Former Brigham Young-Hawai'i guard Yuta Tabuse was drafted by the Albuquerque Thunderbirds of the National Basketball Developmental League yesterday.

Tabuse, listed at 5 feet 9 and 165 pounds, was taken in the ninth of 10 rounds with the 70th overall pick.

The Yokohama, Japan native was signed by the L.A. Clippers on Sept. 15 and was the final cut on Monday. He averaged 3.6 points, 3.0 assists and 1.43 steals in 14.3 minutes over seven preseason games. Tabuse also played four games for the Phoenix Suns during the 2004-05 season before being cut and joining the Long Beach Jam of the American Basketball Association.

The Albuquerque Thunderbirds are one of four expansion teams to the NBDL this season. They are coached by former Los Angeles Lakers star Michael Cooper.

Tabuse attended BYU-Hawai'i from 2000-2002.

The Florida Flame took former Seton Hall guard Andre Barrett with the first selection.

NUGGETS

GUARD MILLER ARRESTED FOR MISSING COURT DATE

Denver Nuggets point guard Andre Miller was arrested on a warrant for failing to appear in court on a traffic citation, Denver police said yesterday.

Detective John White said police arrested Miller on Wednesday at the request of the Colorado State Patrol. Miller had gone to the Denver sheriff's car pound to retrieve a vehicle stolen from him when he was found to have an outstanding warrant from the State Patrol, police said.

Police were called around 1 p.m., and Miller was released around 4:45 p.m., police said.

Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said he believed the citation was for speeding and said Miller probably forgot his court date.

"I've done it before, when I missed a court date," he said.

"Andre is an extremely responsible person. But you've got to take care of your traffic tickets," Vandeweghe said.

PACERS

MILLER'S NO. 31 UNIFORM WILL BE RETIRED IN MARCH

The Indiana Pacers will retire Reggie Miller's No. 31 in March.

Miller played his entire NBA career with Indiana and retired after last season as the Pacers' leader in points, assists and steals. He also was a five-time All-Star and set NBA records for 3-point goals made and attempted.

"This is a truly deserving honor for Reggie," Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh said yesterday. "On and off the court, what he gave to this franchise, this city and this state for 18 years puts him among the elite athletes to have played professional sports. Number 31 in the rafters adds another legacy to the great tradition of Indiana basketball."

A ceremony for Miller will be held on March 30 when the Pacers host the Phoenix Suns.