Bballzone Time No. 18 2011 December

Description of the eighteenth issue

The team of the Bballzone Time is glad to present the 18th issue of our newspaper. We continue giving everything of our strength to present a fresh and interesting newspaper to our readers despite our short group and any other difficulties.

So, there is always the presentation of some community in our game. We will present the Brazilian community in this issue.

You'll be also able to read some interesting interviews, and couple interesting facts related to the real game.

Also you‘ll find reviews about the 26th regular season's standings in the strongest national leagues. Additionally there is an interesting article describing an experiment with the tactics written by the game's administrators.

You can also read some good jokes and funny quotes relative to the sport of basketball in our "Jokes section".

You can participate in our traditional contests "True or false" and "History of Basketball". You will be able to find the answers and results from the last issue of the newspaper, and also the questions for the next rounds.

Announcement from the editors!

You are invited to join Bballzone Time team. All you have to do is write an interesting article and give it to the editors. Or maybe you think you could improve the appearance of the newspaper?

You have a chance to receive Premium package (from 1 week to 1 month, depending on number and complexity of articles you write).

Important!

We are also looking for the head editor of the Lithuanian version. This position involves all the organizational tasks as translating articles or finding translators, preparing the newspaper according to the template (MS Word) and etc.

Just write a message to the head editor of the English version of our newspaper – redmadness7 (team Redmadness BC, .1.1 league) and he will explain everything more detailed.

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Articles

Description of countries 3-4 - Brazil.

26th regular season's standings of the strongest national leagues 5-6 - Lithuania, Greece, Italy, France, USA, UK, Latvia and Russia.

Game's Corner: Help and Tips for Bballzone 7-10 - Experiment with the tactics.

Leisure section 11 - Jokes about basketball and funny quotes.

Contest "History of Basketball" 12-13 - Results and questions for the next tour.

Contest "True or false" 14-15 - Results and questions for the next tour.

In the next issue of the newspaper 16 - Summary of the next issue of the newspaper

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Description of countries

Brazil (Article by: redmadness7)

Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, recognition. Brazil is a founding member of the is the largest country in South America. It is the United Nations, the G20, CPLP, Latin Union, the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical Organization of Ibero-American States, Mercosul area and by population with over 192 million people. and the Union of South American Nations, and is It is the only Portuguese-speaking country in the one of the BRIC countries. Brazil is also home to a Americas and the largest lusophone (Portuguese- diversity of wildlife, natural environments, and speaking) country in the world. extensive natural resources in a variety of protected habitats. Brazil was a colony of Portugal from the landing of Pedro Álvares Cabral in 1500 until 1815, when it The Brazilian Men's National Basketball Team is in was elevated to the rank of kingdom and the United the 16th place in the FIBA World ranking. First Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves was drafted in 1922, the men's team has won two World formed. The colonial bond was in fact broken in Championships (1959 and 1963), three bronze 1808, when the capital of the Portuguese colonial Olympic medals (in 1948, 1960 and 1964), four Empire was transferred from Lisbon to Rio de Americas Championships (1984, 1988, 2005 and Janeiro, after Napoleon invaded Portugal. The 2009) and five Pan American Games (1971, 1987, independence from the United Kingdom of Portugal, 1999, 2003 and 2003 and 2007). Brazil and the Algarves was achieved in 1822. Initially independent as the Empire of Brazil, period Brazilian community in Bballzone consisting 3 when it was a unitary state governed under a divisions (7 leagues), with a total of 84 clubs. constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary system, the country has been a presidential republic since Brasil.1.1 started at Season 7 and the most 1889, after a military coup d'état proclaimed the successful team is "Uberlândia Red Lobsters" Republic, although the bicameral legislature, now with 6 total titles, winning last season's called Congress, dates back to 1824, when the first championship also. constitution was ratified. Its current Constitution, formulated in 1988, defines Brazil as a Federal In the World League the best Brazilian teams, are Republic. The Federation is formed by the union of playing in the fourth division, trying very hard to the Federal District, the 26 States, and the 5,564 ascend to the higher ones. Municipalities. The highest sponsored team in Brazilian leagues is The Brazilian economy is the world's seventh largest the team "Uberlândia Red Lobsters" which is economy by nominal GDP and the eighth largest by getting 63353 Eu. purchasing power parity. Brazil is one of the world's fastest growing major economies. Economic reforms The best Brazilian player is Lucas Kaiow (C, have given the country new international 220cm, 31y.) who is playing for the club "kobe n1"

