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Monday, May 31, 2010

Oded Katash, Sharon Drucker and Arik Shivek, candidates to be the next Hapoel Jerusalem coach

Hapoel Jerusalem is already finding a replacement for Guy Goodes, who left the team after the end of the Israeli Super League. The three main candidates are Oded Katash (winner of the league with Galil Gilboa), Sharon Drucker (assistant of Pini Gershon in Maccabi Tel Aviv) and Arik Shivek (head coach of the Israeli NT and Dexia Mons).

SOURCE: Walla Sport


Partizan and Virtus Bologna, interested in Igor Hadziomerovic

Partizan is targeting the young prospect Igor Hadziomerovic. The 18-year-old Australian-Bosnian guard is currently playing for the Melbourne Tigers reserve team, but will likely land in Europe next season. Another team interested in the young prospect is Virtus Bologna.

SOURCE: Krepsinis


Drazen Anzulovic, new head coach of Lietuvos Rytas

It's official. As expected, Drazen Anzulovic, former coach of Cibona Zagreb, Ural Great, Spirou Charleroi and BC Donetsk, is the new head coach of Lietuvos Rytas ro replace Rimas Kurtinaitis. The Lithuanian team signed the Croatian coach to a one-year contract to lead the team in the next Euroleague.

SOURCE: Lietuvos Rytas


Manolo Hussein, new head coach of Power Electronics Valencia

Manolo Hussein will be finally the new head coach of Power Electronics Valencia for the next two seasons. The former coach of Gran Canaria, Cáceres and CB Murcia (until last summer) will be announced officially tomorrow by the ACB club. Hussein will replace Neven Spahija, who left the team weeks ago.

SOURCE: ACB.com


Sergio Scariolo denies rumors about his leaving from Khimki

Sergio Scariolo has slammed the reports about a possible departure from Khimki in his personal website. The Italian coach denied any contact with other teams, and told he's willing to stay in the Russian team next season, when his contract expires. The original rumor said Scariolo could accept an offer from Armani Jeans Milano to take over the Italian team.

SOURCE: SergioScariolo.com


Trabzonspor signs Michael Wright

Trabzonspor will have next season in the roster the top scorers of the French league, Derrick Obasohan, and the Polish league. The Turkish team has signed Michael Wright, who averaged 19.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in the PLK with Turow Zgorzelec. The 30-year-old forward also played in the TBL for Turk Telekom between 2007 and 2009.

SOURCE: Salsabasket


Neven Spahija could be in talks with Efes Pilsen

Neven Spahija has another team interested in Turkey, besides Fenerbahce. The Croatian coach, who left recently Power Electronics Valencia, is reported to be in talks to take over Efes Pilsen and replace Engin Ataman, who is closer to leave the team this summer. Efes Pilsen could finish the season without any title if Fenerbahce wins the TBL Finals.

SOURCE: Superbasket


Lietuvos Rytas and Rimas Kurtinaitis part ways

It's official. Rimas Kurtinaitis is no longer the head coach of Lietuvos Rytas, after agreeing both parts to terminate the contract of the Lithuanian coach. The replacement for Kurtinaitis could be Drazen Anzulovic, as reported, but also Jure Zdovc, from Union Olimpija, and a not-divulgated yet foreign coach.

SOURCE: Lietuvos Rytas


Rimas Kurtinaitis could have offers from two Spanish teams

Rimas Kurtinaitis is reported to have been replaced by Drazen Anzulovic as the Lietuvos Rytas head coach. The Lithuanian coach still hasn't heard anything officially, though two Spanish teams could have already showed interest in hiring him for the next season. In the ACB league, the only vacancy confirmed is in Power Electronics Valencia after the departure of Neven Spahija.

SOURCE: Krepsinis


Sergio Scariolo could leave Khimki next season to take over Armani Jeans Milano

Despite having another year of contract, the recent scandal involving referees in the Russian Super League could make Sergio Scariolo to leave his job in Khimki. The 49-year-old Italian coach, also in charge of the Spanish national team, could agree to take over Armani Jeans Milano next season, according to the Italian media.

SOURCE: Sportevai


Estudiantes de Bahía Blanca, interested in Alejandro Montecchia, Cedric Moddie and Jamaal Levy, among others

The new Estudiantes de Bahía Blanca, with Pepe Sánchez as the new owner (and player) is planning the next season. Players like the veteran Alejandro Montecchia (last year in Regatas Corrientes), Cedric Moddie (Boca Juniors), Jamaal Levy (Lanús) and Tyler Field (Libertad de Sunchales) are also in the short list of Sánchez. The coach could be Néstor Rafael García, now in the Halcones de Xalapa, in Mexico.

SOURCE: Infoliga


Renaldas Seibutis could land in Lagun Aro GBC next season

Renaldas Seibutis could not go too far next season. The 24-year-old Lithuanian guard was released a couple of weeks ago by Bizkaia Bilbao Basket. Lagun Aro GBC is reported to be interested in signing Seibutis, and the player doesn't rule out to play in San Sebastian, a city only an hour away from Bilbao.

SOURCE: El Correo


Libertad de Sunchales signs Juan Pablo Cantero

Despite the interest of Regatas Corrientes to sign Juan Pablo Cantero, the 22-year-old forward will play next season for Libertad de Sunchales. The Argentinian team will probably release the American center Tyler Field, and is interested in James Williams, from Union de Sunchales, to replace him.

SOURCE: Basquetplus


Sunday, May 30, 2010

Minnesota Timberwolves, also eyeing Linas Kleiza and Josh Childress

Kurt Rambis continues his European tour, and attended the game of the Greek finals between Panathinaikos and Olympiakos. According to the Minnesota Timberwolves coach, his main interest in that game was, besides Nikola Pekovic, drafted by the Wolves, Linas Kleiza and Josh Childress. Rambis watched closely both players for the future, in case they decide to return to the NBA.

SOURCE: Basketnet


Maccabi Tel Aviv wants to bring back Tal Burstein

Maccabi Tel Aviv is interested in signing former players of the team for the next season. Besides Lior Eliyahu, Yotam Halperim or Sarunas Jasikevicius, another name is Tal Burstein. The Israelian guard, who has averaged this season 9.3 points and 2.4 rebounds in the ACB league for Ayuda en Acción Fuenlabrada, is another target of Maccabi.

SOURCE: Sport5


Marinos de Anzoátegui sign Anthony Grundy

The Marinos de Anzoátegui have announed a new signing to strengthen the team in the LPB Finals against the Cocodrilos de Caracas. The Venezuelan club have signed Anthony Grundy. The 30-year-old guard arrives from Carife Ferrara, in Italy, where he was averaging 17.9 points and 2.7 rebounds. Grundy played briefly in the NBA in the the Atlanta Hawks (12 games) in 2006.

SOURCE: Twitter Marinos de Anzoátegui


Stefano Pillastrini, Fabrizio Frates and Luca Bechi, candidates to coach Vanoli Cremona

Three candidates are emerging to be appointed as the new Vanoli Cremona head coach. Luca Bechi (from Angelico Biella), Stefano Pillastrini (Cimberio Varese) and Fabrizio Frates (Sutor Montenagraro) are the three names in the short list of Cremona to replace Attilio Caja.

SOURCE: La Provincia


Eric Chatfield, Aaron Miles and Antonio Graves, options for Pau-Orthez

Pau-Orthez is exploring the options to replace Teddy Gipson, who will leave next season, probably to play for Orleans. The recently promoted to the ProA league team is interested in Laurent Sciarra, but has other options, such as Eric Chatfield (who has played last season for Rouen), Aaron Miles (Aris Thessaloniki) or Antonio Graves (who left Cibona at the middle of the season)

SOURCE: Basketnews


Power Electronics Valencia, interested in Sergi Vidal

Power Electronics Valencia wants Sergi Vidal for the next season, and talked with the player a month ago to explore his interest to join the team. Vidal has another year of contract with Real Madrid, where he landed last summer from Caja Laboral, but it's playing a marginal role in his current team, averaging 2.5 points and 1.0 rebounds in 12.2 minutes per game.

SOURCE: Las Provincias


Juventud Sionista signs Juan Manuel Locatelli

Despite the interest from Obras Sanitarias, Juan Manuel Locatelli will finally play for Juventud Sionista. The Argentinian team signed the 34-year-old forward to a two-year contract. Locatelli played last season in Atenas de Córdoba averaging 12.1 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in the LNB.

SOURCE: Infoliga


Drazen Anzulovic could replace Rimas Kurtinaitis in Lietuvos Rytas

The future of Rimas Kurtinaitis in Lietuvos Rytas is not clear, despite winning the last LKL against Zalgiris. The bad results in Europe and losing the Baltic League could lead the board of the Lithuanian club to replace Kurtinaitis, in charge of the team since 2008. The main candidate to take over Lietuvos in case Kurtinaitis is released is the Croatian coach Drazen Anzulovic, who started last season with BC Donetsk before bankrupt of the Ukrainian team.

