EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT -
7/25/2008
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Men News
*****************************************************
West Texas Whirlwinds announce player signings
- by Eurobasket News
Cleveland Phelps, owner of the ABA West Texas Whirlwinds,
and ABA Texas Regional Manager, today announced the signings of the following
players: John Hollman (Langston University), Shawn Williams (University of
Highlands), Wyshawn Wade (Los Angeles, CA), Ira Cross (University of Eastern New
Mexico).
'These guys can play,' stated Phelps. 'We have a tough division this year with
the addition of teams in Texas City and Wichita Falls (welcome) along with
Houston, Texas and San Antonio. We're going to need great players to stay
competitive and are comfortable with the progress we're making. I am looking
forward to a fun, entertaining and exciting season.' For more information, email
phelpscleveland@yahoo.com or visit www.abalive.com.
The expansion ABA Buffalo Sharks, scheduled to begin play in
December, today announced its first Tryout Camp set for Saturday, August
9th at Daemen College, 4380 Main Street, Amherst, NY 14226.
The camp will run from 12noon-3pm with registration starting at 11am. The
registration fee will be $50. and according the Head Coach Rich Jacob, 'We have
a great organization off the court doing some fabulous things in the community
already; we want to match that effort on the court and are looking to put
together a strong competitive team. If you want to play professional basketball
and feel you have the skills to compete, please join us.' For an application and
waiver, visit www.buffalosharks.com or call the Shark hotline at 716 565 1730 or
email rjacob@medaille.edu. Or visit www.abalive.com.
*****************************************************
Tulips ink Marko Popovic, Krstovic in Hemofarm STADA
- by
Dragan Jankovski
Another
player arrived to Vojvodina Srbijagas in just couple of days. After Marko
Jovanovic and Marko Sutalo, another guy with first name Marko will play in Novi
Sad next season. It is point guard
Marko Popovic (193-G-84), ex player of Sloga Kraljevo. Popovic joined Sloga
last summer from Ergonom Nis. He averaged 15.8 ppg, 2 rpg, 4.5 apg and 1.5 spg
for 20 games in A1 league previous season. In the past he also played for
Ergonom Nis, Ibon Niksic, Zastava Kragujevac and Beopetrol Belgrade. As a member
of Zastava he was young prospects on point guard position but very soon he
suffered serious knee injury after what he was sidelined almost 6 months.
Popovic put signature on 1+1 deal with Vojvodina Srbijagas.
Bojan Krstovic (194-G-80) confirmed for Serbian media that he agreed terms
with Hemofarm STADA.
'I didn't sign anything yet but we agreed all terms. Thus I suppose to
stay in Hemofarm for the next three years. I can say that I am very satisfied
with this transfer. Hemofarm is a big club which accepted all my conditions
without hesitation. I hope next season will be very successful for us'
-said Krstovic.
*****************************************************
Nielsen leads Boomers
- by Eurobasket News
Former
Sydney Kings star
Matt Nielsen (208-F/C-78) has been rewarded for his remarkable commitment to
the Australian men's basketball team by being named
captain for next month's Beijing Olympic Games, AAP reports.
The European-based Nielsen, a former championship winner with the Sydney Kings
and one of the best big men Australia has produced, was prevented from competing
at the 2006 world championships due to an insurance bungle with his Lithuanian
club Lietuvos Rytas.
The situation was again threatening to stop him being part of Beijing, so the
30-year-old decided to put forward his own money to cover the difference and
guarantee he could be a part of his second Olympic Games.
Nielsen is understood to have contributed about one third of the asking price
from his own pocket - well in excess of $10,000 - to satisfy Lietuvos, with
Basketball Australia picking up the rest.
He acknowledges it was a less-than-ideal solution, but Nielsen simply wasn't
prepared to miss another major tournament for his country.
'We worked it out in the end,' Nielsen told AAP at a function on the Gold Coast
to honour Australia's male and female Olympic basketball teams.
'I ended up covering it, but I didn't want to live the rest of my life not going
to an Olympics for that reason.'
'Not the ideal way to end up at the Olympics by paying it, but that's the way it
is.'
Along with Milwaukee Bucks centre Andrew Bogut, European stand-out Dave Andersen
and veteran Chris Anstey, Nielsen will form a potent frontline in Beijing that
will cause plenty of problems for opposition countries.
A member of the 2004 Olympic team that failed to reach the second round, Nielsen
is desperate for an improved showing in his first major competition as Boomers
captain.
'Yeah big time. It's an honour to play for your country and something you aspire
to when you're a kid,' he said.
'But to captain the team in an Olympics is the highest honour I think I can
imagine.'
'It's something I take pretty seriously.'
Players, coaches and officials from both the Boomers and Opals were handed
specially crafted rings to reward their participation in Beijing.
While the Opals are favoured to fight out the gold medal with the United States,
expectations on the Boomers are far lower.
In a pool that includes powerhouse nations Russia, Argentina, Lithuania and
Croatia, Nielsen knows they have a hard road ahead to achieve their goal of a
first men's medal.
'Only four teams go through. If you've got Argentina, Russia, Lithuania and
Croatia, someone's not going that's very decent, that's a fact,' he said.
'That's what happened to us last Olympics, we were the good team that got outed,
so our main job is to get to that next round and then after that anything can
happen.'
Courtesy of www.nbl.com.au
*****************************************************
Dexia Mons-Hainaut Transfer News
- by Peter
Buyse
Dexia Mons-Hainaut announced the signing of American forward
Caleb Green (203-F-85, college:
ORU) for
the next season.
Green played the past season, his first overseas, in Germany. In 34 games for
Trier he averaged 17.9 ppg and 6.1 rpg.
The 17.9 points ranked him 4th in the German Bundesliga. His best game of the
season was a double double of 29 pts and 12 rebs vs Giessen.
His season high in scoring was 40 pts vs Tubingen..
Before coming to Europe Green had an outstanding career at Oral Roberts where he
was selected Conference Player of the Year on 3 occassions.
In his senior year he scored 20.5 ppg and 9.3 rpg. Over the last 3 years at ORU
he averaged close to 20 pts and 9 rebs.
Was voted to the All MCC team all 4 of his years at Oral Roberts.
The team is looking for a point guard and forward to finalize its roster.
*****************************************************
Feliks Kojadinovic in Ukraine, Kisic close to Leotar
- by Eurobasket News
Former
member of Bosnian National Team
Feliks Kojadinovic (197-G-79, agency:
World Sport
Agency) agreed terms with Ukrainian team Cherkassy Monkeys. Kojadinovic
arrived to Cherkassy from Greek team Marousi Athens where he for 23 games in
regular season averaged 4.4 ppg and 2.7 rpg. At the same time he dished out 3.5
apg finishing the competition as a fifth assistant. His team succeeded to reach
play-off semifinals but Olympiakos beat them 3-2 in thriller finish. Later,
Marousi had 2-0 lead in the battle for third place as well as for Euroleague but
they lost it 3-2 against at that time Nenad Markovic's Panionios Athens. Before
Marousi, Kojadinovic spent half of the season in PAOK while before that he
played in Russian Samara. In 2006 he was named to be the 'Player of the Year' in
Adriatic league as a member of Serbian team Vojvodina Srbiajgas. Kojadinovic
grew up as a player in Borac Nektar from Banja Luka.
In the meantime Leotar from Trebinje is looking for the new head coach. It is
already announced the
Miroslav Popov won't seat on the bench of the senior team next season. He
will continue as a coordinator of all young selection which owner is company
Swisslions. One of the main candidates for the position of a new head coach is
Radomir
Kisic, who worked in Serbian team Novi Sad last season. In the past Kisic
already was a head coach of Leotar registering solid results. Sport Director of
the club Srecko Ducic didn't want to confirm neither to deny this news.
'I can only confirm that Leotar will announce name of the new head coach very
soon. At this moment I do not want to talk about the names but we are working
very serious on that. We decided to leave a new head to choose players for the
next season but some of the them already showed willingness to stay in the club'
- said Ducic.
*****************************************************
Rilski Sportist men start summer training, building a
strong squad - by
Valentin Anguelov
The
men's team of Rilski Sportist is the first in Bulgaria to start
its preparation for the new season, says RilskiBasket.com.
Today all players will undergo medical and tomorrow the new coach, Macedonian
Aleksandar Todorov, will hold the first training session.
The players of Rilski Sportist are going to train in Samokov
until mid September. Then the team is going to neighbouring Turkey to play
several friendlies, as there will be just one month left to the start of the
brand new National Basketball League of Bulgaria.
There are 3 new players starting with the team - Bulgarian shooting guards
Bogdan Boev (196-G-82) and
Ivan
Nikolov (190-G-81), as well as the young Serb
Dragoslav Papic (205-C/F-87, agency:
Global Sports Plaza). The former two have already played in
Samokov. Boev spent the last 3 seasons in Cherno More
Varna, but just before that was a player of Rilski Sportist
for 2 years (2003-2005). Nikolov has even longer
experience in the team - from 2003 up till 2006, before he moved on to
Balkan Botevgrad and Dunav Ruse.
Papic is coming from the USA, where he played basketball at
high school and college, after starting out at Beopetrol Belgrad
junior team in his native Serbia. At Odessa Junior College he
had 16.9 ppg and 7.1 rpg duiring his second and final season. He was spotted at
some tryouts in Macedonia by coach Todorov, who was impressed
by the young man's potential.
Besides those new names, prior to the upcoming season Rilski Sportist
has under contract guards Branko Mirkovic and
Aleksandar Gruev, who have now extended their deals, as well as forward
Asen Saraliyski, who already had a longer term one.
Seven youngsters of Rilski Sportist's junior team (champion of
Bulgaria for the 1989 junior category season) are staying with the men's team -
Lubomir Kirov, Krasimir Georgiev,
Dimitar Morunov, Ivaylo Vuchkov, Darin Ivanov,
Stanislav Vaklinov and Kiril Istilyanov. The
latter two are currently with the U-20 national team and preparing for the
U-20 European Championship in Latvia.
The club hasn't finalized its roster quite yet. The new coach will need another
two strong frontcourt players, possibly import. Their names will most probably
be known in 15 days time.
*****************************************************
GTSC earns 4th consecutive CIBA men's basketball
title - by
Kristian Santiago
(Published by the Cayman News)
For four consecutive years George Town Sports Club (GTSC) has secured the
championship in the Cayman Islands Basketball Association Mens Division One
League. Sunday night (6 July) at the Digicel Court proved no different.
Perhaps the only change was that the victory wasnt a walk in the park as the
finals against Shaolin went the entire three games - and all in front of a
standing-room-only crowd.
The first night GTSC defeated Shaolin 90-80, then lost the next game 132-126.
But that second game will go down in CIBA history as one of the most hotly
contested finals on record, as it went into triple overtime before Shaolin
emerged victorious. And by games end GTSC had only four players on the court as
three of their stars -
Antonio Thompson (-G)
Mike Morgan (-C) and
Lloyd Samuels got into foul trouble
While the final game on Sunday played out in regulation time, it was no less
competitive, and as National Technical Basketball Director Victor Voot OGarro
told the players: Both teams can be proud of their performance tonight and
throughout the series we have a record attendance and you both played excellent
ball.
Shaolin began the scoring with two points by
Jerome Narcisse, and
Collin Anglin (186-G-78) followed up with a three-pointer, making it Shaolin
5, GTSC 0. GTSCs Antonio Thompson nailed his first three-pointer, taking the
score to 5-3 Shaolin. Lloyd Samuels followed with two points for GTSC, tying the
score at 5-5, and so it went. Shaolin scored; GTSC answered back. In fact, the
quarter ended at 26-26.
The fans were cheering and jeering, depending on who they were there to see. One
thing was sure: none of the fans were bored. One was overheard to say, I love
this game.
GTSC opened the scoring in the second quarter with three-pointers from Samuels
and Thompson. Shaolin remained stuck on 26, and the clock was at 4:23 before the
team penetrated GTSCs defence. The first points came from
Sebastian Sachse (204-C-81), and Anglin followed, bringing the score to
32-38.
But then GTSC seemed to go into overdrive to make some breathing room and
managed to leap to a 10-point lead, 39-49.
A three-pointer from Shaolins main guy, Anglin, followed by a neat dip and tuck
from Sachse, allowed Shaolin to cut the lead to five points, 50-45. GTSC had the
last word going into halftime when Jonathan Mitchell went to the basket for a
lay-up but missed. Samuels snagged the rebound and tipped the ball in.
The score was 52-49 with Shaolin trailing.
Collin Bodden equalised in the opening of the third quarter, 52-52, and the
fans went wild. But Shaolins moment was short-lived as Mitchell took GTSC ahead
by hitting a three-pointer that was all net. Both teams dialled up their game,
and the score seesawed back and forth with
Luigi Moxam (191-G) tying it up for Shaolin 58-58. Samuels scored two
lay-ups in quick succession, and his team managed to stave off Shaolins scorers
with a high-pressure defence.
The fourth quarter started at 71-65 with GTSC in the drivers seat.
While Shaolin obviously wanted the win, it was equally clear that GTSC wanted it
more, and with their talent as well as athleticism Shaolin just was unable to
match their heart.
The stats also showed that GTSC had the board, scoring 11 three-pointers to
Shaolins 8. Truth be told, GTSC only excelled on points as Shaolin outdid their
opponents on rebounds 47-29, turnovers 15-10 and steals 7-6.
Samuels was GTSC top gun with 36 points, and Mitchell had 22 points and 5
rebounds. For Shaolin, Anglin led with 29 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds.
Sachse was second with 21 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks.
GTSC coach Andrew McField thanked his team for a great performance and the fans
for attending. We do this all for you, he told the fans. Our team has grown
together. We have a history of winning and in the end we wanted it more.
Shaolin coach Shomari Scott said, We gave it our best and came up short.
Cayman Island National Team Roster
- by Kristian
Santiago
This is
Cayman Islands' national-team that competed in the 2007 Island Games in Rhodes
(Greece):
Roster (Age)
Collin Anglin (186-G-78) (1978)
Collin Bodden (1985)
Marco De La Cruz (196-F) (1985)
Jorge Ebanks (1986)
Chad Leslie (-C) (1983)
Kevin Maxwell (1980)
Adam Milburn (1982)
Luigi Moxam (191-G) (1978)
Jerome Narcisse (1987)
Dwight O'Garro (-C) (1977)
Lloyd Samuels (1987)
Antonio Thompson (-G) (1982)
Notes:
The Caymans had
Andres Kirchman (-C) playing his high school ball in the Florida for the
Admiral Farragut Academy from 1999 until 2002 and
Antonio Thompson played there as well in the 1999-2000 season.6-4 guard
Luigi Moxam, who went to the same school earlier, graduated from
Pfeiffer
in the U.S. as well and is playing flag football besides basketball.
Collin Anglin took home the scoring title in the CIBA by posting 27,2 ppg in
the regular season and 30,3 ppg in the finals.
Point Guard
Jorge Ebanks played prep school ball at Lee Academy (Maine,U.S.) in
2005-2006 and played at Finger Lakes Community College in the U.S. in 2006-
2007.
Forward
Ariel Whittaker played together with
Jorge Ebanks at Lee Academy in Maine and studies at
Clinton CC(...and
played in 2007-2008) in the U.S.
6-3 guard
Lloyd Samuels plays his college-ball at
King
(2007-2008) together with 6-4 forward
Jerome Narcisse on the Junior Varsity-roster of the NAIA-affiliated school.
*****************************************************
Cavalry pull off stunner and hire Johnson-Klein as GM
- by Eurobasket News
Oklahoma Cavalry have a new General Manager
tonight and it's a name Lawtonians should definitely be familiar with. Former
Cameron and Fresno State Women's Coach Stacy Johnson-Klein will
be named the new GM at a press conference tomorrow morning.
Johnson-Klein herself confirmed the hiring to 7Sports earlier tonight. She will
replace former GM Otis Birdsong.
The former Lady Bulldogs coach made national headlines almost a month ago to the
day when she reached a settlement for 9 million dollars over her sexual
discrimination suit against Fresno State. Johnson-Klein had initially won 19
million dollars in that suit, but that number was later reduced after a series
of appeals by both sides.
The former Aggies coach returns to Lawton for the first time since leaving
Cameron back in May of 2000.
Johnson-Klein will have the tough task of finding replacements for the CBA
Player of the Year Daryan Selvey and Defensive Player of the Year Marvin
Phillips, neither of which are expected to return next year according to the
Cavs.
The press conference is scheduled for 11:45 tomorrow morning. 7Sports will have
complete coverage of that for you tomorrow night.
Courtesy of www.kswo.com
*****************************************************
Interview with Romain Sato of Montepaschi Siena
- by Eurobasket News
His
first Euroleague season has been a learning experience for
Romain Sato (194-G-81, college:
Xavier),
but fortunately for his team, Montepaschi Siena, he's a quick
learner. If that wasn't so, the 27-year-old forward could never have made the
career moves necessary to come all the way from his homeland, the Central
African Republic, to the heights of European basketball. Sato has jumped on the
chance to play in the Euroleague with both feet, starting fulltime as
Montepaschi made itself into a Final Four juggernaut as the season progressed.
Along the way, player and team have gained the confidence needed to overlook
their lack of Final Four experience and to challenge for a crown in Madrid.
'Yes, we don't have Final Four experience, like most of the teams there we'll
play against, but it's always good to be an underdog,' Sato told Euroleague.net.
'We feel like underdogs, but our experience is having played already against a
couple of teams going there. We know can work hard against and play against
them, so if we keep going like all season, we can get it done.'
Hello, Romain. Congratulations for reaching the Final Four with
Montepaschi Siena. This will be your Final Four debut, how do you feel about it?
'I feel pretty good. It's a great moment, really. I am so happy to make it this
far. It's been tough to make it. In the Euroleague, you've got to learn quick
and adjust quick. I tried do that in my first year, learn and get better always,
improve myself and prove myself. It has been hard, but exciting.'
You've come a long way from the Central African Republic to be at the
top of European basketball. Are people in your country aware of your success?
'A little bit, yes. They follow some Euroleague games on TV. Other than that,
though, they don't know much about what Montepaschi has done. But it's good for
basketball in my country for me to come here and play at the top level in
Europe. Having someone from the Central African Republic on one of Europe's four
best teams is good for them, and good for me.'
How happy are you to prove this season that you can be such an important
contributor to a Final Four team?
I feel great about it. Nobody believed we would be going to the Final Four. We
believed in ourselves and worked harder and harder, one game at a time. We knew
that if we kept working, anything could happen. For me, I just come here to work
hard, help team in any way I could. That was my goal from the beginning of the
season, and I'm glad I was able to help.'
What has a young head coach, Simone Pianigiani done to bring out the
best in you?
'It's my second year with him and he's a good coach. He wants for all of us, and
him. to get better with each game and each year. He wants to prove himself as
head coach just like we want to prove ourselves as players, so he tries to get
us all ready for that. He gives us everything we need in practice to get better.
As a team, he always puts our best option first, by which I mean the team goal
first and the personal one second. He pushes us to work hard, play together and
to get every small detail correct. That's something he taught us, in order to
get better as a team. We've been doing that consistently and we appreciate what
our coach has done for us.'
Very few people expected Montepaschi to reach this far at the beginning
of the season. Which have been the key moments for the team in your opinion?
'For me, having our first regular season group as one of toughest in Europe was
important. We had to play CSKA, Tau, Olympiacos, some of the toughest teams,
with lots of players who have Final Four experience. To fight against them and
try to finish first wasn't easy. We worked hard and kept trying to improve, and
in doing so, played pretty well against such tough teams. As soon as we knew we
could play against them, we knew we could play against anyone, and it made us
work harder.'
Montepaschi overcame a tough situation when scoring leader Rimantas
Kaukenas got injured. How did the team regroup then and stay so consistent?
'When he got hurt, it was tough right away and hard to adjust. We felt that we
adjusted kind of quickly, however. We knew he was out for the rest of the
season, and we didn't want to think about him maybe coming back. Every guy had
to step up and bring everything he could to help make up for Rimantas not being
there. We knew at that moment it would take everything we've got, and we did
that: we gave it everything we have.'