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in Italia.1.1 league and his overall rating is 356. He redmadness7: Tell us something about your team is also the most well-paid Brazilian player by getting and your goals for the future. a salary of 49999 Eu. felipefortes: Look, I was wrong in the management The best Brazilian player who is playing in Brazilian of expenditures last season and ended up running leagues is Gabriel Fenili (PG, 182cm, 30y.) who is out of money for new good signings. My team was playing for the club "A.D. Santo André" in strong and if I had over one good player I could be Brasil.1.1 league. the champion this season. But I had no money even to keep this team and I lost my best player. But that's We had the opportunity to have a talk with it, I'm trying to re-build the team without losing felipefortes − the manager of "São Luis Fortes", some important pieces and I am always looking the one of the main teams in Brasil.1.1 league this time. market to sign good and cheap players. Today it is not possible to win a title but at most in two seasons redmadness7: Hello. Please introduce yourself. I intend to win the national title. felipefortes: My name is Felipe Fortes, I'm from São redmadness7: Do you play basketball in your free Luis, MA, Brazil. I love basketball and the manager time? Is basketball your favourite sport? games, so I combined them both and started playing BBallZone, and my interests is to win titles, so far felipefortes: Yes, this is my favourite sport and I play mainly the national title. when I have free time. redmadness7: How did you start playing this redmadness7: Which is your favorite team and who manager game? is your favorite player? felipefortes: I've found it in the Google.com search felipefortes: My favourite team is the Los Angeles machine. Lakers and my favourite player is Kobe Bryant, but I have already idols who have retired as Pippen, redmadness7: What do you think about this Jordan, Charles Barkley. manager game? Which features of the game do you like and which you don't? redmadness7: Thank you and have a good game. felipefortes: Look, I like BBallZone, I like the felipefortes: Thanks for the interview, and if anyone European-style championship race, but I do not like from the administrators is interested in my ideas for the fact that there are no draft players. I've played improving this game, please contact with me. Bye! other games in the same style and I think the game could improve a few things. I have several ideas but I don't know where to discuss them, it would be nice if I could tell to the people who make the changes in the game.

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26th regular season’s standings of the strongest national leagues (Article by: redmadness7)

We are going to review the standings of the 26th regular season in the major national leagues.

Lietuva.1.1 Elláda.1.1

Pl Team W L +/- Pl Team W L +/- 1 KK TEO 18 4 106 1 Redmadness BC 22 0 639 2 Imsiu ir greitai 15 7 99 2 Red Warriors 18 4 416 3 Gaudytojai 15 7 96 3 Corfu Tigers 16 6 170 4 BC Šilainiai 13 9 75 4 Kavala B.C 15 7 144 5 Telšių Džiugas 13 9 26 5 GREEN DRAGONS 15 7 203 6 BC Tauras 12 10 32 6 Zoomer BC 13 9 127 7 kasablanka 12 10 -2 7 Sparta B.C. 12 10 1 8 BC Paupis JR 11 11 43 8 Achilleas Triandrias 8 14 -86 9 Linksmai.lt 8 14 -97 9 Sputnik 6 16 -196 10 kampas 7 15 -72 10 A.E.K 3 19 -639 11 Papū masažas1 6 16 -89 11 A.R.I.S B.C 2 20 -370 12 BC Giles 2 20 -217 12 WESTERN 2 20 -409

