EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/8/2023 4:04:01 AM

Copyright @copy; 1997-2023 Eurobasket
WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site!
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the report, nor will you attempt to do so.
More info:www.eurobasket.com

Men News

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


  ADIDAS NEXT GENERATION TOURNAMENT  
Meeting Top International Prospects - Aleksandar Gavalyugov - by Carl Berman
Before the tip-off of the U18 FIBA European Championships Division B in Portugal we sat down and had a chat with one of the prospects expected to make the biggest impact in the event - Aleksandar Gavalyugov (187-PG-2006) (c/o 2024).

The 6-foot-1 shifty Bulgarian lead guard has been a well-known prospect within the European basketball world for quite a while. Despite his flashes of great scoring and passing instincts in many events over the past several years, his impressive production over the last season was the focal point that helped him establish and prove himself as a legit floor general against the top competition in Europe. Gavalyugov finished as the the top scorer of the 2022 FIBA U16 European Championship (21.1 ppg and 5.1 apg), guiding Bulgaria to fourth place. During the past season he had a great showing playing for the Select team at the Adidas Next Generation Tournament in Zadar (13.8 ppg and 5 apg) which secured him a spot on the team event for the finals in Kaunas.

Thanks to his outstanding performance this season, the 2024 Bulgarian recruit earned an invitation for tryouts from NBA Global Academy a few weeks ago. After a successful showing there, he signed with the academy, becoming the first Bulgarian to play there. He will bring dynamic 3-level scoring to any collegiate program in a combination with great abilities to facilitate on the floor thanks to his solid understanding of the game. If paired with a solid roller at the next stage, he could be an excellent pick-and-roll facilitator.

The American style of the game seems to be a natural fit to him thanks to his great ability to change speeds/directions, make quick reads and advanced creativity off the dribble. Getting stronger body wise and figuring out how to be more effective on defense seems to be his main areas for improvement.

The Bulgarian recruit shared with us his thoughts on his expectations on the upcoming FIBA summer event in Portugal, his long-term goals, players he likes studying, areas for improvement and more. Check out the interview:

Hi Aleks! Hope you and your family are doing well. Can you tell us more about how did you start playing basketball? Who contributed the most for you to make your first steps in the game? Did you play any other sports?

Hello! Everything is going well, thank you! I was literally born with the basketball in my hands. My dad was the person who taught me on the fundamentals. He's my first coach and he spent a lot of hours with me in the gym. Yes, I practiced tennis when I was 10.

Last summer in Bulgaria, you were one of the top performers at the U16 FIBA European Championship Division B. There you showcased your impressive scoring and passing instincts, finishing as the top scorer of the event. What was your mentality coming into the event and what was the reason for you to have such a successful showing?

My mentality going through this tournament was only to win it all. I don't care about the individual awards I won. It means nothing to me when we didn't win it or at least made it to Division A. But that's a lesson for the future and I'm sure one day I will win a title with the national team of Bulgaria!

Can you take us through your experience, representing the Adidas Next Generation Select team in two different stages (Zadar, Croatia and Kaunas, Lithuania) this season? Which were the valuable things you would take out of that event to get you better on and off the floor going forward?

I was very proud that I was selected for the team in Zadar. It was a dream come true to play in the best U18 tournament in Europe. It was really good experience for me because I had a chance to play against the best prospects and teams in Europe. The valuable things I would take out are to put more work in the weight room and work more on my defense.

Thanks to your outstanding performance all season long, you earned an invitation for tryouts from NBA Global Academy a few weeks ago. After a successful showing there you signed with the academy. What does it mean for you to become the first Bulgarian to represent such a highly-respected academy?

I'm really happy that I signed in such a great academy! I'm going there to represent Bulgarian basketball like I did on ANGT.

Knowing the successful placement of the NBA Global Academy alumni over the years to NCAA schools and NBA teams and your strong showing this season, your recruiting process is expected to see plenty of offers from D1 schools. What do you think you can bring up to the table for a D1 program and what style of basketball you think fits you most?

College basketball is different than European basketball. I need to go there and be ready to play immediately. That's why I chose NBA Academy. In college basketball I will bring something different like more fundamental game, high IQ and using my head more, so I can be able to beat the athletic Americans one on one or to be able to guard them. I think the American style of game (NCAA and NBA) fits me great because I'm a guy who likes to create for himself and for others and to have freedom on the court.

Given you've been practicing with many former college players at Balkan Botevgrad over the past few years what are the lessons a college recruit can learn while being around such players?

I'm really close with Ahmaad Rorie and Derrick Marks and we talk very often. They also think that American style will fit me great. Lessons I got from them when we played 1vs1 were to be very, very tough or otherwise Americans will eat me alive over there. They're like my mentors and they are always trying to help me get better and fulfill my dream of reaching the NBA. I played with the great Bulgarian PG Stanimir Marinov. From him I learned a lot how to use my head in the game and take quick and right decisions on the court. Nikos Diplaros who played in Panathinaikos also helped me a lot because he's very creative on offense and very aggressive on defense.

What are your expectations and goals for the upcoming summer? Which aspect/s of your game will you be looking to improve the most?

My number one goal for this summer is to win the European Championship Division B with the U18 national team of Bulgaria. After that, I will work more for my body to get stronger and more athletic.

What are your long-term goals, where do you envision yourself playing in 5 years?

Getting drafted and having a role on an NBA team

Are there any players in Europe and in the NBA you like studying/watching and why?

I'm studying from every PG/SG in the Euroleague and NBA because I'm trying to learn something from everyone who plays on the highest level on my position. In Europe I'm watching more from Shane Larkin and Lorenzo Brown because they're both great scorers and passers. In the NBA I'm watching Steph Curry because I'm trying to have his off-ball game and Trae Young because he's undersized and not athletic but still can put crazy numbers in the league.

Thanks for your time Aleks! We hope you have a successful and healthy upcoming season!

Simeon Marinov is the Director of European Scouting for NetScouts Basketball.


*****************************************************
ALBANIA  
Albanian U20 National Team -2023 - by Eurobasket Center
Albanian U20 National Team 2023
#s#
Enzo Zotaj
Zotaj
Endi Troqe
Troqe
Aleksis Nika
Nika
Nikolaos Jovani
Jovani
Daniel Bylyku
Bylyku
#e#5
0Enzo Zotaj 200-F-2004 Elbasani Albania
3Endi Troqe 185-G-2004 Tampa USA
5Aleksis Nika 201-F-2004 Dawson CC USA
7Nikolaos Jovani 188-PG-2003 Papagou Greece
8Daniel Bylyku 186-PG-2006
9Kejdi Gjore 192-SF-2003 Partizani Albania
11Eiden Rama 205-C-2003 Partizani Albania
12Xhuljan Tola 211-F/C-2003 Charilaos Greece
13Veton Gjecaj 194-SF-2004 Vllaznia Albania
16Tedi Lluka 183-SG-2003 Kamza Albania
21Arlind Muslija 203-C-2004 Kamza Albania
23Andri Jareci 200-C-2004 Latina Italy

Eni Llazani Head Coach Kamza Albania
Aldi Germau Assistant Apolonia Albania
Geri Bicoku Assistant


*****************************************************
ARGENTINA  
Santiago Konaszuk (ex Obera) is a newcomer at MKS - by Eurobasket Center
MKS Dabrowa Gornicza (EBL) added to their roster 24-year old naturalized Argentinian point guard Santiago Konaszuk (188cm-1999) for season 2023-24. Konaszuk has played for the last two years at Obera Tennis Club in Argentinian La Liga. In 33 games he recorded 3.2ppg and 1.2rpg last season. He helped them to make it to the semifinals.

Benjamin Marchiaro joins Piacentina - by Andrea Centenari
Bakery Basket Piacenza (Serie B) agreed terms with 19-year old naturalized Argentinian guard Benjamin Marchiaro (194cm-2004) for new 2023-24 season. Marchiaro played last season at Rieti Kienergia in the Serie A2. Serie A2 was a little too high level for him, where in 9 games he had just 0.9ppg and 1.1rpg. Serie B will be definitely a better match and he can see more playing time.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at Varese Academy U18 team. In four Adidas Next Generation Tournament games he recorded 7.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.8apg and 1.3spg in that year.
He represented Argentina at the FIBA U18 Americas Championship in Tijuana (Mexico) last year. His team got to the Semifinals and his stats at that event were 5 games: 11.6ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP-1 (84.6%), 3PT: 45.0%, FT: 50.0%.

*****************************************************
ARMENIA  
Johnson's double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
actionPhoto
League-A
sponsor
30-year old forward Tajai Johnson (188-F-1993) put on an amazing game in the last round for FIMA and receives a Hoops Agents Player of the Week award for round 7.
He had a double-double of 58 points and 17 rebounds, while his team edged out Erebuni (#6, 1-6) 125-124. FIMA is placed at 4th position in Armenian league. FIMA is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 3-5 record. In the team's last game Johnson had a remarkable 87.1% from 2-point range. He has many years of experience at FIMA, through which he has constantly improved. Clark Atlanta University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Johnson is league's best scorer averaging so far 43.0ppg. Johnson is in league's top in rebounds (2nd best: 14.0rpg), assists (9th best: 4.8apg) and averages solid 2.5spg and 67.0% FGP. Worth to mention Johnson played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball.

Second best performed player last round was Elijah Johnson of Dvin. He is a in his first season at Dvin. In the last game Johnson recorded impressive triple-double of 37 points, 27 rebounds and 10 assists. Of course he led Dvin to another comfortable win outscoring slightly higher-ranked FIMA (#4, 3-5) 127-96. Dvin's 5th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 2-4 record. Johnson is one of the most experienced players at Dvin and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 31.7ppg (#1). His other stats are also decent: 17.8rpg and 5.3apg.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Daniil Gevorgyan (186-G-1999) of league's leader Urartu. Gevorgyan got into 30-points club by scoring 54 points in the last round. He went also for six rebounds and nine assists. He was a key player of Urartu, leading his team to a 106-99 win against the lower-ranked Erebuni (#6, 1-6). Urartu confirms their top position in the standings. Gevorgyan has a great season in Armenia. After only 8 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 32.5ppg (4th best) and assists with 5.8apg (7th best). He also has FGP: 62.5% and 3PT: 41.2%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Byron Ray (175-PG-1993) of Dvin - 50 points, 11 rebounds and 14 assists
5. Arkadiy Mkrtychyan (204-F-1995) of Urartu - 14 points, 19 rebounds and 17 assists
6. Yura Melikyan (2005) of BKMA - 23 points, 20 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Varant Keledjian (190-SF-1996) of Erebuni - 38 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists
8. Artyom Bichakhchyan (173-SF-1998) of Erebuni - 13 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists
9. Brendan Hoban (185-G) of FIMA - 19 points, 17 rebounds and 9 assists
10. Jay Foster) of Erebuni - 27 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists

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

The Player of the Week awards are presented by Hoops Agents. Hoops Agents is the most complete website about the agencies and players they represent. With more than twenty years of experience, Hoops Agents is already recognized as the most reliable destination for the players who wish to continue their career in professional basketball and are searching for a reputable and connected representation. Hoops Agents is also most complete source of transactions news.


*****************************************************
AUSTRALIA  
Brisbane inks Rocco Zikarsky - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
NBL
sponsor
Brisbane Bullets (NBL) agreed terms with 17-year old center Rocco Zikarsky (217cm-2006) for upcoming 2023-24 season. Zikarsky played this summer at BA Centre of Excellence (NBL One East East). In 7 NBL One North games just recently he had 9.9ppg, 6.0rpg and 2.3bpg.
He was a member of Australian U17 National Team last year.
Zikarsky has played previously for Qld South.
Despite young age he had impressive career. He won Australian U18 ship championship title in 2022. Zikarsky was voted to Australiabasket.com All-Australian U18 Championship Honorable Mention in 2022.

Irving re-signs at the Mavericks - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
NBA
sponsor
Dallas Mavericks (NBA) confirmed in their roster 31-year old American-Australian ex-international guard Kyrie Irving (6'3''-191lbs-1992, college: Duke) for upcoming 2023-24 season. Irving was a team leader there last season. In 20 NBA games he had very impressive stats: 27.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 6.0apg and 1.3spg. He also played for the Nets where in 40 NBA games he recorded also remarkable stats: 27.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 5.3apg and 1.1spg.
In 2011 he was drafted by Cleveland Cavaliers as #1 pick overall. Irving attended Duke University and it will be his 13th (hopefully lucky) season in pro basketball.
He was also a member of USA international program for some years. Irving played for USA Senior National Team between 2014 and 2016 and previously for U18 National Team back in 2010.
He represented USA at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) seven years ago. His team won Gold and his stats at that event were 5 games: 12.6ppg, 1.6rpg, Assists-4 (6.0apg), FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 47.1%, FT: 91.7%.
Irving has played previously for Boston Celtics. He played in the final of NBA in 2015 and 2017. Irving was voted to NBA All-Star Game back in 2013 and 2014.

Dallas Mavericks roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Seth Curry
Kyrie Irving
Dante Exum

Forward:
Matisse Thybulle

*****************************************************
AUSTRIA  
Austrian U20 National Team -2023 - by Eurobasket Center
Starting five
#s#
Miro Zapf
Zapf
Felix Angerbauer
Angerbauer
Florian Koeppel
Koeppel
Noah Oguamalam
Oguamalam
Nordin Kapic
Kapic
#e#5
2Miro Zapf 189-G-2003 Kapfenberg Austria
4Felix Angerbauer 180-G-2003 St.Poelten Austria
5Obinna Ndukwe 183-G-2003 Klosterneuburg Austria
6Valentin Pasterk 184-G-2003 Eisenstadt Austria
8Florian Koeppel 201-F-2003 Oberwart Austria
10Dejan Kovacevic 195-F-2004 Wels Austria
16Maximilian Seher 196-F-2004 KOS Austria
20Noah Oguamalam 198-C-2003 United Austria
22Daniel Grgic 204-F-2004 Kapfenberg Austria
30Nordin Kapic 203-F-2003 Vienna Utd. Austria
35Akkan Atasoy 196-F-2003 St.Poelten Austria
44Jonathan Wess 197-G-2003 Oberwart Austria

Radomir Mijanovic Head Coach Arkadia Austria
Christian Ponz Assistant BBU Salzburg Austria


*****************************************************
AZERBAIJAN  
Azerbaijani U20 National Team -2023 - by Eurobasket Center
Starting five
#s#
Abdulmatin Guliyev
Guliyev
Said Ismayilov
Ismayilov
Huseyn Gasimov
Gasimov
Rashid Abbasov
Abbasov
Ulas Turgut
Turgut
#e#5
1Abdulmatin Guliyev 188-G-2004
4Fikrat Alakbarov 183-PG-2003 Xirdalan Azerbaijan
5Ulas Turgut 200-F-2003 Ege Universitesi Turkey
7Azar Azimov 195-F-2004 Serhedci Azerbaijan
9Mahammad Sadikov 206-C-2003 Olimpic Sheki Azerbaijan
11Said Ismayilov 180-PG-2004 NTD Azerbaijan
12Varid Aghasizada 175-PG-2004 Serhedci Azerbaijan
17Huseyn Gasimov 195-F-2004 Serhedci Azerbaijan
20Ali Hasanov 188-SG-2004 NTD Azerbaijan
21Rashid Abbasov 196-F-2004 NTD Azerbaijan
23Roderick Anderson III 185-G-2004 Boise St. USA
24Ulas Turgut 200-F-2003 Ege Universitesi Turkey
44Ismayil Abdulla 188-G-2004 Serhedci Azerbaijan

Anar Sariyev Head Coach Serhedci Azerbaijan
Farid Amirov Assistant Serhedci Azerbaijan


*****************************************************
BARBADOS  
BABA Round 1 of Semi-Finals. Home teams open Semifinals with wins. - by Eurobasket News
Cavaliers - Bulls 88-82

Cavaliers outrebounded Bulls 65-53 including a 43-32 advantage in defensive rebounds. Forward Adriel Brathwaite (, college: Orange CC) fired a double-double by scoring 11 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks for the winners. The former international forward Saeed Norville (201-1992) chipped in 14 points and 9 rebounds. Five Cavaliers players scored in double figures. Cavaliers' coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The former international Kyrone Alexander (192-2003) produced 35 points (!!!) and 8 rebounds and forward Andrew Ifill (180) added 9 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Cavaliers: B.Chikosi 16+5reb+1ast, S.Norville 14+9reb+3ast, P.Gavin 14+2reb+2ast, Z.Cave 11+10reb+3ast, A.Brathwaite 11+14reb+3ast, H.Dijon 9+5reb+3ast
Bulls: A.Kyrone 35+8reb+2ast, G.Rahiim 13+8reb+5ast, A.Ifill 9+14reb+5ast, J.King 8+1reb, T.King 8+8reb+3ast, M.Simeon 7+9reb+5ast
gschID: 1081298


Pinelands - Lakers 108-86

Pinelands players were unselfish on offense dishing 32 assists comparing to just 19 passes made by Lakers' players. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Rasheed Maynard (188-2000) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 31 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists. Deveron Knight contributed with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 15 rebounds for the winners. Naturalized Grenadian forward Jehu Lafeuillee (203, college: IU East) answered with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds and center Tyreke Harewood (, college: Orange CC) added 13 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Lakers. Five Pinelands and four Lakers players scored in double figures. Lakers' coach gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win.
Top scorers:
Pinelands: R.Maynard 31+10reb+7ast, D.Hurley 23+3reb+1ast, K.Deveron 18+15reb+3ast, D.Hurley 14+4reb+11ast, C.Thorpe 12+4reb+1ast, J.Gill 10+6reb+3ast
Lakers: J.Lafeuillee 21+12reb+2ast, T.Harewood 13+8reb+3ast, W.David 12+1reb+2ast, B.Justin 10+3reb+2ast, K.Birkett 10+2reb+1ast, M.Makhaya 8+4reb+2ast
gschID: 1081299




*****************************************************
BELGIUM  
Kyle Castlin (ex Hagen) joins Belfius Mons - by Peter Buyse
actionPhoto
Pro-Basketball-League
sponsor
Belfius Mons-Hainaut (Pro Basketball League) agreed terms with 27-year old American guard Kyle Castlin (193cm-88kg-1996, college: Xavier) for new 2023-24 season. Castlin played last season at Phoenix Hagen in German ProA. In 31 games he had very impressive stats: 16.2ppg, 3.4rpg and 2.2apg. He was also named League Player of the Week.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at BKM Lucenec in Slovakian Nike SBL where in 39 games he recorded also remarkable stats: 16.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.7apg and 1.3spg in that year. Castlin helped them to win the cup and make to league final. Quite impressive season as he was named to Eurobasket.com All-Slovakian League Honorable Mention and League Player of the Week (2 times).
In 2019 he was drafted by Salt Lake City Stars (G-League) in second round (17th overall).
He graduated from Xavier University and it will be his fifth season in pro basketball.
Castlin has played also professionally in USA, NBA G League (SLC Stars) and NBA Summer League (Utah Jazz White).
He won NBA Summer League in Salt Lake City championship title in 2021. Castlin played also for Columbia University for 4 years.

Belfius Mons-Hainaut roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Kyle Castlin
Styrmir Thrastarson
Conley Garrison

Forward:
Leander Dedroog

Coach: Vedran Bosnic

Tim Lambrecht agreed terms with Neptunas - by Peter Buyse
actionPhoto
LKL
sponsor
Neptunas Klaipeda (LKL) strengthened their roster with addition of 25-year old Belgian ex-international 207cm power forward Tim Lambrecht for season 2023-24. Lambrecht played most recently at Nevezis. In 35 LKL games in Lithuania he recorded 13.0ppg, 7.5rpg (#3 in the league) and 2.4apg last season. Great season indeed as he was awarded Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LKL Bosman Player of the Year and voted to All-Bosmans Team and League Player of the Week (2 times).
He won Belgian League championship title in 2017, 2018 and 2019 and the cup in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at Spirou Charleroi in Belgian Pro Basketball League where in three games he averaged 4.7ppg, 2.0rpg and 1.7apg in that year. He also played 30 games in BNXT League where he had 7.9ppg, 6.0rpg and 1.9apg in that year.
He was also a member of Belgian international program for some years. Lambrecht played for Belgian Senior National Team between 2018 and 2021 and previously for U20 National Team back in 2018.
He represented Belgium at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) 2021 Pre-Qualifiers four years ago.
Lambrecht has played previously for two other Belgian teams: Oostende and Leuven Bears. He won Belgian League championship title in 2017, 2018 and 2019 and the cup in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

*****************************************************
BOSNIA  
Al Nasr inks Elmedin Kikanovic - by Yusuf Abduljalil
actionPhoto
D1
sponsor
Al Nasr Benghazi (D1) signed experienced 34-year old Bosnian ex-international center Elmedin Kikanovic (211cm-105kg-1988) for upcoming 2023-24 season. Kikanovic was about to sign at Al Riyadi in Lebanese LBL league.
He was also a member of Bosnia and Herzegovina international program for some years. Kikanovic played for Bosnia and Herzegovina Senior National Team between 2006 and 2018 and previously for U18 National Team back in 2006.
He also represented Bosnia at the Qualifications to European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) 2017 seven years ago. His stats at that event were 4 games: 5.0ppg, 1.0rpg.
Kikanovic is quite experienced player. He has played also professionally in France (Monaco and Sluc Nancy), Germany (ALBA Berlin), Kuwait (Kuwait), Russia (Enisey), Serbia (Crvena Zvezda), Turkey (OGM Orman), Bosnia (OKK Sloboda Tuzla) and United Arab Emirates (Al Sharjah). Kikanovic played in the final of French League in 2018 and 2019. He was voted to Eurobasket.com Bosnia and Herzegovina League All-Newcomers Team back in 2006 and 2007.

*****************************************************
BRAZIL  
Unicaja keeps Lima for another season - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
Liga-Endesa
AcPhoto
Unicaja Malaga (Liga Endesa) re-signed 31-year old Brazilian-Spanish international 210cm center Augusto Lima, agency: Octagon Europe for new season. Lima is the second foreigner player in the roster as USA Dylan Osetkowski signed here earlier.
He played there last season. In 13 Liga Endesa games he averaged 4.2ppg, 4.1rpg and 1.7apg. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. He also played 8 games in Basketball Champions League where he had 3.4ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.6apg and 1.3spg.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at Universidad Catolica de Murcia CB. In 34 Liga Endesa games he recorded 8.3ppg, 6.9rpg (#4 in the league) and 2.6apg in that year. It was a very successful season in his career as he was voted to Eurobasket.com All-Spanish Liga Endesa Honorable Mention.
Lima has been also a member of Brazilian international program for some years. He has regularly played for Brazilian senior team since 2011 and previously for U17 National Team back in 2007.
Lima represented Brazil at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) seven years ago. His stats at that event were 4 games: 6.5ppg, 6.3rpg, FGP: 62.5%.
He is a very experienced player. And here thanks to pro basketball he experienced life in seven different countries playing on three different continents. Lima is familiar with European, Asian and of course North American leagues. He has played previously professionally in China (Flying Tigers), Croatia (Cedevita), Italy, Lithuania (Zalgiris), Turkey (Besiktas), Spain (Real Madrid, Granada and Burgos) and NBA (Toronto Raptors).
Among many awards he won Lithuanian League championship title in 2017. Lima received Latinbasket.com All-El Salvador Liga Superior Clausura Player of the Year award and Latinbasket.com All-El Salvador Liga Superior Clausura Forward of the Year award back in 2020.

