NBADL showcase kicks off in Orem

OREM — If you're looking for some NBA Developmental League action this week, look no further than Orem for all the games you can watch and more.

The NBA D-League is kicking off its 2008 League Showcase today at 11 a.m. at the McKay Events Center on the Utah Valley University campus. The showcase runs today through Thursday with four games being played each day.

Each of the league's 16 teams will be featured at the event, with each team playing two games apiece in front of more than 50 scouts and executives from every NBA team. The unique opportunity will give the league's more than 160 players a chance to catch someone's eye and perhaps move to the next level.

Throughout the season following last season's showcase event, 14 players were signed to NBA contracts. During the 2007 NBA D-League Showcase in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Dakota's Renaldo Mejor was signed by the Golden State Warriors.

Boston Celtics assignees J. R. Giddens and Bill Walker will lead the Utah Flash against the Anaheim Arsenal on Tuesday at 7:15 p.m. and then against the Los Angeles D-Fenders on Thursday at 7:15 p.m. Combined, the duo is averaging better than 36 points per game.

Also featured in the event will be Weber state products Eddie Gill and Lance Allred, former Jazz guard Keith McLeod, NBA journeyman Mateen Cleaves, former Los Angeles Lakers Coby Karl and Smush Parker of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Denver Nuggets assignee Sonny Weems of the Colorado 14ers and Malik Hairston of the Austin Toros, who signed with the San Antonio Spurs in December.

Current NBA players, including Houston's Chuck Hayes and Von Wafer along with Phoenix's Lou Amundson and Orlando's Jeremy Richardson all formerly competed in the NBA D-League Showcase.

Monday's action in Orem will consist of Sioux Falls vs. Albuquerque at 11 a.m., Austin vs. Colorado at 1:45 p.m., Los Angeles vs. Bakersfield at 4:30 and Reno vs. Rio Grande Valley 7:15 p.m.

For ticket information call 801-434-4667.

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E-MAIL: jdavis@desnews.com