NBDL (D-League) Growing Pains

[Durbansandshark]

Ryan Wittman Signed by Fort Wayne Mad Ants - Feb 2, 2011 (by Surujh Roopnarine)
Not ones to lick their wounds at the loss of star guard Oliver Lafayette (6'2''-G-84, college: Houston) to an overseas contract in Turkey, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants have signed one of the darlings of last years NCAA Tournament, Ryan Wittman (6'6''-F-88, college: Cornell). Currently 13-16, sitting in third place in the Eastern Conference, the addition of Wittman will add size and perimeter scoring to the squad which is shooting only 32.8% from three-point range on the season. Wittman, the son of NBA assistant coach Randy Witttman and all-time leading scorer in Cornell basketball history (2,028), comes to the D-league from Italy where he began his pro career this season after going undrafted out of Cornell. In 14 games with MarcoPoloShop.it Forli of Italys second division (the same division Scottie Reynolds began the year in) he averaged 14.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.6 steals while shooting 50.9% from the field. Wittman, 6-7, was an integral member of Cornells Cinderella story last season as the 12th seeded Ivy-League school upended Wisconsin 87-69 to advance to the sweet 16 where they eventually fell to top-ranked Kentucky. As a senior he appeared in 34 games, and averaged 17.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists while shooting 42.6% from three. Wittman went undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft and participated in both the Orlando Summer League (Boston and NBA Summer League (new York) before heading to Europe.

Thunder recall Cole Aldrich from D-League - Feb 3, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti announced today that the team has recalled center Cole Aldrich (6'11''-C-88, college: Kansas) from the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League.

During his two assignments this season with the 66ers, Aldrich has appeared in 19 games (19 starts) and averaged 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocked shots in 29.2 minutes. Aldrich has recorded three consecutive double-doubles with Tulsa and the 66ers own a 15-4 mark this season with him in the lineup. Aldrich has joined the Thunder in Oklahoma City for tonights 7:00 PM game against the New Orleans Hornets at the Oklahoma City Arena.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Wednesday: Legends, Bighorns and Energy celebrate - Feb 3, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Reno Bighorns - Springfield A. 113-72
The Bighorns jumped out of the gates on an 8-0 run and never looked back Wednesday night, cruising to a 113-72 victory over the Springfield Armor in the Reno Events Center. The Bighorns (18-12) set new franchise records in margin of victory (41), turnovers committed (5) and points allowed (72). The win marked Reno's third straight, on the heels of a weekend sweep over the Bakersfield Jam. 'That was our best defensive effort of the year,' said Bighorns Head Coach Eric Musselman. 'I thought our guys did a really good job of staying focused throughout the entire 48 minutes. Guys did a great job of playing their role tonight.' In the Reno backcourt, Donald Sloan finished with five assists and no turnovers, while Golden State Warriors assignment player Jeremy Lin led the Bighorns with 20 points, six assists and zero turnovers. 'The job that our team has done collectively of taking care of the ball has been excellent,' Musselman said. 'We were worried when Aaron Miles went down with an injury, but Sloan continues to get better and better, and our point guard play has been phenomenal.' On a night that featured another balanced effort from the Bighorns, Patrick O'Bryant recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 boards, while Danny Green (6'6''-F/G-87, college: N.Carolina) added 19 points and six assists. All 10 Bighorns registered in the scoring column Wednesday, and the team combined to shoot 84 percent (21-of-25) from the free-throw line. Reno led by 18 after one and took a 27-point advantage into halftime. The lead continued to grow in the second half, as the Bighorns finished the third period on a 12-2 run, and the edge was never seriously threatened. Philadelphia 76ers assignee Craig Brackins (6'10''-F-87, college: Iowa St.) led the way for the Armor (9-19), finishing with a game-high 29 points and 12 rebounds. Jerry Smith (6'2''-G-84, college: Samford) added 12 points for Springfield, and Gavin Edwards chipped-in 11 points and nine boards. Reno now hits the road for a Friday-Saturday series in Idaho. Tip-time for the opener is set for 6 p.m. PST in Qwest Arena. 'This one is over. We have two very difficult games coming up against a much-improved Idaho team,' Musselman said. 'Right now our whole focus is on how we can beat the Stampede.' *Courtesy of www.kolotv.com

Rio Grande - Iowa E. 127-136
The defending NBA Development League champion Rio Grande Valley Vipers fell to the Iowa Energy 136-127 on Wednesday at State Farm Arena in front of a crowd of 4,664. The Energy (21-9) opened the game on a 12-0 run, hitting 5 of 6 shots. The Vipers (19-9) got on the board for the first time at the 8:18 mark when Houston Rockets-assignee Ish Smith drove the lane for a layup. The Vipers opened the second quarter on a 16-5 run, during which Mouhammad Faye (6'9''-F-85, college: SMU) hit a 3-pointer at the 8:56 mark of the to give the Vipers their first lead at 42-41. Smith followed by converting a three-point play to give the Vipers a 45-41 lead. The Energy outscored the Vipers 23-12 over the rest of the quarter to take 64-57 halftime lead. The Vipers opened the third quarter on an 11-4 run, capped by a Jerel McNeal basket to take the lead back at 77-76 with 8:47 remaining. Two minutes later, the game was tied at 83 after Terrel Harris hit a jumper, at which point the Energy went on a 13-1 run to take a 96-84 lead that they did not relinquish. Harris scored a career-high 27 points on 10 of 16 shooting, including 4 of 9 from behind the arc to go with five rebounds, two assists and a career-high tying four steals. Jeff Adrien recorded his 14th double-double in 19 games with 17 points and 14 rebounds while Smith picked up his second double-double with 12 points and 12 assists. The Vipers shot 17 of 46 (37 percent) from behind the arc, setting new franchise records in both makes and attempts. The Vipers also attempted a franchise-record 111 field goals, hitting 49 of them (44.1 percent). The Energy were led by Chicago Bulls-assignee James Johnson (6'9''-F-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest), who scored a game-high 31 points with 14 rebounds and six blocks. Curtis Stinson (6'2''-G-83, college: Iowa St.) recorded a triple-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists, Courtney Sims had a double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds while Marqus Blakely also had a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. The Vipers hit the road for 10 days to play five games in three states, starting at 8:30 p.m. Friday against the New Mexico Thunderbirds in Rio Rancho, N.M. *Courtesy of www.brownsvilleherald.com

New Mexico - Texas L. 108-110
Dominique Johnson (6'3''-G-87, college: Azusa Pacific) hit a buzzer beater for the Texas Legends (15-14) to help them to a 110-108 victory over the New Mexico Thunderbirds (14-16) on Wednesday night at the Santa Ana Star Center. After combining to score over 250 points the night before, the Thunderbirds and Legends played another high scoring first half with the Thunderbirds holding a slim 61-59 lead at the half. Josh Bostic (6'5''-F-87, college: Findlay (OH)) led all scorers with 14 points including two 3-pointers for the Thunderbirds. On the other side Joe Alexander (6'8''-F-86, college: W.Virginia) led the Legends with 13 points and did the majority of his damage at the free throw line, hitting seven free throws. In the third quarter, with the Thunderbirds holding a 75-74 lead, they went on a 12-3 run to take a 10 point lead, their largest of the game. The Legends answered with a 9-1 lead and would trail by just four points heading into the fourth quarter. The Legends started the fourth quarter by scoring the first seven points to take a 93-90 lead. The Thunderbirds responded with a quick 6-0 run capped by an alley oop from Dar Tucker to Jamine Peterson. With 2:44 to go and the Legends trailing by three points, Booker Woodfox hit a three pointer to tie up the game, 106-106. After the teams traded baskets, Johnson hit a fadeaway as time expired to win the game. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Thunder sent Byron Mullens to Tulsa 66ers - Feb 4, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti announced today that the team has assigned center Byron Mullens (7'0''-C-89, college: Ohio St.) to the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League. In his first stint in Tulsa, Mullens appeared in one game, recording 19 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block in 33 minutes.

This season, the center is averaging 1.3 points, 1.6 rebounds and 4.7 minutes in 12 games for Oklahoma City. Mullens will be in uniform tomorrow night when the 66ers take on the Utah Flash at the Tulsa Convention Center. Courtesy of www.sportando.net

[Durbansandshark]

Clippers assign Willie Warren to NBA D-League affiliate Bakersfield Jam - Feb 4, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Los Angeles Clippers guard Willie Warren (6'4''-G-89, college: Oklahoma) was assigned to the Bakersfield Jam, the Clippers' NBA Development League affiliate, it was announced today. The assignment marks the 37th time in the 2010-11 season an NBA player has been assigned to an NBA D-League affiliate, and it is the first assignment for Warren, a rookie out of Oklahoma.

Warren (6-4, 203) has appeared in 14 games this season with the Clippers, averaging 2.2 points and 1.4 assists in 7.8 minutes. Warren also averaged 7.0 points and 1.4 rebounds in five games for the Clippers' 2010 NBA Summer League team.

The Clippers selected Warren, an early-entry candidate, in the second round (54th overall) of the 2010 NBA Draft. In two seasons at Oklahoma, Warren averaged 15.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 57 games. As a freshman, Warren was an All-Big 12 Second Team selection, and was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year. As a sophomore, Warren's 16.3 points per game led the Sooners, and he was named an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention player.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Mad Ants top Toros 103-100 - Feb 4, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Ft.Wayne MA - Austin T. 103-100
In a game that came down to the final minute of play and saw 21 lead changes, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants outlasted the Austin Toros to give them the 103-100 victory. The first period of play was a sew-saw battle with the Mad Ants leading 24-22 heading into the second. The second was more of the same with 11 lead changes. The Toros went on a 10-4 run to close out the period and lead 55-51 at the half. Leo Lyons (6'9''-F-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Missouri) had 14 first half points for the Toros. The Toros jumped out to a quick 8 point lead to start the second half but the Ants went on an 11-0 run to close the third period and steal back the lead. The back and forth trend continued through the fourth period and came down to the final minute of play. The two teams were locked in at 100 apiece with 56 seconds left on the clock, Mad Ants Darnell Lazare hit one of two free throws followed by an offensive rebound by Marvin Phillips which ultimately led to two made free throws by Walker Russell (6'0''-G-82, college: Jacksonville St.) to give the Mad Ants the 3 point victory. The Toros had three players finish with a double-doubles. Lyons led the Toros with 25 points and 10 rebounds, Carldell Johnson (5'10''-G-83, college: UAB) finished with 15 points and 10 assists, and Marcus Cousins added 10 points and 10 rebound. Chris Kramer (6'3''-G-88, college: Purdue) scored 26 points off of the bench for the Mad Ants to lead all scorers. Russell Jr. finished with 21 points and 11 assists and Lazare added 16 points. *Courtesy of www.wane.com

BayHawks win 5th straight - Feb 7, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Texas L. - Erie Bay H. 106-111
The Erie BayHawks continue to roll with a 111-106 win at Texas against the Legends (16-15) on Sunday afternoon. Winners of its last five games, Erie (20-9) became the fifth team in the D-League this season to reach 20 wins. Blake Ahearn (6'2''-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Missouri St.) lead the BayHawks with 31 points Sunday, but a key guy in this stretch has been Tasmin Mitchell (6'7''-F-86, college: LSU). In Erie's last three wins, Mitchell has averaged 26.3 points. He matched his career high of 28 points in Sunday's win. Because Ivan Johnson has gotten into his share of foul trouble in recent games, Mitchell has gotten more minutes and taken advantage of that. Erie returns to action Thursday with a three-game home stint against the New Mexico Thunderbirds, a team that beat the BayHawks twice at their place earlier this season. The Thunderbirds (14-18) aren't the same team they were earlier in the season as they've lost three straight. *Courtesy of www.goerieblogs.com

[Durbansandshark]

Spurs assign James Anderson to D-League - Feb 8, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The San Antonio Spurs announced that they have assigned rookie James Anderson (6'6''-G-89, college: Oklahoma St.) to the Austin Toros of the NBA Development League. This is Andersons second assignment to the Toros this season while rehabbing from a stress fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot which he was diagnosed with on November 11.

Anderson, a 6-6, 215-pound guard, was originally assigned to Austin on January 26. He appeared in two games for the Toros, averaging 14.5 points and 2.0 rebounds in 14.0 minutes. He shot .556 (10-18) from the field, .444 (4-9) from three-point territory and .714 (5-7) from the free throw line. Anderson was recalled by the Spurs on January 29 and saw limited action in three games.

Before the injury, Anderson appeared in six games for the Spurs, averaging 7.0 points and 1.5 assists in 17.7 minutes.

For the season he has appeared in nine games, averaging 5.2 points and 1.1 assists in 13.0 minutes. He is shooting .432 (16-37) from the field and .500 (11-22) from three-point land.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Rockets recall Ish Smith - Feb 8, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The defending NBA Development League champion Rio Grande Valley Vipers announced Monday their parent club, the Houston Rockets, have recalled point guard Ishmael Smith (6'0''-G-88, college: Wake Forest) and that the Vipers have acquired center Connor Atchley (6'10''-F/C-85, agency: Impact Basketball, college: Texas) from the Iowa Energy for power forward Stanley Robinson (6'9''-F-88, college: Connecticut), who was reacquired earlier in the day.

The Vipers have also waived center Mickell Gladness (6'11''-F/C-86).

Assigned Jan. 17, Smith played in four games (one start) with the Vipers, averaging 12.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.8 steals in 31.8 minutes per game. He shot 43.1 percent (22 for 51) from the field, 30 percent (3 for 10) from behind the arc and 50 percent (4 for 8) from the foul line.

He scored a career-high 18 points on 7 of 12 shooting against the Maine Red Claws on Jan. 19 and finished by dishing out a career-high 10 assists to go with a career-high three steals against the Dakota Wizards on Jan. 22.

Ishmael had an effective stay with the Vipers as he was able to continue his development in games, sais Vipers general manager Gersson Rosas, who is also the Rockets' vice president of player personnel. There is nothing like a game setting for a young point guard to continue to work on his craft, especially in terms of running a team and being an initiator on defense. We were able to take advantage of a key stretch of Vipers games for him to participate in and look forward to the next period where he can come back down and continue his work with our Vipers coaches.'

Smith is averaging 3.1 points, 1.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 12.9 minutes in 24 games (three starts) for the Rockets.

Atchley is averaging 5.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 17.1 minutes in 19 games (13 starts). He is shooting 43.6 percent (34 for 78) from the field and 87.1 percent (27 for 31) from the free-throw line.

He scored a season-high 19 points on 7 of 9 shooting in 27 minutes vs. Sioux Falls on Dec. 1. Atchley is in his second year in the NBA Development League. He split last season between Dakota and Iowa, averaging 6.5 points and 3.8 rebounds in 41 games (13 starts). For his career, Atchley is averaging 6.1 points 3.7 rebounds and 16.5 minutes in 60 games (26 starts).

Atchleys best play came in the playoffs with the Energy last year, when he averaged 10.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in six games and starts.

Connor is a versatile big that fits our style of play with his shooting and size, which help address some of our team needs, Rosas said. 'He is a guy we would like to get a closer look at in our environment and we are glad to add him to our team. We feel like he has an opportunity to come in and get better by working with our coaches in order to help our team.'

Atchley played for the Sacramento Kings during NBA training camp, scoring two points, while hitting 1 of 3 shots, with three rebounds (two offensive) in eight minutes over the course of three games. Atchley played for the Kings during the NBA Summer Leauge in Las Vegas, averaging 3.8 points and 2.6 rebounds per game.

He also played for the New Jersey Nets during the Orlando Pro Summer League, averaging 7.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 22.2 minutes per game. Atchley also played for the Golden State Warriors during the 2009 NBA Summer League and then in Turkey before joining the NBA Development League.

Atchleys best season with the Longhorns came as a junior during the 2007-08 season, when he averaged 9.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and a Big 12-best 2.1 blocks per game. He was named to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team, the Big 12 All-Improved team and the Academic All-Big 12 First Team.

The 23-year old was born in Houston and grew up in Clear Lake.

Robinson averaged 9.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 10.3 minutes in three games off the bench before getting waived due to a right leg injury Dec. 16.

Gladness averaged 3.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 19 games (six starts).

Courtesy of www.brownsvilleherald.com

[Durbansandshark]

Sixers recall F Brackins - Feb 8, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Philadelphia 76ers announced today that they have recalled rookie forward Craig Brackins (6'10''-F-87, college: Iowa St.) from their NBA Development League affiliate, the Springfield Armor. Brackins was assigned to the Armor on January 15. His first assignment was from November 30 through December 12.

In 14 games for Springfield, Brackins averaged 19.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.00 blocks in 37.2 minutes per game. Over his final three games with the Armor, Brackins averaged 24.7 points and 11.3 rebounds. He leaves the D-League tied for the seventh-highest scoring average of any player this season.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Utah Flash fall to Rio Grande Valley Vipers - Feb 8, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Utah F. - Rio Grande 99-109
The defending NBA Development League champion Rio Grande Valley Vipers hit 23 more free throws in 21 more attempts to win the only meeting of the season against the Utah Flash, 109-99, on Monday at the UCCU Center. The Vipers (22-9) are now winners of three-straight and 15-of-17. They are also within one game of the first place Tulsa 66ers (23-8). The Vipers shot 28-for-35 (80%) from the foul line while the Flash (14-15), losers of three-straight, were 5-for-14. Jerel McNeal (6'3''-G-87, college: Marquette) led the Vipers with 26 points and seven assists while Richard Roby (6'6''-G-85) scored with 22 points to go with a career-high 11 rebounds. Kevin Kruger (6'1''-G-83, college: UNLV) led the Flash with 14 points. *Courtesy of www.deseretnews.com

daho Stampede win after game delayed; Skyforce top Maine, win second straight - Feb 9, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Dakota W. - Idaho S. 108-121
Travel woes delayed Idaho's game against the Dakota Wizards by about 3 hours. But once the teams took the floor, the Stampede showed no signs of travel fatigue. Idaho defeated Dakota 121-108 late Tuesday night in Bismarck, N.D. Armon Johnson (6'3''-G-89, college: Nevada), on assignment from the Portland Trail Blazers, led the Stampede with 22 points. Sean Banks (6'8''-F-85, college: Memphis), with 21 points, was one of six other Stampede players in double figures. It was the most points Idaho (11-19) has scored this season, and the win snapped a two-game losing streak. Jermareo Davidson had a team-high eight rebounds in the win, and Antoine Walker led Idaho with seven assists. *Courtesy of www.idahostatesman.com

Sioux Falls S. - Maine RC 107-98
The Sioux Falls Skyforce defeated the Maine Red Claws 107-98 at the Sioux Falls Arena on Tuesday night. Six players scored in double figures for Sioux Falls as they won two straight games for the first time this season. After an even first quarter Sioux Falls (5-22) outscored Maine 29-24 in the second quarter to take a 58-53 lead into the locker room. Raymond Sykes (6'9''-F/C-86, college: Clemson) had a strong first half with 16 points on 7-of-9 field goals. The first half saw 12 lead changes and eight ties. Sioux Falls never trailed in the second half and led by as many as 14 points (95-81) with 8:24 to go in the contest. Maine (12-20) made one last push and got to within six points (101-95) with just over two minutes to go in the game but six straight points from Miami HEAT assignee Dexter Pittman (6'10''-C-88, agency: Priority Sports, college: Texas) down the stretch sent Maine to their third straight loss in the Dakotas. David Bailey (14 points, 12 assists), Pittman (16 points, 12 rebounds) and Patrick Ewing, Jr. (14 points, 11 rebounds) all finished with double-doubles for the Skyforce. Sykes scored a team-high 18 points to continue his strong play off the bench. Jamar Smith (6'3''-G-87, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: S.Indiana) posted a team-high 23 points on 9-of-16 field goals (3-of-3 3-pointers). Mario West scored 16 points while Champ Oguchi added 12 points in a reserve role. Maine visits Springfield on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. Sioux Falls hosts Idaho in back-to-back meetings on Friday and Saturday night at 7 p.m. CT. *Courtesy of www.ksfy.com

Red Claws acquire Fall and Clinch, waive center James Cripe - Feb 9, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Maine Red Claws, presented by Quirk Chevrolet, today announced that they have acquired center Bamba Fall (7'1''-C-86, college: SMU) from the Reno Bighorns. Reno will receive Maine's 7th round selection in the 2011 NBA Development League Draft. In a separate transaction, the Red Claws have acquired Lewis Clinch (6'3''-G-87, college: Georgia Tech) from the Available Player Pool. Both players are expected to join the team in Springfield for the Red Claws' Thursday night game against the Armor.

Bamba Fall, 24, is 7-1 center out of Southern Methodist University. He played in Israel last season before being drafted in the 7th round of the 2010 NBA D-League Draft by the Bighorns. Due to visa issues, which have since been resolved, Fall has not played this season. A graduate of Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, which has produced numerous NBA players and prospects including the Celtics' Rajon Rondo and the Red Claws' Tiny Gallon, Fall spent four seasons at SMU, starting his final two years, and was named to the C-USA All Defensive Team in 2007 and 2009. He was a member of the Senegalese National Team in 2007 and participated in the African Championships in Angola.

Lewis Clinch, 23, is a 6-3 guard out of Georgia Tech where he was a teammate of Red Claws veteran guard Mario West. Drafted by the Austin in the 3rd round of the 2009 NBA Development League Draft, Clinch has spent the past two seasons with the Toros before being waived this past weekend. In 29 games this season, he averaged 8.5 ppg and 2.2 rbg. Last season, he played in 52 games with Austin, including two playoff appearances, averaging 9.0 ppg and 1.6 rpg. To make room for Clinch on the roster, the Red Claws have waived center James Cripe (7'0''-C-84, college: N.Kentucky).

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

BayHawks acquire guard Reggie Holmes - Feb 9, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Erie BayHawks on Monday plucked guard Reginald Holmes (6'4''-G-87, college: Morgan St.) from the D-League player pool.

The BayHawks' roster had been at nine players after guard Garrett Temple (6'6''-G-86, college: LSU) signed a second 10-day contract with the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.

Holmes, 6 feet 4 inches and 180 pounds, was the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference player of the year and an Associated Press honorable mention All-American as a senior at Morgan State in 2010. He averaged 21.8 points and 4.3 rebounds in his final college season. Holmes recently returned from playing in Morocco.

Erie hosts to the New Mexico Thunderbirds Thursday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., all at Tullio Arena.

Courtesy of www.goerie.com

[Durbansandshark]

J.R. Giddens to play for Thunderbirds - Feb 10, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
It's been three and a half seasons since J.R. Giddens (6'5''-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) last played for the New Mexico Lobos after transferring there following two rather tumultuous seasons as a Kansas Jayhawk, but he'll likely be donning a 'New Mexico' jersey again sometime soon.

No, Giddens isn't going back to college but rather will be joining the state's professional basketball team.

Giddens, a 6-foot-5 wing and the first-round pick of Boston in the 2008 NBA Draft, signed an NBA Development League contract on Tuesday and was officially claimed by the D-League's New Mexico Thunderbirds on Thursday afternoon. Giddens arrived in New Mexico on Sunday, but was unable to sign with the D-League until the league could get FIBA clearance.

It's unclear what exactly caused the holdup, but Giddens told a fan on Twitter '[E]urope was nice but if [you] don't pay me for my services [I] can't play, still waiting on money from teams over there no bueno,' presumably meaning that the issue stemmed from Giddens probably still being under contract -- despite not being paid -- from one of the European teams he's played for in the past.

Since Giddens was unable to make an impact in the NBA, appearing in just 38 games total over the past two seasons between the Celtics and New York Knicks and then failing to make good on a training camp invite from the Sacramento Kings this fall, he decided to take his talents to Europe this season.

His European vacation probably didn't work out quite as planned, however.

Giddens first signed to play with Asseco Prokom Gdynia in Poland where he'd average 9.0 points and 5.2 rebounds in 10 games of Euroleague action while playing alongside former NBA players Mike Wilks and Daniel Ewing. When the team failed to reach the Euroleague Top 16 competition, however, Giddens was released. He wasn't a free agent for long, however, as he was quickly picked up by Power Electronics Valencia in Spain.

With Spain, the Giddens-Europe saga got more interesting. Prior to even playing a game for the ACB league team, Giddens was reprimanded by his coach because the player posted pictures of every meal that he ate. Five days later, the team decided to release the former first-round NBA pick despite the fact that he never actually appeared in a game for Valencia.

Now that Giddens is back in America, hopefully the random issues that caused both of his European stints to end prematurely won't occur again because he's shown to be a very capable player in the D-League. During stints with the Utah Flash and Maine Red Claws while on assignment from Boston -- the NBA team switched affiliates when Maine joined the league -- he averaged 17.3 points while shooting 59 percent from the field. His 6.0 rebounds and solid defense only helped to make him a more interesting NBA prospect.

Giddens will make his debut with the team against the Erie BayHawks Thursday night in Pennsylvania. The Thunderbirds, coached by former NBA player Darvin Ham, don't play again in New Mexico until March 2 against the Bakersfield Jam.

Courtesy of http://nba.fanhouse.com

RGV Vipers Waive Stanley Asumnu - Feb 11, 2011 (by Surujh Roopnarine)
Stanley Asumnu (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Tennessee), the Rio Grande Valley Vipers' all-time leader in games played (141), was waived on Thursday. This season, Asumnu was averaging 4.2 points, 1.9 rebounds and 9.6 minutes in 17 games off the bench. He had missed the last six games with a high left ankle sprain. Because he was waived with an injury, the Vipers will retain his rights and may sign him aheaed of any other team once he is fully recovered. Asumnu, a 6-5 guard/forward out of Tennessee owns career averages with the Vipers of 8.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 20.6 minutes while making 33 starts.

Mullens making quick impact with 66ers - Feb 11, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
When Byron Mullens (7'0''-C-89, college: Ohio St.) returned to the Tulsa 66ers roster last week, it was as if he had never left.

Since being reassigned by the Oklahoma City Thunder to its D-League affiliate, Mullens has started both of the team's games. Against Utah on Friday, he scored five of the team's first nine points and hit the winning shot. He also had a team-high 20 points and a game-high 12 rebounds in a loss to Texas on Saturday.

'A lot of times when guys are at the NBA level and they're not playing many minutes, when they get sent down, it's a change of pace just because it's game action,' Tulsa coach Nate Tibbetts said. 'Byron's had a good week of practice, and he's going to continue to get better in every game.'

Mullens and the 66ers play Utah again Friday and Saturday at the Tulsa Convention Center. Tulsa leads the Western Conference and has a league-best 23-8 record.

A 7-foot center who turns 22 on Monday, Mullens is tied for 10th in D-League scoring with an average of 19.3 points in three games, including one in December when he was briefly with Tulsa. His coach said Mullens improved during his time in Oklahoma City.

'He's playing with more physicality,' Tibbetts said. 'He's around the rim a lot more. His confidence is going to continue to grow with his experience, and I think you're seeing that.'

In the 12 games he played for the Thunder this season, Mullens was used sparingly. He spent most of last season in Tulsa, averaging 15.1 points. Because of the relationship between the teams, the transition was nearly seamless.

'It really helps that we have so many guys that are familiar with the Thunder,' Tibbetts said. 'We've probably got five or six guys that spent time in Oklahoma City this summer and got to know Byron personally, and also the guys we had here last year know Byron.'

Friday will feel like an Oklahoma City game for Mullens as the 66ers host the annual Thunder affiliate night. Rumble the Bison, the Thunder Girls and Thunder Drummers will be in attendance.

The 66ers will try to shut down the Flash after needing a late run to secure a 100-96 victory last week.

'They played a good game, and we had a good finish,' Tibbetts said. 'They probably wanted to finish a little better down the stretch. They're going to be ready to play, and we need to be ready to match their energy.'

Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

[Durbansandshark]

Thursday's games - Feb 11, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Austin T. - Rio Grande 97-117
The Austin Toros got off to a bad start on Thursday against Rio Grande Valley and could never fully recover, losing their fourth straight game, 117-97. In the first quarter, the Toros shot 21 percent while the Vipers were red-hot (65 percent). ' We just can't seem to get consistency as a group,' Toros coach Brad Jones said. ' I'm continually putting guys in the game to see who can be consistent and that's not a good thing.' Rio Grande Valley only had eight players travel with the team, and seven scored in double figures, led by Terrell Harris (6'5''-G-87, college: Oklahoma St.) with 19. Austin fell behind 45-32 midway through the second quarter before going on a 15-6 run to get back into the game. Kevin Palmer's three-pointer with 1:30 left in the first half brought the Toros within four points at 51-47. Rio Grande Valley started the second half on a 5-0 run and took control, keeping a double-digit lead the rest of the way. The Vipers shot 53 percent and outrebounded Austin 50-38. 'We've got to figure out how to put together stops, like two and three possessions at a time,' Austin's Squeaky Johnson said. Johnson had 15 points and six assists. Eric Boateng replaced leading scorer Marcus Cousin, who was out with mononucleosis. Boateng had four points and seven rebounds. Ex-Longhorn Connor Atchley (6'10''-F/C-85, agency: Impact Basketball, college: Texas), returning to the Austin area as a member of the Vipers, had 16 points and four rebounds. His three-pointer with three minutes left in the third quarter gave his team its biggest lead to that point, 82-64. ' I had a pretty good game, I hit some open shots and moved the ball a lot, the kind of stuff I like to do,' Atchley said. These teams play again on Saturday at noon at the Cedar Park Center. *Courtesy of www.statesman.com

Erie Bay H. - New Mexico 125-100
It doesn't look as if they're going to slow down anytime soon. The Erie BayHawks won a season-high sixth consecutive game in beating New Mexico 125-100 Thursday night before 3,286 fans at Tullio Arena. 'We're in our mode right now,' Erie rookie forward Tasmin Mitchell (6'7''-F-86, college: LSU) said. 'We're in our zone.' Ivan Johnson scored a game-high 37 in 31 minutes of play as Erie led by as many as 30 points en route to crushing the Thunderbirds (14-19). In his past 10 games, the 2011 D-League All-Star selection is averaging 26.6 points. 'You already know what it is,' Johnson said. 'I just play, man. I'm just glad I had another good night. Just feeling good.' Gannon graduate Kyle Goldcamp (6'10''-F-86, college: Gannon) added a career-high 19 points and six blocks for the BayHawks (21-9), who improved to 10-1 at Tullio Arena. Erie already has matched its win total from last season when it finished 21-29. 'It's a great feeling to have a winning record again,' Goldcamp said. 'It was a tough one last year. I think it was the first time I had a losing record since the third grade.' In early December, New Mexico swept Erie in a two-game series at home. With Orlando Magic rookie center Daniel Orton and 28-year-old Alan Anderson, the Thunderbirds were 4-1 and Erie was 4-3. The Thunderbirds have gone 10-18 since then. They no longer have Orton, who's back with Orlando, or Anderson, who went overseas to play in Europe, but the majority of Erie's team is still intact, with the main cog being Johnson. 'Ivan Johnson is a beast,' Erie guard Kyle Spain said. 'He's a beast.' The 6-foot 8-inch, 230-pound power forward had 22 points in the first half Thursday night. For the game, Johnson grabbed nine rebounds and had four assists. 'He's one of the best players in the league,' Erie first-year coach Jay Larranaga said. 'Maybe the best player in the league.' As well as he played, Johnson found excitement in watching Goldcamp have a career night. After a Goldcamp follow-up dunk that led New Mexico coach Darvin Ham to call a timeout with 9:34 left in the first half, Johnson gave the former Gannon star power forward a chest bump on the court. 'He plays with a lot of heart,' Johnson said. 'That's what I like to see.' In the first half, Goldcamp had 14 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the field, four rebounds and three blocks in 16:04. 'I was getting some lucky buckets,' a grinning Goldcamp said. 'Couple of rolls went my way. Easy transition buckets.' Forward J.R. Giddens, a former first-round draft pick of the Boston Celtics in 2008, had 12 points in his debut game with the Thunderbirds. Jamine Peterson led New Mexico with 22 points off the bench. *Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Springfield A. - Maine RC 96-86
The Maine Red Claws flexed their collective muscle out of halftime, but the Springfield Armor would not back down. Scottie Reynolds (6'2''-G-87, college: Villanova) wouldn't let them. Scottie Reynolds owned the second half with his disruptive defense, but still found time to add 20 points, seven assists and five rebounds to go with his seven steals. On his back, Springfield erased an early second-half deficit to rally for a 96-86 win Thursday night at the MassMutual Center, snapping a six-game losing streak. 'I told (Reynolds) this was the best game management second half he's ever had,' Armor coach Dee Brown said. 'Even the game where he had 18 assists, even the game where he had 30 points and eight assists, today's game management was his best. He had everybody where they were supposed to be, he got the ball to the right people, and when he felt he had to take the ball to the basket, he did. That's the balance that Scottie's figuring out.' With Jarvis Gunter, a long yet thin center, earning his first start of the season, Springfield lacked their opponent's girth. Tiny Gallon, a behemoth whose name belies his bulk, looked twice as wide as Gunter. Maine's DeShawn Sims (6'8''-F-88, college: Michigan), a D-League All-Star, looked like he could bench press Springfield's Gavin Edwards. Yet Gunter, Edwards and their teammates still owned the paint, helping Springfield to a 51-31 rebounding advantage. Gunter finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds, and Edwards finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds of his own. Together, they counteracted Sims' 19 points and 13 rebounds and Gallon's 16 points and seven rebounds. 'We have keys we want to accomplish each night, and tonight (interior play) was our key. They're two of the best front court players (in the league),' said Brown. 'We tried to get the ball out of Tiny's hands. We got the ball out of DeShawn's hands.' He added, 'The key was, as much as we wanted to defend them, we wanted them to have to defend Gavin and Jarvis.' Jerry Smith ended a largely uneventful first quarter the right way, with two quick layups and a free throw during the final two minutes. His five points helped the Armor turn a 20-19 deficit into a 26-22 lead by intermission. JamesOn Curry led Springfield with six points during the period, hitting three contested, long-range jump shots. Gunter was active on both ends, pitching in four points and five rebounds. The Armor did not trail once during the second quarter, ending the frame with a 50-48 lead. But they missed an opportunity to enter halftime with a larger cushion. A Gerard Anderson three-pointer gave Springfield a 50-44 lead with one minute left in the half, and the Armor threatened to break the game open. But a defensive breakdown allowed Maine to answer with an easy bucket. When Reynolds missed an open layup with four seconds left in the half, Maine pushed the ball to the other end, closing the half with an Antonio Anderson slam dunk. Maine opened the second half with a bang. Gallon asserted himself in the paint and Maine quickly erased the two-point half-time deficit with a 14-4 run. The Red Claws fought to a 65-58 lead, and it looked like Springfield was in trouble. But Reynolds wouldn't let his crew go down easily. 'I gave us a little bit of a lift,' Reynolds said. 'It's easy for me to take the credit. But it was a full team effort.' *Courtesy of www.masslive.com

[Durbansandshark]

Friday's games - Feb 12, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Bakersfield J. - Texas L. 138-134
Stephen Davis (6'4''-F) scored 29 points and Willie Warren (6'4''-G-89, college: Oklahoma) added 23 as the Bakersfield Jam outlasted the Texas Legends 138-134 on Friday night at the Jam Events Center. Derrick Byars added 19 points, including four of Bakersfield's 17 3-pointers. The Jam finished 17 of 28 from beyond the arc. Bakersfield led 37-23 after the first quarter and 74-64 at halfime before Texas pulled to within 98-97 entering the fourth. The teams meet again at 7 p.m. today. *Courtesy of www.bakersfield.com

Reno Bighorns - Ft.Wayne MA 102-91
Danny Green (6'6''-F/G-87, college: N.Carolina) had a game-high 28 points as the Reno Bighorns defeated the Mad Ants 102-91 Friday before 2,564 fans at the Reno Events Center. In a game with 10 lead changes and four ties, the Mad Ants closed to within 82-79 with 7:55 remaining, but the Bighorns slowly pulled away from there. Darnell Lazare (6'8''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: LSU) and D-League All-Star Walker Russell Jr. led Fort Wayne (14-18) with 21 points each. Huntington North and Purdue product Chris Kramer had 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and 3 steals. Marvin Phillips had 9 points and 11 rebounds. The Bighorns (21-12) shot 46.3 percent (38 of 82) from the field and 37.5 percent (6 of 16) on three-pointers. The Mad Ants shot 34.7 from the field (33 of 95) and 16 from behind the arc (4 of 25). It was second straight loss for Fort Wayne which is 2-11 in its last 13 games. The teams play again at 10 p.m. today. *Courtesy of www.journalgazette.com

Sioux Falls S. - Idaho S. 115-125
The Idaho Stampede defeated the Sioux Falls Skyforce 125-115 at the Sioux Falls Arena on Friday night. Sioux Falls trailed by just one point (87-86) heading into the final quarter but surrendered a season-high 38 fourth-quarter points to end a modest two-game winning streak. Sioux Falls (5-23) led 28-23 after the first quarter behind 16 points from NBA D-League All-Star Patrick Ewing, Jr. Idaho (12-19) outscored Sioux Falls 36-26 in the second quarter to take a 59-54 halftime lead. Former Skyforce forward Jermareo Davidson (6'10''-F-84, college: Alabama) had a strong first half for the Stampede with 14 points on 7-of-11 field goals. Idaho pushed the lead to double digits (66-56) early in the second half but Sioux Falls would not go away and only trailed by two points (76-74) following a dunk by Ewing, Jr. that brought the crowd to their feet. There were eight lead changes in the first five minutes of the final stanza but Idaho controlled the final seven minutes to pick up their second straight road win. Davidson finished with 27 points on 12-of-18 shooting from the field to go along with eight rebounds. Antoine Walker (6'9''-F-75, college: Kentucky) scored 23 points while Portland Trail Blazers assignee Armon Johnson added 22 points and six assists off the bench. Ewing, Jr. recorded season-highs in points (29) and rebounds (16) to lead the Skyforce. David Bailey contributed 25 points and seven assists while Raymond Sykes posted 16 points off the bench. The same two teams tangle tomorrow night at the Sioux Falls Arena at 7 p.m. CT. *Courtesy of D-League

Iowa E. - Dakota W. 125-123
Othyus Jeffers (6'5''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Robert Morris) exploded for 34 points as the Iowa Energy held off a late rally to defeat the Dakota Wizards 125-123 Friday night. Iowa jumped out to a 66-49 halftime lead and appeared to be in control of the game. Dakota cut the lead to 92-78 heading into the 4th, setting up their improbably comeback. Dakota, who was led by reserve Chris Ayer's 20 point effort, cut the Energy lead to two points several times late in the game. With 2.0 seconds left, and the Energy clinging to a 124-123 lead, Iowa forward Michael Haynes went to the free throw line for two shots. Haynes' first shot fell short. He made the second to put the Energy up two. After a Dakota timeout, the Wizards found big man Chris Johnson open near the top of the key. The 6'11' center, who recently returned from a stint with the Portland Trailblazers, missed an 18-footer. Neither team could corral the rebound, and the buzzer sounded giving the Energy the win. Iowa has now been in 1st place in their division for 133 consecutive games. Chicago Bulls assignee James Johnson and point guard Curtis Stinson each scored 26 points for Iowa, which improves to 24-9 on the year. Courtney Sims (6'11''-C-83, college: Michigan) added 21 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. Javaris Crittenton registered a double-double (13 points, 10 assists) for the Wizards, who fall to 11-22 on the season. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Maine RC - Springfield A. 90-80
It should have been a night the Springfield Armor could savor. And it would have been, too, if they had been able to hang on to an 11-point lead. Not just one of them, but a pair. As it was, the Armor fell to the Maine Red Claws, 90-80, before a sellout crowd of 3,045 at the Portland Expo. Springfield is 0-9 in two seasons worth of trips here, although it will have another opportunity on Sunday to finally taste victory here. Leading by one point after three quarters, the Armor fell hard in the fourth quarter beneath the weight of a 13-2 Red Claw run. Maine's DeShawn Sims (6'8''-F-88, college: Michigan) led all scores with 25 points, and helped send the Armor to their seventh loss in their last eight tries, the exception being their 96-86 win over Maine on Thursday at the MassMutual Center. This one started far differently that it began. The Armor enjoyed a strong first half, and led 29-24 after the first quarter, then took a 51-41 advantage into halftime. After trailing in the early moments, Springfield seized the lead with an 11-0 run that put the Armor up 18-10 with 4:59 left in the first quarter. Newly signed small forward Tony Bobbitt, a former Red Claw, helped fuel the run with a long three-pointer after taking a no-look feed from JamesOn Curry (team high 18 points). Maine cut the margin to two points, 32-20, early in the second quarter, but the Armor promptly ran off a 13-4 skein that featured points contributions from five different players. Springfield fell apart in the third quarter, losing the lead altogether in the face of an 18-4 Red Claw run. The Armor managed to stop the bleeding, and by the end of the quarter, had eased back in front, 66-65. For the Armor, however, was as good as it would get. *Courtesy of www.masslive.com

Tulsa 66ers - Utah F. 88-96
A week ago, Tulsa needed a strong finish to hold off the Utah Flash. On Friday night at the Convention Center, it was the Flash who finished strong. Utah outscored Tulsa 28-19 in the final period, including a 10-2 run to open the quarter, on its way to a 96-88 victory over the 66ers in NBA Development League action. The loss was Tulsa's first at home since Dec. 17. After winning a team-record 14 consecutive games in December and January, the 66ers have now dropped three of their last four outings, including two of three February contests, to fall to 23-9 on the season. With Tulsa clinging to a one-point lead entering the final quarter, Utah's Tony Gaffney (6'9''-F-84, college: Massachusetts) began controlling the middle. The center scored four of the Flash's first six points in the quarter to set the tone and finished by hitting six of his 12 points in the quarter to lead Utah (15-15). The 66ers started slow, hitting just one of their first 11 shots. When Byron Mullens hit a turnaround jumper in the lane to pull Tulsa within 13-9 at the 3:00 mark, it was the 66ers' second field goal in the game's first nine minutes. Mullens would add a dunk near the end of the quarter to knot the game at 17 before Utah's Pape Sy, on assignment from the Atlanta Hawks, drained a 3-pointer to give the Flash the edge after one period. Tulsa would grab the lead early in the second quarter on a driving basket by Garrett Williamson before Utah went on a 13-2 to wrestle back control of the game. Thanks to a late 5-0 run by the 66ers, including a tip-in just before the buzzer by Marcus Lewis, Tulsa trailed Utah 47-42 at intermission. After trailing by as many as 10 points midway through the third quarter, Tulsa took a 69-68 edge heading into the fourth quarter thanks in part to an 8-1 run to end the period. Lewis led the charge, scoring eight of his 14 points in the quarter. Elijah Millsap (6'6''-G-87, college: UAB) paced Tulsa with 21 points while Mullens added 12 points and 12 rebounds. Tulsa and Utah return to action on Saturday at the Convention Center with a rematch at 7 p.m. *Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

[Durbansandshark]

Saturday's games - Feb 13, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Iowa E. - Dakota W. 111-103
The Iowa Energy defeated the Dakota Wizards 111-103 Monday night to 'sweep' the three-game series. Center Courtney Sims (6'11''-C-83, college: Michigan), named NBA D-League Player of the Week earlier in the day, had another big game for the winners as he finished with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Iowa jumped out to a 15-6 lead in the 1st quarter as Sims scored seven points in the first 4:30 of the game. Dakota responded as a Brandon Johnson 3-pointer closed the quarter to cut the Energy lead to 26-23. The Energy outscored the visitors 27-14 in the 2nd quarter to take a commanding 53-37 lead at the halftime break. Iowa remained in control throughout the second half. Dakota cut the lead to six with 0:44 left in the game, but a Shyron Ely 3-pointer from the corner put the game away for Iowa. Guard Curtis Stinson (6'2''-G-83, college: Iowa St.) added 20 points and 13 assists for Iowa, while guard Kyle Weaver scored 22 points on the night. Renaldo Major scored 28 points for Dakota while Chris Johnson added 23 points and 9 rebounds. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Bakersfield J. - Texas L. 129-90
Willie Warren (6'4''-G-89, college: Oklahoma) scored a game-high 25 points to lead seven Bakersfield players in double figures scoring in the Jam's 129-90 victory Saturday over the Texas Legends at the Jam Events Center. Warren was 7-for-12 from the field, including three 3-pointers, and also dished out six assists. Derrick Byars (6'8''-G/F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Vanderbilt) also had a big night with 21 points, while Drew Naymick and Stephen Dennis each had a double-double for Bakersfield. Naymick had 14 points and 14 rebounds, while Dennnis added 12 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds. The Jam (20-12) hosts Texas again Monday at 7 p.m. before playing at Idaho on Wednesday. *Courtesy of www.bakersfield.com

Reno Bighorns - Ft.Wayne MA 109-106
The Mad Ants pulled within a point of the lead in the final seconds Saturday night, but they couldn't get over the hump in their second loss in as many nights to the Reno Bighorns. Reno iced its 109-106 victory with a pair of free throws by Danny Green with 1.5 seconds to play in Reno, Nevada. Corey Allmond (6'2''-G-88, college: Howard Col. (TX)) hit a three-pointer with 2.1 seconds to play to cut the Bighorns lead to 107-106, but the Ants were forced to foul to put Green on the line. Walker Russell Jr., the Ants' lone D-League All-Star, scored 20, and Allmond finished with 18 for Fort Wayne (14-19), which fell 102-91 to Reno on Friday. Salim Stoudamire (6'1''-G-82, college: Arizona) scored 25 for the Bighorns (22-12), and Green added 24. *Courtesy of www.journalgazette.com

Tulsa 66ers - Utah F. 95-113
Center Byron Mullens (7'0''-C-89, college: Ohio St.) notched 18 points, nine rebounds and two blocked shots for the Tulsa 66ers (23-10) and guard Robert Vaden (6'5''-G/F-85, college: UAB) added 12 points but the 66ers fell to the Utah Flash (16-15) Saturday evening, 113-95, inside the Tulsa Convention Center. Also scoring in double figures for Tulsa was Jerome Dyson with 10 points. Brandon Brooks led the team with five assists. 'I think we have to get back to the basics and learn from this weekend,' 66ers head coach Nate Tibbetts said. 'We're a young team that has to continue to improve. We need to bounce back from a tough stretch. I thought our effort was good tonight but we need to work on our execution.' Leading the Flash was guard Kevin Kruger with a game-high 21 points. Nkem Ojougboh notched the only double-double of the game with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Offensively, Tulsa held a 56-38 advantage in points in the paint. The 66ers also recorded a 23-15 advantage in second chance points. The 66ers will return to the court on Wednesday, Feb. 16, when they travel to South Dakota to take on the Sioux Falls Skyforce at 7 p.m. CT. The game was originally scheduled for Dec. 11 but was postponed due to inclement weather. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Sioux Falls S. - Idaho S. 104-118
The Idaho Stampede defeated the Skyforce for the second day in a row Saturday at the Arena, 118-104. Jermareo Davidson (6'10''-F-84, college: Alabama) led Idaho (13-19) with 21 points. Former NBA All-Star Antoine Walker (6'9''-F-75, college: Kentucky) had 19. For Sioux Falls (5-24), Patrick Ewing Jr. scored 23 points and had 11 rebounds. Maureece Rice scored 19 points, Anthony Harris 15 and Keaton Grant 13. Idaho trailed 60-55 at halftime but outscored the Skyforce 28-18 in the third quarter. *Courtesy of www.argusleader.com

Erie Bay H. - New Mexico 123-105
Ivan Johnson (6'8''-F/C-84, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) led the BayHawks to another victory over the New Mexico Thunderbirds with his eighth double-double of the season scoring 29 points and pulling down 12 boards, as Erie extended their win streak to seven games and improved to 22-9. The BayHawks' first quarter proved to be a rocky one and the Thunderbirds kept the game close through the first frame. After 13 lead changes in the game's first 15 minutes the BayHawks grabbed the reigns and outscored the Thunderbirds 31-21 in the second and never looked back. Johnson scored 14 third quarter points as Erie held a six-point margin heading in to the final frame. But Erie's lead only grew as the final margin of 18 points was their largest lead of the game. Seven BayHawks scored in double-figures. In addition to Johnson, Tasmin Mitchell (6'7''-F-86, college: LSU) finished with 28, Blake Ahearn added 19, Derek Raivio had 14, and Kyle Goldcamp and Tasheed Carr notched 10 apiece. Ahearn snapped his consecutive free throw mark at 57 straight when his fifth attempt of the game rolled out in the third quarter. He is now 60-of-61 from the stripe on the season. The Thunderbirds, who dropped to 14-20, were led by Jamine Peterson who had 22, Abdulai Jalloh added 20, Walter Sharpe chipped in 18, Marcus Hubbard had 16, and J.R. Giddens notched 12. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Austin T. - Rio Grande 105-99
The Rio Grande Valley Vipers saw their four-game winning streak come to a close in a 105-99 loss to Austin Toros on Saturday at Cedar Park Center. The Vipers (23-10) were led by Jerel McNeal (6'3''-G-87, college: Marquette), who had a game-high 28 points with eight rebounds and six assists. Jeff Adrien (6'7''-F-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: Connecticut) recorded his 18th double-double in 24 games with 20 points and 11 rebounds. The Toros (13-18) were led by Lance Thomas, who scored 17 points. James Anderson also finished with 17 while Kevin Palmer and Aubrey Coleman each scored 15 points. The Vipers and Toros meet again at 7 p.m. Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo. *Courtesy of www.themonitor.com

[Durbansandshark]

D-League Round: 76 (Regular Season) - Feb 14, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Maine RC - Springfield A. 97-96
Mario West (6'5''-G-84, college: Georgia Tech) slammed in a rebound with 15.1 seconds to play, knocked out a handspring in celebration and the Maine Red Claws hung on to best rival Springfield 97-96 Sunday afternoon. The Claws, now 14-21, head into the All-Star break off one of the team's most dramatic wins of the season. 'We made a couple of big plays down the stretch when we needed to,' said Maine coach Austin Ainge. 'To end on a win going into this break saves me some gray hairs and ulcers.' West's acrobatic feat came with 1.4 seconds on the clock in front of the Springfield bench and drew a technical foul. James Curry hit the free throw, but Maine got the ball on the next possession and time expired. 'Mario apologized to me. It's disrespectful,' said Springfield coach Dee Brown, an NBA veteran. 'This ain't rec league. . .' Just seconds earlier the winning basket developed off a drive to the basket by Tiny Gallon that bounced off the rim. West came up for the put-back and slammed it in with two hands to make it 97-95. Maine had been in the lead for much of the game until Springfield went on a 10-2 run to open the fourth quarter and pull ahead. Gallon went on a six-point spree in the last three minutes to keep pace, scoring twice inside, drawing fouls, and turning both into three point plays. Maine regained the lead with just 1:16 to play, 95-94. Former Red Claw Tony Bobbitt missed a jumper on the Armor's next possession, Maine took the ball over but hit one off the rim. Springfield drove back and Jerry Smith (6'2''-G-84, college: Samford) drew a foul. He hit just one of the two free throws, making it a tie game leading into the winning score. The win wrapped up a three-game series against the Armor, with Maine going 2-1. Maine had 23 turnovers and hit just 26-of-43 free throws. 'It was sloppy. I think we all know how each other plays,' said Ainge. 'We had way too many turnovers out there. But we made enough to win and come through when it mattered.' The game was back and forth out of the gate before West went on a 6-0 run to make it 20-16 Maine with 2:56 to go in the first quarter. He dunked the first, hit 2-of-2 at the free throw line, then stole the ball at half court to drive for a one-armed dunk. Maine held the lead to end the quarter 28-22. A couple of back and forth runs cut Maine's lead to as few as one point before ending the half up by 10. Smith finished with 20 points, Antonio Anderson (6'6''-G-85, college: Memphis) with 14, DeShawn Sims with 13, West with 12. Maine now has a week off for the All-Star break, and returns home for a 1 p.m. Feb. 24 game against Rio Grande. *Courtesy of www.kjonline.com

Erie Bay H. - New Mexico 120-115
Despite a big third quarter, in which the New Mexico Thunderbirds (14-21) outscored the Erie Bayhawks (23-9) 36-21, the T-Birds dropped their sixth consecutive game, 120-115. Led by Blake Ahearn (6'2''-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Missouri St.), who scored the first five points of the game, the Bayhawks jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead. The Thunderbirds would cut the lead to one point with 8:25 to go in the quarter, but then Erie went on 13-2 run to take a 24-12 lead. They would hold a 14 point advantage after one quarter. In the second quarter, the Thunderbirds cut the lead to eight on a Nik Raivio 3-pointer. The Bayhawks would respond with a 16-8 run to take their largest lead of the game, 60-44. Ivan Johnson had another big half for the Bayhawks leading all scorers with 19 points and Erie led 65-50 at the break. The Bayhawks still led by 12 points with 8:20 to go in the third quarter, but then the Thunderbirds went on a 24-7 run to take their first lead of the game, 86-81. The Bayhawks closed the quarter by scoring five straight points and the teams were tied at 86 heading into the fourth. The two teams traded baskets to start the fourth quarter, but after a Raivio 3-pointer gave the T-Birds a one point lead, the Bayhawks went on an 8-0 run to take a 99-92 lead. With 2:40 to go in the game, Abdulai Jalloh hit three straight free throws that cut the lead to just one point. With the T-Birds still trailing by one point Tasmin Mitchell hit a jumper with 1:01 to go in the game to push the lead back to three points. Marcus Hubbard answered with a layup that once again put the T-Birds within one point. Ahearn would then hit four straight free throws in the final seconds for the Bayhawks that would clinch the victory. Ahearn finished with a game high 39 points that included a perfect 18-for-18 from the free throw line. Shane Edwards (6'7''-F-87, college: UALR) led the T-Birds in scoring with 20 points, all of which came in the second half. The Thunderbirds will be off until Feb. 24 when they visit the Austin Toros at 6:30 p.m. The T-Birds will return home for March Giveaway Madness beginning on March 2 for Defined Fitness Night with a T-Bird Magnet giveaway. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Armor trade with rival Red Claws - Feb 14, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Springfield Armor announced today that they have acquired forward Eugene Spates (6'8''-F-87, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Northeastern) from the Maine Red Claws in exchange for Vernon Goodridge (6'9''-F-84, college: La Salle).

Spates was drafted in the seventh round of the 2010 NBA D-League Draft after playing for BC Mess in Luxembourg.

With Maine, Spates was the only player on the roster to appear in all 35 games, starting five. Spates has averaged 6.2 points and 3.5 rebounds in 16.3 minutes per game and has scored in double figures nine times during the 2010-11 season. Spates exploded for a season-high 21 points in a Dec. 30th victory over Erie.

Spates, a native of Dallas, TX, began his collegiate career at Dallas Collin County CC and transferred to Northeastern to complete his final three years of eligibility (2006-09). While at Northeastern, Spates averaged 7.5 points per game in 95 games played.

'We are excited to add Eugene to our roster,' Armor head coach Dee Brown said. ' (Spates) is a great locker room guy and gives us flexibility at the 4 and 5 positions because of his ability to score and shoot the basketball.'

Goodridge, whom the Armor traded to the Red Claws, played in 33 games for the Armor this season, starting 28.

Goodridge averaged 9.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 23.2 minutes per game.

'We appreciate the contributions Vernon brought to the team during the first half of the season,' Brown said. 'Going into the second half of the season, we needed to make a roster change to evaluate and develop more talent at the post position. We wish (Vernon) luck.'

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

[Durbansandshark]

Iowa's Courtney Sims captures MVP honors in 2011 NBA D-League All-Star Game - Feb 20, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Courtney Sims (6'11''-C-83, college: Michigan) of the Iowa Energy, who previously captured Co-MVP honors in the 2009 NBA Development League All-Star Game in Phoenix, doubled his pleasure in Los Angeles, scoring 25 points on 10-for-13 shooting on his way to hoisting his second NBA D-League All-Star MVP Trophy at the 2011 NBA D-League All-Star Game presented by SonoSite.

Maine's DeShawn Sims (6'8''-F-88, college: Michigan) added 20 points for the East All-Stars, who used a late run in the second half to post a 115-108 victory over the West All-Stars in front of a packed house on Center Court at NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas.

'I like competing against the best competition, and this league has a ton of good players, many who could or should be in the NBA,' said Sims, who's appeared in five NBA games with the Indiana Pacers, Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks since graduating from Michigan in 2007. 'Everyone says I'm very close to making it, and some people feel that I'm an NBA player. Not everyone gets the chance, and you just have to make the most of the opportunity if and when it comes.'

Sims had company in Los Angeles, with Iowa teammates Curtis Stinson (6'2''-G-83, college: Iowa St.) and Othyus Jeffers (6'5''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Robert Morris) joining him the East starting lineup. Jeffers finished with 14 points, while Stinson dished out seven assists. Fort Wayne's Walker Russell had a game-high 10 assists for the East squad, which used a 23-11 run with under 10 minutes left in the second half to take a commanding lead it never relinquished.

Sean Williams (6'10''-F-86, college: Boston Coll.) of the Texas legends, the 17th overall pick of the 2007 NBA Draft, led the West with 21 points. Austin's Marcus Cousin (6'11''-C-86, college: Houston) added 19 points, while Reno's Marcus Landry, who spent the 2009-10 season with the Knicks and Boston Celtics, finished with 18 points. Tulsa's Larry Owens, who earned a GATORADE Call-Up to the San Antonio Spurs this season, had a solid all-around game with 12 points, four rebounds and three assists. Texas' Joe Alexander, the eighth overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft, had 12 points, five rebounds and five assists.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Larry Sanders Assigned to NBA D-League - Feb 21, 2011 (by Surujh Roopnarine)
The Milwaukee Bucks have assigned rookie center Larry Sanders (6'11''-F-88, college: Va Commonwealth) to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA D-League. Sanders, the 15th overall selection of the 2010 NBA Draft out of Virginia Commonwealth has appeared in 36 games for the Bucks this season, making eight starts and averaging 4.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 13.5 minutes. Sanders had earned steady playing time the first few months of the season when the team was thin up front due to injuries, however has seen only sporadic plying time since January. The 6-11, 235 pound Sanders averaged 14.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game as a senior, earning All-Colonial Athletic Association First Team Honors as well as Defensive Player of the Year.

Clippers Willie Warren recalled from D-League - Feb 21, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Clippers announced today that rookie guard Willie Warren (6'4''-G-89, college: Oklahoma) would rejoin the club after a stint with the Bakersfield Jam in the D-League. Here's the release from the Clippers:

The Los Angeles Clippers today announced that they have recalled rookie guard Willie Warren from the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League.

Warren, 21, was assigned to Bakersfield on Feb. 2 and appeared in six games with the Jam, averaging 21.0 points, 7.0 assists 5.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 50 percent from the field and 46 percent from 3-point land. The Jam went 5-1 with Warren in the lineup from Feb. 4 - 16.

Warren has appeared in 14 games with the Clippers this season and is averaging 2.2 points and 1.4 assists in 7.8 minutes per game. The former Oklahoma University standout was selected by the Clippers in the second round (54th overall pick) of the 2010 NBA Draft.

Courtesy of www.clipsnation.com and The Los Angeles Clippers

Vipers Head Coach Chris Finch suspended - Feb 22, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Rio Grande Valley Vipers head coach Chris Finch has been suspended for two games without pay and fined $1000 for failing to leave the court in a timely manner following his ejection and for verbal abuse of officials following the Vipers' 111-99 loss to the Austin Toros on Feb. 16. The suspension will begin immediately and cover Rio Grande Valley's games at Texas tonight and at Maine on Thursday, Feb. 24.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Mad Ants - Armor game rescheduled - Feb 22, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Due to travel complications the Mad Ants game tonight scheduled for 7:00pm against the Springfield Armor has been rescheduled for tomorrow night, Wednesday, February 23 at 7:00pm. All tickets for tonights game will be honored at the game tomorrow night at the Memorial Coliseum at 7:00pm. The Mad Ants will take on the Armor on back-to-back days, as the two teams will meet again on Thursday at 7:00 p.m.

Vipers record 100th franchise victory - Feb 23, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Texas L. - Rio Grande 112-122
The Vipers recorded their 100th franchise victory Tuesday night and their first win at Dr. Pepper Arena by beating the Texas Legends 122-112. Jeff Adrien (6'7''-F-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: Connecticut) led the Vipers (24-12) with 24 points and 15 rebounds to record his NBA Development League-leading 20th double-double of the season. Richard Roby (6'6''-G-85) added 22 points in the victory while Mouhammad Faye (6'9''-F-85, college: SMU) netted a career-high 20. The Vipers were playing without coach Chris Finch, who was suspended Tuesday by the NBA Development League for two games and fined him an undisclosed amount for failing to leave the court in a timely manner following his ejection and for verbal abuse of officials following a Feb. 16 game against Austin. RGV opened the game on a 7-0 run and led by as many as 14 when Jerel McNeal hit a 3-pointer to make it 28-14 Vipers at the 4:06 mark of the first quarter. The Legends (17-19), however, outscored the Vipers 23-8 over the next 7:19 to take their first lead at 37-36 when Justin Dentmon (5'11''-G-85, college: Washington) hit a three-pointer. Jon Scheyer followed with his first basket as a Viper 11 seconds later to bring the Vipers back within one. The Vipers trailed by as many as eight at 54-46 with 3:24 remaining in the second quarter after Antonio Daniels hit a technical free throw and again at 58-50 after Kelvin Lewis hit a lay-up. The Vipers closed the quarter on a 6-0 run to pull within 58-56. Faye gave the Vipers the lead back twice in the third quarter, with a three-pointer to make it 68-67 at the 8:09 mark, and a three-point play to make it 80-79 at the 3:43 mark. Both times the Legends took the lead right back, but Patrick Sullivan connected on a transition slam dunk and Terrel Harris hit a driving lay-up as the Vipers took an 84-81 lead with 2:43 remaining in the third quarter. The Legends tied the game at 91-91 after a Lewis jumper early in the fourth, but the Vipers went on a 13-5 run capped by a Terrel Harris dunk to take a 104-96 lead midway through the fourth quarter. The Legends scored the next six points to get back within two, but that was as close as they got. The Legends were led by Dominique Johnson (6'3''-G-87, college: Azusa Pacific), who scored 24 points with a season-high 10 rebounds. The Vipers outrebounded the Legends 53-to-30 and 23-to-10 on the offensive glass. The Vipers return to action at noon on Thursday when they face the Maine Red Claws at the Portland Exposition Center. *Courtesy of www.themonitor.com

[Durbansandshark]

Spurs recall James Anderson from Austin Toros - Feb 23, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The San Antonio Spurs today announced that they have recalled rookie James Anderson (6'6''-G-89, college: Oklahoma St.) from the Austin Toros of the NBA Development League. He will be available to play in San Antonio's game tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Anderson, a 6-6, 215-pound guard, was originally assigned to the Toros on January 26 for a rehab assignment after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot on November 11. He was recalled by the Spurs on January 29 and appeared in three games before being re-assigned to the Toros on February 7. Anderson played in seven games with Austin, averaging 14.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 25.1 minutes per game. He shot .447 (42-94) from the field, .346 (9-26) from three-point territory and .714 (10-14) from the free throw line.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Dakota Wizards waive Lawrence Westbrook - Feb 23, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Dakota Wizards announced today that they have waived guard Lawrence Westbrook (6'0''-G-88, agency: Edge Sports, college: Minnesota) due to injury and have re-acquired guard Brandon Johnson (6'0''-G-86, agency: Impact Basketball, college: San Diego). Johnson will be in uniform this weekend as the Wizards play host to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants on Saturday and Sunday.

Johnson was the second round pick, 24th overall, of the Wizards in the 2010 NBA Development League Draft. He appeared in 10 games (2 starts) and averaged 10.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He scored a season high 26 points against the Iowa Energy on November 20, 2010.

Westbrook was acquired on January 19, 2011 and appeared in 8 games with Dakota averaging 9.8 points and 1.8 rebounds per game.

Courtesy of www.boxscorenews.com

Former D-League All-Star's Season Over in Australia - Feb 24, 2011 (by Surujh Roopnarine)
Ron Howard (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Valparaiso), a 2010 NBA D-League All-Star with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, was released by the Adelaide 36ers of Australia's NBL (National Basketball League). Howard, 28, sprained his ankle in a game on Friday night and the team could not wait for his expected three-week recovery time as he would miss four of the remaining six games of the season. In 11 games for Adelaide, the former Valparaiso guard/forward averaged 8.8 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 38.5% from two (30-78) and 33.3% (10-30) from behind the arc. The 36ers are currently 8-13, good for eighth-place in the nine team National Basketball League. Howard moved to Australia in December after beginning the season in Israel with Elitzur Netanya. There he appeared in three games averaging 8.7 points. Howard participated this past summer in the NBA Summer League with the New York Knicks before heading overseas.
Australia's NBL is home to many former D-League stars, as Gary Ervin (6'1''-G-83, college: Arkansas), Kirk Penney (6'5''-G-80, college: Wisconsin) and Corey Williams (6'3''-G-77, college: Alabama St.) are the first, second and fifth leading scorers in the league.

Chris Johnson Signs with Boston - Feb 25, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Boston Celtics signed center Chris Johnson (6'11''-C-85, college: LSU) of the Dakota Wizards for the ninth Call-Up of the 2010-11 NBA Development League season. Johnson's call-up - his second this year - increases the number of current NBA players with NBA D-League experience, including players currently on assignment to their NBA D-League affiliates, to 83.
In 33 games (32 starts) with Dakota this season, Johnson averaged 16.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.8 blocks, which ranks second in the league. Johnson is the only player this season to record eight blocks on three separate occasions, and he's scored in double figures in all but four of his NBA D-League games.

Johnson, the first NBA D-League player to earn two GATORADE Call-Ups to the NBA this season, was first called up by the Portland Trail Blazers on Jan. 24. He appeared in two games with Portland, averaging 2.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 8.0 minutes. Johnson also was in the Celtics' training camp in October.

Johnson (6-11, 210) is a second-year pro out of LSU, where he averaged 7.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 88 games over a four-year career. As a senior in 2008-09, Johnson's 2.7 blocks per game ranked second in the SEC and eighth in the nation, earning him All-SEC Honorable Mention honors. Johnson is expected to join the Celtics tonight for the team's game at Denver at 10:30 p.m. ET.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Thunder recall Byron Mullens from D-League - Feb 25, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti announced today that the team has recalled center Byron Mullens (7'0''-C-89, college: Ohio St.) from the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League.

During his two assignments this season with Tulsa, Mullens has appeared in six games (six starts) and averaged 16.7 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocked shots in 31.7 minutes per game.

Mullens will join the Thunder for tonights 7:00 PM contest against the Orlando Magic at the Amway Center.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Golden State signs Vipers forward/center Adrien - Feb 25, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Rio Grande Valley Vipers power forward-center Jeff Adrien (6'7''-F-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: Connecticut) has agreed to a contract with the Golden State Warriors. Adrien confirmed the move via his Twitter account on Thursday night. Adrien began the season with the Warriors before he was waived in December. He played for the Erie Bayhawks for five games before he was traded to the Vipers for guard Garrett Temple.

Adrien averaged 19.6 points and 12.3 rebounds for the Vipers. Adrien had 27 points for the Vipers in their 107-101 victory at Maine earlier Thursday.

Courtesy of www.themonitor.com

[Durbansandshark]

BayHawks acquire guard in three team deal - Mar 1, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Erie BayHawks today acquired guard Jermaine Beal (6'3''-G-87, college: Vanderbilt) from the Austin Toros as part of a three-team deal. Erie sent guard Derek Raivio (6'3''-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, and Fort Wayne dealt Austin their third round pick in the 2011 NBA Development League Draft.

'Derek is a great kid and I thoroughly enjoyed having him on our team,' said BayHawks head coach Jay Larranaga. 'I believe the trade provides a good situation for Derek and wish him all the best.'

Beal (6-3, 205) is a 23-year-old rookie from Vanderbilt University who was acquired by the Toros via the available player pool on December 1. He appeared in 29 games this season with Austin and averaged 6.9 points and 2.2 assists in 18.7 minutes per game.

As a senior at Vanderbilt, Beal lead the Commodores in scoring (14.6 points), assists (3.1) three-point field goals (72), and minutes played (32.5 per game), and was voted the school's 2009-2010 Male Athlete of the Year by school officials. Beal finished his college career with 91 victories in his four seasons, making him the winningest player in the history of Vanderbilt men's basketball.

Beal is expected to be in uniform for the BayHawks when they face conference rival Iowa on Tuesday at 7:00pm ET at Tullio Arena.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral..com

All-Star Walker Russell leaves Mad Ants - Mar 1, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Fighting to get into the NBA Development League playoffs for the first time in their four-year history, the Mad Ants just took a body shot that could have an effect on that goal.

Point guard Walker Russell (6'0''-G-82, college: Jacksonville St.)., the teams only representative in last weeks D-League All-Star game in Los Angeles, has left the Mad Ants to play in China.

To fill the roster vacancy, the Ants completed a three-way deal with Austin and Erie.

The Ants picked up 6-foot-2 guard Derek Raivio (6'3''-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) from the Erie BayHawks and traded next seasons third-round draft pick to Austin, which sent 6-3 guard Jermaine Beal to Erie.

Raivio, who played at Gonzaga, averaged 4.9 points and 2.8 assists in 25 games with Erie.

The loss of Russell is the latest case of misfortune to hit the Ants this season.

The team lost 6-foot-11 center Chris Hunter for the season to a torn Achilles tendon on Christmas night.

Guard Oliver Lafayette, whose exceptional play last season with the Ants warranted a late-season call-up to the NBA Boston Celtics, left the Mad Ants a month ago to play in Turkey.

And even Larry Sanders, a 6-11 center sent to the Ants from the Milwaukee Bucks as recently as a week ago, was recalled by Milwaukee.

Now comes the news that the teams best player is gone.

Russell, a 6-foot guard, led the Ants in nearly every offensive category this season.

In 37 starts, he averaged 17.7 points, 7.9 assists and 34.7 minutes all team highs.

Obviously, Walks an All-Star point guard; one of the best point guards in the league, and I think is ready for a call-up (by the NBA), Ants coach Joey Meyer said. Theres no doubt well miss him. He was an integral part of our team.

The Ants (17-20) have won three of their last four games and own the eighth-best record in the league, which is the final possible playoff berth.

The team plays two home games against Reno (22-14) Thursday (7 p.m.) and Friday (7:30 p.m.).

Now Derek and Carlos (English) are going to have to step up, Meyer said. Thats what the D-Leagues about. You lose a guy, you step up.

English has been the teams backup point guard this season. He averages 13.6 minutes, 3.7 points and 2.3 assists per game.

Courtesy of www.journalgazette.net

tampede acquire Bobbitt - Mar 1, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Idaho Stampede announced today they have acquired guard Tony Bobbitt (6'4''-G-79, college: Cincinnati) from the Springfield Armor in a trade for Lance Hurdle (6'2''-G-87, college: Miami (FL)).

In nine games (8 starts) Bobbitt averaged 13.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists for the Armor. Bobbitt scored a season-high 28 points (8-16 3FG) against the Bakersfield Jam on Feb. 4.

Bobbitt has played two games in the NBA as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers - he scored five points, grabbed three rebounds and played 12 minutes in the 2004-05 season.

The Daytona Beach, Fla. native spent two seasons at the College of Southern Idaho from 2000-02, where he averaged 14.1 points (.441 FG%, .404 3FG%, .802 FT%) before transferring to the University of Cincinnati. While at Cincinnati, Bobbitt, born Oct. 22, 1979, averaged 10.9 points in two seasons. As a senior, Bobbitt was named the Conference USA Sixth Man of the Year (2003-04) and earned Third Team All-Conference USA honors.

Bobbitt will wear jersey No. 15.

Idaho plays the Sioux Falls Skyforce tomorrow at 6 p.m. (MST) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

[Durbansandshark]

Tuesday: Energy and Skyforce win - Mar 2, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Sioux Falls S. - Idaho S. 93-85
A five-point possession helped the Skyforce overcome a 21-point deficit and beat Idaho 93-85 on Tuesday night at the Arena just two days after blowing an 11-point lead in the final five minutes at first-place Tulsa. Yes, Sioux Falls continues to be interesting even at 7-28. 'If you'd have told me any time during that game that we were going to win, I'd have laughed at you,' said Skyforce coach Mo McHone, whose club had lost four in a row. 'But we gutted it out. Every once in a while you've got to do that.' Actually, this was the second time in two weeks that Sioux Falls rallied from 15 or more down at home to beat a team with more talent. Idaho (15-22) had five former NBA players on the floor at the same time Tuesday. One of them, three-time NBA All-Star Antoine Walker, left the floor early, earning two technical fouls and an ejection for arguing with an official with two-tenths of a second left. An ending like that seemed all but impossible when the Force trailed 44-23 midway through the second quarter. What made that score worse was that Sioux Falls started hot and led by eight early. But the Skyforce responded to giving up a 22-2 run by putting together a 19-4 run to end the first half. They followed that with an 18-2 spurt between the end of the third and start of the fourth to turn the game into a tossup. The decisive turn was a run of seven straight points to break a 79-all tie with 3 minutes left. Five of those came on a single possession: David Bailey absorbed a flagrant foul and hit both free throws, Sean Marshall (6'6''-G/F-85, college: Boston Coll.) - who finished with a game-high 26 points off the bench - hit a jumper on the ensuing possession and Patrick Ewing (6'8''-F-84, college: Georgetown) Jr. was fouled while positioning for a possible rebound and hit the resulting free throw. Just like that Sioux Falls was up seven with 2:22 to play. The Force outscored the Stampede 32-15 in the fourth and the 85 points allowed marked its best defensive showing since Dec. 4. 'We haven't got that all season,' Marshall said of the five-point possession, 'so to see something like that go our way, you can't do anything but smile.' Idaho coach Randy Livingston, a former Skyforce star, had a different take, but didn't put the blame on the officials. 'It never should have come down to some tough calls at the end of the game if we take care of business,' he said. 'We're a good team. We just have to find a way to bound back on Thursday.' The Stampede had five players in double figures, but nobody had more than 17 and Walker was limited to eight - half his average. (He did, however, squeeze in one of his trademark shimmies.) Meanwhile, Ewing Jr. backed up Marshall with 22 points and 11 rebounds, forward Raymond Sykes (6'9''-F/C-86, college: Clemson) had 18 and 12 and Bailey chipped in with 14 points and 10 assists. The teams meet again Thursday with the possibility of more shimmies, ejections and resiliency. 'As long as we're out there wearing a jersey, we're going to fight,' Marshall said, 'and that's the biggest thing for us right now.' *Courtesy of www.argusleader.com

Erie Bay H. - Iowa E. 93-115
The Erie BayHawks dropped a second consecutive game to the Iowa Energy, 115-93, Tuesday night before an announced crowd of 2,349 at Tullio Arena. The BayHawks (24-12) are 1-3 since the All-Star break. They have lost their past two home games after winning 12 of their first 13 games at Tullio Arena, including an 11-game home win streak. Erie starting point guard Blake Ahearn (6'2''-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Missouri St.) injured his left hip during the first half and didn't return against the Energy (29-10), who are atop the East Conference and up 3 1/2 games on the BayHawks. Along with Ahearn going down, Erie All-Star power forward Ivan Johnson (6'8''-F/C-84, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) was ejected from the game after picking up a second technical foul early in the second half. Ahearn and Johnson each scored 11 points. *Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Earl Barron Signed to 10-Day Contract by Milwaukee Bucks - Mar 2, 2011 (by Surujh Roopnarine)
Veteran D-League center Earl Barron (7'0''-C-81, college: Memphis) has been signed to a 10-day contract by the Milwaukee Bucks. Barron, 29, played in 12 games (3.0ppg, 3.3rpg, and 14.8mpg) for the Phoenix Suns this season after being signed by them on November 16. After being released a little more than a month later, Milwaukee will now be Barron's fourth NBA team spread across five seasons. He owns career NBA averages of 5.2 points and 3.6 rebounds over 101 games. In his Bucks debut last night against the Detroit Pistons, the former Memphis Tiger came off the bench to score four points and grab nine rebounds in nearly 16 minutes of action. The 7-0 Barron, who is a very good pick-and-pop big man due to his shooting touch, has been well-traveled throughout his D-League career, appearing in 121 games over parts of five seasons in Huntsville, Florida, Los Angeles and Iowa. Last season was his best in the D-League, as he started all 47 games he appeared in for the Energy, averaging 16.2 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists while shooting 48.9% from the field, earning All-NBA D-League 3rd Team Honors.

Hawks recall Pape Sy from Utah Flash - Mar 3, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Atlanta Hawks today recalled Pape Sy (6'6''-G-88) from the teams NBA Development League affiliate Utah Flash according to Hawks Executive Vice President/General Manager Rick Sund. Originally drafted by Atlanta in the second round (53rd overall) of the 2010 NBA Draft, Sy was assigned to the Flash on December 27. He saw action in 23 games (11 starting assignments) with Utah averaging 8.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg and 1.3 apg in 22.1 mpg (.424 FG%, .737 FT%).

Courtesy of http://georgiasportstalk.podbean.com

[Durbansandshark]

Wednesday: Johnson, Byars lead Jam in rout; Legends prevail in double overtime thriller - Mar 3, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
New Mexico - Bakersfield J. 106-127
Trey Johnson (6'5''-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Jackson St.) scored 33 points and Derrick Byars (6'8''-G/F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Vanderbilt) added 32 as the Bakersfield Jam beat the New Mexico Thunderbirds 127-106 Wednesday at the Santa Ana Star Center. The Jam (23-14) shot 71 percent on its way to a 36-16 lead in the first quarter. J.R. Giddens scored 17 in the quarter for the T-Birds (15-23), but the Jam closed the half on a 21-11 run to take a 66-48 halftime lead. Drew Naymick added nine points, nine rebounds, and three blocked shots for the Jam. *Courtesy of www.bakersfield.com

Austin T. - Texas L. 136-138 OT
Justin Dentmon (5'11''-G-85, college: Washington) hit a driving lay up as time expired in the second overtime to propel the Texas Legends to a 138-136 victory over the Austin Toros on Wednesday night at the Cedar Park Center. With the game tied at 136 and 2.8 seconds remaining the double overtime, Dentmon took the inbound at the top of the key. He drove to the hoop, tossed the ball up and it fell through the cylinder as the buzzer sounded sending the Legends to the win. After a slow start (neither team scored in the first two minutes of the game), the Legends and Toros exchanged the lead nine times and were tied six times in the first quarter. Austin dominated the second quarter, going on a 27-8 run and taking a 15-point lead just over six minutes into the period. However, the Legends outscored the Toros 20-14 to finish the half and go into the break trailing 68-59. Texas' Joe Alexander (6'8''-F-86, college: W.Virginia) and Sean Williams poured in ten points each in the first half, while Ehambe Moses Randall (6'6''-G/F-86, college: ORU) dropped in 20 points (six three-pointers) off the bench for the Toros in the opening half. The Legends turned the tables in the third quarter. With Austin leading 78-71 four minutes into the third, Texas outscored the Toros 25-16 to end the quarter with a two-point lead, 96-94, going into the fourth quarter. The two teams fighting for the final playoff spot fought back-and-forth in the final quarter. With the game knotted up at 123, the Legends had the ball on the final possession of regulation. Justin Dentmon missed a jumper from the free throw line, but he got his own rebound and dished it to Antonio Daniels. The veteran guard had an open shot from the left baseline for the win, but his shot fell short sending the game to overtime. After Carldell Johnson nailed a three-pointer with 38.9 seconds to go in the extra session, Alexander answered with a spinning lay up to tie it up at 129. He drew the foul as well, but with a chance to give the Legends the lead his free throw rimmed out. Austin had a chance to win the game in the first OT, but Johnson's driving lay up fell short and for the first time in franchise history Texas went into double overtime. Down by two, Daniels redeemed himself from the late fourth quarter miss, by knocking down a three-pointer with 40.9 seconds left to give the Legends a one-point lead. On the defensive end Williams came up huge by drawing a charge and giving Texas the basketball back. After Alexander hit two free throws to extend the Legends lead to three, Leo Lyons was fouled while shooting from beyond the arc and rattled home all three free throws to tie the game back up at 136. Then came the heroics of Dentmon sending Texas to the victory. Alexander led seven double-digit scorers for Texas with a season-high 34 points, while Williams (22 points, 12 rebounds), Daniels (23 points, 11 assists) and Matt Rogers (10 points, 11 rebounds) completed double-doubles. Ehambe scored a season-high 37 points (9-11 three-pointers), as Lyons added a season-high 34 points. Texas netted a franchise-high 138 points, while dropping in a franchise-best 53 field goals as a team. The Legends improved to 18-21 on the year, as the Toros fell to 15-22. The win pulled Texas even with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants for the eighth and final playoff spot in the 2011 NBA D-League playoff race. Texas will look to complete the sweep of Austin in the second of back-to-back games against the Austin Toros tomorrow night in Cedar Park. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Austin Toros make roster changes - Mar 4, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Austin Toros today announced that they acquired and then subsequently waived Kelley Tre (6'0''-G-85, college: S.Carolina) due to personal reasons. As a result, the Toros have acquired 6-0, 180-pound guard Stephen McDowell (5'11''-G-85, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Chattanooga) from the available player pool.

McDowell recently played with the New Mexico Thunderbirds averaging eight points, one rebound and two assists this season. McDowell will make his Toros debut tonight as the Austin Toros take on the Texas Legends at 7:30 p.m. at Cedar Park Center.

McDowell played with the Geneva Devils in Switzerland where he averaged 12 points in 17 games. He also spent time with the Bakersfield Jam in 2009 after his senior year at Tennessee Chattanooga where he averaged 18 points and three rebounds.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Skyforce acquire Ogunoye - Mar 4, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Sioux Falls Skyforce announced today that the team has acquired forward Yemi Ogunoye (6'9''-G/F-85, college: ORU) from the available player pool. To make room for him on the roster the team waived guard Maureece Rice. He is expected to join the team in Austin for their matchup with the Toros on Saturday at 12 p.m. CT. The active roster now stands at 10 players.

Ogunoye averaged 5.7 points and 3.5 rebounds in 39 games (three starts) with the Idaho Stampede last season after beginning the season with the Tulsa 66ers. He averaged 5.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals in one-plus season with Tulsa. The 6-9, 210-pound forward was named The Summit League Defensive Player following his senior season at Oral Roberts University.

Courtesy of www.keloland.com

[Durbansandshark]

hursday's games - Mar 4, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Austin T. - Texas L. 132-122
Leo Lyons (6'9''-F-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Missouri) had 32 points and six rebounds as the Austin Toros defeated the Texas Legends 132-122 Thursday night, splitting this week's series between the two. Ehambe Moses Randall (6'6''-G/F-86, college: ORU) added 21 points and Kevin Palmer recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. The Legends' Justin Dentmon led all scorers with 35 points and five assists. The Toros' next game is against Sioux Falls at noon Saturday at the Cedar Park Center. *Courtesy of www.statesman.com

Ft.Wayne MA - Reno Bighorns 91-96
The Reno Bighorns climbed out of an 18-point first-half deficit and used a clutch fourth-quarter effort to defeat the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, 96-91, Thursday night in the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Fort Wayne (17-21) led by nine through the first period of play, and the Mad Ants augmented their lead to 18 with just fewer than nine minutes remaining in the second quarter. The Bighorns (23-14) cut the lead to 10 at intermission, before taking the lead in the fourth quarter and pulling away in the closing seconds. The win snaps a brief two-game losing skid for Reno, and the Bighorns have now won eight of their last 10 games. All five Bighorns starters finished in double figures Thursday, with Marcus Landry (6'7''-F-85, college: Wisconsin) leading the way with a game-high 23 points. Anthony Richardson (6'7''-F-83, college: Florida St.) (21 points, 10 rebounds) and Donald Sloan (16 points, 11 rebounds) each chipped-in a double-double for Reno. *Courtesy of www.kolotv.com

Maine RC - Dakota W. 103-104
The Maine Red Claws (14-24) let one slip away as the Dakota Wizards (13-25) stormed back late to take the one-point victory, 104-103. The loss overshadowed a team-high 35-point effort by Red Claws rookie DeShawn Sims and the successful return of Magnum Rolle (6'11''-C/F-86, college: Louisiana Tech) who picked up 20 points in his first 24 minutes of action since November 20. *Courtesy of D-League

Springfield A. - Iowa E. 99-111
The Springfield Armor battled the league-best Iowa Energy down to the wire tonight, but came up just shy in a 111-99 defeat. The Energy (30-10) and Armor (10-27) were tied 31-31 after one quarter and Iowa held a narrow 58-53 lead at halftime in the teams' only meeting of the season. Although the Armor managed to trim the lead on numerous occasions, the Energy forced 21 turnovers and shot nearly 52% from the field to hold the Armor at bay. University of Vermont product, Marqus Blakely (6'5''-F-89, college: Vermont), led the Energy with a game-high 23 points (10-11 shooting) and 10 rebounds. Curtis Stinson (6'2''-G-83, college: Iowa St.), the NBA D-League's Co-Performer of the Month in February, played all 48 minutes and contributed 22 points, 12 assists, and 7 rebounds. Six of the Energy's eight players scored in double figures on the evening. The Armor were led by Gavin Edwards, who scored 20 points (17 in the first half) and pulled down 6 rebounds. JamesOn Curry added 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, and Scottie Reynolds finished with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Sioux Falls S. - Idaho S. 93-123
The Idaho Stampede defeated the Sioux Falls Skyforce 123-93 at the Sioux Falls Arena on Thursday night. Idaho shot a sizzling 60.9 percent (14-of-23) in the second quarter to break open a close game and hand Sioux Falls their largest margin of defeat this season. Idaho (16-22) held a slim 34-33 lead after the first quarter but outscored the home team 38-17 in the second quarter to take a convincing 72-50 halftime lead. Sioux Falls (7-29) continued to struggle from the field in the second half and trailed by as many as 35 points (108-73) in the fourth quarter before settling for a 30-point loss. Antoine Walker (6'9''-F-75, college: Kentucky) posted a team-high 18 points on 7-of-11 field goals (4-of-6 3-pointers). Portland Trail Blazers assignee Luke Babbitt (6'9''-F-89, college: Nevada) and Seth Tarver both posted 17 points while Cedric Jackson just missed a double-double with 14 points and nine assists. Patrick Ewing, Jr. posted game-highs in points (20) and rebounds (10) to lead the Skyforce. David Bailey scored 14 points and Sean Marshall added 13 off the bench. *Courtesy of D-League

Spurs keep Novak, add Jeffers on 10-day contract - Mar 4, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Spurs have signed forward Steve Novak (6'10''-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Marquette) for the rest of the season and added guard/forward Othyus Jeffers (6'5''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Robert Morris) on a 10-day contract.

The deal announced Friday came after Neal signed a pair of 10-day contracts, the most allowed before a player must be added to the roster permanently if the team wants to keep him.

Novak is averaging 2.5 points and 6.1 minutes in eight games for the Spurs since signing out of Reno of the NBA Development League on Feb. 8. He started the season with the Dallas Mavericks.

Jeffers averaged 21.2 points and 9.0 rebounds in 37 games with Iowa in the NBDL.

Courtesy of www.todayonline.com

Jazz send Jeremy Evans to D-League - Mar 4, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Utah Jazz forward Jeremy Evans (6'9''-F-87, agency: N.E.T., college: W.Kentucky) was assigned to the Utah Flash, Utahs NBA Development League affiliate, it was announced today. The assignment marks the 43rd time in the 2010-11 season an NBA player has been assigned to an NBA D-League affiliate, and it is the first assignment for Evans, a rookie out of Western Kentucky University.

Evans has appeared in 32 games for the Jazz this season, averaging 3.2 points and 1.4 rebounds in just under 7 minutes. Evans is also noted for his athleticism and his highlight dunks, even in limited minutes of play as a rookie.

Utah drafted Evans in the second around out of Western Kentucky University. The Jazz forwarded averaged 10 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in his senior season at WKU. Evans was also the MVP of the 2008 Sun Belt Conference Tournament and received the Danny Rumph Outstanding Teammate Award. Evans is WKUs all-time field goal percentage leader.

Evans joins the Flash, who are on a seven game win streak, and in anticipation of the teams game weekend series at home with the New Mexico Thunderbirds.

Courtesy of www.abc4.com

Luke Babbitt send down to D-League - Mar 4, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Portland Trail Blazers forward Luke Babbitt (6'9''-F-89, college: Nevada) was reassigned to the Idaho Stampede, Portlands NBA Development League affiliate, it was announced today. The assignment marks the 41st time in the 2010-11 season an NBA player has been assigned to an NBA D-League affiliate, and it is the second assignment for Babbitt, a rookie out of Nevada-Reno.

Babbitt (6-9, 225) was first assigned on Dec. 8. He averaged 18.0 points and 5.8 rebounds in 27.3 minutes over four games with Idaho before being recalled. Babbitt has appeared in 21 games for the Trail Blazers this season, averaging 1.1 points in 4.8 minutes.

Portland acquired Babbitt in a draft-night deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who selected him as an early-entry candidate in the first round (16th overall) of the 2010 NBA Draft. In two seasons at Nevada, Babbitt averaged 19.4 points and 8.1 rebounds in 68 games. As a sophomore, Babbitt averaged 21.9 points and 8.9 rebounds, was named the Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year and earned AP All-America Honorable Mention honors.

Courtesy of www.kolotv.com

[Durbansandshark]

Clippers assign Willie Warren to Jam - Mar 4, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Los Angeles Clippers announced that they have re-assigned rookie guard Willie Warren (6'4''-G-89, college: Oklahoma) to the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League.

Warren, 21, has appeared in 19 games with the Clippers this season and is averaging 1.9 points and 1.4 assists in 7.1 minutes per game.

The former Oklahoma University standout was originally assigned to Bakersfield on Feb. 2 and appeared in six games with the Jam, averaging 21.0 points, 7.0 assists 5.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 50 percent from the field and 46 percent from 3-point land. The Jam went 5-1 with Warren in the lineup from Feb. 4 16.

Warren was selected by the Clippers in the second round (54th overall pick) of the 2010 NBA Draft.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Energy make pair of trade-deadline deals - Mar 4, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Iowa Energy announced the acquisition of two players today via trades made just hours before the NBA D-League trade deadline.

The league-leading Energy acquired Ehambe Moses Randall (6'6''-G/F-86, college: ORU) from the Austin Toros in exchange for guard Kyle Weaver (6'6''-G-86, college: Washington St.). A 6'6' guard out of Oral Roberts University, Ehambe is averaging 10.2 points per game with Austin since his return from Spain early this year. Ehambe is a career 44.1% shooter from 3-point range during his three seasons in the D-League, which included two seasons with the Tulsa 66ers. The sharp-shooter made a D-League high nine 3-pointers in a game vs. Texas on March 2nd, and has made 14 of his last 16 3-point attempts.

In a separate trade, the Energy sent a 3rd round pick in the 2011 NBA D-League Draft to the Bakersfield Jam for guard Kenny Taylor (6'4''-G-82, college: Texas). Taylor, a University of Texas alumni, is averaging 8.3 points per game on the season, and is shooting 37.2% from 3-point range.

The 3rd round pick sent to Bakersfield for Taylor was originally obtained by Iowa from the Jam in a pre-season trade.

Both players are expected to be in uniform for the Energy during Sunday's Faith & Family Night in Des Moines. That game features a 4pm start vs. Idaho and includes a post-game concert with Aaron Shust.

The Energy have the league's best record at 30-10 and have been in 1st place in their division for 140 consecutive games heading into tonight's game at Maine.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Friday's games - Mar 5, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Utah F. - New Mexico 106-88
Utah improved upon its franchise-best win streak tonight as the Flash beat the Thunderbirds 106-88. The streak was extended to eight games in front of Gordon Hayward, Ty Corbin of the Utah Jazz, and several members of the Sacramento Kings, including Flash guard Ryan Thompson's brother. The Flash trailed early in the first quarter 16-7, but a mid-quarter run 14-point-run gave them the lead. The T-Birds bounced back in the last half of the quarter with 10 points, closing the gap, but were still unable to regain the lead. The Flash had seven steals in the first quarter. The Flash maintained a 10-point lead at the end of the first half [60-50]. Tony Gaffney (6'9''-F-84, college: Massachusetts) remained the game's high scorer with 13 points. Dar Tucker had 12 points for the T-Birds. The Flash took advantage of the T-Bird's offensive mishaps during the first half with 13 points made off of 11 T-Bird turnovers. Ryan Thompson led the Flash with his season-best 21 points. Kevin Kruger (6'1''-G-83, college: UNLV) had an impressive 12 assists, the highest this season for any Flash player. Kruger also had 10 points and six steals. Jazz assignee Jeremy Evans had 10 points and eight rebounds in 34 minutes for the Flash Tucker led the T-Birds with 20 points and nine rebounds. Former Flash-man J.R. Giddens scored 19 for New Mexico. Once again the Flash played unselfishly, serving up 30 assists on the night. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Bakersfield J. - Rio Grande 104-99
The Rio Grande Valley Vipers' four-game winning streak came to a close with a 104-99 loss to the Bakersfield Jam on Friday at the Jam Events Center. With the game tied at 24-24 after 11 minutes, the Jam (24-14) scored the final four baskets of the first quarter and the first three of the second while going on a 15-0 run to take a 39-24 lead. Jerel McNeal (6'3''-G-87, college: Marquette) hit a driving layup at the 10:07 mark of the second quarter to break the run and start a 18-3 run by the Vipers (27-12) to tie the game at 42-42 on a jumper by Matt Janning (6'4''-G/F-88, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Northeastern) at the 4:21 mark. The Vipers took the lead back for the first time since the first quarter at 47-45 when Janning nailed a three-pointer at the 3:10 mark. McNeal led all scorers with 27 points to go with seven assists and a career-high five steals while Richard Roby scored 23 points. *Courtesy of www.themonitor.com

Erie Bay H. - Tulsa 66ers 97-103
The Tulsa 66ers (28-10) recorded their fifth consecutive victory with a 103-97 road win over the Erie BayHawks (24-13) Friday evening inside Tullio Arena. Guard Robert Vaden (6'5''-G/F-85, college: UAB) led the 66ers in scoring with 20 points and forward Ryan Reid (6'8''-F-86, college: Florida St.) paced Tulsa with nine rebounds and two blocked shots. Tulsa, who currently leads the Western Conference, improved to 15-5 on road this season. Also scoring in double figures for Tulsa was Elijah Millsap and Larry Owens with 19 and Jerome Dyson with 16. Offensively, Tulsa shot 36-73 (.493) from the floor, including 5-11 (.455) from beyond the arc. The 66ers defense forced 24 turnovers, including 11 steals. Leading the BayHawks was Ivan Johnson, Tasmin Mitchell and Kyle Spain each with 17 points. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

[Durbansandshark]

Maine RC - Iowa E. 90-99
The Maine Red Claws (14-25) faced off against the league's best, the Iowa Energy (31-10), tonight at the Portland Expo Building. The East's top dog, Iowa outmanned the Red Claws throughout the game, taking home the 99-90 win. Marqus Blakely (6'5''-F-89, college: Vermont) led the Energy in scoring with 20 points while Courtney Sims provided a quiet double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Six of eight players scored in double figures for Iowa. Iowa guard Curtis Stinson continued to close in on the all-time assists mark in the NBA D-League. Stinson, who entered the night needing nine assists to overtake Will Conroy's (Rio Grande Valley, Tulsa, Albuquerque 2005/06 - 2009/10) 1557 all-time assists, finished the night with 6 and will likely set the new league mark Sunday night in front of the home crowd when Iowa hosts Idaho. Magnum Rolle (6'11''-C/F-86, college: Louisiana Tech), making his second appearance for the Red Claws after returning from a knee injury, again provided a solid spark off the bench with 11 points and 7 rebounds. DeShawn Sims got off to a slow start but still ended with 14 points and 7 of his own rebounds. Mario West paced the Red Claws , earning adidas Player of the Game honors with 23 points. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Springfield A. - Dakota W. 79-114
The Springfield Armor had a franchise record crowd of 5,136 on hand at the MassMutual Center tonight, shattering the team's previous high of 4,491 in last year's season finale, but trailed from start to finish in a 114-79 loss to the Dakota Wizards. Dakota burst out of the gate in the first half to the tune of a 10-0 run to start the game. The Wizards played a strong all-round game in the first half, shooting the ball well from the field at 51 percent (22-43), while holding the Armor to just 33 percent from the field (14-42). After leading by 15 at halftime, 55-40, the Wizards added to their lead in the second half. In the third quarter, the Wizards broke the game open even further and led by as many as 35 points. It wasn't just the shooting woes that troubled Springfield. The Armor committed 23 turnovers in the game, which led to 21 fastbreak points for Dakota. The Wizards were led by Javaris Crittenton (6'5''-G-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgia Tech) 's 21-point, 12-assist effort. Anthony Goods (6'3''-G-87, college: Stanford) contributed 19 points, and Renaldo Major and former Armor player Chris Ayer each added 17. Springfield received solid contributions from Jerry Smith (21 points) and the newly acquired Lance Hurdle (17 points). Smith started his fifth game of the season tonight and has played in 37 of the Armor's 38 games. *Courtesy of D-League

Ft.Wayne MA - Reno Bighorns 98-118
Danny Green (6'6''-F/G-87, college: N.Carolina) had a big offensive night to lead the Reno Bighorns to a season sweep of the Fort Wayne Mad Ants with a 118-98 win Friday at Ft. Wayne, Ind. Green scored a season-high 29 points paired with 10 rebounds. He also knocked down six 3-pointers. For the second straight game, all five Bighorns (24-14) starters scored in double digits. Donald Sloan (6'3''-G-88, agency: Impact Basketball, college: Texas A&M) had 20 points, including 16 in the second half, followed by Marcus Landry (18), Patrick O'Bryant (17) and Anthony Richardson (12). Salim Stoudamire kicked in 16 off the bench. The Bighorns shot 52.8 percent from the field (43-of-80) and 78.6 percent from the free-throw line (22-of-28). The Mad Ants (17-22) only shot 41 percent from the field. Fort Wayne kept the game close and trailed by eight points with less than 3 minutes in the game. Reno closed the game with a 16-4 run to seal the victory. Chris Kramer scored 25 points for the Mad Ants, and Marvin Phillips added his second straight double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds. *Courtesy of www.rgj.com

Rashad McCants set to rejoin Legends - Mar 6, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
After three months away from the game, Rashad McCants (6'4''-G/F-84, college: N.Carolina) is planning to come back to Texas to try to revive his NBA career.

McCants reconnected this week with the D-League's Texas Legends and has been invited to rejoin the team after leaving the Legends in December to sign a more lucrative contract in China.

The Chinese deal with Lionang Panpan, however, collapsed almost immediately after McCants left Frisco. The former 2005 lottery pick appeared in only three games with the Legends before his departure and hasn't played organized ball since.

But McCants, who likewise hasn't played in the NBA since the 2008-09 season, asked to rejoin the Legends after receiving an offer to join the recent flurry of NBA veterans -- headlined by Allen Iverson -- to sign in Turkey this season. The 26-year-old apparently convinced Legends co-owner and Mavericks president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson that he's ready to commit to a D-League stint as opposed to signing somewhere in Europe where he can make more money.

