Italian Serie A 2012-2013

[boyd20]

Serie A - 6th Week

Sassari-Brindisi 78-90 - T.Diener 16 pts + 1 reb + 1 stl + 5 asts (4/7 2p, 2/7 3p, 2/3 ft), M.Ignerski 13 pts + 5 rebs + 2 stls + 2 asts (4/6 2p, 1/6 3p, 2/3 ft), B.Sacchetti 12 pts + 5 rebs + 4 stls + 2 asts (4/6 2p, 0/3 3p, 4/5 ft), D.Diener 10 pts + 1 reb + 2 stls + 3 asts (5/7 2p, 0/3 3p), B.Thornton 10 pts + 4 rebs + 2 stls + 1 ast (1/3 2p, 2/5 3p, 2/2 ft) ; A.Robinson 21 pts + 7 rebs + 3 stls (4/6 2p, 4/5 3p, 1/1 ft), J.Gibson 19 pts + 5 rebs + 1 stl + 3 asts (6/11 2p, 1/5 3p, 4/5 ft), C.Simmons 14 pts + 4 rebs + 1 stl + 3 asts (6/9 2p, 2/2 ft), M.Formenti 12 pts + 3 rebs (3/3 2p, 2/2 3p)

Virtus Bologna-Biella 89-75 - R.Minard 35 pts + 7 rebs + 2 stls + 1 ast in 32 mins (2/6 2p, 10/12 3p, 1/2 ft), G.Poeta 10 pts + 3 rebs + 4 asts (0/2 2p, 1/1 3p, 7/10 ft), R.Moraschini 10 pts + 6 rebs + 1 ast (2/3 2p, 0/2 3p, 6/6 ft), S.Smith 10 pts + 5 rebs + 2 asts (3/& 2p, 0/4 3p, 4/4 ft) ; R.Robinson 23 pts + 1 reb + 2 stls + 2 asts (8/11 2p, 2/5 3p, 1/2 ft), C.Brackins 16 pts + 7 rebs + 1 blk + 2 stls (5/7 2p, 2/7 3p), J.Mavunga 14 pts + 5 rebs + 1 blk + 1 ast (6/15 2p, 2/4 ft)

Cremona-Roma 67-75 - J.Jackson 22 pts + 2 rebs + 1 stl + 1 ast (6/12 2p, 2/7 3p, 4/5 ft), T.Kotti 19 pts + 15 rebs + 1 stl (9/14 2p, 1/4 ft), L.Harris 15 pts + 5 rebs + 3 stls + 4 asts (3/9 2p, 1/7 3p, 6/6 ft) ; L.Datome 20 pts + 6 rebs + 2 blks + 1 stl (6/8 2p, 2/4 3p, 2/2 ft), P.Goss 17 pts + 2 rebs + 3 asts (4/12 2p, 3/4 3p), B.Jones 12 pts + 8 rebs + 1 stl + 2 asts (2/6 2p, 2/2 3p, 2/2 ft), J.Taylor 10 pts + 2 rebs + 1 blk + 2 asts (3/7 2p, 4/10 ft)

Cantù-Avellino 79-67 - A.Tyus 17 pts + 5 rebs + 1 blk + 1 stl (7/10 2p, 3/6 ft), M.Leunen 16 pts + 4 rebs + 5 asts (2/3 2p, 4/6 3p), N.Mazzarino 12 pts + 2 rebs + 4 asts (2/2 2p, 1/6 3p, 5/6 ft), P.Aradori 10 pts + 1 reb + 1 stl + 2 asts (3/5 2p, 0/2 3p, 4/4 ft) ; J.Richardson 14 pts + 6 rebs + 1 ast (4/7 2p, 2/6 3p), D.Mavraides 13 pts +1 stl + 5 asts (4/5 2p, 0/2 3p, 5/6 ft), N.Dragovic 11 pts + 10 rebs + 3 asts (4/6 2p, 1/5 3p), L.Johnson 10 pts + 2 rebs + 1 ast (4/5 2p, 2/2 ft)