SOURCE: Kosarka.hr


Erman Kunter could leave Cholet next season

Despite the great season of Cholet, the coach Erman Kunter could leave the team next season. The Turkish coach, in charge of the French team since 2003 (except the 2004-05 season, in ASVEL Villeurbanne) has demanded more money to stay in Cholet, but the small budget of the club could make impossible an agreement between both parts.

SOURCE: L'Ouest France


Unión Formosa signs Federico Ferrini and Lucas Pérez

The recently promoted to the Argentinian LNB team Unión Formosa has signed the first two players for the next season: forward Federico Ferrini and guard Lucas Pérez. Ferrini arrives from Atenas de Córdoba, where he played during the last two yeard, while Pérez played for El Nacional in the TNA league last season.

SOURCE: Infoliga


Saturday, May 29, 2010

Gravelines Dunkerque, interested in Dounia Issa and Rudy Jomby

Gravelines Dunkerque, still fighting in the French LNB semifinals, is reported to be in talks with the forwards Dounia Issa, from Vichy, and Rudy Jomby, from Le Havre, for the next season. Issa averaged 9.0 points and 10.8 rebounds this season, while Jomby posted 7.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

SOURCE: La Voix des Sports


Pini Gershon will stay in Maccabi next season

Despite the painful defeat against Galil Gilboa in the Israeli Super League final, Shimon Mizrahi, president of Maccabi Tel Aviv, announced that Pini Gershon will remeain as the head coach of the team for the next season. The veteran coach, in charge of the team since 2008, has another year of contract

SOURCE: Sport5


Melbourne Tigers, to bring back Julius Hodge next season

The Melbourne Tigers are close to land again to the Australian NBL the former NBA player Julius Hodge. The 26-year-old guard went to Venezuela weeks ago to play for the Trotamundos de Carabobo. The Tigers expect Hodge to join the team at the start of the next season

SOURCE: Gaze Hoops


Predrag Drobnjak won't play for PAOK Thessaloniki next season

PAOK Thessaloniki won't extend the contract of Predrag Drobnjak. The 34-year-old Montenegrin center is a free agent, and is looking forward to play for two more years. The former NBA player between 2001 and 2005, who arrived to PAOK last summer from Efes Pilsen, has averaged 8.3 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in the Greek A1 league.

SOURCE: Basketnet


Sabit Hadzic will be the new head coach of the Bosnian NT

As expected, Sabit Hadzic will be the new head coach of the Bosnian national team. The president of the Bosnian Federation, Nihad Imanovic, confirmed he has proposed Hadzic to the board that has to make the final decision. Hadzic was also in charge of the Bosnian NT between 1997 and 2001.

SOURCE: Dvevni Avaz


Obras Sanitarias, interested in Juan Pedro Gutiérrez and Juan Manuel Locatelli

Obras Sanitarias is targeting two former players of the Argentinian team for the next season. One of them is Juan Pedro Gutiérrez, who has played for the last 6 years in Spain for CB Granada, and could leave the team this summer. The second one is Juan Manuel Locatelli, from Atenas de Córdoba, the best forward of the Argentinian LNB during the last two seasons.

SOURCE: Basquetplus


Minnesota Timberwolves, eyeing Ante Tomic

Kurt Rambis, head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, attended to the game between Caja Laboral and Real Madrid in the ACB league. According to "Noticias de Álava", Rambis paid special attention to Ante Tomic, drafted in 2008 by the Utah Jazz. The Croatian 23-year-old center is averaging 7.0 points and 5.0 rebounds in 20 minutes per game in the ACB league with Real Madrid.

SOURCE: Noticias de Álava


Lior Eliyahu and Yotam Halperin, main targets for Maccabi Tel Aviv

After a disappointing season, Maccabi Tel Aviv is planning the next one to win again the Israeli Super League. The two main targets to improve the rosters are two former players: Lior Eliyahu (now playing for Caja Laboral) and Yotam Halperin (currently in Olympiakos). Both players are not happy in their current teams, and could agree to be back to Maccabi

SOURCE: One


Mark Jackson, to be interviewed by the Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks will interview Mark Jackson for the head coaching job on Saturday. The former NBA player and current TV analyst will be the third candidate to be part of the Hawks interviews to find a replacement for Mike Woodson, after Dwane Casey and Avery Johnson. Jackson has never been an assistant or a head coach since retiring as a player in 2004

SOURCE: FanHouse


Federico Kammerichs, waiting for an offer from Spain

Federico Kammerichs, the best player last year in Regatas Corrientes, could be on the radar of Atenas de Córdoba in case Diego Lo Grippo leaves the team to land in Quimsa. But the 28-year-old Argentinian forward could be interested in returning to Spain, where he played between 2001 and 2008 before joining Regatas Corrientes. Kammerichs, who has averaged 13.5 points and 11.8 rebounds this season, is waiting for an offer from Spain.

SOURCE: Basquetplus


Air Avellino releases Cesare Pancotto

Cesare Pancotto is no longer the head coach of Air Avellino, after the Italian team has decided to activate the termination clause of his contract, after just one season. Pancotto arrived to Avellino after being in charge of Fortitudo Bologna the season before, and led the team to the semifinals of the Italian Cup, and to the playoff of the Lega.

SOURCE: Scandone Basket


Suzuki Manresa, close to sign Iikka Maki

Another Nordic prospect for Suzuki Manresa. After reaching to an agreement with the Swedish guard Markus Eriksson, the ACB team is close to land Iikka Maki. The 16-year-old guard would arrive from the Finnish team Honka, at his home country, and was tested by Manresa some weeks ago. Eriksson and Maki would play for the junior team of Manresa, CBiUM Albert Disseny.

SOURCES: Eurohopes, Regió 7


Atléticos de San Germán sign Ernest Brown to replace Mario Austin

Ernest Brown is the new player of the Atléticos de San Guzmán. The 31-year-old center, a former player of the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics, replaced Mario Austin, who arrived to Puerto Rico last month. Brown has played this season in Bulgaria (Lukoil Akademik), China (Beijing Ducks) and Venezuela (Toros de Aragua) before landing in the Puerto Rican BSN league.

SOURCE: Primera Hora


Sabit Hadzic, front-runner to be the next Bosnian NT coach

The top candidate for be appointed as the new coach of the Bosnian national team could be Sabit Hadzic. Another name considerated was Jasmin Repesa, but his current club, Benetton Treviso, is not willing to let him take the job. Hadzic would be back to the Bosnian NT after leading the squad to three European Championship between 1997 and 2001.

SOURCE: Dvevni Avaz


Jacek Winnicki, new head coach of Turow Zgorzelec

Jacek Winnicki will be appointed as the new head coach of PGE Turow Zgorzelec next week to replace Andrej Urlep, hired last December by the Polish team. The 43-year-old coach was in charge of the women team Lotos Gydnia last season. Winnicki's only experience in the PLK as a head coach was in the 2002-03 season, with Slask Wrocklaw.

SOURCE: Polski Kosz


Regatas Corrientes, close to sign Nicolás Romano and targeting Juan Pablo Cantero

Nicolás Romano will be player of Regatas Corrientes the next season. The 22-year-old Argentinian forward played last season for Quilmes, averaging 11.4 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. The next target for Regatas is Juan Pablo Cantero, who is set to leave Atenas de Córdoba soon.

SOURCE: Basquetplus


Friday, May 28, 2010

Avery Johnson could be hired next week by the New Jersey Nets

Avery Johnson is closer to become the new head coach of the New Jersey Nets. Both parts will meet next Saturday, and the official anouncement could be made as soon as next week. Johnson was without a team since leaving the Dallas Mavericks in 2008, after four years in charge of the Texan franchise.

SOURCE: New York Daily News


Orleans, close to sign Teddy Gipson

Orleans is close to sign the foreign MVP of the last ProB season, Teddy Gipson. The 30-year-old American guard played last season in Pau Orthez, averaging 15.7 points and 5.4 assists per game, and helping his team to promote to the ProA league. The replacement of Gibson in Pau Orthez could be a former player of Orleans, Laurent Sciarra.

SOURCE: Basketnews


Lietuvos Rytas signs Brad Newley

As expected, Brad Newley will play in Lietuvos Rytas. The 25-year-old Australian guard was signed by the Lithuanian squad to a 2-year contract. Newley arrives from Besiktas, where he averaged 17.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. The former Houston Rockets draftee will be the third Australian player in the history of the club, after Matt Nielsen and Aron Baynes

SOURCE: Basketnews.lt


Charlotte Bobcats, interested in Jeremy Pargo

The Charlotte Bobcats are interested in Jeremy Pargo, brother of Jennaro Pargo, from the Chicago Bulls. The Bobcats have invited Pargo, playing in his rookie year in Israel for Galil Gilboa to the next Summer League, in Las Vegas. The 24-year-old guard, who has just won the Israeli Super League against Maccabi, has averaged 14.1 points and 4.7 assists per game.

SOURCE: Walla Sport


Sebastián González, new head coach of Atenas de Córdoba

Sebastián González will be finally the new head coach of the runner-up of the Argentinian LNB, Atenas de Córdoba. González, who arrives from the TNA team 9 de Julio de Río Tercero, will replace Óscar Sánchez. The other candidate for the job was Gustavo Miravet, from San Martín de Marcos Juárez.

