Minnesota - It is Koufos' Time (To Shine) *New Video*

(Kosta Koufos: Minnesota 2010)

He is Ready - One of our very first blog entries was titled Kosta Koufos "I am Ready for Gasol". It was a half-way serious post following comments Koufos made prior to the 2009 European Championships. Kosta Koufos was young back then, and he is still a developing player today, but the Canton big man is definitely on the right track to being able to compete with the Gasols of the world, night in and night out.

When preparation meets Opportunity - When we last wrote about Minnesota, we noted that while Koufos (pictured left: blocking Nene: 12.18.2010) is the third string center, he would still get some opportunities due to Coach Rambis' support, and the makeup of the squad.

A Coach develops confidence in a player from what he or she sees every day in practice. In Koufos' case, his hard work began way back in the Summer of 2010 when he carried his good play from the Orlando Summer League to Minnesota's fall camp & into the NBA Pre-Season. When we saw Kosta playing in the 2nd & 3rd quarters of Minnesota's early NBA games, we knew it would be a different year for him playing wise. (more after video)



Minnesota Timberwolves Intro + Kosta Koufos first points

So most already knew of Koufos as a capable young player, and we found out that Minnesota would not hesitate to play him as an available reserve big. For Kosta, it was now about keeping himself ready for whenever his name was called.

Moreover, in regards to Minnesota's team-makeup, they start Serbian Darko Milicic at Center and list Nikola Pekovic as his backup. Darko has been up and down, he started the season with a slump, but has also had some very good games (four 20+ point scoring games).

The Montenegrin rookie, Pekovic, is still adjusting to the NBA style. Nikola has displayed some flashes of what made him one of the Euroleague's best players (a willingness to bang inside on the boards, and defend), but for him it is simply a matter of becoming more comfortable with the speed of the game, learning how the NBA game is called, and getting into a flow with his teammates.

It has been said before, but one of the most underrated aspects of the NBA is getting through the grinding regular season schedule. And this is where preparation meets opportunity for reserves across the league because injuries are an inevitable part of the game.

Injury Attrition: In recent weeks, Minnesota's centers have been primarily concerned with just being able to physically stay on the court. The December 17th game at Portland was a perfect example of why you must always be ready. Darko Milicic managed to sprain his ankle on the opening tip, and in a freak coincidence, Pekovic came in and promptly sprained his right ankle after only being in for about 30 seconds. (Nikola has struggled with other injuries as well, has only played 20 games on the season)

Kosta Koufos' name was called, and he responded by bringing down a pro career high 11 rebounds vs the Trailblazers. Koufos would then get the start at Denver the next night...( first start since his rookie season, grabbed 10 boards vs the Nuggets).

-Star Tribune: Injuries leave Koufos' as Primary Center

What we See: Why is Koufos ready? Well what we are witnessing this season is a composed player who looks confident and comfortable on the court. It is cliche to say, but Koufos just looks more aggressive and sure of himself today than he did last season (in the flow of what is team is doing, not rushing anything, is very patient and is making strong moves..also looks stronger defensively).

We are not saying Kosta is breaking out just yet, but this has been a positive season for him so far. Compare his total games played for Utah last season to his early stint in the Twin Cities. Koufos has already played in 27 games for Minnesota, last season he played in a total of just 36 games for Utah!

And he is not developing against D-League talent. These are the big boys now, check out this video..Koufos is competing vs the best this season..a block on Nene & Ty Lawson, a block on Lamarcus Aldridge, a confident hook shot on Pau Gasol, yes Gasol! :) Yes indeed, it is Koufos' time to shine.

BuckeyeBallersTV - Ken Johnson 2009 Short (Kalev/Cramo)

(Ken Johnson & Charron Fisher: BC Kalev/Cramo 2009/2010)

Buckeye great Ken Johnson suited up for Estonian club Kalev/Cramo from November 2009 to February 2010. The center was seen all over the Baltics last season as Kalev played in BBL, and the VTB United League, in addition to the Estonian National League.

