ALBUQUERQUE, NM, Jan. 11, 2010 – The Albuquerque Thunderbirds announced today that former University of New Mexico Lobo Kris Collins has been added to the roster. The team medically waived Tony Danridge to make room for Collins.

Collins played 33 games during the 2007-08 season with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, averaging 14.0 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game. He has career NBA D-League averages of 13.4 points, 3.3 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 35 games.

“He’s an offensive minded combo guard who played locally here at UNM,” said head coach John Coffino. “He knows the league and knows our team, and will give us added ammunition that we’ve been lacking due to the shortage of bodies. He should be able to fit right in and help us immediately.”

Collins played for the University of New Mexico from 2004 through 2006 after transferring from Iowa Western CC. He played in all 30 games during his senior season, starting 18, and averaged 5.2 points, 2.3 assists and 2.1 rebounds.

The Thunderbirds will hit the road to take on the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Jan. 13. The game will begin at 6:30 pm MST, and fans can either listen in on 610 The Sports Animal or watch the action live on NBA Futurecast.

The team will return home on Jan. 20, and you can bring your group out to the game for as low as $4 per person. Call 505.265.3865 or visit www.abqtbirds.com for more information.