SOURCE: El Mundo D


Guy Goodes announces his leaving from Hapoel Jerusalem

As expected since weeks ago, Guy Goodes won't be back to the Hapoel Jerusalem bench next season. Goodes, who was in charge of Hapoel since 2008 after arriving from Maccabi Rishon LeZion, wants to coach in an European team, though he's also on the short list of Maccabi Tel Aviv if Pini Gershon leaves the team.

SOURCE: One


Regatas Corrientes signs Javier Martinez

Javier Martínez is back to Regatas Corrientes. The Paraguayan-Argentinian guard leaves Juventud Sionista to sign for Regatas, where he played between 2005 and 2007. Martínez averaged 11.7 points and 3.8 assists last season. Juventud Sionista also released guard Gary Buchanan and center Jimmy Boston.

SOURCE: Uno Entre Rios


Thursday, May 27, 2010

Vanoli Cremona and Attilio Caja part ways

Vanoli Cremona has announced that Attilio Caja is no longer the coach of the Italian team, after exercicing the early termination clause of his contract. Caja arrived to Cremona last February to replace Stefano Cioppi, and helped the team to avoid relegation. A candidate for the vacancy could be Sharon Drucker, currently assistant coach of Pini Gershon in Maccabi Tel Aviv.

SOURCE: Gruppo Triboldi Basket


Quimsa wants Diego Lo Grippo

Quimsa is interested in landing Diego Lo Grippo for the next season. The 32-year-old forward played last season for Atenas de Córdoba after 6 years in Spain, averaging 18.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, and helping his team to reach the LNB finals. On the other hand, José Muruaga, Bruno Ingratta and Pablo Gil will leave the team.

SOURCE: Infoliga


Tariq Kirksay could leave Cajasol next season

Tariq Kirksay told after the last game of playoff against Real Madrid that there's a chance that was the last game as a player of Cajasol, though there's nothing definitive. The 30-year-old American-French forward, who arrived last summer from Unics Kazan, has averaged 6 points and 5 rebounds in the ACB, being considerated one of the best defensive players of the league.

SOURCE: Piratas del Basket


Nenad Markovic, Luka Pavicevic and Sito Alonso, also candidates to coach Power Electronics Valencia

More names for the short list of Power Electronics Valencia to replace Neven Spahija, besides Velimir Perasovic (still the favorite), Paco Olmos and Sharon Drucker. Other coaches that are being considerated are Nenad Markovic (now in charge of Panionios), Luka Pavicevic (head coach of Alba Berlin) and Sito Alonso (former coach of DKV Joventut)

SOURCE: Superdeporte


Waikato Pistons sign Rashad Tucker to replace Carl Krauser

The Waikato Pistons have decided to release guard Carl Krauser due to an injury, and signed to replace him Rashad Tucker. The 35-year-old American forward arrives to New Zealand from the Sendai 89ers of the Japan, averaging 11.0 points and 7.2 rebounds in 25 games in the JBL with experience in the Australian league, having played for the Perth Wildcats, Cairns Taipans and Melbourne Tigers during his career.

SOURCE: Stuff.co.nz


Power Electronics Valencia and Vanoli Cremona, interested in Sharon Drucker

The assistant coach of Pini Gershon, Sharon Drucker, in Maccabi Tel Aviv could leave next season the Israeli team to take over a team in Europe. Drucker could be on the radar of Power Electronics Valencia, without a coach after the departure of Neven Spahija, and Vanoli Cremona, where he would replace Attilio Caja.

SOURCE: Ynet


Armani Jeans Milano, front-runner to sign Giuseppe Poeta

Giuseppe Poeta could be player of Armani Jeans Milano next season. The 24-year-old guard, who is playing in Banca Tercas Teramo since 2006 is still under contract, but his current team is considering to transfer him. Other teams that could be interested in Poeta are Benetton Treviso and Lottomatica Roma.

SOURCE: Il Centro


ASVEL Villeurbanne, interested in Hollis Price

Hollis Price could be the new playmaker of ASVEL Villeurbanne for the next season. The 30-year-old American guard is currenly playing in Germany for the Artland Dragons. Price, who played in France for Le Mans between 2003 and 2005, has averaged 7.7 points and 3.4 assists in 10 games in the BBL.

SOURCE: Basketnews


David Blatt slams rumors about moving to Valencia

David Blatt has denied any intention of coaching Power Electronics Valencia to replace Neven Spahija, as the Greek media reported yesterday. Blatt has no intention of leaving the Russian national team, and is still in talks with Aris Thessaloniki to extend his contract with the Greek team.

SOURCE: Championat


Unicaja, interested in Kosta Perovic

Unicaja has asked about the situation of Kosta Perovic in Power Electronics Valencia. The 25-year-old Serbian center has another year of contract of Valencia, but his club could decide to transfer Perovic due to his high salary, despite the departure of the coach, Neven Spahija. Caja Laboral and Maccabi Tel Aviv are also interested in Perovic. Another player of Power Electronics Valencia who is on the radar of Unicaja is Thomas Kelati. The American-Eritrean guard played for Unicaja during the 2008-09 season, and could be a target of the coach Aíto García Reneses.

SOURCE: La Opinión de Málaga


Atenas de Córdoba and Óscar Sánchez part ways

Óscar "Huevo" Sánchez is no longer the head coach of Atenas de Córdoba, after the Argentinian team decided not to extend his contract. Sánchez, who arrived to Atenas last December to replace Ruben Magnano, the current coach of the Brazilian national team, and led his team to the LNB Finals, losing against Peñarol. The replacement for Sánchez could be Sebastián González, now in the TNA team 9 de Julio de Río Tercero. The other candidate is Gustavo Miravet, from San Martín de Marcos Juárez.

SOURCE: El Mundo D


Gallitos de Isabela add Angel Vassallo

The Gallitos de Isabela have signed Angel Vassallo to play the playoff of the Puerto Rican team. The 24-year-old forward arrives from Paris-Levallois, in the French LNB, where he averaged 17.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, being the top scorer of the team. The Gallitos will play in the first round of the playoff against the Vaqueros de Bayamón

SOURCE: Primera Hora


Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Power Electronics Valencia could be interested in David Blatt to replace Neven Spahija

Power Electronics Valencia is considering several names to replace Neven Spahija, the coach of the team until days ago. Another name, according to the Greek media, is David Blatt, who is reported to be in talks with Aris Thessaloniki to extend his contract for two more years. Blatt is represented by the same agent, Gorka Arrinda, of the two last head coaches of Valencia, Fotis Katsikaris and Neven Spahija. If Blatt is signed to take over Valencia, the ACB rules would force him to leave the Russian national team before starting the season. Aris Thessaloniki is already tracking the market in case the Greek team has to hire a replacement for Blatt, with Giannis Sfairopoulos, from Kolossos Rhodes, and Georgios Bartzokas, from Maroussi, as the two first candidates.

SOURCE: Basketnet


ASVEL Villeurbanne, to release Curtis Borchardt, and shows interest for Mickael Gelabale

A lot of movements in ASVEL Villeurbanne. The French team has activate the termination clause of the contracts of Curtis Borchardt and Mindaugas Lukauskis (though the Lithuanian forward will be offered to sign a new contract). Other players that will leave ASVEL are Eric Campbell, who will be back to Israel, Aymeric Jeanneau and Ben Dewar. For the next season, besides Ricardo Greer, the French team is also targeting Mickael Gelabale, from Cholet.

SOURCE: Basketnews


Jason Gardner and Oldenburg part ways

Jason Gardner has left EWE Baskets Oldenburg. The 29-year-old American guard, who arrived to the German team three years ago, has averaged 8.6 points and 2.6 assists in 28 games in the BBL. On the other hand, Oldenburg has extended Rickey Paulding contract for two more years.

SOURCE: Schoenen Dunk


Marinos de Anzoátegui sign Larry O'Bannon

Larry O'Bannon will play the finals of the Venezuelan league with the Marinos de Anzoátegui. The 26-year-old guard arrives from Maccabi Rishon LeZion, averaging 16.1 points and 2.7 rebounds in the Israeli Super League. The Marinos will try to win again the title in the LPB, as in 2009.

SOURCE: Solo Deportes


Phil Jackson doesn't want to go back to the Chicago Bulls

Phil Jackson has answered to the rumors about an interest of the Chicago Bulls or the New Jersey Nets to bring him back. The coach that won 6 rings with the Bulls in the 90's is not interested in take over any other team, and that there's a 90 percent change he will decide to stay in the Los Angeles Lakers or retire.

SOURCE: Sports Illustrated


New Orleans Hornets make an offer to Tom Thibodeau

Tom Thibodeau could be the next coach of the New Orleans Hornets. According to ESPN, the NBA franchise have already made an offer to the current assistant of Doc Rivers in the Boston Celtics. The answer of Thibodeau, though, could have to wait until the end of the playoff, where the Celtics are fighting to win a spot for the NBA Finals.

