News release from the Mad Ants:
Russell Jr. Leaves, Mad Ants Trade for Raivio
The Mad Ants have conducted a three way trade for Derek Raivio of the Erie BayHawks. The Mad Ant traded their 3rd round pick in the 2011 NBA D-League draft to the Austin Toros, who trade Jermaine Beal to the Erie BayHawks. Raivio will fill the roster spot of Walker Russell Jr. who has left the team for another playing opportunity.
Raivio will have a big spot to fill as Russell, the Mad Ants lone All-Star, led the team with 17.9 points and 7.9 assists per game.
Raivio, a 6’2″ point guard out of Gonzaga, has played in 25 games for the BayHawks this season and is averaging 4.9 points per game. Raivio was named West Coast Conference Co-Player of the Year as a senior. He finished his collegiate career as the second all-time career free throw shooting percentage leader in NCAA Division I history (.927).
Raivio is expected to join the team for practice on Tuesday and will play in Thursday night’s home game against the Reno Bighorns.
NBA Development League
The NBA Development League, founded in 2001, is the NBA’s official minor league whose teams have direct affiliations to NBA franchises. For the 2010-11 season, the league will feature 16 teams – including the debut of the Texas Legends. A proven developer of talent, 20 percent of players in the NBA at the conclusion of the 2009-10 season boasted NBA D-League experience, while the league continues to develop coaches, referees, and front-office staff for the NBA and its teams. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. The NBA D-League also advances the game of basketball as the research and development arm of the NBA. Throughout the league’s 10th season, which tips off Friday, Nov. 19, fans can watch all NBA D-League games on NBA Futurecast, the free live Web-streaming initiative found at nba.com/futurecast.
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