The Maine Red Claws announced that guard Kenny Hayes has signed an NBA Development League contract and will return to the Red Claws this season.

“I'm very excited to be back in Maine this year and ready to compete for the NBA D-League championship,” said Hayes, who will be entering his second professional season.

Hayes appeared in 43 games as a rookie during the 2010-11 season, averaging 7.2 points per game. He scored a season/career high 19 points on March 10, 2010. The University of Miami (OH) alumnus kept active during the off-season, including working out at Attack Athletics in Chicago.

“We are excited to have Kenny Hayes back with the Red Claws this season,” said Red Claws President and General Manager Jon Jennings. “Kenny is the kind of player that I love – he works hard in practice and on the court and is a tremendous leader in the community.”

Darvin Ham is expected to soon be named an assistant coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, according to sources.

Ham was head coach of New Mexico Thunderbirds of the D-League last season.

1. Los Angeles D-Fenders
2. Austin Toros
3. Maine Red Claws
4. Sioux Falls Skyforce
5. Texas Legends
6. Iowa Energy (to Bakersfield)
7. Erie BayHawks
8. Bakersfield Jam
9. Idaho Stampede (to Erie)
10. Fort Wayne Mad Ants
11. Tulsa 66ers
12. Dakota Wizards
13. Reno Bighorns (to Bakersfield)
14. Rio Grande Valley Vipers
15. Canton
16. Springfield Armor (to Tulsa)

Matt Rogers has signed with the Texas Legends for the upcoming year. Rogers, a 6’11” forward out of Southwest Baptist University, started 14 games for the Legends in 2010-11 season as he averaged 7.4 points per game and 4.3 rebounds per game.

“Matt is a very skilled post player with tremendous potential,” commented Legends Assistant General Manager Nancy Lieberman. “His ability to shoot the basketball provides match-up problems, and I look forward to seeing his continued development. I fully expect to see Matt in the NBA someday soon.”

Point guard Justin Dentmon, who was named to the All NBA D-League team in his first season in the league, has signed with the Texas Legends for the upcoming year. Dentmon, a 6’2” guard out of the University of Washington, was one of the leading scorers in the league at 19.1 points per game, while averaging 4.0 assists per game.

“Justin is a tremendous guard in the NBA D-League,” commented Legends President of Basketball Operations Spud Webb. “We look forward to seeing his continued development, and expect him to be a candidate for an NBA call-up.”

Dentmon started 35 games for the Legends in the 2010-11 season, and was among the league leaders in three point field goal percentage at 42.9%.

Del Harris has taken a position as head coach of the D-League's Texas Legends, according to sources.

The Legends were close to a deal with Bruce Pearl before the former Tennessee coach accepted a position with a Knoxville marketing agency.