SOURCE: ESPN


Omar Cook will stay in Unicaja one more year

Unicaja will extend Omar Cook for one more year, activating a clause in his contract. The 28-year-old American-Montenegrin guard, who arrived to Unicaja in 2008 from Red Star, is one of the key players of Unicaja and the ACB league leader in assists, averaging 8.9 points and 6.0 assists per game. Cook was also on the radar of teams like Efes Pilsen and Maccabi Tel Aviv, but will finally stay in Spain.

SOURCE: La Opinión de Málaga


Melbourne Tigers sign Wade Helliwell

The Melbourne Tigers have signed Wade Helliwell to a 2-year contract. The 32-year-old Australian center will be back to his country after six years in Europe, playing in Italy and Greece. Last season, Helliwell played for PAOK Thessaloniki, averaging 1.6 points and 1.3 rebounds per game.

SOURCE: NBL.com.au


Power Electronics Valencia wants Velimir Perasovic as the new head coach

Power Electronics Valencia is already looking for a replacement for Neven Spahija, and is eyeing the current head coach of Cibona Zagreb, Velimir Perasovic. The former player knows well the ACB league as a player and as a coach (with Tau Cerámica), before spending the last three seasons in Cibona. Another choice could be Paco Olmos, now in the LEB Oro team ViveMenorca, who was already in charge of Valencia between 2002 and 2004.

SOURCE: La Verdad de Alicante


Kim Tillie, officially signed by ASVEL Villeurbanne

As expected, Kim Tillie will play for ASVEL Villeurbanne. The 21-year-old French center, who arrives from the University of Utah, was signed to a 2-year contract (with two more optional years). The former player of Antibes and Paris Basket Racing averaged 7.0 points and 5.5 rebounds in his senior year with the Utes.

SOURCE: Basketnews


Trabzonspor signs Ersin Görkem

Another signing for the recently promoted Trabzonspor. The Turkish team have announced the arrival of Ersin Görkem, arriving from Kepez. The 33-year-old guard averaged 12.8 points and 4.6 rebounds last season, but failed to avoid the relegation of his team from TBL. Görkem will provide experience to his new team.

SOURCE: Turkbasket


Arvydas Siksnius and Brad Newley could be the first two signings of Lietuvos Rytas for the next season

After winning the Lithuanian league against Zalgiris, Lietuvos Rytas is already planning the next season. According to the president of the club, Gedvydas Vainauskas, the team will release four players next season. To replace them, the Lithuanian champions will make some additions, and two players are already signed. They could be Arvydas Siksnius, from Siauliai, and Brad Newley, from Besiktas.

SOURCE: Lithuania Basketball


Unics Kazan denies rumors about Stanislav Eremin

Unics Kazan is not interested in hiring Stanislav Eremin for the next season. The Russian team was reported to be in talks with the coach of Triumph Lybertsy to replace Valdemaras Homicius, in charge of Unics since 2007, but it was denied in the official page of the club. Unics Kazan is currently playing the semifinals of the Russian league.

SOURCE: Championat


Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Ricky Davis wants to play in Europe next season

Ricky Davis has finished the season in Turkey with Turk Telekom, where he landed months ago after being waived by the Los Angeles Clippers. The 30-year-old forward has averaged 14.5 points and 4.0 rebounds in the TBL. Davis is already now looking for a new contract in Europe, ruling out to try to play again in the NBA.

SOURCE: Turkbasket


ASVEL Villuerbanne, a possibility for Ricardo Greer

Ricardo Greer will decide his future in three weeks after three seasons in SLUC Nancy. The 31-year-old American-Dominican, who has averaged 9.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, is considering to stay in Nancy, to play outside France or even to land in ASVEL Villeurbanne.

SOURCE: L'Est Républicain


Bizkaia Bilbao Basket makes an offer for Matt Nielsen

Bizkaia Bilbao Basket has made an offer for Matt Nielsen. The 32-year-old Australian forward, now playing for Power Electronics Valencia, has ended the season and is free to sign for another team, though Valencia will try to extend his contract. Matt Nielsen and Axel Hervelle (loaned last season from Real Madrid) are the two main targets for Bilbao Basket.

SOURCE: El Correo


Chicago Bulls, exploring the interest of Phil Jackson to coach the team

The Chicago Bulls have indirectly contacted Phil Jackson to gauge his interest in returning to the franchise. Jackson is considering to accept a pay cut from the Los Angeles Lakers to extend his contract. If he decides to leave, the Bulls would try to hire the head coach that led the team to 6 NBA titles in the 90's.

SOURCE: ESPN


Maccabi Tel Aviv, close to sign Sarunas Jasikevicius, and also interested in Joel Freeland and Lior Eliyahu

Sarunas Jasikevicius could be closer to be back to Maccabi Tel Aviv. The 34-year-old Lithuanian guard could agree to earn half his current salary in Panathinaikos to return to Maccabi, where he played between 2003 and 2005. The Israeli team wants also to land former player Lior Eliyahu, and is waiting for the resolution of his contract with Caja Laboral, in case the Israeli forward and the Spanish team part ways at the end of the season. Maccabi is also looking for a center. Kosta Perovic is closer to stay in Power Electronics Valencia after the departure of the coach Neven Spahija, so the new target is Joel Freeland. The 23-year-old British center, drafted in 2006 by the Portland Trail Blazers, is playing in Unicaja.

SOURCES: Sport5, Ynet


Guaiaqueríes de Margarita sign Lee Benson and Alejandro Carmona to replace Kelvin Peña and Evan Brock

The Guaiaqueríes de Margarita have found two replacements for the guard Kelvin Peña and the forward Evan Brock, both injured. The new players for the Venezuelan team will be Lee Benson and Alejandro Carmona. The American center arrives from the Gallitos de Isabela after just two weeks there, while the Puerto Rican guard played most recently for the Indios de Mayagüez.

SOURCE: Agencia Bolivariana de Noticias


Panathinaikos and CSKA Moscow could be also interested in hiring Neven Spahija

Neven Spahija won't be lacked of offers next season. The Croatian coach, who parted ways yesterday with Power Electronics Valencia, could have offers from Panathinaikos and CSKA Moscow, besides Fenerbahce. Spahija told he wanted to leave Valencia to land in a bigger Euroleague club.

SOURCE: Las Provincias


Krzyzstof Szubarga could have an offer from Italy

Krzyzstof Szubarga, point guard of Anwil Wloclawek and the Polish national team, could have an offer from Italy to play in the Lega next season. According to the Polish media, Szubarga would earn 500.000 zlotys (121.000 euros) next season if he accepts the offer. The 25-year-old guard, who arrived this season to Anwil, is averaging 11.4 points and 6.7 assists in the PLK.

SOURCE: Sports.pl


Will McDonald, to leave Gran Canaria 2014

The second stint of Will McDonald in Gran Canaria 2014 seems to be over. The coach of the team, Pedro Martinez, is disappointed with the 30-year-old American center, and has opened the exit door to McDonald, who arrived last summer from Caja Laboral. McDonald also played for Gran Canaria in the 2004-05 season.

SOURCE: La Provincia


Monday, May 24, 2010

CSKA Moscow, Regal Barcelona, Caja Laboral, among other teams, also interested in Milan Macvan

Not only Maccabi Tel Aviv and Power Electronics Valencia are interested in the young Serbian forward Milan Macvan. According to the Serbian media, Khimki, CSKA Moscow, Efes Pilsen, Armani Jeans Milano and Regal Barcelona have also showed interested in the 20-year-old prospect, who is currently playing for Hemofarm.

SOURCE: Kosarka


Fenerbahce, in talks with Neven Spahija

Neven Spahija, who has just parted ways with Power Electronics Valencia, his team since a year and a half ago, will meet with representatives of Fenerbahce, according to the Turkish media. In case both parts reach to an agreement, the Croatian coach would replace Bogdan Tanjevic, who left temporary the club due to health problems.

SOURCE: Turkbasket


Mike Brown, officially fired by the Cleveland Cavaliers

The expected firing of Mike Brown is official. The Cleveland Cavaliers have announced that Brown is no longer head coach of the team, after 5 years in the franchise. The winning of the last season Coach of the Year failed to win a title, despite having the MVP of the last two Regular Seasons, LeBron James. One of the candidates to replace him could be the Kentucky coach John Calipari, a close friend of James.

SOURCE: NBA.com


Maccabi Tel Aviv, close to sign Milan Macvan

Maccabi Tel Aviv is interested in landing Milan Macvan next season, and could be close to agree terms with the player. The 20-year-old forward, now playing for Hemofarm, could be signed to a 3-year contract with the Israeli team. Macvan has averaged 14.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in the last Adriatic League. Power Electronics Valencia was also reported to be tracking Macvan for next season.

SOURCE: Walla Sport


Neven Spahija and Power Electronics Valencia part ways

Neven Spahija won't extend his contract with Power Electronics Valencia. The Croatian coach, who arrived last season to the Spanish team to replace Fotis Katsikaris, hasn't reached to an agreement with the club. In a year and a half in Valencia, Spahija has led his team to win the second EuroCup in its history.