Venezia-Montegranaro 83-89 - K.Clark 18 pts + 1 reb + 2 stls (3/5 2p, 3/6 3p, 3/4 ft), A.Young 17 pts + 4 rebs + 1 ast (5/9 2p, 0/1 3p, 7/10 ft), Y.Diawara 17 pts + 2 rebs + 2 stls + 1 ast (8/9 2p, 0/4 3p, 1/2 ft), M.Bulleri 10 pts + 6 rebs + 2 asts (1/2 2p, 2/4 3p, 2/2 ft) ; R.Freimanis 21 pts + 2 rebs (8/13 2p, 1/2 3p, 2/3 ft), T.Slay 18 pts + 7 rebs + 1 stl + 1 ast (4/9 2p, 2/6 3p, 4/5 ft), D.Cinciarini 16 pts + 1 reb + 1 stl + 1 ast (3/9 2p, 2/4 3p, 4/5 ft), R.Steele 12 pts + 5 rebs + 4 stls + 6 asts (0/3 2p, 2/2 3p, 6/6 ft), C.Burns 11 pts + 9 rebs (5/10 2p, 0/1 3p, 1/2 ft)

Caserta-Varese 56-73 - S.Jelovac 15 pts + 9 rebs + 1 ast (3/5 2p, 1/7 3p, 6/6 ft), M.Mordente 13 pts + 2 rebs + 1 stl + 2 asts (1/3 2p, 3/6 3p, 2/2 ft) ; A.Polonara 22 pts + 7 rebs + 3 stls in 27 mins (6/11 2p, 3/5 3p, 1/2 ft), A.Banks 15 pts + 1 reb (5/10 2p, 1/7 3p, 2/2 ft), B.Dunston 11 pts + 6 rebs + 2 blks + 1 stl (5/7 2p, 1/1 ft), M.Green 10 pts + 4 rebs + 7 asts (2/4 2p, 1/4 3p, 3/4 ft)

Reggio Emilia-Pesaro 71-59 - D.Taylor 17 pts + 6 rebs + 2 stls + 4 asts (4/13 2p, 3/6 3p), A.Cinciarini 15 pts + 4 rebs + 3 stls + 1 ast (6/9 2p, 0/1 3p, 3/3 ft), G.Brunner 10 pts + 10 rebs + 1 blk + 3 stls + 3 asts (4/10 2p, 2/2 ft) ; R.Hamilton 12 pts + 7 rebs + 2 stls + 2 asts (4/4 2p, 1/5 3p, 1/2 ft), A.Barbour 12 pts + 4 rebs + 2 stls + 1 ast (2/7 2p, 2/7 3p, 2/3 ft), A.Crosariol 10 pts + 6rebs + 3 blks (4/7 2p, 2/4 ft), L.Mack 10 pts + 8 rebs + 1 blk (3/4 2p, 1/4 3p, 1/2 ft), D.Cavaliero 10 pts + 5rebs + 2 stls + 5 asts (2/6 2p, 2/5 3p)

Siena-Milano 66-71 - B.Brown 26 pts + 3 rebs + 2 stls + 2 asts (8/14 2p, 1/4 3p, 7/7 ft), D.Hackett 13 pts + 4 rebs + 1 ast (3/5 2p, 1/2 3p, 4/6 ft) ; A.Gentile 13 pts + 3 rebs + 1 ast in 17 mins (5/6 2p, 0/3 3p, 3/3 ft), M.Hairston 12 pts + 4 rebs + 1 stl + 2 asts (6/12 2p, 0/1 3p), O.Cook 11 pts + 4 rebs + 3 stls + 5 asts (0/1 2p, 3/4 3p, 2/4 ft), K.Langford 10 pts + 7 rebs (1/4 2p, 2/5 3p, 2/2 ft)

- Sassari falls at home, Varese wins on the road to remain on top as the only unbeaten (6-0). The last time this happened Varese won the title (1998-1999 season)
- Milano wins at Siena, the first time in 9 (!) years. Neither team is playing well, but Siena really seems to have a lot of problems to deal with...
- This week's MVP is Ricky Minard (Virtus Bologna), top scorer (35 pts) and top ranked (36) player of the round. Also, his 10/12 from the 3.pt arc sets a team record for 3-pointers scored in a single game.
- Caserta facing big financial issues. They're still unable to sign Brian Chase and they've lost disappointing Eric Chatfield due to an injury. He's going to leave the team in the next few hours...
- Biella finally managed to agree to terms and sign SG Trey Johnson, who should be able to play since the next game.
- Cantù has lost starting PG Jerry Smith due to an injury (will have to sit out 2 months). They're looking for a replacement (Sundiata Gaines?).

[Jazz]

Any thoughts on Bobby Brown? No doubt he can score but how do you rate the rest of his game?

[boyd20]

Any thoughts on Bobby Brown? No doubt he can score but how do you rate the rest of his game?

