MAINE AWARDED NBA D-LEAGUE FRANCHISE for 2009-2010

PORTLAND, MAINE - Feb. 25, 2009 – The NBA Development League awarded an expansion team to Portland, Maine for the 2009-10 season, NBA D-League President Dan Reed announced at a recent press conference at Portland High School. The team, which is the first expansion franchise awarded for the 2009-10 season, will play at the Portland Expo Center.

The franchise will be owned and operated by Maine Basketball, LLC, which is principally owned by Bill Ryan Sr., the chairman of TD Banknorth Group and Bill Ryan Jr., who owns and operates Oxford Plains Speedway. Jon Jennings, a partner in Maine Basketball, LLC and former Boston Celtics assistant coach, will serve as the team’s president and general manager.

The announcement, the NBA D-League’s first foray into New England, was held in front of the school’s student body while featuring Reed, Celtics Team President Rich Gotham, the Celtics Dancers, and a speech by the Portland High Student Body President Brian Furey.

“Expansion to Portland is another example of the health and growth of the NBA D-League,” said Reed. “We are very pleased to add Bill Ryan Sr., Bill Ryan Jr., and Jon Jennings to our ownership ranks, as they bring a wealth of business, sports operations, and basketball experience on behalf of the team and the community. I’m confident that fans throughout the state of Maine will enjoy our world-class level of basketball featuring current and future NBA players, as well as appreciate the team's family-friendly environment, affordable prices, and positive impact on the Portland and Maine community."

“I’m overjoyed to bring NBA D-League basketball to Portland,” said Jennings. “We’ve already established strong relationships with the people of this community, and we can’t wait to get underway next season. I know that this team will have a long and exciting future in Maine.”

Portland will be affiliated with two NBA team parent-clubs, which will be able to assign their first and second year players to the club a maximum of three times during a season. Thus far, the 2008-09 NBA D-League season has had 22 NBA players assigned on 24 occasions to NBA D-League affiliates as players continue to develop their game. An announcement regarding Portland’s NBA team affiliations will occur during the offseason.

About the NBA D-League
The NBA Development League, founded in 2001, is the NBA’s official minor league and features 16 teams with direct affiliations to NBA teams. The league has produced 15 percent of the players on 2007-08 end-of-season NBA rosters and continues to develop current NBA coaches and referees. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote youth basketball, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. The NBA D-League also advances the game of basketball as the research and development arm of the NBA. Throughout this season fans can watch all NBA D-League games on NBA Futurecast, the free live Web-streaming initiative found at nba.com/futurecast.

Maine Awarded D-League Franchise

The NBA Development League expanded to 17 teams with the announcement of the league's newest team in Portland, Maine. Maine will begin play in the 2009-10 NBA D-League season.

Read more about it, including the official press release and photos of the announcement: See: http://nba.com/dleague.

The team, as yet unnamed, is owned in part by Jon Jennings. NBA.com sat down with Jon to get some background on the team, get his take on the NBA D-League, and to learn more about the great, new basketball venture in Maine.

Here's a sampling:

Q: What attracted you to the NBA Development League?

Jennings: I actually got my start in the NBA as an intern with the Indiana Pacers. After my career with the Pacers, I went to work with the Celtics, where I became an assistant coach when I was only 27. When I was coaching and doing scouting for the Celtics, I always believed that the NBA truly needed a minor league system in the way that baseball has one. I remember when the NBA D-League was first created, I was very excited about the prospects. The changes over the course of the last several years, I think, have only made it more exciting. To have a true minor league system is really so important for the future of the NBA.

Q: What qualities of the city will make the NBA D-League successful in Portland?

Jennings: The one thing about Portland is that it embraces minor league sports. It loves the Portland Sea Dogs [baseball], it loves the Portland Pirates [hockey], and it will love our team. The other thing is that the state of Maine has a fanatical love of high school basketball. When I was first getting started in this entire process, I met with the governor of Maine and he gave me a two-hour tutorial on how great high school basketball is in Maine.

Iowa v. Mad Ants and the NBA D-League Showcase

Happy New Year to All!!!

Last night I attended the Iowa v. Mad Ants game and had a chance to spend the day with the superb staff of the Mad Ants. I especially want to thank Jeff Potter, the Mad Ants team president, and Jeff Johnson, their terrific VP of everything. Both guys gave me a good sense of what we will need to do once we finally announce our franchise in Portland!

The Mad Ants do everything first class from their printed materials to their theme nights. Last night happened to be 70's Night and they pulled out all of the tricks. The entire staff wore 70's themed clothes which made me glad I was not of age in the 70's! They had a guy at halftime who pretended to be the Village People with fake members of the band strapped to two poles. You may have needed to be there to visualize! He was very entertaining and a possible halftime act for us in the future.

Frankly the best part of the night was the game. Both teams played hard and aggressive from the opening tap. These guys are truly one step away from the NBA! Fortunately for the Mad Ants they pulled the game out in overtime. Both teams had terrific players that will be playing in the NBA soon.

I am off to the NBA D-League Showcase today to start scouting players who may someday play in Portland. The Showcase is where all 16 D-League teams come together for scouts and others to judge talent in one location. The Showcase is broadcast live on FutureCast on the D-League website (www.nba.com/dleague). There are four games a day beginning at 11 am Utah time. I hope to post updates once I return.

