The Maine Red Claws, presented by Quirk Chevrolet, today announced that Austin Ainge will return in 2010-11 as the team’s head coach. The announcement was made by Red Claws President and General Manager Jon Jennings.
Ainge, 28, led the Red Claws to a 27-23 record during the team’s inaugural season, tying a league record for wins by an expansion team in their first season. Among the players mentored by Coach Ainge were five NBA contracted players who spent portions of the 2009-10 season with the Red Claws before being recalled to the NBA: Alexis Ajinca (Charlotte), J.R. Giddens (Boston/New York), Bill Walker (Boston/New York), Lester Hudson (Boston/Memphis), and Marcus Landry (Boston). The team also saw its first NBA signing with Red Claws guard Mario West earning a contract with the Atlanta Hawks.
“The NBA D-League is about developing not just players but coaches and front office staff as well,” said Jennings. “Austin Ainge is a promising, young coach who made tremendous strides during his first season as a head coach. We are happy to have Austin return and are excited for our second season.”
“This organization in every way positions itself to be a winner, on and off the court, and I proud to be a part of it,” said Ainge. “We have the best fans and a great community, and I am excited to return as head coach and build upon the successes we had in year one. We were proud of the trust the Celtics and the Bobcats showed in us to develop their players, and we hope that continues as we strive to improve and compete for a championship in 2010-11.”
The Red Claws will kick of their second season in late November. Season tickets are currently on sale and may be purchased by calling 207-210-6655 or online at www.maineredclaws.com. Season ticket packages begin as low as $240 for a 24-game package.
COACH AINGE TO LEAD 2010 RED CLAWS BASKETBALL CAMPS: Red Claws Head Coach Austin Ainge will lead the instruction at the Maine Red Claws basketball camps on July 26-30 at the Portland Exposition Building. Open to boys and girls ages 8-15, the camps will teach the fundamentals of the game in a fun and positive atmosphere. Campers will receive personal instruction from the Red Claws staff and guests and will receive a camp t-shirt, ticket to a Red Claws game and a camp-ending pizza party and awards ceremony. Spots are limited and may be reserved by calling 207-210-6655 or by downloading an application from the team’s website, www.maineredclaws.com.
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