'Providing opportunities and second chances is what the D-League is all about,' Nelson said. 'And that's exactly what Rashad needs right now.'

McCants has made arrangements to rejoin the Legends on Monday. He doesn't have much time left this season to impress NBA scouts -- with only nine games left on the Legends' regular-season schedule after his arrival and less than five weeks to go in the NBA's regular season -- but would figure to have a better opportunity to feature in the Legends' offense now that Mavs rookie Dominique Jones is no longer with Dallas' D-League affiliate after foot surgery in February.

McCants left the Legends in December partly because he sought and did not receive any assurances from the Mavericks about eventually landing a roster spot with them. Chances are a 10-day contract offer would have surfaced by now from Dallas or another NBA team had McCants stayed, based on talent alone, but McCants has to start over yet again in terms of convincing NBA general managers that his attitude and willingness to fit into a team structure have improved.

McCants flashed undeniable potential as a scorer in his four seasons with Minnesota and Sacramento, averaging 10.0 points in 249 career games, but admitted in a recent interview with the Lost Lettermen blog that he knows NBA teams want him to play in the D-League 'to show humility to get back.'

The Legends acquired McCants' D-League rights through a new allocation rule in the NBA this season that allowed D-League teams to claim the rights to three players released by parent clubs in training camp. The shooting guard signed with the Mavs late in training camp and was then quickly released by Dallas in a move essentially aimed at ensuring that the Legends, coached by Nancy Lieberman, would have McCants' rights as opposed to merely hoping they could land him in the D-League draft.

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban admitted earlier this season that he and Nelson originally wanted McCants on the Legends' roster to evaluate him as a potential in-season signee. It would appear now that any of chance of earning an NBA recall with Dallas has been extinguished by the Mavs' recent acquisitions of Peja Stojakovic and Corey Brewer and the return of young guard Roddy Beaubois, but the Legends retained McCants' D-League rights when he left.

The former North Carolina star, selected by Minnesota with the 14th overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft after helping the Tar Heels win the 2005 national championship, averaged 12.3 points in just 18 minutes in his three Legends appearances. Upon signing with the Legends, McCants pledged to donate his entire D-League salary of $25,000 to the Urban Born youth and teen charity foundation.

Any foreign team that wants to buy McCants out of his D-League contract must pay $45,000, but that money would go to the league as opposed to the Legends.

Courtesy of ESPN

[Durbansandshark]

Saturday's games - Mar 6, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Austin T. - Sioux Falls S. 115-96
Austin's Leo Lyons (6'9''-F-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Missouri) scored a game-high 29 points Saturday afternoon at Cedar Park Center as the Toros beat the Sioux Falls Skyforce 115-96. The Toros captured the lead in the first half by going on a 16-4 run. Austin led by 15 points at halftime and by as many as 20 in the second half. Aubrey Coleman (6'4''-G-87, college: Houston) scored 16 points for Austin, Marcus Cousin had 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Kevin Palmer contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds. David Bailey led Sioux Falls with 18 points. *Courtesy of www.statesman.com

Erie Bay H. - Tulsa 66ers 98-96 OT
Tasmin Mitchell is right. His baseline jumper at the buzzer might have had a chance of going in Saturday night. 'You never know,' a sly Mitchell said. 'Maybe. Maybe not.' Slim chance. 'No comment,' Erie forward Ivan Johnson (6'8''-F/C-84, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) said with a grin. Whether it did or didn't doesn't matter to Erie because the final outcome ended in its favor. The BayHawks pulled out an 98-96 overtime win against Tulsa on a goaltending call of Mitchell's shot at Tullio Arena. 'Tough call against us, but it was probably the right call,' Tulsa coach Nate Tibbetts said. Johnson scored a game-high 39 points and grabbed 14 rebounds as the BayHawks (25-13) snapped a three-game losing skid before a season-high home crowd of 5,236. Erie is 1-2 versus the West Conference leading 66ers (28-11). 'We needed this big time,' Mitchell said. Johnson scored 24 of Erie's 47 points after halftime to keep the BayHawks in a game that ended in anti-climatic fashion. *Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Utah F. - New Mexico 105-89
The Utah Flash (23-15) used a big third quarter run to top the New Mexico Thunderbirds (15-25) 106-88 on Saturday night. The Flash's franchise long win-streak was increased to nine games with tonight's victory. In the first quarter, the Flash jumped out to a 13-5 lead led by Ryan Thompson (6'6''-G-89, college: Rider) who had a couple of early 3-pointers. The T-Birds would answer with an 8-0 to tie up the game at 13 and ended up trailing by just two points, 25-23 at the end of one quarter. After a back and forth start to the second quarter, the Flash used a 9-0 run to equal their largest lead of the game at 53-45. Brandon Costner (6'9''-F-87, college: N.Carolina St.) led the Flash with 15 points at the half and Utah led by that eight point margin, 59-51. Walter Sharpe led the T-Birds with 15 points of his own at the break. With 7:53 to go in the third quarter, Shane Edwards (6'7''-F-87, college: UALR) hit a turnaround jumper to cut the lead down to seven points. Utah would then take control of the game with a 19-1 run to take an 85-60 lead. They would hold a 20 point advantage after three quarters and go on to win by 18. Utah had seven players score in double figures led by Costner who had 21 points. Jazz assignee Jeremy Evans had 11 points, nine rebounds, and a team-high five blocks in under 30 minutes of play. Andre Ingram added 19, and Ryan Thompson had 17 points in his first start of the year. The Flash have six days off before they head to Reno for a weekend double-header with the Bighorns. *Courtesy of D-League

Bakersfield J. - Rio Grande 111-126
The Rio Grande Valley Vipers lowered their magic number to clinch a second consecutive playoff berth to one with a 126-111 win over the Bakersfield Jam on Saturday at the Jam Events Center. The Vipers (28-12) will clinch a playoff berth with a win or if both the Austin Toros (17-22) and Idaho Stampede (16-22) lose one game each. The Vipers hit 10 of their first 16 shots, including 4-of-6 by Jerel McNeal (6'3''-G-87, college: Marquette) who scored nine quick points while the Vipers jumped out to a 25-13 lead in the opening eight minutes. McNeal led all scorers with 31 points to go with five rebounds, six assists and four steals. *Courtesy of www.themonitor.com

Exciting Sunday - Mar 7, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Iowa E. - Idaho S. 112-144
Luke Babbitt (6'9''-F-89, college: Nevada) scored 23 points and collected 12 rebounds as the Idaho Stampede took a 144-112 victory over the Iowa Energy on Sunday in Des Moines, Iowa. Seven players scored in double digits for the Stampede (17-22), who have won two in a row and beat an Iowa (31-11) team that has the best record in the NBADL and is the only team in the league that has clinched a playoff spot. Idaho set a new season high with its point total and recorded a season-high 60 rebounds. The Stampede led by as many as 40 during the game. *Courtesy of www.idahostatesman.com

Maine RC - Springfield A. 97-100
The new-look Maine Red Claws remain as enigmatic as ever, equally capable of dominating an opponent and looking lost in the same game. Sunday was a perfect example. The Red Claws ran out to a 14-point lead in the first quarter, squandered it in the middle two periods, fought back from an eight-point deficit to tie the game, then lost it in the final second. JamesOn Curry banked in a straight-on 3-pointer to lift the Springfield Armor to a 100-97 victory over the Red Claws before an announced crowd of 3,045 at the Portland Expo. It was Springfield's first win at the Expo in 10 games over two seasons. (box-score) *Courtesy of www.pressherald.com

Dakota W. - Reno Bighorns 103-105
Marcus Landry (6'7''-F-85, college: Wisconsin) sank two free throws with five seconds remaining to give the Reno Bighorns (25-14) a 105-103 come from behind victory over the Dakota Wizards (14-26) Sunday afternoon at the Bismarck Civic Center. Reno (25-14) jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter but relinquished the lead late as Dakota went on an 18-8 run and led 33-24 at the end of the first. Dakota led by 16 after an Anthony Goods three-pointer with 6.3 seconds left in the half but Donald Sloan countered with a three-pointer of his own as the horn sounded giving Dakota a 62-49 lead at the break. Reno trailed the entire second half until Salim Stoudamire hit a three with 50.9 seconds left to tie the game at 103-103. The Bighorns came up with a big defensive stop and would call timeout with 7.9 seconds left. Landry got fouled on a drive to the basket with 5.2 seconds left and calmly sank both free-throws. Darren Cooper's last second three-pointer rattled out securing the Bighorns 105-103 win and third straight road victory. Patrick O'Bryant (7'0''-C-86, college: Bradley) led the way for Reno with a season high 25 points and 17 rebounds and Danny Green (6'6''-F/G-87, college: N.Carolina) contributed a double-double of his own with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Marcus Landry finished with 21 points and Salim Stoudamire chipped in 17 off the bench going 3-of-4 from behind the arc. Javaris Crittenton came off the bench to lead Dakota with 26 points and Anthony Goods added 22 points shooting a season best 5-of-7 from behind the arc. The same two teams meet for the last time this season Monday night at 7 p.m. CT at the Bismarck Civic Center. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

[Durbansandshark]

Daniels returns to BayHawks, Temple heads to Charlotte - Mar 7, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Erie BayHawks have welcomed back their star forward from 2008-09, Erik Daniels (6'9''-G/F-82, college: Kentucky), who averaged 21.1 points and 10 rebounds per game during the team's inaugural season. Daniels, added to the team's ten-man roster today, is taking the roster spot vacated by guard Garrett Temple (6'6''-G-86, college: LSU) who was signed by the Charlotte Bobcats.

Daniels (6-8, 215) did it all for the BayHawks two seasons ago. He led the team in scoring, rebounding, assists (4.5) and minutes played (40.5). Daniels was named to the 2008-09 NBA Development League All-Star team and had the team's only double-double in the franchise's first-ever playoff game (15 pts, 11 assts) in a loss to the eventual champion Colorado 14ers.

Daniels, a University of Kentucky graduate, was most recently playing overseas and is returning to Erie by way of league rules that allow teams to retain the rights of former players for up to two years. Daniels will be in uniform when Erie faces the Springfield Armor on Tuesday morning at 11 am for the team's third annual School Kids Jam game.

Temple (6-5, 180) heads to Charlotte coming off a 20-point performance in Saturday's win over Tulsa. In 24 total games this season with Erie and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Temple, an NBA D-League All-Star, averaged 14.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists. After spending three games with the San Antonio Spurs to start the season, Temple was called up by the Milwaukee Bucks on Jan. 25. He appeared in nine games with the Bucks, averaging 1.9 points in 9.2 minutes.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Monday: Dakota beats Reno - Mar 8, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Dakota W. - Reno Bighorns 114-94
After letting Sunday's game against the Reno Bighorns slip away in the final seconds, the Dakota Wizards came out with something to prove in Monday's rematch - and they did in a 114-94 victory. Even Renaldo Major (6'7''-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Fresno St.), perhaps the most mild-mannered player to ever don a Wizard uniform, had a chip on his shoulder - if only for a moment. Shortly after getting a dunk attempt blocked by Anthony Richardson (6'7''-F-83, college: Florida St.), Major swatted away a Richardson attempt with authority. As he ran back up the floor, Major stared down at the vanquished Bighorn. 'That was just competitive nature,' Major said with a smile. 'He's a good guy. Even after the game we hugged and greeted each other. It was just a passionate game. He blocked one of my dunks, and I blocked one of his shots. 'The ref came up to me and said, Renaldo, I almost called you for taunting, but I know you're not a bad guy.' ' Definitely not, though on this night, Major certainly was a bad dude. He scored 28 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished off six assists. He also had three steals and blocked two shots. Basically, he did anything and everything to make sure the Wizards would pick up the victory. Major said he and the rest of the Wizards were motivated by Sunday's loss, when they blew a 16-point lead despite leading virtually the entire game. 'We felt like we beat them (Sunday) night, even though they won the game,' Major said. 'To give up that lead and lose, it weighed on the guys a lot. We wanted to come out and show that we could beat them.' To do that, the Wizards used their defense to create offense. Dakota scored 28 points off turnovers, compared to just six for Reno. Although they once again got hammered on the boards, the Wizards were able to neutralize Patrick O'Bryant (7'0''-C-86, college: Bradley),, thanks largely to the work of backup center Chris Ayer. On Sunday, O'Bryant had 25 points, 17 rebounds and five blocks, all season-highs. But on Monday, O'Bryant - who got in early foul trouble and missed much of the first half - was held scoreless and grabbed seven rebounds. Meanwhile Ayer, who didn't even get in the game until the third quarter, scored 14 points. 'Chris Ayer stepped up against O'Bryant and played him well,' Wizards coach Rory White said. 'I challenged him this morning in practice in our film session that, when (O'Bryant) was in the game, I was going to put him in against him.' The Wizards grabbed the lead (16-10) midway through the first quarter when Mike Anderson scored seven consecutive points, and never surrendered it. Anderson turned in another solid performance with 22 points and eight rebounds. By early in the second, the Wizards had pushed the lead to 37-24. Danny Green (6'6''-F/G-87, college: N.Carolina), who finished with a team-high 22 points, shot Reno back into it by hitting 3-pointers from three different spots on the floor in a span of 82 seconds. The Bighorns got as close as 53-52 late in the first half and kept it close into the third quarter. But Anthony Goods (6'3''-G-87, college: Stanford) helped the Wizards take control when he scored seven unanswered. Five of them came on free throws - two following Reno technicals and three when he was fouled attempting a 3-pointer. The other two points came on a transition layup when Javaris Crittenton (6'5''-G-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgia Tech) threaded a beautiful bounce pass through the Reno defense to Goods. 'We were able to get some of the loose balls, get deflections and get out on the break,' White said. The Wizards have won three out of four and four of their last six as they try to make a late push for a playoff spot. 'Our guys came back and fought hard,' White said. 'It could have went the other way tonight, when you lose a game like that at the buzzer. But we responded, and I'm proud of that.' *Courtesy of www.bismarcktribune.com

[Durbansandshark]

Tuesday: BayHawks hold off Armor - Mar 9, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Erie Bay H. - Springfield A. 101-92
The Erie BayHawks sure made things interesting for the thousands of children who watched Tuesday morning's 101-92 victory against the Springfield Armor at Tullio Arena. Ahead by as many as 32 points, the BayHawks (26-13) found themselves in a tussle late against the Armor (11-29) before 5,203 fans. 'We should have blown them out earlier,' Erie forward Ivan Johnson (6'8''-F/C-84, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) said. Johnson scored a game-high 27 points to lead Erie in its Kids School Jams game, attended by throngs of cheering students from schools throughout the area. Rookie forward Tasmin Mitchell (6'7''-F-86, college: LSU) scored 20 points while rookie point guard Jermaine Beal (6'3''-G-87, college: Vanderbilt) added a career-high 19 points. 'It was good,' Mitchell said about the kids' presence. 'They brought their energy. We wanted to win for them.' Erie is one victory away from tying a franchise record for wins in a season. The BayHawks won 27 games and made the D-League playoffs in 2008-09. 'We're happy to get a win and move on to the next one,' Erie coach Jay Larranaga said. With just 11 wins, Springfield is not in playoff contention, but it made things difficult for Erie in the fourth quarter. The Armor scored 48 fourth-quarter points and had cut Erie's big lead to nine, 99-90, with 25.9 seconds left in the game. 'We got relaxed,' Mitchell said. 'We relaxed a little bit.' The BayHawks struggled to handle full-court pressure defense for a third consecutive game. Tulsa's full-court trap gave the BayHawks problems in its two games it split against Erie. On Tuesday, Erie had nine of its 21 turnovers in the fourth quarter. The Armor attempted 13 more shots from the field than Erie in the final quarter, going 20-of-27 from the field. ' (The trap) sped them up and we got extra possessions,' Armor guard JamesOn Curry said. Erie has been without its starting point guard, Blake Ahearn (6'2''-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Missouri St.), who has missed three straight games since hurting his right hip against Iowa. Ahearn is hopeful he'll play in Thursday night's game against Maine at Tullio Arena. 'I want to play,' Ahearn said. 'If I can, I will. Hopefully the workout (today) doesn't spring anything new on me.' Erik Daniels, who had 10 points in his return to Erie, is looking to help the BayHawks if teams continue to press them. Daniels was a first-team all-D-League pick for the franchise in 2009. 'We have to work on that in practice,' the veteran forward said. 'Hopefully I can hurry up and get in shape so I can help the guys in the fourth quarter.' For the first three quarters, Erie dominated Springfield. The BayHawks limited the Armor to 28 first-half points and posted their biggest lead, 66-34, with 4 minutes, 37 seconds left in the third quarter. 'Our offense really struggled and that kind of really dictated our defense a little bit,' said Armor forward Jarvis Gunter, who scored nine points in his return to Erie. Gunter was waived by the BayHawks in December. In the first half, Springfield shot just 23.5 percent and its top scorers, Curry and rookie point guard Scottie Reynolds, combined for just one point. Curry, who leads the team in scoring at 16.9 points a game, had the one point. Reynolds came in averaging 13.2 points, but like Curry was 0-of-3 from the field. 'We were just flat,' Curry said. 'We weren't ready to play at all.' Curry ended the game with just three points while Reynolds scored all 18 of his points in the second half. *Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Raptors send Alabi back to development league - Mar 9, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Toronto Raptors assigned rookie centre Solomon Alabi (7'1''-C-88, college: Florida St.) to the Erie BayHawks of the NBA Development League on Wednesday.

This marks Alabis third assignment to Erie this season. He has appeared in 11 contests for the BayHawks, averaging 8.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 22.1 minutes per game.

The seven-foot-one Alabi has appeared in 10 games with Toronto, registering four points and nine rebounds in 40 minutes.

The Dallas Mavericks selected Alabi in the second round, 50th overall, out of Florida State in the 2010 NBA draft before dealing his rights to Toronto.

Courtesy of www.thestar.com

Wednesday: Legends drop heartbreaker in overtime - Mar 10, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Texas L. - Sioux Falls S. 96-99 OT
Despite a strong performance from Sean Williams (6'10''-F-86, college: Boston Coll.), the Texas Legends fell 99-96 to the Sioux Falls Skyforce on Wednesday night at HP Court inside Dr Pepper Arena. After the Legends jumped out to a 7-2 lead, the Skyforce responded with a 13-1 run to take a seven-point lead. Texas was able to crawl back and went into the second quarter trailing by one, 23-22. Despite trailing by as many as nine points in the second, the Legends went into the break down 50-46. Sean Williams had a dominant first half with 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting, while Joe Alexander (6'8''-F-86, college: W.Virginia) had a 12-point opening half for Texas. Raymond Sykes (6'9''-F/C-86, college: Clemson) led the Skyforce in the first half with 13 points. The Legends came out strong in the second half and turned the game around in the third quarter outscoring Sioux Falls 32-16 in the period. Texas went on a 16-4 run to start the third and regain an eight-point lead. The Legends then ended the period on a 9-2 sprint to stretch their lead to 12, going into the final quarter on top 78-66. However, the Skyforce came roaring back at the end of the fourth quarter. With Texas leading 90-81, Sioux Falls went on a 12-3 run over the final three minutes led by newcomer Stephen McDowell. After knocking down a three-pointer to tie the game at 91, his rainbow floater in the lane with 5.3 seconds left gave the Skyforce a 93-91 lead. On the ensuing possession though, following a Sean Williams missed hook shot, Chris Roberts, in his first game with the Legends, gathered the rebound and nailed a fade away jumper at the buzzer to send the game to overtime. Trailing by two in the extra session, Joe Alexander dropped in a driving lay up while drawing a foul. He hit the free throw to put Texas up by one. Then Sioux Falls' Chris McCray (6'5''-G-84, college: Maryland) dropped in a put-back lay up to give the Skyforce the lead back. An Alexander turnover on the offensive end gave Sioux Falls the ball back. McCray hit two clutch free throws to extend the Skyforce lead to three with 3.4 seconds left. With a chance to send the game to double overtime, Alexander's three-point attempt fell short sealing just the Skyforce's eighth win all season. Williams finished with a game-high 27 points and 11 boards, while Alexander delivered his 20th double-double of the year with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Sykes and Keaton Grant (6'4''-G-86, college: Purdue) led Sioux Falls with 19 points each. The Legends fell to 18-22 on the season, while the Skyforce improved to 8-31. Texas will be back in action on Friday night for the first of back-to-back games with the Austin Toros. The tip-off at HP Court inside Dr Pepper Arena is set for 7:00 PM. The Legends will also host the Toros on Saturday night at 7:00 PM. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Thunder assigns Byron Mullens to D-League Tulsa - Mar 11, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
For the third time this season, the Oklahoma City Thunder have assigned reserve center Byron Mullens (7'0''-C-89, college: Ohio St.) to the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League.

Thunder general manager Sam Presti announced the move Thursday. Mullens is expected to be in uniform Friday for Tulsa's home game against the Sioux Falls Skyforce.

In his two previous stints with Tulsa, the 7-foot Mullens has started in all six of his appearances and averaged 16.7 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocked shots per game.

He's played in 12 games this season for Oklahoma City, averaging 1.3 points and 1.6 rebounds per game.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

[Durbansandshark]

Skyforce acquires McDowell - Mar 11, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Sioux Falls Skyforce announced that the team has acquired guard Stephen McDowell (5'11''-G-85, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Chattanooga) from the available player pool. To make room for him on the roster the team waived guard Anthony Harris due to injury. He is expected to be in uniform for tonight's road game against the Texas Legends at 7 p.m. CT. The active roster now stands at 10 players.

McDowell holds NBA Development League career averages of 7.4 points and 2.3 assists in 38 games (eight starts) with the Bakersfield Jam (3), New Mexico Thunderbirds (32) and Austin Toros (3). He scored a season-high 25 points to go along with six rebounds and three steals for New Mexico on Jan. 10. The 6-0, 180-pound guard was named All-Southern Conference First Team after averaging 18.1 points and 3.3 rebounds in 35 games (all starts) as a senior at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2008-09.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Stephane Lasme returns to Red Claws - Mar 11, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Maine Red Claws, presented by Quirk Chevrolet, today announced that forward Stephane Lasme (6'8''-F-82, college: Massachusetts) will make his Red Claws regular season debut tonight at Erie. Expected to be an integral part of the Red Claws plans this season and an NBA call-up candidate, Lasme, who joined the Red Claws in training camp out of the Boston Celtics camp as one of three Affiliated Players, fractured his foot just 2 minutes into the teams lone preseason game and was not expected to return this season.

Drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the 2nd round (46th overall) in the 2007 NBA Draft, Lasme played one game for the Warriors during his rookie season before joining the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA D-League. He earned a GATORADE call-up when he signed with the Miami Heat in March of that season, appearing in 15 games in which he averaged 5.5 ppg and 3.5 rpg. Lasme took his game overseas for the next two seasons, playing for teams in Serbia and Israel before earning an invite to the Boston Celtics 2011 training camp. A four-year standout at the University of Massachusetts, Lasme is the schools all-time leader in career blocks (399) and second all-time in field-goal percentage (.595). As a senior, he became just the third player in NCAA history to record four triple-doubles in a single season.

With the return of 2011 1st round draft pick (3rd overall) Magnum Rolle, also felled by an early season injury just two games into the season, and now Lasme, the Red Claws more closely resemble the roster expected when the season began.

To make room on the roster, the Red Claws have waived Lewis Clinch.

Courtesy of www.celtics247.com

NBA veteran Bobby Simmons signs with Reno Bighorns - Mar 11, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Reno Bighorns have signed nine-year NBA veteran Bobby Simmons (6'7''-F/G-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Florida St.), who has played over 400 NBA games with the Wizards, Clippers, Bucks, Nets and Spurs.

Simmons, a 6-6, 235-pound shooting guard out of DePaul, has averaged 9.4 points per game over his 438-game NBA career. He enjoyed his best season during the 2004-05 campaign, when he averaged 16.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game while playing for the Los Angeles Clippers. That season, he shot 43.5% from beyond the arc.

Simmons takes the roster spot of Thomas Gardner, who was waived due to injury earlier today. Reno will retain Gardner's rights and expects to re-sign him when he becomes healthy.

Simmons previously played in the NBA Development League during the 2002-03 season, when he averaged 17.1 points per game in 14 games with the now-defunct Mobile Revelers.

He is expected to wear number 32 and be active for this weekend's back-to-back contests against the Utah Flash.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Friday's games - Mar 12, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Reno Bighorns - Utah F. 109-101
After trailing most of the second half, the Reno Bighorns used a 22-8 run over the game's final six minutes Friday night to clip the Utah Flash, 109-101, in the Reno Events Center. Reno (26-15) trailed by six points with 6:10 remaining in the fourth quarter, but the Bighorns would go on a 10-0 run over the next three-and-a-half minutes to take a lead they would not relinquish. The Bighorns have now won four of their last five and 11 of their last 14 as the postseason approaches. 'Our ballclub over the last two weeks has been a very good fourth-quarter team,' said Bighorns Head Coach Eric Musselman. 'We got down, but the guys didn't hang their heads.' Danny Green buried five three pointers on his way to a game-high 36 points, setting a new Bighorns team-season high. Green hit 10-of-15 tries from the field and converted 11-of-14 attempts from the charity stripe. Bobby Simmons, playing his first game with Reno, notched eight points, seven boards and two assists in 34 minutes off the bench. 'We rode the hot hand of Danny Green,' Musselman said. 'And it was good to get Bobby Simmons in the flow for us.' Anthony Richardson (6'7''-F-83, college: Florida St.) collected a double-double for the Horns with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Salim Stoudamire (6'1''-G-82, college: Arizona) scored 15. Utah (23-16) featured a balanced scoring attack Friday, with six Flash players finishing in double figures. Brandon Costner and Tony Gaffney scored 16 points apiece, and Ronald Dupree added 15. Reno won the rebounding battle 45-38 and held the Flash to 20 percent shooting from beyond the arc. *Courtesy of www.kolotv.com

Texas L. - Austin T. 97-93
In a game with huge playoff implications, Booker Woodfox (6'1''-G-86, college: Creighton) drained a baseline jumper to break a tied game with 6.4 seconds left to help defeat the Austin Toros 97-93 on Friday night at HP Court inside Dr Pepper Arena. The win evened the Legends up with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants for the eighth and final playoff spot, while giving them a one-game lead over the Toros heading into the second of the back-to-back games tomorrow night in Frisco. Justin Dentmon (5'11''-G-85, college: Washington) started the game on fire scoring 13 points in the opening quarter. The Legends led by as many as nine points in the first and took a six-point lead into the second quarter. With Texas on top 41-33 early in the second, Austin scored nine unanswered points to take a one-point lead of their own. The Legends though finished the half on a 6-0 run over the final 1:47 to take a 57-48 lead into the break. Dentmon finished the half with 18 points, while Matt Rogers added 11 for Texas. In his first game since being acquired by Austin, Tre Kelley led the way for the Toros in the opening half with 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting. After Texas scored the first three points of the second half to take a 12-point lead, Austin went on a 14-3 sprint to cut the deficit to one and went into the final period down 73-71. The Toros scored the first six points in the fourth quarter to take a 77-73 lead, their first lead since the middle of the second quarter. However, Texas came right back to tie the game at 82 with under seven minutes to go. With the game tied at 93, Kelly drove strong to the hoop, but had his lay up attempt swatted away by Legends newcomer Chris Roberts with 13.6 seconds left in the fourth. On the offensive end, Woodfox came up huge, nailing a baseline jumper with 6.4 seconds left to give Texas the 95-93 lead. With a chance for Austin to tie or win the game, Roberts came up with another huge defensive play. As Leo Lyons (6'9''-F-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Missouri) drove to the hoop, Roberts stepped in front, set his feet and drew the offensive foul on Lyons preserving the Legends victory. Dentmon led the way for Texas with 25 points, as Rogers finished with 16 on the night. Kelly was the leading scorer for Austin in a losing cause with 16 points. The win improved the Legends to 19-23 on the season, while the Toros fell to 17-23. *Courtesy of D-League

[Durbansandshark]

Sunday: Energy and Red Claws win - Mar 14, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Iowa E. - Erie Bay H. 133-126
The Erie BayHawks lost Sunday, but it wasn't all bad news. Erie clinched a playoff berth despite a 133-126 loss to the Iowa Energy -- the third time the BayHawks have lost to the Energy in a little more than two weeks. However, Erie also qualified for the postseason thanks to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants' 117-94 loss to the Maine Red Claws. The Energy (32-11), owners of D-League's top record, pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat Erie. The BayHawks (27-14) led 100-99 heading into the fourth, but lost all momentum when Ivan Johnson was ejected after picking up his second technical foul of the game. Iowa then went on a 7-2 run to take the lead for good. Each team had five players in double figures. Erie's Tasmin Mitchell (6'7''-F-86, college: LSU) led all scorers with a career-high 39 points, while Blake Ahearn (6'2''-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Missouri St.) scored 26 and Johnson chipped in 20. Nate Linhart added 17 and Jermaine Beal scored 12. Michael Haynes (6'8''-G/F-81, college: Fordham) led the Energy with 36 points, while Ehambe Moses Randall (6'6''-G/F-86, college: ORU) scored 19. Marqus Blakely and Curtis Stinson helped pace the offense with 18 points apiece and Othyus Jeffers finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds. *Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Maine RC - Ft.Wayne MA 117-94
Veteran guard Mario West (6'5''-G-84, college: Georgia Tech) picked up the first triple-double (27 pts., 10 assists, 10 rebounds) in Red Claws history and the first of his career to lead Maine to a 117-94 win over the visiting Fort Wayne Mad Ants (19-23). Despite getting the overtime win last night in Springfield to move into the eighth and final playoff spot, the Mad Ants could not carry the momentum up to Maine. Despite the loss, Fort Wayne maintained their slim game hold on their postseason bid. With the win, Maine continues to cling to hope of making the postseason for the first time in the team's two-year history, trailing the 8th place Ants by 4 games. The Red Claws had a phenomenal night shooting the ball, shooting 55% from 3-point land and 64% from the floor but still struggling from the line at 58.8%. Fort Wayne kept it close until half time with a score of 57-52 only to see Maine end the third quarter on an 11-5 run to up the score to 84-75. The Red Claws never looked back, outscoring Fort Wayne 60-42 in the second half. Red Claws rookie forward DeShawn Sims, who entered the night as the league's 6th leading scorer, continues to make a strong bid for Rookie of the Year honors, leading all scorers tonight with 29 points. Center Bamba Fall picked up his first Red Claws double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds while rookie guard Jamar Smith just missed with 10 points and 9 assists on the night. In all, seven Red Claws players ended in double figures. Adidas player of the game honors went to Mario West for the third straight game. Six Fort Wayne players finished with double digits, with Roderick Wilmont (6'4''-G-83, college: Indiana) leading the Mad Ants with 19 points and Marvin Phillips adding 16 off the bench. Derek Raivio, still trying to get his feet wet playing in a new offense since being traded on February 27, added 10 points, shooting 50% from the floor. Fort Wayne will host the Springfield Armor for a pair next Thursday and Saturday to close out their season series with the Armor while Maine returns to action next Friday with the first game of a two-game home set with the Texas Legends, the first-ever visit to Maine by the expansion franchise led by Head Coach Nancy Lieberman. The game will be 'Larry Bird Bobblehead Night' with the first 1,000 fans through the turnstiles receiving the collectible. It was also be '80's Night' with fans receiving $5 entry to see the popular 80's cover band Orange Crush at Asylum following the game when they show their ticket stub. *Courtesy of www.wane.com

Tuesday: Vipers beat Skyforce - Mar 16, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Rio Grande - Sioux Falls S. 106-97
The defending NBA Development League champion Rio Grande Valley Vipers are now tied with the Tulsa 66ers at the top of the Western Conference standings after a 106-97 victory over the Sioux Falls Skyforce on Tuesday at State Farm Arena in front of a sellout crowd of 5,653. The Skyforce (10-32) opened the game on a 6-0 run powered by a basket, a, steal and an assist by Patrick Ewing (6'8''-F-84, college: Georgetown) Jr. Richard Roby (6'6''-G-85) broke that run for the Vipers (29-13) by hitting back-to-back baskets. Mouhammad Faye followed with a pair of free throws and Roby banked in a lay-up to give the Vipers an 8-6 lead. The Vipers extended the run into a 21-6 run, taking a 32-18 lead at the end of the first quarter. Roby hit all six of his shot attempts for 12 of his team-high 27 points. Roby hit 12-of-20 shots while also recording eight rebounds, two assists and three steals. The Skyforce got as close as 47-38 after a pair of free throws from Stephen McDowell at the 4:45 mark, but Jon Scheyer (6'5''-G-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Duke) responded with a three-pointer and the Vipers maintained their lead, going up by as many as 19 points in the third quarter, until late in the fourth quarter. After Scheyer hit a floater to give the Vipers a 100-87 lead with 4:44 remaining, Ewing hit a pair of free throws, McDowell hit a jumper and then Ewing hit another pair of free throws to bring the Skyforce within 100-93 with 3:01 remaining. Roby responded with a driving lay-up, but Sean Marshall (6'6''-G/F-85, college: Boston Coll.) hit a basket and Ewing hit two more free throws to make it 102-97 with 1:06 remaining. Roby missed a shot but grabbed the rebound and put the ball back in with 40.6 seconds remaining to put the game out of reach. Ewing finished 14-for-14 from the foul line while scoring a game-high 35 points to go with five rebounds. Scheyer scored a career-high 24 points on a career-best 8-of-13 shooting, including 4-for-6 from behind the arc, to go with a career-high eight assists and a career-high two blocked shots. Faye recorded his second-straight double-double and fifth of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Connor Atchley (6'10''-F/C-85, agency: Impact Basketball, college: Texas) scored 15 points with six rebounds and a career-high five blocked shots. *Courtesy of D-League

Nets assign Ben Uzoh to Springfield Armor - Mar 16, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
New Jersey Nets guard Ben Uzoh (6'3''-G-88, college: Tulsa) was assigned to the Springfield Armor, the Nets NBA Development League affiliate, it was announced today. The assignment marks the 46th time in the 2010-11 season an NBA player has been assigned to an NBA D-League affiliate, and it is the first assignment for Uzoh, a rookie out of Tulsa.

Uzoh is the 33rd NBA player to be assigned this season, marking a new all-time high. The previous record for individual NBA players to be assigned to the NBA D-League in a season was 32 set in 2008-09.

Uzoh (6-3, 205) has appeared in 32 games with the Nets this season, averaging 3.4 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 9.1 minutes. He has scored in double figures twice this season, and scored 18 points in 22 minutes against the Houston Rockets on Feb. 26.

New Jersey signed Uzoh as an undrafted free agent in July. He appeared in five NBA Summer League games for the Nets, averaging 7.0 points in 24.8 minutes. In a four-year career at Tulsa, Uzoh carried averages of 13.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists over 141 games. Uzoh was named to the All-Conference USA First Team as a senior and Second Team as a junior and sophomore, and ranks among Tulsas all-time top 10 in 11 categories, including points, assists, rebounds, steals and blocks.

Uzoh is expected to join the Armor for the teams game at Fort Wayne on Thursday. Nets fans can keep track of Uzoh and the Armor by logging onto NBA.com/dleague to watch every game live, online, for free.

Courtesy of www.cbs3springfield.com

[Durbansandshark]

Wednesday's games review - Mar 17, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Reno Bighorns - Erie Bay H. 100-89
The Reno Bighorns punched their ticket to the postseason Wednesday night with a 100-89 victory over the Erie BayHawks in the Reno Events Center. Reno (27-16) is headed to the playoffs for the second-straight season and the second time overall in the three-year history of the franchise. An evening-long battle came to a head in the fourth quarter Wednesday night when Erie's Ivan Johnson (6'8''-F/C-84, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) drilled a three-pointer to give Erie (27-15) a 76-75 lead with 8:57 remaining in the ballgame. But the Bighorns answered with a 14-0 run on 6-for-6 shooting from the field over the next three-plus minutes to take a lead they would not relinquish. Marcus Landry led five Bighorns in double figures with a game-high 27 points on the night, finishing with 10 boards and five assists. Patrick O'Bryant (7'0''-C-86, college: Bradley) notched a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Donald Sloan chipped-in 13 points and seven assists. Reno shot 50 percent from the floor and outrebounded the BayHawks, 47-39. Johnson paced Erie with 24 points on a 10-of-18 night from the field, including three three-pointers. Erik Daniels scored 15 points off the bench, and Blake Ahearn added 17 points, six boards and five assists. *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

Idaho S. - Tulsa 66ers 94-85
Luke Babbitt (6'9''-F-89, college: Nevada) had 30 points and 14 rebounds, Jermareo Davidson (6'10''-F-84, college: Alabama) had 17 points and 13 rebounds and the Idaho Stampede (18-24) overcame a dismal first quarter (15 points, 5-of-18 shooting) and first half (34 points, 8-18 FT) to beat the Tulsa 66ers 94-85 (29-14) at Qwest Arena on Wednesday night. Babbitt's 30 points were the second most by a Stampeder this year. The Portland assignee scored 22 in the second half and grabbed 10 of his rebounds in the final two quarters. Davidson also grabbed 10 rebounds in the third and fourth quarters. Carlos Wheeler finished as a third Stampeder with 10+ rebounds, grabbing 12, as the Stampede grabbed 56 rebounds as a team. Trailing for most of the game, the Stampede took the lead for good with a Cedric Jackson layup with 1:35 left off of an Antoine Walker feed. Jackson finished with 16 points and Walker had 12 points, four rebounds and four assists. Idaho finished the game on a 10-1 run. Tulsa was led by Latvious Williams (15 points, nine rebounds) Byron Mullens (13 points, three blocks) and Elijah Millsap (12 points). Tulsa was 0-for-7 from behind the three-point line in the first half, finishing 4-of-16 (25.0 percent). Idaho plays the Dakota Wizards on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. at Qwest Arena. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Thursday: Springfield Armor shift from cruise control to 106-105 loss to Fort Wayne Mad Ants - Mar 18, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Ft.Wayne MA - Springfield A. 106-105
With five minutes to go in their NBA D-League game Thursday night, the Springfield Armor were cruising. Or so it appeared. Two 3-pointers by Lance Hurdle and a basket by New Jersey Net prospect Ben Uzoh (6'3''-G-88, college: Tulsa) had sparked the Armor to an eight-point run and given them a 94-87 lead. The crowd of 2,377 at Allen County Memorial Coliseum was silenced. Mad Ants coach Joey Meyer was mad enough, shaking his head and calling for a timeout. Then, as it has happened so many times this season for the Armor, their lead evaporated, this time into a 106-105 loss on a night when rookie Jerry Smith (6'2''-G-84, college: Samford) scored a career-high and game-high 33 points. 'We don't know how to have that killer blow. We don't have that knockout punch,' said Armor head coach Dee Brown. 'All we needed was a couple of stops.' In addition to Smith's 33 points on 11-of-14 shooting, Hurdle scored 28, the most for him as an Armor player since being acquired in a Feb. 28 trade with Idaho. Uzoh, a point guard who was assigned to the Armor from the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday, scored seven points and had a team-high six assists in 24 minutes. 'It was definitely a winnable game,' Uzoh said. 'We've got to get stops and we've got to take care of the ball.' Darnell Lazare (6'8''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: LSU), whose two free throws with 2:14 left gave Fort Wayne the lead for good, led the Mad Ants with 28 points. The Armor (11-32) will play the Mad Ants (20-23) again Saturday night at Fort Wayne in a 7:30 p.m. game that will be televised by Versus on a tape delay at 11 p.m. After falling behind by seven points, the Mad Ants emerged from the timeout and scored seven consecutive points in less than two minutes, tying the score at 94 with 3:24 left on a three-point play by Chris Kramer (6'3''-G-88, college: Purdue) (20 points, game-high eight assists). Ten of Kramer's points came from the free-throw line, where the Mad Ants had 38 tries on 29 Springfield fouls. The Armor's loss, which was their seventh straight this season to Fort Wayne, ruined a highlight reel-type night for Smith. He scored 22 points in the second quarter alone, his only miss in 10 shots coming on a desperation 3-pointer as the buzzer sounded to end the first half. He hit 3-pointers to end the third quarter and the game. *Courtesy of www.masslive.com

Warriors reassign Lin to Reno Bighorns - Mar 19, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Golden State Warriors have reassigned guard Jeremy Lin (6'3''-G-89, college: Harvard) to the Reno Bighorns of the NBA Development League, the team announced today.

Lin has previously appeared in 16 games over two stints with the Bighorns this season, averaging 17.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.19 steals in 32.0 minutes per contest.

With the Warriors this season, Lin has appeared in 23 games, averaging 1.9 points, 1.1 assists and 1.13 steals in 8.7 minutes per contest.

Courtesy of http://basketball.realgm.com

Washington Wizards: Othyus Jeffers signed to 10-day contract - Mar 19, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Wizards have signed swingman Othyus Jeffers (6'5''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Robert Morris) of the NBA Development Leagues Iowa Energy to a 10-day contract:

From the news release:

Jeffers (6-5, 200), a two-time D-League All-Star (2009, 2011) and the 2009 D-League Rookie of the Year, has averaged 21.1 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists this season through 38 games (18 double-doubles) with Iowa.

Jeffers has also appeared in 15 NBA games over two seasons after being called up by the Utah Jazz in 2009-10 and the San Antonio Spurs this season. He will wear uniform #12.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

[Durbansandshark]

Friday's games - Mar 19, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Bakersfield J. - Erie Bay H. 121-123 OT
Ivan Johnson (6'8''-F/C-84, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) had perhaps his finest all-around game of his All-Star season Friday night. And Johnson's triple-double carried the Erie BayHawks to perhaps their most memorable win of the 2010-11 season. Johnson had 34 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, and his two free throws with 3.4 seconds left in the second overtime lifted the BayHawks to a 123-121 victory over the Bakersfield Jam. Erie improved to 28-15 and remained in the No. 4 playoff position with seven regular-season games remaining. Its 28th victory set a team record for the most wins in the 3-year-old franchise's history. The BayHawks overcame a 48-point performance by Bakersfield's Trey Johnson (6'5''-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Jackson St.), a 6-foot 5-inch guard who is averaging 25.2 points per game. *Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Idaho S. - Dakota W. 112-107
The Idaho Stampede defeated the Dakota Wizards 112-107 on Friday night at Qwest Arena. It was Idaho's fourth win in its past six games as the Stampede try to chase down the eighth and final spot in the NBA Development League playoffs. Guard Cedric Jackson (6'3''-G-86, agency: Impact Basketball, college: Cleveland St.) led the Stampede with 22 points. Desean Hadley (6'4''-G-77, college: E.Michigan) and backup center Joe Dabbert combined to go 21-for-21 from the free-throw line as Dabbert scored a season-high 19 points. Tony Bobbitt added 17 points for the Stampede, who led by as many as 27 points. Idaho, which started the season 2-13, improved to 19-24. The two teams play again at 7 tonight at Qwest Arena. *Courtesy of www.idahostatesman.com

Utah F. - Reno Bighorns 103-107
Jeremy Lin (6'3''-G-89, college: Harvard)-assigned to Reno earlier this week from the Golden State Warriors-scored a game-high 27 points Friday night, lifting the Bighorns to a 107-103 victory over the Utah Flash in the UCCU Events Center. Lin's big night off the bench pushed Reno to its 28th win of the 2010-11 campaign, matching a franchise high for victories in the regular season. Reno led by five through the first period of play, but the Flash tied the score at the break and took a two-point lead over the Bighorns into the fourth period of play. But Reno would go on to outscore Utah 32-26 in the final quarter to earn the victory in the first half of a back-to-back weekend series. Lin's 27-point effort marked a season-high for the Harvard product. He buried both of his attempts from three-point range and knocked-down 13-of-14 tries from the charity stripe. Lin added five rebounds and an assist for the Bighorns. Bobby Simmons (6'7''-F/G-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Florida St.) nabbed 17 rebounds and poured in 23 points on the night for Reno, while Anthony Richardson registered 16 points and four blocked shots. The Bighorns shot 45.3 percent from the field and 76.7 percent from the line. Utah was led by 25 points from Brandon Costner. Ronald Dupree added 21, and Tony Gaffney finished with 13 points, nine rebounds and six blocks. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

New Mexico - Tulsa 66ers 91-107
Forward Latavious Williams (6'8''-F-91) posted 17 points, 13 rebounds and four steals to collect his 11th double-double of the season, Elijah Millsap (6'6''-G-87, college: UAB) poured in 25 points and Byron Mullens (7'0''-C-89, college: Ohio St.) added five points as the Tulsa 66ers (30-14) cruised to a 107-91 road win at New Mexico (16-27) Friday night inside the Santa Ana Star Center. Also scoring in double figures for Tulsa was Jerome Dyson with 17, Larry Owens with 16 and Robert Vaden with 14. Offensively, the 66ers shot 40-71 (.563) from the floor against the Thunderbirds. As a team, Tulsa recorded 20 assists, led by Vaden with four dishes. Tulsa, who improved to 2-0 against New Mexico this season, forced 20 turnovers and collected nine steals on the defensive end. Leading the Thunderbirds was Dar Tucker with 22 points and Shane Edwards with a team-high eight rebounds. The 66ers and Thunderbirds will square off again tomorrow night, March 19, to complete the back-to-back set at 8:30 p.m. CT in Rio Rancho. The contest will mark Tulsa's final regular season road game of the season. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Maine RC - Texas L. 95-114
The Texas Legends (20-24) kept their playoff hopes alive, moving a half game behind the Fort Wayne Mad Ants for the 8th and final playoff spot with a 114-95 win at Maine tonight. The loss set back the Maine Red Claws' (15-28) hopes at a late run for the postseason. Maine is currently five wins out of the final slot with just 7 games remaining. The two teams remained close early in the game, with the Legends opening up a 4-point lead at the end of the first quarter and widening their lead to 8 by the half. Texas took control in the second half, capitalizing on 22 Red Claws turnovers on the night and shooting 26 for 27 from the line (96.3%) to close the door on any late Maine run. Maine Red Claws rookie DeShawn Sims, who entered the night 1st in rookie scoring and 5th overall, continued to make his bid for Rookie of the Year, picking up 18 points for his 35th game in double figures. Magnum Rolle put forth his most impressive effort since returning from a knee injury earning adidas Player of the Game honors for his 17 points while guard Jamar Smith added 13 to round out the Red Claws' leading scorers.. Texas center Sean Williams (6'10''-F-86, college: Boston Coll.) picked up a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while guard Dominique Johnson (6'3''-G-87, college: Azusa Pacific) led all scorers with 23 points. Forward Joe Alexander made his presence known, contributing 17 points in the winning effort. The Red Claws and Legends are both idle tomorrow, spending the day in Portland before squaring off again on Sunday at 1 PM during 'The Red Claws Go Country Night.' Maine will then head west for a pair at Utah Tuesday and Thursday before closing out the week at Bakersfield with a weekend set. Texas will travel to Tulsa to take on the 66ers on Friday. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Rio Grande - Austin T. 95-107
The first half belonged to the Vipers. The second half belonged to the Austin Toros. The Valley's pro basketball team saw an 11-point halftime lead vanish as Austin outscored the locals 61-38 after the break to record a 107-95 victory Friday night. Leo Lyons (6'9''-F-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Missouri) led the Toros' second half surge with a game-high 31 points and seven rebounds while Squeaky Johnson added 14 points. The Vipers (29-14) and Toros (19-23) complete their regular season series Saturday night in Hidalgo. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 pm. *Courtesy of www.krgv.com

Iowa E. - Sioux Falls S. 109-103
Curtis Stinson (6'2''-G-83, college: Iowa St.) scored 39 points and Marqus Blakely (6'5''-F-89, college: Vermont) added 31 as the Iowa Energy defeated the Sioux Falls Skyforce 109-103 Friday night. The two Eastern Conference rivals played a tight first half as the Energy took a 56-52 lead into the break. Stinson (17 points) and Blakely (18) led Iowa's charge. The win moves the Energy to 33-11 on the season, and was the 144th consecutive game the franchise has been in 1st place. Stefhon Hannah added 14 points and 7 rebounds for Iowa, while Taylor finished with 10 points on the night. Sioux Falls drops to 10-33 on the season with the loss. David Bailey led the team with 23 points while Marshall finished with 22. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

[Durbansandshark]

Saturday's games review - Mar 20, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Bakersfield J. - Erie Bay H. 126-98
Drew Naymick (6'11''-C-85, agency: Warren Sports International) had 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead a balanced attack for the Bakersfield Jam in a 126-98 rout of the Erie (Pa.) Bayhawks on Saturday night at the Jam Events Center. Trey Johnson (6'5''-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Jackson St.) added 21 points and 10 assists one night after a 48-point effort for the Jam in Friday's 123-121 loss to the Bayhawks in double overtime. Stephen Dennis chipped 22 points and eight assists, and Derrick Byars scored 19 for Bakersfield (27-16), which shot 56.5 percent from the field. Ivan Johnson scored 25 points to lead Erie (28-16). The Jam will play Tuesday and Wednesday nights in Albuquerque, N.M., against the New Mexico Thunderbirds. *Courtesy of www.bakersfield.com

Ft.Wayne MA - Springfield A. 119-110
In a nationally televised game on the Versus network and in front of 6,659 fans, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants defeated the Springfield Armor 119-110 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. With four players contributing 20 points or more, Fort Wayne maintained control throughout the game to earn their 21st win of the season and keep a hold on the 8th spot in the playoffs. The Mad Ants were led by Darnell Lazare (6'8''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: LSU) and Chris Kramer (6'3''-G-88, college: Purdue), who each scored 22 points. Rod Wilmont and Ryan Wittman provided hot shooting from outside by each hitting 5 three pointers, and each player scored 21 points. The Armor were led by Scottie Reynolds' 25 points, and Gavin Edwards chipped in 18 points off the bench for the visiting team. *Courtesy of www.wane.com

Rio Grande - Austin T. 118-103
Jerel McNeal (6'3''-G-87, college: Marquette) picked up where he left off, helping the Vipers take down the Austin Toros 118-103 Saturday night. Fresh off a 10-day stint with the New Orleans Hornets, McNeal dropped in 18 points in his first game back with Rio Grande Valley. Jon Scheyer (6'5''-G-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Duke) led the Vipers with a career-high 27 points in 36 minutes while Richard Roby and Patrick Sullivan each added 20. The Vipers (30-14) next welcome Idaho (19-25) on Monday at 7:00 pm. *Courtesy of www.krgv.com

Idaho S. - Dakota W. 108-112
Three Stampede players finished with double-doubles, but it wasn't enough as the Dakota Wizards defeated Idaho 112-108 on Saturday night at Qwest Arena. Luke Babbitt (6'9''-F-89, college: Nevada) had 24 points and 11 rebounds, Jermareo Davidson (6'10''-F-84, college: Alabama) had 16 points and 12 rebounds and Cedric Jackson finished with 15 points and 12 assists. But Dakota countered with a 30-point effort from Anthony Goods. Sean Banks had 17 points and Tony Bobbitt added 16 for Idaho, but the Stampede were hurt by 16 turnovers that led to 20 Dakota points. Idaho, which had a two-game winning streak snapped, dropped to 19-25. It plays its next four games on the road. *Courtesy of www.idahostatesman.com

Utah F. - Reno Bighorns 81-91
Double-doubles from Patrick O'Bryant (7'0''-C-86, college: Bradley) and Bobby Simmons (6'7''-F/G-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Florida St.) coupled with a strong defensive effort by Reno led the Bighorns to a 91-81 win over the Utah Flash on Saturday night in the UCCU Events Center. O'Bryant finished with 16 points and season-high-tying 17 rebounds, while Simmons chipped in with his second double-double in as many nights, scoring 13 points and grabbing 12 boards. The win gave Reno (29-16) a new franchise record for wins in a season and a weekend sweep over the Flash (25-18). It also gave the Horns the season series over Utah, six games to four. The Flash trailed by just four points entering the fourth quarter, but Reno opened the final period on a 13-2 run to stretch the lead to 15. Utah fought back late, cutting the lead to seven points with three minutes remaining, but the Bighorns held on for their 14th win in their last 18 games. Marcus Landry led the Bighorns in scoring with 18 points, while Jeremy Lin added 16 points and six rebounds. Reno held Utah to just 31.5 percent shooting on the night, the lowest field goal percentage by a Bighorns' opponent in franchise history. Andre Ingram led five Flash players in double figures, finishing with 19 points off the bench. Ronald Dupree added a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds. With just five regular season games remaining, Reno has clinched a playoff berth for the second-consecutive season. The Horns travel to Sioux Falls, S.D. next Friday and Saturday to take on the Sioux Falls Skyforce, with both games set to tip-off at 5 p.m. PT. The Bighorns return home on Tuesday, March 29 at 7 p.m. against the Austin Toros. *Courtesy of www.kolotv.com

New Mexico - Tulsa 66ers 99-86
The New Mexico Thunderbirds (17-27) used a big second quarter in which they outscored the Tulsa 66ers (30-15) by 20 points to key a 99-86 victory. The Tulsa 66ers jumped out to an early 7-0 in the first quarter, keyed by a couple of early 3-pointers from Larry Owens (6'7''-G/F-83, college: ORU). It took the T-Birds nearly three minutes to score their first points of the game. The T-Birds got within one point a couple of different times in the quarter, but then as time expired in the first quarter Matt Bouldin hit a 3-pointer and was fouled for a four point play that gave the 66ers a 23-18 lead. The T-Birds used a big second quarter in which they outscored the 66ers 29-9 to take a 15 point half time lead. With 5:36 to go in the second quarter, Tulsa led 30-28. The Thunderbirds then closed the half on a 19-2 run to take a 47-32 lead. Dar Tucker (6'4''-F-88, college: De Paul) led all scorers with 10 points in the half including two late 3-pointers during the T-Birds run. In the third quarter, the 66ers were able to cut the T-Birds lead to 13 with on a Ryan Reid layup with 6:37 to go in the quarter. The Thunderbirds then finished the quarter on a 17-8 run capped by a J.R. Giddens tip in with one second to go in the quarter to give them their largest lead of the game 76-54. The T-Birds would hold off a late run by the 66ers in the fourth quarter and go on to win by 0 points. For the second straight night Dar Tucker led a balanced T-Birds scoring attack with 26 points. Four other T-Birds also scored double digit points. *Courtesy of D-League

[Durbansandshark]

Sunday: Wins for Armor, Red Claws and Energy - Mar 21, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Sioux Falls S. - Springfield A. 75-112
The Springfield Armor defeated the Sioux Falls Skyforce 112-75 at the Sioux Falls Arena on Sunday night. Sioux Falls shot a season-low 33.0 percent (29-of-88) from the field as Springfield picked up their first-ever win against the Skyforce in seven tries. After the score was tied at two, Springfield (12-33) outscored Sioux Falls 19-5 to lead 21-7 after the first quarter. The seven points set a franchise record for fewest points in a quarter. Springfield outshot Sioux Falls in the first half 52.3 percent (23-of-44) to 26.8 percent (11-of-41) and led 50-28 at halftime. Sioux Falls (10-34) would get no closer than 19 points in the second half and recorded a season-low in points as Springfield snapped a five-game losing streak. Chas McFarland posted a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Jerry Smith (6'2''-G-84, college: Samford) (15), Gavin Edwards (6'9''-F/C-88, college: Connecticut) (14) and Lance Hurdle (14) combined for 43 points off the bench. David Bailey posted a game-high 19 points in his first home game since becoming the franchise's all-time leading scorer. Patrick Ewing, Jr. added a double-double with 17 points and 15 rebounds while Sean Marshall contributed 10 in a reserve role. The same two teams tangle on Tuesday at 7 p.m. CT at the Sioux Falls Arena. *Courtesy of www.keoland.com

Maine RC - Texas L. 107-105 OT
The Maine Red Claws kept their playoff hopes alive at least temporarily this afternoon, overcoming a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Texas Legends in overtime, 107-105, at the Portland Expo. Magnum Rolle (6'11''-C/F-86, college: Louisiana Tech), who forced the overtime with an offensive rebound dunk with 9.5 seconds left, scored the winning points on a 15-foot bank shot from the right. Rolle finished with 16 points. DeShawn Sims (6'8''-F-88, college: Michigan) led Maine with 30 and Mario West had 22. Maine (16-28) could still be eliminated from the playoffs if Fort Wayne wins its game at Iowa tonight. *Courtesy of www.pressherald.com

Iowa E. - Ft.Wayne MA 104-97
Even though the Mad Ants lost 104-97 to the Iowa Energy on Sunday in Des Moines, the Ants held onto the eighth and final playoff berth available in the NBA Development League. Fort Wayne (21-24), which rode a bus to Iowa immediately after its home victory over Springfield on Saturday night, fell behind at the half and never caught up to Iowa (34-11). Chris Kramer (6'3''-G-88, college: Purdue) led the Ants with 18 points and seven rebounds. Roderick Wilmont (6'4''-G-83, college: Indiana) had 12 points, Marvin Phillips Jr. had 11 points and 11 rebounds, and Darnell Lazare and Anthony Kent had 11 points each. Marqus Blakely had 28 points and 10 rebounds for the league-leading Energy, and Curtis Stinson had 23 points and 15 assists. The Ants maintained their lead over their nearest rivals, all searching for the final D-League playoff berth. Texas (20-25) lost to Maine, 107-105, and stayed a game behind, and Austin (19-24) is also a game back. Idaho (19-25) is 1 1/2 games behind Fort Wayne. The Ants return to Memorial Coliseum at 7 p.m. Tuesday to play Erie. *Courtesy of www.journalgazette.net

Latest D-League Transactions - Mar 21, 2011 (by Surujh Roopnarine)
Bakersfield Jam: Acquired 20 year-old Chukwudiebere Maduabum from the available player pool on Friday. The 6-9, 210lb forward last played for the Dodan Warriors in Nigeria, where he averaged 10.5 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3 blocks in 20 minutes per game. In his Bakersfield debut against Erie he logged three minutes off the bench, missing his lone shot attempt of the night.

Rio Grande Valley Vipers: Reacquired Jerel McNeal (6'3''-G-87, college: Marquette) and waived Jason Horton (6'2''-G-86, college: Missouri). McNeal, who had been on a 10-day contract with the New Orleans Hornets returned to RGV on Saturday and immediately found the groove again, scoring 18 points as the Vipers defeated the Austin Toros 118-103. McNeal did not see any game action for New Orleans who signed him on March 9. Prior to Saturday nights game McNeal had been the only member of the Vipers to start each of the first 40 games of the season and was averaging 19.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 45.3% from the field.
Jason Horton scored three points with four rebounds and three assists in 35 minutes over the course of three games off the bench after joining the Vipers to replace McNeal on March 9.

Rockets assign Hasheem Thabeet to Rio Grande Valley Vipers - Mar 21, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Houston Rockets center Hasheem Thabeet (7'3''-C-87, college: Connecticut) was assigned to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the Rockets' NBA Development League affiliate, it was announced today. The assignment marks the 48th time in the 2010-11 season an NBA player has been assigned to an NBA D-League affiliate, and it is the second assignment for Thabeet, a second-year pro out of Connecticut.

Thabeet, the No. 2 overall selection in the 2009 NBA Draft, is the 34th NBA player to be assigned to the NBA D-League this season, which is an all-time high. The Memphis Grizzlies, who drafted Thabeet, assigned him to the Dakota Wizards last season, where he averaged 13.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.8 blocks in six games.

Thabeet (7-3, 263) has appeared in 115 career NBA games, averaging 2.3 points and 2.8 rebounds in 10.9 minutes. As a rookie with Memphis last season, Thabeet led the NBA in blocks per 48 minutes with 4.84 (min. 60 games). He also averaged 11.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in five games with Memphis' 2010 NBA Summer League team. Thabeet has appeared in two games with Houston since joining the Rockets via trade on Feb. 24.

The first Tanzanian-born NBA player, Thabeet played three collegiate seasons at Connecticut, averaging 10.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.17 blocks in 100 games. Thabeet led the Big East in blocks all three seasons, and his 4.17 average ranks 11th in NCAA history. Thabeet was an AP All-America Second Team selection and the Big East Co-Player of the Year in 2008-09. He was also named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year and National Defensive Player of the Year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches in both his sophomore and junior seasons.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Sioux Falls Acquires Dominique Scales - Mar 21, 2011 (by Surujh Roopnarine)
Looking to add depth in the front-court, the Sioux Falls Skyforce signed Dominique Scales this weekend. The 6-9 Scales, out of NCAA DII East Central, began this season with the Dakota Wizards. In 19 games with the Wizards the 27-year old Scales averaged 3.1 points and 2.3 rebounds in just over 12 minutes a game. He made his Skyforce debut on Sunday against Springfield, logging 12 minutes and scoring six points to go with four rebounds.

[Durbansandshark]

Monday: Vipers stampeded by Idaho - Mar 22, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Rio Grande - Idaho S. 94-116
Early turnovers pretty much ended the Vipers night before it got started-as the Idaho Stampede ran over, past and through the Vipers 116-94 on Monday night. The Vipers turned the ball over 17-times in the 1st-half-as the Stampede built a 61-40 lead at the half. The Vipers finished with 22-total turnovers. Jon Scheyer (6'5''-G-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Duke) led RGV with 21-points, while the newest Viper, 7-foot-3 Hasheem Thabeet (7'3''-C-87, college: Connecticut) chipped in 11-points, 6-rebounds and 4-blocked shots in his first game as a Viper. Former NBA All-Star and Idaho forward Antoine Walker (6'9''-F-75, college: Kentucky) led all scorers with 26-points. *Courtesy of www.rgvnews.net

Blakely, Stinson named NBA D-League Co-Performers of the Week - Mar 22, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Marqus Blakely (6'5''-F-89, college: Vermont) and Curtis Stinson (6'2''-G-83, college: Iowa St.) of the Iowa Energy were today named NBA Development League Co-Performers of the Week for games played during the week of March 14.

Blakely and Stinson led the Energy to a 2-0 record on the week, helping Iowa clinch the Eastern Conference title. Blakely, a 6-5, 225-pound forward out of Vermont who was in training camp with the Los Angeles Clippers, averaged 29.5 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks. Stinson, a 6-3, 215-pound guard out of Iowa State who played in the 2010 NBA Summer League with the Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors, averaged 31.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 12.5 assists and 2.0 steals.

In Iowa's 109-103 defeat of Sioux Falls on Friday, Stinson had 39 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds, while Blakely had 31 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks. On Sunday, Blakely shot 10-11 from the floor for 28 points to go along with 10 rebounds, while Stinson added 23 points, 15 assists and six rebounds, leading the Energy past Fort Wayne, 104-97.

This week's honorable mention selections were Austin's Leo Lyons, who averaged 20.0 points and 6.5 rebounds in two games; Bakersfield's Trey Johnson, who averaged 34.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists in two games; Dakota's Javaris Crittenton, who averaged 19.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 4.0 steals in two games; Erie's Ivan Johnson, who averaged 27.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists in three games; Fort Wayne's Chris Kramer, who averaged 20.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 3.0 steals in three games; Idaho's Luke Babbitt, who, on assignment from Portland, averaged 20.7 points and 8.0 rebounds in three games; New Mexico's Dar Tucker, who averaged 22.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in two games; Maine's DeShawn Sims, who averaged 24.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in two games; Reno's Bobby Simmons, who averaged 17.3 points and 12.0 rebounds in three games; Rio Grande Valley's Jon Scheyer, who averaged 21.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists in four games; Sioux Falls' Patrick Ewing Jr., who averaged 21.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists in four games; Texas' Justin Dentmon, who averaged 22.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists in two games; and Utah's Brandon Costner, who averaged 21.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in three games.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Tuesday's games review - Mar 23, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Utah F. - Maine RC 112-77
Brandon Costner (6'9''-F-87, college: N.Carolina St.) scored 27 points and the Utah Flash clinched an NBA Development League playoff berth Tuesday night with a 112-77 victory over the Maine Red Claws. The Flash won for the 12th time in 15 games, but the victory over Maine was their first in three tries since leading scorer Greene Orien (6'4''-G-82, college: La-Lafayette) left the team March 15 to play in China. Utah owned a 58-51 lead early in the third quarter when Costner hit back-to-back 3-pointers off passes by Kevin Kruger (6'1''-G-83, college: UNLV), triggering a 12-0 run that broke the game open. *Courtesy of www.sltrib.com

New Mexico - Bakersfield J. 104-100 OT
The New Mexico Thunderbirds (18-27) trailed by as many as 10 points in the second half, but came from behind to beat the Bakersfield Jam (28-16) 104-100 in overtime. In the first quarter the T-Birds raced out to a 6-0 lead behind a couple of 3-pointers from Marcus Hubbard (6'9''-C-83, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: Angelo St.) and Dar Tucker. The T-Birds would finish the quarter with a 20-19 lead. With the Thunderbirds still leading by one in the second quarter, Bakersfield went on a 7-2 run to open up their largest lead of the game at six points. Led by Derrick Byars (6'8''-G/F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Vanderbilt) who had 13 points at the half, the Jam would hold a 48-43 lead at the break. Jamine Peterson led all scorers with 14 points at the half. The Jam started the second half on a 10-5 run to give them their largest lead of the game at 58-48. The T-Birds answered with an 11-4 run to cut the lead to four points. Bakersfield would lead by that four point margin heading into the fourth quarter, 74-70. The T-Birds began the fourth quarter on a 12-4 run to take an 82-78 lead. After the Jam closed the lead to one point, the Thunderbirds scored eight of the next 10 points to give them their largest lead of the game at seven points. The Jam would answer with a 10-1 run of their own to take the lead back, 93-91. J.R. Giddens then tied up the game at 93-93 by hitting two free throws with 40 seconds. Abdulai Jalloh then gave the Thunderbirds the lead back with a jumper from in the lane with 6.2 seconds remaining. Trey Johnson then answered with a jumper of his own with just one second left on the clock to send the game into overtime. In overtime, the T-Birds started overtime on an 8-3 run capped by a Peterson dunk to give them a 103-98 lead. They would go on to win by four points. Tucker finished the game with a double-double for the T-Birds scoring 26 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Ft.Wayne MA - Erie Bay H. 104-113
Ivan Johnson (6'8''-F/C-84, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) scored 30 points while grabbing 10 rebounds to propel the Erie BayHawks to a 113-104 win over Fort Wayne on Tuesday night. Erie fell behind 10-4 early, but recovered to string together a 14-0 run and regain a lead it would never relinquish. Johnson scored 14 of his points in the second quarter as the BayHawks opened a 19-point lead. Erie took a 62-53 lead into the half and expanded the advantage to 13 on a driving layup by Nate Linhart with 7 minutes, 42 seconds to play in the third quarter. The Mad Ants trimmed the lead to two when Ryan Wittman nailed a 3-pointer with 27 seconds to play in the third quarter, but the BayHawks extended the lead to five points before the buzzer and then outscored Fort Wayne 27-23 in the final frame to hold on for the win. Five BayHawks scored in double- figures, including Tasmin Mitchell (6'7''-F-86, college: LSU) with 19 points. Erik Daniels scored 16, Solomon Alabi had 15, and Jermaine Beal added 11 for Erie, which shot 55.6 percent from the field. Six Mad Ants (21-25) players reached double figures, led by 22 from Darnell Lazare and 16 points from Wayne Chism. Erie (29-16) outrebounded the Mad Ants 43-34. *Courtesy of www.goerie.com

[Durbansandshark]

Tulsa 66ers - Austin T. 97-94
Guard Elijah Millsap (6'6''-G-87, college: UAB) of the Tulsa 66ers (31-15) poured in a team-high 21 points and Ryan Reid (6'8''-F-86, college: Florida St.) added 10 points and 11 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season to lead the 66ers past the Austin Toros (19-25) by a 97-94 final inside the Tulsa Convention Center Tuesday night. Collectively, Tulsa recorded 28 assists led by seven each from guards Robert Vaden and Garrett Williamson. Also scoring in double-figures for Tulsa was Jerome Dyson with 16, Latavious Williams with 14 and Larry Owens and Marcus Lewis each with 11. It marked the 17th time this season six Tulsa players have scored in double figures. Additionally, center Byron Mullens added four points, three rebounds and a blocked shot. With the win, Tulsa re-claimed first place in the Western Conference. 'Austin is a really good team right now because that was the best we've played in probably two or three weeks,' 66ers head coach Nate Tibbetts said. 'I am really proud of our guys. One thing we've been really talking about is taking care of the basketball. We only had 12 turnovers. Also, we had 28 assists which is huge for us.' Defensively, Tulsa held the Toros to 30-75 (.400) shooting from the floor and forced 17 turnovers, including 11 steals. Leading Austin was Marcus Cousin with a game-high 22 points and 10 rebounds. Leo Lyons also added a double-double for the Toros with 16 points and 11 boards. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Sioux Falls S. - Springfield A. 106-113
The Springfield Armor defeated the Sioux Falls Skyforce 113-106 at the Sioux Falls Arena on Tuesday night. Ben Uzoh had his strongest performance since being assigned to the Armor by the New Jersey Nets on March 15 as he posted 27 points, nine rebounds, five assists and four steals to help his team record back-to-back road wins for the first time in franchise history. Sioux Falls (10-35) got off to a better start in tonight's matchup with Springfield as they only trailed by three points (27-24) after the first quarter. Springfield pushed the lead to 56-47 at halftime as Gavin Edwards (6'9''-F/C-88, college: Connecticut), Lance Hurdle (6'2''-G-87, college: Miami, FL), Jerry Smith and Ben Uzoh each scored 10 points in the first half. Springfield (13-33) pushed the lead to as many as 19 points (87-68) in the third quarter and appeared to be on their way to another easy win. Sioux Falls trailed 97-86 with just over eight minutes left in the contest but went on an 11-2 run to cut the deficit to two points (99-97) with 4:39 to go. Springfield scored the next six points to take control and send Sioux Falls to their fourth straight loss. Lance Hurdle scored 23 points behind 4-of-7 3-pointers. Gavin Edwards (19), Chas McFarland (12) Scottie Reynolds (11) and Jerry Smith (10) also posted double figures for the Armor. Patrick Ewing, Jr. had a monster double-double with 27 points and 15 rebounds to go along with six assists. Sean Marshall and Dominique Coleman contributed 20 and 17 points, respectively, off the bench. *Courtesy of D-League

Wizards, Sioux Falls game postponed - Mar 24, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Elbow room is becoming an increasingly limited commodity for the Dakota Wizards.

They're feeling the squeeze in their quest for the D-League playoffs, and now they've got to accommodate a postponement as the season ebbs away.

Wednesday's game with Sioux Falls was postponed as a result of the Tuesday storm that rolled through the Northern Plains. The inclement weather closed down both I-29 and I-94, making travel from Sioux Falls to Bismarck impossible.

Both the Wizards (17-28) and the Skyforce (10-35) have five games remaining on their regular season schedules. Regular season play ends April 2 with the playoffs scheduled to begin April 6.

The two teams have three open dates - tonight, April 29 and 30 - in common before the end of the regular season. The Wizards said Wednesday only that the game would be rescheduled at a later date.

In order to earn a playoff berth, the Wizards have to run the table. They trail Fort Wayne, currently the leader in the quest for the eighth playoff spot, by four games.

Courtesy of hwww.bismarcktribune.com

Nets recall G Uzoh from D-League - Mar 24, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The New Jersey Nets have recalled rookie point guard Ben Uzoh (6'3''-G-88, college: Tulsa) from Springfield of the NBA Development League. Uzoh appeared in four games with the Armor, averaging 16 points, 8 rebounds and 5.8 assists. In 32 games with the Nets this season, Uzoh is averaging 3.4 points and 1.4 assists. Uzoh was signed by the Nets as an undrafted free agent out of Tulsa.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Wednesday: Toros, Thunderbirds and Stampede celebrate - Mar 24, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Austin T. - Iowa E. 120-111
Marcus Cousin (6'11''-C-86, college: Houston) scored 22 points and Kevin Palmer (6'6''-G/F-87, college: Texas A&M - C.C.) scored 21 to lead the Austin Toros past Eastern Conference leader Iowa on Wednesday at Cedar Park Center. The Toros (20-25) were down by seven points heading into the final period, but outscored the Energy (34-12) 40-24 in the fourth to pull out the victory. Leo Lyons and Aubrey Coleman each scored 17 points to aid the Toros' effort. Curtis Stinson's triple-double (31 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds) led the Energy. *Courtesy of www.statesman.com

New Mexico - Bakersfield J. 106-102 OT
New Mexico's J.R. Giddens made a jump shot with 6.4 seconds left to send Wednesday's game into overtime and the Thunderbirds (19-27) held the Bakersfield Jam (27-18) scoreless in overtime to win 106-102. Trey Johnson (6'5''-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Jackson St.) led Bakersfield (27-18) with 21 points . Derrick Byars (6'8''-G/F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Vanderbilt) added 17 points and Drew Naymick had 14 points and 10 rebounds. Abdulai Jalloh (6'2''-G-86, college: JMU) scored 21 for the Thunderbirds (19-27). *Courtesy of www.bakersfield.com

Rio Grande - Idaho S. 92-115
Tony Bobbitt (6'4''-G-79, college: Cincinnati) hit 3-pointer to give Idaho a 48-45 lead at halftime, then the Stampede used a 10-0 run to stretch their lead to start the second half, cruising to a 115-92 win over the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Wednesday. Bobbitt finished with a team-high 26 points in the win while Antoine Walker (6'9''-F-75, college: Kentucky) added 24 points and 13 rebounds for the Stampede. *Courtesy of www.idahopress.com

[Durbansandshark]

Rockets Sign former NBA D-League Standout Mike Harris - Mar 24, 2011 (by Surujh Roopnarine)
The Houston Rockets have signed Mike Harris (6'6''-F-83, college: Rice) to a 10-day contract. Harris, who last played for the Rockets in the 2009-10 season, was with them again at the start of this season in training camp. He had been playing in China for the Shanghai Sharks where in 29 games he averaged 24.7 points, 14.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.2 blocks. Harris, a 6-6 forward out of Rice University and a Hillsboro, TX native owns NBA career averages of 3.0 points and 2.6 rebounds in 30 prior games with Houston and the Washington Wizards. Where Harris has really made his mark has been in the D-League, where over the course of two seasons (2006-07 Colorado / 2009-10 Rio Grande Valley) he has established himself as one of the leagues premier players. In 82 career D-League games Harris is averaging 18.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.1 blocks while shooting 59.5% from the field. His breakout campaign was least season with the Vipers. Harris averaged a league-leading 27.1 points (.582, 363-624 FG), 10.5 rebounds (third in D-League), 1.9 assists and 1.2 steals in 34 games (31 starts) with Rio Grande Valley (The Rockets directly controlled D-League affiliate), guiding the Vipers to the 2009-10 D-League championship. He was also named NBA D-League MVP and earned First-Team All-NBA D-League honors last season.

Sixers reassign Craig Brackins to D-League - Mar 25, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Philadelphia 76ers forward Craig Brackins (6'10''-F-87, college: Iowa St.) was reassigned to the Springfield Armor, the 76ers NBA Development League affiliate, it was announced today. The assignment marks the 49th time in the 2010-11 season an NBA player has been assigned to an NBA D-League affiliate, and it is the third and final assignment this season for Brackins, a rookie out of Iowa State.

Brackins (6-10, 230) was assigned on Nov. 30 and Jan. 15. He appeared in 14 games (nine starts) with the Armor, averaging 19.9 points and 9.1 rebounds in 37.2 minutes. Brackins has appeared in three games this season for Philadelphia, averaging 2.7 points in 11.0 minutes.

An early entry candidate for the 2010 NBA Draft, Brackins was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round (21st overall) as part of a draft-day swap with the New Orleans Hornets, who then traded Brackins to Philadelphia in September. In three seasons at Iowa State, Brackins averaged 16.0 points and 7.7 rebounds in 95 games, and was an AP All-America Honorable Mention selection in 2009.

Brackins is expected to join Springfield for its home game against New Mexico on Saturday.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Thursday: Claws fight but fall short to the Flash; Fired-up Ants roll to big win in Erie - Mar 25, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Utah F. - Maine RC 105-99 OT
Try telling the Red Claws that Thursday's game didn't mean anything. Two nights after being eliminated from the playoffs with a 35-point loss to Utah, the Red Claws hung tough with the Flash down the stretch, but fell short in overtime, 105-99. DeShawn Sims (6'8''-F-88, college: Michigan) scored a game-high 30 points and Antonio Anderson (6'6''-G-85, college: Memphis) and Magnum Rolle (6'11''-C/F-86, college: Louisiana Tech) each added 17 for the Red Claws, two nights removed from scoring just 77 points in the blowout loss. Craig Winder (6'2''-G-84, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Texas) (12 points) and Jamar Smith (10) also scored in double figures for Maine. *Courtesy of www.pressherald.com

Erie Bay H. - Ft.Wayne MA 80-96
Still fuming from a last-second dunk in a Tuesday loss to Erie, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants came out fighting mad and pulled away from the host BayHawks 96-80 Thursday in front of 2,046 fans. With the win, Fort Wayne (21-25) remains in the eighth and final NBA Development League playoff spot. Erie (29-16) finished off a 113-104 win at Memorial Coliseum on Tuesday with a dunk as time was dwindling, causing some irritation from Mad Ants players and coaches. In the rematch, Chris Kramer (6'3''-G-88, college: Purdue) had 25 points on 7-of-9 shooting, while Darnell Lazare (6'8''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: LSU) 21, Ron Howard (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Valparaiso) 17 and Ryan Wittman (6'6''-F-88, college: Cornell) 11. Marvin Phillips added 11 rebounds and seven points. Kramer made 11 of 11 from the free-throw line as the Mad Ants made 27 of 33. Lazare was 5 of 6 and Howard 5 of 7. The Mad Ants outscored the BayHawks 27-17 in the second to open up a 46-34 halftime lead. Erie outscored Fort Wayne 28-18 in the third to cut the lead to two. Fort Wayne pulled away with a 32-18 fourth-quarter advantage. Fort Wayne led from the onset, with the score being tied only twice. *Courtesy of www.journalgazette.net

Hornets sign Patrick Ewing Jr. - Mar 26, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
A day after losing star forward David West (6'8''-F-80, college: Xavier) for the season to a knee injury, the Hornets announced the signing of Patrick Ewing (6'8''-F-84, college: Georgetown) Jr.

Ewing Jr., the son of Hall of Fame center Patrick Ewing, was signed to a 10-day contract, according to team officials, though terms were not disclosed.

Ewing Jr. played 49 games with the Reno Bighorns and Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBA Development League, averaging 17.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists.

Courtesy of www.wwltv.com

Friday's games - Mar 26, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Sioux Falls S. - Reno Bighorns 82-92
The Reno Bighorns defeated the Sioux Falls Skyforce 92-82 at the Sioux Falls Arena on Friday night in front of 3,759 fans. Sioux Falls cut a 12-point fourth-quarter deficit to five points (83-78) with under five minutes to go in the game but Golden State Warriors assignee Jeremy Lin (6'3''-G-89, college: Harvard) scored nine points down the stretch to help Reno pick up their first-ever win in Sioux Falls. Sioux Falls (10-36) took an early 6-4 lead but it would end up being their only lead of the game. Reno led 33-23 after the first quarter and 57-49 at halftime. Reno (30-16) still led by eight points (73-65) after the third quarter as both teams struggled from the field. Sioux Falls made 7-of-25 field goals (28.0 percent) while Reno only converted 4-of-19 field goals (21.1 percent). Mo Charlo's jumper with 10:09 to go in the game gave Reno their largest lead of the game at 77-65. Dominique Coleman made a 3-pointer to get Sioux Falls with five points but Reno held on to win their fourth straight contest. Lin had a solid all-around game with 20 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals off the bench. Patrick O'Bryant recorded a double-double with 19 points and 16 rebounds while Salim Stoudamire contributed 12. Raymond Sykes (6'9''-F/C-86, college: Clemson) posted team-highs in points (17), rebounds (7) and blocks (3). Keaton Grant scored 14 points while Dominique Coleman and Sean Marshall added 10 points apiece in defeat. *Courtesy of www.keloland.com

Erie Bay H. - Iowa E. 101-124
Having Ivan Johnson (6'8''-F/C-84, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) back wasn't enough against the D-League's top team Friday night. After coach Jay Larranaga didn't play the D-League MVP candidate Thursday night, Johnson had 33 points in his return, but the Erie BayHawks were trounced by the Iowa Energy 124-101 before a crowd of 3,630. 'They basically did what they wanted,' Larranaga said. 'We allowed them to play their game.' Point guard Curtis Stinson (6'2''-G-83, college: Iowa St.) had 33 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists to lead Iowa (35-12), which clinched the top seed for next month's playoffs. *Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Tulsa 66ers - Texas L. 85-105
The Texas Legends used one of their best defensive performances of the season to take down the Western Conference leading Tulsa 66ers 105-85 on Friday night inside the Tulsa Convention Center. The win helped the Legends keep pace with the three other teams fighting for the eighth and final playoff spot. With four games left on the schedule, Texas remains a half game back of the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, while they are now tied with the Idaho Stampede and a half game up on the Austin Toros. The 85 points for Tulsa was the lowest point total that the Legends have surrendered this season. After Tulsa jumped out to a 7-0 lead, Texas came right back to even the game at seven and went into the second quarter on top 25-22. Ronald Allen (6'10''-F/C-84, college: Cincinnati) sparked a huge second period for the Legends by dropping in 11 points in the quarter (his previous season high for a game was 11), and nine points in the second that were part of a 12-2 run that saw the Texas lead stretch from one to eleven. The Legends took a 46-38 lead into the locker room at the break. Allen finished the half with 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting. Byron Mullens (7'0''-C-89, college: Ohio St.) led Tulsa in the opening half and nearly earned a double-double with 14 points and nine boards. The Legends kept the pressure on the 66ers in the second half and used a 20-6 run in the third quarter to take a demanding 21-point lead. Texas would extend their lead to as many as 26 points in the fourth quarter on their way to the huge road victory, the Legends first win in Tulsa in franchise history. Allen led six double-digit scorers for Texas with a season-high 19 points, while Sean Williams contributed his 18th double-double of the year with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Mullens was the lone bright spot for Tulsa with a season-high 31 points and 12 boards in the loss. With the win the Legends improved to 21-25, while the 66ers dropped to 31-16. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

[Durbansandshark]

Oklahoma City Thunder recall Mullens from Tulsa - Mar 27, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Oklahoma City Thunder have recalled center Byron Mullens (7'0''-C-89, college: Ohio St.) from the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League. Thunder general manager Sam Presti announced Sunday that Mullens will join the Thunder in time for Sunday night's game in Oklahoma City against Portland. During three separate stints at Tulsa Mullens started 14 games and averaged 14.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game.

NBA rules allow a player to be sent to the D-League a maximum of three times during the season.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Saturday's games - Mar 27, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Springfield A. - New Mexico 101-121
Jamine Peterson (6'6''-F-88, agency: N.E.T., college: Providence) didn't stay in college long enough to become a household name, but everyone at Saturday's NBA Development League game at the MassMutual Center knows him now. The former Providence College swingman scored 23 of his game-high 40 points in the first half to lead the visiting New Mexico Thunderbirds to a 121-101 victory over the Springfield Armor before 4,489 fans at the Armor's final home game of the season. Peterson - nicknamed 'Greedy' - turned pro last year after his sophomore season, in which he led the Friars in scoring at 19.6 points per game. He came out too late to be considered for the 2010 NBA Draft, so he is playing in the D-League with the hope of being selected this June. 'He could pretty much do what he wanted to,' Armor coach Dee Brown said. 'Once guys get rolling like that, someone's gotta step up and defend him.' Craig Brackins (6'10''-F-87, college: Iowa St.), whom the Philadelphia 76ers sent to Springfield for the third time this season Thursday, scored 23 for the Armor, whose home record finished at 7-17. Jerry Smith added 22 and Lance Hurdle 20. *Courtesy of www.masslive.com

Bakersfield J. - Maine RC 117-111
Trey Johnson (6'5''-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Jackson St.) scored 37 points as the Bakersfield Jam held off the Maine Red Claws 117-111 on Saturday night at the Jam Events Center. Bakersfield (28-18) moved a half-game ahead of idle Utah for the fourth playoff spot in the West Conference. Johnson finished 16-for-26 from the field, but did not make a 3-pointer (0-for-2). He led the team with six assists. Jeremy Wise (6'3''-G-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: S.Mississippi) added 16 points and Drew Naymick finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Jam. DeShawn Sims led the Red Claws with 24 points. Magnum Rolle added 22 points. *Courtesy of www.bakersfield.com

Tulsa 66ers - Rio Grande 94-100
The Tulsa 66ers rallied to within two points in the fourth quarter but could not quite get over the hump as they lost to defending league champion Rio Grande Valley Vipers 100-94 on Saturday night at the Tulsa Convention Center. Tulsa finished the game with a plus-nine turnover margin, but the Vipers were hot from the field, hitting 11-of-27 from beyond the 3-point arc. 'We didn't turn the ball over a ton, but Rio Grande Valley does a great job spacing the floor and they made a lot of shots,' said Tulsa head coach Nate Tibbetts. With their second loss in as many nights, Tulsa (31-17) trails Rio Grande Valley and Reno by a half-game in the Western Conference standings with two games left in the regular season. 'We would love to win the conference, but we have bigger goals down the road,' Tibbetts said. After Ryan Reid scored consecutive baskets for the 66ers to tie the game 29-29 at the end of the first quarter, the Vipers opened up the second with three straight 3-pointers, including two by Mouhammad Faye (6'9''-F-85, college: SMU) who scored 13 of his 20 points in the quarter. Jerel McNeal (6'3''-G-87, college: Marquette) scored a game-high 22 points to lead the Vipers. *Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

Sioux Falls S. - Reno Bighorns 82-97
The Reno Bighorns boosted their playoff position with another victory Saturday. The Bighorns (31-16) beat the Sioux Falls Skyforce, 97-82, in Sioux Falls, S.D., to win their fifth straight. It also moved Reno to the top of the D-League Western Conference standings in a tie with Rio Grande Valley. The Western Conference winner gets the second seed in the playoffs and will pick its opponent in the first round. Marcus Landry (6'7''-F-85, college: Wisconsin) neared a double-double, scoring 27 points and grabbing eight rebounds. It was the sixth time Landry has scored at least 25 points in a game this season. Bobby Simmons (6'7''-F/G-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Florida St.) had 17 points and 13 rebounds and Patrick O'Bryant added 12 points and 13 rebounds. O'Bryant has recorded a double-double in three straight games. Sioux Falls (10-37) was led by Sean Marshall, who had 15 points and 12 rebounds. *Courtesy of www.rgj.com

Austin T. - Idaho S. 85-89
The Austin Toros fell to the Idaho Stampede 89-85 Saturday, at Cedar Park Center. The Stampede's Cedric Jackson (6'3''-G-86, agency: Impact Basketball, college: Cleveland St.) led all scorers with 25 points and helped Idaho snap the Toros four game home winning streak. The game had a slow start as both teams struggled to find their shooting rhythm. The Stampede took the lead early in the first, shooting 53 percent from the field compared to the Toros 30 percent. The Stampede stretched their lead to seven with the help of nine points contributed by Cedric Jackson and led 22-15 at the end of the first. Tre Kelley (6'0''-G-85, college: S.Carolina) scored 11 points in the first half and helped the Toros stay close, but the Stampede held their lead and ended the half with a 49-39 advantage. The Toros caught fire in the second half and opened the third quarter with a 9-3 run. The Toros outscored the Stampede 26-17 and only trailed the Stampede by one point at the end of the third. With 11:33 left to play in the fourth the Toros took the lead after two Kevin Palmer free throws. The Stampede countered with an Antoine Walker three pointer, which returned the lead back to the Stampede. The Toros and Stampede battled down the stretch causing six ties in the fourth quarter alone. With under a minute to play the Toros Leo Lyons tied the game with a lay-up. Seconds later, the Stampede regained the lead on a Jackson lay-up. The Toros had the last possession, but were unable to convert. The Toros had six players in double digit scoring, Leo Lyons and Kevin Palmer led the Toros in scoring with 15 points each. Antoine Walker followed Jackson to round out the Stampede leader board with 18 points and 15 rebounds. The Austin Toros (20-26) and the Idaho Stampede (22-25) will face off again Sunday, March 27 at 5 p.m. in the second game of a weekend series at Cedar Park Center. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

[Durbansandshark]

Sunday's games - Mar 28, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Bakersfield J. - Maine RC 91-107
The Maine Red Claws return home today with a little more pride and feeling much better after ending their franchise-record eight-game road losing streak. DeShawn Sims (6'8''-F-88, college: Michigan) scored 32 points and the Red Claws rallied for a 107-91 victory Sunday at the Jam Events Center, splitting their two-game series against the Bakersfield Jam. Sims also snatched a game-high 12 rebounds, and the Claws got big contributions from both their starters and reserves, with five players scoring in double figures. 'We shared the ball well tonight and a lot of points came off assists,' said Sims, referring to the team's 28 assists. 'That motivated us to all play better together, and play better defense, too, in the second half.' Magnum Rolle (6'11''-C/F-86, college: Louisiana Tech) added 18 points and Jamar Smith chipped in 15. Antonio Anderson scored 12 and Stephane Lasme had 10. *Courtesy of www.pressherald.com

Texas L. - Rio Grande 109-97
Joe Alexander (6'8''-F-86, college: W.Virginia) and the Texas Legends won their second game in a row, defeating the Rio Grand Valley Vipers 109-97. The win over the NBDL Western Conference leaders put the Legends into a tie for the final Playoff spot with Fort Wayne and Idaho. Alexander led the team with 23 points and 10 rebounds on 9-16 shooting. It was his 21st double-double of the season. The Legends have three games left in the regular season with their final home game coming on Wednesday vs. the Springfield Armor at 7:00 pm. *Courtesy of www.smokingmusket.com

Ft.Wayne MA - New Mexico 129-97
The Fort Wayne Mad Ants (23-25) had 8 players finish in double figures to defeat the New Mexico Thunderbirds (20-28), 129-97. The first period of play was a back and forth battle that saw 6 lead changes and 5 ties. At the end of the first 12 minutes the Thunderbirds led 27-25. The Mad Ants shot 70% from the floor in the second period to take control of the lead and were up 60-50 going into the locker rooms at the half. The Mad Ants hot shooting continued into the second half as they hit 9 three pointers in the third and fourth to extend their lead to as many as 36 points late in the fourth. Despite Thunderbirds' Jamine Peterson (6'6''-F-88, agency: N.E.T., college: Providence) 18 second half points, the Mad Ants offense was just too much to handle as they easily closed out the game on top. The Thunderbirds were led by Peters who led all scorers with 36 points. Josh Bostic (6'5''-F-87, college: Findlay, OH) contributed 18 and Walter Sharpe added 13 off of the bench. Marvin Phillips (6'6''-G/F-83, college: Claflin) led all Mad Ant scorers with 22 points and 13 points off of the bench. Darnell Lazare and Chris Kramer added 18 and 17 respectively. Ron Howard and Ryan Wittman came also came off of the bench to contribute 15 and 12. *Courtesy of www.wane.com

Austin T. - Idaho S. 117-108
Tony Bobbitt (6'4''-G-79, college: Cincinnati) scored 33 points, and Luke Babbitt (6'9''-F-89, college: Nevada) chipped in 34 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, but it wasn't enough as the Idaho Stampede fell to the Austin Toros 117-108 on Sunday in Texas. Carldell Johnson and Kevin Palmer scored 21 points apiece to lead the Toros, who had five players score in double figures and shot 33-of-39 from the free-throw line. Idaho trailed by 15 to start the fourth quarter and couldn't make up the deficit despite Babbitt's flawless shooting in the period (6-6 field goals, 2-2 3-pointers, 2-2 free throws). Idaho wraps up the regular season with a two-game home series with the Utah Flash on Friday and Saturday. The Stampede (22-26) are currently one game back of playoff-qualifying Fort Wayne Mad Ants (23-25). *Courtesy of www.idahostatesman.com

Erie Bay H. - Iowa E. 138-118
Ivan Johnson (6'8''-F/C-84, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) and Blake Ahearn (6'2''-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Missouri St.) each scored 33 points to lead the Erie BayHawks to a 138-118 win today against the Iowa Energy before a crowd of 2,930 at Tullio Arena. In establishing a season high in points, Erie (30-18) became the fifth D-League team this season to reach 30 wins. The BayHawks had six players score in double figures as Erik Daniels had 21 points and 11 rebounds. Point guard Curtis Stinson had a game-high 36 points and 11 assists to lead the Energy (35-13), who have the D-League's best record. Erie, which is now 2-5 against Iowa, resumes action Thursday night against Sioux Falls (10-37), which has the D-League's worst record. *Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Dakota W. - Utah F. 108-105
The Dakota Wizards stayed alive in the playoff race with 108-105 victory over the Utah Flash on Sunday afternoon at the Bismarck Civic Center. Dakota (18-28) jumped out to an early first quarter lead paced by Anthony Goods (6'3''-G-87, college: Stanford) who scored 10 of his game high 28 points in the quarter giving Dakota a 26-24 lead at the end of one. Darren Cooper (6'3''-G-83, college: Portland) came off the bench and led Dakota on a 20-6 run scoring 19 of his 21 points in the second period to give Dakota a 56-47 lead at the break. Cooper was 7 of 9 from the field and 3 of 4 from behind the arc in the quarter. Utah (27-19) battled back in the third quarter and took their first lead of the game at 67-66 with 3:51 left in the quarter and led by as many as three in the quarter. A three-pointer by Anthony Goods with two seconds left gave Dakota a 77-75 lead at the end of three. Dakota extended the lead to 10 in the fourth and Utah responded by going on an 11-0 run late in the quarter to cut the Wizard advantage to 96-95 with 3:04 left in the game. That would be as close as the Flash would get as Dakota made free throws down the stretch to secure the 108-105 victory. Renaldo Major recorded his fifth double-double of the season with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Javaris Crittenton scored 14 points off the bench and Chris Ayer pulled down 12 rebounds for Dakota. Tony Gaffney led the Flash recording a double-double scoring 24 points and 10 rebounds and Ronald DuPree added 23 points. The two teams finish out the season series Monday night at 7:00 p.m. CT at the Bismarck Civic Center. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Charlotte Bobcats sign BayHawks guard Temple for rest of season - Mar 28, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Erie BayHawks shooting guard Garrett Temple (6'6''-G-86, college: LSU) confirmed today that the Charlotte Bobcats have signed him for the rest of the season after having him play out a pair of 10-day contracts. A 6-foot 5-inch, 180-pound guard out of LSU, Temple, 24, had two 10-day contracts with the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this season.

In 15 games with Erie (30-18), Temple averaged 14.9 points and 6.6 rebounds. The BayHawks acquired him in a trade in late December with Rio Grande Valley for rookie power forward Jeff Adrien. With Charlotte signing Temple for the rest of the season, Erie will move to the top of the D-League waiver wire and have the option to sign a player out of the player pool

If the BayHawks did bring in a player, they would have to release a player from their roster, which is currently full.

Courtesy of www.goerie.com

[Durbansandshark]

Trail Blazers recall Luke Babbitt from Idaho Stampede - Mar 29, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Stampede's quest to reach the NBA Development League playoffs will go on without the 6-foot-9 forward Luke Babbitt (6'9''-F-89, college: Nevada), who is heading back to the NBA. Luke Babbitt played 14 games with Idaho this season, averaging 20.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists.

The Nevada product scored 34 points Sunday in a loss at Austin - his final game with Idaho. The Stampede close the regular season this weekend with home games against the Utah Flash. Idaho needs wins in those games and some help in order to qualify for the D-League playoffs.

Courtesy of www.idahostatesman.com

San Antonio Spurs Assign DaSean Butler to Austin Toros of NBA D-League - Mar 29, 2011 (by Surujh Roopnarine)
Rookie swingman Da'Sean Butler (6'7''-G/F-88, college: W.Virginia) of the San Antonio Spurs has been assigned to their NBA D-League affiliate Austin Toros. Butler signed with the Spurs on March 25th and was placed on the inactive list to continue rehab on a torn left ACL suffered in the 2010 NCAA Final Four against Duke on April 3, and was recently cleared to resume game action.

The third all-time leading scorer in West Virginia Mountaineers history (2,095 points behind only Jerry West and Hot Rod Hundley), Butler was selected by the Miami Heat in the second round (42 overall) of the 2010 NBA Draft. Over his four year career at WVU, the Newark, New Jersey native averaged 14.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 146 games. Butler is the 35th NBA player to be assigned to the NBA D-League this season, extending an all-time high.

Lakers assign rookie forward Derrick Caracter to NBA Development League - Mar 30, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Los Angeles Lakers are arguably the hottest team in the NBA right now as they have the best record since the All-Star break with a 15-1 record and have won seven straight games, but that hasn't stopped the two-time defending NBA champions from making some changes before the playoffs gets underway.

Reportedly, the Lakers have assigned rookie forward Derrick Caracter (6'9''-F-88, college: UTEP) to the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League (NBDL). Even though the Lakeshow will almost certainly need every big man they have from here on out with all the injury problems they have had in the past at this time of the year with Andrew Bynum, this was a move that isn't all that surprising as Caracter really hasn't made much of an impression in his rookie season in Los Angeles.

Despite the fact that some Los Angeles Lakers fans probably don't even know who Derrick Caracter is as he barely gets any playing time, the rookie forward out of UTEP has played in 40 games this season, but has put up just 2.0 points and 1.1 rebounds per game in just 5.3 minutes on the floor.

Obviously, Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak didn't think he was drafting a potential superstar in Derrick Caracter in last year's draft, but they might have expected more out of him at this point and that could be the main reason for him being sent to the Bakersfield Jam.

This isn't the first time the Lakers designated a player for assign with the Bakersfield Jam this season as they also sent rookie Devin Ebanks down for six games at the end of last year (December 27).

Courtesy of www.examiner.com

Tuesday: Bighorns win 6th in a row - Mar 30, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Reno Bighorns - Austin T. 102-98
Seven Bighorns registered double figures, and Donald Sloan (6'3''-G-88, agency: Impact Basketball, college: Texas A&M) set a franchise record with 15 assists Tuesday night as Reno topped the Austin Toros, 102-98, in the Reno Events Center. The Bighorns (32-16) now have won six-straight games and improved to 9-2 in the month of March. With the win, Reno keeps its stranglehold on the Western Conference lead with just two games remaining in the regular season. On a night where the lead changed hands 10 times, the Bighorns used an 11-0 run in the fourth quarter to flip a five-point deficit into a lead they would not relinquish. Sloan's 15-assist effort topped the previous single-game franchise mark of 14, which was reached on three occasions by three different players. Sloan finished with 16 points on the night, while Bobby Simmons (6'7''-F/G-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Florida St.) registered 19 and Anthony Richardson (6'7''-F-83, college: Florida St.) collected 18. Patrick O'Bryant recorded 13 points and blocked five shots. Leo Lyons (6'9''-F-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Missouri) paced the Toros (21-27) with 19 points, and Kyle Weaver (6'6''-G-86, college: Washington St.) finished with 18 before fouling out. Kevin Palmer (6'6''-G/F-87, college: Texas A&M - C.C.) knocked-down 7-of-8 tries from the free-throw line on his way to 13 points. Austin out-rebounded Reno 42-to-39 on the night, but the Bighorns held the Toros to just 38.4 percent shooting from the floor. The Bighorns return home Friday night to take on the Bakersfield Jam in the final regular season home game of the season. Tip-time is set for 7 p.m. *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

Thunder assign Cole Aldrich to D-League - Mar 31, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti announced that the team has assigned center Cole Aldrich (6'11''-C-88, college: Kansas) to the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League for a third time this season.