From Ridiculous Upside

It's Almost Here
by DakotaWiz on Nov 1, 2008 2:27 AM PDT

We are about a week away from the D-League Draft, so we might as well start looking at some players that should be available to be drafted. Looking at Summer League's, the Portsmouth Invite, NBA camp cuts, CBA draft picks, the NBA pre-draft camp in Orlando, and even the North American Basketball Classic, along with last years veterans and some helpful tips from agents, I've put together a database of about 250players that currently aren't signed overseas, and thus, possible D-League Draft Picks. Today, I'll start with looking at the rookies that could be available.

Since every team needs a rookie, this is probably the most crucial pick to get right. Since he's a guy you have to carry for the season, might as well make him a good one. Here are what I think are some of the better options (more of my thoughts may be coming), with all of the rookies that I could put together if you continue on. Keep in mind that these guys are currently not signed, but with the recent cuts, could head overseas.

Mikheil Berishvili -- Berishvili.com. That's all you really need to know about the kid. Check out the videos, if that's not enough, come back and I'll let you know what else I know. He's a 6-9 3/4 combo, kind of in an Ersan Ilyasova mold (2005 Bucks 2nd round pick). He's also apparently working on getting better down low, but with the 3-point shot that he shows, he's already got a lot of potential. He's played for the Georgia national team, and has never declared himself eligible for the draft, so, in essence, if he's as good in the D-League as he was overseas, he could be taken in the draft next season, a la Mike Taylor.

James Mays -- James was just cut by the Denver Nuggets, where he averaged 4.5 points and 3.5 boards. With so many guaranteed contracts though, there wasn't really a spot for him. I would expect for him to try his hand in the D-League this season, more than likely as an allocated guy to the 14ers. He plays good defense, can rebound, and has a pretty high basketball IQ, as he moved well and slashed a lot when I saw him down in Vegas. Though he seems to me a bit undersized, though extremely athletic, if he can put together some low post moves, he'd be an early call-up.

Malik Hairston -- Hairston is a pretty solid all-around player. He doesn't too anything spectacular, but he does a lot of things good. His shooting, as a 2-guard, is probably his biggest downfall from what I've seen. He can play defense and rebound very well for his size, as he averaged 5 boards and a block this preseason with the Spurs. Good decision to cut him, as he'll be assigned to Austin, and they can watch him and call him up when needed. Seems like San Antonio is going to use the D-League to its complete potential.

Joe Crawford -- Crawford was drafted by the Lakers in the 2nd round, but was their last cut in pre-season. Another savvy move by a D-League-team owning franchise. Let him play for the D-Fenders, where he can work on rounding out his game, becoming more athletic, and bring him up when he can get playing time.

DeVon Hardin -- Hardin will probably play a role in the D-League like another former Cal grad, Rod Benson. A 6'11 center, he's going to bring energy, rebounds, and a couple blocked shots a game. As big and athletic as he is, he definitely has potential and the D-League would help him develop.

Steven Hill -- Hill is probably my favorite player coming out of this camp. Is it just because I have an affinity for big awkward white guys with long hair and hustle and have named my personal website Schenschational in honor of this? Possibly, but not only because of this. I'd never heard of Hill until I saw him in Vegas with the Trailblazers. He's a legit 7-footer that brings it on the defensive end. He played his college ball at Arkansas, where over his 4 year career, he averaged 20 minutes, 4 points, 3 boards, and 2.5 blocks. Not exactly amazing, but he's got the size and defense to develop into an NBA caliber backup, and for the Blazers to make him the last cut, I'm obviously not the only one thinking this. If Sean Marks still has a job, Steven Hill should as well.

Here are some other Rookies that are currently unsigned, that I could think of. Please contact me if you can think of any more.

Will Bullard Community College
Rashad West Hampton – NCAA
Aaron Smith Prairie View A&M – NCAA
Brandon Smith Minnesota – NCAA
Terrance Whiters Arkansas Tech – NCAA2
Kyle Chones Colgate
Jeremy Clayton Appalachian State
Mikheil Berishvili Georgia National Team
Lester Hudson Tennessee-Martin – NCAA
Robert Vaden UAB – NCAA
Keith Brumbaugh Hillsborough Community College
Patrick Sanders UC-Irvine – NCAA
Gavin Grant NC State – NCAA
AJ Graves Butler – NCAA
James Mays Clemson – NCAA
Marcus Hubbard Angelo State – NCAA2
Malik Hairston Oregon – NCAA
Mike Cook Pittsburgh – NCAA
Joe Crawford Kentucky – NCAA
Emmanuel Little North Dakota – NCAA2
Othyus Jeffers Robert Morris – NCAA
Robbie Cowgill Washington State – NCAA
Gary Forbes UMASS – NCAA
C.J. Giles Oregon State – NCAA
Daniel Dillon Arizona – NCAA
Patrick Ewing Jr. Georgetown – NCAA
David Padgett Louisville – NCAA
Rob Kurz Notre Dame – NCAA
Maureece Rice George Washington – NCAA
Russell Robinson Kansas – NCAA
Marcel Jones Oregon State – NCAA
DeVon Hardin California – NCAA
Steven Hill Arkansas – NCAA
Damone Morris Eckerd – NCAA2
Charles Rhodes Mississippi State – NCAA
Jawann McClellan Arizona – NCAA
Lanny Smith Houston – NCAA
Reggie Larry Boise State – NCAA
Brandon Cotton Detroit Mercy – NCAA
Taj McCullough Winthrop – NCAA
Rob McKiver Houston – NCAA
Keith Benjamin Pittsburgh – NCAA
Marcus Malone Houston – NCAA
Roy Bright Delaware St. -- NCAA
Dion Dowell Houston – NCAA

NBA D-League Draft Set for November 7

Tulsa 66ers To Pick First In 2008 NBA D-League Draft


Oct 14, 2008 - New York - The Tulsa 66ers won the 2008 NBA Development League's draft lottery and will have the first overall selection in the 2008 NBA D-League Draft on Friday, Nov. 7. The lottery took place in Dallas, TX today at the League's annual Fall Meetings.

