Anaheim, Calif., November 19, 2007- The Anaheim
Arsenal fell to the Los Angeles D-Fenders 107-93 in the final pre-season
game for both teams Monday night. Camp Pendleton Marine Base in Southern California played host to the event which allowed the Arsenal, D-Fenders and the NBA Development League to tune up for their season openers this coming weekend.
Led by 6'6" forward Wendell White's 19 points and 5 rebounds, the D-Fenders took a 71-78 third quarter deficit and turned it into a fourteen point victory. Arsenal forward Steven Smith had a game high 26 points as well as 5 rebounds in the loss. Although the Arsenal fell to the D-Fenders, both teams found the event to be more than just about
basketball.
"As a team, we had a great experience at Camp Pendleton. Giving back to the Marines that do so much for the country every day is something we were honored to take part in," Arsenal Assistant Coach Dean Murray said after the game. Even with the loss to the D-Fenders, the Arsenal still had a lot of positives to take away from the pre-season game.
After the game Arsenal Head Coach Reggie Geary said, "Through the first three quarters we felt pretty good about our performance. We stayed a bit more true to our opening day rotation. With a seven point lead going into the fourth quarter, we wanted to give some players the chance to win a roster spot. This was an important game for us to learn as much as possible about our players."
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is the largest West Coast expeditionary training facility in the Marine Corps. The Base is home to the First Marine Expeditionary Force, 1st Marine Division, 1st Force Service Support Group, elements of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps
Recruit Depot Weapons & Field Training Battalion, School of Infantry, Marine Corps and Army Reserve Forces, Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity, the Navy's Assault Craft Unit 5 and a Naval Hospital.
The D-Fenders also took away a lot from the game at the Marine Base. "This was my first game coaching in front of a military crowd. The whole experience, especially the pre-game demonstration with the Marine tanks was something we can take with us for a lifetime. Overall, this was a great experience and win for our team," stated Los Angeles D-Fenders' coach Dan Panaggio.
In 2006-07 there were 62 former D-League players on end-of-season NBA rosters accounting for approximately 15 percent of the entire league. Also 17 D-League alumni started at least one game last season, including Kelenna Azubuike of the
Golden State Warriors, Matt Carroll of the Charlotte Bobcats, Mikki Moore who's currently with the Sacramento Kings, Gerald Green who won the 2007 Sprite Slam Dunk, Martell Webster of the Portland Trail Blazers and Rafer Alston, a starter in every one of the Rockets'
games during the 06-07 season. Azubuike, in particular, has continued his stellar play this year scoring 33 points in Golden State's second game of the 2007-08 season. In addition to consistent starters the D-League has produced a number of strong rotation players who sometimes start, but always contribute to their team's success. Those players include Houston's Chuck Hayes, Amir Johnson of the Pistons and Smush Parker of the Miami Heat.
The Arsenal open their season on Saturday, November 24 at 7:30PM versus the
Utah Flash at the Arena at the Anaheim Convention Center. To find out more information about tickets and the team please call (714)635-BALL or visit anaheimarsenal.com.
News 11/20
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