G League Rio Grande Valley Vipers

Vipers Acquire Former Warriors Big Man

Published on December 30, 2010 under NBA G League (G League)
Rio Grande Valley Vipers News Release


MCALLEN, TEXAS - The defending NBA Development League champion Rio Grande Valley Vipers announced Thursday that they have acquired power forward Jeff Adrien (6-7, 245, UConn) from the Erie Bayhawks for guard Garrett Temple (6-6, 190, LSU).

Adrien is averaging 11.2 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in five games (one start) in the NBA Development League this season. Adrien started the season with the Golden State Warriors, for whom he averaged 2.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 10.8 minutes in 15 games off the bench. His best games came at Memphis when he scored a career-high 12 points with eight rebounds and two assists in a career-high 31 minutes (11/26/10) and at the Los Angeles Lakers when he scored nine points with a career-high 10 rebounds (six offensive) with one assist and one block in 26 minutes (11/21/10).

"He fits an obvious need for rebounding and strength in the middle of our lineup. We're gutted to have to give up Garrett Temple, but we needed to make a significant improvement in our front line and we feel that, with this move, we have a chance of doing that. We wish Garrett the best of luck. He's been a big part of what we've done here. We appreciate his professionalism, his work ethic and his attitude. We know he's going to an organization both in Erie and Cleveland who really value him and look forward to working with him and helping him reach the NBA," Vipers head coach Chris Finch said.

Adrien ranks 12th on UConn's all-time scoring list with 1,603 points and 3rd in rebounds with 1,126. He was the only player in UConn history to record at least 1,600 points and 1,100 rebounds. He finished with 47 double-doubles in 101 games. He is one of only four UConn players to ever earn All-Big East honors three times, joining Emeka Okafor, Chris Smith and Corny Thompson.

Adrien was undrafted after finishing his collegiate career in 2009, but played in the Orlando Pro Summer League for a team run jointly by the New Jersey Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers. He then joined the Memphis Grizzlies in the Las Vegas Summer League before signing with Leite Ro Breogn in Lugo, Spain. He played for the Orlando Magic during the 2010 Orlando Pro Summer League, averaging 8.5 points and 7.3 rebounds in four games (three starts). He also played for the Grizzlies during the Las Vegas Summer League, averaging 6.5 points and 8.5 rebounds in four games off the bench.

Temple is averaging 12.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists in nine games (three starts). He scored a career-high 27 points against the Texas Legends on Monday.

Check out the Rio Grande Valley Vipers Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



NBA G League Stories from December 30, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central