“Having the number one pick is what teams always hope for, and we’re excited to have it,” said 66ers head coach Paul Woolpert. “Now we have to compile a list, do our homework, and start building a team for the fans in Tulsa.”

The Colorado 14ers secured the second selection, while the Idaho Stampede, Sioux Falls Skyforce and Bakersfield Jam rounded out the top five.

The 2008 NBA D-League’s Draft will take place live from the NBA TV studio in Atlanta, GA. The eighth-annual event will be telecast on NBA TV and streamed on-line (www.nba.com/dleague) beginning at 7 pm EST.

The NBA D-League Draft utilizes a “serpentine” format, meaning the order will alternate in each of the ten rounds. For example, the team picking last in the first round will select first in the second round, giving them the 16th and 17th overall choices.

“With the draft order in place, we’re one step closer to getting the 2008-09 season underway,” said Chris Alpert, Vice President of Basketball Operations and Player Personnel for the NBA D-League. “It’s exciting to welcome top NBA prospects into our draft and our league.”

The order of the first round will be:

1. Tulsa 66ers

2. Colorado 14ers

3. Idaho Stampede

4. Sioux Falls Skyforce

5. Bakersfield Jam

6. Fort Wayne Mad Ants

7. Erie BayHawks

8. Anaheim Arsenal

9. Utah Flash

10. Reno Bighorns

11. Dakota Wizards

12. Rio Grande Valley Vipers

13. Los Angeles D-Fenders

14. Albuquerque Thunderbirds

15. Iowa Energy

16. Austin Toros

Naismith Hall of Fame Weekend

Congratulations to Cathy Rush, Adrian Dantley, Hakeem Olajuwon, Patrick Ewing, Dick Vitale, Bill Davidson, and Pat Riley for their induction into the Naismith Hall of Fame. All are extremely deserving of this highest honor in basketball.

On a personal level I was thrilled when it was announced Patrick Ewing had made it into the Hall. I had the great honor of being an assistant coach in the 1991 NBA All Star Game in Charlotte along with Don Casey and Chris Ford. We had some of the greatest who have ever played the game on that team.

One of my favorite players from that weekend was Patrick. In my opinion he is not only one of the greatest players who played the game, but one of the best coaches in the game today. I believe Patrick will be coaching his own team in the near future. It is wonderful to see such a great person such as Patrick receive the kind of personal recognition he so richly deserves.

Another highlight from induction weekend was learning more about Cathy Rush. Rush coached tiny Immaculata University to three consecutive national championships finishing her career with a 149-15 record! She is definitely one of the greats of the game. As a student of the game, I am glad the Hall recognized her great achievements.

The induction of Bill Davidson was richly deserved. Mr. Davidson bought the Pistons in the 1970's and built the team into a championship caliber franchise. While the Pistons were always our rivals in the 1980's and 1990's when I was with the Celtics, you could not help but admire their organization.

I cannot recall how many conversations I had over the years about Adrian Dantley with Red Auerbach. Red knew Adrian when he was growing up in Washington, D.C. through one of his close friends, Morgan Wootten, the greatest high school coach and Hall of Famer. Coach Wootten coached Adrian in high school and Red thought Adrian one of the greatest to play the game. Red was always interested in finding a way to bring Adrian to the Celtics. I am sure Red would be thrilled Adrian has joined him in the Hall of Fame.

Finally, I want to congratulate my friend Val Ackerman for receiving the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hall of Fame. Val is one of the greats in the game and more importantly, a great person. Val was the original president of the WNBA and is currently the president of USA Basketball. Val is one of the people most responsible for our basketball success in the Beijing Olympics.

Portland Boys and Girls Club Dinner

Basketball group waiting for go-ahead
Potential owners of a D-League team in Portland are eager to get the franchise and start work.

By JENN MENENDEZ, Staff Writer August 15, 2008

K.C. Jones was an NBA rookie in 1958 when he came to Maine for the first time.

He loaded into a car to drive from Boston to play a string of exhibitions with the Boston Celtics. He recalls getting stuck riding with Coach Red Auerbach at the wheel.

Stuck, he says, because Auerbach "just didn't drive well. So the rookies went with him."
Jones hopes to make a few new memories of Maine.

So does Jon Jennings, who brought Jones to Portland on Thursday to speak at a fund-raising dinner for the Boys and Girls Club. They are part of the ownership group trying to bring an NBA Development League team to Portland for 2009-10.

Jennings hoped to be given a franchise by the end of this summer, but is now preparing to wait until the fall while the league works on expanding east.

The 16-team league primarily operates in the Midwest and West. But league officials are trying to bring a cluster of teams to the Northeast, which would create natural rivalries and reasonable travel costs.

"The great thing from our standpoint is the NBA wants to do this right," said Jennings. "I think it's fair to say we've done everything they've required of us and we've been working our tails off to get this thing done."

The D-League president, Dan Reed, was unavailable for comment.

Ideally, Jennings said, the ownership group would have at least a year to prepare. The team is interested in being an affiliate of the Celtics, making improvements to the Portland Expo and building a fan base.

"There's an enormous amount of work to be done," said Jennings. "So all of us are hoping a decision will be made in the near future."

Jones' role, said Jennings, is likely to expand if Portland is awarded a franchise.

"We hope in the future he'll take a more sizeable role," said Jennings, a former assistant coach with the Celtics. "K.C. has been like a father to me. He brought me into the Celtics. And he was the first guy I called when I decided to do this."

