Albuquerque welcomed back favorite son Michael Cooper with open arms on October 25, 2005, at the introduction of Cooper as head coach of the newly formed Albuquerque Thunderbirds. The T-birds are one of eight teams in the groundbreaking Development League.
A proclamation by New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson officially designated Michael Cooper Day and Thunderbirds president Billy Widner and more than 10,000 fans were treated to a Phoenix Suns / Sacramento Kings exhibition game in addition to the Cooper celebration.