Unicaja Malaga roster for 2023-24:

Guard:
Dario Brizuela

Forwards:
Yankuba Sima
Dylan Osetkowski

Center:
Augusto Lima
Elinho Corazza agreed terms with Corinthians - by Paulo Freire
actionPhoto
NBB
sponsor
Sport Club Corinthians Paulista (NBB) strengthened their roster with addition of 33-year old international 191cm point guard Elinho Corazza (college: Miami Dade CC) for season 2023-24. Corazza has played for the last two years at Sao Paulo FC. In 43 NBB games he recorded 8.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 7.2apg (leader !!!) and 1.7spg (in top 2) last season. He helped them to make it to the Brazilian National League final. Great season indeed as he was voted to Latinbasket.com All-Brazilian League Honorable Mention and League Player of the Week.
Corazza has been a member of Brazilian international program for some years. He has been regularly called to Brazilian senior team since 2012 and previously for University National Team back in 2013.
Corazza has spent his entire career in Brazil playing for four other teams: Vivo/Franca, Minas, Paulistano and Mogi. He won Liga Sudamericana championship title in 2016 and 2018.
Among many awards he was selected Latinbasket.com All-Basketball Champions League Americas Guard of the Year in 2022.
Corazza graduated from Miami Dade College in 2010 and it will be his 14th (!!!) season in pro basketball.

Sport Club Corinthians Paulista roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Elinho Corazza
Caue Borges
Pedro Nunes

Forwards:
Lucas Caue
Maozinha Pereira

Center:
Lazaro Rojas

Coach: Silvio Santander

Danilo Penteado signs at Pato Basquete - by Paulo Freire
actionPhoto
NBB
AcPhoto
Pato Basquete (NBB) landed 24-year old 200cm small forward Danilo Penteado for new season. Penteado played most recently at Pinheiros. In 33 NBB games he averaged 5.1ppg, 3.0rpg and 1.1apg last season.
His team made it to the Paulista League Semifinals in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at Paschoalotto/Bauru where in 32 NBB games he had just 2.7ppg and 2.7rpg in that year.
He was a member of Brazilian U16 National Team back in 2015.
Penteado has played previously for three other teams: Paulistano, Paulistano and Sao Paulo.
Among many awards he was voted to Latinbasket.com All-Brazilian LDB U20 Honorable Mention in 2021. His team made it to the Paulista League Semifinals in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
Scott Machado (ex Avtodor) joins Flamengo - by Paulo Freire
actionPhoto
NBB
sponsor
Clube de Regatas do Flamengo (NBB) agreed terms with 33-year old Brazilian-American international guard Scott Machado (185cm-82kg-1990, college: Iona) for new 2023-24 season. Machado played last season at Avtodor in Russian VTB United League. In 13 games he had 9.4ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.7apg and 1.1spg. He also spent pre-season at Hapoel Eilat (Winner League) in Israeli league.
In 2017 (five years after his graduation) he was drafted by South Bay Lakers (G-League) in first round (10th overall).
The former Iona College standout is in his twelfth (!!!) season in pro basketball.
Machado has tried to make it to the NBA and played in the NBA Pro Summer League in 2015.
He has been a member of Brazilian international program for some years. Machado has been regularly called to Brazilian senior team since 2013 and previously for University National Team back in 2011.
He is quite experienced player. Machado's career allowed him to visit three different continents, while he played in nine different countries. Machado tasted the life as pro basketball player in Europe, Australia and of course North America. He has played previously professionally in Australia (Cairns Taipans and Magic), Estonia (Kalev/Cramo), France (ASVEL Lyon Villeurbanne Basket), Germany (EWE Baskets and Rasta Vechta), Spain (Manresa), NBA (Denver Nuggets, GS Warriors and LA Lakers), Israel (Next Urban Maccabi Haifa), NBA G League (RGV Vipers) and The Basketball Tournament (Armored Athlete, Team Fancy and Gael Nation). His team made it to the MAAC Tournament Semifinals in 2010 and 2012.
The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others he was voted to Australiabasket.com Australian NBL All-Imports Team back in 2020.
On Machado: Controls the game without having to score.. Tremendous passer with a great understanding of the game.. Pure point guard that looks to get his teammates involved.

Clube de Regatas do Flamengo roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Scott Machado
Gui Pereira
Martin Cuello
Didi Louzada

Forwards:
Olivinha Rodriguez
Gabriel Galvanini

Center:
Maique Tavares

*****************************************************
BULGARIA  
Meeting Top International Prospects - Aleksandar Gavalyugov - by Carl Berman
Before the tip-off of the U18 FIBA European Championships Division B in Portugal we sat down and had a chat with one of the prospects expected to make the biggest impact in the event - Aleksandar Gavalyugov (187-PG-2006) (c/o 2024).

The 6-foot-1 shifty Bulgarian lead guard has been a well-known prospect within the European basketball world for quite a while. Despite his flashes of great scoring and passing instincts in many events over the past several years, his impressive production over the last season was the focal point that helped him establish and prove himself as a legit floor general against the top competition in Europe. Gavalyugov finished as the the top scorer of the 2022 FIBA U16 European Championship (21.1 ppg and 5.1 apg), guiding Bulgaria to fourth place. During the past season he had a great showing playing for the Select team at the Adidas Next Generation Tournament in Zadar (13.8 ppg and 5 apg) which secured him a spot on the team event for the finals in Kaunas.

Thanks to his outstanding performance this season, the 2024 Bulgarian recruit earned an invitation for tryouts from NBA Global Academy a few weeks ago. After a successful showing there, he signed with the academy, becoming the first Bulgarian to play there. He will bring dynamic 3-level scoring to any collegiate program in a combination with great abilities to facilitate on the floor thanks to his solid understanding of the game. If paired with a solid roller at the next stage, he could be an excellent pick-and-roll facilitator.

The American style of the game seems to be a natural fit to him thanks to his great ability to change speeds/directions, make quick reads and advanced creativity off the dribble. Getting stronger body wise and figuring out how to be more effective on defense seems to be his main areas for improvement.

The Bulgarian recruit shared with us his thoughts on his expectations on the upcoming FIBA summer event in Portugal, his long-term goals, players he likes studying, areas for improvement and more. Check out the interview:

Hi Aleks! Hope you and your family are doing well. Can you tell us more about how did you start playing basketball? Who contributed the most for you to make your first steps in the game? Did you play any other sports?

Hello! Everything is going well, thank you! I was literally born with the basketball in my hands. My dad was the person who taught me on the fundamentals. He's my first coach and he spent a lot of hours with me in the gym. Yes, I practiced tennis when I was 10.

Last summer in Bulgaria, you were one of the top performers at the U16 FIBA European Championship Division B. There you showcased your impressive scoring and passing instincts, finishing as the top scorer of the event. What was your mentality coming into the event and what was the reason for you to have such a successful showing?

My mentality going through this tournament was only to win it all. I don't care about the individual awards I won. It means nothing to me when we didn't win it or at least made it to Division A. But that's a lesson for the future and I'm sure one day I will win a title with the national team of Bulgaria!

Can you take us through your experience, representing the Adidas Next Generation Select team in two different stages (Zadar, Croatia and Kaunas, Lithuania) this season? Which were the valuable things you would take out of that event to get you better on and off the floor going forward?

I was very proud that I was selected for the team in Zadar. It was a dream come true to play in the best U18 tournament in Europe. It was really good experience for me because I had a chance to play against the best prospects and teams in Europe. The valuable things I would take out are to put more work in the weight room and work more on my defense.

Thanks to your outstanding performance all season long, you earned an invitation for tryouts from NBA Global Academy a few weeks ago. After a successful showing there you signed with the academy. What does it mean for you to become the first Bulgarian to represent such a highly-respected academy?

I'm really happy that I signed in such a great academy! I'm going there to represent Bulgarian basketball like I did on ANGT.

Knowing the successful placement of the NBA Global Academy alumni over the years to NCAA schools and NBA teams and your strong showing this season, your recruiting process is expected to see plenty of offers from D1 schools. What do you think you can bring up to the table for a D1 program and what style of basketball you think fits you most?

College basketball is different than European basketball. I need to go there and be ready to play immediately. That's why I chose NBA Academy. In college basketball I will bring something different like more fundamental game, high IQ and using my head more, so I can be able to beat the athletic Americans one on one or to be able to guard them. I think the American style of game (NCAA and NBA) fits me great because I'm a guy who likes to create for himself and for others and to have freedom on the court.

Given you've been practicing with many former college players at Balkan Botevgrad over the past few years what are the lessons a college recruit can learn while being around such players?

I'm really close with Ahmaad Rorie and Derrick Marks and we talk very often. They also think that American style will fit me great. Lessons I got from them when we played 1vs1 were to be very, very tough or otherwise Americans will eat me alive over there. They're like my mentors and they are always trying to help me get better and fulfill my dream of reaching the NBA. I played with the great Bulgarian PG Stanimir Marinov. From him I learned a lot how to use my head in the game and take quick and right decisions on the court. Nikos Diplaros who played in Panathinaikos also helped me a lot because he's very creative on offense and very aggressive on defense.

What are your expectations and goals for the upcoming summer? Which aspect/s of your game will you be looking to improve the most?

My number one goal for this summer is to win the European Championship Division B with the U18 national team of Bulgaria. After that, I will work more for my body to get stronger and more athletic.

What are your long-term goals, where do you envision yourself playing in 5 years?

Getting drafted and having a role on an NBA team

Are there any players in Europe and in the NBA you like studying/watching and why?

I'm studying from every PG/SG in the Euroleague and NBA because I'm trying to learn something from everyone who plays on the highest level on my position. In Europe I'm watching more from Shane Larkin and Lorenzo Brown because they're both great scorers and passers. In the NBA I'm watching Steph Curry because I'm trying to have his off-ball game and Trae Young because he's undersized and not athletic but still can put crazy numbers in the league.

Thanks for your time Aleks! We hope you have a successful and healthy upcoming season!

Simeon Marinov is the Director of European Scouting for NetScouts Basketball.


Bulgarian U20 National Team -2023 - by Eurobasket Center
Starting five
#s#
Iliyan Pishtikov
Pishtikov
Konstantin Kostadinov
Kostadinov
Ivan Spirov
Spirov
Viktor Gergov
Gergov
Georgi Gerganov
Gerganov
#e#5
6Mihail Kombakov 185-PG-2003 Beroe Bulgaria
7Iliyan Pishtikov 192-F-2004 Balkan Bulgaria
13Konstantin Kostadinov 203-F-2003 Tenerife Spain
15Ivan Spirov 202-C-2003 Cherno More Bulgaria
22Viktor Gergov 200-F/G-2003 CSKA Bulgaria
23Mario Boyanov 195-G/F-2004 Levski Bulgaria
25Krasimir Petrov 189-G-2004 Levski Bulgaria
26Denis Kamburov 200-SF-2003 San Diego CC USA
33Krastomir Mihov 193-G-2004 Akademik P. Bulgaria
35Hristo Bachkov 200-SF-2004 Rilski Bulgaria
77Georgi Gerganov 193-G-2003 Yambol Bulgaria

Vasil Hristov Head Coach
Lyubomir Kirov Assistant Rilski Bulgaria


*****************************************************
CANADA  
Adong Makuoi (ex Saskatchewan) is a newcomer at AEL Limassol - by Antonis Katsaros
actionPhoto
OPAP-Basket-League
sponsor
AEL Limassol (OPAP Basket League) added to their roster Canadian 206cm center Adong Makuoi (college: Tennessee State) for season 2023-24. Makuoi played this summer at Saskatchewan in Canadian CEBL. In 13 games just recently he recorded 5.2ppg and 4.1rpg.
He graduated from Tennessee State in 2023 and it is his first season in pro basketball. Makuoi played also for Northern Illinois University for 2 years.

AEL Limassol roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Panagiotis Markou
Marios Moniatis
Christos Evzonas
Michalis Mythillos
Michalis Christofidis
Georgios Armakolas

Forwards:
Marios Georgiou
Marios Stylianou

Center:
Adong Makuoi

Coach: Kalia Papadopoulou

*****************************************************
CHINA  
NBL Round 1: HK JinNiu opep a season with a win - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in NBL just started. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

HK JinNiu defeated Guangxi at home 102-91. Guangxi will play next round against Wuhan trying to get back on the winning streak. HK JinNiu will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game.
Hunan recorded a loss on the court of Henan. Visitors were defeated by Henan 114-99. Henan will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Hunan will play at home against Shaanxi and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game was also tough home loss of Hefei in a game versus undefeated Hebei 116-105. Hebei will meet Jiangxi in the next round. Hefei will have a break next round.

Other games in round 1 were not that significant. Winless Wuhan lost to undefeated Jiangxi on the road 76-129. Shaanxi won against Jiangsu YS on its own court 91-85. Henan lost to undefeated HK JinNiu in a road game 95-106. Anhui W. managed to beat Liaoning Y. at home 106-93.



HK JinNiu - Guangxi 102-91

HK JinNiu defeated Guangxi at home 102-91. Guangxi will play next round against Wuhan trying to get back on the winning streak. HK JinNiu will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game.
gschID: 1081191


Henan - Hunan 114-99

Hunan recorded a loss on the court of Henan. Visitors were defeated by Henan 114-99. Henan will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Hunan will play at home against Shaanxi and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 1081192


Hefei - Hebei 105-116

An interesting game was also tough home loss of Hefei in a game versus undefeated Hebei 116-105. Hebei will meet Jiangxi in the next round. Hefei will have a break next round.
gschID: 1081193


Jiangxi - Wuhan 129-76

Jiangxi used a home court advantage and crushed the opponent from 129-76 on Wednesday night. Jiangxi will meet at home Hebei in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Wuhan will play against Guangxi and hope to win that game.
gschID: 1081194


Shaanxi - Jiangsu YS 91-85

Shaanxi used a home court advantage and defeated the opponent from Yannan 91-85 on Wednesday night. Shaanxi will meet Hunan in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Jiangsu YS will play against Anhui W. and hope to win that game.
gschID: 1081195


HK JinNiu - Henan 106-95

HK JinNiu used a home court advantage and won against the opponent from Henan 106-95 on Thursday night. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
gschID: 1081196


Anhui W. - Liaoning Y. 106-93

Anhui W. used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from 106-93 on Wednesday night. Anhui W. will meet Jiangsu YS in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Liaoning Y. will have a break next round.
gschID: 1081513


NBL Round 2: Jiangsu YS defeats leader Anhui W. - by Eurobasket News
There were only 2 rounds played so far and it's still very beginning of the Regular Season in NBL. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most surprising game was a loss of Anhui W. in Yannan on Friday night. Visitors were edged by Jiangsu YS 108-106. Jiangsu YS is looking forward to face Hefei in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Anhui W. will play against Hunan in Changsha and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Another interesting game for Hebei which played on the court of Jiangxi. Hebei had an easy win 103-91. Hebei will play against Wuhan in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Jiangxi will have a break next round.
Worth to mention about the upset in a game between Hefei and Liaoning Y. , which took place in . Hefei lost at home to Liaoning Y. 116-122 on Friday. Liaoning Y. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Hefei will play against Jiangsu YS in Yannan and hope to win that game.

In the last two games of round 2 Shaanxi was beaten by Hunan on the road 100-83. Guangxi won against Wuhan on its own court 88-75.



Jiangsu YS - Anhui W. 108-106

The most surprising game was a loss of Anhui W. in Yannan on Friday night. Visitors were edged by Jiangsu YS 108-106. Jiangsu YS is looking forward to face Hefei in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Anhui W. will play against Hunan in Changsha and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 1081197


Jiangxi - Hebei 91-103

Another interesting game for Hebei which played on the court of Jiangxi. Hebei had an easy win 103-91. Hebei will play against Wuhan in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Jiangxi will have a break next round.
gschID: 1081198


Hunan - Shaanxi 100-83

There was a surprise result when Hunan beat Shaanxi in Changsha 100-83 on Friday. Hunan will meet at home Anhui W. in the next round. Shaanxi will play against HK JinNiu and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 1081199


Guangxi - Wuhan 88-75

Guangxi used a home court advantage and defeated the opponent from 88-75 on Friday night. Guangxi will meet at home Henan in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Wuhan will play against Hebei and hope to win that game.
gschID: 1081200


Hefei - Liaoning Y. 116-122

Worth to mention about the upset in a game between Hefei and Liaoning Y. , which took place in . Hefei lost at home to Liaoning Y. 116-122 on Friday. Liaoning Y. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Hefei will play against Jiangsu YS in Yannan and hope to win that game.
gschID: 1081540


*****************************************************
CROATIA  
Dino Cinac and Ivan Batur joins Zabok - by Zeljko Zule
actionPhoto
Premijer-Liga
sponsor
KK Zabok (Premijer Liga) agreed terms with experienced 34-year old power forward Dino Cinac (201-PF-1988) (201cm-1988) and 32-year old 202cm forward Ivan Batur (202-F-1991, agency: AltusBasket) for new 2023-24 season.
Dino Cinac has played for the last two years at Gorica in the Premijer Liga. In 21 games he was league's fifth best scorer with impressive 16.7ppg and averaged 7.1rpg (#2 in the league) and 1.0spg last season. Good year as he was named League Player of the Week. He also played 11 games in ABA League where he had 12.7ppg, 3.6rpg and 1.0spg.
Cinac is quite experienced player. He has played also professionally in Iceland (KR Reykjavik), Romania (Craiova), Russia (Vostok-65 Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk), Slovenia (Krka), Sweden (Jamtland) and Croatia (Zagreb, KK Kvarner 2010 Rijeka, Jolly Jadranska Banka Sibenik, Kraljevica and Bosco).
The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others his team made it to the Premijer Liga Semifinals in 2022. Cinac was voted to Eurobasket.com All-Croatian Premijer Liga Honorable Mention in 2022.
Ivan Batur has played for the last three years at Gorica in the Premijer Liga. In 30 games he averaged 11.7ppg, 5.4rpg and 2.5apg last season. He also played 11 games in ABA League where he had 9.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.0apg and 1.0spg.
Batur was a member of Croatian U20 National Team in 2011.
He has played previously professionally also in Slovenia (Rogaska) and Croatia (Zagreb, Zadar, Pet Bunara and Skrljevo). Batur played in the final of Croatian A1 League in 2010 and 2013.
Among many awards he was voted to Eurobasket.com All-Adriatic League 2 Honorable Mention back in 2018.

Head Coach Daniel Jusup extended his contract with Zadar - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
Premijer-Liga
AcPhoto
Defending champion KK Zadar (Premijer Liga) re-hireed experienced 62-year old Head Coach Daniel Jusup for upcoming 23-24 season. Jusup helped them to win the league title despite they ended the regular season at the second place. A very good season in his career as he was awarded Eurobasket.com All-Croatian Premijer Liga Coach of the Year.
He has coached also in Bosnia (Siroki), Germany, Poland (Anwil) and Russia.
*****************************************************
CYPRUS  
AEK Larnaca keeps Brown for another season - by Antonis Katsaros
actionPhoto
OPAP-Basket-League
sponsor
Defending champion Petrolina AEK Larnaca (OPAP Basket League) re-signed 27-year old American 180cm point guard Tookie Brown (college: Georgia South) for upcoming season. Brown was a team leader there last season. In 16 OPAP Basket League games he recorded very impressive stats: 18.1ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.6apg and 1.9spg (in top 3). He helped them to win the league title and the cup. Great season indeed as he was awarded Eurobasket.com All-Cyprus League Guard of the Year and voted to All-Defensive Team and selected to All-Imports Team.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at Braunschweig in German BBL where in 25 games he averaged 11.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 4.0apg and 1.0spg in that year. Brown contributed to his team making it to the German Bundesliga Cup Semifinals. A very good season in his career as he was voted to Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Honorable Mention.
He has played previously professionally in Belgium (Limburg United) and Poland (Wilki Morskie).
Brown received All-Sun Belt Player of the Year award back in 2019.
He graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2019 and it will be his fifth season in pro basketball.

Petrolina AEK Larnaca roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Iakovos Panteli
Andreas Sizopoulos
Tookie Brown
Taveion Hollingsworth

Forwards:
Roberto Mantovani
Jesse Hunt

Coach: Christophoros Livadiotis

Theodoros Panayiotou agreed terms with E.N. Paralimni - by Antonis Katsaros
Enosis Neon Paralimni (OPAP Basket League) strengthened their roster with addition of 24-year old 188cm guard Theodoros Panayiotou for season 2023-24. Panayiotou played most recently at Etha. In 15 OPAP Basket League games he recorded 3.5ppg and 1.1rpg last season.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at AEK Larnaca where in 26 OPAP Basket League games he averaged 3.5ppg in that year. He helped them to win the regular season and make it to the final. They also played in the Supercup final. Panayiotou also played 1 game in Basketball Champions League, but he did not score anything.
He has played previously for Apoel.

Adong Makuoi (ex Saskatchewan) is a newcomer at AEL Limassol - by Antonis Katsaros
actionPhoto
OPAP-Basket-League
sponsor
AEL Limassol (OPAP Basket League) added to their roster Canadian 206cm center Adong Makuoi (college: Tennessee State) for season 2023-24. Makuoi played this summer at Saskatchewan in Canadian CEBL. In 13 games just recently he recorded 5.2ppg and 4.1rpg.
He graduated from Tennessee State in 2023 and it is his first season in pro basketball. Makuoi played also for Northern Illinois University for 2 years.

AEL Limassol roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Panagiotis Markou
Marios Moniatis
Christos Evzonas
Michalis Mythillos
Michalis Christofidis
Georgios Armakolas

Forwards:
Marios Georgiou
Marios Stylianou

Center:
Adong Makuoi

Coach: Kalia Papadopoulou

*****************************************************
CZECH REPUBLIC  
Czech Republic U20 National Team -2023 - by Eurobasket Center
Starting five
#s#
Ondrej Svec
Svec
Adam Lukes
Lukes
Ondrej Hustak
Hustak
Simon Svoboda
Svoboda
Petr Krivanek
Krivanek
#e#5
5Matej Safarik 188-G-2003 USK Praha Czech Republic
6Ondrej Svec 196-F-2003 USK Praha Czech Republic
7Adam Lukes 191-G-2004 Pardubice Czech Republic
8Ondrej Hustak 211-C-2003 Zamora Spain
11Simon Svoboda 202-F-2004 Brno Czech Republic
12Petr Krivanek 185-G-2003 Brno Czech Republic
16Radovan Mrazek 187-PG-2004 Pardubice Czech Republic
17Petr Stovicek 200-F-2004 SP Basket Czech Republic
22Matej Rychtecky 195-F-2004 Brno Czech Republic
30Jakub Kojzar 200-F-2004 Loko Plzen Czech Republic
53Adam Ivanek 199-G-2004 NH Ostrava Czech Republic
95Martin Kheil 195-F-2003 Slavia Czech Republic

Lukas Pivoda Head Coach Svitavy Czech Republic
Antonin Pistecky Assistant Decin Czech Republic
Jakub Sirina Assistant


*****************************************************
EUROCUP  
BKT TIRES becomes EuroCup title sponsor and renews as Euroleague Partner - by Igor Obradovic
The three-year agreement between BKT, the Off-Highway multinational company, and Euroleague Basketball
Euroleague Basketball and BKT Tires have agreed to a new three-year Premium Partnership that makes one of the world's leading manufacturers of Off-Highway tires the EuroCup's new title sponsor.
The agreement consolidates this multi-year partnership and coincides with some key changes to the competition format that will make the new BKT EuroCup even more compelling than ever before. Moreover, BKT will continue to support the EuroLeague as a Premium Partner, promoting its brand on all games of both competitions through in-arena, broadcast and social media platforms.

