Thunderbirds Go 2-1 Over Weekend
Published on January 14, 2008 under NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
Albuquerque, N.M., January 14, 2008 The Albuquerque Thunderbirds hit the road last week for a 12 day road trip in which the first two games were against the D-League Southwest Divisional leader Austin Toros and the third game against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. The Thunderbirds walked away from the weekend 2-1 overall and on the upswing headed to the D-League Showcase in Boise, ID.
Meanwhile, the Albuquerque Thunderbirds acquired forward / center Kevin Pittsnogle and waived center Ejike Ugboaja.
Pittsnogle, 6-11, 255, was in training camp with the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this season. He was then drafted by the Austin Toros in the 2007 D-League Draft in the first round with the 12th overall pick. The Big East Academic All-Star from West Virginia was signed just in time for tip off this past Saturday when Albuquerque played the second game against Austin.
"Picking up Pittsnogle was a move that needed to be made, especially since we had some interest in him in the 2007 D-League Draft," said Head Coach Jeff Ruland. "The move has obviously worked out really well for us in the past two wins."
Ejike Ugboaja had played in 14 games for Albuquerque, averaging 19 minutes, 3.1 points and 2.8 rebounds.
Pittsnogle will be in uniform once again, wearing jersey #44, when the Thunderbirds (8-8) take on the Colorado 14ers (9-9) on Tuesday at the D-League Showcase at Qwest Arena in Boise, Idaho.
The Thunderbirds continue on the road for their next four games starting Tuesday, January 15th against the Colorado 14ers, before returning home to take on the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Wednesday, January 23rd for a 10:30 am "School House Jam" game. The game on January 23rd will be the first of two "School House Jam" games for the Thunderbirds this season.
Thunderbirds 2007-08 single game tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at abqtbirds.com, any Ticketmaster location 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 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 over 3,000 hours in the community, staying dedicated to Albuquerque and New Mexico.
The NBA Development League is the NBA's official minor league, and the first-ever basketball league with direct affiliations to NBA teams. Now in its seventh season the D-League's goals are to provide affordable, NBA-caliber entertainment to fans of its 14 teams, as well as continue to develop players, coaches, referees and front-office personnel for the NBA. As the single source for in-season player "call-ups" to the NBA, fans of the D-League enjoy the highest caliber of basketball played outside the NBA. In fact, former D-League players represented 10 percent of NBA players on 2007-08 opening day rosters, numbering 44 in total. In addition, the D-League has produced 25 percent of current NBA referees and 16 current NBA coaches, including head coach Sam Vincent with the Charlotte Bobcats. The D-League is an innovative and rapidly growing sports property that also serves as an experimental testing ground for new initiatives of the NBA and its teams, provides continuing education and professional development resources for its players, and is committed to serving its local communities through D-LEAGUE CARES and grassroots efforts.
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.
NBA G League Stories from January 14, 2008
- Arsenal Double-Up Skyforce in the Fourth for Comeback Win - Anaheim Arsenal
- Lang, Fesenko Pace Flash Win to Open Showcase - Utah Flash
- Thunderbirds Go 2-1 Over Weekend - New Mexico Thunderbirds
- Andre Barrett Named D-League.Com Performer of the Week - G League
- Mad Ants on NBA-TV - Indiana Mad Ants
- Colorado 14ers Weekly Update - Colorado 14ers
- D-League Daily Developments - G League
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