For 66ers, not time to celebrate
By KEVIN HENRY World Correspondent on Apr 18, 2013, at 1:41 AM Updated on 4/18/13 at 5:36 AM
Rio Grande Valley's Andrew Goudelock (right, then playing for Sioux Falls) won't be available for the Vipers' D-League playoff series this week after being re-signed by the Los Angeles Lakers. MATT BARNARD/Tulsa World file
Pro - 66ers
The Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League have announced plans for an open tryout.
The Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League tip off their season with back-to-back home games Nov. 22-23 against the Iowa Energy.
Once the Tulsa 66ers had survived a gut-wrenching 100-98 win at Canton to win their NBA Development League playoff first-round series, Tulsa coach Darko Rajakovic had a message for his young team.
"There was no time to celebrate. We told them their focus needs to be on getting ready for Rio Grande Valley," Rajakovic said.
Tulsa and Rio Grande Valley, D-League Central Division foes, will renew their rivalry on Friday when the Vipers visit the SpiritBank Event Center to open the best-of-three semifinals. Rio Grande swept Tulsa to win the 2010 D-League title.
After Friday, the series shifts to Hidalgo, Texas, on Sunday. If a third game is necessary, Rio Grande will host the decisive game on Tuesday.
The No. 7-seeded 66ers (27-23, 2-1) and the No. 2-seeded division champion Vipers (35-15, 2-0) split six games this season, each winning all on its home floor.
"Rio Grande Valley is an excellent team and they've been a good team all year long," Rajakovic said. "I expect this to be a tough series."
The Vipers will be without guard Andrew Goudelock, who was called up by the Los Angeles Lakers after Kobe Bryant suffered his injury.
Goudelock, drafted 46th overall in 2011, started 37 games, averaging 21.4 points.
"Without Goudelock, they're certainly a different team," Rajakovic said. "I expect they will play more team basketball and I expect they will be able to perform on a high level without him."
Tickets for Friday night's game are on sale now starting at just $11, including a free hot dog and drink. Fans can buy tickets at
tulsaworld.com/66ers or by calling the ticket office at 918-585-8444.
D-LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
66ers up next
Vs. Rio Grande Valley
7 p.m. Friday
Radio: KAKC am1300
Pro - 66ers
The Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League have announced plans for an open tryout.
The Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League tip off their season with back-to-back home games Nov. 22-23 against the Iowa Energy.
