Buckeye Ballers Blogspot

BuckeyeBallersTV - Ron Lewis Steal and Dunk! (Israel - 11.13.2011)

2011-11-20T23:28:00.001-06:00

(Image - Ron Lewis - Hapoel Holon - Israel - Fall 2011)

BuckeyeBallersTV - Here's a brief clip of Buckeye star Ron Lewis doing his thing at the Hapoel Holon/Ashkelon (11.13.2011) game in the Israeli Premier League. Lewis gets a steal and throws it down with the left hand! That's a routine type of play for Lew, but the fans of Hapoel Holon is what we really wanted you to soak in for a bit. Listen to these Holon fans as Lewis makes another play. This is one of the most unique aspects of high level international ball...the fans!

November 12-13 Results - 'The Weekend of Overtimes'

2011-11-20T20:10:00.002-06:00

(Image - Je'Kel Foster - Germany - Late Fall)

Buckeye Ballers - The Weekend of November 12-13 featured several notable individual performances and memorable games, including three exciting contests that needed an extra overtime period to determine a winner.

Germany (Round 8) - 11.12.2011 - FC Bayern 83 at Artland 86 - Overtime (FC Bayern Munich falls at Artland in an overtime thriller. Buckeye guard Je'Kel Foster scored a season high 31 points for Bayern! Je'Kel made five three-pointers and went 4/4 from the free throw line)

Greece - W- (Round 7) - 11.12.2011 - Panionios 65 at Kronos 72 (Rookie Brittany Johnson shines again for Panionios by leader her club with 26 points, 6 steals, 5 rebounds, 2 assists. Johnson made ten of eleven free throw shots)

Romania - (Round 9) - 11.12.2011 - Craiova 84 vs Oradea 51 (Brandie Hoskins and Craiova went to 6-3 after cruising past Oradea. The former Buckeye had 23 points, 6 assists, & 5 rebounds)

Poland (Round 11) - 11.12.2011 - PGE Turow 83 at Trefl Sopot 86 - Overtime (In a heavyweight battle in Poland. PGE Turow's 9 game winning streak was snapped by Trefl Sopot in Trefel's home Ergo Arena. Sopot hit a three with as time expired in regulation to send the game to overtime where they would win by three, handing Turow their first defeat of the season - Dallas Lauderdale: 6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block, 17 minutes in his Ergo Arena debut)

Greece - M - (Round 4) - 11.12.2011 - Panionios 58 at PAOK 51 (Panionios went on the road and held PAOK to a season low 51 points! Rookie Jon Diebler contributed 7 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal & assist in the big away victory)

Israel (Round 5) - 11.13.2011 - Hapoel Holon 87 vs Ironi Ashkelon 91 - Overtime (In another hard fought overtime game, Hapoel Holon was defeated by Askelon in the Israeli Premier League. Buckeye Ron Lewis played 40 minutes and scored 16 points with 6 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 steals)

Italy (Round 6) - 11.13.2011 - Bennet Cantu 90 vs Air Avellino 55 (Bennet Cantu simply destroyed Air Avellino at home. Cleveland's David Lighty had his most efficient game in Italy as a a result of scoring 15 points in just 12 minutes!)

Italy - Lighty Makes Most of Minutes, Goes Off vs Air Avellino!

2011-11-19T23:16:00.000-06:00

(Image - Rookie David Lighty's hot shooting wowed the home fans of Cantu in Round 6 - 11.13.2011)

11.13.2011 - Bennet Cantu 90 vs Air Avellino 55 (Serie A - Round 6)
- David Lighty: 15 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal in just 12 minutes!!

Cantu - As last year's runner up to the Italian League Championship, and current new participants in the 2011/2012 Turkish Airlines Euroleague, Bennet Cantu knew they would face some tough competition and adversity in. The Euroleague schedule usually ends up taking a toll on high level teams in Europe at some point in the season, and Cantu may be feeling the effects of having to play league games in Italy (where it seems they are getting opponents' best games) followed by a tough Euroleague game later in the week. Bennet Cantu opened the Italian League Regular Season with a 3-0 record, but they fell in rounds four & five to Pesaro (heartbreaker at home) and Treviso (17 point road loss - Lighty 7 points).

Lighty Explodes - Cantu responded from the worst defeat of the season at the hands Treviso by getting their biggest win after crushing Air Avellino by 35 points on November 13. Ohio State rookie David Lighty entered the contest and got hot in limited action. In just 12 minutes, Lighty (pictured left vs Avellino - 11.13.2011) made 5 of 6 field goal attempts (4/5 from 2, 1-1 from 3) and all 4 of free throw attempts (4-4) to total 15 points, 2 rebonds & an assist! (earning a team-high efficiency rating of 18)

Cantu clips -Three David Lighty shots are included, starting at the 2:12 mark, a drive and bucket, three pointer and long two! Go Dave!

BuckeyeBallersTV - Jon Diebler (11.12.2011)

2011-11-18T10:21:00.001-06:00

(Screen-capture - Jon Diebler at the foul line - 11.12.2011 - Thessaloniki, Greece)

BuckeyeBallersTV - Clips of Buckeye Jon Diebler in one of his first big away games of the season. Diebler scored 7 points Panionios' 58-51 defensive victory over PAOK.

- The Plays -

#9 Diebler circles around the screen, catches the ball and takes it right to the hoop for a layup!
Jon attacks off the dribble again, this time drawing a foul from a baseline drive.
Makes two free throws
Diebler hits a key three in the 4th quarter!

Greece - Jon Diebler and Panionios moved to 3-1 After Latest Victory over PAOK!

2011-11-17T20:13:00.000-06:00

(Image - L to R - Panionios' Americans Alex Stepheson, William Keys, Jon Diebler)

11.6.2011 -Panionios 78 vs Aris 66 (Greece A1: Round 3)
- Jon Diebler: 14 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals (4-4 from three)

11.13.2011 - Panionios 58 at PAOK 51 (Greece A1: Round 4)
- Jon Diebler: 7 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal

Upward Trend - Greek A1 club Panionios is looking solid after two impressive victories in early November 2011. The Athens based team entered the month with a 1-1 record in regular season play. Panionios first took care of Aris at home (11.6) by a score of 78-66 behind a nice 15 points/15 rebound double-double from Alex Stepheson & 14 points from Jon Diebler. The 12 point win over Aris was Panionios' finest game of the early season so far, and it was a good time to round into form with PAOK waiting on November 13. At PAOK was one of Panionios' tougher tests of the month, and they passed with a great collective effort on defense by holding the home team to a season low 51 points! (Final: 58-51).

Panionios has now positioned themselves to make a move to the top tier of the Greek League Standings. They will finish November games against KAOA (11.19) and Marousi (11.26)..Panionios will be favorited in both contests.

Diebler Breaks Out - After four games, Jon Diebler is averaging 19.5 minutes per game. Like most rookies in high level Europe, we can expect minutes and point totals to fluctuate at times..especially in these early season games since everything is new. In Diebler's case, he is currently adjusting to league competition and officiating while at the same time continuing to grow in head coach (pictured left: with Diebler) Giorgos Bartzokas' balanced system.

Jon Diebler made his biggest early season impact with Panionios during the round three match up with Aris. Diebler connected on all four of his three point attempts and added a two point bucket which resulted in an early pro career high of 14 points! Jon had to be amped up to play after getting into some foul trouble in game two vs Ilisiakos (played only 12 minutes). The former Mr. Ohio Basketball certainly made the most of his time against Aris by dropping 14 in just 19 minutes (good for the 2nd highest efficiency rating in the game) ! Diebler played a season high 27 minutes in the defensive battle at PAOK which suggests that the rookie's role may be increasing.

BuckeyeBallersTV - In The Game Short: Dallas Lauderdale & PGE Turow!

2011-11-17T16:15:00.002-06:00

(Image - PGE Turow - 11.9.2011 - Zgorzelec, Poland)

On Top in Poland - Dallas Lauderdale & PGE Turow are currently rolling through regular season play in the Tauron Basketball League with a perfect 9-0 record. Turow's winning formula is similar to many successful teams in European Basketball, strong defense and a balanced offense scoring wise. The squad out of Zgorzelec, Poland boasts a formidable backcourt with guards David Jackson, Giedrius Gustas, and Ronald Moore. Daniel Kickert, Konrad Wysocki, and Michal Chylinski are three solid forwards followed by big men Dallas Lauderdale (pictured left: hook shot vs Lodz 11.6.2011) & John Edwards.

Tough Comp On Deck - The schedule is about to get much tougher for Turow, a team that has not participated in many close games this season. Two road games await the club out of Zgorzelec, Poland..the first is at Trefl Sopot on November 12 and then at Buducnost in the country of Montenegro to open up Eurocup play (November 15).

BuckeyeBallersTV - So most of our videos consist of just clips featuring our beloved Buckeys, but sometimes we create packages with extended film to give you general look into the overall team, not just a specific individual...we call these types of vids 'In The Game'. This short is a pretty cool look-in into how rookie Dallas Lauderdale is contributing to a top team in Poland.

This is Zgorzelec, this is Turow! It only takes a few viewings to understand why this team is effective, especially at home. Turow jumps on opposing squads with exception defense and ball movement. And as Buckeye followers would expect, Dallas Lauderdale's inside presence has had a positive defensive impact (he's top 3 in the league in blocked shots and a big part of Turow's interior defense).

Inside The Game Short - The following footage is from Turow's big 27 point blowout (87-60) over Anwil on November 9, 2011. Turow ambushed Anwil from the start with an impressive 19-5 run in the first quarter..they would never look back after that. Dallas Lauderdale was very effective during this run by turning multiple shots back and rebounding the ball wich lead to positive plays on the other end...this is what Dallas Lauderdale brings.

Notes & The Plays

Warning, beware of the Horns of Turow! If you thought the vuvuzelas were loud, prepare for Turow's earsplitting horns. The home fans of Zgorzelec are very vocal and provide a great atmosphere/environment for opposing teams.

1st play - Great one on one defense by Lauderdale. He moves his feet against Anwil's Corsley Edwards and sends the shot in the first row!

Dallas then shows his prowess on help defense as he kills another shot which leads to layup by the veteran Lithuanian guard Gustas. A perfect example of defense leading to offense.

The crowd is feeling it now..big D gets the rebound, and Konrad Wysocki hits a three on the other end..Anwil better watch out!

#7 Giedrius Gusta hits an open jumper from transition after an Edwards miss. Anwill takes a T.O afer 11-3 run by Turow.

More good D from Dallas..he stays tall and in front of Edwards, forcing a turnover which results in more transition points.

Wysocki finds Lauderdale for a bucket to make it 19-5..and he route was definitely on.

It is great to see Dallas Lauderdale amid a winning situation because he such a bright and on point attitude about his role and the overall team.

Notable Early November 2011 Results

2011-11-15T01:14:00.000-06:00

(Image - Jantel Lavender goes up against WNBA Star Tina Charles overseas - Istanbul, Turkey - 11.6.2011)

Let's go around the world to check out some notable early November results/stats from games involving our pro Buckeyes. (Games from November 1 through November 10)

Romania (Round 7) - 11.5. 2011 - Alba Iulia 79 Craiova 65 (Brandie Hoskins 22 points/7 assists, 3 steals for Craiova)

Poland (Round 9) - 11.5.2011 - PGE Turow 92 LKS Lodz 54 (Rookie Dallas Lauderdale contributes 8 rebounds, 6 points, and a block in Turow's blowout win)

Turkey (Round 3) - 11.6.2011 - Galatasaray 82 Besiktas 63 (Jantel Lavender scores 36 points !! against Diana Tuarasi, Tina Charles and Turkish power Galatasaray! The rest of her team scored 27 points)

Greece (W-Round 6) - 11.6.2011 - Panionios 77 Apollon Kal. 70 (Brittany Johnson opens November with a 28 point/7 rebound/3 assists/2 steals performance in Panionios W over Apollon.)

Greece (M - Round 3) - 11.6.2011 - Panionios 78 Aris 66 (Another Buckeye Rookie, Jon Diebler, connected on all four of his 3 point attemps, ending with 14 points in just 19 minutes against Aris!)

Mexico (Round 24) - 11.6. 2011 - Abejas 79 Halc. Xalapa 95 (Veteran Tony Stockman scored 15 points versus one of the top Mexican teams..he hit three 3-point shots)
Romania (Round 8) - 11.9.2011 - Alexandria 71 Craiova 62 (Brandie Hoskins 28 points/8 rebounds/5 assists/2 steals!)

Poland (Round 10) - 11.10.2011 - AZS Koszalin 109 LKS Lodz 75 (George Reese netted 24 points vs Lodz, half came from behind the arc from 4 threes)

Mexico (Round 25) - 11.10.2011 - Abejas 104 Fuerza Regia 112 (Tony Stockman 17 points/5 assists, 6-6 from the foul line!)

Quick Dishes - Greg Oden Back to Running, Katie Smith & Candace Dark Working with OSU Basketball Staff, Velimir Radinovic Leaves German Team

2011-11-14T23:16:00.000-06:00

(Image -Greg Oden repping' the Block 'O')

Quick Dishes - Portland Trailblazers Center Greg Oden gave a status update on his comeback process in late October by posting on Facebook that he is back to running again (link). Former tOSU Basketball legend Katie Smith is currently back at Ohio State in grad school and she can also be seen at Lady Buckeye games contributing to the coaching staff as a Player Development Assistant. In addition to Smith, Candace Dark, another former OSU player, is in her first year as Video Coordinator for Jim Foster's team.

The Tubingen, Germany based club, Walter Tigers, announced the departure (released) of center Velimir Radinovic on November 4, 2011. Radinovic's (pictured left - 2011) seven years of pro basketball experience includes stops in Greece, Serbia, and most recently the Germany League where he had been playing since March 2010 (played with MBC from Spring 2010 to spring 2011 before joining the Walter Tigers in the fall of 2011).

Web/News - RealGM.Com Interview: Je'Kel Foster. Plus longtime teammate Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje Retires

2011-11-14T20:03:00.001-06:00

(Image - An emotional Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje announces retirement among Bayern teammates - L to R - Ben Hansbrough, Boumtje-Boumtje, Stefen Hamann, Je'Kel Foster, Demond Greene - 11.6.2011 - Pregame in Munich, Germany)

Ruben Retires - Je'Kel Foster (pictured left: 11.6.2011) & and Bayern Munich moved to 5-3 in German League after downing Ludwigsburg at home by a score of 61-55. Perhaps the most memorable moment of this game was prior to tip-off when Bayern center Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje announced his retirement (due to heart issues - link), concluding an 11 year professional career. The former Georgetown Hoya played two seasons for the Portland Trailblazers before continuing his career overseas. Boumtje and former Buckeye Je'Kel Foster were teammates in Oldenburg for two seasons, both members of the 2009 German League Championship squad. The two players were reunited in the 2011 fall pre-season period when Bayern signed the veteran center for front-court depth.

Web: American Basketball website RealGM.com posted an interview with Je'Kel Foster on November 8. Included in the interview is Foster's thoughts on NBA players going overseas because of the labor situation, how life is in Munich Germany, and adjusting to international basketball in general.

