Mike Green (185-PG-85, college: Butler) is the point guard of ambitious Cimberio Varese. He was born in Philadelphia and he grew up in a dangerous ghetto, but thanks to his mom and to basket he avoided troubles.
Q: Blumberg Projects. In Italy we have some areas like it, but we can't know how difficult is living in BP. Can you tell something about it? Mike Green: Blumberg is two high rise buildings. 18 floors and 9 apartments on each. Similar to the setting in the Tv show "The Wire". Drugs, Crime and Violence.
Q: Family is at the first place of your life. Your mother raised you despite many difficulties, the birth of your son made you choose to play in Europe... MK: Family is very important to me. I am the only child and was raised by my mother. I have a son who was born right after I finished school. I had to chose between training camp for the Cavs or putting food on the table immediately by taking an offer in Turkey. And I choose my family and Turkey.
Q: You did not forget people who live in Blumberg Projects, I know you try to help young guys with your example. Is sport the only possible redemption for them? MK: I can never forget the people I grew up with. They are my family, they supported me. Blumberg is like one big family, everybody knows everybody and everything. Basketball helped me to experience life outside of my projects and a lot of my peers haven't had that same opportunity. I don't think basketball is the only way to help kids from my neighborhood, but its where i have expertise.
Q:Are you following the duel between Obama and Romney? MK: I follow the presidential campaign, but its a subject that is very delicate, so I keep my thoughts to myself.
Q:Did you have any basketball idol? MK:People always ask me who is my favorite player and my favorite team, but the older and better I got, I stopped having those things. My last favorite player was Penny Hardaway.
Q: This is your third italian season. What are your expectations? MK: I may change teams year after year, but my expectations and goals never change. I want to win. Win games, championships and trophies.
Q: Your coach, Frank Vitucci, did a great job with your friend Marques Green. Did you talk to Marques before joining Varese? MK: Yes, Marques is a very good friend of mine. He's like a big/ little brother. LOL.
Q: What did you learn living in Italy? What do you appreciate and what do you dislike? MK: This is my 3rd year and I am trying to pick up the italian language. Italian food is the best in the world in my opinion. Spaghetti and Rice are my favorite foods, and they both are great in Italy. If I had to chose a dislike in Italy, I would say gas prices. They are ridiculous.
Play-Off
Torino - Casalpusterlengo 81-76
The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Casalpusterlengo won fourth quarter 26-23. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a great shooting night for Torino especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.6 percentage. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Marco Evangelisti (198-84) who helped to win the game recording 19 points [read more]
The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Casalpusterlengo won fourth quarter 26-23. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a great shooting night for Torino especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.6 percentage. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Marco Evangelisti (198-84) who helped to win the game recording 19 points. point guard Lorenzo Gergati (188-84) contributed with 15 points for the winners. Four Torino players scored in double figures. Guard Tommaso Marino (190-86, agency: Interperformances) answered with 19 points and power forward Alberto Chiumenti (204-87, agency: Players Group) added 17 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) in the effort for Casalpusterlengo. Top scorers: Torino: M.Evangelisti 19+2reb, L.Gergati 15+3reb, F.Baldi Rossi 14+1reb, C.Tommasini 10+2ast, J.Wojciechowski 8+4reb, F.Conti 8+2reb+1ast Casalpusterlengo: T.Marino 19+3reb+1ast, A.Chiumenti 17+3reb, R.Prandin 12+4reb, F.Bellina 9+2reb, L.Vencato 6+1reb, M.Venuto 5+2reb