SOURCE: Superdeporte


ASVEL Villeurbanne, to sign Kim Tillie

ASVEL Villeurbanne is close to bring back to France Kim Tillie. The 21-year-old forward has played during the last four seasons in the University of Utah, arriving from Paris Racing Club. The French player averaged 7.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game during his senior year in Utah.


Caciques de Humacao sign James Life and Corsley Edwards

The Caciques de Humacao have signed two new players. As expected, James Life has joined the Puerto Rican team after finishing the season in Macedonia with Feni Indistrija Kavadarci. The other player will be Corsley Edwards, who started this season in Shaanxi to land after his stint in China in the D-League, with the Dakota Wizards.

SOURCE: El Nuevo Día


Cleveland Cavaliers could have fired Mike Brown

The Cleveland Cavaliers, finally, have fired Mike Brown according to ESPN. The decision was almost taken after the early defeat of the Cavs in the NBA playoff, but the official announcement is still to come. Brown, name Coach of the Year last season, would remain as the Cavaliers head coach with a better winning percentage.

SOURCE: ESPN


Paco Vázquez expects to stay in Bilbao Basket

Bizkaia Bilbao Basket is consiering to keep Paco Vázquez for next season, despite the earlier reports. The veteran 36-year-old guard is waiting for the club decision, but it's optimistic about his chances to stay in Bizkaia Bilbao Basket for another year. Vázquez, who arrived in 2008 from DKV Joventut, has averaged this season 2.0 points and 0.7 rebounds per game.

SOURCE: El Correo


Lenny Wilkens, considering to coach again, could be interested in take over Cleveland Cavaliers or Chicago Bulls

Hall of Famer coach enny Wilkens, appointed a month ago as an assistant for the South Korean team, is considering to be back to the NBA. Wilkens, who hasn't been in charge of a NBA team since 2005, mentioned the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls as good teams that could need a coach. The 72-year-old former player is the second coach with more career wins behind Don Nelson.

SOURCE: Sports Ilustrated


Capitanes de Arecibo sign Darius Rice

The Capitanes de Arecibo have acquired Darius Rice, who will replace Tim Pickett, signed last month. The 27-year-old forward has played this season in Hungary for Szolnoki Olajbanyasz, averaging 17.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. This will be the second stint for Rice in Puerto Rico, after playing in 2008 for the Gigantes de Carolina.

SOURCE: Capitanes de Arecibo


Sunday, May 23, 2010

Gimnasia y Esgrima signs Maximiliano Maciel

New acquisition for the Argentinian team Gimnasia y Esgrima de Comodoro Rivadavia. The new signing for the next season is Maximiliano Maciel, a 26-year-old forward that played during the last season in Regatas Corrientes, averaging 6.7 points and 2.0 rebounds in 23 minutes per game.

SOURCE: Infoliga


Lietuvos Rytas, close to sign Brad Newley

Brad Newley is close to become a Lietuvos Rytas player next season. The 25-year-old Australian guard has finished the season in Besiktas, averaging 17.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. The Lithuanian team has already made an offer for Newley, who tried to leave Besiktas weeks ago to play for Armani Jeans Milano, but the FIBA didn't allow the transfer.

SOURCE: Superbasket


Power Electronics Valencia, interested in Marko Banic

Power Electronics Valencia has asked to Bizkaia Bilbao Basket for Marko Banic. The 25-year-old Croatian forward, who has averaged 13.1 points and 4.6 rebounds this season, is one of the candidates to replace Matt Nielsen if he decides to leave Valencia. The contract of Banic, who landed in Bilbao in 2005, expires next season

SOURCE: Las Provincias


Siroki wants to bring back Vedran Princ

Vedran Princ could be back to one of his former teams, Siroki. The Bosnian team, which won the national league days ago, is interested in signing the 27-year-old Croatian guard, who ended this season in the Latvian team Ventspils after being released from Cibona, played between 2002 and 2007 for Siroki.

SOURCE: Dvevni Avaz


Washington Wizards could waive Gilbert Arenas

The Washington Wizards are willing to use their number 1 pick in the next NBA draft to select John Wall. This decision would imply that Gilbert Arenas is not necessary anymore in the Wizards' plans, and will be traded by his team. The president of the franchise, Ernie Grunfeld, could be even considering to buy-out Arenas' contract if no interesting offer arrives for the guard.

SOURCE: The Grio


Cookie Belcher will leave Bnei Hasharon next season

After 5 seasons playing for Bnei Hasharon, Segado "Cookie" Belcher will leave the Israeli team next season. The American-Mexican guard, who arrived to Bnei Hasharon in 2005 from Biella, has averaged 10.4 points and 2.5 assists per game this season. Belcher will probably continue his career outside Israel

SOURCE: Walla Sport


Dirk Nowitzki, to become a free agent this summer

Dirk Nowitzki could decide to opt out his contract with the Dallas Mavericks and become an unresctricted free agent. His current team, though, is in talks with the 31-year-old German forward to extend his contract, and so far it seems unlikely to see Nowitzki in another uniform next season.

SOURCE: ESPN


Gimnasia y Esgrima signs Fernando Funes

Gimnasia y Esgrima de Comodoro Rivadavia has signed Fernando Funes for the next season. The 27-year-old guard played last season in the Argentinian LNB for Central Entrerriano, averaging 16.8 points and 2.6 rebounds. Funes also played briefly in Venezuela for the Trotamundos de Carabobo a month ago.

SOURCE: Infoliga


Djurasovic, Pasalic, Camdzic and Klinac want to leave Bosna Sarajevo

More problems for Bosna Sarajevo. The historic Bosnian team failed to reach the national league final, and is seeing how the players want to leave the club. Bozo Djurasovic, Muhamed Pasalic, Eldin Camdzic and Aldin Klinac have asked for the terminations of their contracts due to the payment delays of the Bosnian club.

SOURCE: Dvevni Avaz


The leading scorer of the French ProA league, Derrick Obasohan, signed by Trabzonspor

New signing for the recently promoted to the TBL, Trabzonspor. The Turkish team will land next season Derrick Obasohan. The 29-year-old American-Nigerian forward arrives from Hyères-Toulon, becoming the best scorer in the French ProA regular season. Obasohan averaged 19.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.

SOURCE: Basketbol Haber


Sylvain Maynier announces his retirement

Sylvain Maynier has decided to end his career as a basketball player. The 32-year-old forward has played during the last five seasons for Poitiers, helping his team to stay in the French ProA in the last one. Maynie has averaged 3.4 points and 1.2 rebounds in 12.2 minutes per game this season.

SOURCE: Basketnews


Saturday, May 22, 2010

Hedo Turkoglu, unhappy in Toronto

Hedo Turkoglu admitted to a Turkish newspaper that he's not happy in Toronto. The forward arrived to the Raptors last summer after a sign-and-trade with the Orlando Magic, where he was playing since 2004. Turkoglu, who couldn't help his team to qualify to playoff. Turkoglu is disappointed with his season after reaching the NBA finals last season with the Magic.

SOURCE: Gazetesport


Toronto Raptors, interested in a sign-and trade for Chris Bosh including Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum or David Lee

Chris Bosh has a short list of teams he would like to play for the next season. This list includes Toronto Raptors (his current team), Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers. About this last team, the Raptors would agree to sign-and-trade Bosh in exchange of either Pau Gasol or Andrew Bynum, but the Lakers wouldn't be interested in trade any of these players, espeacially if they win the NBA title this season. Another option for the Raptors, in case they can't retain Bosh, would be to sign-and-trade the All-Star forward to New York in exchange of David Lee.

SOURCE: ESPN


Atléticos de Germán sign Rod Benson and release Leroy Hickerson

The Atléticos de San Germán have announced the acquisition of Rod Benson to the Puerto Rican team. The 25-year-old forward has played this season in the Reno Bighorns, averaging 14.1 points and 9.7 rebounds per game in the D-League. The Atléticos have also decided to release Leroy Hickerson, who arrived last March.

SOURCE: Primera Hora


Doug Collins is the new head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers

As expected, Doug Collins will be the new head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, as the NBA team has announced officially. The veteran coach, who has worked as a TV analyst since leaving the Washington Wizards in 2003, will replace Eddie Jordan. The 76ers has signed Collins to a 4-year contract.

SOURCE: Insidehoops


Tom Thibodeau and Monty Williams, top candidates to be the next coach of the New Orleans Hornets

The New Orleans Hornets have reduced the list of candidates to replace the still GM Jeff Bower as the head coach of the team to two names. The assistants of the Boston Celtics, Tom Thibodeau, and the Portland Trail Blazers, Monty Williams, are currently the front-runners for the Hornets' coaching job.

SOURCE: The Times-Picayune


Philadelphia 76ers want to trade the draft No.2 pick along with Elton Brand

The Philadelphia 76ers were one of the winners in the last draft lottery, earning the second pick, but the NBA franchise is considering to trade it. The 76ers want to get rid of the $51 million, 3-year contract of Elton Brand, and would demand to include the forward in any trade discussion. The Minnesota Timberwolves could be interested in the second pick, though it seems unlikely they would agree to land Brand.

