Team Check - Minnesota Timberwolves (Kosta Koufos)

(Kosta Koufos - Wolves Media Day)

Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
League: National Basketball Association
Country: United States
Buckeye: Kosta Koufos (C/PF)
Timberwolves Roster

The early fall is where you can find a universal optimism for a championship run in pretty much every locker room in the world. Only the best squads can sustain that hunger throughout the season, and while it is certainly safe to say the Minnesota Timberwolves will probabl ynot be one of those teams, it does not mean they can not rebound in a big way following last year's dreadful season.

Minnesota could only manage to win 12 games last year..they were not competing. Only four players return from that team, center pieces Kevin Love and Johnny Flynn, SG Wayne Ellington, and Darko Milicic who only played about 14 games last season. Timberwolves' brass believes some of their new additions will help them compete at a higher level. Guys of note include Michael Beasley formerly of the Heat, Nikola Pekovic (one of the top centers in Europe the last few years), and Wesley Johnson (a top 5 pick in the last NBA draft)

Former Ohio State Buckeye Kosta Koufos (Pictured up to the left with Darko & Pekovic) was acquired by Minnesota in the Al Jefferson deal this past summer. Early reports indicated that Kosta would probably not be in Minnesota's plans, but as of late September it seems as if Koufos will be a viable option for the Wolves. The club had an early Media Day session on the 24th before starting a mini week of training in preparation for an upcoming trip to Europe (they leave today). Kosta's all-around game was reportedly one of the surprises throughout camp in Mankato. The four day practice camp culminated in an intra-squad scrimmage where the Canton big man opened more eyes.

• Star Tribune - St. Paul -9.28.2010 So Far, Koufos is looking like much more than Salary dump
• Minnesota Bleacher Report - 9.30.2010 - Open Scrimmage Notes & Observations
• Star Tribune - 9.30.2010 - Rambis Likes what he sees in scrimmage
• Wolves Den - 9.30.2010 - Intra-squad Scrimmage Recap

Now granted, on paper it is still hard to see Kosta playing significant minutes unless there is injury attrition or he just really shows out over Pekovic and Darko (and it is still to be determined if he is indeed in Minny's long term plans). But we have to say that the earlier notion of Koufos being an afterthought, in Minnesota of all places, was borderline absurd. The talented young big has some things going for him, most notably versatility. He can hold his own inside as well as face you up and shoot or drive (something you won't see from Pek or Darko who are both more true centers). There is room for Koufos' contribution on a young team looking to find their way (one of the few Timberwolves with recent playoff experience)..it's just all about finding that individual role to fit the team chemistry.

-Notes

• The T-Wolves have already departed from Minnesota for a European Preseason tour in London & Paris. They will kick off the 2010 NBA Preseason against Kobe & the Lakers on October 4th in London, England's O2 Arena. The second game is in Paris vs the New York Knicks. And you already know we will be watching see how Kosta does in his first couple games as a T-Wolv.
  
• Minnesota will be without starting PG Johnny Flynn until probably November (hip surgery) The slated starter will most likely be veteran Luke Ridinour with Sebastian Telfair behind.
• It will be interesting to see who they start at SG. They have two young & smooth shooters with Wayne Ellington and Rookie Wes Johnson.
• This team wants to get out and run, they have nice athleticism at the wing with Corey Brewer, Martell Webster
• Beasley can be an X-factor for this team as the best natural scorer.

Coach Matta Instructional Videos!

(Thad Matta: Sports Illustrated)

(Shoot away dot com - a source for basketball instructional videos just posted a series of drills directed by Ohio State Head Coach Thad Matta!)

