Albuquerque Thunderbirds 98 – Tulsa 66ers 104
The Albuquerque Thunderbirds (Tbirds) completed their fourth season of play on Saturday, April 11 at home in a game against the Tulsa 66ers. Unfortunately, the Tbirds weren’t able to pull off a win and lost 98-104.
As fans entered, they each received a specially designed Tbirds baseball hat, courtesy of one of their largest season sponsor, Isleta Casino. Upon arriving the team was already warming up with a shoot-around. They were going through drills with coaches, while having a little fun with each other. It seemed to this Examiner that Jasper Johnson, who came to the Tbirds from the Los Angeles D-fenders in late 2008, seemed to be the class clown. The team was relaxed and ready for their last game of the regular season, knowing that no matter the outcome they wouldn’t be moving forward to the playoffs. From speaking with team leader and NBA D-League leading scorer Will Conroy, he was disappointed that their season was ending, but happy with the teams overall performance this season. One question does remain. How does the NBA D-League’s leading scorer not make it to the playoffs?
The Tbirds ended the season with a 24-26 record. 3,500 fans were on hand at Tingley Coliseum to watch as the Tbirds took the lead with the first and second shots made by Johnson. There were 15 lead changes and four ties scores throughout a very close game. The Tbirds just couldn’t hold onto the lead long enough to win and they ended their season with a loss and their record with the 66ers of 5 wins and 2 losses. Will Conroy, Mark Walters and Steve Allen were the only players that started and finished the season with the Tbirds. However, Conroy and Walters were the only ones who actually played in the final game. Allen sat on the bench in street clothes, due to a shoulder injury.
Conroy was on fire again scoring 37 points. Other leaders for the Tbirds were Johnson with 21 points and Antonio Meeking with 15 points. The team worked just as hard as they always do for the win and the fans were definitely into the game.
Father and son, Vince and Don Ancona, were the first to be season ticket holders for the Tbirds inaugural season in 2005-2006. They sit in the first row on the floor across from the Tbirds bench and are a great example of true Tbirds fans. Other fans in attendance over the weekend were Governor Bill Richardson and Dan Reed, President of the NBA D-League. Both were in attendance, for Reed’s Honor Award presentation to Will Conroy. Michael Cooper, LA Sparks Head Coach and former Tbirds Head Coach, was there on both Friday and Saturday nights and received a warm welcome home from the Tbirds fans. Ira Harge, former Lobo, Sixer and six year ABA player, is also a Tbirds supporter and sat on the floor for the Tbirds last game.
During half-time the New Mexico Auto Recycling Association presented two families with refurbished mini-vans. In order to be eligible to receive one of the cars, families were asked to complete applications that were on the Tbirds website. Of the applications submitted two families were chosen to receive the cars. Both families, who were not aware they were the chosen finalists, showed their emotions to a cheering crowd as they were presented with the cars.
Finally, local owner Sam Bregman took the mic at center court to thank the fans for a great season, to thank the season subscribers who had already purchased tickets for the 2009-2010 season and to encourage other fans to join the group of season supporters.
The team stayed around long after the final seconds ticked off the clock to meet and greet with hundreds of fans. The team signed hats, player cards, jerseys and programs.
More Tbird news…
On Tuesday night, April 14, Van Tate, Sports Director for Channel 2/KASA and 13/KRQE, reported that the Tbirds had released all their front office staff, but one. This Examiner later learned that all account executives, sponsorship and media personnel, along with the COO, were laid off. The only remaining front office position is the Business Operations Manager. However, since this drastic front office change the Tbirds have already posted a job listing for a new Account Executive.
On the Tbirds website, co-owner Jackie Bregman says that the Tbirds are moving forward toward a fifth season in Albuquerque and have numerous events planned for the summer. Head Coach John Coffino, the Storm Chaser dancers and Trey will be available at the events they are planning.
For season ticket and upcoming event information call the Tbirds office at 505-265-DUNK (3865) or visit their website at www.tbirds.com. Also, as this Examiner gets information, it will be posted on this site.
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