During his two earlier assignments with the 66ers, Aldrich appeared in 19 games (19 starts) and averaged 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocked shots in 29.2 minutes. Aldrich has recorded four double-doubles with Tulsa and the 66ers own a 15-4 mark this season with him in the lineup.

Aldrich will be in uniform Friday night when the 66ers host the Dakota Wizards at the Tulsa Convention Center.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Thunder assign Cole Aldrich to D-League - Mar 31, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti announced that the team has assigned center Cole Aldrich (6'11''-C-88, college: Kansas) to the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League for a third time this season.

During his two earlier assignments with the 66ers, Aldrich appeared in 19 games (19 starts) and averaged 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocked shots in 29.2 minutes. Aldrich has recorded four double-doubles with Tulsa and the 66ers own a 15-4 mark this season with him in the lineup.

Aldrich will be in uniform Friday night when the 66ers host the Dakota Wizards at the Tulsa Convention Center.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

[Durbansandshark]

Jazz sign Kyle Weaver to 10-day contract - Mar 31, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Utah Jazz general manager Kevin OConnor announced today that the team has signed guard Kyle Weaver (6'6''-G-86, college: Washington St.) of the NBA Development Leagues Austin Toros to a 10-day contract. Weaver becomes the NBAs 19th D-League Call-Up and 15th different player promoted to the NBA this season. Following the transaction, the Jazz roster now stands at 15 players.

A 6-6 guard from Washington State, Weaver averaged 16.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting .441 from the field through 21 games (20 starts) for the Iowa Energy this season before being acquired by the Austin Toros. During his nine-game stint with the Toros, Weaver averaged 13.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 30.8 minutes of play.

Originally selected by Charlotte in the second round (38th overall) of the 2008 NBA Draft, Weaver was traded by the Bobcats to the Oklahoma City Thunder on August 8, 2008, in exchange for a future second-round pick. During his two seasons with the Thunder (2008-10), Weaver appeared in 68 games (19 starts), averaging 4.9 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.6 points in 19.3 minutes of play.

Weaver attended training camp with the Chicago Bulls prior to the 2010-11 season, appearing in three preseason games and averaging 2.3 points and 2.3 assists in 8.7 minutes before being waived on October 21.

The 25-year-old Beloit, Wisconsin, native played four collegiate seasons at Washington State (2004-08), averaging 12.2 points with 4.3 assists during his senior season. Weaver finished his Cougars career as the first player in Pac-10 history to record 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 400 assists, 175 steals and 75 blocked shots.

Weaver becomes the seventh D-League Call-Up in Jazz history, joining Rusty LaRue (2000-01), Mikki Moore (2003-04), Louis Amundson (2006-07), Sundiata Gaines (2009-10), Othyus Jeffers (2009-10) and Marcus Cousin (2010-11).

Courtesy of www.abc4.com

Wednesday: Warren paces Jam past Utah, Legends beat Armor - Mar 31, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Utah F. - Bakersfield J. 104-113
Willie Warren (6'4''-G-89, college: Oklahoma) scored 25 points and dished out nine assists to lead a balanced Bakersfield Jam attack in a 113-104 victory over the Utah Flash on Wednesday night at the McKay Events Center. The Jam (29-19) had eight players score in double figures. Derrick Caracter (6'9''-F-88, college: UTEP), who recently came to the Jam from the Los Angeles Lakers, finished with 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting. Brandon Wallaced added 14 points and Luke Zeller scored 12. Brandon Costner led the Flash with 18 points. Bakersfield moved one game ahead of Utah (28-20) for fourth place in the NBA D-League's West Conference. The Jam has two regular-season game remaining, each against Reno. The Bighorns will host the Jam at 7 p.m. Friday before visiting the Jam Events Center at 7 p.m. Saturday. *Courtesy of www.bakersfield.com

Texas L. - Springfield A. 132-112
The Texas Legends controlled every aspect of the contest on Wednesday night, picking up a crucial 132-112 win over the Springfield Armor at HP Court inside Dr Pepper Arena. The victory pulled the Legends even with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants for the eighth and final playoff spot with two games remaining on the schedule for each team. Texas though holds their own destiny as they control the tiebreaker over the Mad Ants. Therefore, with a win in each of the Legends final two games on the road against the Austin Toros, Texas would find themselves in the playoffs in their expansion season. After Springfield scored the first bucket of the game, Texas went on an 11-0 run to take a nine-point lead. The Legends stretched their lead to 12 by the end of the opening quarter, taking a 36-24 lead into the second. Texas was able to maintain a comfortable lead throughout the second quarter. With a 53-43 lead under four minutes to go in the second, the Legends went on a 15-6 sprint to finish the half on top 68-49. Joe Alexander (6'8''-F-86, college: W.Virginia) dominated the first half for Texas, as he shot 9-of-11 from the field, scoring 20 points. Sean Williams and Justin Dentmon added 10 points apiece in the opening half. Lance Hurdle led the way for Springfield in the first half with 12 points. Rashad McCants (6'4''-G/F-84, college: N.Carolina) sparked a big third quarter, pouring in 11 points in the period. The Legends shot 61.2% through the first three quarters and put the game out of reach by taking a 30-point lead into the fourth, as they went into the final quarter on top 108-78. McCants finished with a season-high 22 points, while Alexander led Texas with 24 points. Antonio Daniels contributed 11 points and 15 assists. Recently assigned to the Armor from the New Jersey Nets, Craig Brackins led Springfield with 31 points. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Wizards acquire center Chris Holm - Mar 31, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Dakota Wizards announced today that they have acquired center Chris Holm (7'0''-C/F-84, college: Vermont) via the Available Player Pool. Holm will practice with the team today and will be in uniform this weekend against the Tulsa 66'ers.

Holm, 26, has been playing professional basketball in Japan with the Sendai 89ers since the fall of 2008. He averaged 14.4 points and 13.4 rebounds in 36 games for the 89ers prior to the rest of the season being cancelled due to the earthquake in Japan. Holm played two years at Rhode Island before transferring to Vermont where he averaged 10.6 points and 12.2 rebounds in his senior season.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Utah Jazz Sign Kyle Weaver of the Austin Toros to 10-Day Contact - Mar 31, 2011 (by Surujh Roopnarine)
Kyle Weaver (6'6''-G-86, college: Washington St.) has been signed by the Utah Jazz, making him the NBA D-Leagues 19th call-up this season.
In 30 games (24 starts) this season with Austin and the Iowa Energy, Weaver has averaged 15.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 43.1% from the field, 41.9% from three and 81.9% from the free-throw line.
Prior to this season, Weaver had been on assignment for seven games over the course of 2008-09 and 2009-10 with the Tulsa 66ers while a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Weaver, a third-year pro who was in camp with the Chicago Bulls this fall, was selected by the Charlotte Bobcats in the second round (38th overall) of the 2008 NBA Draft, and then was traded to Oklahoma City that summer. Weaver appeared in 68 regular season games (19 starts) with the Thunder from 2008 to 2010, averaging 4.9 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists.

Wednesday: Warren paces Jam past Utah, Legends beat Armor - Mar 31, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Utah F. - Bakersfield J. 104-113
Willie Warren (6'4''-G-89, college: Oklahoma) scored 25 points and dished out nine assists to lead a balanced Bakersfield Jam attack in a 113-104 victory over the Utah Flash on Wednesday night at the McKay Events Center. The Jam (29-19) had eight players score in double figures. Derrick Caracter (6'9''-F-88, college: UTEP), who recently came to the Jam from the Los Angeles Lakers, finished with 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting. Brandon Wallaced added 14 points and Luke Zeller scored 12. Brandon Costner led the Flash with 18 points. Bakersfield moved one game ahead of Utah (28-20) for fourth place in the NBA D-League's West Conference. The Jam has two regular-season game remaining, each against Reno. The Bighorns will host the Jam at 7 p.m. Friday before visiting the Jam Events Center at 7 p.m. Saturday. *Courtesy of www.bakersfield.com

Texas L. - Springfield A. 132-112
The Texas Legends controlled every aspect of the contest on Wednesday night, picking up a crucial 132-112 win over the Springfield Armor at HP Court inside Dr Pepper Arena. The victory pulled the Legends even with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants for the eighth and final playoff spot with two games remaining on the schedule for each team. Texas though holds their own destiny as they control the tiebreaker over the Mad Ants. Therefore, with a win in each of the Legends final two games on the road against the Austin Toros, Texas would find themselves in the playoffs in their expansion season. After Springfield scored the first bucket of the game, Texas went on an 11-0 run to take a nine-point lead. The Legends stretched their lead to 12 by the end of the opening quarter, taking a 36-24 lead into the second. Texas was able to maintain a comfortable lead throughout the second quarter. With a 53-43 lead under four minutes to go in the second, the Legends went on a 15-6 sprint to finish the half on top 68-49. Joe Alexander (6'8''-F-86, college: W.Virginia) dominated the first half for Texas, as he shot 9-of-11 from the field, scoring 20 points. Sean Williams and Justin Dentmon added 10 points apiece in the opening half. Lance Hurdle led the way for Springfield in the first half with 12 points. Rashad McCants (6'4''-G/F-84, college: N.Carolina) sparked a big third quarter, pouring in 11 points in the period. The Legends shot 61.2% through the first three quarters and put the game out of reach by taking a 30-point lead into the fourth, as they went into the final quarter on top 108-78. McCants finished with a season-high 22 points, while Alexander led Texas with 24 points. Antonio Daniels contributed 11 points and 15 assists. Recently assigned to the Armor from the New Jersey Nets, Craig Brackins led Springfield with 31 points. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com
Weaver will be in uniform for the Jazz on Friday night as they host the Los Angeles Lakers.

[Durbansandshark]

Wizards acquire center Chris Holm - Mar 31, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Dakota Wizards announced today that they have acquired center Chris Holm (7'0''-C/F-84, college: Vermont) via the Available Player Pool. Holm will practice with the team today and will be in uniform this weekend against the Tulsa 66'ers.

Holm, 26, has been playing professional basketball in Japan with the Sendai 89ers since the fall of 2008. He averaged 14.4 points and 13.4 rebounds in 36 games for the 89ers prior to the rest of the season being cancelled due to the earthquake in Japan. Holm played two years at Rhode Island before transferring to Vermont where he averaged 10.6 points and 12.2 rebounds in his senior season.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Utah Jazz Sign Kyle Weaver of the Austin Toros to 10-Day Contact - Mar 31, 2011 (by Surujh Roopnarine)
Kyle Weaver (6'6''-G-86, college: Washington St.) has been signed by the Utah Jazz, making him the NBA D-Leagues 19th call-up this season.
In 30 games (24 starts) this season with Austin and the Iowa Energy, Weaver has averaged 15.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 43.1% from the field, 41.9% from three and 81.9% from the free-throw line.

Prior to this season, Weaver had been on assignment for seven games over the course of 2008-09 and 2009-10 with the Tulsa 66ers while a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Weaver, a third-year pro who was in camp with the Chicago Bulls this fall, was selected by the Charlotte Bobcats in the second round (38th overall) of the 2008 NBA Draft, and then was traded to Oklahoma City that summer. Weaver appeared in 68 regular season games (19 starts) with the Thunder from 2008 to 2010, averaging 4.9 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists.

Weaver will be in uniform for the Jazz on Friday night as they host the Los Angeles Lakers.

Wednesday: Warren paces Jam past Utah, Legends beat Armor - Mar 31, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Utah F. - Bakersfield J. 104-113
Willie Warren (6'4''-G-89, college: Oklahoma) scored 25 points and dished out nine assists to lead a balanced Bakersfield Jam attack in a 113-104 victory over the Utah Flash on Wednesday night at the McKay Events Center. The Jam (29-19) had eight players score in double figures. Derrick Caracter (6'9''-F-88, college: UTEP), who recently came to the Jam from the Los Angeles Lakers, finished with 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting. Brandon Wallaced added 14 points and Luke Zeller scored 12. Brandon Costner led the Flash with 18 points. Bakersfield moved one game ahead of Utah (28-20) for fourth place in the NBA D-League's West Conference. The Jam has two regular-season game remaining, each against Reno. The Bighorns will host the Jam at 7 p.m. Friday before visiting the Jam Events Center at 7 p.m. Saturday. *Courtesy of www.bakersfield.com

Texas L. - Springfield A. 132-112
The Texas Legends controlled every aspect of the contest on Wednesday night, picking up a crucial 132-112 win over the Springfield Armor at HP Court inside Dr Pepper Arena. The victory pulled the Legends even with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants for the eighth and final playoff spot with two games remaining on the schedule for each team. Texas though holds their own destiny as they control the tiebreaker over the Mad Ants. Therefore, with a win in each of the Legends final two games on the road against the Austin Toros, Texas would find themselves in the playoffs in their expansion season. After Springfield scored the first bucket of the game, Texas went on an 11-0 run to take a nine-point lead. The Legends stretched their lead to 12 by the end of the opening quarter, taking a 36-24 lead into the second. Texas was able to maintain a comfortable lead throughout the second quarter. With a 53-43 lead under four minutes to go in the second, the Legends went on a 15-6 sprint to finish the half on top 68-49. Joe Alexander (6'8''-F-86, college: W.Virginia) dominated the first half for Texas, as he shot 9-of-11 from the field, scoring 20 points. Sean Williams and Justin Dentmon added 10 points apiece in the opening half. Lance Hurdle led the way for Springfield in the first half with 12 points. Rashad McCants (6'4''-G/F-84, college: N.Carolina) sparked a big third quarter, pouring in 11 points in the period. The Legends shot 61.2% through the first three quarters and put the game out of reach by taking a 30-point lead into the fourth, as they went into the final quarter on top 108-78. McCants finished with a season-high 22 points, while Alexander led Texas with 24 points. Antonio Daniels contributed 11 points and 15 assists. Recently assigned to the Armor from the New Jersey Nets, Craig Brackins led Springfield with 31 points. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Chris Holm Formerly of Sendai 89ers Signs With Dakota Wizards of NBA D-League - Mar 31, 2011 (by Surujh Roopnarine)
The Dakota Wizards are the new home of center Chris Holm (7'0''-C/F-84, college: Vermont). Chris Holm is a 7-0 center from the University of Vermont who has spent the last three seasons playing in Japan with the Sendai 89ers. Sendai is the city in Japan that was at the forefront of the news after the devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami ravaged Japan earlier this month. American and foreign players in Japan have been scrambling not only to sort out their personal lives, but also their careers. Holm joins the Wizards not only as a talented big man who can contribute but with the experience of going through something not many can relate to.
On the season, Holm appeared in 36 games for the 89ers, averaging 14.4 points and 13.4 rebounds (second in the BJ league) while shooting 56.9% from the field. Since leaving Vermont after the 2006-07 season, Holm, from Henderson, Nevada, has bounced around the globe professionally. He has played in Spain and Bosnia in addition to his time in Japan.

Nets sign West to 10-day deal, waive Ross - Apr 1, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The New Jersey Nets plan to sign former Atlanta Hawks guard Mario West (6'5''-G-84, college: Georgia Tech) after waiving swingman Quinton Ross (6'6''-G/F-81, college: SMU) on Thursday, according to sources with knowledge of New Jersey's plans.

West is expected to receive a 10-day contract, sources said, and could get a chance to claim some of the minutes that were earmarked for recent Nets signee Sundiata Gaines, who suffered a season-ending hip injury earlier this month after New Jersey signed him for the rest of this season and next season. West has averaged 0.8 points per game in 4.4 minutes per contest over three NBA seasons. He's averaging 13.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game for Maine this season.

West has spent much of the past two seasons in the D-League with the Maine Red Claws after playing parts of three seasons with the Hawks and going to training camp this season with the Boston Celtics.

Ross played in 36 games for the Nets this season, averaging just 1.6 points and 0.8 rebounds in 9.8 minutes per game. The seven-year veteran missed 24 games due to injury, including 15 of the last 16 games thanks to lower-back trouble.

Courtesy of ESPN

Thursday's games - Apr 1, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Erie Bay H. - Sioux Falls S. 98-96
Coach Jay Larranaga wasn't happy -- and his team won. The Erie BayHawks almost blew one against the D-League's worst team before edging Sioux Falls 98-96 before 2,504 fans Thursday night at Tullio Arena. 'I'll have to look myself in the mirror when I go home and figure out what I didn't do to prepare the team better,' Larranaga said. 'I guess each guy has to do the same, but the way we played is unacceptable after how much work the players have put into the season.' All-Star Ivan Johnson (6'8''-F/C-84, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) had a fourth straight 33-point game to go along with 18 rebounds to keep Erie (31-18) in contention for home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. However, the BayHawks weren't pleased with how they won. *Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Maine RC - Ft.Wayne MA 105-100
Just like that, the playoffs are hanging by the slenderest of threads for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. In a game that see-sawed down to the end in Portland, Maine, the Maine Red Claws scored the last seven points to pull out a 105-100 victory Thursday, sending the Ants' playoff fate to the final regular-season game Saturday against Sioux Falls. The Ants (23-26) entered Thursday tied with Texas (23-26) for the last playoff spot. The Legends could have locked up the playoff spot with a win, but they lost 120-118 at Austin, sending the decision to Saturday. To secure the playoff spot, the Ants must beat Sioux Falls, and the Legends have to lose again to Austin. If both teams win or both lose, they finish tied and that sends the Legends to the playoffs because they own the tiebreaker (most victories against teams with .500 or better records). In Portland, meanwhile, the Ants overcame a 12-point deficit, 42.4 percent shooting and 8 of 27 three-point shooting to take a 100-98 lead on Chris Kramer's jumper with 38.1 seconds showing. Stephane Lasme (6'8''-F-82, college: Massachusetts) 's layup and Craig Winder (6'2''-G-84, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Texas) 's free throw gave the Red Claws the lead, and then Kramer missed a layup and a three and Ryan Wittman (6'6''-F-88, college: Cornell) another three in the final 16.9 seconds for the Ants. *Courtesy of www.journalgazette.net

Austin T. - Texas L. 120-118
Aubrey Coleman (6'4''-G-87, college: Houston) scored 23 points and Marcus Cousin (6'11''-C-86, college: Houston) added 22 as the Austin Toros held off the Texas Legends 120-118 Thursday. Joe Alexander had a game-high 38 points for the Legends. The two teams will play again at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Cedar Park Center. *Courtesy of www.statesman.com

[Durbansandshark]

Spurs assign Danny Green to D-League - Apr 3, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The San Antonio Spurs today announced that they have assigned Danny Green (6'6''-F/G-87, college: N.Carolina) to the Austin Toros of the NBA Development League.

Green most recently signed with the Spurs on March 16, appearing in three games totaling 7 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. He originally signed with the Spurs on November 17, when he appeared in two games, totaling 6 points in 9 minutes, before being released on November 23. In between those two stints with the Spurs, Green saw action in 16 games with the Reno Bighorns, where he averaged 20.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.38 steals in 37.4 minutes per game. He shot .451 (114-253) from the field, .434 (36-83) from three-point territory and .795 (58-73) from the free throw line.

The Toros conclude the regular season tonight when they face the Texas Legends at 7:30 p.m. at the Cedar Park Center.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Exciting Saturday - Apr 3, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Ft.Wayne MA - Sioux Falls S. 110-104
Coming into the regular season finale, the Mad Ants had to win in order to even have a chance at the first postseason berth in franchise history, then they would need some help. If the Mad Ants won, they would need both Texas and Idaho to lose. The Fort Wayne Mad Ants ended the regular season with a 110-104 home victory over the Sioux Falls Skyforce. The Mad Ants got off to a quick start going up by 7 points in the first 4 minutes of play but the Sioux Falls Skyforce quickly countered that by going up 6 to end the period. The Skyforce led for most of the second period until a Ryan Wittman three pointer with 5:00 left in the half tied the game up at 49 apiece. Wittman scored 11 second period points for the Ants as they headed into the locker rooms up 67-61. The Mad Ants pulled away in the third building a comfortable 10 points lead going into the fourth. The Mad Ants led by as many as 12 points in the final period but the Skyforce made a late run to cut the lead to just 2 with 1:00 left in the game. A pair of free throws from Mad Ants Darnell Lazare and a driving layup from Chris Kramer sealed the deal for the Ants. Raymond Sykes (6'9''-F/C-86, college: Clemson) led all scorers with 32 points for the Skyforce. Sean Marshall (6'6''-G/F-85, college: Boston Coll.) added 23 and Chris McCray finished with 22. Lazare led the Ants with 30 points and 10 rebounds. Chris Kramer finished with 25 points and 6 assists and Wittman contributed 15 off of the bench. Unfortunately, Austin didn't do the Mad Ants any favors losing to Texas in double overtime as the Legends claimed the eighth and final playoff spot in the NBDL. The Mad Ants best season in franchise history comes to an end with a record of 24-26. *Courtesy of www.wane.com

Tulsa 66ers - Dakota W. 118-84
Elijah Millsap (6'6''-G-87, college: UAB) of the Tulsa 66ers (33-17) scored a season-high 30 points and Cole Aldrich (6'11''-C-88, college: Kansas) posted 13 points, 10 rebounds and seven blocked shots to lead the 66ers to a commanding 118-84 home victory over the Dakota Wizards (18-31) in their regular season finale Saturday evening inside the Tulsa Convention Center. The 66ers, who led coast-to-coast, led by as many as 36 in the contest. The 34-point win marked the largest margin of victory for Tulsa this season and the second-largest ever at home. Also with the victory, Tulsa secured the fourth overall seed in the 2011 D-League playoffs that begin next week. The 66ers, who have earned home court advantage in the opening round, will learn their first round opponent on Sunday. Additionally, the 33 overall wins mark a 66ers record for victories in a season. Tulsa heads to the postseason for the second consecutive campaign. 'I think our guys take pride in coming to work every day,' Tulsa 66ers head coach Nate Tibbetts said. 'I think the Thunder does a great job in what they do here every day and they have really given us all the resources to be successful. We have great guys that want to improve and that really helps.' Also leading Tulsa Saturday was forward Ryan Reid who posted his fifth double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 boards. Also scoring in double figures was Brandon Brooks with a career-high 17, Robert Vaden with 14 and Larry Owens with 10. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Rio Grande - Springfield A. 122-103
The Rio Grande Valley Vipers tuned up for the upcoming NBA D-League playoffs with a solid 122-103 victory over the Springfield Armor in the regular season finale Saturday night at State Farm Arena. The Vipers finished the season with a 33-and-17 mark and finished one game back of Reno in the conference standings. The Vipers will be the number three seed in the playoffs and enjoy the home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Six three pointers in the first 12 minutes helped the locals open an 11 point first quarter lead. Jerel McNeal (6'3''-G-87, college: Marquette) led the winners with 26 points. The who and when of the Vipers' first round playoff opponent is still to be announced. *Courtesy of www.krgv.com

Erie Bay H. - Maine RC 115-113
Close but not quite. The Maine Red Claws had their chances to close a disappointing season with a big victory Saturday night, but lost 115-113 to the Erie BayHawks before a record crowd of 5,770 at Tullio Arena. 'If we would have had this team from the beginning of the year, I think the situation would have been a lot different, but that's part of the D-League,' Maine rookie guard Jamar Smith said. 'You've got to be able to adapt and adjust.' Maine had a chance to trim the final deficit to one on its final possession, but Stephane Lasme missed the second of two free throws with 6.3 seconds left. Erie rebounded the miss and ran out the clock. 'I'm proud of them,' Maine Coach Austin Ainge said. 'I'll coach that group any day.' Rookie DeShawn Sims (6'8''-F-88, college: Michigan) scored 33 points to lead the Red Claws (18-32), who finished 1-7 against the BayHawks this season. Blake Ahearn (6'2''-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Missouri St.) led Erie (32-18) with 29 points. The BayHawks will be a fifth seed in the D-League playoffs beginning Wednesday. *Courtesy of www.pressherald.com

Bakersfield J. - Reno Bighorns 83-94
Despite playing their third game in five nights on the heels of a seven-hour overnight bus trip, the Reno Bighorns clinched their first-ever Western Conference championship by defeating Bakersfield 94-83 on Saturday night in the Jam Events Center. Tonight's victory-Reno's franchise-record eighth-straight win to close out the regular season-gives the Horns the second-overall seed and the opportunity to choose their first-round playoff opponent in the 2011 NBA Development League playoffs. Reno (34-16) fell behind early, trailing by as many as nine points in the first quarter, but clamped down on defense the rest of the way to improve to 6-1 this season against the playoff-bound Bakersfield Jam (29-21). Tonight marked the sixth-straight game that Reno has held an opponent to fewer than 100 points, finishing the regular season with a league-best 98.1 points per game allowed average. Marcus Landry (6'7''-F-85, college: Wisconsin), the only player in tonight's starting lineup that also started for the Bighorns on Opening Night, led Reno with 21 points. Five other Bighorns players chipped in with at least 10 points, helping Reno improve to 12-3 this season when at least six players register double-digit scoring efforts. Los Angeles Clippers assignee Willie Warren led the Jam with 22 points, while Drew Naymick (6'11''-C-85, agency: Warren Sports International) finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Reno held Bakersfield to just 42.7 percent shooting, finishing the regular season with a D-League-best 44.0 percent opponents field goal percentage. The Bighorns will choose their playoff opponent tomorrow afternoon, with the first-round playoff schedule expected to be announced no later than Monday. *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

[Durbansandshark]

Austin T. - Texas L. 128-134 OT2
The Texas Legends defeated the Austin Toros 134-128 in a double overtime thriller Saturday at Cedar Park Center. The Toros had six players in double digit scoring and the Legends Joe Alexander (6'8''-F-86, college: W.Virginia) recorded a double- double with 36 points and 15 rebounds. The Legends jumped out to a six-point lead in the first quarter. They shot 67 percent from the field compared to the Toros 44 percent and were a perfect 5-5 at the free throw line. Danny Green (6'6''-F/G-87, college: N.Carolina) and Kevin Palmer kept the Toros close by combining for 12 first quarter points. The Toros fought hard in the second quarter improving their shooting percent from the field to 53 percent. The Toros tied the game with a 3 pointer by Danny Green and snatched a two-point lead thanks to a hook shot by Leo Lyons. Legends Joe Alexander brought the game to a tie once again with a dunk seconds before the end of the half, bringing the score to 61-61. The Toros took the lead in the third and two free throw attempts by Marcus Cousin allowed the Toros to take their biggest lead of the game of 9 points. The Legends battled back throughout the quarter and cut the lead to two at the end of the third. The Legends regained the lead in the fourth, but the Toros dug deep and with 6:37 left to play, Carldell 'Squeaky' Johnson made a three pointer that jump started a 13-4 run that lasted until 3:17. With the lead and a restored since of urgency, the Toros entered the last minute of play leading 106-100. With less than 30 seconds left to play, the Legends Booker Woodfox and Justin Dentmon made back-to-back three pointers to bring the Legends within one point of the Toros. Aubrey Coleman stepped up to the free throw line with 15.7 seconds left and made two free throws to extend the Toros lead to three. Joe Alexander made a quick lay up and brought the Toros lead back down to one. Coleman made two more free throws to once again extend the Toros lead back to three. With 4.2 seconds on the clock, the Legends Rashad McCants (6'4''-G/F-84, college: N.Carolina) hit a three to tie the game at 113. The Toros were unable to convert on their last possession and the game went into overtime. The Toros struck first in overtime by going on a quick 5-0 run. The Toros held their lead until Sean Williams made two free throws that tied the game with 29.8 seconds left in the extra period. At the 9.4 mark, Coleman stepped up and made yet another clutch three pointer to return the lead back to the Toros. The Legends Dentmon responded with a clutch three of his own, tying the game once again at 121-121 and sending the game into a second overtime. The Toros started the second extra period by going on a 6-0 run and taking a quick 127-121 lead. The Legends climbed back and cut the Toros lead to two with under a minute to play. Joe Alexander scored five unanswered points and gave the Legends a 130-127 lead with a little over 17 seconds left on the clock. Williams and Dentmon added four late free throws and sealed the Legends victory over the Toros, 134-128 Coleman (30) and Leo Lyons (24), who also grabbed ten rebounds and recorded a double-double, led the Toros in scoring. Marcus Cousin recorded his 19th double-double of the season by scoring 18 points and ten rebounds. Spurs assignee Danny Green played 32 minutes in his first game with the Toros contributing 19 points and seven rebounds. Rashad McCants (28) and Sean Williams (19) followed Alexander to lead the Legends in scoring. The Austin Toros finished off the 2010-11 season 22-28. The Texas Legends (24-26) are still in contention for the eighth spot in the NBA D-League playoffs. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Idaho S. - Utah F. 95-92
The Idaho Stampede missed out on the NBA Development League playoffs by the narrowest of margins Saturday night. The Stampede needed a win to keep their hopes alive, and they held up their end of the bargain with a 95-92 win over the Utah Flash in front of a crowd of 2,967 at Qwest Arena. That gave the Stampede time to turn their attention to the game between the Austin Toros and the Texas Legends. Idaho needed an Austin win to qualify for the playoffs, and the Toros led by seven points with 30 seconds remaining in regulation. But Texas staged a manic rally to force overtime and then went on to win 134-128 in double overtime. That meant Idaho and Texas each finished with 24-26 records - and it meant that the Stampede wouldn't be going to the postseason based on a tiebreaker. It was a tough way for their season to end, especially after they had climbed all the way back from a 2-13 start to their season. *Courtesy of www.idahostatesman.com

New Mexico - Iowa E. 105-115
The 2010-11 Iowa Energy will go down in the record books, as a 115-105 win over the New Mexico Thunderbirds Saturday night allowed the Energy to match the best regular season record of any team in NBA D-League history. The Energy's 37-13 record matches the teams' record from last season, giving the four year old franchise the top two single season win totals in league history. New Mexico controlled most of the early action, as a Walter Sharpe jump shot mid-way through the 1st quarter gave the home team a 14-7 lead. The Energy responded with a surge later in the quarter to take a 29-27 lead. The 2nd quarter was all Energy as wing man Ehambe Moses Randall (6'6''-G/F-86, college: ORU) caught fire for Iowa. Ehambe, who entered the games as the league's top 3-point shooter, scored 22 of his game high 28 points in the 1st half to help give the Energy a commanding 70-57 lead at the break. Iowa extended the lead to as many as 19 points in the 2nd half on their way to the win. On the night, the Energy made 11 3-pointers compared to only three for New Mexico. The win is the Energy's 150th consecutive game in first place in their conference. Point guard Curtis Stinson (6'2''-G-83, college: Iowa St.) finished with 16 points, 13 assists and 7 rebounds while Marqus Blakely added 18 points and 10 rebounds. New Mexico was led by former Detroit Pistons forward Walter Sharpe, who scored 25 points in the game. Former Boston Celtics guard J.R. Giddens (6'5''-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) added 20 points and 10 rebounds. The loss ends New Mexico's season at 20-30. As the #1 overall seed for the playoffs, the Energy will be allowed to select their opponent for the 1st round of the playoffs from teams seeded 5-8 (Erie, Bakersfield, Utah & Texas). The selection will be made via conference call with the league Sunday evening, at which time the 1st round schedule will be set. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Erie Bayhawks Acquire Chaz McCroman - Apr 3, 2011 (by Surujh Roopnarine)
The Erie Bayhawks have acquired 6-7 forward Chaz McCrommon (6'6''-F/G-82, college: Robert Morris) from the avaialble player pool. The team also announced that they had waived Kyle Spain (6'5''-F-87, college: San Diego St.) due to injury. McCroman, 28, out of Robert Morris has experience playing overseas, most recently in Holland during the 2008-09 season. He will be with the team for the playoffs as their frist round series opponent will be determined later today. Spain appeared in 44 games for Erie (17 starts), averaging 8.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 41.3% from the field.

Alexander named NBA D-League Performer of the Week - Apr 5, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Joe Alexander (6'8''-F-86, college: W.Virginia) of the Texas Legends was today named NBA Development League Performer of the Week for games played during the week of March 28.

Alexander, a 6-8, 220-pound forward out of West Virginia, who was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round (eighth overall) of the 2008 NBA Draft, led the Legends to a 2-1 record on the week, averaging 32.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists, shooting 66.7 percent (40-60) from the field.

Alexander, who has played with the Bucks and Chicago Bulls, scored 24 points in a 132-112 win over Springfield on Wednesday, and had a season-high 38 points, to go along with seven rebounds and three blocks in a 120-118 loss at Austin on Thursday. On Saturday, needing a win to secure a spot in the NBA D-League Playoffs, Alexander tallied 36 points, 15 rebounds, two assists and two blocks, leading the Legends to a 134-128 win at Austin in double overtime.

The Legends leading scorer at 20.2 points per game, Alexander finished the regular season fourth overall in the league in scoring, while he ranked sixth in rebounding (8.9) and second in minutes (41.2).

Alexander will now lead the Legends into their first ever playoff appearance beginning on Wednesday night in Frisco as Texas host's the Tulsa 66ers in game one of the best-of-three series.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Raptors recall BayHawks center Alabi - Apr 5, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Toronto Raptors recalled rookie Solomon Alabi (7'1''-C-88, college: Florida St.) from the Erie BayHawks of the NBA Development League.

Alabi, a 7-foot 1-inch center, appeared in 22 games with Erie in three assignments this season, averaging 7.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 18.6 minutes per game.

In 10 games with Toronto, Alabi has scored four points and grabbed nine rebounds.

Courtesy of www.goerie.com

[Durbansandshark]

Sixers sign guard Antonio Daniels to 10-day deal - Apr 5, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The 76ers will sign 36-year-old veteran guard Antonio Daniels (6'4''-G-75, college: Bowling Green) to a 10-day contract on Monday according to a report from the Philadelphia Inquirer. The report says that Daniels has been brought on in the absence of Lou Williams as he rehabilitates a strained right hamstring.

Daniels has played for 13 years in the NBA, but not since 2008-09 when he split time between Washington and New Orleans.

This season hes been playing for the Texas Legends of the NBA development league. Hes averaged 14.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 8.6 assists per game in 37 starts this season.

The 6-4, 195-pound guard was picked fourth overall in the 1997 draft by the Vancouver Grizzlies.

Courtesy of www.phillysportsdaily.com

Former D-Leaguers Among the Best of Australian NBL - Apr 6, 2011 (by Surujh Roopnarine)
Australias National Basketball League announced its 2010-11 All-NBL Teams yesterday and littered throughout the First, Second and Third Teams are players who have honed and developed their games in the NBA D-League. The leading vote-getter and First Team selection was perennial NBL and international star Kirk Penney (6'5''-G-80, college: Wisconsin). The now 30-year old former Wisconsin Badger tied for the league lead in scoring this season at 20.1 points per contest while leading his New Zealand Breakers to a 22-6 (first place) finish in the regular season. The 6-5 Penney had his best D-league season in 2004-05 with the Asheville Altitude, winning the Championship and earning All-NBA-D-League Honorable Mention honors. Last season Penney made a brief return to the D-League with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, appearing in seven games and averaging 22.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 56.8% from the field. He was also the second leading scorer at the 2010 World Championships in Turkey for his native New Zealand, averaging 24.7 points over six contests.

Joining Penney on the First Team is former Skyforce and Tulsa 66ers guard Gary Ervin (6'1''-G-83, college: Arkansas). The 6-1 point guard out of Brooklyn, NY tied Penney for the league-lead in scoring while averaging 4.5 assists per contest, good for fifth best in the league. The 27-year old Ervin split his rookie 2008-09 campaign between Sioux Falls and Tulsa, and owns career averages of 7.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists over 45 games.

An All-NBL Second Team selection is former NBA and Fort Worth Flyer center Luke Schenscher (7'1''-C-82, college: Georgia Tech). In 70 career D-League games over the 05-06 and 06-07 seasons, the Australian native and NCAA Finalist from Georgia Tech averaged 8.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.3 steals. Corey Williams (6'3''-G-77, college: Alabama St.) joins Schenscher as a fellow D-League alum on the NBL Second Team.. The former Sioux Falls and Dakota Wizards guard averaged 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 6.1 assists this season for the Melbourne Tigers. Williams is also a D-League Champion, helping lead Dakota to the title during the 2006-07 season. He owns career D-League averages of 13.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 51.8% over 35 games. Williams was the Australian League Player of the Year during the 2009-10 season.

Rounding out the former D-Leaguers is Ayinde Ubaka (6'4''-G-85, college: California) who was named to the NBL Third Team. The former California Golden Bear guard appeared in 12 games with the Anaheim Arsenal during their final season in 2008-09. The 6-4 Ubaka is in his second season in Australia where he averaged 14.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 28 games for the Skytrans Cairns Taipans.

Lakers recall Derrick Caracter from D-League - Apr 6, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Los Angeles Lakers have recalled forward Derrick Caracter (6'9''-F-88, college: UTEP) from the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League, it was announced today by General Manager Mitch Kupchak.

Caracter, who was assigned to Bakersfield on March 29, played three games with the Jam, including one start, averaging 8.7 points and 6.0 rebounds in 20.0 minutes.

Selected by the Lakers in the second round (58th overall) of the 2010 NBA Draft, Caracter has appeared in 40 games for the Lakers this season, averaging 2.0 points and 1.1 rebounds in 5.3 minutes.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

[Durbansandshark]

Tulsa begins playoffs with 94-83 road win over Texas - Apr 7, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Tulsa 66ers (1-0) improved to 1-0 in a best-of-three series against the Texas Legends (0-1) in the first round of the 2011 D-League Playoffs Wednesday night by winning on the road by a 94-83 final inside Dr. Pepper Arena. Leading the Tulsa charge was Jerome Dyson (6'3''-G-87, college: Connecticut) with 23 points and Marcus Lewis (6'8''-F/C-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: ORU) with 14 points and 11 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season. Additionally, center Cole Aldrich (6'11''-C-88, college: Kansas) pitched in eight points, seven boards and three blocked shots.

Also scoring in double figures for Tulsa was Robert Vaden (6'5''-G/F-85, college: UAB) with 20 and Elijah Millsap (6'6''-G-87, college: UAB) with 12.

Tulsa, the fourth overall seed, led by as many as 12 in the contest and improved to 6-3 overall against the Legends this season. As a team, the 66ers recorded 19 assists, led by four from forward Lewis.

The eighth-seeded Legends were led by Joe Alexander with 15 points and 10 rebounds and Sean Williams with 11 points and 17 boards.

Defensively, the 66ers held the Legends to 32-73 (.438) shooting from the floor and forced 22 turnovers, including 12 steals. Garrett Williamson and Lewis led the 66ers in thefts with three each.

The 66ers were without Larry Owens, Matt Bouldin and Latavious Williams Wednesday night. Owens became the 22nd GATORADE Call-Up of the 2010-11 season by signing with the Washington Wizards for the remainder of the season earlier in the day. Bouldin and Williams were held out due to injury.

The two Western Conference foes will square off for Game Two of the best-of-three series this Friday night, April 8, in Tulsa inside the Tulsa Convention Center at 7 p.m.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Iowa Energy open playoffs with win at Utah - Apr 7, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Curtis Stinson (6'2''-G-83, college: Iowa St.) scored 19 of his 29 points in the second half and the Iowa Energy beat the Utah Flash 103-96 on Wednesday in the first game of the NBA Development League playoffs.

Top-seeded Iowa led No. 7 seed Utah 57-45 at halftime before it was outscored 28-15 in the third quarter to trail 73-72 to begin the fourth.

But a 9-1 run to begin the final quarter gave the Energy a lead they did not relinquish. They led by at least four the rest of the game.

The Energy held Utah to just 38.8 percent shooting and blocked 10 shots.

Marqus Blakely (6'5''-F-89, college: Vermont) had a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds off the bench, while Michael Haynes (6'8''-F/C-81, college: Fordham) (14) and Stanley Robinson (6'9''-F-88, college: Connecticut) ( 12) also scored in double figures.

Stinson added nine assists and seven rebounds.

Andre Ingram (6'3''-G-85, college: American) led the Flash with 22 points. Reserve center Nkem Ojougboh (6'9''-C-87, agency: David Lee services, college: Northeastern) had 17 points and 14 rebounds.

The teams play again in the second game of the best-of-three series at 7 p.m. Monday at Wells Fargo Arena.

Courtesy of www.desmoinesregister.com

Washington Wizards sign Owens, re-sign Jeffers for rest of season - Apr 7, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The injury-depleted Washington Wizards have signed forward Larry Owens (6'7''-G/F-83, college: ORU) from the NBA Development League's Tulsa 66ers and re-signed guard-forward Othyus Jeffers (6'5''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Robert Morris) for the season's last five games.

Washington also waived guard-forward Cartier Martin on Wednesday. Martin has a stress fracture in his left foot and is one six Wizards ruled out for the season.

Jeffers is averaging 4.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in 11 games with Washington. He was called up from the NBADL's Iowa Energy on March 17, then signed a second 10-day contract March 27.

Owens signed consecutive 10-day contracts with the San Antonio Spurs earlier this season and averaged 1.3 points in seven games.

Martin averaged four points and 1.4 rebounds in 52 games this season.

Courtesy of The Canadian Press

Lakers reassign Caracter to Bakersfield Jam - Apr 7, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Derrick Caracter (6'9''-F-88, college: UTEP) was reassigned to the Bakersfield Jam, the Lakers' NBA Development League affiliate. The assignment marks the 54th time in the 2010-11 season an NBA player has been assigned to an NBA D-League affiliate, and it is the second assignment for Caracter, a rookie out of Texas-El Paso.

With Caracter's assignment, the NBA D-League has seen record highs this season in total NBA player assignments (54), individual NBA players assigned (37) and NBA teams assigning a player (25).

Caracter (6-9, 275) was first assigned on March 29. He appeared in three games (one start) with Bakersfield, averaging 8.7 points and 6.0 rebounds in 19.7 minutes. Caracter has played in 40 games this season for the Lakers, averaging 2.0 points and 1.1 rebounds in 5.3 minutes. The Lakers selected Caracter, an early-entry candidate, in the second round (58th overall) of the 2010 NBA Draft, and Caracter led the Lakers' NBA Summer League team in scoring (15.4 ppg) and rebounding (8.6 rpg) over five games.

A highly rated prospect out of Notre Dame Prep (Mass.), Caracter spent his fist two collegiate seasons at Louisville before transferring to UTEP. In one year as a Miner, Caracter averaged 14.1 points and 8.1 rebounds in 26.7 minutes, earning All-Conference USA Second Team honors. Further, his .567 field goal percentage ranked second in the conference and 16th nationally that season.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Reynolds, McFarland, Harris suspended - Apr 8, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Scottie Reynolds (6'2''-G-87, college: Villanova) of the Springfield Armor has been suspended for one game for his role in an on-court altercation, while Springfield's Chas McFarland and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers' Terrell Harris (6'5''-G-87, college: Oklahoma St.) each have been suspended for one game for leaving their respective bench areas during the altercation, the league announced Thursday.

The incident occurred with 5:20 remaining in the fourth quarter of Rio Grande Valley's 122-103 win over Springfield on Saturday, April 2.

Harris' suspension will cover Rio Grande Valley's first-round playoff game at Bakersfield on Friday. Because Springfield's season is over, McFarland's and Reynolds' suspensions will cover their next game in the NBA D-League.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

[Durbansandshark]

Friday: Johnson leads Jam to playoff victory - Apr 9, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Trey Johnson (6'5''-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Jackson St.) scored a game-high 29 points as the Bakersfield Jam took the opening game of a best-of-three NBA D-League playoff series against Rio Grande Valley Vipers 110-105 on Friday night at the Jam Events Center.

Jeremy Wise (6'3''-G-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: S.Mississippi) added 24 points for the Jam, which erased a 66-54 halftime deficit. Bakersfield outscored the Vipers 31-18 in the fourth quarter.

Derrick Byars (6'8''-G/F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Vanderbilt) chipped in 14 points and Derrick Caracter, on loan from the Los Angeles Lakers, added 12 for Bakersfield, which will face Rio Grande Valley in Game 2 on Tuesday night in Hidalgo, Texas. Game 3, if necessary, will be Wednesday.

Jerel McNeal (6'3''-G-87, college: Marquette) led the Vipers with 22 points. Former Duke star Jon Scheyer (6'5''-G-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Duke) added 20.

Bakersfield enjoyed a 59-40 rebounding advantage. Caracter, Stephen Dennis and Drew Naymick each had nine. The Jam also attempted 50 free throws, making 36. The Vipers were 24-for-35 from the line.

Courtesy of www.bakersfield.com

Friday: 66ers clinch first round D-League series - Apr 9, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Tulsa 66'ers are heading to the second round of the NBA-Development League playoffs with a 2-0 series sweep of the Texas Legends.

Center Cole Aldrich (6'11''-C-88, college: Kansas) tallied 17 points, four blocked shots and a season-high 18 rebounds, Elijah Millsap (6'6''-G-87, college: UAB) poured in a game-high 27 points and Jerome Dyson (6'3''-G-87, college: Connecticut) dished out a 66ers season-high 13 assists to lead the Tulsa 66ers to a 104-89 home court victory. Dyson also recorded 14 points to earn his first double-double of the season. Millsap's point total marked the 12th time this season the rookie has surpassed the 20-point mark.

Also scoring in double figures for the 66ers was Ryan Reid (6'8''-F-86, college: Florida St.) with 11 and Garrett Williamson (6'5''-G-88, college: St.Joseph's) with 10. Williamson also added four blocked shots in the contest.

Defensively, Tulsa turned in another dominant performance by holding the Legends to 32-87 (.368) shooting from the floor. It marked the 24th time this season Tulsa has held its opponent to under 50 percent shooting. The 66ers also totaled seven steals, led by Dyson with three thefts.

'As long as we continue to guard like we're guarding, we are going to give ourselves a chance every night,' Tibbetts said. 'You have to give credit to our guys. They really competed and I thought they set the tone in that first quarter. We were really flying around and brought a lot of energy.'

Tulsa, who led by as many as 26 in the game, tallied 28 assists as a team and shot 39-75 (.520) from the floor, including 8-16 (.500) from beyond the arc, to improve its record to 18-2 this season when shooting better than 50 percent.

'Dyson is doing a great job at the point guard position,' Tibbetts said. 'For him to have 13 assists tonight and only record four turnovers, he made a lot of good reads. Guys feel a part of the game when we share the basketball.'

Tulsa advances to the second round and will face the winner of the top-seeded Iowa Energy and seventh-seeded Utah Flash series, with dates and times to be announced at a later date.

'Our team should be excited because Texas is a really good team,' 66ers head coach Nate Tibbetts said. 'We feel good about the win, but we know there is more work to be done. Our guys have come with a workman's-type attitude all year and we have to continue with that.'

Courtesy of www.kktul.com

OKC signs Robert Vaden, immediately sends him to Tulsa - Apr 10, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Thunder signed guard Robert Vaden (6'5''-G/F-85, college: UAB) from their D-League affiliate Tulsa 66ers today. Conversely, Vaden has immediately been assigned to the 66ers.

No terms have been released as of yet. The Thunder had one open roster slot remaining and its now been filled by Vaden.

Vaden was acquired from Charlotte by the Thunder in the second round of the 2009 draft and has played this entire season with the 66ers. Vaden averaged 10.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 45 regular season games with Tulsa. This past season he shot 39.2 percent (74/189) from 3. He averaged 14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists in the 66ers two game sweep of the Texas Legends in the first round of the D-League playoffs.

Before joining the 66ers this season, he spent all 0f 2009-10 in Italys second division.

We are happy to add Robert to our team. Sam Presti said in a press release. Robert has been a dedicated and consistent worker for our program and has excelled in our system in Tulsa under the direction of Head Coach Nate Tibbetts and Assistant Coach Dale Osbourne. We value the role of the 66ers in the overall development of the Thunder organization and this opportunity for Robert comes as a result of that synergy.

Vaden is a shooter by trade and at 6-5, has pretty good size on the perimeter. He was a really good scorer in college at UAB averaged more than 17 points per game his senior season. What his role will be with the organization is to be determined, but its obvious that Presti and the Thunder appreciate hard work and thats why Vaden was rewarded with this deal.

Courtesy of www.dailythunder.com

Sunday: Reno takes Game One from Erie, 106-101 - Apr 11, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Reno Bighorns used a big fourth quarter to erase a 12-point Erie lead and win game one of the best-of-three opening round series of the NBA Development League playoffs, 106-101.

Reno jumped out to an early lead and held a four point margin at the end of the first before Erie took control in the second to take a five point lead in to halftime.

Erie continued its steady play in the third and grew its lead over the visitors to ten, behind Ivan Johnson's (6'8''-F/C-84, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) ten points in the quarter. But the fourth quarter belonged to Marcus Landry (6'7''-F-85, college: Wisconsin) and the Bighorns as they outscored Erie 35-20 in the game's final twelve minutes, including 12 from Landry, to pull out the comeback win and take game one.

Reno had five players in double-figures with Landry leading the way with 25. Anthony Richardson (6'7''-F-83, college: Florida St.) and Andre Emmett (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Texas Tech) each had 20, Bobby Simmons (6'7''-F/G-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Florida St.) notched 17 and Mo Charlo added 12.

For Erie, Johnson had the game's lone double-double finishing with 30 points and 11 rebounds. Erik Daniels (6'9''-G/F-82, college: Kentucky) scored 21, Tasmin Mitchell dropped in 18 and Blake Ahearn notched 17.

The series heads to Reno for game two on Tuesday night at 10 pm ET, and game three, if necessary, will be played in Reno at the same time on Thursday.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

[Durbansandshark]

Monday: Iowa Energy let win slip away; elimination game today - Apr 12, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Iowa Energy are usually the masters of closing out tight basketball games.

But something went awry Monday night in a 119-118 loss to the Utah Flash before an announced crowd of 4,132 at Wells Fargo Arena.

First, Iowa left Utah guard Kevin Kruger (6'1''-G-83, college: UNLV) alone at the top of the key, and he sank a 3-pointer that gave the guests a 112-111 lead with 1:09 left in Game 2 of the first-round NBA Development League playoff series.

Then, Iowas Marqus Blakely (6'5''-F-89, college: Vermont) inadvertently tipped a missed free throw by Utah's Ronald DuPree (6'7''-F/G-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: LSU) into the basket, turning a one-point lead into a one-point deficit with 37 seconds left. It was the oddest of the 18 lead changes in the fiercely contested game.

Utahs Tony Gaffney (6'9''-F-84, college: Massachusetts) made the decisive play 20 seconds later, swatting away a Stefhon Hannah (6'1''-G-85, college: Missouri) layup attempt that would have put Iowa back in front. The Flash salted away the victory at the free-throw line, forcing a Game 3 at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Des Moines.

In a close game, the bounce of the ball is going to determine it sometimes, Iowa coach Nick Nurse said.

If (Blakely) hit it, and it was outside the cylinder, that is the right rule. It was bouncing up there so much, he was just waiting to rebound it and it wouldnt come down. He went up instinctively to grab it, and just again, it took the wrong bounce for us.

Curtis Stinson (6'2''-G-83, college: Iowa St.) 's layup after Blakelys miscue put Iowa back on top 115-114. Stinson finished with a game-high 34 points and 13 assists. But he was denied a 14th assist on the next possession, after Dupree had made two free throws to push Utah ahead 116-115.

Stinson penetrated and drew a trio of defenders before finding Hannah cutting along the baseline from the left. Hannah, a 6-foot-1 guard, saw an instant of daylight but it was closed quickly by the 6-6 Gaffney, who loudly celebrated his third block of the game while Iowa fouled Brian Hamilton.

Curt drove, everybody stepped to him, and I just cut to the basket, said Hannah, who finished with 12 points and eight rebounds, giving Iowa a spark at the outset of the third quarter with a seven-point flurry. I should have floated it, but I tried to lay it up. I should have pulled up, but I went in a little deeper.

In hindsight, Nurse said he should have called his final timeout before that sequence.

I thought wed catch them by surprise, and we did a little bit, he said. Curt drove right through there. He probably should have taken the shot because I thought he was going to get fouled again. But he dished it, so they didnt call it.

The Energy, once again the D-Leagues top seed, face elimination on their home court for a third consecutive year Tuesday night.

That screen and roll, theyre defending that really well. And theyre using a lot of different people, so were going to have to find the openings, Nurse said.

When were in these series that are going back and forth like this, Ive always noticed that the team thats going to win is really determined. And hopefully thats going to be us tomorrow. Weve got to fight them hard. And weve got to rebound better; (allowing) 18 offensive rebounds, thats way too many.

Stinson, the veteran team leader and front-runner for the D-Leagues most valuable player award, retained his confidence.

We had the lead and it got away. Theres just some things we have to fix as a team. We just made mistakes. It happens, he said. Well come back tomorrow, well play better and well win.

Courtesy of www.desmoinesregister.com

Rockets sign C Cousin; recall C Thabeet - Apr 12, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Houston Rockets have signed center Marcus Cousin (6'11''-C-86, college: Houston) to a non-guaranteed contract and assigned him to Rio Grande Valley, their developmental league affiliate.

The Rockets also recalled center Hasheem Thabeet (7'3''-C-87, college: Connecticut) from Rio Grande Valley and waived forward DeMarre Carroll.

The 6-foot-11 Cousin played at Houston. Last month, he signed a 10-day contract with Utah and played in four games. Cousin was a D-League All-Star this season, averaging 14.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.16 blocks in 38 games for the Austin Toros.

The 7-3 Thabeet was assigned to Rio Grande Valley on March 21 and averaged nine points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in seven games. Acquired in a deadline deal with Memphis, Thabeet has played in two games with the Rockets.

The 6-8 Carroll also joined Houston in the deadline deal and played in four games.

Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Clippers recall Willie Warren from D-League - Apr 12, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Los Angeles Clippers today announced that they have recalled rookie guard Willie Warren (6'4''-G-89, college: Oklahoma) from the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League.

Warren, 21, was originally assigned to Bakersfield on Feb. 2 and was reassigned on March 3. Overall, Warren appeared in 15 games with the Jam, averaging 19.2 points, 5.7 assists and 4.0 rebounds in 27.3 minutes per game.

Warren has appeared in 19 games with the Clippers this season and is averaging 1.9 points and 1.4 assists in 7.0 minutes per game.

The former Oklahoma University standout was selected by the Clippers in the second round (54th overall pick) of the 2010 NBA Draft.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Atlanta Hawks sign Magnum Rolle - Apr 12, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Atlanta Hawks signed forward Magnum Rolle (6'11''-C/F-86, college: Louisiana Tech) to a contract, according to Executive Vice President/General Manager Rick Sund. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Rolle spent training camp with the Indiana Pacers, and appeared in five preseason games before being waived on October 25, 2010. Rolle was the 51st overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was then acquired by the Pacers in exchange for the draft rights to Ryan Reid.

The Gatorade callup played in 15 games (seven starts) with the Maine Red Claws of the NBA Development League this season, averaging 14.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.5 spg, 1.3 apg and 1.2 bpg (.508 FG%, .585 FT%) in 25.9 mpg. He was the third overall pick of the D-League Draft by the Claws.

Rolle played his sophomore season at LSU, before transferring to Louisiana Tech. As a senior with the Bulldogs in 2009-10, he led the WAC in blocked shots (2.1 bpg), adding 13.9 ppg and 8.4 rpg in 34 games (33 starts). He finished his career with Louisiana Tech fourth all-time in blocks in just two seasons of action.

Magnum Rolle was born on February 23, 1986 in Freeport, Bahamas, and attended St. George's High School in Freeport before spending a year at Laurinburg Institute in North Carolina. He will wear uniform number 25.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

[Durbansandshark]

Bayhawks beat Bighorns, force Game Three - Apr 13, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Reno attempted two game-tying three-pointers in the closing seconds Tuesday night, but the Bighorns couldnt convert and ultimately fell, 114-111, to the Erie Bayhawks in Game Two of the NBA Development League playoffs in the Reno Events Center.

The Erie victory sets up a decisive Game Three, to be played Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Reno Events Center. The winner of Thursdays contest will face the winner of Wednesday nights Bakersfield-Rio Grande Valley matchup.

In a game that saw 17 ties and 14 lead changes, Erie broke a 106-106 tie late in the fourth quarter with a Kyle Spain three-pointer. On the ensuing possession, the BayHawks Ivan Johnson (6'8''-F/C-84, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) stole a Donald Sloan (6'3''-G-88, agency: Impact Basketball, college: Texas A&M) pass, drew a foul and converted both free throws to give Erie a 111-106 lead it would not relinquish. Bobby Simmons (6'7''-F/G-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Florida St.) hit a three-pointer to cut the lead to two, but Johnson converted three-of-four free throws down the stretch to preserve the victory.

Simmons poured in 21 points for Reno, leading six Bighorns in double figures. Marcus Landry (6'7''-F-85, college: Wisconsin) and Donald Sloan chipped in 20 points apiece, and Anthony Richardson added 16 for the Horns.

The BayHawks were led by Tasmin Mitchell's (6'7''-F-86, college: LSU) 25-point effort. Erik Daniels (6'9''-G/F-82, college: Kentucky) scored 24 points off the bench for Erie, and Ivan Johnson recorded the games lone double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Game Three is set for Thursday night in the Reno Events Center. Tip time is 7 p.m. PT.

Courtesy of www.kolotv.com

Jam falls in Game 2 against Vipers - Apr 13, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Without Trey Johnson (6'5''-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Jackson St.), the Bakersfield Jam stood little chance of beating the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Tuesday night in Game of a best-of-three playoff series in front of 4,948 at State Farm Arena.

The Jam battle for three quarters before the Vipers pulled away for a 104-92 victory to even the series at 1-1. The decisive Game 3 is at 5 p.m. today in Texas.

Jeremy Wise (6'3''-G-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: S.Mississippi) led the Jam with 21 points and Stephen Dennis (6'6''-G, college: Kutztown) add 19, but Bakersfield was outscored 27-20 in the fourth quarter.

Jerel McNeal (6'3''-G-87, college: Marquette) led the Vipers with 26 points, shooting 5-for-10 from 3-point range. Rio Grande Valley made 15 of its 36 3-point attempts (41.7 percent).

Derrick Caracter (6'9''-F-88, college: UTEP), who has spent most of the season with the Lakers, led the Jam with 11 rebounds, but scored just two points.

Bakersfield was without its leading scorer Johnson, who was called up by the Los Angeles Lakers to replace reserve guard Steve Blake, who missed Tuesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs with a case of the chicken pox.

Johnson led the Jam with 29 points in Bakersfield's 110-105 victory over the Vipers in Game 1 on Friday night at the Jam Events Center.

Johnson wasn't available to play Tuesday, but will be available tonight against the Kings in Sacramento for the Lakers' regular-season finale.

Courtesy of www.bakersfield.com

Iowa Energy beat Utah to advance to semifinals - Apr 13, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Michael Haynes (6'8''-F/C-81, college: Fordham) and Scott VanderMeer (7'0''-C-86, college: Ill.-Chicago) have spent the season with the Iowa Energy adjusting to roster changes, fighting for minutes, being content in the shadows.

On Tuesday night, in a win-or-else game against the Utah Flash, they had their best showings of the year, pushing Iowa to a 112-107 victory and into the semifinals of the NBA Development League playoffs.

Haynes, a 6-foot-7 forward, scored a season-high 37 points while seeing his most extensive playing time of 44 grueling minutes. He missed five of his first six shots, then started burrowing inside. He found contact often, getting pushed and pounded in an effort to reach the free-throw line, where he was 10-for-10.

I was getting to the basket, and I didnt finish the first couple of shots. I knew eventually theyd fall or Id get to the foul line, said Haynes who finished 12-of-27 from the field and sacrificed his body to help Iowa overcome a sluggish start and a 12-point deficit.

But Haynes biggest shot came 50 feet away from the basket. He pulled up just before the third-quarter buzzer and banked in a basket that gave Iowa its first lead since the opening minute of the game and brought the announced crowd of 2,137 to its feet at Wells Fargo Arena.

That shot right there? It clarified everything. It was meant to be, Haynes said.

When it left my hand, it didnt really look like it was going in. But as it was going up, I was like, Its going in.

VanderMeer, a 7-foot center who tied his season-high with 14 points and added 11 rebounds, said that shot was a huge boost for a team forced to adjust to the loss of reserve forward Marqus Blakely to the Houston Rockets. Blakely, Iowas second-leading scorer at 17.2 points per game, will make his NBA debut tonight at Minnesota.

But VanderMeer, who joins Haynes and point guard Curtis Stinson (6'2''-G-83, college: Iowa St.) as the only three players to spend the entire season on Iowas active roster, said there was a bigger factor to the win.

This is one of the tightest groups of people that Ive ever played with. We have great chemistry, and thats what pulled us through, he said. Because Utah, they started fighting with their own teammates, and I think we started supporting our guys to keep shooting and keep playing hard.

The Energy will meet the Tulsa 66ers in the best-of-three semifinals, beginning Friday in Oklahoma. Game 2 will be in Des Moines on Monday. A third game, if necessary, would be next Tuesday here.

Tulsa eliminated Iowa in the semifinals last season.

Courtesy of www.desmoinesregister.com

Lakers planning to sign guard Trey Johnson - Apr 13, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Lakers are planning to sign free-agent guard Trey Johnson (6'5''-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Jackson St.) for backcourt depth in light of Steve Blakes indefinite absence with the chicken pox.

Johnson, 26, was with the Lakers in training camp and averaged 25.5 points, 4.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds for the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League this season. Johnson is 6-foot-5 and more of an off guard but does have ball-handling skills. He shot 32.2 percent on 3-pointers for Bakersfield yet is considered a good shooter from long range.

The Lakers could use Kobe Bryant, Shannon Brown or Lamar Odom as stopgaps at lead guard behind starter Derek Fisher while Blake is out. Luke Walton would also be in line for an increased role, even if small forward Matt Barnes balky right knee is OK.

Courtesy of http://lakers.ocregister.com

[Durbansandshark]

Rockets sign Marqus Blakely from Iowa Energy - Apr 14, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey announced that the team has signed forward Marqus Blakely (6'5''-F-89, college: Vermont) to a multi-year contract.

Blakely (6-5, 225, Vermont) earns a GATORADE Call-Up from the D-leagues Iowa Energy. This past season, Blakely averaged 15.0 points (.625, 287-459 FG), 6.3 rebounds, 1.47 steals and 1.2 assists in 49 games (19 starts) between the Bakersfield Jam and Iowa. He was traded by Bakersfield to Iowa for a 2011 first-round pick on Jan. 24, 2011, helping the Engery capture the D-Leagues Eastern Conference title with a 37-13 (.740) regular season record. Blakely, along with teammate Curtis Stinson, were also named NBA Development League Co-Performers of the Week for games played March 14-20.

As a collegian, Blakely finished his career at Vermont ranked fifth all-time in scoring (1,875), second in rebounding (1,044) and field goal percentage (.571), third in blocks (254) and field goals made (673), fourth in free throws made (525), and 10th in assists (304). He stands as a two-time America East Player of the Year winner and a three-time America East Defensive Player of the Year. Blakely also earned First-Team All-America East and America East All-Defensive First Team accolades three times during his career at Vermont. Winner of the 2010 State Farm College Slam Dunk Championship, Blakely averaged 17.3 points (.542 FG%), 9.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.4 steals and 1.9 blocks in 35 games as a senior. He was named to the America East Conference All-Tournament Team and helped Vermont to school-record 25 wins in 2009-10. Blakely was actually the only player in NCAA mens basketball to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals during the 2009-10 campaign.

Blakely will wear jersey #15 with the Rockets.

Courtesy of http://houston.cbslocal.com

Lakers recall Derrick Caracter, officially sign Trey Johnson - Apr 14, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Los Angeles Lakers have recalled rookie forward Derrick Caracter (6'9''-F-88, college: UTEP) and signed guard Trey Johnson from Bakersfield of the NBA D-League.

The Lakers needed reinforcements for Wednesday's regular season finale at Sacramento. Guard Steve Blake is out with chicken pox, forward Matt Barnes is resting his sore right knee, and center Andrew Bynum is undergoing an MRI on his hyperextended right knee.

Caracter has appeared in 40 games with the Lakers this season, averaging 2.0 points and 1.1 rebounds. He also has spent two stints in Bakersfield.

Johnson spent the preseason with the Lakers before his fourth D-League season, ranking second in the league with 25.5 points per game. He also spent seven games with the Toronto Raptors.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Vipers punch ticket to Semifinals - Apr 14, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The defending NBA Development League champion and third-seeded Rio Grande Valley Vipers win the best-of-three Quarterfinals series two games to one over the sixth-seeded Bakersfield Jam with a 112-99 victory in Game 3 on Wednesday at State Farm Arena in front of a crowd of 3,496.

The Vipers (2-1) win their fifth consecutive elimination game dating back to last year's playoffs and advance to the semifinals against either the second-seeded Reno Bighorns or the fifth-seeded Erie BayHawks, who play a decisive Game 3 in Reno on Thursday.

Jerel McNeal (6'3''-G-87, college: Marquette) and Mouhammad Faye (6'9''-F-85, college: SMU) hit back-to-back three points to give the Vipers a 6-0 lead, but the Jam (1-2) responded with a 7-0 run to take the lead. Faye hit another three-pointer to give the Vipers the lead right back. The lead changed hands 12 times in the first half, with neither team leading by more than five points again until Matt Janning nailed a deep three pointer with 2.5 seconds left in the second quarter to put the Vipers up 59-53.

After Janning opened the third quarter with a jumper, the Jam hit back-to-back baskets to pull within 61-58 with 10:52 remaining. The Vipers responded with a 16-3 run. The Vipers scored the final 10 points of the run as Janning hit a three-pointer, the Vipers stole the ball, Jon Scheyer hit a three, and then the next time down the court Patrick Sullivan (6'9''-C-88, college: SE Louisiana) picked up a rebound and a tip-in. Jerel McNeal's lay-up put the Vipers up 77-61 with 7:00 remaining. The Vipers maintained a double-digit lead for the rest of the game.

McNeal led the Vipers in scoring for the third-straight game, tallying a double-double with 21 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds. Sullivan scored 20 points on 8-of-9 shooting with seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Janning hit four three-pointers while scoring 17 points. Terrell Harris (6'5''-G-87, college: Oklahoma St.) scored 18 points with seven rebounds.

The Jam were led by Derrick Byars (6'8''-G/F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Vanderbilt), who scored 26 points. Jeremy Wise finished with 25 points.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

[Durbansandshark]

Quarterfinals: Third decisive games - Apr 15, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Reno Bighorns - Erie Bay H. 99-87
The Reno Bighorns are headed to the NBA D-League's semifinals after closing out the decisive Game 3 with a decisive fourth quarter for a 99-87 victory Thursday over Erie in front of 2,242 at the Reno Events Center. 'Next to my family, this is the greatest feeling. I love this time of year,' Reno's Anthony Richardson (6'7''-F-83, college: Florida St.) said after he poured in 22 points, grabbed seven rebounds and did an admirable job defending the maniacal but maddeningly talented Ivan Johnson (6'8''-F/C-84, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.). 'It was win or go home,' Richardson also said. 'There was nothing else to it.' In a physical, chippy, do-or-die game that featured four technical fouls, a fan ejection and 45 combined fouls, the Bighorns rose above it all in the final period to claim their first D-League playoff series win. Reno will meet Rio Grande Valley in the semifinals, beginning with Game 1 on Sunday in Hidalgo, Texas. Games 2 and 3, if necessary, will be Wednesday and Thursday in Reno. *Courtesy of www.rgj.com

Iowa E. - Utah F. 112-107
Michael Haynes (6'8''-F/C-81, college: Fordham) and Scott VanderMeer (7'0''-C-86, college: Ill.-Chicago) have spent the season with the Iowa Energy adjusting to roster changes, fighting for minutes, being content in the shadows. On Tuesday night, in a win-or-else game against the Utah Flash, they had their best showings of the year, pushing Iowa to a 112-107 victory and into the semifinals of the NBA Development League playoffs. Haynes, a 6-foot-7 forward, scored a season-high 37 points while seeing his most extensive playing time of 44 grueling minutes. He missed five of his first six shots, then started burrowing inside. He found contact often, getting pushed and pounded in an effort to reach the free-throw line, where he was 10-for-10. 'I was getting to the basket, and I didn't finish the first couple of shots. I knew eventually they'd fall or I'd get to the foul line,' said Haynes who finished 12-of-27 from the field and sacrificed his body to help Iowa overcome a sluggish start and a 12-point deficit. But Haynes' biggest shot came 50 feet away from the basket. He pulled up just before the third-quarter buzzer and banked in a basket that gave Iowa its first lead since the opening minute of the game and brought the announced crowd of 2,137 to its feet at Wells Fargo Arena. *Courtesy of www.desmoinesregister.com/

Rio Grande - Bakersfield J. 112-99
The defending NBA Development League champion and third-seeded Rio Grande Valley Vipers win the best-of-three Quarterfinals series two games to one over the sixth-seeded Bakersfield Jam with a 112-99 victory in Game 3 on Wednesday at State Farm Arena in front of a crowd of 3,496. The Vipers (2-1) win their fifth consecutive elimination game dating back to last year's playoffs and advance to the semifinals against either the second-seeded Reno Bighorns or the fifth-seeded Erie BayHawks, who play a decisive Game 3 in Reno on Thursday. Jerel McNeal (6'3''-G-87, college: Marquette) and Mouhammad Faye (6'9''-F-85, college: SMU) hit back-to-back three points to give the Vipers a 6-0 lead, but the Jam (1-2) responded with a 7-0 run to take the lead. Faye hit another three-pointer to give the Vipers the lead right back. The lead changed hands 12 times in the first half, with neither team leading by more than five points again until Matt Janning (6'4''-G/F-88, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Northeastern) nailed a deep three pointer with 2.5 seconds left in the second quarter to put the Vipers up 59-53. After Janning opened the third quarter with a jumper, the Jam hit back-to-back baskets to pull within 61-58 with 10:52 remaining. The Vipers responded with a 16-3 run. The Vipers scored the final 10 points of the run as Janning hit a three-pointer, the Vipers stole the ball, Jon Scheyer hit a three, and then the next time down the court Patrick Sullivan picked up a rebound and a tip-in. Jerel McNeal 's lay-up put the Vipers up 77-61 with 7:00 remaining. The Vipers maintained a double-digit lead for the rest of the game. McNeal led the Vipers in scoring for the third-straight game, tallying a double-double with 21 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds. Sullivan scored 20 points on 8-of-9 shooting with seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Janning hit four three-pointers while scoring 17 points. Terrel Harris scored 18 points with seven rebounds. The Jam were led by Derrick Byars (6'8''-G/F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Vanderbilt), who scored 26 points. Jeremy Wise finished with 25 points. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

D-League Semifinals are set - Apr 15, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The second-seeded Reno Bighorns will meet the third-seeded Rio Grande Valley Vipers, while the top-seeded Iowa Energy will play the fourth-seeded Tulsa 66ers in the semifinals of the NBA Development League Playoffs. Game 1 between Reno, which defeated fifth-seeded Erie Thursday night to advance, and host Rio Grande Valley on Sunday, April 17 at 6 p.m. ET will be televised nationally on VERSUS at 11 p.m. ET, or immediately following the conclusion of the NHL playoff telecast.

Rio Grande Valley, the defending champion, will visit Reno for Game 2 of the best-of-three series on Wednesday, April 20, at 10 p.m. ET, while Reno will host Game 3, if necessary, on Thursday, April 21, at 10 p.m. ET.

Iowa and Tulsa will tip off their semifinal at 8 p.m. ET Friday, April 15, in Tulsa. Game 2 is scheduled for 8 p.m. Monday, April 18, at Iowa. Game 3, if necessary, will be at 8 p.m. ET Tuesday, April 19, at Iowa.

Every game of the NBA D-League Finals will also air nationally on VERSUS. The dates and times of the best-of-three NBA D-League Finals will be released when that information becomes available. Every other game can be viewed live, online, for free via NBA Futurecast at nba.com/dleague.



Second-Round Series (Best of Three)

Iowa Energy vs. Tulsa 66ers
Game 1 - Friday, April 15 - Iowa @ Tulsa, 8 pm ET (NBA Futurecast)
Game 2 - Monday, April 18 - Tulsa @ Iowa, 8 pm ET (NBA Futurecast)
*Game 3 - Tuesday, April 19 - Tulsa @ Iowa, 8 pm ET (NBA Futurecast)

Reno Bighorns v. Rio Grande Valley Vipers
Game 1 - Sunday, April 17 - Reno @ Rio Grande Valley, 6 PM ET (VERSUS, 11 p.m. ET)
Game 2 - Wednesday, April 20 - Rio Grande Valley @ Reno, 10 PM ET (NBA Futurecast)
*Game 3 - Thursday, April 21 - Rio Grande Valley @ Reno, 10 PM ET (NBA Futurecast)



First-Round Series (Best of Three)

Iowa Energy v. Utah Flash (Iowa Wins 2-1)
Game 1 - Wednesday, April 6 - Iowa 103, Utah 96
Game 2 - Monday, April 11 - Utah 119, Iowa 118
*Game 3 - Tuesday, April 12 - Iowa 112, Utah 107

Reno Bighorns v. Erie BayHawks (Reno wins 2-1)
Game 1 - Sunday, April 10 - Reno 106, Erie 101
Game 2 - Tuesday, April 12 - Erie 114, Reno 111
*Game 3 - Thursday, April 14 - Reno 98, Erie 87

Rio Grande Valley Vipers v. Bakersfield Jam (Rio Grande Valley wins 2-1)
Game 1 - Friday, April 8 - Bakersfield 110, Rio Grande Valley 105
Game 2 - Tuesday, April 12 - Rio Grande Valley 104, Bakersfield 92
*Game 3 - Wednesday, April 13 - Rio Grande Valley 112, Bakersfield 99

Tulsa 66ers v. Texas Legends (Tulsa Wins 2-0)
Game 1 - Wednesday, April 6 - Tulsa 94, Texas 83
Game 2 - Friday, April 8 - Tulsa 104, Texas 89



All Times Eastern
All games on NBA Futurecast unless noted
* = if necessary

Courtesy of D-League

[Durbansandshark]

Tulsa falls short in Game One against Iowa - Apr 16, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Guard Elijah Millsap (6'6''-G-87, college: UAB) posted his fourth double-double of the season with 23 points and 11 rebounds and Jerome Dyson (6'3''-G-87, college: Connecticut) scored a game-high 24 points but the Tulsa 66ers fell short 103-96 to the top-seeded Iowa Energy in Game One of the 2011 D-League Semifinals Friday night inside the Tulsa Convention Center.

Fourth-seeded Tulsa rallied from 13-point deficits twice in the contest but came up just short to fall 0-1 in the best-of-three series. The defeat was Tulsa's first in the 2011 playoffs, as the 66ers swept the Texas Legends in the opening round.

'This is not a one-and-done, it is a series,' 66ers head coach Nate Tibbetts (agency: Impact Basketball ) said. 'Iowa played great tonight and they were really well-coached. We have to be ready to go on Monday night, and I believe our guys will be up for the challenge.'

Also scoring in double-figures for Tulsa was Robert Vaden with 16 points. Chipping in a season-high four blocks was forward Marcus Lewis (6'8''-F/C-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: ORU).

Tulsa tallied 17 assists as a team, led by Dyson with seven dishes. The 66ers registered nine steals on the night, led by Millsap with three thefts.

Defensively, the 66ers held the Energy to 40-88 (.455) shooting from the floor.

Leading the Energy was forward Michael Haynes (6'8''-F/C-81, college: Fordham) with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Also chipping in a double-double was Scott VanderMeer (7'0''-C-86, college: Ill.-Chicago) with 15 points and 11 boards.

The two teams will compete in Game Two of the best-of-three series on Monday, April 18, in Des Moines, Iowa, at 7 p.m. inside the Wells Fargo Arena. The Energy will host an if-necessary Game Three on Tuesday, April 19.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Bighorns, Vipers open semifinal series today - Apr 17, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Reno Bighorns open their D-League playoffs semifinal series against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers with a 3 p.m. game today in Hidalgo, Texas.

The second game in the best-of-three series will be played Wednesday (7 p.m.) at the Reno Events Center. A third game, if necessary, would be played Thursday in Reno, also at 7 p.m.

The Bighorns are coming off a 2-1 series win over the Erie BayHawks in the opening round of the eight-team playoffs. It was the first series win in the team's three-year history.

Rio Grande Valley is the defending D-League champion. The Vipers eliminated the Bighorns in the first round of last season's playoffs.

Courtesy of www.rgj.com

Semifinals: Vipers and Energy take 1-0 lead - Apr 18, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Rio Grande - Reno Bighorns 98-96 OT (1-0)
Rio Grande Valley Vipers coach Chris Finch has likened guard Terrell Harris (6'5''-G-87, college: Oklahoma St.) to Craig Winder (6'2''-G-84, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Texas). Winder hit the shot seen around the NBA Development League world last year when he banked in a three that secure the championship for the Vipers. On Sunday, Harris hit a shot that could ultimately lead the Vipers to a repeat. Harris took a kick-out pass from guard Jerel McNeal (6'3''-G-87, college: Marquette) from the left baseline and knocked in a 3-pointer with 11.4 seconds remaining to give the Vipers a 98-96 overtime victory over Reno in Game 1 of a best of three semifinal series before a boisterous crowd of 5,239 at State Farm Arena. 'The whole game I was missing,' said Harris, who made just 4 of 11 from the field and only 1 of 4 from the arc. 'I knew I was going to hit one in the end, and I kept telling myself that I was going to hit one in the end. When the opportunity came, I was going to make sure that it was going to go in.' The Vipers needed that shot, if for no other reason, they were running out of players. The Vipers bench was already short after Arinze Onuaku didn't play because of strep throat. Marcus Cousin left in the third quarter with a lower leg strain. Three Vipers fouled out, leaving them with just one healthy player on the bench. McNeal led all scorers with 31 points. Patrick Sullivan, who has thrived in his role as starting center since Hasheem Thabeet was recalled by the Houston Rockets late in the season, had 17 points on 8 of 10 shooting and 16 rebounds. Guard Jon Scheyer produced one of his best games as a Viper with 20 points. Harris finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds. The Vipers also fought through adversity after they blew a 16-point lead in the third quarter and found themselves trailing 91-88 with 2:42 left in the fourth quarter. They ended up tied at 92 after four quarter. The Vipers were outscored 23-13 in the fourth quarter, making just 4 of 18 shots from the field. 'I thought we started swinging for the fences in the fourth quarter, trying to take a lot of quick shots or shots for no other reason because there's nothing else to do,' Finch said. 'But, the important thing is we kept guarding. A month ago, we wouldn't have kept guarding in the same situation.' The Bighorns led on two different occasions in the overtime period, including 96-94 at the 1:05 mark. Mohammad Faye made one of two free throws to pull the Vipers to one point with 53 seconds left. Anthony Richardson missed a jumper for the Bighorn and Patrick Sullivan got the rebound. That set up the sequence leading to Harris' shot. McNeal, who tallied a game-high 31 points penetrated and kicked out to Harris who made the shot for the game winner. 'I thought we did a good job of staying composed,' Scheyer said. 'We had been winning the whole game and all of the sudden, they took the lead. That could take a lot out of our. I thought we did a good job of staying tough down the stretch and responding.' Game 2 is scheduled for 9 p.m. Wednesday in Reno. If necessary, a third game will be play on Thursday in Reno. Harris is a lot like Winder in more ways than one. Winder, who played for the Vipers in parts of the previous three seasons, was a constant source of frustration and elation during his tenure in the Valley. But Winder always provided energy, just like Harris does. Harris stayed poised and confident and helped the Vipers when they needed it most. 'We like him because he plays big in big moments,' Finch said of Harris. 'He does big things for us and makes a lot of things happen - sometimes good, sometimes bad, but mostly good. I thought we rushed a lot of threes, and he didn't rush that one. He measured it and stuck with his shot.' *Courtesy of www.themonitor.com

Tulsa 66ers - Iowa E. 96-103 (0-1)
Guard Elijah Millsap (6'6''-G-87, college: UAB) posted his fourth double-double of the season with 23 points and 11 rebounds and Jerome Dyson (6'3''-G-87, college: Connecticut) scored a game-high 24 points but the Tulsa 66ers fell short 103-96 to the top-seeded Iowa Energy in Game One of the 2011 D-League Semifinals Friday night inside the Tulsa Convention Center. Fourth-seeded Tulsa rallied from 13-point deficits twice in the contest but came up just short to fall 0-1 in the best-of-three series. The defeat was Tulsa's first in the 2011 playoffs, as the 66ers swept the Texas Legends in the opening round. 'This is not a one-and-done, it is a series,' 66ers head coach Nate Tibbetts said. 'Iowa played great tonight and they were really well-coached. We have to be ready to go on Monday night, and I believe our guys will be up for the challenge.' Also scoring in double-figures for Tulsa was Robert Vaden (6'5''-G/F-85, college: UAB) with 16 points. Chipping in a season-high four blocks was forward Marcus Lewis. Tulsa tallied 17 assists as a team, led by Dyson with seven dishes. The 66ers registered nine steals on the night, led by Millsap with three thefts. Defensively, the 66ers held the Energy to 40-88 (.455) shooting from the floor. Leading the Energy was forward Michael Haynes with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Also chipping in a double-double was Scott VanderMeer with 15 points and 11 boards. The two teams will compete in Game Two of the best-of-three series on Monday, April 18, in Des Moines, Iowa, at 7 p.m. inside the Wells Fargo Arena. The Energy will host an if-necessary Game Three on Tuesday, April 19. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

[Durbansandshark]

Curtis Stinson named D-League MVP for 2010-11 - Apr 19, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Curtis Stinson (6'2''-G-83, college: Iowa St.) of the Iowa Energy today was named the NBA Development Leagues Most Valuable Player, as voted on by the NBA D-Leagues 16 head coaches.

Stinson, a 6-3, 215-pound guard out of Iowa State, started in 48 of Iowas regular season games, averaging 19.3 points, 9.8 assists and 5.7 rebounds in 42.9 minutes. Stinson led the NBA D-League this season in assists, minutes, triple-doubles (five) and double-doubles (28), leading Iowa to the Eastern Conference title with a 37-13 regular season record, the best in the NBA D-League.

Its a real honor to be named MVP of the D-League, Stinson said. There are a lot of great players in this league, and to receive this award is one of the highlights of my career. I am truly thankful to have great teammates and coaches, and I appreciate all they have done to help me earn this recognition.

Courtesy of http://basketball.realgm.com

Energy clinch Finals berth with 107-94 victory over Tulsa - Apr 19, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Scott VanderMeer (7'0''-C-86, college: Ill.-Chicago) scored 19 points and grabbed 18 rebounds to lead the Iowa Energy to the NBA D-League Finals with a 107-94 victory over the Tulsa 66ers.

Iowa jumped out to a 30-19 lead after the 1st quarter as Curtis Stinson and VanderMeer had eight points each. Tulsa battled back in the 2nd quarter as a Robert Vaden (6'5''-G/F-85, college: UAB) 3-pointer put the 66ers up 37-35 with 7:01 left before the break. A pair of Jerome Dyson (6'3''-G-87, college: Connecticut) free throws extended the lead to 48-40, giving Tulsa their biggest lead of the game.

After struggling most of the quarter, the Energy found their groove late in the 2nd quarter and went on a 10-0 run capped by Michael Haynes free throw, to make the score 50-48 in favor of the Energy. Moment later, the Energy found themselves trailing 51-50 as time was winding down in the half. A Scott VanderMeer miss was corralled by Shyron Ely, who flung the ball through the hoop as the buzzer sounded to send the home team into the locker room with a 52-51 lead.

The two teams traded baskets early in the 3rd quarter, putting Iowa up 64-60 with 6:27 left. A layup by VanderMeer started a 10-0 run for Iowa that put the home team up by 14. Iowa stretched the lead to 85-69 at the end of the quarter as Moses Ehambe scored on a reverse layup.

The Energy extended their lead to 20 points before coasting to the easy victory.

Stinson finished with 19 points and 13 assists while Stefhon Hannah added 18 points. Ehambe finished with 17 points while Haynes contributed 15 points on the night.

Tulsa was led by Robert Vaden 's 22 points. Elijah Millsap (6'6''-G-87, college: UAB) added 18 for the visitors.

The win sends Iowa to the NBA D-League Finals for the first time in franchise history. The Energy will take on the winner of the Rio Grande Valley / Reno series. Dates for the finals will be released later this week.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Iowa Energy: Team eyes record crowd at for NBA D-League Finals - Apr 20, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
The Iowa Energy are seeking their first NBA Development League championship, but they also have their eye on another milestone - a record crowd when Game 2 of the Finals is played at Wells Fargo Arena.

One day after eliminating the Tulsa 66ers before an enthusiastic crowd of 7,122 in Des Moines, the team announced the schedule for the championship series at a lighthearted Tuesday news conference. It will begin Sunday at either Rio Grande Valley or Reno (the Vipers have a 1-0 lead in that semifinal with Game2 tonight in Reno).

Iowa will host Game 2 at 7 p.m. April 27 and will be giving away white T-shirts to all fans to create a whiteout effect. We're going to get the chance to maybe see Wells Fargo full next week. I really believe it could happen, Energy coach Nick Nurse said. The record for attendance at an Energy game is 8,842 for the teams debut on Nov.26, 2007.

Game 3, if necessary, would be at 7 p.m. April 29 in Des Moines.

Energy principal owner Jerry Crawford said the team will likely offer $1beer next week, as it did Monday. And point guard Curtis Stinson (6'2''-G-83, college: Iowa St.) praised the impact the fans have had this season.

"It's our time in Des Moines; I think this is the year we could bring a championship here, he said.

"I'm looking forward to the fans Wednesday, a whiteout, just like an NBA atmosphere. ... Its like an adrenaline rush, it gets you motivated, it gets the guys going. One dunk and it could just turn the momentum for the whole game."

Crawford jokingly asked Stinson: If 15,000 fans show up for Game 2, will he sign 15,000 autographs?

'I'll stay there all night', Stinson promised.

Courtesy of www.desmoinesregister.com

Overtime win sends Vipers to D-League Finals - Apr 21, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)
Jerel McNeal (6'3''-G-87, college: Marquette) made two free throws with two seconds remaining in regulation, then took over in the overtime session to lead the Rio Grande Valley Vipers to a 134-126 win in Reno. The victory gives the Vipers a 2-0 sweep in the NBA D-League semi-finals and sends them back to the championship round for a chance to defend the title won in 2010. The Vipers outscored the Bighorns 13-5 in the extra three minutes. McNeal scored 35 points in 42 minutes. Terrell Harris (6'5''-G-87, college: Oklahoma St.), the hero of the game one win in Hidalgo on Sunday added 27. The Vipers trailed by four at half time, 59-55, and didn't catch up until the closing seconds of the fourth quarter. The Vipers will now face the Iowa Energy in the championship series.

Courtesy of www.krgv.com

Going to be a very interesting showdown when the Iowa Energy and the defending champs Rio Grande Valley Vipers face off for the NBDL title starting in Des Moines on Easter Sunday at the Wells Fargo Arena. The two head coaches, Iowa's Nick Nurse and Rio Grande Valley's Chris Finch, are good friends and are involved in Great Britain's men's national basketball venture. I'll pick Iowa to win, but I would not be stunned at all if RGV wins again.

Also more interesting stuff coming in the NBDL. It's anticipated that the Southeast Texas Mustangs will jump to the NBDL after being one of the more successful ABA franchises in its time, so the Mustangs are emulating the Arkansas RimRockers in that regard. So that will make four NBDL franchises in the state of Texas, the most prosperous in all the league--Rio Grande Valley, Austin, and Texas (based in Frisco, a Dallas suburb) being the others.

[Durbansandshark]

Oklahoma City Thunder recall Vaden from Tulsa - Apr 21, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Oklahoma City Thunder have recalled guard/forward Robert Vaden (6'5''-G/F-85, college: UAB) from the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League.

Thunder general manager Sam Presti announced the recall Wednesday and said Vaden will join Oklahoma City for Wednesday night's NBA playoff game against Denver in Oklahoma City.

Vaden played in 45 games for Tulsa during the season and averaged 10.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists per game. He averaged 16.8 points per game during the Development League playoffs as Tulsa advanced to the semifinals before being eliminated by Iowa.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

T-Bird's Tucker is 'Most Improved' - Apr 22, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

New Mexico Thunderbirds guard Dar Tucker (6'4''-F-88, college: De Paul) has been named the 2010-11 NBA Development League's 'Most Improved Player,' as voted on by the 16 D-League head coaches.

The award honors the player who demonstrated the most significant improvement on the court throughout the season.

'You liken coaching to being an artist, and to have that type of canvas to work with ... the possibilities were limitless,' said T-Birds coach Darvin Ham. 'Dar bought into everything we were trying to do, stuck it out, worked through his weaknesses, and as the season wore on, his weaknesses became virtues. He was willing and able to explore his game in all aspects - not just scoring the ball.'

After playing the first game of the season with the Texas Legends, Tucker, a 6-4, 205-pound guard out of DePaul, joined the Thunderbirds via trade. He played in 49 games (24 starts) with New Mexico, averaging 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists. Tucker played in the D-League last season with the Los Angeles D-Fenders, and averaged 12.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 46 games.

Courtesy of www.rrobserver.com

Iowa Energy promote Nate Bjorkgren to associate head coach - Apr 24, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Iowa Energy announced today that assistant coach Nate Bjorkgren has been promoted to the position of associate head coach.

According to a press release issued by the D-Leage team, Bjorkegren becomes head coach in waiting.

Jerry Crawford, managing partner of the Energy, said he anticipates head coach Nick Nurse getting a call from the NBA.

Nate has been an integral part of our success, and this promotion recognizes his contributions to the team under the leadership of Head Coach Nick Nurse, said Jerry Crawford, managing partner of the Iowa Energy in the press release After the past three seasons and Nicks selection as league coach of the year, we believe it is possible if not probable that he will be called up to coach in the NBA.

'Nate is ready and prepared to step up to the head coaching job, and we feel fortunate to have his caliber of talent and skill already on the team.

The Energy are preparing to face Rio Grande Valley in the league championship series.

Bjorkgren, 35, joined the Energys coaching staff in 2007. The Storm Lake native has helped lead the Energy to three consecutive NBA D-League conference titles.

Bjorkgren has also served as head coach at Cactus Shadows High School in Phoenix, Ariz. He was named Arizona State High School coach of the year in 2006. Bjorkgren was also named regional coach of the year in 2005 and 2006. His teams qualified for
the state tournament for three consecutive seasons.

Its an honor to be a part of this organization. This is an exciting time for me personally, but more important, it is a milestone moment for our franchise, which has proven itself to be a real force, Bjorkgren said in the press release. The opportunity to play for the NBA D-League championship in Des Moines is the highlight of my coaching career.

Courtesy of www.desmoinesregister.com

Energy defeat Vipers 123-106 in Game 1 of NBA D-League Finals - Apr 25, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Rio Grande - Iowa E. 106-123
Led by point guard Curtis Stinson's (6'2''-G-83, college: Iowa St.) 29 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds, the top-seeded Iowa Energy defeated the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, 123-106, on Sunday in Game 1 of the NBA Development League Finals. Iowa can close out the best-of-three series and win its first NBA Development League Championship with a win in Game 2 on Wed., April 27 in Des Moines. Ehambe Moses Randall (6'6''-G/F-86, college: ORU) scored 26 points for the Energy, while Stefhon Hannah (6'1''-G-85, college: Missouri) added 20 points and 10 assists. Michael Haynes (6'8''-F/C-81, college: Fordham) also scored 18 points for the Energy. Stinson, the league MVP, shot 10-of-19 from the field and 9-of-9 from the free throw line. Mouhammad Faye led the defending-champion Vipers with 22 points and nine rebounds. Jerel McNeal (6'3''-G-87, college: Marquette) added 20 points and eight rebounds, while Richard Roby (6'6''-G-85) chipped in 17 points and eight rebounds for Rio Grande Valley. Wednesday's Game 2 will tip at 8 p.m. ET.

2011 NBA D-LEAGUE FINALS SCHEDULE (All times EASTERN):
Game 1 - Iowa 123, Rio Grande Valley 106
Game 2 - Rio Grande Valley at Iowa - Wednesday, April 27, 8 p.m.
*Game 3 - Rio Grande Valley at Iowa - Friday, April 29, 8 p.m. *If necessary.

Lakers decline comment on Derrick Caracter's arrest - Apr 26, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Lakers rookie forward Derrick Caracter (6'9''-F-88, college: UTEP) walked past a couple of reporters following practice Monday and declined to address his arrest early Sunday morning in New Orleans that involved him allegedly striking a cashier at a restaurant. Nonetheless, Caracter tweeted, 'The truth will come out.. Believe me.'

'We're looking into the situation,' said Lakers spokesman John Black, who addded Caracter's status on the team hasn't changed. 'It's inappropriate to comment further at this time.'

Caracter was detained and booked under several charges: one count of battery for hitting the employee, one count of public intoxication and one for resisting arrest. He was later released from jail after bond was posted. Caracter, 22, reportedly grabbed and shoved a cashier at an IHOP restaurant on Canal Street, according to New Orleans police.

The account, issued in a police news release Monday morning, said the Lakers rookie forward had been refused service at the IHOP because he was 'obviously drunk, unruly.' A police officer was summoned to try to defuse the situation. Backup arrived after Caracter would not cooperate.

Caracter has played a limited role with the Lakers, appearing in 41 games and averaging two points on 48.5% shooting in 5.2 minutes a game. He also had two stints with the NBA Development League's Bakersfield Jam.

Courtesy of http://lakersblog.latimes.com

[Durbansandshark]

Vipers force deciding game in NBA D-League finals - Apr 28, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Iowa E. - Rio Grande 122-141
Jerel McNeal (6'3''-G-87, college: Marquette) had 37 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers forced a deciding Game 3 in the NBA Development League finals with a 141-122 victory over the Iowa Energy on Wednesday night. The defending champions overcame league MVP Curtis Stinson's (6'2''-G-83, college: Iowa St.) second straight triple-double to set up Friday's game at Wells Fargo Arena, which drew a record crowd of 14,036 for Game 2. Richard Roby (6'6''-G-85) scored 28 points for the Valley Vipers, who dropped the opener 123-106 at home on Sunday. Stinson finished with 24 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds for Iowa. Ehambe Moses Randall (6'6''-G/F-86, college: ORU) scored 33 points. *Courtesy of www.mysanantonio.com

Maccabi Haifa Invite-Only Tryouts Set For June 14-15 - Apr 28, 2011 (by Carl Berman)

An exciting opportunity is available to current NBA D-League, players with overseas experience, and recently graduated NCAA Division I players. Maccabi Haifa is a professional basketball team of the Israeli Basketball Super League, Israels Top Division. The team is owned by Triangle Financial Services LLC, an international sports and entertainment firm, Maccabi Haifa is consistently amongst the top teams in Israel, as the team played in the EuroChallenge reaching the Top 16 as well as playing a preseason game vs. the NBAs New Jersey Nets last season.

Maccabi Haifa is conducting their fourth annual invitation-only tryouts, for the top Collegiate and Pro Basketball players in the country, held in South Florida in Mid-June. This is a great opportunity for players to improve their basketball career overseas. The team has consistently signed several players from each tryout to play on both Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Tivon (Triangle's second division team).

This year only 30 to 35 players will be invited to Maccabi Haifa's U.S. tryouts with numerous NBA D-League, players with overseas experience, and NCAA Division I players expected to attend. Maccabi Haifa will continue to play NBA team (s) during the preseason with the intent to return to play in the EuroChallenge this upcoming season. Players will tryout for the opportunity to sign with either team, which gives them a better chance of earning a pro-contract. The past three years the tryouts have received an abundance of media coverage from NBC, South Florida media outlets and the Jewish Journal. The tryouts also have been featured on Maccabi Haifa's television show 'Inside Israeli Basketball', which airs on 10 Regional Sports Networks in 60 million homes throughout the United States.

To give you an idea of the type and quality of player who may have success attending the tryouts, below are the American players who played for each of the two teams this past season. Five Americans played for Maccabi Haifa including Sylven Landesberg (6'6''-F/G-90, college: Virginia) (University of Virginia), Derrick Low (Washington State), Frank Robinson (Cal St. Fullerton), Tyler Wilkerson (Marshall), and Jermaine Jackson (former NBA veteran). Hapoel Tivon, their second division team, finished in the top 8 of the standings. Three Americans played on the team: Ben Strong (college: Guilford), Rodney Webb (former NBA D-League player), Jeff Horowitz (Charleston/UNC-Wilmington), Drew Housman (Harvard) and Tramaine Stevens.

The Invite-Only Tryout Camp will be held on June 14th & 15th at the David Posnack Community Center, 5850 South Pine Island Road - Davie, FL) from 6-10pm each day. Hotel Rooms have been reserved at the Homestead Studio Hotel in Davie, Florida at a discounted rate $59.99. Players are responsible for their own hotel costs. However, the team will provide free transportation to & from the tryouts for players who decide to stay at this hotel. Every player who is invited will be given an opportunity to make the jump to the next professional level.

For more information, Adam Hurwitz can be contacted by players or player representatives @ (305)-933-8308 ext: 117 and/or at ahurwitz@trianglefs.com.

Carl Berman is a Managing Partner of NetScouts Basketball. Information on NetScouts Basketball can be obtained at www.netscoutsbasketball.com.

Vipers, Energy ready for winner-take-all Game 3 - Apr 29, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The magnitude of their task finally sunk in on Wednesday when the Rio Grande Valley Vipers responded and evened their best-of-three series against Iowa Energy in the NBA Development League Finals.

Vipers coach Chris Finch wondered if his team realized it was playing in the Finals on Sunday in a disappointing Game 1 home loss. The Vipers rebounded from that loss to log a 141-122 win on Wednesday to set up tonights decisive, winner-take-all Game 3 at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa.

'One of my messages to the team at the beginning was if I told you that you had one game to win the championship, you would take it', Finch said. 'Our task is simple, but its not easy. Our team feels good because they played to their potential, and when you do that you always have to feel good about your chances.'

The Vipers played well short of their potential on Sunday when the Energy rode a big third quarter, and more importantly, pushed around the Vipers to a 123-106 win in Game 1 in Hidalgo. On Wednesday, the Vipers responded with a huge offensive display and matched the Energys physical play to tie the series. The Vipers 141 points scored on Wednesday set a league playoff record.

'It feels good, especially after Sunday's game, because we know that we didnt play that well', Vipers guard Terrell Harris (6'5''-G-87, college: Oklahoma St.) said. 'We came out and fought back, and we didnt do that Sunday. It was almost like a relief and weve regained our confidence and now we have to try to finish off Game 3.'

The Vipers responded before a hostile crowd of 14,036 - the most ever to see a D-League game - in Iowa. Energy officials hope to match that number tonight. The team is promoting a two-for-one ticket offer in order to try to reach that goal. Finch thought the record crowd helped them realize the enormity of the series.

