea BC (0-4) 114-99 in the VTB United League in Sunday night's game. Kuzminskas scored 19 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Lokomotiv Kuban (4-1) is placed second in group A. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Kuzminskas has relatively good stats this season: 11.3ppg, 4.0rpg and 2.0apg. He is also Lithuanian national team player.

Mantas Kalnietis

#5. An experienced international guard Mantas Kalnietis (195-86, agency: Players Group, currently plays in VTB United League) is a teammate of previously mentioned Mindaugas Kuzminskas and both played together in the last VTB United League game. Kalnietis led his Russian team Lokomotiv to an easy victory against the bottom-ranked Zastal Enea BC (0-4) 114-99. He had a double-double by scoring 11 points and making 17 passes. Kalnietis also added 4 rebounds in 28 minutes. This year Kalnietis' total stats are: 8.3ppg, 4.3rpg and 11.0apg in three games. He plays currently for the Lithuanian national team.

Jonas Maciulis

#6. Forward Jonas Maciulis (198-85, currently plays in Greece) led AEK to a victory against the ninth-ranked Ionikos Nikaias (0-1) 81-68 in the Greek A1 on Saturday night. Maciulis recorded 11 points. It was his first game for AEK this season. His team is placed first in the A1. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Maciulis is an international player who is currently on the senior Lithuanian National Team roster.

Arnas Velicka

#7. Former international point guard Arnas Velicka (192-99, currently plays in France) led Chalons-Reims to a surprising victory over the 11th-ranked Le Mans (2-2) 87-84 in the French Jeep ELITE ProA in Saturday night's game. He was MVP of the game. Velicka had a double-double by scoring 25 points and making 10 passes. He also added 5 rebounds in 35 minutes. Champagne Chalons-Reims Basket (1-5) is placed second from the bottom (#17) in the Jeep ELITE ProA. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. It's Velicka's first year with the team. This season Velicka has relatively solid stats: 11.8ppg, 3.7rpg and 5.8apg in six games. He used to play for the Lithuanian national team three years ago.

Rokas Giedraitis

#8. Forward Rokas Giedraitis (200-92, currently plays in Spain) was not able to help one of league's weakest teams Baskonia (5-3) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Giedraitis' good performance Baskonia was edged 83-82 in Badalona by the higher-ranked Joventut (#4). He recorded 10 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Giedraitis has reliable stats this season: 13.8ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.4apg. He used to play for the Lithuanian national team last year.

Aurimas Majauskas

#9. Former U18 international center Aurimas Majauskas (202-93, agency: Octagon Europe, college: SHSU, currently plays in Ukraine) contributed to an easy victory against the league outsider Cherkasy (0-6) crushing them 98-66 in the Ukrainian Superleague on Friday night. Majauskas recorded 9 points in 22 minutes. BC Zaporizhye-ZOG (5-0) is placed second in the Superleague. So far his team won all five games in the Regular Season. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. It's Majauskas' first year with the team. His stats this season are: 10.3ppg, 5.0rpg and 1.8apg in four games. Majauskas used to play for the Lithuanian U18 national team nine years ago.

Laurynas Beliauskas

   #10. Guard Laurynas Beliauskas (192-97, currently plays in Spain) is a teammate of previously mentioned Laurynas Birutis. But that was another game of his team in Spanish Liga Endesa which we would like to mention. Beliauskas was not able to secure a victory for Blusens Monbus (5-3) in their game against Valencia Basket (8-0). He scored 9 points in 20 minutes. But Blusens Monbus was edged 78-77 in Valencia by the second-ranked Basket. It's Beliauskas' first season with the team. Beliauskas' stats this year are: 11.4ppg, 2.1rpg and 1.4apg in eight games. He is a former U20 international player as three years ago he still played for the Lithuanian national team.

   #11. Former U20 international shooting guard Martynas Paliukenas (191-93, currently plays in Poland) couldn't help Trefl in their game against GTK in the Polish EBL. Paliukenas recorded 8 points and added 5 passes. His team was crushed by 30 points 110-80. He has averaged so far 5.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.8apg and 1.1spg. Paliukenas used to play for the Lithuanian U20 national team seven years ago.

   #12. Former U22 international guard Paulius Dambrauskas (195-91, also represented by Players Group, currently plays in Poland) contributed to a Enea Astoria's victory against the closely-ranked Spojnia 95-86 in the Polish EBL in Sunday night's game. He recorded 15 points in 28 minutes. Dambrauskas averaged so far 11.0ppg, 1.6rpg and 2.4apg in five games. He used to play for the Lithuanian U22 national team back in 2015.

   #13. U19 international guard Dovydas Giedraitis (193-0, currently plays in Spain) couldn't help Movil Estudiantes in their game against Real Madrid in the Spanish Liga Endesa. Giedraitis recorded 8 points. His team was badly defeated by 16 points 93-77. He has averaged so far 7.8ppg and 1.3rpg. Giedraitis used to play for the Lithuanian U19 national team last year.

   #14. Former U17 international power forward Tomas Balciunas (203-0, currently plays in Estonia) helped Tartu win their game against the ninth-ranked TalTech 79-67 in the Estonian EstLatBL on Saturday night. He scored 6 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 25 minutes. Balciunas has averaged so far 6.3ppg, 5.0rpg and 1.3apg in three games. He used to play for the Lithuanian U17 national team back in 2016.

   #15. Former U20 international point guard Karolis Babkauskas (184-91, currently plays in Germany) helped RSV Eintracht win their game against the tenth-ranked Itzehoe 110-101 in the German ProB (third division) in Sunday night's game. Babkauskas recorded a double-double by scoring 21 points and making 12 passes. This season he has very high stats. Babkauskas averages: 19.0ppg, 3.0rpg and 10.0apg. He used to play for the Lithuanian U20 national team nine years ago.

The list of other players, who all have Lithuanian passport but never been selected to any of Lithuanian national teams:

   #1. John Shurna (204-PF-90, college: Northwestern, currently plays in Spain) could not help one of league's weakest teams Gran Canaria in their last game on Sunday. Despite his good performance his team was defeated 85-75 at home by the lower-ranked Blusens Monbus (#6). Shurna was the second best scorer with 11 points. Shurna has averaged so far 5.3ppg and 3.0rpg. He is a naturalized American. Despite Shurna's Lithuanian passport, he previously played for the USA U19 national team and is probably not eligible to play for the Lithuanian team. Strangely Shurna has never played in Lithuania.

   #2. Donatas Sabeckis (197-PG-92, currently plays in Switzerland) contributed to an easy victory against the seventh-ranked Monthey (0-1) crushing them 89-48 in the Swiss SBL in Saturday night's game. Sabeckis scored 10 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 25 minutes. Lions de Geneve (2-0) is placed second in the SBL. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Sabeckis has averaged so far 8.5ppg, 3.0rpg and 3.0apg in two games he played so far.

   #3. Mantvydas Staniulis (187-PG-97, currently plays in Estonia) was not able to help Kalev/TLU in their game against Rapla (0-12) in the Estonian EstLatBL. He scored 8 points. Kalev/TLU was badly defeated 92-76 on the road by the higher-ranked Rapla (#8). The Regular Season already ended. Staniulis has averaged so far 5.5ppg and 2.3apg.

   #4. Experienced Titas Janusevicius (188-PG-1, currently plays in Spain) was the major contributor in Zornotza's victory against the fifth-ranked Ponferrada (2-1) 89-79 in the Spanish LEB Silver (third division) in Saturday night's game. He scored 15 points. Zornotza Saskibaloi Taleda (2-1) is placed fourth in West group. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Janusevicius has averaged so far 10.0ppg and 1.7rpg.

   #5. Dainius Zvinklys (203-F-90, currently plays in Germany) led Herford to a victory over the 11th-ranked Dorsten (2-4) 94-84 in the German Regionalliga (fourth division) on Saturday night. He was the best player in that game. Zvinklys had a double-double by scoring 24 points and getting 10 rebounds in 29 minutes. BBG Herford (3-2) is placed sixth in West group. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Zvinklys has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 19.6ppg, 9.4rpg and 2.0apg in five games.

   #6. Paulius Grebliunas (203-PF-93, currently plays in Norway) was not able to secure a victory for Asker Aliens in their game against Ammerud Bskt in the Norwegian BLNO. Grebliunas recorded 7 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in 30 minutes. His team lost 88-98. Grebliunas has averaged so far 2.8ppg and 4.0rpg in four games.

   #7. Robertas Grabauskas (208-C-90, college: Northwood, currently plays in Portugal) couldn't help one of league's weakest teams CAB Madeira in their game against Sporting in the Portuguese LPB. He scored only 4 points in 14 minutes. His team lost 72-87. Grabauskas has averaged so far 2.5ppg, 4.0rpg and 1.5apg in two games.

   #8. Vilius Sumskis (215-F-84, agency: Interperformances, currently plays in Norway) couldn't help Fyllingen BBK in their game against Gimle BBK in the Norwegian BLNO, despite his good performance last Wednesday. He recorded 12 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in a mere 16 minutes. But his team was edged 106-105. Sumskis has averaged so far 6.5ppg and 4.3rpg in four games.

   #9. Andrius Mikutis (195-SG-88, agency: Players Group, college: John Brown, currently plays in Germany) contributed to Duesseldorf's victory against the 12th-ranked Iserlohn 94-81 in the German ProB (third division) in Saturday night's game. He had a double-double by scoring 19 points and getting 11 rebounds in 26 minutes. Mikutis has very impressive stats this year: 16.5ppg, 8.5rpg and 2.5spg in two games.

   #10. Vilius Sermokas (188-G-90, currently plays in Germany) contributed to an easy victory against the eighth-ranked Stuttgart crushing them 83-47 in the German Regionalliga (fourth division) last Sunday. He scored 10 points, made 6 passes and 3 steals in 19 minutes. It was his first game for Fellbach this season. Sermokas has a dual citizenship: Lithuanian and German.

NKL Round 5: Neptunas-Akv. still not able to record any victory - by Eurobasket News

Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

Bottom-ranked Neptunas-Akv. is still unable to win any game. This time they lost on the road their second consecutive match to sixth ranked Zalgiris II (4-1) 92-78 on Thursday evening. Zalgiris II made 23-of-29 free shots (79.3 percent) during the game. 24 personal fouls committed by Neptunas-Akv. helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Forward Matas Repsys (205-2) orchestrated the victory by scoring 23 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). Forward Justinas Ramanauskas (193-0) contributed with 17 points for the winners. Lukas Kreismontas (197-1) answered with 19 points and 6 rebounds for Neptunas-Akv.Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Zalgiris II have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to third place. Neptunas-Akv. at the other side still closes the standings with two games lost. Zalgiris II are looking forward to face league's second-placed Vytis in Sakiai in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Neptunas-Akv. will play at home against the league's leader Suduva-Mantinga (#1) and hopes to get finally their first victory.

Zalgiris II - Neptunas-Akv. 92-78

Bottom-ranked Neptunas-Akv. is still unable to win any game. This time they lost on the road their second consecutive match to sixth ranked Zalgiris II (4-1) 92-78 on Thursday evening. Zalgiris II made 23-of-29 free shots (79.3 percent) during the game. 24 personal fouls committed by Neptunas-Akv. helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Forward Matas Repsys (205-2) orchestrated the victory by scoring 23 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). Forward Justinas Ramanauskas (193-0) contributed with 17 points for the winners. Four Zalgiris II players scored in double figures. Lukas Kreismontas (197-1) answered with 19 points and 6 rebounds and forward Nojus Mineikis (201-0) added 16 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Neptunas-Akv.Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Zalgiris II have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to third place. Neptunas-Akv. at the other side still closes the standings with two games lost. Zalgiris II are looking forward to face league's second-placed Vytis in Sakiai in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Neptunas-Akv. will play at home against the league's leader Suduva-Mantinga (#1) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Zalgiris II: R.Matas 23+7reb, J.Ramanauskas 17+2reb+3ast, G.Bergaudas 14+4reb+1ast, R.Mantas 13+5reb, M.Paulius 9+5reb+2ast, K.Radvilas 7+2reb+3ast
Neptunas-Akv.: L.Kreismontas 19+6reb+1ast, N.Mineikis 16+7reb+2ast, V.Matas 9+2reb, L.Gediminas 9+4reb+1ast, A.Sidarevicius 8+2reb+4ast, M.Gabrielius 6+3reb+2ast

Tags : MATAS REPSYS, ZALGIRIS KAUNAS 2ND TEAM, LITHUANIAN BASKETBALL

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

MALI

Ibrahim Saounera selected the top Malian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center2

We bring you last week's top performances from Malians who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

Ibrahim Saounera

#1. This week's number one is an experienced former international point guard Ibrahim Saounera (179-87, currently plays in France). He led Lorient to a victory against the 12th-ranked Vendee Challans (1-4) 92-85 in the French NM1 (third division) on Saturday night. Saounera scored 12 points and added 4 passes in 30 minutes on the court. CEP Lorient Basket (4-2) is placed fourth in Group A. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Saounera has relatively good stats this year: 10.7ppg, 1.5rpg, 3.8apg, 2FGP: 57.1%, 3FGP: 33.3% and FT: 87.5% in six games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Mali and French. Saounera played for the Mali senior national team two years ago.

Baba Samake

#2. Second place goes to former international power forward Baba Samake (200-94, currently plays in France). He was the major contributor in a GET Vosges' victory against the 14th-ranked Avignon/Pontet (0-4) crushing them 85-58 in the French NM1 (third division) in Saturday night's game. Samake scored 12 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Golbey Epinal Thaon Vosges (3-3) is placed sixth in Group B. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. It's Samake's first year with the team. This season he averages: 5.2ppg, 4.5rpg, 2FGP: 54.2% and FT: 45.5%. Samake played for the Mali national team in 2017.

Sourata Cisse

#3. The Mali player who performed third best last week abroad was an international swingman Sourata Cisse (196-86, currently plays in France) is a teammate of previously mentioned Ibrahim Saounera and both played together in the last French NM1 game. Cisse managed to help CEP Lorient Basket in a victory against the 12th-ranked Vendee Challans (1-4) 92-85. He scored 5 points in 16 minutes. It was his first game for Lorient this season. Cisse is another player who holds two passports: Mali and French. He played for the Mali national team one years ago.

Ibrahim Djambo

   #4. Forward Ibrahim Djambo (208-92, college: Hofstra, currently plays in France) could not help Toulouse (2-0) in their last game on Tuesday. Despite Djambo's very good performance the fifth-placed Toulouse (2-0) was defeated 76-67 on the road by the lower-ranked JSA Bordeaux (#11) in the Group A. He was the top scorer with 18 points. Djambo also added 4 rebounds. It was his first game for Toulouse this season. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Djambo has both American and Mali nationalities. He used to play for the Mali national team last year.

The list of other players, who all have Mali passport but never been selected to any of Mali national teams:

   #1. Mambi Diawara (198-G-94, college: Calgary, currently plays in Finland) led Seagulls to an easy victory against the league outsider Ura Basket (0-4) 102-86 in the Finnish Korisliiga in Wednesday night's game. He recorded 14 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in a mere 16 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it's only Diawara's second season in pro basketball. Helsinki Seagulls (4-0) is placed second in the Korisliiga. So far his team won all four games in the Regular Season. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. It's Diawara's first year with the team. This season he averages: 6.5ppg and 3.3rpg in four games he played so far. Diawara has a dual citizenship: Mali and Canadian.

   #2. Bakary Konate (211-C-93, college: Minnesota, currently plays in Portugal) could not help Academica (0-3) in their last game on Saturday. Despite his good performance Academica was badly defeated 93-74 at home by the leading Benfica. Konate scored 11 points. But the season just started, so everything may happen. This year Konate averages: 4.3ppg and 3.3rpg.

Other top Mali players, who play abroad:

Sagaba Konate (203-F-97) plays for Zaragoza in Spanish Liga Endesa
Bandja Sy (204-C-90) plays for Andorra in Spanish Liga Endesa
Cheick Diallo (206-C/F-96) plays for Phoenix Suns in the NBA
Kone Sidiki (208-F/C-1) plays for Sloga in Serbian KLS
Samba Balayera (195-G/F-96) plays for Saint-Quentin in French ProB
Abdramane Camara (206-PF-0) plays for Chorale de Roanne in French Jeep ELITE ProA
Mohamed Sidibe (196-F-2) plays for Sluc Nancy in French ProB
Siriman Kanoute (181-PG-1) plays for Sluc Nancy in French ProB
Nianta Diarra (201-F/C-93) plays for Cholet Basket in French Jeep ELITE ProA
Tim Troussel (203-PF-95) plays for The Hague in Dutch DBL
Sanounou Dabo (204-F-0) plays for Ravenna in Italian Serie A2
Moustapha Diarra (205-C-87) plays for C'Chartres in French NM1
Mamadou Sy (196-F/G-85) plays for Pontoise in French NM2

Notice: The list above includes only some of the Mali playing currently abroad. Go to Mali Abroad Page to see completed list.

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

MALTA

Bupa signs rookie Kyree Elder in his first year in pro basketball - by Dimitri Chelidze

Bupa Luxol (BOV League D1) strengthened their roster with the addition of American forward Kyree Elder (196-93kg). Elder just graduated from Shawnee State University (NAIA). In 30 games he recorded very impressive stats: 18.1ppg, 6.9rpg, and 2.8apg last season. He helped them to make it to the semifinals.

He started his college career at The University of Arkansas Fort Smith (NCAA2). Then Elder moved to the University of Texas Permian Basin (NCAA2). His high school career he had spent at Cane Ridge in Nashville, TN.

As mentioned above Elder is just out of college and it will be his first season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : KYREE ELDER, BUPA LUXOL, MALTESE BASKETBALL, MALTESE TRANSACTIONS

Arsenio Arrington joins Bupa - by Dimitri Chelidze

Bupa Luxol (BOV League D1) agreed on terms with 24-year old American forward Arsenio Arrington (206-82kg-96, college: Aquinas). He played last summer at Grand Rapids Danger (NABL) in the U.S. In 9 games he had 14.0ppg, 6.2rpg, and 2.0apg. The last season Arrington was tested by WSG Koenigs in German Regionalliga where in only one game he recorded 9 points and 3 rebounds.

Arrington has played also professionally in Germany (HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim 2nd team).

The list of past achievements is quite long as among others he played in the final of the WHAC Tournament in 2017. Arrington was also voted All-WHAC 1st Team in 2018 at his college time.

He attended Aquinas until 2018 and it will be his third season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : ARSENIO ARRINGTON, BUPA LUXOL, MALTESE BASKETBALL, MALTESE TRANSACTIONS

Sierra inks at Depiro at the beginning of his pro career - by Dimitri Chelidze

Depiro (BOV League D1) added to their roster American forward Marlon Sierra (201-102kg). Sierra just graduated from Bowling Green State University (NCAA). In 31 games he recorded 3.8ppg and 4.5rpg last season.

Sierra started his college career at Western Nebraska Community College (JUCO). His high school career he had spent at Miami Senior in Miami, FL.

As mentioned above Sierra is just out of college and it will be his first season as a pro.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : MARLON SIERRA, DEPIRO, MALTESE BASKETBALL, MALTESE TRANSACTIONS

Thomas inks at Depiro at the beginning of his pro career - by Dimitri Chelidze

Depiro (BOV League D1) strengthened their roster with the addition of 22-year old American forward Clifford Thomas (203-105kg-98). Thomas just graduated from High Point (NCAA). He has played there for the last four years. His high school career he had spent at Jefferson Davis in Montgomery, AL.

As mentioned above Thomas is just out of college and it will be his first season as a pro.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : CLIFFORD THOMAS, DEPIRO, MALTESE BASKETBALL, MALTESE TRANSACTIONS

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

MEXICO

Al Wahda signs Hameed Ali, ex Panteras - by Ahmad Madwar

Al Wahda (D1) signed 27-year old American guard Hameed Ali (188-82kg-93, college: TAMUCC). He joins another USA player Nick West who is already in the roster.
Ali already started the season at Panteras in Mexican LNBP. In 6 games he had 13.2ppg, 2.7rpg, 4.0apg and 1.3spg this season.
He is quite experienced player. Ali has played in four different countries on three different continents (Europe, Latin America and of course North America). He has played previously professionally also in Georgia (Olimpi), Puerto Rico (Brujos), United Kingdom (Bristol Acadamy Flyers) and Mexico (Caballeros de Culiacan, Ostioneros de Guaymas and Garra Canera de Navolato).
The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others his team won Mexican CIBACOPA Regular Season in 2018. Ali was also voted Latinbasket.com All-Mexican LNBP 2nd Team in 2019.
Ali attended Texas A&M University Corpus Christi until 2016 and it is his fifth season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : HAMEED ALI, AL WAHDA, UAE BASKETBALL, UAE TRANSACTIONS

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

MONTENEGRO

Bojan Dubljevic selected the top Montenegrin playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center2

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Montenegrins who are currently playing abroad.

Bojan Dubljevic

#1. This week's number one is an international center Bojan Dubljevic (205-91, agency: BeoBasket, currently plays in Spain). He led Valencia Basket to a victory over the tenth-ranked Zaragoza (3-4) 93-84 in the Spanish Liga Endesa in Saturday night's game. Dubljevic was MVP of the game. He recorded 21 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists in 24 minutes on the court. Valencia Basketis placed in the Liga Endesa. It's Dubljevic's eighth season with the team. Dubljevic has relatively good stats this year: 13.7ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.9apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 62.2%(28-45), 3FGP: 41.2% and FT: 90.5%(19-21) in seven games he played so far. He played for the Montenegrin senior national team one years ago.

Nemanja Radovic

#2. Second place goes to an international power forward Nemanja Radovic (208-91, also represented by BeoBasket, currently plays in Spain). Radovic contributed to an UCAM Murcia's victory against the third-ranked FC Barcelona (5-2) 77-73 in the Spanish Liga Endesa last Tuesday. He scored 9 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. Universidad Catolica de Murcia CB (4-3) is placed eighth in the Liga Endesa. It's Radovic's first season with the team. This year Radovic averages: 9.9ppg, 6.3rpg, 2FGP: 61.7%(29-47), 3FGP: 18.2%. He played for the Montenegrin national team in 2019.

Marko Simonovic

#3. The Montenegrin player who performed third best last week abroad was an international center Marko Simonovic (210-99, another player represented by BeoBasket, currently plays in ABA League). Simonovic could not help one of league's weakest teams Mega SoccerBet (3-1) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Mega SoccerBet was edged 76-73 in a derby game by the second-ranked Crvena Zvezda. Simonovic was the second best scorer with 16 points. He also added 8 rebounds in 29 minutes. They ended the series of three consecutive victories. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. This year Simonovic has relatively solid stats: 14.5ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3bpg, 2FGP: 59.1%(13-22), 3FGP: 25.0% and FT: 79.3% in four games. He is also a member of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Milija Mikovic

#4. Power forward Milija Mikovic (205-94, currently plays in Croatia) was not able to help Sibenik (3-1) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Mikovic's very good performance Sibenik was defeated 112-102 on the road by the lower-ranked Alkar (#8). He was the second best scorer with 25 points. Mikovic also added 6 rebounds. But the season just started, so everything may happen. Mikovic has reliable stats this year: 14.2ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.7apg and 1.5spg. He used to play for the Montenegrin national team back in 2017.

Filip Samojlovic

#5. Former U20 international point guard Filip Samojlovic (183-90, currently plays in Serbia) was the major contributor in Sloga's victory against the tenth-ranked Napredak (2-3) 83-76 in the Serbian KLS last Saturday. Samojlovic scored 19 points and added 5 assists in 32 minutes. KK Sloga Societe Generale Kraljevo (2-3) is placed 14th in the KLS. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Samojlovic's stats this year are: 14.0ppg, 5.0apg and 1.5spg in two games. He has a dual citizenship: Montenegrin and Serbian. Samojlovic used to play for the Montenegrin U20 national team ten years ago.

Taylor Rochestie

#6. An experienced point guard Taylor Rochestie (186-85, college: WSU, currently plays in Euroleague) was not able to secure a victory for Crvena Zvezda (2-3) in their game against Khimki (1-5) in the Euroleague. He scored 7 points and added 3 passes. Crvena Zvezda was defeated 83-77 on the opponent's court by the one of league's weakest teams Khimki (#17). But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Rochestie's overall stats this season are: 4.5ppg and 4.0apg. He is a naturalized American. Rochestie is a former international player as he played for the Montenegrin senior team six years ago. Strangely he has never played in Montenegro.

Marko Grkovic

#7. Former U20 international forward Marko Grkovic (200-97, currently plays in Serbia) contributed to a Dunav SB's victory against the 13th-ranked Pirot (2-3) 86-72 in the Serbian KLS in Saturday night's game. Grkovic scored 17 points and grabbed 6 rebounds (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!) in 28 minutes. KK Dunav Stari Banovci (2-3) is placed eighth in the KLS. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. This year Grkovic's overall stats are: 5.6ppg and 2.4rpg in five games. He used to play for the Montenegrin U20 national team three years ago.

Nemanja Djurisic

#8. Power forward Nemanja Djurisic (203-92, college: Georgia, currently plays in Spain) couldn't help Movil Estudiantes in their game against Real Madrid (7-0) in the Spanish Liga Endesa. Djurisic recorded 9 points. ButHis team was badly defeated 93-77 in a derby game by the leading Real Madrid. Djurisic's total stats this season are: 4.7ppg and 1.3rpg. He plays currently for the Montenegrin national team.

Dino Radoncic

#9. International power forward Dino Radoncic (202-99, currently plays in Spain) couldn't help Gipuzkoa (1-6) in their last game. Despite Radoncic's good performance Gipuzkoa was badly defeated 80-61 in Madrid by the much higher-ranked (#5) Movil Estudiantes. He was the second best scorer with 10 points. Radoncic also added made 3 passes and 3 steals in 28 minutes. It was Gipuzkoa's fourth consecutive loss in a row. This year Radoncic's total stats are: 6.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.1apg and 1.1spg in seven games. He is also in the roster of the Montenegrin national team.

Bojan Tomasevic

   #10. Center Bojan Tomasevic (200-1, currently plays in Serbia) couldn't help Dynamic VP (2-3) in their game against Vojvodina NS (5-0) in the Serbian KLS. Tomasevic scored 8 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 31 minutes. Dynamic VP lost 74-80 in Novi Sad to the leading Vojvodina NS. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Tomasevic averaged so far 11.4ppg, 6.6rpg and 1.2apg in five games. He is U18 international player as one years ago he still played for the Montenegrin national team.

   #11. Former international forward Vladimir Dragicevic (206-86, currently plays in Greece) couldn't help Aris (0-1) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Dragicevic's good performance Aris was edged 73-70 in Mesolongi by the second-ranked Charilaos. He was the second best scorer with 10 points. Dragicevic also added 5 rebounds. It was his first game for Aris this season. Dragicevic used to play for the Montenegrin national team six years ago.

   #12. Former U20 international guard Filip Bakic (193-97, currently plays in Bosnia) couldn't help Mladost (1-2) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Bakic's good performance Mladost was defeated 91-76 in Zenica by the higher-ranked Celik (#7). He recorded 10 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Bakic has averaged so far 5.0ppg, 4.0rpg and 2.3apg. He used to play for the Montenegrin U20 national team back in 2017.

   #13. Former U18 international forward Nemanja Gavranic (203-93, currently plays in Bosnia) couldn't help Kakanj in their game against Bratunac in the Bosnia and Herzegovina Division I. He recorded 7 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists. His team was defeated 78-63. Gavranic averaged so far 11.0ppg, 5.5rpg and 1.5apg. He used to play for the Montenegrin U18 national team nine years ago.

   #14. Former U20 international center Marko Perovic (204-92, currently plays in Kosovo) helped Peja win their game against the closely-ranked Prishtina crushing them 107-86 in the Kosovan Superliga on Wednesday night. Perovic recorded 8 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. It was his first game for Peja this season. Perovic used to play for the Montenegrin U20 national team back in 2011.

   #15. U20 international forward Bogdan Bojic (201-99, currently plays in Bosnia) managed to help OKK Sloboda Tuzla to win against the eighth-ranked Bosna-Royal 96-77 in the Bosnia and Herzegovina Division I last Sunday. He recorded only 4 points. This season Bojic averages just 4.5ppg. He used to play for the Montenegrin U20 national team last year.

The list of other players, who all have Montenegrin passport but never been selected to any of Montenegrin national teams:

   #1. Stefan Ljubenkovic (198-F-95, currently plays in Serbia) could not help Konstantin (3-1) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Ljubenkovic's good performance the first-placed Konstantin (3-1) was edged 79-78 on the road by the lower-ranked Mladost SP (#7) in the South group. He recorded 12 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Ljubenkovic averaged so far 14.8ppg, 7.3rpg and 2.5apg. He has a dual citizenship: Montenegrin and Serbian. Despite Ljubenkovic's Montenegrin passport, he previously played for the Serbian U18 national team and is probably not eligible to play for the Montenegrin team.

   #2. Experienced Nemanja Calasan (206-C-85, college: Purdue, currently plays in Switzerland) led Boncourt to an easy victory against the league outsider Starwings (0-2) 87-69 in the Swiss SBL in Saturday night's game. He scored 13 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 29 minutes. BC Boncourt Red Team (2-2) is placed third in the SBL. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Calasan averaged so far 14.5ppg, 4.3rpg and 1.8apg in four games he played so far. He is another player who holds two passports: Serbian and Montenegrin.

   #3. Dragan Bjeletic (204-F/C-92, currently plays in Slovakia) contributed to a 1-point Prievidza's victory against the closely-ranked Levice (4-4) 76-75 in the Slovakian SBL on Saturday night. Bjeletic had a double-double by scoring 10 points and getting 14 rebounds in 25 minutes. BC Prievidza (3-5) is placed fifth in the SBL. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Bjeletic averaged so far 13.8ppg, 8.9rpg and 1.3spg in eight games.

   #4. Goran Bulatovic (186-PG-88, currently plays in Slovakia) was not able to help Handlova in their game against Nova Ves (7-1) in the Slovakian SBL. Bulatovic scored 9 points and added 11 assists in 34 minutes. But Handlova was edged 78-76 at home by the leading Nova Ves. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Bulatovic has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 16.3ppg, 2.9rpg, 12.3apg and 1.3spg in seven games.

   #5. Milan Markovic (190-G-86, currently plays in Serbia) managed to help KK Kolubara Lazarevac 2003 in a victory against the ninth-ranked Metalac (2-3) 77-70 in the Serbian KLS in Saturday night's game. He scored only one point in 6 minutes on the court. KK Kolubara Lazarevac 2003 (3-2) is placed fifth in the KLS. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Markovic has averaged so far 3.2ppg and 2.2rpg in five games.

   #6. Milos Kostic (191-SG-99, currently plays in Bosnia) was not able to secure a victory for Promo in their game against Leotar in the Bosnia and Herzegovina Division I. Kostic recorded 5 points in 13 minutes. His team was crushed by 29 points 102-73. Kostic has averaged so far 2.3ppg and 2.3rpg in three games.

   #7. Milo Vukcevic (200-C-96, currently plays in Spain) contributed to Tormes' victory against the sixth-ranked Filipenses 84-75 in the Spanish EBA (fourth division) on Saturday night. He recorded 9 points in 25 minutes. Vukcevic has averaged so far 7.5ppg and 3.0rpg in two games.

   #8. Miki Novovic (208-C-92, currently plays in Denmark) couldn't help Naestved in their game against Bakken in the Danish BasketLigaen. He cannot count Saturday's game as one of the best ones. Novovic scored only 2 points. His team was crushed by 30 points 110-80. Novovic has averaged so far 1.6ppg and 1.4rpg.

   #9. Nemanja Kovanusic (204-C-93, agency: Octagon Europe, currently plays in France) couldn't help Vendee Challans in their game against Lorient in the French NM1 (third division). He scored 9 points. His team was defeated 92-85. Kovanusic averaged so far 12.0ppg and 6.6rpg. He has both Serbian and Montenegrin nationalities.

Coach Scepanovic left KK Partizan NiS Beograd - by Eurobasket News

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

MOROCCO

MaJic Dorsey Agrees to Terms with Piratas de Bogota - by Eurobasket Center

During that season he posted impressive averages of 23.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 7.0apg and 1.3spg in 12 games.

For his career, the number of countries and destinations on his passport is lengthy, Mexico, Venezuela, China, Ecuador, Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, Columbia, Egypt, Qatar and Morocco.

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

NBA

Rockets to hire Stephen Silas as coach - by Eurobasket News

For most of six weeks, as the Rockets went through their marathon of interviews with prospective coaches, seemingly endless meetings, and deep dives of research in a painstakingly slow process, they kept coming back to the same name. Stephen Silas had gone from impressive to intriguing until finally, the more the Rockets looked and talked, the overriding sense was that he was the right choice for them. Silas, a finalist for the position when Mike D'Antoni was chosen in 2016, will become the Rockets' 15th head coach, multiple individuals with knowledge of the deal said after the team reached agreement with the Dallas Mavericks' lead assistant Wednesday. The Rockets also strongly considered one of their former coaches, Jeff Van Gundy, and their director of player development, John Lucas. But in the last five days, they became increasingly focused on Silas. A Tuesday Zoom meeting with players was the final step toward the organization's feeling in concert about the move, a person familiar with the process said. Silas was considered a strong fit, several individuals said. He has a history of working well with stars, including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kemba Walker and Luka Doncic, and he had enormous success this past season in helping guide the Mavericks to the best offensive rating in NBA history. Beyond those career highlights, the Rockets were drawn to Silas' embrace of their philosophies and his suggested changes, becoming increasingly enamored with his ideas about building on their style and strengths with former MVPs James Harden and Russell Westbrook. 'People are labeling him as a terrific offensive coach, which he is, but he's more than that,' said Orlando Magic coach Steve Clifford, a former Rockets assistant who had Silas on his staff when he coached the Charlotte Hornets. 'He's a terrific defensive coach. He's a very good communicator with players. He has a wealth of knowledge. He's worked with a lot of different coaches in the NBA. He'll want them to play balanced basketball: really good on offense and very good on defense. 'He's going to be prepared every day. He's going to have a plan to work on both ends of the floor every day. Everything will be very detailed. You have to coach every player differently, and that's one of his great strengths. He has a sense of how to communicate with each player.' The son of former NBA All-Star Paul Silas, Stephen Silas has long been considered a top candidate to become a head coach. He landed the Rockets job 40 years after his father became an NBA head coach and 17 years after the elder Silas was one of the runners-up for the Houston post when the team chose Van Gundy. Van Gundy had extensive talks with new Rockets general manager Rafael Stone and team management about returning, though some of that was to get a better feel for the position after the departure of GM Daryl Morey. Van Gundy had been particularly interested in working again with Morey, who was the general manager in waiting during Van Gundy's final season with the Rockets. The Rockets also strongly considered elevating Lucas and hope to keep him with the organization, possibly on Silas' staff, a person with knowledge of the team's plans said. The team has also expressed interest in former SuperSonics, Trail Blazers and Pacers coach Nate McMillan and former Suns and Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek to be on Silas' staff. Silas, 47, became the NBA's youngest assistant coach at 27 when he was moved from a scouting position with the New Orleans Hornets in 2000. He filled in for Clifford for a month when the latter was out with an illness during the 2017-18 season. Silas is now one of four NBA head coaches who are the sons of former NBA head coaches, joining Denver's Michael Malone, Minnesota's Ryan Saunders and Cleveland's J.B. Bickerstaff. 'He's an extremely intelligent person,' said Bickerstaff, a longtime friend of Silas who served the Rockets as an assistant and interim head coach. 'He's an extremely intelligent basketball mind. He's a really good person, first and foremost. To his core, he is a good human being - unselfish - who cares about the greater good as opposed to himself. He's carried himself throughout his career that way. 'He has been qualified to be a head coach for some time now, but he went about his business, showed up every day and did his job. And I think his hard work and what he's done has paid off for him.' Word of Silas' landing the Rockets job brought congratulations on Twitter from Doncic and Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. A 1996 graduate of Brown University, Silas is known for a calm, low-key demeanor, even during games, and for being comfortable with a large variety of NBA players and personalities, having spent much of his life around the league. 'We're close, close friends, but look, he's earned this, and he's ready,' Clifford said. 'I can tell you my whole staff here you would think we just won a playoff series we're so excited. It's great. He's great.'
Courtesy of: houstonchronicle.com

Danny Manning Could Join Pacers As Assistant Coach - by Eurobasket News

Danny Manning has emerged as a candidate for the coaching staff of Nate Bjorkgren with the Indiana Pacers Manning was head coach at Wake Forest from 2014 until 2020. Manning played in the NBA from 1988 until 2003 after he was the first overall pick out of Kansas in 1988. The Pacers hired Bjorkgren as head coach from the Toronto Raptors.
Courtesy of: realgm.com

Source: Sixers hiring former Clippers assistant Sam Cassell to join Doc Rivers' staff - by Eurobasket News

The Sixers are expected to add Sam Cassell to head coach Doc Rivers ' coaching staff, a source confirmed to NBC Sports Philadelphia's John Clark. Cassell, 50, has spent the last decade as an assistant coach in the league. He spent six years as an assistant coach in Los Angeles under Rivers, after spending five years as an assistant with the Wizards. Cassell, a first-round pick in 1993, played in the NBA from 1993 to 2009 across eight different teams, winning three NBA championships and earning an All-Star nod in 2004. Cassell was long rumored to be one of the leading candidates for the Clippers' head coaching job after Rivers parted ways with Los Angeles. The Clippers hired fellow former Clippers assistant Tyronn Lue as their next head coach instead of Cassell. Cassell was also rumored as a candidate for the Rockets' head coaching job, but after Lue's hiring by Los Angeles, Cassell was expected to join Rivers' staff here in Philadelphia. Casell is regarded around the league as one of the top assistants, and a potential head coach-in-waiting. Cassell joins a rather impressive bench of assistant coaches behind Rivers. The Sixers hired former Grizzlies and Kings head coach Dave Joerger earlier this month, and they are reportedly adding former Pacers assistant coach Dan Burke, who brings decades of experience as an assistant coach and defensive specialist. These moves all come with the organization expected to hire former Rockets general manager Daryl Morey to run its basketball operations in tandem with general manager Elton Brand. After a frustrating 2019-20 season, Sixers ownership has undertaken quite a revamp and made some dramatic (and impressive) moves to put this team back on a championship course.
Courtesy of: yahoo.com

Malcolm Brogdon: NBA, union expected to push back Friday deadline as talks continue - by Eurobasket News

Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon (6'5'-G-92, college: Virginia) said that he "absolutely" expects Friday's deadline for the NBA or the National Basketball Players Association to opt out of the collective bargaining agreement to be pushed back, as both sides work through several issues before returning to play for the 2020-21 season. Brogdon, an NBPA vice president, said "absolutely" in an appearance on ESPN's The Jump when asked Thursday if he expected the deadline to be extended. "The way talks are going, this is a super-complicated issue, and there's a lot to balance. [There's] a lot of minds working on this collaboratively, on both sides. So it's going to take some time. "I don't think a few weeks, but I think it will take at least a few more days." One significant issue is determining when next season will begin. Sources have told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe that the league is looking at the possibility of returning as soon as Dec. 22 in order to have games played on Christmas Day -- the biggest day of the league's regular-season calendar -- and to get back on its former schedule for the 2021-22 season. The sources also told ESPN another possibility is to begin on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in mid-January, though that would mean not playing on Christmas and would make getting back on schedule and finishing the season before the Summer Olympics difficult, if not impossible. Brogdon said that, ultimately, an agreement will be reached to return on one of those two dates, and that discussions are centered around how revenue for each team would be impacted "I think those are the two options," Brogdon said. "We're either going to start MLK Day, which I think a lot of the players are leaning towards, or we're going to start the 22nd, Christmastime. But the huge difference is revenue. Revenue, and trying to get the season back on track to start in that September-October range. So I think calculations are being done on both sides on how much revenue would be lost for each potential date, and we'll have to come to some type of agreement and go from there." The Pacers hired Nate Bjorkgren as coach last week, choosing the Toronto Raptors' assistant to replace Nate McMillan, whom the Pacers fired in August after being swept in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight season. Brogdon said he had lunch with Bjorkgren earlier Thursday in Atlanta and said he was excited about getting the chance to work with him. "He's going to be terrific," Brogdon said. "Toronto has a great culture, as we all know, and a lot of bright young minds, and he's one of them, so I'm super excited to have him on board." Brogdon, who is coming off career highs of 16.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 7.1 assists, said he has two personal goals for next season: to stay healthy and improve his 3-point shooting. Brogdon has missed at least 18 games each of the past three seasons, and he saw his 3-point shooting drop by 10 percentage points after taking on a more ball-dominant role in his first season with the Pacers. He had spent most of his first three NBA seasons in Milwaukee playing off the ball alongside two-time reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (6'11'-G/F-94, agency: Octagon Europe). "For me, a big piece of me is being healthy," Brogdon said. "My only fully healthy season has been my rookie year, and then the past three years I've sat out 15 to 20 games. So that's really hurt me, and I think it's really hurt my team. The second piece is making shots. "This league is all about making shots, it's all about shooting that 3-ball now, and I've been a good, I've been an excellent spot-up shooter in the past from the 3-ball, but now I'm not playing with Giannis. Now I'm not sitting on the perimeter waiting to get an open shot. I'm having to create, I'm having to create for my teammates, I'm having to shoot off the dribble, so that's what I've been working on, and shooting the ball from range. I think shooting the 3-ball consistently this season will be the difference for me."
Courtesy of: espn.com

Tags : MALCOLM BROGDON, INDIANA PACERS, NBA BASKETBALL

Report: Victor Oladipo would stay with Pacers on big new contract,' otherwise prefers Heat - by Eurobasket News

Victor Oladipo (6'4'-G-92, college: Indiana) reportedly wants to leave the Pacers and sign a max contract. Which is more important to him? Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald: "A source said Oladipo likes Indiana and would be happy staying there with a big new contract, but that if he were to leave, Miami would be No. 1 on his list."
So, Oladipo's relationship with the Pacers apparently isn't completely ruined. Remember, when asked about rumors he wanted to leave, Oladipo didn't deny them. But he's at least trying to pressure Indiana into paying him. Oladipo, who's entering the final year of his contract, can sign an extension worth up to $112,896,000 over four years. However, his max in 2021 free agency, would be about $131 million over four years - even if the salary cap remains flat for two years and he signs with a new team. If the salary cap increases and/or Oladipo re-signs, he could get even more. Would Oladipo take the largest-possible extension from the Pacers now? Maybe a better question: Would they offer it? Oladipo is coming off major injury and struggled in his return. That's understandable given his long layoffs (for the injury and the coronavirus-forced hiatus). But it's still not encouraging. If not extending him, Indiana could always trade Oladipo before he becomes a free agent. But for the same reasons the Pacers might not extend his contract, other teams would be reluctant to trade for him. Oladipo would boost his stock if he returns to form next season. But he also risks continuing to flounder on the court, dropping his value even further. Perhaps, he and Indiana can find fair extension terms that mitigate risk on both sides. Oladipo could guarantee a large payday, and Indiana could lock in a franchise cornerstone. But it's also easy to see both sides preferring to play out the season and gain more information. The Heat are reportedly prioritizing Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2021 free agency and view Oladipo as a fallback option. But if Oladipo plays well, he'll have no shortage of suitors - likely including the Pacers.
Courtesy of: nbcsports.com

Tags : VICTOR OLADIPO, INDIANA PACERS, NBA BASKETBALL

Nets Officially Announce Coaching Staff - by Eurobasket News

The Nets have officially announced the coaching staff for new head coach Steve Nash , confirming in a press release that Mike D'Antoni and Ime Udoka will be assistants, while Amar'e Stoudmire is coming aboard as a player development coach. Those hires were all previously reported. In addition to the newcomers, Nash will retain former interim head coach Jacque Vaughn, as expected. Assistant coaches Adam Harrington , Jordan Ott , and Tiago Splitter (agency: Interperformances ) will also remain with the team, as will player development coordinator Ryan Forehan-Kelly. 'We've assembled an experienced staff of high-character individuals with varied backgrounds, both on and off the court, that will help create a solid foundation for me and our players,' Nash said in a statement. 'When I set out to build this staff, I wanted to put together a committed group that would connect with our players and help put them in the best position to succeed as a team. With coaching and playing experience at the highest level and a deep background in player development, I'm confident that we've put the right people in place to lead us forward.' Nash, a first-time head coach, has plenty of veteran experience on his new staff, including a pair of former head coaches in D'Antoni and Vaughn. He'll likely lean on D'Antoni to help run the offense, while Udoka focuses primarily on Brooklyn's defense, as Chris Milholen of NetsDaily writes.
Courtesy of: hoopsrumors.com

Report: NBA could play 50-game season if players don't agree to Dec. 22 start - by Eurobasket News

The NBA wants to play a 72-game season beginning Dec. 22. Players are balking at starting so soon. So, the league is making threats - like a 50-game season. Marc Stein of The New York Times:
"NBA players may only be offered a 50-game season, I'm told, if the union insists on a mid-January start rather than the Dec. 22 proposal, because the league's television partners do not want the 2020-21 season to stray past mid-July ... or clash with the Tokyo Olympics."
This would explain the $500 million difference between starting Dec. 22 and starting later (most likely Martin Luther King Day [Jan. 18]). The union can and should check the league's math. But the basic principle holds true: More games, more money. If the priorities are finishing the season by the Tokyo Olympics (which are scheduled to begin July 23) and starting the following season in October, beginning later would leave less time for games. But shortening the season by 27 days would mean each team plays 22 fewer games? That doesn't add up. This sounds like an exaggerated threat by the NBA. Of course, the NBA also has a very-real card in its hand - terminating the Collective Bargaining Agreement and causing a lockout. Most likely, things won't devolve that far. The system ties owners and players with split revenue. Both sides just showed strong cooperation with the bubble. Today is the deadline for terminating the CBA. Players will probably allow that deadline to be pushed back again. A deal could be reached soon. But each day, it becomes more difficult to maximize the number of games (i.e., the amount of revenue) next season. Both sides are negotiating through the media. It's getting more tense.
Courtesy of: nbcsports.com

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

NBA G LEAGUE

Detroit Pistons' new G League team named Motor City Cruise, paying homage to local roots - by Eurobasket News

In July, the Detroit Pistons purchased their own G League team that'll begin playing on Wayne State's campus during the 2021-22 season. On Friday, that team received a new name. The Pistons G League affiliate is named the Motor City Cruise - a shout to Detroit's history as the the center of the automobile industry - and feature a red, white and blue logo aligning the team with the Pistons' traditional colors. The logo is a basketball with flaming twin tailpipes, a nod to the team's branding during the "Goin To Work" era of the early 2000s.
'After considering many clever submissions, we are excited to announce the Motor City Cruise as the next professional sports franchise for the city of Detroit,' team owner Tom Gores said in a statement. 'We wanted Pistons fans to help us with the naming process and engage with our new brand from the beginning. Our new G League team will create an affordable entertainment option in Detroit and also play an important role in our player development goals. 'We thank those who took time to offer suggestions.' The Cruise will replace the Grand Rapids Drive as the Pistons' G League affiliate after next season. For the Pistons, having a G League team less than two miles away from both the Little Caesars Arena and the Henry Ford Pistons Performance Center will have several benefits from a player development and convenience standpoint. 'Grand Rapids, the fan base there was good and it was good for our program," Pistons head coach Dwayne Casey told reporters in July. "This is going to make it so much easier. Say we have a veteran player who needs to get a rehab workout in or practice in, and he doesn't have to go two and half hours or jump on a plane to go anywhere. He can just go out to practice, not in a training room, to rehab with our G League affiliate. We can also use it for that. It's such a huge plus to have it right there.' The Cruise will play its 24 home games at a new arena currently being constructed on Wayne State's campus.
Courtesy of: freep.com