"Euroleague Basketball's fast-growing relationship with BKT has resulted in this exciting agreement to have one of our newer partners join its name to a top-level competition such as the EuroCup," Paulius Motiejunas, Euroleague Basketball CEO, said. "BKT's goal of making an impact beyond brand visibility has clearly been met through our strong collaboration in communities and connecting with young people. We will continue to help each other strengthen those impacts going forward."

Becoming a title sponsor just three years after originally partnering with Euroleague Basketball marks a major step forward in a relationship that has very much lived by BKT's motto: Growing Together. That process has been marked by a deep collaboration on the values of social inclusion and sustainability initiatives that go beyond traditional sponsorship.

'We are proud to continue on this path with EuroLeague strengthening even more our connection with this wonderful sport and its fans," Lucia Salmaso, CEO of BKT Europe, said. "As new title sponsor of EuroCup, we hope to transmit and cultivate the values we firmly believe in, such as passion, inclusion, respect and team spirit. These values allow us to grow together and to support the solidarity initiatives of the One Team-BKT Legacy Project that aims at improving the life of young people in need or at the risk of exclusion by using basketball as a tool for improvement'.

The One Team-BKT Legacy Project, under the aegis of EuroLeague Basketball's long-running corporate social responsibility program, has engineered the refurbishment of basketball courts in Istanbul and Athens with the goal of improving the lives of at-risk young people by providing them with better public facilities where sporting values like teamwork, healthy habits and social inclusion can be strengthened.

To promote a shared goal of sustainability, BKT has made a significant impact at three editions of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four - in Cologne, Belgrade and Kaunas - by donating bicycles to social entities in those cities. The initiative served not only to support local One Team programs but also to promote healthy habits and sustainable mobility. Similar donations were made across the continent, with BKT providing bikes to each of dozens of separate One Team programs from both the EuroLeague and the EuroCup.

BKT's decision to not only renew but also elevate its first basketball investment is the latest evidence of how Euroleague Basketball competitions and platforms bring visibility, engagement, and the chance to make a mark in communities to its family of partners.

Courtesy of euroleaguebasketball.net
BKT EuroCup Draw stage is set! - by Igor Obradovic
In each group, all opponents will play in a round-robin, home-and-away format for a total of 18 games stretching from October 3, 2023, to February 7, 2024.

In what is a new-look postseason for 2023-24, the top two teams in each regular season group will skip to the quarterfinals while the second- through sixth-place teams play do-or-die single games in the eighthfinals against opponents from opposite groups. The eighthfinals winners will visit the top four teams from the regular season in one-game quarterfinal showdowns. The ensuing semifinal and final phases have been expanded to best-of-three series. All post-season pairings will give home-court advantage to the teams that finished higher in their regular season groups.

The 20-team field includes two current or former EuroCup champions (Dreamland Gran Canaria and Joventut Badalona), two more runners-up (Turk Telekom Ankara and Aris), three more past semifinalists (Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana, Dolomiti Energia Trento and Prometey Slobozhanske), and two storied teams returning to the competition (Aris Thessaloniki and Besiktas Istanbul).

Group A
Joventut
H.Tel-Aviv
Besiktas
Hamburg
Paris
Prometey
Cedevita Ol.
Wolves
Venezia
London L.

Group B
Bourg
Poland Slask
Gran Canaria
Lietkabelis
Buducnost
Cluj Napoca
Italy Trento
Aris
Turk Telekom
Ulm

Courtesy of Eurocup
*****************************************************
EUROLEAGUE  
ASVEL Lyon Villeurbanne Basket inks Frank Jackson - by Fersu Yahyabeyoglu
actionPhoto
Betclic-ELITE-ProA
sponsor
ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket (Betclic ELITE ProA) agreed terms with 25-year old American shooting guard Frank Jackson (191cm-93kg-1998, college: Duke) for upcoming 2023-24 season. Jackson played last season at Utah Jazz in the NBA. But in only one game he did not score anything and had only 2 rebounds and 1 assist. He also played for Stars in U.S. NBA-G-League where in 36 games he recorded very impressive stats: 21.6ppg, 3.0rpg and 2.4apg.
In 2017 he was drafted by Charlotte Hornets (NBA) in second round (31st overall). The former Duke University standout is in his seventh season in pro basketball.
Jackson has played also professionally in NBA (New Orleans Pelicans, Detroit Pistons and OKC Thunder) and NBA Summer League (New Orleans Pelicans).
The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others his college team won ACC Tournament in 2017. He was voted Utah Gatorade Player of the Year back in 2016.

ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Boris Dallo
Frank Jackson

Forward:
Mbaye N'Diaye

Center:
John Egbunu

Belinelli re-signs at Virtus Segafredo Bologna - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
Serie-A
sponsor
Virtus Segafredo Bologna (Serie A) confirmed in their roster experienced 37-year old ex-international shooting guard Marco Belinelli (196cm-91kg-1986) for new 2023-24 season. Belinelli has played there for the last three seasons. He helped them to win the Supercup and make to league final. A very impressive season as he was voted Eurobasket.com All-Italian SerieA Domestic Player of the Year, Forward of the Year and named to All-Domestic Players Team. Belinelli played 21 games in Euroleague where he had 10.0ppg, 1.4rpg and 1.1apg last season.
In 2007 he was drafted by Golden State Warriors (NBA) in first round (18th overall).
He was also a member of Italian international program for some years. Belinelli played for Italian Senior National Team between 2004 and 2019 and previously for U20 National Team back in 2005.
He represented Italy at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) six years ago. His stats at that event were 7 games: 17.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.0apg, Steals-5 (2.0spg), FGP: 35.0%, 3PT: 44.6%, FT: 73.3%.
Belinelli has played previously professionally also in NBA (New Orleans Pelicans, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers and San Antonio Spurs). He won Italian Serie A championship title in 2005 and 2021.
It's very possible he may end his playing career at Virtus Segafredo Bologna.

Virtus Segafredo Bologna roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Marco Belinelli
Isaia Cordinier
Bruno Mascolo

Forwards:
Achille Polonara
Devontae Cacok

Coach: Sergio Scariolo

Ricci re-signs at Milano - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
Serie-A
sponsor
Defending champion AX Armani Exchange Milano (Serie A) confirmed in their roster 31-year old international power forward Giampaolo Ricci (201cm-102kg-1991) for new 2023-24 season. Ricci has played there for the last two seasons. He helped them to win the league title. Ricci played 29 games in Euroleague where he had just 2.6ppg and 2.3rpg last season.
He has been also a member of Italian international program for some years. Ricci has regularly played for Italian senior team since 2019 and previously for U20 National Team back in 2011.
He represented Italy at the Olympic Games in Tokyo (Japan) two years ago. His stats at that event were 3 games: 4.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.0apg.
Ricci has played previously for four other teams: Verona, Vanoli Cremona, RO SAzzurra and Virtus Segafredo Bologna.
The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others he was voted to Eurobasket.com Italian Serie A All-Domestic Players Team back in 2019.

AX Armani Exchange Milano roster for 2023-24:

Forwards:
Giampaolo Ricci
Shavon Shields
Guglielmo Caruso

Center:
Kyle Hines

Barca inks Joel Parra - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
Liga-Endesa
sponsor
Defending champion FC Barcelona Lassa (Liga Endesa) agreed terms with 23-year old international forward Joel Parra (202cm-2000) for new 2023-24 season. Parra has played for the last five years at Joventut in the Liga Endesa. In 40 games he had 9.6ppg, 5.5rpg and 1.1apg last season. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. 2022-23 was a great season as he was named to Eurobasket.com Spanish Liga Endesa All-Domestic Players Team and Eurobasket.com All-Spanish Liga Endesa Second Team. Parra also played 21 games in Eurocup where he recorded 12.9ppg, 3.9rpg and 1.2apg.
He has been also a member of Spanish international program for some years. Parra has regularly played for Spanish senior team since 2021 and previously for U18 National Team back in 2018.
He represented Spain at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U20 in Tel-Aviv (Israel) four years ago. Parra's team won Silver and his stats at that event were 5 games: 8.4ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 8.3%, FT: 81.3%.
Parra has played previously for Prat. He was voted to Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup Honorable Mention in 2023.

*****************************************************
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18  
Meeting Top International Prospects - Aleksandar Gavalyugov - by Carl Berman
Before the tip-off of the U18 FIBA European Championships Division B in Portugal we sat down and had a chat with one of the prospects expected to make the biggest impact in the event - Aleksandar Gavalyugov (187-PG-2006) (c/o 2024).

The 6-foot-1 shifty Bulgarian lead guard has been a well-known prospect within the European basketball world for quite a while. Despite his flashes of great scoring and passing instincts in many events over the past several years, his impressive production over the last season was the focal point that helped him establish and prove himself as a legit floor general against the top competition in Europe. Gavalyugov finished as the the top scorer of the 2022 FIBA U16 European Championship (21.1 ppg and 5.1 apg), guiding Bulgaria to fourth place. During the past season he had a great showing playing for the Select team at the Adidas Next Generation Tournament in Zadar (13.8 ppg and 5 apg) which secured him a spot on the team event for the finals in Kaunas.

Thanks to his outstanding performance this season, the 2024 Bulgarian recruit earned an invitation for tryouts from NBA Global Academy a few weeks ago. After a successful showing there, he signed with the academy, becoming the first Bulgarian to play there. He will bring dynamic 3-level scoring to any collegiate program in a combination with great abilities to facilitate on the floor thanks to his solid understanding of the game. If paired with a solid roller at the next stage, he could be an excellent pick-and-roll facilitator.

The American style of the game seems to be a natural fit to him thanks to his great ability to change speeds/directions, make quick reads and advanced creativity off the dribble. Getting stronger body wise and figuring out how to be more effective on defense seems to be his main areas for improvement.

The Bulgarian recruit shared with us his thoughts on his expectations on the upcoming FIBA summer event in Portugal, his long-term goals, players he likes studying, areas for improvement and more. Check out the interview:

Hi Aleks! Hope you and your family are doing well. Can you tell us more about how did you start playing basketball? Who contributed the most for you to make your first steps in the game? Did you play any other sports?

Hello! Everything is going well, thank you! I was literally born with the basketball in my hands. My dad was the person who taught me on the fundamentals. He's my first coach and he spent a lot of hours with me in the gym. Yes, I practiced tennis when I was 10.

Last summer in Bulgaria, you were one of the top performers at the U16 FIBA European Championship Division B. There you showcased your impressive scoring and passing instincts, finishing as the top scorer of the event. What was your mentality coming into the event and what was the reason for you to have such a successful showing?

My mentality going through this tournament was only to win it all. I don't care about the individual awards I won. It means nothing to me when we didn't win it or at least made it to Division A. But that's a lesson for the future and I'm sure one day I will win a title with the national team of Bulgaria!

Can you take us through your experience, representing the Adidas Next Generation Select team in two different stages (Zadar, Croatia and Kaunas, Lithuania) this season? Which were the valuable things you would take out of that event to get you better on and off the floor going forward?

I was very proud that I was selected for the team in Zadar. It was a dream come true to play in the best U18 tournament in Europe. It was really good experience for me because I had a chance to play against the best prospects and teams in Europe. The valuable things I would take out are to put more work in the weight room and work more on my defense.

Thanks to your outstanding performance all season long, you earned an invitation for tryouts from NBA Global Academy a few weeks ago. After a successful showing there you signed with the academy. What does it mean for you to become the first Bulgarian to represent such a highly-respected academy?

I'm really happy that I signed in such a great academy! I'm going there to represent Bulgarian basketball like I did on ANGT.

Knowing the successful placement of the NBA Global Academy alumni over the years to NCAA schools and NBA teams and your strong showing this season, your recruiting process is expected to see plenty of offers from D1 schools. What do you think you can bring up to the table for a D1 program and what style of basketball you think fits you most?

College basketball is different than European basketball. I need to go there and be ready to play immediately. That's why I chose NBA Academy. In college basketball I will bring something different like more fundamental game, high IQ and using my head more, so I can be able to beat the athletic Americans one on one or to be able to guard them. I think the American style of game (NCAA and NBA) fits me great because I'm a guy who likes to create for himself and for others and to have freedom on the court.

Given you've been practicing with many former college players at Balkan Botevgrad over the past few years what are the lessons a college recruit can learn while being around such players?

I'm really close with Ahmaad Rorie and Derrick Marks and we talk very often. They also think that American style will fit me great. Lessons I got from them when we played 1vs1 were to be very, very tough or otherwise Americans will eat me alive over there. They're like my mentors and they are always trying to help me get better and fulfill my dream of reaching the NBA. I played with the great Bulgarian PG Stanimir Marinov. From him I learned a lot how to use my head in the game and take quick and right decisions on the court. Nikos Diplaros who played in Panathinaikos also helped me a lot because he's very creative on offense and very aggressive on defense.

What are your expectations and goals for the upcoming summer? Which aspect/s of your game will you be looking to improve the most?

My number one goal for this summer is to win the European Championship Division B with the U18 national team of Bulgaria. After that, I will work more for my body to get stronger and more athletic.

What are your long-term goals, where do you envision yourself playing in 5 years?

Getting drafted and having a role on an NBA team

Are there any players in Europe and in the NBA you like studying/watching and why?

I'm studying from every PG/SG in the Euroleague and NBA because I'm trying to learn something from everyone who plays on the highest level on my position. In Europe I'm watching more from Shane Larkin and Lorenzo Brown because they're both great scorers and passers. In the NBA I'm watching Steph Curry because I'm trying to have his off-ball game and Trae Young because he's undersized and not athletic but still can put crazy numbers in the league.

Thanks for your time Aleks! We hope you have a successful and healthy upcoming season!

Simeon Marinov is the Director of European Scouting for NetScouts Basketball.


*****************************************************
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20  
Division B. Day 1 in Skopje - by Igor Obradovic
Sweden - Azerbaijan 102-50
Sweden demonstrated their basketball prowess against Azerbaijan, triumphing with an impressive scoreline of 102-50. Tunde Vahlberg (201-SF-2004) led the Swedish team with 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Max Andersson (187-G-2004) provided 12 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, while William Kermoury (192-G-2004) contributed 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Roderick Anderson III (185-G-2004) stood out for Azerbaijan with 20 points and 2 rebounds.

Georgia - Ukraine 55-82
Ukraine dominated their game against Georgia, securing an emphatic 82-55 victory. Oleksandr Kobzystyi (200-SG-2003) and Bohdan Bryniuk (201-F-2003, agency: BIG) led Ukraine's scoring with 15 points each, with Kobzystyi also recording 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Vitalii Shymanskyi (205-PF-2003) added 12 points and 5 rebounds. George Natsvlishvili (208-F/G-2004, agency: Octagon Europe) was the top performer for Georgia, contributing 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals, while Giorgi Ochkhikidze (190-PG-2004, agency: BIG) provided 9 points and 5 rebounds.

Hungary - Portugal 60-65
Hungary and Portugal engaged in a closely contested match, ultimately resulting in a 65-60 victory for Portugal. Daniel Vieira (190-PG-2004) led the Portuguese team with 18 points, 3 rebounds, and an impressive 5 steals. Diogo Seixas (199-SG-2004) recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Balazs Kazy (193-SG-2003) scored 10 points and grabbed 4 rebounds, while Milan Ivkovic (195-SF-2003) contributed 8 points and 7 rebounds for Hungary.

Holland - Latvia 65-57 OT
Holland faced off against Latvia in a tightly contested match that extended to overtime, with Holland eventually prevailing 65-57. Youri Fritz (206-F-2003) played a crucial role for Holland, registering a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Nino Vrencken (194-PG-2003) contributed 12 points and 9 rebounds, while Jibbe Sicking (203-F-2004) added 15 points. Rihards Vavers (201-F-2003) led Latvia's scoring with 17 points and 5 rebounds, while Daniils Smirnovs (204-PF-2003) showcased an impressive rebounding effort, grabbing 13 boards along with 2 points. Kristofers Karlsons (185-G-2004) also had a solid all-around game with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Finland - Switzerland 66-76
In a competitive game between Finland and Switzerland, the Swiss emerged victorious with a final score of 76-66. Nicolo Isotta (184-G-2003) played a key role for Switzerland, scoring 17 points and securing 5 rebounds. Omar Ali (200-F/C-2004) contributed 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Ivan Tanackovic (196-SF-2003) added 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals. For Finland, Juuso Salmi (188-PG-2004) stood out with 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals, and Viljami Vartiainen (195-G/F-2004) contributed 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.

United Kingdom - Austria 72-63
The United Kingdom overcame Austria with a final score of 72-63. Lane Campbell (188-G-2004) stood out for the UK team, recording 8 points, 8 rebounds, and an impressive 10 assists, earning the game's Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors. James Okonkwo (203-F-2003) contributed a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Victor Faroukou (198-SF-2003) added 14 points and 5 rebounds. For Austria, Nordin Kapic (203-F-2003, college: Lynn) had a strong performance with 20 points and 9 rebounds, supported by Jonathan Wess (197-G-2003) with 11 points and 3 rebounds.

North Macedonia - Czech Republic 75-80
The Czech Republic managed to edge out North Macedonia in a hard-fought battle, with a final score of 80-75. Radovan Mrazek (187-PG-2004) led the Czech team with an impressive 29 points, along with 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Ondrej Svec (196-F-2003) contributed 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Matej Safarik (188-G-2003) added 11 points. For North Macedonia, Andrej Mitrevski (195-G-2003) recorded 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, Teodor Simikj (215-C-2004) registered a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Amar Hot (203-F-2003, agency: BIG) contributed 7 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Bulgaria - Ireland 95-38
Bulgaria dominated their basketball game against Ireland, securing a resounding victory with a final score of 95-38. From the Bulgarian side, Krastomir Mihov (193-G-2004, agency: BIG) led the scoring with 15 points, accompanied by 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Konstantin Kostadinov (203-F-2003) contributed 14 points and 3 rebounds, while Ivan Spirov (202-C-2003) added 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists. Darragh Ferguson (185-G-2003) was the top scorer for Ireland with 12 points and 6 rebounds, but struggled with his three-point shooting, making only 2 of his 11 attempts.
*****************************************************
FINLAND  
Salin re-signs at Tenerife - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
Liga-Endesa
sponsor
Lenovo Tenerife (Liga Endesa) confirmed in their roster 32-year old Finn international shooting guard Sasu Salin (190cm-1991) for new 2023-24 season. Salin has played there for the last four seasons. He helped them to make it to the Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey) final. Salin played 15 games in Basketball Champions League where he had 10.1ppg, 2.3rpg and 1.3apg last season. He contributed to his team making it to the semifinals.
Salin has been also a member of Finnish international program for some years. He has regularly played for Finnish senior team since 2010 and previously for U20 National Team back in 2011.
Salin represented Finland at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) six years ago. His stats at that event were 6 games: 11.7ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 50.0%.
He has played also professionally in Slovenia (Petrol Olimpija Ljubljana), Spain (Unicaja and Gran Canaria) and Finland (Honka Espoo and Honka). Salin was voted to Slovenian League All-Star Game back in 2012 and 2014.

Lenovo Tenerife roster for 2023-24:

Guard:
Sasu Salin

Forward:
Elgin Cook

Centers:
Giorgi Shermadini
Dusan Ristic

Finnish U20 National Team -2023 - by Eurobasket Center
Starting five
#s#
Juuso Salmi
Salmi
Viljami Vartiainen
Vartiainen
Topias Jokela
Jokela
Benjamin Yombi
Yombi
Leo Nordberg
Nordberg
#e#5
3Benjamin Yombi 190-G-2003 AIK Basket Sweden
4Leo Nordberg 185-G-2004 ToPo Juniorit Finland
5Juuso Salmi 188-PG-2004 Jyvaskyla BA Finland
7Ville Tolonen 192-G-2003 Lahti Finland
8Arttu Pitkanen 194-F-2003 Pyrinto Finland
9Riku Korhonen 192-G-2004 Honka Finland
11Oliver Kanden 198-SF-2004 Kauhajoki Finland
12Viljami Vartiainen 195-G/F-2004 HBA-Marsky Finland
13Erik Muhonen 199-F/G-2004 HBA-Marsky Finland
14Okku Federiko 207-F-2004 Pantterit Finland
15Aamos Laavainen 204-F-2003 Honka Finland
21Topias Jokela 204-C-2004 Honka Finland

Mikko Tupamaki Head Coach Jyvaskyla BA Finland
Aleksi Koskinen Assistant Gmunden Austria
Jussi Savolainen Assistant Vilpas Finland


*****************************************************
FRANCE  
ASVEL Lyon Villeurbanne Basket inks Frank Jackson - by Fersu Yahyabeyoglu
actionPhoto
Betclic-ELITE-ProA
sponsor
ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket (Betclic ELITE ProA) agreed terms with 25-year old American shooting guard Frank Jackson (191cm-93kg-1998, college: Duke) for upcoming 2023-24 season. Jackson played last season at Utah Jazz in the NBA. But in only one game he did not score anything and had only 2 rebounds and 1 assist. He also played for Stars in U.S. NBA-G-League where in 36 games he recorded very impressive stats: 21.6ppg, 3.0rpg and 2.4apg.
In 2017 he was drafted by Charlotte Hornets (NBA) in second round (31st overall). The former Duke University standout is in his seventh season in pro basketball.
Jackson has played also professionally in NBA (New Orleans Pelicans, Detroit Pistons and OKC Thunder) and NBA Summer League (New Orleans Pelicans).
The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others his college team won ACC Tournament in 2017. He was voted Utah Gatorade Player of the Year back in 2016.

ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Boris Dallo
Frank Jackson

Forward:
Mbaye N'Diaye

Center:
John Egbunu

Cholet welcomes back Blakes, ex MKS DG - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
Betclic-ELITE-ProA
AcPhoto
Cholet Basket (Betclic ELITE ProA) tabbed 29-year old American 193cm shooting guard Gerry Blakes (college: Arizona State, agency: BIG) for new season. It is actually his comeback to Cholet Basket as he has played here before. Blakes played most recently at MKS Dabrowa Gornicza in Polish EBL league. In four Alpe Adria Cup games he averaged 13.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.5apg and 1.5spg last season. He helped them to win the cup. Blakes also played 14 games in EBL where he had very impressive stats: 20.5ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.6apg and 1.1spg. He was also voted League Player of the Week.
Blakes is a very experienced player. He has played also professionally in Cyprus (Enosis Neon Paralimni), Germany (Brose Bamberg and EWE Baskets), Italy (Cantu), Sweden (Norrkoping), France (Limoges CSP Elite and SIG Strasbourg) and The Basketball Tournament (Forks Up).
Among many awards he won Swedish Basketligan championship title in 2018. Blakes was selected to Eurobasket.com Swedish Basketligan All-Imports Team back in 2018.
He graduated from Arizona State in 2016 and it will be his eighth season in pro basketball.