You've got the point. He's a hell of a scorer, but he can't run the team, unless they're playing at high pace. Whenever they're playing slower he doesn't set teammates and turns the ball over a lot. He's also a poor defender. But in this Siena team, which is lacking talent and scoring threats, he's the only one who can score and make things happen offensively. Rasic seems lost and on his way out, it is rumored they're going to release him and sign someone else (Lakovic? Papaloukas?).

[piotrek_24]

Hi boyd,what do you think about Bolognia against poor Caserta?

2nd question,Avellino can cover 7,5pkt spread?
Warren will play?

[boyd20]

Hi boyd,what do you think about Bolognia against poor Caserta?

2nd question,Avellino can cover 7,5pkt spread?
Warren will play?

Hi!
I don't see anything but a win by Virtus Bologna (Caserta missing players and in financial crisis). Obviously don't blame me should they lose...
Warren is doubtful, but even if he plays he's hurt. I'd go with Sassari winning by around 7-12 points.

[piotrek_24]

Thanks and what about Brindisi?

[boyd20]

Thanks and what about Brindisi?

Brindisi should win, imo, the only doubt I have is they're very streaky but they're better than Pesaro.
They come off a very convincing road win in Sassari and are a good team, even if they're only 2-4, but I expect them to improve their record.
Pesaro missing the only true PG they have (Traini), they also lost Amoroso, they didn't look good at all last week.

[piotrek_24]

Bologna 29% FG... no comment.This team is a big joke

[boyd20]

Bologna 29% FG... no comment.This team is a big joke

I'm sorry. It was a huge surprise, they lost to a team that was playing with no Americans and probably not paying its players.
Again, I'm sorry, but no one really expected this.

[boyd20]

Serie A - 7th week

Cantù-Cremona 87-60 - J.Brooks 16 pts + 7 rebs + 1 blk + 1 stl + 1 ast (3/3 2p, 3/3 3p, 1/1 ft), J.Tabu 14 pts + 6 rebs + 2 stls + 9 asts (4/7 2p, 1/3 3p, 3/4 ft), P.Aradori 13 pts + 2 rebs + 1 stl (5/7 2p, 1/2 3p) ; L.Harris 17 pts + 5 rebs + 1 blk + 2 asts (7/17 2p, 1/4 3p, 0/1 ft), J.Jackson 12 pts + 1 reb + 1 stl (0/5 2p, 2/6 3p, 6/6 ft), H.Peric 11 pts + 4 rebs + 1 stl + 1 ast (5/7 2p, 0/2 3p, 1/2 ft)

Caserta-Virtus Bologna 65-56 - M.Mordente 14 pts + 4 rebs + 3 stls + 1 ast (1/3 2p, 2/2 3p, 6/8 ft), G.Maresca 12 pts + 2 rebs + 1 stl + 2 asts (3/10 2p, 2/5 3p), D.Akindele 10 pts + 13 rebs + 4 blks (5/8 2p) ; G.Poeta 22 pts + 3 rebs + 5 stls + 2 asts (5/6 2p, 2/4 3p, 6/7 ft)

Sassari-Avellino 102-81 - D.Diener 20 pts + 6 rebs + 1 stl + 3 asts (3/7 2p, 4/4 3p, 2/2 ft), B.Thornton 16 pts + 4 rebs + 2 stls (2/2 2p, 2/5 3p, 6/6 ft), M.Ignerski 15 pts + 6 rebs + 1 blk + 1 stl + 2 asts (5/8 2p, 1/5 3p, 2/2 ft), T.Diener 13 pts + 2 rebs + 1 stl + 10 asts (3/4 2p, 2/5 3p, 1/2 ft), T.Easley 13 pts + 4 rebs + 1 blk + 1 ast (4/7 2p, 5/6 ft), M.Pinton 10 pts + 1 reb + 2 asts (2/2 2p, 2/2 3p) ; N.Ebi 23 pts + 13 rebs + 1 blk + 3 stls + 1 ast (11/18 2p, 1/2 ft), M.Shakur 14 pts + 4 rebs + 1 stl + 3 asts (5/7 2p, 0/2 3p, 4/4 ft), D.Mavraides 12 pts + 1 reb + 2 stls (4/8 2p, 1/4 3p, 1/1 ft)