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

NCAA1

4-Star SG Dallan Coleman commits to Georgia Tech - by Eurobasket News

Jake Heidbreder announces commitment to Air Force - by Eurobasket News

Nevada lands Oregon transfer Addison Patterson - by Eurobasket News

Nevada's backcourt just got deeper. Just two weeks after Oregon head coach Dana Altman announced that he was not on the Oregon roster, transfer Addison Patterson (6'6'-G-01) has committed to the Nevada Wolf Pack, according to college basketball insider Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports. Patterson appeared in 28 games last year. The 6-foot-6 guard averaged 4.6 points, 1.1 rebounds and 0.5 assists on 56.3 percent from the floor and 35.7 percent from 3-point range. He has three years of eligibility remaining. In his second career game versus Boise State, Patterson dropped a career-high 17 points on a perfect 7-of-7 shooting in 18 minutes. He was the first Oregon player since 2017 to shoot perfect from the floor (with a minimum of seven field goal attempts). As a four-star recruit out originally slated to come out of the class of 2020, Patterson re-classified to the class of 2019 to join Oregon earlier. He ranked No. 42 from 247Sports.com's rankings and No. 45 on ESPN's class of 2019 rankings. Patterson chose Oregon over Arizona State, Florida, Georgia Tech and Illinois, among others. He played with Bella Vista College Prep in Scottsdale, Ariz., for the 2018-19 season after playing at the Athlete Institute in Mono, Ontario. He averaged 16.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals per contest on the 2019 Nike EYBL circuit. Patterson was also a member of Canada's U17 National Team. Patterson joins Grant Sherfield as the team's second transfer in the Pack's 2020 recruitment class. He joins a backcourt Desmond Cambridge (Brown transfer) and Khristion Courseault (Pasadena City College transfer), Kane Milling, Gabe Bansuelo, Alem Huseinovic and Daniel Foster. Barring a waiver from the NCAA, he will have to sit out this season due to NCAA's transfer policy. Patterson fills Nevada's final scholarship position, which replaces freshman Je'Lani Clark - who failed to enroll in classes this fall.
Courtesy of: mwcconnection.com

Tags : ADDISON PATTERSON, UNIVERSITY OF OREGON, USA BASKETBALL, USA TRANSACTIONS, NCAA1

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

NCAA2

Davis named Head Men's Basketball Coach at Central State - by Eurobasket News

The Central State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has selected Antonio Davis to serve as CSU's next head men's basketball coach. Davis takes over a CSU program that was 17-13 last season with a 11-8 ledger in SIAC play. 'We welcome Antonio Davis to Central State University. Coach Davis comes to CSU with an extensive coaching background while consistently displaying integrity and a tireless dedication to the development his student-athletes,' says CSU Director of Athletics Tara A. Owens. 'With his unmatched enthusiasm for the game of basketball, we are confident that Coach Davis will instill a winning culture both on and off the court while creating a quality collegiate experience for our students.' Known as a disciplinarian, master tactician and motivator who believes in a family atmosphere, Davis has developed programs of well-rounded student athletes and champions throughout his coaching career. Davis comes to Central State with 17 years of head coaching experience and 29 years of overall coaching at the collegiate level. 'It is an exciting time for Marauder basketball. I express my sincere gratitude to President Dr. Jack Thomas, Director of Athletics Tara A. Owens, and the CSU community for the opportunity to lead the men's basketball program,' says Davis. 'We will have a drive to be the best in everything we do. I am eager to instill a culture of discipline as well as a winning mindset as we embark on this new era of Marauder basketball.' Davis spent the previous three seasons as the head women's basketball coach at Elizabeth City State University. At ECSU, he developed four all-conference selections while routinely advancing in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (CIAA) tournament each season. Prior to coaching at ECSU, Davis served as an assistant at Shaw University from 2013 to 2017, helping the Bears to three CIAA Southern Division Championships, two NCAA tournament appearances, and a CIAA Tournament Championship. Davis also has experience at the NCAA Division I level serving as an interim head coach, associate head coach and assistant coach, with successful stints at North Carolina Central University and South Carolina State University. Davis has also been a head coach at Morristown College (1987-88), Livingstone College (1988-91), Kentucky State University (1993-98), and Saint Augustine's University (2001-07). As one of the youngest head coaches in the nation, Davis took over a last place team at Morristown and guided them to a second place finish in the conference in his only season with the program before moving on to coach at his alma mater - Livingstone College. At Livingstone, Davis turned a one-win Blue Bears team into a 15-win team before accepting a coaching position at Kentucky State University. At KSU, Davis rejuvenated a last place program into a perennial power in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Under Davis, KSU earned consecutive 20-win seasons, earned its first NCAA Tournament appearance, set a regular season-record with 26 wins, won three straight division titles, won a tournament championship and was nationally ranked. Serving dual roles at KSU, Davis was also the first coach in SIAC history to win both a basketball and volleyball conference championship in the same calendar year. In six seasons at SAU, he built a consistently competitive team which climbed to as high as No. 20 in the national ranking in 2005. His teams also thrived in the classroom as the Lady Falcons earned four straight CIAA Highest GPA Award for women's basketball while continuously contending for CIAA Championships. 'Throughout my career, I have been one to seek out and embrace challenges. I look forward to this new opportunity to build a program into a perennial championship contender. I feel my infectious coaching style will translate seamlessly at CSU and inspire championship habits and results,' Davis said. 'My players can expect a high level of passion and enthusiasm from me every day.' In addition to developing multiple All-Conference selections and All-Americans, Davis has instilled an impressive track record of academic success among his players. In seventeen years as a head coach, the graduation rate among his student-athletes is 100% with 70% going on to various graduate programs. 'Our men are going to be the hardest workers in the nation. Our goal is to be the best versions of ourselves on the court, in the classroom, and in the community,' Davis says. 'I believe in doing things the right way and being detail oriented. I want our young men to do great things during their time at CSU. More importantly, I want to see my players succeed in life after they graduate.' Before becoming head coach at the age of 26, Davis was a standout collegiate player at Livingstone in the 1980s. Davis led the nation in scoring with 35 points per game in the 1987-88 season. He earned All-CIAA, All-District 26 and All-America honors while finishing his career as Livingstone's career scoring leader with 1,800 points. Considered to be one of the greatest shooters in college basketball history, he is the only known player to post 50/50/90 career shooting percentages. He shot over 56 percent from the field, 53 percent from three-point range and 94 percent from the free throw line. No other player in NCAA history has averaged 50/50/90 in a single season. For his accomplishments as a player, Davis was inducted into the CIAA Hall of Fame in March of 2020. Davis earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Livingstone College and a Master of Science Degree in History from North Carolina A&T. Davis is originally from Sunbury, North Carolina and is married to Nichelle B. Davis. He will officially begin his duties as CSU's head men's basketball coach on November 1.
Courtesy of: maraudersports.com

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

NEW ZEALAND

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Derone RAUKAWA
  Moun.
  (181-G-94)
  Avg: 23.9

1. Raukawa, Moun.	23.9
2. Jones, Mountainairs	22.7
3. Vodanovich, Jets	22.4
4. Mauriohooho, Husk.	20.5
5. Britt, Rams	19.6
6. Hunt, Nuggets	19.6
7. Ngatai, Nuggets	18.2
8. Kelman-Poto, Bulls	18.0
9. Samuel, Jets	17.9
10. Murray, Huskies	17.8

Rebounds Per Game

Marcel JONES
  Mountainairs
  (203-F-85)
  Avg: 12.8

1. Jones, Mountainairs	12.8
2. Harris, Jets	11.8
3. Henry, Huskies	10.8
4. Vodanovich, Jets	10.0
5. Talma, Rams	7.9
6. Smith-Milner, Husk.	7.9
7. Kelman-Poto, Bulls	7.5
8. Timmins, Bulls	7.1
9. Temara, Moun.	6.3
10. Britt, Rams	6.0

Assists Per Game

Derone RAUKAWA
  Moun.
  (181-G-94)
  Avg: 7.3

1. Raukawa, Moun.	7.3
2. Harris, Jets	5.8
3. Mauriohooho, Husk.	5.2
4. Kenny, Nuggets	5.1
5. Jones, Mountainairs	4.8
6. Britt, Rams	4.6
7. Ngatai, Nuggets	4.5
8. Bezzant, Jets	3.6
9. Smith, Rams	2.9
10. Stubbins, Bulls	2.7

Steals Per Game

Hyrum HARRIS
  Jets
  (198-F-96)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Harris, Jets	2.8
2. Mauriohooho, Husk.	2.5
3. Bezzant, Jets	1.8
4. Henry, Huskies	1.7
5. Ngatai, Nuggets	1.6
6. Bloxham, Giants	1.5
7. Timmins, Bulls	1.5
8. Raukawa, Moun.	1.4
9. Kenny, Nuggets	1.4
10. Kelman-Poto, Bulls	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Samuel TIMMINS
  Bulls
  (211-F/C-97)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Timmins, Bulls	1.7
2. Temara, Moun.	1.1
3. Henry, Huskies	1.0
4. Hunt, Nuggets	0.9
5. Leger, Giants	0.9
6. Gillooly, Rams	0.8
7. Brooks, Giants	0.8
8. Jones, Mountainairs	0.8
9. Wilson, Huskies	0.8
10. Harris, Jets	0.7

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

NICARAGUA

Best players of Nicaraguan LSB round 16 (by Interperformances) - by Eurobasket News

Cuban Yoel Cubillas (204-F-94) had an amazing evening in the last round for Costa Caribe and that's him to receive a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 16.
The 26-year old forward had a double-double of 23 points and sixteen rebounds, while his team outclassed Chinandega (#9, 2-14) with 28-point margin 105-77. Costa Caribe is placed at 3rd position in Nicaraguan LSB. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Costa Caribe will need more victories to improve their 9-6 record. In the team's last game Cubillas had a remarkable 78.6% from 2-point range. He turned to be Costa Caribe's top player in his first season with the team. Cubillas has impressive league stats. He leads league in rebounds with 13.9rpg. Cubillas is in league's top in and averages solid 1.9bpg and 51.6% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 37-year old Nigerian center Jeleel Akindele (216-C-83, agency: BeoBasket) of Indigenas. Akindele impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 28 points and 10 rebounds. Of course he led Indigenas to another comfortable win 90-75 over the higher-ranked Leon (#2, 11-6) being unquestionably team leader. Indigenas' 6th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 7-8 record. Akindele is a newcomer at Indigenas and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was Dominican Rep. Miguel Almonte of second-ranked Leon. Almonte scored 17 points and grabbed twelve rebounds (!!!). Despite Almonte's great performance Leon lost 75-90 to the lower-ranked Indigenas (#6, 7-8). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The last thing Leon needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 11 victories and 6 lost games. Almonte has a great season in Nicaragua. After 10 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 10.8rpg (6th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Justin Patton (201-F-89) of Indigenas - 21 points, 14 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Chris Blake (195-SG-88) of Leon - 17 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists
6. Osmel Oliva (180-PG-87) of Costa Caribe - 22 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Erick Federick) of Costa Caribe - 21 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists
8. Anthony Moe (207-F/C-90) of Leon - 14 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Harold Barberena (179-SG-82) of Leon - 13 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Esmilder Rojas (187-G/F-85) of Costa Caribe - 15 points and 8 rebounds

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

Tags : YOEL CUBILLAS, COSTA CARIBE MANAGUA, NICARAGUAN BASKETBALL

LSB Round 17: Jinotega defeat Real Esteli - by Eurobasket News

Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Real Esteli (13-3) at the home court on Thursday night. Hosts were edged by fifth ranked Jinotega (10-7) 90-88. It ended at the same time the eight-game winning streak of Real Esteli. Cuban Oreste Torres (204-87) orchestrated the victory by scoring 20 points and 9 rebounds. American center Dominic Woodson (211-95, college: Tennessee) contributed with 16 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Puerto Rican guard Jared Ruiz (188-92) answered with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals for Real Esteli. Real Esteli's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Jinotega moved-up to third place. Real Esteli at the other side still keeps top position with three games lost. Jinotega are looking forward to face Indigenas (#6) in Matagalpa in the next round. Real Esteli will have a break next round.
Bottom-ranked Chinandega managed to get a third victory, breaking the series of five consecutive losses. This time they won against seventh-ranked Rivas 70-62. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Rivas. American players dominated the game. Marcus Faison (196-94, college: Salem St.) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and Marc Montavious chipped in 10 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists. Quentin Davis (199, college: Mendocino CC) responded with a double-double by scoring 13 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Chinandega maintains ninth place with 3-14 record. Rivas at the other side keep the seventh position with 11 games lost. Chinandega will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Rivas will play against Bufalos (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Real Esteli - Jinotega 88-90

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Real Esteli (13-3) at the home court on Thursday night. Hosts were edged by fifth ranked Jinotega (10-7) 90-88. It ended at the same time the eight-game winning streak of Real Esteli. Cuban Oreste Torres (204-87) orchestrated the victory by scoring 20 points and 9 rebounds. American center Dominic Woodson (211-95, college: Tennessee) contributed with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Five Jinotega players scored in double figures. Puerto Rican guard Jared Ruiz (188-92) answered with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals and Puerto Rican guard Jezreel De Jesus (185-91, agency: Interperformances) added 20 points and 4 assists in the effort for Real Esteli. Real Esteli's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Jinotega moved-up to third place. Real Esteli at the other side still keeps top position with three games lost. Jinotega are looking forward to face Indigenas (#6) in Matagalpa in the next round. Real Esteli will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Jinotega: M.Cairo 20+4reb+2ast, O.Torres 20+9reb+3ast, D.Woodson 16+10reb+3ast, D.Cacho 12+8reb+2ast, M.Rafael 11+3reb+6ast, F.Omier 4
Real Esteli: J.Ruiz 20+11reb+5ast, J.De Jesus 20+2reb+4ast, V.Thomas 12+6reb+2ast, G.Francisco 9+2reb+2ast, J.Campbell 8+4reb+3ast, B.Lopez 7+5reb+2ast

Chinandega - Rivas 70-62

Bottom-ranked Chinandega managed to get a third victory, breaking the series of five consecutive losses. This time they won against seventh-ranked Rivas 70-62. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Rivas. Chinandega dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Rivas' 28. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Chinandega brought some defensive toughness making 8 blocks. American players dominated the game. Marcus Faison (196-94, college: Salem St.) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and center Marc Montavious (206-90, college: Georgetown, KY) chipped in 10 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists. Quentin Davis (199, college: Mendocino CC) responded with a double-double by scoring 13 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals and guard B.J. Glasford (193-95, college: Stetson, agency: Green Sports Management) scored 12 points and 6 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Chinandega maintains ninth place with 3-14 record. Rivas at the other side keep the seventh position with 11 games lost. Chinandega will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Rivas will play against Bufalos (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Chinandega: M.Faison 23+10reb+4ast, L.Mauricio 12+3reb, P.Ladin 12+3reb+4ast, M.Montavious 10+16reb+4ast, P.Bryan 9+3reb+5ast, R.Dwight 2+1reb+2ast
Rivas: Q.Davis 13+11reb+4ast, B.Glasford 12+6reb+2ast, P.Prinsloo 11+8reb, F.Cox 11+4reb, T.Humphreys 9+6reb+2ast, T.Luis 3+3reb

Tags : ORESTE TORRES, JINOTEGA, NICARAGUAN BASKETBALL

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

NIGERIA

Micheal Eric selected the top Nigerian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center2

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Nigerian players, who play currently abroad.

Micheal Eric

#1. This week's number one is an international center Micheal Eric (210-88, college: Temple, currently plays in Basketball Champions League). He led his Turkish team Turk Telekom to a victory against the closely-ranked Hapoel Jerusalem (0-1) 98-94 in the Basketball Champions League in Tuesday night's game. Eric scored 14 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 22 minutes on the court. It was his first game for Turk Telekom this season. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. His team is placed second in the Basketball Champions League. It's Eric's first year with the team. He played for the Nigerian senior national team one years ago.

Melvin Ejim

#2. Second place goes to former international forward Melvin Ejim (201-91, agency: BeoBasket, college: Iowa St., currently plays in EuroCup). Ejim could not help Buducnost (3-2) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the third-placed Buducnost (3-2) was edged 85-82 on the road by the lower-ranked (#4) Mornar Bar in the group B of Eurocup. Ejim was the top scorer with 15 points. He also added 7 rebounds in 31 minutes. Ejim has relatively good stats this year: 12.4ppg, 6.0rpg, 3FGP: 54.5% and FT: 87.5% in five games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Canadian and Nigerian. Ejim played for the Nigerian national team in 2012.

Tonye Jekiri

#3. The Nigerian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international center Tonye Jekiri (212-94, agency: Network Sports International, college: Miami, FL, currently plays in Spain). He contributed to an easy victory against the tenth-ranked La ICL Manresa (4-4) 87-68 in the Spanish Liga Endesa in Wednesday night's game. Jekiri scored 12 points, grabbed 6 boards, dished 3 assists and stole 3 balls. TD Systems Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (5-3) is placed fifth in the Liga Endesa. It's Jekiri's first season with the team. This year he averages: 9.6ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 56.3%(27-48) and FT: 74.2%. Jekiri played for the Nigerian national team one years ago.

Stan Okoye

#4. Small forward Stan Okoye (198-91, college: VMI, currently plays in Spain) was not able to help Gran Canaria in their last game. Despite Okoye's good performance his team lost 75-85 at home to the lower-ranked (#6) Blusens Monbus. He was the top scorer with 14 points. Okoye also added 7 rebounds in 25 minutes. This year Okoye's overall stats are: 9.6ppg and 3.4rpg in seven games. He is another player who holds two passports: Nigerian and American. Okoye used to play for the Nigerian national team last year.

Suleiman Braimoh

#5. Former international power forward Suleiman Braimoh (203-89, college: Rice, currently plays in Basketball Champions League) faced previously mentioned Micheal Eric in the Basketball Champions League last game. Braimoh was not able to secure a victory for one of league's weakest teams Hapoel Jerusalem (0-1) in their last game on Tuesday. Despite his very good performance Hapoel Jerusalem was defeated 98-94 in Ankara by the second-ranked Turk Telekom. Braimoh was the second best scorer with 18 points. He also added 5 boards, handed out 3 passes and blocked 2 shots. It was his first game for Hapoel Jerusalem this season. Braimoh used to play for the Nigerian national team four years ago.

Talib Zanna

#6. Power forward Talib Zanna (206-90, college: Pittsburgh, currently plays in Balkan League) couldn't help Hapoel Tel-Aviv (2-1) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the league leader Hapoel Tel-Aviv lost 90-94 on the opponent's court to the second-ranked H.Haifa. Zanna was the second best scorer with 17 points. He also added 6 rebounds in 22 minutes. Zanna's team will play only one more game in the Balkan League First Round. And that game will be critical. This year Zanna has relatively solid stats: 10.3ppg and 7.0rpg in three games. He is international player as he played for the Nigerian senior team one years ago.

Obi Emegano

#7. International guard Obi Emegano (189-93, college: ORU, currently plays in Spain) contributed to an easy victory against the 17th-ranked Gipuzkoa (1-6) crushing them 100-72 in the Spanish Liga Endesa in Saturday night's game. He recorded 15 points. Montakit Fuenlabradais placed in the Liga Endesa. Emegano has reliable stats this season: 12.3ppg, 2.7rpg and 1.5spg. He used to play for the Nigerian national team last year.

Caleb Agada

#8. Guard Caleb Agada (196-94, agency: Blacktop Management, college: Ottawa, currently plays in Balkan League) couldn't help Beer Sheva (0-3) in their last game on Thursday. Despite Agada's good performance Beer Sheva was defeated 90-77 in Jerusalem by the leading Hapoel. He was the second best scorer with 13 points. Agada also added 4 rebounds and dished 5 assists. There are only two games left until the end of the Balkan League First Round. So now every game is very crucial. Agada has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 17.3ppg, 4.3rpg and 3.3apg. Despite Agada played previously for the Canadian university national team, he is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.

Keith Omoerah

#9. International guard Keith Omoerah (194-92, college: Manitoba, currently plays in Ukraine) couldn't help Mykolaiv in their last game on Sunday. Despite Omoerah's very good performance his team was crushed 90-66 on their home court in Mykolaiv by the second-ranked Zaporizhye. He was the top scorer with 20 points. Omoerah also added 4 rebounds. This season Omoerah has very high stats. He averages: 19.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.7apg and 1.7spg. Omoerah used to play for the Nigerian national team last year.

Ekenechukwu Ibekwe

   #10. An experienced center Ekenechukwu Ibekwe (206-85, college: Maryland, currently plays in France) contributed to Chalons-Reims' surprising victory against the 11th-ranked Le Mans (2-2) 87-84 in the French Jeep ELITE ProA on Saturday night. He scored 7 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in only 14 minutes. Champagne Chalons-Reims Basket (1-5) is placed second from the bottom (#17) in the Jeep ELITE ProA. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. This year Ibekwe's total stats are: 6.8ppg and 4.2rpg in five games. He has both American and Nigerian nationalities. Ibekwe is international player as one years ago he still played for the Nigerian senior national team.

   #11. Former international forward Abdullahi Kuso (206-84, college: Tallahassee, currently plays in Japan) contributed to a Cyberdyne Ibaraki Robots' victory against the eighth-ranked Kagawa FA 85-76 in the Japanese B2 League in Sunday night's game. He scored 6 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and made 3 blocks. Kuso has averaged so far 5.4ppg, 5.3rpg and 1.2apg. He used to play for the Nigerian national team thirteen years ago.

   #12. Former international forward Emmanuel Omogbo (203-95, college: Colorado St., currently plays in Spain) couldn't help Huesca (0-2) in their last game. Despite Omogbo's good performance Huesca (#16) lost 69-82 on their home court in Huesca to the higher-ranked (#10) Real Murcia in the Group B. He was the top scorer with 12 points in 26 minutes. Omogbo's stats this year are: 13.0ppg and 2.5rpg in two games. He also holds two passports: Nigerian and American. Omogbo used to play for the Nigerian national team back in 2018.

The list of other players, who all have Nigerian passport but never been selected to any of Nigerian national teams:

   #1. Martins Igbanu (203-F-97, college: Tulsa, currently plays in Serbia) was the major contributor in a Mladost ZE's victory against the 11th-ranked Tamis (2-3) 91-85 in the Serbian KLS last Friday. Igbanu scored 19 points and grabbed 6 rebounds; quite an impressive performance considering it's only his first season in pro basketball. KK Mladost Z Admiral Zemun (4-1) is placed third in the KLS. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. Igbanu has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 15.6ppg and 4.0rpg.

   #2. Michael Fakuade (201-F-89, agency: Slash Sports, college: UIS, currently plays in Poland) led Wilki Morskie to a victory against the closely-ranked Trefl (7-5) 82-77 in the Polish EBL last Thursday. He scored 15 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and made 3 blocks in 36 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. King Szczecin (7-4) is placed third in the EBL. This year Fakuade has relatively solid stats: 12.6ppg, 6.9rpg, 2.3apg and 1.4bpg in seven games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Nigerian and American.

   #3. Avery Ugba (203-C/F-94, college: Austin Peay, currently plays in Ukraine) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked K.Sokoly (2-2) crushing them 96-67 in the Ukrainian Superleague on Sunday night. Ugba scored 15 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished 4 assists; not bad, considering it's only his third season in pro basketball. Ternopil-TNEU (4-2) is placed fourth in the Superleague. This season Ugba has very high stats. He averages: 16.3ppg, 8.2rpg, 2.2apg and 1.3spg.

   #4. Abdul-Malik Abu (203-C-95, college: NC State, currently plays in Turkey) could not help Fethiye (1-4) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Fethiye lost 66-77 on the road to the higher-ranked (#10) OGM Orman. Abu was the top scorer with 19 points. He also added 9 rebounds in 27 minutes. But the season just started, so everything may happen. Abu has very impressive stats this year: 18.5ppg, 7.8rpg and 1.5apg in four games.

   #5. Temidayo Yussuf (201-C, college: LBSU, currently plays in Portugal) led Lusitania to a victory over the closely-ranked Vitoria SC (1-2) 81-71 in the Portuguese LPB in Saturday night's game. He was MVP of the game. Yussuf recorded a double-double by scoring 21 points and getting 10 rebounds. S.C. Lusitania EXPERT (2-1) is placed seventh in the LPB. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. This season Yussuf has very high stats. He averages: 18.7ppg, 11.3rpg, 2.7apg and 1.3spg. Yussuf is another player who holds two passports: Nigerian and American.

   #6. Derek Ogbeide (203-F-97, college: Georgia, currently plays in Cyprus) was not able to help AEK Larnaca (2-2) in their last game on Friday. Despite Ogbeide's very good performance AEK Larnaca was defeated 82-76 in Nicosia by the higher-ranked Etha (#4). He was the second best scorer with 22 points. Ogbeide also added 9 rebounds and 3 blocks. This season Ogbeide has very high stats. He averages: 19.0ppg, 10.0rpg and 1.3bpg. Ogbeide has both Canadian and Nigerian nationalities.

   #7. Christian Nwogbo (200-F-91, agency: Octagon Europe, college: Cedarville, currently plays in France) contributed to a SPO Rouen's victory against the 11th-ranked Denain Voltaire 94-89 in the French ProB (second division) in Sunday night's game. He scored 16 points, had 6 boards, passed 3 assists and added 3 steals in 39 minutes. Nwogbo has reliable stats this year: 13.7ppg, 8.7rpg, 1.3apg and 1.7spg in three games. He also holds two passports: Nigerian and American.

   #8. Anthony Elechi (203-F-93, college: Morehead St., currently plays in Norway) was the main contributor in Tromso's victory against the closely-ranked Asker Aliens crushing them 102-61 in the Norwegian BLNO last Sunday. He was MVP of the game. Elechi recorded a double-double by scoring 21 points and getting 22 rebounds. He also added 6 assists. This season Elechi has very high stats. He averages: 20.5ppg, 16.5rpg, 4.0apg and 1.3spg. Elechi holds both American and Nigerian passports. Worth to mention Elechi played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball.

   #9. Paschal Chukwu (218-C-95, college: Syracuse, currently plays in Switzerland) helped Massagno win their game against the league outsider Starwings 91-73 in the Swiss SBL on Wednesday night. He had a double-double by scoring 11 points and getting 14 rebounds. Chukwu also added 3 blocks in 28 minutes. This year Chukwu's total stats are: 9.7ppg, 10.7rpg, 1.3apg and 3.7bpg in three games.

   #10. Daniel Utomi (198-G-97, also represented by Slash Sports, college: USC, currently plays in Finland) helped Kauhajoki win their game against the third-ranked KTP Basket crushing them 122-89 in the Finnish Korisliiga last Wednesday. Utomi recorded 19 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 23 minutes. Utomi has very impressive stats this year: 15.3ppg, 5.5rpg and 2.3apg in four games. He holds both American and Nigerian passports.

D'Tigers Qualification for 2021 AfroBasket Not Negotiable, NBBF Insists - by Eurobasket News

The leadership of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has affirmed that the country's qualification for the 2021 FIBA Afrobasket Men's Tournament is non-negotiable. The federation rolled out this warning to the senior national basketball team on Tuesday as countries get set for the next window of the 2021 FIBA Afrobasket qualifiers to be hosted in Rwanda and Egypt after the conclusion of the first window in February. With gradual return of international basketball following the disruption of the global calendar due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the NBBF has set its sight on a successful AFROBASKET qualifiers campaign. NBBF President, Musa Kida said yesterday that preparations have started in earnest to ensure that the 2020 Olympics bound D'Tigers qualify for their 28th Afrobasket tournament. 'We are not unaware of the huge task before us to ensure another seamless qualification for Afrobasket. We know that millions of Nigerians are expecting us to qualify without drama and that is exactly what we are working towards.' Currently ranked 26th globally and 1st in Africa, Nigeria is grouped alongside host- Rwanda, Mali and Algeria in Group D Kida hammered on the need for early training camp and preparations to adequately get the team ready. 'No more minnows in African basketball. All the teams in our group deserve to be there and they deserve our respect. We need to prepare early and adequately to live up to pre-tournament ratings by pundits. 'We cannot afford to let our fans down. They are already looking beyond the qualification series between 27th-29th, November and 19th-21st, February, 2021.' Nigeria will start her race for qualification when D'Tigers meet Algeria on Friday, 27th of Novemberbefore taking on the host on Saturday. D'Tigers will conclude their first round of qualification campaign against West African opposition, Mali on Sunday. The top three teams in each group will qualify for the 2021 FIBA Afrobasket tournament taking place in Kigali, Rwanda between 24th of August to 5th of September.
Courtesy of: thisdailylive.com

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

NORTH MACEDONIA

Game between Vardar and Crn Drim officially cancelled - by Darko Najdovski

The legaue still hasn't started and the first problems already occured. The game between Vardar and Crn Drim is officially cancelled. The away team will have to wait a week longer for the debut in Prva Liga. The league is already postponed and late for a month so situations like this complicate things even more. We expect every Sunday and Wednesday to have games in order the season finishes in the planed time. Unofficially the game is cancelled due to positive cases in the home team of Covid-19. The new measures are that every team is tested 72 hours before every game. We wish all the players speedy recovery and let basketball win

Prva liga finaly starts this weekend 31.10 - by Darko Najdovski

After a month delay and one postponed start the Prva iga finally starts this weekend. According to the new Covid -19 protocols that came into force yesterday all teams must make test 72 hours prior to a game. On Saturday one of the teams that makes debut is TFT Skopje and they will play rematch from the game with Kumanovo played on Wednesday in the BIBL League. After some serious reinforcements this season TFT is hoping to leave a mark in the league. Aside from that Vardar will host the other debutant Crn Drim from Struga, Kozuv will play with Pelister and FMP Akademija will host Gostivar. Sunday starts with the second team of MZT Skopje that will host Euro Nickel from Kavadarci. The main focus this weekend will be on the great derby that is scheduled right at the start in the 1st round. Rabotnicki will host MZT Skopje in their legendary venue "Gradski Park" which decision alone was subject to controversies before the game. The away team is not happy because the venue is old and was supposed to be renowated but it's the home team lucky charm.For all of us basketball lovers, great weekend ahead and we can't wait the ball to start rolling in North Macedonia. The title contenders are as every season MZT Skopje and Rabotnicki but also Gostivar and maybe Pelister are waiting their chance from behind.OK weekend we are ready!

Nenad Dimitrijevic selected the top North Macedonian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center2

We bring you last week's top performances from North Macedonians who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

Nenad Dimitrijevic

#1. This week's number one is an international guard Nenad Dimitrijevic (186-98, agency: BeoBasket, currently plays in EuroCup). He was the major contributor in Joventut's victory against the fourth-ranked Unics Kazan (2-2) 93-91 in the Eurocup in Wednesday night's game. Dimitrijevic scored 17 points in 34 minutes on the court. Divina Seguros Juventut Badalona (5-0) is placed first in group A. So far his team won all five games in the Regular Season. It's Dimitrijevic's fifth season with the team. He has relatively good stats this year: 13.4ppg, 1.4rpg, 4.4apg, 2FGP: 55.3%(21-38), 3FGP: 23.5% and FT: 68.4% in five games he played so far. Dimitrijevic is currently a member of the North Macedonian senior national team.

Shane Whittington

#2. Second place goes to an international center Shane Whittington (211-91, college: W.Michigan, currently plays in Japan). He could not help Aishin Sea Horses (7-3) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite Whittington's very good performance the second-placed Aishin Sea Horses (7-3) was crushed 98-76 on the road by the lower-ranked Osaka Evessa (#5) in the West group. He was the second best scorer with 23 points. Whittington also added 6 rebounds. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. It's Whittington's first year with the team. This season he averages: 8.9ppg, 5.6rpg and FT: 64.7%. Whittington is a naturalized American. He is in the roster of the North Macedonian senior national team. Strangely Whittington has never played in North Macedonia.

Richard Hendrix

#3. The North Macedonian player who performed third best last week abroad was an experienced international power forward Richard Hendrix (203-86, college: Alabama, currently plays in Japan). He was not able to help Niigata Albirex (4-7) in their last game. Despite Hendrix's good performance Niigata Albirex (#8) lost 86-92 in Kyoto to the lower-ranked (#8) Hannaryz in the East group. He had a double-double by scoring 13 points and getting 10 rebounds. Hendrix also added 7 assists and 3 steals in 36 minutes. But the season just started, so everything may happen. It's Hendrix's first year with the team. This season he has relatively solid stats: 12.2ppg, 8.9rpg, 3.5apg, 1.1bpg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 54.2%, 3FGP: 14.3% and FT: 65.2% in 10 games. Hendrix is a naturalized American. Despite he played previously for the USA U18 national team, Hendrix played also for the North Macedonian national team in 2019. Apparently he has never played in North Macedonia.

Stojan Gjuroski

#4. Forward Stojan Gjuroski (203-91, agency: Duran International, college: Louisiana Tech, currently plays in Spain) led HLA Alicante to a victory over the 17th-ranked Basquet (0-2) 82-65 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) in Friday night's game. Gjuroski was MVP of the game. He scored 13 points. HLA Alicante (2-0) is placed first in Group B. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. It's Gjuroski's first year with the team. Gjuroski has reliable stats this season: 10.5ppg and 2.5rpg. He is also North Macedonian national team player.

Vojdan Stojanovski

#5. International swingman Vojdan Stojanovski (194-87, currently plays in France) was not able to secure a victory for Gravelines-Dunkerque (1-3) in their game against JDA Dijon (5-0) in the French Jeep ELITE ProA. Stojanovski scored 7 points in 19 minutes. Gravelines-Dunkerque lost 67-81 in Dijon to the leading JDA Dijon. It was Gravelines-Dunkerque's third consecutive loss in a row. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. It's Stojanovski's first year with the team. This season his overall stats are: 6.0ppg, 1.2rpg and 1.2spg in five games. Stojanovski plays currently for the North Macedonian national team.

One more player who has never been selected to any of national teams, but has North Macedonian passport:

#1. Fisnik Juniku (180-PG-90, currently plays in Kosovo) managed to help KB Rahoveci to win against the league outsider Vellaznimi (0-1) crushing them 88-65 in the Kosovan Superliga on Wednesday night. He recorded only 4 points and added 4 assists. It was his first game for Rahoveci this season. His team is placed third in the Superliga. Juniku has a dual citizenship: North Macedonian and Kosovan.

Other top North Macedonian players, who play abroad:

Andrej Jordanovski (184-G-0) plays for Feyenoord in Dutch DBL
Cedi Osman (204-F-95) plays for Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA
Mihail Naumoski (202-C/F-3) plays for Crvena Zv. U19 in Serbian JLS
Darius Washington (188-G-85) plays for Phoenix Brussels in Belgian Euromillions League
Marko Dujkovic (226-C-90) plays for DSG in Tunisian ProA
Nenad Zivcevic (203-PF-87) plays for Al Ittisalat in Egyptian Superleague
Alexander Petrov (176-PG-96) plays for TuS Makkabi Frankfurt in German 2.Regionalliga
Bogdan Mirkovski (200-F-2) plays for Sustinente in Italian Serie C
Florian Zili (180-G-4) plays for Pully in Swiss U17 League

Notice: The list above includes only some of the North Macedonian playing currently abroad. Go to North Macedonian Abroad Page to see completed list.

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

NORWAY

BLNO Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Devin GILLIGAN
  Froya B
  (196-F-93)
  Avg: 28.3

1. Gilligan Froya B	28.3
2. Ndiaye Fyllingen	24.5
3. Hart Asker Aliens	23.0
4. Nisavic Kongsberg	21.8
5. Henry Tromso	21.5
6. Anzuluni Baerum B	20.5
7. Ferrales Kongsberg	20.5
8. Campara Froya B	20.5
9. Elechi Tromso	20.5
10. Bolinz Asker A	19.7

Rebounds Per Game

Anthony ELECHI
  Tromso
  (203-F-93)
  Avg: 16.5

1. Elechi Tromso	16.5
2. Mornar Kongsberg	11.7
3. Midtvedt Centrum	10.7
4. Gilligan Froya B	9.3
5. Fivelstad Fyllingen	9.3
6. Lamo Gimle BBK	9.0
7. Cotton Ammerud B	8.8
8. Anzuluni Baerum B	8.3
9. Berg Baerum B	8.3
10. Bolinz Asker A	8.0

Assists Per Game

Yannick ANZULUNI
  Baerum B
  (205-F-87)
  Avg: 6

1. Anzuluni Baerum B	6.0
2. Mjos Baerum B	6.0
3. Dischington Nidaros	5.8
4. Flanigan Gimle B	4.4
5. Ferrales Kongsberg	4.3
6. Elechi Tromso	4.0
7. Vasojevic Froya B	3.3
8. Mukoko Ammerud B	3.2
9. Cox Baerum Basket	3.0
10. Lamo Gimle BBK	3.0

Steals Per Game

Chavares FLANIGAN
  Gimle B
  (198-F-)
  Avg: 3.4

1. Flanigan Gimle B	3.4
2. Mjos Baerum B	3.0
3. Ferrales Kongsberg	3.0
4. Anzuluni Baerum B	2.8
5. Cotton Ammerud B	2.3
6. Tejada Kongsberg	2.0
7. Flaa Centrum	1.8
8. Berg Asker Aliens	1.7
9. Mornar Kongsberg	1.7
10. Sykes Ammerud B	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Joshua SYKES
  Ammerud B
  (203-G-)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Sykes Ammerud B	2.6
2. Mornar Kongsberg	2.0
3. Anzuluni Baerum B	1.5
4. Elechi Tromso	1.0
5. Baiden Nidaros J	1.0
6. Krivokapic Nidaros	0.8
7. Welander Tromso	0.8
8. Henry Tromso	0.8
9. Solem Froya B	0.7
10. Bolinz Asker A	0.7

BLNO Round 4: Gimle BBK keeps a leadership position - by Eurobasket News

It's still too early stage of the Regular Season in BLNO, but even now we can clearly see the differece between stronger teams and outsiders. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Gimle BBK as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Gimle BBK smashed bottom-ranked Centrum in Bergen 82-51. Gimle BBK forced 23 Centrum turnovers. Guard Morten Osland (183-98) fired 27 points for the winners. The former international guard Eivind Lamo (200-96) chipped in 8 points and 9 rebounds. Guard Johan Flaa (185-99, college: Santa Rosa JC) produced 17 points for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Gimle BBK (5-1) have an impressive five-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Centrum at the other side still closes the standings with five games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Eighth-ranked Fyllingen BBK (0-4) made lots of trouble for second ranked Gimle BBK (5-1). The visitors from Bergen managed to secure only one-point victory 106-105. However their fans expected much easier game. Worth to mention a great performance of swingman Espen Fjaerestad (193-94, college: UW-Parkside) who helped to win the game recording 23 points and 5 rebounds. Chavares Flanigan contributed with 25 points for the winners. Guard Magne Fivelstad (198-89, college: Barry) replied with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 17 rebounds for Fyllingen BBK. Fyllingen BBK's coach Calix N'Diaye rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Gimle BBK have an impressive five-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader. Fyllingen BBK at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Nidaros Jets. Gimle BBK will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Fyllingen BBK will play on the road against Ammerud Bskt (#7) in Oslo and hopes to get finally their first victory.
An interesting game where Ammerud Bskt (#7) won against host Asker Aliens (#4) 98-88 on Thursday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of Plaisir Mukoko who helped to win the game recording 27 points. At the losing side Stian Berg responded with 25 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ammerud Bskt maintains seventh position with 2-3 record. Loser Asker Aliens dropped to the sixth place with two games lost. Ammerud Bskt will meet at home Fyllingen BBK (#8) in the next round. Asker Aliens will play against Kongsberg and hope to secure a win.
Bottom-ranked Nidaros Jets (0-4) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 105-55 loss to third ranked Kongsberg (3-1) in Tromdheim. The winners were led by Marin Mornar who scored that evening 26 points and 9 rebounds. Nidaros Jets' coach Thor Overmo gave up on the game allowing to play twelve players seeing no chance for a win. Defending champion maintains third position with 3-1 record having 2 victories less than leader Gimle BBK, which they share with Baerum Basket and Tromso. Nidaros Jets at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. Kongsberg's next round opponent will be Asker Aliens (#6) on the road. Nidaros Jets will play against Fyllingen BBK and look forward to get finally their first victory.
Bottom-ranked Centrum (0-5) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 66-60 loss to top-ranked Froya Basket (4-0) in Laksevag on Sunday evening. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. Ljubomir Campara fired a double-double by scoring 25 points and 17 rebounds for the winners. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Froya Basket have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 4-0 record behind leader Gimle BBK. Loser Centrum still closes the standings with five games lost. Froya Basket will face Tromso (#5) at home in the next round.

In the last two games of round 4 Asker Aliens was crushed by Tromso in a road game 102-61. Ammerud Bskt were smashed by Baerum Basket at home 90-115.

