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NBA Development League Expands to South Texas

January 24, 2007 - NBA G League (G League) News Release


NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2007 - The NBA Development League (D-League) has awarded an expansion team to the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas for the 2007-08 season, NBA Commissioner David Stern announced today. The team will play at the Dodge Arena in Hidalgo, Texas. An expansion team in Orem, Utah was announced on Dec. 2, 2006, boosting the number of teams to 14 for the 2007-08 season.

The team in the Rio Grande Valley is owned and operated by RGV Basketball, LLC, a group composed mainly of local South Texas business professionals and community leaders. Local owners include Alonzo Cantu, Vick Casan, David Guerra, Kenny Hausenfluck, Hector Ramos, Humberto Rodriguez and Larry Safir.

"The D-League continues to provide the NBA and its teams the opportunity to cultivate talent, test ideas and give young players a means to improve through game competition," said Stern. "That commitment, coupled with delivering the game of basketball in an affordable, fun and family-oriented atmosphere, has more investors such as these in the Rio Grande Valley seeking to bring the D-League experience to their communities.

"Our minor league has a proven track record of developing talent both on and off the court, a trend we expect to continue," said Stern. "Since the D-League's inaugural season in 2001-02, more than 100 players, coaches, referees, athletic trainers and front-office personnel have moved to NBA teams or the league office."

For the second season, NBA teams are continuing to utilize an assignment system with its D-League affiliates. Twenty-five NBA teams have assigned 41 players to D-League teams over the last two seasons, including 16 assigned players already during the 2006-07 season. Since the D-League began play in 2001-02, NBA teams have called up 54 players a total of 74 times and there are currently six Gatorade Call-Ups on NBA rosters so far this season.

"Having the NBA system in the Rio Grande Valley is a win-win for our communities and I am very proud that we have the opportunity to offer such a tremendous entertainment outlet for South Texas," said Guerra, president and CEO of International Bank and Commerce in McAllen, Texas. "The NBA has long been an excellent business model in the sports world, and to have a team associated with not only the league, but affiliated with NBA teams, only adds strength and credibility to our local D-League team."

"South Texas is a fantastic area to house and support this team. We are all excited about bringing NBA quality basketball to the Valley, but our plan here is to have more than a group of guys who play basketball." said Mark Pollock, a member of the ownership group and a founding partner of The Financial Group, LLC. "Our organization believes in being a part of, and making a difference in, our communities and we hope to do this like none before. For example, one of our goals is to help impact the lives of the young people in South Texas through a partnership with professional basketball. We can't wait to get started. So as the saying goes....Stayed tuned!"

The D-League currently 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.).

"The Rio Grande Valley has been tremendously supportive of its minor league teams," said D-League President Phil Evans. "We believe we have found a terrific predominately local ownership group in a terrific market with a splendid arena."

Designed to help grow the sport of basketball both domestically and internationally, the league also offers fun, family entertainment at affordable prices. Balloting for the NBA Development League All-Star Game continues through Feb. 1 at D-LEAGUE.com. The inaugural D-League All-Star Game will be played on Feb. 17, 2007 on Center Court at NBA All-Star Jam Session at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Tip off is scheduled for 2 p.m. PT and the game will air live on NBA TV.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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