Indiana Pacers' Danny Granger and The D1 Ambassadors

In the first of several pending agreements with NBA players, The D1 Nation and the D1 Ambassadors basketball program proudly announce our relationship with Indiana Pacers star, Danny Granger.  For the past several years, Danny has given back to the youth of New Mexico by providing substantial resources to his club team, Danny Granger Hurricane.  The D1 Ambassadors have locked horns with the Hurricane multiple times over the last years and had some great battles.  I was always struck by the classy way they conducted themselves win or lose.  We share that philosophy in common.  A friendship developed with then Coach Craig Snow (now basketball video coordinator at University of New Mexico) and with Granger's Club Director, Marty Saiz.

Danny Granger shown with the New Mexico Lobos

Fast forward to two weeks ago in Phoenix and the deal was done!  The D1 Ambassadors will throw their considerable recruiting relationships and ability to attract top level players to the already potent Hurricane.  Danny Granger will continue to be a pillar of the community and be involved in the program and contributes his considerable resources.  He has expressed his desire for Danny Granger's D1 Ambassadors to be mentioned amongst the nation's elite club teams year in and year out.  He has my pledge to assist the current staff to raise and to uphold that standard.

New Mexico has several very good college prospects every year but they simply do not have a deep well of Division One talent.  We will offer the opportunity for THREE players from the bordering states of Colorado, Texas or Arizona the unique opportunity to be part of Danny's group.  All players must be talented, academically solid and of good character.  This group is in need of big wings and a post player.  New Mexico Coach Steve Alford's son, Bryce Alford a 2013 G 6'3" at Albuqurque La Cueva is a lights out shooter (imagine that) and Assistant Craig Neal's son Cullen Neal a 6'4" G at Albuqurque Eldorado is considered one of the top guards in the Class of 2013 and 2014 G Adonis Saltes of Farmington (NM) currently anchor the talented backcourt.  
All expenses will be covered including camp invitations earned!

The D1 Nation now stretches uninterrupted from Mississippi all the way to New Mexico!

Danny Granger

Totally contradicting the stereotype of being a dumb jock, Danny Granger is a truly unique person. Born in New Orleans he attended high school at nearby Metarie Grace King.  Granger scored a 30 on the ACT and was accepted at Yale.  He originally signed and played two seasons at Bradley University. His decision to transfer to New Mexico as a junior was validated as he had an outstanding career where he led the Lobos to the NCAA Tournament and was named Mountain West Player of the Year. He was drafted 17th overall in the 2005 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers and to date has played his entire career in Indianapolis.  He has averaged over 20 ppg game over the last 4 seasons, with a high point game of 44.

Danny Granger repping the United States at the FIBA World CHampionships:

Photo Courtesy of FIBA

Not only was Danny a star on the court.  he also took care of business in the classroom earning his engineering degree.  He is a humanitarian who gives back to his community in a variety of ways, including through summer basketball.  Granger represented the Unites States in the 2010 World Championships where they won the Gold Medal. 

Danny, thank you so much!

Max Ivany

Director

D1 Nation