NBA comes to the RGV
The NBA Houston Rockets and their affiliate, the NBA D-League Rio Grande Valley Vipers, announced today in a press conference that the Rockets will hold a portion of their 2009 pre-season training camp, including an exhibition game, in the Rio Grande Valley.
The Rockets will practice at the McAllen Convention Center on October 4th and 5th, and host an exhibition game against the defending-NBA Champion Boston Celtics on the Vipers’ court at Dodge Arena on October 7th.
“We are thrilled to be coming for camp next year and working with community leaders to deliver a great Rockets experience to the people of the Rio Grande Valley. We have been very appreciative of the warm welcome we have received, and look forward to working closely with the Vipers to support the growth of their team, and the sport of basketball, in the region,” Rockets Chief Executive Officer Tad Brown said.
“Having the Rockets spend a portion of their camp in the Valley as well as host the Celtics further demonstrates the strengthening relationship between the Rockets, Vipers, the NBA and the communities of the Rio Grande Valley. We are excited to have the Rockets here, and we are excited for the future of professional basketball in the region,” Vipers President and General Manager Brian Michael Cooper said.
There are two former Vipers currently playing for the Rockets – starting point guard Aaron Brooks and rookie forward Joey Dorsey. Brooks played in two games for the Vipers last season while Dorsey was with the Vipers for seven games this season. Both were NBA-assignees.
The Vipers will be hosting a Houston Rockets affiliate night on March 27th during their 7:00 p.m. game against the Tulsa 66ers at Dodge Arena. The Vipers will be wearing Rockets uniforms that will be auctioned off after the game. The first 1,000 fans through the doors will receive Ron Artest Bobblehead Dolls. Hall-of-Fame mascot Clutch the Bear will perform at halftime.