Biella-Varese 60-77 - T.Johnson 17 pts + 4 rebs + 2 stls (6/13 2p, 1/2 3p, 2/4 ft), N.Jaramaz 11 pts + 3 rebs + 1 stl (3/4 2p, 1/5 3p, 2/2 ft), C.Brackins 11 pts + 9 rebs + 1 ast (3/8 2p, 1/5 3p, 2/2 ft), R.Robinson 10 pts + 4 rebs + 2 stls (4/8 2p, 0/1 3p, 2/2 ft) ; B.Dunston 21 pts + 8 rebs + 3 blks + 2 stls + 1 ast (9/9 2p, 3/5 ft), M.Green 12 pts + 7 rebs + 2 stls + 5 asts (4/9 2p, 0/2 3p, 4/5 ft), A.Banks 11 pts + 3 rebs + 2 stls (4/5 2p, 1/3 3p), E.Ere 10 pts + 5 rebs + 2 stls + 2 asts (2/5 2p, 1/4 3p, 3/4 ft)

Montegranaro-Reggio Emilia 80-94 - C.Burns 18 pts + 10 rebs + 1 stl (9/12 2p, 0/1 3p), R.Freimanis 17 pts + 5 rebs (7/8 2p, 0/2 3p, 3/5 ft), D.Cinciarini 15 pts + 3 rebs + 1 stl + 3 asts (4/8 2p, 1/5 3p, 4/5 ft), R.Steele 14 pts + 2 rebs + 3 asts (3/4 2p, 2/2 3p, 2/2 ft), T.Slay 11 pts + 3 rebs (1/4 2p, 3/5 3p) ; D.Taylor 22 pts + 7 rbes + 1 blk + 2 stls + 9 asts (4/8 2p, 4/8 3p, 2/2 ft), G.Brunner 20 pts + 6 rebs + 1 stl + 1 ast (10/14 2p), A.Cinciarini 14 pts + 4 rebs + 2 asts (4/5 2p, 0/1 3p, 6/7 ft), M.Antonutti 13 pts + 4 rebs (1/3 2p, 2/4 3p, 5/5 ft), M.Jeremic 10 pts + 2 rebs (2/3 2p, 2/2 3p)

Brindisi-Pesaro 72-55 - S.Reynolds 20 pts + 5 rebs + 4 stls + 1 ast (7/10 2p, 2/5 3p, 0/1 ft), J.Gibson 15 pts + 2 rebs + 2 stls + 1 ast (7/13 2p, 0/6 3p, 1/1 ft) ; L.Mack 17 pts + 5 rebs + 1 ast (6/7 2p, 1/2 3p, 2/2 ft), A.Barbour 11 pts + 3 rebs + 3 asts (2/4 2p, 1/4 3p, 4/4 ft)

Milano-Venezia 100-105 - K.Langford 23 pts + 5 rebs + 4 asts (4/7 2p, 2/4 3p, 9/9 ft), I.Bouroussis 17 pts + 6 rebs + 1 blk (5/7 2p, 1/2 3p, 4/4 ft), R.Stipcevic 14 pts + 1 ast in 12 mins (1/1 2p, 3/3 3p, 3/4 ft), M.Hairston 13 pts + 1 reb + 1 blk + 4 asts (1/2 2p, 2/3 3p, 5/6 ft), A.Fotsis 12 pts + 3 rebs + 1 stl (3/3 2p, 2/5 3p) ; K.Clark 26 pts + 1 reb + 1 stl + 1 ast (6/7 2p, 3/5 3p, 5/7 ft), Y.Diawara 17 pts + 4 rebs + 1 stl (4/5 2p, 3/5 3p, 0/2 ft), A.Young 16 pts + 1 reb + 1 stl (1/3 2p, 2/3 3p, 8/8 ft), M.Bulleri 14 pts + 1 reb + 1 stl + 4 asts in 19 mins (2/4 2p, 1/2 3p, 7/7 ft)

Roma-Siena 70-81 - G.Lawal 19 pts + 8 rebs + 1 blk (9/12 2p, 1/2 ft), L.Datome 15 pts + 7 rebs + 3 blks + 2 stls + 1 ast (1/6 2p, 1/4 3p, 10/10 ft), P.Goss 13 pts + 1 reb + 1 stl + 1 ast (2/5 2p, 2/7 3p, 3/4 ft), J.Taylor 12 pts + 2 rebs + 1 blk + 1 stl + 7 asts (3/8 2p, 1/3 3p, 3/4 ft) ; B.Brown 22 pts + 4 rebs + 2 stls + 9 asts (4/4 2p, 2/6 3p, 8/10 ft), D.Moss 18 pts + 4 rebs + 1 ast (0/4 2p, 6/10 3p), T.Ress 12 pts + 5 rebs + 4 blks + 1 ast (2/4 2p, 2/3 3p, 2/2 ft), V.Sanikidze 10 pts + 9 rebs (4/7 2p, 0/1 3p, 2/2 ft)

