Pistons and Pacers Remain Mad Ants' Affiliates for the 2008-09 Season
June 11, 2008 - NBA G League (G League)
Indiana Mad Ants News Release
FORT WAYNE, IN - The National Basketball Association announced today that the Detroit Pistons and the Indiana Pacers will remain the NBA D-League's affiliates for the 2008-09 season. With the affiliation, the Pistons and the Pacers can assign players in their first or second seasons in the NBA to the Mad Ants.
"We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants again as our NBA D-League affiliate," said Scott Perry, Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Detroit Pistons. "There is a natural connection between our two basketball clubs given the fact that the Pistons got their start in Fort Wayne. We enjoy working with everyone connected with the Mad Ants organization."
In the 2007-08 season the Detroit Pistons took advantage of this relationship in a big way by assigning 7'1" center Cheikh Samb to the Mad Ants in their inaugural season. Samb played in 20 games for the Mad Ants averaging 10.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game. He set a D-League record with Fort Wayne, recording 11 blocks on December 2nd against Central Division rivals Sioux Falls.
"We were so lucky to have the Pistons be a part of our inaugural season as we brought the NBA back to its origins here in Fort Wayne," said Mad Ants' President Jeff Potter. "It was unbelievable to have Joe Dumars be so kind to come down for a game and entrust us with one of their future stars. We are honored to be a small part of the Pistons family."
Although the Indiana Pacers did not assign any of their players this past season, the Mad Ants' and the Pacers' front offices worked together in various ways, including a crowd pleasing Indiana Pacers' Affiliate night in Fort Wayne and a Mad Ants' corporate partner trip down to Conseco Fieldhouse.
"We were so honored to have the Indiana Pacers be a part of our great first season," Potter said. "The Pacers were incredibly gracious by sending their mascots up to entertain our fans, and we look forward to extending our relationship with the Pacers for years to come."
Do not miss your opportunity to be a part of the NBA and the Mad Ants as the invasion continues! Season tickets are now on sale for the team's sophomore season. For ticket information on the 2008-09 season, please contact the Mad Ants office at (260)469-HOOP (4667).
NBA G League Stories from June 11, 2008
- Arsenal to serve as affiliate to Clippers, Hawks - Anaheim Arsenal
- Pistons and Pacers Remain Mad Ants' Affiliates for the 2008-09 Season - Indiana Mad Ants
- The Albuquerque Thunderbirds Welcome Their 2008-2009 NBA Parent Teams - New Mexico Thunderbirds
- Tulsa 66ers Now a Stop on SuperSonic Route to NBA - Tulsa 66ers
- Dakota Continues Relationship with Grizzlies and Wizards - Dakota Wizards
- Skyforce Remains Affiliated with Timberwolves, Bobcats for 2008-09 Season - Sioux Falls Skyforce
- NBA D-League To Enter Eighth Season with Sixteen Teams - G League
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