Asik, Deng performing in Europe, Asik appears to be recovering well Options

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Omer Asik continues to impress in his recovery from the fractured fibula that ended his strong rookie season with the Chicago Bulls during the Eastern Conference finals.

Asik posted 12 points and eight rebounds Monday as Turkey downed tournament favorite Spain 65-57 in EuroBasket play in Lithuania. Spain played without Pau Gasol. Turkey clinched a berth in the tournament's second round with the victory. Spain already had advanced with previous victories.

Asik is averaging 6.5 points and 7 rebounds while shooting 62.5 percent in the tournament.

Earlier Monday, Luol Deng had 28 points and 14 rebounds as Great Britain prevented Poland from advancing to the second round with an 88-81 triumph.

France and Joakim Noah play Serbia later on Monday. France already has advanced into the second round.

KC

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Sparring partners in Chicago Bulls practice, Joakim Noah and Omer Asik squared off with high stakes again on Wednesday.

Noah's French team downed Asik's Turkish team 68-64 in second-round play at EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania. Qualifying spots for the 2012 London Olympics are up for grabs in the tournament, which France has overachieved in thus far.

Noah only posted seven points and four rebounds in 16 minutes, with three of his rebounds offensive. But Spurs guard Tony Parker scored 20 points and hit clutch free throws down the stretch to help France secure the victory.

Asik, who has played well throughout, finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds for Turkey.

The third Bull in the tournament, Luol Deng, already has been eliminated with his Great Britain team. However, that team already has secured an automatic qualifying berth as the host country for next year's Olympics.

Link

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Luol Deng appearing on actual british currency (The Brixton pound, to save you the googling).