Sweetness - Now this stuff is golden for the hardcore fans, players, and students of the game like us. We love instructional videos by our former Buckeyes, but who would be a better instructor than the man himself Thad Matta? This series consists of eleven short clips featuring several helpful shooting drills. Two of the participants in the clips are former Buckeyes Ivan Harris & JJ Sullinger! Time to drop buckets! :

Team Check - Dexia Mons-Hainaut (Ron Lewis - Belgium)

(Ron Lewis - Mons Basketball Street Festival - Belgium Late August 2010)

Team: Dexia Mons-Hainaut
Country: Belgium
League: Ligue Ethias - BLB (Belgian Basketball League)
Buckeye: Ron Lewis

Ron Lewis (pictured to the left 9.5.2010)was one of the first Buckeyes to depart from the U.S for 2010/2011 overseas play. He did so in late August 2010 en route to Mons, Belgium and club Dexia Mons Hainaut.

A quick peak at Dexia's roster reveals six Americans, most notably Lewis, Shan Foster from Vanderbilt, Justin Cage from Xavier, & Ronell Taylor (Seven of their players have played NCAA Basketball). The head coach is Arik Shivek who is also the current coach of the Israeli National Team.

Most of the players on Mons have good European experience. We have not seen them play yet, but from reading the match reports & fan boards it is a team with potential. Training camp is all about developing a chemistry/consistency to ultimately realize that potential later in the season.

Lewis & Mons have been at it for close to a month now with two-a-day training sessions and a big dose of preparation games. Their preseason has included games against teams from Turkey, France, a tournament in Germany, and even a game vs a U.S University.

The Michigan Wolverines took part in a late August exhibition tour against four teams from the Belgian Basketball League. UM's final game of the trip was against Dexia in Mons' first preseason game of the year (August 26). Ron Lewis lead Mons with 16 points, but UM was able to ride their best outside shooting effort of the tour to a six point victory (80-74) To our knowledge it was Lewis' lone career loss to Michigan. See that is the only way Michigan can defeat a Buckeye..by catching him on another continent :)

Dexia Mons would rebound with wins over tougher squads like Charleville (France), Besiktas (Turkey) & Oldenburg (Germany, Je'Kel Fosters old team).

Mons Preseason Results So far (6-4)

• -8.26.2010 - Dexia Mons 74 Michigan (United States) 80
• -8.28.2010 -Dexia Mons 62 Rouen (France) 73
• -8.29.2010 - Dexia Mons 86 Weert (Netherlands) 81 (Lewis 16pts)
  
• -9.3.2010 - Dexia Mons 79 Charleville (France) 66
  
• -9.4.2010 - Dexia Mons 71 BCM Gravelines (France) 83 (Lewis 22pts)
  
• -9.10.2010 -Dexia Mons 79 Telenet Oostende (Belgium) 78 (2oT)
  
• -9.11.2010 - Dexia Mons 78 Besiktas Istanbul (Turkey) 75
  
• -9.12.2010 -Dexia Mons 74 Baskets Oldenburg (Germany) 64
  
• -9.17.2010 - Dexia Mons 63 Frankfurt Skyliners (Germany) 71 (Lewis 15pts)
  
• -9.18.2010 - Dexia Mons 84 Den Bosch (Netherlands) 66
  

Remaining Pre-season schedule

• -9.22.2010 - Dexia Mons vs Liege Basket (Beligum)
• -9.25.2010 - Fan Night: Dexia Mons vs Boulgne (France)
  

(Lewis vs Besiktas: 9.11.2010 - images Mons)

Before Dexia Mons can get at the Belgian League, they will take part in the important FIBA Eurochallenge qualifiers in late September. Like the Euroleague & Eurocup, the Eurochallenge is another inter-continental competition where teams from different national leagues face off with each other.

Mons is matched up with Polish team Trefel Sopot in the qualifiers..they will play a home & away set on September 28 & October 5.

• -9.28.2010: FIBA EuroChallenge Qualifiers Mons Hainaut (Belgium) vs Trefel Sopot (Poland)
• -10.5.2010: FIBA EuroChallenge Qualifiers Mons Hainuat (Belgium) at Trefel Sopot (Poland)
  

The Belgian League opener will fall in between the Eurochallenge qualifiers with a season opening road game at Aalstar on October 2nd. The teams to look out for the BLB are Antwerp, Liege, Oostende, & defending champion Charleroi.