It was fantastic, Finch said of the crowd on Wednesday. Its a credit to the Iowa organization to get a crowd like that. It had a big-time atmosphere, and I think our guys were excited to play in that type of atmosphere.

The fact the Vipers had an answer for the Energy on Wednesday was the biggest difference. On Sunday, the Energy outscored the Vipers by 20 points in the third quarter to take control of the game. The Vipers didnt answer the call and they wilted as a result.

We played with a lot more energy and played with a lot more effort, said Vipers guard Jerel McNeal, who had 37 points on Wednesday and is averaging 27.4 points in the playoffs. We gave each other added lifts. You could feel the energy with everyone, just through everyones play. I think we got the wake-up call if we didnt play hard, there was going to be a celebration on that court (because of us).

Tonights game guarantees that there will be a celebration on the floor. The Vipers are seeking to become the second team in league history to win back-to-back championships. The Vipers won last years title at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo.

The Vipers have shown a pattern of responding in extremely high pressure situations. The Vipers improved to 6-0 in elimination games, including 3-0 this season. They also had the leagues best road record with two others during the regular season. Wednesday was the Vipers biggest test in a pressure-situation this season.

Weve played better on the road all year, Harris said. Thats where our unity comes in. It really comes together on the road. We dont like to lose back-to-back. Finals or no Finals, the most important part is that we didnt want to play bad again and go out like that.

The previous two games have been offensive showcases for both teams. Energy guard and league MVP Curtis Stinson has recorded triple-doubles in the first two games. All five Vipers starters scored double-figures and center Patrick Sullivan rebounded from a bad game Sunday with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Richard Roby gave the Vipers 28 points off the bench. Harris, the Vipers sixth-man, had 16 points and eight rebounds.

Although offense has been on display so far in the series, McNeal expects Game 3 to be more of a defensive showing. He said the Vipers are ready to play in that type of contest.

Its going to be a grinder, McNeal said. A 1-1 tie in the series and Game 3, theres not going to be anything easy. We definitely are (ready). If we are not ready to play that type of game, then we dont deserve to be champions.

Courtesy of www.themonitor.com

[Durbansandshark]

Gatorade All-D-League Awards 2010-11 - May 1, 2011 (by Eurobasket )

1st Team
G: Trey Johnson (6'5''-84) of Bakersfield
G: Curtis Stinson (6'2''-83) of Iowa E.
F/C: Ivan Johnson (6'8''-84) of Erie Bay H.
F: Joe Alexander (6'8''-86) of Texas L.
C: Chris Johnson (6'11''-85) of Dakota W.

2nd Team
F: Othyus Jeffers (6'5''-85) of Iowa E.
G: Orien Greene (6'4''-82) of Utah F.
F: Jeff Adrien (6'7''-86) of Rio Grande
G/F: Larry Owens (6'7''-83) of Tulsa 66ers
C: Marcus Cousin (6'11''-86) of Rio Grande

3rd Team
G: Jerel McNeal (6'3''-87) of Rio Grande
G: Antonio Daniels (6'4''-75) of Texas L.
F: Patrick Ewing Jr. (6'8''-84) of Sioux falls
F: DeShawn Sims (6'8''-88) of Maine RC
F: Sean Williams (6'10''-86) of Texas L.

Honorable Mention
Cedric Jackson (6'3''-G-86) of Erie Bay H.
Blake Ahearn (6'2''-G-84) of Erie Bay H.
Kyle Weaver (6'6''-G-86) of Iowa E.
Justin Dentmon (5'11''-G-85) of Texas L.
Marcus Landry (6'7''-F-85) of Reno Bighorns
Derrick Byars (6'8''-G/F-84) of Bakersfield J.
Ronald DuPree (6'7''-F/G-81) of Utah F.
Shane Edwards (6'7''-F-87) of New Mexico
Brandon Costner (6'9''-F-87) of Utah F.
Patrick Obryant (7'0''-C-86) of Reno Bighorns
Patrick Sullivan (6'9''-C-88) of Rio Grande

All-Defensive 1st Team
Orien Greene (6'4''-G-82) of Utah F.
Othyus Jeffers (6'5''-F-85) of Iowa E.
Tony Gaffney (6'9''-F-84) of Utah F.
Larry Owens (6'7''-G/F-83) of Tulsa 66ers
Chris Johnson (6'11''-C-85) of Dakota W.
Sean Williams (6'10''-F-86) of Texas L.

All-Defensive 2nd Team
Cedric Jackson (6'3''-G-86) of Erie Bay H.
Mario West (6'5''-G-84) of Maine RC
Ivan Johnson (6'8''-F/C-84) of Erie Bay H.
Ronald DuPree (6'7''-F/G-81) of Utah F.
Marcus Cousin (6'11''-C-86) of Rio Grande

BayHawks sign coach Larranaga to contract extension - May 1, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Erie BayHawks reached agreement with first-year head coach James Larranaga to modify his contract to include an additional guaranteed year on the original two-year agreement he signed when joining the team in September, 2010.

This week Larranaga turned down an offer to join the University of Miami's coaching staff where his father, Jim Larranaga, was named the head coach last week.

'We are thrilled that Jay will remain as the Erie BayHawks' head coach' said BayHawks majority owner, Steve Demetriou. 'Jay is a superior coach and someone who we believe will continue to produce outstanding results on the basketball floor, and provide both a winning and exciting team for our fans. Under Jay's leadership we truly believe the BayHawks will have the best chance to compete for an NBA D-League championship.'

Larranaga led Erie to a franchise best record of 32-18 in the regular season and the organization's first-ever postseason win in a three-game playoff series they dropped to the Reno Bighorns. Larranaga finished third in voting for NBA D-League Coach of the Year honors as voted on by the league's 16 head coaches.

'Having the opportunity to coach at the highest level of college basketball and alongside my father would have been a special opportunity, and this was a very difficult decision,' said Larranaga. 'But after careful consideration with my family I decided that Erie provides me a great opportunity to continue to develop and grow with this franchise, and I'm very excited about what the future holds. We're coming off a great season, both on and off the court, and I appreciate the trust that ownership has shown in me to continue to lead this team.'

Prior to joining the BayHawks, Larranaga was serving as an assistant coach at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Before that he spent twelve years in Europe where he won three championships as a player, was the captain of the Irish National Team for five years, and served as a player/coach for two years.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

USBasket.com All-D-League Awards 2010-11 - May 1, 2011 (by Eurobasket )

Player of the Year: Curtis Stinson (6'2''-G-83) of Iowa E.
Guard of the Year: Curtis Stinson (6'2''-G-83) of Iowa E.
Forward of the Year: Othyus Jeffers (6'5''-F-85) of Iowa E.
Center of the Year: Chris Johnson (6'11''-C-85) of Dakota W.
Most Improved Player of the Year: Dar Tucker (6'4''-F-88) of New Mexico
Defensive Player of the Year: Chris Johnson (6'11''-C-85) of Dakota W.
Import Player of the Year: Mouhammad Faye (6'9''-F-85) of Rio Grande
Coach of the Year: Nick Nurse of Iowa E.

1st Team
G: Curtis Stinson (6'2''-83) of Iowa E.
G: Antonio Daniels (6'4''-75) of Texas L.
F: Othyus Jeffers (6'5''-85) of Iowa E.
F: Jeff Adrien (6'7''-86) of Rio Grande
C: Chris Johnson (6'11''-85) of Dakota W.

2nd Team
G: Trey Johnson (6'5''-84) of Bakersfield
G: Russell Walker (6'0''-82) of Ft.Wayne
F: Marqus Blakely (6'5''-89) of Iowa E.
F: Patrick Ewing Jr. (6'8''-84) of Sioux Falls
F/C: Ivan Johnson (6'8''-84) of Erie Bay H.

3rd Team
G: Mustafa Shakur (6'3''-84) of Rio Grande
G: Jerel McNeal (6'3''-87) of Rio Grande
F: Luke Babbitt (6'9''-89) of Idaho S.
F: Joe Alexander (6'8''-86) of Texas L.
C: Sims Courtney (6'11''-83) of Iowa E.

Honorable Mention
DeShawn Sims (6'8''-F-88) of Maine RC
Sean Williams (6'10''-F-86) of Texas L.
Jermareo Davidson (6'10''-F-84) of Idaho S.
Chris Lofton (6'2''-G-86) of Iowa E.
Kyle Weaver (6'6''-G-86) of Iowa E.
Marvin Phillips (6'6''-G/F-83) of Ft.Wayne MA
Cole Aldrich (6'11''-C-88) of Tulsa 66ers
Tony Gaffney (6'9''-F-84) of Utah F.
Cedric Jackson (6'3''-G-86) of Erie Bay H.
Marcus Cousin (6'11''-C-86) of Rio Grande

All-Imports Team
G: Christian Eyenga (6'7''-89) of Erie Bay H.
G/F: Ehambe Moses Randall (6'6''-86) of Iowa E.
F: Mouhammad Faye (6'9''-85) of Rio Grande
C/F: Magnum Rolle (6'11''-86) of Maine RC
C: Solomon Alabi (7'1''-88) of Erie Bay H.

[Durbansandshark]

Usbasket.com All-United States Awards 2010-2011 - May 2, 2011 (by Eurobasket )

Traditionally at the end of each year Eurobasket announces the European awards for last year. So for the first time Usbasket would like to announce its 2010-2011 National Awards.

It's the 1st such ranking prepared by Usbasket.com staff. Usbasket has a network of almost 200 correspondents, while most of them are located in the United States and participated in preparing the ranking below.

We have the policy of not involving the fans as it may influence the final ranking and instead of that we rely on the opinions of experts.

All-United States category applies only to American Professional Basketball (not the NBA), but also these, who played overseas (mostly in NBA). The minor leagues were selected off of number of games, stats, players going overseas and overall talent.

Ahead of them all has to be the NBA D-League. The D-League by far has the most talent in the United States. Not only do they have the most talent they are branded by the brand (NBA). The D-League has sent over 20 players up to the NBA this season including Usbasket.com All-United States Player of the Year Othyus Jeffers and 2nd Team member Jeff Adrian.

The UBA may be the most impressive league of them all under the power houses. The UBA has sent over 40 players overseas in just 2 seasons. Not only do their players move on to the next level they all play well. Over 50% of the UBA players go to their mid-level countries and average the same numbers as they did in the UBA league.

The IBL and the PBL have to be two of the most entertaining and profitable leagues going in the United States. The PBL has the largest budget than all of the minor leagues and continue to add big talent. The IBL has been carried by power teams like the Los Angeles Lightning and ex NBA players like Bryon Russell and Toby Bailey.

The ABA is one of the longest running leagues in the minor league circuit. No doubt about it, the SE Texas Mavericks are a power and have to be respected.

This year, Othyus Jeffers dominated the votes and was named Player of the Year award and also United States 1st Team.

The first team was dominated by NBA D-League players, with Non D-League selected just in the 2nd best team.

Best point guard of the year is Curtis Stinson. The D-League star had a terrific season with Iowa Energy, leading the team to the best record in the NBA D-League. Stinson led the NBA D-League in assist this season with 9.9 and scored an impressive 19.5ppg. Stinson was also named the 2011 NBA D-League MVP. There is no question that Stinson will be next in line for a call-up.

Shooting Guard of the Year may be the biggest surprise, Jermaine Barnes. Barnes has played internationally for the last 5 years (Japan, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Mexico), but is known for his jaw dropping scoring ability in the minor league circuit. Barnes scored a UBA record 60 points this season and led the league in scoring (27.2ppg).

In small forward position there is Washington Wizards player Othyus Jeffers. This year, Othyus Jeffers was named Player of the Year award. The Robert Morris Star spent this season in the D-League with Iowa Energy, along with Curtis Stinson, being the best scorer in league with 22.1 point per contest.

Power forward of the year is one of the best athletes in the country: Gordon Klaiber. The IBL star was one of the key players of the Albany Legends Championship run. Klaiber is currently playing in Japan for the Kyoto Hannaryz averaging a solid 12 points and 8 rebounds.

Best center of the year is one of the biggest revelations of the previous season: Ivan Johnson. The big man had an impressive year with Erie Bay Hawks averaging 22.6ppg and 8.0rpg. He is by far the best big in the NBA-DLeague.

Usbasket.com All-United States1st Team 2010-11

Player of the Year: Othyus Jeffers (6'5''-F-85) of Iowa Energy (D-League)
Point Guard of the Year: Curtis Stinson (6'2''-G-83) of Iowa Energy (D-League)
Shooting Guard of the Year: Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82) of GIE Morrow (UBA)
Small Forward of the Year: Othyus Jeffers (6'5''-F-85) of Iowa Energy (D-League)
Power Forward of the Year: Gordon Klaiber (6'9''-F-83) of Albany Legends (IBL)
Center of the Year: Ivan Johnson (6'8''-F/C-84) of Erie Bay Hawks (D-League)
Coach of the Year: Steve Tucker of SE Texas Mustangs (ABA)

1st Team
F: Othyus Jeffers (6'5''-85) of Iowa Energy (D-League)
G: Curtis Stinson (6'2''-83) of Iowa Energy (D-League)
G/F: Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-82) of GIE Morrow (UBA)
F/C: Ivan Johnson (6'8''-84) of Erie Bay Hawks (D-League)
F: Jeff Adrien (6'7''-86) of Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League)

2nd Team
G: Josh Pace (6'6''-83) of SE Texas Mustangs (ABA)
G: Trey Johnson (6'5''-84) of Bakersfield Jam (D-League)
C: Chris Johnson (6'11''-85) of Dakota Wizards (D-League)
F: Gordon Klaiber (6'9''-83) of Albany Legends (IBL)
F: Dailey Jermaine (6'8''-86) of GIE Morrow (UBA)

3rd Team
C: Jared Carter (7'1''-87) of Rochester RazorSharks (PBL)
F: Norman Plummer (6'7''-84) of Columbus Crush (UBA)
F: Hugh Jones (6'3''-80) of Beltway Bombers (ACPBL)
F: Donnie Stith (6'7''-85) of Norfolk Tru Hope Trailblazers (ACPBL)
C: Devin Uskoski (6'6''-85) of Vancouver Volcanoes (IBL)

Honorable Mention
Marcus Landry (6'7''-F-85) of Reno Bighorns (D-League)
Jacob Stevenson (6'4''-G-81) of Bellingham Slam (IBL)
Jon Rogers (6'9''-F/C-84) of SE Texas Mavericks (ABA)
Mychal Kearse (6'5''-G-83) of Dallas Stars (UBA)
Elvin Mims (6'5''-G/F-79) of Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry (PBL)
Odell Bradley (6'4''-F/G-81) of SE Texas Mavericks (ABA)
Joshua Dollard (6'8''-F-86) of Halifax Rainmen (PBL)

Nets begin single affiliation with Springfield Armor D-League team - May 2, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The New Jersey Nets today began their single affiliation with their NBA Development League affiliate, the Springfield Armor, assuming full control of the Armor's basketball operations. The Nets become the second NBA team, along with the Houston Rockets (Rio Grande Valley Vipers), with such a partnership, also known as a hybrid affiliation, and are now the fifth NBA team with a single-affiliated NBA D-League team.

'This is an exciting time for The Nets as we head into this new partnership', said Nets General Manager Billy King.

In a structure similar to other minor leagues, this model allows for NBA teams to secure control over and cover the expenses related to the basketball operations of an NBA D-League team, while partnering with existing local ownership, which maintains responsibility for the teams off-the-court business operations.

The Nets now become the fifth NBA team to have a one-to-one relationship with their NBA Development League affiliate for next season, which reflects our importance and success as a development engine for the NBA, said NBA D-League President Dan Reed. Its a great time for the NBA Development League, and were looking forward to a very successful future for the Springfield Armor.

After entering into a hybrid affiliation with the Houston Rockets prior to the 2009-10 season, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers have led the NBA D-League in Call-Ups the last two seasons, sending eight different players to the NBA 13 times. The other NBA teams that were solely affiliated with an NBA D-League team during the 2010-11 season were the Dallas Mavericks (Texas Legends), Oklahoma City Thunder (Tulsa 66ers) and San Antonio Spurs (Austin Toros). Both the Thunder and the Spurs fully own and operate their affiliates, while the Legends are owned by Mavericks General Manager and President of Basketball Operations Donnie Nelson.

The Nets shared their affiliation with the Armor this season with the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks. The Sixers and Knicks new NBA D-League affiliations will be announced at a later date.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

[Durbansandshark]

Livingston signs one-year deal to stay with Stampede - May 6, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Idaho Stampede have agreed to terms with Head Coach Randy Livingston (agency: Impact Basketball ) for a one-year contract extension for the 2011-12 season, the organization announced today. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not released.

Livingston begins his second year as head coach after leading the Stampede to a 24-26 record last season. The Stampede's all-time leader in points, games, assists and steals helped the team finish the season on a 22-13 run.

'I'm thrilled to re-sign with the Idaho Stampede,' Livingston said. 'The Treasure Valley is a second home to me and I'm ready to get the season rolling after missing the playoffs last year. This is a first class organization and I expect us to be playing in the postseason next year.'

Livingston is the team's eighth coach in franchise history, and fifth to take the helm for more than one year, the first since Bryan Gates was the Stampede leader from 2006-2009.

'I am very pleased that Coach Livingston will be returning to the Idaho Stampede for another year,' Managing Investor Bill Ilett said. 'Coach and I both feel that we have unfinished business on the basketball court. I look forward to him starting next season and leading the Idaho Stampede to the 2012 playoffs.'

The 2010-11 season featured two NBA assignments sent to the team from the Portland Trail Blazers, Luke Babbitt and Armon Johnson, and the signing of three-time NBA All-Star Antoine Walker.

'Coach Livingston's contract extension is exciting news for fans in the Treasure Valley,' Stampede President and General Manager Steve Brandes said. 'We look forward to him continuing the momentum of the last 35 games from last season. We are confident he will build a strong team that fans will enjoy watching this year.'

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

NBA D-League All-Star Marcus Landry Lands in Puerto Rico - May 12, 2011 (by Surujh Roopnarine)

Former Reno Bighorns forward and NBA D-League All-Star Marcus Landry (6'7''-F-85, college: Wisconsin) has signed with Coamo of Puerto Ricos BSN. Landry, 25, is coming off a successful NBA D-League campaign spent in Reno. The former Wisconsin Badger appeared in 49 regular season games (48 starts), averaging 17.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 42.7% from the field and 38.5% from three. In five playoff contests he bumped his scoring up to 22.2ppg while shooting 40.7% from the field and 43.2% from three. Undrafted after his senior season of college, Landry, the younger brother of New Orleans Hornets power forward Carl Landry, appeared in 13 games with the Maine Red Claws during the 2009-10 season, while seeing NBA action in 18 games split between Boston and New York (2.4ppg, 1.1rpg). Landry will replace veteran guard Ronnie Fields (6'4''-G-77) who had been averaging 10.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 10 games with Coamo.

Flash could catch fire if Jazz are locked out - May 13, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

NBA owners, players and fans will lose mightily if there is an NBA lockout this summer. Revenue streams will stagnate, the promotion mill will grind to a halt, and public interest in a game associated with star power and prestige will wane.

One organization stands to benefit from a widely predicted work stoppage, though. At times forgotten, the minor league basketball franchise based in Orem could receive a significant boost in exposure and income.

A lengthy lockout would impair the Jazz, Salt Lake City and local small businesses. But for the Development Leagues Utah Flash, the longer the NBA locks its doors, the better.

'If we were the only professional basketball team in the state, I think it would spur the interest of the people,' said Flash president Drew Sellers. 'I think this is definitely a basketball-oriented state.'

Sellers is not hoping for a lockout. But the Flash have worked to build and brand during the past four seasons drawing interest from fans in Utah County but failing to make significant inroads in Salt Lake County and Sellers sees potential in the NBAs temporary pause.

The disappearance of the Jazz would result in increased attention for the Flash. Meanwhile, a prolonged NBA vacation would equal increased opportunity for its minor league system, which will still be allowed to operate even if owners and players go to war while fighting for a new collective bargaining agreement.

The possibility that Flash players will become household names next season in Salt Lake City is highly unlikely. However, the Flash played 25 games in Orem last season, drawing more than 100,000 fans and ranking second in the league in attendance. Sponsorships do not pour in, but they are steady. And after carving out a small spot in a sports market long dominated by the Jazz, University of Utah and Brigham Young University, the Flash still have room for growth. If Al Jefferson, Devin Harris and Gordon Hayward are sitting at home in November instead of running the court, the Flash will be the only pro basketball game in town.

'I hope that we would have some interest from people that typically havent been interested in the Flash in the past,' Sellers said.

Uncertainty reigns in the NBA as a June 30 deadline approaches for a new CBA, and predicting how long a lockout will last and if there will be one is something that analysts are unable to agree upon. However, there is increased certitude for the Flash in the organizations relationship with the Jazz.

Actual and implied familial connections provided both franchises with a strong foundation when the Flash came to life in 2007. Former Flash coach Brad Jones served as a scout for the Jazz and was former coach Jerry Sloans nephew. Meanwhile, Jazz scout David Fredman served as the Flashs general manager. As a result, everyone from ex-Jazz center Kosta Koufos to current Jazz big man Kyrylo Fesenko spent time in Orem, as one of the NBAs smallest markets shined a light on a minor league team located just 40 miles away.

'[The Jazz] set it up to be a successful relationship because they took us and the D-League seriously,' said Jones, who now coaches the D-Leagues Austin Toros.

The communication between the Jazz and Flash took a hit when Jones was replaced last August by first-year coach Kevin Young. But Sellers, Young and Jazz general manager Kevin OConnor were adamant that the relationship between the organizations is again cemented in mutual respect. Moreover, OConnor admires what Young accomplished during his initial season the Flash finished 28-22 and qualified for the playoffs while Sellers is open to an increased affiliation with the Jazz.

'The relationships been terrific,' he said. 'Hopefully theyve been able to generate some interest from the players weve sent down.'

Even if the Flash are unable to rely upon the prowess of the Jazz next season due to a lockout, the team could gain ground if the new CBA addresses long-held concerns about a lack of flexibility in D-League player movement. If the NBA institutes a hard salary cap and maximum rosters are trimmed down, the sports minor league system will gain increased importance. Minimum contracts and a reliable farm system will be at a premium, aiding small-market franchises such as the Jazz and bringing more attention to the NBAs second tier.

'I think with the new CBA there could be a few things that could affect our league,' Young said. 'I dont know. Im just as curious as everyone what the new CBA is going to entail. And, hopefully, some things shake out and it affects us in a positive way.'

Courtesy of www.sltrib.com

Austin Ainge joins Celtics front office - May 16, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

After spending the past two seasons as head coach of the D-League Maine Red Claws, Austin Ainge will re-join the Celtics front office as director of player personnel, the team said.

From the Red Claws' press release:

'I truly appreciate the opportunity that the Red Claws gave me and have enjoyed my time in Maine tremendously', said Ainge. 'The fans in Maine are incredible, and I wish the organization nothing but the best going forward.'

Ainge was a scout with the Celtics during the 2008-09 season, working with then-rookies J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker while they were in Maine. He became the first coach of the Red Claws, who went 18-32 this past season.

Courtesy of www.boston.com

[Durbansandshark]

Very interesting stuff coming out from the Maine Red Claws. It seems the franchise is wooing disgraced former Tennessee Volunteers coach Bruce Pearl to become their new head coach for next season after Austin Ainge went to the Boston Celtics mothership. New England is nothing to Pearl: Pearl is a Boston native and once dressed as the Golden Eagles mascot for a game back in 1982 as a graduate assistant coach under the legendary Dr. Tom Davis. He later went on to lead the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles to a D2 title. Reminds me a bit when after the recruiting scandal involving Oklahoma's Kelvin Sampson. He eventually, thanks to his numerous NBA coaching ties, immediately went to become a Milwaukee assistant. Getting Pearl would indeed be a splash.

Single affiliation with Nets should bolster Springfield Armor on and off court - May 20, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Other than the potential for a whole new coaching staff, the single affiliation between the Springfield Armor and the New Jersey Nets will likely not be noticeable in the first year.

After two years of being the development team for the Nets, New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers, the Armor on May 1 became the sole affiliate of the Nets, a formula that has proven to be successful for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA Development League.

The Vipers, the leagues only other hybrid affiliate (Houston Rockets), lost in the D-League finals to Iowa this year, but won the title in 2010.

The Austin Toros (San Antonio Spurs), Texas Legends (Dallas Mavericks) and Tulsa 66ers (Oklahoma City Thunder) also have single affiliations, but are owned outright by their NBA teams.

The partnership between the Nets and the Armor will mean more resources for scouting talent, less overhead for the Armor and owner Michael Savit, and potentially more resources for the Armor front office to market the team.

Essentially, the partnership means the Nets will handle what happens on the court and the Armor will be responsible for what happens off the court.

Its almost a separate element to the whole thing, Armor general manager Alex Schwerin said. My position and all the other positions in terms of the full-time business staff here like ticket sales, marketing and (public relations), all that stays the same.

Were still doing all those things on a day-to-day basis in terms of promoting the team, selling tickets, creating the entertainment for the games and getting involved in the community, he added. Really the only difference is that instead of me and Mike (Savit) deciding who the coach is going to be next year, its the Nets who will decide who the coach will be next year, and the assistant coach and the trainer. And deciding that, they will be directly supervising those people because they will be their employees.

Dee Brown, or whoever the Nets select to coach the Armor next season, and his staff will be part of the Nets staff and paid by the NBA team. The Armor had paid the salaries in the past.

Besides running the basketball staff, the Nets will utilize their scouting organization to find talent and fill the roster.

This change in monetary responsibility should allow the Armor to spend more on promoting the team in the community and at the MassMutual Center on game nights.

Schwerin says the hybrid affiliation is similar to that of minor league baseball with one exception the parent team does not hold the contracts of the players.

The major difference between minor league baseball and this scenario is that the 10 players who are on our roster are not under contract with the Nets, Schwerin said. For example, every player on the New Britain Rock Cats is under contract with the (Minnesota) Twins, are being coached by Twins coaches and running the Twins system.

In this instance, much of that is the same: the Nets choose the players, they find them and draft them from the D-League pool to go to Springfield, where they will be coached by Nets coaches in the Nets system and are the types of players the Nets like, he added. The difference is that those 10 players are not under contract with the Nets. If another NBA team likes some guy and the Nets havent committed a contract to that guy, then he can be signed by someone else.

Players assigned to D-League teams are under contract with their NBA teams, but all other players are under contract with the D-League and are free agents who can be called up by any NBA team.

Courtesy of www.masslive.com

[Durbansandshark]

Joerger enjoys ride - May 31, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Where Dave Joerger goes, winning follows.

Dakota Wizards fans know Joerger's track record - five minor league championships in seven seasons as a head coach, including four titles with the Wizards.

It's a little harder to make an impact as an assistant coach, but Joerger has helped turn around the fortunes of the Memphis Grizzlies.

In his four seasons since joining the NBA, Joerger has helped the Grizzlies go from 22 wins to 46.

Even more impressive, the Grizzlies who had never won so much as a single playoff game in their 16-year history, shocked top-seeded San Antonio in the first round. They went on to take Oklahoma City to seven games before falling in the conference semifinals.

Joerger's contributions to Memphis' success hasn't gone unnoticed. His name has started to be floated as a potential head coaching candidate. And the Houston Rockets have asked permission to talk to him for a position as the top assistant to new head coach Kevin McHale.

Joerger has been enjoying the ride.

'It's been fun,' Joerger said. 'People are jacked up about the team. They jumped on it. The two home games, Games 3 and 4 against Oklahoma City, sold out in like 15 minutes.

'To be considered in the top eight teams is good for the city, and it's great to see the team get the recognition they deserve.'

Joerger joined the Grizzlies in 2007, after returning to the Wizards for a brief second stint and leading them to a championship in their first season in the D-League.

When the Grizzlies struggled and coach Marc Iavaroni was fired, new coach Lionel Hollins kept on Joerger, and his role has grown.

Earlier this season Joerger served as head coach for a game when Hollins attended the funeral of former teammate Maurice Lucas.

Joerger has worked primarily on the defensive end, where the Grizzlies have excelled. This season Memphis led the league in steals (9.4) and forced turnovers (16.7).

But without question the highlight of the Grizzlies' season was the upset of the Spurs. Memphis became just the second eighth seed to knock off a No. 1 seed in a best-of-7 series. Beating a team with the likes of future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and head coach Gregg Popovich was no small feat.

'San Antonio is like God,' Joerger said. 'Nobody can touch them. They're such a great organization. ... Getting the first one down there was big, but you know those guys just weren't going to go away. We didn't think it was over until it was over.'

Playing the Thunder with its young stars, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook presented a completely different set of challenges.

'They're explosive, very difficult to guard,' Joerger said.

Joerger said that right now he's just enjoying some downtime during the offseason but will soon be deciding his future.

His contract with the Grizzlies is up, and he said he's not sure whether he will bend up back in Memphis, in Houston or somewhere else.
Courtesy of: www.bismarcktribune.com

Two Vipers guards working out for Timberwolves - Jun 3, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The NBA Development League Rio Grande Valley Vipers announced Thursday that guards Jerel McNeal (6'3''-G-87, college: Marquette) and Matt Janning (6'4''-G/F-88, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Northeastern) are attending free agent workouts with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday and Friday.

An All-NBA Development League Third Team selection, McNeal averaged 19.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.3 steals while starting 47 games during the regular season. The only three games he missed came during a GATORADE Call-Up to the New Orleans Hornets. He did not see any action during his 10 days in the NBA. During the post-season McNeal averaged 27.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.2 steals in eight games.

Janning opened the season with the Phoenix Suns before joining the Maine Red Claws. The Vipers acquired him in a trade in January. Overall, Janning averaged 9.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting 41.6% from behind the arc in 41 games (10 starts). During the post-season, Janning averaged 13.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 42.3% from behind the arc in eight games (seven starts).

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Former Austin Toros forward/center Ian Mahinmi in NBA Finals - Jun 7, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Ian Mahinmi (6'9''-F/C-86) earned All-NBA D-League honors and played in the D-League Finals with the Austin Toros while on assignment from the San Antonio Spurs during his rookie year in 2007-08. Mahinmi averaged 17 points and eight rebounds during 2007-08, but had to sit out the entire 2008-09 season due to an ankle injury. Mahinmi played in 26 games with the Spurs in 2009-10 averaging four points and two rebounds. In his first year with the Mavericks after joining the team as a free agent for 2010-11, the center from France appeared in a career-high 56 games during the regular season, and has appeared in three playoff game appearances including eight minutes in game three of the finals.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Knicks and Erie BayHawks of D-League enter single affiliation partnership - Jun 8, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Erie BayHawks, the New York Knicks and the NBA Development League announced today that the Knicks and BayHawks have entered into a single affiliation partnership beginning with the 2011-12 season. The Knicks will be the BayHawks sole NBA affiliate and will have control over the teams basketball operations.

In a model similar to other minor leagues, this partnership, also referred to as the hybrid affiliation, allows for NBA teams to secure control over and cover the expenses related to the basketball operations of an NBA D-League team, while partnering with existing ownership, which maintains responsibility for the teams off-the-court business operations.

The Knicks are the third NBA team to enter into a hybrid affiliation with an NBA D-League team, joining the Houston Rockets, with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, and the New Jersey Nets, with the Springfield Armor. The other NBA teams with lone NBA D-League affiliates are the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs, who fully own and operate the Tulsa 66ers and Austin Toros, respectively, and the Dallas Mavericks with the Texas Legends. The Knicks partnership with Erie comes on the heels of the NBA D-Leagues 10th and most successful season, while 23 percent of all NBA players have used the NBA D-League as a launching pad.

The New York Knicks single affiliation partnership with the Erie BayHawks marks yet another positive step forward in the NBA D-Leagues continued evolution as the NBAs official minor league, said NBA D-League President Dan Reed. Were very excited to have the Knicks join a growing number of NBA teams who are realizing the benefits of a one-to-one relationship with their NBA D-League affiliate.

Knicks Assistant General Manager Allan Houston (6'6''-G-71, college: Tennessee) was appointed BayHawks General Manager, Basketball Operations by Knicks President, Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh.

The opportunity to have this new agreement with the Erie BayHawks and the NBA D-League is very exciting for the New York Knicks, Houston said. The impact of the NBA D-League continues to grow, and we look forward to this partnership.

The BayHawks were previously affiliated with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors. Their new NBA D-League affiliates will be announced at a later date.

The entire Erie BayHawks organization appreciates all that the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors did to help us launch and become a successful NBA D-League team, and we are thrilled to begin a single affiliation with the New York Knicks, said Erie Majority Owner and Managing Partner Steve Demetriou. This hybrid relationship will further strengthen our franchise as the Knicks focus on overseeing the basketball operations, while team president Matt Bresee and his talented staff continue to grow the business side of the Erie BayHawks.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

[Durbansandshark]

Bad news: the NDEMCELE (Now Deservedly Even More Crumbling Evil Laker Empire) is resurrecting its NBDL Chapter for next season. :evil:

D-Fenders D-League team, owned by Lakers, will resume play in 2011-12 - Jun 9, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Los Angeles D-Fenders announced today that the team will return to operation in the NBA Development League, the NBAs official minor league, for the 2011-2012 season after a one-season hiatus. The D-Fenders, owned and operated by the Los Angeles Lakers, will resume their single affiliation with the 2009-10 NBA Champions, and will play their home games at Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo, Calif.

We are excited to continue our investment in the NBA Development League as it continues to evolve into a basketball and business asset for NBA teams, said D-Fenders Chief Executive Joey Buss.

Were thrilled to welcome the Los Angeles D-Fenders back to the NBA Development League, said NBA D-League President Dan Reed. The Lakers have been an outstanding partner with the NBA D-League for years, and their return further reinforces our growing significance to the NBA especially considering they are now one of seven NBA teams with a one-to-one affiliation. Were excited about the terrific fan experience they plan to provide at Toyota Sports Center.

With the D-Fenders return, the NBA Development League now features seven teams with lone NBA affiliates. Both the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs also fully own and operate their affiliates, the Tulsa 66ers and Austin Toros, respectively. The Houston Rockets, New Jersey Nets and New York Knicks have hybrid affiliations with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Springfield Armor and Erie BayHawks, respectively, controlling the basketball operations of their NBA D-League affiliates, while the Dallas Mavericks are singly affiliated with the Texas Legends.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Youngstown, maybe?

Cavs explore bringing NBA D-League team to Covelli - Jun 9, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Covelli Centres executive director says hes talked with Cleveland Cavaliers and National Basketball Association Development League officials about bringing a Cavs-affiliated minor-league team to the Youngstown facility.

Nothing is set in stone, said Eric Ryan, the center's executive director. Weve had discussions, but theres no deal. Were always exploring any opportunity that comes up. The D-League is a growing league and looking to expand.

One obstacle, he said, is the NBA D-League season runs concurrent to the season of the United States Hockey Leagues Youngstown Phantoms, an amateur hockey team that plays its home games at the Covelli Centre. The USHLs regular season is between September and March, and the D-Leagues regular season is between November and April.

Scheduling games for both teams would be the challenge. It needs serious consideration, Ryan said. Its also the busiest time for the center for other events. It's still very preliminary, Ryan said. Theyre in the exploratory stage, and so are we. Ryan said Cavaliers officials contacted him about a month ago on bringing a team here.

The Phantoms contract with the city-owned center guarantees the hockey team will play at least two more seasons at the arena.

Bruce Zoldan, the Phantoms owner, said he wants his team to stay at the center even longer.

Im in it for the long haul, he said.

Sharing the center with a D-League team certainly could be an issue, Zoldan said. On the other hand, Im looking out for the benefit of the Covelli Centre. Id be interested in talking with the Cavs to work this out and to market jointly.

Zoldan said a Cavaliers official left a telephone message for him recently, but he hadnt returned the call as of Tuesday.

If the two teams work together to share advertising and sponsors as well as attract ticket holders while coordinating their schedules, both could succeed, Zoldan said. Operating in the same confines in my mind without cooperation and partnership would be problematic, he said. A fight for local sponsorships and local dollars with one team shop and one primary locker room at the center would be a problem.

A partnership would work, Zoldan added.

Zoldan also said hed be very interested in a joint partnership of the basketball team with the Cavs. The Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors share a D-League franchise in Erie, Pa., called the BayHawks.

Tad Carper, senior vice president of communications for the Cavaliers, declined to comment on having a team in Youngstown.

In an email to The Vindicator, Carper wrote: We have had a really good D-League experience through our affiliation with the Erie BayHawks over the last several seasons and we continue to place a premium on the player development process within our franchise and our culture. As a result of our very positive experience with Erie and our strong commitment to player development for the future, we are now in the process of reviewing and considering various options for us to operate our own D-League franchise versus just having an affiliation as we have had in the past. Were keeping all options open at this point.

Erie will have a D-League team next season, said Casey Wells, executive director of the Erie County Convention Center Authority, which oversees the Louis J. Tulio Arena in Erie, Pa., the home of the BayHawks. But he isnt sure about the teams NBA affiliation.

The NBA wants each of its 30 teams to have its own D-League team, said Wells and Ryan. There are currently 16 D-League teams.

When Youngstown was looking for a national firm to manage the center in early 2008, the Cavaliers Operating Co. submitted a joint proposal with International Facilities Group of Chicago. As part of its proposal, the Cavs and IFG officials said there would be a Cavaliers D-League team for the facility in 2009.

But the Cavs and IFG pulled out of the running in March 2008 when the city insisted Ryan, then-interim executive director of the center, remain on staff on a full-time basis. The city selected SMG over Global Spectrum in May of that year.

Courtesy of www.vindy.com

[Durbansandshark]

Possibility of NBA lockout won't stop D-League season - Jun 19, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The NBA's collective bargaining agreement expires June 30, but that Thursday will be just another day in the D-League.

While a potential NBA lockout looms, the D-League is on course to play its 2011-12 season regardless of what happens in negotiations between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association.

'We're full speed ahead in our plans for next season,' D-League president Dan Reed said. 'It's business as usual for us. ... We're in the midst of developing our schedule right now. We'll be announcing affiliations in a few weeks. This is typically a busy time, and nothing has changed.'

The D-League falls under the NBA umbrella, but Reed called it 'a separate entity.'

'Our decision isn't impacted one way or another,' Reed said.

The threat of an NBA lockout and the possibility there won't be a 2011-12 season might leave the D-League a less attractive option for prospects. The D-League sells its players the message that it is a path to the NBA, making hotel living and playing for less than $30,000 a year tolerable.

Reed said he isn't concerned a possible lockout could weaken the talent level of the D-League, considering players might choose to go overseas for more money and the certainty of playing time.

'Our track record speaks for itself in our ability to help our players have successful professional basketball careers,' he said. 'We're the most heavily scouted league in the world. We don't expect that to change, and we've proven over our 10 seasons to be a high level of basketball and provide outstanding career opportunities for our players.'

When the current CBA was approved July 30, 2005, one result was that NBA teams gained the ability to send down first-year or second-year players to their D-League affiliates as many as three times per season.

Reed isn't sure what could come out of the current negotiations that would affect the D-League, but he doesn't foresee the league immediately expanding beyond its existing 17 teams.

The Los Angeles D-Fenders will resume play in 2011-12 after not playing this past season.

'We've been very focused on ensuring our teams are successful,' Reed said. 'Ensuring NBA teams are utilizing our system, increasing our number of call-up assignments, our businesses, and we've been focused on that in earnest the past two seasons.'

Reed said he does expect further expansion 'down the road,' though.

'It's not something we're actively pursuing now because we're pleased with the size of our league now,' he said.

Reed does see a trend developing with NBA teams establishing one-on-one affiliations with D-League teams.

The Erie BayHawks became the third D-League team to establish a hybrid partnership with an NBA team in their three-year deal with the New York Knicks. The BayHawks will run the business side, the Knicks the basketball side.

There are seven total one- on-one affiliate relationships in the league.

'It's a great opportunity for our franchise to have one of the most famous basketball teams in the world to have to make a commitment to us to form a partnership,' BayHawks coach Jay Larranaga said.

Reed said the D-League is working with the Cleveland Cavaliers to help them find a way to have a one-on-one affiliate partnership with a D-League team. Recent reports have suggested the Cavs will buy the New Mexico Thunderbirds and move them to Youngstown, Ohio.

'We're working with them on a handful of options to allow them to get more deeply involved in the NBA Development League,' Reed said.

Texas D-League Management LLC bought the Colorado 14ers in 2009 and moved them to Frisco, Texas, where they became the expansion Texas Legends.

'We are at a really exciting point of our league,' Reed said. 'The biggest driver has been our success to date. Last year, there were 104 NBA Development League alumni on NBA team rosters. That's over 20 percent of the NBA. That's a very significant number and that catches people's attention.'

Going into the 2010-11 season, the D-League made rule changes that included international goaltending guidelines and reducing the overtime period to three minutes from five minutes.

Reed said those changes were viewed as positive.

'Folks associated with the league and fans generally liked the shorter overtime,' Reed said. 'It kept the intensity of the game throughout.'

As for the international goaltending, Reed said the players seemed to adapt to it as the season progressed.

'There were many exciting plays at the rim this year as a result of that rule,' Reed said.

Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Ants Kramer joins team in Puerto Rico - Jun 21, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Chris Kramer (6'3''-G-88, college: Purdue) got the call directly.

'We want you', said Edwin Loubriel, the father of one of Kramer's classmates at Purdue and the owner of the Guaynabo Mets, a member of the 10-team Baloncesto Superior Nacional league in Puerto Rico.

So Kramer is going.

He's flying from Fort Wayne to Chicago to Puerto Rico today and will join the team for its final regular-season game Wednesday and staying with it throughout the duration of the playoffs. Kramer, who signed a contract to be the teams point guard, didnt know the playoff schedule but said if the Mets make the championship, his stay in Puerto Rico could last seven weeks.

Im taking my talents to Puerto Rico, Kramer said with a soft laugh, referencing LeBron James Decision announcement. Im kind of nervous, but Im excited about this opportunity. Its a great chance for me to grow up as a person, totally being on my own. I dont know one person in Puerto Rico in the city that Ill be in. So Ill get a chance to do a lot of things on my own and really take steps, hopefully, in the right direction in that aspect.

It's a chance to try to be molded into a better basketball player and a chance to mold into a true point guard, which will help me be more versatile moving forward with my career.

The NBA canceled its Las Vegas Summer League, and Kramer was exploring some options to try to get to some NBA minicamps when the call from Loubriel came.

Kramer thinks it could be a prime opportunity to continue to prove he can play at an elite level. In his first professional season last year, Kramer shot 54 percent from the field and averaged 13.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists for the Mad Ants.

This is a way to go over there in a respected league, Kramer said. They said a lot of rookies dont get a chance to play in this league right away, so its a chance, if I go there and play well, to increase my market value overseas for this coming season. Its a chance, again, if I do play well, to have a job over there in the spring and summer months, make some decent money playing in a beautiful place.

Courtesy of www.journalgazette.net

[Durbansandshark]

Despite report, Finch to Rockets not a done deal, Vipers GM says - Jun 25, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Despite a Houston-area report that Rio Grande Valley Vipers coach Chris Finch is headed to the Houston Rockets as an assistant, Vipers general manager Gersson Rosas told The Monitor thats not the case.

Not officially, anyway.

The Houston Chronicle reported on Friday that Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said that Finch has filled one of the assistants spots for recently-named head coach Kevin McHale. Rosas said that report is not accurate.

Chris has been here in Houston over the past few weeks assisting us with our pre-draft workouts as he typically would during this time of year, said Rosas, who is also the Rockets vice president for player personnel. He has been working closely with Coach McHale, but we have not yet made any final official decisions relating to our assistant coaching staff. We hope to have our staff announced in the coming weeks.

Finch could not be reached for comment on Friday.

Finch has coached the Vipers for the past two seasons, leading them to the NBA Development League Finals each season. The Vipers won the 2009-10 league title in his first season. The Rockets have long considered Finch an NBA coaching candidate since his arrival to the Valley. Houston plucked Finch, who also coaches the British national team, from Europe where he had a successful coaching career to bring him to the Valley shortly after the Rockets obtained the operating rights for the Vipers two summers ago.

McHale has not hired any assistants, Rosas said, but the Rockets hope to name them within two to four weeks.

Courtesy of www.themonitor.com

Eurobasket Goes One on One to Ten with a Legend - Jun 28, 2011 (by Eurobasket )

by John Jordan

When the Dallas Mavericks President of Basketball Operations, Donnie Nelson was looking for a coach for the franchises D league entry, the Frisco Texas Legends, he looked to an actual legend to fill that role. On November 5th, 2009 Nancy Lieberman became the first female coach ever to serve as a head coach working with NBA players. In her first season, she showed she could hold her own in the boys club by leading Texas to a 24-26 record and a playoff berth becoming only the third expansion team in league history to make it to the post-season. Eurobaskets John Jordan caught up with Coach Lieberman at the recent NBDL National Tryout in Louisville Kentucky to pose 10 questions to the Hall of Famer.

1. Was the Texas job one that you sought out or did they come to you?

Actually, I was walking into Starbucks one morning when Donnie Nelson stopped me and wanted to talk. He said that he had been contemplating a number of candidates to fill the role as head coach of their new NBDL team and that every time he went through his list, my name kept coming out on top. We met several times after that and then came to an agreement.

2. Its surprising that in 2011 we are still so amazed that a woman is coaching professional men, when it has been vice versa for so long. Do you consider yourself a pioneer in this regard?

Ive been a pioneer in virtually everything I have ever done. I was the oldest player in the NBA at 39 and was the oldest in the WNBA at 50. I was at the White House a few months ago and President Obama asked me this same question. As I told him, it is just what I do. I have played on mens teams my whole life including two NBA teams and played in more than 60 games in the USBL, so I do not consider it odd. Just as he is the first black American President, he does not think about it as being odd, he just does his job.

3. This is not your first rodeo in an all male environment, do you think your experience playing on mens teams helped prepare you for this task?

I do, I had to overcome adversity and prove that I belonged at their level as a player. I did that, in fact I played for the Lakers and was Pat Rileys point guard, I also played for the Utah Jazz. I played more than 60 games in the USBL. I had to earn their respect. I was Micheal Ray Richardsons roommate.

4. What was it like to be Michael Ray Richardsons roommate?

He was a great guy, my job was to keep him away from drugs and keep the women away from him.

5. What would you describe as your coaching style?

Organized, detail oriented. Defense first, offense second. We have no team rules, we have standards. We come together as a team to determine what those standards are going to be. We care about our players and let them know that. Everyday we tell our players we love them, some days it might be tough love, but it is important that they know we care about them as people not just players. My guys call me all the time to check in with me and I do them as well. Our goal is to make them better individuals. We work hard to improve their individual skill level to help them to be more effective in my system or any other coaches system. We also want them to be better men. We work with them on things like how they dress and how they portray themselves to the media. Down the road, I want them to come back to me with their wives and children and be able to say the time they spent with me helped to make them a better person. We feel consistency is the key, consistency in their personal lives will carry over to the playing floor and will create a recipe for winning.

6. What traits do you look for in selecting your players?

First thing is that you have to show up. You have got to be on time for everything. They need to be intelligent, have the toughness to defend, be open to being coached and yes, you must have talent. You cant win the Kentucky Derby with a donkey.

7. Who were your childhood playing heroes?

I am a Brooklyn girl, so Willis Reed and Walt Frazier. I wore number 10 my whole career because it was Clydes number. However the person who had the greatest influence on me was Muhammad Ali. He gave me the self- confidence to feel I could become whatever I wanted to be. He was the first person to verbalize to me how good he felt I could be. I have been very lucky, not many people get to meet and become close friends with their childhood hero. I try to spend time with Muhammad whenever I can, I love that man, he has meant a great deal to me throughout my life.

8. Who are your coaching mentors?

Doug Collins and Brian Gates. I learned a great deal from both of them. Rick Carlisle, Alvin Gentry and Vinny Delnegro have also had great influences.

9. How have your fellow NBDL coaches embraced you?

I sometimes feel like the luckiest girl on the face of the earth. They have been great, they all feel like brothers to me. They brought me right into their loop and have shared everything with me. Nick Nurse, Chris Finch, Eric Musselman have all gone out of their way to help me in anyway they could.

10. Do you eventually want to be on an NBA bench?

If Im ever offered the chance to serve a role on that level I would be honored. The D league has been very good to me. I tell my fellow coaches and players everyday they should all write a letter to David Stern thanking him for both the NBDL and WNBA. This was his vision, he wanted to see this happen. If he had not wanted it, many of us would not be doing what we love to do now.

[Durbansandshark]

Golden State Warriors buy Dakota Wizards of NBA Development League - Jun 29, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Warriors on Tuesday became the fourth NBA club to own a team in the NBA Development League when they announced the purchase of the Dakota Wizards.

Golden State also named Jim Weyermann to the newly created position of vice president of new franchise development. Weyermann was president of the San Jose Giants, the Single-A California League affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, and that has led to speculation that the Warriors eventually will move their D-League team to San Jose.

The Wizards will stay in Bismarck, N.D., for the 2011-12 season, but relocation is one of many aspects that will be evaluated in the coming months, the Warriors said.

'The question will be is it better for the big-league club to have them in close proximity,' said Weyermann, who won't be full time with the Warriors until October. 'The direct answer is we don't know yet. I certainly think it was healthy that Buster Posey and Madison Bumgarner, on their day off, were sitting in the front row watching the Giants. But it's not a necessity.'

The other three NBA teams -- San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder -- with D-League teams have their affiliates close by. The Spurs' development club is in Austin, Texas, the Lakers have their team in L.A., and Oklahoma City's is located in Tulsa.

The Wizards will be overseen by player personnel director Travis Shlenk and basketball operations director Kirk Lacob, son of Warriors co-owner Joe Lacob.

Veteran scout Mike Riley, the twin brother of Warriors general manager Larry Riley, also will be actively involved in the Wizards.

Kirk Lacob, who did most of the leg work once the Warriors decided they wanted to purchase a D-League squad, declined to reveal the purchase price, but one source said it was in the ballpark of $1.5 million.

Kirk Lacob and Weyermann both said the priority is turning the Wizards into a full-service minor league system for the Warriors.

Courtesy of www.mercurynews.com

Matt Janning working out for Heat - Jun 29, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The NBA Development League Rio Grande Valley Vipers announced Tuesday that guard Matt Janning (6'4''-G/F-88, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Northeastern) is attending free agent workouts with the Miami Heat this week.

Janning opened the season with the Phoenix Suns before joining the Maine Red Claws. The Vipers acquired him in a trade in January. Overall, Janning averaged 9.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting 41.6% from behind the arc in 41 games (10 starts). During the post-season, Janning averaged 13.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 42.3% from behind the arc in eight games (seven starts).

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Wizards: White out as head coach - Jun 30, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

On Tuesday, Golden State Warriors general manager Larry Riley said he would be quick to make a decision on the Dakota Wizards coaching staff.

He wasnt kidding.

On Wednesday - one day after the Warriors bought the Wizards - Riley called Rory White to tell him he was out as Dakota's head coach.

'I talked to Larry Riley this morning, and he said they wanted to go in a new direction', White said. 'They want to start everything fresh.'

The 51-year-old White coached the Wizards for two seasons, guiding the team to a 48-52 record. The Wizards went 29-21 in 2009-10, losing in the first round of the playoffs. But the Wizards tailed off badly last season, dropping to 19-31 and missing the postseason for the first time since 2005-06.

Its been great coaching in Bismarck, White said. First off I want to thank the organization, and I want to thank the fans for all the support theyve given me. I wish I could have brought them a championship.

... I still think Bismarck has the No. 1 fans in all of minor league basketball.

Riley said that the Warriors wanted to bring in somebody who could mesh well with the Warriors new head coach, Mark Jackson.

There were no negative issues, Riley said. We just decided (Tuesday) afternoon that we wanted to start over. That isnt odd when a new group buys a team.

We wanted to get a different start, and we wanted somebody to get in line with Mark Jackson and in our system.

Even though the Warriors just hired Jackson, a former NBA all-star, as their head coach, Riley had said on Tuesday that filling the Wizards slot with a big name isnt a priority. He cited Dave Joerger, who led the Wizards to four championships, as an example.

It may not necessarily be that you see veteran or former NBA players as a head coach, Riley said. There may be some up-and-coming rising star as youve had here in the past with coach Joerger. Were looking for those kinds of people.

Riley said that the Warriors have already begun to put together a list of candidates, but that the names would not be divulged. He added that the Warriors wouldnt put a timeline on hiring somebody, just that it would take place well before the start of the season.

Were going to take our time, he added.

In an interview Wednesday afternoon, Warriors director of basketball operations Kirk Lacob said that several people would have input into the coaching decision. Among those weighing in will be Lacob; Riley; Mike Riley, a pro scout for the Warriors; Bob Myers, the Warriors assistant general manager; Travis Schlenk, the Warriors director of player personnel; plus Jackson and his top assistant, Michael Malone.

As for White, he said that he understood why the Warriors decided to bring in their own staff.

I think thats the way it goes, White said. Theyve got a new coach in Mark Jackson, and they want to see what direction he wants to go in. Its going to be somebody who can run their system. I think I would have been able to do that, but they wanted somebody new.

Whites stated goal has always been to return to the NBA, where he has had stints as a player and an assistant coach. But he said he has nothing lined up yet.

Because of the possibility of the lockout, everything in the NBA is on hold, but hopefully something will open up if it gets resolved, White said.

Courtes of www.bismarcktribune.com

[Durbansandshark]

Canton is a place where legends come to be enshrined and is an early regional hotbed for a popular American sport. But Canton, Ohio holds that affinity towards pro football; it's the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, holds a preseason Hall of Fame game, and was among founding cities of the NFL's early days (Canton Bulldogs). Now, it gets another sport to try its hands on--it had tasted indoor soccer before basketball, would you believe? With the Erie BayHawks going the single NBA team affiliation from the New York Knicks this upcoming season after Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Toronto sharing it, Cleveland will "solely power" a team there (www.waitingfornextyear.com/2011/07/cavaliers-d-league-affiliate-moves-closer-to-cleveland/), and not Youngstown as was previously reported, following the Cavs' purchase of the New Mexico Thunderbirds (the former Huntsville Flight). Having a team more intimately in Ohio will make pro sports ties to Cleveland much stronger.

Help name the team! My suggestion is Legends.
www.surveymonkey.com/s/5VDZWSG

[Durbansandshark]

Cavs announce Wes Wilcox, their director of player personnel, as the new GM for the still-as-of-unnamed Canton NBDL team, formerly the New Mexico Thunderbirds.
www.cantonrep.com/sports/x593340670/Cavaliers-name-Wilcox-GM-of-Canton-D-League-team

Been a long time since Canton was able to hold a minor-pro sports franchise. That was in the mid-1990s. Perhaps it was that aspect and being accomodating that wooed the Cavs to bring their newly-purchased Thunderbirds to Pro Football Hall of Fame city instead of Youngstown, which has a much younger facility but scheduling conflicts with the USHL team playing there as far as dates prevented that from being a reality. Basketball, essentially NBA-connected, indeed holds a lot of appeal.
www.cantonrep.com/sports/x1249728046/How-Canton-was-able-to-woo-Cavs-to-Civic-Center

2011-12 NBDL Affiliations:

Canton--Cleveland
Dakota--Golden St.
Reno--Sacramento, Atlanta, Memphis
Rio Grande Valley--Houston
Iowa--Chicago, New Orleans, Washington
Bakersfield--Phoenix, Los Angeles Clippers, Toronto
Idaho--Utah, Denver, Portland
Austin--San Antonio
Tulsa--Oklahoma City
Springfield--New Jersey
Texas--Dallas
Erie--New York
Ft. Wayne--Indiana, Detroit, Milwaukee
Maine--Boston, Charlotte, Philadelphia
Sioux Falls--Miami, Minnesota, Orlando
Now Deservedly Crumbling Evil Laker Empire NBDL Chapter--Now Deservedly Crumbling Evil Laker Empire

You may notice there's a team missing. The Utah Flash, under the control of the Utah Jazz, decided not to participate this coming season for the team has ceased operations for now looking for a buyer to absorb the $3 million in losses (www.deseretnews.com/article/700145279/Utah-Flash-franchise-ceases-operation.html). The Flash had one of its best years ever last season before getting eliminated by eventual champs Iowa in the first round, but the team laid off its entire staff (www.heraldextra.com/sports/basketball/article_31b7246c-9947-11e0-b02f-001cc4c002e0.html), despite hopes of taking advantage of the NBA lockout (www.sltrib.com/sltrib/sports/51804968-77/flash-jazz-league-nba.html.csp).

Rivalry brewing between Erie and Canton now with Cleveland wanting to buy the BayHawks from good buddy Steve Demetriou and control the business and basketball elements, but he couldn't and headed to Canton.
www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110708/SPORTS0512/307089931/-1/SPORTS

So what happened in Albuquerque that prompted the move to Canton? Typical minor league venue issues. Then-owner Stan Bregman couldn't get top priority on dates (www.rrobserver.com/sports/article_2a0376d0-9fb4-11e0-9016-001cc4c03286.html) at the Santa Ana Star Center, their home court. Dates were already set on its venue docket. Also, while seeking new owners, Bregman and his wife, found in poll results (www.rrobserver.com/sports/article_e0d16a76-5fcb-11e0-b13f-001cc4c03286.html) that fans wanted lower prices and greater awareness.

[Durbansandshark]

Maine Red Claws finally get their man. Former Virginia Cavaliers coach Dave Leitao succeeds Austin Ainge.
www.pressherald.com/sports/Red-Claws-to-name-Dave-Leitao-head-coach.html

Nancy Lieberman did a great job as head coach for the Texas Legends (formerly the Colorado 14ERS) in its first season in the Dallas suburb of Frisco. Once again, the mainstream media makes the mistake of calling the first women to coach a men's pro basketball. Didn't they know about Ashley McElhinney and the Nashville Rhythym back in 2004 and 2005 in the ABA? Now she taking up the Legends' assistant GM job (www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-mavericks/headlines/20110717-nancy-lieberman-moving-to-front-office-role-with-legends.ece) to not just learn about that but spend more time with her son. Lieberman was actually coach and GM for the Detroit Shock in the WNBA in its first few years but left as the team was in serious danger of folding. Her two Legends assistants are first in line for the vacated coaching post.

Erie BayHawks' Gary Temple plays the waiting game on the NBA lockout.
www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110720/SPORTS0512/307209956/-1/SPORTS

[Durbansandshark]

Maine decided to go with another person in Dave Leitao as head coach. So could former Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl land with the Texas Legends?

Ex-Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl to visit, consider Legends job - Aug 3, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Bruce Pearl is an unemployed basketball coach, and Friscos Texas Legends are an NBA D-League team without a coach.

After what Legends owner Donnie Nelson termed some real constructive dialogue, Pearl agreed to come to North Texas on Thursday and tour the Legends and Mavericks facilities.

Pearl, 51, was fired in March after six seasons at Tennessee, with a 145-61 record that was clouded by NCAA investigations and sanctions on Pearl. As Pearl awaits NCAA word of how long he might be barred from college coaching, the Legends seem a logical avenue back to basketball.

Were hoping to knock his socks off, Nelson said Tuesday. We are hopeful and optimistic that hell like our situation and our city.

Nelson, of course, doubles as the Mavericks president of basketball operations. The NBA is in a lockout and could well have a delayed start of the 2011-2012 season, but no matter, the D-Leagues 11th season will commence in November.

The Legends have been without a head coach for two weeks. Nancy Lieberman, who coached the franchises inaugural 2010-2011 season, is now the assistant general manager.

Hiring the quotable and somewhat controversial Pearl would bring media and fan attention to the Legends franchise, which finished 24-26 last season. Nelson said several Legends players phoned or came by the teams facility Tuesday, excited after learning of the franchises interest in Pearl.

Hes a winner, Nelson said. I just love winners. If you look at his program, what he did at Tennessee, every program that hes touched, hes turned that thing into a winner.

It appears the job is Pearls, but he might not make a decision during this visit. He reportedly has offers to do TV analyst work, plus hes awaiting closure in the NCAA matter.

On Sept. 10, 2010, he admitted making inappropriate recruitment contacts and providing false information during an NCAA investigation. Tennessee reduced his salary and suspended him for eight games. It fired him after the season after learning of additional violations.

Courtesy of www.dallasnews.com

Nate Bjorkgren becomes Dakota's new coach after being an associate coach with the NBDL champs Iowa Energy:

Nate Bjorkgren named Head Coach of the Dakota Wizards - Aug 4, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Golden State Warriors, owners and parent club affiliate of the Dakota Wizards, have named Nate Bjorkgren (BEE-ork-Gren) as head coach of team's NBA D-League franchise, it was announced today. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not announced.

Bjorkgren becomes the ninth head coach in Dakota franchise history and replaces Rory White, who led the Wizards to a 19-31 record in 2010-11.

Bjorkgren, 36, has spent the previous four seasons as an assistant coach - under head coach Nick Nurse - with the NBA D-League's Iowa Energy. During his tenure in Iowa, the Energy posted a combined 124-76 record (.620), highlighted by last season's D-League Championship (2-1 over the Rio Grande Valley Vipers). The Energy posted an all-time D-League-best 37-13 record each of the last two seasons and captured three consecutive Eastern Conference titles during Bjorkgren's final three campaigns in Iowa. During the 2009-10 campaign, the Energy led the D-League in (lowest) Defensive Field Goal Percentage and the team has annually ranked among the top rebounding squads in the league.

'We're really pleased with the selection of Nate as our head coach,' said Warriors' Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Larry Riley. 'We believe he is a quality young coach and the right individual to lead the Wizards and, most importantly, oversee the development of our team in Bismarck.The tremendous success he enjoyed in Iowa and his overall knowledge of the D-League will be an added benefit and certainly aid him in this transition. Our entire staff, including Mark Jackson, Bob Myers, Travis Schlenk, Kirk Lacob and myself, were impressed with his pedigree during the interview process and are confident he is the right fit.'

Prior to joining the Energy in 2007-08, Bjorkgren began his coaching career at the high school level in Arizona, where he served as Head Coach of Cactus Shadows High School in Cave Creek for three seasons (2004-2007). Bjorkgren, a native of Storm Lake, Iowa, was named the Arizona State High School Coach of the Year following the 2005-06 season and earned Regional Coach of the Year honors in both 2005 and 2006.Cactus Shadows qualified for the Class 4A State Tournament each of his three seasons with the school.

'I'm really excited about this opportunity to lead the Wizards and provide the fans of Bismarck with a hard-working and exciting team,' said Bjorkgren. 'I have learned a lot during the last four years on the staff of the Iowa Energy and look forward to implementing my philosophy in this new position. Additionally, I was very impressed with the vision and goals of the Warriors' staff during our meetings and I'm eager to work closely with them as we move forward.'

A graduate of Buena Vista University in 1998 with a degree in Exercise Science, Bjorkgren played collegiate basketball for both the Beavers and the University of South Dakota, where he began his college career in 1994.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

[Durbansandshark]

Interview with Former Maine Red Claw and new BK Prostejov Guard Jamar Smith - Aug 5, 2011 (by Surujh Roopnarine)

The newest member of BK Prostejov takes some time to introduce himself, talk about his experiences and what he looks forward to accomplishing this season.
Jamar Smith (191-G-87, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: S.Indiana), 6-3, 195lbs is coming off his first professional season spent in the NBA D-League with the Maine Red Claws. The former University of Illinois and Southern Indiana star had a stellar rookie season, being named to the D-League All-Rookie Second team after starting 45 of 48 contests and averaging 13.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 46.7% from the field, 43.2% from three and 88.9% from the free-throw line. Jamar picked himself back up after a tumultuous end to his time at Illinois by re-grouping at Southern Indiana and putting together two incredibly impressive seasons at the NCAA2 school before going undrafted at the 2010 NBA Draft. However, his refined shooting, especially from behind the arc, was too good to go unnoticed and he earned a training camp invite with the Boston Celtics prior to heading to Maine and the D-League. For reference, an abbreviated 21 game sophomore season at Illinois is the only time in his brief career where he failed to shoot at least 40% from three (31.7%). His chances cut short at joining the NBA this season due to the lockout, Smith is continuing his maturation as a player and person as he begins his European career in the Czech Republic. Now, as one of the key members of a re-tooled Prostejov squad, Smith will be counted upon by new Head Coach Zbynek Choleva to carry a big scoring load as he teams with returning center Yemi Nicholson, captain Jaroslav Prasil (201-F-80) and several other newcomers to try and return the team to its established levels of prominence over the past two seasons.

Q) First of all, thank you for taking the time for this interview.
What was your first thought when you found out that you would be heading to the Czech Republic to play this season?

A) I was excited for the opportunity to play in another country and adapt and learn a new culture.

Q) Do you know anyone who has experience playing or living in Czech? What advice have you gotten so far on what to expect?

A) I don't know anyone personally who has played in Czech. Just to be open minded to the culture and enjoy the experience.

Q) Your new team has a completely different look from the last two seasons, when they were second-place finishers each of the last two seasons. Essentially you will be coming in and expected to put your stamp on the team right off the bat. Is this something you are accustomed and look forward to?

A) Definitely because my whole career I have been a scorer and then this past season I had to become more of the distributor, so I'm excited to get started.

Q) Asked to be primarily a shooting guard and scorer during your time in college, what was the biggest adjustment you had to make to your game to adapt to running the point at the pro level?

A) As a point guard you look to distribute first so it was just understanding when to look for my shot and the adjustment of running the offense.

Q) Obviously, you picked up the nuances of the position quickly, averaging 5.0 assists per game as a rookie starter for Maine last season.
Under Austin Ainge (son of Boston Celtics Director of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge) what did you learn about yourself and your game while in the D-League?

A) That I could make any adjustment when it comes to the game and I feel now I can play either guard position just as effectively.

Q) Back to the connection to Boston, what was it like to be in training camp with all of those Future Hall of Famers?

A) It was a positive learning experience getting advise from guys like Rajon Rondo and his knowledge of the PG position.

Q) When we look back at your collegiate career, as a native of Illinois, what did it mean to you to play for Bruce Weber and the Illini?
How did it affect you when you lost that opportunity to play for Illinois?

A) It was a disappointment; I'd always dreamed of playing there but when I lost the opportunity it bettered me as a person and I will always be very grateful to the University of
Illinois for the opportunity.

Q) What led you to choose to transfer to Southern Indiana? How did your two seasons there help you develop and grow?

A) It was a school that was relatively close to home and a new opportunity for me. From the start I had to earn everything at Southern Indiana, nothing was given to me.
I had to prove that I would not let anyone out work me and I wanted to be the leader of the team.

Q) Going into this season, what are your goals for yourself and the team?

A) Win the Czech Championship and perform very well in the EuroCup and EuroChallenge games.

Q) As the NBA is of course a goal for everyone, what are your thoughts on the lockout? Will the season start on time?

A) I'm not really sure because I haven't thought much about it. I try to really focus on what I can control and that is the upcoming season with BK Prostejov.

Q) Where will Jamar Smith be in five years?

A) I believe I will be in the NBA because of the hard work I put into my game and I'm going to take advantage of every opportunity.

Veteran Guard MaJic Dorsey Inks Deal with Halcones UV Xalapa - Aug 15, 2011 (by Surujh Roopnarine)

Majic Dorsey (6'1''-G-81, college: S.Indiana), formerly of the NBA D-League's Reno Big Horns, has signed with Mexican powerhouse Halcones UV Xalapa for the 2011-12 LNBP season. A 30-year old guard from Baltimore, Maryland, Dorsey is no stranger to Mexico and Latin America, having been the LNBPs leading scorer (35.4ppg) in 2006 while a member of Mayas de Yucatan. Xalapa are coming off a 2010-11 season which saw them fall in the semi-finals of the playoffs to eventual champions Toros Nuevo Laredo. Under new Head Coach Andy Stoglin , Xalapa will utilize the dynamic Dorsey at both the point and off-guard positions in a fast, up-tempo system which suits the veteran just fine. I have always wanted to play for this team, they have a very NBA-style organization, very professional I came to this city because I want to give them another championship Dorsey said about his signing in Xalapa. Dorsey made a name for himself coming up out of Brevard Community College, earning American Basketball Association (ABA) Rookie of the Year Honors in his first professional season after college, along with touring with the And 1 Streetball Tour. While the D-League had been the place where MaJic tuned his skills against NBA-caliber opponents on a nightly-basis, the showman, the star, always shined its brightest in Mexico. He has spent the last two seasons playing with Meteoros de Yucatan-Merida in addition to an exhibition tour in China.

Dorsey has played in 147 career D-League games over five seasons, with career averages of 9.1 points, 1.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 43.2% from the field and 83.0% from the free-throw line. A re-vamped Xalapa roster featuring Dorsey is sure to be one of the favorites to capture the LNPB crown this season, and for the man they call MaJic, the spotlight and big stage is his place to shine.

[Durbansandshark]

Red Claws name Gene Cross Assistant Coach - Aug 19, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Maine Red Claws, presented by Quirk Chevrolet, today announced that Gene Cross has been named the team's assistant coach under Head Coach Dave Leitao. Cross, who was an assistant coach for the NBA Development League Utah Flash last season, reunites with Leitao after serving as his assistant coach at both the University of Virginia and DePaul University.

'I am excited to have Gene Cross on staff,' said Red Claws President and General Manager Jon Jennings. 'He has a tremendous coaching resume in both the college and pro ranks, and his familiarity with both the league and with Coach Leitao gives the Red Claws a tremendous coaching staff.'

Cross, 39, joins the Red Claws after a year as the assistant coach for the Utah Flash. Prior to joining the pro coaching ranks, Cross had a long and productive career coaching in college, having coached at the University of Illinois-Chicago, DePaul University, University of Virginia, Notre Dame, and the University of Toledo. Cross was an assistant under Red Claws Head Coach Dave Leitao for five seasons at Virginia and DePaul.

A native of Chicago, Cross earned a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Illinois in 1994 where he played for the Fighting Illini as a walk-on; Illinois participated in the NCAA Tournament twice during his playing career. He received a master's degree in sport management from Ohio State University in 1996, beginning his coaching career as varsity basketball coach at Marion-Franklin (OH) High School. He joined the coaching staff at the University of Illinois-Chicago in 1996, spending three seasons as the assistant coach for the DePaul Blue Demons under Dave Leitao. Following the 2004-05 season, Cross followed Leitao to the University of Virginia as Leitao's top assistant. Following two seasons at Virginia, Cross moved to Notre Dame to become the assistant coach for two seasons under 2007 and 2008 Big East Coach of the Year, Mike Brey. He served as head coach at the University of Toledo for two seasons before making the jump to the pro ranks as the Flash's assistant coach last year. In addition to his coaching experience, Cross is a member of the Black Coaches Association.

'Having worked with Gene in the past, he brings familiarity to me and knowledge of the NBA D-League which are two qualities I thought very important in an assistant,' said Red Claws Head Coach Dave Leitao. 'Gene is exceptionally organized and possesses a terrific basketball mind. I look forward to rejoining him and working together to bring the Red Claws to unprecedented heights.'

The Red Claws will get their first look at potential players for the 2011-12 Red Claws squad on September 10 when the team holds open tryouts at the University of Massachusetts - Boston. The 2011-12 season will get underway in late November, with the Red Claws playing 24 home games at the Portland Expo during their third NBA Development League season.

'All of the pieces are falling into place, and we are looking forward to hitting the court this season,' Jennings said. 'Coach Cross gives us the final piece we needed on the basketball operations front, and we are excited to get our third season under way.'

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Eric Musselman named coach of D-League LA D-Fenders - Aug 22, 2011 (by Eurobasket Center )

By JANIE McCAULEY, AP Sports Writer
Eric Musselman 's basketball career has come full circle back to Southern California.
Musselman is the new coach of the Los Angeles D-Fenders, the D-League affiliate of the Los Angeles Los Angeles Lakers.

The team made the announcement Thursday. Musselman, former Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings head coach, has now worked in some capacity for every NBA franchise in California. He began in the Clippers organization. Musselman is currently coaching the Venezuelan National Team and using crutches for an Achilles injury.

'I remember growing up in San Diego and going to sleep listening to Chick Hearn do Los Angeles Lakers games on the radio and was a die-hard Lakers fan as a young kid,' Musselman said in an email from Argentina, where his team was set to play Cuba on Thursday night. 'How many San Diego kids get a chance to work for four pro organizations in California? I feel blessed to be able to work in the state we as a family love so much.'
The D-Fenders are returning to the D-League this season following a one-year hiatus. Musselman spent last season with the Reno Bighorns affiliate of the Warriors and Kings and guided them to the D-League playoffs after they won the Western Conference.
'He has vast experiences in both the NBA and NBA Development League and will be a great addition to our franchise,' team President Joey Buss said in a statement. 'I look forward to working with Eric and having a successful season.'

The 46-year-old Musselman has a proven track record in the game's minor leagues.
Musselman went 270-122 during seven years as head coach of the Continental Basketball Association's Florida Beach Dogs. From 1990 through 1997, Musselman had 24 players called up to the NBA, the highest number in the league during that span.

'I can't wait to get started,' Musselman said.

The Kings fired Musselman in April 2007 after a 33-49 season. He led the Warriors from 2002-04. Golden State fired him after the franchise missed the playoffs for the 10th straight year in his second season at the helm. Golden State went 37-45 in his final season and he led the Warriors to 38 victories in his first year.

After being dismissed by the Warriors, Musselman spent two seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies as an assistant under Mike Fratello. His first NBA coaching experience came with the Minnesota Timberwolves under his late father, Bill, in 1990-91. Musselman also worked as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks under Lon Kruger and as an assistant for the Orlando Magic under Chuck Daly and Doc Rivers.

Musselman played for the University of San Diego, helping the team reach the NCAA tournament two times.

Kramer has busy summer - Aug 25, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

He showed up in the lobby at Parkview Hospital just before 10:15 Wednesday morning, wearing a crisp white shirt with the Mad Ants logo over the left breast, and the look of a man at his ease.

Chris Kramer (6'3''-G-88, college: Purdue) Does Summer: Blink twice and youll miss it.

Blink twice, and hell be off somewhere else maybe Italy or South America or some outpost yet undreamed, maybe right back in Ants coach Joey Meyers neighborhood. He doesnt know yet, he says. The situation, as they say, is fluid. Its still summer for him, narrow as that season is for a man who earns a paycheck playing a game he once played in his driveway.

You know what, theres really not, he says, when you note that professional basketball seems to have no offseason anymore. Your summer is when youve got to try to take your game to the next level. Sometimes that can be more grueling than the season. But its definitely a fun experience, and I wouldnt trade it for anything.

Which is why hes at Parkview Hospital, wearing Mad Ants colors and giving up more of his limited downtime to the obligations of the game. Hes here and the team mascot is here and various hospital reps are here, and in a little while theyll all head upstairs to the pediatrics unit, where Kramer, the former Huntington North and Purdue standout, will visit with patients as part of Dribble to Stop Diabetes, a national collaboration of the American Diabetes Association and the NBA, WNBA and NBA Developmental League.

Until then, though, its What I Did On My Summer Vacation time for Kramer. Which mostly involved playing basketball in Puerto Rico, getting knocked around the way he never did in the D-League last winter.

Its way more physical, Kramer says. They dont call fouls on the ball, and as an import player they really dont call fouls, period. A lot of fouls youre used to getting called and going to the free throw line they really dont call over there. Its definitely an adjustment.

So is the NBA lockout, whose shadow darkens the entire landscape of pro buckets these days. The fallout may not eat up overseas jobs to the extent Kramer thinks it might, but its just one more thing that makes the game, when its your living, such a constant presence.

If theyre going to take a guy like me or guys on an NBA bench, theyre going to take that guy thats on the NBA bench, figures Kramer, who played in 42 games for the Mad Ants last winter, averaging 29.5 minutes, 13.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists. So it definitely hurts us. But I think it definitely will help a lot of the European leagues, and I think itll make the NBA come back and play.

If they know a lot of the guys are going to go over there, especially a lot of the high-name guys, I think theyll figure some things out so theyll have a season.

Right now that doesnt seem to be happening, and so the situation remains one long held breath for everyone. And Kramer, meanwhile, kicks back while he can, does summer while he can, drawing on his experience from a year ago, when he was briefly at these same loose ends after the Bucks cut him in October.

If I hadnt been through it before, it definitely would be really stressful, he says. But you know, last year really taught me a lot. You can only control what you can control. Youve just got to go out there and be ready for any opportunity that comes at any time.

Summer or no summer.

Courtesy of www.journalgazette.net

[Durbansandshark]

NBA D-League Alum Impacting 2011 African Championships - Aug 26, 2011 (by Surujh Roopnarine)

2011 Afrobasket is drawing to a close as the quarterfinals saw Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Tunisia and Angola advance yesterday. One of these four teams will claim the title and earn an automatic spot in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Throughout the tournament there has been a presence of not only foreign players (like former Fairfield big man Robert Thomson (6'10''-C-82, college: Fairfield) playing for Rwanda), but also specifically players who have spent time in the NBA D-League. As the league has continued to grow and develop over the past 10 years countless numbers of players have come and gone, and it is interesting to look on where their careers have lead, most often not to the NBA. Here is a brief look at the players in the tournament who have played in the D-League.

Central Africa
James Mays (6'9''-F-86, college: Clemson): The 25-year old former Clemson Tiger played an injury-shortened 2008-09 season with the Colorado 14ers. In 12 games as a rookie he averaged 18.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.0 blocks while shooting 46.1% from the field. For his efforts he was named NBA D-League Performer of the Week for games played during the week of Dec. 8, 2008. Since his stint in the D-League, Mays has played in China, Puerto Rico, and Turkey, where he will play again this season. His Afrobasket averages after five games are 12.2ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.6spg while shooting an incredible 71.4% on 2FG and going 4-9 from behind the arc.

Ivory Coast
Errick Craven (6'2''-G-83, college: USC): A 6-2 guard out of USC, Craven spent the 2007-08 season with the Los Angeles D-Fenders. In 39 games he averaged 8.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals while shooting 51.0% from the field. Since the D-League, he has played the last three full seasons in France. This is his second Afrobasket with Ivory Coast, and in five games thus far is averaging 6.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.6 steals.

Mamadi Diane (6'5''-G/F-86, college: Virginia): The former Virginia Cavalier never actually suited up for a regular season D-League game, but was with the Tulsa 66ers this past off-season for training camp after being selected with the 13th pick of the 5th round of the 2011 Draft. He spent the 2009-10 season in Spain with CB Penas Huesca (LEB-Silver). In five games at Afrobasket he has averaged 8.6 points and 3.0 rebounds.

Cameroon
Christopher Rodgers (6'5''-G-84, college: Arizona): 6-5 shooting guard out of Arizona. Rodgers spent his rookie 2006-07season in the D-League split with Sioux Falls and Albuquerque. Combined, he averaged 7.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 31 games after being selected in the fifth round (50th overall) of the 2006 NBA D-League Draft. This past season he split time in Romania and Hungary. In last nights heartbreaking loss to Angola, he logged 10 minutes, scoring two points on 1-4 shooting. In five games he averaged a meager 3.8 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 33.3% from the field.

Senegal
Mouhammad Faye (6'10''-F-85, college: SMU): Born in Dakar, Senegal, Faye split his collegiate career between Georgia Tech and SMU, where he really developed. He spent this past season in the D-League with Rio Grande Valley, where he averaged 10.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists while shooting 52.3% from the field in 55 games. He was the leading scorer for Senegal at this tournament, averaging 18.2 points over five games.

Malick Badiane (6'11''-F/C-84): A former Second Round NBA Draft Pick of the Houston Rockets in the 2003 Draft, Badiane spent part of the 2008-09 season in the D-League with Anaheim. In 19 games, he averaged 4.9 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 40.6% from the field. He spent this past season in Frances second division and at Afrobasket averaged 8.8 points and 8.3 rebounds in 4 games.

Mali
Soumaila Samake (7'1''-C-78): At 33 years old, the former NBA veteran (47 career games) spent the 2002-2003 season with the Greenville Groove. Since leaving the NBA nearly 10 years ago, Samake, 7-1, has carved out a productive career in Asia and the Middle East. For his native Mali he appeared in four games and averaged 5.5 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting 53.8% from the field.

Nigeria
Ime Udoka (6'5''-F/G-77, college: Portland St.): The well-traveled Mr. Udoka, now an established NBA veteran spent three seasons in the D-League with North Charleston and Fort Worth before spending the past several seasons in the NBA. In 136 career D-League games he has averaged 14.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.6 steals. The 34-year old Udoka has appeared in 316 NBA games over parts of seven seasons and owns career averages of 5.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 assists. Doing everything for Nigeria, Udoka has averaged 13.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 3.0 steals in five games so far.

Ejike Ugboaja (6'9''-F/C-85): Drafted in the second round (#55 overall) of the 2006 NBA Draft by Cleveland, Ugboaja never saw an NBA court, but spent the 2007-08 season in the D-League with Albuquerque and Anaheim where he averaged 4.9 points and 5.0 rebounds while shootijng 48.3% in 45 career games. He spent the 2010-11 season split between Spain and Ukraine. In five games for Nigeria he has averaged 9.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 52.8% from the field.

You know Javaris Crittenton? The other person involved in the Gilbert Arenas gun-in-the-Wizards-locker room controversy back in 2009 when both pulled guns on each other? Well, he's now in some even worse trouble.

Javaris Crittenton charged with murder - Aug 27, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Former Washington Wizards player Javaris Crittenton (6'5''-G-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgia Tech) -- the other guy in the Gilbert Arenas (6'3''-PG-82, college: Arizona) gun incident -- has been charged with murdering a 23-year-old woman.

Crittenton -- who has been bounced from the league -- is accused of shooting the mother of 3 on August 19 in Atlanta. Investigators don't believe she was the intended target. According to AJC.com, authorities believe Crittenton was gunning for someone who robbed him back in April.

The victim was shot in the hip and died in surgery.

You'll recall the famous incident in the Wizards locker room in 2009, when Arenas and Crirttenton pulled guns on each other. Crittenton pled guilty to gun possession and was placed on 1 year's probation.

Crittenton is currently a fugitive and cops are looking for him.

Javaris Crittenton murder charges: FBI hunting for former NBA player charged in death - Aug 29, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is helping police in Atlanta and Los Angeles search for a former NBA player wanted for murder.

FBI Special Agent Steve Emmett in Atlanta told The Associated Press on Sunday that the agency is involved as police look for Javaris Crittenton (6'5''-G-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgia Tech). Authorities say Crittenton is charged in the fatal shooting of 22-year Jullian Jones, a mother of four who was gunned down Aug. 19 in Atlanta..

Atlanta police spokesman Sgt. Curtis Davenport said Crittenton was not in custody as of Sunday afternoon. He declined further comment.

Authorities say Jones likely was not the intended target when Crittenton fired shots from an SUV. Authorities say Crittenton was retaliating for an April robbery in which he was a victim.

Crittenton spent the 2006-07 season at Georgia Tech and played in 113 NBA games.

Courtesy of www.huffingtonpost.com

[Durbansandshark]

FBI: Ex-NBA player Crittenton arrested in California, faces murder charges - Aug 30, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Former NBA player Javaris Crittenton (6'5''-G-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgia Tech), who was suspended from the league for having guns in a locker room with teammate Gilbert Arenas, was arrested Monday in Southern California to face a murder charge in a deadly Atlanta shooting, an attorney said Monday.

Crittenton was taken into custody at about 8 p.m. at John Wayne Airport in Orange County after checking in for a Delta Air Lines flight to Atlanta, FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said.

Eimiller said he was arrested without incident by FBI agents with assistance from the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

Authorities were trying to determine whether Crittenton will make an initial appearance in federal court, or be taken directly to Atlanta to face state charges there.

'He offered to turn himself in,' Lawyer Brian Steel told The Associated Press earlier Monday.

'He's not guilty. We look forward to getting it to the courts.'

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution first reported that Crittenton planned to surrender in Atlanta.

Police earlier obtained a murder warrant for Crittenton in the Aug. 19 shooting of 22-year-old Jullian Jones, a mother of four young children. Police say Jones was walking with two men when she was shot and they believe one of the men with her was the target.

Police spokesman Carlos Campos on Friday said the motive appears to be retaliation for a robbery in April, in which Crittenton was a victim.

When asked earlier Friday about Steel's statement that Crittenton planned to surrender, Atlanta police didn't confirm it.

'Mr. Crittenton is wanted for murder,' Sgt. Curtis Davenport said late Monday. 'We will be pleased when he is taken into our custody in a peaceful manner.'

When he was with the Washington Wizards in December 2009, Crittenton and Arenas had a dispute over a card game on a team flight. Two days later, Arenas brought four guns to the locker room and set them in front of Crittenton's locker with a sign telling him to 'PICK 1.' Crittenton then took out his own gun.

Crittenton pleaded guilty in January 2010 to a misdemeanor gun charge and received a year of unsupervised probation. Arenas entered his guilty plea on Jan. 15. He served a short time in a halfway house.

Steel said he was retained by Crittenton's family on Monday morning, and was in contact with Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard and the FBI Fugitive Task Force to make arrangements for the former player's arrest.

'They asked that he come to Atlanta, and we said 'no problem,'' Steel said.

Crittenton is on the roster of the NBA developmental league's Dakota Wizards.

Courtesy of www.foxnews.com

Ex-NBA player set for LA court appearance - Aug 31, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Former NBA player Javaris Crittenton (6'5''-G-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgia Tech) was scheduled to appear Wednesday in criminal court for a hearing in connection with his arrest in a murder case in Atlanta.

Crittenton was being held on a state penal code violation of being a fugitive from justice, FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said. He was taken into custody Monday night at John Wayne Airport in Orange County.

Police in Atlanta had obtained a murder warrant for Crittenton in the Aug. 19 shooting of Jullian Jones, 23, a mother of four young children, as she was walking with two men.

Crittenton, 23, was wanted on a federal arrest warrant after the FBI learned that he traveled on a one-way ticket to Los Angeles, where he was known to have family and friends, several days after the shooting.

Crittenton's attorneys have said he will be exonerated.

An Atlanta Police spokeswoman said the timetable for Crittenton's return depends on whether he waives extradition.

Jones, a 23-year-old mother of four, was outside her house with 18-year-old Trontavious Stephens when a black Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid pulled up and gunfire erupted. Authorities have said they don't believe Jones was the intended target, but they haven't said who they think the assailant was after.

Crittenton was with the Washington Wizards in December 2009 when he and Arenas had a dispute over a card game. Two days later, Arenas brought four guns to the locker room and set them in front of Crittenton's locker with a sign telling him to 'PICK 1.' Crittenton then took out his own gun.

Crittenton pleaded guilty in January 2010 to a misdemeanor gun charge and received a year of unsupervised probation. Arenas entered his guilty plea on Jan. 15, 2010. He served a short time in a halfway house.

Crittenton is on the roster of the NBA developmental league's Dakota Wizards.

Courtesy of The Associated Press

Bighorns, Reno's D-League basketball team, get new owners - Sep 1, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Reno Bighorns have been purchased by a local group led by Reno lawyer Herb Santos Jr.

Santos Jr., along with partners Stephen and Jeffrey Adams, announced the purchase at the South Reno Athletic Club.

The Bighorns were previously owned by SK Baseball, which also owns the Reno Aces.

The club, which is affiliated with the Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings, will continue to play home games at the Reno Events Center.

The front office will now be docked at the South Reno Athletic Club. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The Bighorns, part of the NBA Developmental League, are without a coach, but the team is looking to replace Eric Musselman in the next few weeks.

Musselman coached just one year in Reno, but led the team to a 34-16 record, winning the Western Conference before losing in the semifinals of the D-League playoffs. He took the same job in Los Angeles.

Santos Jr. will be the managing partner while the Adams brothers will be partners. Stephen Adams owns two Weight Watchers in Reno.

Santos Jr. was seen on the sideline of many Reno Bighorns games over the past three years as a season ticket holder.

Courtesy of www.rgj.com

[Durbansandshark]

Pearl declines offer to coach Mavericks' D-League affiliate - Sep 1, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Former Tennessee basketball coach Bruce Pearl accepted a job as vice president of marketing with a Knoxville-based wholesale grocery company, bypassing the chance to coach the Texas Legends of the NBA's developmental league.

He will begin working at H.T. Hackney on Thursday. The company is led by Chairman and CEO Bill Sansom, a former University of Tennessee trustee.

'It's really an answer to prayer,' Pearl told The Associated Press on Tuesday. 'This is where my family is. This is where I want to be. Everybody looks at me as a coach, but I'm a father and a husband, and I've got to provide for my family.'

Pearl was fired in March after six seasons at Tennessee in the wake of a two-year NCAA investigation that culminated Wednesday with a three-year show-cause penalty against the coach. The sanction makes it nearly impossible for another school to hire him during that time.

He had considered an offer to coach the Legends of the NBA's developmental league, but he said he wanted to remain in Knoxville. His two oldest children live and work in Knoxville, while his youngest two children are in high school. His wife, Brandy, is from nearby Sevierville, Tenn. Pearl majored in marketing and economics at Boston College. He said he would have pursued a career in marketing had he not gotten into coaching in 1982.

'I am a former basketball coach at the University of Tennessee, and I'm very proud of almost everything that we accomplished,' he said. 'I'm excited about this new challenge. I'm going to bring the same level of passion and intensity. This is a championship team already. Nobody in the industry does that better. I'm learning that quickly.'

Sansom said he asked Pearl several months ago if he'd considered taking a non-coaching job with a local company.

'A couple of weeks ago I was having dinner with Bruce and Brandy, and he was talking about Texas and if he really wanted to go to Texas, and I said, 'You ought to talk to us,'' Sansom said.

H.T. Hackney is a privately held company with annual revenues of about $4 billion. Sansom and Pearl declined to reveal Pearl's salary. Sansom said he felt Pearl fit the company's culture and said he had no problem if Pearl wanted to pursue coaching again in three years.

'I hope Bruce has so much fun he won't want to leave, but if he's got that passion and has an opportunity, that's not a problem for either one of us if he wants to do that when the time comes,' Sansom said.

Courtesy of www.star-telegram.com

Voigt to Return as Head Coach in 2011-12 - Sep 3, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Will Voigt (agency: Warren Sports International ) will return for his third season as the Bakersfield Jam Head Coach in 2011-12, the team announced today. In his second season with the Bakersfield Jam, Coach Voigt led the Jam to recognition as the NBA Development League's biggest turnaround of the 2010-11 campaign.

'Will is an asset to our basketball team and our community. He has built an incredible infrastructure for our organization and important relationships with our Jam partners. We are excited about the upcoming season and we believe that Will has positioned our team for continued success on and off the court,' said Bakersfield Jam Managing Partner, David Higdon.

After ending the 2009-10 season at 17-33, the Jam compiled a 29-21 regular season record last year. The best season to date in the franchise's five-year history, the team also made their second franchise playoff appearance and earned their first franchise playoff win.

'Stan Ellis and David Higdon are wonderful people to work for,' said Coach Voigt. 'They have worked hard to provide our players the best facilities in the D-League, and I am grateful to return as their head coach. I look forward to continuing our success from last season.'

Prior to joining the Jam, Coach Voigt spent three years as the Head Coach of the Vermont Frost Heaves, where he led the team to back-to-back ABA Championships in the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons. He was named ABA Coach of the Year and selected to coach in the All-Star Game both years.

In 2007, the Frost Heaves were named by Pro Basketball News Best Team in minor league basketball (including D-League, CBA, IBL, and USBL). After the 2007-08 season, the team transferred to the PBL where Coach Voigt once again led them to the playoffs. At the end of the season, Pro Basketball News named Will Voigt (agency: Warren Sports International ) one of the top ten basketball coaches not in the NBA.

Prior to joining Frost Heaves, Coach Voigt spent three seasons as Head Coach of the Ulriken Eagles in Norway's highest professional league, and served as an assistant coach for the Norwegian National Team for the last two years.

He has also worked as an assistant coach for both the University of Texas and Metropolitan State College in Denver. Before his coaching days, he was the head video coordinator for the NBA's San Antonio Spurs.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Byron Mullens heads to Greece - Sep 8, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Byron Mullens (7'0''-C-89, college: Ohio St.) will continue his career in Greece. The American big guy penned a deal with Panionios ON Telecoms Athens. Mullens has an option to leave when the NBA lockout ends. He appeared 12 times for the Oklahoma City Thunder last season averaging 2.1 points and 2 rebounds. He also spent some time with their affiliate Tulsa 66ers. There he had 14.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 1.4 bpg in 14 games. Byron Mullens played for the OC Thunder also in 2009/10. It was his rookie NBA season. He had 1.2 ppg in 13 games. Mullens also added 14.6 ppg and 7.8 rpg for the 66ers that year. Byron Mullens is a product of the Ohio State University.

[Durbansandshark]

Former NBA player Crittenton to face murder charge - Sep 15, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Former Washington Wizards basketball player Javaris Crittenton (6'5''-G-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgia Tech) will be returned to Atlanta from Los Angeles on Thursday to face a murder charge, police said.

Crittenton, a former star player at Georgia Tech, will be transported to jail by a fugitive unit of the Atlanta police department, spokesman officer John Chafee said Wednesday.

Authorities said Crittenton was being returned to face the charge in the death of 22-year-old Julian Jones, a mother of four who was hit by gunfire during a drive-by shooting. Police said the shots were aimed at someone walking with her. Crittenton denies involvement.

Crittenton was detained at the John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif., two weeks ago when he was about to board a flight to Atlanta.

Defense attorney Brian Steel said when Crittenton appeared in court in Los Angeles that his client had agreed to return to Atlanta voluntarily and had even bought a plane ticket, but law enforcement authorities decided to arrest him anyway.

He waived extradition to Atlanta and has been held in Los Angeles pending his return. Crittenton lives in the Atlanta suburb of Fayeteville.

He pleaded guilty to a gun charge after a locker room altercation with Wizards teammate Gilbert Arenas last year and served a year of unsupervised probation.

After starring at Georgia Tech, Crittenton was the 19th overall pick of the 2007 NBA draft, selected by the Los Angeles Lakers. He is on the roster of an NBA developmental league team.

Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Springfield Armor introduce Bob MacKinnon, Jr. as their new head coach - Sep 15, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

MacKinnon Bob, Jr., has succeeded in the NBA Development League before and plans to do so once again.

The 44-year-old MacKinnon was introduced as the new coach of the Springfield Armor Wednesday afternoon at the MassMutual Center.

I think this is a great time to be a part of the Springfield Armor and with the Nets its kind of a new start for everybody and an exciting time, MacKinnon said. Its a great situation, maybe the best in the league for a coach because you have solid ownership here, a great organization in New Jersey so whats better than that?

MacKinnon was one of more than 10 coaches interviewed for the Armor job by Nets general manager for minor league operations Milton Lee and Nets coach Avery Johnson. He replaces Dee Brown, who coached the first two years of the Armor existence and is now part of the Detroit Pistons coaching staff.

When Avery Johnson asked me OK, Im interviewing Bob, why am I interviewing him, Lee said. The number one thing that came out of my mouth is Avery, youre going to love him, hes a basketball junkie.

He comes from a basketball family, hes been coaching college for 25 years, the last seven years hes been in the D-League, or scouting for the NBA or over in China, Lee added. He is a basketball junkie.

MacKinnons father, Bob McKinnon, Sr., coached in the NBA, which included a stint as the coach of the Nets as well as their general manager from 1981-85. The son has a pretty strong resume as well, having been an assistant coach at George Washington University, Niagara, Notre Dame, North Carolina and Marshall as well as head coach at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

More importantly, MacKinnon had two successful seasons coaching in the D-League, the first with the defunct Colorado 14ers where he led them to the D-League championship in 2009, and then with the Idaho Stampede in 2010 where he had a 25-25 record.

The Armor have had a total of 20 wins over two seasons.

Over the course of the two years when I was a head coach in the D-League we had seven players called up to the NBA, seven different call ups and that to me is what this league is all about, MacKinnon said. Its about developing players, its about developing coaches, its about developing staff, its about developing PR people, owners, all these people that have gone on to make the NBA what it is.

The fact that we can help the players move on and advance their careers, I take a lot of pride in that, he added. If you are going to be a good player and get a chance to play in the NBA or at the next level, you have to show that you can win at this level and our goal here with the Springfield Armor is to win a championship.

MacKinnons D-League teams have been some of the highest scoring teams in the league. His 14ers team twice set the D-League mark for points in game, the first time at 147, which they topped a month later with 155 points.

Oddly enough, two months before taking the job at Idaho in 2009, MacKinnon interviewed for the Armor job, which went to Brown.

It just didnt work out and quite frankly we felt that Dee was the person to get this franchise off the ground, Armor managing partner Michael Savit said. Yes, we didnt win enough games, but won-loss not withstanding, Dee was a great coach for us, a great guy to work with and a great guy for the community.

MacKinnons task will be to build on what Brown started, mix in more wins, develop some players for the Nets and make the Armor a postseason contender.

Courtesy of www.masslive.com

Sioux Falls Skyforce: Recasner named Assistant Coach - Sep 16, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Sioux Falls Skyforce announced today that Eldridge Recasner has been named assistant coach for the 2011-12 season.

The seven year NBA veteran played under current head coach Mo McHone with the Yakima Sun Kings for two seasons (1993-95).

Coach McHone has been a great mentor and Im honored that he wants me to be a part of his staff this upcoming season, said Recasner. I would like to eventually coach in the NBA and I cant think of a better organization to work for in order to reach that goal.

Recasner averaged 5.9 points while shooting 88.7 percent (235-of-265) from the free throw line in 296 career NBA games over seven seasons with the Denver Nuggets (3), Houston Rockets (63), Atlanta Hawks (130), Charlotte Hornets (95) and Los Angeles Clippers (5). His most productive season came in 1997-98 with the Hawks, when he averaged career-highs in points (9.3) and rebounds (2.4).

Prior to playing in the NBA, Recasner played for the Louisville Shooters (Global Basketball Association) and Yakima Sun Kings (Continental Basketball Association). He averaged 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 117 career games with Yakima from 1992-95. The former Washington Husky had a dream season in 1994-95 as he was named CBA MVP after averaging 20.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 48 games and helped lead his team to the 1995 CBA championship.

Courtesy of www.keloland.com

Mad Ants Open Tryouts - Sep 20, 2011 (by Serafim Karaiskakis)

The Fort Wayne Mad Ants announced that the local player open tryouts for the 2011-2012 season will be held on Saturday, October 22nd and Sunday, October 23rd 2011. They will be held at Wambsganss Gymnasium on the Concordia Theological Seminary campus located at 6600 N Clinton St, Fort Wayne, IN, 46825. Check-in and late registration will begin at 9:00 am with tryouts beginning promptly at 10:00am.

The Mad Ants local player tryouts offer athletes an opportunity to showcase their talents in front of the Fort Wayne Mad Ants coaching staff, including head coach Joey Meyer. Players will compete to earn an invitation to the teams training camp, which will begin in early November.

A total of nine players from the first four seasons found a spot on the Mad Ants roster by way of open tryouts.

Applicants can pre-register by submitting the official registration, disclosure and release forms, in addition to a $150 non-refundable fee by October 20, 2011. The fee for day of registration will be $200. Payments must be made by money order or cashiers check.

