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Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA 2009 National Team selected and ready for Phoenix!

February 2, 2009

Source NBA.com (http://www.nba.com/jrnba/2009_Jr_National_Team.html)

-- Ten Children to Experience Unforgettable Weekend at NBA All-Star 2009 in Phoenix --

The NBA and WNBA have selected five boys and five girls to comprise the 2008-09 Jr. NBA/ Jr. WNBA National Team presented by Gatorade. The group will represent more than 830,000 Jr. NBA/ Jr. WNBA members and will be honored guests at the 58th NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix, Ariz. As part of being selected to the team, the boys and girls will be recognized during NBA All-Star Saturday Night and will participate in an exhibition game on Sunday, Feb. 15, where they will take on a team of local Phoenix Jr. NBA/ Jr. WNBA All-Stars on Center Court of NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by Adidas at the Phoenix Convention Center.

The 2008-09 Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA National Team presented by Gatorade recognizes male and female youth basketball players from member leagues throughout the country who are skilled basketball players, great teammates, and who exemplify good sportsmanship and leadership on the court, in the classroom, and in their communities.

“Each boy and girl selected to participate on the National Team really exemplifies and upholds the core values of the Jr. NBA/ Jr. WNBA program,” said Jr. NBA/ Jr. WNBA Advisory Council member and Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Walton. “The group’s academic commitment, community service efforts, and conduct both on and off of the court are to be commended, and the opportunity to experience an unforgettable NBA All-Star Weekend is a fitting reward.”

As part of this unique weekend experience, the National Team will travel to Phoenix on Friday, Feb. 13 to take part in a number of activities, including a breakfast hosted by NBA Legend Bob Lanier and WNBA Legend Jennifer Azzi, a meet and greet with NBA Commissioner David Stern, and will be recognized in the arena during NBA All-Star Saturday Night.

Each Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA league director across the country had the opportunity to nominate one boy and one girl, ages 11 to 12, in their program. Forty-nine finalists were identified for the National Team by an independent selection committee made up of Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA officials, NBA and WNBA team representatives, presenting partner Gatorade and ESPN commentator and Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Walton.

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