RealGM.com - Europe Interview - Je'Kel Foster of Bayern Munich (link)

BuckeyeBallersTV - Othello Hunter 2010/2011 Italy Dunk Mix!

2011-11-13T20:12:00.002-06:00

(Image - Othello Hunter shows out at the 2011 Lega Basket All-Star Game)

BuckeyeBallersTV - International hoops star Othello Hunter continues to show why he is one of the most exciting former Buckeyes in professional basketball today. Here's a tip, you do not want to jump with the athletic 6'8 forward because O will put you on a poster! THIS is what's coming to Asia's top league, the Chinese Basketball Association in 2011/2012!

-- Othello Hunter 2010/2011 Italy DunkMix --

China - Buckeye Othello Hunter is Set to Hoop in Asia's Premier Basketball League for 2011/2012!

2011-11-12T00:06:00.001-06:00

(Image - Talented forward Othello Hunter eyes a slam dunk against Italian power Siena - Italy - 2010/2011)

Buckeye: Othello Hunter
Years Pro: Three
Number of Countries Played In: Three (United States - NBA, Greece - A1, Italy - Serie A)
Former Team: Dinamo Sassari
New Team: Shandong Lions
League: Chinese Basketball Association

(In one of the most notable signings of the Pro Buckeye Off-Season, Othello Hunter agreed to a deal with the Shandong Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association for 2011/2012.)

Elite Buckeye - In our view, former Buckeye Othello Hunter really made a name for himself on the international stage after having what we would call a breakout season in the Italian Basketball League. As you may remember, Hunter saw limited on court time with the Atlanta Hawks in his first year and half of pro ball. He would finish the 2009/2010 season (his second year) in Greece before joining Dinamo Sassari of Italy for his 2010/2011 run. Playing in the Serie A (Italy) gave Hunter the opportunity to start & play big minutes in a top five European league.

Othello flourished under coach Romeo Sacchetti's up and down/fast style of play. The big man out of North Carolina, United States averaged 15 points, 7 rebounds in 30 Serie A games (stats). Hunter had several monster performances..he scored 17 or more points in 11 games and collected seven double-doubles. His season high was a 28 point/9 board effort at Cremona in round 30. He also performed well in both of his games (20 & 17 point games) against league Champion Siena which opened some eyes in the European Basketball community. Othello Hunter was recognized as one of the top big men in Italy with a selection to 2011 Lega Basket All-Star Game (his first career All-Star selection!).

In addition to his individual accomplishments, Hunter also experienced overall team success with Sassari. He teamed with fellow American nationals James White and Travis Diener to form a core that would turn Sassari into one of Italy's surprise teams of 2010/2011. Sassari finished the regular season in sixth place which was good enough for the club's first ever playoff birth. (Hunter and company shocked the country by winning game one vs #2 seeded Milano in game one of the playoffs, but they eventually fell in the series 3-1). This was a very successful year for Othello in our opinion because a lot of folks got view how his play had a direct impact on Dinamo Sassari's historical club success.

Hunter has not been playing pro ball for that long, but he already has a nice resume which includes time in the NBA, and starters experience in Greece & Italy. He continues to get better with each year of season. Othello was specifically devastating in the pick & roll /pop set with Travis Diener in Italy. Transition is where he can be especially dangerous as an athletic/running big man, and he also able to display a nice face up jumper as well. 'O' is now ready to show off his talented game in the top basketball league in Asia!

A Buckeye in the CBA ! When it comes to popularity and notoriety in the word of pro basketball, there is first of course the National Basketball Association of the USA..then there is Europe's top super competition, the Euroleague followed by domestic leagues of Spain, Italy, Turkey, and China..yes China!. The CBA, short for Chinese Basketball Association, is Asia's premier basketball league in terms of quality of talent & organization. And this only make sense because China is the number one basketball country in Asia. The Chinese National team routinely wins the FIBA Asia Championships & plays in competitions such as the Olympics & World Championships. Moreover, China has produced multiple NBA talents which has helped fuel unprecedented interest in the sport of basketball among the Chinese populace. And the national league has only benefited from the last decade of increased basketball popularity in China. The CBA is known for its large audiences and expansive media coverage throughout Asia.

NBA Model/Star Power - The Chinese Basketball Association is currently a coveted destination for top American imports due to the lucrative contracts and style of play. Unlike the FIBA leagues in Europe, the CBA is modeled after the NBA with four 12 minute quarters and long playoff series formats. CBA games often times feature high scoring contests filled with entertaining highlights. China is always mentioned as a possible place to play during the lockout for some of these top players like Kobe Bryant because the CBA is known as a place where guys can make good money while playing a familiar style in a strong international market.

Here's a CBA a preview from international Basketball website SoloBasket.com. This 2011/2012 CBA season may be the biggest ever as far as global fan interest. The import list unbelivably strong in part due to the NBA lockout. Some of the current & former NBA guys slated to play in the CBA are Keyon Martin, J.R Smith, Stephon Marbury, Sebastian Telfair, Aaron Brooks, Wilson Chandler, Randolph Morris, Gerald Green, Cartier Martin, and Marcus Williams!

Othello Hunter is the first Ohio State Buckeye to compete in the Chinese Basketball Association! (Fellow Buckeyes Terence Dials & James Sullinger have played in China in recent years, but that was in the country's 2nd league..the NBL). Hunter will team up with former Michigan State star Alan Anderson for his new squad, the Shandong Lions. The season opener is on November 19 vs Foshan. We can hardly wait to watch Othello hoop out on Asia's biggest stage!

Buckeye Ballers - First Team All-October

2011-11-10T17:48:00.002-06:00

(Image - #9 Brittany Johnson is shining bright for Panionios - Greece 2011)

First Team All-October - Brittany Johnson (Guard - Rookie) is our Player of the Month for October 2011. The rookie player out of Illinois averaged 23 points per game in Greece with a top scoring effort of 34 points on October 29.

Brandie Hoskins - Guard/Forward - (5) Years Pro (Averaged 22 ppg in Romania. Scored 20 or more points in last three games of the month. Dropped 32 in the game at Timisoara on October 14.)
Ron Lewis - Guard - (5) Years Pro (Played well at the 2011 Israel National Cup, helping Hapoel Holon advance to finals. Lewis opened regular season play with 25 points vs Rishon on October 16, and then he closed the month out with 27 against Hasharon. )
George Reese - Forward - (12) Years Pro (The veteran of AZS Koszalin netted double figure scoring in 5 of 6 October games. Reese scored 27 & 23 points in back to back Polish League games on October 15 & 18.
Je'Kel Foster - Guard - (6) Years Pro (Foster was instrumental in helping Bayern Munich to a 4-2 October record in Germany. He was a model of consistency in scoring 14 points or more in five of the six regular season games in October.)

Europe - Lady Buckeyes Brittany Johnson and Brandie Hoskins Cap October 2011 with Super Performances!

2011-11-09T21:01:00.000-06:00

(Image - Panionios' Brittany Johnson had a successful first month of professional basketball - Greece 2011)

Top Scorers - Talented guards Brittany Johnson & Brandie Hoskins have been pretty close to unstoppable in their respective leagues so far. Brittany Johnson, as a rookie, is currently averaging 23 ppg (5 gms) in Greece's top league. Her last game in October resulted in a career high 34 point outburst against PAOK! Johnson (pictured above & left) hit six three pointers (third game with four threes or more) and made eight of ten attempted free throw shots.

Brandie Hoskins has been an equally dominant player in the Romanian League. Hoskins averaged 22 points per October games in leading her club Craiova to a 5-1 record. Brandie's 20 point effort on October 29 extended her streak of double digit scoring to six straight games. She currently rated as the #1 scorer in Romania.

Israel (Round 3 Clips) - Hapoel Holon 119 Bnei Hasharon 80 (Ron Lewis, J.J. Hickson)

2011-11-09T12:37:00.002-06:00

(Image - #8 Ron Lewis & Hapoel Holon - Israel 2011)

10.30.2011 - Hapoel Holon 119 Bnei Hasharon 80 (Israeli League Regular Season)
- Ron Lewis: 27 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal !

Hapoel Holon hosted Bnei Hasharon in round three Premier League play on October 30. Both teams came into the game with 1-1 records with the top storyline being the overseas debut of former Cleveland Cavaliers forward J.J. Hickson (current member of the Sacramento Kings) . Hickson arrived to Israel just a week before the game after agreeing to a deal with Hasharon that included an NBA out in the event of a lockout resolution. Unfortunately for Hickson, a well oiled machine in the form of Hapoel Holon was waiting for him & Hasharon in his first game in the Super League.

Hapoel dismantled Hasharon in the first half by a score of 65-32 (two 31 point quarters!) before eventually coasting to a 119-80 blowout victory. Buckeye guard Ron Lewis contributed 27 points, 5 assists to go with a game high 29 points from Bryant Dunston for Holon. Hapoel outrebounded their opponents 47-29..they had 98 total points after the third quarter..this was a true runaway. Hickson finished with 20 points in what would turn out to be his first & only game overseas before returning to the states.

Check out these clips of Holon vs Bnei Hasharon! There are some sick dunks by #4 Patrick Sullivan and a throwdown by Lewis at the 2:50 mark...and what a great atmosphere from the Holon fans!

WNBA -- Rookie Reflections Interview: Jantel Lavender

2011-11-08T21:43:00.000-06:00

(Image - WNBA - #42 Jantel Lavender - Los Angeles Sparks)

Rookie Reflections Interview

WNBA.com interview with Los Angeles Sparks player Jantel Lavender. The former Ohio State All-American discusses life in L.A, adjusting to pro competition, among other topics.

From WNBA -

"Jantel Lavender just concluded a productive rookie season with the Sparks in which she averaged 6.6 points and 3.1 rebounds per contest while shooting an efficient 50% from the floor. The center from Ohio State enjoyed some monster performances, including 25 points and 10 boards on Aug. 12 vs. Phoenix and a 19-point, 12-board effort on Sept. 9 vs. Tulsa, both victories. Those were the highest totals by a Sparks rookie since Candace Parker’s MVP season of 2008, suggesting the best is yet to come from this Cleveland, Ohio native!"

Interview Link (click here) !

Italy - (Video) David Lighty Made First Pro Regular Season Start vs Pesaro!

2011-11-08T18:34:00.000-06:00

(Screen Capture - David Lighty - Italy - 10.30.2011)

10.30.2011 - Bennet Cantu 66 vs Scavolini Pesaro 71 - (Serie A - Round Four)
- David Lighty: 8 points (4-5) , 2 rebounds, 1 steal (17 total minutes)

Cantu Update - Bennet Cantu finished the month of October with a 3-1 record in the Italian Serie A & 1-1 in Euroleague play. Following their exhilarating Euroleague opener against SLUC Nancy on 10.19 , Cantu won a hard fought road game (10.23) against Umana Reyer in Venice, Italy (80-76 - D. Lighty - 5 points, 1 board, 1 assist in just 8 minutes). Cantu then traveled to Vitoria, Spain for Euroleague Game #2 (10.26) where they would suffer their first defeat of the season at the hands of a tough Caja Laboral club (81-69 - D. Lighty - one steal, no shot attempts in just 7 minutes).

More Tick (PT) Please - Playing time has been hard to come by for Buckeye rookie David Lighty so far. For one, Bennet Cantu is a veteran European team, and secondly, just about everyone one of their early season contests have been big/important games which may be why Head Coach Andrea Trinchieri is a little reluctant to trust Dave more. Despite not playing as much as he would like, Lighty is visibly in good spirits and looks prepared when on the court.

First Start - David's patience payed off for the Italian League Round 4 game (10.30) vs Scavolini Pesaro. Cantu's starting guard/forward Gianluca Basile sustained an injury in Spain, thus giving way to an opening in Cantu's lineup for the following game. With Basile out, David Lighty (pictured left below: vs Sassari - 10.16) knew he would be playing more than his seven minute per game average against Pesaro..but he probably did not expect Coach Trinchieri to give him the start. With his Mother and Aunt in attendance to see him play for the first time overseas, David Lighty made his first Pro Regular Season start vs Pesaro on October 30.

Cantu vs Pesaro - As we noted above, #4 has looked prepared and ready to ball when he's been out there, and Lighty would get off to a hot start in his first career start. Cantu jumped on Pesaro with a crazy 16-2 opening run in the first quarter. Their run included a couple sweet plays from Lighty, a nice steal and layup plus another coast to coast finish from a loose ball rebound (one man fast break!). Bennet Cantu took a 10 point lead into halftime (37-27), and it looked like they were on their way to a fourth consecutive victory in the Italian League. But Pesaro kept on chipping away at the lead, trailing only by three points (50-47). The fourth quarter was unfortunately owned by Pesaro...they needed to overcome 3 points and won the quarter by 8..giving them a 71-66 final.

David Lighty finished with 8 points, 2 rebounds, and one steal in a total of 17 minutes. Dave started the game, but he did not see much action as the game began to get tighter (Lighty did not play in the 4th quarter..we obviously did not agree with that haha). Still, it was very cool to see Lighty start and hoop out a bit.

BuckeyeBallersTV - David Lighty vs Pesaro - 10.30.2011

BuckeyeBallersTV - Je'Kel Foster Returns to Oldenburg! (10.29.2011)

2011-11-07T12:31:00.002-06:00

(Screencap - Former League Champion teammates, #23 Rickey Paulding of EWE Baskets & Bayern Munich's #13 Je'Kel Foster - Oldenburg, Germany - 10.29.2011)

(Image -Life- Rickey Paulding & Je'Kel Foster celebrate after advancing to the German League Finals - June 2009)

The Return - German League standout Je'Kel Foster played with EWE Baskets of Oldenburg from 2008 through 2010 (captured the league championship in 2009) . After a stint in Italy (2010/2011), he returned to the German Bundesliga as member of club FC Bayern Munich for 2011/2012. EWE Baskets played host to Bayern on October 29 in what was Foster's first game in and against Oldenburg since departing.

Je'Kel was able to see some of his former championship associates, namely Oldenburg guard Rickey Paulding and head coach Pedrag Krunic. This was a tough battle between Bayern & EWE, and it was cool to watch Foster compete in EWE Arena's great atmosphere again as the opposition.

BuckeyeBallersTV - Je'Kel Foster vs EWE Baskets Clips - 10.29.2011

-The Plays -

#13 Foster surprises Oldenburg guard Kenny Hasbrouck with a steal and layup in the 1st
Clock winding down...no problem..Je'Kel buries a 3 pointer on Hasbrouck as the buzzer sounds!
Textbook shot fake and jumper from just inside the arc
Foster utilizes a screen to get the hoop for an and-one finish on former teammate Milan Majstorovic !

United States - Jamar Butler And the Lima Explosion are Ready for Inaugural ABA Season

2011-11-07T11:03:00.000-06:00

(Image: Richard Parrish - Lima News - Jamar Butler - Local Charity Game - Lima, Ohio - 7.29.2011)

Former Ohio Mr. Basketball and Ohio State Buckeye, Jamar Butler, is resuming his pro basketball career with the Lima Explosion, an ABA expansion team based in his home location of Lima, Ohio! Butler, who signed with the Explosion Spring 2011, has recent experience in the Adriatic region and Greece.