The group is led by Jennings, Bill Ryan Jr., owner of Oxford Plains Speedway, and Bill Ryan Sr., chairman of the board of TD Banknorth. The group announced its intentions last winter, originally hoping it might be possible to begin operations for the 2008-09 season. That idea quickly faded, and playing in the 2009-10 season became a more realistic timetable.

In March the group ironed out a five-season lease agreement with the city to play at the Expo, which would cost $42,000 a year to start. The team would pay $250,000 for building improvements, as well as be responsible for all team operating costs at the Expo.

Jones, who wore a shiny gold NBA championship ring from 1986 on his left hand, also toted his gold medal from the 1956 Olympics to share with kids from the Boys and Girls Club.

He said he's grown to believe in the merits of the D-League -- the reason he became involved.
"They have a chance to get to the NBA," said Jones. "I think the D-League would do well here. It would give players a chance."

Staff Writer Jenn Menendez can be contacted at 791-6426 or at:
jmenendez@pressherald.com

Copyright © 2008 Blethen Maine Newspapers

18th Annual Steak & Burger Dinner

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine invite you to the 18th Annual Steak & Burger Dinner featuring Jon Jennings and K.C. Jones as guest speakers celebrating the Boston Celtics 17th World Championship!

Join more than 100 Boys & Girls Clubs members for our annual cookout to benefit
The Positive Place for Kids. Guests are seated with Club members. The tradition is that
“roles” are reversed - the young people are served steaks and adults eat hamburgers.

Thursday, August 14, 2008
5:00 to 7:30 p.m.
USM’s Sullivan Complex
96 Falmouth Street, Portland

For more information, please contact Katie Howard at kthoward@bgcmaine.org/874-1069.

You can also download the entire announcement and reservation form by clicking on the image above and mailing in your completed form.

CONGRATULATIONS CELTICS!!!

We want to offer our congratulations to the Boston Celtics family for once again bringing the Larry O'Brien Trophy home to Boston. From Danny Ainge's brilliant trades and player acquistions to Doc River's perfect handling of his team to the ownership/management giving them all the tools they needed to win, this Celtics' championship was won on and off the court. From a basketball standpoint, I just loved how this team came together and dedicated itself to winning a championship. Garnett, Pierce and Allen lead the way, but I was as impressed with every bench player coming in and making major contributions. Congrats again on a job well done!

Marc Spears Has An Update

This from the Boston Globe Today...

A Maine attraction?

The NBA Development League recently announced the Celtics will keep the Utah Flash as their affiliate next season. Boston, however, has been interested in getting a much closer affiliate, perhaps in Portland, Maine.

Portland is hoping to field an NBDL expansion team by the 2009-10 season. Ex-Celtics assistant coach Jon Jennings, who would be a co-owner in Portland, is hoping to hear good news soon. Helping Portland's cause is the fact the franchise's lead investor is Bill Ryan, chairman of TD Banknorth Garden, and ex-Celtics coach and star K.C. Jones is a consultant.

"We're still negotiating with the NBA," Jennings said. "Things look very good purchasing the team, but it's still not a done deal. We've gone pretty far in satisfying everything the NBA requires. Hopefully, in the near future, we'll get some good news from the NBA.

"They are really impressed with Portland and we have a great ownership group and the arena and so forth.

"We'll see what happens with Portland," Ainge said. "We're jumping the gun. We'll see how it goes."

Said Jennings, "We feel it's the perfect scenario . . . It would help the Celtics grow their brand in Northern New England."

In the meantime, Ainge expressed satisfaction with being affiliated with the Flash. "We'll go back to Utah [for 2008-09]," he said. "We like our relationship."

"It's an honor to be associated with a team playing in the NBA Finals," said Flash GM David Fredman. "The fact that they sent two players to develop, I thought the relationship went well and both sides were happy. It makes sense that they want something geographically closer. I understand that."

Celtics rookie Gabe Pruitt and rookie forward Brandon Wallace, who was cut Dec. 13, played for the Flash this season. "You don't know how much you helped a player like that until later on," Fredman said. "But I still think Gabe has a chance to be a good NBA player."

Hopefully, we'll be hearing more on this soon. It is nice to know that Portland is viewed in such a positive light and the compliments for the city are well deserved.

Not One, But Two Articles In The Press Herald!

Lots of attention from the Portland Press Herald in the Memorial Day Weekend edition of the Sunday Telegram. Jenn Menendez gives the D-League expansion a full court of press reviewing previous attempts to bring minor basketball to the state and interviewing former Portland High standout John Wassenbergh who also played for Portland's USBL team for two years.

Jenn's first article is extensive and includes quotes from another Portland area standout Nik Caner-Medley, NBADL president Dan Reed, and many of those involved with the Portland Mountain Cats. Here's an excerpt from Timing Could Be Right For Minor League League Basketball in Portland.

With proper marketing and a solid business strategy, experts believe the team could thrive.

"I think it's always a matter of funding," said Kevin Mackey, a scout with the Indiana Pacers who coached the Mountain Cats during their one year in Portland. "It was a problem with the team we had in Portland. (McClure) was a young ambitious guy, struggling to make the thing go. The D-League is minor-league basketball done the right way."

John Wassenbergh, a former South Portland High standout, played two years in Portland before going on to play nearly eight years of pro basketball in the U.S. and Europe. He believes the D-League will be more attractive for fans than the USBL.

"I don't know if the typical Maine audience was ready for that particular style of basketball at that particular time," said Wassenbergh.