Asker Aliens - Ammerud Bskt 88-98

An interesting game where Ammerud Bskt (#7) won against host Asker Aliens (#4) 98-88 on Thursday evening. Ammerud Bskt held Asker Aliens to an opponent 0.0 percent shooting from the field compared to 0.0 percent accuracy of the winners. Ammerud Bskt had a 30-19 advantage in offensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of Swedish forward Plaisir Mukoko (198-91) who helped to win the game recording 27 points and Swedish swingman Mustafa Dibba (186-95) who added 23 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side the former international guard Stian Berg (187-91, college: Nova SE) responded with 25 points and forward Aksel Bolinz (201-90, college: NIU) scored 17 points and 7 rebounds. Five Ammerud Bskt and four Asker Aliens players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ammerud Bskt maintains seventh position with 2-3 record. Loser Asker Aliens dropped to the sixth place with two games lost. Ammerud Bskt will meet at home Fyllingen BBK (#8) in the next round. Asker Aliens will play against Kongsberg and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Asker Aliens: S.Berg 25+3reb, A.Bolinz 17+7reb, J.Hart 16+4reb+3ast, H.Blekeli Spiten 11+2ast, L.Bergh 10+2reb+3ast, P.Grebliunas 7+11reb+1ast
Ammerud Bskt: P.Mukoko 27+4reb+2ast, M.Dibba 23+7reb, N.Okoroafor Orji 16+3reb+1ast, J.Sykes 13+10reb+6ast, A.Xepapadakis 13+4reb+1ast, J.Maehlum 3

Nidaros Jets - Kongsberg 55-105

Bottom-ranked Nidaros Jets (0-4) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 105-55 loss to third ranked Kongsberg (3-1) in Tromdheim. The winners were led by Croatian Marin Mornar (205-93, college: LMU) who scored that evening 26 points and 9 rebounds and guard Nicolai Oestbye (187-89, college: UMSL) supported him with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Five Kongsberg players scored in double figures. Even 13 points by guard Christian Dischington (190-99) did not help to save the game for Nidaros Jets. Forward Jorgen Kjesbu (199-0) added 12 points for lost side. Nidaros Jets' coach Thor Overmo gave up on the game allowing to play twelve players seeing no chance for a win. Defending champion maintains third position with 3-1 record having 2 victories less than leader Gimle BBK, which they share with Baerum Basket and Tromso. Nidaros Jets at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. Kongsberg's next round opponent will be Asker Aliens (#6) on the road. Nidaros Jets will play against Fyllingen BBK and look forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Nidaros Jets: D.Christian 13+4reb, J.Kjesbu 12+3reb, J.Baiden 10+3reb, M.Aarnes 6+4reb, B.Vejlgaard 5+4reb+1ast, M.Krivokapic 5+7reb+1ast
Kongsberg: M.Mornar 26+9reb+3ast, N.Oestbye 19+7reb+1ast, J.Ferrales 17+4reb+5ast, V.Tejada 16+1reb+4ast, O.Nisavic 14+5reb+1ast, V.Oliver 11+3reb+1ast

Gimle BBK - Centrum 82-51

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Gimle BBK as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Gimle BBK forced 23 Centrum turnovers. Guard Morten Osland (183-98) fired 27 points for the winners. The former international guard Eivind Lamo (200-96) chipped in 8 points and 9 rebounds. Guard Johan Flaa (185-99, college: Santa Rosa JC) produced 17 points and point guard Bendik Aunan (185-90) added 5 points and 9 rebounds respectively for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Gimle BBK (5-1) have an impressive five-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Centrum at the other side still closes the standings with five games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Centrum: J.Flaa 17+3reb, S.Sandlie 8, H.Nordeide 7+3reb, T.Oyvind 6+2reb, B.Aunan 5+9reb, T.Bryn 3+4reb
Gimle BBK: M.Osland 27+2reb, E.Fjaerestad 8+1reb, E.Lamo 8+9reb, K.Simon 8+5reb, G.Reidar 6+1reb, G.Beinnes 5+2reb

Tromso - Asker Aliens 102-61

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both sixth ranked Tromso and one of their biggest challengers Asker Aliens had identical 2-1 record. This time Tromso used a home court advantage and crushed the opponent from Asker 102-61 on Sunday night. They outrebounded Asker Aliens 44-23 including a 37-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. Tromso looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists comparing to just 7 passes made by Asker Aliens' players. American-Nigerian forward Anthony Elechi (203-93, college: Morehead St.) fired a double-double by scoring 21 points, 22 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. American-Jamaican power forward Phil Henry (203-91, college: ENMU) chipped in 20 points and 6 rebounds. Elechi is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Five Tromso players scored in double figures. Tromso's coach Sergio Vicente felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. American guard Joshua Hart (194-90, college: Va Intermont) produced 32 points and 7 rebounds and point guard Ludvig Bergh (177-98) added 18 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Tromso (3-1) moved-up to third place, which they share with Baerum Basket and Kongsberg. Loser Asker Aliens dropped to the sixth position with two games lost. Tromso will face Baerum Basket (#4) in Bekkestua in the next round. Asker Aliens will play at home against Kongsberg and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Asker Aliens: J.Hart 32+7reb+3ast, L.Bergh 18+7reb+1ast, S.Vegard 5+3reb, H.Blekeli Spiten 4+2reb+1ast, T.Lachowicz 2+1reb, P.Grebliunas 0+3reb+2ast
Tromso: O.Welander 21+4reb+1ast, A.Elechi 21+22reb+6ast, P.Henry 20+6reb+2ast, M.Wynn 15+1reb, S.Samuelsen 10+4reb+7ast, H.Lange 7+3reb+5ast

Froya Basket - Centrum 66-60

Bottom-ranked Centrum (0-5) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 66-60 loss to top-ranked Froya Basket (4-0) in Laksevag on Sunday evening. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. Serbian center Ljubomir Campara (203-93) fired a double-double by scoring 25 points and 17 rebounds for the winners. Forward Thomas Solem (197-99) chipped in 12 points. Guard Johan Flaa (185-99, college: Santa Rosa JC) produced 17 points and 5 rebounds and forward Tarjei Bryn (202-89) added 10 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Froya Basket have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 4-0 record behind leader Gimle BBK. Loser Centrum still closes the standings with five games lost. Froya Basket will face Tromso (#5) at home in the next round.
Top scorers:
Centrum: J.Flaa 17+5reb, T.Bryn 10+6reb, S.Midtvedt 9+7reb, H.Nordeide 8+2reb, K.Georgios 6+7reb, T.Oyvind 3
Froya Basket: L.Campara 25+17reb, T.Solem 12+2reb, K.Jonas 9+4reb, H.Hakon 8, U.Stranger-Johannessen 3+3reb, S.Daniel 2+2reb

Ammerud Bskt - Baerum Basket 90-115

No shocking result in a game in Oslo where fifth ranked Baerum Basket (3-1) smashed 7th ranked Ammerud Bskt (2-3) 115-90 on Sunday. The former international forward Sjur Berg (201-96, college: Alaska-Anch.) fired a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Canadian forward Yannick Anzuluni (205-87, college: Houghton) chipped in 23 points and 7 rebounds. American-Haitian point guard Ilarion Bonhomme (182-91) produced a double-double by scoring 15 points, 5 rebounds, 13 assists and 5 steals and Swedish forward Plaisir Mukoko (198-91) added 24 points respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Baerum Basket moved-up to third place, which they share with Tromso and Kongsberg. Loser Ammerud Bskt keeps the seventh position with three games lost. Baerum Basket will face Tromso (#5) at home in the next round. Ammerud Bskt will play against Fyllingen BBK and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ammerud Bskt: P.Mukoko 24+4reb, J.Sykes 16+5reb+2ast, I.Bonhomme 15+5reb+13ast, M.Dibba 13+5reb, A.Xepapadakis 6+3reb+1ast, A.Barkvoll 6+3reb
Baerum Basket: Y.Anzuluni 23+7reb+1ast, S.Mjos 23+3reb+5ast, S.Berg 20+12reb+3ast, S.Max 12+3reb, P.Vetle 9+1reb, H.Georg 9+1reb+1ast

Fyllingen BBK - Gimle BBK 105-106

Eighth-ranked Fyllingen BBK (0-4) made lots of trouble for second ranked Gimle BBK (5-1). The visitors from Bergen managed to secure only one-point victory 106-105. However their fans expected much easier game. Strangely Fyllingen BBK outrebounded Gimle BBK 48-23 including a 31-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Fyllingen BBK was plagued by 29 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of swingman Espen Fjaerestad (193-94, college: UW-Parkside) who helped to win the game recording 23 points and 5 rebounds. American forward Chavares Flanigan (198, college: UW-Parkside) contributed with 25 points for the winners. Guard Magne Fivelstad (198-89, college: Barry) replied with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 17 rebounds and the former international guard Bouna Ndiaye (198-92, college: NW Nazarene) added 25 points in the effort for Fyllingen BBK. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Fyllingen BBK's coach Calix N'Diaye rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Gimle BBK have an impressive five-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader. Fyllingen BBK at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Nidaros Jets. Gimle BBK will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Fyllingen BBK will play on the road against Ammerud Bskt (#7) in Oslo and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Fyllingen BBK: M.Fivelstad 26+17reb, B.Ndiaye 25+2reb, P.Bullock 18+6reb, J.Harris 17+4reb, V.Sumskis 12+8reb, K.Edvard 4+4reb
Gimle BBK: C.Flanigan 25+2reb, E.Fjaerestad 23+5reb, F.Anders 15+4reb, E.Lamo 14, G.Reidar 12+1reb, K.Simon 8

Tags : MORTEN OSLAND, GIMLE BBK BERGEN, NORWEGIAN BASKETBALL

Best players of Norwegian BLNO round 4 - by Eurobasket News

American-Nigerian Anthony Elechi (203-F-93) had a great game in the last round for Tromso and that's him to receive a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 4.
The 27-year old forward had a double-double of 21 points and twenty two rebounds, while his team outclassed Asker Aliens (#6, 2-2) with 41-point margin 102-61. Tromso is placed at 5th position in Norwegian BLNO. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost that single game earlier this season. Tromso will need more victories to improve their 3-1 record. Elechi turned to be Tromso's top player in his first season with the team. Morehead State University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Elechi is in league's top in points (9th best: 20.5ppg), assists (6th best: 4.0apg) and averages solid 61.9% FGP. Worth to mention Elechi played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 27-year old Serbian center Ljubomir Campara (203-C-93) of second-ranked Froya Basket. Campara impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 25 points and 17 rebounds. It was enough for Froya Basket to edge Centrum (#10, 0-5) by 6 points 66-60. Froya Basket's second position in the standings has not changed. A very good start of the season for his team, which won so far all 4 games without any defeat. Campara is a newcomer at Froya Basket and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 20.5ppg (#8). He also registered 8.0 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was former international forward Sjur Berg (201-F-96) of Baerum Basket (#4). Berg scored 20 points and grabbed twelve rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Baerum Basket, leading his team to a 115-90 easy win against the lower-ranked Ammerud Bskt (#7, 2-3). Baerum Basket needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 3 victories and 1 lost game. Berg has a great season in Norway. After only 4 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 8.3rpg (9th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Ilarion Bonhomme (182-PG-91) of Ammerud Bskt - 15 points, 5 rebounds and 13 assists
5. Marin Mornar (205-PF-93) of Kongsberg - 26 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Magne Fivelstad (198-G-89) of Fyllingen BBK - 26 points and 17 rebounds
7. Joshua Hart (194-G-90) of Asker Aliens - 32 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Yannick Anzuluni (205-F-87) of Baerum Basket - 23 points and 7 rebounds
9. Joshua Sykes (203-F/C) of Ammerud Bskt - 13 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists
10. Plaisir Mukoko (198-F-91) of Ammerud Bskt - 27 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists

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

Tags : ANTHONY ELECHI, TROMSO STORM, NORWEGIAN BASKETBALL

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

PHILIPPINES

PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Matthew WRIGHT
  Phoenix
  (193-G-91)
  Avg: 25.7

1. Wright Phoenix	25.7
2. Perez Columbian D	25.2
3. Pogoy TNT K	22.8
4. Parks TNT K	21.4
5. Ravena NLEX RW	19.9
6. Standharding., Nort.	18.8
7. Tautuaa SM B	18.3
8. Pringle Ginebra K	18.2
9. Castro Willi., TNT	18.2
10. Dalistan Hotshots	18.0

Rebounds Per Game

Christian STANDHARDINGER
  Nort.
  (206-F-89)
  Avg: 11.4

1. Standharding., Nort.	11.4
2. Santos SM Beermen	10.7
3. Perkins Phoenix	10.0
4. Anthony North P	9.8
5. Rosario TNT K	9.3
6. Thompson Ginebra	9.2
7. Trollano Blackwater	8.6
8. Adams Columbian D	8.2
9. Sangalang Hotshots	8.0
10. Erram TNT K	8.0

Assists Per Game

Jayson CASTRO WILLIAM
  TNT
  (180-PG-86)
  Avg: 6

1. Castro Willi., TNT	6.0
2. Thompson Ginebra	6.0
3. Anthony North P	5.5
4. Wright Phoenix	5.3
5. Newsome Meralco B	5.0
6. Nambatac Rain o	4.8
7. Ross SM Beermen	4.7
8. Perez Columbian D	4.6
9. Standharding., Nort.	4.6
10. Daquioag Blackwater	4.4

Steals Per Game

Chris ROSS
  SM Beermen
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Ross SM Beermen	2.8
2. Perez Columbian D	2.8
3. Barroca Hotshots	2.2
4. Pogoy TNT K	2.0
5. Norwood Rain o	2.0
6. Anthony North P	1.8
7. Jalalon Hotshots	1.8
8. Lassiter SM B	1.7
9. Parks TNT K	1.6
10. Castro Willi., TNT	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Justin CHUA
  Phoenix
  (198-C-89)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Chua Phoenix	1.6
2. Marcelo Phoenix	1.4
3. Gabayni Columbian	1.2
4. Norwood Rain o	1.2
5. Mocon Rain o	1.2
6. Gabriel Blackwater	1.0
7. Santos SM Beermen	1.0
8. Belga Rain o	1.0
9. Aguilar Ginebra K	1.0
10. Parks TNT K	0.8

Abueva number one in Philippines for round 6 - by Eurobasket News

Naturalized American Forward Calvin Abueva (190-F-88) had an amazing evening in the last round for Phoenix, receiving a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 6.
The 32-year old player had a double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds, while his team edged out NLEX RW (#11, 1-5) 114-110. Thanks to this victory Phoenix moved-up to the 5th position in Filipino PBA. They would have been even better if they did not have these two lost games earlier in Regular Season. Phoenix will need more victories to improve their 4-2 record. Abueva has many years of experience at Phoenix, through which he has constantly improved.

The second best player in last round's games was 27-year old Scottie Thompson (188-G-93) of Ginebra Kings. Thompson had a very good evening with a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds. Bad luck as Ginebra Kings was edged by slightly higher-ranked Rain or Shine (#2, 4-1) 85-82. It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Ginebra Kings still maintains its place in the top 3 of the standings, even despite this loss. His team's 4-2 record is not bad at all. Thompson is one of the most experienced players at Ginebra Kings and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third on the list of top players last round was forward Raul Soyud (196-PF-91) of NLEX RW (#11). Soyud scored 27 points. Despite Soyud's great performance NLEX RW lost 110-114 to the higher-ranked Phoenix (#5, 4-2). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. NLEX RW can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 1-5 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Soyud he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Soyud has a very solid season. In 6 games in Philippines he scored 10.7ppg. He also has 7.0rpg and FGP: 80.0%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Kiefer Isaac Ravena (181-G-93) of NLEX RW - 18 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists
5. Beau Belga (198-PF-86) of Rain or Shine - 20 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Moala Tautuaa (200-C-89) of SM Beermen - 23 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Chris Newsome (187-G-90) of Meralco Bolts - 14 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists
8. Jason Perkins (193-F-92) of Phoenix - 20 points and 13 rebounds
9. Jaymar Perez (188-G-93) of Columbian Dyip - 25 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists
10. Stanley Pringle (184-PG-87) of Ginebra Kings - 20 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists

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

Tags : CALVIN ABUEVA, PHOENIX FUEL MASTERS, FILIPINO BASKETBALL

PBA puts Philippine Cup on hold - by Eurobasket News

The PBA suffered a major blow to its Philippine Cup restart as it postponed all games starting Friday, October 30. It has been 3 weeks since the PBA successfully rebooted the conference in a bubble setting in Clark, Pampanga but it decided to put the All-Filipino conference on hold following the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and Department of Health (DOH). "[T]o ensure the integrity and safety of the PBA bubble, the league is postponing the games starting today, October 30 until the new protocols proposed by the IATF and DOH are out in place," the PBA said in a statement. Team practices are also prohibited. Other activities inside the hotel, though, like swimming, gym, billiards, jogging, and walking are still allowed. The development came a week after a player from Blackwater and a referee tested positive for the coronavirus. While their confirmatory antigen and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction tests yielded negative results, the PBA had postponed 3 games earlier as a precautionary measure. The potential delay could have significant repercussions for the PBA, which is eyeing to crown a Philippine Cup champion by the second week of December at the latest.
Courtesy of: rappler.com

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

POLAND

DBE Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Jordon VARNADO
  GTK G
  (198-F-97)
  Avg: 21

1. Varnado GTK G	21.0
2. Sanders Enea A	19.3
3. Allen Polpharma	19.3
4. Killeya-Jones MKS	18.7
5. Moore MKS DG	17.9
6. Kulig Polski C	17.5
7. Neal HydroTruck	17.5
8. Zolnierewicz Asseco	17.4
9. Morris Legia	16.8
10. Jovanovic Slask	16.4

Rebounds Per Game

Ivica RADIC
  Anwil
  (208-C/F-90)
  Avg: 10.2

1. Radic Anwil	10.2
2. Killeya-Jones MKS	9.1
3. Frackiewicz Enea	8.8
4. Bartosz King	8.7
5. Groselle Zastal E	8.5
6. Ramljak Slask	8.0
7. Olisemeka Polpharma	7.7
8. Rhett GTK Gliwice	7.7
9. Cel Polski Cukier	7.3
10. Wyka Legia	7.2

Assists Per Game

Josh PERKINS
  GTK G
  (190-G-95)
  Avg: 8.2

1. Perkins GTK G	8.2
2. Washington Polp.	7.9
3. Sanders Enea A	7.8
4. Bibbins Legia	6.9
5. Trotter Polski C	6.1
6. Lundberg Zastal E	6.0
7. Moore MKS DG	5.7
8. Green Stal Ostrow	5.6
9. Szubarga Asseco A	5.6
10. Medford Jr. Start	5.2

Steals Per Game

Obie TROTTER
  Polski C
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Trotter Polski C	2.9
2. Ramljak Slask	2.5
3. Zebski King	2.4
4. Booker Anwil	2.3
5. Ponitka Zastal E	2.3
6. Medford Jr. Start	2.1
7. Piechowicz Hydr.	2.1
8. Nevels Slask	2.0
9. Krampelj GTK G	1.9
10. Szubarga Asseco A	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Dominik OLEJNICZAK
  Trefl
  (213-C-96)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Olejniczak Trefl	1.8
2. Kulig Polski C	1.7
3. Killeya-Jones MKS	1.7
4. Fakuade King	1.4
5. Keller Slask	1.3
6. Dziewa Slask	1.3
7. Watson Legia	1.3
8. Varnado GTK G	1.3
9. King Stal Ostrow	1.3
10. Wyka Legia	1.2

Stats Leaders - 1Liga

Points Per Game

Krzysztof JAKOBCZYK
  Walbrzych
  (183-G-86)
  Avg: 20.6

1. Jakobczyk Walbrzych	20.6
2. Malgorzaciak Lancut	20.5
3. Gospodarek Dziki	19.6
4. Dutkiewicz Pelplin	18.4
5. Dzierzak Pelplin	17.3
6. Ochonko Klodzko	17.3
7. Madray Pelplin	17.2
8. Niedzwiedzki WKK	16.8
9. Pamula Dziki Wwa	16.6
10. Robak Kolobrzeg	16.6

Rebounds Per Game

Mateusz SZWED
  Pruszkow
  (198-C/F-91)
  Avg: 11

1. Szwed Pruszkow	11.0
2. Niedzwiedzki WKK	9.8
3. Bojanowski Walb.	8.8
4. Cechniak Walbrzych	8.7
5. Patoka WKK W	8.5
6. Pabian Czarni	8.3
7. Tyszka Pruszkow	8.3
8. Grod Lowicz	8.2
9. Madray Pelplin	8.0
10. Pelka Lancut	7.5

Assists Per Game

Filip STRYJEWSKI
  Tychy
  (193-G-99)
  Avg: 9

1. Stryjewski Tychy	9.0
2. Dzierzak Pelplin	7.8
3. Kulon Kolobrzeg	7.0
4. Kordalski Czarni	6.3
5. Gospodarek Dziki	6.2
6. Stopierzynski Lowi.	6.2
7. Wlodarczyk Wisla	5.8
8. Gordon Slask 2	5.5
9. Kierlewicz Pruszkow	5.3
10. Kutta Prudnik	5.3

Steals Per Game

Pawel DZIERZAK
  Pelplin
  (188-PG-95)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Dzierzak Pelplin	2.7
2. Kordalski Czarni	2.2
3. Zywert Walbrzych	2.2
4. Nowicki Klodzko	2.0
5. Robak Kolobrzeg	2.0
6. Zelezniak Slask 2	1.8
7. Krefft Dziki Wwa	1.8
8. Pawlak Kolobrzeg	1.8
9. Koperski Walbrzych	1.8
10. Wilk AZS PO	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Piotr NIEDZWIEDZKI
  WKK
  (210-C-93)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Niedzwiedzki WKK	3.3
2. Zaczek Wisla K	1.5
3. Karpacz Tychy	1.4
4. Nowakowski Prudnik	1.3
5. Bodych Lowicz	1.3
6. Cechniak Walbrzych	1.3
7. Szymanski AZS PO	1.3
8. Wrobel Walbrzych	1.2
9. Wrona Tychy	1.2
10. Kozluk Dziki Wwa	1.2

2Liga Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Lukasz WOJCIECHOWSKI
  Stal
  (184-G-88)
  Avg: 33

1. Wojciechowski Stal	33.0
2. Zabielski Zubry	29.7
3. Krol Tur B	26.5
4. Samsonowicz AZS U	25.7
5. Kuzkow Legia 2	24.3
6. Kuczynski Tur B	23.8
7. Palmowski UR K	23.7
8. Ulczynski Astoria	23.0
9. Wrobel AZS AGH KR	22.8
10. Ziolkowski Trefl	22.0

Rebounds Per Game

Darrell HARRIS
  Koszalin Z
  (208-C-84)
  Avg: 19.3

1. Harris Koszalin Z	19.3
2. Zabielski Zubry	13.3
3. Kuczynski Tur B	11.8
4. Czyz AZS PCz	11.5
5. Pytys Ogniwo S	11.3
6. Galczynski Gimb.	11.0
7. Parszewski AZS U	10.5
8. Wisniewski AZS U	10.5
9. Schreiber Chelmno	10.3
10. Nawrot Stal O	10.3

Assists Per Game

Przemyslaw TRADECKI
  Tur B
  (185-PG-89)
  Avg: 10.7

1. Tradecki Tur B	10.7
2. Konopatzki Legia	10.0
3. Kozak Sudety	8.5
4. Szczerbatiuk Ostrow	8.5
5. Szybowicz Biel.	8.5
6. Rapucha Zubry	8.0
7. Sanny Nysa	7.8
8. Brek Rydzyna	7.6
9. Wydra Notec I	7.0
10. Zarzeczny Koszalin	7.0

Steals Per Game

Kacper GRZELAK
  Notec I
  (190-F-99)
  Avg: 5.7

1. Grzelak Notec I	5.7
2. Marchlewski Poli.	5.0
3. Konopatzki Legia	5.0
4. Lalak Trefl 2	4.7
5. Wojciechowski Stal	4.0
6. Maciejak Gliwice	3.8
7. Korzec AWFiS G	3.7
8. Nesterowicz Zyra.	3.4
9. Lipinski Katy W	3.3
10. Obarek AZS UMCS	3.3

Blocks Per Game

Jakub CZYZ
  AZS PCz
  (205-C/F-95)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Czyz AZS PCz	2.8
2. Pytys Ogniwo S	2.5
3. Kuczynski Tur B	2.3
4. Klawa Trefl 2	2.3
5. Zawadzki Pabianice	2.0
6. Kulis Politechnika	2.0
7. Michalek Notec I	2.0
8. Lisewski AZS UMK	2.0
9. Pszczola AZS UMCS	2.0
10. Lapinski Zyrardow	1.8

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

PUERTO RICO

Mike Harris (ex Al Shamal) agreed terms with Mayaguez - by Luis Modestti

Indios de Mayaguez (BSN) strengthened their roster with addition of experienced 37-year old American small forward Mike Harris (198-107kg-83, college: Rice). He played most recently at Al Shamal in Qatari D1 league. In two games he recorded very impressive stats: 16.5ppg, 15.5rpg and 2.5apg previous season. Harris also played for LG Sakers in South Korean KBL where in 24 games he averaged 12.8ppg and 5.8rpg. The other team he played shortly was Muharraq (Premier League) in Bahrain league.
Harris has tried to make it to the NBA and played in the NBA Pro Summer League in 2012.
He is a very experienced player. Thanks to Harris' pro career he managed to play on three different continents (Asia, Latin America and of course North America) in eight different countries. Harris has played previously professionally in China (Jiangsu Dragons, Blue Whales, Sturgeons and Henan), Iran (Petrochimi), Kuwait (Al Qadsia), Lebanon (Al Riyadi), Philippines (Alaska Aces), Ukraine, NBA (Houston Rockets, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards and Minnesota Timberwolves) and Puerto Rico (Leones). He won Qatari League championship title.
Among many awards Harris received Asia-Basket.com All-PBA Governor's Cup Player of the Year award in 2018.
He is close to retirement age as a player. It may be one of last seasons in his extensive career, which he may end at Mayaguez.
Harris attended Rice University until 2005 and it will be his 16th (!!!) season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : MIKE HARRIS, INDIOS DE MAYAGUEZ, PUERTO RICAN BASKETBALL, PUERTO RICAN TRANSACTIONS

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

QATAR

Mike Harris (ex Al Shamal) agreed terms with Mayaguez - by Luis Modestti

Tags : MIKE HARRIS, INDIOS DE MAYAGUEZ, PUERTO RICAN BASKETBALL, PUERTO RICAN TRANSACTIONS

Al Naft inks Kevin Galloway, Ex Al Arabi - by Ahmad Madwar

Tags : KEVIN GALLOWAY, AL NAFT BAGHDAD, IRAQI BASKETBALL, IRAQI TRANSACTIONS

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

ROMANIA

Eads III starts his pro career at Galati - by Eurobasket News

CSM Galati (Liga Nationala) agreed terms with American guard James Eads III (193-100kg, agency: 011 Sports). Eads III just graduated from Tuskegee (NCAA2). He has played there for the last five years. Eads III helped them to end the regular season as a second best team in NCAA2. His high school career he had spent at Edgewater in Orlando, FL.
As mentioned above Eads III is just out of the college and it will be his first season as a pro.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : JAMES EADS III, CSM GALATI, ROMANIAN BASKETBALL, ROMANIAN TRANSACTIONS

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

RUSSIA

Stats Leaders - Superleague B

Points Per Game

Javonte DOUGLAS
  Burevestnik
  (203-F-92)
  Avg: 23

1. Douglas Burevestnik	23.0
2. Lepojevic Univ.	20.3
3. Kondakov Uralmash	20.0
4. Evstigneev Khim.	19.5
5. Sitnik Vostok-65	19.5
6. Zhigulin Ufimets	17.7
7. Roberson Bure.	17.0
8. Varnakov Kupo.	15.8
9. Zakharov TSU	15.5
10. Semenov Burevestnik	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Alexandr SEMENYUK
  Vostok-65
  (207-F-93)
  Avg: 11

1. Semenyuk Vostok-65	11.0
2. Pisarchuk Univ.	11.0
3. Hadzibegovic Runa	9.5
4. Zakharov TSU	9.5
5. Babushkin MBA M	9.3
6. Douglas Burevestnik	8.3
7. Sharapov Khim.	8.0
8. Abdulbasirov Irkut	7.7
9. Kadoshnikov Khim.	7.5
10. Pisklov Uralmash	7.5

Assists Per Game

Alexander GAVRILOV
  Bure.
  (193-G-96)
  Avg: 6.7

1. Gavrilov Bure.	6.7
2. Annaev Vostok-65	5.5
3. Chernov Univ.Surgut	5.5
4. Aleksandrov Irkut	5.3
5. Akhmedov Khim.	5.0
6. Sitnik Vostok-65	4.5
7. Zaryazhko TSU	4.5
8. Klyuchnikov Runa	4.5
9. Korchagin MBA M	4.3
10. Mateyunas Kupo.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Boris NAZMUTDINOV
  Ufimets
  (191-SG-96)
  Avg: 5

1. Nazmutdinov Ufimets	5.0
2. Roberson Bure.	3.0
3. Kondakov Uralmash	2.5
4. Novikov Uralmash	2.5
5. Evstigneev Khim.	2.0
6. Babushkin MBA M	2.0
7. Pisklov Uralmash	2.0
8. Kurtsevich Runa B	2.0
9. Lichutin MBA M	1.7
10. Gavrilov Bure.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Alen HADZIBEGOVIC
  Runa
  (207-F-99)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Hadzibegovic Runa	2.5
2. Kadoshnikov Khim.	2.0
3. Kautin Ufimets U	2.0
4. Balashov Vostok-65	2.0
5. Nelyubov Bure.	1.7
6. Sinegubov Uralmash	1.5
7. Pekovic Kupo.	1.3
8. Semenov Burevestnik	1.0
9. Grachev Vostok-65	1.0
10. Abdulbasirov Irkut	1.0

Higher League stats leaders

Points Per Game

Aleksey MAKAROV
  Rusichi K
  (192-G-92)
  Avg: 23.5

1. Makarov Rusichi K	23.5
2. Klyundikov Neft.	23.0
3. Sokolov Dynamo S	22.0
4. Bolotskikh BARS.	21.5
5. Aleksandrov Dyna.	19.0
6. Chilikin Alta.	18.3
7. Fedorchuk Mitsu B	17.5
8. Zagretdinov Tambov	16.0
9. Abyzov BARS-RGEU	15.5
10. Kalenov Neftekhimik	15.0

Rebounds Per Game

Nikolay DOLMATOV
  Cheb.
  (203-F-88)
  Avg: 12

1. Dolmatov Cheb.	12.0
2. Chilikin Alta.	10.0
3. Kochnev Dynamo-MGTU	10.0
4. Maleyko Tambov	10.0
5. Sokolov Dynamo S	9.0
6. Zhukanenko Neft.	9.0
7. Kurbatov Dyn-.	8.7
8. Fedorchuk Mitsu B	8.5
9. Klyundikov Neft.	8.5
10. Feshchenko Dyn-.	8.0

Assists Per Game

Aleksey MAKAROV
  Rusichi K
  (192-G-92)
  Avg: 9.5

1. Makarov Rusichi K	9.5
2. Klyundikov Neft.	8.0
3. Podobedov Dyn-.	6.0
4. Chevarenkov Alta.	6.0
5. Lisovskiy Dynamo	5.5
6. Koltsov Cheb.	5.0
7. Fedorchuk Mitsu B	4.5
8. Kalenov Neftekhimik	4.0
9. Gladyshev Tambov	4.0
10. Gaposhin Dyna.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Ilya PODOBEDOV
  Dyn-.
  (183-PG-91)
  Avg: 5

1. Podobedov Dyn-.	5.0
2. Kalenov Neftekhimik	3.0
3. Matveyev BARS-RGEU	3.0
4. Zlobin AltajBasket	3.0
5. Koltsov Cheb.	3.0
6. Grabarev Chelbasket	3.0
7. Chichaykin Dyna.	3.0
8. Maleyko Tambov	3.0
9. Rogkov Mitsu B.	2.5
10. Skrynnik Dynamo S	2.5

Blocks Per Game

Roman ZAGRETDINOV
  Tambov
  (208-C-96)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Zagretdinov Tambov	2.3
2. Polukhin BARS-RGEU	2.0
3. Voronchikhin Alta.	2.0
4. Trubin Dyn-Magn.ChL	1.7
5. Milyutin Dyna.	1.5
6. Zhukanenko Neft.	1.5
7. Dzandzava BARS-RGEU	1.5
8. Kurbatov Dyn-.	1.3
9. Babkin Mitsu B.	1.0
10. Sokolov Dynamo S	1.0

Vladislav Bobrovskikh signs at Tambov - by Eurobasket News

BK Tambov (Superleague 2) landed 24-year old forward Vladislav Bobrovskikh (200-94kg-96). He played most recently at Rusichi Kursk. In 24 Superleague 2 games he averaged 10.5ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.4apg and 2.1spg last season.
The previous (18-19) season Bobrovskikh played at BGTU Belgorod (VTB Student League) where in 24 games he had very impressive stats: 24.4ppg, 8.3rpg and 3.9apg.
He represented Russia at the World University Games in Napoli (Italy) last year. His stats at that event were 5 games: 2.8ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.0apg.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : VLADISLAV BOBROVSKIKH, BK TAMBOV, RUSSIAN BASKETBALL, RUSSIAN TRANSACTIONS

Euroleague: CSKA dominate Valencia in Moscow - by Eurobasket News

CSKA - Valencia 84-75

CSKA snapped two-game losing skid in Euroleague as they beat visiting Valencia in Moscow tonight. Mike James (185-G-90, college: Lamar) came up with 17 points to pace the hosts.
CSKA eked out a 17-16 lead after the first quarter. They went on to score 27 points in the second frame to secure a comfortable 44-35 halftime lead. Valencia slowed the home side down in the third term. The Spaniards pulled within 4 points at the final break 58-62. But CSKA dropped 22 points in the fourth quarter and got away with an important victory. Will Clyburn (201-SF-90, college: Iowa St.) chipped in 15 points, while Darrun Hilliard had 12 points for CSKA. Nikola Kalinic (202-F-91) answered with 15 points for Valencia. Louis Labeyrie (209-F-92) had 10 points in the loss.

Tags : MIKE JAMES, CSKA MOSCOW, RUSSIAN BASKETBALL

Artem Isakov gets MVP of the Week award for Russian Superleague 1 (by Interperformances) - by Eurobasket News

Experienced Artem Isakov (192-G-87) had a very impressive game in the last round for Ufimets Ufa and that's him to receive a Interperformances Superleague 1 Player of the Week award for round 5.
The 33-year old guard had the game-high 20 points adding five rebounds and six assists for Ufimets Ufa in his team's victory, helping them to beat Irkut (#14, 0-3), the league's bottom-ranked team 84-71. Ufimets Ufa is placed at 3rd position in Russian Superleague 1. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost that single game earlier this season. Ufimets Ufa will need more victories to improve their 2-1 record. In the team's last game Isakov had a remarkable 62.5% from 2-point range. He has many years of experience at Ufimets Ufa, through which he has constantly improved. Artem Isakov averages just after three games 11.3ppg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was another Ufimets Ufa's star - 26-year old Kazakhstan forward Aleksandr Zhigulin (205-F-94). Zhigulin impressed basketball fans with 26 points and 5 rebounds. Of course together with Isakov he helped Ufimets Ufa with another comfortable win 84-71 over Irkut (#14, 0-3) being unquestionably team leader. This victory allowed Ufimets Ufa to move up to 3rd position in the standings. His team's 2-1 record is not bad at all. Zhigulin is a newcomer at Ufimets Ufa and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 17.7ppg (#6).

The third best performed player last round was former international Aleksandr Zakharov (203-SF-93) of TSU (#8). Zakharov scored 19 points and grabbed fourteen rebounds (!!!). Despite Zakharov's great performance TSU lost 70-91 to the higher-ranked Runa Basket (#4, 2-2). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The last thing TSU needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 1 victory and 1 lost game. Zakharov has a great season in Russia. After only 2 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 15.5ppg (9th best) and rebounds with 9.5rpg (3rd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Alen Hadzibegovic (207-F-99) of Runa Basket - 14 points and 10 rebounds
5. Andrey Mateyunas (180-PG-88) of Kupol-Rodniki - 14 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Aleksandr Shashkov (212-C) of CSKA 2 - 16 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Addison Spruill (195-G-93) of Runa Basket - 20 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Evgeny Fidiy (208-F/C-91) of Kupol-Rodniki - 16 points and 5 rebounds
9. Radoslav Pekovic (215-C-94) of Kupol-Rodniki - 10 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Victor Zaryazhko (195-G-92) of TSU - 15 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists

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

Tags : ARTEM ISAKOV, UFIMETS UFA, RUSSIAN BASKETBALL

Superleague 2 Round 3 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News

Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

First defeat of league's leader Dyn-Magn.ChL (2-1) against Tambov (3-0) 72-70 was the most important game of the last round. It was a good game for center Roman Zagretdinov (208-96) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds. Naturalized Kazakhstan forward Nail Gafarov (198-88) contributed with 17 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Power forward Alexandr Kurbatov (208-97) answered with 15 points and 8 rebounds for Dyn-Magn.ChL. Dyn-Magn.ChL's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Dyn-Magn.ChL will play next round against Mitsu B. trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Tambov will try to continue on its current victory against Chelbasket in Chelyabinsk.
Cheb.Yastreby (1-1) recorded a loss in Cheboksari. Hosts were edged by AltajBasket (2-1) 68-67. It was a great evening for Aleksey Chilikin (208-93) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 14 rebounds. Andrei Kuzemkin helped adding 13 points. The best for the losing side was forward Nikolay Dolmatov (203-88) with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 12 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. AltajBasket will play against Neftekhimik T. in Tobolsk in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Cheb.Yastreby will play at home against BARS-RGEU to get more than just one victory in their record.
Worth to mention about the upset in a game between Chelbasket (1-2) and Mitsu B. (1-1), which took place in Lipetsk. Chelbasket was outleveled in a road game by Mitsu B. 75-50 on Thursday. It was an exceptional evening for Aleksey Fedorchuk who led the winners and scored 15 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Nikita Pertcev came up with 10 points and 6 rebounds for Chelbasket in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Mitsu B. will meet at home Dyn-Magn.ChL (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Chelbasket will play against Tambov (#1) and hope to win that game.

In the last game of round 3 BARS-RGEU lost to Neftekhimik T. on the road 80-86.

Mitsu B. - Chelbasket 75-50

Worth to mention about the upset in a game between Chelbasket (1-2) and Mitsu B. (1-1), which took place in Lipetsk. Chelbasket was outleveled in a road game by Mitsu B. 75-50 on Thursday. Mitsu B. held Chelbasket to an opponent 22.5 percent shooting from the field compared to 48.4 percent accuracy of the winners. Mitsu B. had a 36-22 advantage in offensive rebounds. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Mitsu B. made 8 blocks. It was an exceptional evening for the former international center Aleksey Fedorchuk (208-86, agency: Stanislav Ryzhov) who led the winners and scored 15 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Center Semen Pinaev (208-99) accounted for 13 points and 10 rebounds for the winning side. Swingman Nikita Pertcev (200-0) came up with 10 points and 6 rebounds and guard Dmitriy Kurnykov (185-95) added 9 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Chelbasket in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Mitsu B. will meet at home Dyn-Magn.ChL (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Chelbasket will play against Tambov (#1) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Mitsu B.: A.Fedorchuk 15+9reb+5ast, S.Pinaev 13+10reb+2ast, K.Breev 11+5reb+2ast, A.Ageev 9+5reb+2ast, R.Sergey 9+2reb+1ast, A.Kuznetcov 7+5reb
Chelbasket: V.Nazarov 11+1reb+1ast, P.Nikita 10+6reb+1ast, D.Kurnykov 9+6reb+1ast, E.Andrey 7+5reb+1ast, A.Loginov 6+5reb+1ast, V.Emelianov 3+6reb+2ast

Neftekhimik T. - BARS-RGEU 86-80

No shocking result in a game when Neftekhimik T. (2-0) beat BARS-RGEU (0-2) in Tobolsk 86-80 on Thursday. However just six-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Neftekhimik T. looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was an exceptional evening for point guard Taras Klyundikov (190-95) who led the winners and scored 14 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. The former international forward Alexey Zhukanenko (210-86, agency: Alti Sport) accounted for 17 points and 6 rebounds for the winning side. Power forward Sergey Bolotskikh (206-90) came up with 27 points and 6 rebounds and guard Maksim Abyzov (192-90) added 17 points and 6 rebounds respectively for BARS-RGEU in the defeat. Five Neftekhimik T. and four BARS-RGEU players scored in double figures. Neftekhimik T. will meet at home AltajBasket (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. BARS-RGEU will play against Cheb.Yastreby (#5) in Cheboksari and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Neftekhimik T.: A.Zhukanenko 17+6reb+1ast, K.Arkhipov 15+4reb+1ast, A.Kalenov 14+5reb+3ast, T.Klyundikov 14+6reb+7ast, L.Nikitenko 11+2reb+4ast, I.Ashmarov 5+8reb+4ast
BARS-RGEU: S.Bolotskikh 27+6reb, M.Abyzov 17+6reb+3ast, D.David 12+2reb+2ast, A.Kuzmin 11+7reb+4ast, A.Dubovitskiy 5+3reb+1ast, P.Bugaenko 3+3reb+3ast

Cheb.Yastreby - AltajBasket 67-68

Cheb.Yastreby (1-1) recorded a loss in Cheboksari. Hosts were edged by AltajBasket (2-1) 68-67. Cheb.Yastreby was plagued by 30 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a great evening for Aleksey Chilikin (208-93) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 14 rebounds. Point guard Andrei Kuzemkin (184-87, agency: Stanislav Ryzhov) helped adding 13 points. Four AltajBasket players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was forward Nikolay Dolmatov (203-88) with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 12 rebounds and point guard Dmitriy Dmitriev (181-98) scored 12 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. AltajBasket will play against Neftekhimik T. in Tobolsk in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Cheb.Yastreby will play at home against BARS-RGEU to get more than just one victory in their record.
Top scorers:
AltajBasket: A.Chilikin 22+14reb, A.Kuzemkin 13+2reb+2ast, G.Komissarenko 11+3reb+2ast, A.Chevarenkov 10+2reb+4ast, V.Voronchikhin 5+6reb+1ast, D.Zlobin 3+6reb+4ast
Cheb.Yastreby: D.Dmitriy 12+5reb, P.Koltsov 12+2reb+2ast, N.Dolmatov 11+12reb+1ast, K.Kadykov 9+4reb+1ast, G.Beygelzimer 8+2reb+3ast, S.Kharitonov 4+4reb

Tambov - Dyn-Magn.ChL 72-70

First defeat of league's leader Dyn-Magn.ChL (2-1) against Tambov (3-0) 72-70 was the most important game of the last round. It was a good game for center Roman Zagretdinov (208-96) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds. Naturalized Kazakhstan forward Nail Gafarov (198-88) contributed with 17 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Power forward Alexandr Kurbatov (208-97) answered with 15 points and 8 rebounds and point guard Ilya Podobedov (183-91) added 9 points, 6 assists and 5 steals in the effort for Dyn-Magn.ChL. Dyn-Magn.ChL's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Dyn-Magn.ChL will play next round against Mitsu B. trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Tambov will try to continue on its current victory against Chelbasket in Chelyabinsk.
Top scorers:
Tambov: R.Zagretdinov 25+11reb+1ast, N.Gafarov 17+5reb+1ast, Y.Mityuk 9+3reb+2ast, V.Gladyshev 9+4reb+4ast, I.Gavrilov 8+5reb+1ast, B.Vladislav 2+1reb+1ast
Dyn-Magn.ChL: A.Kurbatov 15+8reb, A.Lysenkov 12+1reb+3ast, Y.Trubin 11+4reb+1ast, S.Sarafankin 9+4reb, I.Podobedov 9+1reb+6ast, I.Feshchenko 5+9reb

Tags : ROMAN ZAGRETDINOV, BK TAMBOV, RUSSIAN BASKETBALL

Superleague 1 Round 5: TSU lose to Runa Basket - by Eurobasket News

It's still too early stage of the Regular Season in Superleague 1, but even now we can clearly see the differece between stronger teams and outsiders. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

TSU (1-1) recorded its first loss in Moscow on Wednesday night. Visitors were rolled over by tenth ranked Runa Basket (2-2) 91-70. The best player for the winners was American guard Addison Spruill (195-93, college: UNCW, agency: Stanislav Ryzhov) who scored 20 points and 5 rebounds. Montenegrin-Qatari forward Alen Hadzibegovic (207-99, agency: Stanislav Ryzhov) chipped in 14 points and 10 rebounds. The former international Aleksandr Zakharov (203-93) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 14 rebounds for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Runa Basket moved-up to fourth place. TSU at the other side dropped to the seventh position with one game lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Runa Basket are looking forward to face Uralmash (#10) in Ekaterinburg in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. TSU will play on the road against the league's leader Burevestnik in Yaroslav and is hoping to win this game.
CSKA 2 can celebrate their first win this season.They used home court advantage to defeat Kupol-Rodniki (1-3) 88-85. Center Aleksandr Shashkov (212-0) orchestrated the victory by scoring 16 points and 8 rebounds. Yuriy Umrikhin contributed with 16 points for the winners. CSKA 2's coach Predrag Badnjarevic allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. point guard Alexandr Varnakov (184-92) answered with a double-double by scoring 13 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for Kupol-Rodniki. CSKA 2 (1-0) left bottom position moving up to fifth place, which they share with Samara. Kupol-Rodniki at the other side dropped to the eleventh position with three games lost. CSKA 2's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Moscow MBA Moscow.
Bottom-ranked Irkut (0-3) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 84-71 loss to fifth ranked Ufimets Ufa (2-1) in Irkutsk on Wednesday evening. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. Aleksandr Zhigulin stepped up and scored 26 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Pavel Aleksandrov responded with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Irkut's coach Vadim Filatov rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Ufimets Ufa moved-up to second place, which they share with MBA Moscow. Newly promoted Irkut still closes the standings with three games lost. Ufimets Ufa will meet Vostok-65 (#9) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Irkut will play against Samara (#6) and hopes to get finally their first victory.

The best stats of 5th round was 20 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists by Artem Isakov of Ufimets Ufa.

CSKA 2 - Kupol-Rodniki 88-85

CSKA 2 can celebrate their first win this season.They used home court advantage to defeat Kupol-Rodniki (1-3) 88-85. CSKA 2 dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Kupol-Rodniki's 34. Center Aleksandr Shashkov (212-0) orchestrated the victory by scoring 16 points and 8 rebounds. Guard Yuriy Umrikhin (190-99) contributed with 16 points for the winners. CSKA 2's coach Predrag Badnjarevic allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Point guard Alexandr Varnakov (184-92) answered with a double-double by scoring 13 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and point guard Alexey Vzdykhalkin (191-85, agency: Interperformances) added 17 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Kupol-Rodniki. Four CSKA 2 and five Kupol-Rodniki players scored in double figures. CSKA 2 (1-0) left bottom position moving up to fifth place, which they share with Samara. Kupol-Rodniki at the other side dropped to the eleventh position with three games lost. CSKA 2's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Moscow MBA Moscow.
Top scorers:
Kupol-Rodniki: A.Vzdykhalkin 17+5reb+1ast, E.Fidiy 16+5reb+1ast, A.Mateyunas 14+4reb+4ast, A.Varnakov 13+10reb+4ast, R.Pekovic 10+5reb+4ast, M.Chislov 8
CSKA 2: Y.Umrikhin 16+4reb+3ast, A.Shashkov 16+8reb+3ast, A.Yershov 15+3reb+2ast, D.Kochergin 12+3reb+1ast, K.Mikheyev 10+3reb, E.Alexandr 7+1reb

Runa Basket - TSU 91-70

TSU (1-1) recorded its first loss in Moscow on Wednesday night. Visitors were rolled over by tenth ranked Runa Basket (2-2) 91-70. The best player for the winners was American guard Addison Spruill (195-93, college: UNCW, agency: Stanislav Ryzhov) who scored 20 points and 5 rebounds. Montenegrin-Qatari forward Alen Hadzibegovic (207-99, agency: Stanislav Ryzhov) chipped in a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds. Four Runa Basket players scored in double figures. The former international Aleksandr Zakharov (203-93) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 14 rebounds and guard Victor Zaryazhko (195-92) added 15 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Runa Basket moved-up to fourth place. TSU at the other side dropped to the seventh position with one game lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Runa Basket are looking forward to face Uralmash (#10) in Ekaterinburg in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. TSU will play on the road against the league's leader Burevestnik in Yaroslav and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
TSU: A.Zakharov 19+14reb+3ast, V.Zaryazhko 15+5reb+6ast, A.Tukmakov 13+2reb, A.Fedyushin 8+3reb, I.Karpenko 6+4reb+2ast, M.Kolyushkin 3+3reb+2ast
Runa Basket: A.Spruill 20+5reb+2ast, A.Hadzibegovic 14+10reb, F.Klyuchnikov 13+3reb+5ast, E.Karpeko 12+3reb+1ast, M.Karpachev 8+6reb+1ast, M.Tkachenko 7+1reb+1ast

Irkut - Ufimets Ufa 71-84

Bottom-ranked Irkut (0-3) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 84-71 loss to fifth ranked Ufimets Ufa (2-1) in Irkutsk on Wednesday evening. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. Kazakhstan forward Aleksandr Zhigulin (205-94) stepped up and scored 26 points and 5 rebounds for the winners and guard Artem Isakov (192-87) chipped in 20 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Guard Pavel Aleksandrov (190-89) responded with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists and power forward Egor Muraviev (207-87) scored 11 points and 5 rebounds. Irkut's coach Vadim Filatov rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Ufimets Ufa moved-up to second place, which they share with MBA Moscow. Newly promoted Irkut still closes the standings with three games lost. Ufimets Ufa will meet Vostok-65 (#9) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Irkut will play against Samara (#6) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Irkut: P.Aleksandrov 17+5reb+7ast, E.Muraviev 11+5reb, A.Anisimov 10+1reb+1ast, R.Rubinshteyn 9+4reb+1ast, S.Mikhalev 5+2reb, K.Glazyrin 4+5reb+1ast
Ufimets Ufa: A.Zhigulin 26+5reb+1ast, A.Isakov 20+5reb+6ast, M.Kautin 12+1reb, N.Zverev 9+5reb, I.Rusetskiy 8+8reb+3ast, B.Nazmutdinov 6+2reb+3ast

Tags : ADDISON SPRUILL, RUNA BASKET MOSCOW, RUSSIAN BASKETBALL

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

RWANDA

Rwanda to participate in U-18 Afrobasket tourneys - by Eurobasket News

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

SAUDI ARABIA

Al Wehda tabs Mohammed AlMarwani - by Ahmad Madwar

Al Wehda Mecca (SBL) inked 31-year old international center Mohammed AlMarwani (206-89). He has played for the last nine years at Al Ittihad.
AlMarwani also represented Saudi Arabia at the Asian Games in Incheon (South Korea) six years ago. His stats at that event were 3 games: 7.3ppg, 8.7rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 29.0%, FT: 33.3%.
AlMarwani is a very experienced player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : MOHAMMED ALMARWANI, AL WEHDA MECCA, SAUDI ARABIAN BASKETBALL, SAUDI ARABIAN TRANSACTIONS

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

SENEGAL

Adams is back at Douane - by Eurobasket News

AS Douane Dakar (D1) signed 30-year old Senegalese ex-international guard Louis Adams (193-91kg-90, college: Eastern Florida State). It is actually his comeback to Dakar as he has played here before. The last time (19) he played at Tormes in Spanish EBA league. He missed last two seasons and had longer break from professional basketball.
Adams was also a member of Senegalese international program for some years. He played for Senegalese Senior National Team between 2007 and 2017 and previously for U18 National Team in 2008.
Adams represented Senegal at the Afrobasket Championships three years ago. His team won Bronze and his stats at that event were 6 games: 4.7ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.2apg.
Adams is a very experienced player.
He graduated from Eastern Florida State in 2012 and it will be his ninth season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : LOUIS ADAMS, AS DOUANE DAKAR, SENEGALESE BASKETBALL, SENEGALESE TRANSACTIONS

Alkaly Ndour is a newcomer at Douane - by Eurobasket News

Defending champion AS Douane Dakar (D1) strengthened their roster with addition of 22-year old former international point guard Alkaly Ndour (98). Ndour was a member of Senegalese Senior National Team two years ago.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : ALKALY NDOUR, AS DOUANE DAKAR, SENEGALESE BASKETBALL, SENEGALESE TRANSACTIONS

Pape Diop (ex Kalev/TLU) agreed terms with DUC Dakar - by Eurobasket News

DUC Dakar (D1) strengthened their roster with addition of 24-year old Senegalese international forward Pape Diop (202-96, college: Cape Breton). The last time (18-19) he played at Tallinna Ulikool/Kalev in Estonian EstLatBL. Diop has been regularly called to Senegalese Senior National Team since 2019.
He attended Cape Breton University until 2018 and it will be his third season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : PAPE DIOP, DUC DAKAR, SENEGALESE BASKETBALL, SENEGALESE TRANSACTIONS

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

SERBIA

Standings - A Liga

KLS Standings

Regular Season: Round 6

Oct. 31: Dynamic VP - Novi Pazar
Oct. 31: Napredak - Vrsac
Oct. 31: Mladost ZE - Sloga
Oct. 31: Sloboda U. - Tamis
Oct. 31: OKK Beograd - Radnicki KG
Oct. 31: Metalac - Zlatibor
Oct. 31: Pirot - Kolubara
Oct. 31: Vojvodina NS - Dunav SB

La Roda inks Petar Radojicic - by Eurobasket News

Jafep Fundacion Globalcaja La Roda (LEB Silver) agreed terms with 26-year old Serbian forward Petar Radojicic (206-104kg-94, college: St.Mary's, TX, agency: Promo Sport ID). He will still stay in where he played last season at Cantbasket in Spanish EBA league.
He graduated from Saint Mary's University, Texas in 2019 and it will be his second season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

(via @promo_sport_int)

Tags : PETAR RADOJICIC, JAFEP FUNDACION GLOBALCAJA LA RODA, SPANISH BASKETBALL, SPANISH TRANSACTIONS

Novak is back at Mega SoccerBet - by Eurobasket News

(via @yugobasket)

Tags : JOVAN NOVAK, BC MEGA SOCCERBET BEOGRAD, SERBIAN BASKETBALL, SERBIAN TRANSACTIONS, ABA LEAGUE

Coach Scepanovic left KK Partizan NiS Beograd - by Eurobasket News

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

SLOVAKIA

SBL Round 9: Nova Ves defeat Handlova in the closest game of the week - by Eurobasket News

After 9 rounds played we can already see who rules in the SBL and who belongs to weaker ones. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

Sixth-ranked Handlova (2-5) gave a tough game to first ranked Nova Ves (7-1) on Wednesday. The visitors from Nova Ves managed to secure only two-point victory 78-76. However their fans expected much easier game. American point guard Jarvis Garrett (182-95, college: URI) stepped up and scored 18 points for the winners and his fellow American import guard Delano Spencer (190-94, college: TSU) chipped in 17 points. The best for the losing side was Montenegrin point guard Goran Bulatovic (186-88) with 9 points and 11 assists. Nova Ves have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They maintain first place with 7-1 record. Handlova at the other side keeps the sixth position with five games lost. Nova Ves are looking forward to face Levice (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Handlova will play against Iskra Svit and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Fourth ranked Levice (4-4) beat at home 7th ranked Inter Bratislava (2-6) by 8 points 88-80, which is the biggest margin this round. International point guard Simon Krajcovic (191-94, college: LMU) nailed a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 assists for the winning side and Boris Bojanovsky accounted for 13 points and 7 rebounds. Lithuanian forward Arnas Berucka (196-97, agency: Octagon Europe) came up with 24 points for Inter Bratislava in the defeat. Inter Bratislava's coach Alberto Blanco rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Levice moved-up to third place. Inter Bratislava lost their third game in a row. Defending champion stay at the bottom position with six games lost. Levice will play against league's leader Nova Ves on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Inter Bratislava will play against the league's second-placed Lucenec (#2) and hopes to get back on the winning track.