Worth to mention a great performance of power forward Antonio Iannuzzi (207-91, agency: Two Points) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds. Naturalized Argentinian guard Carlos Sebastian Vico (190-86, agency: Players Group) contributed with 27 points for the winners. The former international center Roberto Chiacig (210-74) answered with 17 points and 5 rebounds and forward Fabio Mian (196-92) added 12 points in the effort for Agrigento. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Top scorers: Matera: C.Sebastian Vico 27+2ast, M.Rezzano 18+5reb+2ast, A.Iannuzzi 16+12reb+3ast, M.Samoggia 13+4reb, A.Vitale 7+4reb+1ast, C.Cantone 4+6reb+4ast Agrigento: R.Chiacig 17+5reb, F.Mian 12+4reb+1ast, D.Demartini 12+4reb, A.Moruzzi 10+2reb, V.Di Viccaro 10+2reb+1ast, A.Chiarastella 9+4reb+1ast
The game was mostly controlled by Mirandola. Chieti managed to win second period 20-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Luca Pignatti (195-86) who helped to win the game recording 17 points and 6 rebounds. The former international swingman Andrea Pilotti (196-80, agency: Players Group) contributed with 19 points for the winners. Four Mirandola players scored in double figures. Naturalized Serbian forward Marko Micevic (198-89) answered with 14 points and 8 rebounds and point guard Fabrizio Gialloreto (185-86) added 16 points in the effort for Chieti. Chieti's coach Domenico Sorgentone rotated ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Top scorers: Mirandola: A.Pilotti 19+3reb+1ast, L.Pignatti 17+6reb+2ast, M.Venturelli 15+3reb+1ast, J.Losi 12+3reb+6ast, G.Piunti 7+6reb, A.Mancin 4+8reb Chieti: F.Gialloreto 16+1ast, M.Micevic 14+8reb+1ast, S.Gatti 12+4reb, A.Raschi 8+3reb+1ast, E.Rossi 4+5reb, G.Severini 2
The game without a history. Latina Basket led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Bari to just 7 points in second quarter. Latina Basket made 20-of-22 free shots (90.9 percent) during the game. They also forced 23 Bari turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of point guard Riccardo Tavernelli (188-91) who helped to win the game recording 13 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. The former international power forward Matteo Canavesi (204-86) contributed with 8 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Four Latina Basket players scored in double figures. Swingman Daniele Bonessio (200-88) answered with 15 points and 4 assists and the former international power forward Luca Bisconti (206-82) added 13 points in the effort for Bari. Top scorers: Latina Basket: R.Tavernelli 13+5reb+7ast, T.Plateo 12+2reb, F.Gagliardo 11+4reb+1ast, M.Carrizo 10+2reb+3ast, A.Poti 10, M.Canavesi 8+7reb+2ast Bari: D.Bonessio 15+4reb+4ast, L.Bisconti 13+4reb+3ast, A.Ruggiero 11+3reb+1ast, M.Cardillo 7+3reb, D.Barozzi 7+8reb, T.Laquintana 4+5reb
The game was mostly controlled by Naturhouse Ferrara. Mazzeo San Severo managed to win fourth quarter 19-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Mazzeo San Severo 42-31 including 28 on the defensive glass. It was a very good performance for guard Michele Ferri (191-85) who helped to win the game recording 15 points and 6 rebounds. Forward Andrea Campiello (200-87) contributed with 8 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Naturhouse Ferrara's coach Alberto Morea used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Naturalized Senegalese guard Ousmane Gueye (188-82) answered with 17 points and center Andrea Iannilli (207-84) added 6 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Mazzeo San Severo. Top scorers: Ferrara: M.Ferri 15+6reb+1ast, G.Spizzichini 13+2reb+1ast, S.Cortesi 12+4reb+1ast, V.Circosta 11+1reb+2ast, M.Benfatto 9+7reb, A.Campiello 8+13reb San Severo: O.Gueye 17+3reb, G.Sirakov 10+2reb+1ast, R.Maggio 8+2reb+1ast, G.Zampolli 8+3reb+4ast, L.De Paoli 6+5reb, A.Iannilli 6+10reb+1ast
The hosts trailed by 7 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 70-61. It was a very good performance for forward Riccardo Castelli (200-88) who helped to win the game recording 13 points and 9 rebounds. Matteo Pierangeli (201-92) contributed with 15 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Four Recanati players scored in double figures. point guard Giacomo Chiatti (183-86) answered with 11 points and 8 rebounds and forward Simone Bonamente (203-79) added 8 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Perugia. Top scorers: Recanati: M.Pierangeli 15+5reb+1ast, M.Gnaccarini 13+3reb+2ast, R.Castelli 13+9reb, A.Pierini 11+4reb+1ast, N.Benedusi 9+3reb+2ast, M.Tagliabue 4+2reb Perugia: C.Cutolo 11+1reb, G.Chiatti 11+8reb+2ast, D.Poltroneri 10+1reb+3ast, S.Bonamente 8+6reb+2ast, F.Santantonio 6+2reb+1ast, P.Chiarello 6+5reb