The Mad Ants have partnered with Don Hall's Guesthouse to provide open tryout participants discounted rates. The first rate of $79 includes both breakfast and dinner, the second rate of $69 does not include meals but offers a great discount at a great hotel. Hall's Guesthouse is located just 3 miles from the tryout gymnasium, 303 W. Washington Center Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46825.

source: http://www.nba.com/dleague/fortwayne/index_main.html

Tulsa's Robert Vaden pens deal in Slovakia - Sep 21, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Robert Vaden (6'5''-G/F-85, college: UAB) will continue his career in Slovakia. The American guard/small forward penned a three-month deal with Nitra. Vaden spent last season in NBA D-League. He appeared 48 times with Tulsa 66ers averaging 11 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists. In April he moved to Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA), the same day assigned to Tulsa 66ers. He helped Tulsa to reach D-League Semifinals. In 2009/10, Robert Vaden played in Italy. He was a member of Aget Imola, where he registered 16.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 1.9 apg. They compete in Lega Due. Robert Vaden is a product of the Alabama at Birmingham University. Here graduated there two years ago.

[Durbansandshark]

Springfield Armor name Chris Carrawell assistant coach - Sep 21, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Springfield Armor today announced that Chris Carrawell has been named the teams assistant coach under Head Coach Bob MacKinnon Jr. Carrawell, who was a four-year standout at Duke University under Hall of Fame Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski, joins the Armor as the teams second assistant coach in team history.

Chris is an excellent addition to Bobs staff, said Nets General Manager of Minor League Operations Milton Lee. He is a young, aggressive coach who comes to the Armor from a storied college basketball environment, and his passion and energy will be an invaluable asset to our players.

Carrawell, 33, joins the Armor after four years of working at his alma mater in a variety of administrative roles. Carrawell served as the athletic community outreach coordinator for Dukes athletic department from 2007-08 and then became a graduate assistant manager for the Duke mens basketball program from 2008-10. Carrawell also held roles with the mens basketball program as an assistant strength and conditioning coach, as well as an assistant video coordinator, for the 2010-11 season. Prior to accepting a position with the Armor, Carrawell had been serving as a special assistant to the Duke womens basketball program.

We are so happy for Chris. Hes the consummate team player who became ACC Player of the Year. He has a great understanding of the game and loves to teach it, said Duke University and USA National Team Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski. This position is absolutely perfect for him.

A native of St. Louis, MO, Carrawell earned a bachelors degree in sociology after a stellar four-year career at Duke. Carrawell started all four years from 1996-2000, capturing Associated Press and First Team All-American honors, as well as the ACC Player of the Year award during his senior season. Duke advanced to the NCAA Tournament all four years Carrawell was in school and captured four straight ACC regular season titles. During Carrawells collegiate career, the Blue Devils compiled a record of 133-24, including a 58-6 mark in ACC play. Carrawell started every game during the 1998-99 season when Duke compiled a 37-2 record, eventually falling to the University of Connecticut in the 1999 national title game.

Following his collegiate playing career, Carrawell was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs with the 41st overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft. Carrawell began a lengthy overseas career that same season, starting in Italy during the 2000-01 season. Carrawell returned stateside the following year to play in the inaugural season of the NBA Development League with the Asheville Altitude. Over the next six years, Carrawell played in Lithuania, Germany, Australia, the Philippines, the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the Netherlands before retiring in 2007.

Chris is an outstanding person and possesses all the qualities you look for in an assistant coach, said Armor Head Coach Bob MacKinnon Jr. (Chris) experience at Duke University, as both a player and as a coach, will be invaluable towards his development of our players here in Springfield. This is another exciting step toward establishing the Armor as one of the elite teams in the NBA Development League.

The 2011-12 season will open on Friday, November 25 when the Armor host the Maine Red Claws at 7:00 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in Springfield.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Vipers hire coach of reigning D-League champs to replace Finch - Sep 21, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Rio Grande Valley Vipers and their parent club, the Houston Rockets, announced Monday that 2011 NBADL Coach of the Year and NBA Development League champion Nick Nurse has been named the new head coach of the Vipers. Nurse spent the last four seasons as the head coach of the Iowa Energy and led the Energy to the NBA Development League championship this past season.

Nurse recently returned from Europe after fulfilling his obligations as an assistant coach of the 2012 Olympics-bound British National Team, which is led by former Vipers head coach and current Rockets assistant coach Chris Finch.

Nick is a championship caliber coach with a very accomplished and diverse background, said Vipers General Manager Gersson Rosas, who is also the Vice President of Player Personnel for the Rockets. We strongly value what he brings in terms of high level coaching experience, success in developing players and a strong commitment to local community. His record speaks for itself and we are excited about his upside as a coach in our system.

A three-time NBA Development League All-Star head coach, Nurse led the Energy to back-to-back 37-13 finishes over the last two seasons, setting and then tying the league record for wins in a single season. Nurse led the Energy to two Eastern Conference championships, one Central Division championship and an overall regular season mark of 124-76 (.620). After leading the Energy past the Vipers for the 2011 NBA Development League championship, Nurse holds an NBA Development League playoff record of 9-6 (.600). The only head coach in the history of the Energy, Nurse coached two Most Valuable Players and one Rookie of the Year.

Nurse also served as the head coach of the NBA D-League Select Team during the 2010 Las Vegas Summer League and as an assistant coach for the Chicago Bulls 2009 NBA Summer League team.

I would like to thank everyone at the Iowa Energy from the tremendous ownership group, staff, fans, and especially the players who gave so much to the organization over the past 4 years. It was great to return to my home state and truly feel the 'Iowa Spirit'. My staff, players and I were treated like champions from day one. And the fans truly gave us great support that shows what a great basketball state Iowa can be.

I am honored to be working for the Houston Rockets organization and am excited to continue to grow as a coach. The Vipers and their fans have shown what kind of organization they are both on and off the floor and I hope to continue that success. I am extremely excited to be joining a team that works so closely with the Houston Rockets and has a winning tradition and passionate fans, Nurse said.

A graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, Nurse began his coaching career at the age of 23 when he became the head coach of Grand View College, making him the youngest college basketball coach in the United States. He engineered an improvement of 12 wins and a playoff berth before becoming an assistant coach at the University of South Dakota, where he recorded a 46-14 record while earning his Masters Degree.

Nurse coached in Europe for 11 years starting in 1996, winning nine championships, and two Coach of the Year awards while earning six All-Star head coach selections in the British Basketball League. During that time, he also gained coaching experience in Italy, Belgium, the USBL and the FILA LA Summer League. Additionally, Nurse served as an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks Summer Pro Team in 2000.

Nurse holds a career professional coaching record of 400-179 (.691) during the regular season and 70-54 (.565) during the post-season.

We are very excited to welcome Nick to the Vipers, said Vipers President Bert Garcia. This hire guarantees that we will continue our traditions of winning and being active in the community as well.

Nurse becomes the fourth head coach in Vipers history, replacing Finch, who went 65-33 with one championship in two seasons before earning a promotion to the Rockets in July.

Courtesy of www.valleycentral.com

[Durbansandshark]

Mad Ants sign veterans Hunter, Howard, Russell - Sep 21, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Three of the most productive players in Fort Wayne Mad Ants history will return to the team this winter.

Chris Hunter (6'11''-F/C-84, college: Michigan), Ron Howard (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Valparaiso) and Walker Russell Jr. (6'0''-G-82, college: Jacksonville St.)., all former NBA D-League All-Stars, came to terms with the team for the 2011-12 season, the Ants announced Tuesday.

'I look forward to building this team around this tremendous core', Mad Ants president Jeff Potter said.

Hunter, a 6-foot-11 center, averaged 19.4 points and 9.4 rebounds per game for the Ants in 2008-09 and earned a contract with the Golden State Warriors for the 2009-10 season. Last year, he was sidelined with a torn Achilles.

Howard, a 6-5 swingman, has played more games for the Ants than any other player (132) and is the team's all-time leading scorer. He played in Australia last season but finished the season with the Ants in their final eight games as they finished one win short of the playoffs.

Russell Jr., a 6-1 point guard, set an NBA D-League record for assists in a season during his finest year playing alongside Hunter and Howard in 2008-09.

Potter said all three players are eager to show their improvement and, ultimately, earn a look from the NBA.

I can tell Walker is very hungry, Potter said. He left and did pretty well in China and went to the Dominican Republic where he was an MVP candidate. I've never seen him work this hard.

Ron Howard, it's never been a question of his effort and ability and I think he's very hungry.

Chris Hunter is an NBA player and that's the league where he belongs. He has some things he needs to prove to get over whatever humps have been placed upon him to go to that level.

Potter said he remains hopeful about signing Huntington native and former Purdue University standout Chris Kramer to a contract for a second year with the team, although Kramer is weighing other options.

A player that good has a multitude of options, Potter said. I've let Chris know we want him here. He's another guy I think can be one of the best players in this league in a multitude of ways defending, scoring, overall savvy. We hope to get Chris back.

The Mad Ants will have open tryouts for other players Oct. 22 and 23, with the draft in early November and the opening of training camp shortly after that.

If the NBA lockout continues and the season is delayed or even canceled, the D-League will continue to operate and play games. Potter could not comment on any issues involving the lockout.

Courtesy of www.news-sentinel.com

Mason, Jr. to return to Skyforce - Sep 21, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Sioux Falls Skyforce announced today that Anthony Mason Jr. (6'7''-F-87, college: St.John's), has signed a contract with the NBA Development League and will report to training camp with the Skyforce in early November.

Mason, Jr. averaged 15.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 14 games (all starts) with the Skyforce last season before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. He participated in training camp with the Miami HEAT last fall and averaged 4.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in three preseason games. The 6-7, 215-pound forward was named All-BIG EAST Honorable Mention following his junior season at St. Johns after averaging a team-high 14.0 points and 4.4 rebounds.

Season tickets and 12-ticket flex packs for the 2011-12 season are on sale. Discounts and benefits are available for groups of 10 or more. Single game tickets will go on sale on Monday, Nov. 14 at 10 a.m. The home opener is set for Saturday, Nov. 26 against the defending NBA D-League champion Iowa Energy.

Courtesy of www.keloland.com

Iowas Courtney Sims heads to Latvia - Sep 22, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Sims Courtney (6'11''-C-83, college: Michigan) will continue his career in Latvia. The American center penned a one-year deal with VEF Riga. Sims had 16.7 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 1 apg and 1.2 bpg in 42 games with Iowa Energy last season. He was named USBasket.com All-D-League 3rd Team -11 and participated at D-League All-Star Game. In March this year Sims moved to China. He signed a deal with DongGuan New Century Leopards averaging 19 points and 8.9 rebounds for 7 games in CBA. Sims Courtney played for Iowa also in 2009/10. He spent few months with them collecting 12.4 ppg and 6.6 rpg in 14 games. Later he joined Charleroi and won the Belgian title with them. With Iowa in 2008/09, Sims exploded with 22.8 ppg and 11 rpg for 32 games. He graduated four years ago at the University of Michigan.

Iowa Energy re-sign Moses Ehambe for 2011-12 season - Sep 22, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The following is a press release issued by the Iowa Energy on Wednesday morning.

Guard Ehambe Moses Randall (6'6''-G/F-86, college: ORU), who led the NBA D-League in 3-point shooting during the 2010-11 season, has signed with the Iowa Energy for the upcoming year.

Ehambe, a 65 sniper out of Oral Roberts, shot 46.3% from behind the arc during his 17 games with the Energy last year. He averaged 14.5 points per game for Iowa after being acquired in a trade with the Austin Toros in March.

Moses is a great first piece for our defense of the championship, said Energy General Manager Chris Makris. Not only is he a talented player, but he is a high quality person who is a winner. We expect big things out of him this year.

Ehambe ranks 6th in 3-pointers made in NBA D-League history with 270. This offseason, Ehambe worked in the Energy office helping establish the Energy Always Foundation, a non-profit arm of the franchise.

Season tickets for the Energys 24 games home schedule are now on sale. For more information, visit www.IowaNBA.com. Season tickets start at just $199 per seat, and include a number of special benefits.

Courtesy of www.desmoinesregister.com

[Durbansandshark]

Austin Toros Head Coach Brad Jones joins USA Pan American staff - Sep 22, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The 2011 Pan American Games men's basketball coaching staff was completed today with the naming of Jermaine Byrd of the NBA Development League Tulsa 66ers as the second USA assistant coach. USA Basketball also announced that NBA Development League Austin Toros head coach Brad Jones and Idaho Stampede head coach Randy Livingston will serve as court coaches during the USA's Oct. 14-22 training camp.

USA Basketball announced on July 27 that the 2011 USA Men's Pan American Games Team roster would be comprised of coaches and players from the NBA Development League. Tulsa 66ers head coach Nate Tibbetts will serve as the USA's head coach and 66ers assistant coach Dale Osbourne was named an assistant coach.

The coaching staff selections were made by the USA Basketball Men's Pan American Games Committee, approved by USA Basketball's Board of Directors and are subject to final approval by the U.S. Olympic Committee Chief Executive Officer. The Pan American Games Committee, chaired by USA Basketball Men's National Team Director Sean Ford, is charged with the coach and player selections for the 2011 USA Pan American Games squad.

The Pan American Games, held every four years in the year prior to the Olympics, are being held Oct. 13-30 in Guadalajara, Mexico. The men's basketball competition, which features eight teams, is being conducted Oct. 26-30.

The USA men were drawn into Group B for the Pan American Games and are joined by national teams from Brazil, Dominican Republic and Uruguay. Competing in Group A are Argentina, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. The men's basketball preliminary round play is scheduled for Oct. 26-28, semifinals action will be played Oct. 29, and the finals will be contested on Oct. 30. The game schedule is still to be announced.

Training camp for the 2011 USA Basketball Men's Pan American Games Team will held Oct. 14-22 at the Tulsa Convention Center. The 12-member USA Men's Pan American Games Team will be announced before the team departs for the competition in Mexico on Oct. 23. The list of athletes participating in the USA Team training camp will be announced at a later date.

In addition to Ford, the 2011 USA Basketball Men's Pan American Games Committee is comprised of Tibbetts, 2000 Olympic gold medalist Steve Smith, NBA Development League Vice President of Basketball Operations & Player Personnel Chris Alpert, and NBA Development League consultant Gordon Chiesa. Jermaine Byrd

'It is a privilege to be chosen to represent the Tulsa 66ers and Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2011 Pan American Games alongside Coach Nate Tibbetts and Dale Osbourne,' said Byrd. 'We are looking forward to getting started and assembling a team that everyone will be proud of.'

Byrd concluded in 2010-11 his first season as video coordinator for the Tulsa 66ers after serving as the team's basketball operations assistant during the 2009-10 season.

Prior to his arrival in Tulsa, Byrd served as the Director of Basketball Operations for the University of Houston women's basketball program from 2006-08, and began his coaching experience at the University of Sioux Falls as a student assistant coach for the women's basketball team during the 2005-06 season.

A four year starter for the S.P. Waltrip High School (Houston, Texas) varsity basketball team, Byrd attended Richland Community College (Texas) for two years and was a member of the 2001-02 team that finished third in the NJCAA national championship and was captain of the 2002-03 Richland team that placed fifth in the NJCAA championship.

Byrd went on to play two seasons for the University of Sioux Falls, where in 2003-04 he helped lead the team to a 26-12 record and its first NAIA Final Four appearance in school history. Assisting at Sioux Falls that season was Tibbetts, the current Tulsa 66ers and 2011 USA Pan American Games head coach. Playing and starting 13 games after becoming eligible mid-season, Byrd averaged 10.9 ppg., 2.7 rpg., 6.1 apg. and 1.4 spg. The following season, 2004-05, he was named GPAC All-Conference second team after leading the conference in assists. In 31 games for the Cougars, he recorded 14.0 ppg., 3.7 rpg., 4.1 apg., and made a team high 41 3-pointers as the team finished with a 20-11 record. Brad Jones

'I'm excited for the opportunity to work with such great coaches and players as they prepare to represent USA in the Pan American Games,' said Jones.

Jones, who was hired on Sept., 28, 2010, as the head coach of the Austin Toros, guided the team to a 22-28 win-loss record in 2010-11.

Jones spent three seasons (2007-08 through 2009-10) as the head coach of the Utah Flash. As a NBA D-League expansion team the Flash enjoyed a successful inaugural campaign under Jones, finishing the 2007-08 season with a 24-26 mark. During the 2008-09 season the Flash posted a 32-18 record and advanced to the 2009 NBA D-League Finals. In 2009-10, year three for Jones, Utah posted a 28-22 record and made a second straight playoff appearance.

Prior to joining the Flash, Jones served as a regional scout for the Utah Jazz for six years.

A 1990 graduate of Lambuth University (Tenn.), as a senior at Lambuth he was the captain of the basketball team and was named the school's Male Athlete of the Year and the Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Jones served as the head coach at Lambuth from 1995-2001. During his tenure he was twice named the Mid-South Conference Coach of the Year and led the school to a pair of conference championships. He was inducted into the Lambuth Hall of Fame in April of 2010. Randy Livingston

'I'm thrilled to assist USA Basketball as a court coach,' Livingston said. 'The Pan American Games should be a wonderful opportunity for this team to show the NBA D-League has some of the best players in the world. I'm more than glad to help in any way.'

Livingston in 2011-12 enters his second year as head coach of the Idaho Stampede after leading the Stampede to a 24-26 record in 2010-11. The Stampede's all-time leader in points, games played, assists and steals helped the team finish the season on a 22-13 run.

Livingston, who served as an assistant coach for the Stampede during the 2008-09 season and was an assistant with the Maine Red Claws in 2009-10, is the only player to have his jersey retired and a day named in his honor in the history of the Idaho Stampede franchise. He also became the first player in NBA D-League history to have moved from player to assistant coach, and to a head coach.

He retired as a player after helping lead the Stampede to the 2008 NBA D-League Championship following a five-year career with the team. He currently holds the Stampede records for all-time assists (1,517), points scored (2,428) and games played (163) over the course of his career that spanned the Stampede's time with the now-defunct Continental Basketball Association as well as the NBA D-League. He also spent time with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, then in the CBA, and Gary Steelheads. Livingston was a member of the 2003-04 CBA All-League second team and the 2006-07 All-NBA D-League first team. He was also named the NBA D-League's Most Valuable Player for the 2006-07 season. In addition to his successful minor league basketball career, Livingston was called up to the NBA 19 times during his tenure.

Selected in the second round as the 42nd overall pick by the Houston Rockets, Livingston played 12 seasons in the NBA, playing with the Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz, and the Seattle SuperSonics. Livingston also spent some time in the Turkish basketball league playing for Galatasaray.

Livingston was co-national player of the year in 1992 and again as a senior in 1993, and was named the 1993 Gatorade National Player of the Year and the Naismith National Player of the Year. He attended Louisiana State University, although injuries limited the point guard to just 29 games before declaring for the 1996 NBA Draft.

Livingston boasts of prior USA Basketball experience as a player and was a member of the U.S. East team that finished 3-1 and claimed a silver medal at the 1984 U.S. Olympic Festival.

USA Men In The Pan American Games

The Pan American Games are organized by the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) and are a multi-sport competition open to men and women representing countries from North, South and Central America and the Caribbean.

Comprised of college players, the USA men in the 2007 Pan Ams dropped their first two games and then reeled off three consecutive wins to finish 3-2 and in fifth place. The American men have earned a medal in 12 of their 15 Pan Am Games appearances, including a record eight golds, as well as three silvers and one bronze. The U.S. men currently own an 84-13 (.866 winning percentage) all-time mark at the Pan Am Games.

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Continued:

Held since 1951, the USA dominated the first five Pan Am Games, earning five consecutive golds. At the 1971 Pan Ams, despite a record of 2-1 in the preliminary round, the USA did not advance to the medal round and for the first time in Pan American history did not win the gold medal. However, the United States rebounded for a 26-0 record over the next three Pan Am Games and captured its last Pan Am gold in 1983. The gold medal has eluded U.S. teams the past six Pan American Games as the Americans have earned three silvers and a bronze medal.

Many USA Basketball athletes who have been selected to a Pan American Games team have gone on to compete in the Olympic Games, while many others enjoyed stellar professional careers. In all, 34 USA Pan Am basketball players have also been a member of a U.S. Olympic squad, including Ernie Grunfeld, Grant Hill, Luscious Jackson, Michael Jordan, Christian Laettner, Danny Manning, Chris Mullin, Emeka Okafor, Sam Perkins, Oscar Robertson, David Robinson, Isiah Thomas, Jerry West and Jo Jo White.

While the list of former Pan American Games players is impressive, the list of head coaches is even more striking. The list of head coaches of USA Pan American Games teams includes Jay Wright (2007), Tom Izzo (2003), Mo McHone (1999); Mike Thibault (1995); Gene Keady (1991); Denny Crum (1987); Jack Hartman (1983); Bob Knight (1979); Marv Harshman (1975); Jim Gudger (1971) Hal Fischer (1967); Garland Pinholster (1963); Fred Schaus (1959); Lt. Norman Pilgrim (1955); and Hal Fischer and John Longfellow (1951).

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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Crittenton free on bond in shooting case - Sep 28, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Former NBA player Javaris Crittenton (6'5''-G-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgia Tech) was allowed to go free on bond on Tuesday after he was charged with murder in a drive-by shooting.

Fulton County (Ga.) Magistrate Judge Karen Woodson released Crittenton on $230,000 bond after presiding over testimony from the former player's friends and coaches. Additionally, she ordered ex-Georgia Tech coach Paul Hewitt - who testified on his behalf - to co-sign the bond.

Crittenton is charged in the shooting of Julian Jones, 22, although police believe the target was one of two men walking with her on Aug. 19 whom the NBA player was targeting for revenge for a robbery.

A witness picked Crittenton's picture out of a photo array, identifying him as the gunman, according to media reports.

Detective James Thorpe testified that Crittenton was charged with the shooting of Jones after a man with her told police he had a 'good, clear look' at the person who fired the gun.

Thorpe said a neighbor also pegged Crittenton as the shooter. The attorney for Crittenton has said his client is not guilty, basing that claim on incorrect testimony from eyewitnesses.

Crittenton played briefly in the NBA after a college career at Georgia Tech and was suspended for a chunk of the 2009-10 season after he and then-teammate Gilbert Arenas drew guns on each other in the Washington Wizards' locker room.

Courtesy of www.ksat.com

Vitaly Potapenko named assistant coach of Dakota Wizards - Sep 28, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Dakota Wizards have hired Vitaly Potapenko (6'10''-F/C-75, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wright St.) (vee-TAH-lee) (poe-TAH-pen-koe) as the teams assistant coach, the team announced today. Potapenko will serve under newly hired Head Coach Nate Bjorkgren for the 2011-12 season.

Potapenko brings two years of coaching experience to the Wizards, having most recently served as an assistant coach for the Indiana Pacers this past season. In Indiana, under Head Coach Jim OBrien and Interim Head Coach Frank Vogel, Potapenko helped lead the Pacers to a 37-45 record and a trip to the 2011 NBA Playoffs.

Prior to joining the Pacers, Potapenko served as an assistant coach for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA Development League under Head Coach Joey Meyer during the 2009-10 season.

Potapenko was selected 12th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1996 NBA Draft. Nicknamed The Ukraine Train, he averaged 6.5 points and 4.5 rebounds over 11 seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Seattle SuperSonics and the Sacramento Kings. His most productive season came in 1998-99 after being traded by the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Boston Celtics on March 11, 1999. He averaged 10.8 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 33 games (32 starts) for the Celtics.

Prior to joining the NBA, Potapenko played for Budivelnyk (Ukraine) from 1992-1994 and finished his career playing for MMT Estudiantes in the Spanish ACB during the 2007-2008 season.

Potapenko, 36, was born in Kiev, USSR.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Cavs' D-League team to train at Edgewood - Sep 29, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Cleveland Cavaliers new Canton NBA Development League team today announced that Edgewood Community Center will be the teams official practice and training facility. This is another major step for the franchise as it puts all the pieces in place to begin its 2011-12 inaugural season in November at the Canton Memorial Civic Center.

Our excitement and anticipation for a great future in the Canton community just continues to grow, Wes Wilcox, the teams general manager, said in a press release. In the Edgewood Community Center we have found the right space and amenities necessary to create a great practice and training environment for the team, and we look forward to a great partnership with Edgewood.

Edgewood Community Center opened to the public in March 2007 to enrich the Canton communitys physical, emotional and spiritual health through fitness, sports, arts, recreation and wellness. The center has available space to meet the teams requirements and the gymnasium can be configured into a regulation NBA court.

On behalf of our board, staff and members, we are extremely excited to welcome Cantons new NBA Development League team and make them a part of our Edgewood family, said Denise Allen, executive director of ECC.

The Canton NBA Development League team home opener is on Nov. 25 against the defending NBA Development League Champion Iowa Energy.

Courtesy of www.cantonrep.com

Sioux Falls Skyforce land Gregory Stiemsma - Oct 1, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Sioux Falls Skyforce strengthened their frontcourt. They inked a deal with Gregory Stiemsma (6'11''-C-85, agency: N.E.T., college: Wisconsin). The centre spent the previous pre-season with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Cleveland Cavs. Gregory Stiemsma then moved to Europe to join Turk Telekom. The centre tallied 6.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game in TBL. In EuroChallenge Gregory Stiemsma posted 6.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per appearance. Gregory Stiemsma is not new to the Skyforce. He played for Sioux Falls at 2009/10 season. His stats then read 9.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.7 blocks and 1.2 assists per game. The centre also had stints with Oyak Renault in Turkey and Seoul Knights in South Korea.

D-League Veteran MaJic Dorsey Sets Mexican LNBP Assist Record in Consecutive Games! - Oct 4, 2011 (by Surujh Roopnarine)

MaJic Dorsey (6'1''-PG-81, college: S.Indiana) (185-PG-81, college: S.Indiana) is a fan-favorite in Mexico, having averaged close to 30 points a game for Mayas de Yucatan Merida during the 2007-08 season, but the performances he gave during his last two games have been worth the price of admission, and then some. Playing for Aguilas Rojas de San Juan del Rio de San Juan del Rio the last few weeks after beginning the season with Halcones UV Xalapa, Dorsey helped welcome winless Volcanes de Toluca to town with a show unlike any other seen in the history of the LNPB. First on Thursday night he set a league record with 21 assists (to go along with 20 points) in a 111-86 victory. Then on Saturday he came back and dropped 23 more assists in a 108-99 victory. Record-setting performances by the same player in two consecutive games against the same opponent; it is safe to say that Volcanes will not be looking forward to their next game against Aguilas Rojas de San Juan del Rio. In Saturday nights performance, MaJic Dorsey played all 40 minutes, also scoring 19 points on 5-15 shooting while picking up four steals. The NBA-D-League veteran Dorsey is helping turn the tide for Aguilas which had only one victory on the season until these past two. The 6-1 guard has never had a problem scoring during his career, but these incredible assist numbers are a true testament to the teammate and leader he is on the basketball court.

Dorsey, 30, is well-traveled thru the NBA D-League, playing in 147 games over five seasons with Fort Worth, Anaheim, Austin, Albuquerque and Reno. His best season came in 06-07 with the Arsenal, where he started 35 of 50 games played and averaged 11.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists (10th in the league) while shooting 43.3% from the field and 86.4% (10th in the league) from the free-throw line.

Former Mavericks assistant Del Harris to coach Texas Legends - Oct 4, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Texas Legends will look to a legendary coach to lead them this season.

Savvy, 74-year-old Del Harris officially will be announced to take over the Frisco-based Legends at a news conference Tuesday, becoming the second coach in as many seasons for the National Basketball Development League team, several sources said Monday.

Harris replaces Nancy Lieberman, who left the team after one year for family obligations. She was the first female coach of a mens team under the NBA umbrella.

Harris has been in coaching for parts of six decades at virtually every level of competition. He has been coaching for more than 35 years in the NBA and spent parts of 14 NBA seasons as a head coach with a career mark of 556-457. He was the leagues coach of the year in 1995 while with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Legends have been looking for the right fit as coach for the last three months, flirting with former University of Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl, who cited family reasons for turning down an offer that reportedly was worth $500,000 for this season.

Harris has been in the Legends front office since the teams inception. They made the playoffs last season under Lieberman but lost in the first round.

After spending 10 years with the Mavericks, mostly as the top assistant to Don Nelson and then Avery Johnson, Harris remained part of the team as a consultant before joining the Legends, who are co-owned by Mavericks president and general manager Donnie Nelson.

Harris spent this summer as an assistant coach with the Dominican Republic national team that played very well and took the bronze medal in the FIBA Americas championship, an Olympic qualifying tournament in Argentina.

Harris, whose most recent NBA jobs were being top aide for Vinny Del Negro in Chicago in 2008-09 and for Kiki Vandeweghe in New Jersey the following season, has a long-established reputation as an excellent teacher of young players, which should serve him well with players who have the goal of making it to the NBA.

The D-League season will start as expected despite the ongoing NBA lockout. NBA training camps were supposed to start Monday.

The Legends are scheduled to begin their season Nov. 26 in Frisco against the Austin Toros.

Courtesy of www.dallasnews.com

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Marcus Landry gets deal in Spain - Oct 5, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Marcus Landry (6'7''-F-85, college: Wisconsin) will start this season in Spain. The American forward penned a short term deal with Assignia Manresa. He will replace injured Micah Downs, who will be out for at least eight weeks. Marcus Landry spent last season with Reno Bighorns. He appeared 53 times in NBA D-League averaging 17.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.2 steals. Landry was named Gatorade All-D-League Honorable Mention -11 and played at D-League All-Star Game. The Bighorns reached Playoff Semifinals. Marcus Landry started 2009/10 season with the New York Knicks. He had 2.4 ppg and 1.1 rpg for 16 games with them. That same season he also spent some time with Maine Red Claws and Boston Celtics. Landry graduated at the University of Wisconsin two years ago.

21 Players Invited to USA Basketball Training Camp for Pan American Games - Oct 5, 2011 (by Surujh Roopnarine)

USA Basketball has invited 21 players to the USA Men's Pan American Games team training camp Oct. 14-22 in Tulsa, OK. All 21 players have signed contracts to play in the NBA D-League for the 2011-12 season. This early signing with the D-league helped ensure that they would have a chance to fight for one of the 12 spots on the 2011 Pan-Am Team.
Head Coach Nate Tibbits will choose from among the following 21 players as he looks to build a squad that will compete at the tournament which runs from October 26 30 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Blake Ahearn (6'2''-G-84, college: Missouri St.) (Guard, Erie BayHawks)
Brian Butch (6'11''-F/C-84, college: Wisconsin) (Center, Injured for 2010-11 season)
Daniels Chris (6'11''-C-84) (C, KCC Egis, South Korea
Justin Dentmon (6'0''-G-85, college: Washington) (G, Texas Legends)
Jerome Dyson (6'3''-G-87, college: Connecticut) (G, Tulsa 66ers)
Ehambe Moses Randall (6'6''-G/F-86, college: ORU) (F, Iowa Energy)
Anthony Goods (6'3''-G-87, college: Stanford) (G, Dakota Wizards)
Ron Howard (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Valparaiso) (Forward, Fort Wayne Mad Ants)
Marcus Lewis (6'8''-F/C-86, college: ORU) (F, Tulsa 66ers)
Leo Lyons (6'9''-F-87, college: Missouri) (F, Austin Toros)
Renaldo Major (6'7''-F-82, college: Fresno St.) (F, Dakota Wizards)
Anthony Mason (6'7''-F-87, college: St.John's), Jr. (G, Sioux Falls Skyforce)
Matt Rogers (6'11''-C-87, college: SW Baptist) (F/C, Texas Legends)
Walker Russell (6'0''-G-82, college: Jacksonville St.) (G, Ft. Wayne Mad Ants)
Donald Sloan (6'3''-G-88, college: Texas A&M) (G, Reno Bighorns)
Gregory Stiemsma (6'11''-C-85, college: Wisconsin) (C, Sokhumi Tbilisi, Georgia)
Curtis Sumpter (6'7''-F-84, college: Villanova) (F, Maroussi BC, Greece)
Lance Thomas (6'8''-F-88, college: Duke) (F, Austin Toros)
Curtis Withers (6'8''-F-84, college: Charlotte) (F, Angeles de Puebla, Mexico)
Chris Wright (6'8''-F-88) (F, University of Dayton '11)
Luke Zeller (6'11''-F/C-87, college: Notre Dame) (C, Bakersfield Jam)

The USA men were drawn into Group B for the Pan American Games and are joined by national teams from Brazil, Dominican Republic and Uruguay. Competing in Group A are Argentina, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. The U.S. men open preliminary round play Oct. 26 facing Dominican Republic (5:30 p.m. CDT), then face defending Pan American Games champion Brazil on Oct. 27 (8 p.m. CDT), and conclude preliminary play versus Uruguay (5:30 p.m. CDT) on Oct. 28. Semifinals action will be played Oct. 29, and the finals will be contested on Oct. 30.

Leo Lyons, Lance Thomas return for Austin Toros 2011-12 season - Oct 5, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Austin Toros today announced that forwards Leo Lyons (6'9''-F-87, college: Missouri) and Lance Thomas (6'8''-F-88, college: Duke) will be returning to the Toros for the 2011-12 season.

Lyons, 6'9 forward out of Missouri, started in 27 of the 34 games he appeared in for the Toros last season. He scored 48% of his shots while averaging 14.9 points per game and six rebounds. Lyons is known for his versatility on offense, making outside shots with ease and finishing at the basket with either hand.

Thomas, 6'8 forward out of Duke, started in all 46 games he appeared in last season averaging 12.8 points per game and 5.5 rebounds. Thomas was the starting forward on the Duke 2010 National Championship Team and is tenth on Duke's career offensive rebound leader board with 255 rebounds.

Both Thomas and Lyons have accepted invitations to attend the USA basketball team's Pan American Games training camp. With only twelve roster spots available, Thomas and Lyons look to make the most of training camp which is scheduled for Oct. 14-22. The Pan American games are being held in Guadalajara, Mexico from Oct. 26-30.

The Toros home opener is Friday, December 2nd at 8:00 p.m. against the Tulsa 66ers.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Avery Bradley signs in Israel - Oct 6, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Avery Bradley (6'2''-G-90, college: Texas) will continue his career in Israel. The American point guard penned a deal with Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem. Bradley will have an option to leave at the end of the NBA lockout. Avery Bradley played for the Boston Celtics last season. He appeared 27 times for them in NBA averaging 1.9 points. He also spent some time in D-League with the Maine Red Claws. There, Bradley had 17.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 5.2 apg and 3 spg. Avery Bradley graduated at the University of Texas a year ago. He had 11.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 2.1 apg for his school in 2009/10. Boston selected him as 19th overall pick at the 2010 NBA Draft.

Texas Legends sign Justin Dentmon for 2011-12 season - Oct 6, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Point guard Justin Dentmon (6'0''-G-85, college: Washington), who was named to the All NBA D-League team in his first season in the league, has signed with the Texas Legends for the upcoming year. Dentmon, a 6'2' guard out of the University of Washington, was one of the leading scorers in the league at 19.1 points per game, while averaging 4.0 assists per game.

'Justin is a tremendous guard in the NBA D-League,' commented Legends President of Basketball Operations Spud Webb. 'We look forward to seeing his continued development, and expect him to be a candidate for an NBA call-up.'

Dentmon started 35 games for the Legends in the 2010-11 season, and was among the league leaders in three point field goal percentage at 42.9%. Dentmon has been a consistent presence in Frisco throughout the off-season, appearing in many Legends community events.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Texas Legends sign Matt Rogers for 2011-12 season - Oct 7, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Power Forward Matt Rogers (6'11''-C-87, college: SW Baptist), who was the Legends first-ever draft pick, has signed with the Texas Legends for the upcoming year. Rogers, a 6'11' forward out of Southwest Baptist University, started 14 games for the Legends in 2010-11 season as he averaged 7.4 points per game and 4.3 rebounds per game.

'Matt is a very skilled post player with tremendous potential,' commented Legends Assistant General Manager Nancy Lieberman. 'His ability to shoot the basketball provides match-up problems, and I look forward to seeing his continued development. I fully expect to see Matt in the NBA someday soon.'

Rogers, as well as Legends guard Justin Dentmon, was recently selected to participate in USA Basketball's training camp for the upcoming Pan American games.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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With plenty of talent, D-League making plans - Oct 9, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The link between the NBA and the NBA Development League, better known as the D-League, is stronger than ever. This past offseason, five NBA teams bought into D-League franchises, bringing the total of one-to-one affiliations to nine.

'That is perhaps the strongest symbol of the importance of our league to the NBA,' said Dan Reed, the president of the D-League.

This winter the D-League may become even more important. With the 2011-12 NBA season in jeopardy, and with several NBA stars possibly heading to Europe, the D-League may be the source of the best basketball talent in the U.S.

'Everything is business as usual for us,' said Reed. 'We plan to operate the league regardless of the outcome at the NBA level.'

The league will hold its draft lottery Tuesday, at which time league officials will announce the date of the draft, expected to be in early November. The Maine Red Claws open the season Nov. 25 at Springfield. Their first home game will be Dec. 3, also against Springfield.

'Things are looking good,' said Reed. 'We had over a million fans attend our games last year, we had a record number of (NBA) call-ups. We've signed 145 players so far, including several all-stars from last year. Teams are out selling (tickets); revenues are up this year.'

The Red Claws, who have sold out every home game in their first two years at the Portland Expo, rank No. 1 among merchandise sales in the D-League. Season ticket sales mirror last year's pace.

And the team is starting to prepare for life on the court. Like many teams in the D-League, the Red Claws have held tryout camps -- one in Boston and the other in Philadelphia, two of the team's NBA affiliate cities (the other being Charlotte) -- to identify talent.

'We were able to identify a couple of players,' said Jon Jennings, president and general manager of the Red Claws.

Among them was Josh Jones, the former forward at Husson University in Bangor. Jones averaged 19.2 points and 11.4 rebounds for the Eagles last year. He has signed into the league and will be eligible for the draft.

Players like Jones are important for several reasons. One is the league is restricted by the NBA lockout. D-League teams cannot have on their rosters anyone who played in the NBA last season, or anyone who was drafted by the NBA last June.

In addition, many former D-League players have already signed to play overseas, in Europe or Asia. Of last year's team, only guard Kenny Hayes had indicated he will return.

Among the others, Jamar Smith is playing in the Czech Republic, DeShawn Sims in South Korea, Vernon Goodrich in the Ukraine, Craig Winder in China, Antonio Anderson in Germany, Stephane Lasme in Spain and Bamba Fall in Estonia.

But neither Jennings nor Reed think the loss of veteran players overseas, combined with the lack of NBA-level talent, means the D-League will be any less talented this year.

'There are a lot of players out there who haven't signed in Europe or Asia,' said Jennings. 'There are a lot of players who have tried out in tryout camps. We've spent a lot of time talking to player agents the last couple of months. ... God, there are a lot of talented players out there.'

Reed said the league is signing players 'with a higher caliber of talent' this year.

Admittedly, the loss of NBA talent 'will hurt us slightly,' he added. 'But overall, the fans can expect a comparable level of talent (to the past). The fastest way to further your career is still through the D-League.'

Plus, many players who signed overseas are likely to return. Seasons in Europe have begun, with regular seasons ending typically in March or April. But players usually start returning beforehand. And if NBA stars end up in Europe for the season, those D-League stars may be back sooner than expected.

'We feel confident we can put together a team that is competent and entertaining,' said Jennings. 'We have great faith in our staff to coach our team up and be very competitive in this league.'

Courtesy of www.pressherald.com

Canton's new NBDL team formerly known as the Huntsville Flight and the Albuquerque/New Mexico Thunderbirds finally has a name that was announced last week. Surely this has something to do with the Cavaliers association. Yet, it's something that could apply to a soccer team, be it indoors or out. Read and see this story from the team's official website (http://www.nba.com/dleague/canton/news/charge_111013.html) that explains the name and court. Also, this story shows the behind the scenes work ( http://www.nba.com/dleague/canton/news/charge_name_111013.html) on the name.

[Durbansandshark]

Cleveland Cavaliers hire college assistant Alex Jensen to coach D-League team in Canton - Oct 12, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Cavaliers named Alex Jensen, a Saint Louis University assistant, as head coach of their Canton development-league team on Tuesday.

Jensen has spent the past four seasons as a Billikens assistant under Rick Majerus, for whom he played at the University of Utah in the 1990s. The Billikens are one of the Atlantic 10's top defensive teams and Jensen's focus on that facet of play made him attractive to the Cavs.

'Alex is a great fit for our team and organization and what we want to develop and accomplish in Canton,' Canton General Manager Wes Wilcox said in a statement. 'He has a very successful and diverse background that is rooted in strong defensive principles and learned from one of the best coaches and basketball teachers in college basketball in Rick Majerus.'

The Canton club, expected to reveal its nickname and logo in the coming week, begins play on Nov. 25 at the Canton Memorial Civic Center.

In his playing days, Jensen helped the Utes reach the NCAA championship game in 1998. The 35-year-old former forward is considered one of Utah's best all-around players in team history. He's thankful for his time under Majerus.

'[He] has taught me so much, first as a player and later as a coach on his staff,' Jensen said in a statement.

After graduating with a degree in finance, Jensen played professionally in Europe and the Continental Basketball Association. In the spring, Jensen turned down an assistant's position at Utah.

Courtesy of www.cleveland.com

USA Pan American Games training camp to open Friday - Oct 14, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Twenty-one players under contract to play in the NBA Development League in 2011-12, including seven with previous USA Basketball experience, will convene Friday in Tulsa, Okla., for the start of the USA Basketball Men's Pan American Games Team training camp. The training camp will run Oct. 14-22 and be utilized to select the USA's 12-man roster that will compete in the 2011 Pan American Games basketball competition that is being held Oct. 26-30 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Slated to attend the USA Pan American Games Team training camp are: Blake Ahearn (6'2''-G-84, college: Missouri St.) (Erie BayHawks/Missouri State '07); Brian Butch (Injured for 2010-11 season/Wisconsin '08); Chris Daniels (KCC Egis, South Korea/Texas A&M-Corpus Christi '08); Justin Dentmon (Texas Legends/Washington '09); Jerome Dyson (Tulsa 66ers/Connecticut '10); Moses Ehambe (Iowa Energy/Oral Roberts '08); Anthony Goods (Dakota Wizards/Stanford '09); Ron Howard (Fort Wayne Mad Ants/Valparaiso '06); Marcus Lewis (Tulsa 66ers/Oral Roberts '09); Leo Lyons (Austin Toros/Missouri '09); Renaldo Major (Dakota Wizards/Fresno State '04); Anthony Mason, Jr. (Sioux Falls Skyforce/St. John's '10); Matt Rogers (Texas Legends/Southwest Baptist '10); Walker Russell (Fort Wayne Mad Ants/Jacksonville State '06); Donald Sloan (Reno Bighorns/Texas A&M '10); Gregory Stiemsma (Sokhumi Tbilisi, Georgia/Wisconsin '09); Curtis Sumpter (Maroussi BC, Greece/Villanova '07); Lance Thomas (Austin Toros/Duke '10); Curtis Withers (Angeles de Puebla, Mexico/Charlotte '06); Chris Wright (Dayton '11); and Luke Zeller (Bakersfield Jam/Notre Dame '09).

'I think the overall depth of the 21 guys and the versatility they have to play multiple positions will be a great asset for the team,' said Tulsa 66ers head coach Nate Tibbetts, who on July 27 was named by USA Basketball head mentor of the USA Men's Pan American Games Team. 'Also, the wealth of experience these players have had both in the NBA D-League and overseas will be very beneficial. We are looking forward to getting training camp started in Tulsa to see these 21 players compete for roster spots.'

Assisting Tibbetts on the USA bench are Tulsa 66ers coaching staff members Jermaine Byrd and Dale Osbourne. Additionally, Austin Toros head coach Brad Jones and Idaho Stampede head coach Randy Livingston are assisting as court coaches during the USA's training camp.

Training camp for the 2011 USA Basketball Men's Pan American Games Team will held Oct. 14-22 (see schedule below) at the Tulsa Convention Center (Okla.). The 12-member USA Men's Pan American Games Team will be announced before the team departs Oct. 23 for the Pan American Games competition in Mexico.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Canton Charge add Keith McLeod and Jamine Peterson - Oct 21, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The newly created Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Development League team Canton Charge announced their first signees. The Charge have agreed on terms of contract with Keith McLeod (6'3''-G-79, college: Bowling Green) and Jamine Peterson (6'6''-F-88, college: Providence).

Keith McLeod spent the last season in Greece. The guard played for Panionios. His stats read 7.7 points, 1.4 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Previously the guard had spells in USBL, NBA, CBA, Italy and D-League.

Jamine Peterson started the previous season in Greece. He played for Kolossos Rodou. The forward registered 4.8 point sand 3.3 rebounds per game. Later Jamine Peterson joined the New Mexico Thunderbirds in D-League. His stats came up to 13.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per appearance. Jamine Peterson finished the season in Dominican Republic playing for Metros de Santiago.

JamesOn Curry returning to play for Springfield Armor - Oct 22, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Springfield Armor announced Friday that Jameson Curry (6'4''-G-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Oklahoma St.), Lance Hurdle (6'2''-G-87, college: Miami, FL) and Eugene Spates (6'8''-F-87, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Northeastern) have signed NBA Development League contracts and will report to training camp with the Armor on Nov. 14.

I am pleased with the progress we are making in getting our players back to the Armor this season, said Armor head coach Bob MacKinnon. With JamesOn, Lance and Eugene signed, we have a great base of guys to start working with for the upcoming season. In the next several weeks, we anticipate more familiar faces signing with us as we continue to assemble a team worthy of competing for a D-League Championship!

Curry, who was the Armors first-ever draft choice in 2009, played in 44 games (42 starts) during the 2010-11 season, averaging 15.5 points, 3.5 assists and 1.7 steals per game. Curry scored a season-high 38 points in a loss to Maine on Dec. 7, 2010. During the Armors inaugural season in 2009-10, Curry earned the first Gatorade NBA Call-Up in franchise history when he was signed to a 10-day contract by the Los Angeles Clippers on Jan. 22, 2010. Curry is the Armors all-time leader in points, assists and steals.

Hurdle, who was acquired from the Idaho Stampede in exchange for Tony Bobbitt on Feb. 28, 2011, played in 14 games (5 starts) with the Armor during the 2010-11 season, averaging 13.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Hurdles best game with the Armor came on March 17, 2011 against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants when he scored 28 points in 33 minutes.

Spates, who was acquired from the Maine Red Claws in exchange for Vernon Goodridge on Feb. 14, 2011, played in 17 games with the Armor during the 2010-11 season, averaging 9.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. Spates best game with the Armor came in the teams regular-season finale when he scored 19 points against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

The Armor will hold open player tryouts at Springfield College on Saturday and Sunday as they continue to build their training camp roster in advance of their home opener on Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. against the Red Claws.

Courtesy of www.masslive.com

Kenny Hayes to return to Red Claws - Oct 22, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Maine Red Claws, presented by Quirk Chevrolet, today announced that guard Kenny Hayes (6'2''-G-87, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Miami, OH) has signed an NBA Development League contract and will return to the Red Claws this season.

'I'm very excited to be back in Maine this year and ready to compete for the NBA D-League championship,' said Hayes, who will be entering his second professional season.

Hayes appeared in 43 games as a rookie during the 2010-11 season, averaging 7.2 points per game. He scored a season/career high 19 points on March 10, 2010. The University of Miami (OH) alumnus kept active during the off-season, including working out at Attack Athletics in Chicago.

'We are excited to have Kenny Hayes back with the Red Claws this season,' said Red Claws President and General Manager Jon Jennings. 'Kenny is the kind of player that I love - he works hard in practice and on the court and is a tremendous leader in the community.'

One of the Red Claws leaders in the community last season, Hayes returned to Maine this summer to assist the team with the weeklong Junior Red Claws Basketball Camp and the Dunkin' Donuts Summer Clinic Series which took the Dayton, OH native to locations across Maine including a late summer trip to Presque Isle. His summer also included his first sail on Casco Bay.

'We have the best fans in the league, and I'm very excited to be back in a Red Claws Uniform and play in front of them,' Hayes said. 'I got a chance to meet a lot of the fan this summer, and they are the main reason I'm coming back.'

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

[Durbansandshark]

Jenkins re-signs with Stampede - Oct 25, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Willie Jenkins (6'6''-F-81, college: Tennessee Tech) has re-signed with the NBA Development League and will report to training camp with the Idaho Stampede for training camp, which begins November 14, the organization announced today.

Jenkins, who was selected in the 7th round of the 2010 NBA Development League draft with the 112th overall selection, averaged 7.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in 50 games - he was the lone Stampeder to play 50 games all for Idaho in 2010.

'We are excited to have Willie back for 2011-12,' Stampede Head Coach Randy Livingston said. 'He's a hard-nosed, tough ballplayer and we think he can help us win games.'

Jenkins is originally from Flint, Michigan, hometown of such college and former NBA stars as Glen Rice, Morris Peterson, and Mateen Cleaves. Jenkins scored a season-high in 2010-11 with 20 points at Utah on Feb. 21.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

[Durbansandshark]

4 Blake Ahearn 6'2''-G-84 Erie Bay H.
5 Justin Dentmon 6'0''-G-85 Texas L.
6 Jerome Dyson 6'3''-G-87 Tulsa 66ers
7 Ehambe Moses Randall 6'6''-G/F-86 Iowa E.
8 Donald Sloan 6'3''-G-88 Ginebra Kings
9 Renaldo Major 6'7''-F-82 Dakota W.
10 Curtis Sumpter 6'7''-F-84 Marousi
11 Leo Criswell-Lyons 6'9''-F-87 Austin T.
12 Lance Thomas 6'8''-F-88 Austin T.
13 Marcus Lewis 6'8''-F/C-86 Tulsa 66ers
14 Brian Butch 6'11''-F/C-84 Denver N.
15 Gregory Stiemsma 6'11''-C-85 Sioux Falls S.

Nate Tibbetts Head Coach Tulsa 66ers
Jermaine Byrd Assistant Tulsa 66ers
Dale Osbourne Assistant Tulsa 66ers

L.D. Williams, slam dunk champion, returning to Springfield Armor - Oct 27, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Springfield Armor have announced that guard L.D. Williams (6'4''-G-88, college: Wake Forest) has signed an NBA Development League contract and will report to training camp with the team.

Williams appeared in 23 games as a rookie, including 19 starts with the Armor during the 2010-11 season, averaging 10.8 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. Williams scored in double figures 13 times, including a season-high 21 points on Jan. 2, 2011. The Wake Forest University alumnus was the 2011 NBA D-League Showcase Slam Dunk Contest champion.

Im really excited to have L.D. back, said Armor head coach Bob MacKinnon. I think hes an exciting player that our fans are going to enjoy having back in Springfield this season.

Williams, a native of Yadkinville, N.C., was the Armors second-round pick (28th overall) in the 2010 NBA D-League Draft. After 23 games with the Armor, Williams inked a deal to join the Alaska Aces of the Philippine Basketball Association, where he played for the remainder of the season.

The Armor open the 2011-12 season on Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. at the MassMutual Center against the Maine Red Claws.

Courtesy of www.masslive.com

Iowa Energy re-sign forward Stanley Robinson - Nov 1, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Iowa Energy issued the following press release on Monday afternoon.

The Iowa Energy have announced that forward Stanley Robinson (6'9''-F-88, college: Connecticut) has signed with the team for the 2011-12 season.

Robinson, a 68 forward, averaged 9.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per contest in 22 regular season games with the Energy last season. He added 7.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocked shots per game during the team's playoff run.

Stanley was a big part of our championship season and we are glad to have him back,' said Energy General Manager Chris Makris. He is a very talented player who we feel can be a part of winning another title for the Energy.

Robinson, a Birmingham, Alabama native, was a 2010 Draft Pick of the Orlando Magic (2nd round, 59th pick overall) and saw time in five preseason games prior to being released. He spent time with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (3 games, 9.7 points and 2.7 points per contest) before being traded to Iowa in exchange for forward Connor Atchley.

The Energy will hold their Annual D-League Draft Party this Thursday, November 3rd at 6pm at Court Avenue Brewing Co. (309 Court Avenue). The Energy staff will be selecting players live at the party via teleconference with the NBA.

The Energy will kick off their home season on Saturday, December 3rd when the Erie BayHawks come to town. The night will feature a Championship Celebration, along with Team ACRODUNK at halftime.

Season tickets for the Energys 24 game home schedule are now on sale. For more information, visit www.IowaNBA.com. Season tickets start at just $199 per seat, and include a number of special benefits.

Courtesy of www.desmoinesregister.com

Antoine Walker returns to NBA D-League with Idaho Stampede - Oct 28, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Antoine Walker (6'9''-F-75, college: Kentucky) has decided to return to the NBA Development League's Idaho Stampede once again this season instead of retiring into the sunset where he could shoot four-pointers at will. The Stampede announced the decision in a press release on Thursday afternoon.

Walker, the former NBA All-Star now caught up in debt, played with the Stampede last season as well in hopes of an NBA call-up.

Walker averaged 16.0 points and 6.3 rebounds while making just 85 of his 243 three-point attempts last season without getting any NBA looks. This season, at least according to his statements in the press release, the veteran forward has something else on his mind.

'I can't wait to get back to Boise,' Walker said. 'It's a great place to live and I'm hoping I can help this team make the playoffs and win a championship -- we've got some unfinished business to tend to.'

Now 35, Walker will presumably be the oldest player in the D-League for a second consecutive season.

Bobbitt re-signs with Stampede - Nov 1, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Tony Bobbitt (6'4''-G-79, agency: VVG Sports, college: Cincinnati) has re-signed with the NBA Development League and will report to training camp with the Idaho Stampede for training camp, which begins November 14, the organization announced today.

Bobbitt was acquired by the Stampede on Feb. 28, 2011 in a trade with the Springfield Armor. On the season (23 games, 22 starts) Bobbitt averaged 14.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. The Daytona Beach, Fla. native played 14 games with the Stampede (14 starts), averaging 14.6 points per game on 45.6 percent shooting, while making 44.6 percent of his three-point attempts. Bobbitt scored a season-high 33 points on March 27 against Austin. Bobbitt twice made eight three-pointers in a game, once as a Stampeder on March 23 against Rio Grande Valley.

Bobbitt has played two games in the NBA as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers - he scored five points, grabbed three rebounds and played 12 minutes in the 2004-05 season.

Bobbitt spent two seasons at the College of Southern Idaho from 2000-02, where he averaged 14.1 points (.441 FG%, .404 3FG%, .802 FT%) before transferring to the University of Cincinnati. While at Cincinnati, Bobbitt, born Oct. 22, 1979, averaged 10.9 points in two seasons. As a senior, Bobbitt was named the Conference USA Sixth Man of the Year (2003-04) and earned Third Team All-Conference USA honors.

[Durbansandshark]

Chris Ayer joins Reno Bighorns - Nov 3, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Chris Ayer (6'10''-C-83, agency: Dream Hoops, college: Loyola Marymount) will play for the Reno Bighorns in the next season. The Dakota Wizards gave the rights for the player to the Bighorns in exchange for a 2012 Draft 3rd Round pick. Chris Ayer started the previous season in Hokkaido. The centre tallied 7.4 points, 5.5 boards per game in JBL. Later he moved to the Dakota Wizards. Chris Ayer posted 12.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.4 blocks per game in D-League. In May the centre inked a deal with KL Dragons in Malaysia. He appeared in four Asian Club Championship games. His stats read 22.3 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per appearance. Chris Ayer was the member of English National Team in 2010.

Reno Bighorns acquire Ayer from Wizards - Nov 3, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Reno Bighorns, affiliate of the Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta Hawks, have announced the acquisition of center Chris Ayer (6'10''-C-83, agency: Dream Hoops, college: Loyola Marymount) from the Dakota Wizards in exchange for a third round pick in the 2012-2013 D-League Draft.

Ayer played 20 games for the Wizards last season, averaging 12 points and 5 rebounds per game. A Loyola Maramount graduate, Ayer will also suit up for the Great Britain Men's Basketball team at the 2012 Olympics in London. Bighorns head coach Paul Mokeski will be an assistant coach for that team.

'I am very excited to be back in the NBA D-League,' said Ayer. 'Paul Mokeski is a great coach. I am happy to play for him and I am excited to make a run for the D-League Championship.'

Fans can learn more about the Reno Bighorns roster at their 2011 NBA D-League Draft Party on Thursday, November 3 at Sully's Sports Bar & Grill inside the Tamarack Junction located at 13101 S. Virginia St., in Reno. The draft will begin at 4 p.m., with free throw and three point contests starting at 3:30 p.m.

The Draft Party will allow fans to meet new Bighorns' head coach Paul Mokeski, the Reno Bighorns Dance Team, hang out with Bruno and be part of the excitement of selecting the 2011-2012 Reno Bighorns. Enjoy food and drink specials with chances to win season tickets, Fan Experience Packages and Bighorns gear.

The free throw and three point contests will be split up into age groups of 13-years-of-age and younger and 14-years-of-age and older, with no limit on the age of the participants. The cost will be two dollars with all proceeds benefitting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northern Nevada. The top three contestants from each age group will get a chance to win Reno Bighorns season tickets if they can beat former University of Nevada, Reno basketball star and Harlem Globetrotter Eathan O'Bryant.

The Reno Bighorns were chosen to have the 13th pick in the D-League Draft, but their first overall selection will be 20th pick due to a trade with the Bakersfield Jam last season. The draft will utilize the 'serpentine' style selection process.

The Bighorns tip off their regular season on the road on Friday, Nov. 25, when the team visits the Bakersfield Jam, affiliate of the Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors. The team will return to Reno to host its first home game of the season against the Jam at the Reno Events Center on Friday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.

Ambres re-signs with Stampede - Nov 3, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Mildon Ambres (6'6''-F/G-84, college: S.Nazarene) has re-signed with the NBA Development League and will report to training camp with the Idaho Stampede, which begins November 14, the organization announced today.

Ambres has played two previous seasons with the Idaho Stampede, from 2008-10. In 2009-10, Ambres played all 50 games (30 starts) and led the team in minutes (1,447) and total rebounds (405). That season he averaged 14.5 points and 8.1 rebounds per game and was named the Most Improved Player in the NBA D-League, which was voted on by the league's 16 head coaches.

In 2008-09, Ambres played 45 games (4 starts) and averaged 6.5 points and 4.3 rebounds after he was selected 67th overall in the fifth round of the 2008 NBA D-League Draft.

Born Sept. 12, 1984, Ambres finished college at Southern Nazarene, of the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), after transferring from Southern Mississippi and LSU prior to that. Before suiting up for the Stampede, he spent one year as a professional in Romania (2007-08).

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

2011 NBA D-League Draft - Nov 4, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The 2011 NBA D-League Draft powered by Cisco WebEx was held on November 3rd.

Pick - Team - Selection - School
1 Los Angeles D-Fenders, Jamaal Tinsley (6'3''-G-78, college: Iowa St.), Iowa State
2 Texas Legends, Alando Tucker, Wisconsin
3 Maine Red Claws, Chris Wright, Dayton
4 Sioux Falls Skyforce, Gabe Pruitt, Southern California
5 Texas Legends, Jamal Sampson, California
6 Bakersfield Jam, Edwin Ubiles, Siena
7 Erie BayHawks, Cory Higgins, Colorado
8 Bakersfield Jam, Nayal 'Mac' Koshwal, DePaul
9 Erie BayHawks, Chris Daniels, Texas A&M-CC
10 Fort Wayne Mad Ants, Cameron Jones, Northern Arizona
11 Tulsa 66ers, Curtis Sumpter, Villanova
12 Dakota Wizards, Osiris Eldridge, Illinois State
13 Bakersfield Jam, Mustapha Farrakhan, Virginia
14 Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Tyren Johnson, Louisiana-Lafayette
15 Canton Charge, Tyrell Biggs, Pittsburgh
16 Tulsa 66ers, Gary Johnson, Texas

HERE you can check all rounds of the 2011 NBA D-League Draft.

NBA veteran joins Red Claws as assistant coach - Nov 4, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Maine Red Claws today announced that 15-year NBA veteran Donyell Marshall (6'9''-F-73, college: Connecticut) has been named the teams assistant coach under Head Coach Dave Leitao.

Marshall, the fourth pick in the 1994 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, played for eight teams during his tenure in the NBA: Minnesota, Golden State, Utah, Chicago, Toronto, Cleveland, Seattle and, most recently, Philadelphia.

I am excited to have Donyell Marshall on staff, said Leitao. He knows what it takes to be an NBA player, and he has a wealth of experience and knowledge to share with our players. I am excited at the way this season is shaping up.

Marshall, 38, joins the Red Claws following a stint as the assistant coach for George Washington University. He retired from a 15-year career in the NBA in the summer of 2009.

Courtesy of www.pressherald.com

Bighorns send Sloan to Erie for Ahearn - Nov 5, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Reno Bighorns acquired Blake Ahearn (6'2''-G-84, college: Missouri St.) in a Friday trade that sent Donald Sloan (6'3''-G-88, college: Texas A&M) to the Erie BayHawks.

The four-player deal sent Sloan and Joseph Kennerly III (the 108th pick in the 2011 NBA D-League draft) to Erie in exchange for Ahearn and Taj McCullough (the 28th pick).

'We are excited to have Ahearn with the Bighorns,' Bighorns coach Paul Mokeski said. 'He is a veteran point guard who has played at the highest level. He will be a very important part of our team.'

Ahearn and Sloan played together for the U.S. team during the Pan Am games, where they received a bronze medal.

During the 2010-2011 NBA D-League season, Ahearn averaged 16 points and five assists; Sloan averaged 10 points and four assists for the Bighorns. The Bighorns defeated the BayHawks in the first round of the playoffs.

The Bighorns tip off their season at Bakersfield on Nov. 25. The team's home opener is Dec. 2 at the Reno Events Center.

Courtesy of www.rgj.com

Mad Ants make deal - Nov 5, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Mad Ants traded Anthony Kent (6'11''-F/C-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Ball St.) to the Maine Red Claws for 4th round pick, Sadiel Rojas (6'4''-G/F, college: Okla.Wesleyan).

Rojas, a 6-foot-4, 190-pound guard from Oklahoma Wesleyan, was named the 2011 NAIA Player of the Year. As a senior he averaged 26 points and 12 rebounds a game.

Kent, a Ball State alum, has played in 136 games over the last three seasons for the Mad Ants. Last season he averaged 5 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.

'We are so grateful for the three years that Anthony Kent has been in a Mad Ants uniform,' said Mad Ants President Jeff Potter. 'He has been great to have around, and we wish him the best of luck with the Maine Red Claws.'

Mad Ants training camp begins Nov. 11 and they will open the 2011-12 season on Nov. 25 at the Memorial Coliseum against the Sioux Falls Skyforce.

Courtesy of www.journalgazette.net

[Durbansandshark]

Erskine's Jones to play for Red Claws - Nov 5, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

After learning he was selected in the NBA Developmental League draft Thursday night, Joshua Jones (6'5''-G/F-88) received even better news Friday afternoon.

The Erskine Academy and Husson University graduate was traded to the Maine Red Claws. It's a long way from the Texas-based Rio Grande Vipers, who drafted him in the sixth round before trading him for third-round pick Charles Okwando of the University of Connecticut.

'I found out (Thursday night),' Jones said of the trade. 'I didn't know who I was getting traded to. It's just mind-blowing. It's wonderful.'

Jones was one of 30 players out of a group of nearly 500 who signed a D-League contract after attending a two-day national tryout in August. He later worked out for three D-League teams, including the Red Claws, who saw him at a one-day camp in Boston.

'We were very impressed with his overall athleticism and ability to get to the basket,' Red Claws president and general manager Jon Jennings said. 'He has some areas he needs to work on. We wanted to bring him into camp and provide him an opportunity to make the team.'

The Red Claws, who are affiliated with the Boston Celtics, have invited 15 players to camp, including two returnees from last year. They must cut that number to 10 by Nov. 23, two days before the season opener.

The 6-foot-4 Jones played small forward at Husson for two years. Last season he averaged 19.2 points and 11.4 rebounds a game to help the Eagles to a 21-7 record and a berth in the Division III national tournament. He was named North Atlantic Conference Player of the Year as well as being named Player of the Year by the Maine Men's Basketball Coaches and Writers Association.

'He's averaged a double-double over two years,' Husson coach Warren Caruso said last spring. 'The greatest thing about Josh is he contributes in so many ways.'

Jones, 24, has been working out twice a day in the Bangor area, paying particular attention to his perimeter shooting and ball-handling skills.

'The perimeter shooting is one area he's got to work on,' Jennings said. 'In order to make the NBA, you've got to be able to put the ball in the basket at his size.'

Jones thinks his presence on the team could lure fans from the Bangor area and northern Maine, where he's worked camps, to Red Claws home games at the Portland Expo.

'I've still got to do it,' he said of making the roster. 'Getting traded for a third round pick is kind of big. I need to prove them correct.'

While Jennings conceded it's nice to have a home-grown player on the roster, that's not why the team traded for him.

'I don't think it had anything to do with being from Maine or from a school in Maine,' he said. 'That would be a disservice to Josh. Seeing him is what got him into the fold.'

Trimming the roster is an ongoing process, Jennings said, beginning after players report Friday. Should Jones get cut, he'll be placed in a player pool and be eligible to be picked up by any team in the league.

Before Husson, Jones played for the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, a Division II school. He also played for Olney Central College of Illinois in 2006 and Maine Central Institute in 2005. A Jefferson native, Jones graduated from Erskine in 2005 and helped the Eagles to a Class B state championship in 2004.

He's planning a draft party at 8:30 tonight at the Sea Dog Restaurant in Bangor and said 'anybody and everybody is invited.'

Courtesy of www.kjonline.com

Erskine's Jones to play for Red Claws - Nov 5, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

After learning he was selected in the NBA Developmental League draft Thursday night, Joshua Jones (6'5''-G/F-88) received even better news Friday afternoon.

The Erskine Academy and Husson University graduate was traded to the Maine Red Claws. It's a long way from the Texas-based Rio Grande Vipers, who drafted him in the sixth round before trading him for third-round pick Charles Okwando of the University of Connecticut.

'I found out (Thursday night),' Jones said of the trade. 'I didn't know who I was getting traded to. It's just mind-blowing. It's wonderful.'

Jones was one of 30 players out of a group of nearly 500 who signed a D-League contract after attending a two-day national tryout in August. He later worked out for three D-League teams, including the Red Claws, who saw him at a one-day camp in Boston.

'We were very impressed with his overall athleticism and ability to get to the basket,' Red Claws president and general manager Jon Jennings said. 'He has some areas he needs to work on. We wanted to bring him into camp and provide him an opportunity to make the team.'

The Red Claws, who are affiliated with the Boston Celtics, have invited 15 players to camp, including two returnees from last year. They must cut that number to 10 by Nov. 23, two days before the season opener.

The 6-foot-4 Jones played small forward at Husson for two years. Last season he averaged 19.2 points and 11.4 rebounds a game to help the Eagles to a 21-7 record and a berth in the Division III national tournament. He was named North Atlantic Conference Player of the Year as well as being named Player of the Year by the Maine Men's Basketball Coaches and Writers Association.

'He's averaged a double-double over two years,' Husson coach Warren Caruso said last spring. 'The greatest thing about Josh is he contributes in so many ways.'

Jones, 24, has been working out twice a day in the Bangor area, paying particular attention to his perimeter shooting and ball-handling skills.

'The perimeter shooting is one area he's got to work on,' Jennings said. 'In order to make the NBA, you've got to be able to put the ball in the basket at his size.'

Jones thinks his presence on the team could lure fans from the Bangor area and northern Maine, where he's worked camps, to Red Claws home games at the Portland Expo.

'I've still got to do it,' he said of making the roster. 'Getting traded for a third round pick is kind of big. I need to prove them correct.'

While Jennings conceded it's nice to have a home-grown player on the roster, that's not why the team traded for him.

'I don't think it had anything to do with being from Maine or from a school in Maine,' he said. 'That would be a disservice to Josh. Seeing him is what got him into the fold.'

Trimming the roster is an ongoing process, Jennings said, beginning after players report Friday. Should Jones get cut, he'll be placed in a player pool and be eligible to be picked up by any team in the league.

Before Husson, Jones played for the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, a Division II school. He also played for Olney Central College of Illinois in 2006 and Maine Central Institute in 2005. A Jefferson native, Jones graduated from Erskine in 2005 and helped the Eagles to a Class B state championship in 2004.

He's planning a draft party at 8:30 tonight at the Sea Dog Restaurant in Bangor and said 'anybody and everybody is invited.'

Courtesy of www.kjonline.com

Marcus Landry leaves his Spanish team - Nov 8, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Marcus Landry (6'7''-F-85, college: Wisconsin) is a free agent again. The former Reno BigHorns forward parted ways with his Spanish team Assignia Manresa. Actually, his short term deal expired and will not be extended. The forward joined Manresa at the start of the season to fill in the spot of injured Micah Downs. He appeared six times in Liga Endesa averaging 4 points and 2.5 rebounds. Marcus Landry spent last season with the Reno BigHorns. He had 17.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 2 apg for 53 games. After that, Landry signed a deal in Puerto Rico. He played for Maratonisatas de Coamo. For 10 games with them he had 11.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 2.2 apg.

Texas Legends announce 2011-2012 training camp roster - Nov 9, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Texas Legends announced the team's training camp roster for the 2011-2012 season today. The Legends will begin training camp Wednesday, November 9 at Frisco's Fieldhouse USA and finish their camp on Wednesday, November 23.


TEXAS LEGENDS 2011 NBDL TRAINING CAMP INVITEES:

Name Pos Ht Wt From Acquired

Ron Allen PF/C 6-10 235 Cincinnati Returning (10-11)
Ryan Anderson G/F 6-4 205 Nebraska Draft
Keith Clark F 6-8 245 Oklahoma Returning (10-11)
Vance Cooksey G 6-0 185 Pikeville Draft
Ramon Dyer F 6-7 180 Houston Tryouts
Lawrence Hill F 6-8 220 Stanford Draft
Dominique Johnson G 6-3 195 Azusa Pacific Returning (10-11)
Jake Kelly G 6-6 185 Indiana State Draft
Kyle Luckett PF/C 7-0 225 Chabot College Tryout
Collin Mangrum G 6-5 190 Southern Methodist Draft
Matt Rogers F/C 6-11 225 Southwest Baptist Returning (10-11)
Jamal Sampson C/F 6-11 235 California Draft
Josh Southern C 6-10 265 Boston College Draft
Alando Tucker G 6-6 205 Wisconsin Draft
Anthony Vereen F 6-7 245 Texas-Arlington Draft
Derek Williams G 6-1 170 Southern Methodist Draft
Booker Woodfox (6'1''-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Creighton) G 6-1 185 Creighton Returning (10-11)

The Legends open their season with at home on Saturday, November 26th at 3:00PM. The Team plays at HP Court @ Dr. Pepper Arena in Frisco.

[Durbansandshark]

Kayode Ayeni Earns Training Camp Invite with Erie Bayhawks - Nov 10, 2011 (by Surujh Roopnarine)

Kayode Ayeni (6'5''-F-88, college: St.Francis, NY) (6-5, 180lbs) has earned a training camp invite with the Erie Bayhawks after impressing team officials during their free-agent tryouts. The Brooklyn, New York native was a burgeoning star at St. Francis (NY) before rupturing his ACL midway thru his junior season in 2008-2009. Despite the horrific injury, Ayeni persevered and came back to play his senior season, averaging 9.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 38.8% from the field. The athletic shooting guard then spent the 2010-2011 season with the Jersey Express of the American Basketball Association, where he averaged over 20 points per contest on his way to being named an All-Star. Ayeni prepped at the prestigious Laurinburg Institute after beginning his high school career at Transit Tech in New York.

In an interview with Ayeni earlier this year he stated that 'Today I think because I tore my ACL I am a much better and smarter player'. His hard work and impressive performance at Erie's tryouts in New York City are a testament to the work that he put in to overcome that injury and now he has earned a shot to make an Erie club which is run by the New York Knicks and former All-Star shooting guard Allan Houston (6'6''-G-71, college: Tennessee). While Ayeni may not have the sweet-stroke that Houston possessed, his work ethic, athleticism and ability to play both ends of the floor will make him an attractive and exciting player for the fans of Erie this season.

Armor waive two players - Nov 16, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Springfield Armor announced today that they have waived forward Brandon Bush (6'7''-F-86, college: Texas St.) and guard Akeem Bennett (6'3''-G/F) in the team's first round of cuts. The current training camp roster now stands at 15.

Bush (6'7, 205, Texas State) was the Armor's fifth round draft choice in the 2011 NBA Development League Draft.

Bennett (6'3, 180, St. Francis) was the Armor's eighth round pick in this year's draft.

All NBA Development League teams must submit their 10-man opening night roster by 5:00 p.m. on November 23. The Armor will open the 2011-12 NBA D-League season on Friday, November 25 when they host the Maine Red Claws at 7:00 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in Springfield.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Bakersfield announces new coaching staff - Nov 16, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Bakersfield Jam announced today two new Assistant Coaches and five additions to the coaching staff for the 2011-12 NBA Development League Season.

Former Jam player John Bryant (6'7''-F-82, college: St.Joseph's) and former Assistant Coach for the CSUB Mens' Basketball Program Brian Dignan will serve as Assistant Coaches to third year Jam Head Coach, Will Voigt (agency: Warren Sports International ).

Bryant was Bakersfield's sixth round pick in the 2010 NBA D-League Draft, appearing in 12 games last season before sustaining a career ending injury. Prior to coming to the Jam, he played professionally in Germany, Australia and England. He also played for Coach Voigt's Championship Team, the Vermont Frost Heaves of the ABA, for three seasons. Bryant played collegiately at Saint Joseph's University for Phil Martelli from 2000-2005 where he started on the Hawks 2003-2004 team that went 27-0 in the regular season. During his five years at SJU (his first season as a redshirt), the Hawks made five post season appearances, with three in the NCAA Tournament and two in the NIT. In addition to his experience on the court, Bryant's off court experience included serving as a Basketball Camp Counselor for seven years at Saint Joseph's University and working as a certified personal trainer for L.A. Fitness.

Prior to joining the Jam, Dignan served as an Assistant Coach for the California State University-Bakersfield Mens' Basketball Team for 10 seasons. During his tenure, he helped lead CSUB's transition from NCAA Division II to Division I sports and taught courses in the Physical Education Department from 2006-2008. Dignan also served as Assistant Coach at Cuesta College and Student Assistant Coach at Brigham Young University. He played collegiately at BYU for two years, after transferring from Cuesta College, where he was named team captain both years and was voted Most Inspirational Athlete at BYU his senior season.

The Jam also added a Video Coordinator, Nelson Terroba, three Basketball Operations Interns, George Galanopoulos, Ryan Marchand and Josh Twiddy, and an Assistant Athletic Trainer, Akira Nishikaji, to their staff for the upcoming season.

Prior to coming to Bakersfield, Terroba was the Associate Head Coach and World History/Leadership teacher at Austin High School. Terroba has coached at every level from Division 1 college basketball to youth select teams. A respected teacher of the game, he has served as a defensive/offensive clinician at Snow Valley Basketball School and as a site coordinator/basket instructor for Point Guard College. In addition, Terroba is the founder of Hoops 101 Basketball, LLC, a basketball training organization in Austin. While in college, he served as Head Student Manager for the University of Texas for three years and was elevated to a full time staff position as Special Assistant to the Head Coach & Texas Longhorn Basketball Camp Director under Rick Barnes. He also served as an Assistant Coach for the Olympus Cup Greece Summer Team while in college.

Galanopoulos most recently interned for ATTACK Athletics in Chicago, IL. He was also an Individual Player Development Intern for the Chicago Bulls and served as Manager for the Indiana University Men's Basketball Team his junior year of college. In addition, Galanopoulos coached at the Middle School and High School levels in Iowa, Texas, Illinois, and Indiana.

Marchand served as Head Manager for the San Jose State University Men's Basketball Team for two seasons. In addition, he was an Assistant Basketball Coach at Paradise High School and Head/Assistant Coach in various AAU programs throughout Northern California. Marchand was also the Western Athletic Conference Representative for the National Association of College Basketball Managers in 2011.

Twiddy served as Manager for the University of Akron Men's Basketball Team for two years. He also coached at Rootstown Middle School, Whitmer Basketball Academy (AAU) and Mogadore Youth Basketball. In addition, Twiddy assisted at numerous basketball camps including LeBron James Skills Academy, University of Akron, Five Star (Louisville Hoops), Georgetown University and University of Kentucky. He also taught and tutored Earth Science at numerous Elementary, Middle, and High Schools and served as the Student Aide at the Akron General Sports and Physical Therapy for two years. Nishikaji most recently worked at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. During his college years at Ohio Northern University, he assisted with the softball, football, men's soccer, women's basketball teams, athletic training room, and the wrestling invitational tournament. He is a BOC certified athletic trainer and also a professional member of the National Athletic Trainer Association. Both Brian Levy, Director of Player Personnel, and Tim DiFrancesco, Head Athletic Trainer/Strength and Conditioning Coach, are returning for their second and third seasons respectively.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

[Durbansandshark]

Erie BayHawks cut three players - Nov 16, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Point guard Jamael Lynch got to Erie the hard way. He competed in both free-agent tryouts for the Erie BayHawks, who eventually picked him in the eighth and final round of the Nov. 3 D-League Draft. 'Success happens when preparation and opportunity meet,' Lynch said. 'I feel like I've been prepared and I've worked hard, and this is the opportunity.' Having survived Erie's first wave of cuts Tuesday, Lynch is doing all he can to earn a spot on its final 10-man roster, which must be set by 5 p.m. on Nov. 23.

'He's performed very, very well,' BayHawks second-year coach Jay Larranaga said.
Erie, which opens the 2011-12 season Nov. 25 at Rio Grande Valley, reduced its training camp roster to 13 players on Tuesday by waiving guard Adrian Bowie (6'2''-G-89, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Maryland), forward Kayode Ayeni (6'5''-F-88, college: St.Francis, NY) and power forward Joseph Kennerly (6'9''-C/F-84, college: Cent.Oklahoma) III.

While Bowie had 117 assists to just 59 turnovers as a senior at Maryland in 2010-11, Larranaga likes how enthusiastic the 6-foot 1-inch, 185-pound Lynch plays. 'He brings energy every day and that's very, very important, especially from the point guard position of leadership,' Larranaga said. 'I think he does that.'

Out of Massachusetts-Lowell, Lynch, 26, competed in the open tryout for the BayHawks in Manhattan on Sept. 26. Wanting to see more of Lynch, a Brooklyn N.Y., native, the BayHawks invited him to the Oct. 9 open tryout in Erie. 'It was tough because I had to drive and it was last-minute,' Lynch said about the nearly eight-hour drive. 'But at the same time, when you're given an opportunity like this, you do what you've got to do. I always wanted to be at this level, playing against some great talent.'

In some ways, Lynch is benefiting from fifth-round pick Al Nolan being out with an injury. The point guard out of Minnesota is still recovering from foot surgery that ended his senior season. The 6-foot 1-inch, 188-pound Nolan played 14 games in 2010-11. He averaged 8.4 points and had 52 assists to 29 turnovers. 'He's healthy, but he had the pin in his foot removed about two weeks ago,' Larranaga said Thursday. 'He's got about another week to 10 days before he's 100 percent.'

At the same time, Lynch learned how to be a pro playing overseas. He averaged 27 points and 11 assists for Bodfeld Oberharz in Germany in 2010-11. 'You learn how to eat. How to rest. (How to) stretch,' said Lynch, who had foot surgery in 2009-10. 'Everything is important.' In Tuesday's practice, Lynch consistently found the open man and knocked down open shots either in transition or in a pick-and-roll situation. 'He's been making good decisions and is able to make the open shot,' Larranaga said.

Who said New York City players can't knock down jumpers? 'One of the biggest misconceptions from a basketball standpoint is we can't shoot,' Lynch said. 'Obviously, I can shoot.' On the flip side, he personifies the positive perceptions of players out of New York. 'We're tough,' Lynch said. 'Hard-nosed. Gritty. Can handle the ball. Coming from Brooklyn, you've got to be hard-nosed.' Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Skyforce waives two players - Nov 17, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Sioux Falls Skyforce waived guards Coco Cofield (6'2''-G-81, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: N.Dakota St.) and Latroy Taylor today. The active roster now stands at 14 players.

Following is the list of players remaining on the training camp roster:


Name Pos Ht Wt DOB From Status

Dominique Coleman G 6-3 195 07/15/84 Colorado Returning
Josh Edmonds* G 6-5 205 09/15/88 Quincy Local Tryout
Brian Evans G 6-0 180 03/04/82 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Draft Pick
Charles Garcia F 6-9 220 10/13/88 Seattle University Returning
Brock Gillespie G 6-1 185 04/26/82 Rice Draft Pick
Anthony Mason, Jr. F 6-7 215 01/25/87 St. John's Returning
Billy McShepard* F 6-10 220 08/10/87 Valdosta State Draft Pick
Casey Mitchell* G 6-4 220 01/16/88 West Virginia Draft Pick
Anthony Moody* G 6-0 160 07/13/89 Mary Draft Pick
Will Pratt* F 6-5 212 03/16/86 Northwestern State Draft Pick
Gabe Pruitt G 6-4 185 04/19/86 Southern California Draft Pick
Dominique Scales F 6-9 230 05/23/83 E. Central Oklahoma Returning
Greg Stiemsma C 6-11 260 09/26/85 Wisconsin Returning
Eric Tisby* G 5-9 160 04/24/88 Sioux Falls Local Tryout

* - Rookie

Sioux Falls will travel to Des Moines on Saturday to take on the Energy in a preseason contest at 7 p.m. Coaches will submit an opening day roster of 10 players on Wednesday, Nov. 23 as the 2011-12 NBA D-League regular season tips off with seven games on Friday, Nov. 25 including the Skyforce visiting the Fort Wayne Mad Ants at 6:30 p.m. CT.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Erie slips by Charge in scrimmage, 105-103 - Nov 17, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The shot looked good. It certainly felt good to Keith McLeod.

'I thought it was down', the veteran Canton Charge guard said. 'Dude hit me in the face.'
McLeods closely contested corner jumper at the buzzer went back rim and missed, giving the Erie BayHawks a 105-103 win Wednesday night in a roller-coaster NBA Development League scrimmage at SPIRE Institute in Geneva.

Well, that was the margin on the scoreboard.

Erie actually won 105-99, but Canton gained a few extra points in a first-half scoring mix-up. Keep in mind, this was a scrimmage, witnessed by about 50 people. The court only had a college 3-point line. Eries players didnt wear numbers.

The massive SPIRE Institute provided a background similar to shooting in an airplane hangar. Not that it seemed to bother the BayHawks, who shot 48.7 percent from the floor and 47.1 percent from the 3-point line. Those are numbers defensive-minded Charge head coach Alex Jensen wont like. But Wednesday night wasnt about a final score for the Charge. It was about developing chemistry and playing against someone else for the first time.

There were some encouraging things, Jensen said. Any first game, the first thing youre going to think is all the things you have to work on. So its good to have this experience, because it sends you in the right direction. Among the positive things for the Charge were good effort, balanced scoring and a number of versatile playmakers. Six players scored in double figures and two others had 8 and 9 points, respectively. The Charged committed only 12 turnovers in 48 minutes of action.

Among the minuses were some struggles in pick-and-roll defense and matching up with Eries massive front line. The Charge with Marcus Hubbard at 6-foot-9 their tallest player were outrebounded, 54-29. Were a little undersized at the big positions, so I think were definitely going to have to focus on boxing out better, said Tyrell Biggs, a 6-8 forward.

Marcus Relphorde (6'7''-F-88), a 6-7 wing from Colorado, led the Charge with 17 points. The 22-year-old Relphorde, who was acquired through the open tryouts, hit 7 of 11 shots from the field and 3-of-6 from 3-point range. Travis Franklin (6'7''-F-88) scored 13 points. Biggs, Hubbard and Jonathan Blake (6'7''-F-87) had 12 points each. Jamine Peterson added 10 points, showing flashes of his exceptional potential after a slow start.

The Charge, who trailed by as many as 13 in the second quarter, were not shy about hoisting jumpers. Thirty-two of their 77 shots were from behind the arc, but they still were able to get to the foul line 26 times, where they shot a sizzling 84.6 percent.
Weve got a lot of jump shooters, McLeod said. But weve got a lot of mismatches, too. In the future, weve just got to take better advantage of them. Our bigs are athletic. They can go inside-outside.

McLeod paused for a second, then added, Weve just got to play D, man. Play D and block out. Get it and go. Asked about his teams defensive performance, Jensen simply said, We gave up 100 points.

Translation: Not acceptable.

Tied at 101 with a little more than two minutes left, McLeod drove from the right wing and collapsed the defense, dropping a nice pass to Biggs in the middle for a two-handed jam.
But the Charge missed their final six shots, including three in the last 10 seconds. Erie guard Donald Sloan, a former standout at Texas A&M, connected on a layup and a tough jumper with 29 seconds left that proved to be the winner. These two clubs will see each other again Saturday when the Charge go to Erie for a three-team exhibition. Fort Wayne also will be there.

Weve got a lot of work to do, McLeod said. And thats everyone, me included.

Courtesy of www.cantonrep.com

[Durbansandshark]

Reno Bighorns: Roster reduced by three - Nov 18, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Reno Bighorns announced the release of three players from training camp Wednesday, leaving 14 players left on the training camp roster.

The players released were: Augustine Okosun (6'11''-C-86, college: Northwood Fl.) (Northwood, 6-foot-10, 235 pounds), the Bighorns' fifth-round draft pick in the NBA D-League draft who participated in the NBA D-League National Tryout; Roderick Flemings (6'7''-F/G-87, college: Hawaii) (Hawaii, 6-7, 230), the Bighorns' sixth-round draft pick in the NBA D-League Draft; Calvin Haynes (6'2''-G) (Oregon State, 6-3, 185), the Bighorns' seventh-round draft pick.

The Bighorns open the season in Bakersfield on Nov. 25 against the Bakersfield Jam. The team returns to Reno for its home opener on Dec. 2 at the Reno Events Center.

Courtesy of www.rgj.com

Red Claws reduce training camp roster to 12 - Nov 21, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Maine Red Claws, presented by Quirk Chevrolet, today announced that forwards Jonathan Dupre (6'8''-F-88, college: Pepperdine) and Joshua Jones (6'5''-G/F-88, college: Husson) have been waived by the team. The two players will enter the Available Player Pool and may be signed by any of the sixteen NBA Development League teams after November 28.

'This was an incredibly competitive training camp, and we wish both Josh and Jonathan well,' said Red Claws President and General Manager Jon Jennings. 'We think that Red Claws fans will be happy with the way the team is coming together and the team that hits the court this Friday in Springfield.'


Eleven players remain in the Red Claws training camp:

No. Name Pos. Hgt Wgt College How Acquired

4 Tyc Snow G 5-8 164 Mississippi Valley Tryouts
7 Darren Cooper G 6-4 219 Portland 2011, 5th Round, 66th Overall
10 Kenny Hayes G 6-2 174 Miami (Ohio) 2010 2nd Round, 23rd Overall
12 J.R. Reynolds G 6-3 198 Virginia Tryouts
14 Durrell Summers G 6-5 205 Michigan State 2011, 2nd Round, 24th Overall
21 Alex Harrington F 6-8 200 St. Francis (NY) Tryouts
32 Jamar Abrams G 6-7 201 Eastern Carolina Tryouts
33 Chris Wright F 6-8 220 Dayton 2011 1st Round, 3rd Overall
34 Justin Brownlee F 6-6 219 St. John's Tryouts
42 Mike Tisdale C 7-1 235 Illinois 2011, 2nd Round, 29th Overall
50 Anthony Kent C 6-10 221 Ball State Trade with Fort Wayne

Returning Red Claws guard Paul Harris also remains on the team's roster but has not yet arrived in Maine due to an on-going family matter. All NBA Development League must reduce their roster to ten players by 5 PM on Wednesday, November 23. The Red Claws will tip off the 2011-12 regular season on Friday when they renew their rivalry with the Springfield Armor. The team will then travel to Erie for a game on December 1 before returning to Maine for their home opener on December 3.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Energy Rally to beat Sioux Falls 97-95 in preseason game - Nov 21, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The 2011 NBA D-League Champion Iowa Energy overcame a 12 point 4th quarter deficit to defeat the Sioux Falls Skyforce 97-95 in a preseason game Saturday night.

Sioux Falls led 78-66 after three quarters, but Iowa used timely shooting and tight defense to outscore their conference rivals 31-17 in the final stanza to clinch the victory.

Forward Andrew Drevo (6'8''-F/C-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Nebraska) led Iowa with 15 points and 8 rebounds while guard Brandon Ewing (6'2''-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Wyoming) added 11 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Reserves Michael Tveidt and Nick Murphy added 11 points each in the win.

The Skyforce were led by Casey Mitchell (6'4''-G-88, college: W.Virginia), who finished with 26 points in including 5 of 7 shooting from 3-point land. Former Energy player Charles Garcia (6'9''-F-88, college: Seattle) added 16 points and 11 rebounds for Sioux Falls.

Iowa made only 3 of 18 shots from behind the 3-point arc on the night, but shot ten more free throws than the Skyforce in the game.

Iowa opens up the regular season Friday night on the road at Canton. The Energy play four road games before returning to Des Moines for the home opener on Saturday, December 3rd.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Skyforce announces 2011-12 opening day roster - Nov 23, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Sioux Falls Skyforce announced today their 10-man roster for the season opener on Friday, Nov. 25 at 6:30 p.m. CT on the road against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. The opening day roster includes five returning players and five players selected in the 2011 NBA Development League Draft.

Following is the list of players on the opening day roster:


No. Name Pos Ht Wt DOB From Status

15 Dominique Coleman (6'3''-G-84, college: Colorado) G 6-3 195 07/15/84 Colorado Returning
9 Brian Evans (6'1''-G-82, agency: Dynamics Global Management, college: Texas A&M - C.C.) G 6-0 180 03/04/82 Texas A&M-CC Draft Pick
24 Charles Garcia (6'9''-F-88, college: Seattle) F 6-9 220 10/13/88 Seattle University Returning
22 Anthony Mason (6'7''-F-87, college: St.John's), Jr. F 6-7 215 01/25/87 St. John's Returning
23 Casey Mitchell (6'4''-G-88, college: W.Virginia)* G 6-4 220 01/16/88 West Virginia Draft Pick
10 Anthony Moody (6'0''-G, agency: N.E.T.)* G 6-0 160 07/13/89 Mary Draft Pick
17 Will Pratt (6'5''-F, college: Northwestern St.)* F 6-5 212 03/16/86 Northwestern State Draft Pick
13 Gabe Pruitt (6'4''-G-86, college: USC) G 6-4 185 04/19/86 Southern California Draft Pick
33 Dominique Scales (6'9''-F-83, college: East Central) F 6-9 230 05/23/83 E. Cent. Oklahoma Returning
34 Gregory Stiemsma (6'11''-C-85, agency: N.E.T., college: Wisconsin) C 6-11 260 09/26/85 Wisconsin Returning

* - Rookie

Season tickets and 12-ticket flex packs for the 2011-12 season are on sale. Discounts and benefits are available for groups of 10 or more. Single game tickets will go on sale on Monday, Nov. 14 at 10 a.m. The home opener is set for Saturday, Nov. 26 against the defending NBA D-League champion Iowa Energy

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Springfield Armor ready to break camp and open D-League season - Nov 23, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The final day of training camp is here, and for the Springfield Armor it could not come fast enough.

The Armor will practice one more time Wednesday at the Springfield YMCA, after trimming their roster to the NBA Development League-maximum of 10. The team will have Thanksgiving dinner together Thursday and be ready for the season opener Friday night against the Maine Red Claws at the MassMutual Center.

Were ready to go at it, get that win, that Thanksgiving win, Armor forward Jamar Brown said. But dont eat too much, though. The Armor cut three players Tuesday, waiving Chris Taft and Alejo Rodriguez for injury reasons, and James Smith outright. The Armor retain the rights to Taft and Rodriguez. "We're ready to get after it," Armor coach Bob MacKinnon Jr., said. "The shame of it is we play then have to sit a week, but the games will come quick enough."

The Armor only had 12 days in which to get to know one another and the coaching staff, learn MacKinnons system, and get a feel for each others tendencies on the court. Double sessions nearly every day have helped the Armor cram for the opener, and also get in better shape for MacKinnons plan to run for four quarters. "I played with coach Mac before, so I know how it is, and its pretty much keep in shape in the offseason," Brown said. "You keep your legs and there is no other team that can hang with you. I think thats one of the reasons we won a championship (2008-09 with Colorado) because we always had our legs."

MacKinnon said he was pleased with the camp and the players, whether they were veterans or newcomers. Milton (Lee, Nets general manager for minor league operations) and I were just talking and we felt that every guy got better. And thats what we told our players at the beginning of camp that our goal was to get a little bit better, both individually and as a team, MacKinnon said. I can honestly say that it looks like every guy improved a little bit each day.

NEW KING IN TOWN?: Springfields top draft pick Johnny Thomas isnt just smart he graduated from North Carolina State in three years and is a year away from completing his masters degree he may be the best athlete on the team. "Me and Johnny have known each other for a while now and its always fun being around other athletic guys," LD Williams said. Williams is the reigning D-League slam dunk champion, but Thomas could be in line to usurp the crown.

"I'm not going to say that," Williams said. "We dont have to wait and see. Im telling you now Im the slam dunk champ for a reason." Williams will admit that this version of the Armor will be a more exciting one, with several players who will get into the high-flying act.
"It's going to make it more fun for us as a team and for the fans. Its not just going to be me getting up in the air all the time," Williams said. "Lance (Hurdle) is athletic, Jerry (Smith) is athletic. We're trying to play above the rim this year."

Courtesy of www.masslive.com

[Durbansandshark]

Reno Bighorns release three more players - Nov 23, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Reno Bighorns announced the release of three players from training camp today, leaving 11 on the training camp roster.

Released were:

Bobby Howard (6'7''-F-88, agency: Dynamics Global Management, college: Montana St.), the Bighorns seventh round draft pick in the NBA D-League Draft out of Montana State who participated in a Bighorns local tryout. At Montana State, Howard was second all-time in games played, 11th all-time in scoring and sixth all time in three-pointers made.

Brent 'BJ' Jennings (6'5''-F), a Southern Poly State product who made the training camp roster after an impressive local tryout. At Southern Poly, Jennings had the most single season double-doubles in school history, was a two-time member of the SSAC All-Conference team and was the 2010 SSAC Conference Championship MVP.

Dwight Thorne (6'3''-G-88, college: Colorado), a Colorado product who also made the training camp roster after an impressive local tryout. Thorne averaged 7.5 points and 2.1 rebounds per game during his senior season at Colorado.

The Bighorns open up the season in Bakersfield on against the Bakersfield Jam. The team returns to Reno for its home opener on Dec. 2 at the Reno Events Center.

Courtesy of www.rgj.com

Rosters set for 2011-12 NBA Development League regular season - Nov 24, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The 2011-12 opening day rosters for all 16 NBA Development League Teams was announced today. The NBA D-League's 11th season begins Friday, Nov. 25, when the defending champion Iowa Energy visit the Canton Charge. The game airs live at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBA TV.

NBA TV is scheduled to air 34 regular-season games during the 2011-12, including four live telecasts featuring Iowa at Canton (Friday, Nov. 25), the Los Angeles D-Fenders at the Sioux Falls Skyforce (Friday, Dec. 2), Sioux Falls at Iowa (Friday, Dec. 9), and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Austin Toros (Friday, Dec. 16). Additionally, more than 80 NBA D-League games will air across seven Comcast regional sports networks. Any games not available on NBA TV will stream on NBA FUTURECAST at nbadleague.com.

2011-12 NBA D-LEAGUE OPENING NIGHT ROSTERS:

AUSTIN TOROS

Solomon Bozeman
Justin Dentmon
Carldell Johnson
Myles McKay
Omar Reed
Lance Thomas
Tristan Thompson
Dan Vandervieren
Terrance Woodbury
Luke Zeller (6'11''-F/C-87, college: Notre Dame)

BAKERSFIELD JAM

Brian Butch
Osiris Eldridge
Mustapha Farrakhan
Justin Graham
Damian Johnson
Adam Koch
Renaldo Major
David Palmer
Juan Pattillo
Adrian Thomas

CANTON CHARGE

Tyrell Biggs
Jonathan Blake
TJ Campbell
Travis Franklin
Antonio Graves
Tyrone Kent
Keith McLeod
Anthony Newell
Jamine Peterson
Marcus Relphorde

DAKOTA WIZARDS

Mike Anderson
Maurice Baker
Marcus Dove
Shy Ely
Mickell Gladness
Anthony Goods
Joe Harden
Edwin Ubiles
Travis Walton
Curtis Withers

ERIE BAYHAWKS

Tirrell Baines
Chris Daniels
Kyle Goldcamp
Jeff Graves
Cory Higgins
Jamael Lynch
Chaz McCrommon
Donald Sloan
Kyle Spain
Mychel Thompson

FORT WAYNE MAD ANTS

Corey Allmond
Ron Howard
Tory Jackson
Cameron Jones
Darnell Lazare
Justin Neuhaus
Marvin Phillips
Sadiel Rojas
Walker Russell
Antonio Smith

IDAHO STAMPEDE

Mildon Ambres
Tony Bobbitt
Eric Devendorf
Jason Ellis
Will Foster
Cheyne Gadson
Kevin Galloway
Willie Jenkins
Reginald Larry
Seth Tarver

IOWA ENERGY

Jake Anderson
Thomas Baudinet
Andrew Drevo
Moses Ehambe
Brandon Ewing
Jarrid Famous
Nick Murphy
Stanley Robinson
Ben Strong
Michael Tveidt

LOS ANGELES D-FENDERS

Zach Andrews
Jordan Brady
Brandon Costner
Courtney Fortson
Otis George
Brian Hamilton
Eniel Polynice
Terrence Roberts
Franklin Session
Jamaal Tinsley

MAINE RED CLAWS

Jamar Abrams
Justin Brownlee
Darren Cooper
Kenny Hayes
Anthony Kent
J.R. Reynolds
Tyc Snow
Durrell Summers
Mike Tisdale
Chris Wright

RENO BIGHORNS

Blake Ahearn
Chris Ayer
Cedric Bozeman
Reuben Clayton
Nick Fazekas
Zach Graham
Chris Matthews
Taj McCullough
Donald Sims
Doug Thomas

RIO GRANDE VALLEY VIPERS

Stanley Asumnu
Marshall Brown
Sam Coleman
Terrel Harris
Lee Humphrey
Tyren Johnson
Kelvin Lewis
Charles Okwandu
Jay-R Strowbridge
Josh Tarver

SIOUX FALLS SKYFORCE

Dominique Coleman
Brian Evans
Charles Garcia
Anthony Mason Jr.
Casey Mitchell
Anthony Moody
Will Pratt
Gabe Pruitt
Dominique Scales
Greg Stiemsma

SPRINGFIELD ARMOR

David Akinyooye
Jamar Brown
Travis Cohn
JamesOn Curry
Dennis Horner
Lance Hurdle
Jerry Smith
Eugene Spates
Jonathan Thomas
L.D. Williams

TEXAS LEGENDS

Ron Allen
Vance Cooksey
Ramon Dyer
Lawrence Hill
Dominique Johnson
Matt Rogers
Jamal Sampson
Anthony Vereen
Derek Williams
Booker Woodfox

TULSA 66ERS

Xavier Alexander
Brian Barkdoll
Dwight Buycks
Benjamin Colon
Jerome Dyson
Marcus Lewis
Brady Morningstar
Ryan Reid
Billy Rush
Curtis Sumpter
Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

[Durbansandshark]

NBDL season is about ready to kick off for the first time prior to the NBA starts their lockout-effected season. Utah and Albequerque are gone from the league with the latter bought by the Cavs to become the Canton Charge, but the NDCELE NBDL Chapter is sadly back. Iowa could very well repeat this season. However, with coach Nick Nurse leaving the Energy to take over from his friend and Team GB head coach Chris Finch, Iowa will have some difficulties. Maine and Springfield, the two New England-based teams, look to make a better impact. Single team affiliation is at an all-time high. The 2011-12 NBDL season has already kicked off. As we start this, there were concerns how the league will get affected by the NBA lockout. Now those fears are assuayed with everything to go as planned in the big brother league.