Bootsy Thornton is the only Montepaschi player with previous Final Four
experience. How can you guys deal with the issue of experience as you prepare
for the Final Four?
'Bootsy is telling us and talking to us about how tough it is going to be in the
Final Four. We're not just happy to go there: we want to go and win. He says it
won't be easy, and we've got to work now, before we go, to get it done. Right
now, we've worked too hard to get there to say we don't have the experience to
challenge for the title. Yes, we don't have Final Four experience, like most of
the teams there we'll play against, but it's always good to be an underdog. We
feel like underdogs, but our experience is having played already against a
couple of teams going there. We know can work hard against and play against
them, so if we keep going like all season, we can get it done.'
Montepaschi's semifinal opponent is Maccabi. What do you know about
Maccabi and what will it take to defeat them?
'I don't know that much, and we haven't had much of a chance to talk about them
yet, but we will. Except to say it's a good team for sure, like all the teams
there will be, I know that Maccabi is a big team that plays fast and spreads the
floor. They are the kind of guys we'll have to cover a lot of ground to defend.
They play with four shooters, even five sometimes, so we'll really have to cover
ground and recover. But we'll know more about what we have to do before we play
them.' 9. What is your personal approach to the Final Four opportunity before
you? 'It's something that you might get only a few chances to do in your life,
and that's if you're lucky. Lots of guys work hard their whole careers and never
get there. I am getting that chance now, maybe there will be another, but you
cannot think that way now, like you are sure to go again. You've just got to go
there and give whatever you've got this one time. You can't tell what will
happen in the future.' What would be mean for you to lift the Euroleague trophy
as the 2008 champion? 'Man, that would be something. I don't know, but if it
happened, that would be god's plan for us. I'll pray that hopefully that
happens, because it would be unforgettable. For now, I can just cross my fingers
and hope and play hard enough to have a chance. Then, we'll see.'
Courtesy of www.euroleague.net
*****************************************************
Ivo Josipovic joins Josip Vrankovic in Siroki Prima
pivo - by Eurobasket News
After
head coach
Josip
Vrankovic, another Croatian will continue career in Siroki Prima pivo. This
time it is a player
Ivo
Josipovic (205-F-75, agency:
Court Side),
who spent almost 12 years abroad. Josipovic played previous season for Greek
team Kolossos from Rhodes adding 10.6 ppg and 3.2 rpg. It wasn't his first
season in Greece as he already had a pretty good one in Apollon Patras finishing
Greek championship as a one of the top scorers with 15 ppg. Except of these
Greeks teams, Josipovic also played for Russian Universitet Surgut, UNICS Kazan
and Ural Great Perm as well as for Belgian team Euphony Liege. His biggest
achievement so far was a winning of Russian National Cup with Ural Great in
2004. In the past Josipovic also played 3 seasons in Telekom Basket Bonn. During
this period his team reached the play-off final in German Bundesleague.
Josipovic's last team in Croatia was Slvonski Brod, where played on season
1996/97.
According to some rumors Siroki Prima pivo showed serious interest in
Ivan
Siriscevic (198-G/F-87), who changed two team last season. Namely, he
started it Split but in January he moved to Dubrovnik averaging 13.8 ppg and 4.5
rpg for 19 games. Siriscevic is a member of Croatian 'B' National Team.
In the meantime Cibona Zagreb is still looking for the new player on point guard
position. Some of the candidates to take this place were
Rashad Wright (189-G-82, agency:
Pro One
Sports, college:
Georgia)
and
Vonteego Cummings (192-G-76, college:
Pittsburgh).
Unfortunately to Cibona both of them already signed the contracts with other
clubs over the past couple of days. Wright joined German champion ALBA Berlin
while Cummings is a new acquisition of Spanish Estudiantes. As a reminder Wright
already had some negotiates with Cibona last summer but he decided to joins Efes
Pilsen.
*****************************************************
The strike begins!!!
- by Nasios
Orinos
The
Cypriot players have kept their promise. In an effort to exert pressure on their
teams to compromise with less Bosman players (they can only accept 2 American
and 4 Bosman players in the Cyprus league), the Cypriot players have initiated
their promise and went on strike last Tuesday the 22nd, affecting the national
team. Τhe strike was a one time only for the time being, based on which the
Cypriot players abstained from Tuesdays practise.
The Cypriot National team is flying to Jordan on Friday and with its arrival
next Tuesday the players expect to have the teams decision. As eurobasket.com
has previously communicated, in case of an unfavourable one, the strike will
continue indefinitely.
No doubt. The landing of Bosman players on the island has greatly contributed to
the rise of the basketball level. On the contrary though, we need to stress that
through the years, a lot of terrific Cypriot players are getting less and less
time, with the risk of eventually having only foreigners on the court. Add to
that, the fact that a lot of young talents are turning their back to basketball,
since they have no future in it. We even dare to say that technically, quite a
few Cypriot talents are way better than many Bosman players, but still, they
face the bench.
However it goes, we wish the Cypriot players good luck!
*****************************************************
LIDOBA: Franklin Western sets Scoring Record.
- by
Jaime Gomez
Franklin Western (200-F-72, college:
Providence),
Constituyentes de San Cristobal, scored 43 points in last night's game vs.
Caneros de
La Romana de La Romana in his team win 85-76. Western made 20-26 FG (77%),
and 3-4 FT.
Carlos Morban (187-G-82, agency:
Global Sports Plaza, college:
Florida
Intern.),
Marineros
de Puerto Plata, and
Ronald Blackshear (196-G-78, college:
Marshall),
Marineros
de Puerto Plata (2006), held the previous record with 42 points. Morban tied
Blackshear's mark last year.
Before the 2006 season, the record was held by
Donald Williams (191-G-73, college:
N.Carolina),
Caneros de
La Romana, when he scored 37 points in 2005.
*****************************************************
Olympiakos lands NBA star Josh Childress
- by Eurobasket News
Olympiakos Piraeus announced signing of NBA star
Josh
Childress (203-G/F-83, college:
Stanford)
on a multiyear contract. Childress is coming from Atlanta Hawks where he added
11.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 1.5 apg in NBA regular season. He also had 7 appearances
in play-off having 7.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 1.6 apg. It was Childress' fourth season
with the Hawks since they selected him on 2004 NBA draft as a sixth overall
pick. He registered the best digits in NBA on season 06/07 when he posted 13 ppg
and 6.2 rpg in 55 appearances. Childress graduated at Stanford University in
2004 having almost 16 ppg and 7.5 rpg at his senior year. At the same time he
was named the 'Pac-10 Conference Player of the Year'. Childress arrived to
Athens at the beginning of the week to finalize all contract details with
Olympiakos. In his first but very short interview Childress stated that he came
to great city and as well as to great club where he already feels at home.
Meanwhile, Scandone Air Avelino inked
Tamar Slay (204-G-80, college:
Marshall)
for the upcoming season. Slay arrives from Capo d'Orlando brining pretty good
digits with him. For 18 games in Serie A he averaged 16.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.2 apg
and 1.7 spg. It was Slay's best season since he came to Europe from Charlotte
Bobcats in 2005. Before Capo d'Orlando, Slay was a member of Hapoel Jerusalem
and Akasvayu Girona. As a reminder Avelino lost its two scoring machines from
the last season Marques Green and Devin Smith, which moved to Turkish Fenerbahce
Ulker.
*****************************************************
Mirakovski in Rethimno, news from National Team
- by Eurobasket News
As
Eurobasket already published before, one of the best player of Fersped
Rabotnicki
Dimitar Mirakovski (180-G-81, agency:
Global Sports Plaza) will leave the club. Mirakovski signed 2-year contract
with Greek A2 team Rethimno from Crete, which was relegated from A1 league last
season. Rethimno's target for the upcoming one is to grab the promotion to A1
once again. Mirakovski arrives to Rethimno as a 'Guard of the Year' in
Macedonian championship. He played 28 games for Rabotnicki averaging 19.1 ppg, 3
rpg and 6 apg. At the same time he was named to be the 'Domestic player of the
Year' by Eurobasket. In the past Mirakovski also played for Macedonian teams
Nemetali Ograzden, Vardar, Skopje and Kumanovo as well as for Bulgarian team
CSKA Sofia. Interesting is that Mirakovski didn't succeed to win any trophy in
his career so far. His best achievement was the final of National Cup with
Vardar in 2005.
In the meantime National Team of F.Y.R. Macedonia is looking forward to
Eurobasket 2009 division B qualifications. Head coach of National Team
Jovica
Arsic announced that preparation officially starts on Tuesday, July 29. All
players except of
Vlado Ilievski (190-G-80, agency:
World Sport
Agency),
Jeremiah Massey (202-F-82, college:
Kansas St.)
and most probably
Pero
Antic (210-F-82, agency:
Interperformances) will show up on Tuesday. Massey and Ilievski got a green
light to join the team later due to personal reasons. Actually Massey confirmed
his arrival for July 31st while it is not known yet when Ilievski will join the
team. There is also a possibility that
Pero
Antic will arrive to Skopje with couple of days delay because his
obligations in Sofia.
*****************************************************
Jason Van Eck to Leverkusen
- by Moritz
Korff
Jason Van Eck (197-G/F-83, college:
Chico St.)
will follow his good friend
Tim
Haley (188-G-83, college:
Chico St.)
to Leverkusen and suit up for the
Bayer
Giants (Regionalliga West) in the 2008-09 campaign. Both are graduates of
Chico State (NCAA2) and spent the past two years at UBC Hannover (Regionalliga
North). Just like Haley, Van Eck made a deal for one year with the team of Coach
Stephan Ruers. He had 17 RLN-appearances in 2007-08 with an average of 22.7
points per contest.
2. Bundesliga-News
- by Moritz
Korff
FC Bayern Muenchen, that will play in the 2. Bundesliga Pro
A next season, announced the signings of
Andrej Mangold (190-G-87) and
Stuart Robbins (210-C-76, college:
Wabash
Valley CC) for 2008-09. Mangold had 8.8 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists
for local rival Muenchen Basket in this past season. Robbins spent the past five
seasons in Kaiserslautern and produced 9.9 points and 5.1 rebounds per contest
during the 2007-08 campaign.
Patrick
Elzie was named the new General Manager of the Bremen Roosters
(2. Bundesliga Pro A), as the club announced on its website. Elzie, who came to
Germany in 1984 and enjoyed a succesful career as a player in the Bundesliga,
worked as a head coach of the Kirchheim Knights since January 2007 and led the
team to the 2. Bundesliga Pro A by finishing the 2007-08 season with the Knights
in second place in the Pro B-standings. He previously worked as a manager for
the Hamburg Tigers.
Karim
Aw (204-C-65) will play one more year for the Proveo Merlins
Crailsheim in the 2. Bundesliga Pro B. The 43-year-old veteran averaged
3.7 points and 8.3 rebounds in 28 games for the Merlins in this past season. In
2005 Aw was named the Eurobasket.com All-German 2. Bundesliga Defensive Player
of the Year when helping Falke Nuernberg to a champion and to promotion to the
1. Bundesliga.
Stefan Eckhardt (212-C-88) joins RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf
(2. Bundesliga Pro B). The 20-year-old Post Player is a former member of TSV
Breitenguessbach.
Oliver Hahn (198-F-88) moves from Essen to Herten and will suit up for
Hertener Loewen (2. Bundesliga Pro B) in the 2008-09 season.
The 20-year-old Forward saw action in 6 games of the Pro B in this past season
and averaged 0.2 points for Essen.
2 new players for Haspe
- by
Daniel Poerschke
SV
Hagen-Haspe 70 in the 2. Regionalliga West announced the signing of US point
guard
Corrie Sutherlin (180-G). The guard played last season for Lemvig Basket in
Denmark and will form a strong backcourt with returning canadian guard
Edson Jones (193-G-79).
Forward
Theodoros Ioannidis (198-G/F-88) joins the club from the Iserlohn Kangaroos.
Ioannidis is a product from Iserlohn and has four years of 2. Bundesliga
experience already. The team is also interested in young guard
Max
Wigger (190-G-90) from BBV Hagen.
Matt Terwilliger to Paderborn
- by Moritz
Korff
The
Paderborn Baskets (1. Bundesliga) added some size to their 2008-09 roster by
signing
Matt Terwilliger (206-F/C-85). The 22-year-old spent his collegiate career
at Ohio State University (NCAA1). He played 37 games in this past season and
averaged 3.2 points and 2.4 rebounds per contest, coming from the bench.
Paderborn added
Spencer Tollackson (206-C-85, agency:
Warren
Sports International) to its frontcourt earlier and also has
Marius Nolte (206-C-81) and
Nathan Peavy (203-F-85, agency:
LimeLight,
college:
Miami, OH) who are able to help the team in the paint.
*****************************************************
Updated standigs
- by Gianni
Pascucci
See here down the classification of the Ghanaian First Division, also named
'Greater Accra Amateur Basketball League', as of July 16, 2008
pos team record Points
1. Fire Service (f) 3-2 7
2. Police Service 3-1 7
3. CEPS 3-0 6
4. Panthers 2-2 6
5. Reformers 2-1 5
6. Wizards 1-3 5
7. Yotive (f)(f) 2-2 4
8. Hoops 1-1 3
9. Warriors (f) 1-2 3
10. Flames (f) 0-4 3
(f) = forfeited games
*****************************************************
Coach Giorgos Vlasopoulos:We are going for a good
appearance - by
George Manousidis
Eurobasket.com has little chat with the architect of U18
Greek National team Coach
Giorgos Vlasopoulos .
Eurobasket.com : We have won until now all the tournaments that
we have participated are we going for the gold medal?
Giorgos Vlasopoulos :After ALBERT SCHWEITZER tournament,
which was the first and the strongest test our progress is very good, shows that
we are in a good way. From now on we must have a good appearance in the official
games because as you know there are many differences between friendly and
official games.
Eurobasket.com : Which ones do you believe are the strongest
opponents?
Giorgos Vlasopoulos : Due to the results in the tournament
two years ago in U16 I believe that Spain, Turkey, Serbia and Russia are very
strong teams. After this group of teams Lithuania, Italy and Greece follows. And
don't forget this team was in the 9th position two years ago. We have to try
harder for better standing
Eurobasket.com : National Coaches' complain is that the players
of the nationals teams doesn't't have many playing time in their teams that they
belong. How did you manage this problem?
Giorgos Vlasopoulos : Correct, that is one problem that we
have too. Apart from Mantzari and Slouka which have played 20-25 minutes in
every game at their teams, the rest of the players had very little time playing.
For this reason, we made a plan to participate in many friendly tournaments.
Last year we participated approximately in 40 games. So we cover up that kind of
weakness.
Coach Vlassopoulos select the follow 12 players to participate in the
tournament:
Giannis Angelopoulos (196-G-91)
Georgios Georgakis (205-C-91, agency:
FCM)
Vlantimir Giankovits (202-C-90)
Ioannis Karathanasis (200-F-91)
Leonidas Kaselakis (202-C-90)
Dimitrios Katsivelis (194-G-91)
Evangelos Mantzaris (190-G-90)
Nikolaos Pappas (194-G-90, agency:
FCM)
Konstantinos Papanikolaou (203-F/G-90)
Epameinondas Papantoniou (185-G-90)
Zisis Sarikopoulos (213-C-90)
Konstantinos Sloukas (192-G-90)
<<>><<>>
*****************************************************
ZZ Leiden lands Bubba Walther
- by Fred
Roggen
ZZ
Leiden announced yesterday officially the signing of guard
Bubba Walther (193-G-85, agency:
Sports
Plus International, college:
Akron).
Walther is coming out of two years playing for Ohio and he will make his first
experience outside the States in Leiden . Bubba Walther, averaged 12.3 points
and 3.7 assists as a Senior and he is known as a good shooter. He will share the
two guard spots with Vincent Krieger and J.S. Nash.
With the attracting of Walther, ZZ Leiden has the team nearly round for the new
season .
*****************************************************
Explosion and IBL EXTEND DEAL
- by John
Gary
courtesy oursportscentral.com The IBL announced that the SNOHOMISH COUNTY
EXPLOSION will participate in the IBL for the next three seasons. The
announcement wasmade after the Explosion pre-paid their 2009 dues that enabled
them to acquire the leagues western regional tournament for the next three
seasons. Mikal Dulio, commissionor of the the league stated that the league is
excited to be playing the western regional tournament in the Snohomish area for
the next three years.
*****************************************************
Market News -
by Netanel Dahan
Elizur Qiryat-Ata signed their first player
Vladi Ermichin (202-F/C-84), Vladi played the last season at Hapoel
Yokneam/Megido and averaged: 14.1 ppg,7.6rpg, and 1.2bpg in 27mpg.
Eldan
Ashkelon signed the Israeli guard
Abraham Ben-Chimol (195-G-84), who played the last three seasons at Hapoel
Galil Elyon (who is known by Hapoel Gilboa-Galil Elyon this season),and averaged
this season at the Israeli league: 3.2ppg and 1.3apg in 19 games, at the Uleb
Cup he averaged: 2.7ppg, and 2.0apg in 3 games.
*****************************************************
Last transactions
- by Gianni
Pascucci
Fortitudo Bologna announced the agreement with BRA-ITA
Marcelo Huertas (191-G-83, agency:
Edge
Sports), who inked a 2+1 contract with the team. Carife Ferrara agreed to
terms with
Mykal Riley (198-F-85). Premiata Montegranaro traded NT member
Valerio Amoroso 
(202-F-80) to Banca Tercas Teramo. Angelico Biella announced the signing of
Trent Plaisted (211-F/C-86, agency:
Priority Sports, college:
BYU).
*****************************************************
Daghlas & Soobzokov are set to leave Zain
- by
Mohammed Malas
The
word around in the basketball community in the Middle East is saying that
Sam
Daghlas (197-G-79, college:
Midwestern
St.) and
Enver Soobzokov (193-G/F-78, college:
Cal.St.-San
Bernar.) have been approached by other clubs and they are seriously
considering moving out of Zain, Daghlas was suffering from injury last season
but he will be ready and fit for Jordan National Team from the begining of
September, Same issue to Enver.
Meanwhile, according to Jordanian Basketball Federation sources, No contacts
have been established with
Nate
Johnson (199-F-77, college:
Louisville)
as was mentioned on Al Ghad newspaper yestetday.
*****************************************************
Liberia could have a bright future in basketball
- by Kristian
Santiago
If
Liberia would have financial resources and professional structures in order to
build up a strong national-team that competes in international play, things
would look bright in terms of foreign-born talent that could compete for the
small country on Africa's west coast.
I recently found this article about
Austin Freeman (193-G-89), and it proves that this fine young man is indeed
of Liberian heritage:
http://www.georgetownvoice.com/2008-02-21/feature/backcourt-backstory-forming-freeman
Besides Austin, there is another young player with roots in Liberia:
Boan Weanquoi (178-G) was born in the States but his father Charles hails
from Liberia and Weanquoi would be a possible addition as well.
http://www.wusports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1184&path=mbball
Now you can add the likes of
Boakai Lalugba (200-F-81, agency:
Court Side,
college:
Bucknell),
Pele Paelay (193-G-84, agency:
Chris
Pearson SM, college:
Co.Carolina),
Sheiku Kabba (188-G-79, college:
Providence),
Varnie Dennis (202-F-82, agency:
Rasmussen Services, college:
Cal Poly -
SLO),
Patrick Flomo (203-F-80, college:
Ohio)
and
Burleigh Porte (203-C) who all expressed their willing to compete for
Liberia and you would have a pretty strong team that could emerge as a force in
West Africa if not on the continent.
Unfortunately, the financial situation won't let such things happen too
soon,maybe never.
*****************************************************
Neptunas in for Al Khas
- by Eurobasket News
LKL's
side Neptunas sent an offer to Jordania club Zain for center
Zaid
Al Khas (205-C-76, college:
Gannon)...The
player is ex-Ganon (NCAA2), Had an experience in Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan....