Lima will play in the ABA's Mid-Central division along with area teams from Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois. Their season opener is an away game in Dayton vs the Gem City Hall of Famerse (November 27, 2011)

Roster (link)
Schedule (link)

(Image - Lima Explosion - Pre-Season Team Photo - October 2011)

Germany - EWE Baskets 88 FC Bayern 81 (10.29.2011)

2011-11-06T20:02:00.001-06:00

(Image - Pre-Tip - EWE Arena - Oldenburg, Germany - 10.29.2011)

10.29.2011 - FC Bayern 81 at EWE Baskets Oldenburg 88 (German League Regular Season)
- Je'Kel Foster: 10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal

Beko BBL -EWE Baskets outlasted FC Bayern in a very competitive BBL game on
October 29. Bayern Munich had six players in double scoring figures, including 10 from guard Je'Kel Foster. But Oldenburg countered with guard Bobby Brown (28pts), Ronnie Burrell (14 pts), both scored key buckets down the stretch to put EWE on top in front of a boisterous home crowd.

(This was a considerably balanced game from a team statistics standpoint. It was ultimately a few clutch offensive plays from Oldenburg that would end Bayern's four game winning streak.)

Assists - Oldenburg 13 FC Bayern 13
Total Rebounds - Oldenburg 32 FC Bayern 29
Turnovers - Oldenburg 16 FC Bayern 15

FC Bayern Munich's early November Schedule

11.5.2011 - vs Ludwigsburg (German League Round 7)
11.12.2011 - at Artland Dragons (German League Round 8)
11.15.2011 - vs Benetton Treviso (Eurocup Game 1)

Poland - PGE Turow (Dallas Lauderdale) 76 AZS Koszalin (George Reese) 61

2011-11-06T13:18:00.001-06:00

(The Battle of Zgorzelec! - Poland 2011)

10.26.2011 - PGE Turow 76 vs AZS Koszalin 61 (Polish League Regular Season)
- George Reese: 17 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 assist! (29 minutes)
-Dallas Lauderdale: 2 rebounds & 1 block in 8 minutes

Buckeye Clash - Dallas Lauderdale and undefeated PGE Turow hosted George Reese's AZS Koszalin club on October 26 in Turow's city of Zgorzelec. We always love these rare occasions where former Buckeyes happen to meet up with each other in the pro grame. In the 2010/2011 season, former tOSU teammates Mike Conley Jr. & Daequan Cook were on opposing sides during the Memphis/Oklahoma City Playoff series and Je'Kel Foster went up against Othello Hunter & his club in Italy of that season as well.

Turow is Tough - Despite a 17 point effort from Koszalin's George Reese (pictured left), undefeated PGE Turow continued their fine form with a 76-61 victory. It was close at the mid-way mark (40-38 Turow HT), but the home squad held Koszalin to just 23 points in the second half to grab the 15 point win. Rookie Dallas Lauderdale did not see as much action as we would have liked..he had a rebound & block in just eight minutes of play. PGE Turow stays in command of the Polish League standings with a 5-0 record. AZS Koszalin fell to 3-3.

Unrelated - George Reese wrote a blog post on Eurobasket.com which was posted on October 14, here's the link!

(Turow/Koszalin Video from Turow TV)

Mexico 2011 - Tony Stockman Returns to Professional Basketball!

2011-11-05T08:40:00.000-05:00

(Image - Tony Stockman - 2010/2011 Season - Brazil)

He's Back! It seemed as if retirement was imminent for Media County Sports Hall of Famer Tony Stockman. However, huge news broke in the latter part of October 2011 when online reports out of Mexico, Brazil, and Ohio announced that Stockman agreed to join club Abejas de Guanajuato of the LNBP! Abejas (Spanish for Bees) is located in the Mexican municipality of Guanajuato.

- Medina Gazette (10.27) - Rick Noland - Tony Stockman Signs With Mexican Team (Great Article)

Mexico - Tony Stockman, age 30, is very familiar with Mexico's top basketball league, the LNBP. Stockman had two stints with club Venados (November 2007 to January 2008 & fall 2008/2009..he additionally played for Nogales of the Cibacopa from January 2008 to the end of the 2008 season). In the 2008/2009 season, Stockman started in 45 games for Venados with an average of 18 points per game..his play earned a selection to the 2009 LNBP All-Star Game.

Due to the LNBP season beginning way back on September 1st, Stockman immediately found himself in crucial regular season games upon his arrival (Abejas was record 7-10 at the time). The former Buckeye and veteran of pro ball made his debut with Abejas de Guanajuato on October 27, 2011. Tony, wearing the jersey number six, scored 8 points with 5 rebounds & 3 assists in Abejas' 118-111 overtime victory over Lechugueros. Abejas is 3-2 since Stockman joined the club.

(Video - Clips of Stockman in Brazil last season)

Greece - Panionios Splits First 2 Regular Season Games before Pivotal Clashes with Aris and PAOK

2011-11-05T00:10:00.002-05:00

(Image - #9 Jon Diebler - Regular Season Week One - 10.22.2011 - Greece)

10.22.2011 - Panionios 67 at Kolossos 72 (Greek League Round One - Jon Diebler's Pro Regular Season debut)
- Jon Diebler: 6 points (2-5 from 3pt, no two point attempts) , 1 assist, 1 rebound , 20 minutes

Greece 2011/2012 - Rookie Jon Diebler and Panionios opened the new Greek League Regular season with an away game at Kolossos (10.22) followed by Ilysiakos (10.29) at home. They might have came away with a 2-0 start if not for a struggle in the very first half of the season. A good looking Kolossos team jumped on Panionios early at home en route to a 42-25 halftime score. Panionios responded with a 42 point half of their own in the 2nd period (won 2nd half 42-30), but they ultimately could not make up the deficit, losing by five, 72-67 on the road. Jon Diebler scored 6 points (2 threes) with a rebound & assist in his regular season debut.

Panionios bounced back from their tough defeat at Kolossos by taking care of business at home the next week. Center Alex Stepheson broke out with a team-high 20 point (7-7), 9 rebound effort Panionios' 76-66 victory over Ilysiakos.

Tough Opponents Looming - We are thinking that we should learn a lot more about Panionios after these couple of contests with Aris (11/6) & PAOK (11/12) . These are two solid squads to contend with (both represent Greece in the Eurocup competition), but Panionios has an opportunity to make some early season noise if they can build on their last three halves of play (has won or tied the last six quarters). Buckeye Jon Diebler logged only 12 minutes of action in game two vs Ilysiakos (played 20 mins in game one). We did not view the game, but Jon's limited action may have been in part due to foul trouble (ended the game with 4). These next couple of games should garner considerable media coverage which will hopefully result in some clips of Diebler & Panionios!

(Here is a video package of the Greek League's first round of play - 10.22.2011 - the brief Panionios/Kolossos clips start at the 2:37 mark. If you watch closely at 2:40, you will see #9 Jon Diebler passes to a teammate who scores on a layup.)

Asia - Ivan Harris Continues World Pro Basketball Tour in the Land of the Rising Sun!

2011-11-04T00:02:00.001-05:00

(Image - Ivan Harris was a fan favorite as a member of the Ballarat Miners - Summer 2011 - Australia)

Around The World With Ivan - Former Buckeye Ivan Harris has been on what can be called a world basketball tour in recent years. The 27 year old forward out of Springfield, Ohio is now a veteran of professional basketball with four seasons under his belt. He is mostly known to basketball fans from his time at the The Ohio State University (2003-2007), and his two year run with the Erie Bayhawks (2008-2010) of the NBA Developmental League, and Harris has already put together a worldly list of other playing locations on his basketball resume. Ivan briefly played in the South American countries of Argentina and Uruguay in Winter 2010 before flying to Australia for the 2011 Spring/Summer 2011 stint in that country.

Land Down Under - Ivan Harris was a stand-out import for the Ballarat Miners of Australia's SEABL (South East Australian Basketball). Harris averaged 17 points in 26 games for Ballarat. His top scoring game in Australia was a 29 point performance vs Brisbane on April 4, 2011..Ivan netted eight threes in this game! (league record for that season, Harris additionally led the league in 3 point makes for much of the season)

Land of the Rising Sun - Shortly after the SEABL season (Ballarat finsihed 11-15, 5th in the Eastern Conference), media outlets out of Australia reported that Ivan Harris would not return to Ballarat for the upcoming 2012 season, instead opting to play professionally in Japan, starting in October 2011. With Harris now hooping in Japan, that makes four different continents in the last 3 years that he has played pro ball in! (North America, Europe, South America, Asia).

9.1.2011 - The Courier.AU.com - Ballarat Miners Lose Import Harris

(Video - March 2011 interview with Ivan prior to his regular season stint with Ballarat)

Ivan Harris Interview March 2011 by BuckeyeBallersTV

(Ivan Harris - Australia 2011)

Miyazaki - Ivan's new club is based in the capital city of Kyushu. The Miyazaki Shining Suns of the Japanese B.J. (Basketball Japan) League feature imports Darryl Dora (Texeas Tech), Dexter Lyons (UCF), Lewis Witcher (VT), and of course Ivan Harris (tOSU). It's been a tough start for Miyazaki in Japan's top league so far as they are still searching for a W after seven rounds of play. Ivan Harris scored 14 points in their second regular season game, a 75-66 loss to Shimane.

Europe - 2011/2012 Eurocup Schedule Is Set for Buckeyes Foster And Lauderdale

2011-11-01T23:48:00.001-05:00

(Eurocup 2011/2012)

The 2011/2012 Eurocup Regular Season schedule and groups were released by ULEB in early October. The Eurocup is one of the top super competitions in European Basketball, second only to the Euroleague. Former OSU hoopsters Ron Lewis & Jessica Davenport had successful Eurocup runs in recent years. Lewis made it the 2010 Eurocup Final Eight as a member of Czech club CEZ Nymburk. And Davenport, with Russia club Chevakata, advanced all the way to the Eurocup Final Four in the 2010/2011 season. Two more Buckeyes are slated to begin their first Eurocup seasons in November 2011.

2011/2012 Eurocup

Format: (Familiar FIBA format of group stages, playoffs & final four - Total of 32 teams - 8 four team groups)

Regular Season: (6 games, A home & away game vs the 3 other group teams)

Week One: November 15

Buckeye Participants:

- Dallas Lauderdale (PGE Turow -Poland)
- Je'Kel Foster (FC Bayern - Germany)

Eurocup Group G:

Spartak St. Petersburg (Russia)
Cedevita Zagreb (Croatia)
FC Bayern Munich (Germany)
Benetton Treviso (Italy)

Je'Kel Foster returns to FIBA Europe competition with rising club FC Bayern of Munich. The Eurocup can now be added to Foster's international resume after previously playing in Europe's other two top competitions, the Euroleague (2009/2010) & Euro-Challenge (2008/2009) with another German team, Baskets Oldenburg.

Munich finds themselves in the very tough Group G with clubs Spartak SP, Cedvita Zagreb, and Benetton. Spartak & Cedevita are two rock solid clubs who will challenge for championships in their respective domestic leagues (The Croatian club Cedevita has experience in the form of a Eurocup final four run last season, and they currently see good competition in the regional Adriatic League). Bayern's Eurocup debut game is against the Italian outfit Benetton Basket that features American imports Brian Scalabrine (former Boston Celtic), Jeff Adrien, and rookie E'Twaun Moore of Purdue.

- November Schedule -

11.15.2011: vs Benetton Treviso
11.22.2011: at Cedevita Zagreb (Road game in Croatia)
11.29.2011: at Spartak SP (Road game in Russia)

(Defending home court in game one is imperative with two difficult road games in the following weeks.)

Eurocup Group H:

Alba Berlin (Germany)
PGE Turow (Poland)
Dexia Mons (Belgium)
Buducnost (Montenegro)

Dallas Lauderdale joins David Lighty as Buckeyes experiencing special European Competitions in their rookie seasons. PGE Turow is currently the hottest team in Poland with a perfect 6-0 record and expects to make noise in the Eurocup. Like Munich, Turow was also placed in what should be a competitive and balanced group. Alba Berlin is one of Germany's historical powerhouses and should be the group favorite, Buducnost is another tough squad from the Adriatic region as the reigning champs of Montenegro. And we also know of Mons' nice American talent from following them last season due to Ron Lewis' then presence on that team.

- November Schedule -

11.15.2011: at KK Buducnost (Road game in Montenegro)
11.22.2011: vs Dexia Mons
11.29.2011: at Alba Berlin (Road game in Germany)

(That's a tough Eurocup opener on the road at Budcnost. A win could set the tone for a nice regular season..Turow wants to ideally split those first two road games at the least.)

Germany - FC Bayern Will Take 4-1 Record to Oldenburg

2011-10-28T00:43:00.001-05:00

(Image -#13 Je'Kel Foster - Bayern Munich)

- 10.29.2011 - FC Bayern Munich at EWE Baskets Oldenburg (German League Regular Season)

In Good Shape - Je'Kel Foster & FC Bayern Munich are currently enjoying a four game winning streak after narrowly losing at Bonn in the season opener (10.3). Their latest victory was a 100-81 runaway over Hagen (largest win of the year so far). Guard Je'Kel Foster is Munich's scoring leader at the moment with an average of 18 points a game.

On to Oldenburg - FC Bayern (4-1) hopes to continue their winning ways against EWE Baskets (2-3) in Oldenburg on October 29. This will be Je'Kel's first game in Oldenburg since playing for the club during years 2008/2009 & 2009/2010 (Foster and Oldenburg won the 2009 German League Championship).

Web - 'Buckeye Check-In' Dallas Lauderdale!!

2011-10-26T09:43:00.001-05:00

(Dallas Lauderdale)

Web: http://www.GeorgeLReese.com
Title: Buckeye Check-In Video (Dallas Lauderdale)
Description - Buckeye George Reese gives us another great installment of his 'Buckeye Check-In' video series. Past editions have included Scoonie Penn & Terence Dials, and the latest Buckeye to check in is rookie Dallas Lauderdale! The timing for this video could not have been anymore perfect as Lauderdale's club, PGE Turow, is set to play against fellow Buckeye George Reese & Koszalin on October 26.

Rookie Perspective - Dallas Lauderdale talks about how special it was to experience and graduate from The Ohio State University, as well as adjusting to overseas life..on & off the court. We most especially loved hearing D-Laud talk about his overall approach to the game, he has an exemplary attitude that always puts the team first. It's really no wonder why this Rookie Class had so much success at Ohio State. Lighty, Diebler, Lauderdale, and Lavender are all high character people.

- Buckeye Check-In - Dallas Lauderdale - Highly Reccomended!

BuckeyeBallersTV - David Lighty's Euroleague Debut!

