Walker Russell, Jr. of the Fort Wayne Mad Ants has been named NBA D-League Performer of the Week for games played during the week of Jan. 12, 2009.  Russell is the first Mad Ant to earn the honor this season.    

Russell averaged 28.5 points and 16.0 assists in two wins over the Sioux Falls Skyforce last week, including on Thursday when he scored a season-high 30 points while adding 18 assists.  He returned on Friday to score 17 points and 14 assists in another victory.  

A 6-0 guard, Russell is leading the NBA D-League with 11.6 assists per game this season.  He also ranks fourth in the league with 2.5 steals while averaging 16.9 points.