France.1.1 Italia.1.1

Pl Team W L +/- Pl Team W L +/- 1 ESBNice 20 2 283 1 kobe n1 21 1 419 2 Mugiwara 20 2 332 2 Naviglio Ticinese 19 3 251 3 Clamp 19 3 255 3 CCSMilano 16 6 193 4 Dreaming stars 16 6 282 4 Fanta Moroz 15 7 110 5 Perak Proton Sport 13 9 82 5 The President 14 8 65 6 St remy 12 10 53 6 Nema Problema 11 11 -41 7 Gabo jumpers 10 12 61 7 JUVIRTUS 8 14 -118 8 S.C.M. 8 14 -109 8 Vladikavkaz Br. 8 14 -67

9 BHSLM 7 15 -139 9 fortitudo corticella1 7 15 -96

10 Kikoolol 4 18 -291 10 I citrofizzati 7 15 -211

11 Paillote 3 19 -290 11 Olimpia Levico Terme 3 19 -256

12 BC Epik 0 22 -519 12 Quinta Colonna 3 19 -249

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United States.1.1 United Kingdom.1.1

Pl Team W L +/- Pl Team W L +/- 1 Miami Rainbow1 21 1 679 1 All Out Attack 21 1 434 2 Bedford Mules 20 2 496 2 TheDifference 18 4 269 3 Slatington Serp. 17 5 274 3 Ashford Nerds 15 7 141 4 "Red Bull" 15 7 198 4 Kings Of Tomorrow 15 7 162 5 Mercury BC 14 8 148 5 Plumpkin 15 7 121 6 Thunder Bay B. 13 9 72 6 LioNs5 12 10 29 7 South Beach S. 10 12 34 7 London United 12 10 -57 8 Monterey Ball'n 10 12 112 8 Margate Mavericks 8 14 -31 9 Reading Sixers 6 16 -223 9 Klaipėdos ,,Neptūnas" 6 16 -171 10 London Beers 3 19 -423 10 Caledonia Condors 5 17 -253 11 U.S. Social Sec. 2 20 -672 11 London City 4 18 -201 12 Superfluous Int. 1 21 -695 12 Jack Daniels 1 21 -443

Latvija.1.1 Россия.1.1

Pl Team W L +/- Pl Team W L +/- 1 BC Titanium 21 1 641 1 p3ndulum 21 1 820 2 Sigulda 19 3 353 2 BC "VICTORY" 21 1 685 3 ASK/VEF Riga 19 3 404 3 Политех 16 6 572 4 BK STENDE 17 5 325 4 Zaural 23 16 6 553 5 Grobinas pagasts 14 8 41 5 БК Нефтяник 13 9 250 6 Ant-T 9 13 -160 6 СОЮЗ 13 9 430 7 Ventspils Vilki 9 13 -75 7 TIM-99 11 11 83 8 BK Tušķi 9 13 -189 8 супер-стар 7 15 -109 9 Zephyrs 5 17 -305 9 Yellow Submarine 7 15 -109 10 Anužu Traktoristi 4 18 -339 10 Майами хит 5 17 -173

11 Caines 3 19 -310 11 Patriots 2 20 -590 12 BC Acme! 3 19 -386 12 БК Тэсмо-Дон 0 22 -2412

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Game's Corner: Help and Tips for Bballzone Experiment: Tactics of the match. (Article by: a-darius)

Every lost match raises question – why? Of course, the result depends on the formation of teams but it is not so easy to get better personnel and it takes a lot of time. What are other ways to improve the results? If teams are not of drastically different strength, it may help to analyze opponent and know the advantages of your team. Careful preparation and appropriate tactics can help to change the result of the match.

Let‟s make an experiment and observe how the result of the match changes when using different tactics.

Experiment is carried out by changing “Ant bajerio” club‟s tactics in the match with “Cibuliai” club.

