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G League Rio Grande Valley Vipers

Vipers Add Mahmoud Abdelfattah and Brandon Barnes to Coaching Staff

November 2, 2018 - NBA G League (G League)
Rio Grande Valley Vipers News Release


EDINBURG, Texas - The Rio Grande Valley Vipers, NBA G League Affiliate to the Houston Rockets, announced today the promotion of Mahmoud Abdelfattah to assistant coach and the hiring of Brandon Barnes as assistant coach.

Abdelfattah originally joined the Vipers staff in 2017-18 as a basketball operations assistant. He worked under former RGV Head Coach and current Houston Rockets Assistant Coach, Matt Brase and current RGV Head Coach, Joseph Blair. In addition to working on the staff in RGV, Abdelfattah has also served as an Assistant Coach for the Palestinian National team in 2015 and 2018. Prior to RGV, Abdelfattah worked as an assistant coach at his alma mater St. Cloud State for four seasons, where he oversaw the player development program and led the recruiting efforts for the Huskies. He was also an assistant coach at Perspective Charter School for the 2012-13 season. Abdelfattah began his coaching career as a student assistant coach at St. Cloud State in 2010.

"Mahmoud was an invaluable part of our staff last season and has proven he's ready to assume an even larger role this season. His work ethic, familiarity with our system and versatile skill set make him an ideal fit for the RGV Vipers. We are thrilled to have Mahmoud back in the Valley," commented Vipers General Manager, Jim Paulis.

Barnes, the son of 2011 Naismith National Coach of the Year Rod Barnes, has spent the last three seasons as Director of Basketball Operations for the CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners. He helped the program win the WAC Championship in 2017 and earn a spot in the NIT Final 4. At CSU Bakersfield, Barnes had a major role in opponent scouting, game preparation and film breakdown. Prior to CSU Bakersfield, Barnes was the head boy's basketball coach at Perris High School. Barnes began his college playing career at Lipscomb University before finishing his career and earning his degree at CSU Bakersfield where he served as a team captain. In addition to being a collegiate player, Barnes has 10 years of player development experience working with college, international, and G League players.

"Brandon is a rising young coach who will make an immediate impact in RGV with his defensive mindset and strong player development philosophies. He is a student of the game and has been exposed to high level basketball his entire life. We are confident Brandon will be a wonderful addition to our staff," Paulis added.

The Vipers open the 2018-19 NBA G League season at home against Memphis on November 3 at 7 p.m. Season tickets for the Vipers 2018-19 season are on sale now. For more information, contact the RGV Vipers at 956-56-ARENA or visit www.rgvipers.com.

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