*****************************************************
Jazz traded Jason Hart for Brevin Knight with the
Clippers,Tolliver signs with the Spurs and Childress leaves the NBA
- by Bruno
Baltazar
The
Utah Jazz announced today that the team has acquired veteran point guard
Brevin Knight (5'10''-G-75, college:
Stanford) from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for
guard
Jason Hart (6'3''-G-78, college:
Syracuse).
Originally selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round (16th overall
pick) of the 1997 NBA Draft, Knight (5-10, 170, Stanford) has appeared in 655
career regular season games (423 starts) over 11 NBA seasons with Cleveland,
Atlanta, Memphis, Phoenix, Washington, Milwaukee, Charlotte and the Clippers,
owning career averages of 7.9 points, 6.6 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.77 steals
per game. He appeared in 74 games (39 starts) this past season with the
Clippers, averaging 4.6 points, 4.4 assists and 1.35 steals in 22.6 minutes.
Knight ranked second in the NBA in assists-per-turnover (4.62), and third in
steals per turnover (2.87).
Hart (6-3, 180, Syracuse) appeared in 57 games this past season for the Jazz,
averaging 2.9 points, 1.5 assists and 1.0 rebounds in 10.6 minutes per game. He
has appeared in 297 career regular season games over seven NBA seasons with
Milwaukee, San Antonio, Charlotte, Sacramento, the Clippers and Utah.
The San Antonio Spurs announced today that they signed forward
Anthony Tolliver (6'9''-C-85, agency:
Larry Fox
Services, college:
Creighton).
The 6-8, 240-pound Tolliver played on the Spurs summer league teams in Las Vegas
and at the Rocky Mountain Revue in Salt Lake City. He averaged 12.3 points and
5.0 rebounds in 23.0 minutes while shooting .571 (12-21) from the field and .615
(8-13) from beyond the arc in three games in Las Vegas. At the Rocky Mountain
Revue Tolliver appeared in all four games, averaging 11.5 points and 3.5
rebounds in 26.5 minutes while knocking down 53.3 percent (8-15) of his shots
form beyond the arc.
Last season Tolliver played for the Iowa Energy in the NBA Development League.
He appeared in 25 games averaging, 11.6 points and 6.4 rebounds in 27.4 minutes
per game while shooting .509 (112-220) from the field. Prior to joining the
Energy Tolliver was in training camp with Cleveland Cavaliers and appeared in
three games before being waived.
Tolliver spent four seasons at Creighton University where he averaged 8.1 points
and 4.9 rebounds in 124 career games. As a senior, he averaged 13.4 points, 6.7
rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.7 blocks in 33 games and was named first-team
All-MVC after being the leagues only player to rank in the top 10 in scoring,
rebounding and blocked shots per game. Tolliver was also named a Senior CLASS
Award All-American and a Second-team CoSIDA Academic All-American.
And
Josh Childress (6'8''-G/F-83, college:
Stanford) signed with Olympiakos in Greece as been said as
the best deal 1 player ever got in Europe.
*****************************************************
Chris Harriman new assistant coach at Saint Louis
University - by Eurobasket News
Saint Louis University head men's basketball coach
Rick
Majerus announced that
Chris
Harriman has been named assistant men's basketball coach. Harriman comes to
the Billikens after four years as assistant coach at Nova Southeastern
University in Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Fla.
'I first met Chris when he played for Augusta State against one of my terrific
Utah teams which, ironically, had (current staff member) Alex Jensen,' Majerus
said. 'As a player, Chris was a cerebral point guard and a terrific competitor
who I thought would one day would become an outstanding coach. He worked for one
of the best Division II coaches in the game, Gary Tuell, who has developed an
outstanding program at Nova Southeastern. Chris is a 24/7 basketball guy who has
great knowledge of the game with the rare ability to teach the game as well. His
passion for the game coincides with our current staff, and we are fortunate to
have him on board. In addition to being an outstanding coach and teacher, he is
a man of character and will be an exemplary role model for our players both on
and off the court.'
'When given an opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business in
coach Majerus, I was thrilled and excited to come to Saint Louis,' Harriman
said. 'I am looking forward to the opportunities that lay ahead and working with
our outstanding student-athletes. With coach Majerus and the new Chaifetz Arena,
the SLU program is headed for great things.'
Harriman had a short stint in his homeland Australia's National Basketball
League in 1997-98 with the traditional league power Sydney Kings. He moved to
the United States and attended Augusta State (Ga.) University. Harriman tallied
627 points and 375 assists in his playing career at ASU and was named league
Player of the Week in January 2003. As a senior, he led the Peach Belt
Conference in steals. Harriman led ASU to two NCAA Division II Tournaments and
one PBC North Division title, and he was a part of 78 victories. After
graduating from Augusta State in 2003, Harriman played the 2003-04 season with
the Hunter Valley Pirates in the NBL and was runner-up for Rookie of the Year
honors.
After his professional playing career, Harriman joined the coaching staff at
Nova Southeastern under head coach Gary Tuell, his college coach at Augusta
State, in August of 2004. Harriman was instrumental in recruiting
student-athletes to NSU and established a strong coaching reputation in
Australia. In 2007-08, he helped Tim Coenraad earn first-team NABC All-South
Region honors. Joining a rebuilding NSU program, Harriman helped the Sharks post
48 victories during his tenure. A 17-win season in 2005-06 was the biggest
turnaround in 15 years in Division II basketball. A native of Sydney, Australia,
Harriman and his wife, Cheryl, have one son, Avery.
Courtesy of www.cstv.com
Quinnipiac's Tom Moore signs contract extension
- by Eurobasket News
Quinnipiac men's basketball coach
Tom Moore
has signed a contract extension through the 2012-13 season.
Moore was rewarded after leading the Bobcats to an 11-7 record in the Northeast
Conference, second best in school history and tying them for fourth place, and a
15-15 record in his first season.
Quinnipiac, the No. 5 seed in the conference tournament, lost to eventual
champion Mount St. Mary's 80-70 in the first round.
'I'm thrilled,' Moore said Tuesday night during a recruiting trip to watch AAU
tournaments in Las Vegas. 'President [John] Lahey and everyone have gone beyond
everything we've asked for to run our program first-class. I can't wait to get
started on next season.' No contract terms were disclosed.
Moore, named coach in March 2007, spent 13 years as an assistant at UConn. Last
season the Bobcats had the top scorer in the NEC in DeMario Anderson (21.7
points) and were the top three-point shooting team (39.2 percent). They ranked
second in scoring (74.2) but 10th in scoring defense (75.1).
'We were more of an offensive team last year with DeMario,' Moore said. 'We're
looking to add three scholarship players, so we'll be deeper and younger. With
that, we hope to extend the floor and get after people more defensively than
last year.' Moore also said sophomore guard Evann Baker (knee), junior guard
James Feldeine (knee) and sophomore forward Justin Rutty (hip) are recovering
from surgery.
Courtesy of www.courant.com
RaSean Dickey leaving Tech basketball to play in
Europe - by Eurobasket News
Georgia Tech basketball player
Rasean
Dickey (6'10''-F/C-85) will not play his senior year at Georgia Tech and has
signed a contract to play professionally in the Ukraine, head
coach Paul Hewitt announced Wednesday.
The 6-10 center from Clio, S.C., who red-shirted last year, ends his Tech career
after three seasons and will play for Budivelnyk Kiev in the Ukrainian
Super League. He is enrolled at Tech for the summer session and will
complete the term.
'Ra'Sean and his family have decided that the time is right for him to begin his
professional basketball career, and we wish him all the best,' said Hewitt. 'He
has every intention of returning to school and finishing his degree at a later
time.'
Dickey played in 89 games over three seasons, averaging 8.7 points and 5.1
rebounds per game while shooting 60.1 percent from the floor. His best season
was the 2005-06 campaign in which he averaged 13.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and hit
59.7 percent of his field goals.
Courtesy of www.cstv.com
St. Bonaventure: Green signs with defending Turkish
champs - by Eurobasket News
After
spending one season in Italy, former St. Bonaventure men's
basketball great
Marques Green (5'7''-G-82, college:
St.Bonaventure) will return to Turkey for the second time in his pro career
in 2008-09, after signing a two-year contract to play for
defending Turkish champion Fenerbahce Ulker.
Since his graduation in 2004, Green has spent the last four seasons playing
professional basketball in Europe, including a one-year stint in Turkey with
Casa TED Kolejliler Ankara in 2006-07.
Fenerbahce - Green's new team - finished third (21-9) in the regular season
standings in the top league in Turkey in 2007-08. They cruised through the
Turkish Play-Offs, taking the best-of-seven championship series in five games
over T. Telekom. Fenerbahce then advanced through group play at Euroleague
Play-Offs before losing in the quarterfinals. Fenerbache's postseason run earned
it a final ranking of No. 32 on www.EuroBasket.com's Top 100 Poll.
Last season, Green led Air Avellino to a 23-11 regular season mark and a
semifinal appearance in the Italian SerieA Play-Offs. Green was named the
All-Italian SerieA Guard Of The Year and All-Italian SerieA Import Player of the
Year after averaging 13.3 points, 6.7 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 3.6 steals per
contest. Both of those yearly accolades also put Green on the All-Italian SerieA
and All-Italian SerieA Imports teams, respectively. Green also led the league
with an 89 percent clip from the free throw line and finished second in assists
and third in steals.
Green finished his career as a Bonnie as the highest scoring guard in school
history with 1,734 points, good for seventh place on the all-time list. Green
holds program records for career assists (657), steals (325) and three-point
field goals (281). A three-time Atlantic 10 All-Conference selection, Green is
the conference's all-time leader in assists per game (5.9), while ranking second
in career steals, third in steals per game (2.9) and fourth in career assists.
As a senior in 2004, Green led the nation with 107 steals.
Courtesy of www.ncaa.com
*****************************************************
TAMIU athletics granted active NCAA division II
status - by Eurobasket News
Texas A&M International University Athletics Director Dr. Debbie Snell
announced today that TAMIU has been accepted as an active NCAA Division
II member, effective Sept. 1, 2008. The news was received during a
morning conference call with the NCAA membership staff.
TAMIU has competed the last two seasons as a NCAA Division II provisional member
of the Heartland Conference. With full membership status Dustdevil Athletics
teams are immediately eligible to compete for Conference championships and NCAA
tournament berths.
Dr. Snell says that becoming a full member took a team effort by the University
community.
'We are very excited about the announcement from the NCAA Membership Services
and we want to thank everyone who worked so hard to get us to this point,' Snell
said.
'We have a great staff, not only in Athletics, but also in the Registrar's
Office, Financial Aid and Admissions. Thanks also to our president Dr. Ray Keck
and vice president for finance and administration, Joe Garca and for their
continued support.'
Dr. Snell continued by emphasizing the importance of community support for the
program.
'I would like to invite everyone in the community to come to campus, attend
games, get to know our coaches and student-athletes and get involved in the
excitement at TAMIU Athletics. Come support our programs and help us make a
difference in the lives of young people as we move TAMIU Athletics to the top of
the Heartland Conference,' Snell concluded.
TAMIU Athletics first competed in the fall of 2002 as a five-team Red River
Athletic Conference (RRAC) NAIA program. The inaugural sports were men's and
women's soccer, volleyball and men's and women's golf.
Dustdevil Athletics teams competed in the RRAC for four academic years before
making the move to NCAA Division II provisional status in the fall of 2006.
TAMIU currently sponsors 11 sports.
For sports schedules, team information and more about Dustdevil Athletics, visit
godustdevils.com
Courtesy of www.ncaa.com
*****************************************************
Raptors promote Masai to AGM
- by Olusegun
Ikuesan
Good
news for Nigerian basketball former national player and assistant coach of
nation U19 national team, Masai Ujiri has just been promoted again by his NBA
team, Toronto Raptors.
Masai as he is fondly called has been promoted to the rank of Assistant General
Manager/Player Personnel.
Masai has proven quickly to be a trusted and important part of the player
procurement process including all aspects of scouting, talent assessment and
related data management, says Raptors president.
Masai, a former student of Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria played in Senegal
'97 African Nations Cup squad, he played professionally mainly in Europe before
retiring into player scouting and development.
His specialty in scouting and developing young players endeared him to the
Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF and has served with various junior teams
since 2002.
Young players and parents in Nigeria will remember him more for his twice yearly
basketball camps - The Top-50 and Big-Man Camps.
The camps have held since 2003.
Congratulations Masai Ujiri for doing great!
*****************************************************
Ginebra, Magnolia brace for tougher game 2
- by Eurobasket News
Coaches
Joseph
Uichico of Barangay Ginebra and Siot Tanquingcen
of Magnolia are used to the playoff atmosphere.
So its not surprising at all that they are bracing themselves for a tough grind
Wednesday night, totally different from the one their troops faced in the opener
of their respective semifinal series.
With close to 11,000 spectators on hand at the Cuneta Astrodome, the Barangay
Ginebra Kings dominated and silenced the Red Bull Barakos, 108-82, and Magnolia
pounced on undermanned Air21, 113-87, Sunday to gain a headstart in the 2008
Smart PBA Fiesta Conference best-of-seven series.
The Kings and the Beverage Masters were clearly in their best in Game 1, looking
every inch certified title contenders. But neither
Joseph
Uichico nor Tanquingcen was ready to proclaim that this series which will
send the winners into a championship showdown could end sooner than expected.
'It's always a relief to win the first game. But this doesn't mean anything,'
offered
Joseph
Uichico , noting it would be a big mistake to count the Barakos out this
early into the series.
Not even the Kings' nine-game winning streak, it seems, is enough to convince
the two-time Coach of the Year that this series would be a simple walk in the
park for his troops.
'We're not too concerned about the streak. Our goal has always been play to
win,'
Joseph Uichico said.
The fact that Red Bull managed to secure a seat in the Final Four without the
so-called 'superstars' is a testament to the resiliency of the Barakos something
that
Joseph Uichico said should not be overlooked by the Kings.
'We know what Red Bull is capable of doing. We just have to match their
intensity and keep our defensive mentality,' said
Joseph
Uichico , who expects their 4:50 p.m. encounter at the Araneta Coliseum to
be a little bit more physical and aggressive.
Modesty aside, even Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao believes his charges should have
no trouble bouncing back from Sunday's lopsided loss. But he also said they have
to find a way to slow down Ginebra import Chris Alexander, who completely
dominated Adam Parada in Game 1.
'He's big and quicker than Adam. He's a very big problem for us if we can't find
a way to slow him down, Guiao said.
Alexander posted 16 points and 17 rebounds in Game 1 while holding Parada to
just 6 points on 2-of-8 shooting.
Tanquingcen is also convinced that their 7:20 p.m. date with the Air21 Express
won't be easy.
'Definitely, it will be a different story in Game 2,' said Tanquincen.
The Beverage Masters had an easier time controlling Game 1 mainly because Air21
import Steven Thomas wasn't around.
'He's back. So we're back in business,' said Bo Perasol, the low-keyed Express
coach who was pleased to see his reliable reinforcement back in the lineup.
Thomas, who made himself available for Korean Basketball League draft, arrived
early Monday morning from the U.S. and headed straight to the Xavier gym in San
Juan to join the team in practice.
Without Thomas in Game 1, the Express gave up 25 markers on second chance
points, 16 more than their average in the eliminations.
'We really had a tough time without him. But it will be an entirely different
story on Wednesday,' Perasol said. (DBC)
Courtesy of www.pba.ph
*****************************************************
News from Kotwica and Turow
- by Eurobasket News
Kotwica
Kolobrzeg announced signing of
Tomasz Cielebak (203-C-76, college:
Marist)
on a contract extension. As a reminder Kotwica already agreed terms with
American players Brandon Crone, Drew Naymick, Adam Liberty and Julien Mills.
Cielbak joined Kotwica in October last year from Viking Gdynia. He had 27
appearances in DBE averaging 5.8 ppg and 2.7 rpg. In the past Cielbak changed
many teams in Poland. Some of them are Polphamra-Pakmet Starograd, Legia
Warszawa, Slask and Stal Ostrow. His best achievement so far is the title in
Polish championship in 2001 with Slask Wroclaw. Interesting that except of two
years at Marist College, Cielebak never played outside of Poland.
Big man
John
Turek (206-F/C-83, college:
Nebraska)
agreed terms with Turow Zgorzelec. Turek arrives to Poland from Belgian team
Gent Dragons as the second scorer and third blocker of Belgian D2. He played 33
games for his team last season averaging 13 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.2 spg and
1.4 bpg. Before Gent, he spent two years in Holland. At his first one he was a
member of Omniworld Almere while during the summer 2006 he joined Hanzevast
Capitals. With the team from Groningen he succeeded to reach the final of Dutch
Cup. Turek graduated at Nebraska University in 2005 adding 8 ppg and 5 rpg at
his senior year.
*****************************************************
Carlos Caetano will be the new Galitos FC head coach
- by
Bruno Baltazar
Carlos
Caetano will be the head coach for Galitos FC for the 08/09 season
that will play in PROLIGA league.
In the last 3 seasons he coached GD ESSA from the womans league winning
the title in the 06/07 season ,now with his new team he will try to
make a competitive and ambicious team to play in the new Proliga competition
format ,many people questioned Galitos participation in the league but they will
be there for the next season to honor their name with a strong and credible
project.
Teams that will play in the new LPB and Proliga are
named - by
Bruno Baltazar
And the
names of the 12 teams that will play in the new Liga Portuguese de
Basquetebol(LPB) and the 12 teams that will compete in Proliga were anounced.
In the next Tuesday will have place the lotery to make the schudale
for the new season of this 2 competitions and the Antonio Pratas
competition.
Teams that will compete in the LPB:
Associao Desportiva Ovarense;
Vitria Sport Club;
Futebol Clube do Porto;
Associao Desportiva de Vagos;
Ginsio Casino Figueira;
Clube Amigos do Basquete;
Sport Lisboa e Benfica;
Clube Futebol Os Belenenses;
Sport Clube Lusitnia;
Futebol Clube Barreirense;
Associao Acadmica Coimbra;
Associao Educao Fsica de Torres Vedras
Teams that will compete in Proliga:
Sociedade Recreativa Lealdade Sampaense;
Galitos Futebol Clube;
Clube Povo de Esgueira;
Atltico Clube de Portugal;
Illiabum Clube;
Sangalhos Desporto Clube;
Maia Basket;
Basquete Clube de Barcelos;
Associao Amigos D'Angrabasket;
Clube Atltico Queluz;
Elctrico Futebol Clube;
Seixal Futebol Clube.
*****************************************************
Speedboys clinch South, DOTS upset sliding Lakers,
Young Gunz get by Superstar Cafe... - by
David Archer
#s#
|
Morton |
Graham |
Pippen |
Johnson |
Crain |
#e#6
Morrow, GA - At the Athletics & Fitness Center Wednesday
night, the Metro A-League South Division continued regular season action. DOTS
notched win # 1 of the season, while the short-handed Young Gunz surprised
Superstar Cafe/Black Monop, and the Speedobys grinded their way to the South
Division Regular Season Title....
----------------------------------------------
Wed., July 23rd @ Clayton State:
DOTS 90 BC Lakers 82... DOTS finally broke through with a
win. Last summer's South Division Champs have struggled to get everyone on the
same page so far this summer. On Wednesday night, the BC Lakers were the unlucky
squad to finally go down to DOTS. In a high-scoring first half, DOTS led 58-53,
then held on in the second half.
David
Graham (6'4''-G-85) and
Miguel Morton (6'10''-F) both continue to make a case for all-league status,
as they led DOTS with 27 and 25, respectively. For the Lakers, who have now
plummeted to 4-3 after holding the top spot for the first two weeks, Freddie
Williams had 27 and Eric Wilson had 24.
Young Gunz 70 Black Monop/Superstar Cafe 67... The Young
Gunz were with out several key players for their important matchup with
Superstar Cafe' (Black Monop). Both teams came in with a 3-3 record on the
summer.
Anton
Pippen (6'2''-G) and Aramis Phillips used the game as a platform to step up
their production for the Young Gunz. Pippen, son of former NBA great Scottie
Pippen, sank 21 and Aramis Phillips had 15. For Superstar Cafe, who led 29-27 at
the break,
Richard Lusane (6'5''-G) had 19 and newcomer DaVario Hunt had 17.
