EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/6/2023 4:04:02 AM Copyright @copy; 1997-2023 EurobasketWARNING: Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site! Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the content of the report, nor will you attempt to do so. More info:www.eurobasket.com |
| ABA LEAGUE |
| Igokea keeps Boskovic for another season - by Eurobasket News | |
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BC Igokea Mtel Aleksandrovac (Division I) re-signed 20-year old 193cm shooting guard Srdjan Boskovic for upcoming season. Boskovic has played there for the last two seasons. The previous (2021-22) season he played at Student-Igokea. He helped them to win the league title. BC Igokea Mtel Aleksandrovac roster for 2023-24: Guards: Edin Atic Marko Jeremic Srdjan Boskovic Faruk Duvnjak Forwards: Marko Josilo Nikola Maric Centers: Jackie Carmichael Zoran Nikolic Dusan Makitan Andrej Acimovic |
| KK Borac Cacak signs rookie Filip Rebraca in his first year in pro basketball - by Eurobasket News | ||||
Rebraca started his college career at University of North Dakota (NCAA) where he played three seasons. Then he moved to University of Iowa (NCAA). His high school career he had spent at The Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, MA. Of course it will be his first season in professional basketball. KK Borac Cacak roster for 2023-24: Guards: Ronaldo Segu Nikola Manojlovic Forwards: Tylan Birts Filip Rebraca |
| ARGENTINA |
| Argentina race past Czech Republic in friendly - by Eurobasket News |
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Czech Republic - Argentina 87-101 Argentina outscored Czech Republic in the friendly encounter in Brno on Thursday. Nicolas Brussino (205-SF-1993) posted 27 points to lead the charge. Argentina fired 28 points in the first period to eke out a 2-point lead. They maintained the lead throughout the second stanza. Argentina established a 53-47 halftime advantage. Argentina kept the pressure building in the second half. They sank 25 points in the third frame to secure an 11-point advantage heading into the fourth stanza. Argentina poured in 23 points in the final period and rallied to the win. Facundo Campazzo (180-PG-1991) posted 19 points and 10 assists for the Latin American team. Vit Krejci (203-G/F-2000) answered with 17 points for Czech Republic. Matej Svoboda (200-F-1996, college: Dayton) had 13 points in the losing case. |
| Belgium edge Argentina in Brno - by Eurobasket News |
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Argentina - Belgium 84-85 Belgium overcame Argentina in the intense battle at the CZ Basketball Cup in Brno. Emmanuel Lecomte (180-PG-1995, college: Baylor) came up with 27 points and 8 assists to lead the charge. Belgium recorded a 17-14 lead after the opening frame. Argentina pulled within 2 points at halftime 32-34. But Belgium maintained the lead throughout the third term. They established a 57-51 advantage heading into the fourth quarter. Argentina unloaded 33 points in the final period but came up short of win at the end. Thijs De Ridder (203-F/C-2003) finished with 19 points for Belgium. Facundo Campazzo (180-PG-1991) answered with 23 points for Argentina. Juan Fernandez (209-C-2002) had 17 points in the defeat. |
| AUSTRALIA |
| The Hornets land R.J. Hunter, ex Sydney - by Eurobasket News | |||
Hunter's team won Sun Belt Regular Season in 2014 and 2015. He voted toAll-Sun Belt Player of the Year back in 2014 and 2015. The previous (2020-21) season he played at Galatasaray in Turkish BSL where in 15 games he had 9.0ppg, 2.2rpg and 1.5apg in that year. Hunter also played 6 games in Basketball Champions League where he recorded 11.7ppg in that year. In 2015 he was drafted by Boston Celtics in first round (28th overall). The former Georgia State star is in his ninth season in pro basketball. He has played also professionally in NBA (Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets), Turkey (Turk Telekom) and NBA G League (RGV Vipers, College Park SkyHawks, Maine Celtics, Windy City Bulls and Long Island Nets). Hunter's team won Sun Belt Regular Season in 2014 and 2015. Hunter selected toAll-Sun Belt Player of the Year back in 2014 and 2015. Let's have closer look into His outlook: Versatile shooting guard with tremendous range and very good ball handling skills. Has very good leaping ability and has shown the ability to defend players at multiple positions. Charlotte Hornets roster for 2023-24: Guards: Gordon Hayward Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk Terry Rozier Kobi Simmons Theo Maledon LaMelo Ball James Bouknight Nick Smith_Jr. Bryce McGowens Forwards: R.J. Hunter Kelly Oubre Cody Martin Miles Bridges P.J. Washington JT Thor Brandon Miller Centers: Nick Richards Mark Williams Coach: Steve Clifford |
| Ipswich Force crowned NBL1 North men's champions - by Eurobasket News |
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The Ipswich Force are the men's NBL1 North champions. In a three-game series, the Force came back from 0-1 to claim their first state title in club history against reigning champions the Gold Coast Rollers. Nathan Sobey (190-G-1990, college: Wyoming) was named Finals MVP, with a series average of 27.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and three assists. Nathan Sobey showed why he's still one of the best in the country, Deng Deng (203-F-1992, college: Baylor) sent a reminder of what he's capable of and with the Galloway brothers and captain Jason Ralph (178-PG-1995, college: VCSU) with them, the Ipswich Force are the NBL1 North champions for 2023. Ipswich had never won a championship previously and that looked decidedly unlikely after losing Grand Final Game 1 to the Gold Coast Rollers on Friday night. However, the Force responded to win Game 2 on Saturday and then continued the momentum in remarkable fashion to win 109-85 to secure the association's first ever title. With Nathan Sobey and Deng Deng proving unstoppable with great support around them, the Ipswich Force dominated the NBL1 North Grand Final Series after losing Game 1 on Friday to secure the association's first ever championship on Sunday. Despite losing Game 1 on Friday night at Carrara Stadium, Ipswich took control over the weekend with a brilliant eight quarters of basketball led by Sobey and Deng, but with great support from Jaylin and Kyrin Galloway (203-F-1999, college: UNCG), captain Jason Ralph and with cameos from Matt Hodgson (211-C-1991, college: SMC). It had been a scintillating Grand Final Series so far in the NBL1 North with the reigning champion Gold Coast too strong in Game 1 beating Ipswich 100-86. Jason Cadee (186-G-1991) (23 points, 16 assists, nine rebounds) and Todd Blanchfield (27 points, 14 boards) led the charge in that win for Gold Coast with good support from Preston Le Gassick (182-PG-2003, college: Chowan) (20 points, seven assists, four rebounds, three steals) and Elijah Kamu (196-F-2005) (12 points, four boards). That had the defending champs one win away from securing back-to-back titles and with having two chances at home over the weekend, but Ipswich returned on Saturday night on a mission to make amends for that Game 1. Gold Coast put up 30 points in the first eight minutes of Game 2 with Blanchfield on fire on his way to 40 points for the night, but Ipswich took control more and more the longer the game went. With Nathan Sobey and Deng Deng leading the charge with help from Kyrin and Jaylin Galloway (198-SF-2002) along with the poise and leadership of Jason Ralph, Ipswich took control and delivered 31 points to 12 in the fourth quarter on the way to the 119-98 victory. That set up a mouth watering Game 3 on Sunday afternoon at Carrara Stadium and it was Gold Coast who scored the opening four points before Ipswich got on the board with a three-pointer from Nathan Sobey. Sobey then hit another and Deng Deng joined in and suddenly the Force were leading 9-4 but they were far from done. Deng and Sobey both knocked down another each from downtown and it was 15-4 and Ipswich once again had all the momentum. Gold Coast hit back but Ipswich answered with yet another three ball from Jaylin Galloway before still leading 31-24 by quarter-time. It was another remarkable opening to the second quarter from the Force with Sobey nailing two more three-point bombs. Deng then made another and all of a sudden Ipswich was out to a 16-point lead and that historic championship was becoming a reality. Heading towards half-time and Deng scored again inside with the Ipswich lead growing to 18 before still leading 58-46 at the main break with Deng having been unstoppable with 18 points and five rebounds on 4/5 three-point shooting. Sobey also had 17 points with 5/6 shooting from deep and what Ipswich had done in the last six quarters since losing Game 1 had been remarkable. There was absolutely no let up from the Force as they came out on fire to start the second half too with three-point daggers from Jaylin Galloway and Jason Ralph. Then by the time Deng knocked down two more from beyond the arc, the lead was out to 20 and then 23 when Sobey hit yet another triple too. That lead got out to as much as 26 points in the fourth quarter and when Gold Coast coach Anthony Petrie received a second technical and got ejected with 6:30 to go in the game, the result was beyond doubt. Ipswich would go on to secure the 24-point victory to claim the association's first ever championship and they did in remarkable fashion against the defending champions who looked near invincible at times in 2023, and indeed in Game 1 of the Grand Final Series. Ipswich ended up shooting a scorching 22/46 from three-point territory at 47.8 per cent for Game 3 with Deng incredible making 8/14 of those with Sobey adding 6/8. For Deng and Sobey to contribute 14/22 three-point shooting and combine for 42 points, 17 rebounds and five assists was just too much for Gold Coast to handle. Sobey was named Grand Final MVP after closing out the series in Game 3 delivering 21 points, four rebounds and three assists. It had to be a toss up between he and Deng, and Deng also finished with 41 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and two steals in Game 3 on Sunday afternoon to send a reminder to any NBL clubs with a roster spot left what he can do. Jason Ralph is the heart and soul of this Ipswich team and is now a championship captain. His performances in the last two games were critical and in Game 3 he had 10 assists to go with three points and five rebounds. Jaylin Galloway also produced 13 points, four rebounds and two assists for the champions, Matt Hodgson seven points and eight rebounds, Cameron Goldfinch seven points and two boards, Michael Fleming six points and two steals, and Kyrin Galloway six points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. It will be a tough loss for Gold Coast to take after being one win away from back-to-back championships after winning on Friday night, but the Illawarra Hawks NBL bound Todd Blanchfield had another 20 points and 14 rebounds. Captain Jason Cadee had another 16 points, 12 assists, five rebounds and three assists ahead of returning to the Adelaide 36ers this NBL season with Preston Le Gassick contributing 16 points, three boards, three assists and three steals on shooting 4/6 from three-point territory. Courtesy of: nbl1.com.au |
| AUSTRIA |
| 2025 EuroBasket Pre-Qualifiers: Norway beat Austria as both teams close the campaign - by Eurobasket News |
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Norway - Austria 84:74 Norway overcame Austria 84-74 at the 2025 EuroBasket Pre-Qualifiers as both teams close the campaign. Norway grabbed a 22-17 lead at the start, but led only 1 point at the halftime. The hosts pushed the tempo in the second half with a 22-18 and then closed the campaign with a final 21-16 run. Chris-Ebou Ndow (201-F-1993, college: NW Missouri St.) was unstoppable with 29 points and Stian Mjoes (183-G-1989) netted 9. Benedikt Guettl (190-G-1994) replied with 15 points in a loss and Bogic Vujosevic (192-G-1992) produced 12. |
| Shaw's pro career starts at UBSC Graz - by Stefan Heinrich |
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UBSC Raiffeisen Graz (BSL) landed American 208cm forward Jalen Shaw for new season. Shaw just graduated from Clayton College and State University (NCAA2). In 8 games he averaged 13.5ppg, 12.8rpg, 2.6apg and 3.8bpg last season. He started his college career at Triton College (JUCO). Then he moved to St. Bonaventure University (NCAA). Shaw's high school career he had spent at Larkin in Elgin, IL. So his pro career will start in Austria. UBSC Raiffeisen Graz roster for 2023-24: Guards: Dominick Welch Zach Cooks Elias Podany Forwards: Jalen Shaw Lukas Simoner Coach: Ervin Dragsic |
| BELGIUM |
| Belgian U16 National Team 2023 - by Igor Obradovic | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Belgium edge Argentina in Brno - by Eurobasket News |
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Argentina - Belgium 84-85 Belgium overcame Argentina in the intense battle at the CZ Basketball Cup in Brno. Emmanuel Lecomte (180-PG-1995, college: Baylor) came up with 27 points and 8 assists to lead the charge. Belgium recorded a 17-14 lead after the opening frame. Argentina pulled within 2 points at halftime 32-34. But Belgium maintained the lead throughout the third term. They established a 57-51 advantage heading into the fourth quarter. Argentina unloaded 33 points in the final period but came up short of win at the end. Thijs De Ridder (203-F/C-2003) finished with 19 points for Belgium. Facundo Campazzo (180-PG-1991) answered with 23 points for Argentina. Juan Fernandez (209-C-2002) had 17 points in the defeat. |
| BOLIVIA |
| Libobasquet Round 3 of Semi-Finals. Wins for Atletico Nacional and Leones - by Eurobasket News |
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Atletico Nacional - Pichincha 74-65 The best player for the winners was Cuban-\n guard Adriano Barreras (186-1989) who scored 29 points and 5 rebounds. The former international forward Cristhian Camargo (194-1992) chipped in 14 points and 5 rebounds. Four Atletico Nacional players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American swingman Eric Lovett (196, college: FIU) who recorded a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds and the former international swingman Rene Calvo (193-1993) added 12 points and 7 rebounds respectively. Pichincha's coach Giovanny Vargas rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Top scorers: Atletico Nacional: A.Barreras 29+5reb+1ast, C.Camargo 14+5reb+2ast, R.Acuna 11+4ast, L.Mercado 10+8reb, C.Alan 8+8reb+4ast, G.Carlos 2+1reb+1ast Pichincha: E.Lovett 21+11reb+3ast, E.Gamboa 13+1reb+1ast, R.Calvo 12+7reb+1ast, D.Olguin 5+1ast, R.Salvatierra 4+4reb, J.Perez 4+3reb+1ast Leones - Carl A-Z 83-73 It was a good game for the former international point guard Ronald Arze (175-1993) who led his team to a victory with 19 points, 7 assists and 5 steals. The former international point guard Martin Ochoa (185-1994) contributed with 14 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Four Leones players scored in double figures. Leones' coach Mariano Aguilar allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Argentinian center Diego Romero (206-1982, college: FSU) answered with a double-double by scoring 27 points, 21 rebounds and 6 assists and Argentinian point guard Roberto Orresta (177-1991) added 22 points, 6 assists and 4 steals in the effort for Carl A-Z. Top scorers: Leones: R.Arze 19+4reb+7ast, S.Collins 17+4reb, M.Julian 14+3reb+1ast, M.Ochoa 14+8reb+3ast, R.Gonzales 6+4reb+1ast, V.Michael 5+2ast Carl A-Z: D.Romero 27+21reb+6ast, R.Orresta 22+3reb+6ast, E.Alekzander 9+2reb, V.Samuel 8+5reb+2ast, M.Tola 7+5reb+2ast, M.Lima 0 |
| BOSNIA |
| Igokea keeps Boskovic for another season - by Eurobasket News | |
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BC Igokea Mtel Aleksandrovac (Division I) re-signed 20-year old 193cm shooting guard Srdjan Boskovic for upcoming season. Boskovic has played there for the last two seasons. The previous (2021-22) season he played at Student-Igokea. He helped them to win the league title. BC Igokea Mtel Aleksandrovac roster for 2023-24: Guards: Edin Atic Marko Jeremic Srdjan Boskovic Faruk Duvnjak Forwards: Marko Josilo Nikola Maric Centers: Jackie Carmichael Zoran Nikolic Dusan Makitan Andrej Acimovic |
| Nutall's pro career starts at Siroki - by Zeljko Zule | |||
He started his college career at Sam Houston State University (NCAA) where he played three seasons. Then he moved to Southern Methodist University (NCAA). His high school career he had spent at Bryan in Bryan, TX. So his pro career will start in Bosnia. HKK Siroki Brijeg roster for 2023-24: Guards: Zach Nutall Gabrijel Karamarko Centers: Mateo Colak Mile Covic |
| Rogaska tabs Njegos Sikiras, ex Buducnost BN - by Zeljko Zule | ||||
His team made it to the Srpska Republic Cup Finalist in 2023 final. The previous (2021-22) season he played at Penas Huesca in Spanish LEB Gold where in 10 games he had 9.9ppg and 6.1rpg in that year. Sikiras also played for Amics Castello in Spanish LEB Gold. In 8 games he recorded 3.0ppg and 2.4rpg in that year. He also spent pre-season at Borac (Division I) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sikiras was also a member of Bosnia and Herzegovina international program for some years. He played for Bosnia and Herzegovina Senior National Team between 2016 and 2019 and previously for U20 National Team back in 2017. Sikiras also represented Bosnia at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U18 in Slovakia six years ago. His stats at that event were 7 games: 8.1ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 27.5%, 3PT: 24.4%, FT: 62.5%. He has played previously professionally in Italy (RO SAzzurra) and Spain (Melilla, Fuenlabrada, CB Fuenlabrada Madrid 2nd team, Viten Getafe Fuenlabrada Madrid and Avila). His team made it to the Srpska Republic Cup Finalist in 2023 final. Rogaska Crystal roster for 2023-24: Guards: Sandi Cebular David Kralj Luka Bozak Patrik Tabak Domen Mocnik Stas Sivka Forward: Njegos Sikiras Coach: Dragisa Drobnjak |
| BRAZIL |
| Raul Neto joins Fenerbahce - by Fersu Yahyabeyoglu | ||||
In 2013 he was drafted by Atlanta Hawks (NBA) in second round (47th overall). He was also a member of Brazilian international program for some years. Neto played for Brazilian Senior National Team between 2009 and 2016 and previously for U19 National Team back in 2011. He represented Brazil at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) seven years ago. His stats at that event were 5 games: 4.8ppg, 1.4rpg, 2.6apg. Neto is quite experienced player. Neto's career allowed him to visit three different continents, while he played in four different countries. He tasted the life as pro basketball player in Europe, Latin America and of course North America. Neto has played previously professionally in Spain (Murcia), NBA (Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers and Washington Wizards), NBA G League (SLC Stars) and Brazil (Minas). His team made it to the Brazilian National League Semifinals in 2009 and 2010. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul roster for 2023-24: Guards: Melih Mahmutoglu Raul Neto Scottie Wilbekin Tyler Dorsey Sehmus Hazer Yam Madar Forwards: Dyshawn Pierre Metecan Birsen Nigel Hayes-Davis Nathan Sestina Marko Guduric Centers: Sertac Sanli Georgios Papagiannis Johnathan Motley Coach: Dimitris Itoudis |
| CAPE VERDE |
| China outgun Cape Verde in Trento - by Eurobasket News |
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China - Cape Verde 86-66 China overcame Cape Verde at the start of the Trento international friendly tournament. Yongxi Cui (196-G-2003) came up with 18 points to lead the Asian powerhouse. China grabbed a 19-15 lead after ten minutes. They stretched the margin at 7-point mark at the interval 36-29. China kept mounting the pressure in the second half. They erupted for 26 points to gain a 17-point lead. They poured in 24 points in the fourth stanza and raced to the victory. Shuo Fang (189-PG-1990) notched 11 points for China. Ivan Almeida (198-SF-1989, college: Stonehill) answered with 20 points for Cape Verde. |
| CEBL |
| Round 1 of 1/8 Finals. Scarborough and Edmonton advance - by Eurobasket News |
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Scarborough - Brampton 98-74 Shooting Stars looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Honey Badgers' players. American point guard Anthony Barber (188-1994, college: NC State) fired 32 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. His fellow American import center Kyree Walker (198-2000) chipped in 25 points (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). Shooting Stars' coach felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guard Callum Baker (188-2000, college: Flagler) produced 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and American forward Zane Waterman (203-1995, college: Manhattan) added 10 points and 10 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four Shooting Stars and five Honey Badgers players scored in double figures. Top scorers: Brampton: C.Baker 16+7reb+4ast, S.Stevenson 16+4reb+2ast, P.Oduro 12+4reb+2ast, C.John 11+3reb+2ast, Z.Waterman 10+10reb+2ast, A.Hamilton 6 Scarborough: A.Barber 32+6reb+7ast, K.Walker 25+4reb+2ast, I.Mike 15+9reb+1ast, Z.Moore 12+5reb+2ast, K.Young 6+7reb+10ast, G.Juozapaitis 4+1reb Winnipeg - Edmonton 81-87 Stingers players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Isiah Osborne (196-1996, college: Carleton) who helped to win the game recording 24 points. Brody Clarke (203-1996, college: Alberta) contributed with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Four Stingers players scored in double figures. American guard Teddy Allen (198-1998, college: NM State) answered with a double-double by scoring 35 points (!!!), 10 rebounds and 5 assists and British-Jamaican point guard Jelani Watson-Gayle (186-1998, college: FPU) added 18 points in the effort for Sea Bears. Top scorers: Winnipeg: T.Allen 35+10reb+5ast, J.Watson-Gayle 18+4reb+2ast, H.Simon 11+11reb, A.Hess 5+5reb+2ast, S.Osayande 5+7reb+1ast, G.Yang 5+2reb+1ast Edmonton: I.Osborne 24+1reb+2ast, B.Clarke 13+6reb+6ast, A.Uguak 11+4reb+4ast, L.Williamson 11+2reb+1ast, M.Lufile 9+4reb, S.Gibson 6+4reb+2ast |
| CHINA |
| NBL Round 13: HK JinNiu defeat Shaanxi - by Eurobasket News | ||
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Here is the last round review presented by Job Market. The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Shaanxi (11-3) on the court of eleventh ranked HK JinNiu on Friday night. Visitors were defeated by HK JinNiu 87-80. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Shaanxi. HK JinNiu (5-9) moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Henan. Shaanxi at the other side still keeps top position with three games lost. HK JinNiu is looking forward to face league's second-placed Anhui W. on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Shaanxi will play against Guangxi and is hoping to win this game. Very important is a road loss of third ranked Liaoning Y. (9-5) against ninth ranked Jiangxi (6-8) on Friday night. Visiting Liaoning Y. was defeated by Jiangxi in a tough game on the road 93-98. Jiangxi moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Liaoning Y. at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keeps the third position with five games lost. Jiangxi will play against Jiangsu YS (#7) in Yannan in the next round. Liaoning Y. will play at home against Hebei (#6) and hopes to get back on the winning track. An interesting game for Anhui W. (10-4) which hosted in Anhui 4th placed Hunan (8-6). Second ranked Anhui W. had an easy win 114-92. Anhui W. have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They maintain second place with 10-4 record behind leader Shaanxi. Loser Hunan keeps the fourth position with six games lost. They share it with Guangxi. Anhui W. will meet at home HK JinNiu (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Hunan will play against Hefei (#8) and hope to secure a win. Other games in round 13 were not that significant. Guangxi beat Henan on the road 92-83. Hefei destroyed Jiangsu YS on its own court 117-96. Hebei unfortunately lost to Wuhan in a road game 116-120.