BuckeyeBallersTV - Ken Johnson 2009 Short (Kalev/Cramo)

November 2010 - A Month In Review Part Two

(Evan Turner in MSG: 11.7.2010)

Most Memorable moment : There are usually one or two plays or games from a month that stick out as the most memorable. We had many many performances to choose from, but it is hard to put anything over Evan Turner getting his first career start in Madison Square Garden, and contributing to a nice win vs the Knicks (November 7, 2010)

In our view, this is ET's best game in his young NBA career so far. Game-wise, Turner (pictured left with Amare) was able to get his first start due to an injured Andre Iguodala. He played 35 minutes, his most in a regular season game up to that point. This was also back when Philly was letting him handle the ball a bit, so he was definitely in something of a flow or rhythm..he was 'one of the players' on this night (meaning one of the guys making a difference)

Results-wise, Evan recorded his first regular season double-double of 16 points & 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and one huge steal. With about three minutes remaining in the 4th, and the Sixers needing a bucket to extend on the Knicks, Turner intercepted an Amare Stoudamire pass before racing down the court for a key momentum swinging layup. Philadelphia went up by six, and would not look back en route to a 106-96 victory.



We say this is Evan best game so far because he played big minutes, played well in his 1sts start , and was a factor in the win. He has played bigger minutes on 3 other occasions, but they were all defeats. (Evan Turner Stats)

Team of the Month - Primetel Apollon - (Cyprus)

Terence Dials (pictured left in between 8 in yellow & 5 in blue) & Apollon BC of Limassol, Cyprus went undefeated in November (4-0). Their biggest victory was an 80-59 win over Enad on November 13.

Honorable Mention: Vanoli Cremona (Italy)

Je'Kel Foster & Cremona went 3-1 in the tough Italian League, including a memorable win in Rome over Lottomatica Roma on November 28




News of the Month: Evan Turner getting his first start in the Mecca of Basketball was huge, Scoonie returning to Italy was big, as was Mike Conley's slaying of the Lakers. But the biggest of news items in November were the unfortunate reports of another physical setback for Greg Oden.

You have to feel for Greg because his love for the game is well documented, and he worked very hard to get back. Former NBA player Eddie Johnson recently wrote a nice piece on downed big men Oden & Yao Ming.

Love for the Game will heal Yao & Oden


First Team All November 2010

1. Mike Conley Jr. (United States)
2. Je'Kel Foster (Italy)
3. Brandie Hoskins (Portugal)
4. Othello Hunter (Italy)
5. Jessica Davenport (Russia)

1987 Throwback Video- Dennis Hopson Breaks Ohio State All-Time Scoring Record

(Dennis Hopson)

March 3, 1987 - Ohio State vs Florida International: Guard Dennis Hopson breaks Herb Williams' Ohio State all-time scoring record!

Video Flashback (December 2009)

(Fall 2009: Byron Mullens, Mike Conley, Daequan Cook, Greg Oden, Othello Hunter)

A look back at December 2009: Every month of basketball includes classic games, but December of 2009 seemed to especially have highlights for some former Buckeyes. As our video will show, and as we have been trumpeting, Mike Conley Jr. did not just start balling this season..he's been killing for a while now. And the top play of that month was perhaps one of best career moments when he hit a game winning layup vs the Cavaliers on 12/8/2009.

Ron Lewis (pictured left: Czech Republic 2009) got his first FIBA Europe competition victory on December 2nd with an explosive performance vs Latvian club Ventspils in the Eurocup.

Micheal Redd scored 25 poitns vs the eventual champion Lakers on December 16. And Othello Hunter had an NBA career high the same night against the Memphis Grizzlies.