In the last game of round 9 Prievidza lost to Lucenec on the opponent's court 71-77.

Handlova - Nova Ves 76-78

Sixth-ranked Handlova (2-5) gave a tough game to first ranked Nova Ves (7-1) on Wednesday. The visitors from Nova Ves managed to secure only two-point victory 78-76. However their fans expected much easier game. American point guard Jarvis Garrett (182-95, college: URI) stepped up and scored 18 points for the winners and his fellow American import guard Delano Spencer (190-94, college: TSU) chipped in 17 points. The best for the losing side was Montenegrin point guard Goran Bulatovic (186-88) with 9 points and 11 assists and the former international guard Marek Jass (194-90) scored 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Nova Ves have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They maintain first place with 7-1 record. Handlova at the other side keeps the sixth position with five games lost. Nova Ves are looking forward to face Levice (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Handlova will play against Iskra Svit and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Nova Ves: J.Garrett 18+4reb+3ast, D.Spencer 17+3reb+1ast, T.Mrvis 13+3reb+3ast, M.Batka 9+3reb, M.Stevanovic 8+7reb+2ast, M.Nikolic 7+6reb+4ast
Handlova: B.Matych 14+1reb, D.Hlivak 13+3reb+2ast, M.Jass 12+5reb+5ast, S.Jankovic 11+6reb+3ast, G.Bulatovic 9+3reb+11ast, A.Zecevic 8+9reb

Lucenec - Prievidza 77-71

Rather expected game when 5th ranked Prievidza (3-5) was defeated on the road by second ranked Lucenec (6-2) 77-71. Strangely Prievidza outrebounded Lucenec 41-26 including 27 on the defensive glass. International guard Robert Rozanek (190-96) nailed 18 points and 8 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) for the winning side and American forward James Murray-Boyles (201-97, college: UNCP) accounted for 14 points and 7 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Slovenian guard Miha Vasl (192-92) came up with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists and American guard Zac Seljaas (201-97, college: BYU) added 11 points and 8 rebounds respectively for Prievidza in the defeat. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Lucenec maintains second place with 6-2 record behind leader Nova Ves. Prievidza at the other side keeps the fifth position with five games lost. Lucenec will play against bottom-ranked Inter Bratislava (#7) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Prievidza will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Lucenec: R.Rozanek 18+8ast, K.Anikenko 14+6reb, J.Murray-Boyles 14+7reb, D.Hawkins 12+3reb+3ast, S.Jackuliak 12+1ast, J.Zorvan 6+2reb+2ast
Prievidza: M.Vasl 23+11reb+6ast, M.Majercak 13+4reb+2ast, Z.Seljaas 11+8reb+2ast, R.Louiserre 10+3reb, D.Bjeletic 10+8reb, L.Robertin 4+3reb+1ast

Levice - Inter Bratislava 88-80

Fourth ranked Levice (4-4) beat at home 7th ranked Inter Bratislava (2-6) by 8 points 88-80, which is the biggest margin this round. International point guard Simon Krajcovic (191-94, college: LMU) nailed a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 assists for the winning side and the former international center Boris Bojanovsky (217-93, college: FSU) accounted for 13 points and 7 rebounds. Four Levice players scored in double figures. Lithuanian forward Arnas Berucka (196-97, agency: Octagon Europe) came up with 24 points and the former international Richard Korner (200-90, agency: 011 Sports) added 24 points respectively for Inter Bratislava in the defeat. Inter Bratislava's coach Alberto Blanco rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Levice moved-up to third place. Inter Bratislava lost their third game in a row. Defending champion stay at the bottom position with six games lost. Levice will play against league's leader Nova Ves on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Inter Bratislava will play against the league's second-placed Lucenec (#2) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Levice: S.Krajcovic 25+2reb+11ast, H.Wade-Chatman 16+5reb+1ast, B.Bojanovsky 13+7reb+2ast, D.Abraham 12+3ast, M.Bachan 9+4reb, T.Chernokojev 6+7reb
Inter Bratislava: R.Korner 24+1reb+1ast, A.Berucka 24+4reb+1ast, L.Lopez 14+4reb+7ast, M.Matus 8+1reb, M.Fusek 6+12reb+2ast, B.Tomas 3+1reb

Tags : JARVIS GARRETT, SPISSKI RYTIERI NOVA VES, SLOVAKIAN BASKETBALL

Krajcovic number one in Slovakia for round 9 (by Interperformances) - by Eurobasket News

International Point guard Simon Krajcovic (191-PG-94) had a great game in the last round for Levice, receiving a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 9.
The 26-year old player got a double-double of 25 points and 11 assists, while his team beat Inter Bratislava (#7, 2-6) 88-80. Levice is placed at 3rd position in Slovakian SBL. Levice is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 4-4 record. In the team's last game Krajcovic had a remarkable five three-pointers out of 9 attempts. He has many years of experience at Levice, through which he has constantly improved. Former Loyola Marymount University star has very solid stats this year. Krajcovic is in league's top in assists (4th best: 6.0apg) and averages impressive 2.3spg and 58.3% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 28-year old Slovenian Miha Vasl (192-G-92) of Prievidza. Vasl had a very good evening with a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds. Bad luck as Prievidza lost that game 71-77 to the higher-ranked Lucenec (#2, 6-2). Prievidza is still second from the bottom in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 3-5 record. Vasl is a newcomer at Prievidza, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 17.0ppg (#7). His other stats are also decent: 6.5rpg and 3.8apg.

Third on the list of top players last round was former international Richard Korner (200-SF-90, agency: 011 Sports) of Inter Bratislava (#7). Korner scored 24 points. Despite Korner's great performance Inter Bratislava lost 80-88 to the higher-ranked Levice (#3, 4-4). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Inter Bratislava can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have extremely bad season and 2-6 record places them at the very bottom of the standings. Korner has a very solid season. In 7 games in Slovakia he scored 16.3ppg. He also has 4.9rpg and FGP: 60.6%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Arnas Berucka (196-F-97) of Inter Bratislava - 24 points and 4 rebounds
5. Jarvis Garrett (182-PG-95) of Nova Ves - 18 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Robert Rozanek (190-G-96) of Lucenec - 18 points and 8 assists
7. Konstantin Anikenko (218-C-92) of Lucenec - 14 points and 6 rebounds
8. Michal Fusek (224-C-95) of Inter Bratislava - 6 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Boris Bojanovsky (217-C-93) of Levice - 13 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Marko Stevanovic (203-F-94) of Nova Ves - 8 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists

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

Tags : SIMON KRAJCOVIC, PATRIOTI LEVICE, SLOVAKIAN BASKETBALL

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

SOUTH KOREA

Davis' double-double lands him Interperformances Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News

23-year old center Tyler Davis (208-C-97) had an amazing evening in the last round for KCC Egis and receives a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 6.
He had a double-double of 28 points and 16 rebounds, while his team crushed DB Promy (#9, 3-5) with 16-point margin 85-69. KCC Egis is placed at 4th position in South Korean league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. KCC Egis will need more victories to improve their 4-3 record. Davis turned to be KCC Egis' top player in his first season with the team. Texas A&M University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Davis is in league's top in points (3rd best: 20.0ppg), rebounds (2nd best: 10.6rpg) and averages solid 1.1bpg and 57.4% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Jakeenan Gant (203-F-96) of Mobis Phoebus. He is American forward in his first season at Mobis Phoebus. In the last game Gant recorded impressive 29 points and 5 rebounds. Of course he led Mobis Phoebus to another comfortable win 102-89 over the lower-ranked Samsung Th. (#10, 1-6) being unquestionably team leader. This victory allowed Mobis Phoebus to move up to 6th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 3-4 record. Gant is a newcomer at Mobis Phoebus and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 16.9ppg (#9). He also registered 6.4 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to center Isaiah Hicks (206-C-94) of Samsung Th. (#10). Hicks scored 29 points. Despite Hicks' great performance Samsung Th. lost 89-102 to the higher-ranked Mobis Phoebus (#6, 3-4). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. Samsung Th. can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have extremely bad season and 1-6 record places them at the very bottom of the standings. Hicks has individually a great season in South Korea. After only 7 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 17.7ppg (7th best). He also has 2.3bpg and FGP: 55.1%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Henry Sims (208-C-90) of ET Land - 18 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Jameel Warney (203-C-94) of SK Knights - 20 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Cady Lalanne (208-C-92) of LG Sakers - 18 points and 10 rebounds
7. Kyochang Song (200-F-96) of KCC Egis - 19 points and 8 rebounds
8. Bukyung Choi (200-F-89) of SK Knights - 14 points, 18 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Marcus Derrickson (201-F-96) of KT Sonicboom - 25 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Dongseop Lim (198-F-90) of Samsung Th. - 19 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists

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

Tags : TYLER DAVIS, KCC EGIS, SOUTH KOREAN BASKETBALL

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

SPAIN

Stats Leaders - ACB

Points Per Game

Melo TRIMBLE
  Fuenlabrada
  (190-G-95)
  Avg: 21

1. Trimble Fuenlabrada	21.0
2. Frankamp UCAM M	18.6
3. Shermadini Tenerife	18.2
4. Hannah Andorra	17.1
5. Ennis Zaragoza	16.9
6. Gentile Estudiantes	15.8
7. Mirotic Barca	15.8
8. Birutis Obradoiro	15.6
9. Roberson Estu.	15.4
10. Tomic Joventut	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Tyson PEREZ
  Andorra
  (202-C-96)
  Avg: 7.4

1. Perez Andorra	7.4
2. Balvin Bilbao	7.4
3. Tavares Real M	7.1
4. Hlinason Zaragoza	7.0
5. Lima UCAM Murcia	6.7
6. Birutis Obradoiro	6.5
7. Radovic UCAM M	6.3
8. Tomic Joventut	6.3
9. Gentile Estudiantes	6.2
10. Kay Real Betis	6.1

Assists Per Game

Daniel PEREZ
  Manresa
  (188-PG-90)
  Avg: 7

1. Perez Manresa	7.0
2. Huertas Tenerife	6.0
3. Campazzo Real M	5.7
4. Cook Burgos	5.7
5. Mekel Unicaja	5.5
6. Renfroe Burgos	5.5
7. Trimble Fuenlabrada	5.2
8. Ribas Joventut	5.0
9. Calathes Barca	5.0
10. Heurtel Barca	4.9

Steals Per Game

T.J. CAMPBELL
  Real B
  (175-PG-88)
  Avg: 2

1. Campbell Real B	2.0
2. Diaz Unicaja	1.9
3. Perez Andorra	1.8
4. Della Valle Gran	1.8
5. Kravic Burgos	1.8
6. Henry Baskonia	1.8
7. Lima UCAM Murcia	1.7
8. Ennis Zaragoza	1.7
9. Trimble Fuenlabrada	1.7
10. Dubljevic Valencia	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Malik DIME
  Andorra
  (206-C-92)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Dime Andorra	2.3
2. Tavares Real M	2.1
3. Nzosa Unicaja	2.0
4. Birutis Obradoiro	1.5
5. Brown Estudiantes	1.5
6. Lima UCAM Murcia	1.3
7. Echenique Gipuzkoa	1.3
8. Ndoye Real Betis	1.3
9. Costello Gran C	1.1
10. Hlinason Zaragoza	1.0

Stats Leaders - LEB Gold

Points Per Game

Ronnie HARRELL
  Palma
  (201-G-96)
  Avg: 22

1. Harrell Palma	22.0
2. Kullamaee Palma	20.0
3. Timmer Valladolid	17.5
4. Adala Moto Castello	17.5
5. Pitts Alicante	16.0
6. Llorente Melilla	16.0
7. Cvetinovic Almansa	15.5
8. Bropleh Granada	15.5
9. De La Fuente Vall.	15.0
10. Murphy Granada	15.0

Rebounds Per Game

Ronnie HARRELL
  Palma
  (201-G-96)
  Avg: 11

1. Harrell Palma	11.0
2. Lafuente Huesca	10.0
3. Adala Moto Castello	8.0
4. van Zegeren Vall.	8.0
5. Jawara Palma	8.0
6. Norelia Oviedo	7.0
7. Joseph Ourense	7.0
8. Vega Coruna	7.0
9. Diaz Palma	7.0
10. Cruz Uceda Breogan	7.0

Assists Per Game

Christian DIAZ
  Granada
  (185-PG-92)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Diaz Granada	7.5
2. Martin Real Canoe	6.5
3. Alvarado Castello	6.0
4. Llompart Alicante	5.5
5. Diaz Palma	5.0
6. Garcia Girona	5.0
7. Bropleh Granada	4.5
8. Jawara Palma	4.0
9. de la Rua Real C	4.0
10. Duran Castello	4.0

Steals Per Game

Marc-Eddy NORELIA
  Oviedo
  (203-F-93)
  Avg: 4

1. Norelia Oviedo	4.0
2. Harris Almansa	3.5
3. Monaghan Coruna	3.0
4. Busquets Girona	2.5
5. Pitts Alicante	2.5
6. Frey Oviedo	2.0
7. Pena Coruna	2.0
8. Sabat Girona	2.0
9. Del Aguila Caceres	2.0
10. Paasoja Valladolid	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Bamba FALL
  Granada
  (217-C-86)
  Avg: 3

1. Fall Granada	3.0
2. Harrell Palma	2.0
3. Okeke Real Murcia	1.5
4. Fall Ourense	1.3
5. Cruz Uceda Breogan	1.0
6. Omogbo Huesca	1.0
7. Larsen Breogan	1.0
8. Marti Oviedo	1.0
9. Dimitrijevic Oure.	0.7
10. Vila Huesca	0.5

Euroleague: CSKA dominate Valencia in Moscow - by Eurobasket News

Euroleague: Real ease past Bayern in Madrid - by Eurobasket News

Fuenlabrada tabs Charlon Kloof - by Eurobasket News

(via @romaiorsports)

Tags : CHARLON KLOOF, MONTAKIT FUENLABRADA, SPANISH BASKETBALL, SPANISH TRANSACTIONS

Moron sign a second import player - by Eurobasket News

(via @promo_sport_int)

Tags : GULLIT MUKENDI, ACEITUNAS FRAGATA MORON, SPANISH BASKETBALL, SPANISH TRANSACTIONS

La Roda inks Petar Radojicic - by Eurobasket News

(via @promo_sport_int)

Tags : PETAR RADOJICIC, JAFEP FUNDACION GLOBALCAJA LA RODA, SPANISH BASKETBALL, SPANISH TRANSACTIONS

Nicolas Maffei (ex Belgrano SN) signs at Xerez - by Eurobasket News

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

SWEDEN

Stats Leaders - Basketligan

Points Per Game

Terry LARRIER
  Norrkoping
  (203-G/F-95)
  Avg: 15

1. Larrier, Norrkoping	15.0
2. Ramstedt, Norr.	15.0
3. Ronnqvist, BC L	13.0
4. Arvidsson, BC L	13.0
5. Harris, Boras	12.0
6. Murry, BC Lulea	11.5
7. Stokes, Norrkoping	11.0
8. Gutenius, Boras	11.0
9. Klassen, Boras	10.5
10. Woodson, Boras	10.0

Rebounds Per Game

Axel NORDSTROM
  BC L
  (194-PF-91)
  Avg: 11.5

1. Nordstrom, BC L	11.5
2. Ramstedt, Norr.	11.5
3. Carr, Norrkoping	9.0
4. Harris, Boras	7.5
5. Davis, BC Lulea	7.0
6. Davis, Boras	6.5
7. Gutenius, Boras	6.0
8. Larrier, Norrkoping	6.0
9. Murry, BC Lulea	6.0
10. Gunnarsson, Boras	5.5

Assists Per Game

Axel NORDSTROM
  BC L
  (194-PF-91)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Nordstrom, BC L	4.5
2. Stokes, Norrkoping	4.5
3. Murry, BC Lulea	3.5
4. Klassen, Boras	3.5
5. Schuberg, Norr.	3.5
6. Davis, Boras	2.5
7. Johansson, Boras	2.5
8. Ronnqvist, BC L	2.5
9. Person, Boras	1.5
10. Arvidsson, BC L	1.5

Steals Per Game

Axel NORDSTROM
  BC L
  (194-PF-91)
  Avg: 2

1. Nordstrom, BC L	2.0
2. Murry, BC Lulea	2.0
3. Larrier, Norrkoping	2.0
4. Ramstedt, Norr.	1.5
5. Ronnqvist, BC L	1.5
6. Davis, BC Lulea	1.5
7. Davis, Boras	1.5
8. Terins, Norrkoping	1.0
9. Woodson, Boras	1.0
10. Gutenius, Boras	0.5

Blocks Per Game

William GUTENIUS
  Boras
  (205-SF-92)
  Avg: 1

1. Gutenius, Boras	1.0
2. Person, Boras	0.5
3. Ramstedt, Norr.	0.5
4. Davis, BC Lulea	0.5
5. Stokes, Norrkoping	0.5
6. Murry, BC Lulea	0.5
7. Terins, Norrkoping	0.5
8. Arvidsson, BC L	0.5
9. Nordstrom, BC L	0.5
10. Davis, BC Lulea	0.5

Elias Desport (ex Schwelm) signs at Fryshuset - by Eurobasket News

Newly promoted KFUM Fryshuset Basket (Basketligan) landed 28-year old Swedish forward Elias Desport (203-104kg-92, college: St.Peter's). He played most recently at EN Baskets Schwelm in German ProB. In 23 games he averaged 6.3ppg and 4.6rpg in 2018-19 season.
The previous (17-18) season Desport played at Scorchers in British BBL where in 26 games he had 4.5ppg and 4.3rpg.
Desport represented Sweden at the European Championships U18 in Vilnius (Lithuania) ten years ago. His stats at that event were 8 games: 2.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.1apg.
Desport has played previously professionally in Portugal (Sanjoanense) and Sweden (Taby Basket and AIK Basket).
His team made it to the MAAC Tournament Semifinals in 2015.
He attended Saint Peter's University until 2016 and it will be his fifth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : ELIAS DESPORT, KFUM FRYSHUSET BASKET, SWEDISH BASKETBALL, SWEDISH TRANSACTIONS

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

SWITZERLAND

Stats Leaders LNA

Points Per Game

Marko MLADJAN
  Massagno
  (205-PF-93)
  Avg: 26

1. Mladjan Massagno	26.0
2. Cooper Boncourt	21.0
3. Derksen Geneve	20.5
4. Burns Starwings	19.0
5. Jackson Fribourg	19.0
6. Mladjan Massagno	19.0
7. Milon Starwings	17.5
8. Kozic Boncourt	16.5
9. Sane Starwings	15.0
10. Taylor Neuchatel	14.7

Rebounds Per Game

Cheikh SANE
  Starwings
  (207-C/F-92)
  Avg: 11.5

1. Sane Starwings	11.5
2. Jankovic Boncourt	11.3
3. Chukwu Massagno	10.7
4. Nzege Geneve	8.5
5. Morris Fribourg	8.0
6. Humphrey Neuchatel	8.0
7. Mladjan Massagno	6.5
8. Nottage Massagno	5.7
9. Derksen Geneve	5.5
10. Adams Geneve	5.0

Assists Per Game

Eric NOTTAGE
  Massagno
  (187-G-94)
  Avg: 8.7

1. Nottage Massagno	8.7
2. Barnette Fribourg	5.0
3. Burns Starwings	5.0
4. Jackson Fribourg	4.5
5. Derksen Geneve	4.5
6. Cooper Boncourt	4.3
7. Ivanov Geneve	4.0
8. Martino Massagno	3.7
9. Humphrey Neuchatel	3.7
10. Taylor Neuchatel	3.7

Steals Per Game

Marquis JACKSON
  Fribourg
  (183-G-94)
  Avg: 2

1. Jackson Fribourg	2.0
2. Milon Starwings	1.5
3. Cotture Fribourg	1.5
4. Barnette Fribourg	1.5
5. Kozic Boncourt	1.5
6. Garrett Fribourg	1.5
7. Zinn Fribourg	1.5
8. Nottage Massagno	1.3
9. Cooper Boncourt	1.3
10. Martino Massagno	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Paschal CHUKWU
  Massagno
  (218-C-95)
  Avg: 3.7

1. Chukwu Massagno	3.7
2. Gravet Fribourg	1.5
3. Haile Starwings	1.5
4. Cotture Fribourg	1.0
5. Mladjan Massagno	1.0
6. Garrett Fribourg	1.0
7. Fongue Boncourt	0.8
8. Giddens Neuchatel	0.7
9. Hart Fribourg	0.5
10. Sane Starwings	0.5

SBL Round 4: Boncourt lose to Geneve in the game between Top 4 teams - by Eurobasket News

Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The game between Top Four teams took place in Geneve. Top-ranked host Geneve (2-0) defeated their biggest opponent Boncourt (2-2) 96-87. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Boncourt. Geneve made 24-of-30 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. It was a great shooting night for Geneve especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.6 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. 26 personal fouls committed by Boncourt helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American swingman Timothy Derksen (192-93, college: USF) who helped to win the game recording 22 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists and the former international Roberto Kovac (190-90) who added 19 points and 4 assists during the contest. At the losing side American guard Devin Cooper (189-97, college: Catawba) responded with 29 points and 4 assists. Geneve moved-up to second place. Boncourt at the other side dropped to the third position with two games lost. Geneve are looking forward to face league's leader Massagno on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Boncourt will play against Monthey and is hoping to win this game.
Bottom-ranked Starwings (0-2) is still winless. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their second consecutive match to top-ranked Massagno (3-0) 91-73. The winners were led by the former international Marko Mladjan (205-93) who scored that evening 28 points and 5 rebounds and Paschal Chukwu supported him with 11 points and 14 rebounds. Even a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds by Senegalese power forward Cheikh Sane (207-92, college: Marshall) did not help to save the game for Starwings. Massagno have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader. Starwings at the other side still closes the standings with two games lost. Massagno will play against league's second-placed Geneve at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Starwings will play against Fribourg (#4) and hope to get finally their first victory.

Geneve - Boncourt 96-87

The game between Top Four teams took place in Geneve. Top-ranked host Geneve (2-0) defeated their biggest opponent Boncourt (2-2) 96-87. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Boncourt. Geneve made 24-of-30 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. It was a great shooting night for Geneve especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.6 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. 26 personal fouls committed by Boncourt helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American swingman Timothy Derksen (192-93, college: USF) who helped to win the game recording 22 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists and the former international Roberto Kovac (190-90) who added 19 points and 4 assists during the contest. At the losing side American guard Devin Cooper (189-97, college: Catawba) responded with 29 points and 4 assists and Serbian center Milos Jankovic (206-94) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 13 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Geneve moved-up to second place. Boncourt at the other side dropped to the third position with two games lost. Geneve are looking forward to face league's leader Massagno on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Boncourt will play against Monthey and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Boncourt: D.Cooper 29+1reb+4ast, J.Kozic 16+1reb+2ast, N.Calasan 15+5reb, M.Jankovic 12+13reb+3ast, A.Savon 7+1reb+2ast, E.Fongue 5+1ast
Geneve: T.Derksen 22+8reb+6ast, R.Kovac 19+4ast, I.Ivanov 15+7ast, E.Adams 10+4reb, J.Jaunin 9+1reb+1ast, M.Maruotto 8+2reb

Starwings - Massagno 73-91

Bottom-ranked Starwings (0-2) is still winless. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their second consecutive match to top-ranked Massagno (3-0) 91-73. Massagno brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. Starwings were plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. The winners were led by the former international Marko Mladjan (205-93) who scored that evening 28 points and 5 rebounds and Nigerian center Paschal Chukwu (218-95, college: Syracuse) supported him with 11 points and 14 rebounds. Four Massagno players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds by Senegalese power forward Cheikh Sane (207-92, college: Marshall) did not help to save the game for Starwings. American guard Matt Milon (196-96, college: UCF) added 20 points for lost side. Massagno have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader. Starwings at the other side still closes the standings with two games lost. Massagno will play against league's second-placed Geneve at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Starwings will play against Fribourg (#4) and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Starwings: M.Milon 20+4reb+2ast, C.Sane 18+14reb+3ast, D.Burns 14+4reb+7ast, V.Milenkovic 7+5reb+1ast, N.Krill 6+3reb+1ast, S.Davet 3+3reb
Massagno: M.Mladjan 28+5reb+1ast, D.Mladjan 17+4reb, E.Nottage 13+2reb+6ast, P.Chukwu 11+14reb, B.Richardson 8+2reb+2ast, D.Andjelkovic 7+1reb+2ast

Tags : TIMOTHY DERKSEN, LIONS DE GENEVE, SWISS BASKETBALL

Derksen number one in Switzerland for round 4 - by Eurobasket News

American Swingman Timothy Derksen (192-G/F-93) had a great game in the last round for second-ranked Geneve, receiving a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 4.
The 27-year old player was the main contributor (22 points, eight rebounds and six assists) to his team's victory, helping them to beat Boncourt (#3, 2-2) 96-87. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Geneve is placed at 2nd position in Swiss SBL. They maintain a perfect record without any lost game in the league. But it's just the very beginning of the season and Geneve won both games without losing any. It's too early to say anything as the standings can be changed completely after next round. In the team's last game Derksen had a remarkable 53.8% from 2-point range. He turned to be Geneve's top player in his first season with the team. Former University of San Francisco star has very solid stats this year. Derksen is in league's top in points (3rd best: 20.5ppg), rebounds (9th best: 5.5rpg), assists (5th best: 4.5apg) and averages impressive 65.0% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 28-year old Senegalese Cheikh Sane (207-C/F-92) of Starwings. Sane had a very good evening with a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds. Bad luck as Starwings lost that game 73-91 to league's leader Massagno (#1, 3-0). Starwings are still at the very bottom. 2 lost games are too many considering they did not win any game. Sane is a newcomer at Starwings, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 15.0ppg (#9). He also registered 11.5 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was Nigerian center Paschal Chukwu (218-C-95) of league's top team Massagno. Chukwu scored 11 points and grabbed fourteen rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Massagno, leading his team to a 91-73 easy win against Starwings (#9, 0-2). Massagno started extremely well this year. They recorded 3 victories without losing a single game. Chukwu turns to be one of the very best players in the league while he is also a leader of the top team having his eyes on the championship title. Chukwu has a great season in Switzerland. After only 3 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 10.7rpg (3rd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Marko Mladjan (205-PF-93) of Massagno - 28 points and 5 rebounds
5. Devin Cooper (189-G-97) of Boncourt - 29 points and 4 assists
6. Milos Jankovic (206-C-94) of Boncourt - 12 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Matt Milon (196-G-96) of Starwings - 20 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Ive Ivanov (200-PF-85) of Geneve - 15 points and 7 assists
9. Nemanja Calasan (206-C-85) of Boncourt - 15 points and 5 rebounds
10. Roberto Kovac (190-SG-90) of Geneve - 19 points and 4 assists

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

Tags : TIMOTHY DERKSEN, LIONS DE GENEVE, SWISS BASKETBALL

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

TURKEY

Euroleague: Fenerbahce upset Maccabi in Tel Aviv - by Eurobasket News

Tofas ink coach Hakan Demir - by Eurobasket News

Tofas Bursa (BSL) agreed terms with experienced 52-year old coach Hakan Demir. He has coached for the last two seasons at Bandirma in the Folded.
He has coached previously five other teams: Trabzonspor, Turk Telekom, Erdemir, Balikesir and Aliaga. Demir's team made it to the Gloria Final Four.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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

UKRAINE

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Josh FORTUNE
  Zaporizhye
  (196-G-94)
  Avg: 19

1. Fortune Zaporizhye	19.0
2. Omoerah Mykolaiv	19.0
3. Jones Cherkasy	18.7
4. Caffey Zaporizhye	18.4
5. Nelson Khimik	18.2
6. Kobets Cherkasy	17.8
7. Reed Prometey	17.4
8. Ugba Ternopil-TNEU	16.3
9. Kondrakov Odessa	14.8
10. Sullivan Khimik	14.6

Rebounds Per Game

Lewis SULLIVAN
  Khimik
  (201-F-95)
  Avg: 8.6

1. Sullivan Khimik	8.6
2. Myers Prometey	8.4
3. Grytsak Zaporizhye	8.3
4. Ugba Ternopil-TNEU	8.2
5. Korniyenko Dnipro	7.7
6. Dendy K.Sokoly	7.5
7. Kushnirov Mykolaiv	7.4
8. Anisimovas Budi.	7.4
9. Koreniuk Kyiv B	7.3
10. Johnson Budivelnyk	6.8

Assists Per Game

Klym ARTAMONOV
  Mykolaiv
  (185-PG-93)
  Avg: 8.7

1. Artamonov Mykolaiv	8.7
2. Lukashov Prometey	6.6
3. Caffey Zaporizhye	6.0
4. Massey Kyiv B	5.7
5. Boyarkin K.Sokoly	5.7
6. Dugat Dnipro	5.5
7. Kondrakov Odessa	5.4
8. Johnson Budivelnyk	5.0
9. Graf K.Sokoly	4.5
10. Young Kyiv Basket	4.3

Steals Per Game

Andriy GRYTSAK
  Zaporizhye
  (198-SF-0)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Grytsak Zaporizhye	2.3
2. Fortune Zaporizhye	2.2
3. Zotov Khimik	2.0
4. Lukashov Prometey	2.0
5. Reed Prometey	2.0
6. Johnson Budivelnyk	2.0
7. Kondrakov Odessa	2.0
8. Boyarkin K.Sokoly	1.7
9. Ward Ternopil-TNEU	1.7
10. Korniyenko Dnipro	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Rhamel BROWN
  Odessa
  (201-F-92)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Brown Odessa	2.4
2. Kravtsov Dnipro	1.3
3. Grytsak Zaporizhye	1.3
4. Ward Ternopil-TNEU	1.3
5. Agafonov Tern.	1.3
6. Belikov Prometey	1.2
7. Stephens Prometey	1.0
8. Skapintsev Cherkasy	1.0
9. Davydiuk Odessa	1.0
10. Voinalovych Khimik	1.0

Artamonov comes back to Odessa - by Sergey Cherkasov

BC Odessa (Superleague) added to their roster 27-year old ex-international point guard Klym Artamonov (185-91kg-93, agency: Dynamics Global Management). It is actually his comeback to Odessa as he has played here before. Artamonov already started the season at MBC Mykolaiv (Superleague). In three games he recorded 8.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 8.7apg and 1.3spg this season. The last season Artamonov played at BC Odessa where in 24 Superleague games he averaged 9.7ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.9apg and 1.0spg.
He was also a member of Ukrainian international program for some years. Artamonov played for Ukrainian Senior National Team between 2012 and 2017 and previously for U20 National Team between 2012 and 2013.
He also represented Ukraine at the World University Games in Taipei (Taiwan) three years ago. His stats at that event were 8 games: 7.5ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.9apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 14.8%, FT: 75.0%.
Artamonov is quite experienced player. He has played also professionally in Lithuania (Siauliai, Delikatesas and Pakruojis), Russia (Spartak Primorie Vladivostok), Spain (Araberri) and Ukraine (BIPA Odessa and Cherkasy).
The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others Artamonov was voted Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian Superleague 2nd Team in 2018.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : KLYM ARTAMONOV, BC ODESSA, UKRAINIAN BASKETBALL, UKRAINIAN TRANSACTIONS

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

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Al Wahda signs Hameed Ali, ex Panteras - by Ahmad Madwar

Donald Robinson (ex Bigua) agreed terms with Al Jazeera - by Eurobasket News

Al Jazeera Abu Dhabi (D1) inked 31-year old American guard Donald Robinson (192-85kg-89, college: WVU Tech). He played most recently at Bigua in Uruguayan LUB league. In 8 games he recorded 12.8ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.6apg and 1.4spg last season. Robinson also played for Gimnasia in Argentinian La Liga where in 11 games he averaged 9.1ppg and 1.9rpg.
Robinson is a very experienced player. He has quite traveled the world as his pro career brought him to four different countries on three different continents (Europe, Latin America and of course North America). Robinson has played previously professionally also in Hungary (Atomeromu), United Kingdom (Plymouth Raiders and Glasgow Rocks) and Czech Republic (Usti n/Labem and GBA Lions Jindrichuv Hradec).
His team made it to the Hungarian League Semifinals in 2016.
He attended West Virginia University Institute of Technology until 2012 and it will be his ninth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : DONALD ROBINSON, AL JAZEERA ABU DHABI, UAE BASKETBALL, UAE TRANSACTIONS

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

UNITED KINGDOM

RAIDERS READY AS CHRIS COMPLETES THE ROSTER - by Jeff King

COURTESY : www.plymouthraiders.com

Plymouth Raiders have completed the final piece of the puzzle as the club announce the signing of the versatile American Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Chris Porter-Bunton (196-G/F-95, college: Austin Peay).

The 25 year old Exercise Science Major from Austin Peay, Tennessee originally hails from Kentucky and enjoyed a Pre NBA Draft run-out with the Charlotte Hornets in 2019 before heading to Europe.

Porter-Bunton kick started his pro career at Romanian side CSM Galati and made an impressive start in his rookie year, notching up on average 24 minutes per game, scoring 14 points, 2.6 assists and 5 rebounds with a win/loss of 13 -6 before Covid interrupted the season.

Also, known for his tough defensive game, Porter-Bunton completes the new look Raiders 20/21 line up as the team get ready for their opening game on Friday 13th November against derby rivals Bristol Flyers in the BBL Cup.

Chris added;

'I'm blessed and thankful to be here and playing the game that I love, especially with this pandemic. I'm ready to get out there and compete in this competitive league'

Coach Paul James;

'We're really happy with the signing of Chris Porter-Bunton and we feel that he is a strong addition to our team and will make a great contribution to our season.

He's a big Guard who comes to us having played his rookie season for CSM Galati in the Romanian Liga Nationala where he put up some impressive stats.

He is a quick, strong and dynamic player who can score in multiple ways as well as being strong defensively. He plays with intelligence and a great attitude and we are very pleased to have been able to sign him ahead of the start of the season.'

Tags : CHRIS PORTER-BUNTON, CSM GALATI, BRITISH BASKETBALL

Worcester Wolves keep Johnson-Thompson for another season - by Eurobasket News

Worcester Wolves (BBL) re-signed 22-year old forward Daniel Johnson-Thompson (202-98). He has played there for the last two seasons.
He has played previously for played also at Oaklands.
Johnson-Thompson won BBL Cup in 2020.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : DANIEL JOHNSON-THOMPSON, WORCESTER WOLVES, BRITISH BASKETBALL, BRITISH TRANSACTIONS

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

URUGUAY

Donald Robinson (ex Bigua) agreed terms with Al Jazeera - by Eurobasket News

Tags : DONALD ROBINSON, AL JAZEERA ABU DHABI, UAE BASKETBALL, UAE TRANSACTIONS

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

VENEZUELA

Guaiqueries land Anthony Perez - by Francisco Vega

Guaiqueries de Margarita (SLB) tabbed 27-year old international forward Anthony Perez (206-97kg-93, college: Ole Miss). He played in the summer at Trotamundos in the LPB.
Perez has been also a member of Venezuelan international program for some years. He has regularly played for Venezuelan senior team since 2012 and previously for U17 National Team back in 2009.
Perez represented Venezuela at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) four years ago. His stats at that event were 5 games: 5.8ppg, 1.6rpg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 0.0%.
Perez has played previously professionally also in Mexico (Soles).
Among many awards Perez's team won Venezuelan LPB Cup in 2019. He received also Latinbasket.com All-Venezuelan LNB Most Improved Player of the Year award and Latinbasket.com All-Venezuelan LNB 1st Team award back in 2017.
He attended University of Mississippi until 2016 and it will be his fifth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : ANTHONY PEREZ, GUAIQUERIES DE MARGARITA, VENEZUELAN BASKETBALL, VENEZUELAN TRANSACTIONS

Centauros sign Kelvin Pena, ex Club San Jose - by Francisco Vega

Tags : KELVIN PENA, CENTAUROS DE PORTUGUESA, VENEZUELAN BASKETBALL, VENEZUELAN TRANSACTIONS

Centauros sign Edgar Lugo - by Francisco Vega

Centauros de Portuguesa (SLB) signed experienced 38-year old Dominican guard Edgar Lugo (189-82, college: Lehman). The last time (18) he played at La Mattica in La Vega League in Dominican Republic.
He is quite experienced player. Lugo has played also professionally in Mexico, Puerto Rico and Venezuela (Guaros de Lara 2nd team and Guaros) and Dominican Republic (Caneros Del Este, Parque Hostos and Reales de La Vega).
Lugo won Liga Americas championship title in 2016.
Lugo attended Lehman College until 2003 and it will be his tenth season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : EDGAR LUGO, CENTAUROS DE PORTUGUESA, VENEZUELAN BASKETBALL, VENEZUELAN TRANSACTIONS

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

VIETNAM

Lamontray Harris gets MVP of the Week award for Vietnamese VBA (by Interperformances) - by Eurobasket News

American Lamontray Harris (201-F-95, agency: One Motive Sports) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Nhatrang D. and that's him to receive a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 3.
The 25-year old forward had a double-double of 34 points and twenty seven rebounds, while his team beat Danang D. (2-2) 94-87. Nhatrang D. is placed at 4th position in Vietnamese VBA. Nhatrang D. is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 2-2 record. In the team's last game Harris had a remarkable 52.4% from 2-point range. He turned to be Nhatrang D.'s top player in his first season with the team. Morehead State University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Harris is in league's top in points (3rd best: 24.8ppg), rebounds (2nd best: 22.8rpg) and averages solid 52.3% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 30-year old American forward Darrell Miller (203-F-90) of Danang D.. Miller impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 43 points and 18 rebounds. Bad luck as Danang D. lost that game 87-94 to Nhatrang D. (2-2). The season is still at the very beginning and this lost game may not be such crucial, of course if they start win the games. Let's wait for the next round. Miller is a newcomer at Danang D. and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 29.3ppg (#2). He also registered 14.3 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was American Michael Bell (206-F-82) of Hanoi B. (#7). Bell showcased his all-around game by recording 28 points, sixteen rebounds (!!!) and five assists in the last round. Despite Bell's great performance Hanoi B. lost 81-84 to Can Tho CF (#3, 3-2). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. Hanoi B. can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have extremely bad season and 1-3 record places them at the very bottom of the standings. Bell has individually a great season in Vietnam. After only 4 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 21.5ppg (7th best) and rebounds with 20.0rpg (3rd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Leon Hampton (213-C-95) of Can Tho CF - 24 points, 20 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Robert Crawford (198-G/F-90) of Thang Long W. - 29 points, 17 rebounds and 6 assists
6. Tu Le Ngoc (182-PG-90) of Hochiminh CW - 26 points and 7 rebounds
7. Vinh Nguyen Huynh (202-F/C-98) of Saigon H. - 19 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Christian Juzang (188-G-97) of Saigon H. - 27 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Tam Dinh Thanh (192-F/G-95) of Can Tho CF - 22 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Hien Hoang The (187-PF-95) of Thang Long W. - 13 points and 6 rebounds

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

Tags : LAMONTRAY HARRIS, NHATRANG DOLPHINS, VIETNAMESE BASKETBALL

*****************************************************
Women News

Argentinian U18 National Team 2020 - by Eurobasket Center

Julia Paoletta

Obras Basket Argentina

Giuliana Baccarelli

Obras Basket Argentina

Agustina Marin

Obras Basket Argentina

172-SG-02

Berazategui Argentina

Victoria Michel

183-C-03

Union Florida Argentina

Delfina Saravia

171-SG-03

Union Florida Argentina

Martina Torres

180-SF-02

Lanus

Georgina Buzzetti

187-F-03

Lanus

Natalia Tondi

174-PG-03

Velez S.

Lucila Sampietro

Velez S.

Gregorio Martinez

Head Coach

Obras

Tags : GREGORIO MARTINEZ, OBRAS BASKET BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINIAN BASKETBALL

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

ARMENIA

D1 Round 12: Hatis are defeated by Les Foxes in a derby game - by Eurobasket News

Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Yerevan: Les Foxes (#1) and Hatis (#4). Hatis were smashed at home by 43 points 36-79 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. The game was mostly controlled by Les Foxes. Hatis managed to win fourth quarter 20-8. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Hatis to just 3 points in first quarter and to 8 points in first half. Les Foxes held Hatis to an opponent 20.6 percent shooting from the field compared to 46.4 percent accuracy of the winners. Les Foxes forced 35 Hatis turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of swingman Lusine Titanyan (168-3) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and swingman Liana Melkonyan (170-99) who added 18 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Les Foxes' coach felt very confident using 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was Arni Moussalli with 14 points and 7 rebounds. Les Foxes have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 12-1 record. Hatis at the other side keep the fourth place with eight games lost. Les Foxes are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Gyumri (#6) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Hatis will have a break next round.
Another interesting game was again a derby between two teams from Yerevan: Hatis (#4) and Erebuni (#3). Hatis (7-8) won against visiting Erebuni (7-7) 60-46. The winners were led by Astghik Movsesyan who scored that evening 15 points, 5 assists and 5 steals and Elen Shahinyan supported her with 8 points and 10 rebounds. Even a double-double of 26 points and 21 rebounds by Lusine Sedrakyan did not help to save the game for Erebuni. Hatis maintains fourth position with 7-8 record. Erebuni lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the third place with seven games lost. Hatis will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Erebuni will play on the road against Gyumri and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Bottom-ranked Gyumri (0-12) is still winless. This time they lost on the road their 12th consecutive match to fourth ranked Hatis (7-8) 87-37 on Saturday evening. The best player for the winners was Shake Poghosyan who scored 23 points, 7 assists and 5 steals. Coach 's team controlled all game and the coach could let to play 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. At the other side the best for losing team was Armine Armutyan who recorded a double-double by scoring 12 points and 18 rebounds. Hatis maintains fourth position with 7-8 record. Loser Gyumri still closes the standings with 12 games lost. Hatis will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Gyumri will play against Erebuni (#3) and hopes to get finally their first victory.

The Round Review is presented by LBM Management. LBM Management is a full service agency focused on Women's basketball sphere and working in more that 20 countries. Agency LBM is animated by agents having official FIBA licenses.

Hatis - Gyumri 87-37

Bottom-ranked Gyumri (0-12) is still winless. This time they lost on the road their 12th consecutive match to fourth ranked Hatis (7-8) 87-37 on Saturday evening. The game without a history. Hatis led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Gyumri to just 5 points in second quarter and to 14 points in first half. Hatis held Gyumri to an opponent 24.3 percent shooting from the field compared to 36.6 percent accuracy of the winners. Hatis forced 42 Gyumri turnovers. Strangely Gyumri outrebounded Hatis 62-42 including 24 on the offensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by Gyumri's players. The best player for the winners was forward Shake Poghosyan (160-1) who scored 23 points, 7 assists and 5 steals. Elen Shahinyan (170-1) chipped in 17 points and 6 rebounds. Four Hatis players scored in double figures. Coach 's team controlled all game and the coach could let to play 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. At the other side the best for losing team was center Armine Armutyan (186-2) who recorded a double-double by scoring 12 points and 18 rebounds and forward Christine Kyureghyan (184-1) added 8 points, 16 rebounds and 5 assists respectively. Hatis maintains fourth position with 7-8 record. Loser Gyumri still closes the standings with 12 games lost. Hatis will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Gyumri will play against Erebuni (#3) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Hatis: S.Poghosyan 23+2reb+7ast, E.Shahinyan 17+6reb+2ast, A.Hovhannisyan 14+5reb+3ast, S.Mane 12+3reb+1ast, M.Astghik 8+4reb+4ast, Z.Naira 6+4reb
Gyumri: A.Armine 12+18reb+1ast, A.Hayarpi 10+5reb+4ast, K.Christine 8+16reb+5ast, N.Natalya 4+13reb, M.Varduhi 3+4reb+1ast, G.Meline 0+4reb

Hatis - Les Foxes 36-79

The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Yerevan: Les Foxes (#1) and Hatis (#4). Hatis were smashed at home by 43 points 36-79 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. The game was mostly controlled by Les Foxes. Hatis managed to win fourth quarter 20-8. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Hatis to just 3 points in first quarter and to 8 points in first half. Les Foxes held Hatis to an opponent 20.6 percent shooting from the field compared to 46.4 percent accuracy of the winners. Les Foxes forced 35 Hatis turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of swingman Lusine Titanyan (168-3) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and swingman Liana Melkonyan (170-99) who added 18 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Les Foxes' coach felt very confident using 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was Arni Moussalli with 14 points and 7 rebounds and Elen Shahinyan (170-1) scored 9 points and 5 rebounds. Les Foxes have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 12-1 record. Hatis at the other side keep the fourth place with eight games lost. Les Foxes are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Gyumri (#6) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Hatis will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Les Foxes: T.Lusine 18+11reb+1ast, L.Melkonyan 18+5reb+1ast, E.Hambardzumyan 17+4reb+1ast, D.Shushan 6+2reb, V.Mariam 6+3reb, V.Evelina 5+4reb
Hatis: M.Arni 14+7reb, E.Shahinyan 9+5reb+1ast, S.Viktoria 3+1reb, S.Mane 2+5reb+3ast, M.Astghik 2+1reb+1ast, E.Mkrtchyan 2+8reb

Hatis - Erebuni 60-46

Another interesting game was again a derby between two teams from Yerevan: Hatis (#4) and Erebuni (#3). Hatis (7-8) won against visiting Erebuni (7-7) 60-46. The game was mostly controlled by Hatis. Erebuni was better in third quarter 11-6. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Erebuni to just 5 points in first quarter. Hatis forced 32 Erebuni turnovers. Strangely Erebuni outrebounded Hatis 56-34 including a 43-26 advantage in defensive rebounds. The winners were led by Astghik Movsesyan who scored that evening 15 points, 5 assists and 5 steals and Elen Shahinyan (170-1) supported her with 8 points and 10 rebounds. Even a double-double of 26 points and 21 rebounds by Lusine Sedrakyan did not help to save the game for Erebuni. Irina Poghosyan added 7 points and 10 rebounds. Hatis maintains fourth position with 7-8 record. Erebuni lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the third place with seven games lost. Hatis will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Erebuni will play on the road against Gyumri and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Hatis: M.Astghik 15+4reb+5ast, A.Hovhannisyan 12+5reb+2ast, S.Poghosyan 10+5reb+2ast, E.Shahinyan 8+10reb+3ast, S.Viktoria 7+4reb, E.Mkrtchyan 5+4reb+2ast
Erebuni: S.Lusine 26+21reb+1ast, G.Knarik 7+3reb+4ast, P.Irina 7+10reb+1ast, H.Sofa 4+11reb+1ast, G.Anahit 1, G.Alina 1+7reb

Tags : LIANA MELKONYAN, LES FOXES YEREVAN, ARMENIAN BASKETBALL

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

AUSTRALIA

Standings - WNBL

WNBL Standings

Regular Season: Round 1

Nov. 11: Adelaide - Canberra
Nov. 11: Perth - Townsville
Nov. 12: Melbourne - Sydney Uni
Nov. 12: Bendigo - Southside
Nov. 14: Bendigo - Sydney Uni
Nov. 14: Melbourne - Southside

ABA Standings - by Eurobasket Center

State League Standings

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

BELGIUM

Pre-Selection Belgian Cats for Lisbon - by Peter Buyse

Coach Mestdagh has selected he following players for the next round of qualifying games for Eurobasket 2021.
Quite a bit of them are in playing shape since they play outside of Belgium.
The competiton in Belgium was halted weeks ago after just a coupel of rounds.