Jiangxi - Liaoning Y. 98-93 Very important is a road loss of third ranked Liaoning Y. (9-5) against ninth ranked Jiangxi (6-8) on Friday night. Visiting Liaoning Y. was defeated by Jiangxi in a tough game on the road 93-98. Jiangxi moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Liaoning Y. at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keeps the third position with five games lost. Jiangxi will play against Jiangsu YS (#7) in Yannan in the next round. Liaoning Y. will play at home against Hebei (#6) and hopes to get back on the winning track. Henan - Guangxi 83-92 No shocking result in a game when fifth ranked Guangxi (8-6) beat on the road 8th ranked Henan (5-9) 92-83 on Friday. Guangxi have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Hunan. Newly promoted Henan dropped to the tenth position with nine games lost. They share it with HK JinNiu. Guangxi will meet league's leader Shaanxi in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Henan will play against Wuhan (#12) and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Anhui W. - Hunan 114-92 An interesting game for Anhui W. (10-4) which hosted in Anhui 4th placed Hunan (8-6). Second ranked Anhui W. had an easy win 114-92. Anhui W. have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They maintain second place with 10-4 record behind leader Shaanxi. Loser Hunan keeps the fourth position with six games lost. They share it with Guangxi. Anhui W. will meet at home HK JinNiu (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Hunan will play against Hefei (#8) and hope to secure a win. Hefei - Jiangsu YS 117-96 There was a minor upset when higher ranked Jiangsu YS (6-8) was smashed on the road by tenth ranked Hefei (6-8) 117-96 on Friday. Hefei moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Jiangsu YS. Jiangsu YS lost their sixth game in a row. Hefei will meet higher ranked Hunan (#5) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Jiangsu YS will play against Jiangxi and hope to secure a win. Wuhan - Hebei 120-116 There was a surprise result when twelfth ranked Wuhan (4-10) won against at home higher ranked Hebei (6-8) 120-116 on Friday. Wuhan maintains twelfth place with 4-10 record. Loser Hebei dropped to the sixth position with eight games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Wuhan will meet higher ranked Henan (#11) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Hebei will play against Liaoning Y. (#3) having rather not much hope for a victory. HK JinNiu - Shaanxi 87-80 The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Shaanxi (11-3) on the court of eleventh ranked HK JinNiu on Friday night. Visitors were defeated by HK JinNiu 87-80. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Shaanxi. HK JinNiu (5-9) moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Henan. Shaanxi at the other side still keeps top position with three games lost. HK JinNiu is looking forward to face league's second-placed Anhui W. on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Shaanxi will play against Guangxi and is hoping to win this game. |
| China outgun Cape Verde in Trento - by Eurobasket News |
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China - Cape Verde 86-66 China overcame Cape Verde at the start of the Trento international friendly tournament. Yongxi Cui (196-G-2003) came up with 18 points to lead the Asian powerhouse. China grabbed a 19-15 lead after ten minutes. They stretched the margin at 7-point mark at the interval 36-29. China kept mounting the pressure in the second half. They erupted for 26 points to gain a 17-point lead. They poured in 24 points in the fourth stanza and raced to the victory. Shuo Fang (189-PG-1990) notched 11 points for China. Ivan Almeida (198-SF-1989, college: Stonehill) answered with 20 points for Cape Verde. |
| Italy prevail against China at Trentino Basket Cup - by Eurobasket News |
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Italy - China 79-61 Italy captured the second straight win at the Trentino Basket Cup. They beat China for the trophy. Matteo Spagnolo (193-G-2003) finished with 13 points for the Azzurri. Italy sank 27 points in the first period to gain an 8-point lead. The hosts held their opponents to just 12 points in the second stanza to secure a 42-31 halftime advantage. Italy kept China at bay throughout the third term. They established a comfortable 19-point advantage heading into the fourth period and never looked back en route to the win. Mouhamet Diouf (206-F-2001) delivered 12 points, while Guglielmo Caruso and Giampaolo Ricci (201-PF-1991) produced 11 points apiece in the win. Qi Zhou (217-C-1996) answered with 12 points for China. Kyle Anderson (206-G/F-1993, college: UCLA) tossed in 11 points in the loss. |
| CROATIA |
| Legia lands Josip Sobin - by Eurobasket News | |||
Sobin was voted to Croatian League All-Star Game back in 2014 and 2015. The previous (2021-22) season he played at MKS. In 29 EBL games he recorded 10.1ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.6apg and 1.2spg in that year. He also played 8 games in Alpe Adria Cup where he got 12.0ppg, 5.0rpg and 2.0apg in that year. Sobin contributed to his team making it to the quarterfinals. He can count that season as a very successful as was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Alpe Adria Cup Second Team. Sobin was a member of Croatian international program for some years. He was called to Croatian Senior National Team between 2015 and 2017 and previously for U18 National Team back in 2007. Sobin is a very experienced player. He has played also professionally in Italy (Cremona), Spain (Fuenlabrada) and Croatia (Split, Zadar and Trogir). Sobin was voted to Croatian League All-Star Game back in 2014 and 2015. Legia Warszawa roster for 2023-24: Guards: Raymond Cowels_III Jakub Schenk Marcin Wielunski Forwards: Adam Linowski Grzegorz Kulka Michal Kolenda Aric Holman Centers: Josip Sobin Dariusz Wyka Coach: Wojciech Kaminski |
| Charilaos sign a second foreign player, ex Zabok - by Chris Mammides | |||
He played most recently at KK Zabok in Croatian Premijer Liga. In 12 games he averaged impressive 20.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 5.7apg and 1.7spg last season. He also played for Achilleas in Cypriot OPAP Basket League where in 15 games he had very remarkable stats: 16.5ppg, 3.9rpg and 4.9apg (top 3). Among many awards his college team won Summit League Tournament in 2021. He was also voted to All-GAC Freshman of the Year back in 2018. Glasper graduated from University of Incarnate Word in 2022 and it will be his second season in pro basketball. He played also for Oral Roberts University for one year. Charilaos Trikoupis Mesologiou roster for 2023-24: Ioannis Molfetas Filippos Kalogiannidis Alexandros Zarkadoulias Alexandros Stamatogiannis Robert Glacel RJ Glasper Aristeidis Tsourgiannis Dimitris Nanos Dimitris Tsourgianis Christos Pagouras Coach: Ilias Moutsios |
| CYPRUS |
| Raynere Thornton joins Keravnos - by Antonis Katsaros | ||||
He is quite experienced player. Thornton has played also professionally in Romania (Pitesti), North Macedonia (Rabotnicki), NBA G League (Memphis Hustle) and The Basketball Tournament (Cititeam). He was voted to GCAA D1 All-Freshman Team back in 2016. Thornton graduated from University of Memphis in 2019 and it will be his fifth season as a professional player. He played also for Gordon State College for one year. Keravnos Strovolou roster for 2023-24: Guards: Simon Michail Filippos Tigkas Shavar Reynolds_Jr. Stefanos Tigkas Paris Chrostodoulides Forwards: Nikos Stylianou Ioannis Pasiali Raynere Thornton Charalambos Savva Savvas Gonatas Center: Michalis Koumis Coach: Michalis Kakiouzis |
| CZECH REPUBLIC |
| Argentina race past Czech Republic in friendly - by Eurobasket News |
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Czech Republic - Argentina 87-101 Argentina outscored Czech Republic in the friendly encounter in Brno on Thursday. Nicolas Brussino (205-SF-1993) posted 27 points to lead the charge. Argentina fired 28 points in the first period to eke out a 2-point lead. They maintained the lead throughout the second stanza. Argentina established a 53-47 halftime advantage. Argentina kept the pressure building in the second half. They sank 25 points in the third frame to secure an 11-point advantage heading into the fourth stanza. Argentina poured in 23 points in the final period and rallied to the win. Facundo Campazzo (180-PG-1991) posted 19 points and 10 assists for the Latin American team. Vit Krejci (203-G/F-2000) answered with 17 points for Czech Republic. Matej Svoboda (200-F-1996, college: Dayton) had 13 points in the losing case. |
| DOMINICA |
| Falcons outscore Blazers in Game 1 - by Eurobasket News |
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Falcons outscored Blazers 74-62 in Game 1 of the Finals. They dominated the majority of the game to seal the win. Keifer Francis stepped up with 25 points to pace all the winners. Peter Ricketts nailed 13, whilst Kijuan Thomas netted 12. Lester Langlais replied with 20 points in the losing effort. |
| ECUADOR |
| Liga Basquet Pro Round 17: J.Guzman defeat Barcelona in the closest game of the week - by Eurobasket News | ||
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Here is the last round review presented by Job Market. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 3rd placed Barcelona (11-7) to fifth ranked J.Guzman (10-8) 109-106 on Wednesday evening. J.Guzman maintains fifth place with 10-8 record. Barcelona at the other side keeps the third position with seven games lost. They share it with Leones. Liga Basquet Pro top team - IMP Alvarado (16-2) added another victory to their record. This time they beat sixth ranked Orange (9-9) 88-80. IMP Alvarado maintains first place with 16-2 record. Orange at the other side keeps the sixth position with nine games lost. Second ranked Guerreros MC (12-6) crushed at home 7th ranked Piratas (8-10) by 37 points 89-52, which is the biggest margin this round on Tuesday night. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Piratas. Guerreros MC maintains second place with 12-6 record having four points less than leader IMP Alvarado. Loser Piratas keep the seventh position with ten games lost. In the last two games of round 17 Pasaje won against Portoviejo on the opponent's court 99-86. Leones managed to outperform Spartans in a home game 102-86.
Portoviejo - Pasaje 86-99 The game between closely ranked teams ended with 10th ranked Portoviejo's (1-17) home loss to ninth ranked Pasaje (6-11) 86-99 on Tuesday. Pasaje maintains ninth place with 6-11 record. Loser Portoviejo stay dead last with 17 lost games. Guerreros MC - Piratas 89-52 Second ranked Guerreros MC (12-6) crushed at home 7th ranked Piratas (8-10) by 37 points 89-52, which is the biggest margin this round on Tuesday night. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Piratas. Guerreros MC maintains second place with 12-6 record having four points less than leader IMP Alvarado. Loser Piratas keep the seventh position with ten games lost. Leones - Spartans 102-86 Rather predictable result in Riobamba where fourth ranked Leones (11-7) defeated 8th ranked Spartans (5-12) 102-86 on Tuesday. Leones moved-up to third place, which they share with Barcelona. Loser Spartans keep the eighth position with 12 games lost. J.Guzman - Barcelona 109-106 This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 3rd placed Barcelona (11-7) to fifth ranked J.Guzman (10-8) 109-106 on Wednesday evening. J.Guzman maintains fifth place with 10-8 record. Barcelona at the other side keeps the third position with seven games lost. They share it with Leones. Orange - IMP Alvarado 80-88 Liga Basquet Pro top team - IMP Alvarado (16-2) added another victory to their record. This time they beat sixth ranked Orange (9-9) 88-80. IMP Alvarado maintains first place with 16-2 record. Orange at the other side keeps the sixth position with nine games lost. |
| National League Round 8 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News | ||
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Here is the last round review presented by Job Market. The most interesting game of round 8 was only three-point a home defeat of second-ranked Atuneros (4-3) to first ranked Club Valle (5-2) 81-78. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Bryce Larenz (-1998) who helped to win the game recording 24 points and 5 assists and forward Dajari Acosta (-2006) who added 24 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Forward Oylan Spriggins (-1992) responded with 23 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Club Valle have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 5-2 record. Newly promoted Atuneros dropped to the third place with three games lost. They share the position with Caballeros. Bottom-ranked Nesfebanor (0-5) is still winless. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they lost on the road their fifth consecutive match to fourth ranked Santa Maria (5-3) 98-55. The winners were led by forward Jeanhison Rosales (-2002) who scored that evening 14 points and 7 rebounds and Emilio Morales supported him with 18 points. Santa Maria's coach felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even a double-double of 27 points and 17 rebounds by forward Hector Graterol (-1990) did not help to save the game for Nesfebanor. Santa Maria have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place. Nesfebanor at the other side still closes the standings with five games lost.
Santa Maria - Nesfebanor 98-55 Bottom-ranked Nesfebanor (0-5) is still winless. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they lost on the road their fifth consecutive match to fourth ranked Santa Maria (5-3) 98-55. Santa Maria dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Nesfebanor's 22. Santa Maria forced 33 Nesfebanor turnovers. The winners were led by forward Jeanhison Rosales (-2002) who scored that evening 14 points and 7 rebounds and forward Emilio Morales (-2006) supported him with 18 points. Santa Maria's coach felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even a double-double of 27 points and 17 rebounds by forward Hector Graterol (-1990) did not help to save the game for Nesfebanor. Forward Jonathan Ruiz (-1994) added 12 points and 6 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) for the guests. Santa Maria have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place. Nesfebanor at the other side still closes the standings with five games lost. Top scorers: Santa Maria: M.Emilio 18+4reb+1ast, M.Luis 18+3reb, R.Jeanhison 14+7reb+2ast, A.Rivadeneira 9+1reb+2ast, M.Moncayo 8+2reb+3ast, A.Diego 8+3reb+1ast Nesfebanor: G.Hector 27+17reb, R.Jonathan 12+6reb+3ast, B.Bryan 7+5reb+1ast, Q.Alexander 5+2reb+1ast, S.Bryan 2+3reb+2ast, G.Angel 2 Atuneros - Club Valle 78-81 The most interesting game of round 8 was only three-point a home defeat of second-ranked Atuneros (4-3) to first ranked Club Valle (5-2) 81-78. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Bryce Larenz (-1998) who helped to win the game recording 24 points and 5 assists and forward Dajari Acosta (-2006) who added 24 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Forward Oylan Spriggins (-1992) responded with 23 points and 9 rebounds and forward Javier Centeno (-2006) scored 18 points and 4 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Club Valle have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 5-2 record. Newly promoted Atuneros dropped to the third place with three games lost. They share the position with Caballeros. Top scorers: Club Valle: L.Bryce 24+4reb+5ast, A.Dajari 24+5reb, O.Jose 10+8reb+1ast, M.Richard 8+2reb, C.Justin 6+4reb+1ast, C.David 5+1reb+1ast Atuneros: S.Oylan 23+9reb+2ast, C.Javier 18+3reb+4ast, C.Carlos 13+1reb+1ast, E.Guerrero 7+9reb+3ast, M.Elian 6, Z.Tommy 5+4reb |
| ESTONIA |
| Parnu keeps Sutt for another season - by Eurobasket News | |||
Sutt was also a member of Estonian international program for some years. He played for Estonian Senior National Team between 2018 and 2020 and previously for U20 National Team back in 2014. Sutt represented Estonia at the World University Games in Gwangju (South Korea) eight years ago. His stats at that event were 7 games: 6.6ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 34.6%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 77.8%. He has played also professionally in Austria (Gunners Oberwart), Latvia and Estonia (Tartu and Rapla). His team won Estonian Cup in 2014 and 2015. Among many awards he was voted to Eurobasket.com All-Estonian League Honorable Mention back in 2018. |
| EUROLEAGUE |
| Raul Neto joins Fenerbahce - by Fersu Yahyabeyoglu | ||||
In 2013 he was drafted by Atlanta Hawks (NBA) in second round (47th overall). He was also a member of Brazilian international program for some years. Neto played for Brazilian Senior National Team between 2009 and 2016 and previously for U19 National Team back in 2011. He represented Brazil at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) seven years ago. His stats at that event were 5 games: 4.8ppg, 1.4rpg, 2.6apg. Neto is quite experienced player. Neto's career allowed him to visit three different continents, while he played in four different countries. He tasted the life as pro basketball player in Europe, Latin America and of course North America. Neto has played previously professionally in Spain (Murcia), NBA (Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers and Washington Wizards), NBA G League (SLC Stars) and Brazil (Minas). His team made it to the Brazilian National League Semifinals in 2009 and 2010. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul roster for 2023-24: Guards: Melih Mahmutoglu Raul Neto Scottie Wilbekin Tyler Dorsey Sehmus Hazer Yam Madar Forwards: Dyshawn Pierre Metecan Birsen Nigel Hayes-Davis Nathan Sestina Marko Guduric Centers: Sertac Sanli Georgios Papagiannis Johnathan Motley Coach: Dimitris Itoudis |
| M.Tel-Aviv tabs Will Rayman - by Fersu Yahyabeyoglu | ||||
Rayman played in the final of Patriot League Tournament in 2018 and 2020. He was voted to Patriot League All-Defensive Team back in 2019 and 2020. The previous (2022) summer he played at Ex Pats in U.S. semi-pro league TBT. In only one game he recorded 15 points and 2 rebounds in 2022 year. Rayman has played also professionally in Estonia (Tartu), Germany (BG Goettingen) and Latvia (Ventspils). He graduated from Colgate University in 2020 and it will be his fourth season in pro basketball. Rayman played in the final of Patriot League Tournament in 2018 and 2020. He was selected to Patriot League All-Defensive Team back in 2019 and 2020. Maccabi Playtika Tel-Aviv roster for 2023-24: Guards: John DiBartolomeo Tamir Blatt Antonius Cleveland Wade Baldwin_IV Aviel Mamo Shon Dalid Forwards: Rafi Menco Jake Cohen James Webb_III Bonzie Colson_Jr. Will Rayman Gabriel Artmenko Centers: Jasiel Rivero Josh Nebo Coach: Oded Kattash |
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| Ireland secure dramatic 79-76 win over Luxembourg in FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Pre-Qualifier - by Eurobasket News |
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Ireland showed their composure and battling qualities to secure a dramatic come-from-behind 79-76 win over Luxembourg in front of a sold-out National Basketball Arena, to secure second spot in Group G of the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Pre-Qualifiers. There were several big performances from the squad, notably from Jordan Blount (203-F/C-1997, college: UIC, agency: One Motive Sports) who finished with 16 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. CJ Fulton also caught the eye, picking up 16 points, five rebounds and five assists. Ireland certainly didn't have it their own way, they lost the influential Blount for the closing stages and trailed by a point with a minute to go, but still emerged victorious, with head coach Mark Keenan noting: 'credit to the guys - lots of teams would have folded with five minutes to go'. Ireland made an excellent start to the contest, Fulton had five points in the opening two minutes, a pair of free throws and a three point jump shot, which helped put Ireland 8-4 ahead. Ireland were 17-8 up near the midpoint, after some swift link-up play set Sean Flood up for a three, followed by Neal Quinn landing a turnaround jumpshot shortly afterwards. Luxembourg called a timeout, but Ireland continued to find joy from the three point line, Taiwo Badmus (199-F-1993, college: UVA Wise) and another from Fulton had Ireland 23-10 in front. Luxembourg dragged themselves back into the contest, but Flood had the last points of the quarter, his jump shot put Ireland 29-20 up. The visitors however had momentum and they took the lead, 31-30, in the fourth minute of the second quarter through Axel Laurent's layup. Ireland offence wasn't having much joy in the second quarter, a five point run by Jordan Blount helped get Ireland back level at 36 apiece, with 2'37 to go. But eight seconds later Luxembourg captain Laurent converted from the three point line. Fulton converted a much needed three with 13 seconds to go in the half, which saw Ireland behind 43-41 at half-time, Fulton's tally at 11 points by the break. Blount continued where he left off in the third quarter, his back-to-back layups propelled Ireland back in front, 51-47, three and a half minutes in. A neat pass from Quinn and a Lorcan Murphy (182-PG-1994) layup through traffic saw him make it 56-49 with 4'22 to go, thanks to the additional converted free throw, after he'd been fouled. Luxembourg responded with a 14 point run, Bob Melcher's long three and a Laurent dunk among their scorers. Ireland needed points and Murphy provided it with a two point jump shot from the corner in the dying seconds of the third quarter, to trail 63-59 at the end it. Samuel Alajiki (183-F-2002)'s layup made it a two point game at the start of the fourth quarter. Luxembourg however weren't going to roll over, Melcher's layup put them up 65-61. A brilliant Alajiki block, followed shortly afterwards by a John Carroll (204-F-1995, college: Hartford) layup and it was 65-63 with less than two minutes gone. The tense contest was level once more, at 68-68, with 4'44' to go following a three from the corner by Alajiki. Ireland lost the influential Blount with 3'18' remaining, an unsportsmanlike foul was his fifth offence. It was a big blow, but undeterred Ireland responded with a brilliant three from Fulton, which brought the home crowd to their feet. A Badmus layup and Ireland were 74-70 up with 2'19 to go, to prompt a Luxembourg timeout. There was still plenty of drama, a nerveless three from Clancy Rugg (204-F/C-1991, college: Vermont) put Luxembourg back ahead, 75-74. with 1'03 remaining and brought his personal tally to 27 points in the process. The imposing Quinn converted from close in after Badmus' layup didn't drop, to edge Ireland back into the lead, 76-75, with 32 seconds to go. 10 seconds later Badmus converted one of his two free throws, to make it a two point game. Rugg's layup attempt for Luxembourg uncharacteristically failed to drop. At the other end Fulton earned an offensive foul and cooly slotted his two free throws and Ireland's advantage was 4 points, 79-75, with 8 seconds to go and that was to prove enough. Head coach Mark Keenan said: 'We had our moments in the game, but credit to the guys - lots of teams would have folded with five minutes to go. We just hung in the game and switched to zone defence, it gave us a good few stops and then just converting at the end. Our defensive rebounding when we needed it, the zone they definitely couldn't handle. I am delighted for the guys, it could easily have gone the other way, but we hung right in to the end.' Keenan added: 'Guys stepped up when we needed it, Jordan (Blount) kept us in the game for a good bit and then obviously with him going out Sam (Alajiki) stepped up, CJ (Fulton) stepped up, big (Neal) Quinn stepped up, Taiwo (Badmus) too, they all stepped up.' Courtesy of: ireland.basketball |
| FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers field set - by Eurobasket News |
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The field for the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers is now set, with all 32 participating teams confirmed following the completion of the Pre-Qualifiers. Denmark was the last team to secure qualification on Saturday, joining Bulgaria, Croatia and Slovakia as the four group winners who advanced from the Third Round of the Pre-Qualifiers. The 28 other national teams booked their places in the Qualifiers either through the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers or the Second Round of the EuroBasket Pre-Qualifiers. The confirmed lineup for the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers : Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine. The 32 participating nations will be sorted into eight groups of four teams each at the Qualifiers draw, which will take place on August 8 in Munich, with the ceremony streamed live on the official FIBA YouTube channel from 11:30 CET. The seedings for the draw will be unveiled on Monday. The FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers will be played across three windows on February 19-27, 2024, November 18-26, 2024 and February 17-25, 2025 with two games played by each team in every window. The three highest-placed teams from each group, except the groups which include FIBA EuroBasket 2025 co-hosts Cyprus, Finland, Poland and Latvia, will qualify for the Final Round. In the groups containing the host nations, the host and the two other highest placed teams will qualify for the FIBA EuroBasket 2025. Courtesy of: fiba.basketball |
| 2025 EuroBasket Pre-Qualifiers: Norway beat Austria as both teams close the campaign - by Eurobasket News |
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Norway - Austria 84:74 Norway overcame Austria 84-74 at the 2025 EuroBasket Pre-Qualifiers as both teams close the campaign. Norway grabbed a 22-17 lead at the start, but led only 1 point at the halftime. The hosts pushed the tempo in the second half with a 22-18 and then closed the campaign with a final 21-16 run. Chris-Ebou Ndow (201-F-1993, college: NW Missouri St.) was unstoppable with 29 points and Stian Mjoes (183-G-1989) netted 9. Benedikt Guettl (190-G-1994) replied with 15 points in a loss and Bogic Vujosevic (192-G-1992) produced 12. |
| EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16 |
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| EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18 |
| Division C. Cyprus and Monaco advance into title game - by Eurobasket News |
SEMISCyprus - Luxembourg 70-63Cyprus advanced into Division C Final beating Luxembourg. Cyprus trailed by one point after ten minutes. Luxembourg secured a 2-point lead heading into the fourth term. Cyprus responded with a 19-10 run in the final frame to seal the win. Michail Hristofides (182-G-2005) scored 20 points, while Georgios Armakolas (185-G-2005) added 15 points for Cyprus. Kelvin Almeida (188-SG-2005) answered with 16 points for Luxembourg. Monaco - Moldova 98-63 Monaco held off Moldova to book the title game place. Monaco accumulated a 46-26 halftime lead. They followed with a 33-13 rally in the third term to clear off for good. Eithan Zerbib (187-PG-2005) tallied 23 points and 15 rebounds, while Matteo Qittane (183-PG-2006) added 14 points for Monaco. Lucian Lavric (186-SG-2005) answered with 20 points for Moldova. |
| FINLAND |