(Video: The top plays of December 2009)

10. Michael Redd beats the buzzer to end the 1st in Cleveland (12-18-09)
09. Byron Mullens throws down alley from Mustafa Shakur vs Reno (12-26-09)
08. Mike Conley Jr, blows past Nene with another hesistation move (12-20-09)
07. Michael Redd shakes Shannon Brown (12-16-2009)
06. Othello Hunter slam vs Memphis (12-16-09)
05. Mike Conley Jr, freezes Paul Pierce & finishes over Sheed (12-14-09)
04. Greg Oden blocks Dwayne Wade (12-1-09)
03. Ron Lewis dunks on Ventspils in Eurocup play (12-2-09)
02. Michael Redd clutch 3 in OT vs L.A (12-16-09)
01. Mike Conley Jr. Game winning drive & score in OT vs Cleveland (12-8-09)

A December to Remember - Dexia Mons Aims for the EuroChallenge Last 16

(French Club Orleans had front row seats to the Ron Lewis show on December 7th: Eurochallenge)

(2010/2011 FIBA EuroChallenge Group Stage)


12.7.2010 - Dexia Mons (Belgium) 68 vs Orleans Loiret 61 (France) Group H Game 4) W
- Ron Lewis: 18 points, 4 assists, 3 steals!

12.14.2010 - Dexia Mons 82 (Belgium) at SLUC Nancy 79 (France) Group H Game 5) W
-Ron Lewis: 18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists!

A December to Remember: The last month of 2010 has resembled that of March Basketball for Buckeye Ron Lewis & the Dexia Mons Foxes. Big game after big game, must win situations, fourth quarter thrillers...this is what it has been like for Mons.

Ron Lewis (pictured left: getting ready to throw the hammer down late vs Orleans: 12.7.2010) & the other Buckeyes in Europe play 'big' games in November and December because every contest is important when you play in only one league game a week (comparable to an NCAA conference game). And in Mons' case, they also play in the separate FIBA Euro-Challenge competition, in addition to their Belgian league schedule.

FIBA Europe competitions like the Euro-Challenge (also the Euroleague & Eurocup) are modeled after the familiar national team tournaments like the Olympics or World Championships.

-This is the standard FIBA format-

1. A variety of countries qualify for the competition
2. The total pool of teams are divided into groups.
3. The advancing teams out of the group stage will next either play in a single elimination style tournament, or (depending on the number of teams) be matched with one other team for a short series before the do or die/single elimination games.

The club level is not much different from the national team competitions. Instead of say Belgium vs France (a game you would see in a FIBA National team competition), the Euro-Challenge, for example, will feature Mons vs Orleans, a club form the Belgian League versus a club from the French League.

These contests are fun to watch because almost every game is accompanied with a pressure filled, tournament like atmosphere. Every possession counts, every game counts..winning earns much acclaim..and big time success in these competitions can help in moving your club or league up in the European basketball totem pole

(prestige obviosuly doesn't matter to the players as much as the fans in the Euro basketball community..the fans hold these tournaments in high regard because of the big time bragging rights..fans in the Greek League want to be able to say their league is better than the Italian League when Greek teams play Italian teams..it's just like College Football Bowl season).

Dexia Mons did not begin the 2010/2011 Euro-Challenge Group Stage the way they wanted to. They played well in in the opening game (11.16.) at Orleans Loiret, but could not hold off the French Club in the 4th quarter. (fell 82-76)

Game two was a home date against another team from France, SLUC Nancy. Ron Lewis & teammate Ronell Taylor led a furious comeback attempt late in the game, but Mons would fall in another disappointing game (78-76).

The 0-2 start created must win situations for the Foxes in every remaining group contest. In a game they absolutely had to have, Mons took care of business in week three action vs Oostende, a familiar team from Belgium (71-68).

Then there was the first game of December, the big rematch with Orleans on the 7th. Things seemed to be going in Mons' favor. They were at home, they knew they could play with Orleans from game one, plus the French team would be without their leading scorer Troy Bell. The good guys were on top by 4 after the first period, but Orleans stunned Mons Arena with 24 2nd quarter points to take a 37-28 lead into halftime.