Kyara Linskens is sadly missing after suffering a knee injury, she will be out for about 4 months.

Belgium plays Portugal and Ukraine between November 8 and 15 in Odivelas, a suburb of Lisbon.

Julie Allemand, Harriet Bende Nawezhi, Marjorie Carpreaux, Nastja Claessens, Antonia Delaere, Manon Descamps, Lore Devos, Serena-Lynn Geldof, Ine Joris, Emmeline Leblon, Maxuella Lisowa, Becky Massey, Billie Massey, Emma Meesseman, Hanne Mestdagh, Kim Mestdagh, Heleen Nauwelaers, Jana Raman, Elise Ramette, Laure Resimont, Sam Van Buggenhout, Julie Vanloo, Marie Vervaet, Ann Wauters.

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

CHINA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Zixuan GUO
  Hebei
  (187-SF-97)
  Avg: 24.9

1. Guo Hebei	24.9
2. Wu Shanxi	22.6
3. Yueru Inner M.	22.0
4. Cao Shandong	20.2
5. Chen Shaanxi	19.9
6. Han Xinjiang	19.2
7. Wang Fujian	16.8
8. Wei Fujian	16.6
9. Yang Shandong	16.6
10. Zhang Henan	16.3

Rebounds Per Game

Yueru YUERU
  Inner M.
  (201-C-99)
  Avg: 11.8

1. Yueru Inner M.	11.8
2. Song Sichuan	10.4
3. Wen Wuhan	9.8
4. Liu Shanxi	8.8
5. Qi Beijing	8.3
6. Han Xinjiang	7.5
7. Cheng Henan	7.2
8. Ma Beijing	7.1
9. Wang Fujian	6.9
10. Zhang Shanghai	6.9

Assists Per Game

Jiaqi WANG
  Zhejiang
  (170-G-99)
  Avg: 9.9

1. Wang Zhejiang	9.9
2. Wang Xinjiang	6.3
3. Li Inner M.	6.0
4. Zhang Sichuan	5.6
5. Shen Guangdong	5.4
6. Chen Shaanxi	5.2
7. Wu Shanxi	5.1
8. Wang Xinjiang	4.8
9. Yang Inner M.	4.8
10. Shao Sichuan	4.2

Steals Per Game

Ru ZHANG
  Henan
  (179-F-99)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Zhang Henan	2.7
2. Wang Zhejiang	2.7
3. Chen Shaanxi	2.3
4. Wang Beijing	2.2
5. Guo Hebei	2.1
6. Yang Hebei	2.1
7. Wang Xinjiang	2.0
8. Li Shanghai	2.0
9. Wang Fujian	2.0
10. Zhang Zhejiang	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Xu HAN
  Xinjiang
  (206-C-99)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Han Xinjiang	2.2
2. Wen Wuhan	1.4
3. Chenyan Jiangsu	1.2
4. Yueru Inner M.	1.1
5. Li Heilongjiang	1.1
6. Ge Fujian	0.8
7. Liu Xinjiang	0.8
8. Tang Beijing	0.8
9. Guo Hebei	0.8
10. Han Shanghai	0.7

WCBA Round 10 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News

Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

The game in Taiyuan was quite interesting. Second ranked Jiangsu Phoenix (9-1) played at the court of 7th ranked Flame (5-4). Jiangsu Phoenix managed to secure a 4-point victory 59-55 on Wednesday. Strangely Flame outrebounded Jiangsu Phoenix 47-31 including 17 on the offensive glass. Jiayin Jiang (183-95) fired 18 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Center Chenyan Chenyan (200-99) chipped in 16 points and 6 rebounds. Center Jinqiu Fu (188-96) produced 7 points and 24 rebounds for lost side. Jiangsu Phoenix maintains second position with 9-1 record having just one point less than leader Inner M. Flame at the other side keeps the seventh place with four games lost. Jiangsu Phoenix will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Flame will play at home against Dragons (#15) and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
The game in Dongguan supposed to be also worth to mention about. Fourth ranked Magic Deer (8-2) played at the court of 7th ranked Vermilion Birds (5-5). Magic Deer smashed Vermilion Birds 95-74. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Vermilion Birds. Worth to mention a great performance of international center Xu Han (206-99, agency: Wasserman) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 28 points and 11 rebounds. Lili Wang contributed with 10 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Center Dilana Dilichati (192-97) replied with 30 points and 6 rebounds (on 13-of-16 shooting from the field) for Vermilion Birds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Magic Deer have an impressive six-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Beijing. Vermilion Birds at the other side dropped to the eighth position with five games lost. They share it with Fujian. Magic Deer will play against Fujian Nanan (#8) in Putian in the next round where they are favorite. Vermilion Birds will play on the road against Sports Lottery in Penglai and hope to get back on the winning track.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Daqing. Local Dragons (1-9) were outscored by top-ranked Inner M. (9-0) 108-44 on Friday night. Yueru Yueru scored 21 points and 9 rebounds (on 10-of-11 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners. At the losing side Nairui Xu responded with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Undefeated Inner M. have an impressive nine-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader. Dragons lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the fifteenth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Tianjin. Inner M. will meet Beijing Great Wall (#4) on the road in the next round. Dragons will play against Flame (#7) in Taiyuan and hope to win that game.

Rest of the games of round 10 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Tianjin were defeated by Henan in Jiyuan 83-71. Hebei lost to defending champion Beijing at home 63-74. Shandong lost to Sichuan on the opponent's court 81-92. Shaanxi was outscored by Fujian in a home game 82-103.
The best stats of 10th round was 27 points and 7 assists by Yu-Chun Wei of Fujian.

Henan - Tianjin 83-71

There was no surprise in Jiyuan where 16th ranked Tianjin (1-9) was defeated by eleventh ranked Henan Phoenix (4-5) 83-71 on Wednesday. Henan Phoenix made 21-of-23 free shots (91.3 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 Tianjin turnovers. Point guard Fang Min (170-98) scored 21 points to lead the charge for the winners and center Lingge Zhang (187-99) chipped in 16 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals during the contest. At the losing side guard Yingli Huang (172-89) responded with 19 points, 5 assists and 4 steals and center Zheng Tingfang (188-96) scored 14 points and 6 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Henan Phoenix maintains eleventh position with 4-5 record. Tianjin lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the fifteenth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Heilongjiang. Henan Phoenix will meet Red Wolves (#14) in the next round. Tianjin will play against Hebei in Hengshui and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tianjin: H.Yingli 19+4reb+5ast, T.Zheng 14+6reb+1ast, Z.Jianping 14+1reb, H.Ziqi 12+5reb+1ast, Q.Bao 4+4reb+2ast, M.Zhuo 3+7reb+1ast
Henan: M.Fang 21+4reb+3ast, C.QI 18+8reb, Z.Ru 18+3reb+2ast, Z.Lingge 16+6reb+4ast, F.Song 5+1reb+4ast, C.Yafei 2+3reb

Hebei - Beijing 63-74

No shocking result in a game in Hengshui where fifth ranked Beijing Great Wall (8-2) defeated 13th ranked Hebei (2-7) 74-63 on Wednesday. Beijing Great Wall dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Hebei's 32. They outrebounded Hebei 46-22 including a 16-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. Yu Tang (188-99) scored 18 points and 7 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and point guard Yu Qi (171-96) chipped in 11 points and 12 rebounds during the contest. Beijing Great Wall's coach used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side forward Yaqi Zhang (177-94) responded with 22 points and guard Jingjing Huang (168-95) scored 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Hebei players scored in double figures. Beijing Great Wall have a solid four-game winning streak. Defending champion moved-up to third place, which they share with Xinjiang. Loser Hebei keeps the thirteenth position with seven games lost. Beijing Great Wall will meet at home league's leader Inner M. in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Hebei will play against Tianjin (#16) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Hebei: Z.Yaqi 22+4reb+1ast, M.Wen 13+2reb, H.Jingjing 12+5reb+5ast, Y.Xiaojie 12+3reb+1ast, C.JinTing 4+7reb+3ast, B.Zgu 0
Beijing: T.Yu 18+7reb, Q.Yu 11+12reb, M.Yina 10+6reb+2ast, W.TingTing 9+1reb+8ast, D.Jingxian 8+5reb+2ast, Y.BanBan 7+2reb+1ast

Shanxi - Jiangsu 55-59

The game in Taiyuan was quite interesting. Second ranked Jiangsu Phoenix (9-1) played at the court of 7th ranked Flame (5-4). Jiangsu Phoenix managed to secure a 4-point victory 59-55 on Wednesday. Strangely Flame outrebounded Jiangsu Phoenix 47-31 including 17 on the offensive glass. Jiayin Jiang (183-95) fired 18 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Center Chenyan Chenyan (200-99) chipped in 16 points and 6 rebounds. Center Jinqiu Fu (188-96) produced 7 points and 24 rebounds and international point guard Tongtong Wu (176-94) added 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for lost side. Jiangsu Phoenix maintains second position with 9-1 record having just one point less than leader Inner M. Flame at the other side keeps the seventh place with four games lost. Jiangsu Phoenix will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Flame will play at home against Dragons (#15) and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Shanxi: W.Tongtong 15+7reb+6ast, Y.Dong 12+4reb+1ast, F.Zenan 9+4reb, F.Jinqiu 7+24reb+2ast, C.Xiufang 6+3reb, Z.Zhifang 4+1reb+1ast
Jiangsu: J.Jiayin 18+8reb+1ast, C.Chenyan 16+6reb, G.Li 8+6reb+3ast, L.Jiamei 6+6reb+1ast, J.Weina 4+3reb+3ast, Z.Manman 4+1reb

Sichuan - Shandong 92-81

Very expected game in Chengdu where 12th ranked Sports Lottery (3-6) was defeated by sixth ranked Blue Whales (7-2) 92-81 on Thursday. Blue Whales looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. International Ting Shao (183-89) scored 21 points and 8 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the former international Song Song (188-92) chipped in 24 points during the contest. Blue Whales' coach used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side the former international power forward Hengyu Yang (194-95) responded with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists and forward Wei Cao (182-95) scored 31 points. Blue Whales have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Shanghai. Sports Lottery lost third consecutive game. They keep the twelfth position with six games lost. Blue Whales will meet bottom-ranked Wuhan (#17) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Sports Lottery will play against Vermilion Birds (#9) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shandong: C.Wei 31+1reb+2ast, Y.Hengyu 22+13reb+4ast, W.Ying Zhu 15+7reb+1ast, L.Shuqing 8+10reb+1ast, Q.Yanzi 3+2reb+2ast, L.Luan 2
Sichuan: S.Song 24+3reb+2ast, S.Ting 21+8reb+3ast, Z.WangLai 14+4reb+6ast, H.Yiming 9+3reb+2ast, T.Chenmeng 5+2reb, S.Binbin 4+1reb+1ast

Guangdong - Xinjiang 74-95

The game in Dongguan supposed to be also worth to mention about. Fourth ranked Magic Deer (8-2) played at the court of 7th ranked Vermilion Birds (5-5). Magic Deer smashed Vermilion Birds 95-74. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Vermilion Birds. Magic Deer dominated down low during the game scoring 74 of its points in the paint compared to Vermilion Birds' 50. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 25 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of international center Xu Han (206-99, agency: Wasserman) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 28 points and 11 rebounds. The former international Lili Wang (170-92) contributed with 10 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Center Dilana Dilichati (192-97) replied with 30 points and 6 rebounds (on 13-of-16 shooting from the field) and Dongxia Zhang (183-90) added 9 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Vermilion Birds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Magic Deer have an impressive six-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Beijing. Vermilion Birds at the other side dropped to the eighth position with five games lost. They share it with Fujian. Magic Deer will play against Fujian Nanan (#8) in Putian in the next round where they are favorite. Vermilion Birds will play on the road against Sports Lottery in Penglai and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Guangdong: D.Dilana 30+6reb+2ast, Z.Dongxia 9+7reb+1ast, H.Ke 8+2reb+3ast, W.Zhen 6+4reb+2ast, X.Deng 5+2ast, Y.Shuyu 5+2reb+1ast
Xinjiang: H.Xu 28+11reb+1ast, C.Mingling 16+1reb, W.Lili 10+7reb+5ast, W.Siyu 9+4reb+8ast, L.Yuqiong 8+2reb+3ast, Q.Siyue 7+3reb+3ast

Heilongjiang - Inner M. 44-108

The game with biggest result difference took place in Daqing. Local Dragons (1-9) were outscored by top-ranked Inner M. (9-0) 108-44 on Friday night. Inner M. dominated down low during the game scoring 86 of its points in the paint compared to Dragons' 40. Inner M. forced 26 Dragons turnovers and had a 32-21 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 37 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Dragons' players. International center Yueru Yueru (201-99) scored 21 points and 9 rebounds (on 10-of-11 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and the former international center Wei Wei (206-89) chipped in 20 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Four Inner M. players scored in double figures. At the losing side guard Nairui Xu (172-1) responded with 14 points and 6 rebounds and forward Qi Liu (180-98) scored 6 points and 5 rebounds. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Inner M. have an impressive nine-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader. Dragons lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the fifteenth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Tianjin. Inner M. will meet Beijing Great Wall (#4) on the road in the next round. Dragons will play against Flame (#7) in Taiyuan and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Heilongjiang: X.Nairui 14+6reb+1ast, L.Qi 6+5reb+3ast, Y.Wei 6+1reb, C.Wang 6+4reb+1ast, C.Yuanjing 4+1reb, L.Yang Zh 4+2reb
Inner M.: Y.Yueru 21+9reb+1ast, W.Wei 20+5reb+2ast, L.ShanShan 13+3reb+3ast, W.Rong 11+2reb+7ast, Z.Qijia 10+3reb+1ast, L.Yuan 9+1reb+6ast

Shaanxi - Fujian 82-103

Rather predictable result in Weinan where tenth ranked Fujian Nanan (5-5) outscored 14th ranked Red Wolves (2-8) 103-82 on Thursday. Fujian Nanan made 18-of-18 free shots (100 percent !!!) during the game. They shot the lights out from three sinking 15 long-distance shots on high 57.7 percentage. Fujian Nanan looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Taiwanese forward Yu-Chun Wei (173-92) scored 27 points and 7 assists (made all of her nine free throws !!!) to lead the charge for the winners and Tingyi Lai (184-1) chipped in 20 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. Five Fujian Nanan players scored in double figures. At the losing side guard Yuyu Chen (170-94) responded with a double-double by scoring 28 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists and guard Jiaying Ma (190-97) scored 18 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Red Wolves' coach gave up on the game allowing to play twelve players seeing no chance for a win. Fujian Nanan moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Guangdong. Red Wolves lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the fourteenth position with eight games lost. Fujian Nanan will meet at home higher ranked Magic Deer (#3) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Red Wolves will play against Henan Phoenix (#11) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shaanxi: C.Yuyu 28+10reb+7ast, M.Jiaying 18+9reb+4ast, Y.Luchenhong 12+3reb, C.Caijin 6+2reb+1ast, S.Yongna 5+3reb, L.Jinjun 5+2reb+2ast
Fujian: W.Yu-Chun 27+1reb+7ast, L.Tingyi 20+9reb, W.Qiuyi 17+6reb+2ast, Z.Shuju 16+2reb+9ast, G.Yifei 10+6reb+2ast, S.MengZhu 8+6reb+2ast

Tags : JIAYIN JIANG, JIANGSU PHOENIX, CHINESE BASKETBALL

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

CROATIA

Hannover adds Masic to their roster, ex FSV Rijeka - by Eurobasket News

TK Hannover (DBBL) added to their roster 27-year old Croatian international forward Mia Masic (180-93). She already started the season at FSV Rijeka in Croatian Premijer Liga. In three games she recorded 11.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.3apg and 1.7spg this season.
The most of last season Masic spent at Magnolia La Molisana Campobasso in Italian Serie A2 where in 16 games she averaged 10.8ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.2apg and 1.5spg. She helped them to win the regular season. Good year as she was named League Player of the Week. Masic also played for Athena in Italian Serie A2. In three games she had very impressive stats: 16.3ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.7apg and 1.0spg.
Masic has been a member of Croatian international program for some years. She has been regularly called to Croatian senior team since 2019 and previously for U18 National Team back in 2010.
Masic has played previously professionally in Croatia (Sibenik and Kvarner) and Italy (Muggia, Virtus Cagliari, San Salvatore and Roma Elite).

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : MIA MASIC, TK HANNOVER, GERMAN BASKETBALL, GERMAN TRANSACTIONS

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

DENMARK

Stats Leaders - Damenligaen

Points Per Game

Malene PEDERSEN
  Aabyhoj
  (180-F-1)
  Avg: 22

1. Pedersen Aabyhoj	22.0
2. Ryder Horsholm	21.0
3. Ziegler Herlev	16.0
4. Pedersen Horsholm	15.5
5. Seilund Amager	14.0
6. Fabricius Amager	13.5
7. Blauenfeldt SISU	12.7
8. Hansen Horsholm	12.0
9. Larsen Herlev	10.3
10. Viso Amager	10.0

Rebounds Per Game

Gritt RYDER
  Horsholm
  (173-F-92)
  Avg: 13

1. Ryder Horsholm	13.0
2. Viso Amager	12.5
3. Ziegler Herlev	12.3
4. Seilund Amager	11.0
5. Pedersen Aabyhoj	9.5
6. Pedersen Horsholm	9.0
7. Hansen Horsholm	8.5
8. Wich Aabyhoj	8.5
9. White Aabyhoj	7.0
10. Larsen Herlev	6.3

Assists Per Game

Anna SEILUND
  Amager
  (174-G-93)
  Avg: 7

1. Seilund Amager	7.0
2. Ryder Horsholm	6.0
3. Viso Amager	4.0
4. Preetzmann Herlev	4.0
5. Pedersen Horsholm	3.5
6. Larsen Herlev	3.3
7. Pedersen Aabyhoj	3.0
8. Sandback Aabyhoj	3.0
9. Fogelstrom Amager	3.0
10. Dam Horsholm	3.0

Steals Per Game

Gritt RYDER
  Horsholm
  (173-F-92)
  Avg: 6

1. Ryder Horsholm	6.0
2. Pedersen Aabyhoj	4.0
3. Seilund Amager	3.5
4. Bork SISU	3.0
5. Jacobsen SISU	3.0
6. Blauenfeldt SISU	2.7
7. Pedersen Horsholm	2.5
8. Fogelstrom Amager	2.5
9. Dam Horsholm	2.0
10. Kazantzi SISU	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Helene DALSGAARD
  SISU
  (186-C-99)
  Avg: 2

1. Dalsgaard SISU	2.0
2. White Aabyhoj	1.5
3. Ziegler Herlev	1.3
4. Pedersen Horsholm	1.0
5. Seilund Amager	1.0
6. Fabricius Amager	1.0
7. Menne SISU	1.0
8. Praestegaard Herlev	1.0
9. Iversen Herlev	0.7
10. Fogelstrom Amager	0.5

Dameligaen Round 3: Herlev lose to Amager - by Eurobasket News

It's still too early stage of the Regular Season in Dameligaen, but even now we can clearly see the differece between stronger teams and outsiders. Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

The biggest surprise of round 3 in Dameligaen took place in Kastrup where host Amager (2-0) beat Herlev (2-1) 72-61 on Tuesday evening. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 6-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 72-61. Amager outrebounded Herlev 47-31 including a 36-25 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Anna Seilund (174-93, college: USF) who had a double-double by scoring 13 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. The former international guard Ena Viso (179-93, college: SDSU) chipped in 9 points and 17 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was international guard Ida Preetzmann (175-90, college: TCU) who recorded 17 points and 4 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Herlev will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest. Amager will try to continue on its current victory against Horsholm on the road.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Horsholm. Local Horsholm (2-0) beat SISU (0-3) 73-60. It was a good game for international forward Gritt Ryder (173-92, college: Colorado St.) who led her team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 29 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists and 8 steals. Anne Pedersen contributed with 16 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Guard Asta Blauenfeldt (169-2) answered with 23 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals for SISU. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Horsholm will play against Amager in Kastrup in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. SISU will play at home against Aabyhoj (#4) and hopes to get finally their first victory.

Amager - Herlev 72-61

The biggest surprise of round 3 in Dameligaen took place in Kastrup where host Amager (2-0) beat Herlev (2-1) 72-61 on Tuesday evening. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 6-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 72-61. Amager outrebounded Herlev 47-31 including a 36-25 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Anna Seilund (174-93, college: USF) who had a double-double by scoring 13 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. The former international guard Ena Viso (179-93, college: SDSU) chipped in 9 points and 17 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was international guard Ida Preetzmann (175-90, college: TCU) who recorded 17 points and 4 assists and forward Laura Ziegler (186-2) added 12 points and 6 rebounds respectively. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Herlev will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest. Amager will try to continue on its current victory against Horsholm on the road.
Top scorers:
Amager: R.Fabricius 14+4reb, A.Seilund 13+11reb+6ast, M.Elmgreen 11+4reb+2ast, A.Espensen 10+1ast, E.Viso 9+17reb+1ast, S.Sheikh 6+4reb+2ast
Herlev: I.Preetzmann 17+4reb+4ast, Z.Laura 12+6reb+2ast, E.Larsen 9+9reb+1ast, K.Fisker 8+3reb, L.Luka 7+2ast, E.Iversen 4+5reb+1ast

Horsholm - SISU 73-60

The game with biggest result difference took place in Horsholm. Local Horsholm (2-0) beat SISU (0-3) 73-60. The game without a history. Horsholm led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 17-of-21 charity shots (81.0 percent) during the game. Horsholm forced 25 SISU turnovers. It was a good game for international forward Gritt Ryder (173-92, college: Colorado St.) who led her team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 29 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists and 8 steals. International forward Anne Pedersen (182-92, college: LSU) contributed with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Guard Asta Blauenfeldt (169-2) answered with 23 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals and forward Josefine Haabegaard (183-99) added 8 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for SISU. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Horsholm will play against Amager in Kastrup in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. SISU will play at home against Aabyhoj (#4) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Horsholm: G.Ryder 29+14reb+5ast, A.Pedersen 16+10reb+3ast, E.Hansen 13+9reb+1ast, J.Tullin 9+1ast, M.Blyme 3+4reb, K.Lassen 2+2reb
SISU: B.Asta 23+8reb+4ast, J.Haabegaard 8+8reb+1ast, B.Amalie 8+2reb, B.Iben 6+2reb+1ast, S.Atar 5+4reb+1ast, S.Kazantzi 3+5reb

Tags : ANNA SEILUND, BK AMAGER, DANISH BASKETBALL

Gritt Ryder claims Danish Dameligaen Interperformances weekly honour - by Eurobasket News

International Forward Gritt Ryder (173-F-92) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for league's second-best Horsholm and that's her to receive a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 3.
The 28-year old forward had a double-double of 29 points and fourteen rebounds, while her team beat SISU (#5, 0-3), the league's bottom-ranked team 73-60. Horsholm is placed at 2nd position in Danish Dameligaen. They maintain a perfect record without any lost game in the league. But it's just the very beginning of the season and Horsholm won both games without losing any. It's too early to say anything as the standings can be changed completely after next round. In the team's last game Ryder had a remarkable 63.6% from 2-point range. She has many years of experience at Horsholm, through which she has constantly improved. Colorado State University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Ryder is in league's top in points (2nd best: 21.0ppg), assists (2nd best: 6.0apg) and averages solid 6.0spg and 64.7% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 18-year old guard Asta Blauenfeldt (169-G-02) of SISU. Blauenfeldt impressed basketball fans with 23 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Bad luck as SISU lost that game 60-73 to Horsholm (2-0). The season is still at the very beginning and this lost game may not be such crucial, of course if they start win the games. Let's wait for the next round. Blauenfeldt is one of the most experienced players at SISU and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. She belongs to the best scorers in the league with 12.7ppg (#7). She also registered 5.7 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was another Horsholm's star - international forward Anne Pedersen (182-F-92). Pedersen scored 16 points and grabbed ten rebounds. She was another key player of Horsholm, helping her team with a 73-60 easy win against SISU (#5, 0-3). Horsholm has a very good start of the season. But there were just 2 games played, so it's too early to judge them at this stage. Pedersen also has a very good start of the season with very strong stats. Pedersen has a great season in Denmark. After only 2 games, she made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 15.5ppg (best scorer), rebounds with 9.0rpg (5th best) and assists with 3.5apg (5th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Melanie Elmgreen (174-F-92) of Amager - 11 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Elisabeth Hansen (176-G-93) of Horsholm - 13 points and 9 rebounds
6. Anna Seilund (174-G-93) of Amager - 13 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists
7. Ida Preetzmann (175-G-90) of Herlev - 17 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Ena Viso (179-G-93) of Amager - 9 points and 17 rebounds
9. Kia Fisker (185-F-95) of Herlev - 8 points and 3 rebounds
10. Rikke Fabricius (187-PF-92) of Amager - 14 points and 4 rebounds

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

Tags : GRITT RYDER, HORSHOLM 79ERS, DANISH BASKETBALL

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

EUROLEAGUE

Euroleague Qualifying Round best performance: Clarissa Dos Santos (by Interperformances) - by Eurobasket News

Brazilian Center Clarissa Dos Santos (188-C-88) had an amazing evening in the last round for Izmit, receiving a Interperformances Player of the Week award for Qualifying Round.
The 32-year old player had a double-double of 20 points and 17 rebounds, while her team crushed Miskolc with 17-point margin 85-68. Dos Santos turned to be Izmit's top player in her first season with the team. Clarissa Dos Santos has solid league stats. She is in league's top in points (4th best: 20.0ppg) and averages impressive 3.0spg and 53.3% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 30-year old American Rebekah Gardner (185-G-90) of Sf.Gheorghe. Gardner had a very good evening with 24 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists. Bad luck as Sf.Gheorghe lost that game 54-76 to Girona. Gardner is a newcomer at Sf.Gheorghe, but is already one of team's top players. She belongs to the best scorers in the league with 24.0ppg (#1). She also recorded 6.0 assists per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was another Izmit's star - American guard Erica Wheeler (170-PG-91). Wheeler showcased her all-around game by recording 20 points, five rebounds and six assists in the last round. She was another key player of Izmit, helping her team with a 85-68 easy win against Miskolc in a game of the week. The season just started for Wheeler as she played only first game. But it already looks like she can be another team's leader.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Milica Jovanovic (189-F-89) of Izmit - 18 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Kristine Vitola (193-C-91) of Miskolc - 20 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Rebecca Tobin (195-C/F-88) of Sf.Gheorghe - 17 points and 3 rebounds
7. Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88) of Girona - 15 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Veronika Kanyasi (178-G-99) of Miskolc - 16 points and 4 assists
9. Dora Medgyessy (175-G-86) of Miskolc - 14 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists
10. Sonja Vasic (189-F-89) of Girona - 17 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists

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

Tags : CLARISSA DOS SANTOS, IZMIT BELEDIYESPOR, TURKISH BASKETBALL

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

FINLAND

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Mia LOYD
  FoA
  (181-F-94)
  Avg: 25

1. Loyd FoA	25.0
2. Toeaina Kouvot	23.5
3. Rice PeKa	22.8
4. Batey Espoo Team	22.3
5. Melto PeKa	19.5
6. Little Espoo Team	18.5
7. Collier Kouvot	18.0
8. Cliney ViVe	17.5
9. Young ViVe	17.5
10. Tuukkanen Honka	17.5

Rebounds Per Game

Hannah LITTLE
  Espoo Team
  (186-F-94)
  Avg: 16.5

1. Little Espoo Team	16.5
2. Tuukkanen Honka	12.3
3. Loyd FoA	11.8
4. Toeaina Kouvot	11.3
5. Rice PeKa	11.0
6. Young ViVe	11.0
7. Myllyoja ToPo	9.0
8. Miller ViVe	8.5
9. Batey Espoo Team	8.3
10. Cliney ViVe	8.3

Assists Per Game

Linda-Lotta LEHTORANTA
  PeKa
  (178-SG-91)
  Avg: 9

1. Lehtoranta PeKa	9.0
2. Little Espoo Team	7.0
3. Collier Kouvot	5.8
4. Ollilainen HBA-.	5.0
5. Loyd FoA	4.5
6. Makitalo FoA	4.3
7. Jamsa Pyrinto	4.0
8. Pekonen HBA-Marsky	3.7
9. Kujala ViVe	3.5
10. Salminen FoA	3.5

Steals Per Game

Aliyah COLLIER
  Kouvot
  (180-G-97)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Collier Kouvot	3.5
2. Little Espoo Team	3.0
3. Vesiluoma Espoo T	2.5
4. Niinikoski Espoo	2.3
5. Tulkki Pyrinto	2.3
6. Pirttinen Catz	2.3
7. Agyei ToPo	2.3
8. Lehtoranta PeKa	2.3
9. Pekonen HBA-Marsky	2.3
10. Young ViVe	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Taru TUUKKANEN
  Honka
  (192-C-77)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Tuukkanen Honka	2.5
2. Mantyla Espoo T	2.0
3. Young ViVe	1.3
4. Rice PeKa	1.3
5. Aarnio HBA-Marsky	1.0
6. Taponen Pyrinto	1.0
7. Pirttinen Catz	1.0
8. Pekonen HBA-Marsky	1.0
9. Calloway FoA	0.8
10. Melto PeKa	0.8

Korisliiga Round 4: Espoo Team keeps a leadership position - by Eurobasket News

It's still too early stage of the Regular Season in Korisliiga, but even now we can clearly see the differece between stronger teams and outsiders. Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Espoo Team as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Espoo Team smashed 6th ranked HBA-Marsky at home 100-41. The game without a history. Espoo Team led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding HBA-Marsky to just 4 points in second quarter. Espoo Team held HBA-Marsky to an opponent 19.2 percent shooting from the field compared to 48.0 percent accuracy of the winners. They outrebounded HBA-Marsky 60-31 including a 44-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. 24 personal fouls committed by HBA-Marsky helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American forward Hannah Little (186-94, college: Oakland) fired a double-double by scoring 17 points, 22 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. The other American import swingman Morgan Batey (180-94, college: Vanderbilt, agency: Areus Sports) chipped in 25 points and 6 rebounds. International Janette Aarnio (181-2) produced 17 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. HBA-Marsky's coach Mirka Dettmann gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Espoo Team have a solid four-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with PeKa. HBA-Marsky at the other side dropped to the seventh place with two games lost. HBA-Marsky will play next round against ViVe trying to get back on the winning streak. Espoo Team will try to continue on its current victory against fifth ranked Torpan Pojat in Helsinki.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Tapiolan. Third ranked Tapiolan Honka faced one of their biggest challengers Kouvottaret. Host Tapiolan Honka (3-1) smashed guests from Kouvola (2-2) 113-73. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international center Taru Tuukkanen (192-77, college: Xavier) who helped to win the game recording 28 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Cierra Dillard contributed with 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. American-American Samoan power forward Sarah Toeaina (185-96, college: Hawaii) replied with a double-double by scoring 29 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists for Kouvottaret. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Tapiolan Honka have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 3-1 record behind leader Espoo Team. Defending champion Kouvottaret keeps the fourth place with two games lost. They share the position with FoA and ToPo. Tapiolan Honka will play against Forssan Alku (#6) on the road in the next round. Kouvottaret will play against Pyrinto and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Bottom-ranked Pyrinto (0-3) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 63-57 loss to seventh ranked Torpan Pojat (2-2) in Tampere on Wednesday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of Nea-Paula Kuisma who helped to win the game recording 15 points and 8 rebounds. At the losing side Jemina Vidgren responded with 14 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Torpan Pojat moved-up to fourth place, which they share with FoA and Kouvot. Newly promoted Pyrinto still closes the standings with three games lost. Torpan Pojat will meet at home league's leader Espoo Team in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Pyrinto will play against Kouvottaret (#4) in Kouvola and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Bottom-ranked Catz Lappeenranta (0-4) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 83-50 loss to seventh ranked Forssan Alku (2-2) in Lappeenranta. The winners were led by Mia Loyd who had that evening a double-double by scoring 13 points, 17 rebounds and 7 assists. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Forssan Alku moved-up to fourth place, which they share with ToPo and Kouvot. Catz Lappeenranta at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. Forssan Alku's next round opponent will be higher ranked Tapiolan Honka (#3) at home and it may be the game of the week. Catz Lappeenranta will play against the league's second-placed Peli-Karhut (#2) in Kotka and looks forward to get finally their first victory.

In the last game of round 4 ViVe lost to undefeated PeKa in Kotka 70-81.

PeKa - ViVe 81-70

There was no surprise in Kotka where 8th ranked ViVe (1-3) was defeated by top-ranked Peli-Karhut (4-0) 81-70. The game was mostly controlled by Peli-Karhut. ViVe was better in fourth quarter 19-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Peli-Karhut brought some defensive toughness making 9 blocks. The winners were led by naturalized Russian power forward Elena Melto (184-86) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 20 points and 15 rebounds and American forward Zykera Rice (185-96, college: Gonzaga) supported her with 20 points and 8 rebounds. Four Peli-Karhut players scored in double figures. Peli-Karhut's coach Roope Makela allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 26 points and 6 rebounds by American guard Doniyah Cliney (182-96, college: S.Carolina) did not help to save the game for ViVe. Her fellow American import power forward Destinee Young (185-95, college: ODU) added 19 points and 13 rebounds for lost side. Peli-Karhut have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Espoo Team. ViVe lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with three games lost. Peli-Karhut's next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Catz Lappeenranta (#10) at home and are hoping to win another game. ViVe will play against HBA-Marsky and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
ViVe: D.Cliney 26+6reb+3ast, D.Young 19+13reb+2ast, M.Miller 8+3reb+2ast, A.Kujala 5+4reb+4ast, R.Kujala 4+1reb+1ast, J.Pihla 4
PeKa: Z.Rice 20+8reb, E.Melto 20+15reb+3ast, L.Lehtoranta 12+2reb+8ast, E.Oravakangas 10+2ast, J.Maria 8+2reb+2ast, N.Jarvikangas 7+6reb+1ast

Pyrinto - ToPo 57-63

Bottom-ranked Pyrinto (0-3) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 63-57 loss to seventh ranked Torpan Pojat (2-2) in Tampere on Wednesday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of center Nea-Paula Kuisma (183-99) who helped to win the game recording 15 points and 8 rebounds and guard Tessa Virtanen (165-97) who added 18 points and 6 assists during the contest. At the losing side forward Jemina Vidgren (175-0) responded with 14 points and 8 rebounds and forward Iina Makela (181-0) scored 18 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Torpan Pojat moved-up to fourth place, which they share with FoA and Kouvot. Newly promoted Pyrinto still closes the standings with three games lost. Torpan Pojat will meet at home league's leader Espoo Team in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Pyrinto will play against Kouvottaret (#4) in Kouvola and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Pyrinto: I.Makela 18+3reb, R.Tulkki 15+2reb, J.Vidgren 14+8reb+3ast, L.Taponen 7+7reb+2ast, A.Peltola 2, A.Jamsa 1+7reb+4ast
ToPo: T.Virtanen 18+6ast, N.Kuisma 15+8reb+2ast, K.Mirva 9+3reb+4ast, I.Myllyoja 8+14reb+2ast, H.Valkeinen 5+3reb+3ast, R.Lehti 3+5reb+1ast

Honka - Kouvot 113-73

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Tapiolan. Third ranked Tapiolan Honka faced one of their biggest challengers Kouvottaret. Host Tapiolan Honka (3-1) smashed guests from Kouvola (2-2) 113-73. The game without a history. Tapiolan Honka led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 21-of-27 charity shots (77.8 percent) during the game. Tapiolan Honka had a 36-25 advantage in offensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international center Taru Tuukkanen (192-77, college: Xavier) who helped to win the game recording 28 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. American guard Cierra Dillard (176-96, college: Buffalo) contributed with 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Four Tapiolan Honka players scored in double figures. American-American Samoan power forward Sarah Toeaina (185-96, college: Hawaii) replied with a double-double by scoring 29 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists and American guard Aliyah Collier (180-97, college: Clemson) added 9 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals in the effort for Kouvottaret. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Tapiolan Honka have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 3-1 record behind leader Espoo Team. Defending champion Kouvottaret keeps the fourth place with two games lost. They share the position with FoA and ToPo. Tapiolan Honka will play against Forssan Alku (#6) on the road in the next round. Kouvottaret will play against Pyrinto and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Kouvot: S.Toeaina 29+14reb+4ast, R.Frimodig 12+1reb+1ast, V.Henriikka 9+2reb+1ast, A.Collier 9+9reb+7ast, Y.Blomfelt 8+5reb+2ast, E.Salovaara 2+1reb
Honka: T.Tuukkanen 28+8reb+4ast, S.Henna 21+3reb+1ast, C.Dillard 19+9reb+4ast, G.Bronson 16+7reb+4ast, A.Ailus 9+3reb+1ast, L.Paltemaa 9+2reb+4ast

Catz - FoA 50-83

Bottom-ranked Catz Lappeenranta (0-4) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 83-50 loss to seventh ranked Forssan Alku (2-2) in Lappeenranta. The game without a history. Forssan Alku led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Catz Lappeenranta to just 7 points in fourth quarter. Forssan Alku dominated down low during the game scoring 40 of its points in the paint compared to Catz Lappeenranta's 20. They outrebounded Catz Lappeenranta 54-18 including a 15-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. Forssan Alku players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. The winners were led by American forward Mia Loyd (181-94, college: N.Dakota) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 13 points, 17 rebounds and 7 assists and center Heta Aijanen (186-95) supported her with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Five Forssan Alku players scored in double figures. Even 19 points and 7 rebounds by forward Roosa Kosonen (183-0) did not help to save the game for Catz Lappeenranta. International forward Veera Pirttinen (180-97) added 17 points for lost side. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Forssan Alku moved-up to fourth place, which they share with ToPo and Kouvot. Catz Lappeenranta at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. Forssan Alku's next round opponent will be higher ranked Tapiolan Honka (#3) at home and it may be the game of the week. Catz Lappeenranta will play against the league's second-placed Peli-Karhut (#2) in Kotka and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Catz: R.Kosonen 19+7reb+2ast, V.Pirttinen 17+1reb+2ast, K.Mari 8+2reb+3ast, K.Noora 4+3reb+2ast, L.Lotta 2, P.Edit 0+1reb+3ast
FoA: H.Aijanen 14+5reb+6ast, M.Loyd 13+17reb+7ast, A.Makitalo 13+6reb+2ast, K.Calloway 11+4reb+1ast, E.Salminen 10+8reb+1ast, K.Rytkonen 9+5reb

Espoo Team - HBA-Marsky 100-41

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Espoo Team as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Espoo Team smashed 6th ranked HBA-Marsky at home 100-41. The game without a history. Espoo Team led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding HBA-Marsky to just 4 points in second quarter. Espoo Team held HBA-Marsky to an opponent 19.2 percent shooting from the field compared to 48.0 percent accuracy of the winners. They outrebounded HBA-Marsky 60-31 including a 44-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. 24 personal fouls committed by HBA-Marsky helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American forward Hannah Little (186-94, college: Oakland) fired a double-double by scoring 17 points, 22 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. The other American import swingman Morgan Batey (180-94, college: Vanderbilt, agency: Areus Sports) chipped in 25 points and 6 rebounds. Five Espoo Team players scored in double figures. International Janette Aarnio (181-2) produced 17 points and 5 rebounds and international guard Saga Ukkonen (175-1) added 8 points respectively for lost side. HBA-Marsky's coach Mirka Dettmann gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Espoo Team have a solid four-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with PeKa. HBA-Marsky at the other side dropped to the seventh place with two games lost. HBA-Marsky will play next round against ViVe trying to get back on the winning streak. Espoo Team will try to continue on its current victory against fifth ranked Torpan Pojat in Helsinki.
Top scorers:
HBA-Marsky: J.Aarnio 17+5reb+2ast, S.Ukkonen 8+4reb, E.Mashaire 6+4reb, K.Saana 4+1reb, E.Pekonen 2+2reb+2ast, V.Palomaki 2+2reb+1ast
Espoo Team: M.Batey 25+6reb+2ast, L.Vesiluoma 19+4reb+2ast, H.Little 17+22reb+5ast, L.Erakangas 13+4reb, M.Kiia 11+5reb, S.Tuomisto 7+6reb+2ast

Tags : HANNAH LITTLE, ESPOO BASKET TEAM, FINNISH BASKETBALL

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

FRANCE

LFB Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Myisha HINES-ALLEN
  BLMA
  (188-F-96)
  Avg: 19.3

1. Hines-Allen BLMA	19.3
2. Vukosavljevic Land.	17.8
3. Parker BLMA	17.0
4. Monpierre Roche	16.3
5. Kalu Bretagne	16.3
6. Dongue Nantes	15.0
7. Naigre Bretagne	14.8
8. Akhator Flammes	14.7
9. Bouderra Flammes	14.3
10. Morrison Nantes	13.6

Rebounds Per Game

Myisha HINES-ALLEN
  BLMA
  (188-F-96)
  Avg: 14

1. Hines-Allen BLMA	14.0
2. Bailey Hainaut	8.8
3. Magarity Tarbes	8.2
4. Akhator Flammes	8.0
5. Monroe Hainaut	8.0
6. Diawara Villeneuve	8.0
7. Dongue Nantes	7.6
8. Morrison Nantes	7.4
9. Clarke Roche	7.0
10. Green Charnay	7.0

Assists Per Game

Julie ALLEMAND
  BLMA
  (173-PG-96)
  Avg: 7.3

1. Allemand BLMA	7.3
2. Heriaud Roche	5.7
3. Bouderra Flammes	5.3
4. Kalu Bretagne	4.8
5. Limouzin Bretagne	4.5
6. Bailey Hainaut	4.4
7. Dumerc Landes	4.2
8. Dieme-Marizy Nantes	4.2
9. Paget Landes	4.0
10. Pardon Tarbes	3.8

Steals Per Game

Gabby GREEN
  Charnay
  (188-G-95)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Green Charnay	5.5
2. Heriaud Roche	3.0
3. Kalu Bretagne	3.0
4. Marginean Bretagne	2.5
5. Monpierre Roche	2.3
6. Cowling Charnay	2.0
7. Allemand BLMA	2.0
8. Lithard Charnay	2.0
9. Bailey Hainaut	2.0
10. Vukosavljevic Land.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Vionise PIERRE-LOUIS
  Char.
  (193-C-95)
  Avg: 2

1. Pierre-Louis Char.	2.0
2. Parker BLMA	2.0
3. Green Charnay	1.5
4. Gaye Landes	1.2
5. Clarke Roche	1.0
6. Tadic Tarbes	1.0
7. Mosengo-Masa Bret.	0.8
8. Magarity Tarbes	0.8
9. Djaldi-Tabdi Vill.	0.8
10. Amant Roche	0.7

Sandrine Gruda selected the top French playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center2

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of French who are currently playing abroad.

Sandrine Gruda

#1. This week's number one is an experienced international center Sandrine Gruda (193-87, currently plays in Italy). She was the major contributor in Schio's victory against the ninth-ranked Broni (2-3) crushing them 67-44 in the Italian Serie A1 in Saturday night's game. Gruda scored 10 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 25 minutes on the court. Famila Wuber Schio (5-0) is placed second in the Serie A1. So far her team won all five games in the Regular Season. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. Gruda has individually a very good year with high stats. She averages: 16.0ppg, 9.6rpg, 1.6apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 53.7% and FT: 81.5% in five games she played so far. Gruda is currently a member of the French senior national team.

Joyce Cousseins-Smith

#2. Second place goes to former U16 international point guard Joyce Cousseins-Smith (165-88, agency: Basket Promotion Agency, currently plays in Spain). She managed to help IDK Eustotren to win against the 13th-ranked Zamarat (1-6) 82-66 in the Spanish Liga Dia last Saturday. Cousseins-Smith recorded only 3 points and added 6 assists. IDK Eustotren (4-4) is placed seventh in the Liga Dia. But the season just started, so everything may happen. Cousseins-Smith's overall stats this year are: 3.1ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.8apg, 2FGP: 35.7%, 3FGP: 22.2%. She played for the French U16 national team in 2004.

Clementine Morateur

#3. The French player who performed third best last week abroad was former U20 international point guard Clementine Morateur (173-95, also represented by Basket Promotion Agency, currently plays in Switzerland). Morateur led Geneve to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Troistorrents (2-1) crushing them 90-63 in the Swiss SBL last Thursday. She had a double-double by scoring 20 points and getting 11 rebounds. Morateur also added 4 assists in 31 minutes. It was her first game for Geneve this season. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Her team is placed second in the SBL. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Morateur played for the French U20 national team five years ago.

Margot Vidal-Geneve

   #4. Point guard Margot Vidal-Geneve (165-95, currently plays in Switzerland) is a teammate of previously mentioned Clementine Morateur and both played together in the last Swiss SBL game. Vidal-Geneve contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Troistorrents (2-1) crushing them 90-63. She scored 5 points, had 5 boards, passed 8 assists and added 8 steals. It was her first game for Geneve this season. Vidal-Geneve used to play for the French U20 national team back in 2015.