SOURCE: ESPN


Friday, May 21, 2010

Gran Canaria 2014, interested in Álex Urtasun to replace Josh Fisher

Gran Canaria 2014 is interested in hiring Álex Urtasun for the next season. The Spanish guard has played last season in the Spanish LEB Oro for Baloncesto León, though his rights are owned by CAI Zaragoza. Álex Urtasun, brother of the Meridiano Alicante player Txemi, would replace Josh Fisher in Gran Canaria, who is set to leave the team.

SOURCE: Diario de León


Jurgen Van Meerbeeck, new head coach of Leuven Bears

Jurgen Van Meerbeeck is the new head coach of Leuven Bears, arriving from Pepinster. Four players have decided to follow Van Meerbeck from his former team: John Tofi, Chris Devine, Niels Marnegrave and Thomas Creppy. Dior Lowhorn, a senior from the San Francisco college, will also join the Belgian team

SOURCE: Sport.be


Olímpico de la Banda lands Lucas Picarelli

Olímpico de la Banda has signed Lucas Picarelli for the next season. The 28-year-old Argentinian guard played last season for Regatas Corrientes, averaging 7.9 points and 2.2 rebounds in 22 mintues per game. Picarelli has also played for River Plate, Estudiantes de Olavarría, Ben Hur de Rafaela and Peñarol during his career.

SOURCE: Infoliga


Ratiopharm Ulm signs Walt Baxley

Ratiopharm Ulm has announced the first signing for the 2010-11 season. The German club will land Walt Baxley, who arrives from the Pro A team Saar-Pfalz Braves. The 26-year old guard, who has also played during his career in Iran and Poland, averaged 19.0 points and 3.2 rebounds per game last season.

SOURCE: Basketball Ulm


Miljan Goljovic announces his retirement

Miljan Goljovic, former player of teams like Partizan, Trabzonspor or Lietuvos Rytas, has decided to retire as a professional player. The 38-year-old Slovenian forward played last season in his country for KK Lasko, averaging 12.9 points and 4.5 rebounds in 29.1 minutes per game during his last season as a player.

SOURCE: Siol


Henrik Rödl, new head coach of TBB Trier

TBB Trier has signed to a 3-year contract Henrik Rödl as the new head coach of the German team. The former European champion as a player arrives to Trier from the second team of ALBA Berlin, where he was also the head coach of the senior team between 2005 and 2007. Rödl will replace Aaron McCarthy, hired last March.

SOURCE: TBB Trier


Vichy extends Kareem Reid and brings back Curtis Sumpter

Kareem Reid will remain in Vichy for two more seasons, despite the rumors about his arrival to Dijon. The American 34-year-old guard will have as a teammate Curtis Sumpter. The 26-year-old forward is back to Vichy, where he played in the 2007-08 season. Sumpter arrives from Dexia-Mons, in Belgium.

SOURCES: Basketnews, Basketnews


Artur Kolodziejski and John Bowler leave Telekom Bonn

Telekom Bonn won't have on the next season roster two of the most important players of the team: Artur Kolodziejski and John Bowler. The 30-year-old Polish guard, who was the captain of the team, agreed to terminate his contract after five years in Bonn, while the 26-year-old American center, in the team since 2006, expressed his desire to leave the German league next season.

SOURCES: Telekom Baskets Bonn, Telekom Baskets Bonn


Dimitris Priftis, new head coach of Kavala

Kavala has decided to hire Dimitris Priftis to replace Vangelis Alexandris, recently released from the Greek team. The new head coach was working as an assistant of David Blatt in Aris Thessaloniki, and is also assistant of Jonas Kazlauskas in the Greek national team.

SOURCE: Basketnet


Rimas Girskis, close to be the next head coach of Nevezis

Rimas Girskis could accept to become the new head coach of Nevezis next week. The 60-year-old coach is without a team since leaving Azovmash Mariupol at the start of this season. Girskis would be back to Lithuania for the first time since 1999, after coaching in Russia, China and Ukraine.

SOURCE: Lietuvos Rytas


Uros Tripkovic wants to play in an Euroleague team

Uros Tripkovic has ended the ACB season after failing his team, DKV Joventut, to qualify for the playoffs. The 23-year-old Serbian guard is considering to play next season in an Euroleague team, despite having another year of contract with Joventut. One option could be to go back to his former team, Partizan, though it doesn't seem realistic, according to the player.

SOURCE: Sportske


Doug Collins will be the head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers

As expected, The Philadelphia 76ers have reached to an agreement with Doug Collins. The 58-year-old coach will finally be the replacement of Eddie Jordan in the NBA team. The 76ers will sign Collins to a 4-year contract, and his announcement could be made today. Collins is expected to hire former player Aaron McKie as an assistant.

SOURCE: Philly


ASVEL Villeurbanne signs Leo Westermann

One of the finest French prospects, Leo Westermann, was signed by ASVEL Villeurbanne for two seasons (with an extra two-year team option). The 17-year-old guard was one of the stars of the INSEP, the French farm team that recently won the last Nike International Junior Tournament, in Paris, and will have his first chance in the professional basket in Villeurbanne.

SOURCE: ASVEL Basket


Juventud Sionista signs Pedro Franco and Pablo Moldú

Juventud Sionista has made the first two signings for the next season. The Argentinian team will add the guard Pedro Franco, a former player of Sionista who has spent the last three seasons in Estudiantes de Bahía Blanca, and the guard Pablo Moldú, who has played the last three seasons for Libertad de Sunchales. Both players were signed by Sionista to a two-year contract

SOURCE: Infoliga


Elad Hasin, new head coach of Maccabi Haifa

Maccabi Haifa has decided the replacement for the recently released head coach Avi Ashkenazi. The Israeli club has appointed the young 30-year-old coach Elad Hasin to take the reign of the club next season. Hasin was an assistant of Ashkenazi during the last two seasons. Hasin also served in 2003 as a scout at the University of Memphis with John Calipari.

SOURCE: Walla Sport


Thursday, May 20, 2010

Rudy Fernández could be interested in playing for Regal Barcelona

Asked about the interest of one of the candidates to president of Regal Barcelona, Sandro Rosell, in signing him, Rudy Fernández didn't rule out that option, and admitted indirect contacts between both parts. The Spanish guard, though, is under contract by the Portland Trail Blazers, and would have to negociate his leaving with the NBA franchise.

SOURCE: El Mundo Deportivo


Sergiy Gladyr won't try to play in the NBA next season

Sergiy Gladyr, drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with the 49th pick in 2009, won't try to earn a spot next season in the NBA. The 20-year-old forward has played this season in Suzuki Manresa, averaging 9.4 points and 2.1 rebounds per game in the Spanish ACB league. Gladyr will stay another season in Manresa.

SOURCE: El Punt


Marcus Brown, new "head coach" of Zalgiris

The owner of Zalgiris Kaunas, Vladimir Romanov, decided to give the head coach duties to Marcus Brown before the Game 6 of the LKL Finals against Lietuvos Rytas. Dainius Salenga, captain of Zalgiris, was the unofficial coach of the Lithuanian team after the firing of Darius Maskoliunas a week ago.

SOURCE: Basketnews.lt


Mindaugas Katelynas could be back to Lithuania next season

The head coach of Meridiano Alicante, Óscar Quintana, doesn't expect Mindaugas Katelynas to play another year in Spain. According to Quintana, Katelynas wants to be back to his country, Lithuania, to stay closer to his family. Zalgiris Kaunas is already reported to be interested in the 26-year-old forward, who has averaged 11.2 points and 5.0 rebounds this season in the ACB league.

SOURCE: EFE


Flor Meléndez wants to stay in the Mets de Guaynabo

Despite agreeing to take the reign next season of Libertad de Sunchales, the new head coach of the Mets de Guaynabo, Flor Meléndez, is considering to sign a long-term contract with the Puerto Rican team. Meléndez is waiting to know if the dates of the Argentinian and the Puerto Rican leagues allow him to take the reign of both teams.

SOURCE: Primera Hora


Kristaps Valters won't play next season for DKV Joventut

After a disappointing season, DKV Joventut is already planning the next one with a lot of changes in the roster. Despite having another year of contract, Kristaps Valters will leave the Spanish club this summer. The 28-year-old Latvian guard, who arrived from Ayuda en Acción Fuenlabrada, has averaged 7.5 points and 4.3 assists per game in the ACB league.

SOURCE: El Punt


Energa Czarni signs Paweł Leończyk

Energa Czarni has added the first player for the next season. The Polish team has signed Paweł Leończyk to a two-year contract. The 24-year-old forward played last season in Turow Zgorzelec, averaging 8.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Leonczyk will be back to Energa Czarni, where he played in the 2008-09 season

SOURCE: Polski Kosz


Bizkaia Bilbao Basket releases officially Damir Markota

As expected, Damir Markota is no longer player of Bizkaia Bilbao Basket, after agreeing with the Spanish team the termination of his contract. The 24-year-old Croatian forward arrived to Bilbao in January 2009 from ViveMenorca and has averaged 4.3 points and 3.4 assists in the ACB league this season.

