(OTTAWA, ON) The Ottawa SkyHawks announced today that they have come to terms with free agent Tirrell Baines.  Baines becomes the third player to join the National Basketball League of Canada’s newest franchise, which inked Mike Rose and Fred Sturdivant to free-agent deals in July.

The 6-6, 220-lb. forward was selected in the 2011 NBA Development League Draft by the Erie BayHawks, the minor-league affiliate of the NBA’s New York Knicks.

 “Baines is the type of player that fits perfectly into what we want to do as a team.  He is strong, physical, athletic, and can run the floor efficiently,” said SkyHawks Head Coach Kevin Keathley.  “He will make a major impact this season and has the potential to be an all-league performer.  If I had to describe Tirrell in one word it would be – consistent!”

“He has, over the last six years – including his collegiate career at Marshall University – been the definition of consistency”, said Keathley.  “His first-class approach and professionalism will be much needed on the court and in the locker room.  He is a major piece to our SkyHawks puzzle.”

“This is a big step for our franchise.  I believe the acquisition of Tirrell says a lot about our franchise and the impact NBL Canada is having on basketball globally,” said SkyHawks owner Gus Takkale.  “When you attract a player like Tirrell, who has been an integral part of his team’s success with the Erie BayHawks of the NBA Development League, it means a lot to our team as we begin our first season in NBL Canada.  The people of Ottawa will be amazed with his basketball IQ.”

“In the 2012-13 season, Baines twice eclipsed the 20-point plateau en route to averaging 9.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.  His 450 total points were good for the top five among the BayHawks squad.  He shot 50.3 percent from the field, tying him for tops on the team with Henry Sims.

Baines also put up impressive rookie numbers in 2011-12, starting in 19 of his 30 games played.  His 15.4 points per contest were good for third among BayHawks that played in at least 10 games.  He notched his NBA D-League career-high of 31 points on December 14, 2011 vs. Springfield.

His accuracy from the field mirrored that of his second season, knocking down 49.7 percent of his shots.  That accuracy was a holdover from his three-year college career at Marshall (NCAA Division I), where he shot at least 52 percent from the field in each season.  Baines averaged 11.5 points a contest as a Thundering Herd freshman 2007-08, and saw double figures again as a senior when he posted career highs of 12.8 points and 6.6 rebounds.

The Ottawa SkyHawks will tip off their inaugural season in NBL Canada in November at the Canadian Tire Centre, preceded by an exhibition game scheduled in October (dates TBA).

The SkyHawks are in a great position coming into NBL Canada’s Draft on August 19 with first picks in all three rounds.  There will be numerous player announcements made following the draft.  Season ticket options are on sale now at http://ottawa-basketball.myshopify.com/

For media enquiries contact:

Susan Brazeau

info@bytownsports.com

Tel: 613-424-8733