MARIO WEST SIGNS WITH
ATLANTA HAWKS

 Becomes First Red Claws Player to Earn Gatorade Call-Up to NBA

PORTLAND, ME (January 12, 2009) - The Maine Red Claws, presented by Quirk Chevrolet, today announced that guard Mario West has signed a 10-day contract with the Atlanta Hawks, making him the first player in the team’s history to earn a Gatorade Call-Up and the sixth in the NBA D-League this season. The announcement was made by Red Claws President and General Manager Jon Jennings. 

“Mario West earned a return trip to the NBA,” said Jennings. “No player on our team has worked harder for this opportunity. Mario is a terrific player and first class person. We are very excited for him and wish him all the best.” 

West, who spent the past two seasons with Atlanta, has appeared in 11 games with the Red Claws this season, including five as a starter, after being waived by the Hawks in October. He averaged 13.7 points per game, while chipping in 2.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists. Prior to joining the Red Claws on December 1, 2009, West had played 117 games with the Hawks. He last saw NBA action in five preseason contests with Atlanta this season. 

A walk-on at Georgia Tech, the 6-5, 210 lb. guard went on to be team captain as a senior and captured the 2007 State Farm College Slam Dunk Contest, netting a perfect score in the final round to edge Brent Petway.  West also received the Michael Isenhour Inspirational Award and the team's Excellence Award for overall achievement on and off the court his senior season.  Undrafted by the NBA out of college, he signed with Atlanta in 2007.