Albuquerque Thunderbirds select Carlos Powell first overall
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.,Nov. 5, 2009 – The Albuquerque Thunderbirds have selected Carlos Powell with the first overall pick in the 2009 NBA Development League Draft. He spent the 2009 NBA pre-season with the Phoenix Suns after playing the 2008-09 season in the Korean Basketball League, where he averaged 25.6 points per game.
Powell is a 6-7, 225 pound forward who spent the 2007-08 NBA Development League season with the Dakota Wizards, averaging 22.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game . After weeks of speculation, Coffino and his staff decided on the former South Carolina Gamecock, feeling that he would make the biggest impact of the available players.
“Carlos is one of the toughest guys to guard because of his athleticism and strength,” said head coach John Coffino. “He can play inside and outside, and he’ll be a big part of our success next year. Based on the reaction from the crowd at our draft party, everyone is really excited about having him join the T-Birds family.”
The T-Birds will open the regular season against the Bakersfield Jam on Friday, Nov. 27 at 7:00 pm. The team will then play the Los Angeles D-Fenders on Nov. 28 at 7:00 pm.
The T-Birds are affiliates of the Dallas Mavericks and the New Orleans Hornets.