MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com -

 MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com -
NEW YORK, Aug. 12, 2008 – The NBA Development League today released its schedule for the 2008-09 season, which includes the inaugural games for the expansion Erie BayHawks and Reno Bighorns. The 50-game regular season schedule for each team is highlighted by nearly two-thirds of the total scheduled games being played weekends, allowing NBA D-League fans and families to catch more of the action. 

 The NBA D-League All-Star Game and NBA D-League Dream Factory festivities, which are part of NBA Jam Session presented by adidas at NBA All-Star 2009 in Phoenix in February, highlight the schedule. The fifth annual NBA D-League Showcase takes place Jan. 5-8 at McKay Events Center in Orem, Utah.  

 “I know the league’s 16 teams share in my enthusiasm for the start of our eighth season,” said D-League President Dan Reed.  “But perhaps our fans are even more excited, judging by our 20-percent increase in attendance last season.  Fans and families alike are increasingly discovering the compelling entertainment inherent to NBA D-League games, which offer the opportunity to watch top NBA prospects at affordable prices in an energetic, family-oriented environment."

 The league’s best take to the court for the third annual NBA D-League All-Star Game on Saturday, Feb. 14 on Jam Session Center Court. The league’s top stars will also compete in Dream Factory, the D-League’s skills competition f

eaturing high-flying dunkers and sharp shooters displaying their talents.  D-League All-Stars will be selected by a vote that includes fans and D-League coaches.

 The fifth Annual NBA D-League Showcase moves to Utah this January as all 16 teams play two games each at McKay Events Center.  Top NBA prospects display their talents in front of an expected gathering of scouts from all 30 NBA teams, while putting on a show for their fans.  The Showcase has historically been a springboard for Gatorade call-ups to the NBA, with players such as Jeremy Richardson, Renaldo Major, Chuck Hayes and Smush Parker having received the call following their performance in the winter classic.  The full Showcase schedule will be available in the coming weeks.

 The eighth NBA D-League season begins Nov. 28, with six games, including the BayHawks first game, a road contest against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.  On Nov. 29, Sam Vincent makes his return to the NBA D-League when his Anaheim Arsenal travel to Boise to face the defending champion Idaho Stampede at Qwest Arena.  That same night, the Bighorns make their debut when they host the Bakersfield Jam at the Reno Events Center.  

 The NBA D-League will continue to have three divisions for the 2008-09 season with the BayHawks and Bighorns joining the Southwest and West divisions, respectively.  The Central and Southwest divisions will feature five teams each and the West division six.

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