The list of other players, who all have French passport but never been selected to any of French national teams:

   #1. Manuella Hatchi (174-G-94, currently plays in Spain) could not help Al-Qazeres (1-6) in their last game. Despite Hatchi's good performance Al-Qazeres was crushed 86-60 on the road by the much higher-ranked (#6) Gernika. She was the top scorer with 12 points. Hatchi also added 3 steals in a mere 18 minutes. It was Al-Qazeres' third consecutive loss in a row. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. It's Hatchi's first year with the team. This season her overall stats are: 6.4ppg, 2.8rpg and 1.2apg in five games she played so far.

   #2. Alyssa Lawrence (185-PF-95, college: UMass, currently plays in Germany) managed to help Herner TC to win against the eighth-ranked Gisa Lions (0-1) 58-55 in the German DBBL in Saturday night's game. Lawrence recorded only 4 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. It was her first game for Herner TC this season. Her team is placed second in the DBBL. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Lawrence is a naturalized American. She used to play for Cavigal Nice Basket 06 in French league.

   #3. Experienced Amelia Puijalon (190-F/C-4, currently plays in Switzerland) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Troistorrents (2-1) crushing them 90-63 in the Swiss SBL in Thursday night's game. She scored only 2 points in 10 minutes. It was her first game for Geneve this season. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Her team is placed second in the SBL. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen.

   #4. Faustine Parra (165-G-0, currently plays in Spain) was not able to help Girona (6-1) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Parra's good performance the third-placed Girona (6-1) was badly defeated 68-51 at home by the lower-ranked Lima-Horta (#3) in the Group C. She was the top scorer with 10 points. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Parra's overall stats this season are: 9.0ppg and 1.3rpg.

Other top French players, who play abroad:

Mamignan Toure (183-SG-94) plays for Castors Braine in Belgian Top Division Women
Maelys Pineau (176-G/F-0) plays for Zagreb in Croatian Premijer Liga
Magaly Meynadier (170-SG-91) plays for XCYDE Angels Noerdlingen in German DBBL
Tania Pierre-Emile (191-F-95) plays for Sant Adria in Spanish LF2
Oumou Toure (190-C/F-88) plays for Sf.Gheorghe in Romanian Liga Nationala
Gabby Williams (180-F-96) plays for Sopron in Hungarian A Division
Alexia Rol (178-F-89) plays for Fribourg in Swiss SBL
Naomi Takyi (168-G/F-3) plays for Geneve in Swiss SBL

Notice: The list above includes only some of the French playing currently abroad. Go to French Abroad Page to see completed list.

Hainaut adds Konate to their roster - by Eurobasket News

Union Saint-Amand Porte du Hainaut (LFB) added to their roster 30-year old point guard Aminata Konate (168-90). She played most recently at Landes in French LFB league. In 18 games she recorded 3.3ppg, 3.6rpg and 1.7apg in 2018-19 season. Konate also played 4 games in Eurocup where she averaged just 2.8ppg, 3.0rpg and 3.0apg. She also spent pre-season at Villeneuve D'Ascq.
Konate represented France at the World University Games in Kazan (Russia) seven years ago.
She has played previously for six other teams: Mondeville, Nice, Arras, S.I. Graffenstaden, US Valenciennes Olympic 2nd team and Aulnoye.
The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others Konate's team made it to the French final in 2018. She was also voted Eurobasket.com All-French LF2 1st Team back in 2017.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : AMINATA KONATE, UNION SAINT-AMAND PORTE DU HAINAUT, FRENCH BASKETBALL, FRENCH TRANSACTIONS

Raksanyi left Tarbes - by Eurobasket News

29-year old Hungarian international guard Krisztina Raksanyi (180-91) left Tarbes Gespe Bigorre (LFB). In two games in France she recorded 4.5ppg, 1.5rpg and 3.0apg this season.
The last season Raksanyi played at Uni Gyor in Hungarian A Division where in 14 games she averaged 9.4ppg, 1.4rpg, 2.8apg and 1.1spg. She also played 2 games in Eurocup where she had 4.0ppg and 1.5apg.
She has been also a member of Hungarian international program for some years. Raksanyi has regularly played for Hungarian senior team since 2011 and previously for U20 National Team back in 2010.
She represented Hungary at the European Championships in Serbia and Latvia last year. Her stats at that event were 4 games: 7.8ppg, 1.5rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 31.6%, 3PT: 42.9%.
Raksanyi has played previously professionally in Croatia (Novi Zagreb) and Hungary (Pecs 2010, Miskolc and PEAC Pecs).
The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others Raksanyi's team made it to the League Semifinals in 2009, 2012, 2015 and 2019.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : KRISZTINA RAKSANYI, TARBES GESPE BIGORRE, FRENCH BASKETBALL, FRENCH TRANSACTIONS

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

GERMANY

Hannover adds Masic to their roster, ex FSV Rijeka - by Eurobasket News

Tags : MIA MASIC, TK HANNOVER, GERMAN BASKETBALL, GERMAN TRANSACTIONS

Satou Sabally selected the top German playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center2

Here is the weekly review of the top performing German players, who play currently abroad.

Satou Sabally

#1. This week's number one is an international forward Satou Sabally (193-98, agency: Wasserman, college: Oregon, currently plays in Turkey). She led Fenerbahce to a victory against the tenth-ranked Ormanspor (2-4) 72-64 in the Turkish KBSL in Wednesday night's game. Sabally scored 12 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 22 minutes on the court. Fenerbahce Spor Kulubu Istanbul (6-0) is placed first in the KBSL. So far her team won all six games in the Regular Season. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. Sabally has individually a very good year with high stats. She averages: 19.4ppg, 9.2rpg, 2.0apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 60.9%(28-46), 3FGP: 42.9% and FT: 85.2% in five games she played so far. Sabally played for the German senior national team one years ago.

Sonja Greinacher

#2. Second place goes to an international power forward Sonja Greinacher (190-92, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Gonzaga, currently plays in Poland). She contributed to an easy victory against the league outsider Katarzynki (0-5) crushing them 106-52 in the Polish EBLK last Saturday. Greinacher scored 13 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and made 2 blocks. Arka Gdynia (6-0) is placed first in the EBLK. So far her team won all six games in the Regular Season. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. Greinacher's overall stats this year are: 8.7ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.5apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 65.5%(19-29) and FT: 72.7%. She played for the German national team in 2019.

Marie Gulich

#3. The German player who performed third best last week abroad was an international center Marie Gulich (194-94, also represented by Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Oregon St., currently plays in Spain). Gulich contributed to an easy victory against the 14th-ranked Socinsa Bembibre (1-6) crushing them 92-53 in the Spanish Liga Dia on Wednesday night. She scored 8 points, had 4 rebounds and made 2 blocks in 16 minutes. Valencia BCis placed in the Liga Dia. It's Gulich's first season with the team. This year Gulich's overall stats are: 9.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 2FGP: 52.1%, 3FGP: 25.0% and FT: 37.5% in six games. She played for the German national team one years ago.

Patricia Brossmann

#4. Forward Patricia Brossmann (183-97, college: San Diego, currently plays in France) contributed to Calais' victory against the league outsider CFBB (0-5) 78-65 in the French LF2 (second division) in Friday night's game. Brossmann scored 17 points and grabbed 9 rebounds; quite an impressive performance considering it's only her first season in pro basketball. Cote d'Opale Basket Calaisis placed second in the LF2. Brossmann's total stats this season are: 10.0ppg and 6.0rpg. She used to play for the German U20 national team back in 2017.

Ama Degbeon

#5. International center Ama Degbeon (188-95, college: FSU, currently plays in Sweden) contributed to an easy victory against the league outsider Visby Ladies (0-4) 80-61 in the Swedish Damligan last Monday. Degbeon had a double-double by scoring 12 points and getting the same number of rebounds. She also added 3 blocks (made all of her six free throws) in 29 minutes. A3 Basket Umea (2-1) is placed sixth in the Damligan. But the season just started, so everything may happen. Degbeon has relatively good stats this year: 13.3ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3bpg and 1.3spg in three games. She used to play for the German national team last year.

Alina Hartmann

#6. Guard Alina Hartmann (183-95, another player represented by Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Colorado, currently plays in Spain) could not help Gran Canaria in their last game on Wednesday. Despite Hartmann's good performance her team was defeated 63-58 at home by the much lower-ranked Araski (#8). She was the second best scorer with 11 points. Hartmann's total stats this season are: 4.1ppg and 1.3rpg. She is a former international player as she played for the German senior team two years ago.

One more player who has never been selected to any of national teams, but has German passport:

#1. Kathrin Menne (F-98, currently plays in Denmark). Menne could not help one of league's weakest teams SISU (11-3) to beat Amager (2-0). She scored 5 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 25 minutes. SISU was crushed 92-47 on the road by the leading Amager. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. This year Menne's total stats are: 3.3ppg and 4.3rpg in three games she played so far.

Other top German players, who play abroad:

Natalie Achonwa (190-PF-92) plays for Schio in Italian Serie A1
Luisa Geiselsoeder (192-C-0) plays for Bretagne in French LFB
Emma Stach (175-G-96) plays for A3 Basket in Swedish Damligan
Moran Sapir (168-PG-95) plays for Petah Tikva in Israeli D1
Katharina Mueller (181-F-94) plays for Verviers in Belgian Top Division Women
Lisa Koop (197-C-85) plays for Newcastle Eagles in British WBBL
Aglaia Martini (179-C-4) plays for UBI Graz in Austrian AWBL
Nadine Grieb (184-C-87) plays for Esch in Luxembourg Total League

Notice: The list above includes only some of the German playing currently abroad. Go to German Abroad Page to see completed list.

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

GREECE

A1 Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Samantha MACKAY
  Niki L
  (174-G-91)
  Avg: 27

1. Mackay Niki L	27.0
2. Cooper Giannena	26.0
3. Akl PAOK	21.0
4. Vintsilaiou Gian.	20.5
5. Reed Panathinaikos	20.5
6. Snyder Niki L	19.5
7. Gordon Kronos AD	19.0
8. Willard Esperides	19.0
9. Mayo PAOK	18.5
10. Bosgana Kronos AD	18.5

Rebounds Per Game

Kayla GORDON
  Kronos AD
  (183-F-95)
  Avg: 12.5

1. Gordon Kronos AD	12.5
2. Smith Sporting	12.0
3. Kostowicz Olym.	12.0
4. Mobley Zografou	11.5
5. Cooper Giannena	11.0
6. Snyder Niki L	9.0
7. Reed Panathinaikos	9.0
8. Boothe Chania	9.0
9. Gounari Sporting	9.0
10. Bosgana Kronos AD	8.5

Assists Per Game

Thaleia KASAPOGLOU
  Kronos
  (173-G-84)
  Avg: 7

1. Kasapoglou Kronos	7.0
2. Vintsilaiou Gian.	7.0
3. Taylor Zografou	6.5
4. Panousis Giannena	6.0
5. Kollatou Esperides	5.5
6. Nikolopoulou Olym.	5.0
7. Lymoura Pana.	5.0
8. Vendrell Giannena	5.0
9. Gounari Sporting	5.0
10. Kabouraki Eleu.	4.5

Steals Per Game

Angeliki VINTSILAIOU
  Gian.
  (174-PG-98)
  Avg: 5

1. Vintsilaiou Gian.	5.0
2. Tserou Eleutheria	3.5
3. Kesse Zografou	3.0
4. Avery Eleutheria	3.0
5. Whitted Dafni A	3.0
6. Vendrell Giannena	2.5
7. Mayo PAOK	2.5
8. Alexandri Olym.	2.5
9. Drummond Chania	2.5
10. Bosgana Kronos AD	2.5

Blocks Per Game

Sarah BOOTHE
  Chania
  (195-F/C-90)
  Avg: 4

1. Boothe Chania	4.0
2. Vendrell Giannena	2.0
3. Kostowicz Olym.	1.5
4. Butler Giannena	1.5
5. Papadaki Chania	1.0
6. Stamati Olympiacos	1.0
7. Quinones Dafni A	1.0
8. Kosma Eleutheria	1.0
9. Kommata PAOK	1.0
10. Bosgana Kronos AD	1.0

Artemis Spanou selected the top Greek playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center2

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Greek players, who play currently abroad.

Artemis Spanou

#1. This week's number one is an international forward Artemis Spanou (187-93, college: RMU, currently plays in Poland). She led Arka Gdynia to a victory over the seventh-ranked Pol.Gdansk (1-2) crushing them 103-53 in the Polish EBLK in Wednesday night's game. Spanou was MVP of the game. She scored 18 points and had 4 steals in a mere 19 minutes on the court. Arka Gdynia (6-0) is placed first in the EBLK. So far her team won all six games in the Regular Season. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. It's Spanou's first year with the team. Spanou has relatively good stats this season: 11.5ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.3apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 57.8%(26-45), 3FGP: 25.0% and FT: 77.8% in six games she played so far. She played for the Greek senior national team one years ago.

Vasiliki Karambatsa

#2. Second place goes to an international forward Vasiliki Karambatsa (187-96, currently plays in Germany). Karambatsa contributed to an easy victory against the ninth-ranked Hannover (0-1) 99-81 in the German DBBL last Sunday. She recorded 12 points. It was her first game for Goettingen this season. Her team is placed first in the DBBL. But the season just started, so everything may happen. Karambatsa is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's her fourth year in Goettingen's roster. Karambatsa played for the Greek national team in 2019.

Mariella Fasoula

#3. The Greek player who performed third best last week abroad was former international forward Mariella Fasoula (196-97, agency: Wasserman, college: Vanderbilt, currently plays in Spain). She could not help Al-Qazeres (1-6) in their last game. Despite Fasoula's very good performance Al-Qazeres lost 71-77 on the road to the higher-ranked (#9) Zaragoza. She was the top scorer with 19 points in 29 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it's only Fasoula's first season in pro basketball. It was Al-Qazeres' third consecutive loss in a row. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. It's Fasoula's first year with the team. This season she has relatively solid stats: 11.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 2FGP: 56.4%(31-55) and FT: 57.1% in six games. Fasoula played for the Greek national team two years ago.

Eleanna Christinaki

#4. Swingman Eleanna Christinaki (183-96, college: Maryland, currently plays in Spain) is a teammate of previously mentioned Mariella Fasoula. But that was another game of her team in Spanish Liga Dia which we would like to mention. Christinaki was not able to help Al-Qazeres (1-6) in their last game on Saturday. Despite her good performance Al-Qazeres was defeated 80-66 at home by the league outsider Gran Canaria (#16). Christinaki was the second best scorer with 14 points. Christinaki has reliable stats this season: 11.8ppg, 2.5rpg and 1.2apg. She has a dual citizenship: Cypriot and Greek. Despite Christinaki played previously for the Cypriot U16 national team, she is currently in the Greek national team roster.

Jacki Gemelos

#5. International guard Jacki Gemelos (182-88, college: USC, currently plays in Turkey) was not able to secure a victory for the league outsider Kayseri (0-6) in their game against Fenerbahce (6-0) in the Turkish KBSL. Gemelos scored only 4 points in 17 minutes. It was her first game for Kayseri this season. The bottom-ranked Kayseri was crushed 91-69 in Istanbul by the leading Fenerbahce. So far Kayseri lost all six games in the Regular Season. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. It's Gemelos' first year with the team. She is a naturalized American. Gemelos used to play for the Greek national team last year. She played also for Panathinaikos Athens in Greek league.

Parthena Chrysanthidou

   #6. Power forward Parthena Chrysanthidou (180-99, currently plays in Italy) couldn't help Cagliari V (0-4) in their game against San Salvatore (3-1) in the Italian Serie A2 (second division). Chrysanthidou did not beat the league record on Saturday evening. She recorded only 2 points. The 14th-placed Cagliari V (0-4) was edged 52-51 on their home court in Cagliari by the much higher-ranked San Salvatore (#3) in the South group. So far Cagliari V lost all four games in the Regular Season. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. It's Chrysanthidou's first year with the team. Chrysanthidou's overall stats this season are: 5.8ppg and 5.0rpg. She is a former U16 international player as she played for the Greek team five years ago.

The list of other players, who all have Greek passport but never been selected to any of Greek national teams:

   #1. Enisa Semanjaku (181-F/G-88, currently plays in Switzerland) could not help Aarau (0-4) in their last game. Despite Semanjaku's very good performance the bottom-ranked Aarau lost 59-71 on the road to the higher-ranked (#6) Pully. She had a double-double by scoring 18 points and getting 15 rebounds. Semanjaku also added 4 assists and 5 steals in 38 minutes. So far Aarau lost all four games in the Regular Season. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Semanjaku's stats this year are: 14.3ppg, 8.8rpg, 2.3apg and 3.3spg in four games she played so far. She has a dual citizenship: Albanian and Greek.

   #2. Spyridoula Kazantzi (173-G-95, currently plays in Denmark) was not able to help one of league's weakest teams SISU in their game against Amager (2-0) in the Danish Dameligaen. Kazantzi scored only 4 points. SISU was crushed 92-47 in Kastrup by the leading Amager. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Kazantzi's overall stats this season are: 3.0ppg, 3.0rpg and 2.0spg.

Other top Greek players, who play abroad:

Katerina Sotiriou (186-F-84) plays for Cegledi in Hungarian A Division
Pinelopi Pavlopoulou (172-G-96) plays for Sf.Gheorghe in Romanian Liga Nationala
Bianca Ioannou (165-PG-3) plays for Anorthosis in Cypriot Division A
Styliani Fouraki (188-C-94) plays for Verviers in Belgian Top Division Women
Elisaveta Tortopidu (178-F/C-2) plays for Cherno More in Bulgarian NBL
Melina Karavassilis (180-PF-97) plays for BasCats Heidelberg in German DBBL
Antrea Mihalaki (169-SG-99) plays for Phoenix in Cypriot Division A
Vasiliki Louka (193-F-96) plays for Helsingborg in Swedish Damligan
Stella Eleftheriadou (181-SF-98) plays for Anagennises in Cypriot Division A

Notice: The list above includes only some of the Greek playing currently abroad. Go to Greek Abroad Page to see completed list.

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

HUNGARY

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Alisia JENKINS
  TFSE-MTK
  (186-F-94)
  Avg: 20

1. Jenkins TFSE-MTK	20.0
2. Fraser Vasas C	18.8
3. Bernath TFSE-MTK	18.8
4. Kiesel Uni Gyor	18.0
5. Lelik Csata	17.4
6. Jenkins TFSE-MTK	16.6
7. Hayes Csata	16.0
8. Goree Atomeromu	16.0
9. Dzombeta ZTE NKK	15.4
10. Sotiriou Cegledi	15.0

Rebounds Per Game

Alisia JENKINS
  TFSE-MTK
  (186-F-94)
  Avg: 12.2

1. Jenkins TFSE-MTK	12.2
2. Sarauskaite PINK.	11.8
3. Mokango Miskolc	10.5
4. Fraser Vasas C	9.3
5. Vitola Miskolc	9.2
6. Sotiriou Cegledi	9.2
7. McCall Atomeromu	8.0
8. Hayes Csata	7.5
9. Szabo ZTE NKK	7.4
10. Zempare Csata	7.3

Assists Per Game

Dora MEDGYESSY
  Miskolc
  (175-G-86)
  Avg: 7.6

1. Medgyessy Miskolc	7.6
2. Kiesel Uni Gyor	7.5
3. Studer Atomeromu	7.3
4. Horvath Csata	6.4
5. Ortiz Cegledi	6.0
6. Dzombeta ZTE NKK	5.8
7. Vorpahl PINKK-Pecsi	5.8
8. Papp Vasas Csata	5.5
9. Jenkins TFSE-MTK	4.4
10. Czank Ujbuda	3.8

Steals Per Game

Alisia JENKINS
  TFSE-MTK
  (186-F-94)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Jenkins TFSE-MTK	3.2
2. Dul TFSE-MTK	2.8
3. Ortiz Cegledi	2.6
4. Szabo Atomeromu	2.2
5. Studer Atomeromu	2.2
6. Vorpahl PINKK-Pecsi	2.1
7. Miklos Atomeromu	2.0
8. Wentzel PEAC-Pecs	1.8
9. Jenkins TFSE-MTK	1.8
10. Boros Ujbuda	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Daugile SARAUSKAITE
  PINK.
  (196-C-96)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Sarauskaite PINK.	3.3
2. McCall Atomeromu	2.5
3. Mokango Miskolc	1.5
4. Ajdukovic-A., PEAC.	1.3
5. Toth Vasas Csata	1.3
6. Manyoky Csata	1.3
7. Toman Csata	1.0
8. Kiss PEAC-Pecs	1.0
9. Moore Cegledi	0.8
10. Strautmane PEAC.	0.8

Courtney Vandersloot selected the top Hungarian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center2

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Hungarians who are currently playing abroad.

Courtney Vandersloot

#1. This week's number one is former international point guard Courtney Vandersloot (173-89, agency: Wasserman, college: Gonzaga, currently plays in Russia). She led UMMC Ekaterinburg to an easy victory against the sixth-ranked Dynamo NR (1-2) crushing them 92-38 in the Russian PBL in Tuesday night's game. Vandersloot recorded 16 points, 7 assists and 5 steals in 28 minutes on the court. UMMC Ekaterinburg (3-0) is placed second in the PBL. So far her team won all three games in the Regular Season. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. It's Vandersloot's first year with the team. She has relatively good stats this season: 12.0ppg, 1.5rpg, 6.0apg, 1.5bpg, 3.5spg, 2FGP: 66.7%, 3FGP: 33.3% in two games she played so far. Vandersloot is a naturalized American. She played for the Hungarian senior national team two years ago. Vandersloot used to play for HAT-AGRO UNI Gyor in Hungarian league.

Allie Quigley

#2. Second place goes to an experienced former international guard Allie Quigley (178-86, college: DePaul, currently plays in Russia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Courtney Vandersloot and both played together in the last Russian PBL game. Quigley contributed to an easy victory against the sixth-ranked Dynamo NR (1-2) crushing them 92-38. She recorded 8 points and had 4 steals. It's Quigley's first season with the team. This year Quigley has relatively solid stats: 13.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.5apg, 2.0spg, 3FGP: 36.4%. She is a naturalized American. Quigley played for the Hungarian national team in 2016. She used to play for Pecs 2010 in Hungarian league.

Zsofia Simon

#3. The Hungarian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international guard Zsofia Simon (181-89, also represented by Wasserman, currently plays in Turkey). Simon contributed to an easy victory against the 12th-ranked Elazig (1-5) 90-74 in the Turkish KBSL on Saturday night. She scored 9 points in 15 minutes. Nesibe Aydin (5-1) is placed fourth in the KBSL. It was her team's third consecutive victory in a row. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. This year Simon's overall stats are: 3.2ppg, 1.8rpg in six games. She played for the Hungarian national team two years ago.

Nora Nagy-Bujdoso

#4. Forward Nora Nagy-Bujdoso (185-85, currently plays in Switzerland) could not help Troistorrents (2-1) in their last game. Despite her very good performance Troistorrents were crushed 90-63 on the road by the lower-ranked (#4) Geneve. Nagy-Bujdoso scored 15 points and had 4 steals in 32 minutes. But the season just started, so everything may happen. Nagy-Bujdoso has reliable stats this year: 12.0ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.0apg and 2.3spg in three games. She used to play for the Hungarian national team back in 2017.

One more player who has never been selected to any of national teams, but has Hungarian passport:

#1. Kata Takacs (185-F-91, currently plays in Germany) could not help Osnabrueck in their last game on Sunday. Despite Takacs' good performance her team was badly defeated 90-71 at home by the lower-ranked XCYDE Angels Noerdlingen (#6). She recorded 12 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. It was her first game for Osnabrueck this season. Takacs is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's her fourth year in Osnabrueck's roster. Takacs has a dual citizenship: Austrian and Hungarian.

Other top Hungarian players, who play abroad:

Alexandria Kiss-Rusk (194-C-93) plays for Spirou in Belgian Top Division Women
Laura Biczo (186-F/C-0) plays for Kangoeroes in Belgian Top Division Women
Krisztina Raksanyi (180-G-91) plays for Tarbes in French LFB
Sanja Orozovic (186-G/F-90) plays for Skallagrimur in Icelandic Dominos League
Reka Domokos (188-F/C-94) plays for Targu Secuiesc in Romanian Liga Nationala
Ildiko Mirne-Nagy (187-F/C-84) plays for Arad in Romanian Liga Nationala
Lilla Horvath (183-F-90) plays for BK Duchess in Austrian AWBL
Agnes Roeth (185-F/C-86) plays for Basket Flames in Austrian AWBL
Vida Emese (188-F/C-93) plays for Snaefell in Icelandic Dominos League
Dorka Szakolczi (177-G/F-1) plays for Aabyhoj in Danish Dameligaen

Notice: The list above includes only some of the Hungarian playing currently abroad. Go to Hungarian Abroad Page to see completed list.

A Division Round 8: Uni Gyor easily beat PINKK-Pecsi by 14 points - by Eurobasket News

Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

The game with biggest result difference took place in Gyor. Local Uni Gyor (3-1) beat 11th ranked PINKK-Pecsi (1-7) 92-78 on Wednesday night. Uni Gyor dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to PINKK-Pecsi's 44. They outrebounded PINKK-Pecsi 40-28 including 27 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was American forward Beatrice Mompremier (193-96, college: Miami, FL, agency: Wasserman) who had a double-double by scoring 27 points and 18 rebounds. The other American import guard Brianna Kiesel (171-93, college: Pittsburgh) chipped in 18 points and 7 assists. American point guard Leslie Vorpahl (168-95, college: Tulane) produced 26 points, 6 assists and 4 steals for the guests. PINKK-Pecsi's coach rotated twelve players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Uni Gyor moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Vasas Csata. PINKK-Pecsi lost third consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with seven games lost. Uni Gyor is looking forward to face PEAC-Pecs (#8) at home in the next round. PINKK-Pecsi will play against BEAC-Ujbuda and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Uni Gyor - PINKK-Pecsi 92-78

The game with biggest result difference took place in Gyor. Local Uni Gyor (3-1) beat 11th ranked PINKK-Pecsi (1-7) 92-78 on Wednesday night. Uni Gyor dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to PINKK-Pecsi's 44. They outrebounded PINKK-Pecsi 40-28 including 27 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was American forward Beatrice Mompremier (193-96, college: Miami, FL, agency: Wasserman) who had a double-double by scoring 27 points and 18 rebounds. The other American import guard Brianna Kiesel (171-93, college: Pittsburgh) chipped in 18 points and 7 assists. Five Uni Gyor players scored in double figures. American point guard Leslie Vorpahl (168-95, college: Tulane) produced 26 points, 6 assists and 4 steals and guard Zita Vari (177-1) added 19 points respectively for the guests. PINKK-Pecsi's coach rotated twelve players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Uni Gyor moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Vasas Csata. PINKK-Pecsi lost third consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with seven games lost. Uni Gyor is looking forward to face PEAC-Pecs (#8) at home in the next round. PINKK-Pecsi will play against BEAC-Ujbuda and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Uni Gyor: B.Mompremier 27+18reb, B.Kiesel 18+4reb+7ast, A.Torok 17+6reb+3ast, R.Dombai 13+5reb+7ast, Z.Varga 11+3reb, K.Aya 4
PINKK-Pecsi: L.Vorpahl 26+4reb+6ast, Z.Vari 19+2reb+2ast, D.Zubac 7+2reb+1ast, N.Demeter 7+5reb+2ast, L.Szucs 5+1reb+2ast, D.Sarauskaite 4+11reb+1ast

Tags : BEATRICE MOMPREMIER, UNI GYOR MELY-UT, HUNGARIAN BASKETBALL

Best players of Hungarian A Division round 8 - by Eurobasket News

American Beatrice Mompremier (193-F-96, agency: Wasserman) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Uni Gyor and that's her to receive a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 8.
The 24-year old forward had a double-double of 27 points and eighteen rebounds, while her team beat PINKK-Pecsi (#11, 1-7) 92-78. Uni Gyor is placed at 4th position in Hungarian A Division. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost that single game earlier this season. Uni Gyor will need more victories to improve their 3-1 record. Mompremier turned to be Uni Gyor's top player in her first season with the team. Beatrice Mompremier averages just after two games 18.5ppg and 17.5rpg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 25-year old American point guard Leslie Vorpahl (168-PG-95) of PINKK-Pecsi. Vorpahl impressed basketball fans with 26 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists. Bad luck as PINKK-Pecsi lost that game 78-92 to the higher-ranked Uni Gyor (#4, 3-1). PINKK-Pecsi is still in a red zone at 11th spot in the standings. 7 lost games are too many comparing to just one victory PINKK-Pecsi managed to get this year. Vorpahl is a newcomer at PINKK-Pecsi and it seems she did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was another Uni Gyor's star - American Brianna Kiesel (171-G-93). Kiesel scored 18 points and passed seven assists. She was another key player of Uni Gyor, helping her team with a 92-78 easy win against the lower-ranked PINKK-Pecsi (#11, 1-7). Uni Gyor needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 3 victories and 1 lost games. Kiesel has a great season in Hungary. After only 4 games, she made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 18.0ppg (4th best) and assists with 7.5apg (2nd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Agnes Torok (183-F-98) of Uni Gyor - 17 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Reka Dombai (179-SG-02) of Uni Gyor - 13 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists
6. Zita Vari (177-G-01) of PINKK-Pecsi - 19 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Daugile Sarauskaite (196-C-96) of PINKK-Pecsi - 4 points and 11 rebounds
8. Nora Demeter (187-C-98) of PINKK-Pecsi - 7 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Zsofia Varga (182-F-89) of Uni Gyor - 11 points and 3 rebounds
10. Dragana Zubac (182-G/F-01) of PINKK-Pecsi - 7 points and 2 rebounds

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

Tags : BEATRICE MOMPREMIER, UNI GYOR MELY-UT, HUNGARIAN BASKETBALL

Raksanyi left Tarbes - by Eurobasket News

Tags : KRISZTINA RAKSANYI, TARBES GESPE BIGORRE, FRENCH BASKETBALL, FRENCH TRANSACTIONS

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

ITALY

Cecilia Zandalasini selected the top Italian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center2

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Italian players, who play currently abroad.

Cecilia Zandalasini

#1. This week's number one is an international forward Cecilia Zandalasini (183-96, currently plays in Turkey). She led Fenerbahce to an easy victory against the league outsider Kayseri (0-6) crushing them 91-69 in the Turkish KBSL in Sunday night's game. Zandalasini scored 11 points, had 4 rebounds and dished 6 assists in 25 minutes on the court. Fenerbahce Spor Kulubu Istanbul (6-0) is placed first in the KBSL. So far her team won all six games in the Regular Season. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. It's Zandalasini's first season with the team. She has relatively good stats this year: 13.7ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.2apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 32.3%, 3FGP: 42.1% and FT: 87.5% in six games she played so far. Former Famila Wuber Schio starter played for the Italian senior national team one years ago.

Martina Fassina

#2. Second place goes to U20 international forward Martina Fassina (183-99, currently plays in Poland). Fassina could not help Lublin (1-3) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite her good performance Lublin was defeated 87-77 on the road by the higher-ranked Bydgoszcz (#3). Fassina scored 11 points, had 5 rebounds and dished 4 assists. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. This year Fassina has relatively solid stats: 11.0ppg, 4.8rpg, 4.5apg, 2.8spg, 2FGP: 44.4% and FT: 88.9%. She played for the Italian U20 national team in 2019.

Dubravka Dacic

#3. The Italian player who performed third best last week abroad was an experienced former international center Dubravka Dacic (201-85, currently plays in Sweden). She contributed to an IK Eos' victory against the seventh-ranked Uppsala (2-2) 71-67 in the Swedish Damligan in Saturday night's game. Dacic recorded 7 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks. IK Eos Lund (5-0) is placed first in the Damligan. So far her team won all five games in the Regular Season. But the season just started, so everything may happen. Dacic has reliable stats this year: 12.3ppg, 12.3rpg, 2.0apg, 3.5bpg, 2FGP: 48.8% and FT: 77.8%. She has a dual citizenship: Croatian and Italian. Former Stem Marine Parma starter played for the Italian national team thirteen years ago.

Ilaria Milazzo

#4. Point guard Ilaria Milazzo (170-94, currently plays in Poland) is a teammate of previously mentioned Martina Fassina. But that was another game of her team in Polish EBLK which we would like to mention. Milazzo contributed to Lublin's victory against the closely-ranked Pol.Gdansk (1-2) 83-73. She scored 7 points and added 5 assists in 21 minutes. Pszczolka AZS-UMCS Lublin (1-3) is placed ninth in the EBLK. This year Milazzo's overall stats are: 5.8ppg, 1.5rpg and 3.5apg in four games. She used to play for the Italian U20 national team back in 2014.

One more player who has never been selected to any of national teams, but has Italian passport:

#1. Experienced Paola Ferrari (178-G/F-85, college: Union, TN, currently plays in Euroleague) managed to help Spar Citylift Girona in a victory against Sf.Gheorghe crushing them 76-54 in the Euroleague on Wednesday night. Ferrari recorded only 2 points in 13 minutes. It was her first game for Argon Uni Girona this season. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Her team is placed in the Euroleague. Ferrari has a dual citizenship: Italian and Paraguayan.

Other top Italian players, who play abroad:

Monika Damjanovic (190-C-2) plays for Zagreb in Croatian Premijer Liga
Arianna Zampieri (183-F-88) plays for Braunschweig in German 2.Bundesliga
Monika Ristic (162-G-3) plays for KOS in Austrian AWBL
Charlotte Ragnetti (2) plays for Pozuelo in Spanish LF2

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

JUCO

SFCC Lady Roadrunners add Jones to coaching staff - by Eurobasket News

State Fair Community College (SFCC) Lady Roadrunners Basketball has announced the addition of part-time Assistant Coach LaTice Jones. Jones, who is no stranger to the program, had a standout two-year career at State Fair where she was named First-Team All-Region 16 as a sophomore in 2009. Jones graduated with an associate degree in physical education while playing for current SFCC Athletic Director Darren Pannier and current Head Coach Kevin Bucher. 'I've always wanted to come back to State Fair,' said Jones. 'State Fair was a huge part of my life when I was here as a player. It helped me transition into a great basketball player and an even better student-athlete.' Jones' experience as a student-athlete and high school and college coach brings a new perspective to the team. 'Eleven years ago, I was in the same position that the current student-athletes are in now,' said Jones. 'I was just as scared as they are coming in. I can see the experience from both a student-athlete playing under Coach Bucher and now from a coach's perspective and give them some insight.' The Gary, Indiana native comes back to SFCC after owning and operating LMJ Basketball Training in Conroe, Texas, where Jones served as the skill development coach from June 2019 to the present. Jones taught the fundamentals of basketball while developing and mentoring athletes. Jones also served as an assistant women's basketball coach at Louisiana State University, Eunice for the 2018-2019 season. Jones assisted with recruitment and retention, as well as player development and scouting. Jones also assisted with strength and conditioning and monitored academic progress to ensure degree completion and graduation. Jones worked at the Lift For Life Academy in St. Louis from June 2015 to February 2018, where she served as Junior Varsity Head Coach and Varsity Assistant Coach. Jones helped improve performance by implementing strict weight training and conditioning regimen. Jones conducted practices and instructed student-athletes in game strategies and techniques. Jones also assisted with off of the court activities, including equipment inventory and public relations. Jones spent two years (2014-2015) in the Blue Chip Basketball League for the Midwest Flyers and finished the 2016-2017 season as a trainer for the team. With all of her success, Jones understands that the ultimate goal is for student-athletes to excel in the classroom, as well as on the court. Jones earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion/Wellness from Missouri Southern State University, a Division II school in Joplin, where she lettered for two years. 'I want to help to help our players graduate and push them to go on to four-year Division I programs,' said Jones. The Lady Roadrunners will begin their season in the spring 2021 semester due to COVID-19.
Courtesy of: sfccmoroadrunners.com

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

KOSOVO

Superleague Round 1: Trepca lose to Prishtina - by Eurobasket News

The Regular Season in Superleague just started. Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Trepca in Mitrovice on Thursday night. Hosts were rolled over by Prishtina 74-44. They dominated down low during the game scoring 44 of its points in the paint compared to Trepca's 24. Prishtina looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The former international guard Gentiana Ismajli (172-92) stepped up with a triple-double by scoring 20 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists and 4 steals for the winners and Djellza Dekaj chipped in 17 points and 8 rebounds. At the losing side Sihana Ramoja (177-99) responded with 16 points and 8 rebounds. Prishtina is looking forward to face Vellaznimi in Gjakove in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Trepca will play at home against Bashkimi and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
Very significant was Vellaznimi's 49-point road victory against Kastrioti 100-51. American forward Sarah Mgbeike (185, college: OLLU) nailed a double-double by scoring 30 points, 18 rebounds, 7 assists and 6 steals (on 14-of-17 shooting from the field) for the winning side and Raven Northcross-Baker accounted for 33 points (!!!), 11 rebounds and 8 assists. Alexander Amani came up with 30 points and 8 rebounds for Kastrioti in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Vellaznimi will play against Prishtina on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Kastrioti will play against Penza in Peja and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very significant was Bashkimi's (#1, 1-0) victory against Penza 105-68. LeJzae Davidson fired 30 points and 4 steals for the winners. Valbona Bytyqi produced a double-double by scoring 29 points and 10 rebounds for lost side. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Bashkimi will meet Trepca in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Penza will play against Kastrioti and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Trepca - Prishtina 44-74

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Trepca in Mitrovice on Thursday night. Hosts were rolled over by Prishtina 74-44. They dominated down low during the game scoring 44 of its points in the paint compared to Trepca's 24. Prishtina looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The former international guard Gentiana Ismajli (172-92) stepped up with a triple-double by scoring 20 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists and 4 steals for the winners and Djellza Dekaj chipped in 17 points and 8 rebounds. Four Prishtina players scored in double figures. At the losing side Sihana Ramoja (177-99) responded with 16 points and 8 rebounds and Lorena Haxha scored 14 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Prishtina is looking forward to face Vellaznimi in Gjakove in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Trepca will play at home against Bashkimi and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Prishtina: G.Ismajli 20+12reb+12ast, D.Djellza 17+8reb+2ast, F.Ajeti 12+4reb+3ast, B.Martinaj 11+5reb+4ast, D.Bytyqi 6+3reb, K.Symeja 5+5reb
Trepca: S.Ramoja 16+8reb+2ast, H.Lorena 14+6reb+4ast, S.Elena 6+7reb+1ast, A.Mustafa 4+4reb+1ast, M.Alma 2+8reb+2ast, M.Yllka 2

Bashkimi - Penza 105-68

Very significant was Bashkimi's (#1, 1-0) victory against Penza 105-68. Bashkimi forced 22 Penza turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. American guard LeJzae Davidson (165-98, college: Furman) fired 30 points and 4 steals for the winners. The former international Arbnore Perquku chipped in 9 points, 6 rebounds and 11 assists. Four Bashkimi players scored in double figures. The former international Valbona Bytyqi produced a double-double by scoring 29 points and 10 rebounds and Ermelinda Gjukaj added 13 points and 16 rebounds respectively for lost side. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Bashkimi will meet Trepca in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Penza will play against Kastrioti and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Bashkimi: L.Davidson 30+3reb+1ast, D.Halitaj 16+3reb+6ast, G.Gresa 12+3reb+2ast, S.Vraniqi 12+6reb+3ast, A.Perquku 9+6reb+11ast, J.Zeka 8+2reb+1ast
Penza: V.Bytyqi 29+10reb+3ast, G.Ermelinda 13+16reb+2ast, M.Luci 8+4reb+5ast, T.Ukaj 7+5reb+1ast, H.Elizabeta 5+5reb+4ast, E.Dema 4+2reb

Kastrioti - Vellaznimi 51-100

Very significant was Vellaznimi's 49-point road victory against Kastrioti 100-51. Vellaznimi dominated down low during the game scoring 84 of its points in the paint compared to Kastrioti's 32. They outrebounded Kastrioti 52-30 including a 38-24 advantage in defensive rebounds. Vellaznimi players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists comparing to just 6 passes made by Kastrioti's players. American forward Sarah Mgbeike (185, college: OLLU) nailed a double-double by scoring 30 points, 18 rebounds, 7 assists and 6 steals (on 14-of-17 shooting from the field) for the winning side and her fellow American import guard Raven Northcross-Baker (175, college: Arkansas) accounted for 33 points (!!!), 11 rebounds and 8 assists. Four Vellaznimi players scored in double figures. Alexander Amani came up with 30 points and 8 rebounds and point guard Agnesa Rrahmani (167-2) added 8 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Kastrioti in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Vellaznimi will play against Prishtina on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Kastrioti will play against Penza in Peja and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Vellaznimi: R.Northcross-Baker 33+11reb+8ast, S.Mgbeike 30+18reb+7ast, R.Hoda 13+4reb+2ast, D.Leti 13+6reb+3ast, B.Festa 7+7reb+1ast, T.Viola 2+2reb+1ast
Kastrioti: A.Alexander 30+8reb, A.Rrahmani 8+6reb+1ast, B.Erina 5+2reb, G.Anita 4+5reb+1ast, H.Artina 2, E.Lutfiu 2+7reb+3ast

Tags : SIHANA RAMOJA, TREPCA MITROVICA, KOSOVAN BASKETBALL

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

LATVIA

Anete Steinberga selected the top Latvian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center2

We bring you last week's top performances from Latvians who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

Anete Steinberga

#1. This week's number one is former international center Anete Steinberga (190-90, college: UTEP, currently plays in Turkey). She was the major contributor in Galatasaray's victory against the eighth-ranked Botas (2-3) 75-60 in the Turkish KBSL in Saturday night's game. Steinberga scored 16 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 28 minutes on the court. Galatasaray M.P. Istanbul (5-1) is placed third in the KBSL. It was her team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. It's Steinberga's first season with the team. She has relatively good stats this year: 10.2ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.8apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 49.0% in six games she played so far. Steinberga played for the Latvian senior national team two years ago.

Kristine Vitola

#2. Second place goes to an international center Kristine Vitola (193-91, college: UTEP, currently plays in Euroleague). She could not help Miskolc in their last game on Wednesday. Despite Vitola's very good performance her team was badly defeated 85-68 on the road by the lower-ranked Izmit. She was the top scorer with 20 points. Vitola also added 7 rebounds. It was her first game for Miskolc this season. Vitola played for the Latvian national team in 2019.

Zenta Melnika

#3. The Latvian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international center Zenta Melnika (197-91, currently plays in Sweden). She was not able to help Uppsala (2-2) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Melnika's good performance Uppsala was defeated 71-67 at home by the second-ranked IK Eos. She recorded a double-double by scoring 14 points and getting the same number of rebounds. Melnika also added 5 assists. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. This year Melnika has relatively solid stats: 10.5ppg, 8.8rpg, 3.5apg, 1.5bpg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 51.7% and FT: 64.3%. She played for the Latvian national team one years ago.

Guna Lagzdina

#4. Center Guna Lagzdina (185-93, currently plays in Estonia) led RSU to a 2-point victory against the seventh-ranked LU (1-2) 70-68 in a derby game in the Estonian Douglas BBL last Monday. Lagzdina had a double-double by scoring 14 points and getting 22 rebounds (was perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line) in 32 minutes. Rigas Stradina Universitate Riga (2-2) is placed third in Elite group. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. This year Lagzdina's overall stats are: 7.7ppg, 14.0rpg and 2.0apg in three games. She used to play for the Latvian U20 national team back in 2013.

Liza Cumika

#5. U20 international guard Liza Cumika (181-99, currently plays in Estonia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Guna Lagzdina and both played together in the last Estonian Douglas BBL game. Cumika led RSU to a 2-point victory over the seventh-ranked LU (1-2) 70-68 in a derby game. She was MVP of the game. Cumika scored 16 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and dished 5 assists. This season Cumika averages: 8.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.0apg and 2.0spg. She used to play for the Latvian U20 national team last year.

Baiba Eglite

#6. Guard Baiba Eglite (176-89, college: UTEP, currently plays in Estonia) faced previously mentioned Guna Lagzdina in the Estonian Douglas BBL last game. Eglite was not able to secure a victory for LU (1-2) in their last game on Monday. Despite her very good performance the seventh-placed LU (1-2) was edged 70-68 in a derby game by the higher-ranked RSU (#3) in the Elite group. Eglite was the second best scorer with 15 points. She also added 5 boards, passed 5 assists and added 7 steals. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be important. Eglite has reliable stats this season: 10.7ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.0apg and 3.0spg. She is a former international player as she played for the Latvian senior team two years ago.

Elina Grinberga

#7. Former U20 international forward Elina Grinberga (186-97, currently plays in Estonia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Guna Lagzdina. But that was another game of her team in Estonian Douglas BBL which we would like to mention. Grinberga couldn't help RSU (2-2) in their game against Liepaja/LSSS (2-1). She recorded 8 points, 15 rebounds and 2 blocks in 31 minutes. RSU (#3) was crushed 82-52 on the opponent's court by the second-ranked Liepaja/LSSS in the Elite group. This year Grinberga's total stats are: 9.0ppg, 10.0rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3bpg and 2.0spg in four games. She used to play for the Latvian U20 national team three years ago.

Elizabete Zumenta

#8. An experienced forward Elizabete Zumenta (181-0, currently plays in Estonia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Baiba Eglite and both played together in the last Estonian Douglas BBL game. Zumenta couldn't help LU (1-2) in their last game on Monday. Despite her very good performance LU (#7) was edged 70-68 in a derby game by the higher-ranked RSU (#3) in the Elite group. Zumenta was the top scorer with 17 points. She also added 8 rebounds. Zumenta has averaged so far 9.5ppg and 5.5rpg. She used to play for the Latvian U19 national team last year.

Alise Bruzinska

#9. Former U20 international small forward Alise Bruzinska (176-97, currently plays in Estonia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Guna Lagzdina. She played also in the last Estonian Douglas BBL game facing Liza Cumika (above) in the other team. Bruzinska led RSU to a 2-point victory against the seventh-ranked LU (1-2) 70-68 in a derby game. She scored 14 points in a mere 18 minutes. Bruzinska has averaged so far 6.5ppg and 2.5rpg in four games. She used to play for the Latvian U20 national team three years ago.

Luize Septe

   #10. Forward Luize Septe (180-99, college: S.Florida, currently plays in Estonia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Baiba Eglite. She played also in the last Estonian Douglas BBL game facing Elizabete Zumenta (above) in the other team. Septe couldn't help LU (1-2) in their last game on Monday. Despite her good performance LU (#7) was edged 70-68 in a derby game by the higher-ranked RSU (#3) in the Elite group. Septe scored 10 points, grabbed 7 boards, passed 7 assists and added 4 steals. Septe has averaged so far 8.7ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.7apg and 3.0spg. She is international player as one years ago she still played for the Latvian senior national team.

   #11. U18 international shooting guard Madlena Gerke (178-2, currently plays in Estonia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Baiba Eglite. She played also in the last Estonian Douglas BBL game facing Luize Septe (above) in the other team. Gerke couldn't help LU in their game against RSU. She scored 9 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Her team was edged 70-68. Gerke has averaged so far 8.7ppg, 4.7rpg and 2.0spg. She used to play for the Latvian U18 national team last year.

   #12. Former U20 international forward Anna Busa (182-96, currently plays in Estonia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Baiba Eglite. She played also in the last Estonian Douglas BBL game facing Madlena Gerke (above) in the other team. Busa couldn't help LU in their game against RSU, despite her good performance on Monday night. She scored 10 points and blocked 2 blocks in 28 minutes. But her team was edged 70-68. Busa has averaged so far 5.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.0bpg and 2.3spg in three games. She used to play for the Latvian U20 national team back in 2015.