A comeback & win required a great amount of effort, and that is exactly what Mons gave in what was perhaps an early season defining 2nd half. Mons knew it was all about stops, so they fed off their hot home crowd, kicked up the team defense a few notches, and were able to split Orleans' 24 points in the 2nd to 12 in the 3rd, and only 12 in the 4th. Columbus' Ron Lewis led the charge on offense whether it was converting at the rim, drawing fouls, or setting up teammates (he finished with 18). The highlight of the game was a game sealing dunk by Lewis (pictured below) with less than a remaining to complete amazing comeback (68-61 final)

(Lewis seals the deal vs Orleans: 12.7.2010)

Mons definitely had some momentum going their way after the big W vs Orleans. They handled Antwerp four days later in Belgian League play (75-60), and then found themselves back in France on December 14th for the second game with SLUC Nancy.

This game was one of the toughest challenges of the season so far. On the road in France, in a must win situation. It was a back & fourth affair all game long, but in the end Mons would display a late game poise that they lacked in the first 2 Euro-challenge games to overcome Nancy in the 4th quarter and celebrate a huge 82-79 W.

(Clip -Just like in the Orleans game, Ron Lewis had another late 4th quarter dunk in France vs Nancy)


Ron Lewis Dunk vs SLUC Nancy in Eurochallenge 12.14.2010
Uploaded by BuckeyeBallersTV. -

The Interesting Dynamic of Oostende - The win over SLUC Nancy moved Mons to the top of Group H with a 3-2 record. They enter the last week (12.21) of the Group Stage with their destiny in their own hands. Nancy (3-2) plays at Orleans (1-4)..if Orleans wins, then Mons automatically advances to the next stage, but they won't have to even worry about that if they just win at Base Oostende (3-2) today.

The crazy dynamic about Oostende is that Mons just defeated these guys a couple days ago in the Belgian League! In what would become yet another close game in December, Mons Barely slipped past Oostende on December 18th (88-86), and now both teams are set to play again just a few nights later for a spot in the Euro-Challenge Last 16!

Mons has beaten Oostende three times now this season. They got them on the road by 13 on October 16th. And won at home by 3 in European play on November 30th before the aforementioned two point victory at home on Decemberr 18th. Each game got tougher and tougher, and now Mons must try to take these guys out for the fourth time in a row, on the road..yeah..it's going to be tough!

12.21.2010 - Dexia Mons (3-2) at Base Oostende (3-2) (Euro-Challenge Group H Game Six) - Winner advances to the Euro-Challenge Last 16 -Tipoff is around 2:00 EST time in the U.S

(Video) This or That with Evan Turner

(Video) Bird or Magic? Tupac or Biggie? Rookie Evan Turner answers these questions and more in a game of 'This or That' from the rookie photo shoot. (pre-season 2010)

November 2010 - A Month In Review Part One

(Memphis Guards OJ Mayo & Mike Conley Jr. celebrate win over the Lakers - 11.30.2010)

The Transfers -The news of two Buckeye transfers were officially announced in late October/early November. International basketball great Scoonie Penn joined Italian Lega Due (Italy's 2nd division) club Prima Veroli in Late October. Veroli is Penn's fifth different team in the country of Italy, and approximately his 12th different professional club.

Penn made his 2010/2011 season debut on November 14th (scoring 15 points with 5 rebounds) Veroli lost four of their first six contests before Scoonie's arrival, but they have since battled their way into a group of middle of the pack teams in the Lega Due (current record of 5-7)



Latin America - Sixth year pro Tony Stockman began the 2010/2011 season in Argentina. He briefly played for clubs Penarol & Libertad before making the late fall move to Assis Basket of Sao Paulo, Brazil in early November. Stockman (pictured left - Brazil Nov. 2010) was no stranger to the Brazilian NBB. He is well known for his stint with Vivo/Franca (based in the same city) in the 2009/2010 season.

The second stage of the season starts on January 7. Assis Basket is definitely hoping for better results after a disappointing first stretch(7 games) which did not include a victory. Tony Stockman scored 21 points in the December 12 game vs BRB Brasilia.



Ivan Harris is another former Buckeye to try his hand against competition in Argentina this year. He got his legs moving in a pro game again with club Gimnasia in mid November.

