Stars draft Michael Cooper
April 4, 2007 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., April 4, 2007 - The WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks made their draft day a huge success by announcing the return of Head Coach Michael Cooper. Cooper's resume includes five NBA Championships as a player, two WNBA Championships as the Head Coach of the Sparks, and one NBA Development League Championship as the Head Coach of the Albuquerque Thunderbirds.
Cooper will continue to coach the Thunderbirds for the final three games of the regular season as they attempt to reach the playoffs for the second consecutive season and will coach the team if they qualify. "Coop" will remain with the team thereafter as a minority owner and is expected to have a visible presence with the Thunderbirds in the years ahead.
"I would like to thank the Thunderbirds fans for supporting me and the team," said Head Coach Michael Cooper. "Albuquerque has a lot to be proud of in their D-League franchise. From the fans, to the season ticket holders and sponsors, Albuquerque is first class all the way."
"I am excited that Michael will be joining me on the ownership level of the Thunderbirds," said local majority owner Sam Bregman. "He will always be a part of the Thunderbirds family."
Cooper owns a home in Albuquerque and he expects to be periodically available to the Thunderbirds during the offseason in his new role.
"I am truly excited for Coach Cooper. The NBA Development League provides opportunity for everyone involved and it is great to see Coach Cooper rewarded with a new opportunity. Our franchise will definitely miss his tenacious spirit and winning attitude on the court, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to work with him to establish the Thunderbirds brand in Albuquerque," Team President Billy Widner said.
The L.A. Sparks were established as one of the eight original teams in the WNBA in 1997. Los Angeles tipped off the Inaugural WNBA season on June 21, 1997 versus the New York Liberty at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. Los Angeles compiled an impressive 74-48 record in four seasons at the Great Western Forum before following their NBA counterparts, the Los Angeles Lakers, to STAPLES Center in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. In 2001, Michael Cooper was named WNBA Coach of the Year while setting a record for franchise wins and leading the Sparks to their second consecutive WNBA Championship.
As a reminder, the Albuquerque Thunderbirds game that was originally scheduled for April 6th at 7:00pm at Tingley has been moved to Wednesday, April 11th at 7:00pm. The first 1,000 fans to arrive at Tingley Coliseum on Wednesday the 11th will receive a team poster and players will be available immediately after the game for autographs.
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.
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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.
