Coaches Sports Grill to Host Thunderbirds Draft Party
Published on October 25, 2007 under NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
Albuquerque, N.M., October 25, 2007- The Albuquerque Thunderbirds invite you to attend their third annual draft party on Thursday, November 1 at Coaches Sports Grill. Coaches is located at 1414 Central Ave. SE.
The draft will air live on NBA TV beginning with pre-draft coverage from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Marty Blake, the NBA's Director of Scouting and his son Ryan, NBA Assistant Director of Scouting, will serve as analysts for the D-League draft.
The draft is "serpentine" or "snaked" which means the order will be reversed in each of the ten rounds. For example, after picking third, Albuquerque's next selections will be the 26th and 31st overall.
"It's the best way to evenly distribute the talent in the draft," said Chris Alpert the D-League's Vice President of Basketball Operations and Player Personnel.
Head Coach Jeff Ruland and his assistant, Sam Worthen will be on hand to discuss the new Thunderbirds and sign autographs. The draft is conducted via conference call from the D-League draft headquarters and at locations in each of the 14 D-League cities. Each team will select one player in each of the 10 rounds. No trades will be permitted during the draft and only players signed to an NBA Development League Standard Player Contract are eligible to be selected.
The draft party is also a great opportunity for parents to find out more about their children between the ages of 9 and 17 becoming "Ball Kids" for the team. Season ticket holders can also stop by and pick up their tickets.
For directions to Coaches Sports Grill for the Thunderbirds Draft party, or to book a party, call 242-7111.
The Thunderbirds season tips off at home on November 23 against the Idaho Stampede at 7 p.m. Thunderbirds 2007-08 season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at abqtbirds.com or at the Thunderbirds front office at 111 Lomas Blvd. NE, Suite 240, Albuquerque, NM 87102. For premium or group seating call the Thunderbirds office at (505) 265-DUNK.
The Thunderbirds continually stay focused on the community by participating in community events such as the Read to Achieve Program as well as D-League Cares. In the past two seasons the Thunderbirds have worked almost 3,000 hours in the community, staying dedicated to Albuquerque and New Mexico.
Entering its seventh season, the NBA Development League, the NBA's minor league established to develop talent across all disciplines for the NBA, has relocated its headquarters from Greenville, S.C. to New York City. The move provides the D-League with direct access to the support and resources of the NBA and WNBA. During the 2006-07 season 19 NBA teams assigned 24 players to D-League rosters and 14 NBA teams called-up 16 players ('Gatorade Call-ups'). In addition to players, the D-League has also provided the training ground for every referee hired by the NBA since 2002, and this season the first former D-League coach will lead an NBA team as Sam Vincent takes over the reigns with the Charlotte Bobcats.
Individually, the Thunderbirds have had two player call-ups, two front office call-ups, two training staff call-ups and three call-ups from the Storm Chasers Dance and Cheer squad.
Designed to help grow the sport of basketball both domestically and internationally, the D-League offers NBA-quality basketball and fun, family entertainment at affordable prices. For additional information on the NBA Development League, visit NBADLEAGUE.com.
NBA G League Stories from October 25, 2007
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- Coaches Sports Grill to Host Thunderbirds Draft Party - New Mexico Thunderbirds
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