Cholet Basket roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
T.J. Campbell
Gerry Blakes
Gerald Ayayi

Forward:
Kim Tillie

Center:
Neal Sako
(via @DDPronos)
*****************************************************
GEORGIA  
Coach Irakli Khoshtaria is a newcomer at Delta - by Giorgi Gugeshashvili
Delta Gurjaani (Superleague) will be lead by coach Irakli Khoshtaria for season 2023-24. Khoshtaria coached last season at Cactus.
He was coaching Georgian U20 National Team back in 2015.
Khoshtaria has coached previously two other teams: Dinamo and Vera. He won Georgian League championship title in 2014, 2017 and 2018 and the cup in 2015 and 2016. Khoshtaria was voted to Eurobasket.com All-Georgian League Coach of the Year back in 2014, 2017, 2018 and 2020.

Georgian U20 National Team -2023 - by Eurobasket Center
Starting five
#s#
Giorgi Meskhi
Meskhi
Giorgi Ochkhikidze
Ochkhikidze
Luka Liklikadze
Liklikadze
George Natsvlishvili
Natsvlishvili
Giorgi Sulaberidze
Sulaberidze
#e#5
0Bakar Berekashvili 203-F-2004 Kutaisi Georgia
3Giorgi Meskhi 205-C/F-2003 Dafni GS Greece
5Giorgi Ochkhikidze 190-PG-2004 Batumi Georgia
6Nikoloz Totladze 170-PG-2004 Dinamo Georgia
7Luka Liklikadze 193-G-2003 Olimpi Georgia
8Vato Gachechiladze 199-F-2004 Badajoz Spain
13George Natsvlishvili 208-F/G-2004 Murcia 2 Spain
15Giorgi Sulaberidze 201-F/C-2004 Badajoz Spain
19Sergi Ninua 175-PG-2004 Cactus Georgia
21Luka Lomtadze 206-F-2005 Kutaisi Georgia
24Elguja Khvedelidze 198-F/G-2003 TSU Georgia
34Giorgi Shalikiani 207-C-2004 Cactus Georgia

Kote Tugushi Head Coach Kutaisi Georgia
Davit Nozadze Assistant Gtuni Georgia


*****************************************************
GERMANY  
Tom Walther Didin't Only Enjoy The Freedom In Scouting Opponents But Also Learning About Music And Good Taste From Danny Jansson - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Tom Walther is the assistant coach of the Tigers Tuebingen. He was considered Germany's youngest Pro A assistant and now will be the youngest easyCedit BBL assistant coach. He began his career with USC Leipzig and then was an assistant coach with the BSW Sixers before moving to Tuebingen. Last season he helped the Tigers move up to the easyCredit BBL. He spoke to eurobasket about basketball.

Thanks Tom Walther for talking to eurobasket.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

I'm currently back in Leipzig, spending time with my Family. But Basketball life is giving me no break. I'm looking at players profiles and breaking down their film nearly every day.

Congrats on moving up to the easyCredit BBL and reaching the Pro A final. Did you honestly have the feeling in September 2022 that the team would reach the final again?

I felt from the beginning that we have a great team together but all of us knew how competitive the Pro A is so we were taking it one game at a time and focused on getting better throughout the season. Going into the playoffs we knew that we'll be really hard to beat if we stick to our normal performances.

The Tigers Tuebingen lost a tough final to Rasta Vechta. Was losing the final tough for you to digest?

It really hurt in the beginning to finish with only a silver medal but at the end of the day I'm still really happy about the season and proud of the team for making it to the finals and moving up.

Was the final already lost in Tuebingen with the 78-78 result? How tough was it accepting that tie after having beat them at home by 11 points earlier in the season?

Finishing the game with a tie was for most of us a new experience haha, earlier in the season both teams played with a different lineup so the previous games didn't really matter but it was tough because we blew a 10 point lead in the 2nd half. Vechta didn't lose a home game this year - we knew it would be difficult but it was basically still 0:0 after the first game, so we didn't lose the series in Tuebingen. Unfortunately we made too many mistakes then in Vechta and lost.

Did the club feel extra pressure going back to Vechta having to survive somehow in their dome?

I think there was no pressure at all during the whole finals, we worked hard all year long for this moment so we wanted to enjoy this series.

Tuebingen fought back hard and trailed 63-61 in crunch-time, but Ryan Schwieger then scored twice and that was it. Was there anything the Tigers could have done differently in crunch-time to preserve the win?

Looking back at the game tape you can always find things that we could have done differently but I believe we didn't lose the game only in crunch time, we had up and downs for the whole 40 minutes.

The Tigers Tuebingen had a very special season. Now after witnessing the success, what do you truly feel like was the team's biggest strength?

Togetherness was definitely the biggest strength in this team, we had very good chemistry and combined with hard work in practice we became a tough team to beat.

The club only had 1 American. I can't remember ever seeing a Pro A team reach the final with only 1 American. Was this a good example that top team basketball can be reached without an indulge of Americans?

Looking at this year's roster and also the previous rosters of Tigers Tuebingen you can see that we have a different way of putting a team together - we proved that it doesn't take 5-6 good Americans to become successful. So yes, I think it's a good example for others that you can also be a winning team with young, talented German and European players.

Let's talk about the players. How did you see the development of American Zac Seljaas? He played in low leagues and came to Tuebingen and bang was the leader. What steps did you see in his game this season?

Zac worked very hard all year long and stayed in the gym after every practice so I'm not surprised by his development and that his shooting seemingly became better and better. In my opinion he became well deserved the MVP of Pro A.

German Mateo Seric had another great season and his second in a row in the Pro A. After not getting a real chance in Bamberg is he ready for the easyCredit BBL now?

Mateo had a huge impact on the success during the last 2 years in Pro A and deserves to play in BBL, I think he's ready.

How much of a joy was it coaching Aatu Kivimaki? What did you learn to appreciate most from his game?

It was a lot of joy to work together with him, he's a true Point Guard who can control the game with high IQ and I also appreciate him for knowing some set plays of the opponent better than I did haha

You coached your first season for Danny Jansson. What kind of an experience was it working with him for you? How did the trust grow throughout the season?

It was a really good experience, I learned a lot of new things basketball wise but also about music and good taste' . I really enjoyed the freedom and trust that I had when doing the opponent scouting.

How do you feel did you grow as a coach? What kind of a coach did you become?

I believe I developed a lot tactical wise but also took a step forward coaching wise, while doing individual workouts with our guards.

How was the whole coaching experience plus keeping check with your studies? How much of a challenge was it?

It was a huge work load and the driving between practice in Tuebingen and studying in Stuttgart wasn't always easy but towards the end of the season I ended up spending way more time for cutting video and for being in the gym.

What was your favorite moment during the season on the court? Possibly game 5 win over Bremerhaven?

Unfortunately I had to watch game 5 vs Bremerhaven at home because I got sick and had fever all week long. Therefore winning against Karlsruhe in game 3 and moving up to BBL was the best moment on the court.

What was your favorite moment off the court with a player that showed the kind of bond everyone really had within the Tigers?

I enjoyed many moments off the court like watching Euroleague/playing PlayStation on a off-day or getting lunch together after morning practices. Definitely won't forget my birthday when Erol Ersek invited me to dinner after a exhausting trip to Bremerhaven the day before.

Thanks Tom for the chat.


Kyle Castlin (ex Hagen) joins Belfius Mons - by Peter Buyse
actionPhoto
Pro-Basketball-League
sponsor
Belfius Mons-Hainaut (Pro Basketball League) agreed terms with 27-year old American guard Kyle Castlin (193cm-88kg-1996, college: Xavier) for new 2023-24 season. Castlin played last season at Phoenix Hagen in German ProA. In 31 games he had very impressive stats: 16.2ppg, 3.4rpg and 2.2apg. He was also named League Player of the Week.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at BKM Lucenec in Slovakian Nike SBL where in 39 games he recorded also remarkable stats: 16.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.7apg and 1.3spg in that year. Castlin helped them to win the cup and make to league final. Quite impressive season as he was named to Eurobasket.com All-Slovakian League Honorable Mention and League Player of the Week (2 times).
In 2019 he was drafted by Salt Lake City Stars (G-League) in second round (17th overall).
He graduated from Xavier University and it will be his fifth season in pro basketball.
Castlin has played also professionally in USA, NBA G League (SLC Stars) and NBA Summer League (Utah Jazz White).
He won NBA Summer League in Salt Lake City championship title in 2021. Castlin played also for Columbia University for 4 years.

Belfius Mons-Hainaut roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Kyle Castlin
Styrmir Thrastarson
Conley Garrison

Forward:
Leander Dedroog

Coach: Vedran Bosnic

A Little Love From Overseas For Lebron James From Philip Jenkins (TV Langen) - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Philip Jenkins (188-G-1990, college: Life) is a 32 year old 188cm guard from Goose Creek South Catrlina that played last season with TV Langen averaging 12.2ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 66.7%. Previously he played 2 seasons with VFL Bensheim. He had previous experience in Germany playing three years with TS 1856 Frankfurt-Griesheim. He played at various school's in the States with Francis Marion University (NCAA2), Cleveland State Community College, Clinton Community College and Life University. He spoke eurobasket about Lebron James becoming the NBA's all-time leading scorer.

Lebron James has beaten Kareem Abdul Jabbar's NBA all-time scoring record. Did you stay up to watch history?


It's was about 4 am here in Germany so I didn't get a chance to see it

How does one put this record into perspective best? It stood almost 40 years?


Lebron is the most durable athlete of all time ! The way he takes care of his body is unmatched

He scored 36 points in 26 minutes. Was it another normal day at the office?


He was determined to get it out of the way as soon as possible but to bad the team couldn't pull of the win on the historic night

How much is that ball going to be worth?

A lot


Russell Westbrook made the pass. Do you think that in 20 years the pass could be remembered more than his triple doubles?


Absolutely not, Russell Westbrook is an all time player before a pass to Lebron

His record breaking basket was a step back over Kenrich Williams. Is that the kind of shot you expected knowing the kind of player he is? Or would you have expected a dunk for the spectacular finish?


Lebron plays the right way so it was expected that the shot would come from whatever the defense gave him instead of him focusing on what kind of shot would break the record

There obviously is a lot of respect for Kareem, by the basketball world, but what would have happened on social media if Lebron had gotten the record with a sky hook shot?


Social media would of exploded as usual with everything Lebron does but that would of displayed how focused Lebron was on the type of shot instead of the game

Kareem is such a gentleman. You didn't grow up with him, but what does his legacy mean to younger guys? Can they even understand what that guy did?


Kareem is a legend in all generations but those who got to watch him definitely have a bigger understanding and feeling of how iconic of not just a basketball player but also a human being he was, on and off the court.

Lebron will have more than 40,000 points when it's all over. Back in 1984 people said it would never be broken? Will this record be broken?


Records are meant to be broken and at the rate the game is evolving and changing I'm sure it will, some day.

If Luka Doncic continues to play to 40 stays fit and becomes a physical specimen like Lebron, could he dethrone him?


It's possible

Does this record finally give Lebron the GOAT status over Michael Jordan?


No , I still have Jordan and Kobe over him.

What is your favorite Lebron moment that you witnessed live or on TV?


The iconic lob pass picture from Dwayne Wade when Lebron was on the Heat.

Thanks Philip for the chat.

Deion Hammond (ex ZZ Leiden) agreed terms with Ludwigsburg - by Eurobasket Center
actionPhoto
BBL
sponsor
MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg (BBL) inked 24-year old American 193cm guard Deion Hammond (college: Monmouth, agency: One Motive Sports) for upcoming season. Hammond played most recently at ZZ Leiden in Dutch DBL league. In 8 DBL games he recorded 13.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.8apg and 2.0spg (leader !!!). Hammond helped them to win the league title and the cup. He also played 2 games in FIBA Europe Cup where he averaged 3.5ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.0apg and 1.0spg. And finally he contributed to 30 games in BNXT League where he had 14.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.1apg and 1.0spg. Hammond contributed to his team winning the BNXT-League championship. Great season indeed as he was voted to Eurobasket.com All-BNXT League Honorable Mention.
Hammond graduated from Monmouth University in 2021 and it will be his third season in pro basketball.

MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Desure Buie
Josh McFolley
Jayvon Graves
Deion Hammond

Forward:
Yorman Polas-Bartolo

Center:
Eddy Edigin

*****************************************************
GREECE  
Panathinaikos land Jerian Grant, ex Turk Telekom - by Chris Mammides
actionPhoto
GBL
AcPhoto
Panathinaikos OPAP Athens (GBL) tabbed 30-year old American 196cm guard Jerian Grant (college: Notre Dame) for new season. Grant played most recently at Turk Telekom in Turkish BSL league. In 37 games he averaged impressive 16.4ppg, 3.6rpg, 5.7apg (top 3) and 1.2spg last season. He helped them to win the regular season and make it to the semifinals. Grant can count that season as a very successful as was awarded Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League Guard of the Year and voted to All-Imports Team. He also played 22 games in Eurocup where he had 14.9ppg, 3.2rpg, 6.1apg and 1.3spg.
he selected toEurobasket.com All-EuroCup Player of the Year in 2023.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at AX Armani Exchange Milano in Italian Serie A. In 36 games he recorded 7.4ppg, 1.9rpg and 2.7apg in that year. Grant contributed to his team winning the league title despite they ended the regular season at the second place. He also played 26 games in Euroleague where he got just 2.8ppg in that year. Grant contributed to his team making it to the quarterfinals.
In 2015 he was drafted by Washington Wizards (NBA) in first round (19th overall). The former University of Notre Dame star is in his ninth season in pro basketball.
He is a very experienced player. And here thanks to pro basketball he experienced life in four different countries playing on three different continents. Grant is familiar with European, Asian and of course North American leagues. He has played previously professionally in China (Eagles), NBA (Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, NY Knicks and Orlando Magic), Greece (Promitheas) and NBA G League (Windy City Bulls and Capital City Go-Go). he voted toEurobasket.com All-EuroCup Player of the Year in 2023.

Panathinaikos OPAP Athens roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Jerian Grant
Luca Vildoza
Dimitris Moraitis

Forwards:
Ioannis Papapetrou
Kostas Mitoglou
Nikos Chougkaz
Lefteris Mantzoukas

Centers:
Mathias Lessort
Kostas Antetokounmpo

Coach: Ergin Ataman
Machites add Galanidis to their roster - by Chris Mammides
AEPS Machites Peiramatiko (B) added to their roster experienced 36-year old guard Lefteris Galanidis (188cm-1987) for season 2023-24. Galanidis played last season at Makedonikos. He helped them to win the group title.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at Aias Evosmou. Quite impressive season as he was voted to Eurobasket.com All-Greek B League Third Team.
Galanidis has spent his entire career in Greece playing for five other teams: Anatolia, Mantoulidis, Chalkidona, Anagennisi and EAK Fes/nikis Kalamarias.
The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others he was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Greek B League Honorable Mention back in 2017.

Kostas Iatridis signs at Eleftheroupoli - by Chris Mammides
GS Eleftheroupoli Kavalas (Elite League) landed 21-year old 207cm power forward Kostas Iatridis for new season. Iatridis played most recently at ASA Koroivos Amaliadas. In 33 Elite League games he averaged 7.6ppg, 5.5rpg and 1.0bpg last season.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at Filippos Veroias where in 30 Elite League games he had 9.4ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.1apg and 1.3bpg in that year. It was a very successful season in his career as he was awarded Eurobasket.com All-Greek A2 Rookie of the Year.
He was a member of Greek U20 National Team two years ago.
Iatridis has played previously for three other teams: PAOK Mateco Thessaloniki, Ermis Lagkada and Ionikos Ionias.
Eleutheria adds Moustakas to their roster - by Chris Mammides
AO Eleutheria Moshatou (C) added to their roster 25-year old shooting guard Spyros Moustakas (192cm-1998) for season 2023-24. Moustakas played last season at AE Ikaros Kallitheas.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at Aigon Theoforon.



Megaridas ink Stavros Toutziarakis - by Chris Mammides
actionPhoto
Elite-League
sponsor
NE Megaridas (Elite League) agreed terms with experienced 35-year old center Stavros Toutziarakis (210cm-104kg-1987) for upcoming 2023-24 season. Toutziarakis has played for the last two years at Eleftheroupoli. In 31 Elite League games he had very impressive stats: 16.1ppg, 9.9rpg (leader !!!) and 2.8apg last season.
He was a member of Greek U20 National Team back in 2007.
Toutziarakis is quite experienced player. He has played also professionally in Hungary (MAFC Budapest), Kosovo (Trepca), Sweden (Solna Vikings) and Greece (AEK Athens, Ionikos Nikaias, Ilysiakos, Maroussi and Makedonikos). His team made it to the League Semifinals in 2008, 2009 and 2018.
The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others he was voted to Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League Honorable Mention back in 2017.
Toutziarakis is close to retirement age as a player. It's very possible he may end his playing career at Megaridas.
He could be described: A great big man who can score with all possible ways. Good pick n roll player, who dives great to the paint. Very good post up player, can finish with both hands equally well. Toutziarakis has strong shoulders and great wingspan; Has good moves for his size. Quick enough to run the floor in transition. Very good passer when double-teamed, averages close to 2ass per game.

NE Megaridas roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Angelos Gatzias
Christian Bradford
Alkiviadis Ioannou
Dimitris Mantikos
Aristotelis Zaraidonis

Forward:
Polyzois Kokorellis

Center:
Stavros Toutziarakis

AEO Proteas Voulas ink Georgios Stathopoulos - by Chris Mammides
AEO Proteas Voulas (B) agreed terms with 28-year old small forward Georgios Stathopoulos (195cm-1995) for upcoming 2023-24 season. Stathopoulos played last season at Panionios.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at AO Paleo Falirou Piraeus (Elite League).
He has played previously for AO Triton.

AEO Proteas Voulas roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Vangelis Tzolos
Antonis Pefanis

Forwards:
Panagiotis Tsioubris
Georgios Stathopoulos

Center:
Marios Doxas

Coach: Alexis Daglas

Aiolos Agyia inks Stelios Hatzopoulos - by Chris Mammides
AO Aiolos Agyia Patron (B) agreed terms with 23-year old forward Stelios Hatzopoulos (204cm-2000) for new 2023-24 season. Hatzopoulos played most recently at GS Anagennisi Lamias in C. However his team was relegated to D.
The previous (2020-21) season he played at Dromeis (also in C).

AO Aiolos Agyia Patron roster for 2023-24:

Guard:
Ioannis Thanopoulos

Forwards:
Filippos Frantzis
Stelios Hatzopoulos

Center:
Ilias Christopoulos

Sioundris re-signs at Amyntas - by Chris Mammides
Amyntas Athens (Elite League) confirmed in their roster 32-year old forward Stavros Sioundris (188cm-1991) for new 2023-24 season. Sioundris has played there for the last four seasons.
He has played previously for Polyvios.

Amyntas Athens roster for 2023-24:

Guard:
Tyler Peterson

Forwards:
Stavros Sioundris
Oresti Beli

Center:
Panagiotis Koukounias

Coach: Michalis Kouris

Skordos re-signs at P.Faliro - by Chris Mammides
AO Paleo Falirou Piraeus (B) confirmed in their roster 21-year old guard Angelos Skordos (188cm-2002) for upcoming 2023-24 season. Skordos has played there for the last two seasons.
The previous (2021-22) season he was tested by Dafni (A2).
He has played previously for Peristeri.

Karamolegkos re-signs at AEO Proteas Voulas - by Chris Mammides
AEO Proteas Voulas (B) confirmed in their roster 23-year old swingman Ilias Karamolegkos (192cm-2000) for upcoming 2023-24 season. Karamolegkos has played there for the last three seasons.

AEO Proteas Voulas roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Vangelis Tzolos
Antonis Pefanis

Forwards:
Panagiotis Tsioubris
Ilias Karamolegkos
Georgios Stathopoulos

Center:
Marios Doxas

Coach: Alexis Daglas

Spanos is back at Ilioupolis - by Chris Mammides
Ilioupolis GS (C) agreed terms with experienced 34-year old guard Sokratis Spanos (190cm-1989) for new 2023-24 season. It is actually his comeback to Ilioupoli as he has played here before. The last time (2009-2010) he played at GS Kronos Agiou Dimitriou in Greek C league. Spanos missed last season and had one year break from professional basketball.
He is a very experienced player.

Ilioupolis ink Georgios Papadionysiou - by Chris Mammides
actionPhoto
C
sponsor
Ilioupolis GS (C) signed 27-year old point guard Georgios Papadionysiou (190cm-1995, agency: Octagon Europe) for upcoming 2023-24 season. Papadionysiou played last season at Panionios in B. He helped his team get promotion to Elite League. C will be definitely a better match and he can see more playing time.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at Ikaros.
Papadionysiou was a member of Greek U20 National Team back in 2014.
He has played previously professionally in Greece (Peristeri, Ethnikos, Koroivos, Doukas and Psychikou) and France (Est Lyonnais).

Ilioupolis tab Dimos Kounoupis - by Chris Mammides
Ilioupolis GS (C) inked experienced 37-year old 206cm center Dimos Kounoupis for upcoming season. The last time (2012-2014) he played at APS Pappados Geras Lesvou in Greek D league. Kounoupis missed last season and had one year break from professional basketball.
He has spent his entire career in Greece playing for three other teams: Aias Evosmou, Periko/Arhelaos and Vonitsas.
His team was Runner-Up of C Division (North-Group 1) 2008.
It may be one of last seasons in his extensive career, which he may end at Ilioupolis.

Ilioupolis ink Ioannis Proggas - by Chris Mammides
Ilioupolis GS (C) agreed terms with 26-year old forward Ioannis Proggas (190cm-1997) for upcoming 2023-24 season. Proggas played most recently at Pera.
He has played previously for two other teams: POK Esperos Kallitheas and Sporting Vernilac.
Proggas won C Division (Group 2) in 2018.

Ilioupolis GS roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Sokratis Spanos
Georgios Papadionysiou

Forward:
Ioannis Proggas

Center:
Dimos Kounoupis

Aris welcome back Slaftsakis - by Chris Mammides
actionPhoto
GBL
AcPhoto
Aris Thessaloniki (GBL) landed 28-year old 201cm power forward Diamantis Slaftsakis for new season. It is actually his comeback to Thessaloniki as he has played here before. Slaftsakis played most recently at PAOK Mateco Thessaloniki (GBL). In 28 games he averaged just 2.3ppg and 1.4rpg last season. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. Slaftsakis also played 7 games in Basketball Champions League where he had only 1.3ppg, 1.1rpg and 1.3apg.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at Kolossos. In 25 GBL games he recorded 3.2ppg and 2.0rpg in that year.
He was a member of Greek U20 National Team in 2014.
Slaftsakis has played previously for six other teams: AS Apollon Patras, Koroivos, KAO Dramas, Trikala, Mantoulidis and Chalkidona.

