Albuquerque Thunderbirds to play exhibitions in China
Published on November 1, 2006 under NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
Albuquerque, N.M., November 1, 2006 - The NBA Development League Champion Albuquerque Thunderbirds will play two exhibition games against the Chinese National Team on Nov. 16 and 18, it was announced today by the NBA Development League and Infront Sports & Media, the exclusive global marketing partner of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
Team China will play the Thunderbirds, the D-League's defending champions, on November 16 at the Beilun Gymnasium (6,000 capacity) in Ningbo City, and then at the Tashi Gymnasium (3,500 capacity) in Macau on Nov. 18. Both games are scheduled to tip-off at 8 p.m. local time. The Nov. 16 contest will be televised live by China Central Television (CCTV) and NBA TV, while the game in Macau will be televised on delayed basis by CCTV and NBA TV.
"The Albuquerque Thunderbirds are very excited to play on the international stage. This is just one more accomplishment for our fans to celebrate. Although the travel will be tough, this opportunity will give us a unique advantage as we prepare for the defense of the NBA Development League Title," Team President Billy Widner.
"The City of Albuquerque is very proud of our Thunderbirds and we wish them the best of luck in China. We are honored to be the first NBA Development League city to have a team play on the international stage and it is another great way to celebrate our Tricentennial", Martin Chavez, Mayor, City of Albuquerque.
"We are pleased to be a part of the NBA's long-standing cooperation with the Chinese Basketball Association," said NBA D-League President Phil Evans. "The exhibition games between Team China and the D-League champion Albuquerque Thunderbirds will provide basketball fans in China with exciting, first-class basketball action that we hope they will enjoy.
"We are also thrilled that D-League fans in Albuquerque and across the nation will be able to watch the games on NBA TV," Evans said.
The two games will help Team China prepare for the 15th Asian Games, scheduled for Nov. 27 through Dec. 15 in Doha, Qatar.
"Playing against the defending champions of the D-League provides our national team with a unique opportunity to improve its overall level of competition and gives the players the chance to develop their individual technical skills and talent," said Mr. Li Yuanwei, CBA Vice President.
"CBA and Infront aim to further develop the standard of China Basketball by giving Chinese players increased exposure to a high level of international basketball, and we certainly appreciate the NBA's contributions in this regard," Li continued. "This is especially important for the younger Chinese players who will play a significant role for the future of Chinese Basketball."
The Albuquerque Thunderbirds are coached by Michael Cooper, who has won titles in all three leagues associated with the NBA. Cooper led the Thunderbirds to last season's D-League title, and coached the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks to back-to-back championships in 2001 and 2002. As a player, Cooper won five NBA titles as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. The T-Birds are affiliated with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Indiana Pacers and the Phoenix Suns of the NBA.
"We are very happy about the cooperation with the NBA Development League. China is already a significant force in world basketball and has outstanding players. We want to see plenty of ties between the CBA and the NBA, because we believe such contacts will drive the sport's development in China to the next level," said Paul Wong, General Manager of Infront China.
Tickets for the game in Macau will go on sale Nov. 2. Tickets for the game in Ningbo will be put on sale in the second week of November.
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