Thunderbirds Prepare for Big Weekend out West

Published on March 14, 2007 under NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release


ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., March 14, 2007 - The defending NBA Development League Champion Albuquerque Thunderbirds are fighting to ensure a place in the 2007 D-League playoffs. With just 11 games remaining in the 2006-07 season, the Thunderbirds are currently one-and-half games out the final playoff spot in the Western Division. All that could change this weekend when the Thunderbirds head to California for two road games.

On Friday, March 16 the Thunderbirds will be in Los Angeles for arguably one of the biggest games of the season, against the Los Angeles D-Fenders. The Thunderbirds are currently one game behind the D-Fenders and a win in Friday's game could pull the teams into a tie and give the Thunderbirds a 3-2 edge in the season series. Game time is set for 4:30 p.m. MDT. and will be broadcast live on 96.3 KBZU "The Buzz".

"This weekend is big for us." Team President Billy Widner said, "Friday afternoon might turn out to be the most important game of the season."

The Thunderbirds will continue their California swing on Sunday, March 18 against the Bakersfield Jam; game time is set for 5 p.m. MDT, before retuning home to take on the Idaho Stampede March 24 and 25.

While preparing for the games this weekend, the Thunderbirds acquired guard Julius Hodge (6-7, 210) to fill the roster spot vacated when forward Dijon Thompson left the team. The 20th overall selection in the 2005 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets, Hodge played his college basketball at North Carolina State. He was assigned by the Nuggets to the Austin Toros during the 2005-06 season and then to the Colorado 14ers this season. Hodge was traded by the Nuggets to Milwaukee on January 11 and was released by the Bucks on February 7. He was picked up by the Idaho Stampede on February 21 and released on March 10. In 11 D-League appearances this season, Hodge has averaged 21.5 minutes, 12.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. Hodge is expected to be in uniform when the Thunderbirds visit Los Angeles and Bakersfield this weekend, and will wear jersey #24.

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, Sioux Falls Skyforce (S.D.) and Tulsa 66ers (Okla.). Expansion teams in Orem, Utah, the Rio Grande Valley in Texas and Des Moines, Iowa have also been announced for the 2007-08 season.

The D-League continues to develop talent from across all disciplines for the NBA's 30 teams and the entire NBA umbrella. Designed to help grow the sport of basketball both domestically and internationally, the D-League also offers fun, family entertainment at affordable prices.

For information on premium seating and general information about the Albuquerque Thunderbirds call (505) 265-DUNK or log on to www.abqtbirds.com.



NBA G League Stories from March 14, 2007


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