GREENVILLE, S.C., November 4 – The Phoenix Suns have designated rookie small forward Dijon Thompson to the Albuquerque Thunderbirds of the NBA Development League. The Thunderbirds have been assigned as the Suns’ D-League affiliate for the 2005-06 season.

Thompson is the third NBA player to be assigned to a D-League affiliate today. The Minnesota Timberwolves also designated center Dwayne Jones and guard Bracey Wright to the Florida Flame.

“This is a great opportunity for Dijon, as well as a great opportunity for us,” Albuquerque head coach Michael Cooper said. “Dijon has an opportunity to develop his skills even more, making him an even better player when he returns to Phoenix.”

Thompson was selected with the 54th overall selection in the second round of the 2005 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, but his draft rights were traded to the Suns along with forward/center Kurt Thomas in exchange for guard/forward Quentin Richardson and the draft rights to guard Nate Robinson (21st pick) on June 28, 2005. He averaged 7.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and shot .372 (16-43 FG) from the floor in six games at the 2005 Reebok Vegas Summer League.

“Apparently the Suns and Timberwolves believe these players will develop at a more rapid rate by playing in the D-League.” NBA D-League President Phil Evans said. “We look forward to more NBA teams utilizing the opportunity.”

Thompson averaged 12.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 117 career games (72 starts) at UCLA. He averaged 14.0 points or more in his final three seasons with the Bruins, and led the team in scoring in his final two seasons.

A First Team All-Pac 10 selection as a senior, Thompson earned the Coach John Wooden Award as UCLA’s Most Valuable Player for the 2004-05 season after sharing the honor with new Thunderbirds teammate T.J. Cummings in 2003-04.