NEW YORK – Russ Smith of the Delaware 87ers was today named NBA Development League Performer of the Week for games played Monday, Jan. 25 through Sunday, Jan. 31. The honor is the first of Smith’s career.

Smith (6-1, 160, Louisville) helped Delaware to a 2-1 week, averaging 28.7 points (fifth in the league) on 48 percent shooting (28-for-58) to go with a league-leading 8.7 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 2.0 steals. He connected on 23-of-26 attempts from the free throw line.

On Jan. 29, he scored a season-high 38 points to go with six rebounds, six assists and two steals in a 132-127 loss to Raptors 905. On Jan. 30, he recorded 30 points and 18 assists, the most by a D-League player in a game this season, in a 135-119 win over the Grand Rapids Drive.

Smith was acquired by the 87ers on Jan. 13, and is averaging 28.5 points, 5.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals in eight games this season.

Other top performers considered include Bakersfield’s Xavier Munford, Delaware’s Jordan McRae, Grand Rapids’ Spencer Dinwiddie (on assignment from the Detroit Pistons), Idaho’s J.J. O’Brien,  Iowa’s Alex Stepheson, Los Angeles’ Vander Blue, Maine’s Coty Clarke, Raptors 905’s Ronald Roberts Jr., Reno’s Vincent Hunter,  Rio Grande Valley’s Montrezl Harrell,  Texas’ Tu Holloway, Sioux Falls’ Bubu Palo and Westchester’s Jimmer Fredette.

About the NBA Development League

The NBA Development League is the NBA’s official minor league, preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring 19 teams with direct affiliations with NBA franchises for the 2015-16 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. An all-time high 38 percent of all NBA players at the end of the 2014-15 season boasted NBA D-League experience. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. Fans can watch all NBA D-League games on nbadleague.com.