| Finland sets up all-time attendance record at home beating Lithuania - by Eurobasket News |
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Finland - Lithuania 81:79 Finland set up all-time attendance record at home beating Lithuania. More than 13,000 spectators enjoyed an 81-79 win of the local side. Lithuania grabbed a 21-19 lead at the start, whilst Finland replied with a 26-19 rally in the second period to take a 5-point halftime advantage. The teams exchanged punches in the second half as Lauri Markkanen (216-F/C-1997, college: Arizona) nailed dunk for a 79-74 lead. Margiris Normantas (194-G-1996) scored two free throws to tie the game at 79-79, whilst Mikael Jantunen (204-PF-2000, college: Utah) brought the victory for the Finnish side. Lauri Markkanen top-scored for the winners with 24 points, while Olivier Nkamhoua (203-F-2000) and Jacob Grandison (198-G/F-1998, agency: Octagon Europe) posted 12 each. Rokas Jokubaitis (193-PG-2000) replied with 13 points in the losing effort. |
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| FRANCE |
| French U16 National Team 2023 - by Igor Obradovic | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| GERMANY |
| David Brembly (ex Dijon) joins Stal - by Eurobasket News | ||||
The previous (2021-22) season he played at Enea Zastal in Polish EBL. In 34 games he averaged 8.1ppg and 3.8rpg in that year. He contributed to his team winning the Supercup. Brembly also played 13 games in VTB United League where he got 6.6ppg, 4.2rpg and 1.0spg in that year. He represented Germany at the World University Games in Gwangju (South Korea) eight years ago. His team won Silver and his stats at that event were 3 games: 3.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.0spg. Brembly has played previously professionally in Germany (EnBW Ludwigsburg, ratiopharm Ulm, Bayreuth, MBC and Hakro Merlins) and Poland (Trefl Sopot 2nd team and Trefl). He was voted to German Bundesliga All-Star Game back in 2015. BM Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski roster for 2023-24: Guards: Michal Chylinski Aigars Skele David Brembly Aleksander Zalucki Rodney Chatman Forwards: Nemanja Djurisic Ojars Silins Arunas Mikalauskas Center: Damian Kulig Coach: Andrzej Urban |
| Vander Plas inks at Ludwigsburg at the beginning of his pro career - by Eurobasket News | |
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MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg (BBL) added to their roster American forward Ben Vander Plas (200cm) for new 2023-24 season. Vander Plas just graduated from Virginia (NCAA). In 28 games he recorded 7.6ppg, 4.6rpg and 1.5apg last season. He helped them to win the regular season and make it to the ACC Tournament final. Vander Plas started his college career at The University of Virginia (NCAA). Vander Plas' high school career he had spent at Ripon in Ripon, WI. Of course it will be his first season as a professional player. MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg roster for 2023-24: Guards: Josh McFolley Jayvon Graves Deion Hammond Lenny Anigbata Forwards: Yorman Polas-Bartolo Elijah Childs Ben Vander_Plas Center: Eddy Edigin |
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| The Shooting Of Dakota Mathias (ratiopharm ulm) Might Stand Out But He Prides His Game On Versatility - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber |
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Dakota Mathias (193-G-1995, college: Purdue) is a 27 year old 193cm guard from Elida, Ohio playing his sixth professional season and first in Germany with ratiopharm Ulm. Last season he played with the Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) averaging 16.1ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.9apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 54.9%, 3FGP: 40.5%, FT: 84.9%, in Apr.'23 signed at Lenovo Tenerife (Spain-ACB). In the seasons 2019-2022, he played a total 13 NBA games with the Philadelphia 76ers and Memphis Grizzlies. He also played with G-League team Texas Legends. He played his rookie season with Divina Seguros Juventut Badalona (Spain-ACB) averaging 8.5ppg, 2.4rpg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 37.3%. He began his career with Elida high school and then played a total of 141 NCAA games with Purdue. He spoke to eurobasket about basketball. Thanks Dakota for talking to eurobasket.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you? I'm feeling good. I'm in Indianapolis training and getting ready for the season. Congrats on signing with 2023 BBL champion ratiopharm Ulm. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it's basketball? I'm sure you know many guys that have played in Germany over the years. My former teammate at Purdue Trevion Williams will be my teammate this season in Germany. It's exciting playing for the team that won the league. I have heard good things about the BBL. The fan base is great as well. I'm excited to get going. How much are you looking forward to playing against your ex teammate Carsen Edwards in Germany? What did you always appreciate most about his game? I'm excited to be able to play against him this season. We were teammates for 2 years at Purdue. I liked how he could score in so many ways. He could do it all. After being in the NBA and G-League for some years, was there a particular event or feeling why you came overseas now? I'm sure you haven't given up on the NBA yet You can always get back to the NBA. For me Ulm was a great opportunity. The organization has a great reputation. It is a great club that is dedicated to the players and city. I couldn't pass it up. You could of gone anywhere in Europe. How big did their title last season play a role in you signing? Ulm winning the title played a big role also for me coming. You always want to compete and win. How did you enjoy the talks with Anton Gavel? He is an up and coming coach that won many titles in Germany with Casey Jacobsen a guy who had an incredible career overseas and NBA? We talked on the phone. He is a great guy. I'm excited to be able to learn from him. He had a lot of success as a player and coach. I have to pick his brain. Let's talk about your game. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill? I try to emulate my game after JJ Reddick. I watched his on and off ball and his quick release. Your shooting stands out, but you can do so much more. How big is versatility in your game? My shooting is my most important strength, but passing is also one of my best strengths. Playing off the pick and roll and being a good decision maker is important in my game. Talk a little about your defense. What kind of defender are you? I think that I'm a solid defender on and off ball. I think I play with a high IQ on defense. I can improve pressuring guys more and making them uncomfortable with the ball. On what area's of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game most? I can always improve all aspects of my game. I'm always working on my shot, quick release, getting the ball on the ground and pull ups. You played your rookie season with Divina Seguros Juventut Badalona (Spain-Liga Endesa): 12 games: 8.5ppg, 2.4rpg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 37.3%,. What do you remember being your wake up call to being in Germany where you knew that you were far away from home? I didn't have one. At the end of the day we are there to play basketball. You only played 12 ACB games and had injury woes. How tough was your rookie season? What did you learn about yourself? I had a tough injury. The season was tough, but I moved on and continued to work on my game to get better. What memories will you always have from veteran Luke Harangody? Did he take you under his wing a bit when you arrived? He showed me the ropes. He actually only lives 2 hours from me. He was a veteran and helped me with the systems and just gave me a lot of advice. In your second pro season you went back to the States and played with the to Texas Legends (NBA G League) averaging 17.9ppg, 4.9rpg, 3.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 82.7%. What do you remember from that season and do you feel like you were ever near a NBA call up? I thought I was close to a NBA call up. I had a great G-League season. I shot the ball at a really high rate that season and was efficient. In the 20-21 season you finally made the big show playing 8 games for the 76ers. You had strong games against Denver and Atlanta and had 7 points in your debut against the Cavs. What do you remember from your debut? It was huge playing there because I'm from Ohio. I had family and friends there. It was really exciting to score those first points. It is what you always dream of as a kid What will you always remember most about Dwight Howard that the masses don't necessarily know about him? He was great. He taught us the little things that were important on the court. He was a great vocal leader. In the 21-22 Covid season you played 5 games for the Grizzlies and 4 games for the Texas Legends. How tough was the season during Covid and what positives could you take from a time where the world was in disarray? This time was tough for everyone. I was just grateful for everything that I had. It was great getting called up. I really enjoyed my time in the Grizzlies organization. They are a great organization. What was it like being teammates with Ja Morant. What was the coolest wow moment you ever saw from him on the court? I remember the first game against the Brooklyn Nets. He came down on transition and made a big dunk. His athleticism was off the charts. You saw something like this everyday. It was surreal to watch. Last season you played with the Memphis Hustle averaging 16.1ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.9apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 54.9%, 3FGP: 40.5%, FT: 84.9%. This was another strong season. Does the 132-130 win over Lakeland where you scored 36 points still pop into your mind at times? Yes it is. I obviously had a huge statistical game, but even better is that we won. We were down early and fought back. I shot the ball at a high rate. Jay Scrubb had 42 points in that game. He went from JUCO to the NBA and is still trying to stay. How much does a guy like that force you to grind just a bit more in every new practice? At the end of the day you are thankful to be able to play the game. You played at Purdue from 2014-2018 reaching 2 NCAA Sweet 16's. Which runner was sweeter? I can't pick one. It is so hard to win at the tournament. Both wins were a great feeling. You had many great personal games against Arizona and Minnesota just to name a few, but what was your fondest moment at Purdue? My fondest moment was my junior year where we played our rival Indiana and winning the Big 10 title in our arena. How did head coach Matt Painter groom and prepare you best for a professional career? He was very influential in helping me understand all the little details, how to prepare, having little drills and knowing scouting reports. These are all things that control winning. Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Carsen Edwards? You will have to ask him. Our battles went back and forth. We played more three point contests. He will say he won, but I won. Who is the toughest player that you ever faced on the court in the NCAA that reached the NBA? DeAngelo Russel was very tough. Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time? I had a lot of teammates. I can't limit to 5 Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads? Jordan, Kobe, Steph Curry, Lebron Who is your GOAT and why? At the moment I don't have one. It's a tough pick between Jordan and Lebron Did You See The Sequel of the classic Coming To America? Shouldn't they have left it alone? I haven't seen it Thanks Dakota for the chat. |
| San Diego State Will Always Have A Special Place In The Heart Of Richard Williams - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber |
| Kirchheim may only have a population of 39,000, but you can be sure that in the wee hours of April 4, 2023 one person was awake with Richard Williams of the Kirchheim Knights. Staying up late isn't a suitable thing to do for an athlete and even less when your 35 years old. Ok so sometimes when you have a baby, doing the nightly chores with the wifey is commendable, but often there is role play when the basketball player needs his basketball beauty sleep. But there are rare occasions when a baller will stay up way past his bed time. I mean if his home team is in the NBA final and going for that chip then it can be tolerated as well as when the alma mater was in the final of the 2023 NCAA tournament. That was exactly the case as Richie as his friends call him was up and witnessing if his ex school San Diego State University could win that first NCAA championship. I bet even if he would have been up 72 hours straight before the final, he would of still managed to stay up and watch the game. There was simply too much excitement brewing up within him and nothing was going to deny him seeing this monumental event in the history of San Diego State University. 'Of course I stayed up. It's my hometown and my alma mater, so it was bigger than just a game for me. As a competitor, I was upset they lost, but I was happy for them being able to make it that far.', stressed Richard Williams. The flashy guard is one of those guys that just continues to keep chugging along as a professional at age 35. The diminutive 178cm guard has enjoyed a 14 year professional career and last season played for Kirchheim for his third season. He has spent most of his time in Germany having suited up for clubs like Hannover, Rasta Vechta, Frankfurt, Hagen and Karlsruhe, but he also has played in other countries like Mexico, Iceland, Czech Republic and Finland and has amassed more than 400 professional games. He played at San Diego State University from 2005-2009 amassing a total of 127 NCAA games. He helped his school have success winning the MWC title in 2006 reaching the Big Dance and reached the NIT final 4 in 2009. The school never lost having success as it reached the NCAA tournament 9 more times after he left. It is only obvious that he never stopped supporting the school. 'I've been watching San Diego State play since I was kid. I knew by the time I was in high school where I wanted to go. With time difference, I can't watch as much as I would like but social media keeps me up to date', stated Richard Williams. San Diego State University had a magical season winning the MWC title over Utah State and then started their Cinderella run at the BIG Dance. 'I knew they had high expectations because of the returning players and transfers they had. When you have seniors leading your team, you give yourself a chance at doing something special', said Richard Williams. They began the NCAA tournament with a grind out win over Charleston and the beat Furman convincingly by 23 points. Then they had another tough battle against Alabama but pulled out a 71-64 win. Then came 2 incredible games back to back where one could say the basketball God was looking down on them. First they survived a tough 57-56 victory over Creighton and then won a 72-71 buzzer beater thriller over Florida Atlantic University. Junior Lamont Butler became a living legend with the winning shot that Williams surprisingly didn't watch Live on TV. 'I saw the highlights in the morning. I was up jumping around as if it were happening in real time. I was juiced. His buzzer beater pretty much gave him a special stamp forever. The way he performed in the tournament was a boost of confidence for him. I'm expecting him to take more of leading role next season', expressed Richard Williams. Unfortunately San Diego State University ran out of gas losing the final 76-59 to UConn. 'I thought San Diego State defended well. But the name of the game is putting the ball in the basket more than the other team. Just not enough offense to get it done', commented Richard Williams. The team is one that will always be remembered as having 12 equal players as there was no star as only one player averaged in double figures in scoring. Team came first before anything else. ' They truly play a team game. You can't key on one player. No 'star' made them dangerous. You don't really know who to key on', said Richard Williams. Even though San Diego State have been consistent visitors at the BIG Dance in the last 15 years, reaching a final for the first time gives the school some more status. Reaching a final can slowly help them lose the underrated label. 'The attention you get being on the biggest stage in college hoops can do wonders. San Diego State has been a respected school but still underrated. I hope Coach Ducther was making some recruiting calls on his way to Houston', added Richard Williams. But is the future rosy for them? They will be losing key players Bradley, Trammel. Ledee, Johnson and Mensah to graduation. 'They're loosing some keys players but there is still talent there. They always find a way to come back stronger. The program is in good hands', warned Richard Williams. As more success comes to the school, more kids will want to play for head coach Brian Dutcher. Williams knows all to well that Steve Fischer laid down the foundation for success. ' They've been working together longer than I can remember. I expected nothing less. There was no better person to be the successor once Coach Fisher stepped down, than Coach Dutcher. And it's showing', stressed Richard Williams. You have to wonder how a Richard Williams would have faired in Dutcher's system in 2023? ' I don't see it being much different. The philosophy for San Diego State hasn't changed since I've been there. I would have been the same pesky defender and game manager', warned Richard Williams. Thanks to coach Steve Fischer for grooming and Preparing Richard Williams for a long professional career. He has made San Diego State University proud. |
| Germany ease past Sweden in friendly - by Eurobasket News |
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Germany - Sweden 87-68 Germany outgunned Sweden in the friendly clash in Bonn on Saturday. Dennis Schroeder (181-PG-1993) stepped up with 17 points to pace the hosts. Germany eked out an 18-16 lead after ten minutes. Sweden erupted for 26 points in the second term to tie things up at 42 heading into the locker rooms. Sweden managed to snatch a narrow one-point lead at the final intermission. But Germany answered with a strong 27-7 rally in the fourth period to secure a comfortable win at the end. Franz Wagner (206-F-2001, college: Michigan) produced 15 points for the hosts. Nicholas Spires (210-C/F-1994) answered with 13 points for Sweden. Felix Terins (188-PG-1998) chipped in 12 points in the loss. |
| GREECE |
| Schizas is back at PAOK Mateco Thessaloniki - by Eurobasket News | ||||
Schizas has spent his entire career in Greece playing for three other teams: Iraklis, Kolossos H Hotels Rodou and Kymis. He was voted to Eastern and Western Division All-Star Game back in 2011 and 2012. His college team made it to the Greek Cup final in 2019. Schizas graduated from Rochester University in 2014 and it will be his tenth season as a professional player. He played also for Kirtland Community College for 2 years. Schizas could be described: Stavros is a very low profile, Guard-Forward that brings a lot of energy on the court because he plays always with "Heart". Every year was in All Defending Team and that made him every time to defend the best player of the opposite team. Very aggressive, fights on the boards, finishes above the rim with his Athleticism and strong body. Very good shooting mechanics, can shoot with NBA range and consistency which makes him a 47% pure 3 point shooter. He is definitely very good material for high level European Basketball. PAOK Mateco Thessaloniki roster for 2023-24: Guards: Elvar Fridriksson Andrew Harrison Nikos Arsenopoulos Nikos Tsiakmas Forwards: Michalis Tsairelis Aristotelis Sotiriou Stavros Schizas Skyler Flatten Centers: Vangelis Margaritis Jamuni McNeace Coach: Fotis Takianos |
| Greece hand second straight loss to Slovenia - by Eurobasket News |
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Greece - Slovenia 88-77 Greece swept their test series versus Slovenia as they claimed an 11-point victory at the OAKA on Thursday. Kostas Mitoglou (210-F/C-1996, college: Wake Forest) stepped up with 18 points for the hosts. Greece dropped 27 points in the first period to take a 2-point lead. The hosts maintained the lead throughout the second period. Greece secured a 51-44 halftime advantage. The Hellenes went on a 21-14 run in the third term to boost the lead to double digits. Slovenia cut the distance in the fourth period but could not avoid the loss at the end. Michalis Lountzis (195-PG-1998) contributed 17 points for the home team. Luka Doncic (201-G-1999) answered with 18 points for Slovenia. Klemen Prepelic (191-SG-1992) added 12 points in the loss. |
| Greek U16 National Team 2023 - by Igor Obradovic | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Charilaos sign Robert Glacel, ex AZS Raciborz - by Chris Mammides | |
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Charilaos Trikoupis Mesologiou (Elite League) signed Polish Robert Glacel ( for upcoming 2023-24 season. The last time (2014-2015) he played at AZS Raciborz in Polish 3Liga. Glacel missed last season and had one year break from professional basketball. Charilaos Trikoupis Mesologiou roster for 2023-24: Ioannis Molfetas Filippos Kalogiannidis Alexandros Zarkadoulias Alexandros Stamatogiannis Robert Glacel Aristeidis Tsourgiannis Dimitris Nanos Dimitris Tsourgianis Christos Pagouras Coach: Ilias Moutsios |
| Charilaos sign a second foreign player, ex Zabok - by Chris Mammides | |||
He played most recently at KK Zabok in Croatian Premijer Liga. In 12 games he averaged impressive 20.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 5.7apg and 1.7spg last season. He also played for Achilleas in Cypriot OPAP Basket League where in 15 games he had very remarkable stats: 16.5ppg, 3.9rpg and 4.9apg (top 3). Among many awards his college team won Summit League Tournament in 2021. He was also voted to All-GAC Freshman of the Year back in 2018. Glasper graduated from University of Incarnate Word in 2022 and it will be his second season in pro basketball. He played also for Oral Roberts University for one year. Charilaos Trikoupis Mesologiou roster for 2023-24: Ioannis Molfetas Filippos Kalogiannidis Alexandros Zarkadoulias Alexandros Stamatogiannis Robert Glacel RJ Glasper Aristeidis Tsourgiannis Dimitris Nanos Dimitris Tsourgianis Christos Pagouras Coach: Ilias Moutsios |
| L.Xanthis keep Makaratzis for another season - by Chris Mammides | |
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AO Lefkippos Xanthis (B) re-signed 20-year old 187cm point guard Panagiotis Makaratzis for upcoming season. Makaratzis has played there for the last three seasons. AO Lefkippos Xanthis roster for 2023-24: Guard: Panagiotis Makaratzis Forward: Sotiris Katsamouris Centers: Georgios Pallakis Valantis Kourtidis Coach: Giorgos Zafeiroudis |
| Rieti Real adds Hogue to their roster, ex Promitheas - by Eurobasket News | ||||
Hogue is quite experienced player. He has played also professionally in Romania (Cluj Napoca), Russia (Enisey), Turkey (Pinar Karsiyaka) and Italy (Trento). Hogue graduated from Iowa State in 2016 and it will be his eighth season as a professional player. He played also for Indian Hills Community College for 2 years. |
| IRELAND |
| Ireland secure dramatic 79-76 win over Luxembourg in FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Pre-Qualifier - by Eurobasket News |
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Ireland showed their composure and battling qualities to secure a dramatic come-from-behind 79-76 win over Luxembourg in front of a sold-out National Basketball Arena, to secure second spot in Group G of the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Pre-Qualifiers. There were several big performances from the squad, notably from Jordan Blount (203-F/C-1997, college: UIC, agency: One Motive Sports) who finished with 16 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. CJ Fulton also caught the eye, picking up 16 points, five rebounds and five assists. Ireland certainly didn't have it their own way, they lost the influential Blount for the closing stages and trailed by a point with a minute to go, but still emerged victorious, with head coach Mark Keenan noting: 'credit to the guys - lots of teams would have folded with five minutes to go'. Ireland made an excellent start to the contest, Fulton had five points in the opening two minutes, a pair of free throws and a three point jump shot, which helped put Ireland 8-4 ahead. Ireland were 17-8 up near the midpoint, after some swift link-up play set Sean Flood up for a three, followed by Neal Quinn landing a turnaround jumpshot shortly afterwards. Luxembourg called a timeout, but Ireland continued to find joy from the three point line, Taiwo Badmus (199-F-1993, college: UVA Wise) and another from Fulton had Ireland 23-10 in front. Luxembourg dragged themselves back into the contest, but Flood had the last points of the quarter, his jump shot put Ireland 29-20 up. The visitors however had momentum and they took the lead, 31-30, in the fourth minute of the second quarter through Axel Laurent's layup. Ireland offence wasn't having much joy in the second quarter, a five point run by Jordan Blount helped get Ireland back level at 36 apiece, with 2'37 to go. But eight seconds later Luxembourg captain Laurent converted from the three point line. Fulton converted a much needed three with 13 seconds to go in the half, which saw Ireland behind 43-41 at half-time, Fulton's tally at 11 points by the break. Blount continued where he left off in the third quarter, his back-to-back layups propelled Ireland back in front, 51-47, three and a half minutes in. A neat pass from Quinn and a Lorcan Murphy (182-PG-1994) layup through traffic saw him make it 56-49 with 4'22 to go, thanks to the additional converted free throw, after he'd been fouled. Luxembourg responded with a 14 point run, Bob Melcher's long three and a Laurent dunk among their scorers. Ireland needed points and Murphy provided it with a two point jump shot from the corner in the dying seconds of the third quarter, to trail 63-59 at the end it. Samuel Alajiki (183-F-2002)'s layup made it a two point game at the start of the fourth quarter. Luxembourg however weren't going to roll over, Melcher's layup put them up 65-61. A brilliant Alajiki block, followed shortly afterwards by a John Carroll (204-F-1995, college: Hartford) layup and it was 65-63 with less than two minutes gone. The tense contest was level once more, at 68-68, with 4'44' to go following a three from the corner by Alajiki. Ireland lost the influential Blount with 3'18' remaining, an unsportsmanlike foul was his fifth offence. It was a big blow, but undeterred Ireland responded with a brilliant three from Fulton, which brought the home crowd to their feet. A Badmus layup and Ireland were 74-70 up with 2'19 to go, to prompt a Luxembourg timeout. There was still plenty of drama, a nerveless three from Clancy Rugg (204-F/C-1991, college: Vermont) put Luxembourg back ahead, 75-74. with 1'03 remaining and brought his personal tally to 27 points in the process. The imposing Quinn converted from close in after Badmus' layup didn't drop, to edge Ireland back into the lead, 76-75, with 32 seconds to go. 10 seconds later Badmus converted one of his two free throws, to make it a two point game. Rugg's layup attempt for Luxembourg uncharacteristically failed to drop. At the other end Fulton earned an offensive foul and cooly slotted his two free throws and Ireland's advantage was 4 points, 79-75, with 8 seconds to go and that was to prove enough. Head coach Mark Keenan said: 'We had our moments in the game, but credit to the guys - lots of teams would have folded with five minutes to go. We just hung in the game and switched to zone defence, it gave us a good few stops and then just converting at the end. Our defensive rebounding when we needed it, the zone they definitely couldn't handle. I am delighted for the guys, it could easily have gone the other way, but we hung right in to the end.' Keenan added: 'Guys stepped up when we needed it, Jordan (Blount) kept us in the game for a good bit and then obviously with him going out Sam (Alajiki) stepped up, CJ (Fulton) stepped up, big (Neal) Quinn stepped up, Taiwo (Badmus) too, they all stepped up.' Courtesy of: ireland.basketball |