Speedboys 68 Tri-County 60...
Ronald
Lewis (6'0''-G) downed 23 points to lead the Speedboys to a South
Division-clinching win over Tri-County.
Jamal
Johnson (6'7''-C-81) also had 12 for the Speedboys, who have been on 'fire,'
winning six straight after opening the SEBL slate with a loss. The Speedboys led
38-26 at the half, before holding Tri-County off after intermission.
Mike
Crain (6'2''-G-84) and William Belton each had 14 for the Tri-County
Crusaders.
--------------------------------------------------
For full season results and schedule please visit:
http://www.leaguelineup.com/topnews.asp?url=sebl&sid=440029544&itemid=1668541
*****************************************************
U16 National Team on tournament in Slovenia
- by
Dragan Jankovski
Serbian
U16 National Team will take a place on international tournament in Slovenia
which starts today. Except of the hosts, Serbian cadets will meet U16 Russia and
U16 Czech Republic. This tournament is a part of preparation for U16 European
Championship in Italy where Serbia will try to defend Gold medal.
First rival of Serbian cadets on tournament in Slovenia will be the host team
and the game is scheduled for today at 18:00h. In the next round Serbia will
take on Russia while the last day of the tournament is reserved for the game
against Czech Republic. The good thing for Serbian U16 National Team is that all
players are healthy and without any injuries. Head coach of U16 Serbia
Dragan
Vascanin stated that he is satisfied after more than a month since
preparations has started.
'We played three games against Russians on a high level. Russia is a
very good team which is for sure candidate for the Gold medal on the upcoming
European Championship. We currently count on 14 players and I won't cut any of
them until the day when we will depart for European Championship. My team
possesses pretty good potential at the defensive end what was our most powerful
weapon so far. We are really good in that basketball segment and the fact that
our rivals averaged just 65 points so far just confirmed my thoughts. Anyway, we
had some problems with shot percentage at the beginning but the situation is
much better now. Except of these three games is Slovenia, we will play three
more friendlies before the begging of EC. We are going to show good performance
in Slovenia and we will try to register the best result we can' - said
Dragan
Vascanin for Serbian daily newspapers Sportski Zurnal.
Tulips ink Marko Popovic, Napredak Rubin adds
Plicevic - by
Dragan Jankovski
Another
player arrived to Vojvodina Srbijagas in just couple of days. After Marko
Jovanovic and Marko Sutalo, another guy with first name Marko will play in Novi
Sad next season. It is point guard
Marko Popovic (193-G-84), ex player of Sloga Kraljevo. Popovic joined Sloga
last summer from Ergonom Nis. He averaged 15.8 ppg, 2 rpg, 4.5 apg and 1.5 spg
for 20 games in A1 league previous season. In the past he also played for
Ergonom Nis, Ibon Niksic, Zastava Kragujevac and Beopetrol Belgrade. As a member
of Zastava he was young prospects on point guard position but very soon he
suffered serious knee injury after what he was sidelined almost 6 months.
Popovic put signature on 1+1 deal with Vojvodina Srbijagas.
Bojan Krstovic (194-G-80) confirmed for Serbian media that he agreed terms
with Hemofarm STADA.
'I didn't sign anything yet but we agreed all terms. Thus I suppose to
stay in Hemofarm for the next three years. I can say that I am very satisfied
with this transfer. Hemofarm is a big club which accepted all my conditions
without hesitation. I hope next season will be very successful for us'
-said Krstovic.
Radenko Plicevic agreed terms with A1 team Napredak Rubin. Plicevic spent
last season in B league playing for Proleter Naftagas.
*****************************************************
Krka will add Petrov and Pavic
- by Jan Flac
After
having some problems finding a club,
Smiljan Pavic (210-F/C-80, agency:
VTBM/SRBM) will finally sign a new contract with Krka today at 1 p.m., like
also one of the players that the club raised,
Simon
Petrov (191-G-76). Bringing two players of this calibre is a logical
solution for the team, that will play in the Adriatic League in the next season.
(source: KZS) .
*****************************************************
Market news - by Eurobasket News
28-year old American
Spencer Gloger (203-F-80, college:
Princeton)
put signature on the contract with CB Breogan. Gloger arrives to Breogan from
10th ranked team in LEB Gold, Caja Rural Melilla. He had 30 appearances for his
team last season averaging 13.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 1.1 apg. Gloger already has
some experience from ACB as he played around three months for Girona on season
05/06. Actually he joined the team in October but after 14 games, where he added
4.8 ppg and 1.4 rpg, the team decided to release him. Gloger graduated at
Princeton University in 2003.
At the same time
Florent Pietrus (202-F-81, agency:
Octagon),
brother of NBA super start
Mickael Pietrus (198-F-82, agency:
Court Side),
arrived to Valencia for a medical examination. If everything went ok Pamesa will
get important acquisition for the next season. Pietrus is coming from
Estudiantes with average stats 8.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 1 spg. It will be his fifth
season in ACB as before Estudiantes he spent three years with Unicaja Malaga.
During these three years with Unicaja Pietrus celebrated the title in Spanish
ACB as well as 'Copa del Rey' in 2005. He played for France at the previous
European Championship which was held in Spain adding 8.9 ppg and 3.7 rpg for 7
games.
Meanwhile, ex player of Pamesa Valencia
Loukas Mavrokefalides (207-C-84) agreed terms with Maroussi from Athens. It
is important news for Bilbao. Namely, if Bilbao succeeds to get through the
second qualifying round, where its opponent will be Cholet Basket or ASK Riga,
it will be placed to Group A of regular season where new Mavrokefalides' team
will wait them. Except of Maroussi, Choralle Roanne and Zadar also are placed in
the same group.
U Turn by Badalona Allows Huertas Back To Beloved
Bilbao? Or Maybe Not... - by
Paul Nilsen
A fascinating double twist in the long running
Marcelo Huertas (191-G-83, agency:
Edge
Sports) saga writes www.acb-basket.com. Two seasons ago the Brazilian was an
understudy at DKV Joventut before being given the opportunity to go out on loan
at Bilbao where he emerged last season as a top ACB talent in the point guard
spot. He proceeded a string of excellent performances across the season and fell
in love with Bilbao and their fans with the feeling very much mutual.
Then, the situation dawned on him that DKV Joventut seemingly wanted him back
and that is where he looked to be heading but the player himself made it quite
clear a return to Catalunya was not on his agenda. He wanted to stay in Bilbao.
After much gesturing it looks as if a rumoured 1 million euros per season might
now have been paid by Bilbao who have struck a deal with DKV Joventut for
Huertas to spend next season back in the Basque Country.
Perhaps Badalona have realised that an unhappy player no matter how he played
last season is a risk and not worth paying the money.
It is arguable that the real winner in this situation apart from Bilbao and
their fans is Demond Mallett. The Badalona guard had also claimed he did not
want to play for La Penya next year but he seems to have had a re-think, leaving
the burning question why the sudden change of mind.
You have to therefore wonder how high his salary has been raised to keep him at
the club. The talented American might have just negotiated himself a nice little
raise out of the Huertas saga.
HOWEVER.... Just when the clubs came to an agreement, there were reports that
the player could not agree a deal with Bilbao and could yet turn his back on the
ACB for a two year deal in Lega Basket with Fortitude Bologna
Incredible saga continues....
Garbajosa Turns Back on ACB For Russia
- by Paul
Nilsen
Spanish
star
Jorge Garbajosa (205-C/F-77, agency:
Interperformances) has turned down plentiful opportunities to return to ACB
action after his time in the NBA with Toronto Raptors having sealed a two year
deal in Russia with Khimki rumoured to be worth several million Euros per
season.
Real Madrid, Barca and Unicaja were thought to be on the verge of signing the
experienced player but in the end he plumped for a move to the ambitious Russian
outfit
*****************************************************
Banvit Added Johnson
- by Serdar
Ortakuyu
Banvit
signed their fourth import of the season and completed the upcoming season's
roster. The last addition of the Bandirma side is
Dalron Johnson (206-F-81, college:
UNLV)
who finished the previous season at Darussafaka averaging 20.5ppg, 9.3rpg ve
2.0apg to help them avoid relegation. Johnson is known as an offensive threat
who can score from inside and outside and is expected to make a good duo with
Lance Williams (206-C-80, college:
De Paul)
new Banvit center.
*****************************************************
Soul Get Playoff Nod
- by Mac Claire
July
23rd, San Antonio - League Vice President Ozzie Denson said that the San Antonio
Soul will replace the Oklahoma City Hoopsters in the UBL Championship Playoffs
which take place Saturday in Addison, TX.
The spot became available because the Hoopsters will be without most of their
players who are taking part in the NBDL camp.
For a complete schedule of playoff games, please call 210-566-7103 or
972-781-8120. You can also email info@love4hoops.com.
*****************************************************
Women News
*****************************************************
Merkur complete roster with two Americans
- by Zeljko
Zule
Slovenian champion Merkur Celje has completed its roster for the upcoming
2008-09 season by inking Americans
T.J.
Jordan (173-G-86) ex Old Dominion University and
Kelli Darden (191-C-86) ex Radford.
# 4
Rebeka Abramovic (-93)
# 5
Iva Ciglar (170-G-85)
# 6
Julija Lojen (168-G-91)
# 7
Amadeja Cverlin (164-G-91)
# 8
Sandra Jevtovic (180-F-93)
# 9
Nika Baric (168-G-92)
# 10
Kristina Verbole (193-F/C-88)
# 11
Ines Kerin (172-G-90)
# 12
Lea
Jagodic (179-F-91)
# 13
Anja Klavzar (177-F-90)
# 14
Eva Komplet (182-F/C-86)
# 15
Kelli Darden (191-C-86)
# 16 Tjasa Kopusar (172-G-92)
# 17
Tjasa Muhovic (179-F-91)
# 23
T.J. Jordan (173-G-86)
# 31
Nikya Hughes (191-F/C-85)
COACH:
Zeljko Ciglar
ASSISTANT:
Damir
Grgic
*****************************************************
Belarus U18 wins the second in the Classification
Round - by Eurobasket News
Belarus U18 -Romania U18
77:69
Belarus U18 got the second straight win at the European Championship in Slovakia
today. Trailing 9:14 after the opening quarter Belarus was too good aver Romania
taking 77:69 win.
Veranika Valeuskaya (169-G-91) led the winners with 17 points.
Maryia Filonchyk (187-F-92) netted 14, while
Katsiaryna Kashlei (166-G-90) collected 12 points and 8 rebounds.
Elisabeth Pavel (192-C-90) top-scored for Romania with 25 points and
Doinita Panait (184-C-90) added 15. Romania fell at 1-1 and will met Italy
in the last game.
Romania scored first three points in the game from the free throw line to take
even 5:2 lead in the game. Belarus tied it at 7 and then scored only two more
until the end of the opening quarter. Munteanu from the line closed the first
period at 14:9 for Romania. In the second quarter Belarus started to play
offensive game and won the period 34:23. Adamik with a lay-up sent the teams to
the lockers with 43:37 at the halftime.
Zubrytskaya was the first to score in the second half for 45:37. Belarus held 9
points deficit and produced 11-0 run for 68:48 in the end of the third quarter.
It seemed that the game was over but Romania came back to it in the final
stanza. They produced 11-0 run and reduced to 71:69. Those were however last
points for them in the game as Belarus added some more for 77:69 victory.
Belarus U18:Veranika
Valeuskaya 17,
Maryia Filonchyk 14,
Katsiaryna Kashlei 12+8 rebs
Romania U18:
Elisabeth Pavel 25,
Doinita Panait 15
*****************************************************
Canada U18 rout Brazil in Buenos Aires -
by Eurobasket News
Canada U18 - Brazil U18
67:47
Canadian U18 National Team got to a winning start of the FIBA Americas
Championship in Argentina. They held off Brazilian counterparts in the starting
round of action in Buenos Aires. Six teams are to play in the round-robin system
with 4 top teams getting tickets to U19 World Championship to be held in
Thailand in 2009. Canada made the first step towards Thailand as they rolled
past Brazil yesterday. Canada dominated inside the paint and it resulted in them
taking a 16:8 lead after ten minutes of action. Brazil continued to struggle
offensively and let Canada clear off to a 12-point distance at halftime. Brazil
never recovered in the second half as Canadian Juniors looked confident and kept
their opponents at bay. The lead was stretched to 17 points going into the final
stanza and Canada easily secured the winning outcome at the end.
Elyse
Jobin (180-G-90) knocked down 11 points to pace Canada.
Stephanie Macdonald (177-F) provided 10 points, while
Justine Colley (175-G) added 9 points in a win.
Tassia Pereira (175-G-92) answered with game-high 19 points for Brazil.
Cristiane Simoes (192-F/C-91) nailed 10 points in defeat. Canada pulled down
48 rebounds including 17 offensive ones. They also shot solid 46% from beyond
the arc. Canada will now take on the USA today. Brazil will try to bounce back
against Argentina later tonight.
Canada U18:
Elyse
Jobin 11,
Stephanie Macdonald 10,
Justine Colley 9
Brazil U18:
Tassia Pereira 19,
Cristiane Simoes 10
*****************************************************
Serbia wrap up qualifying round with win over
Bulgaria - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U18 - Bulgaria U18
78:61
Serbian team finished their European Championship qualifying round campaign with
a confident win over Bulgaria. Serbia improved to 2-3 record and finished at the
fourth spot in Group F. Bulgaria meanwhile suffered their third straight loss
and remained at the bottom of the ladder. Serbia played a tight defense in the
opening stanza and limited their opponents to just 10 points to earn a 15:10
lead. Bulgaria opened the second period on an 11:2 run to surge in front.
However Serbia quickly rebounded and finished the first half strong to establish
a 36:28 lead at halftime. Serbian team kept their opponents at bay and
Latinka Dusanic (178-G-90) chipped in a three-pointer to open a double-digit
lead 57:46 with a quarter to go. Bulgaria cut the deficit to 8 points for
several times throughout the fourth period but could not come any closer. Serbia
looked confident and celebrated well-deserved win at the end.
Sara Krnjic (193-C-91) provided 24 points and 16 boards to pace Serbia.
Latinka Dusanic had 14 points in a winning case.
Stanislava Stankova (168-G-90) answered with 18 points for Bulgaria.
Stefka Nikolova (170-G-90) had 11 points and 6 assists in defeat. Serbia
enjoyed a massive 55:28 advantage on the glass and limited their opponents to
38% from the field.
Serbia U18:
Sara Krnjic 24+16 boards,
Latinka Dusanic 14,
Jovana Popovic (173-G-90) 9
Bulgaria U18:
Stanislava Stankova 18,
Stefka Nikolova 11
*****************************************************
Canadian U18 National Team 2008 - by
Eurobasket
#s#
|
Vaughan |
Jobin |
Wijenberg |
Alexander |
Seabrooks |
#e#6
4
Justine Colley (175-G)
5
Jennifer Vaughan (175-G-90)
6
Elyse Jobin (180-G-90)
7
Stephanie Macdonald (177-F)
8
Stephanie Vermunt (182-F)
9
Emilie Cloutier (182-G)
10
Abbey Duinker (188-F-91)
11
Natalie Achonwa (188-F-92)
12
Taryn
Wicijowski (188-F/C)
13
Felicia Wijenberg (188-F-91)
14
Julie Seabrooks (193-C-90)
15
Kayla
Alexander (195-F/C-91)
Head Coach:
Rich
Chambers
Coach Assistants:
Dave
Wilson , BELAND Mireille
Canada U18 rout Brazil in Buenos Aires -
by Eurobasket News
Canada U18 - Brazil U18
67:47
Canadian U18 National Team got to a winning start of the FIBA Americas
Championship in Argentina. They held off Brazilian counterparts in the starting
round of action in Buenos Aires. Six teams are to play in the round-robin system
with 4 top teams getting tickets to U19 World Championship to be held in
Thailand in 2009. Canada made the first step towards Thailand as they rolled
past Brazil yesterday. Canada dominated inside the paint and it resulted in them
taking a 16:8 lead after ten minutes of action. Brazil continued to struggle
offensively and let Canada clear off to a 12-point distance at halftime. Brazil
never recovered in the second half as Canadian Juniors looked confident and kept
their opponents at bay. The lead was stretched to 17 points going into the final
stanza and Canada easily secured the winning outcome at the end.
Elyse
Jobin (180-G-90) knocked down 11 points to pace Canada.
Stephanie Macdonald (177-F) provided 10 points, while
Justine Colley (175-G) added 9 points in a win.
Tassia Pereira (175-G-92) answered with game-high 19 points for Brazil.
Cristiane Simoes (192-F/C-91) nailed 10 points in defeat. Canada pulled down
48 rebounds including 17 offensive ones. They also shot solid 46% from beyond
the arc. Canada will now take on the USA today. Brazil will try to bounce back
against Argentina later tonight.
Canada U18:
Elyse
Jobin 11,
Stephanie Macdonald 10,
Justine Colley 9
Brazil U18:
Tassia Pereira 19,
Cristiane Simoes 10
Sutton-Brown's latest three games - by
Eurobasket News
Tammy
Sutton-Brown (193-C-78, college:
Rutgers)
had 14 points and 10 rebounds in a 60:68 loss from the Chicago Sky on Tuesday
night. Catchings found
Tammy
Sutton-Brown for a layup to cut the Sky's lead to 60:58 with 47.5 seconds
remaining. But Melvin, Perkins and Dupree each had a pair of free throws in the
final 35 seconds.
On July 19th she collected 12 points and 9 rebounds to help the Fever over the
New York Liberty in the WNBA's first outdoor game. On a basketball court laid on
top of the tennis court at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Katie Douglas scored nine of her
20 points in the fourth quarter, Tamika Catchings had 15 points and nine
rebounds, and the Fever beat the Liberty 71:55.
The Storm posted their 7th straight win overcoming the Indiana Fever 65:59 away
from home. The Fever got to a confident start of the game and enjoyed a 17-point
advantage in the first half. But Seattle recovered after the long break. Sue
Bird scored all her 11 points in the second half to pace the visitors to yet
another impressive win. Sheryl Swoopes got more playing time after Lauren
Jackson left to train with Australian National Team. She finished with 15 points
and 6 boards for the winners. Camille Little nailed 13 points and 7 boards for
the Storm.
Tammy
Sutton-Brown answered with 12 points and 7 boards for the Fever.
*****************************************************
Italy U18 is too strong in the second half for
Croatia U18 - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U18-Italy U18 41:73
Italian U18 improved to 1-1 in the Classification Round at the European
Championship in Slovakia today. The team had a great game over Croatia U18 and
defeated them 73:41.
Erika Striulli (171-G-90) was unstoppable with 18 points, 10 rebounds and 6
assists.
Alessandra Tava (184-F-91) and
Nausicaa Fassina (182-G-90) supported her with 16 points apiece.
Carmen Miloglav (172-G-91) ended up with 10 for Croatia, while
Mia
Carapina (190-F-90) and
Tea
Buzov (172-G-90) posted 9 each.
It was
Tea
Buzov and her team to score first three points in the game for 3-0 Croatian
lead. It was however their last one in the game as Italy was too good later in
the game.
Nausicaa Fassina with a lay-up closed the opening quarter at 20:16 for her
team. In the second period the margin grew to 10 points and
Alessandra Tava's basket made it 42:30 at the half time.
The second half was more defensive and easier for Italians. They smashed the
opponent 20:6 in the third period as
Nausicaa Fassina scored from the arc. Bestagno made it plus 30 with a bit
more than a minute in the game.
Erika Striulli was the last to score in the game to make it 73:61.
Croatia U18 fell at 0-2 and will play with Belarus on July 26th.
Croatia U18:
Carmen Miloglav 10,
Mia
Carapina 9,
Tea
Buzov 9
Italy U18:
Erika Striulli 18+10 rebs+6 ast,
Alessandra Tava 16,
Nausicaa Fassina 16
*****************************************************
Lithuania nips Czech Republic; both make it to the
semis - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U18 - Czech
Republic U18 68:61
Lithuanian Junior Team stayed unbeaten at the European Championship in Slovakia.