First match was won by “Cibuliai” with the result 69:50 (Fig. 1): http://www.bballzone.net/lt/Rungtynes-aprasymas-2688132.htm

Fig. 1 First match between “Ant bajerio” and „Cibuliai” clubs

Looking at the result of the match and various other criteria, “Cibuliai” seems to be considerably stronger team. We should also have in mind that the match takes place in home arena of “Cibuliai”. As well, “Cibuliai” has one of the best coaches in the game – with the strategy skill equal to 9.

In the mentioned match “Cibuliai” used the most universal tactics: 3-2 defence and offence on guards. This tactics of “Cibuliai” won‟t be changed during the experiment.

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1 variant. “Ant bajerio” used offence on three pointers and defence man-to-man. Full tactics‟ settings are given in Fig. 2

Fig. 2 Original tactics of „Ant bajerio” team

5 more matches were played with the initial tactics:

67 : 59 80: 67 80: 65 81: 60 67: 55

The result is quite clear – all matches were won by “Cibuliai” with 8-21 points’ difference.

“Cibuliai” is stronger club, so it is probably impossible to find tactics that will always help winning the match. So, the goal of the experiment is to make such changes that would bring at least one win in 5 matches.

2 variant. Let‟s analyze clubs and first match between them. Then let‟s make some changes in tactics:

 Players of “Cibuliai” won„t get too tired – 10 players in the team and they share playing time quite equally. Meanwhile “Ant bajerio” has strong starting five and much weaker bench players.  “Ant bajerio” club makes quite many turnovers. In order to decrease this number, let„s put bench player Bumbulis into SG position.  Krimša, Namikis and Zlabys were playing aggressively, which wasn„t beneficial this time. Therefore their offence is changed to Shooter.  As “Cibuliai” don„t shoot lots of three pointers, team defence is changed from man-to-man to 3- 2.

Some more changes are done and 5 matches are played with the new tactics:

71: 57 70 : 61 79 : 88 73 : 70 76 : 70

This time results look better. Once “Ant bajerio” club was near to winning and even won one match.

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3 variant. Big players in “Ant bajerio” team is the strong side. Therefore they should bring more benefit (Fig. 3):

 Team offence is changed to: on big men.  Pace is set to slow because “Ant bajerio” club doesn‟t have a reliable second PG. Also the number of turnovers in “Ant bajerio” club used to increase when playing on big men.  In “Cibuliai” team SG scores big part of points. In “Ant bajerio” team SG has good skills in defence, therefore defence is set to Tight for SG.  Tight defence is also set for Krimša and Namikis because big men in “Cibuliai” have lower athletic skills than big men in “Ant bajerio”, also offensive skills let “Ant bajerio” expect a few steals.  As the pace is set to slow, “Ant bajerio” can put bigger load on starting five – they are given more minutes in court.

Fig. 3 „Ant bajerio“ tactics „On big men“ that brought 3 wins in 5 matches

5 matches are played with the same tactics:

82 : 83 63 : 65 71 : 65 72 : 76 77 : 70

Result – “Ant bajerio” team won even 3 matches from 5 (Fig. 4). It is an excellent result, having in mind that “Cibuliai” plays at home.

If “Cibuliai” used defence 2-3, of course, results would look differently.

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Fig. 4 Match information of the best „Ant bajerio“ team„s match

The experiment demonstrated that appropriate tactics and some luck can help overcoming even stronger opponent.

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Leisure Section

Jokes about basketball (Article by: redmadness7)

Funny Quotes

"The game is too long, the season is too long and the players are too long." Jack Dolph

"They said playing basketball would kill me. Well, not playing basketball was killing me." Earvin ”Magic” Johnson

"On his academic aspirations - The only way I can Steve Mariucci was back visiting the new basketball make five As is when I sign my name." coach at UC Cal. They started a conversation and Alaa Adbehuby began arguing over who was dumber, a football player or a basketball player. "You can say something to popes, kings and presidents, but you can't talk to officials. In the next Mariucci said, "I hate to say this, but football players war they ought to give everyone a whistle." are dumber than basketball players. Watch and I'll Abe Lemmons show you". He then called in Brent Jones and asked him to come into the office. Number 84 came in and "If cocaine were helium, the NBA would float away." Mariucci says to him, "Here's 25 cents, go down the Art Rust street to the car dealer and buy me a new Jimmy".