| ISRAEL |
| Israeli U16 National Team 2023 - by Igor Obradovic | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| H.Be'er Sheva lands Brandon Sampson - by Eurobasket News | |||
The previous (2022) summer he played at Newfoundland (CEBL) in Canadian league where in 15 games he was league's second best scorer with impressive 20.5ppg and recorded 2.1rpg, 1.9apg and 1.4spg in 2022 year. He is a very experienced player. Sampson has played also professionally in NBA (Chicago Bulls), Dominican Republic (Leones), NBA G League (RGV Vipers, Iowa Wolves, Delaware Blue Coats and Windy City Bulls) and NBA Summer League (GS Warriors). Among many awards he played in the final of NBA G League in 2021. He was voted to USBasket.com All-CEBL Honorable Mention in 2022. Sampson graduated from Louisiana State University in 2018 and it will be his sixth season in pro basketball. Hapoel Altshuler Shaham Beer Sheva roster for 2023-24: Guards: Geno Crandall Brandon Sampson Bryan Knapp Forwards: Sam Iorio Kris Bankston |
| Ukraine hold off Israel in test game - by Eurobasket News |
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Ukraine - Israel 75-69 Ukraine claimed a narrow win over Israel in the test game on Saturday. Oleksandr Kovliar (191-PG-2002) scored 16 points to pace the winners. Ukraine grabbed a 17-14 lead ten minutes into the game. Ukraine maintained the lead throughout the second frame. They established a 37-32 halftime lead. Ukraine poured in 25 points in the third stanza to ensure a 6-point lead at the final break. They held Israel to just 13 points in the fourth period and raced to the win. Vitaliy Zotov (188-PG-1997) delivered 14 points in the victory. Oz Blayzer (199-F-1992) replied with 18 points for Israel. Roman Sorkin (210-F/C-1996, college: Oregon) had 14 points in the loss. |
| M.Tel-Aviv tabs Will Rayman - by Fersu Yahyabeyoglu | ||||
Rayman played in the final of Patriot League Tournament in 2018 and 2020. He was voted to Patriot League All-Defensive Team back in 2019 and 2020. The previous (2022) summer he played at Ex Pats in U.S. semi-pro league TBT. In only one game he recorded 15 points and 2 rebounds in 2022 year. Rayman has played also professionally in Estonia (Tartu), Germany (BG Goettingen) and Latvia (Ventspils). He graduated from Colgate University in 2020 and it will be his fourth season in pro basketball. Rayman played in the final of Patriot League Tournament in 2018 and 2020. He was selected to Patriot League All-Defensive Team back in 2019 and 2020. Maccabi Playtika Tel-Aviv roster for 2023-24: Guards: John DiBartolomeo Tamir Blatt Antonius Cleveland Wade Baldwin_IV Aviel Mamo Shon Dalid Forwards: Rafi Menco Jake Cohen James Webb_III Bonzie Colson_Jr. Will Rayman Gabriel Artmenko Centers: Jasiel Rivero Josh Nebo Coach: Oded Kattash |
| ITALY |
| Italy need overtime to beat Turkey at the Trento tournament - by Eurobasket News |
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Italy - Turkey 90-89 OT Italy needed overtime to beat Turkey 90-89 at the Trento tournament. The hosts won the first quarter 25-24 and added a 24-14 surge in the second frame. Turkey replied with an 18-12 and 19-14 runs to tie the score at 75-75 after four quarters. In overtime Italy grabbed a 15-14 rally to seal the ticket to the Final to face China tomorrow. Simone Fontecchio (203-SF-1995) stepped up with 21 points, whilst Achille Polonara (202-PF-1991), Stefano Tonut (194-SG-1993) and Nicolo Melli (205-F/C-1991) had 9 apiece. Omer Yurtseven (213-C-1998, college: Georgetown) replied with 23 points in a loss and Furkan Korkmaz (201-G/F-1997) delivered 16. |
| Alberto Conti signs at Fortitudo Flat Service Bologna - by Eurobasket News |
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Fortitudo Flat Service Bologna (Serie A2) landed 25-year old 195cm swingman Alberto Conti for new season. Conti played most recently at Basket Mestre 1958 in the Serie B. In 35 games he was league's fourth best scorer with impressive 18.9ppg and recorded 4.2rpg and 1.6apg last season. He helped them to make it to the Italian Serie B final after they ended regular season as second best team. Good year as he was voted League Player of the Week and selected to Eurobasket.com All-Italian Serie B Second Team. The previous (2021-22) season he played at Cus Jonico Basket Taranto (also in Serie B) where in 31 games he was league's second best scorer with remarkable 19.8ppg and averaged 3.5rpg, 1.5apg and 1.0spg in that year. Good season as he was also here voted League Player of the Week (2 times). Conti was a member of Italian U19 National Team back in 2017. He has played previously for six other teams: Cd'Orlando, San Severo, Virtus Segafredo Bologna, Senigallia, Rieti Kienergia and Bologna Basket. |
| Simone Turin signs at Bisceglie - by Eurobasket News |
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Lions Basket Bisceglie (Serie B) landed 19-year old 195cm power forward Simone Turin for upcoming season. Turin played most recently at MI Sporting in the Serie C. The previous (2021-22) season he played at Milano3 Basket (also in Serie C). |
| Lorenzo Mele joins Rieti Real - by Eurobasket News | |
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SSD Real Sebastiani Rieti (Serie A2) added to their roster 18-year old guard Lorenzo Mele (185cm-2005) for new 2023-24 season. Mele played last season at Monferrato. But in 5 Serie A2 games he had just 1.2ppg. The previous (2021-22) season he played at Varese Academy Basketball U17 team where in three EYBL U17 games he recorded 3.0ppg, 1.0apg and 1.3spg in that year. |
| Italian U16 National Team 2023 - by Igor Obradovic | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Italy prevail against China at Trentino Basket Cup - by Eurobasket News |
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Italy - China 79-61 Italy captured the second straight win at the Trentino Basket Cup. They beat China for the trophy. Matteo Spagnolo (193-G-2003) finished with 13 points for the Azzurri. Italy sank 27 points in the first period to gain an 8-point lead. The hosts held their opponents to just 12 points in the second stanza to secure a 42-31 halftime advantage. Italy kept China at bay throughout the third term. They established a comfortable 19-point advantage heading into the fourth period and never looked back en route to the win. Mouhamet Diouf (206-F-2001) delivered 12 points, while Guglielmo Caruso and Giampaolo Ricci (201-PF-1991) produced 11 points apiece in the win. Qi Zhou (217-C-1996) answered with 12 points for China. Kyle Anderson (206-G/F-1993, college: UCLA) tossed in 11 points in the loss. |
| Trento signs Derek Cooke Jr. - by Eurobasket News | ||||
He has tried to make it to the NBA and played in the NBA Pro Summer League in 2016. Cooke is quite experienced player. He has played in ten different countries on three different continents (Europe, Australia and of course North America). Cooke has played previously professionally in Australia (Perth Wildcats), Belarus (BC Minsk), Canada (Honey Badgers), Greece (Rethymno), Israel (Gilboa Galil), NBA (Phoenix Suns), Germany (Brose Bamberg), Italy (Trieste), NBA G League (NAZ Suns and Raptors 905 Missisauga) and The Basketball Tournament (Money Team). He won Belarusian League championship title in 2021. Cooke graduated from University of Wyoming in 2015 and it will be his ninth season as a professional player. He played also for Cloud County Community College for one year. Dolomiti Energia Trentino roster for 2023-24: Guard: Kamar Baldwin Forwards: Derek Cooke_Jr. Davide Alviti Myles Stephens Center: Paul Biligha |
| Milano Urania keeps Cavallero for another season - by Eurobasket News | |
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Urania Basket Milano (Serie A2) re-signed 20-year old 203cm swingman Matteo Cavallero for upcoming season. Cavallero has played there for the last three seasons. The previous (2021-22) season he played at Pallacanestro Varese U20 team (NextGen) where in 5 games he recorded 11.8ppg and 3.8rpg in that year. Urania Basket Milano roster for 2023-24: Guard: Matteo Montano Forward: Matteo Cavallero Centers: Gerald Beverly Ion Lupusor |
| Imola inks Riccardo Crespi - by Eurobasket News | |
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Andrea Costa Imola Basket (Serie B) agreed terms with 26-year old center Riccardo Crespi (205cm-113kg-1997) for upcoming 2023-24 season. Crespi played last season at Pallacanestro Crema. In 31 Serie B games he had 13.5ppg, 9.4rpg (#3 in the league), 1.8apg and 1.7bpg. 2022-23 was a great season as he was named to Eurobasket.com All-Italian Serie B Second Team. The previous (2021-22) season he played at Sutor BK 1955 Montegranaro where in 32 Serie B games he recorded 12.3ppg, 8.7rpg and 1.2bpg in that year. He has played previously for six other teams: Empoli, Torino, Piombino, CUS Torino ASD, Ozzano and Pavia. Andrea Costa Imola Basket roster for 2023-24: Guard: Gianmarco Sorrentino Forward: Tommaso Marangoni Centers: Riccardo Crespi Dejan Bresolin |
| Trieste keeps Ruzzier for another season - by Eurobasket News | |||
He was a member of Italian international program for some years. Ruzzier was called to Italian Senior National Team in 2020 and previously for U20 National Team back in 2013. He has played previously for four other teams: Varese, Venezia, Fortitudo Flat Service Bologna and Cremona. Let's have closer look into His outlook: A promising PG, with classic moves and great court vision and passing skills. Has the typical "first look to pass" mind that is loved by coaches. But don'' t leave him open, has a great outside shooting touch too.. |
| Nardo tabs Lazar Trunic - by Eurobasket News | ||||
The most of previous (2021-22) season he spent at Metalac in Serbian KLS where in 11 games he had 9.0ppg, 1.9rpg and 2.8apg in that year. He also played for Monferrato that season. But in four Serie A2 games he did not score anything and had only 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. Trunic has played previously for three other teams: Rimini Crabs, Cremona and Cremona. His team was Runner-Up of Serie C Gold Group Lombardia Est Regular Season 2020. |
| Rieti Real adds Hogue to their roster, ex Promitheas - by Eurobasket News | ||||
Hogue is quite experienced player. He has played also professionally in Romania (Cluj Napoca), Russia (Enisey), Turkey (Pinar Karsiyaka) and Italy (Trento). Hogue graduated from Iowa State in 2016 and it will be his eighth season as a professional player. He played also for Indian Hills Community College for 2 years. |
| LAT-EST BL |
| Parnu keeps Sutt for another season - by Eurobasket News | |||
Sutt was also a member of Estonian international program for some years. He played for Estonian Senior National Team between 2018 and 2020 and previously for U20 National Team back in 2014. Sutt represented Estonia at the World University Games in Gwangju (South Korea) eight years ago. His stats at that event were 7 games: 6.6ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 34.6%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 77.8%. He has played also professionally in Austria (Gunners Oberwart), Latvia and Estonia (Tartu and Rapla). His team won Estonian Cup in 2014 and 2015. Among many awards he was voted to Eurobasket.com All-Estonian League Honorable Mention back in 2018. |
| Brendan Adams is a newcomer at VEF Riga - by Eurobasket News | ||||
He graduated from George Washington University in 2023 and it will be his first season in pro basketball. he was also voted toAll-Atlantic 10 Most Improved Player of the Year in 2023. Adams played also for University of Connecticut for 3 years. VEF Riga roster for 2023-24: Guards: Dairis Bertans Marcis Vitols Brendan Adams Forward: Maris Gulbis |
| LATVIA |
| Latvian U16 National Team 2023 - by Igor Obradovic | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Brendan Adams is a newcomer at VEF Riga - by Eurobasket News | ||||
He graduated from George Washington University in 2023 and it will be his first season in pro basketball. he was also voted toAll-Atlantic 10 Most Improved Player of the Year in 2023. Adams played also for University of Connecticut for 3 years. VEF Riga roster for 2023-24: Guards: Dairis Bertans Marcis Vitols Brendan Adams Forward: Maris Gulbis |
| LITHUANIA |
| Finland sets up all-time attendance record at home beating Lithuania - by Eurobasket News |
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Finland - Lithuania 81:79 Finland set up all-time attendance record at home beating Lithuania. More than 13,000 spectators enjoyed an 81-79 win of the local side. Lithuania grabbed a 21-19 lead at the start, whilst Finland replied with a 26-19 rally in the second period to take a 5-point halftime advantage. The teams exchanged punches in the second half as Lauri Markkanen (216-F/C-1997, college: Arizona) nailed dunk for a 79-74 lead. Margiris Normantas (194-G-1996) scored two free throws to tie the game at 79-79, whilst Mikael Jantunen (204-PF-2000, college: Utah) brought the victory for the Finnish side. Lauri Markkanen top-scored for the winners with 24 points, while Olivier Nkamhoua (203-F-2000) and Jacob Grandison (198-G/F-1998, agency: Octagon Europe) posted 12 each. Rokas Jokubaitis (193-PG-2000) replied with 13 points in the losing effort. |
| Lleida welcomes back Matulionis - by Eurobasket News | |||
He was a member of Lithuanian U20 National Team in 2011. Matulionis is a very experienced player. He has played also professionally in Belgium (Circus Brussels), Brazil (Paschoalotto/Bauru), Estonia (Parnu), Spain (Rio Breogan, Bilbao, Obradoiro, Melilla and Coruna) and Lithuania (Atletas, Lietkabelis and Siauliai). Among many awards his team made it to the LEB Gold Semifinals in 2021. Matulionis was voted to Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Gold Honorable Mention back in 2015. ICG Forca Lleida roster for 2023-24: Guards: Diogo Brito Ignacio Arroyo-Varela Jaume Lobo Forwards: Osvaldas Matulionis Marvin Ogunsipe Center: Javier Vega |
| Lithuanian U16 National Team 2023 - by Igor Obradovic | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| LUXEMBOURG |
| Ireland secure dramatic 79-76 win over Luxembourg in FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Pre-Qualifier - by Eurobasket News |
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Ireland showed their composure and battling qualities to secure a dramatic come-from-behind 79-76 win over Luxembourg in front of a sold-out National Basketball Arena, to secure second spot in Group G of the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Pre-Qualifiers. There were several big performances from the squad, notably from Jordan Blount (203-F/C-1997, college: UIC, agency: One Motive Sports) who finished with 16 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. CJ Fulton also caught the eye, picking up 16 points, five rebounds and five assists. Ireland certainly didn't have it their own way, they lost the influential Blount for the closing stages and trailed by a point with a minute to go, but still emerged victorious, with head coach Mark Keenan noting: 'credit to the guys - lots of teams would have folded with five minutes to go'. Ireland made an excellent start to the contest, Fulton had five points in the opening two minutes, a pair of free throws and a three point jump shot, which helped put Ireland 8-4 ahead. Ireland were 17-8 up near the midpoint, after some swift link-up play set Sean Flood up for a three, followed by Neal Quinn landing a turnaround jumpshot shortly afterwards. Luxembourg called a timeout, but Ireland continued to find joy from the three point line, Taiwo Badmus (199-F-1993, college: UVA Wise) and another from Fulton had Ireland 23-10 in front. Luxembourg dragged themselves back into the contest, but Flood had the last points of the quarter, his jump shot put Ireland 29-20 up. The visitors however had momentum and they took the lead, 31-30, in the fourth minute of the second quarter through Axel Laurent's layup. Ireland offence wasn't having much joy in the second quarter, a five point run by Jordan Blount helped get Ireland back level at 36 apiece, with 2'37 to go. But eight seconds later Luxembourg captain Laurent converted from the three point line. Fulton converted a much needed three with 13 seconds to go in the half, which saw Ireland behind 43-41 at half-time, Fulton's tally at 11 points by the break. Blount continued where he left off in the third quarter, his back-to-back layups propelled Ireland back in front, 51-47, three and a half minutes in. A neat pass from Quinn and a Lorcan Murphy (182-PG-1994) layup through traffic saw him make it 56-49 with 4'22 to go, thanks to the additional converted free throw, after he'd been fouled. Luxembourg responded with a 14 point run, Bob Melcher's long three and a Laurent dunk among their scorers. Ireland needed points and Murphy provided it with a two point jump shot from the corner in the dying seconds of the third quarter, to trail 63-59 at the end it. Samuel Alajiki (183-F-2002)'s layup made it a two point game at the start of the fourth quarter. Luxembourg however weren't going to roll over, Melcher's layup put them up 65-61. A brilliant Alajiki block, followed shortly afterwards by a John Carroll (204-F-1995, college: Hartford) layup and it was 65-63 with less than two minutes gone. The tense contest was level once more, at 68-68, with 4'44' to go following a three from the corner by Alajiki. Ireland lost the influential Blount with 3'18' remaining, an unsportsmanlike foul was his fifth offence. It was a big blow, but undeterred Ireland responded with a brilliant three from Fulton, which brought the home crowd to their feet. A Badmus layup and Ireland were 74-70 up with 2'19 to go, to prompt a Luxembourg timeout. There was still plenty of drama, a nerveless three from Clancy Rugg (204-F/C-1991, college: Vermont) put Luxembourg back ahead, 75-74. with 1'03 remaining and brought his personal tally to 27 points in the process. The imposing Quinn converted from close in after Badmus' layup didn't drop, to edge Ireland back into the lead, 76-75, with 32 seconds to go. 10 seconds later Badmus converted one of his two free throws, to make it a two point game. Rugg's layup attempt for Luxembourg uncharacteristically failed to drop. At the other end Fulton earned an offensive foul and cooly slotted his two free throws and Ireland's advantage was 4 points, 79-75, with 8 seconds to go and that was to prove enough. Head coach Mark Keenan said: 'We had our moments in the game, but credit to the guys - lots of teams would have folded with five minutes to go. We just hung in the game and switched to zone defence, it gave us a good few stops and then just converting at the end. Our defensive rebounding when we needed it, the zone they definitely couldn't handle. I am delighted for the guys, it could easily have gone the other way, but we hung right in to the end.' Keenan added: 'Guys stepped up when we needed it, Jordan (Blount) kept us in the game for a good bit and then obviously with him going out Sam (Alajiki) stepped up, CJ (Fulton) stepped up, big (Neal) Quinn stepped up, Taiwo (Badmus) too, they all stepped up.' Courtesy of: ireland.basketball |
| MEXICO |
| Plateros ink Jaysean Paige - by Eurobasket News | ||||
Paige is quite experienced player. Paige's career allowed him to visit three different continents, while he played in eight different countries. He tasted the life as pro basketball player in Europe, Latin America and of course North America. Paige has played previously professionally in France (C'Chartres), Germany, Hungary (Atomeromu), United Kingdom (Newcastle Eagles), NBA (Detroit Pistons), North Macedonia (Karpos Sokoli), Puerto Rico (Indios) and NBA G League (Maine Celtics). The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others his college team made it to the NBA G League Winter Showcase Cup Final Four in 2022. He was also voted All-Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year back in 2016. Paige graduated from West Virginia University in 2016 and it will be his eighth season as a professional player. He played also for Moberly Area Community College for one year. |
| Plateros welcome back Wilson - by Eurobasket News | |||
He has tried to make it to the NBA and played in the NBA Pro Summer League in 2016. Wilson is a very experienced player. And here thanks to pro basketball he experienced life in eleven different countries playing on three different continents. He is familiar with European, Latin American and of course North American leagues. Wilson has played previously professionally in Germany (Brose Bamberg), Israel (Hapoel Jerusalem and Maccabi Effie Capital Rishon Le-Zion), Italy (RO Virtus, Virtus Segafredo Bologna and Torino), Lithuania (Prienai), Puerto Rico (Vaqueros, Leones, Cangrejeros and Piratas), Russia (UNICS Kazan), Venezuela (Guaros), NBA (LA Clippers), Uruguay (Nacional), NBA G League (Fort Wayne Mad Ants and Ontario Clippers) and The Basketball Tournament (Golden Eagles). His team won Venezuelan SPB Western Conference Regular Season in 2023. He voted toAll-Racine County Player of the Year back in 2008 and 2009. Wilson graduated from Marquette University in 2014 and it will be his tenth season in pro basketball. He played also for University of Oregon for one year. |
| MONTENEGRO |
| Montenegrin U16 National Team 2023 - by Igor Obradovic | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| NAIA |
| LSUS' Jalen Brooks Signs With BBC Nyon as He Continues His Career In the Pros - by Stephan Ditgens |
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Shreveport, Louisiana-Jalen Brooks continues to show his dominance on the court as his successful college career landed him a spot as a member of the BBC Nyon in Switzerland, a team his brother was a critical piece of in the 2022-2023 season. Brooks, an NAIA First Team All-American and RRAC First Team Selection, had an overall record of 26-8 in his senior season at LSU Shreveport while averaging 22.5 points per game as well as 11.2 rebounds per game. Of the 32 games he played in he secured 21 double-doubles and led the RRAC in points per game and rebounds. Brooks led the Pilots statistically with 719 points, 357 rebounds, 54 steals, 37 blocks, and three other categories. He ranked second nationally with 11.2 rebounds per game and eighth for points per game with 22.5. He finished his season leading the country with 118 offensive rebounds as well as third in free throws made and ninth overall in total field goals made in the NAIA. Brooks has eight titles to his name as he was given designations as the Louisiana Small College Player of the Year 2023, an NAIA First Team All-American, the Red River Player of the Year, RRAC Newcomer of the Year, RRAC Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-Conference Selection for the RRAC, and was an 8-Time RRAC Player of the Week. He most recently picked up a place on the LSWA All-Louisiana First Team. Brooks also found himself as a Bevo Francis Award Semifinalist which spans across all lower levels of basketball. He continues to wear the Pilot jersey well, even after his impressive senior season had come to a close and he moves forward with BBC Nyon. BBC Nyon, a professional basketball team out of Nyon, Switzerland was founded in 1937 and though the club has faced many hardships, from finance to the COVID pandemic of 2020, it has survived against all odds bringing joy to their fans. The team went 12-18 in the 2022-2023 season. Brooks' brother Devante was a member of the squad during the season averaging 17.1 points per game, the second highest on the team, and led in rebounds with 10.5 per game. courtesy of lsusathletics.com |
| NBA |
| Philippines legend Jimmy Alapag earns NBA role with Sacramento Kings - by Eurobasket News |
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Jimmy Alapag continues to make waves as a Filipino in the NBA, as the Philippines basketball legend moves up to the Sacramento Kings as a player development coach. The 5-foot-9 former guard was an assistant for the G League's Stockton Kings the last two years and now joins Mike Brown's staff for the emerging Kings, who feature All-Stars De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. Alapag played 12 years for TNT Tropang Giga and two more for Meralco Bolts before retiring in 2016 and moving to the coaching chair for San Miguel Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League. With Bobby Ray Parks Jr. as his top gun, he led the Filipino side to a championship in his first season and then a quarterfinals finish the next time around. The now-45-year-old moved to the United States in 2020 and got a job as one of Bobby Jackson's lieutenants for the Kings' G League affiliate. Alapag was a six-time PBA champion, two-time Finals Most Valuable Player, and one-time season MVP and was also a mainstay for the Philippine national team from 2007 to 2013, earning the nickname 'The Captain' for his countless stints as Gilas floor leader. Courtesy of: espn.com |
| Sources: Nuggets F Vlatko Cancar suffers torn ACL in left knee - by Eurobasket News |
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Denver Nuggets forward Vlatko Cancar (203-SF-1997) suffered a torn ACL in his left knee while playing for Slovenia in a World Cup preparation game Friday, sources confirmed to ESPN. Cancar was injured when he landed after a transition dunk in traffic during the loss to Greece. He had to be helped off the floor, and an MRI confirmed that he suffered the ACL injury that could sideline him for all of next season. Cancar, 26, averaged 5.0 points and 2.1 rebounds as a reserve for the NBA champion Nuggets last season. He had a chance to earn a more significant role with the departures of key bench players Bruce Brown and Jeff Green. Cancar's injury leaves Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic (201-G-1999) as the lone active NBA player who will play for Slovenia during the World Cup. The Denver Post first reported Cancar's injury. Courtesy of: espn.com |
| Rumor Has It: NBA Legend Reveals LeBron James' Potential Ownership of Las Vegas Expansion Team - by Eurobasket |