   #13. U20 international swingman Anita Mikelsone (178-1, currently plays in Estonia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Baiba Eglite. She played also in the last Estonian Douglas BBL game facing Anna Busa (above) in the other team. Mikelsone couldn't help LU in their game against RSU. She cannot count Monday's game as one of the best ones. Mikelsone scored only 3 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Her team was edged 70-68. Mikelsone has averaged so far 5.7ppg, 6.0rpg and 2.0apg. She used to play for the Latvian U20 national team last year.

   #14. U19 international guard Kristiana Koltone (178-2, currently plays in Estonia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Guna Lagzdina. She played also in the last Estonian Douglas BBL game facing Elina Grinberga (above) in the other team. Koltone couldn't help RSU in their game against Liepaja/LSSS. She recorded only 4 points in 15 minutes. Her team was crushed by 30 points 82-52. Koltone has averaged so far 4.7ppg and 2.7rpg in three games. She used to play for the Latvian U19 national team last year.

   #15. U18 international shooting guard Asnate Gerke (178-2, currently plays in Estonia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Baiba Eglite. She played also in the last Estonian Douglas BBL game facing Anita Mikelsone (above) in the other team. Gerke couldn't help LU in their game against RSU. She cannot count Monday's game as one of the best ones. Gerke scored only 2 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Her team was edged 70-68. Gerke has averaged so far 2.7ppg and 3.3rpg. She is also in the roster of the Latvian U18 national team.

The list of other players, who all have Latvian passport but never been selected to any of Latvian national teams:

   #1. Liga Vente (190-C/F-91, college: Eckerd, currently plays in Italy) was the major contributor in Faenza's victory against the ninth-ranked Nico Basket Femminile Ponte Buggianese (1-3) 78-61 in the Italian Serie A2 (second division) on Saturday night. She had a double-double by scoring 15 points and getting 14 rebounds in 31 minutes. E-Work Faenzais placed in South group. This year Vente has relatively solid stats: 13.3ppg, 11.0rpg and 1.3apg in four games she played so far.

   #2. Ieva Stefanija Jundase (178-F-94, currently plays in Estonia) led RSU to a 2-point victory against the seventh-ranked LU (1-2) 70-68 in a derby game in the Estonian Douglas BBL in Monday night's game. Jundase scored 13 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, passed 4 assists and added 2 blocks in 35 minutes. Rigas Stradina Universitate Riga (2-2) is placed third in Elite group. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. Jundase has reliable stats this year: 12.8ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.8apg and 1.8spg in four games.

   #3. Adriana Komule (180-C-99, currently plays in Estonia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Ieva Stefanija Jundase. But that was another game of her team in Estonian Douglas BBL which we would like to mention. Komule could not help RSU (2-2) in their last game. Despite her good performance RSU (#3) was crushed 82-52 on the road by the second-ranked Liepaja/LSSS in the Elite group. Komule was the second best scorer with 11 points in a mere 17 minutes. Komule has averaged so far 4.3ppg and 1.8rpg in four games.

   #4. Mariona Tamsone (175-C-99, currently plays in Estonia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Ieva Stefanija Jundase and both played together in the last Estonian Douglas BBL game. Tamsone managed to help Rigas Stradina Universitate Riga in a 2-point victory against the seventh-ranked LU (1-2) 70-68 in a derby game. She scored only one point in 5 minutes on the court. Tamsone has averaged so far 1.3ppg, 3.5rpg and 1.3spg in four games.

   #5. Laura Gribuste (174-PG-98, currently plays in Estonia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Ieva Stefanija Jundase. She played also in the last Estonian Douglas BBL game facing Adriana Komule (above) in the other team. Gribuste was not able to help RSU in their game against Liepaja/LSSS (2-1). She cannot count Friday's game as one of the best ones. Gribuste recorded only 2 points. RSU (#3) was crushed 82-52 on the opponent's court by the second-ranked Liepaja/LSSS in the Elite group. This season Gribuste averages just 0.7ppg.

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

LITHUANIA

Laura Miskiniene-Svaryte's double-double lands her Player of the Week award among Lithuanians playing currently abroad: - by Eurobasket Center2

We bring you last week's top performances from Lithuanians who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

Laura Miskiniene-Svaryte

#1. This week's number one is an international power forward Laura Miskiniene-Svaryte (190-92, currently plays in Poland). She led Arka Gdynia to a victory over the league outsider Katarzynki (0-5) crushing them 106-52 in the Polish EBLK in Saturday night's game. Miskiniene-Svaryte was MVP of the game. She had a double-double by scoring 17 points and getting 15 rebounds in a mere 18 minutes on the court. Arka Gdynia (6-0) is placed first in the EBLK. So far her team won all six games in the Regular Season. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. Miskiniene-Svaryte has individually a very good year with high stats. She averages: 16.0ppg, 13.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 72.7%(32-44), 3FGP: 25.0% and FT: 90.6%(29-32) in six games she played so far. Miskiniene-Svaryte played for the Lithuanian senior national team one years ago.

Gintare Petronyte

#2. Second place goes to an international power forward Gintare Petronyte (197-89, currently plays in Italy). She contributed to an easy victory against the 12th-ranked Lucca (1-4) crushing them 74-52 in the Italian Serie A1 last Saturday. Petronyte recorded a double-double by scoring 10 points and getting the same number of rebounds. She also added 5 assists and 2 blocks. Umana Reyer Venezia (3-0) is placed first in the Serie A1. So far her team won all three games in the Regular Season. But the season just started, so everything may happen. Petronyte has relatively good stats this year: 12.6ppg, 11.2rpg, 2.0apg, 2FGP: 56.4%(22-39) and FT: 79.2%. Former Kibirkstis-Tiche-IKI Vilnius starter played for the Lithuanian national team in 2019.

Gintare Mazionyte

#3. The Lithuanian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international forward Gintare Mazionyte (188-91, college: Texas, currently plays in Sweden). She was the major contributor in an A3 Basket's victory against the league outsider Visby Ladies (0-4) 80-61 in the Swedish Damligan on Monday night. Mazionyte had a double-double by scoring 19 points and getting 15 rebounds. She also added 6 assists and 5 steals in 34 minutes. A3 Basket Umea (2-1) is placed sixth in the Damligan. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. It's Mazionyte's first year with the team. This season Mazionyte has relatively solid stats: 10.3ppg, 9.0rpg, 2.3apg, 2.3spg, 2FGP: 52.9%, 3FGP: 28.6% and FT: 87.5% in three games. She played for the Lithuanian national team one years ago.

Laura Juskaite

#4. Forward Laura Juskaite (186-97, currently plays in Spain) contributed to Valencia's victory against the closely-ranked Argon Uni Girona (6-1) 68-58 in the Spanish Liga Dia in Saturday night's game. Juskaite recorded 7 points and had 3 steals. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Valencia BCis placed in the Liga Dia. Juskaite's overall stats this season are: 8.4ppg, 3.4rpg and 1.3spg. She used to play for the Lithuanian national team last year.

Gabija Meskonyte

#5. International forward Gabija Meskonyte (181-98, currently plays in Turkey) was the main contributor in a Adana Basket's victory against one of league's weakest teams Canik Belediye (0-5) crushing them 96-47 in the Turkish KBSL last Saturday. Meskonyte was the best player in that game. She scored 22 points and added 7 passes in 27 minutes. Buyuksehir Belediyesi Adana Basketbol (2-4) is placed 11th in the KBSL. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. It's Meskonyte's first season with the team. This year Meskonyte's overall stats are: 9.3ppg, 4.2rpg and 2.5apg in six games. She used to play for the Lithuanian national team last year.

Giedre Labuckiene

#6. Center Giedre Labuckiene (192-90, currently plays in Euroleague) managed to help Spar Citylift Girona to win against Sf.Gheorghe crushing them 76-54 in the Euroleague on Wednesday night. Labuckiene recorded only 4 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. It was her first game for Argon Uni Girona this season. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Her team is placed in the Euroleague. Labuckiene is international player as she played for the Lithuanian senior team one years ago.

Egle Siksniute

#7. International center Egle Siksniute (198-91, currently plays in Euroleague) contributed to an easy victory against Miskolc 85-68 in the Euroleague in Wednesday night's game. She recorded 7 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 30 minutes. It was her first game for Izmit this season. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Her team is placed in the Euroleague. Siksniute used to play for the Lithuanian national team last year.

Egle Sulciute

#8. An experienced power forward Egle Sulciute (190-85, currently plays in Italy). She could not help San Martino (2-3) to beat Bologna (5-0). Sulciute scored 6 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. San Martino was edged 75-73 on the road by the leading Bologna. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Sulciute's total stats this season are: 9.8ppg, 10.6rpg, 4.0apg and 1.2spg. She used to play for the Lithuanian national team back in 2018.

Daugile Sarauskaite

#9. International center Daugile Sarauskaite (196-96, currently plays in Hungary) was not able to help PINKK-Pecsi in their game against Csata (5-2) in the Hungarian A Division. Sarauskaite recorded 9 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks in 31 minutes. But PINKK-Pecsi was crushed 85-47 at home by the second-ranked Csata. It was PINKK-Pecsi's third consecutive loss in a row. This year Sarauskaite's total stats are: 10.0ppg, 11.8rpg, 1.8apg, 3.3bpg and 1.5spg in four games. She used to play for the Lithuanian national team last year.

Ieva Bagdanaviciene

#10. Forward Ieva Bagdanaviciene (180-94, currently plays in Germany) was not able to secure a victory for BasCats Heidelberg (1-0) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Bagdanaviciene's good performance BasCats Heidelberg was crushed 93-57 in Keltern by the lower-ranked Gruner Stern (#3). She was the second best scorer with 12 points. It was her first game for BasCats Heidelberg this season. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Bagdanaviciene is a former university international player as three years ago she still played for the Lithuanian national team.

One more player who has never been selected to any of national teams, but has Lithuanian passport:

#1. Experienced Ieva Ivaskeviciute (180-F-85, currently plays in Sweden). She could not help Hogsbo (4-1) to beat Alvik Basket (4-0). Ivaskeviciute cannot count Saturday's game as one of the best ones. She recorded only 2 points in 16 minutes. Hogsbo was edged 72-70 at home by the leading Alvik Basket. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Ivaskeviciute has been at the team for nine years. Ivaskeviciute has averaged so far 2.0ppg and 2.3rpg in three games she played so far.

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

PORTUGAL

Liga Feminina Round 6: GDESSA crush Queluz by record 26 points - by Eurobasket News

What a coincidence that all visitors won their games. Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

The game with biggest result difference took place in Queluz. Local Queluz (2-2) was outscored by seventh ranked GDESSA (3-2) 79-53 on Wednesday night. GDESSA made 20-of-26 free shots (76.9 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 Queluz turnovers. It was a great shooting night for GDESSA especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.9 percentage. The best player for the winners was Brazilian center Jennifer-Nonato Calixto (187-97) who had a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds. International point guard Catarina Neves (173-93) chipped in 15 points and 4 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Filipa Cruz (179-2) who recorded a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. GDESSA moved-up to fourth place, which they share with CAB Madeira and Quinta Lombos. Newly promoted Queluz dropped to the seventh position with two games lost. They share it with Vagos. GDESSA is looking forward to face Quinta Lombos (#6) in Carcavelos in the next round. Queluz will play at home against the league's leader Benfica and is hoping to win this game.

In the last game of round 6 Olivais defeated Guifoes in Coimbra 78-65.
The best stats of 6th round was 27 points and 9 rebounds by Tylinn Carter of Guifoes.

Queluz - GDESSA 53-79

The game with biggest result difference took place in Queluz. Local Queluz (2-2) was outscored by seventh ranked GDESSA (3-2) 79-53 on Wednesday night. GDESSA made 20-of-26 free shots (76.9 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 Queluz turnovers. It was a great shooting night for GDESSA especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.9 percentage. The best player for the winners was Brazilian center Jennifer-Nonato Calixto (187-97) who had a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds. International point guard Catarina Neves (173-93) chipped in 15 points and 4 assists. Four GDESSA players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Filipa Cruz (179-2) who recorded a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds and guard Adriana Martins (166-2) added 13 points and 6 rebounds respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. GDESSA moved-up to fourth place, which they share with CAB Madeira and Quinta Lombos. Newly promoted Queluz dropped to the seventh position with two games lost. They share it with Vagos. GDESSA is looking forward to face Quinta Lombos (#6) in Carcavelos in the next round. Queluz will play at home against the league's leader Benfica and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Queluz: F.Cruz 13+11reb+3ast, M.Adriana 13+6reb+2ast, D.Marta 10+1reb, A.Constanca 7+4reb+1ast, R.Joana 6+10reb+3ast, D.Carolina 4+2reb+1ast
GDESSA: M.Umabano 15+4reb, A.Cezario 15+4reb, C.Neves 15+2reb+4ast, J.Nonato Calixto 12+10reb+2ast, M.Costa 9+2reb+3ast, L.Serralheiro 4+3reb+2ast

Guifoes - Olivais 65-78

There was a minor upset when 9th ranked Guifoes (1-3) were defeated at home by eleventh ranked Olivais (2-3) 78-65 on Wednesday. Olivais looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists comparing to just 10 passes made by Guifoes' players. The best player for the winners was swingman Sofia Pinheiro (175-95) who scored 26 points. American guard Kahlia Lawrence (173-96, college: Mercer) chipped in 19 points and 4 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Tylinn Carter (185-95, college: Pepperdine) who recorded 27 points and 9 rebounds and her fellow American import guard Rubin Taneka (178-93, college: FAMU) added 18 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists respectively. Defending champion moved-up to ninth place. Guifoes at the other side dropped to the tenth position with three games lost. They share it with Natacao. Olivais are looking forward to face league's second-placed Uniao Sportiva in Ponta Delgada in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Guifoes will play at home against Vagos (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Guifoes: T.Carter 27+9reb, R.Taneka 18+10reb+6ast, T.Mariana 10+1reb, B.Filipa 5+2reb+4ast, S.Catarina 4+5reb, A.Almeida 1
Olivais: S.Pinheiro 26+2ast, K.Lawrence 19+3reb+4ast, K.Elliott 13+9reb+2ast, M.Mendes 7+8reb+4ast, R.Alves 6+2reb+2ast, C.Eva 4+4reb+7ast

Tags : JENNIFER NONATO CALIXTO, GDESSA/BARREIRO, PORTUGUESE BASKETBALL

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

SLOVENIA

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Urska ZIBERT
  Ledita D.
  (174-G-93)
  Avg: 19.8

1. Zibert Ledita D.	19.8
2. Sambolic Ilrija	17.4
3. Debeljak Celje	16.1
4. Saric Jezica	14.3
5. Meden Jezica	14.2
6. Stergar Ledita D.	13.8
7. Pulevic Ilrija	13.3
8. Ceh Celje	12.7
9. Stirn Celje	12.6
10. Dautovic Maribor	12.4

Rebounds Per Game

Zala SROT
  Konjice
  (184-F-4)
  Avg: 11.3

1. Srot Konjice	11.3
2. Senicar Celje	9.1
3. Dautovic Maribor	9.0
4. Kramzar Triglav	9.0
5. Gbemuotor Celje	7.8
6. Vrecer Triglav	7.8
7. Stefanoski Gros.	7.6
8. Pamic Ledita D.	7.5
9. Jelenc Celje	7.4
10. Stergar Ledita D.	7.3

Assists Per Game

Sara MEDEN
  Jezica
  (171-PG-94)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Meden Jezica	7.5
2. Zibert Ledita D.	5.5
3. Abramovic Triglav	5.2
4. Senicar Celje	4.9
5. Tajhar Konjice	4.5
6. Vrecer Triglav	4.2
7. Kodelja Grosbasket	4.0
8. Sambolic Ilrija	3.8
9. Prevodnik Jezica	3.8
10. Ceh Celje	3.3

Steals Per Game

Marusa SENICAR
  Celje
  (187-SF-97)
  Avg: 4

1. Senicar Celje	4.0
2. Vrecer Triglav	3.7
3. Gbemuotor Celje	3.5
4. Meden Jezica	2.8
5. Ceh Celje	2.7
6. Jamnik Ilrija	2.7
7. Vrecer Ilrija	2.6
8. Abramovic Triglav	2.5
9. Sambolic Ilrija	2.4
10. Debeljak Celje	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Zala SROT
  Konjice
  (184-F-4)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Srot Konjice	3.2
2. Jelenc Celje	3.0
3. Stergar Ledita D.	1.5
4. Vrecer Triglav	1.0
5. Senicar Celje	0.9
6. Merlak Grosbasket	0.8
7. Vulovic Triglav	0.7
8. Anzic Celje	0.7
9. Delic Jezica	0.7
10. Horvat Triglav	0.7

SKL Round 6: Jezica gets another victory - by Eurobasket News

Coincidentally all hosts won their games. Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

Undefeated leader Jezica delivered the sixth consecutive win on Thursday night. This time they beat 5th ranked Konjice (2-4) 71-65 in Ljubljana. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Konjice won fourth quarter 17-13. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Konjice 51-27 including a 20-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was the former international point guard Sara Meden (171-94) who scored 21 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Ana Saric (182-0) chipped in 21 points and 6 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Zala Srot (184-4) who recorded a double-double by scoring 10 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks. Undefeated Jezica (6-0) have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position with a perfect record of 6 victories in a row. Konjice at the other side keeps the fifth place with four games lost. Jezica are looking forward to face Grosbasket (#7) in Grosuplje in the next round where they are favorite. Konjice will play at home against the league's second-placed Triglav and is hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Kranj. Local Triglav (5-1) outscored 6th ranked Ilrija (2-5) 76-52. It was a good game for Serbian center Marta Vulovic (198-0, agency: BeoBasket) who led her team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. Ajda Burgar contributed with 22 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Tara Pulevic (170-3) replied with 21 points for Ilrija. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Triglav have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place. Ilrija lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with five games lost. Triglav will play against Konjice (#5) on the road in the next round. Ilrija will play against Maribor and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Triglav - Ilrija 76-52

The game with biggest result difference took place in Kranj. Local Triglav (5-1) outscored 6th ranked Ilrija (2-5) 76-52. The game without a history. Triglav led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Ilrija's 20 and made 21-of-25 charity shots (84.0 percent) during the game, while Ilrija only scored two points from the stripe. They outrebounded Ilrija 46-21 including a 31-13 advantage in defensive rebounds. Triglav players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. It was a good game for Serbian center Marta Vulovic (198-0, agency: BeoBasket) who led her team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. Ajda Burgar (176-1) contributed with 22 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Tara Pulevic (170-3) replied with 21 points and guard Ana Micunovic (172-3) added 9 points and 6 assists in the effort for Ilrija. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Triglav have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place. Ilrija lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with five games lost. Triglav will play against Konjice (#5) on the road in the next round. Ilrija will play against Maribor and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Triglav: A.Burgar 22+5reb+3ast, M.Vulovic 19+12reb+5ast, K.Kotnik 11+7reb+1ast, G.Kramzar 6+5reb+2ast, M.Vrecer 6+7reb+3ast, R.Abramovic 5+1reb+3ast
Ilrija: P.Tara 21+1reb+2ast, M.Ana 9+1reb+6ast, A.Julijana 8+5reb, N.Vrecer 5+2reb, J.Petrovic 4+1reb+1ast, M.Manca 3+4reb

Jezica - Konjice 71-65

Undefeated leader Jezica delivered the sixth consecutive win on Thursday night. This time they beat 5th ranked Konjice (2-4) 71-65 in Ljubljana. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Konjice won fourth quarter 17-13. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Konjice 51-27 including a 20-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was the former international point guard Sara Meden (171-94) who scored 21 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Ana Saric (182-0) chipped in 21 points and 6 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Zala Srot (184-4) who recorded a double-double by scoring 10 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks and forward Eva Brdnik (173-97) added 13 points and 7 rebounds respectively. Jezica (6-0) have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position with a perfect record of 6 victories in a row. Konjice at the other side keeps the fifth place with four games lost. Jezica are looking forward to face Grosbasket (#7) in Grosuplje in the next round where they are favorite. Konjice will play at home against the league's second-placed Triglav and is hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Jezica: S.Meden 21+6reb+6ast, A.Saric 21+6reb+2ast, D.Anja 10+7reb, A.Jeras 6+15reb+1ast, N.Srot 6+6reb+1ast, E.Lapajne 4+2ast
Konjice: E.Brdnik 13+7reb, S.Ajsa 12+2reb+3ast, S.Zala 10+12reb+4ast, T.Tajhar 8+2reb+6ast, T.Ramsak 7+2reb+2ast, M.Podgrajsek 6

Tags : SARA MEDEN, ZKD JEZICA LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIAN BASKETBALL

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

SOUTH KOREA

WKBL Round 5: KB Stars keep a leadership position - by Eurobasket News

There were just five rounds played in Regular Season of WKBL and we can clearly see which teams will fight for top positions and which will try to avoid bottom places. Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

The game had a very big importance for third-ranked KB Stars as it allowed them to take a leadership position. KB Stars edged 4th placed Blue Minx in Seoul 74-72. KB Stars have a solid series of four victories in a row. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with S-Birds. Blue Minx at the other side dropped to the fifth place with four games lost. They share the position with Hana 1Q. Blue Minx will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest in order to get back on the winning path. KB Stars will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Hana 1Q in Bucheon.
Important game to mention about took place in Chuncheon. Fourth ranked BNK Sum (3-3) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging 3rd placed Woori Bank (3-3) 71-70 in the game for the third place. BNK Sum moved-up to third place, which they share with defeated Woori Bank. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
An interesting game for KB Stars (4-2) which played road game in Yongin against 4th placed Blue Minx (2-4). Third ranked KB Stars managed to get a 4-point victory 74-70. KB Stars have a solid series of four victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with S-Birds. Loser Blue Minx dropped to the fifth place with four games lost. They share the position with Hana 1Q. KB Stars will meet bottom-ranked Hana 1Q (#6) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Blue Minx will have a break next round.
The game in Bucheon was also worth to mention about. Third ranked S-Birds (4-2) played at the court of 6th ranked Hana 1Q (2-4). S-Birds managed to secure a 8-point victory 80-72. S-Birds keep a position of league leader, which they share with KB Stars. Hana 1Q at the other side stay at the bottom place with four games lost. S-Birds will have a break next round. Hana 1Q will play at home against the league's leader KB Stars (#1) and hope to win that game.

Blue Minx - KB Stars 70-74

An interesting game for KB Stars (4-2) which played road game in Yongin against 4th placed Blue Minx (2-4). Third ranked KB Stars managed to get a 4-point victory 74-70. KB Stars have a solid series of four victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with S-Birds. Loser Blue Minx dropped to the fifth place with four games lost. They share the position with Hana 1Q. KB Stars will meet bottom-ranked Hana 1Q (#6) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Blue Minx will have a break next round.

Hana 1Q - S-Birds 72-80

The game in Bucheon was also worth to mention about. Third ranked S-Birds (4-2) played at the court of 6th ranked Hana 1Q (2-4). S-Birds managed to secure a 8-point victory 80-72. S-Birds keep a position of league leader, which they share with KB Stars. Hana 1Q at the other side stay at the bottom place with four games lost. S-Birds will have a break next round. Hana 1Q will play at home against the league's leader KB Stars (#1) and hope to win that game.

KB Stars - Blue Minx 74-72

The game had a very big importance for third-ranked KB Stars as it allowed them to take a leadership position. KB Stars edged 4th placed Blue Minx in Seoul 74-72. KB Stars have a solid series of four victories in a row. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with S-Birds. Blue Minx at the other side dropped to the fifth place with four games lost. They share the position with Hana 1Q. Blue Minx will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest in order to get back on the winning path. KB Stars will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Hana 1Q in Bucheon.

Woori Bank - BNK Sum 70-71

Important game to mention about took place in Chuncheon. Fourth ranked BNK Sum (3-3) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging 3rd placed Woori Bank (3-3) 71-70 in the game for the third place. BNK Sum moved-up to third place, which they share with defeated Woori Bank. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

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

SPAIN

Stats Leaders - LFB

Points Per Game

Markeisha GATLING
  Zaragoza
  (196-C-92)
  Avg: 19.4

1. Gatling Zaragoza	19.4
2. Taylor Gran C	19.1
3. Hempe Ensino	16.4
4. Reisingerova Girona	16.0
5. Atkinson Clarinos	16.0
6. Taylor Clarinos	15.7
7. Samuelson Avenida	15.5
8. Estebas Promete	15.3
9. Kone Gran Canaria	14.3
10. Quevedo Araski	13.8

Rebounds Per Game

Sika KONE
  Gran Canaria
  (190-F/C-2)
  Avg: 11.5

1. Kone Gran Canaria	11.5
2. Diarra Promete	10.7
3. James Gran C	9.3
4. Araujo Girona	8.6
5. Gatling Zaragoza	7.4
6. Rhine Bembibre	7.0
7. Seda Araski	7.0
8. Imovbioh Clarinos	6.4
9. Higgs Bembibre	5.9
10. Trahan-Davis Vale.	5.9

Assists Per Game

Julie VANLOO
  Zaragoza
  (172-PG-93)
  Avg: 4.9

1. Vanloo Zaragoza	4.9
2. Stanacev Ensino	4.4
3. Gretter Estudiantes	4.0
4. Ouvina Valencia	3.4
5. Aydin Al-Qazeres	3.3
6. Hermida Gran C	3.3
7. Dominguez Avenida	2.9
8. Cousseins-S., IDK	2.8
9. Sarr IDK E	2.8
10. Palau Girona	2.7

Steals Per Game

Laia PALAU
  Girona
  (177-PG-79)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Palau Girona	2.1
2. Lizarazu Zamarat	2.1
3. Hayes Avenida	2.0
4. Etxarri Cadi L	2.0
5. Montoliu Zamarat	1.9
6. Ouvina Valencia	1.9
7. Taylor Clarinos	1.8
8. Allen Valencia	1.8
9. Carter Estudiantes	1.5
10. Stanacev Ensino	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Alexa HART
  Al-Qazeres
  (190-F-95)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Hart Al-Qazeres	1.6
2. Allen Valencia	1.0
3. Gulich Valencia	0.7
4. Urbaniak-D., Cadi	0.7
5. Lo Sylla Gernika	0.6
6. Colhado Gernika	0.5
7. Sarr IDK E	0.5
8. Geldof Cadi L	0.4
9. Gil Valencia	0.4
10. Da Silva Estu.	0.4

LF2 Round 3: Alcobendas lose to Picken Claret - by Eurobasket News

It's still too early stage of the Regular Season in LF2, but even now we can clearly see the differece between stronger teams and outsiders. The round was rather attractive and full of interesting results. The round ended with change at the leadership position, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin. Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

The biggest surprise of round 3 in LF2 took place in Valencia where host Picken Claret (2-1) beat Alcobendas (2-1) 77-64 on Saturday evening. Picken Claret forced 22 Alcobendas turnovers. Strangely Alcobendas outrebounded Picken Claret 46-32 including 18 on the offensive glass. The best player for the winners was Argentinian point guard Regina Carosio (166-86) who scored 7 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Guard Clara Che (173-97, college: Providence) chipped in 16 points and 5 steals. At the other side the best for losing team was Lucia Togores (175-96) who recorded a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Alcobendas' coach Javier Portela rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Alcobendas will play next round against Paterna trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Picken Claret will try to continue on its current victory against Pozuelo on the road.
Ardoi defeated Rioja at home 62-55. It was a good game for Portuguese forward Josephine Filipe (177-95) who led her team to a victory with 19 points. Diana Cabrera contributed with 12 points and 5 steals for the winners. Ardoi's coach Jose Javier Unzue allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American guard Morgan Green (170-96, college: UC Irvine, agency: Gamble Sports Management) answered with 15 points for Rioja. Rioja will play next round against strong Ferrol trying to get back on the winning streak. Ardoi will try to continue on its current victory against Barakaldo at Vizcaya.
Aviles (0-1) recorded a loss at the home court on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by Barakaldo (2-1) 65-54. It was a great evening for Ijeoma Uchendu who led her team to a victory scoring 15 points and 6 rebounds. Barakaldo's coach Alberto Cea used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was Marcy Goncalves with 14 points. Barakaldo will meet at home Ardoi in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Aviles will play against Genero (#13) in Las Palmas and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Very important is a home loss of UCAM Jairis (2-1) against Estepona (1-1) on Saturday night. Host UCAM Jairis was defeated by Estepona in a tough game in Alcantarilla 55-64. It was an exceptional evening for Sierra Moore who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds. UCAM Jairis' coach Victor Verdu tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Estepona's next round opponent will be Melilla (#11) at home. UCAM Jairis will play against Unicaja (#2) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Very important is a road loss of Azulejos (1-1) against Maresme (2-0) on Saturday night. Visiting Azulejos was crushed by Maresme in Barcelona 71-46. The best player for the winners was Olga Ruano who had a double-double by scoring 13 points and 12 rebounds. Azulejos' coach Javier Aladren gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Maresme's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Barcelona Segle XXI.

Other games of round 3 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
In Group A GDKO Bizkaia crushed Genero in Galdakao 75-51. Ferrol smashed Adareva at home 96-39. Winless Plasencia lost to Coruna on the opponent's court 64-69. RC Celta outscored Cortegada in a home game 78-43.
In Group B winless Sevilla was rolled over Pozuelo on the road 69-45. Winless Paterna lost to undefeated Almeria on its own court 53-59. Castello beat Melilla in Castellon 81-68.
In Group C Segle XXI destroyed Andratx at home 98-59. Lima-Horta managed to outperform Girona on the opponent's court 68-51. Winless Joventut lost to undefeated Barca CBS in a home game 57-73. Viladecans defeated Casablanca on the road 61-45. Sant Josep beat Mataro on its own court 73-71.
The best stats of 3rd round was 13 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists by Nerea Crespi of Sant Josep.

Group A

Genero - GDKO Bizkaia 51-75

There was no surprise in Las Palmas where Genero (0-3) was crushed by GDKO Bizkaia (3-0) 75-51 on Saturday. GDKO Bizkaia forced 22 Genero turnovers. Genero was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was Finnish center Helmi Tulonen (189-98, college: Duquesne) who scored 14 points and 8 rebounds. Point guard Juana Molina-Prados (172-91) chipped in 13 points and 7 assists. Five GDKO Bizkaia players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Regina Gomez (173-82) who recorded 15 points and 5 rebounds and Colombian guard Maria Delgado (173-96, college: Angelo St.) added 10 points and 7 rebounds respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. GDKO Bizkaia will face Arxil Pontevedra (#6) at home in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Genero will play against Aviles (#10) and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
GDKO Bizkaia: R.Cotano 15+6reb+1ast, H.Tulonen 14+8reb+2ast, J.Molina-Prados 13+2reb+7ast, P.Ferris 12+2reb+1ast, E.Koskimies 10+5reb, L.Marcos Canedo 5+1reb+2ast
Genero: R.Gomez 15+5reb+2ast, M.Delgado 10+7reb+2ast, O.Samira 8+4reb+6ast, C.Mateo 7+6reb+1ast, G.Natalia 6+5reb+1ast, I.Drake 4+3reb

Aviles - Barakaldo 54-65

Aviles (0-1) recorded a loss at the home court on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by Barakaldo (2-1) 65-54. Barakaldo outrebounded Aviles 28-11 including a 22-7 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great evening for Nigerian forward Ijeoma Uchendu (185-92, college: Butler) who led her team to a victory scoring 15 points and 6 rebounds. Forward Aina Martin (178-0) helped adding 12 points and 5 rebounds. Barakaldo's coach Alberto Cea used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was Portuguese swingman Marcy Goncalves (177-90) with 14 points and American forward Devon Brookshire (188-94, college: St.Mary's, CA, agency: DC Sports) scored 9 points. Barakaldo will meet at home Ardoi in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Aviles will play against Genero (#13) in Las Palmas and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Barakaldo: I.Uchendu 15+6reb, M.Aina 12+5reb+1ast, L.Chahrour 9+1reb+1ast, E.Karamovic 8+3reb+2ast, A.Lewis 7+2reb, N.Murugarren 7+3reb
Aviles: M.Goncalves 14+3reb, S.Fraile 11, D.Brookshire 9+3reb, E.Lopez Sagrera 8+3reb, M.Carvalho 7+1reb+2ast, A.Barbosa 3+1reb+1ast

Ardoi - Rioja 62-55

Ardoi defeated Rioja at home 62-55. Ardoi forced 24 Rioja turnovers. Strangely Rioja outrebounded Ardoi 71-57 including 41 on the offensive glass. It was a good game for Portuguese forward Josephine Filipe (177-95) who led her team to a victory with 19 points. Argentinian center Diana Cabrera (184-93) contributed with 12 points and 5 steals for the winners. Ardoi's coach Jose Javier Unzue allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American guard Morgan Green (170-96, college: UC Irvine, agency: Gamble Sports Management) answered with 15 points and the other American import guard Crystal Primm (180-97, college: FAU) added 14 points in the effort for Rioja. Rioja will play next round against strong Ferrol trying to get back on the winning streak. Ardoi will try to continue on its current victory against Barakaldo at Vizcaya.
Top scorers:
Ardoi: J.Filipe 19+2reb+1ast, D.Cabrera 12+2reb+2ast, I.Arregui 9+4ast, A.Gastaminza 6+2reb+1ast, E.Iranzu 6+1reb+4ast, E.Cases 5+1reb
Rioja: M.Green 15+2reb+2ast, C.Primm 14+3reb+1ast, M.Effa 10+4reb+1ast, I.Lizarazu 5+1reb, S.Paula 4+1ast, S.Altzaga 3

Ferrol - Adareva 96-39

No shocking result in a game when Ferrol (3-0) smashed at home Adareva (0-2) 96-39 on Saturday. Ferrol made 19-of-22 free shots (86.4 percent) during the game, while Adareva only scored three points from the stripe. Ferrol forced 26 Adareva turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was Finnish power forward Maria Aijanen (187-95) who scored 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Swingman Irene Gari (185-94, college: Georgia Tech) chipped in 17 points and 7 rebounds. Four Ferrol players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was Mali center Gnere Dembele (186-0) who recorded 6 points and 9 rebounds and Dominican center Yamile Rodriguez (188-94, college: ETSU) added 7 points respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Ferrol will face Rioja (#7) in Azkoitia in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Adareva will play at home against Coruna (#9) and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Ferrol: M.Aijanen 19+5reb+4ast, I.Gari 17+7reb+1ast, P.Cabrera 15+2ast, G.Leaupepe 14+1reb, J.Mungo 9+6reb, S.Swart 8+5reb+1ast
Adareva: N.Ibanez 8+3reb+1ast, Y.Rodriguez 7+4reb+2ast, I.Martinez-Vara 7+4reb, G.Dembele 6+9reb+1ast, I.Laura 4+3reb+2ast, A.Pena 3

Coruna - Plasencia 69-64

Coruna used a home court advantage and won against the opponent from 69-64 on Saturday night. The best player for the winners was forward Andrea Perez (178-93) who scored 17 points. Portuguese point guard Joana Ferreira (174-90) chipped in 16 points and 5 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Princess Aghayere (183, college: Pennsylvania) who recorded 18 points and 6 rebounds and the other American import forward Stacia Robertson (188-92, college: High Point) added 11 points and 5 rebounds respectively. Five Plasencia players scored in double figures. Coruna will face Adareva (#11) in Laguna in the next round. Plasencia will play at home against RC Celta and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Coruna: A.Perez 17+4reb+3ast, J.Ferreira 16+5reb+1ast, F.Eugenia 12+2reb+1ast, C.Laura 9+10reb+1ast, M.Feijoo 6+2reb+2ast, C.Mara 4+5reb+1ast
Plasencia: P.Aghayere 18+6reb+1ast, M.Alicia 11+1reb+4ast, S.Robertson 11+5reb+2ast, T.Weledji 10+6reb+1ast, L.Sofia 10+2reb+1ast, C.Andrea 4+4reb

RC Celta - Cortegada 78-43

Rather predictable result in Vigo where RC Celta (3-0) outscored Cortegada (1-2) 78-43 on Saturday. RC Celta dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Cortegada's 28. RC Celta forced 22 Cortegada turnovers. The best player for the winners was Russian power forward Maria Davydova (190-93, college: FIU) who scored 15 points and 6 rebounds. Forward Celia Garcia-Panuero (180-95, college: UIW) chipped in 14 points and 5 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Sara Gomez (172-86) who recorded 8 points and 6 rebounds and Slovakian forward Tereza Sedlakova (180-97, college: Florida Tech, agency: Promo Sport ID) added 10 points respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. RC Celta will face Plasencia (#14) in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Cortegada will play against Rosalia (#12) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
RC Celta: M.Davydova 15+6reb+1ast, C.Garcia-Panuero 14+5reb+1ast, R.Julien 12+5reb+1ast, C.Noa 8+2reb, M.Stamenkovic 8+7reb, A.Perez 7+1reb
Cortegada: T.Sedlakova 10+4reb+1ast, C.Loureiro 9+3reb, S.Gomez 8+6reb+1ast, M.Gonzalez 4+3reb, P.Zeltia 4+1ast, T.Saric 4+3reb

Group B

Pozuelo - Sevilla 69-45

Pozuelo used a home court advantage and outplayed the opponent from Sevilla 69-45 on Saturday night. They outrebounded Sevilla 31-19 including 22 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was center Sara Zaragoza (193-96, college: Portland) who scored 18 points and 6 rebounds. Point guard Maria Malpartida (168-98) chipped in 13 points. At the other side the best for losing team was Marta Dominguez who recorded 16 points and Virginia Lopez (-86) added 12 points and 5 rebounds respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Pozuelo will face Picken Claret (#3) in Valencia in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Sevilla will play at home against Castello (#9) and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Pozuelo: S.Zaragoza 18+6reb+3ast, M.Malpartida 13+4reb+2ast, L.Martin 7+1reb+2ast, A.Maravillas 6+6reb+2ast, M.Laura 6+5reb+2ast, G.Sofia 6+8reb+1ast
Sevilla: D.Marta 16+3reb+2ast, L.Virginia 12+5reb+1ast, G.Maria 4+1ast, G.Alicia 4+2reb, M.Nuria 3+1ast, R.Ines 2+1ast

Picken Claret - Alcobendas 77-64

The biggest surprise of round 3 in LF2 took place in Valencia where host Picken Claret (2-1) beat Alcobendas (2-1) 77-64 on Saturday evening. Picken Claret forced 22 Alcobendas turnovers. Strangely Alcobendas outrebounded Picken Claret 46-32 including 18 on the offensive glass. The best player for the winners was Argentinian point guard Regina Carosio (166-86) who scored 7 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Guard Clara Che (173-97, college: Providence) chipped in 16 points and 5 steals. At the other side the best for losing team was Lucia Togores (175-96) who recorded a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists and center Daira Varas (193-89) added 6 points and 10 rebounds respectively. Alcobendas' coach Javier Portela rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Alcobendas will play next round against Paterna trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Picken Claret will try to continue on its current victory against Pozuelo on the road.
Top scorers:
PICKEN CLARET: P.Garcia 19+1reb+1ast, C.Che 16+4reb+2ast, M.Gomez 9+8reb+3ast, T.Gonzalez 8+1reb, R.Carosio 7+10reb+5ast, K.Javier 7+3reb
Alcobendas: L.Togores 18+10reb+5ast, C.Menendez 12+2reb, C.Rodriguez 9+7reb, P.Dorda 7+3reb+1ast, D.Varas 6+10reb+1ast, C.Aldecoa 4+3reb+3ast

Paterna - Almeria 53-59

Everything went according to plan when Almeria (3-0) won against on the road Paterna (0-2) 59-53 on Sunday. Paterna was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was Argentinian swingman Natacha Perez (176-91) who scored 6 points and 13 rebounds. Power forward Yaiza Lazaro (190-94) chipped in 14 points. At the other side the best for losing team was Serbian point guard Aleksandra Katanic (172-97) who recorded a double-double by scoring 15 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and center Iciar Velasco (185-86) added 14 points and 13 rebounds respectively. Paterna's coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Almeria will face Real Canoe (#7) in Madrid in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Paterna will play on the road against Alcobendas (#5) and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Almeria: Y.Lazaro 14+2reb+1ast, A.Radovic 10+1reb+4ast, M.D'urso 9+3reb+4ast, A.Gonzalez 8+6reb, N.Gemma 7+1reb+4ast, N.Perez 6+13reb+2ast
Paterna: A.Katanic 15+10reb+4ast, V.Iciar 14+13reb, A.Marta 4+1reb+2ast, P.Marta 4+2reb, G.Elba 4+1reb+1ast, G.Maria 3

UCAM Jairis - Estepona 55-64

Very important is a home loss of UCAM Jairis (2-1) against Estepona (1-1) on Saturday night. Host UCAM Jairis was defeated by Estepona in a tough game in Alcantarilla 55-64. It was an exceptional evening for American guard Sierra Moore (180-94, college: Penn St.) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds. Point guard Clara Caceres (168-97) accounted for 16 points for the winning side. Mozambican guard Clitan De-Sousa (183-96, college: OK State) came up with 22 points and 5 rebounds and forward Maria Cueto (175-96) added 15 points respectively for UCAM Jairis in the defeat. UCAM Jairis' coach Victor Verdu tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Estepona's next round opponent will be Melilla (#11) at home. UCAM Jairis will play against Unicaja (#2) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Estepona: C.Caceres 16+4reb, S.Moore 13+11reb, A.Senosiain 11+1reb, J.Azkue 8+5reb, M.Markovic 7+3reb, C.Calvelo 6+2reb
UCAM Jairis: C.De Sousa 22+5reb, M.Cueto 15+4reb, L.Geralynn 6+3reb, M.Miscenko 4+8reb, S.Alejandra 3+2reb, M.Rut 3+3reb+1ast

Melilla - Castello 68-81

There was a minor upset when Melilla (1-2) was defeated at home by Castello (1-2) 81-68 on Saturday. The best player for the winners was Senegalese forward Khadidiatou Diouf (190-96, college: Fairfield) who scored 21 points and 9 rebounds. American swingman Emily Stoller (185-97, college: GSC) chipped in 20 points. At the other side the best for losing team was Brazilian guard Alana Goncalo (166-94) who recorded 21 points and 5 rebounds and power forward Claudia Alonso (184-97) added 13 points and 11 rebounds respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Castello will face Sevilla (#14) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game.
Top scorers:
Castello: K.Diouf 21+9reb, E.Stoller 20+3reb+3ast, S.Claudia 13+1reb+1ast, S.Rosello 13+5reb, D.Luz 8+4reb, R.Natalia 4+5reb+2ast
Melilla: A.Goncalo 21+5reb+3ast, B.Stevanovic 15+6reb+3ast, C.Sanchez 13+4reb, A.Claudia 13+11reb+1ast, A.Irene 3+1reb, F.Monica 3+3reb+1ast

Group C

Maresme - Azulejos 71-46

Very important is a road loss of Azulejos (1-1) against Maresme (2-0) on Saturday night. Visiting Azulejos was crushed by Maresme in Barcelona 71-46. Azulejos was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was center Olga Ruano (191-88) who had a double-double by scoring 13 points and 12 rebounds. Forward Laura Soria (180-0) chipped in 13 points. At the other side the best for losing team was Eva Lacort (-89) who recorded 5 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and center Marina Vilella (185-92) added 8 points and 7 rebounds respectively. Azulejos' coach Javier Aladren gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Maresme's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Barcelona Segle XXI.
Top scorers:
Maresme: L.Soria 13+4reb, O.Ruano 13+12reb+1ast, B.Garcia 12+1reb+2ast, S.Vujacic 9+2reb+1ast, L.Arias 8+1reb+1ast, M.Vila 7+7reb+1ast
Azulejos: E.Iranzo 9+1reb, M.Vilella 8+7reb, C.Elena 5+4reb, I.Anchela 5+2reb, A.Hernando 5+4reb, E.Lacort 5+6reb+4ast

Segle XXI - Andratx 98-59

The game between closely ranked teams ended with Segle XXI's (1-1) home victory over Andratx (0-3) 98-59 on Saturday. Segle XXI dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Andratx's 34. Segle XXI forced 19 Andratx turnovers and outrebounded them 37-18 including a 27-13 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 7 passes made by Andratx's players. The best player for the winners was Marta Morales (185-3) who scored 16 points. Ariadna Termis chipped in 12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Segle XXI players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was Noa Djiu who recorded 16 points and 6 rebounds and Paula Charro (-99) added 8 points respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Segle XXI's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Barcelona to the arena Maresme.
Top scorers:
Segle XXI: M.Marta 16+4reb+2ast, B.Elena 16+2reb, T.Ariadna 12+6reb+4ast, G.Sanchez 10+4reb+3ast, M.Marina 10+2reb+5ast, R.Carmen 8+1reb
Andratx: D.Noa 16+6reb, N.Domingo 8+2ast, P.Charro 8+2reb+1ast, A.Apollonia 8, B.Julia 7+2reb, P.Andrea 5+2reb+3ast

Girona - Lima-Horta 51-68

Very expected game when Girona (0-3) was defeated at home by Lima-Horta (2-0) 68-51 on Saturday. Strangely Girona outrebounded Lima-Horta 47-27 including a 34-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was guard Eliana Soriano (176-89) who scored 19 points and 4 assists. Center Cristina Pujol (178-95) chipped in 21 points. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Mireia Daura (185-99, college: FDU) who recorded 9 points and 9 rebounds and forward Iho Lopez (188-97, college: FSU) added 7 points and 9 rebounds respectively. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Lima-Horta will face Joventut (#12) in Badalona in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Girona will play on the road against Sant Adria and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Lima-Horta: C.Pujol 21+4reb+1ast, E.Soriano 19+3reb+4ast, V.Verbo 12+2reb, M.Martianez 6+5reb, S.Cristina 4+3reb, P.Tutusaus 3+2reb+1ast
Girona: F.Parra 10+1reb, M.Daura 9+9reb+2ast, L.Moya 8+6reb, I.Lopez 7+9reb+1ast, A.Jodar 6+5reb, C.Martinez 5+7reb

Joventut - Barca CBS 57-73

Very predictable result in Badalona where Barca CBS (3-0) beat Joventut (0-2) 73-57 on Sunday. They outrebounded Joventut 27-16. The best player for the winners was Ainhoa Lopez (180-97) who scored 13 points and 5 rebounds. Swingman Itziar Llobet (181-93, college: Kent St.) chipped in 16 points. Four Barca CBS players scored in double figures. Barca CBS's coach Isaac Fernandez used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. At the other side the best for losing team was Mali center Minata Keita (190-89) who recorded 12 points and 7 rebounds and swingman Paula Curto (175-97) added 15 points respectively. Barca CBS will face Casablanca (#9) in Zaragoza in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Joventut will play on the road against Lima-Horta in Barcelona and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Barca CBS: I.Llobet 16+1reb+1ast, A.Lopez 13+5reb+2ast, M.Canella 11+2reb, K.Rakovic 10+5reb, J.Rueda 6+2reb+1ast, J.Fequiere 6+4reb+1ast
Joventut: P.Curto 15+2reb, M.Keita 12+7reb+1ast, E.Dautovic 11+4reb+2ast, M.Teresa 7+1reb, L.Soler 5+2reb, P.Claudia 3

