RED CLAWS ACQUIRE RUSSELL ROBINSON
IN TRADE WITH RENO

Maine Sends Will Blalock to Bighorns In Exchange for Defensive-Minded Guard

PORTLAND, ME (January 28, 2010) - The Maine Red Claws, presented by Quirk Chevrolet, today announced that they have traded guard Will Blalock to the Reno Bighorns in exchange for guard Russell Robinson. Robinson is expected to join the team in time for tomorrow night’s game vs. the Erie BayHawks. The announcement was made by Red Claws President and General Manager Jon Jennings.

Robinson, 24, has appeared in 72 games over two seasons with the Bighorns. In 22 games this season, the 6-1 shooting/point guard has averaged 16.4 points per game while adding 3.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists.

“Russell Robinson is a very good basketball player on both ends of the court and has experienced a winning atmosphere as a member of the 2008 NCAA Champion University of Kansas Jayhawks,” said Jennings. “His defensive skills will help make us a better team as we head into the last half of the season.”

“Parting with a player of Will Blalock’s caliber is never an easy decision,” he continued. “We would like to thank Will for everything he gave and all of the hard work and dedication he brought each and every day. We wish him nothing but the best.”

Robinson will wear #11 and will be in the lineup on Friday as the Red Claws host the Erie BayHawks. The game, which will be broadcast on Time Warner Cable throughout Maine and New Hampshire, will be Red Auerbach Tribute Night. The first 1,000 fans will receive a Red Auerbach bobblehead doll in honor of the legendary Celtics coach. On Sunday, the team will host the Springfield Armor, and the first 1,000 fans to enter the arena will receive an ice scraper, courtesy of Quirk Chevrolet.

RED CLAWS ACQUIRE GUARD
DOMINIQUE COLEMAN

Former NBA D-League Teammate of Thomas & Gilder, Joins Team from Belgium

PORTLAND, ME (January 28, 2010) - The Maine Red Claws, presented by Quirk Chevrolet, today announced that they have acquired guard Dominique Coleman who joins the team after playing in Belgium and Italy this season. The announcement was made by Red Claws President and General Manager Jon Jennings.

Coleman, 25, spent most of this season with Dexia Mons-Hainaut (Belgium-D1) before moving to Angelico Biella (Italy-SerieA) in December. His European experience also includes one season in the Finnish League. He was a 2008-09 teammate of Red Claws’ captain Billy Thomas and forward Trey Gilder on the 2009 NBA D-League champion Colorado 14ers. Coleman was acquired by the Red Claws in the 2009 NBA D-League Expansion Draft.

Dominique Coleman adds a defensive element that will only add to our team as we head into the second half of the season,” said Jennings. 

In seven games with Dexia Mons-Hainaut this season, Coleman average 5.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. In five games with Angelico Biella, he contributed 5.2 points, 2 rebounds and 1 steal per game. With Colorado last season, he appeared in 54 games and averaged 15.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.8 steals. He led the team with 144 steals. The Oakland, CA native played for Colorado College (NCAA) for three seasons.