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It may not happen this year, but NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and various other league representatives have made it clear in recent seasons that they're looking to add expansion franchises in the near future. There are always growing pains when a new franchise begins because of the struggles of building a complete team in a matter of months through the expansion draft, but one of the new franchises could get a massive boost in fans and media attention. That's because Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, one of the greatest players in NBA history, has made it clear that he's interested in staying involved with the game (in this case, as an owner) once his playing career winds down. Hall of Fame wing Tracy McGrady added fuel to the rumor fire in July, seeming to confirm the rumors and say that James would become the owner of a Las Vegas expansion club once he hangs up his shoes. Expansion: A Quick Run Down The last time the league expanded was 2004 when the Charlotte Bobcats (now the rebooted Hornets franchise) joined the mix, and the game has grown by leaps and bounds since that time. As of the beginning of the 2022-23 NBA season, 120 of the 450 active regular-season roster spots across the league were occupied by international players, good for more than a quarter of the entire NBA. As basketball becomes a truly global game, there are more superstars in the making than ever, and it's logical that the league looks to expand to accommodate the influx of top talent from across the world. Following the conclusion of the most recent season, Silver laid out the groundwork for what expansion will look like and when it will take place. The league's current media rights deal is set to expire in 2025, a potential sticking point for expansion (as adding more teams to the league without a reworked contract would mean the NBA is missing out on money), and Silver plans to delve fully into the idea of expansion at that time. Right now there are two potential cities circled in red on the expansion map: Seattle, which hosted the SuperSonics (now the Oklahoma City Thunder) from 1967 to 2008, and Las Vegas, which has established itself as a hotbed of sporting activity in recent years: the NHL expanded to Sin City in 2017 with the Vegas Golden Knights, and the Oakland Raiders of the NFL relocated to Clark County three years later. How Does King James Fit In? The Kid from Akron has never been one to back down from a challenge. LeBron is all business, wholly dedicated to improving his game. With that said, though, one can't deny that James has a flair for the dramatic, like when he helped begin the superteam era with 'The Decision' to join forces with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, taking his talents to South Florida and the Miami Heat, or when he moved back to his roots in Northeastern Ohio four years later, eventually making good on his dreams of bringing a championship to his hometown team in the Cleveland Cavaliers' epic comeback from a 3-1 series deficit against the 73-9 Golden State Warriors, widely regarded as one of the best teams of all time. For LeBron, undertaking the task of nurturing an expansion team to contention is the next logical step in his journey as one of the great legends of basketball. Fellow heroes of the game like Jerry West, Michael Jordan, and Magic Johnson have embarked on careers as owners once their playing careers came to an end, to varying levels of success. King James has already done everything he needs to do to solidify his place as one of the greats (if not the single greatest player ever), but he hasn't shown any signs of stopping soon. At age 38, he isn't going to keep playing forever, and the 2025 target date Silver outlined for expansion could provide a natural transition point when LeBron is ready to hang his cleats up. Ready to Witness LeBron's Next Moves? Win Big with Tipico Sportsbook Ohio & Back Your NBA Star! Not His First Rodeo James became one of the youngest sports franchise owners of all time (with the exception of those who inherited their stake in a franchise) in 2011 when he bought a two percent share in Liverpool F.C. of the English Premier League at the young age of 27. Since then, he's continued to build his sporting empire, signing on with Fenway Sports Group (who also have a share in Liverpool). Fenway Sports Group, owners of the Boston Red Sox, worked a deal to acquire the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL in late 2021 and, while LeBron only owns a small stake in the sports conglomerate (roughly one percent), he has to start somewhere. James isn't exactly strapped for cash, reportedly earning the title of billionaire midway through 2022, and he's still making tens of millions each year through his NBA contracts, and that's before you take into account his endorsement deals or the increasing value of the various businesses he holds a stake in. Not all of those assets are liquid, obviously, and with the cheapest NBA franchise clocking in at around $1.63 billion, James would likely need some help to acquire a majority ownership stake. Fenway Sports Group could help James work his magic, and he has plenty of time to continue saving as he looks to become an owner: he could start off with a sizable minority stake in his future team, continuing to expand the share he holds as his net worth grows. It'll be interesting to see just how active of a role LeBron plans on playing in the team he ends up owning. He obviously hasn't done much heavy lifting with the clubs he has a stake in already (nor is he expected to with limited equity as part of an ownership conglomerate and a hall-of-fame career to keep him occupied), but basketball is his passion and he's already shown a knack for helping his teams acquire talent (even if it doesn't always go as planned) - they don't make memes about LeGM for nothing. James has plenty of time to grow, though, and he's shown his commitment to improvement time and again throughout his career. A potential second act as an owner will be the next riveting chapter in the life of The Kid from Akron. |
| Souley Boum is a newcomer at the Nuggets - by Eurobasket News | ||||
He has never been drafted by the NBA. Boum graduated from Xavier University in 2023 and it will be his first season in pro basketball. He played in the final of Big East Tournament in 2023. Boum played also for The University of Texas at El Paso for 4 years. Denver Nuggets roster for 2023-24: Guards: Reggie Jackson Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Jamal Murray Christian Braun Souley Boum Forwards: Justin Holiday Aaron Gordon Vlatko Cancar Michael Porter_Jr. Jay Huff Maxwell Lewis Centers: DeAndre Jordan Nikola Jokic |
| The Hornets land R.J. Hunter, ex Sydney - by Eurobasket News | |||
Hunter's team won Sun Belt Regular Season in 2014 and 2015. He voted toAll-Sun Belt Player of the Year back in 2014 and 2015. The previous (2020-21) season he played at Galatasaray in Turkish BSL where in 15 games he had 9.0ppg, 2.2rpg and 1.5apg in that year. Hunter also played 6 games in Basketball Champions League where he recorded 11.7ppg in that year. In 2015 he was drafted by Boston Celtics in first round (28th overall). The former Georgia State star is in his ninth season in pro basketball. He has played also professionally in NBA (Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets), Turkey (Turk Telekom) and NBA G League (RGV Vipers, College Park SkyHawks, Maine Celtics, Windy City Bulls and Long Island Nets). Hunter's team won Sun Belt Regular Season in 2014 and 2015. Hunter selected toAll-Sun Belt Player of the Year back in 2014 and 2015. Let's have closer look into His outlook: Versatile shooting guard with tremendous range and very good ball handling skills. Has very good leaping ability and has shown the ability to defend players at multiple positions. Charlotte Hornets roster for 2023-24: Guards: Gordon Hayward Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk Terry Rozier Kobi Simmons Theo Maledon LaMelo Ball James Bouknight Nick Smith_Jr. Bryce McGowens Forwards: R.J. Hunter Kelly Oubre Cody Martin Miles Bridges P.J. Washington JT Thor Brandon Miller Centers: Nick Richards Mark Williams Coach: Steve Clifford |
| NCAA1 |
| Bruins add Buyuktuncel to their roster, ex Tofas - by Eurobasket News | ||||
He has been also a member of Turkish international program for some years. Buyuktuncel was a member of both Senior and U19 National Teams this year and previously for U19 National Team in 2023. He represented Turkey at the FIBA U20 European Championship in Greece this year. His stats at that event were 6 games: 13.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 78.6%. University of California at Los Angeles roster for 2023-24: Guards: Lazar Stefanovic Will McClendon Dylan Andrews Sebastian Mack Jan Vide Ilane Fibleuil Jack Seidler Brandon Williams Forwards: Kenneth Nwuba Logan Cremonesi Adem Bona Berke Buyuktuncel Evan Manjikian Devin Williams Center: Aday Mara Coach: Mick Cronin |
| NORTH MACEDONIA |
| North Macedonian U16 National Team 2023 - by Igor Obradovic | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| NORWAY |
| 2025 EuroBasket Pre-Qualifiers: Norway beat Austria as both teams close the campaign - by Eurobasket News |
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Norway - Austria 84:74 Norway overcame Austria 84-74 at the 2025 EuroBasket Pre-Qualifiers as both teams close the campaign. Norway grabbed a 22-17 lead at the start, but led only 1 point at the halftime. The hosts pushed the tempo in the second half with a 22-18 and then closed the campaign with a final 21-16 run. Chris-Ebou Ndow (201-F-1993, college: NW Missouri St.) was unstoppable with 29 points and Stian Mjoes (183-G-1989) netted 9. Benedikt Guettl (190-G-1994) replied with 15 points in a loss and Bogic Vujosevic (192-G-1992) produced 12. |
| PHILIPPINES |
| Philippines legend Jimmy Alapag earns NBA role with Sacramento Kings - by Eurobasket News |
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Jimmy Alapag continues to make waves as a Filipino in the NBA, as the Philippines basketball legend moves up to the Sacramento Kings as a player development coach. The 5-foot-9 former guard was an assistant for the G League's Stockton Kings the last two years and now joins Mike Brown's staff for the emerging Kings, who feature All-Stars De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. Alapag played 12 years for TNT Tropang Giga and two more for Meralco Bolts before retiring in 2016 and moving to the coaching chair for San Miguel Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League. With Bobby Ray Parks Jr. as his top gun, he led the Filipino side to a championship in his first season and then a quarterfinals finish the next time around. The now-45-year-old moved to the United States in 2020 and got a job as one of Bobby Jackson's lieutenants for the Kings' G League affiliate. Alapag was a six-time PBA champion, two-time Finals Most Valuable Player, and one-time season MVP and was also a mainstay for the Philippine national team from 2007 to 2013, earning the nickname 'The Captain' for his countless stints as Gilas floor leader. Courtesy of: espn.com |
| POLAND |
| Legia lands Josip Sobin - by Eurobasket News | |||
Sobin was voted to Croatian League All-Star Game back in 2014 and 2015. The previous (2021-22) season he played at MKS. In 29 EBL games he recorded 10.1ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.6apg and 1.2spg in that year. He also played 8 games in Alpe Adria Cup where he got 12.0ppg, 5.0rpg and 2.0apg in that year. Sobin contributed to his team making it to the quarterfinals. He can count that season as a very successful as was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Alpe Adria Cup Second Team. Sobin was a member of Croatian international program for some years. He was called to Croatian Senior National Team between 2015 and 2017 and previously for U18 National Team back in 2007. Sobin is a very experienced player. He has played also professionally in Italy (Cremona), Spain (Fuenlabrada) and Croatia (Split, Zadar and Trogir). Sobin was voted to Croatian League All-Star Game back in 2014 and 2015. Legia Warszawa roster for 2023-24: Guards: Raymond Cowels_III Jakub Schenk Marcin Wielunski Forwards: Adam Linowski Grzegorz Kulka Michal Kolenda Aric Holman Centers: Josip Sobin Dariusz Wyka Coach: Wojciech Kaminski |
| David Brembly (ex Dijon) joins Stal - by Eurobasket News | ||||
The previous (2021-22) season he played at Enea Zastal in Polish EBL. In 34 games he averaged 8.1ppg and 3.8rpg in that year. He contributed to his team winning the Supercup. Brembly also played 13 games in VTB United League where he got 6.6ppg, 4.2rpg and 1.0spg in that year. He represented Germany at the World University Games in Gwangju (South Korea) eight years ago. His team won Silver and his stats at that event were 3 games: 3.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.0spg. Brembly has played previously professionally in Germany (EnBW Ludwigsburg, ratiopharm Ulm, Bayreuth, MBC and Hakro Merlins) and Poland (Trefl Sopot 2nd team and Trefl). He was voted to German Bundesliga All-Star Game back in 2015. BM Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski roster for 2023-24: Guards: Michal Chylinski Aigars Skele David Brembly Aleksander Zalucki Rodney Chatman Forwards: Nemanja Djurisic Ojars Silins Arunas Mikalauskas Center: Damian Kulig Coach: Andrzej Urban |
| Polish U16 National Team 2023 - by Igor Obradovic | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Charilaos sign Robert Glacel, ex AZS Raciborz - by Chris Mammides | |
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Charilaos Trikoupis Mesologiou (Elite League) signed Polish Robert Glacel ( for upcoming 2023-24 season. The last time (2014-2015) he played at AZS Raciborz in Polish 3Liga. Glacel missed last season and had one year break from professional basketball. Charilaos Trikoupis Mesologiou roster for 2023-24: Ioannis Molfetas Filippos Kalogiannidis Alexandros Zarkadoulias Alexandros Stamatogiannis Robert Glacel Aristeidis Tsourgiannis Dimitris Nanos Dimitris Tsourgianis Christos Pagouras Coach: Ilias Moutsios |
| PUERTO RICO |
| Plateros ink Jaysean Paige - by Eurobasket News | ||||
Paige is quite experienced player. Paige's career allowed him to visit three different continents, while he played in eight different countries. He tasted the life as pro basketball player in Europe, Latin America and of course North America. Paige has played previously professionally in France (C'Chartres), Germany, Hungary (Atomeromu), United Kingdom (Newcastle Eagles), NBA (Detroit Pistons), North Macedonia (Karpos Sokoli), Puerto Rico (Indios) and NBA G League (Maine Celtics). The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others his college team made it to the NBA G League Winter Showcase Cup Final Four in 2022. He was also voted All-Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year back in 2016. Paige graduated from West Virginia University in 2016 and it will be his eighth season as a professional player. He played also for Moberly Area Community College for one year. |
| RWANDA |
| RBL Round 22 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News | ||
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Coincidentally all visitors won their games. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market. The game in supposed to be quite interesting. Third ranked APR (16-2) played at the court of 6th ranked Orion (11-10). APR smashed Orion 121-48 on Wednesday. APR have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 16-2 record having five points less than leader REG. Newly promoted Orion keeps the sixth place with ten games lost. APR are looking forward to face IPRC-Huye (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Orion will play against IPRC-Musanze (#12) and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win. The game in supposed to be also worth to mention about. Second ranked Patriots (17-2) played at the court of 5th ranked K-Titans (12-10). Patriots smashed K-Titans 123-50. Patriots have an impressive eight-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 17-2 record having just three points less than leader REG. Newly promoted K-Titans keep the fifth place with ten games lost. Patriots will play against IPRC-Huye (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. K-Titans will have a break next round. The game in supposed to be also quite interesting. Second ranked Patriots (17-2) played at the court of 7th ranked Tigers (11-11). Patriots smashed Tigers 113-71 on Friday. Patriots have an impressive eight-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 17-2 record having just three points less than leader REG. Tigers at the other side keep the seventh place with 11 games lost. Patriots will meet IPRC-Huye (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Tigers will have a break next round. In the last game of round 22 Espoir destroyed IPRC-Kigali on the opponent's court 109-67.
Orion - APR 48-121 The game in supposed to be quite interesting. Third ranked APR (16-2) played at the court of 6th ranked Orion (11-10). APR smashed Orion 121-48 on Wednesday. APR have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 16-2 record having five points less than leader REG. Newly promoted Orion keeps the sixth place with ten games lost. APR are looking forward to face IPRC-Huye (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Orion will play against IPRC-Musanze (#12) and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win. K-Titans - Patriots 50-123 The game in supposed to be also worth to mention about. Second ranked Patriots (17-2) played at the court of 5th ranked K-Titans (12-10). Patriots smashed K-Titans 123-50. Patriots have an impressive eight-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 17-2 record having just three points less than leader REG. Newly promoted K-Titans keep the fifth place with ten games lost. Patriots will play against IPRC-Huye (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. K-Titans will have a break next round. IPRC-Kigali - Espoir 67-109 Very expected game when 11th ranked IPRC-Kigali (2-20) was crushed at home by fourth ranked Espoir (15-6) 109-67 on Friday. Espoir maintains fourth position with 15-6 record. IPRC-Kigali at the other side keeps the eleventh place with 20 games lost. Tigers - Patriots 71-113 The game in supposed to be also quite interesting. Second ranked Patriots (17-2) played at the court of 7th ranked Tigers (11-11). Patriots smashed Tigers 113-71 on Friday. Patriots have an impressive eight-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 17-2 record having just three points less than leader REG. Tigers at the other side keep the seventh place with 11 games lost. Patriots will meet IPRC-Huye (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Tigers will have a break next round. |
| SERBIA |
| KK Borac Cacak signs rookie Filip Rebraca in his first year in pro basketball - by Eurobasket News | ||||
Rebraca started his college career at University of North Dakota (NCAA) where he played three seasons. Then he moved to University of Iowa (NCAA). His high school career he had spent at The Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, MA. Of course it will be his first season in professional basketball. KK Borac Cacak roster for 2023-24: Guards: Ronaldo Segu Nikola Manojlovic Forwards: Tylan Birts Filip Rebraca |
| Serbian U16 National Team 2023 - by Igor Obradovic | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Glisic is back at Helios Suns, ex Borac CA - by Zeljko Zule | ||||
The most of previous (2021-22) season he spent at Dynamic (KLS) in Serbia where in 16 games he recorded 5.3ppg and 4.4rpg in that year. He helped them to win the league title. Glisic also spent pre-season at Helios Suns that year. He represented Serbia at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U20 in Chemnitz (Germany) five years ago. His stats at that event were 7 games: 11.6ppg, Reb-5 (8.0rpg), FGP: 70.7%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 77.8%. Glisic has played previously professionally in Slovenia (Rogaska). He was voted to Eurobasket.com All-European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U20 Honorable Mention back in 2017 and 2018. Helios Suns Domzale roster for 2023-24: Guards: Nejc Baric Rok Nemanic Jan Copot Forwards: Blaz Mahkovic Milos Glisic Ziga Daneu Center: Lovro Lapajne Coach: Damjan Novakovic |
| Nardo tabs Lazar Trunic - by Eurobasket News | ||||
The most of previous (2021-22) season he spent at Metalac in Serbian KLS where in 11 games he had 9.0ppg, 1.9rpg and 2.8apg in that year. He also played for Monferrato that season. But in four Serie A2 games he did not score anything and had only 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. Trunic has played previously for three other teams: Rimini Crabs, Cremona and Cremona. His team was Runner-Up of Serie C Gold Group Lombardia Est Regular Season 2020. |
| SLOVAKIA |
| Lucenec signs rookie Daniel Hornbuckle in his first year in pro basketball - by Michal Duchovic |
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BKM Lucenec (Nike SBL) strengthened their roster with addition of American 185cm guard Daniel Hornbuckle for season 2023-24. Hornbuckle just graduated from Western Washington University (NCAA2). He has played there for the last three years. Hornbuckle started his college career at University of Alaska Fairbanks (NCAA2) where he played three seasons. Then he moved to Portland Community College (JUCO). His high school career he had spent at West Valley in Fairbanks, AK. Of course it will be his first season in professional basketball. BKM Lucenec roster for 2023-24: Jan Zorvan Vasilije Knezevic Matus Skuben Daniel Hornbuckle Filip Rakai Karolis Sapiega Jared Sherfield Matej Siladi Jakub Istok Edward Aidi Coach: Tibor Jany |
| SLOVENIA |
| Greece hand second straight loss to Slovenia - by Eurobasket News |
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Greece - Slovenia 88-77 Greece swept their test series versus Slovenia as they claimed an 11-point victory at the OAKA on Thursday. Kostas Mitoglou (210-F/C-1996, college: Wake Forest) stepped up with 18 points for the hosts. Greece dropped 27 points in the first period to take a 2-point lead. The hosts maintained the lead throughout the second period. Greece secured a 51-44 halftime advantage. The Hellenes went on a 21-14 run in the third term to boost the lead to double digits. Slovenia cut the distance in the fourth period but could not avoid the loss at the end. Michalis Lountzis (195-PG-1998) contributed 17 points for the home team. Luka Doncic (201-G-1999) answered with 18 points for Slovenia. Klemen Prepelic (191-SG-1992) added 12 points in the loss. |
| Rogaska tabs Njegos Sikiras, ex Buducnost BN - by Zeljko Zule | ||||
His team made it to the Srpska Republic Cup Finalist in 2023 final. The previous (2021-22) season he played at Penas Huesca in Spanish LEB Gold where in 10 games he had 9.9ppg and 6.1rpg in that year. Sikiras also played for Amics Castello in Spanish LEB Gold. In 8 games he recorded 3.0ppg and 2.4rpg in that year. He also spent pre-season at Borac (Division I) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sikiras was also a member of Bosnia and Herzegovina international program for some years. He played for Bosnia and Herzegovina Senior National Team between 2016 and 2019 and previously for U20 National Team back in 2017. Sikiras also represented Bosnia at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U18 in Slovakia six years ago. His stats at that event were 7 games: 8.1ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 27.5%, 3PT: 24.4%, FT: 62.5%. He has played previously professionally in Italy (RO SAzzurra) and Spain (Melilla, Fuenlabrada, CB Fuenlabrada Madrid 2nd team, Viten Getafe Fuenlabrada Madrid and Avila). His team made it to the Srpska Republic Cup Finalist in 2023 final. Rogaska Crystal roster for 2023-24: Guards: Sandi Cebular David Kralj Luka Bozak Patrik Tabak Domen Mocnik Stas Sivka Forward: Njegos Sikiras Coach: Dragisa Drobnjak |
| Slovenian U16 National Team 2023 - by Igor Obradovic | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Sources: Nuggets F Vlatko Cancar suffers torn ACL in left knee - by Eurobasket News |
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Denver Nuggets forward Vlatko Cancar (203-SF-1997) suffered a torn ACL in his left knee while playing for Slovenia in a World Cup preparation game Friday, sources confirmed to ESPN. Cancar was injured when he landed after a transition dunk in traffic during the loss to Greece. He had to be helped off the floor, and an MRI confirmed that he suffered the ACL injury that could sideline him for all of next season. Cancar, 26, averaged 5.0 points and 2.1 rebounds as a reserve for the NBA champion Nuggets last season. He had a chance to earn a more significant role with the departures of key bench players Bruce Brown and Jeff Green. Cancar's injury leaves Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic (201-G-1999) as the lone active NBA player who will play for Slovenia during the World Cup. The Denver Post first reported Cancar's injury. Courtesy of: espn.com |
| Glisic is back at Helios Suns, ex Borac CA - by Zeljko Zule | ||||
The most of previous (2021-22) season he spent at Dynamic (KLS) in Serbia where in 16 games he recorded 5.3ppg and 4.4rpg in that year. He helped them to win the league title. Glisic also spent pre-season at Helios Suns that year. He represented Serbia at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U20 in Chemnitz (Germany) five years ago. His stats at that event were 7 games: 11.6ppg, Reb-5 (8.0rpg), FGP: 70.7%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 77.8%. Glisic has played previously professionally in Slovenia (Rogaska). He was voted to Eurobasket.com All-European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U20 Honorable Mention back in 2017 and 2018. Helios Suns Domzale roster for 2023-24: Guards: Nejc Baric Rok Nemanic Jan Copot Forwards: Blaz Mahkovic Milos Glisic Ziga Daneu Center: Lovro Lapajne Coach: Damjan Novakovic |
| SPAIN |
| Menorca keeps Molins for another season - by Eurobasket News |
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LEB Gold newcomer Hestia Menorca re-signed 24-year old 195cm point guard Pol Molins for upcoming season. He played there last season. In 32 LEB Silver games he averaged 8.0ppg, 2.8rpg and 1.9apg. He helped them to end the regular season as a second best team in the league. The previous (2021-22) season he played at Basquet Girona. But in 14 LEB Gold games he had just 0.7ppg in that year. Molins represented Spain at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U20 in Chemnitz (Germany) five years ago. His stats at that event were 7 games: 2.0ppg, 1.6apg. He has played previously for five other teams: Joventut, Ourense, Zamora, Prat and Arenys. |
| Ricky Rubio taking a break from basketball to deal with his mental health - by Eurobasket News |
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Ricky Rubio (193-G-1990) has decided to put his basketball career on hold. The Spanish Basketball Federation transmitted a statement from the Spanish guard, in which Rubio makes clear that he's quitting basketball to take care of his mental health. The development comes just three weeks prior to the FIBA World Cup, where Rubio was slated to be present with the Spanish NT. Whether the veteran guard's break will be temporary or permanent remains to be seen. His full statement: "I have decided to stop my professional activity to take care of my mental health. I want to thank the Spanish Federation (FEB) for all the support I have received. They understood my decision. Today #LaFamilia makes more sense than ever. Thank you. I would ask that my privacy be respected so that I can face these moments and be able to give more information when the time is right". In the same note, the Spanish Federation expresses "its respect, admiration and affection for Ricky Rubio." "#LaFamilia will be by the player's side at all times," the announcement concludes. The Catalan player's return after a year-long absence due to a knee injury had been heralded as the most important update for Spain. The MVP of the World Cup in China had joined Sergio Scariolo 's training camp, although he didn't appear in the first friendly game against Venezuela (a neat 87-57 win) last Friday night. His absence is a major setback for Spain and adds to that of Lorenzo Brown, who finished last season with some medical issues to take care of. Now, Sergio Scariolo will have to look for replacements. Courtesy of: basketnews.com |
