Meet the Kings 100.

The Sacramento Kings unveiled the Kings 100, a community program that aims to reconnect the Kings with the Sacramento area Tuesday night. The group's honorary executive director Sheriff Lou Blanas led a press conference before the Kings/Warriors game at Arco Arena.

Flanked by Gavin Maloof, former KCRA anchor Kelly Brothers and Bobby Jackson, Blanas outlined the plan. The Kings have chosen 100 fans to act as ambassadors for the Kings.

"These 100 people are community and business leaders who are dedicated to the success and support of the Sacramento Kings," said Blanas, standing in front of most of the group. "In fact, some of the 100 already purchased and distributed tickets for the less fortunate."

Members of the Kings 100 come from all over the Sacramento Valley. Stockton, Lincoln and El Dorado Hills are just a few of the represented regions.

Brothers was named an honorary chairman, along with Jackson. Brothers spoke on how important it was for the Kings to reconnect with community.

"I had the opportunity to travel with the Kings years ago," Brothers said. "I saw children wearing Kings shirts around the world. People had no clue about Sacramento, except that the Kings were here. This is the power the Kings have for the benefit of the community. They are truly a community asset."

The mood was uplifting as Maloof spoke. He talked of "brighter times" for Sacramento and the team. Standing behind his coach and young team, Gavin promised better days. Organizing the Kings 100 has been a priority for the Maloof family, he said.

"This is a chance to bounce ideas off the community," Maloof said. "We're reconnecting with the city, but the truth is we never left. We want to be here."

Sacramentan Eric Stanion was one of the Kings 100 present at the press conference.

"People sometimes think the Kings take Sacramento for granted," said Stanion. "This shows the public that the Kings want to be involved and want to be here. It's that spirit of collaboration that makes Sacramento great."

Stanion organized the purchase of 100 tickets that were distributed to Families First for Tuesday's game. He promised this was only the beginning.

With the NBA regular season ending in April, Blanas said he doesn't see a lot of downtime for his volunteer ambassadors. He said the organization will stay active during the off-season, working with player appearances and possibly the summer league.

"You will see in the future what we can do for this great city," Maloof said as he voiced his excitement for a new arena. "We will move this team forward, we will move this city forward. A team that stays together wins together."

Author's Note: The Kings beat the Golden State Warriors Tuesday, 99-96.
 

Photos by Matthew Ceccato