NBA Fair returns to New Mexico State Fair
September 5, 2007 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., September 5, 2007 -The Albuquerque Thunderbirds announce today that the NBA Fair is returning to the New Mexico State Fair for the second straight year.
NBA Fair is an interactive tour that brings the excitement of the NBA to fairs across North America and showcases the attractions, contests, and activities of the National Basketball Association. NBA Fair brings the unique level of intimacy, athleticism and teamwork from the NBA to potential and current fans. This event consists of a basketball half court, Measure Up activities, and video games. These creative and interactive attractions cater to various skill and activity levels to entertain both the avid and casual fan.
Below are some highlights of the NBA Fair:
Player/Legend Appearances:
* Danny Granger (9/8 & 9/9)
* Jeff Ruland (9/22 & 9/23)
Mascot/Dance Team Appearances:
* Energee!, Milwaukee Bucks Dance Team (9/7 thru 9/9)
* Sixers Dancers, Philadelphia 76ers (9/14 thru 9/16)
* Cavaliers Girls, Cleveland Cavaliers (9/21 thru 9/23)
Also on hand from the Albuquerque Thunderbirds will be the Storm Chasers Dance & Cheer squad and Trey the mascot.
Thunderbirds 2007-08 season tickets are on sale now 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 league's assignment system will enter its third season in 2007-08. Over the first two seasons, NBA teams have assigned 53 players a total of 77 times, including 30 selections from the 2005 and 2006 NBA Drafts. Last season, a total of 47 former NBA draft picks played in the D-League. Lottery selections such as Portland's Martell Webster (6th pick overall in 2005), Golden State's Patrick O'Bryant (9th pick, 2006) and Seattle's Mouhamed Sene (10th pick, 2006) all were assigned to their respective team's D-League affiliate.
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 to help foster the D-League's continued growth by giving it 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') while 31 D-League alumni participated in the NBA Playoffs. 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. The 2007-08 NBA season will also include the first-ever D-League coach to be promoted to the NBA with Sam Vincent taking over head coaching duties for 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.
The Thunderbirds continually stay focused on the community by participating in community events such as the Read to Achieve Program as well as D Leagues Cares. In the past two seasons the Thunderbirds have worked 2,996.50 hours in the community, staying dedicated to Albuquerque and New Mexico.
The NBA Development League includes the Albuquerque Thunderbirds (N.M.), Anaheim Arsenal (Calif.), Austin Toros (Texas), Bakersfield Jam (Calif.), Colorado 14ers (Broomfield), Dakota Wizards (Bismarck, N.D.), 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 will include the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (Ind.), Iowa Energy (IA), Rio Grande Valley Vipers (Texas) and Utah Flash (UT).
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.
NBA G League Stories from September 5, 2007
- Vipers Take Pinnock With First Pick In Expansion Draft - Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- NBA Fair returns to New Mexico State Fair - New Mexico Thunderbirds
- Anaheim Arsenal Name Dean Murray Assistant Coach - Anaheim Arsenal
- Flash Take Jackson, Former Jazz Forward Powell in Expansion Draft - Utah Flash
- NBA Development League Announces 2007 Expansion Draft Results - G League
- Thunderbirds Offer Internships - New Mexico Thunderbirds
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.
