Oct 13, 2008 | 11:00 PM | World Hoops News

by: Paul Miles

Australia
Lauren Jackson will give up over US$100,000 to focus on the Opals' 2012 Olympic run. Diana Taurasi, meanwhile, is in Russia for her other team, Spartak. Tough world, that womens hoops scene.

After a shaky start, Rob Beveridge is happy with his team. He said:

I believe this is a special young group that is starting to mature but in saying that I know we're going to have our ups and downs and I don't want to get ahead of ourselves.

John Rillie drops his NBL Team of the Week. He gives Rod Grizzard the start at his position, shooting guard.

Europe
CSKA lands in Toronto ahead of Tuesday's game against the Raptors. Victor Keyru is questionable for the game with a groin injury. Hit the link, check out the "Summer Vacation" photo gallery. Take a look at this one, and keep in mind JR Holden got shut out against the Heat.

Brandon Jennings' gets 7 points in 21 minutes off the bench in Roma's season opener, an 83-81 win over Caserta.

According to The Hoop, CSKA boss Ettore Messina could be next in line for the French NT head coaching job. And after the debacle during this summer's Eurobasket qualifiers, the Italian born Messina doesn't have a very high bar to cross. Rumors have it that the Italians would be very unhappy with that idea.

Asia
Japan's expansion franchise, the Lakestars take Evessa to the limit before conceding an 8-78 final at the bell. Osaka Evessa's forward Lynn Washington ran the head of the pack with a 31 point & 12 rebound night.

Labels: australia, cska moscow, ettore messina, evessa, france, jbl, lakestars, lauren jackson, lynn washington, opals, raptors, rob beveridge, rod grizzard

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