Top 10 Things To Know About the 2011 NBA D-League Season - Nov 25, 2011 (by Serafim Karaiskakis)

The NBA D-League season tips off on Friday night with a full slate of games, highlighted by Canton and Iowa doing battle on NBA TV (7:30 p.m. ET). So to get ready for the season, we present the top 10 things you need to know about the 2011-12 NBA Development League season:

1. Franchises -- New and Old
The D-League features 16 teams again this year. We saw the return of the L.A. D-Fenders from a one-year hiatus and the New Mexico Thunderbirds purchased by the Cleveland Cavaliers, relocated to Canton and renamed the Canton Charge.

2. Affiliations -- Single Affiliates at an All-Time High
The Charge (owned by the Cavaliers) and the D-Fenders (owned by the Lakers) add two more single-affiliations to the D-League, bringing the total to nine, an all-time high. The single affiliation allows the NBA team to install the same offensive and defensive schemes for their D-League team, thus becoming more of a true minor league. Now they can assign players to their D-League team and further their development in the same system they'll use when they get back to the NBA.

There are six NBA teams that own their D-League team and run the business as a whole. They are:
- Los Angeles Lakers (Los Angeles D-Fenders)
- San Antonio Spurs (Austin Toros)
- Golden State Warriors (Dakota Wizards)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (Canton Charge)
- Oklahoma City Thunder (Tulsa 66ers)
- Dallas Mavericks (Texas Legends) * Mavs President/GM Donnie Nelson leads ownership group

There are three teams that use the hybrid model, where the NBA team buys only the basketball side of a D-League team while the existing ownership continues to run the day-to-day operations for everything other than the basketball side of the team.

The teams using this model are:
- New York Knicks (Erie BayHawks)
- New Jersey Nets (Springfield Armor)
- Houston Rockets (Rio Grande Valley Vipers)

3. NBA TV Games
The defending champion Iowa Energy tip-off the D-League regular season with a trip to Canton to face the Charge on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET in the first of four games that will be carried live on NBA TV. The network will also carry games on the next four Fridays: Dec. 2 - D-Fenders at Sioux Falls Skyforce, Dec. 9 - Sioux Falls at Iowa and Dec. 16 - Rio Grande Valley Vipers at Austin Toros. NBA TV will also be your source for the Showcase, airing 12 games, eight of which will be live, over four days.

4. The Showcase
For most leagues, the Finals or All-Star Game are the biggest happenings of the year, but in the D-League an entirely different event is the grandest of them all: The Showcase. Put simply, the NBA D-League Showcase is why most players are here. A four-day, 16-game event, it's a chance to showcase your skills in front of general managers, player personnel staff, and scouts from each of the 30 NBA teams who are in attendance to evaluate the leagues talent. This season, the event will feature each NBA D-League team competing in two games in Reno starting on Jan. 9.


5. NBA Flavor
The D-League will feature 16 players with NBA experience to open the season. Some of the guys have only had a quick look in the Bigs, but there's also a contingent of somewhat established players looking for another chance:

Jamaal Tinsley (L.A.) -- A standout with the Pacers, who as recently as '07-'08 NBA season averaged over eight assists per game
Antoine Walker (Idaho) -- 'Toine was a fan favorite and All-Star in Boston and won a ring with the Heat in 2006
Keith McLeod (Canton) -- Started 75 games for the Jazz over two seasons, played for four NBA Teams
Jamal Sampson (Texas) -- Played in 72 NBA games 5 different teams

6. Prospects
Here's a list of guys we think have the best chance of making an impact on the next level:

Tinsley The aforementioned No. 1 pick in this year's D-League Draft.
Chris Daniels (Erie) Dominated in Korea last year and had an impressive preseason.
Durrell Summers (Maine) Inconsistent play as senior at Michigan State ended the talk of him going in the first round of the NBA Draft (and then, at all), but if he can find form that made him NCAA standout in 2009-10, hes elite.
Jerome Dyson (Tulsa) Got looks coming out of UConn, but made name for himself late in season last year, turning into scoring machine for Tulsa.
Leo Lyons (Austin) Member of Pan-Am Games team; former Mizzou standout who cut his pro chops in Israels Premier League.
Brian Butch (Bakersfield) Former All-Star MVP had gruesome injury knock him out for all of 2010-11, but hes healthy enough to have played in the Pan-Ams and should see himself with a team in need of post depth.
Donald Sloan (Erie) Young, natural scoring point guard out of Texas A&M; needs to improve shooting and defense.

7. Tourney Stars
Looking for familiar faces? Then look no further than the NCAA. Players hoping to make a name for themselves in the NBA D-League this season are actually players who made a name for themselves in the NCAA Tourney. Remember Chris Wright of Dayton? Well, the 68 forward will be adding scoring punch to the Maine Red Claws. How about Eric Devendorf? He starred at Syracuse a few years ago and is now in his second tour of duty in the NBA D-League (first go around was with the Reno Bighorns in 2009-10). Devendorf will be stretching defenses as a perimeter threat for Idaho Stampede. Willie Veasley, who played a key role in Butlers unexpected NCAA Tourney run and has been compared by some to Shane Battier, will be bringing his versatility to Rio Grande Valley. Other names to keep a look out this season include Bakersfields Edwin Ubiles (Siena College); Cameron Jones (Northern Arizona) of Fort Wayne, Curtis Sumpter (Villanova) with Tulsa and Chris Taft (Pittsburgh) of Springfield.

8. Coaches With Credentials
A stellar cast of new coaches with unprecedented experience at the highest levels of professional basketball will be courtside in D-League arenas for the 2011-12 season.

The 1995 NBA Coach of the Year Del Harris will guide the Texas Legends, while maintaining his GM duties for the Dallas Mavericks' affiliate based out of Frisco, Texas. Harris amassed over 500 wins in his NBA coaching career. New L.A. D-Fenders head coach Eric Musselman's 20-year coaching career includes head coaching stints with the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings. Paul Mokeski brings 12-years of NBA playing experience to his new role as head coach of the Reno Bighorns. Former NBA players Donyell Marshall (Maine Red Claws), Eldridge Recasner (Sioux Falls Skyforce), and Vitaly Potapenko (Dakota Wizards) have also joined the D-League as assistant coaches.

9. Front Office
D-League clubs are also sporting All-Star caliber talent in their front offices this season. As part of their hybrid affiliation with the New York Knicks, the Erie BayHawks have appointed two-time NBA All-Star Allan Houston as General Manager. Houston will handle GM duties at Erie, while maintaining his Assistant GM role with the Knicks, thus providing the seamless continuity envisioned by the hybrid affiliation system. Additionally, with Harris moving courtside for the Legends, Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman has moved up to the front office in Frisco, as assistant GM.

10. D-League games EVERYWHERE
Over one million fans saw a D-League game in person in each of the last two seasons, but there are other ways to catch D-League action. In addition to being able to see live games on NBA TV, fans will once again be able to watch live games online via Futurecast on D-League.com. Smartphone users will also be able to watch games on their Apple or Android device by downloading the free D-League app. And, in the second-year of a partnership, select D-League games will be streamed exclusively on SportingNews.com.

source: http://www.nba.com/dleague/news/topten_111121.html

[Durbansandshark]

Welcome to 2011/12 season: Day One review - Nov 26, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Rio Grande VV - Erie Bay H. 122-113
Kelvin Lewis (6'4''-G-88, college: Houston) scored 19 points including five three-point baskets to lead the Rio Grande Valley Vipers to a season-opening 122-113 victory over the Erie Bayhawks Friday night at the State Farm Arena. The victory was the first RGV win for Nick Nurse who made his Vipers coaching debut on Friday. Lewis helped lead a second half surge that saw the Vipers outscore the Bayhawks 36-27 in the third quarter to lead by as many as 18 points. Vipers guard Lee Humphrey (6'2''-G-84, college: Florida) also contributed to the third quarter three-point push. The former Florida Gator tallied three of his five three-pointers in the third quarter to help the Vipers hold off Erie. The Bayhawks outscored RGV 38-33 in the fourth quarter, but could not rally back after falling behind in the third. Mychel Thompson scored eight of his 24 points in the 4th quarter with his three-pointer with 29 seconds remaining cutting the deficit down to seven. Thompson's 24 led all scorers. Lewis paced the Vipers with his 19 points adding four rebounds and a pair of assists. Marshall Brown and Humphrey each added 18 with Brown also adding 18 rebounds. Stanley Asumnu and Sam Coleman each added 15 with Coleman finishing a rebound shy of a double-double. Terrell Harris finished two rebounds shy of a double-double after scoring 14 points while also leading the Vipers with four steals defensively. Erie point guard Donald Sloan tallied the lone double-double of the game with 21 points and a game high 12 assists. Kyle Goldkamp had a strong night on the boards finishing with 19 including seven on the offensive glass, while also adding nine points. Thompson was two boards shy of a double-double after scoring his 24. He also hit four of his seven three-point attempts. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Idaho S. - Tulsa 66ers 76-89
Guard Jerome Dyson (6'3''-G-87, college: Connecticut) recorded 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists and forward Marcus Lewis claimed the team's first double-double of the season with 14 points and a game-high 16 rebounds to lead the Tulsa 66ers (1-0) past the Idaho Stampede (0-1) by an 89-76 final score Friday night to kick off the 2011-12 NBA D-League season. Trailing 45-36 at halftime inside Boise's CenturyLink Arena, Tulsa stormed back in the second half to take control of the season-opening game by outscoring Idaho by a 53-31 margin. Also scoring in double figures for the 66ers was Dwight Buycks with 16, Curtis Sumpter with 11 and Billy Rush with 10. Collectively, Tulsa racked up 13 assists, led by a team-high four dishes from Dyson. On the boards, the 66ers dominated the Stampede by a 56-39 margin. Defensively, Tulsa forced 19 Idaho turnovers. Buycks led the 66ers with three steals, while Dyson and Sumpter each added two. Tony Bobbitt led the Stampede with 20 points and a team-high seven rebounds. Cheyne Gadson also chipped in 20 points for Idaho. The 66ers and Stampede will square off again Saturday night, Nov. 26, at 8 p.m. CT inside CenturyLink Arena to complete the back-to-back set. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Springfield A. - Maine RC 94-87
The Springfield Armor opened the 2011-12 season in grand fashion with a hard-fought 94-87 victory over the Maine Red Claws at the MassMutual Center tonight. The win marked a sparkling debut for the Armor's new coaching staff, led by head coach Bob MacKinnon and assistant coach Chris Carrawell. Springfield shot just 32.9% from the field (28-85), but the Armor compensated for their rough night from the field by shooting 32-39 from the foul line (82.1%) and forcing 24 turnovers. The Armor led by as many as 12 points in the second half, but the Red Claws managed to cut the deficit to three with 17.5 seconds to play before Jerry Smith sank four clutch free throws to ice the victory. Smith, one of six Armor players to return from the 2010-11 season, led a balanced scoring attack with 22 points. All five Armor starters scored in double figures, including double-doubles from veteran Jamar Brown (6'9''-F/C-80, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) (12 points, 10 rebounds) and newcomer Dennis Horner (15 points, 10 rebounds). *Courtesy of www.wmtw.com

Canton C. - Iowa E. 82-100
On Friday night, the Charge brought NBADL action to the city of Canton. Unfortunately, Iowa's team bus brought the reigning Champs to the city of Canton. Playing in their inaugural game, the Charge gave the Energy all they could handle in the first stanza, led by top pick Tyrell Biggs' 14 first-half points. But Canton couldn't overcome Iowa's size in the second half and dropped the franchise's home opener, 100-82, on Friday night at the Canton Civic Center. The Charge trailed by as many as 13 in the first half, but Jonathan Blake's putback with 7:37 remaining in the second period brought them to within a single point, 33-32. The Energy went into the locker ahead, 54-50. The second half was all Iowa - which came out of intermission with a 9-0 run and extended its lead to a dozen, 80-68, by the end of the third. In the fourth, Iowa pushed its edge to as many as 22 points before emptying its bench late in regulation. All five Energy starters tallied double-figures, but the squad was led by Stanley Robinson's 18 points off the bench. Jarrid Famous (6'11''-F/C, college: S.Florida) doubled-up with 12 points and 10 board and Brandon Ewing led both teams with six helpers. Canton's Travis Franklin led all scorers with 25 points - going 7-of-11 from the floor and 11-for-12 from the stripe - and led the Charge with eight boards. Canton native, Keith McLeod, finished with 19 points in the loss. Iowa used its size advantage to dominate Canton on the boards, 51-29. The Energy shot 50 percent from the floor, including 40 percent from long distance. *Courtesy of www.wkyc.com

Ft.Wayne MA - Sioux Falls S. 110-106
The Fort Wayne Mad Ants opened their season with a hotly contested 110-106 victory over the Sioux Falls Skyforce at the Memorial Coliseum. The Mad Ants showed no signs of offseason rust with a balanced attack having six players scoring in double digits, three of which scored 20 or more. The Sioux Falls Skyforce set the tone with three quick dunks early in the first quarter, but the Mad Ants responded with strong shooting led by Ron Howard (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Valparaiso) 's 10 first quarter points. Howard's shooting was contagious as the Mad Ants team as a whole shot a blazing 67 percent from the field to close the quarter with a 12-point lead. The pace of the game slowed considerably in the second quarter with the two defenses beating up on each other as turnover and foul totals climbed. By the end of the quarter, however, the Mad Ants found their groove and closed the half on another hot streak, and the Ants left for the locker room with a 58-44 lead. Sioux Falls carved into their 14-point halftime deficit to end the third quarter down by only five. Charles Garcia (6'9''-F-88, college: Seattle) continued his strong game as he ended the quarter with 21 points. *Courtesy of www.kdlt.com

Bakersfield J. - Reno B. 122-97
The Reno Bighorns newly acquired guard Blake Ahearn (6'2''-G-84, college: Missouri St.) had 26 points and 6 assists but the Bighorns dropped their season opener on the road to the Bakersfield Jam, 122-97. The Jam were led by Brian Butch (6'11''-F/C-84, agency: Edge Sports, college: Wisconsin) with 28 points and 14 rebounds and Osiris Eldridge with 22 points. Nick Fazekas added 21 points and 9 rebounds for the Bighorns. *Courtesy of www.rgj.com

Dakota W. - Los Angeles D. 84-86
The Golden State Warriors' era began for the Dakota Wizards Friday night with a lot of fanfare - a new video screen, player introduction fireworks with a deafening finale, new uniforms, even the Warrior Girls cheerleaders. But it didn't begin with a win. A 3-point attempt by Edwin Ubiles (6'6''-G/F-86, college: Siena) as time expired caught the back of the rim, and Dakota's comeback bid fell short in an 86-84 loss to the Los Angeles D-Fenders in the season-opener. Ubiles, acquired in the Renaldo Major trade earlier this month, showed he had the range to take the shot. The 6-foot-6 forward was 4-for-7 from beyond the arc and scored a game-high 25 points. But he couldn't quite knock down the game-winner. 'It was the shot we wanted. I thought we got a good look,' Wizards coach Nate Bjorkgren said. 'He was just a little bit deep. It's a play that we run in practice, but we just missed it.' The Wizards got off to a terrible start, making just 8 of 22 field-goal attempts in the first quarter while digging themselves a 26-17 hole. Brandon Costner in particular gave Dakota fits, scoring 10 of his team-high 23 in the first 12 minutes. *Courtesy of www.bismarcktribune.com

[Durbansandshark]

Saturday's games review - Nov 27, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Bakersfield J. - Reno B. 118-111
The Reno Bighorns had six players in double figures Saturday night, but fell short to the Bakersfield Jam 118-111. Blake Ahearn (6'2''-G-84, college: Missouri St.) had a game-high 30 points and 8 assists in the loss. Brian Butch (6'11''-F/C-84, agency: Edge Sports, college: Wisconsin) led the Jam with 27 points and 13 rebounds. The game was tight throughout, with Ahearn and Butch continually making big plays for their teams down the stretch. Nick Fazekas had 17 points and 10 rebounds and Doug Thomas had 13 points and 14 rebounds, including 6 offensive rebounds for the Bighorns. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Sioux Falls S. - Iowa E. 117-105
The Sioux Falls Skyforce defeated the Iowa Energy 117-105 in their home opener Saturday night in front of 4,680 fans. Sioux Falls led by as many as 28 points in the fourth quarter and held of the defending champions to pick up their first win of the season. Sioux Falls (1-1) led 32-24 after one quarter and pushed the lead to as many as 15 points in the second quarter before settling for a 10-point (59-49) halftime lead. Charles Garcia (6'9''-F-88, college: Seattle) posted 11 of his team-high 24 points in the third quarter to help the Skyforce push the lead to 25 points (95-70) after three quarters. Iowa went on a 16-0 run and only trailed 98-86 with 7:41 to go but Sioux Falls made plays down the stretch to pick up the win. Gabe Pruitt posted 22 points and five assists while Casey Mitchell added 20 points off the bench. Jarid Famous had a solid game with 29 points and 12 rebounds. Moses Ehambe scored 22 points and Andrew Drevo added 12 in defeat. *Courtesy of www.ksfy.com

Rio Grande VV - Erie Bay H. 119-112
For the second consecutive night, the Erie BayHawks were snakebit by Rio Grande Valley, falling 119-112 to the Vipers tonight. Erie had a 10-point lead as late as the one-minute mark of the third quarter, but the Vipers outscored the BayHawks 34-22 in the final quarter for the win. Sam Coleman (6'10''-C-88, college: Coppin St.) and Tyren Johnson (6'8''-F-88, college: La-Lafayette) had 18 points apiece to pace seven Rio Grande Valley players in double figures. Erie's Donald Sloan led all scorers with 34 points, while Cory Higgins recorded 23 points. The 'Hawks lost 122-113 to the Vipers in the season-opener Friday. *Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Idaho S. - Tulsa 66ers 85-97
Jerome Dyson (6'3''-G-87, college: Connecticut) scored 26 points to lead the Tulsa 66ers to a second straight victory over the Idaho Stampede, 97-85 Saturday night in Boise, Idaho. The 66ers (2-0) trailed 25-15 before a massive 27-to-2 run that spanned the first and second quarters, giving Tulsa a 42-27 lead on Xavier Alexander's three-pointer with 5:25 left in the half. The lead would grow to as many as 21 points before Idaho ended the half with a 9-4 run, cutting the lead to 58-42. Tulsa's lead would hold, but just barely. The Stampede went on an 18-4 run in the third quarter to pull within a single point, 66-65 on Kevin Galloway's lay-up. But, the 66ers pulled away late in the fourth quarter to capture the win. Tulsa had a huge advantage on the boards, out-rebounding the Stampede 50-31, including 16 offensive rebounds. Joining Dyson in double figure scoring for Tulsa was Marcus Lewis with 20 points and 16 rebounds, Ryan Reid with 14 points and 12 rebounds and Dwight Buycks with 11 points. Tony Bobbitt led Idaho (0-2) with 17 points. Tulsa will return to play Wednesday night at the Texas Legends. The Legends opened the season Saturday with a 101-96 loss to Austin. *Courtesy of www.ktul.com

Texas L. - Austin T. 96-101
Austin's Justin Dentmon (6'0''-G-85, college: Washington) scored 29 points and had seven assists as the Toros took a 101-96 win over the Texas Legends in both teams' NBDL season opener. Legends swingman Dominique Johnson poured in 28 points, and Jamal Sampson had 14 points and 20 rebounds. Texas' Vance Cooksey, making his first NBDL start, added 16 points and 10 assists.

Dakota W. - Los Angeles D. 98-97
The Dakota Wizards wore special pink jerseys for breast cancer awareness on Saturday, but Maurice Baker (6'1''-PG-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Oklahoma St.) made it look more like Turn Back the Clock Night. Despite battling cramps and a sore hamstring, the veteran point guard carved up the Los Angeles D-Fenders for 31 points, leading the Wizards to a hard-fought 98-97 victory. 'He deserves it. He's earned it,' Wizards coach Nate Bjorkgren said. 'He is a true warrior out there. He battles. He wanted to win tonight. He wanted the team to follow him. '... I anticipate that he'll have more big games like that for us. I'm going to put the ball in his hands.' The 32-year-old Baker has had many big nights for the Wizards en route to becoming Dakota's all-time career scoring leader. But in recent years, he tends to take over games in spurts, not for 48 minutes like he did on Saturday. Since the Wizards joined the D-League in 2006, Baker had scored more than 30 points just two other times. *Courtesy of www.bismarcktribune.com

Los Angeles D-Fenders acquire Elijah Millsap - Nov 29, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Elijah Millsap (6'6''-G-87, agency: Interperformances, college: UAB) is a new player of the Los Angeles D-Fenders. They acquired him from the Tulsa 66ers in exchange for a 2012 second round draft pick. Millsap played for Tulsa in 2010/11 season. He had 15.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.6 apg and 1.2 spg for 53 games. It was his rookie year. Elijah Millsap graduated at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2010. He had 16.1 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 1.8 apg and 1.6 spg for his school as a senior. He transferred to UAB from Louisiana-Lafayette in 2008. Millsap was named All-Sun Belt Freshman of the Year -07. In 2010, he was awarded with All-C-USA 1st Team -10.

LA D-Fenders Roll to 135-103 Victory over Reno Bighorns in Home Opener - Nov 29, 2011 (by Surujh Roopnarine)

Theres nothing like a taste of home-cooking. That must have been the sentiment for the [NDCELE NBDL Chapter], as they opened their 2011-12 home schedule with a resounding 135-103 victory over the visiting Reno Bighorns. The [NDCELE NBDL Chapter] (2-1) had split their first two games of the season by a combined three-points, on the road versus Dakota over the weekend, but on Monday night there was no question as to who the dominant team was. Eric Musselman's club set a franchise record for largest margin of victory and fell just three points shy of the team record for points scored in a single game.

LA could not miss, shooting 62.5% from the field, including an amazing 10-15 from behind the arc. They almost shot a better percentage from three (66.7% versus the free-throw line (67.69%)! Veteran forward Brian Hamilton (6'6''-F-82, college: La-Lafayette) led the way with a game-high 26 points, but Brandon Costner (6'9''-F-87, college: N.Carolina St.) (22), Elijah Millsap (6'6''-G-87, agency: Interperformances, college: UAB) (22) and Courtney Fortson (5'11''-SG-88, college: Arkansas) (21) all reached the 20-point plateau. Both teams came out on fire to start the game and the score was actually tied at 38 apiece after one quarter, but Reno could not match the onslaught by the D-Fenders, as they fall to 0-3 on the season. A trio of Bighorns players also scored 20-plus points apiece, led by Blake Ahearn's (6'2''-PG-84, college: Missouri St.) 24. NBA veteran guard Jamaal Tinsley (6'3''-G-78, college: Iowa St.) did not have impress on the offensive-end in his home-debut, finishing with just three-points on 1-4 shooting, but he did run the team effectively, dishing out a game-high 13 assists as opposed to just three turnovers.
BIGHORNS: Blake Ahearn (24pts+10ast+5to), Zach Graham (23pts+6reb+5to), Nick Fazekas (21pts+7reb), Cedric Bozeman (14pts+7ast)
[NDCELE NBDL Chapter]: Brian Hamilton (26pts+5reb), Elijah Millsap (22pts+7reb), Brandon Costner (22pts+6reb), Courtney Fortson (21pts+8reb+8ast)

Springfield Armor land Jeff Foote - Nov 29, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Jeff Foote (7'0''-C-88, college: Cornell) will continue his career in D-League. The centre has agreed on terms of contract with the Springfield Armor. Last season Jeff Foote started with Maccabi Tel-Aviv. He appeared in just one game before Maccabi sent him to Melilla Basket on loan. Jeff Foote posted 7.7 points, 6.6 boards and 2.0 blocks per game in LEB Gold. The centre spent this pre-season in Poland with Zastal ZG. He never signed a deal. Jeff Foote graduated from the Cornell University in 2010. He was named All-Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year in his senior season. The player delivered 12.3 points, 8.1 boards, 2.3 assists and 1.9 blocks per appearance in the season. The centre also made it onto NABC Division I All-District 13 1st Team.

[Durbansandshark]

Antonio Anderson returns to Red Claws - Nov 30, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Maine Red Claws, presented by Quirk Chevrolet, today announced that guard Antonio Anderson (6'6''-G-85, college: Memphis) has rejoined the team for a second season.

A 6-6, 220 lb. shooting guard out of Memphis, Anderson is known as versatile performer and a top defensive player. After participating in the Charlotte Bobcats 2009 training camp, Anderson entered the NBA Development League Draft where he was selected in the first round by Rio Grande Valley, leading the Vipers to the league championship in 2009 and earning a spot on the Western Conference All-Star Team. He also earned two NBA GATORADE call-ups during his rookie season by Oklahoma City, appearing in one game for the Thunder. After a successful rookie season, in which he averaged 16.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 1.3 spg in 48 games, the Lynn, MA native was invited to the Houston Rockets 2010 training camp before rejoining the Vipers last season. He was acquired from the Vipers on January 20, 2011 for Matt Janning.

Anderson appeared in 24 games with the Red Claws during the 2010-11 season, averaging 9.3 ppg and 4.3 rpg. In 41 total games in the NBA Development League last season, Anderson averaged 8.6 ppg and 3.3 rpg. Following the conclusion of the 2010-11 season, Anderson signed with Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany-1.Bundesliga) before moving to BG Illertal/Weissenhorn (Germany-ProB).

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Reno Bighorns defeated by Los Angeles D-Fenders - Nov 29, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Reno Bighorns fell to the Los Angeles D-Fenders 135-103 on Monday in a road game.

Blake Ahearn (6'2''-PG-84, college: Missouri St.) led the Bighorns with 24 points and 10 assists while Nick Fazekas (6'11''-F-85, college: Nevada) added 21 points and 7 rebounds. The D-Fenders were led by Brian Hamilton (6'6''-F-82, college: La-Lafayette) with 26 points and 5 rebounds.

Another tough loss, said Fazekas, who shot 10 of 14 from the field. We did some things well but a lot of things bad. We have a lot of work to do but its a long year and we are a work in progress.

The game featured the first overall picks in the previous two NBA D-League Drafts. Fazekas was taken first in the 2010 draft while Jamaal Tinsley was taken first in the 2011 draft. At times during the game, they would go back and forth, with Fazekas scoring in the post and Tinsley controlling the game with 13 assists.

Both teams started the game with offensive efficiency. The Bighorns got easy buckets from Fazekas by slowing down the tempo and looking for the big man in the post. Fazekas capitalized with an array of hook shots and floaters that proved to be effective. Meanwhile, the D-Fenders used an up-tempo offensive rhythm to get easy buckets on fast breaks and the first quarter ended tied at 38.

The second quarter saw the Bighorns start fast and take over the lead, but it wouldn't last long. The D-Fenders pressured defensively, forcing the Bighorns into turnovers which led to easy points on the other end of the floor. Brian Costner scored 20 points in the half while the D-Fenders built a 76-61 lead going into halftime. Ahearn finished the half with 16 points and 5 assists to lead the Bighorns, while Fazekas added 15 points and 4 rebounds.

The D-Fenders continued the defensive pressure throughout the second half, leading to easy points off turnovers. They shot 62.5% from the field, including 66.7% from the behind the three-point line. Bighorns Zach Graham played well in his first start with the team, chipping in 23 points and 6 rebounds in the loss.

The Bighorns next game is Wednesday in El Segundo against the D-Fenders. The team returns to Reno on Friday for their home opener against the Jam at the Reno Events Center.

Courtesy of www.rgj.com

[Durbansandshark]

Tulsa 66ers claim Ladustin Williams - Dec 1, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Tulsa 66ers, proud affiliate of the Oklahoma City Thunder, announced today they have claimed guard Ladustin Williams (6'1''-G). Tulsa's roster now stands at 11 heading into tonight's road game against the Texas Legends at 7 p.m.

Williams attended Tulsa's local player tryouts in October and participated in the 66ers training camp in November. Williams played collegiately for Arkansas-Fort Smith where he averaged 14.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.6 steals during his senior year.

Williams will wear jersey No. 7.

The 66ers home opener is scheduled for this Saturday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. against the Austin Toros inside the Tulsa Convention Center.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Skyforce reacquires McShepard - Dec 1, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Sioux Falls Skyforce announced today that that the team has reacquired forward Billy McShepard (6'10''-F, college: Valdosta St.). He was originally selected in the fourth round (60th overall) of the 2011 NBA Development League Draft before being waived due to injury on Nov. 22. The active roster now stands at 11 players.

McShepard averaged 7.9 points and 6.5 rebounds in two seasons (57 games) at Valdosta State University (D2). He averaged 15.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 17 games at Louisburg Community College in 2008-09. The 6-10, 220-pound forward averaged 4.6 points in 11 games as a freshman at Christopher Newport University.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Erie Bay Hawks bring in B.J. Jenkins - Dec 1, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Erie Bay Hawks strengthened their backcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with B.J. Jenkins (6'0''-G-88, college: Murray St.). The guard will enter his first pro season with the Bay Hawks. B.J. Jenkins graduated from Murray State University in 2011. He tallied 11.0 points, 3.5 boards, 3.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game in his senior season. B.J. Jenkins made it onto All-OVC 2nd Team. He was also named into NABC Division I All-District 19 1st Team.

Vipers shut down Energy, 134-108 - Dec 1, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

It was a simple question that had no easy solution.

Thats the kind of challenge Rio Grande Valley Vipers guard, Terrell Harris (6'5''-G-87, college: Oklahoma St.), loves and he delivered in a big way after coach Nick Nurse asked him:

You want to take him?

The subject in question was Iowa Energy's Ehambe Moses Randall (6'6''-G/F-86, college: ORU), who helped engineer a comeback after his team had fallen behind by 16 points in the first half. Ehambe had 17 points on 7 of 15 shooting and the Vipers didnt have an answer for him at the time.

Harris began locking down on Ehambe with about two minutes left in the first half. Ehambe finished with 18 points and missed all three of his shots in the second half, and that was one of the reasons why the Vipers were able to run away with a 134-108 victory over Iowa on Wednesday at State Farm Arena.

It was a personal challenge, Harris said. (Nurse) challenged everybody on the team to step up on him. He was scoring at will. It was a personal-slash-team challenge for us.

Ehambe, along with the Energys Jarrid Famous (6'11''-F/C-88, college: S.Florida), teamed for Iowas big comeback.

The Vipers (3-0) led 32-16 at the 2:59 mark of the first quarter. Ehambe and Famous combined for 25 points over the next 13 minutes that helped the Energy (1-2) take a 56-55 lead with 1:50 left in the second quarter. Famous scored 13 points and had several big rebounds during that span.

I challenged our big guys to keep Famous off the glass because he was killing us, and four of our wing guys on (Ehambe) to say, you guys have to take this personally because they are killing us. They good a good job, led by Terrel.

Ehambe hit a 3-pointer with 2:23 left in the second quarter that pulled the Energy to 55-54. Shortly after, Nurse issued his request to Harris.

No space, Harris said of how he defended Ehambe. Focus a little more on him instead of help-side defense. Whenever he catches it, dont let him shoot it. Make him drive. He was feeling comfortable. Hes a shooter. Im a shooter, so I know you have to get him out of his comfort zone.

Nurse, who coached at Iowa the previous four seasons before coming to the Valley, was certainly familiar with Ehambe. It was no mystery that he was hurting the Vipers in the first half.

I went into the game hoping he wouldnt get any shots, and then he had 15 shots in the first half, Nurse said of Ehambe. Hes as good a shooter in this league as there is because of all the different dimensions that he brings.

The game remained tight until the middle of the third quarter. The Vipers went on a 20-7 run in the final 6:30 of the third quarter to take a 96-82 lead heading into the final quarter. The Energy never got closer than 12 after that.

Harris and Kelvin Lewis (6'4''-G-88, college: Houston) led the Vipers with 21 points apiece. Tyren Johnson, the Vipers first-round pick had 20 points. It was the second solid outing for Johnson, who was the target of some criticism by Nurse in the preseason for getting off to a slow start. With his 20 points Wednesday and 18 against Erie on Saturday, he seems be catching up.

I was feeling good, Johnson said. Im getting comfortable, and Im still getting adjusted after playing European basketball. Im taking it step by step. I just want to let the game come to me and not force stuff.

Famous had game highs 33 points and 15 rebounds for the Energy. Nick Murphy had 18 points.

The Vipers and Energy play at 7 oclock Thursday. The Vipers begin a three-game road trip beginning Sunday at Bakersfield.

Courtesy of www.themonitor.com

66ers cruise past Texas - Dec 1, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Marcus Lewis (6'8''-F/C-86, college: ORU) scored a game-high 19 points, Dwight Buycks (6'3''-PG-89, college: Marquette) added 13 points and a team-high four assists and the Tulsa 66ers downed the Texas Legends 97-84 Wednesday at Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco, Texas.

In the first of six matchups between the Western Conference foes this season, Tulsa (3-0) led Texas by as many as 23 points. Jerome Dyson (6'3''-G-87, college: Connecticut) added 16 points for Tulsa, and Brady Morningstar scored a season-high 11. Keys: Tulsa held Texas to 31-of-82 (.378) shooting overall, including 1-of-15 (.067) from beyond the arc. The 66ers also forced 19 Legends turnovers and recorded a season-high six blocked shots.

Notes: Tulsa held its third straight opponent to under 90 points. ... Texas fell to 0-2.

Up next: At Austin, 8 p.m. Friday.
Next home game: 7 p.m. Saturday vs. Austin. Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

Bighorns win first game of the season - Dec 1, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Reno Bighorns took a 99-95 victory over the Los Angeles D-Fenders on Wednesay in Los Angeles for their first win of the season.

Zach Graham (6'6''-G-89, college: Mississippi) led the Bighorns with 22 points and nine rebounds off the bench and Blake Ahearn (6'2''-PG-84, college: Missouri St.) added 19 points, five assists and four rebounds. Elijah Millsap (6'6''-G-87, agency: Interperformances, college: UAB) led all players with 23 points for the D-Fenders. The win was the first for head coach Paul Mokeski with the Bighorns and the first under the ownership of Bighorns Basketball, LLC.

Nick Fazekas (6'11''-F-85, college: Nevada) shot the ball effectively, going 4-for-4 from the field and 3-for-3 from the free throw line for 11 points and grabbing five rebounds. McCullough returned to the starting lineup for the Bighorns, scoring 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting.

Five Bighorns finished in double figures.

'We had a great practice yesterday and fixed some things for tonight's game,' Fazekas said. 'Congratulations to Coach Mokeski for his first win. It feels good to get this monkey off of our backs.'

The Bighorns were down 44-47 at halftime, but outscored the D-Fenders 28-14 in the third quarter to take a commanding lead. Los Angeles would cut the lead to one point in the final minute, but the Bighorns used careful clock management and ball control to finish out the game.

The Bighorns will play their first home game in Reno on Friday against the Bakersfield Jam at 7 p.m. The first 1,000 fans in the door will receive a free long-sleeve Bighorns t-shirts.

Courtesy of www.rgj.com

[Durbansandshark]

Canton Charge waive Anthony Newell - Dec 1, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Canton Charge waived guard-forward Anthony Newell (6'5''-F-86, college: Ball St.) today because of an injury. The 6-5, 205-pound Newell played in Cantons only game last Friday, recording two points, six rebounds and two steals in 27 minutes.

Newell suffered a stress fracture in his lower right leg. He thinks the injury happened in a Nov. 19 scrimmage. It began bothering him prior to last Fridays opener. A bone scan Monday revealed the fracture. Newell signed with the Charge as a free agent Nov. 4 after competing in the teams open tryout in Canton.

Courtesy of www.cantonrep.com

Jam adds center Aguilar to roster - Dec 1, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Bakersfield Jam has re-acquired 7-foot-1, 244-pound center Ronnie Aguilar (7'0''-C, college: Colorado St.). Aguilar earned a training camp invitation from the Jam after a local tryout. He played for Colorado State, averaging 3.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 27 games his final season.

NBA D-League teams are permitted to carry a maximum of 12 players until one week after the commencement of NBA training camps, at which point they will be required to return to no more than 10 NBA D-League players.

The current roster has 11 players.

Courtesy of www.bakersfield.com

Dontell Jefferson returns to Idaho Stampede - Dec 1, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Idaho Stampede bolstered their backcourt. They signed contract with Dontell Jefferson (6'5''-G-83, college: Arkansas). The guard started the season in Canada. He played for the Quebec Kebs in NBL. Dontell Jefferson tallied 4.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. Last season the guard started in the Utah Flash in D-League. His stats read 6.5 points and 1.0 steal. In December Dontell Jefferson moved to the Idaho Stampede. There the guard notched 10.3 points, 3.6 boards, 3.4 assists and 1.4 steals. Previously Dontell Jefferson had stints in the NBA, Latvia and D-League. The player participated at 2010 D-League All-Star Game.

Latest games - Dec 2, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Erie Bay Hawks. - Maine Red Claws 105-87
Maine Red Claws point guard Kenny Hayes (6'2''-PG-87, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Miami, OH) didn't pull any punches after Thursday night's 105-87 loss to the Erie BayHawks before 4,526 fans at Tullio Arena. 'We just can't get punked like that,' Hayes said. 'They just straight punked us in the second half. If we want to get better and have our goal be to compete for a championship, then we can't allow that.' The Red Claws blew a 13-point first-quarter lead and fell to 0-2. Hayes scored a team-high 20 points, but the Red Claws got just 14 points in the fourth quarter. Maine will play its home opener Saturday against Springfield. The Armor beat the Red Claws in the season opener last week, 94-87. 'Like Coach said, this is a man's game,' Hayes said. 'If you're not going to step up to the plate and be a man, you don't belong here. We've got to forget about this game.' Mychel Thompson had 24 points and Donald Sloan and Chris Daniels each added 19 points in sparking Erie (1-2) to its first win of the season. *Courtesy of www.pressherald.com

NDCELE NBDL Chapter - Reno Bighorns 135-103
There's nothing like a taste of home-cooking. That must have been the sentiment for the Los Angeles D-Fenders, as they opened their 2011-12 home schedule with a resounding 135-103 victory over the visiting Reno Bighorns. The D-Fenders (2-1) had split their first two games of the season by a combined three-points, on the road versus Dakota over the weekend, but on Monday night there was no question as to who the dominant team was. Eric Musselman's club set a franchise record for largest margin of victory and fell just three points shy of the team record for points scored in a single game. LA could not miss, shooting 62.5% from the field, including an amazing 10-15 from behind the arc. They almost shot a better percentage from three (66.7% versus the free-throw line (67.69%)! Veteran forward Brian Hamilton (6'6''-F-82, college: La-Lafayette) led the way with a game-high 26 points, but Brandon Costner (22), Elijah Millsap (22) and Courtney Fortson (21) all reached the 20-point plateau. Both teams came out on fire to start the game and the score was actually tied at 38 apiece after one quarter, but Reno could not match the onslaught by the D-Fenders, as they fall to 0-3 on the season. A trio of Bighorns players also scored 20-plus points apiece, led by Blake Ahearns 24. NBA veteran guard Jamaal Tinsley did not have impress on the offensive-end in his home-debut, finishing with just three-points on 1-4 shooting, but he did run the team effectively, dishing out a game-high 13 assists as opposed to just three turnovers.

Rio Grande Valley Vipers - Iowa Energy 117-130
If you aren't going to make your 3-pointers, you better play defense. If you aren't going to play defense, you are probably not going to win. In a nutshell, that's what happened to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in their 130-117 loss to the Iowa Energy on Thursday night at State Farm Arena. The Energy (2-2) shot 63 percent from the field, many of those came on easy baskets to the rim. The Vipers made 13 of 44 shots from the 3-point arc, including 5 of 26 in the first half. 'That's what was the most disappointing thing - they shot 63 percent from the field and most of them were right at the basket and that was bad because I thought our defense was coming along,' Vipers coach Nick Nurse said. 'We took a huge step backwards on that. Some of that was guys living a little bit through the offensive end. When it's not going good, they aren't playing as tough on the defensive end.' Ehambe Moses Randall (6'6''-G/F-86, college: ORU), a 6-6 guard, led all scorers with 33 points on 12-of-17 shooting. Six-foot-11 center, Jarrid Famous, had 21 points and 14 rebounds. Brandon Ewing, a 6-2 guard had 30 points on 8-of-10 shooting. Many of those came on drives to the basket. *Courtesy of www.themonitor.com

Idaho Stampede - Dakota Wizards 77-120
Pick a stat, any stat. It should help illustrate how bad the Idaho Stampede were beaten by the Dakota Wizards on Thursday night at CenturyLink Arena. The score - 120-77 - only tells part of the story. How about this? The Stampede began last season winless in their first seven games and 2-13, but they never lost by more than 30 points. Thursday night, they lost by 43 points. Idaho was outrebounded 53-38. Two Stampede starters, Jason Ellis and Kendall Dartex, went a combined 0-for-9 from the field and finished with zero points. 'We just didn't play well tonight,' coach Randy Livingston said. 'We didn't make shots. We didn't defend. Sometimes you have nights like this. It's pro basketball.' Asked about the game's most telling statistic and Livingston pointed to the two teams' shooting percentage: Dakota finished at 58 percent, Idaho at 32.9. 'They shot almost 60 percent from the field,' he said. 'Anytime the opponent shoots 60 percent and you shoot 30, that's a recipe for disaster.' The NBA notified the D-League this week that rosters could be expanded to 12 players in anticipation of call-ups for the higher league's training camps in the wake of the lockout. Idaho added forward Kendall Dartez and guard Dontell Jefferson. Dartez was drafted by Idaho and missed the first two games because of injury. Jefferson, a D-League veteran, was playing in Canada. Both played limited minutes and were nonfactors, leaving Idaho looking for answers. 'We've just got to stick together and go out and compete,' said guard Cheyne Gadson (6'4''-G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Oklahoma St.), who had a team-high 20 points. Competing is something Livingston said his team didn't do Thursday night. Asked if his players gave up on the game, he admitted they did. 'From the beginning,' he said. 'I don't think they were ever into it. Put that on the (coaching) staff.' The teams play again Friday night at CenturyLink Arena. 'Maybe every shot will fall,' Livingston said. ' But we've got to find a way to get a win.' *Courtesy of www.idahostatesman.com

Rio Grande Valley Vipers - Iowa Energy. 134-108
It was a simple question that had no easy solution. Thats' the kind of challenge Rio Grande Valley Vipers guard, Terrell Harris (6'5''-G-87, college: Oklahoma St.), loves and he delivered in a big way after coach Nick Nurse asked him: You want to take him? The subject in question was Iowa Energy's Ehambe Moses Randall, who helped engineer a comeback after his team had fallen behind by 16 points in the first half. Ehambe had 17 points on 7 of 15 shooting and the Vipers didnt have an answer for him at the time. Harris and Kelvin Lewis led the Vipers with 21 points apiece. Tyren Johnson, the Vipers first-round pick had 20 points. It was the second solid outing for Johnson, who was the target of some criticism by Nurse in the preseason for getting off to a slow start. With his 20 points Wednesday and 18 against Erie on Saturday, he seems be catching up. I was feeling good, Johnson said. Im getting comfortable, and Im still getting adjusted after playing European basketball. Im taking it step by step. I just want to let the game come to me and not force stuff. Famous had game highs 33 points and 15 rebounds for the Energy. Nick Murphy had 18 points. The Vipers and Energy play at 7 oclock Thursday. The Vipers begin a three-game road trip beginning Sunday at Bakersfield. Courtesy of www.themonitor.com

[Durbansandshark]

Texas Legends - Tulsa 66ers 84-97
Marcus Lewis (6'8''-F/C-86, college: ORU) scored a game-high 19 points, Dwight Buycks added 13 points and a team-high four assists and the Tulsa 66ers downed the Texas Legends 97-84 Wednesday at Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco, Texas. In the first of six matchups between the Western Conference foes this season, Tulsa (3-0) led Texas by as many as 23 points. Jerome Dyson added 16 points for Tulsa, and Brady Morningstar scored a season-high 11. Keys: Tulsa held Texas to 31-of-82 (.378) shooting overall, including 1-of-15 (.067) from beyond the arc. The 66ers also forced 19 Legends turnovers and recorded a season-high six blocked shots. Notes: Tulsa held its third straight opponent to under 90 points. ... Texas fell to 0-2. Up next: At Austin, 8 p.m. Friday. Next home game: 7 p.m. Saturday vs. Austin. Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

(any win against the NDCELE NBDL Chapter is a great thing)

NDCELE NBDL Chapter - Reno Bighorns 95-99
The Reno Bighorns took a 99-95 victory over the NDCELE NBDL Chapter on Wednesay in Los Angeles for their first win of the season. Zach Graham (6'6''-G-89, college: Mississippi) led the Bighorns with 22 points and nine rebounds off the bench and Blake Ahearn added 19 points, five assists and four rebounds. Elijah Millsap led all players with 23 points for the D-Fenders. The win was the first for head coach Paul Mokeski with the Bighorns and the first under the ownership of Bighorns Basketball, LLC. Nick Fazekas shot the ball effectively, going 4-for-4 from the field and 3-for-3 from the free throw line for 11 points and grabbing five rebounds. McCullough returned to the starting lineup for the Bighorns, scoring 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting. Five Bighorns finished in double figures. 'We had a great practice yesterday and fixed some things for tonight's game,' Fazekas said. 'Congratulations to Coach Mokeski for his first win. It feels good to get this monkey off of our backs.' The Bighorns were down 44-47 at halftime, but outscored the NDCELE NBDL Chapter 28-14 in the third quarter to take a commanding lead. NDCELE NBDL Chapter would cut the lead to one point in the final minute, but the Bighorns used careful clock management and ball control to finish out the game. The Bighorns will play their first home game in Reno on Friday against the Bakersfield Jam at 7 p.m. The first 1,000 fans in the door will receive a free long-sleeve Bighorns t-shirts. Courtesy of www.rgj.com

Skyforce acquires Ryan Anderson - Dec 2, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Sioux Falls Skyforce announced today that that the team has acquired guard Ryan Anderson (6'4''-G-87, college: Nebraska) from the available player pool.

He is expected to be in uniform tomorrow night as the Skyforce hosts the Los Angeles D-Fenders at 7 p.m. in a game that will air live on NBA TV. The active roster now stands at 12 players.

Anderson was waived by the Texas Legends in training camp after being selected in the sixth round (91st overall) of the 2011 NBA Development League Draft. He averaged 9.2 points and 4.8 rebounds in four seasons (122 games) at the University of Nebraska.

The 6-4, 195-pound guard was named to the Big 12 All-Underrated Team by the media after averaging 11.3 points and 5.3 rebounds as a senior in 2009-10.

Courtesy of www.keloland.com

[Durbansandshark]

Friday's games - Dec 3, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Reno Bighorns - Bakersfield Jam 106-110
The Bakersfield Jam are now 3-0 on this young season, and the Reno Bighorns would probably prefer to see a different team, as they lose to the Jam by a 110-106 score in front of 3,279 fans at the Reno Events Center in Nevada. Three of their four losses have come against the Jam, as they drop to 1-4 on the season. The game itself turned out to be a closely fought one, with 15 lead changes and 11 ties. The biggest lead of the night for the Jam was five points, and the Bighorns managed a 10 point margin on two occasions. In the fourth quarter, Reno managed to increase their margin to 10 points, a 94-84 count with 8:22 left on the game clock. That was just a prelude, as the Jam went on a 15-5 run to knot the score at 99-99 with 3:45 left in the game. Much like the last game, the Jam was able to make the plays on both ends, and down the stretch, to secure the victory. On a key possession, Mustapha Farrakhan hit a huge three pointer to put the Jam up 106-104 with 1:52 left, and after a Nick Fazekas jump hook tied it, Juan Pattillo made a clutch jumper with 50 seconds left, and it put the Jam up to stay. After a three point attempt was air-balled by Taj McCulloough, Osiris Eldridge (6'3''-G-88, agency: N.E.T., college: Illinois St.) missed a jumper, but Adam Koch ran down the rebound, saved it and sent it inbounds to Eldridge, who was then fouled to stop the clock. Eldridge then converted the two free throws, increased their lead to 110-106 with 21.1 seconds left, and the defense held on the final possession. In all three games this season, the Jam had five men score in double figures, and Eldridge led the charge with 23 points (13 in the 4th), followed by Farrakhan with 22, Pattillo 18 (off the bench), Renaldo Major 15, and Brian Butch 10. Major had another great all-around game, with 4 rebounds, 7 assists (team high), 1 steal, 3 blocks (team high), and 0 turnovers. As well as his points, Pattillo led the team with 10 rebounds. Reno guard Blake Ahearn (6'2''-PG-84, college: Missouri St.) had a game-high 26 points, Cedric Bozeman added 21, and Fazekas 19. The Jam now returns home to face Rio Grande Valley for a 3 p.m. tipoff on Sunday, December 4th. The game is a rematch of the D-League 1st Round Playoffs from last year. *Courtesy of www.examiner.com

Sioux Falls Skyforce - NDCELE NBDL Chapter 96-107
The NDCELE NBDL Chapter defeated the Sioux Falls Skyforce 107-96 on Friday night at the Sioux Falls Arena. After leading by eight points (62-54) at halftime, NDCELE NBDL Chapter built a comfortable lead outscoring Sioux Falls 30-22 in the third quarter and never looked back as they pushed their lead to as many as 19 in the fourth quarter. The teams exchanged leads nine times before halftime until NDCELE NBDL Chapter (3-2) broke a 47-47 tie with a bucket by Brandon Costner with 3:52 left in the second quarter. NDCELE NBDL Chapter led the rest of the game. Casey Mitchell (6'4''-G-88, college: W.Virginia) kept Sioux Falls (1-2) in the game by scoring 15 of his 21 points in the second quarter. Mitchell hit his first six shots of the game and also finished the game with a season-high six rebounds. Elijah Millsap (6'6''-G-87, agency: Interperformances, college: UAB) led the D-Fenders in scoring with 21 points to go along with seven rebounds, six assists and five steals. Jamaal Tinsley finished with 17 points and a game-high seven assists. Charles Garcia led the Skyforce in scoring for the third straight game with 23 points. Gabe Pruitt had a solid game with 18 points and six assists. The same two teams face off at the Sioux Falls Arena tomorrow night at 7 p.m. CT. *Courtesy of www.ksfy.com

Austin Toros - Tulsa 66ers 96-83
Jerome Dyson (6'3''-G-87, college: Connecticut) recorded 17 points and two steals and Curtis Sumpter (6'7''-F-84, college: Villanova) and Ryan Reid both turned in double-doubles, but the Tulsa 66ers (3-1) fell short on the road to the Austin Toros (2-0), 96-83, Friday night. Trailing 47-41 at halftime, the Toros used a 27-11 scoring advantage in the third quarter to surge ahead. Notes: Tulsa's Sumpter posted his first double-double of the 2011-12 campaign with 13 points and 11 rebounds, both season highs for the forward. ... Reid pitched in his second double-double with 11 points and 12 boards. ... Also leading the 66ers off the bench was Xavier Alexander with a season-high 12 points. ... Leading the Toros was Lance Thomas with a game-high 24 points and 16 rebounds. Guard Justin Dentmon pitched in 18 points. Up next: Vs. Austin, 7 p.m. Saturday at the Convention Center *Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

Idaho Stampede - Dakota Wizards 97-92
One night after the worst loss in franchise history, the Idaho Stampede had two choices: hang their heads and take their lumps again or come out fighting. Idaho chose the latter, and the result was a 97-92 win over the Dakota Wizards on Friday at CenturyLink Arena. 'It was embarrassing,' Seth Tarver (6'5''-G/F-88, college: Oregon St.) said of the previous night's 120-77 defeat at the hands of the Wizards. 'But we came out and worked harder tonight. It's about pride, really.' And defense. And rebounding. It's no coincidence that Idaho's first win came in the first game that it outrebounded the other team. 'It feels a lot better than a loss,' said Tarver, who scored a game-high 22 points. 'The first win seems to be the hardest to get.' He speaks from experience. Last season, the team went 0-7 before winning its first game. This year, Idaho (1-3) dropped three in a row before winning its first contest. Second-year coach Randy Livingston was happier than anyone to get the first win - especially coming off such a devastating loss. 'You can't explain it,' he said. 'We were a little flabbergasted about what happened Thursday night. But I think we kind of found our soul as a team.' The two games could be summed up by their second quarters. Thursday, Dakota (2-2) outscored Idaho 38-19. Friday, Idaho had a 29-12 advantage. Idaho added to the lead in the third quarter, and from there it was just a matter of hanging on. *Courtesy of www.idahostatesman.com

Springfield Armour - Ft.Wayne Mad Ants 110-118
The Springfield Armor nearly did it again. Another poor shooting night, their second in two games, very nearly equated to a second win for the Armor, but the Fort Wayne Mad Ants held off a late rally to win 118-110 Friday night before 3,620 at the MassMutual Center. Springfield (1-1), which shot 33 percent in its opening-night win over Maine, had a better overall shooting percentage, but was dismal from the 3-point arc and struggled at the foul line. Fort Wayne (2-0), on the other hand, was excellent from long range and from the charity stripe, maximizing every opportunity the Armor gave it. A basket by newcomer Jeff Foote (7'0''-C-88, college: Cornell) (13 points, 12 rebounds) was followed by a Curry steal and a 3-pointer by Jerry Smith (6'2''-PG-84, college: Samford) (22 points) to make it 104-103 with 1:08 to play. But the Armor struggled to score again and the Mad Ants made 4 straight foul shots to pull away. Jones finished with a game-high 31 points and Walker Russell scored 24. *Courtesy of www.masslive.com

Canton Charge - Texas Legends 88-101
If a line graph were to represent the Canton Charge's performance Friday night, it would start high on the chart. Then, eventually, it would start falling, and falling, and falling. Canton started fast, but couldn't maintain in a 101-88 loss to the Texas Legends in front of 3,300 fans at Memorial Civic Center. The rhythm to the Charge's offense seemed to diminish as the game progressed. Their defensive breakdowns increased, as the Legends shot 30-of-54 (55.6 percent) from the field over the final three quarters. Texas' bigger size wore on the Charge, too. The Legends (1-2) scored 44 points in the paint, tallied 17 second-chance points to the Charge's seven, and outrebounded Canton, 36-23, after the first quarter. And that was without 6-foot-11 Jamal Sampson (ankle). 'Defense and rebounding again,' Charge head coach Alex Jensen summarized. 'You look at the rebounding stats in the first quarter ... we had a good run. We had the lead. Our good defense dictated a good offense. ' (Then) we kind of let our struggles on offense carry over to the defensive end. It's just the consistency of the effort on blocking out.' Texas guard Dominique Johnson (6'3''-G-87, college: Azusa Pacific), a D-League version of Dwyane Wade in looks and playing style, scored 24 points, and made 4 of 8 3-pointers. Booker Woodfox hit 3 of 4 3s for 17 points off the bench. The Legends made 8 of 17 3s after hitting just one in 15 attempts during a loss Wednesday to Tulsa. Canton's Tyrell Biggs (6'8''-F-86, college: Pittsburgh) scored a game-high 29 points in a variety of ways. He hit 12-of-20 shots and grabbed seven rebounds. *Courtesy of www.cantonrep.com

[Durbansandshark]

Saturday's games - Dec 4, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Sioux Falls S. - Los Angeles D. 92-94
While Skyforce coach Mo McHone thinks his team got better this weekend, its record got worse and its lineup is likely to follow suit. Sioux Falls had two shots to tie in the final 8 seconds Saturday - one at the line and one from the field - only to miss both and drop a 94-92 decision to the Los Angeles D-Fenders in NBA D-League play before a crowd of 2,443 at the Arena. The contest was soundly uneven, one team scoring in the teens in every quarter. In that regard, it was sort of fitting that the Force had an opportunity to salvage a series split after trailing by 18 in the first quarter and by nine with less than 2 minutes left. 'This is a very competitive, hard, strong team - bigger and stronger than we were,' McHone said of the D-Fenders. 'That part of it, I thought we met the challenge tonight. All we had to do is get lucky and make the shot.' Point guard Gabe Pruitt (6'4''-G-86, college: USC) had a chance to tie from the foul line with 7.9 seconds left, only to have his second attempt rattle out. Then, off guard Casey Mitchell - who finished with 20 points - missed a contested, flailing jumper off the dribble as time expired, the spot-up shooter forced to put the ball on the deck. Sioux Falls (1-3) lost despite shooting 50 percent from the field and allowing just 36.5 percent. How? By finishing minus-6 in turnover margin - allowing 27 points off 20 giveaways - and giving up 17 offensive rebounds. The D-Fenders (4-2) got off 12 more attempts from the field and outscored Sioux Falls 33-24 from the foul line. Center Brandon Costner, a big man with a soft touch, led the way with a game-high 32 points with four 3-pointers - three of those in the final frame. Costner and Elijah Millsap (6'6''-G-87, agency: Interperformances, college: UAB) combined for 26 in the first quarter in what played out like a continuation of Friday's lopsided affair. While the Skyforce recovered to take a brief lead late in the second quarter, the lifeless start set a bad tone. 'In the second half, we had the intensity,' said Sioux Falls forward Charles Garcia, who had 20 points. 'We've got to start out the game with that. If we start out the game with that, we could have won.' (Page 2 of 2) To be clear, the Force was up-and-down in the second half, too, converting just two field goals in the third quarter. That offset the fact that they allowed just three baskets in the second quarter. More examples: L.A. had three 3-pointers through three quarters and four in the fourth. Pruitt had four fouls and three points through three quarters. He and two other Skyforce starters - Greg Stiemsma and Anthony Mason - tallied more points in the fourth quarter than they did in the first three. 'The ebb and flow of the game was kind of weird,' McHone admitted. 'It looked like we were out of it at the end and the next thing you know we've got a chance to win.' There's no telling when that will happen again as the Sioux Falls roster could lose 4-5 players this week with NBA training camps set to open next Friday. Media reports indicate NBA teams can contact free agents beginning Monday. 'We're going to have to make some moves - I really don't know,' McHone said. 'The (available player) pool is so bad, the pool is so weak that if we lose four guys and I have to go to the pool to get four guys - I just don't know what we're going to do.' *Courtesy of www.argusleader.com

Iowa E. - Erie Bay H. 112-108
The Erie BayHawks dropped their third game of the season, losing to the Iowa Energy 112-108 at Wells Fargo Arena late Saturday. Donald Sloan (6'3''-G-88, college: Texas A&M) led the BayHawks (1-3) with 29 points, while teammate Chris Daniels had 14 points and 10 rebounds. Energy (3-2) forward Ehambe Moses Randall (6'6''-G/F-86, college: ORU) scored a game-high 31 points. Erie meets Iowa again Sunday. *Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Canton C. - Texas L. 108-87
The halftime hangover was rearing its ugly head again. The Charge watched their eight-point lead at the intermission drop to two in just more than a minute. They needed an answer, and much to head coach Alex Jensen's delight, it came on the defensive end. The Charge responded with nine straight defensive stops to regain control and roll over the Texas Legends for a 108-87 victory. A crowd of 3,213 inside Memorial Civic Center gave the Charge a standing ovation as the final seconds ticked off in their first NBA Development League win. 'It's a step forward, and we have many more to take,' said Jensen, who picked up his first career win. '... There have been a lot of time and effort put into it. I'm happy for everyone involved. I think it's the city's and Cavalier organization's (win) as much as anybody's.' Slow starts in the third quarter plagued the Charge their first two games. When an ugly turnover on an inbounds pass led to a breakaway basket for Dominique Johnson on Saturday night, the Charge's lead was down to 53-51 and Jensen was calling timeout with 10:55 left in the third. The Legends had a chance to take the lead after a 3-point miss for Canton, but Tyrone Kent came up with a steal that led to two Tyrell Biggs (6'8''-F-86, college: Pittsburgh) free throws, starting a 13-0 Canton run over the next four minutes. 'That was a great job by coach calling that timeout, and reiterating, Look, we've been through this already. Let's not do this again. Let's get this back on track,' ' Charge point guard Keith McLeod said. There was a lot to like from the Charge on this night. There was balanced offense with better ball movement and rhythm. After a quiet start to the season, Kent responded with 16 points, 15 in the first half. 'The thing I'm happiest with him is the job he did (defensively) on Johnson,' Jensen said, referring to the eight points on 4-of-15 shooting from Johnson on Saturday after going for 24 points on Friday. 'He never got comfortable tonight.' Biggs backed up his 29-point effort in Friday's loss to Texas with 24 points on Saturday. He shot 22-of-37 from the field for the weekend. Marcus Relphorde scored 17 points, while Travis Franklin went for 18 after an 0-for Friday. McLeod added 12 points and eight assists as the Charge shot 53.8 percent from the field. 'We just played hard,' McLeod said. 'Even if guys made mistakes, we just made up for it with effort. We helped each other out.' Aided by the presence of Dante Milligan, a 6-foot-9 forward acquired Friday, the Charge cleaned up on the boards and defended the paint better than they had in their first two games. Milligan went for eight points and seven rebounds in his Charge debut. Biggs grabbed nine boards. The Charge outrebounded Texas, 45-36, and limited the Legends to 38.6 percent shooting. 'You look at the stats, that's exactly what we teach,' Jensen said. Also helping Canton was 6-11 Jamal Sampson (ankle) missing his second straight game for Texas, and 6-11 Matt Rogers leaving with an injury in the first half. Booker Woodfox led Texas (1-3) with 23 points. *Courtesy of www.cantonrep.com

[Durbansandshark]

Tulsa 66ers - Austin T. 109-96
One night after the Austin Toros handed Tulsa its first loss of the season, the 66ers returned the favor to their NBA Development League Western Conference rivals. Using stellar second-half defense and a double-double from former Oral Roberts player Marcus Lewis (6'8''-F/C-86, college: ORU), Tulsa notched a 109-96 win over the Toros in the home opener inside the Tulsa Convention Center. The win was the first home-opening win in Tulsa franchise history as the 66ers had dropped their previous six home openers. After allowing Austin (2-1) to score 61 points in the opening half, Tulsa (4-1) limited the Toros to just 35 after the break. Tulsa also owned a 48-28 advantage in rebounding while forcing 17 turnovers. 'We've been a good defensive team all year and we couldn't accept giving up 61 points in the first half,' said Tulsa head coach Nate Tibbetts. 'I thought our guys really stepped up in the second half.' Tulsa used its defense to frustrate the Toros and open up a seven-point lead at the end of the third quarter, then started the final period on a 15-4 run to take complete control of the contest. Tulsa would lead by as many as 19 in the fourth quarter. One night after being limited by the Toros to just eight points, Lewis exploded for 22 points and 12 rebounds to pace the 66er attack. It was the third double-double in five games for Lewis and represented his season high in points. 'Last night was the first time that I have seen Marcus frustrated, but I thought he really bounced back tonight,' Tibbetts said. Lewis was one of five Tulsa players to finish in double-digit scoring, with guards Jerome Dyson scoring 19 and Dwight Buycks coming off the bench to add 18. Austin opened the game on fire, hitting 10 of its first 12 shots, including 5-of-6 from 3-point range, as the Toros opened up a 15-point lead midway through the period. Tulsa would slowly chip away at the Austin advantage, pulling within 11 at the end of the first quarter and finally taking the lead on a jumper by Buycks with 2:23 to play before intermission. The 66ers would take a 63-61 edge into the locker room as Lewis connected on an acrobatic shot with 9.3 seconds left in the quarter. *Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

Maine RC - Springfield A. 104-112
Sometimes it's easy to pick out the turning point in a game, the one play or moment that determined its outcome. Other times it's a whole lot of things. Such was the case Saturday night when the Maine Red Claws lost their home opener 112-107 to the Springfield Armor before the usual sellout crowd of 3,042 at the Portland Expo. In dropping to 0-3, the Red Claws were outscored by 10 points in the final quarter as the Armor took control with a 15-3 run midway through. During that stretch, the Red Claws missed five shots and turned the ball over twice. 'It's a combination of a lot of things,' said Dave Leitao, the first-year coach of the Red Claws. 'I wish I could just pinpoint one item, one section. But the game is a by-product of a lot of plays. 'After we got up by six, they came out of a timeout and got a couple of easy baskets and that was our defense. And the defense at times affects offense and vice versa.' Springfield improved to 2-1, both wins against Maine. As they have in each game, the Red Claws lost the turnover game, committing 20 to Springfield's 13. The Armor's pressure defense in the fourth quarter, which forced the Red Claws out of their comfort zone, was a key factor in the result. 'We looked timid to make plays at times,' said Kenny Hayes, Maine's point guard. 'It's like we didn't realize we had control of the game.' It was 93-86 Maine with 7:38 left after Durrell Summers hit two foul shots. L.D. Williams hit a 3-pointer to cut it to 93-89. Springfield took the lead when Dennis Horner first scored inside on a loose ball layup, then followed that with a 3-pointer from way beyond the top of the key. That made the score 94-93 with 5:32 left. After a Red Claws miss, Jerry Smith (12 of his 18 in the fourth) hit a 3-pointer, then intercepted a harried Summers pass and went in for a dunk that made it 99-93. Smith later hit another 3-pointer with 2:44 left that made it 104-97. 'They made plays,' said Hayes, who had 20 points. 'That's what veteran teams do.' The home opener featured 15 ties and 15 lead changes. Maine played well in spurts, but Springfield kept its composure. 'We just talk about playing consistently,' said Bob MacKinnon, Springfield's coach. 'There's going to be runs that every team goes on. We just try to be consistent in what we do and play our best.' Chris Wright (6'8''-F-88, college: Dayton) led the Red Claws with 27 points, Summers had 21, Hayes 20 and Justin Brownlee 13, including six in a row early in the fourth. 'We've got to continue to work and come back in less than 24 hours and play a team (Fort Wayne) that's undefeated and is very, very good,' said Leitao. 'It will test our grit and our mental focus. That's what this league is about anyway.' *Courtesy of www.pressherald.com

Erie BayHawks beat Iowa Energy - Dec 5, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Donald Sloan (6'3''-G-88, college: Texas A&M) scored a game-high 21 points for the Erie BayHawks, who salvaged a split of their two-game series at Iowa with Sunday afternoon's 97-87 victory. It was the first road win of the new NBA Development League season for the BayHawks, who lost 112-108 Saturday night at Wells Fargo Arena. The BayHawks (2-3) never trailed Sunday's matinee after a 5-0 mini-run midway through the second quarter. Two free throws from center Chris Daniels left Erie up 36-31 with 5 minutes, 53 seconds left.

Erie built a 51-40 lead at halftime and maintained its 11-point margin at 74-63 after three quarters. The Energy (3-3) pulled within seven when Andrew Drevo's jumper made it 83-76 with 6:50 left to play, but they came no closer. The BayHawks led by at least 10 the rest of the way when forward Mychel Thompson (6'7''-F-88, college: Pepperdine) converted a 3-pointer on their next possession. Daniels recorded a double-double for the BayHawks with his 15 points and 13 rebounds. He was one of four Erie starters who scored in double figures, with Sloan good for his 21, followed by Tirrell Baines (6'6''-F-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Marshall) with 18 and Thompson with 15.

Brandon Ewing (6'2''-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Wyoming) sparked the Energy with 17 points. Moses Ehambe totaled 13, while Nick Murphy and Jarrid Famous each contributed 12. Sloan was Erie's top scorer in each game at Iowa. The guard contributed 29 points in Saturday night's four-point loss. Thompson followed with 21 points. Daniels added 14 points and 10 boards. The BayHawks had few defensive answers in that game for Ehambe, who finished with 31 points. Erie returns to action Friday, when it hosts the expansion Canton Charge at Tullio Arena.

Courtesy of www.goerie.com

[Durbansandshark]

Red Claws rally for 1st win - Dec 5, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Kenny Hayes (6'2''-PG-87, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Miami, OH) scored 28 of his game-high 32 points in the second half in leading the Maine Red Claws to their first win this season, a 99-91 decision over the Fort Wayne Mad Ants before a crowd of 2,799 Sunday night at the Portland Expo. Hayes took Coach Dave Leitao's halftime speech to heart and burst into the second half. He single-handedly swung the momentum of a game that appeared to be clearly in the Mad Ants' favor.

The 6-2 guard from Miami (Ohio) rallied his team from an 11-point halftime deficit with 13 straight points in the third quarter, ending up scoring 18 of his team's 27 points in the period. 'Coach came in at halftime and really got on us,' Hayes said. 'He said we looked scared, which we did, and he told us we were better than that and that we could still win this game. That started with me being the leader and the captain. I need to do something to boost my team and bring some energy. I kind of took it personal and I couldn't let my team down.'

The Red Claws' surge came after Fort Wayne appeared to have the game under control at the half. The two teams played on relatively even terms through most of the first two quarters, until the Mad Ants outscored Maine 15-0 in the final 2 1/2 minutes for a 59-48 halftime lead. Hayes was just 2 for 7 from the field in the half. 'I just forgot about the first half,' Hayes said. 'I knew it was a new half and I was going to do whatever I could do to help win this game for the team.

'That's the one thing that I learned over the summer. In the past I carried my emotions on my sleeve and I would let the first half carry over to the second. When you are the captain and the leader on the team you have to realize you have to have a short memory.'
'Because he's the floor general, whether it's (Hayes') fault or not, that goes on his shoulders,' said Leitao, whose team lost its first three games. 'Our challenge to him was to be better, to take care of his team and himself. So he took it personal.'

Justin Brownlee had a huge blocked shot and a put-back slam in the final two minutes of regulation to punctuate the comeback effort, and Chris Wright posted double-doubles for the Red Claws. Brownlee finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds off the bench while Wright had 12 points and 13 rebounds. Corey Allmond (6'2''-G-88, college: Howard Col. (TX)) paced the Mad Ants with 26 points and Darnell Lazare (6'8''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: LSU) added 20 points and 11 rebounds.

NOTES: Saturday night's official final against Springfield was a 112-104 loss, not 112-107 as reported in an early version of the game's final stats. According to Jana Spaulding, the Red Claws' director of public and community relations, a power outage in the computerized statistics system caused some late confusion requiring postgame corrections. The point differential came from individual game totals for Wright, who finished with a game-high 26 points instead of 27, and Hayes, who officially had 18 points instead of 20. ...

According to Leitao, J.R. Reynolds has left the team. No other information was provided.

Courtesy of www.pressherald.com

Bakersfield loses first game - Dec 5, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Bakersfield Jam lost to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers by a score of 118-95 tonight. The Jam (3-1) drop their first game of the season and the Vipers (4-1) win their first road game of the year.

The first period of the game was a close battle as the lead changed 4 times and the teams were tied twice as the Vipers took a 28-26 lead over the Jam at the end of the quarter. Rio Grande Valley got hot in the second, shooting 55.0% on the quarter, while Bakersfield went cold, only hitting 16.7% of their shots to bring the halftime score to 58-44 in favor of the Vipers. The third quarter continued to go RGV's way as they extended their lead to as many as 30 points and entered the final period being up 85-66. The Jam made a push to start the final period with Adrian Thomas (6'7''-F-87, college: Miami, FL) hitting 4 of his 7 three pointers on the night in that quarter and trimmed the Vipers lead to only 10 points at the 7:34 mark but it wasn't enough to make the come back.

Rio Grande Valley outscored Bakersfield 56-20 in the paint and 17-6 in the fast-break category. The Jam committed 23 turnovers and had only 18 team assists compared to the Vipers 33.

Jam were led by Adrian Thomas with a game-high 21 points on 7-for-15 three point field goal shooting off the bench. Brian Butch (6'11''-C/F-84, agency: Edge Sports, college: Wisconsin) finished with his third double-double of the season (14 points and 15 rebounds). Mustapha Farrakhan had 12 points and Anthony Harris added 10 points and dished out a team-high 6 assists.

Seven Vipers scored in double figures this evening, led by Stanley Asumnu (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Tennessee) with 20 points off the bench. Forward Tyren Johnson (6'8''-F-88, college: La-Lafayette) contributed 19 points and Kelvin Lewis added 17. Josh Tarver and Marshall Brown had 12 points apiece. Terrel Harris and Jay-R Strowbridge scored 10 points each.

Up next, Bakersfield will take on the Idaho Stampede on Thursday, December 8, at 7 pm PT at the Jam Events Center.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Jam add Gurley and Harris - Dec 5, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Bakersfield Jam have claimed guard Anthony Gurley (6'3''-G-88, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: Massachusetts) from the available player pool and reactivated point guard Anthony Harris (6'2''-G-85, agency: N.E.T.) from the injured list, the team announced today. Justin Graham has been waived due to injury.

Gurley was drafted by Los Angeles in the 2nd round of the 2011 NBA Development League Draft and attended the D-Fenders training camp. He worked out for the Boston Celtics in June, 2011 and participated in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, averaging 7.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.3 steals in 7 games. Transferring from Wake Forest, Gurley played three seasons at Massachusetts, averaging 18.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 steals in 30 games his final year.

Harris was acquired by Bakersfield from the available player pool after the GATORADE Call-up of Trey Johnson to the Los Angeles Lakers in April, 2011. He split the 2010-11 NBA D-League season between the Sioux Falls Skyforce and Utah Flash, averaging 11.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on the year. Prior to joining the Jam, Harris played overseas in Cyprus and Hungary. He played college basketball for Miami, averaging 10.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 32 games his senior season.

The current roster now stands at 12 players. NBA D-League teams are permitted to carry a maximum of 12 players until one week after the commencement of NBA training camps, at which point they will be required to return to no more than 10 NBA D-League players.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Armor reacquire Marcus Hill - Dec 6, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Springfield Armor announced today that they have reacquired guard Marcus Hill (5'9''-G-89, college: Minnesota St.). The Armor's roster now stands at 12.

'Marcus did a great job competing for a spot on our regular season roster in training camp,' said Armor head coach Bob MacKinnon. 'As a staff, we felt that when a spot opened up, he was one of the first players on our list to bring back as we continue our season.' Hill, a 5'9 rookie out of Minnesota State, was the Armor's sixth round draft choice (80th overall) in this year's NBA Development League Draft. He was one of the last two players released by the Armor prior to the conclusion of training camp on Nov. 23.

Prior to joining the Armor, Hill played four years at Division II Minnesota State, achieving All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) first-team status during his senior season. Hill's collegiate career ended in the 2010 NCAA Elite 8 when Minnesota State was eliminated by eventual national champion Bellarmine University at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. Hill, 22, will wear jersey No. 7 and will be available when the Armor take on the Maine Red Claws on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 7:00 PM at the MassMutual Center. Per a recent league announcement, NBA D-League teams will be permitted to carry and dress for games a maximum of 12 players until one week after the commencement of NBA training camps. Following is the Armor's current 12-man roster:

Name Pos HT WT From Status

David Akinyooye F 6-6 215 Adelphi Local Tryouts
Jamar Brown F/C 6-10 235 CSU-Pueblo Returning (10-11)
Travis Cohn G 6-2 170 Jacksonville Local Tryouts
JamesOn Curry G 6-4 200 Oklahoma State Returning (09-10)
Jeff Foote C 7-0 265 Cornell Available Player Pool
Marcus Hill G 5-9 165 Minnesota State Local Tryouts
Dennis Horner F 6-9 230 NC State Draft Pick
Lance Hurdle G 6-2 195 Miami Returning (10-11)
Jerry Smith G 6-2 190 Louisville Returning (10-11)
Eugene Spates F 6-7 220 Northeastern Returning (10-11)
Jonathan Thomas G/F 6-6 210 Marshall Draft Pick
L.D. Williams G 6-4 215 Wake Forest Returning (10-11)
Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

[Durbansandshark]

Tulsa 66ers coach hired by Cleveland Cavaliers - Dec 6, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Tulsa 66ers are used to having players called up to the NBA. But now, they've lost their coach to the big leagues. The Cleveland Cavaliers announced Monday they have hired Nate Tibbetts to serve as an assistant on the staff of head coach Byron Scott.
Dale Osbourne has been promoted to head coach of the 66ers, who are off to a 4-and-1 start in the D-League this season.

In two full seasons as Tulsa's head coach, Tibbetts was 60-and-40 and took the 66ers to the playoffs both seasons, including an appearance in the 2010 D-League Finals. Tibbetts also served as head coach of Team USA during the recent 2011 Pan American Games, leading the team to the bronze medal, the first medal for the U.S. since 1999.

Courtesy of www.ktul.com

Russell gets NBA call, Mad Ants add two - Dec 6, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Mad Ants point guard Walker Russell (6'0''-G-82, college: Jacksonville St.) confirmed Monday he's been invited to join the Detroit Pistons training camp.

Russell said via text that he will play in the Mad Ants' game at Canton on Wednesday night before likely leaving for Pistons camp on Thursday.

Sources say other players who could get NBA camp invites include swingman Ron Howard (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Valparaiso), forward Darnell Lazare (6'8''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: LSU) and rookie guard Cameron Jones (6'4''-G-89, college: N.Arizona), but none have been confirmed yet. 'We'll know more in the next day or two,' Mad Ants President Jeff Potter said. 'We may take a hit, but we're as deep as we've ever been with quality players.'

In anticipation of some NBA camp call-ups, the Ants (2-1) have added Jabril Banks (6'7''-F-87, college: N.Colorado) and Ramon Harris (6'7''-F-88, college: Kentucky) to their roster. Banks, a 6-foot-8 forward, and Harris, a 6-7 guard, were among the last cuts when the Ants finalized their 10-man regular-season roster. The NBA D-League is allowing teams to temporarily expand their roster to 12 as NBA teams are expected to invite several D-League players to camp this week.

Banks played the last two seasons in Germany and Morocco after completing his collegiate career at Northern Colorado. Harris, a former University of Kentucky player, averaged 17 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in China last season.

Courtesy of www.news-sentinel.com

Claws acquire a new player - Dec 6, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Maine Red Claws announced today that they have acquired Maze Stallworth (6'4''-F, college: Morehead St.) from the Available Players Pool. He comes in to replace J.R. Reynolds, who left the team after the second loss to Springfield.

Stallworth was drafted by Tulsa in this year's D-League Draft out of Morehead State. During his time at Morehead State, he helped the team make it to the NCAA Tournament in the 2008-09 season. He is also the school's all-time three-point leader.

He is expected to be in Springfield Thursday, as the Claws take on the Armor for the third time in five games.

Courtesy of www.examiner.com

Russell is D-League Player of the Week - Dec 6, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Walker Russell (6'0''-G-82, college: Jacksonville St.) of the Fort Wayne Mad Ants was today named NBA Development League Performer of the Week for games played Nov. 25 Dec 4.

A 6-0, 175-pound guard out of Jacksonville State who has been in training camp with the New York Knicks, Russell led Fort Wayne to a 2-1 record for the week, averaging 20.3 points, 11.0 assists and 4.0 rebounds.

Russell recorded back-to-back point-assist double-doubles to open the season, tallying 20 points and 12 assists during a 110-106 win on Nov. 25 vs. Sioux Falls, and posting 24 points and 14 assists on Dec. 2 during a 118-110 win at Springfield.

Other top performers considered include Austins Lance Thomas, who averaged 19.3 points and 10.0 rebounds; Bakersfields Brian Butch, who averaged 19.8 points and 12.5 rebounds; Cantons Tyrell Biggs, who averaged 22.3 points and 6.7 rebounds, Dakotas Edwin Ubiles, who averaged 16.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists; Eries Donald Sloan, who averaged 24.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 8.4 assists; Iowas Jarrid Famous, who averaged 21.0 points and 12.2 rebounds; Los Angeles Elijah Millsap, who averaged 22.5 points and 8.3 rebounds; Maines Chris Wright, who averaged 17.0 points and 10.8 rebounds; Rio Grande Valleys Terrel Harris, who averaged 17.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists; Renos Blake Ahearn, who averaged 25.0 points and 7.0 assists; Springfields Jerry Smith, who averaged 20.7 points and 4.3 assists; Sioux Falls Charles Garcia, who averaged 24.8 points and 6.8 rebounds; and Tulsas Marcus Lewis, who averaged 16.6 points and 11.6 rebounds.

Courtesy of www.wane.com

Toros rally past 66ers - Dec 8, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Three 66ers forwards had double-doubles, but Tulsa fell short on the road to the Austin Toros in NBA D-League action by a 94-80 final score Wednesday night inside Cedar Park Center.

Jerome Dyson (6'3''-G-87, college: Connecticut) added a team-high 20 points and four assists. Marcus Lewis (6'8''-F/C-86, college: ORU) posted his fourth double-double of the season with 12 points and a season-high 18 rebounds. Ryan Reid (6'8''-F-86, college: Florida St.) added 12 points and 12 rebounds and Curtis Sumpter pitched in 11 points and 10 boards. In Dale Osbourne's first game as head coach for the 66ers, Tulsa forced 17 Austin turnovers and notched eight steals, including four by Lewis. The 66ers carried a 45-44 lead into halftime, but saw the Toros sprint out of the locker room to outscore the 66ers 23-12 in the third quarter to take control.

Tulsa fell to 4-2. Austin improved to 3-1.

Up next: 7 p.m. Friday at Dakota.

Next home game: 7 p.m. Dec. 16. vs. Reno.

Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

Late defensive stand helps D-Fenders win streak to four - Dec 8, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Brandon Costner's blocked shot with just under six seconds remaining helped the Los Angeles D-Fenders push their win streak to four straight as they defeated the Rio Grande Valley Vipers 117-113 at Toyota Sports Center on Wednesday night. Costner led six D-Fenders (6-2) in double-digits after he totaled a game-high 24 points to go with five rebounds.

Brian Hamilton (6'6''-F-82, college: La-Lafayette) (13 points) put Los Angeles in position for the win with 46 seconds to go after he flushed home a breakaway dunk off one of his three steals to push the score to 115-111. Just 8 seconds earlier, Andrews (14 points, 8 rebounds) energized his team with an impressive baseline one-handed dunk.

Their teammate Courtney Fortson (5'11''-SG-88, college: Arkansas) also fortified the D-Fenders push late with nine fourth quarter points. Fortson tallied 21 points on 5-of-6 shooting (9-11 FT) and 10 assists to record his first double-double of the season. Elijah Millsap (6'6''-G-87, agency: Interperformances, college: UAB) totaled 21 points (7-14 FG) and nine rebounds while Jamaal Tinsley (6'3''-G-78, college: Iowa St.) followed up his record-breaking Monday night with 12 points and five assists.

The Vipers (4-3) also had six scorers in double digits, paced by Tyren Johnson with 24 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Stanley Asumnu followed suit and finished with 20 points and seven rebounds, and Marshall Brown posted 18 points and seven rebounds.

Points in the paint were important in the D-Fenders victory as they outscored the Vipers 56-42. With the win, Los Angeles tied the fourth longest win streak in franchise history (4 straight, 2006-07). The D-Fenders are back in action Saturday, December 10 at 8:00 pm as they take on the Idaho Stampede at TSC.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

[Durbansandshark]

Mad Ants fall at Canton 112-104 - Dec 8, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Canton Charge came back from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter to win their second game in a row, 112-104, at the Canton Memorial Civic Center on Wednesday night. Canton was propelled by six players scoring double-digit points to even their record at 2-2 in their inaugural campaign.

After Fort Wayne built a six-point lead at the half, the Mad Ants went on a 12-0 run midway through the third period to build a 14-point advantage. Coach Jensen called a time out in order for his squad to gather themselves, as they were then able to erase the deficit entirely in the final 5:03 to even the score at 87-87 entering the final quarter.

TJ Campbell (5'9''-PG-88, college: Portland) provided a boost off of the bench in the fourth, scoring seven points and grabbing four boards, as the home team was able to pull away with a 9-1 scoring run late to go ahead for good.

It was a tale of two halves for the Charge, as they buckled down defensively to allow just 43 points on 15-of-41 shooting for 37% after the Mad Ants tallied 61 points on 21-of-42 for 50% in the first half.

Dante Milligan and Keith McLeod each had double-doubles for Canton with Milligan dropping in 13 points and grabbing 12 boards. McLeod scored 12 while adding 10 assists and six rebounds.

D-League assists leader Walker Russell Jr. paced Fort Wayne with 19 points and 14 dimes at the point guard position. Darnell Lazare led all scorers with 24 to go along with his six rebounds, while Marvin Phillips notched a double-double with 11 points and 14 boards. The Mad Ants had four starters in double figures.

Tyrell Biggs (6'8''-F-86, college: Pittsburgh) led Canton in scoring with 18, and Antoine Agudio (6'3''-G-85) poured in 16 in his first start of the season.

TJ Campbell finished with 10 points, seven boards and four assists in less than 22 minutes of play. Jonathan Blake (6'7''-F-87, college: Texas Wesleyan) rounded out the Charges double-digit scorers with 12 on 5-of-5 shooting.

Fort Wayne hosts Springfield Friday night at War Memorial Coliseum. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m.

Courtesy of www.wane.com

Latest games - Dec 9, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Bakersfield J. - Idaho S. 100-87
The Idaho Stampede let a 10-point lead slip away before halftime, falling 100-87 at the Bakersfield Jam. Willie Jenkins' (6'6''-F-81, college: Tenn Tech) 3 put Idaho up 51-41, but the Jam used a 25-3 run to take the lead for good early in the third quarter. Jenkins led the Stampede with 23 points, Mildon Ambres (6'6''-F/G-84, college: S.Nazarene) added 13 and Reginald Larry (6'7''-F-86, college: Boise St.) scored 12 in the loss. In other Stampede news, the team reacquired three-time NBA All-Star Antoine Walker (6-foot-9, 245 pounds). Walker played 43 games for the Stampede in 2010-11, averaging 16.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. Also, the team announced a time change for their home game against the Canton Charge on Dec. 17. The game time has been pushed back to 7:30 p.m. *Courtesy of www.idahopress.com

Springfield A. - Maine RC 97-89
Defense: check. Players diving on the floor: check. Box outs, extra passes and multiple efforts on every possession: check, check, check. Springfield Armor, it's nice to meet the new you. Lance Hurdle (6'2''-G-87, college: Miami, FL) scored 28 points and the Eastern Conference-leading Armor rode a wave of energy to overcome a sluggish start, ousting the Maine Red Claws 97-89 Thursday night at the MassMutual Center to move two games above .500 for the first time in franchise history. Springfield's performance wasn't perfect, but it didn't need to be. Conforming to meet coach Bob MacKinnon's frenetic demands, the Armor now enjoy the slight margin for error that comes when a team commits itself fully at the defensive end. 'We talk all the time that basketball's so different than football,' MacKinnon said. 'It doesn't stop after each play. You have to make the first play, then you have to make the second play, then you have to make the third play, then there might be a fourth play and you have to play through all that. 'Our motto is, we may not win the first or second quarter, but we're going to try to wear you out and win the game.' The Armor put six players in double figures, shooting 49.4 percent from the field to withstand a 30-point effort from Maine's Durrell Summers (6'4''-G-89, college: Michigan St.). Missing four players invited to participate in NBA training camp, Springfield got off to a sluggish start. The combination of an offensive drought and slow defensive rotations allowed Maine to build an early lead. By the time the first official timeout arrived, Springfield trailed 15-8. Without Hurdle, the game might have gotten ugly. He poured in 12 points in the opening quarter, keeping Springfield within six at the end of one, 24-18. The second quarter told a different story. The second unit, led by the pesky play of point guard Marcus Hill, put the clamps on the Claws as Springfield seized a 41-38 lead by limiting Maine to 11 points in the first ten minutes of the stanza. A few lapses late in the half allowed Maine to piece together a quick 7-0 run, but Jamar Brown put back a Hurdle miss at the buzzer to pull Springfield within two, 45-43. Brown's rebound was nothing rare. The Armor center fought his way to 16 boards, adding 12 points as every Springfield player, starter and reserve filled his role. Two of the three Armor players to see action off the bench - David Akinyooye (12 points) and Travis Cohn (12 points) - scored in double figures, and the other, Hill, used strong defense to change the game while adding five assists. 'We're at a level now where we don't feel anybody has to take over, even with guys missing. We just do what Coach expects us to do, keep doing what we're doing and we end up winning,' Brown said. Springfield continued the defensive pressure into the second half, holding Maine to seven points in the first seven minutes of the third. Forward Jonathan Thomas heated up, using his chiseled frame and springy athleticism to score a workmanlike eight points in the quarter, and a buzzer-beating three by Cohn afforded Springfield a 73-67 lead entering the fourth. The Armor led by at least four points the rest of the way, maintaining the cushion despite the hot hand of Maine's Dominic Calegari, who scored 14 points and added 10 rebounds. *Courtesy of www.masslive.com

Austin T. - Tulsa 66ers 94-80
Three 66ers forwards had double-doubles, but Tulsa fell short on the road to the Austin Toros in NBA D-League action by a 94-80 final score Wednesday night inside Cedar Park Center. Jerome Dyson (6'3''-G-87, college: Connecticut) added a team-high 20 points and four assists. Marcus Lewis (6'8''-F/C-86, college: ORU) posted his fourth double-double of the season with 12 points and a season-high 18 rebounds. Ryan Reid (6'8''-F-86, college: Florida St.) added 12 points and 12 rebounds and Curtis Sumpter pitched in 11 points and 10 boards. In Dale Osbourne's first game as head coach for the 66ers, Tulsa forced 17 Austin turnovers and notched eight steals, including four by Lewis. The 66ers carried a 45-44 lead into halftime, but saw the Toros sprint out of the locker room to outscore the 66ers 23-12 in the third quarter to take control. Tulsa fell to 4-2. Austin improved to 3-1. Up next: 7 p.m. Friday at Dakota. Next home game: 7 p.m. Dec. 16. vs. Reno. Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

[Durbansandshark]

Los Angeles D. - Rio Grande VV 117-113
Brandon Costner's blocked shot with just under six seconds remaining helped the Los Angeles D-Fenders push their win streak to four straight as they defeated the Rio Grande Valley Vipers 117-113 at Toyota Sports Center on Wednesday night. Costner led six D-Fenders (6-2) in double-digits after he totaled a game-high 24 points to go with five rebounds. Brian Hamilton (6'6''-F-82, college: La-Lafayette) (13 points) put Los Angeles in position for the win with 46 seconds to go after he flushed home a breakaway dunk off one of his three steals to push the score to 115-111. Just 8 seconds earlier, Andrews (14 points, 8 rebounds) energized his team with an impressive baseline one-handed dunk. Their teammate Courtney Fortson (5'11''-SG-88, college: Arkansas) also fortified the D-Fenders push late with nine fourth quarter points. Fortson tallied 21 points on 5-of-6 shooting (9-11 FT) and 10 assists to record his first double-double of the season. Elijah Millsap (6'6''-G-87, agency: Interperformances, college: UAB) totaled 21 points (7-14 FG) and nine rebounds while Jamaal Tinsley (6'3''-G-78, college: Iowa St.) followed up his record-breaking Monday night with 12 points and five assists. The Vipers (4-3) also had six scorers in double digits, paced by Tyren Johnson with 24 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Stanley Asumnu followed suit and finished with 20 points and seven rebounds, and Marshall Brown posted 18 points and seven rebounds. Points in the paint were important in the D-Fenders victory as they outscored the Vipers 56-42. With the win, Los Angeles tied the fourth longest win streak in franchise history (4 straight, 2006-07). The D-Fenders are back in action Saturday, December 10 at 8:00 pm as they take on the Idaho Stampede at TSC. Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Canton C. - Ft.Wayne MA 112-104
The Canton Charge came back from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter to win their second game in a row, 112-104, at the Canton Memorial Civic Center on Wednesday night. Canton was propelled by six players scoring double-digit points to even their record at 2-2 in their inaugural campaign. After Fort Wayne built a six-point lead at the half, the Mad Ants went on a 12-0 run midway through the third period to build a 14-point advantage. Coach Jensen called a time out in order for his squad to gather themselves, as they were then able to erase the deficit entirely in the final 5:03 to even the score at 87-87 entering the final quarter. TJ Campbell (5'9''-PG-88, college: Portland) provided a boost off of the bench in the fourth, scoring seven points and grabbing four boards, as the home team was able to pull away with a 9-1 scoring run late to go ahead for good. It was a tale of two halves for the Charge, as they buckled down defensively to allow just 43 points on 15-of-41 shooting for 37% after the Mad Ants tallied 61 points on 21-of-42 for 50% in the first half. Dante Milligan and Keith McLeod each had double-doubles for Canton with Milligan dropping in 13 points and grabbing 12 boards. McLeod scored 12 while adding 10 assists and six rebounds. D-League assists leader Walker Russell Jr. paced Fort Wayne with 19 points and 14 dimes at the point guard position. Darnell Lazare led all scorers with 24 to go along with his six rebounds, while Marvin Phillips notched a double-double with 11 points and 14 boards. The Mad Ants had four starters in double figures. Tyrell Biggs (6'8''-F-86, college: Pittsburgh) led Canton in scoring with 18, and Antoine Agudio (6'3''-G-85) poured in 16 in his first start of the season. TJ Campbell finished with 10 points, seven boards and four assists in less than 22 minutes of play. Jonathan Blake (6'7''-F-87, college: Texas Wesleyan) rounded out the Charges double-digit scorers with 12 on 5-of-5 shooting. Fort Wayne hosts Springfield Friday night at War Memorial Coliseum. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m. Courtesy of www.wane.com

Iowa Energy sign former San Diego State player - Dec 9, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Iowa Energy issued the following press release on Thursday:

The 2011 NBA D-League Champion Iowa Energy have signed 68 forward Billy White (6'8''-F-89, college: San Diego St.) from San Diego State University. White is expected to attend training camp with an NBA team starting Friday, and will join the Energy at a later date. White averaged 10.3 points and 4.4 rebounds last season at San Diego State. The Aztecs advanced to the Elite 8 of the NCAA tournament before falling to eventual champion Connecticut. The signing of White brings the Energys roster to 12, the maximum allowed by the league at the moment. The Energy host Sioux Falls Friday and Saturday, with both games tipping at 7pm.

Courtesy of The Iowa Energy via www.desmoinesregister.com

Daye starts her pro career at Fort Wayne Mad Ants - Dec 10, 2011 (by Eurobasket Center )

Fort Wayne Mad Ants added to their roster forward Gage Daye (188-F). In his first game he scored 3 points and grabbed 3 rebounds. However his new team lost to Springfield A. 91-94. Daye played most recently at Bloomfield College (NCAA). He just graduated Bloomfield College and actually missed last season. It will be his first season in pro basketball.

Springfield Armor signs Rodriguez just out of college - Dec 10, 2011 (by Eurobasket Center )

Springfield Armor signed forward Alejo Rodriguez (203-F-100kg). In his first game he scored 2 points and grabbed 3 rebounds helping his new team beat Ft.Wayne MA 94-91. Rodriguez played most recently at Iona College (NCAA). While playing 36 games for Iona last season his stats were: 6.6ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.0apg and 1.1bpg. He just graduated Iona College and actually missed last season. It will be his first season in pro basketball.

Russell Carter joins Iowa Energy - Dec 10, 2011 (by Eurobasket Center )

Iowa Energy signed 26-year old guard Russell Carter (196-G-102kg-85, college: Notre Dame). In his first game he scored 15 points and grabbed 6 rebounds helping his new team beat Sioux Falls S. 115-92. Carter played most recently at Caribbean Heat Islanders de San Andres (Colombia). He helped them to make it to the semifinals. Carter is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Argentina, Belgium, Colombia, France, Italy, Ukraine and Venezuela. Carter graduated University of Notre Dame in 2007 and actually missed last season. It will be his fifth season in pro basketball.

Price comes back to Dakota Wizards - Dec 10, 2011 (by Eurobasket Center )

Dakota Wizards added to their roster 28-year old Bosnian guard Bruce Price (191-G-93kg-83, college: Tennessee St.). Its actually Prices comeback to Dakota W. as he played here before. In his first game he scored 4 points. However his new team lost to Tulsa 66ers 88-98. Price played most recently at Ydra Asfalistiki ENAD Agios Dometios (Cyprus). He is a very experienced player. Price played also pro basketball in Bosnia, Cyprus, Greece and Slovenia. He graduated Tennessee State University in 2008 and actually missed last season. It will be his fourth season in pro basketball.

Tulsa 66ers adds Ojougboh to their roster - Dec 10, 2011 (by Eurobasket Center )

Tulsa 66ers agreed terms with 24-year old Nigerian center Nkem Ojougboh (206-C-87, college: Northeastern). In his first game he scored 14 points and grabbed 13 rebounds helping his new team beat Dakota W. 98-88. Ojougboh played most recently at Utah Flash (D-League). While playing 46 games for Z*Utah F. last season he recorded 5.1ppg, 4.7rpg and 1.2bpg. He graduated Northeastern University in 2010 and actually missed last season. It will be his second season in pro basketball.