2011-10-26T02:02:00.002-05:00

(Images - #4 David Lighty - 10.19.2011 - Desio, Italy)

BuckeyeBallersTV - David Lighty Euroleague Debut!

Rookie David Lighty played key minutes in the second quarter of his first Euroleague game against SLUC Nancy of France. He played good individual defense against French Star Nicolas Batum, and when Cantu really needed a bucket, Lighty slipped under Nancy's zone defense, received the ball for the very first time and then proceeded to nail an important corner three which would be his first ever Euroleague points!

- The Plays -

David Lighty's first Euroleague points! A HUGE three in the second quarter!
Wow! David goes at current Portland Trailblazer Nicolas Batum! Hard drive, spins & stops on a dime at the foul line which sends Batum to the floor, Lighty then hits a jumper!

Euroleague 10.19.2011 - Bennet Cantu (Italy) 80 SLUC Nancy (France) 69 !

2011-10-26T01:53:00.003-05:00

(Bennet Cantu opened Euroleague play at home versus Nancy of France)

10.19.2011 - Bennet Cantu (Italy) 80 vs SLUC Nancy (France) 69 (Euroleague Regular Season - Week 1)
- David Lighty: 5 points in little over 7 mins of play

The Big Stage - Former Buckeye David Lighty and Bennet Cantu hosted the reigning French Champions, SLUC Nancy, on October 19, 2011. This was Cantu's first game in Europe's top competition in some 18 years and their first game in the modern Euroleague era. So it would be an understatement to say there was just a little bit of tension, nervousness and excitement in the jam packed Paladesio Arena for the Euroleague opener!

Cantu - We feel like we have a decent handle on Cantu after watching multiple games in full. This is a veteran-laden team with an identity of offensive balance & strong defense. Cantu does not possess the extraordinary individual talent/athleticism that some of these other Euroleague teams feature, but what they have is experience, strong chemistry, and several guys who can pass & shoot. We watch a good amount of European basketball, most of these teams display a team-oriented style with good ball movement, but Cantu takes sharing the ball to even higher level..and they are really fun to watch when hitting on all cylinders.

Historical Win - There were certainly some questions heading into this one. How much run would David Lighty get in a contest of this magnitude? Would Cantu come out poised or nervous in the Euroleague setting? And how would they handle the athleticism & talent of center Akin Akingbala & current Portland Trailblazer, Nicolas Batum.

Cantu actually looked very comfortable for a team in its first Euroleague game, and their spirited crowd definitely did all they could to support and at the same time create a tough environment for Nancy. David Lighty checked in for the first time at the 7:09 mark of the 2nd quarter and played until halftime. Lighty was matched up with Batum (pictured left: #55 defending Lighty) for a good part of his time, he played solid defense (did not surrender a bucket) and also hit both of his shot attempts! Dave would not see any more playing time after the 2nd quarter, but it was great that he was able to make positive contributions in limited action.

It was even at halftime (44-44), but that was when Cantu proceeded to put the clamps on Nancy by holding them to 8 points in the 3rd quarter, and then winning the fourth quarter (23-17) to grab a huge 80-69 victory. We thought Nancy's center, Akingbala might be a problem down low, and he did hurt Cantu with 20 points. But Batum (13 points) didn't really go off (in what was his Euroleague debut as well), and Cantu did a really good job of keeping Nancy's American guards Jamal Shuler (4 points) & John Linehan (4 points) in check which was the difference in our opinion.
(Clips from Cantu's youtube page, if you can stand 'Pet ShopBoys' by Richard Niles haha)

BuckeyeBallersTV - Je'Kel Foster 2011 Bayern Munich Home Opener!

2011-10-25T22:39:00.002-05:00

(Image - Je'Kel Foster looks to knock down the game clinching free throws to give Bayern Munich their first home win in the Audi-Dome! - Munich, Germany - 10.8.2011)

BuckeyeBallersTV - Clips of Je'Kel Foster in Bayern Munich's 2011 home opener. This game was in week 2 of the German League Regular season versus a squad called the NY Phantoms out of Braunscheweig, Germany. There was some pressure on Bayern to win this game because not only was it the first home contest in their new arena, but Bayern was also coming off a tough road loss at Bonn in Week one. It was close to the end, but contributions form Guards Jonathan Wallace (25 points) & Je'Kel Foster (16 points) helped Munich come away with a 90-87 home victory.

- The Plays -

2nd Quarter - Foster hits a long two just inside the arc
Foster comes back on the next possesion and makes another shot from almost the exact same spot!
Someone might want to get out there on #13..Je'Kel likes this side of the court as he hits yet another shot, this time a three. (PA guy - ("Je'Kellll Fossstterrrrrr" !)
3rd Quarter - Je'Kel one on one isolation, top of the key three pointer! (Announcer "He's money, he's money")
Foster goes hard to the hoop for a layup and the foul!
Je'Kel Foster seals the deal with game clinching freethrows..go Bayern!

Europe - Brandie Hoskins Continues to Shine Overseas

2011-10-25T09:55:00.000-05:00

(Image - 26 year old Brandie Hoskins - #35 of SCM Craiova - Romania - 2011)

10.14.2011 - Craiova 70 Timisoara 61 (Regular Season - Game Three)
- Brandie Hoskins: 32 points, 6 rebounds, 5 steals, 3 assists!!

Dayton, Ohio's Brandie Hoskins is continuing her Pro Basketball career in Romania. A club called SCM Craiova announced the addition of Hoskins in late September 2011. The former Buckeye arrived to Romania with prior international experience in the countries of Israel, Greece, Ukraine, and most recently Portugal where she helped lead her team to the playoffs last season.

#1 in Romania - For years we have believed that if there was one former Lady Buckeye who should be in the WNBA right now, it is Brandie Hoskins! The former McDonald's All-American and All-Big Ten performer is a complete basketball player. She can score from anywhere on the court, has great floor vision to find teammates, plays D & also rebounds! Much like a Ron Lewis or Je'Kel Foster, we think of Hoskins as a 'gamer', meaning that Brandie will be an impact player on the court, no matter the caliber or level of play/players.

It certainly did not take long for Hoskins to start filling up the nets in Romania. Craiova opened the season with three straight victories. In those games, Hoskins scored 15 points in game one and then she erupted for 23 points & 32 points in games two & three! Her 32 point performance earned a MVP award for that round of league play (link).

After five games, Hoskins currently ranked as the #1 scorer in Romania (Craiova is 4-1). You can follow Brandie Hoskins' stats at Romanian Basketball website TotalBaschet (link)

- Video footage of Hoskins hooping out with some fellow former Buckeyes in Summer League play from the Summer of 2011 (Columbus, Ohio)

Israel - Ron Lewis & Hapoel Holon Made Noise at the 2011 Chance Super Cup

2011-10-24T09:48:00.001-05:00

(Image - Ron Lewis & Hapoel Holon give the audience a customary post-game applause - 2011 Israel)

(2011 Israeli Super Cup Tournament: October 9 to October 13)

10.10.2011 - Hapoel Holon 101 vs Gailboa/Galil 67 (Super Cup Quarterfinals)
- Ron Lewis: 20 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals!

10.11.2011 - Hapoel Holon 84 vs Maccabi Rishon 81 OT (Super Cup Semi-finals)
- Ron Lewis: 24 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal!

10.13.2011 - Hapoel Holon 74 vs Maccabi Tel-Aviv 78 (Super Cup Finals)
- Ron Lewis: 15 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals

Five year pro Ron Lewis & Hapoel Holon participated in the 2011 Israeli National Cup from October 9 through October 13. Lewis has recently been very successful in European Cup competitions. He won the 2010 Czech Cup Championship with Nymburk (Czech Republic) & the 2011 Belgian Cup title as a member of Dexia Mons (Belgium) last season.

Here is a snippet from wiki on Israel's Cup Tournament

The Basketball League Cup is a pre-season basketball tournament held Israel since 2006. It is held in Malha Arena, Jerusalem, on the week before the start of the League season. It is currently sponsored by Pais Lotto and therefore officially known as the Chance Cup (link)

2011 Israeli National Cup - Holon had a very good showing at the Chance Cup in Jerusalem. They made a tremendous statement in the Cup Quarterfinals with a dominating 34 point win over Gilboa/Galil (101-67). Holon ran into an equally game Maccabi Rishon team in the Semi-final. It was a back & fourth contest, but Hapoel eventually out-lasted Rishon in overtime by a score of 84-81. Ron Lewis was in top form for both games. He scored 20 points in the quarterfinals and dropped 24 (which included six threes!) Rishon in the Semis.

Finals - Hapoel Holon advanced to the Cup Finals against the reigning Israeli Champions, powerhouse Maccabi Tel-Aviv. So just one game stood in the way of Ron Lewis winning his third straight National Cup Tournament. And capturing this one might have ranked at the top due to Holon's underdog status against a team like Maccabi T.A. Hapoel exerted a significant amount of effort to challenge the tourney favorites, but Maccabi would come out with the victory in what was a competitive 78-74 Cup Finals. (We'll have more about this game in a later post)

BuckeyeBallersTV - A couple clips of Ron Lewis in the first 2 games of the tournament

- Clip #1 is from the Semis vs Rishon. Ron makes a guy fall with a quick in & out dribble and then nails a 3 from the top of the key!!

- Clip #2 - (Quarterfinals) Lewis steals the ball and finishes the break with a slam!

Poland - PGE Turow Takes Control of League Standings

2011-10-24T01:55:00.000-05:00

(The Zgorzelec Crew - PGE Turow - Poland - 2011)

The 2011/2012 Polish League season is an interesting follow for inquiring fans. Club Asseco Prokom has dominated Polish Basketball in the last decade (7 straight titles). But what appears to be a down year for Prokom coupled with several formidable league teams has us beliving that the champs might finally be dethroned this season.

With Asseco Prokom currently playing in the VTB Regional League & Euroleague, PGE Turow, last year's runner up in Poland, has quickly assumed the top spot in the league standings. Following the Euroleague Qualifiers, Turow opened Polish League play in promising fashion with a current four game winning streak. A hard fought opener against Kotwica (76-74 - 10/8/2011) seemed to springboard Turow into the right type of form as they would roll their way past PGE Basket (by 12 - 10/12/2011), Slask Wroclaw (by 21 - 10/15/2011), & Zastal (by 7 - 10/18/2011).

Former Buckeye Dallas Lauderdale is seeing reserve action so far for this strong Turow team (averages about 15mins per in Polish League play). Dallas contributed 6 points, 2 rebounds, & 2 blocks (in 15 mins) in the win over PGE Basket on October 12.

Next Game - 10.26.2011 - Dallas Lauderdale & undefeated Turow host George Reese & Azs Koszalin!

Video Clip - Turow Guard David Jackson feeds Dallas Lauderdale for the Dunk! (10.15.2011)

Germany - Je'Kel Foster And Bayern Open Regular Season Play With Impressive Start

2011-10-22T20:31:00.001-05:00

(Image - Je'Kel Foster, wearing #13 for 2011/2012, is a starting guard for one of Germany's high profile basketball teams, Bayern Munich)

Bayern Munich - Five rounds of games have now been completed in the 2011/2011 German League Regular Season. The Bundesliga entrance of FC Bayern Munich garnered much pre-season hype, and the Bavarian club has not disappointed with a 4-1 record up to this point.

Just a quick rewind for those who may be catching up, this is Bayern's first season in Germany's top division (BBL) since back in 1989 (won 2nd division title last season which earned a promotion to the top league). The name Bayern Munich is prominent in European soccer and the club has utilized a nice budget to create a formidable basketball team for the 2011/2012 season. It is pretty amazing to watch this collection of names for fans of German League Basketball. Bayern's head coach, Dirk Bauermann, is the most recognizable coach in Germany. Bauermann (pictured left with Dirk Nowitzki) has been the country's head man in FIBA international competitions (Olympics, World Championships, European Championships) since 2003 and has also won two Bundesliga championships with Brose Baskets in Bamberg.

So we have the top coach of Germany who has coached Dirk Nowitzki for several years and won league championships. Well, we might as well add some of the players from his German Nationals team as well right? That's exactly what Bayern did during the off-season. They acquired Steffen Ham ann (veteran of German & International ball, played for Bauermann & with Nowizski for years on the National Team), Jan Jagla (Big Ten fans may remember that Jagla played at Penn State before his pro days. He brings high level European experience for Munich at forward.), Demond Green (G), and Robin Benzing (F).

The Imports - Buckeye star Je'Kel Foster starts alongside Hamann at shooting guard, he is usually then relieved by fellow American Jonathan Wallace of Georgetown (Pictured left with Coach Bauermann & Je'Kel. Wallace & Foster won a German Championship with Oldenburg in 2009). Rookie Ben Hansbrough, last year's Big East player of the year, rounds out the guard lineup for Munich. Sherrod Ford was supposed to be the clubs main post player, but he left the squad prior to the season which opened the door for talented big Chevon 'Chevy' Troutman to join the club in mid-October.

German League 2011 - Something funny happens when you assemble a talented team with a top coach, hook them up with brand new jerseys and give them a sweet new arena to play in..the other teams in the league want to beat you very bad! Munich found that out in the season opener at Telekom Baskets Bonn on October 3rd. Bonn is a German League Contender in their own right, and they were able to feed off the loud home crowd to narrowly defeat Bayern in Overtime 80-76 (Foster: 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists).

Foster & Bayern Go On Run - Bayern wasn't too discouraged following the loss in game one. They knew it would take a few games to develop chemistry with all the new players. The club was also without Sherrod Ford who departed for the States for States before the season...so falling short versus a pretty good Bonn team was not the worst of occurrences. Game two was Bayern's very first home game in their new 'Audi-Dome' arena. Munich would play in the closest game of the week for the second time in a row. The opposing NY Phantoms of Braunschweig, Germany almost spoiled the home opener, but like Bonn did to them, Bayern answered all of Braunscheweig's runs to come away with a 90-87 victory (Foster: 16 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals!).

Munich continued their solid play by ripping off two more hard fought wins against Tubingen (Game 3 - 86-77) and Goettingen (Game 4 - 77-73 , Foster led Munich win 19 points!)

Big Addition - Former Pittsburgh Panther, Chevy Troutman, recently made his debut with Bayern in Week 5. Troutman comes to Germany from Air Avellino in Italy where he was a low-post force in recent years, he brings even more balance to Munich and figures to be a key piece. Bayern promptly dismantled Phoenix Hagen (100-81) on October 22, Chevy Troutman scored 23 points (10-11 from the field), and Je'Kel Foster was by his side with 23 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals! With Troutman, Foster, Jagla and several others on a deep roster, Munich (4-1) is certainly equipped to contend in Germany.

(Clips of Bayern's very tough first home win vs Braunschweig)

BuckeyeBallersTV - George Reese (2011 PLK Round 2 at Kotwica)

2011-10-21T02:10:00.002-05:00

(Image - G-Reese is always all business on the court - Kolobrezeg, Poland - 10.12.2011)

Game Context - The second regular season game for Buckeye George Reese & AZS Koszalin was a challenging road contest versus Kotwica in hostile Millennium Hall. Crowd noise is definitely a unique aspect of Polish League Basketball. These are proud and passionate basketball fans who will create tough environments for teams to play in. Kotwica's home arena is much like Koszalin's, it does not have one of the larger seating capacities in Poland (1,300), but the tightness of the structure coupled with the crowd noise makes for a loud place!

