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By George Campbell

The Maine Red Claws NBA D-League basketball team will mark the first anniversary of the franchise on February 25, 2010.

The Red Claws franchise was officially awarded by the NBA Development League and announced on February 25, 2009. One year later, the team has just passed the midpoint of its first season. With a record of 20-13, the Red Claws are currently in second place in the East Conference and aiming for a playoff appearance in its first season.

"This past year has been unbelievable with the amount of support that we have received from the community as we launched the Maine Red Claws," Red Claws Chairman Bill Ryan said. "Our fans have surpassed any expectations that we had with their enthusiasm for the team. We have sold out every game which is totally unprecedented."

“It is so incredible to think that a full year has gone by since the team was announced,” said Red Claws President and General Manager Jon Jennings. “It has been a whirlwind – renovating the Expo, building the team, playing games. We are so proud of the fact that every game to date has sold out, and we are so grateful for the incredible support the state of Maine has shown the Red Claws.”

Ryan, who also owns Oxford Plains Speedway, has an extensive background in the sports industry. He has enjoyed watching his latest venture thrive in the city of Portland.

"On a personal level, it has been extremely gratifying to see the amount of fun that people are having at our games," Ryan said. "Jon Jennings and I worked for a long time to put this together, but all the hard work is worth it every time I go to the Portland Expo and see the crowd."

"I have also enjoyed watching our players," Ryan continued. "They feed off of our crowd and have had a superb season so far. I do not take any of this for granted, and we all intend to keep working hard to give Maine the best team we can and the best game experience we can. It has been a fantastic experience for me and my family!"

The NBA D-League team plays its home games at the Portland Expo Building. The franchise is owned and operated by Maine Basketball, LLC, which is principally owned by Bill Ryan Sr., the chairman of TD Bank, and Bill Ryan Jr., owner and operator of Oxford Plains Speedway. Jon Jennings, a partner in Maine Basketball, LLC and former Boston Celtics assistant coach, serves as the team’s president and general manager.

The NBA Development League, founded in 2001, is the NBA’s official minor league whose teams have direct affiliations to NBA franchises. A proven developer of talent, 20 percent of players in the NBA at the conclusion of the 2008-09 season boasted NBA D-League experience, while the league continues to develop coaches, referees, and front office staff for the NBA and its teams.

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