Aris Thessaloniki roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Dimitris Katsivelis
Vasileios Toliopoulos

Forwards:
Diamantis Slaftsakis
Silvio de_Sousa
Roberts Blumbergs
Nikolaos Persidis

Center:
Ismael Sanogo
Stamatogiannis is back at Charilaos - by Chris Mammides
Charilaos Trikoupis Mesologiou (Elite League) agreed terms with 25-year old forward Alexandros Stamatogiannis (204cm-1997) for new 2023-24 season. It is actually his comeback to Mesolongi as he has played here before. Stamatogiannis has played for the last two seasons at Panerythraikos in the Elite League. In 34 games he had 7.8ppg, 5.5rpg and 1.4apg last season. He helped them to make it to the semifinals.
Stamatogiannis was a member of Greek U20 National Team in 2017.
He has played previously for five other teams: Iraklis, Anatolia, Lavrio, Kavalas and Agriniou.
The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others he was voted to Eurobasket.com All-Greek A2 Honorable Mention in 2022.

Charilaos Trikoupis Mesologiou roster for 2023-24:

Guard:
Ioannis Molfetas

Forwards:
Alexandros Stamatogiannis
Aristeidis Tsourgiannis
Dimitris Tsourgianis

Coach: Ilias Moutsios

*****************************************************
HOLLAND  
Dutch U20 National Team -2023 - by Eurobasket Center
Starting five
#s#
Nino Vrencken
Vrencken
Jibbe Sicking
Sicking
Louis Daoust
Daoust
Armin Strojil
Strojil
Youri Fritz
Fritz
#e#5
0Dez Landvreugd 192-G-2004 Orange Lions Holland
2Emmanuel Ugbo 203-F-2003 Boise St. USA
3Dion Turpijn 180-PG-2003 Zwolle Holland
4Nino Vrencken 194-PG-2003 Hagen BG Germany
6Jibbe Sicking 203-F-2004 Amsterdam Holland
7Joost Poels 194-F-2003 Amsterdam Holland
8Louis Daoust 198-SF-2003 Vanier Canada
9Armin Strojil 184-G-2003 BAL Weert Holland
10Youri Fritz 206-F-2003 Canisius USA
11Jacopo Van der Knaap 194-G-2003 Den Helder Holland
22Cassius Bonjasky 203-F-2003 Garrett JC USA
30Thomas Carroll 200-F-2003 McKinnon C. Australia

Pieter Van Noord Head Coach
Anne van Dijk Assistant Den Helder Holland
Stefan Hendriks Assistant Taurages Lithuania


Deion Hammond (ex ZZ Leiden) agreed terms with Ludwigsburg - by Eurobasket Center
actionPhoto
BBL
sponsor
MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg (BBL) inked 24-year old American 193cm guard Deion Hammond (college: Monmouth, agency: One Motive Sports) for upcoming season. Hammond played most recently at ZZ Leiden in Dutch DBL league. In 8 DBL games he recorded 13.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.8apg and 2.0spg (leader !!!). Hammond helped them to win the league title and the cup. He also played 2 games in FIBA Europe Cup where he averaged 3.5ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.0apg and 1.0spg. And finally he contributed to 30 games in BNXT League where he had 14.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.1apg and 1.0spg. Hammond contributed to his team winning the BNXT-League championship. Great season indeed as he was voted to Eurobasket.com All-BNXT League Honorable Mention.
Hammond graduated from Monmouth University in 2021 and it will be his third season in pro basketball.

MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Desure Buie
Josh McFolley
Jayvon Graves
Deion Hammond

Forward:
Yorman Polas-Bartolo

Center:
Eddy Edigin

*****************************************************
HUNGARY  
Kormend sign a second import player, ex Boras - by Arnold Beres
actionPhoto
A-Division
sponsor
Egis Kormend (A Division) inked 27-year old American 189cm guard Anton Cook (college: SE Oklahoma) for upcoming season. Cook is the second import player in the roster as Canadian Nikola Djogo signed here earlier.
He played most recently at Boras Basket in Swedish Basketligan. In 39 games he averaged impressive 16.2ppg, 2.1rpg and 2.9apg last season. He helped them to win the regular season and make it to the final. A very good year in his career as he was voted to Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan Second Team.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at Beroe in Bulgarian NBL where in 21 games he was league's fifth best scorer with remarkable 16.9ppg and recorded 2.8rpg and 3.9apg in that year. He contributed to his team making it to the Bulgarian Cup Semifinals. Good season as he was selected League Player of the Week. Cook also played 9 games in Balkan League where he had 14.2ppg, 3.1rpg and 3.0apg in that year.
He has played previously professionally in Brazil (Joinville, Sorocabana and Campo Mourao) and Finland (Korihait).
Cook graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 2017 and it will be his seventh season in pro basketball.

Hungarian U20 National Team -2023 - by Eurobasket Center
Starting five
#s#
Balazs Kazy
Kazy
Milan Ivkovic
Ivkovic
Barna Toth
Toth
Benjamin Kelemen
Kelemen
Adam Kelemen
Kelemen
#e#5
1Mark Paar 196-G-2003 Kaposvari Hungary
2Peter Csendes 186-G-2004 Sopron KC Hungary
3Andras Sebok 188-PG-2003 Szolnok Hungary
7Balazs Kazy 193-SG-2003 NKA Pecs Hungary
8Milan Ivkovic 195-SF-2003 Duna Aszfalt Hungary
9Barna Toth 187-PG-2003 Duna Aszfalt Hungary
12Adam Vamos 199-C-2003 Bp. Honved Hungary
18Benjamin Kelemen 210-C-2004 NKAP Hungary
24Zsolt Takacs 200-C-2003 Szombathely Hungary
32Aron Benedek Biber 203-PF-2003 MAFC-2 Hungary
47Adam Kelemen 198-F-2003 Vasas Hungary
66Robert Meszlenyi 192-PG-2004 NKA Pecs Hungary

Stojan Ivkovic Head Coach KTE-Duna U23 Hungary
Dusan Markovic Assistant KTE-Duna U23 Hungary


*****************************************************
IRELAND  
Irish U20 National Team -2023 - by Eurobasket Center
Starting five
#s#
Darragh Ferguson
Ferguson
Ruairi Cronin
Cronin
Elijah Faapito
Faapito
Killian Gribben
Gribben
Cian Tiernan
Tiernan
#e#5
1Wede Esajobor 183-G-2003 Drogheda Ireland
3Darragh Ferguson 185-G-2003 Belfast Star Ireland
5Ronan Byrne 188-G-2003 UCD Marian Ireland
7Joseph Coughlan 188-PG-2003 Sligo All-Stars Ireland
9Ruairi Cronin 190-G-2004 Limerick C. Ireland
11William Ayodole 196-G-2003 London L. United Kingdom
17Christian McDonnell 188-G-2004 Malahide Ireland
20Elijah Faapito 185-G-2003 Tolka Rovers Ireland
21Amann Sanni 185-G-2004
22Killian Gribben 208-F-2003 Siena USA
23Ajay Ryan 196-F-2003
30Cian Tiernan 201-F-2003

Thomas Walsh Head Coach
Jason Killeen Assistant


*****************************************************
ITALY  
Belinelli re-signs at Virtus Segafredo Bologna - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
Serie-A
sponsor
Virtus Segafredo Bologna (Serie A) confirmed in their roster experienced 37-year old ex-international shooting guard Marco Belinelli (196cm-91kg-1986) for new 2023-24 season. Belinelli has played there for the last three seasons. He helped them to win the Supercup and make to league final. A very impressive season as he was voted Eurobasket.com All-Italian SerieA Domestic Player of the Year, Forward of the Year and named to All-Domestic Players Team. Belinelli played 21 games in Euroleague where he had 10.0ppg, 1.4rpg and 1.1apg last season.
In 2007 he was drafted by Golden State Warriors (NBA) in first round (18th overall).
He was also a member of Italian international program for some years. Belinelli played for Italian Senior National Team between 2004 and 2019 and previously for U20 National Team back in 2005.
He represented Italy at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) six years ago. His stats at that event were 7 games: 17.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.0apg, Steals-5 (2.0spg), FGP: 35.0%, 3PT: 44.6%, FT: 73.3%.
Belinelli has played previously professionally also in NBA (New Orleans Pelicans, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers and San Antonio Spurs). He won Italian Serie A championship title in 2005 and 2021.
It's very possible he may end his playing career at Virtus Segafredo Bologna.

Virtus Segafredo Bologna roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Marco Belinelli
Isaia Cordinier
Bruno Mascolo

Forwards:
Achille Polonara
Devontae Cacok

Coach: Sergio Scariolo

Ricci re-signs at Milano - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
Serie-A
sponsor
Defending champion AX Armani Exchange Milano (Serie A) confirmed in their roster 31-year old international power forward Giampaolo Ricci (201cm-102kg-1991) for new 2023-24 season. Ricci has played there for the last two seasons. He helped them to win the league title. Ricci played 29 games in Euroleague where he had just 2.6ppg and 2.3rpg last season.
He has been also a member of Italian international program for some years. Ricci has regularly played for Italian senior team since 2019 and previously for U20 National Team back in 2011.
He represented Italy at the Olympic Games in Tokyo (Japan) two years ago. His stats at that event were 3 games: 4.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.0apg.
Ricci has played previously for four other teams: Verona, Vanoli Cremona, RO SAzzurra and Virtus Segafredo Bologna.
The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others he was voted to Eurobasket.com Italian Serie A All-Domestic Players Team back in 2019.

AX Armani Exchange Milano roster for 2023-24:

Forwards:
Giampaolo Ricci
Shavon Shields
Guglielmo Caruso

Center:
Kyle Hines

Demetre Rivers (ex Buyukcekmece) joins Scafati - by Fersu Yahyabeyoglu
actionPhoto
Serie-A
sponsor
Givova Scafati Basket (Serie A) agreed terms with 27-year old American forward Demetre Rivers (203cm-91kg-1995, college: Mercer) for new 2023-24 season. Rivers played last season at Buyukcekmece Basketbol in Turkish BSL league. In 29 games he had 11.5ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.1apg and 1.1spg. Good season as he was named League Player of the Week.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at PAOK Mateco Thessaloniki in Greek GBL where in 15 games he recorded 7.8ppg and 4.5rpg in that year. He also played 2 games in Basketball Champions League where he averaged 6.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 2.0apg and 1.0spg in that year. The other team he played that season for was ERA Basketball Nymburk. In 18 Czech Republic games he got 8.1ppg, 5.3rpg and 1.1apg in that year. Rivers also played 6 games in Basketball Champions League where he got 11.5ppg and 4.8rpg in that year.
He is quite experienced player. Rivers has played also professionally in Hungary (Sopron KC and Kaposvari), Latvia, Estonia (Parnu) and NBA G League (Maine Celtics).
He graduated from Mercer University in 2018 and it will be his sixth season as a professional player.

Piacenza keeps Querci for another season - by Andrea Centenari
actionPhoto
Serie-A2
AcPhoto
UCC Assigeco Piacenza (Serie A2) re-signed 22-year old 191cm guard Lorenzo Querci for new season. Querci has played there for the last two seasons.
He represented Italy at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U16 in Podgorica (Montenegro) six years ago. His stats at that event were 5 games: 3.8ppg, 1.8rpg.
Querci has played previously for three other teams: Pistoia, Cd'Orlando and RO SAzzurra.
His team made it to the Adidas Next Generation Tournament in Kaunas Semifinals in 2019.
Alessandrini re-signs at Orzinuovi - by Andrea Centenari
Agribertocchi Orzinuovi (Serie B) confirmed in their roster 22-year old power forward Nicolas Alessandrini (203cm-98kg-2001) for new 2023-24 season. Alessandrini played there last season. In 39 Serie B games he had 8.0ppg and 4.2rpg. He helped them to win the Serie B title and the Supercup.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at Sangiorgese where in 35 Serie B games he recorded 10.4ppg and 5.6rpg in that year.

Piacentina keeps El Agbani for another season - by Andrea Centenari
Bakery Basket Piacenza (Serie B) re-signed 22-year old guard Zakaria El Agbani (186cm-90kg-2001) for season 2023-24. El Agbani has played there for the last three seasons.

William Wiltshire joins Piacentina - by Andrea Centenari
Bakery Basket Piacenza (Serie B) agreed terms with 21-year old swingman William Wiltshire (197cm-84kg-2001) for new 2023-24 season. Wiltshire played last season at Pallacanestro Crema. In 30 Serie B games he had 10.5ppg, 3.0rpg and 1.1apg.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at Andrea Costa Imola Basket where in 33 Serie B games he recorded 6.6ppg and 1.8rpg in that year.
He has played previously for three other teams: Guelfo Basket, Teramo and RO Virtus.

Benjamin Marchiaro joins Piacentina - by Andrea Centenari
Bakery Basket Piacenza (Serie B) agreed terms with 19-year old naturalized Argentinian guard Benjamin Marchiaro (194cm-2004) for new 2023-24 season. Marchiaro played last season at Rieti Kienergia in the Serie A2. Serie A2 was a little too high level for him, where in 9 games he had just 0.9ppg and 1.1rpg. Serie B will be definitely a better match and he can see more playing time.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at Varese Academy U18 team. In four Adidas Next Generation Tournament games he recorded 7.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.8apg and 1.3spg in that year.
He represented Argentina at the FIBA U18 Americas Championship in Tijuana (Mexico) last year. His team got to the Semifinals and his stats at that event were 5 games: 11.6ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP-1 (84.6%), 3PT: 45.0%, FT: 50.0%.

*****************************************************
KOSOVO  
Kosovan U20 National Team -2023 - by Eurobasket Center
Kosovan U20 National Team 2023
#s#
Anes Gashi
Gashi
Jon Ukaj
Ukaj
Jon Ismajli
Ismajli
Hajriz Hazeri
Hazeri
Bardh Istrefi
Istrefi
#e#5
0Anes Gashi 191-SG-2004 Trepca Kosovo
1Jon Ukaj 187-PG-2005 Giessen Germany
3Jon Ismajli 193-SG-2005 Bora Kosovo
5Hajriz Hazeri 188-PG-2003 Bashkimi Kosovo
7Bardh Istrefi 204-PF-2004 Giessen Germany
9Genc Zeqiri 187-G-2004 Prishtina Kosovo
12Visar Ejupi 200-SF-2003 Rahoveci Kosovo
13Olsi Kurtaj 195-G-2004 Bora Kosovo
15Dion Sheqiri 208-C-2003 Trieste Italy
17Norik Binqe 196-SG-2005 Prishtina Kosovo
30Albatrit Syla 202-G-2003 OBA Finland
55Rron Dahsyla 193-SF-2005 Vellaznimi Kosovo

Dritero Sefaja Head Coach Marigona Hill Kosovo
Dion Pllana Assistant Marigona Hill Kosovo


*****************************************************
LATVIA  
Latvian U20 National Team -2023 - by Eurobasket Center
Starting five
#s#
Kristofers Karlsons
Karlsons
Ricards Klanskis
Klanskis
Freds Bagatskis
Bagatskis
Rihards Vavers
Vavers
Peteris Pinnis
Pinnis
#e#5
1Kristofers Karlsons 185-G-2004 Valmiera Glass Latvia
2Ricards Klanskis 201-PF-2003 Cd'Orlando Italy
3Markuss Lastins 194-SG-2004 BK Ogre Latvia
4Rainers Lisicins 180-G-2004 Gulbenes Buki Latvia
5Otto Farenhorsts 193-SG-2003 Bball Loewen Germany
9Daniils Smirnovs 204-PF-2003 LU Latvia
10Marcis Osis 189-SF-2003 LU Latvia
11Andrejs Bikovs 216-C-2003 LU Latvia
12Freds Bagatskis 203-G-2003 UT Arlington USA
13Rihards Berkolds 192-SG-2004 VEF Riga Latvia
15Rihards Vavers 201-F-2003 Quinnipiac USA
17Peteris Pinnis 214-C-2004 VEF Riga Latvia

Davis Coders Head Coach VEF Riga Latvia
Jevgenijs Kosuskins Assistant VEF Riga Latvia
Arturs Berzins Assistant BK Ogre Latvia


*****************************************************
LEBANON  
Al Nasr inks Elmedin Kikanovic - by Yusuf Abduljalil
actionPhoto
D1
sponsor
Al Nasr Benghazi (D1) signed experienced 34-year old Bosnian ex-international center Elmedin Kikanovic (211cm-105kg-1988) for upcoming 2023-24 season. Kikanovic was about to sign at Al Riyadi in Lebanese LBL league.
He was also a member of Bosnia and Herzegovina international program for some years. Kikanovic played for Bosnia and Herzegovina Senior National Team between 2006 and 2018 and previously for U18 National Team back in 2006.
He also represented Bosnia at the Qualifications to European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) 2017 seven years ago. His stats at that event were 4 games: 5.0ppg, 1.0rpg.
Kikanovic is quite experienced player. He has played also professionally in France (Monaco and Sluc Nancy), Germany (ALBA Berlin), Kuwait (Kuwait), Russia (Enisey), Serbia (Crvena Zvezda), Turkey (OGM Orman), Bosnia (OKK Sloboda Tuzla) and United Arab Emirates (Al Sharjah). Kikanovic played in the final of French League in 2018 and 2019. He was voted to Eurobasket.com Bosnia and Herzegovina League All-Newcomers Team back in 2006 and 2007.

*****************************************************
LIBYA  
Al Nasr inks Elmedin Kikanovic - by Yusuf Abduljalil
actionPhoto
D1
sponsor
Al Nasr Benghazi (D1) signed experienced 34-year old Bosnian ex-international center Elmedin Kikanovic (211cm-105kg-1988) for upcoming 2023-24 season. Kikanovic was about to sign at Al Riyadi in Lebanese LBL league.
He was also a member of Bosnia and Herzegovina international program for some years. Kikanovic played for Bosnia and Herzegovina Senior National Team between 2006 and 2018 and previously for U18 National Team back in 2006.
He also represented Bosnia at the Qualifications to European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) 2017 seven years ago. His stats at that event were 4 games: 5.0ppg, 1.0rpg.
Kikanovic is quite experienced player. He has played also professionally in France (Monaco and Sluc Nancy), Germany (ALBA Berlin), Kuwait (Kuwait), Russia (Enisey), Serbia (Crvena Zvezda), Turkey (OGM Orman), Bosnia (OKK Sloboda Tuzla) and United Arab Emirates (Al Sharjah). Kikanovic played in the final of French League in 2018 and 2019. He was voted to Eurobasket.com Bosnia and Herzegovina League All-Newcomers Team back in 2006 and 2007.

*****************************************************
LITHUANIA  
Tim Lambrecht agreed terms with Neptunas - by Peter Buyse
actionPhoto
LKL
sponsor
Neptunas Klaipeda (LKL) strengthened their roster with addition of 25-year old Belgian ex-international 207cm power forward Tim Lambrecht for season 2023-24. Lambrecht played most recently at Nevezis. In 35 LKL games in Lithuania he recorded 13.0ppg, 7.5rpg (#3 in the league) and 2.4apg last season. Great season indeed as he was awarded Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LKL Bosman Player of the Year and voted to All-Bosmans Team and League Player of the Week (2 times).
He won Belgian League championship title in 2017, 2018 and 2019 and the cup in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at Spirou Charleroi in Belgian Pro Basketball League where in three games he averaged 4.7ppg, 2.0rpg and 1.7apg in that year. He also played 30 games in BNXT League where he had 7.9ppg, 6.0rpg and 1.9apg in that year.
He was also a member of Belgian international program for some years. Lambrecht played for Belgian Senior National Team between 2018 and 2021 and previously for U20 National Team back in 2018.
He represented Belgium at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) 2021 Pre-Qualifiers four years ago.
Lambrecht has played previously for two other Belgian teams: Oostende and Leuven Bears. He won Belgian League championship title in 2017, 2018 and 2019 and the cup in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

*****************************************************
LUXEMBOURG  
Luxembourg U20 National Team -2023 - by Eurobasket Center
Luxembourg U20 National Team 2023
#s#
Luke Jungers
Jungers
Ismail Hakiki
Hakiki
Lenny Jonsson
Jonsson
Max Logelin
Logelin
Jonathan Diederich
Diederich
#e#5
0Luke Jungers 206-F-2004 Omaha USA
4Ismail Hakiki 2003 Bascharage Luxembourg
5Lenny Jonsson 187-G-2003 Amicale Luxembourg
6Max Logelin 187-G-2003 Sparta Luxembourg
8Jonathan Diederich 198-F-2003 Wooster USA
9Pit Hansen 185-G-2003 Lakeland USA
10Ivor Kuresevic 193-F-2003 Amicale Luxembourg
11Dan Mantz 204-F-2003 FC Bayern 2 Germany
12Nicolas Toussaint 183-PG-2003 Sparta Luxembourg
13Damien Thill 187-SG-2003 Esch Luxembourg
14Kley Cirikovic 2003
15Timo Vinciarelli 193-F-2004 Mess Luxembourg

Denis Toroman Head Coach T71 Luxembourg
Alexandre Carradore Assistant Esch Luxembourg


*****************************************************
NBA  
The 76ers keep Harrell for another season - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
NBA
sponsor
Philadelphia 76ers re-signed 29-year old 6-8 forward Montrezl Harrell (college: Louisville) for upcoming season. Harrell played there last season. In 59 NBA games he recorded 5.5ppg and 2.7rpg. He helped them to make it to the conference semifinals.
Harrell ended the previous (2021-22) season at the Hornets where in 26 NBA games he averaged 11.3ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.9apg in that year. But the most of that year he spent at the Wizards. In 46 NBA games he had 14.1ppg, 6.7rpg and 2.1apg in that year.
In 2015 he was drafted by Houston Rocketss in second round (32nd overall). He graduated from University of Louisville and it will be his ninth season in pro basketball.
Harrell has played previously for three other teams: LA Clippers, LA Lakers and RGV Vipers.
He was voted NBA Sixth Man of the Year back in 2020.

Summer Standouts: Tre Mann poster punctuates big night - by Igor Obradovic
The Thunder's abundance of young talent continues to shine in the final day of action at Salt Lake City Summer League.

Oklahoma City's young talent, even shorthanded, continued to flash its long-term potential at the Salt Lake City Summer League on Thursday. Tre'Shaun Mann (6'4''-G-2001, college: Florida) and Ousmane Dieng (6'10''-F-2003) were next up for the Thunder, and they took advantage of the opportunity. Here's how they and others stood out:

Tre'Shaun Mann, Oklahoma City Thunder
With no Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams or Jaylin Williams taking the floor, Mann was free to flex his playmaking muscles. He didn't disappoint, putting up 23 points, eight rebounds and five assists while shooting 4-for-10 from 3-point range in Oklahoma City's 100-91 win over Philadelphia. His one-handed poster jam was the Summer League story on Thursday night.
The 2021 first-round pick is giving the Thunder a good kind of problem as yet another potential difference maker in a young, deep backcourt rotation.

Ousmane Dieng, Oklahoma City Thunder
One area the Thunder are not deep is in the middle, and that's where Dieng's progress could be especially helpful. He stuffed the stat sheet against the Sixers, amassing 22 points on just 12 shot attempts to go with 10 rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block. If Dieng can cut down on his turnovers (9), the 2022 lottery pick will have a shot at making some headway for the young Thunder.