"I think the new D-League might be a little bit more exciting. I always thought it could work. But having the backing of the NBA is whirlwinds above what we had."

Given the growing success of the D-League and the number of players now represented in the NBA, you have to believe that this is a new dawn for minor league basketball. Where in other major sports minor league players have often reached pro clubs within a 5 year window, that has not been the case for minor league ballers, until now.

Jenn goes on to detail the planned Northeast expansion of the D-League and it's future plans in A League Unto It's Own and explains some of the major differences between the NBADL and other sports' minor league teams and the nature of their relationships with associated major league clubs...

First off, the D-League is part of the NBA, unlike, say, the American Hockey League, which is independent of the NHL, or the Eastern League, which is independent of Major League Baseball.

Second, the D-League pays player salaries, an obligation in baseball and hockey carried by each individual major-league club.

The league has a three-tier salary structure from $15,000 to $25,500.

Players must be approved by the league and play each season under a one-year contract with the NBA.

Unless a player is on contract with a specific NBA team -- each NBA team can store two players on its D-League team -- he can be called up by any team in the league.

For example, a forward with the Albuquerque T-Birds -- an affiliate shared by the Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers -- could be called up to play for, say, the New York Knicks or the Denver Nuggets.

"It's unique and it's with a purpose," said the D-League president, Dan Reed.

"We feel it's team friendly and player friendly. If your parent team happens to have three point guards on the roster, well, that's not very good for you. But because 30 teams can call you up it's player friendly."

Things seem to be looking good for Portland as a D-League destination and fans in the area are anxious for an announcement to that effect. Kudos to Jenn Menendez for the extensive research and thorough coverage on the subject this weekend.

More D-League Expansion Possible In The Northeast?

Hardwood Paroxysm has a nice article on possible D-League expansion. Here's a quote...

D-League Looking At Halifax

Huh. So you've got the Portland, Maine team with enough financial and local support to raid a small country, the brand spankin' new Eerie team (anybody got a name for those guys yet?), and a possible Halifax team. Well, that's three, but you'd really need a fourth team. And I mean, where are you going to find somewhere for a basketball team in the Northeast part of the country, I mean...

Oh.

Now, the league obviously wants to be as healthy as possible, and expansion is part of that. Likewise, the sooner they get off of this system where two or three teams are sharing a D-League squad the better. Teams need to be able to trust their system, and for that they need control.

Idaho Captures 2008 NBA Development League Championship

Idaho Stampede wins Decisive Game Three in front of Record Crowd

The Idaho Stampede captured the 2008 NBA Development League championship tonight by defeating the Austin Toros 108-101 in Game Three of the NBA D-League Finals presented by Delta, at Qwest Arena in Boise, Idaho.

“It was an unbelievable game and a special night,” said Stampede head
coach Bryan Gates. “This is one of those days when you’re 60 years old
you’ll look back and say, ‘I remember that day.’”

Idaho held a 55-46 halftime edge led by center Cory Violette’s 15 points
and a 26–17 rebounding advantage. The Toros, energized by a pair of
Andre Barrett three’s chipped away at the lead to start the third
quarter, pulling within three points on a Justin Bowen fastbreak layup
with 4:08 remaining in the period. But Idaho's Josh McRoberts put an end
to the run with an alley-oop slam from teammate Luke Jackson, which sent
the fans into a frenzy.

The season-high crowd of 4,124 roared once again when Violette retrieved
an errant Jackson pass and threw in a desperation 29 foot banker as the
third quarter buzzer sounded. The big man from Gonzaga recorded just
three triples during the regular season, and this one extended the Idaho
lead to 81-69.

Idaho continued to pour it on in the fourth quarter as high flier Mike
Taylor caught fire from downtown. The 6’2” reserve guard hit four
consecutive three-pointers during a three minute span, the last
accounting for his 27th point of the game.

Brent Petway iced the game for the Stampede when Taylor and “Air
Georgia” hooked up for one of their patented alley-oops, making the
score 106-93.

The victory marked the end of the 12-year professional playing career of
Idaho’s Randy Livingston who spent over a decade in the NBA and the past
two years in the NBA D-League. Livingston, who tallied six points
tonight, earned the NBA D-League’s 2007 MVP award, and this season
established a record with 22 assists against Bakersfield on Dec. 26,
2007.

“This is the most amazing way to end,” said Livingston. “I remember
Jerome Bettis walked out a Super Bowl champion. Any championship is one
you relish, one you savor.”

The 2008 NBA D-League Finals capped a record-setting season in which the
league upped its overall attendance by 21%, including a record-setting
crowd of 8842 for the first-ever Iowa Energy game on Nov.26, 2007.

The League also established marks for player call-ups to the NBA (29) as
well as player assignments (53).

D-League Finals and Decisive Game 3 Tonight:

Stampede Win Game Two of NBA Development League Finals
Series heads to deciding Game Three Friday in Idaho

Boise, Idaho – April 25, 2008 - The Idaho Stampede defeated the Austin
Toros 90-89 in Game Two of the NBA Development League Finals presented
by Delta, last night at Qwest Arena in Boise, Idaho.

With 3,659 fans hoping the Stampede season would be extended to a deciding Game Three, both teams came out sizzling hitting a combined seven straight shots from the
floor.

Idaho’s Roberto Bergersen, who went a combined nine of 32 from the floor
in the post season heading into the night, connected on his first four
shots including a left corner triple which knotted the score at 17 with
just over five and a half minutes to play in the opening quarter.

Austin’s Ian Mahinmi was a towering force for the visitors who were
hoping to clinch the title in front of a handful of their fans who made
the trip from central Texas. The big man on assignment from the San
Antonio Spurs had three blocks in the quarter including one which led to
an Andre Barrett three-pointer, putting Austin up 25-19.

