Oklahoma City, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009 - The Oklahoma City Thunder and Oklahoma City's Parks & Recreation Department on Saturday announced the second season of the Thunder Youth Basketball League, a co-ed league for children age 4 through fifth grade. Thunder Head Coach Scott Brooks, along with players Nenad Krstic and Mike Wilks assisted in the kick-off.
"We are excited at having another opportunity to partner with the City for the Thunder Youth Basketball League," said Christine Berney, the Thunder's director of community relations. "Our players, coaches and staff enjoy the chance to work with the kids and help build their interest in basketball and teamwork." Berney added the Thunder will be expanding its involvement with youth basketball in the near future, including adding more clinics and camps."
On Saturday, at Douglass High School in Oklahoma City, Brooks met with the league's volunteer coaches and Krstic and Wilks led a skills clinic for more than 300 participants.
Throughout the 10-game season (Dec. 19 - March 6), the Thunder will be involved in a variety of ways, including Rolling Thunder Book Bus visits, an award presentation during a Thunder game, as well as a significant presence at the Thunder Youth League All-Star game in March. The Thunder Community Foundation is also providing Thunder Youth Basketball jerseys, shoe bags, coaches shirts and each participant will receive tickets to an upcoming Thunder game.
Like last year, the League is non-competitive and the program focuses on basketball skills and character building. Games are played at Oklahoma City Parks & Recreation Community Centers. Last year the League consisted of more than 650 boys and girls from the ages of 5 to 11. This season, more than 800 children registered.