They defeated Czech Republic today to improve to 5-0 record in the Qualifying
round Group E. Czech team finished at the second spot and both teams advanced to
the semifinal stage that tips off on Saturday. Lithuania opened the game with 6
points in a row to earn their first lead of the game. However
Dominika Behalova (166-G-90) nailed two three-pointers in an 8:0 run from
Czech team as they surged in front. Czech Republic maintained the advantage and
kept in front 20:16 after ten minutes of action. Czech team posted a 6:0 rally
to open a double digit lead midway through the second frame. They were in charge
at the moment and gained a comfortable 8-point cushion going into the locker
room.
Alena Hanusova (187-C-91) and
Karolina Elhotova (179-G-92) extended the margin to 13 points early in the
third frame. Lithuania struggled to some any closer and trailed by 11 points
heading into the fourth stanza. Nevertheless the Baltic team managed to recover.
They ignited a 10:0 run at the start of the fourth term to shave the deficit to
3 points.
Aurime Rinkeviciute (180-F/G-90) then fired two trebles and spurred
Lithuania in front 56:55 with just over 3 minutes remaining.
Marina Solopova (180-G-90) added another trey seconds later and Lithuania
piled up a 60:55 advantage with under 3 minutes left. The teams exchanged
baskets before
Aurime Rinkeviciute knocked down 4 straight freebies to make it 66:59 for
Lithuania with 43 seconds to go. She then crowned the game with two more
converted free throws and Lithuania pulled away with their 6th straight win at
the tournament.
Aurime Rinkeviciute nailed 26 points to pace the winners.
Egle Siksniute (196-F-91) added 16 points, while
Giedre Paugaite (192-C-90) had 12 points and 12 boards for Lithuania.
Klara Rosenbaumova (182-F-90) answered with 9 points in defeat.
Dominika Behalova contributed 8 points for Czech Republic.
Lithuania U18:
Aurime Rinkeviciute 26,
Egle Siksniute 16,
Giedre Paugaite 12+12 boards
Czech Republic U18:
Klara Rosenbaumova 9,
Dominika Behalova 8
Russia secures second win at the VTB Cup -
by Eurobasket News
Russia - Czech Republic
75:61
Russian National Team celebrated their second straight win at the prestigious
VTB Cup in Vidnoje. The reigning European champions held off Czech Republic
75:61 to stay on top of the ladder. Czech Republic meanwhile suffered their
second loss in a row at the tourney. Russia got to a better start but could not
clear off substantially. Czech team stayed at a striking distance and trailed by
just 3 points at the first intermission. However the pressure mounted over the
second frame and well-balanced Russian offense started to prevail. The hosts
gradually stretched the margin and enjoyed an 8-point lead at the sides change.
Tatiana Shchegoleva (193-F/C-82) ignited the home team as they opened a
double digit lead in the third quarter. Czech team failed to answer and Russia
sealed a 12-point advantage with one frame left in the game. The complexion of
the encounter did not change in the fourth stanza as Russian team breezed to an
overall victory at the end.
Tatiana Shchegoleva came up with 17 points for Russia.
Svetlana Abrosimova (188-F-80, college:
Connecticut)
had 14 points, while
Irina Osipova (196-C-81) delivered 12 for the winners.
Eva
Viteckova (190-F-82) replied with 13 points for Czech Republic.
Katerina Elhotova (179-G-89) netted 12 points in a losing case. Czech
Republic will look for the initial win when they take on Israel today. Russia
and Spain will clash in another todays game.
Russia:
Tatiana Shchegoleva 17,
Svetlana Abrosimova 14,
Irina Osipova 12
Czech Republic:
Eva
Viteckova 13,
Katerina Elhotova 12
*****************************************************
| EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18 - Women |
Division A. Qualifying round Day 3 - by
Eurobasket News
Group E
Turkey U18 - Ukraine U18 74:72
Turkish Junior National Team narrowly edged Ukraine at the European
Championship in Slovakia today. The teams wrapped up their qualifying round
campaign putting up a dramatic fight. Turkey got to a flying start as they
notched first 12 points of the game. They maintained a comfortable lead
throughout the second period however Ukraine cut the deficit with back-to-back
trebles from
Kateryna Rymarenko (183-F-90) and Kateryna Dorogobuzova and trailed by 5
points at the first intermission. A barrage of three-pointers from Turkish team
allowed them to stretch the gap to 12 points in the second period. They later
enjoyed a 15-point distance but Kateryna Dorogobuzova scored 4 points and Hanna
Yeremeychuk added 2 more in a 6:0 run that crowned the first half as Ukraine
trimmed the deficit to 9 points. Ukraine recovered well in the third stanza as
they denied the deficit and spurred ahead following treble from
Kateryna Rymarenko and freebies from Kateryna Dorogobuzova. The lead changed
hands for several times in the fourth term and Hanna Yeremeychuks trey put
Ukrainian team within a single point from Turkey 72:73 with 48 seconds left.
Ozge Yavas (169-G-91) nailed one free throw to give Turkish side a 74:72
advantage with 12 seconds left. But Ukraine failed to win the game in the time
remaining. Havrylyuk committed a turnover sealing the victory for Turkey.
Gamze Takmaz (182-F-91) nailed game-high 29 points to lead Turkish side.
Ozge Yavas added 18 points for the winners.
Ol'ha Maznichenko (186-F-91) answered with 24 points and 10 boards for
Ukraine.
Kateryna Rymarenko added 21 points and 8 boards in a losing case.
Turkey U18:
Gamze Takmaz 29,
Ozge Yavas 18,
Duygu Firat (189-F-90) 9
Ukraine U18:
Ol'ha Maznichenko 24+10 boards,
Kateryna Rymarenko 21
Slovakia U18 - Poland U18 65:57
Klaudia Lukacovicova (193-C-90) scored 23 points and collected 10 boards to
lift Slovakian Junior National Team past Poland at the European Championship.
Slovakia celebrated their first win at the qualifying round of the tournament.
The teams traded baskets early in the encounter.
Veronika Cernakova (174-G-90) capped the first stanza with 4 straight points
for Slovakia and put them in charge 23:15. Four points from
Martina Kissova (184-F-93) allowed the hosts clear off to a 10-point
distance early in the second frame. But Poland soon drew things level and
trailed by just two points at the interval 35:37. Magda Kaczmarska and
Olivia Tomialowicz (182-G-90) netted 5 straight points and carried Polish
team in front 40:37 early in the third frame. However Slovakia once again
managed to reestablish their lead and spurred ahead 50:49 before the fourth
period. Natalia Spodniakova and
Klaudia Lukacovicova teamed up for 8 points in the last five minutes of the
game and ensured the winning outcome for Slovakia at the end.
Veronika Cernakova tallied 17 points for Slovak Republic.
Martina Kissova had 10 points and 6 rebounds in a winning effort.
Olivia Tomialowicz answered with 17 points for Poland.
Klaudia Sosnowska (186-F-90) had 13 points and 10 rebounds in defeat.
Slovakia had a slight advantage in rebounding pulling down 39 caroms. They
converted 43% from the field, while limiting Poland to 35% accuracy.
Slovakia U18:
Klaudia Lukacovicova 23+10 boards,
Veronika Cernakova 17,
Martina Kissova 10
Poland U18:
Olivia Tomialowicz 17,
Klaudia Sosnowska 13+10 boards
Lithuania U18 - Czech Republic U18 68:61
Lithuanian Junior Team stayed unbeaten at the European Championship in Slovakia.
They defeated Czech Republic today to improve to 5-0 record in the Qualifying
round Group E. Czech team finished at the second spot and both teams advanced to
the semifinal stage that tips off on Saturday. Lithuania opened the game with 6
points in a row to earn their first lead of the game. However
Dominika Behalova (166-G-90) nailed two three-pointers in an 8:0 run from
Czech team as they surged in front. Czech Republic maintained the advantage and
kept in front 20:16 after ten minutes of action. Czech team posted a 6:0 rally
to open a double digit lead midway through the second frame. They were in charge
at the moment and gained a comfortable 8-point cushion going into the locker
room. Alena Hanusova and Karolina Elhotova extended the margin to 13 points
early in the third frame. Lithuania struggled to some any closer and trailed by
11 points heading into the fourth stanza. Nevertheless the Baltic team managed
to recover. They ignited a 10:0 run at the start of the fourth term to shave the
deficit to 3 points.
Aurime Rinkeviciute (180-F/G-90) then fired two trebles and spurred
Lithuania in front 56:55 with just over 3 minutes remaining. Marina Solopova
added another trey seconds later and Lithuania piled up a 60:55 advantage with
under 3 minutes left. The teams exchanged baskets before
Aurime Rinkeviciute knocked down 4 straight freebies to make it 66:59 for
Lithuania with 43 seconds to go. She then crowned the game with two more
converted free throws and Lithuania pulled away with their 6th straight win at
the tournament.
Aurime Rinkeviciute nailed 26 points to pace the winners.
Egle Siksniute (196-F-91) added 16 points, while
Giedre Paugaite (192-C-90) had 12 points and 12 boards for Lithuania.
Klara Rosenbaumova (182-F-90) answered with 9 points in defeat.
Dominika Behalova contributed 8 points for Czech Republic.
Lithuania U18:
Aurime Rinkeviciute 26,
Egle Siksniute 16,
Giedre Paugaite 12+12 boards
Czech Republic U18:
Klara Rosenbaumova 9,
Dominika Behalova 8
Group F
Serbia U18 - Bulgaria U18 78:61
Serbian team finished their European Championship qualifying round
campaign with a confident win over Bulgaria. Serbia improved to 2-3 record and
finished at the fourth spot in Group F. Bulgaria meanwhile suffered their third
straight loss and remained at the bottom of the ladder. Serbia played a tight
defense in the opening stanza and limited their opponents to just 10 points to
earn a 15:10 lead. Bulgaria opened the second period on an 11:2 run to surge in
front. However Serbia quickly rebounded and finished the first half strong to
establish a 36:28 lead at halftime. Serbian team kept their opponents at bay and
Latinka Dusanic (178-G-90) chipped in a three-pointer to open a double-digit
lead 57:46 with a quarter to go. Bulgaria cut the deficit to 8 points for
several times throughout the fourth period but could not come any closer. Serbia
looked confident and celebrated well-deserved win at the end.
Sara Krnjic (193-C-91) provided 24 points and 16 boards to pace Serbia.
Latinka Dusanic had 14 points in a winning case.
Stanislava Stankova (168-G-90) answered with 18 points for Bulgaria.
Stefka Nikolova (170-G-90) had 11 points and 6 assists in defeat. Serbia
enjoyed a massive 55:28 advantage on the glass and limited their opponents to
38% from the field.
Serbia U18:
Sara Krnjic 24+16 boards,
Latinka Dusanic 14,
Jovana Popovic (173-G-90) 9
Bulgaria U18:
Stanislava Stankova 18,
Stefka Nikolova 11
Spain U18 - Sweden U18 81:69
Spanish U18 National Team got to a sizzling start and never allowed
Sweden to recover beating them in the final game of the qualifying round. Spain
thus did not allow the Scandinavians to remain with a chance to reach semifinal
stage at the European Championship. Sweden needed to win and hope for France to
beat Russia to have a chance of making it to the semis in Slovakia. However
Spanish team was not about to give up the game. They showed their ambitions with
a 14:0 start to the game.
Frida Fogdemark (185-F-91) finally scored first points for Sweden with
almost 6 minutes into the game but Spaniards secured a 22:14 advantage after the
first frame.
Vega Gimeno (183-F-91) scored 6 points early in the second frame to keep
Spain ahead. However
Cleopatra Forsman (180-G-91) and Stefanie Yderstrom combined for 16 points
late in the second quarter as Sweden cut the deficit to 3 points.
Alba Garcia (170-G-90) and
Cristina Ouvina (173-G-90) replied with back-to-back trebles to give Spain a
6-point advantage at the interval. Spanish team never allowed Sweden to come too
close in the third stanza and led by 11 points after three quarters of action.
The situation never changed in the fourth period. Spain remained in charge and
wisely kept their opponents at distance. Sweden never came closer than 9 points
and suffered defeat at the end.
Cristina Ouvina and
Vega Gimeno nailed 19 points apiece to lead Spain.
Alba Garcia added 14 points for the winners.
Cleopatra Forsman answered with 23 points and 11 boards for Sweden.
Frida Fogdemark netted 22 points in a losing effort.
Spain U18:
Cristina Ouvina 19,
Vega Gimeno 19,
Alba Garcia 14
Sweden U18:
Cleopatra Forsman 23+11 boards,
Frida Fogdemark 22
Russia U18 - France U18 65:57
Russia hand French team the first loss at the U18 European Championship in
Slovakia today. The win helped Russian team to leapfrog France in the Qualifying
round Group F ladder and finished at the top of the standings. Thus Russia set
up a semifinal clash with Czech Republic, while France will take on undefeated
Lithuania in another semifinal matchup. The semis are due to be played on
Saturday. France and Russia put on a tight fight today giving out all they had
in the race for the win. France used an 11:4 run midway through the first period
to lead 19:15 ten minutes into the game. France kept in front throughout the
second term and Strunc three-pointer allowed them to open a double digit lead
33:23. However Russia immediately answered with 6:0 rally to cut the deficit.
Anastasiya Shilova (185-F-91) nailed 4 consecutive points late in the second
frame and Russia trailed by 2 points at the interval.
Olga Bogdanova (172-G-91) tied the scoreline at 35 early in the third frame
and later back-to-back treys from Shilova carried Russia in front 49:43. They
took over and earned a 53:47 lead with ten minutes left in the game.
Three-pointers from Tatiana Petrushina and
Olga Bogdanova allowed Russian team to accumulate a 13-point advantage with
less than 3 minutes left in regulation.
Diandra Tchatchouang (187-F/C-91) and Medelome Medenou capped the game with
5 points in a row but it was not enough for France to save the game as Russia
improved to 4-1 record in Group F.
Liubov Paskalenko (203-C-90) paced balanced Russian offense with 13 points
and 9 boards.
Anastasiya Shilova dropped 12 points in a winning case.
Diandra Tchatchouang netted 18 points for French team.
Allison Vernerey (191-C-91) had 9 points and 9 boards in defeat.
Russia U18:
Liubov Paskalenko 13,
Anastasiya Shilova 12,
Olga Bogdanova 8
France U18:
Diandra Tchatchouang 18,
Allison Vernerey 9
Classification Round
Croatia U18-Italy U18 41:73
Italian U18 improved to 1-1 in the Classification Round at the European
Championship in Slovakia today. The team had a great game over Croatia U18 and
defeated them 73:41.
Erika Striulli (171-G-90) was unstoppable with 18 points, 10 rebounds and 6
assists.
Alessandra Tava (184-F-91) and
Nausicaa Fassina (182-G-90) supported her with 16 points apiece.
Carmen Miloglav (172-G-91) ended up with 10 for Croatia, while
Mia
Carapina (190-F-90) and
Tea
Buzov (172-G-90) posted 9 each.
It was
Tea
Buzov and her team to score first three points in the game for 3-0 Croatian
lead. It was however their last one in the game as Italy was too good later in
the game.
Nausicaa Fassina with a lay-up closed the opening quarter at 20:16 for her
team. In the second period the margin grew to 10 points and
Alessandra Tava's basket made it 42:30 at the half time.
The second half was more defensive and easier for Italians. They smashed the
opponent 20:6 in the third period as
Nausicaa Fassina scored from the arc. Bestagno made it plus 30 with a bit
more than a minute in the game.
Erika Striulli was the last to score in the game to make it 73:61.
Croatia U18 fell at 0-2 and will play with Belarus on July 26th.
Croatia U18:
Carmen Miloglav 10,
Mia
Carapina 9,
Tea
Buzov 9
Italy U18:
Erika Striulli 18+10 rebs+6 ast,
Alessandra Tava 16,
Nausicaa Fassina 16
Belarus U18 -Romania U18 77:69
Belarus U18 got the second straight win at the European Championship in Slovakia
today. Trailing 9:14 after the opening quarter Belarus was too good aver Romania
taking 77:69 win.
Veranika Valeuskaya (169-G-91) led the winners with 17 points.
Maryia Filonchyk (187-F-92) netted 14, while
Katsiaryna Kashlei (166-G-90) collected 12 points and 8 rebounds.
Elisabeth Pavel (192-C-90) top-scored for Romania with 25 points and
Doinita Panait (184-C-90) added 15. Romania fell at 1-1 and will met Italy
in the last game.
Romania scored first three points in the game from the free throw line to take
even 5:2 lead in the game. Belarus tied it at 7 and then scored only two more
until the end of the opening quarter. Munteanu from the line closed the first
period at 14:9 for Romania. In the second quarter Belarus started to play
offensive game and won the period 34:23. Adamik with a lay-up sent the teams to
the lockers with 43:37 at the halftime.
Zubrytskaya was the first to score in the second half for 45:37. Belarus held 9
points deficit and produced 11-0 run for 68:48 in the end of the third quarter.
It seemed that the game was over but Romania came back to it in the final
stanza. They produced 11-0 run and reduced to 71:69. Those were however last
points for them in the game as Belarus added some more for 77:69 victory.
Belarus U18:Veranika
Valeuskaya 17,
Maryia Filonchyk 14,
Katsiaryna Kashlei 12+8 rebs
Romania U18:
Elisabeth Pavel 25,
Doinita Panait 15
*****************************************************
Russia hold off France to set up semifinal clash with
Czech Republic - by Eurobasket News
Russia U18 - France U18
65:57
Russia hand French team the first loss at the U18 European Championship in
Slovakia today. The win helped Russian team to leapfrog France in the Qualifying
round Group F ladder and finished at the top of the standings. Thus Russia set
up a semifinal clash with Czech Republic, while France will take on undefeated
Lithuania in another semifinal matchup. The semis are due to be played on
Saturday. France and Russia put on a tight fight today giving out all they had
in the race for the win. France used an 11:4 run midway through the first period
to lead 19:15 ten minutes into the game. France kept in front throughout the
second term and Strunc three-pointer allowed them to open a double digit lead
33:23. However Russia immediately answered with 6:0 rally to cut the deficit.
Anastasiya Shilova (185-F-91) nailed 4 consecutive points late in the second
frame and Russia trailed by 2 points at the interval.
Olga Bogdanova (172-G-91) tied the scoreline at 35 early in the third frame
and later back-to-back treys from Shilova carried Russia in front 49:43. They
took over and earned a 53:47 lead with ten minutes left in the game.
Three-pointers from
Tatiana Petrushina (185-F-90) and
Olga Bogdanova allowed Russian team to accumulate a 13-point advantage with
less than 3 minutes left in regulation.
Diandra Tchatchouang (187-F/C-91) and
Medelome Medenou (188-F-90) capped the game with 5 points in a row but it
was not enough for France to save the game as Russia improved to 4-1 record in
Group F.
Liubov Paskalenko (203-C-90) paced balanced Russian offense with 13 points
and 9 boards.
Anastasiya Shilova dropped 12 points in a winning case.
Diandra Tchatchouang netted 18 points for French team.
Allison Vernerey (191-C-91) had 9 points and 9 boards in defeat.
Russia U18:
Liubov Paskalenko 13,
Anastasiya Shilova 12,
Olga Bogdanova 8
France U18:
Diandra Tchatchouang 18,
Allison Vernerey 9
*****************************************************
liron cohen - the Israeli national team -
by Gil Goshen
The Israeli national team took part in the VTB Cup
in Russia with 3 of the best teams in Europe: Russaia, Spain and Czech Rep.
Here are the games results:
Russia vs. Israel - 84:69 Liron Cohen had 25 points and 4 ast.
Israel - Spain - 69:58 Liron Cohen had 20 points and 6 ast.
Czech Rep - Israe 88:68 l Liron Cohen had 16 points and 8 ast,
Liron was selected for the first five !!! and the best scorer as well !!!!
A great tournament for Liron ( who was selected as the best point guard in Spain
last season ) !!!!Liron
Cohen (173-G-82) Agency - GG basketball.