SOURCE: Bilbao Basket


VEF Riga appoints Valdis Valters as the new vice president, while trying to land Karpars Kambala

Valdis Valters, who left temporary his duties as head coach of VEF Riga weeks ago due to health problems, won't be back to the Latvian team bench. The former point guard has accepted to be the new vice president of basketball operations of VEF Riga. The Latvian team is also trying to sign the center Kaspars Kambala, now in Enisey Krasnoyarsk, for the next season.

SOURCE: TV Net


Partizan denies any interest for Luka Bogdanovic

Dragan Todoric, manager of Partizan, denied the Serbian team is interested in bringing back Luka Bogdanovic next season. The 25-year-old forward could leave DKV Joventut next summer, after two years in the Spanish team. Bogdanovic, who played for Partizan between 2004 and 2007, has averaged this season 9.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in the ACB league,

SOURCE: Sportske


Eric Musselman is the new head coach of the Dominican NT

The former head coach of the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings, Eric Musselman, was finally appointed to take the reign of the Dominican Republic national team. The 45-year-old coach, who was working as a TV analyst, was signed until 2012, when the Domincan Republic will try to play in the Olympic Games, in London.

SOURCE: El Caribe


Mark Worthington, to stay in Europe

The agent of Mark Worthington slammed the rumors about the possible signing of the 26-year-old forward to the Townsville Crocodriles. Worthington, who played last season for the Melbourne Tigers posting 15.3 points and 2.2 rebounds per game, wants to keep on playing in Europe. The Australian forward has finished the season in Germany with Brose Baskets Bamberg, averaging 5.7 points and 2.2 rebounds in 13 games.

SOURCE: Townsville Bulletin


Libertad de Sunchales adds Álex Galindo and Robert Day

Libertad de Sunchales have signed Álex Galindo for the next season. The Puerto Rican forward has played recently in the Uruguayan team Cader and in the Indios de Mayagüez, posting 21.1 and 7.3 rebounds per game in the BSN league. Libertad has also added the American guard Robert day, recently playing for the Lobos Grises de Durango, in Mexico.

SOURCE: Infoliga


Fenerbahce, interested in Harun Erdenay to coach the team next year

The health problems of Bogdan Tanjevic could force Fenerbahce to hire a new head coach for the next season. Along with Neven Spahija, currently in talks to extend his contract with Power Electronics Valencia, the Turkish team is also exploring to sign Harun Erdenay. The former player of Fenerbahce between 1993 and 2003 could be the first option, while Aydin Örs, who won the league as head coach for the Turkish team in 2007, could also be back to Fenerbahce.

SOURCE: Basketball Haber


Mets de Guaynamo hires Flor Meléndez to replace Pepo Martínez

The Mets de Guaynabo are trying to qualify for the playoff of the BSN league, and have decided to change their head coach. Pepo Martínez was fired by the Puerto Rican team, that hired to replace him Flor Meléndez for the rest of the season. The Mets are trying to sign the former coach of the Trotamundos de Carabobo to a multi-year contract, though Meléndez is set to take the reign of Libertad de Sunchales when the next Argentinian league starts.

SOURCE: Primera Hora


Trabzonspor signs Cevher Özer and extends Harold Jamison

The recently promoted Trabzonspor keeps on building the team in his comeback to the TBL. After adding Evren Büker from Galatasaray, the Turkish team has extended the contract of the former NBA player Harold Jamison, who arrived to Trabzonspor last February, and has added 27-year-old forward Cevner Özer, who was playing since 2006 in Besiktas.

SOURCES: Turk Basket, Basketbol Haber


BC Hoverla releases Rotislav Kryvych

The brief stint of Rotislav Kryvych in Hoverla is over. The Ukrainian team has decided to part ways with the 31-year-old guard, who arrived to Hoverla last February from the folded team BC Donetsk. Kryvych averaged 10.2 points and 2.6 rebounds before being swept in the Ukrainian Super League quarterfinals by Budivelnik.

SOURCE: iSport


Obras Sanitarias signs Luis Cequeira

Luis Cequeira will play next season for Obras Sanitarias. The Argentinian 25-year-old guard played recently for Juventud Sionista, arriving to the semifinals of the LNB league and averaging 14.1 points and 4.4 assists per game. Cequeira will play the next South American Club Championship with Obras Sanitarias next July.

SOURCE: Infoliga


Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Kavala releases Vangelis Alexandris

Kavala has decided to release Vangelis Alexandris as the head coach of the Greek team. The 59-year-old coach, former winner of a Saporta Cup with Maroussi and an EuroCup with Aris Thessaloniki, arrived this season to Kavala from Kolossos Rhodes, leading his team to avoid relegation with an 8-18 balance.

SOURCE: Basketnet


Gianluce Basile wants to play for an Euroleague team next season if he leaves Regal Barcelona

The future of Gianluca Basile could be far from Regal Barcelona, The 35-year-old Italian guard is at the end of his contract, and his current club is reported to sign Rafa Martínez or Rudy Fernández for the shooting guard position. In that case, despite he doesn't want to leave Barcelona, Basile wants to continue playing in the top European competition with another team.

SOURCE: Euroleague


Doug Collins, leading candidate to be the next head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers are close to announce the new head coach who will replace Eddie Jordan. The leading candidate is reported to be the veteran coach and TV analyst Doug Collins, while Avery Johnson and Sam Mitchell could be the alternatives. Other names like Dan Majerle, Bill Laimbeer, Monty Williams and Elston Turner could be already ruled out.

SOURCE: Philadelphia Daily News


Rossen Barchovski, new head coach of the Bulgarian NT

Rossen Barchovski is back to the Bulgarian national team, after being appointed by the national basketball federation. Barchovski was in charge of Bulgaria in 1995, in 1997 and from 2004 to 2006, and will replace Pini Gershon. The former coach of CSKA Sofia will lead the Bulgarian NT in the next EuroBasket 2011 qualification stage this summer

SOURCE: FIBA


Atlanta Hawks will interview Dean Demopolous for their coaching vacancy

The Portland Trail Blazers assistant Dean Demopolous will be interviewed by the Atlanta Hawks for their coaching vacancy. The Hawks are looking for a replacement for Mike Woodson, recently released. Demopolous worked with Rick Sund, the Hawks general manager, in their stint with the Seattle SuperSonics.

SOURCE: Sports Illustrated


Richard Chaney is officially a new player of the Cangrejeros de Santurce

After solving his bureaucratic issues with his former team in Germany, Ludwigsburg, Richard Chaney has officially signed his contract in Puerto Rico with the Cangrejeros de Santurce, and will play tonight his first game against the Capitanes de Arecibo. The 26-yerar old forward averaged 8.0 points and 5.1 rebounds per game in the BBL.

SOURCE: Cangrejeros de Santurce


Maccabi Tel Aviv, interested in Kosta Perovic

Kosta Perovic could be another target of Maccabi Tel Aviv for the next season. The 25-year-old Serbian center, now playing in Spain for Power Electronics Valencia, is on the radar of Maccabi, though the Israeli team hasn't talk with his representatives. The ACB club could transfer Perovic to get extra funds to extend the contract of Neven Spahija. The former player of the Golden State Warriors, who signed a three-year contract with Valencia in 2008, has averaged 8.4 points and 4.9 rebounds this season.

SOURCE: Sport5


Luka Bogdanovic could be back to Partizan next season

After two years in DKV Joventut, Luka Bogdanovic could leave Spain and be back to his former team, Partizan, where the Serbian 25-year-old forward played between 2004 and 2007. Bogdanovic, who has averaged 9.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in the ACB league, will be a free agent this summer.

SOURCE: El Punt


Siauliai signs Darius Gvezdauskas for next season

After finishing in the third place in the last LKL league, Siauliai is already planning the next season, and the first signingn is Darius Gvezdauskas. The 21-year-old guard played last season with Nevezis, averaging 16.0 points and 2.7 assists in the LKL. Gvezdauskas will have the chance to play in the EuroCup with his new team.

SOURCE: Krepsinis


Stanislav Eremin could replace Valdemaras Homicius next season in Unics Kazan

Stanislav Eremin, now head coach of Triumph Lyubertsy, could be signed next season by Unics Kazan. Eremin would replace the Lithuanian former player Valdemaras Homicius, in charge of Unics since 2007. Both coaches faced each other in the quarterfinals of the Russian Super league, with victory for Unics Kazan.

SOURCE: Basketnews.lt


Jerome Moiso and Damir Markota will leave Bizkaia Bilbao Basket

After Renaldas Seibutis, the next players to leave Bizkaia Bilbao Basket, besides Paco Vázquez, will be Jerome Moiso and Damir Markota, as the coach Fotis Katsikaris has confirmed. The French center arrived last summer to Bilbao from DKV Joventut, while the Croatian forward was signed by the Spanish team from ViveMenorca in January 2009.

