2008 NBA D-League All-Star Game Coaches Picked

MLN - THE RAW FEED - www.mlntherawfeed.com - NEW YORK , Feb. 4, 2008 – The Idaho Stampede’s Bryan Gates and the Los Angeles D-Fenders’ Dan Panaggio have earned the honor of coaching the 2008 D-League All-Star Game presented by Spalding in New Orleans on February 16, it was announced today. Gates’ and Panaggio’s teams clinched the best winning percentage in the league through Jan. 31.

In his second season as head coach of the Stampede (21-5, .808), Gates has guided the team to a perfect 14-0 home record. Idaho is on a 16-game winning streak, the longest such streak in D-League history. The 2006-07 NBA D-League Dennis Johnson Coach of the Year finished his first season as head coach of the Stampede at 33-17 (.660), tying the D-League record for most wins and highest winning percentage in a season. Former San Antonio Spurs scout and associate head coach Ray Lopes will join Gates as the coaching staff for the Red team.

Panaggio, also in his second season as head coach, holds a mark of 18-8 (.692) on the year.  During the D-Fenders’ inaugural season, Panaggio led the team to a 23-27 (.460) record.  Panaggio will be joined by D-Fenders assistant coach and NBA veteran Chucky Brown as the coaching staff of the Blue team.

The D-League will also host Dream Factory Friday Night, a first-time event similar to NBA All-Star Saturday Night, which will include a three-point shootout, a slam dunk contest, an interactive game of Hot-Shot with a fan and a game of HORSE.  Dream Factory events will take place following the McDonald's NBA All-Star Celebrity Game on Center Court at Jam Session beginning at 9 p.m. EST on Friday, Feb. 15.   

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