Opening Weekend Preview

by Matthew Brennan, NBA D-League.com

November 25, 2009: The 2009-10 NBA D-League season begins this Friday, and the action continues all weekend as an all-time high of 16 teams begin the march to the NBA D-League Finals. Both Friday and Saturday feature a slate of six games with a three-game schedule on Sunday finishing off the weekend. Here is a look at some of the key players and match-ups to look out for.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Reggie Williams, Sioux Falls: Williams, a third-round draft choice by Sioux Falls, was big-time scorer in college at VMI and looks like he could continue to light up the scoreboard in the NBA D-League. The 6-6 forward scored 27 points in a preseason loss to Dakota, shooting 12-17 from the field. Williams will look to bring the offesne when the games count for real as Sioux Falls hosts Maine on opening night before traveling to Dakota on Sunday.

Alonzo Gee, Austin: Austin made Gee the sixth overall pick in this month's draft, and he looks like he could live up to his lofty draft status after a spectacular preseason game. The 6-6 rookie guard from Alabama scored 31 points and added 10 rebounds in the Toros' preseason win over Rio Grande Valley. Gee, a second-team All-SEC player for the Crimson Tide last season, will face the Vipers again this weekend as RGV visits Austin twice.

ASSIGNED PLAYER TO WATCH

Byron Mullens, Tulsa (Oklahoma City): Mullens was expected to be a possible lottery pick when he arrived at Ohio State last season, but the 7-0 center only averaged 8.8 points and 4.7 rebounds for the Buckeyes before declaring for the NBA Draft. Mullens still has plenty of potential and was tabbed by Dallas with the 24th overall pick before heading to the Thunder via a trade. He was assigned to Tulsa after not appearing in an NBA game so far, and it should be interesting to monitor how Mullens fares as he adjusts to the pro game. The 66ers will host Utah twice this weekend, and Mullens should have his hands full with big Garret Siler and 7-2 Luke Nevill both in action for the Flash.

FRIDAY

Iowa Energy at Springfield Armor: Pro basketball returns to Springfield when the Armor open up their inaugural season against the Iowa Energy. The Armor managed to win their preseason game against Maine despite shooting only 37% from the field, but will need to improve that stat if they are going to have a successful first season. They are still looking for a go-to guy on offense as nobody scored more than 12 points. The Energy come off of a division title in 2008-09 although many of their key performers from last season like Courtney Sims and Othyus Jeffers have moved on. Iowa looked strong in knocking off Tulsa in their preseason game where they shot 10-18 from the three-point line.

Utah Flash at Tulsa 66ers: The Flash, fresh off of a Finals appearance, begin their 2009-10 campaign on the road in Tulsa. Utah returns several players from last year's division title winning team, highlighted by former Charlotte Bobcat Dontell Jefferson. The 66ers have two intriguing players on the roster in high school star Latavious Williams and Oklahoma City Thunder assigned center Byron Mullens. Both teams are coming off of preseason losses by double-digits.

SATURDAY

Red Claws at Wizards: The Dakota Wizards make their season debut at home against the Red Claws, who start play on Friday night in Sioux Falls. The Wizards look to be one of the stronger teams in the NBA D-League this season as they return several proven veterans like Maurice Baker and Renaldo Major. Maine will be finding it's way under head coach Austin Ainge, and will look to bounce back this weekend after struggling offensively in their preseason loss to the Springfield Armor.

Bighorns at Stampede: The Stampede have always been one of the best home teams in the NBA D-League and they open up play at Qwest Arena with the first of two straight against the Reno Bighorns. Idaho is rebuilding this season after losing most of their top players and head coach Bryan Gates from last season's team that earned it's third straight playoff berth. The Bighorns are looking to build on a strong finish to last season and return top rebounder Rod Benson and also picked up scoring machine Desmon Farmer in the draft. Both teams come into this game with momentum after easily winning their respective preseason games.

SUNDAY

Jam at D-Fenders: The D-Fenders will play their first game at STAPLES Center on Sunday after a trip to Albuquerque on Saturday, while the Jam also heading to Los Angeles after opening against the Thunderbirds on Friday night. Both teams are looking for improvement after finishing under .500 and failing to make the playoffs last season. The Jam have two former NBA first-round picks in Reece Gaines and Robert Swift, but started the season with a thud in a blowout loss to Reno in Tuesday's preseason game. This contest is scheduled after the Lakers game that day, so it will be a 12:30 am Monday morning start on the East Coast.