SOURCE: El Correo


Anwil Wloclawek, eyeing Dardan Berisha

One of the most improved players of the last Polish league, Dardan Berisha, is on the radar of Anwil Wloclawek. The 22-year-old guard has averaged this season has averaged 16.0 points and 3.3 rebounds per game for Polonia Warszawa, despite being unable to avoid the relegation of his team from the PLK.

SOURCE: Pomorska


Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Bizkaia Bilbao Basket and Renaldas Seibutis part ways

Renaldas Seibutis won't play next season for Bizkaia Bilbao Basket, after agreeing to terminate his contract with the Spanish team. The 24-year-old guard arrived to Bilbao in 2008 from Olympiakos, and has averaged 4.8 points and 1.6 rebounds in 13.6 minutes per game this season in ACB.

SOURCE: Bilbao Basket


Luis Guil, new head coach of CB Murcia

As expected, CB Murcia has officially announced Luis Guil as the new coach of CB Murcia to replace Edu Torres, who was at the end of his contract. The 38-year-old coach, who was fired from Ayuda en Acción Fuenlabrada at the early stages of the season, will be in charge of CB Murcia, his second club as a head coach, in LEB Oro.

SOURCE: CB Murcia


Rhys Carter, to play for the Adelaide 36ers next season

Rhys Carter will leave Sweden to land in the Adelaide 36ers next season, as the same player confirmed. The 26-year-old Australian guard was playing for Gothia Basket, averaging 16.3 points and 4.9 assists in 30.4 minutes per game. The former player of the Victoria Giants and the West Sydney Razorbacks will be back to Australia after a season in Sweden.

SOURCE: NBL


Laurent Sciarra could play next season in Pau-Orthez

Laurent Sciarra could have found a new team after announcing his leaving from Orleans, where the veteran 36-year-old French guard has played during the last two seasons. The executive director of Pau Orthez, a team that will play next season in the LNB ProA, confirmed Sciarra's signing about his possible signing.

SOURCE: Sudouest


Virtus Bologna signs Kristjan Kangur

As expected, Kristjan Kangur was officially announced as the new signing of Canadian Solar Bologna for the Lega A playoff. The Estonian 27-year-old forward arrives to Italy after spending this season in ASVEL Villeurbanne. In the French LNB, Kangur averaged 5.1 points and 2.0 rebounds in 16 minutes per game.

SOURCE: Virtus Bologna


Ayuda en Acción Fuenlabrada and Alan Voskuil part ways

Alan Voskuil is no longer player of Ayuda en Acción Fuenlabrada, after agreeing to terminate his contract with the Spanish club. The 23-year-old guard, who arrived last summer from the Texas Tech college, played loaned during almost the entire season in the LEB Plata team Carrefour "El Boulevar" Ávila.

SOURCE: Baloncesto Fuenlabrada


Yao Ming could leave the Houston Rockets

According to Chinese sources, the talks between Yao Ming and the Houston Rockets to extend the center's contract are in a delicate situation. The Chinese All-Star wants a 6-year contract to agree to re-sign with the Rockets, while the NBA franchise is only willing to offer a 4-year contract. Yao Ming, who has missed the entire last season due to a foot injury, will become a free agent next summer, and could decide to sign with another team after 8 seasons in Houston.

SOURCE: Hoopchina


Sandro Rosell, candidate for president of Regal Barcelona, offers Rudy Fernandez a €7.5 million, 3-year contract

Sandro Rosell could have offered a €7.5 million ($9.3 million), 3-year contract to Rudy Fernández, who is reported to be unhappy in his current team, the Portland Trail Blazers. Rosell, the main candidate to become the next president of Regal Barcelona, would have to wait until Fernández and the Blazers agree to part ways to land the Spanish guard, who played for DKV Joventut before moving to the NBA two years ago. Caja Laboral and Real Madrid are also interested in the 25-year-old player for the next season.

SOURCE: As


Luis Guil will be the new head coach of CB Murcia

The day after the departure of Edu Torres was official, CB Murcia is close to sign Luis Guil as his replacement. The 38-year-old coach was in charge of Ayuda en Acción Fuenlabrada for one entire season, before being fired at the start of the last one. CB Murcia will play in LEB Oro next year.

SOURCE: La Opinión de Murcia


Trabzonspor signs Evren Büker for the next season

Trabzonspor will return to the TBL next season, and has already made the first signing of the new stint of the Turkish club in the top division. Evren Büker, from Galatasaray, has agreed to play for the new TBL team. The 24-year-old guard averaged 9.8 points and 3.6 assists last season for Galatasaray, where he arrived coming from Oyak Renault.

SOURCE: Turkbasket


Monday, May 17, 2010

Nikos Hatzivrettas could leave Aris Thessaloniki next season

Nikos Hatzivrettas is open to discuss the termination of his remaining contract with Aris Thessaloniki. The 32-year-old Greek forward could land next season in Iraklis, one of his former teams. Hatzivrettas has averaged 6.6 points and 1.7 rebounds this season in the Greek A1 league.

SOURCE: Superbasket


Zalgiris Kaunas, to land Willie Deane next season

Zalgiris Kaunas could bring back to the team Willie Deane next season. The American guard, who is now in Bulgaria playing for Lukoil Akademik, is a target for the Lithuanian team, and his agency is already in talks with Zalgiris. Deane played for Zalgiris during the 2008-09 season.

SOURCE: Basketnews.lt


Sergio Rodríguez, considering offers from several NBA teams

Sergio Rodríguez will decide his future in a week, according to the Spanish player. The 23-year-old guard would like to stay in his current team, the New York Knicks, though he admitted to have other NBA teams interested in him. Several teams in Spain, like Real Madrid, Caja Laboral and Power Electronics Valencia, are also in the mix to land Rodríguez next season.

SOURCE: EFE


CB Murcia and Edu Torres part ways

Edu Torres is no longer the head coach of the CB Murcia, after the Spanish club has decided not to extend his contract. Torres arrived last December to Murcia to replace Moncho Fernández, but couldn't avoid the relegation of the team, which will play next season in LEB Oro with a new head coach.

SOURCE: CB Murcia


Oleksiy Pecherov wants to stay in the NBA

The season of Oleksiy Pecherov is over after his team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, failed to reach the NBA playoffs, being one of the worst teams in the league. The 24-year-old Ukrainian center, who will be a free agent next summer, averaged 4.5 points and 2.8 rebounds in just 10.2 minutes per game. Despite not playing much minutes in his first season with the Wolves, Pecherov wants to stay in the NBA, and will consider his options after July 1st, when the NBA transfer market starts again.

SOURCE: Basket.com.ua


Capitanes de Arecibo sign Guillermo Díaz

After ending the season in Italy with Angelico Biella, despite playing just 3 games, Guillermo Díaz will land in Puerto Rico. The 25-year-old player will play for the Capitanes de Arecibo, in the first stint of Díaz in the league of his country. The former player of Los Angeles Clippers averaged 7.7 points and 2.0 assists in the Lega A since landing in Italy last January.

SOURCE: Primera Hora


ASU Club signs Olumide Oyedeji, who wants to be back to China next season

The Jordanian club ASU Club has signed Olumide Oyedeji for the next Asian Clubs Championship, to be played this month. The 29-year-old Nigerian center, who played in the NBA from 2000 to 2003 in the Seattle SuperSonics and the Orlando Magic, arrives from the Liaoning Dinosaurs, in the Chinese league. Oyedeji said he wants to be back to the CBA next season, where he averaged 14.1 points and 12.2 rebounds per game, though he still doesn't know if he will play for Liaoning again.

SOURCE: Netease


Sunday, May 16, 2010

Bogdan Tanjevic, almost recovered from his cancer, hopes to coach the Turkish NT next summer

The recovery of Bogdan Tanjevic from his cancer is going faster than expected, and the Montenegrin head coach is hoping to lead the Turkish National Team again next summer. The 63-year-old had to leave temporary his job in the NT, and in Fenerbahce, due to his illness. Lately, there has been rumours about the possibility of Panagiotis Giannakis taking his spot in the next World Championship.

SOURCE: SportSport


Chicago Bulls, considering Lawrence Frank, Maurice Cheeks and Dwane Casey as the next head coach

The Chicago Bulls keep on searching a replacement for Vinny Del Negro, who was fired two weeks ago. The main candidates are Lawrence Frank, former coach of the New Jersey Nets, and Maurice Cheeks, former coach of the Portland Trail Blazers and the Philadelphia 76ers. Another name, besides Kevin McHale, could be the assistant of the Dallas Mavericks, Dwane Casey, who is also on the mix to replace Mike Woodson in the Atlanta Hawks.

SOURCE: Post Tribune, New York Daily News


Paco Vázquez, to leave Bizkaia Bilbao Basket

The season is over for Bizkaia Bilbao Basket, after failing to reach the ACB league playoff. The Spanish team is already planning next season, and Paco Vázquez is the first player who will leave Bilbao for sure. The 36-year-old guard, who arrived in 2008 from DKV Joventut, has averaged 2.0 points and 0.7 rebounds in 10 minutes per game in the ACB league

SOURCE: El Correo