THOMAS WINS AWARD

COLORADO 14ERS GUARD BILLY THOMAS
RECEIVES 2007-08 JASON COLLIER SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

Colorado 14ers guard Billy Thomas has been named the recipient of the 2007-08 Jason Collier Sportsmanship Award, as voted by the NBA Development League head coaches. The award honors the player who best represents the ideals of character and conduct on and off the court. Thomas, who earned in 2002-03, prior to it bearing Collier’s name, will be honored by the league at the 14ers final home game tonight

Thomas has enjoyed success on the hardwood as well. A 2008 D-League All-Star, has played in 34 games for the 14ers where he is averaging 16.4 points, 3.9 assists and 3.6 rebounds in 37.3 minutes. His best game of the season came on March 29, when he scored 34 points against the Tulsa 66ers. A two-time GATORADE Call-Up, Thomas has played in 10 NBA games this season (four with New Jersey and six with Cleveland).

“It’s a credit to Billy and his sense of community and respect for the game that he receives this award,” said Joe Wolf, Colorado general manager and head coach.

“This is the second time Billy has been voted by our coaches to receive this award,” said Chris Alpert, D-League’s Vice President of Basketball Operations and Player Personnel. “He is not only a tremendous basketball player (as evidenced by his two call-ups this season, one to the New Jersey Nets and one to the Cleveland Cavaliers), but he is also a terrific ambassador of the game who has tremendous respect for the game, his teammates, referees, and opponents.”

The name of the Sportsmanship Award was changed in 2006 to honor former D-League, Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks center Jason Collier, who passed away suddenly on October 15, 2005. Collier was a first team 2003-04 All-D-League selection as a member of the Fayetteville Patriots, but more importantly, a player and person who exemplified the qualities of a faithful teammate, husband, father, son, brother and friend. He was ready to begin his sixth NBA season at the time of his death. Current San Antonio Spurs forward Ime Udoka was the initial winner of the award in 2006.