Harris played in about 3 games in Argentina as the temporary replacement for an injured player. Once the stint was over, Ivan then joined the top club in Uruguay, Bigua (became official on Nov. 24). But that run would be a short one as well because the team was evidently not happy with the fit, and parted ways with Ivan shortly before December (the linked article makes it sound like Ivan was very poor of the course of several games. But he only played 2 games with Bigua, scored 9 & 7 points each, they must think they're the Lakers or something lol). We look forward to hearing about Ivan's next signing, hopefully it is not in Argentina or Uruguay lol .

Player of the Month - Point Guard Mike Conley Jr. continued his torrid pace with another fantastic month of basketball. Conley (pictured left vs the Heat: 11.20.2010) opened November with five straight games of scoring 14 points or more. The lefty out of Indianapolis, Indiana averaged 15 points & 6 assists in the month, and totaled 31 steals in 15 games.

If folks were not aware of Mike's superb play in October, they definitely knew what was up by the end of November 2010.

Honorable Mention - Othello Hunter (averaged 18 points in just 3 November games)

(Video - Mike Conley Jr. at PHX on November 5, 2010. This is just a sample of one Mike's great November games)



Victory of the Month - 11.30.2010 - Memphis 98 L.A Lakers 96

The Player of the November ties into the victory of November because Mike Conley Jr. would close out his great month of play with an awesome performance vs the Los Angeles Lakers on the 30th. The former Buckeye led Memphis with 28 points in a thrilling win over the defending world champions.

Mike Conley Jr. is without a doubt the top former Buckeye in the professional ranks right now. He is playing the most minutes & doing the most work against the strongest competition. Last year you could have argued that Mike was the top Buckeye by default due to the absences of Redd & Oden..but if both were healthy Conley would still be #1 right now.



Part Two coming up!

(Video) Byron Mullens 12.12.2010 (vs Cleveland)

(Byron Mullens)

12.10.2010 - Tulsa 66ers 120 at Sioux Falls Sky Force 102 (NBA D-League) W
-Byron Mullens - 19 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists

12.12.2010 - Oklahoma City 106 vs Cleveland 77 (NBA Regular Season) W

-Byron Mullens: 5 points, 5 rebounds, 1 block (career high in points in an NBA regular season game)

Early Christmas for Mullens? The improvement of Oklahoma City Thunder Center Byron Mullens has been on display in Mid-December 2010. The second year pro (pictured left: big dunk vs Cleveland - 12.12.2010 Associated Press) out of Columbus, Ohio responded to last week's D-League Assignment with 19 points vs the Sky Force of Sioux Falls on the 10th.

And then the unexpected occurred when injuries to centers Nenad Kristic & Cole Adrich meant an early call up back to OKC for Mullens. Two days after playing a game in South Dakota, Byron was in uniform for OKC's December 12th home game vs the hapless Cleveland Cavaliers. The former Buckeye was fortunate to get some extended playing time in 4th quarter vs the Cavs (in the midst of a blowout)..his highlights included a nice two handed slam, plus a block on Ramon Sessions on the other end. Check him out!

FIBA - Davenport & Chevakata Power through EuroCup Group Stage in Impressive Fashion

12.11.2010 - Chevakata 70 Dynamo M. 64 (Russian League Round 8) W
-Jessica Davenport: 24 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 assists!

5th year pro Jessica Davenport is playing her 2010/2011 international season in Vologda, Russia. Her club Chevakata participates in the Russian Super A League & the continental wide Eurocup Competition.

The country of Russia features three Euroleague teams & a staggering five teams in the Eurocup, all of which have advanced to the second phase. Davenport (pictured left, she wears her familiar #50 overseas) and Chevakata powered through the first phase of Europe with an undefeated record (4-0) in Group A vs Bosnian team Zelijeznicar & Lithuanian club Lemminkainen. (average margin of victory was 37 points!)