Casablanca - Viladecans 45-61

Not a big story in a game in Zaragoza where Casablanca (1-2) was defeated by Viladecans (3-0) 61-45 on Sunday. Viladecans dominated down low during the game scoring 38 of its points in the paint compared to Casablanca's 18. The best player for the winners was point guard Elena Silva (173-93) who scored 12 points and 5 rebounds. Power forward Marta Claret (185-92) chipped in 10 points and 7 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Beatriz Royo (176-91) who recorded a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds and forward Beatriz Bollullo (181-93) added 8 points respectively. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Viladecans will face Sant Josep (#5) in the next round. Casablanca will play against Barca CBS (#1) in Barcelona and hope to win that game and get promotion back to the Liga Dia just one year after relegation.
Top scorers:
Viladecans: E.Silva 12+5reb+3ast, M.Guerrero 12+1reb+1ast, M.Claret 10+7reb+1ast, S.Marcelo 8+4reb+2ast, M.Casanovas 6+3reb, M.Ribera 6+1ast
Casablanca: B.Royo 13+11reb+2ast, B.Bollullo 8+3reb+2ast, C.Marina 6+4reb, V.Cristina 6+1reb, A.Tainta 5+3reb+1ast, E.Cobos 4+3reb+2ast

Sant Josep - Mataro 73-71

There was a surprise result when Sant Josep (1-1) edged at home Mataro (1-1) 73-71 on Sunday. Sant Josep looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was Wilma Carlsten who scored 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Nerea Crespi chipped in 13 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was point guard Ariadna Magrina (164-94) who recorded 14 points and 4 assists and guard Nhug Bosch (167-3) added 10 points respectively. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Sant Josep will face Viladecans in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Mataro will play against Azulejos and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sant Josep: C.Wilma 15+8reb+4ast, C.Nerea 13+5reb+8ast, B.Gual 13+3reb, S.Elenga 9+7reb+2ast, N.Amengual 8+3reb+3ast, S.Burguera 7+4reb+1ast
Mataro: A.Magrina 14+2reb+4ast, B.Nhug 10+4reb+2ast, N.Casals 10+4reb, Q.Coll 8+4reb+1ast, P.Emma 6+5reb, M.Ferreri 6

Tags : JOE THOMASSON, HAPOEL GALIL GILBOA, ISRAELI BASKETBALL

Maria Aijanen claims Spanish LF2 weekly honour - by Eurobasket News

Finnish Maria Aijanen (187-F/C-95) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for league's second-best Ferrol and that's her to receive a Interperformances LF2 Player of the Week award for round 3.
The 25-year old power forward had the game-high 19 points adding five rebounds and four assists for Ferrol in her team's victory, helping them to outclass, the league's bottom-ranked team Adareva (#11, 0-2) with 57-point margin 96-39. Ferrol maintains the 2nd position in their group in Spanish LF2. They maintain a perfect record without any lost game in the league. The season is still on an early stage, but Ferrol already had a very good start winning all 3 without losing a single one. It's Aijanen's second year at Ferrol and it's hard to imagine this team without her. Maria Aijanen averages just after three games 12.3ppg and 6.3rpg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 24-year old Senegalese forward Khadidiatou Diouf (190-F-96) of Castello. Diouf impressed basketball fans with 21 points and 9 rebounds. Of course she led Castello to another comfortable win 81-68 over Melilla (1-2) being unquestionably team leader. The season is still at the very beginning and this victory may help a lot. Let's wait for the next round. Diouf is a newcomer at Castello and it seems she did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. She belongs to the best scorers in the league with 18.3ppg (#3). She also registered 7.0 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was Lucia Togores (175-SG-96) of Alcobendas (#5). Togores showcased her all-around game by recording 18 points, ten rebounds and five assists in the last round. Despite Togores' great performance Alcobendas lost 64-77 to Picken Claret (2-1). But her team cannot count on just a single player as she also needs help of the other teammates. The last thing Alcobendas needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams in Group B. Their record is 2 victories and 1 lost game. Togores has a great season in Spain. After only 3 games, she made it on the list of the league's leaders in assists with 4.3apg (9th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Elena Buenavida (174-PG-04) of Segle XXI - 16 points and 2 rebounds
5. Sara Zaragoza (193-C-96) of Pozuelo - 18 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Aleksandra Katanic (172-PG-97) of Paterna - 15 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Alana Goncalo (166-G-94) of Melilla - 21 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Princess Aghayere (183-F) of Plasencia - 18 points and 6 rebounds
9. Maria Davydova (190-F/C-93) of RC Celta - 15 points and 6 rebounds
10. Sierra Moore (180-G-94) of Estepona - 13 points and 11 rebounds

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

Tags : MARIA AIJANEN, BAXI FERROL, SPANISH BASKETBALL

Liga Dia Round 8: No surprise as #1 Perfumerias Avenida defeats IDK Eustotren - by Eurobasket News

Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

Liga Dia top team - Perfumerias Avenida (8-0) had no problems winning another game on Wednesday. This time they beat seventh ranked IDK Eustotren (4-4) in San Sebastian 84-66. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of IDK Eustotren. Worth to mention a quality performance of Dutch power forward Emese Hof (190-96, college: Miami, FL) who helped to win the game recording 20 points and American swingman Tiffany Hayes (177-89, college: UConn) who added 15 points during the contest. Mali center Mariam Coulibaly (193-97) responded with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Undefeated Perfumerias Avenida have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 8-0 record, which they share with Valencia. IDK Eustotren at the other side keeps the seventh place with four games lost. They share the position with Cadi La Seu. Perfumerias Avenida is looking forward to face Gernika (#6) at home in the next round where they are favorite. IDK Eustotren will play against ASEFA Estudiantes in Madrid and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Important game to mention about took place in Madrid. Tenth ranked Cadi La Seu (4-4) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging higher ranked ASEFA Estudiantes (5-3) 59-56 on Thursday evening. The winners were led by swingman Ariadna Pujol (185-95, college: S.Florida) who scored that evening 10 points and Gala Mestres supported her with 9 points. Even 15 points by American guard Arica Carter (173-96, college: Louisville) did not help to save the game for ASEFA Estudiantes. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Cadi La Seu moved-up to seventh place, which they share with IDK Eustotren. Newly promoted ASEFA Estudiantes keeps the fifth position with three games lost. They share it with Gernika. Cadi La Seu will play against higher ranked Argon Uni Girona (#3) at home in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. ASEFA Estudiantes will play against IDK Eustotren and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top-ranked Valencia (8-0) crushed at home 9th ranked Maquinaria Ensino (3-5) by 31 points 77-46, which is the biggest margin this round on Wednesday night. The best player for the winners was Leticia Romero who scored 10 points. Valencia's coach Ruben Burgos felt very confident using 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Merritt Hempe produced 13 points for the guests. Undefeated Valencia have an impressive eight-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Avenida. Loser Maquinaria Ensino dropped to the eleventh place with five games lost. Valencia will meet Promete (#12) in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Maquinaria Ensino will play against Socinsa Bembibre and hope to secure a win.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 8: Zamarat was destroyed by Gernika on the opponent's court 80-55. Bottom-ranked Gran Canaria unfortunately lost to Araski in a home game 58-63. Al-Qazeres recorded a loss to Zaragoza on the road 71-77. Clarinos defeated Promete on its own court 68-56.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 9 points by Celeste Trahan-Davis of Valencia.

Estudiantes - Cadi La Seu 56-59

Important game to mention about took place in Madrid. Tenth ranked Cadi La Seu (4-4) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging higher ranked ASEFA Estudiantes (5-3) 59-56 on Thursday evening. The winners were led by swingman Ariadna Pujol (185-95, college: S.Florida) who scored that evening 10 points and forward Gala Mestres (185-94, college: Mount Royal) supported her with 9 points. Even 15 points by American guard Arica Carter (173-96, college: Louisville) did not help to save the game for ASEFA Estudiantes. Her fellow American import Leslie Knight (184-86, college: Minnesota) added 13 points for the hosts. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Cadi La Seu moved-up to seventh place, which they share with IDK Eustotren. Newly promoted ASEFA Estudiantes keeps the fifth position with three games lost. They share it with Gernika. Cadi La Seu will play against higher ranked Argon Uni Girona (#3) at home in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. ASEFA Estudiantes will play against IDK Eustotren and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Cadi La Seu: A.Pujol 10+2reb+2ast, G.Mestres 9+1reb+1ast, L.Pena 7+1ast, G.Bahi 7+1ast, Q.Urbaniak-Dornstauder 7+1reb+1ast, I.Etxarri 6+1reb+1ast
Estudiantes: A.Carter 15+2reb+1ast, L.Knight 13+2reb, M.Gretter 7+2ast, J.Raman 5, A.Nyingifa 4+3reb+2ast, C.Da Silva 4+1reb+1ast

IDK Eustotren - Avenida 66-84

Liga Dia top team - Perfumerias Avenida (8-0) had no problems winning another game on Wednesday. This time they beat seventh ranked IDK Eustotren (4-4) in San Sebastian 84-66. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of IDK Eustotren. Worth to mention a quality performance of Dutch power forward Emese Hof (190-96, college: Miami, FL) who helped to win the game recording 20 points and American swingman Tiffany Hayes (177-89, college: UConn) who added 15 points during the contest. Mali center Mariam Coulibaly (193-97) responded with 19 points and 5 rebounds and Russian forward Julia Gladkova (185-94) scored 11 points. Four IDK Eustotren players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Perfumerias Avenida have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 8-0 record, which they share with Valencia. IDK Eustotren at the other side keeps the seventh place with four games lost. They share the position with Cadi La Seu. Perfumerias Avenida is looking forward to face Gernika (#6) at home in the next round where they are favorite. IDK Eustotren will play against ASEFA Estudiantes in Madrid and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Avenida: E.Hof 20+2reb, T.Hayes 15+2reb+3ast, N.Milic 12+3reb, M.Gajic 9+1reb+1ast, M.Cazorla 8+1reb+1ast, K.Samuelson 6+3ast
IDK Eustotren: M.Coulibaly 19+5reb, J.Gladkova 11+3ast, A.Delaere 10, M.Erauncetamurgil 10, O.Sarr 6+2reb+2ast, J.Cousseins-Smith 3+1ast

Gernika - Zamarat 80-55

Very expected game when 13th ranked Zamarat (1-6) was crushed on the road by sixth ranked Gernika (5-3) 80-55 on Wednesday. Gernika made 21-of-24 free shots (87.5 percent) during the game. They also forced 21 Zamarat turnovers. Strangely Zamarat outrebounded Gernika 52-36 including 30 on the offensive glass. The best player for the winners was Brazilian center Nadia Colhado (193-89) who scored 13 points. American swingman Angie Bjorklund (183-89, college: Tennessee) chipped in 12 points. American power forward Abbie Wolf (193-98, college: Northwestern) produced 12 points and 6 rebounds and Ukrainian center Valeriya Berezhynska (193-86, college: Rice) added 10 points respectively for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Gernika have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Estudiantes. Zamarat lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with six games lost. They share it with Bembibre and Al-Qazeres. Gernika will meet league's leader Perfumerias Avenida in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Zamarat will play against Gran Canaria (#16) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Gernika: N.Lo Sylla 14, N.Colhado 13+1reb+1ast, A.Bjorklund 12+2ast, R.Buch 9+2ast, L.Cornelius 8+2ast, P.Ginzo 8+2reb+1ast
Zamarat: A.Wolf 12+6reb, V.Berezhynska 10+2ast, A.Okonkwo 7+1reb, M.Lizarazu 7+1reb+2ast, M.Montoliu 7+1ast, B.Salas 6+2ast

Gran Canaria - Araski 58-63

Very predictable result in Las Palmas where eleventh ranked Araski (3-4) defeated bottom-ranked Gran Canaria (1-7) 63-58 on Wednesday. Araski forced 20 Gran Canaria turnovers. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Laura Quevedo (185-96, college: Miami, FL) who scored 15 points. American forward Joy Adams (180-93, college: Iona) chipped in 11 points. American guard Sparkle Taylor (178-95, college: UTEP) produced 21 points and Mali power forward Sika Kone (190-2) added 10 points respectively for the hosts. Araski moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Zaragoza. Newly promoted Gran Canaria stay at the bottom position with seven games lost. Araski will meet at home Zaragoza (#10) in the next round. Gran Canaria will play against Zamarat (#13) in Zamora and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Araski: L.Quevedo 15+3ast, J.Adams 11+4reb, T.Seda 9+1reb+2ast, T.Abalde 8+1reb+1ast, M.Asurmendi 8+1reb+1ast, A.Cruz 6+4reb+1ast
Gran Canaria: S.Taylor 21+1reb+2ast, A.Hartmann 11+1reb, S.Kone 10+3reb, K.James 8+1reb+1ast, M.Hermida 5+2reb+4ast, M.Espana 2+2reb+2ast

Zaragoza - Al-Qazeres 77-71

Not a big story in a game when 14th ranked Al-Qazeres (1-6) was defeated on the road by tenth ranked Zaragoza (3-4) 77-71 on Wednesday. However just six-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. The best player for the winners was American guard Taylor Wurtz (183-90, college: Wisconsin) who scored 21 points. American-Montenegrin center Markeisha Gatling (196-92, college: NC State) chipped in 17 points. Greek forward Mariella Fasoula (196-97, college: Vanderbilt, agency: Wasserman) produced 19 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and Turkish point guard Merve Aydin (178-94, agency: Wasserman) added 13 points and 6 assists respectively for the guests. Zaragoza moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Araski. Al-Qazeres lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the thirteenth position with six games lost. They share it with Zamarat and Bembibre. Zaragoza will meet Araski (#9) in the next round. Al-Qazeres will play against Clarinos (#4) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Zaragoza: T.Wurtz 21+1ast, M.Gatling 17+2reb+1ast, H.Gorecki 11+1ast, J.Vanloo 9+10ast, L.Nicholls 8+3reb+3ast, A.Ayuso 6+1ast
Al-Qazeres: M.Fasoula 19+3reb, M.Aydin 13+6ast, V.Llorente 13+2reb+1ast, A.Hart 9+1reb+2ast, I.Lahuerta 8+2ast, B.Hittner 7+1ast

Clarinos - Promete 68-56

Everything went according to plan in San Cristobal where fifth ranked Clarinos (5-2) beat 12th ranked Promete (2-5) 68-56 on Wednesday. The best player for the winners was American forward Asia Taylor (188-91, college: Louisville) who scored 21 points and 4 steals. Portuguese-Serbian guard Jovana Nogic (185-97, college: Providence) chipped in 9 points. Clarinos' coach Claudio Garcia used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Forward Maria Barneda (177-98) produced 15 points and power forward Itsaso Conde (185-96) added 10 points respectively for the guests. Clarinos moved-up to fourth place. Loser Promete keeps the twelfth position with five games lost. Clarinos will meet Al-Qazeres (#15) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Promete will play against the league's second-placed Valencia and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Clarinos: A.Taylor 21+3reb+3ast, J.Nogic 9+2ast, H.Nauwelaers 8+1reb+1ast, L.Herrera 8+1reb+1ast, T.Atkinson 7, M.Bettencourt 5+3ast
Promete: M.Barneda 15+1reb+2ast, A.Txell 12+1ast, I.Conde 10+3reb+1ast, P.Estebas 6+1ast, L.Flores 5+2reb+3ast, A.Knezevic 4

Valencia - Ensino 77-46

Top-ranked Valencia (8-0) crushed at home 9th ranked Maquinaria Ensino (3-5) by 31 points 77-46, which is the biggest margin this round on Wednesday night. Valencia dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Maquinaria Ensino's 26. Valencia forced 20 Maquinaria Ensino turnovers and outrebounded them 59-41 including a 34-22 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Leticia Romero (173-95, college: FSU) who scored 10 points. Australian guard Rebecca Allen (188-92, agency: LBM Management) chipped in 13 points and 4 steals. Valencia's coach Ruben Burgos felt very confident using 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. American forward Merritt Hempe (190-94, college: Georgia) produced 13 points and the former international forward Vega Gimeno (185-91, college: RMU) added 11 points respectively for the guests. Valencia have an impressive eight-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Avenida. Loser Maquinaria Ensino dropped to the eleventh place with five games lost. Valencia will meet Promete (#12) in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Maquinaria Ensino will play against Socinsa Bembibre and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Valencia: R.Allen 13, L.Romero 10+1reb+3ast, M.Gulich 9+1reb, C.Trahan-Davis 9+2reb+1ast, L.Gil 8+2reb+1ast, R.Carrera 7+2reb+1ast
Ensino: M.Hempe 13+1reb+2ast, L.Aliaga 12+1reb, V.Gimeno 11+1reb+2ast, C.White 4+1ast, B.Sanchez 4, A.Stanacev 2+6ast

Tags : EMESE HOF, PERFUMERIAS AVENIDA SALAMANCA, SPANISH BASKETBALL

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

SWITZERLAND

LNSA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Asia LOGAN
  Pully
  (184-F-92)
  Avg: 24

1. Logan Pully	24.0
2. Spingola Troi.	20.0
3. Coffee Nyon	18.5
4. Koenig Fribourg	17.7
5. Reinoehl Troi.	17.7
6. Yatskovets Wint.	17.5
7. Alston Winterthur	17.5
8. Dinkins Helios	17.0
9. Giroud Fribourg	16.3
10. Bosnjak Winterthur	15.5

Rebounds Per Game

Shannon COFFEE
  Nyon
  (196-C-97)
  Avg: 12

1. Coffee Nyon	12.0
2. Giroud Fribourg	11.7
3. Logan Pully	11.3
4. Spingola Troi.	11.0
5. Yatskovets Wint.	9.0
6. Guthauser Aarau	9.0
7. Reinoehl Troi.	9.0
8. Semanjaku Aarau	8.8
9. Ambrosio Helios	8.0
10. Bosnjak Winterthur	7.5

Assists Per Game

Cesaria AMBROSIO
  Helios
  (185-G/F-95)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Ambrosio Helios	6.5
2. Constantin Troi.	4.7
3. Alston Winterthur	4.0
4. Yatskovets Wint.	4.0
5. Spingola Troi.	3.3
6. Hicks Pully	3.3
7. Margot Nyon	3.0
8. Bruchez Helios	2.5
9. Franchina Nyon	2.5
10. Adderly Fribourg	2.3

Steals Per Game

Chanette HICKS
  Pully
  (168-G-97)
  Avg: 4.3

1. Hicks Pully	4.3
2. Semanjaku Aarau	3.3
3. Kohler Winterthur	3.0
4. Coffee Nyon	3.0
5. Margot Nyon	2.5
6. Franchina Nyon	2.5
7. Constantin Troi.	2.3
8. Nagy-Bujdoso Troi.	2.3
9. Dizeko Helios	2.0
10. Bruchez Helios	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Olha YATSKOVETS
  Wint.
  (188-F-97)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Yatskovets Wint.	1.5
2. Hicks Pully	1.0
3. Logan Pully	1.0
4. Semanjaku Aarau	0.8
5. Koenen Fribourg	0.7
6. Reinoehl Troi.	0.7
7. Vojtulek Helios	0.5
8. Jurhar Winterthur	0.5
9. Coffee Nyon	0.5
10. Clement Troi.	0.5

SBL Round 4: First victory of Pully - by Eurobasket News

Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

Pully's fans can celebrate the first win of their team after two consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Aarau (0-4) 71-59 on Wednesday. Pully forced 20 Aarau turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Asia Logan (184-92, college: Pittsburgh) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 18 points and 17 rebounds. The other American import guard Chanette Hicks (168-97, college: Norfolk St.) contributed with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals for the winners. Pully's coach Patrick Macazaga used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Albanian-Greek swingman Enisa Semanjaku (181-88) replied with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals for Aarau. It was the only win of host team this round and in all other games visitors recorded victories. Pully (1-2) left bottom position moving up to sixth place. It was Aarau's fourth loss in a row. They still close the standings with four games lost. Pully are looking forward to face higher ranked Geneve (#4) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Aarau will play against Nyon (#7) and hopes to get finally their first victory.

Pully - Aarau 71-59

Pully's fans can celebrate the first win of their team after two consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Aarau (0-4) 71-59 on Wednesday. Pully forced 20 Aarau turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Asia Logan (184-92, college: Pittsburgh) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 18 points and 17 rebounds. The other American import guard Chanette Hicks (168-97, college: Norfolk St.) contributed with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals for the winners. Pully's coach Patrick Macazaga used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Albanian-Greek swingman Enisa Semanjaku (181-88) replied with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals and point guard Katja Wasser (182-0) added 12 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Aarau. It was the only win of host team this round and in all other games visitors recorded victories. Pully (1-2) left bottom position moving up to sixth place. It was Aarau's fourth loss in a row. They still close the standings with four games lost. Pully are looking forward to face higher ranked Geneve (#4) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Aarau will play against Nyon (#7) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Pully: A.Logan 18+17reb+2ast, C.Hicks 15+5reb+4ast, T.Ivanie 10+4reb+1ast, R.Caroline 9+11reb+1ast, C.Mouther 8, G.Kiswamu 8+6reb+3ast
Aarau: E.Semanjaku 18+15reb+4ast, M.Milenkovic 15+5reb+1ast, K.Wasser 12+8reb+2ast, K.Barnjak 7+2reb, M.Guthauser 4+9reb, D.Milenkovic 3+2reb

Tags : ASIA LOGAN, ESPERANCE SPORTIVE PULLY, SWISS BASKETBALL

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

28-year old forward Asia Logan (184-F-92) had a great game in the last round for Pully and receives a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 4.
She had a double-double of 18 points and 17 rebounds, while her team beat Aarau (#8, 0-4), the league's bottom-ranked team 71-59. Pully is placed at 6th position in Swiss SBL. Pully is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 1-2 record. Logan turned to be Pully's top player in her first season with the team. University of Pittsburgh graduate has very impressive stats this year. Logan is league's best scorer averaging so far 24.0ppg. Logan is in league's top in rebounds (3rd best: 11.3rpg).

Second best performed player last round was Enisa Semanjaku (181-F/G-88) of Aarau. She is Albanian-Greek swingman in her 2nd season at Aarau. In the last game Semanjaku recorded impressive double-double of 18 points and 15 rebounds. Bad luck as Aarau lost that game 59-71 to slightly higher-ranked Pully (#6, 1-2). Aarau are still at the very bottom. 4 lost games are too many considering they did not win any game. Semanjaku is well-known at Aarau and she already established her position as one of the team's leaders.

Third place about best performers goes to another Pully's star - guard Chanette Hicks (168-G-97). Hicks showcased her all-around game by recording 15 points, five rebounds and four assists in the last round. She was another key player of Pully, helping her team with a 71-59 win against Aarau (#8, 0-4). The chances of Pully not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 2 games, recording just one victory. With bigger assistance of her teammates, Hicks could try to bring Pully's a little bit higher in the standings. Hicks has individually a great season in Switzerland. After only 3 games, she made it on the list of the league's leaders in assists with 3.3apg (6th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Caroline Rouyer (174-G-87) of Pully - 9 points and 11 rebounds
5. Ivanie Tacconi (182-F/C-02) of Pully - 10 points and 4 rebounds
6. Katja Wasser (182-PG) of Aarau - 12 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Georgina Kiswamu (170-G-96) of Pully - 8 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Marjana Milenkovic (179-G/F-90) of Aarau - 15 points and 5 rebounds
9. Cindy Mouther (160-G-99) of Pully - 8 points
10. Martina Guthauser (175-C) of Aarau - 4 points and 9 rebounds

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

Tags : ASIA LOGAN, ESPERANCE SPORTIVE PULLY, SWISS BASKETBALL

Archers land Shannon Hatch - by Eurobasket News

Cardiff Met Archers (WBBL) landed 27-year old Swiss international guard Shannon Hatch (178-93, college: Calgary). She has played for the last two years at Eintracht Braunschweig in German 2.Bundesliga. In 16 games she averaged 7.9ppg, 5.2rpg and 1.3spg last season. Hatch helped them to win the regular season.
Hatch has been also a member of Swiss international program for some years. She has regularly played for Swiss senior team since 2018 and previously for U20 National Team back in 2012.
Hatch represented Switzerland at the Francophonic Championships in Nice (France) seven years ago.
She was selected to Swiss Talents All-Star Game back in 2011 at her college time.
She attended University of Calgary until 2018 and it will be her third season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : SHANNON HATCH, CARDIFF MET ARCHERS, BRITISH BASKETBALL, BRITISH TRANSACTIONS

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

THAILAND

Asia-Basket.com All-Thailand WTBL Awards 2020 - by Eurobasket Center

MVP: Kwanjira Thongdang (G) of Sripatum Univ.

Asia-Basket.com All-Thailand WTBL 1st Team 2020

Thongdang

Maihom

Bunsinprom

Prajuapsook

Klanbut

1st Team
Kwanjira Thongdang (G) of Sripatum Univ.
Thidaporn Maihom (170-F-93) of Sripatum Univ.
Rujiwan Bunsinprom (173-F-98) of Shoot It D.
Kanokwan Prajuapsook (C) of Sripatum Univ.
Supira Klanbut (175-C-94) of Shoot It D.

Tags : KWANJIRA THONGDANG, SRIPATUM UNIVERSITY, THAILAND BASKETBALL

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

UNITED KINGDOM

Monakana re-signs at Suns - by Eurobasket News

Sevenoaks Suns (WBBL) confirmed in their roster 25-year old international forward Janice Monakana (183-95, college: Toledo). She has played there for the last two seasons.
Monakana has been also a member of British international program for some years. She has regularly played for British senior team since 2015 and previously for U20 National Team between 2014 and 2015.
Monakana also represented United Kingdom at the European Championships in Serbia and Latvia last year. Her team got to the Semifinals and her stats at that event were 6 games: 2.0ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.0spg.
Monakana has played previously for two other teams: Nottingham Wildcats and Newham Stars. Monakana's team won English WBBL Regular Season for two years in a row (2019 and 2020). She was voted Eurobasket.com All-English WBBL Honorable Mention in 2019 and 2020.
She attended University of Toledo until 2017 and it will be her fourth season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tags : JANICE MONAKANA, SEVENOAKS SUNS, BRITISH BASKETBALL, BRITISH TRANSACTIONS

Archers land Shannon Hatch - by Eurobasket News

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

URUGUAY

Liga Femenina Round 7: Yale beat Remeros by one after a very close game - by Eurobasket News

Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of 3rd placed Remeros (5-3) to fifth ranked Yale (3-5) 40-39 on Saturday evening. Yale held Remeros to an opponent 23.5 percent shooting from the field compared to 27.9 percent accuracy of the winners. Worth to mention a great performance of Argentinian swingman Agustina Garcia (173-96) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 25 points and 12 rebounds. Center Melisa Techera (180-99) contributed with 4 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Forward Pia Moyano (170-95) answered with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds for Remeros. Remeros' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Yale moved-up to fourth place. Remeros at the other side dropped to the second position with three games lost. They share it with Bohemios. Yale are looking forward to face league's leader Malvin in Montevideo in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Remeros will play on the road against Capurro in Montevideo and are hoping to win this game.
Another exciting game was a derby match between two teams from Montevideo: Montevideo (#6) and Capurro (#5). Montevideo (1-7) won against visiting Capurro (2-6) 63-56. It was a great evening for Argentinian point guard Sofia Wolf (166-0) who led her team to a victory scoring 31 points and 7 rebounds. Micaela Aguerre helped adding 10 points and 11 rebounds. At the losing side Argentinian Abril Ramirez (167-0) responded with 15 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Newly promoted Montevideo maintains sixth place with 1-7 record. It was Capurro's fifth loss in a row. They keep the fifth position with six games lost. Montevideo's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Montevideo to the arena Bohemios.
Another exciting game was again a derby between two local teams from Montevideo: Malvin (#1) and Bohemios (#2). Malvin (8-0) won against visiting Bohemios (5-3) 67-59. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Bohemios. It was an exceptional evening for Florencia Somma who led the winners with a triple-double by scoring 11 points, 18 rebounds and 11 assists. Celia Fiorotto came up with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 19 rebounds for Bohemios in the defeat. Undefeated Malvin have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place with 8-0 record. Loser Bohemios keep the second position with three games lost. They share it with Remeros. Malvin will meet at home Yale (#4) in the next round. Bohemios' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Montevideo Montevideo.
Another exciting game was again a derby match of two teams from Montevideo: Malvin (#1) and Capurro (#5). Capurro was crushed at home by 36 points 45-81 and even the advantage of their own court did not help. Florencia Somma fired a double-double by scoring 26 points, 9 rebounds and 10 assists for the winners. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the eighth consecutive win for Malvin. Defending champion maintains first place with 8-0 record. Capurro lost their fifth game in a row. They keep the fifth position with six games lost. Malvin's next round opponent will be Yale (#4). Capurro will play against Remeros and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Liga Femenina top team - D.Sporting (5-1) had no problems winning another game on Sunday. This time they crushed sixth ranked Aguada (0-5) in Montevideo 71-32. It was a very good performance for Aldana Gayoso who helped to win the game recording 25 points. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for D.Sporting. They maintain first place with 5-1 record. Aguada lost their fifth game in a row. They still close the standings with five games lost. D.Sporting will face Paysandu (#4) on the road in the next round. Aguada will play against 25 de Agosto in Montevideo and hopes to get finally their first victory.

In the last game of round 7 Hebraica smashed Paysandu on the road 102-30.

Montevideo - Capurro 63-56

Another exciting game was a derby match between two teams from Montevideo: Montevideo (#6) and Capurro (#5). Montevideo (1-7) won against visiting Capurro (2-6) 63-56. Montevideo forced 21 Capurro turnovers. It was a great evening for Argentinian point guard Sofia Wolf (166-0) who led her team to a victory scoring 31 points and 7 rebounds. Micaela Aguerre helped adding 10 points and 11 rebounds. At the losing side Argentinian Abril Ramirez (167-0) responded with 15 points and 8 rebounds and power forward Lorena Sapio (172-90) scored 6 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Newly promoted Montevideo maintains sixth place with 1-7 record. It was Capurro's fifth loss in a row. They keep the fifth position with six games lost. Montevideo's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Montevideo to the arena Bohemios.
Top scorers:
Montevideo: S.Wolf 31+7reb, A.Micaela 10+11reb+1ast, C.Diaz 8+9reb+3ast, S.Daiana 6+5reb+1ast, L.Camila 5+10reb+3ast, B.Sabrina 2+2reb
Capurro: A.Ramirez 15+8reb+2ast, F.Fiama 10+3reb+1ast, G.Valeria 8+2reb, L.Sapio 6+13reb+4ast, G.Fiorella 6+9reb, M.Micaela 4+2reb+1ast

Yale - Remeros 40-39

This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of 3rd placed Remeros (5-3) to fifth ranked Yale (3-5) 40-39 on Saturday evening. Yale held Remeros to an opponent 23.5 percent shooting from the field compared to 27.9 percent accuracy of the winners. Worth to mention a great performance of Argentinian swingman Agustina Garcia (173-96) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 25 points and 12 rebounds. Center Melisa Techera (180-99) contributed with 4 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Forward Pia Moyano (170-95) answered with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds and center Melina Zapata (180-89) added 2 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Remeros. Remeros' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Yale moved-up to fourth place. Remeros at the other side dropped to the second position with three games lost. They share it with Bohemios. Yale are looking forward to face league's leader Malvin in Montevideo in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Remeros will play on the road against Capurro in Montevideo and are hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Yale: A.Garcia 25+12reb+2ast, S.Mariangel 5+4reb+3ast, T.Melisa 4+8reb, M.Cinthia 4+3reb, P.Sofia 2+5reb+1ast, R.Victoria 0
Remeros: P.Moyano 17+10reb, C.Sofia 9+5reb, V.Barrett 6+7reb, F.Camila 3, Z.Melina 2+11reb+5ast, F.Josefina 2+6reb

Malvin - Bohemios 67-59

Another exciting game was again a derby between two local teams from Montevideo: Malvin (#1) and Bohemios (#2). Malvin (8-0) won against visiting Bohemios (5-3) 67-59. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Bohemios. Malvin looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. It was an exceptional evening for Florencia Somma (175-88) who led the winners with a triple-double by scoring 11 points, 18 rebounds and 11 assists. Point guard Fiorella Martinelli (165-85) accounted for 20 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side. Argentinian power forward Celia Fiorotto (186-92) came up with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 19 rebounds and guard Daniela Tovagliari (170-89) added 18 points and 5 assists respectively for Bohemios in the defeat. Malvin have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place with 8-0 record. Loser Bohemios keep the second position with three games lost. They share it with Remeros. Malvin will meet at home Yale (#4) in the next round. Bohemios' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Montevideo Montevideo.
Top scorers:
Malvin: F.Martinelli 20+5reb+1ast, E.Larre 17+5reb+3ast, F.Somma 11+18reb+11ast, S.Bello 7+6reb+3ast, C.Zoe 5, F.Fernandez 3+2reb+1ast
Bohemios: Z.Josefina 18+3reb+4ast, D.Tovagliari 18+4reb+5ast, C.Fiorotto 13+19reb+3ast, R.Pierina 7+6reb, C.Dos Santos 3+2reb, R.Evangelina 0

Paysandu - Hebraica 30-102

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Hebraica (4-1) crushed on the road bottom-ranked Paysandu (0-4) 102-30 on Sunday. Hebraica held Paysandu to an opponent 18.6 percent shooting from the field compared to 53.8 percent accuracy of the winners. Hebraica forced 41 Paysandu turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 2 passes made by Paysandu's players. It was a very good performance for forward Sofia Bergdahl (-90) who helped to win the game recording 19 points. Guard Romina Dalesandro (157-3) contributed with 8 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals for the winners. Center Karen Villamarin (-85) answered with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 13 rebounds and forward Serrana Infantini (-91) added 5 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Paysandu. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the third consecutive win for Hebraica. They moved-up to second place. Paysandu lost their fourth game in a row. Newly promoted team still closes the standings with four games lost. Hebraica will have a break next round. Paysandu will play against the league's leader D.Sporting (#1) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Hebraica: S.Bergdahl 19+4reb+1ast, A.Paz 11+1reb, O.Melani 10+4reb+2ast, M.Abril 9+2reb, P.Victoria 9+5reb+1ast, D.Romina 8+7reb+6ast
Paysandu: V.Karen 10+13reb, P.Martina 5+6reb, V.Agustina 5+1reb+1ast, I.Serrana 5+8reb, C.Florencia 2+5reb+1ast, G.Romina 2+2reb

D.Sporting - Aguada 71-32

Liga Femenina top team - D.Sporting (5-1) had no problems winning another game on Sunday. This time they crushed sixth ranked Aguada (0-5) in Montevideo 71-32. D.Sporting held Aguada to an opponent 18.6 percent shooting from the field compared to 33.3 percent accuracy of the winners. D.Sporting forced 47 Aguada turnovers. It was a very good performance for point guard Aldana Gayoso (168-0) who helped to win the game recording 25 points. Center Josefina Rivera (177-98) contributed with 12 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. American guard Diamond Richardson (177-93, college: UAPB) answered with 14 points and 7 rebounds and Luciana Chagas (174-2) added 5 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Aguada. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for D.Sporting. They maintain first place with 5-1 record. Aguada lost their fifth game in a row. They still close the standings with five games lost. D.Sporting will face Paysandu (#4) on the road in the next round. Aguada will play against 25 de Agosto in Montevideo and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
D.Sporting: A.Gayoso 25+2reb+1ast, R.Josefina 12+8reb+1ast, S.Acevedo 9+3reb+6ast, C.Panetta 7+4reb+3ast, L.Schiavo 5+3reb, M.Rivera 4+5reb+1ast
Aguada: D.Richardson 14+7reb, C.Luciana 5+8reb+2ast, B.Romina 4+5reb, R.Rocio 2+9reb+1ast, C.Paula 2+6reb, H.Nadia 2+9reb

Capurro - Malvin 45-81

Another exciting game was again a derby match of two teams from Montevideo: Malvin (#1) and Capurro (#5). Capurro was crushed at home by 36 points 45-81 and even the advantage of their own court did not help. Malvin shot 23 for 32 from the free-throw line, while Capurro only scored six points from the stripe. Malvin forced 30 Capurro turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 27 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Capurro's players. Florencia Somma (175-88) fired a double-double by scoring 26 points, 9 rebounds and 10 assists for the winners. Sabina Bello (173-89) chipped in 14 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Argentinian Abril Ramirez (167-0) produced 14 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and power forward Lorena Sapio (172-90) added 10 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the eighth consecutive win for Malvin. Defending champion maintains first place with 8-0 record. Capurro lost their fifth game in a row. They keep the fifth position with six games lost. Malvin's next round opponent will be Yale (#4). Capurro will play against Remeros and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Malvin: F.Somma 26+9reb+10ast, F.Fernandez 14+1reb+2ast, S.Bello 14+8reb+5ast, A.Sosa 9+3reb+4ast, F.Martinelli 7+9reb+3ast, E.Larre 5+3reb
Capurro: A.Ramirez 14+7reb+4ast, L.Sapio 10+7reb+3ast, P.Camila 5+5reb, M.Florencia 5+6reb, T.Rita 3+3reb+1ast, A.Antonella 3+2reb+1ast

Tags : AGUSTINA GARCIA, YALE, URUGUAYAN BASKETBALL

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

WABA

Round 3: Beroe defeat Celje - by Eurobasket News

There were just three rounds played in Regular Season of WABA and we can clearly see which teams will fight for top positions and which will try to avoid bottom places. Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Slovenian Celje (0-1) at the home court on Wednesday night. Hosts were defeated by Bulgarian Beroe (3-0) 61-50. The game was mostly controlled by Beroe. Celje managed to win second period 13-11. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 22-of-24 free shots (91.7 percent) during the game. Beroe forced 29 Celje turnovers. 24 personal fouls committed by Celje helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for Violina Kocheva (175-91) who led her team to a victory with 8 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. point guard Gergana Ivanova (177-99) contributed with 18 points for the winners. Beroe's coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. point guard Blaza Ceh (181-3) answered with 10 points and 4 assists for Celje. Beroe are looking forward to face Buducnost in Podgorica in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Celje will play on the road against Partizan (#6) in Beograd and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Another exciting game for Serbian Partizan (1-2) which played on the court of Bosnian Banovici (0-3). Partizan upset home team edging them after exciting game by three points 74-71. Banovici was very close to get their first win. But it seems they have to wait a little bit longer. It was a great evening for Nevena Vuckovic (177-98, agency: BeoBasket) who led her team to a victory scoring 21 points. Branka Lukovic helped adding 12 points and 5 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Serbian-Bosnian guard Milica Zeljkovic (176-98) with 25 points, 5 assists and 4 steals. Partizan will play against Celje (#7) at home in the next round. Banovici will play against Orlovi in Banja Luka and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
An interesting game for Bulgarian Montana 2003 (2-0) which hosted in Montana Bosnian Orlovi (1-2). Montana 2003 had an easy win 80-63. It was an exceptional evening for Snezana Aleksic who led the winners and scored 23 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Andjela Gligic came up with 17 points for Orlovi in the defeat. Montana 2003 will meet 021 (#5) in the next round. Orlovi will play against Banovici and hope to win that game.
The game in Novi Sad supposed to be also worth to mention about. Montenegrin Buducnost (2-0) played at the court of Serbian 021 (1-2). Buducnost smashed 021 78-50. The best player for the winners was Mina Djordjevic who scored 14 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Buducnost's coach felt very confident using entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Buducnost's next round opponent will be Beroe in Stara Zagora and it will be for sure the game of the week. 021 will play at home against Montana 2003 and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

The most impressive performance of 3rd round was 10 points and 10 steals by Radostina Dimitrova of Beroe.

021 - Buducnost 50-78

The game in Novi Sad supposed to be also worth to mention about. Montenegrin Buducnost (2-0) played at the court of Serbian 021 (1-2). Buducnost smashed 021 78-50. The game was mostly controlled by Buducnost. 021 was better in second period 17-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to 021's 24. Buducnost forced 27 021 turnovers. The best player for the winners was Serbian Mina Djordjevic (188-99) who scored 14 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Bosnian guard Nikolina Babic (177-95) chipped in 18 points. Buducnost's coach felt very confident using entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. At the other side the best for losing team was Serbian point guard Katarina Jakovljevic (172-0) who recorded 11 points and 5 rebounds and Jovana Adamovic (187-87) added 9 points and 5 rebounds respectively. Buducnost's next round opponent will be Beroe in Stara Zagora and it will be for sure the game of the week. 021 will play at home against Montana 2003 and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
021: S.Opacic 14+3reb, K.Jakovljevic 11+5reb+1ast, L.Radulovic 10+2reb, J.Adamovic 9+5reb+3ast, T.Zorana 4, S.Miller-McCray 2+7reb+1ast
Buducnost: N.Babic 18+3reb+2ast, A.Mitrasinovik 15+2reb+5ast, M.Djordjevic 14+6reb+4ast, M.Jaksic 8+4reb+1ast, M.Lekovic 7+2reb+1ast, P.Bura 5+11reb+1ast

Montana - Orlovi 80-63

An interesting game for Bulgarian Montana 2003 (2-0) which hosted in Montana Bosnian Orlovi (1-2). Montana 2003 had an easy win 80-63. The game without a history. Montana 2003 led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 29-of-34 free shots (85.3 percent) during the game. Montana 2003 outrebounded Orlovi 51-29 including a 40-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was an exceptional evening for Montenegrin guard Snezana Aleksic (173-89) who led the winners and scored 23 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Forward Hristina Ivanova (186-89) accounted for 18 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!) for the winning side. Four Montana 2003 players scored in double figures. Point guard Andjela Gligic (168-0) came up with 17 points and Serbian center Vladinka Erak (192-84) added 15 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Orlovi in the defeat. Montana 2003 will meet 021 (#5) in the next round. Orlovi will play against Banovici and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Orlovi: A.Gligic 17+3reb+3ast, V.Erak 15+7reb, D.Domuzin 12+3reb+2ast, T.Rajic 9+4reb+2ast, M.Ristic 5+3reb+6ast, T.Trebovac 3+6reb+1ast
Montana: S.Aleksic 23+8reb+7ast, H.Ivanova 18+9reb+6ast, I.Lyra 15+4reb, D.Georgieva 13+11reb+1ast, V.Stoycheva 4+5reb+2ast, A.Petrova 4+6reb

Banovici - Partizan 71-74

Another exciting game for Serbian Partizan (1-2) which played on the court of Bosnian Banovici (0-3). Partizan upset home team edging them after exciting game by three points 74-71. Banovici was very close to get their first win. But it seems they have to wait a little bit longer. Banovici was ahead by 3 points after three quarters before a 23-17 charge of Partizan, which allowed them to win the game. It was a great shooting night for Partizan especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.4 percentage. It was a great evening for Nevena Vuckovic (177-98, agency: BeoBasket) who led her team to a victory scoring 21 points. Branka Lukovic (188-95) helped adding 12 points and 5 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Serbian-Bosnian guard Milica Zeljkovic (176-98) with 25 points, 5 assists and 4 steals and Jovana Markovic (186-97) scored 16 points and 7 rebounds. Four Banovici players scored in double figures. Partizan will play against Celje (#7) at home in the next round. Banovici will play against Orlovi in Banja Luka and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Banovici: M.Zeljkovic 25+3reb+5ast, J.Markovic 16+7reb, D.Ikanovic 14+2reb+1ast, C.Prokic 12+7reb+1ast, A.Karic 2+1reb, D.Ibric 2
Partizan: N.Vuckovic 21+2reb, O.Sofija 14+3reb, B.Lukovic 12+5reb, D.Kovacevic 8+5reb, M.Stojic 7+2reb, N.Samardzic 5+1reb

Celje - Beroe 50-61

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Slovenian Celje (0-1) at the home court on Wednesday night. Hosts were defeated by Bulgarian Beroe (3-0) 61-50. The game was mostly controlled by Beroe. Celje managed to win second period 13-11. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 22-of-24 free shots (91.7 percent) during the game. Beroe forced 29 Celje turnovers. 24 personal fouls committed by Celje helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for Violina Kocheva (175-91) who led her team to a victory with 8 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Point guard Gergana Ivanova (177-99) contributed with 18 points for the winners. Four Beroe players scored in double figures. Beroe's coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Point guard Blaza Ceh (181-3) answered with 10 points and 4 assists and Marusa Senicar (187-97) added 3 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Celje. Beroe are looking forward to face Buducnost in Podgorica in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Celje will play on the road against Partizan (#6) in Beograd and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Celje: L.Debeljak 10+2reb+1ast, C.Blaza 10+2reb+4ast, J.Mojca 8+2reb+1ast, G.Jite 5+4reb, G.Sara 4+3reb, A.Ana 4+1reb
Beroe: G.Ivanova 18+3reb+2ast, J.Zlatanova 13+3reb+2ast, K.Konstantinova 10+1reb+2ast, R.Dimitrova 10+4reb+1ast, V.Kocheva 8+8reb+8ast, P.Koleva 2+5reb

Tags : VIOLINA KOCHEVA, BEROE STARA ZAGORA, BULGARIAN BASKETBALL

Ivanova's 18 points and 9 rebounds give her Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News

31-year old forward Hristina Ivanova (186-F-89) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Montana and receives a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 3.
She had the game-high 18 points adding nine rebounds and six assists for Montana in her team's victory, helping them to crush Orlovi (#4, 1-2) with 17-point margin 80-63. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Montana maintains the 3rd position in WABA . They maintain a perfect record without any lost game in the league. But it's just the very beginning of the season and Montana won both games without losing any. It's too early to say anything as the standings can be changed completely after next round. Ivanova has many years of experience at Montana, through which she has constantly improved. Ivanova has impressive league stats. She is in league's top in points (7th best: 16.0ppg), rebounds (7th best: 7.5rpg), assists (3rd best: 6.0apg) and averages solid 2.5spg and 58.3% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Milica Zeljkovic (176-G-98) of RMU Banovici. She is Serbian-Bosnia and Herzegovina guard in her 2nd season at Banovici. In the last game Zeljkovic recorded impressive 25 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists. Bad luck as Banovici was edged by Partizan (1-2) 74-71. The season is still at the very beginning and this lost game may not be such crucial, of course if they start win the games. Let's wait for the next round. Zeljkovic is well-known at Banovici and she already established her position as one of the team's leaders. She belongs to the best scorers in the league with 18.0ppg (#3). Her other stats are also decent: 5.0rpg and 5.3apg.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Mina Djordjevic (188-PF-99) of league's second-best Buducnost Bemax. Djordjevic showcased her all-around game by recording 14 points, six rebounds and four assists in the last round. She was a key player of Buducnost, leading her team to a 78-50 easy win against 021 (#5, 1-2). Buducnost has a very good start of the season. But there were just 2 games played, so it's too early to judge them at this stage. Djordjevic also has a very good start of the season with very strong stats. Djordjevic has a great season in WABA. After only 2 games, she made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 8.0rpg (5th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Snezana Aleksic (173-G-89) of Montana - 23 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists
5. Dimana Georgieva (188-F/C-88) of Montana - 13 points and 11 rebounds
6. Jovana Adamovic (187-PF-87) of 021 - 9 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Nikolina Babic (177-G-95) of Buducnost - 18 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Nevena Vuckovic (177-SF-98) of Partizan - 21 points and 2 rebounds
9. Vladinka Erak (192-C-84) of Orlovi - 15 points and 7 rebounds
10. Jovana Markovic (186-PF-97) of Banovici - 16 points and 7 rebounds

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

Tags : HRISTINA IVANOVA, MONTANA 2003, BULGARIAN BASKETBALL