A Fight to the End - It was an uphill battle for Koszalin after Kowica seized control in the first quarter (21-11). A good part of the contest can be described as Koszalin (down 10 at one point) attempting to find a good enough rhythm to disrupt Kotwica's comfortable pace. A visibly frustrated George Reese had just two points after three quarters. But you can't keep a Buckeye down for long of course. George responded with ten fourth quarter points including a six point stretch in three consecutive possessions. Reese additionally nailed two free throws late in the fourth to bring Koszalin to just a one point deficit. But they ultimately could not get over the hump, falling 65-64 in their first defeat of the season.

Buckeye Ballers TV - AZS Koszalin at Kotwica 10.12.2011 (George Reese Clips)

Once again, George Reese shows why he has been one of the most skilled Pro Buckeyes in the last decade. Reese's offensive repertoire is serious with a variety of face-up and post moves. When he's on, it doesn't matter how hostile or raucous the environment is!

- The Plays -

PG Igor Milicic finds a streaking George Reese for an easy transition layup in the first quarter
A quick first step to the hoop by Reese in the 4th
Reese gets the ball on the opposite side (free throw line extended), quick jab step, jumper in defender's face!
Quick pump-fake to a two-dribble pull-up J, wow!
Spins off defender in the post, too good!
clutch free throws

Europe - Star Allen Parted Ways With Romanian Club Satu Mare

2011-10-20T23:57:00.001-05:00

(Images - Former Ohio State teammates Star Allen & Andrea Walker - Romania - September 2011)

It looks like Buckeye Nation will go zero for two in regards to seeing a couple of Buckeye Ballers on the same pro squad for the 2011/2012 season. Byron Mullens could be playing alongside Jon Diebler as Panionios' starting center s Greece, but he instead opted to train in Columbus & Oklahoma with his OKC Thunder teammates during the NBA lockout.

Former Ohio State teammates Star Allen and Andrea Walker were introduced as new members of Romanian club Satu Mare in early September 2011. The two Buckeyes participated in several preparation games before the regular season opener on October 2. Star Allen brought down 9 rebounds with 5 points, and Andrea Walker contributed 7 points and 9 rebounds in Satu Mare's 72-44 home domination of Oradea. So the run to the Romanian Championship was now on lol...Yet, to our surprise, news reports came out prior to week two about Star Allen suddenly parting ways with Satu Mare.

There was not any information released about why Allen decided to head back to the States, but we wish her all the best and hope to see her back on the court. (Satu Mare is currently 2-1. Andrea Walker leads the club with most rebounds & blocks per game)

Poland - AZS Koszalin Mid-October Results (Reese scores 27 & 23 in consecutive rounds!)

2011-10-20T18:12:00.002-05:00

(#9 George Reese of Columbus, Ohio - United States)

10.8.2011 - AZS Koszalin 87 Polpharma 68 (Polish League Regular Season Opener)
- George Reese: 9 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block

10.12.2011 - AZS Koszalin 64 at Kotwica Kolobrezeg 65 (First regular season road game)
- George Reese: 12 points, 6 rebounds

10.15.2011 - AZS Koszalin 91 vs PGE Basket Poznan 88
- George Reese: 27 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals!!

10.18.2011 - AZS Koszalin 85 at Slask Wroclaw 76
- George Reese: 23 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block

2011/2012 - AZS Koszalin and their star forward George Reese moved to 3-1 in Polish League Regular Season play after defeating Slask Wroclaw on October 18. Koszalin opened the season with a big home victory over Polpharma behind 37 points from guard J.J Montgomery (October 12). An away test in Kolobrezeg awaited in round two derby action. The host team, Kotwica, was able to control most of the contest and despite 10 fourth quarter points from George Reese, Koszalin would fall by just one point 65-64 (October 15).

The next date, a weekend home contest (October 18) against PGE Basket of Poznan, was supposed to be relatively comfortable victory. But PGE Basket proved to be a more than formidable opponent. A seemingly routine type of game suddenly turned into an adverse situation when Koszalin found themselves facing a stunning 19 point deficit at halftime following a -13 second quarter. With their backs against the wall, Reese and company responded with an amazing 34 point third quarter to trail by only two points heading into the fourth period. And from there, the home team would ride veterans George Reese (15 2nd half points, 27 points overall!) and Igor Milicic (15 points, 7 assists) to a close 81-78 win!

Reese and Milicic continued to display their top form at Slask Wroclaw on October 18. Koszalin's top two players once again paced the club in minutes and points. Igor Milici contributed 19 points (40 minutes), and George Reese led everyone with 23 points & 6 rebounds (36 minutes). The 86-75 final gave Koszalin their first road victory of the regular season. Currently at 3-1, Reese and AZS Koszalin will close October out with a home game against Zastal ZG (October 22), and a big road game in Zgorzelec versus Turow.

(Videos - clips of opening day - check out the Reese dunk at the 1:00 mark! Plus an interview that George did with Igor from last season!)

Team Check - Panionios B.C. (Jon Diebler - Greece)

2011-10-19T21:16:00.003-05:00

(Image - Nea Smyrni - Athens, Greece - #9 Jon Diebler & Byron Mullens in Panionios Red, White, And Blue - early fall pre-season 2011)

Buckeye: #9 Jon Diebler (Rookie)
Position: Guard/Forward
Team: Panionios B.C.
Location: Nea Smyrni District (Athens, Greece)
League: Greece A1 (HEBA)
Profile - Panionios B.C is a name to get familiar with for the 2011/2012 season. The Athens based club is home to two former Ohio State Buckeyes who are playing their first seasons overseas, Brittany Johnson & Jon Diebler. It has been a memorable off-season for Upper Sandusky, Ohio's Jon Diebler. The former Mr. Ohio Basketball got married in late June 2011, was selected by the Portland Trailblazers in the 2011 NBA Draft, and in August he agreed to join Greek club Panionios B.C. for the first stage of his pro career.

It did not take long for Jon (pictured left: arriving in Athens - late Summer 2011) to become famous in Greece after being seen with NBA superstar Kobe Bryant at a Nike House of Hoops event in downtown Athens (late September). And now fans can see what Diebler is about on the court as he dawns the red, white, and blue of Panionios for the 2011/2012 Greek Season.

Like Poland (Lauderdale) & Italy (Lighty), the Greek A1 League presents tough competition to compete against in one's first season overseas. The field is formidable; there is powerhouse Panathinaikos, a revamped Olympiacos team, and then a group of traditional clubs with long histories who are attempting to climb back to the top tier. These teams are Aris, PAOK, Maroussi, and Panionios who most recently played in the Euroleague during the 2008/2009 season (but they did not have a great run last season, finished 9th in the Greek League).

We saw some familiar names upon first glancing at Panionios' roster. Two main guards will run the show, veteran American import William Keys (G - 34 - played Israel, Spain, Greece, Eurocup) and Greek Vasilis Xanthopulos (G - 27 - recently played for Greece at the 2011 European Championship). Those two, along with Serbian forward Stevan Nadfeji (32) bring solid experience. At center, Panionios wanted former Buckeye Byron Mullens to be its starting big man for 2011/2011, but Mullens (pictured at the top with Diebler: What could have been, two Bucks on the same squad!) fled back to the States in mid October to be with his Oklahoma City Thunder teammates.

Panionios targeted Mareese Speights of the Philadelphia 76ers as a replacement for Mullens, but instead they came to an agreement with Alex Stepheson, a very solid young big out of Southern California. And it turns out that Diebler still has a former Buckeye as a teammate in Greece because big center Zisis Sarikopoulos is back for his second season with Panionios since leaving Ohio State (roster).

This looks like a solid, if not dangerous mid-level Greek League team on paper right now with a decent mix of experience and young talent. It will take some time to attain a good level of chemistry, but Keys and Xanthopulos are two guards who will be able to quickly facilitate cohesion on the perimeter. Stevan Nadfeji is one of those traditional European forwards that you see on every one of these teams who will do work inside/out, and 7'1 Zisis Sarikopoulos (C - 21) is still an interesting young prospect at backup center.

The two young talented American imports Alex Stepheson and Jon Diebler stand out as potential game changers for Panionios. Stepheson was a big time recruit (2006 - Oden Class) out of California who first played at North Carolina before transferring back home to USC. Alex played his first year of international ball in Cyprus last season. The Greek league will be a step up in competition for Stepheson, but many feel that he is of this caliber.

After a wonderful amateur career, Jon Diebler is ready to perform as a professional. Much like Stepheson, we can expect an adjustment period for Diebs, who as a rookie, just needs time to adapt to the international style. Pro play is similar to conference games in D1 NCAA, but on an even higher level. It just takes time to learn the tendencies of all these new clubs and players that you are competing with & against. Yet, for Diebler, we already know that it will only be a matter time before he breaks out as that high level outside threat with an all around floor game that the Portland Trailblazers liked in the 2011 NBA Draft.

Jon Diebler (Opening Greek segment Pre-season) by BuckeyeBallersTV

- Panionios' Biggest Early Season Games -

10.22.2011 - Panionios at Kolossos Rhodes (Greek League season Opener on the road)

11.5.2011 - Panionios vs Aris

11.12.2011 - Panionios at PAOK

Greece - Lockout Delayed Start of 2011 Greek Regular Season

2011-10-19T20:43:00.001-05:00

(Image - Greek Basketball League logo)

Waiting to tip in Greece - One by one, international leagues across the globe began to start regular season play in early October. Two more leagues of interest were slated to open the season during the mid-month weekend of Oct. 14.-16. The A1 Greek League (Jon Diebler) & the Israeli Premier League (Ron Lewis). Everything went according to plan in Israel, but arenas were empty in Greece due to a lockout dispute that ended up postponing opening season play.

From George Georgakopoulos of ekathimerini.com

Greek Lockout in Effect

Basketball clubs decided on October 11 to postpone the start of the league, originally planned for the weekend of October 15-16, due to the lack of a television contract, which constitutes the main source of revenues for the cash-strapped teams.
ESAKE, the league's organizer, decided by majority (seven votes to four) to put off the opening round of games until a TV channel agrees to buy the rights of all teams as a package, as opposed to having separate deals only for the most popular teams.
State broadcaster ERT has already agreed on terms with giants Panathinaikos and Olympiakos, who voted against this Greek version of a lockout.
Now the league's other clubs, led by PAOK, Aris and Panionios, are putting pressure on ERT to buy their rights, too, to render the league viable.
The next possible date for the league's tipoff is October 22.(link)

This latest issue is just one dispute in what has been a series of tumultuous relations between league clubs, the players union and the league federation. Let's hope this gets settled as we are really eagered to see how Jon Diebler & Panionios perform in opening weeks.

Showtime - Lighty And Cantu Prepare for Euroleague Schedule

2011-10-18T22:32:00.003-05:00

(Pallacanestro Cantu - October 2011)

Euroleague - Here we go, it's the Turkish Airlines Euroleague! This is the number one competition in international club basketball. Much like the Champions League of European club football (soccer), the Euroleague is a super competition where championship level squads of various countries compete against each other. European club basketball has a long history, but the modern Euroleague era under the current leadership began in 2000 when European basketball cabal ULEB broke away from FIBA Europe. (Here's an informative link on the history of the Euroleague.)

Two former Ohio State Buckeyes have competed in the prestigious Euroleague since its first season in 2001-2002, the great Scoonie Penn and Je'Kel Foster!

Scoonie Penn's international career ranks as the greatest of any former Buckeye to date. Many words can be used to describe Penn's overseas run, elite would definitely be one of them. Scoonie competed with and against some of the best in the world for a good part of the last decade. Penn played in six Euroleague seasons which included a marvelous five year run from the 2003-2004 season to 2007/2008. Penn's Euroleague resume boasts two Top 16 (2nd round) appearances (KK Cibona Zagreb 2006, Efes Pilsen Instanbul 2008), two Top 8 playoff (3rd round) appearances (Scavolini Pesaro 2005, Olympiacos 2007), and one Euroleague Championship Game in 2010 after returning to Olympaicos). (we'll be going into more detail about Penn's extensive Euroleague career in a later post)

Je'Kel Foster's Euroleague appearance in 2009/2010 capped off an incredible two year run with German club EWE Baskets of Oldenburg, Germany. Foster achieved a career mark in Spring 2009 by capturing the BBL championship. Winning the German Championship gave Oldenburg their first ever league title & automatic berth into the Euroleague. Je'Kel participated in 10 Euroleague games from 2009/2010, finishing as the 26th ranked best scorer in the 2009 Euroleague regular season.

Former Ohio State star David Lighty now joins these elite Buckeyes as the third Ohio State player to compete in the ULEB era Euroleague! Bennet Cantu is pretty much on schedule right now. They battled league champion Siena in a close & exciting Super Coppa Final to close the pre-season (October 1). And then Cantu took care of business in the opening two weeks of regular season play by getting past Vanoli Cremona and Dinamo Sassari. Bennet Cantu now prepares for the Euroleague schedule to hit on October 19 which will then present a Euroleague game during the week, in addition to Italian League games on the weekend (until at least early 2012).

Vital links

Official Euroleague Website - http://www.Euroleague.net

Bennet Cantu - Euroleague Team Profile Page (Schedule, results stats)

Field And Format - The 2011/2011 Euroleague Regular Season features 24 teams from 14 different countries. The field includes 13 league champions from last season, 3 runner-ups, last year's Eurocup Champion, five wild card/license teams, and two teams from this fall's Euroleague qualification tournament. Via a draw, the 24 Euroleague teams were placed in 4 six team groups for regular season play. Every team in the group plays each other home away which totals to a ten game regular season. The best four teams out of the six advance to the last 16 stage (followed by the top 8 playoffs & final four).

Most of these Euroleague teams are perennial powers within their countries and in Europe. The top European clubs like CSKA Moscow, Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Barcelona, & Panathinaikos use big budgets to keep a core of guys together for a couple years or longer while signing top free agents to continue the winning ways (in fact, those four clubs are responsible for every euroleague championship in its 10 year history). There's a group of top teams who want to dethrone the four traditional champions and then yet another group of squads that want to make some noise by making it out of the regular season stage. The bolstering of rosters by NBA players competing in Europe as a consequence of the lockout has only added to the excitement for fans. Each & every game should have some big names.

Bennet Cantu's goal for the Euroleague is unknown as one of this year's newcomers. Cantu finished second in last season's Italian League Playoffs which earned an automatic birth into Europe's top competition for the club's first time in 18 years! Any Euroleague victory they get will be gold.

Group A. - Every Euroleague group is tough and Cantu's Group A is no different. The Spanish ACB is the strongest national league in Europe. Spain has a league high five teams in the Euroleague including two in Group A, league runner-ups Bizakia Bilbao Baskets, and power Caja Laboral. Joining the two Spanish teams are reigning Turkish Champions Fenerbahce Ulker of Istanbul, the French Champions SLUC Nancy, Olympiacos of Greece and of course Bennet Cantu..the Italian League runner-ups.

