As reported here last week, Tulsa point guard Zabian Dowdell missed Friday night's game against Fort Wayne due to being in Phoenix to try out for the Suns. Apparently, they liked what they saw.
The Suns signed guard Dowdell for the first GATORADE Call-Up of the 2010-11 NBA Development League season.
“Zabian has really committed to getting better each and every day during his time in Tulsa and has been a great leader on the floor for our team,” 66ers head coach Nate Tibbetts said. “I am happy to see that his hard work has given him an opportunity to play at the next level and we all wish him great success.”
Dowdell started all of Tulsa’s first 18 games this season, leading the team to a Western Conference-best 12-6 record. He averaged team highs in points (14.5), assists (4.6) and steals (2.4) in 29.3 minutes per game. His steals average currently ranks second in the league, and he's one of only two players all season to have six steals in two separate games.
The 66ers (now 14-6) will carry a six-game winning streak into the 2011 D-League Showcase held this week in South Padre Island, Texas. Tulsa’s first of two games at the Showcase is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 10 against the Sioux Falls Skyforce (2-14) at 11 a.m. (CT), followed by a matchup with the Dakota Wizards (5-14) on Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 4:15 p.m. Both games will be played inside the South Padre Island Convention Center.
Tulsa will be the home team on Monday and the visiting team on Wednesday. Both games will be televised by NBA TV and can be heard in Tulsa on KAKC 1300 AM.
The 66ers are coming off of a 96-95 overtime win against the Texas Legends on Saturday evening to earn their 11th win in the last 13 games.
Tulsa is 1-0 against Sioux Falls this season, as the 66ers topped the Skyforce on the road 120-102 on Dec. 10. The 66ers own a 9-7 all-time record against the Skyforce. Wednesday’s game will mark the first matchup between Dakota and Tulsa this season. The 66ers are 6-5 all-time against the Wizards.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
Dowdell not in uniform tonight as 66ers prepare to face Fort Wayne
As previously reported by several sources on the Web, Zabian Dowdell is not in uniform tonight for the Tulsa 66ers. Although it is not being confirmed officially by 66ers representatives, Dowdell is in Phoenix -- one of four D-League players trying out for the Suns and a potential 10-day contract.
Who will start for the 66ers in Dowdell's place? It's likely that Tweety Carter will get his first Tulsa start at point.
Also, it appears that Robert Vaden will miss his second consecutive game with an injury, definitely leaving the 66ers short-handed.
Who will start for the 66ers in Dowdell's place? It's likely that Tweety Carter will get his first Tulsa start at point.
Also, it appears that Robert Vaden will miss his second consecutive game with an injury, definitely leaving the 66ers short-handed.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Dowdell, Owens mentioned among potential D-League call-ups
Today is the first day that D-League players can sign a 10-day contract with NBA teams. Two Tulsa players (Zabian Dowdell and Larry Owens) were among just a few mentioned as potential signees.
You can read the article from AOL Fanhouse by clicking here.
You can read the article from AOL Fanhouse by clicking here.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Gutty win by Tulsa in Frisco
Tulsa wins it 99-94 and it is because of defense and a great effort from the bench.
Tulsa's bench outscored Texas 43-10 in the contest, with Robert Vaden hitting 15 and Jerome Dyson adding 12 in reserve.
"I do not look at it as a bench," Tulsa head coach Nate Tibbetts told me after the game in the bowels of the Dr. Pepper Arena. "We have 11 guys on our team who can play. The guys who do not start the game are an extension Of those who do. Our subs came in and gave us a lift."
Elijah Millsap led the 66ers with 17 points, including two nice driving layups in the third quarter. Larry Owens added 14 as he hopefully shakes free from a recent slump.
Another big factor in the game? Tulsa only had seven turnovers and forced 18 by the Legends.
Tulsa's bench outscored Texas 43-10 in the contest, with Robert Vaden hitting 15 and Jerome Dyson adding 12 in reserve.
"I do not look at it as a bench," Tulsa head coach Nate Tibbetts told me after the game in the bowels of the Dr. Pepper Arena. "We have 11 guys on our team who can play. The guys who do not start the game are an extension Of those who do. Our subs came in and gave us a lift."
Elijah Millsap led the 66ers with 17 points, including two nice driving layups in the third quarter. Larry Owens added 14 as he hopefully shakes free from a recent slump.
Another big factor in the game? Tulsa only had seven turnovers and forced 18 by the Legends.
Big third quarter for 66ers, still trail by 1 point
Tulsa rediscovered its defense in the third quarter ... until the final minute of the period. Texas' Booker Woodfox and Dominique Jones hit consecutive 3-pointers to give the Legends a 74-73 lead after three.
The 66ers had a 13-4 run during the quarter to take a 70-65 lead before Texas began hitting its shots, including the two big ones from long range.
Robert Vaden came up big for the 66ers in the quarter, scoring seven of his team-high 15 points in the period.
The 66ers had a 13-4 run during the quarter to take a 70-65 lead before Texas began hitting its shots, including the two big ones from long range.
Robert Vaden came up big for the 66ers in the quarter, scoring seven of his team-high 15 points in the period.
Thoughts on the first half in Frisco
Tulsa trails 49-47 at intermission, but here are some of the things that stood out to me in the first half...
1. Elijah Millsap made a couple of nice shots penetrating the lane and waiting until the last moment to shoot. Good to see him being aggressive like that.
2. Tulsa trails by two points despite a rough opening half from Zabian Dowdell. He's just 2-of-7 from the field with no assists.
3. Larry Owens is still struggling from the field and the 66ers need him to find his shooting touch. He has seven points in the opening half on 3-of-7 shooting, but one of his shots was a biggie for Tulsa as he just beat the shot clock for a 3-pointer to tie the game at 40 with 3:42 to play in the half.
4. Texas is shooting 51.4 percent in the opening half. Tulsa is shooting 38.8 percent but has only turned the ball over four times in the first half.
5. Someone needs to stop Joe Alexander (14 points) and Dominique Jones (13 points) in the second half.
1. Elijah Millsap made a couple of nice shots penetrating the lane and waiting until the last moment to shoot. Good to see him being aggressive like that.
2. Tulsa trails by two points despite a rough opening half from Zabian Dowdell. He's just 2-of-7 from the field with no assists.
3. Larry Owens is still struggling from the field and the 66ers need him to find his shooting touch. He has seven points in the opening half on 3-of-7 shooting, but one of his shots was a biggie for Tulsa as he just beat the shot clock for a 3-pointer to tie the game at 40 with 3:42 to play in the half.
4. Texas is shooting 51.4 percent in the opening half. Tulsa is shooting 38.8 percent but has only turned the ball over four times in the first half.
5. Someone needs to stop Joe Alexander (14 points) and Dominique Jones (13 points) in the second half.
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