#RedClaws Shake-Up Roster

The Maine Red Claws, presented by Quirk Chevrolet, today announced that they have acquired guard Morris Almond and forward TJ Cummings from the Springfield Armor in exchange for guard Tony Bobbitt and forward Noel Felix. The announcement was made by Red Claws President and General Manager Jon Jennings.

The 6-5, 210 lb. Almond is the leading scorer in the NBA D-League, averaging 26.8 points per game in 22 games played this season. A 2007 first round draft pick (26th overall) of the Utah Jazz, the guard out of Rice University split the past two seasons between the Jazz and their NBA D-League affiliate, the Utah Flash. Almond, 25, the all-time leading scorer in Rice history, has 34 NBA games to his credit. In 22 games with the Armor this season, he has averaged more than 40 minutes played per game and appeared in the 2010 NBA D-League All-Star Game this past weekend.

Cummings, the son of NBA and DePaul great Terry Cummings, is a 6-8, 210 lb. forward out of UCLA. Cummings, 28, is an NBA D-League veteran, having played in parts of five seasons in the league. He has also played overseas in China, Puerto Rico, South Korea, and Belgium. In 21 games this season, he is averaging 15.1 points per game in 35.3 minutes played. His 8.9 rebounds per game currently ranks 8th in the league.

“It was a difficult decision to part with players who have been with us for most of the season, but whenever you have the opportunity to acquire the league’s leading scorer, it’s a move you have to consider,” said Jennings. “Almond gives us a proven scorer and go-to player while Cummings’ 8.9 rebounds a game makes us a stronger team heading into the second half of the season.”

The Red Claws will return to action on Thursday, February 18 in Tulsa, OK when they take on the Tulsa 66ers in the first game of a three-game road trip. The team will return to Maine to take on the Fort Wayne Mad Ants on February 24 and 25. February 24 will be Go Red Night with fans encouraged to wear red to show their support for the American Heart Association. February 25 will be Crusher’s Birthday Party night as mascots from throughout the state will be on hand to help celebrate Crusher’s first birthday. Tickets remain for both games and may be purchased by calling 207-210-6655 or online at www.maineredclaws.com.

--RED CLAWS COMMUNICATIONS--