Barrett, who has played on six different NBA teams during his career,
was the driving force for the Toros all night, especially in the first
quarter when he scored 12 points, including a seven-foot jumper from
straight away with 1.5 seconds left. Austin led 33-27 after one.

In the second quarter Josh McRoberts, on assignment from the Portland
Trail Blazers provided the Stampede with energy off the bench in what
developed into a fast-paced, up-tempo game. The former Duke great hit
his first two shots from the field and grabbed four rebounds in the
middle of the quarter.

McRoberts’ fellow super-sub Luke Jackson stepped up as well hitting a
floater in the lane in the midst of a 12-1 Idaho run. Cory Violette also
provided punch for the Stampede with an alley-oop dunk, layup and foul,
and jumper with just over a minute to play in an entertaining first
half.

The teams traded three’s in the final 35 seconds of the second quarter
with Barrett and Randy Livingston hitting for Austin and Idaho, respectively.

At the break Idaho held a 49-45 edge, with Barrett’s 18 points, and 13
from Violette leading their teams.

The third quarter was back and forth with no team able to extend a lead.
The quarter came to a close with an acrobatic coast to coast layup which
Barrett kissed off the glass and fell at the buzzer. Austin led by two
heading into the final quarter – twelve minutes away from the 2008 NBA
D-League title.

The Stampede came out flat in the fourth, but things took a turn for the
better for the home team when Livingston hit a runner in the lane
cutting Austin’s lead to four, with just over eight and half minutes to
play.

Idaho closed the gap to two points when guard Mike Taylor went coast to
coast and finished with a driving layup off an Austin airball.

Barrett and Taylor traded baskets closing the Austin lead to three,
86-83. With 3:21 remaining, Taylor fearlessly drove the ball into the
lane and his layup dropped making the score 86-85.

Jackson was then called for a flagrant foul on a Darvin Ham layup
attempt; and when the NBA veteran banked in his two free throws, Austin
held an 88-85 edge with 2:37 left to play. The free throws extended
Austin’s streak of consecutive second half free throws made to 20.

With 57 seconds left, Jackson hit a floater pulling the Stampede to
within one, 88-87. After a Barrett miss, Violette was fouled with 21.9
seconds left. In a silent arena, Violette hit both shots giving Idaho
the lead, 89-88.

After a timeout, Barrett found teammate Carldell “Squeaky” Johnson in
the left corner, but his shot hit the side of the backboard and went out
of bounds.

Livingston was fouled on the inbounds pass and hit one of two making the
score 90-88 Idaho with 1.3 seconds remaining in the game. Stampede coach
Bryan Gates was then called for a technical foul with 1.3 seconds left
when Austin’s inbounds pass hit Gates’ arm.

Barrett knocked down the free throw, making the score 90-89. Ham then
caught the inbounds pass and launched a fade away jump shot which was
deflected by Idaho’s Brent Petway as the buzzer sounded.

Idaho emerged victorious with a hard-fought victory, 90-89.

Barrett led all scorers with 27 points, while Violette’s 19 points led
four double figure scorers for the Stampede.

The deciding game of the best-of-three series will take place tonight (Friday, April 25) at 9:30 pm ET at Qwest Arena. “If you enjoy basketball, this is the place
to be,” said Gates.

Austin Captures First Game of NBA D-League Finals

Here is the official recap of Game One of the D-League Finals:

AUSTIN, TX – April 21, 2008 - The Austin Toros defeated the Idaho
Stampede 95-89 tonight in Game One of the best-of-three 2008 NBA
Development League Finals presented by Delta, at the Austin
Convention Center.

The Toros brought the 2,299 fans out of their seats in the opening 20
seconds of the contest when Josh Gross put the exclamation point on
an Andre Barrett pass. The alley-oop dunk gave the Toros a 2-0 lead,
their lone advantage until six minutes remained in the half.

Both teams hit on only one of their first five field goal attempts,
until Idaho’s Roberto Bergersen who connected on just 4 of 16 shots
in the Stampede semi-final game victory over the L.A. D-Fenders,
started to heat up. The former Boise State standout hit three first
quarter triples leading the Stampede to a 26-14 lead after the first
12 minutes of the game.

“We came out of the gate rushing at first and Idaho was able to build
a large lead,” said Austin’s Justin Bowen. “We were getting back fast
instead of running our offense.”

In the second stanza, Bergersen went cold, throwing an airball on his
first triple try of the quarter and then missing another three, two
minutes later. But, while Bergersen couldn’t find his stroke,
Austin’s Josh Gross caught fire. The 6-5 forward from UNC –
Greensboro hit a pair of threes in just over a one minute span; the
second from straight away pulling Austin to within one point, 30-29.

Midway through the second quarter Austin found its stride. Andre
Barrett who spent four seasons in the NBA, knifed through the lane
and got the off-balance lefty layup to drop. Bowen who led all
scorers with 25 points, then stole the inbounds pass, slid the ball
to Ian Mahinmi, who threw it down with authority making the score
35-34. “It got our momentum going because we were picking up full
court,” said Andre Barrett. “It got the crowd up.” The sequence gave
the Toros its first lead since 2-0.

At the break Idaho led by two points, 44-42. Bergersen led the
Stampede with 11 points, while Gross and Bowen, who came off the
bench, led the home team with ten apiece.