Chevakata is now ranked as the number one seed in he second phase (last 32) of the 2010/2o11 Eurocup (the format is explained here). The format for this round consists of a home & away game between two teams instead of group play. Chevakata is matched up with Croatian club Lupa. The two teams will meet in Zagreb, Croatia on December 15, and then back in Russia on the 22nd.

(Update: Chevakata smashed Lupa in leg one of the Europcup round of 32: Final score 83-56!)

The early competition of the Eurocup must seem like a breathe of fresh air in comparison to the rough Russian League. Chevakata is currently 3-5 after 8 rounds of action, but Jessica Davenport is having a fantastic individual season so far..she ranks 2nd in scoring & rebounding in Russia..only behind star Tina Charles.

BuckeyeBallersTV - Top Plays of November 2010!

• 15. Mike Conley Jr. flashes in passing lane for a steal & layup off the Brook Lopez pass. (Phoenix, Arizona - 11.5.2010)
• 14. Ron Lewis hard to the hoop for the bucket & foul. (Mons, Belgium - 11.6.2010)
  
• 13. Kosta Koufos follow up slam vs San Antonio. (Minneapolis, Minnesota - 11.24.2010)
• 12. Othello Hunter runs the floor with Travis Diener for a two handed transition dunk vs Italian powerhouse Milano. (Sassari, Italy - 11.14.2010)
• 11. Mike Conley Jr. deep three as the buzzer sounds vs the Magic. (Orlando, Florida - 11.15.2010)
• 10. Evan Turner rips Brandon Jennings & sets up Jrue Holiday in transition. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 11.19.2010)
• 9. Mike Conley Jr. spins off of Ron Artest & goes at Lamar Odom at the hoop. (Memphis, Tennessee - 11.30.2010)
• 8. Ron Lewis two handed slam in traffic vs Aalstar. (Mons, Belgium - 11.27.2010)
• 7. Othello Hunter one handed slam vs Milano (Sassari, Italy - 11.14.200)
• 6. Evan Turner victimizes Jordan Famar of the NJ Nets (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 11.27.2010)
• 5. Scoonie Penn coast to coast for the and-1 finish! (Veroli, Italy - 11.19.2010)
• 4. Othello Hunter big alley oop finish vs Brindisi! (Sassari, Italy - 11.28.2010)
• 3. Evan Turner gets a clutch steal from Amare Stoudamire & converts the layup to seal the deal in MSG! (New York City, New York - 11.7.2010)
• 2. Mike Conley Jr. dribbles around & through the Suns en route to a super clutch layup on the road! (Phoenix, Arizona - 11.5.2010)
• 1. Je'Kel Foster crazy acrobatic layup vs Sutor Mont. ! (Cremona, Italy - 11.7.2010)

Notable Results of Last Week (12/5/-12/12)

(George Reese)

Two former Ohio State Buckeyes are currently playing in European Basketball competitions, in addition to their national league schedule. Ron Lewis & Mons Hainaut of Belgium are in the competitive Group H of the Fiba EuroChallenge. Jessica Davenport & her Russian team Chevakata just advanced to the second stage of the Eurocup after cruising in Group A. We'll get more in depth on both of these teams in later posts.

12.7.2010 - Dexia Mons (Belgium) 68 Orlens Loiret (France) 61 (EuroChallenge Game 4) W
- Ron Lewis: 18 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 steals!



12.6.2010 - Memphis 85 at Utah 94 (NBA Regular Season) L
-Mike Conley Jr. : 19 points, 5 assists



12.8.2010 - Memphis 104 at Phoenix 98 OT (NBA Regular Season) W
-Mike Conley Jr. : 14 assists, 11 points!

