Albuquerque, N.M., January 29, 2008 – The Albuquerque Thunderbirds have acquired forward Jamaal Thomas, who was recently released by the Anaheim Arsenal. Thomas, 6’8”, 220 lbs, from Angelo State, was drafted in 2007 by the Thunderbirds in the 2nd round 2nd pick 13th overall pick.

During his time with the Thunderbirds,Thomas averaged 10 plus points a game, through 20 games. He was traded to Anaheim in January of ‘07 for much needed center, Greg Clausen. This season, Thomas has averaged 8.4 points per game through 22 games with the Arsenal.

Meanwhile, the Thunderbirds waived forward Surge Angounou. He had played in 21 games for Albuquerque, averaging 16.6 minutes, 4.8 points and 4 rebounds.

“Jamaal brings a lot of energy on both ends of the floor, especially the defense.” Thunderbirds Head Coach Jeff Ruland said about his newest player. “He’s a great defender and excellent at rebounding, which is exactly what we need.”

Thomas is expected to be in uniform Friday wearing No. 15 when Albuquerque (10-13) play the 2007 D-League Champions Dakota Wizards (17-9) at Tingley Coliseum, 7 pm (MST) start. The game will be themed “Public Safety Night” and feature a basketball game between firefighters and police officers following the Thunderbirds game.

Thunderbirds 2007–08 single game tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at abqtbirds.com, any Ticketmaster location or at the Thunderbirds front office at 111 Lomas Blvd. NE, Suite 240, Albuquerque, NM 87102. For premium or group seating call the Thunderbirds office at (505) 265-DUNK.

The Thunderbirds stay focused on the community by participating in community events such as the Read to Achieve Program as well as D-League Cares. In the past two seasons the Thunderbirds have worked over 3,000 hours in the community, staying dedicated to Albuquerque and New Mexico.

The NBA Development League is the NBA's official minor league, and the first-ever basketball league with direct affiliations to NBA teams. Now in its seventh season the D-League’s goals are to provide affordable, NBA-caliber entertainment to fans of its 14 teams, as well as continue to develop players, coaches, referees and front-office personnel for the NBA. As the single source for in-season player "call-ups" to the NBA, fans of the D-League enjoy the highest caliber of basketball played outside the NBA. In fact, former D-League players represented 10 percent of NBA players on 2007-08 opening day rosters, numbering 44 in total. In addition, the D-League has produced 25 percent of current NBA referees and 16 current NBA coaches, including head coach Sam Vincent with the Charlotte Bobcats. The D-League is an innovative and rapidly growing sports property that also serves as an experimental testing ground for new initiatives like the live web-streaming of all games available free to fans at d-league.com. The League also provides continuing education and professional development resources for its players, and is committed to serving its local communities through D-LEAGUE CARES and grassroots efforts.

Individually, the Thunderbirds have had two player call-ups, two front office call-ups, two training staff call-ups and three call-ups from the Storm Chasers Dance and Cheer squad.

Designed to help grow the sport of basketball both domestically and internationally, the D-League offers NBA-quality basketball and fun, family entertainment at affordable prices. For additional information on the NBA Development League, visit NBADLEAGUE.com