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 956-972-1144or visit the Vipers Pro Shop in Uptown Plaza.