| Spain cruise past Venezuela at WiZink Center, 87-57 - by Francisco Vega |
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Spain crushed Venezuela in a friendly game played at the Wizink Center in Madrid, Spain, 87-57, thanks to a total of 15 three-point shots and spectacular comeback performance by Juancho Hernangomez (206-PF-1995) with 27 points, including a perfect 10 of 10 from the field ( (5 of 5 in three pointers). Spain didn't use players such as Willy Hernangomez (210-C-1994), Rudy Fernandez (196-SF-1985, agency: Octagon Europe), Sergio Llull (190-G-1987) or Ricky Rubio (193-G-1990) for this match but had a chance to test NBA player Santi Aldama (211-F/C-2001, college: Loyola, MD) for the first time. He didn't disappoint with 16 points (3 of 4 from the long distance). Usman Garuba (203-C-2002) added 11 points. For Venezuela, Garly Sojo (196-PG-1999, agency: Pro Sports) and Michael Carrera (196-F-1993, college: S.Carolina) scored 11 points each, Pedro Chourio (186-G/F-1990, agency: Pro Sports) added 7, Nestor Colmenares (200-C-1987, college: Campbellsville, agency: Pro Sports) 6 and newcomer Fabrizio Pugliatti (200-G-2004, agency: Octagon Europe) took advantage of his minutes in the last quarter to score 5 more. Venezuela played it's best offensive basketball in the first quarter with 50% in field goals (8 of 16) and 4 three-pointers in 9 attempts, even taking an early 8-2 advantage, but Spain reacted with a 27-12 in the remainder of that first quarter to get ahead by 9 points (29-20), shooting for an impressive 78% (11 of 14) from the field with 5 three pointers out of 7 attempts (85.7%), led by Hernangomez with 8 of his 27 points and Aldama with 7 of his 16. The team coached by Fernando Duro then started the second quarter with great deffense, leaving the Spanish side 4 minutes without scoring and getting closer (29-24). However, after corresponding adjustments and the return of the starters, Spain was relentless for the next six minutes with a 17-2 streak. Venezuela had a lot of trouble trying to attack in half court and trying to find an open shooter or going to the basket became utopic. Spain went into half time with a 20-point lead as a result, 46-26. Another short awakening to begin the third quarter, thanks to a 9-2 start, gave Venezuela a chance for a comeback (48-35), but Hernangomez turned on his offensive show again and the rest of the team got caught in the three-pointer fever to put things back where they were and a 13-0 run gave Spain a 26-point lead, 61-35 heading into the final 10 minutes. A basket exchange won by Spain (26-22), the last quarter gave Duro a Chance to give some minutes to the youngsters, Enrique Medina (218-C-2004) and Fabrizio Pugliatti, since he was offered the possibilty to use all 14 players that are playing in this preparation tour for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Venezuela's third straight defeat is not going to stop them in their goal to get well prepared for the tournament. So far, they've lost against Angola (66-61), Argentina (66-65) and Spain (87-57). Their next match will take place in Orleans against France on Monday (August 7th). Then, they'll travel to Melbourne, Australia, to go against Australia (August 14th), South Sudan (August 16th) and Brazil (August 17th) at Rod Laver Arena before the World Cup takes place. Venezuela will face Slovenia, Georgia and Cabo Verde (Group F) in Okinawa, Japan. Spain's next friendly matches will be against Slovenia (August 11th) and United States (August 13th) in Malaga and then against Canada (August 16th) and the Dominican Republic (August 19th) in Granada. They'll also play in Group G of the World Cup against Brazil, Iran and Ivory Coast. |
| Lleida welcomes back Matulionis - by Eurobasket News | |||
He was a member of Lithuanian U20 National Team in 2011. Matulionis is a very experienced player. He has played also professionally in Belgium (Circus Brussels), Brazil (Paschoalotto/Bauru), Estonia (Parnu), Spain (Rio Breogan, Bilbao, Obradoiro, Melilla and Coruna) and Lithuania (Atletas, Lietkabelis and Siauliai). Among many awards his team made it to the LEB Gold Semifinals in 2021. Matulionis was voted to Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Gold Honorable Mention back in 2015. ICG Forca Lleida roster for 2023-24: Guards: Diogo Brito Ignacio Arroyo-Varela Jaume Lobo Forwards: Osvaldas Matulionis Marvin Ogunsipe Center: Javier Vega |
| Ourense tabs Unai Mendicote - by Eurobasket News | |
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Club Ourense Baloncesto (LEB Gold) inked 24-year old Spaniard 196cm forward Unai Mendicote for upcoming season. Mendicote played most recently at BC CSU Sibiu in Romanian Liga Nationala. The previous (2021-22) season he played at Circulo Gijon Baloncesto in Spanish LEB Silver where in 26 games he averaged impressive 15.6ppg, 7.8rpg and 1.7apg in that year. A very good season in his career as he was awarded Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Silver Player of the Year, Domestic Player of the Year and Forward of the Year. He represented Spain at the World Championships U17 in Zaragoza (Spain) seven years ago. His team got to the Semifinals. Mendicote has played previously for five other Spanish teams: Zamora, Santurtzi, Olivar, Zornotza and Almansa. He won Spanish LEB Silver Play-Off championship title in 2019. Club Ourense Baloncesto roster for 2023-24: Guards: Alvaro Palazuelos Justin Turner Josep Cera Forwards: Karamo Jawara Unai Mendicote Center: Samuel Rodriguez |
| Santi Aldama riding on a cloud after his debut with Spain's Senior NT - by Francisco Vega |
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NBA player Santi Aldama (211-F/C-2001, college: Loyola, MD) said he was "riding on a cloud" and would surely "have trouble falling asleep" after having the chance to play for Spain's Senior National Team and in his native country after many years, while also scoring 16 points to help his team past Venezuela, 87-57, at the Wizink Center in Madrid, as part of the team's preparation for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. "It was a dream that I had thought about many times and now that it's happened, it makes me feel very excited and for sure I'll have trouble falling asleep tonight", he said with a smile right after leaving the host team's locker room. Even though he was nervous, he handled it pretty well. "In the end, it's another basketball game, I was anxious for the game to start but once I started playing, I felt comfortable and all my teammates made it easy for me". He said that "there re a lot of things to improve" in general, both personally and as a team. "For a first day, it's been great. This is good because we can see what we need to work on for the upcoming weeks and the next games". His team was able to score 15 three-point shots. "We were very sharp but we also moved the ball very well to find the open shots and that always helps. We need to keep these coming". When asked to mention what the NBA game style of play helps him in order to adjust to the FIBA environment, he talked about the importance of "finding space and looking for the best options". "The game moves very fast and it's true that's different to the game in the NBA, but if you always try to find the teammate that's open, that's the easiest way to play it". |
| Spanish U16 National Team 2023 - by Igor Obradovic | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Juancho Hernangomez is glad to be back in action - by Francisco Vega |
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Juancho Hernangomez (206-PF-1995) led Spain to a victory over Venezuela's NT, 87-57 at the Wizink Center in Madrid, with 27 points and perfect night from the field (10 of 10), including 5 three-point shots. It was a great comeback to his country's National Team, but he was more excited about the team's performance than his own. "The truth is that it's been a great team effort. We played very well, we had a bit of trouble to get going at first but we were eager to compete after a week of only trainings here in Madrid, at such a palace. We're very glad and we now let's go for the next one", he said with a smile after the game. He didn't want to think too much of his perfect night at shooting. "Well, there are also days in which the basket is closed, so we have to keep shooting whenever we get the shots, there are days in which you will score each one and days in which you won't score any. The work is done, we have to keep going, competing and enjoying". Coming back makes him very happy. "My last game had been in February so I was a bit rusty but I was eager, very glad and nervous before the game. If there came a day in which I didn't feel nervous before a game, I'd have to retire and leave the game" He also had positive things to say about the new players coming into the national squad. "After a first game, what's important is the team, the plays. We're a bit rusty because we need to compete but we did good, I'm glad, happy about the newcomers, Santi (Aldama) played a great match and everyone else is going up". He felt the strong presence of Venezuelan fans in the stands but he though it was something they could work with. "There were a lot of Venezuelan supporters and that also motivated us. The other team started with a couple of three-point shots and we suddenly felt like we were playing away, but this kind of game is meant to be enjoyed". The opportunity to compete and not just workout in trainings and at camp made him feel thankful. "It's one more game, I'm happy to do some repetitions with a lot more intensity, game intensity. In the end, you can work as hard as you can in trainings, but it's in the games where you find out if you're ready. Now we have a couple of days to rest and then on to Malaga" Spain's next friendly matches will be against Slovenia (August 11th) and United States (August 13th) in Malaga and then against Canada (August 16th) and the Dominican Republic (August 19th) in Granada. They'll also play in Group G of the World Cup against Brazil, Iran and Ivory Coast. |
| Sergio Scariolo thinks their goals were achieved against Venezuela - by Francisco Vega |
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Italian head coach Sergio Scariolo said that the goals that were set for Spain's first friendly match against Venezuela, a victory 87-57 at the WiZink Center in Madrid, were fully achieved, considering what they want to do toward the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup. "We achieved what we had set as a goal for this game. We wanted to start a new season of work by being faithful to our identity, to the way we want to play, with an active defense and an offense that has rythm and altruism", he said. When sharing his thoughts about the overall performance as hosts, he said that "aside from the fact that we've had a good shooting percentage, a good assist-turnover ratio and finding the rebounds pretty well, I believe all the players have given us what they could". He recognized that for some new players, it was tougher to adjust. "Maybe those players who haven't been with us for the past two years had it a bit harder, but we'll have more trainings and games to keep helping them grow". He also referred to the rough beginning on the match, when Venezuela felt more comfortable. "We had two or three initial minutes that were bad, but surely because the emotional impact is more individual. (At that point), probably some were more ready and others needed to go back to the bench, refresh the ideas and then come back and play better". However, he thinks it was a good start considering the harder challenges ahead. "It was a friendly match, now we have to get some rest. It's been a good work cycle with good sensations and vibrations as a group and individually, but that's less important right now, because the moments in which the team needs to be in shape aren't these ones. Of course these will come later on". When asked about the tactical displays his team was successful at on defense, Scariolo pointed out that "this is what we do in a certain tactical circumstance. It's not a choice based on the game or the opposing team. It's a way to play, part of our defensive system. Then in the second half we experimented with something different, with a faster and shorter presence of the pivot helping the ball". Asked about Santi Aldama (211-F/C-2001, college: Loyola, MD), he said that he played "very well in the offense, less on defense, but he'll get there". Finally, he talked about the support of the fans, even though there were a lot of Venezuelans at the WiZkink Center, saying there's no doubt they felt their support in spite of that. "That's not even questionable. This team, througout many years, has given the fans so many moments of joy, satisfactions and motives to feel proud, that of course it deserves to receive this kindness and passion from the stands. We're very thankful for it and we're satisfied about it". |
| Huguet comes back to Obradoiro - by Eurobasket News | |
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Monbus Obradoiro CAB Santiago de Compostela (Liga Endesa) added to their roster 20-year old 194cm shooting guard Sergi Huguet for season 2023-24. It is actually his comeback to Santiago de Compostela as he has played here before. Huguet played most recently at Melilla Baloncesto in the LEB Gold. In 29 games he recorded 5.2ppg and 1.4rpg last season. The previous (2021-22) season he played at Obradoiro. But in 6 Liga Endesa games he averaged just 0.3ppg in that year. He represented Spain at the FIBA U20 European Championship in Podgorica (Montenegro) last year. Huguet's team won Gold and his stats at that event were 5 games: 2.8ppg. Huguet has played previously for two other teams: Palma and Obradoiro Silleda Santiago de Compostela. His team was regular season runner-up in Spanish EBA Group A-B in 2022. Monbus Obradoiro CAB Santiago de Compostela roster for 2023-24: Guards: Eric Washington Fernando Zurbriggen Pol Figueras Jordan Howard Sergi Huguet Forwards: Alvaro Munoz Thomas Scrubb Tres Tinkle Centers: Alejandro Suarez Artem Pustovyi Ruben Guerrero Marek Blazevic Coach: Moncho Fernandez |
| Melilla tabs Jesus Castillo - by Eurobasket News | ||||
He graduated from University of Illinois at Springfield in 2022 and it will be his second season in pro basketball. Castillo played also for Missouri Baptist University for 2 years. |
| Benidorm inks Carlos Velazquez - by Eurobasket News | |
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Servigroup Benidorm (EBA) agreed terms with 21-year old shooting guard Carlos Velazquez (186cm-2002) for new 2023-24 season. Velazquez has played for the last two years at HLA Alicante in the LEB Gold. LEB Gold was a little too high level for him, where in only one LEB Gold game he did not score anything and had only 1 rebound. EBA will be definitely a better match and he can see more playing time. |
| Santiago Paz Vazquez is a newcomer at Benicarlo - by Eurobasket News | |
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Maderas Sorli Benicarlo (LEB Silver) strengthened their roster with addition of 20-year old 198cm forward Santiago Paz Vazquez for season 2023-24. Paz Vazquez played most recently at Obradoiro in Spanish Liga Endesa. Liga Endesa was a little too high level for him, where in 5 games he recorded just 1.4ppg last season. LEB Silver will be definitely a better match and he can see more playing time. He also played for Obradoiro (EBA). In 11 games he averaged impressive 15.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.8apg and 1.1spg. Paz Vazquez represented Spain at the FIBA U20 European Championship in Greece this year. His stats at that event were 7 games: 4.9ppg, 2.9rpg. |
| SWEDEN |
| Andreas Jonsson (ex Cantbasket) signs at Umea - by Eurobasket News | |||
Jonsson was a member of Swedish U18 National Team in 2019. He graduated from West Virginia University Institute of Technology in 2022 and it will be his second season in pro basketball. His team won RSC Tournament in 2019 and 2021. Umea BSKT roster for 2023-24: Guards: William Eriksson-Hansson David Czerapowicz Andreas Jonsson Timothy Finke Melker Lindblom Forwards: Alexander Yemane Jared Chatham Willesley Butler Anton Lindqvist Nils Botold |
| Germany ease past Sweden in friendly - by Eurobasket News |
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Germany - Sweden 87-68 Germany outgunned Sweden in the friendly clash in Bonn on Saturday. Dennis Schroeder (181-PG-1993) stepped up with 17 points to pace the hosts. Germany eked out an 18-16 lead after ten minutes. Sweden erupted for 26 points in the second term to tie things up at 42 heading into the locker rooms. Sweden managed to snatch a narrow one-point lead at the final intermission. But Germany answered with a strong 27-7 rally in the fourth period to secure a comfortable win at the end. Franz Wagner (206-F-2001, college: Michigan) produced 15 points for the hosts. Nicholas Spires (210-C/F-1994) answered with 13 points for Sweden. Felix Terins (188-PG-1998) chipped in 12 points in the loss. |
| SWITZERLAND |
| Crawford re-signs at Pully - by Luca Maffioli | ||||
He played there last season. In 31 NLB games he had 13.1ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.9apg and 1.8spg. He helped them to win the NLB title. 2022-23 was a great season as he was named to Eurobasket.com All-Swiss NLB Third Team. The previous (2021-22) season he played at Wallabies (also in NLB) where in 20 games he recorded very impressive stats: 17.2ppg, 12.8rpg (#2 in the league), 1.5apg, 1.9spg and 2.0bpg in that year. 2021-22 was a great season as he was named to Eurobasket.com All-Swiss NLB Honorable Mention, All-Imports Team and League Player of the Week (3 times). He graduated from Lewis and Clark College in 2020 and it will be his fourth season as a professional player. Crawford played also for Los Angeles Ballers for one year. Pully Lausanne Foxes roster for 2023-24: Guards: Nelson Moke Asase Mawuli-Kplim Jamal George Jeff Ndaye Forwards: Joao Grosso Zeke Crawford |
| TURKEY |
| Raul Neto joins Fenerbahce - by Fersu Yahyabeyoglu | ||||
In 2013 he was drafted by Atlanta Hawks (NBA) in second round (47th overall). He was also a member of Brazilian international program for some years. Neto played for Brazilian Senior National Team between 2009 and 2016 and previously for U19 National Team back in 2011. He represented Brazil at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) seven years ago. His stats at that event were 5 games: 4.8ppg, 1.4rpg, 2.6apg. Neto is quite experienced player. Neto's career allowed him to visit three different continents, while he played in four different countries. He tasted the life as pro basketball player in Europe, Latin America and of course North America. Neto has played previously professionally in Spain (Murcia), NBA (Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers and Washington Wizards), NBA G League (SLC Stars) and Brazil (Minas). His team made it to the Brazilian National League Semifinals in 2009 and 2010. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul roster for 2023-24: Guards: Melih Mahmutoglu Raul Neto Scottie Wilbekin Tyler Dorsey Sehmus Hazer Yam Madar Forwards: Dyshawn Pierre Metecan Birsen Nigel Hayes-Davis Nathan Sestina Marko Guduric Centers: Sertac Sanli Georgios Papagiannis Johnathan Motley Coach: Dimitris Itoudis |
| Italy need overtime to beat Turkey at the Trento tournament - by Eurobasket News |
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Italy - Turkey 90-89 OT Italy needed overtime to beat Turkey 90-89 at the Trento tournament. The hosts won the first quarter 25-24 and added a 24-14 surge in the second frame. Turkey replied with an 18-12 and 19-14 runs to tie the score at 75-75 after four quarters. In overtime Italy grabbed a 15-14 rally to seal the ticket to the Final to face China tomorrow. Simone Fontecchio (203-SF-1995) stepped up with 21 points, whilst Achille Polonara (202-PF-1991), Stefano Tonut (194-SG-1993) and Nicolo Melli (205-F/C-1991) had 9 apiece. Omer Yurtseven (213-C-1998, college: Georgetown) replied with 23 points in a loss and Furkan Korkmaz (201-G/F-1997) delivered 16. |
| Turkish U16 National Team 2023 - by Igor Obradovic | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Bruins add Buyuktuncel to their roster, ex Tofas - by Eurobasket News | ||||
He has been also a member of Turkish international program for some years. Buyuktuncel was a member of both Senior and U19 National Teams this year and previously for U19 National Team in 2023. He represented Turkey at the FIBA U20 European Championship in Greece this year. His stats at that event were 6 games: 13.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 78.6%. University of California at Los Angeles roster for 2023-24: Guards: Lazar Stefanovic Will McClendon Dylan Andrews Sebastian Mack Jan Vide Ilane Fibleuil Jack Seidler Brandon Williams Forwards: Kenneth Nwuba Logan Cremonesi Adem Bona Berke Buyuktuncel Evan Manjikian Devin Williams Center: Aday Mara Coach: Mick Cronin |
| UKRAINE |
| Ukraine hold off Israel in test game - by Eurobasket News |
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Ukraine - Israel 75-69 Ukraine claimed a narrow win over Israel in the test game on Saturday. Oleksandr Kovliar (191-PG-2002) scored 16 points to pace the winners. Ukraine grabbed a 17-14 lead ten minutes into the game. Ukraine maintained the lead throughout the second frame. They established a 37-32 halftime lead. Ukraine poured in 25 points in the third stanza to ensure a 6-point lead at the final break. They held Israel to just 13 points in the fourth period and raced to the win. Vitaliy Zotov (188-PG-1997) delivered 14 points in the victory. Oz Blayzer (199-F-1992) replied with 18 points for Israel. Roman Sorkin (210-F/C-1996, college: Oregon) had 14 points in the loss. |
| URUGUAY |
| Aristimuno's double-double lands him Metropolitan Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News | |||||
He had a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds, while his team crushed Verdirrojo (#14, 4-8) with 20-point margin 93-73. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on top of the standings. Colon is placed at 11th position in Uruguayan Metropolitan. Colon is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 6-7 record. In the team's last game Aristimuno had a remarkable 57.1% from 2-point range. It's his second year at Colon and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Aristimuno has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in assists (5th best: 5.7apg) and averages solid 2.4spg. Second best performed player last round was Carlos Milano (198-PF-1985) of Lagomar. He is Venezuelan forward in his first season at Lagomar. In the last game Milano recorded impressive double-double of 22 points and 19 rebounds. Bad luck as Lagomar lost that game 68-85 to the higher-ranked Capitol (#6, 7-5). Lagomar is still in a red zone at 15th spot in the standings. 10 lost games are too many comparing to just three victories Lagomar managed to get this year. Milano is a newcomer at Lagomar and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. Third place about best performers goes to guard Robert Whitfield (190-G-1997) of Verdirrojo (#14). Whitfield showcased his all-around game by recording 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists in the last round. Despite Whitfield's great performance Verdirrojo lost 73-93 to the higher-ranked Colon (#11, 6-7). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Verdirrojo not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 8 games, recording just four victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Whitfield could try to bring Verdirrojo's a little bit higher in the standings. Whitfield has individually a great season in Uruguay. After 12 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 19.4ppg (4th best) and assists with 5.3apg (7th best). Other top performing players last week: 4. Rakim Brown (198-SG-1991) of Sayago - 20 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists 5. Federico Haller (200-F-1988) of Lagomar - 17 points, 14 rebounds and 2 assists 6. Jamal Bieniemy (196-G-1999) of Colon - 21 points, 2 rebounds and 7 assists 7. Agustin Zuvich (201-F/C-1995) of Atenas - 21 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists 8. Dennis McKinney (194-F-1998) of 25 de Agosto - 16 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists 9. Camilo Colman (192-PF-1990) of Larranaga - 19 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists 10. Mateo Giano (186-PG-2000) of Capitol - 17 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists The Player of the week is selected based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc. The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy. The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)
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| VANUATU |
| Testing news 2023 - by Igor Obradovic |
8 Patrick HASSAN 10 Giovanni GRANAI 11 Francesco CARNEVALE 16 Pablo ABREU 18 Matteo ACCORSI 20 Luca BANDIRALI 22 Achille LONATI 23 Diego GARAVAGLIA Giuseppe MANGONE Vanni TALPO Alfredo LAMBERTI |
| VENEZUELA |
| Spain cruise past Venezuela at WiZink Center, 87-57 - by Eurobasket News |