Lega2 Round 4 of Quarter-Finals. Casale and Pistoia advance into semifinals - May 19, 2013
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Tezenis VE - Novipiu Casale 67-76
Novipiu Casale snatched a road win over Tezenis Verona and secured the semifinal birth. The guests trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 45-33 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Worth to mention a great performance of American swingman Rodney Green (195-88, college: La Salle) who helped to win the game recording 23 points and 7 rebounds. The other American import point guard Casper Ware (177-90, college: Long Beach St [read more]
Novipiu Casale snatched a road win over Tezenis Verona and secured the semifinal birth. The guests trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 45-33 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Worth to mention a great performance of American swingman Rodney Green (195-88, college: La Salle) who helped to win the game recording 23 points and 7 rebounds. The other American import point guard Casper Ware (177-90, college: Long Beach St.) contributed with 20 points for the winners. Four Novipiu Casale players scored in double figures. Nigerian-American power forward Olaseni Lawal (208-86, college: Wayne St., MI, agency: IBS) replied with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 14 rebounds and the former international guard Giorgio Boscagin (196-83) added 16 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Tezenis VE. Tezenis VE's coach Alessandro Ramagli rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Top scorers: Tezenis VE: G.Boscagin 16+7reb, M.Chessa 15+1reb+1ast, O.Lawal 12+14reb+1ast, R.McConnell 7+2reb+1ast, D.Lamma 5+3ast, M.Da Ros 4+2reb Novipiu Casale: R.Green 23+7reb+2ast, C.Ware 20+3reb+1ast, N.Martinoni 14+9reb, M.Malaventura 11+3reb, G.Ferrero 4+5reb+1ast, S.Pierich 2+1reb
Giorgio Tesi Pistoia upset Givova Scafati away from home and earned the place in the semis. Tuscany Pistoia made 22-of-24 charity shots (91.7 percent) during the game. Givova Scafati was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a quality performance of Panamanian swingman Michael Hicks (194-76, college: Texas A&M-CC) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 7 rebounds and American guard Antonio Graves (191-85, college: Pittsburgh, agency: Two Points) who added 15 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Four Tuscany Pistoia players scored in double figures. Tuscany Pistoia's coach Paolo Moretti allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. At the losing side American forward Ronald Slay (203-81, college: Tennessee, agency: David Lee services) responded with 19 points and 6 rebounds and power forward Patrick Baldassarre (200-86, agency: Players Group) scored 12 points and 9 rebounds. Top scorers: Givova Scafati: R.Slay 19+6reb+3ast, P.Baldassarre 12+9reb+1ast, J.Tavernari 12+2reb, G.Sorrentino 9+6reb+2ast, K.Mays 9+1reb+5ast, D.Rosignoli 4+3reb Giorgo Tesi PT: M.Hicks 16+7reb+1ast, A.Graves 15+6reb+2ast, G.Meini 11+3reb+2ast, R.Cortese 10+5reb+1ast, L.Saccaggi 9+3reb+2ast, D.Fajardo 8+4reb
SerieA Round 5 of Quarter-Finals. Cimberio Varese reach semifinal stage - May 18, 2013
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EA7 Armani - Montepaschi 82-67
Emporio Armani knocked down visiting Montepaschi to regain the lead in the series. The game was mostly controlled by Armani Milano. Montepaschi Siena was better in fourth quarter 25-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Montepaschi Siena 44-29 including a 32-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. Montepaschi Siena was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch [read more]
Emporio Armani knocked down visiting Montepaschi to regain the lead in the series. The game was mostly controlled by Armani Milano. Montepaschi Siena was better in fourth quarter 25-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Montepaschi Siena 44-29 including a 32-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. Montepaschi Siena was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Center Ioannis Bourousis (213-83, agency: FCM) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds for the winners and swingman Alessandro Gentile (198-92) chipped in 15 points and 5 rebounds. Four Armani Milano players scored in double figures. Georgian Viktor Sanikidze (203-86) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds and the former international point guard Daniel Hackett (200-87, college: USC, agency: Two Points) scored 10 points. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Top scorers: EA7 Armani: I.Bourousis 18+12reb+2ast, M.Hairston 17+2reb+3ast, E.Bremer 15+3reb+2ast, A.Gentile 15+5reb+3ast, A.Fotsis 9+7reb, K.Langford 4+3reb+3ast Montepaschi: V.Sanikidze 12+10reb+1ast, D.Hackett 10+1reb+3ast, B.Brown 8+2reb+2ast, D.Moss 7+1reb, B.Eze 6+3reb, M.Janning 6+3reb+2ast