[Durbansandshark]

Friday's games review - Dec 10, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Iowa E. - Sioux Falls S. 115-92
The 2011 NBA D-League Champion Iowa Energy scored a team record 72 points in the paint on their way to a 115-92 victory over Sioux Falls Friday night in Des Moines. Iowa jumped out to a 31-24 lead at the end of the 1st quarter and opened the 2nd quarter on a 9-1 run to extend their lead to 15 points. The Energy increased the lead to 61-42 at the half, as recent signee Russell Carter (6'5''-G-85, college: Notre Dame) led the way with nine points. The Energy extended the lead to as much as 32 points in the 2nd half before coasting to the victory. In addition to outscoring Sioux Falls by 44 points in the paint, the Energy outrebounded the SkyForce 51 to 32 on the night. The Energy were led by Anthony Simpson's 12 rebounds while four other Iowa players registered six or more rebounds. Seven of the nine Energy players to dress scored in double digits, with Andrew Drevo (6'8''-F/C-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Nebraska) (21) and Jake Anderson (6'2''-G-87, college: Iowa St.) (17) leading the way. Point guard Brandon Ewing (6'2''-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Wyoming) registered a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds for the home team. The win moves Iowa to 4-3 on the season while Sioux Falls drops to 1-4 on the year. Iowa shot 60.5% from the field on the night, while holding the Skyforce to 38.4%. Sioux Falls was led by Bill McShepard's 20 point, 13 rebound effort. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Reno B. - Texas L. 105-103
The Texas Legends' early struggles have largely seen them not in games at the end. This time, though, they had a chance and saw it slip away. The Legends couldn't hold on late and missed two shots in the last three seconds, and the Reno Bighorns held on for a 105-103. Booker Woodfox (6'1''-PG-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Creighton) led the Legends with 22 points, but the Bighors countered Cedric Bozeman (6'6''-G-83, college: UCLA), Nick Fazekas and Terrance Thomas each scoring at least 18, led by Bozeman's 24. Del Harris has begin to be a bit more open with playing time than he was in the first couple of games, particularly with his front court players. Everyone who played saw at least 12 minutes. Anthony Vereen moved into the starting lineup and played a career-high 24, while Jamine Peterson played 35 minutes off the bench, Texas had led for much of the second half, leading by as many as 10 points. But Reno tied the game on Chris Davis' layup with 5 1/2 minutes to go. The game switched back and forth from that point on, as the Legends went back up 99-95 only to have Reno go up 103-99 with less than two minutes left. Two free throws by Ronald Allen and Wodfox's last bucket at the one minute mark tied the game. But the Legends couldn't clear the round after Bozeman's missed layup, and Reno got another chance, with Thomas shot giving them the lead back. Woodfox's three-point attempt missed with 2.9 seconds left, and Texas had to foul. Fazekas missed both free throws, but after a Texas timeout, Bozeman blocked Woodfox's last shot. The Legends' western road trip continues on Saturday when they head to Bakersfield. *Courtesy of www.examiner.com

Erie Bay H. - Canton C. 98-101
With five players gone and four making their debut, the Erie BayHawks fell to the expansion Canton Charge 101-98 Friday night at Tullio Arena. Canton (3-2) went on an 11-0 run late in the fourth quarter to pull out a win against the BayHawks, who were without point guard Donald Sloan, forward Mychel Thompson, 7-footer Chris Daniels, combo guard Cory Higgins and power forward Kyle Goldcamp. 'We're at home,' Erie forward Kyle Spain said. 'I see it as an opportunity for the rest of us to step up. So there is no reason why we shouldn't have won that game.' The five BayHawks were invited to NBA training camps. Erie (2-4) will be without them for today's 7 p.m. game against Fort Wayne (2-3) at Tullio Arena. 'This is not a normal circumstance,' Erie coach Jay Larranaga said. 'These are all new guys. Thought they played hard (Friday night). I expect they'll play hard (tonight).' An announced crowd of 3,389 watched the BayHawks have a chance to tie the game, but point guard B.J. Jenkins (6'0''-G-88, college: Murray St.) and forward Tirrell Baines (6'6''-F-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Marshall) each missed 3-pointers. After Jenkins missed and Baines got the offensive rebound with 5.9 seconds left, Larranaga ran up the sidelines screaming for a timeout, but didn't get it. 'We didn't hear nothing,' said Baines, who had a career-high 28 points and 13 rebounds. 'I'd rather have the timeout than shoot that three. We couldn't hear him.' Apparently the referees didn't hear him either. 'Unfortunately, all the referees' backs were to me,' Larranaga said. 'I did the best I could to get somebody's attention, but apparently, for not.' Larranaga was visibly upset immediately following the game as he firmly gripped his clipboard while holding it away from his body. After calming down, Larranaga praised his team for its effort without Sloan, the team's leading scorer (24.8 ppg.), Daniels, Higgins, Thompson and Goldcamp. Sloan is with Atlanta, Daniels went to the Los Angeles Lakers, Higgins ended up in Denver while Thompson and Goldcamp wound up with Cleveland. 'I thought our players played great,' Larranaga said. 'Incredible job.' Along with Baines' career-best effort in points and rebounds, Jenkins added 20 points and Spain chipped in 18 before fouling out with 3:39 left in the game. Erie was called for 26 fouls. Baines ended the game with five of them. 'It's unfortunate that Tirrell had a couple of calls go against him and was unable to play much in the second half,' Larranaga said. 'Thought he had a great game.' Still, Spain didn't use fouls or losing players to NBA camps as an excuse. 'We gave (Canton) a whole bunch of open shots,' Spain said. 'We missed a lot of lay ups. Missed free throws. Yeah the refs (made calls), but we gave them too many open shots. We play defense, we win that game easily.' Sloan, Thompson, Daniels and Higgins accounted for 68.5 percent of Erie's scoring heading into Friday's game, while Goldcamp is averaging 6.4 points and 6.8 rebounds. Goldcamp was at Erie's shootaround Friday morning, but got a call from Cleveland's director of player personnel, Wes Wilcox, around 1 p.m. to come to camp. 'I know Wes from being affiliated with Cleveland,' Goldcamp said about the Cavaliers, who were an NBA affiliate of the BayHawks for their first three seasons in the D-League. Erie is now hybrid partners with the New York Knicks. 'At first, I didn't know why he was calling me,' Goldcamp continued. 'Then when he asked me to come to camp, I thought he was joking with me to be honest.' Ironically, Wilcox is also the general manager of the expansion Charge. The Cavaliers solely own the Charge. 'He was dead serious,' Goldcamp said. 'I said, Absolutely. I'll come to camp.' ' Along with not having Goldcamp and the other four BayHawks whom are in NBA camps, guards Marvin Roberts, D.J. Kennedy, Mike Gerrity and forward Greg Washington played their first game for Erie. Kennedy, who had a season-ending knee injury at St. John's last season, was activated after being a practice player for Erie. He had 14 points Friday. 'I felt good to be out there,' Kennedy said. 'Got a long way to go, though. Just happy I was able to get back on the court and help the team. Unfortunately, we lost.' Roberts, Washington and Gerrity were added this week. Roberts was brought back after being cut in training camp. The three combined for nine points off the bench. D-League teams have been allowed to temporarily increase their rosters to 12 from 10. They must return to 10-man rosters by next Friday. Canton was without point guard Keith McLeod and forward Tyrell Biggs as those two were invited to NBA camps as well. McLeod went to Utah, while Biggs, who played college basketball at Pittsburgh, wound up in Cleveland. 'We fought through adversity,' said Canton center Blake Milligan, who had a team-high 19 points. 'We were on the road. First real road test. We stayed composed and were able to get the win.' The Charge, who lost two preseason scrimmages to Erie, trailed 96-90 with 4 minutes, 6 seconds left in Friday's game before going on a game-stealing 11-0 run. 'It's just defensive stops,' Canton coach Alex Jensen said. Guard Antonio Agudio capped the run with a 3-pointer to put the Charge up 101-96 with 55.6 seconds left 'I hadn't hit one in the second half,' said Agudio, who was 4-of-5 from 3-point range in scoring 12 points. 'Soon as I got it, I felt like as soon as it released from my hands, I knew it was going in. Soon as I caught it, I knew it was going in.' Baines cut Canton's lead to three with 20.9 seconds left on a Baines bucket. After Canton's Marcus Relphorde missed a pair of free throw, Erie, with one timeout left, tried to follow Larranaga's strategy of getting a quick two and foul to extend the game or take an open 3-pointer if available. 'We knew we needed to save a timeout for the last possession,' Larranaga said. 'We were going for two or an open three if it was available. We had an open three.' After a series of passes, Jenkins hoisted the first 3-pointer. When Baines got the offensive rebound and started racing to the right corner to put up another 3-pointer, Larranaga began shouting for a timeout. 'When we regained the possession, we still had seven or eight seconds left,' Larranaga said. 'Wanted to get a timeout.' Baines missed the shot as time expired. 'The objective was to push the ball and score quickly so we could prolong the game,' Larranaga said. 'Be down one with 15 seconds left. We needed the timeout. So we wanted to save it.' *Courtesy of www.goerie.com

[Durbansandshark]

Ft.Wayne MA - Springfield A. 91-94
The Fort Wayne Mad Ants fell to the Springfield Armor 94-91 in overtime at the Memorial Coliseum. Despite both teams losing some of their starters to various NBA training camps, the two teams battled to the final buzzer. After a tightly contested opening 12 minutes of play the two teams were tied up and the end of the period. Defense reigned supreme in the opening frame as the Armor held Fort Wayne to 36 percent shooting from the field, but the Mad Ants countered by forcing Springfield into eight turnovers. The Armor went on a 6-0 run midway through the second quarter to build a lead. Corey Allmond (6'2''-G-88, college: Howard Col. (TX)) started a 10-0 run in response for the Mad Ants when he hit a much needed three-pointer to halt the Armor's momentum. Fort Wayne led 49-42 at the half. The Armor outplayed the Mad Ants in the third to take a three-point advantage. The Mad Ants battled back in the fourth and built a 5 point lead with 2:00 left in the game. Lance Hurdle (6'2''-G-87, college: Miami, FL) took over for the Amor hitting a 3 pointer and with 1.4 seconds left in regulation banked in a 10-foot jumper to tie the game and send it to overtime. Lance Hurdle kept his hot hand from regulation and continued to carry the Armor in the overtime period. Led by Hurdle, the Armor outlasted Fort Wayne and a last-second three point shot attempt to win. Corey Allmond led the Mad Ants with a game-high 32 points, and Marvin Phillips finished with 24 for Fort Wayne. Lance Hurdle paced the Armor with 27 points, and Jonathan Thomas chipped in with a game-high six blocked shots. *Courtesy www.wane.com

Dakota W. - Tulsa 66ers 88-98
The Tulsa 66ers outscored the Dakota Wizards by a 35-23 margin in the fourth quarter, Brady Morningstar (6'3''-G-86, college: Kansas) tallied a season-high 29 points and three other Tulsa players posted double-doubles to help lead the 66ers (5-2) to a 98-88 road victory over the Dakota Wizards (2-3) Friday night inside the Bismarck Civic Center. Morningstar's 29 points are the most by a Tulsa player this season. Included in the rookie's point total was a 12-of-14 effort from the free throw line. Posting double-doubles were Nkem Ojougboh (6'9''-C-87, agency: David Lee services, college: Northeastern) with 14 points and 13 rebounds, Billy Rush with 14 points and 12 boards and Ryan Reid with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Also leading the 66ers was guard LaDustin Williams with a season-high 21 points and a team-high four assists. The win also marked Dale Osbourne's first as the head coach for the 66ers. Defensively, the 66ers forced 15 Dakota turnovers and Xavier Alexander recorded a team-high three steals. Leading the Wizards in scoring was Edwin Ubiles with 29 points. Mike Anderson chipped in a team-high 13 rebounds for Dakota. The 66ers and Wizards return to action this Sunday, Dec. 11, with a 3 p.m. CT matchup inside the Bismarck Civic Center. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Rio Grande VV - Austin T. 120-114
The Rio Grande Valley Vipers escaped a late fourth quarter run from the Austin Toros, but slithered past their Western Conference rival 120-114 Friday night at State Farm Arena. The win ends a two game losing skid for Rio Grande Valley as the Vipers improve to 5-3 on the season. The Toros fell to 3-2. The Toros started the game strong, leading 7-2 after the first three minutes. The VIpers grabbed their first lead at 15-14 with 7:12 to play in the first after Josh Tarver's running lay-up. The Toros would tie the game at 21 with 2:58 remaining in the period on Omar Reed's running lay-up. Suleiman Braimoh (6'8''-F-89, college: Rice), who played in his first game since joining the team a week ago, responded with a three-point-play to put the Vipers in front for good 24-21.That was the spark to a quarter ending 17-4 run, including a Braimoh buzzer-beating three to take a 38-25 lead after one. In the second, the Vipers increased their lead to 21 with 6:54 to play in the half, as Braimoh hit his third three pointer of the game to make the score 55-34. The Vipers led at the intermission 71-51. In the third quarter, the Vipers looked poised to continue their dominance, Lee Humphrey (6'2''-PG-84, college: Florida) 's three-pointer in the first minute increased the lead to 23 at 74-51. The Vipers led 95-79 at the end of three quarters. The game seemed out of reach for the Toros as Humphrey's lay-up with 5:21 to play gave the Vipers a 23 point advantage at 113-90. The Toros responded with a 19-2 run to pull within six at 115-109. The Toros would close the lead to four with 10 seconds remaining, but did not have enough time to finish off the comeback. Humphrey led all scored with 26 points including four three-pointers. Stanley Asumnu tallied his first double-double of the season with 20 points and a season best 16 rebounds. Coleman added 19 points and eight boards, while Braimoh scored 16 in his Viper debut. Stefan Welsh led for the Toros with 20 off the bench. Tristan Thompson and Terrance Woodbury each added 13. Omar Reed scored 14 and hauled in 12 boards for the double-double. The two Western Conference foes match-up again on Saturday night in Hidalgo for the second of three straight match-ups between the two squads. Tip-off for Saturday's game is scheduled for 7:00 PM. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Saturday's games review - Dec 11, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Bakersfield J. - Texas L. 117-97
It was a tale of two halves once again, as the Jam improved to 5-1, while defeating the visiting Texas Legends 117-97 Saturday night at the Jam Events Center. After the Legends built a 16 point second quarter lead, the Jam trimmed it to a 10 point halftime deficit (62-52), and set the stage for a huge turnaround, beginning in the second half. A Jam 13-3 run to start the third quarter tied the game at 65-65 with 8:09 left in the quarter. From there, it quickly became a nightmare for Texas, as the Jam overwhelmed them by a 39-14 margin at the quarters end. Not only was the offense more aggressive, but the defensive intensity picked up steam as well. They swarmed the ball, cut off passing lanes, and the rotations were crisp and decisive. On offense, they continually penetrated to the basket and either scored, got fouled, or kicked the ball out for wide open looks. The quarter seemed to be highlighted by an Osiris Eldridge (6'3''-G-88, agency: N.E.T., college: Illinois St.) breakaway, a spectacular reverse slam dunk at the 2:30 mark. The third period also saw the Jam shoot 61.9%, while holding Texas to only 21.1%. It was a completely different game that also had Bakersfield with an 18-2 advantage in the paint, as well as a 10-0 edge on fast breaks during the quarter. The Jam built on it and extended their lead to as many as 23 in the final period, while outscoring Texas by 30 (65-35) in the second half. Eldridge, who was named player of the game, led the Jam in scoring with 26 points on 10-17 shots. And for a second straight game, David Palmer finished with a double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds. Juan Pattillo had 18 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in his first start of the season. Mustapha Farrakhan finished with 15 points plus 8 assists, and Anthony Harris added 14 off the bench. The Legends had all five starters finish in double digits, led by Booker Woodfox (6'1''-PG-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Creighton) with 22, Ramor Dyer 19, Ronald Allen16, Anthony Vereen 15, and Vance Cooksey finished with a double-double of 10 points and 10 assists. On a side note, please subscribe to this column and stay updated on all future articles by hitting the subscribe link on this page (next to the profile), it's free and holds no obligations. *Courtesy of www.examiner.com

Rio Grande VV - Austin T. 105-106
Omar Reed (6'7''-F/G-87, agency: Interperformances, college: Bluefield) scored a team-high 26 points and grabbed eight rebounds to help push the Austin Toros past the Rio Grande Valley Vipers 106-105 Saturday night from State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas. With a plethora of Toros' players signing NBA training camp contracts this past week, Reed, a fourth round 2011 D-League Draft selection out of Bluefield College, took the opportunity to seize the moment by knocking in 10-of-13 shots from the floor on the night, connecting on 2-of-5 attempts from beyond the arc. The increased court time is a welcome surprise for Reed, a player who averaged just around eight minutes per game in his first four with the Toros. However in Austin's last two contests, the 6-foot 6-inch, 210-pound combo forward has come off the bench to the tune of 24 minutes per game, putting in a very respectable 20.0-point, 10.0-rebound, 2.5-steal average in those games. Reed's hustle, on the glass and in making winning basketball plays, is what stands out most when watching him play. That aforementioned hustle was key in helping Austin (4-2) best the home Vipers on the boards finishing with a 43-37 advantage on the night. The Toros also shot the ball particularly well knocking in 50% of their attempts while holding Rio Grande (5-4) to a lowly 44.3% shooting clip. Small forward Terrance Woodbury (6'7''-G/F-86, college: Georgia) put in 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Toros, although the confident-shooting open tryout invitee turned the ball over a game-high seven times. Point guard Solomon Bozeman (6'1''-G-87, college: UALR) paced Austin finishing up with a solid 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. For the high-scoring Rio Grande Valley Vipers Kelvin Lewis caught fire early to end with a game-high 33 points; nine of his ten made field goals coming from behind the three-point line. Next up for Austin is a home game scheduled for Friday, December 15th against the Texas Legends from Cedar Park Center in North Austin, Texas. The contest is set to tip-off at 8:30 PM ET. *Courtesy of www.examiner.com

[Durbansandshark]

Iowa E. - Sioux Falls S. 103-89
Michael Tveidt (6'7''-F-87, college: N.Dakota St.) was in stitches for his birthday. Thomas Baudinet started a fast break with his knee and finished it with a quasi-dunk. Both players helped the Iowa Energy sew up a 103-89 victory over Sioux Falls on Saturday before an announced crowd of 3,152 at Wells Fargo Arena. 'I went face to face with another guy over there,' Tveidt said of a collision Friday with the Skyforce's Ryan Anderson that left blood all over the court. 'We actually went to the same clinic. We rode together. We got stitched up together.' On Saturday, with a white bandage concealing 22 stitches on his left cheekbone, Tveidt scored 13 points on his 24th birthday and helped Iowa overcome first-half turnovers to earn a weekend sweep of Sioux Falls. He planned to celebrate the victory - and his birthday -with teammates, since his family is all back in his native South Dakota. 'They're all in Sioux Falls, actually, so it's kind of fun to beat up on these guys,' Tveidt said. Baudinet, a 6-foot-2 guard known for his long-range shooting, led Iowa (5-3) with 21 points and 39 minutes of play. He nailed three 3-pointers, but also showed some quickness and moxie. He displayed both on the same play late in the game after Sioux Falls (1-5) trimmed the Energy lead to three points. Baudinet stole a pass, became tangled with a Skyforce player, gathered control of the ball with the help of his kneecap, then was off to the races. 'I got a hand on it, and he got a hand on it,' Baudinet said. 'So when he deflected it, it hit off my knee. I was doing my Harlem Globetrotters. But thankfully, I got control of it.' Nearing the basket, Baudinet leaped as if to dunk, then laid the ball in off the front rim. 'We'll call it a hard layup,' Energy coach Kevin Young joked. 'I'll have a better one next time,' Baudinet promised. Baudinet, who played at Division II St. Anselm, impressed Young at an Energy tryout camp in Washington, D.C. He worked his way onto the team, and into the starting lineup, by showing he can do more than just spot up and shoot. 'He's one of those guys where, every time he shoots it, you think it's going in. He exudes confidence,' Young said. 'He's quicker than he gets credit for. He's tougher than he gets credit for. He sticks his nose in there.' Tveidt proved that sticking your nose in there can be painful. Baudinet had better luck using his knee. *Courtesy of http://dmjuice.desmoinesregister.com

Los Angeles D. - Idaho S. 90-97
Cheyne Gadson (6'4''-G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Oklahoma St.) had 25 points and backcourt partner Tony Bobbitt (6'4''-G-79, agency: VVG Sports, college: Cincinnati) added 18 and six rebounds and the Idaho Stampede (2-4) beat the Los Angeles D-Fenders 97-90 at the Toyota Sports Center on Saturday night. Antoine Walker added just four points, but led the team, along with Dontell Jefferson, with six assists. Walker, added to the roster on Thursday, led the Stampede in assists eight times last season. Willie Jenkins added 16 points. Off the bench, the Stampede scored 26 points and added seven blocked shots with Mildon Ambres leading the way with 12 points and two rejections. Idaho used a hot second quarter to catch up after falling behind by as many as 14 in the first quarter, making 12-of-20 shots, including 4-of-6 from behind the three point line - they outscored Los Angeles 31-18 that quarter. All nine Stampeders scored in the period, and the road team forced eight turnovers, which ended up in 12 Idaho points. Los Angeles was led by Brandon Costner (6'9''-F-87, college: N.Carolina St.), who scored an Idaho opponent season-high 42 points, including 18 in the first quarter. Otis George had a game-high 11 rebounds for the D-Fenders (6-3). Idaho plays next at home against Bakersfield on Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Canton C. - Maine RC 81-103
The Malone University ministry team 'New Vision' sang praise music during halftime and after Saturday night's NBA Development League game at Memorial Civic Center. Even heaven might not have had any answers for the Charge. The Charge couldn't find the basket and were buried by Maine's 3-point shooting as the depleted Red Claws came into Canton and won, 103-81, in front of 3,454 fans. Durrell Summers (6'4''-G-89, college: Michigan St.), a Michigan State product, was one of the few impact Red Claws remaining after Maine was gutted by NBA training camp call-ups. Then the 17.0-points-a-game scorer was invited to the Charlotte Bobcats' camp on Saturday. No sweat. Pigram Courtney (6'1''-G-85, college: E.Tenn.St.), in his first game with the Red Claws (2-4) after being acquired on Saturday and without a last name on his jersey, came off the bench to hit 7 of 11 3-pointers and score 33 points, helping snap the Charge's three-game win streak. Pigram, 26, who was in D-League training camp with Idaho, got to Canton in time for Maine's shootaround Saturday morning. *Courtesy of www.timesreporter.com

Erie Bay H. - Ft.Wayne MA 87-94
The Fort Wayne Mad Ants used a strong fourth quarter effort to defeat the Erie BayHawks 94-87 on Saturday night at Tullio Arena. Fort Wayne's Gage Daye scored eleven of his 12 points in the final frame as the visitors outscored the home team 36-26 down the stretch, including a 23-9 run, and help the Mad Ants improve to 3-3. Erie (2-5) jumped out to an early lead to end the first quarter up 21-15, before Fort Wayne tied the game with a minute to go before the half, and a low scoring first half remained close with the Mad Ants taking a 40-39 lead in to halftime. Erie's Chaz McCrommon (6'6''-F/G-82, college: Robert Morris) scored ten of his 15 points in the third quarter to help Erie manage a three point margin heading to the final frame. But the visitors had the hot hand in the fourth connecting on 67% of their shots including four three pointers. Fort Wayne was lead by Corey Allmond (6'2''-G-88, college: Howard Col. (TX)) with 21 points, Marvin Phillips notched 20 and Sadiel Rojas grabbed 13 rebounds while adding 8 points. *Courtesy of www.wane.com

Wizards re-acquire Andrew Gonzalez - Dec 12, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Dakota Wizards announced today that they have re-acquired forward Andrew Gonzalez (6'6''-F-89, college: Houston Baptist). Gonzalez will be in uniform today as the Wizards play host to the Tulsa 66ers.

Gonzalez, 6-6 180 from Houston Baptist was drafted by the Wizards in the third round (44th overall) in the 2011 NBA Development League Draft. He was the fourth leading scorer in the country last year in NCAA Division 1 averaging 22.9 points per game along with 5.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 30 games earning him First-team all Great West honors.

The current roster stands at 10 players.

66ers bow to Dakota Wizards - Dec 12, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Nkem Ojougboh (6'9''-C-87, agency: David Lee services, college: Northeastern) recorded his second consecutive double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds and Brady Morningstar (6'3''-G-86, college: Kansas) had 14 points and a team-high six assists, but the Tulsa 66ers fell to the Dakota Wizards 93-80 in NBA D-league action Sunday at the Bismarck Civic Center.

Keys: The Wizards used a 32-20 scoring advantage in the fourth quarter to claim the victory. Dakota was led by Maurice Baker (6'1''-PG-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Oklahoma St.) with 23 points. Curtis Withers (6'8''-F-84, agency: Court Side, college: Charlotte) added a double-double with 10 points and a game-high 14 rebounds.

Tulsa forced 17 Dakota turnovers and nine steals, led by Ladustin Williams (6'1''-G-89, college: Ark.-Fort Smith) with three. In addition to his double-double, Ojougboh posted two blocks. Tulsa's Ryan Reid (6'8''-F-86, college: Florida St.) scored 15 and Billy Rush had 10.

Notes: Tulsa fell to 5-3. Dakota improved to 3-3.
Up next: 7 p.m. Friday vs. Reno at the Tulsa Convention Center.

Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

[Durbansandshark]

Armor make roster move, gear up for big week - Dec 13, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Springfield Armor announced that Michael Sturns (6'5''-G-86, agency: Court Side, college: Holy Family) has been reacquired. The Armor's active roster now stands at 10.

Sturns, a 6'5 swingman, was selected by the Armor with their seventh round pick, 111th overall, in this year's NBA Development League Draft. He was one of the last two Armor players released prior to the conclusion of training camp on Nov. 23.

Sturns played collegiately at the University of North Texas for three years before finishing his college career at Division II Holy Family. In his senior season at Holy Family, Sturns led the nation in scoring, averaging 26.7 points in 35.2 minutes and was named the Central Collegiate Athletic Conference (CACC) Player of the Year.

The Armor improved their overall record to 4-1 on Friday with an overtime victory on the road over the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. The Armor have raced out to their best start in franchise history and currently sit atop the Eastern Conference standings.

Springfield returns to action for back-to-back games against the Erie BayHawks on Wed. and Thurs. at the MassMutual Center, with both games scheduled to tip off at 7:00 PM. This week's games are the Armor's last home games until after the New Year, as the team will hit the road for a grueling 16-day road trip after Thursday's game.

Per a recent league announcement, NBA D-League teams will be permitted to carry and dress for games a maximum of 12 players until one week after the commencement of NBA training camps. Following is the Armor's current 10-man roster:

Name Pos HT WT From Status

David Akinyooye* F 6-6 215 Adelphi Local Tryouts
Jamar Brown F/C 6-10 235 CSU-Pueblo Returning (10-11)
Travis Cohn* G 6-2 170 Jacksonville Local Tryouts
Marcus Hill* G 5-9 165 Minnesota State Draft Pick
Lance Hurdle G 6-2 195 Miami Returning (10-11)
Alejo Rodriguez* F 6-8 235 Iona Local Tryouts
Eugene Spates F 6-7 220 Northeastern Returning (10-11)
Michael Sturns G/F 6-5 205 Holy Family Draft Pick
Jonathan Thomas* G/F 6-6 210 Marshall Draft Pick
L.D. Williams G 6-4 215 Wake Forest Returning (10-11)
*Denotes rookie

Sensley returns to Vipers - Dec 13, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Julian Sensley (6'9''-F-82, agency: VVG Sports, college: Hawaii), a member of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers championship team two seasons ago, has returned to the Valley.

Sensley, a 6-9 forward, most recently played professionally in Greece and returned to the Vipers last week. He was waiting on paperwork to clear from the NBA headquarters and was not allowed to play with the Vipers this past weekend when the split a back-to-back home series against Austin. He is expected to play on Friday when the Vipers play at Austin.

'The D-League has always been a good experience for guys trying to get to that next level the NBA, and if not the NBA, then a chance to showcase your talents for team all around the world,' the 29-year-old Sensley said. 'I wanted to come back to the States, and I wanted to play for Coach Nurse. It was a good situation for me to come back.'

Nurse hopes Sensleys experience will help settle down his young team that is off to a 5-4 start.

'Hopefully, hell bring a little calm to the storm here,' Nurse said. 'We make a lot of young, foolish mistakes in big moments. Hopefully, hes a guy we can rely on to get some of those critical, game-winning rebounds.'

Sensley said the pace of play is slower in Greece and he will probably need a couple of games to get re-adjusted. Sensley is happy to be back in the Valley.

'Of all the places Ive played, the Valley has been my favorite place,' Sensley said. 'Coach Nurse is a good coach, and we have good players here. Im excited about playing again.'

Courtesy of www.themonitor.com

Los Angeles' Costner named Player of the Week - Dec 13, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Brandon Costner (6'9''-F-87, college: N.Carolina St.) of the Los Angeles D-Fenders was today named NBA Development League Performer of the Week for games played Dec 5-11.

A 6-9, 235-pound forward out of North Carolina State, Costner led Los Angeles to a 2-1 record for the week, averaging 28.3 points and 5.0 rebounds.

Costner, the league's fourth leading scorer on the season (24.6 ppg), scored a season-high 42 points, including 18 in the first quarter, in a 97-90 loss against the Idaho Stampede Dec. 10. In back-to-back victories over the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Costner averaged 21.5 points, including a team-high 24 in the D-Fenders' 117-113 home win Dec. 7.

Other top performers considered include the Vipers' Stanley Asumnu (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Tennessee), who averaged 21.3 points and 10.5 rebounds, and Marshall Brown (6'7''-F-85, college: Missouri), who averaged 23.5 points and 7.0 rebounds; the Fort Wayne Mad Ants' Corey Allmond (6'2''-G-88, college: Howard Col. (TX)), who averaged 22.0 points and 4.3 rebounds; the Erie BayHawks' Tirrell Baines, who averaged 25.0 points and 10.5 rebounds; the Dakota Wizards' Maurice Baker, who averaged 14.5 points and 10.0 rebounds; the Springfield Armor's Lance Hurdle, who averaged 27.5 points and 5.5 rebounds; the Stampede's Willie Jenkins, who averaged 19.5 points and 5.0 rebounds; the D-Fenders' Elijah Millsap, who averaged 24.5 points and 6.5 rebounds; the Sioux Falls Skyforce's Billy McShepard, who averaged 16.0 points and 10.0 rebounds; the Tulsa 66ers' Nkem Ojougboh, who averaged 14.5 rebounds and 12.0 rebounds; the Bakersfield Jam's David Palmer, who averaged 16.5 points and 14.5 rebounds; the Reno Bighorns' Terrance Thomas, who averaged 18.0 points and 14.0 rebounds; and the Texas Legends' Booker Woodfox, who averaged 22.0 points.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

[Durbansandshark]

Austin Toros adds Sanders to their roster - Dec 16, 2011 (by Eurobasket Center )

Austin Toros agreed terms with 23-year old guard Jamarr Sanders (193-G-95kg-88, college: UAB). In his first game he scored 6 points helping his new team beat Texas L. 118-115. Sanders played most recently at KAO Dramas (Greece). While playing 6 games for KAOD this season he averaged 7.0ppg, 2.8rpg and 1.7apg. Sanders just graduated University of Alabama at Birmingham and actually missed last season. It will be his first season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Latest games - Dec 16, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Austin T. - Texas L. 118-115
The Legends produced a number of personal season highs, but it wasn't enough as the Austin Toros survived a tight match-up 118-115. Vance Cooksey (6'0''-PG-87, college: Pikeville) was sensational delivering 16 assists at the point guard position while pouring in 24 points. Booker Woodfox (6'1''-PG-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Creighton) scored 20+ points for the fifth game in row, registering a season high 29 points against the Toros. Bench play proved to be the difference in the game as the Legends were outscored 51-24 by the reserves. Eric Dawson (6'10''-F-84, college: Midwestern St.) for the Toros was the hot hand, making 10 of 15 shots for a team high 25 points off the bench. Texas controlled the boards 49-42, in thanks to Ronald Allen who ripped down 16 rebounds for his season high while contributing 14 points and two blocks. The Toros made the best of the charity stripe connecting on 90.6% of their free throws for 29 points on the night. Texas managed only 69.9% from the stripe, connecting on 16 of 23 attempts. Texas loses their fifth straight to fall to 1-7 on the season, while the Toros improve to 5-2. The Legends now return to Frisco where they'll face the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (5-4) on Saturday the 17th. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Springfield A. - Erie Bay H. 114-107
Tirrell Baines (6'6''-F-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Marshall) tied a game-high 31 points as the Erie BayHawks scored more than 100 points for the fifth time this season in a 114-107 loss to the Springfield Armor Wednesday at the MassMutual Center. Baines, who shot 48 percent from the field and made 7-of-9 from the free-throw line, recorded a double-double as he pulled down 10 boards for the BayHawks (2-6). The 6-foot 6-inch forward averages nearly 16 points and eight rebounds per game for Erie. After finding themselves down by as many as 23 points in the second half, the BayHawks used a 15-5 run over a 7-minute stretch to bring the score to 109-104. However, the Armor (5-1) hit their free throws in the final minutes, putting the game out of reach for Erie. The BayHawks' effort comes against an Eastern Conference-leading Springfield team that lost four of its players to NBA training camps earlier in the week. B.J. Jenkins (6'0''-G-88, college: Murray St.) also added 22 points. He and Baines were two of six BayHawks to score in double digits. Lance Hurdle (6'2''-G-87, college: Miami, FL) led Springfield in scoring with 31 points while Jamar Brown added 18 points, 11 rebounds and three blocked shots for the Armor. *Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Idaho S. - Bakersfield J. 118-98
Seven games into the season, Idaho Stampede coach Randy Livingston has rewarded forward Reginald Larry (6'7''-F-86, college: Boise St.) with a starting role and center Will Foster (7'5''-C-88, college: Gonzaga) with extended playing time. Good moves. Both players figured heavily in the Stampede's 118-98 win over the Bakersfield Jam on Wednesday night at CenturyLink Arena. Larry, a former Boise State standout, went 9-for-12 from the field and tied a game-high with 19 points. Foster, meanwhile, notched 16 points and 11 rebounds. 'It's been a while,' Foster said of his double-double. 'I don't even know what that feels like anymore.' He does now. And Larry knows what it feels like to contribute to a team that he's been following for years. 'I've watched the Stampede and been in this crowd, and I've always wanted a chance to play here,' he said. 'Randy has put me in the position I'm in, and the only thing I can do is play as hard as I can.' Livingston sounds like a proud father when addressing the two. On Larry: 'I've rewarded him and started him, and good things have happened.' As for Foster: 'Every time he comes into the game good things happen. Most big guys can't play in this league because it's so fast. But he can play and protect the rim.' Foster never really found his role in his four years at Gonzaga, which is why Livingston called the big man a project during training camp. 'He's not a project anymore,' Livingston said. 'He's earning his minutes.' The Jam (5-2) came into the game sitting atop the NBA Development League's West Conference. The Stampede (3-4), meanwhile, were several rungs down the conference ladder, but they showed they can now play with the league's elite teams when they're clicking. 'I feel like we're coming into ourselves,' Larry said. 'We're starting to get the feel for each other and we're playing for each other.' Idaho got out to a fast start thanks to guard Cheyne Gadson, who was perfect from the field in the first quarter. He was 3-for-3 from 3-point range and 5-for-5 overall on his way to a 15-point opening frame. He finished with 19 points and five assists. 'He's becoming the leader we need him to be,' Livingston said. *Courtesy of www.idahostatesman.com

[Durbansandshark]

Springfield A. - Erie Bay H. 117-123 OT
The Springfield Armor saw it's win streak come to an end Thursday night at the MassMutual Center, in overtime no less. The franchise-record win streak came to an end at four games as the Erie BayHawks won 123-117 in front of 1,769 in the final home game of the calendar year for the Armor. Springfield allowed a season-high in points to the BayHawks (3-5), who snapped a losing streak at three games. 'I thought it was two teams battling hard, I thought it was a great game,'' Armor coach Bob MacKinnon said. 'It was a really good D-League game, they did some good things and we did some good things. 'It came down to overtime and the kid Jenkins, a veteran guy, makes a big three,'' MacKinnon added. 'That happens, we have to deal with it and move on.'' The Armor, who had a season-high 42 free throw attempts, made 30 and missed two, including two inside the final six seconds of regulation with the game tied. A Jonathan Thomas tip in at the buzzer gave the Armor an 83-82 lead after three quarters. They led by as many as four points early in the fourth quarter, then the BayHawks grabbed the upper hand for a spell before reverting back to Springfield. An L.D. Williams (6'4''-G-88, college: Wake Forest) (33 points) jumper with 56 second left gave Springfield a 110-107 lead, but the BayHawks tied the game as D.J. Kennedy (6'6''-G/F-89, agency: Interperformances, college: St.John's) (21 points) made one of two foul shots and B.J. Jenkins (20 points) hit two from the foul line with 12.6 seconds left. Williams went to the line with 5.8 seconds left to put the Armor on top but he missed both shots, leading the Armor to their second overtime of the season. 'He got to the line and I give him credit because he wanted the ball,'' MacKinnon said. 'He wanted the ball to make a play at the end so I'll live and die with that every day.'' It was tied at 112-112 when Jenkins hit the 3-pointer to give Erie the lead for good. Lance Hurdle (16 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds) scored at the rim to cut it to one, but Mike Gerrity (22 points) drove for a basket then Kyle Spain (18 points) scored on a tip in after an Armor turnover to lock it up for the BayHawks. 'They came to play but we should have closed them out at the end, bottom line,'' Armor forward Jamar Brown said. 'We had numerous chances but we just didn't take advantage of them.'' The dominance displayed in the paint a night ago wasn't present Thursday for the Armor, at least not in the first half. After a short spurt of the Armor getting to the rim on three straight possessions for an 11-7 lead, they suddenly became inept in the lane on both ends of the floor. Erie was getting the second chances on offensive rebounds, limiting the Armor to one shot and that one shot was usually a perimeter attempt from a flat offensive set. With Tirrell Baines (27 points), Kennedy and Spain playing a much tougher interior defense and attacking the glass on the offensive end, the BayHawks played a better interior game with the Armor, and they also shot the ball better from behind the arc to gab a 58-52 halftime lead. The BayHawks were 4 for 5 from behind the arc in the first half and led by as many as 10 points. The Armor got back into the game by attacking the rim once again. They only had two field goals in a 12-2 run that tied the game at 42-42, but forced the issue by getting fouled in the act of driving to the basket, making 8 of 10 foul shots. Tighter defense and better ball movement on the offensive end helped the Armor regained the lead in the third quarter. Down eight, Springfield rolled off a 12-2 run in which all but two points came in the paint while the defense either denied attempts or allowed just one shot. That was the start of multiple lead changes, reaching 12 by the end of regulation. *Courtesy of www.masslive.com

Dakota W. - Tulsa 66ers 93-80
Nkem Ojougboh (6'9''-C-87, agency: David Lee services, college: Northeastern) recorded his second consecutive double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds and Brady Morningstar (6'3''-G-86, college: Kansas) had 14 points and a team-high six assists, but the Tulsa 66ers fell to the Dakota Wizards 93-80 in NBA D-league action Sunday at the Bismarck Civic Center. Keys: The Wizards used a 32-20 scoring advantage in the fourth quarter to claim the victory. Dakota was led by Maurice Baker (6'1''-PG-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Oklahoma St.) with 23 points. Curtis Withers added a double-double with 10 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. Tulsa forced 17 Dakota turnovers and nine steals, led by Ladustin Williams with three. In addition to his double-double, Ojougboh posted two blocks. Tulsa's Ryan Reid scored 15 and Billy Rush had 10. Notes: Tulsa fell to 5-3. Dakota improved to 3-3. Up next: 7 p.m. Friday vs. Reno at the Tulsa Convention Center. Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

Los Angeles D. - Texas L. 104-92
Eric Musselman's D-Fenders made late-game defensive adjustments to outscore the Texas Legends 35-15 in the fourth quarter and pull a come-from-behind 104-92 win at the Toyota Sports Center. Los Angeles' (7-3) defense held Texas to 39.8 percent shooting while Eniel Polynice (6'5''-G-88, college: Seton Hall), who recorded his first triple-double of the season (23 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists), fueled the D-Fenders offense. 'I thought he played smart and played harder than he has,' Musselman said of Polynice's Monday night performance. 'He figured out angles tonight and he's a great dribble driver.' Aside from defensive adjustments, the D-Fenders shot 54.9 percent and were led in scoring by Brandon Costner (6'9''-F-87, college: N.Carolina St.) (29 points) for the sixth time this season. Teammate Jordan Brady finished with 16 points (7-12 FG) and five rebounds off the bench, Gerard Anderson tallied 14 points (5-7 FG) and five rebounds, and Otis George registered 13 points (6-7 FG) and six rebounds. Texas (1-6) was paced by Booker Woodfox, who totaled 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting and five assists. Derek Williams scored 16 (4-6 3FG) off the bench and Vance Cooksey finished with 14 points and five assists. With the win, Los Angeles is now 5-1 in its last six games. The D-Fenders next play a home-and-home series, first travelling to Bakersfield for their 7:00 p.m. contest on Dec. 16 before returning home for a game on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Sioux Falls S. - Canton C. 93-74
The Sioux Falls Skyforce defeated the Canton Charge 93-74 Tuesday night at the Sioux Falls Arena. Sioux Falls took its first lead of the game with a layup by Dominique Coleman midway through the first quarter to go ahead 10-9 and never trailed the rest of the game. Sioux Falls (2-5) took advantage of Cantons poor shooting all night and led by as many as 25 points early in the fourth quarter. Ryan Anderson (6'4''-G-87, college: Nebraska) scored 12 of his 20 points in the second quarter as Sioux Falls outscored Canton (3-4) 32-22 in that quarter to take a 48-33 lead at halftime. Both teams got off to sluggish starts as Canton took the early lead with a 7-0 run to start the game. Sioux Falls responded with a 16-4 run taking advantage of Cantons 16.7 percent shooting in the first quarter. Sioux Falls used a balanced scoring effort to build their lead the rest of the game as five players finished in double figures. Anderson had his best game in a Skyforce uniform with a team-high 20 points to go along with nine rebounds. Billy McShepard (6'10''-F, college: Valdosta St.) posted a double-double with 12 points and a season-high 14 rebounds. Dante Milligan (6'9''-F-84, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Massachusetts) led Canton in scoring with 18 points and also grabbed a season-high 18 rebounds. Travis Franklin added 13 points and six rebounds off the bench. Sioux Falls hosts rival Dakota in back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. CT. Canton continues their road trip Friday against Idaho at 9 p.m. ET. Courtesy of www.keloland.com

Canton Charge sign Trent Strickland, waive Tyrone Kent - Dec 16, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Trent Strickland (6'5''-G-84, college: Wake Forest), a 6-foot-5 veteran of the Belgian League, has been signed by the Canton Charge of the NBA Development League.

The Charge have waived guard/forward Tyrone Kent (6'5''-G/F-86, college: Toledo).

Strickland, 27, spent the last two seasons playing for the Antwerp Giants of the Belgian League. During the 2010-11 season, he played in 15 games and averaged 7.5 points on .440 shooting, 3.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 steals in 22.3 minutes per game. In 2009-10 with Antwerp, he played in 15 games and averaged 22.6 minutes, 9.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 1.3 steals.

Prior to joining Antwerp, Strickland spent two seasons with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA Development League. During the 2008-09 season, he started 50 games, averaging 17.5 points on .446 shooting, 6.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 steal in 31.1 minutes per game.

During the 2007-08 season, Strickland played in 47 games (29 starts) for the Vipers, averaging 12.9 points on .431 shooting, 5.7 rebounds, 0.7 assists and 0.7 steals in 26.1 minutes per game.

While at Wake Forest University, Strickland played in 126 games. In hiis senior season in 2006, he played in 33 games (31 starts), averaging 11.6 points on .482 shooting, 6.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 0.7 steals in 32.3 minutes per game.

The 6-5 Kent appeared in seven games for the Charge this season, averaging 5.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.6 assists. He was drafted by Canton in the fifth round (78th overall) of the 2011 NBA Development League Draft.

Courtesy of www.cantonrep.com

[Durbansandshark]

Tulsa 66ers sign Nolan Richardson - Dec 16, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Tulsa 66ers, proud affiliate of the Oklahoma City Thunder, announced today that they have signed guard Nolan Richardson (6'2''-G, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Midwestern St.).

Richardson attended Tulsa local tryouts in October and competed at 66ers training camp in November. He played collegiately at Midwestern State and was named to the Division II All-America Third Team as a senior after averaging 21.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.

Richardson will be in uniform tonight wearing No. 9 when Tulsa hosts Reno at 7 p.m. inside the Tulsa Convention Center.

With the acquisition, the 66ers roster now stands at nine.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Orien Greene joins Los Angeles D-Fenders - Dec 17, 2011 (by Eurobasket Center )

Los Angeles D-Fenders agreed terms with 29-year old guard Orien Greene (193-G-94kg-82, college: La-Lafayette). In his first game he scored 20 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Despite his good performance his new team lost to Bakersfield J. 112-117. Greene played most recently at Halifax Rainmen (Canada). While playing 6 games for Halifax R. this season he averaged 10.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.8apg and 1.5spg. Greene is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Australia, Canada, China, Holland, Israel and Venezuela. Greene graduated University Louisiana at Lafayette in 2005 and actually missed last season. It will be his seventh season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Friday's games review - Dec 17, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Idaho S. - Canton C. 98-78
Former NBA All-Star Antoine Walker (6'9''-F-75, college: Kentucky) scored 20 points to lead the Idaho Stampede to a 98-78 win over the visiting Canton Charge on Friday night. The Stampede put the game away by outscoring the Charge 29-17 in the fourth quarter. The Charge have dropped three straight, losing by a combined 61 points in those game. One common denominator has been sub-40 percent shooting from the floor and that continued. Canton hit just 35.9 percent of its shots, including going 6-of-22 on 3-pointers. The Charge also hit just 57.1 percent of their free throws. The Stampeded also hammered Canton on the glass, outrebounding the Charge 53-38. Reginald Larry grabbed 16 boards for Idaho and Will Foster had 10. The 35-year-old Walker also grabbed six rebounds and had three assist to lead a balanced Idaho attack. Five of his teammates scored 11 or more points, including former Syracuse star Eric Devendorf (6'4''-G-87, college: Syracuse), who had 16. The Stampede have won three straight and four of their last five. T.J. Campbell scored 16 points to lead Canton, while Marcus Relphorde scored 15 and Antoine Agudio scored 12. The two teams meet again tonight at 9:30. The Charge also made another roster move Friday, signing guard-forward Trent Strickland. Canton waived Tyrone Kent to make room for Strickland, who played at Wake Forest and spent the last two seasons playing for Antwerp in the Belgian League. *Courtesy of www.cantonrep.com

Bakersfield J. - Los Angeles D. 117-112
With the shot clock winding down and the Jam down 112-111, Osiris Eldridge (6'3''-G-88, agency: N.E.T., college: Illinois St.) let fly a 3-pointer with a defender all over him, and it went down to give Bakersfield a 114-112 lead with 13.7 seconds left in the game. Eldridge tacked on three more free throws to finish with 52 points on the night, and it ignited the Jam to a 117-112 win over the Los Angeles D-Fenders at a sold out and loud Jam Events Center on a memorable Friday night. The 52 points was an NBA Development League season high, a Jam all-time record, a personal best for Eldridge in all levels of basketball, and came within a single point of matching the D-League record of 53 set last year by Will Conroy. The win (6-2) puts the Jam in first place in the Western Conference, while holding the best record in the league. When asked to talk about his effort and contribution for the game, Eldridge had this to say, 'I think tonight, I did a good job of attacking the basket first, and it just led to the 3-ball going up and a lot of shots going in.' When talking about his personal high scoring game, he offered, 'The most I ever scored in a game was 36 points, like twice, when I was in Europe and then when I was in college.' He pointed out that he felt like he was in a zone, saying, 'I felt I had a step on the person that was guarding me, but I was just feeling it, you know, you get in that zone sometimes and you feel like you can make every shot, and that's how I felt tonight.' He went on to credit his teammates for the game, and specifically in the closing moments, saying, 'There was a lot of players other than me down the stretch that contributed to the win. It was just a great team effort down the stretch.' Indeed, down the stretch and in crunch time several players had a hand in the win, and even though the 52 point outburst tops the list, the Jam still placed five players in double figure scoring for the game. David Palmer (6'9''-F/C-86, college: N.Kentucky) had another productive night with 17 points and 14 rebounds, and Juan Patillo chipped in with 14 points and nine rebounds. Mustapha Farrakhan scored all 14 of his points when it mattered most, in the second half, and also tallied six assists. Anthony Harris continued to provide a big spark off the bench with 13 points and five assists. Brandon Costner led Los Angeles in scoring with 36 points, and in his first game with the D-Fenders, Orien Greene finished with 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Eniel Polynice contributed 19 points and nine assists, while Otis George finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Terrence Roberts added 11 points and blocked five shots. The game was hard fought from beginning to end, with neither side holding more than an eight point lead. In all, there were 13 ties and 22 lead changes, and the two squads face each other again in a back to back Saturday evening at the Toyota Sports Center. Is there an encore performance by Mr. Eldridge in order?, tune in and find out. On a side note, please subscribe to this column and stay updated on all future articles by hitting the subscribe link on this page (next to the profile), it's free and holds no obligations. *Courtesy of www.examiner.com

Tulsa 66ers - Reno B. 88-105
Dressed in green uniforms, the visiting Reno Bighorns certainly played the part of the Grinch on Friday night inside the Tulsa Convention Center. Reno outscored the Tulsa 66ers 30-14 in the fourth quarter, including a 13-2 run to open the period, helping the Bighorns notch a 105-88 decision in an NBA Development League West Conference clash. 'We gave up defensively,' said Tulsa head coach Dale Osbourne. 'I think our inexperience caught up with us and we got a little tired. But you have to give Reno credit as well. They really turned it up and we didn't match that.' With four 66ers in various NBA training camps, Tulsa (5-4) had just nine players in uniform on Friday night. Five of those scored in double figures, with Brady Morningstar pacing Tulsa with 21 points. The former University of Kansas guard, however, was limited to just two points in the final quarter. 'This is a transition league and you never know who you're going to have,' Osbourne said. 'I hope our guys who are in (NBA) training camps stay up there. I've told our players who are still with us that this is an opportunity for them to continue to learn and get better.' Reno (3-4) was led by a season-high 28 points from center Chris Ayer (6'10''-C-83, college: Loyola Mary), who had 12 of his points in the fourth quarter, including six of Reno's first eight points of the period to stake the Bighorns to an 83-74 lead and force a Tulsa timeout with 9:22 remaining. Tulsa would pull within 90-86 on a pair of free throws from Billy Rush (6'7''-G/F-88, agency: VVG Sports, college: Robert Morris) with 4:38 to play, but the Bighorns would answer with a 9-0 run to take back the momentum. Rush would finish with 16 points while LaDustin Williams would add 14 points off the bench. The 66ers led 49-46 at halftime and stretched that lead to eight points midway through the third quarter before Reno went on a 14-2 run to take the lead for the first time since the opening quarter. Note: Nolan Richardson III, grandson of former University of Tulsa and Tulsa Shock head coach Nolan Richardson, was signed on Friday by the 66ers. The 6-2 guard attended Tulsa local tryouts in October and competed at 66ers training camp in November. He went scoreless in 3:37 of action against Reno. *Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

[Durbansandshark]

Sioux Falls S. - Dakota W. 108-96
The Sioux Falls Skyforce defeated the Dakota Wizards 108-96 Friday night at the Sioux Falls Arena. After a back-and-forth first quarter, Sioux Falls went ahead 28-27 and never trailed the rest of the game. Sioux Falls led at the half 59-51, shooting nearly 20 percent better than Dakota in the first half. Casey Mitchell (6'4''-G-88, college: W.Virginia) scored 15 of his 21 points in the first half and finished 9-of-15 from the field in his first game back following a short stint in training camp with the Houston Rockets. Sioux Falls built their lead to as many as 16 late in the third quarter due to a balanced scoring attack. Five players finished in double figures for Sioux Falls. Dakota outrebounded Sioux Falls by six but committed five more turnovers. Dominique Coleman (6'3''-G-84, college: Colorado) nearly posted a triple-double with 18 points, eight rebounds and a season-high 14 assists. Billy McShepard recorded his third double-double in four games with a season-high 22 points and 12 rebounds. Longtime Skyforce nemesis Maurice Baker nearly had a triple-double of his own with 18 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Curtis Withers led all scorers with 23 points while also grabbing eight rebounds. The two rivals face off at the Sioux Falls Arena tomorrow night at 7 p.m. CT. *Courtesy of www.ksfy.com

Austin T. - Rio Grande VV 108-119
Stanley Asumnu (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Tennessee) scored 28 points and added 10 rebounds to lead the Vipers to a 119-108 win Friday night over the Austin Toros. Guard Lee Humphrey (6'2''-PG-84, college: Florida) added 23 points for the Vipers, who got to 6-4 on the season. The Vipers will play tonight at Texas. Along with Asumnu and Humphrey, the Vipers had three others in double-digits. Suleimon Braimoh had 18, Julian Sensley 13 and Kelvin Lewis chipped in with 12. Austin was led by Tristan Thompson, who had 22. *Courtesy of www.themonitor.com

Ft.Wayne MA - Iowa E. 88-95
The Iowa Energy saw seven players reach double digits as they beat the Fort Wayne Mad Ants 95-88 in the Fort Wayne War Memorial Coliseum. Iowa built a double-digit lead early in the contest and kept that advantage for most of the game on the strength of better than 50 percent shooting while holding Fort Wayne to only 34 percent. Iowa stormed out of the gate with hot shooting that opened up an 11-2 score in the first three and a half minutes of the contest. Thomas Baudinet (6'3''-G-89, agency: FCM, college: St.Anselm) hit all seven shots he attempted in the first quarter finishing the frame with 12 points for the Energy. Iowa finished the first quarter shooting 70 percent from the field and ended the quarter with a seven point advantage. The Energy continued with their strong shooting and stronger defense by holding the Mad Ants to 33 percent shooting. Gage Daye brought a spark off the bench for the Mad Ants as he contributed much needed energy as well as 11 points. Iowa took a 56-47 lead into the half. Iowa's defensive intensity continued to stifle the Mad Ants as the Energy extended their lead to 12 points by the end of the third quarter. After holding a double-digit lead for most of the game, Iowas lead dropped into single digits midway through the fourth quarter. The teams traded baskets for much of the final frame before the Mad Ants chipped the lead down to six points with under a minute to play, but the Energy held on for the 95-88 victory. Rookie Cameron Jones (6'4''-G-89, college: N.Arizona) led the Mad Ants with 20 points, and Marvin Phillips recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Thomas Baudinet led all scorers with a game-high 21 points, and Nick Murphy added a double-double with 12 points and a game-high 11 rebounds for the Energy. *Courtesy of www.wane.com

Saturday's games - Dec 18, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Los Angeles D. - Bakersfield J. 96-68
After playing in a five point game last night against Bakersfield, the Los Angeles D-Fenders clamped down defensively and defeated the Jam 96-68 at the Toyota Sports Center. The 28-point win was the D-Fenders' largest margin of victory over the Jam, eclipsing the 22-point high set Jan. 28, 2007. 'Defensively it was a huge step for all of us,' D-Fenders head coach Eric Musselman said on Saturday night. 'We did a great job coming over and helping on dribble penetration.' Every time the Jam (6-3) tried to chip away at the lead, the D-Fenders (8-4) had an answer. In their team debuts, Los Angeles' Andrew Goudelock (6'2''-G-88, college: Charleston) totaled 24 points (11-24 FG), four rebounds and seven assists while Malcolm Thomas (6'9''-C-88, college: San Diego St.) recorded 13 points (5-7 FG) and six rebounds. Teammate Jordan Brady (6'6''-F-83) tallied a season-high 20 points (6-12 FG, 4-7 3FG) and six rebounds, Orien Greene finished with 14 points (5-7 FG) and three assists, and Brandon Costner added 10 points and 8 rebounds. Leading by as many as 32, the D-Fenders (8-4) held the Jam to 32.9 percent shooting (16.7% 3FG). The Jam scoring was paced by Juan Pattillo (12) and Adrian Thomas (11) while David Palmer notched a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds. After scoring 52 points a night earlier, Osiris Eldridge was held to 8 points. The D-Fenders head on a four-game road trip through the end of the year, starting against the Texas Legends on December 21st. Game time is at 7 p.m. and can be seen on NBA Futurecast. *Courtesy of www.sportspagemagazine.com

Sioux Falls S. - Dakota W. 95-97
The Dakota Wizards defeated the Sioux Falls Skyforce 97-95 Saturday night at the Sioux Falls Arena. A late rally by the Skyforce fell short as the rivals split the weekend series. Sioux Falls took a 54-49 lead at halftime off of Billy McShepard's 3-pointer at the buzzer. Led by Maurice Baker (6'1''-PG-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Oklahoma St.), who scored 14 of his 26 points in the third quarter, Dakota stormed back to take a four-point lead after three quarters. Dakota took control in the fourth quarter and led by eight with a little over 30 seconds left in the game. Ryan Anderson knocked in a 3-pointer for the Skyforce and then a quick steal and layup by Dominique Coleman cut the deficit to three (96-93) with 5.9 seconds left in the game. After Justin Johnson converted 1-of-2 free throws for Dakota to put them back up four, the Skyforce got another quick basket out of a timeout to pull within two with less than a second left on the clock. Dakota nearly threw the ball away on the inbounds pass but time ran out and they secured the two-point victory. Baker had another great performance for Dakota with 26 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Mike Anderson (6'7''-F-86, college: VCU) was active on the boards, finishing with a double-double (14 points, 14 rebounds). Coleman put forth another solid effort with 14 points and 10 assists. McShepard recorded his fourth double-double (13 points, 10 rebounds) in five games before leaving late in the third quarter due to an injury. Sioux Falls visits Fort Wayne on Thursday at 7 p.m. CT. Dakota returns home to face Springfield on Thursday at 7 p.m. CT. *Courtesy of www.kdlt.com

Iowa E. - Reno B. 101-97
The Reno Bighorns lost a close game to the Iowa Energy Saturday night, despite a 26-point scoring outburst from Terrance Thomas (6'6''-F-80, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Baylor). Chris Ayer (6'10''-C-83, college: Loyola Mary) continued his solid play with 19 points and 13 rebounds while Cedric Bozeman contributed with 15 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds. Michael Tveidt led the Energy with 28 points and 6 rebounds. The Bighorns continued to keep the game close, taking 15 more shot attempts (90-75), but the up tempo pace of the Bighorns was not enough. The Energy scored efficiently, shooting 53 percent from the field, including 6 of 12 from beyond the arc. Bighorns next game is December 21st at the Reno Events Center against the Idaho Stampede, the NBA D-League affiliate of Denver Nuggets, Portland Trailblazers and Utah Jazz. *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

Texas L. - Rio Grande VV 124-114
Admittedly, an early six-game road trip got in the way. But the Texas Legends, surely didn't want to wait nearly a month for their first home win. Nonetheless, they got it with best offensive performance of the year, downing the Rio Grande Valley Vipers 124-114 at Dr. Pepper Arena. Booker Woodfox (6'1''-PG-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Creighton) once again led the Legends with 22 points, while Anthony Vereen (6'7''-F-86, college: Texas Arlington) continues to show improvement. Vereen was one of three others to score at least 17 while adding eight rebounds. Ronald Allen had 14 points and nine rebounds, while Vance Cooksey had 18 points and eight assists. A poor second quarter allowed the Vipers to grab a 60-55 halftime lead. Stanley Asumnu had 14 of his 24 points in the first half. Woodfox came back with 10 points in the third quarter to rally Texas to an 83-80 lead after three. The Legends' defense wasn't spectacular in the fourth, allowing 34 points, but their own 41-point outburst made up for it. And now it's back on the road for the Legends, as they must face the Toros in Austin for the second time in four days. *Courtesy of www.examiner.com

[Durbansandshark]

Idaho S. - Canton C. 101-109
Canton's Antoine Agudio (6'3''-G-85) scored 22 points, while Travis Frankin came off the bench to add 21 as the Charge defeated the Idaho Stampede 109-101 Saturday night in Boise. Aguidio, a 6-foot-3 guard, and Franklin, a 6-foot-7 forward, combined to connect on 10 of 10 3-pointers (Aguidio 6, Franklin 4), as the Charge finished 14 of 25 as a team from beyond the arc. Four other Charge players reached double figures - Kyle Gibson (11), Jonathan Blake (11), TJ Campbell (18), Marcus Relphorde (10). The victory improves the Charge to 4-5 on the season, while Idaho falls to 4-5. *Courtesy of www.cantonrep.com

Maine RC - Erie Bay H. 105-109
Starting quick hasn't been a problem for the Maine Red Claws this season. They usually play some of their best ball in the first quarter. It's what follows that still needs work. The Red Claws built an early 11-point lead Saturday night, then watched the Erie BayHawks surge past them en route to a 109-105 victory at the Portland Expo. Erie took the lead for good with 2:24 left in the second quarter, built an 18-point lead in the third, then held off a stirring charge by the Red Claws, who cut the margin to two in the fourth. 'We came out with a ton of energy, then we lost the energy in the second quarter,' said Courtney Pigram, who led Maine with 28 points and nine assists. 'We picked it up too late. Unfortunately now all we can do is wait to (today) to bounce back.' The teams play again at the Expo at 5 p.m. today. This was the second win for Erie (4-6) over the Red Claws (2-5) this year. In the previous game, Maine had a 13-3 lead. 'We get off to good starts,' said Maine Coach Dave Leitao. 'We were good pushing the ball and we were good on assignments defensively. Then we took the foot off the gas pedal mentally. 'I've been watching (Erie) a lot and they just keep playing. They don't care if they're up 12, down 12, that's what they do. When they came back it looked like we were surprised. And we didn't respond.' Not until late. Erie used its balanced offense -- six players in double figures, led by Tirrell Baines (6'6''-F-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Marshall) with 23 and Kyle Spain (6'5''-F-87, college: San Diego St.) with 21 -- and aggressive defense to build an 18-point lead twice in the third quarter. That's when Maine's defense, which left gaping holes on the back side for three quarters, tightened up. The Red Claws started pushing the ball again and slowly came back. But each time Maine got close, Erie responded. A foul shot by Dominic Calegari made it 79-77 with 9:11 remaining. The BayHawks responded with an 11-2 run. The Claws cut it to 100-97 with 1:02 left when Justin Brownlee (17 points, 6 rebounds) tipped in Paul Harris' missed foul shot. 'I felt like we didn't play the game, we didn't keep playing,' said Jay Larranaga, coach of the BayHawks. 'We got up and acted like it was going to be easy. They beat us to loose balls and got transition baskets, which you never let a good team like that do. But we definitely responded.' Especially at the foul line. Erie hit eight consecutive foul shots in the final 33.8 seconds to seal it. The BayHawks had a 30-11 edge at the foul line. The Red Claws know they can't fall that far behind. 'It's just energy and desire,' said Pigram. 'We can't just turn it on and off. We've got to keep it the same the whole game.' *Courtesy of www.pressherald.com

Tulsa 66ers - Springfield A. 87-76
One night after bemoaning his team's defensive intensity in the late stages of the game, Tulsa 66ers head coach Dale Osbourne saw his team piece together a defensive gem against the Springfield Armor on Saturday night. Tulsa tied a season-low in points allowed, including giving up just 11 points in the third quarter, as the 66ers ended a two-game slide with an 87-76 decision over Springfield in an NBA Development League matchup inside the Tulsa Convention Center. Leading 45-41 at intermission, Tulsa (6-4) saw Springfield score four quick points to open the second half. The 66ers, however, clamped down from there, allowing the Armor just seven points over the last 10 minutes of the third quarter. 'We definitely learned from last night,' Osbourne said. 'Our guys were talking at halftime about how we couldn't have a second half on defense like we had (in a loss to Reno on Friday night). I thought our guys were very focused tonight and we executed well.' After Springfield (5-3) pulled within one point during that early third-quarter spurt, Tulsa went on a 12-2 run to take control of the contest. The Armor got no closer than seven points the rest of the game, thanks largely to Tulsa's defensive intensity. Springfield was held to just 34.4 percent shooting from the field and had 10 of its shots blocked, which is a new season-high for the 66ers. Xavier Alexander (6'6''-G-88, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: S.Nazarene) paced Tulsa with a season-best 21 points, including 16 in the first half. It was the second straight game that the rookie guard had established a new season-high in scoring, following a 13-point effort against Reno. 'The last couple of games, it feels like I've been able to break out of my slump,' said Alexander, a product of Southern Nazarene. 'We have a lot of rookies on the team, but the last couple of games, I think we've been able to take our time and not rush through the offense as much as we did earlier in the season.' Alexander was one of five Tulsa players in double figures, with Billy Rush adding 15 points and nine rebounds and Brady Morningstar chipping in 10 points and a team-high six assists. Also posting a new season-high in scoring was center Brian Barkdoll, who came off the bench with nine points in 16 minutes. *Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

Sunday: Mad Ants, Toros and Red Claws celebrate - Dec 19, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Ft.Wayne MA - Springfield A. 101-84
The Fort Wayne Mad Ants beat the Springfield Armor 101-84 in the Fort Wayne War Memorial Coliseum. Springfield fell into an early deficit from which they could not recover from. Fort Wayne began the contest on a 13-4 run and extended to a lead of 17 points. The difference in the first quarter was the Mad Ants ability to penetrate and get to the free throw line as Fort Wayne attempted 11 more free throws than the Armor. Springfield hung tough and chiseled their deficit to only nine points by the end of the quarter. Lance Hurdle (6'2''-G-87, college: Miami, FL) continued to pace Springfield with a game-high 15 first half points, but the Armor's 14 turnovers helped Fort Wayne maintain its lead. With three players scoring in double digits and eight steals as a team, the Mad Ants took a 14 point advantage into halftime. Springfield won the third quarter by two points, as Travis Cohn led the Armor with seven points in the frame. But Cameron Jones (6'4''-G-89, college: N.Arizona) kept the Mad Ants lead in double digits as he took over the quarter with 11 points of his own. The Armor started the fourth quarter on a 10-1 run that cut the Fort Wayne lead down to just three points. Fort Wayne ended that run quickly to build its lead back up to a final margin of 17 points. Jones led the Mad Ants with a game-high 26 points, and Tory Jackson packed the stat sheet with 13 points, a game-high 8 assists and 4 steals. Lance Hurdle led the Armor with 24 points and 6 assists, and Jamar Brown (6'9''-F/C-80, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) dominated the boards with a game-high 14 rebounds. *Courtesy of www.wane.com

Austin T. - Texas L. 116-99
The Austin Toros routed the visiting Texas Legends 116-99 Sunday afternoon behind 21 big points from backup point guard Solomon Bozeman (6'1''-G-87, college: UALR) and 20 points and five assists from off-guard Myles McKay. Power forward Anthony Vereen (6'7''-F-86, college: Texas Arlington) led the Legends with 25 points while small forward Dominique Johnson (6'3''-G-87, college: Azusa Pacific) tallied 23 points and a team-high 13 rebounds in defeat. Behind a Cedar Park Center crowd of 3,197 screaming Toros' fans, Austin used a 62-point first half outburst to lead Texas by 20 at the break. The Toros (6-3) would go on to lead by as much as 23 handing Texas its' eighth loss of the season and pulling them to within just a 1/2 game of the West Conference leading Los Angeles Defenders. Combo-forward Omar Reed put in a solid effort posting 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the field. He added five rebounds and two steals for the victorious Toros on the night. Legends veteran Head Coach Del Harris was ejected late in the third quarter after receiving his second technical for arguing a perceived bad call. Austin will not suit up again until next Friday December 23rd when they travel to Indiana to face the Fort Wayne Mad Ants from the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The game is scheduled to tip-off at 6:30 PM Central Time. *Courtesy of www.examiner.com

[Durbansandshark]

Maine RC - Erie Bay H. 106-99
Paul Harris (6'5''-F-86, college: Syracuse) just missed the second triple-double in Red Claws history (30 pts,16 rebounds, 7 assists) in just his second game this season as the Maine Red Claws (3-5) toppled the Erie BayHawks (4-7) tonight at the Portland Exposition Building, 106-99. It was a see-saw affair that never saw the point spread more than 7 points with 11 ties and 8 lead changes. Paul Harris was the story of the game as the 6-5 guard out of Syracuse narrowly missed a triple-double. Harris was officially activated on December 15 after missing the early part of the season due to the premature birth of his third son. Still looking to regain his game form, Harris nonetheless lit up the scoreboard, delighting the home crowd. The Red Claw's starters scored 92 of the 106 points. Dominic Calegari (6'10''-F-87, college: Cal-Davis) recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds while Courtney Pigram (6'1''-G-85, college: E.Tenn.St.) finished with 20 and added 5 assists. Justin Brownlee scored 19, while Tyc Snow added 10 of his own to round out the five Red Claws scorers in double digits. The Bayhawks had six players in double figures. Kyle Spain (6'5''-F-87, college: San Diego St.) and Tirrell Baines (6'6''-F-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Marshall) led Erie with 19 apiece. Chaz McCrommon and Mike Gerrity played big rolls off the bench with a combined 26 points and 17 rebounds. Leron Stokes finished with 14, and B.J. Jenkins rounded out the Bayhawks scorers with 11. The Red Claws will be idle until Saturday, December 23 when they host the Iowa Energy in the first of a two-game home set. The game will mark the 2nd Annual WinterKids Hat & Mitten drive, and fans are encouraged to donate new and gently used hats, mittens, gloves and scarves. WinterKids encourages Maine kids to be active and get outside to enjoy winter activities. Maine and Iowa will complete the set on Saturday, December 24 with a 1 PM Christmas Eve contest. All fans purchasing two or more tickets to either game will receive a free Red Claws mini ball. The Red Claws will hold a full-team autograph signing session on the court following each game. The BayHawks will also return to action on December 23 when they host the Tulsa 66ers.The team will then enjoy a brief break over the holidays before hosting the Fort Wayne Mad Ants on December 28 and the LA D-Fenders on December 29. *Courtesy of www.cmsbmedia.com

Vipers Asumnu named D-League Player of the Week - Dec 20, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Rio Grande Valley Vipers and the NBA Development League (NBA D-League) announced today that Stanley Asumnu (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Tennessee) of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers was today named D-League Performer of the Week for games played Dec 12-18.This is the first Performer of the Week honor for Asumnu in his five year D-League career.

For the week, the 6-5, 220-pound forward out of Tennessee averaged an NBA D-League-high 26.0 points to go along with a team-high 12.0 rebounds per contest, as theVipers went 1-1.

In helping Rio Grande Valley snap the Austin Toros' three-game home win streak Friday, Dec. 16, Asumnu posted a career high 28 points and team best 10 rebounds, in the Vipers 19-108 victory. The following night, in a 124-114 loss on the road against the Texas Legends, Asumnu recorded another double-double, scoring 24 points and pulling down a game-high 14 rebounds. On the season, Asumnu is averaging career bests in points per game (20.0) points, rebounds per game (8.9) rebounds and shooting percentage (58.2%) .

Other top performers considered include the Tulsa 66ers' Xavier Alexander, who averaged 17.0 points and 5.5 rebounds; the Reno Bighorns' Christopher Ayer, who averaged 23.5 points and 10.0 rebounds; the Erie BayHawks' Tirrell Baines, who averaged 25.0 points and 7.5 rebounds; the Dakota Wizards' Maurice Baker, who averaged 22.0 points and 8.5 rebounds; the Los Angeles D-Fenders' Brandon Costner, who averaged 25.0 points and 8.0 rebounds; the Austin Toros' Eric Dawson, who averaged 14.7 points and 8.0 rebounds; the Bakersfield Jam's Osiris Eldridge, who averaged 24.3 points; the Maine Red Claws' Paul Harris, who averaged 22.0 points and 12.5 rebounds; the Fort Wayne Mad Ants' Cameron Jones, who averaged 23.0 points and 4.0 rebounds; the Idaho Stampede's Reginald Larry, 15.3 points and 10.3 rebounds; the Sioux Falls Skyforce's Billy McShepard, who averaged 15.7 points and 12.0 rebounds; and the Iowa Energy's Michael Tveidt, who averaged 19.5 points and 4.5 rebounds.

The Vipers return to action on Thursday night at State Farm Arena when they play host to the Bakersfield Jam. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Fazekas parts ways with Bighorns - Dec 20, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Nick Fazekas (6'11''-F-85, college: Nevada) played in just 12 games for the Reno Bighorns last season before an ankle injury ended his season.

That proved to be a bit longer than this season.

Fazekas, the 6-foot-11 former Wolf Pack star who played one season in the NBA and has also played in Europe, signed with the NBA Development League team again this season but is moving on, Bighorns owner Herb Santos Jr. said Monday. Fazekas played in six games with the Bighorns (3-5), averaging 18.2 points per game and 8.2 rebounds per game.

Santos said the Bighorns game Wednesday against Idaho (7 p.m., Reno Events Center) will be Farewell to Nick Fazekas Night. Santos said he could not disclose why Fazekas was leaving the Bighorns because of a confidentiality agreement.

Fazekas did not return a message seeking comment.

In October, Fazekas said he was weighing his options and said re-signing with the Bighorns was among them.

Were hoping all of his fans, while he was a Bighorn and while he was a University of Nevada player, will come out and send him off, Santos said. We are so fortunate to have him last year and this year, and we continue to wish him the best. He is and always will be a member of the Reno Bighorns family.

Fazekas was not with the Bighorns when they played at Tulsa on Friday and at Iowa on Saturday. He was at Lawlor Events Center on Saturday watching the Wolf Packs game against UC Riverside.

Santos said hes not sure if Fazekas would play Wednesday.

He will be there on the bench one way or another, Santos said. It will probably be his last day as a member of the Bighorns. I think Nick is very happy here. He loved Coach (Paul) Mokeski and he loved the fans. Thats why he came back to Reno.

Courtesy of www.rgj.com

Wizards release F Rico Cunningham - Dec 20, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Dakota Wizards announced today that they have waived forward Larriques Cunningham (6'6''-F, college: Lee) to make room for the return of forward Marcus Dove.

Cunningham was acquired by Dakota on December 9th from the available player pool. He appeared in two games for the Wizards averaging two minutes and two rebounds per game.

Dove returns to the Wizards after appearing in NBA Training Camp with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Prior to Dove reporting to the Thunder, he averaged 7.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 assists in four games for the Wizards.

The current roster stands at 10 players.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

[Durbansandshark]

Foote returns to Springfield - Dec 21, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Springfield Armor announced today that they have waived Michael Sturns (6'5''-G-86, agency: Court Side, college: Holy Family) to make room for the return of center Jeff Foote (7'0''-C-88, college: Cornell). The current Armor roster stands at 10.

Foote returns to the Armor after a stint in the Portland Trail Blazers' training camp. Foote, who was acquired from the NBA D-League available player pool on Nov. 29, played in two games with the Armor (one start) and averaged 16.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 32.5 minutes. Foote will be available when the Armor travel to Bismarck, ND to take on the Dakota Wizards on Thursday, Dec. 22 at 9:00 PM EST.

Sturns was reacquired from the available player pool on Dec. 12 after being released by the Armor during training camp. He played in one game with the Armor totaling four minutes of action against the Tulsa 66ers on Dec. 17.

The Armor continue their longest road trip of the season when they play back-to-back nights against the Dakota Wizards on Thursday and Friday. The Armor do not return home until Jan. 5 when they host the Erie BayHawks at the MassMutual Center.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Tyrell Biggs returns to Charge; Relphorde released - Dec 21, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

With open arms, the Canton Charge welcomed back leading scorer Tyrell Biggs (6'8''-F-86, college: Pittsburgh) on Tuesday.

But his arrival came at a cost.

The Charge released versatile wing Marcus Relphorde (6'7''-F-88, college: Colorado) to make room for Biggs, who missed the past five games after being invited to Cleveland Cavaliers training camp. Biggs was waived by the Cavs on Saturday and had 48 hours to pass through NBA waivers before he could rejoin the Charge.

I told him its great to have him back, love having him here, Charge head coach Alex Jensen said. Now lets get you back up somewhere, wherever it is. Thats the whole point of being here, to move up. Biggs, Cantons first-round draft pick this year, was among the NBA Development Leagues top 10 scorers at 21.3 points a game when the Cavs brought him to camp. The 6-foot-8, 240-pound forward expressed disappointment in not making the Cavs, but he took plenty of positives from the experience.

I knew going up there it was going to be more of a learning experience, said Biggs, a 53.1-percent shooter from the field. Your goal is to make the team, but there are a lot of things you have to weigh in that equation, like limited roster spots and guaranteed contracts. Those are things you can't control. You can go up there and go as hard as you can, do the best you can. Thats what I did.

Biggs said he received encouraging feedback from the Cavs, including head coach Byron Scott. He said I did really well and impressed them. So Ill be keeping in contact with them.
When no NBA team claimed Biggs, the Charge had a difficult decision to make. Who goes to make room on the 10-man roster? Relphorde, who had played in all nine games and started six of them, was the choice.

Marcus was great for us, Jensen said. He practiced hard. But going back down to 10 players, youre forced to make decisions. Its hard, because hes a good basketball player that will be picked up by somebody. Relphorde averaged 11.7 points and 5.2 rebounds after making the team from the open player tryouts. He boasts a diverse skill package for a 6-7, 220-pound man. He struggled shooting the basketball, as his 43.2 field goal percentage, 25.0 3-point percentage and 55.6 free throw percentage will attest. He also seemed to struggle grasping some of the Charges defensive philosophies.

The Charge (4-5) didnt want to cut at point guard with Keith McLeod still in Utah Jazz training camp. And they didnt want to take away from a thin front court. So that left them looking to the wing, meaning Relphorde, Antoine Agudio, Kyle Gibson or the recently acquired Trent Strickland. Relphorde could come back to haunt them if the recently turned 23-year-old ever figures things out. As Jensen said, Hes still no where near his ceiling.

With NBA training camps closing later this week, many players will flood back into the D-League and rosters will continue to evolve. And that means the Charge likely will face many more difficult personnel calls. It's not the first, Jensen said, and its not the last.

Courtesy of www.cantonrep.com

Fazekas agrees to a contract with Philippines team - Dec 21, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Nick Fazekas (6'11''-F-85, college: Nevada) did some soul searching and came to the following conclusion: The Philippines is more money and less stress on his troublesome ankle, and that combination was enough for him to go.

The former Nevada basketball star said Tuesday he is leaving the Reno Bighorns NBA Development League team to join the Petron Blaze of the Philippine Basketball Association. He will leave in mid-January for the Manila-based team.

The 6-foot-11 forward/center signed a contract for this season only. The Blaze is 9-5 and has about four months remaining on its schedule. He did not want disclose the details of the contract but said he will make more money than he was making with the Bighorns.

Fazekas played six games with the Bighorns this season. The team is honoring him tonight ahead of its 7 p.m. game against Idaho at the Reno Events Center by offering $5 bowl tickets. Fazekas will be available to sign autographs from 6-7 p.m.

The Bighorns have been great, said Fazekas, who led the Wolf Pack to four trips to the NCAA Tournament, including a run to the Sweet 16 in 2003-04, his freshman season. Theyve given me an opportunity.

Fazekas was with the Bighorns last year when an ankle injury ended his season after just 12 games. He has had problems with his feet and ankles in the past and said the PBA schedule one game a week figured into his decision as well.

Its a chance to play and make a little more money, he said. Its less games, which is easier for me. It was just a no-brainer.

Hell be four inches taller than any of his teammates but said he expects to continue to play the power forward position.

I hope to help the team out by scoring a lot of points, said Fazekas, who played one year in the NBA and has also played in Europe. I hope to bring my offensive abilities to the team. I dont know a whole lot about it.

Fazekas said Richie Frahm, a former Gonzaga player who has played in the PBA, encouraged him to go.

He said there are a lot of different incentives to go, Fazekas said. He said there are a lot of American restaurants.

Fazekas said the team provides housing, a driver and a meal allowance.

Courtesy of www.rgj.com

[Durbansandshark]

Greene comes back to Los Angeles D-Fenders - Dec 22, 2011 (by Eurobasket Center )

Los Angeles D-Fenders strengthened their roster with addition of 29-year old guard Orien Greene (193-G-94kg-82, college: La-Lafayette). Its actually Greenes comeback to Los Angeles D. as he played here before. In his first game he scored 22 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Despite his good performance his new team lost to Texas L. 108-112. Greene played most recently at Halifax Rainmen (Canada). While playing 7 games for Halifax R. this season he averaged 8.9ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.3apg and 1.3spg. Greene is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Australia, Canada, China, Holland, Israel and Venezuela. Greene graduated University Louisiana at Lafayette in 2005 and actually missed last season. It will be his seventh season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Bailey comes back to Idaho Stampede - Dec 22, 2011 (by Eurobasket Center )

Idaho Stampede strengthened their roster with addition of 30-year old David Bailey (173-PG-81, college: Loyola, IL). Its actually Baileys comeback to Idaho S. as he played here before. In his first game he scored 17 points, grabbed 3 rebounds and 5 assists. Despite his good performance his new team lost to Reno B. 95-115. Bailey played most recently at Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League). While playing 36 games for Sioux Falls S. last season he averaged 10.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 5.4apg and 1.1spg. He is a very experienced player. Bailey played also pro basketball in Australia, Croatia, Estonia, France and Poland. He graduated Loyola University of Chicago in 2003 and actually missed last season. It will be his nineth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Legends use new faces to beat D-Fenders - Dec 22, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

A new group of players may have just been the spark the Texas Legends needed.

Led by Chris Roberts' (6'4''-G-88, college: Bradley) 17 points, the Legends took control in the second half to beat the first-place Los Angeles D-Fenders 112-108 at Dr. Pepper Arena.

Playing in his first game since returning from Mexico, Roberts did not hesitate to look for his shot. He scored four near the end of the first quarter, when Texas took the lead from LA, and then he helped put the game away in the fourth with 10.

'I have some NBA guys and good point guards; they just brought me the same action that everybody runs,' said Roberts, who did play with the Legends near the end of last season.

'I kind of have some chemistry on this team, and it was comfortable for me.'

Not only was Roberts in his first game, but Jerome Randle, Sean Williams and Drew Nietzel all joined the Legends a day after playing in the Maverick's last preseason game.

'It is difficult,' coach Del Harris said of fitting the new guys in immediately. 'We got three of the guys this morning and one yesterday, and yet I played them major minutes because they're very good.'

Indeed, Roberts, Randle and Williams each played more than 20 minutes while Neitzel played 17.

Up 58-56 hat halftime, the Legends put on the pressure to start the third. They forced six turnovers, including five in LA's first nine possessions, helping them lead by as many as 12.

'It's just the way we try to play,'Harris said. 'We're one of the top steals teams in the league, we're small, and so we kind of have to get out after it.'

The D-Fenders tried to slow the pace down and feed the ball to Brandon Costner, who scored 24 of his 34 points in the second half.

'He's an inside out guy, so it's kind of tough,' said Anthony Vereen (6'7''-F-86, college: Texas Arlington), who had to defend Costner starting late in the third. 'He kind of resembles me in body size, so iyou just gotta try guarding him as if you were guarding yourself.'

But the Legends kept up with their long range shooting, hitting nine three-pointers in the second half. Booker Woodfox (6'1''-PG-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Creighton) contributed 13 of his 22 points in that time period and hit six three-pointers in the game.

Texas isn't done with the D-Fenders yet, as the two teams will face off again in Frisco on Friday.

Courtesy of www.examiner.com

Reno Bighorns run past Idaho Stampede - Dec 22, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Reno Bighorns toppled the Idaho Stampede Wednesday night, pulling away in the fourth quarter, 115-95.

Blake Ahearn (6'2''-PG-84, college: Missouri St.) scored 23 points and dished out 9 assists in his return to the team after a stint in the Los Angeles Clippers training camp.

Andre Emmett (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Texas Tech) added 21 points and 8 rebounds in the win, bringing the team to a 4-5 record.

Tempers flared at the end of the game when Antoine Walker of the Stampede committed a hard foul on Doug Thomas going for a rebound and a small scuffle ensued. Walker was ejected from the game after the incident.

The game was tightly contested in the first three quarters, until the Bighorns started to get easy looks in the fourth. First, Cedric Bozeman hit a wide open three-pointer to take a 4-point lead before Chris Davis drove through the Stampede defense for an easy layup to extend the lead to 6 points. Doug Thomas provided the exclamation point for the Bighorns with an emphatic slam dunk with 6:55 left in the game. The Stampede missed numerous shots in an attempt at a comeback and showed their frustration with the end of game scuffle.

The teams face off again Friday at the Reno Events Center at 7 p.m. They then go to Idaho for the cap of the teams early season three-game series.

Courtesy of www.rgj.com

Seth Tarver back with Stampede in time to play at Reno - Dec 22, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Guard Seth Tarver (6'5''-G/F-88, college: Oregon St.) returned to Idaho after participating in the Portland Trail Blazers training camp. He played in Wednesday nights game at Reno and scored six points off the bench in a 115-95 loss.

Newcomer David Bailey, acquired in a trade with the Sioux Falls Skyforce last week, had a team-high 17 points. Tarver played in four games (all starts) with the Stampede prior to attending the Blazers camp. He averaged 15.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game with Idaho.

The Stampede waived guard Cheyne Gadson to make room for Tarver on the roster. Gadson was leading the Stampede in scoring (15.8 ppg) before being cut.

Courtesy of www.idahostatesman.com

[Durbansandshark]

He's officially back. Greg Ostertag, that is. Been talking about it a while back.

Former Jazz center Ostertag begins comeback Thursday at Frisco - Dec 28, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Greg Ostertag (7'2''-C-73, college: Kansas), one of the best basketball players to come out of Duncanville and an 11-year NBA veteran, will begin a comeback Thursday night with the Texas Legends that he hopes will lead to the NBA.

The National Basketball Development League team based in Frisco came to an agreement with the 7-2 Ostertag this afternoon and he will make his debut Thursday against Rio Grande Valley in a home game at Dr Pepper Arena.

He's also expected to play Friday against Tulsa.

Ostertag spent most of his NBA career with the Utah Jazz and was one of the most the best shot-blockers in the league, swatting a shot every 11.4 minutes of playing time.

'I missed playing,'' Ostertag said. 'I shouldn't have quit when I did and I feel like I got to give it one last shot to see if I can make it happen.

'I know there's a lot of naysayers out there who think I couldn't play when I was younger and how am I going to be able to play now? But I'm going to give myself a month or two to get in really good shape and see what happens.''

Ostertag toyed with the idea of making a comeback a couple of years ago, but after consulting with his family thought better of it.

By joining the Legends, Ostertag is not beholden to the Mavericks, should he show enough ability to earn a call-up to the NBA. Any team could offer him a contract.

However, the Mavericks clearly are looking for another big man. Starting center Brendan Haywood has been erratic in the first two games and the Mavericks lost out on free agent Kyrylo Fesenko, who is expected to sign with Golden State.

Ostertag last played in 2005-06, retiring at age 32. He started 22 games that season for Utah. He was a member of two NBA Finals teams in the '90s while teaming with John Stockton and Karl Malone, losing to Michael Jordan and the Bulls both seasons.

Ostertag averaged 4.2 points and 5.4 rebounds in 89 playoff games.

Courtesy of http://mavsblog.dallasnews.com

Hunter, Lazare back with Mad Ants - Dec 28, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Mad Ants continued retooling their roster today with the return of Chris Hunter (6'11''-F/C-84, college: Michigan) and Darnell Lazare (6'8''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: LSU).

Hunter, Lazare and former player Sean Sonderleiter were added to the active roster. Hunter, a 6-11 center and former NBA D-League all-star with the Ants, was released by the New York Knicks after training camp. Lazare, a 6-8 forward who led the Ants in scoring last season, was in the Indiana Pacers training camp before being released. Sonderleiter, a center/forward, has been working out in Fort Wayne since the summer.

To make room for the new players, the team has released center Antonio Smith and forward Jabril Banks. Rookie forward Sadiel Rojas was also released due to injury.

The Ants now have five players who were in NBA camps: Hunter, Lazare, Ron Howard, Walker Russell Jr. and Cameron Jones.

The Ants (4-6) play at Erie on Wednesday before returning for a home game against Los Angeles at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Memorial Coliseum.

Courtesy of www.news-sentinel.com

Skyforce topped by Energy on road, 121-103 - Dec 28, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The 2011 NBA D-League Champion Iowa Energy's bench outscored Sioux Falls' reserves 69-20 on their way to a decisive 121-103 victory Tuesday night.

The night began very ominous for Iowa, as Sioux Falls jumped out to a 13-0 lead behind six early points from guard Casey Mitchell (6'4''-G-88, college: W.Virginia). The Energy battled back quick, as an Andrew Drevo jump shot with 39.6 seconds remaining in the quarter gave Iowa a 26-25 lead. A pair of Energy baskets to close the half put the home team up 30-25.

The 2nd quarter was more of the same for Iowa, as Michael Tveidt (6'7''-F-87, college: N.Dakota St.) scored 10 points in the stanza to help push the Energy lead to 69-50 at the break. Sioux Falls would narrow the gap to nine points in the 4th quarter, but Iowa had an answer every time the Skyforce got close. After Sioux Falls cut the lead to 106-97 with 6:05 left, Energy sharp shooter Moses Ehambe drilled a 3-pointer, and Andrew Drevo and Marqus Blakely (6'5''-F-89, college: Vermont) each scored to put the game out of reach.

Tveidt led Iowa with 24 points, while Ehambe and Blakely added 22 points each. The win extends the Energy's lead in the Eastern Conference to 1.5 games over Springfield with a 9-4 record.

Sioux Falls was led by Mitchell's 29 point effort, while Charles Garcia (6'9''-F-88, college: Seattle) added 27. The loss drops the Skyforce to 5-8 on the season.

Courtesy of www.ksfy.com

Charge put together two runs in rout of Red Claws - Dec 28, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

A big lead all but evaporated Tuesday night.

The Canton Charge decided the best answer was to build it right back up.

The Charge righted the ship and cruised in the second half to a 106-90 NBA Development League win against Maine in front of 1,934 fans at Memorial Civic Center.

Canton saw a 22-point first-half lead whittled to three, but the Charge

(6-5) didnt panic in winning their third straight game.

'We just kept playing', Charge point guard Keith McLeod (6'3''-PG-79, college: Bowling Green) said. 'That's the thing, man. When teams make their runs, we just have to keep playing. That's how the game goes sometimes.'

McLeod scored 23 points in his first game back with the Charge after attending Utah Jazz training camp. Tyrell Biggs (6'8''-F-86, college: Pittsburgh) scored 10 of his 20 points in the third quarter as the Charge re-established control.

Head coach Alex Jensen was happy to get the win, but wants to avoid some of the hills and valleys that his team is running into. He hopes video of the first quarter, when the Charge held Maine to 21.4 percent shooting and fed offensively off their defense, sets in the consciousness of his players.

The point of it is, This is how good you guys can be. Right here, Jensen said. Its not a fluke. I think we have that capability. The ceiling is high.

McLeod, who scored 10 first-quarter points off the bench, reintroduced himself to Charge fans with a crossover dribble and driving layup that drew oohs from the crowd. He drained a 3-pointer from just over halfcourt at the first-quarter buzzer to put Canton up, 34-15.

The lead grew to 22 on Kyle Gibson (6'5''-G-87, college: Louisiana Tech) 's baseline jumper early in the second quarter. But the Charge went cold from there, making only three of their next 18 shots from the field as Maine steadily chipped away.

I think we had a little letdown with the energy, said Gibson, who scored 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the floor in 21 efficient minutes. But we picked it up and ended the half well. Coach talked about getting back on D because thats where they were getting most of their points from. They were getting fast-break points and getting to the free-throw line.

The Red Claws (4-7) got their deficit to three before a Dante Milligan layup and a McLeod 3 from the left wing with four seconds left had the Charge up, 52-44, at the half.

The Charge quickly got their lead back into double digits in the third as they rediscovered their shooting stroke. Gibson, T.J. Campbell and Biggs all made 3s in the frame. Maine never got back within 10 points.

The Charge made 14 of 26 3-pointers (53.8 percent), led by 3-of-3 from Gibson and 3-of-4 from Campbell, who scored 11 points.

The jump shots that come out of our transition or the extra pass when they double the post, those are the ones you want, Jensen said.

Antonio Graves (6'3''-G-85, college: Pittsburgh) scored 11 points in his Charge debut after missing the first month of the season recovering from a wrist injury. Antoine Agudio added 10 points, while Milligan grabbed a game-high 16 rebounds.

Durrell Summers (6'4''-G-89, college: Michigan St.) (Bobcats) scored 15 points and Kenny Hayes (Cavaliers) 14 for Maine in their first games back after attending NBA training camps.

Courtney Pigram, who torched the Charge for 33 points and seven 3-pointers in Maines 103-81 win Dec. 10, was held to six points. He didnt get off a 3-pointer.

Courtesy of www.cantonrep.com

[Durbansandshark]

Mason Jr. named D-League Performer of the Week - Dec 28, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Anthony Mason Jr. (6'7''-F-87, college: St.John's) of the Sioux Falls Skyforce was today named NBA Development League Performer of the Week for games played Dec 19-25.

For the week, the 6-7, 205-pound forward out of St. Johns averaged 21.0 points on 51 percent shooting, to go with 7.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists, as the Skyforce went 2-1.

Mason Jr. registered his first double-double of the season, finishing with 22 points and 12 rebounds as the Skyforce defeated Springfield, 103-99 on Sunday, Dec. 25, the teams third game in four nights. Mason tallied 23 points, six rebounds, three assists and three blocks in a 104-95 loss to Canton on Friday, Dec. 23. He opened the week with 19 points on 8-for-13 shooting in a 100-96 win over Fort Wayne on Thursday, Dec. 22. For the season, Mason Jr. is averaging 16.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists.

Courtesy of www.keloland.com

D-Fenders reacquire three NBA training camp participants - Dec 28, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Los Angeles D-Fenders have reacquired NBA training camp participants Elijah Millsap (6'6''-G-87, agency: Interperformances, college: UAB), Zachary Andrews (6'8''-F/C-85, college: Bradley) and Courtney Fortson (5'11''-SG-88, college: Arkansas), it was announced today. Millsap and Andrews, members of the Los Angeles Lakers preseason roster, were two of a D-League high six D-Fenders players in NBA training camps along with Fortson, a member of the Los Angeles Clippers preseason roster.

Millsap, who was acquired by the D-Fenders in a trade with the Tulsa 66ers earlier this year, averaged a team-high 23.2 points (.510 FG%, .526 3FG%), 7.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 3.50 steals in six D-League games with Los Angeles.

Andrews, who made the D-Fenders' roster earlier this year as D-League local tryout player, averaged 11.1 points (.603 FG%) and 8.9 rebounds in eight games (all starts) with the D-Fenders.

Fortson, selected by the D-Fenders in the fifth round of the 2011 NBA Development League Draft, averaged 17.3 points (.551 FG%, .600 3FG%), 4.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists off the bench in eight D-League games.

In adding Millsap, Andrews and Fortson, the D-Fenders accordingly waived Gerard Anderson (8.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.7 APG), Jordan Brady (7.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.5 APG), Anthony Coleman (1.0 PPG, 0.7 RPG, 0.0 BPG) and Larry Cunningham (0.6 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 0.4 APG). The roster now stands at nine as the team continues its current four-game road trip with the Erie Bayhawks next up on December 29th at 7:00 p.m. CST.

Former Celtics swingman Ricky Davis to join Maine Red Claws - Dec 28, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Ricky Davis (6'7''-G-79, college: Iowa) is probably most known for his time playing in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Throughout his twelve years in the NBA, Davis had stints with six different NBA teams including the Boston Celtics. Employee Number 12 played in one-hundred fifty games for the Celtics over the course of three seasons before being dealt to Minnesota for Wally Sczerbiak.

What many people dont know about me, is that Ricky Davis is one of my favorite athletes of all-time.

No, you did not miss read that. I repeat Ricky Davis is one of my favorite athletes of all-time. As Im writing this Im actually looking at an 810 photo of him wearing a white #12 jersey with the word CELTICS written in green across the front. The photo has been hanging in the same spot since I purchased it at the TD Garden during the 2004-2005 season.

Growing up as a Celtics fan in the 1990s and early 2000s , I did not have the privilege to witness multiple NBA championships like the rest of my family had. Maybe that was payback for the years upon years that they had to suffer through the Red Sox failures? After all, I only had to wait fourteen years to watch the Idiots win the 2004 World Series.

Instead of giving up on the home team, I took the hand I was dealt and loved the Celtics teams of the 90s and early 2000s just as much as I enjoy watching the successful teams we have had recently. Although there was the excitement of the Walker Wiggle and watching the progress made by Paul Pierce, nothing got me more excited than a Ricky Davis dunk.

I was a kid. I loved excitement. I loved Ricky Davis.

After returning home from school one day, my dad informed me of the news that Davis had been traded to the TWolves in exchange for Wally Sczerbiak. I probably used every Kleenex in the house that day. I hated the trade and I still do.

Following the trade, I tried to keep up with Ricky while yelling at the television every time Wally Sczerbiak missed on a three point attempt; however, after he left Boston, it just wasnt the same.

He went on to play for the Heat and Clippers before going overseas after the 2010 season. Every so often his name would come up as a potential target for the Boston Celtics but nothing was ever very serious.

Now, after playing overseas for the past year, Ricky Davis is following in the footsteps of former teammate Antoine Walker by making his NBA comeback attempt through the NBA D-League.

After signing a contract late last week, Davis was claimed off waivers by the Boston Celtics D-League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws, on Tuesday.

Via Ridiculous Upside

Ricky Davis averaged over 20 points per game for the Cleveland Cavlierss nine seasons ago. The 32-year-old swingman with 12 years of NBA experience will now attempt to get back to that point in his career, but his NBA comeback will begin with a stint in the D-League with the Maine Red Claws.

Davis, who bounced around overseas after being cut by the Los Angeles Clippers midway through the 2009-10 NBA season,signed an NBA Development League contract last week and was claimed off of waivers by the Red Claws on Tuesday afternoon.

Due to the fast pace of the NBA D-League, he should fit in perfectly. When players you have never heard of are throwing down amazing dunks, imagine what a former NBA Slam Dunk Contest participant could do?

It is going to be interesting to see what kind of shape Davis is in. Unlike Antoine Walker, the future member of the Maine Red Claws has been active overseas since departing from the league. If he does show up to Maine in good shape, it shouldnt be long before we see him back in the NBA.

Well keep an eye out to see if Danny Ainge is making his way to courtside seats at the Portland Expo anytime soon.

Courtesy of http://clnsradio.com

Sonderleiter is back at Fort Wayne Mad Ants - Dec 29, 2011 (by Eurobasket Center )

Fort Wayne Mad Ants signed 31-year old center Sean Sonderleiter (206-C-107kg-80, college: Iowa). Its actually Sonderleiters comeback to Ft.Wayne MA as he played here before. In his first game he scored 4 points. However his new team lost to Erie Bay H. 94-109. Sonderleiter played most recently at Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany). While playing 29 games for Ratiopharm last season his stats were: 5.5ppg and 3.8rpg. He played also pro basketball in Australia and Germany. Sonderleiter graduated University of Iowa in 2004 and actually missed last season. It will be his eighth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Energy obtain two draft picks in trade with Los Angeles - Dec 29, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

NBA D-League Champion Iowa Energy have acquired two 2012 3rd round draft picks from the Los Angeles Defenders in exchange for guard Collins Mardy (6'6''-G-84, college: Temple) and the Energy's 8th round draft pick in 2012.

The Energy acquired both L.A's 3rd round pick as well as Tulsa's 3rd round pick, which had been obtained by L.A. in a previous trade.

Collins, a 6'6' guard out of Temple, was acquired by the Energy as an 'Affiliate Player'; because he was in training camp with the Washington Wizards, one of the Energy's NBA affiliates. Collins has played four seasons in the NBA with the New York Knicks and L.A. Clippers. He has career averages of 3.9 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists. He most recently was playing in China prior to his stint in the Wizards camp.