Euroleague Opener - Bennet Cantu vs SLUC Nancy - October 19, 2011

Thoughts - Bennet Cantu's Euroleague opener is very interesting. While this is Cantu's first entry into top play in quite some time, they do bring veterans like Gianluca Basile (off-season acquisition) & Denis Marconato who have significant Euroleague experience. Cantu is a club that wins most of its battles with strong ball movement and clever play. Their opponents, SLUC Nancy, bring an up-tempo transition game to Italy led by NBA French Star Nicolas Batum (Portland Trailblazers) who was signed by Nancy shortly after the season started (lockout).

We got a good look at Nancy last season when Ron Lewis & Mons played them in the Eurochallenge. Their center Akin Akingbala is a beast, long and athletic. They also have pretty good guards in John Lienhan & Jamal Shuler. We think Cantu's defense and tempo will be enough to dictate pace at home. Nancy's guard's should not hurt Cantu considerably much, but it will be awfully difficult to contain Batum & Akingbala down low. Cantu needs good games from forwards Vladmir Micov, Marty Leunen, and Marko Scekic.

We are certainly wondering what David Lighty's role might be in his Euroleague debut. Cantu in'ts playing him much so far so we shouldn't expectt big minutes in such a huge game. From watching a little big more of Cantu, we can already see that as the club's most athletic & versatile player, Lighty will be a defensive wildcard for this team where they can use him to match up/lock down various players (he'll be an offensive wildcard down the line as well). We can probably expect Dave to be matched with Batum when he gets in. Offensively, we thought it was great that Lighty was able to the three agianst Sassari late in the 4th a couple days ago..it was his first regular season points in Italy & something to build on. Good luck Cantu!

Web - Ron Lewis 2011 Preseason Video!

2011-10-17T20:00:00.000-05:00

(Image - #8 Ron Lewis & Hapoel Holon - 2011 Israel)

Web - http://www.RonLewisLife.com presents - Ron Lewis 2011 Pre-season clips with Hapoel Holon! (September 2011)

Classic Images - Jon Diebler And Kobe Bryant!! Athens, Greece Fall 2011

2011-10-17T12:49:00.000-05:00

(The bright lights of Athens - Jon Diebler & Kobe Bryant - Nike House of Hoops - Athens, Greece - 9.26.2011)

Sweet! Who cares about a lockout when you can hang out with superstar Kobe Bryant in Athens, Greece? Ohio State Buckeye Jon Diebler joined Nike organizers and guest of honor, Kobe Bryant, in Athens to open the new House of Hoops retail store. Diebler and Bryant judged a youth dunk contest during at celebration. This event was apart of Kobe's fall overseas Nike promotional tour. What an unbelievably cool experience for Jon to be directly involved in a historical event with the game's biggest star! (as a Rookie overseas in the pre-season..not bad!)

Quote from - Nike Media - Basketball fans give Kobe Bryant a warm welcome as a tours Athens

"Kobe Bryant began his tour in Athens as the guest of honor at the House of Hoops at Footlocker store opening. The basketball star greeted fans who had gathered outside the new store from early in the day to welcome him.

Fans at the opening had the opportunity to compete in a dunk contest starring young ballers of who hoped to impress Kobe. Along with the basketball player Jon Diebler, Kobe judged the contest and presented prizes for the evening’s most amazing slam dunks." (link)

Italy - Bennet Cantu Opens Regular Season Play With Two Victories

2011-10-16T15:12:00.000-05:00

(Image - Bennet Cantu's David Lighty drives against Drake Diener of Dinamo Sassari - Palasport Arena - Cantu, Italy - 10.16.2011)

10.9.2011 - Bennet Cantu 72 at Vanoli Cremona 60 (Italian League Regular Season - Game One)
- David Lighty: (8 minutes - 0-2)

10.16.2011 - Bennet Cantu 71 vs Dinamo Sassari 58 (Italian League Regular Season - Game Two)
-David Lighty: 3 points, 2 rebounds (11 minutes)

Regular Season Time - David Lighty & Bennet Cantu had a week to regroup for the Serie A regular season after a tough defeat in the 2011 Super Coppa Finals versus Siena (10.1.2011 - box). The opening challenge for Cantu was a road test against Von Wafe r and Vanoli Cremona (10.9.2011). We followed Cremona closely last season because their starting shooting guard happened to be Buckeye Je'Kel Foster. They almost made the 2010/2011 playoffs and returned some players from that squad like Slovenian Marko Milic and Croatian Jasmin Perkovic to go with newcomers Brandon Thomas and Wafer who played with the Boston Celtics last season. We thought this would be a difficult road opener for Cantu, but the Serie A runner-ups from last season jumped out to a 21-8 first period and then controlled the rest of the way for a 72-60 victory.

Cantu's next contest was a home game vs another familar team, Dinamo Sassari who enjoyed the services of Buckeye Othello Hunter in 2010/2011 (Brent Darby in 2006/2007 as well). Sassari's current top names are American cousins Travis & Drake Diener, Quinton Hosley, and rookie big man Keith Benson out of Oakland University. This game was even at halftime (30-30), but Cantu had one of those dominating quarters agaub by winning the 3rd, 22-9 (it was 52-39 heading into the 4th) . Rookie David Lighty scored his first regular season points on a three pointer to give Cantu a 63-50 lead with 3 minutes remaining in the game. Both teams ended up trading buckets down the stretch (4th was even at 19-19) with Cantu winning the game by that 13 point 3rd quarter margin (boxscore).

These were two solid opening victories for Cantu, especially with the Euroleague schedule about to hit on October 19. We did not view extended film of the first two league games, but it seems evident that head coach Trincieri is keeping David Lighty in a limited/reserve role for now as he navigates his club through these huge early season games. Bennet Cantu has significant experience so it will only take some time for Dave (pictured left: Preseason 2011) to get fully acclimated chemistry-wise (which should earn more minutes as he starts to show more & more).

#4 Lighty looked pretty good scoring his first regular season pro points..the play was a 4th Quarter three pointer versus Dinamo Sassari October 16. Check it out in these clips of the game, Lighty's three sequence starts at the 2:05 mark!

Early Departures - Initial Situations Were Not Meant To Be For Some Buckeyes

2011-10-14T00:19:00.001-05:00

(Image - Matt Terwilliger - Joensuu, Finland - Fall 2011)

The Game - Behind & beyond the bright lights of the arena, exposure & publicity of television/media, and the lifestyle and persona of a basketball player, lies normal individuals with the natural work ethic, pride, and integrity that exists within every professional in greater society. Some would say these athletes are fortunate to make a career out of playing a game we all love. Yet as we all know, many of these basketball journeys are not without obstacles, adversity and attrition.

In the right or best situation, The Game at its peak can be the ultimate fulfillment. But that right situation can sometimes be difficult to find in what is a competitive sport & market. The pro game is inevitably a business...clubs/franchises have no reservations about parting ways with a player if they feel the situation is not adequate, and athletes can likewise take their services elsewhere as well. It's all about discovering that dream situation & opportunity.

We've grown accustomed to seeing frequent player movement from following the international pro game. Even with all these scouts, agents, and other liaisons between players and clubs, signing on to a team (from the player perspective) or acquiring a new player (team perspective) can be a hit or miss type of deal.

In late September 2011, class of 2008 Buckeye Matt Terwilliger landed in Joensuu, Finland to play for top Finnish club Kataja Basket, reportedly for a trial run. Terwilliger (pictured left: defending Anthony Brown of Kouvot - Finland 10.2.2011) competed in three official regular season games with Kataja from September 29 to October 5 resulting in an average of 13 points and six rebounds (Boxscores -- Gm1, Gm2, Gm3)

Kataja seems to be in search of a long term big forward. They brought in Matt as a replacement for another import Kenny Walker, but after three games, the club announced that Terwilliger would not be continuing with the team. Matt, now in his fourth year as a pro, brings all of his years of pro experience from the German Bundesliga (Germany's top division and a top ten league in Europe). His first two pro seasons were with Paderborn Baskets before moving to Phoenix Hagen for the 2010/2011 stint. Matt is a capable rebounding forward with a reliable jumpsot that extends to three point range.

Byron's Short Stay in Greece - With the growing list of NBA players heading overseas due to the lockout, we wondered if any NBA Buckeyes would sign with an international club. Well in early September we were indeed elated to hear that Byron Mullens had agreed to play for Panionios B.C of Greece, the same club of Byron's former OSU teammate Jon Diebler! But Byron's career in the Greek League did not last long. Following a couple weeks in Athens, Mullens traveled back to the States after deciding that being away from his Thunder teammates was not an optimal situation for him.

- From NewsOK (Darnell Mayberry 10.9.2011)

Byron Mullens has returned to the states.

"The Oklahoma City Thunder center who last month signed with the Greek basketball club Panionios had a change of heart and decided to come back home.
“Felt out of the loop not being with my team here,” Mullens said via text message after landing in Ohio on Sunday night.
Mullens left for Athens on Sept. 21. But infrequent games in the Greek League, coupled with a desire to participate with his Thunder teammates in organized voluntary workouts, helped lead to his decision to return.
Mullens' contract with Panionios had a termination clause that would have allowed him to return if he NBA lockout was lifted.
“We enjoyed it,” said Mullens, who traveled to Athens with his newlywed wife, Sharissa. “But at the end of the day, it wasn't worth not being here with my crew.”
Because of his obligations to Panionios, Mullens had missed out on Thunder team workouts in Austin, Texas last month and Lexington, Kentucky last week. Several Thunder players, including Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James harden and Nick Collison attended both."(link)

We thought it would have been good for Byron to play in a quality European league during the lockout, and seeing him team up with fellow Buckeye Jon Diebler was highly anticipated (if only for a few weeks). But at the same time, you can not really blame Mullens for leaving. The Greek League is not the most stable of leagues. And if I was a teammate of NBA stars Kevin Durant, Russel Westbrook, and James Harden, I would be attempting to be around them as much as possible too!

Say it ain't So - Stockman mulling retirement? We learned in late September that Tony Stockman planned to continue his career with the Halifax Rainmen, a club based in Nova Scotia, Canada. But the veteran of six years quickly determined that Halifax was not a professional situation and voluntarily left Canada after a few days of training camp.

Rick Noland of the Medina-Gazette wrote two very good articles that go into detail about Stockman's status. According to Noland, Stockman is considering retiring from the game of Basketball.

Please read these two articles

9.23.2011 -Medina-Gazette: Tony Stockman Signs With Pro Team in Canada

10.13.2011 - Medina-Gazette: Tony Stockman Leavs Canadian Team

Tony Stockman was an All-Star player in the Brazilian NBB last season (one of the top leagues in South America). He obviously has a lot left in the tank. Don't retire Tony! lol

Web - (Video) Mike Conley Jr. at the 2011 Goodman vs Indy Pro-Am Classic!

2011-10-13T13:57:00.001-05:00

(Screencap - Mike Conley Jr. at the Indy Pro Am vs Goodman League Classic - Indianapolis, Indiana - 9.24.2011)

9.24.2011 - The Goodman League (Washington D.C) 170 Knox Indy Pro Am (Indianapolis) 167 (Battle for it All Classic - Indianapolis, Indiana)
- Mike Conley Jr. 25 points

Off-Season Ball - Hardcore basketball fans immediately felt the effects of the NBA Lockout in late spring/early Summer when it was announced that the Vegas & Orlando Summer Leagues were canceled. The NBA Summer League is a platform for first, second, and third year players to compete against NBA level competition in hopes of either earning a roster spot, camp invite, or to simply get some good Summer run in an organized setting. The Las Vegas Summer League in particular, is pretty much the center of the basketball universe in July where many scouts and coaches converge to evaluate young talent. Moreover, veteran players will often times show up to Summer League for media spots and to generally be visible in showing support for their teams..some of the vets even practice with the summer league squads.

The Lockout did away with an NBA sanctioned Summer League event, but it did not prevent NBA players from going out and getting some good run elsewhere. Due to the lockout, fans of NBA Summer League lost out big time, however, the beneficiaries of this situation ended up being the organizers and local fans of the various regional community summer leagues throughout the United States. Some of these leagues have nationwide reputations in Summer Basketball. There's the Drew League out in California, the D.C. based Goodman League, the Indy Pro-Am, NC-Pro Am, Rucker Park, Cleveland Pro-Am ect..NBA players play in these type of off-season league every year. But because of the lockout, it seemed like more and more stars came out got Summer ball. It was definitely a treat for local fans to see high level players featured at their Summer competitions, up close & free or for a relatively cheap price price.

Battle for it all Classic - As the Summer of 2011 started to wind down, some of the regional summer leagues began to put together all-star type of teams to play other regional leagues as a way to unofficially determine the best Summer League. The Cleveland Pro Am, for example, played a roster of Columbus area standouts, and the L.A's Drew league competed against the Goodman League.

Former Buckeye superstar Mike Conley Jr. joined an all-star cast representing the Indy Pro Am in a game vs the Goodman League of Washington D.C on September 24 in Indy. This game featured several NBA players including John Wall of the Washington Wizards, Eric Gordon, Jeff Green, Demarcus Cousins, Zach Randolph, Gordon Hayward, Lance Stephenson, and Shelvin Mack. Mike scored 25 points in the exhibition game, check out the videos!

Web - Cherise Daniel - Summer 2011 Promo Video

2011-10-12T02:49:00.000-05:00

(Image - Cherise Daniel)

Web - RTV Sports presents - 2011 Summer basketball clips of former Ohio State Buckeye Cherise Daniel.

Cherise played for TSV Quakenbruck in the German DBBL last season (2010/2011).

Italy - (10.1.) Montepaschi Siena 73 Bennet Cantu 70 (2011 Super Coppa Final)

2011-10-12T00:26:00.001-05:00

(Welcome to Italy - David Lighty is guarded by American Euroleague Star Bo MaCalebb at the 2011 Italian Super Coppa - Foroli, Italy - 10.1.2011)

10.1.2011 - Bennet Cantu 70 vs Montepaschi Siena 73 (2011 Italian Super Coppa Finals)
- David Lighty: 5 points

National Cup - So we always talk about how cool it is that International play has all these various competition & tournaments. Most overseas leagues typically have a regular season format, post-season playoffs, All-Star game & a Cup Tournament. The National Cups are separate competitions where four to eight of the country's top teams compete in a single tournament. Some countries, like Italy, have the National Cup before the Regular Season as a way to kick the season off in celebratory fashion, but others may play their Cup tournaments during the season's midpoint.

Winning the National Cup is one of the two or three main goals for every top team overseas (The strong teams want to win the League, regular season & playoffs, win the National Cup, and win in Europe meaning the Euroleague, Eurocup, or Eurochallenge competitions, doing so would earn a rare FIBA Triple Crown).