Ochai Agbaji (6'5''-G-2000, college: Kansas), Utah Jazz
Another 2022 lottery pick, Agbaji's most promising development might be his work on the glass. The 6-foot-5 guard gobbled up 13 rebounds in Utah's 98-83 win over Memphis while adding 22 points, including five makes from 3-point range. While the Jazz frontcourt is set with established and high-profile talent, Agbaji could continue making a case for regular-season minutes in the backcourt.

Gregory Jackson (6'9''-G-2004, college: S.Carolina), Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have cashed in often in the Draft in recent years, and they might have another potential gem in Jackson. The 45th overall pick showed out for 23 points and 10 rebounds on Thursday while making four 3-pointers. With injuries hitting Memphis' big men often in recent years, the 6-foot-10 Jackson's versatility could come in handy if he continues proving capable of making an impact.

Courtesy of NBA.com

The Rockets ink Fred VanVleet - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
NBA
sponsor
Houston Rockets (NBA) agreed terms with 29-year old point guard Fred VanVleet (6'0''-194lbs-1994, college: Wichita State) for upcoming 2023-24 season. VanVleet has played for the last seven years at Toronto Raptors. In 70 NBA games he had very impressive stats: 19.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 7.2apg and 1.8spg (in top 4) last season.
He has never been drafted by the NBA.
VanVleet has played previously for Raptors 905 Missisauga. His team won MVC Regular Season in 2014, 2015 and 2016. He was voted All-MVC Player of the Year back in 2014 and 2016.
VanVleet graduated from Wichita State in 2016 and it will be his eighth season as a professional player.

Houston Rockets roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Fred VanVleet
Dillon Brooks

Forward:
Jeff Green

Center:
Jock Landale

Coach: Ime Udoka

Wallace inks at OKC Thunder at the beginning of his pro career - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
NBA
sponsor
Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA) strengthened their roster with addition of guard Cason Wallace (6'4''-194lbs) for season 2023-24. Wallace just graduated from Kentucky (NCAA). In 31 games he recorded 12.0ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.4apg and 2.0spg last season. A very spectacular year in his career as he was voted to SEC All-Freshman Team.
This summer he was drafted by Dallas Mavericks? as #0 pick overall. He just graduated from Kentucky and it is his first season in pro basketball.
Wallace started his college career at University of Kentucky (NCAA).
He was one of the highest ranked players in high school in 2022. Wallace's high school career he had spent at Richardson in Richardson, TX.

Oklahoma City Thunder roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Vasilije Micic
Victor Oladipo
Cason Wallace

Forward:
Jack White

Irving re-signs at the Mavericks - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
NBA
sponsor
Dallas Mavericks (NBA) confirmed in their roster 31-year old American-Australian ex-international guard Kyrie Irving (6'3''-191lbs-1992, college: Duke) for upcoming 2023-24 season. Irving was a team leader there last season. In 20 NBA games he had very impressive stats: 27.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 6.0apg and 1.3spg. He also played for the Nets where in 40 NBA games he recorded also remarkable stats: 27.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 5.3apg and 1.1spg.
In 2011 he was drafted by Cleveland Cavaliers as #1 pick overall. Irving attended Duke University and it will be his 13th (hopefully lucky) season in pro basketball.
He was also a member of USA international program for some years. Irving played for USA Senior National Team between 2014 and 2016 and previously for U18 National Team back in 2010.
He represented USA at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) seven years ago. His team won Gold and his stats at that event were 5 games: 12.6ppg, 1.6rpg, Assists-4 (6.0apg), FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 47.1%, FT: 91.7%.
Irving has played previously for Boston Celtics. He played in the final of NBA in 2015 and 2017. Irving was voted to NBA All-Star Game back in 2013 and 2014.

Dallas Mavericks roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Seth Curry
Kyrie Irving
Dante Exum

Forward:
Matisse Thybulle

Rudy Gay agreed terms with the Hawks - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
NBA
sponsor
Atlanta Hawks added to their roster experienced 36-year old former international 6-8 swingman Rudy Gay (college: UConn) for season 2023-24. Gay has played for the last two years at Utah Jazz. In 56 NBA games he recorded 5.2ppg, 2.9rpg and 1.0apg last season.
In 2006 he was drafted by Houston Rockets in first round (8th overall). The former University of Connecticut standout is in his 18th (!!!) season in pro basketball.
He was also a member of USA international program for some years. Gay played for USA Senior National Team between 2010 and 2015 and previously for U21 National Team back in 2005.
He represented USA at the World Cup in Spain nine years ago. His team won Gold and his stats at that event were 9 games: 6.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 55.6%.
Gay has spent his entire career in NBA playing for four other teams: San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors and Memphis Grizzlies.
He won NBA Northwest Division championship title in 2022.
Gay is close to retirement age as a player. It may be one of last seasons in his extensive career, which he may end at the Hawks.

NBA 2K24 Summer League: Jabari Smith Jr. stuns Blazers at the buzzer - by Igor Obradovic
Rockets close with a wild rally capped off by a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Jabari Smith II Jr. (6'10''-F-2003, college: Auburn) Jr. to complete the comeback win.

Rockets 100, Blazers 99
Jabari Smith II Jr. poured in 33 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a 100-99 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA 2K24 Summer League on Friday at Thomas and Mack Center.
The Trail Blazers jumped out to a quick 12-4 start but the Rockets fought back to make it a two-point game after one quarter. The Blazers stayed in front through the second and maintained a six-point lead at halftime, still the Rockets kept it close and brought it back to a five-point deficit heading into the final quarter. The Rockets picked up momentum in the fourth and after a few lead changes, they closed the game with a wild rally capped off by a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Smith Jr. to complete the comeback win.
Smith Jr. also tallied seven rebounds, two assists and a block to go with his game-high 33 points, in 31 minutes of action. Tari Eason followed up with 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists and four blocks. Cam Whitmore (6'7''-F-2004, college: Villanova) logged a double-double with 14 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Amen Thompson (6'7''-G-2003) stuffed the stat sheet with 16 points, four rebound, five assists, three steals and four blocks. Thompson left the game in the fourth quarter with a lower leg injury and did not return.
On the other side, Shaedon Sharpe (6'5''-SG-2003) led the Trail Blazers with 21 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks, in 32 minutes. Jabari Walker (6'8''-F-2002, college: Colorado) recorded a double-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Scoot Henderson (6'3''-G-2004) totaled 15 points, five rebounds, six assists and a steal. Henderson was forced to leave the game in the third quarter with a shoulder injury and did not return.
The Trail Blazers will look to bounce back as they clash with the Spurs on Sunday. The Rockets will also be back in action on Sunday against the Pistons.

Courtesy of NBA

*****************************************************
NEW ZEALAND  
Stats Leaders
Stats Leaders
PPG
RPG
APG
SPG
BPG
Kendle_Jeremy_2

Sharks
(186-G-1988)
Avg: 24.9

Kendle
24.9
Blake
23.0
Harris
22.3
Heron
22.2
Loe
22.1
*****************************************************
NORTH MACEDONIA  
North Macedonian U20 National Team -2023 - by Eurobasket Center
Starting five
#s#
Marin Petkov
Petkov
Rezart Memed
Memed
Andrej Mitrevski
Mitrevski
Amar Hot
Hot
Teodor Simikj
Simikj
#e#5
1Marin Petkov 192-G-2003 Feniks 2010 North Macedonia
3Andrej Shoshkikj 187-G-2005 Rabotnicki North Macedonia
6Toma Stojanoski 198-F-2004 Gostivar North Macedonia
7Rezart Memed 191-SG-2003 Prishtina Kosovo
8Petar Boshaleski 192-SG-2004 Rabotnicki North Macedonia
9Nikola Bojchev 2004 Euro Nickel North Macedonia
10Filip Nakov 194-G-2003 Podgorica Montenegro
11Andrej Mitrevski 195-G-2003 Feniks 2010 North Macedonia
12Amar Hot 203-F-2003 Feniks 2010 North Macedonia
13Viktor Stojkovski 202-F-2004 MZT Skopje U19 North Macedonia
15Teodor Simikj 215-C-2004 Barca Spain
17Nikola Vasilevski 192-PG-2003 Akademija FMP North Macedonia

Nikola Vasilev Head Coach Dzukija Lithuania
Nino Chachikj Assistant


Dimitrijevic re-signs at UNICS Kazan - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
VTB-United-League
sponsor
UNICS Kazan (VTB United League) confirmed in their roster 25-year old North Macedonian international point guard Nenad Dimitrijevic (190cm-1998) for new 2023-24 season. Dimitrijevic played there last season. In 47 VTB United League games he had 12.8ppg, 2.5rpg and 5.6apg (top 4). He helped them to win the VTB United League championship despite they ended the regular season at the second place. A very impressive year as he was named to VTB United League All-Star Game and League Player of the Week (2 times).
The previous (2021-22) season he played at Valencia Basket in Spanish Liga Endesa where in 22 games he recorded 9.5ppg, 1.8rpg and 4.0apg in that year. Dimitrijevic also played 10 games in Eurocup where he averaged 5.5ppg, 1.0rpg and 3.9apg in that year. He contributed to his team making it to the semifinals.
Dimitrijevic represented North Macedonia at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) 2021 Pre-Qualifiers four years ago. His stats at that event were 2 games: 1.0ppg.
He has played previously for Spanish team Joventut.

UNICS Kazan roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Dmitrii Kulagin
Nenad Dimitrijevic

Forward:
Louis Labeyrie

Center:
Jalen Reynolds

Coach: Velimir Perasovic

(via @miskoraznatovic)
*****************************************************
PARAGUAY  
LNB Round 3 of Finals. San Jose in the lead after away win - by Eurobasket News
Colonias G. - San Jose 57-69

San Jose outrebounded Colonias G. 41-30 including a 33-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a good game for Argentinian forward Franco Benitez (199-1994) who led his team to a victory with 18 points and 8 rebounds. American power forward Jeremiah Wood (200-1985, agency: Inception Sports) contributed with 7 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Juan Poison answered with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 14 rebounds and Argentinian guard Franco Vieta (194-1992) added 20 points in the effort for Colonias G.
Top scorers:
Colonias G.: F.Vieta 20+3reb+2ast, P.Juan 12+14reb+2ast, S.Pierotti 9+1reb+3ast, S.Galarza 7+3reb+2ast, M.Vinicius 5+3reb+1ast, N.Peralta 4+2reb
San Jose: F.Benitez 18+8reb+1ast, E.Riveros 14+2reb+3ast, R.Sanchez 10+3reb+2ast, F.Dose 8+4reb+2ast, J.Wood 7+11reb+2ast, T.Gomez 6+5reb
gschID: 1081101




*****************************************************
POLAND  
Cholet welcomes back Blakes, ex MKS DG - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
Betclic-ELITE-ProA
AcPhoto
Cholet Basket (Betclic ELITE ProA) tabbed 29-year old American 193cm shooting guard Gerry Blakes (college: Arizona State, agency: BIG) for new season. It is actually his comeback to Cholet Basket as he has played here before. Blakes played most recently at MKS Dabrowa Gornicza in Polish EBL league. In four Alpe Adria Cup games he averaged 13.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.5apg and 1.5spg last season. He helped them to win the cup. Blakes also played 14 games in EBL where he had very impressive stats: 20.5ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.6apg and 1.1spg. He was also voted League Player of the Week.
Blakes is a very experienced player. He has played also professionally in Cyprus (Enosis Neon Paralimni), Germany (Brose Bamberg and EWE Baskets), Italy (Cantu), Sweden (Norrkoping), France (Limoges CSP Elite and SIG Strasbourg) and The Basketball Tournament (Forks Up).
Among many awards he won Swedish Basketligan championship title in 2018. Blakes was selected to Eurobasket.com Swedish Basketligan All-Imports Team back in 2018.
He graduated from Arizona State in 2016 and it will be his eighth season in pro basketball.

Cholet Basket roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
T.J. Campbell
Gerry Blakes
Gerald Ayayi

Forward:
Kim Tillie

Center:
Neal Sako
(via @DDPronos)
Santiago Konaszuk (ex Obera) is a newcomer at MKS - by Eurobasket Center
MKS Dabrowa Gornicza (EBL) added to their roster 24-year old naturalized Argentinian point guard Santiago Konaszuk (188cm-1999) for season 2023-24. Konaszuk has played for the last two years at Obera Tennis Club in Argentinian La Liga. In 33 games he recorded 3.2ppg and 1.2rpg last season. He helped them to make it to the semifinals.

*****************************************************
PORTUGAL  
Portuguese U20 National Team -2023 - by Eurobasket Center
Starting five
#s#
Miguel Baker
Baker
Antonio Monteiro
Monteiro
Danilo Horta
Horta
Diogo Seixas
Seixas
Filipe Dionisio
Dionisio
#e#5
0Afonso Parrinha 199-F-2003 Imortal B Portugal
1Daniel Vieira 190-PG-2004
2Miguel Baker 196-C-2004 Imortal B Portugal
5Jorge Rodrigues 187-PG-2003 Povoa Portugal
7Luis Silva 183-F-2004 FC Porto Portugal
8Antonio Monteiro 204-PF-1989 Sporting Portugal
11Danilo Horta 184-PG-2004 Santo Andre Portugal
12Tiago Andrade 190-SF-2003 Sangalhos Portugal
13Guilherme Santinhos F/C-2003 Farense Portugal
23Diogo Seixas 199-SG-2004 Imortal Portugal
55Filipe Dionisio 200-F-2004 Galomar Portugal
88Tiago Dias 186-G-2004 BT Madrid Spain

Andre Martins Head Coach GDESSA Portugal
Joao Costeira Assistant
Paulo Gouveia Assistant


*****************************************************
PUERTO RICO  
Stats Leaders - BSN
Stats Leaders
PPG
RPG
APG
SPG
BPG
Knight_Brandon_3

Quebradillas
(190-G-1991)
Avg: 23.3

Knight
23.3
Mac
22.4
Whiteside
22.2
Hollis-J.
21.7
Hogg
21.2
BSN Round 2 of Semi-Finals. Wins for Bayamon and Carolina - by Eurobasket News
San German - Bayamon 84-88

Vaqueros players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. The former international center Ismael Romero (205-1991) scored 23 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and international guard Stephen Thompson Jr (194-1997, college: Oregon St.) chipped in 15 points and 4 assists during the contest. American forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (201-1995, college: Arizona) responded with 21 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 steals and his fellow American import Will Daniels (202-1986, college: URI) scored 14 points and 7 rebounds. Five Atleticos players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
San German: R.Hollis-Jefferson 21+7reb+9ast, W.Daniels 14+7reb, T.Fernandez 13+1reb+1ast, J.Bryan Diaz 12+7reb, L.Hernandez 10+3reb+2ast, J.Erazo 6+3reb+1ast
Bayamon: I.Romero 23+8reb+4ast, S.Thompson Jr. 15+2reb+4ast, J.Mojica 12+2ast, B.Santiago 12+2reb, J.Gonzalez 9+2reb+5ast, A.Rodriguez 7+2reb+3ast
gschID: 1081302


Carolina - Guaynabo 98-92

Gigantes looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. International point guard Tremont Waters (180-1998, college: LSU, agency: Shark Sports Management) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 24 points, 5 rebounds and 15 assists. American Mike Scott (203-1988, college: Virginia) contributed with 29 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Gigantes' coach Carlos Gonzalez used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American power forward DeMarcus Cousins (211-1990, college: Kentucky) replied with a double-double by scoring 24 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists and the former international point guard Gary Browne (185-1993, college: WVU) added 13 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists in the effort for Mets. Four Gigantes and five Mets players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Guaynabo: D.Cousins 24+11reb+7ast, J.Paige 22+2reb+1ast, M.Creek 16+3reb+2ast, G.Browne 13+5reb+8ast, E.Crawford 10+4reb+1ast, R.Balkman 4+3reb+2ast
Carolina: M.Scott 29+6reb+1ast, G.Conditt IV 25+9reb+2ast, T.Waters 24+5reb+15ast, I.Cruz 14+5reb+2ast, J.Cruz 4+1ast, E.Ortiz 2
gschID: 1081303




*****************************************************
RUSSIA  
Dimitrijevic re-signs at UNICS Kazan - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
VTB-United-League
sponsor
UNICS Kazan (VTB United League) confirmed in their roster 25-year old North Macedonian international point guard Nenad Dimitrijevic (190cm-1998) for new 2023-24 season. Dimitrijevic played there last season. In 47 VTB United League games he had 12.8ppg, 2.5rpg and 5.6apg (top 4). He helped them to win the VTB United League championship despite they ended the regular season at the second place. A very impressive year as he was named to VTB United League All-Star Game and League Player of the Week (2 times).
The previous (2021-22) season he played at Valencia Basket in Spanish Liga Endesa where in 22 games he recorded 9.5ppg, 1.8rpg and 4.0apg in that year. Dimitrijevic also played 10 games in Eurocup where he averaged 5.5ppg, 1.0rpg and 3.9apg in that year. He contributed to his team making it to the semifinals.
Dimitrijevic represented North Macedonia at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) 2021 Pre-Qualifiers four years ago. His stats at that event were 2 games: 1.0ppg.
He has played previously for Spanish team Joventut.

UNICS Kazan roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Dmitrii Kulagin
Nenad Dimitrijevic

Forward:
Louis Labeyrie

Center:
Jalen Reynolds

Coach: Velimir Perasovic

(via @miskoraznatovic)
*****************************************************
SLOVAKIA  
Slovakian U20 National Team -2023 - by Eurobasket Center
Slovakian U20 National Team 2023
#s#
Martin Koller
Koller
Zsolt Boros
Boros
Matus Jasovsky
Jasovsky
Matej Toncik
Toncik
Matus Malovec
Malovec
#e#5
4Martin Koller 186-PG-2004 Inter Bratislava Slovakia
5Zsolt Boros 182-PG-2004 Inter Bratislava Slovakia
6Matus Jasovsky 190-G-2005 Michalovce Slovakia
7Matej Toncik 180-G-2004 Junior Patrioti Slovakia
9Matus Malovec 194-G-2003 E.Florida St. USA
10Ondrej Kapustik 186-G-2004 Lucenec Slovakia
12Juraj Kret 196-F-2003 Pardubice Czech Republic
13Adam Galko 205-F-2004 Sokol Prazsky Czech Republic
14Samuel Solcansky 198-PF-2004 Levice Slovakia
15Robert Seman 185-G-2004 Slavia K. Slovakia
16Ladislav Novak 198-F-2004 Sojky P. Czech Republic
17Juraj Minarovjech 191-SF-2004 Inter Bratislava Slovakia

Patrik Sarna Head Coach
Martin Blaho Assistant Veszprem Hungary


*****************************************************
SPAIN  
Barca inks Joel Parra - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
Liga-Endesa
sponsor
Defending champion FC Barcelona Lassa (Liga Endesa) agreed terms with 23-year old international forward Joel Parra (202cm-2000) for new 2023-24 season. Parra has played for the last five years at Joventut in the Liga Endesa. In 40 games he had 9.6ppg, 5.5rpg and 1.1apg last season. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. 2022-23 was a great season as he was named to Eurobasket.com Spanish Liga Endesa All-Domestic Players Team and Eurobasket.com All-Spanish Liga Endesa Second Team. Parra also played 21 games in Eurocup where he recorded 12.9ppg, 3.9rpg and 1.2apg.
He has been also a member of Spanish international program for some years. Parra has regularly played for Spanish senior team since 2021 and previously for U18 National Team back in 2018.
He represented Spain at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U20 in Tel-Aviv (Israel) four years ago. Parra's team won Silver and his stats at that event were 5 games: 8.4ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 8.3%, FT: 81.3%.
Parra has played previously for Prat. He was voted to Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup Honorable Mention in 2023.

Salin re-signs at Tenerife - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
Liga-Endesa
sponsor
Lenovo Tenerife (Liga Endesa) confirmed in their roster 32-year old Finn international shooting guard Sasu Salin (190cm-1991) for new 2023-24 season. Salin has played there for the last four seasons. He helped them to make it to the Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey) final. Salin played 15 games in Basketball Champions League where he had 10.1ppg, 2.3rpg and 1.3apg last season. He contributed to his team making it to the semifinals.
Salin has been also a member of Finnish international program for some years. He has regularly played for Finnish senior team since 2010 and previously for U20 National Team back in 2011.
Salin represented Finland at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) six years ago. His stats at that event were 6 games: 11.7ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 50.0%.
He has played also professionally in Slovenia (Petrol Olimpija Ljubljana), Spain (Unicaja and Gran Canaria) and Finland (Honka Espoo and Honka). Salin was voted to Slovenian League All-Star Game back in 2012 and 2014.

Lenovo Tenerife roster for 2023-24:

Guard:
Sasu Salin

Forward:
Elgin Cook

Centers:
Giorgi Shermadini
Dusan Ristic

Unicaja keeps Lima for another season - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
Liga-Endesa
AcPhoto
Unicaja Malaga (Liga Endesa) re-signed 31-year old Brazilian-Spanish international 210cm center Augusto Lima, agency: Octagon Europe for new season. Lima is the second foreigner player in the roster as USA Dylan Osetkowski signed here earlier.
He played there last season. In 13 Liga Endesa games he averaged 4.2ppg, 4.1rpg and 1.7apg. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. He also played 8 games in Basketball Champions League where he had 3.4ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.6apg and 1.3spg.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at Universidad Catolica de Murcia CB. In 34 Liga Endesa games he recorded 8.3ppg, 6.9rpg (#4 in the league) and 2.6apg in that year. It was a very successful season in his career as he was voted to Eurobasket.com All-Spanish Liga Endesa Honorable Mention.
Lima has been also a member of Brazilian international program for some years. He has regularly played for Brazilian senior team since 2011 and previously for U17 National Team back in 2007.
Lima represented Brazil at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) seven years ago. His stats at that event were 4 games: 6.5ppg, 6.3rpg, FGP: 62.5%.
He is a very experienced player. And here thanks to pro basketball he experienced life in seven different countries playing on three different continents. Lima is familiar with European, Asian and of course North American leagues. He has played previously professionally in China (Flying Tigers), Croatia (Cedevita), Italy, Lithuania (Zalgiris), Turkey (Besiktas), Spain (Real Madrid, Granada and Burgos) and NBA (Toronto Raptors).
Among many awards he won Lithuanian League championship title in 2017. Lima received Latinbasket.com All-El Salvador Liga Superior Clausura Player of the Year award and Latinbasket.com All-El Salvador Liga Superior Clausura Forward of the Year award back in 2020.

Unicaja Malaga roster for 2023-24:

Guard:
Dario Brizuela

Forwards:
Yankuba Sima
Dylan Osetkowski

Center:
Augusto Lima
*****************************************************
SWEDEN  
Kormend sign a second import player, ex Boras - by Arnold Beres
actionPhoto
A-Division
sponsor
Egis Kormend (A Division) inked 27-year old American 189cm guard Anton Cook (college: SE Oklahoma) for upcoming season. Cook is the second import player in the roster as Canadian Nikola Djogo signed here earlier.
He played most recently at Boras Basket in Swedish Basketligan. In 39 games he averaged impressive 16.2ppg, 2.1rpg and 2.9apg last season. He helped them to win the regular season and make it to the final. A very good year in his career as he was voted to Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan Second Team.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at Beroe in Bulgarian NBL where in 21 games he was league's fifth best scorer with remarkable 16.9ppg and recorded 2.8rpg and 3.9apg in that year. He contributed to his team making it to the Bulgarian Cup Semifinals. Good season as he was selected League Player of the Week. Cook also played 9 games in Balkan League where he had 14.2ppg, 3.1rpg and 3.0apg in that year.
He has played previously professionally in Brazil (Joinville, Sorocabana and Campo Mourao) and Finland (Korihait).
Cook graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 2017 and it will be his seventh season in pro basketball.

