Press Release

(February 23, 2009) STAA client Alex Del Barrio, Director of Broadcasting for the NBA D-League's Rio Grande Valley Vipers, will join Houston Rockets play-by-play voice Craig Ackerman at the beginning of the second quarter of Tuesday’s 7:30 p.m. Rockets game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

“It’s a dream come true, to be a part of a Houston Rockets broadcast, being a lifelong Rockets fans. I listened to Gene Peterson and Jim Foley for years, and always try to emulate them in some way during my broadcasts. It seems only fitting that I make my big league debut on the Rockets radio network,” Del Barrio said.

The game can be heard locally on the flagship station for Vipers basketball, ESPN 1240 AM, also a part of the Rockets radio network.

“We, the Rockets, have a great relationship with the Vipers and I’m looking forward to Alex’s contribution to the broadcast Tuesday,” Ackerman said.

“I think the thing people need to remember is that that D-League is about development, and that doesn’t just mean players,” President and General Manager Brian Michael Cooper said.

In a related move, Vipers radio color commentator and fellow STAA client Jonah Goldberg will fill-in for Del Barrio on Thursday. Goldberg will host the Coach’s Show at 5:00 p.m. live from Dodge Arena and then he will call the play-by-play of the 7:00 p.m. against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

“I am thrilled for this opportunity. Play-by-play is my dream career and to get this chance excites me to no end,” said Goldberg, who also serves as the Vipers Director of Communications.

“Jonah has certainly earned the opportunity to work a game on his own. He’s been a dedicated part of the broadcast team since our inaugural season, and I think it’s fitting that the week of my opportunity is when Jonah earns his,” Del Barrio said.

Goldberg also provided the play-by-play for the Vipers 104-100 win at Tulsa on January 16th. That win broke a six-game losing streak. The Vipers are currently riding a six-game losing streak.