Into the Fire - David Lighty arrived to Italy for pre-season training in August. His club, Bennet Cantu, competed in preparation games all through September before capping the pre-season off with an intense Super Coppa Finals clash with Montepaschi Siena. This was quite a way to kick of the Italian Basketball season with a rematch of last season's playoff finals. Siena the dominant club in Italy and is also a top five rated team in all of Europe. They have won the last five Italian League Championships the last 3 National Cups. The 2011 Super Coppa Final versus league giant Siena was David's first big game in Europe.

Siena Edges Cantu - This was a very high level game in early October. Bennet Cantu's strong defense & efficient offense controlled most of the game. Cantu could have & probably should have won, but Siena showed their championship mettle by answering every one of Cantu's second half runs. In what was a very high pressure filled moment, David Lighty had a chance to send the game into overtime in the waning seconds of the game, but the Rookie made 1 of 2 at the foul like which prompted Cantu to commit a desperation foul. Siena subsequently made both free throws en route to a 70-73 victory. Despite not making his final foul shot, Lighty was able to gain valuable experience from his first real high level outing in Italy. And Cantu was generally encouraged from this contest as well, this was the closest Coppa Finals in years..Siena's last 3 Cup Titles were all blowouts. Next up for Cantu is the Italian League Regular Season opener.

2011 Rookie Class - Brittany Johnson Made Pro Debut in Greece!

2011-10-11T23:48:00.002-05:00

(Image - Brittany Johnson - 2011 Ohio State Rookie Class)

10.1.2011 - Panionios 53 vs Esperides 78 (Greek League Regular Season Opener)
- Brittany Johnson: 23 points (5 threes, regular season debut!)

10.8.2011 - Panionios 63 at Ano Liosa 58 (Greek League Regular Season Round 2)
- Brittany Johnson: 17 points (10-10 free throws!)

From Illinois to Ohio to Greece!

Former Ohio State standout Brittany Johnson (2007-2011) made her professional basketball debut in early October 2011 for Panionios B.C of Athens, Greece. Johnson, along with fellow Buckeyes Jantel Lavender, David Lighty, Jon Diebler & Dallas Lauderdale form one of the most decorated Ohio State Rookie Classes in recent years (combined 7 Big Ten Championships,. 1 Fina Four Appearance , 3 Sweet 16s, among many more accolades)

In April of 2011, woman's Basketball website Swish Appeal profiled Brittany Johnson as a player to watch in a look at undrafted prospects. Well judging from her first regular season box-scores, Johnson is definitely playing like a WNBA talent! It did not take long for the big time scorer out of Illinois to get acclimated to international play. Johnson led her squad with 23 points which included five three pointers in the regular season opener on October 1. She then followed her rookie debut up by contributing 17 points in Panionios' first win of the season on October 8.

Young Leader - Let's take a look at the 2011 Class. David Lighty is a rookie among veterans in Italy, Jantel Lavender plays with a talented, veteran laden team in L.A, and Dallas Lauderdale has senior leadership on his club in Poland. So that leaves Brittany Johnson as perhaps the lone Buckeye Rookie who has the unique role of being an important leader on her club at an early career stage. Johnson's name will certainly be one to look for as one of the best imports in the Greek League this season. Swish Appeal noted that she might have been a go-to type of player on another college team (played alongside top talents like Lavender at tOSU) and we're already seeing evidence of that.

- Olney Daily Mail - Johnson playing for Greek professional team

(Video - Ohio State vs Iowa Clips from the 2011 Big Ten Tournament. Brittany Johnson torches Iowa for 7 threes!)

Team Check - Bennet Cantu (David Lighty - Italy)

2011-10-10T20:13:00.003-05:00

(Learning on the fly - For #4 David Lighty, it is all about taking in as much experience as possible as an American Rookie on a strong, veteran-laden European power) - image - Pallacanestro Cantu 2011)

Buckeye - David Lighty (Rookie)
Position - Guard/Forward
Team - Pallacanestro Cantu aka Bennet Cantu or simply Cantu
Location - Cantu, Lombardia (Italy)
League - Lega A Basket aka Serie A (Italy's top division of basketball) & the Euroleague
Profile - Well here it is...a new continent, a new country, new languages, a new lifestyle, and a new style of basketball...imagine being a young professional and having to learn on the fly while at the same time being asked to perform at a high level versus Europe's best competition.

The uniqueness of an American Rookie joining a top European club squad can not be stressed enough..it is just something that fans of international basketball do not witness very often. Yet, the difficulty in stepping in as a rookie and contributing to such a high caliber squad can not be reiterated enough either. David Lighty will be competing against several talented players who will have the edge in International experience. For Dave, these next couple of months will be about playing through his rookie dues, weathering the ups and downs of high level Europe, and working toward his strengths which will only expedite the blossoming into a big time pro.

David Lighty has a strong support system in the form of a good coach & team to give him plenty of time as he adjusts to the international game. Head Coach Andrea Trinchieri's style is offensive balance fueled by good ball movement coupled with strong defense. This is the formula that Cantu used to advance all the way to the Italian League Finals last season. They do not have an eye-popping roster at first glance, but Cantu has several players who can do a little bit or lot of everything like former Oregon star Marty Leunen (F), Italian veterans Basile (G) & Marconato (C), and versatile Serbians Micov (F) & Scekic (F). (The quickest way that Lighty can make his mark on this veteran team is by playing to his strengths which is high every defense, taking pivotal charges and getting out in transition.) It's going to be fun to watch his progression throughout the season. (Cantu's Roster)

-Biggest October Games -

10.1.2011 - Bennet Cantu vs Montepaschi Siena - Italian Super Copa Finals (remath of last year's Italian League finals vs powerhouse & defending Champion Siena in the Supercoppa Final! Wow!)

10.9.2011 - Bennet Cantu at Vanoli Cremona (Italian season league opener on the road in Cremona)

10.16.2011 - Bennet Cantu vs Dinamo Sassari (Italian League Regular Season home opener)

10.19.2011 - Bennet Cantu vs SLUC Nancy (Euroleague game #1 vs the defending French Champions!)

10.26.2011 - Bennet Cantu at Caja Laboral (Euroleague game #2 - Cantu travels to Spain to face Caja Laboral!)

Germany - Je'Kel Foster And Bayern Are Poised to take the Beko BBL by Storm

2011-10-09T09:34:00.001-05:00

(Image - International Basketball Professional Je'Kel Foster arrives in Bavaria - August 2011)

Buckeye - #13 Je'Kel Foster
Position - Guard Extraordinaire (Six Year Pro)
Team - FC Bayern Munchen/Munich
Location - Munich, Bavaria (Germany)
League - BEKO BBL (Germany's top division) & Eurocup Competition
Profile - It is a rare occurrence in European Basketball when a team moves up from the nation's second division to the top league and is automatically considered as a contender for the title. Such is the case for Je'Kel Foster & his new club Bayern of Munich, Germany. FC Bayern Munich is well known throughout Europe due to its exceptional football team, but strong backing & support for Basketball in recent years has many talking about their hardwood squad as well.

Roster - Munich won the second division league title last season which gave them an automatic promotion to the first league (BBL) and also a surprising wild card entry into the Eurocup Competition (Europe's second best superleague). Bayern then proceeded to put together a roster for this upcoming season that is stacked with big names in German Basketball. Led by famous National Coach Dirk Bauermann, Bayern's roster includes German National team veterans Steffen Hamann (G), Jan Jagla (F/C) , Demond Greene (G), a promising young German talent in Robin Benzing (F), former German League Champion teammates Je'Kel Foster (G) & Jonathan Wallace (G), and last year's Big East Player of the Year Ben Hansbrough (Rookie G). Munich also signed post man Sherrod Ford in the off-season, but Ford left the club during the preparation period which promoted Bayern to sign another one of Foster's teammates from that 2009 Oldenburg Championship team, Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje (C). (Roster - Link)

Sweet Sponsorship - A nice relationship with several sponsors including Audi has allowed Bayern to do it big for their new season in the BBL & Eurocup. Munich has received brand new uniforms and will play their home games in the revamped Audi-Dome Arena. Each player was also issued handover vehicles from Audi. Check out the video.

(Audi-Dome!)

(Bayern Basketball at Audi)

- Biggest October Games -

10.3.2011 - Bayern Munich at Telekom Baskets Bonn (German League Opener on the road at Bonn!)

10.8.2011 - Bayern Munich vs Braunschweig (Home opener & first regular season game in the Audi-Dome!)

10.29.2011 - Bayern Munich at Oldenburg (Je'Kel Foster returns to Oldenburg to play against the club that he helped put on the map - 2009 German Championship with Oldenburg)

BuckeyeBallersTV - Dallas Lauderdale Block vs Khimki (9.30.2011 - Euroleague)

2011-10-08T19:21:00.001-05:00

(Dallas Lauderdale)

(Short clip of rookie Dallas Lauderdale vs Khimki at the 2011 Euroleague qualifying tourney (Charleroi, Belgium)

Web - George Reese Interviews Fellow Pro Chris Quinn

2011-10-07T16:29:00.001-05:00

Web - http://www.GeorgeLReese.com
Video - '614 & Beyond'
Description - Former Buckeye George Reese continues his video interview series with a segment feature local standout Chris Quinn (Dublin Coffman/Notre Dame star, played with the Spurs in the last NBA season, and is currently with B.C Khimki of Russia)

Euroleague Qualification - D. Lauderdale & Turow Battled Russian Power Khimki in Belgium

2011-10-05T15:19:00.000-05:00

(Dallas Lauderdale & PGE Turow of Poland made a late September 2011 trip to Charleroi, Belgium in hopes of earning a birth into the 2011/2012 Euroleague Regular Season)

(PGE Turow's side of the Charleroi bracket featured BC Khimki of Russia, Czech Champion CEZ Nymburk, and Banvit from Turkey. The top bracket was played in Vilinius, Lithuania)

9.30.2010 - PGE Turow 67 vs BC Khimki 74 (Euroleague Qualification - Belgium Bracket Quarterfinals)
- Dallas Lauderdale: 5 rebounds, 2 points (1-2), 1 steal, 1 block (23 minutes)

Euroleague - The Turkish Airlines Euroleague or Euroleague is the international competition that is reputed as the highest level of Basketball outside of the NBA. This is the super-league where elite teams travel outside of their normal league/domestic play to compete against championship level squads from other countries. Sixteen teams converged in Belgium & Lithuania to earn a place in the Euroleague Regular Season via two three-round Qualification tournaments (for 2 spots). PGE Turow was given a place in the Qualifiers due to finishing as the Polish League runner-ups last season (2010/2011).

Dallas' 1st big European Game - We always state that a unique aspect of International basketball is the various competitions, special tournaments & leagues that exist. Here we are in early Fall where it is universally understood that no team is at top form, yet there is this late September Qualification tournament to determine entry into the toughest level of European Basketball. So right from the jump we have these high level, high pressure, do or die type of contests that stateside pre-season play simply does not offer. After a month of training and a slew of preparation games, rookie Dallas Lauderdale found himself in one these difficult early season settings on September 30. (Belgium's famous Spiroudome for a Euroleague contest versus a tough Russian team from Russia).

Turow Came to Play - PGE Turow's opponent, BC Khimki, has been one of Russia's high profile clubs in recent years. They competed in the Euroleague last season and were tabbed as the favorites to not only defeat Turow, but ultimately emerge out of Charleroi with another EL birth. It is easy to understand why many did not give Turow or anyone else in the bracket a chance against Khimki. The Russian club's roster includes Columbus' Chris Quinn (S.A Spurs), Austin Daye (Detroit Pistons), Timofey Mozgov (Denver Nuggets), and overseas vet Thomas Kelati.

Despite the alleged talent disadvantage, David Jackson (G) & Turow came out and went nose to nose with Khimki resulting in a close 31-29 deficit at halftime. However, the favorites responded to Turow's poised play by winning the 3rd Q by a score of 27-16, thus taking control of the game. The Polish squad kept fighting in the last period (won the 4th 22-16), but they would inevitably fall to Khimki in a tough 74-67 defeat. While Turow did not advance in the EL Qualification, they came away from Belgium knowing their capability of competing against Eurolegue level squads. Moreover, Dallas Lauderdale was able to get a little big game experience (23 minutes, 5 rebounds, 2 points on two attempts, 1 block, & 1 assist).

PGE Turow will now compete in Polish Basketball League as well as the Eurocup Competition. (EuroCup's second best superleague - Eurocup draw is on October 11)

Web - Visit RonLewisLife.com !

2011-10-04T09:17:00.000-05:00

(Image - Ron Lewis - Czech Republic 2009)

Buckeye - Ron Lewis
Experience (#4 Professional seasons completed, currently in pro season #5)
Countries - Belgium, Israel, Czech Republic
Team Accolades - 2009/2010 Czech League Champion, 2010 Czech Cup Champion, 2011 Belgian Cup Champion
Special Competitions - 2009/2010 EuroCup (Final Eight), 2010/2011 Eurochallenge (Last 16)
Website - www.RonLewisLife.com
Description - www.RonLewisLife.com is former Buckeye Ron Lewis' official website. Fans of Lewis can view photos, videos, and Ron's personal accounts of his professional basketball career! Check it out Buckeye Nation!

Team Check - PGE Turów (Dallas Lauderdale)

2011-10-03T11:55:00.000-05:00

(Teammates #52 Dallas Lauderdale & #25 Ronald Moore of PGE Turow were on opposing sides in the 2009 tOSU/Siena NCAA Tournament Game - Image - PGE Turow 2011/2012 team photo)

Buckeye - #52 Dallas Lauderdale (Rookie)
Position - Center/Forward
Team - PGE Turów
Location - Zgorzelec, Poland
League - Tauron Basketball Liga (Poland's top division)
Profile - Much is expected from PGE Turow in 2011 after taking perennial Polish power Asseco Prokom to seven games in the Polish League Finals last season. David Jackson (G), Daniel Kickert (F), and Konrad Wysocki (F) bring back key Polish League & Eurocup experience from last year's run. Turow hopes these returnees can form a good chemistry with the new additions of Americans Ronald Moore (G), Dallas Lauderdale (C), and veteran guard from Lithuania Giedrius Gustas. (Roster)

(Biggest Early Season Games)

9.30.2011 -PGE Turow (Poland) vs BC Khimki (Russia) (Euroleague Qualification Tournament in Belgium)

10.8.2011 - PGE Turow vs Kotwica (Polish League Regular Season Opener at home)

10.26.2011 - PGE Turow vs AZS Koszalin (Lauderdale & Turow host fellow Buckeye George Reese & Koszalin!)

(Videos - Short preseason clip of Dallas & Turow warming up, and two pre-season videos from Turow if you can bear the music lol! Pre-season game & fan event)

News - Ron Lewis Returned to Israel for 5th Professional Season!!

2011-10-01T19:21:00.003-05:00

(Image - Former Buckeye Ron Lewis slams it down - Israel circa 2008/2009)

Big time basketball fans like us know that the free agency/off-season transfer period is one of the most interesting aspects of following the pro game. It is all about the fun & excitement of wondering about where your favorite players will play next for the upcoming season.