Swedish U20 National Team -2023 - by Eurobasket Center
Starting five
#s#
Mikai Mitchum
Mitchum
Max Andersson
Andersson
Felix Brostrom
Brostrom
Nils Vahlberg
Vahlberg
Vilhelm Bodingh
Bodingh
#e#5
4Mikai Mitchum 183-G-2004 RIG Mark Sweden
5Efraim Kouame-Palm 188-PG-2004 Hogsbo 2 Sweden
6Max Andersson 187-G-2004 RIG Mark Sweden
7Melker Delryd 196-G-2003 Uppsala Sweden
8William Kermoury 192-G-2004 Sodertalje Sweden
9Jarrett Bryant 198-F-2003 Bushnell USA
10Villiam Garcia 202-SG-2004 Murcia 2 Spain
11Felix Brostrom 203-F-2003 S.Dakota USA
12Nils Vahlberg 197-F-2004
13Vilhelm Bodingh 203-F-2004 RIG Mark Sweden
14Atle Mellquist 210-F-2003 BC Lulea Sweden
26Hugo Lilja 198-F-2003 Norrkoping Sweden

Panagiotis Nikolaidis Head Coach Uppsala Sweden
Lars Larsson Assistant


*****************************************************
SWITZERLAND  
Swiss U20 National Team -2023 - by Eurobasket Center
Starting five
#s#
Omar Ali
Ali
Malcolm Amsler
Amsler
Ugo Dassin
Dassin
Massimiliano Dell'Acqua
Dell'Acqua
Yanic Niederhauser
Niederhauser
#e#5
1Omar Ali 200-F/C-2004 Lugano Switzerland
2Malcolm Amsler 192-G-2004 Winterthur Switzerland
3Dimitri Clerc 202-F-2003 Vevey Riviera Switzerland
5Ugo Dassin 175-PG-2003 Geneve Switzerland
6Massimiliano Dell'Acqua 196-SG-2003 Lugano Switzerland
7Dylan Ducommun 191-F-2004 Benicarlo Spain
9Nicolo Isotta 184-G-2003 Cividale Italy
11Yanic Niederhauser 208-F-2003 NIU USA
12Matteo Smith 200-F-2004 Winterthur Switzerland
14Ivan Tanackovic 196-SF-2003 Massagno Switzerland
15Axel Ugurtas 200-F-2004 Nyon Switzerland
16David Vuckovic 200-G-2004 CNBS Switzerland

Ali Bouziane Head Coach Angers France


*****************************************************
SYRIA  
Al Wahda one step away from the title - by Igor Obradovic
After winning in an opener of the Final Series against Al Ittihad 74:78, Al Wahda managed to do it again and to go home victorious with another away win and a 2-0 lead in the pocket in Final Series. They will now wait until 10th July to be the home team against Al Ittihad and they want to secure Championship Title on their home court.
The second game of the series finished 58:67 in Al Wahda's favor.
*****************************************************
TURKEY  
Panathinaikos land Jerian Grant, ex Turk Telekom - by Chris Mammides
actionPhoto
GBL
AcPhoto
Panathinaikos OPAP Athens (GBL) tabbed 30-year old American 196cm guard Jerian Grant (college: Notre Dame) for new season. Grant played most recently at Turk Telekom in Turkish BSL league. In 37 games he averaged impressive 16.4ppg, 3.6rpg, 5.7apg (top 3) and 1.2spg last season. He helped them to win the regular season and make it to the semifinals. Grant can count that season as a very successful as was awarded Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League Guard of the Year and voted to All-Imports Team. He also played 22 games in Eurocup where he had 14.9ppg, 3.2rpg, 6.1apg and 1.3spg.
he selected toEurobasket.com All-EuroCup Player of the Year in 2023.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at AX Armani Exchange Milano in Italian Serie A. In 36 games he recorded 7.4ppg, 1.9rpg and 2.7apg in that year. Grant contributed to his team winning the league title despite they ended the regular season at the second place. He also played 26 games in Euroleague where he got just 2.8ppg in that year. Grant contributed to his team making it to the quarterfinals.
In 2015 he was drafted by Washington Wizards (NBA) in first round (19th overall). The former University of Notre Dame star is in his ninth season in pro basketball.
He is a very experienced player. And here thanks to pro basketball he experienced life in four different countries playing on three different continents. Grant is familiar with European, Asian and of course North American leagues. He has played previously professionally in China (Eagles), NBA (Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, NY Knicks and Orlando Magic), Greece (Promitheas) and NBA G League (Windy City Bulls and Capital City Go-Go). he voted toEurobasket.com All-EuroCup Player of the Year in 2023.

Panathinaikos OPAP Athens roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Jerian Grant
Luca Vildoza
Dimitris Moraitis

Forwards:
Ioannis Papapetrou
Kostas Mitoglou
Nikos Chougkaz
Lefteris Mantzoukas

Centers:
Mathias Lessort
Kostas Antetokounmpo

Coach: Ergin Ataman
Besiktas ink Leyton Hammonds - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
BSL
sponsor
Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul (BSL) agreed terms with 28-year old American power forward Leyton Hammonds (203cm-98kg-1994, college: OK State) for upcoming 2023-24 season. Hammonds played last season at Gaziantep Basketbol (BSL). In 21 games he had 11.2ppg, 3.7rpg and 1.3apg. He helped them to win the regular season and make it to the final. Hammonds also played 14 games in FIBA Europe Cup where he recorded 12.4ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.3apg. He contributed to his team making it to the quarterfinals.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at Yokohama B-Corsairs in Japanese B1 League. In 55 games he averaged 12.9ppg, 4.9rpg and 1.1apg in that year.
Hammonds is quite experienced player. He has played in four different countries on three different continents (Europe, Asia and of course North America). Hammonds has played previously professionally in Finland (Nokia), Hungary (Kormend), Poland (Suzuki Arka) and Russia (Enisey).
He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2017 and it will be his seventh season as a professional player.

Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Derek Needham
Berk Ugurlu
Yigit Arslan
Jonah Mathews

Forwards:
Angel Delgado
Berkan Durmaz
Egehan Arna
Leyton Hammonds
Matt Mitchell

Coach: Dusan Alimpijevic

Ege Arar agreed terms with Cagdas Bodrum Spor - by Fersu Yahyabeyoglu
actionPhoto
TBL
sponsor
TBL newcomer Cagdas Bodrum Spor strengthened their roster with addition of 26-year old former international 208cm center Ege Arar for season 2023-24. Arar played most recently at Socar Petkimspor (BSL). In 29 games he recorded just 2.6ppg and 2.8rpg last season. TBL will be definitely a better match and he can see more playing time.
His team made it to the League Semifinals in 2016 and 2019.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at Galatasaray (also in BSL) where in 20 games he averaged only 2.2ppg and 2.2rpg in that year. He helped them to make it to the Turkish Cup Semifinals. Arar also played 11 games in Basketball Champions League where he had only 1.6ppg and 2.3rpg in that year.
He was also a member of Turkish international program for some years. Arar played for Turkish Senior National Team between 2018 and 2021 and previously for U19 National Team back in 2015.
He represented Turkey at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U20 in Ararlsinki (Finland) seven years ago. Arar's team won Bronze and his stats at that event were 7 games: 8.6ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP: 56.3%, FT: 40.0%.
He was voted to Turkish League All-Star Game back in 2018. His team made it to the League Semifinals in 2016 and 2019.

Cagdas Bodrum Spor roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Can_Ugur Ogut
Ahmet Cantitiz
Jaron Johnson
Dominic Artis

Forwards:
Hakan Yapar
Cavit Havsa

Center:
Ege Arar

Demetre Rivers (ex Buyukcekmece) joins Scafati - by Fersu Yahyabeyoglu
actionPhoto
Serie-A
sponsor
Givova Scafati Basket (Serie A) agreed terms with 27-year old American forward Demetre Rivers (203cm-91kg-1995, college: Mercer) for new 2023-24 season. Rivers played last season at Buyukcekmece Basketbol in Turkish BSL league. In 29 games he had 11.5ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.1apg and 1.1spg. Good season as he was named League Player of the Week.
The previous (2021-22) season he played at PAOK Mateco Thessaloniki in Greek GBL where in 15 games he recorded 7.8ppg and 4.5rpg in that year. He also played 2 games in Basketball Champions League where he averaged 6.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 2.0apg and 1.0spg in that year. The other team he played that season for was ERA Basketball Nymburk. In 18 Czech Republic games he got 8.1ppg, 5.3rpg and 1.1apg in that year. Rivers also played 6 games in Basketball Champions League where he got 11.5ppg and 4.8rpg in that year.
He is quite experienced player. Rivers has played also professionally in Hungary (Sopron KC and Kaposvari), Latvia, Estonia (Parnu) and NBA G League (Maine Celtics).
He graduated from Mercer University in 2018 and it will be his sixth season as a professional player.

*****************************************************
UKRAINE  
Ukrainian U20 National Team -2023 - by Eurobasket Center
Starting five
#s#
Liev Koshevatskyi
Koshevatskyi
Oleksandr Kobzystyi
Kobzystyi
Mykhailo Bublyk
Bublyk
Vitalii Shymanskyi
Shymanskyi
Bohdan Bryniuk
Bryniuk
#e#5
4Maksym Safonov 190-PG-2003 Budivelnyk Ukraine
5Liev Koshevatskyi 192-F-2004 Kyiv Basket Ukraine
6Oleksandr Kobzystyi 200-SG-2003 Mega BG Serbia
7Mykhailo Bublyk 194-G-2003 Prometey Ukraine
9Rostyslav Kabanov 195-SG-2004 Budivelnyk Ukraine
10Maksym Zaitsev 187-SG-2003 Budivelnyk Ukraine
11Vitalii Shymanskyi 205-PF-2003 Tarvas Estonia
12Mykhailo Bednostin 209-C-2003 Lafayette USA
13Hlib Batalskyi 197-F-2003 Isernia Italy
14Pavlo Dziuba 203-F-2003 High Point USA
15Vladyslav Semerych 207-F-2004 Tenerife Naut. Spain
16Bohdan Bryniuk 201-F-2003 Rytas 2 Lithuania

Dmytro Zabirchenko Head Coach Ternopil-TNEU Ukraine
Nikita Voievoda Assistant
Oleh Shevchenko Assistant


*****************************************************
UNITED KINGDOM  
Eagles Get New Neighbour - by Jeff King
One of the BBL's most experienced big men is heading to Serioes Group Newcastle Eagles after head coach Marc Steutel snapped up homegrown star Will Neighbour (207-F/C-1990, college: UALR)r.

The 6ft 10in forward brings a wealth of experience to Tyneside following spells with Cheshire Phoenix, London Lions and Plymouth Raiders.

And Steutel is convinced the former Great Britain Under 20 international boasts the big game character and basketball IQ to inject fresh confidence into Newcastle's roster.

'Will's a player who I've admired from a distance for some time now,' said the Eagles' playcaller.

'He's played at a high level for teams within the BBL and beyond the BBL and he's a high IQ, extremely skilled, winning basketball player. Will is somebody who I know will be able to give us so much versatility on our roster with his varied skillset. His application to winning and doing the things that will impact our success is without question. That's all that Will cares about and that's what we want.'

Neighbour averaged eight points and four rebounds in a Nix team that finished fifth in last season's BBL Championship and made it all the way to the 2023 BBL Trophy final.

The 33-year-old hooked up with head coach Ben Thomas following a season with star-studded London where he gained invaluable European experience.

Involvement in the Lions' 2021/22 Europe Cup campaign gave Neighbour a glimpse of what's required to compete overseas ahead of the Eagles' debut season in the European North Basketball League (ENBL).

Neighbour brings European experience to the Eagles after playing Europe Cup competition with London Lions in the 2021-22 season. (Photo: London Lions)
And eight seasons in the BBL - in addition to stints in New Zealand, Hungary, Sweden and Spain - make him the perfect addition to Steutel's transitional roster.

The Aldershot-born big has already begun his pre-season training programme on Tyneside and looks set to become a key cog in the Newcastle wheel on and off the court.

'What I love about Will is his character and commitment and he's the type of player Eagles fans want to see in a Newcastle vest,' added Steutel.

Neighbour enjoyed three seasons at Little Rock Trojans in the NCAA before embarking on a 10-year professional career.

One of the most familiar faces on the BBL scene joined the Lions in 2021 following successful back-to-back campaigns with the Plymouth City Patriots.

EJ In To Phoenix - by Jeff King
Continuing their swift start to the summer, Cheshire Phoenix have announced their latest recruit as they confirm the signing of University of Minnesota guard E.J. Stephens (190-G-1999) for the 2023/24 season.

The 6'3 guard spent four years at Lafayette University between 2017-2021 before transferring in 2022 to the University of Minnesota where he was a starter, averaging 10.2 points per game and shooting a solid 38% from the three-point line.

Stephens will be entering his first sesaon as a professional hooper with the Ellesmere Port Sports Village franchise.

Speaking ahead of his arrival in the north-west, Stephens said:

'I am beyond excited to be able to join the Cheshire Phoenix organization. This is an amazing opportunity and I am so blessed to have this great organization believe in me and my abilities.

'I am looking forward to getting to work with my teammates and staff, and to be able to build upon the great success this team had last season. I promise I will give everything I have and work everyday to help this team win even more games. I am looking forward to getting to Ellesmere Port to meet everyone and I cannot wait to get to work.'

Phoenix Head Coach Ben Thomas added:

'I'm happy to have EJ onboard next season. On the court he can really score the ball in a lot of different ways whilst always playing tough defence, but the thing that most stands out with EJ is his enthusiasm and attitude. He is a great teammate and I know he is really motivated for this opportunity.'

With the countdown to the new season continuing, you can still get your British Basketball fix by following the League on social media or heading to our YouTube channel to relive all of the best moments from last year!
British U20 National Team -2023 - by Eurobasket Center
Starting five
#s#
Lane Campbell
Campbell
Zamoku Weluche-Ume
Weluche-Ume
Victor Faroukou
Faroukou
Rory Stewart
Stewart
James Okonkwo
Okonkwo
#e#5
4Lane Campbell 188-G-2004 Loughborough United Kingdom
5Louie Tucker 193-F/G-2004 Bristol AF 2 United Kingdom
6Louis Grante-Halliday 201-F-2003 Seattle USA
7Dijarn Russell-Walters 201-F-2004 Nottingham H. United Kingdom
8Zamoku Weluche-Ume 203-F-2004 GWU USA
12Victor Faroukou 198-SF-2003 Leicester R. United Kingdom
17Faruq Balarabe 198-F-2003
18Rory Stewart 203-F-2003 URI USA
20Joseph Buchanan 195-F/G-2004 BA London L. United Kingdom
21Callum Smart 210-C-2004 SGS College United Kingdom
22Jeffrey Akintolu 210-C-2003
23James Okonkwo 203-F-2003 WVU USA

Krumesh Patel Head Coach Leicester R. United Kingdom
Chris Bourne Assistant SGS College United Kingdom
Liam Jefferson Assistant Loughborough 2 United Kingdom


Local Lad In For Two - by Jeff King
Seemingly part of the furniture in Glasgow, Scottish sharpshooter Fraser Malcolm (196-F-1996, college: BHSU) has signed a two-year extension with the Caledonia Gladiators, beginning with the 2023/24 campaign where he will be entering his fifth season with the club as Malcolm and the Gladiators will tackle continental competition for the first time.

The 6'6 forward, who has proved to be a high-impact player in a variety of roles for the Scottish club, has been a solid three-point for Gareth Murray's side since graduating from Black Hills State in 2018, having risen through the ranks at Falkirk Fury as a junior alongside some of his current Gladiators teammates.

In just over 22 minutes per contest last season, Malcolm contributed almost seven points, three rebounds and 1.5 assists a game, proving to be an asset to Gareth Murray's squad throughout the British Basketball League Championship, featuring in all 36 games in the competition.

As with other Scots on the Gladiators roster, Malcolm has featured for the Scottish National Team in two Commonwealth Games competitions, including as a 22-year-old at the Gold Coast in 2018 and more recently at the Birmingham 2022 Games in the 3x3 Basketball Competition.

*****************************************************
VENEZUELA  
Gladiadores clinch the title with away win - by Eurobasket News
Guaros - Gladiadores 66-82

The best player for the winners was international point guard Gregory Vargas (181-1986, agency: Pro Sports) who scored 14 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. American Jordan Adams (196-1994, college: UCLA) chipped in 15 points and 5 assists. Spanish-Colombian power forward Juan Tello-Palacios (206-1985) produced 16 points and 6 rebounds and guard Alan Cabrera (182-2001) added 18 points respectively for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Guaros: C.Alan 18+3reb+2ast, J.Tello-Palacios 16+6reb+3ast, A.Slaughter 12+2reb+5ast, M.Harris 10+5reb+3ast, H.Guillent 5, P.Ibeh 3+8reb+1ast
Gladiadores: M.Dime 16+5reb, J.Adams 15+3reb+5ast, S.Mac 15+2reb+1ast, G.Vargas 14+7reb+5ast, M.Carrera 6+6reb+2ast, H.Walker 6+4reb+2ast
gschID: 1081306




*****************************************************
Women News
S. Hoiho signs rookie Ahlise Hurst in her first year in pro basketball - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
Tauihi-Basketball-Aoteroaw
sponsor
Southern Hoiho (Tauihi Basketball Aoteroa) strengthened their roster with addition of 23-year old Australian 175cm guard Ahlise Hurst. Hurst just graduated from Oregon (NCAA). In 30 games she recorded 4.5ppg last season.
She started her college career at University of New Mexico (NCAA) where she played three seasons. Then she moved to University of Oregon (NCAA).
Of course it will be Hurst's first season in professional basketball.

(via @GuidoGuida)
*****************************************************
CHILE  
Ziomara Morrison (ex Gimnastico) is a newcomer at Olympiacos - by Chris Mammides
actionPhoto
A1w
sponsor
Olympiacos Piraeus (A1) added to their roster experienced 34-year old Chilean ex-international center Ziomara Morrison (194cm-1989, agency: LBM Management) for season 2023-24. Morrison played this summer at Gimnastico in Chilean LNF league. She managed to play in three leagues in two countries last year. In only one LNF game just recently she recorded 12 points and 9 rebounds. The last season she played at Kangoeroes in Belgian Top Division Women where in 25 games she averaged impressive 16.0ppg, 8.8rpg, 1.7apg and 1.0spg. Morrison helped them to win the Belgian League title. A very spectacular season in her career as she was voted Eurobasket.com All-Belgian League Player of the Year, Import Player of the Year and Center of the Year. She also played 14 games in Euroleague where she had 14.5ppg, 10.1rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg and 1.0bpg.
Morrison represented Chile at the South American Championship in Tunja (Colombia) five years ago. Her stats at that event were 4 games: 16.0ppg, Reb-3 (9.8rpg), 1.3apg, Steals-3 (2.0spg), FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 81.1%.
She is quite experienced player. Thanks to Morrison's pro career she managed to play on three different continents (Europe, Latin America and of course North America) in nine different countries. Morrison has played previously professionally also in Brazil (Sampaio), France (Nantes and Roche), Hungary (Miskolc), Italy (Ribera), Poland (Wisla Krakow and Bydgoszcz), Spain (Rivas Promete), Turkey (Besiktas, Ceyhan and Osmaniye) and WNBA (Indiana Fever and S.Antonio SS).

Olympiacos Piraeus roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Eleanna Christinaki
Evgenia Kollatou

Forwards:
Zafeirenia Karlafti
Mandy Anastasopoulou

Center:
Ziomara Morrison

*****************************************************
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18  
Div.B Stats Leaders - by Eurobasket Center
Stats Leaders
PPG
RPG
APG
SPG
BPG
Etute_Faith

(183-F-2005)
Avg: 33.3

Etute
33.3
Hamalainen
21.3
Sorbye
20.0
Barbosa
18.8
Jensen
16.6
Croatia, Greece, Bosnia and Luxembourg are advancing into Semifinals in Division B - by Igor Obradovic
Quarterfinal
Bosnia - Iceland 65-48
Bosnia displayed a dominant performance against Iceland, securing a 65-48 victory. Jana Guska (191-C/F-2005) led the way for Bosnia with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Amila Smajic (190-C-2005) contributed 17 points and 5 rebounds. Ana Leko (170-SG-2005) added 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Sara Boama (168-PG-2005) and Hildur Gunnsteinsdottir (180-F/G-2005) each scored 10 points for Iceland, with Boama also contributing 8 rebounds. Bosnia's strong start, winning the first quarter 20-10, set the tone for their victory. They advanced to the semifinals, where they will face Luxembourg.

Croatia - Ireland 66-59
Croatia secured a hard-fought 66-59 victory over Ireland in a closely contested game. Lana Beslic (172-G-2005) led the charge for Croatia with 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, earning an index rating of 25. Lucija Banovic (183-SF-2005) contributed 13 points and an impressive 15 rebounds, while Nina Novak (172-G-2005) added 12 points and 13 rebounds. Grace Prenter (170-PG-2006) led Ireland's efforts with 17 points, while Katie O'Sullivan (173-G-2005) added 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, and Emma Tolan (178-SG-2006) contributed 10 points and 8 rebounds. Croatia's strong second and third quarter, outscoring Ireland 36-23, played a crucial role in their victory. They advanced to the semifinals, where they will face Greece.

Luxembourg - Slovakia 82-77 OT
Luxembourg and Slovakia battled fiercely, with the game ultimately going into overtime, where Luxembourg prevailed with an 82-77 victory. Faith Etute (183-F-2005) had an outstanding performance for Luxembourg, delivering an incredible 48 points, 24 rebounds, 2 assists, and steals, earning a total index rating of 46. Isa Hamalainen (183-C-2006) added 13 points and 7 rebounds, while Emma Blasen (174-G-2006) contributed 12 points and 5 rebounds. For Slovakia, Anna Molnarova (180-PF-2005) scored 16 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, while Maria Stefancova (175-SG-2006) recorded 13 points and an impressive 14 rebounds, earning an index rating of 22. Natasa Tausova (190-PF-2006) contributed 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals. Luxembourg's strong showing in overtime secured their spot in the semifinals against Bosnia.

Bulgaria - Greece 51-59
In a closely contested match, Greece managed to overcome Bulgaria with a final score of 59-51. Angeliki Ziaka (183-C-2006) led Greece's charge with an impressive performance of 14 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals, earning her a total index rating of 25. Lydia Chatira (182-F/C-2006) contributed 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Aristea Paraskevopoulou (185-G-2006) added 3 points and 11 rebounds. For Bulgaria, Denitsa Manolova (172-G-2006) and Yana Karamfilova (190-F-2005) each scored 10 points, with Manolova adding 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals, and Karamfilova contributing 5 rebounds. Greece's strong second-half performance, outscoring Bulgaria 32-16, propelled them to victory, earning them a spot in the semifinals against Croatia.



