(Saint John, NB): The Saint John Mill Rats are pleased to announce the return of Head Coach Rob Spon.   

Spon guided the Manchester Millrats to a 16-4 regular season record in 2008-09 and the Atlantic Division title in the PBL.  He most recently coached the Halifax Rainmen (2012-13) and the Quebec Kebs (2010-12).  In addition he has coached the Gary Steelheads (IBL), was an assistant coach with the Dakota Wizards, Indiana Alleycats, and Pittsburgh Xplosion in the CBA, and in the previous incarnation of the IBA, he coached his team to back to back championships. He has also served as a part time scout for the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA). 

"Coach Spon is one of the most respected veteran coaches in professional basketball.  He's a great tactician and a 'players' coach'" said Mill Rats President & General Manager Ian McCarthy. "We haven't found the level of success on the court that we had since Coach Spon was at the helm, and its our goal for him to put us over the top to compete for a championship."

"I am thrilled to be coming to Saint John to work with a such a great organization and in a great sports city," stated Spon, "I am excited to be able to coach the home team in such a world-class arena like Harbour Station, and in front of their great, great fans.  The Mill Rats also had a very good nucleus of players last season - and I can't wait to get started."

Coach Spon will represent the Mill Rats at the 2013 NBL Canada Pre-Draft Combine this weekend at the Athlete Institute in Mono, ON and at the Draft on August 19th in Markham, ON.  He will be arriving in the Port City on September 2nd.       

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For more information, visit www.millratsbasketball.ca or email hoops@millratsbasketball.ca.

About the National Basketball League of Canada

The National Basketball League of Canada (NBLC) was founded in 2011, and is Canada's only professional domestic basketball league. There are currently 10 teams, with two divisions: Central and Atlantic. The NBLC is committed to being one of the leading professional basketball leagues in the world. The NBLC provides Canadian athletes, international athletes, coaches and officials the opportunity to participate in the game they love at the professional level. The NBLC is also dedicated to raising awareness of the sport of basketball throughout Canada, by providing fans with an exciting and entertaining experience.