Israel beats Spain in Vidnoje - by
Eurobasket News
Israel - Spain 69:58
Israel posted their first win at the VTB Cup in Vidnoje, Russia. With four teams
participating in this exhibition tournament Israel rebounded after starting
heavy loss to Russia to improve to 1-1 record. Spain meanwhile dropped their
first game after they defeated Czech Republic at the start of the event.
Ana
Montanana (186-F-80, college:
George
Washington) led all scorers with 25 points but received little help from her
teammates and could not prevent Spain from falling.
Liron Cohen (173-G-82) paced the winners with 20 points. Spain entered the
game confidently and piled up a 16:8 advantage after the starting frame. But
Israeli team gradually adjusted their game and answered with 21 points in the
second period to cut the deficit to 3 points at halftime.
Liad
Suez-Karni (191-F/C-81, college:
Villanova)
and
Mirav Dori (178-F-86) paced Israel in the third stanza as they got even
closer to Spanish team and trailed by just 2 points with a quarter to go. The
breakthrough came for Israel in the fourth period when they fired 25 points and
held Spain to just 12. Israel surged ahead and posted an impressive victory at
the end.
Liad
Suez-Karni knocked down 18 points for Israeli side.
Mirav Dori secured 10 points for the winners.
Laura Nicholls (189-C-89) had 6 points for Spain in defeat. Spain will face
hosts Russia, while Israel will take on Czech Republic in the final round of
action.
Israel:
Liron Cohen 20,
Liad
Suez-Karni 18,
Mirav Dori 10
Spain:
Ana
Montanana 25,
Laura Nicholls 6
*****************************************************
Masciadri sent the Shock to the second straight home
loss - by Eurobasket News
Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) nailed 3 points and made 1 assist for her
team abroad. The Los Angeles Sparks sent the Detroit Shock to the second
straight home loss yesterday. Candace Parker scored 21 points and the Sparks
held off Detroit 84:81 at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Los Angeles got to a
terrific start to the game as they piled up a 42:21 lead in the second period.
But the hosts struck back denying the deficit. They came as close as a single
point 75:76 with less than 2 minutes remaining. Marie Ferdinand-Harris knocked
down 4 free throws and Kiesha Brown added two more in the dying minutes to seal
the win for the Sparks. However the most talked event of the game happened with
seconds left in regulation. First Candace Parker got into some kind of a wrangle
with Cheryl Ford. In the next possession Kiesha Brown got into charity stripe
and sank both free throws while Candace Parker got into brawl with Plenette
Pierson as she punched her while Pierson responded running into the Sparks
rookie sparking a skirmish on the court. As a result Candace Parker, Plenette
Pierson and Delisha Milton-Jones got ejected together with Detroit's assistant
coach Rick Mahorn who appeared in the middle of the brawl.
Before that Michelle Snow scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead
the Houston Comets to a 75:72 overtime win over the Los Angeles Sparks. Leslie
forced overtime when she tied it at 65 on a long 3-pointer with 6 seconds left
in regulation.Comets with a 10-0 run to take a 13:9 lead with 3:40 left in the
opening period. Thompson missed her first six shots, but Maiga-Ba scored six
straight points during the run to make up the difference.
Raffaella Masciadri ended up with 2 points and 2 rebounds in defeat.
Italy U18 is too strong in the second half for
Croatia U18 - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U18-Italy U18 41:73
Italian U18 improved to 1-1 in the Classification Round at the European
Championship in Slovakia today. The team had a great game over Croatia U18 and
defeated them 73:41.
Erika Striulli (171-G-90) was unstoppable with 18 points, 10 rebounds and 6
assists.
Alessandra Tava (184-F-91) and
Nausicaa Fassina (182-G-90) supported her with 16 points apiece.
Carmen Miloglav (172-G-91) ended up with 10 for Croatia, while
Mia
Carapina (190-F-90) and
Tea
Buzov (172-G-90) posted 9 each.
It was
Tea
Buzov and her team to score first three points in the game for 3-0 Croatian
lead. It was however their last one in the game as Italy was too good later in
the game.
Nausicaa Fassina with a lay-up closed the opening quarter at 20:16 for her
team. In the second period the margin grew to 10 points and
Alessandra Tava's basket made it 42:30 at the half time.
The second half was more defensive and easier for Italians. They smashed the
opponent 20:6 in the third period as
Nausicaa Fassina scored from the arc. Bestagno made it plus 30 with a bit
more than a minute in the game.
Erika Striulli was the last to score in the game to make it 73:61.
Croatia U18 fell at 0-2 and will play with Belarus on July 26th.
Croatia U18:
Carmen Miloglav 10,
Mia
Carapina 9,
Tea
Buzov 9
Italy U18:
Erika Striulli 18+10 rebs+6 ast,
Alessandra Tava 16,
Nausicaa Fassina 16
*****************************************************
Oga scores in the winning games - by
Eurobasket News
Yuko Oga (170-G-82)'s three latest games saw her to score 6 points in those
2 they won. At first Cappie Pondexter scored 27 points and
Yuko Oga's Phoenix Mercury held off the Los Angeles Sparks 99:92 to snap a
three-game losing streak. The Sparks committed 23 turnovers, with Phoenix
scoring 25 points off those miscues to stay in the game. Japanese player scored
6 points and made 1 rebound.
On July 19th Diana Taurasi scored 21 points in 22 minutes to lead the Phoenix
Mercury past the Atlanta Dream 110:84. Cappie Pondexter added 17 points and
seven rebounds, while
Yuko Oga had 6 points, 3 assists and 1 rebound.
Last night Houston battled back from a double-digit deficit to topple Phoenix at
home. The Mercury led 52:43 at halftime and stretched the gap to 11 points in
the third stanza but the Comets recovered. They opened the final stanza on a
10:4 run to surge in front and maintained it till the final buzzer. Tina
Thompsonhad 19 points and 7 rebounds for the Comets. Michelle Snow contributed
16 points, while Matee Ajavon had 12 points in a win. Diana Taurasi paced the
Mercury with 31 points. Kelly Mazzante and Cappie Pondexter secured 15 points
apiece in defeat.
Yuko Oga ended up with only one rebound for three minutes in the game.
*****************************************************
Lithuania nips Czech Republic; both make it to the
semis - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U18 - Czech
Republic U18 68:61
Lithuanian Junior Team stayed unbeaten at the European Championship in Slovakia.
They defeated Czech Republic today to improve to 5-0 record in the Qualifying
round Group E. Czech team finished at the second spot and both teams advanced to
the semifinal stage that tips off on Saturday. Lithuania opened the game with 6
points in a row to earn their first lead of the game. However
Dominika Behalova (166-G-90) nailed two three-pointers in an 8:0 run from
Czech team as they surged in front. Czech Republic maintained the advantage and
kept in front 20:16 after ten minutes of action. Czech team posted a 6:0 rally
to open a double digit lead midway through the second frame. They were in charge
at the moment and gained a comfortable 8-point cushion going into the locker
room.
Alena Hanusova (187-C-91) and
Karolina Elhotova (179-G-92) extended the margin to 13 points early in the
third frame. Lithuania struggled to some any closer and trailed by 11 points
heading into the fourth stanza. Nevertheless the Baltic team managed to recover.
They ignited a 10:0 run at the start of the fourth term to shave the deficit to
3 points.
Aurime Rinkeviciute (180-F/G-90) then fired two trebles and spurred
Lithuania in front 56:55 with just over 3 minutes remaining.
Marina Solopova (180-G-90) added another trey seconds later and Lithuania
piled up a 60:55 advantage with under 3 minutes left. The teams exchanged
baskets before
Aurime Rinkeviciute knocked down 4 straight freebies to make it 66:59 for
Lithuania with 43 seconds to go. She then crowned the game with two more
converted free throws and Lithuania pulled away with their 6th straight win at
the tournament.
Aurime Rinkeviciute nailed 26 points to pace the winners.
Egle Siksniute (196-F-91) added 16 points, while
Giedre Paugaite (192-C-90) had 12 points and 12 boards for Lithuania.
Klara Rosenbaumova (182-F-90) answered with 9 points in defeat.
Dominika Behalova contributed 8 points for Czech Republic.
Lithuania U18:
Aurime Rinkeviciute 26,
Egle Siksniute 16,
Giedre Paugaite 12+12 boards
Czech Republic U18:
Klara Rosenbaumova 9,
Dominika Behalova 8
*****************************************************
Maiga's Houston battled back from a double-digit
deficit - by Eurobasket News
Hamchetou Maiga (185-G/F-78, college:
ODU)'s
Houston battled back from a double-digit deficit to topple Phoenix at home. The
Mercury led 52:43 at halftime and stretched the gap to 11 points in the third
stanza but the Comets recovered. They opened the final stanza on a 10:4 run to
surge in front and maintained it till the final buzzer. Tina Thompson had 19
points and 7 rebounds for the Comets. Michelle Snow contributed 16 points, while
Matee Ajavon had 12 points in a win. Diana Taurasi paced the Mercury with 31
points.
Hamchetou Maiga netted 9 points, made 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Kelly
Mazzante and Cappie Pondexter secured 15 points apiece in defeat.
Michelle Snow scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Houston
Comets to a 75-72 overtime win over the Los Angeles Sparks. Tamecka Dixon added
17 points, including six in overtime,Candace Parker and Lisa Leslie each scored
16 points for the Sparks (13-10), who have lost five straight on the road,
falling to 5-6 away from home. Marie Ferdinand-Harris added 15 points for Los
Angeles. Leslie forced overtime when she tied it at 65 on a long 3-pointer with
6 seconds left in regulation.Comets with a 10-0 run to take a 13-9 lead with
3:40 left in the opening period. Thompson missed her first six shots, but
Hamchetou Maiga scored six straight points during the run to make up the
difference.
Hamchetou Maiga produced 13 points and 5 rebounds.
*****************************************************
United States Junior Team opens FIBA Americas
Championship with victory - by Eurobasket News
USA U18 - Venezuela U18
112:49
Buenos Aires welcomed the participants of the FIBA Americas U18 Championship.
Six teams hit the road in chase for the trophy. The teams also fight for 4
qualifying spots to the U19 World Championship to be held next year in Thailand.
The USA team considered one of the main favorites for the title opened their
campaign with a blowout victory over Venezuela.
Kelsey Bone (6'5''-C-91) and
Lynetta Kizer (6'3''-C-90) scored 13 points apiece to pace balanced United
States team to an impressive success. Six players delivered in double figures in
the win.
Kelsey Bone scored 7 points in the first period as the USA went on 25:10
run. The United States never slowed down in the second frame and stretched the
gap to 24 points at halftime 50:26. The North American team opened the second
half with a 9:0 rally and then cruised to a 45-point cushion after three
quarters of action. United States easily overcame a 100-point mark and secured a
stunning win at the end.
Alyssia Brewer (6'3''-C-90) and
Nneka
Ogwumike delivered 12 points apiece in a win.
Roselis Silva (-G-90) answered with game-high 20 points for Venezuela.
Germary Blanco (-90) notched 8 points in a losing case. The USA outrebounded
their opponents 44:27 and forced Venezuela to 38 turnovers. The Latin American
team also converted only 25% from the field. United States will face Canada,
while Venezuela will take on Puerto Rico today.
USA U18:
Kelsey Bone 13,
Lynetta Kizer 13,
Alyssia Brewer 12,
Nneka
Ogwumike 12
Venezuela U18:
Roselis Silva 20,
Germary Blanco 8
USA U18 National Team 2008 - by Eurobasket
4
Ashley Corral (5'9''-G-90)
5
Skylar Diggins (5'9''-G-90)
6
Samantha Prahalis (5'7''-G-90)
7
Nikki Speed (5'9''-G-90)
8
Kelly Faris (5'11''-F-91)
9
Shekinna Stricklen (6'2''-F-90)
10
Alyssia Brewer (6'3''-C-90)
11
Lynetta Kizer (6'3''-C-90)
12
Sarah Boothe (6'5''-C-90)
13
Nnemkadi Ogwumike (6'2''-F-90)
14
Joslyn Tinkle (6'3''-C-90)
15
Kelsey Bone (6'5''-C-91)
Head Coach:
Carol
Owens
Coach Assistants:
Bill
Fennelly ,
Terri
Mitchell
*****************************************************
Sanni scores, not enough for the win - by
Eurobasket News
Olayinka Sanni (188-C-86, college:
W.Virginia)
has 2 points for the Shock that could not win again. The Los Angeles Sparks sent
the Detroit Shock to the second straight home loss yesterday. Candace Parker
scored 21 points and the Sparks held off Detroit 84:81 at the Palace of Auburn
Hills. Los Angeles got to a terrific start to the game as they piled up a 42:21
lead in the second period. But the hosts struck back denying the deficit. They
came as close as a single point 75:76 with less than 2 minutes remaining. Marie
Ferdinand-Harris knocked down 4 free throws and Kiesha Brown added two more in
the dying minutes to seal the win for the Sparks. However the most talked event
of the game happened with seconds left in regulation. First Candace Parker got
into some kind of a wrangle with Cheryl Ford. In the next possession Kiesha
Brown got into charity stripe and sank both free throws while Candace Parker got
into brawl with Plenette Pierson as she punched her while Pierson responded
running into the Sparks rookie sparking a skirmish on the court. As a result
Candace Parker, Plenette Pierson and Delisha Milton-Jones got ejected together
with Detroit's assistant coach Rick Mahorn who appeared in the middle of the
brawl.
Before that Sacramento showed balanced offensive effort at the Palace of Auburn
Hills to send the Detroit Shock to the first home loss in the season as
Olayinka Sanni could not her team in the game. Five Monarchs scored in
double figures as Sacramento prevailed 88:85. The Monarchs enjoyed a 9-point
lead after three quarters of action. But Detroit recovered in the fourth term.
The hosts went on an 8:0 run midway through the period to surge ahead 80:79 with
just over 2 minutes remaining. Sacramento however regained the lead and cleared
off to an 86:82 distance with 18 seconds left. Deanna Nolan gave hope for the
Shock as she drained a three-pointer. Nicolle Powell answered with two freebies
and Deanna Nolan missed a potential tying trey to seal the winning outcome for
the visitors. Rebekkah Brunson notched 18 points and 7 boards to pace the
Monarchs. Patricia Penicheiro added 17 points, while Kara Lawson and Crystal
Kelly had 12 points apiece in a win. Deanna Nolan led all scorers with 27 points
for Detroit. Cheryl Ford secured 18 points and 10 rebounds in defeat.
*****************************************************
Standings - Women
Metropolitan League
Standings
 |
|
|
Female league updating - by
Gianni Pascucci
The Female First Division will end
tonight the regular season. Sportivo San Lorenzo and Universidad Autnoma de
Asuncion (UAA) are tieing the fourth place and will try to defeat their
opponents, Universidad Catolica and Libertad respectively, to gain the last
playoff spot. The other games of tonight are Olimpia-Ciudad Nueva and Felix
Perez-Sol de America. The three teams yet qualified for the semifinals are Sol,
Olimpia and UCA
*****************************************************
Slovakia U18 beats Poland - by Eurobasket
News
Slovakia U18 - Poland U18
65:57
Klaudia Lukacovicova (193-C-90) scored 23 points and collected 10 boards to
lift Slovakian Junior National Team past Poland at the European Championship.
Slovakia celebrated their first win at the qualifying round of the tournament.
The teams traded baskets early in the encounter.
Veronika Cernakova (174-G-90) capped the first stanza with 4 straight points
for Slovakia and put them in charge 23:15. Four points from
Martina Kissova (184-F-93) allowed the hosts clear off to a 10-point
distance early in the second frame. But Poland soon drew things level and
trailed by just two points at the interval 35:37.
Magda Kaczmarska (183-F/G-90) and
Olivia Tomialowicz (182-G-90) netted 5 straight points and carried Polish
team in front 40:37 early in the third frame. However Slovakia once again
managed to reestablish their lead and spurred ahead 50:49 before the fourth
period.
Natalia Spodniakova (170-G-90) and
Klaudia Lukacovicova teamed up for 8 points in the last five minutes of the
game and ensured the winning outcome for Slovakia at the end.
Veronika Cernakova tallied 17 points for Slovak Republic.
Martina Kissova had 10 points and 6 rebounds in a winning effort.
Olivia Tomialowicz answered with 17 points for Poland.
Klaudia Sosnowska (186-F-90) had 13 points and 10 rebounds in defeat.
Slovakia had a slight advantage in rebounding pulling down 39 caroms. They
converted 43% from the field, while limiting Poland to 35% accuracy.
Slovakia U18:
Klaudia Lukacovicova 23+10 boards,
Veronika Cernakova 17,
Martina Kissova 10
Poland U18:
Olivia Tomialowicz 17,
Klaudia Sosnowska 13+10 boards
*****************************************************
Market and league news - by
Bruno Baltazar
The new team in the league ,
Basquete de Barcelos will count with the former Ovarense players
Raquel Jacinto (-F-84) (-F-84) and possibly with
Mariana Silva (178-C-88) to make their roster deeper with better quality .
Olivais will most likely sign
Ana
Santos (182-F/C-81) ,former Ovarense player as well.
Ovarense wont compete next season in the league thats why their
players is going to another teams,Aicha
Anne (188-C-90) will play in Spain,another former Ovarense player.
*****************************************************
Puerto Rican U18 National Team 2008 - by
Eurobasket
4
Astrid Miranda (166-G-90)
5
Katia Acevedo (155-G-90)
6
Roxyali Munoz (158-G-91)
7
Rita Acevedo (168-G-92)
8
Cristina Centeno (175-G-90)
9
Zoelis Vega (180-F/C-90)
10
Jaycilin Velazquez (181-C-91)
11
Lorraine Morales (180-C/F-90)
12
Yeidaris Flores (180-F/C-90)
13
Marlene Rivera (177-F-90)
14
Sheila Reyes (180-F/C-91)
15
Yoy Del Rosario (188-C-91)
Head Coach:
Raymond Cintron
Coach Assistant:
Luis
Morillo ,
harry
Lopez
Puerto Rico unable to match Argentina - by
Eurobasket News
Argentina U18 - Puerto Rico
U18 64:52
The first day of action at the FIBA Americas U18 Championship was closed with
hosting Argentina taking on Puerto Rico. The teams opened the game slowly as
they could not adjust for the major part of the opening stanza. The mistakes and
missed shots plagued both sides in the first period. They combined for 15 points
and Argentina led 8:7 at the end. However Argentina were the first to get things
rolling. They opened the second frame on a 12:4 run to extend the gap. Soon the
hosts opened up a double digit advantage and finished the first half leading by
11 points 28:17. Puerto Rico never came back to life in the second half. They
committed too many mistakes down the stretch to hope for any kind of positive
result. Argentina widened the margin to as many as 15 points heading into the
final period. Puerto Rico finally showed character in the fourth term as they
outscored the home team but it had little impact on the final outcome. Argentina
were paced by 18 points from
Debora Gonzalez (170-G-90).
Agostina Burrani (188-C-90) had 10 points and 17 rebounds, while
Andrea Boquete (178-F-90) added 10 points in a win.
Roxyali Munoz (158-G-91) responded with 13 points for Puerto Rican team.
Astrid Miranda (166-G-90) had 10 points and 5 boards in a losing effort.
Argentina forced their opponents to as many as 34 turnovers. They also limited
Puerto Rico to only 29% from the field.
Argentina U18:
Debora Gonzalez 18,
Agostina Burrani 10+17 boards,
Andrea Boquete 10
Puerto Rico U18:
Roxyali Munoz 13,
Astrid Miranda 10
*****************************************************
Belarus U18 wins the second in the Classification
Round - by Eurobasket News
Belarus U18 -Romania U18
77:69
Belarus U18 got the second straight win at the European Championship in Slovakia
today. Trailing 9:14 after the opening quarter Belarus was too good aver Romania
taking 77:69 win.
Veranika Valeuskaya (169-G-91) led the winners with 17 points.
Maryia Filonchyk (187-F-92) netted 14, while
Katsiaryna Kashlei (166-G-90) collected 12 points and 8 rebounds.