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Spain crushed Venezuela in a friendly game played at the Wizink Center in Madrid, Spain, 87-57, thanks to a total of 15 three-point shots and spectacular comeback performance by Juancho Hernangomez (206-PF-1995) with 27 points, including a perfect 10 of 10 from the field ( (5 of 5 in three pointers). Spain didn't use players such as Willy Hernangomez (210-C-1994), Rudy Fernandez (196-SF-1985, agency: Octagon Europe), Sergio Llull (190-G-1987) or Ricky Rubio (193-G-1990) for this match but had a chance to test NBA player Santi Aldama (211-F/C-2001, college: Loyola, MD) for the first time. He didn't disappoint with 16 points (3 of 4 from the long distance). Usman Garuba (203-C-2002) added 11 points. For Venezuela, Garly Sojo (196-PG-1999, agency: Pro Sports) and Michael Carrera (196-F-1993, college: S.Carolina) scored 11 points each, Pedro Chourio (186-G/F-1990, agency: Pro Sports) added 7, Nestor Colmenares (200-C-1987, college: Campbellsville, agency: Pro Sports) 6 and newcomer Fabrizio Pugliatti (200-G-2004, agency: Octagon Europe) took advantage of his minutes in the last quarter to score 5 more. Venezuela played it's best offensive basketball in the first quarter with 50% in field goals (8 of 16) and 4 three-pointers in 9 attempts, even taking an early 8-2 advantage, but Spain reacted with a 27-12 in the remainder of that first quarter to get ahead by 9 points (29-20), shooting for an impressive 78% (11 of 14) from the field with 5 three pointers out of 7 attempts (85.7%), led by Hernangomez with 8 of his 27 points and Aldama with 7 of his 16. The team coached by Fernando Duro then started the second quarter with great deffense, leaving the Spanish side 4 minutes without scoring and getting closer (29-24). However, after corresponding adjustments and the return of the starters, Spain was relentless for the next six minutes with a 17-2 streak. Venezuela had a lot of trouble trying to attack in half court and trying to find an open shooter or going to the basket became utopic. Spain went into half time with a 20-point lead as a result, 46-26. Another short awakening to begin the third quarter, thanks to a 9-2 start, gave Venezuela a chance for a comeback (48-35), but Hernangomez turned on his offensive show again and the rest of the team got caught in the three-pointer fever to put things back where they were and a 13-0 run gave Spain a 26-point lead, 61-35 heading into the final 10 minutes. A basket exchange won by Spain (26-22), the last quarter gave Duro a Chance to give some minutes to the youngsters, Enrique Medina (218-C-2004) and Fabrizio Pugliatti, since he was offered the possibilty to use all 14 players that are playing in this preparation tour for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Venezuela's third straight defeat is not going to stop them in their goal to get well prepared for the tournament. So far, they've lost against Angola (66-61), Argentina (66-65) and Spain (87-57). Their next match will take place in Orleans against France on Monday (August 7th). Then, they'll travel to Melbourne, Australia, to go against Australia (August 14th), South Sudan (August 16th) and Brazil (August 17th) at Rod Laver Arena before the World Cup takes place. Venezuela will face Slovenia, Georgia and Cabo Verde (Group F) in Okinawa, Japan. Spain's next friendly matches will be against Slovenia (August 11th) and United States (August 13th) in Malaga and then against Canada (August 16th) and the Dominican Republic (August 19th) in Granada. They'll also play in Group G of the World Cup against Brazil, Iran and Ivory Coast. |
| Fernando Duro wants his team to play with a higher level of focus - by Francisco Vega |
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After the friendly match between Spain and Venezuela, played at the Wizink Center in Madrid, Spain and in which the hosts came up with a win, 87-57, Venezuela's head coach, Argentinian Fernando Duro , shared his thoughts on what his side needs to work on in order to get better for the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup. "At some points we did well, at some points we did not. Against a team like Spain and then later France, these are the games we want to play, because this is the only way to properly train before facing a team such as Slovenia on August 26th", he said right before getting into technical details. "We need to get used to playing with high levels of focus and communication and, at times, we didn't do that. Against a team like Spain, with such high percentages of shooting from the field, they let you know when you're not. Each error is costly". His team allowed Spain to score 15 three-point shots and go into offensive streaks during the second quarter (17-2) and the third (13-0 to close it out). "We tried to minimize that in the second half but we need to evaluate what happened in the first half, because that's something we've been working on, our main quality is our defense, so this was a wake up call and I talked to them about it at half time", he added. Eurobasket.com and Dos Quintetos asked him directly about his team's attacking performance and what they're trying to do better as the games go by. "We're still not there (in offense). That will come with the games. Today most of our players wanted to go one-on-one and simply couldn't go through, we could not go into the basket, split the defense or pass the ball out when our best quality is the extra pass. It's also credit to the team we were facing" Duro also considers that "comparing it to the way we started our previous tour in Verona, Italy, against Russia and Italy, I think we did better today than back then. I believe we did better today and I hope every game is a learning experience and we make it to our first World Cup game in the best shape and conditions to compete, which is our main goal". He was very thankful because of the opportunity to go against the top FIBA team. "We're very happy to have played here in Madrid against the FIBA World Champion, the European Champion, the number 1 team of FIBA's rankings. We'd like to thank Sergio Scariolo and his coaching staff for letting us our young players on court, since they're working to be the future of our national team". Spain allowed Venezuela to use 14 players instead of 12 for this game. "For us it was a great experience. We come to Europe every 4 years and we obviously have to grow from less to more. We try to understand how to play in a World Cup. It's been a learning experience. There's an open schedule by our federation to come here more often in the future and play against the top teams in Europe", he added. When discussing the desire to keep growing as a team, for a country that's currently in 17th position of the FIBA World Men's Raking, Duro said: "We want to play in World Cups but we also want to play well in World Cups. At the American level, we've qualified for two straight World Cups now, we'd like to do the same and advance to the World Cup at the U17 and U15 level, so for now this is a great learning experience" Duro knows the next steps in this preparation won't be easy ones. "We'll go to France tomorrow to play against them next Monday. We want to thank the French federation as well for the invitation to compete at this level, we need it and it's a high performance training for us to get the rythm of international competitions" "Our team is a group of smart players, they've backed up the young players in an excellent way and I'm confident that we'll be able to recover and get better. Later we'll also face Australia and I believe these are the best options for us to get the rythm we need", he added. In Madrid, Venezuela felt like at home due to the huge presence of Venezuelan supporters that live in the country's capital. "The people's support was tremendous out here. The players feel the people's love. In Venezuela, basketball is a very popular sport and the fans are very loyal to their team. Today we have a lot of Venezuelan citizens overseas, we've also seen that support in Latin American countries and I hope it happens again at our next game in France" Venezuela's third straight defeat is not going to stop them in their goal to get well prepared for the tournament. So far, they've lost against Angola (66-61), Argentina (66-65) and Spain (87-57). Their next match will take place in Orleans against France on Monday (August 7th). Then, they'll travel to Melbourne, Australia, to go against Australia (August 14th), South Sudan (August 16th) and Brazil (August 17th) at Rod Laver Arena before the World Cup takes place. Venezuela will face Slovenia, Georgia and Cabo Verde (Group F) in Okinawa, Japan. |
| Michael Carrera says Venezuela is focused on learning and doing better after every game - by Francisco Vega |
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Venezuela's Senior National Team player Michael Carrera (196-F-1993, college: S.Carolina), who scored 11 points in a defeat against Spain (87-57) at the Wizink Center (Madrid), thinks that his team is focusing on learning and doing better after every friendly match they play, in order to be ready for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. When analyzing what happened and why Spain was able to score 15 three-point shots and gain a 30-point advantage, Carrera said the team lacked the same deffensive identity they're known for. "During the first half we probably went out playing too softly on defense. We're a defensive team and I believe we weren't as tough. We were able to adjust in the second half, took a step forward, we were able to learn, to get to know more and see what else we can do and use during a game. That's the best part, that with every game you realize you can do something more". Eurobasket.com and Dos Quintetos asked him about the difficulties the team experienced when trying to attack at half court. "The credit is to Spain for their defense. If you watch the videos, every time we advanced to half court, we already had someone in front of us and that's why they're the best in the world. That's why this kind of challenge helps us for what's coming up next, which won't be easy". He believes his side is focusing on what to do better instead of identifying negative aspects of their game so far, after loosing three straight friendly matches since they arrived to Spain (Angola 66-61, Argentina 66-65 and Spain, 87-57). "Maybe it's too early to talk about something negative in our game and we're more focused about the positive things we need to improve, because we know we have to. Some things have gone well and some haven't" He pointed out the good defensive display against Argentina as an example of the positive things."Venezuela is not known as an offensive team. We're a totally defensive team. We were able to hold Argentina on to 60 points and that's not easy at all. Also, we need to keep in mind that we have two games in only four days. This is not easy and it's been a long journey so far, though also an exciting one because we're facing top teams in the world. We're only thinking about getting better". Playing against Spain was great for him. "It was very exciting. We knew it was going to be a difficult match against the World champion, the European champion, so it was going to be complicated. I believe we did well considering it was only our third preparation game. We were maybe 20 to 25 minutes fighting in the game and then they obviously were able to play their game and be more fluent. This is going to help us a lot to get ready for the group we'll be playing (in the World Cup). It's not an easy one and it's basically filled with Europeans teams (Slovenia and Georgia)" He appreciated the fans that came to support the team. "We knew it'd be like this even if it's a friendly match but we played it for our people, I believe we did good and now we have to think about France". Madrid is also going to be his next home after the World Cup, as he'll be playing for Estudiantes in LEB Gold. "I'm excited that I'm going to be playing for this team (Estudiantes), which opened the doors for me with a good project: to climb back to the ACB (Liga Endesa). I'm happy because there are more Venezuelans here than in practically any other place, so I'm looking forward to when that moment comes to start working with the head coach" |
| WILLIAM JONES CUP |
| The 2023 William Jones Cup Returns to Taipei in August - by Eurobasket News |
| The 2023 William Jones Cup International Tournament will take place in Taipei in August! After a blank of three years under the pandemic, the Department of Sports is once again joining hands with the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association to hold the renowned basketball competition at the Heping Basketball Stadium. Marking its 42nd edition, the Jones Cup is an official basketball competition recognized by the International Basketball Federation. The event is one of the most well-known basketball tournaments in Asia, and many fans are looking forward to this year's matches. Top favorites - including teams from Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines - will take part in the competition this year. During his address at the press conference on July 26, Sports Commissioner Wang Hung-hsiang pointed out that the event has returned to Taipei after six years. With two teams participating in the men's division and two teams competing in the women's division, the city government looks forward to outstanding performances by local athletes at the event. This year's competition will kick-off with matches in the women's division between August 5 and 9. The teams include Chinese Taipei (Blue), Chinese Taipei (White), Japan, South Korea, Philippines, and Iran. Taking place between August 12 and 20, the men's division features the local teams, as well as counterparts from Japan, South Korea, Philippines, UAE, Qatar, Iran, and USA. Courtesy of: english.gov.taipei |
| WORLD CUP |
| Ricky Rubio taking a break from basketball to deal with his mental health - by Eurobasket News |
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Ricky Rubio (193-G-1990) has decided to put his basketball career on hold. The Spanish Basketball Federation transmitted a statement from the Spanish guard, in which Rubio makes clear that he's quitting basketball to take care of his mental health. The development comes just three weeks prior to the FIBA World Cup, where Rubio was slated to be present with the Spanish NT. Whether the veteran guard's break will be temporary or permanent remains to be seen. His full statement: "I have decided to stop my professional activity to take care of my mental health. I want to thank the Spanish Federation (FEB) for all the support I have received. They understood my decision. Today #LaFamilia makes more sense than ever. Thank you. I would ask that my privacy be respected so that I can face these moments and be able to give more information when the time is right". In the same note, the Spanish Federation expresses "its respect, admiration and affection for Ricky Rubio." "#LaFamilia will be by the player's side at all times," the announcement concludes. The Catalan player's return after a year-long absence due to a knee injury had been heralded as the most important update for Spain. The MVP of the World Cup in China had joined Sergio Scariolo 's training camp, although he didn't appear in the first friendly game against Venezuela (a neat 87-57 win) last Friday night. His absence is a major setback for Spain and adds to that of Lorenzo Brown, who finished last season with some medical issues to take care of. Now, Sergio Scariolo will have to look for replacements. Courtesy of: basketnews.com |
| AfroBasket 2023: Mali clinch third place in Rwanda - by Eurobasket News |
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Rwanda - Mali 51:89 Mali clinched third place in Rwanda at the AfroBasket 2023. In the game for the third place they overcame the hosts, 89-51. Trailing 14-15 at the end of the first period, Mali took control in the rest of the game. They posted a 23-9 surge in the second frame and won the third quarter 23-13. Moreover, Mali erupted with a final 29-14 surge to close the campaign. Gnere Dembele (186-C-2000) top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Djeneba N'Diaye (175-PG-1997) poured in 13. Sika Kone (190-F/C-2002) followed them with 10, whilst Fatoumata Sanou (160-PG-2004) and Mariam Coulibaly (192-C-1997, agency: Areus Sports) netted 9 apiece. Destiney Philoxy (170-G-2000) answered with 17 points in defeat and Janai Robertson poured in 12. |
| AfroBasket 2023: Nigeria lift the trophy for the fourth edition in a row - by Eurobasket News |
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Nigeria - Senegal 84:74 Nigeria lifted the trophy for the fourth edition in a row at the AfroBasket. They edged Senegal 84:74 to prove their superiority. Nigeria opened the game with a 19-10 run and led 12 points at the halftime. Senegal replied with a 26-19 rally in the third quarter as Fatou Diagne (193-C-1996, college: Houston) scored for 62-57. Sarah Ogoke (175-G-1990, college: SPSU) drove a lay-up for a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter and Yacine Diop (178-G/F-1995, college: Louisville) reduced back to 5. Cierra Dillard (176-G-1996, college: Buffalo, agency: Shark Sports Management) kept the hopes alive after free throws made at 70-67, whilst Elizabeth Balogun (185-G/F-2000) scored the last points in the game for a double digit win. Ifunaya Okoro (180-F-1999) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Elizabeth Balogun had 15. Amy Okonkwo (188-F-1996, college: TCU) netted 14, whilst Sarah Ogoke added 13. Cierra Dillard answered with 19 points in a loss and Yacine Diop had 16. |
| ARGENTINA |
| Sofia Aispurua is a newcomer at Roseto - by Eurobasket News | |
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Aran Cucine Panthers Roseto (Serie A2) strengthened their roster with addition of 28-year old Argentinian ex-international power forward Sofia Aispurua (188cm-1995) for season 2023-24. Aispurua is the second import player in the roster as French Alexandrine Fegue signed here earlier. She is not a newcomer in Italian League as she played last season at TechFind San Salvatore Selargius. In 27 Serie A2 games in Italy she recorded 11.0ppg and 6.7rpg. Her team made it to the Argentinian Superliga Semifinals in 2016 and 2017. The previous (2021-22) season she played at Thunder Basket Matelica where in 24 Serie A2 games she averaged 6.5ppg and 7.1rpg in that year. She was a member of Argentinian international program for some years. She was called to Argentinian Senior National Team between 2015 and 2019 and previously for University National Team back in 2017. Aispurua has played also professionally for other Argentinian teams like Velez and Obras. Her team made it to the Argentinian Superliga Semifinals in 2016 and 2017. Aran Cucine Panthers Roseto roster for 2023-24: Guards: Giulia Sorrentino Giulia Cecili Forward: Liliana Miccio Centers: Sofia Aispurua Alexandrine Fegue |
| AUSTRALIA |
| Wizards too powerful to claim NBL1 North championship - by Eurobasket News |
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The Rockhampton Cyclones threw everything at trying to force a deciding Grand Final game, but the Northside Wizards proved too powerful to claim the championship with the 70-59 victory. The Wizards were the standout team right throughout the NBL1 North season finishing the regular season with a 16-3 record before booking in a Grand Final berth with wins against the Townsville Flames and South West Metro Phoenix. Northside then proved a dominant force in Game 1 of the Grand Final Series on Friday night at Northside Indoor Sports Centre beating Rockhampton 87-52. That left the Cyclones with quite the job to do to try and turn around that 35-point deficit 24 hours later, but Rockhampton did come out of the blocks impressively. The Cyclones went on a 14-0 scoring streak in the opening quarter on the way to leading by as much as nine points, and still being up 25-18 by quarter-time. While Rockhampton had started impressively, they just couldn't maintain it and the Wizards worked their way back on top with 22 points to 14 in the second quarter to go into half-time narrowly leading 40-39. Northside was then able to gradually pull away in the second half to lead by as much as 12 points in the third stanza on the way to the eventual 11-point win to secure the NBL1 North championship with the two-nil Grand Final triumph. On the back of being named the regular season MVP for the NBL1 North, Courtney Woods (183-G/F-1997, college: NIU) was also named Grand Final MVP having delivered 23 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in Game 2 with 7/14 shooting from the floor, 3/6 from beyond the arc and 6/6 at the charity stripe. She had plenty of help once more too with A.J Johnson brilliant with the way she finished the season to be instrumental in the championship triumph. She had another 16 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Lil Dart also had 17 points, five rebounds and two steals with Georgia Dale (168-G, college: CBU) adding seven points, five rebounds and four steals, and Nadeen Payne (188-F/C-1993, agency: LBM Management) five points and three boards in her 33 minutes of court time. Rockhampton did well to make a game of it after how rough Friday night turned out to be with Lara McSpadden (193-C-1999) producing 20 points, 12 rebounds and two assists. Lauren Heard added 11 points, five assists, five steals and four rebounds, Samantha Bowman (188-C, college: CWU) 10 points, 10 boards and three assists, and Tia Hay (170-G-1998, college: Santa Clara) 13 points, two rebounds and two steals. Courtesy of: nbl1.com.au |
| BELGIUM |
| Aleksandra Nikolaeva-Petrova (ex Montana) signs with Kortrijk - by Peter Buyse | ||||
Nikolaeva-Petrova has been also a member of Bulgarian international program for some years. She has regularly played for Bulgarian senior team since 2018 and previously for U18 National Team back in 2015. Nikolaeva-Petrova represented Bulgaria at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U20 Division B in Oradea (Romania) five years ago. Her stats at that event were 7 games: 7.9ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 30.0%. She has played previously professionally also in Italy (Alghero) and Bulgaria (Septemvri 97 Sofia, Levski, Slavia and Beroe). Nikolaeva-Petrova's team won Bulgarian League Regular Season in 2019 and 2021. House of Talents Kortrijk Spurs roster for 2023-24: Guard: Lisa Foucart Forwards: Karolina Stawinska Sarah Bell Emma Bell Center: Aleksandra Nikolaeva-Petrova Coach: Bruce Minne |
| BOSNIA |
| Aleksandra Muzevic (ex Herceg Novi) joins Orlovi - by Zeljko Zule | |
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ZKK Orlovi Banja Luka (Division I) agreed terms with 21-year old Serbian forward Aleksandra Muzevic (179cm-2001) for new 2023-24 season. Muzevic played last season at ZKK Herceg Novi in Montenegrin Prva A. In 9 games she had very impressive stats: 29.8ppg, 9.0rpg, 6.7apg and 2.9spg. She helped them to make it to the semifinals. Good season as she was named League Player of the Week. Muzevic also played for Topolcanka (2 ZLS) in Serbia where in 9 games she recorded also remarkable stats: 29.8ppg, 9.0rpg and 6.7apg. She represented Serbia at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U18 in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina) four years ago. Her stats at that event were 7 games: 10.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 30.3%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 80.0%. Muzevic has played also professionally for other Serbian teams like Radivoj Korac, ZKK Stara Pazova, Vrbas and Novosadska ZKA Novi Sad. The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others she was voted to Eurobasket.com All-European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U18 Honorable Mention back in 2019. ZKK Orlovi Banja Luka roster for 2023-24: Guards: Natasa Sobot Danijela Mitrovic Milica Djokic Forwards: Aleksandra Muzevic Safiyyah Lee Center: Jelena Zoric |
| BRAZIL |
| Stats Leaders - Women |
| LBF Round 1 of Semi-Finals. Sesi/Araraquara and Vera Cruz take leads - by Eurobasket News |
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Santo Andre - Sesi/Arara. 67-85 Sesi/Arara. had a 28-17 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international power forward Aline Moura (185-1997) who helped to win the game recording 24 points. International Gabriella DArrigo (174-1998) contributed with 10 points and 8 assists for the winners. The former international point guard Lays Silva (167-1998, agency: Interperformances) answered with 16 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals and the former international point guard Tassia Carcavalli (176-1992) added 14 points in the effort for Santo Andre. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Top scorers: Sesi/Arara.: A.Moura 24+4reb+1ast, V.Domingos 15+2reb+3ast, G.D'Arrigo 10+4reb+8ast, D.Costa 8+2reb+3ast, A.Beatriz 8+4reb+1ast, J.Morais 7+8reb+4ast Santo Andre: L.Silva 16+5reb+7ast, T.Carcavalli 14+2reb+3ast, V.Goncalves 9+2reb, C.Glenda 8+3reb+1ast, M.Evelyn 7+2reb+2ast, R.Juliana 7+6reb Vera Cruz - Sampaio 79-68 Vera Cruz dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Sampaio's 36. They outrebounded Sampaio 44-29 including 16 on the offensive glass. Power forward Licinara Rodrigues (184-1999) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 15 rebounds for the winners and the former international Izabella Sangalli (182-1995) chipped in 13 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Vera Cruz players scored in double figures. At the losing side the former international forward Emanuely De Oliveira (178-1999, college: Florida) responded with 20 points and the former international center Mariana Queiroz (190-1997) scored 10 points and 8 rebounds. Sampaio's coach Cristian Santander rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Top scorers: Vera Cruz: L.Rodrigues 23+15reb, I.Sangalli 13+13reb+4ast, C.Martins 12+4reb+12ast, D.Piri 10+5reb, L.Rodrigues 8+4reb, B.Oliveira 8+2reb+3ast Sampaio: E.De Oliveira 20+2reb+1ast, M.Queiroz 10+8reb+3ast, P.Teixeira 9+2ast, G.De Paula 8+4reb+2ast, R.Monteiro 6+5reb, T.Paixao 5+1reb+1ast |
| BULGARIA |
| Aleksandra Nikolaeva-Petrova (ex Montana) signs with Kortrijk - by Peter Buyse | ||||
Nikolaeva-Petrova has been also a member of Bulgarian international program for some years. She has regularly played for Bulgarian senior team since 2018 and previously for U18 National Team back in 2015. Nikolaeva-Petrova represented Bulgaria at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U20 Division B in Oradea (Romania) five years ago. Her stats at that event were 7 games: 7.9ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 30.0%. She has played previously professionally also in Italy (Alghero) and Bulgaria (Septemvri 97 Sofia, Levski, Slavia and Beroe). Nikolaeva-Petrova's team won Bulgarian League Regular Season in 2019 and 2021. House of Talents Kortrijk Spurs roster for 2023-24: Guard: Lisa Foucart Forwards: Karolina Stawinska Sarah Bell Emma Bell Center: Aleksandra Nikolaeva-Petrova Coach: Bruce Minne |
| CHINA |
| World University Games: China defeated Japan to claim gold at the Chengdu Universiade - by Eurobasket News |
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Japan - China 91-99 China defeated Japan 99-91 to claim gold at the World University Games. China took a 28-25 lead at the start and led 9 points at the halftime. Japan answered with 29-23 rally in the third quarter, but could not keep up with the opponents. China closed the campaign, with a final 23-18 run to seal the gold medals. Jingyi Zhang (171-F-1998) scored 21 points to lead China's box score, and Song Kexin (173-G-1998) added 20 points. Center Han Xu (193-C-2000) almost delivered a triple double of 18 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. Maho Hayashi (174-SG-2002) replied with 14 points and Miyu Okamoto (178-G-2001) added 13. |
| COSTA RICA |
| LSBF Round 13: Heredia defeat Roswell in the game between Top 4 teams - by Eurobasket News | ||
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Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management. An interesting game for Heredia (7-2) which played road game in against their biggest opponent Roswell (6-4). First ranked Heredia managed to get a 11-point victory 78-67. Heredia have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain first place with 7-2 record. Roswell at the other side keeps the second position with four games lost. They share it with San Jose. Heredia are looking forward to face Coopenae (#4) in the next round. Roswell will play against the league's second-placed San Jose and it may be a tough game between close rivals. The game between fourth ranked Coopenae (5-5) and 5th ranked ABSA (1-10) in ended with biggest points difference. Coopenae outscored guests from 82-62. Coopenae maintains fourth place with 5-5 record. ABSA lost ninth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with ten games lost. Coopenae will play against league's leader Heredia in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. ABSA will have a break next round.