Brent Jones takes the quarter and leaves. A few minutes later, he comes back in and says, "Hey Coach, I forgot to ask, what color did you want?" Mariucci tells him to forget it, he's changed his mind.

After the player leaves, the new 49'er coach says to the basketball coach, "I'm telling you, my guys are dumb!"

The basketball coach says "Not so fast, let me show you one of my basketball players" and promptly calls one in to the office. The coach says to the player "Could you run down to my office for me and see if I'm there?"

The player starts to leave, but as he gets to the door, he stops short, turns around and says "Hey! There's a phone right there on the desk ... Can't you just call down there?"

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Contests Contest "History of Basketball" (Organizer: arix2)

9th round questions and correct answers: Answer: 2 times

1. Which team win Euroleague final in 1988 years? 8. Who has won the Euroleague Best Guard award Answer: Philips Milan for six times? Answer: Dimitris Diamantidis. 2. Who is the All-time scorer of the WNBA throughout history? 9. How many times The Milwaukee Bucks was Answer: Tina Thompson NBA Champion? Answer: 1 time 3. What player was Euroleague 2002-03 Regular Season MVP? 10. Which team did Andrea Bargnani play before he went to play in the NBA? Answer: Joseph Blair Answer: Benetton Treviso

4. What player had win NBA Most Improved Player Winners of 9th round: Award in 2003–04 season? st Answer: Zach Randolph 1 place - Aurimas. (team "BC Lizards", Lietuva.3.2 league) nd 5. What is the nickname of Gilbert Arenas ? 2 place - M&M's (team "TExAS", Lietuva.4.7 league) Answer: "Agent Zero" and "Hibachi" rd 3 place - Josh. M (team "Red Bull", United States.1.1 league) 6. What player has Most minutes in a game ?

Answer: Dale Ellis All these users receive Premium package for 2 weeks. Also Josh. M as the best non-Lithuanian user 7. How many times BC Lietuvos rytas was ULEB wins 1 week more Premium package. Champion?

Did you know that: The first televised basketball games were played between Pittsburgh and Fordham (57-37) and New York University and Georgetown (50-27) at Madison Square Garden 1940, February 28.

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Rules of the contest Questions of 10th round:

You have to send private message with all your 1. What team has won the most NCAA answers to arix2, the team is called Lidva, Lietuva championships? 4.7 league. 2. How many times Duke Blue Devils was NCAA Champion? The first three, who get all the correct answers will 3. What team has played in the most NBA finals be rewarded with 2 week„s Premium package. If no since 1947? one gets it right then the ones with the most correct 4. What player has Most assists in a game? (NBA answers will be rewarded instead. player) There is a separate prize for the best non- 5. What player has the most points in the history Lithuanian user that gets the most points. He will of Euroleague? be given 1 week„s Premium package and an 6. What is the nickname of Kobe Bryant ? opportunity to present his club in our newspaper. 7. Who scored the first three- basket in NBA history? In order to get the points you have to get the name 8. What player was 2006-07 April and the surname correct without any spelling MVP? mistakes. As the questions are pretty difficult, don‟t 9. How many times Panathinaikos was Euroleague forget to send the answers even if you don’t Champion? manage to answer them all. Even a few correct 10. How many times Marcus Brown was Russian answers can bring a prize for you! League MVP? Good luck!

Did you know that: On March 10, 1962, Oscar Robertson of Cincinnati finishes the Season with an average of 30.8ppg, 12.5 RPG, and 11.4 a game. to become the first and only player to average a triple double over a season.