Elisabeth Pavel (192-C-90) top-scored for Romania with 25 points and
Doinita Panait (184-C-90) added 15. Romania fell at 1-1 and will met Italy
in the last game.
Romania scored first three points in the game from the free throw line to take
even 5:2 lead in the game. Belarus tied it at 7 and then scored only two more
until the end of the opening quarter. Munteanu from the line closed the first
period at 14:9 for Romania. In the second quarter Belarus started to play
offensive game and won the period 34:23. Adamik with a lay-up sent the teams to
the lockers with 43:37 at the halftime.
Zubrytskaya was the first to score in the second half for 45:37. Belarus held 9
points deficit and produced 11-0 run for 68:48 in the end of the third quarter.
It seemed that the game was over but Romania came back to it in the final
stanza. They produced 11-0 run and reduced to 71:69. Those were however last
points for them in the game as Belarus added some more for 77:69 victory.
Belarus U18:Veranika
Valeuskaya 17,
Maryia Filonchyk 14,
Katsiaryna Kashlei 12+8 rebs
Romania U18:
Elisabeth Pavel 25,
Doinita Panait 15
*****************************************************
Russia secures second win at the VTB Cup -
by Eurobasket News
Russia - Czech Republic
75:61
Russian National Team celebrated their second straight win at the prestigious
VTB Cup in Vidnoje. The reigning European champions held off Czech Republic
75:61 to stay on top of the ladder. Czech Republic meanwhile suffered their
second loss in a row at the tourney. Russia got to a better start but could not
clear off substantially. Czech team stayed at a striking distance and trailed by
just 3 points at the first intermission. However the pressure mounted over the
second frame and well-balanced Russian offense started to prevail. The hosts
gradually stretched the margin and enjoyed an 8-point lead at the sides change.
Tatiana Shchegoleva (193-F/C-82) ignited the home team as they opened a
double digit lead in the third quarter. Czech team failed to answer and Russia
sealed a 12-point advantage with one frame left in the game. The complexion of
the encounter did not change in the fourth stanza as Russian team breezed to an
overall victory at the end.
Tatiana Shchegoleva came up with 17 points for Russia.
Svetlana Abrosimova (188-F-80, college:
Connecticut)
had 14 points, while
Irina Osipova (196-C-81) delivered 12 for the winners.
Eva
Viteckova (190-F-82) replied with 13 points for Czech Republic.
Katerina Elhotova (179-G-89) netted 12 points in a losing case. Czech
Republic will look for the initial win when they take on Israel today. Russia
and Spain will clash in another todays game.
Russia:
Tatiana Shchegoleva 17,
Svetlana Abrosimova 14,
Irina Osipova 12
Czech Republic:
Eva
Viteckova 13,
Katerina Elhotova 12
Russia hold off France to set up semifinal clash with
Czech Republic - by Eurobasket News
Russia U18 - France U18
65:57
Russia hand French team the first loss at the U18 European Championship in
Slovakia today. The win helped Russian team to leapfrog France in the Qualifying
round Group F ladder and finished at the top of the standings. Thus Russia set
up a semifinal clash with Czech Republic, while France will take on undefeated
Lithuania in another semifinal matchup. The semis are due to be played on
Saturday. France and Russia put on a tight fight today giving out all they had
in the race for the win. France used an 11:4 run midway through the first period
to lead 19:15 ten minutes into the game. France kept in front throughout the
second term and Strunc three-pointer allowed them to open a double digit lead
33:23. However Russia immediately answered with 6:0 rally to cut the deficit.
Anastasiya Shilova (185-F-91) nailed 4 consecutive points late in the second
frame and Russia trailed by 2 points at the interval.
Olga Bogdanova (172-G-91) tied the scoreline at 35 early in the third frame
and later back-to-back treys from Shilova carried Russia in front 49:43. They
took over and earned a 53:47 lead with ten minutes left in the game.
Three-pointers from
Tatiana Petrushina (185-F-90) and
Olga Bogdanova allowed Russian team to accumulate a 13-point advantage with
less than 3 minutes left in regulation.
Diandra Tchatchouang (187-F/C-91) and
Medelome Medenou (188-F-90) capped the game with 5 points in a row but it
was not enough for France to save the game as Russia improved to 4-1 record in
Group F.
Liubov Paskalenko (203-C-90) paced balanced Russian offense with 13 points
and 9 boards.
Anastasiya Shilova dropped 12 points in a winning case.
Diandra Tchatchouang netted 18 points for French team.
Allison Vernerey (191-C-91) had 9 points and 9 boards in defeat.
Russia U18:
Liubov Paskalenko 13,
Anastasiya Shilova 12,
Olga Bogdanova 8
France U18:
Diandra Tchatchouang 18,
Allison Vernerey 9
*****************************************************
Lyttle's team wins three in a row - by
Eurobasket News
Sancho Lyttle (193-C-83, college:
Houston)'s
Houston battled back from a double-digit deficit to topple Phoenix at home. The
Mercury led 52:43 at halftime and stretched the gap to 11 points in the third
stanza but the Comets recovered. They opened the final stanza on a 10:4 run to
surge in front and maintained it till the final buzzer. Tina Thompson had 19
points and 7 rebounds for the Comets. Michelle Snow contributed 16 points, while
Matee Ajavon had 12 points in a win. Diana Taurasi paced the Mercury with 31
points.
Sancho Lyttle netted 8 points and made 10 rebounds. Kelly Mazzante and
Cappie Pondexter secured 15 points apiece in defeat.
Michelle Snow scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Houston
Comets to a 75:72 overtime win over the Los Angeles Sparks. Tamecka Dixon added
17 points, including six in overtime,Candace Parker and Lisa Leslie each scored
16 points for the Sparks, who have lost five straight on the road, falling to
5-6 away from home. Marie Ferdinand-Harris added 15 points for Los Angeles.
Leslie forced overtime when she tied it at 65 on a long 3-pointer with 6 seconds
left in regulation.Comets with a 10-0 run to take a 13-9 lead with 3:40 left in
the opening period. Thompson missed her first six shots, but Hamchetou Maiga
scored six straight points during the run to make up the difference.
Sancho Lyttle collected 7 points and 9 rebounds.
On July 17th
Sancho Lyttle scored 16 points and tied a career-high with 18 rebounds.
Houston Comets snap a three-game losing streak with a 96:88 victory over the
Minnesota Lynx.
*****************************************************
Serbia wrap up qualifying round with win over
Bulgaria - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U18 - Bulgaria U18
78:61
Serbian team finished their European Championship qualifying round campaign with
a confident win over Bulgaria. Serbia improved to 2-3 record and finished at the
fourth spot in Group F. Bulgaria meanwhile suffered their third straight loss
and remained at the bottom of the ladder. Serbia played a tight defense in the
opening stanza and limited their opponents to just 10 points to earn a 15:10
lead. Bulgaria opened the second period on an 11:2 run to surge in front.
However Serbia quickly rebounded and finished the first half strong to establish
a 36:28 lead at halftime. Serbian team kept their opponents at bay and
Latinka Dusanic (178-G-90) chipped in a three-pointer to open a double-digit
lead 57:46 with a quarter to go. Bulgaria cut the deficit to 8 points for
several times throughout the fourth period but could not come any closer. Serbia
looked confident and celebrated well-deserved win at the end.
Sara Krnjic (193-C-91) provided 24 points and 16 boards to pace Serbia.
Latinka Dusanic had 14 points in a winning case.
Stanislava Stankova (168-G-90) answered with 18 points for Bulgaria.
Stefka Nikolova (170-G-90) had 11 points and 6 assists in defeat. Serbia
enjoyed a massive 55:28 advantage on the glass and limited their opponents to
38% from the field.
Serbia U18:
Sara Krnjic 24+16 boards,
Latinka Dusanic 14,
Jovana Popovic (173-G-90) 9
Bulgaria U18:
Stanislava Stankova 18,
Stefka Nikolova 11
*****************************************************
Slovakia U18 beats Poland - by Eurobasket
News
Slovakia U18 - Poland U18
65:57
Klaudia Lukacovicova (193-C-90) scored 23 points and collected 10 boards to
lift Slovakian Junior National Team past Poland at the European Championship.
Slovakia celebrated their first win at the qualifying round of the tournament.
The teams traded baskets early in the encounter.
Veronika Cernakova (174-G-90) capped the first stanza with 4 straight points
for Slovakia and put them in charge 23:15. Four points from
Martina Kissova (184-F-93) allowed the hosts clear off to a 10-point
distance early in the second frame. But Poland soon drew things level and
trailed by just two points at the interval 35:37.
Magda Kaczmarska (183-F/G-90) and
Olivia Tomialowicz (182-G-90) netted 5 straight points and carried Polish
team in front 40:37 early in the third frame. However Slovakia once again
managed to reestablish their lead and spurred ahead 50:49 before the fourth
period.
Natalia Spodniakova (170-G-90) and
Klaudia Lukacovicova teamed up for 8 points in the last five minutes of the
game and ensured the winning outcome for Slovakia at the end.
Veronika Cernakova tallied 17 points for Slovak Republic.
Martina Kissova had 10 points and 6 rebounds in a winning effort.
Olivia Tomialowicz answered with 17 points for Poland.
Klaudia Sosnowska (186-F-90) had 13 points and 10 rebounds in defeat.
Slovakia had a slight advantage in rebounding pulling down 39 caroms. They
converted 43% from the field, while limiting Poland to 35% accuracy.
Slovakia U18:
Klaudia Lukacovicova 23+10 boards,
Veronika Cernakova 17,
Martina Kissova 10
Poland U18:
Olivia Tomialowicz 17,
Klaudia Sosnowska 13+10 boards
*****************************************************
Merkur complete roster with two Americans
- by Zeljko Zule
Slovenian champion Merkur Celje has
completed its roster for the upcoming 2008-09 season by inking Americans
T.J.
Jordan (173-G-86) ex Old Dominion University and
Kelli Darden (191-C-86) ex Radford.
# 4
Rebeka Abramovic (-93)
# 5
Iva Ciglar (170-G-85)
# 6
Julija Lojen (168-G-91)
# 7
Amadeja Cverlin (164-G-91)
# 8
Sandra Jevtovic (180-F-93)
# 9
Nika Baric (168-G-92)
# 10
Kristina Verbole (193-F/C-88)
# 11
Ines Kerin (172-G-90)
# 12
Lea
Jagodic (179-F-91)
# 13
Anja Klavzar (177-F-90)
# 14
Eva Komplet (182-F/C-86)
# 15
Kelli Darden (191-C-86)
# 16 Tjasa Kopusar (172-G-92)
# 17
Tjasa Muhovic (179-F-91)
# 23
T.J. Jordan (173-G-86)
# 31
Nikya Hughes (191-F/C-85)
COACH:
Zeljko Ciglar
ASSISTANT:
Damir
Grgic
*****************************************************
Spain snap Swedish winning streak - by
Eurobasket News
Spain U18 - Sweden U18
81:69
Spanish U18 National Team got to a sizzling start and never allowed Sweden to
recover beating them in the final game of the qualifying round. Spain thus did
not allow the Scandinavians to remain with a chance to reach semifinal stage at
the European Championship. Sweden needed to win and hope for France to beat
Russia to have a chance of making it to the semis in Slovakia. However Spanish
team was not about to give up the game. They showed their ambitions with a 14:0
start to the game.
Frida Fogdemark (185-F-91) finally scored first points for Sweden with
almost 6 minutes into the game but Spaniards secured a 22:14 advantage after the
first frame.
Vega Gimeno (183-F-91) scored 6 points early in the second frame to keep
Spain ahead. However
Cleopatra Forsman (180-G-91) and
Stefanie Yderstrom (172-G-90) combined for 16 points late in the second
quarter as Sweden cut the deficit to 3 points.
Alba Garcia (170-G-90) and
Cristina Ouvina (173-G-90) replied with back-to-back trebles to give Spain a
6-point advantage at the interval. Spanish team never allowed Sweden to come too
close in the third stanza and led by 11 points after three quarters of action.
The situation never changed in the fourth period. Spain remained in charge and
wisely kept their opponents at distance. Sweden never came closer than 9 points
and suffered defeat at the end.
Cristina Ouvina and
Vega Gimeno nailed 19 points apiece to lead Spain.
Alba Garcia added 14 points for the winners.
Cleopatra Forsman answered with 23 points and 11 boards for Sweden.
Frida Fogdemark netted 22 points in a losing effort.
Spain U18:
Cristina Ouvina 19,
Vega Gimeno 19,
Alba Garcia 14
Sweden U18:
Cleopatra Forsman 23+11 boards,
Frida Fogdemark 22
Israel beats Spain in Vidnoje - by
Eurobasket News
Israel - Spain 69:58
Israel posted their first win at the VTB Cup in Vidnoje, Russia. With four teams
participating in this exhibition tournament Israel rebounded after starting
heavy loss to Russia to improve to 1-1 record. Spain meanwhile dropped their
first game after they defeated Czech Republic at the start of the event.
Ana
Montanana (186-F-80, college:
George
Washington) led all scorers with 25 points but received little help from her
teammates and could not prevent Spain from falling.
Liron Cohen (173-G-82) paced the winners with 20 points. Spain entered the
game confidently and piled up a 16:8 advantage after the starting frame. But
Israeli team gradually adjusted their game and answered with 21 points in the
second period to cut the deficit to 3 points at halftime.
Liad
Suez-Karni (191-F/C-81, college:
Villanova)
and
Mirav Dori (178-F-86) paced Israel in the third stanza as they got even
closer to Spanish team and trailed by just 2 points with a quarter to go. The
breakthrough came for Israel in the fourth period when they fired 25 points and
held Spain to just 12. Israel surged ahead and posted an impressive victory at
the end.
Liad
Suez-Karni knocked down 18 points for Israeli side.
Mirav Dori secured 10 points for the winners.
Laura Nicholls (189-C-89) had 6 points for Spain in defeat. Spain will face
hosts Russia, while Israel will take on Czech Republic in the final round of
action.
Israel:
Liron Cohen 20,
Liad
Suez-Karni 18,
Mirav Dori 10
Spain:
Ana
Montanana 25,
Laura Nicholls 6
*****************************************************
Spain snap Swedish winning streak - by
Eurobasket News
Spain U18 - Sweden U18
81:69
Spanish U18 National Team got to a sizzling start and never allowed Sweden to
recover beating them in the final game of the qualifying round. Spain thus did
not allow the Scandinavians to remain with a chance to reach semifinal stage at
the European Championship. Sweden needed to win and hope for France to beat
Russia to have a chance of making it to the semis in Slovakia. However Spanish
team was not about to give up the game. They showed their ambitions with a 14:0
start to the game.
Frida Fogdemark (185-F-91) finally scored first points for Sweden with
almost 6 minutes into the game but Spaniards secured a 22:14 advantage after the
first frame.
Vega Gimeno (183-F-91) scored 6 points early in the second frame to keep
Spain ahead. However
Cleopatra Forsman (180-G-91) and
Stefanie Yderstrom (172-G-90) combined for 16 points late in the second
quarter as Sweden cut the deficit to 3 points.
Alba Garcia (170-G-90) and
Cristina Ouvina (173-G-90) replied with back-to-back trebles to give Spain a
6-point advantage at the interval. Spanish team never allowed Sweden to come too
close in the third stanza and led by 11 points after three quarters of action.
The situation never changed in the fourth period. Spain remained in charge and
wisely kept their opponents at distance. Sweden never came closer than 9 points
and suffered defeat at the end.
Cristina Ouvina and
Vega Gimeno nailed 19 points apiece to lead Spain.
Alba Garcia added 14 points for the winners.
Cleopatra Forsman answered with 23 points and 11 boards for Sweden.
Frida Fogdemark netted 22 points in a losing effort.
Spain U18:
Cristina Ouvina 19,
Vega Gimeno 19,
Alba Garcia 14
Sweden U18:
Cleopatra Forsman 23+11 boards,
Frida Fogdemark 22
*****************************************************
Taiwan wins Jones Cup, MVP goes to Chiang
- by Chris Wang
Taiwan 55-54
Australia U-19 NT
The win was not pretty. Taiwan's senior women's NT barely got past Australia
U-19 NT 55-54 in the 2008 Jones Cup title game -- after Australia lost 203cm
center Elizabeth Cambage in the second quarter.
But a win is still a win. The thrilling victory gave Taiwan NT its sixth title
in the Jones Cup and the first champion since 2005.
Australia, which trailed almost the entire second half, rallied behind
Stephanie Cumming's 12 points in the final quarter. Cumming scored
seven straight points as Australia took the lead 54-53 with 20.7 seconds to go.
Taiwan showed its poise and experience down the stretch. Center Cheng Hui-yun
hit Chu Yung-hsuan, who was left wide open at the baseline, and
Chu knocked down her only field goal in the game with 6.1 seconds left to put
Taiwan on top, 55-54.
Australia tried to let Cumming take the last shot but Taiwan forward Tsai
Pei-chen fouled Cumming to stop the game clock. Australia had to hurry a
desperation shot with time running out.
The result could've been different if Elizabeth Cambage did not sprain her ankle
early in the second period. Cambage did not play again.
Forward Chiang Feng-chun, the tournament MVP, scored 10
straight as Taiwan surged past Australia 29-26 and maintain the advantage until
the final two minutes.
Chaing had 19 points and 14 rebounds. Cheng Hui-yun and Tsai Pei-chen had 10
points each. Chu Yung-hsuan had three points, four steals and six rebounds.
Taiwan's defense held Australia to 31% shooting.
Australia was led by Cumming's 17 points. Without Cambage, it was outrebounded
by Taiwan 45-36.
Woori Bank 84-62 Malaysia NT
The joy of observing Korean basketball is their ability to shoot the lights out,
which was the case Friday night when Woori Bank made 17 threes in a 22-point
rout over the Malaysia NT in the third-place game of the 2008 Jones Cup women's
group.
Nobody expected Malaysia to win, actually, although everyone agreed that the
Malaysia team has shown much improvement over the years.
Kim Eun-hye had 20 points, including six three-pointers, and 12
rebounds while Kim Sun-hye and Kim Eun-kyoung had 15 each for Woori Bank.
Thoh Chai-ling scored 16 points for Malaysia, the only winless team in the
four-team tourney.
Taiwan edges Australia for 2008 Jones Cup crown
- by Chris Wang
Chu Yung-hsuan
made a go-ahead basket, her only field goal in the game, with 6.1 seconds to go
as Taiwan beat Australia U-19 NT 55-54 in the 2008 Jones Cup women's group final
and won the title for the first time since 2005.
Trailing for almost the entire second half, Australia took a 54-53 lead with 40
seconds remaining after Stephanie Cumming scored five of her 12 points in the
fourth quarter.
Chu, who had three points, 4 steals and 6 boards in the game, made the
game-changing basket with 6.1 seonds left and Taiwan sure knew who Australia
would go to. Tsai Pei-chen intentionally fouled Cumming in the ensuing
possession as Australia struggled to get off the desperation shot in the final
seconds.
Korea's Woori Bank beat Malaysia 84-62 in the bronze medal game.
More summary to come later...
Final placing:
1. Taiwan
2. Australia
3. Woori Bank
4. Malaysia
*****************************************************
| TOURNAMENT OF THE AMERICAS U18 - Women |
FIBA Americas U18 Championship. Day 1 - by
Eurobasket News
USA U18 - Venezuela U18
112:49
Buenos Aires welcomed the participants of the FIBA Americas U18 Championship.
Six teams hit the road in chase for the trophy. The teams also fight for 4
qualifying spots to the U19 World Championship to be held next year in Thailand.
The USA team considered one of the main favorites for the title opened their
campaign with a blowout victory over Venezuela.
Kelsey Bone (196-C-91) and
Lynetta Kizer (191-C-90) scored 13 points apiece to pace balanced United
States team to an impressive success. Six players delivered in double figures in
the win.
Kelsey Bone scored 7 points in the first period as the USA went on 25:10
run. The United States never slowed down in the second frame and stretched the
gap to 24 points at halftime 50:26. The North American team opened the second
half with a 9:0 rally and then cruised to a 45-point cushion after three
quarters of action. United States easily overcame a 100-point mark and secured a
stunning win at the end.