Regular Season Schedule

Dishes & Dimes - E.T Goes Global With Li-Ning, More Lady Bucks Slated for International Play, Big Z Switches Greek Clubs

(Buckeye Ballers: Scoonie Penn, Mike Conley Jr., & Evan Turner at the Ohio State/Miami Game! - 9.11.2010)

("We the best, we global now!" DJ Khaled) - The stars (except Lebron) came out on Saturday September 11, 2010 to watch the Ohio State Football Buckeyes handle Miami. Among those in attendance were former tOSU greats Scoonie Penn, Mike Conley Jr., and Evan Turner. The red & white Li-Ning shirt Evan was rocking was a little evidence of what the NBA rookie has recently been up to.

The Li-Ning Company, one of China's top Sports brands announced the deal with E.T in late August. Turner met up with Li-Ning in early September (pictured to the left - China - Hill Hwang) on his first trip to China. The 2010 #2 overall draft pick debuted his very own new Li-Ning Conquers to the basketball shoe game.

This was a big time deal for all parties involved. Li-Ning is a major player in China that markets a variety of sports. Their basketball resume includes a deal with Shaq in 2006 and the current sponsorships of Baron Davis & the strong national teams of Spain & Argentina. Teaming up with Turner, the #2 draft pick is perhaps their biggest signing to date and without a doubt a super addition. On the other end, Evan will ingratiate himself with a growing Chinese Basketball Community & already have a global fan base by the time he steps on the court for his first NBA game..we can dig..

(Articles)

• 8.23.2010 - CNBC - Top Chinese Athletic Brand Signs NBA's Evan Turner
• 8.23.2010 - Release -Li-Ning Company Limited Strengthens its World Class Sponsorship Resources
  
• 9.8.2010 - Counter Kicks (Slam) - Evan Turner Debuts Li-Ning Conquer on China Tour

Speaking of Buckeyes overseas - It looks like Scoonie Penn will indeed play his 10th year of professional basketball (there was some retirement speculation in early summer 2010) The Hoops Market reported (9.2.2010) talks between Penn & a Turkish club Trabzonspor which would indicate that he definitely plans on landing somewhere.

Former Lady Buckeye Teammates Will Play Overseas - After a very good season with the Indiana Fever, Jessica Davenport is slated to play the WNBA off-season overseas in Russia. Davenport has experience in France & China. Jess' former Ohio State teammate Star Allen will play in Portugal for this upcoming season.

Big Z Switches Clubs - Former Ohio State center Zizis Sarikopoulos came to an agreement with Greek team Marousi in mid August, but he won't be playing for them because they are currently a mess. The Greek economic crisis has severely impacted several clubs. In Marousi's case, their head coach resigned last week, and players refused to practice due to lack of payment (the bad side of overseas ball you rarely hear about).

Most of the players have already left, and it was only a matter of time before Zizis followed suit. According to sport greece, Z will now play for Greek League club Panionios. This news came out the same day the Euroleague announced the revoking of Marousi's euroleague membership.

JJ Sullinger Clip - Asia 6.6.2010

(James Sullinger - Summer 2010)

BuckeyeBallersTV - Making dudes fall edition! - We've seen it in videos from guys like Je'Kel, Ron, Tony & Jamar..and now JJ Sullinger is next up with this June 6, 2010 clip of Chinese NBL play.

(This clip is from the first game of the regular season against fellow Buckeye Terrence Dials' team. Sullinger averaged 23 points in six games before departing back to the states due to an injury..he hopes to get back at it in 2011. Both of those guys wrecked it in China, so there will be some more clips.)

Matt Terwilliger Returned to Germany for Phoenix Hagen!