Lewis 2011! Big news broke in mid August 2011 when Israeli Basketball Club Hapoel Holon announced the addition of Pro Buckeye Ron Lewis for the 2011/2012 season! This will be Ron's second stint in Israel after spending his last two pro seasons in the European countries of Belgium & the Czech Republic.

The guard from the Midwest region of the United States played his rookie year (2007/2008) in Leuven, Belgium before joining Israel's Ironi Nahariya for his second pro season (2008/2009). Lewis won the Czech Championship, Czech Cup, & also advanced to the 2010 Eurocup Final Eight with Czech powerhouse CEZ Nymburk in the 2009/2010 season. Furthermore, he then returned to Belgium in 2010/2011 for a team called Dexia Mons. With Mons, Ron advanced to the Eurochallenge Last 16, the Belgian Playoff Semi-finals and also won the 2011 Belgian Cup Championship!

(Four completed pro seasons so far, three different countries, four playoff appearances, two Cup Championships, one league/playoff Championship, competed in two European competitions - 2009/2010 Eurocup & 2010/2011 Eurochallenge)

Israeli ties - Ron Lewis is no stranger to the Israeli basketball community. Fans & media may remember him from his 2008/2009 stint with Ironi Nahariya. As one of the league's best scorers that season, Lewis helped Nahariya advance to the 2009 post-season playoffs.

The top coaches from the Israeli Basketball Federation know Lewis very well. Ron played for former Israeli National Team coach Muli Katzurin (pictured left with Lewis - 2009/2010 Eurocup - getty images) in the Czech Republic where they won a championship with CEZ Nymburk. Katzurin's successor and current head coach of the Israeli National Team is Arik Shivek who coached Lewis in Belgium during the 2010/2011 season.

Premier League - The Israeli Super league, sometimes called the Premier League is the country's top division of pro basketball. We think the Israeli league is comparable to the Belgian League in strength (a couple top squads that compete in Europe & quality imports, the domestic talent is ok, but not the best which kind of reminds us of Belgium). The most well known club in Israel is called Maccabi Electra of Tel-Aviv. Maccabi T-A is a Euroleague team that routinely features some of the top players of International basketball. This is the squad that every team in Israel wants to dethrone as Maccabi is responsible for 3 of the last 5 Israeli League Championships. Every contest against Maccabi Tel-Aviv is a huge one.

New Club - Hapoel Holon is based in the city Holon of the Tel-Aviv metro district. Head coach Dan Shamir & Manager Pini Gershon (former famous Israeli coach) will attempt to put Holon in a position where they can compete against the best in Israel. In addition to Ron Lewis, Holon's imports include athletic post man Bryant Dunston, forward Tasmin Mitchell of LSU, center Patrick Sullivan, and Dan Grunfeld of Stanford fame. (Roster)

After a slew of preparation games, Holon will close out the pre-season by participating in the Isreali Super Cup Tournament (October 8 through 13) The Israeli Premier League Regular Season begins on October 16.

(-Videos of Lewis in Belgium from last season - Official Mons Mix coming soon!)

Buckeye Ballers - Top Performances of April 2011 - Complete List

2011-09-29T20:23:00.003-05:00

(Some Elite Buckeyes - Mike Conley Jr. , Ron Lewis, Evan Turner - Good things happen when the ball is in their hands)

Well it took forever, but we finally completed our list of the top performances from April 2011. This month featured several top individual games from our Pro Buckeyes in some pretty big games. Here's the complete list with a link to the separate posts with game descriptions & videos.

#1 - 4.24.2011 - Philadelphia 76ers vs Miami Heat (NBA Playoff Quarterfinals - Game 4 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Rookie Evan Turner contributes 17 points in a huge upset playoff win over the Miami Heat! (link)

#2 - 4.17.2011 - Memphis Grizzlies at San Antonio Spurs (NBA Playoff Quarterfinals - Game One - San Antonio, Texas)

Rising point guard Mike Conley Jr. enjoys a satisfying victory & double-double (15pts/10 dimes) in his NBA playoff debut! (link)

#3 - 4.27.2011 - Memphis Grizzlies at San Antonio Spurs (NBA Playoff Quarterfinals - Game Five - San Antonio, Texas)

In one of many memorable playoff games, Conley Jr. drops 20 points on the road in Game 5 vs the #1 seeded Spurs! (link)

#4 - 4.5.2011 - AZS Koszalin vs Asseco Prokom (Polish League Playoff Quarterfinals Game 3 - Koszalin, Poland)

George Reese hits polish power Asseco Prokom with 20 points in one of Koszalin's biggest victories of the season (link).

#5 - 4.10.2011 - Vanoli Cremona vs Air Avellino (Italian League Regular Season)

Je'Kel Foster torches the nets for 26 points in leading Cremona to victory over Air AV in the Italian Serie A! (link)

#6 - 4.28.2011 - Chevakata vs Spartak SP (Russian League Playoffs - 5th place game - Vologda, Russia)

Former Ohio State All-American Jessica Davenport ends the month with a 32 point explosion vs Spartak in the Russian League playoffs! (link)

#7 - 4.3.2011 - Dinamo Sassari at Virtus Bologna (Italian League Regular Season - Bologna, Italy)

Italian League All-Star Othello Hunter dropped 19 points & 10 rebounds in road victory over Virtus Bologna. (link)

#8 - 4.5.2011 - Philadelphia at Boston (NBA Regular Season - Boston, Massachusetts)

Evan Turner scores 21 points in his first ever regular season road game vs the Boston Celtics! (link)

#9 - 4.11.2011 - Denver vs Golden State (NBA Regular Season - Denver, Colorado)

Kosta Koufos ties his pro career high in scoring with 18points & 9 rebounds vs the Golden State Warriors of the NBA Western Conference. (link)

#10 - 4.9.2011 - Dexia Mons at Liege (Belgian League Regular Season - Liege, Belgium)

Guard Ron Lewis contributes 17 points for Mons in an away game versus Liege. (link)

BuckeyeBallersTV - Film Study - Kosta Koufos' Quick Spin Move

2011-09-28T20:37:00.000-05:00

(Image - Kosta Koufos - Rimini, Italy - 8.13.2011)

BuckeyeBallersTV - Kosta Koufos executes his quick baseline spin move at the 2011 European Championships.

Film Study - Michael Redd Curl & Fade Cut

2011-09-25T21:24:00.001-05:00

Nike Signature Moves Set - NBA veteran Michael Redd demonstrates the Curl and Fade Cut moves. Great to hear Redd discuss the techniques of moving without the ball..he's only been one of the best catch & shoot players in the last 10 years :)

Eurobasket Preparation - Koufos And Greece Won the 2011 Beko Supercup

2011-09-21T11:54:00.001-05:00

(Kosta Koufos, Kostas Kaimakoglou, & Dimitris Mavroidis celebrate the 2011 Beko Supercup title - Bamberg, Germany - 8.21.2011)

Eurobasket Preparation - 2011 Beko Supercup Tournament in Bamberg, Germany - August 19-21, 2011.

8.19.2011 - Greece 62 Turkey 38 (Supercup Day One)
- Kosta Koufos: 9 points

8.20.2011 - Greece 69 Germany 56 (Supercup Day Two)
- Kosta Koufos: 17 points

8.21.2011 - Greece 70 Belgium 61 (Supercup Day Three)
- Kosta Koufos: 12 points

Looking Formidable - Kosta Koufos & the Greek National Team played four phases of games in prep for the 2011 Fiba European Championships in Lithuania. The first stage took place in Cyprus (8/5/ through 8/7) where Greece won three close games over Italy (76-70), Israel (68-66), & Russia (83-80). From viewing the game in Cyprus, it seemed like each of the head coaches were just attempting to get a feel for their rosters by experimenting with lineups & player minutes.

Greece displayed better execution & cohesion in the second phase at the Rimini Tournament in Italy (8/12 through 8/14). Kosta Koufos in particular looked very comfortable in wins against Poland (71-50 - 16pts), Bosnia & Herzegovina (87-62), and in the final game versus Italy. The Greeks didn't have any trouble in the first two contests before succombing to the host Italians on the 14th (73-82) - The rematch with Italy (Greece defeated Italy in the first game in Cyprus) was one of the more intense games for Greece up to that point and was definitely a preview of how tough the competition would be at Eurobasket.

Third Stage - The 2011 Beko Supercup (8/19 through 8/21) in Bamberg featured the national teams of Turkey, Greece, Belgium and Germany. Greece took their play from Italy to a higher level against the tougher field in Germany. They looked extremely locked in during a susprisingly dominant victory over a loaded Turkey team on day one (62-38). Koufos completely took over a stretch in the 2nd quarter vs Turkey.

The blossoming center from Canton, Ohio made some major noise on Day 2 by erupting for 17 points against the host Germans in front of a raucos audience. Greece defeated Dirk Nowitzki & Germany by a score of 69-56. Koufos looked great on offense ingeneral and also did a good job of defending fellow NBA center Chris Kayman in the post. The Supercup title was then clinched on Day 3 after a tough battle with the Belgian National team (71-60)..Koufos & Greece looked read to compete in Eurobasket after this Supercup Tourmanet in Bamberg.

- Video - (Kosta Koufos vs Germany & Dirk Nowitzki..fresh off his NBA championship - 8.20.2011 - Bamberg, Germany)

Italy - Lighty Arrives (Opening Video Interview)

2011-09-17T21:51:00.000-05:00

(Rookie David Lighty landed in Northern Italy in Late August 2011 in preparation for the 2011/2012 Serie A season with Bennet Cantu - Image - Lighty at Cantu's first training/practice - Pallescanestro Cantu)

(Opening team video interview with David Lighty) - Uploaded by Canu on 8.21.2011

Top Performances of April - #1 Evan Turner's Heroic Game 4 Playoff Game vs Miami!! (Plus Video)

2011-09-15T19:34:00.001-05:00

(- Image - Evan Turner slices through the Heat for a dazzling left handed layup in Game 4 - 2011 NBA Playoffs Quarterfinals - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 4.24.2011)

4.24.2011 - Philadelphia 76ers 86 vs Miami Heat 82 (Playoffs 1st Round - Game 4)

- Evan Turner: 17 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 assist!

Playoffs - Where the Great Ones Shine - It is always fascinating to see how your favorite teams and players react in must win game situations. The (special) teams who ultimately seize the moment and win in these high pressure situations create the longest lasting memories for fans, players & media.

Memorable moments such as John Havlicek's famous steal to clinch the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals is still viewed as one of the greatest plays in NBA history because players from all eras are inevitably judged by their big stage performances against the best competition.

Buckeye John Havlicek can be described as the standard of excellence when it comes to former Ohio State guards in pro basketball. There have been other great OSU guards after Hondo who competed in the league such as Jim Cleamons, Dennis Hopson, Jim Jackson, & Michael Redd, but none of them were able to put together a rookie playoff game comparable to what Evan Turner did in the 2011 NBA playoffs.

Top Performances of April #1 - The Kid Grows up in the Playoffs! The 2010 Naismith Award winner, G Evan Turner & his Philadelphia 76ers found themselves in one of those 'do-or-die' settings on April 24 when they hosted the Miami Heat in Game Four of the 2011 NBA Playoff Quarterfinals. For Turner, the playoffs presented an opportunity to showcase his improved comfort level after an up and down rookie regular season.

Those who were following closely knew that E.T was actually in the middle of his best month as a pro when the playoffs rolled around. Evan scored in double figures in three of the last six regular season games including a nice 21 point performance at Boston on April 5 and 18 points vs the Pistons on April 13. At mid-month, it was time for Turner to finally experience the unique atmosphere and intensity that is the NBA Playoffs.

Game 4 vs Miami - The task of defeating the number one seeded Heat was certainly daunting for the Sixers. Miami predictably took a commanding three games to zero lead in the series, but Philly entered game 4 with about as much confidence as a team could have in that predicament after competing well in 2 of the 3 losses only to fall short by single digits (fell by nine in game one & six in game three). It would have been easy to just accept the inevitable and lay down in game 4, but with their backs against the wall, Philadelphia responded with an all-around team effort to give fans one last great memory of the 2010/2011 season. This game had it all, huge momentum swings, high intensity confrontations, and spectacular plays in the clutch.

Fast Start - The Sixers set the tone early with a surprising 20-6 run in the first quarter that was sparked by Jrue Holiday, Andre Iguodala, and Eltron Brand. But the question still remained, who else would step up for Philly after Miami Heat's obligatory response? The answer to that qustion would be the names Evan Turner & Lou Williams.

Turner Time - Evan Turner entered the game at the two minute mark of the first quarter. After about a minute of action, Turner nailed an in rhythm three pointer to put the Sixers up 28-13...and from watching that shot..you just knew that E.T would be a factor in this contest.

The Villain Strikes James Jones - This game featured a vintage Evan Turner..the same player who dominated at Ohio State..and the same player who was showing out in the month of April 2011. Evan was fearless, and we think some of that energy was fueled in part by a mild altercation with James Jones in the 2nd quarter.

With about 9:23 to go in the second period, Heat guard James Jones accidently stepped out of bounds while attemping a transition three. The play was over, yet James decided to shoot anyway only to have Evan 'The Villain' Turner attempt to block the shot in Kevin Garnett fashion. Jones took exeption to the move, he gave ET a little shove which elicted a response from Philly's Thad Young. The push by James Jones only fired Turner up more because #21 went on the attack right in the following sequence!

The Villain Strikes Lebron - We viewed Turner's altercation with James Jones as another test for the Sixers...either get punked or respond with fire. Well with emotions as high as ever, Turner came back on the very next play and got Lebron James with a sick hesistation move to a made fadeaway jumper! E.T was definitely in it at this point..he was going to do all he could to help Philly win this game. Evan ended up getting James again late in the 2nd quarter by using a quck cross & dribble drive for a layup.

E.T & Sixers close it out - The second half of this game featured some amazing back & fourth action. Remember that Philly competed well in other games of the series, but they failed to put together a sufficient fourth quarter to ultimately win. The difference in this game was determined by the contributions of Jrue Holiday & Lou Williams (17 points) who both hit clutch shots in the 4th, as well as the gutsy play from Evan Turner (17 points). Holiday & Williams made the game changing threes to pt Phily on top, and it was the former Buckeye Evan Turner who delivered the dagger free throws to seal the 86-82 win for the Sixers. Evan Turner's 17 points in a playoff game is the most by a rookie from Ohio State in the modern era. Let's get to video! lol

Video - Evan Turner - Game 4 vs the Miami Heat!

- The Plays -

- Evan Turner hits a three late in the 1st quarter
- Jodie Meeks finds Turner on the inbounds for an easy layup
- Altercation with James Jones!
- Evan Turner hesistation plus fadeaway jumper on Lebron!
- E.T crosses Lebron and slices through for the score!
- Turner cuts the basket for an easy dunk, pass by Spencer Hawes
- Unbelivable left handed layup in transition, vintage Turner!
- Baseline jumper in the 4th
- Jrue Holiday clutch three
- Lou Williams clutch three
- Evan Turner clinches the game with two free throws! Yeahhh!