Vipers Perform Trade with Erie and Finalize Training Camp Roster
October 31, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rio Grande Valley FC Toros News Release
MCALLEN, Texas - The NBA Development League Rio Grande Valley Vipers announce a trade with Erie BayHawks. The Vipers received Markus Kennedy, selected at pick 23 overall, round 2 pick 1, and Shane Richards, selected at pick 24, round 2, pick 2, in exchange for TJ Price and and Reggis Onwukamuche.
Markus Kennedy played for Southern Methodist University for three years (2013-16). In his senior season, he averaged 9.25 points and 6.3 rebounds. Kennedy was announced to the American Athletic Conference Sixth Man of the Year. Other accolades include NABC All-District Second Team and to the All-AAC Second Team during his sophomore and junior year.
Shane Richards played four years at Manhattan College (2012-16). During his career at Manhattan College, Richards averaged 11.5 points and 2.75 rebounds. In his senior year, he averaged 17.2 points and 3.8 rebounds. Richards was named to the NABC All-District First Team and All-MAAC First team in his senior year while also receiving MAAC Rookie of the Year honors during his freshman season.
Markus Kennedy and Shane Richards join J.P. Tokoto, Ameen Tanksley, and Jamaal Samuel to finalize the training camp roster. J.P. Tokoto was acquired via trade that saw Oklahoma City Blue receiving the returning player rights to Will Cummings and Amir Williams and Rio Grande Valley's 2017 1st round pick in exchange for Oklahoma City's 2017 6th round pick and Tokoto. Ameen Tanksley was drafted in with the 21st pick in the first round of the 2016 NBA D-League Draft. Jamaal Samuel was drafted in the second round with the 17th pick.
The Vipers training camp roster stands at 17 players and can be found below.
Name
Position
Ht.
Wt.
School
Isaiah Taylor
Guard
6'3
170
Texas
Jarvis Threatt
Guard
6'2
170
Delaware State
Gary Payton II
Guard
6'3
190
Oregon State
Darius Morris
Guard
6'4
195
Michigan
Ameen Tanksley
Guard
6'6
215
Hofstra
Shane Richards
Guard
6'5
195
Manhattan College
JP Tokoto
Forward
6'6
200
North Carolina
Antoine Mason
Guard
6'3
210
Auburn
Julien Lewis
Guard
6'4
195
Fresno State
PJ Hairston
Forward
6'6
230
North Carolina
LeBryan Nash
Forward
6'7
235
Oklahoma State
Paul Jesperson
Guard
6'6
200
Northern Iowa
Emmanuel Malou
Forward
6'9
210
Yuba College (JC)
Jamaal Samuel
Forward
6'9
200
Louisiana- Monroe
Joshua Smith
Center
6'10
290
Georgetown
Chris Walker
Forward
6'10
220
Florida
Markus Kennedy
Forward
6'9
245
SMU
The RGV Vipers will tip off the 2016-17 season at State Farm Arena on November 13 against Reno Bighorns. Season tickets for the Vipers 2016-17 season are on sale now. For more information, contact the RGV Vipers at 956-972-1144 or visit the Vipers Pro Shop in Uptown Plaza.
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