Always good to see the D-League getting some love. Via VERSUS:
VERSUS today announced expanded coverage of the 10th season of the NBA Development League, the NBA’s official minor league, as it presents 2010-11 regular-season and postseason action. The second straight year of competition on VERSUS will include 11 regular-season games as well as six playoff games, including the 2011 Finals. In addition, for the first time, VERSUS will air one live game from the annual NBA D-League Showcase as well as the new Showcase slam dunk and three-point contests, which will take place in South Padre Island, Texas, Jan. 10 through 13.
The NBA D-League season will tip off on VERSUS when the network presents live coverage of the Texas Legends against the 2009-10 NBA D-League Champion Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the head coaching debut of Legends coach and basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman, the first female to serve as the head coach of an NBA-affiliated team, on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. ET. Owned by Donnie Nelson, the general manager and president of basketball operations for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, the Legends will not only be looking for Lieberman’s first win, but also to put a damper on the Vipers’ evening when the team raises its 2009-10 NBA D-League championship banner during the pregame ceremonies.
The NBA D-League is home to world-class basketball and 20 percent of players on NBA rosters at the conclusion of the 2009-10 season boasted NBA D-League experience, including Shannon Brown (L.A. Lakers), Aaron Brooks (Houston Rockets), Will Bynum (Detroit Pistons), JJ Barea (Mavs), Marcin Gortat (Orlando Magic), and Reggie Williams (Golden State Warriors).
The network’s NBA D-League coverage will again provide fans with the most access to the game and the players. Some of the enhancements include an increased number of camera angles, micing players and coaches during both games and in-game interviews, and coverage of locker-room and pregame, halftime, and postgame speeches.
VERSUS will also air 25 hours of exciting NBA programming, including profiles of the league’s top players, former iconic players, and coaches, as well as other specials highlighting historic moments from recent regular seasons and playoffs.
VERSUS’ Complete Regular-Season NBA D-League Schedule (subject to change):
DATE
Nov. 18: Texas Legends at Rio Grande Valley Vipers
Jan. 12: Rio Grande Valley Vipers at Erie BayHawks (at NBA D-League Showcase)
Jan. 15: NBA D-League Showcase Slam Dunk and Three-Point Contests
Jan. 22: Austin Toros at Utah Flash
Jan. 29: Re-air of NBA D-League Showcase Slam Dunk and Three-Point Contests
Feb. 5: Tulsa 66ers at Texas Legends
Feb. 12: Dakota Wizards at Iowa Energy
Feb. 26: Bakersfield Jam at Idaho Stampede
March 5: New Mexico Thunderbirds at Utah Flash
March 12: Austin Toros at Texas Legends
March 19: Springfield Armor at Fort Wayne Mad Ants
March 26: Reno Bighorns at Sioux Falls Skyforce
April 2: Maine Red Claws at Erie BayHawks
With the exception of the Nov. 18 and Jan. 12 matchups, all games will air on a same-day delay. For complete schedule information, visit www.VERSUS.com. VERSUS will announce its postseason schedule when information becomes available.
