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Flyers Coach Sam Vincent Guiding Nigerian National Team In World Championships

August 24, 2006 - NBA G League (G League)
Fort Worth Flyers News Release


FORT WORTH, Texas, August 24, 2006 - Fort Worth Flyers head coach Sam Vincent has guided the Nigerian National Team to the Eight-Finals of the 2006 FIBA World Championship that runs until September 3 in Japan.

The Nigerian National Team advanced to the second round of the international contest for the first time in team history by defeating Lebanon 95-72 in the team's final preliminary round contest. Nigeria will face Germany, which is led by Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki, in its Eight-Finals match on Sunday, August 27. A victory over Germany will move Nigeria into the Quarter-Finals where the team will play the United States if Team USA wins its Eight-Finals contest against Australia.

"The World Championship has been a great experience for our team thus far, and I am proud of the way our guys have played to help us achieve this historic milestone," said Vincent.

Vincent became involved with the Nigerian National Team in 2003 after working on other grass roots basketball development projects in South Africa. He has also been involved with the NBA's Basketball without Borders program since 1997.

"Working with the Nigerian National Team and helping to prepare them to compete at a peak level against the top players in the world has been an extremely rewarding experience," said Vincent. "It is just another way of giving back to the community and youth."

Former Flyers and current New York Knicks guard Ime Udoka is among the standout players for Nigeria. A 2006 All-D-League First Team selection and the winner of the league's Jason Collier Sportsmanship Award, Udoka averaged 17.1 points and 6.2 rebounds in 45 games with Fort Worth before earning a GATORADE Call-Up to the Knicks.

"Ime has been great for us. He is the glue to this team because he plays so many important positions on the court," said Vincent. "Without Ime we would not have the success we have achieved."

The Fort Worth Flyers home opener is Friday, December 1 against the Bakersfield Jam at the Fort Worth Convention Center. The regular season tips off Saturday, November 25 against the Austin Toros in Austin, TX. For more information, log on to fwflyers.com or call (817) 698-8333.

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