'This trade allowed us to acquire two early picks in next year's draft, which are great assets to have,' said Energy GM Chris Makris. 'We also have the ability to leverage those assets to acquire players later this year if we decide that is the best way for us to reach our goal of repeating as NBA D-League champions.'

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

[Durbansandshark]

Charge sign former Cavs guard Manny Harris - Dec 29, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Manny Harris (6'5''-G-89, college: Michigan) is once again a part of the Cleveland Cavaliers organization.

But he will be playing his basketball a little south of Cleveland.

The Canton Charge added Harris to their roster Wednesday through the NBA Development League's player affiliate rule, which allows D-League teams to acquire up to three players who were waived from their affiliate's NBA training camp. The players must not have their rights held by another D-League team.

The Charge waived forward Jonathan Blake to make room on the 10-man roster for the 6-foot-5, 185-pound Harris, who played in 54 games last year for the Cavaliers as an undrafted free agent. He averaged 5.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 17.3 minutes a game.

The 22-year-old was unable to participate in the Cavs' recent training camp because of a freezer burn on his foot that he suffered during the NBA lockout. The University of Michigan product did not have a guaranteed contract and was waived Dec. 22. He lost his roster spot to Mychel Thompson, who had been in the D-League with the Erie Bayhawks.

It's unclear when Harris will be ready to play for the Charge. Canton has home games Thursday versus Maine and Saturday versus Erie before traveling to Fort Wayne for a New Year's game Sunday.

He joins a suddenly deep back court with point guards Keith McLeod and T.J. Campbell and guards Antoine Agudio, Kyle Gibson and Antonio Graves. Harris and McLeod are the only Charge players with NBA experience.

The Charge (6-5), winners of three straight, still hold the No. 1 waiver preference spot.

Blake, a rookie from Houston, averaged 7.1 points on 49.2-percent shooting and 3.9 rebounds in 11 games (seven starts). The 24-year-old recently saw his playing time drop with the return of Tyrell Biggs from Cavaliers training camp and the emergence of Dante Milligan.

Blake's departure leaves Campbell, Graves and forward Travis Franklin as the only Charge players who have been with the team since training camp broke.

Courtesy of www.cantonrep.com

D-Fenders acquire Gerald Green and Malcolm Thomas - Dec 29, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Los Angeles D-Fenders have acquired Los Angeles Lakers training camp participants Gerald Green (6'8''-G/F-86) and Malcolm Thomas (6'9''-C-88, college: San Diego St.), it was announced Wednesday. Green and Thomas join the D-Fenders one day after the team reacquired Elijah Millsap, Zach Andrews and Courtney Fortson from NBA training camp rosters.

Selected by Boston in the first round of the 2005 NBA Draft (18th overall), Green, who was signed to the Lakers preseason roster on December 9, has appeared in 181 games (41 starts) over four seasons with the Celtics, Timberwolves, Mavericks and Rockets, averaging 7.5 points (.358 3FG%), 2.0 rebounds and 0.8 assists. Green, the 2007 NBA Sprite Slam Dunk Champion out of Gulf Shores Academy (Houston, TX), declared for the draft after his senior season where he was named a 2005 McDonald's All-American and won the McDonald's Slam Dunk Contest.

Signed to the Lakers training camp roster on December 13, Thomas, a 6-9 forward out of San Diego State, helped lead the Aztecs to an NCAA Sweet 16 appearance last season, averaging 11.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.02 blocks in 30.4 minutes. After just two seasons at San Diego State, Thomas concluded his career with the Aztecs as the school's second leading shot blocker of all-time while ranking eighth all-time in both rebound average and field goal percentage.

In adding Green and Thomas, the D-Fenders have waived Brian Hamilton and Terrence Roberts due to injury and will retain their rights. The roster now stands at 10 as the team continues its current four-game road trip with the Erie Bayhawks next up on December 29 at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Stampede acquire Carter and White, release Kevin Galloway and Willie Jenkins - Dec 29, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Idaho Stampede announced today they have acquired Paul Carter (6'9''-F-87, agency: Edge Sports, college: Ill.-Chicago) and Terrico White (6'5''-G-90, college: Mississippi).

Carter, born June 2, 1987, was added to the Utah Jazz training camp roster on Dec. 13, 2011. Carter finished college at the University of Illinois-Chicago after attending the University of Minnesota for two years and a year at Missouri State-West Plains Junior College. Carter was named to the 2011 Horizon League All-Newcomer team in 2010-11 after averaging 14.7 points, 8.0 rebound and 1.9 assists. Before signing with Utah, Carter played briefly in the country of Cyprus. Carter will wear jersey No. 21.

White was added to the training camp roster of the New Orleans Hornets before this season after sitting out all of 2010-11 due to a fractured foot with the Detroit Pistons, who selected him 36th overall in the 2010 NBA Draft. Born March 7, 1990, White went to the University of Mississippi from 2008-10 and was named the SEC Freshman of the Year after the 2008-09 season. In his two years there, White averaged 14.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. White will wear jersey No. 6 with the Stampede.

In order to make room on the roster, the Stampede waived Willie Jenkins (6'6''-F-81, college: Tenn Tech) due to injury (jaw) and Kevin Galloway (6'7''-F-88, college: Texas Southern) due to personal reasons.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Adrian Oliver fills Cedric Bozeman's spot on Bighorns - Dec 29, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Reno Bighorns have announced the acquisition of Adrian Oliver (6'4''-G-88, college: San Jose St.), who recently attended the Sacramento Kings training camp. Oliver will fill the roster spot held by Cedric Bozeman (6'6''-G-83, college: UCLA), who was waived from the team due to injury.

Oliver comes to the Bighorns as a rookie out of San Jose State University, where he became the schools second all-time scorer in just three seasons. He was the first player at his school to rank in the top five nationally in scoring and the first to do it twice.

He was a two-time all-Western Athletic Conference selection and was named WAC player of the week three times. He holds the schools career record of 30 point games (17), career fee-throws made (442) and free-throw accuracy (83.6%). He most recently played for Aris B.C. in the Greek Basketball League, where he scored 16 points in the Greek Basketball Cup.

Bozeman has started every game for the Bighorns this season, averaging 14.3 points, 6.2 assists and 5.5 rebounds. The Bighorns will retain his rights.

Fans can see Oliver in action when the team takes on the Fort Wayne Mad Ants on January 3rd and 4th at the Reno Events Center. +

Courtesy of www.mynews4.com

[Durbansandshark]

Latest games - Dec 29, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Erie Bay H. - Ft.Wayne MA 109-94
The Erie BayHawks dazzled their home crowd on Wednesday night going wire-to-wire to defeat the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, 109-94. Erie jumped out to an early 8-0 lead and never looked back as six Erie players scored in double figures, including three players off the bench. Erie center Chris Daniels (6'11''-C-84), in his first game back after attending the Los Angeles Lakers training camp, notched 8 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in the first frame to help the BayHawks take a 32-21 lead after one. A nearly even second frame helped Erie make it in to halftime with a 12-point margin, 57-45, with Erie guard Mike Gerrity notching 12 of his 14 points in the first half. The Mad Ants made their fiercest charge in the third quarter coming within 3 points, 68-65, with 4:28 to play. However, after an Erie timeout, the BayHawks went on a 17-7 run to end the frame up 85-72. Fort Wayne chipped away at the lead once again in the fourth to pull within 5 with five minutes to play. But Erie again held off the visitors by finishing out the game on a 13-3 run to land their second home win of the season. Erie (5-8) forward D.J. Kennedy (6'6''-G/F-89, agency: Interperformances, college: St.John's) notched a double-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds and added 6 assists, while teammate Kyle Goldcamp joined him with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists off the bench. Kyle Spain dropped in 17, while Daniels added 15 and B.J. Jenkins chipped in 12. Fort Wayne (4-7) was lead by Ron Howard (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Valparaiso) with 24 points, Walker Russell, Jr. added 22 and Darnell Lazare (6'8''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: LSU) chipped in 14. Erie hosts the Los Angeles D-fenders on Thursday at 7pm at Tullio Arena, while Fort Wayne will play host to the D-fenders on Friday. *Courtesy of www.wane.com

Idaho S. - Reno B. 98-120
The Idaho Stampede never led Monday night, starting in an early hole and eventually falling 120-98 to the Reno Bighorns in front of 2,306 fans at CenturyLink Arena in Boise. A pair of free throws by Terrance Thomas (6'6''-F-80, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Baylor) capped a 15-1 run in the opening quarter, which helped the Bighorns (5-6) build a 24-9 lead they pushed to as much as 66-44 late in the second quarter. Idaho (5-7) whittled the lead down to 78-73 on a David Bailey (5'8''-PG-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Loyola, IL) 3-point play, and got as close as four points, 81-77, on an Antoine Walker (6'9''-F-75, college: Kentucky) free throw, but never managed to grab the lead as Reno closed out the win with a 17-5 run. Seth Tarver (6'5''-G/F-88, college: Oregon St.) led Idaho with 19 points while Bailey added 17 and Walker had 12 points and 12 rebounds. Blake Ahearn (6'2''-PG-84, college: Missouri St.) led all scorers with 35 points for Reno. Courtesy of www.idahopress.com

Canton C. - Maine RC 106-90
A big lead all but evaporated Tuesday night. The Canton Charge decided the best answer was to build it right back up. The Charge righted the ship and cruised in the second half to a 106-90 NBA Development League win against Maine in front of 1,934 fans at Memorial Civic Center. Canton saw a 22-point first-half lead whittled to three, but the Charge (6-5) didnt panic in winning their third straight game. 'We just kept playing', Charge point guard Keith McLeod (6'3''-PG-79, college: Bowling Green) said. 'That's the thing, man. When teams make their runs, we just have to keep playing. That's how the game goes sometimes.' McLeod scored 23 points in his first game back with the Charge after attending Utah Jazz training camp. Tyrell Biggs (6'8''-F-86, college: Pittsburgh) scored 10 of his 20 points in the third quarter as the Charge re-established control. Head coach Alex Jensen was happy to get the win, but wants to avoid some of the hills and valleys that his team is running into. He hopes video of the first quarter, when the Charge held Maine to 21.4 percent shooting and fed offensively off their defense, sets in the consciousness of his players. The point of it is, This is how good you guys can be. Right here, Jensen said. Its not a fluke. I think we have that capability. The ceiling is high. McLeod, who scored 10 first-quarter points off the bench, reintroduced himself to Charge fans with a crossover dribble and driving layup that drew oohs from the crowd. He drained a 3-pointer from just over halfcourt at the first-quarter buzzer to put Canton up, 34-15. The lead grew to 22 on Kyle Gibson (6'5''-G-87, college: Louisiana Tech) 's baseline jumper early in the second quarter. But the Charge went cold from there, making only three of their next 18 shots from the field as Maine steadily chipped away. I think we had a little letdown with the energy, said Gibson, who scored 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the floor in 21 efficient minutes. But we picked it up and ended the half well. Coach talked about getting back on D because thats where they were getting most of their points from. They were getting fast-break points and getting to the free-throw line. The Red Claws (4-7) got their deficit to three before a Dante Milligan layup and a McLeod 3 from the left wing with four seconds left had the Charge up, 52-44, at the half. The Charge quickly got their lead back into double digits in the third as they rediscovered their shooting stroke. Gibson, T.J. Campbell and Biggs all made 3s in the frame. Maine never got back within 10 points. The Charge made 14 of 26 3-pointers (53.8 percent), led by 3-of-3 from Gibson and 3-of-4 from Campbell, who scored 11 points. The jump shots that come out of our transition or the extra pass when they double the post, those are the ones you want, Jensen said. Antonio Graves (6'3''-G-85, college: Pittsburgh) scored 11 points in his Charge debut after missing the first month of the season recovering from a wrist injury. Antoine Agudio added 10 points, while Milligan grabbed a game-high 16 rebounds. Durrell Summers (6'4''-G-89, college: Michigan St.) (Bobcats) scored 15 points and Kenny Hayes (Cavaliers) 14 for Maine in their first games back after attending NBA training camps. Courtney Pigram, who torched the Charge for 33 points and seven 3-pointers in Maines 103-81 win Dec. 10, was held to six points. He didnt get off a 3-pointer. Courtesy of www.cantonrep.com

Iowa E. - Sioux Falls S. 121-103
The 2011 NBA D-League Champion Iowa Energy's bench outscored Sioux Falls' reserves 69-20 on their way to a decisive 121-103 victory Tuesday night. The night began very ominous for Iowa, as Sioux Falls jumped out to a 13-0 lead behind six early points from guard Casey Mitchell (6'4''-G-88, college: W.Virginia). The Energy battled back quick, as an Andrew Drevo (6'8''-F/C-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Nebraska) jump shot with 39.6 seconds remaining in the quarter gave Iowa a 26-25 lead. A pair of Energy baskets to close the half put the home team up 30-25. The 2nd quarter was more of the same for Iowa, as Michael Tveidt (6'7''-F-87, college: N.Dakota St.) scored 10 points in the stanza to help push the Energy lead to 69-50 at the break. Sioux Falls would narrow the gap to nine points in the 4th quarter, but Iowa had an answer every time the Skyforce got close. After Sioux Falls cut the lead to 106-97 with 6:05 left, Energy sharp shooter Moses Ehambe drilled a 3-pointer, and Andrew Drevo and Marqus Blakely (6'5''-F-89, college: Vermont) each scored to put the game out of reach. Tveidt led Iowa with 24 points, while Ehambe and Blakely added 22 points each. The win extends the Energy's lead in the Eastern Conference to 1.5 games over Springfield with a 9-4 record. Sioux Falls was led by Mitchell's 29 point effort, while Charles Garcia (6'9''-F-88, college: Seattle) (6'9''-F-88, college: Seattle) added 27. The loss drops the Skyforce to 5-8 on the season. Courtesy of www.ksfy.com

[Durbansandshark]

Maine RC - Iowa E. 101-86
The beauty of a quick turnaround game is the opportunity for redemption and a chance to quickly restore some much-needed confidence. The Maine Red Claws capitalized on that opportunity Saturday. Just over 12 hours after an epic collapse against the Iowa Energy, the Red Claws rebounded with a 101-86 victory over the Energy in front of 2,835 at the Portland Expo. 'It would have been terrible if we played (Friday) and then our next game was next week,' said Red Claws forward Paul Harris (6'5''-F-86, college: Syracuse). 'That would have been hurtful. It was good that we got to come back the next day. 'But we have to remember, you don't always get a second chance.' The Red Claws didn't show any signs of a hangover from coughing up a 21-point third-quarter lead in a 111-102 loss Friday night. They got off to a good start, building a 7-2 lead in the opening three minutes. That lead held until the late stages of the period, when Maine went on a 9-0 run, which included five points by Dominic Calegari to up the advantage to 26-14. Harris paced the Red Claws in the quarter with 12 of his 17 points. Meanwhile, instead of picking up where they left off, the Energy couldn't find their range in the opening quarter, shooting just 23.8 percent. Mike Tisdale sparked an 8-0 Red Claws run early in the second quarter with six straight points that upped the lead to 34-20 midway through the period. The 14-point bulge was the biggest of the half. The teams hit the break with Maine leading, 46-35. 'I've learned that when you play back-to-back games, you have to have a very short memory,' said Red Claws Coach Dave Leitao. 'When we came in this morning we had to review some of the stuff from yesterday, not to point out mistakes but to quickly understand that we had to clean up some stuff. We presented it as a challenge moving forward.' The Red Claws ensured that a second straight second-half collapse was not going to happen with a solid third quarter. After sinking only one 3-pointer on six tries in the opening half, Maine drained all seven attempts in the third quarter. Justin Brownlee was successful on all four of his long-distance attempts in the period, accounting for 12 of his game-high 21 points. Maine led 79-61 heading into the final quarter. 'We definitely knew that third quarter was going to be important for us,' said Brownlee, who also collected a game-high 14 rebounds. 'We wanted to keep that lead, keep attacking and keep being aggressive.' Andrew Drevo and Darion Anderson paced the Energy with 15 points each. Courtesy of www.pressherald.com

Sioux Falls S. - Springfield A. 103-99 OT
Springfield came unbelievably close to spoiling a Christmas Day tradition in Sioux Falls despite doing next to nothing on the offensive end for two quarters. The Armor blew a 14-point edge in the first half and then rallied from a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter to force overtime. They even had a shot to win in the final seconds of the extra session before dropping a 103-99 decision to the Skyforce in NBA D-League play before a crowd of 3,622 at Sioux Falls Arena. 'I thought we came out and played well early', Springfield coach Bob MacKinnon said. 'And then I thought our second and third quarters we didn't play with the same intensity and we kind of played like a tired team.' The Armor (7-5) were playing their third road game in four days, but if theyre tired now, what will their condition be toward the tail end of this 16-day swing? They were anything but weary early and late. Springfield shot 58 percent and scored 35 points in the first quarter to take a 14-point lead. The squad put up 30 in the fourth, overcoming a 15-point deficit. The key to the rally: Going small and young. The Armor both pushed the tempo and got going from deep, hitting five 3-pointers after totaling just three through three quarters. The last was the largest Jerry Smith (6'2''-PG-84, college: Samford) banking in a trey from the left elbow with less than 4 seconds to go. In the final 16 seconds of overtime, Smith had another good look for the lead and Springfield had a shot at the rim, but both missed the mark. Of course, it wasnt late execution that cost the Armor their two-game win streak so much as the muddling middle. They went 3 of 21 from the field and committed five turnovers in totaling 11 points in the second quarter, equaling the fewest allowed by the Skyforce in any quarter this season. Springfield wasnt much more successful in the third, going 6 of 21 from the floor with six turnovers and managing just 13 points to fall into a 13-point hole. What helped us out the most this game was defensive (preparedness), said Sioux Falls forward Anthony Mason (6'7''-F-87, college: St.John's) son of the NBA veteran. We knew they were going to shoot a lot of 3s, and we were going to try to run them off (the 3-point line), and our defensive rotation helped us out a lot. The Skyforce also rebounded relatively well considering it lost the overall board battle 51-46, marking the 12th time this season the Armor have had an edge in that stat. Mason finished with 12 boards to go along with 22 points, Charles Garcia also had a dozen boards and 22 points, and guard Dominique Coleman (6'3''-G-84, college: Colorado) grabbed 11 rebounds to go with 18 points with eight assists. For the Armor, Jameson Curry (6'4''-G-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Oklahoma St.) led the way with 21 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter, while Smith scored 17 off the bench. Jamar Brown (6'9''-F/C-80, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) had a team-high 12 rebounds. Both teams looked better than they did less than two weeks ago, each returning three players (while losing one apiece) from NBA training camps. But the Skyforce prevailed, running their Christmas Day record to 12-10 dating back to their CBA days.. The Armor were supposed to take part in that tradition a big deal in Sioux Falls in 2009, except the contest was postponed due to blizzard conditions. MacKinnon is not a fan of the tradition, and he wasnt pleased with the result. I think its wrong, he said. The NBA players get paid a lot of money, and our players dont. I think our league should take a week off for Christmas. I think its wrong to play this game on Christmas, and not have our people with their families. Courtesy of www.masslive.com

Rio Grande Valley Vipers sign Damian Saunders - Dec 30, 2011 (by Eurobasket Center )

Rio Grande Valley Vipers signed 23-year old forward Damian Saunders (200-F-95kg-88, college: Duquesne). In his first game he scored 2 points and grabbed 6 rebounds helping his new team beat Texas L. 104-93. Saunders played most recently at Factum Sport Debrecen (Hungary). While playing 2 games for FS Debrecen this season he averaged 9.0ppg, 7.5rpg, 4.0spg and 4.0bpg. Saunders played also pro basketball in Germany and Hungary. He just graduated University of Duquesne and actually missed last season. It will be his first season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Mardy Collins joins Los Angeles D-Fenders - Dec 30, 2011 (by Eurobasket Center )

Los Angeles D-Fenders agreed terms with 27-year old guard Mardy Collins (198-G-100kg-84, college: Temple). In In his first game he didnt score any points. Collins played most recently at Jiangsu Nangang Dragons Nanjing (China). While playing 4 games for Jiangsu D. this season he averaged 21.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 5.3apg and 2.8spg. Collins played also pro basketball in China and Turkey. He graduated Temple University in 2006 and actually missed last season. It will be his sixth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Butler comes back to Austin Toros - Dec 30, 2011 (by Eurobasket Center )

Austin Toros strengthened their roster with addition of 23-year old swingman DaSean Butler (201-G/F-102kg-88, college: W.Virginia). Its actually Butlers comeback to Austin T. as he played here before. In his first game he scored 6 points and grabbed 5 rebounds helping his new team beat Springfield A. 105-100. Butler played most recently at San Antonio Spurs (NBA). He played also pro basketball in Latvia and Serbia. Butler graduated West Virginia University in 2010 and actually missed last season. It will be his second season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Bucks assign player to Mad Ants - Dec 30, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Milwaukee Bucks assigned guard Darington Hobson (6'7''-G/F-87, college: N.Mexico) to the Mad Ants, the Bucks NBA D-League affiliate.

A rookie, the 6-foot-7, 210-pound Hobson appeared in both regular season games for the Bucks, averaging 3.0 points and 2.5 assists. The Mountain Wests Newcomer of the Year and Player of the Year in his only season at New Mexico in 2009-10 while averaging 15 points, nine rebounds and four assists per game.

Drafted by the Bucks with the 37th overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft, Hobson sat out the 2010-11 season after undergoing surgery to repair both of his hips. He was re-signed by the Bucks on Dec. 10 and appeared in both of Milwaukees preseason games, averaging 3.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 20.0 minutes per game. Hobson has not appeared in a regular season game for the Bucks.

Courtesy of www.journalgazette.net

[Durbansandshark]

Charge claim center Frank Hassell with top waiver spot - Dec 30, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

The Charge finally got their man Thursday.

The Charge added forward/center Frank Hassell (6'8''-F-88, college: ODU) through their No. 1 waiver preference spot after keeping an eye on the Old Dominion product for quite a while.

Hes got very long arms and a very good understanding of how to rebound while being a physical presence, said Charge general manager Wes Wilcox, who recently saw Hassell in an NBA preseason game while he was in training camp with the San Antonio Spurs. Hes left-handed and a good interior scorer from both blocks. ... He knows how to get to the foul line.

The 6-foot-9, 245-pound Hassell averaged 15.0 points on 56.1-percent shooting and 9.4 rebounds last year as a senior in leading Old Dominion to the NCAA Tournament. He was named first-team All-Colonial Athletic Conference, CAA All-Defensive Team and CAA Tournament MVP.

Hassell played briefly in Turkey this fall before returning to the United States and entering his name into the NBA Development League draft. The Charge viewed him as a first-round talent.

But a clearance issue with FIBA prevented Hassell from being drafted. So he was in limbo until the NBA lockout ended and the Spurs invited him to camp. He was waived by the Spurs on Saturday.

The hardest adjustment to make is getting your mind right for moving on to the next thing right away, said Hassell, who made his Charge debut Thursday night. Im on a new team with new faces. New organization. New playbook. But I got to play right away.

Head coach Alex Jensens advice was to do what Hassell does best.

Hes physical, Jensen said. ... The offense will come. That usually takes the longest because of timing and familiarity of everything. But defending and rebounding is pretty universal.

To make room for Hassell, the Charge injury-waived Manny Harris, who was acquired Wednesday. The Charge maintain Harris rights, so the injury-waiver move is like putting him on injured reserve until he overcomes his foot problem.

Courtesy of www.cantonrep.com

Thursday's games review (6) - Dec 30, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Tulsa 66ers - Idaho S. 77-95
As Idaho's Tony Bobbitt walked off the court on Thursday night, he had a very simple message for anyone who would listen: Idaho was a much better team now than earlier in the season. Part of the Stampede's improvement is the addition of Terrico White (6'5''-G-90, college: Mississippi). White's first game as a member of the Stampede was one to remember for the visitors and one to forget for the Tulsa 66ers as his 16 points off the bench paced Idaho to a 95-77 decision over Tulsa in an NBA Development League matchup on Thursday night in the Tulsa Convention Center. White, drafted by the Detroit Pistons 36th overall in the 2010 NBA draft, had 12 of his 16 points in the first half as Idaho (6-7) built a nine-point lead at intermission. Tulsa (7-5) could get no closer than eight points in the second half as Idaho dominated the interior. The Stampede owned a 50-34 edge in rebounding and outscored Tulsa 58-44 in the paint. Idaho's bench also outscored their Tulsa counterparts, 60-28. Tulsa started the year by sweeping a pair of games at Idaho, but, as Bobbitt said, this was clearly a different Stampede team than the 66ers faced in Boise. David Bailey, always a problem for Tulsa when he played for Sioux Falls, was acquired from the Skyforce on Dec. 16 and had 10 points on Thursday night. Antoine Walker (6'9''-F-75, college: Kentucky), a three-time NBA All-Star with Boston who missed the first two games against the 66ers, added five points and six rebounds. 'They definitely have more experience now than they did the first time we saw them,' said Tulsa head coach Dale Osbourne. 'They have a good lineup and looked very impressive tonight.' For Osbourne, Thursday also marked the first time Jerome Dyson had played for the 66ers in three weeks as well as the Tulsa season debut of Larry Owens. Both players had participated in NBA training camps. 'This league is a league of transition and that can affect the chemistry of a team,' Ousborne said. 'We had put in some new plays and some of the guys weren't as familiar with them. We have good leaders on this team and we'll put this one behind us.' After being tied midway through the first quarter, Idaho strung together a 14-7 run to lead by seven points at the end of the quarter. The Stampede would extend that advantage to as much as 14 points in the second quarter before Tulsa started chipping away. Dyson's 3-pointer just before the halftime buzzer sliced the Stampede lead to 54-45 at halftime. Billy Rush (6'7''-G/F-88, agency: VVG Sports, college: Robert Morris) would finish as Tulsa's leading scorer with 16 points while Marcus Lewis logged 13 points and 14 rebounds. *Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

Texas L. - Rio Grande VV 93-104
Tyren Johnson (6'8''-F-88, college: La-Lafayette) had a game-high 19 points in his return to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers to lead them to a 104-93 victory over the Texas Legends on Thursday. Johnson was playing in his first game since coming back after getting waived by the Indiana Pacers. Greg Smith (6'10''-C-91, college: Fresno St.), a 7-0 center, had 18 points and 11 rebounds in his first game as a Viper. Former NBA player, Greg Ostertag, had 11 rebounds and two points for the Legends in his NBA Development League debut. The Vipers will next play at Maine at noon Saturday for the first game of a back-to-back series. *Courtesy of www.themonitor.com

Bakersfield J. - Reno B. 114-139
Andre Emmett (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Texas Tech) had 39 points, eight rebounds and eight assists Thursday night, leading the Reno Bighorns to a 139-114 win over the Bakersfield Jam. Blake Ahearn (6'2''-PG-84, college: Missouri St.) had a strong game of his own with 35 points and 12 assists while Terrance Thomas added 18 points and 12 rebounds. The Bighorns were red-hot shooting the ball, converting 59.6 percent of their shots, including 45.5 percent on three pointers. Emmett led the shooting charge, making 16 of 20 shots while Ahearn was 11 of 13 from the field. The Bighorns' 139 points marks a season-high for the team, exceeding the previous season-high of 120 points. The Bighorns face the Jam again on Friday night in Bakersfield. The team returns to Reno to take on the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, affiliate of the Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks, on Jan. 3 and 4 at the Reno Events Center. *Courtesy of www.rgj.com

Austin T. - Springfield A. 105-100
Eric Dawson (6'10''-F-84, college: Midwestern St.) had 28 points and 11 rebounds to help the Austin Toros hold off the Springfield Armor 105-100 at Cedar Park Center on Thursday afternoon. Justin Dentmon (6'0''-G-85, college: Washington) added 19 points, five rebounds and four assists for the Toros in a game that featured 15 lead changes and 11 ties. Leo Lyons debuted with 14 points and seven rebounds. L.D. Williams led Springfield with 22 points and 10 rebounds. JamesOn Curry had 22 points for the Armor. The Toros host the Armor tonight at 7:30. *Courtesy of www.statesman.com

Canton C. - Maine RC 111-98
Revenge was not the name of the game for the Red Claws as they looked to redeem themselves against the Canton Charge. The game resulted in a 111-98 win for Canton. Here are some positives from the game. Maine had two double-doubles; Paul Harris (6'5''-F-86, college: Syracuse) with 15 points and 11 boards, and Anthony Kent (6'10''-F/C-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Ball St.) with 10 points and 12 boards off the bench. The Claws shot 28 free throws, which is huge for Maine. Also, they only shot 16 three-pointers, which is an okay number. Here are some negatives, and big ones, too. Maine played a terrible inside game. Canton drove down the lane at will, and their drive-and-kick game was working. Three guys (Kent, Harris, and Justin Brownlee) had 31 of Maine's 47 rebounds. That says not many rebounders, and there wasn't. There were times when Kent was the only one battling, or Harris was the only one taking on three Charge players. Maine cannot expect to win with this kind of lackluster effort. Now, Maine is coming home for a back-to-back with Rio Grande Valley. Two straight losses on the road, and a home game with Ricky Davis looking to prove himself should have RGV a little nervous. The game on Saturday begins at 1pm. *Courtesy of www.examiner.com

[Durbansandshark]

Erie Bay H. - Los Angeles D. 112-117
The Los Angeles D-Fenders erased a fourth-quarter, double-digit deficit to stun the Erie BayHawks 117-112 before 2,504 fans Thursday night at Tullio Arena. Brandon Costner (6'9''-F-87, college: N.Carolina St.) nailed a 3-pointer with 27.7 seconds left to give the D-Fenders (9-6) the lead for good, 114-112. There were five lead changes in the final 1 minute, 36 seconds. Costner finished with a game-high 35 points, going 6-of-9 from 3-point range. Chris Daniels (6'11''-C-84) led Erie (5-9) with a career-high 32 points and had nine rebounds, but also had a game-high eight turnovers. The BayHawks, who were up 101-89 with 7:21 left in the fourth quarter, lost despite shooting 55.1 percent from the field. Erie general manager of basketball operations Allan Houston, who is the assistant general manager of the New York Knicks, was at the game. The Knicks and BayHawks are hybrid partners. The BayHawks begin a stretch of five games away from Tullio Arena starting Saturday at expansion Canton. The Charge beat Erie 101-98 in their first-ever meeting Dec. 9 at Tullio Arena. The BayHawks were without Daniels, Kyle Goldcamp, Donald Sloan, Cory Higgins and Mychel Thompson. All five were invited to NBA training camps, which started Dec. 9. Sloan and Thompson earned spots with the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers, respectively. The Denver Nuggets waived Higgins, but he signed with the Charlotte Bobcats where his dad, former NBA player Rod Higgins, is the president of basketball operations. The Los Angeles Lakers, the NBA affiliate of the D-Fenders, waived Daniels, while the Cavs cut Goldcamp. Erie will follow its New Year's Eve game at Canton with games at Springfield Jan. 5 and Jan. 7. The BayHawks and Armor split two games Dec. 14-15. The BayHawks will close out their five-game stint with two games in the D-League Showcase in Reno, Nev., at the Reno Events Center. Erie plays the Idaho Stampede Jan. 9 at 1 p.m. and the Austin Toros Jan. 10 at 3:45 p.m. Both games will be televised on NBA TV. *Courtesy of www.goerie.com

[Durbansandshark]

Fort Wayne Mad Ants lands Hobson - Dec 31, 2011 (by Eurobasket Center )

Fort Wayne Mad Ants strengthened their roster with addition of 24-year old swingman Darington Hobson (201-G/F-95kg-87, college: N.Mexico). In his first game he scored 2 points. However his new team lost to Los Angeles D. 97-104. Hobson played most recently at Milwaukee Bucks (NBA). He graduated University of New Mexico in 2010 and actually missed last season. It will be his second season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Collins is back at Los Angeles D-Fenders - Dec 31, 2011 (by Eurobasket Center )

Los Angeles D-Fenders agreed terms with 27-year old guard Mardy Collins (198-G-100kg-84, college: Temple). Its actually Collins comeback to Los Angeles D. as he played here before. In his first game he scored 15 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and 5 assists helping his new team beat Ft.Wayne MA 104-97. Collins played most recently at Iowa Energy (D-League). He played also pro basketball in China and Turkey. Collins graduated Temple University in 2006 and actually missed last season. It will be his sixth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Efevberha comes back to Iowa Energy - Dec 31, 2011 (by Eurobasket Center )

Iowa Energy added to their roster 27-year old naturalized Nigerian guard Michael Efevberha (199-G-84, college: CS Northridge). Its actually Efevberhas comeback to Iowa E. as he played here before. In his first game he scored 8 points and grabbed 3 rebounds helping his new team beat Idaho S. 108-86. Efevberha played most recently at Lugano Tigers (Switzerland). While playing 11 games for Lugano Tigers this season he averaged 16.7ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.8apg and 2.4spg. Efevberha helped them to win the championship title and the cup. It was a very successful year in his career as He received an award of Eurobasket.com All-Swiss LNA Guard of the Year. Efevberha is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in France, New Zealand, Switzerland and Nigeria. Efevberha graduated Cal State - Northridge in 2006 and actually missed last season. It will be his sixth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tommy Smith joins Dakota Wizards - Dec 31, 2011 (by Eurobasket Center )

Dakota Wizards agreed terms with 31-year old power forward Tommy Smith (207-F/C-80, college: Arizona St.). In his first game he scored 11 points helping his new team beat Sioux Falls S. 111-98. Smith played most recently at Liaoning Panpan Hunters (China). He is a very experienced player. Smith played also pro basketball in China, Croatia, Germany, Philippines and Syria. He graduated Arizona State University in 2003 and actually missed last season. It will be his nineth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Friday's games review - Dec 31, 2011 (by Eurobasket News)

Bakersfield J. - Reno B. 99-98
Juan Pattillo (6'6''-F-88, college: W.Kentucky) scored a team-high 18 points, including a jumper with 9.3 seconds remaining in the game, to lead the Bakersfield Jam to a 99-98 victory over the visiting Reno Bighorns on Friday night. The Jam improve to 8-5 record on the season, while the Bighorns drop to 6-7. Similar to the start of the game last night, the score was tied at 26 points even at the end of the first quarter but the final outcome was in favor of the Jam this time around. Bakersfield controlled the second quarter outscoring Reno 36-28 and entered halftime with a 62-54 advantage. But the Bighorns would not surrender as they rallied back in the third behind Andre Emmett's (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Texas Tech) 9 point quarter and finished the period on a 13-0 run to lead 80-76 going into the final 12 minutes of the game. Reno led for the majority of the fourth but Bakersfield would not quit as they took back the lead on a Renaldo Major put-back layup with 2:38 remaining in the game. The Jam held the lead until 15.9 seconds to go in the game when Mo Charlo got fouled and converted both free throws to bring the score to 98-97 in favor of the Bighorns. Pattillo hit a jumper from the top of the key to give the Jam their final lead. Terrance Thomas could not get a long three pointer to go as the time expired. Adam Koch, finished the game with his first double-double of the season (14 points and 10 rebounds) and David Palmer recorded 14 points and 9 rebounds of his own. Jeremy Hazell (6'5''-G-86, college: Seton Hall) tallied 13 points on the night and Major had 12 points and 8 rebounds. Reno guards had another solid night for the Bighorns as Emmett scored 29 points and Blake Ahearn added 20. Terrance Thomas contributed a 13 point 10 rebound double-double and Charlo recorded 12 points and 9 rebounds off the bench. The Jam will open the New Year on the road against the Los Angeles D-Fenders on Wednesday, January 4 at 7 p.m. PT. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Texas L. - Tulsa 66ers 96-87
The Tulsa 66ers fought valiantly in order to shrink the Legends 22 point lead down to 7, but Tulsa ran out of gas as Texas prevails 96-87. Chris Roberts (6'4''-G-88, college: Bradley) paced the Legends with 19 points, but it was a total team effort as Texas had five players score in double-digits. On the flip side, Tulsa was more of a one man show with Marcus Lewis (6'8''-F/C-86, college: ORU) providing 12 points and pulling down an astronomical 25 rebounds, including 10 offensive boards. Tulsa struggled from the field and the free throw line shooting 37.5% and 56.4% respectively. The Legends were strong from beyond the arc, connecting on 50.0% from outside making eight of 16 attempts. The second quarter was abysmal for the 66ers as Texas outscored Tulsa 26-11. The game changing moment came on back to back steals and dunks by Chris Roberts and Ramon Dyer on consecutive possessions as the Legends pulled ahead. Dominique Johnson had an efficient 17 points on nine shots from the field, sinking three from long range and all four of his free throw attempts. Texas (5-9) and Tulsa (7-6) will battle again on January 5th, as both teams enjoy some time off after each playing in back to backs. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Austin T. - Springfield A. 106-90
The Austin Toros stayed hot defeating the visiting Springfield Armor 106-90 Friday night behind 17 points and 14 rebounds from big man Eric Dawson (6'10''-F-84, college: Midwestern St.) and 23 points and six rebounds from forward Terrance Woodbury (6'7''-G/F-86, college: Georgia). Austin used a 29-12 second quarter blitz to push their halftime advantage to 15 points and would never trail again. Former Miami Heat small forward Da'Sean Butler tallied 15 points in a winning effort and point guard Justin Dentmon added 21 to go along with eight rebounds for the victorious Toros. The Armor (7-7) were led by JamesOn Curry's 22 points and five assists while center Jeff Foote chipped in 15 points and 13 rebounds in the loss. Austin's stingy defense forced the Armor into 23 pivotal turnovers on the night. The Toros have won four straight and six of their last seven ball games to now sit firmly in first place in the West Conference standings with an impressive 9-3 record. Leo Lyons scored 3 points on 1-of-4 shooting in just 14 minutes of action in this his second game back. Toros' small forward Jamarr Sanders put in a solid effort stuffing the stat sheet with 15 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in 32 minutes of action. Austin will next face the Maine Red Claws at 8:30 PM from the Cedar Park Center in Austin, TX on Thursday, January 5th. *Courtesy of www.examiner.com

[Durbansandshark]

Ft.Wayne MA - Los Angeles D. 97-104 OT
The game between the Fort Wayne Mad Ants and the Los Angeles D-Fenders took an extra three minutes of play to determine a winner as the Los Angeles D-Fenders prevailed 104-97. Los Angeles finished the contest with five players scoring in double-digits. Los Angeles point guard Courtney Fortson (5'11''-SG-88, college: Arkansas) carried his D-Fenders to an eight point lead at the end of the first quarter. Fortson penetrated through the Fort Wayne defense at will and did not miss a shot in the opening frame, finishing the quarter with 12 points. Darnell Lazare (6'8''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: LSU) scored 10 points in the first quarter to pace the Mad Ants. Fort Wayne started the second quarter on a 19-7 run to take a four point lead with four minutes remaining before the half. Lazare and Ron Howard combined for 29 of the Mad Ants' 44 first half points, but the D-Fenders countered the Fort Wayne run by closing out the quarter strong and heading into the locker room with a 50-44 advantage. The D-Fenders came out of the locker room on fire in the third quarter building their lead up to 13 points midway through the period. The fourth quarter began with a spirited Mad Ant effort that made the 11 point D-Fender advantage disappear. Fort Wayne and Los Angeles matched each other's energy and intensity down to the final buzzer. Walker Russell's runner between two D-Fender big men gave Fort Wayne a two point lead with less than 30 seconds remaining. Los Angeles responded with a lay-up of its own with barely 10 seconds left. When the buzzer sounded both teams were tied up at 91. Los Angeles began the extra period of play with a 7-2 run from which the Mad Ants could not recover. Fortson continued his strong play as he led the D-Fenders through the overtime period. Lazare led the Mad Ants with a double-double of 27 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Howard chipped in with 23 points and Russell added a game-high 11 assists. Fortson finished with a game-high 30 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists, and Gerald Green added 24 points for the D-Fenders. Darington Hobson, who was sent down by the Milwaukee Bucks yesterday, made his debut for the Mad Ants. Hobson, a second round pick by the Bucks in the 2010 draft, scored two points in 16 minutes of action. *Courtesy of www.wane.com

Dakota W. - Sioux Falls S. 111-98
Behind a triple-double from point guard Maurice Baker (6'1''-PG-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Oklahoma St.), the Dakota Wizards coasted to 111-98 victory over their rival the Skyforce of Sioux Falls. Dakota used a 31-13 run in the third quarter and never look back in Friday night's game at the Bismarck Civic Center. Baker finished the night with 14 assists to go along with 15 points and 11 boards. The Wizards held the Skyforce to just 33.3% shooting in the first quarter as they jumped out of the gates in the first quarter behind Anthony Goods (6'3''-G-87, college: Stanford) 12 of his team high 22 points. Dakota would find themselves up 33-21 heading into the second. Quarter number two turned out to be the exact opposite as Dakota shot 35% from the field and Sioux Falls would outscore the Wizards 35-17 to take a 6 point lead heading into the locker room. Sioux Falls pushed their lead up to 11 with 9:40 left in the third quarter but over the next two minutes, the Wizards went on a 13-2 run to tie the game at 68. The Skyforce went cold and found themselves down 7 heading into the final quarter. Dakota pushed the lead to 15 in the fourth on an Edwin Ubiles lay-up. Sioux Falls would try to make a comeback but Dakota had an answer for every bucket to seal the victory. Anthony Goods lead the way with 22 points going 3 for 5 from behind the arc. Marcus Dove recorded a double-double scoring 14 points and snagging 12 rebounds. Sioux Falls was led by Casey Mitchell as he scored a game high 24 points on 4 for 9 from the 3-point line. Billy McShepard tallied a double-double with 10 rebounds and 10 points. The same two teams battle tomorrow for round 2 right here in Bismarck. Dakota improved to 5-6 on the season while Sioux Falls dropped to 5-9. *Courtesy of www.ksfy.com

Iowa E. - Idaho S. 108-86
The 2011 NBA D-League Champion Iowa Energy got 20 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists from point guard Nicholas Covington (6'2''-G-85, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Oklahoma City) as they defeated the Idaho Stampede 108-86 Friday night. Covington, making his second start of the season since being signed on December 17, was 8 of 9 from the field, including 4 of 4 from 3-point land on his way to his career night. Ehambe (19 points), Blakely (15), Michael Tveidt (11) and Andrew Drevo (10) joined Covington in double figures for the Energy. The win moves Iowa to 10-4 on the season. The Energy play their next four games at home before returning to Des Moines for a game on Sunday, January 15 vs Tulsa. *Courtesy of www.desmoinesregister.com

Jerome Randle is a newcomer at Maine Red Claws - Jan 1, 2012 (by Eurobasket Center )

Maine Red Claws added to their roster 25-year old guard Jerome Randle (178-G-87, college: California). In his first game he scored 6 points. However his new team lost to Rio Grande VV 83-101. Randle played most recently at Frisco Texas Legends (D-League). He played also pro basketball in Israel and Turkey. Randle graduated University of California in 2010 and actually missed last season. It will be his second season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Dan Vandervieren joins Sioux Falls Skyforce - Jan 1, 2012 (by Eurobasket Center )

Sioux Falls Skyforce agreed terms with 24-year old forward Dan Vandervieren (210-F-120kg-88, college: Concordia-St.Paul). In his first game he scored 6 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. However his new team lost to Dakota W. 88-93. Vandervieren played most recently at Austin Toros (D-League). While playing 10 games for Austin T. this season he averaged 5.1ppg, 6.2rpg and 1.2apg. Vandervieren just graduated Concordia-St. Paul and actually missed last season. It will be his first season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Fort Wayne Mad Ants adds Brown to their roster - Jan 2, 2012 (by Eurobasket Center )

Fort Wayne Mad Ants added to their roster 25-year old forward Gilbert Brown (198-F-98kg-87, college: Pittsburgh). In his first game he scored 5 points helping his new team beat Canton C. 104-103. Brown played most recently at Boston Celtics (NBA). He just graduated University of Pittsburgh and actually missed last season. It will be his first season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Reno Bighorns sign Tyler Honeycutt - Jan 4, 2012 (by Eurobasket Center )

Reno Bighorns signed 22-year old forward Tyler Honeycutt (203-F-90kg-90, college: UCLA). In his first game he scored 4 points helping his new team beat Ft.Wayne MA 116-103. Honeycutt played most recently at Sacramento Kings (NBA). While playing 1 game for Sacramento K. this season he recorded 2points and 1 rebound. Honeycutt just graduated Univ.of Calif.at Los Angeles and actually missed last season. It will be his first season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Whiteside is back at Reno Bighorns - Jan 4, 2012 (by Eurobasket Center )

Reno Bighorns agreed terms with 23-year old power forward Hassan Whiteside (213-C/F-107kg-89, college: Marshall). Its actually Whitesides comeback to Reno B. as he played here before. In his first game he scored 13 points and grabbed 9 rebounds helping his new team beat Ft.Wayne MA 116-103. Whiteside played most recently at Sacramento Kings (NBA). He graduated Marshall University in 2010 and actually missed last season. It will be his second season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Spurs assign Gary Neal to D-League for medical rehab - Jan 4, 2012 (by Eurobasket News)

The San Antonio Spurs today announced that they have assigned Gary Neal (6'4''-G-84, college: Towson) to the Austin Toros of the NBA Development League for a medical rehab assignment. Neal underwent an appendectomy on December 12, 2011.

Neal enjoyed a successful rookie campaign during the 2010-11 season. He averaged 9.8 points and 2.5 rebounds in 21.1 minutes in 80 games. He led all rookies in three-point field goal percentage, posting a .419 mark, and earned a spot on the 2011 All-Rookie First Team.

Neal will practice with the Toros on Monday and Tuesday of this week and then be re-evaluated by team doctors. At that point, a timeline for his return will be determined.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Spurs' rookie guard Cory Joseph assigned to Austin Toros - Jan 4, 2012 (by Eurobasket News)

San Antonio Spurs rookie guard Cory Joseph (6'3''-PG-91, college: Texas) has been assigned to the Austin Toros according to the D-League affiliate's official Twitter account Tuesday afternoon.

Joseph, selected 29th overall by the Spurs in the 2011 NBA Draft, has logged a total of just 22 minutes in four games with the Southwest Division power this season.

Monday afternoon the Spurs also announced that off-guard Gary Neal was sent down to Austin for a rehab assignment effective immediately.

In terms of Joseph, the former University of Texas point guard should see his first action this coming Thursday, January 5th when the Toros face the Maine Red Claws at 7:30 pm from the Cedar Park Center in Austin.

Courtesy of www.examiner.com

[Durbansandshark]

Bighorns acquire Will Blalock, release Doug Thomas - Jan 6, 2012 (by Eurobasket News)

The Reno Bighorns have acquired Will Blalock (6'0''-PG-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Iowa St.) as a returning player. In order to fill the spot on the roster, the Bighorns waived Douglas Thomas (6'9''-F/C-83, college: Iowa).

During the 2009-10 NBA D-League season, Blalock played 28 games for the Bighorns, averaging 11.8 points and 7.4 assists per game. He was selected in the second round (60th overall) of the 2006 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, where he played 14 games during the 2006-07 season.

Douglas Thomas played 11 games with the Bighorns this season, averaging 6.6 points and 5.5 rebounds. Thomas played a total of 111 games with the Bighorns over three seasons. He recently attended the San Antonio Spurs training camp.

Fans can see Blalock in action when the Bighorns take on former head coach Eric Musselman and the Los Angeles D-Fenders, affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers, on Friday night at the Reno Events Center. The first 1,000 fans through the door will receive a Reno Bighorns fleece blanket.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Mad Ants land new big man in trade - Jan 6, 2012 (by Eurobasket News)

The Mad Ants have traded for a new big man in their effort to break out of their current funk.

Jarrid Famous (6'11''-F/C-88, college: S.Florida), a 6-foot-11 center who was averaging 16.8 points and 11 rebounds per game for the Iowa Energy, was acquired Thursday in exchange for the Ants' second pick in next year's NBA D-League draft.

The Ants waived center Chris Hunter (6'11''-F/C-84, college: Michigan) due to injury. He has been fighting a groin injury and did not play in the team's 98-84 loss at Reno on Wednesday night.

'We're doing everything possible to get this thing turned around,' Mad Ants president Jeff Potter said.

Despite having one of the most talented rosters on paper, the Ants are 5-10 and have lost five of their last six games.

Famous competed in the Indiana Pacers training camp before being cut and returning to Iowa. He is en route to join the Ants for their game in Canton, Ohio, on Friday, but it is uncertain whether he'll play. He will likely play when the Ants return home for a game against Canton at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Coliseum.

Courtesy of www.news-sentinel.com

Babbitt and Johnson assigned to Stampede - Jan 6, 2012 (by Eurobasket News)

The Portland Trail Blazers, with little practice times in a cramped season, have sent second-year players Luke Babbitt (6'9''-F-89, college: Nevada) and Armon Johnson (6'3''-PG-89, college: Nevada) to the Idaho Stampede, the team's affiliate in the NBA Development League.

Although the team did not specify how long the assignment would last, the move brings the Blazers down to 12 players available for Thursday's game against the Lakers.

NBA teams are allowed to activate 13 players per game until Feb. 6, a temporary measure the league instituted to help teams deal with the shortened, compacted season. Sending Babbitt and Johnson to Idaho leaves them with 12 healthy players and Greg Oden.

Courtesy of www.oregonlive.com

Erie BayHawks add former NBA point guard Mike James - Jan 6, 2012 (by Eurobasket News)

The Erie BayHawks have added former NBA point guard Michael James (6'1''-G-75, college: Duquesne), sources close to the situation confirmed today.

The website Ridiculous Upside first reported the transaction.

The 6-foot 2-inch, 188-pound James isn't expected to play in today's 7 p.m. at Springfield (7-7). Erie (6-9) will play at Springfield again Saturday at 7 p.m.

James, who played at Duquesne University, averaged 10.5 points in 528 NBA games over a span of nine seasons.

An Amityville, N.Y. native, James, who was undrafted, has played for the Miami Heat, Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Hornets and Washington Wizards. In 2005-06, James averaged a career-high 20.3 points while with the Raptors.

James last played in the NBA in 2009-10 when he played four games for the Wizards. He averaged 4.5 points.

ShamSports.com reported that James played for Aliaga Petkim in Turkey and for the Zhejiang Cyclones in China during the 2010-11 season.

In order to add James, the BayHawks will have to waive a player. They have three point guards on their current roster: B.J. Jenkins, Mike Gerrity and Loren Stokes.

Each of the three was added during the season. Jenkins, 23, is averaging 11.6 points and 3.8 assists while Gerrity, 25, is averaging 10.2 points and 3.6 assists.

Stokes, 28, is averaging 8.1 points and 1.7 assists.

Erie has six remaining roster moves this season.

Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Brandon Costner named Player of the Month - Jan 6, 2012 (by Eurobasket News)

Los Angeles D-Fenders forward Brandon Costner (6'9''-F-87, college: N.Carolina St.) has been named NBA Development League Player of the Month for games played in Nov. and Dec. The honor, the first of the 2011-12 season, is also the first of Costner's NBA D-League career.

Costner (6-9, 235, North Carolina State), led Los Angeles to a 10-6 record during Nov. and Dec., averaging 25.7 points on 47-percent shooting to go with 6.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists. He scored a season-high 42 points in a 90-97 loss to the Idaho Stampede on Dec. 10, and four-times notched 30-plus point games. For his efforts, he was named NBA D-League Performer of the week on Dec. 12.

Fifteen additional players earned honorable mention accolades, they include: Austin's Justin Dentmon, Bakersfield's Renaldo Major, Canton's Tyrell Biggs, Dakota's Maurice Baker, Erie's Kyle Goldcamp, Fort Wayne's Ron Howard, Idaho's Seth Tarver, Iowa's Moses Ehambe, Maine's Courtney Pigram, Rio Grande Valley's Tyren Johnson, Reno's Blake Ahearn, Springfield's Lance Hurdle, Sioux Falls' Charles Garcia, Texas' Chris Roberts and Tulsa's Marcus Lewis.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Reno Bighorms Acquire NBA Veteran Bobby Simmons - Jan 6, 2012 (by Surujh Roopnarine)

The New Year brought the return of a familiar face to the Reno Bighorns, as former NBA forward Bobby Simmons (6'7''-F/G-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Florida St.) was acquired on January 2. Simmons, 31, played in 15 games with the Bighorns last season and averaged averaging 13.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game while shooting 56.3% from the field. Simmons, the NBA's Most Improved Player in 2005 has played in nine NBA seasons, averaging 9.4 points and 4.0 rebounds. His most successful NBA campaign was the 2004-05 season when he averaged 16.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.4 steals with the Los Angeles Clippers.

To make room on the roster the Bighorns released Taj McCullough (6'7''-F-86, college: Winthrop). McCullough played 11 games with the Bighorns this season, averaging 14.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.

[Durbansandshark]

Latest D-League games - Jan 6, 2012 (by Eurobasket Center )

Tulsa 66ers - Texas L. 107-86
Marcus Lewis (6'8''-F/C-86, college: ORU) recorded 20 points and 12 rebounds for his seventh double-double of the season, Larry Owens (6'7''-G/F-83, college: ORU) added 18 points and 10 boards and three others scored in double figures to lead the Tulsa 66ers (8-6) past the Texas Legends (5-10) by a 107-86 final Thursday night inside the Tulsa Convention Center. Also scoring in double figures for Tulsa was reserve Dwight Buycks with a game-high 22, Jerome Dyson with 13 and Nkem Ojougboh with 12. The 21-point win marked the largest margin of victory this season for the 66ers. Aiding Tulsa in the big win was a 58-34 advantage in points in the paint and a 26-17 edge in fast break scoring. The 66ers, who never trailed in the contest and led by as many as 28, notched a season-high 25 assists, led by Dyson with eight dishes. 'I thought we did an excellent job tonight of sharing the basketball,' 66ers head coach Dale Osbourne said. 'This week in practice we emphasized ball movement and making plays for teammates, and I think we did a great job of that.' Defensively, the 66ers held the Legends to 30-of-74 (.405) shooting from the floor and forced 19 turnovers. Leading Tulsa in steals was Owens and Lewis with three and two, respectively. 'Defense will continue to be our focus every day,' Osbourne said. 'We know that defense and effort win basketball games, and tonight was a great example of that.' Leading the Legends was guard Drew Neitzel with 14 points and five assists. Reserve Ramon Dyer added 13 points and a team-high nine rebounds. The 66ers will continue their three-game home stand with a contest this Saturday, Jan. 7, against the Maine Red Claws at 7 p.m. CT inside the Tulsa Convention Center. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Austin T. - Maine RC 109-103
The Maine Red Claws continued their slide Thursday night, losing its fifth straight game, 109-103 to the Austin Toros. But unlike its previous four games in which Maine lost by an average of 17 points, the Red Claws stayed close for much of the game. Maine (4-11) was tied with Austin at 27 after one quarter, then trailed 55-51 at halftime and 84-75 after three quarters before mounting a comeback . Maine got within two points twice in the fourth quarter and and trailed 107-104 in the final seconds before being forced to foul. Maine had a solid shooting effort, hitting of 40 of 80 field goals and 15 of 20 free throws, but had trouble with its inside game. Austin held a 47-34 advantage on rebounds. Justin Brownlee (6'7''-F-88, college: St.John's) and Lawrence Hill (6'8''-F-87, college: Stanford) each had 17 points to lead six Red Claws in double figures. Courtney Pigram and Xavier Silas followed with 16 points apiece, Randle had 12 and Ricky Davis finished with 11. Austin (10-3) was led by Justin Dentmon, who had 24 points with five assists, and Lance Thomas, who had 18 points and six rebounds. Leo Lyons closed with 15 points, and Eric Dawson chipped in 12 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. The Red Claws will be at Tulsa on Saturday and at Texas on Sunday before heading to New England for three games against Springfield beginning Jan. 14. *Courtesy of www.pressherald.com

Los Angeles D. - Bakersfield J. 104-94
The Los Angeles D-Fenders claimed a 104-94 victory over the Bakersfield Jam after a huge fourth-quarter run at the Toyota Sports Center on Wednesday night. The back-and-forth contest included 11 lead changes and 11 ties before Los Angeles (11-6) went on a 21-8 run in the final frame to get the win and stretch its win streak to three games. Brandon Costner (6'9''-F-87, college: N.Carolina St.), the D-Fenders' leading scorer for the 11th time this season, led the way as he finished with 24 points (16 second half points), five rebounds and three assists. Elijah Millsap (6'6''-G-87, agency: Interperformances, college: UAB) tallied 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists, Malcolm Thomas posted a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double to go with four blocks, and Zach Andrews added 16 points along with eight rebounds to round out the D-Fenders high scorers. Additionally, Courtney Fortson handed out 10 assists in the win. Bakersfield (8-6) was guided by Jeremy Wise, who totaled 17 points (8-11 FG), four rebounds and five assists, and Osiris Eldridge, who scored 13 points. Solomon Alabi, assigned from the Toronto Raptors earlier today, finished with 10 points and 13 rebounds off the bench while Jeremy Hazell chipped in 14 points and Juan Pattillo added 12 points to round out the Jam players in double-figures. The D-Fenders next travel to play the Reno Bighorns on January 6 at 7 p.m. in the first of a home-and-home series of games between the teams. *Courtesy of www.sportspagemagazine.com

Reno B. - Ft.Wayne MA 98-94
The Reno Bighorns got a 98-94 win against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants Wednesday night, completing a two-game sweep in Reno. Andre Emmett (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Texas Tech) led the Bighorns with 23 points and seven rebounds and Blake Ahearn (6'2''-PG-84, college: Missouri St.) tallied 19 points and five assists. Mad Ants were led by Ron Howard with a game-high 32 points. The Bighorns used a strong effort in the paint, winning the rebounding battle 53 to 36 and outscoring the Mad Ants 56 to 36 in the painted area. Terrance Thomas played tough for the Bighorns with 18 points and seven rebounds while Bobby Simmons neared a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds. Hassan Whiteside continued his strong play with seven points, eight rebounds and four blocked shots in the win. The Bighorns play again at the Reno Events Center on Friday night against the Los Angeles D-Fenders, the NBA D-League affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers. The game marks the return of former head coach Eric Musselman, who now coaches the D-Fenders. *Courtesy of www.kolotv.com

Springfield A. - Erie Bay H. 113-111 OT
The Springfield Armor avenged an earlier overtime loss to edge the Erie BayHawks 113-111 in overtime Thursday night before 1,749 fans at the MassMutual Center. Devin Green (6'7''-G/F-82, college: Hampton) missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer for Erie (6-10), which beat the Armor (8-7) in its previous game against them 123-117 at Springfield on Dec. 15. Green, who finished with a game-high 34 points Thursday, got a clear out on the right wing to go 1-on-1 on L.D. Williams, but couldn't hit a fading 3-pointer. Green was 0-of-8 from 3-point range heading into Thursday's game. He made his first 3-pointer Thursday but missed his last four attempts, including the potential game winner. The BayHawks play at Springfield again Saturday at 7 p.m. and expect to have former NBA point guard Mike James available to play. Sources close to the situation confirmed Thursday that the BayHawks added James. Out of Duquesne, James was listed on Erie's roster Thursday, but wasn't sitting on the bench and didn't play. The BayHawks must waive a player to add James. They had a full 10-man roster Thursday. The 6-foot 2-inch, 188-pound James averaged 10.5 points in nine NBA seasons. James, who was undrafted, has played for Miami, Detroit, Boston, Houston, Milwaukee, Toronto, Minnesota, New Orleans and Washington. In 2005-06, James, 36, averaged a career-high 20.3 points while with the Raptors. James was last in the NBA in 2009-10 when he played four games for the Wizards. He averaged 4.5 points. ShamSports.com reported that James played in Turkey and China during the 2010-11 season. In Thursday's loss, Erie lead 54-50 at halftime behind Green's 19 first-half points. Green came into Thursday's game averaging 10.7 points. He's played four games for Erie. The 6-foot, 7-inch guard joined the BayHawks through the D-League's allocation rule after being waived by the New York Knicks in their training camp. D-League teams can get up to three players who were waived from the training camps of their NBA affiliates. Kyle Spain added 20 points for the BayHawks. Marvin Phillips had two points and two rebounds in his Erie debut after the BayHawks traded a fourth-round pick in the 2012 D-League Draft to Fort Wayne for him. Jameson Curry (6'4''-G-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Oklahoma St.) paced Springfield with a team-high 27 points while Jeff Foote added 24. Erie tried to use Foote, a 7-footer out of Cornell, as a practice player in its training camp, but teams couldn't use practice players in that situation. Erie coach Jay Larranaga was an assistant at Cornell before becoming Erie's coach in 2010-11. *Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Reno B. - Ft.Wayne MA 116-103
The Mad Ants' slow start led to another disappointing finish. After falling behind by 14 points in the first quarter, the Ants lost 116-103 to the Reno Bighorns on Tuesday in an NBA D-League game in Reno. Reno led the entire game. Fort Wayne (5-9) had no answer for the Reno tandem of Blake Ahearn (32 points on 11-of-15 shooting) and Andre Emmett (29 points on 11-of-18 shooting). Reno shot 58 percent from the field to the Ants' 42 percent. The Ants, who have lost five of their last six games, were led by Cameron Jones, who hit 11 of 16 shots and finished with 28 points. Ron Howard added 16 points and Walker Russell Jr. scored 14. Darnell Lazare led the Ants with eight rebounds. The two teams play again in Reno at 10 p.m. Fort Wayne time on Wednesday. Fort Wayne travels to Canton on Friday and returns to play Canton at home on Saturday. Earlier in the day, the Ants finalized their trade that sent Marvin Phillips Jr. to Erie for a fourth-round pick in next year's draft. The team activated rookie Sadiel Rojas, who had been waived due to injury. *Courtesy of www.news-sentinel.com

[Durbansandshark]

Rio Grande Valley Vipers land Morris - Jan 7, 2012 (by Eurobasket Center )

Rio Grande Valley Vipers strengthened their roster with addition of 23-year old forward Marcus Morris (203-F-102kg-89, college: Kansas). In his first game he scored 33 points, grabbed 16 rebounds and 5 assists. Despite his good performance his new team lost to Dakota W. 103-105. Morris played most recently at Houston Rockets (NBA). While playing 3 games for Houston R. this season he averaged 1.7ppg. Morris just graduated University of Kansas and actually missed last season. It will be his first season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Iowa Energy sign Mamadou Diaye - Jan 7, 2012 (by Eurobasket Center )

Iowa Energy signed Australian Mamadou Diaye ). In his first game he scored 6 points and grabbed 9 rebounds helping his new team beat Sioux Falls S. 102-80. Diaye played most recently at Hills Hornets (Australia).

By Eurobasket Data Center

Friday's games - Jan 7, 2012 (by Eurobasket Center )

Reno B. - Los Angeles D. 78-109
The Los Angeles D-Fenders routed the Reno Bighorns 109-78 in a matchup in Reno on Friday night. Elijah Millsap (6'6''-G-87, agency: Interperformances, college: UAB) had 23 points and 7 rebounds for the D-Fenders. The Bighorns were led by Blake Ahearn's (6'2''-PG-84, college: Missouri St.)22 points. The D-Fenders lived up to their name, creating 27 turnovers and scoring 40 points off those turnovers. The Bighorns were held to a season-low 78 points, shooting only 38.5 percent from the field. The D-Fenders outscored the Bighorns 22 to four on fast break points, including an array of vicious dunks from D-Fenders' Zach Andrews and Gerald Green. The game marked the return of former Bighorns head coach Eric Musselman to Reno, who now coaches the D-Fenders. The Bighorns are now 1-2 against the D-Fenders this season. The Bighorns travel to take on the D-Fenders in El Segundo on Saturday. The team returns to Reno for a matchup with head coach Paul Mokeski's former team the Rio Grande Valley Vipers as part of the NBA D-League Showcase at the Reno Events Center. *Courtesy of www.rgj.com

Canton C. - Ft.Wayne MA 114-93
The Canton Charge used a huge third quarter to propel them to a 114-93 victory over the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in front of 2,794 at the Canton Memorial Civic Center Friday night. The win snapped a two-game losing skid for Canton and puts them back over .500 at 8-7 on the season. The loss drops Fort Wayne to 5-11 in Gansey's head coaching debut. A closely contested first half found Fort Wayne with a slim three-point lead at the intermission, but the Charge came out surging in the third period. Canton shot 16-of-24 for a .667 percentage from the field with 10 assists and outrebounded Fort Wayne 11-4 in the period. They scored a season-high 36 points in the quarter, with Frank Hassell (6'8''-F-88, college: ODU) pouring in 10 himself to go along with his four rebounds. The Charge did not let up to start the fourth with their 88-77 lead. Canton went on a 15-6 run to begin the final quarter en route to their largest margin of victory yet this season. Their 114 points on .543 shooting were also both team-highs for the year. The win also gives Canton a 2-1 edge in the season series with Fort Wayne, as the home team has won all three matchups. The Charge are now 6-4 overall at home. Tyrell Biggs (6'8''-F-86, college: Pittsburgh) led the way for the Charge with 26 points, seven rebounds and two blocked shots. Biggs came into the game ninth in the D-League in scoring averaging 19.6 a contest. Hassell had his second double-double in his three games with Canton scoring 22 points with 12 boards and three steals, all season-highs. He is averaging 12 points and eight rebounds this season in relief off the bench. Other notables for the Charge included T.J. Campbell providing six points, a team-high eight assists and perhaps the highlight of the game with a diving save over the scorer's table into the laps of onlookers. Christian Eyenga added six points, three rebounds and two blocks in his Charge Debut. Antoine Agudio dropped in 13 points for his 10th double-digit scoring affair in 14 games played this season. Fort Wayne was paced by Ron Howard's 23 points and five rebounds. Darnell Lazare scored 21 with five boards to give him his third 20 plus point output in three games against Canton this season. Gilbert Brown supplied 19 points off the bench, while Walker Russell Jr. scored 10 with eight assists. The two teams will meet again in less than 24 hours at the War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne at 7:30 p.m. Saturday night. *Courtesy of www.wane.com

Sioux Falls S. - Iowa E. 80-102
The Iowa Energy defeated the Sioux Falls Skyforce 102-80 Friday night at the Sioux Falls Arena. Sioux Falls jumped out to the early lead but the momentum quickly shifted in favor of Iowa in a game that saw a 38-point swing. Sioux Falls (5-11) came out firing in the first quarter, knocking down 9-of-11 shots to begin the game and take a 23-7 lead. Iowa (11-4), led by Marqus Blakely (6'5''-F-89, college: Vermont), came storming back with a run of their own to cut the deficit to 32-27 after the first quarter. Blakely did most of the scoring for Iowa early on, scoring 16 of his 27 points in the first quarter. After trailing for most of the first half, Iowa pulled ahead of Sioux Falls late in the half and took a 55-54 lead at halftime. Iowa continued to ride their momentum with a 7-0 run to start the second, taking a 62-54 lead. Iowa continued to hit clutch shots throughout the second half, killing any momentum Sioux Falls hoped to build. Michael Tveidt's late 3-pointer was the exclamation point on a dominant second half by Iowa. The final score (102-80) was Iowa's largest lead of the entire game. Blakely finished with a game-high 27 points behind a perfect 10-of-10 field goals. Efevberha had a solid game off the bench with 16 points and six rebounds. Anthony Mason (6'7''-F-66, college: Tennessee St.), Jr. just missed a double-double for Sioux Falls with 19 points and nine rebounds. Dominique Coleman added 12 points, five rebounds and six assists. The same two teams face off at the Arena tomorrow night at 7 p.m. CT. *Courtesy of www.ksfy.com

Rio Grande VV - Dakota W. 103-105
The Rio Grande Valley Vipers found a go-to man. The problem is that he probably won't be wearing a Vipers uniform for too much longer. Houston Rockets' assignee Marcus Morris (6'8''-F-89, college: Kansas) tallied 33 points and 16 rebounds in his Vipers' debut on Friday night. He nearly knocked down the game-winner at the buzzer, but his 3-pointer off a clean look was short, and the Dakota Wizards came away with a 105-103 victory at State Farm Arena. 'I thought it was a good game,' said Morris, a rookie from Kansas who was last season's Big 12 Conference player of the year. 'These are great guys to play with. I wish I would have made the last shot for these guys. They are great teammates. They gave me the ball toward the end.' Morris played 37 minutes in his first significant action since playing for the Jayhawks last season. The Rockets selected Morris 14th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, and he had only played sparingly in three games before his assignment earlier this week. 'In the overall big picture, it was a great night for the Houston Rockets,' Vipers coach Nick Nurse said. 'They send him down here and he plays (37) minutes and did a lot of really, really positive things. He's going to get better.' Nurse designed the final play to have Morris take a three at the buzzer. 'I think he's a really good shooter, and I thought he could get it off,' Nurse said. 'He almost hit it. That was the play. He got a good look at it, and he needed another inch and a half.' Nurse expects Morris, who made 3 of 6 from the arc, to remain with the Vipers for tonight's home game against the Wizards and then for next week's NBA D-League Showcase in Reno. After that, he expects the Rockets to re-evaluate things. But for now, the Vipers will try to take advantage of Morris' talent And, Morris is trying to take advantage of the chance to play again. 'Being able to play and being able to interact with new teammates,' Morris said of the benefits of his Vipers' assignment. 'Just to get a chance to get out there and play and compete. I haven't really been out there since college.' The Vipers (10-7) saw their three-game winning streak go away. The Wizards had 54 points in the paint with most of those coming on transition baskets. 'A lot of it came off our poor offense,' Nurse said. 'We just handed it to them for a layin a bunch of times. They ran it in transition on us pretty good as well. That we need to shore up. When we got back and guarded, we did a pretty good job.' Edwin Ubile had 26 points to lead the Wizards (7-6). Maurice Baker had 12 points and 12 rebounds. Greg Smith, a 6-8 forward had 16 points, in his fourth game with the Vipers. Damian Saunders, another 6-8 forward, was also playing in his fourth game. 'We've got a bunch of new guys we're trying to work in,' Nurse said. 'It threw our timing off just a little. Just enough against a veteran team that played really well to get you beat.' *Courtesy of www.themonitor.com

[Durbansandshark]

Rio Grande VV - Dakota W. 103-105
The Rio Grande Valley Vipers found a go-to man. The problem is that he probably won't be wearing a Vipers uniform for too much longer. Houston Rockets' assignee Marcus Morris (6'8''-F-89, college: Kansas) tallied 33 points and 16 rebounds in his Vipers' debut on Friday night. He nearly knocked down the game-winner at the buzzer, but his 3-pointer off a clean look was short, and the Dakota Wizards came away with a 105-103 victory at State Farm Arena. 'I thought it was a good game,' said Morris, a rookie from Kansas who was last season's Big 12 Conference player of the year. 'These are great guys to play with. I wish I would have made the last shot for these guys. They are great teammates. They gave me the ball toward the end.' Morris played 37 minutes in his first significant action since playing for the Jayhawks last season. The Rockets selected Morris 14th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, and he had only played sparingly in three games before his assignment earlier this week. 'In the overall big picture, it was a great night for the Houston Rockets,' Vipers coach Nick Nurse said. 'They send him down here and he plays (37) minutes and did a lot of really, really positive things. He's going to get better.' Nurse designed the final play to have Morris take a three at the buzzer. 'I think he's a really good shooter, and I thought he could get it off,' Nurse said. 'He almost hit it. That was the play. He got a good look at it, and he needed another inch and a half.' Nurse expects Morris, who made 3 of 6 from the arc, to remain with the Vipers for tonight's home game against the Wizards and then for next week's NBA D-League Showcase in Reno. After that, he expects the Rockets to re-evaluate things. But for now, the Vipers will try to take advantage of Morris' talent And, Morris is trying to take advantage of the chance to play again. 'Being able to play and being able to interact with new teammates,' Morris said of the benefits of his Vipers' assignment. 'Just to get a chance to get out there and play and compete. I haven't really been out there since college.' The Vipers (10-7) saw their three-game winning streak go away. The Wizards had 54 points in the paint with most of those coming on transition baskets. 'A lot of it came off our poor offense,' Nurse said. 'We just handed it to them for a layin a bunch of times. They ran it in transition on us pretty good as well. That we need to shore up. When we got back and guarded, we did a pretty good job.' Edwin Ubile had 26 points to lead the Wizards (7-6). Maurice Baker had 12 points and 12 rebounds. Greg Smith, a 6-8 forward had 16 points, in his fourth game with the Vipers. Damian Saunders, another 6-8 forward, was also playing in his fourth game. 'We've got a bunch of new guys we're trying to work in,' Nurse said. 'It threw our timing off just a little. Just enough against a veteran team that played really well to get you beat.' *Courtesy of www.themonitor.com

Austin T. - Texas L. 108-93
If there is one team the Texas Legends have problems with, it has so far been their South Texas rivals. Jianlian Yi (7'0''-F/C-87) scored 17 points in his Legends debut, but it wasn't enough as the Legends lost 108-93 to the Toros in Austin. The Legends dropped to 5-11 on the season, with four of those losses coming to the Toros. Booker Woodfox (6'1''-PG-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Creighton) also scored 17, while Sean Williams led the Legends with 19 in his first game since being sent down from the Mavericks. Chris Roberts, on the other hand, continued to struggle since becoming a starter with only six points. Anthony Vereen and Vance Cooksey were among the players moved to the bench, and they only had one point each. The Legends didn't have an answer for Justin Dentmon, who scored 31 for the Toros. ERic Dawson added 18 and Leo Lyons had 14. Texas only trailed 47-46 at halftime, but a 33-point outburst by the Toros in the third gave them breathing room. Dentmon had 10 points in the period. *Courtesy of www.examiner.com

Bakersfield J. - Idaho S. 116-112 OT
Osiris Eldridge (6'3''-G-88, agency: N.E.T., college: Illinois St.) scored the go-ahead layup and made two free throws in the final 20 seconds of overtime to lift the Bakersfield Jam to a 116-112 victory over the Idaho Stampede on Friday night at the Jam Events Center. Eldridge led Bakersfield with 19 points. Renaldo Major (6'7''-F-82, agency: Edge Sports, college: Fresno St.) added 18 points and 10 rebounds, including a game-tying layup in the final seconds of regulation to force overtime.

Claws end skid in Texas - Jan 9, 2012 (by Eurobasket News)

The Maine Red Claws ended their six-game losing streak with a 113-102 win over the Texas Legends Sunday at Dr. Pepper Arena. 'Winning at this point when you haven't won in a long time is rewarding,' Red Claws Coach Dave Leitao said. 'You feel a sense of relief more than anything else.'

Maine (5-12), which won for just the second time on the road, set a season high in points. Its previous high came in a 106-99 win over Erie on Dec. 17. The Legends (5-12) were led by Jianlian Yi (7'0''-F/C-87), who finished with 29 points and 13 rebounds. Jianlian, the sixth overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft, was making his NBA Developmental League debut after being signed by the Dallas Mavericks last week.

After trailing by as many as nine in the second quarter, the Red Claws went on a 9-0 run to tie the game at 24 with 2:28 remaining and never trailed again. With Maine's starting center Anthony Kent (6'10''-F/C-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Ball St.) in foul trouble for much of the game, Justin Brownlee -- who has spent a majority of the season as a starter -- contributed 24 points off the bench and also had five steals.

But Brownlee was not the only reserve to deliver as the Red Claws' bench outscored the Legends' 71-38. 'He has been starting up until this point,' Leitao said. 'He and the other group that had been starting gave us a lot of energy off the bench.' The game was tied at 36 after one quarter and Maine carried momentum into the second quarter, outscoring Texas 29-18, including an 18-5 run late for a 65-54 halftime lead.

The Red Claws also had a lot of success in their transition game, outscoring the Legends, 27-15. 'We try to do that with everybody but we were more successful today than we have been in the past few games,' Leitao said. Getting so many points on the break was a big reason his club won, but Leitao said he didn't feel it was the deciding factor.

'We were more mindful on the defensive end. It was a 36-36 first quarter and then they scored 18 in the second quarter,' Leitao said. 'We really turned the tide and got a double-digit lead with our defense in the second quarter. Then, we were able to maintain that lead and extend it. I felt it was more our defense than anything else.'

Maine's last win was Dec. 24, 101-86 vs. Iowa. It was the second straight year the Red Claws snapped a losing streak at Texas. Last January Maine beat the Legends 95-89 to end a five-game losing skid. The Red Claws head to Reno, Nev., for the 2012 D-League Showcase, where they will face Sioux Falls at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

'You always feel better on a win than a loss,' Leitao said. 'We're going to build off of it.'

Courtesy of www.pressherald.com

Austin slides by Tulsa, 91-90 - Jan 9, 2012 (by Eurobasket News)

Jerome Dyson (6'3''-G-87, college: Connecticut) scored a game-high 25 points and Marcus Lewis (6'8''-F/C-86, college: ORU) notched his ninth double-double of the season with 17 points and 12 boards, but the Tulsa 66ers (9-7) were edged by the Austin Toros (12-3) by a 91-90 final score Sunday afternoon inside the Tulsa Convention Center.

Also scoring in double figures for Tulsa was Brady Morningstar with 14 and reserve Dwight Buycks with 12.

Tulsa's defense forced 17 Toro turnovers and created eight steals, led by Dyson and Curtis Sumpter with two thefts each.

Offensively, the 66ers shot 36-of-70 (.514) from the floor, including 7-of-16 (.438) from 3-point range. Tulsa recorded 22 assists as a team, led by Morningstar with a team-high five dishes.

'We didn't execute down the stretch as well as we needed to,' 66ers head coach Dale Osbourne said. 'This will continue to be a learning process for our guys. We will keep our heads up and continue focusing on getting better as a team.'

Austin, who entered the contest in first place in the Western Conference, used a 29-19 scoring advantage in the fourth quarter to post the win. Tulsa began the final period leading 71-62.

Leading the Toros in scoring was Justin Dentmon (6'0''-G-85, college: Washington) with 23. Eric Dawson (6'10''-F-84, college: Midwestern St.) added 19 points and 10 rebounds for his seventh double-double of the year.

The 66ers return to action at the 2012 NBA D-League Showcase, held this year in Reno, Nev. Tulsa will take on the Texas Legends on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 5:30 p.m. CT inside the Reno Events Center.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

[Durbansandshark]

Springfield Armor lands Knowles - Jan 10, 2012 (by Eurobasket Center )

Springfield Armor strengthened their roster with addition of 23-year old guard Preston Knowles (185-G-89, college: Louisville). In his first game he scored 6 points. However his new team lost to Los Angeles D. 82-97. Knowles played most recently at SK Dnipro Azot Dniprodzerzhynsk (Ukraine). While playing 3 games for DniproAzot this season he averaged 1.7ppg, 2.0rpg and 1.7apg. Knowles just graduated University of Louisville and actually missed last season. It will be his first season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Former NBA player Mikki Moore signs with the Idaho Stampede - Jan 10, 2012 (by Eurobasket News)

The Idaho Stampede acquired former NBA star Mikki Moore (6'11''-C-75, agency: Priority Sports, college: Nebraska) as a free agent, the club announced today.

Moore (6-11, 225, Nebraska) played 12 seasons in the NBA after going undrafted, beginning in 1998-99 with the Detroit Pistons. Moore also played with Boston, Atlanta, New Jersey, Utah, Los Angeles Clippers, Seattle, Sacramento and Golden State. Born Nov. 4, 1975, Moore played 557 games (181 starts) in the NBA, averaging 5.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. Moore, while with the New Jersey Nets in 2006-07, averaged 9.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, while leading the NBA in field goal percentage (60.9).

Before the 2011-12 NBA season, Moore was in training camp with the Memphis Grizzlies. Moore also played in the CBA and NBA D-League, making the CBA All-Rookie team in 1997-98 and All-NBA D-League first team and Defensive Player of the Year in 2002-03.

While at the University of Nebraska, he averaged 8.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in 114 games in four seasons from 1993-97.

The Stampede roster stands at 12, after waiving Reggie Larry and David Bailey due to injury.

Courtesy of www.kivitv.com

D-League Showcase: Latest games - Jan 10, 2012 (by Eurobasket News)

Rio Grande VV - Reno B. 99-116
Marcus Morris (6'8''-F-89, college: Kansas) brought his lottery credentials, but Andre Emmett (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Texas Tech) and Blake Ahearn (6'2''-PG-84, college: Missouri St.) left with the winning ticket. Emmett, a former 2004 second-round pick, scored 36 points, while Ahearn added 26 points and 12 assists, as the hometown Reno Bighorns (9-9) defeated the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, 116-99. 'A lot went right for us tonight,' said Ahearn, the NBA D-League's leading scorer (25.4 ppg). 'When you have a bunch of guys clicking on the same page that know how to play, it's fun to be out there.' Emmett shot a red-hot 16-for-23 from the field, and also had nine rebounds and a game-high five steals. Morris, the fourteenth overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft currently on assignment from the Houston Rockets, finished with 24 points and nine boards. Willie Warren, a former second-round pick of the Los Angeles Clippers, added 14 points. Reno will play Wednesday against Iowa. The Vipers (11-8) return to action Thursday against Springfield. *Courtesy of http://thedailysportsherald.blogspot.com

Erie Bay H. - Idaho S. 103-101
The Stampede fell to the BayHawks 103-101 in front of NBA scouts and personnel in Reno on Monday. Armon Johnson (6'3''-PG-89, college: Nevada), on assignment from the Portland Trail Blazers, led Idaho (7-10) with 19 points on 8-for-15 shooting. Fellow Portland assignee Luke Babbitt (6'9''-F-89, college: Nevada) added 15 points and seven rebounds for the Stampede. Idaho's next Showcase game is Wednesday against Bakersfield. The game will air on NBA TV at 1:45 p.m. *Courtesy of www.idahostatesman.com

Los Angeles D. - Springfield A. 97-82
Another staunch defensive effort found the D-Fenders on the winning end as they edged the Springfield Armor 97-82 for their sixth consecutive victory. With the win, the D-Fenders (14-6), who held the Armor to 35.3 percent shooting in the Monday matinee, tied the 2007-08 team for the longest win streak in franchise history. Brandon Costner (6'9''-F-87, college: N.Carolina St.), who opened the game with 15 first quarter points, scored a game-high 29 points (8-12 FG, 9-13 FT) to go with two blocks in 32 minutes. Meanwhile, Elijah Millsap (6'6''-G-87, agency: Interperformances, college: UAB) finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and two steals, Otis George (6'9''-C-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: Louisville) totaled 12 points and five rebounds off the bench, and Courtney Fortson added 13 points and four rebounds. The D-Fenders also saw solid outings from Mardy Collins (10 points, 9 rebounds) and Zach Andrews (6 points, 12 rebounds) in the win. Springfield (8-9) was paced by JamesOn Curry, who totaled 19 points and eight assists, and L.D. Williams, who finished with 19 points and nine rebounds. In addition, Jeff Foote contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds and Jerry Smith tallied 14 points to round out the Armor double-digit scorers. With the win, the D-Fenders improve to 4-0 in Monday games this season and are now 14-8 all-time against the Armor. The D-Fenders return to action January 11th against the Maine Red Claws at the NBA Development League Showcase. The game will be broadcast live on NBA TV at 10 a.m. PST. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Bakersfield J. - Ft.Wayne MA 96-100
Mad Ants point guard Walker Russell (6'0''-G-82, college: Jacksonville St.) picked a great time, in front of a slew of NBA scouts, to have his finest game of the season. Russell scored 19 points and dished out a NBA D-League season-high 19 assists in leading the Ants to a 100-96 win over the Bakersfield Jam on Monday at the D-League Showcase in Reno, Nev. 'We've had players leaving, coaches leaving, no practices, but we're finally starting to get that chemistry,' Russell said in a telephone interview with The News-Sentinel. 'Guys are filling in their roles and we're looking like a brand new team.' The Ants (7-11) came back against Bakersfield after falling behind 13-0 and 19-2 to start the game. They had closed the margin to 33-27 by the end of the first quarter and settled in for the long haul. The win was the first ever in the Showcase for the Ants. 'We started off shaky, but we showed the heart we can have and the team we can be,' Russell said. 'We didn't have our legs at the start, but we kept fighting and the next thing you know we were up. We just have to continue to believe in each other.' Ants forward Darnell Lazare (6'8''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: LSU) also had a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Jarrid Famous scored 20 points with nine boards and Sadiel Rojas came off the bench to hit 7-of-8 shots and finish with 16 points and eight rebounds. The Ants were without Ron Howard, who missed the game with a hand injury. Rojas, filling in primarily for Howard, hit a big three-point shot late in the game. 'We gave Sadiel the game ball,' Russell said. 'He came in rebounding, playing defense, hitting some tough shots in crucial moments. He definitely deserved the game ball. Going from not playing at all, to playing a big part, that was great.' Russell said he feels the team is getting back to playing 'Mad Ants basketball' since the transition to new coach Steve Gansey, who improved to 2-1 as coach. 'We're more confident than we've been,' Russell said. 'Steve brought us back to where we're saying, 'Let's have fun with it.' Steve's been doing a great job keeping the enthusiasm and confidence with everybody. The sky's the limit.' Fort Wayne will play Tulsa at 3:45 p.m. Thursday in the Showcase, and the game will be televised on NBA TV. Renaldo Major led Bakersfield with 14 points, but hit only 2-of-10 shots from the field. *Courtesy of www.news-sentinel.com

[Durbansandshark]

Texas L. - Maine RC 102-113
The Maine Red Claws ended their six-game losing streak with a 113-102 win over the Texas Legends Sunday at Dr. Pepper Arena. 'Winning at this point when you haven't won in a long time is rewarding,' Red Claws Coach Dave Leitao said. 'You feel a sense of relief more than anything else.' Maine (5-12), which won for just the second time on the road, set a season high in points. Its previous high came in a 106-99 win over Erie on Dec. 17. The Legends (5-12) were led by Jianlian Yi (7'0''-F/C-87), who finished with 29 points and 13 rebounds. Jianlian, the sixth overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft, was making his NBA Developmental League debut after being signed by the Dallas Mavericks last week. After trailing by as many as nine in the second quarter, the Red Claws went on a 9-0 run to tie the game at 24 with 2:28 remaining and never trailed again. With Maine's starting center Anthony Kent (6'10''-F/C-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Ball St.) in foul trouble for much of the game, Justin Brownlee -- who has spent a majority of the season as a starter -- contributed 24 points off the bench and also had five steals. But Brownlee was not the only reserve to deliver as the Red Claws' bench outscored the Legends' 71-38. 'He has been starting up until this point,' Leitao said. 'He and the other group that had been starting gave us a lot of energy off the bench.' The game was tied at 36 after one quarter and Maine carried momentum into the second quarter, outscoring Texas 29-18, including an 18-5 run late for a 65-54 halftime lead. The Red Claws also had a lot of success in their transition game, outscoring the Legends, 27-15. 'We try to do that with everybody but we were more successful today than we have been in the past few games,' Leitao said. Getting so many points on the break was a big reason his club won, but Leitao said he didn't feel it was the deciding factor. 'We were more mindful on the defensive end. It was a 36-36 first quarter and then they scored 18 in the second quarter,' Leitao said. 'We really turned the tide and got a double-digit lead with our defense in the second quarter. Then, we were able to maintain that lead and extend it. I felt it was more our defense than anything else.' Maine's last win was Dec. 24, 101-86 vs. Iowa. It was the second straight year the Red Claws snapped a losing streak at Texas. Last January Maine beat the Legends 95-89 to end a five-game losing skid. The Red Claws head to Reno, Nev., for the 2012 D-League Showcase, where they will face Sioux Falls at 1 p.m. Tuesday. 'You always feel better on a win than a loss,' Leitao said. 'We're going to build off of it.' Courtesy of www.pressherald.com

Tulsa 66ers - Austin T. 90-91
Jerome Dyson (6'3''-G-87, college: Connecticut) scored a game-high 25 points and Marcus Lewis (6'8''-F/C-86, college: ORU) notched his ninth double-double of the season with 17 points and 12 boards, but the Tulsa 66ers (9-7) were edged by the Austin Toros (12-3) by a 91-90 final score Sunday afternoon inside the Tulsa Convention Center. Also scoring in double figures for Tulsa was Brady Morningstar with 14 and reserve Dwight Buycks with 12. Tulsa's defense forced 17 Toro turnovers and created eight steals, led by Dyson and Curtis Sumpter with two thefts each. Offensively, the 66ers shot 36-of-70 (.514) from the floor, including 7-of-16 (.438) from 3-point range. Tulsa recorded 22 assists as a team, led by Morningstar with a team-high five dishes. 'We didn't execute down the stretch as well as we needed to,' 66ers head coach Dale Osbourne said. 'This will continue to be a learning process for our guys. We will keep our heads up and continue focusing on getting better as a team.' Austin, who entered the contest in first place in the Western Conference, used a 29-19 scoring advantage in the fourth quarter to post the win. Tulsa began the final period leading 71-62. Leading the Toros in scoring was Justin Dentmon (6'0''-G-85, college: Washington) with 23. Eric Dawson (6'10''-F-84, college: Midwestern St.) added 19 points and 10 rebounds for his seventh double-double of the year. The 66ers return to action at the 2012 NBA D-League Showcase, held this year in Reno, Nev. Tulsa will take on the Texas Legends on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 5:30 p.m. CT inside the Reno Events Center. Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Wizards claim Taylor Griffin - Jan 10, 2012 (by Eurobasket News)

The Dakota Wizard announced that they have claimed forward Taylor Griffin (6'7''-F-86, college: Oklahoma) from the available player pool. Griffin will be in uniform tomorrow when the Wizards take on the Canton Charge at the NBA Development League Showcase in Reno, NV.

Griffin was drafted in the second round (48th overall) by the Phoenix Suns in the 2009 NBA Draft. He split the 2009-10 season with the Suns and their NBA Development League affiliate, the Iowa Energy where he averaged 9.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 12 games (11 starts). Griffin appeared in 8 games with the Suns averaging 1.3 points and 0.3 rebounds. He most recently played for Belgacom Liege of the Belgium Basketball League.

As a senior, he averaged 9.6 points on 53.6% shooting with 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. With his younger brother, Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers, Taylor helped lead Oklahoma to the Elite Eight of the 2009 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.

The current roster stands at 10 players.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Manny Harris activated by Canton Charge - Jan 10, 2012 (by Eurobasket News)

Manny Harris (6'5''-G-89, college: Michigan) has been added to the Charge roster and is available for Tuesday nights game in Reno, Nev. against the Dakota Wizards.

The Charge acquired Harris on Dec. 28 via the affiliate player rule after he was cut from Cleveland Cavaliers training camp. He then was injury-waived to buy the Charge extra time from making a roster move as he recovered from a foot injury, during which Canton maintained his rights.

To make room for Harris, forward Trent Strickland was waived Monday after spending less than a month with the team.

The 22-year-old Harris played in 54 games last year for the Cavaliers as an undrafted rookie. He averaged 5.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists and made 15 starts. He was unable to participate during Cavaliers training camp last month because of a freak freezer burn injury to his right foot.

The 6-foot-5, 185-pound Harris joins a crowded wing position for the Charge with Christian Eyenga, Antoine Agudio, Antonio Graves and Kyle Gibson. Eyenga is on assignment from the Cavaliers.

A first-team All-Big Ten selection as a sophomore, Harris averaged 17.0 points a game in his three-year career at the University of Michigan.

Canton faces the Dakota Wizards at 10 p.m. Tuesday as part of the NBA D-League Showcase in Reno.

The 27-year-old Strickland, a 6-foot-5, 215-pound Wake Forest product, played in nine games with Canton, averaging 6.4 points on 38.9 percent shooting.

Since going for 15 points and seven rebounds during a New Years Day loss to Fort Wayne, Strickland had only played eight total minutes over two games.

Courtesy of www.cantonrep.com

Iowa Energy re-sign Curtis Stinson - Jan 10, 2012 (by Eurobasket News)

The Iowa Energy have re-signed reigning NBA D-League MVP Curtis Stinson (6'3''-G-83, college: Iowa St.), according to a press release issued by the team Monday.

The point guard most recently played in Slovenia.

Stinson averaged 19.3 points, 9.8 assists and 5.7 rebounds last season for the Energy. During the Energys playoff run, Stinson averaged 24.4 points, 8.8 rebounds and 6.9 assists in eight games while leading the Energy to their first league crown.

With Stinson at the helm, the Energy recorded the best regular-season record in league history each of the past two seasons; finishing 37-13. Last seasons team also set the all-time league record for most wins in a season at 43 including the playoffs.

The Iowa State product will join the Energy on their trip to the NBA D-League Showcase in Reno, Nev., this week. The team will play Reno on Wednesday and Canton on Thursday.

The Energy return home on Sunday, January 15th at 4pm vs. Tulsa.

Courtesy of www.desmoinesregister.com

[Durbansandshark]

D-League Showcase: Tuesday's games - Jan 11, 2012 (by Eurobasket Center )

Austin T. - Erie Bay H. 111-88
Justin Dentmon (6'0''-G-85, college: Washington) had 26 points and nine assists, and former University of Texas player Cory Joseph (6'3''-PG-91, college: Texas) added 16 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals as the Austin Toros defeated the Erie BayHawks 111-88 on Tuesday at the NBA D-League Showcase. Leo Lyons had 14 points for Austin (13-3), and Lance Thomas had 12 points and seven rebounds. For Erie (8-11), Chris Daniels scored 17 points on 8-for-13 shooting, to go with 12 rebounds. B.J Jenkins added 17 points. Austin (13-3) returns to action on the road Thursday, against Dakota. *Courtesy of www.idahostatesman.com

Tulsa 66ers - Texas L. 86-94
Booker Woodfox (6'1''-PG-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Creighton) came off the bench to score 22 points as the Texas Legends defeated the Tulsa 66ers 94-86 on Tuesday in the NBA D-League Showcase in Reno, Nev. Reserve Dwight Buycks (6'3''-PG-89, college: Marquette) scored a team-high 21 points for the 66ers (9-8), while Jerome Dyson scored 20 and Nkem Ojougboh blocked a season-high seven shots. Former Oral Roberts standout Larry Owens added 18 points and seven rebounds for the 66ers. Ramon Dyer had the game's only double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds for Texas (6-12). Up next: Vs. Fort Wayne 2:45 p.m. Thursday in D-League Showcase. TV: NBA-256. Next home game: Vs. Canton, 7 p.m. Monday at the Convention Center. *Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

Canton C. - Dakota W. 99-94
The Canton Charge used a strong fourth quarter to propel them to a 99-94 win over the Dakota Wizards in their NBA D-League Showcase contest on Tuesday night. The victory improved Canton to 9-8 while Dakota slipped to 7-8 in the lone matchup of the season between the two teams. Dakota came out hot in the third quarter, going 10-for-17 from the floor, and outscored Canton, 28-19, to take a 74-39 advantage into the final period. The Charge responded with a 14-3 run to begin the fourth quarter to take an 83-78 lead with 5:53 left in the game. After the Wizards clawed their way back to be down just one point late on a Shy Ely 3-pointer, former Cavaliers player Manny Harris drilled a 19-foot jumper and two foul shots on back-to-back possessions to put the game away for Canton. Harris finished with 15 points and four rebounds in his Charge debut. The Charge grabbed a season-high 53 rebounds to Dakota's 32. Canton was also a season-best 22-of-27 from the charity stripe. Keith McLeod (6'3''-PG-79, college: Bowling Green) led the team with 18 points, nine assists and four rebounds. Tyrell Tyrell Biggs (6'8''-F-86, college: Pittsburgh) provided 14 points and four rebounds. Dakota was paced by Mike Anderson's 19 points and six rebounds. Edwin Ubiles gave a strong effort with 15 points, eight assists and four boards. All five Dakota starters scored in double figures as they tallied 74 of the team's 94 total points in the game. Frank Hassell got his third double-double of the season with 14 points and a season-high 17 rebounds to go along with his three steals off the bench. Hassell also tied a team season-high with 10 offensive rebounds in 26 minutes of play. Former Cavaliers No. 1 draft pick Christian Eyenga had 10 points, five rebounds and three assists in just 23 minutes. The Charge will take on the Iowa Energy on Thursday night at 10 p.m. for their concluding contest in the NBA D-League Showcase. *Courtesy of www.cantonrep.com

Sioux Falls S. - Maine RC 92-98
Xavier Silas (6'5''-G-88, college: N.Illinois) scored a game-high 21 points and the Maine Red Claws won consecutive games for the first time this season with a 98-92 victory over the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the NBA D-League Showcase at the Reno Events Center. Silas capped a 10-0 run in the fourth quarter with a layup and a foul shot that put Maine ahead for good, 94-83. Jerome Randle (5'10''-G-87, college: California), who had six assists, scored all his 11 points in the second half, including a 3-pointer during the run and a field goal in the final minute. Ricky Davis finished with a season-high 13 points, and Kenny Hayes added 12 points for the Red Claws (6-12). Silas had 11 points in the first quarter and gave Maine a 30-26 lead with a 3-pointer at the end of the quarter. Davis took over in the second quarter, scoring nine points on a 3-pointer, two field goals and a pair of free throws. The teams traded leads for much of the period. Despite missing three baskets in the final two minutes, including two 3-point attempts, Maine was able to maintain a four-point lead, 54-50, on a driving layup by Hayes as time expired. Maine increased its lead to eight, 70-62, on a driving hook shot by Silas with 7:10 left in the third quarter. However, the Skyforce scored the next eight points to tie it at 70. With the score tied at 74 with under two minutes left in the third, Maine took the lead on a basket by Paul Harris and two buckets by Hayes before Gabe Pruitt answered with a 3-pointer before the quarter ended. Sioux Falls (5-13) had five players in double digits, led by Charles Garcia with 20. Pruitt, Anthony Mason and Casey Mitchell each had 15 points, followed by Trey Gilder with 14. Maine plays its final game of the Showcase at 1 p.m. today against the Los Angeles Defenders. *Courtesy of www.pressherald.com

Blazers recall Babbitt and Nuggets recall Stone - Jan 11, 2012 (by Eurobasket News)

The Portland Trail Blazers recalled forward Luke Babbitt (6'9''-F-89, college: Nevada) from the Idaho Stampede, and he was in uniform for the Blazers home game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday.

Babbitt played in three games for Idaho, averaging 21.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists.

Also Tuesday, the Stampede announced that the Denver Nuggets recalled rookie guard Julyan Stone (6'6''-G-88, college: UTEP).

Stone played in three games for Idaho. He averaged 7.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game.

Courtesy of www.idahopress.com

[Durbansandshark]

Apologies for the lack of NBDL news lately. Long story. Very busy and some neglect involved. Will catch up to speed soon.

Playoffs are fast upon us in the NBDL. Erie BayHawks just clinched their playoff spot by winning over the Springfield Armour 110-108. Erie joins Austin, Bakersfield, Dakota, Springfield, and lastly (and certainly leastly) the NDCELE NBDL Chapter for the postseason.

[Durbansandshark]

We should all savor the fact that the Austin Toros are now the 2012 NBDL Champions, especially with them defeating the NDCELE NBDL Chapter in the full three-game series with everything balanced in the Toros' favor.
http://www.nba.com/dleague/austin/austin_toros_win_2012_nba_dleague_championship_201 2_04_28.html

Let's hope Denver does the same thing to the NDCELE in the quarterfinals!