Roswell - Heredia 67-78 An interesting game for Heredia (7-2) which played road game in against their biggest opponent Roswell (6-4). First ranked Heredia managed to get a 11-point victory 78-67. Heredia have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain first place with 7-2 record. Roswell at the other side keeps the second position with four games lost. They share it with San Jose. Heredia are looking forward to face Coopenae (#4) in the next round. Roswell will play against the league's second-placed San Jose and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Coopenae - ABSA 82-62 The game between fourth ranked Coopenae (5-5) and 5th ranked ABSA (1-10) in ended with biggest points difference. Coopenae outscored guests from 82-62. Coopenae maintains fourth place with 5-5 record. ABSA lost ninth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with ten games lost. Coopenae will play against league's leader Heredia in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. ABSA will have a break next round. |
| DENMARK |
| Cirkeline Rimdal joins Sanfer - by Dimitri Chelidze | |
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ADBA Sanfer (LF2) added to their roster 23-year-old Danish swingman Cirkeline Rimdal (183cm-1999, college: Eckerd) for the new 2023-24 season. Rimdal just graduated from Eckerd College (NCAA2). She started her college career at North Dakota State University (NCAA). Then she moved to Eckerd College (NCAA2). Rimdal represented Denmark at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U20 Division B in Oradea (Romania) five years ago. As mentioned above she is just out of college, so it will be Rimdal's first season as a professional player. |
| EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18 |
| Division C. Albania and Malta to clash for title - by Eurobasket News |
SEMISAlbania - Andorra 67-53Brikena Mucenji (180-F-2005) stepped up with 23 points and 10 rebounds as Albania outlasted Andorra in the semifinal clash. Albania recorded a 31-27 halftime lead. They followed with a 19-11 rally in the third quarter to gain a decisive lead. Anisa Bokrina (170-SF-2005) had 21 points in the victory. Paula Collado (175-F-2005) replied with 19 points and 10 rebounds for Andorra. Malta - Armenia 68-60 Malta fired past Armenia to ensure the Final appearance. Armenia went on a 14-1 run in the third term to gain a 6-point advantage. Malta however responded with a 27-13 rally in the fourth quarter to snatch the win. Danika Galea (185-C-2005) stepped up with 29 points and 24 rebounds to orchestrate the victory. Lia Krumian (2006) provided 20 points, while Seda Gabrielyan (167-G-2007) added 12 in the loss. |
| EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20 |
| Stats Leaders (Women) |
| France and Latvia enter Final in Lithuania - by Eurobasket News |
SEMISSpain - France 47-75France sealed their championship game berth as they stormed past Spain tonight. France piled up a 35-23 halftime lead. They held Spain to just 24 points in the second half and raced to a convincing victory at the end. Sara Roumy (180-SG-2003) posted 15 points, while Ines Debroise (175-G-2003) added 11 points for the winning side. Gisela Sanchez (190-SF-2003) answered with 14 points for Spain. Serbia - Latvia 53-56 Latvia paved their way into the title game as they held off Serbia. The Balkan team posted a 26-13 lead after ten minutes. But Latvia stiffened defensively in the next quarters. They held Serbia to just 19 points in the second half and stormed to the crucial win at the end. Vanesa Jasa (180-SF-2003) came up with 19 points, while Katrina Ozola (188-PF-2004) added 11 points for Latvia. Nevena Rosic (175-G-2003) accounted for 14 points in the loss. |
| FINLAND |
| World University Games: Finland stepped onto pedestal in Chengdu - by Eurobasket News |
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Finland - Chinese Taipei 56:49 Finland stepped onto pedestal in Chengdu at the World University Games. They overcame Chinese Taipei 56:49 in the game for the 3rd place. Both teams scored only 11 points in the defensive opening period as Finland later led 23-19 at the halftime. Finland won the third quarter 16-13 whilst both sides nailed 17 points each in the last stanza. Teresa Seppala (183-G-2002) top-scored for the winners with 12 points and Helmi Tulonen (191-C-1998, college: Duquesne, agency: Agency) notched 11. Wen-Hsuan Hsu (176-C-2000) answered with 9 points in a loss, whilst Yu-Lien Hsu (177-F-1997) delivered 8. |
| GREECE |
| Tarsus land Chastity Reed, ex Panathinaikos - by Dimitri Chelidze | |||
KBSL newcomers Tarsus Belediyesi Mersin make a splash in the market by signing experienced 34-year-old American 185cm forward Chastity Reed (college: UALR) for the new season. Reed has played for the last four years at Panathinaikos in the Greek A1 league. In 21 games she averaged 14.6ppg, 5.9rpg, and 4.4apg last season. She helped them to win the cup and make it to the league final. Reed can count that season as very successful as was voted to Eurobasket.com Greek League All-Defensive Team and All-Imports Team. She also played 6 games in Eurocup where she had very impressive stats: 18.2ppg, 5.7rpg, 5.3apg, and 1.0bpg. In 2011 she was drafted by Tulsa Shock (WNBA) in the third round (25th overall). The former University of Arkansas at Little Rock standout is in her 13th (hopefully lucky) season in pro basketball. Reed is a very experienced player. And here thanks to pro basketball she experienced life in eleven different countries playing on four different continents. She is familiar with European, Latin American, Australian, and of course North American leagues. Reed has played previously professionally in Australia (Flames and Venom), Austria (Vienna United), Bulgaria (Beroe), Chile (Leones), Israel (Hapoel Petah Tikva and Elitzur Netanya), Lithuania (Vilniaus Kibirkstis-MRU), Puerto Rico, Romania (Satu Mare and Alba Iulia), Sweden (Lulea Basket), Switzerland (Bellinzona) and WNBA (Phoenix Mercury). She was also selected to Eurobasket.com All-Greek League Forward of the Year in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Reed won the Greek League championship title in 2021. |
| HUNGARY |
| World University Games: Hungary clinch 5th place in Chengdu - by Eurobasket News |
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Poland - Hungary 52:64 Hungary clinched 5th place in Chengdu at the World University Games 2023. They overcame Poland 64-52 in their last game. Hungary started with a 19-12 run, whilst Poland won the second and the third quarter to reduce to 1 point entering the last stanza. Hungary however closed the campaign with a final 18-7 surge to seal the win. Beatrix Meresz (185-G/F-1999) top-scored for the winners with 15 points and Nora Wentzel (180-F-2001) added 13. Kamila Borkowska (201-C-2002, agency: SPORTFORUM Agency) replied with 17 points and 16 rebounds in the losing effort. |
| ICELAND |
| Njardvik keeps Asgeirsdottir for another season - by Eurobasket News |
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U.M.F. Njardvik (Subway League) re-signed 20-year old 177cm swingman Lara Asgeirsdottir for new season. Asgeirsdottir has played there for the last four seasons. She helped them to win the League title. Asgeirsdottir represented Iceland at the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship Division B in Skopje (North Macedonia) last year. Her stats at that event were 7 games: 1.1ppg, 1.4rpg. |
| IRAN |
| Iran to Play Chinese Taipei at 2023 William Jones Cup Opener - by Eurobasket News |
| Iranian female basketball players will face Chinese Taipei at the 2023 William Jones Cup International Tournament opener on Saturday. The event will take place in Taipei from August 5 to 9. Team Melli Banovan is scheduled to play South Korea on Saturday. Iran will also face the Philippines, Chinese Taipei-A, Japan and Chinese Taipei-B in the following days. Marking its 42nd edition, the Jones Cup is an official basketball competition recognized by the International Basketball Federation. Slated for August 12-20, the men's division features the local teams, as well as counterparts from Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, the UAE, Qatar, the US and Iran. Courtesy of: tasnimnews.com |
| IRAQ |
| Results of Round 1 of Iraqi Women's League 2023-2024 - by Abdul Hamid Addasi |
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Following are the results of Round 1 of of Iraqi Women's League 2023-2024 that took place on 1-8 2023 Sanhareeb x Ghaz Al-Shamal53-61 Aphrodite x Sabis80-83 Akkad x Darbandakhan73-71 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Results of Round 2 of Iraqi Women's League 2023-2024 - by Abdul Hamid Addasi |
Following are the results of Round 2 of of Iraqi Women's League 2023-2024 that took place on 2-8 2023 Aphrodite x Akkad59-71 Ghaz Al-Shamal x Darbandakhan 58-51 Sanhareeb x Sabis 70-69 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ISRAEL |
| Presley comes back to M.Ashdod - by Eran Sela | ||||
The previous (2021-22) season she played at Maccabi Bnot Ashdod where in 30 D1 games she averaged 4.1ppg, 2.8rpg and 1.9apg in that year. She helped them to make it to the Israeli League final. Presley has played previously for two other teams: Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan and Hertzliya. She was voted to All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention back in 2015. Presley graduated from Washington State University in 2015 and it will be her ninth season as a professional player. Maccabi Bnot Ashdod roster for 2023-24: Guards: May Dayan Tia Presley Danielle Karsh Joy Osigwe Forward: Lev Tal Coach: Shira Haelion |
| Delicia Washington (ex Fuerza Regia) is a newcomer at H.Jerusalem - by Eran Sela | |||
She was selected All-SEC Co-Freshman of the Year back in 2017. Washington graduated from Clemson University in 2022 and it will be her second season as a professional player. She played also for University of Florida for 3 years. Hapoel Jerusalem roster for 2023-24: Guards: Shir Tirosh Delicia Washington Noor Kayuf Hodaya Kabada Forwards: Angela Tompkins Alyssa Baron Center: Alexandra Cohen |
| ITALY |
| Broni inks Elisa Policari - by Eurobasket News | ||||
She represented Italy at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U20 in Matosinhos (Portugal) six years ago. Her stats at that event were 6 games: 6.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 30.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 75.0%. Policari has played previously professionally also in Spain (Zamarat) and Italy (Vigarano, Battipaglia, Alpo and RO Athena). Her team won Italian Serie A2 Group South Regular Season in 2021. Della Fiore Broni roster for 2023-24: Guards: Ada De_Pasquale Elisa Policari Giulia Ianezic Forward: Marika Labanca Coach: Michael Magagnoli |
| Sofia Aispurua is a newcomer at Roseto - by Eurobasket News | |
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Aran Cucine Panthers Roseto (Serie A2) strengthened their roster with addition of 28-year old Argentinian ex-international power forward Sofia Aispurua (188cm-1995) for season 2023-24. Aispurua is the second import player in the roster as French Alexandrine Fegue signed here earlier. She is not a newcomer in Italian League as she played last season at TechFind San Salvatore Selargius. In 27 Serie A2 games in Italy she recorded 11.0ppg and 6.7rpg. Her team made it to the Argentinian Superliga Semifinals in 2016 and 2017. The previous (2021-22) season she played at Thunder Basket Matelica where in 24 Serie A2 games she averaged 6.5ppg and 7.1rpg in that year. She was a member of Argentinian international program for some years. She was called to Argentinian Senior National Team between 2015 and 2019 and previously for University National Team back in 2017. Aispurua has played also professionally for other Argentinian teams like Velez and Obras. Her team made it to the Argentinian Superliga Semifinals in 2016 and 2017. Aran Cucine Panthers Roseto roster for 2023-24: Guards: Giulia Sorrentino Giulia Cecili Forward: Liliana Miccio Centers: Sofia Aispurua Alexandrine Fegue |
| Roma signs Sofia Dell'Olio - by Eurobasket News | |
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Oxygen Roma Basket (Serie A1) signed forward Sofia Dell'Olio (192cm) for upcoming 2023-24 season. Dell'Olio played last season at Use Scotti Rosa Empoli in the Serie A2. In 16 games she had 4.4ppg and 4.5rpg. She helped them to win the regular season and make it to the semifinals. Dell'Olio previously for five other teams: Faenza, Umbertide, Ancona, Firenze and Roseto. |
| Roma signs Bongiorno just out of college - by Eurobasket News | |||
Bongiorno started her college career at Florida International University (NCAA). She represented Italy at the WBI Championship Quarterfinals two years ago. As mentioned above she is just out of college, so it will be Bongiorno's first season as a professional player. Bongiorno played in the final of Italian Serie A1 in 2018 and 2019. |
| JAPAN |
| World University Games: China defeated Japan to claim gold at the Chengdu Universiade - by Eurobasket News |
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Japan - China 91-99 China defeated Japan 99-91 to claim gold at the World University Games. China took a 28-25 lead at the start and led 9 points at the halftime. Japan answered with 29-23 rally in the third quarter, but could not keep up with the opponents. China closed the campaign, with a final 23-18 run to seal the gold medals. Jingyi Zhang (171-F-1998) scored 21 points to lead China's box score, and Song Kexin (173-G-1998) added 20 points. Center Han Xu (193-C-2000) almost delivered a triple double of 18 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. Maho Hayashi (174-SG-2002) replied with 14 points and Miyu Okamoto (178-G-2001) added 13. |
| MALI |
| AfroBasket 2023: Mali clinch third place in Rwanda - by Eurobasket News |
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Rwanda - Mali 51:89 Mali clinched third place in Rwanda at the AfroBasket 2023. In the game for the third place they overcame the hosts, 89-51. Trailing 14-15 at the end of the first period, Mali took control in the rest of the game. They posted a 23-9 surge in the second frame and won the third quarter 23-13. Moreover, Mali erupted with a final 29-14 surge to close the campaign. Gnere Dembele (186-C-2000) top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Djeneba N'Diaye (175-PG-1997) poured in 13. Sika Kone (190-F/C-2002) followed them with 10, whilst Fatoumata Sanou (160-PG-2004) and Mariam Coulibaly (192-C-1997, agency: Areus Sports) netted 9 apiece. Destiney Philoxy (170-G-2000) answered with 17 points in defeat and Janai Robertson poured in 12. |
| MEXICO |
| Delicia Washington (ex Fuerza Regia) is a newcomer at H.Jerusalem - by Eran Sela | |||
She was selected All-SEC Co-Freshman of the Year back in 2017. Washington graduated from Clemson University in 2022 and it will be her second season as a professional player. She played also for University of Florida for 3 years. Hapoel Jerusalem roster for 2023-24: Guards: Shir Tirosh Delicia Washington Noor Kayuf Hodaya Kabada Forwards: Angela Tompkins Alyssa Baron Center: Alexandra Cohen |
| NIGERIA |
| AfroBasket 2023: Nigeria lift the trophy for the fourth edition in a row - by Eurobasket News |
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Nigeria - Senegal 84:74 Nigeria lifted the trophy for the fourth edition in a row at the AfroBasket. They edged Senegal 84:74 to prove their superiority. Nigeria opened the game with a 19-10 run and led 12 points at the halftime. Senegal replied with a 26-19 rally in the third quarter as Fatou Diagne (193-C-1996, college: Houston) scored for 62-57. Sarah Ogoke (175-G-1990, college: SPSU) drove a lay-up for a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter and Yacine Diop (178-G/F-1995, college: Louisville) reduced back to 5. Cierra Dillard (176-G-1996, college: Buffalo, agency: Shark Sports Management) kept the hopes alive after free throws made at 70-67, whilst Elizabeth Balogun (185-G/F-2000) scored the last points in the game for a double digit win. Ifunaya Okoro (180-F-1999) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Elizabeth Balogun had 15. Amy Okonkwo (188-F-1996, college: TCU) netted 14, whilst Sarah Ogoke added 13. Cierra Dillard answered with 19 points in a loss and Yacine Diop had 16. |
| POLAND |
| World University Games: Hungary clinch 5th place in Chengdu - by Eurobasket News |
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Poland - Hungary 52:64 Hungary clinched 5th place in Chengdu at the World University Games 2023. They overcame Poland 64-52 in their last game. Hungary started with a 19-12 run, whilst Poland won the second and the third quarter to reduce to 1 point entering the last stanza. Hungary however closed the campaign with a final 18-7 surge to seal the win. Beatrix Meresz (185-G/F-1999) top-scored for the winners with 15 points and Nora Wentzel (180-F-2001) added 13. Kamila Borkowska (201-C-2002, agency: SPORTFORUM Agency) replied with 17 points and 16 rebounds in the losing effort. |
| Sosnowiec keeps January for another season - by Eurobasket News | ||||
In 2017 she was drafted by Connecticut Sun (WNBA) in third round (28th overall). The former De Paul University star is in her seventh season in pro basketball. January is a very experienced player. She has played also professionally in Finland (HyPo), Romania (Alba Iulia), Slovakia (Piestanske Cajky) and WNBA (Indiana Fever). Her team won Big East Tournament in 2014 and 2015. January was selected to Eurobasket.com Polish EBLK All-Imports Team in 2021 and 2022. |
| RWANDA |
| AfroBasket 2023: Mali clinch third place in Rwanda - by Eurobasket News |
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Rwanda - Mali 51:89 Mali clinched third place in Rwanda at the AfroBasket 2023. In the game for the third place they overcame the hosts, 89-51. Trailing 14-15 at the end of the first period, Mali took control in the rest of the game. They posted a 23-9 surge in the second frame and won the third quarter 23-13. Moreover, Mali erupted with a final 29-14 surge to close the campaign. Gnere Dembele (186-C-2000) top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Djeneba N'Diaye (175-PG-1997) poured in 13. Sika Kone (190-F/C-2002) followed them with 10, whilst Fatoumata Sanou (160-PG-2004) and Mariam Coulibaly (192-C-1997, agency: Areus Sports) netted 9 apiece. Destiney Philoxy (170-G-2000) answered with 17 points in defeat and Janai Robertson poured in 12. |
| SENEGAL |
| AfroBasket 2023: Nigeria lift the trophy for the fourth edition in a row - by Eurobasket News |
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Nigeria - Senegal 84:74 Nigeria lifted the trophy for the fourth edition in a row at the AfroBasket. They edged Senegal 84:74 to prove their superiority. Nigeria opened the game with a 19-10 run and led 12 points at the halftime. Senegal replied with a 26-19 rally in the third quarter as Fatou Diagne (193-C-1996, college: Houston) scored for 62-57. Sarah Ogoke (175-G-1990, college: SPSU) drove a lay-up for a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter and Yacine Diop (178-G/F-1995, college: Louisville) reduced back to 5. Cierra Dillard (176-G-1996, college: Buffalo, agency: Shark Sports Management) kept the hopes alive after free throws made at 70-67, whilst Elizabeth Balogun (185-G/F-2000) scored the last points in the game for a double digit win. Ifunaya Okoro (180-F-1999) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Elizabeth Balogun had 15. Amy Okonkwo (188-F-1996, college: TCU) netted 14, whilst Sarah Ogoke added 13. Cierra Dillard answered with 19 points in a loss and Yacine Diop had 16. |
| SERBIA |
| Aleksandra Muzevic (ex Herceg Novi) joins Orlovi - by Zeljko Zule | |
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ZKK Orlovi Banja Luka (Division I) agreed terms with 21-year old Serbian forward Aleksandra Muzevic (179cm-2001) for new 2023-24 season. Muzevic played last season at ZKK Herceg Novi in Montenegrin Prva A. In 9 games she had very impressive stats: 29.8ppg, 9.0rpg, 6.7apg and 2.9spg. She helped them to make it to the semifinals. Good season as she was named League Player of the Week. Muzevic also played for Topolcanka (2 ZLS) in Serbia where in 9 games she recorded also remarkable stats: 29.8ppg, 9.0rpg and 6.7apg. She represented Serbia at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U18 in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina) four years ago. Her stats at that event were 7 games: 10.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 30.3%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 80.0%. Muzevic has played also professionally for other Serbian teams like Radivoj Korac, ZKK Stara Pazova, Vrbas and Novosadska ZKA Novi Sad. The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others she was voted to Eurobasket.com All-European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U18 Honorable Mention back in 2019. ZKK Orlovi Banja Luka roster for 2023-24: Guards: Natasa Sobot Danijela Mitrovic Milica Djokic Forwards: Aleksandra Muzevic Safiyyah Lee Center: Jelena Zoric |
| SPAIN |
| Cirkeline Rimdal joins Sanfer - by Dimitri Chelidze | |
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ADBA Sanfer (LF2) added to their roster 23-year-old Danish swingman Cirkeline Rimdal (183cm-1999, college: Eckerd) for the new 2023-24 season. Rimdal just graduated from Eckerd College (NCAA2). She started her college career at North Dakota State University (NCAA). Then she moved to Eckerd College (NCAA2). Rimdal represented Denmark at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U20 Division B in Oradea (Romania) five years ago. As mentioned above she is just out of college, so it will be Rimdal's first season as a professional player. |
| Arxil keeps Forster for another season - by Eurobasket News | |||
She graduated from University at Albany in 2019 and it will be her fifth season in pro basketball. Her team won AEC Tournament in 2016 and 2017. |
| TAIWAN |
| World University Games: Finland stepped onto pedestal in Chengdu - by Eurobasket News |
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Finland - Chinese Taipei 56:49 Finland stepped onto pedestal in Chengdu at the World University Games. They overcame Chinese Taipei 56:49 in the game for the 3rd place. Both teams scored only 11 points in the defensive opening period as Finland later led 23-19 at the halftime. Finland won the third quarter 16-13 whilst both sides nailed 17 points each in the last stanza. Teresa Seppala (183-G-2002) top-scored for the winners with 12 points and Helmi Tulonen (191-C-1998, college: Duquesne, agency: Agency) notched 11. Wen-Hsuan Hsu (176-C-2000) answered with 9 points in a loss, whilst Yu-Lien Hsu (177-F-1997) delivered 8. |
| Iran to Play Chinese Taipei at 2023 William Jones Cup Opener - by Eurobasket News |
| Iranian female basketball players will face Chinese Taipei at the 2023 William Jones Cup International Tournament opener on Saturday. The event will take place in Taipei from August 5 to 9. Team Melli Banovan is scheduled to play South Korea on Saturday. Iran will also face the Philippines, Chinese Taipei-A, Japan and Chinese Taipei-B in the following days. Marking its 42nd edition, the Jones Cup is an official basketball competition recognized by the International Basketball Federation. Slated for August 12-20, the men's division features the local teams, as well as counterparts from Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, the UAE, Qatar, the US and Iran. Courtesy of: tasnimnews.com |
| TURKEY |
| Tarsus land Chastity Reed, ex Panathinaikos - by Dimitri Chelidze | |||
KBSL newcomers Tarsus Belediyesi Mersin make a splash in the market by signing experienced 34-year-old American 185cm forward Chastity Reed (college: UALR) for the new season. Reed has played for the last four years at Panathinaikos in the Greek A1 league. In 21 games she averaged 14.6ppg, 5.9rpg, and 4.4apg last season. She helped them to win the cup and make it to the league final. Reed can count that season as very successful as was voted to Eurobasket.com Greek League All-Defensive Team and All-Imports Team. She also played 6 games in Eurocup where she had very impressive stats: 18.2ppg, 5.7rpg, 5.3apg, and 1.0bpg. In 2011 she was drafted by Tulsa Shock (WNBA) in the third round (25th overall). The former University of Arkansas at Little Rock standout is in her 13th (hopefully lucky) season in pro basketball. Reed is a very experienced player. And here thanks to pro basketball she experienced life in eleven different countries playing on four different continents. She is familiar with European, Latin American, Australian, and of course North American leagues. Reed has played previously professionally in Australia (Flames and Venom), Austria (Vienna United), Bulgaria (Beroe), Chile (Leones), Israel (Hapoel Petah Tikva and Elitzur Netanya), Lithuania (Vilniaus Kibirkstis-MRU), Puerto Rico, Romania (Satu Mare and Alba Iulia), Sweden (Lulea Basket), Switzerland (Bellinzona) and WNBA (Phoenix Mercury). She was also selected to Eurobasket.com All-Greek League Forward of the Year in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Reed won the Greek League championship title in 2021. |
| WABA |
| Aleksandra Muzevic (ex Herceg Novi) joins Orlovi - by Zeljko Zule | |
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ZKK Orlovi Banja Luka (Division I) agreed terms with 21-year old Serbian forward Aleksandra Muzevic (179cm-2001) for new 2023-24 season. Muzevic played last season at ZKK Herceg Novi in Montenegrin Prva A. In 9 games she had very impressive stats: 29.8ppg, 9.0rpg, 6.7apg and 2.9spg. She helped them to make it to the semifinals. Good season as she was named League Player of the Week. Muzevic also played for Topolcanka (2 ZLS) in Serbia where in 9 games she recorded also remarkable stats: 29.8ppg, 9.0rpg and 6.7apg. She represented Serbia at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U18 in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina) four years ago. Her stats at that event were 7 games: 10.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 30.3%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 80.0%. Muzevic has played also professionally for other Serbian teams like Radivoj Korac, ZKK Stara Pazova, Vrbas and Novosadska ZKA Novi Sad. The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others she was voted to Eurobasket.com All-European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U18 Honorable Mention back in 2019. ZKK Orlovi Banja Luka roster for 2023-24: Guards: Natasa Sobot Danijela Mitrovic Milica Djokic Forwards: Aleksandra Muzevic Safiyyah Lee Center: Jelena Zoric |
| WILLIAM JONES CUP |
| Iran to Play Chinese Taipei at 2023 William Jones Cup Opener - by Eurobasket News |
| Iranian female basketball players will face Chinese Taipei at the 2023 William Jones Cup International Tournament opener on Saturday. The event will take place in Taipei from August 5 to 9. Team Melli Banovan is scheduled to play South Korea on Saturday. Iran will also face the Philippines, Chinese Taipei-A, Japan and Chinese Taipei-B in the following days. Marking its 42nd edition, the Jones Cup is an official basketball competition recognized by the International Basketball Federation. Slated for August 12-20, the men's division features the local teams, as well as counterparts from Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, the UAE, Qatar, the US and Iran. Courtesy of: tasnimnews.com |
| WNBA |
| Sparks' late rally comes up short against Mystics - by Eurobasket News |
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In a frustrating season, the road has been especially unkind to the Sparks. Trailing the Washington Mystics by eight points in the final minutes on Friday night, the Sparks used a late surge to get within two before losing their third straight game, 79-77, and dropping to 2-10 on the road. Azura Stevens (6'6''-C-1996, college: UConn, agency: Shark Sports Management) had 19 points and seven rebounds and Nneka Ogwumike (6'3''-F-1990, college: Stanford) added 18 points and eight rebounds for the Sparks (9-18), who will play eight of their remaining 13 regular-season games on the road. Dearica Hamby (6'3''-F-1993, college: Wake Forest, agency: LBM Management) added 14 points and seven rebounds and Zia Cooke (5'9''-G-2001, college: S.Carolina) had 10 points, while Jordin Canada (5'6''-PG-1995, college: UCLA) had eight points, eight rebounds and seven assists but shot 1 for 7 from the field. Tianna Hawkins (6'3''-F-1991, college: Maryland, agency: LBM Management) had 17 points and Queen Egbo (6'3''-C-2000, college: Baylor) added 15 points and nine rebounds to pace the Mystics (13-13), who snapped their own three-game losing streak. Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (5'11''-G-1996, college: Maryland) scored 11 points, and Natasha Cloud (6'0''-PG-1992, college: St.Joseph's) and Meng Li (6'1''-SG-1995) each finished with 10 points for Washington. Former Spark Brittney Sykes had eight points, seven rebounds, eight assists and four steals but shot 3 for 15 from the field. Cloud (six assists) put Washington ahead 75-67 with 3:28 left before the Sparks scored the next six points - two baskets from Ogwumike and a layup from Stevens - to get within 75-73 with 1:45 remaining. The Sparks blocked a pair of shots on the Mystics' ensuing possession but Washington secured three offensive rebounds to keep the ball at that end of the court. Cooke corralled a defensive rebound with 1:04 left, but Canada turned the ball over before the Sparks could get a shot off. Hawkins ended Washington's scoring drought on a fast-break layup with 39 seconds left for a four-point lead. After the Sparks went 1 for 2 from the free-throw line, Cloud sealed it by making two free throws with 8.1 seconds left, creating enough cushion so Stevens' 3-pointer in the final seconds was too little too late. Washington led 48-40 at halftime as the Sparks shot just 43% from the field and turned it over 10 times. The Sparks finished with 16 turnovers. The teams square off again Sunday at noon PT in Washington. Courtesy of: pressenterprise.com |
| WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES |
| World University Games: Finland stepped onto pedestal in Chengdu - by Eurobasket News |
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Finland - Chinese Taipei 56:49 Finland stepped onto pedestal in Chengdu at the World University Games. They overcame Chinese Taipei 56:49 in the game for the 3rd place. Both teams scored only 11 points in the defensive opening period as Finland later led 23-19 at the halftime. Finland won the third quarter 16-13 whilst both sides nailed 17 points each in the last stanza. Teresa Seppala (183-G-2002) top-scored for the winners with 12 points and Helmi Tulonen (191-C-1998, college: Duquesne, agency: Agency) notched 11. Wen-Hsuan Hsu (176-C-2000) answered with 9 points in a loss, whilst Yu-Lien Hsu (177-F-1997) delivered 8. |
| World University Games: Hungary clinch 5th place in Chengdu - by Eurobasket News |
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Poland - Hungary 52:64 Hungary clinched 5th place in Chengdu at the World University Games 2023. They overcame Poland 64-52 in their last game. Hungary started with a 19-12 run, whilst Poland won the second and the third quarter to reduce to 1 point entering the last stanza. Hungary however closed the campaign with a final 18-7 surge to seal the win. Beatrix Meresz (185-G/F-1999) top-scored for the winners with 15 points and Nora Wentzel (180-F-2001) added 13. Kamila Borkowska (201-C-2002, agency: SPORTFORUM Agency) replied with 17 points and 16 rebounds in the losing effort. |
| World University Games: China defeated Japan to claim gold at the Chengdu Universiade - by Eurobasket News |
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Japan - China 91-99 China defeated Japan 99-91 to claim gold at the World University Games. China took a 28-25 lead at the start and led 9 points at the halftime. Japan answered with 29-23 rally in the third quarter, but could not keep up with the opponents. China closed the campaign, with a final 23-18 run to seal the gold medals. Jingyi Zhang (171-F-1998) scored 21 points to lead China's box score, and Song Kexin (173-G-1998) added 20 points. Center Han Xu (193-C-2000) almost delivered a triple double of 18 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. Maho Hayashi (174-SG-2002) replied with 14 points and Miyu Okamoto (178-G-2001) added 13. |
