Bland Returns to the Thunderbirds
April 3, 2007 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., April 3, 2007 - The Albuquerque Thunderbirds have reacquired guard Tony Bland and waived forward Chris Shumate due to injury. Bland left the team for personal reasons on March 20.
Bland had played in and started 38 games for the Thunderbirds, averaging 36.2 minutes, 14.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists.
Bland is expected to be in uniform this afternoon when the Thunderbirds (21-25) visit the L.A. D-Fenders (21-24) for a matchup that has playoff implications in the Western Division.
Thunderbirds 2007-08 season tickets are already on sale and can be purchased at abqtbirds.com or at Thunderbirds Front Office. For premium or group seating call the Thunderbirds office at (505) 265-DUNK.
The NBA Development League includes the Albuquerque Thunderbirds (N.M.), Anaheim Arsenal (Calif.), Arkansas RimRockers (Little Rock), Austin Toros (Texas), Bakersfield Jam (Calif.), Colorado 14ers (Broomfield), Dakota Wizards (Bismarck, N.D.), Fort Worth Flyers (Texas), Idaho Stampede (Boise), Los Angeles D-Fenders (Calif.), Sioux Falls Skyforce (S.D.) and Tulsa 66ers (Okla.). Expansion teams for the 2007-08 season have already been announced in Orem, Utah, the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas and Des Moines, Iowa.
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 24 players to D-League affiliates, there have also been 18 GATORADE Call-Ups from the D-League to the NBA this 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. As part of NBA All-Star 2007, the D-League hosted its first-ever Gillette All-Star Game presented by 24 Hour Fitness that took place at NBA Jam Session.
Established 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 D-LEAGUE.com.
For more information about the Albuquerque Thunderbirds call (505) 265-DUNK or log on to www.abqtbirds.com.
NBA G League Stories from April 3, 2007
- Wizards Run Down Toros - Dakota Wizards
- D-Fenders Ground Thunderbirds - Los Angeles D-Fenders
- Thunderbirds Move Season Finale - New Mexico Thunderbirds
- Former Maryland star acquired by Stampede - Idaho Stampede
- Bland Returns to the Thunderbirds - New Mexico Thunderbirds
- Nets recall Mile Ilic from D-League - Colorado 14ers
- D-League daily developments - G League
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