Idaho came out of the locker room cold, hitting just five of 18 shots
from the floor in the third quarter. And while the Stampede weren’t
hitting their shots (17.6% on three point field goals through three
quarters), the Toros ended the quarter with a pair of three pointers
by hometown basketball hero Kenton Paulino who attended nearby
University of Texas and Carldell “Squeaky” Johnson who connected with
48 seconds left making the score 68-59.

“I think the turning point of the game was when K.P. (Kenton Paulino)
and Squeak (Carldell Johnson) made those big shots,” said Barrett.

Paulino hit a three to begin the final quarter and when Bowen
connected on a left side jumper with 10:36 left, the Toros had
extended their lead to 73-61, their largest of the game to that
point.

Austin’s lead hovered in double digits for most of the quarter but
Cory Violette’s 20th point, a left side jumper drew the visitors to
within seven points with five and a half minutes to play. Johnson
starred late in fourth quarter with a driving layup right through the
teeth of the Stampede defense with 5:09 left; a right side jumper
with 2:37 remaining, and a 12 foot jumper with 1:10 left which put
the game on ice.

The final score was Austin 95 – Idaho 89. Bowen led the way with 25
points, while Darvin Ham, who was a member of the 2004 NBA champion
Detroit Pistons, tallied 12 points and 13 rebounds. Violette led the
Stampede with 20 points.

“It’s big – we’re going to their house, so the pressure is on them at
home,” said Barrett. “For us this win at home was really big. To go
and play away and all you have to do is win one game, that works in
our odds.”

The series moves to Boise, Idaho for Game Two which can be seen
Thursday at 9:30 pm ET on NBA Futurecast (nba.com/futurecast) and NBA
TV. “It’s going to be the hardest game of the series,” said Bowen.
“Idaho is a great team and they have good chemistry.”

NBA DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE FINALS SCHEDULE SET

Idaho to Visit Austin for Game 1 on Monday, April 21

The Idaho Stampede and the Austin Toros will play for the 2008 NBA Development League Championship presented by Delta in a best-of-three Finals series beginning on Monday, April 21 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET.

The regular season West Division champions, the Stampede advanced to the Finals with a 97-90 victory over Los Angeles D-Fenders on Friday. The Toros, the Southwest Division Champion advanced by defeating the Sioux Falls Skyforce , 99-93, Saturday in Austin.

By virtue of their league-leading regular season record, the Stampede secured home court advantage and will host games two and three of the Finals. Game two will take place at Qwest Arena in Boise, ID on Thursday, April 24, at 9:30 p.m. ET, game three will be played at 9:30 p.m. ET also at Qwest Arena if necessary.

Austin and Idaho met twice during the regular season, with Austin taking both games. Austin is led by Andre Barrett and Ian Mahinmi, on assignment from the San Antonio Spurs. Barrett averaged 17.2 points this season for the Toros, while Mahinmi averaged 16.8 during the regular season. In tonight’s game against Sioux Falls, Mahinmi finished with game-highs of 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Barrett chipped in with 21 points and five assists. Idaho is led by D-League and NBA veteran Randy Livingston who averaged 16.5 points and 10.5 assists during the regular season and finished with 10 points and eight assists in the Stampede’s second-round playoff victory over the D-Fenders.

The Finals schedule:
Game 1: Idaho Stampede @ Austin Toros – Monday, April 21, 8:00 p.m. ET
Game 2: Austin Toros @ Idaho Stampede – Thursday, April 24, 9:30 p.m. ET
Game 3: Austin Toros @ Idaho Stampede – Friday, April 25, 9:30 p.m. ET (if necessary)

Idaho Advances

Results:
Round 2: April 18 – (1) Idaho 97, (4) Los Angeles 90

D-League Playoff Schedule
Round 2: April 19 – (6) Sioux Falls @ (2) Austin, 8:00 p.m. ET

D-LEAGUE PLAYOFF PREVIEW
Sioux Falls @ Austin: Following a win at Dakota on Tuesday, Sioux Falls travels to Austin to take on the Toros in a second-round playoff contest. Austin, who swept the Skyforce 2-0 in the regular season, looks to continue their winning ways and advance to the D-League finals for the first time in franchise history while Sioux Falls looks to stay alive and have a chance to be crowned D-League Champion.

D-LEAGUE PLAYOFF RECAP
Los Angeles @ Idaho: The Idaho Stampede defeated the Los Angeles D-Fenders last night, 97-90, at Qwest Arena in Boise, ID to propel the team to the D-League Finals presented by Delta, ending the D-Fenders’ season along the way. A close game throughout, Idaho fed off the energy of a season-high 4,053 fans to come up victorious in the final minutes of the contest. With the win, Idaho has secured home-court advantage through the Finals, and will host game two (and three, If necessary) against either the Sioux Falls Skyforce or the Austin Toros.

Los Angeles finished the season with a franchise-best 33-19 record (regular season and playoffs combined) and a 1-1 record in the team’s first season qualifying for the D-League playoffs.

TOP PLAYOFF PERFORMERS … Here's a look at the best performances from Friday night’s playoff match-up:

- Luke Jackson scored 20 points for Idaho, while Cory Violette had 14 points and 13 rebounds and Randy Livingston had 10 points and eight assists in the win.

- D-Fender Jelani McCoy led all scorers with 23 points, as teammate Coby Karl, on assignment from the Los Angeles Lakers scored 20 points and Brandon Wallace had eight points and fifteen rebounds in the season-ending loss.