Alyssia Brewer (191-C-90) and
Nneka Ogwumike delivered 12 points apiece in a win.
Roselis Silva (-G-90) answered with game-high 20 points for Venezuela.
Germary Blanco (-90) notched 8 points in a losing case. The USA outrebounded
their opponents 44:27 and forced Venezuela to 38 turnovers. The Latin American
team also converted only 25% from the field. United States will face Canada,
while Venezuela will take on Puerto Rico today.
USA U18:
Kelsey Bone 13,
Lynetta Kizer 13,
Alyssia Brewer 12,
Nneka Ogwumike 12
Venezuela U18:
Roselis Silva 20,
Germary Blanco 8
Canada U18 - Brazil U18 67:47
Canadian U18 National Team got to a winning start of the FIBA Americas
Championship in Argentina. They held off Brazilian counterparts in the starting
round of action in Buenos Aires. Six teams are to play in the round-robin system
with 4 top teams getting tickets to U19 World Championship to be held in
Thailand in 2009. Canada made the first step towards Thailand as they rolled
past Brazil yesterday. Canada dominated inside the paint and it resulted in them
taking a 16:8 lead after ten minutes of action. Brazil continued to struggle
offensively and let Canada clear off to a 12-point distance at halftime. Brazil
never recovered in the second half as Canadian Juniors looked confident and kept
their opponents at bay. The lead was stretched to 17 points going into the final
stanza and Canada easily secured the winning outcome at the end.
Elyse Jobin (180-G-90) knocked down 11 points to pace Canada.
Stephanie Macdonald (177-F) provided 10 points, while
Justine Colley (175-G) added 9 points in a win.
Tassia Pereira (175-G-92) answered with game-high 19 points for Brazil.
Cristiane Simoes (192-F/C-91) nailed 10 points in defeat. Canada pulled down
48 rebounds including 17 offensive ones. They also shot solid 46% from beyond
the arc. Canada will now take on the USA today. Brazil will try to bounce back
against Argentina later tonight.
Canada U18:
Elyse Jobin 11,
Stephanie Macdonald 10,
Justine Colley 9
Brazil U18:
Tassia Pereira 19,
Cristiane Simoes 10
Argentina U18 - Puerto Rico U18 64:52
The first day of action at the FIBA Americas U18 Championship was closed with
hosting Argentina taking on Puerto Rico. The teams opened the game slowly as
they could not adjust for the major part of the opening stanza. The mistakes and
missed shots plagued both sides in the first period. They combined for 15 points
and Argentina led 8:7 at the end. However Argentina were the first to get things
rolling. They opened the second frame on a 12:4 run to extend the gap. Soon the
hosts opened up a double digit advantage and finished the first half leading by
11 points 28:17. Puerto Rico never came back to life in the second half. They
committed too many mistakes down the stretch to hope for any kind of positive
result. Argentina widened the margin to as many as 15 points heading into the
final period. Puerto Rico finally showed character in the fourth term as they
outscored the home team but it had little impact on the final outcome. Argentina
were paced by 18 points from
Debora Gonzalez (170-G-90).
Agostina Burrani (188-C-90) had 10 points and 17 rebounds, while
Andrea Boquete (178-F-90) added 10 points in a win.
Roxyali Munoz (158-G-91) responded with 13 points for Puerto Rican team.
Astrid Miranda (166-G-90) had 10 points and 5 boards in a losing effort.
Argentina forced their opponents to as many as 34 turnovers. They also limited
Puerto Rico to only 29% from the field.
Argentina U18:
Debora Gonzalez 18,
Agostina Burrani 10+17 boards,
Andrea Boquete 10
Puerto Rico U18:
Roxyali Munoz 13,
Astrid Miranda 10
*****************************************************
Turkey betters Ukraine in Nitra - by
Eurobasket News
Turkey U18 - Ukraine U18
74:72
Turkish Junior National Team narrowly edged Ukraine at the European Championship
in Slovakia today. The teams wrapped up their qualifying round campaign putting
up a dramatic fight. Turkey got to a flying start as they notched first 12
points of the game. They maintained a comfortable lead throughout the second
period however Ukraine cut the deficit with back-to-back trebles from
Kateryna Rymarenko (183-F-90) and
Kateryna Dorogobuzova (187-F-90) and trailed by 5 points at the first
intermission. A barrage of three-pointers from Turkish team allowed them to
stretch the gap to 12 points in the second period. They later enjoyed a 15-point
distance but
Kateryna Dorogobuzova scored 4 points and
Hanna Yeremeychuk (178-G-90) added 2 more in a 6:0 run that crowned the
first half as Ukraine trimmed the deficit to 9 points. Ukraine recovered well in
the third stanza as they denied the deficit and spurred ahead following treble
from
Kateryna Rymarenko and freebies from
Kateryna Dorogobuzova. The lead changed hands for several times in the
fourth term and
Hanna Yeremeychuks trey put Ukrainian team within a single point from Turkey
72:73 with 48 seconds left.
Ozge Yavas (169-G-91) nailed one free throw to give Turkish side a 74:72
advantage with 12 seconds left. But Ukraine failed to win the game in the time
remaining. Havrylyuk committed a turnover sealing the victory for Turkey.
Gamze Takmaz (182-F-91) nailed game-high 29 points to lead Turkish side.
Ozge Yavas added 18 points for the winners.
Ol'ha Maznichenko (186-F-91) answered with 24 points and 10 boards for
Ukraine.
Kateryna Rymarenko added 21 points and 8 boards in a losing case.
Turkey U18:
Gamze Takmaz 29,
Ozge Yavas 18,
Duygu Firat (189-F-90) 9
Ukraine U18:
Ol'ha Maznichenko 24+10 boards,
Kateryna Rymarenko 21
*****************************************************
| U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Women |
Richards verbally commits to West Virginia
- by David Edole
Western High School in Baltimore
point guard Akeema Richards has verbally committed to West
Virginia.
Richards averaged 12.9 points, 4.7 assists and 4.5 steals per game leading her
team to the Maryland state semi-finals last season.
Richards picked West Virginia over offers from Virginia Tech and Pitt.
Richards led Western with 18 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and four steals
in a game for first place in Baltimore City's Division II
last season. Richards is ranked ninth in her class with a 4.0 grade.
*****************************************************
Turkey betters Ukraine in Nitra - by
Eurobasket News
Turkey U18 - Ukraine U18
74:72
Turkish Junior National Team narrowly edged Ukraine at the European Championship
in Slovakia today. The teams wrapped up their qualifying round campaign putting
up a dramatic fight. Turkey got to a flying start as they notched first 12
points of the game. They maintained a comfortable lead throughout the second
period however Ukraine cut the deficit with back-to-back trebles from
Kateryna Rymarenko (183-F-90) and
Kateryna Dorogobuzova (187-F-90) and trailed by 5 points at the first
intermission. A barrage of three-pointers from Turkish team allowed them to
stretch the gap to 12 points in the second period. They later enjoyed a 15-point
distance but
Kateryna Dorogobuzova scored 4 points and
Hanna Yeremeychuk (178-G-90) added 2 more in a 6:0 run that crowned the
first half as Ukraine trimmed the deficit to 9 points. Ukraine recovered well in
the third stanza as they denied the deficit and spurred ahead following treble
from
Kateryna Rymarenko and freebies from
Kateryna Dorogobuzova. The lead changed hands for several times in the
fourth term and
Hanna Yeremeychuks trey put Ukrainian team within a single point from Turkey
72:73 with 48 seconds left.
Ozge Yavas (169-G-91) nailed one free throw to give Turkish side a 74:72
advantage with 12 seconds left. But Ukraine failed to win the game in the time
remaining. Havrylyuk committed a turnover sealing the victory for Turkey.
Gamze Takmaz (182-F-91) nailed game-high 29 points to lead Turkish side.
Ozge Yavas added 18 points for the winners.
Ol'ha Maznichenko (186-F-91) answered with 24 points and 10 boards for
Ukraine.
Kateryna Rymarenko added 21 points and 8 boards in a losing case.
Turkey U18:
Gamze Takmaz 29,
Ozge Yavas 18,
Duygu Firat (189-F-90) 9
Ukraine U18:
Ol'ha Maznichenko 24+10 boards,
Kateryna Rymarenko 21
*****************************************************
NT coach Mark Clark looks for respect - by
Eurobasket News
GB women's coach
Mark
Clark opened training camp this week believing that his team is still not
given the respect it deserves.
While their male counterparts have become one of Europe's most feared dark horse
nations and are considered a candidate for Euro Basket 2009, Clark's squad are
not so well regarded.
And, as they prepare for a campaign against Lithuania, Israel, Germany, the
Ukraine to qualify for their own European Championship Finals, the GB women's
boss would noy have it any other way.
Clark said: 'Without creating anything for any other country to use against us,
I still don't think we are regarded as a serious contender.
'As long as people want to deal with us that way, that's fine. On the court, and
off the court, we will use that as a positive.
'I read an interview with the German coach recently and he did not even mention
us. But that's fine.
'I also think that's something internal in this country as well.
'The men have a world-level player in Luol Deng, with another in Ben Gordon who
is going to play, and we have guys like Andy Betts and Robert Archibald who are
names that are well-known everywhere in the basketball world.
'Do we have anybody at that level? No. But we have a group of people who are
under-estimated at home and abroad by a lot of people and I would argue that was
our strength last year. We wanted to prove people wrong.
'After all, how much pressure is there on us? It's a scenario where Germany
don't rate us, so great. Maybe they won't even scout us which would suit me even
better because I'll take any game against a team that hasn't seen us play
before.'
It would certainly be a bad decision for any rival to discount the Brits after
their stunning - if under-appreciated - 6-0 campaign last summer saw them storm
into the A Division of Euro Basket.
Clark's optimism has been further fuelled by the fact that all 15 players he
selected will be attending camp in Cardiff, with Harriet Yea returning from
under-20 duty and Kim Butler due to join on Tuesday after dealing with a family
matter.
Clark added: 'Pretty much everybody we targetted is here, everybody we talked
to. We have 15 players in camp and will keep those 15 with us throughout the
campaign. We had a lot of injuries last season so having 15 makes sense.'
Courtesy of www.basketball247.co.uk
*****************************************************
Venezuelan U18 National Team 2008 - by
Eurobasket
4
Germary Blanco (-90) of Carabobo
5
Roselis Silva (-G-90) of Distrito Capital
6
Yosimar Corrales (-G-90) of Venezuela (CUB)
7
Dahilifer Iserny (-90)
8
Maria Requena (-G-90) of Guarico
9
Kiancy Barragan (-F-90) of Guarico
10
Ehykerling Leon (-91) of Miranda
11
Melina Pacheco (-91) of Guarico
12
Cleider Blanco (-C-90) of Venezuela (CUB)
13
Ayalexis Ilarraza (-90)
14
Endrina Bolivar (-F-90) of Guarico
15
Maria Cabrices (-C-90) of Miranda
Head Coach:
Eduardo Gil
Coach Assistants:
Oscar
Velazquez ,
Jony
Barragan
United States Junior Team opens FIBA Americas
Championship with victory - by Eurobasket News
USA U18 - Venezuela U18
112:49
Buenos Aires welcomed the participants of the FIBA Americas U18 Championship.
Six teams hit the road in chase for the trophy. The teams also fight for 4
qualifying spots to the U19 World Championship to be held next year in Thailand.
The USA team considered one of the main favorites for the title opened their
campaign with a blowout victory over Venezuela.
Kelsey Bone (6'5''-C-91) and
Lynetta Kizer (6'3''-C-90) scored 13 points apiece to pace balanced United
States team to an impressive success. Six players delivered in double figures in
the win.
Kelsey Bone scored 7 points in the first period as the USA went on 25:10
run. The United States never slowed down in the second frame and stretched the
gap to 24 points at halftime 50:26. The North American team opened the second
half with a 9:0 rally and then cruised to a 45-point cushion after three
quarters of action. United States easily overcame a 100-point mark and secured a
stunning win at the end.
Alyssia Brewer (6'3''-C-90) and
Nneka
Ogwumike delivered 12 points apiece in a win.
Roselis Silva (-G-90) answered with game-high 20 points for Venezuela.
Germary Blanco (-90) notched 8 points in a losing case. The USA outrebounded
their opponents 44:27 and forced Venezuela to 38 turnovers. The Latin American
team also converted only 25% from the field. United States will face Canada,
while Venezuela will take on Puerto Rico today.
USA U18:
Kelsey Bone 13,
Lynetta Kizer 13,
Alyssia Brewer 12,
Nneka
Ogwumike 12
Venezuela U18:
Roselis Silva 20,
Germary Blanco 8
*****************************************************
Cheryl Ford suffers serious injury, Storm extends
Kristen O'Neil - by Eurobasket News
Bad news was announced yesterday by
Detroit Shock medical staff.
Cheryl
Ford (6'3''-F/C-81, college:
Louisiana
Tech) will have to miss remainder of the season due to serious injury (right
knee ACL). Ford suffered it on Tuesday during the game against Los Angeles when
she tried to grab a rebound close to the end of the last stanza. It will be a
big problem for the Shock as Ford was one of their leading players this season.
She registered 24 appearances averaging 10.1 ppg, 8.7 rpg and 1 spg.
Cheryl
Ford's season high happened on June 22nd against Atlanta when she nailed 20
points. She was pretty close to this number just two days before the injury
netting 18 points against Sacramento. It is not the first problem for Ford
during the past period as she already had micro-fracture surgery on her left
knee at the off season.
Seattle Storm announced signing of
Kristen O'Neill (6'1''-G/F, college:
Washington)
on another seven-days contract. As a reminder O'Neill already signed one 7-day
deal with the team on July 1st. She appeared 6 times for the Storm getting just
3.8 minutes per game. Unfortunately she didn't succeed to score any points in
WNBA so far. O'Neill arrived to Seattle from Spanish team Arranz-Jopisa Burgos.
It was her second season in Spain as she already spent one with Adecco
Estudiantes. O'Neil came out from University of Washington in 2006 as a fifth
all-time player in 3-pointers.
Liberty beated Mystics in the only game of the day
- by Bruno Baltazar
Tiffany Jackson (6'3''-F-85, college:
Texas)
came off the bench to score a team-high 14 points as the New York
Liberty beat the Washington Mystics 80-73 on Wednesday in the only WNBA game in
that day.
Jackson's basket gave the Liberty a 73-69 lead with about a minute to play, and
her free throw with 25.2 left put them up 76-71.
Loree Moore added 10 points and was the only New York starter in double figures.
Washington (9-15) lost its fourth straight to New York even though four starters
scored in double figures: Taj McWilliams-Franklin (19),
Alana
Beard (5'11''-G/F-82, college:
Duke)
(5'11''-G/F-82, college:
Duke)
(16),
Monique Currie (6'0''-G/F-83, agency:
Ronsport,
college:
Duke) (14) and
Nakia
Sanford (6'4''-F/C-76, college:
Kansas)
(14 points, 10 rebounds).
The Mystics, who trailed by nine after the first quarter, went ahead at 45-44 on
a basket by Currie late in the third quarter. She scored again on the next
possession to give Washington a 47-44 lead.
But New York (13-10) came back and took a 50-49 lead on a 3-pointer by reserve
Lailani Mitchell in the closing minute of the third quarter. The Liberty bench
outscored the Washington reserves 42-10.
It was the second game for the Mystics under interim head coach
Jessie
Kenlaw , who won her first game 89-57 at home against Seattle on Sunday.
10 WNBA players suspended due to a altercation during
a game - by Bruno Baltazar
In response to the events at
Tuesday's game between the Detroit Shock and the Los Angeles Sparks, WNBA
President Donna Orender issued the following statement:
'The WNBA and its players represent all that is good about sports:
passion, hard work and sacrifice. On a nightly basis our players display
extraordinary skill, athleticism and competitive fire. The events Tuesday,
however, were inexcusable and in no way indicative of what the league stands
for. We hold our players to a very high standard and these suspensions should
serve notice that the behavior exhibited at the end of Tuesdays game will not be
tolerated.
The suspensions follow:
Shock forward
Plenette Pierson (6'2''-F/C-81, college:
Texas Tech)
(6'2''-F/C-81, college:
Texas Tech)
has been suspended for four games for her actions that initiated and escalated
the altercation.
Shock assistant coach
Rick
Mahorn has been suspended for two games for escalating the altercation.
Shock center
Kara
Braxton (6'6''-C-83, college:
Georgia)
has been suspended for one game for leaving the area of the bench during an
on-court altercation.
Shock forward
Tasha
Humphrey (6'3''-F-85, college:
Georgia)
has been suspended for one game for leaving the area of the bench during an
on-court altercation.
Shock guard
Elaine
Powell (5'9''-G-75) has been suspended for one game for leaving the area of
the bench during an on-court altercation.
Shock forward Sheri Sam has been suspended for one game for leaving the area of
the bench during an on-court altercation.
Sparks guard
Shannon Bobbitt (5'2''-G-85, college:
Tennessee)
has been suspended for two games for leaving the area of the bench and becoming
physically involved in an on-court altercation.
Sparks guard
Murriel Page (6'3''-C-75, college:
Florida)
has been suspended for two games for leaving the area of the bench and becoming
physically involved in an on-court altercation.
Sparks center
Lisa
Leslie (6'5''-C-72, college:
USC)
has been suspended for one game for throwing a punch.
Sparks forward
Delisha Milton-Jones (6'1''-F-74, college:
Florida)
has been suspended for one game for throwing a punch.
Sparks forward
Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college:
Tennessee)
has been suspended for one game for throwing a punch.
As is league policy, in order to enable the Shock and Sparks to dress the
minimum number of players (eight) for games affected by the penalties, the dates
on which players will begin serving their suspensions will be staggered.
Pierson and Mahorn will begin serving their respective suspensions with
tonight's game at Houston. Braxton and Humphrey will serve their suspensions
tonight as well. Sam will serve her suspension on July 27, when the Shock hosts
San Antonio. Powell is injured and will serve her suspension at a later date
after being medically cleared to play.
Bobbitt will begin serving her suspension with tonights game at Connecticut.
Leslie, Milton-Jones and Parker will serve their suspensions tonight as well.
Page will begin serving her suspension on July 25 when the Sparks visit New
York.
Detroit Shock Sign Nancy Lieberman - by
Bruno Baltazar
Detroit Shock Head Coach and
General Manager
Bill
Laimbeer announced today that the team has signed basketball Hall of
Famer, former Detroit Shock head coach and current ESPN broadcaster Nancy
Lieberman to a seven-day contract.
At last years WNBA All-Star Game, our coaching staff watched Nancy run through
the skills test. She was very impressive, said Laimbeer. We talked after that if
the opportunity ever arose to sign her to a seven-day contract we might give her
a call. There is no question she is in great shape. I approached her two weeks
ago, but the timing was not right.
In 1997, she was drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBAs inaugural draft,
and played one season with the Western Conference champions. At the time her
stint with the Mercury earned her the oldest WNBA player honors at 39 years and
54 days old. Lieberman went on to become the general manager and head coach of
the Detroit Shock, a position she held from 1998-2000. During her 17-year
professional career, Lieberman averaged 15.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 6.1
assists per game.
It is an amazing opportunity to continue to play the game I love, said
Lieberman.
Lieberman began her playing career at Old Dominion University from 1976-1980,
winning two national championships. She was also a two-time Wade Trophy winner
and three-time Kodak All-America selection. During that time span, she was also
part of two U.S. Olympic Womens Basketball Teams (1976, Montreal & 1980, Moscow)
and, at age 18, became the youngest basketball player in Olympic history to earn
a medal. At the professional level, she played in four basketball leagues
including the WBL and WABA. In 1986, Lieberman became the first woman ever to
play in a mens professional league when she joined USBLs Springfield Fame.
In addition, Lieberman has spent the last 27 years as both a men and womens
basketball analyst for ESPN. She was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame
in 1996 and the Womens Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999.
Can she still compete at this level? asked Laimbeer. I dont know. But Im going
to throw her in the fire.
