Bango, the team mascot for the Milwaukee Bucks, was named the NBA Mascot of the Year at the league’s annual mascot meetings in Miami Thursday night. Bango becomes just the fourth mascot to win the award which was awarded by a vote of his peers.
“It is truly an honor for the Bucks organization, and for our fans worldwide to know that Bango has been honored by the NBA mascot community as the NBA Mascot of the Year,” John F. Steinmiller, Bucks vice-president said. “Bango is beloved by all and his efforts on and off the court have made him a true strong character who entertains, supports the cause of many charities and builds a love of reading in young people. Our organization is also proud of the entire Bucks game presentation department and all entertainment units, headed by Director Mike Schnieders. They have collaborated with Bango to present unique Bucks game shows every season.”
Bango begins his 33rd season with the Bucks and he has been energizing and entertaining Bucks fans with his high flying dunks, acrobatic moves and crazy shenanigans. After an ACL injury ended his 2008-09 campaign early, Bango came back in full force during the 2009-10 season to help lead the Bucks to the playoffs for the first time since 2006 and win the Mascot of the Year award. He performed numerous stunts throughout the season, including his incredible dunk off a 16-foot ladder at the Bradley Center during a Bucks playoff game that made national headlines. On September 21, Bango will make an appearance on HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.
The ageless Bango has brought smiles and thrills to Bucks fans at home games, appearances, parades, school assemblies, hospital visits and everywhere Bucks fans celebrate since 1977. He has performed throughout the United States, Canada and in China and will be back at the Bradley Center for the 2010-11 Milwaukee Bucks season.