*****************************************************
FIBA AMERICUP  
USA, Puerto Rico, Canada and Brazil advancing into Semifinals - by Igor Obradovic
USA - Colombia 68-49
In a quarterfinal matchup, the USA basketball team secured a convincing victory over Colombia with a final score of 68-49. The USA team dominated throughout the game, earning a spot in the semifinals. Lauren Betts (201-C-2003) led the scoring for the USA with 16 points and an impressive 14 rebounds, earning an index rating of 24. Angel Reese (190-F-2002) contributed 13 points and 18 rebounds, while Rickea Jackson (188-F-2001) added 15 points. Manuela Rios (165-G-1997) was the top scorer for Colombia with 12 points, supported by Yuliany Paz (195-F-2000) with 10 points.

Puerto Rico - Venezuela 89-86 OT
Puerto Rico and Venezuela engaged in an intense battle that extended into overtime, with Puerto Rico ultimately emerging as the winners with a final score of 89-86. Arella Guirantes (181-PG-1997, college: Rutgers) was the standout performer for Puerto Rico, recording an impressive 29 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 steals, earning an index rating of 36. Jazmon Gwathmey (188-G-1993, college: JMU) contributed 21 points and 6 rebounds, while Mya Hollingshed (190-F-1999, college: Colorado, agency: Shark Sports Management) added 14 points and 7 rebounds. Daniela Wallen (179-SF-1995, college: Okla City) led Venezuela's scoring effort with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Mariana Duran (172-PG-1993, college: Okla City) contributed 24 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Puerto Rico advanced to the semifinals and will face Brazil.

Canada - Argentina 68-60
Canada secured a hard-fought victory over Argentina, winning the game with a final score of 68-60. Nirra Fields (175-G-1993, college: UCLA) led the scoring for Canada with 22 points and 8 rebounds. Aaliyah Edwards (190-F-2002) recorded a double-double with 13 points and an impressive 16 rebounds, while Shaylisha Colley (173-G-1996, college: Michigan St.) contributed 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. Julieta Mungo (181-C-1997) scored 12 points for Argentina, with Candela Gentinetta (181-SF-2001) adding 10 points and Melisa Gretter (166-PG-1993) contributing 11 points and 5 rebounds. Canada advanced to the semifinals and will face the USA.

Brazil - Mexico 83-61
Brazil dominated their game against Mexico, securing an 83-61 victory. Taina Paixao (175-G-1991) recorded 8 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals for Brazil. Raphaella Monteiro (181-F-1995) made a significant impact off the bench with 14 points, while Alana Goncalo (166-G-1994) and Isabela Macedo (180-F-1994) contributed 10 and 11 points, respectively. Claudia Ramos (183-G-1997, college: CSUN) led Mexico's scoring effort with 11 points and 8 rebounds, while Myriam Lara (186-F/C-1994) added 10 points and 8 rebounds. Brazil advanced to the semifinals and will face Puerto Rico.



*****************************************************
GREECE  
Ziomara Morrison (ex Gimnastico) is a newcomer at Olympiacos - by Chris Mammides
actionPhoto
A1w
sponsor
Olympiacos Piraeus (A1) added to their roster experienced 34-year old Chilean ex-international center Ziomara Morrison (194cm-1989, agency: LBM Management) for season 2023-24. Morrison played this summer at Gimnastico in Chilean LNF league. She managed to play in three leagues in two countries last year. In only one LNF game just recently she recorded 12 points and 9 rebounds. The last season she played at Kangoeroes in Belgian Top Division Women where in 25 games she averaged impressive 16.0ppg, 8.8rpg, 1.7apg and 1.0spg. Morrison helped them to win the Belgian League title. A very spectacular season in her career as she was voted Eurobasket.com All-Belgian League Player of the Year, Import Player of the Year and Center of the Year. She also played 14 games in Euroleague where she had 14.5ppg, 10.1rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg and 1.0bpg.
Morrison represented Chile at the South American Championship in Tunja (Colombia) five years ago. Her stats at that event were 4 games: 16.0ppg, Reb-3 (9.8rpg), 1.3apg, Steals-3 (2.0spg), FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 81.1%.
She is quite experienced player. Thanks to Morrison's pro career she managed to play on three different continents (Europe, Latin America and of course North America) in nine different countries. Morrison has played previously professionally also in Brazil (Sampaio), France (Nantes and Roche), Hungary (Miskolc), Italy (Ribera), Poland (Wisla Krakow and Bydgoszcz), Spain (Rivas Promete), Turkey (Besiktas, Ceyhan and Osmaniye) and WNBA (Indiana Fever and S.Antonio SS).

Olympiacos Piraeus roster for 2023-24:

Guards:
Eleanna Christinaki
Evgenia Kollatou

Forwards:
Zafeirenia Karlafti
Mandy Anastasopoulou

Center:
Ziomara Morrison

*****************************************************
MEXICO  
LNBPF Round 11: Adelitas defeat Libertadores in the game between Top 4 teams - by Eurobasket News
There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in LNBPF. Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

An interesting game for Adelitas (15-3) which played road game in Queretaro against 4th placed Libertadores (12-6). First ranked Adelitas managed to get a 11-point victory 73-62. American center Danielle Adams (185-1989, college: Texas A&M) orchestrated the victory by scoring 20 points. Her fellow American import forward Crystal Bradford (183-1993, college: CMU) contributed with 12 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. American power forward Lyndra Weaver (185-1987, college: Virginia) answered with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 13 rebounds for Libertadores. Libertadores' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Adelitas have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. They maintain first place with 15-3 record. Libertadores lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fourth position with six games lost. Adelitas will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Libertadores will play again at home against the league's leader Adelitas (#1) and are hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
The game in Veracruz was also worth to mention about. Third ranked Astros (14-4) played at the court of 5th ranked Rojas (10-8). Astros managed to secure a 9-point victory 75-66. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Rojas. It was a great evening for American center Jewel Tunstull (190-1992, college: Northeastern) who led her team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. Brooke McCarty-Williams helped adding 22 points. Astros' coach Jonathan Villegas allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American forward Akilah Bethel (183-1993, college: LSU) responded with 13 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. The victory was the third consecutive win for Astros. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Panteras. Rojas at the other side keep the fifth position with eight games lost. They share it with Fuerza Regia. Astros will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Rojas will play again at home against Astros (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between second ranked Panteras (14-4) and 10th ranked Abejas (2-16) in Aguascalientes on Friday ended with biggest points difference. Panteras outscored guests from Leon 102-69. It was a quality performance for Kristine Vitola who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!) and 11 rebounds. Dana Soto came up with 11 points, 9 assists and 4 steals for Abejas in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Panteras maintains second place with 14-4 record behind leader Adelitas, which they share with Astros. Abejas lost their tenth game in a row. They dropped to the bottom position with 16 games lost. Panteras will again meet at home bottom-ranked Abejas (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Abejas will have a break next round.

In the last two games of round 11 bottom-ranked Correcaminos were beaten by Fuerza Regia on the road 85-68. Plateras won against Freseras on its own court 82-76.

The Round Review is presented by LBM Management. A full-service agency focused on Women's basketball sphere and working worldwide. A global and ethical quality service.


Fuerza Regia - Correcaminos 85-68

No shocking result in a game when sixth ranked Fuerza Regia (10-8) beat 11th ranked Correcaminos (3-15) in Monterrey 85-68 on Friday. Fuerza Regia shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 52.2 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 10 passes made by Correcaminos' players. American players dominated the game. It was an exceptional evening for forward Kaila Charles (185-1998, college: Maryland) who led the winners and scored 27 points and 7 rebounds. Guard Destiny Pitts (178, college: Texas A&M) accounted for 14 points and 8 assists for the winning side. Fuerza Regia's coach Juan Jose Pidal used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guard Brittany Byrd (176-1997, college: UIC) came up with 26 points and 7 rebounds and guard Jade Vega (165-1997, college: CS Fullerton) added 22 points and 5 assists respectively for Correcaminos in the defeat. Fuerza Regia moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Rojas. Correcaminos lost their eighth game in a row. They dropped to the ninth position with 15 games lost. They share it with Freseras. Fuerza Regia will again meet at home Correcaminos (#10) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Correcaminos will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Fuerza Regia: K.Charles 27+7reb+3ast, K.Bell 16+2reb, D.Pitts 14+4reb+8ast, A.Nyingifa 9+10reb+5ast, R.Perez 8+4ast, C.Johnson 6+8reb+1ast
Correcaminos: B.Byrd 26+7reb+2ast, J.Vega 22+3reb+5ast, S.Mgbeike 8+18reb+1ast, G.Jocelyn 4+6reb, D.Evans 4+4reb+1ast, I.Uchendu 4+5reb+1ast
gschID: 1081277


Plateras - Freseras 82-76

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 9th ranked Freseras' (3-15) road loss to eighth ranked Plateras (7-11) in Fresnillo 76-82 on Friday. American players dominated the game. It was an exceptional evening for center Vionise Pierre-Louis (193-1995, college: Oklahoma) who led the winners and scored 24 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Kamilah Jackson (183-1992, college: Hawaii) accounted for 17 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side. Guard Sierra Moore (180-1994, college: Penn St.) came up with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 14 rebounds and forward Dejza James (185-1995, college: Arizona) added 14 points and 10 rebounds respectively for Freseras in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Freseras' coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Plateras maintains eighth place with 7-11 record. Loser Freseras keep the ninth position with 15 games lost. They share it with Correcaminos. Plateras will again meet at home Freseras (#9) in the next round. Freseras will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Plateras: V.Pierre-Louis 24+6reb+4ast, K.Jackson 17+12reb+5ast, K.Brown-Haywood 14+5reb+1ast, J.Jones 11+8reb+8ast, T.Muldrow 9+3reb, M.Williams 7+4reb
Freseras: S.Moore 26+14reb+3ast, D.James 14+10reb+2ast, M.Taylor 12+1reb+5ast, C.Bickle 10+4reb+4ast, J.Bonds 8+3ast, Y.Boulet 4+4reb
gschID: 1081278


Rojas - Astros 66-75

The game in Veracruz was also worth to mention about. Third ranked Astros (14-4) played at the court of 5th ranked Rojas (10-8). Astros managed to secure a 9-point victory 75-66. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Rojas. They outrebounded Rojas 48-30 including a 37-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great evening for American center Jewel Tunstull (190-1992, college: Northeastern) who led her team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. Her fellow American import guard Brooke McCarty-Williams (163-1995, college: Texas) helped adding 22 points. Astros' coach Jonathan Villegas allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American forward Akilah Bethel (183-1993, college: LSU) responded with 13 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals and Bosnian-American center Lynetta Kizer (193-1990, college: Maryland) produced a double-double by scoring 10 points and 11 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The victory was the third consecutive win for Astros. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Panteras. Rojas at the other side keep the fifth position with eight games lost. They share it with Fuerza Regia. Astros will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Rojas will play again at home against Astros (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Astros: B.McCarty-Williams 22+2ast, J.Tunstull 13+10reb+1ast, A.Rembiszewska 12+7reb, J.Adams 10+7reb+5ast, I.McGee-Stafford 8+10reb+2ast, O.Montserrat 4+6reb+1ast
Rojas: A.Alix 18+1reb+2ast, D.Church 13+3reb+3ast, A.Bethel 13+6reb+4ast, L.Kizer 10+11reb+1ast, F.Maria 5+1reb+1ast, C.Mazzocco 4+2reb+1ast
gschID: 1081279


Panteras - Abejas 102-69

The game between second ranked Panteras (14-4) and 10th ranked Abejas (2-16) in Aguascalientes on Friday ended with biggest points difference. Panteras outscored guests from Leon 102-69. Panteras looked well-organized offensively handing out 34 assists comparing to just 17 passes made by Abejas' players. It was a quality performance for Latvian center Kristine Vitola (196-1991, college: UTEP) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!) and 11 rebounds. American forward Samantha Fuehring (191, college: Louisville) accounted for 17 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists for the winning side. Point guard Dana Soto (167-1997) came up with 11 points, 9 assists and 4 steals and American center Rachel Hollivay (196-1993, college: Rutgers) added 10 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Abejas in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Panteras maintains second place with 14-4 record behind leader Adelitas, which they share with Astros. Abejas lost their tenth game in a row. They dropped to the bottom position with 16 games lost. Panteras will again meet at home bottom-ranked Abejas (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Abejas will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Panteras: K.Vitola 33+11reb+3ast, A.Rodriguez 20+7reb+3ast, S.Fuehring 17+9reb+6ast, A.O'Connor 9+3reb+3ast, R.Barahman 8+3reb+7ast, M.Luz 6+1reb+1ast
Abejas: G.Micheline 13+4reb, D.Soto 11+4reb+9ast, V.Diana 10+3ast, R.Hollivay 10+7reb+3ast, C.Maria 7+5reb+1ast, Z.Williams 6+11reb
gschID: 1081280


Libertadoras - Adelitas 62-73

An interesting game for Adelitas (15-3) which played road game in Queretaro against 4th placed Libertadores (12-6). First ranked Adelitas managed to get a 11-point victory 73-62. American center Danielle Adams (185-1989, college: Texas A&M) orchestrated the victory by scoring 20 points. Her fellow American import forward Crystal Bradford (183-1993, college: CMU) contributed with 12 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. American power forward Lyndra Weaver (185-1987, college: Virginia) answered with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 13 rebounds and Italian forward Marzia Tagliamento (183-1996) added 18 points in the effort for Libertadores. Five Adelitas and four Libertadores players scored in double figures. Libertadores' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Adelitas have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. They maintain first place with 15-3 record. Libertadores lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fourth position with six games lost. Adelitas will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Libertadores will play again at home against the league's leader Adelitas (#1) and are hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
Adelitas: D.Adams 20+4reb, C.Bradford 12+9reb+1ast, A.Tolefree 12+3reb+1ast, T.Atkinson 12+4reb+1ast, H.Peters 11+6reb+4ast, M.Ortiz 4+4reb+3ast
Libertadoras: M.Tagliamento 18+3reb+1ast, M.Garrick 11+5reb+1ast, P.Pavlopoulou 11+4reb, L.Weaver 10+13reb+2ast, R.Gray 6+5reb, M.Benson 6+4reb+1ast
gschID: 1081281




Vitola's double-double lands her LNBPF Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
LNBPFw
sponsor
32-year old center Kristine Vitola (196-C-1991) had an amazing evening in the last round for second-ranked Panteras and receives a Hoops Agents LNBPF Player of the Week award for round 11.
She had a double-double of 33 points and 11 rebounds, while her team outclassed Abejas (#11, 2-17) with 33-point margin 102-69. Panteras maintains the 2nd position in Mexican league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Panteras will need more victories to improve their 15-4 record. In the team's last game Vitola had a remarkable 75.0% from 2-point range and got four three-pointers out of 8 attempts. She has many years of experience at Panteras, through which she has constantly improved. The University of Texas at El Paso graduate has very impressive stats this year. Vitola is in league's top in points (8th best: 15.2ppg) and averages solid 52.9% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Sierra Moore (180-G-1994) of Freseras. She is American guard in her first season at Freseras. In the last game Moore recorded impressive double-double of 26 points and 14 rebounds. Bad luck as Freseras lost that game 76-82 to slightly higher-ranked Plateras (#8, 8-11). Freseras is still second from the bottom in the standings. 16 lost games are too many comparing to just three victories Freseras managed to get this year. Moore is one of the most experienced players at Freseras and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Kaila Charles (185-F-1998) of Fuerza Regia (#5). Charles scored 27 points and grabbed seven rebounds. She was a key player of Fuerza Regia, leading her team to a 85-68 easy win against the lower-ranked Correcaminos (#10, 3-16). Fuerza Regia needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 11 victories and 8 lost games. Charles has a very solid season. In 7 games in Mexico she scored 20.0ppg. She also has 7.4rpg and FGP: 64.5%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Vionise Pierre-Louis (193-C-1995) of Plateras - 24 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Samantha Fuehring (191-F) of Panteras - 17 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists
6. Kamilah Jackson (183-F-1992) of Plateras - 17 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Jewel Tunstull (190-C-1992) of Astros - 13 points and 10 rebounds
8. Angela Rodriguez (173-G-1991) of Panteras - 20 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Brooke McCarty-Williams (163-G-1995) of Astros - 22 points and 2 assists
10. Atonye Nyingifa (183-F-1990) of Fuerza Regia - 9 points, 10 rebounds and 5 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)

The Player of the Week awards are presented by Hoops Agents. Hoops Agents is the most complete website about the agencies and players they represent. With more than twenty years of experience, Hoops Agents is already recognized as the most reliable destination for the players who wish to continue their career in professional basketball and are searching for a reputable and connected representation. Hoops Agents is also most complete source of transactions news.


*****************************************************
MOROCCO  
Majd Tanger open Final Series with a win against Kawkab - by Igor Obradovic
In a highly anticipated showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, Majd Tanger emerged victorious against Kawkab de Marrakech in a thrilling opening game of the 2023 Final Series. The final score of 72:61 reflected the intense competition and showcased the immense talent displayed by both teams.
The second game of the Final Series is on 9th July.
*****************************************************
NEW ZEALAND  
S. Hoiho signs rookie Ahlise Hurst in her first year in pro basketball - by Igor Obradovic
actionPhoto
Tauihi-Basketball-Aoteroaw
sponsor
Southern Hoiho (Tauihi Basketball Aoteroa) strengthened their roster with addition of 23-year old Australian 175cm guard Ahlise Hurst. Hurst just graduated from Oregon (NCAA). In 30 games she recorded 4.5ppg last season.
She started her college career at University of New Mexico (NCAA) where she played three seasons. Then she moved to University of Oregon (NCAA).
Of course it will be Hurst's first season in professional basketball.

(via @GuidoGuida)
*****************************************************
WNBA  
Stewart and Collier plan to start a new women's league to play in WNBA offseason - by Igor Obradovic
NEW YORK (AP) - WNBA stars Breanna Stewart (6'4''-F-1994, college: UConn) and Napheesa Collier (6'3''-F-1996, college: UConn) are starting a new women's basketball league to give top players another option to play in the U.S. in the offseason once the league's prioritization rules go into effect next year.
The new league, which is called Unrivaled, will run from January through March and have 30 of the top women's players playing on six teams. Instead of the traditional 5-on-5 game, the teams will play 3-on-3 and 1-on-1 at a custom-built soundstage in Miami.
The league was first reported by ESPN.

'We remain committed to the WNBA, however, there's a problem that exists, which is players having to choose whether to play overseas to maximize earnings in the winter or stay home with family. We've decided to create our own solution,' Collier tweeted.
The hope is to raise enough funding to pay players roughly what they make during the WNBA season to help offset the money they'd be losing out on by not playing overseas in the offseason. The maximum base salary for WNBA players is just over $230,000. Players like Stewart have earned more than a million dollars playing overseas in the past.

'Every initial player will receive equity ownership within the league and earn salaries that are competitive to the WNBA,' Collier said. 'We do plan on expanding.'
Collier said the new league will play on shortened full courts with more spacing, more scoring, and shorter games.
The prioritization rules were part of the collective bargaining agreement that was ratified in 2020 and require players to return from their international teams by the start of WNBA training camps or else not be able to play in the league's season. Overseas seasons often run through the middle of May, conflicting with the WNBA calendar.

Unrivaled would join Athletes Unlimited as a domestic off-season option for women's basketball players. AU has 44 players in its league and is set to begin its third season next year.
'I think the future is bright,' said Megan Perry, who was announced Thursday as AU's head of sport. 'The more opportunities they have to play the better it is. I don't think we could be anything but excited about the new opportunities that exist domestically for women's basketball. You look at the overall landscape of women's basketball in the global community - it's good for the game and speaks to the demand that exists. There's room for everyone at the table.'
Both Stewart and Collier have played overseas in their careers. Collier stopped after giving birth to her first child last year. Stewart's wife, Marta Xargay, is expecting their second child in the fall.
'Stewie & I both have daughters. It's our responsibility to show them & every young girl that looks up to us that sometimes you don't have to wait your turn,' Collier tweeted. 'You can either beg for a seat at the table or you can build your own table. We're building our own table.'

Courtesy of apnews.com

Wings end Aces' historic start, get major confidence boost: 'Nobody can stop us when we play like this' - by Igor Obradovic
Natasha Howard (6'3''-F-1991, college: FSU, agency: LBM Management) hit two game-winning free throws with 0.4 seconds to play

The first time the final buzzer sounded on the Dallas Wings' 80-78 victory over the Las Vegas Aces on Friday night, it was the result of a clock operator's error. As the final 0.4 seconds were replayed, everyone inside College Park Center held their breath. Only after it became clear that Jackie Young's potential game-tying shot had come too late could they exhale and begin celebrating the Wings' biggest win of the season.
"I told the team afterwards I'm so proud of them," Wings coach Latricia Trammell said with tears still drying in her eyes. "They just deserve it. Every team says that, but man, the adversity that sometimes these players go through that people don't even know about. To have them still fight and come together, I'm just so happy for them. These tears are for them. These players are special."

This has been an up-and-down season for the Wings, but they're trending up lately and just became the second team to defeat the reigning champions this season. Just days after losing to the Aces in Las Vegas, the Wings stopped their historic nine-game winning streak -- and did so in dramatic fashion.
In the middle of the third quarter, the Aces used a 17-6 surge to open up a double-digit lead in what, to that point, had been an even, back-and-forth contest. So often this season, the Aces have used runs like that to break their opponents' spirit and pull away for comfortable wins. The Wings, though, were not fazed. By the middle of the fourth quarter, they had tied things up, which set up a fascinating finish.

It was still all square with 14 seconds to play when the Wings called timeout to set up a final play. While Satou Sabally's mid-range jumper didn't go down, she took it early enough to give the Wings a chance on the offensive glass, and after three different put-back attempts, Natasha Howard was fouled with 0.4 seconds to go. The veteran calmly stepped to the line and knocked down both free throws, which proved to be the difference.
"I felt good," Howard said. "I've been in situations like that before. so it wasn't nothing unique. Just ice in my veins, you feel me?"
Howard, who finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds, played hero, but it was the defense that stood out down the stretch and won the game for the Wings. Improving on that side of the ball was the main remit for Trammell heading into the season, and the fourth quarter was a glimpse of what's possible for them.

They held a historically dominant Aces offense to 12 points on 5-of-15 from the field. More importantly, their size and length, as well as some zone defense, kept the Aces away from the basket. Only three of Vegas' fourth-quarter attempts came in the paint, and they didn't shoot any free throws in the frame.
"We made it a lot harder [on them]," said Arike Ogunbowale, who is not known for her defense but came up with five steals in the game, including three in the fourth. "We got steals, touches and deflections, just putting more pressure on them. Our bigs played big. Their bigs felt the presence of our bigs for sure. Every rebound was hard for them, every shot was hard for them."
With the big result on Friday, the Wings have now won three of their last four games to improve to 9-9 on the season, moving them into sixth place in the crowded middle of the pack. There are still plenty of improvements for them to make, but a win over the clear title favorites was a major confidence boost as they try to take the next step as a team and organization.
"I told the girls in the locker room, 'We can beat anybody in this league,'" Howard said. "Nobody can stop us when we play like this."

Courtesy of CBS Sports