http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/story/13775003p-14617004c.html
By Sam Amick
Welcome home
The Kings game' against Phoenix at the University of New Mexico marked just the second time the Maloofs have combined their NBA product with their roots.
The Kings' co-owners brought the Kings to Albuquerque in 1999, when they beat Vancouver 103-101 in a preseason game.
The family history in the region goes back more than a century. Joe Maloof I opened a small general store in 1892 in northern New Mexico. In the 1930s, the family acquired distribution rights to Coors beer. The family later started Quality Imports, a liquor distribution company in the area. Today, the family's hotel, casino, banking, food and beverage, and transportation interests are headquartered in New Mexico.
Ironically, Phoenix was the home team Wednesday.
Cardinal memories
University of New Mexico alum Kenny Thomas wasn't the only one recalling old times at "The Pit," as the school's arena is called.
Before the Kings drafted him in June, rookie Francisco García and his Louisville Cardinals qualified for the NCAA Final Four with wins over Washington and West Virginia at New Mexico. In a 93-79 win over Washington, Garcia had 23 points. Against West Virginia, Garcia fouled out with 13 points, but Louisville won 93-85 without him in overtime. The Cardinals were eliminated by Illinois in the national semifinals.
By Sam Amick
Welcome home
The Kings game' against Phoenix at the University of New Mexico marked just the second time the Maloofs have combined their NBA product with their roots.
The Kings' co-owners brought the Kings to Albuquerque in 1999, when they beat Vancouver 103-101 in a preseason game.
The family history in the region goes back more than a century. Joe Maloof I opened a small general store in 1892 in northern New Mexico. In the 1930s, the family acquired distribution rights to Coors beer. The family later started Quality Imports, a liquor distribution company in the area. Today, the family's hotel, casino, banking, food and beverage, and transportation interests are headquartered in New Mexico.
Ironically, Phoenix was the home team Wednesday.
Cardinal memories
University of New Mexico alum Kenny Thomas wasn't the only one recalling old times at "The Pit," as the school's arena is called.
Before the Kings drafted him in June, rookie Francisco García and his Louisville Cardinals qualified for the NCAA Final Four with wins over Washington and West Virginia at New Mexico. In a 93-79 win over Washington, Garcia had 23 points. Against West Virginia, Garcia fouled out with 13 points, but Louisville won 93-85 without him in overtime. The Cardinals were eliminated by Illinois in the national semifinals.