D-League Playoff Update

Playoff First Round Results

Round 1:
April 15 – (4) Los Angeles 102, (5) Colorado 95
April 15 – (6) Sioux Falls 101, (3) Dakota 89

Playoff Second Round Schedule
Round 2:
April 18 – (4) Los Angeles @ (1) Idaho, 930 p.m. ET
April 19 – (6) Sioux Falls @ (2) Austin, 8:00 p.m. ET


SECOND ROUND PLAYOFF PREVIEW: A look at the second round playoff match-ups…

Los Angeles @ Idaho: After winning the first playoff game in D-Fenders franchise history, All-Development League team members Sean Banks and Jelani McCoy travel north to face Randy Livingston and their rival Idaho Stampede in the second round of the 2008 D-League Playoffs presented by Delta. The teams have battled for first place in the Western Division all season long, with Idaho edging Los Angeles out for the top spot in the final games of the season. Idaho leads the season series 5-3 despite the D-Fenders winning the teams’ final regular season meeting on April 2. The stakes are higher now, with a spot in the D-League finals on the line.


Sioux Falls @ Austin: Following a win at Dakota on Tuesday, Sioux Falls travels to Austin to take on the Toros in a second-round playoff contest. Austin, who swept the Skyforce 2-0 in the regular season, looks to continue their winning ways and advance to the D-League finals for the first time in franchise history while Sioux Falls looks to stay alive and have a chance to be crowned D-League Champion.

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENTS … Here's a look at D-League Alumni in the final night of the NBA regular season:

Forty Three players with D-League experience competed in 14 NBA games on April 16th, five as starters. Here are the highlights:

- Matt Carroll scored 19 points in 44 minutes as a starter for the Charlotte Bobcats on the last night of the regular season.

- Washington’s Andray Blatche finished with a 20-point, 11-rebound as the Wizards head into the playoffs.

- Milwaukee's Ramon Sessions continued his assist tear as he dished out 14 last night to go with 25 points and seven rebounds in a 53-minute overtime outing.

- Brandon Bass of Dallas scored 13 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in 30 minutes for Dallas.

PLAYOFF TIME!

NBA DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE PLAYOFF SCHEDULE SET
Western Division Champion Idaho, Southwestern Division Winner Austin Are Top Seeds


The Idaho Stampede and the Austin Toros have secured the top seeds and a bye in the opening round of the 2008 NBA Development League Playoffs presented by Delta. The D-League playoffs will begin on Tuesday, April 15, in Bismarck and Los Angeles.

The first round of the 2008 D-League Playoffs will see the third seeded Dakota Wizards hosting the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the sixth seed, at the Bismarck Civic Center while the fourth seeded Los Angeles D-Fenders will host the fifth seeded Colorado 14ers at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. Both games will take place on Tuesday, April 15.

The second round kicks off on Friday, April 18 when the Stampede hosts the winner of the Colorado/Los Angeles game in Boise, ID. Second round games continue on Saturday, April 19 when the Sioux Falls/Dakota winner will travel to Austin.

The winners of the second round games will play a best-of-three Finals that will begin at the lower seeded team and travel to the higher seeded team for game two and three, if necessary. Fans can watch the D-League Playoffs and Finals by logging onto www.d-league.com/watch to see all the games streamed live, for free, on NBA Futurecast.


2008 NBA Development League Playoffs and Finals presented by Delta
First Round:
April 15 – Colorado @ Los Angeles, 6:30 p.m. ET
April 15 – Sioux Falls @ Dakota, 8:00 p.m. ET

Second Round:
April 18 – Winner of Colorado/Los Angeles @ Idaho, 9:30 p.m. ET
April 19 – Winner of Sioux Falls/Dakota @ Austin, 8:00 p.m. ET

Finals:
Game 1 – Date/Location TBD
Game 2 – Date/Location TBD
Game 3 (if necessary) – Date/Location TBD

FRIDAY NIGHT LITES:

FRIDAY NIGHT HIGHLIGHTS …The top performers from Friday’s D-League games:

- Carlos Powell finished with 30 points, Rod Benson had 17 points and 14 rebounds and Kevin Lyde scored 26 and had 14 boards for Dakota.

- Desmon Farmer of the Vipers scored 27 points and dished out nine assists while Stanley Asumnu scored 18 and grabbed 12 rebounds.

- Andre Barrett scored 29 points and passed 13 assists while Ian Mahinmi scored 28 points and grabbed 10 boards for Austin.

- Colorado’s Justin Cage scored 23, while Roderick Riley had 21 points and 10 boards and Eddie Gill had 20 points, 11 boards and nine assists.

- Jeff Horner scored 21 points and dished out nine assists and Dough Thomas had 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Iowa Energy.

- Idaho’s Luke Jackson scored 22 points and Jason Ellis finished with 12 points and 25 rebounds for the Stampede.

- Will Blalock had 24 points and Marcus Campbell finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds for Anaheim in a win over Los Angeles.

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENTS … Here's a look at D-League Alumni in Friday night’s NBA games

Twenty Eight players with D-League experience competed in 12 NBA games last night, seven as starters. Here are the highlights:

- Kasib Powell scored 11 points and grabbed seven boards as one of four former D-Leaguers seeing action for Miami, including Earl Barron who finished with 22 points.

- Milwaukee’s Ramon Sessions scored eight points and dished out 14 assists in a 43-minute start for the Bucks.

D-LEAGUE PLAYOFFS 101: The 2007-08 D-League Playoffs will begin shortly after the regular season concludes on April 12 and will consist of three rounds. The first two rounds are single elimination, while the Finals will be a best-of-three series. The three division winners, as well as three wild card teams, will qualify for the 2008 D-League Playoffs (which are presented by Delta Airlines). Tie breakers are, in order, head-to-head record, winning percentage against teams .500 and above, and point differential. The two division winners with the best records will receive byes in the first round.