- Top ranked teams all won. Varese still unbeaten (7-0) will host sassari (6-1) in the next game. Bryant Dunston had one of the most devastating performances of the last few years (7 dunks), Drake Diener finally finding his way from long range (4/4). Should be interesting.
- Siena showing some signs of improvement and Bobby Brown keeps his hot streak alive. Waiting for Kemp and Eze to recover from their injuries, they're negoatiating with Jaka Lakovic (Milano also interested in signing him) before getting rid of Rasic, while Kasun keeps struggling with fouls and poor condition.
- Cantù is having great things from Tabu after losing starting PG Jerry Smith due to an injury. Still, they're looking for a player to add in that spot.
- Amazing win by Caserta, despite playing with no Americans and being in deep financial troubles. Mordente's pride and Akindele's size made the difference. It seems they're finally ready to add 1-2 players and one of them should be PG John Cantrell, a very cheap signing from the minor leagues (UBA, played in Lebanon and Qatar) who I guess was recommended by Akindele, as he just like him played collegiately at Chicago State.
- Reggio Emilia is on a roll. Started 0-3, they're now 4-3 with Donell Taylor showing terrific condition.
- Milano (surprise, surprise!) is officially in crisis with a disappointing recod of 3-4. Scariolo is at risk now, most players just seem to be out of sync with him and the team's results are simply unacceptable. Will this road win finally uncan Venezia's potential?
- Avellino keep struggling too and their coach Giorgio Valli appears close to be fired. They should make some roster changes, as it seems Shakur might be released and a couple of players are to be signed (one of them should be Brian Chase, who in the end did not sign with Caserta).
- Biella, alone at the bottom, searching for some more players.

[Jazz]

Is there any indication of what exactly is happening behind the scenes at Milano? You said the players are out of sync but Scariolo signed all of them himself and some only joined this summer, Langford even played for him before. Maybe they aren't impressed with his coaching but they still owe him and especially the club something. They beat Siena but still have a losing record overall. Very strange.

[boyd20]

Is there any indication of what exactly is happening behind the scenes at Milano? You said the players are out of sync but Scariolo signed all of them himself and some only joined this summer, Langford even played for him before. Maybe they aren't impressed with his coaching but they still owe him and especially the club something. They beat Siena but still have a losing record overall. Very strange.

According to the rumors most of the players are not happy with Scariolo and they want him out. I don't know the reasons, but it is clear looking at their attitude on the court, they just seem to play with no motivations although the season has just begun. The timeouts are even embarassing, almost no one seems to listen to him and they do the opposite of his instructions once they get back on the court. It is rumored the club would like to get rid of him but the problem is he doesn't want to resign and firing him would mean a huge waste of money.

To me, Milano has no chance to get things going as long as he stays.

[piotrek_24]

Hi boyd,another question ;D I like Venezia and I hope that finally, after a good away match we'll be able to win at home.What do you think?
Small odds on Venezia but wants to add Cantu to the double.What do you think?

Who currently is the coach of Avellino?maybe handi on Biella?

last question... Sassari has a chance to beat Varese?

[boyd20]

Hi boyd,another question ;D I like Venezia and I hope that finally, after a good away match we'll be able to win at home.What do you think?
Small odds on Venezia but wants to add Cantu to the double.What do you think?

Who currently is the coach of Avellino?maybe handi on Biella?

last question... Sassari has a chance to beat Varese?

Venezia is definitely better than Roma, but watch out they're very inconsistent, still I think they should win.
Avellino-Biella...I'd stay away, Avellino with a new coach and missing players, Biella at the bottom and with injuries too.
Sassari can win, but I think Varese will stay unbeaten in front of their home crowd.
Reggio Emilia (playing good lately, 4 straight wins) at home vs Virtus Bologna that comes from a terrible loss at Caserta can be tasty.
Don't know about the odds, but I expect a comfortable win by Cantù in Pesaro.
Brindisi should win at home vs Montegranaro, they're the better team but Montegranaro have won 2 games on the road so far, so I'd say Brindisi but be careful.

[Jazz]

Looks like you got most of those predictions spot on.

Sabatini said Bologna will probably release Minard.