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Anaheim gets first choice in 2006 NBA D-League draft

Published on October 3, 2006 under NBA G League (G League) News Release


DALLAS, October 3, 2006 - The Anaheim Arsenal secured the first overall selection in the 2006 NBA Development League Draft through a lottery conducted at the annual coaches meeting Tuesday. The Draft is scheduled for November 2 at 9 p.m. ET.

"We are excited about having the top pick," Arsenal head coach Larry Smith said. "(Assistant) Coach (Reggie) Geary and I will get together, study all the players available in the draft pool and come out with a great player with the first selection."

The Sioux Falls Skyforce will have the second overall pick in a serpentine selection process, followed by the Colorado 14ers, Fort Worth Flyers, Dakota Wizards, Arkansas RimRockers, Los Angeles D-Fenders, Tulsa 66ers, Idaho Stampede, Austin Toros, Bakersfield Jam and Albuquerque Thunderbirds.

Since the draft is serpentine, or "snaked", the order will be reversed in each of the 10 rounds. For example, after picking first, Anaheim's next selections will be the 24th and 25th overall. Albuquerque will select last in the first round, but first in the second round, giving the T-Birds the 12th and 13th overall picks.

"It's going to be interesting with the new format," Smith said. "We really have to do our homework, but we will get some players that basketball fans in Orange County will look forward to watching play."

To be eligible for the 2006 Draft, a player must have signed a standard D-League player contract. Previous top picks currently in NBA vet camps include Chicago Bulls guard Andre Barrett (2005) and New Jersey Nets forward Mikki Moore (2002).

Training camp rosters will consist of the 10 players selected in the Draft, up to four returning players, two allocation players of regional significance and a player invited from each team's open tryout. The four returning players for Anaheim, Bakersfield, Colorado and Los Angeles, all expansion teams, will be signed from the 10 players each selected in the Expansion Draft on September 19.

The 2006-07 D-League season begins November 24 with five games. A 50-game schedule is highlighted by the Showcase on January 15-17 in Sioux Falls, S.D. and the inaugural NBA D-League All-Star Game February 17 in Las Vegas.

The D-League continues to develop talent from across all disciplines for the NBA's 30 teams and the entire NBA umbrella. In addition to the assignment of 29 players to D-League affiliates, there were also 18 GATORADE Call-Ups from the D-League to the NBA last season. Additionally, every referee hired by the NBA since 2002 has worked in the D-League, while coaches, athletic trainers and front office executives are also being developed.

Designed to help grow the sport of basketball both domestically and internationally, the D-League also offers fun, family entertainment at affordable prices. For additional information on the NBA Development League, visit NBADLEAGUE.com.

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