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Contest "True or false" (Organizer: marozas)

A new newspaper’s number made its appearance, so Answers of 9th round: here you'll find the next round's questions and the 1. That there is a Lithuanian who played for winners of the previous one. Probably, you were team USA? - True waiting for the time when we will name the winners 2. That the most valuable player in season's 2004/05 Euroleague was Dimitris of contest's ninth round, and expecting to see Diamantidis? - False yourself amongst them. So, congratulations in 3. That Kobe Bryant had been NBA champion advance for those who are winners, and we suggest for six(6) times? - True to those who failed to try once again. We also invite 4. That the NBA and European basketball's everyone to participate actively in the next round, all rules are different? - True the users of our game, not only the Lithuanians, but 5. That the first Lithuanian who have won an the foreigners too. santechnikas, "Vilniaus Buivolai" Olympic gold medal is ? - False

6. That Žalgiris Kaunas has been USSR th champions for 5 times? - True Winners of the 9 round: st 7. That the most valuable player in 2008/09 1 place - Aurimas., "BC Lizards" - receives a NBA regular season was Kobe Bryant? - Premium package for one month. False 2nd place - edwiz, " Jordans" - receives a Premium 8. That Los Angeles Lakers team's name in package for two weeks. 1946-1947 was Detroit Gems? - True 3rd place - santechnikas, "Vilniaus Buivolai" - 9. That the most effective NBA basketball receives a Premium package for two weeks. player of all time is Michael Jordan? - True 10. That Karl Malone participated in NBA All-

Star game 13 times? - False

Did you know that: The First McDonalds Championship is played in Milwaukee involving the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks, the Soviet National team, the Italian national team. this is the first tournament between the NBA and FIBA, on October 23-25, 1987.

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Rules of the contest: Questions of 10th round:

1. The contest is not available for the Bballzone True or false, that: Time newspaper's members, administrators and all others people who have access to the forum of the 1. Andris Biedriņš is the only NBA player who newspaper's team. made more blocks than he scored points? 2. Michael Olowokandi has a citizenship of two 2. Answers must be sent to the user marozas by a countries? personal message. 3. That in 1959, winner of the world basketball championship was Brazil? 3. Answers cannot be edited. 4. Deron Williams has played in Europe? 4. Answers can be sent only once, otherwise they 5. Michael Jordan played for Birmingham Barons will not be examined. baseball team? 6. Michael Jordan won the NBA championship 5. Winners will be announced in the next title six times? newspaper‟s issue. No personal messages will be 7. Arvydas Sabonis won two NBA championship sent. titles? 8. 82 games will be played during 2011-2012 Winners will be the first three with most correct NBA season? answers. Prizes are the following: 9. Jonas Valančiūnas is playing for Toronto Raptors? 1st place – Premium package of 1 month. 10. Linas Kleiza is the only Lithuanian playing in 2nd place – Premium package of 2 weeks. NBA this season? Good luck! 3rd place – Premium package of 2 weeks.

Did you know that: The NBA approves a franchise swap as John Y. Brown, and Harry Mangurian acquire the Celtics, and Irv Levin Acquires the Braves. he soon moves the Braves to San Diego and become the Clippers. July 7, 1978.

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In the next issue of the newspaper:

We will present to you some other community of our game. You will be able to find more interesting information about our manager and the sport of basketball. You will be able to participate to our contests and win some prizes.

Attention! If you have any interesting information about our game, please introduce us, the members of newspaper, with it. We will do everything that this information will be published.

This newspaper’s English version was created by:

Redmadness7 – head editor of the newspaper, author of articles, Greek 1.1 league’s expert. Marozas – organizer of contest "True or false?". Arix2 – organizer of contest "History of Basketball". a-darius – the main consultant of the newspaper. a-ramune – this edition of the newspaper would not be added to this game wihout her.

Contacts of newspaper are: e-mail: [email protected] (team Redmadness BC, Greek.1.1 league) – only in English. Also, you can to send the personal message to every member of our newspaper’s team.

Thank you for reading and supporting us!!!

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