Cimberio Varese handed Venezia the fourth loss in the series and paved their way into SeriaA semifinals. Umana Venezia trailed by 16 points after 3 quarters before a 23-16 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 75-84 at the end of the game. 24 personal fouls committed by Umana Venezia helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Serbian-Greek Dusan Sakota (209-86, agency: Beo Basket) orchestrated the victory by scoring 23 points (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). Bulgarian power forward Dejan Ivanov (205-86, agency: Beo Basket) contributed with 10 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Cimberio Varese's coach Francesco Vitucci used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The former international guard Guido Rosselli (198-83) answered with 15 points and 9 rebounds and French forward Yakhouba Diawara (201-82, college: Pepperdine) added 21 points and 4 steals in the effort for Umana Venezia. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Top scorers: Cimberio VA: D.Sakota 23+4reb, A.Banks 14+1reb+1ast, D.Ivanov 10+9reb, B.Dunston 10+6reb+2ast, A.Polonara 9+6reb+3ast, E.Ere 7+7reb+2ast Umana VE: Y.Diawara 21+3reb+1ast, G.Rosselli 15+9reb+3ast, T.Bowers 13+4reb+2ast, K.Kee Clark 12+6reb+2ast, A.Young 7+6reb+2ast, M.Bulleri 3
Acea Virtus Roma snatched a tough home win over Trenkwalder to gain 3-2 lead in the series. It looked good early as Trenkwalder RE took an 2-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Lottomatica Roma had a 20-14 second period charge getting the lead and Trenkwalder RE was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 69-74. Trenkwalder RE was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. International forward Luigi Datome (203-87) stepped up and scored 15 points and 9 rebounds for the winners and American forward Bobby Jones (201-84, college: Washington) chipped in 16 points and 9 rebounds. Four Lottomatica Roma players scored in double figures. International point guard Andrea Cinciarini (190-86) responded with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and American-Swiss Greg Brunner (201-83, college: Iowa) scored 12 points. Trenkwalder RE's coach Massimiliano Menetti rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Top scorers: Acea Virtus RM: B.Jones 16+9reb, L.Datome 15+9reb+3ast, P.Goss 15+2reb+4ast, G.Lawal 10+6reb, P.Lorant 5+3reb+1ast, L.D'Ercole 5+2reb+2ast Trenkwalder RE: A.Cinciarini 12+5reb+5ast, G.Brunner 12+4reb+3ast, D.Taylor 10+7reb+2ast, T.Bell 9+2reb, M.Antonutti 8+3reb+1ast, D.Filloy 8+4reb+1ast
Sassari stepped closer to the semifinal stage after they held off visiting Cantu. The game without a history. Banco di Sard. led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 18-of-23 charity shots (78.3 percent) during the game. Banco di Sard. forced 19 Cantu turnovers. Cantu was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. American guard Drake Diener (196-81, college: De Paul, agency: Priority Sports) stepped up and scored 18 points and 5 rebounds for the winners and his fellow American import forward Drew Gordon (205-90, college: N.Mexico) chipped in 13 points and 9 rebounds. Four Banco di Sard. players scored in double figures. Banco di Sard.'s coach Romeo Sacchetti felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. American-Israeli center Alex Tyus (205-88, college: Florida) responded with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 12 rebounds and the former international Pietro Aradori (195-88) scored 12 points and 5 rebounds. Top scorers: Banco di Sard.: D.Diener 18+5reb+2ast, D.Gordon 13+9reb+2ast, M.Vanuzzo 13+4reb+1ast, S.Becirovic 11+1reb+3ast, T.Diener 8+3reb+5ast, T.Easley 7+4reb+1ast Cantu: A.Tyus 13+12reb, P.Aradori 12+5reb+1ast, J.Ragland 10+1reb+1ast, J.Tabu 7+2ast, M.Leunen 5+4reb, M.Scekic 4+1reb
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