Indy native D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera was signed by the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, the Pacers’ Development League affiliate. The move came on Tuesday as they acquired him via the available player pool.
Smith-Rivera played in two preseason games with the Bulls and a total of two minutes.
Most recently, Smith-Rivera was waived by the Windy City Bulls on December 5th. Appearing in six games, the 6-foot-3 guard averaged 3.0 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game.
Smith-Rivera turned 24 last week.
He attended North Central High School, winning a state title in his sophomore season, and then he transferred to a prep school — Oak Hill Academy — for his final year. He went on to play at Georgetown University, graduating in the spring.
Smith-Rivera has spent time home in Indianapolis, attending No. 1 North Central’s win over No. 2 Carmel on Dec. 16.
The undrafted free agent signed a training camp deal with the Chicago Bulls, joined them in camp, and then played in two preseason games, including one against his hometown team – the Indiana Pacers.
Smith-Rivera becomes the fifth player on the roster with ties to the state. The roster already consists of Indiana grads Christian Watford and Nick Zeisloft, Jordan Lloyd, a former standout at the University of Indianapolis, and E. Victor Nickerson of Valparaiso.
Smith-Rivera plans to wear No. 9.