Troy, Ohio's Matt Terwilliger (2004-2008) will continue his professional basketball career in Germany's top division. Bundesliga club Phoenix Hagen announced the roster addition on September 6. According to the club's website, Twig has already arrived to Hagen, Germany in preparation for the early fall preseason games (schedule).

Terwilliger, now entering his third pro season will return to the Bundesliga as a seasoned and reliable big after two seasons with Paderborn Baskets. - (stats from last season)

Comments from the Hagen coach courtesy of Eurobasket

"Matt is a player that we know very well. He is a good shooter, but also has the strength to defend under the basket. With his experiecne in the BEKO BBL and playing style, he will bring the team more stability."

Same Country, New Club - While his fellow 2008 Buckeye Rookie Classmates Jamar Butler & Othello Hunter have already played for multiple teams, this signing will mark Matt's first career transfer to a new club (first two seasons in Paderborn). Finding good video of Twig & Paderborn was tough sledding last season, hopefully this will change with Pheonix Hagen! Four former Ohio State Buckeys are now playing in Germany, Jamar Butler (Bremerhaven), Velimir Radinovic (MBC), Terwilliger (Hagen), and Matt Marinchick (Bielefeld).

Twig turned 25 on September 7, happy B-Day!

Former Lady Buckeyes Hoskins & Walker Headed Overseas

(Brandie Hoskins - 2010)

The transfers of two former Lady Buckeyes were recently reported on the Women's Blue Chip Basketball (WBCBL - National Semi-Pro Women's League) web site. Former McDonald's All-American, Buckeye Star, & 2007 WNBA Draft Pick Brandie Hoskins (2003-2007) is slated to play in Portugal.

Brandie recently played for the local WBCBL Columbus Hidden Gems & BC Frankivsk of the Ukrainian League in 2009/2010..the three year pro also has high level experience in Greece & Israel.

Andrea Walker, fresh off her four year Ohio State career is already overseas preparing for her rookie season in Spain's top division. The 6'5 center from Pittsburgh has also recently played for the local Columbus Hidden Gems. Good luck Buckeyes!

(Videos - Old Buckeye Cribs segment with departing Seniors Andrea Walker & Cherise Daniel, and Walker & Hoskins O-State Mixes)

Velimir Radinovic Will Continue With MBC for 2010/2011

(Velimir Radinovic - Germany Spring 2010)

Former Ohio State Center Velimir Radinovic (2001-2004) will continue with Mitteldeutscher BC of the German Bundesliga for the 2010/2011 season. The well traveled veteran has high level experience in Serbia where he participated in the Adriatic League & Eurocup with Hemofarm, as well as stops in France & Greece. Radinovic (pictured left: Serbia 2007) joined MBC of Germany's top league last season in late February. He played in nine games & contributed to five victories including a season high 14 point effort in a W over Ludwigsburg (3.28.2010).

-V-Rad's Pro Timeline-

• -2004/2005 Rookie Season - KK FMP Zeleznik (Reflex) Belgrade (Serbia)
• -2005/2006 - KK FMP Zeleznik Belgrade (Serbia)
• -2006/2007 - KK Hemofarm (Vrsac, Serbia)
• -2007/2008 - Stade Clermontois Basket Auvergne - Ligue Nationale de Basketball (France Pro A)
• -2008/2009 - Iraklis Thessaloniki - A1 Ethniki - (Greece Pro B)
• -Feb 2010 - Mitteldeutscher BC - Bundesliga - (Germany)
• -2010/2011 Mitteldeutscher BC - Bundesliga - (Germany)

Nice March 2010 Interview - German Hoops: Velimir Radinovic Looking To Make a Mark in the Beko BBL

Be sure to check out V-Rad's youtube page - He posted the Ludwigsburg game plus a game from his time in Greece!

-Part One of MBC vs Ludwigsburg 3.28.2010 (Velimir is #7 & throws one down in the first 15 seconds)