12.10.2010 - Tulsa 66ers 120 at Sioux Falls Sky Force 102 (NBA D-League) W
-Byron Mullens - 19 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists

12.11.2010 - Memphis 84 at L.A Clippers 83 (NBA Regular Season) W
-Mike Conley Jr. : 8 assists, 7 points, 2 steals

12.12.2010 - Philadelphia 88 vs New Orleans (NBA Regular Season) W
-Evan Turner : 7 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal



12.12.2010 - Oklahoma City 106 vs Cleveland 77 (NBA Regular Season) W
-Byron Mullens: 5 points, 5 rebounds, 1 block

12.12.2010 - Vanoli Cremona 74 vs Scavolini Pesaro 87 (Lega A Round 9) L
-Je'Kel Foster: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 assists



12.12.2010 - Dinamo Sassari 55 vs Virtus Bologna 66 (Lega A Round 9) L
-Othello Hunter: 15 points, 8 rebounds

12.12.2010 - Prima Veroli 77 San Severo 65 (LegaDue Round 9) W
-Scoonie Penn: 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 points, 2 )



12.11.2010 - Dexia Mons 75 at Antwerp 60 (Belgian League Round 12) W -Ron Lewis: 8 rebounds, 7 points, 4 assists



12.10.2010 - Primetel Apollon 71 APOEL 69 (Cyprus Round 9) W
-Terence Dials: 15 points, 5 rebounds



12.11.2010 - AZS Koszalin 97 at Siarka 85 (Polish League Round 10) W
-George Reese: 29 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists!!



12.11.2010 - Quinta 67 at Barcelos 58 (Portugal Round 12) W
-Star Allen: 19 points, 12 rebounds

12.11.2010 - Boa Viagem 55 at AD Vagos 77 (Portugal Round 12) L
-Brandie Hoskins: 21 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists!



12.11.2010 - Chevakata 70 Dynamo M. 64 (Russian League Round 8) W
-Jessica Davenport: 24 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 assists



12.11.2010 - CB PIO XII 65 Ferroll 57 (Spanish LF2) W
-Andrea Walker: 12 points, 8 rebounds

Terence Dials & Apollon Grab Top Spot in Cyprus

(#34 Terence Dials, #24 Joel Camacho)

12.10.2010 - Primetel Apollon 71 APOEL 69 (Cypriot Reg. Season Week 9)

-Terence Dials 15 points, Joel Camacho 18 points, Lewis Sims 17 points

The upcoming holiday break is about the only thing that will slow down Terence Dials & Primetel Apollon. The club of Limassol, Cyprus is currently enjoying a seven game winning streak which dates back to late October 2010. Apollon (7-1) actually fell in defeat during the first week of regular season play, but it has since been all victories for the current first place team of the Cypriot League.

Their greatest triumph of the season so far was a close 71-69 win over the defending Cypriot League Champions, APOEL B.C (12/10/2010). Veteran guard/forward Joel Camacho (Sacramento State) led Apollon with 18 points, and the low post tandem of Lewis Sims (New Orleans) & tOSU's Terence Dials scored 17 & 15 each, the American trio is nicknamed the "Three Musketeers".

(We are definitely on the hunt for some video of first place Apollon.)

NBDL 2010 - Thunder Give Mullens an Assignment in Tulsa

(Byron Mullens grabs the rebound: Late October 2010)

Mullens to get more court action with Tulsa: The Oklahoma City Thunder announced the impending D-League Assignment (Tulsa 66ers) of second year Center Byron Mullens late Thursday night (12/9). It was not a surprise for fans because the Thunder coaching staff has repeatedly noted their intentions to again use the D-League as a platform to get their young players more work.

Byron's highlight of the season so far took place in Indianapolis, Indiana when he was called upon to help slow down Pacers' Center Roy Hibbert, who had been having his way with OKC until Mullens entered and gave 4/5 mins of solid defense. (a short performance worthy of praise from Thunder Star Kevin Durant) Mullens is expected to be in uniform for the Tulsa 66ers in tonight's game vs Sioux Falls. Like last season, we are looking forward to seeing Byron in extended action down in the D-League.

Good Summary via fanhouse - Byron Mullens heads back to Tulsa

(Video from the last seasons D-League playoffs. Tulsa vs Sioux Falls, the same squad they are facing tonight)

(More international updates coming soon)


Byron Mullens vs Sioux Falls (4.9.2010 - D-League Playoffs)
Uploaded by BuckeyeBallersTV. -