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NBA G-League

Ignite Join Whole Lotta Knights in Vegas

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NEW YORK – (Staff Report from Official League News Release) – With three Top 10 NBA Draft picks in the last two seasons – the most by any program in that span – NBA G League Ignite looks to continue building on its success with a state-of-the-art new home in Henderson, Nev. Ignite will begin playing its home games at The Dollar Loan Center in 2022-23, NBA G League President said.

Operated by the Foley Entertainment Group, the Dollar Loan Center is a multi-purpose facility that opened in March 2022 and seats more than 5,000 people. It is also home to the American Hockey League affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights – the Henderson Silver Knights – and the Indoor Football League’s Vegas Knight Hawks.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Foley Entertainment Group, The Dollar Loan Center and the City of Henderson to create a new home for Ignite in a first-class facility near one of the world’s premiere sports and entertainment destinations,” Abdur-Rahim said. “With avid sports fans in the Las Vegas area who have quickly embraced their hockey, football and WNBA teams, we can’t wait for NBA G League Ignite to showcase its future NBA stars and exciting brand of basketball.”

The move to Henderson marks the beginning of a multi-year partnership between the NBA G League, Foley Entertainment Group and the City of Henderson. After training in Walnut Creek, Calif. and playing in Las Vegas in 2021-22, Ignite will relocate to Henderson full-time.

“NBA G League Ignite is another elite professional sports organization that we are thrilled to bring to the Henderson community and The Dollar Loan Center,” said Foley Entertainment Group CEO Kerry Bubolz. “These future NBA stars will get a first-class home and we know our fans will enjoy seeing such talented players in an intimate, family-friendly arena.”

Fans can place season-ticket deposits now for Ignite’s home schedule at The Dollar Loan Center.  The Dollar Loan Center is an all-new multi-purpose venue in Henderson, NV, just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, featuring a 5,567 fixed seating capacity for hockey and indoor football. A product of a public-private partnership between the City of Henderson and a group of investors led by Bill Foley, The Dollar Loan Center opened in March 2022 and is operated by the Foley Entertainment Group. The Dollar Loan Center is the home of the American Hockey League’s Henderson Silver Knights, the Indoor Football League’s Vegas Knight Hawks, the Big West Basketball Championships, the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame, the Craggy Range Sports Bar & Grill and The Saddlery team store. For the latest news and information on The Dollar Loan Center visit thedollarloancenter.com and follow the arena on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Rose to NBA G-League Ops

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NEW YORK – (Staff Report from Official News Release) – NBA Vice President, Basketball Operations and two-time NBA champion Malik Rose was named Head of Basketball Operations for the NBA G League, said G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim. Rose replaces Brad Walker, who was named Commissioner of the America East Conference in August.

In his new role, Rose will lead the NBA G League’s efforts at expanding its talent pipeline and advancing integration of basketball operations between the G League and the NBA while focusing on basketball innovation and competition. He will also oversee NBA G League Ignite.

“We are thrilled to have Malik join the NBA G League as Head of Basketball Operations,” said Abdur-Rahim. “With his success as a player at the highest levels of the game and extensive background as an executive in both the NBA and G League, Malik has the experience, vision and expertise to help accelerate our progress and further deepen the connection between the two leagues.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to transition from NBA basketball operations to this position alongside Shareef and a talented staff with the NBA G League,” said Rose. “As someone who benefited greatly from his experience in the NBA G League, I know firsthand its importance to the NBA’s business and see enormous potential for continued growth.”

Rose joins the NBA G League after working since June 2020 in the NBA Basketball Operations department where he interfaced directly with teams and players regarding league programs, rules, new initiatives and competitive elements. Before joining the league office, Rose served as Assistant General Manager of the Detroit Pistons and General Manager of the Erie BayHawks, the NBA G League affiliate of the Atlanta Hawks now known as the College Park Skyhawks. He was named the 2017-18 NBA G League Basketball Executive of the Year.

Rose played 13 seasons in the NBA after being selected by the Hornets with the 44th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft. He won NBA championships in 1999 and 2003 as a member of the San Antonio Spurs. In addition to the Hornets and Spurs, Rose played for the New York Knicks and Oklahoma City Thunder.

A Philadelphia native, Rose received his bachelor’s degree with a dual concentration in computer information systems and education from Drexel University, where he played four years of college basketball. He also holds a master’s degree in sports management from Drexel.