Albuquerque, N.M., March 12, 2008 – McDonalds and the Albuquerque Thunderbirds are proud to welcome New Mexico’s 2008 McDonald’s All-American Nominees to a special recognition ceremony during the Thunderbirds game against the Los Angeles D-Fenders on Sunday, March 16th.

Thirty-one talented boys and girls were nominated from New Mexico for games this year. A special halftime ceremony will honor the hard work, skill and teamwork of 31 boys and girls who were nominated from New Mexico this year. Sunday’s game is set to tip off at 3:00pm from Tingley Coliseum.

“McDonald’s is a valued partner for us and the surrounding community,” Thunderbirds Chief Operating Officer Chris Holland said. “We are honored that McDonald’s has allowed us to help them recognize these fantastic athletes.”

This year marks the seventh year of the Girls Game and the 31st anniversary of the Boys Game. Proceeds from the McDonald’s All American Basketball Game will go directly to Ronald McDonald House Charities®.

Since its inception, the McDonald’s All American Game has developed quite a reputation and elite alumni, including current and former NBA and WNBA superstars such as Michael Jordan (retired), Magic Johnson (retired) Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers), LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers), Crockett Willnett (Los Angeles Sparks), and WNBA 2007 All-Star Seimone Augustus (Minnesota Lynx). It is truly an honor to be nominated.

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